Fort Bend Independent 091119

VOL 12 No. 37

email: editor@fbindependent.com

Phone: 281-980-6745

www.fbindependent.com

FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

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

Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City

Fort Bend County chooses new “touch screen” voting system

By SESHADRI KUMAR No more turning the dial, moving the cursor up and down, pressing the button, and repeating the steps umpteen times before finally casting a vote.

Fort Bend County voters will have a new voting machine where voters touch the screen to mark the ballot, print the marked ballot and insert it in another machine. Your vote is recorded both digitally and on paper. Fort Bend County Commissioners Court last week unanimously approved the purchase of the new system.

A committee comprising Commissioners Andy Meyers and Grady Prestage and Elections Administrator John Oldham selected the system after vetting several other systems.

The new voting system designed and manufactured by Election Systems and Software of Omaha, NE, consists of a touch screen ballot marking device that produces a paper ballot.

After verifying selections, the voter will insert the ballot into an optical scan ballot reader that will tabulate the votes.

The cost of the system at

$7,717,495 is about $4 million below the list price, according to Oldham.

The county will have 1,700 voting stations, nearly twice the number currently used in an election.

The new voting machines will be available by the end of the year or early next year, but can be used in the May 2020 elections. They may not be ready for the March primary elections.

The paper-based ExpressVote Universal Voting System uses touch-screen technology that produces a paper record for tabulation.

As a marker, the ExpressVote handles the entire marking process, eliminating marginal marks and the need for interpretation of the voter’s mark.

So there will no “hanging chads” or a doubt if it is yes or no.

The ExpressVote produces a paper vote summary card that provides voters with the opportunity to review their selections and verify that their vote was recorded accurately before submitting for tabulation.

The vote summary card also serves as an audit trail for

election officials.

The ExpressVote generates a detailed audit log of all actions and events that have occurred on the unit, which can be printed at any time.

Every action and event, including access attempts, access of system functions and errors, is logged and timestamped.

The one-step startup and pollclosing procedure make the ExpressVote an ideal device for poll workers.

Traditional ballot printing costs can be significantly reduced by eliminating the need for pre-printed paper ballots.

Voters activate their vote session, make their selections and receive a paper record to cast. This process consumes 70 percent less paper than traditional ballots.

Voters review a summary page and can make changes before receiving their verifiable paper vote record.

The ExpressVote prevents overvotes and undervoting with prompts and on-screen feedback.

ExpressVote in marking mode neither stores nor tabulates vote counts. The system produces a verifiable paper record for each voter.

After all selections are made, a human- and machine-readable paper record is produced that includes text and an optical scan barcode.

Votes are digitally scanned for tabulation on an ES&S DS200®, DS450® or DS850® device.

The ExpressVote Universal Voting System utilizes a variety of functions to ensure election data and cast vote records are secure.

In its current certification as a marking device, no vote data is stored in the device. Its system functions are only executable during election events, in the manner and order intended by election officials performing their duties.

Missouri City has been named one of the “Lone Star State’s safest communities” in a study conducted by Background Checks.org, using recent FBI crime statistics.

Missouri City is one of only two Fort Bend County municipalities to be featured by the online resource, earning the No. 53 spot on the list of 141 Texas cities rated; Stafford is the other and was ranked No. 110.

As part of the City’s commitment to assuring operations are in alignment with benchmark cities, officials also focused on the rankings of: Memorial Villages (independent municipalities west of downtown Houston that include Spring Valley Village, Piney Point Village,

Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village and Hunters Creek Village), which ranked No. 1; West University Place, which ranked No. 6; Friendswood, which ranked No. 14; League City, which ranked No. 45; and Houston, which ranked No. 126.

To view the full report compiled by Background Checks.org, an online database that individuals and organizations can use to search public records and conduct background checks, visit http://bit.ly/2m4xn9I. This safety accolade is indicative of the SPIRIT (Service, Professionalism, Innovation, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork) in the Police Department and Fire & Rescue Services, which has

helped to reduce crime to record lows citywide and to engage citizens in prevention initiatives such as National Night Out. “The city’s award-winning public safety programs are among the best in the nation and our officers and firefighters always strive to provide excellent customer service to citizens, businesses and stakeholders,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes.

“This recognition showcases yet again why Missouri City is known as a safe, scenic community that is rated one of America’s BEST places to live, work, play and visit.”

For more information on MCPD operations and programs, visit: www. missouricitypolice.org.

Nurse, single, adopts the baby she helped deliver

By BRITTNEY BYRD Weighing in at a tiny 3 pounds, 10 ounces, baby Jackson unknowingly met his mother-to-be in the hospital, although it was not the woman who birthed him.

Claire Mills, a registered nurse at the Woman’s Hospital of Texas, had been given the opportunity to work at Houston Methodist in the medical center as needed. Since she had just purchased a new home near her parents, she decided it would be a good idea to pick up some extra shifts.

“It was my second week on the job there, and I was called to this emergency C-section in which Jackson was born,” Mills said. “The moment he came out, I felt a bond with him. His soul seemed so familiar to me.

The NICU team and I got him settled, and I still wasn’t able to shake the feeling. I had so much love for this baby.”

Later that night, Mills discovered that the mother and father had put the baby up for adoption because they did not have the means to care for him.

“I looked into all of the logistics and found out all that would need to be done in order to adopt him,” she said. “So many little pieces came together in order to make all of this happen. I’ve been taught from a young age that the Lord can move mountains, especially for His will to be done, but wow. I had no idea this was His plan for me all along.”

Although she is single, Claire is not alone, and she appreciates all the support she has in the

Claire Mills care of Jackson.

“I’ve always heard, ‘it takes a village,’ and I never fully understood what all that entailed until recently,” she said. “My mom and dad watch him while I go to work, and my friends help me out as well. It has been a total group effort.”

Mills is still in search of adoption support groups for moms so she can get advice.

“The first week I had Jackson was full of an overwhelming amount of mixed emotions.

From doubt to reassurance. I cried every day! One minute it was because I was questioning whether or not I could do this and the next I was crying because of the overwhelming amount of love and support

we were getting. So many people from different walks of my life were reaching out and sending us things to help with this transition and that was so reassuring. I can’t even express the gratitude we have to everyone who has helped us.”

