Fort Bend Independent 082819

VOL 12 No. 35

email: editor@fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Stafford City Council ditches decorum with a shouting match

By SESHADRI KUMAR Stafford City Council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 21, descended into a shouting match among council members and the quorum was out of decorum.

An emotionally upset councilman snatched papers from a fellow councilwoman sitting next to him and threw them on the floor, angrily shouting at her.

The city attorney intervened and asked the mayor to adjourn the meeting immediately.

A Stafford Police Officer on duty led the councilman out of the chamber. A few minutes later the councilman returned even as the city council adjourned the meeting at 11:45 p.m. after finishing the agenda.

The fracas was caused by Councilman Don Jones who was aggrieved over the city council’s appointment of Mayor ProTem, as he believed it was his turn to get the post.

A preview of last Wednesday’s contentious council meeting took place on June 19 after newly elected council members were sworn in and Wen Guerra was elected as Mayor Protem.

Under the City’s charter, city council appoints the Mayor Protem.

Councilman Guerra was elected Mayor ProTem on June 19 with 5 votes and Councilman Ken Mathew voting against the motion. Councilman Don Jones abstained.

At the time of the Mayor Protem election, Jones said he was disappointed with the council’s action. He called it a “conscious effort” to pass him over. It was a “premeditated plan,” and said the councilmembers who told him he would be the successor, lied to him and were dishonest.

When Jones asked why the council did not choose him, Mayor Leonard Scarcella said he would not have voted for Jones and he never told Jones that he would be appointed Mayor ProTem.

Jones Subsequently, he wanted to bring the topic for discussion as an agenda item, but no one seconded his motion and hence, it was not included in the city council agenda.

However, under the newly amended city charter, any one councilmember can ask for an item to be included in the agenda. Jones used that privilege and he unilaterally called for discussion regarding the selection of Mayor Protem position.

At the Aug. 21 meeting, Jones stepped out of his seat, went to the podium and addressed the city council. In a very emotional presentation he showed portraits of his family, his wife, son and parents and said the city council by ignoring him for the Mayor Protem position hurt him and it was an affront to his family.

Jones, an African American, did not explicitly state racisim as the cause for the denial of the Mayor Protem position.

Jones alluded to his support for defeated mayoral candidate A.J. Honore and said Mayor Scarcella denied him the Mayor Protem position because of those politics.

Jones said the city council in its entire history, for the first time, departed from the practice of appointing Mayor Protem in a successive order.

He charged the councilmembers with consulting with each other and said they had a “walking quorum,” in violation of the

state law.

Mayor Protem Guerra said he never solicited the nomination and he did not discuss the issue with anyone.

Councilman Cecil Willis pointed out that it was Jones who came close to violating the state law by “a walking quorum” as he had called each member of the council regarding the Mayor Protem position.

Mayor Scarcella loudly rejected the charge of lying and misleading anyone and asserted that the city council strictly followed the charter.

Jones needed four votes on the council to become the Mayor Protem, he said.

During the raucous discussion with cross talks and yelling, City Attorney Art Pirtle cautioned the members to observe decorum as the council proceedings were being televised and watched by people all over the world.

After Jones’ presentation, Councilwoman Virginia Rosas explained why she was not in favor of appointing Jones as the Mayor Protem. She listed a series of dates when Jones was late or absent to city council meetings over the past three years. As she was reeling off the dates, Jones wanted her to stop and said she was making up a reason.

As she continued to read, he objected and at one point yelled “Do you want me to remind you that my mother died on Orange?” suggesting that he was absent on a day because of his mother’s death. He turned around menacingly and snatched the papers from Rosas, throwing them on the floor.

The city attorney called for an immediate adjournment of the meeting and the police officer led Jones out of the council chamber.

Jones strongly felt what the council did to him was wrong and took it as a personal insult.

Jones was contacted by this newspaper for comments and did not receive any response at press time.

Stealthy domain name a new trick in Fort Bend politics

By SESHADRI KUMAR Who will be the successor to Congressman Pete Olson in Texas Congressional District 22 is a million-dollar question for which there is no answer, not yet.

While many presumptive candidates are campaigning in cyberspace, the list of candidates in the Democratic and Republican primaries will not be final until the nomination ends at the end of the year.

Pete Olson may have somebody in mind, and he may be waiting for the right time to say it in public.

However, asked for his comment a spokesman for Olson said: “At this early stage

of the cycle, Rep. Olson is not discussing specific candidates.

Folks are still expressing interest and he wants to let that democratic process play out.

However, he is grateful there is such an enthusiastic and diverse field emerging to serve the people of the 22nd District.”

In 2008, ten candidates sought the Republican Party nomination for the Congressional District 22 seat to wrest the seat from incumbent Democrat Nick Lampson. Olson was among the ten. The other candidates were Kevyn Bazzy, Cynthia Dunbar, Dean Hrbacek, Brian Klock, John Manlove, Ryan Rowley, Shelly Sekula Gibbs, Jim Squier and Robert Talton.

So, if ten candidates run for Olson’s seat it won’t be a surprise. It may turn out to be such that the candidate may not even be from CD 22 because residence in the district is not a requirement for the Congressional election.

Ironically, during the last primary elections, when Olson’s campaign characterized opponent Sri Preston Kulkarni as a “carpetbagger” his supporters took offense to the term, ostensibly thinking that Kulkarni was being called a begger.

A carpetbagger is a political candidate who seeks election in an area where the candidate has no local connections.

Sugar Land resident lands major award for mentorship in medical research

Louise McCullough, MD, PhD, professor and chair of neurology at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), has received the 2019 Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

“I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Landis Award,” said McCullough, a Sugar Land resident.

“It recognizes mentorship, and advancing the careers of trainees is one of the things I’m most passionate about. It really is a lifetime award for mentorship and scholarship,” said the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Distinguished Chair at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth.

The Landis Award provides $100,000 in direct costs towards an existing NINDS grant to support continuing efforts towards fostering

the career advancement of trainees.

McCullough will use the award in conjunction with her current mentorship program to support two applicants: an MD/PhD student and, in an effort to bring more nursing researchers into science, a nursing student.

Presented by NINDS, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the award emphasizes the high value the institute places on mentorship.

“We are thrilled to announce this year’s winners of the Landis Award. Good mentors play a key role in inspiring

McCullough

and encouraging current and future scientists, but they don’t always receive the recognition they deserve,” said Walter Koroshetz, MD, director of NINDS. “This award lets the community know how See AWARD, Page 3

Fort Bend County LID#14 sets the trend for major tax cut

By SESHADRI KUMAR The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District #14, for the first time, will cut the tax rate by nearly 5 cents and the proposed tax rate will be 16 cents for $100 property valuation. The current tax rate is 20.95 cents.

Cutting the cost of tax collection and reducing attorney fees helped Fort Bend County LID 14 taxpayers reap a handsome 23.63 percent tax rate reduction for next year, says LID 14 board member Sujeeth Draksharam. Other board members are Shaizad Chatriwala and Rashid Khalfe.

The average decrease in the tax will be $329 or a decrease of 25.77 percent. The tax rate reduction has been further augmented by the increase in

DeMerchant the average property valuation from $592,231 to $609,341.

Two major factors that led to the significant decrease in the tax rate are attributed to the lower legal costs and change of tax collecting agency from

When Olson first ran for the seat, his Republican opponents called him a carpetbagger because Olson came from Washington D.C. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that Fort Bend County has turned blue, CD 22 is still leaning Red. The candidacy of Sri Kulkarni

and the sway he had on Hindu voters skewed the results last November, which reduced Olson’s margin of victory to 5 percent. Now, the outcome cannot be predicted until the final slate of the candidates is known.

But Kulkarni’s chances of getting the nomination are

a private company to Fort Bend County.

