Fort Bend Independent 011718

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VOL 11 No. 3

Phone: 281-980-6745 50 cents

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018

P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Telfair Tract 5 : 12 multistory offices, Sugar Land Garden Club celebrates Arbor Day 2 high-rise hotels, 8 garages, an DRAFT 250 senior apartments &CURRENT muchSCHEME more US 59 - Frontage Rd

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• Parking Garage 5 Levels, 3 Bays 700 Spaces (180’ X 285’)

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Medical 207,100 SF

Sugar Land Garden Club members celebrated Arbor Day by contributing trees to benefit and beautify the parks of Sugar Land. This has been a tradition of the organization for many years. This year’s donations went to the Brazos River Park. The Club which was founded in 1932, is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 9:30, September through April at St. Basil’s Hall on in Sugar Land. Guests are welcome to attend. For more information www.sugarlandgardenclub.org. or check us out on Facebook. Kat Louviere, left, Carrie Sample, Beverly Baumann, Sue Yip, Joan Pritchard, Debe Fannin, Paula Rieger, Marilynn Scanlin, Yvonne Louviere, Gay Chavez, Caroline Hall..

Accountant “attests” to annexation calculations; expresses no opinion

TX | January 10th, 2018 15 Blue boxes — three 4-level office buildings and five 6-level offices; OrangeSUGAR —LAND, Hotels, one 6-level and another 7-level; A to H, four 4-level parking garages, one 5-level garage and one 6-level garage, plus surface parking for a total of 6095 spaces. Three parcels of land owned by the city for 50,000 sf conference centre, potential community arts venue and land By SESHADRI KUMAR The City of Sugar Land isfor future entertainment and economic development; Two 2-story office buildings and two sued a press release on Dec. 22, medical buildings with a 6-story garage. Smart Financial Center already exists in the area 2017 stating that “An indepenalong with Texas Instruments and Fluor.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER A preliminary development plan for 95 acres of Telfair that front on U.S. 59 and University Boulevard has been presented to the public for comments.

The area is home to the Smart Financial Centre and is adjacent to the Texas Instruments campus.

The Tract 5 masterplan draft includes 1.11 million square feet of office space, 60,000 square feet of retail/entertainment, 2 hotels with a combined 600 rooms, 250 residential units for seniors and 207,100 square feet for a medical district.

Telfair – Tract 5 is primarily owned in separate parcels

by Telfair, developer Newland Communities and Sugar Land.

(The draft of the masterplan is on Sugar Land’s website at sugarlandtx.gov/Document Center/ View/16904 through Friday, Jan. 19.)

Recently the city and Newland Communities drafted a masterplan that will establish a cohesive layout of office and entertainment land uses and will create the mixed-use destination activity center that has been

long envisioned for the property.

The revised plan includes citizen input and Newland Communities’ previous commitment not to include multi-family in the development.

Newland made the draft masterplan public at a meeting on Jan. 10.

The takeaways from the Jan. 10 meeting at the University Branch Library brought out a standing room only crowd that voiced their concerns. They were increased traffic and the impact the development would have on drainage. They also were worried that apartments might be built on area 14 property.

To allay their fears, city officials said that a traffic impact analysis and more drainage studies will be done and no apartments will be built on area 14 because Sugar Land owns the property, which is reserved for future entertainment and economic development opportunities.

The plan includes one fourstory office building with 100,000 square feet (SF) of space and another the same size

that will have offices and retail.

A four-level parking garage that can accommodate 520 vehicles will be between the two buildings and the three structures will all face the U.S. 59 frontage road.

Next to those three structures will be the medical district, which will have a three-story medical building with 130,000 SF, a two-story medical building with 77,100 SF and a six level parking garage with 750 spaces.

There will also be surface parking for 300 vehicles. The threestory medical building will be built in Phase 1 of the development while the other medical buildings will be constructed in Phase 2.

The Phase 1 building plan includes five six-story buildings.

One has 150,000 SF for offices and 12,000 SF for retail. Another two will have 142,000 SF for offices and 8,000 SF for retail. A fourth office building will have 138,000 SF and a fifth will have 150,000 SF. Two hotels will be on Lexington Boulevard across the street from each other. The first will be See TELFAIR, Page 3

dent, external auditor recently confirmed the financial neutrality of the annexation of Greatwood and New Territory.”

This newspaper made an Open Records Request on Dec. 22 and received a copy of the report on Jan. 9.

A plain reading of the report presented by the accountant WhitleyPenn LLP on Dec. 19 shows that the accountant did not conduct an “audit,” in the legal and technical sense of the term, but “attested” to the numbers presented by the administration.

The accountant did not express an “opinion” on the annexation calculations either.

The report was titled, “An Independent Accountant’s Report on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures.”

The document further described the report as “Analysis of Annexation Calculations; Agreed Upon Procedures Report.”

The report contains the following disclaimer: “We were not engaged to and did not conduct an examination, the objective of which would be the expression of an opinion

on the annexation calculations.

Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Had we performed additional procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to you.

“This report is intended solely for the information and use of the City Council and management of the City of Sugar Land, Texas, and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.”

The accountant was not engaged to verify if the annexation was net neutral, though the city council gave that impression in hiring the accountant.

The issue at hand was the different set of numbers that Councilmember Mary Joyce presented and to reconcile that set of numbers with those the city had.

That could have been accomplished in one joint meeting between the staff and Joyce.

Joyce based her calculations on publicly available numbers, while the city staff had made a different calculation, based on certain adjustments and amendments to their assumptions.

Some assumptions were made after the city council approved the annexation and the numbers did change.

However, none of these sug-

gest that the annexation was not net neutral.

Following are the excerpts from the report: To the Honorable Mayor, Members of City Council And Management City of Sugar Land, Texas We have performed the procedures enumerated below, which were agreed to by the City Council and management of the City of Sugar Land (the “City”) solely to assist you in evaluating the annexation calculations relating to the City’s Ordinance No. 2075 dated November 15, 2016 prepared by the City’s management and presented to council from September 1, 2016 to October 31,2017.

The City’s management is responsible for these calculations.

This agreed-upon procedures engagement was conducted in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The sufficiency of these procedures is solely the responsibility of the parties specified in this report.

Consequently, we make no representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures described below either for the purpose for which this report See REPORT, Page 2

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 17, 2018

NEWS

Fort Bend Republican Women’s Club PAC

State Rep. John Zerwas, M.D. will be the key note speaker to discuss what to expect in 2018 for the Texas House of Representatives.

Dr. Zerwas is serving his sixth legislative term in the Texas House of Representatives and has filed to run for Speaker of the House as Joe Straus has announced his upcoming retirement.

The meeting will be held on Jan. 22, 2018; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at Clancy’s Public House, 503 FM 359 Road, Richmond, Texas 77406. Meeting is open

Zerwas to all Republicans, members, and guests. For more information visit www.fbrwc.com.

