Fort Bend Independent 082918 by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 11 No. 35

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Fort Bend recovers after New Metro bus service begins Harvey, literally with creativity in Missouri City

It’s time to connect. The new transit service hit the road in Missouri City Monday, Aug. 27, after a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at the City hall complex. This marks the first phase of METRO and Missouri City’s joint partnership to develop a service tailored to meet the needs of the city’s residents. The MCTX Community Connector will provide on-demand curb to destination service, seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. within the zone. From right, Houston Community College Southwest President Madeline Burillo-Hopkins, Missouri City City Manager Anthony Snipes, Councilman Jerry Wyatt, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Councilman Jeﬀrey L. Boney, U.S. Rep. Al Green, Mayor Allen Owen, Houston Metro Second Vice-chair Cindy Siegel, Metro board member Sanjay Ramabhadran, Councilman Floyd Emery and Metro President & CEO Tom Lambert, behind Emery, joined the ribbon cutting ceremony. Below, Mayor Allen Owen, elected oﬃcials and guests take the inaugural bus ride. Story on Page 3.

Pictured (L to R): Asst. Chief Rios, Battalion Chief Sabrsula, Div. Chief Hafer, Asst. City Manager Bill Atkinson, MCFRS Chief Eugene Campbell, Paramedic Cogbill, Paramedic Dorough, Pct. 4 County Commissioner James Patterson, Deputy Chief Graeber, FBCEMS Chief Graig Temple, County Judge Robert Hebert, and Paramedic/ FTO Stevenson. Missouri City Fire and Rescue Services partnered with Fort Bend County Emergency Medical Service to house Medic 8 at Fire Station #1 on Cartwright Rd. in Missouri City. Medic 8, formally the Mobile Intensive Care Unit assigned to the Greatwood/New Territory area of Fort Bend County is now based full time in Missouri City. Medic 8’s primary district covers Hwy 6 from Dulles to Thompson Ferry Rd., south on University to the City of Sugar Land and north of Hwy 6 to Quail Valley Rd and the City of Staﬀord. Medic 4 (Texas Pkwy.) and Medic 5 (Sienna Pkwy.) continue to also serve Missouri City from Fire Stations 3 and 4.

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend Recovers …with Creativity presented “The Harvey Experience – one year later,” an event marking the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey on Aug. 25 at Constellation Field. It was a display and exhibition of original, creative works of art – both visual and performing – created and submitted by Fort Bend County residents of all ages and backgrounds that have been impacted by Harvey. The fine arts showcase comprised original visual art and literary works created by residents of the community who were directly and indirectly affected by Hurricane Harvey. Artistic expression can be a powerful tool for survivors to process emotions, reflect on their experience and continue their recovery. In the “Creative expressions” area children ages 5 to teen participated in two different experiences based on the community’s resiliency and healing during and after Hurricane Harvey. On the “Performing arts” stage artists expressed their stories in ways other than the visual and literary arts, through dance, songs and poetry readings. “After the anniversary event, we would like to have a touring exhibit of the original products of this showcase, perhaps engaging libraries or schools or other gallery spaces across Fort Bend to showcase pieces that represent the body of work as a whole. We would like to have representative pieces be preserved in a time capsule for future generations. We understand that we are in a recovery process that is memorable and worth remembering – we are living and making history right now,” said Dr. Amy Harkins, a psychologist with Easter Seals Greater Houston. Fort Bend Recovers...with Creativity is a workgroup under Fort Bend Recovers (the official Fort Bend County long-term recovery group) born out of the collaboration in the Fort Bend Recovers Spiritual and Mental Health workgroup. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert in a press briefing earlier said a watershed study is underway and the study will be completed in 18 months. It will

Sledge hammer mounted on wood. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, right, Cher Brinks, volunteer with Fort Bend Recovers and Pat Hebert in front of a symbolic exhibit by the Creekside Christian Fellowship. A group of women volunteers from Illinois used this pink-painted sledge hammer to gut out the homes damaged in Hurricane Harvey.

help the county decide how to spend wisely to improve flood control measures. The county is also evaluating how to get the Barker Reservoir fixed. When Harvey hit on Aug. 24, 2017, there were five tornadoes and 300 houses were destroyed. Of these, 200 houses were destroyed in Sienna Plantation alone, Hebert said. It was a known storm of record for the country and no human

being has ever experienced such an event before, he said. Though 6,824 homes were aﬀected, the county was resilient. Harvey was categorized as an 800-year event, but its intensity varied from a 1,000-year event in the Neeeville area to 2,000 to 5000-year event in Katy, Sugar Land, Mission Bend and Missouri City areas. The Barker Reservoir area experienced a 5,000-year event, Hebert said.

Waters have no boundaries... Photos by Rhonda Kuykendall

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 29, 2018

NEWS

Legacy Ford presents Central Fort Bend Chamber 2018 Business Expo

The Central Fort Bend Chamber will be hosting their annual Business Expo presented by Legacy Ford at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds on October 23. The Business Expo is free to attend and open to the public. Doors will open at 10:00 a.m. and remain open until 2:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to visit over 60 businesses ranging from boutiques to insurance. The Business Expo is an opportunity for businesses in Fort Bend County to come together under one roof to showcase their products and resources available to the public. The Expo promotes business to business connections, large scale networking, and supporting small businesses in the area. Registration is now open for booth purchase, advertisement opportunities, and attendance at www.cfbca.org. For more information on sponsorships

and booths you can contact Special Events and Programs Director, Tiﬀany Davis at tdavis@cfbca.org or 281.342.5464. Photo : (L-R) Patrick Sexton, Legacy Ford Partner, Kristin Weiss, Central Fort Bend Chamber President / CEO, Ron Ewer, Legacy Ford Owner, John Kennedy, Central Fort Bend Chamber Chairman

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better

2815 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City, TX 77459 www. plantationqv.com

Phone: (281) 208-4470

Assisted Living Locators launches local franchise Assisted Living Locators announced today the launch of its franchise in Houston. Assisted Living Locators will provide the full continuum of care providing assistance in locating quality assisted living options throughout southwest Houston metropolitan area, including Fort Bend, Harris and Brazoria counties. The franchise is owned by Eldercare Advisor Robert Wolter. Assisted Living Locators offers a NO COST service for seniors and their families providing expert advice on short and long-term care options, including in-home care, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and retirement apartments. It generates revenue from the referral fees paid by the facilities. According to the Administration on Aging, the population of adults 65 and older is experiencing the biggest increase in history. Between 2010 and 2050, the number of seniors is expected to more than double. “As a result of our growing senior population, many different options for care and housing are available, including in-home companion care; 55+ communities; independent retirement options; assisted living and memory care, and nursing homes,” said Robert Wolter, Assisted Living Locators franchise owner. “Seniors and their families need a trusted advisor to help them navigate what can be an overwhelming amount of information. We are also a resource for short-term respite care, emergency discharges, and out-of-town relocations.” He explained that Assisted Living Locators offers a complete assessment of a senior’s needs and recommends a plan

Wolter that provides the full continuum of care. “Our goal is to assist families in choosing appropriate care options for their loved ones, to save time, decrease stress, and to provide ‘peace of mind,’” said Wolter. “And because I’m local and in the community, I look at a wide range of options for seniors that just can’t be matched by online resource databases. I tour and rank all the facilities I recommend, and make sure all our partners in the senior care market are fully committed to providing the best care possible.” Wolter has lived in the Houston and Fort Bend County area for more than 45 years, working in law enforcement and community college education. He has also served on the local city council. “My past experience, education and knowledge has been focused on helping people and I’m excited to assist families to ﬁnd the best senior care options for their loved ones,” Wolter added. For more information call Robert Wolter at 281-6916321, or visit www.SWHouston.AssistedLivingLocators. com.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 29, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS

Missouri City bus service gets Congressional Recognition

Congressman Al Green, center, presents certificates of recognition to Houston Metro Second Vice Chair Cindy Siegel and Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen.

