Fort Bend Independent 062718

VOL 11 No. 26

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

16 FBISD students named Texas State Karate Champions

Pictured from the left are: (Top row) Sensei Ramon Veras, Vinny Vuong and Sensei Nizar Albagdadi; (Middle Row from the left) Sensei Cassie Pham-Korman, Fabiana Lopez, Charlize Lopez, Christina Korman, Ahn Vu, Kaito Sengoku, Gregory Gurevich, James Goodman Jr., Baoying Jenter and Sophia Ji; (Bottom Row from the left) Anya Singh, Meher Singh, Fabiana Lopez, Nalika Nana, Jayden Goodman, Joshua Darsan, Haven Lopez and Tyler Lopez.

Sophia Ji 6th Grade, Fort SetFort Bend ISD students Highlands Elementary (Bronze, tlement Middle School (Silver helped form a 24-member ath- kata and Kumite) Tyler Lopez, 2nd grade, Sul- in Kata) letic team that competed at the Thomas Jenter from High2018 Texas State Karate Cham- livan Elementary (Gold Kata) Nalika Nana, 3rd grade, Oys- lands Elementary and Akira pionship and Qualifier in May held in Houston Texas, with ter Creek Elementary (Bronze Santoso from Commonwealth Elementary also competed. individual members placing in Kata and Kumite) Other team members to reAnya Singh, 3rd Grade, Drathe top three positions of their bek Elementary (Bronze Kata ceive awards include: Christina divisions.

Korman, (Gold Kata and SilThe State Championship was and Kumite) Meher Singh, 3rd Grade, Dra- ver Kobudo); Fabiana Lopez sanctioned by USANK the Na(Bronze Kata and Gold Kutional governing Body for Kara- bek Elementary (Gold Kata) Joshua Darsan, 4th Grade, mite), Sensei Andres Sanabria te in the Olympic under USOC. They were among the 235 Walker Station Elementary (Gold, Kumite) and Vinny Vuathletes from throughout the (Bronze Kata and Gold Kobudo) ong (Gold Kata). Also competJayden Goodman, 4th Grade, ing were Devashish Akhare, Fastate to enter the competition, regarded as the largest and most Palmer Elementary (Bronze biola Lopez, Baoying Jenter and Sensei Clarissa Villanueva. prestigious traditional karate Kata) The winners of the competiKaito Sengoku, 5th grade, tournament in the state of Texas.

The FBISD athletes were Austin Parkway Elementary tion will represent Texas at the among those, to compete in var- (Gold Kata and Bronze Kumite) 2018 USA National ChampionJames Goodman, 6th grade, ships and Team Trials July 12ious divisions of kata (essence and foundation of karate that Garcia Middle School (Gold in 15 at Reno, Nevada.

All the karate athletes menfocuses on form), Kumite (face- Kata and Silver Kumite) Gregory Gurevich, 6th grade, tioned trained at the Traditional to-face combat that incorporates attack and defense techniques Quail Valley Middle School Karate Center under the instruction of Sensei Ramon Veras and Kobudo (the weapon sys- (Gold Kata and Kumite) Charlize Lopez, 6th Grade, (Chief Instructor), Sensei Nizar tem of Martial Arts).

FBISD Students earning top Quail Valley Middle School Albagdadi (Senior Instructor), Sensei Nathan Work (Senior Inawards were: Haven Lopez, (Bronze Kata) Ahn Vu, 6th Grade, Fort Set- structor), Sensei Cassie PhamKindergarten, Sullivan Elementlement Middle School (Bronze Korman, and Sensei Andres tary (Gold Kata) Sanabria.

Brielle Jenter, Kindergarten, in Kata and Kumite)

Fort Bend Cares grants $184,000 to area Non-Profit groups

Representatives from Fort Bend Cares 2018 Grant Recipients and the Fort Bend Cares Board of Trustees celebrate the award of $184,000 in grants to local non-profits.

“Fort Bend Cares supportFort Bend Cares supporters odist Sugar Land Hospital, Fairgathered on June 14 at Safari mount Santrol, Fluor and Silver ers entrust us to evaluate grant Texas Ranch to award $154,000 Eagle Distributors, and the on- applicants to ensure the money in grants to local non-profits going support of dedicated vol- they have helped us raise has committed to improving the unteers and other donors, Fort the biggest and most positive lives of disadvantaged children Bend Cares raised the necessary impact on disadvantaged chilfunds to award these grants to dren in Fort Bend County,” said in Fort Bend County.

An additional $30,000, raised hardworking community orga- Grants Committee Chairperson Patty Ward. through Paddles Up at Fort nizations.

“Those serving on the Grants More than 40 Fort Bend Cares Bend Cares’ annual Road Trip event, was awarded to Parks Grants Committee volunteers Committee take this responsibilYouth Ranch to purchase new performed a thorough review of ity very seriously and are always grant applications from 31 local so moved and impressed by all furniture and bedding.

The Ranch provides emer- nonprofits before making their the dedicated organizations dogency shelter, counseling and recommendations to the Board ing the much-needed work helping these kids,” she added. life-changing services to abused of Trustees.

The grants provided meet a Reviews included site visits, and neglected youth ages 7-17.

The celebration capped off a meeting with staff, determining wide range of children’s needs. great year for the organization. the number of children impact- For example, three of the projThrough the generosity of event ed and identifying whether the ects funded this year are: sponsors such as Rice & Gard- organization meets a physical, •American Diabetes Association – Funding summer camp for ner Consultants, Houston Meth- emotional or educational need.

Kennedy, Watson will vie for CCL Judge No. 5 position

By SESHADRI KUMAR Harold Kennedy, Republican, and Teana Watson, Democrat, will be on the November ballot for County Court at Law No. 5 Judge.

The respective parties chose their nominees to contest in the special election caused by the death of Judge Ron Cohen, after party primary elections in early March.

On June 19, the executive committee of the Fort Bend County Republican Party held a special meeting to select the party’s nominee.

With five candidates running, four received nominations from the body and after the first round of voting, there was a winner.

With 64 of the 71 precinct chairs in attendance, Judge Harold Kennedy won the election with 38 votes, making him the party’s nominee, party chair Jacey Jetton said. Andrew Dorburg got 19 votes, Greg Goodman 4 and Nancy Lusk three.

Similarly, the Fort Bend County Democratic Party had earlier chosen its nominee. Teana Watson will be the party’sn ominee on the ballot for CCL #5 , according

Kennedy to FBCDP Chair Cynthia Ginyard.

Kennedy has been an Associate Judge of Fort Bend County Courts at Law, since 1999. He has been a licensed attorney since 1983.

Kennedy sought the party’s nomination for CCL # 3. In the March 6 primary, Jennifer C. Chiang finished third with 6,172 votes, followed by Tricia Krenek, 11,338 votes and Harold Kennedy, 12,874 votes.

In the June 4 runoff, Krenek won with 4,394 votes to Kennedy’s 3,966.

Watson Watson has over 27 years of experience as a former prosecutor, municipal judge, and criminal defense attorney.

