Fort Bend Independent by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 3 No. 32

Phone: 281-980-6745

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010

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

Lawsuits against appraisal district result in huge tax refunds

YARD OF THE MONTH. The Quail Valley August Yard of the Month goes to Don & Sheila Schweigert at 2903 Lakeview Drive. They received a gorgeous plant from Flowers by Adela and a certificate from the Quail Valley Garden Club. The Schweigerts recently replaced a sick tree with a beautiful water feature as well as showcasing a hand-painted rock with a magnificent Iguana. Besides the water feature that bubbles next to an inviting seating area and gorgeous blooming Crepe Myrtle, the Schweigerts have gourds and interesting plants and crafts throughout the garden. Drive by or take a peek at http://traction.typepad.com/qvgc/yard-of-the-month.html

Missouri City names new general manager for Quail Valley Golf Course Tyson Stittleburg is the General Manager/Head Golf Professional at the Quail Valley Golf Course in Missouri City. City Manager Frank Simpson said shortly after the City took possession of the property and started running the course in June 2008, staff realized the need for outside expertise to help transition from a private club to a public facility. After advertising and considering several proposals from well-qualified firms and individuals, the City entered into an agreement with Dave Elmendorf of the William Charles Group to help with that transition. “When Dave was brought aboard, he told management that his objective was to work himself out of a job by training golf course staff and the Missouri City Recreation and Leisure Corporation to fly solo,” Simpson said. “We are pleased to announce that Dave was successful in achieving his goal and has trained an able successor, Tyson Stittleburg.” Elmendorf will remain on-site

Stittleburg for the next two to three months hard toward growing revenues to continue to meet expenditures, as a consultant to Tyson. Simpson said his focus will staff is also pleased with how be providing assistance with much progress has been made,” developing a marketing plan to Simpson said. “We’re well on our way to increase the number of rounds of golf; Developing more detailed fulfilling the original vision of cost analyses for the food and the Quail Valley Parks Project: beverage operation so that City To preserve green space, imCouncil can make some deci- prove property values across the sions in the short term and for community, and to create a focal opening the new facility in 2012; point and a gathering place that and serving as a transitional re- will attract people from across source for Tyson in his new role the area to Missouri City so they, too, can experience our great as General Manager. “While the City is working community.”

By SESHADRI KUMAR A flurry of lawsuits challenging the appraised value of commercial properties in Fort Bend County has added uncertainty to the final certified taxable value of properties, and delayed the certification process. An undisclosed number of lawsuits challenging the valuations in 2010 would skew the final numbers. But, the county, local school districts and cities have to make an unprecedented refund of taxes already collected because of lawsuits that have been settled. These lawsuits challenged the appraised value by the Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District in 2008 and 2009. More than 400 lawsuits pertaining to 2008 and 2009 were filed and nearly half of them are yet to be settled. For example, 77 lawsuits pertaining to 2008 tax year were settled which brought

would mean a $13 million drop in valuation. Stafford MSD lost $6 million in value in 2008, in just three lawsuits. The meager number of seven lawsuits settled for 2009 would bring the FBISD property valuation down by $4 million or $40,000 in tax refunds. These numbers are only indicative of the trend and the actual numbers could be devastatingly high for the fragile finances of the schools and the cities as the list of pending lawsuits is incomplete. The taxing entities do not yet have the finite number and uncertainty looms over the future refunds, not to speak of the new lawsuits being filed over the 2010 valuation. The CAD is expected to provide the final certified taxable values on Aug. 16, but that computation would not be really final, until the lawsuits are settled.

down the total appraised value by $55 million. That means Fort Bend County, with a 50 cent tax rate will have to refund $225,000 in taxes and add 8 percent a year interest to that amount. That would make the total about $265,000. Among the lawsuits pertaining to the 2009 valuation, at least 180 lawsuits are pending, while 15 were settled bringing the value down by $12 million. The county alone will have to refund $60,000 plus interest in these cases. The school districts are the worst hit because their tax rate is at least $1.04 per $100 valuation and also their budgets are already in the red. For example, in 48 lawsuits in Fort Bend ISD, the valuation dropped by a little over $80 million in 2008 and that translates roughly to $800,000 in taxes. The Lamar CISD valuation in settled lawsuits of 2008

FBJSL’S 2010 SUGAR PLUM MARKET SPONSORS. First Row (left to right): SPM Co-Chair Cindy Dempster, SPM Co-Chair and Sponsor Cari Middaugh, The Hunton Group Lynn Talbot, Westside Resources and SPM Sponsor Committee Johnnie Wright, PB&J Pavement Marking, Inc. and FBJSL President Brigit Engleman, SPM Co-Chair and Sponsor Jana Baumann. Second Row (left to right): SPM Sponsor Committee Trina Sanford, MSLH Kaelyn Stolhand, MSLH Becky Chalupa, MSLH Janet Leatherwood, Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas Lindley Doyle, Stafford Centre Rebecca Hathorn. Last Row (left to right): Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Karen Vannerson, Trustmark Bank Travis Van Horn, SPM Sponsor Chairperson Stephanie Van Horn, Pamela Printing David Smith, Simply Sassy Paper Sharon Dimicelli, and The Hunton Group Richard Hunton. (Story on Page 2.)

‘Name your team’ contest draws over 5,000 entries said, “we have been overwhelmed by the response to this Name The Team Contest by the community. Many thanks to our partners in the contest including Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, NBC2, SportsTalk 790, 100.3 KILT, Mix 96.5, Fort Bend Independent, and the Houston Chronicle.” Team name suggestions range from the zany to the traditional and from the alliterative to the whimsical. Among the thousands of suggestions are names such as the Canes, Imperials and the Sug-

ar Bears pay tribute to Sugar Land’s sugar refining history, and names such as Jackrabbits, Prairie Dogs and Gators help fill out a roster of animals being suggested. Other thought provoking names include Jailbirds, Crawfish, Steam, and even Lead Bellies and Briskets. Soon after August 20th, the contest will enter “Extra Innings” when the finalist five to seven team names are announced. During this two week period, fans will then be asked to select their favorite team names among the finalists by ranking their top three choices in order of preference.

By mid- September, 2010 the team name and contest winner will be announced. The fan submitting the winning name will be awarded a grand prize of lifetime season tickets. If more than one person enters the winning name, a drawing will be held to determine the winner. Additionally, all fans who submit a name will be entered into a second prize random drawing to win season tickets for the inaugural season. The Team also announced that Christopher Hill will be joining the organization as Vice President of Business Development. Hill brings over seventeen

years of sports and arena management experience to the team. Most recently, Chris was with the Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets)

for nine years. He also served on the Executive Council for Big Brothers & Big Sisters and as Vice-President of the board for Crisis Services.

10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

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Just two weeks into the contest to name Sugar Land’s new minor league baseball team, the Team announced that nearly 5,000 entries have been received since the contest launched on July 16. This number of entries makes the contest one of the most popular of its kind in minor league baseball history. Thousands of people from Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, and throughout the greater Houston area have been visiting www.NameSugarLandsTeam. com to submit their favorite names for their team that will take the field in the spring of 2012. Team President Matt O’Brien

TEXAS

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 11, 2010

Fort Bend Chamber hosts conference on “Innovative infrastructure” The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Planning Division will hold, “Innovative infrastructure,” a half-day conference bringing together “Thought Leaders” in rail, transit, traffic, mobility, water, drainage, sustainability, public policy and financing on Friday, Aug. 27, at Safari Texas in Richmond. This regional Infrastructure Conference promises to be information packed and a results oriented meeting of experts in various fields of infrastructure and financing. A public policy power panel featuring Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, Bill Jameson and Joe B. Allen will be moderated by Transportation Policy Council Chair and Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson. Texas Transportation Commissioner Ned Holmes will be the key note speaker for lunch. Setting the stage for the conference will be urban sociologist Dr. Stephen Klineberg of Rice University talking about the demographics, projected population growth and the critical need to focus on infrastructure. It is often said – “Build it and they will come.” Fort Bend County is most likely