In many cases, districts paid more for legal fees than they did for operations. Even though they were at the lower end of the scale, LID 14 was able to significantly trim these costs as part of their tax decrease for next year. This resulted in real savings to taxpayers.

Fort Bend County’s Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken R. DeMerchant alluded to his successful collaboration with LID 14 resulting in the tax cut and savings of 4 cents for residents and he hopes to work with other LID and MUD entities in his precinct to identify similar savings to See LID, Page 3

tougher this time, with two African American candidates, one woman from Missouri City and a man from Pearland running for the Democratic Party nomination. They are lawyer and political commentator Nyanza Moore and Pearland City Councilman Derrick Reed.

See POLITICS, Page 3

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 28, 2019

NEWS

Stafford mayor’s budget shows encouraging finances and impressive developments

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Sales tax receipts are up, new businesses are opening around town and The Grid has announced the opening of In-N-Out Burger, Pluckers, Outback Steak House and Whiskey Cake, said Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella while presenting his budget at the city council meeting last Wednesday.

The budget, in the only city in Texas with no property tax, was encouraging.

The mayor also said “an impressive” development is expected to be built on the acreage of Southern Floral, also known as Weatherford Farms, which has been on FM1092 for more than 60 years.

And, thanks to a new state law, Stafford will begin receiving additional sales taxes in October from internet transactions.

The Stafford Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) plans to fund more than $9 million on four major mobility projects: FM1092 enhancement and expand Cash Road, Trinity Drive and West Airport Blvd. It will add a “new dimension to not only mobility but economic devlopment in the city,” the mayor said.

“Of vital importance to the city are the major policy changes and improvements under consideration for Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD).

With major revamping of the school finance law, recently concluded by the legislature,

several aspects of SMSD will be revamped,” Scarcella said.

First is “a well-funded program” aimed at bringing many of Stafford’s children back to the district and second is to remove at least half of the current limited open enrollment students over a responsible period of time and without financial penalty. Third, to provide SMSD teachers with the same “superior health care benefits” Stafford city employees have and provide police school resource officers at a cost to the city of more than $250,000.

For the 25th consecutive year, Stafford will not have a property tax – something very few cities can boast of.

Scarcella said that in order to run a city wisely “you must have quality personnel,” which Stafford has. The city’s 173 employees cost $16 million, or 45% of the city and SEDC’s budget, which totals just under $36 million. The salaries for employees will total just over $11,300,000 and benefits at $5 million.

The General Fund, which provides for the city’s operations, is $20,744,000.

Sales taxes are expected to generate $8,800,000 for the fund with the remaining half divided between the Municipal Sales Tax Fund, which is primarily used to buy equipment, maintain streets, sidewalks and other improvements. The $4,400,000 left will go to the SEDC for other endeavors.

Other general revenue funds consist of the Franchise

salaries to $163,200 a year as toward a self-sustained animal a result of Home Rule Charter shelter.” This year costs are amendments. estimated to be $152,000 since Another area that has the city still pays rent to the expanded is Development and Missouri City shelter.

Municipal Services. It includes Information Technology is Public Works, Planning a department that Scarcella, in and Zoning, GIS, major his budget message said “has projects, building permits and suddenly consumed our lives. residential rental registrations. With the innovations and Public Works originated with advancements in technology, streets, which now cost $1.1 it is imperative that a close million. General Operations and careful watch of not are budgeted for $811,000. only expenditures but the The Parks Department has continuing functionality and a budget of almost $850,000 avoidance of hacking are for upkeep and the Facilities the major goals.” Estimated Maintenance Department costs are $817,000 for this gets $470,000. The Vehicle department.

Maintenance Department will The Finance Department get a budget of $504,000 for will get just under half a Scarcella the city’s vehicles, equipment million dollars for operations Tax: $1,750,000; fines and and SMSD buses. Code while the city’s directorship, violations: $1.6 million; Enforcement is to get a budget City Secretary Tomika R. Lewis, will get more than $1.5 Stafford Centre: $1,820,000; of $282,000.

Dogs and cats have million. SMETV is budgeted varied revenues from fees and definitely gained more to receive $500,000; the taxes: $6,774,000. attention in Stafford so the Stafford Centre, $4.5 million; The Stafford Police city is “aggressively moving Civic Center, $310,000; Department has a price tag of $8.36 million for 56 officers and 25 support staff. This year Code Enforcement and No. 18-CPR-031613 Animal Protection Services Notice of Appointment of Karen Rae Fontenot will be taken out from under Notice is hereby given that on the 26th day of August, 2019, Letters Testamentary up on the Estate of Martha H. Ball, Deceased, were issued to Karen Rae Fontenot, Independent the police umbrella “to be Executor of the Estate of Martha H. Ball, Deceased, by the Honorable Toni Wallace, Judge better positioned and more of Fort Bend County Court at Law Number Four ( 4), being Cause No 18-CPR-031613 efficient,” the mayor said. pending upon the Docket of said Court.

All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same The city’s fire department within the time prescribed by law at the address of Karen Rae Fontenot, Independent costs $2.66 million and Executor, being as shown below: continues with ISO Rating Karen Rae Fontenot 1914 Lantern Lane of One. The fire department Missouri City, Texas 77459 provides emergency medical Dated this 26th ay of August, 2019. services and gets more calls Dermot Rigg, P.C. 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300 for that rather than fires to Sugar Land, Texas 77479 fight.

281-242-7447 (phone)) Thanks to voters, city 281-566-2505 (fax) Email: drigg15@windstream.net council members and the Attorney for Karen Rae Fontenot, Independent mayor have gone from their Executor of the Estate of Martha H. Ball, $32,500 a year combined Deceased

Stafford municipal swimming pool, $175,000, and annual recreational events, $104,000.

The budget for Stafford’s Municipal Court is $537,000 and Human Resources will get $250,000.

Entering the new fiscal year, the beginning General Fund balance is slightly over $4.5 million and leaves an ending fund balance of just over $200,000, Scarcella said. The beginning fund balance was projected last year at just under $1,900,000 with a negative ending fund balance for the year at about $2,300,000.

The ending fund balance is antcipated at more than $4.5 million for a difference of $6.8 million between the amount and the projected $2.3 deficit, the mayor said. Consequently, the beginning fund balance for the new fiscal year will be $4.5 million or $2.6 million more than was anticipated.

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

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 28, 2019 • Page 3

of their tax decrease for next year. This resulted in real savings to taxpayers.

NEWS

Cutting the cost of tax collection and reducing attorney fees helped Fort Bend County LID 14 taxpayers reap a handsome XX% tax rate re

Levee District First Colony LID Fort Bend LID 7 Ft. Bend LID 15 First Colony LID No. 2 Ft. Bend LID 17 Ft. Bend LID 10 Ft. Bend LID 14

LID From Page 1

Legal fee $ for every $ of operations 4.91 3.09 1.98 1.53 1.23 1.15 1.14

Here is how FBC LID# 14 compares to other Levee districts in the area :

Here is how FBL 14 compared to other Levee districts in the area and what the same improved management practices can achieve area

Levee District

First Colony LID First Colony LID No. 2 Fort Bend LID 7 Ft. Bend LID 10 Ft. Bend LID 11 Ft. Bend LID 14 Ft. Bend LID 15 2.0 and its impact on Ft. Bend LID 17 residents of the County. The Ft. Bend LID 19 Commissioner presented a <editor@fbindependent.com> Sienna Plantation LID

Tax rate in cents 14.62 20.00 32.00 69.00 20.50 19.50 69.00 57.00 68.00 45.00

Legal Fees

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

110,550 46,034 312,693 84,190 85,568 129,411 190,659 117,621 295,838 306,104

Tax Collection (Private)

Engineering

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

66,682 64,273 282,464 86,352 40,323 113,738 107,906 74,600 281,291 247,326

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

61,442 20,486 102,126 32,192 79,828 28,072 103,707 89,878 37,068 213,830

Operations

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

22,500 30,000 101,133 73,083 148,079 113,494 96,468 96,000 483,671 455,251

Tax Levy Used to collect taxes 3.12% 1.93% 2.90% 1.95% 14.42% 4.05% 4.23% 1.62% 3.94% 4.11%

From: Seshadri Kumar benefit residents. letter urging Congressmen Al Sent: AugustDeMerchant 23, 2019 11:04 Incidentally, Green,AM Pete Olson, Senators Private Cost $ 768,629 hosted a seminar on August Ted Cruz, and John Cornyn to To: Alan Sandersen <asandersen@cpa-tx.com> Fort Bend Tax Collector Cost (est) $ 36,000 21st to discuss ‘Levee assist with the defining terms Potential savings $ 732,629 Subject: RE: Schedules Improvement District and and implementation of the Municipal Utility District proposed flood insurance plan Savings on tax collections alone could service over $11,000,000 in levee improvements.

