Fort Bend Independent 030619

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VOL 12 No. 10

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

County elected officials get earful, residents ask probing questions

By SESHADRI KUMAR Billed as a “listening tour,” Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, along with Sheriff Troy Nehls, Pct. 3 Constable Wayne Thompson and Pct 3.

Justice of the Peace Kelly Crow hosted a meeting and they got an earful from people belonging to both sides of the aisle on a variety of local issues affecting them.

A couple hundred community members gathered at the Parkway Methodist Church on FM 1093 and FM 359 near Fulshear on Feb. 28. This meeting was the second in a series.

Unlike the first meeting of the “Listening Tour” held earlier in Sugar Land, where the newly elected Pct. 4 Commissioner Ken DeMerchant, a Democrat, and the county judge, also a Democrat, faced mostly a friendly crowd, the Pct. 3 meeting featured the newlyelected Democrat, KP George and a long time Republican Commissioner, Andy Meyers.

Added to this mix was a well publicized conflict between the sheriff and the constable, both Republicans.

The first question at the meeting was about the animal shelter and a suggestion that the

animal shelter maintain a proper log, indicating the reason why a certain animal is put to sleep.

The next question was aimed at Meyers who voted against a resolution by Democrats on the Commissioners Court proposing online voter registration.

Meyers was asked why he opposed such an effective measure which also saved money.

Meyers said he wanted to ensure safeguards were in place to protect the integrity of electronic registration. Since there have been voter frauds, he was not ready to endorse online registration until he saw more specific safeguards protecting the integrity of the system.

There was a question whether elected officials like the justice of the peace or the constable report to commissioners court and the answer was no. The elected officials report to the people who elect them. But every request for funds or personnel comes before commissioner court for approval.

A large section of the audience was keen on getting an answer to their question on a law enforcement issue.

Sheriff’s deputies provide law enforcement service all over the county and respond to crime scenes.

The area constables also provide additional security through what is known as the contract deputy program where the homeowners association pays a fee to the county to hire extra deputies to provide security to the chosen neighborhoods.

One of the audience members pointed out that a mature development in the Cinco Ranch area paid $900,000 a year for the contract deputy program.

The complaint against the sheriff was that under a new policy, when a call for service goes out, the 911 dispatch handled by the sheriff’s office directs the call to one of the sheriff’s deputies and not to a constable’s deputy who may be very close to the source of the 911 call.

This resulted in a delay or in duplication of response.

Sheriff Troy Nehls denied the allegation that the quality of service suffered and instead the response time had improved, he said. He sought six more months to study the issue and was confident that the data will show his policy was the most beneficial.

Constable Thompson said he was not even officially informed of the change in the policy by the sheriff. He sent a letter to the sheriff requesting him to

Lamar CISD names principals of the year

County Judge KP George addresses Fort Bend County Pct. 3 residents during a Listening Tour” on Feb. 28. Pct. 3 Constable Wayne Thompson, County Commissioner Andy Meyers, Sheriff Troy Nehls and Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Kelly Crow. restore the previous practice contract with 18 subdivisions, Grand Parkway to Fulshear, of dispatching the constable’s while two other precincts had and extension of the Westpark deputies if they were closer to one or two contracts. Pct. 4 Toll Road would not have been the area from where the call constable is the sheriff’s brother. possible without the CADs, he The audience was not said. originates. Thompson said he In this context, Meyers got no response from the sheriff. satisfied with the back and forth Meyers said he too discussed responses and no resolution was also alluded to the Strategic Partnership Agreements in Fort the issue with the sheriff, but in sight.

The county judge then moved Bend County’s unincorporated in vain. Since his constituents areas, which are in Houston’s continue to express concern over on to discuss other questions.

Answering a question on extra territorial jurisdiction. the 911 dispatch, Meyers said The city of Houston entered he is proposing an independent County Assistance Districts, 911 dispatch agency, outside the Meyers, who pioneered this into an agreement with the sheriff’s office. This has been the idea and got the legislation developer and the city gets one case with many major counties passed, said the county cent of the sales tax and the and Fort Bend County can also can collect sales tax from developer keeps another cent.

The developer across the businesses in unincorporated follow the practice, he said. through the CADs. church in the shopping center Sheriff Nehls said that is a not areas good idea. He also said of all Otherwise, the county is not got $2 million a year in sales tax four precinct constables, only authorized to collect sales tax revenue, he said.

Houston got a total of $16 like the cities do. This revenue one had a problem.

Meyers sought to set the is used for improvements within million through such SPAs in record straight by saying that the district. For example, the Fort Bend County, but does not See COUNTY, Page 3 only Pct. 3 Constable had widening of FM 1093 from the

Adult Coloring Hour at Sugar Land Branch Library

Creighton Jaster (L) and Mark Melendez (R) Two veteran educators were recently named Principals of the Year for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.

Mark Melendez is the 2019 Elementary Principal of the Year. He is in his sixth year as principal of Hutchison Elementary.

Prior to taking the helm at Hutchinson, Melendez served as a teacher at Campbell Elementary and then as an assistant principal at Smith Elementary, before becoming

the principal of Smith in 2008.

Before joining Lamar CISD, Melendez served in the U.S. Army and was a former teacher and assistant principal in Georgia.

Creighton Jaster is the 2019 Secondary Principal of the Year and has been principal at Lamar Junior High since 2015.

Prior to taking the reins at Lamar Junior High, Jaster served as an assistant principal at Lamar Consolidated High School and a teacher and coach

at Briscoe Junior High.

Both were honored by their peers on Feb. 22 at a meeting of the District’s administrators.

Each year, Lamar CISD principals choose two of their colleagues to be the principals of the year.

Only elementary principals (grades K-5) vote for Elementary Principal of the Year and only secondary principals (grades 6-12) vote on Secondary Principal of the Year.

Explore a fun and relaxing form of creative expression when Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library presents an “Adult Coloring Hour” on Monday, March 18, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in the Conference Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

During this fun activity, learn more about adult coloring -- the latest trend in relaxation and stressreduction techniques. Coloring has been shown to lower heart rates and is thought to lower blood pressure as well. The creative process of coloring can also be a way to exercise the brain. Unwind and relax while re-discovering this favorite childhood activity and demonstrating strokes of creative genius.

Materials and refreshments for this program are provided through the generous support of the Friends of the Sugar Land Branch Library. Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the library. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. For more information, call the Sugar Land Branch Library at 281-238-2140, or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

Sponsored by

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2019

NEWS Wall mural dedication held at Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Katy annex The high school students and mentor, Richard Carnley, of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) at Harmony School of Innovation – Katy designed and painted a wall mural for the lobby of the Fort Bend County Pct. 3 north annex building located at 22333 Grand Corner Drive, Katy, TX 77494.

On Monday January 25, the NAHS students dedicated the mural to the hard working people of Fort Bend County,

Precinct 3, for their service, protection and commitment.

The mural welcomes visitors as they enter and illustrates the history of Katy and the surrounding areas with images of the Fort Bend County seal, rice silos and the MKT locomotive.

NAHS at HSI-Katy started its chapter just last year and has been working with the constable’s office since then on the project. The mural is the first of many more community projects the

NAHS group would like to do for the community.

