Fort Bend Independent 070616

email: editor@ independent.com

VOL 9 No. 27

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Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

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

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

Johnson Development sells land for ‘Retail, Dining and Entertainment Destination’

Artist’s rendering of the proposed Imperial Market in Sugar Land Sugar Land’s newest upscale shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural destination is a step closer to reality.

Imperial Johnson, L.L.C., an entity managed by The Johnson Development Corp., has sold 26 acres to Imperial Market Development, L.L.C. to develop the 855,000 square-foot mixeduse project off U.S. 90 between Highway 6 and U.S. 59.

Construction for Imperial Market, located within the upscale master-planned community of Imperial, is scheduled to begin in September 2016 with a grand opening projected for late 2017.

Updates and more information can be found at www.imperialmkt.com.

Situated on the banks of Oyster Creek within the 720-acre community, Imperial Market will incorporate the historic

structures of the former Imperial Sugar refinery and will feature: 290,000 square feet of upscale retail space with a complementary mix of fashion retailers, soft goods merchants, restaurants, and entertainment venues; 90,000 square feet of Class A office space above firstfloor retail surrounding Imperial Market’s Central Green and overlooking the waters of Oyster Creek; The transformation of the historic, eight-story Char House, built in 1925, into a luxury, 185room boutique hotel with an adjacent building housing 10,000 square feet of conference/meeting space and fitness center; and A 274-unit luxury multifamily complex designed, built and managed by Sueba USA. A nine-screen Alamo Drafthouse, an entertainment concept

combining movies and dining, was announced for the project in December.

Imperial Market is home to the newly opened Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and a weekly Farmers Market.

It also is nearby Constellation Field, the ballpark for the Sugar Land Skeeters baseball club, and will serve as the future home of the Sugar Land Visitor Center and Heritage Museum.

Imperial, a master-planned community by The Johnson Development Corp., offers luxury townhomes, lifestyle patio homes, three-story Brownstones and larger traditional homes from the $400’s - $1 million +.

For more information on Imperial Sugar Land, go to www.

ImperialSugarLand.com and follow the community at www.

Facebook.com/ImperialSugarLand.

Carlos Perez was inducted as President of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land for the term of office July 2016-June 2017. His new board members were also sworn in at an Inauguration Banquet at Sweetwater Country Club on June 29, 2016. The theme for the year is “Be Thankful and Keep Smiling” because we have been blessed with so much. The Exchange Club of Sugar Land is one of America’s premier community service clubs serving Fort Bend County.

Made up totally of volunteers, the club sponsors activities to promote the Prevention of Child Abuse, Development of Youth, Americanism and Community Service. This year the club raised $138,000 at its Spaghetti Dinner benefiting local non-profits including Child Advocates, The Women’s Center, Texana Center, Hope for Three, etc. Save the date: April 21, 2017 to attend this fun filled fundraiser’s 30th anniversary. Exchange Club of Sugar Land meets every Wednesday 7:00-8:00 AM at Sweetwater Country Club. For more information please visit www.ecsl.org.

Above, Left to right, Exchange Club of Sugar Land President-Elect Rod White, President Carlos Perez, Immediate Past President Kevin Barker. Rear, Treasurer Leo Weinberg, Board Members Duyen Le, Matt Jackson, Sue Lockwood, Nick Landoski, Jaime Williams and Vernon Hunt. Not pictured Margo Pasko, Clinton Chapman and Scott McClintic.

Sugar Land City Council approves targeted tax cuts for homeowners Sugar Land City Council took the first step to approve targeted tax cuts for homeowners on June 21 by voting to increase the homestead exemption from 8 to 10 percent, effective with 2016 values.

The decision, based on a recommendation by Director of Finance Jennifer Brown, reduces the taxable value of homesteads by 2 percent, lowering tax bills and addressing increases in property values.

Since the City cannot control residential values, it must rely on tools available to manage growth in tax bills.

The City’s recently re-adopted Financial Management

Policy Statements target a goal of no more than a 3 percent average annual increase in residential tax bills unless a general obligation bond election is approved by the voters.

The City has exceeded that goal during the past 10 years, and in the last five years, the average annual increase has been 2.8 percent even with a general obligation bond tax increase.

The homestead exemption targets tax cuts directly to homeowners, resulting in a higher savings to residents compared to a decrease to the City’s tax rate.

Since 2007, homestead ex-

emptions targeting tax cuts for homeowners have been raised from 1 percent to 10 percent -- the equivalent of 3 cents on the City’s tax rate, which is already the second lowest in the state for similar sized cities.

Brown noted “adjusting the homestead exemption for 2016 is the best way to target tax cuts for homeowners, as it reduces the taxable value of a home and reduces property taxes on that value.”

City Council approved the exemption increase on second reading on June 28; the exemption will be reflected on tax bills distributed later this year.

Central Fort Bend Chamber hosts Border security update The overall criminal arrests for the State of Texas at the U.S. Mexico border have decreased significantly in two years. In addition, the value of drugs seized has also decreased overall over the last twenty four months, says Texas Department of Public Safe-

ty Director Steve McCraw.

McCraw was the featured speaker to members at the Border Security Update Luncheon, hosted by Central Fort Bend Chamber on Wednesday, June 22nd at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.

McCraw gave an overview

of the Texas Department of Public Safety and their efforts to secure our Southern Border.

According to McCraw, the DPS works jointly with over 171 law enforcement agencies and as a result they have See BORDER, Page 3

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital hosts National Cancer Survivors Day® Luncheon Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital joined nearly 14 million American cancer survivors in the annual celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day®. Also recognized were the many family members, friends and health care providers whose contributions to and support of cancer survivors help make the celebration possible.

The celebration was led by associate chief nursing officer Sally Shen, M.S.N., R.N., NEABC. Shen briefly shared how cancer has affected her family before introducing Mary Nugent, this year’s patient speaker, and Sindhu Nair, M.D., hematologist/oncologist at Houston Methodist Oncology Partners,

who delivered the physician perspective as well as the survivor acknowledgment.

“You are our inspiration, and I thank you for that,” said Nair. “Here in this room, we have husbands and wives, sons and daughters. We have doctors, nurses, physical therapists, nurse navigators — a community. They are what makes this perhaps difficult experience, easier to get through.”

Anyone living with a personal history of cancer — from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life — is a cancer survivor, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation®. Additionally, the foundation says that more peo-

ple are surviving cancer than ever before, which can be attributed to advances in prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up care. Cancer, however, does come with many challenges, such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems and psychological struggles.

“Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives with the support of other survivors,” said Nair.

