Fort Bend Independent 03/27/19 by Fort Bend Independent

VOL 12 No. 13

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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Activist gives tips to safeguard families against sex traﬃcking

faith and confidence that Fort Bend County and the schools in Fort Bend County are among the safest in the United States,” Nehls says.) Childproof America empowers families in the battle against sex trafficking, Litvak said. “Our mission is to educate, equip and support America’s parents in the protection and defense of their children, and improve the quality of aid to impacted families.” The organizations’ goals are to increase sex trafficking awareness in the community through creative media so that it can be quickly recognized in its various forms and stages; Coordinate and provide advocacy support for teens and families that are affected by sex trafficking ; and provide quick and easy access to the very best local resources for those who need help, know someone in need and/or want to support the cause.” Litvak showed a photo collage with seven people including a rapper, a gang member, a cheerleader, a middle aged woman, a young man, an older man and a soldier. The title of the picture is “spot the pimp.” One or two of them may look like a pimp, but the truth is all of them were pimps, convicted of human trafficking, Litvak said. Litvak identifies a “6 step recruiting process” being used on urban and suburban students to recruit them into prostitution and trafficking. Befriend (to establish trust,) intoxicate ( to introduce drugs and alcohol), alienate (to drive a wedge between the teen and the family,) isolate (separate them from old friends and make new friends), desensitize (to disorient the victim’s moral) and capitalize (to take the son or daughter away through brainwashing, coercion or kidnapping ) and then use them to

Olson visits VFW posts on “listening tour”

VFW Post 3903 in Rosenberg received Congressman Pete Olson, center, Texas Veterans Commissioner Kevin Barber, left, Anna Ehlers from the VA Hospital, James Eggers, second from right, assistant VA director from Michael DeBakey VA Hospital, Post Commander Ken Dillon, third from left, Auxiliary President Margie Dillon, Fort Bend County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Mary Ward and Past Post Commander Tom Atkins, in wheel chair,along with other post members Hydro, Gary, Frank, Israel and Daniel, right. By SESHADRI KUMAR U.S. Rep. Pete Olson ( R- Tx 22) conducted a listening tour of the Veterans and visited the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Missouri City, Pearland, Katy and Rosenberg on March 20. He was accompanied by James Eggers, acting associate medical center director, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, and Kevin Barker, Texas Veterans Commission member, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott. Member of VFW Post 4010 in Missouri City on Staffordshire Road, did not have any major grievance about the VA services, but were suffering from floods caused by an adjacent new development and the city’s See TRAFFICKING, page 3 perceived indifference to remedy additional problems caused by the Pete Olson, left, Bob Nelson, Danny Montemayor, James Eggers, road re-construction in progress. Richard Askew, Jeff Elwood, and Kevin Baker at VFW Post 4010. Bob Nelson, senior vice responders for confidential help. the following statement: There is on-going construction commander of the post, said the Many of them are Veterans work on Staffordshire Rd. as part of themselves,” Eggers said. city’s decision to rezone the area the City’s roadway re-construction At the VFW Post 3903 & its from commercial to residential project (Independence Blvd. Auxiliary in Rosenberg, members resulted in the construction of Phase 1 and Staffordshire Rd. expressed overall satisfaction 120 units in an adjacent land. Expansion). Once construction is with VA medical services, but Three feet of soil was added over complete, concern about drainage cited a few problems on the 13 acres to prepare the ground abutting Staff ordshire Rd., should administrative side. for construction. The drainage be mitigated. Although, we One member pointed out system installed by the developer realize there are road closures in the enormous time taken in is insufficient, he said. the area to facilitate construction transferring medical records from During recent rainfalls, the work, access to VFW property VFW post got flooded, while that one center to another. has always been maintained. We Another pointed out the did not occur during previous apologize for any inconvenience problem faced in retaining the Courtesy: Unbound hurricanes. during construction, which is same specialist and in using The VFW post rented out the anticipated on a project of this specialty drugs. hall for events and that revenue scale. Ultimately, the roadway VA offi cials explained that the was lost because of flooding, project will improve mobility and VA has made a lot of progress, Nelson said. access to VFW property as well. though all may not be perfect. Because of the widening of the When infrastructure for The VA Hospital has introduced road, the only accessible part of Liberty Ridge Development was state of the art women’s health the roadway is full of potholes, Nelson said. The VFW parking services and women combatants constructed, a drainage swale was lot is heavily used by construction receive same care as men. Also, designed to accommodate runoff sons and spouses of veterans from the VFW property/parking trucks. lot. The post has 198 members receive health care. City staff is working with the As a member said “medical and it is the only place where the developer to ensure that the inlet services and treatments are good, veterans go for leisure. The VFW and swale that was constructed but not administration is not at the post needs financial help as a result between the two properties is same level.” of the hardship caused by the road adequately maintained to provide At the VFW in Pearland, construction and flooding, Nelson positive drainage. members spoke about the VA’s said. Staff has already reached out Olson assured the members that Women’s Health Center and to the Developer to address these infrastructure projects at DeBakey he would bring the matter to the issues. VA Medical Center. attention of the city of Missouri Even with the above, the At the Katy VFW, members City and seek redressal of their parking lot of the existing VFW narrated the veteran’s experiences grievance. property has low spots and can at the VA, improvements that Eggers, Acting VA medical hold (pond) water during rain could be made at the VA and center director, reminded the events. Ultimately, VFW may shared stories about their time in members and the community to have to do re-grading of their the service. utilize the crisis hotline 1-800James F. Carnes, left, U.S. Department of Labor, presents a certificate to HCC Chancellor 273-8255. “If you are a Veteran Responding to the concerns parking lot to provide positive Cesar Maldonado, making HCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Stafford, in crisis or concerned about one, raised by the VFW Post 4010, drainage to address their internal a Registered Apprenticeship Center. See story on Page 3. connect with our caring, qualified the City of Missouri City issued drainage deficiencies.