In November 2016, Watson ran for 400th District Court, but lost. Republican Maggie Jaramillo won with 132,255 (51.34%) and Democrat Watson got 125,356 (48.66%) votes.

In 2012, Watson ran for 434th District Court and incumbent Judge Jim Shoemake won, with 115,093 votes ( 53.91%) against Watson’s 98,408 votes (46.09%.)

Stafford mayor votes against “mystery client”

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford City Council at its past meeting in a 6-1 vote authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with a company no one knows the name of or won’t divulge.

As of council’s June 20th meeting, the company was hired to locate a third party retail sales center in Stafford that will promote and/or expand Stafford’s business development.

The agreement between Stafford and the company says the city will get $3 million each year from sales taxes if the company generates $15 million that year.

First Stafford’s Economic Development Corp. approved the agreement with Weathervane Development Group, LLC, a “Type B Industrial Development Corporation” and after that council voted on it.

At council’s second meeting, it was determined that Weathervane was not the name of the company the city will be dealing with at some point.

The agreement further says the SEDC board of directors determined that a grant of funds, which were not specified, would be given the developer for “the public purpose of promoting local economic development and enhancing business and commercial activity” in Stafford.

The SEDC board members “determined” the retail sales center would provide “significant increases in the city’s sales tax revenues,” according to the agreement.

It further states that the “sale of products and services will achieve the public purpose of

promoting economic development and diversity, increase employment, reduce unemployment and underemployment and expand commerce and stimulate business” in the state, county and in Stafford.

The agreement also says that on the date that local sales tax generated by the retail sales center is first allocated to Stafford that will continue for 15 years with the possibility of an additional five years thereafter.

The retail sales center is to have a minimum of 1,000 square feet of office space in Stafford and be operated by a third party in contract with the developer.

The money from sales are taxable and are to be allocated to the city by the contracted third party.

The developer’s obligations are to provide the location of the retail sales center within 10 days of securing it, employ at least five employees in the first year and provide the SEDC with a financial report that is being submitted to the state’s comptroller regarding sales and use taxes collected.

Should the city’s share be less than $3 million the SEDC will not be obligated to make any payments to the developer for the year.

Should the city’s and SEDC’s shares of the sales and use taxes exceed $3 million for a year the SEDC agrees to pay the developer 80% of that.

If the state comptroller shows that the developer has exceeded $6 million in new net retail sales for one year, then the SEDC agrees to extend the term of the agreement for an additional

year for each year that threshold is met.

In the event of a default by the developer, the SEDC will “immediately terminate” the agreement and the developer will owe SEDC repayment of the program grant payments plus interest.

The agreement also says the developer may terminate the agreement without default if the third party operating the sales center ceases operations.

Mayor Leonard Scarcella cast the lone no vote at both council meetings.

At the second vote on the issue, he said, “This past year Stafford got $17 million in total sales taxes from every business in the city. A couple of years before it was $15 million. If we get $3 million that company has to generate $15 million, which is almost as much as every business in this city generates in total. Consequently, I’m very interested in this business and how they will generate $15 million and we get $3 million every year.

“To me, it’s a leap of faith but if council and the SEDC board think it’s a valid thing…but I have such reservations about something we don’t know who they are, what they are going to do and how they will do it.”

Then he asked, “Is it correct that the agreement provides we will get $3 million out of whatever they collect and if they don’t come up with the $3 million, they don’t get anything?”

The city’s attorney, Art Pertile, said yes.

Scarcella responded: “If they

children with Type 1 diabetes to help them develop the critical skills to help manage their diabetes care.

•Gigi’s Playhouse – Funding for supplemental supplies for development of math and literacy skills for children with Down Syndrome.

•Texana Center – purchase of three new iPads for counselors

to record sessions and work more effectively with the children in real time.

Fort Bend Cares raises funds for grants through a variety of events and individual donations.

The next event is the Fort Bend Cares Golf Championship to be held October 29 at Sweetwater Country Club.

The organization’s primary

fundraising event, “Road Trip,” is scheduled for Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Fluor in Sugar Land. To sponsor one of these events or to volunteer with Fort Bend Cares, contact Executive Director, Angel Tapia, at angel@fortbendcares.org or 832819-2005. For a complete list of 2018 grant recipients, visit www.fortbendcares.org.

See STAFFORD, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 27, 2018

“A Night at the Museum”

Join Honorary Chairs, Judge Bob and Pat Hebert at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum for its upcoming evening fundraiser “A Night at the Museum”.

The outdoor, casual event is slated for Saturday, June 30, 2018 on the Museum grounds at 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg, TX from 6:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m.

Come see the progress on the MoPac Caboose renovations, the newly painted Gallery building, the 1879 passenger car (the “Quebec”), the Garden Railroad (a G Gauge (1:29 scale) model railroad depiction of Rosenberg and Richmond in the 1950’s with live plants, replica automobiles, animals and people and various historic buildings), and other exhibits while enjoying some tasty bites from local eateries plus wine, beer and live music.

RRM’s “A Night at the Museum” will preview a future exhibit, Stories from the Past , a culmination of oral histories and a visual display of the stories of former railroad workers and residents of Fort Bend County, sharing how railroading shaped our lives today.

“We challenge all Fort Bend area individuals and businesses to support our rich railroad history through a sponsorship or ticket purchases for this fun event where all can see what the museum has to offer ‘up-close and personal’” says Museum Executive Director, Tracy Hobdy.

NEWS Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic Award 2018 Scholarship Winners

Catherine Lamb – Alpha Delta Pi; (left);Lanie Malek – Delta Gamma; andMeredith Prado – Delta Delta Delta;

Pat & Bob Hebert The event will feature both tour the Ebell House built by live and silent auctions with Rosenberg Mayor J.A. Carter all of the event proceeds going in 1902 as a wedding proposal to support museum operations. to the widowed Louise Ebell, Tickets for the event are a pioneer business woman $75 per person and can be and one of the first settlers in purchased at the Museum’s Rosenberg.

Former Rosenberg Mayor website: www.rosenbergRRJoe Gurecky and his wife Domuseum.org or by calling 281ris are the current owners and 633-2846. have restored this home to its Sponsorships of the event original splendor with historic offer many benefits, and at accuracy.

Don’t miss the opcertain levels guests have portunity to support the Muthe opportunity to attend a seum and attend the special private reception at the Ebell House with distinguished preview event—learn more chairs, Judge Bob and Pat and sign up to be a sponsor Hebert. The top three spon- today at: www.rosenbergRRsor levels receive tickets to a museum.org under the Events special preview event where pull down.

The RRM thanks Engineer guests will be able to view and level sponsors: NewQuest Properties and Fort Bend County Treasurer-elect Bill and Lisa Rickert and to our Active Senior Living; Embracing Conductor level sponsors: Brenda and Greg Cauthen, the lives of Seniors 55 and Better Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Inc, County Judge Bob Hebert, Wharton County Junior College/Texas State Technical College and Johnson Development Corp.

The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is dedicated to its mission of preservation and education of Fort Bend’s important railroad history and brings in visitors from all over 2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 the county and the surrounding Houston areas. Visit www. www. plantationqv.com rosenbergRRmuseum.org.

