Area candidate forums to focus on education - Page 2
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Changes loom for Missouri City METRO services By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
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Those who live and work in Missouri City may soon need to adjust to an upcoming change in public transportation. During a public hearing Jan. 28, residents went before METRO’s board of directors to provide feedback before METRO
implements a service change in the city that will take effect later this month. METRO spokesperson Laura Whitley said the regional transit authority is proposing the discontinuation of Route 364 in Missouri City and expansion of the current zone for Route 363 – the Missouri City Community Connector – to cover the area previously served by
Route 364, which extends down Highway 6. The 364 route service currently has seven stops along Highway 6 from Cartwright Road all the way to the Fort Bend Toll Road at fixed intervals. Riders can then ask for a METRO is changing the specifics of its service in Missouri drop-off within half a mile City. (Photo from Facebook) on either side of the route, according to METRO. change is meant to consoliMETRO officials said date resources as METRO SEE METRO PAGE 6 during the meeting that the attempts to better serve
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Fort Settlement Middle School teacher Ken Lee (center) helps Harper Houston (left) and Hannah Figueredo work on an assignment. Fort Settlement recently named a "school to watch" in part because of its educational programs and instructors. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
Fort Settlement recognized for standout development programs By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
County authorities confiscate Fentanyl during traffic stop From Staff Reports
Fort Bend County authorities found $100,000 worth of Fentanyl during a traffic stop last week, according to information released by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. Jose Alejandro Olivares, 37, of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on a first-degree felony charge of Manufacturing/ Delivery of a Controlled Substance and a third-degree
SEE FENTANYL PAGE 5
Over the last five years, Principal Michael Hejducek said he and his staff at Fort Settlement Middle School have searched tirelessly for ways to evolve. The efforts have not gone unnoticed, and honors keep piling up. Last week, Fort Settlement was designated a 2020 Texas School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform, according to a news release from Fort Bend ISD. This comes just six months after the Sugar Land middle school achieved the area’s high water mark in Texasbased Children at Risk’s rankings, coming in sixth
Fort Settlement is the first Fort Bend ISD school to earn the "school to watch" honor. (Photo from Fort Settlement Middle School Facebook)
receive the distinction since its implementation in 1999, and the first FBISD campus to receive it.
“We congratulate Michael Hejducek and his staff, students and parents for being a campus that
does great things for all of
SEE DEVELOPMENT PAGE 7
Gates, Markowitz both confident ahead of potential rematch By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Olivares
among Houston-area middle schools and 19th in the state. “Receiving this distinction validates that Fort Settlement is committed to meeting the unique needs of our students by fostering a community of academic excellence and social responsibility,” Hejducek said Friday. According to its website, the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform is an “alliance of educators, researchers, national associations and officers of professional organizations and foundations committed to promoting academic performance and healthy development of young adolescents.” Fort Settlement is one of 45 Texas schools to
The District 28 seat in the Texas House of Representatives will remain in Republican hands for now. Its future remains very much in flux ahead of this November’s election, when the seat will be up for grabs once again. Republican Gary Gates defeated Democrat Eliz Markowitz in the runoff to replace Republican John
Zerwas, who resigned at the end of September, in the special election that culminated last week. Gates will serve out the remainder of Zerwas’ term that runs through next January. But Markowitz, who plans to run for the seat again this November, is not discouraged. She was the leading vote-getter Nov. 5, when she was the only Democrat in a field of seven candidates. “We knew this election would be tough — it’s not
easy to take on Republicans in an off-year special election, but we made this seat competitive in a way it’s never been before,” Markowitz said in a statement following last week’s results. The competition continues for Gates, who must win a March 3 primary against Republican challenger Schell Hammel to earn a rematch with Markowitz in the general election. Markowitz is unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Gates
Markowitz
In last week’s runoff, which some political pundits viewed as a harbinger
for a potential Democrat-
SEE DISTRICT 28 PAGE 8
THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, February 5, 2020
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Area candidate events to focus on public education District 26
From Staff Reports
Candidates for local seats in the Texas House of Representatives will focus on public education during a series of upcoming forums. The forums are part of a series of more than 40 nonpartisan “For the Future” candidate forums and town halls across the state coordinated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation in the weeks leading up to the March 3 primary election. Candidates for three races impacting Fort Bend County – Texas House District 26, 28 and 85 – will begin next week. In House District 26, there are seven candidates – four Democrats
Jetton
Oberoi
Allen
DeMerchant
District 28
Chan
Lalani
Morgan
Hammel
and three Republicans – that will attend the first event scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 445 Commerce Green Blvd., in Sugar Land.
scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at Tad’s Louisiana Cooking Restaurant at 1425 FM 1463 in Katy. At 6 p.m. Feb. 25, District 85 candidate Abolaji Tijani Ayobami will join fellow Republicans Phil Stephenson and Robert Boettcher and Democrat Joey Cardenas III at the Rosenberg Civic Center at 3825 Texas 36.
