Fort Bend Independent 030916

APRIL 6 - 10, 2016 PRESENTED BY:

713 - SIP - WINE (747 - 9463) VOL 9 No. 10

email: editor@ independent.com

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2016

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County, Missouri City & Sugar Land

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital opens new patient pavilion

Lowell Stanton, left, CFO; Sue Chiang, Board Vice Chairman; Chris Siebenaler, CEO; Sally Shen, Associate CNO; William Schwer, Board Chairman; Lonnie Meadows, Board Member.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital employees recently celebrated the opening of the hospital’s new six-story patient tower.

A ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony were held on February 26 to mark the launch of the new Brazos Pavilion, which will house 104 patient care beds, bringing the hospital’s total bed count to 347.

Brazos Pavilion’s 20-bed intensive care unit opened on February 29 and build-out for an additional 56 medical/surgical beds will be completed in May. An additional 28 beds will be added based on demand from our community.

“The opening of the new

Brazos Pavilion is the culmination of our $131 million expansion program that began in 2013,” said Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CEO Chris Siebenaler.

“We are proud of this significant investment in the Fort Bend community and thrilled with our expanded ability to serve our patients.”

In addition to the Brazos Pavilion, the expansion program added an 8,900-square-foot emergency center in Missouri City; a 75,000-square-foot facility for Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine; and a 20,000-square-foot Heart & Vascular Center, adjacent to the hospital’s Emergency De-

partment.

“Fort Bend’s medical needs continue to increase as the community grows,” says Siebenaler.

“We’ve worked hard to expand our physical footprint and enhance our facilities. At the same time, we continue to make available the latest, most sophisticated and complex procedures to our patients with the support of our medical staff.”

For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral. Visit our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

Democratic Party primary yields surprise; Incumbents safe in the Republican primary

By BARBARA FULENWIDER At this point, nothing is sure about who will be the Republican nominee for president. But in the Republican primary on March 1, Sen. Ted Cruz took Texas but failed to win more than 50 percent.

Cruz got 31,411 votes or 45.83 percent of the votes cast in this race, Donald Trump came in second with 16,924 votes for 24.69 percent and Sen. Marco Rubio received 13,388 or 19.53 percent.

The nominees for U.S. representative for districts 22 and 9, are Pete Olson and Jeff Martin, respectively. They ran unopposed.

Three people ran in the Republican primary for railroad

commissioner and two received the most votes but did not win a majority. They are Gary Gates who got 20,833 votes and Wayne Christian with 8,810 votes. They will face off in the primary runoff election on May 24. Statewide, Wayne Christian got 408,631 votes (19.76%) and Gary Gates received 586,258 votes (28.35%) The Republican candidate for Texas senator District 18 will be Lois Kolkhorst, and for District 26, D.F. “Rick” Miller. Each was unopposed in the primary.

So were John Zerwas for state representative, District 28, and Phil Stephenson, District 85.

Mary Walker and Ken Bryant ran a close race for state representative District 27 and Bryant

won with 3,788 votes or 52.49 percent to Walker’s 3,428 votes or 47.51 percent.

In the 400th District Court race, Maggie Jaramillo won with 29,469 votes (62.69%) defeating Joshua Estes, who got 17,540 votes(37.31%) Four candidates ran for County Court At Law No. 5 and two will be in a runoff race in May. They are Ron Cohen with 14,569 votes (31.78 percent) and Harold Kennedy with 12,739 (27.79 percent).

Two others, Lewis White, got 9,666 (21.09%) and Frank Yeverino received 8,869 votes (19.35%.)

County Attorney Roy Cordes Jr., ran unopposed so will be on See RESULTS, Page 3

Three indicted in campaign contribution case

Jim Gonzales

Anna Gonzales

Jesse Torres

By SESHADRI KUMAR A Fort Bend County Grand Jury delivered 16 indictments last week with charges against Jim Gonzales and Jesse Torres, both of Richmond, and Anna Gonzales of Rosenberg.

Three people have been indicted following a six-month investigation following complaints filed by two members of the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees and a former superintendent, according to a press release issued by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

Tyson Harrell and James Steenbergen, who were newly elected trustees, filed the complaints after they were allegedly offered cash in envelopes by Jim Gonzales.

An additional complaint was filed by former LCISD Superintendent Dr. Dan Ives, who alleged a history of misconduct and conflicts of interest between Jim Gonzales, a principal of IDC, Inc., and members of the school board.

At the June 18, 2015 LCISD board meeting, trustees were to vote to allow the superintendent to negotiate the program management contract between LCISD and Gilbane/IDC. Harrell brought up the issue of cash contributions offered to him and Steenbergen prior to their election in May. The allegation was that Jim Gonzales gave cash to the candidate Steenbergen, who later returned it, and attempted to give cash to Harrell on or about April 9, 2015. IDC, Inc., was a subcontractor of the Gilbane Company, which was the current Program Manager for the district’s 2011 bond projects. Gilbane and IDC were ranked No. 1 for the Program Manager bid for the district’s 2014 bond projects.

During the investigation, Sheriff’s Office detectives interviewed numerous people who may have had knowledge concerning the allegations and reviewed thousands of pages of records. The results were presented to the Grand Jury, which

called on witnesses to be interviewed about the case as well.

In 2013, Anna Gonzales was elected and Jim Gonzales helped her and three others who were elected to the board. Prior to that, Anna Gonzales and Jim Gonzales opened a joint bank account, initially funded by Jim Gonzales with $15,800 They completed rental applications for an apartment in Rosenberg, and Anna Gonzales listed her employment address as that of IDC, Inc., and further listed her position as consultant and her supervisor as Jim Gonzales.

In 2014, Anna Gonzales was appointed to the board’s Facilities Committee.

Jim Gonzales deposited $167,000 into Anna Gonzales’ personal bank account on May 30, 2014.

Anna Gonzales used $10,000 of the $167,000 to pay bills between June 2014 and December 2014, at which time she obtained a cashier’s check in the amount of $157,000 made payable to Jim Gonzales. Jim Gonzales deposited the check into his bank account.

The financial activity and rental agreement showed a relationship between Jim Gonzales of IDC and Anna Gonzales, a school trustee. Investigators determined Anna Gonzales obtained a benefit as a result of this relationship and she could exercise discretion over a contract in which Jim Gonzales had an interest.

Jim Gonzales faces charges of: Bribery, Attempt to Commit Bribery, Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Offer Gift to a Public Servant.

Anna Gonzales faces charges of: Bribery, Attempt to Commit Bribery and Conspiracy to Commit Bribery (Three Counts), Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Gift to Public Servant, Abuse of Official Capacity and Coercion of a Public Servant.

Torres is a current member of the Richmond City Commis-

sion. He also is a former trustee on the LCISD Board.

Torres received $2,500 from individual PBK employees and provided a list of employees which investigators were able to corroborate. PBK is an architectural firm that has designed numerous LCISD facilities.

Additionally, Torres solicited $1,000 in donations from family and friends and provided a list of those donors. On a later date, he provided additional documents that he claimed were proof the donations occurred and all the money was returned to all donors.

While attempting to verify his list and the reason for the creation of the additional supporting documents, Torres provided inconsistent and false statements. Additionally, Investigators learned that the money was not returned as represented.