The Fort Bend County Alumnae Panhellenic is pleased to announce its 2018 Scholarship Winners.

This year the club awarded $3,250 in scholarship money to four young women from the community who are all outstanding members of their respective NPC Sorority chapters.

Outgoing Panhellenic CoPresident, Kathy Keene said, “The scholarships are provided annually to college students who complete applications in the spring and are awarded based upon merit.

“Funds to provide the awards are generated at fund raising events throughout the year as well as through private donations.”

The scholarship recipients

are as follows: •The Diana Adams Scholarship for $1000.00 went to Lauren Sibille, a member of Phi Mu at Texas Christian University. Lauren is a twotime scholarship winner.

•The Delta Delta Delta Scholarship in memory of Neil Oatman for $750.00 went to Meredith Prado; a member of Delta Delta Delta at The University of Oklahoma.

•Lanie Malek a member of Delta Gamma at The University of Alabama was awarded a scholarship for $750.00.

•Catherine Lamb, a member of Alpha Delta Pi at Sam Houston State University was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $750.00. Catherine is also a two-time scholarship winner.

Lauren Sibille - Phi Mu Panhellenic Co-President Liz Furman remarked, “It is a true pleasure to be able to support these young women as they continue their education.

They are all an honor to their respective chapters, national organizations and Fort Bend County.”

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INDEPENDENT • JUNE 27, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS Child Advocates of Fort Bend talks to area St. Laurence Catholic School students recognized by Duke TIP students about Child Abuse Prevention

Shown L to R at the presentation to Arizona Fleming Elementary School are: Child Advocates of Fort Bend Forensic Interviewer Heather Rashid, Collaborative Family Engagement Coach Jackie Townsend, WINGS Volunteer Supervisor Leroy Hodge, Arizona Fleming Elementary School Counselor Destiny Parker, Arizona Fleming Elementary School Principal Jason Soileau, CASA Program Director Metoyer Martin and Volunteer Services Team Leader Casey Davis.

To Celebrate April Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child Advocates revamped its “30 Schools in 30 Days” initiative designed to promote child abuse prevention in community schools throughout Fort Bend County.

“We developed the curriculum, trained staff to do the presentations and reached out to schools in Fort Bend and Lamar, ISD,” stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend Volunteer Services Team Leader Casey Davis.

The result - during the months of April and May, Child Advocates of Fort Bend staff members spoke to more than 15,000 students in 27+ Fort Bend ISD elementary and middle school students and area early childhood centers about signs of child abuse and how to keep themselves safe.

In addition to speaking to elementary and middle school students, Child Advocates of Fort Bend did six presentations to school staff, 2 presentations to parents and 2 presentations to groups of Fort Bend elementary, middle and high

school principals about signs of abuse and best practice protocols for reporting abuse.

“We never imagined that we would get such an overwhelmingly positive response that it would require scheduling well into the month of May to accommodate all of the requests for us to come and speak to students,” stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford.

“We are grateful to Superintendent Charles Dupre for helping us reach FBISD students and to all of the teachers, counselors and schools that participated. We hope that we can continue to work with them to keep children safe and let them know that we are here and are a resource for them if they need us.”

Demand for Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s services increased 20% in 2017 and the agency is on track to see a double-digit increase in demand again this year.

Several volunteers and sixteen of the agency’s 38

staff members participated either as presenters or by helping pass out important information on child abuse prevention to the teachers and students.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending child abuse by providing a voice, healing the hurt, and breaking the cycle of child abuse in Fort Bend County.

Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASATM), Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates improves the lives of more than 400 children each month and has served more than 14,000 children since opening its doors in 1991.

For more information on how you can become a voice for children and get involved with Child Advocates of Fort Bend, contact Lauren Jordin at 281-344-5259 or ljordin@ cafb.org or log onto www. cafb.org.

SLCS students Lynley Pace, Angela Casuga, Luke Eumont, Arielle Caranto, and Caroline Jakubik, at the State Recognition at Texas A&M in College Station.

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) recently honored academically talented 7th graders for their high scores on the ACT or SAT exams.

St. Laurence Catholic School student, Lynley Pace, was among a small select group of students recognized for their exceptionally high scores and invited to attend the Grand Recognition Ceremony at Duke University

in Durham, NC. Lynley joined this group of only 4% of the students from across the country participating in Duke TIP. Students Arielle Caranto, Angela Casuga, Luke Eumont, Lynley Pace, and Caroline Jakubik were invited to attend the State Recognition Ceremony at Texas A&M in College Station. They also received medals for achieving state honors on the

ACT or SAT exam taken this year.

This dedicated group was honored to be recognized for their academic achievements as they look forward to their 8th grade year.

St. Laurence Catholic School is pleased to note how well-rounded and involved they are by their involvement in academic clubs, sports, and service organizations.

Stafford Middle School Math Teacher celebrates 35 Years with SMSD Yolanda Kelley taught Seventh Grade Mathematics at Stafford Middle School when it opened in 1983, and she will teach at the new state-of-the-art, three-story Stafford Middle School when it opens next year.

“Stafford Municipal School District is so unique,” Kelley said. “I am excited about the new middle school.”

Kelley arrived at Stafford MSD, with a degree from the University of Houston in 1983, and she later earned a Master’s Degree from UH. “I love Math – it just makes sense to me,” said Kelley, who is one of the UIL Competition Sponsors for Stafford Middle School. “I want the students to know that Math is in everything.”

Kelley has had the opportunity to teach students and then, their children. She taught Stafford High School Principal Raymond Root, Stafford Associate Athletic Director Sergio Hinojosa and Stafford Middle School Counselor Karla White.

“Stafford is the only place I’ve ever taught – I never applied anywhere else,” said Kelley, who grew up in Marshall, Texas – the youngest daughter of an English Teacher. (All three of her sisters went on to become teachers).

Kelley and her husband, who is also a teacher, are the proud parents of three daughters, who have gone on to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) careers. Her oldest is an Engineer, middle-an Accountant and youngest is in college with plans to enter the Computer Science field.

Kelley was honored as the Stafford Middle School Teacher of the Year in the

Lynley Pace at the Grand Recognition Ceremony at Duke University

Staff ord From Page 1

Yolanda Kelley, member of the original staff at Stafford Middle School in 1983. Ms. Kelley is entering her 36th year at Stafford Middle School. early 1990s, but she regularly declines the nomination, because “someone else should receive that honor.”

Last month, she was recognized for 35 years with Stafford MSD and eagerly awaits Year No. 36.

“I have been married for 36 years, worked at Stafford for 35 years and have been a member of the same church for 33 years,” Kelley said.

“When I find what I like, I stick with it.”

are short $2, I’m suing them because we’ve got $12 million at stake.”

Next to speak was Council Member Virginia Rosas who said she welcomes the new business to Stafford and is looking forward to getting more information about it. “As far as I can see, it’s a revenue maker for the city.”

Councilman Wen Guerra, who is also president of the SEDC board, said, “We have an opportunity here. The project will perpetuate money so we don’t have a property tax.”