For more information visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or call 281.274.7500.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2016

Your Goals are our Blueprint

NEWS Missouri City among 20 finalists for All American City Award

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Pictured with their All-American City Finalist award are (from left): Stacie Walker, Missouri City Director of Communications; Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen, Missouri City Councilmember Jerry Wyatt, and City Manager Anthony Snipes.

The award is presented annu- Taylor Parkway Representatives from Fort •Missouri City’s ComprehenBend ISD joined a delegation of ally to 10 cities in recognition of city and county officials, staff, and their trailblazing efforts to bring sive Plan Allen Watson, AVID student business and community partners all aspects of the community tofrom the City of Missouri City on gether to tackle the most pressing and recent Elkins High School a trip to Denver, Colorado to take local issues. “It was a pleasure graduate, was among the FBISD part in the 2016 All-American being in Denver and having Mis- students to take part in Missouri City Awards (AAC), a program of souri City represented as one of City’s presentation. “I was honthe National Civic League (NCL). the 20 cities in the United States ored to represent AVID at the AllMissouri City was one of only chosen as a finalist for the All- American City awards and share 20 cities in the nation selected as American City Award,” said Mis- how the program has influenced my life,” said Watson. “AVID an award finalist in this year’s souri City Mayor Allen Owen.

Cities vying for the All-Amer- truly does work and involvement program. ican City Award were asked to in the program has been a lifehighlight their community efforts changing experience for me.” Beto ensure all children are healthy cause of his hard work and particand successful in school and life. ipation in AVID, Watson received During its 10-minute, interactive a full scholarship to attend Texas “Smart TV” presentation to the A&M University. jury, the Missouri City delegation Other FBISD student present(joined by Mayor Owen, Council- ers/performers included recent member Jerry Wyatt and Missouri Elkins High School graduate and City Middle School Principal salutatorian Jaclyn Rosenthal Jerrie Kammerman) highlighted (who represented The First Tee), eight programs and/or initiatives Elkins High School junior Andy that support community mem- Garza(Mayor’s Youth Council), bers, including: Clements High School gradu•Parks & Recreation’s Edible ate Isabela Figueredo (Mayor’s Trails Youth Council), and members of •Community Garden created the Missouri City Middle School

by Men for Change “Cougar” Choir (who led the •Healthcare services provided group in song). Also participatby AccessHealth ing were students representing the •Missouri City Green and the Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Mayor’s Youth Council Dance. While Missouri City did •First Tee of Greater Houston not claim this year’s All-Amerat Quail Valley ican City award, the city was •FBISD’s AVID Program, a honored to be recognized among college readiness program 20 out of more than 2,000 cities •Freedom Tree and Thomas that entered the awards program.

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News Missouri City’s commercial growth picks up steam

By BARBARA FULENWIDER For some years past Missouri City officials struggled to bring businesses into the city.

Their aim was to take some of the tax burden off of the bedroom community’s homeowners and spread it more equitably among both.

In 1994 when Missouri City Councilman Allen Owen was elected mayor, he said, “Quail Valley was one of the only master planned community’s in the Houston area so most, if any, of the retail was in and around Quail Valley and along Texas Parkway. There was very little, if any, commercial activity.”

That changed with the birth of Sienna Plantation, said Owen. As homes were bought in Sienna more retail stores were built along Hwy. 6 and as

that major corridor flourished so did Missouri City’s retail growth.

Back when Allen served on city council, he said the Fort Bend Independent School District was the city’s major employer and WKM Foundry on U.S. 90A was second. In the late 1980s city council designated property off U.S. 90A as commercial and rezoned it.

It has taken 20 years for it to become the home of various large industrial businesses that include Ben E. Keith.

Now all of Missouri City’s major commercial growth is occurring in the 90A, Beltway 8, Gessner, Fondren and Buffalo Run corridors.

What happened in neighboring towns is now happening in Missouri City.

Lakeview Business Park

was the city’s first and developed when the Willowisp Country Club property was bought by developer Trammel Crow. The 159-acre park opened in 2008, now has 1.3 million square feet of space fully leased and is at Fondren Road and Buffalo Run. Gateway Southwest Industrial Park at U.S. 90A and Beltway 8 is on 36 acres. The building of the first phase ended last year and 66 percent of the total is under construction with 525,888 square feet completed.

Park 8Ninety at U.S. 90A and Beltway 8 is also being built by Trammel Crow. It is Missouri City’s third business park and is being built on 129 acres. Eighteen percent of the total 1.8 million square feet are done.

Lieutenant Colonel Trever J. Nehls relinquishes command, selected for promotion to Colonel Richmond resident LTC Trever Nehls , left, is awarded a Meritorious Service Medal

by Brigadier General Jeffrey C. Coggin, Commander of the 350th Civil Affairs Command (CACOM), Pensacola, Florida. Nehls successfully commanded the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, Grand Prairie, TX from 19 August of 2014 to 11 June 2016 and has been selected for the rank of Colonel. LTC Nehls’ new assignment is G-3 Operations Officer for the 350th CACOM. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and has numerous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In his civilian capacity, he serves as the Constable, Precinct 4, Fort Bend County.

In 1994, when the mayor first took office, the population was 36,176, Today it is more than 80,000 and growing. Seven years ago in 2009 the city’s comprehensive plan included 4,385 acres of land that was zoned suburban commercial, commercial, urban and business parks.

The current estimates for property zoned commercial but not yet developed are drainage easements, which total 1,121 acres or 5.8 percent of the city’s total of commercial zoned land; non-residential, 7,614 acres or 39.1 percent, and 6,374 acres or 32.7 percent await future development.

Land use shows residences comprise 5,501 acres or 28.2 percent of the city’s land. Public and semi-public space use 1,082 acres or 5.6 percent; retail, 461 or 2.4 percent; office, 88 acres or 0.5 percent; commercial, 228 acres, 1.2 percent, industrial, 718 acres, 3.7 percent, and school district, 370, 1.9 percent.

The numbers show there will definitely be more development because Missouri City has access to major roads and the space to grow.

JULY 6, 2016 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

“In the past five years we have begun to replace the tax burden from rooftops to commercial businesses. As the tax abatements end,” Mayor Owen said, “it will become even more evident.

“In 2012 sales taxes represented 22.8 percent of the city’s total tax revenue. In 2016 we estimate that number to be 30 plus percent. And remember, those major commercial sites were only developed in the past four to five years.”

He went on to say, “Actually, more than $500 million in new construction has occurred in the past 24 months and created more than 1,500 new jobs. Since the major source of revenue for a city is either property taxes and/or sales taxes, council will continue to work to increase the sales tax revenue to replace what we can of property taxes.”