Torres faces charges of: Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Fabrication of Physical Evidence and Tamper with Government Record with Intent to Defraud.

See CASE, Page 3

Visit Fbindependent. com and participate in the Current Poll: Sugar Land City Council approved a resolution on Nov. 3 directing the Planning and Zoning Commission to add a provision to the Development Code, limiting multi-family in planned development to 200 units.

The P & Z should approve the 200-unit cap on apartments.

The P & Z should suggest a formula for the number of apartment units.

The P & Z should leave the number open, to be decided on a case by case basis.

Sugar Land should allow more apartment units.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 9, 2016

NEWS

Meet and greet with Heidi Cruz

Presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz and his wife Heidi held several meet and greet sessions in the Houston area on Feb. 26, leading to Super Tuesday on March 1. Several Fort Bend County Republicans attended a ‘Meet-and-Greet with Heidi Cruz’ at Olives Bistro on Westheimer Parkwy in Katy, Fort Bend County. Above, Linda Harnist, left, Debra Ross, Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Terese Raia, Mrs. Worsham, Heidi Cruz, Phyllis Worsham, Tomelea Bench, Bill Michie and Lori Ann Belin.

Cub Scout Pack 820 celebrates Scouting Anniversary

Your Goals are our Blueprint Fee-Only financial advice, based on your financial needs and goals when you succeed, we succeed.

Financial Planning and Investment Management since 1996 Building Your Financial Security

wjinterests.com || 281-634-9400

Cub Scout Pack 820 celebrated Scouting’s Anniversary at their annual Blue and Gold Banquet held Saturday evening, February 20 at First United Methodist Church, Missouri City.

Community Partner Suzette Peoples Broker/Owner of Peoples Properties presented the Pack with a fundraising donation of $600 to further support the Pack’s goals of helping young boys to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders. Pictured with Suzette are Chaseton Bobino, Divine Chinagoim, Ryan Chong, Clark Hewett, Dimitri Zod, Tayte Choudhury, Ameya Shah, Hussein El Sherbiny, Drew Soukup, Luke Kinkaid, Evan Clark, Jackson Nolan, Connor Ouderkirk, Jeremy Pulido, Grant Kelley, Antonio Reyna, Aidan Day, Luke Kelley, Ian Rachuk, Killian Rice, Lincoln Foy and leaders Tanaz Choudhury, Ashlea Hewett and Mark Kinkaid.

‘A Night to Remember” Join Colony Meadows Elementary as we celebrate the school’s Silver Anniversary with, “A Night to Remember”, on Friday, April 1st 2016, from 6:30-11:30 p.m. The evening will include a seated dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction at Sweetwater Country Club. This is an adult-only event that will benefit future programs and activities for the school and students. We would like to invite past students, faculty, and staff to join current parents, faculty, and staff for this celebratory event. There will be many great items up for bidding. You don’t want to miss it! Tickets are on sale now at www.cmepto.org. Please join our community as we recognize this great school with, “A Night to Remember”.

MARCH 9, 2016 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS

Teenage drivers and auto accidents

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT Study after study has shown that teenage drivers have more Contemporary Art Museum been fascinating to him, West of the Cubans West encoun- accidents than any other driver Fort Bend has announced its leapt at the opportunity to tered, viewers of his exhibition age class. Per a 2013 study by participation in this year’s travel to Cuba and photo docu- have an opportunity to see the the National Highway Traffic biennial FotoFest. This year’s ment his journey to this vibrant heart and soul of a country Safety Administration (NHTSA) theme, Changing Circum- country. His goal was to cap- that seems to have stood still over 2,000 teens in the United stances: Looking at the Future ture the turning-point transition in time.

States ages 16–19 were killed “I had a few photographs in and over 200,000 were treated in of the Planet, features an array as the U.S. Embassy re-opened of breathtaking and intellec- in Cuba on July 20, 2015 while the 2012 and 2014 FOTOFEST emergency care facilities for intual work that offers important also noting the daily lives of shows but this one is a solo ex- juries suffered in motor vehicle hibit and my work has evolved crashes. That means that over commentary on our world and the citizens of the country.

“I tend to seek out the stories tremendously since my last five teens ages 16–19 died every its rapid evolution. Much of the artwork in the exhibitions of most people don’t or can’t solo show at Babaloo Gallery day from motor vehicle injuries.

FotoFest center in the themes tell…,” states West. “…Cuba in 2013…”, says West. “… The report indicated young of science, philosophy, poli- has been on my bucket list for this show is much more 3-D people ages 15-24 represent tics, and environmental issues over 10 years and when travel as many of the images have only 14% of the U.S. population. along with other global topics. restrictions were eased in 2015, elements of artistic expression However, they account for 30% In the light of recent political three weeks later I was on a in addition to the photograph. ($19 billion) of the total costs developments, photographer flight to Havana. I love the I wanted to start to bring my of motor vehicle injuries among Kevin Douglas West addresses place, the music, art, people, photographs into unique pieces males and 28% ($7 billion) of the restrictions on travel be- history. It’s a country frozen of art that nobody else has cre- the total costs of motor vehicle tween the U.S. and Cuba being in 1959 and how lucky I was ated. Visitors will also have an injuries among females. opportunity to read my travel to see it.” lifted in 2015.

The risk of motor vehiMuch of the subjects in journal.”

West’s photography takes cle crashes is higher among Cuba Behind Open Doors 16-19-year-olds than among any a colorful and personal look West’s work for the exhibition at a country whose recent feature the people of Cuba in- is on view at the Kcam – Con- other age group. Auto insurance history has been dramatically cluding their place amongst the temporary Art Museum Fort statistics show that male drivers changed with this new open- architecture. He also highlights Bend Saturday, March 12, between the ages of 16 to 19 ness. For over 60 years, the the time lock of the 1950’s in 2016 – Sunday, May 1, 2016. have almost twice the number U.S. imposed a trade embargo the country including the cars, The opening reception for the of automobile accidents than with Cuba making travel, com- fashion and other elements that artist is Saturday, March 19, female drivers between the ages munication, and exchange of remain from that time period. 2016 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 of 16 and 19. The presence of goods unattainable. Creating Devoid of satellite communi- p.m. at the Kcam located at teen passengers increases the a generation that knows very cation and without amenities 805 Avenue B Katy, TX 77493. crash risk of unsupervised teen little about Cuba, these barri- the rest of the world enjoys, For more information on this drivers. This risk increases with ers are now being broken and West captured the daily life of exhibition and others in the the number of teen passengers a new forging of friendship those residing in this fascinat- FotoFest biennial, please visit: as well. Crash risk is particularly along with trade is happening. ing country. By focusing on www.2016biennial.fotofest. high during the first months of A country that has always the humanity and personality org licensure. Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestiindictment was politically moti- ent simply assisted Gonzales in mate dangerous situations or not collecting the campaign contrivated, he said. be able to recognize hazardous From Page 1 With two other attorneys rep- bution and gave it to him with a Attorneys for the defendants resenting the other defendants, list. There was no crime or con- situations. Teens also due to their inexperience may not be in this case have called the in- Rosen said all three would file a spiracy, Bankston said. able to find and use the vehicle’s dictment the action of a “politi- motion for quashing the indictBankston said, in his opincontrols and features as an expecally motivated grand jury.” ion, even the district attorney’s ment. rienced driver can. Many parents Attorney Don Bankston and The $5,000 collected was a office would not have recomSteven Rocket Rosen chal- campaign contribution so when mended these indictments and allow teens to drive the parent’s lenged the extension given to the intended candidates did not he squarely blamed the Fore- vehicles which in many families the grand jury headed by Mis- want to accept it, the matter man Missouri City Mayor Allen are larger SUVs and pickups souri City Mayor Allen Owen ended and where was bribery Owen for conducting the probe which can be more challenging to operate especially for an inexwhich sought to investigate this or conspiracy to bribe, Rosen with political motives. perienced driver. Most teens are case after the grand jury’s term asked.

