Fort Bend Independent 020117 by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 10 No. 5

email: editor@ independent.com

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

‘Yoga for Health’ yogathon held at Sugar Land Town Square

Participants warming up for Salutations to the Sun yoga exercise at the Sugar Land Town Square Sunday morning. On the first row, right to left, Subhash Gupta, Shekher Agrawal, Jugal Malani, Indian deputy consul-general Surendra Adhana, Sugar Land Mayor ProTem Himesh Gandhi and noted yoga teacher Robert Boustany.

County to take Firethorne development plat dispute to Texas supreme court By SESHADRI KUMAR By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers is being sued individually, and the county commissioners court as a whole along with the county engineer are being sued collectively, by a developer because Meyers asked the county engineer to hold up the plat approval process until the developer agreed to build a four-lane boulevard instead of a two-lane road in the private development. The developers of Firethorne community, in the lawsuit first filed in March 2015, alleged that Commissioner Meyers acted outside the law by demanding a four-lane road from the developer in exchange for the approval of the plats. Before proceeding with the trial, the county filed a motion in the district court saying that Commissioner Meyers enjoyed immunity and the developer did not prove that Meyers acted against the law, thus Meyers should not be sued in his individual capacity. District Judge Brady Elliott denied the county’s plea and said Meyers should remain in the lawsuit. The county appealed this decision in the Texas appellate court and the appellate court recently upheld the district judge’s ruling and remanded the issue to the trial court, suggesting the trial court should determine the if Meyers acted impermissibly as alleged by the developer. The county and Meyers are planning to file an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court next

week as the decision to sue a county commissioner in his individual capacity, based on a mere allegation, would have far reaching effect on all elected officials and could subject them to individual harassment and intimidation. Meyers alone cannot approve the plat and the county commissioners court has to do that. Making the commissioners court a party to the litigation is legitimate, and the same desired legal remedy could be obtained by the plaintiff, without suing an individual commissioner. But, the developer is bent on suing the commissioner in his individual capacity in this case. Meyers says if the plaintiff believed that he had acted illegally, then a complaint could be filed with the district attorney for an investigation and possible prosecution. Meyers does not want to go through depositions and trial, in his individual capacity, without the proof that he in fact violated any law or acted outside the statutes. Meyers pleaded in his appeal that Firethorne’s claim against him was barred by “governmental immunity.” Also, Meyers argued that nothing in the petition alleged a basis for concluding that talking to other county officials regarding county business was illegal. The appellate court observed: “We emphasize that we do not determine the merits of JDC/ Firethorne’s claims at this stage — only that the pleadings and the evidence attached to JDC/ Firethorne’s response to the plea

raise a fact issue as to whether Meyers acted without legal authority for purposes of determining the district court’s jurisdiction.” Meyers also argued in the appeal that he had a free speech right to communicate with the engineering department regarding the Firethorne development. Firethorne in its brief admits that it “does not seek to prevent Commissioner Meyers from ‘expressing’ any views regarding the propriety of an appropriate action regarding any plats. Rather Firethrone seeks to prevent Meyers from instructing the engineering department to hold or delay the plats submitted by Firethorne. “The trial court has to determine whether the elements for injunctive relief sought by Firethorne are met, but Firethorne does not seek to restrain Meyers from speaking at all to other county oﬃcials regarding the plats.” “Fort Bend County refuses to approve the plats and construction plans for Firethorne West Section 19 because Commissioner Andy Meyers improperly seeks to extract from Firethorne a commitment to construct all four lanes of a road within Firethorne development, West Firethorne Road, which is not a written, properly adopted Fort Bend County Regulation of Subdivisions,” the petitioner said in the original petition. Also, Fort Bend County “backed out” of a “binding settlement agreement” reached at See COURT, Page 3

Nearly 200 people braved the cold weather Sunday morning to participate in the “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity Yogathon” organized by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA. The Sunday program, also known as the “Surya Namaskar Yajna,” marked the culmination of the tenth annual Yogathon where people performed Salutations to the Sun together as a community. Sugar Land Mayor ProTem Himesh Gandhi, India’s deputy consul-general Surendra Adhana, Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard, HSS USA president Subhash Gupta, and Patanajali Yog Peeth, Houston, coordinator Shekher Agrawal, accompanied by some of the

leading yoga teachers from the Houston area, formally lighted the lamp and inaugurated the yoga session. Gandhi, in his remarks, said health beneﬁts of yoga were well known, but it also helped calm the mind and reduce the stress. As the City of Sugar Land promotes healthy lifestyle, he urged the gathering to adopt yoga practice in their daily life. Adhana described the event as an extraordinary experience and reminded the audience about the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21, billed as a secular program for universal peace to be held at Discovery Green in Houston. The 16-day Yogathon event aims to create awareness about Yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind

and spirit. The Sun Salutation integrates simple Yoga postures in 10-steps that, along with easy breathing technique, can provide immense health benefits to both the body and the mind. There is a need for relaxation of both mind and body, to either set the tone for the day or wind down after a hard day at work. Obesity among all ages including children has reached epidemic proportions causing serious health concerns. In spite of all the advancements in medicine, there is a need for alternative and adjunct options that have lesser or no side effects for the management of chronic illness and suffering. In view of the above challenges, and with the goal of See YOGA, Page 3

Safe streets for vulnerable road users in Fort Bend

First row: left to right- Annette Riley, Nicole Volek, Honorable Jacquie Baly, Adessa Ellis, Dr. Eugenia Blomstrom, Officer Rheannon Cunningham, Monique Johnson, Jennie Lidian, Curtiss Grant; Second row: Officer Brad Cole, Susan Wallace Terri Wang, Jason Wise, Mack Blankenship , Fred Rebollido, Crystal Cler McKenna; Third row: Preston Tyree, Michael A. Berezin, Chief of Police for Missouri City, Cynthia McWohorter, Mandi Bronsell, Angela Weathers, Officer Gary Foreman, Brad Thompson, David Marstiller; Fourth row Trey Jung and Stephen Cre. Shape up Fort Bend and Fort Bend Cycling Coalition members hosted a community breakfast January 9 to discuss safer streets for vulnerable road users in Fort Bend County. The Master of Ceremony for the event was Jacquie Baly, former Sugar Land Council Member and advocate for improving safety and transportation and the two keynote speakers were Preston Tyree and Police Officer Rheannon Cunningham, both from Austin. The purpose of the meeting was twofold, to start a dialogue about increased vulnerable road user’s accidents and the need for an ordinance to decrease accidents. Vulnerable road users are

deﬁned as cyclist, motorcycles, and pedestrians. As more pedestrians, bicyclists and other motor-assisted vehicles are seen on our streets, more accidents occur. Preston Tyree is a former multi-national marketing executive, who has devoted the last 20 years to study the application of engineering principles and safety and is a nationally recognized expert in bicycle safety. Austin Police Oﬃcer Rheannon Cunningham has been an avid cyclist for over 12 years and loves just about anything that involves riding a bike, including commuting, road racing, mountain biking, and BMXing from time to time. Cunningham has combined

her passion for riding a bike with her job as an Austin Police Oﬃcer. She created APD’s ﬁrst “Safe Biking Program”. She was instrumental in the implementation of the citywide undercover operations that enforce Austin’s “Safe Passing” Ordinance. The program, guided by these two experts, highlighted the need for a three-foot safe passing distance between vehicles and vulnerable road users, thus a “Vulnerable Road Users” ordinance. This ordinance would go a long way to protect the rights of vulnerable road users from being intimidated, threatened, or harassed by maneuvers of a motor vehicle. See ROAD, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 1, 2017