By SESHADRI KUMAR It was a dream come true for Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen, city council members and the Houston Metro officials as they gathered to celebrate the inauguration of a significant first bus service in the city on Monday. U.S. Rep. Al Green while praising the mayor for his many accomplishments, described the introduction of the bus service as a “significant accomplishment that deserves to be lauded.” The inauguration for the bus service is a great occasion and deserved a Congressional recognition, Green said. He listed the city’s acquisition of the Quail Valley Golf Course several years ago as a prudent step which resulted in higher property values, widening of the Texas Parkway and bringing the HCC campus adjacent to the city hall and added the latest bus service as a feather in the cap of the mayor and city and city council. He presented the U.S. flag flown on the nation’s Capitol and Congressional Certificates of Recognition to Owen and Houston Metro Vice chair Cindy Siegel. Missouri City Councilman Jeffrey Boney said the city council and Houston Metro officials were working hard for a long time on how to maximize the services for Missouri City residents who have been paying 1 cent sales

tax to Metro. “I am delighted to be where we are today. Everyone in the city will be able to access the service,” Boney said. Tom Lambert, president and CEO of Houston Metro said this is one of the ﬁrst steps in expanding transit services in 43 square miles of Missouri City and the service will be expanded and improved. This service is not only for connecting within the city, but would help connect to bus services in the region and take riders to churches, schools and doctor’s oﬃces and so on. Lambert said. The initial connector service matches what the community’s needs are and the vehicle’s green color blends with the city’s green logo, he said. HCC Southwest President Madeline Burillo-Hopkins said she was proud of the leadership provided by Missouri City and was glad that the connector service will provide access to more students to attend the campus. The service in a nutshell: Service seven days a week Operates daily from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Just $1.25 each way Half-price fares for students and seniors with a discount METRO Q® Fare Card or METRO Day Pass Receive a FREE threehour transfer when using your METRO Q® Fare Card

Pick-up and drop-oﬀ anywhere within the zone including home, oﬃce, or retail Schedule one-way or roundtrip service in advance through the Community Connector reservation line Schedule regular or solo trips in advance through the Community Connector reservation line Catch the bus anywhere within the zone or one of the hubs: 1. Walmart Superstore (5501 Highway 6) 2. Missouri City P&R (13849 Fondren Rd.) Connecting Routes Missouri City Park & Ride 63 Fondren 98 Briargate 170 Missouri City (Express Service to the TMC) Call the MCTX Community Connector reservation line at 713-739-3823 to schedule your trip, and give the representative the following: 1. Requested pick-up time 2. Your location within the zone 3. Your destination within the zone Reservations are subject to availability. or Pick up the MCTX Community Connector during a scheduled stop at Walmart (Highway 6) or the Missouri City Park & Ride (Fondren Road), at the top of every hour. Board the bus and give the Operator your destination – anywhere within the zone.

Angie Wierzbicki files for Missouri City City Council Angie Wierzbicki filed as a candidate for Missouri City City Council, At Large Position 2, late last month and drew the #2 spot on the ballot last week. “I am excited to announce my candidacy,” Wierzbicki said. “As an active member of the community, I am dedicated to building on Missouri City’s strengths and advocating for change where it’s needed.” Originally from the Midwest, Wierzbicki has been an involved resident of Missouri City for eight years. She works as a nonprofit executive, having served in leadership positions in Fort Bend since 2010, including as Executive Director for Fort Bend Lawyers Care and Fort Bend Cares, and currently Cullinan Park Conservancy. Before these roles, Wierzbicki was Executive Director for Louisa Development Group, an economic development organization, in Louisa County, Iowa. After volunteering in the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa for two years, Wierzbicki

Wierzbicki earned a Masters of Science in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University with an emphasis on nature-based tourism and community and economic development. Wierzbicki holds a Bachelors of Arts in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Peace and Conﬂict Studies from University of Southern California. As Co-founder of Missouri

City Green (established 2010), Wierzbicki served as its first Chairperson and implemented the organization’s “Keep Texas Beautiful” affiliate status in 2012. Through her work with the nonprofit, she was a catalyst for city-wide curbside recycling, which went into effect in January 2016. Wierzbicki serves on the Fort Bend Voters League Advisory Board, a nonpartisan political organization, and is an Ex-Officio Board Member and Co-founder of the non-partisan Fort Bend Community Action Network. Due to her significant community contributions, she was presented with the 201718 “Hidden Hero” award. Wierzbicki is married and the mother of two young children. She loves gardening, spending time with family and friends and fighting for her community’s voices to be heard. More information about Wierzbicki, including her position on issues, is available on her website: www. angieformc.com.

Woman sentenced to 20 years for mutilating human corpse A Fort Bend County jury convicted Amanda Perry Hayes of tampering with evidence (human corpse) on August 21, before 400th District Court Judge Maggie Jaramillo sentenced her to 20 years in prison. The 46 year-old North Carolina woman was previously convicted of second-degree murder in North Carolina for the death of her husband’s ex-girlfriend. According to Assistant District Attorney Amanda Bolin, Fort Bend County Sheriﬀ’s investigators were called to the 4300 Block of Skinner Lane in Richmond on July 24, 2011. They were alerted that there may be a human body in Oyster Creek at that location. Within a short period of time, investigators located two pieces of a human torso and part of a human lower leg. The following day, with the assistance of the Houston Police Department Dive Team, a human skull and thigh were located. A few weeks later, a worker with the Gulf Coast Water Authority recovered another human thighbone. As investigators had feared, the remains were later identiﬁed to be that of a

missing 27-year-old mother of two from North Carolina. Laura Ackerson was reported missing in Kinston, North Carolina on July 18, 2011 after disappearing a week earlier. She was last known to be traveling to the home of Grant and Amanda Hayes to pick up her children she shared with Grant Hayes. Grant and Amanda Hayes were later charged and convicted for the murder of Laura Ackerson. Evidence indicated the couple killed Ackerson in their Raleigh, North Carolina apartment, cut up her body, and then transported it in coolers to the home of Amanda Hayes sister in Richmond, Texas. Once in Richmond, the couple ﬁrst attempted to use muriatic acid to destroy Ackerson’s body. When that didn’t work, they took a boat onto Oyster Creek and dumped Laura’s body parts into the water with hopes that alligators would eat her remains. Amanda Hayes testiﬁed at trial that she didn’t kill Ackerson and only helped get rid of her body in Texas because her husband threatened her if she didn’t help. The jury rejected that

