Fort Bend Independent 030817

VOL 10 No. 10

email: editor@ independent.com

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Phone: 281-980-6745

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

K-9 Deputy Rudy catches culprits

For the second time in two days, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested a suspect who is believed to be involved in several Burglaries of Motor Vehicles.

At 6:10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call concerning a subject looking into vehicles and hiding by houses. When a deputy arrived in the area, the subject ran, but by then multiple deputies were in the area and set up a perimeter.

Residents participated in the incident by calling the Sheriff’s Office when the subject was seen.

Omar K. Hassan, 21, of Katy was arrested in the Firethorrne subdivision. K-9 Rudy located the subject hiding in a pool house in the 2200 block of Draycutt Drive. Hassan also has an outstanding warrant for Burglary of a Habitation.

On Monday, Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man who was suspected of burglarizing motor vehicles in the Grand Mission subdivision. Patrick Gifford was arrested and charged with Burglary of a Motor Vehicle.

“They can run and they can hide, but when one of our K-9 Deputies such as K-9 Deputy Rudy is on their trail, the suspects don’t stand a chance,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “We’re very proud of our deputies, including K-9 Deputy Rudy. A job well done by all.”

Bark for Life raises funds to combat cancer

Pennie Mahon demonstrates the amazing skills of Psych, the 2012 Skyhoundz Disc Dog World Champion, during the recent Bark for Life event in Riverstone. Photo credit: Stephanie Cheney Photography

Bark for Life organizer and Riverstone Lifestyle Director Nick Deacon and Claire Perrott pose with one of the many rescue dogs brought to the Bark for Life event by the Fort Bend County Animal Services. Photo credit: Stephanie Cheney Photography

Hundreds of pooches and their people gathered in Riverstone Feb. 25 raising thousands for the American Cancer Society.

The inaugural Bark for Life walk of Riverstone presented by Lake Olympia Animal Hospital raised nearly $4,500, celebrating cancer survivorship — human and canine — and honoring the care-giving qualities of four-legged companions while

supporting the mission of the American Cancer Society.

“We are very happy with this first year and hope continued online donations will help us reach our goal of $5,000 by the end of March,” said Nick Deacon, lifestyle director for Riverstone and the event leader for Relay for Life.

Bark for Life is a dog-friendly version of the annual Relay for Life, a signature fundraiser

of the American Cancer Society that takes place from noon to midnight, Saturday, April 1, at Edward Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land.

After the Bark for Life walk, event-goers enjoyed a performance by the Houston Disc Dogs, were able to meet dogs and deputies with the Fort Bend County K-9 unit, could meet with an onsite veterinarian and have their dogs’ nails trimmed

by Pet Spa Mobile Grooming.

Face painters, balloon twisters, bounce houses gave children plenty to do.

Registration for Relay for Life is ongoing. Teams and individuals can register at relayforlife.org/greaterfortbendtx or by phoning 1-800-227-2345.

For more information about Riverstone, which offers homes priced from the $300,000s, visit www.riverstone.com.

Lee Cantos, RN, and Ranjeetha Reddy, RN, were named Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s DAISY Award winners, a national honor that recognizes the contributions of extraordinary nurses.

Cantos was nominated by a number of patients, who praised her kindness and willingness to provide compassionate care. One patient wrote that she was scared during her first night in the hospital, but Cantos went out of her way to make her feel secure.

“I was worried about being left alone because my family was unable to spend the night,” the patient wrote on her nomination form. “Lee quickly calmed my fears. She kneeled down at the side of my bed and explained everything about the unit. She was kind and considerate. She listened and answered all the questions that my daughters and I had. By the time she finished, I knew I was in good hands and my daughters felt better having to leave me alone. Throughout that night she kept her promise.

She was there constantly monitoring my heart rate and blood pressure. She took great care of me. My family and I thank her for being a nurse committed to excellent patient care.”

Reddy was also nominated by several of her patients, who

commented on her comforting and gentle nature. One patient in particular spoke of her recent diagnosis of acute leukemia, and the struggles she faced in dealing with the reality of both the illness and the treatment.

“Ranjeetha is amazingly comforting as she cares for you,” the patient wrote. “Her care and concern for every detail is extraordinary. She has taken the time to get to know me and how I respond to things. She anticipates my anxiousness and heads it off with encouragement I can trust. I feel so confident when she cares for me, and it allows me to remain positive with my treatments. My doctor is so pleased with my response to the chemotherapy, and I owe that to her. I wouldn’t have made it this far without her.”

In honor of the DAISY Award selection, Cantos and Reddy received a certificate of appreciation, a DAISY Award pin, a beautiful sculpture titled “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona tribe in Zimbabwe and a reserved parking spot.

The DAISY Foundation was

established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from an autoimmune disease. The care the Barnes family received from nurses inspired this unique award as a way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Today, more than 1,300 hospitals across the U.S. participate in the program.

“We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in the DAISY Award program,” said Janet Leatherwood, Chief Nursing Officer. “Nurses like Lee and Ranjeetha are everyday heroes who demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise and compassionate care, and we are excited to be able to recognize them – and our future winners – as outstanding role models for the nursing profession.”

To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, please visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland, and visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland to congratulate these nurses on their award.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital honors outstanding nurses with the DAISY Award

DAISY Award Recipient, Ranjeetha Reddy, RN, with the DAISY Award Committee

DAISY Award Recipient, Lee Cantos, RN, with her children and the DAISY Award Committee

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 8, 2017

REAL ESTATE Following a year of robust home sales that placed Sienna Plantation among the nation’s top-selling master-planned communities, the Fort Bend development has been ranked No. 4 on a list of the Houston area’s most active residential developments.

Sienna ranked No. 4 on the list, published recently by the

Houston Business Journal and based on 2016 construction starts. Builders started 364 homes in Sienna Plantation last year. The community was one of four Johnson Development projects included among the top 10.

In January, Sienna Plantation was named among the nation’s 30 top-selling devel-

Sienna Plantation ranks among Houston’s most active master-planned communities opments by two independent research firms, John Burns Real Estate Consulting and Robert Charles Lesser & Co. It was Sienna’s seventh consecutive year to rank among the 30 best-selling communities.

“We are celebrating 20 years of home sales this year and still remain one of the area’s — and nation’s — top developments,” said Alvin San Miguel, General Manager of Sienna Plantation. “Beyond our beautiful homes, Fort Bend location, on-site schools and retail, we offer a vibrant lifestyle that is unmatched elsewhere. People want to be a Sienna resident and have all that goes along with that.”

Sienna Plantation currently has three recreation complexes with a fourth — the Sawmill Lake Club — opening this year. Other amenities include resort-style waterparks, the 160-acre Camp Sienna sports park, the Sienna Plantation Golf Club, hiking and biking trails and numerous neighborhood parks.

Also under construction in the community are two Fort Bend Independent School

District schools — Leonetti Elementary opening in August and Thornton Middle School slated to open in 2018. Builders offer new homes priced from the $280,000s.

