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VOL 11 No. 19

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Status quo in Stafford, Sugar Land; New faces in Richmond, Rosenberg

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Several area towns held elections May 5. Incumbents kept their seats on city councils in Sugar Land and Stafford. The smaller towns had the most changes.

Sugar Land re-elected incumbent Mayor Jim Zimmerman who held onto his seat with 63.55 percent of the vote -- 3,916 residents who voted for him. He was opposed by Diana Miller who received 2,246 votes for 36.45 percent of the total votes cast.

Zimmerman was first elected to serve as mayor in 2016 and before that was the At-Large Position 2 city councilman.

Miller, a long-time community advocate for development controls to mitigate future flooding and congestion, is a member of the national and Texas As-

sociation of Realtors Land Use Committees.

Himesh Gandhi had no opponent and kept his At-Large Position 1 seat.

City Council newcomer Jennifer Lane will fill the AtLarge Position 2 chair, vacated

by Mary Joyce. Lane received 3,431 votes or 59.31 percent of the total votes cast.

Write-in candidate, Farha Ahmed, got 2,355 votes or 40.69 percent of the total.

(This is a record in the sense the city had no write-in candidate in recent memory and no write in candidate has got such a high level of endorsement.)

Rosenberg residents elected three new city council members and returned one to his seat.

Isaac Davila won Rosenberg’s District 1 seat with 133 votes or 73.08 percent of the vote total.

He was opposed by incumbent Jimmie Pena who received 49 votes for 24.22 percent of the total votes cast.

Voters in Rosenberg’s District 2 put Steven DeGregorio in office with 169 votes (73.08 percent). His opponent, Terry Gately, received 54 votes for 24.22 percent of the vote total.

No incumbent was in the running for this council seat.

District 3 attracted two hopefuls and an incumbent. The winner was Lisa Wallingford who got 332 votes or 68.45 percent of the votes. The incumbent, Alice Jozwiak, received 117 votes for 24.12 percent of the total, and Chris Valasquez came in third with 36 votes for 7.42 percent.

Rosenberg’s District 4 seat was won by Richard Olson who had no opponent.

See STATUS, Page 3

UNICEF gives Linda & Jim McIngvale Global Community Hero Award

By SESHADRI KUMAR Well known philanthropist and legendary furniture store owner in Houston, Jim “Mack” McIngvale, punctuated the fifth anniversary of Houston UNICEF Gala with the words of Mark Twain: Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

McIngvale, (Mattress Mack), with his wife Linda, made the remarks while accepting the Global Community Hero Award at the UNICEF Gala on May 4 at The Post Oak in Uptown Houston.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, while presenting the award to McIngvale and his wife, highlighting among other things, how Mattress Mack provided Thanksgiving Dinner for 20,000 people affected by Hurricane Harvey last year.

See AWARD, Page 2

Missouri City hosts Mother’s Day Cake Decorating Event The “Show Me City” is preparing to host its Second Annual Mother’s Day Cake Decorating Event on Saturday, May 12 as part of the Leadership Luncheon Series.

This family fun initiative will take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Community Center in the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Sponsors of the 2018 event are Million Cakes, Classic Chevrolet, Rich Products Corporation, Niagara Bottling and Kroger.

“Inspired from the feedback and participation from last year’s event, we have planned a few more activities this year including a flower station,” said Director of Communications Stacie Walker. “There will also be cake kits to decorate, music, food, and some great surprises. We look forward to another terrific celebration.”

Cakes will cost $15 per kit (a six-inch round cake, icing, decorations and other essentials). Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The event will also include the opportunity for participants to design a card with a special message for their loved ones, a photo booth, a face painter, a balloon artist, giveaways and more.

For more information on the Mother’s Day Cake Decorating Event, visit www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281.403.8500.

Countywide watershed study to identify flood problems

Linda and Jim McIngvale at the UNICEF gala in Houston on May 4 before receiving the Global Community Hero Award .

Bill Rickert,Tina Gibson in May 22 Republican Party primary runoff for county treasurer

By SESHADRI KUMAR Bill Rickert and Tina Gibson are in the Republican Party primary runoff for Fort Bend County Treasurer.

Election day is May 22 and early voting will be from May 14 to 18.

Incumbent County Treasurer Jeff Council is not seeking reelection. Jeff Council has posted a mission statement on the Fort Bend County website, explaining the role and responsibilities of county treasurer.

It follows: The mission of the County Treasurer is to serve as the chief custodian of county finance.

Basic duties include receiving, keeping and accounting, paying, applying, and disbursing all monies belonging to the county.

Additional duties include: original reconciliation and safekeeping of county bank accounts; custodian of bail bond

WALK GREEN. Congressman Pete Olson, center, kicked off the annual BAPS Charities Walk Green 2018 in Sugar Land Town Square on April 29. The annual Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Charities walkathon benefits The Nature Conservancy and their effort to conserve the lands and waters to sustain life for upcoming generations. BAPS Charities will contribute $165,000, an equivalent of planting 130,000 trees, to The Nature Conservancy to support their initiative to plant a billion trees globally by 2025. Story on Page 5.

collateral; custodian for revenue bond funds, including initial issuance, establishment of accounts, acceptance of original funds, issuance of bond funds to various paying agents; Agent for state reports and payments on certain accounts; payroll officer for the County: authorizing deductions of social security, county retirement, group health insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, and savings bonds of county employees. The county treasurer is responsible for collecting delinquent funds other than taxes.

The County Treasurer also serves as treasurer for the Fort Bend Flood Control Water Supply Corporation, Fort Bend Parkway Road District, Drainage District, Toll Road Authority, Toll Road Operations; receipting fees for toll.

Asked to explain why they should be elected, the candi-

dates gave their position statement.

Rickert said, “It’s important that we have someone in this office that understands how to manage large amounts of money who and has a clear vision for keeping our county fiscally strong. I’m not just a finance person or a manager. I’m a leader. That’s what we need in this position - someone that will to continue to guide our county into a bright and prosperous future.

Rickert cited recent examples from neighboring counties as to what can happen when the position of Treasurer is not taken seriously.

“Montgomery county elected a Treasurer entangled in personal financial struggles (owed money to the IRS and the Texas State Comptroller).

“Even more troubling, this See TREASURER, Page 3

On May 1, 2018, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court authorized advertising a ‘Request for Qualifications’ (RFQ) for a countywide watershed study.

This study will provide up to date information on water flow across the county, allowing the Court to use it as a tool to plan and prioritize flood mitigation projects.

The RFQ is the first step in performing this extremely broad-based study that will evaluate water flow patterns and identify problems over the entire 880 square miles of the county.

The study will look at streams, creeks, bayous, drainage districts and levee districts, as well as consider the effects of development that Fort Bend County has experienced in the last 30 years and will experience for decades to come.

The study will also integrate current research on the Barker Reservoir, and Jones and Bessie’s Creeks into the final report.

“As a result of this study, we are going to determine and prioritize improvements in the handling of water within the entire watershed that will

mitigate the risk of flooding, especially during high rain events,” said County Judge Bob Hebert.

The County anticipates award of the contract sometime in mid-June with completion of the study in December 2019 or early 2020.