Another challenge she foresees is navigating the relationships with Jackson’s biological family.

“I would love to have an open relationship between all of us and have them and his siblings play a significant role in his life, but with the right boundaries so that he isn’t disappointed or confused. That’s something I pray about often. Who am I to stop someone from giving my See ADOPT, Page 3

Sugar Shindig

Missouri City finds pride of place in ‘safest communities’ list

Shake a Shimmy at the Shindig with (L-R) Auxiliary President Nappinnai Natarajan, Secondary District Teacher of the Year Lorelei Thorp, Superintendent Dr. Charles Dupre, Auxiliary VP Tina Hood and Elementary District Teacher of the Year Laci Tonnesen.

Enjoy a sweet time with the Fort Bend Education Foundation at the 5th Anniversary Sugar Shindig presented by Pogue Construction on Friday, October 25, at 6:30 pm. Shimmy over to Safari Texas for a casual evening of fun and frolic to raise funds for the teachers and schools of FBISD. The evening includes a fajita dinner, a dessert auction and dancing to the music of Password. This is camaraderie at its finest as staff from FBISD schools and community members vie for the best cakes made by local bakers. The event is hosted by the Angels of Education Auxiliary, whose mission is to create community awareness for the Foundation’s Grants to Teachers and Schools programs. Have your cake and eat it too at this shindig! To purchase tickets, adults only $27/person, or make donations, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation.

Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

NEWS

Smart Financial recognizes theater’s millionth fan

Maureen Kersten, millionth fan, receives a prize at the Smart Financial Centre.

Riverstone will rock food trucks and voter registration at the community’s Sept. 13 Bite Nite Friday.

Five well-known purveyors of street eats will be parked in front of The Club at Riverstone, 18353 University Boulevard, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. A DJ will provide music to dine by and children can jump into the bounce house. A voter registration table will be available for those preparing for the next election.

“Election Day will be here before you know it,” said Shanelle Channell, Riverstone’s Director of Fun. “We thought it would be great to help out anyone who needs to register but might not have the time.”

This month, diners will be able to choose from burgers by Foreign Policy, smoked meat and sliced brisket from Smok’d it Up B.B.Q., Greek favorites by Hangreek, authentic Cajun cuisine by 4 Flavors and traditional malt shop creations from Mary Had A Little Party.

The last Bite Nite Friday of the season is scheduled for Oct. 11. Trucks are subject to change. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Some trucks may be cash-only so diners should stop at the ATM on the way.

Riverstone is located near U.S. 69 and Highway 6. Homes in the community are priced from the $340,000s.

For more information, visit www.riverstone.com

The Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land celebrated its millionth fan, or ticket purchased, on Thursday, August 29, 2019.

Before the performance by country act Rascal Flatts, Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, Smart Financial CEO Larry Seidl and Smart Financial Centre General Manager David Skinner recognized the millionth fan in front of a crowd of approximately 4,500.

The lucky guest, Maureen Kersten, (above) was awarded prizes including a guitar signed by the members of Rascal Flatts and a suite for an upcoming performance.

Mayor Zimmerman also issued a proclamation on behalf of the City recognizing the millionth fan and the

significant attendance milestone for the venue, which opened in January 2017.

“We’re here tonight to recognize our one millionth fan that has come through our doors since we opened in 2017,” said Smart Financial Centre General Manager David Skinner. “You may not be aware that this venue is one of the top ten venues in its size in the world in attendance, and that’s a testament to the City of Sugar Land for the vision they had when building this venue.”

Smart Financial Centre recently ranked 7th in the world in ticket sales in Pollstar’s mid-year ranking of theater venues under 10,000 seats, and 2nd in Texas among all concert venues in the state regardless of size

Ranked #1 in “Houston’s Hottest Music Venues in 2017”, Smart Financial Centre has set a new standard for live performance venues and is equipped to host a wide array of programming including national music and comedy artists, family shows, theatrically-staged Broadway productions and cultural and performing arts attractions.

Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land is managed by Ambassador Theatre Group in partnership with the City of Sugar Land. Many notable artists have performed at Smart Financial Centre including Dave Matthews, Sting, Rod Stewart, Kiss, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, The Killers, Anita Baker, Lionel Richie and many others.

Fort Bend County Fair Senior Citizens’ Day

Did someone say Bingo?

It’s a party on Senior Citizens’ Day at the Fort Bend County Fair. Senior Citizens’ Day is hosted on Monday, September 23, 2019.

Many of these fair goers are veterans to our Fair and have been attending for decades. Guests are treated to live music, bingo, door prizes, and catching up with friends.

Residents who are 55 years or older are welcomed to attend.

This year, the Fort Bend County Fair celebrates 83 years of being part of the community.

President Marjie Pollard has been attending the fair since she was a little girl. “I started showing cattle in the old fair barn on the original fairgrounds on highway 90.

We showed Charolais cattle in the open show; I must have been about 9 or 10 years old.

My momma had us wash the cattle, feed them, and get them

ready for the show. Those are some of my early memories,” said Pollard.

Pollard remembers the early arts and crafts exhibits that her mother, the late Helen Ann Booth and her aunts, all being involved in the Women’s Department.

“As a kid, I remember going up the stairs to the Women’s Department, at that time only women would have entries of homemade goods; like kolaches, canned goods, vegetables, crocheted items, and quilts. They would be displayed on the huge wooden cases. I grew up all over those fairgrounds.”

Pollard is honored to serve as President and looks forward to a great year, “Senior Citizens Day is always a good time and I enjoy seeing everyone that attends enjoying themselves.

That is a great way to get our fair started,” shares the 2019

NEWS

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 • Page 3

Texana Board Chair Dianne Wilson retires

Texana Center announces the retirement of Dianne Wilson, the last founding Board of Trustees member of Texana Center, has retired from the board.

Wilson has been on the Board of Trustees since its creation in 1999 and has led as Board Chair for the last 14 years, Texana Center said while announcing Wilson’s retirement Prior to her appointment to the Texana Center board, Wilson served in the 1980s as Chair of the Volunteer Services Council for Richmond State Supported Living Center and in the 1990s as a member of the Advisory Committee for Central Gulf State Operated Community Services.