Sienna Plantation Opens Homes for March Tours Yard signs are popping up in Sienna Plantation this month directing prospective homebuyers to new and existing homes for sale within the Fort Bend community.

During the New and Preowned Home Showcase, 20 model homes showcasing designs for patio homes, garden homes and executive homes will be open weekends. Sixteen of the models are found in Sienna’s newest enclave, the Village of Sawmill Lake.

Designs are priced from the $280,000s.

Open houses for more than 30 existing homes for sale in Sienna also will be held.

“The showcase is an excellent opportunity for buyers who want to live in Sienna Plantation, but prefer an es-

tablished neighborhood,” said Alvin San Miguel general manager for Sienna Plantation. “While technically not ‘new,’ our re-sale homes typically are less than five years old. Many are on the market only because the current owners are moving into another home within Sienna.”

Builder and Realtor yard signs will identify which homes are participating in the tour, plus prospective buyers can stop by the Sienna Plantation Homefinder Center, 5777 Sienna Parkway, for

more information. The existing homes can be previewed online at www.HAR.com.

Sienna Plantation, which is celebrating 20 years as one of Fort Bend’s most active communities, offers residents a number of amenities including seven pools, numerous parks and trails, the Club Sienna Amphitheater and numerous family-friendly activities including a monthly farmers market.

Learn more at www.siennaplantation.com.

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

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 8, 2017 • Page 3

NEWS Missouri City hosts ďŹ rst MCTX FEST – Celebration of Food, Music and Art on April 8 This spring, the “Show Me Cityâ€? is set to host its First Annual MCTX FEST—a new Parks & Recreation initiative that will feature an exciting day full of live music, art, and food for residents and visitors.

The festival of fun will take place on Saturday, April 8 from noon to 9 p.m. at 5855 Sienna Springs Way. This ďŹ rst-of-its-kind celebration will allow guests to try food from local restaurants such as Brandani’s and Soto’s Kitchen, and stroll through an art market, showcasing creations of local artisans. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music by festival headliner Blue Water Highway and dance the

day away to other musicians such as GriďŹƒn House. “Last fall, we had the opportunity to promote Missouri City as an entertainment destination with our ďŹ rst annual Community Night Out in the City Hall complex.

This spring, we are launching MCTX Fest as an all-day, premier music festival in line with eorts by our new 501Š3 Parks Foundation and Parks and Recreation Department to brand the City as a prime tourist destination,â€? City Manager Anthony Snipes said. “We are excited to share the great combination of food, music and art with the public in an exciting and groundbreaking way for

the Show Me City.�

Entry for the festival is free, though food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The full list of musical artists includes: Blue Water Highway GriďŹƒn House Aaron Sinclair Cari Q Bourbon Street Band CampďŹ re Soul Additional food vendors include Old Hickory Inn Barbecue, O the Vine Bistro, Ula’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Hoggs N’ Chicks, Red Oak Grill and refreshments from B’s Wine Bar. More than 20 vendors including Linda Wagner, Tim Herschbach and

Heather Chappelear will also have art and goods displayed for attendees to enjoy when they’re not dancing to the day’s live music acts.

Food and art/goods vendor applications are now available; for more information, visit the City website: www. missouricitytx.gov or email Recreation Specialist Julia Montgomery at julia.montgomery@missouricitytx.gov.

For updates,visit the City website, Facebook—fb/ MissouriCityTX, follow on Twitter and Instagram—@ MissouriCityTX, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

FBISD Superintendent receives Department of Defense Patriot Award Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre was recently awarded the National Guard and Reserve Patriot Award in recognition of his continuous support of FBISD employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) representatives Wyvette McLendon and Tom Samson presented the Patriot Award to Dr. Dupre at the FBISD Administration Building. The award is granted based on a nomination by a Guard or Reserve member. “I feel exceptionally honored that Capt. Holliday nominated me for the Patriot Award,� Dupre said. “I feel privileged to lead an organization that is known for supporting our members of the Guard and Reserves as they serve to protect our freedoms and preserve a bright future for our nation.�

Capt. Jeanene Holliday nominated Dr. Dupre for supporting her as she simultaneously serves as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Army Reserve (USAR) and works full-time as the Teen Leadership, Student Council and PALS instructor at FBISD’s Missouri City Middle School. “Dr. Dupre is an inspirational leader who not only believes in the professional development and training of all FBISD employees, but he also understands the value and complexity of the Army Reserve Soldier as an FBISD employee,� Holliday expressed. “As a district leader, his support of the U.S. military is an invaluable contribution to our community and society.�

Wyvette McLendon, Texas ESGR Area 2 Chair,

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) representatives Wyvette McLendon and Tom Samson present the Patriot Award to Dr. Dupre, left, at the FBISD Administration Building. expressed what an honor it is - and a happy part of their job to be able to present the Patriot award. “We are grateful that your District supports our Reservists and has their backs when they are deployed for service,�

McLendon said.

The ESGR representatives also presented a Statement of Support to signify FBISD’s commitment to supporting military personnel.

By signing a Statement of Support, the District pledges that: •We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. •We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to eectively

manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. •We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills Service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans. •We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families, in peace, in crisis, and in war.

ESGR, a Department of Defense program, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

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Rotary Club of Rosenberg

Check presentation:The Rotary Club of Rosenberg presented a check for $750 to the local Boy Scouts of America. President-elect Billy Guerrero III, left, presented the check to Marquie Fontenot of the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. The donation was made in honor of the late Dick Oldmixon, who was a longtime Rosenberg Rotary Club member. Oldmixon was a big supporter of the area Boy Scouts of America and the club has continued to support the scouting program in his honor.

The Rotary Club of Rosenberg inducted a new member Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Joe Hubenak, center, was inducted into the Rosenberg Rotary Club. Bradley Stavinoha, left, brought in the new member and President-elect Billy Guerrero III, right, inducted the new member. The Rosenberg Rotary Club meets at noon on Wednesdays at the Ol’ Railroad CafÊ in historic downtown Rosenberg.

FILM REVIEW: Logan I had too much fun partying this past weekend to slow down enough to write a review for “Logan.� But I can tell you that if you like the other ten movies about The Wolverine in the X-Men series played by the hunky Hugh Jackman and his ripped body, then you will probably like “Logan.� The older and wiser super-hero with the long claws that slice and dice the bad guys.

I’ve read only rave reviews about this ick and my friends and family seem to like it, but what do they know. A lot actually, and I’m listening to them.

Some ďŹ lm critics start breathing their own air and believe that their opinions are infallible. And I am convinced that my opinions are always accurate; for me. From my perspective. Accurate; if I’m being truthful which is the baseline for a movie critic.

Here’s the truth: I didn’t like this movie; the story was slow, simple, sophomoric, and unengaging. It’s a pretty movie and the acting was believable and Hugh Jackman performed admirably in what he is calling his swan song. “That it’s for me as The Wol-

verine; somebody else might play the part but I’m out,� as shared by Jackman on “Live with Kelly� last week when he was plugging the movie.