REAL ESTATE

Sugar Creek Garden Club

Memorial Hermann opens Urgent Care facility in Fulshear Memorial Hermann has further expanded healthcare services in the Katy area with the opening of Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear. The clinic represents yet another major investment made by Memorial Hermann in the Katy community over the last few years. “The recent expansion of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and local openings of a Convenient Care Center and Urgent Care clinic demonstrate our commitment to the greater Katy community and our mission to offer health care solutions that fit everyone’s schedule and needs,” says Jim Parisi, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital. Located in the HEB shopping center near the intersection of S. Fry Road and FM 1463 at 5102 FM 1463, Suite 1200, the clinic provides walk-in care from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. It is staffed by board-certified

family medicine physicians Funke Agbasi, M.D., Michael Nguyen, M.D., and Ladan Pourmasiha, D.O., who treat patients six months and older. The clinic also oﬀers convenient access to x-ray and lab services. “Memorial Hermann Urgent Care clinics provide ondemand healthcare that many people are looking for,” says David James, M.D., Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Medical Group (MHMG). “The clinics provide coverage for the times you can’t get in to see your primary care physician, but don’t need to go into an emergency center.” If your primary care physician is a member of the MHMG, records of your Memorial Hermann Urgent Care visit will be placed in your Memorial Hermann electronic health record. This will allow your MHMG primary care provider to easily review your Memorial Hermann Urgent Care records during any

follow up appointments. For more information on Memorial Hermann Urgent Care in Fulshear, call 281.574.1104 or go to http:// mhmg.memorialhermann.org/ locations/urgent-care-fulshear/

The Sugar Creek Garden Club will present Friendship Day Luncheon and Auction on Feb.11, at Sugar Creek Country Club, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For reservations, call 281-494-5065. There will be something for everyone including children. This is a fundraiser that supports our scholarships and other community projects. The gar-

den club oﬃcer are from left, Becky Sartain, Helen Rosenthal; Shirley Gordon; & Dana Knox; second row:

Barbara Brescian; Amelie Hamizi; Karen Bradbury; third row: Patti Pearson; Kathy Luckenbach.

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better

2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com

Phone: (281) 208-4470

Tog e ther we are H o u sto n’s Com m unity College

hccs.edu/go

INDEPENDENT •FEBRUARY 1, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS

Missouri City faces lawsuit over rezoning By BARBARA FULENWIDER It’s not over till it’s over. Such is a disagreement between residents and Missouri City over the rezoning of a 95-acre tract of land referred to as the Briggs Tract that adjoins the town’s Newpoint Estates and Creekmont neighborhoods. At a third and ﬁnal contentious Missouri City Council meeting, at which the city rezoned what a developer’s representative called the Ashton Woods Tract from suburban district to planned development district, the city’s actions have resulted in a suit from Newpoint Estates Homeowners Association (HOA) and

two nearby residents. The suit was filed against Mayor Allen Owen, Asssistant City Manager Scott Elmer, and Otis Spriggs, director of the city’s development services. The homeowner plaintiffs, L. J. and Ivan Butterfield and the HOA want to require the city to obey a state law that requires it to abide by a supermajority vote if more than 20 percent of residents living within 200 yards of a property up for rezoning protest it in writing. Some 35 percent of residents did and cited their concerns as traffic, safety and flooding.

A super-majority vote requires that if there are seven voting council members six must cast yes votes or the motion to approve dies. Council’s first vote on the rezoning came at their Sept. 6 meeting last year. The vote required a super majority and failed 5-2. The action was in the minutes of the meeting and was approved on Sept. 19. The plaintiffs state that on Dec. 19 city council considered the second and final reading of the rezoning request and again the vote was five in favor and two opposed. The suit states that the vote, which was a simple majority

State of Staﬀord City Council contentious, says Mayor

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Leonard Scarcella, who first won the office of mayor of Stafford 46 years ago, at his Jan. 25 state of the city address reminded citizens of the numerous accomplishments that have all helped their city grow and prosper. They are the creation of Stafford Municipal School District; zero property tax for all businesses and residents in the city; zoning, and the Freeport Tax Exemption that attracts foreign and domestic manufacturing companies to Stafford. The mayor was also a strong presence in bringing a Houston Community College campus to Stafford by convincing Texas lawmakers to allow the city to build the Scarcella Science and Technology Center, then sell it to the college through a lease/ purchase agreement, which didn’t cost taxpayers a nickel, and provided HCC with its first owned facility. Scarcella was also instrumental in collaborating with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Union Pacific (UP) railroad to get two underpasses built to relieve vehicle bottlenecks. The building of the two underpasses involved getting UP to agree to move a small area of their railroad tracks. The mayor also got a performing arts theatre/convention center built in the city. It was the first in east Fort Bend County, is now in its 12th year and has had four million visitors. With all those achievements that have helped grow Stafford from 5,000 citizens to the current population of nearly 20,000, Scarcella launched into the here and now and said his address would not be “fun or entertaining.” After having had the most difficult year of his long mayoral tenure, he said his message would be “factual and accurate in describing one of the most contentious of the nearly 61 years this city has been incorporated.” He went on to say the discord in city council over the past 12 months was political and personal and pleased some and offended others.

“Having been at this as long as I have, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly and know the difference. Regardless, this is how I experienced it and believe it should be presented to our citizens.” Scarcella said the city’s police and fire departments have “solid strengths” but added that last year council “pushed through a highly dubious proposal authorizing architectural plans of $226,000” for major additions to the city’s Fire Station No 2. The additions were priced at $2.3 million but that turned out to be 30 percent under the construction bid of $3 million. Council advocates pushed hiring a “specialist architect” who claimed the job could be done somewhere between $1.6 million and $1.8 million. In the end council approved moving forward with the project and left it to Scarcella to recommend how best to fund it. As for the three drainage projects proposed for Missouri City Estates, section four of Vaccaro Manor and all of the Sugar Creek subdivision, the mayor told his audience that council members and residents who strongly support the projects and advocate their importance and merit “seem, at best uncomfortable at putting it on the ballot as propositions and letting” citizens vote on it. He went on to say that in “all other cities in Texas, substantive capital projects are financed by bonds approved by voters. Even more confounding is council’s willingness to commit general funds available for police and fire and other personnel salaries and equipment,” for a minimal number of property owners and “oppose allowing voters the right to make the decision.” Another thing he finds “equally confounding” is the unwillingness to consider using Stafford Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) money for the drainage projects while homeowners in those areas are “literally extolling, and even passionately proclaiming their economic value to the entire city.”

