Fort Bend Independent 072419

email: editor@fbindependent.com

VOL 12 No. 30

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Sugar Land Mayor takes on LID board for ‘lobbying’ expenses

By SESHADRI KUMAR Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman made an appearance at the monthly meeting of the board of directors of Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2 in Sugar Land on July 15 and sought to make comments on two agenda items. That was unprecedented.

And the proceedings began with LID President Andre McDonald asking Zimmerman if he was presenting himself as the mayor or as a resident.

Zimmerman said, “It is both.”

Are you authorized to do that by the council, McDonald asked.

“I am authorized by the charter and the City of Sugar Land to represent the city. Yes, sir, I am,” Zimmerman said.

McDonald: “But, for this meeting?”

Zimmerman: “For this meeting I need no authorization, the charter gives me.”

Then, Zimmerman addressed the board on two items — Review Request for Statement of Qualifications for: A. Legal services. B. Lobbying services.

Review of District’s budget and expenditures for conferences, and consider revisions to policy for Director conference attendance.

Regarding legal services, Zimmerman said, “If you have got problem with the pricing of legal services, sit with your attorney and communicate what your expectations are so that you can be better informed.”

On the lobbying expenses, he said, “I am opposed to any dollars spent on lobbying; those dollars should be used locally to improve drainage services

within Sugar Land and the LID itself; not in a bunch of esoteric lobbying. I remain unconvinced that the efforts you spent haven’t made any difference.”

Then he referred to the request he had made before for certain documents including the lobbying expenditures and conference expenditures, but had not received them.

The board’s legal counsel said any request for records must be given in writing and Zimmerman agreed to make a written request for the documents.

Then during the meeting, one of the three directors echoed the same sentiments as Zimmerman did.

The board consists of Andre D. McDonald, President, Bryan K. Chapline, Vice President and Glen R. Gill, Secretary. All are appointed

by Fort Bend County Commissioners Court. The LID is a political subdivision of the state of Texas.

The board on a 2-1 vote approved bills for attending conferences and voted to proceed with solicitation of qualifications for legal services and lobbying.

The dissenting board

member, Chapline moved to “Reorganize the Board and elect officers,” by recommending Gill to be made president in place of McDonald. Gill declined and the motion failed 1-2.

Chapline also opposed the move to solicit qualifications for legal services, which may lead to replace the current legal counsel.

He asked if the legal counsel was being replaced because of the costs.

McDonald and Gill said cost was not the factor. However, the current legal counsel, Allen, Boone, Humphries & Robinson ( ABHR) does not specialize in LID matters and their expertise is in Municipal Utility Districts, they said.

ABHR represents hundreds of MUDs, but represents only six LIDs, according to McDonald.

If ABHR had shown interest in LID issues and attended various conferences, the board members would not have attended the conferences, the majority of the board said.

The board is also looking at tax collection services.

Currently, a private tax collector collects LID taxes.

See LID, Page 3

Contributing to history

The Garden Club of Richmond made a donation of $500 to the Friends of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission at the Friends board meeting on Thursday. From left are Friends Chairman Jim Vollmar, Vice Chairman Chris Godbold, Richmond Garden Club President Barbara Benes and Treasurer Justine Huselton. The nonprofit Friends group provides financial support for the historical commission. Photo courtesy of Charles Kelly.

Fort Bend County Fair Downtown Stomp Returns

2018 Downtown Stompgoers enjoying last year’s event, Renee and Chris Brackin, left, Nikki Holster, Dr. Terry Holster, Amanda and Freddy Lopez, and Erin and Cameron LaBrache.

Take in the wine and the hand-crafted custom furniture, wine as part of the People’s shopping of the 7th Annual and other unique items Choice Award.

A complimentary keepsake Downtown Stomp.

Downtown Rosenberg shops wine glass will be given away The Downtown Stomp have to offer. returns with wine tasting and Eighteen businesses will be while supplies last.

The Downtown Stomp shopping, all while discovering participating as official wine the Historic Downtown tasting venues and several other benefits scholarships and helps Rosenberg. merchants will have extended promote the Fort Bend County Fair.

Wine aficionados and novices hours.

The 2019 fair runs from are invited to enjoy wine tasting, The Fort Bend County after-hours shopping, and dining Fair has partnered with the September 27 to October 6. on Saturday, August 3, 2019, Rosenberg Arts Alliance District Tickets for the Downtown from 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. to host the Downtown Stomp. Stomp are on sale now at Enjoy food, desserts, antique Downtown Stomp patrons will fortbendcountyfair.com. shopping, fashion boutiques, be able to vote on their favorite

FBISD challenges AG’s ruling on open records request; says cell phone logs of trustees, employees not public record

By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend ISD has challenged an open records ruling by the Attorney General of Texas and filed a petition in Travis County District Court seeking declaratory judgment that the information at issue is exempt from disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act. Wayne Dolcefino, founder of Dolcefino Consulting, made a request for information to FBISD on March 4, 2019 seeking the following information from FBISD Board of Trustee members Jason Burdine, Addie Heyliger, Dave Rosenthal, Grayle James, Jim Rice, and Kristin Tassin, and from FBISD employees Dr. Charles Dupre, Beth Martinez, Michael Hejducek, and Sarah Laberge: “PDF or searchable spreadsheet copies of detailed phone records, including, but not limited to, text messages, photo messages and incoming and outgoing calls . . . on any device on which FBISD business is conducted [for a specified period of time].”

The district is mainly challenging the Attorney General’s finding that the call logs were public information and ordering the District to disclose the logs of personal cellular telephone calls and text

messages from the trustees and district employees from their personal cellular telephones.

On March 18, 2019 FBISD sent a written request for clarification regarding the initial requests and Dolcefino responded that same day but did not provide any clarification.

On March 22, 2019, FBISD requested a decision from the Attorney General that the information in question was not subject to disclosure.

In its request for an Attorney General decision, the District asserted that certain documents responsive to the request were excepted from disclosure under Texas Government Code. Also the Government Code protected from disclosure information considered to be confidential by law, including Texas Rule of Evidence, which protects attorney-client privileged information.

On April 1, 2019, FBISD sent its 15-day letter to the Attorney General, which contained written explanation as to why the logs of cellular telephone calls and text messages made by the trustees and district employees on their personal cellular telephones are not public information under the Act. Specifically, FBISD explained

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in its April 1, 2019, letter that the information sought is not public information under the first two subsections of Section 552.002(a) of the Government Code as the trustees and staff members do not write, produce, collect, assemble, or maintain personal phone records by, or for, the District in their official capacities.

In addition, trustees and staff members’ logs of personal cellular telephone calls and text messages from their personal cellular telephones are unrelated to the transaction of official business of the District.

The April 1, 2019, letter also included representative samples of the requested call and text message logs for review. Such samples showed, among other things, that the call logs revealed only: the date and time of the telephone call or message, the telephone number to which each call or text was made or from which each call or text originated, and the duration of the telephone call. The logs do not contain the substance of any communication.

The logs were not made

by FBISD or any one of its employees or agents, but rather by the cellular phone provider See FBISD, Page 2

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019

NEWS Dr. David Callender is the new President Governor schools district & CEO of Memorial Hermann attorneys on marijuana laws Following a nationwide search, Memorial Hermann Health System is pleased to announce the appointment of David L. Callender, M.D., MBA, FACS, as its next President and CEO, effective Sept.

1, 2019.

Dr. Callender, who is an accomplished physician executive with significant experience leading academic health systems, has deep roots in the Houston community. Since 2007, he has served as President of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health). Dr. Callender will succeed current President and CEO, Charles “Chuck” D. Stokes, who has served as President and CEO since June 2017, following nearly a decade as the system’s Chief Operating Officer.

“Dr. Callender is a natural choice for this role given his exceptional track record in the Greater Houston region expanding access to care and advancing groundbreaking research to help people get healthy and stay healthy,” said Memorial Hermann Board Chair Deborah M. Cannon.

“It’s clear that Dr. Callender cares deeply for this community and, through his leadership at UTMB Health, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to foster a healthier environment for all.

We are thrilled to welcome a leader who will preserve and strengthen Memorial Hermann’s legacy of serving Greater Houston with pride and distinction, making him the ideal successor to Chuck, whose leadership has been instrumental in helping Memorial Hermann thrive and flourish during an era of change in the healthcare industry.”