Meanwhile, Republicans Gary Gates and Schell Hammell will join Democrat Eliz Markowitz in the District 28 forum
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Do national endorsements matter in local politics? It’s a certainty with every election cycle. You hear candidates and pundits tout the political backing of what they claim is a significant name or organization. Similar to sports analysts who often claim the biggest freeagent signing means giving a trophy to the offseason winner, certain political endorsements are thought to be game changers. But the adage that has come to be uttered in many sports may very well have held true in a recent local election: That’s why games are played on the field, not on paper. Last week, Republican Gary Gates defeated Democrat Eliz Markowitz in a special runoff election for District 28 in the Texas House of Representatives, which includes much of Fort Bend County, by garnering about 58 per-
cent of the vote. He will
Landan Kuhlmann LEAD REPORTER
serve out the remaining term of fellow Republican John Zerwas, who stepped down last year. It was a landslide victory that, on the surface, seemed out of place in a seat many view as a harbinger for future power in Austin. A number of political pundits predicted a close race or even a win for Markowitz. Rice University political science professor Bob Stein also told The Star in an interview just prior to the
runoff that he expected a closely-contested race – not a baseless speculation at all given some of the recent cycles. Some county commissioner seats and the Fort Bend County Judge seats went blue during the last cycle, while Zerwas won the District 28 seat by just an 8 percent margin in the 2018 race. Last week, however, the seat remained in Republican hands by those whopping 16 percentage points. So what gives? Both candidates had plenty of prominent endorsements from their respective parties. Gates earned the backing of U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls and Zerwas himself. Markowitz, meanwhile, secured endorsements from Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, while
former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke was in Fort Bend in early January to campaign on her behalf. That’s what I really want to dig into. Imagine if you were to look at endorsements and supporters as a sports roster. Based solely on name power, Markowitz’s lineup featured political heavy hitters. Biden, Warren and O’Rourke read like a “who’s who” of political influencers much like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer read as stars for the Astros. There was no denying – at least on paper – Markowitz’s advantage. But when I spoke with Gates late last week, he seemed to be under the impression that endorsements of national politicians – whose values might lean away from those in the local district –
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had little effect on voters’ thought processes. The endorsements even could have hurt Markowitz, because the mouthpieces aren’t boots on the ground here. I have no way of knowing the actual machinations or mental gymnastics that voters went through before casting a vote for either candidate. It’s to each their own. So on the one hand, O’Rourke, Warren and Biden are obviously powerful names on the political playing field. They’ve been around the block and people know their names. So, it’s never a bad idea to have people like them clearly in your corner. However, the other side – the one I tend to lean toward – is that they’re really not that influential in local politics. Nor, in my opinion as a voter, should they be.
If a campaigner shows up at my door, I want to hear the plan straight from the horse’s mouth. These national folks aren’t here in our community every day, they don’t necessarily see what issues arise in Sugar Land, Stafford, Missouri City or Meadows Place, in Richmond or Rosenberg. Why should I put stock in a political mouthpiece with no local skin in the game? It will be interesting to see whether Gates or Markowitz change up their strategies ahead of the March primaries and a potential rematch this November. Because while certain endorsements may read like an All-Star roster, relying on them as opposed to plans for local neighborhoods could cause someone to strike out in their bid for Austin. The game may just be getting started.
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@FtBendAthletics:
Kempner moves down in UIL realignment Kempner's Charles Alia takes a handoff during a Sept. 28 matchup against Ridge Point at Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land. After competing in District 20-6A for the last six seasons, Kempner was reassigned to District 10-5A in the UIL's biennial realignment released Monday. (File photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The University Interscholastic League, which governs high school athletic competition in Texas, on Monday announced its football, basketball and volleyball district assignments that will begin with the 2020-21 school year. There were realignment impacts to local schools and districts. Kempner High School has been reclassified to Class 5A and will join District 10-5A, which also includes fellow Fort Bend ISD member Hightower.
