Marshall in state final rematch with Aledo - Page 5
Nick Paoletti (right) of Sugar Land will be singing with an elite All State choir this coming February. Read the story inside today's edition on Page 2.
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 18, 2019
Visit www.FortBendStar.com
Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 43 • No. 70
Missouri City investigating death of neighborhood dog
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From Staff Reports
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Missouri City Animal Control is investigating a Dec. 11 incident involving multiple neighborhood dogs that left one of them dead. One of the owners involved is NFL offensive lineman Trent Williams, according to multiple reports. According to an ABC13 report, a Missouri City family says their pet, a 3-year-old Labrador
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subdivision. The owner’s family told the TV station that part of Sandy’s body was pulled underneath their fence by dogs on their neighbor's property, which is owned by Williams, according to ABC13. Williams did not deny his dogs’ involvement, ABC13 reported, but insisted that Sandy initially attacked and seriously injured one of his dogs. Missouri City officials said Tuesday that inves-
tigators have collected statements from all involved parties. The city said multiple citations have been filed, including violations for exceeding the number of pets allowed per city ordinance and pets failing to have required vaccinations. Additionally, none of the pets involved in the incident were registered with the city, which is another violation of city ordinance.
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Houston MSR instructor Tim Probert guides a Clements High School student through the steps of a driving exercise Saturday at the MSR track in Angleton. Students learned from instructors as well as pro racer and Clements alumnus Kory Enders. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
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Venezuela grants house arrest to area Citgo execs From Staff Reports
The Venezuelan government has granted house arrest to six Citgo executives who have been detained since November 2017, according to Dec. 9 reports by the Associated Press and Reuters. Four of the men have ties to Fort Bend County. Houston-based Citgo is a subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), a state-run oil and gas company. Reuters reported that the six men, who were arrested on corruption charges after reporting to Venezuela for a meeting shortly before Thanksgiving two years ago, still cannot leave the country, per the conditions of their release from jail. Five of them are dual citizens. One of the detained executives, Jorge Toledo, has a home in Sugar Land and relatives in Richmond. Three others – Gustavo Cardenas, Jose Pereira and Jose Luis Zambrano – are Katy
SEE CITGO 6 PAGE 7
For some students, driver’s education can evoke thoughts of dry lessons such as “hands at 10 and 2” and to be smooth on the brake pedal. Last weekend, students from a local high school received the early Christmas gift of learning extreme driving techniques complete with hands-on lessons from a homegrown professional racer. A group of about 20 Clements High School students got the chance to learn driving techniques from IndyPro 200 racer
and school alumnus Kory Enders at the MSR Houston road course in Angleton last Saturday morning as part of a special installment of Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land’s Teen Driving Safety School. Enders and MSR instructors guided the class through practical applications of high-speed braking and turning on the facility’s autocross course. “You get to actually do the exercises in person and see what you need to do, so when you get out onto the street and see these situations you know how to correct it,” Clements senior Christophe Bousaada said. “To put them into practice and seeing first-
hand what would happen, I think you’ll be calmer and more ready for the situation.” Each student also had the opportunity to train in Comcast’s Distracted Driving Simulator – which provided a simulation for drivers to experience the dangers of texting and distracted driving in a controlled off-track environment – as well as the chance to practice the art of drifting. “Students are getting to learn about what the car feels like at its absolute limits. They’re experiencing the car at its extreme points of braking, steering and the throttle,” said
Ashlyn Faidley and Christophe Bousaada prepare for a training run at MSR Houston on Saturday. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
the 22-year-old Enders, a Sugar Land native who graduated from Clements in 2014. “We want them
to experience all of those extremes so that the first
SEE CLEMENTS PAGE 6
Sugar Land resident finds long lost family through genetic testing By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
James Michaels found out he was adopted at age 10 but didn’t really delve deeper at the time. Curiosity eventually got the better of the now 31-year-old Sugar Land resident, leading to the discovery of his birth parents as well as siblings he never knew he had. “As a teenager it didn’t matter, because I was comfortable with my adoptive
James Michaels (left) poses for a picture with his half-sister Katie this past Thanksgiving in Houston. (Contributed photo)
family, but over the last few years I became more curious on what I was,” he said. “Other than the fact that my birth mother’s last name was German, I really had no idea about anything.” Michaels, originally from Big Rock, Illinois, said he knew he was mixed race, but became more curious about his identity as time wore on. He finally decided to pull the trigger on genetic testing through a company called 23AndMe in early January. “For most people, (genetic
testing) is more of a curious excitement, but for me it was a must at 30 years old,” he said. “I needed to figure out who I am, where I really came from and who my parents were.” About a month after submitting the DNA testing kit, he received the shock of a lifetime on Feb. 7 – a match with his uncle, who lives and works in Pennsylvania. The two met up just three days later during a conference his uncle’s pipe-
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THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, December 18, 2019
St. Catherine reflects community St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church, located at 4747 Sienna Parkway in Sienna Plantation, is a reflection of the surrounding communities both in its diversity and in the age of its members. Nineteen nationalities are represented in our congregation. Our small group ministry allows you to engage in regular study and discussion about the “things of the faith”. We offer formation and fellowship for your children on
a regular basis as well. Our life together revolves around an intentional path. Everything we do helps you to connect with God and one another, to grow in a relationship with Christ and one another, and by serving Christ through service to others. This, we believe, can transform all into the living, breathing disciples that we all hope to become! Please check out the St. Catherine’s website at siennachurch.org/ or call
281-778-2046 to learn more about the specific ministries and the many opportunities for Spiritual Growth, Fellowship, and Service. ALL ARE WELCOME FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES - 8 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. NURSERY CARE IS AVAILABLE SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 10:30 A.M. This story is special paid content as part of The Star's Christmas worship section.