Sprint Waste Services is the lead sponsor for the upcoming Infrastructure Conference. Fort Bend Infrastructure Division Chair, Harish Jajoo, left, Sprint Waste Services, L.P., Reagan Swinbank, Fort Bend Chamber Vice President, Keri Schmidt and Fort Bend County Commissioner, James Patterson. faced with the following scenario, “They are coming by the thousands and you better build while you can.” A session focusing on mobility issues will feature Mark Ellis, Chairman of Gulf Coast Rail District highlighting our commuter rail plans in Fort Bend County. Karen Daly, Assistant Man-

ager of City of Sugar Land will speak on Intelligent Traffic System. Another dialogue will focus on water issues and sustainability. Featured speakers include Marvin Marcell from the Fort Bend Subsidence District followed by two surface water conversion projects case studies by City of Sugar Land and

City of Missouri City. Pablo Martinez from San Antonio Water System will highlight water reuse application and this session will conclude by a speaker on sustainable and energy efficient infrastructure. As one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, it is challenging to keep up with the growth and not risk a compromise on quality of life. Infrastructure is the essential key to maintaining the quality – highways, airports, roadways, water systems, drainage and levee systems, wastewater treatment, traffic lights, bridges, etc. Having good infrastructure is as critical to a community as having good schools and public safety. The bridge collapse in Minnesota and a grade of D by American Society of Civil Engineers score card on the nation’s infrastructure are reminders of this priority. Fort Bend County has proactive communities who think longterm and act strategically for the future economic, physical, social and cultural well-being of the region. For sponsorship opportunities and reservations call Ellen Bush at 281-491-0277 or Ellen@fortbendcc.org.

THE TIME IS NOW, THE WAIT IS OVER www.RemaxFine.com 281-265-5533 281-2655533 Highway 6 & Austin Parkway We Can Show You ANY House Listed!

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” for 2010 Sugar Plum Market After two years in a successful partnership, Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has generously agreed to return as the title sponsor of the Fort Bend Junior Service League’s Sugar Plum Market. This year’s “A Holly Jolly Christmas” themed event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theatre and Convention Center. Other returning sponsors to create “A Holly Jolly Christmas” over the three-day shopping extravaganza are Trustmark Bank and Simply Sassy Paper. “Trustmark Bank has been a part of Fort Bend County for less than 5 years, but we have seen the strong spirit in the community”, says Travis Van Horn, Market PresidentSouthwest Houston of Trustmark Bank. “We are proud to once again support the Sugar Plum Market and reach out to the community that supports us. We know the event will be a huge success!” “As a member of the FBJSL for nearly 10 years, I have had the pleasure of seeing many

of the worthy beneficiaries first hand” says Sharon Dimicelli, Owner of Simply Sassy Paper. “It continues to be such a joy to be able to support and contribute to the Sugar Plum Market and our community in this way. It is going to be an awesome event and I am looking forward to “A Holly Jolly Christmas!” Additional sponsors include Pamela Printing, The Hunton Group, Raquel & Christopher Smith, M.D., M.B.A., Beth & Phillip Butler, Pam & Jeff Spencer, Methodist Orthopaedic Specialists of Texas, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, Laura & Rob Thompson, The West Law Firm, DonDulin.com, LP FortBendCalendar.com, Tamara S. Osina, DDS, Chick-fil A of Sugar Land, Jill & Cody Aycock, Johnnie & Jimmy Wright-Westside Resources, Gurecky Manufacturing Service, Jennifer & Roger Camp, Bank of Texas, Jana & Mitchell Baumann, ExxonMobil on behalf of Laura Fillault, and Cari & Scott Middaugh. The 10th annual Sugar Plum Market will benefit local Fort Bend County charities. Last year, FBJSL’s Sugar Plum Market raised $136,000

for local charities with an estimated 6,000 patrons in attendance. Sponsorships are still available with opportunities ranging from $250 to $5,000. Individual tickets will be available for purchase in the fall. To purchase tickets, contact tickets@sugarplummarket. com. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or vendors for the 2010 Sugar Plum Market, visit www.sugarplummarket.com, call 281636-6272 or e-mail info@ fbjsl.com.

AUGUST 11, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

Community news

Suzette Peoples Broker /Owner 21 years of experience!

Quail Valley Golf Course raises property values new community golf course has definitely added players. Total golf club and park assets on the 390 acres the city bought for $7.4 million this year amounted to $139,403 for 2010, according to the recreation and leisure balance sheet. Total liabilities are $65,854 and equity (net income) was $73,549 for 2010. While the goal is to break even and make money on QV golf courses, in fiscal year 2010 the city made $2,043,044 and spent $2,256,969 on it. According to Atkinson, one of the reasons why the golf course has yet to break even is because special events in the aged clubhouse are costing the city more than it can charge for them and food and beverage lost nearly $45,000. In an effort to break even or make money the city plans to review the number of special events it rents out the clubhouse for and provide council with the information they have requested. After the meeting, Atkinson said the city is looking at adding a third beverage cart to the golf course and will take a closer look at all actual costs associated with the food and beverages. Even though the QV golf courses are still in the red, Re-

Dog fight By BARBARA FULENWIDER If you think this is a one-sided story it is, because only one party would talk. The party that wouldn’t talk has a major beef about the loud barking of the neighbor’s two dogs. The owner of the dogs has a major beef about the neighbor whom she thinks recently attempted to kill her dogs by dumping two piles of rat poison over the fence. The e-mail that was sent to the Fort Bend Independent listed the subject matter as “needing an animal cruelty investigator.” The writer of the e-mail, Victor Grana, said, “This is a very serious problem which is being looked into by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office and the HOA for Sienna Plantation.” Grana said the neighbor has threatened to shoot his and the homeowner’s Beagle and West Highland terrier, has bought three dog pro anti-barking machines that “sound a lot like burglar alarms” and recently tossed rat poison over the fence into his backyard. The homeowner and dog owner is Ana Allison who moved into Sienna Plantation four years ago when the lot next door was empty, Grana said. He moved into the house two years ago and said there “was absolutely no communication between Ana and her neighbor so I decided to mend everything but it was impossible.” He went on to say: “We keep the dogs in the house at night and try to keep the noise down to a minimum because the neighbor calls the sheriff’s department because of the barking. A deputy I talked to said the neighbor can’t be appeased by anything.” Grana also said his neighbor “offered him money to have the dogs’ vocal chords cut. I said that’s just animal cruelty, and the incident after that was equally strange. I got a call from the sheriff’s office and it was a detective who told me the neighbor had called to report that he was going to shoot the dogs. At that time I asked about making a case against him but there’s no way to file on him so far.”

altors are particularly glad the city bought the land as a way to stop the drop in the value of homes on and near the golf course and beyond. Realtor Bryon Underwood, a broker associate with Weichert, Realtors – Wayne Murray, said every time he drives by “the old club and new course” he can’t help but thank the mayor and city council members for taking the steps they did, which in turn created new activity and play on the links, at the clubhouse and grille. Why Underwood silently thanks council is the activity has increased property values and home sales in the area. “There is now empirical data that shows the increases and they are real,” he said. There are now 12 golf course homes active for sale on the market, and 11 golf course homes have sold since Feb. 1. The average price for those homes is $212,490 at $70.55 per square foot and at an average size of 3,012 square feet, he said. “These sales include updated and as is homes.” Even though $70.55 a square foot may not sound like much, Underwood said, “It is a substantial increase. The 17 homes that sold during the three months prior to July 2009 and the three months after had an average sale price of $204,355 or $64.67 a square foot for an average space of 3,106 square feet. The data shows nearly a nine percent increase in the CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/ or Order of Sale issued on June 3rd, 2010 by the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY Texas in cause #08-DCV-161690 in favor of the Plaintiff QUAIL BRIDGE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,299.54 +++ costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on July 13th, 2010 and will offer for sale on the7th day of SEPTEMBER, 2010 at the County Courthouse 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., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) - GABRIEL P. CORTEZ had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 15, IN BLOCK 4, OF BENCHMARK, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 28, PAGE 22 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, (THE PROPERTY) ALSO KNOWN AS 16707 SONATA COURT, HOUSTON, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77053. Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 11 a.m.

RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

price per square foot over a year ago.” When property values decrease that negatively impacts city tax collections, which pay for city services. In an effort to stem that tide, add almost 400 more acres of green space to the city and provide more recreational opportunities to citizens, city council members and the mayor took a leap of faith and acquired QVCC. While the golf courses aren’t in the black yet, the deal appears to be paying off in some other big ways. CONSTABLE SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/ or Order of Sale issued on June10th, 2010 by the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND COUNTY Texas in cause #07-DCV-158975 in favor of the Plaintiff QUAIL GREEN WEST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,049.20 +++ costs as taxed on said Execution and / or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on July 28th, 2010 and will offer for sale on the 7th day of SEPTEMBER, 2010 at the County Courthouse 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., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the said Defendant(s) - BRANNON NEALY had of, in or to the following described Real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz.: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 08, IN BLOCK 01, OF QUAIL GREEN WEST, SECTION 3, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAPS OR PLATS FILED IN THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, UNDER SLIDES NO. 586/B AND 587/A, REPLATTED UNDER SLIDE NOS. 676/B AND 677/A, AND PARTIALLY REPLATTED UNDER SLIDE NOS. 1676/B AND 1789/B, AS MODIFIED BY ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO OR ADDITIONAL REPLATS THEREOF, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2030 GREENCREST DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS 77489. Terms: Cash. Sale to held at or about 11 a.m. RUBEN DAVIS, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 2 By: Lieutenant G. Majors #73 Deputy Constable

Direct: 281-980-3322 www.peoplesproperties.com FIRST COLONY/ SUGAR LAND! Almost 2400sqft. 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath. Study and sitting/gameroom up. Owner spent over $62K on upgrades/improvements. Gourmet kitchen, tile/pergo thru-out no carpet. Priced in $200’s.

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By BARBARA FULENWIDER If there’s a downside to Missouri City having bought the failed Quail Valley Golf Course at market value via eminent domain, it has yet to surface. The city took over the property and immediately began improving it in 2008, and as of June 2010, it still isn’t in the black but is edging closer. City Manager Frank Simpson presented the information at a meeting of the Missouri City Recreation and Leisure Corp., which has oversight on the property. The assembly learned that this year the municipal golf course lost $213,925 for 2010 compared to the 2009 loss of $442,835. Rounds of golf played on QVCC in 2009 totaled 38,500 and numbered 41,673 in 2010 even with a hotter than average summer, colder than average winter and wetter than usual spring that year, according to Missouri City spokeswoman, Barbara Brescian. The Acquisition Feasibility Analysis For Quail Valley Country Club, prepared by NGF Consulting for Missouri City in June 2007, reported that 65,000 rounds of golf were played from 200204 and 60,000 rounds were played from 2004-06 so the

FIRST COLONY

Suzette Peoples

ABR, GRI , E-Pro, 21 years Professional Realtor; Owner of Peoples Properties, a Real Estate & Property Management Co.; American Business Women’s Association.

SUGAR LAND REDUCED

SUGAR CREEK Great 1 story on huge corner lot. 3 bedPOOL/SPA & WATERFALL! 2 story 4 bedrooms! rooms & study. Seller has updated carpet, tile paint Master down. All tile/real wood thru-out, no in and out and roof replaced. Shows great and price carpet. All located on cul de sac street. Clements already reduced to go fast in the low $200’s. high school! Priced to go fast! Reduced.

FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND

REDUCED

Built in 2006. Popular Perry 1 story home. 4 bedrooms and both formals or study. 16’ tile and hardwood floors. Garage/game room. Covered CUSTOM SHOW CASE HOME! Over 4300sqft 5 bedover size patio. Playground & shed stays. Private rooms 4 baths & 1/2 bath. Study and gameroom. Private Levee lot. Priced to go at $200,000. culdesac lot. Thousands in upgrades! Designer Decor thru out the home. Gourmet island kitchen & more! Rare find! Hurry priced to go fast under $500K.

NEW LISTING FIRST COLONY/SUGAR LAND! Adorable 1-story home on cul de sac street. No neighbors behind you! 3 bedrooms & study or formal living. Open floor plan. Detached garage! Priced below market at $220,000.

NEW LISTING Riverstone. Pool, Spa, Waterfall. Built 2003. Trendmaker beauty. Over 4,700 sqft. 4.5 baths. 3 car, 2 masters. Rare find on huge oversized cul de sac lot. No neighbors next to you. Upgrades galore. Zoned to Clements. Priced in the $500’s.

NEW LISTING/QUAIL VALLEY Updated 1 story 4 bedrooms 2.5 bath with new roof and carpet July 2010. Interior all repainted and new fixtures too. Great location on landscaped reserve. Priced to go $125,000!!

Mortgage Banker can do loans in less than 30 days! Call Suzette or email: Speoplesrealtor@aol.com

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West Houston Medical Center joins YMCA’s Operation Backpack

Let us help you get your athlete back to school with our easy, convenient, and inexpensive sports physicals. OakBend Medical Group will be conducting sports physicals at four of our convenient locations:

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West Houston Medical Center (WHMC) has registered as an official drop spot for the Greater Houston YMCA’s Operation Backpack. The drop site is located at 12141 Richmond Ave, in the hospital’s front lobby, and will be available until August 11th. Please see the information below on how to participate. How you can help: 1) Purchase a new backpack for a young child (ages 5-14) 2) Stuff the backpack with new school supplies (Needed supplies listed below) 3) Place a note of encour-

agement in the backpack 4) Drop off the completed backpack at West Houston Medical Center Needed supplies include: backpacks, pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, rulers, scissors, folders, spiral notebooks (100 sheets), one inch binders, glue bottles, glue sticks, rolls of tape, and wide ruled paper. West Houston Young Professionals, in association with the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, made Operation Backpack one of their main community service ini-

tiatives this fall, and turned to WHMC for support. Todd Caliva, West Houston Medical Center’s CEO, jumped at the opportunity to provide his help and support. Todd has a strong passion for the community as well as local education. West Houston Medical Center has donated over 100 backpacks to the YMCA’s Operation Backpack in hopes of providing the children within the community a perfect start to a new school year. Each backpack will be stuffed with school supplies donated by the local community.

Directory Directory Directory Directory Directory Lawn& Landscape AT Renovations, Inc. 101 Southwestern Blvd. Ste.230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 lawn@texansfp..com (281) 787-4302

Insurance Texans Insurance & Financial Group, 101 Southwestern Blvd., Suite 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.texansinsure.com (281) 277-7800 Basil Housewright, President

Accountant Sandersen & Knox LLP , Accountants 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.SKBTexas.com (281) 242-3232

Attorney

Physician

Hrbacek & Associates,P.C.