The Cougars have been in Class 6A since the 2014 season, when they moved up from 5A, and have competed in District 206A since 2016. Moving in to take their place in 20-6A will be Lamar Consolidated
District 20-6A hoops races coming down to wire By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Nearly three months and 30 games into the high school basketball season, little has been decided in District 20-6A. Heading into the final month of the regular season, the district championship remains up for grabs in both boys and girls competition, with several key matchups on the horizon that could determine who winds up on top. On the boys’ side, all three contenders are coming off undefeated weeks, setting up some riveting upcoming action. The Travis Tigers (25-5, 9-0 district), who already have secured a berth in the UIL playoffs, still control their own destiny in the race for the top spot after another strong week. Following a close shave against Elkins, the Tigers came back to blow out Dulles and maintain their hold on first place. However, there’s still business to take care of against Bush and Ridge Point. After defeating both teams earlier in the season, the Tigers have one game apiece remaining against third-place Ridge Point on Feb. 7 and second-place Bush Feb. 18 to end the season. Following a loss to Travis, Bush (21-9, 8-1) also bounced back last week with a blowout win over Clements and close win over Kempner to keep itself in the district title conversation. The Broncos squared off with Ridge Point (21-8, 7-2), which was one game behind them, on Tuesday night. Ridge Point is still mathematically in the race, but faces a steep climb. Though in strong position for a playoff spot, the Panthers’ two district losses came at the hands of the two teams in front of them in consecutive games last month. Foluwaso Fashoro led the Panthers in their Jan. 31 victory over Austin with
16 points and 13 rebounds, while Matthew Lewis (12 points) and Elijah Thomas (10 points) also had strong games. It was the eighth double-double of the season for Fashoro, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. On the girls’ side, the standings look much the same. Ridge Point and Bush are locked up at the top, with the Dulles Lady Vikings lurking just behind waiting for the slightest slip. All three have secured playoff berths with three regular-season games remaining. The Broncos (18-11, 10-1) currently hold the top spot by virtue of a head-to-head tiebreaker over the Panthers, who lost 69-60 when the teams met Jan. 10. Bush has now won four consecutive games following a loss to Dulles on Jan. 17 and faced a rematch with Ridge Point on Tuesday night. Ridge Point (23-7, 10-1) kept the pressure on Bush with two victories last week. Three players scored
in double digits for the Lady Panthers in their Jan. 28 victory over Kempner, led by Raven Adams’ 20 points. It was the 18th double-digit scoring game of the season for Adams, who also dished out eight assists while grabbing five rebounds. Throwing an interesting wrinkle into the season’s final month is Dulles (18-9, 9-2), which went 2-0 last week following a loss to Ridge Point and can still win the district championship. Should a late-season swoon hit Bush, the Lady Vikings currently hold the tiebreaker because of their 59-43 win over the Broncos on Jan. 17. The two also square off to end the regular season Feb. 11. Below are the results of last week’s games involving area teams. BOYS Jan. 28 Ridge Point 73, Kempner 48
Travis 59, Elkins 57 Bush 49, Clements 27 Dulles 37, Austin 34 Stafford 55, Fulshear 50 Hightower 81, Lamar Consolidated 46 Foster 78, Marshall 64 Willowridge 42, Angleton 31 Jan. 31 Travis 64, Dulles 37 Ridge Point 76, Austin 47 Bush 61, Kempner 57 Elkins 58, Clements 36 Terry 86, Willowridge 55 Hightower 81, Foster 65
★ FENTANYL, FROM PAGE 1 felony charge of Unlawful use of a Criminal instrument, according to the FBCSO. The FBCSO said the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force intercepted what it classified as a large amount of Fentanyl during a roadside investigation Sunday, Jan. 26, when Olivares was arrested. According to police, the arrest came after a traffic stop was conducted along U.S. 59 North in Kendleton. During the stop,
GIRLS Jan. 28 Ridge Point 63, Kempner 29 Bush 81, Clements 41 Dulles 71, Austin 43 Hightower 81, Lamar Consolidated 38 Angleton 42, Willowridge 36 Fulshear 51, Stafford 13 Foster 68, Marshall 24 Jan. 31 Bush 62, Kempner 36 Dulles 68, Travis 59 Willowridge 48, Rosenberg Terry 27 Hightower 56, Foster 50
ISD’s George Ranch High School in Richmond. George Ranch will transition from District 23-6A. Most other area schools remained in their current classifications and were grouped similarly in terms of competitive districts. District alignments for other sports will be released no later than March 16, with academic alignments to follow, according to the UIL. For more sports news and coveragelike this, follow The Star on all of our social media pages @FortBendStar
FBCSO said officers located 10 bundles containing approximately 10,000 tablets of Fentanyl concealed in an aftermarket compartment. The Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has a street value of $100,000, according to police. “Our Narcotics Task Force continues to show great results against the war on drugs,” Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls said in a statement. "I'm especially proud of our interdiction team for intercepting such a dangerous drug."