Lamar Day event Jan. 26

Fort Bend County will hold its annual celebration of Mirabeau B. Lamar Day on Friday, Jan. 26, at President Lamar’s gravesite in Richmond’s historic Morton Cemetery. Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore heads a group of participant organizations including the Texas Army, Calvary Episcopal School, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, local Masonic lodges, Morton Cemetery Association and the county historical commission. The public is invited. Event begins at 10:30 a.m. Refreshments at Joseph’s Cigar & Coffee Shop will follow.

The case for capitalism

Greatwood Meet the Candidates is a neighborhood friendly event for residents to meet Fort Bend County Republican Candidates running for office in the March 6th Primary. Admission is free.

Candidate Registration Tickets are $125 and need to be purchased by Sunday January 21, 2018 for names to be included on flyers and post cards.

Registration covers club rental, refreshments and event publicity. Any excess funds will be donated to the FBC GOP. Candidates will have booths set up in an Expo format to extend introductions, take photos, and distribute campaign materials to guests. Each candidate may bring one table for a booth.

Agenda: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Candidate Check-In 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Guest Reception 2:30 FBC GOP Chairman’s welcome The event committee includes Chair - Jennifer Lane; Treasurer - Joy Williams; Hospitality - Allison Stephenson LeGrand and Photography - The Big Dogs Creative For questions, Email Jennifer.Lane.Texas@gmail.com.

Report From Page 1

The Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce (FACC) and NewFirst National Bank are presenting The Case for Capitalism on Friday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m - 1 p.m at Safari Texas Ranch.

Dinesh D’Souza is a best-selling author, filmmaker, former policy advisor to Ronald Reagan, influential conservative thinker and political commentator. He will give his thoughts on what makes American businesses so great. Sponsorship opportunities available – visit www.fulshearareachamber.com. Open to the public, individual tickets are $50. For reservations, contact Tricia Wright at 469.826.3564 or Rebecca Hafner at 281.415.0063.

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

has been requested or for any other purpose.

“Procedures Performed: 1) Acquired calculations used to develop the debt service fund impact of annexation prepared by City Management and presented to City Council. a) Traced and agree calculations to supporting documentation and assumptions. b) Identified and documented changes made to the calculations over the time period described. c) Agreed changes to presentations to City Council.

2) Recalculated the projections to determine if the annexation has a net neutral impact on the City’s debt service fund.

3) Traced and agreed the amounts included in the calculations to the amounts included in the fiscal year 2018 budget document.

4) Recalculated impact of changes of tax rate allocation for fiscal year 2018 debt service budget.

5) Obtained annexation analysis packet prepared by Councilmember Joyce and compared same to the calculations prepared by City management.

Findings as a result of the procedures performed. (It includes seven pages of attachment, with several tables.)”

“Key changes from the August 10, 2017 presentation: • Fund Balance amounts are calculated based on actual tax rates levied and estimated activity through annexation, increasing the projected cash flows by $1.4 million.

• Property taxes for 2018 was based on actual taxes levied by Districts, decreasing the projected cash flows by $1.5 million.

• Property tax projections from 2019 through 2026 were modified to reflect the current tax rate of $1.3841 and modifying the growth assumption from 3.0% to 1.5% decreasing the projected cash flows by $6.4 million.

• The EOC and animal shelter construction was pushed back in the CIP schedule to fiscal year 2022-2023 and interest rate projections were reduced to a range of 2.8% - 4.0% which increased the projected cash flows through the life of the annexed debt by $4.4 million.

The results of the changes

County Judge Bob Hebert participates in Hurricane Harvey Recovery Panel

On Jan. 11, Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert participated in a Disaster Response and Recovery Panel at the Texas Conference of Urban Counties Education, Policy and Technology Conference in Corpus Christi. Judge Hebert shared his experience as Fort Bend County Emergency Management Director during Hurricane Harvey with member county officials from across the state. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Nueces County Judge Lloyd Neal also shared the panel. County Judge Bob Hebert said, “It was obvious that although there was only one Harvey, the storm’s impact manifested its destruction across the disaster area in many different ways. Regardless of whether the damage was driven by the wind, storm surge or the rains, all three counties reinforced their commitment to continue to engage State and Federal agencies for the benefit of those who suffered loss.” made in operations since the passage of the annexation ordinance increased the net revenue related to debt service by $1.2 million to $7.3 million over the remaining life of the annexed debt.”

“Comparison of Councilmember Joyce’s presentation.

We were able to sit down with Councilmember Joyce and compare her data and concerns included in her presentation to council on November 7, 2017.

Key differences between that presentation and the final calculation (projection) presented above are as follows: • Initial fund balance transfer and fiscal year 2018 property taxes is $2.1 million lower than current projections - Apparently the result of an erroneously published balance presented or handed out at a 9/26/2017 city council meeting.

• Utility Fund transfer projections are understated by $2.0 million - apparently the result of staff excluding the fiscal year 2025 & 2026 transfers from the 8/10/2017 budget presentation.

• Rehab expenditures have

been removed from the City Staff calculations ($3.4 million) as a result of the tax rate allocation change. Prior to the most recent presentation by city staff, we can find where this concept was discussed (Spring Retreat) but cannot find a presentation where these amounts were moved.

• Annexed Facilities Debt was overstated by: $2.5 million as the 10/27/2016 refined projected debt service requirements was not picked up. $4.4 million after the shifting of CIP priorities back from the 2018-2019 to the 20222023 fiscal year and a further refinement of interest rates on future debt.”

With ever changing numbers, with different tax rates and interest rate projections, debt service projections can be made to look positive.

Conversely, if the staff had not made the adjustments, the finances would appear negative.

Thus, these calculations are not appropriate or ideal factors for determining if the annexation was net neutral or not. It also explains why Joyce and the city staff had arrived at different conclusions.

WHEN MY DADDY WENT TO WAR

WW II - The last letter home- Part II

By CAROLYN BOWDEN Daddy’s message was written on the back page of the letter to my Mother: “Kay, please keep this letter for me until I come home, Melvin - He was supposed to have died June 22, 1943 in North Africa in a plane crash. I regret to concur with the War Department notice.”

I wrote my Mother back letting her know I would be interested in those letters written to Daddy by the families of those killed. This above letter was in the scrapbook she mailed to

FREEDOM  LIBERTY  PROSPERITY Danny commits to : • Support & Defend the Constitution • Uphold our Bill of Rights & Civil Liberties • Guard against any infringement on our Right to Bear Arms • Preserve & Enforce National Sovereignty • Protect the Sanctity of Human Life • Reduce the size of Government & Taxation • Seek Accountability & Transparency • Protect Property Rights & Secure the Border • Cut Wasteful Spending & Balance the Budget • Limit Regulations & Unfunded Mandates

www.DannyForCongress.com Pol. ad pd. for by the Danny Nguyen for Congress Committee, Mark Kensington, Tresurer

me. I assume she threw away the best of them. I told her that after reading the wife’s letter in the scrapbook I could see it was very moving and she was right that you can’t help but cry when you read it. But to me I also felt such a pride in my Daddy.