Reform,’ Thanksand the Federal in order to help the residents of Emergency Management Fort Bend County. In an effort Very timely.

Agency’s EMA’s Risk Rating. to engage the community, The seminar was attended Commissioner DeMerchant Kumar

by Fort Bend County LID, has posted a link on Precinct and MUD Directors, as 4 website where residents can Dr. Charles E. Dupre, Fort gives staff to 1 speak up for the wellFrom: as representation from [mailto:asandersen@cpa-tx.com] Alan Sandersen sign their name in support of Bend ISD Superintendent of district and public education.

Senator Ted Cruz’sAugust office. 23, the letter concerning FEMA’s Schools, is among five public Sent: Friday, 2019 11:02 AM The committee also noted his The discussions centered Risk Rating 2.0. school administrators from strategic alignment with his To: Editor, Voice of Asia <voiceasia@aol.com> on generating new and LID#14 will hold a public across Texas selected as a school board, his accessibility innovative methods of hearing on a proposed tax Cc: editor@fbindependent.com to staff, and the support he identifying savings within rate for the tax year 2019 on state finalist for the annual Subject: Schedules Superintendent of the Year provides to help them face these entities and how those September 9, 2019 at 3:00 pm (SOTY) award.

Sponsored the challenges of serving savings can be passed on to at Avalon Recreation Center, by the Texas Association of the district’s nearly 77,000 theCutting County residents. the cost of tax collection and Place, reducing attorney fees helped Fort Bend County LID 14 taxpayers reap a handsome One Avalon Sugar School Boards (TASB), the students. Dupre received The Seminar also discussed Land.

XX% tax rate reduction for next year.

SOTY program has recognized his bachelor’s degree from the new FEMA Risk Rating exemplary superintendents for Harding University, his master’s degree from the least five names are floating. excellence and achievement in Here is how FBL 14 compared to other Levee districts in the area and what the same improved management practices University of Houston, and They are Fort Bend County educational leadership since From 1 canPage achieve area wide. Sheriff Troy Nehls, Brazoria 1984. his doctorate from Lamar Sri Kukarni’s campaign has County Court at Law Judge “We are extremely proud University. already played a dirty trick Greg Hill, Joe Walz, a U.S. of Dr. Dupre on earning Dupre Candidates are chosen for TaxRegion by acquiring a domain name Army veteran from Richmond, recognition as a 2019 TASB Lubbock-Cooper ISD, their strong leadership skills, Levy “Troynehls4congress.com” Houston area Republican Superintendent of Tax the Year 17. dedication to improving Tax Levyability used Tax rate Used Levy The state selection Taxe and if you click on the website Finalist,” said Jason Burdine, educational quality, activist Kathleen Wall, and Levee District Legal Fees Engineering Collection Operations address, it takes you to sri2020. Felicia for Operations in centsHarris Hoss, former FBISD Board President. “This committee, which interviewed to Usedtoforbuild Legaleffective employee (Private) August relations, student performance, com, Kulkarni’s website. collect Pearland City Councilmember, honor speaks highly of his regional winners targeted and commitment to public A spokesman for the who also ran for Congressional capabilities, passion and drive 23-24 in Austin,taxes SriKulkarni campaign was District 14 just as Wall did for in leading one of the largest such topics as advocacy, involvement in education. quoted in a published report Congressional District 2.

1 districts in the community engagement, the Superintendents from any of public school superintendent’s work with the state’s local school districts as saying that a website One more person from the state.” “votefornehls” took the visitor Houston area also is said to Dr. Dupre represents Region the board, and the future of are eligible for nomination to a gaming site. It is hardly be considering a run on the 4 as a 2019 finalist. Other public education. by their school boards. Local Dupre has served as an nominees are submitted to a a justification for Kulkarni Republican ticket. finalists are Walter Jackson, buying a website under Troy Speculation is rife that Brenham ISD, Region 6; Tylor administrator for 24 years regional selection committee, Nehls’ name. former Astros player Roger Chaplin, Burkburnett ISD, and has led Fort Bend ISD which chooses one nominee This is perhaps a harbinger Clemens was reportedly asked Region 9; Bruce Gearing, for six years. The committee to send to the state selection of the nature of the campaign to run for the seat and that he Dripping Springs ISD, cited Dupre’s advocacy efforts committee. that is yet to follow.

Regional winners nominadeclined became a news story. Region 13; and Keith Bryant, and the encouragement he On the Republican side, at

Taxe Levy Used for Legal

Tax Levy used for Operations

6.05% 4.39% 8.84% 5.72% 30.62% 18.66% 10.12% 5.62% 24.78% 9.29%

1.14% 2.82% 2.88% 4.44% 26.74% 16.37% 3.93% 1.73% 51.43% 8.76%

Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre named Finalist for 2019 TASB Superintendent of the Year Award

Politics

Award From Page 1

important mentorship is for sustaining scientific research enterprise.”

McCullough’s program, “Camp McCullough,” employs around 10 undergraduates per summer, selected from a growing list of applicants. Students spend the summer months in the lab developing projects and contributing to papers in an effort to be competitive for graduate or medical school.

The McCullough Lab focuses on stroke research, including sex differences in the brain’s response to damage and how aging and inflammation affect stroke recovery.

According to an NIH news release, students noted that McCullough never let them give up when faced with obstacles or rejections, providing them with confidence to persevere and reach their professional goals.

Many spoke fondly of their time in Camp McCullough, which provided younger students with experience working in a lab, while allowing senior students to practice their mentoring and training skills. Trainees admired her ability to be a devoted mentor while at the same time being a successful researcher, caring clinician, and mother of four children.

McCullough graduated with a medical degree from

the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and continued her training at Johns Hopkins for a neurology residency followed by a fellowship in cerebrovascular disease. She later joined the faculty at Johns Hopkins Hospital and began her translational research career before relocating to Connecticut and serving as a professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center and John Dempsey Hospital, as well as director of stroke research and education at Hartford Hospital.

McCullough has been with McGovern Medical School since 2015. She is a faculty member with the programs in immunology and neuroscience at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Story Landis, PhD, was the director of NINDS from 2003 to 2014 and established programs to help promote the development of neuroscientists. Landis was known for her dedication to mentorship, providing guidance to researchers at all stages of their careers.

NINDS is the nation’s leading funder of research on the brain and nervous system.

The mission of NINDS is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

Visit the Google playstore & download your free mobile app for Fort Bend Independent.

ted by regional selection committees are: Carlos Guzman, Roma ISD, Region 1; Sharon McKinney, Port Aransas ISD, Region 2; Tina Herrington, Wharton ISD, Region 3; Cody Abshier, Liberty ISD, Region 5; Christopher Moran, Whitehouse ISD, Region 7; Paul Jones, Paris ISD, Region 8; Roosevelt Nivens, Community ISD, Region 10; John Ramos, Castleberry ISD, Region 11; Duane Hyde, Highland ISD, Region 14; Carlos Rios, San Felipe Del Rio CISD, Region 15; Tanya Larkin, Pampa ISD, Region 16; Leandro Gonzales, Jr., Grady ISD, Region 18; Evelyn Loeffler, Sierra Blanca ISD, Region 19; Lloyd Verstuyft, Southwest ISD, Region 20.