In the early years of Texana, the board focused its time President. and energy on successfully Military veterans, former merging two separate classmates, and lifelong organizations, one serving friends are all a part of those those with mental illness and attending. the other serving people with There is no charge or intellectual disabilities. registration to attend.

The board also helped in The doors will open at 8:00 developing Texana’s identity a.m. and activities will begin and increasing the public at 9:00 a.m. awareness of its services to the A hearty stew will be community. served and prepared for Wilson was on the lunch by the Senior Citizens’ committee that hired Texana’s Day Committee.

Local current and only Chief officials, board members, and Executive Officer, George volunteers will be on hand to Patterson, in 2000. help host the day’s events.

The Board also made the Vendors representing decision to move Texana different businesses will be Center’s headquarters to set up and will be providing Rosenberg to be more centrally gift bags for the guest. located in the geographical For more information visit service area. fortbendcountyfair.com or Today, under her leadership, call the Fair Office at 281342-6171.

The 2019 Fort Bend County Fair will run from September 27 to October 6, 2019.

Wilson Texana is an ever-growing and vibrant organization with 850 employees and serving over 14,000 individuals a year at its various facilities in Austin, Colorado, Fort Bend, Matagorda, Waller and Wharton Counties.

With the growth of several programs, the Board decided in 2008 that it would be cost effective to build and/or own its facilities in all six counties.

After raising approximately $3 million in Texana’s first capital campaign, the second campus in Rosenberg opened its doors in 2011. It combined four leased office spaces into the new Service Center and had Texana’s first purpose-built Learning Center for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Texana’s board has approved purchases so that most of the 19 group homes throughout the counties are now owned and operated by Texana

In 2014 with Wilson at the helm, Texana Center expanded again and added four new programs: the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, the Behavior Stabilization Team, Therapy for Tots and the second location of the Children’s Center for Autism.

The following year, the board approved the purchase of 14.5 acres one mile north of downtown Fulshear to build a new regional campus that will serve the most northwestern portion of Fort Bend County as well as Waller, Austin, and Colorado Counties. To date, the Forward Together Capital Campaign has raised approximately $2.2 million and are in the permitting phase for the first building.

Dianne’s retirement also fittingly coincides with Texana Center’s 20th Anniversary.

“We’re grateful for all the years of service that Dianne has given to Texana and are especially thankful that even though she announced her retirement to the Board and Senior Leadership last summer, she agreed to stay until this year to complete this momentous milestone”, said George Patterson.

Dianne and her husband Bob Wilson have been guardians of his sister with intellectual disabilities since 1985 and have shared a long-time passion for helping people facing various challenges. Dianne retired in December 2014 after serving 32 years as the elected County Clerk of Fort Bend County.

NOTICE OF 2019 TAX YEAR NOTICE OF 2019 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPOSED TAXOFRATE FOR PROPERTY TAXPROPERTY RATE FOR CITY MISSOURI CITY OF MISSOURI CITY CITY A tax rate of $0.630000 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Missouri City. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

The governing body of City of Missouri City proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of Public Saftey, Infrastructure, Community Beautification, Personnel, and IT/Fleet Infrastructure.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

Adopt From Page 1 son more love,” she said.

Adoption can often be a difficult and bureaucratic process, but Mills wanted a permanent solution for Jackson.

“From the moment I knew I wanted him, I prayed, ‘Lord, if this is your will and I can provide the best home for this baby, this process will be easy and if not, I won’t force it.’ I called about being interested on a Saturday morning, and he was mine by Monday afternoon.

That was a sure sign to me that I was doing what the Lord intended for us,” Claire said.

Being a nurse and now a mother comes with many challenges, but Mills attributes her strength to having been raised in a Christian environment.

“My faith education helped

me to become a compassionate and understanding nurse,” Mills said. “Dealing with death is not easy, especially during a time that’s supposed to be joyous— welcoming a new baby into the world. I could not imagine what parents who have lost a baby or have to leave their baby in the NICU are going through.

They are trusting us to care and love on their loved ones while they cannot. That is truly an honor. That’s something that my faith has taught me that I can pass down to Jackson.

Have compassion for people, be understanding of everyone’s walk because everyone’s walk will look different, and have integrity.

Mentors from her private Christian high school, Fort Bend Christian Academy, have continued to support Claire even years after her graduation.

FBCA teacher, Linda Wright,

said Claire has always been a person on the side of justice, and she is fighting for justice for Jackson.

“Claire has a hard road ahead of her as a single mom, but she is determined to raise Jackson to know that he is loved and chosen, not just by her but also

by God,” Wright said.

“She is determined to give him the chance to overcome his difficult beginnings. I know that she must be afraid sometimes, but she is such an encourager and such believer that God ordained this, that her comments are positive and optimistic.”

Now, four months after Jackson’s birth, he is a healthy 11 pounds, 12 ounces. He loves people and just started laughing.

“God knew what He was doing when He picked Claire to be Jackson’s mommy,” Wright said.

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

$0.630000 per $100 $0.630000 per $100 $0.603916 per $100 $0.639873 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Missouri City from the same properties in both the 2018 tax year and the 2019 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Missouri City may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Carrie Surratt City of Missouri City tax assessor-collector 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3710 Carrie.Surratt@fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: September 16, 2019 at 7:00 pm at City Hall, Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas.

Second Hearing: September 23, 2019 at 6:00 pm at City Hall, Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas.

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 • Page 4

NEWS Escape to Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s Fall Fun Fest Looking for a place to have a fun filled day with the whole

family? Then you don’t want to miss Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s 6th annual Fall Fun Fest–May the Steam Be With You on Saturday, September 14th on the museum grounds, 1921 Ave F in Rosenberg. The event will include rides on the fabulous Texas Flyer replica steam trackless train, actual steam trains on the garden railroad, visitors from a galaxy far, far away, up close views of trains going by from our rail fan observation deck, operation lifesaver booth, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, model train displays, carnival games, fantastic food trucks, music and much more!. And, to add to the fun, star wars themed costumes are encouraged and welcomed.