The design of the mural was from Sierra Chonka, former student who recently had to move out of town with her family.

Edible Arrangements and Main Squeeze Juice Co. in Katy donated healthy refreshments to make the celebration even sweeter.

Harmony Public Schools are 56 high performing K-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas.

Harmony School of Innovation Katy National Art Honor Society with Fort Bend County Pct. 3 leaders at the Mural Dedication, Monday Feb. 25, 2019.

Melanie Ta, class 2019, President of National Art Honor Society, thanks Pct. 3 leaders for giving the students the opportunity to create and gift the wall mural to the dedicated men & women of Fort Bend County who serve and protect.

Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Justice of the Peace Kelly Crow & Constable Wayne Thompson thank NAHS students for their time and talent. The wall mural they painted has brightened the lobby, added some color and is a good representation of the area’s history.

IHOP National Pancake Day to benefit Shriners Hospitals

Shriners Jeff Buchanan, left, Mayor Chuck Brawner, Shriners David Frishman, and Jim Muller.

Chuck Brawner proclaimed March 12, 2019, as IHOP NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY in the City of Katy and encouraged everyone to change the life of a child by eating pancakes and donating generously to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners around the country and IHOP are welcoming diners to IHOP’s National Pancake Day benefitting the 22 Shriners Hospitals on March 12, 2019 from 7 AM to 7 PM. The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) will be celebrating National Pancake Day by offering guests a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. With every short stack of pancakes served, diners will be encouraged to make a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

West Side Shrine Club President, David Frishman remarked “Our Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 nonprofit medical facilities across North America. Children with orthopaedic conditions, burns,

spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

“Two of our Hospitals are in

Houston and Galveston. In 2017, we provided medical care for over 145,000 children. We thank IHOP and Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner for their support and hope to see many people attend our IHOP fundraiser.”

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS

Fort Bend County Judge KP George meets local Indian trade delegation

India’s Consul-General Dr. Anupam Ray is flanked by Safari Texas Ranch owner Allison Wen, right, and Sohini Romar, catering manager, left. Safari Texas Ranch hosted the dinner meeting for the Indian trade delegation.

India business representatives in the Houston area with Indian Consul-General Dr. Aupam Ray, seventh from left, and Fort Bend County Judge KP George, to his left.

A number of Indian companies have a substantial presence in Texas. The Consul General of India led a delegation of 20 Indian companies to call on KP George, County Judge of Fort Bend County on Wednesday, February 27.

Allison Wen of Safari Texas Ranch hosted the dinner meeting.

The multi-sectoral delegation included a mix of public and private sector companies varying in size from large Fortune 500 multinationals to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The delegation included the CEOs of GAIL Global USA, ONGC Videsh Limited, Oil India USA, and Mahindra USA. Other large Indian companies include Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Infosys, Wipro and Welspun Tubular.

A particularly interesting aspect of the delegation was the presence of Indian SMEs such as Pradeep Metals Inc., Sunrise Natural Foods, Sunita Hydrocolloids, SAE Tow-

ers, LT Foods Americas, and Technocraft Scaffolding. Indian SMEs are a rapidly growing presence in this area.

Representatives from major Indian owned companies in Texas such as Nextt, Bio Urja, PfP Industries and Expedien Inc. were part of this high-level delegation.

The purpose of this meeting was to brief the County Judge about the operations of these companies in Texas and to discuss opportunities of doing business in Fort Bend county. Indian companies, it may be noted, are ramping up their investments in the United States.

This visit was also intended to raise awareness amongst local political leaders about how Indian companies in this region are creating jobs and contributing to the growth and development of the local community.

The County Judge invited the business representatives to explore investment opportunities in Fort Bend County

and how these companies could benefit.

The United States is currently the largest economy in the world. India is the fast-

est growing major economy.

The consul general noted the growing role played by Indian companies in the rapid expansion and the strengthening of

this relationship.

Representatives of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Fort

Bend Economic Development Council and economic development directors from some area cities attended the meeting.

County From Page 1

to negotiate with Houston also failed.

On the issue of poor rescue efforts during the Harvey flooding with lack of adequate shelter in place and how families suffered by being driven away to an overcrowded school 60 miles away, George said he had personally experienced the problem. He campaigned on improving the emergency response and got the management changed as soon as he was elected.

With the hiring of Mark Flathouse as the emergency management coordinator and the fire marshal, under a new title of director of homeland security, the county is preparing a blueprint for emergency response, he said.

Flathouse pointed out that rescue and response was a regional issue.

The county’s emergency preparedness plan was based on a two-day rain event and not for the unprecedented four-day event, he said.

Houston too had similar issues during Hurricane Harvey and Fort Bend needs the same resources as Houston.

The county is working on an emergency preparedness plan, with this in mind, he said.

There were questions on flood mitigation for the Jones Creek and Bessie’s Creek areas.

Meyers explained that the county has applied for a federal grant to do a diversion channel for one project and to build detention area for another.

If the federal grant is approved, the county will have to provide a 25 percent match, which may be in the $8 million to $12 million range. There is a good possibility that the state will chip in at least for a part of the local match. Then the county may have to find the shortfall in local match.

In this context, Meyers proposed local flood control districts for the two areas so that if voters in the districts approved, they can tax themselves to pay for the local match.

Though the county may go to the voters for a bond issue for flood control projects, Meyers was concerned that taxpayers in other parts of the county would not be willing to pay for a localized flooding issue.

Meanwhile, there is opposition to the creation of the special district in the Bessie’s Creek watershed.

Finally, an audience member asked the county judge about

the major change of department heads in the county.

After the exit of emergency management coordinator Jeff Braun, IT Director Jim Webb and County Engineer Richard Stolleis resigned.

Human Resources Director Kent Edwards is next on the list and the transportation director is also expected to go, according to the questioner.

George said he was not happy with the way the emergency operations functioned and it was his prerogative to hire a new emergency management coordinator, which he did.

The county engineer resigned and the entire commissioners court approved it. He was not aware of other personnel issues, George said.

The questioner was right in that the human resources director issue was on the commissioners court agenda last week. The IT director’s exit was also announced on a Facebook posting.

The department heads are not being “fired,” but are “resigning.” Yet, some of the commissioners are concerned about the depletion of experienced county heads if and when, if more of them follow.

Fort Bend County, but does not spend even a penny on any projects in Fort Bend.

Meyers’ efforts to make Houston spend at least a part of the sales tax collected in Fort Bend, failed. He did not get even a second for his motion at commissioners court.

County Judge George was put on the spot to justify his decision in not supporting Fort Bend County taxpayers.

George said, Meyers has been in office for 22 years, while he was in office for only 45 days and he wanted to see if diplomacy would work with Houston.

Though Houston threatened litigation, Meyers said his effort

Large Cocaine Bust

presents Kelly Litvak, CEO of Childproof America.

The Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement group and initiative of the Houston HIDTA, interdicted a large amount of cocaine on U.S. 59.

On Thursday, February 28, 2019, one of the interdiction K-9 teams conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 59 northbound near Rosenberg, Texas.