Nik Nikam, MD

130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110 Sugar Land, TX 77478 lawfirm@Hrbacek.com 281-240-2424

Sugar Land Heart Center 16659 S.W. FWY, #361 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-7567 www.sugarlandheartcenter.com

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 11, 2010

Opinion Higher education under microscope

The View from Sugar Land Fighting for freedom in Florida By RUSSELL C. JONES Shortly after the Democrats passed ObamaCare, the attorneys general of 20 states filed suit against the administration in a Florida federal court challenging the constitutionality of the new law. The states claim that Congress exceeded its legislative authority and argue that the commerce clause, the taxing authority, and the so-called necessary and proper clause do not afford Congress the power to coerce citizens -under threat of a financial penalty -- to purchase health care insurance. Last week both sides filed briefs with the court arguing their positions. Each exceeded 60 pages and can only be summarized here. The most potent argument for the mandate is that the Constitution permits Congress to regulate interstate commerce. The Supreme Court long ago expanded Congress’ authority to pass laws only tangentially related to commerce. The administration argues that the decision of an individual not to buy insurance impacts interstate commerce. Although a stretch, the argument is not as ridiculous as it seems in view of past court decisions. In response the states deny that inactivity -- the failure to have health care insurance -constitutes economic activity. They argue that ObamaCare is an “unprecedented assertion of unbridled authority [which] usurps powers reserved to the states by the 10th Amendment, disparages the rights of their citizens protected by the 9th Amendment, and obliterates this nation’s unique system of dual sovereignty.” The government’s second argument is that Congress is authorized to “provide for the common defense and general

Jones welfare,” as provided by the Constitution. Government lawyers argue that the insurance requirement is as constitutional as social security. Years ago the Supreme Court left decisions of how to provide for the general welfare to Congress. Finally, the administration argues the law’s new mandate on individuals is a tax penalty permitted by the Constitution, but that it is not a “direct tax” prohibited by the Constitution. Without quite admitting that the mandate is a tax, the government’s brief invokes another law prohibiting citizens from enjoining any federal tax. Apparently in deference to Obama’s assurances during congressional debate over his health care proposal, government lawyers have attempted to downplay the role of the tax aspects of the law. Obama rejected the notion that his proposal was a tax at all. At various times he even called the plan a tax cut. After his election Obama promised “If your family earns less than $250,000 a year, you will not see your taxes increased a single dime.” That assurance vanished with the health care law. Some analysts contend that it includes

as many as 12 new taxes. In their response, the attorneys general describe the insurance mandate as a “direct tax” specifically prohibited by the Constitution. The income tax, first created in 1861, was declared by the Supreme Court to include certain direct taxes, making it unconstitutional. The result was the 166h Amendment in 1913 allowing the income tax, but not allowing other forms of direct taxation. A ruling came down last week in a similar case brought by Virginia defending its own law which prohibits any government from requiring its citizens to purchase health insurance. Government lawyers there made essentially the same arguments. The judge strongly suggested that ObamaCare stretches the outer boundaries of, if it does not exceed, congressional authority. Both cases have just begun, and both will ultimately be appealed to the Supreme Court, where a final decision will be made. These two suits are probably the nation’s best hope for stopping the federal health care law. Elena Kagan was sworn in as the Court’s newest member on Monday. During the hearings on her nomination, she declared that the requirement of Obamacare that most Americans must purchase health insurance has a legal basis. We already know one vote will be there to support the federal mandate.

Jones is a member of the Sugar Land City Council, havPlanning for change ing been first elected in 2003. But the question I am asked He owns a law firm and a title most every day is where do insurance company in Sugar we go from here? I think it Land. is important to view higher education from a regional perspective. It seems to me

Minor league baseball is coming to Sugar Land

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Name Your Team and Be a Big Winner! FS

By RICHARD D. PHILIPS I’m sure you have noticed, at least I have, that it’s hard to find an edition of most newspapers that doesn’t have at least one article on higher education - some good and some not so good. What I want to visit with you about is not the sensational items, but rather the broader issue of why higher education in general is getting so much ink. I read in an article a while back that public attention to higher education is unprecedented, and not just in the United States. But it is the United States, and Texas and the greater Fort Bend County in particular, that I do want to comment on. As does the rest of the world, we want and expect access, quality and low cost. You don’t have to tell people in the Fort Bend County region that knowledge is essential to opportunity and improvement or sustainment of a high quality of life. In previous articles I have articulated the structure and advantages of the two Fort Bend teaching centers, the University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) and the University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch (UHSCR). Being located in your back yard makes them accessible, having degrees imported from well-established universities (University of Houston, University of Houston – Clear Lake and University of Houston-Victoria) is quick and inexpensive compared to building a university from the ground up. And as I have noted, partnering with community colleges to provide the first two years at half the tuition is certainly a cost advantage.

TEXAS

Grand Prize: Two Lifetime Season Tickets If more than one person enters the winning name, a drawing will be held to determine the winner.

Second Prize: Two Season Tickets for the Inaugural Season Winner will be chosen at random from all entries. Get into the game and submit an idea of what to name your hometown team!

Submit your name at:

www.NameSugarLandsTeam.com Now through August 20, 2010.

Bricks and mortar – maybe not as much

Phillips the primary focus of a local institution should be to first meet the regional needs, but certainly in a manner that is globally competitive. To simply have a university presence in your community is not enough – it needs to have local focus to be relevant to the area quality of life. Both UHSSL and UHSCR are part of a current process undertaken by the University of Houston System Board of Regents to master plan for the future. An integral step is to first examine what you already have, determine what the future demands are likely to be, what the structure of higher education in the future will look like (the online movement will likely have considerable impact) and finally how to finance the plan. Let me go back to the newspapers. I am sure you have read about the current, past and anticipated budget cuts - which simply cannot be ignored. Some might wonder why we would plan at a time of so many uncertainties. I would say that planning is not an option but a necessity in challenging times. And I remember the old adage that a failure to plan is a plan to fail.

State:

By JARED & BILL JAMESON According to a report from the Investment Company Institute, there are more than 65,000 mutual funds offered worldwide. This abundance of alternatives presents investors with a dilemma. On one hand, having multiple options allows consumers to compare managers to their peers and gain access to traditionally restricted markets. But then you have to ask yourself: which one? In today’s technologically advanced world, there is an incredible amount of data available on mutual funds. But instead of leading to better investment decisions, often the over-saturation of information leads to decision paralysis. For example, is it better to buy a fund with a longer track record or better short-term performance? Should you buy from a manager who invests for value or growth? Following are four factors that will help you sift through the world of mutual funds to separate the great managers from the average and poor.

I’D LIKE TO NAME THE TEAM “ THE SUGAR LAND

”

I think you will see a leaner, more focused higher education enterprise as a result of the challenges, and I think the University of Houston System and partners of greater Fort Bend County will develop an example of how to get things done. It seems to me that it would be proper to say “as usual” for my friends in local economic development and government leadership roles. Email www.dickphillips@ uh.edu with questions that you would like to hear discussed. Dick Phillips, associate vice-chancellor of the University of Houston System, is in charge of the Sugar Land and Katy - Cinco Ranch campuses.

Experience Tenure and time cannot be underestimated when evaluating a manager. The more time a professional has had to

Bill and Jared Jameson hone his or her craft, the better the end product should be. A manager with little experience typically won’t know how to navigate through the ups and downs of the market, thus putting your financial assets at risk. It is important to differentiate between how long the fund has been in existence and when the manager took over the fund. When you buy

Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor

Zip:

Taking the lead

The four “EXs” of evaluating and selecting mutual funds

You may also participate by mailing your suggested “team name”, along with your full name, complete mailing address, and phone to 16160 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 postmarked before August 20, 2010. Name: Address: City: Daytime Phone, Including Area Code: E-Mail Address:

A more educated citizenry is the key to economic and social recovery and therefore is not an option. What higher education looks like in the future is an option, however. Will it be traditional bricks and mortar, or will it be more a delivery system in a more business-like structure? I suspect personally that it will be both, and that the primary debate will be on how to fund it. With less and less state financing available, funding will rely more heavily on the ambitions of the local community and the users of the product (students). I’ll again refer to a previous article, where I noted the community partnerships already in place at the Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch campuses. Partnerships with the County, the Cities, community colleges, local foundations, private businesses and private citizens have led us to where we are and will be integral to moving to the next level, whatever the structure.

www.fbindependent.com Email: Editor@fbindependent.com

a fund, you are really buying that manager’s skill and experience. If the manager leaves the fund, so does all the performance and accomplishments that were achieved during his tenure. Execution Performance isn’t everything, but if a manager can’t add value over the long-term, he isn’t worth investing with. When evaluating the success/ failure of a strategy, it is best to start with the long-term returns. Studies show that while past success does not guarantee future success, bad managers typically don’t get better. Don’t overemphasize recent or short-term perforSee FUNDS, Page 5