The fun starts on Saturday, September 14th at 10 am and goes on until 5pm. $8.00 Admission for everyone 2 yrs and older; Children under 2 are Free. All Fest activities are included with admission. Drinks, food and souvenirs are extra. More information and speed pass advance purchase tickets are available online at our website, www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/ fall-fun-fest/The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading in Fort Bend County.

Literacy Council of Fort Bend County adds new board members

Bynes The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County has added three board members for a threeyear term. Qaisar Imam, Stacy Bynes, and Ann Kingrey.

Qaisar Imam Qaisar “Q” Imam, has served a multitude of Fortune 500 clients during his career as a Senior Manager at IBM. Prior to IBM, Mr. Imam served as a project manager with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) consulting for Public Utility and Healthcare.

In his current capacity as an

Independent Consultant, he is currently working closely with Fort Bend County to help establish the healthcare industry as the next economic driver in the county. He is also a co-founder of Villa Di Maria Montessori school in Sugar Land. He believes in community service as evidenced by his involvement with the Exchange Club of Fort Bend County, Asian Pacific Islander Affairs, the Fort Bend Rainbow Room, the Islamic Arts Society of Houston, Toys for Tots/Santa’s Exchange, American Cancer Society, Hope for Three, and the Fort Bend Independent Scholl District.

He and Bushra Cheema have been married 26 years, and they have three children.

Stacy Bynes is a native Texan and long-time Sugar Land resident who has devoted herself to serving our community. Her deep passion for volunteerism includes serving in many volunteer leadership roles for the Fort Bend

Imam Independent School District.

She also volunteered for local organizations including fundraising for The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation and Grant A Starr Family Fun Run and Co-Leader for Girl Scout Troop 3519. She is a past Board President and recordbreaking Gala Co-chair for the Fort Bend Education Foundation and is a Lifetime Member

of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Professionally, Stacy has an extensive background in local, regional and national Business Development, Management, Marketing, and Sales with Page Parkes Corporation, KHOU-TV, Southern Living Magazine, TIRR Foundation, and Welcome Wagon. She is a former board member and current Director of Membership and Marketing for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Stacy is a graduate of Sam Houston State University. She and her husband Spencer have been married for nearly 25 years and have two daughters.

Ann Kingrey, BSN, RN, IBCLC is the nurse navigator for women’s services and pelvic floor at Memorial Hermann Hospital Sugar Land.

Originally from North Carolina, Ann has been a resident of Richmond, TX since 2007 after moving from Louisiana.

Ann is married to Bill and they have two sons – Will who is a

Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 19 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at The Muller Law Group, PLLC, 202 Century Square Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. 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. Cooper, R. Iyer, G. Wong & J. Arndt (none) (none) K. Sheth

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 increase 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 increase in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of increase

$

This Year

0.680 /$100

Adopted

$364,886

$ $0.000 /$100 0.0000%

$ 0 $364,886 $ 2,481.22

0.680 /$100

Proposed

$366,731 $ 0 $366,731 $2,493.77

$12.55 0.5058%

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.

Kingrey Texas Tech graduate and works in Houston, and Beau who is a senior at Texas A&M. She is also on the boards of the Fort Bend Junior Service League Sustainers, the Fort Bend Aggie Mom’s Club, the Sigma Chi Mom’s Club, and Sigma Theta Tau, nursing honor society at the University of Houston, Sugar Land campus. Ann is a member of Faith United

Methodist Church in Richmond. She enjoys cooking and entertaining (especially during crawfish season), the beach and University of North Carolina basketball!

“The Literacy Council of for Bend County is very fortunate to have such dedicated and experienced leadership on the Board of Directors. We are looking forward to the future with talented leadership to guide us.”, Kelli Metzenthin, Executive Director.

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.

Sugar Land man gets two 20-year prison term for sexual assault of a child

A 43-year old Sugar Land resident was sentenced to two 20-year prison terms by Fort Bend County District Court Judge Maggie Perez Jaramillo on Aug. 30.

Calvin Ray Alley had previously pled guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and requested that the court assess his punishment.

Evidence presented by prosecutors Melissa Muñoz and Jenna Rudoff showed that the defendant engaged in sexual conduct with a 12-year old female in Sugar Land in 2017.

The child disclosed the sexual abuse to a relative, who subsequently contacted the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.

Fort Bend County Precinct One Deputy Constable Cory Hansen (formerly an investigator with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office) investigated the cases.

The defendant’s spiritual leader, brother, and mother testified on the defendant’s behalf during the sentencing hearing. The defendant also testified, admitting to the offenses.

The child’s mother, a representative from the Fort Bend County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, and the child’s therapist testified on behalf of the State.

Lead prosecutor Melissa Muñoz said “This defendant gained this child’s trust. He gained the trust of the child’s family. And then he violated that trust. This child showed great courage in coming forward and telling someone about the sexual abuse. It is because of this child that Calvin Alley will not be able to harm any other children.”

“Holding Alley accountable for his crimes would not have been possible without the courage of this child and the support her family provided her. We are so proud of her and her family,” added prosecutor Jenna Rudoff.

District Attorney Brian Middleton emphasized that “Working together with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Child Advocates of Fort Bend, and all the other agencies involved in this case led to justice being served once more in Fort Bend County.”

Alley was prosecuted in the 400th District Court by Assistant District Attorneys Melissa Munoz and Jenna Rudoff.

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a First Degree Felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Alley was probation eligible.

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.

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 • Page 5

NEWS

Missouri City keeps property tax rate unchanged, slightly raises budget expenditures

By BARABARA FULENWIDER Missouri City’s property tax rate will remain unchanged for the next fiscalyear.

The city is proposing 63 cents per $100 property valuation, which is the current tax rate.

Missouri City’s 2020 proposed budget is $54.50 million -- $2.63 million more than the FY 2019 budget of $51.96 million.

Property taxes for fiscal year (FY) 2019 will be 0.46000 cents for the M&O (maintenance) and operations) rate and 0.17000 for the I&S (interest and sinking) rate for a total of $0.63 cents per $100 valuation.

Total property tax collections for FY19 are estimated to be $41.5 million or 99.42% of the tax levy, including the TIRZs. For the 2019-20 year the general fund is estimated to be $48,896,591 and proposed at $54,591,174.