These letters & V-rnails are a part of his life that I do not remember because I was too small. Yet, at that time he was a hero to me and I was so proud that he was an officer in the Army fighting for his country. It will never be as

painful for me as it was for my Mother.

Our grandchildren (Daddy’s great grandchildren) were even more impressed and they will never consider them to be painful to read because this is HISTORY OF WWII - The Greatest Generation and their grandfather was one of those Soldiers who survived and was able to return home to his loved ones.

Bowden

NEXT COLUMN: MAMA BUILDS US A HOUSE

Letter to the editor : “Italian Train Cow - Catchers”

France January 12, 1945 Dear Editor Sullens, Back in Italy the writer was given a copy of the “Jackson Daily” by a Sergeant of your city.

Since he used to be a close follower of your column “Low Down on the Higher Ups” he naturally read it with considerable interest. In your January 4, 1944 edition he was attracted by the enclosed clipping that most of your readers no doubt took as a bit of your daily humor.

(It was a quip about a train filled to overflowing coming into a station and the cow-catcher was empty.) The stories were true, but in Italy. During the early part of October, 1943, the writer was standing in the doorway of the railway station at Paestum, Italy, and personally observed a lone engine and tender pull into the station with lots of civilians on it. The writer actually counted 20 along the sides of the boiler and on the cow-catcher, 48 on the coal tender, and 12 in the cab with the engineer and fireman, and to add to the color of the picture each civilian had one or more bundles of personal effects. The writer has seen three people standing on the coupling of the last coach of a fast train, en route from Pompeii to Naples, Italy. One day in Naples he counted 14 civilians hanging onto one side of a small street car. Here in France the writer has seen 6 men on the rear of one street car. The European’s idea of a loaded vehicle is when no more people can get on the top, sides, and rear. Draw your own conclusions as to how the inside must be crowded.

Most of your local transportation, and insurance people would label the preceding statements as just another story, but the writer gives you his word of honor as an Officer of your United States Army, that the stories are true here in Europe.

Joseph M. Valentour, Captain, Infantry.

INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 17, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS

County Treasurer candidates in the Republican Primary make their case The Fort Bend County Republican Party has introduced a “Primary Primer” on its Facebook page for voters to hear from the candidates so they become familiar with them and get a feel about who they will vote for in the upcoming March 6 Primary. Each week the party will highlight a specific race. There is no question of bias, all the candidates are asked two questions and their answers are published in their own words.

The first in this series covered the County Treasurer race.

The three Republican Primary candidates are Bill Rickert, Tina Gibson and Wes Vela.

Bill Rickert: I am running as a candidate for the office of Treasurer because I believe this office represents the future strength and stability of Fort Bend County. It is imperative that we have a leader who can protect, grow, and invest our assets, guiding our county into the next generation. If elected, I will ensure we continue from a position of strength and stability, representing one of the largest and most important counties in the state.

I look forward to applying my training and experience to ensure that Fort Bend remains vibrant and financially strong.

“How are you different from your opponent?”

Telfair From Page 1

seven stories and have 250 guest rooms, 12,000 SF of restaurant space and 8,000 SF retail. The eight-story hotel will have 350 guest rooms and also a 12,000 SF restaurant.

A three level residential independent living facility for seniors is planned and will have 250 units and a four-level parking garage. A potential community arts venue /flex space and a 50,000 SF conference center adjoining one of the hotels are also planned.

Total parking garage spaces on the property add up to 4,645.

Parking garage A has four levels, three bays and 520 parking spaces. Parking garage B has six levels, four bays, 1,300 spaces and 8,000 SF for retail. Parking garage C has four levels and four bays and 600 spaces.

The fourth parking garage, D, has five levels, three bays and 700 spaces. The E parking garage has four levels, two bays and 425 spaces. The F parking garage has four levels, 3 bays and 600 spaces. There are also 500 surface parking spaces in the masterplan.

Former District 4 Councilman Harsh Jajoo said, “The

I am a proven leader with decades of executive management experience in the areas of business management, financial controls, forecasting and process improvement.

Until recently, I co·owned a firm specializing in outsourced financial controllership for Texas Special Districts (Municipal Utility Districts, Levee Improvement Districts, Emergency Services Districts, etc.). I am trained in Texas Public Fund Investment Act and have an MBA certificate from the A.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University.

As Board of Directors President for the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, I led its financial turnaround, creating a thriving asset for our county.

I have served on the Board of Directors for a Municipal Utility District and have been elected Fort Bend Republican Party Precinct Chair for 10 years running. My past role as Fort Bend Republican Party’s Communications Committee Chair won an award at the 2011 Lincoln Reagan Dinner.

I’ve worked in numerous other organizations like the Texas House of Representatives District 26 Transportation Advisory Team. I am most proud of the reputation I have developed, being described as a “A Person of Uncommon Integrity”, “Practical, Sensible & Efficient Management Style.”

If elected, I will lead our county with the same great

vision and integrity.

What do you want voters to consider when voting for your election?

When electing functional leadership positions, it is important to look at what a candidate will bring to the position. We need a Treasurer with extensive experience in finance, someone known as a strong passionate leader with a solid record of vision and making it happen. With our county’s rapid business and economic growth, we should elect someone prepared to maximize our financial potential, while, at the same time, planning for our future challenges. Hurricane Harvey reminded us of the importance of planning, preparing and mitigating risks. Our financial strength and readiness is imperative for the county’s continued success.

current draft land use plan for Track 5 has evolved over time.

It is gratifying to see a plan jointly agreeable by the city and the developer.

“It is an ambitious plan and has been used as a political tool to win elections – specifically the multi-family development.

There is a huge disconnect between the community, planning and zoning members and city council regarding the desires of the community about being impacted by multi family units.”

He went on to say that “the flooding and drainage aspect impacted by this development should be evaluated very seriously and closely, especially after what we have seen the Harvey event do. The development being so close to the Brazos is a big concern.”

Jajoo questions if there is a market for 600 more hotel rooms in Sugar Land and noted that the current study is a few years old and therefore needs to be updated. “In the end,” he said, “the feedback received from our residents should be considered seriously and should not be an academic exercise.”

Diana Miller, with Sugar Land Votes, is a member of the National Association of Realtors and Texas Association of

Realtors land use committees.

She wrote in a letter to the mayor and city council members that the “Sugar Land community is overwhelmingly opposed to high density ‘urban’ development in light of the damage seen during Hurricane Harvey.” She said the over development near flood prone areas “can be devastating and is a serious public safety and property issue.

