Fort Bend Independent 122414

VOL 7 No. 52

email: editor@ĩindependent.com

www.fbindependent.com ww .fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014

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

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

Birds of Fort Bend

The Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Sugar Land Rotary and The Exchange Club of Fort Bend partnered with Toys for Tots to provide over 15,000 toys to Fort Bend families on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at First Colony Church of Christ. Santa’s

Defamation lawsuit against newspaper remanded for retrial

By SESHADRI KUMAR The Court of Appeals For The First District of Texas has reversed a trial court judgment and remanded for retrial the defamation lawsuit against the local paper, Fort Bend Star, filed by Wade Brady, son of former sheriff’s chief deputy Craig Brady.

A three-judge panel on Dec. 18 ruled that the jury was improperly charged on the question of actual malice and therefore on the requirement for finding exemplary damages.

The case involved a libel claim brought by Brady against The Star and LeaAnne Klentzman, a former reporter for the Star.

The claim related to an article that appeared in the Star in 2003 that reported on certain actions taken by the Chief Deputy related to his son’s run-ins with law enforcement.

A Fort Bend County jury heard the case in April 2011.

The jury awarded Brady $50,000 in actual damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

These amounts were reduced to $30,000 and $20,000, respectively, by the trial court and an earlier appellate decision.

Jackson Walker LLP partner John K. Edwards who represented the appellants as lead counsel in the case said, “In reversing the entire verdict and judgment of the trial court in its most recent opinion, the appellate court found that the article related to matters of public concern and, therefore, Mr. Brady was required to prove falsity, actual damages, and actual malice, none of which was required by the trial court.”

John Zavitsanos of the firm Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi, and Mensing, who represented Brady, said the court did not reverse the finding that the newspaper failed to report truthfully, but remanded the case for a trial on a technicality of “improper” jury questions.

For the third time, the appellants lost on the issue of substantial truth in reporting, Zavitsanos said Klentzman, the reporter who wrote the article, was pleased with the Court’s ruling and praised the efforts of the Jackson Walker team.

The Jackson Walker team has defended the case since its inception in 2003 on a pro

bono basis, expending hundreds of hours of time valued at over $1 million.

Zavistanos said his team did not charge Brady a penny.

“It was not about money. It was an effort to ensure that the Star adhered to reporting the truth,” Zavitsanos said.

After 11 years, and with Ms. Bev Carter, the publisher, passing away, the situation has changed and Zavitsanos is not certain if his client will seek a retrial.

The court’s opinion in this the lawsuit is significant for the media and the standard of defamation.

Though the appeals court ruling reversed the jury award of damages, the court held that there is enough evidence for Brady to prove his defamation charges.

Both sides of the case have something to take away in this ruling.

While concluding that the jury was improperly charged on the question of actual malice and therefore on the requirement for finding exemplary damages, the appeal court judges said: “Despite the improper instruction, however, the record demonstrates that the statements made by Klentzman and The Star contained a number of misleading omissions and juxtapositions of fact that cast Wade in a false light. Fairminded people, reviewing this evidence, could reasonably conclude either that Klentzman and The Star were aware that their omission of exculpatory facts and partial reporting and juxtaposition of facts in the Article conveyed a false impression of Wade that impaired his reputation or that they omitted facts and juxtaposed facts with reckless disregard for whether the impression of Wade conveyed by the gist of the Article was true or not. We conclude, therefore, that legally sufficient evidence exists to support Wade’s claim for exemplary damages under the proper standard of proof. ...We conclude that the evidence is legally sufficient to support each of Wade’s claims under proper jury instructions. Thus, the proper remedy is to remand for a new trial.”

“We overrule Klentzman and The Star on the issue that the trial court erred by failing to rule that the Article and all complained-of statements were

Exchange has been providing toys for needy families since 1995. Parents were sent invitations to visit Santa’s Exchange and “shop” for three new toys for each child in their family. The kids got to sit on Santa’s lap and were entertained with movies,

crafts and games by high school students. Wide-eyed children will have a Merry Christmas because Toys for Tots, Fort Bend ISD, local community service clubs, businesses, and churches collected toys and volunteered the day of the event.

“Elves” donate 350 bicycles to Briargate Elementary students Volunteers with a Houstonbased organization delivered approximately 350 bicycles to Briargate Elementary this week, rewarding students who have worked hard over the last few months to meet behavior, reading, and attendance goals.

“Elves and More” aims to change lives one bicycle at a time, providing bicycles to students from selected Houstonarea schools.

Volunteers with the organi-

zation visited the campus on Wednesday, December 17 to deliver the bicycles, just in time for the holidays.

Students earned bicycles by meeting behavior, reading, and attendance goals.

To get a bike, students first sign a “contract,” promising to meet objectives determined by their teachers.

“We don’t give away bikes,” Elves and More representative Jeff Rando explained. “These

4th grader Kentrell Collins selects his bicycle with help from teacher Deborah Jones.

kids earn these bicycles.”

On Wednesday evening, students who met the criteria lined up outside of the school to pick up their bicycles. Once inside, they were fitted with helmets before selecting their bicycles.

Before leaving, staff adjusted bicycles to ensure student safety.

Kindergarten teacher Juanita Staten called the program an effective incentive and said she saw notable improvements in

her students’ reading skills.

“I had all of my students meet their objectives,” said Staten. “Parents have come to me and told me they’ve seen a difference in their child.”

Parent LaTonya Lewis also expressed her gratitude for the program.

“There are a lot of kids that are not going to have the opportunity to have a bike, and this gives them an opportunity. This is great.”

3rd grade student Henry Gonzalez selects his bicycle.

FBJSL announces 2014 Sugar Plum Market proceeds and beneficiaries

Representatives of the organizations receiving proceeds from the 2014 Sugar Plum Market joined members of FBJSL and representatives of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on December 12th to celebrate the Market’s success.

FBJSL is an organization of The “Under the Mistletoe” The 2014 Sugar Plum Mar- Boys & Girls Club of Greater ket, presented by the Fort Bend Houston; Catholic Charities; themed Market was a huge women committed to promotJunior Service League (FBJSL) Child Advocates of Fort Bend; success with over 7,000 shop- ing volunteerism, to developing and Houston Methodist Sugar East Fort Bend Human Needs pers enjoying beautiful dé- the potential of women and to Land Hospital, is proud to an- Ministry; Fort Bend ARTreach; cor, a large raffle showcase, improving the Fort Bend Counnounce the proceeds and ben- Fort Bend Rainbow Room; Fort and over 100 unique vendors. ty community through the efeficiaries of another successful Bend County Women’s Center; “This year’s Market proceeds fective action and leadership of event. Total proceeds from this Fort Bend Family Promise; Fort will help 18 deserving agen- trained volunteers. Its purpose year’s Market were a record- Bend Lawyers Care; Houston cies continue to better the lives is exclusively educational and breaking $258,000 and were Museum of Natural Science at of many people in Fort Bend charitable as well as providing presented to local Fort Bend Sugar Land; Literacy Council County. We are truly grateful an atmosphere of friendliness, County charities on December of Fort Bend County; Lunches to all the volunteers that made goodwill and camaraderie for 12th at a Check Presentation of Love; Parks Youth Ranch; the 2014 Sugar Plum Market all members.

The League has contribParty held at Houston Method- The Rose; SIRE, Houston’s such a great success,” said FBTherapeutic Equestrian Center; JSL President Debbie Buckner. uted more than $2.7 million to ist Sugar Land Hospital.

The following beneficiaries and Texana Center. FBJSL’s Since its inception in 2001, the various charities in Fort Bend each received a portion of the Community Assistance Fund Sugar Plum Market has raised County. For more information event proceeds: AccessHealth; also received a portion of the a total of $1,651,800 for Fort on FBJSL, please visit www.

See COURT, Page 3 The Arc of Fort Bend County; proceeds. fbjsl.com.

Bend County charities.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 24, 2014

Heritage Texas Properties Fort Bend Agents leading the way

Wendy Mottern and Nell Osborn with Heritage Texas Properties have been selected to serve in leadership roles in real estate industry organizations. “I am so proud of both of these ladies and support them one hundred percent in their new positions with Houston Association of Realtors and Women’s Council of Realtors”, said Judy Monroe, Vice President of Heritage Texas Properties Fort Bend. Wendy Mottern will be serving as the Vice President of Membership for the Fort Bend Women’s Council of Realtors and Nell Osborn will be the Chairman of the Fort Bend HAR – Networking Luncheons.