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CHURCH OF CHRIST
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METHODIST CHURCH
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary Simple Service / Prayer & Communion: 8 am Contemporary: 9:15 am / Traditional: 10:30 am Modern: 10:30 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:15 www.christchurchsl.org EPISCOPAL
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605, Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9 am Worship: 10:15 am THURSDAY: Bible Study 11:30 am www.allsaintsstafford.org
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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Scripture of the week
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’” - Mark 10:27
THE STAR
PAGE 6 • Wednesday, February 5, 2020
of Missouri City. Roughly a year later, the METRO board decided to consolidate and deploy all resources into the 363 route. According to Brown, the latest change in service came on the heels of evaluating the comparatively poor ridership on the 364 route. METRO officials noted that the 364 route has yet to exceed 40 passenger boardings in a day since inception in 2018. Meanwhile, the 363 Community Connector has reached more than 160 boardings in a day, more than 140 on multiple occasions and seen about 150 daily in recent months, according to a presentation during the public hearing. “This experience with the 364 route has not been well-received. Some levels just don’t have the area of demand,” METRO Vice President of Service Plan-
★ METRO, FROM PAGE 1 riders in Missouri City. “We’re going to serve the same areas we’re serving right now,” METRO Manager of Service Planning Kenneth Brown said at the meeting. “But instead of having two different service types, we’ll simply reduce it to one. We will maintain coverage within the area.” Missouri City and the METRO board initially approved the community connector concept in April 2018 under former Mayor Allen Owen. METRO implemented Route 363 in Phase 1 of the service in August of that same year, to serve a specific community connector in the city. In October, METRO put in Phase 2 of the plan with Route 364, a deviated route which served the entirety
ning Kurt Luhrsen said. “If we need to make some adjustments down the road, we’re certainly open to input.” Residents within the on-demand 363 Route service zone can essentially reserve a spot in advance by calling for a vehicle, which METRO will dispatch. They can also go to some of the route’s existing stops such as the Walmart on Highway 6 and the Missouri City Park and Ride and ride to any spot within the existing service zone. Officials have yet to release an official map detailing what areas the modified route will service, and residents and city officials raised concerns regarding the route such as potential breadth of coverage and future expansion of service to accommodate the city’s burgeoning growth in areas such as Sienna Plantation.
C LASS I F I E D
“A little more detail, I think, would be of much service,” Missouri City Councilman Floyd Emery told the board. “…I think we need to take a closer look at where our true growth is as well.” However, METRO attempted to reassure residents that their concerns will be taken into account. “We’re just going to be taking over what we do with the deviated fix route, because it’s confusing (to residents) and we’re not seeing the demand,” Brown said. “We’re not reducing the coverage. The resources that we’ve put into the 364, we need to reinvest those to maintain the level of service we’re providing – and we’re ready and willing to do that.” For more news and coverage on stories like this one, follow us on social media @ FortBendStar
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Hiring Experienced Construction Professional $15.00 HR. / Paid Weekly Must Pass Drug Test Call to See if You Qualify M&W Construction
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FINANCIAL ANALYSIS MANAGER II for Nalco
Champion, an Ecolab Company, at its facility in Sugar Land, TX. Implement and drive the core financial processes for the business including annual operating plans, free cash flow, monthly/quarterly business reviews. Requires a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and at least three (3) year post-bachelor’s progressive experience in all of the following: Financial planning & analysis, business analysis, financial modeling, financial reporting including financial performance analysis of Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Income Statement; Finance experience in a global or corporate role, or accounting experience in a public accounting role; Managing cross functional-business processes and multinational projects; Building complex financial models using MS Excel to evaluate/ quantify financial impact of investments; Advanced planning and budgeting experience; and developing monthly forecasts based on business drivers and trends; Using various financial systems and databases such as SAP, Oracle Hyperion reporting suite, Business Intelligence. Apply at https://jobs.ecolab.com/, Req. R00104436. Must have legal authority to work in the US. EOE.
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BOOKKEEPER
CPA firm located in SW Houston has an opening for a full-time or part-time bookkeeper with 5+ years experience. Work involves client write-up work using QuickBooks software. Flexible hours. Non-smoker. Professional atmosphere. Salary DOE.