Currently, 50 percent of Missouri City’s budget pays for public safety expenses ( police and fire) and the other 50 percent finances street repairs, sidewalks, drainage, parks, facility maintenance and salaries of all city employees. When property values increase so do

a city’s revenues but, Owen said, “We are capped on our revenues without causing a rollback election, so we do not get to take advantage of that increase.”

He also said no elected official likes or wants to increase taxes but sometimes it is necessary to keep up with the city’s growth, the standard of living citizens expect and replace aging infrastructure. “Missouri City is 60 years old this year and so are many of our streets, sidewalks and drainage structures.

“This is the single most important thing we will be focusing on for the next five years and how to pay for it. In past years when we did raise taxes, we told citizens what our needs were, asked for their input and then did what we said we would do with their money.

This is what our comprehensive plan is addressing right now.”

Missouri City’s major corridors to fill are now beside the Fort Bend Toll Road, U.S. 90A and Texas Parkway. The parkway will soon get a major addition: Houston Community College’s Missouri City campus.

Stafford approves new convenience store

By BARBARA FULENWIDER At Stafford’s June 15 city council meeting members approved a new convenience store that will be built on the island.

Stripes LLC requested a specific use permit (SUP) to locate a convenience store with a quick serve restaurant inside and seven fuel dispensers outside.

The store will face Avenue E and span almost the entire length of the property. Driveways will tie into U.S. 90A

north and south frontage roads.

Information to the city from Stripes says the Stafford location will include Laredo Taco Co. and have a new prototype design that includes an updated exterior and colors.

The SUP request said the “internal design will increase efficiency and the synergy between Stripes and Laredo Taco.”

A metal seam hipped roof will be on the canopy structure for looks and the fuel canopy columns and dumpster

enclosure will compliment the color of the convenience store/ Laredo Taco building.

In order to comply with Stafford’s ordinances regarding new businesses Stripes agreed to reduce the size and scope of color and graphics on the fuel canopy, screen the dumpster with large evergreens, plant 71 percent more shrubs on their property than the city requires, use plants that complement the existing neighbor’s plants and sod the rest of the property with Bermuda grass.

Sienna Plantation invites public to July 9 ‘Shred, White and Blue’ The public will be able to liberate themselves from decade’s worth of old bank statements, faded receipts and other papers clogging filing cabinets during Sienna Plantation’s Shred, White and Blue event noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 9.

A secure shredding truck will be on-site at the model home park in Sienna’s Village of Sawmill Lake, 9810 Maroon Peak.

While papers are being shredded, visitors can enjoy free ice cream or tour any of the 16 well-appointed models in the neighborhood.

The Village of Sawmill Lake offers an array of home designs, including patio homes, executive homes and estate homes in a gated neighborhood. Home prices begin in the $280,000s.

Under construction in the Village of Sawmill Lake is the Sawmill Lake Club, Sienna Plantation’s fourth resident multi-purpose center that will feature a water park, fitness area and wellappointed clubhouse.

Also underway is a new Fort Bend ISD elementary

school. Both are expected to open in 2017.

Also planned is a new middle school.

Learn more about Sienna Plantation and the Village of Sawmill Lake at www. siennaplantation.com.

Jim Russ, left, EHRA Engineering; State Representative Rick Miller; Director Steve McCraw, Texas Department of Public Safety; State Representative Phil Stephenson; Regina Morales, President & CEO Central Fort Bend Chamber.

Border From Page 1 formed the Joint Operations Intelligence Centers to centralize all border incident data from across 53 counties and ensure all agencies receive the same information.

There are also joint tactical efforts between the DPS and US Border Patrol, including Cortina Units comprised of DPS and US Border Patrol interdiction teams.

McCraw also outlined the various ways DPS officers are working to secure the border and updated the crowd on the type of equipment used, including tactical marine units, helicopters, aircraft and cameras.

According to the Director,

joint efforts, increased DPS personnel and state-of-the-art equipment are necessary to combat the human and drug smuggling as well as the criminal networks operating in the border region.

These criminal networks include cartel operatives, statewide and regional gangs, transnational criminal gangs, wanted and convicted felons and criminal aliens.

When asked if a wall would be a possible solution to our border security issues, Director McCraw stated that a wall alone would not fix the problem and that a physical force would still need to be on the border.

In his opinion, a wall would slow potential illegal immi-

grants and criminals, but it would not stop them, as evidenced by walls that are currently in place in other parts of the US/Mexico border.

McCraw began his law enforcement career with the DPS in 1977 as a Trooper. In 1983, McCraw became a Special Agent with the FBI where he served until 2004 when he became the Texas Homeland Security Director in the office of the Governor.

In 2009, he assumed his current role as the Executive Director and Colonel of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

For more information on the Chamber or its programs, call 281-342-5464 or visit www.

CFBCA.org.

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2016

OPINION

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOODS

INSURANCE Mayor Allen Owen — Born to serve Common mistakes in buying insurance

By CAROLYN BOWDEN In the small East Texas town of Gilmer on a very hot day in July 1944 a baby boy was born. He was heathy, but his Mother had a struggle to survive due to a negative reaction to the sulfur administered by the doctor. Sulfur was used as a common medication before penicillin entered the world of medicine.

In the 1930’s, before William Allen Owen was born, his father, along with 3 of his 4 brothers, was well known in the entertainment world. The Left, Allen Owen age 10 - an elementary school picture was 4 brothers were all single and more like Dennis the Menace at this age; Right, Baby Allen. used their various talents as inquisitive little boy and had a singing quartet. His Dad to be watched carefully. He that time was not like today. played the fiddle and the cello. does not remember this inci- There were two beds side by Columbia Records gave them dent but his parents certainly side with Allen in one bed and a record contract and they do. Allen was attracted to the his uncle in the other and a traveled all over the United electrical wall sockets. Look- tube to transfer the blood beStates through the late 30’s. ing around for something that tween them, arm to arm.

Allen had two sisters, one They played and sang all would fit in one of the outlets, died when he was in college. types of music. They toured he found a coat hanger and The other still lives in Marand performed in musical stuck it into one of the holes. shall.

His mother was a first festivals which brought their He was unable to let go of the grade teacher for 30 years group so much recognition hanger and his Dad had to pull which led him to consider bethat they were listed in the his hand off the hanger. ing a teacher and a coach in a Country Music Hall of Fame Then at age eight or nine, high school.