Though the investigation taught to drive by driver training expired on Dec. 31, 2015.

Even after the alleged offer originated on the alleged offer Rosen and Bankston also al- of bribe, two school board trust- of cash as campaign contribu- companies who typically use leged that the involvement of an ees used Gonzales and political tion, no quid pro quo has been small compact type vehicles as outside attorney in the Grand consultant Jesse Torres to con- established because Gonzalez their training vehicles. Therefore Jury was illegal and the Grand duct their election campaign. did not get the school district Jury probe is tainted. The Dis- Why would the school board contract, but he and two others trict Attorney’s office also ob- candidates accept their services, have been indicted on bribery jected to the intervention of an if they were offered a bribe, charges. outside attorney in the Grand Rosen asked. Why did they not Torres for example, had Jury proceedings. fire Gonzales and Torres from nothing to do with the school But, District Judge Jim Shoe- the campaign in 2015, he asked. district contracts and he helped make rejected the arguments of After using their services Gonzales in raising funds for both the defense and the pros- in the campaign, after getting the campaigns. ecution and let the Grand Jury elected to the school board, the Unless the prosecution investigate the case. two trustees threw Gonzales proves that bribery was the Rosen, attorney for Jim Gon- under the bus. Now, he will lose intent, the routine campaign zales, said the indictment is his job and all his contracts and contribution, that almost every “very, very upsetting, unsettling his reputation has been dam- elected official in Fort Bend and I am angry.” He blamed it aged.

County accepts from vendors, on a “run away grand jury” and Rosen said in his decades contractors and engineering said “it is shameful.” of legal practice in Fort Bend firms would run the risk of beThe grand jury was “illegally County, he has never seen such ing portrayed or perceived as held over” and there was no a ridculous indictment. bribery. reason to hold over the grand Bankston echoed the sentijury, Rosen said. The grand jury ments of Rosen and said his cli-

CUBA Behind Open Doors

Case

Results From Page 1

County Attorney Roy Cordes Jr., ran unopposed so will be on the ballot in November. He got 45,074 votes.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls will also be on the November ballot. He got 41,701 votes or 77.86 percent. His opposition was Frank Cempa who received 11,860 votes or 22.14 percent.

Tax Assessor-Collector Patsy Schultz ran unopposed for her job, as did Vincent Morales for County Commissioner, Pct. 1 and Andy Meyers for County Commissioner Pct. 3.

Republican candidates for Constable Pct. 1 will be in the May 24 runoff race. There were six candidates. The top two are Mike Beard with 3,437 or 24.58 percent and Chris Bronsell with 3,011 votes or 21.53 percent.

Constable Pct. 3 was a fourway race. The top two winners are Rob Cook with 6,134 votes (34.82 percent) and Wayne Thompson with 4,587 votes (26.04 percent). The winners in the Pct. 1 and 3 races will be decided on May 24 in the runoff primary election.

The Republican County Chair will be filled by Michael “Mike” Gibson who received 34,634 votes to William “Bill”

J. Michie Jr.’s 10,540 votes.

Democratic Party In the Democratic Party, the incumbent chairman Donlad Bankston was defeated by Cynthia Ginyard. She received 20,189 (64.44 percent) of the votes to his 11,142 votes (35.56 percent).

Bankston said statewide in this election in the Democratic Party, white males were defeated by female candidates. Also, turnout in Fort Bend County was more than double the expected number. Bankton said he anticipated about 20,000 would vote and targeted his campaign to that number. But, nearly 40,000 voted in the Democratic primary.

Fort Bend County Democrats who voted in the primary election for the Democrat presidential nominee overwhelming favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders. She won Texas Democrat delegates with the help of Fort Bend voters who cast 29,248 votes (74.64 percent) for her and 9,765 votes (24.92 percent) for Sanders.

Two candidates ran for U.S. representative for District 22 and Mark Gibson won with 15,138 votes (76.91 percent) to A. R. Hassan’s 4,544 (23.09 percent). District 9 Rep. Al Green won his place on the November ballot with no opponent

and 14,618 votes.

Three candidates vied for railroad commissioner and none received more votes than 50 percent so two will be in the May 24 primary runoff race.

They are Grady Yarbrough with 13,843 votes and Cody Garrett with 11,593.

Voters in Fort Bend helped keep Rodney Ellis, who was unopposed, on the Nov. 8 ballot for state senator District 13.

L. “Sarah” DeMerchant, state representative District 26, also ran unopposed and so did John Davis, state representative, District 85.

Four people ran for state representative, District 27, and incumbent Ron Reynolds received the most votes. He got 7,746 votes (48.46 percent) compared to 3,855 (24.12 percent) Angelique Bartholomew received. They will be in the primary runoff election May 24.

Incumbent Richard Morrison will run for County Commissioner Pct. 1 in November and Mark Salinas will run for Constable Pct. 1. Both were unopposed in the primary election.

Two candidates ran for constable Pct. 2 and incumbent Ruben Davis won with 7,953 votes (59.02 percent). Daryl Smith received 5,522 votes for 40.98 percent.

Housewright,Jr. the youthful driver learns to drive in a more easily steered and stopped vehicle than what they will be operating when they receive their license and their parents give them the keys to their big SUV or pickup to use.

Many driver training experts recommend if you’re going to buy your teen a vehicle, do so while they still have their learners permit and allow them to learn how to drive in that very vehicle which they will operate by themselves when they receive their license. If the household budget allows, this will give your youthful driver the opportunity to become accustomed with the handling characteristics and all of the controls of the vehicle that they will be driving daily. Especially in large metropolitan areas when they will be driving in heavy traffic it is

very important that the driver is accustomed to all the particulars of the vehicle they are driving.

Talking with your teen driver about some of the major causes of teen crashes is recommended.

Some of these are driver inexperience, driving while having other teen passengers in the car, nighttime driving when not accustomed to it, not using seatbelts properly, distractions such as mobile phones and loud music, driving while drowsy, reckless driving, and impaired driving. It is highly recommended that the new driver not be allowed to drive very often at nights especially late nights until they gain more experience. We have a large investment in our children by the time they are 16 so why not spend the extra time and money to attempt to keep them out of harm’s way as a new driver.

Basil 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.

Save The Date...