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Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, on February 29, 2020 at 8:00 AM, Cajun Self Storage LLC will hold a public auction to satisfy the lien on the property stored at the address above in the units listed. Tenants’ notated the inventories listed at the time of rental. Landlord makes no representation or warranties that the units contain said inventories. GUSS & NARTASHA SCOTT UNIT B-50 (household goods) DANIEL RAMOS UNIT B-70 (building material)
Please publish in the legal section on the following dates: 01-29-20 thru 02-05-2020 02-05-2020 thru 02-12-2020 Lynn McMahon 281-431-2819
SAVE BIG on HOME INSUR‐ ANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 855-993-0514! (M-F SAVE BIG on HOME INSUR‐ 8am-8pm Central) ANCE! Compare 20 A-rated REAL ESTATE insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. AverBehind on your MORT‐ age savings of $444/year! Call 855-993-0514! (M-F GAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Bank threatening 8am-8pm Central) DISH Network $59.99 For foreclosure? CALL Home190 Channels! Add High owner Protection Services Speed Internet for ONLY now! New laws are in effect $19.95/month. Call Today for that may help. Call Now 1$100 Gift Card! Best Value & Technology. FREE Installa- 866-214-4534 tion. Call 1-855-837-9146 SATELLITE TV (some restrictions apply) ARE YOU BEHIND $10k OR $59.99/month Directv SpeMORE ON YOUR TAXES? cial. 155+ Channels, HBO for Stop wage & bank levies, 12 months and 3 months of liens & audits, unfiled tax rePremium Movie Channels! turns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 855- Whole Home GENIE HD DVR! Call Now! 877-221-8427 828-0617
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All units must be paid for at the time of sale. No checks accepted. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to attend the sale. Each person attending must sign in and agree to follow all Rules and Regulations of the sale. The landlord reserves the right to bid at the sale. All purchased goods are sold “as is” and must be removed by 5:00 PM on the day following the sale. Buyers must provide a current, original or a photocopy of their original resale permit at time of sale in lieu of sales tax. This sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between landlord and obligated party.
Send resumes to 9410 Highway 6 South, Houston TX-77083.
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Notice of Public Sale
Must possess 3 years exp. with at least 12 months exp. in: Marketing Operations, Market Research & Analysis, Corporate Communications, Brand Management, Online Marketing, Client Relationship Management, PR & Event Management, Media Planning & Search Engine Optimization.
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Notice is hereby given that a closed bid public auction will be held at CAJUN SELF STORAGE LLC 2935 FM 521 FRESNO, TX 77545
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THE FOLLOWING ADS HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED BY THE SOUTHEASTERN ADVERTISING PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (SAPA); Therefore, any discrepancies thereof shall not be the responsibility of the aforementioned association. Your publisher has agreed to participate in this program and run these ads as a service to the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association.
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SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner's Relief Line now! FREE CONSULTATION 844-359-4330
Shown here is the current service area for Route 363 with Highway 6 on the western edge. METRO has not released the updated service map. (Courtesy of METRO)
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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN
SERVICES MATH/COMPUTER TUTOR Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics. Bill Stewart. BSEE 281-3411582.>+
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LEGALS Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer Permit by Trade Name: Trill Taco LLC, to be located at 2887 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, Fort Bend County, Texas 77459. Names and titles are as follows Patricia Sykes –Member Managed, Samuel Sykes – Member managed, Johnathan Sykes – Member Managed.
The City of Sugar Land seeks qualifications for performing all work required for the following projects in the City: RFQ 2020-16: COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE MASTER PLAN Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering at Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com. Sealed submittals, one (1) original, five (5) copies, and one (1) electronic copy on flash drive or CD, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 2:00 p.m. on March 5, 2020, at which time only names of the firms will be read. Submittals received after the opening date and time will not be considered. Questions regarding this submittal must be received on or before 3:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2020. Please post all questions on Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com. Notice of award of contract shall be given by the City within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the date of submittals.
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG: Wine and Beer by: ROMA RESTAURANT GROUP,LLC dba Alex’s Kitchen,to be located at 2601 Cartwright Rd. Ste. E, Missouri City ,TX.77459,Fort Bend County. Member Arturo Rodriguez
2020 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE COMING February 26, 2020 • DEADLINE February 12, 2020
MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 7
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
OakBend giving newborns red hats for American Heart Month From Staff Reports
An area medical facility is getting into the spirit of American Heart Month by giving out heart-colored hats to newborn babies. Volunteers with OakBend Medical Center in Richmond have joined the American Heart Association, in connection with The Children's Heart Foundation, in the “Little Hats, Big Hearts” program
Volunteers with a newborn. (Contributed photo)
by knitting and crocheting red hats for babies born in February to celebrate American Heart Month. Volunteers will knit and crochet red hats to be given out to thousands of babies during American Heart Month in order to “empower moms to live heart healthy lives and to help their children do the same,” according to a news release. Follow us @FortBendStar
City of Sugar Land to reveal anniversary artwork From Staff Reports
Sugar Land’s 60th anniversary artwork will be unveiled from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North. The city said the commemorative piece, composed of nearly 200 independent hanging glass ribbons, is called “Cultivate” and celebrates the incorporation of Sugar Land on Dec. 29, 1959. Cultivate is part of the city's
ongoing public art program, an effort identified by citizens to enhance destination centers and public places that attract both visitors and residents. A selection panel composed of residents, a regional artist and an industry art professional reviewed more than 40 proposals and unanimously selected Texas artist Tim de Jong of Wimberley Glassworks studio to create the project. "This public art project represents an important step in the ongoing imple-
mentation of our Public Art Program," Assistant City Manager Jennifer May said in a statement. "It not only enhances the beauty of Sugar Land, but it builds our reputation as an art and cultural destination.” For more information about the artwork or event, call 311 or 281-275-2900 or email 311@sugarlandtx. gov. More information about the city's 60th anniversary is available at s u g a r l a n d t x .go v/C e le brateSL.
