Fort Bend Independent 022217 by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 10 No. 8

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Candidates ﬁling ends for local cities, school boards

By SESHADRI KUMAR With the last date for filing for local elections ending on Feb. 17, only one of the four city council seats in Sugar Land has drawn three candidates, while Fort Bend ISD and Lamar CISD have multiple contests. Deadline for candidates to withdraw is Feb. 24. Election day is May 6. In Sugar Land, incumbent Dist. 1, 2 and 3 council members Steve Porter, Bridgette Yeung and Amy Mitchell, respectively, did not draw any opponents. Dist. 4 seat is open as incumbent Harish Jajoo is not seeking re-election. Sean Burnett, Saradr Qaiser Imam and Carol K. McCutcheon have filed for this seat. Sean Burnett works as VP of Sales & Marketing at Covia Health – a healthcare services firm focused on early detection of breast cancer. Burnett

volunteers as Vice Chairman on Sugar Land’s Planning & Zoning Commission, “Q” Imam, Senior Project Manager at IBM, is active with the boards of the Exchange Club of Fort Bend, the Fort Bend Rainbow Room and was recently named Vice Chair of the Committee for Civilian Engagement for the Association of United States Army. Carol McCutcheon is a 23year resident of Sugar Land, has 20+ years of experience as an engineer in the oil and gas business. Serving her 24th term as a First Colony Neighborhood Representative, she has a track record of helping the neighborhoods and representing citizen concerns to the City. She serves on Sugar Land’s Land Use Advisory Committee and previously served on the Charter Review Commission. The following persons have

ﬁled for election to the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees: District #1: Kathryn “Ms. K” Kaminski (Incumbent) Karen Mendoza District #2: Kay Danziger(I) District#3: James Beebe Mandi Bronsell District #6: Anna M. Gonzales(I) Joe Hubenak In Fort Bend ISD the following have ﬁled: Position 1 Jason Burdine (I) AWARD WINNING HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHERS. Thirteen Foster High School stuL. Angelo DeCamps dents earned awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (South and Central Texas regions). Position 4 Foster photographers and writers won two Gold Key Awards, four Silver Key Awards and seven Kristin Tassin(I) Honorable Mentions in the contest. The two Gold Key winners are headed to Nationals. Senior Rodrigo Carreon Haley Keith, left, and junior Savannah Fairless, above, both received Gold Keys in photography. Shirley Rose Gilliam Students submit their works earlier in the year and they are judged by a panel in New York City. Position 5 The awards were announced earlier this month. Keith and fellow senior Truman Bui received Silver KP George(I) Keys in Photography, while freshman Francisco Garza earned a Silver Key in short-story writing Lorena Dueñas and junior Sydney Olejniczak earned a Silver Key in humor writing. Honorable Mentions went to: Sophomore Sarah Archibong – Photography;Senior Truman Bui – Photography;Savannah Fairless – Photography;Haley Keith – Photography;Chase Martin – Photography;Carlos Yicon – Photography; and Senior Margaux Malek – Science Fiction/Fantasy writing.

Staﬀord City Council halts $79 million school bond plan

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford Municipal School District Superintendent Robert Bostic worked hard this past Thursday evening to sell the Stafford City Council a $79 million bond proposal. District leaders believe the bond dollars are needed in order to rebuild, build new and rehab school buildings as a way to improve academics and increase diversity. It turned out to be no sale. Three of the six council members at the Feb. 23 meeting—Virginia Rosas, Don Jones and Cecil Willis— voted against it. Mayor Leonard Scarcella, Mayor Pro Tem Ken Mathew and Councilman A. J. Honore voted in favor. Councilman Wen Guerra was not present. Rosas and Jones said they needed more time to study the proposal, which was to go to voters in the May election. Willis had different reasons. While the bond issue would be $79,430,000 and almost double past SMSD bond issues, the real bill will be $154,021,863. It’s that high because the payback won’t just be $79,430,000 because interest will be included. Willis said, “This is like a home mortgage – it’s 30 years! The $49.9 million on the last bond issue (in 2011) is probably closer to $100 or $150 million. You have to pay it off with interest. These bonds are six years old and we still owe $57 million on the $49.9 million.” He noted that the district’s current debt is $91 million and $79 million more is $170 million plus more interest. Willis said everyone who has ever served on city council, school board, etc., “wants what is best for the children of Stafford but at some point there’s only so much money. “Please don’t say the reason we have to do something is for the children. Someone has to be a voice for the parents, the taxpayers, who will pay the bills for the children. When you diminish their financial responsibility you will not have helped the children,” Willis said. “We will spend $130 million in six years on principal & interest in seven square miles. That’s unbelievable, so please, let’s think this through. I hope somebody knows

what they are doing. It’s more than I ever believed we’d spend.” Before council’s tie vote negated signing on, Arturo Jackson, president of the SMSD board, told council “community members brought this forth. We have two customers: our students and our taxpayers. We’ll tell you how we are going to monitor the tax dollars, why the time is now and why delaying this will cost far more. The buildings are 35 years old and some parents are now dropping off their kids at buildings they attended school in. All grade levels will be impacted by the $79 million bond.” Superintendent Bostic told council that the district’s plan is to have 10 or 12 meetings with the public, educating them on the school district’s needs, prior to the May 6 election. That won’t happen now but may occur in November. The district’s long-range facilities planning committee was made up of approximately 40 Stafford residents, business and staff members, Bostic said. They met from September last year to December and provided the district with what they saw that needed to be done. He also noted that during his two-year tenure SMSD has achieved 16 out of 18 state academic distinctions; the elementary school is one of the top 400 schools in Texas and is ranked 52 out of 8,000 elementary schools in the state. Bostic said the district had more than 127 Stafford residents returning to SMSD, has “the only elite” 7th-12th grade Texas Women’s University/Nursing Cohort that helps students get their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The state has rewarded the district with a grade of B, Bostic said, “and in years to come I believe we should return to the A designation that it has had in the past.” The 2011 bond issue was for improvements to the district’s high school, library and College and Career Center. The $79 million plus bond will focus on the middle school, which has many students who are not progressing academically. Todd Lane, with VLK Architects, told city council if the proposed projects are postponed it will cost a minimum of $6.3 mil-