The mayor then went on to note that three “highly qualified and most intelligent” members of a three-member team in the public works department “all left the city under less than desirable circumstances.” He said $13 million will start the initial stages of the FM 1092 corridor improvements and is one of the most important projects the city has. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will partner with Stafford and is anticipated to contribute more than $11 million to the project. Scarcella then went on to note that the city’s administration has a new city secretary, Tomika Lewis, and assistant city secretary and SEDC secretary, Nici Browe. Lewis, he said, replaces “the long tenured, extremely dedicated Bonnie Baiamonte, who retired last year and many felt was the face of city hall.” The mayor also gave kudos to Marian Roche, whom he said was “one of the most talented and conscientious administrative assistants” the city has had. She was assisant city secretary and SEDC secretary and also retired last year. Scarcella introduced another prominent newcomer to the city’s administration -- Patti Worfe, SEDC’s first executive director, who was enticed to take the job by “the alluring incentive of the zero property tax.” He said she has an “aggressive perspective and sterling ability to relate to the business community and bring it closer to the city.” Another city staffer who recently resigned also received praise from the mayor. She is the former Finance Director Karen Austin, who was with the city for 14 years and whom Scarcella said was “widely applauded for her department’s outstanding accomplishments in the areas of budgeting, accounting, health and general insurance and human resources.” Scarcella made it clear that Austin was run off by two council members in particular who reversed that and later tried to make amends by givSee MAYOR,Page 4

Court From page 1

homes. About $750 million in homes and commercial projects had been developed and sold by 2015. When completed Firethorne will have $1 billion in new tax base. Firethorne has already built a two-lane road as a part of West Firethorne Road at a cost of $1.6 million. Firethorne was willing to extend the two-lane road at a cost of $1.1 million, but the county’s insistence on a four-lane road would cost the developer about $5 million. According to county sources

there is no written agreement that the builder build only a two-lane road. Previous plats were approved to facilitate the developer proceed with the project and it is not implicit that the county has agreed to the two-lane road. Also, the previous plats were approved during the tenure of former County Engineer Jesse Hegemier. The county has hired Andrews Kurth as outside counsel to defend the county in the lawsuit. The developer is represented by Vinson & Elkins.

mediation resolving all claims arising from this dispute and signed by Meyers and County Attorney Roy Cordes. The agreement was subject to approval by commissioners court, but on October 24, 2014, commissioners court voted against the approval of the agreement. Upon completion, the 1400acre master-planned community in the extra territorial jurisdiction of the city of Fulshear will have 3,300 single family

and not a super-majority, was “improperly approved” thanks to an amendment to council’s Sept. 6 meeting. That amendment retroactively stated that the “proposed ordinance passed, under the theory that only a simple majority was required to approve the proposed Ashton Woods Tract rezoining.” Council Member Yolanda Ford tagged the item so no action was taken on the item at that meeting. The third time the agenda item came up was at the city’s Jan. 3 meeting where council voted to approve the rezoning of the tract by a simple majority vote of 5-2. The back and forth on whether council needed to have a simple majority vote or a super majority vote came about after the city Attorney E. Joyce Iyamu researched the law further after council’s ﬁrst super-majority vote on Sept. 19.

Iyamu changed her mind after more research and talking to other lawyers so council used a simple majority vote at their next two meetings. The suit states that the defendants ignored the 35 percent of landowners who protested and refused to comply with the state’s petition rights statue and applicable Missouri City law. It also says, “defendants have acted illegally, have failed to perform a ministerial duty under state law and have abused their discretion.” The suit seeks to “compel defendants to comply with state law and city ordinances and require that the rezoning of the Briggs Tract be approved by a three-fourths super majority vote because 20 percent of property owners protested the rezoning application.” The suit requesting relief for plaintiﬀs says they do not seek dollar damages but in-

stead want the city to amend its minutes to reflect that the ordinance to rezone the Briggs Tract did not pass on first reading because a super majority vote of the council was not achieved. They also want the second reading of the ordinance struck because the first reading failed to pass. The plaintiffs also request enjoining the defendants from “all activities” that continue their approval process of the “illegal zone change” of the Briggs Tract “from any approval of plats or other city approvals in the tract “without valid or court ordered legal involvement.” The landowners of the 95acre tract are Larry B. Briggs and Alfred L. Deaton III who use the land for agriculture purposes. The undeveloped property was annexed into Missouri City in 1987 and zoned then as a suburban district.

Fort Bend ISD approves attendance boundaries for four new schools At the Jan. 23 Regular Board Meeting, the FBISD Board of Trustees approved attendance boundaries for three new elementary schools and a new middle school, as well as additional boundary modifications for several schools that will have increased capacity due to classroom additions. All changes, with the exception of campuses affected by the opening of Thornton Middle School (MS 15), will be implemented during the 201718 school year. Three new elementary schools will open in August of 2017, including: Donald Leonetti Elementary, located in the Sienna Plantation community James C. Neill Elementary, located in the Harvest Green community James Patterson Elementary, located in the Grand Vista community Additionally, Ronald Thornton Middle School, located in the Sienna Plantation community, will open in August of 2018. In the fall of 2016, Fort Bend ISD began its collaborative boundary-planning process with the assistance of consulting firm De-JONG RICHTER. The process included focus groups, community meetings and opportunities for online feedback. After presenting its initial boundary options at two November community meetings, the District reviewed feedback from more than 1,000 completed surveys and online responses before submitting its final recommendations on January 23. In addition to the new elementary schools currently under construction, the 2014 Bond Program also includes