Kelly Litvak, founder and executive director of Childproof America. By SESHADRI KUMAR of five is male and half of child Minor child trafficking is trafficking occurs domestically. happening in Fort Bend County, Online services account for 73 in cities like Sugar Land and percent of all sex trafficking and Katy as well and the predators smart phone apps like Snapchat are everywhere, including in and Instagram are on the top of churches, schools, youth camps the list. and neighborhoods, according There are more brothels in to Kelly Litvak, founder and Houston than Starbucks, Litvak executive director of Childproof said. America. No statistics is available for Litvak was the featured speaker child sex trafficking in Fort Bend at the monthly meeting of the Fort County, Litvak said, but at least Bend Republican Patriots Club in half of the juvenile girls booked Sugar Land on March 21. for drug offenses are also victims The motto of Childproof of child trafficking, she said. America is “Safeguarding Anecdotally, every week she families against sex trafficking.” received at least two calls from Human trafficking is the fastest Fort Bend and one from Harris growing criminal industry in the County, on child trafficking. world today and is currently tied (Human trafficking exists in with illegal arms trade, as the Fort Bend County, Sheriff Troy second largest criminal industry, Nehls says. “However, there are Litvak said quoting a U.S. some who would want persons to Department of Health and Human believe that it is so very prevalent Services report. as to make you fearful to send Litvak also cited additional your kid to school. We have full statistics to describe the magnitude of the problem. About 79,000 minors and youths are victims of sex trafficking in Texas. There are currently an estimated 313,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas. About 234,000 workers are victims of labor trafficking in Texas and traffickers benefit $600 million from victims of labor trafficking. Minors and youth sex traffic cost the state of Texas about $6.6 billion. The target age for sex trafficking is 12 to 14 and four out of five are females and one out

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019

NEWS

Sugar Land Heritage Foundation Friends Social: Happy 60th Birthday Sugar Land

Pictured are a few of the Sugar Land Heritage Friends. members. The Membership can Set for a social event on April be paid online or at the socials 11 from 6 p.m - 8:30 p.m at the and is tax deductible. Sugar Land Heritage Museum, Member benefits include: 198 Kempner St., Sugar Land, •Socials three times a year, Sugar Land Heritage Foundation food/drink and a program (SLHF) Friends will meet provided. These will be held on for a “Happy 60th Birthday 2nd Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 8 Sugar Land” program featuring p.m and the 2019 scheduled dates/ engaging talks that include: programs are listed below. •Memoirs from Sugar Land •Exclusive invitation to Mayors past and present about new to the area, both sharing a Sugar Land’s growth and progress passion for our local history. The Member’s only unveiling events •Reflections on changes and Sugar Land Friends are proud to for new Exhibits •10% discount in our gift progress in District One, the oldest play a part in the promoting the shop on Sugar Land Heritage neighborhoods in Sugar Land museum’s growth,” said Nirider. from Sugar Land Councilmember Heritage Friends is an Merchandise Only •10% discount on Rental of District One Steve Porter and auxiliary committee within SLHF Councilmember District Two for anyone 21 and older. For a Museum Space •As well as the satisfaction Bridget Yeung minimal donation, friends can •Happy 60th Birthday Cake support the foundation operations of helping further the mission, served by wives of Sugar Land and museum expansion. This 100% of your dues goes to further Mayors - past and present is a friend-raising group whose the mission of the foundation. Following the Happy 60th “Since the Heritage Museum main purpose is to bring together moved into its new space above SLHF advocates, learn more Birthday Sugar Land, the next the Children’s Museum, SLHF about Sugar Land’s rich history event will be on August 8 and the Friends have been hosting Socials and promote the museum first program will focus on “Honoring to encourage people to find hand as it expands and develops. Veterans.” On Nov. 14, the us,” said Terry Nirider, SLHF Annual dues will 100 percent go program will be “Doing Business in Sugar Land.” Sponsorships for president. to support the SLHF. “The museum, one of the area’s “The Heritage Friends host these events are available. The April 11 Social is best kept secrets, is a great venue three socials annually and are free and our membership has enjoyed for members. Guests are welcome sponsored by Sugar Land District meeting, planning and hosting the with a $20 donation (or minimal 1 Council Member Steve Porter and Nancy Porter. Radio Lounge socials to bring people in. At our donation).” events, members and guests not Heritage Friends memberships owned by Ray Schillens along only enjoy programs, but long are available for $55 per person with Tracy Prater will take care of time residents mingle with people and $100 for any two new the audio and visual needs.

Houston’s largest Home Tour takes artistic approach

A variety of pop-up art displays will be installed in Johnson Development communities throughout Houston, including this Sugar Land mural in Imperial. The art displays are part of Houston’s Largest Home Tour, going on through April. Visitors to “Houston’s Largest Home Tour” this April will have an immersive experience as they will be invited to not only tour homes and attend events, but to capture their visits among whimsical art installations found in most of 13 Johnson Development communities on the tour. Injecting art into this year’s home tour was a focus, said Christen Johnson, Senior Vice President and Marketing Director of Johnson Development Corp. “Through the years, we’ve had numerous pieces of artwork permanently installed in our communities, but this year, we wanted to oﬀer something more experiential. Some of the various pop-up artwork is even interactive, inviting people to become part of the art and take photos to commemorate the experience.” In Sienna Plantation in Missouri City, visitors will be able to literally picture

themselves in “Sienna” as they stand in for the “I” in installed letters that spell out “S-_-E-NN-A.” Nature is theme of the artwork in nearby Riverstone, with an 8-foot topiary sculpted into one of the cattails found throughout the community. Imperial in Sugar Land is installing a 10-foot mural depicting iconic Sugar Land images and people visiting Willow Creek Farms in Brookshire can take photos in front of a brightly hued wildflower mural. The artistic wildflowers in Fulshear’s Cross Creek Ranch will be more 3D, standing 10 to 12 feet tall. Three flowers will be installed throughout the community. Richmond’s Harvest Green, which frequently partners with the Contemporary Art Museum of Fort Bend for various art projects and events in the community, is having 10 lifesize art cows permanently installed in the farm-centric community. “Community art has been a focus here since we opened,” said Haley Peck, Marketing Director for Harvest Green. “We have a collaborative mural between local artists and students, painted grain silos and electrical boxes and frequent art shows. Installing art cows has been a goal for a while now and this year’s home tour seemed the perfect time to do it.” Other pop-up art pieces

include a log swing in Grand Central Park in Conroe that is 10 feet long and can seat ﬁve to six people, a giant rocking chair in Richmond’s Veranda and a mirror in Jordan Ranch in Fulshear that will be positioned so people can imagine themselves ﬂoating in the community’s lazy river. There will be giant pinwheels of varying colors and patterns installed in Woodforest, located in Montgomery County, In the Bay Area, people can take photos behind a giant gold frame in Tuscan Lakes or in front of a living wall and palm trees in Edgewater. “Our communities are all about creating memorable experiences,” Johnson said, “and the home tour is about inspiration, both in home design and feel-good artful moments. Visitors will also be able to create memories attending one of the many fun events planned throughout the month.” More than 150 model homes and hundreds more inventory homes will be open during Houston’s Largest Home Tour. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. Maps of the participating communities and the artwork, as well as details on the nearly two dozen events being hosted during the tour, can be downloaded at www. houstonhometour.com.

