Fort Bend Independent

VOL 6 No. 23

Phone: 281-980-6745

ww www.fbindependent.com .fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5 , 2013

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

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

Photo contest

Missouri City Juneteenth Foundation lines up events for celebration

By SESHADRI KUMAR The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (MCJCF), the largest of its kind in the nation, now in its 11th year, has lined up week long Texas-Sized family related events and activities.

The foundation’s planned events will be held from June 6th through the 15th with most events free and open to the general public.

Thousands of attendees and participants are again expected to join in the citywide celebration of Juneteenth in Missouri City.

“Last year was our biggest and best celebration to date… we anticipate this year’s celebration will be even better,”says Don Smith, MCJCF founder and current Brothers, Kieran and Finley Stilwell reign as the monthly Missouri City Councilman.

“Our goal remains to bring winners for May 2013 calendar publication.

Hope for Three, a Fort Bend-based nonprofit whose mission is to raise community awareness and provide assistance to families with children on the autism spectrum, is now accepting photos for the highly anticipated 2014 calendar “The Many Faces of Autism”.

The calendar features an extraordinary compilation of unique

By SESHADRI KUMAR children on the autism spectrum.

Early voting in the runoff The contest, in its third year, is one way Hope for Three raises election for the District A seat funds to provide life-changing therapies and supports to children in the city of Missouri City is living with autism. 100% of the funds generated from the sale now in progress.

The runoff of this calendar benefit families in need of assistance. The ofelection will be held on June ficial rules are available online at http://hopeforthree.org/photo15. calendar-contest/ or by calling 800-317-0787.

Incumbent Councilman Autism is the leading development disability in the U.S. today.

Bobby Marshall and Yolanda A recent study by the CDC reflects “1 in 50 school-age children Ford are in the runoff. have been diagnosed on the spectrum.” Studies also show that In the May 11 election, Rodautism is three to four times more common among boys than ney Griffin received 114 votes girls. An estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagand finished third, leaving nosed with autism in the United States. By way of comparison, Ford and Marshall in the field. this is more children than are affected by AIDS, cancer and diaFord received 315 votes and betes combined.

Marshall 280 votes.

positive attention to African – Americans while celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation.”

The MCJCF Kick-Off Reception will be held on Thursday, June 6, from 6 p.m until 8 p.m at the Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City, Admission to this event is by invitation only.

The VIP Kick-Off Reception is designed to officially thank the sponsors for their continuous support.

The MCJCF Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 11 at the Quail Valley Golf Course.

Join for a fun and entertaining 18 holes of star-studded Annual MCJCF “Scholarship” Golf Tournament which is open to all individuals and skill levels.

Numerous contests on the

course will highlight this “Fundraising”golf outing with fabulous goodie bags and a post-event awards luncheon.

The Community Service Awards Gala will be held on Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m. at the City Centre in Quail Valley. State Rep. Ron Reynolds is the honorary chairman of the gala.

For the past nine years, the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (MCJCF) has endeavored to bring positive attention to AfricanAmericans in the Missouri City/Fort Bend area, while celebrating the Emancipation Proclamation.

One facet of the celebration is the Community Service Awards Gala. This event was established in 2006 to bring recognition to area community leaders. These leaders are

citizens who exemplify conviction, purpose and enthusiasm as responsible citizens of this community.

The “One Mile of Smiles” Juneteenth Parade will be held on Saturday, June 15, 7 p.m. on Texas Parkway (FM 2234) in Missouri City. Admission is free.

The “One Mile of Smiles” Juneteenth Parade, will showcase the culture of the County’s residents and its impact on the community.

Nationally renowned Greater Fort Bend All Star Band, the Buffalo Soldiers Color Guards, the Phyllis Wheatley High School Band, the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, and various other corporate & civic groups, celebrities, dignitaries, and beautiful floats will be part of the celebration of The Emancipation Proclamation.

Runoff election in Missouri City on June 15; Early voting is in progress

No green light for “Red Light Camera” petition

A petition to put the Red Light Camera issue on the ballot in Sugar Land has hit a snag.

Though the petition has adequate valid signatures, city officials have determined that the petition does not meet the legal requirements.

A report on the examination of the petition seeking a charter amendment to prohibit the use of photographic traffic signal enforcement systems was scheduled to be presented to the Sugar Land City Council this Tuesday.

On Monday, H. F. Van Der Grinten, an activist, who is spearheading the petition drive said, “ We are confident that the secretary will declare that the petition is valid under the Texas Local Government Code. We have carefully validated the submitted signatures and found the minimum number of required signatures to place the issue on the next public ballot was exceeded by 18 percent.”

A similar petition drive seeking to amend a city ordinance on apartments by “Sustainable Sugar Land” failed last September. The city found that it was legally prevented from taking the amendment to voters because the petition conflicted with the city charter and state law procedural requirements.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 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., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

Quail Valley’s garden of the month Welcoming with flowers and the big smiles of Roger and Lynn Hinshaw is the June Quail Valley Garden of the Month winner. Adding zing to a symmetrical garden is a complex orchestration of blooming succulents, Pentas, Vinca, Lamb’s Ear, Foxtail Fern, and Mexican Petunias. The front entry is surrounded with hanging baskets and multilevel pots of Autumn Sage, geraniums, and begonias. The garden is further embellished with Purple Fountain Grass, Loropetalum, Alabama Sunset Coleus, as well as two stately Oleanders. All color and textures add that special touch of welcome, you’ll want to drive by 3411 Robinson Road to fully appreciate. The Hinshaws received a plant from Flowers by Adela and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Quail Valley Garden Club.

The Quail Valley Garden Club is a service organization for those interested in gardening.

Visit our website to learn more. http://traction.typepad.com/ QVGC

In percentage, Griffin got 16.08 of the votes cast, Ford got 44.43 and Marshall 39.49.

The district has witnessed close races in the last four election cycles.

In four elections so far, Griffin has been a candidate. This May election, however, resulted in a runoff because of the three-pronged contest.

Former councilmember, Eunice Reiter, decided not to seek re-election in 2009. She has been representing Dist. A since 1994.

In 2007, Reiter won the seat with a mere three-vote difference against Griffin.

In 2009, Marshall and Griffin ran for the open seat. Marshall defeated Griffin by a 60vote margin. Griffin received 224 votes and Marshall 284 votes in 2009.

The contest was repeated in 2011. Marshall won by a margin of 33 votes. He got 274 votes and Griffin received 241 votes.

Both Marshall and Ford have been associated with the city

government. Apart from being a councilman, Marshall, a businessman, was also a member of the Missouri City’s planning and zoning commission.

Ford has been a city planner with the city of Missouri City and Houston.

Irrespective of the qualifications, the election outcome will depend on whose supporters return to the polls.

With the turnout being low even in general elections, it remains to be seen if the runoff will be any different.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2013

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JUNE 5, 2013 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

News

WOOD DOOR

Breast cancer survivor wins in fitness competition

Sonia Byrd is a mother of two who both lives and works in Sugar Land. In March 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went to the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land for treatment, and in June 2012, she underwent a double mastectomy and lymph node removal. She went back to work a month later and had a reconstructive procedure in the following months.