The seven revenue funds combined brought in $136 million in 2018 and are proposed to bring in $155.2 million in 2019.

Operating expenditures per capita are proposed at $838.15 for 2019 and were $766.44 in 2018.

Operating revenues per capita for 2020 is put at $699.24 compared to $689.05 in 2019 and $777.32 in 2018

when the budget was 15 months long.

The operating expenditures per capita are higher now because the current population of Missouri City has grown from 71,482 in 2016 to 74,497 in 2018, and is expected to be 78,787 in fiscal year 2020.

Debt service has also grown from $9. 24 million in 2016 to $10.3 million in 2019 and is proposed to be $11.44 million for 2020.

The revenues from all funds for 2020 are expected to total $134,319,388.

The general fund takes in 40.14% of the total revenues, the utility funds bring in another 24.74%, capital projects, 10.43%, special revenue funds, 9.52%, debt service fund, 8.41%, other enterprise funds, 5.79%, and equipment replacement funds, 0.96%.

All fund expenditures for 2020 are proposed at $155,189,480 with the general fund again spending the most at 35.18%.

It is followed by utility funds at 29.41%; capital projects funds, 13.79%; special revenue funds, 8.33%; debt service fund, 7.37%; other enterprise funds, 5.07%, and equipment replacement funds, 0.84%.

Personnel costs are proposed at $32,216,802 and the next highest cost is

utilities at $2,267,846. Total expenditures are $49,637,855 with an ending fund balance projected to be $14,957,544.

Other sources of funds are property tax/assessments at 36.35%; charges for services, 17.18%; transfer for and administration, 12.75%; sales and other taxes, 9.92%; etc.

The safety of residents is major and is why police and fire have large expenditures.

For 2020 the police department is estimated to get $13.5 million in this fiscal year and proposed to have a budget of $14. 3 million.

Total expenditures were $16,427,435 in 2018 when the fiscal year was extended.

The increase in the FY20 proposed budget compared to the FY19 budget was in order to implement the fiscal year 2020 compensation plan and associated increases in the benefits to cover the full 26 pay periods in FY20 and funding for a vehicle.

The Missouri City Fire Department also gets an increase that is $9,461,914 compared to the 2019 estimate of $8,827,069.

The FY19 budget for total expenditures of the fire department was $9,368,795.

The increase is to cover benefits, part-time fire inspector position, a parttime administrative assistant; protective clothing, equipment

Fort Bend ISD is excited to launch a new weekly video series to help promote literacy development in young learners.

Each Thursday, Fort Bend ISD will release a new “Goodnight, Fort Bend” video that features an FBISD staff or community member reading a children’s tale.

The videos will be shared each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. on the District’s Facebook page, and also posted to the

District’s website at www. fortbendisd.com/goodnightfortbend.

“Building the foundation for literacy begins at home, and before students ever enroll in Fort Bend ISD,” said Fort Bend ISD Director of Literacy Lisa Coston.

“It is our hope that our greater FBISD community will partner with us to share and promote these videos, encouraging and promoting literacy to young children.”

The first video will be shared Thursday, September 5, and will feature Dr. Charles Dupre, the FBISD Superintendent of Schools.

“Goodnight, Fort Bend” is part of a larger effort called “Fort Bend Reads,” which aims to give adults the resources they need to help promote the development of literacy skills.

For more information and resources, visit https://www. fortbendisd.com/fbisdreads.

Fort Bend ISD launches “Goodnight, Fort Bend” to promote literacy

for new fire engine, desktop audit, third party review, and funding for a Junior Explorer Program.

City Manager Anthony Snipes says the proposed annual budget is “structurally balanced” and has a “special focus” on community transparency and staff facilitated discussions and meetings to gain the community’s perspective.

“The city has and will continue to construct capital projects that are reflected in both prior and current capital improvement program budgets.

“The total proposed budget including CIP for 2020, net of transfers, is $138.07 million.”

It will provide funding for three full time positions, continue the same level of service to citizens, focus on public safety and economic development, and maintain a healthy fund balance of $14 million.

Missouri City’s economic outlook remains strong, Snipes said.

The city now has 3 million square feet of space in various development phases that are Park 8Ninety, 4M Investments, City Park Logistics Center, Ridge Development, Hakeem Olajuwon Development (Dream Court), and more potential development along the Fort Bend Toll Road.

While the city averaged only 0.8 economic development projects per year over the past 20 years, six were completed this past year and are Best Buy, Comcast, NatureBest, Phillips Edison, Ridge Development, and Warren Alloy.

The city manager said retail continues to develop along Hwy. 6 and “there is a great deal of development along the entire corridor with the greatest concentration proximate to Sienna.”

Retail and commercial development continues and includes NewQuest with 250,000 sq.-ft. that will house a Cinemark Theater and numerous retail uses; Terramark Ventures; Realty 1; Williamsburg Enterprises, has a Spec’s and 24 Hour Fitness with two more coming; Johnson Development/Sienna Town Center and Clinton Wong Property by Hightower High School, which is to be a multi-family property.

Residential development continues to grow in Missouri City and includes Liberty Ridge Subdivision with 165 new homes on 40.4 acres; Mustang Trails with 231 new homes; Pebble Brook Subdivision, 52 new homes; Parks Edge, 1,037 new homes; and Gala and Jubilee at Texas Parkway with 240 senior units on 23 acres.

City council this

past February ranked economic development and redevelopments as their No. 1 priority.

The first one is to start in September and is the Grand Park Center on Texas Parkway. Staff is also working for the redevelopment of Quail Corner and Missouri City Central.

The Draper Property of 52 acres behind CVS at the intersection of FM 2234 and Cartwright is for sale and there might be a Starbucks coming near Fondren Road and Beltway 8.

Over the past 10 years the city and its partners have invested more than $41 million in the Texas Parkway and Cartwright Road area in capital projects, parks, activities, etc.

Some of what has happened is HCC’s new $24 million campus; Missouri City Gym restoration; construction of a new parks maintenance facility; Texas Leaguer Brewing Company at Pike Road; Quail Valley Shopping Center update; Discount Tire; Thomas Taylor Parkway development of former Sonic site; new C-store under development at Independence Boulevard and Texas Parkway, and Missouri City Library renovations.