Ladybugs

The Ladybugs and volunteers of Fort Bend County, visited the Oak Bend Medical Center recently to spread Easter cheer to the patients there . The group sang songs, brought stuﬀed Easter Eggs, magazines and lots of goodies for the patients to enjoy, too. All of the patients were so thrilled to see the Ladybugs and enjoyed spending time with them. The Ladybugs, founded in 2007 by Vicki Latham, often visit the sick, mentally challenged and the elderly at local facilities in Fort Bend County to help brighten their day. Contact the coordinator at vmlatham@ yahoo.com if interested in becoming a Ladybug. Attendees pictured left to right standing : Rose Carr, Justin Vo, Yvette John, Belinda Nassif; seated are Ladybugs founder Vicki Latham, Nikita Varghese, Olivia John, Aethon Campbell abs Kyoto Campbell .

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INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS

US District Judge dismisses lawsuit against HCC by Trustee Dave Wilson On Friday, March 22, United States District Judge Kenneth Hoyt dismissed a lawsuit ﬁled against HCC by Trustee Dave Wilson in which Wilson requested money damages for alleged violations of his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Wilson alleged that his rights were violated when the Board of Trustees voted to adopt a resolution of censure against him. The resolution, which describes Wilson’s conduct as inappropriate and reprehensible, cites violations of the college’s bylaws and states that Wilson failed to (1) respect the board’s collective decision-making process; (2)

engage in open and honest discussions in making board decisions; (3) respect trustees’ differing opinions; (4) interact with trustees in a mutually respectful manner; and (5) act in Houston Community College System’s best interest. The trustees also resolved that Wilson would be ineligible for election to a board officer position for the 2018 calendar year, ineligible for travel-related expense reimbursements for college year 2017-2018, and required to maintain board approval when requesting access to funding for community affairs programs for college year 2017-2018.

The court concluded that the resolution did not violate Wilson’s First or Fourteenth Amendment rights, because, Wilson remained free to speak publicly and to attend board meetings at which he could express his views. “We are pleased with the court’s ruling dismissing Trustee Wilson’s lawsuit and are grateful for the court’s well-reasoned decision,” stated HCC Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Carolyn EvansShabazz. “But we regret that the college has yet again been forced to expend taxpayer funds in defense of another of Trustee Wilson’s baseless lawsuits.”

The Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is currently accepting applications from charitable organizations interested in benefiting from FBJSL’s 2019 Sugar Plum Market. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have 501(c)(3) status, serve the Fort Bend community, and fit within the League’s mission, goals, and one or more position statements. FBJSL considers the specific needs of each qualified applicant and selects beneficiaries that it believes will thrive due to FBJSL support. Applications must be received on or before June 1, 2019. The application and accompanying instructions can be found on the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www. fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications must be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com.

FBJSL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the eﬀective action and leadership of trained

volunteers. Their purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members. Visit www.fbjsl.org.

FBJSL Event Beneﬁciary Application Deadline Extended to June 1

Event Beneficiary AccessHealth used the funds it received from FBJSL’s 2018 Sugar Plum Market to purchase much-needed medical equipment and supplies for uninsured pediatric patients and children of low-income households in Fort Bend County. Pictured is Michael Lawson, M.D., AccessHealth Pediatrician and Chief Medical Oﬃcer.

Trafficking From Page 1 make money. Only one or two percent can be rescued after this step, Litvak says. Once the traffickers take the victim through step 4, your child is in real and immediate danger, according to Litvak. “Consider intervention, residential counseling away from their “friends”. Think about moving the child away to live with a relative in another state, or moving the whole family. It sounds drastic but it is logical.” Litvak recommends parents to install some monitoring programs like Highster Mobile or Net Nanny. Highster Mobile is for parents to monitor their children and for employers to monitor the company owned devices of employees. Employers must gain consent before monitoring the company owned devices of employees. Net Nanny is a parental control software. Litvak’s advice to parents include: Know what your kids are doing, talk to them about trafficking, monitor the home to prevent their sneaking out, monitor their social media frequently, be on high alert if a child has experienced a traumatic event. What made Litvak to be an activist against sex trafficking? Her own daughter was a victim and she could not save her before the mishap occurred in the Cinco Ranch area of Katy. As a parent of an allAmerican family, living in an

upscale suburban community with top ranking schools, human trafficking was a threat never considered. The first-hand experience broke all stereotypes and misconceptions about the reality of this very real criminal enterprise. Litvak’s daughter was kidnapped by a pimp a few days after she turned 18 and after a two-year battle, she was rescued and is now in a safe house. “No family is immune. Unfortunately too many parents, myself included, believe a good school district, upscale neighborhoods, monitored social media and Christian upbringing protects them from such evil,” says Litvak. All teens naturally experience some level of trauma during junior high and high school years. That event can be a breakup, sexual assault, divorce, parental conflict, peer fallout or loss of a friend or family member to death. Recruiters patiently and methodically target vulnerable teens and play upon their weaknesses. Recruiters are known to monitor counseling offices and church camps where vulnerabilities are exposed and targets are easily identified. Childproof America has developed a “Family guides program” to meet the needs of families in crisis. Families will get a trained advocate who knows how to maneuver quickly through the maze of location to rescue and victim liberation. An e-learning curriculum for parents is also under preparation. Visit childproofamerica. org.

NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL OUT-OF-DISTRICT MEETING PLACE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF FIRST COLONY LEVEE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT To the residents and taxpayers of First Colony Levee Improvement District (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 of the District, at a meeting held February 22, 2019, established an additional meeting place outside the boundaries of the District at The Muller Law Group, 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77478 and St. Laurence Catholic Church, 3100 Sweetwater Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Said meeting place is hereby declared to be a public place and open to the public. All residents and taxpayers of the District and all other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location and other locations previously established by the Board of Directors as meeting places of the District. /s/ Debra Coffman Secretary, Board of Directors

HCC and the US Department of Labor join forces for Manufacturing Apprenticeships

Houston Community College held a signing ceremony with the United States Department of Labor - Office of Apprenticeship making HCC a Registered Apprenticeship Center on March 18 at the Administration Building, 3100 Main. HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E. and Board Chair Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, launched this influential event. HCC Stafford campus workforce building is home to the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, focusing on training qualified workers in high-growth, high-demand and high-wages occupations. These include machining, additive manufacturing, robotics, CNC operations and advanced manufacturing. By working directly with employers, the new Registered

Apprenticeship Center creates a qualified workforce with HCC students. “This is a historic milestone for HCC and the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence,” says Interim Dean Ritu Raju. “For the first time, HCC will serve as the sponsor of the apprenticeships and will work directly with employers.” Students who complete the machining technology or manufacturing engineering technology program at the center can earn an Associate of Applied Science, Certificate Level 2 or Certificate Level 1. “There are only two [registered apprenticeship centers] in this entire area. And in manufacturing, [HCC] is the only one. By taking this bold step we’re making apprenticeships more accessible

to the American public, to the employers and to the potential employees.” - James F. Carnes, U.S. Department of Labor Houston is recognized as a top manufacturing city in the country with more than 10,000 manufacturers who employ more than a quarter million skilled workers in the production of plastics, rubber, metals, medical devices, valves, ﬁttings, steel products and petrochemicals. “With a state-of-the-art campus, highly qualiﬁed faculty and accreditation from industryrecognized bodies, such as the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) and National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), Houston Community College is the perfect partner to serve local employers to create a talent pipeline and up skill incumbent workers,” says Raju.

Weston Lakes homeowner sues Property Owners Association A lawsuit by retired couple Joe and Jill Nixon against the Weston Lakes Property Owners Association documents a nightmare. Weston Lakes is in Fort Bend County near Fulshear. “We’ve lost, let’s see, our lot was 1.6 something acres. We’ve lost what they estimate to be an acre of land,” says Jill Nixon. “We’re going to lose our home. No matter what Wayne, we’re going to lose our home.” Weston Lakes has not only refused to ﬁx the bad drainage problem, they have been raising dues for all the homeowners to pay lawyers to

fight the Nixon’s. The couple says several other homes will likely face the same fate. What’s worse is the evidence the City of Weston Lakes knew this was a problem before the Nixon’s invested their golden years there. “We are sounding the alarm. The pretty promotional videos about Weston Lakes don’t include the part where they don’t do the right thing for the people who choose to invest their lives there,” says Wayne Dolcefino, President of the Houston based Investigative Communications firm Dolcefino Consulting. “Every real estate agent

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE SALE The State of Texas County of Fort Bend

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 434TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on March 7, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. GERALD COLLINS, ET ALi n Cause# 15-DCV -222618 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 2nd day of April, 2019, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT I: GEO: 8700100040130 LOT 13, IN BLOCK 4, OF TEAL RUN, SECTION I 0, AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 1933/A, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on March 8, 2019 as the property of GERALD COLLINS, JEMENDA COLLINS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, TEAL RUN GENERAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION, INC. to satisfy a judgment amounting to $4,481.70, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT# 23. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. Given under my hand on March 8, 2019.

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 458TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on March 7, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. MARIO ACOSTA GONZALEZ in Cause # 15-DCV-224773 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 2nd day of April, 2019, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 774693108 of sa id FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT I: GEO: 1938007700011 LOT 12, TN BLOCK 9, OF SOUTH MAIN PLAZA ADDITION, A SUBDIVISION IN HARRIS AND FORT BEND COUNTIES, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 40, PAGE I, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND RECORDED IN VOLUME 304, PAGE 193 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (PROPERTY LIES WHOLLY WITHIN FORT BEND COUNTY.) Levied on March 8, 2019 as the property of MARIO ACOSTA GONZALEZ to satisfY a judgment amounting to $2,483.46, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of CITY OF HOUSTON. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. Given under my hand on March 8, 2019.

Mike Beard Constable, Precinct One Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy John Morales Deputy Constable #1114

in Fort Bend County should warn their customers about rising dues to pay for the result of bad planning and bad drainage,” says Dolceﬁno. “Every other homeowner in Weston Lakes should demand the Nixon’s be made whole, just like they would want their property protected. This is a homeowners association that simply doesn’t care and everyone who invested there should demand protection.” The Nixon’s lawsuit is in Fort Bend County Court. “We tried to warn the City of Weston Lakes, but they ignored our calls. The frustrated Nixon family has hired us to warn 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 28th day of February, 2019 by the 400th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas in cause# 18-DCV-250393 in favor of the Plaintiff - The Oaks Of Rosenberg Community Association, Inc. Plaintiff, for the sum of $6,198.26 ++++costs as taxed on said Execution and I or Order of Sale and further the sum of executing the same. Therefore, on the 8th day of March, 2019, I, Constable Mike Beard of Precinct One Fort Bend County, have levied on and have seized all rights, title, interest, and claim to which the said Defendant(s)- Michele N. Bartee had of, in, or to the following described real property, and will offer for sale on the 2nd day of April, 2019 at the William B. Travis Building, first floor meeting room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, Texas 77469 of said Fort Bend County 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 FORTY-THREE (43), BLOCK TWO (2), OF THE OAKS OF ROSENBERG, SECTION ONE (1), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 20070032 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY DESCRIBED AS 5419 BELVEDERE DRIVE, ROSENBERG, TEXAS 77471 ADJUDGED/MARKET VALUE: $271,370.00 Property is sold with all encumbrances and liens affixed thereto. All sales are final. Terms: Cash or Money Order Sale to be held at or about 10:00 A.M. Mike Beard Constable, Precinct One Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Deputy John Morales Deputy Constable #1114

all potential homebuyers,” says Dolceﬁno. “We will be glad to update this story when Weston Lakes does the right thing and show they care about the people who invest there. In the meantime, we will sound the alarm.” “Every time it rains, it’s a nightmare,” the Nixons tell us. “Is today they day the fence falls in or is today the day the house slips over the edge?” 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 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

Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019

NEWS

Stop socialism, Choose freedom rally

Thousands Have Big Fun at Fair for Small Fries

Big crowds turned out for pint-sized fun at last weekend’s Spring Fling Toddler Fair in Sienna Plantation, with 3,000 people attending the free, annual event. Headlining the event was AndyRoo, a.k.a. Andrew Karnavas, who has performed on Radio Disney AM 1590 and at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, PBS Kids show at SXSW and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo with Radio Disney on the Kids Country Stage. Other activities included the Sienna Super Kid Toddler Zone — featuring giant ball pits, toddler-sized rings and Texas Tumbling Tours — as well as a pony carousel, camel rides, swings, a “Big Top” play land, inﬂatables, a photo booth and face painting. “You couldn’t help but smile as you saw children having so much fun,” said Allison Bond, marketing director for Sienna Plantation. “These were memories Moms and Dads are going to cherish forever, with many people posting photos on social media to commemorate the occasion.” While most events in Sienna Plantation are resident-only, the Spring Fling Toddler Fair is one of a handful held throughout the year open to the public. Up next is the Parks & Picnics Fun Fest, scheduled for April 13. Learn more at www.siennaplantation.com.

By KAREN MACWILLIAM Do you remember when they said “If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor? And your health care costs will go down by $2500? This did not happen. I have a picture from Washington DC on September 12, 2009 when I marched against the Obama Health care bill. They were wrong then and they are wrong now about the NEW GREEN DEAL!. The professors (who 93% vote for Liberals), are turning out people like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez who want to spend upwards of 93 trillion dollars for their NEW GREEN DEAL. Do you know that a stack of one trillion dollars in one dollar bills measures 67,866 miles. This would reach more than one forth the way to the moon. Well, I am tired of yelling at the TV so I have rented Sugar Land Town Square for a STOP SOCIALISM CHOOSE FREEDOM RALLY on April 15, 2019 from 12:00-2:00. The address is 16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Hopefully, our rally will be just one of 15,000 other rally’s being held across the nation. Some conﬁrmed speakers are: Pete Olson, U.S.

Congressman, Sheriﬀ Andy Louderback, Border Security, Dr. Robin Armstrong, Vice Chairman Republican Party of Texas, Adviser to President Trump, Maria Espinoza, The Remembrance Project, Sebastian Rodriquez, President Turning Point USA, Univ. Of Houston,Tom Delay, Former U.S. Representative, Carmen Montiel, Miss Venezuela, on Socialism COME SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND LET OUR VOICES BE HEARD!

Host of the event Karen MacWilliam; kmacwilliam88@gmail.com

Harvest Green Prepares for Pilates, Pints, Pups April 7 NOTICE OF SALE

STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on February 25, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in April, 2019, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

FORT BEND COUNTY VS. FRANCES G VELASQUEZ, AKA FRANCISCA G VELASQUEZ, ET AL

LOT 47, RUBY'S SUB'D, WM NEAL SURV, ABST 64, VOL 751, PG 110*

16-DCV232656 12/11/18

006400000094791 0 FEBRUARY 21, 2019

17-DCV242090 12/06/18

002900000019190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. BRANDON LAVAR PITTMAN, ET 1 AL FEBRUARY 21, 2019

0.170 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, CHURCHILL FULSHEAR LEAGUE, ABST 29, CLERK'S FILE# 9255050*

040400000180191 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. RITA 0 SMITH AKA RITA T KPOTIE SMITH FEBRUARY 21, 2019

1.3029 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, JANE DEES SURV, ABST 404, CLERK'S FILE# 2009124783*

17-DCV242152 12/11/18

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

$49,610.00

$15,500.00

$143,960.00

$14,400.00

$64,170.00

$7,800.00

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Fort Bend County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs. RECENT CHANGES IN THE PROPERTY TAX CODE NOW REQUIRE PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY TO HAVE A STATEMENT FROM THE FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR CERTIFYING THAT THE PERSON/FIRM/COMPANY PURCHASING PROPERTY AT A TAX SALE OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO ANY TAXING ENTITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A TAX SALE DEED TO ANY PROPERTY YOU PURCHASE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Richmond, Texas, February 25, 2019 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas

Pilates, craft beer and pup petting is on tap — rain or shine —at Harvest Green 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 7. The public is invited to bring mats and towels to the Farmhouse, 3400 Harvest Corner Drive, for a 60-minute Pilates class followed by social time with local shelter pups and craft beer. Puppy play is free. The $15 class includes a custom Harvest Green pint glass. Pre-register online at https://harvest-green.ticketleap. com/pilates-pints-and-pups.

FBISD parents and students invited to attend Financial Education Expo Fort Bend ISD, in partnership with Houston Community College and Regional Consulting, is hosting a “Smart Families-Smart Money” ﬁnancial education expo, on Saturday, April 6. All FBISD parents and students (age 12 and older) are invited to attend the free postsecondary readiness event. The expo will be held at Marshall High School (1220 Buﬀalo Run, Missouri City, 77489), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives from the following businesses and organizations are among the event presenters: Bliss Finance, Epitome Tax and Insurance, Greater Houston Black Chamber Missouri City Branch, Harvesting Wealth, LLC, Houston Area Urban League, Houston Café College, Prime Lending, Suburban HoustonFort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center

(SBDC) Network, and Woodforest National Bank. The event will begin with lunch, followed by a variety of interactive workshops for students and parents. The event will also include drawings for prizes. Student Sessions: •Resources to Pay for College •Reality Check: Student Loan Payback •Budgeting for Success •Dollars and Sense •Starting a Lemonade Stand Business Parent Sessions: •Master Salary Negotiations •Advanced Directives Clinic •Smart Home Buying •Is My Budget Working? •Leverage an A+ Credit Score. Seats are available on a “ﬁrst-come-ﬁrst-served” basis. To reserve your seat, visit http://bit.ly/HMW3Registration.