AUGUST 11, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

Community news Musings: Eyes wide open By JANICE SCANLAN I actively supported Quail Valley Park and some golf improvements with my eyes wide open. I expected in good years to break even or make a small profit, and in bad years to suffer small losses. I expected start up losses. I believed what the National Golf Foundation told us about golf—it’s a tough business because of wet Julys, extra cold winters and springs, and all the other “uncontrollables” like oil prices. In what is really the first full year of both courses being open, the loss has certainly narrowed from last year . . . that is assuming, of course, that utilities were accounted for in the same way . . . and that no changes in accounting have been made. If that’s true, we’ve almost cut our losses 50%--which is going in the right direction at a good clip. If legal expenses of acquiring the property were in the 190K expense item . . . that’s good news. In supporting QV Park, I expected something like Memorial Golf Course—a sustainable number of holes and a food service like a Beck’s Prime. I envisioned a nice course, not a championship course, with a snack bar to cater to a more recreational, family style experience with a beverage service for adults. I did not expect the City to

Scanlan think it could get into the “full service food, banquet and event business.” I thought it might get into the event space rental business, and that, perhaps, the snack bar operation could handle smaller events, with larger events being catered. I expected that perhaps the space might accommodate up to 150 to 200. I didn’t expect “ballrooms” or a 500 car parking lot. So I agree with Councilman Brett Kolaja: we need more information to move forward and need it firmly in grasp with several community meetings to consider any new plan for a “community center.” Losing Golf Club Manager Dave Elmendorf may be premature, especially now that we’re starting to get some baseline experience and traction in the operation. I trust

we have records for that, especially demographics and whether people who play El Dorado return to play again. There is a variable pricing on the courses with El Dorado not producing the financial figures from our fiscal year end, but that might be explained in operational figures and “unlimited fees.” Surprise, food and beverage service is losing money. You can’t be low cost provider and at the same time try to be a country club. Every successful wedding and event planner prices everything separately. So you may have table cloths, but forgo renting chair covers. While I agree the space is not conducive for meetings because of its pillars and barriers, its outdoors is fabulous . . . it’s understanding your current strengths and what niche in the market buys them—not living in wannabe or yesterday lands. Instead of trying to re-invent a country club, I wish an outfit like Chili’s or Dave and Buster’s would consider outsourcing our food and beverage. That would tell me that hospitality professionals saw a viable market. We need our eyes wide open to be successful. Write to janicescanlan@ earthlink.net with your ideas to help close the financial gap at QV Park or get directions to the current financials.

Norvell re-elected to statewide Law Enforcement Association

Local members of the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) recently reelected Chief Deputy Chad Norvell to represent them on the Board of Directors. Chief Deputy Norvell has served on the Board since 2006 and represents a region from Waller County south to the Gulf of Mexico. “TMPA is a very professional organization and I have personally supported their effort at the Texas Capitol to promote professionalism in law enforcement,” says Constable Troy Nehls. Trentia Solomon was honored at the recent Texana Center Board of Trustees meeting with a HEROES Award for her courageous effort to save not one, but two lives at the Texana Learning Center at Missouri City. Within a two week period, Trentia performed the Heimlich Maneuver on two individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During one lunch period at the Learning Center, an individual started choking. Onsite nursing staff were called, but before they reached the dining area, Trentia had already performed the maneuver. She stayed with the individual even after the nurses took over to reassure him that he would be okay. Little did she know that she would be performing the Heimlich Maneuver again the next week on another individual with the same positive outcome.

Funds From Page 4 mance. Some of the best managers in the world can and will underperform for as long as three years at a stretch. The point is to find the right managers for the long haul. The average mutual fund charges about 1.5 percent annually for management expenses. Many funds can cost upwards of 2 to 3 percent. This is important because every dollar taken from investors has to be made up in performance to add value. It is very difficult for a manager to add more than 1.5 to 2 percent above a benchmark in the

Norvell “I am proud to have Chief Deputy Norvell involved with them,” Nehls says.

Norvell also serves on the HGAC Regional Safety Council and is President of Fort Bend MUD 151 in the Katy/ Fulshear area. TMPA is the oldest Statewide police association in Texas, having been chartered in 1950 and today TMPA is the professional voice for over 16,000 Texas law enforcement officers. In addition to comprehensive training programs for officers, TMPA also provides superior legal protection for their members, contract bargaining, and is a powerful voice at the Texas Capitol.

Exchange Club of Sugar Land leads the nation in honors Newly elected president for 2010-2011, Amy Mitchell, and other board members attended the National Exchange Convention, recently held in La Quinta, CA . At the meeting, both Past President Betty Baitland and Mitchell accepted several distinguishing awards for Fort Bend community service in 2009-2010. Baitland brought back the Distinguished Club President Award. Presidents Baitland and Mitchell were acknowledged for their contributions in the formation of the new Lone Star Exchange Club, serving Rosenberg and Richmond communities. Recognition for outstanding recruiting went to Harold Ward and Mitchell. Alicia Marra received the Distinguished District Director Award. The compassion and tremendous hard work of all The Exchange Club of Sugar Land members earned the prestigious National Service Award,

called the Big “E” Award, and honors for the Campaign for Kids initiative. The Exchange Club is America’s Premier Service Club.

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land promotes Americanism, recognizes outstanding youth and participates in community service.

How about a worry-free insurance plan especially for people age 45 and over?* State Auto’s new Prime of LifeSM Plan provides expanded insurance coverages and substantial premium discounts on auto and homeowners insurance for qualifying customers age 45 and over*! As part of the Prime of Life Plan, you’ll enjoy enhanced coverages for when you travel, anywhere in the U.S.A. or Canada. Call your State Auto agent today for more information. Texans Insurance &enhancements/discounts Financial Group, *Qualifying age and coverage vary byInc state. 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 Sugar Land, TX 77478-3535 PH (281)277-7800 FAX (281)277-7801 basil@texansinsure.com Your best insurance is a good agent. “Friends you can depend on”

Providing fee-only services to individuals, families and businesses since 1996. (281) 634-9400 www.wjinterests.com

Texana’s HEROES award

with Trentia Solomon, Vocational Trainer at the Texana Learning Center at Missouri City, receives the HEROES (Helping Everyone Recognize Our Exceptional Employees Service) Award from Dianne Wilson, Chair of the Texana Board of Trustees. long term. The asset class matters when considering mutual fund expenses. For example, you should be willing to pay more for a manager who focuses on emerging market companies than one who invests in U.S. large companies, and less for a typical bond manager. Explanation of Strategy If you can’t understand what the manager’s strategy is, you shouldn’t invest with him, period. Some professionals try to confuse potential investors by developing complicated processes and criteria, things that ultimately may not add any value. While you don’t need to know ev-

erything about what they are doing, you should understand the basic framework they are using to put their funds together. Strategy, not performance, is the driver of future returns. Following these factors will help you select better mutual funds. If you don’t feel comfortable with the process of selection, find a competent financial planner to do the due diligence and make recommendations. WJ Interests is a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm in Sugar Land. For more information, contact wj@wjinterests.com or 281-634-9400.