The 2019 Superintendent of the Year will be announced September 21 at the TASA/ TASB Convention in Dallas.

The districts of the winning superintendent and state finalists will receive an award from Balfour, program underwriter.

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 15 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Monday, September 16, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at The Clubhouse at Riverstone, 18353 University Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

D. Groves, R. Sankholkar, G. Misra & J. Anderson P. Shah (none) (none)

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage decrease in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

$

This Year

0.620 /$100

Adopted

$567,978

$ -$0.070 /$100 -11.2903%

$ 0 $567,978 $ 3,521.46

0.550 /$100

Proposed

$568,359 $ 0 $568,359 $3,125.97

-$395.49 -11.2308%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 28, 2019 • Page 4

OPINION

Don’t Talk Back to Your Teacher!

By Shar-day Campbell Shh! It’s against the law to talk back to your teacher in Texas. Effective September 1, 2019, Texas Legislatures’ new law will intensify the schoolto-prison pipeline cycle.

This vague and discretionary law, Senate Bill 2432, will allow administrators to refer students to alternative disciplinary education programs if an employee perceives harassment from a student.

According to the Texas Penal Code 42.07, harassment includes intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, or embarrass a person by phone, electronic communications and/or online posts.

The inclusion of the harassment clause in the bill is a buried, one-sentence blurb that will prove to be dangerous for vulnerable, marginalized populations who are already victims of excessive punishment tactics fueling the school-to-prison pipeline.

Unfortunately, some students who will receive punishment for perceived harassment may not commit the type of infraction lawmakers intended for this legislation to address.

No Safeguard or Consideration for Confirmation Bias This law is very subjective.

Teachers’ perceptions and their reactions to students’ behavior will vary. It allows too much unregulated and unchecked professional judgment.

There are no safeguards for educators’ confirmation bias leading them to punish students who are traditionally labeled as aggressive. Confirmation bias is defined as tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories. In other words, if the data reveals that black students

are more aggressive than their fellow students than data can be used to continue the destructive pattern of over punishing them.

Confirmation bias is often applied to marginalized students who are mislabeled by data as aggressive for stating his or her opinion, while white students are often more tolerated because they are viewed as being assertive for stating their opinions.

Apparently it’s not enough to mislabel, destroy and push out vulnerable students from school. This bill adds accelerant to the arson of excessive discipline used to fuel the school-to-prison pipeline.

Black students and students with disabilities are disproportionately disciplined in K-12 public schools, according to a 2018 report from the Government Accountability Office, the federal government’s nonpartisan watchdog arm. In Texas, Black students represent 13 percent of students in the state’s school districts, and make up 31 percent of suspensions and 23 percent of expulsions. This means that black students are suspended and expelled at rates of about two times their representation.

Legislature’s Complete Disregard for Data and Civil Liberties Leaves Students Vulnerable • The majority of disciplinary actions happen at the discretion of school officials with no check and balance.

• Students who are suspended or expelled are more likely to repeat a grade or drop out of school, especially when over disciplined.

• Excessive school discipline pushes the student out of school and fuels the school-to-prison pipeline.

• Black students are already

oppressed, disproportionately punished and will be even more susceptible for additional punishment with this discretionary law.

• The shortage of school social workers and counselors set students up for failure and limits critical resource needed to address and redirect inappropriate behavior.

• This new law is in direct contrast to the most touted solution for the school-to-prison pipeline, “restorative justice” discipline strategies. This approach is reportedly being used to decrease suspension and expulsion.

• This law does not require teachers to take additional bias training that would help them deal with confirmation or implicit bias in making decisions.

• This law does not mandate tracking or monitoring the effectiveness of referring students to alternative disciplinary education programs.

• This law infringes upon students’ First Amendment Right to free speech.

This Legislation Holds Students More Accountable Than Teachers Passing this law is a disservice to students whose parents are paying taxes to send their children to school to learn how to properly interact with others, and not to be criminally punished and pushed out of school for immature behavior.

What’s particularly troubling about this unfair law is that it holds students more accountable than teachers and other school employees.

I’m not aware of any law on the books that specifically holds an educator/school employee accountable by suspending them for verbally condescending, inappropriate or hostile comments toward a

student.

As we begin a new school year, educators must work against their own biases to counter the disproportionate suspensions and expulsions of black students and students with disabilities. Parents must be vigilant in protecting their children from being mislabeled and pushed out of school.

They can silence students, but don’t allow them to silence parents and taxpayers. Call and write your representatives, particularly the bill sponsors listed below, to repeal this predatory and problematic law.

• Representative Sheryl Cole • Senator Joan Huffman • Senator Carol Alvarado • Senator Jose Menendez • Senator Jane Nelson

Tammie Lang Campbell is an activist who rose from rural Mississippi to become a nationally recognized civil rights leader and founder of the Honey Brown Hope Foundation. The Honey Brown Hope Foundation focuses on the best way to help people — give them hope. Founded in 1991, the organization is a nationally recognized, award-winning 501(c) 3 non-profit that contagiously spreads hope through educational, engaging and informative programs that align with its causes — diversity appreciation, environmental stewardship and civil rights.

Jeff Tallas named chairman of The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is proud to announce Jeff Tallas as the Chairman of the Board for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

“The entire organization is looking forward to the coming year under Jeff’s leadership,” said Executive Director, Kelli Metzenthin.

Tallas is the owner of Tallas Insurance and Financial Services. He is a lifelong Texan.

Jeff graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land and then went on to graduate from Texas A&M University.

Jeff believes in serving his community along with his family and business.

In addition to his service on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County Board of Directors, Jeff is a 22-year member of the Sugar Land Rotary Club.

He also serves on the boards of the Brazos River Authority and the TW Davis and Fort Bend YMCAs as Board Chair.

When talking about the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, Jeff states, “Serving the adult students at the Literacy Council is a humbling experience. The students come to the Literacy Council of their own accord in order to be better parents, coworkers, and citizens. Education on all levels is the key to a better community.”

Tallas Jeff is married to Tracee Tessier Tallas of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He and Tracee have two sons, Connor, 14 and Lawson, 12.

Since 1987, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County has been Changing Lives Through Literacy.

The mission of the Literacy Council is to improve family, community and professional lives through adult literacy education.

The Literacy Council provides several programs for its students: Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, GED Preparation, U.S. Citizenship Preparation, Computer Skills and Workforce Readiness.

The Great Pretenders to entertain Loving Friends

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend Levee Improvement District #14 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on September 9, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Avalon Recreation Center, One Avalon Place, Sugar Land TX 77479. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

For the proposal:

Sujeeth Draksharam Shaizad Chatriwala

Against the proposal:

None

Present and not voting:

None

Absent:

None

Rashid Khalfe

Loving Friends, a social group of men and women who lost their spouses but want to move on in their lives will meet for dinner and entertainment on Tuesday, September 17 at Quail Valley City Cr., 2880 La Quinta Blvd., Missouri City. The Great Pretenders, a unique trio will perform memorable songs from the 40’s to the 70’s. They promise an evening of a toe tapping performance. Loving Friends welcome new members and guests seeking friendship and fellowship in a social environment....not a grief support group . Other activities include monthly luncheons at area restaurants and pokeno. The cost for dinner and entertainment is $24 inclusive paid at the door in the club’s Blue Bonnet room. Reservations are required by calling 281-208-3124. Arrival time is 5:00 p.m and The Great Pretenders are set to entertain at 6:15 p.m.