He attended Stein Nashville, Tennessee. the family attended a Baptist When the brothers married church. Allen was seated by phen F. Austin State Univerand their kids were born, the his Dad in one of the worship sity College at Nacogdoches performances were mostly at services. Allen looked at the and majored in Health and PE local musical festivals and row of “only” men in the pew with minors in American Hisevents in their home town. on the front row. He did not tory and English. English was Added to their program were know that these were leaders difficult for Allen because he songs that kids in the audi- in the church and were re- had to repeat Shakespeare 3 ence could sing along with ferred to as Deacons and they times and with English he had the quartet. At that point, were the only people who sat difficulty grasping the proper kids would be allowed to in that pew. Allen, finally out sentence structure of Syntax. stand with the Owen Brothers of curiosity, turned to his Dad Had it not been for his now wife, Jane, he would probably Quartet on the stage. When and, in a loud voice, asked: still be trying to figure out the Allen was old enough he and “Who are those “bald headhis sisters and cousins would ed men” down there on the math formula.

In 1966 – 67 while he was be included. However, as he front row?” in college the Vietnam War grew older he lost interest in The quiet moment was occurred.

Allen was drafted singing, but did join the high suddenly interrupted by the when he turned 18 but due school marching band. laughter of the congregato his allergic reaction to bee Allen did not want to be tion. stings he was ruled not eligible called William, Will, Bill, When he was probably ten or Billy. The nurses actually or so, his mother had a wash- to serve in the military. As a nicknamed him Butch the day ing machine with the old type junior in college he worked he was born for some reason. wringer. He was asked to help part time as a teller for a bank When the family eventually run a load of clothes through on weekends, holidays and moved to Marshall the nick- the wringer. Apparently he summers. At that time all mename stuck with him and has did not listen to his mother’s chanical machines were maneven today. Memories of instructions because he acci- ual. This sparked his interest Allen’s childhood are filled dently used the wrong side of in banking. When he comwith the same things Andy the wringer and his arm went pared what his salary would Griffith was about. People through with the wet clothes be as a teacher and coach in from Marshall still today call all the way up to his elbow. a high school with a banking him Butch as does his wife. A Maybe Allen is the type of salary and having married afHigh School English teacher person that always has to learn ter graduation, a higher salary was more attractive to both he told him one day that she re- things the “hard way”? and his new wife. fused to call him Butch and he Back in that time doctors could pick William or Allen. advised parents to have their Needless to say he took Allen child’s tonsils and adenoids and later it became W. Allen removed in order to resolve as his business name. an issue with continued tonWhen Allen was just a tod- sillitis. The surgery was sucdler, the family had an upright cessful, but apparently no one piano that his mother kept told Allen he was supposed to potted plants on top of. One just eat ice cream for the next time when his mother was not 24 hours to prevent any negain the room, he climbed up to tive side effects. Having had take a look at the plants. When the surgery on an empty stomhe heard his mother coming ach, Allen was hungry and he went to get down and in when he arrived home he ate haste fell with his teeth hitting something that was rough and the keys, knocking one out it caused the incision to hemroots and all. His sister still orrhage. So much blood was Bowden has that piano and the chipped lost that he needed a transfukey was never replaced. sion. It was discovered that (TO BE CONTINUED: When he was six or so, his one of his uncles had the same July 20, 2016) parents told him he was an blood type. The procedure in

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By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT Choosing an Auto Insurance Policy by Price Alone Have you ever asked for a price comparison for auto insurance and found out that the coverage amounts you’re quoted on are a little less than what you currently have?

Make certain that you’re comparing apples to apples or auto insurance coverage amounts to auto insurance coverage amounts.

We all like to save money but make sure you are really saving money not just purchasing less coverage.

If you receive a low quote for auto insurance and haven’t dealt with that insurance agency and/or company before check their reviews and financial stability ratings with AM Best and/or Demotech.

Also confirm that the insurance coverage being proposed is as comprehensive as what you currently have.

The limits and deductibles can vary widely and many coverages are optional and may not be included on the lower priced proposal.

It is highly recommended you consult a local Indepen-

Housewright,Jr. dent Insurance Agent who can propose many options with multiple carriers to better fit your needs and your budget.

Not all home insurance policies are created equal.

Different types (forms) of home insurance policies exist and are being sold in our area.

Most prevalent are: Form HOA+ which is very limited coverage in many areas Form HOB which is typically the broadest coverage being sold Form HO3 which is better than the coverage provided by an HOA+ but not as good as coverage provided by an HOB Deductibles and optional coverages come in to play as well. If you receive a low quote for home insurance and haven’t dealt with that insur-

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

Visit www.texansinsure.com.

Tips to follow during summer storms and hurricane season As a public service, Paul Davis Emergency Services of Sugar Land is providing consumers with the following summer storms and hurricane preparedness tips.

The information reminds property owners of the importance of preparing for potential damage from high winds, heavy rains, storms, floods, and tornados that can accompany weather disasters.

Paul Davis is a leading provider of fire and water damage, clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties.

According to Andrew Bouchard, Paul Davis office owner, storms that hit the region can do a tremendous amount of damage.

“We all remember the many severe summer storms in our area which had high winds and devastating floods, among many others,” said Bouchard. “The destruction can be tremendous and do a lot of damage,” he said.

The Paul Davis office offers the following useful steps which can promote personal and household safety during summer storm and hurricane season until November.

•Put together a Basic Emergency Kit to include proper tools, supplies and a first aid kit.

•Have plenty of batteries and flashlights and at least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable foods on hand.

Storm season preparation: •Enter the season prepared; put together a plan for your family and go over it with them.

•Know your evacuation routes.

•Make sure your home or business meets building codes for withstanding storm and hurricane force winds.

What to do during the storm: •Stay in a secure room and away from windows.

•Don’t use the telephone or candles.

•Monitor weather and civic service bulletins on either regular or NOAA weather radio.

•Have supplies on hand.

•Remain indoors when the eye of the storm moves over

When a storm watch or warning is issued: •Leave low lying areas.

•Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters.

•Secure outside objects.

•Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water for several days and for each family member.

•Evacuate if instructed to leave the area.

What to do before the storm: •Be ready to put your plan and preparation to action.

•Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, TV or the Internet.

•Have the house boarded up or have storm shutters in place.

•Make sure all your tools, supplies, first aid, food, fuel and personal items are ready for use.

•Have a secure room available.

Heritage Baptist Church Preparing for Vacation Bible School The staff and congregation of Heritage Baptist Church are working together to prepare a fun and meaningful event that will allow the children of Missouri City, who have completed Kindergarten- 5th grade, and the surrounding communities to hear the gospel of Christ and celebrate his love for us.

This activity will be held from Monday, July 11th through Friday, July 15th from 9 a.m – noon each morning at 2223 FM 1092, Missouri City.

The week’s activities will include crafts, snacks, story time, and music as we explore the year’s theme: Submerged.

ance agency and/or company before check their reviews and financial stability ratings with AM Best and/or Demotech. It is highly recommended you consult a local Independent Insurance Agent who can propose many options with multiple carriers to better fit your needs and your budget.

