11-04-2020 Edition of the Fort Bend Star by Fort Bend Star

County's early voters came out in droves - Page 3

Though it blends cuisines not typically mixed, Stafford's Best Burger maintained its hold on each classic during a recent visit. Read our review on Page 8. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 11

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Marshall mourning death of former track star By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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Fort Bend ISD’s Marshall High School is mourning the death of a former track athlete who died in an apparent road rage incident Oct. 23. The Houston Police Department said Robert Mouton, 18, died Friday as the result of injuries

sustained from being shot Oct. 23. According to Harris County court records, 45-year-old Jorge Joya of Stafford has been charged with murder in connection with Mouton’s death. Dozens of mourners gathered outside the school on Saturday as an impromptu vigil for Mouton, who was on the Buffalos’ 2019 state championship track and

field team, and released balloons into the evening sky to celebrate his life. Mouton had graduated from Marshall in May and was set to walk on with Lamar University’s track and field team in the spring, according to a report from KPRC. “We love you, Robert

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FBISD's Dupre extended through 2024 By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees voted Oct. 28 to extend the contract of superintendent Charles Dupre by one year. It now runs through April 30, 2024. The board voted 6-0 in favor of extending Dupre’s contract after conducting its annual evaluation of the superintendent. Position 6 Board Member Addie Heyliger was absent. “The contract extension is a vote of confidence in Dr. Dupre,” Board President Jason Burdine said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Dupre’s leadership as the District navigates the many challenges associated with teaching students during the ongoing pandemic.” The amendment to Dupre’s contract is the seventh since he was named FBISD’s superintendent in April 2013. Dupre’s annual salary has risen to $363,911 from $285,000 in 2013, an increase of $78,911. The most recent of four approved pay increases came in a 2019 amendment to his contract, which added $13,520 SEE DUPRE PAGE 7

Dupre

Cash English hugs DB Cooper, the German Shepher/Golden Retreiver mix his father adopted from the Fort Bend Animal Shelter on Oct. 24. (Contributed photo)

‘Big Dog’ campaign inspires families to adopt pets By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Cliff English had a feeling the dog he was planning to adopt from the Fort Bend Animal Shelter was destined to be his. But the East Bernard resident didn’t feel certain until he moved up to third on the waiting list, and figured that since he had been the only one on the list who actually came to visit the year-old German Shepherd, that it was a perfect fit. Sure enough, the former paratrooper from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division brought home a puppy named DB Cooper to his wife and son, Cash,age 5, on Oct. 24. English is one of about 300 people to have adopted a “big dog” classified by Best Friends

Sydney Powers pets Cowboy, adopted from the Fort Bend Animal Shelter. (Contributed photo)

Animal Society (BFAS) as any dog 40 pounds or heavier, during the nonprofit organization’s

push in tandem with its partnering Greater Houston shelters, including the Fort Bend Animal

Shelter at the Fort Bend County Rosenberg Annex. Utah-based BFAS was

founded in 1984 and played a key role in reducing the number of animals killed in shelters nationwide from an estimated 17 million per year to around 733,000. However, there are about 2,000 dogs and cats killed every day in shelters, and the organization has a goal of implementing a no-kill policy in shelters by 2025. Kerry McKeel, the senior program manager for BFAS, said Texas has the second-highest number of shelter deaths, only trailing California. McKeel said a disproportionate number of the dogs killed in Texas shelters are 40 pounds or heavier. BFAS came up with its “Big Dog” campaign in an effort to try to appeal to a sense of shared appreciation for canines

SEE PETS PAGE 7

Sugar Land artist to debut ‘What Shapes Us’ By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Tracey Meyer loves shapes — not only as an artist, but because she considers herself a historian. “I don’t know why that is (that I love shapes),” Meyer said. “They just resonate with me very strongly. And of course, staring out my window, everything is a shape. The leaves are a particular shape, the flowers are a particular shape, and I draw that inspiration from nature.” That resonance fueled her latest exhibition, “What Shapes Us,” a series of sculptures to be displayed Nov. 7-Dec. 3 at the Archway Gal-

lery in Houston. Meyer will be at the gallery on Saturday afternoons and is also available to provide private tours and small group visits. The exhibit, billed as a “sculptural exploration of the complexity of life,” is Meyer’s third solo showcase and first at the Archway Gallery. “One of the distinctive things about the gallery is that it is so international,” Meyer said. “There’s me, an Australian, there’s a lovely French lady, there’s someone from Pakistan, there’s a Taiwanese woman, there are many people from South America, we’ve got a Colombian and a Venezuelan. So I love that about the gallery, that it is a sort of a melting pot of dif-

ferent cultures, which they perhaps represent in their art, but it’s just nice to have that experience.” Between growing up in Australia and moving to London as a young girl, and traveling frequently in her adult life due to her husband’s work, with brief stays in Singapore and Thailand, Meyer has had the opportunity to bring a global perspective to her art. She graduated in 2012 from the Glassell School of Art in Houston, where she studied studio art and concentrated on painting and sculpting. She also earned a graduate