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Dr. Callender trained in Houston, receiving his medi-

FBISD From Page 1

of each trustee or employee.

Public funds were not used to pay for charges incurred for the use of any of the trustee’s or employees’ personal cellular phone.

On May 29, 2019, the Attorney General issued Open Records Decision OR201914232, finding that the call logs were public information and ordering the District to disclose the logs of personal cellular telephone calls and text messages from the trustees and district employees from their personal cellular telephones.

FBISD said “Review of the Attorney General’s decision reveals that the Attorney General either misapprehends or elected to ignore controlling authority relied on by FBISD and the substance of the District’s arguments advanced in its April 1, 2019, letter.”

Specifically, the District cited Adkisson v. Paxton, a controlling case from the Austin Court of Appeals, which recognizes the principle that governmental employees’ ability to obtain their personal cell phone records from service providers does not in and of itself make the records public.

In addition, the Attorney General failed to address the Austin Court of Appeals’ controlling construction of the term “transaction” of official business as used in the Act – despite the fact that the District’s briefing highlighted the issue.

As explained in the District’s April 1, 2019 letter, the phone and message logs at issue, which list inbound and outbound calls and messages, among other things, are not communications involving the transaction of public business because they are not sent to anyone, i.e., a

Dr. Callender cal degree from and completing his residency at Baylor College of Medicine. He completed an oncology fellowship at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and an MBA at the University of Houston, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Before assuming the presidency of UTMB Health, Dr. Callender served as Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer for UCLA Health from 2004 to 2007. He previously served in several leadership roles over more than 20 years with MD Anderson, culminating in his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Memorial Hermann, together with its physician partners, is doing great work to make health care more affordable and more accessible for the residents of Greater Houston,” said Dr. Callender. “I have been inspired by Memorial Hermann’s efforts to bring value-based, more personalized care to our communities, and I’m excited and honored to now help lead the way as we work to extend log is not a communication “involving two parties that reciprocally affect or influence each other in a matter related to official business.” Id. at 773.

Indeed, the logs at issue were never used by anyone in the course of conducting official business. In short, the logs are not public records under the Act, the school district said in the petition.

In his ruling, the Attorney General concludes that: “[a] governmental body may not circumvent the applicability of the Act by conducting official public business in a private medium.”

But the material issue is not whether District employees used their personal cellular phones in their capacities as governmental officials, but rather whether they used their personal cellular phone log records in that capacity.

The FBISD trustees and employees did not use the cell phone logs for any purpose at all – much less a transactional purpose – and, as such, the Attorney General’s decision rests, in large part, on the fact that he mis-framed the issue, according to FBISD. Alternatively, certain information in the logs is private and protected from disclosure under section 552.101, the constitutional right to privacy, and common law privacy. The trustees and staff members’ personally-owned cell phones are not shared with FBISD, are in the sole possession of the individual trustees and staff members who own and pay for them.

Should the Court find it “necessary for adjudication of the case,” the District will file the information at issue, separately with the Court, under seal, for in camera inspection.

The Attorney General has filed a formal answering

those efforts by delivering exceptional patient experiences and improving outcomes for all.”

Officially retiring at the end of the year, Stokes will work with Dr. Callender over the coming months to effectively transition his role. During his tenure with Memorial Hermann, Stokes has worked tirelessly to establish a culture of high reliability, innovation, and transformation throughout the organization. Under his visionary leadership, Memorial Hermann has attained unprecedented accolades for operational excellence and its consistent delivery of safe, high-quality care.

“It’s been such a privilege to serve Memorial Hermann and this community for more than a decade,” Stokes said.

“As I near retirement, I’m pleased to hand over the reins to Dr. Callender, a trusted and experienced healthcare leader with a passion for creating healthier communities. I believe Dr. Callender is the right person to help guide Memorial Hermann into the future.”

Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, UTMB Health has been focused on training the healthcare workforce of tomorrow; developing new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat illness through world-class research; and improving access to quality, evidence-based health care for the people of Texas and beyond. After Hurricane Ike caused more than $1 billion in damage to the university’s Galveston campus in 2008, Dr. Callender led UTMB’s unprecedented reconstruction and revitalization effort which resulted in building a more resilient infrastructure that can support the university’s mission well into the future.

Dr. Callender and his wife, Tonya, have three children.

denying all the points made by the school district in the original petition, filed on June 21.

Wayne Dolcefino has not intervened in this lawsuit.

Dolcefino’s open records request pertained to a school re-zoning controversy, where a section of residents in the Riverstone subdivision challenged the district’s proposed re-zoning.

By SESHADRI KUMAR Marijuana has not been decriminalized in Texas, and dismissal of marijuana possession cases or decisions not to prosecute misdemeanor marijuana possession cases without lab tests by District and County Attorneys is a misunderstanding of the law, according to Governor Greg Abbott and other state leaders.

Abbott, Lt.Gov. Dan Patrick, Speaker Dennis Bonnen, and Attorney General Ken Paxton in a letter to Texas County Attorneys and District Attorneys on July 18 said failing to enforce marijuana laws cannot be blamed on legislation that did not decriminalize marijuana in Texas.

“First, a person claiming to transport hemp must have a certificate. Failure to have the required certificate while transporting hemp is a separate crime. Second, lab tests are not required in every case and are more affordable than initial reporting indicated,” the letter said.

President Trump signed the 2018 Farm Bill on December

20, 2018, which delegates primary authority to States to develop state plans to regulate the production and sale of hemp and hemp products.

H.B. 1325 also directs the Department of Agriculture to pass rules requiring hemp producers to be state-licensed and test their products to ensure .3% or less THC concentration.

Importantly, the law also requires a Department-approved shipping certificate or cargo manifest that confirms the product in transport is legally compliant hemp. Failure to have the required certificate is a misdemeanor and also subjects the person to a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation, collectible by the attorney general or any district or county attorney.

Currently, there is no state approved hemp plan and thus no approved certificate for transportation.

This regulation of hemp did not abolish or reduce punishment for the possession of marijuana, which remains illegal under state law.

In addition to the marijuana

laws that remain in effect, H.B. 1325 gave the DAs a new simple prosecution tool.

“You have more tools now, not less, because you can prosecute a misdemeanor for failure to have a proper hemp certificate. If a person is transporting hemp but has no certificate, you may now prosecute that person for the offense of failing to have a hemp certificate.

“Criminal cases may be prosecuted with lab tests or with the tried and true use of circumstantial evidence, a point some of you have already made clear in this context.

“Since H.B. 1325 did not repeal the marijuana laws of Texas, as Judicial Branch Members, you should continue to enforce those laws by “faithfully execut[ing] the duties of the office of the [District or County Attorney], of the State of Texas, and . . . to the best of [your] ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State[.]”

Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton says his office is not refusing to prosecute possession of marijuana cases.

“Our policy has been and will remain that in order to be successful in prosecution the State will ultimately have to prove the plant substance is marijuana and not hemp,” Middleton said in a press release.

He was responding to queries following the July 18 letter from Gov. Greg Abbott and other state officials regarding House Bill 1325 which legalized agricultural production of hemp. The legislation also set a standard to distinguish hemp for marijuana.

Middleton said, “Prior to HB 1325, a properly trained police officer was able to offer

testimony that was sufficient to prove that a plant substance was marijuana and testify to that fact in court. Now considering the new definition of marijuana our officer will likely not be able to make that determination.

“They have not been trained to distinguish between a plant that has a THC concentration of .03% and one that has .04%. Therefore, in order to be successful in the courtroom the State will be required to proffer laboratory results that distinguish the plant substance as marijuana and not hemp.

“The governor’s letter mentions the requirement that an individual possess a certificate when transporting hemp. That is a requirement of the new statute however; a failure of an individual to have a certificate to transport hemp

is not sufficient to prove that the substance is marijuana.

“We have dismissed many of our pending marijuana cases not because they are not prosecutable but due to the delay that we expected, at the time we created our policy, to obtain the lab reports necessary to be successful in the courtroom. We felt that it was unfair and unethical to keep these cases hanging over the heads of defendants.