Yes, the city is thriving in many ways.

AccessHealth and Partners serve 2,000 children at Back-to-School Health Fairs

VOTER REGISTRATION. Fort Bend County Precinct 4’s Libraries opened their doors to the first County Voter Registration event on Tuesday September 3rd. At the direction of Commissioner Ken R. DeMerchant, the First Colony Branch Library and University Branch Library partnered with the League of Women Voters of Fort Bend to serve as voter registration sites. Commissioner DeMerchant’s pilot program will enable voter registration access to Fort Bend County residents. Registration is available every first Tuesday and first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Colony Branch Library on 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX, and every first Wednesday and first Saturday of each Month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University Branch Library on 14010 University Blvd. Sugar Land.

Library’s “Art & Architecture” Series Focuses on Gothic Cathedrals

Unprecedented numbers of families benefited from this year’s Community Operation Back-to-School Health Fairs. In celebration of National Health Center Week, AccessHealth hosted fairs on August 3 in Richmond and August 10 in Missouri City.

Backpacks prefilled with school supplies were given to approximately 2,000 students.

Additionally, over 300 health screenings were provided free of charge which included dental, vision, and hearing screenings.

AccessHealth and Fort Bend County Health and Human Services administered an estimated total of 158 vaccines combined.

Fifty-three children re-

ceived sports physicals and 29 children received free haircuts. In partnership with the Fort Bend County Collaborative Information System, 726 shoes were provided for students, and in partnership with Houston Food Bank 1,100 meals were served onsite for children.

Sponsors included Fort Bend County Constables Precinct 2, City of Missouri City, Fort Bend County Collaborative Information System, St. John’s United Methodist Church, Community Health Choice, City of Richmond, Reliant an NRG Company, LabCorp, Houston Food Bank, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Allegiance Bank, Cen-

terPoint Energy, Sister’s with Style, Southern Ice Cream and Niagara Bottling.

Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage of Precinct 2 once again provided generous in-kind support for this year’s health fairs.

Brenda Patton, Community Relations Manager for Precinct 2 and Sharonda DeBose of AccessHealth served as CoChairs of the planning committee which included members of the Fort Bend County Collaborative Information System.

To kick off the health fairs, AccessHealth hosted its inaugural Back-to-School Breakfast at the Marriott in Sugar Land Town Center. Keynote speaker, Judge KP George

Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sugar Land Branch Library will have an educational series focusing on “Art & Architecture” this fall. The first program in the series, “Art & Architecture: Gothic Cathedrals,” will take place on Saturday, September 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge.

In this segment in the series, architecture professor Sheba Akhtar will talk about the design origins of Gothic Cathedrals, which flourished in Europe during the High and Late Middle Ages, originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century.

Hear about how characteristics of the Gothic period, including urbanization, economic prosperity, professional guilds, the crusades (1095-1291), and the veneration of the Virgin Mary, influenced the design of structures such as the Basilica of St. Denis, Chartres Cathedral, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Akhtar will also talk about Abbott Suger and the incorporation of stained-glass windows in structures.

An assistant architecture professor at Prairie View A&M University, Akhtar received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and taught art and archi-

tecture history for 20 years. She has practiced as an architect in the United States, England, Scotland, Jordan, and Pakistan.

She is the author of “Of Colour and Form” and numerous articles on art and architecture.

The series will continue in October with a program on Renaissance Architecture.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-238-2140) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

addressed an audience of approximately 300 guests about the importance of preparing students for a healthy and successful school year.

AccessHealth provides integrated healthcare services at its Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City, Brookshire and

East Fort Bend clinics without regard to income or circumstance to improve the quality of life in Fort Bend County.

AccessHealth is a United Way agency recognized at the highest level as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Qual-

ity Assurance.

For more information about AccessHealth or the 2019 Community Operation Backto-School Health Fairs, contact Lacie Sumpter at (281) 633-3157 or lsumpter@myaccesshealth.org

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 • Page 6

PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION Fort Bend County

9110 Long St. Needville, Tx. PREVIEW: Tues., 9/10/19 AUCTION ENDS: Fri., 9/13/19 FEATURED ITEMS Computer Equip., Shop Tools, Office Furniture, Lockers, Radio Tower, Zero Turn Mowers, Police Equip., & More www.fortbendauction.com (800)243-1113 OR (281)357-4977 NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS

§

COUNTY OF FORT BEND

§

By virtue of an Order of Sale dated JULY 26,2019 delivered pursuant to a Judgment issued out of the 268th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas, said judgment rendered in favor of THE COMMONWEALTH CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC., plaintiff, and against Zhi Zhou Zhang and Yue Liu, defendant, in Cause No. 18-DCV-250092, for the sum of EIGHT-THOUSAND-SEVEN-HUNDREDNINETY- SIX DOLLARS AND–THIRTY -THREE- CENTS 33/100’s ($8796.33), plus fees for posting notices, publishing, and all costs of executing sale. I did on the 13TH day of AUG, 2019, at 3:00 PM, levy upon the following described tract of land in Fort Bend County, Texas, as the property of Zhi Zhou Zhang and Yue Liu, defendant(s), to-wit: LOT SIX (6), IN BLOCK TWO (2) , OF BRIDGEWATER SECTION TWO (2), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NOS. 1182/B AND 1183/A,OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 4523 DEVONSHIRE STREET SUGAR LAND, TX 77479 and on OCT 1, 2019, being the first Tuesday of said month, between the hours of 10:00 o’clock a.m. and 4:00 o’clock p.m., at 301 JACKSON ST, FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS BLDG RICHMOND TX. I will offer for sale and sell at public auction for cash, all the right, title and interest of Zhi Zhou Zhang and Yue Liu, defendant, in and to said property.