Hebert said, “We have to know, as quickly as possible, what projects make sense. We have to prioritize those projects and determine which have positive cost-benefit ratios before we can make an intelligent bond request from taxpayers.

We will need voter approval to issue debt as the working number for local contributions is estimated to be $250 million, and voters won’t approve that amount of debt unless we do our homework.”

Governor Abbott has asked for funds from the federal government for this study, but there is no indication at this time as to when or if funds might become available.

“We know that if the study were funded directly by the federal government, the process would add a significant amount of time to its completion. Based on our recent history with the river and rainfall

in the county, we do not have the time to wait. We will move ahead on this study. Hopefully, federal funding will catch up with us so we are following all federal procurement rules to maintain eligibility,” Hebert said.

Fort Bend County has previously submitted a ‘wish list’ of necessary infrastructure projects of more than $1.5 Billion at the request of the Governor. $1.4 Billion of that amount is to stabilize the Brazos River banks in areas where erosion threatens federal, state, local assets or recognized historical properties as required by federal law.

Only $100 Million of the current request targets local flood-hazard mitigation projects.

Hebert said, “The $100 Million currently requested addresses projects that have been on our needs list for several years, but the results of Harvey show us that we have much greater needs across the county. This study will allow us to qualify and quantify those needs and will allow us to expand our project list in an intelligent, cost-effective manner.”

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018

NEWS

Connie Kwon-Wong, left, Joni E. Baird, Nat Krishnamurthy, Leela Krishnamurthy, (of Sugar Land and UNICEF board member), Zeenat and Iqbal Mitha (also of Sugar Land), Doctors Mohan Subbiah and Ishwaria, Bonna Kol, executive director of Asia Society, and her husband James Clifford at the UNICEF Gala on May 4 held in Houston. was searching for safety, shelter UNICEF had the same princi- in need. UNICEF responded to can, who was the Emcee, an- Mehta are among the directors 344 humanitarian emergencies nounced that the Gala raised on the UNICEF Southwest Reand food. Across the world chil- ple, placing children first.

From page 1 more than $900,000 for UNI- gional board.

There are still some pockets in 108 countries in 2016. dren do that every night.

Leela and Nat Krishnamurthy UNICEF reached nearly 45 CEF. “Let us be united and be gen- struggling in the city, but he asMcIngvale lauded UNICEF’s were also listed among honorIndian Americans Leela mission of placing children first, erous to UNICEF so that they sured the gathering that “we will percent of children with lifeary chairs and Sippi and Ajay Krishnamurthy, Sippi K. Khuraby providing a personal story can help children in the world,” leave none behind and will not saving vaccinations in 2016, Khurana among gala chairs. na, Nidhika Mehta and Pershant 47 million children were prorest until we are whole again.” of a neglected child in his own McIngvale said.

Mayor Turner also introduced vided with education materials Susan and Fayez Sarofim, family and said that millions of children around the world are long standing supporters of Community Hero Award win- over the last 3 years and more suffering. UNICEF is filling the medical, cultural and educa- ner Emma Kathleen Hepburn than 49 million people were gap, he added, and its world- tional organizations, includ- Ferrer, granddaughter of the fa- provided safe drinking water in wide efforts to put children first ing a 17-story medical tower mous actress Audrey Hepburn. humanitarian situations over the at Memorial Hermann Hospital Ferrer, who was also the spe- last 3 years. Also, 2.5 million deserves support.

Narrating the story, he re- at the Texas Medical Center, cial guest of honor, recalled the children were treated for acute called how during last year’s were honored with the Margaret legacy of her grandmother as malnutrition.

Susan Boggio, chair, SouthHurricane Harvey, one night Alkek Williams Humanitarian UNICEF”s ambassador in proat 2 a.m, a seven year old with Award and the award was pre- viding a better life for children, west Regional Board of Direcfour other family members, all sented by Margaret Alkek Wil- her compelling compassion for tors, UNICEF USA, spoke about children and her contributions child trafficking. The laws need wet and shivering, came to Gal- liams herself. to be changed to ensure that the Susan Sarofim acknowledged to the cause. lery Furniture. She was the only Nelson Bowman, manag- victim of trafficking is not punone who could speak English UNICEF’s Children First misin the family. With a quivering sion and offered continued sup- ing director of the Southwest ished instead of the perpetrator voice, she asked if they could port to “the exemplary orga- Region, UNICEF USA, in his and urged community support nization in the country and the remarks highlighted UNICEF’s for Trafficking Survivors Relief stay there that night. work in 190 countries and ter- Act of 2017.This bill amends McIngvale had thrown open world.” the federal criminal code to esEarlier, Mayor Turner in his ritories. his store for people displaced UNICEF was established in tablish a process to vacate conby floods to sleep in and his remarks characterized Houston staff rescued hundreds of people as a city of champions and re- the aftermath of World War II victions and expunge arrests for stranded in floods. The rescue silience and stated that the city to help children whose lives and criminal offenses committed by and relief operations of Mattress was still working hard to restore futures were at risk – no matter trafficking victims that directly Mack and his furniture store normalcy. In responding to nat- what country they were from. result from or relate to having Susan and Fayez Sarofim, recipients of the Margaret Alkek staff is now legendary. Mc- ural disasters and in providing The only thing that mattered to been a trafficking victim.

Local TV host Deborah Dun- Williams Humanitarian Award at the UNICEF gala 2018.

Ingvale said that night the girl relief operations, the city and UNICEF was reaching children

Award

To all the Moms who care for, nurture and guide children to greatness!

INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS 4 who voted for $1.1 million building deal for RDC no longer on Rosenberg City Council

Dulles High School Students Win 7th at the National Science Bowl. The following students placed 7th at the United States National Science Bowl held in Washington DC this past weekend.

Students from 50 states and Puerto Rico competed in a round robin answering questions on biology, chemistry, physics, energy, earth and space, as well as mathematics. Students pictured from left to right. Andrew Liu, Naveen Mukkatt, Shree Mohan, Ethan Zahid, Krish Singal Coaches: Judy Matney, left, and Dr. Chandra Mohan, far right.

Treasurer From Page 1 Treasurer claimed to have step-by-step instructions on how to “manipulate the county finance system” and won’t reveal her processes, leaving Montgomery county in the dark about her dealings. Harris county is currently caught in a scandal, with one of its top treasury officials accused of stealing county money. The person elected to the public office of Treasurer should be able to properly manage their personal affairs and lead the treasury office with integrity and transparency.

“Recently, Harris County was scammed for nearly $900,000 from a phishing scheme, because someone fraudulently requested banking information of a vendor be changed. With the age of electronic transactions and the need for proactive cyber security, the county is best served with the most experienced and versatile person in the office of Treasurer.

“The organizational structure of county government is defined in the Texas Constitution and is divided into elected and appointed offices. This organization makes many of the county leaders directly accountable to the people of the county. This creates a working environment much like a highly-matrixed business, where individual leaders must work effectively with each other across reporting lines. My proven track record in highly-matrixed organizations ensures I will be effective in this environment.

“As your Treasurer, I will ensure that we remain financially transparent, accountable and fiscally strong.