This June she will be able to celebrate the one year anniversary of her breast cancer survival with an actual award: On May 18, Sonia entered the Musclemania Natural fitness competition, held at the Moody Gardens Resort & Spa in Galveston. She won second place in her age category (35 and over) and fifth place overall.

Sonia comes away from this experience with an incredibly inspiring message for anyone facing cancer for the first time: a cancer diagnosis is scary, but with the right outlook – and support from family, friends and coworkers, you can emerge from the experience shining brighter than ever before.

On taking part in the competition, Sonia says, “More than a fitness competition, this became a mental,physical and emotional test for me. For a lot of women diagnosed with breast cancer – whether they get reconstruction or not – their womanhood is challenged, and they worry/wonder if they’ll ever be able to get back their former selves. As I look back, I realize that a big reason as to why I did this was that it was just a way to say: “Life does not end with a cancer diagnosis.” Participating in this competition, I felt more empowered than I ever had before. I feel like I’m living life to its fullest now. I’m not really afraid of anything.”

When I chose my costume for the “theme” portion of the competition, I chose a camo outfit to signify that “I am a survivor.” I put a pink ribbon (for breast cancer) in the back to say: “Cancer is behind me.” “ It is a part of me, it played a part in who I am but it’s behind me. So that’s where it belongs.”

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Sam Konstanty of Elkins named Touchdown Club’s Outstanding Male Scholar-Athlete Elkins High School’s Sam Konstanty was named the Outstanding Male ScholarAthlete at the Touchdown Club of Houston’s 47th Spring Sports Scholar-Athlete Dinner, held May 22, 2013. The Touchdown Club honored 69 finalists in 17 UIL-sponsored categories for both boys’ and girls’ divisions. There were four finalists in each of the 17 categories, with one winner being named in each sport.

Konstanty was named the winner of the Boy’s Soccer category at the dinner, and joined other category winners in being eligible for the Outstanding Scholar-Athlete award. Area high school athletic directors judged the students on academic standing, athletics and citizenship Sam Konstanty (second from left) is pictured with (from left) Dee Dee Marsh, event title sponsor; as embodied in their extra- Haley Deakins of Cypress Creek, Outstanding Female Scholar-Athlete and Girls’ Basketball category winner; and Wallis Marsh, event title sponsor and member of the Touchdown Club curricular activities.

Board of Directors.

Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com

Fort Bend County summer intern gains inside track for career in agriculture More than 8,000 students will graduate from agriculture programs this year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. In midMay, 300-plus students from across the country began summer internships with Monsanto Company to gain experience for future careers in agriculture.

Active for more than a decade, Monsanto’s internship program puts students on the inside track to a career with the industry leader. Monsanto uses its internship program to assess career potential, often turning to interns to fill new graduate level positions.

Approximately 70 percent of Monsanto territory sales managers began their professional careers as Monsanto summer sales interns.

Stafford resident, Osadeba Omokaro, will join the incoming class of Monsanto summer interns.

Omokaro “It is a blessing to be able to work in the field where my heart is,” said Omokaro.

For the next three months, these interns will build strong sales skills and relationships with customers by participating in team and customer call projects and completing a county market analysis. With

professional guidance, they will assist the local sales team with delivering outstanding customer service, while making industry connections and networking with other young professionals.

“The 2013 class of interns represents some of the finest young agriculturalists in the nation and was chosen based on communication skills, leadership and work ethic,” said Rodd Whitney, Monsanto talent acquisition specialist.

“Our interns are tasked with meaningful responsibilities and share Monsanto’s passion to make a better world.”

With more than 21,000 employees worldwide, Monsanto is regularly recognized as a top employer in the United States and internationally by third party companies, receiving honors including Thomson Reuters’ 2012 Top 100 Global Innovators and Forbes’ 2012

list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Monsanto is an employer-of-choice, and is the only agriculture company to appear on The Great Place to Work® Institute Inc. list of Top 25 World’s Best Multinational Workplaces.

The Monsanto Fund also supports youth in agriculture through its America’s Farmers Grow Communities and America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education programs. Grow Communities allows farmers to direct $2,500 donations to their favorite nonprofit organizations. Since the program began, it has given more than $5.6 million to schools, 4-H clubs and FFA chapters.

Additionally, Grow Rural Education, which provides grants of $10,000 or $25,000 to rural school districts, invested $2.3 million into math and science curricula during its first year.

Skeeters host Dodgeball tournament

The Sugar Land Skeeters announced today that the club will host a dodgeball tournament on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Constellation Field.

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Houston Area Women’s Center and the Fort Bend County Women’s Center.

These centers are dedicated to providing services and resources to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The dodgeball tournament

will precede the scheduled 6:05 p.m. Skeeters game against the Somerset Patriots.

Teams of 6-10 players can register early online at www. sugarlandskeeters.com from June 10 – June 28 and must pay a $350 entry fee at the time of registration.

Individual dodgeball players can pay an entry fee of $50 and will be placed on an existing team. Teams that register after June 28 will pay a $450 entry fee.

Upon registering, teams may select to play in either the morning tournament or afternoon tournament.

The morning tournament begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m., while the afternoon tournament starts at 12:00 p.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information on the tournament, rules, registration or available sponsorship opportunities, contact Special Events Assistant

Lisa Vavricka at Lvavricka@sugarlandskeeters.com or by phone at 281.207.9151.

Eight-game and full-season ticket plans are still available for the exciting 2013 season. For more information about the Atlantic League, the Sugar Land Skeeters or how to purchase tickets, visit the team’s website at www.sugarlandskeeters.com or call the Skeeters ticket office at 281-240HITS.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2013

Opinion AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS: Early Quail Valley Club employees

By CAROLYN BOWDEN THOSE WHO SERVED: When Quail Valley was booming with the sounds of construction and houses were popping up all over, there were also prospective buyers showing up to look at this new subdivision. Golfers from the Greater Houston area, and beyond, were “testing” the first nine holes that were open for play. When golfers arrived, they drove up to the El Dorado Blvd. side of the Club and Joe Wade, the Golf Cart Supervisor, would be there to unload their clubs.

GOLFERS WANTED: Bill Hill, Head Golf Professional, was busy on the phone each day, arranging golf games. Weekends were top priority but there was also the option of using week days for business men who closed many a “deal” during an afternoon of golf. Bill’s wife, Mildred, kept the pro shop stocked with the latest golf apparel and, could fill custom orders when they were requested. Shirts and sweaters were in demand because they were good quality and bore the Quail Valley Logo. Even if a lady was not a golfer, she would have outfits from the pro shop in her closet.

“FAIRWAY & INSIDE LOTS”: Chile Rice was the Quail Valley LOT salesman.

He was a little guy who was a bundle of energy and could make you want to buy from him. Unfortunately his life

Bowden ended at an early age and for years a plaque hung in the Men’s Locker Room in his memory. After his death, Lynn Machen took over the LOT sales, assisted by Pat Baker. Initially LOT sales were finalized in Joe Robinson’s home, a white ranch house on Thunderbird, until the sales office was built at the entrance on El Dorado Blvd.