NEWS

Cornerstone Elementary students complete Girls on the Run 5K Race A group of students at Cornerstone Elementary School recently completed the Girls on the Run 5K race. A physical activity-based youth development program, Girls on the Run promotes the social, psychological, and physical competencies in girls.

Aside from the obvious health benefits, the program focuses on three components: identity, connectedness and gaining power over one’s own life. By participating in the program, girls develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care and compassion, create positive connections with peers and adults, and learn to make a meaningful contribution to community and society.

To prepare for the race component of the program, the Cornerstone girls met twice a week to work on their running, as well as their social or psychological competency. The girls began running 10-12 laps the first week of training, but in the end they ran up to three miles during their training session.

“I learned a lot,” said fourthgrader Saachi Aggarwal, “like how to pace myself when running. I also completed my lap goals and made them higher and higher each week.”

Fourth-grader Katherine Paikkatu also enjoyed the pro-

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(Front row, from left) are: Aashi Chhabra, Meagan Phan; (second row) Saachi Aggarwal, Kaitherine Paikkatu, Sofie Marino, Sanjana Mittal, Anvi Garyali, Maahi Kesaria, Riya Mehta, Risha Sethi, Naila Zaman, Anika Agarwal, Aashna Shah; and (back row) Coach Myra Brady, Norah Rami, Coach Erika Tinnin, Coach Pippa Day. gram. She said, “I learned so confidence bloom and grow. they’re accomplished runners, many great ways to deal with They would get so excited too!”

This was Cornerstone’s first peer pressure and raise my self- when they met or exceeded their lap goals, and I still hear year to participate in the event. confidence.”

“The girls started out unsure them use some of the tech- One of the coaches, Erika Tinof their abilities as runners,” niques we taught them during nin, first learned of the program said Coach Pippa Day. “It was the program. They are a special last year and brought the idea amazing to watch their self- group of young ladies, and now to school administrators.

Second annual Reading between the Wines for literacy Join the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County for our third annual Reading between the Wines, presented by Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land and Safari Texas on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 7 p.m at Safari Texas. Individual tickets are $100 and include live music, wine, small bites from local chefs and restaurants, meeting featured authors, and Live and Pulitzer Prize Auctions.

Begin the evening with a glass of wine while listening to featured authors speak about their latest releases.

From there, you will have the opportunity to purchase books from Blue Willow Book Shop, visit with the authors and have your books autographed before heading in the main ballroom to sample dishes and bid on fabulous auction items.

Joining us this year is New York Times Best Selling au-

thor Linda Castillo, and guest authors are, Lynda Rutledge, Julie Kibler, Janice Scheve, Ben Lewis and Dr. Rebecca Deurlein.

Sponsorship opportunities are currently available and range from $500 to $5,000.

Sponsor benefits include admission to a pre-event reception with the authors, an autographed book of your choice, reserved premier seating, complimentary program advertisement and more.

Current sponsors are Fort Bend Focus Magazine, Pamela Printing, Pamela M. Logsdon, CPA, Lucy Thompson, Arlene and Leonard Rolsen, Angela M. Pfeifer Ph.D., Mary and Carl Favre, Amegy Bank, CHI St. Luke’s Sugar Land Hospital, Kelli and Steve Metzenthin, Dr. Subodh and Sonal Bhuchar, EOR Energy Services, Cartridge World Missouri

City, Carpenter & Carpenter, P.C., and Schramme Construction.

For more information on sponsorship and tickets, please contact Cari Middaugh at the Literacy Council at 281-2408181 / cmiddaugh@ftbendliteracy.org or visit www.ftbendliteracy.org Since 1987, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County has been Changing Lives Through Literacy. The mission of the Literacy Council is to improve family, community and professional lives through adult education.

The Literacy Council provides several programs and services including: Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, GED Preparation, U.S. Citizenship Preparation, Computer Skills and Job Readiness Skills.

Hope For Three hosts annual Volunteer Mixer When the New Year arrives and you are looking for ways to be inspired, Hope For Three has the perfect opportunity to tickle your philanthropic appetite. Join the organization for a volunteer mixer on Thursday, January 15, 2015, 9:30 a.m. 11 a.m. at Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land.

Enter the VIP entrance (next to ticket office), take the elevator to the second floor. Attire: Jeans and Skeeters attire. Refreshments: Pastries, Bagels, Juice and Coffee Contact Christina Guerra, PR & Events Coordinator, at 1-800-317-0787 or at Christina@hopeforthree.org.

Sisters and Autism Advocates attended the 2014 Volunteer Mixer eager to join Team H43. Pictured L-R: Sandra Newton & Janica Owen

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • INDEPENDENT • Page 3

NEWS FBISD to provide update on Feeder Pattern and Boundary Planning/Implementation After months of community collaboration and input, Fort Bend ISD administration will present an updated feeder pattern and boundary plan to the FBISD Board of Trustees at a Called Meeting on January 12, 2015. The updated plan is being developed taking more than 12,000 online questionnaires and community feedback into consideration, as well as new demographic projections provided by Texasbased Population and Survey Analysts (PASA), a leading demographic firm.

An implementation plan and policy changes that will help guide the District through the transition process will also be

discussed at the January 12 meeting.

The updated feeder patterns, attendance boundaries, and implementation plan will then be presented to the community during two Community Information Meetings on January 20 and January 21. The first meeting will take place on January 20 at Travis High School (11111 Harlem Road, Richmond, 77406.) The January 21 meeting will be held at Elkins High School (7007 Knight’s Court, Missouri City, 77459). Both meetings will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

This fall, Fort Bend ISD began seeking community

feedback on proposed revisions to the District’s feeder patterns and school boundaries in an effort to balance enrollment among the many schools in FBISD and plan for projected growth within the District. From October through December of 2014, the District hosted four Community Dialogue Meetings and received more than 18,000 online submissions from parents and community members, helping the FBISD develop its final recommendation.

The administration will present its final recommendation to the Board of Trustees for approval on January 26.

Meredith Riede named Sugar Land’s City Attorney

an extensive process involving Sugar Land City Manager AlCity directors. Meetings with the len Bogard recently promoted city manager and City CouncilActing City Attorney Meredith Riede to the position of city atmembers were also part of Riede’s torney. She replaces Mary Ann selection.

Powell, who resigned to pursue “Our panel was unanimous in other opportunities in June 2014. their assessment that Meredith Sugar Land City Council conwas the individual with the best sented to the city manager’s apqualifications for the city attorney pointment of Riede on Tuesday, position,” said City Manager Alan action required by the City len Bogard. “Other applicants had Charter. varying degrees of experience, but Riede has 14 years of municipal it was clear that Meredith has the law experience, including almost municipal and legal experience to 10 with the City of Sugar Land. be an outstanding city attorney at She was hired by Sugar Land as the City of Sugar Land. She posRiede an assistant city attorney in 2000 sesses the experience and skills after serving as the City’s legal emerged as the strongest candidate needed as our City continues to intern for three years. She left after several interviews, including grow and prosper.” the City in 2008 and was later hired by the City of Bryan, where she served as senior assistant city attorney, acting city attorney and first assistant city attorney before returning to Sugar Land in 2013.

Riede’s accomplishments include the nation’s first wayside horn agreement with Union PaFoundation Repair cific Railroad and the creation of a draft biomedical corridor agreeRemodeling & More ment that addressed development A Happy Home Begins with a Solid Foundation! standards, revenue sharing, water and waste water issues and the 281.397.2299 construction of several million LevelProHomeService.com dollars in infrastructure. She has also written oil and gas ordinances, served as legal advisor for a municipally owned electric utility, established airport ground leases and extensively analyzed court Holiday Cheer volunteers (from left) Raji Krishnan, Monica Hager and rulings and legislation that impact Margo Rubenstein load items into their cars for safe delivery to campuses. government operations. their busy schedules to support Holiday Cheer and other volunteer “I am excited to be representefforts through Shared Dreams. ing the City of Sugar Land in the Volunteers Margo Rubenstein and Monica Hager have volun- capacity of city attorney,” said teered at Shared Dreams for the past eight years and have been Riede. “I look forward to ensurdelivering Holiday Cheer items for the past four years. They look ing the City’s high standards are forward to volunteering and working with each other. upheld through legal agreements, Holiday Cheer would not be successful without the contribu- negotiations and contracts. I am tions of sponsors such as: Christ United Methodist Church, Rob- confident my experience will enin’s Dance Studio, Kids R Kids (New Territory and Greatwood), able me to uphold the quality of Live Oak Community Church of Christ, Aetna Healthcare, and life expected in Sugar Land.” numerous FBISD schools and individuals who adopt families.