Something worked. Opening weekend box oďŹƒce results: $88.3 million US and $247.3 million globally. That’s some serious jack, Jack.

I blame director James Mangold who is also credited

with the story. And that’s the problem, Jimmy Boy. The story sucked and I wasn’t buying what you were selling. I know you were also the director for the equally successful “�The Wolverine� in 2013, so you should have known better.

Ok, I hear you laughing all the way to the bank, but I’m still right. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 74. Larry H.

30-day jail term for second DWI Robert Bradley Jones was convicted of Driving While Intoxicated – second Oense by a jury on February 22, after deliberating for approximately an hour and a half.

Presiding Judge Jerey A. McMeans then sentenced the 49-year old Richmond man to 30 days in the county jail.

Jones was charged with the crime in 2015 after drawing the attention of a Fort Bend County Sheri’s Deputy with his erratic driving near the intersection of Hwy. 90-A and Pitts Road.

A 2008 black Audi caught the attention of Fort Bend County Sheri’s Sergeant Beckworth

around 11 p.m. on July 24, 2015 because of some swerving and the suspect’s tire riding the striped yellow lines.

Sgt. Beckworth, with over two decades of law enforcement experience, pulled the vehicle over and observed Jones to have red glossy eyes, slow and calculated speech, and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the defendant’s breath.

Beckworth’s subsequent investigation led to the defendant’s admission to drinking three margaritas and three vodkas at a local bar. Evaluating Jones further with standardized ďŹ eld tests, the

deputy concluded the defendant was intoxicated. Prosecutor Michael Hanson said Sgt. Beckworth demonstrated diligence by answering tough questions during a tough cross-examination by a skilled defense attorney. Sgt. Beckworth was also diligent in his investigation. Ultimately, he arrived at a decision that even the defendant agreed with that night, and a decision the jury agreed with now. Driving While Intoxicated in this case is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by 30 days to one year in jail and/or a ďŹ ne up to $4,000. Jones was eligible to receive probation.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 8, 2017

OPINION

WHEN MY DADDY WENT TO WAR...

First WWII combat gliders

By CAROLYN BOWDEN America needed a way to quietly slip troops and equipment behind enemy lines.

The Waco CG-4A Gliders were built with no engine and unarmed.

Because they flew, landing under the cover of darkness, into predetermined locations, they were able to surprise Hitler’s Fortress Europe.

This was before helicopters.

The glider, at that time, was state-of-the-art as far as void of noise, pinpoint landings and could carry troops and their needed equipment. Safe landings meant ALL soldiers & equipment on board could immediately be unloaded, regrouped and move out, instead of searching for scattered paratroopers.

GLIDER NICKNAMES: The pilots and infantry paratroopers had colorful names for these planes.

“FLYING COFFINS” or “TOW TARGETS” due to the fact that each glider landing was similar to a “plane crash” and the Gliders had little protection from enemy fire. There was no insulation to block the noise of C-47 tow plane engines that typically flew in groups, wind and rain and the constant enemy shelling of the gliders.

One common name did not fit the gliders: “Silent Wings” which was only true when they were released from the tow planes that would immediately return to their base, leaving the glider

Bowden pilots to land safely on their own.

OFF TO WAR IN A PLYWOOD BOX: Inside the gliders were limited provisions for the troops’ safety and none for their comfort.

Only four basic instruments (pilots found unreliable) on the control panel. The gliders were subjected to air pockets and 40 mph winds.

When the glider pilot released the tow line attached to the nose of the glider the plane began to immediately descend. At that time, the enemy fire became constant and focused on “hitting” the pilots before they could land, thereby endangering all aboard.

No parachutes were on board for soldiers to use which meant the troops were trained to protect their pilots.

For example, placing an extra flak jacket for the pilots to sit on if plane was being shelled from below.

F L A K JACKETS were not always bulletproof, just a protective vest first used in WWll. The original was nothing more than nylon vests

with steel plates sewn inside.

They were first worn by gunners in Army Air Corps but proved too heavy for mobile ground troops.

WWll CG-4A DESIGN: It was constructed of steel tubing and canvas skin.

The “honey combed” plywood floor had a crash absorption structure for added strength. This had composite materials fabricated by attaching two thin skins to a lightweight core to support 4,000 pounds and could carry two pilots and up to 13 soldiers OR heavy equipment with a skeleton crew to operate jeeps, small cannons, and similar vehicles.

The nose section opened to create a five by six cargo door. Airspeed was 150 mph while being towed. When the 300 feet of 1” nylon rope was released by the glider pilot the airspeed dropped to 72 mph. The Waco CG-4A Glider was the first and the last.

At the end of WWll it was no longer used.

Today only a few “restored” gliders exist and less than 200 living pilots.

82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION GLIDER PILOTS & SOLDIERS: They were attracted to this position because of officer’s pay and an opportunity to fly. They needed to be “risk takers, fearless and courageous. Landing a glider during combat was a humbling experience. “It gave a man RELIGION”!

AIR MEDALS: Gliders had a role in Allied Invasions of Sicily, Burma, Southern France, Bastogne and Crossing of the Rhine into Germany in 1945. Pilots that participated in Normandy landings were awarded the AIR MEDAL. The glider-men wore wings insignia with a Capital “G” stamped in the center. It stood for “glider” but, if asked, glider-men would state: “It Really stood for “GUTS”.

AWESOME YOUTUBE “GLIDER” SHORT FILMS: Watch Gliders Flying in Formation on DDay 1944. www.google.com “Gliders Landing in Holland for Invasion of the Netherland” Plus 20+ Films of additional Gliders in “live” action NEXT COLUMN: March 22 – WW II “Victory Mail” OR “V-Mail”

“More attractive scenario” in special education

By KRISTIN TASSIN Ask almost any parent of a child with a disability in Texas and they will tell you, special education in Texas is broken.

The system is set up to dissuade schools from identifying students who need special education services because of implied “caps” on how many students should be served or financial constraints to providing services.

When students are identified as needing special education services, the common response from schools is “we have a place for that.” In most cases, there is an automatic reaction by schools to segregate these students out of the regular education classroom, away from their peers, directly contrary to educational best practice and federal law.

Most parents have to fight every day to ensure their child is receiving basic, legally required services. Parents of children with disabilities are desperate to find help for their child – any help. This is a tragedy in Texas, but the bigger tragedy is that some state lawmakers are capitalizing on the desperation of this vulnerable group and using them as a reason to pass school vouchers.

I read recently that Senate Education Chair Larry Taylor and Rep. Ron Simmons claim that school vouchers (or “Education Savings Accounts”) would offer students with disabilities “a more attractive scenario” and even promote having separate “special needs charter schools.”

As a mother who has fought for inclusive education for my daughter for over eleven years, I am shocked and discouraged to hear lawmakers proposing legislation that would segregate my child in private or charter schools as an appropriate educational solution.