SEE ARTIST PAGE 7

Sugar Land resident Tracey Meyer stands with one of her "What Shapes Us" pieces, which are being featured in an exhibit at Archway Gallery in Houston. (Contributed photo)

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, November 4, 2020

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Shown are partners from the Fort Bend Junior Service League and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, which began the virtual Sugar Plum Market on Wednesday. (Contributed photo)

Sugar Plum Market kicks off By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

On Wednesday, the Fort Bend Junior Service League and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land kicked off its annual Sugar Plum Market. The event, which is being held virtually due to COVID-19 runs through Sunday. Each ticket, which costs $15 a person, will allow

participants umlimited access to more than 100 vendors for the duration of the event. All ticket proceeds from the market will go toward initiatives such as education and scholarship funding and at-risk and disadvantaged youth needs. Since its inception in 2001, the Sugar Plum Market has raised over

$3.2 million for charities serving critical initiatives throughout Fort Bend County according to a news release from the organization. To register and attend the event, go to sugarplummarketplace.com. For the latest updates, om this year's Sugar Plum Market, follow @sugarplummarket on Facebook and Instagram.

District trustee Drew selected for 2021 TASB leadership class By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend ISD trustee Allison Drew took part in the kickoff session of the Leadership Texas Association of School Board class of 2021 from Oct. 1-3. Each of the four remaining sessions, according to a news release from FBISD, will feature nationally recognized experts in the fields of leadership

development and education. Drew was one of 27 school board trustees from across the state selected to be part of the group, which is participating in a yearlong education leadership study program. Graduates will earn “Master Trustee” status – the highest designation recognized by the TASB – upon completing all required elements of the study.

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FBISD hosting virtual hiring event From Staff Reports

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Fort Bend ISD will hold a virtual hiring event on Friday, Nov. 13 as the district looks to fill available openings for teachers and instructional age, according to a news release from FBISD. Interested applicants

★ MOURNING FROM PAGE 1 Mouton,” an Oct. 31 tweet from the school’s football Twitter account said. “Rest in peace.” According to court records, Joya was driving his truck in the 200 block of Highway 59 when Mouton allegedly cut off Joya's vehicle. Court documents show Joya,

should register for the position they are seeking by noon Wednesday, Nov. 11. Additional information will be provided to applicants following registration. For more information on available openings, community members can go to FBISD’s career website

at winocweb.fortbend.k12. tx.us/winochr/jobs/JobPost. exe?Action=page1&ini=jobs.

who was accompanied by a passenger, told police he saw Mouton pick up something and point it in Joya’s direction, leading Joya to believe his life was in danger. Joya is accused of firing two shots from his pistol at Mouton’s car, striking him in the face, court records show. A semiautomatic pistol and semiautomatic rifle were

found inside Joya’s vehicle, according to court documents. Arrangements are being made for Mouton’s funeral. “Heartbreaking and senseless,” Alveda Williams, the wife of Marshall head football coach and athletic director James Williams, wrote on Twitter. “Rest well, young king.”

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ON PAGE 8

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Wednesday, November 4, 2020 • PAGE

Casting your vote not an end, but a means Fort Bend County saw record voter turnout through the close of early voting. Regardless of the results of Tuesday’s election, which were not complete by press time (please visit fortbendstar.com for local election results), there are a few things we should all remind ourselves for the coming weeks and months ahead. As important as it is to make your voice heard at the ballot box, you shouldn’t be content with checking a box or assume that voting alone signifies you’ve fulfilled your civic duty for an election cycle. If you’ve volunteered for a candidate, whether they won or lost, ask them what is next for them and what you and your friends and neigh-