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Sugar Land choir student to perform with elite ensemble By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
A college choir student from Sugar Land is going back-to-back as part of a statewide elite junior college singing group. Nick Paoletti of Sugar Land will be one of two Wharton County Junior College students traveling to San Antonio on Feb. 1215 to work with renowned directors and sing alongside other community college students as part of the Texas Two-Year College All-State Choir (TYCASC). They will perform in the Texas Music Educators Association’s annual convention concert on Saturday, Feb. 15. According to the school, this will be the second consecutive year that Paoletti sings as part of the elite 200-member ensemble chosen from
Nick Paoletti (right) of Sugar Land was recently selected to perform with the Texas Two-Year College All State Choir. (Contributed photo)
November at Alvin Community College, reading music written in African dialects as well as Latin and Korean. More than 70,000 high school students across the state audition in their TMEA region beginning each fall, according to the TMEA. From there, a select group of musicians advances to compete against musicians from other regions in their area. The highest-ranking musicians judged at the TMEA area competitions then qualify to perform in one of 15 Texas all-state bands, orchestras and choirs, which later perform at the convention. Through that gauntlet, Nick Paoletti has emerged out the other side once again. “All of the students of the state choir are there because they want to be,” WCJC choir instructor Debra Lemson said. “They are the best of the best.”
students around the state. “I like being able to hear different types of music and I love performing,” Paoletti said in a news release. Paoletti, a senior and the son of WCJC Choir Director Karl Paoletti, qualified for the group after auditioning this past
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THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 • PAGE
3
Rocking the boat led me to fascinating waters Many times, we’re not initially thankful for change. When something disrupts the status quo, our kneejerk reaction tends to be one of trepidation and fear. I was no different when the most notable shift in my routine occurred earlier this year. When I was transferred down to Stafford in order to take over day-to-day editorial operations at The Star this past April, I have to admit it was a bit daunting. So much had changed since I last covered the area in 2015-16, and I had so little time to digest that change before having to dive in headfirst after covering the Heights and much of north Houston for the past three years. I went from an area I knew like the back of my hand to a place that was simultaneously familiar and foreign. The past year has been one of learning and adaptation, but it’s one I remain thankful for in so many ways. And I largely have you to thank for that, Fort Bend. I’ve gotten to meet and know a little bit about some of the wonderful people of Fort Bend County, and tell some of the most moving stories imag-
Landan Kuhlmann LEAD REPORTER
inable since starting in this industry nearly five years ago, making this transition a little easier and growing me along the way. There’s been the heartwarming story of Phoenix, a black lab rescued from the side of the road and taken in by Fort Bend residents Allie and Garrett Post a few months ago. What began as a rehabilitation journey morphed into Phoenix becoming the newest member of the Post family as he made his way into their hearts despite having their hands full already with five family pets. When you spoke with the Posts, there was genuine love and joy in their words and actions that I think is rare to find in anyone. Just last month, I was able to make it out to Meadows Place, the onesquare-mile city just
outside Stafford, as they introduced an all-inclusive playground that is one of the first of its kind in Fort Bend County. The community support I saw was inspiring, and through covering the project’s progression I have come to know the city’s wonderful mayor, Charles Jessup, and his heart for the people of that community. There have also been several controversial stories and happenings which revealed the passion of this community. Whichever side of the Sugar Land 95 debate you fall on, there’s no denying that it has been one of the most prominent stories of the year. It has remained at the forefront of our news cycles at least once a month since the calendar turned to 2019 as county leaders, protesters and Fort Bend ISD engage in a battle over their ideas of truth and justice for the 95 African-Americans believed to have been part of the state’s slave-labor program that lasted until the early 1900s. Attempting to dissect the changing political landscapes in Fort Bend County in the context of U.S. Rep. Pete Olson’s
impending retirement in District 22 – and the avalanche of new candidates – the race to replace John Zerwas in the Texas House or State Rep. Rick Miller’s recent controversial statements has been a crash course in Fort Bend political discourse. There has been contention on all sides with ideas of what these things mean for the county’s future, and that likely won’t end anytime soon. However, I don’t see this contentiousness as necessarily a bad thing – things like that tend to happen when a group cares deeply about what’s happening to their community and the people in it. When passion abounds, you are bound to see emotions boil over or run high, and criticism run rampant on many fronts. Which leads me to my next point. One of the many changes I’ve experienced has been the attempted development of my own independent voice. Since beginning here at The Star in late April, I have taken over writing in this space far more often than at previous stops, and it’s been enlightening, even if way out of my comfort zone. I’ve found myself
diving into topics I rarely broached for much of my life, and in the process developing my own opinion on a topic instead of simply reporting it. That has seeped into my everyday life as well as I have found myself subconsciously more willing to engage in controversial topics with those around me. I always had thoughts. I was just less willing to express them – but no more. So in that sense, I’m grateful to the publishers of The Star for taking this chance on me. It’s given me the chance to grow as an individual, and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity. Further, I’ve gotten more feedback on stories I have written here in Fort Bend than just about anywhere else I’ve worked.