The “more attractive scenario” for my child is for lawmakers to make sure public schools are following the laws they have already passed, which require that she be educated with her typical peers. Every study that has ever been done supports the fact that inclusive education is better for students with disabilities than being educated apart from typical peers.

Why then would lawmakers support proposals that contradict what we know is best for students with disabilities?

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently referred to some students

INSURANCE

Benefits of hiring a water restoration company

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT If your home has suffered from water damage, you will need to move quickly to have your residence fully restored.

Most homeowners have homeowners insurance which would assist with the cost of restoration and repairs if the resulting damage is over your policy Clause 2 – All Other Perils Deductible.

Even if the damage appears to be an event which you will claim on your insurance do not wait around to get restoration started.

The insurance company only pays the costs of the restoration covered over your deductible they do not provide the restoration process for you.

The best water damage restoration companies offer complete services that will restore your home to its former condition. Going it alone and trying to repair the damage yourself or worse, ignoring what has happened to your home in the belief that when it dries out everything will be

fine may lead to a far worse condition than the original water damage itself.

If the water damage is smaller call the restoration company first and they can typically let you know rather quickly if the total cost of restoration is going to be over your deductible. It is typically not recommended to file an insurance claim if the costs for restoration will be below your deductible.

What is important when this happens is to make sure that the clean-up, repair and restoration gets started and completed as soon as possible following the damage.

The major restoration companies are typically experienced at working home insurance claims so they can assist in documenting the necessary damages if an insurance claim needs to be filed and many times will work directly with Insurance Adjusters on your behalf to assist in getting your claim expedited.

When time is limited and you are confused about the

Housewright mess, the best thing to do is to hire a professional water damage restoration contractor within 24 hours of the event.

There are many benefits to hiring a licensed contractor over doing the project yourself. Some of them are described below in detail.

Hiring a contractor typically can meet any challenge pertaining to water damage.

These professionals usually can do the entire process of cleanup and restoration quickly and without hassles because they carry the necessary equipment to complete the job.

Furthermore, they usually employ many workers to get it done quickly and handle several aspects of damage as well.

Restoration professionals should know the techniques to prevent mold and mildew from growing on walls, cabinets, windows, doors, basements and other places where water has made its way. They typically use industrial grade cleaners and safe disinfectants to ensure there is no danger from these elements to you or your family’s health in the future.

If untreated or handled by you, you will be risking health and property value, so it is always best left to professionals. They should take care of preliminary water damage and make sure secondary water damage in the form of potentially harmful fungi and mold never happens.

Some contractors offer reconstruction help as part of their restoration services or they are in partnership with other professionals to do it.

inclusive education allows children with disabilities the opportunity to be productive citizens, contributors to the Texas economy, and demand that public schools prepare them to be part of it?

Tassin being “trapped in a school that can’t help [them] get over a disability.”

Schools are not required to help students “get over [their] disability,” but are required to provide special education supports and services to help children learn despite their disability.

If students are “trapped” in schools that do not provide these required services, then why is this being allowed to happen?

Instead of complaining about the schools, protect the child and require compliance for the benefit of these and all students. Every child cannot and will not qualify or be able to use a voucher. So what happens to those who are left behind in public schools?

Legislators should focus on fixing the failing system they have allowed to operate in dysfunction for years instead of offering a few students a $5,800 ticket out.

This is not enough to pay tuition at any school, and it will certainly not provide access to an inclusive school, since there are almost none of those, only segregated, private schools where no typical peers are present.

After all we have learned about best practices in educating children with disabilities and all the years of fighting to achieve inclusive education, I am disappointed to live in a state where lawmakers promote segregation, whether in a private or “special needs” charter school, as the best way to educate our children.

I am disappointed that so many legislators are willing to surrender and allow public education to fail Texas’ most vulnerable children, instead of standing up and fighting for our kids.

This is a critical time for Texas special education. What will we do?

Will we throw in the towel on public education, pull these students out of their communities and tuck them away in schools with kids just like them?

Or will we understand that Whenever you hire people to work on your water damage project, take the time to research them.

Ask professionals for as many references as possible and get at least three verified.

Make sure that they meet your requirements. No one likes to crunch numbers but having a budget is another way to determine the scope of the project. We hope this never happens to you but if it does

Working together to develop solutions to benefit all students There actually are school boards and superintendents in Texas who work daily to develop solutions to the problems we face in special education.

In Fort Bend ISD, we are working to offer inclusive preschool in a model that can be easily replicated around the state. We have developed systems to remove barriers for identifying students who need special education services and have increased the number of students served by 638 in close to one year (from 6.4% to 7.1%).

We are working with teachers to implement co-teaching to support students with disabilities in the regular education classroom.

I implore our state leaders to identify districts that have innovative programs and models that are working well and replicate those across the state.

Provide incentives to districts for innovative planning and programming. Recognize and reward best practices in schools and districts. Help us by requiring that universities prepare all teachers for instructing all students, including those with disabilities.

Encourage and promote partnerships between public schools and community and private organizations, charter schools and faith-based organizations.

These are solutions that will benefit all Texas students in special education and will improve public education for students with and without disabilities.

It is time to stop our culture of segregation of students with disabilities in Texas, through vouchers and in other ways, and support the “more attractive scenario” of supporting education solutions that foster inclusion of all children.

Kristin Tassin serves as President of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees and is a mother of three daughters, one who has a disability. She is a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Quantitative Business Analysis (Computer Science option). She also earned her Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University Law School.She is co-founder and director of a charitable organization that supports children with disabilities and their families. please take our advice.

Basil Housewright is manager of Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc a local Independent Insurance Agency operating in Sugar Land since 1991. He can be reached at (281) 277-7800, Fax (281) 277-7801, E-Mail – basil@ texansinsure.com. Visit www. texansinsure.com. . Like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @TexansInsurance

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.

News Stafford adopts expanded goals

By BARBARA FULENWIDER What could have been a highly charged agenda item was passed with civility and relatively condensed discussion at Stafford City Council’s March 1 meeting.

The item up for adoption was Mayor Leonard Scarcella’s 2017 goals for the city, which last year was much debated and amended.

The lack of contention might have been the result of the city’s upcoming May election.

Three of the four council members, who have filed for re-election, have an opponent.

One of the three (A. J. Honore, Virginia Rosas, Wen Guerra) could lose a seat because Stafford’s long time, now retired public works director, Lawrence Vaccaro, has joined the race.

The mayor has filed to run and has no opponent.

Whatever the reason, the mayor presented the agenda item by reading the 12 goals he proposed after his state of the city address in late January and his reasons for them.

Council adopted all 12, made a few word changes to some and added seven more.

Councilman A. J. Honore spoke first and said he adopts the mayor’s 12 goals and wants to add five more, meant “to enhance or clarify.”

His first addition was for the city to raise the profile of volunteers and community organizations as key leaders and partners as a way “to improve the quality of life in our city.”