Stefan Modrich

bors can do to advocate for a cause you believe in or an issue that you feel deserves more attention in your community. Follow up with your elected officials regularly to stay in the loop on all of the goings-on, from your city hall to the Fort Bend County Annex to Austin and Washington. (One great way to do that, of course, is to read the Fort Bend Star, and to sup-

port quality local journalism in its many forms.) Volunteer at an animal shelter, a homeless shelter, or a food bank. Start a GoFundMe or pick a charity to donate some of the proceeds from your business to a cause you believe in. I believe in the power of localism to make real, tangible and visible change on a grassroots level and think many candidates across Fort Bend County this year are trying to communicate that same message in different ways. Call your state and federal elected officials and introduce yourself and tell them why it matters to you and to them that your voice is heard. It’s important to create a dialogue to improve upon the toxic partisan cul-

ture that we’ve seen trickle down from our national political environment for the past several years. I know these are deeply polarized and divisive times, and Fort Bend is certainly not immune to the temptations of the ugly rhetoric we’ve seen on both sides of the aisle. After the 2016 election, I made a point of letting friends and family of different political leanings know how much I respected and valued their opinions and that I wouldn’t let that affect our relationship. I was surprised at how positive the reception was, and I would like to think that is the case here for many of you. I will challenge you to extend an olive branch to at least one person with whom

you profoundly disagree, and compliment them on something you admire about them. Another important reminder: My political opinions will never be inserted in my coverage of elections or anything else, which is worth emphasizing, as well as the distinction between our opinion section and our editorial coverage. Even if our leaders do not concede their losses with grace and dignity, and we may not have some of the best examples being amplified during these trying and in many ways absurd and ridiculous times, I still am confident that we will be good sports, accept the results no matter if we like them or not, and remain a

model of bipartisan cooperation for the rest of the country to follow. If we find ourselves stressing about this or wavering from that ideal, I think it would be wise for us to revisit the conclusion of Abraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address in 1861: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND PARTIES:

Voters stand outside Stafford City Hall earlier this month. As of the close of polls for early voting last Friday, Fort Bend County voters had come out in droves, with its 67.97 percent voter turnout rate ranking second among urban counties in the state of Texas. (File photo by Stefan Modrich)

Accredo Packaging, Inc., has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for: Amendment of Permit 84053 This application would authorize modification of the Flexible Packaging Manufacturing Facility located at 12682 Cardinal Meadow, Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas 77478. Additional information concerning this application is contained in the public notice section of this newspaper.

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County breaks early voting record By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Early voting concluded last Friday in Texas, and Fort Bend County was off to a record-setting start in terms of voter turnout. Fort Bend County placed second among the top 10 urban counties in the state, reaching 67.97 percent turnout, according to the Texas Secretary of State. Harris County recorded 57.91 turnout percent during early voting, and Dallas County recorded 57.17 percent. Fort Bend trailed only Collin County at 69.05 percent

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heading into Election Day on Tuesday. In total, 327,865 people utilized early voting in Fort Bend out of its 482,368 registered voters. Of that total, 299,683 voted in person and 28,182 by mail.

The county has also added 78,333 new registered voters since 2016. “Our neighbors, friends, and family members in Fort Bend County are excited about participating in this historic election and continue to lead the state,” County Judge KP George said in a statement. “By extending our hours, expanding our polling locations, and providing every resource we can to voters - we see clear, positive results.” Technical issues delayed the start of early voting Oct. 13, but the county still managed to set single-day records through the first five days of early voting.

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Scripture of the week

“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” - Psalm 16:8

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, November 4, 2020

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Longino, Shelling power Hightower past Angleton By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Hightower Hurricanes had shown flashes of offensive firepower in the football season’s early weeks, averaging 30 points per game in their first three contests. But head coach Joseph Sam and his offense found a different gear last weekend, and needed every bit of it to come out on top. Hightower used 570 yards of total offense and a 27-point second quarter to outslug the Angleton Wildcats 65-45 last Friday night, evening both its overall and District 105A record. Leading the charge for the Hurricanes (22, 1-1 district) was their backfield duo of Jakolby Longino and Charles Shelling. Longino, who is committed to the University of Texas-

El Paso, threw for 319 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. The senior quarterback added 70 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Fellow senior Shelling posted his third 100-yard rushing performance of the season, going for 139 yards and a score. Kaleb Johnson, Kelton Ross and Latrell Neville each caught two touchdown passes. In other area Class 5A action, Marshall and Willowridge remained Fort Bend ISD’s sole unbeaten teams with wins over Sharpstown and Houston Austin, respectively. The Buffalos (5-0, 4-0) again relied on the running game, with seven of their eight offensive touchdowns coming on the ground. Runderick Dudley accounted for three of them, while Ja’koby Banks added his first two rushing scores of the sea-

son. Roland Harvey also threw his seventh touchdown pass of the season, while the Marshall defense forced two turnovers and pitched its fifth consecutive shutout. Ridge Point (2-2,2-0) won its second straight District 20-6A contest with a 28-7 victory over Elkins as Bert Emanuel threw for 179 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Travis (3-1) won its third consecutive game with a 32-9 victory over Dulles. Anthony Njoku threw for two touchdowns as the Tigers improved to 2-0 in district play. The Bush Broncos finally got the winless monkey off their backs last week with a 35-7 win over the Austin Bulldogs. In the area’s Class 4A action, Stafford (3-6, 2-2) won its second consecutive game with a 31-0 win