“The city of Sugar Land has failed to take steps in the Tract 5 proposal to consider an urban development so near the flood prone Brazos River. Should Tract 5 be developed in the ‘urban’ manner, how will excessive rain be absorbed?

“Could the over development of so many levee districts in our area have caused the flooding that did occur in our community? And proposing 250 units of senior housing is even more concerning. We are placing our most vulnerable citizens at risk, those least able to evacuate without assistance.”

Miller also said Sugar Land residents who had flooded homes “deserve the city’s full attention and resources so that no citizen will ever experience such devastation again. Choosing to send the land use plan

Tina Gibson: Tina Gibson has lived in Sugar land for 35 years, married to Mike Gibson former Fort Bend GOP Chairman, raised two daughters, worked as an NICU RN at Hermann Hospital, school nurse at Fort Bend Christian Academy and CEO of a family owned Oil and Gas Consultancy firm. She graduated from Texas A&M University and University of Texas with BS degrees. Tina has led numerous volunteer organizations raising funds for charity and scholarships.

She is a Precinct Chair,

State Republican Executive Committeewoman, board member Texas Federation of Republican Women and President first Republican Women’s Club in Fort Bend.

“How are you different from your opponent?”

Tina Gibson is the only true Conservative Republican candidate in the County Treasurer race. She understands that bean counters count beans and managers make things happen. She is a manager with a proven track record of success. She also understands that your true values are demonstrated over a long period not just when running for office. Her values have been demonstrated not just with her paid jobs but also with her unpaid volunteer work. She has worked to elect conservative Republicans in Fort Bend, Texas and the US. Tina was selected to be on the Trump Texas Team working with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Tina has experience in managing groups that have raised and dispersed funds for charity, scholarships and political campaigns. She has experience in the budgeting process, managing offices charged with organizing staff, caring for ill patients and insuring their safety and wellbeing. This office needs someone that has the experience running an office who can manage the details while being able to look at the big picture. She is the right person to lead the

County Treasurer’s office as an effective, conservative manager.

What do you want voters to consider when voting for your election?

Tina wants to bring this same work ethic, commitment to excellence and fiscal conservative core values to the Treasurer’s Office. She will continue the great work the current County Treasurer Jeff Council has brought to the office. When elected, she will work to make those changes which benefit the tax payers of the county by making the office more efficient, cost efficient and better use of personnel and technology. She will work to reduce costs for the county.

Tina would be honored to have your support, trust and VOTE in the upcoming Republican Primary.

back in order to allow developers to revise it is irresponsible.

I suggest the plan be placed on hold until we have more answers to flooding issues.”

She ended her letter by adding that the proposed entertainment district on Tract 5 “should also be reconsidered” because such districts “throughout the country are now experiencing an overwhelming problem with homeless encampments. The encampments have spilled into adjacent residential communities while local governments are powerless in controlling these populations.

“We need smart growth that retains” Sugar Land values and “ensures the future safety of our citizens,” Miller concluded.

After Jan. 19 Newland Communities will begin to prepare a formal planned development zoning application for the property this year.

The application will require numerous meetings of the city’s planning and zoning commission and city council and will include public input.

Citizen feedback on the current Tract 5 Masterplan can be sent to Newland at telfairmp@ newlandco.com.

FBISD Career and Technical Education to host STEAM Fest Feb. 10

C H A N G E YO U R LIFE hccs.edu/change

Wes Vela: At this stage of my life I have a chance to do something for my county and my experience, my education and my training makes me the best choice for county treasurer.

I have a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas and I have been a CPA since 1984. My experience with city organizations has given me the knowledge and understanding of the rules and procedures embodied in local government.

“How are you different from your opponent?”

My experience directly

related to what the County Treasurer is responsible for is my biggest asset. In addition, I am different from the other candidates because I have a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas and I am a CPA. I have over 26 years of experience as a City Finance Director performing the same functions as the County Treasurer, including oversight of payroll, account payables, investments, receipting of funds and banking. I also was responsible for the issuance of approximately $160 million in general obligation bonds and certificates of obligations.

During this time, I prepared, developed and published budgets for the entire city operations every year and received the Distinguished Presentation Award conducted by the GFOA for most of those years.

What do you want voters to consider when voting for your election?

I want the voters to think which candidate will give them peace of mind that the County funds will be secure knowing that they elected the individual that has a proven record of protecting the finances of a government entity, that they know what internal controls and procedures work and which ones don’t and most of all that the individual has demonstrated a conservative fiscal approach throughout his career-Vote Vela !

A free expo featuring hundreds of interactive educational activities for students, families and the community will fill Fort Bend ISD’s Kempner High School Saturday, February 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

STEAM Fest is focused on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) activities and will feature a free, hands-on, minds-on expo for students, their families and the public.

More than 3,000 students are expected to be on hand, as well as local companies, non-profit organizations and Fort Bend ISD clubs – all sharing fun and highly interactive STEAM activities designed to help the community explore, invent and experiment.

Among the more than 30 STEAM-inspired activities on tap are a forensic science lab where attendees can examine evidence and try to solve a “crime,” a food exploration lab, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, art exhibits, a 3-D printing station, Rube Goldberg contest, straw-tower building station and much more. In addition, there will be performances by FBISD theater, choir, orchestra, band and dance departments.

“This is a day to inspire and excite learners of all ages to problem-solve and continue to learn outside of the classroom,” said Meredith Watassek, Director of CTE for Fort Bend ISD. “Engaging, hands-on activities help students explore the possibilities offered in classes through Career and Technical Education, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.”

The event is free to attend, but attendees are asked to register at https://FBISD-CTE-STEAM-FEST.eventbrite.com

VOL 2, PG 6*

02/02/16

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 17, 2018 25

NOTICE OF TAX RESALE

14-DCV-215757 07/23/15 11/03/15

0352000001700907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. PEARLIE L. BONNER, ET AL

( Properties previously struck off to ALL) (See note below)

Note: ALL is the taxing unit to which the property was struck off to in trust.

$7,470.00

TIERRA GRANDE, RESERVE "A", SEC 6, REC'D UNDER SLIDE NO. 1097B*

$2,760.00

FRESNO ADDN, SEC E, LTS 5, 6, 7 & 8, BLK 4, VOL 226, PG 310*

$1,040.00

$1,040.00

$11,460.00

$2,200.00

0034060300005908

27

14-DCV-216500 05/21/15 09/01/15

3200050040500907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. HAROLD M. PULFORD

28

15-DCV-225049 11/17/15 03/01/16

0058006900000908

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. SONIA ISAAC MCGARY SURVEY, PATRICIA LARA 0.715 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, ABST 58, VOL 512, PG 383*

Constable Mike Beard

$2,550.00

MINNEQUA GARDENS, 0.136 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, LT 3, I & G. N. R.R. CO SURV, SEC 1, ABST 352, VOL 70, PG 288*

14-DCV-216446 04/28/15 09/01/15

26

Pursuant to a resolution of its governing body under Section 34.05(c), Property Tax Code, ALL has requested a public resale by my office of certain properties previously foreclosed and bid off to the taxing units in the suits described below.