During the roadside investigation, the Task Force Officer and K-9 Deputy Kaja located 14 Kilograms of Cocaine concealed in an aftermarket-fabricated compartment.

Sandra Perez, 65, of Mission Texas, was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on a First Degree Felony charge of Manufacturing/Delivery of a Controlled substance and a Second Degree Felony charge of Unlawful use of a Criminal instrument.

The Cocaine has an estimated street level impact of $700,000.00.

“We will continue to be vigilant by working to intercept drugs as they make their way northbound from Mexico,” stated Sheriff Troy Nehls.

Join Fort Bend Republican Patriots Club as we Welcome Kelly Litvak, CEO of Childproof America.

Learn about sex trafficking in Fort Bend County—no longer a foreign issue but right here in your own backyard.

Her presentation will teach parents how to “spot the pimp” and alert you to the classic stages of grooming. She will arm you with the tools you need to guard your children.

6:00-6:30 p.m.

Food & Social 6:30 p.m. Program Please join us for this

informative discussion Kelly Litvak of a clear and present WHERE: 130 Industrial Blvd Sugar Land, TX danger.

77478 (Atrium Room) DATE: Thursday, March 21, 2019 TIME: 6 p.m to 8 p.m COST: FREE FAMILY: Kid Friendly HOW: FortBendRPC@ gmail.com Location: 130 Industrial Blvd. (Atrium) Sugar Land, TX 77478 Email: FortBendRPC@ gmail.com WHO: Fort Bend Facility Sponsored by Republican Patriots Dean Hrbacek Follow Fort Bend Club Republican Patriots Club WHAT: Guest Speaker on Facebook

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2019

COMMENTARY

Keeping water affordable and accessible for all Texans

By LARA ZENT The 86th Texas Legislature is in full swing and legislators have an opportunity to protect the consumers and specifically one incredibly important resource: water. Two issues in particular have the potential to raise water rates and negatively impact the ability of rural water utilities to serve their customers: CCN decertification and groundwater permitting.

A CCN, or a certificate of convenience and necessity, defines the geographic area in which a utility has the exclusive right – and the legal obligation – to supply water to customers. This means that water utilities are required to invest in the infrastructure necessary to facilitate future growth within these boundaries – boundaries that are, for some utilities, expansive and sparsely populated, requiring greater investments.

As Texas has grown, conflicts have arisen between cities, land developers, and rural water systems over who should provide water service to newly developing areas. In 2005, the Legislature made it easier for landowners and developers to decertify, or remove themselves from, a utility’s CCN and receive service from a city or a different provider. That law balanced utilities’ interests with developers’ interests by considering a utility’s ability

to serve the area. In 2011, the Legislature allowed landowners with at least 25 acres to automatically decertify, but provided no mechanism to guarantee that the decertified utility would be compensated for the infrastructure investments they’ve already made on that property.

These laws have put water utilities in a tough position; they’re required by the state to invest and plan for future growth within their service area, but these investments are now often being taken away, especially in high-growth areas. Consumers are put in an even tougher position; water rates are a major source, if not the sole source, of funding for legally-required infrastructure, and when a water utility is unable to compensate its losses resulting from a developer’s unilateral decertification, the remaining consumers watch their water rates rise.

Permits for the usage of groundwater offer another challenge that can ultimately hit a consumer’s pocketbook.

Groundwater conservation districts, or GCDs, issue permits to regulate the amount of groundwater that can be pumped. In most cases, these permits are issued to water systems based on the number of households and businesses they need to serve; unfortunately, some GCDs

have instead chosen to issue groundwater rights based on the amount of land an applicant owns.

What’s the problem? Water systems generally only own the land around their wellsite – land which represents a small fraction of their entire service area. When groundwater permitting is based on land ownership rather than usage expectations, water utilities are forced to make costly land purchases to fulfill their obligations to Texans, and rates will increase to cover these additional costs. If landowners in an area sell all their water to the highest bidder and no credit is reserved for the local utility, the utility will not be able to use this local resource to serve their community.

Either of these existing scenarios will raise water rates for consumers. That’s why we support HB 1826 by Rep. King and HB 2249 by Rep. Lucio, which offer solutions to shield customers from rate hikes resulting from the decisions of wealthy land developers and poor permitting schemes.

TRWA is dedicated to these two issues this session, and we are committed to keeping water affordable and accessible for all Texans. ( Lara Zent is Executive Director & General Counsel of the Texas Rural Water Association.)

Olson and Doyle file bill to address FERC backlog and expedite clearance at LNG export terminals WASHINGTON, DC– While the production of American natural gas increases and demand for our energy spikes around the world, the process at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to review the applications for construction of energy export terminals has been stymied by a shortage of highly specialized engineers.

Salary is a critical component in deciding where to work, and it has become clear that at this time engineers can work in the private sector for significantly higher pay than FERC can offer.

The disparity has made it harder to attract the expertise and talent needed to review needed infrastructure projects.

That’s why Reps. Pete Olson and Mike Doyle have introduced H.R. 1426, the Timely Review of Infrastructure Act, to give FERC the flexibility to consult with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and determine appropriate salaries to hire the staff they clearly need.

“America’s dominance as an energy supplier continues to thrive, reducing allies reliance on hostile regimes around the world,” Rep. Pete Olson said.

“However, we struggle to meet the growing international demand for American energy thanks to barriers in the approval process by the federal government. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has a serious backlog of projects awaiting

approval, grinding the process almost to a halt. Our bill will allow FERC to remain competitive and attract high quality talent for specialized energy jobs to address this backlog and get energy to those who need it. Our Texas and American-made energy should be processed and shipped to markets that demand it. I thank my colleague Rep. Mike Doyle for working with me on this important issue and look forward to this bill moving quickly through committee and to the House floor for a vote.”

“The United States is a leader in energy production, and ensuring that domestic projects are approved with strong safety and environmental protections is key,” Rep. Mike Doyle said.

“Unfortunately, the engineers FERC needs to review applications for new energy projects are in such high demand that normal federal government pay levels can’t begin to compete with the salaries offered in the private sector. If we want FERC to ensure that these facilities and projects include the necessary safeguards to protect nearby communities and the environment, then we have to make the pay for the engineers who review the applications more competitive. That’s why I’ve been working with Pete Olson to draft this legislation, and I’m very pleased to announce its introduction today.”

“The Commission is responsible for ensuring the

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timely and efficient review of key infrastructure applications, such as those for liquefied natural gas export terminals,” FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee said.

“I’ve been pleased by the recent significant headway FERC has made in this regard, but more can be done to improve our process. By enhancing our ability to recruit and compensate the skilled staff needed to review these applications, this legislation would allow FERC to build upon the progress we’ve made already. Importantly, it would also help ensure that future Commissions have the resources necessary to effectively evaluate projects going forward. I commend Representatives Pete Olson and Mike Doyle and Senator Cassidy for their leadership on this issue and their bipartisan efforts to support FERC’s mission.”

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lisa Murkowski (RAK) and Cory Gardner (RCO) are cosponsoring similar legislation in the Senate.

“FERC’s backlog of applications for these infrastructure projects is standing in the way of good-paying jobs for Louisiana families,” Sen. Bill Cassidy said.

