03-04-20 Edition of the Fort Bend Star by Fort Bend Star

Big Creek E. coli reduction project inches forward - Page 2

The Ridge Point Lady Panthers basketball team may have lost their regional semiﬁnal game, but all signs still point to a bright future. Read the story inside today's edition on Page 5. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 80

Missouri City ﬁres Snipes at contentious special meeting By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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In December 2015, Anthony Snipes was unanimously appointed city manager of Missouri City. A little more than four years later, some of the same council members who appointed him were among those to oust him. During a contentious spe-

Snipes

cial meeting Feb. 24, the Missouri City Council voted 4-3 in favor of terminating Snipes’ contract. The meeting lasted more than two hours, during which there was much back-and-forth between council members and audience uproar that necessitated multiple calls to order. Mayor Yolanda Ford, Mayor Pro Tem Chris Preston and council members Vashaundra Edwards and Cheryl Sterling

voted in favor of Snipes’ termination, which was effective immediately. Jeffrey Boney, Floyd Emery and Anthony Maroulis voted against the motion. “I’m floored by this motion, and even the thought that our city manager is worthy of termination,” Boney said during the meeting. In a news release, Missouri City said assistant city mangers Bill Atkinson and

Glen Martel will provide administrative services to the city until a new city manager is hired. The city council planned to discuss the appointment of an interim city manager at its meeting on Monday. As cause for Snipes’ termination, Ford cited multiple alleged infractions under his watch. Included among the

SEE SNIPES PAGE 5

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Anastasia Lindo Anderson, left, stands with her mother, Miriam Lindo, at the Mayor's History Makers Awards on Feb. 28 in Houston. The Richmond resident and Promise Community Schools superintendent was honored for her contributions to the education community. (Photo by Quy Tran)

Richmond resident honored for educational impact on Houston community McElvy Media launches coronavirus news site From Staff Reports

Houston-area residents concerned about the coronavirus can find news reports and other important information at a new website, houstoncoronavirus. com. McElvy Media, the company that publishes the Fort Bend Star, created the site as the world copes with the outbreak of COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the new strain of coronavirus. Houstoncoronavirus.com is dedicated to providing the Greater Houston community with up-to-date information about the virus, its outbreak and the impact it could have on the region. The site contains a daily briefing that provides a rundown of coronavirus-related stories from a wide range of local, state, national and international news sources. There also are links to news stories as well as health organizations, including Harris County Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. So don't stay in the dark about a virus that could affect you, your family and your business. Stay informed by visiting houstoncoronavirus.com.

SEE RELATED COLUMN ON

Page 3

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Many say that teachers don’t often receive due praise for the work they put in. For one area resident and longtime educator, however, her contributions to the community have not gone unnoticed. Comcast and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner honored seven community volunteers, including Richmond resident and educator Anastasia Lindo Anderson, during the third annual Mayor’s History Makers Awards on Feb. 28. They were recognized for their commitment to making a difference in the Houston community through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and civic engagement, according to Comcast.

“We don’t always have to look back 100 years ago (to see history being made),” Turner said. “We can look at what’s taking place right now.” Anderson serves as Superintendent of Schools for Promise Community Schools, a charter school system within area nonprofit BakerRipley. She previously served as an elementary and middle school principal as well as in an administrative role for Houston ISD for more than two decades before taking Promise’s top position a few years ago. “We often talk about children being our future, but I truly believe the future leaders are sitting in those classrooms today,” she said. “I’ve dedicated my life to trying to figure out how to get kids to learn at the highest

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner gives remarks at the ceremony. (Photo by Quy Tran)

level and find their talents so they can pursue their passions and aspirations.” As superintendent of the

system’s five Houston-area campuses and nearly 2,000 total students from elementary through high school,

Anderson and Promise serve students of all backgrounds,

SEE IMPACT PAGE 8

Fort Bend prison to be shuttered later this year By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Richmond prison will be shutting down later this year amidst declining inmate population and understaffing issues. Senator John Whitmire’s office announced Feb. 20 that two Texas prisons will close in the coming months, including the Jester I Unit at 1 Jester Rd. in Richmond near the Aliana and Harvest Green neighborhoods. The other unit closing is the Garza East Unit in Beeville. According to the most

The Jester I prison unit in Richmond will be closed in the coming months. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

recent Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) data, the Jester I Unit holds a maximum of

323 inmates – mostly related to substance-abuse offenses – and employs 119 people.