THEY KNEW YOU WELL: James was an “outstanding” Host and Greeter because he “always” remembered your name and the names of your children.

When the children were grown, and no longer lived in Quail Valley, James could still greet them by their first names. From his “perch” at the entrance he could observe the entire dining room and would somehow have contact with the waiters. They would magically appear to seat you.

James knew “preferred” ta-

bles and if that table was occupied he would do his best to find a similar table.

Leslie was the bartender for the main Club Bar and always looked distinguished in his bow tie and black vest.

The Men’s Locker Room Supervisor was Ruben who also manned the bar and served golfers who would gather to sit at small tables, settle their bets and “replay” their games.

“PAT BAKER, LINE ONE…..” Comes the voice over the loud speaker system, and the tall blonde with the ready smile grabs a sip of coffee and heads for the nearest telephone. Interruptions, adjustments, crises… they were all in a day’s work for Pat Baker, Social Director and Assistant Club Manager at Quail Valley. At one moment she may be planning the details of a party and within the next few minutes charging out in a golf cart to show a prospective buyer a lot on the course. If you were a frequent Bingo Player on Friday nights in those early days, you knew Pat because she was the very ”first” bingo caller.

OH, THOSE WERE THE DAYS !!!

Contributions to this column courtesy of Frank H. Marsters III and Claiborn Johnson.

NEXT COLUMN: (June 19th) Quail Valley’s Little Bit of “This & That” Write to: CVBNeighbors@ aol.com about this column.

Dick Durbin, the IRS, and me

By KARL ROVE Say this much for Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin: He’s got chutzpah.

Most congressional Democrats who wrote letters asking the IRS to investigate tea party and other 501(c)(4) conservative groups have fallen silent or are expressing feigned outrage that the IRS would do what they asked. But not Mr. Durbin.

This Sunday on Fox News, Chris Wallace asked the senator why he urged the IRS to investigate a conservative group operating as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code.

Mr. Durbin not only acknowledged that he sent a letter asking the IRS to investigate the group in October 2010, but he defended his request, saying the group he wanted investigated was raising “millions of dollars.”

The group in question is Crossroads GPS. I know something about it. I’m not a director, officer or involved in the day-to-day activities of the organization, but I encouraged the group’s creation and help raise money for it as a volunteer.

Crossroads GPS is a 501(c) (4) advocacy group that builds grass-roots support for conservative policies that encourage economic growth, reduce needless regulation, promote fiscal responsibility and strengthen national security.

Many policies that GPS has championed—for example, no cap-and-trade and a 2011 debt limit deal with spending caps and no tax increase— prevailed.

Mr. Wallace asked Mr. Durbin why he singled out Crossroads GPS for an IRS investigation and pointed out that his letter “did not mention one single liberal group.” Mr. Durbin offered this ludicrous defense: If the IRS investigated GPS, “every other group would be put on notice.” Correction: An IRS investigation of a conservative 501(c)(4) would leave liberal 501(c)(4) groups gleeful—especially

Rove since liberal groups have operated for decades in the same way GPS does without Democrats complaining.

Democrats were content to have 501(c)(4) groups active as long as they were operating on behalf of liberals and their causes. For example, no Democratic leader demanded the IRS investigate the 501(c) (4) arms of the League of Conservation Voters, National Abortion Rights Act League, VoteVets, NAACP, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club and other liberal organizations that have spent millions excoriating Republicans, pushing liberal issues and registering voters.

When Americans United for Change ran ads in 2007 slamming Republican senators up for re-election for supporting the surge of additional U.S. troops in Iraq, no Democratic lawmaker complained. Nor did Mr. Durbin gripe in 2011 when Bill Burton, his former staffer and an ObamaWhite House official, organized Priorities USA, a 501(c)(4) to help the president’s cause.

In addition, no Democratic leaders decried big money’s influence when groups registered under section 501(c)(5) of the federal code—the tax exemption for labor, agricultural or horticultural organizations—spent hundreds of millions from corporate treasuries on advocacy and political activity. That’s because Democrats believe unions are more deserving of tax-exempt

status than other organizations, and that corporate contributions are bad unless they come from unions’ corporate treasuries.

Apparently my volunteering for Crossroads GPS didn’t sit well with Mr. Durbin, who grumbled on Fox News that I was “boasting about the money they were raising.”

Not so. A LexisNexis search and a look at my Fox News appearances and columns turned up only one “boast” by me about GPS’s fundraising.

That occurred when I wrote in WSJ on Oct. 13, 2010 that “[American] Crossroads and GPS have raised more than $14 million” in the two weeks after President Barack Obama smeared these groups by claiming they were funded with foreign contributions— a slander for which Team Obama never offered evidence. The problem for Mr. Durbin is that my comment appeared two days after he sent his letter to the IRS. From the start, Crossroads GPS’s leaders were fully aware the group would be subject to intense scrutiny.

As a result, they made compliance a priority. Every GPS program, expenditure and communication is legally vetted to ensure that it complies with the rulings and guidance the IRS has issued since taxexempt groups were authorized in 1913.

What was going on is obvious: Mr. Durbin wanted the IRS to silence conservatives.

So did every other congressional Democrat who wrote similar letters to the IRS, from Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus to New York Sen. Chuck Schumer to Vermont Rep. Peter Welch.

But in the glare of public attention, using the IRS to cripple or destroy opponents looks corrupt. Abuse of power always is.

A version of this article appeared May 30, 2013, in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: Dick Durbin, the IRS, and Me and online at WSJ.com.

FBISD: Marking the milestones

By CHARLES DUPRE This time of year is filled with banquets, end-of-year awards and celebrations, graduation preparations, and so many other “milestone” activities.

I’m really looking forward to participating in the graduation ceremonies next week as we usher our seniors into the next phase of their lives.

As we begin to wrap up the current school year, we are already busy planning for the year to come.

As I previously shared with you, beginning this summer we will begin development of a long-range strategic plan for the district. This plan will be founded on a clear vision of how we may best prepare each student for a lifetime of success. It will also be used to guide our key decisions in the future, including the development of academic programs, staffing, school boundaries, and future bonds.

This will be an open and collaborative process, and you will have multiple opportunities to share your thoughts and suggestions.

Dupre As I recently shared, we are in the middle of the 2013-2014 budget process. On Monday, June 3, we conducted our annual public budget meeting to enable any stakeholder to hear a budget presentation and provide feedback regarding the proposal.

We will ask the Board to approve the 2013-14 budget on June 10.

On May 20, the Board approved an average 2% salary increase for current teachers and an increase in the starting teacher salary to $46,500 from $44,750. The estimated cost of these increases is $7.5 million,

with $4.9 million, or 60% being allocated to teacher raises.

For more information about the budget process, please visit our Budget webpage.

The 84th session of the Texas legislature has officially ended, and the legislature did restore some of the $5.4 billion previously cut in the prior session.