“FERC needs the expertise and manpower to speed up the review process and end long wait times for new natural gas terminals that benefit Louisiana workers and their families.”

Under H.R. 1426, the Commission would have to consult with OPM to determine appropriate salaries. They would only be able to offer higher salaries for positions/ roles where they can confirm a critical need, and would have to review that decision every five years. They would also have to report on hiring and staffing as the process moves forward.

Further, this bill is technology neutral and will help FERC adapt to changing needs in the future.

Teacher pay raise heads to full senate AUSTIN Texas teachers could see a five-thousand dollar annual pay increase under a bill unanimously approved by the Senate Finance Committee on Monday. Public school teachers haven’t seen a meaningful pay bump in 20 years, said bill author and committee chair Senator Jane Nelson of Flower Mound.

“We need to provide this salary in order to retain our teachers in our classrooms, and to attract new teachers to the profession,” she said.

“We’ve got to make sure we attract the best and the brightest, and we’ve got to keep them.” Her bill, SB 3, would give all of the state’s 350,000 public school teachers a permanent five-thousand dollar raise beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

Nelson, who is also the chamber’s chief budget writer, set aside $3.7 billion in the Senate proposal to pay for these raises, but the price will go up to just under $4 billion after considering additional costs to the Teacher Retirement System.

Since teacher pensions are based on an average of their highest-compensated years, an across-the-board pay raise would add about $240 million in additional costs per year over the next two years.

Nelson emphasized that this bill wouldn’t preclude any teacher pay provisions in the forthcoming school finance reform bill.

Though yet to be unveiled, that measure is expected to include some outcomes-based salary structure to allow districts to identify the best teachers in their schools and pay them more.

According to the Texas Education Agency, the vast majority of public school teachers make between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, including bonuses and incentive pay.

Many teachers testified before the committee to lend support to the measure, saying that under current pay rates, they have to work multiple jobs and long hours to make ends meet.

Though supportive in general, several asked for lawmakers to find a way to include raises for librarians, teachers’ assistants, custodians and other education paraprofessionals integral to the education of the state’s children.

Now on its way to the Senate floor for consideration, the bill’s chances to clear that chamber and head to the House are all but assured, with 27 of the 30 remaining members joining Nelson as co-authors on the measure.

Also this week, North Richland Hills Senator Kelly Hancock announced the filing of sweeping reform legislation aimed at ending the phenomenon known as surprise billing.

This happens when a healthcare facility contracts with physicians and other providers who are in a different insurance network.

A patient might go to an

ER at a hospital that is in their insurance network, only to be hit with hundreds or thousands of dollars in bills for services provided through these out-ofnetwork doctors.

Hancock filed and passed the first legislation addressing surprise billing as a member of the House in 2009, creating a mediation process through the Texas Department of Insurance to give consumers a way to seek remedy against excessive and surprise medical bills. He said that’s saved Texans well over $30 million in out-ofpocket medical expenses since implementation, but more needs to be done.

Thursday, Hancock held a press conference to roll out legislation aimed at effectively ending the practice entirely.

The bill would prohibit surprise billing of holders of stateregulated health insurance policies in cases where they have no choice in their service provider.

This includes not only outof-network providers at innetwork facilities, but also emergency care.

The patient would still be responsible for expected policy costs like co-pays and deductibles, but not more than that.

It would also allow holders of certain federally-regulated policies to opt into state protections. Insurers and providers could still use the existing TDI mediation rules to resolve disputes, but that process wouldn’t impact the consumer.

—RICHARD LEE

Huffman files SB 18 to protect Constitutional Free Speech on College Campuses AUSTIN Last week, Senator Joan Huffman (R - Houston) filed Senate Bill 18 to protect constitutional free speech on public college campuses in Texas.

During the interim, the Senate Committee on State Affairs was tasked with analyzing existing campus policies and practices and to make recommendations to protect First Amendment rights and enhance the free speech environment on campus.

“Colleges and universities should provide the opportunity for students to hear others’ points of view in a free and unrestrained manner,” said Senator Huffman.

“Senate Bill 18 is a direct result of the Committee’s process of hearings and research toward that goal. This bill was constructed in an objective, non-partisan manner and will

be applied equally to all groups and points of view.”

Senate Bill 18 affirms that it is the policy of the State of Texas to protect the expressive constitutional rights of individuals by recognizing freedom of speech and assembly as central to the mission of institutions of higher education.

Senate Bill 18 also requires that public institutions must ensure that common outdoor areas are deemed to be traditional public forums and permit any individual to engage in expressive activities in those areas freely.

Additionally, SB 18 requires public institutions to adopt a policy detailing students’ rights and responsibilities regarding expressive activities.

“Campus leadership should never stymie free speech at an institution of higher education simply because of a disagree-

ment in ideology or politics,” said Huffman.

“Under Senate Bill 18, institutions may not take action against a student organization on the basis of a political, religious, philosophical, ideological, or academic viewpoint, thereby allowing students and faculty to thrive in a setting that respects their First Amendment right to free speech.”

(Senator Joan Huffman represents District 17, which includes portions of Brazoria, Fort Bend and Harris counties.

Huffman currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on State Affairs, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, as a member of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Administration, and as a member of the Legislative Budget Board. Huffman and her family reside in Houston.)

Missouri City residents encouraged to serve on Boards, Committees and Commissions City Council and staff value input and feedback from citizens and are seeking applicants for all boards, committees and commissions. When serving, residents will have a unique opportunity to participate in the governing process and to provide ideas and suggestions on public policy.

Residents may apply on the City website via this link: http://bit.ly/2Vo6RV6 for the following boards, committees and commissions: • Community Development Advisory Committee • Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals • Electrical Board • Parks Board • Planning and Zoning Commission • TIRZ Board #1 • TIRZ Board #2 • TIRZ Board #3 • Zoning/Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals Information (functions, members and meeting details) on the City’s nine groups may be accessed on the following web page: http://bit.ly/2UaAk4P. The Missouri City Development Authority and the Missouri City Recreation and Leisure Local Government Corporation are served by the sitting members of City Council.

Requirements for interested citizens are that they: • Must have lived in the City for at least one year; • Must be a qualified voter; • May not have unpaid taxes or any other liability due to the City; and • May not apply to serve on a board with their immediate family member Full-time City employees are not eligible to serve unless required by State statute, and relatives of City Council Members are not eligible to serve. Members should be available to attend most board meetings. If a member becomes unable to attend most meetings, he or she would be asked to reconsider their service so that a replacement can be named.

For additional details, please call 281.403.8500.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS Houston Methodist Sugar Land Accredo Packaging recognizes “Topping offers ‘Beat the Pack’ program Out” of Sugar Land campus expansion

to help people quit smoking

Staffers with the Design/Build firm KDW at the topping out of Accredo’s Sugar Land campus expansion.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues to offer the community a proven program to help people quit smoking.

The complimentary program, called Beat the Pack®, was developed by Pfizer Inc. and is sponsored by Houston Methodist Cancer Center and Respiratory Therapy Department at Sugar Land.