Since 2007, the Texas Legislature has put a higher priority on funding treatment, diversion and rehabilitation programs in efforts to reduce inmate population, according to a news release from Whitmire’s office. “Texas was at the forefront of criminal justice reform last decade,” Whitmire said in the release. “With sustained funding for treatment and prevention programs and a continued focus on additional reforms, Texas will continue to show the nation what it means to be tough, but smart on

crime.” The state has now closed 10 prisons over the last nine years, while inmate population has dropped from 157,000 in 2011 to just over 140,000, according to the release. There is no firm date for closure of either facility, though TDCJ Communications Director Jeremy Desel said the Garza East unit will likely close first followed by Jester I Unit. “We’re always looking for the ways to be as efficient as we can possibly be

SEE PRISON PAGE 8

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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Trio of area teens accused of Big Creek E. coli reduction robbing boy at Rosenberg park plan could begin in August By Landan Kuhlmann

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Three local teenagers have been arrested after police say they pulled a gun on a younger boy during a robbery last week at a Rosenberg park. According to the Rosenberg Police Department, 18-year-old Tirich Sears of Sugar Land, 17-yearold Christopher Allen of Rosenberg and 18-yearold George Mosley of Katy were arrested Feb. 28 and charged with aggravated robbery in connection with the incident. Police said officers responded to a call at Travis Park at 3004 Ave. N in Rosenberg the afternoon of Feb. 27, when a juvenile male said three individuals approached him, flashed

Over the last year, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) have undertaken a project to reduce the hazardous E. coli levels in the Big Creek watershed that have persisted since 2002. After three public feedback sessions, officials say work to reduce those levels could begin later this year. “It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” HGAC Senior Development Planner Justin Bower said during a public meeting last Thursday. “Sometimes the best success you can have in the early years of a project is slowing the rate of how bad it gets – you’ve got to curb it before you can turn things around. Every year we’re trying to get it a little better.” Based on a 2018 study that considered data from 2009-16, the TCEQ determined that Big Creek has failed to meet the state water-quality standard for recreational contact, which applies to places where there is a significant risk of water ingestion because of activities such as wading and swimming. Big Creek’s primary water-quality problem is elevated levels of fecal bacteria, which can be harmful to health, the economy and the environment. There

Allen

Sears

a handgun and demanded the contents of his pockets. According to Rosenberg PD, the boy complied before fleeing the park on foot. A news release from Rosenberg PD said the suspects followed the victim when he fled the park and used a handgun to strike him in the head. The suspects were later found in possession of the

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victim’s stolen property along with two handguns, one of which was reported stolen, according to police. “This crime was atrocious and will not be tolerated in Rosenberg,” Rosenberg Police Chief Jonathan White said in a news release. “… I am proud of the work of the Rosenberg officers that went the extra mile.”

HELP WANTED

On Page 7

sources of contamination in largely rural areas, such as those Big Creek serves, can come from humans – such as wastewater plants/systems, septic/ aerobic systems or illicit sewage and dumping – or animals and wildlife such as pets and livestock. And while they have put together preliminary models based on current trends, the H-GAC’s plans could also change as the area urbanizes in future years. “We don’t want to set a limit that doesn’t take into account what is going to happen,” Bower said. Those transitions could impact sources of contamination, and thus methods of reduction, according to Bower. According to an initial report, the Big Creek watershed currently has a population of 58,442, which is expected to rise to 65,000 by the end of this year. More than 275,000 residents are projected by 2040. Additionally, while just over 25 percent of land within the watershed is currently developed – contributing to contamination – the H-GAC projects that more than 40 percent of the area will be developed by the year 2045 as urbanization pushes out from Sugar Land, Richmond and Rosenberg, potentially changing the dynamic. “We try to build that in so that what we have is a goal to work toward even though there’s room to change as we move forward,” Bower said. And even though a cleaner creek may seem far away now, Bower said there is light at the end of the tunnel. “Some of the modeling that will identify what the reduction in fecal waste needs to be, we actually got started last year,” Bower said. “This puts us in a really good place.”