Neglecting to Own Flood Insurance Coverage for your home - Over 25% of flood claims in the United States are made by homeowners who live in low risk flood areas (zones).

Flooding is the most common natural disaster and a homeowner is more likely to experience flood damage than from a home fire.

Flood insurance in most areas costs less than $1.25 per day or $450 a year.

The church will invite children to dive past the surface and go deeper into God’s word to find His truth.

“We are all excited any time that we can share the gospel of Christ with God’s children and hope that the community will join us for a celebration of God’s word”, said Pastor Ed Byrnes.

The event is FREE and open to the public and the church is prepared for children of the community who have completed K-5th grade.

Heritage Baptist Church is a Missionary Baptist church dedicated to sharing the word of God and the love of Christ.

“ We welcome you and your family to join us not only for this event, but please be our guest for any Sunday morning worship service, Wednesday evening study or one of our special ministries, such as Divorce Care, Divorce Care for Kids, Grief Share, AWANA or AWANA Remix, a class specially designed to meet the needs of today’s teenagers and help them face the challenges and temptations of living in today’s world,” Byrnes said.

For additional information about Heritage Baptist Church please call 281-403-4994, or visit the church website at hbctx.org.

your area, the storm will resume shortly.

Safety tips after the storm: •Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.

•Monitor the radio for information from emergency management officials in your area.

•Before venturing outside, ensure the storm has completely passed.

•Report downed power lines and stay away from them.

•Use stored water and food.

•Be patient until your environment is safe and back to normal.

Bouchard suggests that if storm-related damage occurs to the home or business, there are many variables to consider about cleanup and repairs.

Property owners should consult with professionals who have specific training and experience in this area.

“It is important for property owners to begin the process of cleaning up and repairing any damage immediately,” said Bouchard.

“You do not have to wait for an insurance claims representative to arrive on the scene to evaluate the loss. Waiting may increase the likelihood of secondary damage that might not be covered by insurance,” he said. Before taking any action, Bouchard recommends that personal safety should be the first and foremost consideration.

“As a result of severe storms, electrical shock is always a danger. Turning off the electricity to damaged areas is advisable if this can be done safely. Also, turn off the water supply if leaking or broken pipes are discovered,” he said.

Bouchard along with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends contacting a professional water restoration or general contractor who has specialized waterdetection and structural cleanup equipment to assist in the highly specialized work.

The contractor can help to identify the source of water and extent of wetting along with specific structural damage and act accordingly.

Paul Davis employs only certified technicians. For more information, call (832) 781-0535. Visit www.pauldavis-sugarland.com .

News

Clean restaurants in Missouri City recognized

Missouri City City Council at its June 20 meeting presented Clean Restaurant awards to local establishments.

The following restaurants received an award for receiving a score of 95 or higher out of 100 on recent health inspections— Restuarants with addresses and their score: Bluebonnet Grille 2880 La Quinta Dr. 97 Multiple Winner Brandani’s Restaurant and Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 #160 97 3rd Time Winner Brooklyn Pizzeria 4717 Hwy 6 97 Multiple Winner Brookstreet Bar B Que Hwy 6 96 Multiple Winner Burger King 10210 Hwy 6 96 Multiple Winner Burger King 2207 Texas Parkway 96 Multiple Winner CA’S Food 4 Thought 3340 FM 1092 #180 96 Multiple Winner Catfish Willy’s 2435 Texas Pkway Suite M 96 Multiple Winner Center Court Pizza & Brew 7425 Hwy 6 Suite 100 97 Multiple Winner

Chick-Fil-A 6124 Hwy 6 100 Multiple Winner Dairy Queen 1799 Texas Parkway 97 Multiple Winner Domino’s 6210 Sienna Pkwy #340 97 1ST Time Winner Domino’s 6309 Hwy 6 97 Multiple Winner El Vaquero 2140 FM 1092 100 Multiple Winner Five Guys Burgers and Fries 6215 Hwy 6 Suite 100 96 Multiple Winner Grace Café 1909 Texas Parkway 97 Multiple Winner Kenshin Sushi 4751 Hwy 6 96 Multiple Winner King Bo II 4707 Hwy 6 97 Multiple Winner Kolache Factory 6215 Hwy 6 Suite 200 97 Multiple Winner Little Caesars Pizza 1947 Texas Parkway 96 Multiple Winner Off The Vine Bistro 2865 Dulles 96 1st Time Winner Orient Café 3340 FM 1092 #190 96 2nd Time Winner

Prisoner transport unit lauded The Federal Prisoner Transport Unit at the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office received recognition from an adjacent county for their quick help in transporting prisoners during a crisis.

Sheriff Jess Howell sent Letters of Commendation to several members of the unit for evacuating and relocating prisoners from Wharton County to the Fort Bend County Jail when Wharton County was faced with flooding conditions.

Within a matter of hours, the unit assembled and relocated more than 100 prisoners from Wharton to Fort Bend County.

The Federal Prisoner Transport Unit was formulated by Sheriff Troy E. Nehls in May, 2013 to support the movement of federal prisoners in conjunction with a newly established contract housing agreement with the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Since then, the Federal Prisoner Transport Unit has transported more than 4,600 Federal prisoners across South Texas.

In addition to prisoner movements into Fort Bend County, the unit also supports the Justice Prisoners and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) or as considered by some, “Con Air.” On occasion, members also will serve as cell block security inside the Federal Courthouse in Houston as part of the Detention Bureau’s “Commitment to Excellence.”

The unit’s daily operation is supported by a 30-passenger prisoner transport bus, three prisoner transport vans and various weapons and tactics.

The hard work by the unit has paid dividends to the county as well.

Through the Federal Prisoner Transport Unit, a new revenue stream was created for the residents of the county. To date, more than $6.3 million in net revenue has been generated and placed in the Fort Bend County general fund.

Members of the unit include Lt. W. Boehnemann, Sgt. M. Penrod, Sgt. E. Vaught, Deputy K. Guel, Deputy J. Escamilla, Deputy A. Pedre, Deputy M. Gonzales and Deputy A. Smith.