A national search resulted in Riede’s selection as one of four of public concern that places finalists for Sugar Land’s vacant court said.

In their first issue, a heightened burden of proof city attorney position. Riede Klentzman and The Star ar- on Wade. We turn, therefore, gued that the trial court erred to whether the jury charge ac- as required to establish actual in concluding that the Article curately reflected the burden malice in order to support an was not reporting on a matter of proof.” award of exemplary damages.

Thus the court concluded of public concern.

“We sustain Klentzman and “To the extent that Wade re- that there were errors in the The Star’s first issue. Accordlies on the holding that he was jury charge. ingly, we reverse the judgment “Here, Wade submitted of the trial court and remand not a limited-purpose public Texans Insurance & Financial Group, Inc 101 Southwestern Blvd, Ste 230 figure, and on cases analyz- several theories of liability for further proceedings conSugar Land, TX 77478-3535 ing whether a plaintiff is in- and questions regarding sub- sistent with this opinion.”

PH (281)277-7800 volved in a public controversy stantial truth, fault, and malThe trial was held in the FAX (281)277-7801 for purposes of determining ice to the jury, but the charge Fort Bend County’s 240th Disbasil@texansinsure.com his status as a private or pub- used improper definitions and trict Court presided by Judge lic figure, those arguments questions. Thus, this is a case Thomas Culver. are unavailing in determining where the plaintiff submitted Following the issuance of whether the Article addressed jury questions on his claim our October 17, 2013 opina matter of public concern and that were “defective” rather ion, in which the appeals court is therefore subject to a higher than immaterial or completely reversed the award of mental standard of proof with respect omitted.” anguish damages on legal sufKlentzman and The Star ficiency grounds, remanded to presumed and punitive argued that the evidence was for reevaluation of punitive damages.

1 “We therefore decline to legally insufficient for Wade damages, and affirmed the consider Wade’s allegations to meet his burden of proving remainder of the trial court’s that Klentzman’s reporting falsity or to establish his ac- judgment, Klentzman and The was biased and untruthful as tual and punitive damages.

Star moved for rehearing and “Wade submitted evidence en banc reconsideration. going to whether the facts as stated in the Article were to support each of the eleAccordingly, the appeals newsworthy or matters of pub- ments of his claim. Therefore, court granted the motion for lic concern. Rather, because we conclude that the evidence rehearing and withdrew its we have concluded that there was legally sufficient to sup- opinion and judgment of Ocis a logical nexus between the port Wade’s claims and that tober 17, 2013. details about Wade that were the case should therefore be The appeals court’s withincluded in the Article and the remanded for a new trial. drawal and reissuance of opinpublic interest in official con- There is legally sufficient evi- ion and judgment rendered Call for your free, no-obligation quote. duct and the criminal justice dence to support defamation.

Klentzman and The Star’s moFind out more about benefits like Accident Forgiveness ‡, a “Thus, we conclude that al- tion for en banc reconsiderasystem, we decline “to get inDisappearing Deductible‡, Lifetime Renewability†, and our volved in deciding the news- though the jury was improper- tion moot.

Competitive Rates! worthiness of specific details ly charged on proof of defamaIn 2013, Klentzman and This auto insurance is designed exclusively for AARP members in a newsworthy story where tion, there is legally sufficient The Star moved for summary – and is now available through your local agent! the details were ‘substantially evidence supporting Wade’s judgment on the basis that claim that the gist of the Ar- there was no evidence of the related’ to the story.” &DOO 7RGD\ “We conclude that the Arti- ticle and the complained-of material falsity of any of the cle addresses a matter of pub- statements were false.” statements in the Article, that Texans Insurance & The court held: “We con- there was no evidence of actulic concern, and the trial court erred in ruling to the contrary. clude that the jury was im- al malice, and that a portion of Financial Group, Inc We must now consider the ef- properly charged on the ques- the Article was an expression 101 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD STE 230 SUGARLAND, TX 77478 fect this error had on the bur- tion of actual damages. We of opinion and not actionable basil@texansinsure.com further conclude that legally as defamation. den of proof of defamation.”

That is, he had to prove sufficient evidence exists to The trial court denied the that Klentzman and The Star support Wade’s claim for ac- motion for summary judgmade a false statement about tual damages. there is legally ment, and Klentzman and The him with knowledge that it sufficient evidence of Wade’s Star pursued an interlocutory was false or with reckless dis- actual damages appeal in this Court.

“In neither case did it reregard of whether it was false This Court affirmed the trial quire Wade to show that court’s order denying the moor not.

“We sustain Klentzman and Klentzman and The Star’s tion for summary judgment.

The Star’s first issue insofar statements were made with The case proceeded to a as they argue that Wade’s case “knowledge of falsity or reck- jury trial on Wade’s defama107292 3rd Rev against them involves a matter less disregard for the truth” tion claims.

Shared Dreams Holiday Cheer Program Thanks to generosity of FBISD patrons, who contributed greatly toward the Shared Dreams Holiday Cheer program, 42 families and 107 children will receive meals and toys this holiday season.

“It’s heart-warming to see the genuine concern that our community has for those less fortunate,” said Bobbie Anderson, Shared Dreams Facilitator. “Our students, parents, staff and community and business members are always eager and willing to support the program, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

More than 20 adult volunteers spent the week of December 15 sorting, packing and delivering Holiday Cheer items to schools for families to enjoy. When asked why they do it, the answer was simple.

“I don’t do it for the recognition. I do it because it has to be done,” said Michelon Hodson.

Hodson is among the parent volunteers who find time in

Court From Page 1 privileged under the “Fair Report Privilege” or the “Neutral Reportage Privilege,” which would have required a finding of actual malice by clear and convincing evidence to overcome the privilege and impose liability.”

“The trial court did not err in concluding that the Article was “of and concerning” Wade Brady,” the judges said.

The article in question would be privileged under predecessor statute to section 73.002 “as long as it purported to be, and was, only a fair, true and impartial report of what was stated at the meeting, regardless of whether the facts under discussion at such meeting were in fact true, unless the report was made with actual malice.”

The court disagreed with Klentzman and The Star that they satisfied their burden of establishing their entitlement to privilege.

“Because we hold that no privilege applies here, Wade need not prove actual malice to prevail on his defamation claim and recover actual damages.”

In their third issue, Klentzman and The Star argued that the trial court erred by submitting a question on Wade’s claim of defamatory impression without conditioning it on jury finding that each of the complained-of statements was true or substantially true.

“Klentzman and The Star have failed to demonstrate that their proposed jury charge— submitting a question addressing the falsity or substantial truth of the individual complained-of statements before the question addressing the defamatory impression created by the Article as a whole as a condition of reaching the second question—was required by a valid legal theory.

We overrule Klentzman and The Star’s third issue,” the

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AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify.

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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 24, 2014

Opinion

Bipartisanship is possible in 2015

By KARL ROVE Many bills passed by the House had Democratic support, even if Harry Reid buried them.

This past weekend’s action

by Congress to fund the federal government for the balance of this ďŹ scal year—except for the Homeland Security Department, which is funded only through February—is evidence of how dysfunctional Washington has become.

The omnibus bill was so big (1,600-plus pages) that virtually no one had time to read it. It was cobbled together by congressional leaders and presented as a fait accompli. The legislation included extraneous provisions and previously undiscussed spending cuts.

Hating it, each party’s populist wing threatened retribution on its supporters.

Despite these failings, the passage of the bill achieved something important. Getting beyond stopgap funding measures, some only covering 45-60 days, cleared the decks, giving next year’s new Republican Congress time to prepare and pass the next ďŹ scal year’s appropriations bills before it begins. This helps House Speaker John Boehner and incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

They both understand that short of electing a new president, the best way to mitigate Washington’s dysfunctionality is to operate in regular order—that is, to have legislation travel the long, often complicated, and deliberative path through which the Constitution intended.

They want to repair the enormous institutional damage Democrats inicted on Congress in order to achieve President Obama ’s agenda.

Under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and soon-to-be-former Senate Leader Harry Reid, only a handful of people mattered: They and their whips, the rules committee chairmen, and the chairmen of the committee of jurisdiction for a speciďŹ c issue drafted bills and made decisions. Things worked from the top down, not the bottom up.