also are concerns about suitability for aquatic life. The TCEQ and H-GAC have held three public meetings about the project. Following public feedback from meetings in July and August 2019, Bower said preliminary computer modeling has been done in search of solutions to the problem. “It will be a much more efficient process than it has been in other waterways,” Bower said Thursday. “So we can start to have those conversations this year.” According to Bower, the H-GAC anticipates coming back with preliminary modeling results in April or May of this year before bringing a more definitive implementation plan in June for resident approval. If approved, Bower said HGAC could submit the plan to TCEQ in July and begin implementation by the end of August. While last year’s meetings largely entailed public feedback, Bower said this year’s work will involve meeting with stakeholders to determine factors for computer modeling that will determine the extent of pollution in the waterway and specific reduction needed for each tested spot. The standard against which Big Creek is measured is 126 colonyforming units of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. According to data gathered by TCEQ and HGAC surveyors last year, 62 percent of the samples collected for the ongoing study contained E. coli levels that were higher than that standard, posing a noticeable – though not irreparable – risk. “We’re looking at sources to track what we need so that down the road we’re not just throwing darts at a wall,” Bower said. Bower said the main

By Landan Kuhlmann

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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Wednesday, March 4, 2020 • PAGE

Amidst coronavirus craziness, let’s keep our heads and facts straight Anytime we hear about a new strain of a virus anywhere in the world, panic immediately sets in. Our minds automatically jump to the worst conclusions, sometimes bordering on hysteria. While caution is still advised no matter the threat level, we also need to be careful about what type of information we’re taking in and spreading along with the source of said information. Even though many of those we see sharing information have good intentions, it often serves as a reminder of the hazards of mindlessly regurgitating what you see around the web and the importance of keeping our heads on straight. “Take everything, read through it and understand it before spreading the rumor or word around,” said Dr. Sarfaz Aly with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “People don’t know the risk they put other people at when they share information that is not true or accurate.”

Landan Kuhlmann LEAD REPORTER

So first, let’s vet the virus itself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some coronaviruses cause illness in people while others only infect animals. In rare occurrences, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is what the CDC believes occurred for the new coronavirus strain that causes the disease named COVID-19. First discovered in China, the disease has been primarily spreading through person-to-person contact according to the CDC. Current symptoms reported for patients with

COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Some of my loved ones have also been worried about its spreading through anything associated with China, but there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures, because the virus does not survive long on those surfaces. Currently, the CDC says there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods. Further, Aly – an infectious diseases doctor with Houston Methodist Sugar Land – said that there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Fort Bend County, and no recent incoming hospital patients exhibiting symptoms that could signal red flags for

the disease. As such, he cautioned against spreading unsourced information found on the internet that can cause more of a panic – which he said defeats the very purpose of sharing information and makes catching the real thing more difficult. “It creates a fear in everyone where they think, ‘I need to go do something,’ when it’s not a necessity at this point,” he said. There have also been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Greater Houston area, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, though one professor at Rice University is in the process of being tested after returning from an overseas traveling trip. No cases have been found in Fort Bend, according to Ali, while just one confirmed case has been found in Texas per the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering map. Their interactive map shows confirmed coronavirus cases as well as how many

people have tested positive, died, recovered and how many existing cases remain. For dedicated information on COVID-19, the CDC has a page on its website at cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-nCoV/ index.html. The World Health Organization also has a specific page for more information on its website at who.int/ emergencies/d isea ses/ novel-coronavirus-2019. However, just because we currently face “only” a low threat, we can all still do our part to take preventative measures. Washing your hands frequently, maintaining distance with those who are sick, avoiding unnecessarily touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing are just a few measures residents can take. Aly added that residents can call the Fort Bend County Health Department if they begin to experience some of the above symptoms, or visit

their local hospital if symptoms become severe. However, he assured the public that there is very little threat to the Fort Bend community at this time. “The flu is a bigger concern for us right now rather than the coronavirus,” he said. “...The vast majority of those times it’s not going to be this virus, it’s going to be something else.” But for those still a little bit wary of the virus and all the information out there, our parent company, McElvy Media, has also created a website dedicated to providing the Greater Houston community with up-to-date information about the virus, its outbreak and the impact it could have on the community. On the website you will find daily briefings as well as links to news reports and health organizations. For more information, check out the site at houstoncoronavirus.com. And let’s stay away from sharing those vague internet rumors.