Business FORT BEND
KATY
THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
JOURNAL
The Monthly Business to Business Magazine
Contact John Sazma for more details 281-690-4206 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 • PAGE
ers to be innovative in their
★ DEVELOPMENT, FROM PAGE 1 instructional delivery, the their students,” said Billy Pringle, the State Director for Schools to Watch in Texas and the Associate Executive Director for Middle-Level Services for the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. The Schools to Watch selection process was based on a written application requiring schools to show how they met 37 researchedbased criteria developed by the organization over at least a three-year period. After evaluators looked at rolling achievement data such as test scores, suspension rates, quality of lessons and student work, those appearing to meet the criteria received subsequent visits from state teams. Teams observed classrooms and interviewed stakeholders – including administrators, teachers, students and parents – to determine how schools were facilitating such performance and improvements. “What makes us stand out are our programs and trainings that allow teach-
opportunity students have to express their opinions in a respectful and productive manner, and the active role our parents play in our school decision making,” Hejducek said. Over the last several years, Hejducek said Fort Settlement has implemented programs aimed at facilitating social and academic improvement while preparing students for the next step in their lives. Among new programs phased in recently include the development of school Impact teams, “Falcon Watch” student monitoring, continued implementation of character education, blended learning and accountable dialogue between all students and faculty. “In the past five years, we have studied ways to increase student engagement, improve teacher instructional delivery, and foster community support,” Hejducek said. “…The task has been for us to intertwine these programs so that teachers are able to effectively deliver instruction
7
in a variety of ways.” Hejducek and Fort Settlement will be recognized at the Making Middle School Matter Symposium, which is hosted by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals from March 1-3. But that’s not what matters to Hejducek. “The payoff comes when teachers feel valued, the community is involved, and the school embraces the opportunity for student success to move beyond academics and high test scores,” he said. Fort Settlement will also be honored along with all other national Schools to Watch at the National Forum Schools to Watch Conference June 24-27 in Washington, D.C. “These Schools to Watch are indeed special. They make education so exciting that students and teachers don’t want to miss a day,” National Forum Executive Director Ericka Uskali said in a statement. “These schools have proven that it is possible to overcome barriers in achieving excellence, and any middle-level school in any state can truly learn from their examples.”
A Helping Hand from
Ed’s Pharmacy 3740 Cartwright Road (@ FM 1092)
FOOT FACTS by Dr. Eric Tepper BOARD CERTIFIED PODIATRIST, ACCPPS
TYPES OF CORNS
Corns are a persistent problem for many people, and they can develop as three different types. Hard corns are small patches of thick, dead skin with a central core that occur on pressure points, like the bottom of feet and sides of toes. Soft corns have a thinner surface and are usually found between the inner toes. Seed corns are tiny, but painful, and are almost always found on the bottom of feet. Corns are usually caused by poorly fitting footwear that squeeze the toes and heels. When bacteria enter the skin through a crack in the surface of a corn, it can become infected, begin to secrete fluids and pus, and may require antibiotic treatment. P.S. Most podiatrists do not recommend the use of over-the-counter corn remedies that contain salicylic acid, as they can cause chemical burns to the skin around corns when not used correctly. Experience shows that about one person in four has a foot problem. It can be as common as a corn or as unusual as a little-known birth defect. Regardless, the problem is a big one to the individual suffering because of it. There is no reason to suffer, however, when quality foot care is available close by at 3143 Hwy. 6 South. We treat feet of all ages, for all kinds of foot injuries, disorders, diseases, and hereditary conditions. Please call our office, 281-980-3668, to make an appointment or if we can answer any foot care questions for you.