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-16-25 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND USE ASSUMPTIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN AND THE IMPACT FEE FOR THE LAKE OLYMPIA PARKWAY EXTENSION SERVICE AREA; MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-16-25 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on June 20, 2016, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

Papa John’s 6262 Hwy 6 97 Multiple Winner Papa Murphy’s Take’N’ Bake Pizza, 8770 Hwy 6 Suite 100 96 1st Time Winner Pepperoni’s 4303 Sienna Circle 97 Multiple Winner Popeye’s 10220 Hwy 6 96 Multiple Winner Raising Cane’s 3833 FM 1092 96 Multiple Winner Shipley Do-Nuts 2451 FM 1092 96 Multiple Winner Shipley Do-Nuts 9011 Hwy 6 97 1st Time Winner Spring Creek 4895 Hwy 6 97 Multiple Winner Subway 1100 FM 1092 Suite A 96 Multiple Winner Subway 4225 Sienna Parkway #220 97 Multiple Winner Tornado Taco 2461 FM 1092 100 Multiple Winner

INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2016 • Page 5

Light and Salt Association kicks off special needs fundraising with Sugar Land Skeeters

From Left to right: Chinese Community Center Executive Director Chi-Mei Lin, Skeeters Assistant general manager Kyle Dawson, LSA Project Coordinator Eric Chou, Sugar Land Community Representative Terri Wang, State Representative Gene Wu, LSA Board Chair Charles Yuan.

Local nonprofit, Light and Salt Association kicked off its special needs fundraising event on June 24 at 9800 Town Park Drive, Suite 255 Houston, TX, 77036.

Proceeds will be used to help build up and support their Special Needs Caring Center (SNCC).

Their programs particularly serve individuals and families affected

by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) as well as those with other intellectual limitations.

Notable attendees were State Representative Gene Wu, Skeeters assistant general manager Kyle Dawson, customer service manager Adam Mettler, Sugar Land city manager’s multi-cultural advisory team member Terri Wang, and Chinese Community Center Executive Director ChiMei Lin. The press conference promoted disability awareness, connection and education, and networking between individuals and families to help serve their specific needs in our community.

In addition, this exposure helped promote understanding across,

over and around cultural boundaries, by bridging special needs families together with home run fun. LSA’s primary staff and special needs families were also in attendance.

Charles Yuan, Chair of LSA’s board of directors, opened the event expressing his gratitude, announcing the purpose of the conference. After which Eric Chou, LSA’s project coordinator presented the prevalence rate of ASD, a bit of his personal story, and SNCC’s SMILE project, to an audience of about 40 local attendees. He was followed by Rep. Gene Wu, displaying his commitment to the community, in which he also reiterated Mr. Chou’s point that: “We can’t be too embarrassed or ashamed to deal with this serious issue.”

Rep. Wu reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, and highlighted how this was an aspect of community and social service that often went overlooked. He furthermore commended LSA’s dedication to serving our special needs community, saying they

would be rewarded in this life or the next.

Fellow organizer William Sun called upon assistant general manager Kyle Dawson to show his support. Dawson expressed Skeeters’ commitment to the partnership, sure that this would set the foundations for a long lasting relationship between the organizations. The event closed with pictures and a prayer led by Fort Bend Community Church’s Rev. Dick Lee. The two main programs supported are the SMILE project, which is a 19+ adult day program that runs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As well as the Saturday program, held every Saturday focusing on children newly diagnosed with ASDs. This provides new parents with the education, resources and techniques for managing, adapting, and learning about ways to interact and serve the needs of their children.

For more information, contact Eric Chou, (713) 988 4724 or email: eric_chou0520@yahoo. com

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Highlander

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Toyota Highlander started the midsize crossover SUV category 15 years ago.

The third-generation model, now entering its third year, has room for as many as eight, a choice of three powertrains and four model grades.

Even though the Highlander didn’t need much improvement for 2016 Toyota made the towing package standard on all V6 models, which can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Other powertrain choices include a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder in the LE front-drive model, and Hybrid Synergy Drive with 280 total system horsepower. The four-cylinder and the V6 are both teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Highlander has13.8 cu. ft. of cargo space with the third row seating in use.

With the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seats lowered, cargo space expands up to 42.3 cu. ft. and up to 83.7 cu. ft. with the 60/40 split fold-flat second row also lowered.

The second row offers bench seating for three, or two captain’s chairs featuring a collapsible side tray with cup holders.

Third-row passengers get a standard recline function.

Should those in the very back need an occasional corrective instruction, driver easy speak (standard on XLE and Limited grades) works like a bullhorn.

A microphone carries the driver’s or co-pilot’s voice through the audio system’s rear speakers.

A cabin highlight is the massive roll-top center console, which provides a comfortable armrest and a console box big enough to hold a large handbag.

An LCD Multi-Information

Display is on a a 3.5-inch black and white screen in the LE and LE Plus grades and a 4.2-inch color screen in XLE and Limited.

The LE front-wheel drive model’s standard 185-horsepower 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway. The LE Plus, XLE and the Limited come with a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 270-horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 RPM. It’s likewise teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, with selectable manual sequential shifting. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway.

The Highlander rolls on standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 19-inch alloys standard on the Limited grade. Allwheel drive is offered on all Highlander models.

The 2016 Highlander starts with the high-value LE grade and progresses to the LE Plus with added equipment. Next

comes the XLE with more amenities and then the top-ofrange Limited with luxuries including heated and ventilated front seats, available heated second-row captain’s seats and a heated steering wheel (on the Platinum Package).

No optional packages are offered by Toyota on the LE and LE Plus grades.

The LE’s standard equipment is 18-inch alloy wheels, Entune Audio on a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, an integrated backup camera, USB ports and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators. As the models progress in cost more equipment comes as standard.

Safety technology includes blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sonar, while entertainment is upgraded with Entune Premium JBL Audio with navigation and App Suite.

Three option packages are available to take the Highlander Limited (gas or Hybrid)

higher still. One is a Blu-ray DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Second is the Driver Technology Package which adds more safety features.

Adding the Platinum Package takes Highlander to the top with the Driver Technology Package plus a panoramic moonroof, heated steering wheel and heated second-row captain’s chairs and, newly added for 2016, rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The test drive Toyota Highlander hybrid limited was quiet, has excellent cabin space -- love the big roll-top center console that can easily hide a large purse -- and it provides a most comfortble ride.

All the buttons and knobs that operate the bells and whistles are intelligently arranged with the driver in mind.

From the get-go the Highlander has been a standout crossover. It retails for $50,485 with all standard equipment.

Optional equipment cranked the bottom line up to $53,253.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2016

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE

Anita Milne

Knowledgeable! Experienced!

Hardworking!

Competitive!

Action Oriented!

