Fort Bend Independent 091218 by Fort Bend Independent

Early voting: Oct. 22 to Nov. 2, 2018 Election Day : Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018

VOL 11 No. 37

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Phone: 281-980-6745 50 cents

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Rosenberg budget offers 3-cent tax cut Rosenberg City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 20182019 budget at the Tuesday, Sept. 4 regular council meeting. A public hearing allowed the opportunity for public comment prior to adopting the budget, which lowered property taxes from 46.2 cents to 43.0 cents (per $100 valuation). This was the largest property tax cut in approximately 30 years, lowering the rate below the effective rate of $0.445 and the rollback rate of $0.435. While lowering the tax rate, council also increased the homestead exemptions for citizens over 65 years of age from $30,000 to $45,000 and reduced the debt by $8 million (saving citizens approximately $700,000 in interest over the next ten years.) The new budget will go into effect on October 1, 2018 and end on September 30, 2019. Key changes to the budget include funding for seven additional personnel, including school resource officers; a costof-living (COLA) increase of one and a half percent (1.5%)

for all full-time employees; and a TMRS retirement contribution rate increase from 6% to 7% for employees. Additionally, several capital improvement projects were funded including sidewalks; road improvements and drainage; railroad quiet zones; and water and sanitary sewer line improvements, to name a few. The budget includes water/wastewater projects and construction projects in partnership with TXDoT,

State Rep. Ron Reynolds has turned himself in to authorities in Montgomery County to begin serving his year-long jail sentence. Reynolds, a Democrat from Missouri City, was convicted in 2015 on misdemeanor charges for illegally soliciting clients for his personal injury practice and sentenced to a year in jail. He was out on an appellate bond for years while his case wound through the appeals process. Reynolds has not resigned his seat and state law does not require resignations for misdemeanor convictions. Reynolds is likely to be in jail when the next session of the Texas Legislature convenes in January. Reynolds has won several elections since his conviction, including his primary in March. He faces no opposition in the general election this November. Though Reynolds is sentenced to one year, he may be released earlier if he gets

credit for “good time.” If Reynolds served only one day of every three of his sentence, he could conceivably get out of jail just one or two days before the next legislative session starts on Jan. 8. Reynolds’ office released a statement that said the lawmaker’s attorney is continuing to work on “various legal challenges” and Reynolds was confident that his conviction would still be overturned. “Today, Representative Ron Reynolds voluntarily revoked his appeal bond so that he could be prepared to start the 86th Legislative Session on time. Rep. Reynolds attorney is still working on various legal challenges and he is confident that his misdemeanor conviction will be overturned. Moreover, Rep. Reynolds has full confidence that his experienced staff will be able to handle any immediate needs of his constituents, during his 4-6 month absence.

Benton

the Rosenberg Development Corporation (RDC), and Fort Bend County. For a complete list of projects and the distribution of budgeted funds for ﬁscal year 2019, visit the City website at: http:// rosenbergtx.gov/wp-content/ uploads/2018/08/FY19Budget-Book-PROPOSED-1. pdf. The adopted budget includes projected revenues and expenditures for City operations while remaining mindful of anticipated growth and increased demand for services. “We’ve been blessed with sales tax increases, our sales tax nearly doubling in the last ten years,” Mayor William T. “Bill” Benton said. “We needed to lower taxes for our citizens and we did that without compromising services. We had to prioritize our spending, funding ﬁrst our needs before our wants. The government can’t always give a tax break, but when they can, they should. I think we have a moral obligation to try.”

State Rep. Ron Reynolds turns himself in to serve jail sentence

“Rep . Reynolds and his staff have a strong work ethic and have always been very attentive to his constituents. Rep . Reynolds looks forward to continuing to fight for his constituents during the upcoming session.” Reynolds’ conviction stems from a 2012 undercover investigation that revealed a chiropractic firm was persuading patients who had been injured in accidents to sign contracts that named Reynolds as their legal counsel before the patients had physical exams or even met him. Those charges were ultimately dropped after investigators in the case were accused of stealing evidence in unrelated cases, but Reynolds was again arrested a year later after authorities raided his office and the offices of seven other area attorneys. The lawyers were allegedly involved in a $25 million kickback scheme with Robert Valdez, a co-owner of two chiropractic clinics. — Texas Tribune

Kyler Scheiffele of Sugar Land celebrates with two Houston Texans Cheerleaders as a recent winner of the Ashley HomeStore Kickoff Kid program. Kyler’s name was drawn for the opportunity to run on the NRG Stadium field to pick up the opening kick off tee at a Houston Texans home game. Visit any Houston-area Ashley HomeStore to enter for a chance to win.

Missouri City one of America’s best locales for a small business A recent Verizon “Best Small Cities for Small Businesses” report positions the “Show Me City” as one of America’s best places to operate a company in, ranking the area as No. 42 in a list of the nation’s top 50. Evidence of this achievement and the area’s thriving economy was visible last month when City oﬃcials and staﬀ hosted a “Doing Business With the City” Leadership Luncheon that drew more than 150 business owners, managers and stakeholders who are interested in seeing the pace of growth and development continue at a steady pace. Overall, the Luncheon presentation focused on how individuals can build a business partnership with the City, how they can register as a vendor and how they can pursue competitive bid contracts. More than 150 small- and medium-sized businesses attended a recent Missouri City Leadership Luncheon series to learn about business partnership opportunities. “Missouri City is a prime commercial location that can provide strategic value to any company, we are open for

business and we are looking to grow our economic development base with companies large and small,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “The Show Me City also offers an attractive incentive package to businesses and programs that is designed to help industries prosper.” The Verizon findings, compiled of data gathered from about 300 cities nationwide, highlights the City’s dedication to expansion. Criteria for the corporation’s report, included: Population: The network considered cities made up of 50,000 to 75,000 people as “small”; Education: The network examined the percentage of the population older than 25 who held a bachelor’s degree or higher from accredited universities or colleges; Travel time to work: The network reviewed the average total travel time it takes individuals 16 and older to reach work from their residences; this metric takes into account carpooling, public transportation and traffic; Income per capita: The network considered the average

A squad of the Special Forces Assistance Battalion assembled by General Mattis to relieve the Special Forces Teams from the bulk of the training of the Afghan Army, trains and assists the Afghan Army on their missions, freeing up the Special Forces to continue with their other missions. This SFAB squad, at the end of their deployment, wanted to make a special Thank You for Tip Of the TIP OF THE SPEAR. The Special Forces Assistance Battalion crew pose with care packages Spear.org from Missouri City. Please visit www. TipOfTheSpear.org . donated by the Tipofthespear.org.

cumulative income of residents in the cities that are on the list; Broadband access: The network looked at access to Internet service running at speeds of at least 10 Mbps download time and 1 Mbps upload time in each of the cities; Loans per capita: The network looked at the process, convenience for individuals seeking a business loan in the cities; and Tax scores: The network determined how tax-friendly each city is for businesses. In sharing the results, the Verizon team noted that Missouri City is in the top 16.6 percent of small cities across the nation; the full report may be viewed here: https:// vz.to/2wJRNGM. The network also noted that Missouri City is an environment where small businesses can thrive and that City officials and staff are helping to lead the way for the future of entrepreneurs. Missouri City was the only municipality in the region to make Verizon’s national list; other Texas cities recognized are: Mansfield (24) and Georgetown (28).

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

Join us for an afternoon of great chili, family, friends and fun! This event honors and celebrates all of Fort Bend County First Responders and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to these heroes that protect our homes and businesses.

WANTED Bakers and Chili Teams; Reserve your booth space at the Oct. 13, annual Chili Cook- Off now. Call Jerry Parks @ 832-689-4421 Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 3

NEWS

Buddy Snyder enters Missouri City City Council race Harold “Buddy” Snyder has ﬁled for Missouri City City Council At-large Position 2. Snyder says he plans to work hard to “comfort the irritable, and irritate the comfortable/complacent,” in joining what he considers an already great team, guiding the city into the future. Originally from Pennsylvania, Snyder is a Brigham Young University graduate. He holds a Youth Leadership Major with minors in English and Sociology. He is also a graduate of the Defense Information School as well as the Boy Scouts of America National Executive Institute. Now in his “senior seventies” and retired, Snyder fashioned a varied carrier path. After an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force where he served as an information specialist, he became a District Scout Executive serving in Alaska, Turkey, and Germany. Upon returning to the States, Snyder did a brief stint as Houston Chronicle

Snyder circuation department worker and independent distributor before joining HISD for the next 24 years as a secondary level English/Reading teacher. He taught at E. O. Smith and Lamar Flemming Middle Schools as well as Wheatley High School. Long involved with the Missouri City community, Snyder now serves as president of the Meadowcreek MUD, Missouri City AARP Chapter #3801 and is secretary to the Friends of Missouri City Library.