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average residence homestead appraised value General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person's exemptions)

Last Year $0.209500/$100

This Year $0.160000/$100

Adopted

Proposed

$-0.049500 -23.63% $609,341

$592,231

$0

$0

Average residence homestead taxable value $609,341 Tax on average residence homestead $1,276.57 Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted(+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-19-17 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING REGULATIONS IN PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 66, CONSISTING OF A 24.701-ACRE TRACT OF LAND; DESCRIBING SAID 24.701-ACRE TRACT OF LAND; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-19-17 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on August 19, 2019, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

$592,231 $947.57

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE.

$-329.00 -25.77%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS' RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the water district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

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 • AUGUST 28, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Stafford approves plan for two residential subdivisions

By BARBARA FULENWIDER Thanks to Stafford City Council’s 7-0 favorable vote on two preliminary plats, the city will be getting more houses for newcomers to buy.

They can pick and choose between Fountain Park Village and the Enclave at Stafford Oaks.

Fountain Park Village will be built at the northeast intersection of Dairy Ashford Road and Fountain Lake Drive on 7.44 acres of land that will be subdivided into 59 lots.

There will be 44 lots of single family houses on the west

side of Executive Drive and 15 on the east side of North Drive. There will also be two blocks of restricted open space in the village that total 86,231 square feet or 1.98 acres.

Stafford’s Planning & Zoning Commission recommended council approve the final plat and coumcil agreed.

Mayor Leonard Scarcella said it is a good plan that will be a fine addition to the city and that more residential is needed in Stafford.

Council member Cecil Willis said he is looking forward to it and Ken Mathew said he

always sees more people who want homes in Stafford than the city can provide. “We need more of this,” he said.

The second plat on council’s agenda was for another neighborhood of single family houses named the Enclave at Stafford Oaks. Dulles Ventures, LLC is building the neighborhood on 5 acres that will be subdivided into 48 single family lots with private streets. The houses in it start at 1,400 square feet and average 2,000. They will be two and three story homes starting at $300,000.

The houses will have a sep-

arate suite for older people or guests on the first floor and have a suite with a bedroom, kitchen, living room and twocar garage attached. The family would be on the second and third floors.

The neighborhood is a half mile from U.S. 90-A on the east side of Dulles.

The acreage will have an open space of five blocks of 25,000 sq.-ft. of landscaping and include a walking trail, park, and off street parking.

Background to council says the applicant will coordinate with the adjacent commercial property owner, The

Stafford MSD to open STEM Magnet campus in 2021-22

For the third straight year, Stafford Municipal School District received a “B” Grade from the Texas Education Agency. All of the campuses met the TEA Accountability Standard.

While the District applauds the grade, it will not be satisfied until it receives an “A” Grade.

Efforts are currently underway for Stafford MSD to strive toward an “A.” Newly-hired Stafford MSD Chief Academic Officer Dr. Kadir Almus said he and his staff are “working with cam-

pus leaders and teachers for the specific goals for each campus and implementing a comprehensive student support system to ensure the success of all students through high quality instruction and interventions.

“With teamwork, I’m confident that our performance will increase,” Almus said. “We are working diligently and systemically.”

Three of the four Stafford MSD campuses received a distinction from Academic Achievement in Math – something that SMSD Chief Inno-

vation and Operations Officer Marva Rasberry attributes to hard work on the part of teachers and students, as well as the emphasis on the implementation of the district-wide Math Initiative, P.I.N. Both Stafford Intermediate School and Stafford Middle School received distinctions for “Comparative Closing the Gap” academically.

Here are the Academic Distinctions for the campuses: STAFFORD HIGH SCHOOL Academic Achievement in Math

STAFFORD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL Academic Achievement in ELAR Academic Achievement in Math Comparative Academic Growth Comparative Closing The Gap STAFFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL Academic Achievement in Math Academic Achievement in Social Studies Comparative Closing The Gap

Sugar Land’s College of Technology ribbon cutting set for Sept. 12 at Katy are instructional sites of the University of Houston.

The sites feature Tier One programs and classes taught by UH faculty and instructors.

Shoppes of Dulles, LLC, to modify the joint access adjacent to the proposed Stafford Oaks Drive. The owner of the property is Jonathan Wasserberg.

Scarcella said he is pleased to see this neighborhood move forward. Guerra said it will be a gated community and “provide a nice complex for our citizens to have a nice home.” Again Mathew said he has always favored having more houses in Stafford and wants “to look for more vacant space where we can build more houses.”

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: SYLVESTER ONIEMO OVBIJE, and to all whom it may concern, Respondent(s), GREETINGS: 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 AM on the Monday next following the expiration of twenty (20) days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.

The ORIGINAL PETITION FOR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE of ODIRI AKUSHE, Petitioner was filed in the 387th Judicial District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas on May 20, 2019 against SYLVESTER ONIEMO OVBIJE, Respondent; it bears cause number 19-DCV-262658 and styled IN THE MATTER OF THE MARRIAGE OF ODIRI AKUSHE AND SYLVESTER ONIEMO OVBIJE. The suit requests THAT THE BONDS OF MATRIMONY BE DISSOLVED. The court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property which will be binding on you.

Issued and given under my hand and seal of the said Court at Richmond, Texas, on this the 29th day of July, 2019.

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: DIOGU KALU DIOGU II, LLM PO BOX 994 FULSHEAR TX 77441 713-791-3225 BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER, DISTRICT CLERK FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS Physical Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 31004 Richmond, Texas 77469 Mailing Address: 301 Jackson Street, Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 By: Deputy District Clerk Katie Tovar Telephone: (281) 633-7663

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 7th day of JUNE, 2019, in a certain cause number 18-DCV-254930 wherein NORTH WATERFORD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff, and MARCUS C. CHUKWU defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 5TH day of MARCH, 2019, in favor of the said plaintiff NORTH WATERFORD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant MARCUS C. CHUKWU, for the sum of $4,349.38 FOR UNPAID MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, ATTORNEY’S ORIGINAL FEES AND COURT COSTS ; POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6% FROM THE DATE OF JUDGMENT UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $0.00, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of MARCUS C. CHUKWU in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of MARCUS C. CHUKWU to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FIVE (5), BLOCK THREE (3), OF WATERFORD, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION OF 45.882 ACRES IN THE JOHN LEVERTON SURVEY, ABSTRACT NO 402, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT OF SAID SUBDIVISION RECORDED IN VOLUME 26, PAGE 16, PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. SAID PLAT IS AMENDED

BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSIONER’S COURT OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, RECORDED IN VOLUME 959, PAGE 858 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ALSO KNOWN 9618 GARDEN ROW DRIVE, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS 77498 DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $500.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $4,349.38 FOR UNPAID MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, ATTORNEY’S ORIGINAL FEES AND COURT COSTS ; POSTJUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 6% FROM THE DATE OF JUDGMENT UNTIL THE JUDGMENT IS SATISFIED, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $0.00 dollars, in favor of NORTH WATERFORD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Meadowcreek Utility District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 5:00 p.m. at the offices of Quail Valley Utility District, 3134 Cartwright Road, Missouri City TX 77459. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT: The University of Houston will open two new buildings at instructional sites in Sugar Land and Katy with the start of the fall 2019 semester.

“The Tier One programs offered at the two instructional sites mirror the professional and career opportunities that will be available to graduates,” said Paula Myrick Short, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

The new buildings are the result of years of planning with the respective communities. Expanding higher education opportunities in Katy has long been a goal of UH, and the new building at Sugar Land is crucial to accommodate the broadening programs and growing number of students attending classes there.

“We worked with stakeholders in both communities and were very intentional in the programs we wanted to offer. We are pleased to bring their vision to fruition,” said Jay Neal, associate vice president for academic affairs and chief operating officer for UH at Sugar Land and UH at Katy.