Yoga From page 1 “Health for Humanity” Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA has been organizing the nationwide program - Surya Namaskar Yagna (SNY). SNY aims at encouraging the community to lead a healthy and happy life with a spirit of serving others. Surya Namaskar have positive eﬀects on the cardiovascular system, muscle strength, and endurance. Each year, January 14 marks the change of season as the sun enters the sign of Capricorn, ushering in longer days; thus, the festivity symbolizes sunshine in life. To mark this occasion, HSS organized the “Yoga for Health, Health for Humanity” Yogathon from January 14 to January 29 this year. HSS initiated this health awareness project in 2006. Since its inception, participants

classroom additions at six ex- with parents directly in the isting campuses. To balance coming weeks. enrollment and ensure efficient To view the approved use of District facilities in ar- boundary maps, visit the Ateas of growth, the increased tendance Boundary Planning capacity led Fort Bend ISD to webpage. Parents and sturecommend additional bound- dents affected by the boundary modifications to several of ary changes will receive notiits existing campuses in the fication via email and regular west and southeast areas of the US Mail by mid-March. InDistrict. formation about programs “As Fort Bend ISD contin- (preK, bilingual, etc.) will be ues to grow, it is important that communicated at a later date. we continue to closely moniApproved Boundary tor projections and work with Changes impact the following our community to preserve schools: the integrity of our students’ Elementary Schools (All learning environments,” said elementary changes are effecBeth Martinez, Fort Bend ISD tive August 2017) Chief of Staff and Strategic •Heritage Rose Planning. •Jordan “Following Monday’s •Leonetti (opens Aug. Board action, we are now fo- 2017) cused on implementing these •Madden changes in a way that supports •Neill (opens Aug. 2017) students and their families.” •Oakland In accordance with Board •Patterson (opens Aug. Policy FC (Local), which was 2017) revised in December of 2016, •Pecan Grove *boundary students affected by bound- modifications limited only to ary changes who are entering undeveloped area grades five or eight may re•Scanlan Oaks main at their current campus •Schiff if projected utilization for the •Seguin school does not exceed 120 •Sienna Crossing percent, but the student will •Walker Station not be eligible for DistrictMiddle Schools provided transportation. AdEffective August 2017 ditional provisions exist for •Garcia Middle School students affected by previous •Sartartia Middle School boundary changes who have •Bowie Middle School had to attend different schools Effective August 2018 at least three or more years •Baines Middle School consecutively, and students •First Colony Middle affected by a previous bound- School ary change while attending the •Thornton Middle School same level (elementary, middle, high). In these instances, students may be eligible to remain at their current campus, but shall not be eligible for District-provided transportation. Additional details about From page 1 these provisions will be shared will need to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any vulnerable road users on a roadway or from 40 states actively took part intersection. via various Yoga Centers, comAlthough all types of road usmunity organizations, schools ers are at risk of being injured and colleges regardless of indi- or killed in a road traffic crash, vidual faiths and beliefs, have there are notable differences in participated and collectively fatality rates between different performed over 4 million Surya road user groups. Namaskars. The United States In particular, the “vulnerable Congress has recognized these road users” are at greater risk efforts and endorsed SNY this than vehicle occupants and usuyear. ally bear the greatest burden of Community leaders and injury. many elected officials across Children, elderly, and disthe nation have appreciated abled people are particularly this initiative and encouraged vulnerable as their physical and their residents to participate and mental skills are either not fulgain the benefits of an overall ly developed or are especially healthy life style, with over 55 fragile. Children and older peoproclamations received. ple are often over represented Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in traffic fatalities, especially as is a US based non-profit orga- vulnerable road users. nization and aims to promote Sadly, approximately 50 cycommunity spirit and ideals clists, 400 pedestrians and 500 among Hindus residing in the motorcyclists are killed every United States. year in Texas. Many of those HSS is inspired by the idea fatalities could be prevented if that the whole world is one this law were enacted. family and conducts activities For more information about across the United States in order this program contact Shape Up to spread this message widely. Fort Bend at 832.520.8212

Road

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 1, 2017

WHEN MY DADDY WENT TO WAR...

Our lives changed By CAROLYN BOWDEN INTRODUCTION: The following is what I remember about this time in my life and the life of our family during WWII. Then my Daddy returned home and our lives returned to normal. My Daddy, Captain J. M. Valentour, 82nd Airborne, at age 34, was deployed to serve his Country during WWll in Europe from 1943 to 1946. Fortunately our Daddy returned home and was not one of the 400,000 who lost their lives making sure that our Country remained free as our forefathers had wished when they established our Republic. My brother, Jerry, and I did not “really” understand what was happening during WWll because we were only 5 and 3 when Daddy was deployed. The soldiers who survived came home with horrible memories. I have no idea what my Daddy witnessed because it was never mentioned in his

email. Letters only arrived every 30 days (or longer) because they had to be censored (chosen at random). This was to make sure they contained nothing that would reveal the troops’ locations should the letters fall into enemy hands. If the soldier was a Captain over a Company of 90 men (like my Daddy), one of his responsibilities was to write to the wives and mothers any known details about their loved one’s “missing in action” or death. He never seemed to forget those who died, so that soldiers like him, who lived, could go home. That ﬁrst Christmas he was home Daddy sent cards to every man that had been in his Company when he was discharged. He got many Christmas cards in return and saved them all. When Daddy died years later at the age of 86 he left a HUGE drawer full of letters and cards.

Bowden V-mails. Instead he wrote of his love for his family and requested prayers for his safety and the men he commanded. Soldiers’ wives lived with constant dread of opening their door and seeing oﬃcers in their dress uniforms. It could be news of their loved one’s death or “missing in action.” At that time there was no opportunity to call home or

My Mother wanted to destroy them because she would remember through the years how Daddy would periodically open that drawer and shed tears as he remembered the soldiers who died while serving under him. Daddy had also told her to save all of his V-mails to us. He treasured each letter and card that we sent to him and he would write a message on the back and mail them back home to us--again, asking my mother to save them for him. My parents wrote to each other daily all those years. Daddy’s V-mails would arrive only once a month. I had my mother box up and mail me every single thing that was in that drawer. Our family recognized that what he had carefully saved all these years was the history of one of the Greatest Wars ever fought and my Daddy had risked his life to help preserve our Country’s freedom. I explained to my Mother that our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would now have the opportunity to read these letters and it would be like reading a WWll history book.

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

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 January 6, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in February, 2017, the same being the 7th 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: Sale # 1

Cause # Judgment Date 04-DCV134011 11/12/15

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

005000000007090 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. 1 LORINE ALFORD, ET AL JANUARY 05, 2017

ENOCH LATHAM SURVEY, ABST 50, UNDIVIDED 80% INT IN & TO 4.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, MOST NORTHERLY PORTION OF NORTH 25 ACRES OF 50 ACRES, VOL 65, PG 87 & VOL 182, PG 560*

$123,510.00

Estimated Minimum Bid $56,200.00

09-DCV176079 11/23/15

005000000003590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA 1 HAMMOND, ET AL JANUARY 05, 2017

4.176 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, MOST SOUTHERLY PORTION OF NORTH 25 ACRES OF 50 ACRES TRACT, ENOCH LATHAM SRVY, ABST 50, VOL 65, PG. 87*

$136,650.00

$48,800.00

09-DCV176079 11/23/15

005000000001590 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. IDA HAMMOND, ET AL 1 JANUARY 05, 2017

3.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, MOST SOUTHERLY PORTION OF NORTH 25 ACRES OF A 50 ACRES TRACT, ENOCH LATHAM SRVY, ABST 50, VOL 65, PG 87*

$98,170.00

$31,000.00

14-DCV217068 09/23/16

186501001013590 1 JANUARY 05, 2017

BRAZOS VALLEY, SEC 1, LT 13, BLK 1, 0.062 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, VOL 371, PG 142 & VOL 444, PG 2*