Snyder sits on the Missouri City Parks and Recreation board, the Parks/Recreation senior planning council and the Mayor’s Advisory Council. Being “retired but not tired”, Snyder says he has unfettered time to research and study issues that might come before the city council. Project oriented, Snyder takes credit for introducing Oktoberfest as a city signature family event, along with a tennis team fund raising eﬀorts to provide the city tennis facility with picnic tables, adjacent to the courts. His next project is see the installation of public outdoor folk/ﬁne art to increase the city’s eye appeal of its citizens. A widower, Snyder enjoys being a weekly reader and mentor to the Quail Valley Elementary Kindergarten classes and captaining a community-based tennis team. Snyder can be reached via email buddysnyder2002@ yahoo.com.

Fort Bend ISD announces its FBISD Board Leadership Academy Class of 2019 Fort Bend ISD is proud to announce the names of 21 community members who are joining the FBISD Board Leadership Academy Class of 2019. The cohorts represent a diverse group of individuals representing all areas of the school district. They were among more than 80 community members to apply for the academy this year. The Fort Bend ISD Board Leadership Academy Class of 2019 includes: Melanie Anbarci, Karina Anderson Chandler, Debra Andrews, Howard Bartee, Jr., Ferrel Bonner, Stephanie Brown,

Elessia Davis, Michelle DeMora, Elena Farah, Rick Garcia, Alysa Jarvis, Jayco Parahams McCowan, Crystal Moya, Megan Ortiz, LaToya Robinson, Smita Singh, Melanie Tanguma, Nathan Tenney, Angel Thomas, Rama Walker and Zekeriya Yuksel. These individuals represent the second class of cohorts to participate in the academy since its inaugural year in 2017. While participating in the nine-month long program, participants will learn ﬁrsthand from FBISD leaders about ﬁnance and budget, curriculum, planning and

accountability, legislative issues and advocacy and collaborative communities. The cohorts will attend an opening retreat on Sept. 15, followed by seven evening sessions through May and a day trip to the Texas Capitol. They will also be required to attend one FBISD Board Workshop and one Regular Board Meeting of their choice. The sessions will give participants an opportunity to learn more about FBISD, its systems and processes used in daily operations and the role of the School Board.

Fort Bend ISD invites parents, guardians and students to attend one of the 12 community meetings to learn more about the Fort Bend ISD November 6, 2018 Bond Referendum. Tuesday, October 9 is the last day to register to vote in the November 6 election. For more information about registering to vote, check with Fort Bend County Elections at http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/, under Services/Elections.

Susan Soto runs for Missouri City City Council At-Large Position 2 Susan Soto has ﬁled for Missouri City City Council’s At-large Position 2. Two others, Angie Wierzbicki and Buddy Snyder are also running for this seat. Soto has served for several years on the Thunderbird North Community Association Board of Directors and she was appointed by City Council to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Board #1 in 2014, with a reappointment in 2016. In 2015, Soto was nominated to serve with other Missouri City residents and stakeholders on the city’s Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, helping to review the city’s Comprehensive Plan and to make recommendations to City Council concerning updates to the Plan and future growth and development. Soto considers her service on the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee as excellent preparation for a seat on City Council, saying, “the Committee received an incredible amount of data relating to areas of the city commonly considered to be areas of concern, as well as to areas in the city that have yet to be developed. A fact-based and data-driven approach to decision making is extremely important for Council members, and I am the only candidate for AtLarge Position 2 that attended the CPAC meetings in 2016

Soto and studied and discussed the data with the planning team’s professional consultants.” Soto’s work experience includes seventeen years working in Texas public education as a classroom teacher and campus principal, and seven years as an attorney. She has been recognized by Houstonia and H Texas magazines as an awardwinning attorney and owns her own law firm, The Law Office of Susan H. Soto. She is a member of the Woman’s Club of Missouri City, the city’s oldest civic organization that provides scholarships to Missouri City high school seniors and supports local interests like the Dew House and Missouri City first responders. Soto is also a member of the StaffordMissouri City Lions Club and the Quail Valley Quails. She has lived in Missouri City

since 2010, when she married her husband, Pedro. Soto believes that her role on City Council as an atlarge member would be to advance the interests of her constituents, the residents of Missouri City, and not her own. In order to do so, Soto says, “my priorities are to make the at-large oﬃce accessible to constituents and stakeholders, to connect citizens with city staﬀ and District Councilmembers to form a problem-solving team, and to maintain what is working in the city and improve what isn’t.” The Houston Association of REALTOR announced last week that the organization endorses Susan Soto’s candidacy for Missouri City City Council, At-Large Position 2. Soto earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the State University of New York/College at Fredonia and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston. Her Doctorate of Jurisprudence was conferred by the South Texas College of Law in 2010. She and Pedro are members of the First United Methodist Church and enjoy their two rescue dogs, Missy and Murphy. For more information, visit www.Facebook.com/ ElectSusanSoto.

FBISD’s Small Business Enterprise Program to host meeting, Wed., Sept. 26 Fort Bend ISD’s Small Business Enterprise Program (SBEP) is hosting its ﬁrst meeting of the 2018-19 school year on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the FBISD Triplex (550 Julie Rivers, Sugar Land 77478). The SBEP is teaming up with the Woman’s Contractor Association, Houston Community College and University of Houston for this meeting. Contractors, subcontractors and other small businesses that are interested in partnering with the District and learning more about projects included in Phase 3 of the 2014 Bond Program are invited to attend. Those in attendance will also learn more about construction and non-construction small business opportunities.

The $992.6 million November 6, 2018 bond referendum includes: $403.4 million

New construction, rebuilds and additions

$396.5 million

Life-cycle deficiencies and facility adequacy, including auditorium updates, orchestra hall additions, and turf and track updates at many schools

$14.9 million

Safety and security upgrades and investments

$10.6 million

Transportation

$142.6 million

Technology

$19.7 million

Future land purchases

*$5 million for program contingency.

DATES & LOCATIONS Tuesday, September 18 6 to 8 p.m. Hightower High School Auditorium 3333 Hurricane Lane Missouri City 77459

Wednesday, September 19 6 to 8 p.m. Kempner High School Auditorium 14777 Voss Rd., Sugar Land 77498

Wednesday, September 26 6 to 8 p.m. Ridge Point High School Auditorium 500 Waters Lake Blvd. Missouri City 77459

Thursday, October 4 6 to 8 p.m. Hodges Bend Middle School Commons 16510 Bissonnet Houston 77083

Tuesday, September 18 6 to 8 p.m. Austin High School Auditorium 3434 Pheasant Creek Drive Sugar Land 77498

Wednesday, September 19 Fort Settlement Middle School Commons 6 to 8 p.m. 5440 Elkins Rd. Sugar Land 77479

Wednesday, September 26 6 to 8 p.m. Clements High School Auditorium 4200 Elkins Drive Sugar Land 77479

Tuesday, October 9 Last day to register to vote Wednesday, October 10 6 to 8 p.m. Dulles High School Cafeteria 550 Dulles Ave. Sugar Land 77478

Wednesday, October 10 6 to 8 p.m. Travis High School Auditorium 11111 Harlem Rd. Richmond 77406 Tuesday, October 16 6 to 8 p.m. James Bowie Middle School Commons 700 Plantation Drive Richmond 77406

Tuesday, October 16 6 to 8 p.m. Willowridge High School Auditorium 16301 Chimney Rock Houston 77053 Wednesday, October 17 6 to 8 p.m. Elkins High School Auditorium 7007 Knights Court Missouri City 77459

Early Voting: October 22 – November 2 | Election Day: November 6 For more information about the 2018 Bond, go to www.fortbendisd.com/bond. #Bond2018

#InspireEquipImagine

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

MIKE’S MONOLOGUE

I have remembered...