Number 14 was for all elected public officials to commit to the highest ethical standards. Fifteen was value diversity throughout the city, government and community as a source of international pride.

Sixteen was anticipate the needs of our residential neighborhoods and develop strategies to meet those needs to improve quality of life.

The 17th was “achieve our mission goals through an organization structure that is aligned, nimble, accountable and transparent.”

Mayor Pro Tem Ken Mathew said he supports all those goals and the mayor’s and wants to add another one about pursuing retail business and not giving up land that has the potential for businesses.

Scarcella suggested having the goal read “maximum use of land within city for retail establishments.”

Up next to speak was Councilman Cecil Willis who said he thinks Honore’s 14th goal, have all public officials commit to highest ethical

standards, “needs to stick to the city. I think we’ll have problems in just seven square miles.”

As for Honore’s proposed goal No. 13, Willis asked the councilman how he thought the city could raise the profile of volunteers.

Honore said, “We recognize them -- anything we can do to lift them up and thank them for their work. For goals you want to be broad and not get too specific in terms of what you are trying to get to.”

Councilman Wen Guerra followed Honore and said he has concerns about the seventh goal the mayor listed. It was “collaborate on ‘transformation’ of the old TI tract.”

Guerra had a problem with the mayor using the word collaborate, and said StreetLevel developers is not collaborating with the city or the Stafford Economic Development Corp.

“They are doing what they want to do,” Guerra said.

Mathew followed with, “They can still collaborate without us giving them some money,” and Guerra replied, “There won’t be any collaboration without the money.”

Council Member Virginia Rosas said, “The goals should have some kind of gauge you can meet. I did want to address on page 15, Karen Austin and her pay increase,” which was in the mayor’s state of the city address.

Rosas said, “Austin moved because her family moved and she moved with them.

She was not angry or upset with the city.”

The mayor replied that the State of the City address is not up for rebuttal by council.

Rosas followed with, “This is the only opportunity to state our opinion. Maybe we need to change this format.

It’s unfair for council not to be able to state their opinions at the time.”

Scarcella then began defending her criticism and explained the time it takes to write a first draft, then add and subtract, polish and have it edited, etc.

Rosas interrupted him and again began criticizing the mayor’s goal to closely monitor this year’s state legislative session. She also wanted to add a goal regarding the city having a no-kill animal facility.

She said the city is “no where close to having a nokill for animals” and also said nothing has been enacted on the stricter animal ordinance council approved last year.

Willis answered by asking, “How do you make people do something?” and then enumerated what the city has done.

Special Passport Fair Annie Rebecca Elliott, Fort Bend County District Clerk, is hosting a special Passport Fair as a community service and in an effort to make it easier and more convenient to apply for a U.S. passport.

When: Saturday, April 1, 2017 Where: Fort Bend County Justice Center District Clerk’s Office 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

No appointments are being accepted for the Passport Fair (Walk-ins only) Please visit our website at www.fortbendcountytx.gov (Department – District Clerk) to obtain information on the cost and requirements.

Please remember: *All applicants must appear in person (including minors). *Minors under the age of 16 must appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a DS-3053 form or a notarized authorization letter from the absent parent and a copy of his/her identification (front and back) is required.

“There’s been three ordinances regarding animals passed in Stafford,” he said.

“I’m not sure what else we should do. Fines are how you get people to obey ordinances.”

She replied, “We spent a lot of time working on this ordinance and people don’t even know about it.”

Then Rosas went on to say that no monitoring of the legislative session ever gets to council members.

“We need to have some kind of quarterly report when it’s in session because we’re not getting anything. How can we monitor it if we aren’t getting any information on it? This needs to be something we can work on.”

As for goal No. 10 -- Respect Our City Employees -- Rosas wanted to add “civility and mutual respect for all city employees and officials in order to provide a comfortable work environment free of verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation.”

The council member also wanted “a more clear goal for the animal ordinance.”

The mayor helped out by saying it should state “to pursue enforcement we should explore opportunities to humanely control animals within the city.”

Rosas agreed to it, there was a motion to adopt and it was approved.

Councilman Don Jones said he likes setting goals and the “inclusion of A. J.’s goals” but worries about the number of goals.

“I believe in resolutions to improve yourself. I think goals are a necessary part of our charter. I agree with it whole heartedly.”

Then the question was asked as to how council avoids overlapping the same set of goals year after year, and Willis said, “We don’t. Most years we embellish or add to the mayor’s goals. It’s more years that we have adopted and embellished the number than otherwise.”

The mayor said the goals are five-year plans.

Honore made a motion to change one word in goal No. 7 from collaborate to cooperate and reword goal No. 10 to say “Civility and mutual respect for our city employees including zero tolerance on verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation at all levels of the organization.”

Goal No. 14 also got a word change from “nation” to “city.”

Honore made the motion to adopt Scarcella’s 12 city goals for 2017 and the addition of Mathew’s, Rosas’s and Honore’s additions and it was unanimously adopted.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on DECEMBER 9, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15DCV-227808 in favor of the plaintiffMEADOWCREST COMMUNITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $5,857.05 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 23, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- AUTHER G. RODGERS had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: 2207 DIAMOND CREST DR., MISSOURI CITY, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77489 ALSO KNOWN AS MEADOW CREST, SECOND 2, BLOCK 2 LOT 9 (THE PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

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

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 8, 2017 • Page 5

Lamar CISD wrestler earns state championship Foster High School’s Nkechinyere “ChiChi” Nwankwo wrestled her way to her second state championship, taking gold at the 2017 UIL Wrestling Tournament in Cypress.

She took the gold in the 5A 185-lb. division, after earning the crown at 205 lbs. in 2016.

“Her drop in weight class was for several reasons,” said her coach, Jeffery Rayome.

“She wanted to prove she could wrestle in any weight class you put her in. She started losing weight because she wants to continue in the sport. College and international weight classes have smaller weight classes, so we were preparing for having to be at that weight.”

Next year, she will be wrestling for Oklahoma City University.

Foster freshman -- and

ChiChi’s brother -- Chidozie “Dot” Nwankwo earned a third place medal in the 5A 285-lb. classification.

Older brother Nwankwo Nwankwo, who graduated last year, finished second in

the 285-lb class in the 2016 State Wrestling tournament.

Fulshear High School sophomore Alex Torres also made the state tournament, finishing 5th in the 5A 195lb. weight class.

Kayak, Paddleboard rentals coming to Sugar Land Memorial Park nity to add a new water-based activity to the parks leisure programs.

For questions, contact the Imperial Park Recreation Center at (281) 275-2885 or visit www.facebook.com/SugarLandParks.

Interested in getting out on the water at Sugar Land Memorial Park but don’t have a kayak?

No problem! The Sugar Land Parks and Recreation Department is partnering with Bayou City Adventures to bring kayak and paddleboard rentals to the lake at Sugar Land Memorial Park.