Then he said in regards to the mayor’s words, “We’re not helping the situation by having a hostile environment.”

If the city and SEDC “keep working with them,” it will be a good partnership, Guerra said.

“We can’t fragment that

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fabric. It’s not going to help the city. We have to work with them to make sure the project moves ahead. We need to wish, help and pray to make sure everything goes right and moves along. History will push this along and we’ll get something very good for the city by adding more money.”

Guerra later told this paper that the name of the business is being kept confidential for commercial reasons until the agreement is formally concluded.

Then Councilman A.J. Honore said he thinks “it’s a great thing. I challenge the mayor on his math and the misrepresentation to try to make something that’s so good look like it could be wrong. I look forward to supporting it. We look forward to them coming to our city.”

Councilman Don Jones spoke next and said he is “very

comfortable” with the negotiating team and trusts them.

He also said he knows more information will be provided and that the mayor “will catch anything that is not beneficial to the city. I trust they are proving themselves.”

Then the mayor responded to Honore’s challenge regarding his math and more. He said, “We have a situation with no criteria or anything else. We don’t know who they are, what they are going to do, how they are going to do it and when they are going to do it.

“Yet we are authorizing them to go forward with this project with none of that information and a very high bar of having to generate almost as much money as we come up with in sales taxes each year. I am anxious to see what this company is going to do and how they will generate that much sales tax.”

Only time will tell.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 27, 2018

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

GUEST COLUMN

Competition or cooperation

By MICHAEL GRANTO One of the benefits of having the job I had several decades ago was travel to far places.

My area included Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Most men in my position had areas that covered parts of states, not parts of the globe.

And while most men in my position could get in their car and be in their area in a matter of minutes, my area was reachable only by air travel, involving over-water flights of 13 to 17 hours.

Because of the expense of simply getting to the area two things had to happen: the planning of activities for my visit would have to be thorough, and the visits would have to be long enough to get things done, which meant three to five weeks.

I recall once that I had my airline ticket for my upcoming trip on my desk, when another area manager paid me a visit.

He glanced at the ticket, and exclaimed in wonderment, “This is your airfare?” When I replied it was, he said the cost of my flights was more than his annual travel budget.

That trip happened to be the trip on which we were to open the first unit in South Korea, and it was combined with several other activities. Once the opening was taken care of, my Korean counterparts extended me an invitation to visit a Korean re-enactment village, where re-enactors portray Korean village life as it was several hundred years

Granto ago. Everyone wore authentic period costumes, and what technology they displayed was from several hundred years ago.

The blacksmiths interested me the most. I am used to seeing blacksmiths portrayed in American westerns as big, brawny guys with massive chests and arms, and usually a massive belly to go with them.

Koreans just do not come built like that, but lack of brawn did not deter them from producing some fine examples of the blacksmith’s art.

After wandering around for a while, we came to a circle of people observing some activity. In the center of the circle was a board, more like a plank, a dozen or more feet long, about a foot and a half wide, and three inches thick.

The board rested on a bundle of straw enclosed in some kind of woven jacketing. The bundle was maybe three feet wide, and was about a foot in diameter.

I saw a two people approach the plank, and one got on each end. Then they started to bounce. The plank acted more or less like a see-saw, rocking on the bundle of straw.The people seemed to jump higher and higher for a while, then one or the other would tumble.

My Korean counterpart asked if I’d like to try it. I got the feeling that I really couldn’t say “No,” American honor at stake and all that, but it seemed that since the idea was to tumble the other person off the plank, some of the fairly large amount of excess weight I carried might be put to good use.

Several clumsy attempts later, I figured I had done enough damage to American honor for one day. Neither I nor my plank counterpart got more than three feet off the ground before one of us tumbled off. Koreans are too polite to laugh in the face of a guest, but it seemed to me they were embarrassed for me.

Several minutes later, wandering back through the plank area, I looked that way again.

What I saw astonished me.

There were two guys on the plank, and their feet were nine or ten feet over my head at the top of their bounce as they bounced up and down on the plank.

What I had looked at as a competition to unseat my adversary was actually an exercise in cooperation with my team mate.

Somewhere in there was a lesson for me.

(Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter. He can be reached at mikegranto@hotmail.com.)

Texas Supreme Court says plastic grocery bag ban is illegal

By MARK LISHERON The Texas Supreme Court Friday morning upheld an appeals court ruling that the ban on plastic grocery bags in Laredo is illegal. By extension, the ruling invalidates similar bans in Austin and a handful of other Texas cities.

In his ruling, Chief Justice Nathan Hecht agreed with the conclusion reached by the state’s Fourth Court of Appeals in August of 2016, that Laredo’s bag ban violated the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act. “The Texas Constitution states that city ordinances cannot conflict with state law,” Hecht wrote. “The Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act (“the Act”) provides that “[a] local government … may not adopt an ordinance … to … prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law.”

Austin’s ban on plastic grocery bags has been in effect since March of 2013. Fort Stockton, Freer, Laguna Vista, South Padre Island and Sunset Valley are also among the cities with bag bans in effect.

However, the bans have been in retreat since the Laredo Merchants Association sued in March 2015. Dallas repealed its bag ban in June of that year. Port Aransas followed in September of 2016. The city of Kermit rescinded its ban in June of 2017.

In May of 2017, when Brownsville repealed its bag ban, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton dropped a lawsuit against the city for violating state law. On Friday, Paxton applauded the Supreme Court’s decision on the Laredo bag ban.

“Municipalities violate the law when they unlawfully pass the burden of solid waste management to citizens and retailers through illegal bag bans,” Paxton said in a written statement.

“I hope that Laredo, Austin, and any other jurisdictions that have enacted illegal bag bans

will take note and voluntarily bring their ordinances into compliance with state law.

Should they decline to do so, I expect the ruling will be used to invalidate any other illegal bag bans statewide.”

“This ruling sends the unambiguous message to all local jurisdictions in Texas that they do not get to simply ignore laws they don’t agree with.”

The Texas Monitor contacted the offices of Austin Mayor Steve Adler and the members of the City Council Friday requesting comment on the Supreme Court ruling.

Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo said she had not seen the text of the ruling, but said she “fervently hoped the regulation could stay in place.” She thought that city attorneys would be studying the ruling to see if Austin could maintain the bag ban.

Short of maintaining the ban, Tovo said she hoped local retailers, who have been good partners in enforcing the ban, would electively choose not to offer the thin plastic bags to customers again.

“It’s clear that since 2012 people have adjusted to it and it seems we’ve had very good results,” Tovo said. “What a difference the bag ban has

Is viewing pornography cheating?

By SANDRA MORENO Sadly, the sensitive subject of pornography is a very real issue for many men and women.

This problem has only gotten worse since the latest technology makes it easily available at your fingertips.

How can a person who is addicted to pornography be truly in love with his partner in life?

Viewing erotic videos and photos is an ugly habit to have.

Doing this may satisfy your mind and body, but, if you’re in a relationship, the feeling of betrayal can be devastating for your other half. Of course, that’s if he or she is aware that you’re doing this.