Participants will meet once a week for four weeks with a trained facilitator from Houston Methodist Sugar Land who will provide tools, tips and support to help smokers create and follow through with a personalized “quit plan.”

“Studies show that close to 70 percent of smokers in the U.S. want to quit,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services. “But it typically takes a smoker between six and 11 attempts at quitting to finally succeed. Beat the Pack

is a proven program that can greatly increase those odds and make it easier to give up cigarettes for good.”

Even long-term smokers can benefit from quitting. “The health benefits of quitting begin almost immediately and continue indefinitely,” said Sindhu Nair, M.D., boardcertified hematologist oncologist with Houston Methodist Oncology Partners at Sugar Land. “Within months, former smokers will have improved circulation and reduced blood pressure, enhanced oxygen flow, the return of taste and smell and less coughing and colds. After a year, their risk of heart disease will be reduced by half. And after 10 years of living without cigarettes, the risk of heart attack or cancer is similar to that of someone who never smoked.”

In 2015, a thorough compilation of more than 50 smoking cessation studies that

included more than 25,000 participants found that combining behavior support in a group setting with medication provides the best results.

“It isn’t easy to quit, and certainly it is even more difficult to do so by yourself,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “Beat the Pack provides all the tools and support needed, and it does so in an informative, friendly atmosphere that offers encouragement and camaraderie.”

The next four-week series is scheduled to start on April 2, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Houston Methodist Sugar Land’s Main Pavilion Conference Rooms A & D. Sessions will also be offered beginning in July and November.

Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and search for Beat the Pack, or call 281.205.4514.

Memorial Hermann named a 2018 Foster G. McGaw Prize finalist A commitment to improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations in Southeast Texas has placed Memorial Hermann Health System in distinguished company as a national finalist for the 2018 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service.

It is the second time in five years that community health initiatives carried out by Memorial Hermann Community Benefit Corporation have earned recognition from one of the country’s most esteemed community service honors in health care. The system was also a finalist for the 2013 Foster G. McGaw Prize.

“I am incredibly proud of our 112-year history of serving our Houston community,” said Memorial Hermann President and CEO Chuck Stokes. “Today, health care encompasses more than providing highquality and safe care. It is about meeting people where they are in their healthcare journey and developing a plan as to how to improve their health status through access and affordability.”

The Community Benefit Corporation, a subsidiary of Memorial Hermann, strives to ensure that all people of the Greater Houston area have access to the care they need to improve their quality of life.

The Corporation also works to improve the overall health of the community through programs implemented in coordination with other healthcare providers, government agencies, business leaders and community stakeholders.

Sponsored by the Baxter International Foundation, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and its non-profit affiliate, the Health Research and Educational Trust, the Foster G. McGaw Prize is be-

stowed upon organizations that demonstrate a passion and a commitment to making communities healthier and more vital.

Memorial Hermann was named as one of only four finalists nationwide by the Foster G. McGaw Prize Committee, which selected its nominees based on an extensive review of the programs and initiatives undertaken by applicants to respond to their communities’ health needs.

The Prize Committee was especially impressed with several Memorial Hermann initiatives, each of which is grounded within the Community Benefit Corporation’s interconnecting pillars of access, emotional well-being, food as health and exercise is medicine.

•Health Centers for Schools: Now 23 years old and spanning five school districts and 72 schools, the award-winning initiative offers access to primary medical, dental, mental health, nutritional, exercise and navigation services to uninsured and at-risk children at 10 school-based clinics and three mobile dental vans. It has been recognized by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services as one of the nation’s best models of successful collaboration between a health system and its surrounding school districts.

•COPE for Better Health: Connecting the needs of the uninsured who use emergency rooms as a health home with community clinics for the last 10 years, COPE has studied usage patterns and has responded in program expansions covering health literacy, PCP 101, and diabetes prevention, as well as Project Lift, where staff work with high utilizers on key social issues impacting health.

•Nurse Health Line: A free, 24-hour nurse triage call center launched by Memorial Hermann to answer health questions and assist anyone living in Texas in determining where they should go to receive care.

•Transformational Mental Health Access: An innovative, continuum of care initiative aimed at addressing gaps for individuals requiring diagnosis, referral, treatment and selfmanagement support for their mental health needs.

•Food as Health: A food insecurity screening initiative incorporated across Memorial Hermann to address an issue that impacts one out of every five families in Greater Houston. Memorial Hermann has engaged with other organizations to address food insecurity, and collaborated with multiple partners to deliver fresh meals to food insecure families. This has led to the implementation of the evidenced-based Exercise is Medicine program, which incorporates exercise as a vital sign into physician offices, exercise prescriptions and the activation of parks.

Together these programs improve the health and wellbeing of the Greater Houston community by combating behaviors that lead to chronic disease.

As a result of being selected as a Foster G. McGaw Prize finalist, Memorial Hermann will receive $10,000 and special recognition at the AHA’s annual meeting in April.

Other finalists included Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, Calif. and Tanner Health System in Carrollton, Ga. Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health in Lancaster, Pa. was awarded $100,000 for winning the 2018 Foster G. McGaw Prize.

Accredo Packaging, a supplier of innovative, sustainable flexible packaging solutions for the pre-packaged food and consumer products markets, has “topped out” its Sugar Land campus expansion scheduled for completion in June.

The $50-million project by the Houston-based Design/ Build firm KDW will add 200,000 square feet of warehouse and manufacturing space to the Accredo campus at 12682 Cardinal Meadow Drive in Sugar Land.

When completed, the 32acre property will be home to close to 550,000 square feet of warehouse and manufacturing space.

This is Accredo’s third expansion of its Sugar Land campus.

Accredo’s packaging solutions can be found in many retail grocers offering a range of products from snack foods and confectionery items, to frozen foods and pet treats.

The company also produces overwraps for paper towels & tissue and shrink bundle film for bottled water and other beverages. A pioneer in renewably sourced packaging, Accredo was the first to produce a reverse printed and laminated allrecyclable pouch.

Utilizing 100% wind-generated electrical power, Accredo is the first flexible packag-

ing plant in the United States granted LEED Silver certification under the USGBC rating system — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

LEED promotes sustainable site development and material selection, water conservation, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. The company is also BRC (British Retail Consortium) certified (“AA” Rating), a global standard for food safety established in 1998.

Accredo Packaging is part of the API™ group of companies, a family-owned and operated enterprise established in 1986.

For more information, visit www.accredopackaging.com.

100 Women Who Give a Damn of Fort Bend The mission of 100 Women Who Give a Damn of Fort Bend is to be a group of philanthropic women making a positive impact in the community.

Members meet quarterly for a networking happy hour, with the agreement for each attendee to donate $100 to that evening’s chosen Fort Bend charity. In the first two events, 80 women raised $8000 in donations to two Fort Bend charities, directly benefiting our county.

The inaugural meeting in October 2018 was held at Sweets in the Sky, in Missouri City. The

group donated $3500 to a local nonprofit, Clothed By Faith.

Located in Katy, their mission is to seek out those who have a need and provide them with new or gently used clothing. Since 2013, they have provided clothing for over 27,000 people. For more information, visit their website at www.clothedbyfaith.org.