“My wife, two daughters and I have been a part of Fort Bend County for decades. I’ve been on the board of numerous

Status From Page 1 Voters in Stafford put their three incumbent city council members back in office.

The winners were Ken Mathew with 578 votes (33.98 percent); Cecil Willis with 482 votes (28.34 percent) and Don Jones who got 417 votes (24.51).

The fourth man to throw his hat in the ring for a city council seat was newcomer Johnny Baiamonte. He received 224 votes for 13.17 percent of the total votes cast.

Richmond held a city council election for two positions. Position 1 had three hopefuls and Terry Gaul with 381 votes or 68.90 percent of the vote total won.

Incumbent Jesse Torres came in second with 105 votes for 18.19 percent of the vote total and Carlos Garcia received 67 votes for 12.12 percent.

Two hopefuls ran for Position 3 and Carl Drozd won with 429 votes to challenger Tres Dale Davis’s 121 votes.

Drozd got 78 percent of the total votes cast, and Davis received 22 percent.

government and community organizations and led the financial turnaround of the Rosenberg railroad museum. I’ve successfully run large businesses with multi-million dollar budgets, and I am well versed in public finance.

“Our county can continue to grow with a solid fiscal foundation, but we need a great leader to bring us there. “ I am the only candidate who understands public finance and investments. I have the most experience and success handling money for organizations and public entities. Most importantly, I know how to properly manage corporate and government money. We need to trust the county checkbook in the most experienced and capable hands. “ Tina Gibson has lived in Sugar Land for 35 years. She is married to Mike Gibson, former Fort Bend GOP Chairman, has two daughters, worked as an NICU RN at Hermann Hospital, school nurse at Fort Bend Christian Academy, and CEO of a family-owned Oil and Gas consultancy firm. She graduated from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas.

Tina Gibson said she has led numerous volunteer organizations, raising funds for charity and scholarships. She is a Precinct Chair, State Republican Executive Committeewoman for Senate District 17, board member of the Texas Federation of Republican Women, and President of the first Republican Women’s Club in Fort Bend.

“I am the only true Conservative Republican candidate in the County Treasurer race.

I understand that bean counters count beans and managers make things happen. I am a manager with a proven track record of success. I also understand that your true values are demonstrated over the course of

your life, not just when running for office. My values have been demonstrated not just with paid positions but also with my unpaid volunteer work.

“I have worked to elect conservative Republicans in Fort Bend, Texas and the US. I was selected to be on the Trump for Texas Team working with Lt. Governor Patrick. I have experience in managing groups that have raised and dispersed funds for charity, scholarships and political campaigns. I have experience in the budgeting process, managing offices to organize staff, care for ill patients and insure their safety and wellbeing.

“This office needs someone who has experience running an office and can manage the day to day details while being able to also look at the big picture. I am the right person to lead the County Treasurer’s office as an effective, conservative manager.

“I want to bring this same work ethic, commitment to excellence, and fiscal conservative core values to the Treasurer’s Office. I will continue and exceed the great work the current County Treasurer Jeff Council has brought to the office,” Tina Gibson says.

“When elected, I will work to make changes which benefit the tax payers of the county by making the office more efficient, cost effective, and better use personnel and technology. I will work to reduce costs for the county.”

“The voters of Fort Bend County have determined Tina to be the best person to lead the office of Treasurer,. Unfortunately, due to the ballot position, her opponent was able to get enough votes to force her into a run-off,” according to her statement. Tina says she looks forward to continuing to engage with the voters and win again on May 22nd.

Fulshear also held an election with one seat for a mayor and two for district council positions. Citizens registered to vote cast 392 votes for Aaron Groff, who won the mayoral seat with 75.53 percent of the votes cast in that race.

Recie Medlock was a writein candidate who received 127 votes for 24.47 percent of the total.

Two candidates ran for the District 2 seat which was captured by Debra Cates who received 84 votes or 75 percent of the votes cast. Her opponent, Graham McKernan, got 29 votes for 25 percent.

Lisa Kettler Martin cruised to victory in the District 3 race since she was the lone candidate while two candidates were in the District 4 race.

Joel Patterson won the District 4 council seat with 58 votes for 55.77 percent. Randy Etheridge got 46 votes for 44.23 percent of the vote total.

Four candidates put their names in the hat for Fulshear’s at-large council seat. John Kelly got the most votes with 229 and 42.72 percent. His closest opponent was Jason Maklary who garnered 135 votes for

25.19 percent. Other opponents were Chuck Stewart who received 124 votes for 23.13 percent of the total votes cast while the incumbent, Kent Pool, came in last with 48 votes for 8.96 percent. There will be a runoff election between Kelly and Maklary on May 22.

Meadows Place also held an election for mayor and three aldermen positions and residents voted to keep what they have.

The current mayor, Charlie Jessup, ran again and won over a former mayor, Mark McGrath.

Jessup received 510 votes or 57.95 percent to McGrath’s 370 votes for 42.05 percent The Place 1 seat on city council went to incumbent John Isbell who got 564 votes for 65.66 percent. His opponent, Lisa F. Johnson, received 295 votes for 34.34 percent.

Steve Bezner, the Place 2 councilman, had no opponent, but the incumbent for the Alderman, Place 3 seat, got an opponent.

Rick Staigle kept his seat with 472 votes or 55.01 percent to his opponent Scott Holland’s 386 votes for 44.99 percent of the total votes cast in that race.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Rosenberg City Council voted last week to buy a building for the Rosenberg Development Corp. (RDC) at a cost of $900,000.

The item was approved with a 5-2 vote. Mayor Bill Benton and At-Large No. 1 council member Jacob Balderas voted against it.

Ironically, three councilmembers who voted in favor of the purchase will no longer be on the city council. Two members were defeated and one did not seek re-election.

Council’s first consideration was to discuss and consider Resolution R-2505, which was about buying a $900,000 property located at 2810 1st Street for RDC offices.

Chris Martin, chairman of the RDC, told council that the property “represents the best first impression Rosenberg can offer to businesses” that want to locate or relocate in the city.

“This is a classic commercial property built in 2002 or 2004,” Martin said.

“It’s the only classic commercial property on the 36 corridor to Hwy. 59, all the way to U.S. 90A and we are paying $205 a square foot. It includes 26,000 square feet of parking and additional land that totals up to 1.8 acres. You are getting a lot of value for this at a very cheap price.”

He also told council that if growth is important to them then the city needs to look its best in order to attract businesses and developers.

Background information to council says the property is located in a highly visible area convenient to city hall.

Before Martin spoke two Rosenberg residents did. Dr. Dan Ives opposed buying the building and urged council to hold an election on the issue.

Dr. Dan Ives opposed buying the building and urged council to hold an election on the issue.

The second public speaker was Terry Gately who said the RDC is not borrowing any money to buy the building and that the dollars came from sales taxes. “I can’t imagine having tangible property of $1 million being a bad thing,” he told council.

“We also need a very professional and unique place for these (RDC) individuals to conduct business. I think this is needed and I think that the RDC

can buy a piece of property that will do nothing but escalate in value.”

Susan Euton, District 2 councilmember said, “The consensus conveyed to most of us is we need to have this in the city.”

(Gately ran for District 2 seat and was defeated. Euton did not seek re-election.)