“Additionally, we felt that the additional cost to the county for the extended delay in trying these cases was unreasonable.

“My office has reserved the right to refile those cases after the substance is identified as having a THC concentration of more than .03%.”

Fort Bend County DA respond’s to governor’s missive on marijuana law

City of Houston sues the state and Brazos River Authority The city of Houston sued the State of Texas and the Brazos River Authority today seeking a declaration that a new state law is unconstitutional, and exceeds the state’s legal authority, because it forces the city to transfer its future water supply interest in the proposed Allens Creek Reservoir project to the river authority for a grossly inadequate sum by Jan. 1.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed

HB 2846 into law June 2.

The City holds an interest in, and water permits entitling it to, 70% of the water from that reservoir near Wallis.

This amount represents approximately 15% of the City’s future water supply and is irreplaceable.

Water from the reservoir would be used to supply residents and industry in the West Houston area and to allow Houston to reduce subsidence

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problems caused by pumping underground water.

“Houston will fight to keep the resources necessary to ensure that the City can grow, and Houstonians’ needs are met,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said of the lawsuit, which was filed in Travis County.

The City alleges that HB 2846 is unconstitutional because it violates article I, section 16 (prohibiting retroactive laws), article XI, sections 5 and

9 (prohibiting forced sales of municipal property held for public use), article XVI, section 59(c) (prohibiting imposing indebtedness on a conservation and reclamation district without a public vote) , and article III, section 56(a) and (b) (prohibiting local laws) of the Texas Constitution. The City seeks both a temporary and permanent injunction against its implementation.

INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019 • Page 3

NEWS Historical Commission to discuss Former Fort Bend GOP chair announces candidacy for House Dist. 26 ‘Early Fort Bend pioneer family’

A program on pioneer life in early Fort Bend County will be presented by the descendant of an “Old 300” Texian colonist at the Aug. 20 meeting of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission.

Colonizer Stephen F. Austin in 1824 granted Dr. Johnson Calhoun Hunter a league of land on Galveston Bay at what became Morgan‘s Point.

By 1829 the Calhoun family had relocated to Oyster Creek north of present-day Richmond and there developed a plantation.

The Hunters’ experiences, including their flight from the advancing Mexican Army during the Texas Revolution,

Presenter Robert Frost is a direct descendant of Dr. Hunter and uses an autobiography written by one of Hunter’s sons as his source material.

Frost is a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Descendants of Austin’s Old 300 and is an experienced member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Speaker’s Committee. He and his wife Synda live on their ranch near Simonton.

The meeting, which is free and open to the public, takes Robert Frost portraying Texas place starting at 3 p.m. in the main meeting room of the pioneer ancestor Gus George Law Enforcement Robert Hunter.

Academy, 1521 Eugene Heiman form the content for the program. Circle in Richmond.

Anthony Maroulis files for re-election to Missouri City City Council

Former Fort Bend Republican Party Chairman, Jacey Jetton, has publicly announced his candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives for District 26 on Wednesday, with over $55,000 COH, more than any other candidate in the race: “I stepped down as Chairman of the Fort Bend GOP after friends and neighbors in the district became concerned that Democrats were going to take HD26 in 2020. In just 4-years, HD26 went from a strong GOP held district with 70% of the vote, to almost losing to the Democrats by a slim margin of 3,000 votes. It’s time for Republicans to have a candidate who will fight to keep HD26 red!

“As a 7th generation Texan who served in the Texas Army National Guard, my conservative roots run deep.

Jetton As a business owner that deals with regulation and taxes, husband and father of two boys in Fort Bend ISD, and a homeowner dealing with rising property taxes,

I understand many of the concerns and struggles that are being talked about at the kitchen table and believe we can still do better for our state.

“The next legislature will redistrict Texas, and whoever wins this race will draw the future of Texas for the next decade. That’s why the Democrats are lining up to take this seat. I’m not willing to sit around and let them win.

I hereby formally announce my candidacy as your next conservative Republican for HD26.” - Jacey Jetton Jacey Jetton is the coowner of Bedrock Association Management, LLC and Jetton & Gojara, LLC. Jacey is married to Fanny Jetton, and together they have 2 young boys, Jacob and Calob, and live in Richmond. Learn more about Jacey Jetton at www.

JaceyJetton.com.

chambers, he’s active in the community. In partnership with FBISD he was the first to take part in the “Random Act of Cardness”, which recognizes school staff McNeill Elementary School teacher Daryle Esswein has been members for going above and selected as a finalist for the 2020 Region 4 Teacher of the Year. beyond. He participates in Esswein is a fifth grade science teacher.

Career Day and is a mentor Esswein said she aims to cultivate a learning environment that in the mentor program. He’s is not only engaging, but individualized to each child’s learning dedicated hours to projects for style. non-profits in the area such as “It is up to the teacher to determine how each student learns Fort Bend Family Promise. best. It would be a disservice to my students if I didn’t account Maroulis states that his for their needs individually when I teach them in my classroom. goal is to continue to be and I will always do whatever it takes to make the content I teach advocate for all the citizens of engaging and interesting to my students.”

Missouri City, supporting the Regional winners will be announced on Aug. 7 during the anAnthony’s constituents Police and Fire Departments nual dinner and awards ceremony for Teachers of the Year. The know him as someone who so that the City maintains winners of the Region 4 Teacher of the Year competition will is dedicated to doing what is the safest place to live , all advance to compete this fall at the Texas Association of School best for the residents and the while focusing on economic Administrators (TASA) Texas Teacher of the Year program. Texas businesses in the city. He prosperity.

Teachers of the Year may go on to compete at the nationals. has served on the Livable Community Committee, NOTICE OF SALE Economic Development Committee, and the STATE OF TEXAS

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE § Development & Infrastructure § Committee. Councilmember FORT BEND COUNTY § Maroulis has long-standing partnerships with homeowner and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on associations in District C and said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said works closely with their board County, I have on June 12, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in August, 2019, the same being the 6th members.

The councilman is also day of said month, at 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Texas very engaged in local 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 business, focusing on to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real building relationships with estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Fort Bend and the their owners, and creating a State of Texas, to-wit: positive environment for these businesses to thrive. “I have had the honor of partnering Acct # Style of Case Legal Description Adjudged Estimated Sale Cause # with local business owners Minimum Bid # Value Judgment Date Order Issue Date and have fostered a strong 1 17-DCV585000002070090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. JOHN PINEDALE MANOR, LT 7, BLK 2, $23,000.00 $6,600.00 partnership. District C has 7 243564 VOL 6, PG 18* M. SMITH, ET AL had significant growth and JUNE 11, 2019 03/19/19 collaborating with business owners makes for a stronger 276001100011090 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. MIKE LT 11, DOVE MEADOWS SUB'D, 2 18-DCV$138,590.00 $8,300.00 1 248942 RINE, AKA CHARLES MICHAEL J. J. DICKERSON SURV, ABST 401, community and economic VOL 915, PG 257* RINE JUNE 11, 2019 10/17/18 prosperity.”

Beyond his role in council

Esswein Named Region 4 Teacher of the Year Finalist

Anthony Maroulis announced on Saturday that he will seek re-election for City Council in Missouri City. Missouri City’s general election is on November 5, 2019.

Maroulis represents Missouri City District C which includes many large commercial retail centers along Hwy 6 and neighborhoods to include Colony Lakes, Oyster Creek Farms, Brightwater, First Colony, Lexington Square and parts of Riverstone.

As Councilmember for District C, he knows the importance of solid infrastructure to preserve home values. At present, his district is undergoing a $1.2 M sidewalk repair project, the largest investment ever made in District C. Additionally he has been the leader and voice in converting street lights to LED and on July 1 Council voted to convert LED and implement certain Energy Conservation Measures at facilities.

LID From Page 1 The board will consider action on these matters at its next monthly meeting.

FBC LID 2 was established in 1975. For the first time last month, questions were raised about conferences and lobbying expenses.

ABHR has been the legal counsel for decades and previously, ABHR attorneys were part of Vinson & Elkins.

McDonald and Gill believe Zimmerman and Chaplaine do not want ABHR to be replaced.

They wondered if the mayor is not aware that those living in glass houses should not throw stones.

Incidentally, FBC LID No. 14, recently replaced ABHR as its legal counsel.