The January 2019 meeting was held at Aling’s Chinese Bistro, who donated the food our members enjoyed while networking. That meeting helped donate $4500 to Undies for Everyone. Undies for Everyone

is a nonprofit located in Houston, that supplies undies to Fort Bend school nurses to distribute to children during school hours.

Their mission is to enhance the self-esteem, dignity, hygiene, and success of disadvantaged students by providing them clean underwear.

For more information, visit their website at www. undiesforeveryone.org.

To RSVP for the next event on April 17, location TBD, or for further information, email at 100womenoffortbend@gmail. com.

Grand Opening Operation Kidsafe Year-Round Child Safety Center Ribbon Cutting

Friday,őMarch 8th, 2019 ő10am REFRESHMENTS SERVED PLEASE JOIN US

Eric Arredondo Allstate Agency 17310 W Grand Pkwy S Ste C Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 500-5907 ericarredondo@allstate.com

After the Grand Opening FREE and PRIVATE Amber Alert Ready Safety Forms and Safety Tips will be Available Year-Round at myőAllstate Office

The Operation Kidsafe System will also be available to go out to local events!

Call (832)ő500-5907

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2019 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Sierra Denali

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all-new 2019 Sierra set the benchmark for capability, refinement and innovation.

The Denali is the flagship of the next-generation Sierra lineup and leads a broader, bolder range of precisely engineered trucks.

Along with its bold design and premium features, the next-generation Sierra Denali ups the ante with ride, handling and performance technologies that deliver comfort, control and capability. They include new adaptive ride control and the most powerful V-8 engine available in its class.

The new Sierra Denali is offered as a crew cab, with nearly 3 inches of additional rear-seat legroom compared to the previous model. That roomier cabin is trimmed with Denali-exclusive materials that include premium Forge leather-appointed seating, open-pore wood trim and dark-finish aluminum decor.

The 2019 Sierra Denali is the most premium Sierra yet, with segment-leading technologies and exclusive features. Its tailgate has six functions and positions offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation and easier access to items in the box.

The tailgate has lift and assist and power lock and release.

Other exclusive features are a carbon fiber pickup box that offers best-in-class dent, scratch and corrosion resistance; an all new trailering system; a multi-color headsup display that projects key, and customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a 3x7 inch display to help drivers keep their eyes on the road.

Another first is the rear camera mirror that gives drivers the option to use a traditional inside review mirror or

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rearview camera mirror that provides a wider, unobstructed view. The next-generation system zooms and has a vertical tilt adjustment.

Other 2019 Sierra Denali standard and available highlights include: exclusive exterior elements, exterior accents and body-color bumpers; new high-intensity LED headlamps that incorporate C-shaped lighting elements; LED fog lamps and C-shaped LED elements within the taillights; 20-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 22-inch wheels available.

The Denali Sierra also has an integrated dual exhaust with bright polished outlets standard; heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear outboard seat and heated, leatherwrapped steering wheel are standard; GMC infotainment system with 8-inch-diagonal HD color touchscreen, embedded navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility.

Sierra Denali’s premium ride is most comfortable and there is less road noise. While accelerating, cornering, braking and trailering, the system’s dampers can be individually adjusted every 2 milliseconds, based on sensor feedback.

The all-new traction selection lets drivers choose from preset available drive modes that have been tailored for different terrain or weather conditions. The modes are tour, sport, show, off-road and tow/ haul.

Next-generation Sierra models also feature a new electro-hydraulic power brake boost system for consistent brake pedal feel when the bed is loaded or when trailering.

The four-wheel disc brake system features larger-diameter brake rotors and larger brake pads.

PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF BILLIE BROADEN AKA BILLIE J BROADEN AKA BILLIE JEAN BROADEN AND THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DOUGLAS BROADEN; NO KNOWN ADDRESS 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 Apri1 15, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you.

The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 19-DCV-259278 and is styled: Henry Morales vs The Unknown Heirs of Billie Broaden; aka Billie J. Broaden; aka Billie Jean Broaden, and The Unkown Heirs of Douglas Broaden.

The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF is: DAVID L. MARTINDALE DAVID L MARTINDALE PLLC 911 FRONT STREET RICHMOND TX 77469 713-997-0110

PORTABLES Site: Travis Elementary 2700 Avenue K, Rosenberg PREVIEW: By Appt.

AUCTION ENDS: Thurs., 3/7/19 PORTABLE BUILDINGS (TO BE MOVED)(1) Size: 30’ x 34’ w/ Lap Board Siding/Composition Roof, Size: (1)35’ X 30’ Metal Siding/Metal Roof – 13% B.P. See Terms & Conditions www.lamarcisdauction.com www.onlinepros.com #7341 (800)243-1113 OR (281)357-4977

The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF is as follows to-wit: PLAINTIFF REQUESTS THAT DEFENDANTS BE CITED TO ANSWER THIS PETITION, AND THAT ON FINAL TRIAL, PLAINTIFF HAVE: JUDGMENT FOR TITLE AND POSSESSION OF THE REAL PROPERTY WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS SUIT, AND SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF TO WHICH PLAINTIFF MAY BE JUSTLY ENTITLED. 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 26th day of February, 2019.

BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER, DISTRICT CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469

By Deputy District Clerk Donald Evans 281-238-3276

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, will conduct a hearing at its regular meeting on March 26, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Commissioners Courtroom, 2nd floor, 401 Jackson St., Richmond, Texas, for the purpose of establishing a license for a junkyard and salvage yard within Fort Bend County. Texan Auto, the license holder, will be located at 10011 Highway 6, Sugar Land, Texas applied to follow all provisions of the codes and ordinances of Fort Bend County relating to junkyards and automotive wrecking yards and shall be subject to all provisions of the county codes and statutes of the State of Texas.

All interested persons are invited to attend this meeting and offer any comments on the designation of this zone. All comments will be considered by the Commissioners Court.

LAMAR CISD

The 2019 Sierra Denali’s available 6.2L V-8 engine makes 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel management offers cylinder deactivation and operates in 17 different patterns between two and eight cylinders to optimize power and efficiency. The Sierra Denali can also be equipped with the optional 6.2L V-8 get a 10-speed automatic transmission.

An 8-inch-diagonal infotainment system has a color touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android projection compatibility as standard equipment. There is also a seven-speaker Bose system with a Richbass Woofer in the center console.

I do like this truck a lot.

Love the optional power steps and it’s also gorgeous, is big as a crew cab pick-up comes, provides a gentle ride on seats that adjust 10 ways, has major V8 power and is the perfect truck to go to the Houston’s Livestock Show and Rodeo in. GMC has a winner that retails for $66,740 and includes options.

Lions Club hosts Adults Egg Hunt The Sugar Land Lions Club will hold its First Annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt on March 30, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eldridge Park, 2511 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land.

Cost is $25 per person and includes the Easter Egg Hunt, BBQ Dinner, and 2 Drink tickets.

There will be a prize in every egg. Prizes include a 50” LED Flat Screen TV, One hour flight over Sugar Land, One night stay at a local hotel, Private tour of NASA, Local restaurant gift cards, beer and wine, and many more. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting Ever Ramirez at ever.ramirez@edwardjones. com.