Why have a partner in life if you need to use other methods to satisfy your personal needs? If your chosen mate isn’t enough excitement for you, why are you with that person?

Take a moment and think about that. This type of lifestyle can be harmful to your relationship. This is definitely a form of infidelity. You’re looking at other people hardly dressed or not dressed at all doing sinful acts.

Here’s a scenario; a man hides the fact that he looks at pornography on his phone from his wife. Hiding this is the first clue that it’s wrong.

He meets his needs by this type of fantasy world and many times doesn’t even yearn for his wife. While other times, he’s dependent on this material to get in the mood to be

about 2.5 times by a misreading of a national Keep America Beautiful waste study.

Three years after passage, a study commissioned by the city concluded that the ban predictably led shoppers to replace the thin-gauge banned bags with thicker, less biodegradable bags.

“While most citizen’s [sic] find the bag ordinance to be beneficially [sic] to the environment,” the report’s author, Aaron Waters, wrote, “at least in terms of the reduction of litter, the results do not indicate a clear success.”

Hecht’s decision acknowledged the fight over plastic bag bans were part of a larger political struggle, the “roving, roiling debate over local control of public affairs.” The fight has been carried out on several fronts, including ridesharing, short term rentals, fracking in Denton, and, currently, mandatory paid sick leave ordinances in Austin and under discussion in San Antonio and Dallas. made here.”

“Both sides of the debate and Council member Ellen Troxthe many amici curiae who have clair said in an email, “I’m weighed in assert public-policy glad to hear of the court’s arguments raising economic, ruling and hope it means that environmental, and uniformity we will have one less regulaconcerns,” Hecht wrote. “But tion in Austin soon as well. those arguments are not ours to This is yet another example of resolve.

“The wisdom or expegovernment micro-managing diency of the law is the Legisour lives with detrimental lature’s prerogative, not ours.” unintended consequences. A “We must take statutes as City of Austin report cited that they are written, and the one the bag ban led to an increase before us is written quite clearly. in reusable plastic bags in the Its limitation on local control recycling stream, higher cost encompasses the ordinance. We to consumers, and unforeseen affi rm the judgment of the court expenses to retailers.” of appeals.”

The Austin City Council Hecht said the Laredo Mervoted unanimously to enact chants Association argued in its the ban and dedicated 2 millawsuit that the city’s bag ordilion taxpayer dollars for public nance ignored Section 361.0961 education about the ban proof the Texas Solid Waste Disgram in March of 2012. The posal Act and so violated the council had been motivated by Texas Constitution. estimates that Austin consumThat section “expressly preers were using 263 million cludes a local government from plastic bags a year at a cost ‘prohibiting or restricting the of $850,000 a year to remove sale or use of a container or them from the waste stream. package’ if the restraint is for “The bags litter our rivers ‘solid waste management purand streams. They are harmful poses’ and the “manner” of to our wildlife — and because regulation is ‘not authorized by most of them aren’t biodegradable — they are around state law.’”

“The Ordinance has a solid forever,” then-Mayor Lee waste management purpose Leffingwell said at the time. and eff ect; and the City is not However, Texas Watchdog empowered by state law to proreported at the time that those hibit the sale or use of plastic numbers had been inflated by

Moreno intimate with his wife.

Unfortunately, this means that his wife doesn’t arouse him. Well, after looking at some of the most beautiful young women on the internet, how can he find his wife attractive?

Take for example, when a man cheats, he will find many faults in his wife because in his mind the other woman is perfect and exciting to him.

Well, watching pornography is kind of the same. These images of women are altered to perfection.

A wife cannot compete with something that is not real. For the wife, this is betrayal and can truly feel like her husband is cheating.

The wife is left feeling unattractive and many times will lose her self esteem which can lead to depression. Usually, the wife is busy and tired because she’s juggling a job,

and paper bags,” Hecht wrote.

George Kelemen, president of the Texas Retailers Association said he was “very very pleased” with a victory over a patchwork of regulations that were burdensome for businesses. On a basic level, retailers won’t have to spend more for packaging that is just another cost burden to the consumer.”

Kelemen said his organiza-

kids, cooking, cleaning, and so much more.

So, in this real world we live in, the wife cannot be in full makeup and sexy lingerie waiting to make her husband’s fantasies come true, unless it’s carefully planned, which, if you’re busy people, is few and far between.

Men, how would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot? What if your wife was satisfying her needs by looking at naked men on the internet?

Would that be okay with you?

What if she became dependent on this material in order to get her in the mood to be intimate with you?

You wouldn’t like that at all. So before you say that there’s nothing wrong with watching other women online and in magazines, picture your wife viewing men in the same manner. Remember, she has needs, too.

In a relationship, you should only seek each other for lust, love and companionship. Do not allow pornography in your home.

If you’re a married man or in a serious relationship and you’re guilty of this habit, do the right thing and stop. You may find your woman attractive once again and live happily ever after.

Moreno is Author, Writer, Journalist & Motivational Speaker.

She can be reached at thewivesofmachismo@gmail.com.

tion is committed to increasing its sponsorship of recycling programs at its retail outlets and education programs like the one in Dallas public schools started after the city rolled back its bag ban.

Mark Lisheron can be reached at mlisheron@texasmonitor.org.

CITATION BY PUBLICATION VELMA AND JESUS BALTAZAR’S JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT OF PERMANENT CO-GUARDIANS OF THE PERSON THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF ELLIS COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 1

§ GUARDIANSHIP OF ALYSSA B. CANALS, A MINOR § § CAUSE# 18-G-1021

To: ELDA CANALS GALVAN, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN By publication of this Citation in any publication in the County of Fort Bend for one issue prior to the return day hereof, ALL PERSONS LISTED ABOVE, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, you are hereby cited to be and appear before The County Court at Law No.1 of Ellis County Texas by filing with the County Clerk of Ellis County, a written contest or answer to this Velma and Jesus Baltazar’s Joint Application for Appointment of Permanent Co-Guardians of the Person filed by Velma Canals Baltazar and Jesus R. Baltazar on May 9, 2018, with regard to the matter of Guardianship of Alyssa Bianca Canals, a Minor, Cause # 18-G-1 021.

This Application may be acted on by the Court at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday following the expiration of ten days from date of publication of this citation. If you are interested in this case you are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this application with the County Clerk of Ellis County at 109 S. Jackson in the City of Waxahachie, Texas. To ensure its consideration you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Ellis County, Texas on or before the above-noted date and time.

Velma Canals Baltazar and Jesus R. Baltazar pray that the Court hear evidence sufficient regarding this Velma and Jesus Baltazar’s Joint Application for Appointment of Permanent Co-Guardians of the Person in the Guardianship of Alyssa Bianca Canals, a Minor, Cause# 18-G-1 021.

If this citation is not served within 90 days after date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved.

Issued and given under by hand and the official seal of the County Court at Law of Ellis County, Texas at the office of the Ellis County Clerk in Waxahachie, Texas, on the 14th day of June, 2018.

Cindy Polley Clerk of the County Court at Law Ellis County, Texas By: Sheryl Ground Deputy Clerk

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551 Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas.