FORT BEND

By Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

www.fbindependent.com 281-980-6745

Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 12551, Emily Court, Texas 77478. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Senate approves $1.8 billion for Harvey recovery The Texas Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a bipartisan package of bills that would pull $1.8 billion from the state’s rainy day fund to aid in Hurricane Harvey recovery and plan for and protect against future storms. The legislation was named a top priority by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Here’s a rundown of the bills: Senate Bill 6 would require the Texas Division of Emergency Management to create guides for local officials on both disaster response and recovery and how to manage debris removal. It also would require the division to establish a work group to study how best to train and credential local emergency management directors. Senate Bill 7 would revamp a fund already administered by the Texas Water Development Board that helps pay for flood control projects. The new Texas Infrastructure Resilience Fund, or TIRF, would contain four different pots of money totaling more than $1.6 billion. One account would be to help Harvey-impacted communities with the so-called “matching funds” they need to secure billions more in federal recovery dollars. Another would help finance projects included in a statewide flood plan.

Senate Bill 8 would create an official statewide flood plan that would look much like the water development board’s State Water Plan, which is published every five years. The plan — consisting of a list of flood control projects — also would be compiled by regions across the state that would manage different watersheds. The bill also calls for the creation of a 10-year plan to repair and maintain unsafe dams in the state. It is expected to cost $47 million over the next two years. The package would be funded by money from the state’s emergency savings account. The Senate has proposed spending $3 billion total out of the rainy day fund for Harvey-related expenses, including assistance to impacted school districts. During public hearings on the legislation, local officials and community and flood planning groups expressed overwhelming support. Environmental groups, meanwhile, said they did not oppose the bills but hoped that the funding provided would go toward not just large-scale flood control projects but also green infrastructure initiatives aimed at preserving open space. Sen. Charles Perry, a Lubbock Republican who is the primary author of SB 8 and heads the committee that took

public testimony on all three bills, appeared amenable to their request. “I would hope it’s a strategy that’s on the table,” he said. On Wednesday, the bills generated little debate and no opposition. Instead, both Democrats and Republicans rose to deliver glowing accolades. Senators made some tweaks to the legislation before votes were cast. Citing cost concerns, Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, a Brenham Republican who is the primary author of SB 6, asked senators to approved the removal of language from her bill that would have created a disaster recovery task force. A spokesman for Kolkhorst said the bill now contains no ﬁscal note, meaning it wouldn’t require any additional state funding if passed. And Sen. Eddie Lucio, a Brownsville Democrat, successfully oﬀered an amendment to SB 6 that would require the state to study the creation of a single intake application for federal and state assistance. Patrick said the unanimous passage of each bill was “one of the greatest achievements that I’ve seen since I’ve been in the Senate. The three bills will now go to the Texas House for consideration. —The Texas Tribune.

Railfest at Rosenberg

SSLW & partners award 2019 Scholarships

Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) and their Phenomenal Partners Celebrate “30 for 30” honoring Fort Bend Countywide School Districts 2019 High School Scholarship Recipients - Heroes and Sheroes at a luncheon , Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m. The goal is to raise $30,000+ for 30 years of providing cheerful, willing, and generous services and resources from infancy thru adulthood. All proceeds beneﬁt programs and scholarships. Donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS’ guidelines.

Scholarship recipients include: Clyde Allen, Jr., Lamar CISD – Fulshear High School, plans to East Texas Baptist University – engineering,major. Calah Alexis Burros, Fort Bend ISD – Austin High School, plans to attend Prairie View A & M University – nursing, major. Jaela Ailene Ketchum, Needville ISD – Needville High, plans to attend Houston Baptist University – pre medical, major Jason Alexander Mc Donald, Lamar CISD - Fulshear

High, plans to attend Prairie View A & M Univ -business marketing Myah Elizabeth Williams, Fort Bend ISD – Dulles High School plans to attend Howard University - biology, major. First time annual and competitive scholarships are awarded in March and continuing scholarships in July based on community service, academic excellence, and leadership. Annual service with SSLW is a scholarship’s requirement. First time applicants apply January 01-March 01; continuing recipients apply June 01 – July 15. Recipients / parents/guardians are encouraged to email or call for questions and concerns. Scholarships’ Committee chair is Marvelyn Harris and Elise Leaks Harmon & June Peggs are Co Chairs. Call 713.256.7953 or email sslw89@gmail.com.

Katy man pleads guilty to murdering Air Force veteran

The Rosenberg Railroad Museum (the Museum) and the Rosenberg Main Street Program are joining forces this year to present RailFest 2019 and Hobo Walk through Historic Downtown Rosenberg from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, April 6th, 2019. This is the 12th year of the museum’s fundraising event which is being held on the Rosenberg Railroad Museum grounds, 1921 Ave. F. RailFest 2019 will feature model trains in action by the Houston “S” Gaugers on their traveling layout, the Houston Area G Gaugers on the Museum’s garden railroad and on the Museum’s HO and Lionel layouts. All ages can enjoy unlimited rides on a trackless train! Operation Lifesaver will be on hand with their informative exhibit about train safety. Visitors can also enjoy a Museum open house and tour the exhibits at their leisure, including the Toy Trains Through the Ages exhibit which ends this April. Guests won’t want to miss the Model Train and Collectibles Sale. All net proceeds from the event beneﬁt museum operations. In addition, the Rosenberg Main Street Program is organizing a “Hobo Walk: a discovery walk through His-

toric Downtown Rosenberg” to extend the experience beyond the museum gates. Visit a hobo camp in the Art Park on 3rd street and look for Hobo symbols at participating downtown merchants. Visitors who complete the walk and return their stamped ticket will be entered in a drawing for a prize basket of items from the downtown merchants. Hobos were migrant workers, most notably during the time of the Great Depression and are an important part of railroad history. These men and teen boys traveled across the country in search of jobs. Fueled by the need to reach the west coast, but lacking funds, the hobo often hopped a free ride on trains. According to Rosenberg Main Street Program Advisory Board Chairman, Kellen Dorman, “We are pleased to partner with the Museum by hosting the Hobo Walk so that visitors can learn more about railroad history and what Historic Downtown Rosenberg has to oﬀer.” Museum executive director, Tracy Hobdy, adds “Train lovers of all ages enjoy our fundraisers! Bring the whole family to learn about Texas railroading and Fort Bend County history, get something tasty to eat, have fun and see

some great trains and layouts.” A very special thanks goes out to our partner in this event, The Rosenberg Main Street Program, along with our RailFest sponsors: Another Time Soda Fountain, Bob’s Taco Station, Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land, Jeﬀ McClellan, CPA, Alice Poth Texas Farm Bureau, Republic Services, Katy Printers, D&S Antiques, SPCO Credit Union, Janice Vyoral State Farm, Ol’ Railroad Café, Kevin Patton State Farm, Daniel Slavinski, CPA and Commissioner Vincent Morales.” The fun starts at 10 a.m. and goes on until 5 p.m. $8 Admission for everyone 2 years and older; Children under 2 are Free. More information and speed pass advance purchase tickets are available online at http://www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/railfest. If you would like to be a sponsor for the event or volunteer, please contact event chair Brenda Cauthen at brenda. cauthen@rosenbergrrmuseum.org. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading in Fort Bend County. Groupons, membership or other discount admissions not accepted for this fundraising event.