$300.00

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MAE S. BALLARD, AKA MAE SOVERVILLE BALLARD AKA MAE IDELLE BALLARD

(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, January 6, 2017 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas

My parents never talked about those years and my brother and I never asked. We periodically overheard adult conversations about how he had almost lost his life three times and an accident that left a long deep scar on one of his legs. In 2010 I compiled two very large Creative Memory Scrapbooks and archived them on CDs for my Brother’s family and for mine. These scrapbooks allowed us to understand what our par-

ents had experienced during that long 2-1/2 years of separation-- especially our Mother, who never knew from one day to the next if our Daddy was alive. THESE SCRAPBOOKS BECAME A TRIBUTE TO MY DADDY FOR HIS SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY and TO MY MOTHER FOR HER LOVE and SUPPORT TO HIM, JERRY AND ME. NEXT COLUMN: Feb. 15

Bill on Education Savings Account introduced in Texas Legislature

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Senator Larry Taylor on Monday announced the filing of Senate Bill 3, legislation to implement an optional education savings account (ESA) program in the State of Texas. “Texas lags behind the rest of the country in school choice options,” Lt. Gov. Patrick said in his remarks. “It is time that Texas catch up with the rest of the country and give every parent their option to pick the best school for their child.” Senate Bill 3, authored by Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood), would create an optional ESA program for Texas parents beginning in the 20182019 school year. Senate Bill 3 authorizes the program to be administered in the Office of the Texas Comptroller, outlines funding, eligibility and implementation mechanisms, and establishes guidelines for allowable expenses for ESA funds, including tutors and therapists for children. The bill also creates a tax credit scholarship to cover supplemental expenses or assist with tuition in other cases. “Today we file Senate Bill 3 to expand options for parents and students in Texas,” Senator Larry Taylor added. “This legislation will level the play-

ing ﬁeld for Texas parents who are desperate for more choices but who are limited because of their own resources.” “Expanding educational options for families is critical to Texas’ continued economic and cultural growth, and in the most critical cases can be life changing for the students who need it most,” said TEO Founder and Chair Stacy Hock. “We are grateful to Lt. Gov. Patrick and Sen. Taylor for their leadership on this issue, and look forward to working with the Legislature to create new opportunities for parents and students.” Thirty states have enacted a private school choice program. Texas is not one of them. ESAs are an innovative option for parents to give their child the educational environment of their choosing and are the path forward for states considering expansion of education choice measures. ESAs give parents the freedom to withdraw their children from public district or charter schools and receive a deposit of public funds into government-authorized savings accounts with restricted, but multiple, uses to defray the costs of educational expenses. States report high parental satisfaction from such programs.

Mayor From page 3

flawed resolutions, each attacking and …amending the budget and each got a four vote majority in lock step with his proposals. A budget bearing many of the fiscally irresponsible measures recommended in those flawed resolutions were included and adopted by council on Sept. 29. “Most alarming is they left the city’s cash resources in a most vulnerable condition,” said the mayor who reminded his audience that he had developed the past 49 budgets of the city as well as the first two for SMSD. “This is the worst and most fiscally irresponsible budget ever adopted by this city.” With that said the mayor ended his message with an upbeat outlook. He said the green light the new president gave to oil and gas production, is good news for Stafford since much of its economy is built around oilfield valve manufacturing companies. Those companies are a major source of the city’s revenues and any resurgence in oil and gas “will provide financial activates that will substantially bolster our city. “We cannot produce enough to out run irresponsible spending. Nevertheless, with the promising economic situation and the responsible use of our resources, Stafford can not only maintain its zero property tax, but can have an exceedingly prosperous year in 2017,” he concluded.

ing her an 18 percent raise of about $18,000 when other city employees got a 2 percent raise. “Many (employees) became furious,” Scarcella told his state of the city audience, “at what they considered as this discriminatory action. Irrespective, the damage was done.” Two months later Austin resigned and the mayor said, “Another of our most capable staff leaders is lost!” Next up was the mayor’s annual budget, which he said received “a blatant and concerted effort to undermine” even before he had an opportunity to fully present it. He said Councilman A. J. Honore “submitted the first of several resolutions proposing to materially alter it, claiming it was not a ‘balanced budget’.” The city’s attorney, Art Pertile, corrected Honore on that by saying it “was indeed a balanced budget.” Honore submitted “more

Notice Public Hearing Stafford Municipal School District will hold a public hearing on the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for the 2015-16 School Year at the February 6, 2017 School Board meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Stafford Municipal School District Administration Building in the Boardroom, 1625 Staffordshire, Stafford, Texas, 77477.

FORT BEND

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

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.

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 1, 2017 • Page 5

NEWS KP George announces re-election bid for Fort Bend ISD Board Fort Bend ISD Position 5 Trustee KP George has announced his intention to seek re-election. In a press release George said during his term on the school board, FBISD Board of Trustees launched and/ or approved Comprehensive District Rezoning, a Facilities Master Plan, and a $484 million bond program which was approved by 75% of the voters with no tax increase. In addition to funding and constructing six (6) new schools, the bond program includes funds to modernize older schools, implement a District-wide Technology Plan, and update the transportation department to include the purchase of new buses. FBISD Board of Trustees approved the new Career and Technology Education (CTE) Center which will prepare students who plan to enter the workforce immediately after high school or those who will begin their careers while attending college, George said. The new CTE center will provide training and education based on the needs of employers here in the greater Houston area. George said, “I believe in educational excellence and we need to prepare our students, exceptionally, to compete in a global workforce. We must help every student achieve their full potential.” He fought against Fort Bend ISD administration’s decision to eliminate various Academy programs (magnet) which

STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

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 January 9, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in February, 2017, the same being the 7th 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:

George provide a career vision for our students long before they get to college. Trustee George bragged and beamed about how his very own children beneﬁtted from the programs. George and his family have resided in Fort Bend ISD for 17 years and he considers himself to be lucky to live and raise his three children in one of the most diverse school districts in the U.S. He is a Certiﬁed Financial Planner and has his own practice in the Sugar Land area. In 2015, he was selected to be a part of Leadership TASB, a prestigious, year-long leadership program that gives the attendees an opportunity to visit and learn from some of the unique school districts across the state of Texas. After successful completion of the program, he earned the title “The Master Trustee”. George contends that any community is only as good as the people in it and he is committed to contributing, even more, to make Fort Bend ISD a better place for our children and generations to come.