Travis 32, Dulles 9 Ridge Point 28, Elkins 7 Bush 35, Austin 7 Hightower 65, Angleton 45 George Ranch 31, Clements 3 Foster 41, Kempner 0 This Week’s Games Thursday Travis vs. Bush, 6 p.m. (Mercer Stadium) Hightower vs. Manvel, 7 p.m. (Hall Stadium) Kempner at Rosenberg Terry, 7 p.m. (Traylor Stadium) Friday Stafford vs. Bay City, 7 Fort Bend Austin's Joshua Tarver tries to outrun a College Park defender p.m. Marshall vs. Houston during an Oct. 10 game at Mercer Stadium. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann) Austin, 7 p.m. (Hall Stadium) Ridge Point vs. George over Brazosport. Brayden area teams is below. Ranch, 7 p.m. (Mercer Batiste threw two touchStadium) down passes, while Last Week’s Scores Saturday Jamaal Wiley ran for two Willowridge 36, HousAustin vs. Dulles, 1 p.m. scores. ton Austin 28 (Mercer Stadium) A rundown of last Marshall 62, SharpElkins vs. Clements, 1 week’s scores and this stown 0 week’s games involving Stafford 31, Brazosport p.m. (Hall Stadium)

Center Field Cinema returning to Constellation Field By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Sugar Land Skeeters will kick off the holiday season with the return of their Center Field Cinema this weekend, airing “Home Alone” on the field’s center field video board from 6-7:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. All tickets for the event will be general admission, according to a news release from the Skeeters, and cost $10 per person. Those under the age of 3 will not need a ticket. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m.

Those in attendance will be required to undergo a temperature check prior to entry and wear a mask unless sitting with their accompanying party on the field. Seating will be socially distanced per CDC guidelines and available throughout the field level and the outfield grass. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Skeeters at 281-240-4487 or by visiting the Constellation Field ticket office. For more information on the event, community members can visit sugarlandskeeters.com/ cinema.

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS LARGE WATER METER REPAIR PROGRAM The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City: BID NO. 2021-08: LARGE WATER METER REPAIR PROGRAM BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.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, November 19, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read via teleconference. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered

BID NO. 2021-07: PURCHASE OF FUEL FOR THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE

BID NO. 2021-05: TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLE ASSEMBLIES BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE

Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.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, November 12, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read via teleconference. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered

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, November 19, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read via teleconference. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered

For questions regarding this bid, please post on Public Purchase www. publicpurchase.com no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020.

The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

HIRELOCAL PG. 6 NOTICE TO BIDDERS US90A LANDSCAPE MEDIAN REHABILITATION PHASE III

BID NO. 2021-03: US90A LANDSCAPE MEDIAN REHABILITATION PHASE III BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.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, November 12, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read via teleconference. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered For questions regarding this bid, please post on Public Purchase www. publicpurchase.com no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020. The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

ADVERTISEMENT AND INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed bids on the original forms, signed by an officer of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25 (the “Owner”), will be received by Owner for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment and for performing all work required for the construction of: Valve Repair Annual Service (the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 10:00 A.M., December 10, 2020 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407. Specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:

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For questions regarding this bid, please post on Public Purchase www. publicpurchase.com no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2020.

Civcast USA Civcastusa.com (281) 376-4577 The Work will entail the repair and replacement of water valves throughout the Fort Bend County MUD No. 25 service area and will be performed on phases pursuant to Work Order Agreements as set out in Section 00509 of the Contract Documents. A pre-bid conference call with prospective bidders will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. Prospective bidders shall contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra. com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call. Owner will be bound by the terms of this invitation only to the extent funds, from whatever source, are available. All bids must be accompanied by proposal guaranty in the form of a Certified or Cashier’s Check, or Bidders Bond drawn to the order of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25, and in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after receipt of bids except with the approval of Owner. Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid from any responsible person which will be most advantageous to it and result in the best and most economical completion of the Work. The successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in full amount of the contract. Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager, Owner