defense and found her guilty in just an hour and a half. During the punishment phase of trial, Judge Jaramillo heard from Laura Ackerson’s father as well as a jail supervisor. The defense called Amanda Hayes to the stand, who continued to deny her involvement in the death of Ackerson. Without hesitation, Judge Jaramillo sentenced Amanda Hayes to the maximum possible punishment of 20 years in prison and then ordered that she serve her sentence consecutive to the 13-16 year sentence she already received in North Carolina. Grant Hayes is already serving a life sentence in North Carolina for the murder of Ackerman. “The jury verdict was swift and the Court’s sentence was appropriately harsh,” said lead prosecutor Amanda Bolin. “Laura Ackerson’s family can be assured that Amanda Hayes will be punished for all of her barbaric behavior – whether it was in North Carolina or the great state of Texas.” Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Bolin and Brandon Draper prosecuted the case.

Sugar land woman convicted of DWI after jury trial Kiran Devi Mishra was Canales attempted to get a the entire investigation, but

convicted of Driving While Intoxicated on August 23, 2018 after a 2-day jury trial. She was then sentenced to a yearlong probation during which she will have to attend a DWI awareness class and a Victim Impact Panel. The 45-year-old Sugar Land woman was arrested after several traffic violations led to an investigation into possible impairment and her ability to drive. According to Assistant District Attorney Lauren Wall, Mishra was stopped by Sugar Land Police Officer M. Canales after she witnessed several traffic violations committed on both University and New Territory Blvd in Sugar Land. Once stopped, Officer

very emotional and apologetic Mishra out of the vehicle to evaluate her sobriety. At one point, the defendant offered food in exchange for Canales following her home instead of conducting the investigation. Officer Canales was finally able to evaluate Mishra using the standardized field sobriety tests and determined that she was driving while intoxicated. Once arrested, Mishra refused to give a breath sample and instead offered Officer Canales, and another officer who had arrived, up to $200 each if they would let her go home. Both officers demonstrated professionalism and courtesy to the defendant throughout

denied all of her attempts to convince them that she should be allowed to drive home. “I want to thank the jury for holding the defendant accountable for her actions,” said Wall. “Justice was served and this verdict once again reinforces that Fort Bend County’s citizens will not tolerate these kinds of oﬀenses.” Mishra was tried in County Court at Law No. 4 before Judge Jerry Bussell. Driving While Intoxicated in this case is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a ﬁne up to $2,000. Assistant District Attorneys Lauren Wall and Santos Hinojosa prosecuted the case.

Superstars Zapp, Cupid, and Tucka to perform at Missouri City Community Night Out Festival Residents and visitors will enjoy live musical performances from Superstars Zapp, Cupid, and Tucka at the Third Annual Community Night Out Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Superstars Zapp, Cupid, and Tucka will headline the event. Also Performing will be Jazz Greats Kyle Turner, Mark Dini, Paula Atherton. The musical stars will shine in Missouri City at the Third Annual Community Night Out festival on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Legendary funk band, Zapp, will headline live concert performances with classic hits like “More Bounce to the Ounce” and other dance favorites. Also taking the stage will be: Cupid (singing his double-platinum single Cupid Shuﬄe), Tucka, “the King of Swing”, who will harmonize his chart-topping soulful love songs; and jazz greats Kyle Turner, Mark Dini and Paula Atherton. The jazz showcase will kick-oﬀ at 4 p.m. on the City’s new outdoor Community Center Performance Plaza and run

until 6 p.m. Zapp, Cupid and Tucka are scheduled for the main stage showcase from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. “This is a lineup you don’t want to miss!” said City Manager Anthony Snipes, who launched the festival in 2016 to expand tourism in the area and further market the City Hall Complex as a premier events venue. “This year’s event will be a star-studded evening of superstar performances. Not only will guests be serenaded by artists who are among the best in the business, they will also be able to take part in a health fair, enjoy familyfriendly activities, great food and fellowship with friends

and neighbors.” The free festivities will also include a health fair, food trucks, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, public safety apparatus, face painting and event booths. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. To reserve an event booth space or be a food truck vendor, contact Tourism Manager Sade McCallan at sade. mccallan@missouricitytx.gov or 281.403.8646. Volunteer opportunities are still available; to share your time and talents at the event, please email volunteer@ missouricitytx.gov or apply here: http://bit.ly/2BOmeNI.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Phyllis R. Daik Probate Deceased were issued on August 20, 2018, in Cause No. 18-CPR-031773, pending in the County Court at Law No. TWO (2), Fort Bend County, Texas, to: DAREL I. DAIK. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: DAREL I. DAIK 18010 KITZMAN ROAD CYPRESS, TEXAS 77429 DATED the 26TH day of AUGUST, 2018. /S/ Carolyn McDaniel Carolyn McDaniel Attorney for James Anthony Mayshack State Bar No.: 13514300 911 Front Street Richmond, Texas 77469-4439 Telephone: (281) 342-6541 Facsimile: (281) 940-8567 E-mail: cmcdaniellawfirm@gmail.com

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 29, 2018

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

LETTER

Unorthodox (study of the) Bible Women in Missouri City politics By MICHAEL GRANTO I grew up during the late forties and the fifties as an Italian Catholic in a small blue-collar town. I had never read held or even held a bible until I was nearly twenty years old. I had just joined the Marine Corps, and my father gave me a pocketsized new testament. I still have it. It has a red faux-leather cover, and a single red ribbon to mark my place. I could tell he was worried about me by that seemingly small gesture. Here’s a Sicilian male, (a group that’s notoriously anticleric,) who gives me a bible to send me off. That was his way of asking God’s protection for me, since he knew he wouldn’t be there to protect me himself. Sometimes, fathers are amazing people. Of course, none of that occurred to me then. I was too young, I was bound for glory (Marines, remember?), and I was bulletproof; but then, that was before I knew about bullets. One of the activities available at the place where I live is a non-denominational bible study class. I’m not, by any stretch of the imagination, a bible guy, but I was acquainted with the man who was in charge of giving the class, and he seemed like a stand-up guy to me, so I thought I’d give it a shot. Being a person who had never handled a bible until age twenty, it became apparent quickly that there were vast gaps of experience between me and the rest of the class. Most of them seemed to have a knowledge of the book, a love for the book and what it said that I knew I didn’t have, and suspected I might never have. They seemed unbothered by some of the things that bothered me. For instance, there are many different versions of the bible. For me, that’s a real problem. I customarily use the bible I downloaded to my cell phone, a King James Version. It’s not the FIRST English bible, but it’s the first most everyone knows about. It often happens, because the people in the groups use different versions of the bible, that one person will say something like, “Well, that’s not what it says in my bible.” There may follow some short discussion about which version each participant in the exchange has. The outcome is fairly predictable: each person will adhere to the version he or she has, no matter the consequences of the difference in wording. No one seems to think that’s unusual. I think the consequences of differences in wording can be surprising sometimes. Consider, if you will, Acts 17:22. There are some startling examples of differences in wording in this verse. In the American Standard Version it reads: And Paul stood in the midst of Areopagus, and said, “Ye men of Athens, in all things I perceive ye are very religious.” Ìn the Basic English Bible, it reads: “And Paul got to his feet on Mar’ Hill and said, “O men of Athens I see that you are given overmuch to fear of the Gods.” In the Darby version it reads: And Paul, standing in the midst of Areopagus, said, “Athenians, in every way I see you