Arrests made in multiple burglary cases Since the beginning of 2016, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has investigated approximately 120 Burglary of Habitation reports targeting Asian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern communities. Sheriff’s Office detectives began to notice an increase in the number of late evening home burglaries where highend jewelry and purses were being stolen, a tactic which contrasts from the normal trend. Throughout the course of this investigation, detectives coordinated a complex multiagency investigation along with the Houston Police Department, which also identified multiple burglary cases with similar characteristics in their jurisdiction. During this investigation, the Burglary and Theft Unit developed information that enabled detectives to identify several suspects and vehicles commonly used by these subjects. Burglary and Theft detectives, along with Houston Police West Side TAC Team officers, initiated a three-month investigation in which select suspects were monitored on a 24-hour basis. As result of these efforts, 17 suspects were arrested immediately following burglaries they conducted. Information gathered by detectives indicated these suspects were part of a complex organization conducting burglaries within Fort Bend County and the City of Houston. All of the suspects are from Colombia. Burglary and Theft detectives continued to pursue the investigation and were able to identify a total of 49 Burglary of a Habitation offenses occurring within the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction.

NOTICE OF SALE

The Burglary and Theft Unit obtained several court orders, multiple arrest warrants and filed 49 criminal cases against those suspects arrested to date. “The diligent efforts of these detectives and their ability to coordinate the activities within this department and with the officers of the Houston Police Department is commendable and should stand as an example for all in the law enforcement profession,” said Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy E. Nehls. Seventeen suspects have been arrested for burglaries committed in Fort Bend County or other adjacent jurisdictions. Ten suspects committed burglaries in Fort Bend County. Five of those 10 suspects are in the Fort Bend County Jail with four of them in jail under ICE holds. Four suspects in Fort Bend County Jail under ICE holds include: Carlos Alberto Riasco Valencia, 35; Layonel Mosquera Mondragon, 31; Harold Jesus Lerma Mosquera, 43; and Reynaldo Rivera Centeno, 44. One suspect, Jeferson Caicedo Perlaza, 36, also remains in the Fort Bend County Jail. The other suspects with cases in Fort Bend County are: Jhon Zamora Ibarguen, 26; Victor SanchezMurillo, 38; Miguel Gamboa Espinosa, 41; Jorge Johan Perea, Moreno, 27; and Marving Paredes-Arrechea, 34. The remaining seven suspects involved in cases in various jurisdictions include: Victor Alfonso Ayovi Cuena, 31; Hector Sinisterra, 34; Anderson Rosera Gamboa, 38; Mario Hurtado Galindo, 28; Andres Fong Luna, 38; Luis Hernando Mosquera Torres, 36; and Jhon Alvarado Riascos Valencia, 28.

DAR meeting set for Feb. 8

The Fort Bend Chapter of DAR will hold its February meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 3900 Lexington Blvd, Missouri City. Subject of the program is ‘Patriot Paws.’ Contact Gayle Scholer @ cscholer@swbell.net for more information.

Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

13-DCV208151 09/20/16

14-DCV215005 09/15/16

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MARTIN MIRANDA, AKA MARTIN M. MIRANDA AKA MARTIN MIRANDA MARTINEZ, ET AL 460000610400090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 ZECHARIA GIBBS, AKA ZECHARIAH CHARLESTON JANUARY 06, GIBBS, ET AL 2017

RIVERWOOD VILLAGE, LT 8, BLK 2, SEC 1, VOL 23, PG 24*

14-DCV216490 03/29/16

762001002008090 1 JANUARY 06, 2017

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

$46,330.00

$10,200.00

MAGNOLIA PLACE, BLK 610, .25 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, VOL 2, PG 6 & VOL 235, PG 96*

$7,110.00

$5,200.00

005701850000090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. EMMA 8 JEAN HAYES, AKA EMMA ROBINSON HAYES, ET AL JANUARY 06, 2017

3.0 ACRES INTEREST INTO 11.717 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, NORTH CORNER LT 19, KENDALL, VOL 11, PG 423*

$18,340.00

$3,600.00

15-DCV221349 07/22/15

646510001047190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 PRUDENCE D. DANIELS, AKA PRUDENCE DANIELS BAILEY JANUARY 06, 2017

RIVERPARK WEST, 0.50% UDI, LT 47, BLK 1, SEC 10, REC'D UNDER PLAT# 20060222*

$117,030.00

$5,000.00

15-DCV225043 04/19/16

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOSE AGUIRRE, ET AL

BRECKENRIDGE, LT 36, REC'D UNDER SLIDE 763A*

$9,000.00

$3,000.00

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

187600000036090 1 JANUARY 06, 2017 005804700001090 8 JANUARY 06, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL

ISSAC MCGRAY LEAGUE; ABST 58, 1.50 ACRES MORE OR LESS; VOL 512, PG 277*

$18,000.00

$4,800.00

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL

J. M. MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 57, VOL 652, PG 374*

$1,280.00

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

005700420000090 8 JANUARY 06, 2017 005700430000090 8 JANUARY 06, 2017

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL

0.4924 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, OUT OF PRAIRIE LT 21, J. M. MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 57, VOL 652, PG 377*

$2,070.00

$1,400.00

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

005700440000090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL JANUARY 06, 2017

J. M. MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 57, 65 FT BY 110 FT, MORE OR LESS, VOL 583, PG 197*

$680.00

Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

005700930000090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL JANUARY 06, 2017

J. M. MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 57, 110 FT BY 130 FT, MORE OR LESS, VOL 717, PG 176*

$49,540.00

$5,300.00

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

007200150001090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL JANUARY 06, 2017

JOSEPH POWELL 1/4 LEAGUE, ABST 72, 2.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, CLERK'S FILE# 2005006606*

$8,110.00

$1,900.00

15-DCV225101 09/23/16

005701090000090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 8 RICHARD E. BATTLE, ET AL JANUARY 06, 2017

J. M. MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 57, 0.3280 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, CLERK'S FILE# 2004041186 & 2000083673