Campaign signs were still out in full force on the last day of early voting Feb. 28. To see the results of Tuesday's elections, go to Reverend Jack Henderson fortbendstar.com. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

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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

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MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. - Missouri City, TX 77489 www.mocitycoc.org Sunday morning services: 10:15 am (includes separate youth, bible hour and nursery services)

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STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY : Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org LUTHERAN CHURCH

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land Sunday: 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Contemporary Worship (Nursery Available) 4:00 pm Spirit of Life Worship

Scripture of the week

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” - Proverbs 17:22

E E E E

itu a ry

E E E E

DAVID LEE REITZ

APRIL 29TH, 1950

David Lee Reitz, age 69, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020. David was born in Weimar, Texas on April 29, 1950. David is survived by his wife Debbie of Missouri City; his sister Nancy Stratta and husband Joe of College Station, Texas; his sister Debbie Lowry and husband Scott of Boerne, Texas. Other survivors include David’s two daughters April Machock and husband Frank and Amanda Gosline and husband Brian and grandchildren Taylor and Ryanne Machock and Aiden Gosline, all of Sugar Land, Texas and nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. David spent much of his childhood years travelling the world because his dad, Col. John David Reitz, was a decorated US Air Force Pilot and graduate from Texas A & M University, and with his mom Nancy raising a son and two daughters, and she was a graduate from the University of Texas. After settling in San Antonio, David enrolled in Churchill High School where he played varsity football his junior and senior year. As with all High School seniors, decisions had to be made on a college. Remembering

FEBRUARY 19TH, 2020

that David’s dad attended Texas A&M University and his mom attended the University of Texas, David decided he would not look good in a burnt orange shirt and decided to follow his dad’s footsteps by joining the Corps of Cadets of Texas A&M University. In August 1968, David enrolled at Texas A&M University and entered Squadron 12 of the Corps of Cadets and later transferred to Squadron One (“Huslin One”) in September 1970. In May 1972, David received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. After graduating in 1972, David moved to Houston where he met Debbie Soutar, the love of his life for 47 years. They dated and got married on January 27, 1973. David was an owner of one of

Houston’s largest tool companies serving multiple industries in Texas, and a longtime member of the Missouri City Exchange Club and member of Saint Catherine’s Episcopal of Sienna in Missouri City. One of David’s favorite weekend getaways (besides Aggie Football games at Kyle Field) was the Reitz Ranch in Llano, Texas and a recent weekend place at Horseshoe Bay. He looked forward to the hunting season to have his close friends – Aggies, non-Aggies and Cajuns, to sit around the campfire to talk about the past, current and future Aggie or LSU games and politics. A memorial service was held at St. Catherine’s of Sienna at 1:00 PM on Friday, February 28, 2020. Reception followed at Quail Valley Country Club in Missouri City. In lieu of flowers, the family would like gifts to be made to the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association (CCA) at 1134 Finfeather Road, Bryan, TX 77803 noting David Reitz ’72 in the memo of the check, or to St. Catherine’s of Sienna Mission Fund at 4747 Sienna Pkwy, Missouri City, TX 77459 noting David Reitz in the memo of the check.

✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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Wednesday, March 4, 2020 • PAGE

@FtBendAthletics:

Ridge Point primed for success despite regional loss By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

From individual accolades to program firsts, the 2019-20 campaign was one to remember for the Ridge Point High School girls basketball team. Even though this season didn’t end with the ultimate goal of winning a state championship, the Lady Panthers look primed for another run next year. Ridge Point (29-8) was denied its shot at the program’s first trip to the state tournament with a 51-47 loss to Clear Springs last Friday night in a Class 6A regional semifinal. The Lady Panthers could not hold on to a halftime lead against Clear Springs, the 25th-ranked team in 6A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Despite the loss, the season held many milestones for Ridge Point. Junior point guard Raven Adams became the school’s all-time assists leader and finished the season with 578 in

★ SNIPES FROM PAGE 1 reasons were previously found financial inconsistencies she said stemmed from mismanagement of $2.5 million in utility funds as well as low employee morale and questions about Snipes’ management style. Prior to working for Missouri City, Snipes was dismissed from the assistant city manager position in Austin following alleged misogynistic comments made during a conference. “After he was hired, I received a copy of the investigation that clearly demonstrated some serious concerns we should have considered during the hiring process,” Ford said. Ford also cited problems with the city courts as well