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN AIR PERMIT AIR QUALITY PERMIT NUMBER 84053 APPLICATION Accredo Packaging, Inc., has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for: Amendment of Permit 84053 This application would authorize modification of the Flexible Packaging Manufacturing Facility located at 12682 Cardinal Meadow Drive, Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas 77478. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/assets/public/hb610/index.html?lat=29.641111&lng=-95.604444&zoom=13&type=r. The amendment will authorize emissions of the following air contaminants: carbon monoxide, exempt solvents, nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, hazardous air pollutants, particulate matter including particulate matter with diameters of 10 microns or less and 2.5 microns or less, ozone, and sulfur dioxide.

This application was submitted to the TCEQ on October 6, 2020. The application will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ central office, the TCEQ Houston regional office, and the Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Texas, and web site https://www.accredopackaging.com/Permit_84053_Public_Notice.pdf beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The facility’s compliance file, if any exists, is available for public review in the Houston regional office of the TCEQ.

As of the date of this publication (November 4, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing. Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST FROM THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT IN THE INTERIM SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1-I) ZONING DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 7914 MOUNTAIN LAUREL LANE Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., November 18, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 7914 Mountain Laurel Lane, Lot 39, Block 3, Greatwood Forest Section 3, in the Interim Single-Family Residential (R-1-I) District.

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City:

LEGALS

Zoning Board of Adjustment Public Hearing 5:00 p.m., November 18, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/ sugarlandtxgov/live, and Sugar Land Comcast Subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the proposed Special Exception to the Rear Yard Setback for 1218 Whisper Trace Ln, Lot 29, Block 2, New Territory Parcel SP-2, in the Interim SingleFamily Residential (R-1-I) District.

The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City:

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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, November 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. As of the date of this publication (November 4, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearing may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearing must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearing. Should the Centers for Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

The executive director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. PUBLIC COMMENT/PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments, or request a public meeting or a contested case hearing to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. The TCEQ will consider all public comments in developing a final decision on the application. After the deadline for public comments, the executive director will prepare a response to all public comments. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or ask questions about the application. A public meeting about the application will be held if the executive director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application, if requested by an interested person, or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. After technical review of the application is complete, the executive director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of Application and Preliminary Decision for an Air Quality Permit will then be published and mailed to those who made comments, submitted hearing requests or are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the final deadline for submitting public comments. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. You may request a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. A contested case hearing will only be granted based on disputed issues of fact that are relevant and material to the Commission’s decision. Further, the Commission will only grant a hearing on those issues submitted during the public comment period and not withdrawn. The deadline to submit a request for a contested case hearing is 30 days after newspaper notice is published. If a request is timely filed, the deadline for requesting a contested case hearing will be extended to 30 days after the mailing of the response to comments. A person who may be affected by emissions of air contaminants from the facility is entitled to request a hearing. If requesting a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, and daytime phone number; (2) applicant’s name and permit number; (3) the statement “[I/we] request a contested case hearing”; (4) a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the application and air emissions from the facility in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location and distance of your property relative to the facility; (6) a description of how you use the property which may be impacted by the facility; and (7) a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period. If the request is made by a group or an association, one or more members who have standing to request a hearing must be identified by name and physical address. The interests the group or association seeks to protect must also be identified. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the application/permit which would satisfy your concerns. If a hearing request is timely filed, following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for contested case hearing to the Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material air quality concerns submitted during the comment period. Issues such as property values, noise, traffic safety, and zoning are outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction to address in this proceeding. MAILING LIST. In addition to submitting public comments, you may ask to be placed on a mailing list to receive future public notices for this specific application by sending a written request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the Public Education Program toll free at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from Accredo Packaging, Inc., 12682 Cardinal Meadow Drive, Sugar Land, Texas 77478-6195 or by calling Ms. Elizabeth Stanko, TRC Environmental Corporation, at (713) 244-1039. Notice Issuance Date: October 12, 2020

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, November 4, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend County Libraries reopening area facilities By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