lion annually in higher costs. He said the bond money will expand the middle school’s “capacity and adequacy and include transformative learning environments.” It will also, he said, “address life skill needs from pre-kindergarten to 12, match best practices and state recommendations for grade configuration,” address capacity and facility at the elementary and Pre-K levels, include district-wide safety and security systems and classroom districtwide technology improvements. Lane said the middle school has “a driving need for a new configuration” and that the elementary school will have first through fifth grade, the middle school sixth, seventh and eighth graders and the high school 9-12 grades. “The focus is not to build for capacity but the need to realign grade levels. It’s a cohesive plan so all the pieces fit together,” Lane said. The campus capacity is now 4,238 and 3,498 students are currently enrolled in SMSD. The architect said the plans are to configure grade levels, renovate the existing middle school, the administration building and elementary school, create an early childhood center for pre-K and kindergarteners, make high school improvements, enlarge the agricultural barn and pens, add sidewalks and parking, acquire more instructional technology and add more buses. Middle school costs of $41 million will pay for a second floor addition to the current middle school building, major renovations, removing life skills, full cafeteria renovation, install fire sprinklers and fire alarms throughout, etc. Lane explained that the goal is to create a school and space for middle school students only and not have them share facilities with younger students. A new larger administration building is estimated to cost $12.50 million. The current one will become a community center with an outdoor public space. A historical showcase of the district will also be in the center. Changes to the district’s current elementary school came in at $13 million and include a cafeteria and kitchen upgrade, gym expansion, flexible learning spaces added to library renovations, toiSee BOND, Page 3

Fort Bend County Clerk’s office gets ‘Five Star Service Award” The office of Fort Bend County Clerk Vital Records Division has earned the 2016 “Five Star Service Award” from the State of Texas Vital Statistics Unit. This prestigious honor is awarded for diligence in timely and accurate registration of birth and death records which has a profound impact on Texas citizens. The award recognizes those that go above and beyond the duties of birth and death registration by attending trainings and keeping up with the latest legislation and trends. The Vital Records Division, under the leadership of Fort Bend County Clerk Laura Richard, has earned the award each year of her tenure. “I am proud of my staff and Fort Bend County Clerk Laura Richard honored that the State of Texas For more information about has recognized the diligence and ard. It should be noted that out of the Office of Fort Bend Counperseverance that goes towards 254 Texas counties, only 76 won ty Clerk and its services, visit achieving this award”, said Fort this award in 2016. www.fortbendcountytx.gov . Bend County Clerk Laura Rich-

Stafford city council members to get official cell phones By BARBARA FULENWIDER An attorney who filed an open records request to get the conversations of various Stafford City Council members prompted Council Member Virginia Rosas to request that each council person have a city cell phone. Rosas’s request on council’s Feb. 15 meeting agenda because some council members appear to have texted messages on their personal cell phones while in council meetings. The open records request was filed because it is against the law for elected officials of entities to text on a cell phone to one another or anyone

about council business during council meetings. Rosas was most perturbed about having to submit messages on her personal phone to scrutiny. She said no texts or calls were found on her phone that were about city business but the intrusiveness of the open records request really bothered her. Art Pertile, with Olson & Olson, Staﬀord’s attorney, spent a good bit of the hour the agenda item took, to explain to council members what all they could be guilty of if they talked about city business on their personal cell phone. Most, if not all council

members have used their personal cell phone to answer constituents and each others calls, text messages and e-mails. At the end of their discussions they decided to have the city provide each council member with a cell phone to be used only for city business. As the chief operating officer of Stafford, Mayor Leonard Scarcella already had a city cell phone along as well as his personal one. Since there’s nothing in the city’s 2017 budget for buying six smart phones and paying for a provider, the mayor will have to find the money for it all.

Missouri City conducts administrative review of “Police Incident”

On Wednesday Feb. 15, 2017, a Missouri City police officer observed an individual near Public Safety Headquarters videotaping the complex. Officers inquired about the individual’s identity to no avail. The individual declined to identify himself and did not provide his driver license or any identification. He said he was required to show the ID only if he was lawfully arrested. He declined to give his name and date of birth asserting his right to remain silent. He said he was an investigative journalist and it was none of police business to ascertain his name and date of birth. “I have not broken any law,” he said. He said he was “engaged in a constitutionally protected activity.” As a precaution, the individual was temporarily detained and subsequently released. Later, the individual identified himself as being affiliated with News Now, an internet-based news agency. The incident is under administrative review and, upon completion, the City will take appropriate steps to address the decisions made by the officers. “We are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the citizen-police interaction,” said Police Chief Mike Berezin. “We have received hundreds of inquiries from across the globe regarding the incident, and we appreciate all who are bringing forth their concerns.”

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 22, 2017

Fort Bend ISD’s 2017 Principals of the Year REAL ESTATE/SCHOOLS Veteran educators Stephanie Houston Dee Knox were Fort Bend ISD names 2017 Elementary and named FortandBend ISD’s 2017 Principals of the Year. Houston Secondary Rookie Teachers of the Year is the principal at Ridgemont

Salcich

Michel

Esmond

Rodriguez

Wise

Caswell

Fort Bend ISD announces its first-year teachers who have been named the District Elementary and Secondary 2017 Rookie Teachers of the Year. The honorees are first-year teachers who are making a positive difference in the classroom. The District’s Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year Judging Committees met and reviewed all campus nominations and selected six winners. All of the District

campus nominees represent the best new teachers at FBISD. The FBISD 2017 Rookie Teachers of the Year are: Elementary Rookie Teachers of the Year: •Elizabeth Salcich, Colony Meadows Elementary •Hannah Michel, Madden Elementary •Courtney Esmond, Mission Glen Elementary Secondary Rookie Teach-

ers of the Year: •Noemi Rodriguez, Baines Middle School •Brittany Wise, First Colony Middle School •Trevor Caswell, Willowridge High School The District Rookies of the Year will be honored, along with the Teacher of the Year Finalists and Campus Teachers of the Year, at the District’s annual awards banquet on April 20.

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Elementary School and is the Elementary Principal of the Year; and Knox, principal at Dulles Middle School, is the Secondary Principal of the Year. They were selected by their peers for the honor based on their outstanding leadership, service and dedication to their students and staﬀ. An educator for more than 23 years, Houston expressed that she is grateful that her peers see her hard work, dedication, and commitment to Ridgemont Elementary and FBISD. “I am extremely elated and honored to receive the recognition as “Principal of the Year” in FBISD, and humbled by this acknowledgement because I commit myself to do this awesome work for the students in order for them to succeed,” Houston said. “In my role as a campus leader, I have worked alongside many distinguished principals that I respect and admire.” Houston also served as the principal at Townewest Elementary for eight years. Prior to that, she worked for Alief ISD as an elementary teacher, math specialist and assistant principal. Knox oﬃcially joined the District in 1993 as a teacher at Austin Parkway Elementary, and then served as assistant principal Principal Stephanie Houston, left, Superintendent of Schools at Walker Station Elementary. Dr. Charles Dupre, and Principal Dee Knox. Later, she became the assistant principal at Holley Elementary, where she eventually assumed the role of principal. Active Senior Living; Embracing Currently, she is principal of Dulles Middle School and has the lives of Seniors 55 and Better already proven she is a great leader. “I have been blessed to have people in my life that have shaped me into the leader I am today,” Knox shared. “I am grateful to my peers and colleagues that I have worked with, laughed with and from whom I have learned. Being a principal allows me the opportunity to turn around and invest in the lives of students, teachers and parents 2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 the way others invested in me. It www. plantationqv.com is my joy and privilege.” Both principals will be honored later this spring at the Region 4 Education Service Center Principal Recognition Ceremony.