This is not how the Founders intended Congress to operate. When he became speaker

in 2011, Mr. Boehner began returning power to committees and having the House operate (mostly) in regular order.

It has not always been pretty or quick, but James Madison & Company meant for legislating to be difďŹ cult and slow.

Mr. McConnell also wants Senate committees to grind through proposed legislation, taking up more bills and allowing more amendments to be offered. He warns that operating under regular order will require senators to work longer, endure more lengthy debates and cast more votes.

Mr. McConnell is also willing to make his own life more difďŹ cult by insuring that the minority has a role in a GOPdominated Senate it did not have in the Reid-run body.

It will be important in the new Congress that Republicans advance a reform-minded conservative governing agenda that has bipartisan support. Before scofďŹ ng at this, consider that House Republicans have already passed scores of bills with Democratic support, only to see them die in the Senate.

The GOP should set a bipartisan tone by taking these bills up again, starting with measures to help the economy.

For example, this past session 158 House Democrats voted for a GOP measure expanding access to charter schools.

Another 130 House Democrats backed a Republican bill to end the expensive wave of junk lawsuits over patents.

While Mr. McConnell says the Senate will ďŹ rst take up the Keystone XL pipeline, there are other opportunities on energy: 46 House Democrats voted with Republicans to expedite exports of liqueďŹ ed natural gas, 28 to expand oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, and 26 to ex-

pedite infrastructure for the development of natural gas.

Between 32 and 36 House Democrats also backed GOP measures to ban taxes on Internet access, to make it easier and less costly to invest in small businesses, to make government rule-making more transparent, and to stop an EPA proposal that would subject every stream, pond and ditch to federal jurisdiction.

Since Republicans want to move a comprehensive corporate tax-reform package, the fact that 53 House Democrats supported making permanent the immediate expensing of new equipment and software purchases, and 62 voted to make the research and development tax credit permanent, is a sign some Democrats will help make the tax code more growth-oriented.

There’s also evidence Democrats will help undo some of ObamaCare’s damaging provisions, like its deďŹ nition of full-time work as 30 hours a week and its employee and employer mandates.

GOP House and Senate leaders sense a pent-up desire on Capitol Hill to get things done and not only among their own party. Democrats have also grown weary of being treated as bystanders by the Obama administration. So if Republicans play their cards right, the next two years could see conservative solutions pass with large bipartisan majorities. This would constitute hope and change not because of Mr. Obama, but despite him.

A version of this article appeared December 18, 2014, in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline Don’t Scoff: Bipartisanship Is Possible In 2015 and online at WSJ.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CROSSING AT TELFAIR PHASE 1 AMENDMENT TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing 6:30 p.m., January 13, 2015, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed amendment to Crossing at Telfair Phase 1 Planned Development (PD) District, to modify the permitted land uses for 3.529 acres out of the total 27.292 acres located at 11929 University Boulevard to include tutoring as a permitted land use on Restricted Reserve “I� of Exhibit B1 in Ordinance No. 1589, identified as Restricted Reserve “H� in the recorded plat (F.B.C.P.R. 2007041486).

Details of the proposed zone change may be obtained by contacting the Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218.

VICINITY MAP:

Richmond charter review The City of Richmond Commission is being asked to form a Charter Review Committee to consider expanding the City Commission to meet the needs of the residents. With the rapid growth of both the city and county, the city commission is poised to lead the city into the future if it has the proper leadership structure in place.

If the City Commission approves the request for the Charter Review Committee, the Committee will be tasked with making recommendations for amendments to be voted on by the city residents. The earliest the amendments could be voted on would be on or after 11 May 2015 due to the Texas Constitution. Tres Dale Davis of the Citizens for Richmond has requested the Richmond City Commission to form a Charter Review committee to address the need of expanding the Richmond City Commission from 1 Mayor at Large and 2 Commissioners at Large to 1 Mayor at Large and 4 Commissioners. “Richmond is at the crossroads and we must be prepared to grasp the demands of the future needs of our city, county and region by ensuring that we have the appropriate governing body in place to ensure that we are strategically located to ensure that the city and its residents reap the economic beneďŹ ts of this expansionâ€? says Davis.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MONTESSORI SCHOOL LOCATED ON SOLDIERS FIELD COURT

Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing 6:30 p.m., January 13, 2015, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed Conditional Use Permit for a Montessori School on 1.1496 acres located along Soldiers Field Court in the Business Office (B-O) District; identified as Reserve “E� on the plat of Soldiers Field Court Business Development IV (F.B.C.O.P.R. Instrument No. 1176925, Slide No. 2023B).

Details of the proposed Conditional Use Permit may be obtained by contacting the Development Planning Office by email planning@sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218.

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INSURANCE

Tips to keep home insurance rates stable

By BASIL HOUSEWRIGHT, JR. If you are facing large premium increases or non-renewal from your homeowners insurance company we would like to offer these tips for homeowners concerned about their coverage in the tightening insurance market. Monitor your claim activity and be conscious and cautious and consult your insurance agent before ďŹ ling smaller claims.

Make sure you get an estimate of how much the actual damage is going to cost to repair before ďŹ ling a claim if the damage is minor. If the estimate is less than your deductible do not ďŹ le a claim as the policy will not pay you any beneďŹ t for damages less than your policy deductible. Insurance companies track how many and what type of claims you ďŹ le. Frequent claim activity, no matter how small, can be grounds for large rate increases and non-renewal. If your claim exceeds your deductible by a few hundred dollars or less, consider withholding the claim and paying for the loss out of your own pocket. The out-of-pocket expense to pay the loss will probably be less than the premium increase you likely will pay later if you ďŹ le a claim. It also keeps your claim record clean and allows you to stay insured for major or catastrophic losses. If you have claims ďŹ led on your record the claims report the insurance companies have access to will take these into consideration for up to 5 years.

Your claims history can make you ineligible for another insurance company, which might have better rates to offer.

Home improvements to older homes help. Your home’s wiring, plumbing, heating and rooďŹ ng should be in good repair at all times. At least twice a year, walk through your home, including your attic and inspect it for developing problems. Older houses with antiquated systems should be modernized and updated.

Your insurance company has the right to inspect your property. Most inspections are of the exterior of your home but if your home is older than 30 or 40 years many will also inspect the interior paying close attention to your plumbing NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS § COUNTY OF FORT BEND § By virtue of an WRIT OF EXECUTION dated OCT 10, 2014, delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the 250th JUDICIAL District Court of Travis County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of Mandalay Corp DBA Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and in like manner, Treasure Island Corp., plaintiff, and against Hong Liao aka Howard Liao aka Hong Swei Liao, defendant, in Cause No. D-1-GN-08-000291, for the sum of One Million-One Hundred-FiftySeven-thousand-Three -HundredSixty-One dollars and 75/100’s cents ($1,157,361.75), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 13TH day of NOV, 2014, at 11:00 am, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of Hong Liao aka Howard Liao aka Hong Swei Liao, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT Twenty-One(21), IN BLOCK TWO (2), OF SWEETWATER SECTION SEVEN (7), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1543A&B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO HOWARD LIAO BY GENERAL WARRANTY DEED DATED MARCH 13, 2013 AND RECORDED FOR RECORD UNDER FILE NO.2013034400 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY OF FORT BEND COUNTY,TEXAS. and on JAN 6, 2015, 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 Hong Liao aka Howard Liao aka Hong Swei Liao, defendant, in and to said property.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG. 301 JACKSON ST., 1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM, RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: JAN 6, 2015 TIME: APPROX. 10:00 AM TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas

Housewright and electrical systems and appliances. It can require repairs for continuity of coverage or decide against renewing coverage on a house considered hazardous. These ďŹ xes initially may seem costly, but can be dangerous and ultimately more expensive if ignored.

If you are shopping for a new home, learn about the house’s claim history before you buy it. Ask for a seller’s disclosure report, which can be obtained from your real estate agent or the seller’s agent. Insurance companies will be wary of a home with previous multiple structural or water-damage claims. It can work against you, even if you were not the owner of the home at the time. Consult a local independent insurance agency. Working closely with a local independent insurance agency may be the easiest way to stay insured affordably.

These agents are your advocates when you have a claim or other problem since they are not tied closely or exclu-

sively with just one company.