Therefore, I will on February 6, 2018, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on said day, beginning at 10:00 A.M., proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, and in the manner provided by Section 34.05(d), Property Tax Code, all of the right, title and interest of the taxing units, acquired through each of the suits listed below, in and to the following described real estate being situated in Fort Bend County, Texas, to wit:

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. TGSAN BERNARD LTD.

INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 17, 2018 • Page 5

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS $1,280.00

Notes: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date Struck-Off On

Account Number

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value (See note below)

Estimated Minimum Bid (See note below)

FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. LT 2, BLK 3 ADD'N 3 OF CALVIN LOTT, ET AL VALKA BROTHERS SUBD, VOL 368, PG 507*

$3,440.00

3010010020011901

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. YASHICA HUTCHING, ET AL

DAVE FIELDS S/D SEC 1, BLK 2, LT 1 (N 1/2) & LT 2 (N 1/2), VOL 230, PG 266*

$4,580.00

$2,800.00

11-DCV-191506 06/19/12 11/06/12

7835000120070901

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. H. T. MORGAN

ROSENBERG , BLK 12, LT 7, VOL P, PG 146-147*

$7,500.00

$2,200.00

5

11-DCV-192549 11/20/12 03/05/13

4055000020092901

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN URBAN, ET AL

HIGHWAY ACRES, BLK 2, LT 9 (PT), (9.4 X 210), MORE OR LESS, VOL 237, PG 437*

$2,840.00

$2,200.00

6

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000191000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

NORTH 1/2, BLK 19, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6 & VOL 2, PG 23*

$1,190.00

$1,190.00

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000120001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 27 FT, BLK 12, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$1,600.00

06-DCV-150885 08/23/11 12/06/11

8560030030040906

3

09-DCV-177213 09/13/13 01/07/14

4

1

$1,350.00

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

0.6110 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, BLK 114, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$1,220.00

$1,220.00

9

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000181000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

NORTH 1/2 BLK 18, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6 & VOL 2, PG 23*

$1,190.00

$1,190.00

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600003040001907

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000301000907

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000321000907

THE PROPERTY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CLAIMS BY THE TAXING ENTITIES FOR POST-JUDGMENT TAXES. TAX SALE PURCHASERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHECK WITH THE TAXING ENTITIES FOR OTHER TAXES THAT MAY BE DUE ON PROPERTY.

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000291000907

14

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

15

16

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on December 21, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in February, 2018, the same being the 6th day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit:

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

$2,000.00

$1,350.00

Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

3

Estimated Minimum Bid

005500000018690 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. KEVIN ABST 55, JANE LONG LEAGUE, 1 ACRES 0.263, 50.000000% UDI, LEE COFFMAN, ET AL VOL"i", PG 620* DECEMBER 21, 2017

$29,150.00

$8,200.00

15-DCV225891 08/10/17

005805370000090 8 DECEMBER 21, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RICHARD E. JOHNSON, AKA RICHARD EDWARD JOHNSON, ET AL

2.10 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, ISAAC MCGRAY LEAGUE, ABST 58, CLERK'S FILKE NO. 8814946*

$31,630.00

$5,200.00

4

16-DCV229366 08/09/17

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. ARDELIA R MILLER, ET AL

LOT 17, REPLAT BEASLEY MANOR SUBD, VOL 23 & PG 2*

$94,640.00

$6,400.00

5

16-DCV234781 04/19/17

142800000017090 1 DECEMBER 21, 2017 460000562000090 7 DECEMBER 21, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. NATHANIEL WILLIAMS, AKA NATHANIEL WILLIAMS III, ET AL

MAGNOLIA PLACE, BLOCK 562, 3.458 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, VOL 2, PG 6*

$69,870.00

$9,600.00

6

148001002003090 1 DECEMBER 21, 2017 201002000003090 16-DCV8 237244 21, 08/10/17 Order Issue Date Judgment Date DECEMBER 2017 023600000181090 16-DCV6 237736 DECEMBER 21, 10/10/17 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. NEIL ANDREW BANFIELD, JR., ET AL

LOT 3, BLK 2, BELMONT, SEC 1, VOL 8 & PG 2*

$128,560.00

$11,100.00

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. TROI G JOHNSON, AKA TROI GREGORY JOHNSON (IN REM ONLY), ET AL

LOT 3 & 2, BRAXTON PARK, SEC 2, VOL 5 & PG 33*

$9,980.00

$2,500.00

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. VERNON LEON BUTLER, ET AL

0.207 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, H. & T.C. RAILROADS SURV, ABST 236, VOL 1161 & PG 283*

$68,120.00

$12,200.00

0.26 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, ISAAC MCGARY LEAGUE, ABST 58, CLERK FILE NO. 9275288* (0058001200000908 & 0058001300000908)

$5,380.00

$1,900.00

16-DCV237220 06/20/17

#

$11,640.00

$2,700.00

8

6

16-DCV233562 10/27/17

015800000040290 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. ANITA 3.345 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, D. 7 A. CONNER SURV, ABST 158, VOL SUE WHITEHEAD, ET AL 2926 & PG 65* DECEMBER 20, 2017

$21,870.00

$5,800.00

9

7

16-DCV233562 10/27/17

015800000040190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. ANITA 3.348 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, D. 7 A. CONNER SURV, ABST 158, SUE WHITEHEAD, ET AL CLERK'S FILE NO. 9413604* DECEMBER 20, 2017

$21,890.00

$2,400.00

8

16-DCV234804 08/09/17

941007019011090 1 DECEMBER 20, 2017 270609002011091 4 DECEMBER 20, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. HOMETEX INVESTMENTS, LLC, ET AL

261003004007090 7 DECEMBER 20, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 40 FT OF WEST 185 FT, BLK 29, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23*

$11,710.00

4600001153000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

MAGNOLIA PLACE, BLK 115, VOL 2, PG 6*

$1,220.00

$1,220.00

9

16-DCV234873 08/17/17

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600006420001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

0.142 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, PART OF BLK 642, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$280.00

$280.00

10

16-DCV230130 08/09/17

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600006140001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 20 FT, MORE OR LESS, BLK 614, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$580.00

$580.00

17

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600005670001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 20 FT, MORE OR LESS, BLK 567, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$590.00

$590.00

18

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600001163000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

WEST 40 FT OF EAST 185 FT, BLK 116, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$1,220.00