Our staff is preparing a forecast of the potential new revenues for the next two years, and we will adjust our budget with any new revenues to best address the District’s strategic priorities.

I am enjoying visiting schools and am so proud to see all the great things going on in our classrooms. Each day I feel even more thankful that I have the opportunity to work with such an amazing District and community.

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication as we mark the milestones of success for each FBISD student!

(This message was posted by FBISD superintendent Cahrles Dupre on the FBISD website, www.fortbendisdpulse.com)

HCC, FBISD plan to boost partnership ‘Tis the season for graduation and the numbers don’t lie - Fort Bend Independent School District is a leader in the region for its high school graduation rate of close to 92 percent, and now the district has its sights set on boosting college readiness by teaming up with Houston Community College Southwest (HCC Southwest) to increase enrollment in its tuition-free dual-credit program.

Called College Now, it allows students of qualifying high schools to take college courses with free tuition. Students who pass the classes earn collegelevel credits, along with credit toward their high-school graduation making it a dual benefit.

Houston Community College Southwest’s President Dr. Fena Garza wasted no time meeting with new FBISD Superintendent of Schools Charles Dupre to foster the lines of communication between the district and college.

“We’re looking for opportunities to increase enrollment at our Missouri City and Stafford campuses by spreading the word about tuition-free, dualcredit courses while still in high school,” says Dr. Garza. “And our dual-credit core curriculum courses are transferable to any college or university in Texas.”

FBISD and HCC Southwest are working to inform the community about the requirements and advantages of enrolling in dual-credit courses that are taught at either the high schools or HCC Southwest campuses.

While all Fort Bend ISD high schools offer dual-credit courses, only schools within the HCC service area offer free tuition for those courses. The four qualifying high schools are Elkins, Marshall, Hightower and Willowridge. HCC Southwest currently offers those students a wide variety of core courses, such as English and history, as well as entrepreneurship, business, arts and audio-video production..

“Graduation is a major milestone for our students, and we owe it to those who will pursue post-secondary education to adequately prepare them,” says Superintendent Charles Dupre.

“That’s why I’m pleased to be working with HCC Southwest to boost college enrollment through our tuition-free dual-credit program.”

“The dual-credit program is an amazing opportunity, and we want to continuously educate our students and parents about it,” says Barbara Whitaker, principal of Elkins High School. “Never

do we want our students to miss out on the best deal for college ─ tuition-free credit hours.”

Dupre also wants to establish a Fort Bend Early College, a project that Dr. Garza says she would welcome HCC Southwest being a part of in the future. All five of Houston Community College’s Early College High Schools (ECHS) earned Exemplary ratings, and the Challenge ECHS at HCC Southwest received a Silver ranking as one of America’s Best High Schools.

Early Colleges are a partnership between school districts and colleges that offer a mixture of high-school and college classes so that students can obtain their high-school diploma and associate degree at the same time. It is different than dual-credit programs, where students from a traditional high school take college classes, but graduate from their own high school. At Early Colleges, students have fewer highschool classes because many of their college classes can replace their high-school course requirements. Plans and discussions are preliminary, but should Dupre and his administration succeed in opening one, it would be the first Early College within Fort Bend ISD.

New improvements in county total $1.6 billion

By BARBARA FULENWIDER With 95 percent of the Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District (CAD) property value totals in for 2013, they show that seven Fort Bend County towns and four school districts all had sizable increases in values this year compared to 2012.

The four school districts in the county, Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated, Stafford MSD and Katy ISD, gained a total of 9,066 more accounts, most of which were new houses.

The total for new improvements amounted to a whopping increase of $1.6 billion in market value.

Glen Whitehead, CAD chief appraiser, said the last time there was this large an annual increase in new improvements was 2008.

“Percentage-wise, Fort Bend County is growing faster than Harris County,” he said.

Total parcels in Sugar Land increased from 38,763 last year to 39,131 this year; Missouri City had 29,415 parcels last year and this year has 29,635; Rosenberg added 350 new parcels, Richmond added nine and Meadows Place added three.

What all that new market

value amounted to in Sugar Land is $12.49 billion. The total in new improvements this year was $138 million or 4.32 percent over 2012 when the city’s total market value was $11.83 billion.

Missouri City’s market value went from $4.653 billion in 2012 to $4.920 billion this year with 3.02 percent in new improvements.

Rosenberg increased its total value this year to $2.243 billion from $2.077 billion in 2012.

Richmond went from $657.

48 million in total value last year to $690.76 million this year and had a percent increase in market value from new construction of 4.37 percent or $4,524,590.

Meadows Place had a total value last year of $332.850 million and this year had a market value of $345.590 million and a 3.83 percent increase in new improvements.

In the part of Houston located in Fort Bend County there are a total of 13,489 parcels compared to 13,483 last year for a total value of $1,139,987,257 compared to $1,094,571,266 last year.

Fort Bend ISD’s total market value went from $28.750

billion last year to $30.685 billion this year; Katy ISD’s market value from $10.403 billion last year to $11.516 billion this year; Lamar Consolidated increased its total market value from $13.973 billion last year to $14.501 billion this year; Stafford Municipal SD, with 8,490 parcels, went from $2.560 billion last year to $2.650 billion in market value this year.

The city of Stafford does not collect property taxes from businesses or residents so has no taxable value reported by the central appraisal district.

Whitehead said protests are up in number this year from last and that the protests change the values anywhere from three to seven percent with the average being three to six percent.

“Hearings on protests started today (Monday, June 3) and will run until we get done,” Whitehead said.

“We have around 95 percent of it by July 20th when we will certify the tax rolls even though we will still have some protested accounts. It’s not until August that we get everything keyed in. We usually get everything wrapped up by September for the current year.”

INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2013 • Page 5

News Kelly Sergeant just shy of public speaking championship

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) 2013 Scholarship recipients and parents Left to Right: Melanie Spiller,Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD, plans to attend University of Texas in Austin in the fall, 2013 and major in accounting and finance; Alexandria Hawkins,Clements High School in Fort Bend ISD, plans to attend University of Houston in the fall, 2013 and major in kinesiology; Nailah Jackson, Hightower High School in Fort Bend ISD, plans to attend University of Miami in the fall, 2013 and major in psychology; Michael Perkins, Foster High School in Lamar Consolidated School District, plans to attend Wharton County Junior College/ University of Houston at Victoria in the fall, 2013 and major in computer science. Applicants are required annually by March 1: complete an application; write an essay; submit an official transcript; and provide two letters of reference - one school and one community service. Selection Criteria is based on community service, academic achievement, and leadership. Recipients are also required to attend mandatory luncheon in April, reunion in December, and participate in a community service project. Recipients may re-apply annually by July 15 for continuing scholarships. Scholarship Committee: Elise Leaks Harmon, Chair; Allyson Wesby - Quartey, Co Chair; Deborah Manning, Co Chair; and Mable Scott Austin, Member.