If area residents have been wanting to again experience the quietness of a library, that option will soon be accessible to them in a limited capacity. Fort Bend County Libraries announced Monday that three area libraries – the George Memorial Library in Richmond, the Missouri City Branch Library and the Sienna Branch Library – will be among those opened for grab-and-go services beginning Thursday as the library system enters Phase 2 of reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. During Phase 2, patrons will be able to do the following in the three local grab-and-go libraries: - Browse first-floor collections - Complete a library card application in person to apply for or renew your library card or update your

address - Pay fines/fees of $5 and up with a credit card Make copies, scan or fax documents -Use a computer and print – by reservation only – for two-hour sessions once per day. Computers will be spaced to maintain social distancing - Ask questions at the Reference Desk -Gain access to mobile WiFi hotspots and Launchpads A limited number of guests will be allowed inside on the first floor of each location in order to maintain social distancing guidelines set forth by the CDC, according to the library system. All community members must wear a mask while inside and will undergo a health screening prior to entering the library. The system had initially closed March 20 and began running curbside services May 4. “We miss all of our pa-

Fort Bend County Libraries' Missouri City branch, shown above, is one of three local libraries that will re-open in a limited capacity on Friday. (Photo from Facebook)

trons, and we know how important our libraries are to their daily lives,” Library Director Clara Russell said in a news release. “We

want to return to normal service as soon as possible, but this needs to happen in phases so that we can keep everyone safe and healthy.”

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the local communities and advice from officials. Curbside services will run Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at all open locations. On Saturdays, it will go from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. for all locations except those in Needville, Stafford and Fulshear/ Simonton, which will close at 1 p.m. “FBCL serves a large number of residents throughout the county, so we are being very thoughtful and deliberate with our re-opening plans,” Russell said. “These are our friends and neighbors, and we’re going to do everything in our power to expand library services while keeping our staff and communities safe.” For more information on Fort Bend County Libraries’ phased reopening, community members can visit fortbend.lib.tx.us or call the library system’s communications office at 281-633-4734.

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★ PETS FROM PAGE 1 in the midst of increasing unease and political polarization in wake of the Nov. 3 election. As of Oct. 30, about 300 people had adopted a “big dog,” shy of the group’s goal of 400. "Dogs are unaware of political party affiliations and actually in many ways unify people,” McKeel said. “The purpose of the ‘Texas Big Dog Campaign’ is to destigmatize large dogs, debunk myths and recruit more local adopters and fosters to save this vulnerable population.” The campaign was a collaboration between the Best Friends Houston program , the Rosenberg Animal Shelter, the Montgomery Animal Shelter, Harris County Pets, the Baytown Animal Shelter, the Pasadena Animal Shelter and the Pearland Animal Shelter. The Houston chapter of BFAS works collaboratively with city shelters and local animal welfare organizations to provide stable and supportive homes for a variety of animals. Finding a home Barbara Vass, the community involvement coordinator with Fort Bend County Animal Services, and Rene Vasquez, the director of the facility, said there are many ways an aspiring pet owner can help support animals, including short-term fostering of a dog for as brief as a day or a weekend or even for a week or two. June Garcia lives in Wharton County and said her sister has two dogs she adopted from the Fort Bend Animal Shelter. After her son moved and took his dog with him, she was looking for a new dog for the house. She was originally looking for a puppy that would grow along with her baby. Then she came across Money, a Pit Bull Terrier. “I was a little skeptical at first because of her age,” Garcia said. “I was a little scared. We did the whole 10-day foster, but I already called and said, ‘She’s good. She’s not going back.’ She’s found her forever home, and she’s awesome.” Vass and Vasquez are heavily involved in both the outreach to the public and in providing re-

sources and guidance for both seasoned or prospective dog owners. One of their roles is helping educate visitors about the perception of large dogs as scary or aggressive. English and other pet owners said the Fort Bend staff was a significant factor in making their adoption processes go smoothly. He has cared for several other dogs in the past, and was also aware of the common misconception some people have about certain breeds or bigger dogs. “The big guys are like gentle giants,” English said. “They’re the ones that are probably more loving than anything. They’ll fit in with other animals, too. It all comes down to how a dog is raised. If you treat a dog with love, respect, and kindness, he’s going to reciprocate that.” Honee Powers, a Richmond resident, said she and her daughter, Sydney, both fell in love with Cowboy, part-Corgi, part-Siberian Husky, during their visit to the shelter. “We both just looked at each other, and we both kind of said it at the same time that we wanted to go back and look at him,” Honee Powers said. “He was very mannerly, very gentlemanly and so we called him Cowboy. He was very kind and playful, but he didn’t jump all over the place.” Powers said the shelter staff was attentive and sensitive to their needs and helped match them with a dog that was a great fit for her and her daughter. “They were excellent,” Powers said. “They took a lot of time with us as far as making sure we found the dog that we wanted, they answered our questions, they didn’t make us feel rushed. They knew a lot about each of their dogs even though they had just gotten some of them very recently. It was a pleasant thing for us to go in there and see that, because even though not all of them were going to get adopted that day, we knew that they were being well taken care of and they would make sure they would find good homes.” She said Cowboy’s presence helps alleviate Sydney’s anxiety, and so adopting a dog had been in the works for a while, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Powers saw it as an opportunity for Sydney to learn what it takes to look after a pet.