Granto given up to demon worship.” In the Douay-Rhiems version it reads: “But Paul, standing in the midst of Areopagus, said, “Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.” In the King James version it reads: Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ Hill, and said, “Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.” In Webster’s bible it reads: The Paul stood in the midst of Mars-hill and said, “Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.” In the Weymouth New Testament it reads: So Paul, taking his stand in the centre of Areopagus spoke as follows: “Men of Athens, I perceive that you are in every respect remarkably In the World English Bible it reads: Paul stood in the middle of Areopagus, and said, “Ye men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.” Eight different bible versions; five different quotes. Consistency does not appear to be a hallmark of translators, or transcribers. And most important: which one is correct? No body ever has a way of determining or deciding that logically, so I’m left with, “Which one do I believe?” I have to wonder at the consequences; there are huge differences among those quotes. If I were exposed only to a version that spoke of “devil worship,” I would be absorbing very different ideas that if I were exposed to a version that spoke of “too superstitious,” or “very religious.” Another things I have found is that there is a LOT of background knowledge required in order to make sense of some biblical passages. Consider, if you will, Matthew 22. It concerns a king who was giving a wedding. He sent out his servants to invite those he had decided to invite, but they all refused to come, for one reason or another. This is a huge insult, (for a first century monarch) and he responds appropriately, (for a first century monarch:) by sending his menat-arms to slay the offenders. Then he directs his servants to go to the highways and byways and invite whomever they could find. To me, this was the first century equivalent of finding and inviting homeless people. The king meets one man at the wedding who was not attired in approved wedding attire, and totally loses it. Now, first of all, who knew there WAS appropriate wedding attire? Secondly, who would think that homeless folks would HAVE appropriate wedding attire? Surprisingly, the king orders the man bound and set out in the darkness. All this for a garment? I could understand, but not condone, his sending his men at arms to slay those who insulted him. I mean, first cen-

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tury monarchs have standards, after all, rather, I imagine, like old west gunfighters. I assumed that I was dealing with a psychotic monarch, already teed off because he got insulted, who chose to vent his anger on some homeless guy. I decided this story wasn’t worth paying attention to, for I could make no sense of it. Well, it turns out that first century monarchs DO customarily have wedding garments available, so that no one attends without proper attire; rather like the uniform of the day in the Marines. While I can understand Marine uniform regulations, I still just cannot fathom this wedding garment thing. When I first read the verse, I was irritated at the king. He was acting in a manner that had no rational explanation, and was being cruel besides. When I found that it was custom for the monarch to provide wedding attire, I felt REALLY irritated, but I wasn’t sure with whom I should BE irritated. Without that piece of data, it was a nonsensical tale, one not worth rereading. With that piece of data, the tale makes sense. First century sense, to bSometimes, reading the bible is something like walking in a minefield. You just never know what you don’t know, and what you don’t know can radically affect how you interpret what you read. That can be a problem, because I have neither the time nor the inclination to get a degree in first century Jewish culture. So, why, with all these questions, am I even bothering to go to a bible study class? Well, you remember my saying that, faults and all, I’m happy with my version of me, and don’t want to be a pod person version of me? That’s still true. The thing is, the seventy-odd years between then and now have taught me many things, and one of the most salient things is this: however happy I am with me, I am just not enough. The timestream behind me is littered with missed opportunities, bad choices, mistakes, and inconsistencies. Burdens too heavy to carry, hurts given and received with little thought to consequences. Too many times when even my level best fell too far short. Right before one of the operations I went on in Vietnam, several of us were walking down a dirt path to the helicopter assembly area. You cannot imagine the organized chaos in such an area; and the frightening, overwhelming, unGodly noise. There was a padre (they were ALL padres, Catholic, Protestant, and Jew) with an altar cloth spread out over some ammunition crates along the side of the path, and in spite of the noise, and the wind, and the dust, one phrase cut through all that clutter: “Seek ye the Lord where he may be found.” I was no longer a practicing Catholic, not much of anything, really, religiously speaking, but I figured that, if that one phrase, not shouted, but merely spoken, could cut through all that, then maybe I should listen to it. So, I unslung my rifle, took off my helmet, and found an ammo crate to sit on. (Granto is a United States Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple Heart. For over 24 years, he worked for the University of Miami Medical Campus Security Department, and retired in 2014. He moved to Missouri City, with his wife to be closer to her daughter. He can be reached at mikegranto@ hotmail.com.)

To the Editor: Missouri City voters have a unique and awesome responsibility in these upcoming November elections. Choosing new Council Members and a Mayor can impact their lives for years to come. The pivotal question is, what do the four female candidates for Missouri City City Council and Mayor actually bring to the table? First, voters have never before been offered such an array of women candidates as highly qualified as these. They are successful business owners, have college degrees and advanced degrees, have raised families, and have substantial experience in management, volunteer work, and leadership. For example, one has directed the most ambitious beautification effort that Missouri City has ever seen and another has been successfully involved in city planning and development for many years. These are highly accomplished women with very applicable credentials so voters can safely predict significant positive

change for the City if they are elected. Second, any female candidate will intrinsically represent at least half of Missouri City’s voters, residents who very much need to be heard. Not feeling that your group’s input is being represented equitably causes huge dissatisfaction. Simply stated, democracy works better when everyone is equally represented. It is well worth every voter’s time to consider what our women candidates can bring to the table. Look at and study their platforms because they know the issues. Women should be heard and they will be if these candidates are elected. This election has the potential to change everything for Missouri City but only if voters get out and vote. Third, studies have shown that companies grow with management change. A new manager comes in, tries out new ideas, some are adopted, some not but the company improves. In particular, female managers are known to usually create huge positive change in organizations.