Kayak and paddleboard rent-

als will be available on Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset. The rate is $20 per hour and paid to the attendant onsite. Lifejackets are provided and required.

Parks staff anticipates expanding the program to include various levels of instructional classes in early summer and is very excited about the opportu-

Loving Friends dinner meeting set for March 21 Loving Friends, a social group for men and women who want to move on after losing a spouse, meet for dinner and entertainment at its new location, Quail Valley Civic Centre, 2880 LaQuinta Dr., Missouri City.

This social group is reaching out to men and women in the area who would like to meet friends in a social environment.

It is not a grief support group and new members are always greeted with a warm welcome.

The group will meet in the CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JANUARY 11, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-231220 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION GREEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $9,273.38 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on JANUARY 26, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- ALEJANDRO ALVAREZ AND ROSA D. ALVAREZ had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 17, IN BLOCK ONE OF MISSION BEND, SECTION SEVEN, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 562 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16122 SALIDA DE SOL DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77083. (PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

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

Blue Bonnet Room on Tuesday, March 21, at 5 p.m. for dinner and will be entertained

by Houston singer and guitarist , Jon Ingram.

Reservations are required by calling 281-208-3124 or 281-261-4043. Cost for dinner and entertainment is $22 inclusive. Handicapped parking available.

For more information on other monthly activities, call either of the above phone numbers.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JULY 01, 2016 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-221722 in favor of the plaintiff- QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 5,294.46++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)KNOX DEVELOPMENT, LLC had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: THE EASTERLY PORTION OF LOT TWO (2), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METERS AND BOUNDS. ALSO KNOWN AS 5434 PARK RIDGE DRIVE HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053 (“THE PROPERTY”) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

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

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JUNE 03, 2016 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-221733 in favor of the plaintiff- QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $5,107.51 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4111 day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)KNOX DEVELOPMENT, LLC had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: THE WESTERLY PORTION OF LOT TWO (2), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF QUAIL BRIDGE, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 25, PAGE 15, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METERS AND BOUNDS. ALSO KNOWN AS 5436 PARK RIDGE DRIVE HOUSTON, TEXAS 77053 (“THE PROPERTY”) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JULY 11, 2016 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-225906 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND NO. 5 HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $8,391.95 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 22, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- DONALD KAUFFMAN AND CYNTHIA KAUFFMAN had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 37, IN BLOCK 32 OF MISSION BEND SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 275, PAGE 110 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS AND IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 13, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (SAID LOT LYING WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS) AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN 15635 CAMINO DEL SOL DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083.

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

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

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

INDEPENDENT •MARCH 8, 2017 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Yaris iA Notice to Creditors Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Ann Oppman, Deceased, were issued on November 14, 2016, in Cause No. 16-CPR029725, pending in the County Court at Law No. 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: William Oppman. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Margaret M. Connolly Attorney at Law 14015 Southwest Freeway Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

LEGAL NOTICES

DATED the 2nd day of March, 2017 Margaret M. Connolly Attorney for William Oppman State Bar No.: 24088866 14015 Southwest Freeway, Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 433-9488 Facsimile: (281) 491-4707 E-mail: mmconnollylaw@gmail.com

PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION CITY OF ROSENBERG WATER DEPT. STORAGE BUILDING 2707 AVENUE A, ROSENBERG PREVIEW: Weds., 3/8/17, By Appt.

AUCTION ENDS: Fri., 3/10/17

Notice to Creditors Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Irving Oppman, Deceased, were issued on November 14, 2016, in Cause No. 16-CPR029719, pending in the County Court at Law No. 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: William Oppman. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Margaret M. Connolly Attorney at Law 14015 Southwest Freeway Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 DATED the 2nd day of March, 2017 Margaret M. Connolly Attorney for William Oppman State Bar No.: 24088866 14015 Southwest Freeway, Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 433-9488 Facsimile: (281) 491-4707 E-mail: mmconnollylaw@gmail.com

FEATURED: FORD 6550 FRONT END LOADER/BACKHOE www.onlinepros.com #7341 (800)243-1113 OR (281)357-4977

PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION CITY OF ROSENBERG TRUCKS & AUTOS Site: 18810 Juergen Rd. Tomball, Texas 77377 PREVIEW: Fri., 3/10/17 AUCTION ENDS: Tues., 3/14/17 FEATURED: (6) 2009 Dodge Chargers, 2010 Ford Ranger P.U., 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty P.U., 2001 Ford F150 P.U., (2) 2005 Ford F150 P.U.’s, 1985 Ford F700 Water Truck, 1991 Intl.’ Black Topper Truck 13% B.P. www.onlinepros.com #7341 (800)243-1113 or (281)357-4977

Notice to Creditors Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Robert Fredlund, Deceased, were issued on February 13, 2017, in Cause No. 17-CPR029941, pending in the County Court at Law No. 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Donita McCormick-Fredlund. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Margaret M. Connolly Attorney at Law 14015 Southwest Freeway Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION

DATED the 2nd day of March, 2017

1,111 Sg. Ft. House, Pier & Beam, Siding, Composition Roof - 13% B.P. See Website Terms & Conditions

Margaret M. Connolly Attorney for William Oppman State Bar No.: 24088866 14015 Southwest Freeway, Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 433-9488 Facsimile: (281) 491-4707 E-mail: mmconnollylaw@gmail.com

Notice to Creditors Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Evelyn Weymouth, Deceased, were issued on February 27. 2017, in Cause No. 17-CPR030002, pending in the County Court at Law No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Laura W. Middleton. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Margaret M. Connolly Attorney at Law 14015 Southwest Freeway Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

CITY OF ROSENBERG (HOUSE TO BE MOVED) Preview: By Appt. Only Auction Ends: Tues., 3/28/17 2702 Pisces St., Richmond, TX.

www.onlinepros.com #7341 (800)243-1113 OR (281)357-4977 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 for District West at Parkway Lakes 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 Justin Wagner, P.E. with R. G. Miller, Inc. at JWagner@rgmiller.com for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

DATED the 2nd day of March, 2017 Margaret M. Connolly Attorney for William Oppman State Bar No.: 24088866 14015 Southwest Freeway, Suite 14 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 433-9488 Facsimile: (281) 491-4707 E-mail: mmconnollylaw@gmail.com

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE Legal Notice to be published on March 1, 2017 and March 8, 2016.

OPENING DATE OF March 28, 2017 AT 2:00 p.m.

IFB # 17-035 Mustang Bayou WWTP Lift Station Rehabilitation IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/ or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/.

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 March 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for March 14, 2017 at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers at the street location noted above.

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.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE Legal Notice to be published on March 8 and March 15, 2017.

THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE OPENING DATE OF March 28, 2017 AT 2:00 p.m.

Invitation for Bids for Contractors for Cleaning and Sealing Public Roadways for the City of Missouri City IFB # 17-160 Cleaning and Sealing Public Roadways IFB’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 March 28, 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 for Quail Park Replat of Reserves “E” & “F”, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing.