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

INDEPENDENT • JUNE 27, 2018 • Page 5

Fort Bend Symphony’s annual patriotic concert, July 4, 7 p.m.

Front L-R: Tofik Khanmamedov, David Flores; Back L-R: Dan Patterson, Jordon Nickerson. Photo credit: Susan Lynch This free family performance celebrates our American heritage in music and song! The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus joins the Symphony for an evening of patriotic favorites. Marches, familiar tunes from traditional Americana, music from our Armed Forces, and songs from the silver screen all combine to make this concert a much-loved part of the official Independence Day festivities for the City of Stafford.

The Symphony concert precedes the fireworks show, which begins at 9 p.m, all at the Stafford Centre.

The march is one of the most beloved parts of our Independence Day musical traditions. FBSO’s 2018 performance features the National Emblem March, a favorite since 1906 by Edwin Eugene Bagley.

Langston Hughes’ I Dream a World and Before the Parade Passes By from “Hello Dolly” add new depth to the traditional patriotic tunes. FBSO continues its season-long theme of honoring our great nation with America – Of Thee I Sing, Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America, I Hear America Singing, a medley from “1776” and Texas, Our Texas.

In Sing Along, America, the audience joins in for favorites such as Yankee Doodle Dandy, Over There and more.

As we celebrate our country’s independence, we also celebrate the men and women in our armed forces who keep our nation safe around the world with The Armed Forces Salute.

And then there are the selections we treasure every July 4th, including the classics from John Phillips Sousa, Washington Post March and Stars and Stripes Forever, and to kick off the fireworks, the Star Spangled Banner Finale.

The Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (FBSO), founded in 1992, and the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Chorus (FBSOC), founded in 2016, enrich the lives of Fort Bend residents and the surrounding areas with live symphonic and vocal music presented by its volunteer members, ranging in ages from high school students to senior adults.

The full-size orchestra, complete with brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion, and the accompanying chorus, represent an abundant cross-section of local talent, most of who reside in the Fort Bend area.

The Great Pretenders to entertain Loving Friends

Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, July 17, arrival time, 5p.m at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. The Great Pretenders trio, Lisa Whitlock, Arnold Richie and Ann Richie have been creating smiles and memories around Houston for the past ten years as they liven up the audience from Swing to Go-Go from Do Wop to Woodstock. The audience loves to sing along with them as they tap their feet to the music. Loving Friends is not a grief support group but a social group of men and women who lost their spouses but want to move on with their lives in a social environment. The group meets monthly for dinner, entertainment, lunches, and games. The cost for the monthly dinner and entertainment is $23 inclusive, paid at the door.

Reservations are required by calling 281-208-3124. Guests and prospective new members always greeted with a warm welcome.

Richmond family welcomes YFU Exchange Student from Thailand

This August, the De La Cruz Family of Richmond will be sharing their home with Laksika, an international exchange student from Thailand.

The De La Cruz’s were matched with Laksika, who will be attending Foster High School for the academic year through Youth For Understanding USA (YFU).

Youth For Understanding (YFU), one of the world’s oldest, largest and most respected intercultural exchange programs, has been changing the way we see the world through their high school exchange programs. Each year, YFU places hundreds of international exchange students with caring host families across the U.S. and enrolls them in a local area school.

Hosting is all about sharing your version of the American lifestyle with an exchange student while also gaining a new global perspective, many memories and a new family member for life.

Exchange students experience tremendous personal growth.

At the same time, the impressions made by the students themselves will broaden perspectives of host families and ultimately ripple through schools and across entire communities.

More than 270,000 students and their host families have benefited from their shared cultural experiences.

YFU thanks the De La Cruz Family for sharing our American customs and their unique traditions with this young person embarking on a life-changing experience.

Visit yfuusa.org or call 1.800.TEENAGE to learn more about local opportunities to host, study abroad or volunteer with YFU.

NEWS

Aliana awards $2,000 Shopping Spree Sweepstakes When Eskender Yusuf answered his phone and discovered he was selected winner of the Aliana $2,000 shopping spree sweepstakes, he was completely and utterly surprised.

The contest was open to home shoppers who visited Aliana, a top-selling master planned community in Richmond. Yusuf not only toured the development and the models, but he also bought a home and moved his family there.

Yusuf had been living only a couple of miles away since 2000 and has watched Aliana grow since development began. “I drove by all the time,” he said.

He and his wife had hoped to move for the past couple of years. With three children at home and a steady stream of nearby family members who like to visit, the couple had outgrown their residence.

“I was looking for a bigger home, but I didn’t want to leave the neighborhood,” Yusuf said. “I didn’t want to change the school district for my kids, and they didn’t want to change schools.”

When he asked his children where they would want to live, they said, “Aliana.”

So, Yusuf and his wife visited Aliana and were immediately taken by the development for a number of reasons.

“I just like the environment there, the way that it’s built,” Yusuf said. “The area is very nice. There are a lot of walk-

ing trails and outdoor areas.”

In addition to the parks and natural beauty, Yusuf knew his family would enjoy the amenities at Aliana, including the community recreation center, tennis courts, splash pad, resort pool and water slide.

He and his wife kept their home purchase a secret from their children for some time.

“We didn’t even tell them we bought the house,” Yusuf said.

When he took them to check out their new home, they were shocked. “Their mouths were open,” Yusuf said.

He and his wife were in the process of moving when they received their own surprise call about winning the sweepstakes and their $2,000.

“Now that’s a very good prize and a very good surprise,” Yusuf said.

But he feels like he won the lottery simply when heading home to Aliana every day.

“I made a good decision,” he said. “I’m lucky from now on.”

Linda Kilgore, Marketing Director with AIRIA Development, developer of Aliana, said that a number of homebuyers are heading to the neighborhood for similar reasons.

“We have a lot to offer at Aliana, from award-winning builders and the acclaimed Fort Bend ISD schools to two recreation centers, numerous resident events and a prime location along the Grand Park-

OakBend Medical Center held a blood drive on June 13th to honor the Santa Fe High School Victims. Employees across the OakBend campuses came to Jackson Street to give blood to help replenish the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s blood supply.

Donations included whole blood, plasma and double red cells. In fact, every donation received can help save as many as three lives. Whole blood donations are separated into three components: plasma, platelets and red blood cells. The double red cell donations allow the donor to give twice the amount of red cells. These cells are the most used components of blood and are used in connection with surgery, trauma and treatment of blood disorders. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood. It transports the red and white blood cells and platelets (which control bleeding, fighting infection and provide nutrients). Burn and trauma patients are frequently given plasma to replace fluid loss.

Brandon Wiley, Manager of Dietary Services, admitted he was a bit reluctant to give blood but with some encouragement

Eskender Yusuf and his daughter Mannal hold the oversized check representing the $2,000 Shopping Spree the family won – courtesy of the Aliana “Has it in the Bag” 2018 Giveaway. way,” she said.

Convenient shopping and retail stores are other pluses on the list, Kilgore added.

“We have onsite retail like the H-E-B Aliana Market and the nation’s first Next Generation Target store,” she said.