This is exactly what has not happened with our Missouri City Council. Even a cursory comparison of this City’s progress with Sugar Land, Pearland, and other cities in the area shows we can do much, much better. The difference that makes a difference is who is at the helm, the management team. Lastly, having a larger female presence on the City Council will add stability and increase the ingenuity with which the City Council faces and solves problems. I don’t have anything to back up this assertion but my own experience. Female leaders are inspirational and help enormously to find new creative solutions to problems and issues. Don’t underestimate our female candidates and their potential for effecting change. They understand what is at stake and they are up to the task. These candidates will make Missouri City competitive and better. They need your vote to win. Howard Moline Missouri City

Literary Festival Sept.14-15

Teamwork Arts, producers of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, often dubbed ‘the greatest literary show on Earth’, bring to Houston an iconic event where ideas and perspectives jostle with intellectual vigour. Houston, where skyscrapers and bayous meet, will welcome JLF at Houston for the first time in Texas. The Festival opens on Friday evening, September 14 with events running all day on Saturday, September 15. With internationally acclaimed authors and thinkers taking part in a range of provocative panels and debates, at the core of the programming are thoughts and issues that resonate with our times. JLF at Houston will be held in association with Asia Society Texas Center, an educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the West, and Inprint, a literary arts nonprofit organization, supporting and engaging readers and writers of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. “We’re so excited to be collaborating on the first JLF at Houston for the first time in Texas,” says Bonna Kol, president of Asia Society Texas Center. “Engaging our diverse city in an array of international topics and speakers aligns perfectly with our deep commitment to promoting cultural

understanding.” “As this inaugural edition of JLF at Houston makes clear, Houston is a city of brilliant writers and passionate readers, and Inprint is proud to be at the epicenter of Houston literary life,” says Rich Levy, executive director of Inprint. “What an honor and a joy to work with JLF on making JLF at Houston a reality.” JLF at Houston is a part of the larger umbrella of JLF in the USA, which also includes JLF at New York on September 1920 and ZEE JLF at Boulder on September 21-23. The Houston event will present a rich showcase of South Asia’s literary and oral heritage while also featuring authors from around the world as well as local literary ﬁgures from Houston. Participating writers include : Jay Aiyer, Omar El Akkad, Robin Davidson, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Namita Gokhale, Kurt Heinzelman, Lacy M. Johnson, McKenna Jordan, Rich Levy, Rubén Martinez, Sonal Mansingh, Jovan Mays, Jasminne Mendez, Marcus Moench, Rajesh Parameswaran, Sharad Paul, Daniel Peña, Shobha Rao, Kathy Reichs, Navtej Sarna, Anis Shivani, Mimi Swartz, Shashi Tharoor, Marina Tristán, Roberto Tejada, , Novuyo Rosa Tshuma, and Milan Vaishnav. See bios here. Program highlights include an opening and closing night mu-

sical performance and vigorous panel discussions. The audience will also have the opportunity to listen in on conversations about relevant topics such as the continuities of Mexican and American experiences and narratives, of the violence of cross-border realities and of pluralism and diversity; Indian myths and their impact on the collective faith of the people; forensic anthropology, genetics and health; a crucial session on water, climate change, and social issues; readings and conversations on poetry and the sources, inspirations, contexts, and philosophy of the poetic imagination; and Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, discussing its essence and its vital contribution to a plural and secular democracy. Asia Society Texas Center is located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District: 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004. General admission for Asia Society members and Inprint patrons is $10.00, nonmembers $20.00, students, $5.00. Tickets and registration are required. Program and panel details, speaker’s bios, and registration at: http://asi.as/JLFHouston For further information about Asia Society Texas Center: Contact Joy Partain, JPartain@ asiasociety.org For further information about Inprint: Contact Krupa Parikh, Krupa@inprinthouston.org

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 29, 2018 • Page 5

NEWS

Stafford charter amendment proposes term limit for mayor By BARBARA FULENWIDER November 6 will be a much busier day than usual for voters in Stafford where citizens will vote on six proposed charter amendments to the city’s home rule charter. Changes on the first amendment proposed would include the Constitution of the State of Texas. It says the people are empowered by election to grant or to confer upon the city all such powers in the state constitution and when not prescribed shall be provided by ordinance of the city council. The second article on the ballot says the mayor will serve a four-year term rather than the current two-year term and not serve more than four consecutive terms or parts of terms and shall hold office until a successor has been elected and qualified. Council members will serve three-year terms rather than the current two years. The third article to be voted on is the mayor’s compensation. It says the amount the mayor receives cannot exceed the fair market value of a city’s chief executive officer of a comparable size of Stafford. Meetings of city council are the fourth article to be voted on and it says council will hold one or more regular meetings each month and special meetings as necessary. The mayor may call special meetings but it will take at least four council members to do so. Each city council member may vote on all council business except when matters before council involve that member’s own official conduct or when participation in the vote is prohibited by state law. It will take four council members to constitute a quo-

rum and only a vote by council can be binding if a majority votes on the issue. If neither the mayor nor mayor pro tem are present at a council meeting the next member in line of succession who is present will conduct the meeting. All minutes will be public record except those taken for closed sessions and all citizens shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard at any meeting in regard to the matter being considered. Any council member may request that an item be put on the agenda and included at the next regular city council meeting unless a different meeting date was specified in the request. The next charter amendment proposed says the city’s municipal court shall be established and maintained for trying misdemeanor offenses. It will be presided over by a judge and may divide the court into two or more panels, one of which is presided over by the judge. An associate judge will have the same powers as the judge and be a duly qualified attorney, licensed and practicing for a minimum of two years. The judges will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by council for two-year terms. City council will determined the judges’ salaries. If the fifth amendment to Stafford’s charter is passed by a majority of voters, beginning in May 2019 the mayor will serve four years and in 2021 council members will serve three years each. Council members elected in 2019 will serve three-year terms. If the judge of the municipal court is absent or disabled, city council will appoint a qualified person to fill the

void. Mayor Leonard Scarcella said his opinion of it is “completely off base” and that it subtly reduces powers. “The fact that we have 11 to 12 department heads and I have to oversee them and make decisions with and for them…the council acts totally oblivious to that. “I am deeply resentful to them being able to cut the mayor’s salary to $1 because they don’t like him or her. Trying to find a comparable city in Texas that has 18,000 people and all the activity Stafford has is totally unlikely.” He also said he is “very much opposed to any council member being able to put an item on the agenda as late as 5 p.m. Sunday prior to the Wednesday council meeting. State laws says the agenda item has to be there 72 hours in advance.” If the proposal passes, Scarcella said, “That would cause the city secretary to turn cartwheels to get it done.” The mayor said he does not oppose four-year terms for the mayor and staggered terms for city council members. “Since 1956 the mayor has had a twoyear term. I’ve run 25 times and won 25 times. By putting this in does it mean I have to run twice?” -- once in 2019 and again in 2021? “Seven people would be running with the highest three vote getters winning,” Scarcella said. “Under this new provision, city council members would run my position. There will be no single member districts. There would be six of them and everything for three terms. They’d have to wind up with 50% of the vote plus 1.” As for the annual budget,

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital ranked among top hospitals in Texas

which the mayor is currently working on for the city’s next ﬁscal year, he said, “It was proposed to be submitted 30 days in advance, now it’s 45 days -- 15 fewer days the mayor has to get it ready. “The problem is there is so much information that you get in the last two weeks that is pertinent to the budget. That gives the mayor far less opportunity to write the best budget,” Scarcella said. “They do have a provision where council could get infor-

mation needed in the budget. State law says it must be annual. There’s no provision for state law for a ﬁve-year plan.” The mayor ended by saying, “The election is to be in May of each year but council voted to have it in November, which is totally inconsistent. This item will be at the bottom of the ballot along with Missouri City’s.” Each council person and the mayor named a person to preside on the charter commission. Former Council-

man Robert Sorbet chaired the group. The vice chair was Ettienne Zak, a long time Staﬀord Municipal School District board member. The ﬁve other commissioners are Lawrence Vaccaro Jr., who was the city’s public works director for many years and still gives the city his services when needed; Hector Acevedo, a long-time board member of the city’s water district, and Christeen Seymour, Ash Hamirani and Jonathan Montoya.