The College of Technol-

ogy building, located on the UH at Sugar Land site at U.S. 59 and University Blvd., is a 100,000-square foot facility with state-of-the-art classroom, training and research spaces. Students may pursue studies in biotechnology, construction management, digital media, human resource development, mechanical engineering, supply chain and logistics technology, and technology leadership and innovation management.

“The expansion of University of Houston at Sugar Land will offer greater opportunities to prepare career-ready students poised for leadership in technology,” said Dean Anthony Ambler.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the new building is planned for Sept. 12.

Additionally, UH will open an instructional site in the city of Katy. The building, located near the intersection of Interstate 10 and the Grand Parkway, will house programs from the UH College of Nursing and the UH Cullen College of Engineering.

“Given the demand for engineering talent across the Greater Houston area, the expansion of UH engineer-

ing programs in Katy is both imperative and inevitable,” said Joseph W. Tedesco, Elizabeth D. Rockwell Dean of the Cullen College. “The city of Houston needs a homegrown workforce trained to take on the engineering jobs of the future while filling in the skills gaps of today.”

The College of Nursing will offer the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing.

“The College of Nursing has been very successful, and we are honored to expand our nursing programs in Katy,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college. “Katy will now have the benefit of training the next generation of nurses through the University of Houston.”

UH at Katy will share the building with the University of Houston–Victoria at Katy.

Programs from UHV Katy include business, education and liberal arts.

A combined enrollment of more than 600 students is expected when classes start in the fall at the Katy site.

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the Katy building is planned for Oct. 14. UH at Sugar Land and UH

Harold Snyder, Billy J Moye Sr, Edward A Paxton, Daniel Wisneski Merlin D Hansen None None

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Last Year

This Year

$0.10/$100 Adopted

$0.25/$100 Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value

$0 .1500

Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)

150.00%

Average appraised residence homestead value

$153,279

General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions)

$0

$0

Average residence homestead taxable value Tax on average residence homestead

$153,279 $153.28

$168,300 $420.75

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

$168,300

$267.47 174.50%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

The District is currently in the process of improving the existing infrastructure and anticipates future maintenance and infrastructure requirements that precipitate increasing the total tax rate from the previous years. The voters of the District authorized a maintenance tax not to exceed fifty cents at their November 6, 2018 Election.

Should you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the tax office at 281-482-0216.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 28, 2019 • Page 6 CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 434TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 6th day of AUGUST, 2019, in a certain cause number 17-DCV-241118 wherein AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. plaintiff, and J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 2ND day of AUGUST, 2017, in favor of the said plaintiff AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. against said defendant J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO, for the sum of $6,835.15 FOR PAST DUE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY; ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY REASONABLE FEES AND COSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $328.22 AND POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 10% PER ANNUM ON THE TOTAL JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AWARDED HEREIN, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $328.22, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of J. LUIS VARGAS AND ABELARDA ZENTENO to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4) BLOCK ONE (1), OF AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS, SECTION EIGHT (8), AN ADDITION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT NO. 20070044 OF THE MAP/PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 23303 TWO HARBORS GLEN STREET, KATY, TX 77494 (PROPERTY) DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $6,835.15 FOR PAST DUE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS, INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES, AND OTHER CHARGES ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY ; ADDITIONAL ATTORNEY REASONABLE FEES AND COSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $328.22 AND POST JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 10% PER ANNUM ON THE TOTAL JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AWARDED HEREIN, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID, AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $328.22 dollars, in favor of AVALON AT SEVEN MEADOWS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019 THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION VIA PUBLICATION OF THE FORT BEND INDEPENDENT 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 October 07, 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-258101 and is styled: State of Texas VS. $1,527.00 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 to-wit: THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREINABOVE WAS SEIZED BY PEACE OFFICERS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. THE STATE OF TEXAS IS ENTITLED TO HAVE SUCH PROPERTY FORFEITED AND TITLE RENDERED TO THE STATE OF TEXAS OR AN AGENCY OF THE STATE OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION AUTHORIZED TO EMPLOY PEACE OFFICERS. WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PETITIONER RESPECTFULLY PRAYS THAT UPON HEARING, THIS COURT ENTER A JUDGMENT OF FORFEITURE OF THE DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO PETITIONER, THAT THIS COURT AWARD POSSESSION AND TITLE TO SUCH PROPERTY TO THE PETITIONER TO BE ADMINISTERED PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 59 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE , FOR INTEREST, IF ANY, FROM THE DATE OF DEPOSIT IN AN INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNT, FOR COST OF COURT AND FOR SUCH OTHER AND FURTHER RELIEF AS THE PETITIONER MY SHOW ITSELF TO BE 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 20th day of August, 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

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 11th day of JULY, 2019, in a certain cause number 17-DCV-247356 wherein WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION plaintiff , and DANIEL COUSAR defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 29TH day of JUNE, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION against said defendant DANIEL COUSAR, for the sum of $2,160.06 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE THE AGREED JUDGMENT WAS FILED; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,183.76; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $314.07, PROCESS SERVER FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $115.00, AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $314.07, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of DANIEL COUSAR in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of DANIEL COUSAR to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT SEVENTEEN (17), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF CANYON VILLAGE AT WESTHEIMER LAKES, SECTION FOUR (4), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED UNDER PLAT NO(S), 20110142, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 11007 HAYDEN FALLS DRIVE, RICHMOND, TX 77406 (PROPERTY) DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $2,100.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $2,160.06 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE THE AGREED JUDGMENT WAS FILED ; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,183.76; COSTS OF COURT IN THE AMOUNT OF $314.07, PROCESS SERVER FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $115.00, AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $314.07 dollars, in favor of WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019 THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: AIDA VAZQUEZ 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 October 07, 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-249716 and is styled: State of Texas vs $14,000.00 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 to-wit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PETITIONER PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES AS SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $14,000.00 US CURRENCY 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 AGREEMENTS, 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 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 20th day of August, 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 Salena M. Jasso 281-341-3787

CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain ORDER OF SALE Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court of FORT BEND County, on the 25th day of JUNE, 2019, in a certain cause number 18-DCV-250213 wherein WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION plaintiff, and BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 29TH day of JUNE, 2018, in favor of the said plaintiff WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION against said defendant BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON, for the sum of $5,506.47 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE MOTION FOR DEFAULT WAS FILED; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,154.46; COSTS OF COURT AND POSTJUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $346.00, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 3RD day of SEPTEMBER, 2019 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON in and to the following described REAL property, levied upon as the property of BRUCE LEVRON JR AND SARAH LEVRON to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT FOUR (4), IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF CANYON VILLAGE AT WESTHEIMER LAKES, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT NUMBER 20040191, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 11022 OVERLAND TRAIL DRIVE, RICHMOND, TX 77406 (PROPERTY) DATE OF SALE: SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1ST Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH CREDIT- $0.00 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judg ment for $5,506.47 AS THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE ON THE ASSESSMENT ACCOUNT OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS SECURED BY THE PLAINTIFF’S LIEN ON THE PROPERTY AS OF THE DATE MOTION FOR DEFAULT WAS FILED; REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,154.46; COSTS OF COURT AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 5% PER ANNUM ON ALL AMOUNTS AWARDED IN THIS JUDGMENT, INCLUDING ATTORNEY FEES, FROM THE DATE THIS JUDGMENT IS SIGNED UNTIL FULLY PAID., AND THE FURTHER SUM OF $346.00 dollars, in favor of WESTHEIMER LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON Constable Pct. 3 KATY, Texas

By DAVID RIVERA #1332-DEPUTY AUGUST 9, 2019

AUTOMOBILE: Ram1500

By BARBARA FULENWIDER The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 has become the standard for durability, technology, efficiency and convenience and has numerous features not offered before in a pickup.

An all-new eTorque system delivers improved fuel efficiency in both V-6 and V-8 configurations while overall weight has been reduced by 225 pounds. The frame has 100 fewer pounds while increasing stiffness and durability for 12,750 pounds of towing capability and 2,300 pounds of payload.