“Other opportunities at the Market Center at Aliana and the upcoming Grand at Aliana are currently underway, and our residents are excited that they won’t have to travel to

shop.”

A dozen respected builders offer homes priced from the $270,000s in Aliana: Ashton Woods, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, J. Patrick Homes, Lennar, Meritage Homes, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes, Sitterle Homes, Trendmaker Homes and Village Builders.

For more information, visit alianahouston.com.

OakBend Medical Center holds Employee Blood Drive

Ashley Musslewhite, Executive Assistant to CEO Joe Freudenberger, Organized the blood drive and gladly donated to the cause. of his co-workers, he stepped up to the challenge. “It’s a good thing to do,” he acknowledged and in the end was glad that he could help save a life.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JUNE 27, 2018

Sugar Land’s Ashley HomeStore to hand AUTOMOBILE: Infiniti QX50 out free Child ID Kits on Saturday Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land, located 16762 Highway 59 South, will hand out free Child ID kits on Saturday, June 30 to give parents and caregivers an important tool to share with law enforcement authorities when searching for a missing child.

Available while supplies last, the free Child ID kits are a simple, yet effective way to help families maintain vital in-

formation about their children.

No purchase is necessary.

Individually packaged in a protective plastic sleeve, each kit contains a non-toxic fingerprinting ink strip, heavy gauge freezer-safe bag for a DNA hair sample or cheek swabs, space to record complete contact, personal, medical, and physical information, space for a 4” x 6” photograph, fingerprint chart, dental charts for permanent

and baby teeth, and essential educational safety tips.

In 2017, there were 464,324 entries into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center representing a missing child reported to law enforcement every 67 seconds of every day.

Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land is open daily, including Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Library to demonstrate online job and career resource Job-hunters can learn about a special online resource, Job & Career Accelerator™, available through Fort Bend County Libraries, at an introductory demonstration on Thursday, July 19, beginning at 2 p.m, in the Computer Lab at the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.

Staff from the library’s Adult Services department will provide an overview and demonstration of this easy-to-use online resource for job-hunters who are searching for the right job or a new career.

Job & Career Accelerator

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on May 4, 2018 in cause numbered 17-DCV-239611 styled Waterview Estates Homeowners Assoc.

Inc. vs. Tyrone G. Jackson, in which a judgment was rendered on November 3,, 2017 in favor of Waterview Estates Homeowners Assoc. Inc. for the sum of Five Thousand Eighteen Dollars and Twenty Seven Cents ($5,018.27); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 18, 2018 and will on July 3rd, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Tyrone G. Jackson to and in the following described Real Property LOT 33, IN BLOCK 3 OF WATERVIEW ESTATES SECTION ONE (1), ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED NDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 20040042 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDSOF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOW AS 5907 BALDWIN ELM ST., RICHMOND TX. 77407 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Waterview Estates Homeowners Assoc. Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 3, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: DEPUTY SHANE STEELE TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 240TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MAY 8, 2018 in cause numbered 14-DCV-220111 styled QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC vs.

EARL ALLEN AND CARLETTA J. ALLEN, in which a judgment was rendered on OCT 5, 2016 in favor of QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. for the sum of Nine Thousand Eighty -Four Dollars and Twenty Eight Cents ($9084.28); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 22, 2018 and will on July 3, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of EARL ALLEN AND CARLETTA J. ALLEN to and in the following described Real Property LOT NINE (9) IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF QUAIL VALLEY SUBDIVISION,ELDORADO SECTION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 7 PAGE 1,OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3522 LA COSTA RD MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 3, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

helps job-hunters create professional resumés and cover letters, get detailed and current information on a variety of occupations, match personal interests and skills with a desired career, improve interviewing skills, and much more.

The database includes detailed information on more than 1,000 different occupations, and matches interests and skills with possible careers. It also provides more than five million up-to-the-minute local and national job postings.

The Job & Career Accelerator resource can be accessed remotely at any time of the day

or night from a home computer with an Internet connection. A library card barcode number is required to use this resource outside of the library.

The class is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. Registration will open on July 5.

To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select “University Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-633-5100, or by visiting the library.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE OPENING DATE OF July 17, 2018 AT 2:00 p.m.

RFP # 18-228 Development Process and Review Services RFP’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/.

Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore potentially misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on July 17, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: None.

Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE OPENING DATE OF July 10, 2018 AT 2:00 pm.

IFB # 19-300 Annual Contract for City-wide Fuel Services IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/.

Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore potentially misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on July 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: None.

Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on February 28, 2018 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-244120 in favor of the plaintiff- WINFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 9,849.27 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on May 2nd, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of Tuesday July 03 , 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) OMAR WALTERS & MISTY WILLIAMS had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT EIGHTEEN (18), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF WINFIELD LAKES, SEC. 18, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20120095, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY,TEXAS. 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 January 23,2018 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV-241183 in favor of the plaintiff- SOUTHWEST CROSSING HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 4,911.48 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on May 8, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day Tuesday of July 3, 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) - SONJA PLICHETTA AUNDEY STAR GILL had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: 14506 STONE PARK RD. MISSOURI CITY, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77489, ALSO KNOWN AS SOUTHWEST CROSSING, SECTION 1 BLOCK 5, LOT 23 (THE “PROPERTY”).

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

fuel efficiency.

The engine delivers 268 hp at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. Gasoline fuel economy is 27 mpg in front wheel drive QX50s and is 35% more fuel efficient than the V6 gasoline engine in the previous QX50.

Up front suspension is a fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, coil springs and mono tube type shock absorbers and anti-roll stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is also a fully independent subframemounted multi-link suspension with the same equipment as the front.

The new ProPILOT Assist acts as the driver’s co-pilot when the package takes over single-lane driving operations at the push of a button without the driver’s input on acceleration, braking, or steering. The driver can also choose to let the car operate on their behalf in stop-start traffic.

The technologies that make up the full suite of QX50’s ProPILOT Assist system include direct adaptive steering and intelligent cruise control and are supported by distance control assist; back-up collision intervention; predictive forward collision warning; blind spot warning and intervention; lane departure warning and prevention; and forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The Infiniti QX50 connects users to the car with its InTouch infotainment system. Upon entering, the QX50 recognizes the driver and remembers a range of settings via profiles saved in the car’s intelligent key.

Users can interact intuitively with InTouch, either through the dual touchscreen displays or through the Infiniti controller, a dial on the center armrest.

The heads-up display shows important warnings and projects information on a 9.0-inch

area on the windscreen and requires the driver to adjust their sightline by just four degrees – compared to the 20 degrees that is typical in other vehicles.

The button-operated electronic parking brake replaces a foot- or hand-operated parking brake and takes up less space and paddle shifters are mounted on the steering wheel rather than the steering column for an easier drive.

An around view monitor offers a 360-degree overhead view of the space around the QX50 and aids parking in tight spaces. Moving object detection alerts the driver of people or objects that move into proximity of the vehicle. The around view monitor also offers drivers a curb-level view to reduce the risk of scratching the wheels or fenders on a high curb.

The Infiniti’s QX50 also has a motion activated liftgate that lets the keyholder open the tailgate by waving their foot under the rear bumper.