The LID also moved tax collection from the private agency to Fort Bend County Tax-Assessor Collector, at a fraction of the cost paid to the private company.

Fort Bend County Pct. 4 Commissioner welcomed the cost-saving step and has sought to implement it in other LIDs as well.

Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2 is responsible for providing flood

protection and storm water management services for major portions of the City of Sugar Land in Fort Bend County.

The District protects more than 5,300 acres of property.

FBCLID 2 operates and maintains 11 miles of levees, 8 miles of drainage ditches and two pump stations.

The flood control works constructed and operated by FBCLID 2 protect more than 9,000 homes and hundreds of businesses including Sugar Land Town Square and First Colony Mall. The combined value of all property and structures located inside the district exceeds $5 billion in appraised value.

FBCLID 2 is one of 19 levee districts in Fort Bend County. The total amount of property and structures protected by the 99 miles of levees in Fort Bend County exceeds $14 billion. In addition, over 140,000 Fort Bend County residents live behind a levee, accounting for 25% of the total population.

FBCLID 2 has singlehandedly been lobbying Washington to safeguard the interests of its taxpaying public and past efforts to involve other LIDs in this process did not succeed.

(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, June 12, 2019 Constable Mike Beard Fort Bend County, Texas 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

INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019 • Page 4

Leading the way towards a brighter future

Newly elected County commissioner believes tax reductions of the past were unwise.

By KEN R. DEMERCHANT July 18, 2019 was an important date for Fort Bend County with regards to the future sustainability, growth and development of the county.

Commissioner Vincent Morales and I prepared for the Facilities Bond election to be held in November 2019.

The task is to screen the various proposals from the members of the court.

The discussion during the Special Meeting and Workshop was to provide recommendations for the most crucial aspects affecting Fort Bend County.

They include Flood mitigation, Facilities, and Mobility. In conjunction with these projects, there is a solution to fix the financial wellbeing of the county without raising the

DeMerchant current tax rate.

Fort Bend County has inherited a system of tax reductions that have depleted its ability to fund and take care of the livelihoods of the communities.

With much work to be done a bipartisan effort to solve a recurring problem is being made.

Commissioner Morales and I have partnered with new and improved techniques of coun-

VIEWS Olson opposes $15 minimum wage to protect working families and jobs creation

tering existing issues which is warranted if the county continues to grow and move forward.

While this modernized idea is unfamiliar to the past it is the light for the future development of the County.

Fort Bend County is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States and this momentum will be lost if we do not address Flood mitigation, Facilities, and Mobility.

The woes of past decisions have led us to where we are today but the new proposal will strategically allow us to continue the growth and provide the best services to our citizens well into the future.

The final vote will be on August 9th.

Both Commissioner Morales and I will be bringing a revised version of this proposal at the Special Workshop to be held on August 1st.

(Ken R. DeMerchant is Fort Bend County Commissioner Precinct 4.)

LETTER People prevailed over red light cameras To The Editor: Thanks to our governor and legislature, as of September 1 the State of Texas will be free from red light cameras.

These cameras were counter-productive and installed against our will, as well as our right to privacy.

Thousands of Sugar Land residents had earlier signed a petition calling for a referendum on the use of red light

cameras in our city. The vote would have decided if we, the people, wanted the cameras— democracy in action, right?

Instead, our Big Brothers in City Hall rejected the petition on a technicality and refused to put the cameras to a vote. So who were they serving?

In Sugar Land, our so-called “public servants” and bureaucrats sadly put every obstacle they could to prevent petitions

that would simply allow for democratic vote (they did the same with respect to restrictions on the construction of apartments) but here the people prevailed.

Now these same “public servants” have no choice but to follow state law and remove the cameras from Sugar Land forever. Free at last!

Yocel Alonso Sugar Land

Fort Bend County Tax Office introduces same-day online appointments Carrie Surratt, Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector, is excited to announce same-day appointment scheduling for automobile and property tax transactions.

County residents can go to www.fortbendcountytx.gov/ taxappointment via their computers or mobile devices and see current wait times for each tax office, as well as schedule appointments online.

“This new feature is an excellent tool to decrease wait times and increase flexibility for our customer base,” said Ms. Surratt.

“County residents can view the approximate wait times for each transaction type at a given office and choose the office they wish to visit. They would then enter their cell phone number and select the purpose of their visit. “ Finally, the Wait Anywhere system will then assign an appointment time and send a confirmation text message.

“Running behind schedule?

Simply reply to the reminder text and request more time,” Ms. Surratt added.

Instead of sitting in a crowded lobby, customers can run

errands and/or grab a bite to eat while waiting on their appointment time.

Once they arrive at the designated tax office, residents will check in at the kiosk with the same phone number they used to schedule the appointment. The next available tax clerk will assist them shortly.

All Fort Bend County residents are encouraged to visit www.fortbendcountytx.gov/ taxappointment to see the new wait time and online scheduling system in action.

The Stafford Municipal School District and Stafford Primary, Stafford Elementary, Stafford Intermediate and Stafford Middle Schools have announced a change to its policy for serving meals to children served under the National School Lunch Program and

School Breakfast Program for the 2019 - 2020 school year.

Schools qualifying to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) provide breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced price,

and paid student meals.

This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.

For additional information please contact the following person: Stafford Municipal School District Attention: Danny McDonald, Child Nutrition Director Myrna Garcia, Child Nutrition Coordinator Child Nutrition Department 1625 Staffordshire Road Stafford, Texas 77477 and Contact Phone Number 281-261-9289 mgarcia@staffordmsd.org

Free breakfast, lunch for all children at Stafford MSD schools

Housekeeping position; Senior Independent Living 2815 Cypress Point Dr. Missouri City, Tx 77459 Full time Job Hours: 8 - 4:30 p.m Monday-Friday Must have transportation And be reliable.

Please come by to apply for the job Monday-Friday 8:30 -11a.m FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

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

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.

Visit fbindependent. com and subscribe to the Digital Edition for only $10 per year. Read the Independent on your mobile phone or tablet.

Washington, DC – Rep. Pete Olson (TX-22) last week voted to protect small businesses and job creation by opposing the mandatory $15 minimum wage increase.

Studies have determined that increasing the minimum wage to $15 nationwide without allowing states to consider their own local economics would hit small businesses and mean a loss of up to 269,000 jobs in Texas alone.

“At a time when we have record low unemployment across all demographics, the last thing we should do is strangle this economic success with a stifling wage hike,” Rep. Pete Olson said.

“According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, this mandate would mean a loss of 1.3 million jobs.

Instead of imposing crushing mandates, we need to continue the pro-business policies that allow companies to grow and create jobs.

Olson “While $15 an hour might make sense in cities like San Francisco, in small towns across the country a dramatic wage hike will crush employer budgets and force them to hire fewer of the very people who need these jobs.

“Cities and states should have the freedom to adjust salaries to reflect their specific economic needs – not face a

one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington. This policy hurts the very families Democrats say they want to help.”

US Economic Snapshot: •5.6 million – jobs created since January, 2017 •224,000 – jobs created in June •3.7 percent – unemployment rate, near 50-year low Impacts of Wage Hike: •3.7 million – American jobs could be lost due to the Democrats’ plan •62 percent – of job losses would overwhelmingly hurt women according to the CBO’s median estimate •38 percent – of job losses would hurt folks without a high school diploma, making it even more difficult for entry-level employees to break into the job market •42 percent – More than 4 in 10 families with a minimum wage earner in the household could see their total family income reduced

Sugar Land’s 2020 proposed budget is $272 million Sugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard recently submitted a proposed $272.1 million budget for fiscal year 2020, which begins Oct. 1.

The proposed budget includes $231.6 million for operations and $40.5 million for capital projects.

It follows guidelines in the City Council-adopted Financial Management Policy Statements, maintains existing service levels and seeks to implement the top priorities that have been identified by City Council through a series of discussions and workshops in recent months - with an emphasis on programs and projects that directly benefit residents and enhance the quality of life in Sugar Land.

“The City of Sugar Land has a long history of being recognized as a leader in financial stewardship, with strategies uniquely tailored to our community and designed to minimize the residential tax burden,” said City Manager Allen Bogard.