The Sugar Land Lions Club has served the Sugar Land area for over 78 years.

The Club concentrates on helping people who have visual and hearing impairments and community service activities.

Annual service projects include providing eye exams and glasses to needy children and adults.

The club sponsors the Leo club at St. Laurence Catholic School, Boy Scout Troop 148, Cub Scout Pack 148, a Little League team, and the Sugar Land Sharks swim team.

The club sponsors children to the Texas Lions Camp for Disabled and Diabetic children. The club contributes to Project Smile, the Richmond State Supported Living /school, the Texas Lions Eye Bank, Leader Dogs for the Blind, World Services for the blind, and the Lions Club International Foundation. They also collect and recycle eyeglasses for the needy outside the United States.

State of the City of Rosenberg Mayor William T. “Bill” Benton will host the 2019 State of the City of Rosenberg address at the Rosenberg Civic Center, located at 3825 Highway 36 South, on Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Mayor Benton will update attendees on the latest developments and accomplishments of the City including statistics, departmental overviews, and capital improvement projects.

Tickets for this annual event, sponsored by the Central Fort Bend Chamber, are still available at www.cfbca. wliinc18.com at a cost of $30 for Chamber Members and $50 for non-members. The event will also be streamed live, free of charge, on the city’s website at www.rosenbergtx.gov/tv for those who are not able to attend in person.

For more information about the event, please call The Central Fort Bend Chamber at 281-342-5464.

When fairies invade your garden Enjoy the wit and insights of the “Garden Warrior” Arleen Harbin, as she shares how fairies came to visit her garden and wouldn’t leave.

Her backyard garden twinkles with a whimsical fairyland which was the highlight of a past SLGC city-wide garden tour.

Retired math, business and computer teacher with a master’s degree in finance, Arleen now pours her considerable energy into her love of gardening. She is also an avid traveler, crafter, reader and cook.

She has been a Fort Bend Master Gardener since 2008.

The club’s annual silent auction will be held before and after the presentation on March 9. Bidding starts at 9 am.

The meeting will be held at St. Basil’s Hall at 702 Burney Road in Sugar Land.

Refreshments and social time begins at 9:30 am and the program starts at 10 am. Free and open to the public.

Visit www.sugarlandgardenclub.org or call 281-9011970 for more information.

FBISD’s All Star Talent Draft job fair, April 6 Fort Bend ISD is seeking qualified and experienced individuals to join its winning team, and currently has openings for teachers, campus administrators, paraprofessionals and central office staff.

Individuals interested in applying for any of these positions are invited to attend FBISD’s 2019 “All Star Talent Draft” Job Fair on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Constellation Field (1 Stadium Drive, Sugar Land 77479).

FBISD school and department administrators will be on site to interview applicants and make offers of employment. Applicants are asked to bring multiple copies of their resumes and dress in business casual attire for the event.

Please keep in mind that this is an “adults-only” event.

Registration begins March 1, 2019. At that time, visit the FBISD Human Resources page to register online. Registration will also be open at Constellation Field on the day of the event.

Loving Friends meet March 19 Scott Graham to entertain Loving Friends who want to move on with their lives. Loving Friends is not a grief support group, but a social group who meet for dinner and entertainment monthly.

Members enjoy fellowship and friendship in a social environment as they dine monthly and enjoy stellar entertainment.

They will meet on Tuesday, March 19 at Quail Valley City Cr., arrival time 5:00, 2880 LaQuinta Dr., Missouri City.

Scott Graham, a Houstonian and renowned pianist promises to entertain the group, with ballads from the 40’s 50’s and 60’s. He is brought back by popular demand.

Cost for dinner and entertainment is $24 inclusive, paid at the door. Reservations are

Graham required by calling 281-2083124. Other monthly activities include luncheons and pokeno. For further information on Loving Friends, please call 281-208-3124.

All prospective members and new members are greeted with a warm welcome.

Fort Bend County Clerk offers free property fraud alert Laura Richard, Fort Bend County Clerk, wants to inform residents of a new free online subscription service that allows the public to have their name/property monitored within the Clerk’s office in order to track possible fraudulent activity.

Subscribers will be notified when the name they have submitted is used in any recording activities within the office. When subscribing to the service, the subscriber will have the option to choose one of the following notification methods - E-Mail or telephone call.

Protecting consumers’ information and real estate property are top priorities for Clerk Laura Richard and her staff. According to the FBI, “The threat of mortgage fraud and identitytheft crimes continue to rise, and all too often victims of these types of fraudulent activities are unaware their homes or identity have been stolen.” While Property FraudAlert does not prevent fraud from happening; it provides an early warning system for property owners to take appropriate actions should they determine possible fraudulent activity has taken place. Property FraudAlert is now available by subscription on the web at www. propertvfraudalert.com/TxFortBend or by calling 1-844-7469164.

Spring Break Gardening Fun Day

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners announce our first-ever Spring Break Gardening Fun Day! What would our world be like without plants?

“Plants are our friends, we give them special care. They feed, they shelter, they give us fresh air” (excerpt from, Junior Master Gardener Handbook, Level 1) During this one-day camp, children will learn about plants and the environment while participating in hands-on activities. Master Gardeners will mentor the children and assist with hands-on activities.

This camp will be held for one day, March 13, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building D, 4310 TX HWY 36 Rosenberg, 77471. This event is open to children 8 to 12 years of age. The registration fee is $10 per child and includes lunch. Advanced registration is required, no walk-ins will be accepted. To register, please visit our website at fbmg.org.For more information please call Margo “Mac” McDowell at 281-633-7033 or email at mmcdowell@ag.tamu. edu. Registration deadline is March 8th.

Rosenberg PD seeks information on burglary suspect

Rosenberg police officers captured two burglary suspects and are seeking information on a third. Early Tuesday morning, February 26, 2019, officers were dispatched to 5192 Avenue H, a T-Mobile cellular retail location. As officers arrived to the scene three suspects were observed running from a building where apparent signs of forced entry were observed to several area businesses. Responding officers were able to capture two suspects, identified as Daren Kendrick Barcus of Houston, and Marquis Rashad Jones also of Houston. Suspects Barcus and Jones will be charged with multiple counts of Burglary. “These suspects came prepared with specific tools to commit crimes in our city which leads us to believe this is not a first time event for them,” said Police Chief Jonathan White. “Our response time on this call was pretty good, about two minutes. That may be something to consider if you are thinking about coming to our city to commit crimes. You may want to try your luck elsewhere.”

Rosenberg Police Department is seeking any information on the third suspect who remains at large. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281342-TIPS (8477). You can also submit online at http://www. fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/ If that tip leads to an arrest you can receive a cash reward! Information, which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn you up to $5,000.00 CASH REWARD. All calls to Crime Stoppers are ANONYMOUS City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE DUE DATE of REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS APRIL 2, 2019 AT 2:00 PM. Request for Qualifications for the provision of PROFESSIONAL AUDITING SERVICES Commodity Code: 918-04, 946-20 Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the RFQ name and number as listed above, and the due date. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office - RFQ No. 19-048 Professional Auditing Services 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Responses received after the specified time will not be opened. All necessary information and addendums may be obtained from the following websites: http://www.txsmartbuy. com/sp or https://www.demandstar.com/Default.asp

INDEPENDENT •MARCH 6, 2019 • Page 7

Culver Elementary and Roberts Middle School principals named

Harvey

Thomas

Lamar CISD’s Board of Trustees has approved the principals for Culver Elementary and Roberts Middle School, both scheduled to open this fall.