The tailgate can also be opened remotely from the driver’s seat or by pressing a button on the key fob.

The QX50’s optional Bose Performance Series audio system replicates the rich sound of a live music performance via 17-speakers specifically tuned for the QX50’s interior acoustics. The hardware underpinning the system includes an amplifier, a high-quality sound processer, tweeter speakers and a pair of high-excursion Nd Richbass woofers.

The QX50 is a most attractive and comfortable SUV. It handles well, is roomy and has a sporty yet highly sophisticated interior. It retails for $45,150 with AWD. Optional equipment added up to a MSRP of $57,200 and excludes tax, title, license and destination charges.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MAY 8 2018 in cause numbered 17-DCV-240574 styled QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC vs.

LAYNA STEED, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 23, 2017 in favor of QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. for the sum of Three Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Three Dollars and Ninety One Cents ($3953.91); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MAY 8, 2018 in cause numbered 17-DCV-241365 styled QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC vs.

HEATHER R. ANDERSON, in which a judgment was rendered on OCT 6, 2017 in favor of QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. for the sum of Five Thousand Two Hundred Thirty -Eight Dollars and Thirty Nine Cents ($5238.39); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 22, 2018 and will on July 3, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Layna Steed to and in the following described Real Property

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 22, 2018 and will on July 3, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of HEATHER R. ANDERSON to and in the following described Real Property

LOT TWENTY-FIVE (25) BLOCK TWO (2) OF THUNDERBIRD WEST SECTION TWO(2) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 15 PAGE 6,OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3411 HIGH PINE COURT MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 3, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

LOT (4) BLOCK SIXTEEN (16) OF QUAIL VALLEY SUBDIVISION,ELDORADO SECTION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 7 PAGE 1,OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AND COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2715 PEBBLE BEACH DR MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459(PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of QUAIL VALLEY FUND, INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 3, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 434TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on APRIL 13, 2018 in cause numbered 16-DCV-234444styled LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. vs. DANIELLE MITCHELL, in which a judgment was rendered on NOV 7, 2017 in favor of LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. For the sum of Nine Thousand Fourteen Dollars and Thirty Six Cents ($9014.36); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on May 17 2018 and will on July 3, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of DANIELLE MITCHELL to and in the following described Real Property LOT 62, BLOCK 1 LONG MEADOW FARMS, SECTION 4 A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT NO. 20040049 OF THE MAT/ PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 21122 AMBER CROSSING. RICHMOND, TX 77406 (PROPERTY) The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of LONG MEADOW FARMS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all-new QX50 is a premium mid-size five-door, five-seat with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell and a four-cylinder variable compression ratio turbocharged engine driving the front or all wheels via continuously-variable transmission.

The QX50’s appearance emphasizes the car’s premium quality and unrivalled interior space, high quality materials and advanced craftsmanship.

The car’s VC-Turbo engine is the first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, and Infiniti’s ProPILOT Assist technologies are also a first with a range of features that reacts to certain driving situations.

Infiniti’s engine is a 2.0-liter turbo that adjusts its compression ratio to optimize power and CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on January 15,2010 by the 268th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 08-DCV-161578 in favor of the plaintiff- KINGSWAY COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 8,629.90++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same.

I have levied on May 21, 2018 and will offer for sale on the 3rd day of July, 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)- SHELIA R. RHODES had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT 11, BLOCK 01 , OF KINGSWAY, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER VOLUME 22, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. 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

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON ,RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JULY 3, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: DEPUTY SHANE STEELE TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

INDEPENDENT • JUNE 27, 2018 • Page 7

HOUSTON METHODIST PULMONARY & SLEEP MEDICINE SPECIALISTS The physicians at Houston Methodist Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists provide a wide range of advanced pulmonary services, including in-office pulmonary function testing and a sleep lab.

From comprehensive testing and diagnosis to individualized treatment plans, we can help you and your family members lead a healthier, more productive life.

We specialize in treating and managing a wide range of pulmonary and sleep disorders: PULMONARY • Asthma • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) • Lung Abscesses • Lung Cancer • Pleural Effusion • Pneumonia

• Pulmonary Embolism • Pulmonary Fibrosis • Pulmonary Hypertension • Sarcoidosis • Smoking Cessation • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule • Tuberculosis

SLEEP MEDICINE • Insomnia • Narcolepsy

• Restless Leg Syndrome • Sleep Apnea

To schedule an appointment, call 281.201.6331.

Dr. Raziuddin Ahmed offers online scheduling and same-day appointments 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monday–Thursday. Visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to schedule an appointment online.

Raziuddin Ahmed, MD

•

Bhadresh Shah, MD

4780 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.201.6331 houstonmethodist.org/spg

INDEPENDENT • JUNE 28, 2017 • Page 8

Land of the Free, because of the Brave.

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day!

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson Texas Dist.22

Texas State Rep. Rick Miller Dist.26

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

William Benton City of Rosenberg

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Wishing all a Happy Fourth of July!

Wishing all a Happy Fourth of July!

Mayor

County Clerk Fort Bend County

Neeta Sane HCC Trustee District VII

Happy Independence Day

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Vincent Morales, Jr. Republican Candidate for Commissioner Pct. 1, Fort Bend County

Commissioner Pct. 1 l.ad.paid for by Vincent Morales Campaign Fort Bend County

Wishing all a Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day

-HUU\ :\DWW $W /DUJH &RXQFLOPDQ 0LVVRXUL &LW\

Floyd Emery 'LVW ' &RXQFLOPDQ 0LVVRXUL &LW\

Andy Meyers Commissioner Pct. 3

Fort Bend County

Cliff Vacek Republican candidate for Fort Bend County District Attorney

James Patterson Commissioner Pct.4 Fort Bend County

Wishing all a Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Happy Independence Fourth of July !

Day!

+LPHVK *DQGKL 6XJDU /DQG &LW\ &RXQFLOPDQ $W /DUJH

From Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman & family -

Wishing all a Happy Fourth of July!

District Attorney John Healey & Theo wish all a Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day

Wishing all a Happy Fourth of July!

Amy Mitchell Sugar Land City Councilwoman and Republican Candidate for CCL Judge #4

Happy Independence Day!

Tricia Krenek Republican candidate for Fort Bend County Court-at-Law # 3

Happy Independence Day! Republican candidate for Fort Bend County Court- at-Law Judge # 6 wishes all a Happy Fourth of July.

Bill Rickert Fort Bend County Treasurer Elect Happy Independence Day! Basil Housewright, Jr Account Manager Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230,

Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535

Diana Miller 12551 Emily Court Sugar land, TX 77478

www.urinternational.com

Broker/Owner Fort Bend Homes 713-724-3113 www.har.com/ DianaMiller.com

Download your free mobile app for fbindependent from the Playstore.

wishes all

a Happy Fourth of July Sandersen & Scheffer, PLLC 12603 Southwest Fwy, Suite 165 Stafford, TX, 77477 info@cpa-tax.com Phone: (281)242-3232 Fax: (281)242-3252 Alan Sandersen