(281) 499-4555
Long-term Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition where the lining of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs is inflamed. The inflammation leads to swelling and thickening of the bronchial tubes, which makes the airways in the lungs very small. This airway reduction may result in symptoms that include coughing spells, chest discomfort, tiredness, or shortness of breath. Bronchitis may be caused largely by smoking followed by air pollution and toxic gases. The goals of bronchitis treatment are to make breathing easier and to relieve symptoms. Two main classes of medications may be used to treat bronchitis. These are called bronchodilators and steroids. Bronchodilators such as albuterol (Proventil) work to relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes, which allows the airflow to increase. Inhaled steroids such as budesonide (Pulmicort) work by decreasing inflammation and swelling. Side effects of inhaled steroids include headache and dizziness. 02-08-17 - Ed’s Pharmacy - 2 x 4.5
CALL 281-690-4206
TO PLACE AN AD IN THE STAR
Contact John Sazma for more details 281-690-4206 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com
ort Bend F Welcome to
Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford & Fort Bend County
2020 NEWCOMER'S GUIDE The Fort Bend Newcomer’s Guide – 2020 is an invaluable resource to residents of the county, both new and old. Moving to a new city and/or to a new state can be very overwhelming. Content includes Fort Bend feature stories, school district information-both public and private, voter and car registration information, local demographics, local events and leaders, local airport information, Fort Bend history, important phone numbers, hospitals and much more!
For t Bend Welcome to
Sugar Land
The 2020 Newcomer's Guide will be direct mailed to 10,000 new residents that have moved into single-family homes in the county in the past year. Another 10,000 guides will be available for pick-up in free rack locations throughout Fort Bend County for all of 2020.
Missouri Ci
ty, Richmon
d, Rosenber
2019 OFFICI
g, Stafford
AL NEWCOM
& Fort Bend
County
ERS GUIDE
The Official Welcome to Fort Bend Newcomer Guide provides: • Distribution throughout 2020 in Fort Bend County. • Informative editorial coverage similar to that of the local newspaper, the Fort Bend Star. • Every ad in the magazine will appear in print and online at FortBendStar.com and will be linked back to your website.
COMING February 26, 2020 DEADLINE February 12, 2020 Contact John Sazma for more details
281-690-4206
SUGAR L
LOVING AN AND METHOD IS D SERVING THE COMM T CHURCH UNITY FOR 1 00 YEARS • Hospitals • Churches • Schools •L
• Museums • Restauran / Parks • Import ts
SEE STORY ON
PAGE
10
THE STAR
PAGE 8 • Wednesday, February 5, 2020
continuing the economic environment of Texas, it resonates with people. That’s why I think the results came out where they did,” said Gates, a Rosenberg businessman whose campaign was largely self-funded. “The reason (for the margin of victory) is because my
★ DISTRICT 28, FROM PAGE 1 ic takeover in the Texas House, Gates received 58.1 percent of the 30,074 votes cast compared to 41.9 percent for Markowitz. “If you take a message about family, education and
message resonated not only with Republicans but with a lot of those who would’ve ordinarily voted Democrat – because they had no message.” However, some intrigue still remains as the seat comes up for election again in nine months.
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Markowitz’s campaign yielded an average online contribution of $28 from more than 8,400 donors since Nov. 6, according to her campaign. In addition to grassroots support, Markowitz secured the endorsements of EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood, and dozens of other organizations. Gates emerged victorious after several previous bids for office fell short. He said his personal mission to knock on each door himself – more than 17,000 by the runoff’s early voting period, he said – led the way in fighting off Markowitz’s high-powered campaign that had endorsements from prominent Democrats such as presidential candidates Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren as well as about $2 million in support from around the country. “(The national Democrats) don’t really understand Texas values, I believe,” Gates said. “At the
end of the day, people want to hear from the person who wants the job, and you can’t do that if you yourself aren’t knocking on those doors. Texas has values that are different than those being espoused by all those from out of state rushing in. If that’s how they’re going to try to win their campaign, they’re neglecting a big part of their base.” However, Markowitz’s team said it knocked on more than 200,000 doors during the course of the election. She will try to carry the support she received into November. “We head into November having established a movement for change and that movement will continue across the state of Texas through November,” she said. “This is a grassroots campaign dedicated to putting people over special interests, and we’ve built a network that will last for years to come.” Looking ahead to the pri-
maries and potentially next November, Gates has made it his mission to knock on 30,000 more doors and said he believes the Republican base can gain new life. Further, Gates said his campaign’s message of keeping Texas where it is economically while advancing it educationally resonated more than a Democratic message he said was centered on “flipping the power” without providing context as to how that would happen. “We’ve got to get the Republican Party out of this thinking that we don’t have a message resonating with people even on the Democratic side and focus on those kind of matters,” he said. “That’s old-time politics 101 – get out and meet the people personally. Everyone thinks a race is about endorsements – at the end of the day, voters want to hear from you personally.” Follow @FortBendStar on social media
Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3”