LOCATION: FORT BEND COUNTY TRAVIS 301 JACKSON ST 1ST FLR MEETING RM RICHMOND, TX 77469 DATE: OCT 1, 2019 TIME: APPROX. 11:00 AM BY Sergeant M. Kutach TREVER J. NEHLS Constable Pct. 4 Fort Bend County, Texas 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

HCC keeps tax rate unchanged; Renews Chancellor’s contract

The HCC Board of Trustees assured—by a unanimous vote at the September 4 board meeting—that for the fourth consecutive year HCC taxpayers will benefit from good fiscal budgetary management resulting in a zero-tax rate increase.

The board also renewed Chancellor Cesar Maldonado’s contract, and as HCC looks to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2021, the board reflected on the past five years of the Chancellor’s leadership. “Chancellor Maldonado has been a visionary

leader, and we look forward to working with him on many of the strategic initiatives he has put in place moving forward,” HCC Board Chair Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said. “Serving on the HCC board has been an honor and a privilege and working with Dr. Maldonado has been rewarding both to the Board of Trustees and to the College.”

HCC continues to expand its campus footprint and has contributed to the growth and stability of the local economy.

“The HCC Board of Trustees are mindful of students as well

NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 458TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on August 28, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND COUNTY VS. GUILLERMO CHAPELLIN, ET AL in Cause# 16-DCV-237169 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, 1 will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 1st day of October, 2019, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 30 I Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 2: GEO: 3715010040060 Lot 6 in Block 4 of Hickory Creek, Section One, a subdivision in Fort Bend County, Texas according to the map or plat thereof recorded in Slide No. 569/B of the Map Records of Fort Bend County, Texas.

TRACT 1: GEO: 3715010040170 Lot 17 in Block 4 of Hickory Creek, Section One, a subdivision in Fort Bend County, Texas according to the map or plat thereof recorded under Slide No. 569/B of the Plat Records of Fort Bend County, Texas.

Levied on September 4,2019 as the property of GUILLERMO CHAPELLIN, ROSITA CHAPELLIN to satisfy a judgment amounting to $9,960.98, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT# 34, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. Given under my hand on September 4, 2019.

WAYNE K. THOMPSON, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 22333 Grand Corner Dr., Ste 103 Katy, Tx 77494 David Rivera , #1322 Deputy Constable.

NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 458TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on September 3, 2019 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND COUNTY ET AL, VS. SUPINDA FLY, ET AL in Cause# 18-DCV-256225 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, 1 will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 1st day of October, 2019, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 30 I Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 3 105 140010010914 LOT I IN BLOCK I OF FIRETHORNE, SECTION 14, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20070014 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on September 4,2019 as the property of Supinda Fly, Firethorne Community Association, Inc. to satisfy a judgment amounting to $30,375.39, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT# 15, FORT BEND COUNTY, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, AND KATY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. Given under my hand on September 4, 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

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.

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

WAYNE K. THOMPSON, CONSTABLE Fort Bend County Precinct 3 22333 Grand Corner Dr., Ste 103 Katy, Tx 77494 David Rivera, #1322 Deputy Constable.

as taxpayers, as HCC has controlled in-district tuition and fees so that they remain the lowest in the area,” Maldonado said. “It is a privilege to serve this College and the people of Houston. I look forward to growing HCC’s delivery of 21st century education and broadening services to support student success. We will dare to discover new models, new methods, and new relationships as we reach new heights in serving our constituents.”

During the board meeting, newly appointed Trustee Maxine Lane-Seals was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Joe Stephens, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Place 1. LaneSeals replaced the trustee who moved from District II. She will serve through December 31, 2019.

A video was presented at the meeting showing the many successes the College has experienced during Maldonado’s term.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Sienna Plantation, Section 15A, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 69, Precinct 4.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

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

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

Fall 2019 Vegetable – Herb Plant Sale The Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are holding their annual Fall Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale on Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The sale will be held in the Bud O’Shieles Community Center located at 1330 Band Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The varieties of plants offered for sale have been recommended for Fort Bend County by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and are grown by the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.

The cooler temperatures of fall provide a great opportunity to grow vegetables in Fort Bend County. Many varieties thrive during our fall season and several will continue to produce until early spring, weather permitting! Some of the vegetable plants that will be available include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, celery, Swiss chard, cauliflower, lettuce, mustard greens, collards, and pak choi.

Fall is also a good time to add herbs to your garden. Herbs brighten up many recipes and also make wonderful landscape plants since many of them are perennial. Chamomile, cilantro, dill, parsley, sage, salad burnet and thyme are some of the herbs that will be available.

Visit https://fbmg.org/events/annual-sales/vegetable-herbsale/ for a complete list of plants offered for sale, directions to the sale-including parking. All proceeds from the sales are used to support the educational programs offered throughout the year.

This sale, along with the Fruit & Citrus Tree Sale and Spring Vegetable-Herb Plant Sale, help us purchase materials for our training and educational efforts, demonstration garden plants, and materials. No funds are used to pay volunteers nor are these funds used for anything unrelated to our mission. For more information call 281-341-7068.

Fall Vegetable Gardening Workshop Saturday Sept. 21, 9 a.m. -11 a.m.

Missouri City Rec & Tennis Center 2701 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City 77459

Learn from Fort Bend Master Gardeners to make a Fall Vegetable Garden and get seedlings to start you off. Cost: $15, which includes ONE free fall plant (additional family members free). Pre-registration is required and the class is limited to the first 30 registrants. Online registration is now available at missouricitygreen.org PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Fort Bend ISD High School No. 11, Ridge Point High School, Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Jeske Road (between SH 36 and FM 1994), Precinct 1.

The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter.

Submitted by,

Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF October 1, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 20-305) City-Wide Coffee and Related Services for Employees and Citizens Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. 20-305 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the work otherwise when in the best interests of the City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Dependent Administration for the Estate of Hunter James Sims, Deceased, were issued on August 29th, 2019, in Cause No. 19-CPR032918, pending in the County Court at Law No. 2, Fort Bend County, Texas, to: Robin Sims.

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: Hrbacek Law Firm, P. C. 130 Industrial Blvd., Ste. 110 Sugar land, Texas 77478 DATED this, the 3rd day of September, 2019.