By MICHAEL GRANTO For a while, when the children were younger, our family lived in a suburb of Buﬀalo, New York, named Cheektowaga. The name derives from the Seneca Indian word, Chictawauga, which meant “land of the crab-apples.” For some reason, the name gave newcomers to the area ﬁts and starts. First, especially if they were from out of state, they’d unaccountably have trouble pronouncing it, and they’d have to have its origin explained two or three times. We had one particular region manager who was from Los Angeles who simply couldn’t get over the name. (Region managers didn’t live in Cheektowaga; they lived in Amherst or Williamsville.) Every so often, even after he’d been in Buffalo for a while, he’d ask, “Where the hell did you guys ever get a name like Cheektowaga?” and then immerse himself in oceans of chuckles. Our area Cheektowaga was a nice enough place, full of young families, mostly of working class people. Lawns were neatly kept, houses maintained, and in the winter, sidewalks and driveways were kept shoveled. Our street was only a couple of blocks long, and more or less meandered around near a creek, which my boys loved to play around. Catching minnows, frogs, toads, and whatever else they could lay their hands on seemed to occupy much of their springtime, and summertime. Even fall. All in all, it was a nice place to raise a family, but there were

Granto some things to watch out for, primary among them was the dreaded French Road. Now, French Road was an east-west artery that, at some times of the day carried a fair amount of traffic. (Okay, maybe describing it as an “east-west artery” is a little over-the-top. But it WAS east-west. And it DID carry traffic.) All of this occasioned fatherly warnings about situational awareness, looking both ways if you were going to cross that road to go to the pet store across the street, and of course, not riding your bike on French Road. Grounding with no bike privileges until age 40 was one of the milder consequences. Customarily, to get home from the office, I’d drive south on Transit Road (a REAL artery north-south) then turn right onto the dreaded French Road. That turn showed just how bush league French Road was in the world of traffic arteries. It was getting on to suppertime, and I was just poking along, anxious to get home, when, not far from the turn onto our street, I noticed a kid on a bike riding along. About two seconds later, I noticed it was my oldest son. (He was ten or eleven years old.)

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 22ND day of AUGUST, 2018, in a certain cause number 18-DCV-247990 wherein WESTON LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff , and CIRO CUCHINELLI AND SANDRA CUCHINELLI defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 10TH day of JULY, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff WESTON LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC against said defendant CIRO CUCHINELLI AND SANDRA CUCHINELLI, for the sum of $2,575.40 ; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,590.00, COSTS OF COURT, TOGETHER WITH POSTJUDGEMENT INTEREST THEREON AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE HEREOF UNTIL PAID AND FURTHER SUM OF $334.00 with the interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum from date of judgment, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 2ND day of OCTOBER, 2018 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of CIRO CUCHINELLI AND SANDRA CUCHINELLI in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of CIRO CUCHINELLI AND SANDRA CUCHINELLI to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF RIVERWOOD FOREST AT WESTON LAKES, SECTION ONE (1), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORD IN SLIDE NOS. 2001/A&B, AND 2003/A&B, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 3907 WENTWORTH DRIVE, FULSHEAR, TEXAS 77441. DATE OF SALE: OCTOBER 2, 2018 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 . TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $2,575.40 ; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,590.00, COSTS OF COURT, TOGETHER WITH POSTJUDGEMENT INTEREST THEREON AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE HEREOF UNTIL PAID AND FURTHER SUM OF $334.00 dollars, in favor of WESTON LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 31ST day of AUGUST, 2018, in a certain cause number 17-DCV-242064 wherein EAGLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff , and RODNEY MADISON AND MARILYNN MADISON JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 12TH day of JULY, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff EAGLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant RODNEY MADISON AND MARILYNN MADISON JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, for the sum of $5,784.93 AS FOLLOWNS: PAST DUE ASSESSMENTS: $1,460.00 INTEREST: $307.23 LEGAL FEES $3,406.57 COST OF COLLECTION $611.13 ; PLAINTIFF SHALL RECOVER FROM DEFENDANTS $1,500.00 IN ATTORNEY’S FEES AND FURTHER SUM OF $0.00., together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 2ND day of OCTOBER, 2018 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of RODNEY MADISON AND MARILYNN MADISON JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of RODNEY MADISON AND MARILYNN MADISON JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT 14, BLOCK 4 EAGLEWOOD SECTION FIVE, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO. 2262A/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS 9507 TREE SPARROW LANE, HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77083. DATE OF SALE: OCTOBER 2, 2018 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $5,784.93 AS FOLLOWS: PAST DUE ASSESSMENTS: $1,460.00 INTEREST: $307.23 LEGAL FEES $3,406.57 COST OF COLLECTION $611.13; PLAINTIFF SHALL RECOVER FROM DEFENDANTS $1,500.00; IN ATTORNEY’S FEES AND FURTHER SUM OF $0.00, in favor of EAGLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

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He was very competently negotiating the dreaded French Road, his left hand on the handle bar, his right hand extending out just riffling through the leaves of the roadside bushes. His red shirt was fluttering in the breeze, and he was, to me the picture of youthful freedom, confident in his own ability to handle himself. At first, I thought, “AHA! Got ya now, ya rascal!” Then, I thought about how beautiful that moment really was; before SATs, before college, before marriage, before jobs, before moving. Here was a little (well, maybe not so little) guy, doing what I had taught him to do: carrying his own weight, packing his own gear, making his own calls. He was free and easy in the wind, headed home on his bike. Yes, he was on the dreaded French Road. And he was doing just fine. I slowed the car and took a turn behind him, and drove the neighborhood streets for a few minutes, so he’d get home before I did. And when I got home, I hugged everybody, and soon we all sat down to supper. And I never said a word about the dreaded French Road, because, you know, sometimes it’s okay to not say a word. A part of me wanted to thank him for giving me a moment so beautiful that I knew I’d remember it even when I was an old man. And now I AM an old man. And I HAVE remembered. (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.)

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Issued by the Clerk of the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, on the 19TH day of JULY, 2018, in a certain cause number 16-DCV-233407 wherein SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff, and ADEWUNMI KUYINU defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 19TH day of JANUARY, 2017, in favor of the said plaintiff SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant ADEWUNMI KUYINU, for the sum of $5,876.35 UNPAID ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED/RESULTING CHARGES THAT ACCRUED ON DEFENDANTS ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2016 ; $3,518.50 FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES AND $1,099.81 FOR EXPENSES/COSTS; ATTORNEY’S FEES FOR LEGAL FEES OF HOOVER SLOVACEK, LLP IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,082.97; ATTORNEY FEES TO BE RENDERED IN COLLECTING ON THIS JUDGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00; INTEREST ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF THIS JUDGMENT UNTIL PAID IN FULL AND FURTHER SUM OF $0.00 with the interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum from date of judgment, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 2ND day of OCTOBER, 2018 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of ADEWUNMI KUYINU in and to the following described Real property, levied upon as the property of ADEWUNMI KUYINU to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT SEVEN (7), BLOCK ONE (1), OF AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS, SECTION THREE (3), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20040069 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, TOGETHER WITH ALL SUPPLEMENTS/ AMENDMENTS THERETO OR REPLATS THEREOF. DATE OF SALE: OCTOBER 2, 2018 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH; CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $5,876.35 UNPAID ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED/ RESULTING CHARGES THAT ACCRUED ON DEFENDANTS ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2016 ; $3,518.50 FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES AND $1,099.81 FOR EXPENSES/COSTS; ATTORNEY’S FEES FOR LEGAL FEES OF HOOVER SLOVACEK, LLP IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,082.97; ATTORNEY FEES TO BE RENDERED IN COLLECTING ON THIS JUDGEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00; INTEREST ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF THIS JUDGMENT UNTIL PAID IN FULL AND FURTHER SUM OF $0.00, in favor of SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