Saturday•March 26, 2016•10am-2:30pm Quail Valley Country Club Striving for the Top • Learn Proven Success Strategies

$50/person • Includes Lunch and Seminar Vendors • $75/each • Includes Lunch Featured Speaker:

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale Keynote Speaker: Lorie Burch • Past National ABWA President Guest Speakers: Gaylyn Devine • TLS Graphics Thecia Jenkins • CEO Bold Profession RSVP to www.abwafortbend.org

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 9, 2016

AUTOMOBILE: Chevrolet Malibu

GUEST COLUMN

Genealogical resources for Fort Bend County residents

By HOWARD E MOLINE During the past few years, genealogical research has risen in popularity to where it is now the third most popular hobby in the U.S. Discovering the life history of family members has become a dedicated pastime for many of our County’s residents and has provided a link and identity that has helped many individuals.

Recent research indicates that children do better in school if they know the accomplishments and life stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents.

Contributions made by family members to their communities, various war efforts and other causes enrich our lives and help us to take pride in our family name. Especially here in Fort Bend County and nearby, we have abundant resources available to the researcher.

In Richmond is located the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview, Richmond, TX 77469 (281) 342-4455.

The genealogical portion of this library is located on the second floor and has a considerable collection of census records and volumes related to Fort Bend County history and residents.

In Sugar Land, a Family History Library is located at

602 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX (281) 240-1524.

This small library offers internet access to Family Search and other genealogical search programs for free and is connected with the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City. Patrons can order microfilm from those considerable archives using this library.

Also nearby is the Clayton Genealogical Library, 5300 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77004 (713) 284-1999.

The Clayton Library is solely devoted to genealogy and family history and has numerous volumes and microfiche of records that are available to researchers.

One of the main contributors to the recent interest in family history is the ease with which individuals can research on various internet websites and within a few seconds, identify their ancestors on census records, immigration documents and a great many other sources. This has been made possible through a related work, the indexing of these records.

Family Search and other organizations have enlisted thousands of individuals to voluntarily contribute their time and efforts to identify, digitize and index over one billion records as of April 2013.

Recently, a Fort Bend County resident, Dr. Helen Graham of Missouri City, was named to coordinate local efforts to assist the Freedmen’s Bureau Project, to index names of post-Civil War African Americans, many of whom were previously slaves.

The Project has taken National Archives records of the Freedmen’s Bureau’s dealings with these people and has completed the indexing of about 57% of these records to date.

The Project has a goal of completing the indexing of all available records by May 2016, when a Smithsonian Library branch dedicated to African American history will open.

Dr. Graham is a professor at HCCS and will be holding indexing training classes for Fort Bend County residents at the Sienna Public Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City on March 12th from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. and a second session on April 16 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Missouri City Public Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City.

Dr. Graham can be reached at houstonfbip@gmail.com.

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels (FBS) will participate in the 14th annual March for Meals – a monthlong, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels. FBS’s March for Meals celebration will begin with a Kickoff Luncheon on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Vine Bistro; 2865 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City.

Luncheon tickets can be purchased in advance at: www.

fortbendseniors.org.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2016, local community leaders will participate in a Community Champions Celebration, delivering meals to homebound seniors in our area.

All month long, money collected from our area donation boxes will be dedicated to the March for Meals program.

Meals on Wheels America has led the annual awareness campaign since 2002. This

March, hundreds of local Meals on Wheels programs, like FBS will reach out to their communities to build the support that will enable them to deliver nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks to America’s seniors all year long.

“The services we provide the seniors of Fort Bend and Waller counties are critical and the need is rapidly increasing,” said Manuela Ar-

(Moline, a Missouri City resident, can be reached at howardmoline@yahoo.com)

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Chevrolet Malibu has remained an enduring classic since it was introduced more than 50 years ago. For 2016 the midsize sedan got larger, more advanced and fuel efficient.

The new Malibu has a longer wheelbase and is nearly 300 pounds lighter than the previous model. It comes with an all-new hybrid powertrain that helps the Malibu provide 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

A higher-output 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is available and gets an estimated 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0 gets an EPAestimated miles per gallon at 22 in the city and 33 on the highway.

An all-new, GM-developed eight-speed automatic transmission – the first eight-speed automatic in a GM frontwheel-drive vehicle – contributes to the 2.0 turbo’s balance of performance and efficiency. The 1.5L turbo engine is matched with a six-speed automatic.

Additional vehicle highlights include OnStar 4G LTE in-vehicle connectivity and available wireless phone charging; forward collision alert and rear cross traffic alert; Chevrolet MyLink with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility; teen driver feature, which allows parents to view their kids’ driving statistics, such as maximum speed, warning alerts and

royos, Chief Executive Officer of FBS. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

“The Meals on Wheels ‘more than just a meal’ model addresses three of the biggest threats of aging: isolation, hunger and loss of indepen-

Festival & Parade APRIL 16, 2016

Join Fort Bend County Precinct 3 COMMISSIONER ANDY MEYERS and the FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES on SATURDAY, APRIL 16, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the CINCO RANCH BRANCH LIBRARYto celebrate the 3rd annual LITERARY & FINE ARTS FESTIVAL & PARADE!

Fingerprinting of Kids for Parents

across the lineup, include light-emitting diode (LED), daytime running lamps on LT and Premier models. The Malibu Premier also has LED taillamps.

Depending on the model, comfort, convenience and connectivity include Chevrolet MyLink with a 7 or 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen; OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot; wireless phone charging and dual rear-seat USB ports and a 110-volt power outlet. Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel.

The test drive Malibu was the LT model with the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The seats and ride were comfortable, the amenities numerous and the powertrain delivered. With all standard equipment the retail price is $25,020. Optional equipment hiked it to $28,505.

dence,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “More than ever, we must join forces to meet the needs of the fastest growing population in America who want to be able to live at home for as long as they can. It not only makes

economic sense to enable seniors to stay healthy and safe at home, but it improves the health and vibrancy of our communities and our nation at large.”

For more information, visit: www.fortbendseniors.org.

Fort Bend Seniors participate in nationwide ‘March for Meals’

LITERARY & FINE ARTS

Food/Beverage & Retail Vendors

more.

The new Malibu is offered in L, LS, LT, hybrid and Premier models.

The teen driver application supports safe driving habits by muting the audio on any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. Teen Driver also provides audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds.

Available active safety features include front pedestrian alert; new lane keep assist with lane departure warning; side blind zone alert with lane change alert; forward collision alert with following distance indicator; rear cross traffic alert; front and rear park assist; adaptive cruise control with front automatic braking, and automatic parking assist.

Premium design cues are on all models, with contemporary lighting technology featured

2015 Community Champion, former at-large position 1 councilor and current Rosenberg Mayor, Cynthia McConathy.

FOUNDATION REPAIR Lifetime Warranty

ROOFING • SIDING • WINDOWS & MORE! FINANCING • 0 DOWN • Low Payments!

Call Today: 713.797.8403

Free Estimates

champion remodeling.net

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) www.bibleliterature.com

Live Musical Performances

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

First Response Vehicles for the Kids

Book Character Parade through LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch

BIGGEST YET, showcasing the amazing talents of young writers, artists, musicians and performers from schools within Precinct 3!

FOR EVEN MORE INFO, CHECK US OUT ONLINE

FORTBENDLFAFP.COM

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 • MARCH 9, 2016 • Page 5

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE Anita Milne 281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group Meadows Place•Scottsdale•3/2/2

SOLD

$169,000 $169,000

For All Your Real Estate Needs Call Arlene Rolsen CRS, Realtor

Knowledgeable! Experienced!