MilneAnita@yahoo.com

281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group

Rivers Edge • $289,900 • 4/31/2/3

Meadows Place•Meadow Crest•4/2.5/2 Meadows Place•Bloomington• 3/2/2 Meadows Place • Blair Meadow • 4/2/2

Arlene Rolsen CRS, Realtor (281) 414-8400

Lake Pointe • $468,800 • 3/31/2/2

Belnap SL • $350,000 • 3/2/2

www.ArleneRolsen.com

$269,000

SOLD

$179,000

SOLD

$189,000 $189,000

PENDING

Meadows Place • Alston • 3/2.5/2 Meadows Place • River Meadow • 3/2/2 Meadows Place • Scottsdale • 4/2/2

$218,000

$225,000 REDUCED

$178,000

Long Meadow Farms•$269,500•4/31/2/2

PENDING

FILM REVIEW: The Legend of Tarzan A “legend” is a story that is believed by many but cannot be proved to be true. If that’s the case, them put me down for “The Legend of Tarzan.”

I know Tarzan existed/exists because we’ve been friends since the 1950’s when I was enthralled by Johnny Weissmuller, the Olympic swimmer, who ran around the African Jungles in Hollywood fixing all kinds of evils that the goofy White Man had done to the delicate balance of the continent.

“Ugawa, Ugawa, you Jane, me Tarzan.” I speak a little African with just a slight accent of the Congo.

Before Weissmuller, we had Elmo Lincoln (1918), and then Gordon Scott in the mid 1950’s and later Ron Ely and others have taken a shot at portraying the mysterious and courageous feral child who could talk to animals and swing through the trees because he always knew where the best vines were. It all began in 1912 with a series of stories entitled “Tarzan of the Apes” by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

So how does the man from Sweden stack up against the previous Tarzans? Alexander Skarsgard is the new measuring stick; no contest. But that’s not fair to all the other Tarzans because this theatrical legend is big-budget and remarkably produced with contemporary CGI tricks and

New App: Publicstuff Fort Bend County I.T. has partnered with PublicStuff to create a mobile app to better interface with residents and allow individuals to clearly and directly communicate specific problems within the County. The app is available for download from Apple and Google. Connect with Fort Bend provides another option for residents to submit, track and view nearby non-emergency service requests through their smartphones and online. By simply snapping a picture, damaged or downed street signs, potholes, drainage problems and similar issues can be reported and routed to the appropriate County department. Once requests are submitted, the relevant staff redirects and responds to requests through a customized workflow management system. Residents can also use the in-app widgets to find information about events, public facilities and polling locations, as well as receive alerts of emergencies and County activities.

In a time when most people live in the world of apps, citizens will be able to quickly reach out to County staff about a particular problem or issue they might have.

Connect with Fort Bend will transform the relationship with residents through technology.

visual effects. On the other hand, Skarsgard is 6’ 4” with a near-perfect body and he is shirtless almost the entire movie. Ladies, take a deep breath.

This modern version that has diamonds and power as the motive of conflict with the gorgeous African landscape backdrop was primarily scripted by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer.

British Director David “Harry Potter” Yates, at age 52, is in his prime and able to raise the estimated $180 million required to confirm my belief that Tarzan, also known as John Clayton III, was reared by the Mangani Great Apes, but much preferred the jungles of Africa than his English heirship.

I marveled at the new twists in this account of the man of the apes; that’s part of the fun of this movie. The main bad guy is brilliantly played by Christoph Waltz who is at his PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Via Mazzini Way Reserve, Sec. 1 (Lakes of Bella Terra), Precinct 3.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS Sealed Competitive Proposals will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 for the following until THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. CST). All proposals will then be opened in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469 and the names of the proposers made public. Proposals received after the specified time will be returned unopened. Solicitation and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

RFP 16-099 - ROOF REPLACEMENT ON SECTION OF COUNTY JAIL FOR FORT BEND COUNTY A Pre-RFP conference with site visit will be conducted on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. (CST). The preRFP conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office Lobby located at 1410 Williams Way Blvd, Richmond, Texas. A site visit will commence immediately following.

All vendors are encouraged to attend.

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

Performance and Payment Bonds are required by successful firm.

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

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

best as a snide, arrogant evildoer and he pulls it off again.

And then there’s Samuel L. Jackson as a cool guy from the US playing second banana to Skarsgard’s Tarzan.

Of course, SLJ was playing a “cool guy.” Australian actress Margot Robbie, 25, will take a quantum leap in her career as a

Riverstone SL • $694,550 • 3/2-21/2/3

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Grand Brooks at Emily Park Lane within Grand Lakes Subdivision to add “No Parking” signs, Precinct 3.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

result of her steely-eyed, sexy Jane.

It’s way too hot for outside sports, so you need to participate in movie-going with its glorious air-conditioning; Tarzan is a breath of cool air.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 88. Larry H.

CSJ: 2105-01-036 PARCEL: 12A Part 1 & Part 2 NOTICE BY PUBLICATION STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § TO: THE UNKNOWN SHAREHOLDERS OF TEXAS SALT COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION, A CANCELLED DELAWARE CORPORATION, whose identities and whereabouts are unknown; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JACK L. BENNETT, deceased, whose identities and whereabouts are unknown; EVELYN Hoop BENNETT whose whereabouts are unknown, and if deceased, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EVELYN HOOP BENNETT, whose identities and whereabouts are unknown.

You are each hereby notified that a hearing will be held at 10:00 o’clock a.m., on the first Monday after the expiration of forty-two (42) days from the date of issuance hereof, that is to say Monday, the 11th day of July, 2016, and at the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Dr., Richmond, TX 77469 to assess the damages of the owner of the property being condemned.

The State of Texas filed a Petition for Condemnation with the Judge of the County Court at Law No. 5 of Fort Bend County, Texas, on the 24th day of February, 2016, in Cause No. 16-CCV-056790 which is styled The State of Texas v. Raymond Hugh Goodrich, Et Ux, Et Al. The Plaintiff is the State of Texas. The Defendants are: THE UNKNOWN SHAREHOLDERS OF TEXAS SALT COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION, A CANCELLED DELAWARE CORPORATION, whose identities and whereabouts are unknown; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JACK L. BENNETT, deceased, whose identities and whereabouts are unknown; EVELYN HOOP BENNETT whose whereabouts are unknown, and if deceased, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF EVELYN HOOP BENNETT, whose identities and whereabouts are unknown, and, if any of them be deceased, their respective heirs and legal representatives, if any; RAYMOND HUGH GOODRICH; and wife, MARY MELISSA HALBERT GOODRICH; LUCY GOODRICH CHEADLE, A SINGLE WOMAN; HART LATIMER GOODRICH; and wife, AMY FIRESTONE GOODRICH; THE SUCCESSOR TRUSTEES OF ALL TRUST CREATED UNDER THE WILL OF A. J. ADAMS, JR., PROBATE No.149695 HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; ARACELI GONZALEZ, and husband, ANTONIO GONZALEZ; EDWIN A. BAIZA; and wife, PATRICIA JOSSELIN LOPEZ DE BAIZA; CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC., A TEXAS CORPORATION; DIANE DICKSON; and husband, CHESTER {CHET) DICKSON; SUSAN E. ANDREWS; and husband, G. RANDALL {RANDY) ANDREWS; KTRK TELEVISION, INC., A MICHIGAN CORPORATION; and FOX TELEVISION STATIONS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION. The name and address of the attorney for Plaintiff is Samantha H. Kessler, Assistant Attorney General, P. 0. Box 12548, Austin, Texas, 78711-2548.