LETTER Time to reap beneﬁts in Rosenberg; elections have consequences To the Editor: You must sow what you hope to “Reap.” The same thing holds true at election time. The citizens of Rosenberg planted four new district members into council seats on their commitment for tax reductions. Four months passed and their goals have finally come to fruition. “Whatever a man is sown, so He will also Reap” (Galatians 6:71) So if an individual desires to reap what is good, quality seeds must be planted. The election of William T “Bill” Benton by an overwhelming majority of people who agree with his plans to cut spending and eliminate the debt makes clear that people expect their leaders to be competent. Here are some compelling reason to consider why this tax reduction can be accomplished: increased property values (8-10% annually), increased sales tax (Doubled in the last 10 years), and prioritizing the budget, leverage dollars with other entities such as the county, grants, and RDC whenever possible. Most importantly careful, conservative budgeting by our city staﬀ and council members all should be commended. Some other notable points about the budget are it reduces CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Issued by the Clerk of the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, on the 9TH day of AUGUST, 2018, in a certain cause number 16-DCV-237631 wherein EAGLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff, and JORGE A. PENA AND SUSANA Z. PENA, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 24TH day of APRIL, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff EAGLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant JORGE A. PENA AND SUSANA Z. PENA, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, for the sum of $4,400.54 AS FOLLOWS: PAST DUE ASSESSMENTS: $1,397.37; INTEREST: $218.40; LEGAL FEES: $2,695.03; COSTS OF COLLECTION: $89.74 ; ORDERED THAT SHOULD PLAINTIFF BE REQUIRED TO PURSUE POST-JUDGMENT FORECLOSURE, PLAINTIFF SHALL RECOVER FROM DEFENDANTS $1,500.00 IN ATTORNEY’S FEES AND FURTHER THE SUM OF $0.00, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 2ND day of OCTOBER, 2018 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of JORGE A. PENA AND SUSANA Z. PENA, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY in and to the following described Real property, levied upon as the property of JORGE A. PENA AND SUSANA Z. PENA, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT SEVENTY (70), BLOCK THREE (3) OF EAGLEWOOD SECTION FOUR (4), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS THEREOF RECORDED UNDER SLIDE NO(S). 2118/B & 2119/A OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 16119 EAGLEWOOD SPRING COURT, HOUSTON, TEXAS, 77083-5054 (THE “PROPERTY”) DATE OF SALE: OCTOBER 2, 2018 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $4,400.54 AS FOLLOWS: PAST DUE ASSESSMENTS: $1,397.37; INTEREST: $218.40; LEGAL FEES: $2,695.03; COSTS OF COLLECTION: $89.74; ORDERED THAT SHOULD PLAINTIFF BE REQUIRED TO PURSUE POST-JUDGMENT FORECLOSURE, PLAINTIFF SHALL RECOVER FROM DEFENDANTS $1,500.00 IN ATTORNEY’S FEES AND FURTHER THE SUM OF $0.00 dollars, in favor of EAGLEWOOD HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

our debt by $8 million dollars, while saving the citizens $700,000 in interest. This provides for a 50% increase in the over 65 homestead exemption as well as increasing the employees’ health care benefits, no layoff, still leaving the city with over $13 million in the bank, that’s leadership. The people expect honest efforts to try to improve things, and to bring to them a reasonable measure of peace, prosperity, and security. I urge the readers not to be fooled by negative remarks made by those that would paint a false picture of the good job this 2018 city council is doing on behalf of their constituents. It is devised to cheat you out

of your tax reductions and right to vote on issues. I don’t know how to explain the actions of ex-mayor and district members who went back on their words given to their constituents. Voting against tax reductions in 2016, 2017, and 2018 is their claim to fame. Let our new Mayor Benton and city council members Amanda Bartu, Jacob Balderas, Steve Degresario, Liza Willingford, and Richard Olsen who are still eager to do the will of the people and vote for tax reductions, get back to work. You have the support of citizens, congratulations. Sam Carlisi Rosenberg

Weston Lakes receives Rebuilding Texas Grant A year after Hurricane Harvey devastated the Weston Lakes community, Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) has recognized Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful as a recipient of the Rebuilding Texas Grants program. Through KTB’s partnership with Keep America Beautiful and sponsorships from Revolver Brewing, Waste Management and Chevron, KTB will provide nine aﬃliate communities with funds to continue to rebuild and restore their public spaces after the destruction caused by the storm. With contributions from Revolver Brewing, Waste Management and Chevron as well CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Issued by the Clerk of the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of Fort Bend County, on the 26TH day of JULY, 2018, in a certain cause number 17-DCV-246954 wherein FIRETHORNE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff , and WAYNE O. HALLBERG AND JANE ANN HALLBERG defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 13TH day of MARCH, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff FIRETHORNE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant WAYNE O. HALLBERG AND JANE ANN HALLBERG, for the sum of $2,699.40 AMOUNT DUE ; ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,534.33; POST JUDGEMENT INTEREST SHALL ACCRUE ON THIS JUDGMENT AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF JUDGMENT; ALL COSTS OF COURT AND FURTHER SUM OF $334.00 with the interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum from date of judgment, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 2ND day of OCTOBER, 2018 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of WAYNE O. HALLBERG AND JANE ANN HALLBERG in and to the following described Real property, levied upon as the property of WAYNE O. HALLBERG AND JANE ANN HALLBERG to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: 2611 FIRECREST DRIVE, KATY, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77494, ALSO KNOWN AS FIRETHORNE, SECTION 3, BLOCK 2, LOT 1 (THE “PROPERTY”) DATE OF SALE: OCTOBER 2, 2018 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $2,699.40 AMOUNT DUE ; ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,534.33; POST JUDGEMENT INTEREST SHALL ACCRUE ON THIS JUDGMENT AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM FROM THE DATE OF JUDGMENT; ALL COSTS OF COURT AND FURTHER SUM OF $334.00 dollars, in favor of FIRETHORNE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY SEPTEMBER 4, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT AVISO PUBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the General Election to be held on November 6, 2018 and by local political subdivisions, for whom Fort Bend County is conducting elections, will be tested on September 19, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fort Bend County Elections Department, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas. The purpose of the test is to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures being tabulated on behalf of those jurisdictions Por lo presente se da aviso que el equipo para tabular automáticamente que se usará en la Elección General el 6 de Noviembre de 2018, y por subdivisiones políticos para quien el Condado de Fort Bend está llevando a cabo las elecciones, se probara el 19 de Septiembre del 2018 a las 9:00 a.m. en el Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas. El propósito de la prueba es para determinar que contará con precisión los votos emitidos para todas las oficinas y sobre todas las medidas que se tabularon en nombre de aquellas jurisdicciones. /s/ John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Administrador de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend

as generous individual donors, KTB created the Rebuilding Texas Grants program to support restoration projects and long-term recovery efforts in the affected communities, such as ours. The funds will support Weston Lakes efforts to restore and improve Pecan Park by planting Live Oaks and Crape Myrtles within the park and walking trail, as well as Louisiana Irises along the banks of Pecan Lake to slow down the erosion process. In addition, reseeding our wildflower garden and making plans for our Monarch Butterfly Waystation. “With all the news stories focusing on the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, this award is most certainly a bright spot for us all” says Carol Fairbanks, Executive Director of Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful. In addition to Weston Lakes, Keep Aransas Pass Beautiful, Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful, Keep Aransas County Beautiful, Keep Seabrook Beautiful, Keep Friendswood Beautiful, Keep Cuero Beautiful, Keep Jasper Beautiful, Keep Sugar Land Beautiful and Keep Lake Jackson Beautiful were also awarded grants to help rebuild their communities. “Beyond financial support for restoration projects, we’re aiming to help our affiliates by providing them with an outlet to engage community members and focus on rebuilding together,” says Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of KTB. “We are so thankful for our partnership with Keep America Beautiful and numerous sponsors and donors, as it allows us to have an even greater impact on our Texas communities.” Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful is thankful for this grant and the opportunity to continue to rebuild Weston Lakes. To learn more about KTB resources and current grant opportunities, visit www.ktb.org/ grants.l Keep Texas Beautiful is a statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to beautifying and improving community environments through programming and education. Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful is a 501(c)3 volunteer organization, co-sponsored by the Weston Lakes Women’s Association and Garden Club, whose goal it is to reach into every segment of the City of Weston Lakes. All money raised by Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful is spent on community improvement projects and the implementation of programs that align with our mission and help our organization compete for the Governor’s Community Achievement Award, awarded through Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot). Keep Weston Lakes Beautiful is nonpolitical.