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NEWS Oakbend Medical Center volunteers schedule â&#x20AC;&#x153;Power of Pur$eâ&#x20AC;? fundraiser The Volunteers of OakBend Medical Center are holding their second Power of the Pur$e fundraiser to raise money that will be donated to the renovation of the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skilled Nursing Unit. Each year, the volunteers donate money that has been raised through various events such as craft and bake sales and through the sales of popcorn, pickles and items in the gift shop. Last year, the volunteers raised $17,000 at the Power of the Pur$e to help with renovations in the Skilled Nursing Unit, the only part of the original hospital.

Gatlin This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will take place on Thursday, April 6th from 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1 p.m. at Safari Texas. The Power of the Pur$e event will include

lunch and a silent auction of a variety of purses ranging from everyday purses to designer bags. Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 will be emceeing the program. The keynote speaker this year will be LaDonna Gatlin. LaDonna, a native Texan, is the sister of County Musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gatlin Bros. and is a performer, professional speaker and author. Tickets may be purchased online at www.oakbendmedcenter.org under the events section or call (281) 341-2864. For additional information for tickets or sponsorships email ldrummond@obmc.org.

Join Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital as they raise funds for infant health in the March of Dimes Walk for Babies

Sugar Land Police Department accepts applications for Teen Academy Sugar Land Police Department Teen Academy applications will be accepted through March 6. The Teen Academy is a new program intended to engage students in a variety of topics designed to foster relationships, trust and understanding between oďŹ&#x192;cers and teens. Participants will have an opportunity to gain an understanding of police operations through specialized presentations and hands-on activities.

The two week academy will be held at the Sugar Land Police Department from June 12 through June 23. Those interested must commit to attend all sessions, which will be held Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to noon. Students between the age of 14 to 18 who are enrolled in public or private schools within the city of Sugar Land and its extra-territorial jurisdiction will be considered.

Applications are available at https://volunteer.sugarlandtx.gov. Other requirements for consideration include a parental release, medical release and application questions. Classes are limited to 20 students per session. For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/PDteenAcademy or contact OďŹ&#x192;cer Lauren Stockholm at (281) 275-2956.

Jazmin Hosea, Beth Kennedy, RN, and Kyndal Silva Kyndal was born at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital four weeks early, to a young, ďŹ rst-time mom named Jazmin Hosea. Like many premature babies, Kyndal had a number of serious health issues, and she required an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Premature birth is the leading cause of death for infants in the U.S.,â&#x20AC;? said NICU nurse Beth Kennedy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of the seriousness of the issues these babies face, and because they are so small and vulnerable, the NICU can be a scary, intimidating environment for parents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially for young moms. But Jazmin was here every day for hours, and she worked

hard to learn everything she could from the nurses so that she could eventually care for Kyndal herself.â&#x20AC;? Thanks to the outstanding care she received, today Kyndal is nearly two years old and is happy and healthy. And as her way of saying thanks, Jazmin is serving as the 2017 Patient Ambassador for Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s March of Dimes Walk for Babies. The hospital has a team participating in the ďŹ rst-ever Fort Bend Walk for Babies, scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 29 at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive in Sugar Land. Fort Bend residents are invited to join our team and participate in the 3.2-mile walk to raise funds that support

healthy childbirth and babies. Easily sign up at marchforbabies.org/team/HoustonMethodistSugarLandHospital and click on the pink â&#x20AC;&#x153;Join This Teamâ&#x20AC;? button on the right. Or, you can donate to our team by clicking on the orange â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donateâ&#x20AC;? button. â&#x20AC;&#x153;March of Dimes does a fantastic job of working to support healthy lives for newborns,â&#x20AC;? said Kennedy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Proceeds from the annual Walk for Babies are used to fund research into understanding premature births and how to prevent them, as well as actually supporting moms like Jazmin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and their families â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who are struggling with the stress and diďŹ&#x192;culty of having a premature baby. Participating in the walk is our way of giving back and working toward reducing or eliminating premature births here in Fort Bend.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kyndal is healthy and active today because of the care and support that Houston Methodist Sugar Land and March of Dimes provided,â&#x20AC;? said Jazmin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Participating in the Walk for Babies can help other new moms gain the skills and conďŹ dence they need to care for their premature babies and create even more success stories like ours. I encourage everyone to join our team or make a donation today.â&#x20AC;? To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/ methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds ďŹ les bill for electronic voter registration TEXANA TEE OFF. L to R: Barry Beard, JC Whitten, Gary Pearson, Ron Ewer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Owner, Legacy Ford, James Thompson, Co-Chair and Mary Rose Zdunkewicz, Chair. Not pictured is committee member Dominic Robinson. Grab your clubs and make your way to Weston Lakes Country Club for the 5th Annual Texana Tee OďŹ&#x20AC; Fundraising Golf Tournament that will take place on Monday, April 10, 2017. This open 18-hole scramble tournament promises to be a fun day for all who participate and includes lunch, dinner, both live and silent auctions as well as other fun. The Texana Tee OďŹ&#x20AC; is being chaired by Mary Rose Zdunkewicz, Mayor of Weston Lakes, who is being assisted by co-chair James Thompson. Texana Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that provides autism, behavioral healthcare and intellectual disabilities services to people living in Fort Bend and five smaller surrounding counties. Anyone interested in more information or sponsoring this event should contact Andi Wallis at 281.239.1427