Arrests made in Houston/ Missouri City-area drug bust The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force concluded a narcotics investigation targeting sources of the supply of illicit substances in the Houston/ Missouri City area. During the past month, Task Force agents have conducted numerous undercover operations into the illegal sale and distribution of marijuana, numerous controlled substances and illicit synthetic substances resulting in the issuance of a search warrant for a residence located in Fort Bend County. On Friday, August 24, 2018, Task Force Officers with the assistance of the West Fort Bend Regional SWAT, executed a search warrant in the 16000 block of Monte Carlo Lane in the Houston area of Fort Bend County. As a result of the operation, two suspects were taken into custody and Task Force Officers seized approximately 264 grams of Ecstasy, 50 grams of cocaine, 4.3 pounds of marijuana, 3 pounds of Synthetic Cannabinoids, and several other prescription type controlled substances. Officers also seized approximately $3,100.00 cash and six firearms. The suspects, Marquis McKnight, 40, and Ciji Jones, 32, both from Houston, face six charges of Manufacturing/ Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a first degree felony, with the exception of one that is a third degree felony, and possession of marijuana, a third degree felony, additionally all charges are in a drug free zone. This operation is a small part of an ongoing initiative targeting the sale

and distribution of illicit substances in the Houston/ Missouri City area. “The Narcotics Task Force members continue

to relentlessly work hard at cleaning up our streets from drugs,” said Sheriﬀ Troy Nehls. “Job well done.”

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE OPENING DATE OF Wednesday, September 26, 2018 AT 2:00 pm. IFB # 18-260 CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY’S SKATEPARK IFB’s may be obtained from the State of Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) at http://www.txsmartbuy.com/sp or Onvia/Demandstar at http://www.demandstar.com/. Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the Bid name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of: Purchasing Manager City of Missouri City 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, TX 77489 prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore potentially misdirected may be disqualified. Responses will be opened on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Wednesday, September 12, 2018 Until final award of the Contract, the OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the Work otherwise when in the best interests of the OWNER. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-18-19 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, GRANTING A SPECIFIC USE PERMIT AUTHORIZING THE USE OF A 0.06 OF AN ACRE TRACT OF LAND IN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY AS A SPECIFIC USE–TOWERS; DESCRIBING SAID 0.06 OF AN ACRE TRACT OF LAND; PROVIDING LIMITATIONS, RESTRICTIONS, AND CONDITIONS ON SUCH SPECIFIC USE; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. 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-18-19 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on August 20, 2018, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the leading hospitals in the Houston area and in the state. In the magazine’s prestigious “Best Hospital” annual rankings this year, Houston Methodist Sugar Land is ranked No. 5 in the Houston area and No. 8 in Texas. The hospital is ranked in nine specialties, procedures and conditions, including: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, gastroenterology/GI surgery, geriatrics, heart failure, nephrology, neurology/neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible progress we’ve made in bringing superior medical care to the community,” said Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “The teamwork between our physicians and our staff — with a focus on continuously improving quality and safety — is making a significant difference in the lives of patients throughout Fort Bend County and surrounding areas. We are all very proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report.” The magazine’s annual rankings are based on scores in patient care, patient safety, outcomes, nursing, advanced technology and reputation. Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center is also named the No. 1 hospital in Texas for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top hospitals in the country for the past 26 years. To view the full list of hospital rankings, visit usnews.com/ best-hospitals. For more information about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland, or call 281.274.7500 for a physician referral. Visit the Facebook page fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on June 11,2018 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV -246877 in favor of the plaintiff- MISSION GLEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $9,018.03 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on June 11, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of September 4, 2018 at the County Court house steps of Fort Bend County, Texas in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of Ten O’clock A.M. and Four O’clock P.M., and all rights, title, interests, and claims which the said Defendant (s)- NANCY GARCIA had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (122), IN BLOCK EIGHT (8) OF THE REPLAT OF MISSION GLEN, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 574/A AND 574/B, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 15414 TOWN GREEN DRIVE, HOUSTON, TEXAS TERMS: CASH TIME: SALE TO BE HELD AT OR ABOUT 10:00 A.M. PLACE: 301 JACKSON ST., WILLIAM TRAVIS BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND TEXAS 77469. Gary Majors, Constable Fort Bend County Precinct Two By: Sergeant C. McRae #132 Deputy Constable

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 400TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on June 15, 2018 in cause numbered 17-DCV242927 styled HUNTER –KELSEY II. Inc. vs. DEBRA G. COSBY, in which a judgment was rendered on March 20, 2018 in favor of HUNTER-KELSEY II,LLC for the sum of Thirty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred Forty- Two dollars Six Dollars and Thirty Six Cents ($32942.36); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on JUNE 18, 2018 and will on Sept 4, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Debra G. Cosby to and in the following described Real Property QUAIL VALLEY THUNDERBIRD W SEC I BLOCK I O, LOT 24: AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS LOT TWENTY-FOUR(24) IN BLOCK TEN (10) OF QUAIL VALLEY SUBDIVISION, THUNDERBIRD WEST SECTION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY,TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 10, PAGE 15 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS STREET ADDRESS 3911 RIDGEVIEW DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS 77459 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of HUNTER KELSEY II, LLC Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: SEPT 4, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of County Court at Law 5 of Fort Bend County, Texas on JULY 24 , 2018 in cause numbered 16-CCV-057599 styled Chimneystone Planned Community Development Homeowners Assoc, Inc. vs. Donald H. Kelly and Lynn E. Kelly, in which a judgment was rendered on June 29, 2017 in favor of Chimneystone Planned Community Development Homeowners Assoc, Inc. for the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars and Sixty zero Cents ($1528.00); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on August 2, 2018and will on September 4, 2018, Tuesday, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Donald H. Kelly and Lynn E. Kelly to and in the following described Real Property LOT Eleven (11),In BLOCK Seven (7), of Chimneystone Section Two (2), an Addition in FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED VOLUME 29, PAGE 5 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4015 SHELBY ROW SUGAR LAND,TEXAS 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Chimneystone Planned Community Development Homeowners Assoc Inc Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: Sept 4, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 268TH District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on July 6, 2018 in cause numbered 17-DCV-244551 styled Summerfield Estates Homeowners Assoc. Inc. vs. Barbara L. Wardlaw, in which a judgment was rendered on April 16, 2018 in favor of Summerfield Estates Homeowners Assoc. Inc. for the sum of Five Thousand Six Dollars and Forty Four Cents ($5,006.44); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on July 10, 2018 and will on September 4, 2018 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of Barbara L. Wardlaw to and in the following described Real Property LOT EIGHT (8), IN BLOCK FOUR (4) OF SUMMERFIELD, SECTION ONE (1) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S). 1294/A & 1294/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 3107 PHEASANT TRAIL DRIVE, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77498 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Summerfield Estates Homeowners Assoc. Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM 301, JACKSON , RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: September 4, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: Dep Steele TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 29, 2018