They have relationships with many different companies and can shop around for the right coverage for you at the best value. The good counsel of a local independent insurance agent may be your best protection in the current homeowners insurance market. Granted, there is no foolproof way for homeowners to avoid a rate increase or being non-renewed by their insurance company, but heeding these precautions can help you become a more valuable policyholder. Local independent insurance agents are the ultimate advocates for homeowners because they provide important consumer beneďŹ ts that can help individuals stay insured. They can shop your needs around to different companies and take you through the process step-bystep to ďŹ nd you the best value and protection. They also are on your side when a claim or other problem arises. Always consult your local independent insurance agent before ďŹ ling a claim and when you are shopping for new insurance coverage.

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

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champion remodeling.net City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-14-48

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 0.85 OF AN ACRE OF LAND FROM LC-2 LOCAL RETAIL DISTRICT TO R-2 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT; DESCRIBING SAID 0.85 OF AN ACRE OF LAND; 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 Gonzalez, 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-1448 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on December 15, 2014, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Gonzalez City Secretary

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-14-49 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, CHANGING THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF 4.00 ACRES OF LAND FROM LC-3 RETAIL DISTRICT TO PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 97 TO ALLOW FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STORAGE FACILITY; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH 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 Gonzalez, 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-1449 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on December 15, 2014, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Gonzalez City Secretary

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-14-50 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING REGULATIONS IN PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 8; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. O-0504, ADOPTED ON FEBRUARY 21, 2005; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Gonzalez, 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-1450 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on December 15, 2014, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Gonzalez City Secretary

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

12551, Emily Court, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 www.fbindependent.com Seshadri Kumar 281-980-6745 Publisher & Editor )RUW %HQG ,QGHSHQGHQW 8636 LV SXEOLVKHG HYHU\ :HGQHVGD\ IRU D VXEVFULSWLRQ UDWH RI SHU \HDU E\ )RUW %HQG ,QGHSHQGHQW //& (PLO\ &RXUW 6XJDU /DQG 7H[DV 3HULRGLFDOV 3RVWDJH 3DLG DW 6WDIIRUG 7H[DV 32670$67(5 6HQG DGGUHVV FKDQJHV WR )RUW %HQG ,QGHSHQGHQW 3 2 %R[ 6XJDU /DQG 7[

DECEMBER 24, 2014 • INDEPENDENT • Page 5

AUTOMOBILE: Toyota Camry

By BARBARA FULENWIDER For 12 consecutive years, and 16 of the past 17, the Toyota Camry mid-size sedan has worn the crown of “bestselling car in America.”

The 2015 Camry has been remade with a new bold exterior design, improved dynamic performance, a premium interior and offers new safety technologies. The 2015 Camry is available in four models: the entry level LE, the sporty SE, the new XSE and the premium XLE. The new XSE was the test drive model and builds on the success of the SE with an edgier look, more enthusiastic driving dynamics and luxurious amenities. It is definitely the sportiest Camry yet.

All Camry gas models are powered by the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 178 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque.

It’s teamed with a standard sixspeed automatic transmission.

The EPA-estimated miles per gallon is 25 city/ 35 highway.

The XSE and XLE can also come with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 with the six-speed automatic. The engine makes 268 horsepower.

The two most popular Camry models, LE and SE, are priced this year the same as the 2014.5 model.

Both models are equipped with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and are heavily equipped with standard convenience features. For 2015 an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, was added along with a shift lever boot with contrast stitching, satin chrome interior accents.

Also, passenger window auto up-down, chrome front upper grille and rear trunk garnish (smoked chrome on SE), and heated outside mirrors.

The SE gas model also adds a standard 4.2-inch multi-information display and direct tire pressure monitor system.

Camry XSE and XLE models equipped with the fourcylinder engine have more standard features over the LE and SE. They include leathertrimmed seats with multi-stage heating and four-way power passenger seat on the XLE or leather-trimmed seating with Ultrasuede inserts and multistage heated front seats and 4-way power passenger seat on the XSE. Additional standard features include Entune Audio Plus multimedia system, LED daytime running lights, 17inch alloy wheels with a super chrome finish on the XLE and 18-inch alloy wheels with machined face and black paint for

Public Meetings set for Fort Bend County Public Transportation Terminal, Administration and Operations Facility Fort Bend County is considering two sites for construction of a public transportation terminal, administration and operations facility to house its Public Transportation Department and related activities. The two sites being considered are the University of Houston Sugar Land Campus in Sugar Land and a tract of land at the intersection of Klauke and Cottonwood School Roads near the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg, Texas.

Two public meetings are scheduled to provide more detailed information to the public and provide an opportunity for the public to comment. During the meetings, a brief presentation on the location(s), design, and construction timeline for the new facility will be provided.

The public is invited to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback on the plans for this new County facility.

the XSE. In all, there is nearly $1,200 worth of added standard equipment for the XLE but an MSRP increase of only $340.

Camry V6 versions of the XSE and XLE add standard LED high and low headlights, smart key entry, Entune premium audio with navigation and App Suite including a 7-inch high-resolution touch-screen display, power tilt/slide moonroof and Qi wireless charging capability.

All 2015 Camry models will come standard with bestin-class 10 airbags. Like all current Toyota vehicles, the 2015 Camry comes standard with the STAR safety system,

which includes vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. It also features the smart stop technology brake-override system.

The 2015 Camry also offers advanced safety features including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with auto high beam and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.

The Camry LE has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $22,970 while the SE has a base price of $23,840.

The XSE and XLE models have identical MSRP’s of

Monday, January 12, 2015 6 PM to 7 PM

Thursday, January 15, 2015 6 PM to 7 PM

University of Houston Library Sugar Land Campus Meeting Room #2 14010 University Blvd.

Sugar Land, Tx 77479

Fort Bend County Fairgrounds Building D Entrance through Gate 4 4310 Hwy 36 South Rosenberg, Tx 77471

City of Missouri City

Legal Notice A public hearing will be held by the City of Missouri City to receive comments for or against proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance regarding: (1)Amendments regarding regulating burglar bars and other fixed security devices.

The public hearing is scheduled: Planning & Zoning Commission Date: January 14, 2015 Time: 7:00 PM Place: City Council Chambers (2nd Floor of City Hall) 1522 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) Missouri City Texas Specific information is available at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or you may call 281-403-8541 or e-mail ndesobry@ missouricitytx.gov for additional information.

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Tip of the Spear.org received the attached picture from one of its adopted units enjoying the cigars we sent to them. A shout out goes to Cutters Cigar Emporium in Alpharetta, Georgia, who made this possible. Scores of high-end cigars were donated by the store and their customers, too! Something about helping our troops brings out the best in Americans. Another email from another adopted unit read: Thank you all for everything, Tip of the Spear is making a positive impact on the detachment’s mission each day. The men tell me all the time that it’s hard being away from family and friends, especially during the holidays but knowing there are people that support and truly care makes it just that much easier. Sometimes just that little difference can make or break a guy mentally over here. Our guys are in good spirits and getting the job done, Tip of the Spear is directly involved in making that so. Thank you a thousand times and Merry Christmas!” — Mary Williams, NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE Tip of the Spear (www.tipofthespear.org)

Knowledge-First Empowerment Center gets Workforce Program Knowledge-First Empowerment Center has been selected by the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Gulf Coast Workforce Board to provide educational services that will help young people achieve positive outcomes through the attainment of a high school diploma.

Whether a student plans for a post-secondary education, certification or technical training or training in the Board’s high-skill, high-growth occupations, building an educated workforce begins with high school graduation.

Since 2001 KnowledgeFirst, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization has been educating and empowering learners to maximize their potentiality while inspiring them to develop a synergistic lifestyle, says its founder James H. Allen.

“Collaborating with HGAC and Workforce Solutions in this project will substantially decrease the number of high school dropouts in our community and offer new hope to those individuals who have felt that the system has failed them”, says Allen.

$26,150 for models equipped with the four-cylinder and $31,370 for the V6 versions.

Pricing for the Camry Hybrid starts at $26,790 for the LE model, $27,995 for the SE and $29,980 for the premium XLE. The MSRP for the 2015 Camry does not include delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $825.

The Camry XSE was sporty, delivered power when needed, provided a comfortable ride and good handling and has numerous creature comforts as standard amenities. It will no doubt continue to be Toyota’s best selling four-door sedan in years to come.

Both meetings are scheduled for facilities that are accessible.