Councilor for District 3 Alice Jozwiak said, “I’ve been both ways on this issue. My initial reaction was why spend so much money on a building. Constituents are concerned about the price. This all boils down to is this needed,” she said. “Even though the cost is great, I believe it is worthwhile. This is a way to get your taxes lower, folks.”

(Jozwiak lost her re-eletion bid.)

District 1 Councilman Jimmie Pena was up next and in favor of it.

“We need to understand that we need a good bunch out there helping us to develop the properties we have and make it work.

I’m in favor of it and think it’s going to be a good purchase.

We’ve already saved money by working with the property owners and developers. I think we will benefit greatly by this purchase.” (Pena did not win his reelection.)

Councilor at Large Position 2 Amanda Barta said the RDC needs its own building and that the location of the property is perfect. “I think it should be in the city’s name.” She also said some citizens have concern about where the money is coming from and if it will affect their taxes. Barta said buying the building will not affect taxes.

“The building is very nice and I think it will make a great impression. If the city buys it I was thinking of a 20-year lease for RDC. It benefits us all. It’s well worth the money. I would be for it if it’s in the city’s name.”

Mayor Bill Benton spoke next and said, “It’s a beautiful property. It’s a good buy.” He explained that sales taxes will pay for the building but added “we have to look at costs to benefits. I’m more concerned about what the public perception is than if a developer gets a baloney sandwich or not. The value has increased. It’s a great buy.”

Then Benton, who said he had not been in the building yet, urged council members to go see it and invite the public to go see it. He concluded by saying he’s not “prepared to vote

tonight or approve any of those resolutions” and wants to see “what folks want to do.”

Councilor at Large, Position 1 Jacob Balderas said, “What brings economic development to a city is not how fancy your building is. It’s if the market conditions are appropriate for you to be able to make a profit – if regulations are low, taxes are low and the market is good. Developers care about the bottomline and don’t want to be in a place that’s over regulated, over taxed and has no market.”

He said he cares about the bottom line and asked why the RDC should control its own building. “This is not an argument that makes sense,” he said. “The RDC is made up of a majority appointed by council.

Why should they control real estate?”

District 4 Councilor Lynn Moses was last to speak and said, “This was brought to the RDC and was not done over night. I like the idea that the RDC has the property in its name because in the past there’s always those who can’t stay within the rules.

I understand it would be better for this city to have it but have a prepaid lease in advance.”

She also said she “believes business and developers look at a city on how it presents itself.

I believe it needs to be show cased. The whole function is development. I don’t want cheap.

I want the best developers and businesses to come in here so your taxes go down low. I would go with this on a long-term basis. I don’t like it but I would go.”

(Moses did not seek re-election.)

With each council member having had their say, Pena made a motion to approve the first resolution and deed the building to the city. His motion was seconded by Moses and passed by a vote of 5-2 with Benton and Balderas voting no.

The second agenda item was Resolution 2506 that was for an appropriation of $1,100,000 to pay for the property, renovations and improvements.

The third resolution council voted on was for the purchase, sales agreement and a long-term lease between Rosenberg and its RDC. The second and third agenda items received the same vote by the same members and with that done the meeting was adjourned.

Bark for Life celebrates canine caregivers May 19 at Riverstone Riverstone will host Bark for Life, a celebration of man’s best friend, canine cancer caregivers and cancer survivors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 19.

Presented by Lake Olympia Animal Hospital, the annual non-competitive walk for dogs and their owners will take place at The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard.

The walk benefits the American Cancer Society.

“Bark for Life honors cancer survivors both human and canine,” said Nick Deacon, lifestyle director for Riverstone.

“More importantly, it recognizes the role dogs can play providing support, love and healing for cancer patients.”

According to the Animal Cancer Foundation, more than six million dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year. When it comes to humans with cancer, studies show that animalassisted therapy can decrease anxiety and pain, lower blood pressure and help alleviate depression, while offering welcome companionship and a positive distraction from treatment schedules and worries.

The event will feature a short walk followed by canine performances from the Houston Disc Dogs. Pup- and familyfriendly activities include a DJ, face painting, contests,

inflatables, balloon twisters and food trucks — as well as vendors offering a variety of pooch-worthy items. Animal rescue organizations will be helping pets find “fur-ever” homes.

This year, the event will be free to attend with no registration fee for the walk. The first 300 dogs registered will receive pup-friendly swag bags.

“This is a change from previous years where we charged a small fee to participate in the walk,” Deacon said. “We are hoping to raise $5,000 for the American Cancer Society with the generous help of our sponsors.”

A number of veterinary practices are among this year’s

sponsors. Lake Olympia Animal Hospital will be the event’s Top Dog sponsor for the second year in a row. In addition, Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists will be a Golden Paw Sponsor and Sienna Plantation Animal Hospital is a Best in Show sponsor.

“We are very lucky to have so many great veterinarians in the area,” Deacon said. “They provide our furry friends with top-notch care and we are thrilled to have them on board.”

Best Entertainers also will be a Best in Show Sponsor, while Sugar Land Dental Group & Orthodontics and Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Sienna have signed on as Bow Wow Sponsors.

Bark for Life is open to the public and Deacon encourages everyone to come out. ”This will a fun-family event where dogs are the stars,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if they are caregivers, cancer survivors themselves or just great dogs, we are taking time out to celebrate them. They love us unconditionally and it feels great to do something like this while helping to create a world where cancer doesn’t claim any more lives — human or canine.”

For more information about Bark for Life or to register, visit www.relayforlife.org/ barkriverstonetx.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018

COMMUNITY Missouri City resident profiled in As We Saw It Parents

Missouri City resident Rodney Griffin is profiled in a new book As We Saw It. It is not only a great story about UT’s history of discrimination, radical policy and social politics, but a story that sets precedent for the state of Texas’ racial politics and higher education practices across the country. Likewise, this book has both provided overdue recognition to some incredible individuals / contributors to the landscape of the 40 Acres, and served as a source of healing for the Precursors, and current students of color who are navigating an equally politically charged environment.

The integration of the University of Texas at Austin is a story that transcends the Forty Acres, Austin, and Texas education. The Sweatt decision, in fact, set the stage for Brown v. Boardof Education of Topeka, which desegregated schools nationwide. That case and the UT Austin experience, which now includes two other prominent legal cases,--Hopwood v. Texas (1994 – 1996) and Fisher v. University of Texas(2013 – 2016) continue to drive national conversations on race, inclusion, and diversity in higher education.

Griffin is a member of The Precursors, an organization of the first African American students at the University of Texas.

protest FBISD’s ‘band-aid solutions’ to growth

Parents in the Riverstone community of Fort Bend ISD organized a peaceful protest on May 5 at the intersection of Riverstone Blvd and Hwy 6 in response to FBISD’s master facilities planning and rezoning in the area Joe Thekkanath, who has been a resident here since 2009 and has been through a similar rezoning by FBISD in 2014 recalls speaking at the FBISD board meetings in 2014, “It’s disturbing to me as a resident to appear before the FBISD Board of Trustees every 4 years and ask not to be rezoned. It’s time for FBISD to find better, long term solutions that include a dedicated middle school for our community and a clear feeder pattern from Elementary to Middle to High School, keeping the neighborhood children together. We had enough of shuffling kids around.”