Hardworking!

Competitive!

Action Oriented!

MilneAnita@yahoo.com Stafford • Kirkwood • 3/2.5/2

$118,000

(281) 414-8400 www.ArleneRolsen.com

Cinco Ranch • $379,900 • 4/31/2/2D

Sugar Land•Brush Meadow• 3/2/2+Study

$205,000 $205,000

New Listing

SOLD

Sienna Plantation MC•$769,500•4/4.1/3 34TT

Meadows Place • Brook Meadows • 3/2.5/2 Meadows Place • Meadowtrail • 4/2/2 Meadows Place•Sturdivant•3/2.5/2

SOLD

$147,500 REDUCED

$259,000

Sugar Land participates in FotoFest

For the first time, Sugar Land is participating in FotoFest, an international biennial of photography and mixed media arts, taking place March 12 through April 24. The FotoFest 2016 Biennial is FotoFest’s 16th consecutive international Biennial of Photography and Photo-related Art. It is the first and longest running biennial of its kind in the United States and one of the largest photography events in the world.

The FotoFest Biennials were started in 1986. The 2016 Biennial is showcased throughout Houston and the surrounding areas, including this year a significant presence in Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. There are 10 locations within Fort Bend County, four of which are located in Sugar Land and over 120 participating spaces overall.

The City of Sugar Land was central to the planning and coordination of four participating locations within Sugar Land, including: Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation; Sugar Land Heritage Foundation; Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land; and Sugar Land City Hall. Artists include Libbie Masterson, David Mortenson, Jim Olive and community photographers. The community is invited to view these exhibitions throughout the run of FotoFest from March 12 through April 24. Public viewing hours are listed for each venue on the FotoFest website and Visit Sugar Land website.To learn more about FotoFest 2016 biennial and participating space hours, visit www. fotofest.org or www.visitsugarlandtx.com.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Fieldstone, Section 9 and Section 10, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Riverstone North Section 4, Precinct 4.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

SOLD

$178,000

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

State Highway 6 Maxicom Irrigation Retrofit ST1604 State Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www. publicpurchase.com Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

For questions contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager jposcovsky@ sugarlandtx.gov or post on www.publicpurchase.com no later than 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 17, 2016.

The City will award the contract and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REZONING 3.11 ACRES FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ALONG NORTH SIDE OF BRANFORD PLACE AND EAST SIDE OF UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing 6:30 p.m., March 24, 2016, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, to hear all persons interested in the proposed rezoning of 3.11 acres from Planned Development (PD) District General Development Plan to Planned Development (PD) District Final Development Plan for commercial property (Telfair Lakefront 3.11 Acre Business Park) located along the north side of Branford Place and east side of University Boulevard; further identified as being a 3.11 acre portion of the residue of a called 1651.239 acre tract (File No. 2006007940), within the Alexander Hodge League Abstract 32. Details of the proposed rezoning may be obtained by contacting the City of Sugar Land Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Videos” Planning & Zoning Commission no later than Friday, March 18, 2016.

VICINITY MAP:

Sale Pending

How to download e-books at local library

Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT FY2015 Section 5307 Program of Projects

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library will present a demonstration of OverDrive, the library’s digital, downloadable e-book and audiobook collection, on Thursday, March 24, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Library staff will demonstrate how to browse the collection, make a selection, and download the e-book or audiobook to an e-reader, such as a Kindle or Nook™, or to an mp3 player, without ever visiting the library.

The OverDrive digital collection has become wildly popular with people who enjoy reading or listening to their favorite books on their electronic devices. The collection features a wide variety of bestsellers, literary classics, and even classic radiotheater programs. Titles borrowed online will automatically return, so there is never a late fee.

The class is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Calendar,” select “Missouri City Branch,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2100, or by visiting the library.

The Missouri City Branch Library is located at 1530 Texas Parkway.

The Fort Bend County Public Transportation Department receives United States Department of Transportation Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Funds through the Federal Transit Administration to support public transportation services. Fort Bend County has submitted its request for FY2015 Section 5307 funding to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (“METRO”). The below table briefly describes our FY 2015 Urbanized Area Formula funds project list: Fort Bend County Public Transportation FY 2015 Section 5307 Program of Projects PROJECT AMOUNT Fixed Route and Demand Response Cost of Capital Contracting 1,116,401 Buses 580,000 Bus Wraps, Security Cameras, Bike Racks 104,742 Preliminary Engineering/Design & Geotech for Admin/Ops Facility 595,000 Planning & Development 921,605 Fixed Route and Demand Response Operating Assistance 1,778,214 Total 5,095,962 Federal FTA share (w/ 663,550 in matching TDC’s) 4,206,855 Local share 889,107 Members of the public may submit comments and/or requests for public hearing in writing via email to Transit@fortbendcountytx.gov or by mail to 12550 Emily Court, Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Comments / requests will be accepted until 5:00 pm., Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

If no changes are made as a result of public comments received, this project list will be considered final. This project list is subject to further approval by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS NOTICE TO BIDDERS COLLECTION SYSTEM CRITICAL LINE REHABILITATION PROJECT C The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME:

NOTICE TO BIDDERS STATE HIGHWAY 6 MAXICOM IRRIGATION RETROFIT

May The Luck of the Irish Be with You This Saint Patrick’s Day!

CIP PROJECT NUMBER: LOCATION OF WORK:

Collection System Critical Line Rehabilitation Project C WW1403 City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas 77479

The project consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 50,490 L.F. of existing 6” through 15” sanitary sewer by pipe bursting and approximately 7,720 L.F. of existing 6” through 24” sanitary sewer by cured-in-place lining. The project also includes television inspection, manhole rehabilitation, service reconnections, and all labor, equipment, materials, and incidentals required for the project. All work described in the bid form and in these specifications and drawings will be performed under a single prime contract.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from the office of ARKK Engineers, LLC, Attn: Jose Velasquez, P.E., 713 400-2755, 7322 Southwest Freeway, Suite 1040, Houston, Texas 77074 with payment of $125.00 or at no charge a CD (PDF format).

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2016, City of Sugar Land City Hall Brazos Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

For questions contact Jose Velasquez, P.E. jose.velasquez@arkkengineers.com, ARKK Engineers, LLC, (713 400-2755) no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2016.

The City will award the contract and give notice of the award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 16-064 – JUSTICE CENTER PHASE II SHELL BUILDOUT

RFP 16-065 – CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW COMBINED HEAT AND POWER PLANT TO SERVE THE JAIL FACILITIES

A Pre-RFP conference with site visit will be conducted on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 9:00AM (CST). The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, Texas. A site visit will commence immediately following.

All vendors are encouraged to attend.

This is the only date and time vendors will be permitted to complete a site visit.

Detailed pricing is required; payment will be by check. Performance and Payment Bonds are required by successful firm.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

A Pre-RFP conference with site visit will be conducted on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 10:30AM (CST).

The pre-RFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, Texas. A site visit will commence immediately following. All vendors are encouraged to attend. This is the only date and time vendors will be permitted to complete a site visit.