Ridge Point point guard Raven Adams brings the ball up the court. Adams is one of multiple starters returning for the Lady Panthers next season. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

her career. Adams recorded her 500th assist during the Lady Panthers’ 69-60 loss to District 20-6A rival Bush on Jan. 10, becoming the first player in Ridge Point history – which dates to

2010 – to reach the statistical mark. The Lady Panthers also reached their first-ever regional tournament this year. And the immediate future remains bright. The Lady Pan-

thers will likely return their top three scorers from this season in juniors Aleighyah Fontenot (19.7 points per game), Dala Allen (11 ppg) and Adams (10.7 ppg). Allen was also the team’s

as racial tension within the city’s police department and allegations that Snipes had not followed through on development and infrastructure promises. Snipes refuted the allegations. He said the city had responded on multiple occasions to the questions about the $2.5 million Ford referenced, also citing the clean audit report the city received from independent firm McConnell and Jones in 2018 – which found no wrongdoing – and financial awards the city received under his watch from 2015-18. Snipes added that more than $2 million has been invested in Cartwright Road and Texas Parkway beautification, while about $25 million has been invested into the Houston Community College

campus in Missouri City. “I can look at the record and show that everything we have done has been for the benefit of our community,” he said during the meeting. Several community members also spoke on Snipes’ behalf. “He has been the best thing to happen to Missouri City for as far back as I can remember,” said Kenneth Goode, who has lived in Missouri City for more than 30 years. “(Snipes) has exemplified integrity, professional expertise and a personal care and love for this city that surpasses all of the rest of you combined. To consider removing him would be a travesty and not conducive to the betterment of this city.” Edwards, who proposed the motion to terminate Snipes’ contract, refuted some claims

by members of the public that it was based on political motivations. "Today's decision for me personally, isn't based on race, gender, personal belief, or popularity, it is based on the facts and facts alone,” she said However, some city council members disagreed. “They want to get rid of our city manager. That’s exactly what it is. They want to get somebody in here that is a yes man,” Emery said. Snipes said it was an “honor” to work for Missouri City. “Missouri City, in my work, was about heart – giving my heart and giving my all to make a difference for my community,” he said. “… It has been a busy and productive four and a half years, and I feel lucky that I’ve had just a little part. I wish this city well.”

leading rebounder. Ridge Point has won at least 25 games in three straight seasons, including a school-record 31 last year. State repeat bid ends for Hightower girls The Hightower Lady Hurricanes (31-7) were tripped up in their quest for a return to the state tournament with a 56-40 loss to Cedar Park on Friday night. Hightower will graduate six seniors and its top five scorers, including leading scorer and LSU commit Destini Lombard. Lombard, a three-time all-district selection, averaged 14.4 points per game this season along with five rebounds and five steals per contest. Area boys teams advance to regional quarters Last weekend was a big success for boys basketball teams in the area. The Stafford Spartans (29-8) moved on in the playoffs with a 57-49 area-round victory Friday

night over Fredericksburg, the 14th-ranked team in Class 4A by the TABC. Stafford was scheduled to face District 25-4A rival Wharton at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Steinke Center in Kingsville in a third-round game as it looks to advance to the school’s first regional semifinal since 2009-10. Hightower, meanwhile, continued its march with a 70-57 win over Port Arthur Memorial on Friday afternoon in a Class 5A area-round game thanks to 25 points from sophomore sensation Bryce Griggs. The Hurricanes (29-5) were slated to face District 22-6A champion Crosby in the regional quarterfinals at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston. Travis (31-6) defeated Cy-Fair 71-65 Friday night to advance. The Tigers were scheduled to play Katy Morton Ranch at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Wheeler Fieldhouse in Sugar Land.