If other accommodations or translation services are needed, please contact Twila Mouttet at least 3 business days in advance of the meeting date. Twila can be reached at 281-243-6702.

To this end, KnowledgeFirst will: • Identify youth between the ages of 14 and 21 who are likely to benefit from help to stay in high school and train in a high-skill, high-growth occupation • Provide assistance to atrisk youths so they will complete their high school education.

• Include the youth’s family by developing long lasting relationships with the young person and her/his family.

• Keep in close contact with the young person to anticipate and intervene when a life event may interfere with graduation and post-secondary education.

• Provide information and counseling about our highskill, high-growth jobs to encourage young people to consider them as careers.

This project has received additional support from the Missouri City chapter of the NAACP, Texas Southern University, Omega Psi Phi, Inc. and Pride Safety & Health Solutions. They will join Knowledge-First in providing case management, mentoring

and workforce development training that develops positive characteristics and student success.

Organizations interested in partnering with this or similar programs are encouraged to call: 281-499-8315 and ask for Mr. James H. Allen.

The Gulf Coast Workforce Board and its operating affiliate Workforce Solutions together are the public workforce system in the 13-county Houston-Galveston region.

Annually, Workforce Solutions serves 300,000 to 400,000 people and more than 25,000 employers through 24 local career offices. They offer a range of service to help employers find and hire the best candidates for their job openings, as well as a variety of training and development assistance and human resources technical advice. We help individuals get a job, keep a job or get a better job with job search assistance, job referrals, career planning, and financial assistance for those who are eligible. For more information visit them on the web at http:// wrksolutions.com

NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 9TH day of October, 2014 by the 268th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause # 13-DCV-205193 in favor of the Plaintiff - Chasewood Community Improvement Association, Plaintiff, for the sum of $3,087.35 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 18th day of November, 2014, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) Keith Lundy and Edith M. Lundy had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 6th day of January, 2015 at 301 Jackson Street (Travis Building, 1st floor), in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours of ten o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 25, BLOCK 1, OF CHASEWOOD SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED AT VOLUME 7, PAGE 4 IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $92,160.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas BY: M. Scheibel Deputy Constable#1331

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for the Unincorporated Areas of Fort Bend County, Texas, Case No. 14-06-3369P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and, if applicable, the FIS report have been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, Part 65 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to adopt or show evidence of having in effect to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 30th day of October, 2014 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 13-DCV210891 in favor of the Plaintiff ~ Firethome Community Association, Inc., Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,477.56 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 12th day of November, 2014, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) -Douglas M. Sheppard and Elisa G. Sheppard had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 6th day of January, 2015 at 301 Jackson Street (Travis Building, 1st floor), in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 28103 GADWALL DR., KATY, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 77494-8353, ALSO KNOWN AS FIRETHORNE, SECTION 1, BLOCK 3, LOT 31, (THE PROPERTY) ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $387,970.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas M. Scheibel Deputy Constable #1331

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE NOTICE OF LEVY REAL PROPERTY Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution and I or Order of Sale issued on the 9th day of October, 2014 by the 434th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 10-DCV-184953 in favor of the Plaintiff - - Bradford Village Homeowners Association, Inc. Plaintiff, for the sum of $2,607.39 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 18th day of November, 2014, I, Constable Rob Cook of Precinct Three Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s) - Edward McGregor had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 6th day of January, 2015 at 301 Jackson Street (Travis Building, 1st floor), in the city of Richmond, Texas between the hours often o’clock a.m. and four o’clock p.m., any and all rights, title, interests and claims which the above defendant had of, in, or to the following described real property situated in Fort Bend County, Texas; viz: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOT 6, BLOCK 1, OF BRADFORD VILLAGE, A SUBDIVISION OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 2528 A IN THE MAP OR PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $101,350.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final.

Terms: Cash, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order. Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Rob Cook, Constable Precinct Three Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Lieutenant S.D. Sayers Deputy Constable#1309

Page 6 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 24, 2014

FORT BEND REAL ESTATE Telfair SL•$885,000•5/41/2/3 7514T

Orchard Lake Estates•$2,200mo•3/2/213019ML

Anita Milne

Knowledgeable! Experienced!

Hardworking!

Competitive!

Action Oriented!

MilneAnita@yahoo.com

281-413-9732 Beard Realty Group For Lease

Arlene Rolsen CRS, Realtor (281) 414-8400

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Your Fort Bend Realtor Arlene Rolsen

www.ArleneRolsen.com

Sienna Plantation MC•$869,900•4/4.1/3 34TT

Lost Creek • $229,000 • 4/3.1/2 21514C

Meadows Place•Kangaroo Ct.•5/3/0

$144,500

$159,000 $159,000 Richmond • Pine Mills • 4/2.5/2

$229,900 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 for replat, Katy Public Storage, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

/s/ J. Michael Dinges President, Board of Directors

$109,900

SOLD

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

$179,000

$158,500

DATED the 16th day of December, 2014.

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) by FTS-N-Missouri City, LLC dba Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, to be located at 4875 Highway 6 South, Missouri City, Fort Bend County, Texas 77459.

Officer of said corporation is George Edward Highfill, Manager.

NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEETING PLACE To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 15 (the “District”) and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors, at a regular meeting held October 27, 2014, established an additional out-of-district meeting place at the 1001-1095 TX-6, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

All residents and taxpayers of the District and other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 for Fulbrook Section Five “C” Replat of Lots 18 and 19 of Block 1, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas.

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact David Leyendecker with Clay & Leyendecker, Inc. at 281-391-0173 for information prior to the hearing.

/s/ Frank Yonish President, Board of Directors

Submitted by, Dianne Wilson Fort Bend County Clerk

NOTICE TO BIDDERS AUSTIN PARKWAY PAVING RECONSTRUCTION AND WATERLINE IMPROVEMENTS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME:

Austin Parkway Paving Reconstruction and Waterline Improvements CIP PROJECT NUMBER: ST1407 LOCATION OF WORK: Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be examined in the office of the Project Engineer, AIA Engineers, Ltd., 15310 Park Row, Houston, TX 77084 or documents may be obtained without charge from www.CivcastUSA.com.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:00 A.M., Monday, January 5, 2015, Brazos Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

For questions contact Janice Kruse, AIA Engineers, Ltd., jkruse@aiainc.com or phone (281) 493-4140 by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

The City will award the contract and give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

NOTICE TO BIDDERS JENNY DRIVE AND HIGHLANDS DRIVE STREET REHABILITATION The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Jenny Drive and Highlands Drive Street Rehabilitation CIP PROJECT NUMBER: ST1409 LOCATION OF WORK: Jenny Drive and Highlands Drive Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be examined without charge in the office of the Project Engineer, Jones & Carter, Inc. 6335 Gulfton, Suite 100, Houston, TX or documents may be 77081 obtained without charge from www.CivcastUSA.com.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015 Brazos Room, City Hall, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

For questions contact Stephen Reiter, sreiter@jonescarter.com, Jones & Carter, Inc., (281) 363-4039 by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2015.

The City will award the contract and give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

Glenda Gundermann, TRMC, CMC City Secretary

SOLD

Mission Bend • Rancho Blanco • 3/2/1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Eugene Franklin Stowers, Deceased, were issued on December 15, 2014, in Cause No. 13CPR-026265, pending in the County Court at Law No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Eugenia Stowers Gilmer.

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: James J. Nestor Hrbacek Martinez & Nestor, P.C. 130 Industrial Blvd., Suite 110 Sugar Land,Texas 77478

Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Randy McClendon with Tejas Surveying, Inc. at 281-240-9099 for information prior to the hearing.

NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL MEETING PLACE To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 19 (the “District”) and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors, at a regular meeting held October 27, 2014, established an additional out-of-district meeting place at 1001-195 TX-6, Sugar Land, TX 77478.

All residents and taxpayers of the District and other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such locations.