$73,720.00

$8,000.00

15-DCV225829 09/15/16

RIDGEWOOD ESTATES ADDN, LT 13, BLK 31, VOL 5, PG 29A*

$13,060.00

$6,600.00

15-DCV228038 10/22/16

BRAZOS TERRACE, LT 16, BLK 8, FORT BEND COUNTY VS. BRUNA HERNANDEZ RAMIREZ, VOL 381, PG 542* AKA BRUNA HERNANDEZ ESTORGA

$45,400.00

$11,300.00

16-DCV232641 10/07/16

640000031130090 7 JANUARY 06, 2017 185500008016090 1 JANUARY 06, 2017 006519005961190 3 JANUARY 06, 2017

ANDREW NORTHINGTON SURV, ABST 65, 13.294 ACRES, MORE OR LESS; VOL 520, PAGE 621*

$124,670.00

$7,100.00

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. LEROY COLBERT, ET AL

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. FRANCISCO FLORES, AKA J FRANCISCO FLORES, ET AL

Deputy

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

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 1, 2017 • Page 6

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 for Tamarron Section 11 Partial Replat No. 1, 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 Geoffrey A. Freeman with LJA Engineering, Inc at Gfreeman@ ljaengineering.com for information prior to the hearing. 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 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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 for Tamarron Trace Section 1 Street Dedication, being a replat of Tamarron Lift Station Site No. 1, 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 Geoffrey A. Freeman with LJA Engineering, Inc at Gfreeman@ 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, Feb. 28, 2017 for Tamarron Trace Section 2 Street Dedication, being a replat of Tamarron Lift Station Site No. 1, 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 Geoffrey A. Freeman with LJA Engineering, Inc at Gfreeman@ ljaengineering.com for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on DECEMBER 13th, 2016, by the DISTRICT COURT 240TH of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 15DCV-228415 in favor of the plaintiffHUNTERS GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, plaintiff, for the sum of $10,367.09++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on December 13th, 2016 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of FEBRUARY, 2017 at the County Courthouse 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) - BRIAN E. OVERSTREET, had of, in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: Legal Description: LOT 10, IN BLOCK 4, OF HUNTER’S PARK, SECTION 1, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAJOR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 26, PAGE 17 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1438 HUNTERS PARK DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489 (PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 151 FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant, C. McRae Deputy Constable

Fort Bend ISD will conduct a public hearing regarding the annual Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing will take place at Hightower High School (3333 Hurricane Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459) during a special called meeting and agenda review workshop. State law requires school districts to hold a public discussion about the District’s performance on the annual TAPR within 90 calendar days (not including the Winter Holiday) from the date the report was released.

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 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. DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy District Vanessa Vasquez Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 341-3754

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Corolla iM By BARBARA FULENWIDER For Corolla buyers looking to hatch up some adventures, the iM is the perfect addition to the Toyota Carolla line-up. With its versatile hatchback, the new 2017 Corolla iM has plenty of room to handle passengers and gear. The Corolla iM’s cabin is roomy, refined, versatile and high-tech equipped. The 1.8-liter dual overhead cam engine is very easy on gas. The chassis, with double-wishbone rear suspension and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, smooths out urban bumps and tames adventurous curves. For more hands-on driving fun, a 6-speed stick shift is also available. For 2017, the iM comes with a safety package that includes a camera and laser beam for enhanced performance and reliability. With lane departure alert, automatic high beams and a pre-collision system, the safety system can help prevent or mitigate collisions in a wide range of vehicle speeds. Detailing on the Corolla iM belies the affordable pricing. The piano black grille treatment, standard sporty body, LED daytime running lights and taillights provide its signature. As for gas prices that go up and down, the iM offers performance and efficiency. The EPA estimated rating is 28 city/36 hwy/31 combined. The 4-cylinder engine makes 137 horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine uses continuously variable valve timing for a large torque curve. The iM has a standard

6-speed stick shift and both the manual and automatic iM models come standard with hill start assist, which helps prevent rollback. The optional automatic is suited to the 1.8-liter engine. It has a Sport Mode as well as manual shifting with seven stepped shift points. Rear suspension on the iM is double-wishbone type, which does not take up cargo space. Add in standard 17-inch alloy wheels with fat 225/45R17 tires, and the iM delivers a tight, taut road feel and a compliant ride quality. The electronic power steering makes low-speed maneuvering quick and easy and provides a good feel and less assistance at highway speeds. It also helps boost fuel eﬃciency

FORT BEND COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FY 2017 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL ACTION PLAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING To build and strengthen new partnerships with State and local governments and the private sector, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires a single consolidated submission for the planning and application aspects of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs. Fort Bend County is in the process of developing its FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan. A Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, 2nd Floor, Fort Bend County Courthouse, 401 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas to receive comments from the public regarding the housing and community development needs of low- and moderate-income persons, such as homeless individuals and families; persons with special needs (the elderly, frail elderly, severely mentally ill, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, persons with alcohol/other drug addictions, and persons with HIV/AIDS); the housing needs of renters and owners; community needs such as anti-crime, economic development, infrastructure, planning and administration, public facilities, public services, senior programs, youth programs; and other non-housing community development needs. The public is encouraged to attend and to submit comments to Marilynn Kindell, Community Development Director, 301 Jackson St., Suite 602, Richmond, Texas 77469. Comments will be incorporated into the draft FY 2017 Consolidated Annual Action Plan, as appropriate. Persons with vision or hearing impairments or other individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids and services may contact the department at (281) 341-4410 regarding reasonable accommodations for the meeting. This venue is accessible for persons with physical disabilities. Spanish language translators are available at the meeting for persons with Limited English Proficiency. Persons requiring other language translators must contact the department at least 48 hours prior to the meeting at (281) 341-4410 to request translation services for the meeting.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on APRIL 27, 2016 in cause numbered 15-DCV-227072 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. RAJPAL SINGH ANAND AND GINA ANAND, in which a judgment was rendered on DECEMBER 29, 2015 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Three Dollars and Sixty Four Cents ($8753.64); 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 20, 2016 and will on Feb 7, 2017 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 RAJPAL SINGH ANAND and GINA ANAND to and in the following described Real Property LOT THIRTY-THREE(33), IN BLOCK THREE(3) OF LEXINGTON MEADOWS, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S). 1237/B AND 1238/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 17303 LANTANA DR. SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. 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 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

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 NOV 29, 2016 in cause numbered 16-DCV-230725 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. CHRISTOPHER D. MARTIN AND GLADIS M. MARTIN, in which a judgment was rendered on APRIL 11, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Fourteen Thousand Sixty-Seven Dollars and Ninety Five Cents ($14,067.95); 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 15, 2016 and will on FEB 7, 2017 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 CHRISTOPHER D. MARTIN AND GLADIS M. MARTIN to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY ONE(21), BLOCK ONE (1) OF MAGNOLIA PLANTATION,SECTION ONE(1) AT FIRST COLONY AN ADDITION, IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO 1146/B AND 1147/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS FOR FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. 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 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

because the system consumes power only when assist is needed. Inside are standard bolstered front sport seats that ﬁt the body and integrate a whiplash injury lessening structure for occupant protection. The iM’s versatility, starts with 60/40 fold-down rear seats and standard cargo cover. The iM comes standard with a multimedia system. The 6-speaker Pioneer system plays from a variety of sources and is controlled through a 7-inch display audio unit that includes standard HD Radio and Aha. That screen also provides the view for the standard rear backup camera. Leather wraps the steering wheel and provides ﬁngertip switches for audio, multi-info

display and hands-free phone calls via Bluetooth. The 4.2inch color multi-information display between the main instrument gauges provides displays for the car’s features and other functions. The Corolla iM comes with dual-zone automatic A/C control, color-keyed heated powerfolding exterior mirrors that clear up fog or frost in a hurry. Auto on/oﬀ headlamps are another convenience inherited from a higher segment. The Corolla iM with all standard equipment has a MSRP of $19,490. For that price the frontwheel drive, hatchback Corolla provides a fun drive with adequate hauling space. It is also a good ride and drive.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Bellaire Boulevard at Lakemont Bend Lane to add multi-way stop control, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE OPENING DATE OF February 21, 2017 AT 2:00 pm. Request for Proposal for Contractors in the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program for the City of Missouri City RFP # 17-138 CDBG Housing Rehab Program RFP’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/. Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on February 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date. 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. Wayne Thompson Pct. 3 Constable Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Pedro Soto Deputy #1336