FOOT FACTS by Dr. Eric Tepper

BOARD CERTIFIED PODIATRIST, ACCPPS

OUT OF POSITION

Clubfoot is an abnormality in the foot structure noticeable at birth. The baby’s foot points downward and is twisted inward toward the other foot. This defect can be present in just one foot, but for many children, both feet are affected. Although clubfoot is often visually alarming to parents, it does not cause the newborn pain. Treatments sometimes begin within the first week of life and may involve gentle stretching of the tendons so the foot can be brought upward. The ankle joint is then rotated as far as it can go comfortably and cast in that position. This procedure is repeated at intervals over the next three to six months until the foot is in the correct, forward-facing position. HINT: Clubfoot can be diagnosed prior to birth during an ultrasound examination. We offer comprehensive footcare including surgical treatment, medical intervention, and preventive care services for a full range of foot concerns, from structural abnormalities to toenail problems to issues causing chronic pain. We are committed to providing uncompromising excellence in diagnosis and treatment of your foot or ankle problem, as well as advising you on how to keep your feet healthy. Feet of all ages are our priority here at 3143 Hwy. 6 South, so why not call us soon at 281-980-3668 for compassionate attention to your feet.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH SEMINAR JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR Thursday, March 19 | 6 p.m. Join us for a free digestive health seminar led by our expert, Dr. Sreelatha Reddy, who will discuss the following: • Gut health and probiotics – how they affect your whole body • Screening – when you need it and when you don’t • Gastrointestinal disorders – signs and symptoms

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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS MAYFIELD PARK RESTROOM SITE WORK The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS REZONING FROM STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) OR GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (M-2) TO THE HILL AREA RESIDENTIAL (HR-1) FOR APPROXIMATELY 9.7 ACRES AND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2, ZONING REGULATIONS

LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids in duplicate, addressed to 7gen Planning and Landscape Architecture, at 2107 CityWest Blvd., 3rd Floor, Houston, Texas 77042, attention to Rick Haddock, Landscape Architect, will be received at the West Keegans Bayou Improvements District’s engineer office of Miller & Associates Engineers, at 3644 Walnut Bend Lane, Suite C100, Houston, TX until 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 and then publicly opened and read for “Construction for West Keegans Bayou Hike and Bike Trail Phase 1”. A mandatory prebid conference will be held at the office of Miller & Associates Engineers. at 10:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Plans, specifications and bid documents may also be viewed and downloaded free of charge (with the option to purchase hard copies) at the CivCastUSA Website (www. CivCastUSA.com). Reproduction charges will apply according to CivCastUSA rates.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS REGIONAL DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS AT SUGAR LAND REGIONAL AIRPORT The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City:

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www. CivCastUSA.com.

Regional Drainage Improvements at Sugar Land Regional Airport CIP PROJECT NUMBER: AP1902 LOCATION OF WORK: TxDOT Detention Basin at South Intersection of US HWY 90A and Texas SH6 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com.

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, 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 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Sealed bids one (1) original and two (2) copies, 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 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Sugar Land City Hall, Cane Room, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas 77479.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 23, 2020, Sugar Land Airport Conference Room Air24, 12888 Highway 6 South, Sugar Land, Texas 77498.

Questions regarding this bid must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. on March 6, 2020. Please contact Karen Rogers, ASLA, LEED-AP at M2L Associates (713)722-8897.

Questions regarding this bid must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2020. Please contact Stephen Reiter, P.E. at Jones|Carter, at (713) 777-5337.

The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

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Planning and Zoning Commission Public VICINITY MAP: Hearings: 6:30 p.m., March 26, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the City-initiated Rezoning from Standard Single Family Residential (R-1) or General Industrial (M-2) to The Hill Area Residential (HR-1) for approximately 9.7 acres located (1) on the north side of Lakeview Drive, between Wood Street and drainage parcel R157753 (38 single-family lots addressed 203 Lakeview Dr. through 715 Lakeview Dr.); and (2) on the south side of First Street between Main Street and Wood Street (Lonnie Green Park). The Commission will hold an additional public hearing for proposed amendments to Chapter 2 Zoning Regulations of the Development Code. Residents and property owners of The Hill are encouraged to provide input on the proposed rezoning and Development Code changes at www. sugarlandtx.gov/OnlineTownHall. Learn more about the draft changes by visiting the project webpage at www.sugarlandtx.gov/TheHill, or by contacting the City of Sugar Land Planning Department by email at longrangeplanning@ sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218. The agenda item for this meeting will be available on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ under “Meeting Agendas” Planning and Zoning Commission no later than Friday, March 20, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Rezoning or Development Code amendment online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicHearingComment.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE SIDE YARD SETBACK AND THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENTS IN THE STANDARD SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2402 LIVELY LANE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m. March 18, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Side and Rear Yard Setbacks for 2402 Lively Lane, Lot 14, Block 3, Chimneystone Section One, in the Standard Single-Family Residential (R-1) District.