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 5

COMMENTARY

Tax cuts leads to record growth, people reap beneﬁts

By PETE OLSON Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law was signed into law in December, Texans and other Americans have seen record growth and opportunity for taxpayers and employers. Nearly four million American workers have received over $4 billion in benefits, bonuses and pay hikes. Nine out of ten employees are keeping more of the money they earn thanks to updated federal income tax withholding tables. America has the strongest labor market in nearly two decades. The U.S. economy has created over 1.6 million jobs this year and we are seeing the highest level of wage gains since 2009! Our 3.9% unemployment rate is at a 17 year low. The Labor Department has also announced that U.S. filings for unemployment benefits are at their lowest level in 49 years. That’s almost half a century! We’ve also seen record numbers of companies still trying to fill millions of jobs. Another key sign of the strength of our economy is the growth in our nation’s GDP, which rose to 4.2% in the second quarter of 2018. Analysts say this will put our economy on track to grow by more than 3% over the calendar year. The economic growth is real, and tax cuts and a return to reasonable regulations are a big part of why.

Olson Houstonians are reaping the benefits too. Area employees have received bonuses at local companies like Group 1 Automotive, Russell Marine, Cadence Bancorporation or Steris Corporation. Other workers have received bonuses, better pay or stock benefits at national companies like Wells Fargo, Apple, McDonalds and AT & T. People have more money in the bank to pay off bills or save for their kids’ college. They also have peace of mind knowing that they can set a little more aside for future emergencies. Many local businesses have also expressed their excitement about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is helping them. Tony Canolli, owner of Tony’s Pizza and Grinders in Houston said the new tax law “is making it possible for us to expand our business.” Andres Novoa the owner

of La Cocina Mexican Restaurant in Richmond said, “It’s going to be a little extra money for us to do improvements – hire more employees, get a van, more equipment that we need, put money into marketing.” Finally, American businesses will again be competitive in the global market. For too long, our tax code discouraged companies from bringing their international profits back home. Now, they won’t be penalized for these international profits and can reinvest in American equipment and employees to grow their businesses. As I travel the 22nd District of Texas, I hear hope and optimism from folks who have been tested and now are feeling relief from excessive regulations. Take our energy industry here in Houston; it’s on an economic climb thanks to cutting excessive regulations that were stifling growth and blocking our ability to share our energy resources with allies across the globe. Thanks to tax relief, American workers are beginning to feel better, confidence is reaching new heights, and businesses are reinvesting in the economy. The American people are better off now. Congressman Pete Olson (R-Dist. TX 22) represents areas of Fort Bend County, Brazos County and Harris County.

Stafford city budget allocates $800,000 to SMSD By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stafford’s budget for 201819 has $300,000 for security of SMSD students and personnel, Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella said in his budget proposal. The city and the school district now have an inter local agreement that will require the district to pay $187,000 for three Stafford police officers to be on full time duty when school is in session. Additionally, another $450,000 is in the city budget to pay for SMSD’s use of the city’s civic center, Stafford Centre, municipal swimming pool, SMETV productions of school meetings and events, a legislative consultant and the city’s quarterly newsletter, Sacrcella said. Then Scarcella applauded SMSD president, Christopher Caldwell for requesting a meeting between him, the mayor and SMSD Superintendent Robert Bostic to “aggressively” pursue programs that entice more children who live in Stafford to attend SMSD. The $25,000 in the budget for that purpose will be added to the other outlays. All total the city’s tab for SMSD is slightly over $800,000. Scarcella then said Stafford now has an enhanced television contract with Houston Community College that was two years in the making. He said the terms “will significantly elevate services for Staffordians, especially in emergencies” through improved staffing and equipment. The tab for that is just under $500,000 in the city’s proposed 2018-19 fiscal year $41-million budget. The personnel budget, now at $16.4 million includes a 2% increase for full-time employees and others who qualify. Insurance for personnel will approach $2.4 million, which the city pays in full and 88% for dependents. The police department gets $7.62 million with $2.5 million allocated for a new police annex. Also under the police department is code enforcement, which gets nearly $300,000 while animal control costs that go to Missouri City for sheltering services are $117,000, Another $55,000 is set aside for plans to develop Staf-

ford’s own animal shelter. The fire department gets $2.7 million in the proposed budget plus $3 million in debt funding for the construction of a new fire station. The fire marshal has a proposed budget of $489,000 and emergency management has been allocated $191,000. Public works got $927,000 in the proposed budget plus $125,000 more for the inspection of residential rental homes, which is a new program initiated by Council Member Virginia Rosas. The street department’s needs to complete 13 street projects and other general repairs are entered at $870,000 in the budget. The total tab for city parks will top $1 million and includes a new truck and mowers. Public works gets a tad over $460,000 while finance department will gets a smidgen over $500,000 a year. The new Intellectual Technology Department will receive just under $1 million, and general government, led by City Secretary Tomika Lewis, has a proposed budget of $1,663,000. The new human resource department gets an outlay for operations of just over $250,000. Susan Ricks oversees the Civic Center, recreational department, municipal swimming pool and is the administrator for the Stafford Centre. The Civic Center serves as SMSD’s auditorium and has a tab for operations that comes from the general fund, municipal sales tax fund and hotel tax fund. They add up to $670,000 and produce revenue of $175,000. The swimming pool operates on $200,000 annually and will take in $45,000 in revenues. The mayor budgeted $100,000 to pay for the city’s free fourth of July celebration, city sponsorship of sport and recreational activities and the children’s holiday festival. The Stafford Centre operations are paid for by the city and hotel occupancy tax and run some $2.6 million. Debt service is just under $1.8 million and amounts to a total of $4.4 million plus SEDC funds of $354,000. It is expected to generate revenues of $1.82

million. The municipal court costs about $550,000 to run and collects and retains $1.6 million in violations and fines. Major revenue sources for 2018-19 include $16.8 million from sales taxes. Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues are expected to bring in $1.1 million plus interest of $100,000. The Stafford Centre needs various upgrades that will amount to $354,0090 and expanding West Airport Boulevard will cost $5 million. The mayor said, “Certainly worth mentioning is the total cash balance in the SEDC account amounting to $11,630,000.” Scarcella noted that the budget’s fund balance is $5 million now but will be less than $1 million if the proposed budget is approved. Earlier, in his budget message Scarcella said “Yesterday (Sept. 4) was my 49th year as mayor of Stafford and I’d like to thank the people of Stafford for it. It’s been one of those rare delights in life that sometime you are fortunate to have and I feel very good about it.” Scarcella referred to the “recent historic U.S. Supreme Court decision which allows state and local governments to impose sales and use taxes on the sellers of goods and services. “So now Stafford and 1,600 other local governments in Texas and the state can collect taxes on internet transactions.” Most likely, Scarcella said, “it will be the end of 2019 before we receive sales taxes from internet transactions.” He then said his message includes StreetLevel’s development on half of the former 192-acre TI property and “has garnered tremendous attention based on its promise to ‘transform Stafford and make it into a point of destination.’” The approved agreement with StreetLevel would afford the developer, based on their numbers, pay outs and rebates of about $18 million over six years. For the first time in its more than 60 year history Stafford will pay a promoter to develop within the city.