Hrbacek law Firm Dean A Hrbacek State Bar No.: 10128800 dhrbacek@hrbacek. com Carissa Peterson State Bar No.: 24057618 cpeterson@hrbacek.com Email for service: service@hrbacek.com 130 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 Telephone: (281) 240-2424 Facsimile: (281) 240-7089 ATTORNEYS FOR DEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR

City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE THIS IS A MANDATED PUBLICATION OF THE LEGAL NOTICE ******* OPENING DATE OF September 24, 2019 AT 2:00 pm. ******* Invitation for Bid (IFB No. 19-341) Paving and Drainage Improvements for Independence Blvd.

Segment 2; Commodity Code: 913-95 Pre-Bid Conference is September 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM Responses must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. Responses must be delivered to the attention of City of Missouri City Attn: Purchasing Office IFB No. 19-341 1522 Texas Parkway Missouri City, Texas 77489 Prior to the acceptance deadline. Responses marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Until final award of the contract, the City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive irregularities or technicalities, to re-advertise, or proceed to do the work otherwise when in the best interests of the City. No bid may be withdrawn during the 60 days following the bid opening date.

COMMUNITY

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 • Page 7

Missouri City Branch Library Open House In recognition of its Grand Re-Opening this summer, Fort

Bend County Libraries’ Missouri City Branch Library, located at 1530 Texas Parkway, will host an Open House on Saturday, September 14, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm.

The public is invited to tour the library’s renovated space and new addition, and enjoy some fun craft activities and refreshments for the whole family.

The Friends of the Missouri City Branch Library will have a special Fall Book & Craft Sale as part of the event.

The open house is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100).

Cullinan Park Conservancy hosts Photo Contest – Deadline Sept. 20

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 2018 1st Place in the Wildlife Category, “Mid-day Reflections” by Rosemary Brooks of Houston Cullinan Park Conservancy (CPC) invites photographers of all levels to submit photos to its annual photo contest underway now. The contest is in conjunction with the Conservancy’s third annual fundraising event, the “Picnic for the Park” luncheon, presented by Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, on Friday, October 18 at River Pointe Church in Richmond.

The deadline for photo contest submission is Friday, September 20 to allow for time to judge winning photos as they will be announced at the luncheon.

Photographers may submit photos under the following four categories: flora (trees, flowers, plants), landscape, wildlife and photographer’s choice. To encourage young photographers, the Conservancy is also extending an “18 and under” category so youth and teenagers can be judged with their peers.

There is no fee to participate and winners will receive bragging rights. Anyone is eligible to participate, but photographs must be taken at Joseph S. and Lucie H. Cullinan Park, just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport on Highway 6 in Sugar Land. The photos may be taken any time of year. Participants may submit up to five photos for the contest.

For more details and rules, please visit https://www.cullinanparkconservancy.org/Contest.

The Conservancy was created in 2010 to advocate for, enhance and protect the natural beauty of the 754-acre Cullinan Park for all. The one of a kind, blue-green oasis in the middle of rapidly growing suburbs provides habitat for all manner of wildlife, while delivering a respite for human visitors, too.

2018 1st Place in the Flora Category, “Lotus Blossom with Spider” by William Maroldo of Sugar Land

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

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

INDEPENDENT • SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 • Page 8

COMMUNITY

Sienna Goes Gold During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Following a tradition of charitable giving, Sienna has launched the Go Gold Home Tour this month, with proceeds benefitting A Shelter for Cancer Families (ASCF) and Marlee’s Smile in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

During the tour, supporters can pick up free Go Gold yard signs at any of 10 models in Sienna’s Heritage Park model home park (while supplies last). Yard signs also can be purchased for a minimum $10 donation.

People can also nominate homes within Sienna to be “gold rushed” for a minimum $20 donation. Volunteers with ASCF will place 15 yellow ribbons in the yard of the person nominated, who will then have the opportunity to suggest another Sienna yard to be decorated. Those interested are encouraged to book early as there are limited availabilities.

“We want the neighborhood of Sienna to be an example to others as to what grassroots awareness efforts can achieve in terms of creating awareness for childhood cancer,” said ASCF Chief Executive Monica Agostinelli, an 11-year Sienna resident.

As part of the campaign, Sienna will donate $25 for each selfie shot in a Heritage Park model home and posted with hashtags #GoGold and #SiennaGivesBack to the community’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/siennatx, during September.

There will be a bonus $5 added for each person in the photo wearing a Go Gold T-shirt, available via www.siennatx.com.

Up to $5,000 will be donated through the social media postings.

“Spreading awareness is a goal of the campaign and what better way to do that than on social media,” said Allison Bond, Sienna Marketing Director. “During its 20-plus years, Sienna has been a good steward of the community, lending support to countless charitable endeavors. We are committed to helping make Fort Bend County and beyond a better place.”

This isn’t the first time Sienna has supported ASCF. Last year, the community donated $5,200 from its November Sip & Stroll event.

Both ASCF and Marlee’s Smile were founded by Sienna residents. Missy Amschwand Bellinger co-founded ASCF in honor of her husband Tom Amschwand who passed away at age 30

from sarcoma. The non-profit provides tangible support to families affected by cancer, including housing, navigation services and more. Details can be found at www.cancerfamilies.org.

Marlee’s Smile was the wish of 12-year-old Marlee Pack, who battled rhabdomyosarcoma for four years before succumbing to the cancer in February. During her own fight, Marlee organized efforts to give oncology patients Build-A-Bear stuffed animals to brighten their day. The charity continues to provide teddy bears to children with cancer and their siblings. Marlee was also instrumental during last year’s Go Gold campaign, going door-to-door in Sienna asking neighbors to participate.

Learn more about the organization at www.marleessmile.org.

Sienna is located along Highway 6 near the Fort Bend Parkway in Missouri City. Sixteen builders have opened 25 models in the community, with homes priced from the $250,000s to more than $1 million. Learn more at www.siennatx.com. Details on Sienna’s Go Gold home tour can be found at https:// www.siennatx.com/gold.

IS JOINT PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN? JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 6 p.m.

Dr. Michael D. Kent and Dr. Thomas B. Rivers will discuss and answer your questions on: • Causes of joint pain such as arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis • Types of arthritis • Treatment options

Michael D. Kent, MD Joint Replacement

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/jointpain-sl or call 281.274.7500.

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

Thomas B. Rivers, MD Knee and Shoulder