“We are proud of our success, which includes the second lowest property tax rate in the state of Texas among similarly-sized cities and one of the lowest residential tax burdens on a per capita basis. As the city approaches its 60th anniversary, however, the strategies that led to success in the past must evolve to ensure Sugar Land continues to be successful in the future - recognizing that the city is aging and changing.”

Some of the factors driving the need for the city’s strategies to evolve include slowing growth as the city approaches build-out, residential value growth outpacing commercial growth in recent years, increasing service costs, aging infrastructure and the volatility of sales tax revenues.

Other challenges include the absorption of budget cuts and constraint in recent years that has left many increasing operational needs and priority capital projects unfunded; the impacts of unfunded mandates and recently passed legislation; and needing to take steps to secure the city’s long-term water supply.

Strategies for fiscal year 2020 and the future include: *consideration of opportunities to rebalance the tax burden to increase the share paid by commercial properties - recognizing residential revaluation has outpaced commercial value growth in recent

years; *consideration of future general obligation bond elections to fund important capital improvement projects such as facilities, mobility and drainage; *completion of a review of fees and rates - as well as collections efforts - to ensure appropriate recovery of such services; and *evaluation of innovative service delivery opportunities to provide the same or higher levels of services at lower costs.

“Our residents continue to tell us through feedback such as our most recent citizen satisfaction survey that investments in mobility, public safety and drainage are important to ensure the continuation of the Sugar Land Way, which is a commitment to meeting residents’ expectations - both in terms of the service levels and the value for tax dollar we provide,” said Bogard.

“The proposed budget funds the projects that are most important to our residents - all with only a modest increase in the average residential tax bill and a lean but championship workforce.”

The proposed budget includes the following priorities, all of which are designed to respond to current challenges, increase the city’s resiliency and ensure continuation of the Sugar Land Way by: *increasing funding for infrastructure rehabilitation such as streets, sidewalks, facilities, parks and drainage; *continuing investment in technology to enhance traffic and mobility responsiveness, such as Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) management and an update to the Comprehensive Mobility Plan; *supplementing traffic safety resources to replace traffic enforcement cameras; *identifying opportunities to more fully recover certain costs, including increases in emergency medical services fees, to offset revenues that were eliminated as a result of the 86th state legislature; and *investing in a championship workforce, such as a public safety compensation study and a performance-based merit pool of 3 percent, recognizing the city is a personnel-driven public safety and service provider and does not give cost of living increases.

One cent tax rate increase The proposed fiscal year

2020 capital improvement program (CIP) priorities include the completion of the remaining 2013 voter-approved parks bond projects through a planned tax rate increase of approximately 1 cent and the strategic use of an increase in the homestead exemption from 10 to 12 percent to offset the residential tax bill impact. Other priority projects include Settlers Park drainage improvements, major street rehabilitation and capital projects funded through utility revenues to implement the Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) and prepare to meet additional mandated surfacewater requirements.

The proposed five-year CIP further plans for a general obligation bond program of approximately $90 million to address projects that are not affordable within the current tax rate, including drainage, mobility, public safety and a new animal shelter.

City Council is in the process of finalizing the projects and amounts for consideration by voters, with projects to be funded in future year capital programs to begin in fiscal years 2021 to 2023, if approved.

Water rates Water and wastewater rates - including surface water fees have not been increased since January 2014, and increases are needed to support capital investment in accordance with the IWRP and in order to meet the upcoming 60 percent groundwater reduction mandate.

The fiscal year 2020 budget includes a 5 percent increase to water/wastewater rates and a 10 percent increase to surface water fees to begin investing the funds needed for the projects - equating to only about $5 per month for the average residential utility customer. Residential solid waste collection will increase by 2.5 percent in January 2020 from $18.91 to $19.38 per month, consistent with the city’s solid waste contract.

A series of budget workshops, open to the public, will be held through August, and the budget will be formally considered for approval by City Council on Sept. 17. Public hearings will be scheduled prior to budget and tax rate approval.

For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/budget.

INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Fort Bend Junior Service League

Indian Prime Minister Modi to attend a massive rally in Houston on Sept. 22

Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) is gearing up for the new League year and is excited to welcome new members. The New Member Bruncheon is slated for August 17th at Sweetwater Country Club- 4400 Palm Royale Blvd, Sugar Land, TX, 77479. The event is from 10 AM to 1 PM. The League is still actively accepting new members. For additional information, please email New Member Director Kristen McQuillin at newmembers@fbjsl.com. You can also visit the website at www.fbjsl.org. Along with our most impactful fundraiser, Sugar Plum Market, FBJSL new members will have the opportunity to provide direct service to the following agencies: Child Advocates of Fort Bend, GiGi’s Playhouse, Reigning Strength, Lunches of Love and Fort Bend Teen Service League (FBTSL), a mentoring project of FBJSL. 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. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of compassion, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.

Photo: (Left to Right) Back row: Katara Goings, Kristen McQuillin, Jacqui Rausch and Jamila Lloyd Front row: Rossan Anita, Simmi Chaudary, Sara Winter and Jessica Gregory

Maurice Daugherty to entertain Loving Friends

Houstonians will host a community summit in honor of visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept. 22.

The mega event billed as “Howdy Modi!” is being organized by Texas India Forum, a not-forprofit organization.

Well-known Indian community leader in Houston, Jugal Malani has been named convenor of the “Howdy Modi” organizing committee.

“We have seen a tremendous outpouring of support from the community for the Prime Minister’s visit. We are very grateful for the immediate cooperation that we are getting from organizations representing all parts of the Indian diaspora here,’’ Malani said.

More than 400 Indian community organizations have signed up to be “Welcome Partners” and the organizers have extended the deadline for welcome partners sign up until Saturday.

Attendance at the event will be free, but passes will required. Passes can be obtained only by registering at the website www.howdymodi.org.

The costs of this event will be covered by donations from the general public.

This will be Modi’s first visit to Houston as prime minister and that too after his landslide victory in the recent elections.

When Modi was general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party several years ago, he visited Houston to participate in the ground breaking ceremony of the BAPS Temple in Stafford.

A very large contingent of Modi supports live in the Houston area and hundreds of volunteers have been helping in his election campaign in India from overseas.

After Modi’s visit to New York in 2014 and Silicon Valley in 2016, the Indian American community in Houston has been clamoring for Modi’s visit. And that desire will now be fulfilled.

NOTICE OF SALE STATE OF TEXAS

§ § §

FORT BEND COUNTY

BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

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 June 28, 2019, seized, levied upon, and will, on the first Tuesday in August, 2019, the same being the 6th 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 #

Loving Friends will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, August 20, arrival time 5:00 p.m at Quail Valley City Ctr., 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City.

Back by popular demand is Maurice Daugherty , a very talented local musician whose piano performance will definitely delight members again as he plays memorable songs from the 50’s and 60’s.

Loving Friends is inviting those in the area who have lost their spouses but want to move on with their lives with likeminded friends........not a grief support group.

The cost for dinner and entertainment is $24 inclusive , paid at the door in the club’s Bluebonnet room.

If you are looking for friendship and fellowship in a social environment, we welcome you. Other monthly activities include lunches at area restaurants and pokeno. Reservations required by calling 281-208-3124.

Visit fbindependent.com and subscribe to the Digital Edition.

Cause # Judgment Date

Acct # Order Issue Date

Style of Case

Legal Description

1

11-DCV193636 02/10/16

007900000113390 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 1 KATHERINE DAVIS, ET AL JUNE 11, 2019

TRACT 2, HACKNEY COCKRELL ESTATE, EAST PART LOT 5, KEMP ESTATE SUBD, NOEL F. ROBERTS SURV, ABST 79, 1 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, VOL 231, PG 257*

2

17-DCV243565 04/17/19

587000001022190 FORT BEND COUNTY VS. 7 SILVIA MARIA ALLISON, NKA SILVIA MARIA GOODWYNE, ET JUNE 11, 2019 AL

QUAIL PARK SUB'D PATIO HOMES, PART OF LT 22, BLK 1, VOL 21, PG 3 & CLERK'S FILE# 2000100962*

4

17-DCV246526 04/17/19

671001003005090 FORT BEND INDEPENDENT 7 SCHOOL DISTRICT, ET AL VS. CHOI SUI WONG, ET AL

PLANTATION CREEK SEC 1, BLK 3, LT 5, REC'D IN SLIDE# 1060A*

Adjudged Value

Estimated Minimum Bid

$100,240.00

$17,500.00

$11,590.00

$8,400.00

$242,060.00

$7,000.00

(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, June 28, 2019 Constable Wayne Thompson Fort Bend County, Texas 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

INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019 • Page 6

AUTOMOBILE: Mazda 3Sedan

system. The Mazda3 Premium package sedan includes paddle shifters.