You may contact Randy McClendon with Tejas Surveying, Inc at rsm@ mrsurveyor.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 MARCH 24, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-225760 in favor of the plaintiff- NORTH MISSION GLEN ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $5,198.21 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 9, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- DEANNA MARTIN had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 6, IN BLOCK FOUR OF MISSION GLEN, SECTION TEN, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1848/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 8203 TAMAYO DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77083. (PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

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

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The newest member of the Yaris team, the iA sports sedan, has sleek styling, sporty driving dynamics and standard safety systems. It’s a subcompact sedan with premium features and offered at an MSRP of $15,950.

The highlights are a highstrength body structure; quick-revving, high-compression 1.5-liter engine with 106 horsepower; choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions; standard 16-inch alloy wheels; standard low-speed pre-collision safety system; and 7-inch multimedia system with voice recognition. The Yaris iA is rated by the EPA at 32 mpg in city driving and 40 on the highway with the automatic transmission and 30/39 with the manual.

Keyless entry with pushbutton start delivers a sporty yet muted rasp from the chrome tailpipe thanks to the 1.5-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinCONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on MAY 16, 2016 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16DCV-231222 in favor of the plaintiffMISSION GREEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $4,563.10 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on JANUARY 26, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- CATHERINE IHENAKWE had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 50, IN BLOCK 4 OF MISSION GREEN NORTH REPLAT, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 792/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS COMMONLY KNOWN 16510 SALIDA DE SOL DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77083.

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

Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on NOVEMBER 28, 2016 IN THE COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 4 of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-CCV-057875 in favor of the plaintiff- QUAIL GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $3,147.02 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- JOE CLINTON DICKERSON, SR. had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FIVE, IN BLOCK TWO OF QUAIL GLEN, SECTION ONE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 21, PAGE 16 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 8619 QUAIL BURG LANE, 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, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

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

der DOHC engine. The Yaris iA definitively zips about. For those who prefer an automatic, the available 6-speed transmission is also light weight, low friction and has a directshift feel that provides a bit of dual personality. For drivers wanting more torque, Sport Mode is available.

The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are tuned for a balance of sporty handling and comfortable ride. Progressive braking feel comes to the fore when cornering. Entering the curve, the pedal provides smooth operation, then progresses to a more rigid feel.

Safety is front and center with Toyota’s standard lowspeed pre-collision system that uses a laser to help the driver avoid certain frontal collisions with a preceding vehicle and help minimize damage in the event of an accident. Toyota Safety Sense C is designed to help address driver assistance by preventing or mitigating frontal collisions, helping drivers stay within their lane and enhance road safety during nighttime driving.

The technologies include a pre-collision system, lane departure alert and automatic high beams. Yaris is the first entry subcompact in the segment to standardize these key safety features across all grades.

Toyota has announced it will make Toyota safety sense standard on nearly all models by the end of 2017. If that happens it will put Toyota and Lexus four years ahead of the model-year 2022 industry target announced by the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Like all Toyota vehicles, the 2017 Yaris safety features are vehicle stability control, traction control, electronic brake force, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and a brake-override system.

Even though the Yaris is in the subcompact league don’t be deceived because the iA accommodates a wide range of drivers’ physiques, including its 10-inch fore-aft slide adjustment and the standard seat height adjuster. And the steering wheel tilts and telescopes.

The sporty steering wheel has control switches for the audio and standard Bluetooth and the standard 7-inch display audio system has a touch screen, six speakers, remote interface and rear-view camera. Pandora, Aha and Stitcher come standard.

For those who bring their own music to the iA, two USB ports and an Auxiliary input are standard. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel by using Voice Recognition to control many of the multimedia system features. An available navigation system is offered.

The Yaris iA is a subcompact four-door sedan that is a fun-to-drive, run around town car. It is easy to park, has more than sufficient power, amazing room and sporty curves.

It retails for $15,950. Options and the destination charge on the test drive put it at $18,850.

Remember, it’s also highly reliable too. After all, it’s a Toyota.

Cross Creek Ranch Hosts Cancer Survivors Luncheon March 18

Cancer survivors will be honored at a luncheon hosted by the American Cancer Society Saturday, March 18, at 1 p.m. in Cross Creek Ranch. The Survivors Lunch will be held at the Cross Creek Ranch community room, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, with food provided by Italian Maid Café. It is open to any cancer survivor and one guest. The lunch recognizes that cancer survivors are a driving force behind the annual Relay for Life of Greater Fort Bend fundraiser being held April 1. Lunch is free, but reservations are required. To reserve seats, email Karen Humphrey at karenrfl@dlkeh.net. For more information about the Greater Fort Bend Relay for Life, relayforlife.org/greaterfortbendtx. For details on Cross Creek Ranch, visit www.crosscreektexas.com.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on JULY 2, 2014 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 13-DCV209017 in favor of the plaintiff-HUNTERS GLEN, SECTION IV ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $2,287.04 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 20, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- JOHNNY L. PARKER, JOY L. PARKER had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 76, IN BLOCK 7 OF HUNTERS GLEN SECTION IV, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 26 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 614 BEECHBEND DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, 77489.

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

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

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on OCTOBER 18, 2016 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-DCV-232196 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND SOUTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $4,969.52 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 and will offer for sale on the 4th day of April, 2017 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- JOSE S. HERREA had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT SEVEN, IN BLOCK EIGHT OF MISSION BEND SOUTH, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 19, PAGE 12 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 16222 ALAMETOS DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77083. (PROPERTY) TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1st FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469.

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

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 8, 2017 • Page 7

Men who cook help

NEWS Lamar CISD LCISD’s National Merit Scholarship finalists

Johnson Development Corp has three premier neighborhoods in Lamar CISD including Cross Creek Ranch, Jordan Ranch and The Veranda. Representing the company at Men Who Cook included (left to right) Rob Bamford, Todd and Cherish Hamilton, Tori and Omar Arreola, Trey and Heather Reichert and Allison Bond.

While Caribbean Jerk Lamar CISD students and to from 51 local “celebrity” chefs, Chicken, Pork ‘n Bean Salad the District’s paraprofession- many magnificent items were and Bread Pudding doesn’t als working on their teaching up for bid in live and silent auctions. In 17 years of exisexactly sound like a winning certificates.

“The evening was so much tence, L.E.A.F. has invested combination, those were just a few of dishes enjoyed by more fun cooks are already signing almost $3 million into Lamar than 650 people supporting the up for next year’s event and the CISD schools. L.E.A.F.’s next Lamar Educational Awards Ken Mondshine and Brother- event, Surf’s Up School’s Out, Foundation at this year’s Men hood Band has already been presented by OakBend Medical Who Cook, presented by John- reserved again,” said Chip Sut- Center, will be May 5.

“We invite everyone to join ton, L.E.A.F. Board President. son Development Corp.