Detailed pricing is required; payment will be by check. Performance and Payment Bonds are required by successful firm.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitations and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx. gov.

LEGAL NOTICE REQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Qualification Statements will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, William B. Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2016 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). All submissions will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the firms made public. Submissions received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov

1. BID 16-061 – AMMUNITION 2. BID 16-066 – CULVERTS 3. BID 16-067 – BRIDGE MATERIALS

Q16-063 – INVESTMENT BROKER/ DEALERS

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received. Bonds are not required.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

CSJ:2105-01-036 PARCEL: 16 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND TO: THE UNKNOWN SHAREHOLDERS OF OTR INVESTMENTS, INC., THROUGH DANIEL J. FRIEDMAN, PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR AND SHAREHOLDER, A TEXAS CORPORATION F/K/A ACEITA EL VAMPIRO, INC., WHOSE LEGAL EXISTENCE HAS CEASED, and if any of them be deceased, the names and residences of their respective heirs and legal representatives.

You are each hereby notified that a hearing will be held at 10:00 o’clock a.m., on the first Monday after the expiration of forty-two (42) days from the date of issuance hereof, that is to say Monday, the 28th day of March, and at the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469, to assess the damages of the owner of the property being condemned.

The State of Texas filed a Petition for Condemnation with the Judge of the County Court At Law No. 1 of Fort Bend County, Texas, on the 16th day of September, 2015, in Cause No.15-CCV-055818 which is styled The State of Texas v. John Kunnakat, Et Ux, Et Al. The Plaintiff is the State of Texas. The Defendants are: THE UNKNOWN SHAREHOLDERS OF OTR INVESTMENTS, INC., THROUGH DANIEL J. FRIEDMAN, PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR AND SHAREHOLDER, A TEXAS CORPORATION F/K/A ACEITA EL VAMPIRO, INC., WHOSE LEGAL EXISTENCE HAS CEASED, and, if any of them be deceased, their respective heirs and legal representatives, if any; John Kunnakat, and wife, Achamma Kunnakat, Alexander Daniel, and wife, Anie A. Daniel.

The name and address of the attorney for Plaintiff is Samantha Owens, Assistant Attorney General, P. 0. Box 12548, Austin, Texas, 78711-2548.

This suit is an eminent domain proceeding in which the State of Texas is condemning a tract of land located in Fort Bend County, Texas, containing 0.2338 of an acre (10,184 square feet) parcel of land situated in the Thomas Hobermaker Survey; Abstract No. 191, Fort Bend County, Texas; said 0.2338 of an acre parcel of land being out of a 1.6800 acre (calculated) tract of land described in a deed dated September 1, 2009 from Constable Rob Cook, Precinct 3, Fort Bend County, Texas, to John Kunnakat and Alexander Daniel, recorded under Fort Bend County Clerk’s File (F. B. C. C. F.) No. 2010015560, Official Public Records Fort Bend County (0. P. R. F. B. C.) and described in a deed dated April 5, 2011 from Constable Rob Cook, Precinct 3, Fort Bend County, Texas, to John Kunnakat and Alexander Daniel, recorded under F. B. C. C. F. No. 2011041012, 0. P. R. F. B.C.; said 0.2338 of an acre parcel of land also being out of Lots 38 and 39, of the A. J. Adams & Bro Subdivision, recorded in Volume 1, Page 11, Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas, such property being fully described in Exhibit “A” of Plaintiff’s Petition for Condemnation filed under the above-referenced cause number.

The interests of these Defendants are that they either own or claim an interest in said property, subject to unpaid accrued taxes.

You are further notified that you may appear at the hearing before the Special Commissioners and present evidence you desire on the issue of damages to be assessed against the State. If you do not appear at the hearing, the Special Commissioners may proceed to assess the damages of the owner of the property being condemned.

If this Notice is not served within ninety (90) days after its issuance, it shall be returned forthwith.

ISSUED this 12th day of February, 2016.

Special Commissioners, Carl Drozd, Barry Beard, Andrew Dornburg

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 9, 2016

Community news

Sugar Land Garden Club presents donation to Fort Bend County Master Gardeners

Connie Shockley, left, Ginny Grant, Peggy d’Hemecourt, Marilyn Scanlin, JoBeth Moore Sugar Land Garden Club (SLGC) has donated $500 to the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners (FBMG) to support their youth programs. In line with the SLGC’s objectives of enhancing knowledge and appreciation of gardenrelated subjects, the award was made to further school garden educational programs in Fort Bend County.

JoBeth Moore, president of SLGC, along with Marilyn Scanlin presented the check to FBMG president Peggy d’Hemecourt, Connie Shockley, school gardens chair, and Ginny Grant, youth activities director.

The youth efforts of the

FBMG include school garden programs (including the “Learn, Grow, Eat & GO!” program of the Junior Master Gardener organization); scout badge events (a one-day event in partnership with the San Jacinto Girl Scout Council), garden focused 4-H Clubs, and Earth-Kind Kids Kamp (a week-long day camp for ages 8-11 focused on garden and environment related topics).

The FBMG have assisted two schools in Fort Bend County recently that adopted the L,G,E&G! program: Jane Long Elementary and Polly Ryon Middle School.

They have also been involved with other schools in

the County in advising and assisting teachers with school gardens and providing related educational programs: Dulles Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, Townewest Elementary, Quail Valley Elementary, and Seven Lakes Jr. High School. The SLGC is a 501(c)3 organization and has educational speakers on a variety of garden topics, meeting the third Tuesday of the month August to November and January to April.

These meetings are free and open to the public.

The club also supports local gardening projects as well as funding 2 scholarships for horticultural students.

Meadows Place Youth Action Council delivers for charity

AMMERMAN EXPERIENCE. Terri Ammerman, CEO of the Ammerman Experience, entertained clients and guests at the beautiful El Centro de Corazon Fundraising Luncheon at the Hotel ZaZa recently. El Centro de Corazon provides quality, affordable healthcare to the East End of the greater Houston area. The guest speaker at the luncheon was Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street for over 40 years. Not only was Sonia one of the first Latinas on television, she was a first crush, a best friend, and a baby sitter, telling stories and making everyone laugh. Not only did Sonia act on Sesame Street but she received 15 Emmy awards as a staff writer. The Ammerman Experience is a communications development firm that travels all over the world teaching organizations how to tell their story through the press or when making presentations. Clients include most major oil and gas companies as well as utilities, chemical companies and healthcare organizations. Terri’s travels have taken her from Guatamala to Iceland. Terri Ammerman (The Ammerman Experience), Eya Tkachenko, Lisa Ann Hofmann (Schlumberger), Susan Gonzales (Aramco), Jamie Roark (The Ammerman Experience), Sophie Gates (Petrobras), Andrea Shiloh (Regions Bank), Melanie Kania (Baker Hughes), Patty Block (The Block Group)

FBCA sophomore becomes published author FBCA sophomore, Andrew Brierty, is now a published author. Brierty wrote “Step Into Wall St.” a book about personal finance. The book is geared toward teens and available for purchase on Amazon and through the Kindle App. “Millennials lack financial literacy,” Brierty said. “I wanted to share my knowledge and inspire teens and young adults to get into investing.”

Many high school students would not think to even try publishing a book so young, but the underclassman said the overall process was not burdensome.