The eTorque mild hybrid system replaces the traditional alternator and works with a 48-volt battery pack to enable quick and seamless start/ stop function, short-duration torque addition to the engine crankshaft in certain driving situations and brake energy regeneration.

The upgraded eTorque version of the Pentastar V-6 is the standard engine in most trim levels of the 2019 Ram 1500. It is specifically tuned for trucks and rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 combines the muscle of 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.

For information and entertainment there is a new Uconnect 4C with a massive 12-inch touchscreen with split-screen capability, 360-degree camera views and exclusive content from SiriusXM with 360L. Active safety and security systems include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and ready alert braking.

The new aluminum tailgate has damping during opening and the latch-and-lock mechanism is now electronic and lets owners drop the tailgate with the interior switch, remotely with the key fob or unlock/ open with passive entry.

Designing the truck bed to increase usability and aerody-

Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 20th day of August, 2019 .

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: LUIS ARMANDO GARZA MURJLLO VALLE DE GUADALUPE #18 VALLE REAL TAMAULIPAS 87560 MEXICO 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 October 07,2019 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 17-DCV-239526 and is styled: State of Texas VS $12,633.00 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 to-wit: PLAINTIFF PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $12,633.00 U.S. CURRENCY 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 AGREEMENTS, 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 RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PLAINTIFF 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 20th day of August, 2019.

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

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

Mailing Address: 301 Jackson St., Room 101 Richmond, Texas 77469 Deputy District Clerk Salena M. Jasso 281-341-3787

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: ONESIMO DELEON CRUZ 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 October 07, 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 17-DCV244505 and is styled: State of Texas VS $10,000 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 to-wit: WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, PLAINTIFF PRAYS THAT THIS PETITION BE CONSIDERED AN ORIGINAL NOTICE OF SEIZURE AND INTENDED FORFEITURE AND THAT CITATION ISSUE TO THOSE PARTIES AS SET OUT IN THIS PETITION; THAT UPON HEARING THIS COURT FIND THAT THE $10,000.00 U.S. CURRENCY 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 AGREEMENTS, 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 RELIEF AT LAW AND IN EQUITY AS THE PLAINTIFF SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE. If this Citation is not served, it shall be returned unserved.

Deputy District Clerk Salena M. Jasso 281-341-3787

namics included raising bed rails by 1.5 inches to reduce drag as does a new spoiler on the new aluminum tailgate. A lockable tri-fold tonneau improves fuel economy by 0.8 percent.

The 2019 Ram 1500 is the only full-size pickup available with a four-corner air suspension system for optimal ride and aerodynamics. Another benefit is the load-leveling capability, which automatically detects load on the suspension from a trailer or payload. Additionally, a separate button on the key fob allows the operator to manually lower the truck for easier passenger entry and bed loading.

Every 2019 Ram 1500 is equipped with a fully electronic TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with a wide spread of gear ratios. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 uses an upgraded TorqueFlite 8HP75 transmission. The BorgWarner 48-12 for part-time 4WD operation with Hi and Low ranges; and the BorgWarner 48-11 for on-demand 4WD are available in the 2019 Ram 1500. The transfer cases are upgraded internally.

The newly designed Ram 1500 is loaded with numerous high-tech features that include a 12-inch fully configurable touchscreen display; the first-time debut of the all-new SiriusXM with 360L; and the most powerful audio system ever available in a pickup – 900-watt Harman Kardon with 19 speakers; personal device

integration and in-vehicle connectivity.

To ensure that passengers remain conveniently connected, there are five USB ports (three are in front of the center console and two are in the back). Three of the USB ports are fully functioning and communicate with the Uconnect interface while the other two USB ports are charge only.

Four of the five USB ports are new type C/A ports that allow devices to be charged up to four times faster than standard USB outlets. The remaining USB is type A. Across all trim levels, the 2019 Ram 1500 features pushbutton start, an electronic parking brake and a redesigned rotary e-shifter dial. The new shifter buttons include engine stop-start from eTorque, Hilldecent Control, axle lock and transfer case controls, when equipped.

The Ram 1500 Limited Crew Cab 4x4 was the test drive vehicle that came with the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI and 8-speed transmission. It also came with a MSRP base price of $56,990. Options on the Limited increased the total price to $69,585, including destination charge.

The Ram 1500 was a comfortable ride, easy drive and loaded with options that made it even more enjoyable. If you are in the market for a full sized pickup by all means test drive the Ram because it’s fine in numerous ways.

City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-19-16 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING USES AND REGULATIONS IN PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 34; DESCRIBING SAID 9.467-ACRE TRACT OF LAND; REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROPERTY WITHIN SUCH PD PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT; AMENDING THE ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY; PROVIDING FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND CONTAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-19-16 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on August 19, 2019, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of JOHN KENNETH JOSEPH BONNETT Probate Deceased were issued on August 12, 2019, in Cause No. 19-CPR-033213, pending in the County Court at Law No. SIX (6), Fort Bend County, Texas, to: JOHN KENNETH BONNETT .

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: JOHN KENNETH BONNETT 1720 AVENUE R ROSENBERG, TEXAS 77471 DATED the 14 day of August , 2019. /s/ Carolyn McDaniel Carolyn McDaniel Attorney for John Kenneth Bonnett State Bar No.: 13514300 911 Richmond Parkway Richmond, Texas 77469-4439 Telephone: (281) 342-6541 Facsimile: (713) 940-8567 E-mail: cmcdaniellawfirm@gmail.com No. 19-CPR-032591 IN THE ESTATE OF ROSALIND SPEED TOTAH IN COUNTY COURT AT LAW NO. 5 A/K/A ROSALIND SPEED, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Rosalind Speed Totah a/k/a Rosalind Speed, Deceased, were issued on August 15th, 2019, in Cause No. 19CPR 032591, pending in the County Court at Law No. 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, to Nelson Kenneth Bedford Totah a/k/a Nelson Totah.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: Stephanie J. Stigant Attorney at Law 407 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478 DATED the 20th day of August, 2019 Stephanie J. Stigant Attorney for Nelson Kenneth Bedford Totah a/k/a Nelson Totah State Bar No.: 24058733 407 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, TX 77478 Telephone: (281) 242-8100 Facsimile: (281) 242-7474 E-mail: sstigant@jonesattorneys.com

COMMUNITY Houston Methodist Sugar Land employees donate school supplies to children in need

Employees at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital “adopted” 29 local students during Fort Bend Rainbow Room’s annual school supplies drive – donating new clothing, backpacks and supplies to help

those less fortunate start the school year off right.

Fort Bend Rainbow Room provides a wide range of emergency resources for caseworkers assisting families in crisis.

Snack items, diapers, toiletries,

clothes, toys and more are all new and available 24/7.

“Receiving new clothes and supplies can make a significant positive impact on children in need,” said Tonya Lewis, executive director of Fort Bend Rainbow Room. “Through their generosity, the employees at Houston Methodist Sugar Land helped elementary, middle and high school students feel like they fit in with their peers and that someone cares. We are so grateful to the hospital for its partnership.”

Houston Methodist Sugar Land is a long-time supporter of Fort Bend Rainbow Room and its annual school supplies drive.

“Our mission to care for our community extends beyond the hospital’s walls,” said Chris

Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs It is the policy of Stafford Municipal School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Stafford MSD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Tammy Edwards, Chief Academic Officer at DDubose@staffordmsd.org, 281-261-9245 , and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, Charmaine Garcia, Director of Federal Programs at Mrasberry@staffordmsd.org, 281-261-9208..

Es norma de Stafford Municipal School District no discriminar en sus procedimientos de empleo por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda; y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.