“Men Who Cook served up “We’ve never had so many stay us for one of the most fun events in the county,” Sutton good times and raised an im- and dance the night away!”

In addition to fabulous food said. pressive amount of money for L.E.A.F.,” said Rob Bamford, general manager of Johnson Cub Scout Pack 820 Celebrates Blue and Gold Cub Scout Pack 820 thanks neighborhood REALTOR Mrs. Development Corp.’s Cross Suzette Peoples, of Peoples Properties, for her continued supCreek Ranch. “We were happy port of Scouting!

As their primary patron, Mrs. Peoples has to be a title sponsor for such a contributed thousands of dollars over the past few years to worthy organization.” help the pack with its goals.

The boys get a chance to earn this Held Feb. 18 at Safari Texmoney by helping Mrs. Peoples with calendar deliveries in her as, Men Who Cook 2017 very successful real estate business.

This year, Mrs. Peoples raised more than $182,000 contributed $800.

At the Blue and Gold Banquet on February to support innovative ideas 25, 2017 Mrs. Peoples emphasized the importance of giving back and classroom projects proto the communities that we live and work in.

Leaders : Mark posed by Lamar CISD teachKinkaidScout Master for Pack 820, Kyle Bradley-Assistant ers that would otherwise go unfunded. L.E.A.F. also offers Scout Master, Suzette Peoples-Broker/Owner, Peoples Properscholarships to graduating ties, and the Cub Scouts of Pack 820.

Braun Terry High School senior Cole Jackson and George Ranch High School seniors Grace Braun and Cara Coffman are all finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program.

This year, 15,000 finalists were named in the National Merit Scholarship Program’s 61st competition. A total of 1.5 million high school juniors initially entered the competition by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT (PSAT) test.

Coffman To become a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, students submitted detailed scholarship applications that included information about their academic records, co-curricular activities, leadership abilities, honors, awards and employment.

In March, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will notify the 7,400 finalists selected to receive Merit Scholarship awards, worth $32 million.

Jackson About 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, qualify as Semifinalists. To ensure that academically-talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a staterepresentational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. NMSC provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools.

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 8, 2017

SPOTLIGHT

FBISD wins award for Outstanding Leadership in Voter Education

The National Student/Parent Mock Election organization has honored Fort Bend ISD with a 2016 “Award for Outstanding Leadership in Voter Education.”

Sponsored by the American Association of School Administrators, the award recognizes school district Mock Election projects that demonstrate dedication, originality and resourcefulness. This is the third time that Fort Bend ISD has received recognition for its Mock Election.

“We are grateful for the quality of the work that Fort Bend Independent School District has done for the National Parent Mock Election through the years,” said Gloria Kirshner, President and Executive Director, National Student/Parent Mock Election.

“Fort Bend ISD is exceptionally proud to earn this award because it’s so important to us that we send our students into the world prepared for a bright future,” said Superintendent Charles Dupre. “The most important thing they can do as citizens is to vote, to have their voices heard with our elected officials, and to be active community members in every way possible.”

Dupre accepted the award on behalf of FBISD, on March 2, during the general session of the American Association of School Administrators’ annual conference, held in New Orleans.

Spirit of Freedom Republican Women PAC March Meeting Friday, March 17, 2017 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sugar Creek Baptist LYF Center 13444 Southwest Frwy, Sugar Land (across the freeway from the main campus) Speaker Tom Glass on limiting government while protecting our critical infrastructure.

Tom has spent his life working for limited government. Currently, he focuses on stopping domestic enemies of the Constitution from subverting our liberty. He has added protecting our state and country from foreign enemies of our way of life from destroying our critical infrastructure, including the electrical grid. During the 2015 Texas legislative session Tom concentrated on Texas grid protection bills and constitutional enforcement bills. He is doing the same this year.

Tom is retired from a career in information technology at ExxonMobil, the latter half of that career spent in cybersecurity. Tom is a graduate of Odessa Permian High School, and earned a Chemical Engineering degree from Texas A&M University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center. **Catered lunch for a $10 donation to SFRW PAC (check or cash only).** Please RSVP to President Phyllis Worsham by calling or texting 281-755-2063 or email at info@spiritoffreedomwomen.com. Please specify if you will be attending only or would like to have lunch.

For up-coming meetings and/or more information about the Club, check the SFRW website: www.spiritoffreedomwomen.com or email Phyllis Worsham at info@spiritoffreedomwomen.com

Winning 2016 Mock Election contest posters created by students Aziah Buckner, Vy Nguyen and Alex Chaumette.

During each U.S. Presidential election year, Fort Bend ISD hosts its district-wide Mock Election to teach students about the process of elections from the local to the national level. Students learn about the election history, election protocol, and the power of the election itself. All of this leads to the District’s Mock Election vote.

“The Mock Election is an opportunity for students to review the election process and government concepts, included in most social studies courses K-12, and learn civic responsibility and the power of one,” said Pete Yackus, Elementary Social Studies Coordinator.

The 2016 Mock Election project activities in FBISD began in the Spring of 2016, with a website being developed to include a project timeline, elementary and secondary activities, parent resources and voting links.

To help kick off FBISD’s participation in the 2016 National Student Parent Mock Election project, the District hosted a Mock Election Poster and Video contest that invited students in grades K-12 to participate by submitting entries incorporating the theme: The Power of One. The contest was open April-May 16, with winners being selected in May at each school level (elementary, middle and high) for each category. The resources were used to promote the event in the Fall of 2016.

“FBISD’s Mock Election project is a huge undertaking that involves a partnership of

FBISD students take part in voting activities.

dedicated school and District staff (including teachers, and Social Studies, Digital Learning and Web Development Services staff) who plan and coordinate each activity, whether it’s developing a project timeline, coordinating the districtwide poster/video contest or developing curriculum and activities for schools,” said Nancy Cowart, FBISD Secondary Social Studies Coordinator.

“Fortunately for us, everyone is

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eager and excited to participate.”

During this year’s Mock Election, FBISD teachers presented classroom lessons and activities to help students gain a better understanding and appreciation of the voting process.

Social Studies students researched past elections and the voting process; math students analyzed poll data, and English Language Arts students completed writing assignments on the impact of famous election speeches and quotations.

As a culminating project, all students voted online in a Mock Election and analyzed both District and National results.

281-499-1126 Q: Can a repair facility save me from paying my deductible?

A: An honest repair shop will always say “no” to saving deductibles.

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance carrier. It basically says that if you have a collision loss, you are responsible for the first portion of repairs (your deductible) and the insurance company will pay the rest. If the final repair cost is less, you’re still responsible for the predetermined deductible amount.

Any reduction should correctly go back to the insurance company.

There are legitimate ways to reduce your cost. An appearance allowance (credit towards your deductible usually for minor cosmetic repairs not completed) is one way but must be consulted with your insurance company. Be wary of the repair shop that offers to save you your deductible. Are they completing all repairs or is your safety being jeopardized with an inadequate repair?

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