$1,220.00

19

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600001133000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 40 FT OF WEST 185 FT, BLK 113, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23*

$1,190.00

$1,190.00

20

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000231000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

WEST 20 FT, MORE OR LESS, BLK 23, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23*

$1,180.00

$1,180.00

21

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000251000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

$1,180.00

$1,180.00

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000880001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 20 FT, MORE OR LESS, BLK 25, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23*

EAST 20 FT, BLK 88, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$590.00

$590.00

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600000890001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 20 FT, BLK 89, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$590.00

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

4600005660001907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

EAST 20 FT, MORE OR LESS, BLK 566, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

$590.00

$1,350.00

$1,350.00

$590.00

Style of Case

015800000040090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. ANITA 1.5 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, D.A. 7 CONNOR SURV, ABST 158, VOL SUE WHITEHEAD, ET AL 367 & PG 421* DECEMBER 20, 2017

$1,350.00

$590.00

Acct # Order Issue Date

16-DCV233562 10/27/17

$11,710.00

24

12-DCV202612 08/09/17

TR 1: UND 19.22% INT, IN & TO, 21.2 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, SAMUEL KENNEDY SURV, ABST 44, LOTS 3, 4, 6 & 7, VOL 164, PG 98* & VOL 659, PG 150* (0044000000120901) TR 2: UND 20.676% INT, IN & TO, 21.2 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, SAMUEL KENNEDY SURV, ABST 44, LOTS 3, 4, 6 & 7, VOL 164, PG 98* & VOL 659, PG 150* (0044000000100901) TR 3: UND 20.52% INT, IN & TO, 21.2 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, SAMUEL KENNEDY SURY, ABST 44, LOTS 3, 4, 6 & 7, VOL 164, PG 98* & VOL 659, PG 150* (0044000000270901)

Adjudged Value

$36,400.00

5

WEST 40 FT OF EAST 185 FT, BLK 32, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23*

23

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

22

2

Legal Description

$91,210.00

Payment must be made in cash or by cashiers check. All sales are final.

$4,680.00

13

004400000012090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 LEROY EDWARDS, SR., ET AL DECEMBER 21, 2017

All volume and page references in the legal description refer to the records of the County Clerk of Fort Bend County. All prospective bidders should make their own investigation of the title held by the taxing entities and the value of the property.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to consult their attorney. Prospective bidders should not rely on the "Adjudged Value" as representing the actual value of the property or any information regarding the property contained in the records of the Fort Bend County Appraisal District .

EAST 40 FT, WEST 185 FT, BLK 30, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23*

12

12-DCV200530 08/10/17

7

BLK 304, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 6*

Style of Case

1

NOTICE OF SALE

4600001143000907

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN HENRY LEE, ET AL

Acct # Order Issue Date

All Sales subject to cancellation without prior notice.

13-DCV-208137 10/21/15 02/02/16

11

Cause # Judgment Date

$2,100.00

8

10

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on December 27, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in February, 2018, the same being the 6th day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit:

All sales are without warranty, expressed or implied. Specifically, there is no warranty as to title or physical condition (including the condition or existence of any improvements). The sales are subject to any rights of redemption as provided by law.

STATE OF TEXAS 7

FORT BEND COUNTY

Sale #

Constable Mike Beard, By: __________________________ Date _____________

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

LOT 11, BLK 19, WESTON LAKES, SEC 7, REC'D IN SLIDE NO. 930A*

$127,510.00

$11,600.00

FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. LOT 11, BLK 2, CREEKSIDE AT LISA R. DUKE, AKA LISA RENEE CROSS CREEK RANCH, SEC 9, REC'D IN PLAT NO. 20110179* DUKE, ET AL

$516,640.00

$36,000.00

COLONY BEND SEC 3, BLOCK 4, FORT BEND COUNTY VS. LEO MUSCARELLO , AS TRUSTEE OF LOT 7 THE HUANG FAMILY TRUST, ET AL

$258,170.00

$26,500.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

17-DCV238699 05/24/17

TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, December 21, 2017 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas By

Deputy

Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

Minimum Bid

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, December 27, 2017 Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO

ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE.

005800120000090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 NELSON AMY, ET AL DECEMBER 21, 2017

Value

By

Deputy

Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value.

However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

Download the free FBInd App from the Apple Store or Google Playstore for a pleasant reading of Fort Bend Independent on your mobile phone.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT •JANUARY 17, 2018

AUTOMOBILE: Honda Pilot

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Honda is the Best SUV Brand of 2018 according to U.S. News & World Report.

The award is based on the safety and reliability of Honda’s SUV lineup of the subcompact HR-V, midsize crossover Pilot and compact CR-V. The Pilot was also included in five Honda models that each received top honors in their respective categories in the 2018 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Awards.

The Pilot LX 2WD has a

MSRP of $30,900. The AWD LX is $32,800 and the top of the line Elite has a MSRP of $47,470. Pilot models are LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Elite.

Along with the majority of Honda’s lineup, the 2018 Pilot can be equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which is available as a standalone option on EX and EX-L trims and standard on Touring and Elite trims.

Honda Sensing includes collision mitigation braking with

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE Vicksburg Estates, Ltd. is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following: IFB #18-143 CONSTRUCTION OF STORM SEWERS, SANITARY SEWERS, AND WATER LINES TO SERVE LAKE SHORE HARBOUR SECTION EIGHT. Scope: Vicksburg Estates, Ltd., in accordance with the requirements of City of Missouri City Public Improvement District 2, will contract to construct the following: 1.

Approximately 2,600 LF of water lines (size varies).

2.

Approximately 1,600 LF of 24-inch R.C.P storm sewer 3.

Approximately 3,800 LF of gravity sanitary sewer.

The Project will be constructed per the design plans provided with the bid package at the pre-bid. The successful contractor shall provide labor, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to perform under this contract per specifications.

There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid conference at 10:00 A.M. local time on Tuesday January 23, 2018 in the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc. at 16340 Park Ten Place, Suite 350, Houston, Texas 77084.

Bid responses will be accepted until 2:00 P.M. local time on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 and then opened.

Bid packages are available at the pre-bid from the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc., at 16340 Park Ten Place, Suite 350, Houston, Texas 77084. Plans, specifications and bidding documents IN ELECTRONIC FORM ONLY may be secured from the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc for a non-refundable fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00).

Bids must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. All proposals shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total price of the bid contained in the proposal, payable without recourse to Vicksburg Estates, Ltd., as a guarantee that bidder will enter into a contract and execute a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price, from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety. The Bid Bond must be enclosed in the same envelope with the bid. Bids without Bid Bonds will not be considered. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline.

Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JULY 12, 2017 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-238601 in favor of the plaintiff- HUNTERS PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 7,627.64 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 4, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday February 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)-ARTHUR Z. MEDINA AND NELDA C. MEDINA had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TWENTY-ONE (21), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF HUNTERS PARK, SECTION TWO (2), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 28, PAGE 5 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1323 MIMOSA ROAD, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77489 (PROPERTY)TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on 18 October 2017 by the 458th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 17 -DCV -243101 in favor of the plaintiffWINFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $11,080.03 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 12TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday February 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- JODY BALL had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION SIXTEEN (16), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20070070 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TERMS: TIME: PLACE:

CASH SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on 13 November 2017 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-DCV229433 in favor of the plaintiff- QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 9,307.65 ++-++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 05TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday February 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)CITIMORTGAGE, INC. had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FORTY-FIVE (45), IN BLOCK THIRTY- THREE (33) OF REPLAT OF PARTS OF BLOCKS 47 AND 48, OF QUAIL VALLEY SUBDIVISION GLENN LAKES SECTION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 13, PAGE 2 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3706 POINT CLEAR DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 10, 2017 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 17 -DCV -243104 in favor of the plaintiff - WIND FIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 13,294.06 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on December 06TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday February 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- CARTER HOOD, BARBARA HOOD. Had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FIFTY-THREE (53), IN BLOCK FOUR (4) OF WINDFIELD LAKES, SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20050243 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2502 FEATHER GREEN TRAIL, FRESNO, TX 77545 TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation with lane departure warning. Additional safety and driver-assistive features on the 2018 Pilot include a standard multi-angle rearview camera and available blind spot information with rear cross traffic monitor.

The Honda Pilot’s roomy cargo area provides space even with the third row seats in place. Getting in and out of the third-row is also easy thanks to CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on DEC 1, 2017 in cause numbered 14-DCV-219514 styled THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE HIGHLANDS vs. EDMUND NWAUDOBI. AND TOMIKA T. DAVIS, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 22, 2015 in favor of THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE HIGHKLANDS for the sum of Six Thousand Nine Hundred Fourteen Dollars and Fifty Eight Cents ($6914.58); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on DEC 18, 2017 and will on FEB 6, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of TOMIKA DAVIS to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY-SEVEN(27), BLOCK ONE (1) OF THE HIGHLANDS,SECTION TWO(2) AN ADDITION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 25 THE PLAT RECORDS FOR FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE HIGHLANDS. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM, 301 JACKSON , RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: FEB 6 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH

a one-touch slide and fold second-row seat. Second row passengers have the added pleasure of sitting in heated captain’s chairs and all passengers can watch the sky, tall buildings, etc. through the panoramic roof.

Integrated sunshades for second row occupants let the sun shine in or provide shade.

Whether you want to fit a double stroller or a giant cooler in the Pilot it has the cargo capacity for both. Flip the cargo lid up when a deeper space is needed or turn it over to keep the carpeted side clean when carrying wet or dirty items.

As for entertainment in the Touring and Elite Pilot models, Blu-ray passengers in the second and third rows can see/hear content on the TM1 rear enterCONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JULY 20, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-227939 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND SOUTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 6,249.24 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on November 20TH’ 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday FEBRUARY 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) LORRAINE ALEXANDER had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT EIGHT-SEVEN (87), IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF MISSION BEND SOUTH, SECTION FOUR ( 4), ACCORDING TO THE MAP OF PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 22 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (THE PROPERTY) TERMS: TIME: PLACE:

CASH SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

tainment system’s 9-inch screen via a Blu-ray/DVD player. The 8-inch audio display provides news, social media and audio books while the multi-information provides information always at the ready. There are many ways to plug and play via multiple USB ports or an MP3/ auxiliary input jack.

Apple CarPlay provides Apple music, maps, messages and phone calls through Siri and the display audio touch-screen.

Android smart phone users can access Google Maps,Google Now, messages, music and other apps with the available Android auto feature.

Now on to Pilot power, which is a 3.5-liter direct-injection V-6 engine under the hood that makes 280 horsepower and CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on November 14,2017 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV223310 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION GREEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $21,290.04 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on December 04TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday February 6, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- ESKER L. ADAMS AND VEDA BARNETT ADAMS had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT TWELVE (12), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF MISSION BEND SAN MIGUEL, SECTION SEVEN, AND ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE 888/A, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16223 SALIDA DE SOL DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77083 (PROPERTY).

TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1 st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

262 lb-ft of torque and gets 20 mpg in city driving and 27 on the highway. The Pilot is the first Honda to offer a 9-speed transmission that includes paddle shifters. Also, with the push of a button the driver can select handling types based on the terrain being traveled.

The Honda Pilot LX comes with variable cylinder management, hill start assist, intelligent variable torque management, 18-inch alloy wheels, multi-angle rearview camera, tire pressure monitor, onetouch turn indicators, rear privacy glass.

Also, push button start, tilt and telescopic steering column, capless fuel filler, illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls, 5-inch color LCD screen, Bluetooth 15 HandsFreeLink and streaming audio. Each Pilot model adds more standard and optional equipment and ends with the Elite having it all.

Driving the Pilot is a joy and the cargo space with the second and third row seats down provides a large area for transporting all sizes of stuff. The midsize Pilot Elite was the test drive model and driving it and riding in it is a joy. The Pilot’s interior and exterior styles are modern eye candy.

I haven’t had the pleasure of driving a Pilot in a while so this one has been pure pleasure. Do test drive a Pilot before you buy any other midsize SUV.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for River’s Edge, Section 15B, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

NOTICE OF TAX RESALE ( Properties previously struck off to ALL) (See note below) Constable Wayne Thompson Pursuant to a resolution of its governing body under Section 34.05(c), Property Tax Code, ALL has requested a public resale by my office of certain properties previously foreclosed and bid off to the taxing units in the suits described below.

Therefore, I will on February 6, 2018, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on said day, beginning at 10:00 A.M., proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, and in the manner provided by Section 34.05(d), Property Tax Code, all of the right, title and interest of the taxing units, acquired through each of the suits listed below, in and to the following described real estate being situated in Fort Bend County, Texas, to wit: Note: ALL is the taxing unit to which the property was struck off to in trust.

Constable Wayne Thompson, By: __________________________ Date _____________ Cause # Judgment Date Struck-Off On

Sale #

Account Number

1

12-DCV-199682 11/20/13 02/04/14

2640000010002907

2

12-DCV-199682 11/20/13 02/04/14

2640000010001907

Style of Case

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. GREENWAY ASSOCIATES A JOINT VENTURE FKA ATLAS REALTY COMPANY KNA AMERICAN REALTY INVETMENT CORPORATION FORT BEND COUNTY VS. GREENWAY ASSOCIATES A JOINT VENTURE FKA ATLAS REALTY COMPANY KNA AMERICAN REALTY INVETMENT CORPORATION

Legal Description

Adjudged Value (See note below)

Estimated Minimum Bid (See note below)

COVINGTON WEST, ACRES 1.014, LAND ABOVE HOUSTON PIPELINE CO ESMT, VOL 15, PG 11*

$7,300.00

$1,200.00

COVINGTON WEST, ACRES .482, LAND ABOVE TRUNKLINE PIPELINE ESMNT, VOL 15, PG 11*

$3,470.00

$1,200.00

Notes: All sales are without warranty, expressed or implied. Specifically, there is no warranty as to title or physical condition (including the condition or existence of any improvements). The sales are subject to any rights of redemption as provided by law.