Stafford MSD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos de quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX, Tammy Edwards, Chief Academic Officer, at DDubose@staffordmsd. org, 281-261-9245, y/o el -Coordinador de la Sección 504, Charmaine Garcia, Director of Federal Programs, Mrasberry@staffordmsd.org, 281-261-9208.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT I COMMISSIONING At Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. we act as an extension of our clients by offering comprehensive, custom services from concept to closeout

Siebenaler, senior regional vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “Our involvement with Fort Bend Rainbow Room gives our employees an opportunity to come together and support our neighbors in need. It’s such a rewarding project because we know we are helping young people feel better by giving them a fresh start to a new school year.”

The adopted students attend schools in Fort Bend, Lamar, Needville and other local districts. In total, more than 300 students were helped by the annual school supplies drive.

“I’m extremely proud of our employees for once again demonstrating their commitment to our community,” said Siebenaler.

To learn more about Fort Bend Rainbow Room, visit fbrr. org. To learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, visit houstonmethodist. org/sugarland or our Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland.

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 28, 2019 • Page 7

JOB FAIR FOR RN, LVN, CNA and PCT POSITIONS OakBend Medical Center will be hosting a job fair on August 29 from 10 a.m – 2 p.m at its Williams Way Campus, located at 22003 Southwest Freeway.

OakBend will be hiring for positions in the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department Labor and Delivery, Skilled Nursing Facility, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, OR and for Medical/Surgery.

OakBend is looking for RNs (sign on bonus for full-time RNs), LVNs, CNAs, PCTs (Patient Care Technician). Full-time and PRN opportunities are available.

This job fair will have same day interviews with hiring managers and light refreshments will be served.

For more information, log onto https://www.oakbendmedcenter.org/career/.

SANDERSEN & SCHEFFER, PLLC Certified Public Accountants

12603 Southwest Freeway, Suite 165 · Stafford, TX 77477

Thank you Fort Bend for an excellent two years & looking forward to many more Sandersen & Scheffer, PLLC, conveniently located at the corner of the Southwest Freeway and Kirkwood Road, is a full-service Accounting firm, offering a broad range of services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals.

Alan K. Sandersen, CPA Sherri R. Scheffer, CPA (281) 242-3232

Sorry, no childcare available 6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212, Houston, TX 77036 I 713.482.2300 I www.ricegardner.com

www.cpa-tx.com info@cpa-tx.com

www.ArcOfFortBend.org

INDEPENDENT • AUGUST 28, 2019 • Page 8

NEWS

Johnson Development Communities Win 8 Texas Star Awards and refreshments.

In addition, Johnson Development won five awards for developer marketing efforts.

Woodforest in Montgomery County won three — Best Direct Mail Piece, Best Radio Commercial and Best Sales Brochure. Grand Central Park

won an award for Best Billboard Design and Trinity Falls was recognized as having the Best Print Ad. In all, Johnson Development communities were named as finalists in 23 categories.

Johnson Development

launched in 1975. During its long tenure, the company has won numerous local, state and national awards. It currently has more communities listed among the nation’s top-selling than any other developer. For more information, visit www. johnsondevelopment.com.

Sugar Land named America’s 5th most romantic city

Johnson Development marketing professionals hold the eight Star Awards the company won in the Texas Association of Builders’ recent awards ceremony. From left, Debra Meers, Faith Pitman, Shannon League, Amanda Burke, Natalie Rosser, Marley Mitchell and Paula Evans in Fulshear won Community of the Year 200+ acres. With new-home sales up 10 percent this year, Cross Creek Ranch is currently listed as the No. 21 top-selling community in the nation.

“With hundreds of new homesites released this year, new schools, a growing commercial district and a new water park opened last year, Cross Creek Ranch is a prime example of what a masterplanned community can be,” said Larry Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Development. “We’re very

proud of what we’ve done in Fulshear and to be honored among so many respected developments.”

Viridian in Arlington won Best Poolscape for its Lakeview Event and Conference Center, an 8,500-square-foot facility anchored by an infinity-edge pool that appears to flow into Lake Viridian.

Grand Central Park won the award for Best Special Event for its NYC Comes to GCP event, which drew more than 1,000 people into the community for model home tours and Big Apple-inspired activities

Sugar Land had a lot of “yes” responses to that answer. And why not? With plenty of romantic date spots in the city, it’s not hard for lovebirds to enjoy themselves.

Boynton Beach, Florida took the top spot. Texas had three cities in the Top 25.

You can see the full list and the results of the Elite Single survey results below.

1. Boynton Beach, FL 2. ​Myrtle Beach, SC 3. Cypress, CA 4. St. Cloud, MN 5. Sugar Land, TX 6. Boca Raton, FL

A Richmond teenager was arrested and charged with the murder of his classmate.

Details of the moments immediately after the shooting indicate the Lamar CISD’s George Ranch High School student confessed to the killing.

A girl who chose not to be identified, said the suspect called him shortly after the shooting and investigators said he posted updates on the popular social media channel Snapchat.

“He actually told me that he killed him.

He said it with no hesitation. He laughed about it. He actually thought it was funny that he killed him,” the girl said.

She immediately alerted 911 and officers were able to apprehend the suspect at his house where they arrested him.

Investigators said the suspect also posted updates after the murder on Snapchat, including images of the medical helicopter flying the victim to the hospital and a gun.

The suspect is a juvenile, so the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office cannot release the 16-year-old’s name. They did release the name of the victim: Matthias Konrad, 16.

George Ranch High School principal Heather Patterson said a grief counseling team will be available to students starting Monday, the first day of school.

Expanding our team of leaders in

RHEUMATOLOGY Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Mohammed Bari Mohammed Bari, MD, joins Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates at Sugar Land as a fellowship-trained rheumatologist offering diagnosis and treatment of the most common — and most complex — rheumatic diseases, including: Rheumatoid arthritis Sjogren’s syndrome Systemic lupus erythematosus Ultrasound-guided procedures Vasculitis

B

59

D. LV

SUGAR LAND LV D.

• • • • •

EN

TE

R

B

6

SW

59

EE TW AT ER

Mohammed Bari, MD Rheumatology

Angela McCain, MD Rheumatology

houstonmethodist.org/spg 281.201.5938

B N G TO IN

.

AM

LI

W BL VD

.

16659 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 2, Suite 461 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Latifa Fakoya, DO Rheumatology

LE X

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 2

TO W

N

C

LV D.

Ankylosing spondylitis Gout Inflammatory muscle disease Osteoporosis Polymyalgia rheumatica Psoriatic arthritis

OL ON Y

• • • • • •

7. Pembroke Pines, FL 8. Corona, CA 9. Fort Worth, TX 10. Wilton Manors, FL 11. Anderson, IL 12. Kissimmee, FL 13. Simi Valley, CA 14. Bloomfield, NJ 15. Montclair, CA 16. Temecula, CA 17. West Palm Beach, FL 18. Keller, TX 19. White Plains, NY 20. Youngstown, OH 21. Farmington, CT 22. Chula Vista, CA 23. Sunrise, FL 24. Tigard, OR 25. Fredericksburg, VA

Tipster: Suspect in Richmond teen murder case ‘laughed about it’

FI R S TC

Johnson Development was the most awarded developer in the recent Texas Association of Builder’s Star Awards, walking away with eight trophies.

The annual program — which celebrates the best residential real estate people, products and marketing in Texas — saw a record-setting 575 entries this year.

Five Johnson Development communities won awards during the event, which was held in Grapevine during the annual Sunbelt Builders Show™. Cross Creek Ranch

Who needs Paris? One of the most romantic cities is right here in Fort Bend County.

Sugar Land, Texas was named one of the most romantic cities in America by the website Elite Singles.

They looked at random, anonymous user data from 150,000 singles registered with the website. They looked at responses to the statement ‘I bring romance to my relationships.’ The more strongly people agreed with this statement, the more romantic they were considered to be.

IL

S

T

C RA

E

VD BL