Bond From Page 1 let renovations and essential building systems. Early childhood renovations will cost $2,685,222 and for that the district will get life skills for the youngsters; bright walls of paint and graphics; safety, security and accessibility systems, essential building systems and technology. More parking and more sidewalks came in at $636,651; instructional technology upgrades will cost $1,563,061; transportation, $1,525,000 (includes 10 buses, etc.); agricultural barn, pens, $558,134. Clarence Grier with Financial Advisors at RBC Capital explained how all of this would be paid for. He said the $65 million issued and approved by voters in 2010 â&#x20AC;&#x153;steps down in 2026.â&#x20AC;? He also said the district has refunded $57 million in debt and then he moved on to tax rates. The total tax rate for SMSD, Houston Community College, the county and WCID No. 2. is $2.01 per $100 property valuation. The current total tax rate for SMSD is $1.23 per $100 valuation. Grier said the proposed $79 million with an increased SMSD tax rate of $1.39 would cost the owner of a $185,000 house $16.90 more a month, $192 a year or a total of $1,715 when taxes come due next year. District information provided says the interest rate on the $79 million will

increase by 8 percent a year. Grier said the district has a â&#x20AC;&#x153;high grade and high qualityâ&#x20AC;? bond rating. When passing out ratings the bond market considers stable ďŹ nancial operations, enrollment growth and a moderate tax base that is growing. The weaknesses for SMSD, Grier said, are the loss of a top taxpayer (Texas Instruments) and having a debt burden that is above average. He said for Moody to drop SMSDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bond rating they would look at slow to no growth and not being as diligent as they have been. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a risk,â&#x20AC;? Grier said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manageable. We had a very similar situation in 2010 when citizens approved bonds. Looking at the history makes us think the district can manage through it again.â&#x20AC;? Scarcella said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Only 30 percent of the debt is homeowners and over 70 percent of valuation of this city is commercial. The commercial interests that carried SMSD all these years will be a major factor in paying oďŹ&#x20AC; this debt. They will be picking up the major part of this tab.â&#x20AC;? Willis told the audience heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heard that WCID No. 2 and the county are all talking about bond issues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is any of that taken into consideration or not to worry about SMSD because it comes ďŹ rst?â&#x20AC;? Grier said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It does impact you and your taxpayers in terms of willingness to pay the tax.â&#x20AC;? He also said the bonds will be sold in two issues â&#x20AC;&#x153;because in Texas you

have to have a viable source of funds on hand in order to let contracts for construction. The bond proceeds have to be on deposit.â&#x20AC;? Willis said that the parents of 20 to 25 percent of SMSD students â&#x20AC;&#x153;will not pay one penny of tax to support this deal. Why is it good for us to do this when the parents of 800 plus or minus students in those buildings will not pay one penny for the education of their children?â&#x20AC;? Bostic answered saying if SMSD could aďŹ&#x20AC;ord to just educate StaďŹ&#x20AC;ord children with the funding system of Texas and keep every tax dollar that goes to Austin to support schools in poorer towns, the district would not need to enroll out of town children. Ken Mathew said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let the people decideâ&#x20AC;? on the bond issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not giving a blind check to SMSD. The people will have to decide.â&#x20AC;? Honore said he wants the community to make the decision and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the bond election should be delayed mainly because of higher construction costs. Rosas said she supports it but did not have enough time to read it all and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x153;like having her back against the wall.â&#x20AC;? She asked SMSD oďŹ&#x192;cials, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why are yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;all doing this so fast? What are you hiding? This puts us in a very delicate position. I do support it but want time to read it, understand it, know exactly whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just saying letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s postpone it.â&#x20AC;? The three to three council vote did.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each qualiďŹ ed citizen has the constitutional right to vote. However, in order to vote, every American must register ďŹ rst. Thus, making voter registration proďŹ cient, secure, and easily accessible should be a priority of every state. These three objectives can be met by providing an online tool that allows eligible citizens to register electronically. Electronic voter registration cuts administrative costs, minimizes data entry errors, and increases the accuracy of state voter lists. As a result of more accurate lists, the lines at the polls during early voting or Election Day are less likely to be delayed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In addition to making the

voting process more eďŹ&#x192;cient and secure, electronic voter registration can save Texas appropriation funds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Case studies have shown that online voter registration reduces registration costs in other states in amounts ranging from $250,000 to $1.8 million. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These costs savings have been embraced by almost 38 states in the country, most of which ďŹ rst enacted this electronic process over 14 years ago. Electronic voter registration will thrust Texas in a more innovative direction in an online era. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For these reasons, I am eager to announce that I have ďŹ led House Bill 1955. This

bill will require the implementation of a program that allows a person with an unexpired driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license or personal identiďŹ cation cared issued in this state to complete a voter registration application online from a secure Internet website. I look forward to urging the passage of this bill and any others that promote eďŹ&#x20AC;ective voter registration.â&#x20AC;? Ron Reynolds represents Texas House District 27, which encompasses communities of Fort Bend County. Representative Reynolds currently serves on the Elections Committee, and as the longest serving member on the Environmental Regulations Committee.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 22, 2017

OPINION

Texas Department of Mom went to Mrs. Kelly’s house Transportation is 100 years old

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE He was about four years old; old enough to play in the side yard without constant supervision. That’s where he was told to wait; Mom had said they were going to Mrs. Kelly’s. “Wait in the yard for me. I have to get the baby and the buggy ready,” she said. “Okay,” he replied, and went out the door. “You stay in the yard, you hear? I don’t want to have to come looking for you.” She then started doing whatever it was that mothers did to get ready for a few blocks’ journey with two little kids. He stayed in the yard, or close to it. There was a game he liked to play with cars coming up the street. He’d wait until they were closer, then he’d race them along the sidewalk, to Grampa’s house, next door. If he got there first, he’d lick one of the stones that built the porch. It tasted salty. Just a dumb kid game. At some point he decided Mom should have called out by then. He went in the house, and he noticed the house just had an unoccupied feel to it. That was strange, He figured, in his simple little four year-old head, that Mom had probably gone to Mrs. Kelly’s. He was pretty sure he knew the first part of the way to Mrs. Kelly’s; the part that ended at Main Street, near the foot of Mrs. Sewell’s stairs. He got to the gate at the Main Street end just as Mom was maneuvering the baby

Granto buggy through that gate. He announced myself, ready to receive plaudits for having the perspicacity and gumption to get moving and catch up with Mom. What he got instead was a very loud (his mom could get loud) very vocal (he couldn’t even get a word in edgewise) chewing out, ﬁlled with questions that four-year olds simply never have answers to: She bellowed, “Where were you?”; “Why weren’t you in the back yard like I told you to be?”; “Why didn’t you come when I called?” Then she told him to go back home and wait there. What that felt like was getting hit in the face. Of course, he did as he was bellowed at to do. Really, what choice did he have? On the way back he looked across the street and saw Mamie Lynch sitting on her porch. He waved a greeting and said “Hi!” She waved and said “Hi!” back. He crossed the street, and went up on her porch. He asked her if he could stay with her until his mother got back from Mrs. Kelly’s. She was curious about how come he wasn’t with her going to Mrs.

Kelly’s. He told her that he had caught up with Mom but she was very angry, and had told him come back home and wait for her. Mamie probably wasn’t thrilled about having someone else’s kid sitting on her porch taking up her afternoon. He thought it was a little odd that he didn’t get invited inside and for lemonade and cookies, but he was also well-trained enough to know that “good little boys” did not go around asking old lady neighbors for lemonade and cookies. He learned a couple of important lessons about mothers, and maybe about women in general, that day: He learned that if you make them angry, they will leave you behind; He learned that if you don’t do what they tell you to do, they will leave you behind; He learned that if you make them angry and don’t do what they tell you to do, they can make you leave them. That’s really quite a lot of power, don’t you think? He learned he could ﬁnd a replacement for the short term, but it wasn’t quite the same, and there is no lemonade and cookies. (Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter.)