A spokesman for the group

Rodney Griffin, left, with Co - Editor Virginia Cumberbatch

said: “For the past month, we parents, as residents of the Riverstone community, have been engaging in FBISD’s Facilities Planning exercise. We have provided our feedback to the school district in several ways through surveys, petitions, and community meetings. As facilities planning exercise comes to an end, we are unsure that the district is pursuing stable, longterm plans in the best interest of all children of FBISD. We are resorting to peaceful protests to raise awareness of the need for better long-term planning for FBISD.” Fort Bend ISD responded to the protest with this statement: “We appreciate the engagement of our community during the 2018 Facilities Master Planning process, and it is our intent that the plan, once adopted, will guide continuous long-term planning throughout our grow-

ing District.

“In developing its recommendations, our communitybased Steering Committee was asked to consider student enrollment projections over the next 10 years, facility conditions of school buildings District-wide, and current enrollment so that we can ensure effective utilization and the very best learning environments for the students of Fort Bend ISD for the foreseeable future.

“We truly appreciate the efforts of this committee, as well as the hundreds of community members who joined with them in the process to provide valuable feedback.

“We remain committed to continuous planning -- keeping the interest of all of our 75,000 students in mind, as well as the prudent use of taxpayer dollars.”

Men for Change, Inc. presents “Uplifting Youth Through Education” scholarship awards

Bike to Work, School Day celebrate mobility, recreation investments

Shape Up Fort Bend and the city of Sugar Land will celebrate National Bike Month on May 11 with the seventh annual Bike to Work Day and fourth annual Bike to School Day. Join residents, neighbors and friends for a celebratory ride from Sugar Land Memorial Park to Fort Settlement Middle School and Sugar Land Town Square.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with fun, food and prizes at the South Meadow Pavilion at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., adjacent to the Pawm Springs Dog Park. Following a safety briefing at 8:25 a.m., all participants will ride 1.1 miles to Fort Settlement Middle School, 5440 Elkins Road, via University Boulevard. After dropping off students, Bike to Work Day participants will continue another 6.4 miles to Sugar Land Town Square via Commonwealth, Austin Parkway and Lexington Boulevard.

The closing celebration at Sugar Land Town Square will include a proclamation from Mayor Joe Zimmerman recog-

nizing Bike to Work Day and Bike to Work Month, a group photo, food and more. Participants must pre-register and bring their own bicycles and helmets to participate.

The event highlights important infrastructure identified by residents as a priority in Sugar Land.

“Pedestrian and bike paths not only improve recreational opportunities for our residents, but they also provide an important mobility alternative to automobiles,” said Director of Public Works Robert Valenzuela. “The City has recently completed more than $400,000 worth of projects, with one of the most recent projects being the Williams Trace side path, but there’s plenty more ahead.”

Sugar Land has identified a plan that includes 24 miles of bike lanes, an additional 18 miles of on-street shared lanes for bicycles and 128 miles of pedestrian and bike paths.

Pedestrian and bicycle paths not only improve fitness, recreation and mobility, but also have the potential to make a positive contribution to the environment.

“When we provide an alternative to automobiles, we create the potential to reduce carbon emissions and provide future generations with a healthy, vibrant community,” said Valenzuela.

Bike to Work day takes place during National Bicycle month. National Bicycle Month is celebrated nationwide and is an opportunity for local cyclists to spread awareness of bicycling opportunities in the community and to share the efforts being taken to make the city of Sugar Land a safe environment for bicyclists. It is also an ideal time to stress the importance of knowing and following state and local laws that apply to bicyclists, sharing the road legally with motorists and demonstrating the bicycle as a useful form of transportation. The city of Sugar Land encourages all riders to wear bright clothing, travel in the direction of traffic, stop at all stop signs and traffic lights and follow all traffic laws.

For more information and to register for the event please visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/ biketowork.

Man sentenced to life without parole for continuous sex abuse of a child

On April 30, 2018, Gilberto Antonio Guillen-Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child and 20 years in prison for sexualsssault of a child.

Tried before 458th District Court Presiding Judge Kenneth Cannata, Guillen-Hernandez was convicted by a jury on April 27, 2018 after less than 20 minutes of deliberation.

The jury returned on April 30th and assessed the maximum punishment allowed by law in each case. Prosecutors Melissa Muñoz and Jenna Rudoff, both assigned to the Child Abuse Division of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, represented the State.

Evidence presented by prosecutors revealed that GuillenHernandez had engaged in repeated sexual contact with the child at various locations, including the family home and a motel, starting in 2014 up until 2016.

Prosecutor Melissa Muñoz says that “the majority of times, child victims do not tell right away when they have been sexually abused by some-

one they know, and when they do tell, they may not reveal all of the abuse at first. In this case, the abuse came to light in 2016 when the child bravely reported the abuse to a teacher and an investigation began.

It was discovered during the investigation that the abuse had been occurring for over two years.”

Muñoz also praised the work of Detective Joe Luera of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office who investigated the case when it was reported in November 2016.

According to Jenna Rudoff, “This young girl was sexually abused by someone she should have been able to trust, in a place where she should have been able to feel safe.

She is an amazing young girl with strength and bravery that are well beyond her years. It took courage for her to come forward and face her abuser.

By telling what happened to her, she not only stood up for herself, she stood up for all child victims of sexual abuse.

We are so proud of her.”

District Attorney John Healey noted that, “Most of the crimes prosecuted in our Child

Abuse Division occur between victims and perpetrators who know each other. They are often people that have access to the child, such as relatives, friends, or neighbors. The perpetrator in this case took advantage of his access to this child, and his actions warranted a life sentence. Since the month of April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, it is very fitting that this sentence was pronounced by the jury on April 30th, the final day of the month.

The jury’s strong sentence sends an even stronger message to all child abuse victims and sexual offenders that the citizens of Fort Bend County have zero tolerance for child abuse.”

Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child is a first-degree felony punishable by 25 to 99 years or life in prison, without the possibility of parole.

Sexual Assault of a Child is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Under Texas law, the defendant must serve every day of the life sentence for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child.

Pictured (front row, l-r) are: Toni Ajala, Dulles HS; Louisa Idah-Oze, Marshall HS; Aumari Wilson, Willowridge HS; Jalon Jackson, Stafford HS; Sidney Brigance, Elkins HS; Treveon J. Wigrys, Hightower HS; and (back row): William Wallace, Laymon Humes, Jr., James Poore III, Rodney Toussant, FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles E. Dupre, Alton Honore, Will Willis, Billy Polk and Will Ross.

Men for Change, Inc. (MFC), hosted its Annual Scholarship Awards Gala this month at the Quail Valley City Centre.

The event serves as a platform to grant scholarships to enable high school graduates to pursue their academic successes, while helping families reduce financial burdens.

FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre served as guest speaker at the event. He inspired students by sharing his background and educational journey that led to

him becoming superintendent.

He also reminded the students of the unlimited possibilities they can realize with diligence, commitment, steadfast purpose and hard work.

This year MFC awarded six (6) scholarships, totaling $2,000 each, to deserving Fort Bend ISD and Stafford Municipal School District students.