WCJC is making it even more convenient for students to obtain their education by offering “Weekend College” it’s Sugar Land campus. atatits

Core courses offered include:

English History

Chemistry Drama Speech

Mathematics Mathmatics Sociology

1-800-561-9252, ext. 6303 or visit:

wcjc.edu

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 11, 2010

Legal Notices

AUTOMOBILE: Infiniti Sedan By BARBARA FULENWIDER The G sedan is Infiniti’s best selling model because over the years it has always offered exceptional and sporty performance, style and luxury. For 2010 the G sedan got its exterior design revised, technology upgraded and the interior enhanced. All but the exterior changes are available on the 2010 G37 coupe and G37 convertible. The four models buyers can choose from are the G37 sedan, G37 sedan Journey, G37 sedan sport 6MT and G37x sedan AWD. Which ever turns out to be your preference will be powered by a 3.7-liter variable valve V6, which makes 328 horsepower and 269 ft.-lb. of torque. The motor is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that is standard equipment on all models ex-

cept the G37 sport 6MT. Estimated miles to the gallon for the G37 sedan Journey are 19 in city driving and 27 on the highway. The 2010 G sedan is a striking looking vehicle. Its long, wavelike hood, raked A-pillars and strong stance project a balance of power and grace that suggests plenty of power within. The front of the G sedan has new headlights and grille and the standard fog lights have been moved from the headlight cluster to the lower fascia for a more distinctive appearance. All Gs offer standard high intensity discharge bi-functional Xenon headlights. In the rear, the L-shaped LED taillights express the G heritage and Infiniti design identity. The trunk lid is accented by an integrated spoiler and the dual exhausts

add a sporty appearance. The The G37 sedan has a crafted interior environment with luxury features such as standard leather seats and optional audiophile quality Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose, a premium audio system, which combines Bose’s three-way front door speaker array using 10-inch woofers with a parcel shelf-mounted subwoofer. Other enhancements for 2010 include a new predominantly white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display, which improves legibility and provides a more cohesive design. The G’s optional Infiniti Navigation System has been enhanced with 08IT technology and a new display screen with higher resolution. Along with XM NavTraffic, the navigation system now includes NavWeather and threeday forecast, streaming audio

via Bluetooth and the Zagat Restaurant Guide. The system also has touch screen voice recognition and a 9.3 gig music box hard drive. Other technologies include Infiniti intelligent key with push button ignition, a seveninch color monitor display, XM Satellite Radio, rear view monitor, Bluetooth hands free phone system and cruise control with preview braking. The Infiniti G packs plenty

of power, is a beauty inside and out, has good cockpit space and layout and lots of luxury. It’s also a kick to drive. The retail price is $34,450. Options on the Journey included the premium package, sport package, rear deck lid spoiler, high friction brake pads and navigation package. Those wonderful additions increased the bottom line to $42,345, including destination charge.

History of Sugar Land and the Kempners By JOHN WHITMORE To tell the story of Sugar Land and the Kempner family you have to go back to the 1830s—and, then it all makes good sense. The 1830s saw the birth of the Republic of Texas. And, this period saw the birth of one Harris Kempner in Poland. At the same time, Stephen F. Austin awarded a league of land to his right-hand man, Samuel May Williams. This league today includes the City of Sugar Land. Williams planted sugar cane and named his plantation on Oyster Creek “Oakland.” In the early1840s, the Williams family built a sugar mill on the plantation to capitalize on the profitable sugar cane crop. In the mid 1850s a couple of Brazoria County landowners— W.J. Kyle and B.F. Terry— bought the Williams property and called it “Sugar Land.” Kyle and Terry modernized the harvesting and milling of cane in the area. They also secured a bend in the railroad line so that trains would run in front of the sugar mill on their plantation. When the Civil War broke out, Terry joined the Confederacy and gained renown as commander of Terry’s Rangers. Unfortunately he was killed in 1861 before he could return to his plantation. Kyle died in 1864, and the Terry and Kyle heirs began selling off portions of the property. A couple of former colonels in the Confederate Army then entered the Sugar Land scene. Col. E.H. Cunningham bought the Oakland Plantation, where most of the City of Sugar Land is today. Col. Littleberry Ellis bought the remainder of the property and called his plantation Sartartia—about where New Territory is now. Now, move your attention back to Poland where 17-yearold Harris Kempner dodged conscription into the Russian army and immigrated to New York in 1853—without funds. He worked as a day laborer until he could raise enough money to buy passage to Texas. In his spare time he learned the English language. The young Kempner scraped together enough funds and credit to buy a store in Cold Springs, Texas, in what is now San Jacinto County. When the Civil War broke out, he volunteered to become part of Parson’s Brigade in the Confederacy. After the war, he returned to Cold Springs, re-opened his store, then decided he should pursue more lucrative business opportunities in Galveston. His wholesale grocery business in the port city soon became one of the largest in Texas. He plowed his profits back into land and banks and proved he knew how to make money— lots of it. He married Eliza Seinsheimer of Cincinnati, and in 1873 they welcomed Isaac Herbert

I.H. “Ike” Kempner Sr., founder of the Imperial Sugar Company. (“Ike”) as their eldest son. Together they had 10 children, eight surviving to adulthood. Harris Kempner became a highly successful civic leader and businessman in Galveston and the Texas Gulf Coast. He worked at improving the port facilities in Galveston as well as promoting railroads. He bought out several banks, one of which survives as U.S. National Bank. In 1894, Ike was called away from his studies at Washington & Lee law school in Lexington, Virginia. At 21 years of age, he took over the family enterprise upon the death of his father. Though he never completed his law degree, he later was admitted to the Texas Bar without a diploma. Ike Kempner took over a vast business empire which included cotton brokerage, banking, and ranching, in addition to the core wholesale business. About the same time things were popping in the plantation business. Col. Cunningham constructed the first sugar cane refinery in Texas. It was the only mechanized refinery producing white sugar crystals as opposed to syrup. But, by the 1900s profits were down. The Kempners began looking for agricultural deals in the Sugar Land area. They connected with W.T. Eldridge, a railroad developer in the new “Sugar Bowl.” Ike and two of his brothers, Dan and Lee, bought the Ellis Plantation (Sartartia) and Eldridge offered his services to run the family’s sugar mill and cane fields. It didn’t take long before the wheeling-and-dealing Eldridge suggested “they” also buy the Cunningham land and join the two properties into an 18,500 acre venture with him as the general manager. On his resume, Eldridge could claim experience operating and building railroads, developing company towns, and a substantial record of shooting people. The partnership was one that makes even today’s businessmen wonder. The Kempner family was to put up all of the money and Eldridge was to provide management for the new venture. Ownership was simple— half and half. Under the agreement, Eldridge was to get rid of

I.H. Kempner’s eldest son, I.H. “Herbert” Kempner Jr., took over management of the company with his brother, Harris, in the 1930s. his San Antonio banking properties and move his family to Sugar Land. When the Kempners bought the property, the Cunningham Refinery was then operated by Imperial Sugar Company. It was named after an impressive New York hotel where Ike Kempner stayed as a youth. Ike not only picked up the name, but he also used the hotel’s logo of a crown. As an aside, in a book I.H. Kempner wrote some fifty years later he said his mother was against the partnership because of Eldridge’s reputation. “She feared Eldridge would shoot one of us, but we had no troubles or serious difficulties in our business affairs and attendant personal problems.” In those early days of labor intensive sugar cane farming, the talents of Texas State convicts were hired into service. In 1914 the Texas Legislature banned the use of these “subsidized” workers. This, coupled with the sugar industry changing from pure agriculture to manufacturing, changed the game plan. At Kempner’s initiation a new kind of worker was recruited and brought to Sugar Land. Thus, a cadre of permanent employees and their families was created. Eldridge hired Gus Ulrich, a 26-year-old man from Schulenberg, Texas, to run the plantation. One of Ulrich’s first tasks was to improve the built environment by constructing houses, and attracting families to the town. The company houses were quite modern, for those days. The basic house had two or three bedrooms, indoor plumbing, running water, electricity and enough land to support a home garden. Or, at least those were the specs for the 50 percent of the work force who were White. For the remaining 50 percent—African Americans and Hispanics—housing was above local standards, but not by much. These houses might have two or three bedrooms, but there was no indoor plumbing, electricity, or even water. There was a hand pump on the back porch for those residents. But, these homes also had ample room for gardens.