Quail Valley’s Michael Matson really makes waves

Michael Matson and Brian Krauskopf By LISA GLENN You might have seen the article about the oarsmen crossing the Atlantic in the Houston Chronicle earlier this month and thought “Wow, that’s amazing,” yet what you probably didn’t know was that the crew’s captain, Michael Matson, grew up and still resides in Quail Valley, here in Fort Bend County. Matson, 32, and his crew David Alviar, 31, and Brian

Krauskopf, 28, of Houston are the ﬁrst Texas rowboat crew to complete the Talisker Whisky Challenge rowboat race across the Atlantic Ocean, a mentally and physically taxing 3,000-mile journey that lasted 49 days, 14 hours and four minutes. The three men, who have become known as the American Oarsmen, set out on December 14, 2016 from San Sebastian de La Gomera on the

This photo was taken by a sailboat passing them in the night.

island of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands off the coast of North Africa and reached port about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday February 1st, 2017 at Nelson’s Dockyard English Harbour, about 300 miles east of San Juan Puerto Rico. The trio invested close to $200,000 and over two years preparing for this challenge. Matson, a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, is no stranger to the ocean and is adept in navigation, having experienced nuclear submarines and amphibious assault ships. He honed his rowing skills as a member of the Naval Academy’s Heavyweight Crew and coached the Rice Rowing Club with David Alviar. Krauskopf, the third member of the team, manages ROW Studios, a rowing gym where Alviar is an instructor. Rowing from Clear Lake to Galveston Island and in the Gulf of Mexico near Surfside was how the three trained for the six plus week muscle wrenching row. Anne, their custom-made 22-foot rowboat, was named after Anne McCormick Sullivan, a friend of Matson’s and one of four Houston firefighters who died in a 2013 south-

State transportation agency pays tribute to a collaborative history of moving people, goods across the Lone Star State To honor the past while anticipating the future, the Texas Department of Transportation celebrates a century of service this year with a traveling exhibit and other events to highlight the agency’s ongoing mission of connecting Texans to what matters most – the people they love and the places they need to be. “Through 100 years of collaboration and leadership, TxDOT has helped connect communities to commerce and people to opportunity by building and maintaining the backbone of our healthy economy — now the tenth-largest in the world,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “That robust transportation system paves the way to prosperity for more families and more businesses each and every day. On behalf of the people of Texas, I congratulate TxDOT on their first 100 years and look forward to continuing our work to accelerate economic opportunity and fuel Texans’ freedom to aspire.” As the state’s economy and population continue to grow, TxDOT remains committed to meeting Texas’ ongoing and ever-changing transportation needs. In the early 1900s, the goal was connecting farms and ranches to market; today, it’s safely moving goods and a population of more than 27 million across a nationleading 80,000 miles of statemaintained roadways – even in the midst of historic growth in our population and trade. “A century ago, Texas’ state highway system was estabwest Houston hotel fire. Matson and Sullivan had previously served together on the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department and the boat’s last appearance before it was shipped to the race was at the dedication of the Anne Sullivan Elementary School here in the Fort Bend Independent School District. Before the race, the Anne was designated an official Texas Navy vessel by the Texas Navy Association and also became the first official Texas Navy vessel to complete the race. Made in Essex, U. K., the $70,000 boat was shipped to Houston where it was outfitted at True North Marine in Kemah with a high tech water purifier that converted ocean water to life affirming fresh water. The vessel was also equipped with navigation electronics powered by solar panels that also charged batteries that kept the equipment

lished to get Texans out of the mud,” said Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Tryon Lewis. “Now, under the leadership of Gov. Abbott, and with the support of the Legislature, the Transportation Commission is dedicated to getting Texans out of traffic jams and moving them as safely and efficiently as possible to their destinations, and then back to their loved ones.” To commemorate this 100year milestone, TxDOT invites the public to visit its centennial website. The public also is invited to “Track the Truck” and join in the celebration as a refurbished, 27-foot-long 1918 Liberty Truck makes its way across the state as part of a traveling exhibit that tells the district-by-district story of the agency’s 100-year history. Along with the truck, the exhibit will feature historical photos and a visual timeline highlighting significant dates and achievements. “We are extremely grateful for the century of support from our elected leaders and citizens who most recently authorized measures to increase highway funding, which will allow us to deliver new projects to keep Texans moving for the next 100 years,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Our traveling centennial exhibit affords us a great opportunity to thank the public and share a uniquely historical perspective of how our roadways have evolved from their early beginnings into the expansive network we know today.” The TxDOT Story Born as the Texas Highway Department on April 4, 1917, the earliest incarnation of the Texas Department of Transportation was tasked with a challenge that continues today – there’s a lot of ground to

cover in Texas. In its first nine months, the Texas Highway Department registered nearly 200,000 automobiles and drew the first official map showing the routes of 8,865 miles of improved roadways that would tie Texas together. As Texas grew, so did the department’s responsibilities. In the 1970s, its scope would stretch beyond roads and highways to local and regional public transit providers. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the agency was assigned additional duties, including aviation and railroads along with ports and waterways. It also was given a new identity – the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT for short. Today, TxDOT continues to address the state’s ongoing and growing transportation needs. From its humble beginnings of 10 employees and a 1918 construction project creating a 20-mile road between Falfurrias and Encino to the world’s first precast network arch bridge in Fort Worth, TxDOT has grown into one of the state’s largest agencies with more than 11,000 team members maintaining 80,000 miles of Texas roadways. It’s been a century of service and TxDOT looks forward to the next 100 years of connecting Texans to what matters most.

running in the deep dark of night. Missing the Christmas holidays yet home before Valentine’s Day, the three American Oarsmen were met by emotional family and friends. Matson’s Elkins High School sweetheart and wife Sami, his two young children, parents, sister and other family members were at the port to welcome him home with open arms.

Mary Beth, Matson’s mom, said “It’s been very exciting to say the least,” and relayed there was a 70 pound weight loss between the three men who were bearded, sore & blistered yet elated to have met the challenge where they have now been entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the “ﬁrst and fastest trio to cross the Atlantic.”

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, it delivers a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods.

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.