The scholarship awards were possible through the generous donations of MFC benefactors and sponsors.

The 2018 MFC scholarship recipients include: Toni Ajala,

Dulles HS; Sidney Brigance, Elkins HS; Louisa Idah-Oze, Marshall HS; Treveon J. Wigrys, Hightower HS; Aumari Wilson, Willowridge HS; and Jalon Jackson, Stafford HS. “We were humbled and very grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support from our friends and sponsors, without whom these scholarships would not be possible,” said Will Willis, MFC President.

“Because of them, we are able to help students in our community become all they can be.”

LETTER

State of Missouri City To the Editor: I read with interest, Allen Owen, the Missouri City Mayor’s State of the City address.

While I understand that he is a political officer and his goal is re-election, wouldn’t it have been more productive to point out some of the deficiencies that the City so clearly demonstrates daily to all of us residents and point out how he thinks he might improve those issues?

It makes no sense to paint a rosy picture of the City which is composed of equal parts of fantasy and conjecture when the reality is that the City has a long way to go to satisfy even the most basic of resident needs.

As I commute each morning, I am immediately so not impressed with the City’s treatment of the medians on Highway 6, which are decorated with red brick. More recently, the City has planted a few trees but the City needs to do so much more to approach even

a basic level of beautification.

How could City planners and politicians so obviously neglect a City area that has the most visibility and traffic of any section of the City? This lack of attention powerfully shows that the City lacks even the lower levels of funding we need to make our City the “Show Me” municipality that we tout.

Is Missouri City even providing the most basic level of waste removal and clean up services? Many residents in my subdivision would vote no. We often need to call and complain to get our garbage picked up on a regular basis and its only after repeated calls to the City that we get our streets cleaned of leaves and other debris. It might be advisable that the Mayor spend some time devoted to these aspects of City services before boasting of future accomplishments.

The Mayor makes a point of Metro providing new local bus service to Missouri City resi-

dents. Well, its about time! The City has contributed between $50 to $100 million of sales tax funds to Metro for the past forty years and we finally may get some token payback? The Mayor has been in elected office for most of these past thirty to forty years also. I appreciate that he is working on this issue but is it actually too little too late? Metro has bled the lifeblood of sales tax revenues from Missouri City residents for most of the period that current residents have lived here and all we get is a few new bus lines? The sales tax revenues forwarded to Metro have taken from the City the budget monies needed to bring the City to a higher level. This is the clearest financial failure that this Mayor has on his record and I’m glad he’s finally making time to do something about it.

Howard E. Moline Missouri City

INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS Lamar teachers honor Paraprofessionals and Teachers of the Year

BAPS Charities hosts ‘Walk Green’ in Sugar Land

Denise Santana and Lynda Morgart

Maria Torres and Paula Carline The Lamar Classroom Teachers’ Association (LCTA) honored their colleagues Tuesday at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet.

In addition to honoring an Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year, the group honors Elementary and Secondary Paraprofessionals of the Year, as well.

Leaman Junior High’s Lynda Morgart is the 2018 Secondary Teacher of the Year and Frost Elementary School’s Paula Carline is the Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Williams Elementary School’s Denise Santana is the 2018 Elementary Paraprofessional of the Year and Fulshear High School’s Maria Torres is the Secondary Professional of the Year.

Here is the complete list of nominees for Teachers and Paraprofessionals of the Year Elementary Paraprofessional of the Year Adolphus Barbara Lucero ALC Jacob Woolley Arredondo Roberta Hall Austin Kathy Spellman Beasley Mary Zuniga Bentley Shelley Ward Bowie Andrew Toups Campbell Roxana Giurgea Dickinson Grace Holmes Frost Vicki Rigsby Hubenak Stacy Jacob Huggins Angie Aguilar Hutchison Jacqueline Paul Jackson Alma Cespedes Long Patrina Greer McNeill Mindy Gonzales Meyer Marcia Buck Pink Martha Otto Ray Brenda Valdez Seguin Cynthia Jordan Smith Melisa Hall Thomas Suzanne Bagley Travis Leona Ray Velasquez Diane Lybarger Williams Denise Santana Elementary Year Adolphus ALC Arredondo Austin Beasley Bentley Bowie Campbell Dickinson Frost Hubenak Huggins Hutchison Jackson Long Lindsey driguez McNeill Meyer Pink Calderon Ray Seguin Smith Thomas

Teacher of the Stacie Quarles Jody Driskell Nicole Davis Laura Brown Marle Garza Rosemary Martinez Jessica Risien Lisa Alexander Aimee Lenz Paula Carline April Triplett Brandy Krahn Marci Berens Aide Piña Kristie Palacios Marisol RoKirah Martinez Bridget Adams Maria RochezTonya Haut Alma Garcia Brian Eggenberger Sara Quezada

Travis Velasquez Williams zyk

Nancy Valdez Thyra Williams Elizabeth Wlec-

Secondary Paraprofessional of the Year ALC Teresa Velasquez Briscoe Sandi Tamez Foster Ajuanda La Mothe Fulshear Maria Torres George Jr. Sandra Guyton George Ranch Donna Hancock Lamar Consolidated Vanessa Andrews Lamar Jr. Tianna Roberts Leaman Jennifer Leslie Navarro Adela Diaz Reading Stephaney Davis Ryon Melissa Jozwiak Terry Veronica Chavarria Wertheimer Claudia Mirza Wessendorff Rebecca Widaski Secondary Teacher of the Year ALC Chris Morse Briscoe Melissa Inman Foster Tamra Wright Fulshear Heidi Schneider George Jr. Debora Kretschmer George Ranch Monica Flores Lamar Consolidated Kaleigh Herrera Lamar Jr. Kiah Johnson Leaman Lynda Morgart

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

Navarro Andrea Dion Reading Alexandra Herrick Ryon Jill Broussard Terry Shanna Wenzel Wertheimer Crystal McDonald Wessendorff Karen Downey

Community members of all ages came out with their families to support the annual BAPS Charities Walk Green 2018 in Sugar Land on Sunday, April 29th.

The third annual BAPS Charities walkathon will benefit The Nature Conservancy and their effort to conserve the lands and waters on earth to sustain life for upcoming generations.

BAPS Charities will contribute $165,000, an equivalent of planting 130,000 trees, to The Nature Conservancy to support their initiative to plant a billion trees globally by 2025.

In addition to supporting this global effort, this year’s BAPS Charities walkathon also supported Stafford MSD Education Foundation, Behind the Badge Charities and Ford Bend Education Foundation.

Each of these local organizations plays a crucial role in the community and helps support its important members.

Altogether, over 1500 participants attended the walk on Sunday morning. “I came here to walk today with the notion of ‘let’s grow together’.

BAPS Charities has made it possible by hosting this walk – where we walk together and unite as one, with one goal” said Anjlika Patel, 15, from Sugar Land.

Anjlika has participated in the BAPS Charities Walk Green efforts ever since she was a young child with her family, first in Chicago and now here in Houston.

Congressman Pete Olson congratulated the volunteers of BAPS Charities for their tremendous efforts during Hurricane Harvey relief work and energized the walkers before kicking off the Walk.