On March 12, 2019, Earl James Semien plead guilty to the charges of Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon before being sentenced to 35 years and 10 years in prison, respectively. The 54-year-old Katy man was charged with the 2016 Christmas Eve execution of U.S. Air Force veteran Christopher Battelli. Present in the courtroom for the plea were many of Battelli’s friends and family members. According to Assistant District Attorney Lesleigh Morton, Semien had been indicted for the murder of Christopher Battelli, 29, who was shot once in the head as he sat in his parked vehicle outside of the Southland Bar and Grill in Katy, Texas. While the two men were acquaintances, a motive for the killing was never discovered. According to a witness, Semien had possessed a ﬁrearm for approximately three weeks before the murder.

Semien Immediately following the murder, Semien handed the ﬁrearm to a friend and told the friend to “get rid of it because it had a body on it.” Semien was a felon at the time of the murder, which by law prohibited him from legally possessing a ﬁrearm. “Chris Battelli served our country and received numerous decorations for his service, only to be executed in cold blood by someone he knew, for no apparent reason,” said lead prosecutor Lesleigh Morton.

“Hopefully Semien’s sentence will begin to bring Chris’s family closure, but I know they, and we, will always wonder why Semien executed Chris as Chris sat unsuspectingly in his vehicle. It is haunting to think of the last few minutes of Chris’s life, but make no mistake about it – he will forever be remembered as the kind, gentle, fun-loving person that touched the lives of those around him.” Semien was prosecuted in the 400th District Court before Presiding Judge Maggie Jaramillo. Murder in this case is a firstdegree felony punishable from 15 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in this case is a thirddegree felony punishable from 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Semien was not probation eligible, and under Texas law, must serve at least half of his sentence before being considered for parole.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Hyundai’s Ioniq line-up has improved its product oﬀerings for the 2019 model year, with new and more applications of safety features and enhanced voice-recognition features. The Ioniq Hybrid Blue model has an estimated 58 MPG combined rating, the highest rating of any non-plug-in vehicle sold in the U.S. market. Its electric motor delivers an estimated 43 horsepower. Estimated maximum torque of 125 lb.-ft., is powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery that is under the rear passenger seats. In combination with the 1.6-liter direct-injected engine, Ioniq Hybrid oﬀers a total system output of 139 horsepower while providing

batteries. Charging the Ioniq Electric’s lithium-ion polymer battery up to 80 percent only takes about 23 minutes using a SAE Combo Level-3 DC, 100 kW fast-charger. The ride is good thanks to Ioniq Hybrid’s multi-link rear suspension system with dual lower control arms. In addition, extensive use of aluminum in front and rear suspension components saves about 22 lbs. of weight. The Ioniq rides on low-rolling resistance Michelin tires that are 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheels. The test drive Ioniq Hybrid Limited gets either specially-designed two-tone contrasting 15-inch eco-spoke or 17-inch alloy wheels. The front of the Ioniq Hy-

low emissions, high eﬃciency and range. The Ioniq Hybrid’s sixspeed dual-clutch transmission is the diﬀerentiator from the majority of other Hybrid cars that use continuously variable transmissions often criticized as having “rubberband-like” acceleration. The driver can select either Sport or ECO modes. The Hybrid has steering-wheel paddle shifters for those who enjoy a heightened drive. Electric power for the Hybrid is generated by a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Hyundai uses a lithium-ion polymer battery system for all Ioniq models, which is 20 percent lighter than non-polymer lithium-ion

brid is characterized by the Bi-Xenon HID headlights surrounded by C-shaped LED positioning lamps. The Ioniq’s interior climate cuts back on energy. The fully-automatic climate control can be set to ‘Driver only’ mode, to reduce both air conditioning and heating on the overall powertrain. Ioniq is equipped with a high-deﬁnition 7-inch information cluster. Inside Ioniq is enhanced state-of-the art connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Blue Link, as well as wireless charging for smartphones. The rear cargo area provides 26.5 cubic feet of area volume with the rear seats up. Ioniq models also oﬀer a memory

By Trent Hightower, and Morgan Johnson Texas Farm Bureau recently published an article in its monthly magazine entitled “The Public Wants Landowners’ Water,” in which it characterizes legislation promoted by the Texas Rural Water Association as “an unconstitutional water grab.” This is simply not true. The legislation, House Bill 2249 by Rep. Eddie Lucio, III, strikes a balance between the rights of landowners within a water utility’s service area and the obligation of utilities to provide adequate water supply to meet the demand of their landowner customers. Groundwater conservation

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on February 22, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in April, 2019, the same being the 2nd day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas 77469, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the State of Texas, to-wit: Sale #

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

the driver of surrounding vehicles that could lead to a collision. Lane keeping assist sounds an alarm as the car moves over lane lines if the driver did not signal for an intended lane change. Additional safety features include rear parking sensors and headlights with bending light. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Limited retails for $28,550. Added features hiked the price to $31,760. The sedan hatchback is a four-door vehicle that provides seating for ﬁve including the driver. The Ioniq is most comfortable, a perfect size for city driving, rides well, and has numerous safety features.

What is the Farm Bureau’s beef with Rural Water Utilities?