NEWS

Solar company to establish 1,800-acre farm in Fort Bend Fort Bend Solar LLC, a subsidiary of Lendlease, based out of Sydney, Australia, is leasing approximately 1,800 acres near Orchard in the county’s western portion for a 200-megawatt solar facility. The solar panel array will tie into the main transmission lines of CenterPoint Energy, adding enough energy to power 40,000 homes on average or 140,000 people living and working in a small city. The facility will add approximately $170 million to the county’s tax rolls. Local support and location are key, said Ross Metersky, project development director for the company’s energy development business. “Fort Bend County oﬀered a nice opportunity,” he said. “Electrically, it is in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Houston Zone with access to CenterPoint Energy’s robust transmission system. The county also has appropriate land for this use that is environmentally sound rather than the wetlands south of the county.” Fort Bend Solar will have approximately 700,000 roughly 3-foot-by-6-foot panels mounted on a single-axis track-

Task Force on unmarked graves

The recently appointed City Manager’s Task Force on the Convict Lease Memorial in Sugar Land met for the first time on Sept. 5 and unanimously supported DNA testing of historical remains discovered on property owned by Fort Bend Independent School District. The task force requested the preparation of a letter formalizing their support for DNA testing, which will be sent to the Texas Historical Commission by Fort Bend ISD. Community and stakeholder support will be part of the commissions’ decision on whether teeth will be removed from each person buried in the school district’s unmarked grave for future DNA testing. “We had an engaged, diverse group of stakeholders participate,” said City Manager Allen Bogard. “All together, we had a little more than 30 people in attendance at the meeting.” The vote to support DNA testing occurred after presentations on DNA sampling from Dr. Catrina Whitley, a bioarcheologist, and Cultural Resources Director Reign Clark, of Goshawk Environmental Consulting. The task force will continue to work during the next six months to provide a recommendation on the interment, memorialization and ceremonial funeral details of historical remains discovered on property owned by Fort Bend Independent School District. The work of the task force will be important once an agreement is finalized for the future relocation of the remains. “This task force is the best vehicle to garner community, educator and stakeholder consensus for re-interment at the Old Imperial Prison Cemetery,” said Bogard. “The task force understands that a consensus will be needed for a re-interment plan and memorialization before a formal agreement can be considered by City Council. Based on our first meeting, I believe they are committed to working collaboratively to achieve this very important goal.” The meetings are open to the public and will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

er system, allowing the panels to slowly rotate from east to west throughout the day for maximum absorption. As the panels are meant to absorb the sun, reflection will be minimal, Metersky said. “Many solar facilities are actually located near airports with the approval of the FAA,” Metersky said. The energy absorbed is sent to an on-site substation where it converts it from low- to high-voltage and then delivered to CenterPoint, which is building a switchyard to allow the power to flow into the system. Construction is expected to begin in 2019, with the facility operational in 2020. “There is a hefty load in Fort Bend County and south to Freeport,” Metersky said. “This solar project will be a tremendous advantage to enduse customers in this area.” Precinct 1 County Commissioner Vincent Morales, Jr., said having the additional energy will be attractive to commercial, industrial and residential developers moving into the area. “While economic development has always relied on good roads and good bridges, it also relies significantly on power — which is largely invisible to the masses,” Morales said. “We need power now more than ever, especially when considering population projections for the county, and the state of Texas. I am so pleased and delighted that Fort Bend Solar will be here, contributing to the economy and also putting more power into the grid.” Jack Belt, Executive Vice

President of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, agrees and says Fort Bend Solar coming to Fort Bend County also is important because it puts approximately $170 million into the county tax rolls. “This is taking 1,800 acres off of ag exemption, which is significant,” he said. “And the initial investment is $170 million, which even with tax abatements greatly benefits the county and Brazos ISD.” The school district — through a Chapter 313 appraised value limitation abatement — Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend County Drainage District are offering 10-year abatements on the 30year lease. “The district is excited for the potential revenue that the project will bring to Brazos ISD for the next several years,” said Brazos ISD Superintendent Brian Thompson. Belt says the project will be a boon for everyone involved and positions the county as a leader within the Greater Houston area in renewable energy and cements its growing reputation as a home base for tech companies. “We have companies drawn to the county that are working on emerging physical technology such as high-tech traffic signals, fiber optic components and more,” Belt said. “Complementing that is the college of technology that the University of Houston is building in Sugar Land. “Fort Bend County is becoming a hub for technical training and employment.”

City of Missouri City NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Missouri City, Texas (the “City”) will meet at its regular meeting place in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m. on the 15th day of October, 2018, which is the time and place tentatively set for the passage of an ordinance and such other action as may be deemed necessary to authorize the issuance of the City’s certificates of obligation, payable from ad valorem taxation and a limited (in an amount not to exceed $10,000) subordinate pledge of certain revenues of the waterworks and sewer system of the City, in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $2,100,000, bearing interest at any rate or rates, not to exceed the maximum interest rate now or hereafter authorized by law, as shall be determined within the discretion of the City Council at the time of issuance and maturing over a period of years not to exceed forty (40) years from the date thereof, for the purpose of evidencing the indebtedness of the City to pay all or any part of the contractual obligations to be incurred for the purpose of (1) the construction of public works, more specifically, (i) the purchase of water, sewer, utilities, drainage and street improvements for Lake Shore Harbour Section Four; and (ii) the purchase of water, sewer, utilities, drainage and street improvements for Lake Shore Harbour Section Five; and any items related thereto, and (2) professional services rendered in connection with item (1). WITNESS MY HAND AND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF THE CITY, this 5th day of September, 2018. /s/Maria Jackson, City Secretary City of Missouri City, Texas

City of Missouri City NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Missouri City, Texas (the “City”) will meet at its regular meeting place in the City Council Chamber at City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m. on the 15th day of October, 2018, which is the time and place tentatively set for the passage of an ordinance and such other action as may be deemed necessary to authorize the issuance of the City’s certificates of obligation, payable from ad valorem taxation and a limited (in an amount not to exceed $10,000) subordinate pledge of certain revenues of the waterworks and sewer system of the City, in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $21,000,000, bearing interest at any rate or rates, not to exceed the maximum interest rate now or hereafter authorized by law, as shall be determined within the discretion of the City Council at the time of issuance and maturing over a period of years not to exceed forty (40) years from the date thereof, for the purpose of evidencing the indebtedness of the City to pay all or any part of the contractual obligations to be incurred for the purpose of (1) the construction of public works, more specifically, the expansion of a surface water treatment plant, and any items related thereto, and (2) professional services rendered in connection with item (1). WITNESS MY HAND AND THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF THE CITY, this 5th day of September, 2018. /s/Maria Jackson, City Secretary City of Missouri City, Texas

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* CLOSING DATE OF September 26, 2018 AT 2:00 PM. ******* Sealed Proposal for the provision of Owner-Occupied Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Services to the City of Missouri City, RFP # 18-248 Owner-Occupied Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Services Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFP name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Responses are due on September 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM. 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.

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

AUTOMOBILE: Lexus RX 350 By BARBARA FULENWIDER Two years after its introduction, the fourth-generation RX got some changes for 2018. Most notably, the Enform Safety Connect and Enform Service Connect are now complimentary for the first 10 years of ownership. Both were previously oﬀered with a one year trial. The Lexus RX has always oﬀered a combination of SUV versatility and sedan-like comfort and stands out with a mix of sharp creases and curves. The focal point of the front is the Lexus signature spindle grille with a chrome-plated surround and standard Bi-LED headlights. Where the rubber

meets the road, there’s a choice of three 20-inch wheel designs and 18 or 20-inch wheels. The RX cabin includes form-ﬁtting seats and available richly ﬁnished wood trim. An available full-color heads-up display projects key information on the windshield to keep the driver focused on the road. The Lexus RX 350 will continue to run its most powerful V6 engine on regular grade gas. The 3.5-liter engine makes 295 hp and 268 lb.-ft. of torque. The FWD model received an EPA-estimated 27 highway MPG. In both FWD and AWD versions, the engine is teamed to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

CONSTABLE’S SALE STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an Order of Sale dated Aug 3, 2018, delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the 400th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of THE COMMONWEALTH CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC., plaintiff, and against Nick R. Demeris and Helen M. Demeris, defendant, in Cause No. 18-DCV-248781, for the sum of TEN-THOUSAND-–TWENTYONE- DOLLARS AND 14/100’s CENTS ($10021.14), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 15TH day of AUG, 2018, at 2:00 PM, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of NICK R. DEMERIS AND HELEN M. DEMERIS, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT 14, IN BLOCK 1 , OF COMMONWEALTH ESTATES SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 1173/B AND 1174/A,MAP AND OR PLAT RECORDS OF OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4518 ST MICHAELS CT SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 and on OCT 2, 2018, being the first Tuesday of said month, between the hours of 10:00 o’clock a.m. and 4:00 o’clock p.m., at 301 JACKSON ST, FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG RICHMOND TX. I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of NICK R. DEMERIS AND HELEN M. DEMERIS, defendant, in and to said property. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG, 301 JACKSON ST 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCT 2, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 AM BY Sergeant M. Kutach