NEWS

AUTOMOBILE: Mazda 6

Stafford MSD approves fifth consecutive balanced budget The Stafford Municipal School District Board of Trustees and the Stafford City Council voted unanimously, 14-0, to pass a $32.1 Million 2018-19 balanced budget at the annual Joint Budget Meeting on Wednesday night at the Stafford Civic Center. The Joint Action was a historic one because it represented the fifth consecutive balanced budget without a single “no” vote. Leonard Scarcella, Stafford’s Mayor since 1969, didn’t allow the significance of the moment to pass as he complimented Stafford MSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic on going “5-for-5” since he arrived in 2014. Stafford’s longtime chief executive noted that such a feat had never been accomplished under any previous SMSD Superintendent. The Joint Body also voted 14-0 to approve the new Maintenance & Operations tax rate of $1.05330 and the $0.27 Interest & Sinking Tax Rate for the 2018-19 school year. The evening focused heavily on Stafford MSD’s academic accomplishments,

including SMSD earning a “B” Rating under the Texas Education Agency’s new A-F Grading System. The “B” Rating – with a grade of 84 – was accomplished despite the District facing the hardship of Hurricane Harvey. Many neighboring districts received a “Harvey Exemption.” Trustees and Council Members expressed gratitude with the “B”, but noted that the District won’t be satisfied until we receive an “A.” The Joint Body also commended Dr. Bostic and SMSD Chief Financial Officer George Daniel Flores with making the best use of limited funds to educate SMSD students. The budget is a $2 Million Increase from the 201718 budget, and it allocates additional funding to programs that have enhanced academics at Stafford MSD. Among those programs are $20,000 for Tuition Reimbursement for our staff, in order to ensure that our staff is as qualified as possible, additional funds for “Ninja Teachers”, which is a name for teaching specialists who travel between classrooms,

and $22,000 for a peer-to-peer tutor program that has proven results. Fifty-four percent of the budget will go toward classroom instruction. Teachers and staﬀ received raises, totaling $404,878, and $42,860 was allocated to the Robotics Program, which has qualiﬁed for the World Championships in Houston the past two years. The budget also included a Virtual Schools Program, which will provide opportunities for students interested in online and blended learning programs. The District will also hire a Testing Coordinator, an Ag Science Teacher and a Dyslexia Teacher. The 2018-19 Budget will further enhance SMSD’s 20/20 Vision, which sets goals of graduating every student college or career-ready, without remediation, ensuring third graders are reading at or above grade level, making sure all students are taking the PSAT/SAT and ACT exams before they enter high school and ensuring that all eighth graders pass Algebra I.

Walk to End Alzheimer Date of Event: 8/30/18

Venue: Safari Texas Ranch Venue Address: 11627 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 Event Title: Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kick Off Party Event Time: 6 p.m - 7:30 p.m. Event Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fort-bend-kickoff-in-the-safari-tickets-48071580391 You’re invited to the Fort Bend Walk to end Alzheimer’s New Team Kickoff. Come together with others committed to ending this disease to learn more about your local Walk, the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association and how you can get involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s! Contact Fredy Batres Email: fbatres@alz.org Phone Number: 713-314-1330

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Missouri City Management District No. 1 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2018 on September 19, 2018 at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2600 Houston, TX 77027, at 12:00 p.m. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal:

Anthony C. Francis, Curtis Williams, Loveless Mitchell, Jamie Virkus, Adrienne Barker

AGAINST the proposal:

NONE

PRESENT and not voting:

NONE

ABSENT:

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Adorned with authentic materials like Japanese Sen Wood and Nappa leather, the 2018 Mazda6 elevates its premium positioning into a higher class of competition. New technologies and refinements complement Mazda6’s well known reputation for driving dynamics and design. Thoroughly re-engineered for 2018, Mazda6 is quieter, more comfortable, carries more standard and available features and comes with a newly available engine option, the torquey, turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T. Yet, the Mazda6 doesn’t betray its roots. The six-speed manual transmission is in the entry Mazda6 Sport model as well as an available, quickshifting six-speed automatic transmission with Sport Mode that recalibrates the transmission for more spirited driving. Mazda6 Sport comes with an efficient 2.5 engine, which enjoys a number of refinement upgrades for 2018. The smoother and quieter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It gets 26 miles to the gallon in the city and 35 on the highway. When paired with its available automatic transmission, Mazda6’s 2.5-liter engine comes standard with cylinderdeactivation technology, which shuts off its two outside cylin-

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-18-20 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF APPROXIMATELY 24.45 ACRES OF LAND FROM LC-3 RETAIL DISTRICT TO PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 106; DESCRIBING SAID 24.45 ACRES OF LAND; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. 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-18-20 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on August 20, 2018, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-18-21

Wilfred Green, Todd Burrer

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

ders in cruising conditions for even more efficiency. The Mazda6 with the 2.5 turbo, dual overhead cam, fourcycle engine makes 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. torque. It gets 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway for an average of 26 mpg. The Mazda6 comes in five different trims -- Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. The lineup is bookended with the new Mazda6 Signature replete with premium amenities. It rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and P225/45 R/19 all season tires. The Mazda6 Sport comes standard with an electronic parking brake, cloth seats, a six-way manual driver’s seat with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, remote keyless entry, push-button start, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio pairing. There is also the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a commander control knob and touchscreen control, rearview camera, a new eight-inch display screen, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic Alert. Other newly standard features include LED headlights and tail lights and brake support, which automatically applies the brakes in emergency stops below 19 mph. When paired with its avail-

Last Year

This Year

0.00000/$100

0.90000/$100

Adopted

Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 18, BUSINESSES, OF THE MISSOURI CITY CODE; ESTABLISHING REGULATIONS RELATED TO MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING 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-18-21 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on August 20, 2018, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

+0.90000/$100

Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)

+0.00000%

City of Missouri City

Average appraised value

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

General homestead exemptions available

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY TO CONSIDER PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS AGAINST LAKESHORE HARBOUR SECTION 8 PROPERTIES LOCATED IN CITY OF MISSOURI CITY PUBIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. TWO

(excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions)

ESTABLISHED BY CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. R-01-38

Average taxable value

Tax on average residence homestead

$0.00

In accordance with Chapter 372, Local Government Code, the proposed assessment roll for Section 8 of Lake Shore Harbour Subdivision (located within Pubic Improvement District No. Two) has been prepared and is on file and open for public inspection in the office of the City Secretary. A public hearing on the proposed assessment will be held by the City Council as follows:

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)

$0.0000

and percentage of increase (+/-)

0.00 %

DATE & TIME: Monday, September 17, 2018, 7:00 p.m. PLACE: City Council Chamber, City Hall located at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489 COST OF IMPROVEMENTS:

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

$1,483,582.07

GENERAL NATURE OF IMPROVEMENTS: The proposed public improvements include the construction of street paving, water lines, sanitary sewer lines, and storm sewers, as well as engineering costs. BOUNDARIES: The boundaries are described in the plat of Lakeshore Harbour, Section 8, being a subdivision of 14.38 acres and being a portion of a called 262.296 acre tract recorded in the name of Vicksburg Estates, Ltd., in FBCCF No. 1999082607, located in the Elijah Roark League, A-77, City of Missouri City, Fort Bend County, Texas. Written and oral objections will be considered at the hearing. All interested person are hereby notified of the described hearing and of their right to appear and be heard on

able six-speed automatic transmission, Mazda6 Sport can be had with the safety package that adds smart brake support, lane-departure warning, adaptive Mazda radar cruise control, lane-keep assist, high beam control, automatic on/ off headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Further upping the ante, is the Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve, which comes with black or parchment leather-trimmed seats, a windshield-projected active driving display with traffic sign recognition, an eightway power driver’s seat, sixway power front passenger’s seat, adaptive front-lighting system, silver alloy wheels, rear lip spoiler, windshield wipers de-icer, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The Mazda6 Grand Touring Reserve is also the entry point for Mazda’s first-ever ventilated front seats, which wick hot air away from the driver and front passenger’s backs to keep them cool. The Mazda6 Signature is available with a new 360⁰ view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, a seven-inch reconfigurable gauge display, frameless rearview mirror and a gunmetalcolored grille. The Sport retails for $21,950; the Mazda 6 Touring at $25,700; the Grand Touring, $29,200; Grand Touring Reserve, $31,700; and Signature, $34,750. The Mazda6 Signature is an extremely comfortable sedan that is fun to drive, as are all Mazda vehicles. It’s also a handsome sedan that can transport you and your passengers in style. STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: SHABANA MOMIN and to all whom it may concern, Respondents You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do (does) not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10 a.m. on the 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 petition of SALMAN SHALWANI, petitioner, was filed in the 328th judicial district court of Fort Bend County, Texas ON THIS THE 26TH DAY OF JULY 2018 against SHABANA MOMIN, Respondent (s), numbered 10-DCV-183427, and entitled IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF SHABANA SHALWANI AND SALMAN SHALWANI AND IN THE INTEREST OF SAMIHA SHALWANI, SANI SHALWANI AND SALINA SHALWANI, CHILDREN. The suit requests PETITION TO MODIFY THE PARENT CHILD RELATIONSHIP and is more fully shown by the Petition on file in this suit. The date and place of birth of the child (ren) who is/are the subject of the suit: OCTOBER 22,2011 MARCH 09, 2004 JULY 03,2006 HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS The court has authority in this suit to render an order in the child(ren)’s interest which will be binding on you, including the termination of the parentchild relationship, the determination of paternity and the appointment of a conservator with authority to consent to the chil(dren)’s adoption. Issued and given under my hand and seal of said court at Richmond, Texas on this the 17th day of August, 2018. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: SALMAN SHALWANI PRO-SE 1201 DULLES AVE., APT 3106 STAFFORD, TEXAS 77477 ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT, DISTRICT CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469 By Deputy District Clerk Shelbie Ingram 281-633-7467

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 29, 2018 • Page 7

NEWS

Registration opens for OutRun Hunger 5K Walk/Run Sept. 29

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Harvest Green will join the fight against hunger on Saturday, Sept. 29, as the host of the first annual OutRun Hunger 5K Family Walk/Run. Registration is now open for the event which benefits East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM), a local non-profit that provides assistance to families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis. One of those services is a food pantry. “Our mission at East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry is to help our neighbors in need, so that is why we chose Harvest Green,” said Stacey Williams, community outreach coordinator for EFBHNM. “They are a very giving community. They have donated fresh produce from the farm, collected an enormous number of items for victims of Hurricane Harvey and have volunteered at the ministry this past year. I could not think of a better community to run through.” Williams is a Harvest Green resident and has been key in brokering a partnership between the Richmond community and the organization. “Residents are very important when it comes to helping us serve the greater communi-

ty,” said Shay Shafie, general manager for Harvest Green. “We love Stacey and are so grateful that she brought the ministry to our attention. They do wonderful work. We are looking forward to hosting our first 5K and taking a bite out of hunger.” The organization hopes to raise $7,000-$10,000 through sponsorships and fees. All proceeds will help local families living in East Fort Bend County. Last year, the organization served 20,378 adults and 16,557 children. The East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry also will accept non-perishable food donations for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday baskets at the event. In addition to nonperishable items, baskets contain fresh produce and a gift card to purchase meat for the holidays. Among the items needed are canned soup, pie filling, gravy, canned pumpkin, cake mix, canned yams, frosting, boxed pie crust, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, canned milk and chicken broth. Race day begins at 8:30 a.m. with a kids run, followed by the 5K at 9 a.m. The course will wind through Harvest Green and finish with an after-

party featuring food trucks, a DJ, bouncy houses and vendors. Pre-registration race fees are $25 for ages 13 and up, and $15 for ages 12 and under. Children 3 and under are free without a race t-shirt and $10 with one. Race shirts are guaranteed to those who register by Sept. 15.. After that date, shirts will be given on a firstcome, first-served basis while supplies last. The top three male and female finishers will receive awards. For more information about the race and to register, visit https://www.signmeup.com/ reg/form/126882/registration. For more information about Harvest Green, visit https:// www.harvestgreentexas.com. Registration is open for the inaugural OutRun Hunger 5K Family Walk/Run happening in Harvest Green Saturday, Sept. 29.

Auditions in progress for the Fort Bend Boys Choir

PRESENTS The Western Raffle ickets Only 750 T

100 per Tic

ket

FIRST PRIZE Or Tour Choirboys, Remi Schmidt and Mohit Kanneri. —Photo by Terri Cannon If a boy has a talent and desire to sing, he should definitely audition for the Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas for their 37th concert season! Many opportunities exist for young boys with an unchanged voice to audition for this nonprofit boychoir organization. They need to be at least eight years of age or going into the third grade. Life change happens when boys participate in music. The Fort Bend Boys Choir offers a quality music education for young boys and currently, they are holding auditions by special appointment so parents are encouraged to fill out an online audition form on their website at www.fbbctx.org. Boys who pass the audition start the 2018 fall season in late August, with weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd. Scholarships and payment plans are available as well as carpool assistance for choir families. Call the Fort Bend Boys Choir office at (281) 240-3800 for additional details about the organization and to make a special audition appointment. You can also learn about this organization through their website or even their Facebook page. And for boys ages six and seven, inquire about the choir’s Music Magic program for young boys, starting at the beginning of October!

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