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • Page 5

News

Sugar Land Cultural Kite Festival Set for March 4 Vibrant kites will once again ﬁll the sky at the ninth annual Cultural Kite Festival hosted in partnership with Republic Services on Saturday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the new Brazos River Park and Festival Site. The new location and premier partnership promises an array of festive activities and entertainment throughout the event. Activities will include a giant, interactive 65 foot obstacle course, two 24 foot rock walls, amusement rides, face painting, henna tattoos and

much more for the entire family to enjoy. Throughout the event, children will be able to create their own kites at the kite-making workshop, enjoy kite-ﬂying lessons and participate in several kite competitions for all ages. There is no cost to enter the kite competition. Registration may be completed at www. sugarlandtx.gov/specialevents or onsite at the times listed below. First- , second- and thirdplace trophies will be awarded

The George Foundation announces a new Special Programs Director

The George Foundation is excited to announce Ammie Blahuta as Director of Special Programs. In this newly created position, Ammie will be responsible for leading the Foundation’s special programs including Youth in Philanthropy (YIP), Leadership Excellence for Nonproﬁts, and the Foundation’s scholarship programs. Ammie will also support the mission by strengthening the Foundation’s relationships with nonproﬁts and other community stakeholders through collaboration and community engagement. “We are thrilled to bring Ammie’s talent and passion for community service to the Foundation to help continue the George’s legacy of giving” stated Roger Adamson, CEO of The George Foundation. Ammie will work closely with long-time Foundation employee, Dee Koch, over the next year to transition leadership responsibilities of these special programs in anticipation of Dee’s retirement. Ammie is a Fort Bend County native and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Consumer and Family Science from Purdue University. Upon graduation, Ammie served in a variety of market-

for each category. Largest Kite 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 11 a.m. winners announced Smallest Kite 11 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Noon winners announced Most Unusual/Unique Kite Noon 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m. winners announced Highest Flying Kite 1 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2 p.m. winners announced Chalk Art 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Other entertainment includes walk-around characters

Free income tax ﬁling help at Fort Bend County Libraries

Fort Bend County Libraries will again host representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), who will provide free income-tax-preparation assistance for low-income taxpayers at several locations in the Fort Bend County library system through April 18. Income-tax forms will no longer be available at the libraries, but patrons may use the libraries’ computers and printers to download and print out the forms from the IRS website, www. irs.gov, during regular library hours. A library card is needed to use the printers, and the cost to print is 10¢ per black-andwhite page. Patrons should bring the following information to the session if possible: a photo ID; Social Security card(s) for self, spouse, and all dependents; last year’s tax return; W-2, 1099s, and any other compensation received in 2016; unemployment compensation statements; and any other documents that are necessary to complete your return. March’s schedules are as follows: •George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond: Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27; 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p..m. Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. •Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Center Boulevard, Katy; Meeting Room 1: Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27; 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. •Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge; Meeting Room: Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, 27; 1:00 to 4:00 p.m Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 1:00 to 4:00 pm. •First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land; Conference Room: Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28; 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. •Missouri City Branch Library, 1530 Texas Parkway; Meeting Room: Tuesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28; 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. •Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library, 8100 FM 359 South, Fulshear; Meeting Room: Fridays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 1:00 to 4:00 pm. •University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land; Conference Room 1: Saturdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. The income-tax-preparation assistance is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call the library system’s Public Information Office at 281-633-4734.

Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd. Shuttle services will be provided for the general public and will run continuously between the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land and the Sugar Land Festival Site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Limited handicap parking will be available at the park. The city of Sugar Land, Republic Services and all other sponsors are extremely excited to host this event for the entire Sugar Land community.

“Republic Services will not only make way for additional enhancements needed for the new site but they will also sponsor all of their equipment that will be used to make this event possible,” says Sugar Land’s Event Coordinator Shondra Holmes. For more information about the event, contact Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department at (281) 275-2885 or visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/ specialevents for a complete listing of events.

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 February 1, 2017, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in March, 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 #

Blahuta ing and management roles with Sysco Food Services and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory before joining Hudson Building Systems as the company’s Business Development Manager in 2009. Ammie is also the cofounder of Gigi’s Playhouse Sugar Land, a nonproﬁt organization with the mission to empower individuals with Down syndrome to reach their highest potential. Gigi’s oﬀers thirty direct educational and therapeutic programs to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the Fort Bend community in an inviting and uplifting environment – all free of charge. Ammie lives in Sugar Land with her husband Keith and their two children, Keaton and Sadie.

and stilt walkers who will also roam the park enticing the crowd with their visual artistry and movement. The cultural performance stage sponsored by Primeway Federal Credit Union will come to life with cultural performances from local area groups. All activities and entertainment are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be sold by local onsite food vendors. In addition to the new location change, public parking will be available at the Smart

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

05-DCV146419 11/16/16

005702040000090 FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL VS. 8 VIOLA B. ALLEN, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

UDI 19.58%, MORE OR LESS, IN & TO LT 2, BRAGG SUBD, LT 26 , JOS. MCCORMICK LEAGUE (PRAIRIE), VOL 69, PG 272*

$30,560.00

14-DCV214209 11/16/16

001800000061090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017

H CHRIESMAN SURV, ABST18, 1 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, VOL 317, PG 172*

$37,300.00

$6,200.00

14-DCV217725 06/24/16

008511001320490 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 3 ALONZO JOHNICAN, JR., ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

UNDIVIDED 16.67% INTEREST IN & TO 29.71 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, SHELBY FRAZIER AND MCCORMICK LEAGUE, ABST 85, VOL 198, PG 622 & VOL 340, PG 214*

$34,870.00

$9,400.00

14-DCV218537 10/07/16

739500012009090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017

$95,400.00

$11,500.00

15-DCV225890 11/09/16

025400000051090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 6 HENRY M. HOLLAWAY, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

0.4300 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, H & TC .RR. CO. SURV, ABST 254, VOL 535, PG114*

$84,260.00

$8,700.00

15-DCV227408 11/09/16

BAYOU PARK, LT 4, VOL 15, PG 13*

$178,060.00

$85,000.00

16-DCV229355 11/16/16

$223,590.00

$17,000.00

16-DCV233254 11/21/16

140100000004090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017 646012001008090 1 JANUARY 27, 2017 001100000332890 6 JANUARY 27, 2017

$56,550.00

$4,400.00

Sale # 9

Cause # Judgment Date 16-DCV233379 11/09/16

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. DEONDRA LYNNE JACKSON, AKA DEONDRA J JACKSON, ET AL

LTS 8,9 & E 10 FT OF LT 10, BLK FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 12, CITY OF RICHMOND, VOL A, BRENDA J. MATHIS, AKA PG 62* BRENDA DAVIS MATHIS AKA BRENDA DAVIS CARTER, ET AL

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MELBOURNE H. LOEB, AKA MELBOURNE HERBERT LOEB, ET AL

RIVERPARK SEC 12, BLK 1, LT 8, FORT BEND COUNTY VS. AGHAEGBUNA ODELUGO, AKA REC'D IN SLIDE NO. 2208/A* AGHAEGBUNA CHIBUIKE ODELUGO, ET AL FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MORRIS LEO WOODS, ET AL