Meadows Place • Alston • 4/2/2

Hrbacek, Martinez & Nestor, P.C. James J. Nestor State Bar No. 24056034 jnestor@hrbacek.com 130 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Telephone: (281 ) 240-2424 Facsimile: (281) 240-7089 Attorneys for Eugenia Stowers Gilmer THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF PEDRO CONTRERAS JR DECEASED NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 19, 2015 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on June 16, 2014. It bears cause number 14 -DCV- 215466 and is styled: 21st Mortgage Corporation Vs Mary Contreras, Pete Contreras, Diana Contreras, And The Unknown Heirs of Pedro Contreras, Jr., Deceased The name and address of the attorney for Plaintiff or petitioner is: BENNETT M. WISE PRATT AYCOCK & ASSOCIATES PLLC 6851 VIRGINIA PKWY SUITE 100 MCKINNEY TX 75071 972-540-1983 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER IS as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF REQUESTS THAT UPON FINAL HEARING, THAT DEFENDANTS BE CITED TO APPEAR AND ANSWER, AND, THE COURT ENTER JUDGMENT GRANTING: A DECLARATION THAT PLAINTIFF’S HAS A LIEN AGAINST THE PROPERTY IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE PAY-OFF OF THE LOAN AGREEMENT; AND AN ORDER ALLOWING PLAINTIFF TO ENFORCE ITS SECURITY INTEREST IN AND TO THE PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOAN AGREEMENT AND TEX. PROP. CODE $51 .002; AND A DECLARATION THAT THE EFFECT OF THE NON-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SHALL BE THAT DEFENDANTS ARE DIVESTED AND THE PURCHASER OF THE PROPERTY AT THE NON-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE IS VESTED WITH ALL RIGHT, TITLE AND INTEREST TO THE PROPERTY; AND ATTORNEY FEES AND COSTS OF SUIT; AND ALL OTHER RELIEF, IN LAW IN EQUITY, TO WHICH PLAINTIFF MAY BE ENTITLED AND INCLUDING A 2009 FLEETWOOD MOBILE HOME, MODEL 6562C DAKOTA, WITH THE SERIAL NUMBER TXFL912A01732-DB21.

If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved.

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 4th day of December, 2014.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Vanessa Vasquez Telephone: (281) 633-7617 THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALPHONSO ROUSE 1602 MEADOW GREEN DR. MISSOURI CITY TX 77489 NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 19, 2015 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on JULY 17, 2014. It bears cause number 14-DCV-216211 and is styled: U.S. National Association, As Trustee, Plaintiff v. Violet Rouse, Cheryl Ann Hodge, Ann Marie Rouse, Deanne Rouse Boggs, Anthony Burt Rouse, and The Unknown Heirs at Law of Alphonso Rouse, Defendants In Re: 1602 Meadow Green Dr. Missouri City, TX 77489 The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: DANYA FULLER GLADNEY BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL LLP 1900 ST JAMES PLACE SUITE 500 HOUSTON TX 77056 713-693-2027 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: PLAINTIFF U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2005-2, HOME EQUITY PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS BY AND THROUGH ITS ATTORNEY OF RECORD, DANYA F. GLADNEY OF BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL, LLP, 1900 ST. JAMES PLACE, SUITE 500, HOUSTON, TX 77056, 713-693-2027, BROUGHT SUIT AGAINST DEFENDANTS VIOLET ROUSE, CHERYL ANN HODGE, ANN MARIE ROUSE, DEANNE ROUSE BOGGS, ANTHONY BURT ROUSE, AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF ALPHONSO ROUSE TO ENFORCE THE LOAN AGREEMENT ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1602 MEADOW GREEN DRIVE, MISSOURI CITY, TX 77489 AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LOT SEVENTEEN (17}, IN BLOCK NINE (9), OF QUAIL GREEN WEST, SECTION ONE (1}, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 22, PAGE 56 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 3rd day of December, 2014.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Erica Rodriguez Telephone: (281) 633-7612

CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN DEFENDANT(S) IS/ARE ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY TITLE OR INTEREST IN LAND UNDER DEED HERETOFORE TO A 4.021 ACRE TRACT OF LAND BEING A LAND LOCKED TRACT JUST WEST OF AND ADJOINING A CALLED 12.75 ACRE TRACT (FORT BEND COUNTY CLERK’S FILE NO. 2007130029) SITUATED IN THE NOEL ROBERTS LEAGUE, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next fol lowing the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 19, 2015 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on November 12, 2014. It bears cause number 14-DCV-219101 and is styled: Resolution Investments, L.P.; The Papp Family Limited Partnership; and Emily Schindler Graybeal v. All Persons Claiming Any Title or Interest in Land Under Deed Heretofore to a 4.021 Acre Tract of Land Being a Land Locked Tract Just West of and Adjoining a Called 12.75 Acre Tract (Fort Bend County Clerk’s File No. 2007130029) Situated in the Noel Roberts League, Fort Bend County, Texas .

The name and address of the attorney for plaintiff or petitioner is: WILLIAM A. GAGE, JR BUCK KEENAN LLP 5100 BANK OF AMERICA CENTER 700 LOUISIANA ST HOUSTON, TX 77002 713-225-4500 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: WHEREFORE, PLAINTIFFS REQUEST THAT DEFENDANT(S) BE CITED TO APPEAR AND ANSWER AND THAT THE COURT RENDER JUDGMENT AGAINST DEFENDANT(S), AND THAT PLAINTIFFS BE GRANTED RELIEF FROM DEFENDANT(S), JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, FOR ALL THEIR DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: (A) REASONABLE AND NECESSARY ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS OF COURT; (E) PRE- AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST; AND (F) ALL SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF, GENERAL AND SPECIAL, LEGAL AND EQUITABLE, TO WHICH PLAINTIFF MAY SHOW THEMSELVES JUSTLY ENTITLED THROUGH THE COURSE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 4th day of December, 2014.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Dannay Macoro Telephone: (281) 341-3787

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF KAREN KAY KLEIST NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being January 12, 2015 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on JUNE 16, 2014. It bears cause number 14-DCV-215455 and is styled: Urban Financial of America, LLC F/KIA Urban Financial Group, Inc. vs David Price and The Unknown Heirs At Law of Karen Kay Kleist, Deceased In Re: 2407 Lynbrook Drive Rosenberg, Texas 77471 The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: THOMAS LINN BRACKETT BARRETI DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL LLP 15000 SURVEYOR BLVD SUITE 100 ADDISON TX 75001 972-386-5040 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF URBAN FINANCIAL OF AMERICA LLC, F/KIA URBAN FINANCIAL GROUP, INC., ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS BY AND THROUGH ITS ATTORNEY OF RECORD, THOMAS L. BRACKETT OF BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TURNER & ENGEL, LLP, 15000 SURVEYOR BLVD., ADDISON, TEXAS 75001, 972-386-5040, BROUGHT SUIT AGAINST DEFENDANTS DAVID PRICE AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF KAREN KAY KLEIST, TO ENFORCE THE LOAN AGREEMENT ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2407 LYNBROOK DRIVE, ROSENBERG, TEXAS 77471 AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LOT 45 OF FREEWAY MANOR, SECTION 1, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 32, PLAT RECORDS FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 25th day of November, 2014.

District Clerk Annie Rebecca Elliott Fort Bend County, Texas Deputy District Clerk Layla Hulton Telephone: (281) 633-7635

INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 24, 2014 • Page 7

FILM REVIEW: Night Crawler & more

Eclipse Soccer raises money for Memorial Hermann Sugar Land

Reese Witherspoon and Thomas Sadosky in “Wild” Dear Movie Friends, there are many good movies coming out on Christmas Day. So let’s open our gifts early Christmas morning, and then eat some ham/turkey and go to the movies! And thanks for our blessings this year. Merry Christmas to all. Larry W. Harrison NIGHTCRAWLER A “nightcrawler” is a freelance videographer who roams the streets of a big city (L.A.) while monitoring police radios in hopes of gaining the edge and arriving first at a bloody or crime scene to capture exclusive video to be sold to a local TV news agency.

A good nightcrawler seems to be most successful when one’s morals are challenged.

With that as a job description, our hero, Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) steps out of the shadows and across the lines of decency to become a news stringer willing to do almost anything to get the story that will pay the big bucks. If Bloom has to manipulate the events in order for his video camera to be front and center, then so be it.

I can’t imagine anyone portraying this character any better than Gyllenhaal; he was absolutely brilliant. His bug-eyed appearance, creepy demeanor, and body language screamed weirdness. Spooky.

Gyllenhaal’s Bloom was seemingly legitimate, but was actually more disturbing than George Harvey in “The Lovely Bones” (2009). Gyllenhaal took eerie to a new level.

Delusional and demented also come to mind.

Jake’s last nomination was for Best Supporting Actor in “Brokeback Mountain” in 2005, but now it’s his turn for a Best Actor nomination.

This movie was spellbinding.