This suit is an eminent domain proceeding in which the State of Texas is condemning a tract ofland located in Fort Bend County, Texas, Being a total of 4.5831 acre (199,640 square feet) parcel of land situated in the Thomas Hobermaker Survey, Abstract No. 191 of Fort Bend County, Texas; said 4.5831 acre parcel of land being out of a 55.54 acre (calculated) residual tract out of those certain tracts described in the following deeds: 1.) Elouise Adams Nazro to Jane Adams Jones (deceased) and Julia H. Adams, 50% interest recorded in Volume 819, page 510, Fort Bend County Deed Records (F.B.C.D.R.), dated January 6, 1979; 2.) Hart Latimer Goodrich, Independent Administrator of Jane Adams Jones Estate to Raymond Hugh Goodrich 1/3 interest, Lucy Goodrich Cheadle 1/3 interest, Hart Latimer Goodrich 1/3 interest, 50% interest in called 68.88 acres, recorded under Fort Bend County clerk’s File (F.B.C.C.F.) No. 1999082935, Official Public Records of Fort Bend County (O.P.R.F.B.C.) dated September 10, 1999; 3.) Last Will and Testament of A. J. Adams, Jr. a/k/a Andrew Jackson Adams, Jr., to Julia Harrison Adams, wife, Ruth B. Adams a/k/a Ruth Adams Bronz, Elouise Adams, a/k/a Elouise Adams Cooper, and Andrew Jackson Adams, III, recorded in Volume 1237, Page 404, Official Records Fort Bend County (O.R.F.B.C.) dated January 24, 1978; said 4.5831 also being out of Lots 1 through 31, and Lot 35, of the A. J. Adams & Bro Subdivision, recorded in Volume 1, Page 11, Plat Records of Fort Bend County such property being fully described in Exhibit “A” of Plaintiff ’s Petition for Condemna- tion filed under the above-referenced cause number.

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

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

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

ISSUED this 25th day of May, 2016.

SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS Dale Kelley Pamela Allen Rondrick Jenkins

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for LJ Parkway Street Dedication Plat Section 5 Phase II, Precinct 4.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Ranch Road So. Bridge over Flat Bank Creek St. Ded., Precinct 2.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Lake Riverstone Drive between University Blvd and LJ Parkway to add “No Thru Trucks” signs, Precinct 4.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk CAUSE NO. 15-CCV-055814 THE STATE OF TEXAS TO: EDGAR PEAVY, DEFENDANT, GREETING: YOU (AND EACH OF YOU) ARE HEREBY COMMANDED TO APPEAR before the Honorable County Court at Law 2 of Fort Bend County, Texas, at the Courthouse being located at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, in the City of Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, by filing a written answer at or before 10 o’clock A.M. of the Monday next after the expiration of 42 days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being the 8th day of August, 2016, to Plaintiffs Petition filed in said Court, on the 16th day of September, 2015, in this Cause, numbered 15-CCV055814 on the docket of said Court and styled: Lakassett Baker, as Next Friend of Marian Wilson and Jasmine Cottingham and Lakassett Baker, Individually vs Edgar Peavy; allegations as shown in said petition now on file in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office.

The officer executing this Writ shall promptly serve the same, according to requirements of law and the mandates hereof, and make due return as the law directs.

ISSUED AND GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL of said Court at office, this the 24th day of June, 2016.

LAURA RICHARD, COUNTY CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 301 JACKSON, SUITE 101 RICHMOND, TX 77469-3108 By: Kimberly Adams, Deputy 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 the next Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.

The name and address of the Plaintiffs attorney is: Cassandra Evans-Jones Attorney at Law 3334 Richmond Ave Ste 214 Houston TX 77098 713-524-4040

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. to modify the Major Thoroughfare Plan (MTFP) to realign Addicks Clodine Road and Ennis Road, and downgrade Old Richmond Road from a Major Thoroughfare to a Collector between McKaskle Road and West Airport Boulevard, Precincts 3 and 4.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plans for Aliana Section 15 Replat No. 3 and Extension, Aliana Section 15 Replat No. 3 and Extension Partial Replat No. 1, Aliana Westmoor Drive and Reserves, Aliana Westmoor Drive and Abermore Lane Street Dedication, Aliana Section 42 and Aliana Section 44, Precinct 4.

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

Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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, JULY 21, 2016 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Travis Annex, 301 Jackson, Suite 201, Richmond, TX 77469. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened.

Solicitations and any and all addendums will be posted on Purchasing Agent’s website located at www.fortbendcountytx.gov.

BID 16-098 – CONTINGENCY AEDES VECTOR CONTROL SERVICES FOR PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RESPONSE Unit pricing is required; payment will be by check. Bonds are not required.

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

Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas CITATION BY PUBLICATION DIVORCE The State of Texas TO: Stephanie L. Collier, 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.

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 FIRST AMENDED PETITION FOR DIVORCE of John Steven Collier, Petitioners, was filed in the 328th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on May 11, 2016 against Stephanie L. Collier, Respondent, being numbered 15DCV-224907, and entitled In the Matter of the Marriage of John Steven Collier and Stephanie L. Collier. 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.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 29th day of June, 2016.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas

By Deputy District Clerk Desiree Reyes 281-341-4524 Petitioner’s Attorney: SHAWN M. RUDISEL THE RUDISEL LAW FIRM PC 1415 NORTH LOOP WEST STE 910

INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2016 • Page 7

NEWS

Vishala Grocery owners and associates presented a check for $1,000 to a representative from the Missouri City Police Officers Association on June 20 during the regular city council meeting. Vishala Grocery, which specializes in Indian groceries, opened its fourth location in the greater Houston area at 2881 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, Tx 77459 recently. In the picture above, Mayor Allen Owen, left, MCPOA representative, and Councilman Anthony Maroulis, are seen with the representatives of Vishala Grocery.

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 6, 2016

Emerald Elite Winner and Texas Monthly Top Agent Award 2014 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene

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For more information about Fort Bend Independent All-Stars, call Becky at 713-291-8190 or e:mail sales@fbindependent.com

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