CONSTABLE’S SALE STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an Order of Sale dated Aug 8, 2018, delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the 268th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of THE COMMONWEALTH CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC., plaintiff, and against Zhi Zhou Zhang and Yue Liu, defendant, in Cause No. 18-DCV-250092, for the sum of EIGHT-THOUSAND-THREE-HUNDREDEIGHTY- TWO DOLLARS AND–SEVENTYONE- CENTS 71/100’s ($8382.71), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 4TH day of SEPT, 2018, at 2:00 PM, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of Zhi Zhou Zhang and Yue Liu, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT SIX (6), IN BLOCK TWO (2) , OF BRIDGEWATER SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 1182/B AND 1183/A,OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4523 DEVONSHIRE STREET SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 and on OCT 2, 2018, being the first Tuesday of said month, between the hours of 10:00 o’clock a.m. and 4:00 o’clock p.m., at 301 JACKSON ST, FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG RICHMOND TX. I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of Zhi Zhou Zhang and Yue Liu, defendant, in and to said property. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG, 301 JACKSON ST 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCT 2, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 AM BY Sergeant M. Kutach

TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE’S SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on June 20,2018 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 16DCV-235590 in favor of the plaintiff- U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A. AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 98,665.88 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on August 3, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of October 2, 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)- FLORA M. BRADLEY A/KIA FLORA BRADLEY AND EUGENE BRADLEY had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT EIGHTEEN (18), IN BLOCK TEN (1 0) OF THE REPLAT OF RIDGEGATE, SECTION ONE (1) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 16, PAGE 4 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE’S SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on July 23,2018 by the 458th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV245493 in favor of the plaintiff- WINDFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of$ 6,312.57 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on July 23RD, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of October 2, 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)-NATHANIEL D. ENDSLEY, JR had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT SEVEN (7), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF WINDFIELD LAKES NORTH, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT NO. 20150075 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 2626 COTTAGE STEP TRAIL, FRESNO, TEXAS 77545

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

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE’S SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on July 13, 2018 by the 240th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause# 17-DCV243100 in favor of the plaintiff- WINDFIELD LAKES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 9,503.98 ++++ costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on July 13, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of October 2, 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) - OLIVIA N. TAYLOR AKA OLIVIA N. JACKSON had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT THIRTEEN (13), IN BLOCK FOUR (4) OF WINDFIELD LAKES, SECTION EIGHT (8) AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20050243 OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, 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

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE’S SALE Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and/or Order of Sale issued on July 9, 2018 by the 434th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County, Texas in Cause # 17-DCV-241237 in favor of the plaintiffMISSION BEND NORTH CIVIC IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, recovered judgment amount for the sum of $ 7,304.80 ++++costs as taxed on said execution and/or order of sale and further the sum of executing the same. I have levied on July 9TH, 2018 and will offer for sale on the day of October 2, 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)- ALMA ROSA PENA had of in or to the following described Real Property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; Legal Description: LOT FORTY-ONE (41), IN BLOCK THREE (3) OF MISSION BEND NORTH, SECTION TWO (2) A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 21, PAGE 28 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS (THE “PROPERTY”) 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

The Lexus RX 350 offers the choice between front-wheel drive and dynamic torque control AWD. This advanced AWD system takes input from various sensors to govern torque distribution to the rear wheels. The standard display audio system includes an eight-inch screen, HD Radio, Scout GPS Link, Bluetooth audio, voice recognition, an auxiliary mini jack, two USB ports and nine speakers for the RX 350. It can be upgraded to a 12-speaker premium audio system with navigation. An available 12.3-inch high-resolution split-screen multimedia display oﬀers a full-screen navigation map or can provide simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and various systems. For the best in audiophilequality mobile sound, all RX models oﬀer the available 835watt, 15-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround System in conjunction with navigation. Lexus safety systems include a stopping a pre-collision, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beam and allspeed radar cruise control. Also, rain sensing wipers, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution brake assist, traction control, vehicle stability and hill-start assist. Comforts and conveniences in the RX 350 include 10way power seats with power two-way lumbar adjustment, acoustic glass windshield, customizable vehicle settings, dualzone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel NOTICE OF CONSTABLE’S 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 AUG 3, 2018 in cause numbered 17-DCV-244182 styled Towns of Grants Lake Association, Inc.. vs. Steven Medina., in which a judgment was rendered on Nov 17, 2017 in favor of Towns of Grants Lake Association, Inc. for the sum of Seven Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Four Dollars and Seventy-Eight Cents ($7354.78), and all costs of executing this Writ. I have levied upon the below listed property on August 16, 2018 and will on Oct 2, 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 Steven Medina to and in the following described Real Property LOT TWO HUNDRED THREE(203), IN BLOCK TWO(2) OF THE TOWNS OF GRANTS LAKE,SECTION TWO(2), A TOWNHOME PLANNED DEVELOPMENT IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS,ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO 694/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of Towns of Grants Lake Association, Inc. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG, 301 JACKSON ST 1ST FLR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCT 2, 2018 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 AM BY Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

with audio controls, 8-inch color multimedia display, 9 speakers, power liftgate, power tilt and telescopic steering column and push-button start/stop. What’s not to like about this SUV that is Lexus best seller. It starts at $47,670 with front wheel drive and goes to $49,070 for all wheel drive. It is extremely comfortable,

has plenty of power, is well designed inside and out and is deﬁnitely a favorite of mine. The test drive RX 350 ﬁvedoor SUV came with a suggested price tag of $50,320 and with options such as the F SPORT package, color heads-up display, touch free power rear door, Mark Levinson premium audio package,

towing package, etc. came to $59,548 and includes destination charge. You might keep in mind that the Lexus RX got its ninth award as the top winner in the midsize premium SUV segment from the highly reputable J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Offers advanced MRI technology Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has new technology in its 3T wide bore MRI, providing a new level of patient comfort. The new technology has adaptable coil designs and acceleration techniques that minimize scan times and improve image quality. This new MRI, the SIGNA™ Architect, is a versatile and adaptable system from GE Healthcare. The hospital’s 3T wide bore MRI features a wider cylinder that accommodates patients who are larger, claustrophobic, elderly or young patients, or those who are in pain, by providing a roomier machine. The hospital’s wide-bore MRI is 10 centimeters larger in diameter than the standard MRI providing more headroom, legroom and elbowroom. “Combining the power and high-definition imaging of our 3T machine with our wide-bore cylinder and Silent Scan technology will enable us to continue to provide the best possible diagnostics along with the most comfortable patient experience,” said Janet Leatherwood, chief nursing officer. “This is another example of Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s commitment to providing patients with the latest in diagnostic imaging technology.” MRI technology -- which uses strong magnetic fields rather than X-rays to produce