Janice Harvey will open Roberts Middle School as principal.

Roberts Middle School is located next to Fulshear High School in the 9300 block of Charger Way in Fulshear, TX. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Harvey has her master’s degree from the University of Houston-Victoria. She most currently serves as the principal of Huggins Elementary.

During her career in education, Harvey was also an assistant principal at Bowie Elementary, an assistant principal and math teacher at Briscoe Junior High, a fifth-grade teacher at Frost Elementary and an elementary teacher in Fort Bend ISD. Carla Thomas will open Culver Elementary as principal.

Culver Elementary is located in the Briarwood Crossing neighborhood of Rosenberg.

A graduate of the University of Houston, Thomas has her master’s degree from the University of Houston-Victoria. She most currently serves as the principal of Smith Elementary.

Thomas has been an educator for over 24 years, 11 of which have been at Smith, serving as a principal, assistant principal, teacher and campus facilitator.

Sugar Land’s Ashley HomeStore Offers Free Eye Shades Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land, located at 16762 Highway 59 South, will hand out free eye shades beginning March 16 as the home furnishings retailer looks to help individuals develop healthier sleep habits during National Sleep Awareness Month.

The free, one-size-fits-all eye shades are available while supplies last. No purchase necessary. Ashley HomeStore in Sugar Land is open daily, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon – 6 p.m.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, creating total darkness is essential for getting a good’s night sleep. Eliminating light from windows, cell phones and other devices, experts say, helps our bodies produce melatonin, the hormone which resets our internal clocks.

Light exposure at the wrong time alters the body’s internal “sleep clock,” the biological function that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Individuals also can improve their sleep routine by dimming lights, turning off the television, powering down computers and tablets and putting phones away for the night a full hour before bedtime.

NEWS Oakland Elementary PTO donates more than $46,000 to support school’s investment in technology

PTO members shown presenting check to school and District administrators: Pictured (left to right) are: Perla Fuentes, PTO Treasurer Kelly Williams, PTO Vice President Melissa Mundy, Technology Integration Champion Courtney Rankin, Assistant Principal Anderson Haas, Principal Nancy Hummel, FBISD Chief Information Officer Long Pham, PTO President Kerry Padilla, Katrina Clark, Samantha Wilbanks, PTO Secretary Kristin Buck, and Miskee Amin.

To support their school’s goal in providing blended learning opportunities for all students, the Oakland Elementary PTO presented the school with a check for $46,038. The donation is the result of several years of PTO fundraising efforts that will benefit the entire school.

“We are so fortunate to receive such a generous gift from our PTO,” said Oakland

Elementary Principal Nancy Hummel. “These technology tools will empower and equip our students for futures beyond what they can imagine, and have our Wildcats roaring to success!”

The school will use the donation to purchase: •A LocknCharge mobile device charging station with 10 iPads for all kindergarten and 1st grade classes

•A LocknCharge mobile device charging station with 10 two-inch HP ProBooks for all 2nd through 5th grade classes •An Epson BrightLink interactive projector for all teachers to access and use in their classrooms The technology equipment supports blended learning at Oakland. Students will use the new technology to access online educational materials to

support their traditional classroom instruction.

“These devices give our students a head start in utilizing technology that will be compatible and seamlessly blend with technology FBISD will soon be providing every classroom as part of the 2018 Bond,” said Oakland PTO Treasurer Kelly Williams. “We are looking forward to a continued investment in technology at Oakland.”

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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 6, 2019

NEWS

Child Advocates of Fort Bend swears in new volunteers

Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s CASA Program is a model program for foster children in the state of Texas.

The agency assigns a volunteer advocate to every child in foster care in Fort Bend County to advocate for the “best interest” of the child while they are in care.

Eight community volunteers who completed their training last week were sworn in by the Honorable John Millard, Associate Judge of the 328th District Court.

Shown (L to R) with the Judge Millard are: Karon Crockett, Mychelle Scott, Gayle B. Wooten, Ph.D., LaJonda McCoy, Ellie Roque, Vicky Tarpey, Carol Papenfuss and Elizabeth Hendrie.

CAFB is one of only three programs in the entire state that is able to provide an advocate for every child.

Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to ending child abuse by providing a voice, healing the hurt, and breaking the cycle of child abuse in Fort Bend County.

Through its Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASATM), Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) and more than 200 trained community volunteer advocates, Child Advocates improves the lives of more than 400 children each month and has served more than 16,565 children since opening its doors in 1991.

The number of children and families served by the

agency grew 23% in 2018 and has grown 53% in the last five years. For more information on how you can become a voice for children and get involved with Child Advocates of Fort Bend, contact Lindsey Castellanos at 281-344-5259 or lcastellanos@cafb.org or log onto www.cafb.org.

CAFB’s annual gala and auction raises much needed funds to support its programs for abused and neglected children. Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Gala “Up, Up and Away” will be held May 4, 2019 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.

To attend the Gala, become a sponsor or for more information go to https://www. cafb.org/events/gala/ or contact Lisa Moore at 281-3445108 or lmoore@cafb.org.

The Elixir of Love, children’s opera

The Elixir of Love - Photographer Lynn Lane.

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library will present a performance by Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera to Go!” of the children’s opera, The Elixir of Love, on Monday, March 11, beginning at 2 p.m, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8100 FM 359 South in Fulshear.

The performance will be repeated at the First Colony Branch Library on Wednesday, March 13, beginning at 2 p.m, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land.

This family-friendly performance, sung in English, is a new adaptation of the popular comic opera.

A small-town boy discovers that no potion from a

quack doctor could impress his sweetheart more than a hearty dose of self-confidence.

This high-energy opera is recommended for children in grades 2 through 8.

The program is presented with the generous support of the Friends of the Library.

Proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales and annual membership dues help to underwrite the costs of special programming and various cultural events at the library.

Seating is limited at both locations.

At the Bob Lutts Fulshear/ Simonton Branch Library, a free hand-stamp is required for admission, and will be available one hour prior to the performance.

The event is free and open to the public. For more in-

DIGESTIVE HEALTH SEMINAR JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR Thursday, March 21 | 6-8 p.m.

Join us for a free digestive health seminar led by our expert doctors who will discuss the following: • Acid reflux or chronic GERD • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) • Gastrointestinal cancer

Charles Phan, MD Gastroenterologist

REGISTRATION REQUIRED Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/digestive-sl or call 281.274.7500.

16655 Southwest Fwy. Brazos Pavilion Conference Center Sugar Land, TX 77479

Kirtan Nautiyal, MD Hematology Oncology

formation, call the Bob Lutts Fulshear/Simonton Branch Library (281-633-4675), the First Colony Branch Library (281-238-2800), or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

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