BAPS Charities uses these opportunities to instill a spirit of service and commitment to preservation and enviro-nmental responsibility in community members. Events such as this help

instill consciousness in everyone surrounding their actions, and, in turn, help inspire global harmony with nature.

Commenting on activities of BAPS Charities, Berna-dette Leaney, one of the sponsors of the Walk, said, “What I witnessed today is truly remarkable. You are a worldwide organization with 50,000 volunteers. I love your mission statement which is; bettering one person, betters the family which betters the community, the world and our future”.

BAPS Charities aims to serve society through a variety of social projects and inspire tens of thousands of others to do the same.

In addition to the 54 such annual walkathons hosted across North America this year, BAPS Charities hosts various programs to support and raise awareness for healthy living, environmental sustainability and educational initiatives around the world.

Please join the Fort Bend Republican Patriots Club Upcoming Meeting, Tuesday evening, May 15, 2018

6:00 – 6:30pm: Food & Social 6:30pm: Program Speaker: Maria Espinoza, National Director and Co-founder of the Remembrance Project in Houston, Texas Topic: The Negative Effect of Illegal Immigration Maria will discuss the devastating monetary & personal effects on families whose loved ones have been brutalized & murdered by illegal aliens. Some of the victims' families will attend. She will highlight her work with Homeland Security & the Justice Department.

Donald Trump was the only presidential candidate who ever answered her letters and is fulfilling his promises to the Remembrance Project as President.

She is working on both state & national legislation and will give an update on what's happening in California.

Location: 130 Industrial Blvd. (Atrium) Sugar Land, TX 77478 Meeting Sponsor: Judge Bob Hebert, Fort Bend County Judge Facility Sponsored by Dean Hrbacek Please RSVP to FortBendRPC@gmail.com

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018

AUTOMOBILE: Hyundai Kona

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Hyundai Kona is a compact crossover that is fully equipped and sized with available all wheel drive, the latest tech and safety features and still has America’s best warranty.

The Kona offers the choice between two turbocharged, small-displacement powertrains with high low-end torque and good fuel efficiency.

The 1.6-liter direct injection four-cylinder engine propelled the test drive Kona. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and gets 26 mpg on city streets and 29 on the highway. The engine makes 175 hp at 5500 rpm and 195 lb.ft. torque at 500 to 4500 rpm.

The optional four-wheel drive of the Kona supports drivers in all kinds of driving situations with up to 50 percdent torque at the rear wheels.

All Konas are four-wheel drive and come with a multi-link rear axle. The suspension enhances stability in cornering and facilitates driving dynamics supported by body stiffness and less weight.

For the first time in a Hyundai, the Kona’s new headup display projects relevant

driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

Its class-leading luminance enables effortless daylight visibility but also the faster processing of information while keeping the driver’s attention on the road.

The optional eight-inch infotainment system integrates all navigation, media and connectivity features, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system comes with a seven-year free subscription to LIVE Services, which offers weather, traffic, speed cameras (where allowed) and online searches for points of interest.

Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls with Bluetooth are standard on every Kona.

The Kona also has numerous safety features that include forward collision warning and forward collison-avoidance assistwith pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, lane keep assist, driver attention warning, low beam and high beam assist.

The compact rides on 18inch, two-tone alloy wheels.

Sixteen inch steel wheels and 17-inch alloy wheels are available. The Kona’s seats are

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Thompson Chapel Road for the addition of “No Parking” signs between Williams Landing Drive and McVey Lane, 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, June 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Tamarron, Section 36, Precinct 3.

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

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

available in cloth, leather or a combination of both and owners have the option of tailoring the Kona’s interior to suit their taste.

The Kona offers an optional heated steering wheel and a smart key and push-button ignition.The Kona’s power front seats move eight ways and the front seats feature a 3-step ventilation and heating system.

The Kona offers a highend, premium sound system

by Krell. It is an eight-channel amplifier that delivers 45 watts per channel. An optional wireless inductive charging pad lets passengers charge their smartphones while listening to music on the move.

With 10 years and 100,000 miles of coverage, Hyundai has the best warranty in the business. It includes 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption assistance, help with a flat fire, dead batter or if you run out of gas or lock yourself out of your car. The warrenty also includes 24/7 Roadside Assistance that features towing, trip interruption assistance, help with a flat tire or dead battery or if you run out of gas or lock yourself out of your car. The warranty includes five years or 60,000 miles of new vehicle limited warranty, 10 years or 100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty and five year unlimited miles and 24-hour roadside assistant.

The top of the line test drive Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD has a retail price of $29,775 with no optional equipment on it. The price does include the freight and handling fee.

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, June 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Pink Taylor Run Road for removal of the “No Trucks” signs, Precinct 1.

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

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Sienna Plantation, Section 22, Precinct 1.

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

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on December 12,2017 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 15-DCV-225349 in favor of the plaintiff- NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE L.L.C. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of 260,767.60 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 26TH 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday June 5, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- Paul Gutierrez had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FOUR ( 4), IN BLOCK NINE (9), OF SOUTH PLAZA, AN ADDITION IN HARRIS AND FORT BEND COUNTIES, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 40, PAGE 1, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND IN VOLUME 3, PAGE 22 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (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 November 21 , 2016 by the 400th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-DCV233405 in favor of the plaintiff- FORT BEND COUNTY Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 11,477.22 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on April 4TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday June 5, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)SHAYLA DENISE NEAL & THYER HURST had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: ALL OF LOT 2, BLOCK 5, REPLAT OF RIDGEGATE, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 16, PAGE 4, MAP RECORDS, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. 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 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-DCV-233695 in favor of the plaintiff- WEST OAKS VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $5,443.75 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 12, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of June 05, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - CHUMA OKOLI had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT THIRTY- SEVEN (37), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF WEST OAKS VILLAGE, SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1483/B AND 1484/A OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (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.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Briscoe Falls, Section 3, Precinct 3.

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

Clements High students beautify school Floral design students cleaned up flower beds and planted flowers on Friday, April 13 at the front entrance of Clements High School to beautify the school.

“It was a wonderful day. Students were able to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and get some hands-on learning while improving our school and the community,” said Ashley Schauffler, Agriculture Science and FFA Advisor.

“During the annual FFA Booster Club flower sale, parents, neighbors, and community members were able to purchase plumbago flowers for the entrance of Clements. Board of Trustee President Kristin Tassin bought one of the plants,” added Schauffler. “It was exciting to see the community involved by purchasing the plants and then having the students plan and implement the project.”

Students enrolled in the floral design class assisted in plant bed and soil preparation and planting the flowers.

“Ranger Pride rides strong through Clements. Whether it is in academics, athletics, or agriculture, students work hard.

This project is very much in alignment with the goals of Fort Bend ISD Profile of a Graduate.

It equipped students with skills for life, allowed them to be a servant leader, become effective communicators, critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, a collaborative team member and hopefully they will use the above skills they showed today to stay a life-long agricultural learner,” said Schauffler. “Students spent some time outdoors putting their classroom knowledge into action,” she added.

“Our high school is the 3rd oldest in FBISD having been build 35-years ago. The student led project shows the hard work and dedication that Clements students strive to show in every aspect of their student life,” said David Yaffie, Principal.