Ex-TI executive joins the board of Freescale Semiconductors K. Balasubramanian (K.Bala), a Missouri City resident, has been appointed as a Member of the Board of Freescale Semiconductors, headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Freescale Semiconductor’s revenue is about $4.5 billion, making it one of the top semiconductor companies in the world. Freescale has plants and operations in over 20 countries worldwide.

K.Bala, 37 year veteran of Texas Instruments, retired from TI in 2006.

He held various positions in Texas Instruments and was elected as the Senior Vicepresident of the company in 1993. His last position in TI was President and Chairman of TI Japan.

At a time, when grocery stores had giant adding ma-

K. Bala chines, Bala and his team in TI introduced an electronic calculator that was 100,000 times smaller, and that was possible due to the silicon chip, designed by Bala and his team.

Bala and his group at TI designed a single-chip calcu-

lator, one of the first ever designed in the world in 1971.

It is now on display in The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. The development of an educational toy called “Speak and spell,” which used the speech recognition technology and helped children learn how to spell and pronounce words was one of the pioneering works done by Bala.

TI honored him by naming a high school scholarship in his name in TI India.

Rice University also honored him by naming a professorship at Rice “ K. Bala visiting Professorship” with the Digital Signal Processing area.

K. Bala currently serves as a board member with Metro Bank, headquartered in Houston.

Local physicians team up to open Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates Two prominent Fort Bendarea physicians have formed Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates.

Sherman Tang, M.D., and Toussaint Smith, M.D., are long-time area cardiologists who have formed this new practice. Drs. Tang and Smith provide a complete range of cardiovascular services, from cholesterol management to the most complex diagnostic procedures.

Methodist Sugar Land Cardiology Associates offers personal, hands-on care and state-of-the-art interventional techniques, backed by the resources, skilled staff and technological strength of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – home to many Fort Bend County “firsts” in cardiac care.

“Dr. Tang and Dr. Smith are well-respected cardiologists in our community who are known for providing thorough, compassionate patient care,” said Methodist Sugar Land Hospital CEO Chris Siebenaler. “Combining their skill and expertise with our leading-edge technology and cardiovascular facilities provides a real benefit for patients in Fort Bend and surrounding areas.”

Sherman Tang, M.D., left, and Toussaint Smith, M.D. Dr. Tang is a graduate his residency – as well as felof China Medical College in lowships in clinical cardiolTaichung, Taiwan. He com- ogy and heart failure/cardiac pleted residencies at Coney transplantation – at Brigham Island Hospital in Brooklyn, & Women’s Hospital in BosNew York, and Baylor Col- ton. He has been in practice lege of Medicine in Houston, in Sugar Land since 1993, and as well as a fellowship in car- is board-certified in internal diology at the University of medicine, cardiovascular disMiami. He has been in prac- eases and echocardiography.

To make an appointment tice in the area since 1994, and is board-certified in internal with Dr. Tang or Dr. Smith, medicine, cardiovascular dis- call 281-491-6808. For a referease and interventional cardi- ral to another Methodist Sugar Land Hospital physician, call ology.

Dr. Toussaint is a graduate 281-274-7500 or visit Methof Boston University School odistSugarLand.com. of Medicine. He completed

Sugar Land Toastmaster member, Kelly Sargeant, earned the title of First Runner-up on Saturday, May 18 at Toastmasters’ District level International Speech Competition. Sargeant was among seven finalists who rose through three levels of contests from the ranks of more than 3500 Toastmasters in the Greater Houston area. The semi-final rounds will be held in August in Cincinnati, Ohio where Sargeant could potentially compete for the coveted title of World Champion of Public Speaking should the first place winner be unable to compete. Although Sargeant’s position is as an alternate at this time, she is thrilled to have made it this far.

“My dream is to be a sought after Inspirational Speaker where I will have the opportunity to encourage others to pursue what makes them happiest. Every competition along this journey allowed me a new audience to passionately persuade to, ‘Get excited!’ about their dream.”

Sargeant feels this most recent honor validates her abili-

Sergeant ties, as did the same award she received in 2011. Each year thousands of Toastmasters compete in International speech contests. Sargeant is determined to earn the title of World Champion and will continue to compete annually until she wins. She currently fulfills her desire to serve and inspire others through public speaking by giving uplifting presentations to local nonprofits. Additionally, Sargeant provides training on ethics and compliance to new hires at her current work place where she is often described as “enthusiastic” and “a cheerleader.”

Toastmasters International

(TI) is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Through its thousands of member clubs, Toastmasters International offers a program of communication and leadership projects designed to help people learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking.

“I am so fortunate to have found Sugar Land Toastmasters. My membership has helped me overcome the fear of public speaking and in turn has made my full-time job even more rewarding. I am following my dream of uplifting people by connecting with them through public speaking. Thanks to Toastmasters, I have found my passion,” says Sargeant.

For more information on Sugar Land Toastmasters, contact the President, Eric Cherian at (713) 560-8024.

For more information on Kelly Sargeant, www.kellysargeant.com.

Dennis Parmer hired as Sugar Land Heritage Foundation director The Board of Directors of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce that Dennis Parmer has been hired as Executive Director.

Parmer is well recognized in the community, having served on the Sugar Land City Council from 2003-2009, representing District One. Additionally, he was an officer on both the Sugar Land 4A and 4B Development Corporations, and was appointed as the City’s representative to the Transportation Policy Council (TPC) for the Houston-Galveston Area Council for five years.

Parmer’s association with the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation (SLHF) dates back to its establishment in 2008.

Parmer served as the founding President of the SLHF Board of Directors, successfully guiding the fledgling non-profit through the early years of defining goals, hiring staff, attracting grants, donors and volunteers, toward the creation of Sugar Land’s first dedicated history museum.

He served in this leadership position until he was hired as Executive Director. The Board of Directors elected Shay Shafie as President of the SLHF Board, succeeding

Parmer Parmer.

Parmer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Mississippi State University in 1975. He enjoyed a successful career in the oil industry and made Sugar Land his home 30 years ago.

Today, he and his wife Becky own and manage a recruiting firm for physicians and nurse practitioners.

His passion for community service led him to city government around the same time the Imperial Sugar Company closed its landmark refinery.

Says Parmer, “I had a sense of purpose to run for city council in 2003. At the time, Imperial Sugar shut down the refinery operations, which had a huge impact, economically, cultur-

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996.

(281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

ally and emotionally, on the people of this city, especially the neighborhoods surrounding the Imperial site. I felt called to be a part of the effort to preserve this area’s unique and vibrant history.”

As the SLHF Executive Director, Parmer looks forward to overseeing the development of a future museum on the Imperial site, which will celebrate the heritage, businesses, stories and people that have shaped Sugar Land today.

He says, “There is a real energy and passion that residents have to do this, whether they were born and raised here, or people like myself who have been lucky enough to have moved here; we all embrace Sugar Land’s history and make it our own. It is a privilege to be in a position to capture, celebrate and preserve that spirit of community.”

The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation exists to research, collect, preserve, and communicate the history, culture, and values of the Sugar Land community, to help guide the community for the future.