All 2019 Mazda3s come equipped with a SKYACTIVG 2.5-liter engine that is rated to deliver 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. While front-wheel drive is standard,

Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on sedan packages.

The test drive Mazda3 arrived in machine gray metallic white with a premium package and all-wheel drive. The MSRP came in at $27,000 and with added options and delivery, etc. the total came to

$30,635.

Do I like the Mazda 3? Absolutely. Mazda has added a whole new dimension to its lineup with the 3 sedan that is a lovely vehicle. If you are in the market for a sedan or the Hatchback3 do test drive one or both.

Patel’s company, Hema Immigration Bonding Services, was located in Raymondville, Texas. She operated the scheme from April 2015 to October 2016, officials said.

Patel and her co-conspirators paid middlemen, or “coyotes,” to arrange the logistics of the aliens’ travel, either a northern route through Canada, or a southern route through Mexico.

When the aliens were stopped and taken into custody by law enforcement officers at the U.S. border, they called Patel.

Patel then prepared fraudulent bond documents on their behalf, including documents listing fictitious names and addresses indicating where and with whom the aliens would reside while their cases were pending.

These documents and the bail bonds were then filed in United States Immigration Courts, and the aliens were released into the community.

Patel used two of her hotels in Texas to temporarily harbor some of the aliens.

On Nov. 17, 2016, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Patel’s residence, seizing thousands of fraudulent alien bonding records.

On Nov. 30, 2017, Patel’s co-defendant Chandresh Kumar Patel (not related to

Hema Patel) pleaded guilty to smuggling aliens for financial gain for his role in the scheme as an alien trafficker and financial broker.

At the time of his arrest, law enforcement agents recovered $80,000 from his Queens residence. On October 5, 2018, Chandresh Kumar Patel was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

The prosecutor said people whose bond was provided by similar bonding companies to Patel’s did not appear for further hearings.

Patel arranged to smuggle people over either the Mexican or Canadian border for a fee of between $28,000 and $60,000. Of the amount provided by each person smuggled in, $4,000 to $6,000 was Patel’s cut for operating the scheme.

Patel’s fee was greater for using a Canadian smuggling route because it was considered less dangerous and easier to gain entry to the United States than going through Central America and Mexico.

“In a classic example of how criminal networks exploit loopholes in our nation’s immigration system to make a profit while threatening the national security of the United States, Hema Patel and her human smuggling co-conspirators manufactured fraudulent bond documents to secure the release of undocumented aliens that were smuggled through the southwest border by an international criminal network,” ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Angel M. Melendez said.

Indian American women involved in smuggling aliens into the US lands in federal prison

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The 2019 Mazda3 is the first production model that leads Mazda into a new era and design approach.

The test drive sedan’s body accentuates the look of a wide and low stance, while the interior is elegant in its simplicity. The center console has been redesigned with the shift knob, new commander control and armrest moved forward, while the cupholders are repositioned to the front.

Standard equipment includes an all-new 3-way layout 8-speaker sound system, new steering wheel design featuring illuminated controls and switches, and 7-inch TFT reconfigurable gauge cluster display.

Also, LED headlights and taillights, Bluetooth phone and audio pairing, HD radio, remote keyless entry, pushbutton ignition, electronic parking brake, new knee air

bags, rearview camera and two USB audio inputs as well as other standard features.

The 2019 Mazda3 offers a new greige leatherette interior color that combines the cool tones of gray with the softness of beige.

Mazda3 sedan comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats and door trims, power windows with one-touch down/up feature. In addition to the standard models, the Mazda3 sedan will be available in Select, Preferred and Premium packages.

Mazda3 Select package, exclusively for sedan models, will be available with iACTIV all-wheel drive. This package incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment technologies, leatherette seats and door trims, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, auto-

City of Missouri City NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO PROPERTY OWNERS WITHIN THE ORIGINAL SUBDIVISION AND WITHIN 200 FEET OF PROPERTY SUBJECT TO A REPLAT LOCATION/DATE: The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Missouri City will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at the City Council Chambers – 2nd Floor, City Hall Building, 1522 Texas Parkway (FM-2234), Missouri City, Texas at 7:00 p.m.

PURPOSE: To receive comments for or against Camden Park Townhouses Replat of Lot 6.

SITE LOCATION: The subject site is located north of Adams Street, south of Pamela Lane, east of Woodland West and west of Our Lady-Rosary Vietnamese.

SITE LEGAL DESCRIPTION: The subject site can be described as being Lot 6, in Block 1 of Camden Park Townhouses, a subdivision in Fort Bend County, Texas according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in Volume 21, Page 24 of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas.

TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE: § 212.015.(c). If the proposed replat requires a variance and is protest in accordance with this subsection, the proposed replat must receive, in order to be approved, the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the members present of the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both. For a legal protest, written instruments signed by the owners of at least 20 percent of the area of the lots or land immediately adjoining the area covered by the proposed replat and extending 200 feet from that area, but within the original subdivision, must be filed with the municipal planning commission or governing body, or both, prior to the close of the public hearing.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Additional information and a map of the subject site are available for review at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call 281-403-8600 or email the Development Services Department-Planning Division at planning@missouricitytx.gov for further information.

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City of Missouri City NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSED TEN YEAR EXTENSION OF THE TERM OF REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER ONE, MISSOURI CITY, ESTABLISHED BY CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NO. O-99-42 In accordance with Chapter 311, Texas Tax Code, the City Council of the City of Missouri City, Texas will hold a public hearing in connection with the proposed ten year extension of the term of Reinvestment Zone Number One, City of Missouri City. The term of the zone will currently end on December 31, 2029. If approved

by City Council, the term of the zone will be extended to end on December 31, 2039. Following the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council will consider adoption of an ordinance to extend the term of the zone. The public hearing on the proposed extension will be held by the City Council as follows: DATE & TIME: Monday, August 5, 2019, 7:00 p.m.

PLACE: City Council Chamber, City Hall located at 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489 Written and oral objections will be considered at the hearing. All interested persons and owners of property in the zone are hereby notified of the described hearing and of their right to appear and be heard on the matter. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary City of Missouri City, Texas

matic on/off headlights, rainsensing windshield wipers and Mazda’s keyless entry.

Mazda3 Select package i-ACTIVSENSE includes numerous “Smart” safety features. They are driver attention alert, city brake support, brake support, blind spot monitoring with rear crosstraffic alert, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, high beam control and Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go function.

Building upon the features found in standard models and Mazda3 Select package, the Mazda3 Preferred package includes a BOSE premium 12-speaker audio system. The driver gets an 8-way power seat, power lumbar support and 2-position driver memory system, and heated front seats.

This package also features new memory position door mirrors.

The lineup is topped with the Mazda3 Premium package, which is also available with iACTIV all-wheel drive and features windshield-projected active driving display, leather seats, power moonroof, signature front and rear LED lighting and adaptive front-lighting THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION

TO ANTHONI JEROME TERRELL 3326 KALE RANCH KATY TX 77494 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 September 02, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you.

The case is presently pending before the 400TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas.

It bears cause number 18-DCV-251526 and is styled: State of Texas vs. $2,300 U.S. Currency The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MARK LAFORGE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281-633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PETITIONER PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FOREFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES AS SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $2,300.00 US CURRENCY IS CONTABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS BY AND THROUGH THE OFFICES OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, AS AGENT FOR THE STATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS LOCAL AGREEMENTS, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY INTEREST OF THE BONA FIDE HOLDER OF THE PERFECTED LIEN OR PERFECTED SECURITY INTERESTS ON SAID CONTRABAND AND THAT THE PROPERTY BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 59.06 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND ALL COSTS BE TAXED AGAINST CLAIMANT IN THIS CAUSE AND FOR SUCH OTHER RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PETITIONER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. 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 17th day of July, 2019.

DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 Deputy District Clerk Autumn Dolnik (281) 233-3279

By SESHADRI KUMAR A Texas border town bail bonds company operator and motel owner who ran a scheme to help immigrants from India enter U.S. illegally has been sentenced to 3 years in federal prison.

Hema Patel, 51, who was convicted for her role in smuggling hundreds of illegal aliens into the United States, was also ordered to forfeit her McAllen, Texas residence, two hotels, $7.2 million in bail bonds, $400,000 in cash and 11 gold bars, among other assets, according to a news release from the the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) , which investigated the case.

On June 7, 2018, Patel pleaded guilty to alien smuggling for financial gain by fraudulently bonding illegal aliens from immigration custody and causing their release into the United States.

U.S. District Judge Denis Hurley in Central Islip, sentenced Hema Patel on July 17.

“For her personal financial gain, defendant Hema Patel arranged to have hundreds of aliens smuggled into the United States, completely by-passing the visa application and eligibility requirements,” Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York said.

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION

TO YUCEF PEREZ 2711 TEAGUE ROAD #428 HOUSTON TX 770800 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 September 02, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you.

The case is presently pending before the 458TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 18-DCV-254247 and is styled: State of Texas vs 2003 Ford F-450 (Vin 1 FDXF46F93EB03016 Paper Tag No. 01691 u5) The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: MARK LAFORGE ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281-633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows towit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PETITIONER PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENTED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES AS SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE 2003 FORD F-450 (VIN 1FDXF46F93EB03016, PAPER TAG NO. 01691U5) IS CONTRABAND AS DEFINED IN THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, ARTICLE 59.01 (2) AND THAT THE COURT ALLOW FORFEITURE OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE STATE OF TEXAS BY AND THROUGH THE OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AS AGENT FOR THE STATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LOCAL AGREEENTS, SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY INTEREST OF THE BONA FIDE HOLDER OF THE PERFECTED LIEN OR PERFECTED SECURITY INTEREST ON SAID CONTRABAND AND THAT THE PROPERTY BE DISPOSED OF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 59.06 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND THAT ALL COSTS BE TAXED AGAINST CLAIMANT IN THIS CAUSE AND FOR SUCH OTHER RELIED AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PETITIONER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. 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 17th day of July, 2019.

DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 Deputy District Clerk Ashley Alaniz (281) 633-7616

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION

TO DUC THANG 8510 TOMKINS COVE DRIVE HOUSTON TX 77083-7390 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 August 19, 2019 a default judgment may be taken against you.

The case is presently pending before the 240TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas. It bears cause number 16-DCV-235156 and is styled: In the Matter of 97 Gambling Devices, Equipment and $28,240.00 Gambling Proceeds The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: CRAIG PRIESMEYER; MARK LAFORGE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE 301 JACKSON ST RM 101 RICHMOND TX 77469; ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY 301 JACKSON ST RICHMOND TX 77469 281-341-4460 281-633-7638 The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to wit: RESPONDENTS TO APPEAR AND SHOW CAUSE WHY SAID PROPERTY SHOULD NOT BE FORFEITED OR DESTROYED AND FURTHER MOVES, UPON HEARING IN THIS CAUSE, FOR AN ORDER DIRECTING THAT THE PROPERTY BE FORFEITED TO THE STATE TO BE DISPOSED OF ACCORDING TO LAW. 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 1st day of July, 2019.

DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLY MCGREW WALKER, FORT BEND COUNTY. TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heinmann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469

CONSTABLE’S NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 458TH Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on MAY 31, 2019 in cause numbered 18-DCV-248183 styled NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. vs. BRENDA C. STEVES, in which a judgment was rendered on JUNE 11, 2018 in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC for the sum of Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Two and 34/100 Dollars ($11,722.34); plus fees for posting notice of sale, publishing, costs of suit rendered by the court, legal fees, and all costs of executing this Writ.

I have levied upon the below listed property on JUNE 11, 2019 and will on a AUGUST 6, 2019 Tuesday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the Right, Title, and Interest of BRENDA C. STEVES to and in the following described Real Property: LOT EIGHT (8), IN BLOCK FIVE (5), OF AMENDING PLAT OF NEW TERRITORY, WALKERS STATION, SECTION ONE (1), AN SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 974/B OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 6003 WALKERS PARK NORTH, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77479 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment in favor of NEW TERRITORY RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. Plaintiff, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG FIRST FLOOR MEETING ROOM 301 JACKSON RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: AUGUST 6, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 am BY: CHIEF DEPUTY J.G. HERMANN

Deputy District Clerk Katherine Chambers (281) 344-3959

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

INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019 • Page 7

COMMUNITY Swim safely, have summer fun Memorial Hermann Life Flight announces new leadership

Memorial Hermann Life Flight Medical Director Dr. Lesley Osborn (left) and Life Flight Assistant Director Dr. David Meyer (right). Photo Credit: Memorial Hermann Health System The Red Duke Trauma In- ary trauma surgeon James residency in emergency medistitute at Memorial Hermann- H. “Red” Duke Jr., MD, it cine at Palmetto Health.

Texas Medical Center has has flown more than 140,000 In 2016, she served her felnamed two new leaders for missions. Dr. Duke served as lowship in emergency medical the Memorial Hermann Life the program’s first and only services (EMS) at the Red Flight® program. medical director until his death Duke Trauma Institute and Lesley Osborn, MD, emer- in 2015.

UTHealth and became a fullgency medicine physician and Dr. Osborn is Life Flight’s time faculty member in 2017. assistant professor of emer- third medical director. In her Dr. Osborn is board certified in gency medicine at McGovern role, she provides clinical emergency medicine and EMS. Medical School at UTHealth, oversight for Life Flight’s 21 Dr. Osborn was commishas been named Medical Di- flight nurses and 18 paramedics sioned as a captain in the rector of Life Flight, and David and dispatchers by developing Medical Corps of the U.S. Air Meyer, MD, trauma surgeon and maintaining best practice Force and Air National Guard and assistant professor of sur- medical protocols, reviewing in March 2018 and currently gery at McGovern Medical patient records for appropriate serves in this role as a member School, has been named the application of medical care and of the 169th Medical Group in program’s Assistant Medical preparing for flight review.

McEntire, S.C. Director.

In addition, she is responDr. Meyer, a native of Ra“We are excited to have Drs. sible for continuing medical leigh, N.C., earned his bacheOsborn and Meyer join the education for the crews and lor’s and master’s degrees from Life Flight team. Dr. Osborn’s guidance on research, quality East Carolina University. He experience and expertise in improvement and professional earned his medical degree from emergency medicine make development.

The Ross University School of her an ideal leader to carry the “I am extremely humbled to Medicine and completed his program forward,” said Tom lead one of the country’s first residency in general surgery Flanagan, Vice President of hospital-based air ambulance at the University of Arizona.

Trauma Service Line and Sys- services and to be part of such Dr. Meyer joined UTHealth tem Integration for Memorial a rich history and legacy, work- and the Red Duke Trauma Hermann Health System. ing alongside the paramedics Institute in 2015 as a fellow “Drs. Osborn and Meyer will and flight nurses,” Dr. Osborn in trauma and surgical critical help build upon Life Flight’s said. care. He joined the UTHealth 40-year legacy of providing “I am passionate about the faculty in 2017. high-quality, pre-hospital care role of pre-hospital care in sav“It is a privilege to serve to Greater Houston and its sur- ing lives and will continue the as the new assistant medical rounding areas.” precedent that Dr. Duke set for director of Life Flight,” Dr. Life Flight, the only hospi- delivering the highest quality Meyer said. “I look forward to tal-based air ambulance service care possible to our patients working alongside Dr. Osborn in Houston, retrieves critically in the Greater Houston and and the many experienced, ill and injured patients within Southeast Texas areas.” highly-skilled professionals as a 150-mile radius of Red Duke Dr. Osborn earned her bach- we provide life-saving support Trauma Institute, where pa- elor’s degree from Clemson to Southeast Texas residents.” tients can receive life-saving University and her medical Learn more about Memorial care. degree from the University Hermann Life Flight.