W.T. Eldridge managed every aspect of the refinery and company town for the Kempners from 1908 until his death in 1932. Rent was rather low, certainly by today’s standards. For example, hourly workers were paid about 20 cents per hour and rent for the company owned houses ran $5 to $20 per month. Beef at the company store ran about 6 cents per pound. In 1932 Eldridge died, and Gus Ulrich continued to manage the Sugarland Industries, which owned and managed just about everything on the 12,500 acres except Imperial Sugar. The I.H. Kempner branch of the family took over as head of Imperial Sugar. That included I.H.’s eldest son, Herbert, and his brother, Harris, who took over direct management of the Company. Later Herbert’s sons Denny and James held the top job. The direct influence of I.H. Kempner ended with his death in 1967 at the age of 94, ending a six-decade career with Sugar Land and the Imperial Sugar Company. After managing the growing city and increasingly complex company, Harris Kempner made the decision to get out of the company town business. Overseeing activities as diverse as education, garbage collection, hospital affairs, and real estate took valuable time away from running a successful company. In 1958, his predecessor in the executive chair, Herbert Kempner, made the decision to get out of the home-ownership business by selling the homes to the “renters” as well as making attractive lots available. Extensive flood control projects produced many waterfront lots in Sugar Land that could be purchased for only a token amount in today’s dollars. But the real spurt in home building in Sugar Land came in the late 1960s. The Freeway reached into the center of Sugarland Industries’ 8,700 acres of farm lands, tapping into Houston’s southwestern growth. Harris and Denny Kempner, who were charged with selling the land, were impressed by a development in Nassau Bay, serving the fast growing space program. And, in keeping with the Kempner family way of doing business, they called on their cousin, Dan Oppenheim-

er, a San Antonio banker, to get involved. After Oppenheimer conducted a tour of the Nassau Bay project, he talked business over coffee at one of the stores in the area with Jake Kamin, the developer. The two businessmen talked and made notes on a paper napkin. Finally, they agreed on the sale of 1,200 acres and signed the napkin, making a true Texas deal. Later, the remaining 7,500 acres were sold to Gerald Hines for $43 million, at the time the largest land sale in Texas history. With that, the Kempner Family pretty well wound down their involvement in the unique Company Town, Sugar Land… But its residents say “Thanks!” for all they did. Author John Whitmore is a member of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Board of Directors. For more fascinating facts about Sugar Land’s history, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.slheritage.org. LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 10-121 – PURCHASE OF NEW REHABILITATION TRAILER Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. 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

BID 11-001 – COPIER EQUIPMENT AND MAINTENANCE; BID 11-002 – HAULING AND DISPOSAL OF CONDENSATE LEACHATE; BID 11-003 – CHILDRENS BOOKS FROM A LOCAL VENDOR; BID 11-004 – FORD DEALER PARTS; BID 11-005 – SCHOOL ZONE LIGHTS; BID 11-006 – AUTO BODY REPAIRS; BID 11-007 – CONCRETE STREET REPAIRS; BID 11-008 – TRAFFIC SIGNS, POSTS AND SUPPLIES; BID 11-009 – TIRES AND TUBES; BID 11-010 – OIL AND LUBRICANTS; BID 11-011 – WEED, BRUSH AND INSECT CONTROL MATERIALS Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are not required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 for Lakemont Commercial Reserve, Replat No. 1, Pct. 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, William B. Travis Bldg., 309 S. Fourth St., Rm. 700, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Warren Escovy with LJA Engineering & Surveying Inc. at 713-953-5200 for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 10-116 – CITY OF KENDLETON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT A pre-bid conference will be conducted on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 10:00AM (CST). The pre-bid conference will be held at the Fort Bend County Purchasing Department located in the Rosenberg Annex at 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas 77471. All vendors are encouraged to attend. Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 10-120 – BACKHOE LOADER Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. 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

LEGAL NOTICE INVITATION TO BIDDERS Sealed Bids will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg, TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010 at 1:30 P.M. (CST). All bids will then be publicly opened and read in the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Bids received after the specified time will be returned unopened. BID 10-117 – CHIP SEAL EMULSION CHEMICAL ROAD MATERIAL Lump sum pricing is required; payment will be by check after products/services are rendered. Bonds are required. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

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

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

LEGAL NOTICE REQUESTS FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS Sealed Qualification Statements will be received in the Office of Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., County Purchasing Agent, Fort Bend County, Rosenberg Annex, 4520 Reading Road, Suite A, Rosenberg TX 77471 for the following until THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010 AT 1:30 P.M. (CST). Q10-118 – DESIGN BUILD ANIMAL SERVICES SATELLITE A pre-SOQ conference will be conducted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 10:00AM (CST). The conference will be held at the site located at 2725 FM 521, Fresno, Texas. All vendors are encouraged to attend. Fort Bend County reserves the right to reject any or all qualification statements received. Signed: Gilbert D. Jalomo, Jr., Purchasing Agent Fort Bend County, Richmond, Texas PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the revised traffic control plan for Sienna Steep Bank Village, Section 1 at the intersection of Steep Bank Trace at North Fitzgerald Way to add a multiway stop, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson, Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Teal Run, Section 18, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Winfield Lakes, Section 10, Precinct 2. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom, 309 South Fourth St., Suite 700, William B. Travis Bldg., Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

AUGUST 11, 2010 • INDEPENDENT • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: The Other Guys I saw this movie at 10:30 on a Saturday morning; I enjoyed brunch of popcorn and Mr. Pibb. I’m back home now and trying to bang out a few words about “The Other Guys,” but I’m still weak from watching the movie and driving in feels-like heat of 100+. This is the funniest terrible movie I’ve ever seen. It is dreadful and unworthy of Director Adam McKay and Will Ferrell who teamed up on “Anchorman” and “Talladega Nights.” McKay is a seasoned comedy writer (“Saturday Night Live”) and co-wrote this piece of muck, but even his comedic genius could not save this asinine, juvenile movie. Don’t get me wrong; I

laughed at least 20 times but as soon as I caught my breath I returned to boredom and weariness. This is the type

of movie that you should see if you have absolutely nothing better to do with your time and you just want a few cheap

UH-Victoria President Tim Hudson to assume newly created post University of Houston System Chancellor Renu Khator has appointed Tim Hudson, president of UH-Victoria (UHV), to the newly created position of Special Assistant to the Chancellor for International Programs and Initiatives. In this capacity, he will help coordinate the UH System’s overall efforts to expand and enhance its international presence. Hudson will work closely with the presidents of the four UHS universities. He is scheduled to begin Sept. 1. “We’re very fortunate to have someone of Tim’s caliber take on this challenging new

task,” Khator said. “Given his academic background in geography and international relations, including being a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and working for the U.S. State Department, he brings a wealth of experience to this position.” Hudson, who has been president of UHV since 2004, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at UHV, but this is a rare opportunity and I’m ready for a new challenge,” he said. “We all know what a premium Chancellor Khator places on expanding our inter-

national partnerships, so this will be a very demanding but very rewarding responsibility.” Khator praised Hudson’s tenure as president of UHV. “Under his leadership, UHV has made remarkable progress,” she said, noting the recent expansion into a full four-year institution with student housing and intercollegiate teams in baseball and softball. Hudson received his Ph.D. in geography from Clark University and served as provost at the University of Southern Mississippi before coming to UHV.

jokes and maybe a guffaw. This movie should be seen on your patio with that cheap TV that you keep outside so you can watch stuff while you are grilling the weekend steaks. The kind of movie that you watch out of the corner of your eye on Channel 397 late at night. Or maybe on Channel 51 as you are washing clothes. Say something positive, Larry H., and quit being such a whiner. Ok, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell had good comedic chemistry as mismatched NY police detectives and the opening scene featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson as super cops is hilarious and very well done. And Michael Keaton as Captain Gene Mauch shows that he can still bring it. Keaton at 58 needed the gig. Some of the ongoing jokes about femininity and music are pretty funny and clever. But the storyline is so infantile that there is no way to assign this film any redeeming social value or nominations for any category. I need a nap. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 75. Larry H. sugarlaw@larryharrison.com

Not just oil, Pennzoil

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BEND SINCE 1981

Russell C. Jones Thelma Holoway Jones Lewis W. “Chip” Smith IV ● Real Estate ● Landlord/Tenant ● ● Banking ● Creditors' Rights ● Collections ● ● Business and Corporate Law ● Immigration ● ● Business Litigation ● Mergers and Acquisitions ● ● Estate Planning ● Probate ● ● Property Owners' Associations ● In the Sugar Land Industrial Park 407 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, Tx. 77478 281-242-8100 rjones@jonesattorneys.com www.jonesattorneys.com AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

New senate transportation chair to address Central FB Chamber Statewide mobility and transportation issues, particularly funding issues, are always hot topics of conversation. With the 82nd State Legislature preparing itself to find solutions for a projected budget shortfall, those conversations and debates are getting even hotter. The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance’s August Business Luncheon will offer expert insight into some of those issues as it presents Sen. Tommy Williams, Dist. 4, who was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security on July 14 by Lt. Governor David Dewhurst.