For more information, please visit www.slheritage. org or contact Executive Director Dennis Parmer at 281494-0261 and dparmer@slhf. org.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2013

Texana receives new funding AUTOMOBILE: Nissan Sentra Texana Center was recently informed that the center has been successful in its application for funding of special projects through the new Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program, commonly known as the “1115 Medicaid Waiver.” This waiver allows community centers like Texana Center, public hospitals, counties and academic institutions to develop programs designed to improve access to healthcare and improve the quality of healthcare.

Texana submitted five proposals all of which were approved: • To provide specialized behavioral healthcare services to the complex behavioral health population of children with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders and related conditions • To implement a system of early identification and delivery of therapeutic services for children with developmental delays • To develop an 8 bed 48-hour extended observation unit and a 14 bed crisis residential unit designed to provide intervention and to keep individuals in crisis out of emergency rooms and/or jails • To create a crisis behavioral healthcare team to keep individuals in crisis out of state supported living centers, emergency rooms, state mental hospitals, and/or jail • To provide specialized behavioral healthcare services to the complex behavioral health population of children with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders and related conditions.

The 1115 Waiver is a five year initiative, which Texana anticipates will most likely be renewed.

Funding for the projects listed above represents almost $15 million over the first three years of the waiver. However, in order to draw down the funds, each project must achieve set outcomes which were included as part of each project’s plan.

George Patterson, C.E.O. commented “This is a real opportunity for Texana to provide care in our community that was much needed but which our current funding sources could not provide. Over the next few months Texana will be hiring in excess of 100 new staff to implement these programs. We believe these programs will most certainly improve the delivery of care in the areas we serve.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING THE PURPOSE OF HAZARD MITIGATION IS TO IMPLEMENT AND SUSTAIN SHORT AND LONG TERM STRATEGIES THAT REDUCE OUR VULNERABILITY FROM HAZARDS LIKE HURRICANES, FLOODING AND OTHER DISASTERS. THIS IS THE NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC MEETING THAT IS PART OF THAT PROCESS. PURPOSE:

A PUBLIC MEETING SHALL BE HELD AT WHICH ALL PERSONS INTERESTED SHALL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD

WHERE:

CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY HALL CANE ROOM 2700 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD NORTH SUGAR LAND, TEXAS

WHEN:

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 2013 5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.

THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND PLAN WILL IDENTIFY IMPORTANT PARTNERSHIPS TO ENSURE ALL STAKEHOLDERS SHARE IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIONS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER DISASTERS. OUR GOAL IS TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY AS WELL AS REDUCE THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF FUTURE DISASTERS. SUGAR LAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WILL HOST THIS 2ND OF THREE PUBLIC MEETINGS. RESIDENTS UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC MEETINGS MAY PROVIDE ONLINE INPUT THROUGH ONLINE TOWN HALL AT WWW. SUGARLANDTX.GOV.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all-new 2013 Nissan Sentra saves up to 150 pounds, is powered by a new 1.8-liter engine and next-generation Xtronic CVT® with sub-planetary gear for optimal performance and efficiency and boasts a best-in-class combined fuel economy of 34 mpg. The engine is rated at 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque.

Also new for the 2013 Sentra is the optional NissanConnectSM with Navigation. It features hands-free text messaging assistant, POIs powered

by Google™ and Google™ send-to-car functions.

The redesign of Sentra focuses on design standards inside and out, as well as efficiency in engineering. The new Sentra is five percent lighter than the previous model, yet has slightly larger overall dimensions and more interior room.

All CVT models achieve a best-in-class EPA rated 34 mpg combined (city and highway) and a more than 415mile driving range. Sentra’s all-new design adopts Nissan’s trapezoid-shaped grille and large wraparound headlights with LED accents – the only sedan in the compact segPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 for replat of Avalon at Pine Mill, Sec. 2 being a replat of unrestricted Reserve “A” of Katy ISD High School No. 7, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat.

Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Luis Valencia with Benchmark Engineering Corp. at 713-2669930 for information prior to the hearing.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk 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, JUNE 20, 2013 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. CDs are available in the Purchasing Agent’s Office. All addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 13-069 – CONSTRUCTION WATER AND SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES AT KITTY HOLLOW PARK

NOTICE OF REGULATIONS REGARDING INDUSTRIAL WASTE CHARGES AND PERMIT FEES The City of Sugar Land City Council on May 21, 2013 adopted on second consideration City of Sugar Land Ordinance No. 1902: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND, TEXAS, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING INDUSTRIAL WASTE CHARGES AND PERMIT FEES. Any person found guilty of violating this ordinance shall be fined not more than $2,000.00 for each offense.

A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 9:00 AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Travis Annex at 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are required.

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

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

Said ordinance is available in the Office of City Secretary, City of Sugar Land, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, (281) 275-2730, and may be examined between the hours of 8:00 o’clock a.m. and 5:00 o’clock p.m., Monday through Friday.

ment to offer them as standard equipment.

For 2013 Sentra’s beltline has been lowered and a new character line has been added that runs from the front fenders, along the sides, and finishes at the sculpted taillights and trunklid, giving the new Sentra a more aggressive stance and enhanced outward visibility for passengers. Other exterior features include chrome door handles and chrome window accents, available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, and available sport front and rear fascias and rear spoiler.

Inside, the rear seat is a standard 60/40 split fold-down design, offering access to the 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space (2.0 cubic feet larger than the 2012 Sentra’s trunk). Standard interior features include a six-way manual driver’s seat, four-way manual front passenger’s seat, front and rear door pockets, front center console, air conditioning with in-cabin CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE TO: Ricardo Santos, Unknown and to all whom it may concern, Respondent GREETINGS: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you. The ORIGINAL PETITION FOR DIVORCE of DANIELA DEIZA VASQUEZ, was filed in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, ON THIS THE 5TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2012 against RICARDO SANTOS, being numbered 12-DCV202116 and entitled IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF DANIELA DEIZA VASQUEZ AND RICARDO SANTOS AND IN THE INTEREST OF RICARDO DANIEL SANTOS. The suit requests DIVORCE. The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

The Court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding upon you, including the termination of the parent-child relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the child(ren)’s adoption.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 29th day of May, 2013.

Petitioner’s Attorney: PAUL CEDILLO, JR ATTORNEY AT LAW 2319 AVENUE H ROSENBERG TX 77471 281-341-6356 DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Crystal Tejada 281-633-7627

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary NOTICE TO BIDDERS THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being June 17, 2013 a default judgment may be taken against you.

Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The case is presently pending before the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on DECEMBER 04, 2012. It bears cause number 12-DCV-202723 and is styled: Mattie Young vs Leon Thomas The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DENYSE RENEE WARD LAW OFFICE OF D R WARD PLLC 820 GESSNER ROAD SUITE 1075 HOUSTON TX 77024 713-337-0780 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: A. A DETERMINATION AND DECLARATION OF THE OWNERSHIP SHARE OF EACH OF THE JOINT OWNERS IN THE PROPERTY; B. A DETERMINATION THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE PROPERTY TO BE PARTITIONED IN KIND IN A FAIR AND EQUITABLE MANNER; C. AN ORDER FROM THE COURT THAT THE PROPERTY BE SOLD FOR CASH AND/OR UPON SUCH OTHER TERMS AS THE COURT MAY DIRECT, AND SUCH SALE SHALL BE MADE AS UNDER EXECUTION OR BY PRIVATE OF PUBLIC SALE THROUGH A RECEIVER; D. AN ORDER THAT THERE BE DEDUCTED FROM THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH SALE ANY AMOUNTS OWED TO PLAINTIFF AS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ALL PAYMENTS MADE TO THE APPROPRIATE TAXING AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF LEON THOMAS, CHARGING ANY SUCH PAYMENT AGAINST THE OWNERSHIP INTEREST OF LEON THOMAS; AND E. AN ORDER OF PARTITION OF THE PROCEEDS OF THAT SALE AMONG THE PERSONS ENTITLED THERETO, ACCORDING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE INTERESTS, AFTER HAVING DEDUCTED APPROPRIATE AMOUNTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF FUNDS PAID TO TAXING AUTHORITIES AND MAINTENANCE; AND AFTER HAVING DEDUCTED APPROPRIATE AMOUNTS ORDERED FOR COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SALE, REASONABLE AND NECESSARY ATTORNEY’S FEES, AND SUCH OTHER COSTS AND EXPENSES AS DETERMINED BY THE COURT. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 29th day of April, 2013.

DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Kristine Lindsey 281-341-3787

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2013, for: PURCHASE OF WATER PARTS Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: BID NO. 2013-22 PURCHASE OF WATER PARTS BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2013, City of Sugar Land, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened. Notice of the award of contract shall be given within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted on this site.

microfilter.

Also, tilt and telescopic steering column, power windows with driver’s one-touch auto up/down with auto reverse, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry and remote trunk and fuel-filler door releases.

A new dual zone automatic temperature control system is offered for the first time with Sentra. It allows the driver and front passenger to select individual temperature settings.

The standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD system with four speakers. Other available systems include a six-speaker AM/FM/CD system with 4.3inch color display, USB connection for iPod® and other compatible devices; and a Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers and an amplifier that has been specially tuned to either the cloth or leather interior for best performance. Also available is SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required) and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

The 2013 Sentra helps owners stay connected with the optional NissanConnectSM with navigation. It features a handsfree text messaging assistant that reads incoming text messages and allows drivers to reply without using their hands.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Del Webb-Richmond, Section 1, Section 1-B, Section 1-C and Section 2, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 for Westpark Meadows Subdivision, Partial Replat No. 1 , Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat.

Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Richard Makover with Richard Makover Architects Planners at 713-952-7224.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

The system also offers entertainment options such as Pandora radio capability, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth. The 5.8-inch touchscreen display makes maps and other information easier to read, especially when paired with NavTraffic and NavWeather functions (SiriusXM subscription required), along with POIs powered

by Google™ and Google™ Send-to-Car functions. The navigation’s map views feature warnings for curves and speed limit information.

Other available technology includes a rearview monitor, illuminated push button ignition and tire pressure monitoring system with easy fill tire alert feature. If air is being added or removed from a tire, the system signals the user when the recommended tire pressure has been reached by sounding the horn.

The new Sentra also features an independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar, power-assisted vented front disc/rear drum braking system (four-wheel disc brakes are available), and vehiclespeed-sensitive electric power steering. Available wheels and tires include 16-inch steel wheels or 17-inch aluminumalloy wheels.

The 2013 Nissan Sentra is offered in a selection of six trim levels: S, FE+ S, SV, FE+ SV, SR and SL. All trims come with standard Xtronic CVT®, except the base Sentra S that is available with a choice of six-speed manual transmission or CVT. The Sentra SL retails for $19,760 with all standard equipment. The Sentra is a sporty, fun car to drive. It also comes with pep and personality, comfort and room.

BREAST FRIENDS. The University of Texas MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land sponsors the Breast Friends Focus and Support group for Fort Bend and surrounding communities, and the next meeting will be Tuesday, June 11. The breast cancer support group is hosted at the St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital campus and takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Meetings are open to all breast cancer patients or survivors, regardless of where they are receiving or received treatment. Meetings take place in the first floor conference room of the St. Luke’s Sugar Land campus at 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway. No pre-registration is required. Call Laurie Hughes at (281) 566-1908.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, addressed to the City of Sugar Land, Texas, will be received until 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2013, for: PURCHASE OF WATER METERS Sealed bids shall be appropriately marked as follows: BID NO. 2013-22 PURCHASE OF WATER METERS BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Bidder shall sign and date the bid. Bids that are not signed and dated will be rejected.

Signed and sealed bids shall be delivered to the Office of the City Secretary, on or before 11:00 o’clock a.m., Thursday, June 20, 2013 , City of Sugar Land, City Hall, Suite 122, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. All bids received after the appointed time shall be returned to bidder unopened.

Notice of the award of contract shall be given within thirty (30) days following the date for the opening of bids.

The City reserves the right to revise or amend the specifications prior to the date set for opening of bids. Such revisions or amendments, if any, will be announced by addenda or addendum to the specifications. Copies of such addenda so issued will be furnished to all prospective bidders and may or may not affect the bid opening date.

The City of Sugar Land reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive informalities in bids received. The award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

ITB documents may be secured from City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, or by registering at www.publicpurchase.com. Registration is free. All bid documents, amendments and other information relating to the bid will be posted on this site.

Questions regarding the invitation to bid must be received by Thursday, June 13, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov.

Questions regarding this invitation to bid must be received by Thursday, June 13, 2013 on or before 3:00 P.M. Please contact Jason Poscovsky, Contracts Manager, telephone number (281) 275-2302 or email jposcovsky@sugarlandtx. gov.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2013 • Page 7

News

Runoff Election June 15

Book of Golden Deeds awarded to Sugar Land resident

)VII` 4HYZOHSS Bobby Marshall &LW\ &RXQFLO 'LVWULFW $ 0,66285, &,7< Keep Missouri City Moving Forward + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Vote for An Experienced Councilman Public Safety Economic Development Public Safety Economic Highest LevelDevelopment of City Services Highest Level of City Services Economic Development Better Mobility Better Mobility Responsibility HighestFiscal Level of City Services Public Safety Fiscal Responsibility Exchange club board member Kevin Barker, Award recipient Shanta Raguthaman, Exchange club president Gladys Brumfield, Exchange Club board member Farha Ahmed, Exchange club member Doug Earle.

In addition, staff from the Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest running projLongtime Sugar Land resident and community volun- AADA, a nonprofit organi- ect, the Book of Golden Deeds teer, Shanta Raguthaman, zation, described Ragutha- Award, recognizes dedicated one of the founders of Asians man as a dedicated founding volunteers who give endless Against Domestic Abuse member whose passion to hours of their time and talents (AADA), was awarded the help abused women in need toward making their commuprestigious Book of Golden is what inspired them to carry nities better places to live.