Bravo, Jake G.! Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 93. Larry H. WHIPLASH “Whiplash” is the name of a jazz song played by students at a prestigious music school in New York. This is a university for hardcore musicians who live to play music and will cut the throat of the competition in order to achieve perceived greatness even if they have to confront the conductor and break-up with their girlfriend.

At the Shaffer school, the meanest, nastiest professor is Terrence Fletcher played by a baldheaded, bulked-up J. K. Simmons, 59. Conductor Fletcher prefers to push his students as far as humanly and socially possible even if that requires talking about their parent’s abandonment and publicly calling someone gay or a MF. The power of a professor is unique and can be extremely unkind.

The ruthlessness of Simmons’ character was endearing and scary. When the star drummer, Andrew (Miles “Divergent” Teller), cringed while being humiliated in front of the rest of the band, I was holding my breath and looking for a place to hide.

The intensity and passion brought to the screen by J. K. Simmons was a thing of beauty. His performance is certainly worthy of a nomination and on my short list to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Footnote: J. K. Simmons has been featured in TV commercials as Professor Nathaniel Burke of the University of Farmers (Farmers Insurance Group) since 2010. Professor?

Miles Teller, 27, as Andrew is the ideal foil for the formidable Fletcher and earns my kudos for providing a balanced playground for the powerful performance by Simmons. You need to see this show in order to fully appreciate the commanding display of fire and torment streaming from the eyes and words of J. K. Simmons’ Professor Fletcher. It is epic.

Let’s not forget the direction and writing by Damien Chazzelle, 29, who graduated from Harvard with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies.

What kind of a degree is that?

Back to the show, this will not be the last time we hear from Mr. Chazzelle. If nothing else, you will see him in a tux on Sunday evening February 22, 2015, when his movie is up for Best Picture. Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 93. Larry H. WILD Reese Witherspoon is a legit actress (Oscar - “Walk the Line” 2005) and she demonstrates again that she’s more than a pretty face. I’ve given her a second team nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Cheryl Strayed in this flick about a grieving young woman who makes the lonesome trek along the 1,000+

mile Pacific Crest Trail. Her backpack weighed more than she did. Her feet were swollen and body bruised while constantly asking herself if she should quit.

The screenplay is based on Strayed’s book about her hike along the PCT and it landed on the New York Times bestseller list and a selection on Oprah’s Book Club 2.0.

Witherspoon delivered a convincing performance. But the story, which relied heavily on flashbacks, was shallow and rocky. The trail was full of challenges: rain, rivers, snow, hundred- degree heat, and an occasional rattle snake. But I hardly cared if she finished this long journey or jumped in a pick-up with one of the interesting characters she met along the way.

Laura Dern, 47, played the positive-thinking mother of Witherspoon, 38. Does that mean that Dern looked old or Reese looked young? I don’t know. Gaby Hoffmann was the friend who lent a sympathetic ear.

I mention Hoffmann, 32, because she is wonderful on the new hit Amazon series “Transparent,” and I recently discovered that she played the young daughter of Kevin Costner in “Field of Dreams” (1989). Remember when Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham (Burt Lancaster) steps across the baseline to save Ray’s daughter who was choking on a hotdog?

Yeah, that little girl grew up to be Gaby Hoffmann.

If you like broken hearts and melancholy, then this Reese is for you. I’ll pass.

Rock ‘n Roll.

Grade 82. Larry H

Eclipse Soccer had a shirt sale/drive for Breast Cancer Awareness. They created pink t-shirts for their club and sold them to their community, families, players, etc. A portion of the amount raised from sales of the Eclipse Pink shirts (the ones held up on either side), was donated back to the Memorial Hermann Foundation. Paul Rossetti, Eclipse President said, “With over 2,000 member families in the Sugar Land and Missouri City communities, it is our responsibility to join the local efforts to support breast cancer research and awareness. We are proud of the efforts of several of our players and employees to sell pink kick cancer t-shirts.” Front row, left to right: Max Roden (holding pink shirt), Grace Rossetti, Claire Johnson, Victor Barroso, Sarah Johnson, and Owen Rossetti (holding pink shirt), Two kids in the back: Nick Nemry (left) and Ethan Beyer (right), Adults in the back, left to right: Steven Ramirez (Memorial Hermann Sugar Land), Dr. Michael Kent (UT Physicians – Orthopedics), and Paul Rossetti (President, Eclipse)

Holiday bowl

The Battle of the Bend, the ninth annual Fort Bend Holiday Bowl, went down to the wire this year with the Sugar Land Police Department taking the win, 14-13. The game was played Dec. 6 at the Fort Bend Christian Academy’s Eagle Field in Sugar Land.

Proceeds from the game support the Fort Bend County Deputy Sheriff’s Association’s “Santa Behind the Badge” program, and the Sugar Land Police Officers Association’s selected charities, Toys for Tots-Fort Bend Christmas charity organizations. Entry to the event is a new, unwrapped toy. Monetary donations go toward purchase of toys.

The SLPD Chargers took an early lead and held off challenges in the second half by the Sheriff’s Office Enforcers.

This was the first Sugar Land PD victory in five years.

The big winners in the event were the children of Fort Bend County. Through the charities selected by the S.O. and the SLPD, children will receive new toys for Christmas.

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson of the

The founder of the Holiday Bowl, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Frank Davis, left, is shown with Congressman Pete Olson; Marine Sgt. Antione Parker, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, Houston, representing Toys for Tots; Jack Molho, a longtime Santa 22nd Congressional District was present to flip the coin to kick off the game with Sheriff Troy E. Nehls and Sugar Land PD’s Chief Doug Brinkley making the calls.

For more information, contact Deputy Frank J. Davis Jr. at frank.davis@fortbendcountytx.gov or call 281-652-7761.

Behind the Badge and Toys for Tots supporter; and Winona Heltzel, representing the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy Alumni Association, which had more than a dozen volunteers at the game.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) www.bibleliterature. com

THE FORT BEND CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO...

Elected Officials Reception AND

FORT BEND CHAMBER

5-STAR ACCREDITATION CELEBRATION Remarks by the Honorable Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert at 5:30 pm

Thursday, January 15, 2015|5:00pm - 7:00pm SAFARI TEXAS RANCH | 11627 FM 1464 | RICHMOND, TX

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • DECEMBER 24, 2014

Merry Christmas

Andy Meyers Commissioner Precinct 3 Fort Bend County

Merry Christmas!

John Healey District Attorney Fort Bend County

Steve Porter Sugar Land City Councilman District 1

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Sandersen, Knox & Co., LLP Certified Public Accountants

www.sktx.com

Merry Christmas

From our family to yours...

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS!

HRBACEK MARTINEZ & NESTOR, P.C. Attorneys and Counselors at Law Brazos Professional Building 130 Industrial Blvd., Ste. 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Tel. No. 281-240-2424 Fax No. 281-240-7089 www.hrbacek.com

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Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas

State Rep. Rick Miller (R) Dist. 26

Wishing all a Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert

Allen Owen Mayor Missouri City

Paid for by Rick Miller Campaign

Wishing all a Merry Christmas

U.S. Rep. Pete Olson (R) Texas Dist. 22

Merry Christmas Merry Christmas

Joe Zimmerman Sugar Land City Councilman At-Large #2

Himesh Gandhi Sugar Land City Councilman At-Large #1

Jerry Wyatt At-Large Councilman Missouri City Merry Christmas

Harish Jajoo Dist. 4 Councilman & Mayor Pro-Tem City of Sugar Land

Merry Christmas

Dean Hrbacek

Merry Christmas

Don Smith Dist. B Councilman Missouri City

Floyd Emery Dist. D Councilman Missouri City

Merry Christmas

Wishing all a Merry Christmas

Kristin Tassin FBISD Trustee Position 4

Merry Christmas

Jim Rice FBISD Trustee Position 3

Wishing all a Merry Christmas Life Insurance Long Term Care Retirement Estate Planning Ramana Bommareddy, (832) 814-6610

Mike Gibson, Chairman Republican Party of Fort Bend County

Tina Gibson, Senate Republican Executive Committee Member Dist. 18

Merry Christmas

IndoAmerican Conservatives,

Merry Christmas

Seasons Greetings

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UR International, Inc. 10701 Corporate Drive Suite 286 Stafford, TX 77477 Phone: 713-429-5041 Web: www.urinternational.com

like-minded people, wishes Grayle James President Merry Christmas.

Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees all a

Randy “Chet” Woods Director & President Fort Bend County M.U.D. No. 26.