As they do in her other works in this collection, the squares in “What Shapes Us 12” represent experiences. “(It’s) a very big revolution,” Meyer said. “To me (it) represents a complicated life that has had a huge event that seems to have brought it back to the beginning, in a way. It’s had a very pivotal life, with lots and lots and lots of experiences that this imaginary life has had.” The use of iridescent paint, Meyer said, means that the character who would inhabit such an imaginary life was out in the public eye. “It is a very shiny color,”

★ DUPRE FROM PAGE 1 to his base salary. Also in 2019, the board approved an additional $5,000 to go toward his supplemental retirement fund, for a total annual contribution of $25,000, the maximum contractuallyallowed contribution. His original three-year contract ran through April 2016, and included a $700 monthly car allowance and a $300 monthly technology allowance, as well as health benefits, among other things. In 2019, Dupre was named a statewide finalist for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Superintendent of the Year Award, and all FBISD schools met the

A loyal companion English said some people go into a shelter with a preconceived notion of an ideal dog or a preferred breed, but they end up going a different direction and finding that a different dog altogether ended up catching their eye. “I think that’s how it works for most people,” English said. “Something just jumps out at you and touches your heart and catches your attention. It’s like craps. It’s like a dice game. I don’t know what the world would be without pets. We learn from them and we’re lucky to have them.” Many people who desire a pet, English said, will do so because they desire companionship, whether they are elderly or a young single person. “If you’re locked down and living alone, wouldn’t it be better if you had some sort of companionship with an animal?” English said. “They don’t care what kind of day you had. They’ll love you regardless.” Garcia said Money was quiet at first, but after regularly talking to her and engaging her and allowing her to assimilate to the house, she became part of the family. “It was crazy,” Garcia said. “She was so loving. It’s amazing how these animals have characteristics and they really do learn.” Powers said she believes strongly that dogs can help provide comfort and joy to their human companions. “Big dogs, I think, they’re just a lot more to love,” Powers said. “They’ll interact with you, they’ll play with you, and in fact, we found that Cowboy being a little bit older has made it easier for us to train him with something we need him to know. He’s very observant, he likes to look around, he’s calm, he doesn’t jump on other animals. He just kind of sits there and looks at them. Even with other people, he doesn’t growl or bark, and that’s been very surprising to us.”

Meyer said. “It’s a life that’s been noticed.” Conversely, “What Shapes Us 11” is painted black and red, and is a “less complicated life.” “This is represented, to me, by the squares being fewer and larger,” Meyer said. “It does have two waves in it, so obviously there has been a few momentous things that have occurred in this imagined life.” She acknowledged the color red could be interpreted differently by different people. “Perhaps it is a secret life that this imagined person has had,” Meyer said. Subtle cuts or bends in the sculptures are used to convey momentous or calamitous events, a decision, a response, or a choice in a person’s story. As for “What Shapes Us 8,” perhaps the most distinct piece in the series with a bright green color and apertures bent at very steep angles, Meyer said she feels the personality of this sculpture is one that has

met its challengers and obstacles head-on. “It really has a lot of verve,” Meyer said. “It’s had a lot of hills to climb, it’s been very active and very busy. And a very enthusiastic life.” Why are all of the pieces based on an “imagined” life? While none of the sculptures are meant to depict or resemble any specific people, they are undoubtedly influenced by the people in Meyer’s life and her collective experience. “I’m not saying that I didn’t think of people that I know (when crafting the sculptures),” Meyer said. “But I don’t think that any piece represents a particular person. When one is making art, one sort of gets into this contemplative zone, so I think I was reaching out to all of the experiences I’ve had to get my inspiration.” Meyer said her art can serve as a reminder that a person’s story is often non-linear and it is the complexities and imperfections of human existence that make life interesting and worthwhile. “Life is an accumulation of experiences and decisions,” Meyer said. “So nobody is the same in terms of how they can respond to things. Yes, there are certain rules, ‘If this happens to you, then your response should be this.’ But you don’t know how their experience has been before, and how well they’re able to shake that off or embrace these things. Why can’t they embrace something good the way you embrace something good? “People are complex and interesting and varied and thank goodness we all are, because that’s what makes life so interesting.”