All volume and page references in the legal description refer to the records of the County Clerk of Fort Bend County. All prospective bidders should make their own investigation of the title held by the taxing entities and the value of the property.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to consult their attorney. Prospective bidders should not rely on the "Adjudged Value" as representing the actual value of the property or any information regarding the property contained in the records of the Fort Bend County Appraisal District .

Payment must be made in cash or by cashiers check. All sales are final.

All Sales subject to cancellation without prior notice.

THE PROPERTY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CLAIMS BY THE TAXING ENTITIES FOR POST-JUDGMENT TAXES. TAX SALE PURCHASERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CHECK WITH THE TAXING ENTITIES FOR OTHER TAXES THAT MAY BE DUE ON PROPERTY.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE.

INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 17, 2018 • Page 7

NEWS Inventathon: Innovation meets invention at HCC

When young minds get together and apply their enthusiasm, knowledge and desire to do good, there is no telling how far they can go. Hundreds of Houston area high and middle school students participated in the recent Inventathon, an event held at the Houston Community College Advanced Manufacturing Center.

For 20 continuous hours, student teams collaborated, designed and constructed healthrelated inventions.

Ravi Brahmbhatt, director of student innovation and entrepreneurship at HCC, gave high praise to the students.

“It elevates my spirits when I see all these young minds compete in this technological marathon,” Brahmbhatt said, “I am so impressed with how

punctual, respectful and tech savvy the students can be.”

The event was initiated by InventorspaceXYZ, an educational nonprofit organization that strives to revolutionize student learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), while developing their entrepreneurial skills.

This is the second year HCC supported the event by providing the participants with hightech equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, modeling equipment and software.

This year, first place and $500 went to Elkins High School students Jefferson Yu, Sannidhya Desai and Quail Valley Middle School students Amogha Pokkulandra, Arjun Bhatia, and Keshav Shah.

The students developed a system called AquaWheel.

The device was designed and 3D printed using a revolutionary system that utilizes the rolling motion of a wheel to power an internal UV light to purify water. They hope this invention can improve the lives of people in developing countries who now walk many miles to get water for drinking and bathing.

There were also several mentors from local companies who volunteered their time to guide and pass on valuable experience to students as they worked on their projects.

In 2018, inventorspaceXYZ plans to expand the event to 450 students from school districts around Greater Houston.

Fort Bend County Fair : Duke Elected President James B. Duke has been elected President of the Fort Bend County Fair Association. Duke has been a life member of the Fair since October 1998. He is a constant figure throughout the Fair’s year-round activities and events. “I am honored and excited to be part of this board and all the good it does. To be named President, it is really a dream come true for me, and I am looking forward to a great year,” says Duke. Duke himself has been a member of the FFA and has been volunteering with the fair for decades. 2017 President, Ernest Lawson, handed over the Presidential reins last month officially to Duke. “I look forward to doing what we do best, and that is to support the kids. Our livestock kids, the art students, the rodeo competitors, the talent show contestants, even those who are too young to compete yet, this is what the fair is all about, creating a place of family fun for all to enjoy,” said

Duke the 2018 President.

Duke has been enjoying the Fair for decades. Duke shares, “Oh boy, well I have to say it all started with me being a fair-goer. I would enjoy fair time as a place to see friends, family, and all the good it represents. I became a volunteer for the Sponsor committee, Senior Citizens Day committee, Special Citizens committee, and then I was elected to the board. My commitment

to the fair just grew and being involved it was a natural fit for me. I enjoy letting others know about the fair. It’s something that being in the community every day, for business or pleasure, I can easily bring awareness to what we do or share a story about the fair, it is part of my life.”

Duke is a resident of Rosenberg and is a proud alumnus of Lamar High School of Lamar CISD. His roots in the community run deep, and he has many relatives throughout the Fort Bend County region.

He is a lifetime and committee member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and volunteers with several charities and organization throughout our community.

“Volunteering is something I enjoy and to be able to help an individual or an organization is something I am proud to be able to do.”

The Fort Bend County Fair is set for September 28 to October 7, 2018.

SIENNA PLANTATION FARMERS MARKET RETURNS. Fresh produce, locally sourced spreads and condiments, and other foodie favorites can be found each month at the Sienna Plantation Community Farmers Market. The market happens 1-5 p.m. the fourth Sunday of each month, except for November and December, when the market is planned for 3-7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17, and 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. The first 2018 market will be Jan. 28 at the train depot parking lot near the amphitheater, 9600 Scanlan Trace, in Sienna Plantation.

Launched in 2016, the market typically attracts more than three dozen vendors each month providing baked goods, beverages, meats, prepared foods, olive oils, honey, vegetables, spices, flowers and more. Learn more at https://www.siennafarmersmarket.com.

JANUARY IS SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

Thank you, Fort Bend ISD School Board!

You provide the leadership, vision, and oversight of our community’s public schools, where students are inspired and equipped to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine!

• Named 2017 Outstanding School Board at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards!

• Adopted the FBISD Profile of a Graduate to ensure education of the whole child

• Managed district growth, including oversight of successful 2014 Bond Program

• Reduced tax rate by two cents, providing relief to all taxpayers

• Invested in instructional systems and programs to provide equitable education opportunities for ALL students

• Engaged community at Listening Tours and Literacy Tours throughout the district

Kristin K. Tassin

Jason Burdine

Addie Heyliger

Grayle James

Jim Rice

KP George

Dave Rosenthal

President Position 4

Vice President Position 1

Secretary Position 6

Position 2

Position 3

Position 5

Position 7

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 17, 2018

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM VARICOSE VEINS? JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6-8 P.M. Varicose veins can be painful and may even lead to other health problems.

You no longer have to endure throbbing or cramping in the legs, swelling of the ankles and feet, sleep disruption from leg pain or discolored skin around the varicose vein.

Join Dr. Ulises Baltazar for a seminar to learn about: • Causes and prevention of varicose veins • Symptoms to look for • Risk factors • Treatment options

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/vein-sl or call 281.274.7500.

16655 Southwest Frwy.

Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Sugar Land, TX 77479 Complimentary valet parking available at the main entrance.

Ulises Baltazar, MD Vascular Surgeon