3.2460 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, CHARLES A BETTNER ONEQUARTER LEAGUE, ABST 11, CLERK'S FILE NO. 2013011728*

Style of Case

Legal Description

Acct # Order Issue Date

215001011170090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 SHAUN WALLACE SCOTT, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

BRIARGATE SEC 1, BLK 11, LT 17, VOL 6, PG 15* (ACCT 2150010111700907/1938011400017)

Adjudged Value $20,010.00

Estimated Minimum Bid $5,900.00

(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. 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, February 1, 2017 Constable Mike Beard 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

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Jeep Grand Cherokee By BARBARA FULENWIDER Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long deﬁned what a premium SUV should be. For 2017 the Grand Cherokee got a reﬁned exterior design complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps. Jeep capability comes courtesy of four available 4x4 systems, Jeep’s air suspension and traction management systems. The Grand Cherokee boasts best-inclass towing of 7,400 pounds and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1. The six Jeep Grand Cherokee

models are Laredo Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit and SRT. The standard 3.6-liter V6-powered Grand Cherokee, makes up to 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and tows up to 6,200 pounds. The available 5.7-liter V-8 packs 360 horsepower and 390 lb.ft. of torque and can tow up to 7,400 lbs. The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and eight-speed transmission. It has a driving range of more than 730 miles. The best performing onroad Jeep vehicle is the re-

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Lakehead Lane Street Dedication, Section 3 and Reserves, (Grand Mission), 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Harmony Science Academy to add a School Zone on Grand Corner Drive, 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

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 DEC 30, 2016 in cause numbered 15-DCV228343 styled First Colony Community Services Association, Inc.. vs. SUSAN ANNETTE PECK, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 24, 2016 in favor of First Colony Community Services Association, Inc. for the sum of Five Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty One Dollars and Fifty Four Cents ($5951.54); 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 JAN 30, 2017 and will on MAR 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 SUSAN ANNETTE PECK to and in the following described Real Property LOT 601, IN BLOCK SIX(6) OF TOWNS OF GRANTS LAKE,A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S SLIDE NO 598/A AND B PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2808 GRANTS LAKE BLVD NO 601 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: MARCH 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Sergeant 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 DEC 27, 2016 in cause numbered 14DCV-218097 styled SUGAR LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION.. vs. FAKHRI SALEH KHALAF, in which a judgment was rendered on AUG 11, 2015 in favor of SUGAR LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION. for the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Dollars and Thirty Four Cents ($4720.34); 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 Feb 7, 2017 and will on MAR 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 FAKHRI SALEH KHALAF to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWENTY (20), IN BLOCK FOUR(4) OF SUGAR LAKES, SECTION TWO (2) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 1 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,THE PROPERTY ALSO KNOWN 1111 HERON COURT SUGAR LAND, FORT BEND COUNTY TX 77478 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: MARCH 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: SGT M. KUTACH TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 for Meadows Marketplace Amending Plat No. 1, 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 Gerald W. Grissom with Brown and Gay Engineers, Inc. at GGrissom@ bgeinc.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 on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Winding Brook East Drive, north of Shadow Bend Drive, to add “No U-Turn” signs, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Williams Ranch, Section 2 and Section 3, 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.

turned SRT model. Its power comes from a 6.4-liter V-8 that delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Performance includes 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in 16.3 seconds, quarter mile in the mid-13 second range and a top speed of 160 mph. Grand Cherokee SRT features eight drive modes that allow owners to personalize their drive experience whether its on-road or on-track. The drive modes separately control the all-wheel drive system, transmission, paddle shifters, stability control, suspension and steering. Drive modes are pre-conﬁgured for Auto, Sport, Track, Snow and Tow settings via a switch on the center console, while the Custom setting drivers customize their favorite settings. The Auto setting activates automatically when starting the vehicle; Sport delivers more performance; Track delivers maximum vehicle performance on smooth, dry PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Roesner Road from FM 1463 to Katy Flewellen, 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

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: MARCH 7 2017 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Deputy Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

includes more than 70 safety and security features as well as an array of advanced userfriendly technology features, such as Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with integrated climate and infotainment controls and a 7-inch customer conﬁgurable multiview display cluster. The Overland performed ﬁne on all the city streets and freeways I travel, has an eye appealing, well designed interior and plenty of bells and whistles. Amenities include heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear back-up camera, keyless entry, theft deterrent system, stability control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, trailer sway damping, dual zone automatic temperature control, automatic lift gate,

panoramic sunroof, power folding multi-function mirrors and integrated voice command with Bluetooth. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee test drive model was the 4x4 Overland with the 3.6-liter, V6 24-valve, VVT engine. It uses 4.8 gallons per 100 miles and gets 18 mpg in city driving and 25 on the highway. The MSRP is $47,695 with all standard equipment. The Overland topped out at $51,775 with optional equipment and destination charge. Jeep is a legendary name and has come a long, long way since it helped America win World War II. Some even say the Jeep was what won that war. These days Jeep stands out for other reasons than winning a war and continues to get better and better.

NOTICE OF SALE BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

STATE OF TEXAS 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 February 1, 2017, sei ed, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in March, 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 #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

14-DCV217719 11/21/16

955001017694990 7 JANUARY 27, 2017

16-DCV233405 11/08/16

620001005020090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 SHAYLA DENISE NEAL, ET AL JANUARY 27, 2017

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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 December 27, 2016 in cause numbered 14-DCV219453 styled WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs. Basmattie Abraham & Feroze Khan, in which a judgment was rendered on June 4, 2015 in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. for the sum of Four Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety Dollars and Sixty Four Cents ($4,790.64); 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 February 7, 2017 and will on March 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 Basmattie Abraham & Feroze Khan to and in the following described Real Property LOT 01, IN BLOCK 01, OF WATERSIDE ESTATES, SECTION 12, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 20040062, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of WATERSIDE ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

surfaces while Snow delivers its most on snow and ice. Tow delivers more towing performance and Custom allows drivers to personalize the Grand Cherokee’s performance. Eco maximizes fuel economy by limiting the engine to 4,000 rmp to reduce horsepower and torque. It also reworks the transmission to upshift earlier while traction, steering and suspension settings remain locked in Auto mode. All Jeep Grand Cherokee engines are mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission. All Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine improve fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the vehicle completely stops. Amenities such as radio, gauges, heating or air conditioning, etc. continue to operate and the engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake. Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II, with a rear electronic limitedslip differential, detects tire slip and smoothly distributes engine torque to tires with traction. Speed control with hill-ascent and hill-descent lets drivers control Grand Cherokee’s speed up and down steep, rugged grades with only using wheel paddle shifters. The hill-descent control also works when the vehicle is in reverse The Jeep Grand Cherokee

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. SONJA MEHARALI, AKA SONIA JOHNSON AKA SONJA DEE JOHNSON

Legal Description

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

WILLOW PARK, (RES A), SEC 1, TRACT 6949, BLDG SITE 17, VOL 11, PG 5* (ACCT. NO. 9550010176949907/1938008400113)

$34,040.00

$13,000.00

REPLAT OF RIDGEGATE S/D, SEC 1, BLK 5, LT 2, VOL 16, PG 4* ACCT 6200010050200907/1939000900002)

$76,970.00

$9,200.00

(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. 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, February 1, 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

INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 22, 2017 • Page 7

NEWS Texana Center was very Texana Center Receives $10,000 from pleased to receive a $10,000 donation from community Fairmount Santrol partners, Fairmount Santrol.