detailed, cross-sectional im- to do so in the best possible ages of the body -- has a variety environment for our patients of diagnostic uses. Houston has always been a priority. Methodist Sugar Land radiolo- When combined with a wide gists have specialized training bore machine, we can eliminate in the areas of neuroradiology, much of the anxiety involved musculoskeletal radiology, with traditional MRI scans and breast radiology, gastrointes- make it possible for patients to tinal radiology and interven- stay relaxed and calm throughout the procedure.” tional radiology. To schedule an appointment, “The 3T MRI is the gold standard in imaging, and our visit houstonmethodist.org/ capabilities enable us to quick- imaging or call 281.274.7170. ly and accurately diagnose con- For more information about ditions across a wide range of Houston Methodist Sugar Land specialties,” said Eric Longo, Hospital, visit houstonmethodM.D., board-certified radiolo- ist.org/sugarland or our FaceParole in this case is not gist and medical director of ra- book page at fb.com/methByron Demonta Coleman was sentenced to life in prison available until 40 years have diology at Houston Methodist odistsugarland for the latest on August 22, after a Fort Bend been served on the life sen- Sugar Land. “But being able news, events and information. County jury convicted him of tence. According to lead prosecucapital murder. The 19 year-old Houston tor Susan Sweeney; Coleman, arrived at the park to make the sale, Coleman and his accomman was charged with shoot- 18-year-old Jeremiah Sanders, plices tried to talk Frelow into giving them a ride to get change. ing a man to death during a and a juvenile cousin of Cole- When Frelow refused, Sanders pointed a gun at Frelow and his robbery in December 2016. man, lured Nerbert Frelow, passenger in an attempt to rob them. Frelow pushed the gun away multiple times, so Coleman Because Coleman was 17 at the III to a neighborhood park in grabbed the gun from Sanders. Frelow threw the vape pen at time of the offense, he could southwest Houston on DecemColeman, who then shot Frelow multiple times before running not receive the death penalty ber 24, 2016 by offering to buy back to his nearby home. Frelow died on the scene before paraand received an automatic life a $70 vape pen that Frelow was medics arrived. sentence with the possibility selling. Coleman tried to dispose of the murder weapon by pouring When Frelow and a friend of parole. acid on it and throwing it in the bayou behind his home. After No. 18-CPR-031576 an accomplice pointed them to the bayou, the Houston Police Notice of Appointment of Kendria Dionne Walls Department Tactical Operations Unit/Dive Team recovered the Notice is hereby given that on the 4th day of September, 2018, Letters semi-automatic handgun from the bayou about a month after of Independent Administration upon the Estate of Earline Paley Walls, the murder. Deceased, were issued to Kendria Dionne Walls, Independent Administrator “When he was gunned down, Mr. Frelow was just 24 years of the Estate of Earline Paley Walls, Deceased, by Fort Bend County Court at Law No. Two (2), being Cause No. 18-CPR-031576 pending upon the Docket old and was unarmed,” said Sweeney. of said Court. “He was trying to make some extra money during the holidays All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present by selling something through a mobile phone app.” the same within the time prescribed by law at the address of Kendria “While it has become commonplace for people to meet up Dionne Walls, Independent Administrator, being as shown below: with strangers for this kind of transaction,” continued Sweeney, Kendria Dionne Walls 730 Briggs Cedar Hill, Texas 75104 “please make sure you do it in a safe, public place.” Coleman and Sanders first met as teammates on their high Dated this 6th day of September, 2018. school football team. Sanders has pleaded guilty to murder and Dermot Rigg, P.C. will be sentenced in the 268th District Court after a sentencing 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 hearing on October 15, 2018. 281-242-7447 (phone) 281-566-2505 (fax) Email: drigg15@windstream.net Coleman was tried in the 268th District Court before PresidAttorney for Kendria Dionne Walls, ing Judge Brady G. Elliott. Assistant District Attorneys Susan Independent Administrator of the Estate of Earline Paley Walls, Deceased Sweeney and Mark Hanna prosecuted the case.

Teen gets life sentence for capital murder

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 7

NEWS

Cullinan Park Conservancy hosts annual photo contest – Deadline Sept. 21 Cullinan Park Conservancy (CPC) invites photographers of all levels to submit photos to its annual photo contest, underwritten by Johnson Development Corporation. The contest is in conjunction with the Conservancy’s second annual fundraising event, the “Picnic for the Park” luncheon, presented by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, on Friday, October 19 at River Pointe Church in Richmond. The deadline for photo contest submission is Friday, September 21 to allow for time to judge winning photos as they will be announced at the luncheon. New for this year’s contest are categories. Photographers may submit photos under the following four categories: ﬂora (trees, ﬂowers, plants), landscape, visitors (people), and wildlife. To encourage young photographers, the Conservancy also extends an “Under 21” category so youth and teen-

Above, 2017 Honorable Mention “Young Gator” by John Donaho of Missouri City; Right top, 2017 Honorable Mention “Cullinan Perch” by Anika Patel, age 14, of Sugar Land and right, 2017 Entrant “It Must Be Spring” by Rosemary Brooks of Houston. The Conservancy was creParticipants may submit up agers can be judged with their ated in 2010 to advocate for, to ﬁve photos for the contest. peers. For more details and rules, enhance and protect the natuThere is no fee to participate and winners will receive please visit https://www.cul- ral beauty of the 754-acre Culbragging rights. Anyone is eli- linanparkconservancy.org/cullinan Park for all. The one of a kind, bluegible to participate, but photo- linan-park-photo-contest. For more questions, please green oasis in the middle of graphs must be taken at Joseph S. and Lucie H. Cullinan Park, contact Executive Director rapidly growing suburbs projust north of Sugar Land Re- Angie Wierzbicki at 281-616- vides habitat for all manner gional Airport on Highway 6 7860 or cullinanparkconser- of wildlife, while delivering a respite for human visitors, too. vancy@gmail.com. in Sugar Land.

It’s Cool to Care It’s Cool to Care (ICTC), presented by Hope For Three, is a program intending to bring bullying to a halt through the education and empowerment of students and educators. Having already been presented to more than 14,000 students and educators throughout the Greater Houston area, ICTC educates through its key concepts of patience, empathy, and antibullying. The 45 minute presentation raises autism awareness and educates and empowers students to volunteer and develop friendships with their diﬀerently-able classmates. The typical demonstration to K-12 graders uses age-appropriate handouts to illustrate and deﬁne what autism is, and interactive exercises and videos depict the daily struggles

Dulles Middle School PALs (Peer Assistance Leadership Students), class of 2017-2018. Each school year, Jessica Knox, PALs teacher, in partnership with Hope For Three, raises autism awareness and educates and empowers students to volunteer and develop friendships with their diﬀerently-able classmates. and experiences of those living environment that aims to dewith autism. To conclude stu- crease bullying, contact Hope dents are given real-life tactics For Three to schedule an It’s to put to use on how to be a Cool to Care presentation by calling at 281-245-0640 or ‘good friend’. If your school is interested email contact@hopeforthree. in creating a more empathetic org

Drug bust in Sugar Land area

The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, which is a Houston HIDTA Initiative (High Intensity Drug Traﬃcking Area) concluded another investigation targeting a main source of supply of marijuana and THC extracts in Fort Bend County. During the past several months, Task Force Oﬃcers have conducted numerous undercover operations focused on identifying sources of supply of marijuana and illicit THC extracts sold and distributed in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County. As a result of this particular investigation, a search warrant was executed on Sept. 7, 2018 in the early morning hours at a residence located at the 10000 block of Sugarbridge Trail in the unincorporated area of Sugar Land.

The search warrant led to the seizure of approximately 6.5 pounds of marijuana, 198 THC vapes, Xanax and a little over $7,000 in US currency.

The illicit substances seized have an approximate street value of over $33,000.00. On Sept. 7, 2018, Faraz Shaikh, 20, of Sugar Land, was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on charges of First Degree Felony Manufacturing/Delivery of a controlled substance, State Jail Felony Manufacturing/Delivery of a controlled substance, Second Degree Felony Possession of Marijuana, and a State jail Felony Money Laundering charge. All charges were committed in a Drug Free Zone. “Our Narcotics Task Force continues to show great results against the war on drugs,” said Sheriﬀ Troy Nehls.

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

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 • Page 8

17 AMAZING COMMUNITIES. SO MANY WAYS TO LIVE.

top-selling communities than any other developer in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017!

America!

RCLCO & John Burns Real Estate Consulting

CREATING ENVIRONMENTS THAT CELEBRATE LIFE. At Johnson Development, we make more than just places to live; we create amazing communities for what you enjoy most. Whether you’re seasoning dinner with herbs from our Harvest Green community garden, hitting the trails in Grand Central Park or splashing at our huge waterparks in Sienna Plantation, you’re sure to find that life is special in a Johnson Development community.

Houston • DFW • Atlanta

JohnsonDevelopment.com Willow Creek Farms

HOUSTON METHODIST ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

WELCOMES DR. KENT AND DR. RIVERS

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is pleased to welcome two of Fort Bend’s prominent surgeons, Michael Kent, MD, and Thomas Rivers, MD. Together, these board-certiﬁed orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of orthopedic conditions in both children and adults, ranging from acute sports injuries to chronic degenerative conditions. Now backed by the advanced technology of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, both doctors are dedicated to providing comprehensive, world-class orthopedic care, performing on a higher level, so you can, too. To schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl or call 281.201.0396.

Thomas Rivers, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Michael Kent, MD Orthopedic Surgery

16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479