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS This month's meeting will be during the first week in February from 1-3 p.m. in The Great Hall at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. Speaker will be Greg Shannon, MD, Gastroenterologist, Houston Methodist Sugar Land. All retired public school personnel are invited For more information, call 281-499-5885. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 BINGO NIGHT Brazoria-East Fort Bend County Optimist Friday February 7, 2020 7pm (Doors open at 6pm) New Hope Lutheran Church 1424 FM 1092 Missouri City, Tx 77459 Great Prizes ! Fun For All! $25 early bird cards. $30 at the door.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES The Sugar Land Branch Library will have a workshop for aspiring writers, Ò The Keys to Self-Publishing from 6-8 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge Rd. It is free and open to the public. For more information, see fortbend.lib.tx.us, call the Sugar Land Branch Library 281-238-2140 or call the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 FORT BEND AAUW Greg Giles’ TED Talk "It Takes a Village" will take place at 7 p.m. at Wharton County Junior College's Sugar Land campus, 14004 University Blvd., with the author on hand for discussion, elaboration, reflection. The event will be in Brazos Hall Room 281, and is free and open to the public. For more information, email fortbend-tx@aauw.net or visit their website at fortbend-tx.aauw.net/.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB "Cullinan Park - The Gem of Fort Bend" will be the program for the February meeting. All meetings of the Quail Valley Garden Club are free and open to the public. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. and is held at the Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center at 2701 Cypress Point Drive in Missouri City. For further information, refer to the QVGC website at quailvalleygardenclub.org. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 SUGAR LAND GARDEN CLUB Get away on Ò A Plant LoverÕ s Tour of Public and Private Gardens in St. Kitts and Nevis” presented by Joan Pritchard. She will take us on an armchair tour to these tropical islands and show us highlights of her visits there. Enjoy beautiful photos and stories of botanical and private gardens with a variety of garden styles. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. at St. BasilÕ s Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. All meetings of the Sugar Land Garden Club are free and open to the public. For further information, please see www. sugarlandgardenclub.org, or call 281-901-1970.
ONGOING DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.
FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS
appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday morning at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land ( 502 Eldridge Rd. ). For more information call 281-240-3195
EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about! SIENNA CRAFT/SEWING GROUP Sienna Craft/Sewing group. Meets every Tuesday from 10-noon at Sawmill Clubhouse in Sienna Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@ yahoo.com for additional information. DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-222-4888. MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345. BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-3443515. WHILE WE’RE WAITING SUPPORT GROUP For Bereaved Parents - grieving the loss of a child at any age. Meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at the First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land. For more information, call 281-413-2484. AMERICAN LEGION 271 MEETING We meet the first Thursday of every month at the Post Hall, 4520 Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. A covered dish meal is served to members at 6:30 p.m. followed by meetings at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-341-9966.
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39th Ann Annual K-9 Fun Run Saturday, April 18
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5K, 1K RUN & WALK AFTER PARTY!
games, music, fun
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4-H, FOOD & NUTRITION Fort Bend 4-H is looking for input from the community on how it can better serve the public. To learn more about 4-H projects, join 4-H at 7 p.m. at the University Library (14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land), visit fortbend4h.eventbrite. com or call 281-342-3034. STORY SPINNERS WRITING CLUB Hosted by the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. 5:30-8 p.m. All levels welcome to write, share, learn and support. Free and open to the public. The program meets on the third Thursday of every month. For more information, call 281-342-4455 or 281-633-4734. ADOPT A SHELTER CAT Fort Bend Pets Alive is partnering with Half Price Books in Sugar Land to find homes for shelter cats and to promote literacy among young readers. School-aged children are invited to come read to a cat, receive an “I read to a cat” bookmark and be eligible to adopt a cat for 50 perecent off. Held 1:30-4:30 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at 3203 Hwy 6 S, Sugar Land. FORT BEND RECOVERS HURRICANE HARVEY HELP Those needing help with a recovery plan for home repairs, or any unmet needs, Fort Bend Recovers is here to help. Call one of these Helplines today: Case Management Helpline 281-207-2555, Spiritual/Emotional Helpline: 281-207-2505, Lone Star Legal Aid 866-659-0666. A case manager will contact you and get you started on your road to recovery.Visit www.fortbendrecovers.org for more information and to donate. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City presents a variety of programs every month. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.
Honored to be your choice for life insurance. LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment
281-240-8701
EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 27+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The Pregnancy Resource Medical Center has moved to 4411 Avenue N in Rosenberg across from Navarro Middle School. Volunteers are needed on a continual basis. For information on volunteering or supporting the PRMC in other ways, email info@prmcfortbend.org.
ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with AlzheimerÕ s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson St. in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend
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