“Anyone who drives by or walks up to the front entrance will see beautiful landscaping, the students are truly making a positive difference in our community,” he added.

Fort Bend ISD earns high ratings from top credit agencies Fort Bend ISD has earned top ratings from two internationally-recognized credit ratings agencies, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings. The District received an AA+ rating from both agencies during its recent bond sales, marking the District’s strong financial health and the quality of bonds issued.

“These top ratings demonstrate Fort Bend ISD’s prudent debt management, keeping our debt costs low and ultimately benefiting tax payers.”

“Our high rating, active debt management and higher property values enabled the District to lower the tax rate, even while we have been issuing debt to fund the projects for the 2014 Bond Program,” said Steven Bassett, FBISD’s Chief Financial Officer.

Fort Bend ISD’s current tax rate is $1.32, reduced from $1.34. The tax rate continues to be among the lowest compared to surrounding districts.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on January 17, 2017 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16-DCV-236374 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION BEND SOUTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 4,884.89 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 16TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of June 5, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - HELEN L. HUDSON had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: THE NORTH TWENTY FEET (N 20’) OF LOT NINETEEN (19), AND THE SOUTH THIRTY-FIVE FEET (S 35’) OF LOT TWENTY (20), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF MISSION BEND SOUTH, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 8, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (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 18 October 2017 by the 458th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-243101 in favor of the plaintiff- WINFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $12,127.20 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 5TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday June 5, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - JODY BALL had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION SIXTEEN (16), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAN NO. 20070070 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. 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 10,2017 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 17 -DCV -243104 in favor of the plaintiff - WINFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 14,576.15 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on March 5TH, 2017 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday June 5, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s) - CARTER HOOD, BARBARA HOOD. Had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FIFTY-THREE (53), IN BLOCK FOUR (4), OF WINFIELD LAKES, SECTION EIGHT (8), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20050243 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2502 FEATHER GREEN TRAIL, FRESNO, TX 77545.

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

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

INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018 • Page 7

COMMUNITY

The Sari Connection in Sugar Land

On Saturday afternoon- April 20, a steady stream of women walked into Escalante’s in Town Center Sugar Land.

One could sense the familiarity among them; a familiarity that was at first restrained since most of them had only known each other virtually. Within minutes, they identified one another from photographs posted on social media, engaged in conversations and posed for photographs. The women were all part of The Sari Connection.

The sari is one of the oldest garments known to history. It is the only drape worn by Indian women from every region and each one tells its own story. But now-a-days, this most beautiful and versatile Indian outfit is worn mostly during weddings, festivals and special occasions only. To change this, a conscious sari revival movement was initiated in India.

The Sari Connection, the first international chapter of The Global 100 Saris Pact, will participate in this change enthusiastically from their homes in Sugar

Land. The highlight of the first gathering were the nostalgic stories that the women weaved into their introductions about the saris they were wearing. This passion for the sari has bought together over 100 Indian American women to share their sari knowledge or learn from others.

The founders of The Sari Connection are Namrata Kumar and Sunija Malik of Sugar Land. In Ms. Mailk’s words, “I moved to the United States 18 years ago, eager to assimilate; all along carrying for love for the sari on my shoulder. We are the 1st international chapter of The Global 100 Sari Pact Group, started by Santa John and moderated by Tejdeep Kaur Menon and Veni Mocherla in Hyderabad, India. We are proud to share their love for the sari and to be a platform that encourages all women to wear their heritage proudly.”

If you are interested in joining this group, you just need a love for saris – any kind- contact Asha Vaidya at vaidyas@msn.com for more information.

Photo by Andreea Loghin

Namrata Kumar and Sunija Malik, founders of The Sari Connection

FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2018-19 CHEER SQUAD; Bottom L-R Annie Matthews, Sydney Hendershot, Manoella Giovanaz, Georgia Scott, Skylar Shaw, Maci Winters, Shea Slovack, Paige Estes, Mandy Kamp. Top L-R Naviah Dixon, Jaylnn Gerard, Maddie Roberts, Hannah Potter, Kiley Blanchard, Lauren Ramirez, Hailey Hendershot, Maya Sledge .

HOUSTON METHODIST CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY ASSOCIATES Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates is pleased to welcome Dr. Jean Bismuth and Dr. Charlie Cheng to the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus.

These board-certified vascular surgeons offer a full scope of surgical and minimally invasive endovascular options to treat diseases of the vascular system.

Their level of expertise combined with access to state-of-the-art technology at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment of vascular conditions, and better long-term outcomes for patients.

To schedule an appointment, call 713.352.1820.

Jean Bismuth, MD, FACS

Charlie Cheng, MD, FACS

Vascular Surgery

Vascular Surgery

16605 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 3 Sugar Land, TX 77479 houstonmethodist.org/spg

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MAY 9, 2018

COMMUNITY Classical music of India at First Colony Library Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library will present a performance of classical music from India, on Saturday, May 19, beginning at 2 p.m, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land.

Sangeeta Panse, Varad Gaikwad, and Govind Shetty – members of the Indian Music Society of Houston – will perform classical Indian music on the sitar, tabla, and flute.

Established in 1992, the Varad Gaikwad, Indian Music Society of Houston Indian Music Society of Houston is a nonprofit organization music.

Branch Library at 281-238consisting of individuals who The performance is free and 2800, or the library system’s are committed to preserving open to the public. For more in- Communications Office at 281and promoting the myriad of formation, call the First Colony 633-4734. centuries-old classical Indian

Art and culture series at George Memorial Library

Sheba Akhtar Fort Bend County Libraries’ George Memorial Library will have an educational series focusing on “Art & Culture” this summer.

The first program in the series, “Art & Culture: Gothic Cathedrals,” will take place on Saturday, May 19, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m, in Room 2A of the library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

In this segment in the series, former architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will talk about

Gothic architecture and art, which flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages, originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century.

Hear about how characteristics of the Gothic period, including urbanization, economic prosperity, professional guilds, the crusades (1095-1291), and the veneration of the Virgin Mary, influenced the design of structures such as the Basilica of St. Denis, Chartres Cathedral, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Akhtar will also talk about Abbott Suger and the incorporation of stained-glass windows in structures.

Akhtar received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and taught art and architecture history for 20 years. She has practiced as an architect in the United States, England, Scotland, Jordan, and Pakistan. She is the author of “Of Colour and Form” and numerous articles on art and architecture.

The series will continue in June and July with programs on Renaissance Art and Impressionism.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455.

Kevin Greenblat

Fort Bend County Libraries announces the opening of “Exploring Texas and Louisiana,” an exhibit showcasing works

by Austin-based photographer Kevin Greenblat, beginning May 10, and continuing through June 29, on the 2nd-floor landing at George Memorial Library in Richmond.

Greenblat’s photography has spanned the globe, but much of his work focuses on Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico. His black-and-white photographs reveal an exploration of the raw and subtle aspects of the culture of the state.

“I encourage the viewer to examine the peculiarly timeless quality of life in Texas, where modern culture is inextricable from storied past,” says Greenblat. His photographs of the timelessness of Louisiana reflect the perseverance of a people faced with numerous hardships.

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