The funds will be applied to the purchase and construct a new playground speciﬁcally designed for children age 2 to 5 years who attend our applied behavior analysis autism program in Rosenberg. For most children, the playground is typically the ﬁrst place where they engage with other children and with the world at large. Play is important for developing language, appropriate emotional responses, problem solving and creative skills in children as well as the social skills that are the foundation for all rela-

The Exchange Club of Missouri City is proudly hosting their 37th annual St. Paddy’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

ager, Children’s Center for Autism, said “We are very excited about the possibility of having a new playground for our younger clients diagnosed with autism. The current playground has little that interests them and is very outdated and in poor condition. We plan to have a grand opening of the playground as soon as it is built.” Fairmount Santrol has been supporting Texana’s programs since 2014 following an introduction by Fort Bend Cares Foundation. Fairmount Santrol believes in making investments in the communities where they live and work, and Texana has become a beneﬁciary of that investment.

Shrimp Boil & Fish Fry Festival Saturday, April 1, 2017, 11 AM – 2 PM, City Centre at Quail Valley, Missouri City

L to R: Nicole Raﬀerty, Mary Jo Anderson, Ellen Catoe, Senior Manager with Texana Children’s Center for Autism, Tanya Kellner, Brittney Hataway, Tatiana Labinsky, Mary Labinsky and David Tan.

Exchange Club of Missouri City to host St. Paddy’s Day Tourney

tionships. Children with autism may enjoy playing, but they can find some types of play difficult. It is common for them to have very limited play skills; playing with only a few toys, or playing in a repetitive manner. Play often does not come naturally to them, so they have to be specifically taught these very important play skills that seem to come easily to most typically developing children. The Children’s Center for Autism uses applied behavior analysis to carefully assess each child’s individual skills and then develop a program to specifically teach these important activities. Ellen Catoe, Senior Man-

•

Oyster Creek Rotary Club’s 38th community fund raiser – the Shrimp Boil & Fish Fry Festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2017, 11 AM – 2 PM, City Centre at Quail Valley, Missouri City. • Raffle for a $10,000 Gallery Furniture gift certificate. Raffle tickets are $100 each and include two meal tickets. • Individual meal tickets are $20 • Shrimp or catfish meals with all the trimmings • Live and silent auctions • Proceeds from the event are used to fund the various charities supported by the Oyster Creek Rotary Club including $10,000 worth of scholarships, books mailed monthly to over almost 800 local children through the Imagination Library, Project Smile’s school supplies and Christmas gifts for children, Fort Bend Rainbow Room for abused and neglected children and adults, The Arc of Fort Bend County, Child Advocates of Fort Bend County, Hope for Three’s advocacy for autism, and Fort Bend Literacy Council, etc. • Diners can feast on shrimp or catfish with all the trimmings, while enjoying entertainment, fun and bidding on the numerous items offered in the live and silent auctions.

Fore more information, call James Thurmond at 281-261-7915

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • FEBRUARY 22, 2017

SPOTLIGHT Farm-Centric Harvest Green partners with Human Needs Ministry to combat hunger Richmond’s Harvest Green has begun a partnership with East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry that will help provide relief for Fort Bend families in temporary financial crisis. The master-planned community will participate in a number of fundraising activities including the organization’s biggest fundraiser, Fort Bend Empty Bowls. In addition, Harvest Green will donate produce — grown on the community’s Village Farm — to the non-profit organization’s food pantry. “We are thrilled to be able to assist East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry with its mission,” said Shay Shafie, general manager for Harvest Green. “As a leader in the local sustainable food movement, we are happy to share not only the food we grow, but our time and energy as well.” East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry has been a mainstay in the Fort Bend community since 1990, providing food and temporary financial assistance to those in need. “Many people do not think

of Fort Bend County as an area that has hungry people,” said Stacey Williams, community outreach coordinator for the group and Harvest Green resident. “There are many people in this area that need temporary assistance with food or ﬁnancial assistance and we are the place that helps them.” Last year, the ministry distributed more than $885,000 worth of food and provided more than $132,000 in ﬁnancial assistance. Because of the organization’s help, 15,471 children did not go hungry, 439 people were able to remain in their homes and 204 children were prevented from becoming homeless. To continue to provide these services, Williams said the ministry depends on the support of the community, which is why she is excited to partner with Harvest Green. “Harvest Green’s involvement is crucial for the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry,” Williams said. “It will bring awareness to the fact that there are a lot of hungry people in Fort Bend County.” Williams worked with Syl-

via Morgese, Harvest Green’s lifestyle director, to launch the partnership. The pair’s first endeavor was an Empty Bowls fundraiser during which more than 30 residents attended a Bowl Painting Party to create eye-catching bowls that will be sold at the 8th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls event April 28 at Safari Texas Ranch. In addition, the ministry will be the beneficiary of Harvest Green’s Chef Fest, slated for Feb. 25. The celebration of local food and local chefs will tie in with the efforts of the ministry and provide an opportunity for children to get involved at a Kid’s Sack tent. “They will create bags of food specifically for kids who don’t have the resources to afford a lunch,” Williams said. “Those bags will go into full food orders of families with children. We are asking for donations of kid-friendly food such as granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, apple sauce and juice.’ Williams expects more than 15,000 children will receive

Residents of Harvest Green recently attended a party to paint bowls for the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry 8th Annual Fort Bend Empty Bowls event. The party launched a partnership between the organization and Richmond development, which will be donating produce to the organization and helping raise money to feed the hungry in Fort Bend County. food as a result of the donations. Shaﬁe said he looks forward to working with the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry as the Harvest Green community grows. “It’s wonderful

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May God Bless our Men and Women in the Military

to see our community rally around this cause,” he said. “Our residents understand that they are fortunate to be a part of Harvest Green and want to pay it forward.” For more information about

the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, visit http:// www.humanneeds.org. For more information about Harvest Green, visit www.harvestgreentexas.com.