VICINITY MAP:

The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” Zoning Board of Adjustment no later than Friday, March 13, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Special Exception online at www.sugarlandtx. gov/PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.

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PAGE 8 • Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Missouri City's warrant roundup begins Wednesday From Staff Reports

Missouri City Municipal Court is conducting a warrant roundup Wednesday through Friday, allowing offenders to settle their fines without going to jail. Individuals who do not settle their fines risk arrest by the Missouri City Police Department. To settle a warrant fine in Missouri City, residents can call 281-403-8669 and pay with a credit card or go to Missouri City Municipal

Court at 3845 Cartwright Rd. They can also deliver a payment through the drop-box located to the left of the court entrance or pay online through the

city’s website. The city said individuals who do not settle outstanding fines may not be able to renew their driver’s license and are subject to arrest.

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★ IMPACT FROM PAGE 1 primarily low-income families as well as immigrants and refugee students. To help students in their educational journey, Anderson said she and BakerRipley’s Promise Community Schools offer both general and family-specific ESL classes as well as community centers with all the health and education options needed to achieve their dreams. “We’ve got children from every corner of the globe attending our schools. We’ve brought in children and families who are looking to pursue the American dream,” Anderson said. “We help them get educated and try to help them, figure out their aspirations and help (families) march toward them.” Award winners were nominated by the community and judged on criteria including their personal impact in the

★ PRISON FROM PAGE 1 with all of our resources, and constantly evaluating all of the statistical trends

From left to right are Sylvester Turner, Anastasia Lindo Anderson and Comcast's Ray Purser. (Photo by Quy Tran)

community, helping further the mission of a nonprofit organization and overcoming personal obstacles. “Each one of these individuals has made a contribution that has led us to where we are,” Turner said. “This is a very special moment.” Anderson said the honor

came as a surprise when she found out about it two months ago. On Friday, she was quick to deflect praise. “It’s just been a joy sharing my work,” she said. “I have a passion for kids, I believe all that all kids can learn and I’ll honestly die while keeping on trying to make it happen.”

across the board,” Desel said. “It’s all constantly being looked at, and that’s where any sort of move like this comes from.”

Employees working at the Jester I Unit will be relocated to nearby prisons, according to the release, as will the prison’s special programs. There are six additional Jester facilities within a 30-mile radius, according to Desel, giving employees plenty of opportunities to seek work. Meanwhile, the news release said the closures will free up about $20 million annually to cover additional shortfalls. "I applaud the hard work of the leadership at TDCJ for never backing down on the goal of reducing incarceration rates and recidivism while never compromising public safety," Whitmire said. "It is a triple win for the taxpayers, the employees, and the people trying to break the cycle of crime."

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Wednesday, March 4, 2020 • PAGE

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

MINIMALLY INVASIVE HEART TREATMENTS PUT FORT BEND COUNTY RESIDENT BACK ON HER FEET A hospital stay for bronchitis yielded a potentially lifesaving heart diagnosis for 75-year-old Kendleton, Texas, resident Tommie Turner. In January 2019, Turner was admitted to Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, where she was diagnosed and treated for bronchitis. But doctors detected another problem. “The doctors and nurses rushed into my room, saying they had detected a high heart rate,” Turner recalls. “Up until that time, I had never had any heart problems at all.” Diagnosed with Atrial Flutter at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital Memorial Hermann affiliated cardiovascular disease specialist Majid Basit, MD, says, “Mrs. Turner experienced heart palpitations (a racing heart) and was diagnosed with atrial flutter (AFL), a common electrical malfunction of the heart. While AFL can be controlled with medications, it has a high rate of recurrence and sometimes requires surgical treatment.” Dr. Basit administered medication to normalize Turner’s heart rate, and Turner was referred to Me mor i a l He r m a n n a f f i l i at e d c a rd i a c electrophysiologist Sohail Jalal, MD, who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Successful Catheter Ablation at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital To definitively diagnose and treat Turner’s arrhythmia, Dr. Jalal performed a minimally invasive procedure called a catheter ablation in the electrophysiology (EP) lab at Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. “For arrhythmias caused by abnormal heart tissue, catheter ablation can be used to destroy the abnormal heart tissue and restore the patient’s normal heart functioning, without requiring open chest surgery,” says Dr. Jalal. “The vast majority of patients are cured and don’t require lifelong blood thinners or heart rhythm medications.” The EP lab at Memorial Hermann Southwest is equipped with the latest equipment and technologies to enable affiliated physicians to perform a wide variety of heart catheterization procedures, including

radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation and laser procedures. Since the lab’s opening almost 20 years ago, doctors at Memorial Hermann have performed several thousand successful ablation procedures, from the simple to the complex. During the one-hour RFA procedure, Dr. Jalal threaded thin, flexible tubes called catheters through Turner’s blood vessels to reach the abnormal heart tissue. He then used radiofrequency energy (heat) to remove the abnormal tissue. The procedure was a success. Turner returned home the next day and was symptom-free for several months.

Majid Basit, MD

Second Diagnosis: Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) In November 2019, Turner was admitted to the Emergency Center at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land complaining of heart palpitations and fainting. This time, she was treated by Memorial Hermann- affiliated interventional cardiologist Marcin Bujak, MD, PhD, who administered medications to regulate her heartbeat. Test results indicated that Turner was suffering from a different form of heart arrhythmia known as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Once again, Turner was referred to Dr. Jalal for further diagnosis and treatment. Successful Catheter Ablation for SVT at Memorial Hermann Southwest Nine months after her first catheter ablation, Turner returned to the EP lab at Memorial Hermann Southwest for a second heart cath procedure. This time physicians were treating her SVT. Dr. Jalal again utilized RFA to destroy the abnormal heart tissue that was causing Turner’s arrhythmia.

Sohail Jalal, MD

Since the procedure, Turner has been symptom free. “I feel great.” Despite her year-long heart journey, Turner reflects positively on her experience, saying, “I never felt a single pain. Dr. Jalal took the time to explain things and to answer my questions. The nurses did an excellent job of taking care of me. I feel great. I would highly recommend both Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospitals.”

To learn more about heart care at Memorial Hermann, visit memorialhermann.org/heart. For a physician referral, call 713.222.CARE (2273).

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

Marcin Bujak, MD, PhD

THE STAR

PAGE 10 • Wednesday, March 4, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

County holds event to connect with area veterans news release. “Serving the 27,000-plus veterans is one

From Staff Reports

Fort Bend County Judge KP George recently held the inaugural Vet Connect Day on Feb. 22 at the United Way Fort Bend Center at 12300 Parc Crest Dr. in Stafford. Vet Connect is a resource fair that coordinates needed services to more than 27,000 Fort Bend County veterans and their families to assist with unmet needs from various governmental and non-governmental agencies. More than 120 veteran families attended the event to receive information about scholarship opportunities, medical services and other needed services. “It is an honor to connect

of my top priorities and is our way of giving back and

saying thank you for your service.”

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COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 PECAN GROVE WOMEN'S CLUB The March meeting of the Pecan Grove Women's Club will be held the second Tuesday of the month. The subject of the March program is Ò GenealogyÓ . The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. at the George Memorial Library at 1001 Golfview Dr. in Richmond in Room 2 C on the second ﬂoor of the library. Daniel Sample, head of the library's Genealogy and Local History department, will lead the discussion. Sample will introduce the many library resources available to the public for genealogy research.

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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS The meeting will run from 1-3 p.m. in The Great Hall at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. Come earlier to socialize. Program: Butterﬂy Gardening, Mary Parkhouse with FBC Master Gardeners. Children's Book Project Fundraiser: ticket sales $1-$20. Contact Cathy Duvall (see FBHRE directory) if you have items to donate. Continue to bring ﬂour or sugar for The Food Pantry. All retired public school personnel are invited. More information, call 281-499-5885.

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 281-344-3515.

ONGOING DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and 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.

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 281-4993345.

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. AMERICAN LEGION 294 MEETING Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old Hickory Inn BBQ, 3334 FM 1092, just north of Highway 6 in Missouri City. For more information, please call 713-376-7295. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’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 County Courthouse. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-3141313 or 1-800-272-3900.

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. 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 catÓ 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 866-6590666. 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.

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