Since the program was of South Carolina School of founded in 1976 by legend- Medicine. She completed her

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By JULIE SHAW NOEL According to the National Autism Association, drowning is among the leading causes of death of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and 91% of total U.S. deaths in children ages 14 and younger.

Daphne Shaw, a vibrant fouryear-old who loves books, music and most of all, water, was diagnosed with autism shortly after her second birthday. With Daphne’s diagnosis and a struggle to meet developmental milestones like speech, her parents knew any poolside summer activities could be a hefty risk. If she were to fall into the water, she would not be able to communicate she needed help.

As vigilant parents who strive to make their children happy and safe, Jennifer and Jeremiah Shaw enrolled their daughter in Texas Swim Academy’s survival swim class, summer 2018.

The swim instructors spent personal time with Daphne making her comfortable with them, and in the water.

With consistent repetition and relationship building, in just a few courses Daphne was well on her way to learning the survival float. The lessons were working!

However, Daphne’s father was laid off from his company and with mounting medical bills, and the usual costs of living, the family had to make very difficult financial decisions, and Daphne’s swim classes were one of the areas they struggled with how to afford.

Nevertheless, when a family

Photo: Courtesy of Hope For Three Daphne Shaw loves something like this little one loves water, they were not going to give up on finding a way to complete her lessons.

The family came across Hope For Three, Houston’s leading nonprofit supporting families and children with autism. They not only found a support group and additional resources, Hope For Three shared an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to cover swim lessons. With funds from KNOWAutism,

Daphne was spared from being another tragic statistic and conquered the survival float by the end of summer.

To learn more about the importance of water safety and life-saving swimming skills contact Hope For Three and Texas Swim Academy by visiting hopeforthree.org or call 281-245-0640.

(Julie Shaw Noel is the Development Director at Hope For Three Autism Advocates.)

Registration opens for 2019 Harvest Green OutRun Hunger 5K

The race to outrun hunger at Harvest Green is slated for Saturday, Sept. 28, but dedicated runners and weekend warriors can get ready now, with early birds catching lower registration fees.

Registration is open for the 2nd annual OutRun Hunger 5k Family Walk/Run. Proceeds for the event benefit East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM), a local non-profit that provides assistance to families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis.

Race fees will be discounted for those who register by July 31.

“We already have a lot of interest in this year’s run,” said Sylvia Morgese, lifestyle director for Harvest Green. “So, we decided to offer an early bird registration option. Also new this year will be a virtual runner option for those who want to contribute to East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry but can’t make the run.”

Early bird fees are $20 for ages 13 and up, $12 for youths ages 4-12 and free for kids 3 and under.

Adult and youth fees include a race t-shirt. Parents can purchase shirts for their toddlers for $10.

After July 31, fees will be $25 for adults and $15 for youths. Those that register by Sept. 10 also will receive t-shirts. Same-day registration increases by $5 and t-shirts are not guaranteed.

Virtual registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt if registered by Sept. 10.

Participants can register online at signmeup.com/outrunhunger5k.

Last year the race raised $13,000 for EFBHNM. This year, event coordinators hope to raise $25,000 through race fees and sponsorships.

INDEPENDENT • JULY 24, 2019 • Page 8

NEWS

Free Community Operation Back-to-School Health Fairs in August With summer in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for Back to School! To start this school year off right, AccessHealth and its community partners are teaming up to prep students for a healthy beginning.

The first two Saturdays in August, AccessHealth will host two FREE Community Operation Back-to-School Health Fairs in partnership with Fort Bend County, City of Missouri City, City of Richmond, Reliant, an NRG Company, St. John’s United Methodist Church, LabCorp and Houston Food Bank.

Sponsors, vendors and volunteers will join forces to assist parents with the medical and financial demands of preparing their children to return to school.

The Community Operation Health Fairs offer immunizations, dental screenings, vision screenings, speech-language screenings, backpacks and school supplies, haircuts and a limited number of sports physicals.

In addition to the backpack

drive, this year’s health fairs will also include a shoe drive in collaboration with the Fort Bend Collaborative.

AccessHealth strives to continually add new resources and services for the community every year.

“Fort Bend Collaborative is eagerly anticipating the opportunity, alongside AccessHealth, to serve and empower the students and families of our community as they get ready to return to school,” said Anna Gonzales, Director of Fort Bend County Social Services.

The Community Operation Health Fairs will be held at 400 Austin Street, Richmond, Texas on August 3, 2019 and at 307 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas on August 10, 2019. Both fairs will be held from 9:00 am until noon.

The two fairs will be open to the public and will offer informational booths as well as snacks and children’s activities.

“Last year the Back-toSchool Health Fairs served nearly 2,000 local children,”

said Michael Dotson, AccessHealth CEO, “We are happy that AccessHealth, with the support of other community members and businesses, can offer support to bring good health and services to Fort Bend.”

Additional Community Operation sponsors to date include, Community Health Choice, Houston Food Bank, MD Anderson, Allegiance Bank, CenterPoint Energy, Memorial Hermann, Health & Human Services, Fort Bend County Constable Pct.2, Sister’s with Style, Southern Ice Cream and Niagara Bottling.

Last year, more than 500 families received assistance through the Community Operation Health Fairs. AccessHealth and community partners hope to exceed that number this year.

Parents will need to bring their children’s immunization records. Backpacks will be issued ONLY to children present the day of the fair.

AccessHealth provides integrated healthcare services without regard to income or

Back Row (left to Right) April Hammond, Deysi Crespo, Brenda Savanhu, Mariam Imam, Stacy Beurgeois, Leticia Hernandez, Kevin Browne, Pennie Jackson, David Olinger, Adrianna Nixon, Maurice Lewis, Cristina Aguirre, Russell D’Oench, Sharonda DeBose Front Row (left to right) Jared Williams, Brenda Patton, Commissioner Grady Prestage, Stasha Scruggs, Lt. Robert Jasper, Stacey Williams. circumstance to improve the tient-Centered Medical Home ties, please contact Sharonda quality of life in Fort Bend by the National Committee for DeBose at (281) 633-3144 or sdebose@myaccesshealth.org.

County.

Quality Assurance.

AccessHealth is a United For more about the Com- Patient information is availWay agency, and its Richmond munity Operation Health Fairs able at www.myaccesshealth. clinic is recognized as a Pa- or sponsorship opportuni- org.

Fort Bend County EMS and Missouri City Fire Station 1 reach inter-local agreement Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken R. DeMerchant fulfilled yet another collaborative agreement to benefit the community. DeMerchant welcomed the opportunity to work with the Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford in the renovation efforts of Missouri City Fire Station 1. An interlocal agreement was reached to partner in the funding of the much needed renovations of this station.

Fort Bend County EMS (medic 8) has been housed in Missouri City Fire Station 1 since the 2017 Annexation and has served the community with approximately 801 responses JanApril 2019. The unit is staffed with two Paramedics around the clock. The location has resulted in reducing the response time by 1 minute which is a significant factor in saving lives.

DeMerchant identified that keeping the County EMS, housed in the Missouri City Fire Station 1 would be the most efficient means of providing for the communities it served.

Coordinating efforts to update the Fire Station is an important step in taking care of the first responders and the public they serve, DeMerchant said during his visit to the Fire Station.

Left, Commissioner DeMerchant, third from right, with Mayor Yolanda Ford and to her right is Missouri City Fire Chief Eugene Campbell, with EMS and Fire department personnel.

STUDENT PHYSICALS EXTRACURRICULAR PREPARTICIPATION PHYSICALS

Orthopedic, sports medicine and cardiology specialists will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed.

SATURDAY, JULY 27 | 9 A.M. – NOON AGES: 12-18 | COST: $20 CASH ONLY

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 16811 Southwest Fwy. | Sugar Land, TX 77479 For more information, call 281.275.0447.

Plan Ahead: Visit events.houstonmethodist.org/physicals-sl to print and fill out the UIL physical evaluation and release forms.

NOTE: According to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) guidelines, students participating in school sports must complete and pass a preparticipation physical screening. Students must bring the UIL physical evaluation medical history form and Houston Methodist consent form completed and signed by a parent or guardian.