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 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. LA FRANCIS W. EW AH, ET AL in Cause# 15DCV-224421 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10 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: 7225010020380907 LOT 38, IN BLOCK 2, IN SOUTHWEST CROSSING, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NUMBERS 560/A, 560/B, 561/A, AND 561/B, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 315, PAGE 24, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. SAID LOT LYING WHOLLY IN BOTH COUNTIES. Levied on the 1st day of December, 2016 as the property of LA FRANCIS W EWAH CACH, LLC,to satisfy a judgment amounting to $12,947.16, 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 GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND CITY OF HOUSTON. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 1st day of December, 2016. GARY MAJORS CONSTABLE, Pct. 2 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 1, 2017 • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: GOLD We can’t have a Best Actor nomination for a movie that debuts on January 27th, but Matthew McConaughey sure pushes the envelope in his masterful portrayal of the wild and crazy prospector Kenny Wells. McConaughey gained 47 pounds to play his overweight, hard drinking, chain-smoking, balding Kenny Wells. At his big night at the Oscars in about twenty years when McConaughey wins his Lifetime Achievement Award, the producers will flash a photo of Kenny Wells on the screen and the crowd will roar with applause. He won’t win anything for this movie, and he also put his money and reputation in this film as a Producer, so he had to sign off on the release date of January. And that baffles me. What is the strategy to release this very well-made and directed movie with a big star, Oscar-winner in January, three days after the Oscar nominations were announced? That’s a real question as I don’t know the answer and I’m seeking information. Here’s my best guess: they made a mistake and should have held it for a December 18th release with a lot of hype for McConaughey. Mack needs to hire me as his agent. I’m in the phone book. The story is simple: Kenny Wells is a wheeler dealer gold prospector and is gifted in raising capital for his mining shenanigans. His father played by Craig T. “Coach” Nelson taught him the business. And then Kenny took it up a notch and hooked up with Michael Acosta (Edgar Ramirez) of Indonesia and their partnership was off to the races. Edgar “Hands of Stone”

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Ramirez starred as Roberto Duran in 2016 and he also appeared as Dr. Abdic in “The Girl on the Train.” Ramirez is classically handsome and a skilled actor so buy some stock in the Edgar Ramirez LLC. His performance as the get-downin-the-mud Acosta opposite McConaughey showed that he could provide balance to an over-the-top performance by McConaughey as Kenny Wells. More on McConaughey’s Kenny Wells: he smoked more cigarettes in “Gold” than he did as the extremely odd Rust Cohle in HBO’s “True Detective” in 2014. That’s almost

Houston “Elvis” to entertain Loving Friends L o v i n g Friends, a social group of men and women who lost their spouses but want to move on in a social environment will meet on Tuesday, February 21, 5:00 p.m. at Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. Ralph Elizondo, Houston’s “Elvis” who amazes audiences with his ability to portray Elvis in sound, dance and look will entertain the group. Ralph has been featured on national television shows, CNN and Entertainment tonight and is also a professional actor. Quail Valley City Centre is the new location for Loving Friends; group formerly met at Sweetwater Country Club. Members and guests will meet

physically impossible, but McConaughey can suck on a Winston; Kenny Wells favorite ﬁltered cigarette. At age 47, McConaughey is supposedly at the top of his leading-man game, but he certainly didn’t seem to mind allowing Director Stephen Gaghan to shoot numerous close-ups of his beer gut and rib rolls. He took one for the team and claimed on a recent talk show that eating and preparing to get into his Kenny Wells mode was big fun especially when he was pounding milkshakes at midnight. This is not a great movie, but the acting is great. Not bad for a January movie. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 89. Larry H. www.larryhmoviereviews.com

MEP Engineering

in the Bluebonnet room. Cost is $22 inclusive with available handicap parking. Reservations are necessary by calling 281-208-3124 . More details on Loving Friends, or directions to new location, please call 1-2083124 or 281-261-4043.

Highlands Elementary celebrates 30th anniversary Highlands Elementary will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Thursday, February 9, at 6 p.m. All former teachers, students, and the community are invited to help commemorate the occasion. The event will include a time for former teachers, students and parents to connect followed by a public program. The celebration will be held at the school (2022 Colonist Park Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478). Highlands opened in 1986, under the leadership of Dr. Rodney E. LeBoeuf, then-superintendent of Fort Bend ISD. For more information on the Highlands Elementary 30th anniversary event, please contact the school at (281) 6344160.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 1, 2017

SPOTLIGHT Exchange Club of Missouri City to host St. Paddy’s Day Tourney The Exchange Club of Missouri City is proudly hosting their 37th annual St. Padd’s Day Tournament & Auction on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Quail Valley Golf Course benefitting local Fort Bend Charities. You and four of your friends will enjoy lunch, on-course beverages, dinner buﬀet and auction. Players will also receive a golf hat, towel, koozie and other goodies. Find out for yourself what all the buzz is about by contacting tournament chairman, Rick Lyons at 832-368-4600 or www. ExchangeClubMC.org

Donning masks in preparation for a little reveling to Jazz It Up for Autism are leading sponsors John and Lisa Daugherty of Daugherty Insurance, Caroline Bordelon (Hope For Three), Honorary Event Chair, Linda Shultz and Samantha Katchy (Hope For Three). Jazz It Up for Autism, Hope For Three’s Annual Luncheon will take place Feb. 16; 11 to 1 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch (San Antonio Ball Room).

Jazz It Up for Autism Set for Feb. 16

It seems a little Mardi Gras reveling will come early in Fort Bend County. Jazz It Up for Autism, Hope For Three’s Fifth Annual Luncheon is set for February 16. The Mardi Gras themed event, presented by Daugherty Insurance, will take place at Safari Texas Ranch (San Antonio Room) from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Accompanying Daugherty Insurance is Honorary Event Chair, Linda Shultz who leads a “Krewe” of extraordinary revelers, Sugar Land Baptist Church, Medcare Pediatric Group, Coupon.com, Tom and Mare Solcher, Cookie Joe’s Dance Team and Launch Academy. Hope For Three’s Jazz It Up for Autism Annual Luncheon is an opportunity to bring awareness to a disorder that aﬀects 1 in 45 children. The midday gathering will feature a delicious lunch/dessert, the exhilarating sounds of Mardi Gras and a silent auction. Guests will also hear ﬁrst hand from autism families on why Hope For Three, community support, autism advocacy and awareness bring acceptance, hope and the feeling of knowing they are not alone.