2019 accountability standard set by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). A total of 48 schools received distinctions, and 10 FBISD schools progressed from a grade of ‘D’ or ‘F’ to a ‘B’ or ‘C’. That same year, he was named Region 4 Superintendent of the Year by the Education Service Center. In 2018, the district was named the Best Large School District in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The district was accredited as of the 2018-19 school year, and received a ‘B’ accountability rating from the Texas Academic Performance Report. FBISD has 75,797 students, 43.2 percent of which are economically disadvantaged and 15.9 percent of which

are classified as “English learners” according to the Texas School Accountability Dashboard (TSAB). The district also was deemed to “meet requirements” for Special Education and 8.7 percent of its enrolled students are served by Special Education programs, according to the TSAB. Dupre was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and raised near Springfield, Missouri. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, and his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Houston. He received his doctorate in educational leadership at Lamar University in Beaumont.

★ ARTIST FROM PAGE 1 degree in education from the University of Melbourne in Australia, prior to that obtaining her bachelor’s degree as a double major in history and German. She was a teacher in Melbourne and said her family moved there in 2003, giving her children an opportunity to experience life in her home country. A persistent theme in Meyer’s work, particularly in this exhibition, is multiples of shapes. Nowhere is this more noticeable than in the exhibition’s signature piece, “What Shapes Us 12.” Meyer used rag paper, wood and clay to create the sculptures, each of which represent the life of an imagined individual. She works frequently with squares, rectangles and triangles, and formed shapes out of the rag paper or clay.

“I wanted her to save up some money for it, I wanted her to prepare herself to help train the dog,” Powers said. “I do think it came at a good time that we found Cowboy because of the ability for (dogs) to help (make up for) some of the things that people have lost during the (pandemic).

Pictured is "What Shapes Us 12," a piece of artwork by Sugar Land resident Tracey Meyer that will be featured in the Archway Gallery beginning this Saturday. (Contributed photo)

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 • PAGE

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THE STAR

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Review: Best Burgers serves up American, Chinese classics By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

It only takes a few seconds to realize Best Burgers in Stafford is an integral part of the fabric of the community. As you step inside, you’ll find a vintage letter board menu. Turn around to find walls lined with Little League plaques and an interior aesthetic with vibes that evoke the 1970s. The premise is simple: Come for a burger, stay for an egg roll. But as ubiquitous as Chinese cuisine is (particularly of the Cantonese variety that Best Burgers serves) it never occurred to me that it would make a good pairing with classic American diner food. And that is why I followed the advice of The

Hooters’ song, “Don't Knock It 'Til You Try It.” Have you ever had sweet and sour sauce on a burger? If not, you’re in for quite a treat. I had the Double Burger ($4.29), two quarter-pound patties with cheese and jalapenos. There’s nothing wrong with some really good quality fries, and often, you know them when you see them. But I have to admit that the burger’s stereotypical or traditional companion just doesn’t have the same appeal to me as it once did, and I try to find a substitute for them whenever possible. So instead, I tried one of my personal favorite Chinese dishes. Chicken Chow Mein ($5.99) is served with cabbage, carrots, ginger, and soy sauce and a generous helping of fried rice and

Chili Dog ($2.79). From the Chinese portion of the menu, Sweet & Sour Pork ($5.99 for the combo with side and a drink, $7.85 for a la carte) and the Shrimp & Lobster Sauce ($10.45) are a couple of standouts. The Special Fried Rice ($7.25) includes pork, shrimp, and chicken, and you can also order fried rice with any of the aforementioned proteins individually. While you wait in line, you can even take a look at the fridge for a soda (Coca-Cola products) or a beer (Bud Light or Corona Light) and even peruse the freezer for a pint of specialty ice cream flavors, including several from Texas icon Blue Bell. Pictured are the double burger and Chicken Chow Mein from Best Burgers in Stafford during a recent visit. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

an egg roll. All that said, $5.99 for a burger, fries and a drink is a pretty spectacular deal in this economy, so I can’t fault you if that’s your preference. Affordability and bang for your buck is another positive checkmark in Best Burgers’ corner. You come across lots of menus when

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In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events. NOVEMBER 5 RICHMOND-ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT In light of current events related to COVID 19, we are unable to meet face-to-face. We are holding a Zoom meeting at 7 p.m. Please click on the following link to register for the upcoming meeting: us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZAuc-ispzMoHNezLo4P_ V9Tnoa91w1q0mII. NOVEMBER 12 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 9:45 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 FT. BEND/HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS ZOOM MEETING Ft. Bend/Harris Retired Educators next zoom

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