“The publishing process was relatively easy, but editing took some time,” Brierty said.

Brierty plans to work for an investment firm, and he hopes

Brierty to eventually run his own hedge fund.

Andrew Brierty, born 1999, Is not your average highschool sophomore. He enjoys shooting hoops for the basketball team, watching mov-

ies, the latest video games, and spending time with his friends. However he also loves to research stocks and other investment opportunities. He is the head contributor to his own self run website, Wall Street For Teens, and now a published author.

His first stock came to him on his 15th birthday at the end of 2015.

Since then, he has been playing the markets and learning everything there is to know about finance and investing. With his first book “Step Into Wall St.”, Andrew hopes to make the complicated world of finance easy for all to understand. He has high ambitions to continue to share his ideas and inspire teens and millennials around the world to get started in investing.

Spirit of Freedom Republican Women’s Club hosts Cathie Adams

A new volunteer group based in Meadows Place has had an electric start to its volunteer mission. Organized in December of 2015, the Youth Action Council is a group of selected volunteers who work directly with the Meadows Place City Council to ensure that the teen voice is heard in the community. This is a national organization under the guidance of the Texas Munici-

pal League. The group’s intent is to develop leaders within the community through service, outreach and sustainability projects. Each group serves its local city with the support of the mayor and council.

This high-school service group began assisting the community during the Meadows Place Christmas Memories event. Next, the members partnered with Souls 4 Soles,

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Plantation, Section 11, 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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for West Airport Boulevard St. Ded. Section 1, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE CLOSING DATE OF March 22, 2016 AT 2:00 p.m.

IFB for the Complete Installation of Radio Tower Obstruction Lights IFB # 16-158 Radio Tower Obstruction Lights Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. IFB’s must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. IFB’s marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified.

Responses are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers on March 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm.

Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, 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.

IFB 16-158 is posted for the duration, including any Addenda, at http://www. demandstar.com/ and http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/.

a charity shoe drive. They collected 292 pairs of shoes, thanks to the support of the Meadows Place community.

The group attended the Texas YAC Summit and donated the shoes to the Souls 4 Soles project, which was part of the summit. For their efforts, they won an award as the “Best Service Project Contributor” throughout Texas. Out of the 32 cities in attendance, they collected 292 of the total 715 pairs collected overall. For more information on how to assist their efforts or become a part of the organization, contact the City of Meadows Place Director of Parks and Recreation, Colene Cabezas, at 281-642-7696.

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitations and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx. gov.

1.BID 16-068 – PURCHASE AND HAULING OF ROAD MATERIALS 2.BID 16-069 – PERIODICAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not required.

Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

Cathie Adams will speak on “Climate Hustle”; Paris, France-UN Framework Convention on Climate Control, is Friday, March 18, 2016, at Sugar Creek Baptist Church LYF Center, 13444 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cathie Adams served as the President of Texas Eagle Forum from 1993-2015. She is the International Issues Chairman and is on the board of the national Eagle Forum (www. eagleforum.org). She was elected Republican National Committeewoman for Texas in 2008 and stepped down after being elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas from 2009-2010. She was named by Campaigns and Elections magazine’s August 2010 issue as one of the top 50 Republican influencers in Texas.Eagle Forum’s mission is to enable conservative and pro-family men and women to participate in the process of self-government and public policy-making so that America will continue to be a land of individual liberty, respect for family integrity, public and private virtue, and private enterprise.

Cathie has been an election judge, a member of the district, state and national resolutions/platform committees; and a delegate to six Republican National Conventions.

She has especially enjoyed serving on the Republican National Platform Committee

Adams in 2000, 2004 and 2008.

Capitol Inside’s Texas Lobby Power Rankings (www.capitolinside.com) placed Cathie first on their list of lobbyists for cause from 2005 through 2009.

“The Democratic insurgence hasn’t pushed Texas Eagle Forum President Cathie Adams out of the number one spot on the list of people who lobby for causes. Adams, a veteran activist who was elected to the Republican National Committee last summer, commands the immediate attention of GOP lawmakers whenever her organization decides to turn up the grassroots pressure on conservative issues dear to its heart.”

Most recently, Cathie has been observing the United Nations design a Green Climate Fund. As an observer of major UN conferences since

1995, Cathie enjoys telling about her experiences. She attended the Women’s Conference in Beijing, China; the Housing Summit in Istanbul, Turkey; the Food Summit in Rome, Italy; and a number of Climate Change meetings in Kyoto, Japan, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bonn, Germany, The Hague, Netherlands, Poznan, Poland, Cancun, Mexico, Durban, South Africa, Doha, Qatar, Warsaw, Poland, Lima, Peru and Paris, France. When the International Criminal Court was created in Rome in 1998, Cathie attended the proceedings. She also attended the 2000 Millennium Summit in New York City, the Global Taxing Summit in Monterrey, Mexico, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. She traveled to Hong Kong for a Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization and to Paris, France for a UNESCO meeting.

Cathie has been involved in other civic activities as well. She was a member of the Human Services Commission for the City of Dallas, and has testified before the State Board of Education as well as several Legislative committees in Austin, Texas.

The cost of lunch is $8.00 and reservations are required

by Wednesday, March 16.

RSVP to President Phyllis Worhsam at info@spiritoffreedomwomen.com; call or text 281-755-2063.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 9, 2016 • Page 7

COMMUNITY CHI St. Luke’s Health unveils new Family Birthing Center in Sugar Land CHI St. Luke’s Health– Sugar Land Hospital (Sugar Land Hospital) announced the expansion of its Women’s Services Program with the opening of the Family Birthing Center.

Led by a team of experienced healthcare professionals, the Center is designed to meet the individual needs of parents and their babies through personalized care that includes specialized birthing and postpartum services.

“This is a special time in a mother’s life,” said Wes Garrison, Vice President of Patient Care Services, Sugar Land Hospital.

“This high quality of service will not be surpassed in Fort Bend County. We want it to be a memorable experience. That’s why we treat every pregnancy as a VIP— Very Important Pregnancy.”

There’s No Place like Home The newly remodeled unit offers spacious labor, delivery, and postpartum suites intended to foster a home-like atmosphere. Private rooms include a 42-inch television, free Wi-Fi access, and a pullout double bed for guests.

From luxury linens to a chef-prepared celebratory meal, every detail is designed with the mother’s comfort and serenity in mind. With

personalized attention and concierge services, Sugar Land Hospital’s new Family Birthing Center offers moms a warm, comfortable environment to bring their babies into the world.

New Arrival: Baby Planning In preparation for delivery, Sugar Land Hospital offers its patients guidance through pre-registration to expedite the admissions process and delivery of care.

Expectant mothers can plan their healthcare services in advance, process all required documentation, and know what to expect upon delivery.

Beginning at 24 weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, nurse navigators are available to help her feel comfortable and confident leading up to the delivery date.

The nurse navigator, who will be with the mother from the time she registers to the day she brings her baby home, also can assist with childbirth education, lactation consultation, and more.

Baby on Board: Labor & Delivery Board-certified OB/GYNs and neonatologists, obstetrical nurses, neonatal nurses, and a specially trained support team are dedicated to caring for each mother and newborn.