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

driver’s seat and heated front seats. Behind the wheel, smart cruise control allows a constant speed and following distance to be maintained from the vehicle ahead without depressing the accelerator or brake pedals. It is automatically cancelled when speed drops to 5 mph or below. For 2019, Ioniq adds driver attention alert and high beam assist. It also offers automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist function, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. Blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert warns

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

14-DCV219934 12/12/18

460000515105090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 WYNONA ELLIOT FUNK FEBRUARY 20, 2019

FRESNO RANCHO, TRACT 5, BLK 515, MAGNOLIA PLACE, VOL 2, PG 23 & VOL 220, PG 361*

$45,820.00

$3,300.00

17-DCV242456 05/15/18

800000005040090 FORT BEND INDEPENDENT 7 SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. ARASH CHRIS DOORFARD, ET AL

TR1: TELEVIEW TERRACE, BLK 5, LT 4, VOL 326, P 462*

$74,840.00

$9,000.00

17-DCV243479 12/06/18

783500018003090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 WALTER FANIEL, JR., ET AL FEBRUARY 20, 2019

ROSENBERG, BLK 18, LT 3, VOL P, PG 146*

$7,750.00

$3,300.00

Dated at Richmond, Texas, February 22, 2019 Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy

districts, or “GCDs,” are responsible for managing production from aquifers within their geographic boundaries by requiring permits for the production. The law currently allows, but does not require, GCDs to take into account a utility’s service area when deciding how much water the utility is authorized to produce. This makes sense considering the unique functions and legal obligations of water utilities. A water utility is not your typical applicant for groundwater – utilities do not ordinarily own large amounts of acreage, and they are seeking water to serve all of their customers, including residences, businesses, and agricultural users. Utilities produce water not for themselves, but on behalf of hundreds or perhaps thousands of their customers. While the utility’s customers are free to drill a well on their own property, doing so is often cost-prohibitive. Therefore, customers look to the water utility to provide the water since the utility is able to take advantage of economies of scale to produce the necessary water for its customers at a lower cost. Recognizing the unique nature of water utilities, many GCDs across Texas take a utility’s service area into account when issuing the utility’s groundwater permits. For those GCDs, nothing would change if House Bill 2249 becomes law. This bill would require all other GCDs that regulate by acreage and/or tract size and do not consider service area to consider the utility’s service area. The bill does this while still ensuring that this requirement does not interfere in any way with a landowner’s right to obtain a permit or drill a well. Without recognizing a utility’s service area, the acreage-based approach to permitting has devastating eﬀects on rural communities. With only a small amount of land owned by the utility for its well site, utilities in this type of permitting scheme are required to obtain additional land or

water rights at a high cost that is then passed on to consumers. Worse, when a GCD ties production to an applicant’s contiguous acreage, utilities can ﬁnd themselves unable to fully utilize their wells if adjacent landowners are unwilling to sell their land or lease their water rights. To balance the interests of utilities, their customers, and landowners within their service area, House Bill 2249 includes several safeguards to ensure that water utilities are not overpermitted and that landowner rights are protected. First, GCDs cannot consider any of the utility’s service area that does not overlie the aquifer. Additionally, the utility would not receive credit for any acreage within its service area that is already subject to another permit, and the utility’s permit will be reduced annually to subtract acreage assigned to a landowner permit issued after the utility’s permit. Under the bill, utilities are prohibited from interfering with or protesting landowners’ requests to obtain their own permits. House Bill 2249 is a reasonable compromise to the complex issue of allocating a managed resource among competing interests while keeping water rates reasonable for rural communities and ensuring that landowners’ property rights are not restricted. House Bill 2249 does not create an unconstitutional taking as the Farm Bureau asserts. It does not take or constrain the landowner’s right to drill a well, use the water or encumber the water. It only allows the utility to use the water to serve these same landowners. Landowner rights are recognized and are superior to the utilities’ authorization to use the water. Requiring these utilities to acquire groundwater rights from its landowner customers will unnecessarily result in huge rate increases. (Trent Hightower is Assistant General Counsel for Texas Rural Water Association; and Morgan Johnson is Associate, McGinnis Lochridge in Austin.)

Notice to Creditors Cause No. 18-CPR-032506 Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Dexter Gilbert, Deceased were issued on March 11, 2019 in Cause No. 18-CPR-032506, pending in County Court at Law No. #3 of Fort Bend County, Texas to Gina Braat, 8651 Crestview Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033. Claims may be mailed to the Executor in care of Kimberly D. Moss, 3 Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 100, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. All persons having claims against this estate are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. If you have a secured claim against the estate, you must present your claim to the Executor at the address listed above.

Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP., attorney for plaintiffs, at (713) 844-3576

Download your free mobile app for Fort Bend Independent from the Playstore.

INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019 • Page 7

NEWS

Backyard Garden Club Tour Sugar Creek Garden Club presents The Backyard Garden Club Tour 2019 on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $15 ticket admits one to a self-guided tour of the five backyards. Tickets can be purchased @ Sugar Creek Guard House the day of the event or at individual homes. For more information, email info@sugarcreekgardenclub.org or call Carol Wilcox at 281-494-3439. Photos by Diane Schomburg.

PLANTATION at Quail Valley Active Senior Living; Embracing the lives of Seniors 55 and Better March Madness $399 move in special

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

Phone: (281) 208-4470 NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED

INJURIES DON’T HAPPEN ON A SCHEDULE We’ve got you covered. We oﬀer specialized orthopedic care for unexpected injuries.

Don’t wait in pain. The Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinic at Sugar Land makes it easy and convenient to be seen by a specialist with expertise in treating orthopedic injuries. When you need immediate orthopedic care, count on our knowledgeable doctors and staﬀ to quickly evaluate and treat your injury and get you back to your active life. Best of all, no appointment is needed. The clinic provides treatment for: • Acute orthopedic injuries

• Minor dislocations

• Sprains and strains

• Fractures and broken bones

• Painful or swollen joints

• Torn ligaments

• Injured tendons

• Sports injuries

16811 Southwest Fwy., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 | 281.609.7547

houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics-sl

Chronic conditions, concussions, motor vehicle accidents, spine injuries, and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the Orthopedic Injury Clinic. Please call 281.201.0396 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.

NEW HOURS Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. No appointment required Walk-in visits welcome Accepting patients ages 5 and up Ofﬁce-visit pricing Major insurance plans accepted

Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • MARCH 27, 2019

GIANT ART PHOTO OPS!

AMAZING

HOUSTON-AREA COMMUNITIES

500

HOMES TO TOUR!

20+

FAMILY FUN EVENTS!

HOMES F ROM T HE MORE TOP-SEL LING MAST ER-P LANNED COMMUNIT IES | NEWERHOMES | HOUSTONHOMETOUR.COM FREET ADMISSION 180s $240S-MI L LIONS HAN ANY OT HER DEVELOP IN T HE $ NAT ION!- MILLIONS