Government contracting and certification course Have you thought of doing business with local, state, or the federal government? Federal, state and local government agencies have different certification programs with different eligibility factors and application processes. You should first determine which agencies you want to do business with, and then look into the applicable certification programs. PTAC can help you determine if you are eligible for certification and help you apply. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the U of H Fort Bend County SBDC, 117 Lane Drive, Suite 31, Rosenberg, Texas 77471. For more information or to register for this event, contact UH Fort Bend County SBDC at 281-499-9787. For additional information about the University of Houston Small Business Development Center and its programs, please call 281.499.9787. The UH SBDC is a program of the C.T. Bauer College of Business and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The appointment was the result of a sudden shake-up in Senate committee construction, which saw the removal of Sen. John Carona from that position. The Chamber and Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation will present Senator Williams on Friday, August 13 at 11:30 a.m. at the Safari Texas Ranch Magnolia Room, located at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. In 2002, after three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, Williams was elected to serve as State Senator for District 4. He is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs, an outspoken advocate for Texas taxpayers and a recognized

and respected leader in budgetary issues. The Texas A&M graduate currently serves as President of Woodforest Financial Services, an affiliate of Woodforest National Bank in the Woodlands. Reservations for the luncheon are $30 for Chamber members and $40 for prospective members and guests. After August 10 at noon, a $10 late fee will be added. Cancellations less than 72 hours in advance and “no shows” will be charged. For reservations or more information, call 281342-5464 or email reservations@CFBCA.org.

Sugar Land Democrats

Fort Bend Aggie Moms

Sugar Land Democratic Club will hold its monthly meeting on the second Saturday of the month, on Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. to12 noon at the First Colony Branch Library Sugar Land 2121 Austin Parkway.

Fort Bend Aggie Moms! New and returning Aggie Moms will meet on Monday, August 16 for the first meeting of the 2010-2011 school year at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way. Social time, refreshments, and boutique shopping begin at 7 p.m. followed by the program and business meeting. Guest speaker will be Ron Klinger and his topic will be “Supporting Your Aggie Academically”. For more information visit www.fortbendaggiemoms.org.

Back-To-School launch party benefits SMSD The Vineyard Church of Stafford is partnering with Stafford MSD to provide every student with a new school back-pack and six basic school supplies to start the school year. On Saturday, August 14, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Stafford Primary and Middle School Cafeterias, the Vineyard Church will be providing canvas backpacks, supplies, and on a limited basis hair-cuts, family photos, food and much more. A splatterpaint station will give students an opportunity to personalize their back-packs and the younger children can play in a moonwalk. The 3,100 back-packs will be filled assembly line style with school supplies at the church on the preceding Sunday. Students must provide photo ID, report card, or some other proof of registration.

FtBendSportsMedicine.com Enjoy your Sport - Decrease your Chances of Getting Hurt While I enjoy doing surgery, I have always believed the best approach to Sports Medicine is teaching my patients how to take care of themselves so they are less likely to get hurt in the first place. Why have surgery if you can avoid it? The off-season is the time to prepare, and one size does not fit all. Let me evaluate your current physical conditioning and workout routine to help you develop a personalized training program to maximize your fitness for your sport.

THOMAS J. PARR, M.D. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON 14090 Southwest Fwy, #130 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Phone: (281) 491-7111 www.tomparrmd.net www.FtBendSportsMedicine.com

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 11, 2010

Memorial Hermann, Texas Oncology and US Oncology join Forces

NEW 2010 TOYOTA

COROLLA model # 1831 manual transmission.

13,995

NEW 2011 TOYOTA

CAMRY model # 2513 manual transmission.

16,495 Photos for illustration purposes only. Must qualify for all incentives, rebates and discounts to receive sale price. Rebates from TMS/GST. Plus tax, title and license. Dealer Fees included. See dealer for complete details.

Memorial Hermann, Texas Oncology and US Oncology announced they will enter into a joint business relationship that will expand the spectrum of cancer care available at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital. “This new venture enables Memorial Hermann and Texas Oncology to greatly expand our respective clinical and organizational strengths. Together, we will offer the very best in radiation therapy services to patients served by these two hospitals,” said Dan Wolterman, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System Chief Executive Officer. “Through this key partnership, patients will now have access to expanded services and can expect the highest standard of cancer care with the latest cancer therapies and most advanced treatments,” said Steve Paulson, M.D., president and chairman of the board, Texas Oncology. “These services will provide greater availability to key resources that will help patients

fight cancer.” At Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, the relationship with Texas Oncology and US Oncology will enable the hospital to add new services such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumors and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for appropriate body tumor in addition to expanding its ability to provide patients access to national cancer clinical trials via US Oncology Research for the latest therapeutic modalities and investigative therapies. Currently, the physicians associated with the Cancer Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City treat all types of cancers and specialize in breast, colorectal, gynecological, head and neck, kidney, lung, neurological, prostate and thyroid cancers. The Center offers state-ofthe-art treatment options for patients, including robotic-assisted surgery, radiation oncology, clinical trials and more. “Our goal is to provide patients with access to the most advanced cancer treatments and tools,” said Vivek Kavadi,

M.D., radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology and medical director of radiation oncology at US Oncology. “Not only does this partnership expand our services, but it allows our patients to be treated close to home.” The joint business relationship also includes Texas Oncology-Sugar Land’s radiation oncology services. Located at 1350 First Colony Boulevard near the intersection of Highway 6, the 16,000-square-foot center provides complete, integrated cancer care and incorporates the latest, most effective diagnostic and treatment technologies, including PET/CT imaging and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). For more information about Memorial Hermann, visit www.memorialhermann.org or call 713-222-CARE (2273). To learn more about Texas Oncology, visit www.TexasOncology.com or 1-888-864CAN (4426). To learn more about US Oncology, visit www.USOncology.com or 281-863-1000.

CanCare, Inc., in conjunction with Interface-Samaritan Counseling Centers now offers:

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Thursday nights 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. August 12 - September 16 at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital To register, call Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Spiritual Care office at 281-274-7164 or contact CanCare directly at 713-461-0028

1/2 ACRE TO 1+ ACRES. WANT A BIGGER HOMESITE? BUY TWO OR MORE. We have other homesites available. Information upon request.

AUGUST 20-22 3 DAYS ONLY SALE ! 20% OFF published current homesite prices INTEREST RATES AT ALL TIME LOW . HOMESITE PRICES MAY NEVER BE THIS LOW EASY FINANCING . TAKE 3 YEARS TO BUILD (with one of Sienna Plantation’s approved builders)

Now is the time to take hold of your dreams in THE FOREST Sienna Plantation’s most wooded custom neighborhood. The Forest takes your breath away with its lush wooded landscape and open spaces—a perfect place to realize your dream home.

COME SEE THE FOREST FOR THE TREES.

donÕt Miss

THE GRAND SOIREE TheGrandSoiree.com siennaplantation.com

facebook.com/siennaplantation

Sienna Parkway at Hwy. 6 . 281-778-7777

LIVE WELL. PLAY HARD. HAVE FUN.

Priced from the $100s

The information provided is reliable at the time written; however, it is not warranted or guaranteed. Prices are subject to change without notice. As with any financial decision, buyers are encouraged to do their own due diligence when selecting a home builder. Sienna Plantation makes no representations or warranties on the quality or financial ability of the home builders. Unless otherwise noted, Sienna Plantation is not affiliated with any of the third party builders, developers or governmental entities described herein. 08/10

Greenway

Downtown

Galleria Med Center

Fort Bend Parkway