Ever since the Exchange Deeds Award 2013 by the Ex- on her work.

The Exchange Club be- Club of Huntington, Ind., change Club of Sugar Land lieves that volunteer efforts sponsored the first award in on May 29, 2013.

Her husband Dr. Ragutha- are very important to our so- 1919, thousands of unsung man and her son, Ramesh, ciety and should not go unno- heroes and heroines have been recognized. spoke endearingly about Ra- ticed.

The National Exchange guthaman and her work.

Kids & Cops

Instant Rate Quotes No Personal Information Required www.HomeWayMortgage.com

Meyer Elementary School fifth grade student Cristtal Ramirez was the winner of the Fort Bend County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Kids & Cops decal design contest. Shown with Cristtal are, from left, Sheriff Troy E. Nehls, Deputy Tina Guerra and Steve Pridgen, Marketing Manager of Mazda North American Operations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gulf Region. Guerra is the Kids & Cops deputy for Meyer Elementary School. For information on the Kids & Cops program, contact Sgt. Kathy Rader at 281-238-1534.

Better Mobility Vote now; Early Early Voting29 May- 2nd - May Vote on Mayon 11May 14th Early Voting April May 710th VOTE voting in progress.

Fiscal Responsibility 3ROLWLFDO DG SDLG IRU E\ WKH %REE\ 0DUVKDOO &DPSDLJQ $OGHUZRRG 'U 0LVVRXUL &LW\ 7; Endorsed and supported by these community leaders:

Congressman Pete Olson

Mayor Allen Owen

State Senator Glenn Hegar

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett

Councilmember Floyd Emery

Former Councilmember Eunice Reiter

Former Councilmember Buddy Jimerson

Former Councilmember Brett Kolaja

Former Councilmember Barbara Gibson

Former Councilmember Carl Bowles

Fort Bend Co. Sheriff Troy Nehls

Harris Co. Constable Phil Camus

Parks Board Chair Llarence Turner

P & Z Chair Ron Lee

Missouri City Police Officers Association Missouri City Firefighters Association Members of the Missouri City Police/Fire Auxiliary Yvonne Allen, President, Quail Green West HOA

JoAnn Miller, President, Fonmeadow HOA

Janet Alvarez, President, Glen Park HOA

Gene Rasbury, Hunters Glen Crime Watch

Jeff Gaspar, President, Colony Crossing HOA

Llarence Turner, President, Hunters Park HOA

Roger Morris, President, Fondren Park HOA

Arnold Richards, President, Hunters Green HOA

Monica Rasmus, President, Hunters Point Estates HOA

3ROLWLFDO DG SDLG IRU E\ WKH %REE\ 0DUVKDOO &DPSDLJQ $OGHUZRRG 'U 0LVVRXUL &LW\ 7;

Rice & Gardner Consultants Engineer Buildings Buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that Lower Energy Costs!

Today most people spend the majority of their day indoors at home, at school or at the office. It is important then that our homes, our schools, our office buildings, and the many other buildings we frequent provide a good indoor environment for the people who live and work in them. A good indoor environment is one that addresses the quality of the air we breathe, appropriate temperature and humidity levels, appropriate lighting levels, and in general promotes good indoor occupant comfort, health and well-being.

Jim Rice & Kevin Gardner

A Kwik Kar is a Happy Car Sat 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

281-261-8066

Stop. Go. Pennzoil.

Not Not Just Oil, Pennzoil just oil, Pennzoil

Rice & Gardner Consultants provided engineering services for the Fort Bend County North Annex.

RUSSELL C. JONES THELMA HOLOWAY JONES STEPHANIE STIGANT

In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, Tx. 77478 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com â&#x2014;? www.jonesattorneys.com AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Proper engineering design and installation can provide owners with a ten to fifteen percent decrease in their energy bills and a corresponding improvement in tenant satisfaction.

Rice & Gardner Consultants has a highly trained staff of Engineers, Project Managers and Commissioning Agents to assist you. To find out how you can lower your buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electric bills and provide improved occupant comfort contact Rice & Gardner Consultants today.

SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

Real Estate and Banking Law Estate Planning and Probate Business and Employment Law Mergers and Acquisitions Water Law â&#x2014;? Local Government Law

Because building operations account for over half of all U.S. electricity consumption and contributes a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important that they be engineered and designed correctly to minimize electrical consumption, reduce their carbon footprint and still provide a good indoor environment for building occupants.

Designing, installing and utilizing efficient lighting and HVAC systems with properly designed building automation control systems is the first step in reducing building energy consumption, lowering utility costs and providing a good indoor environment.

In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, property owners and managers must demonstrate the value of their property to their tenants, both existing and future, while finding ways to reduce costs without negatively impacting occupant comfort or owner services. It is a delicate balancing act.

Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Kwik Kar Lube & Tune Family Owned& Operated 6171 Hwy 6 (@FM1092) Missouri City

Jennifer Williams, Pct. 2081 Chair

VOTE on June 15;y Early voting June 3 - June 11

Call Today: Secure Online Application: (281) 565-8500 www.HomeWayMortgage.com 16525 Lexington Blvd., Ste. 250, Sugar Land, TX 77479 414 W. Grand Pkwy. S., Ste. 116, Katy, TX 77494 NMLS # 214884

RE-ELECT Bobby Marshall

To learn more call us at 713-482-2300 or visit our website at www.ricegardner.com.

Rice & Gardner Consultants continues to provide engineering services for various projects at Fluorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake Pointe Plaza Campus.

MEP Engineering â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Commissioning - Program Management 6161 Savoy Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 713-482-2300

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 5, 2013

INTERVIEWING SOON! In anticipation of our brand-new store in Sugar Land, we are now accepting applications and scheduling interviews for the following areas & positions: Experienced Store & Department Managers Customer Service (Checker, Sacker, Parking Lot Attendant, Restock Clerk, Department Clerk) Specialty Areas (Coffee Shop, Smoothie Bar) Skilled Positions (Baker, Cake Decorator, Meatcutter, Meat Wrapper, Stocker, Wine & Cheese Coach) Service Center Maintenance We are looking for energetic, outgoing people who love food and love to talk about food to anyone who will listen. We will train people who have the outgoing personality we are looking for, and we will be thrilled if you have prior experience in a grocery store, bakery, butcher shop, or in a prepared food environment.

To request an interview for employment at Fiesta Mart Inc. #80, located at 13833 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478, please visit www.fiestamart.com/careers.

To apply, click on the yellow/orange box at the bottom of the page. For priority consideration please apply only for Store #80.

We will be scheduling interviews from the applications we receive…so apply soon.

We look forward to meeting you and discussing the opportunities available at Fiesta!

Fluent English skills are required Other languages are highly desirable but not an absolute requirement Fiesta is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Where survivors gather,

Hope soars!

In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day Methodist Cancer Center welcomes all cancer survivors and a guest to join us as we

Celebrate Life and Honor Survivors of Cancer Celebration and Luncheon Friday, June 7, 2013 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Conference Center RSVP Required. Please call 281-274-7500 or email SLRSVP@tmhs.org