Sugar Land Hospital is the country’s first hospital to use Novii™ Wireless Patch System, a Bluetooth peel-andstick electric patch placed on the mother’s belly to monitor the baby’s heart rate and uterine activity. This cable-free device allows the mother to move around freely instead of being confined to a bed.

Extra TLC: Neonatal Intensive Care Sugar Land Hospital also provides a 24/7 Level II neonatal intensive care services provided by Texas Children’s Hospital® and Baylor College of Medicine.

The Special Care Nursery is managed by a Baylor-affiliated neonatologist and staffed by experienced neonatal nurses. Infants can be transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center if a higher level care is required.

“We believe in focusing on the patient with care that exceeds the norm,” said Rob Heifner, President, Sugar Land Hospital.

“Our birthing center provides a safe, comfortable, family-centered maternity care environment to welcome the newest members of our community. We are pleased to be able to offer this service to our patients and their families.”

Family Birthing Center Suites at CHI St.Lukes Hospital in Sugar Land.

Sugar Land Garden Club March 15: The Sugar Land Garden Club presents “Creating Floral Arrangements from your Backyard” by Amy Neugebauer; at St. Basil Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land; program 10 a.m. Amy Neugebauer is an award-winning floral designer and is certified by the TSFA. She will show us how to design our own arrangements using flowers grown in our own backyards. All floral arrangements used in the presentation will be available for auction at the end of the program. The program is free and open to the public. For more info: www.sugarlandgardenclub.org.

Last week, CHI St. Luke’s Health new Family Birthing Center delivered its first baby. (Left to Right) Jose Morfin; Maria Morfin holding newborn Angel Marie Morfin; Dr. Brooke Jemelka, Caritas Women Care, St. Luke’s Medical Group Sugar Land; Wes Garrison, Vice President of Patient Care Services, CHI St. Luke’s Health–Sugar Land Hospital.

com Visit our beautiful new model homes! wy Ft.

Pk

LJ

i Un B

v l v ersit y d.

Be n

59 6

8 d Pk

Williams Trace

90

wy.

Resort-style Amenities . Waterside Living $300s-Millions From US-59 in Sugar Land, take Hwy 6 south 3 miles . 281.499.8700

EASY ACCESS to US-59 and FORT BEND PARKWAY

Darling . Fedrick, Harris . Highland . Lespreance Construction . Meritage . Newmark Partners in Building . Perry . Peterson . Sims Luxury . Sitterle . Sterling Classic Taylor Morrison . Toll Brothers . Trendmaker Westin . Westport

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 9, 2016

ALL LEADERS IN THEIR SPECIALTIES. ALL HERE FOR YOU. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Physician Group of top specialists provides you with all the leading-edge technology, innovative treatments and world-class care you have come to know and trust

Houston Methodist Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Specialists 4780 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 150, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.242.2444 Dr. Bhadresh Shah

Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed

from Houston Methodist.

Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

16651 SW Frwy., Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77479 713.776.9500

16811 SW Frwy., Suite 200, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.690.4678

Dr. Julia Adrogue Dr. B. Keith Ellis Dr. Michael H. Koo

Dr. David Braunreiter Sports Medicine

Dr. Eddie Matsu Joint Replacement

Dr. Ashvin K. Dewan Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Vincent Phan Hand & Upper Extremity

3527 Town Center Blvd. S., Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.491.6808

Dr. D. Dean Dominy III Hand & Upper Extremity

Dr. Kenneth Renney Sports Medicine

Dr. Toussaint Smith

Dr. Carl Hicks Joint Replacement

Dr. Timothy Sitter Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Jeffrey A. Kozak Sports Medicine

Dr. Mark Vann II Foot & Ankle

Dr. Mark Maffet Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Jeffrey Wood Spine Surgery

Dr. John Passmore Dr. Kesavan Shan

Dr. Sherman Tang

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 410, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.274.0148 Dr. Sangeeta Saikia

Houston Methodist Gynecologic Oncology Associates

Houston Methodist Podiatry Associates

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 450, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0880

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 350, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.240.3338

Dr. Tarrik Zaid

Dr. Nicholas Desai

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Neurology Associates

Houston Methodist Primary Care Group

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 600, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.494.6387

18717 S. University Blvd., Suite 105, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.208.3322

Dr. Carisa Liew Epilepsy/Seizures

Dr. Larry Tran EMG/Nerve Conduction Studies

Dr. Deepshikha Sharda

Dr. Eddie Patton Jr. Neuromuscular Disorders

Dr. Toby Yaltho Movement Disorders

Houston Methodist Oncology Partners 16659 SW Frwy., Suite 151, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.276.5200 Dr. Jorge Darcourt

Dr. Sindhu Nair

Appointments available online at houstonmethodist.org/appointments

Dr. Suneesh Nair

Dr. Priya Oolut

Houston Methodist Cancer Center – Radiation Oncology 16655 SW Frwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.274.7800 Dr. Clive Shkedy

Houston Methodist Institute for Reconstructive Surgery 16605 SW Frwy., Suite 450, Sugar Land, TX 77479 713.441.0714 Dr. Pierre Chevray Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates 16659 SW Frwy., Suite 235, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.980.2717 Dr. Susan Mathew

Dr. Vandana Khera

8330 Hwy. 6. Suite 110, Missouri City, TX 77459 281.276.0653 Dr. Adelola Ashaye Dr. Kerry Laursen

16659 SW Frwy., Suite 421, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.325.0005

Dr. Angela McCain

Houston Methodist Surgical Associates 16605 SW Frwy., Suite 450, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0860 Dr. Timothy Oppermann Dr. Michael Yaakovian

Dr. Jessen Rajan

Dr. Ashish Saharia Dr. Nabil Tariq Bariatric Surgery

4660 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 210, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.276.0933

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 430, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.242.3300

Dr. Adrianne Scruggs

Dr. Ali Mahmood Colorectal Surgery

16605 SW Frwy., Suite 400, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.275.0800 Dr. Ana Corteguera Dr. Jennifer Diamond Dr. Yana Finkelshteyn Dr. Julie Hung

Dr. Seva Papageorge Dr. Mona Sheth Dr. Melida Tellez

Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates – Vein Clinic 16605 SW Frwy., Suite 505, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.240.8400 Dr. Ulises Baltazar

For a detailed list of services and physician bios, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg. If you don’t see the specialty you’re looking for, please call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral.

of Fort Bend’s newest and most innovative master-planned community with two days of great family fun to celebrate the arrival of Spring!

D 11 brand new model homes D Live music D Farmers market D Face painting D Balloon artists D Inflatables D Petting zoo D Pig roast D Food & drinks by local chefs!

FREE

Admission & Parking!

Sat u rd a

Harvest Green is conveniently ly located on 99/Grand Pkwy ng minutes away from everything in Katy & Sugar Land!

The R y Kevi e n B vis

Su ndalyack

Westpark Tollway

Gr

an

SPAZM ATICS

d Pk wy

.

New Homes from the $260s

#HarvestGreenDream . harvestgreentexas.com

D. R. Horton . Darling Homes . David Weekley Homes . Highland Homes . Lennar . Plantation Homes Meritage Homes . Newmark Homes . Perry Homes . Trendmaker Homes . Westin Homes