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Graves’ Disease: A Thyroid Disorder
Sugar Land investigating city payment breach From Staff Reports
The city of Sugar Land recently learned that Click2Gov, the system it uses for online payments, has been compromised. The city said its ongoing investigation of the matter includes all payment options. City officials are working with Click2Gov’s parent company, Central Square, on the investigation into the breach. "We continue to work with local and federal authorities, as well as forensic specialists, and
will notify any customers who were impacted after the investigation has been completed," Assistant City Manager Chris Steubing said in a statement released by the city. "So far, we know that customers
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HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 John Strader , Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 INDEPENDENT BAPTIST
GLORY BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-499-0440 211 Brand Lane Drive • Stafford, Texas 77477 Serving Stafford for 34 years Preaching the word - Singing the Hymns Worshipping the Lord Jesus Sunday 10:00 am Teaching - 11:00 am Preaching 6:00 pm Worshiping Wednesday 7:00 pm Praying www.gloryfbc.com METHODIST CHURCH
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary Simple Service / Prayer & Communion: 8 am Contemporary: 9:15 am / Traditional: 10:30 am Modern: 10:30 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:15 www.christchurchsl.org
SUGAR LAND METHODIST CHURCH • 281-491-6041 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Worship @ 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 am Bible Study, all ages, @ 9:45 am www.sugarlandmethodist.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
who used recurring credit card payments are not impacted unless they entered new credit card information. Those customers who paid by phone or in person are not at risk." The city also advised that customers who previously used the site’s "One-Time Payment" method should closely monitor credit activity. According to the city, officials are already in the process of initiating a new payment system in 2020, and more details will be shared as the schedule is confirmed.
"It is our goal to ensure the safety and integrity of online transactions and implement new strategies to address anything uncovered in this investigation," Steubing said. Payments to the city may also be made by phone at 281-275-2750, in person at 2700 Town Center Blvd. North or by mail to P.O. Box 5029, Sugar Land, TX 77487.
Some of that feedback is positive and encouraging, while some of it tells me I have no idea what I’m talking about or to quit showing my “liberal bias,” which was the first time I had been accused of showing that in my entire life. Whatever the case, I am always open to feedback. I know there is much I still have to learn about this wonderful county. There are times I need your help to tell those stories, and the only way I can grow in my knowledge of this area is through your eyes. So by all means, critique away. I know change isn’t always positive, but I think my most dramatic one indeed showed me it can be good more often than not. Sometimes, the grass is indeed greener on the other side.
Graves’ disease is a condition in which the body’s immune system causes over-production of thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located near the throat and regulates a wide variety of bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and development. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and in severe cases, the appearance of bulging eyeballs. Beta-blockers medications block the hormone adrenaline that is responsible for causing effects such as rapid heartbeat and anxiety in individuals with Graves’. Side effects of beta-blockers can be dizziness and fatigue. Propylthiauracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole) are anti-thyroid drugs. They both work by blocking the production of thyroid hormone and have rash and joint pain as side effects. Additionally, the radioactive form of iodine can be given to weaken the thyroid gland and result in less hormone production. 12-21-16 - Ed’s Pharmacy - 2 x 4.5
CHURCH OF CHRIST
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)
Sunday evening services: 5:00 pm Last Sunday 1:30 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Iron Mens Bible Study 1st Monday 6:30 pm
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 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, Tx 77478 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 8: 30 a.m. and 11 a.m. www.fpcsl.org PCUSA
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THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, December 18, 2019
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Richmond man facing multiple narcotics charges From Staff Reports
@FORTBENDSTAR @FTBENDATHLETICS
According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, 37-year-old Christopher Donnelly of Richmond was arrested last Friday afternoon after a collaborative undercover operation by the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, FBCSO Patrol
Donnelly
Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Houston Police Department. Police say they executed a search warrant at a residence located in the 2500 block of Old South in the unincorporated area of Richmond the morning of Dec. 13. Police say the search led to the seizure of nearly 250 pounds of mari-
juana, more than 70 grams of THC oil, 20 grams of cocaine, more than $400,000 in cash and other assets police believe to be the result of drug sales. The substances seized have an approximate street value of more than $500,000, according to the FBCSO. Donnelly has been charged with two counts of First Degree Felony
Manufacturing/Delivery of a controlled substance, one count of First Degree Felony Money Laundering and one count of Second Degree Felony Possession of Marijuana. “Thank you to the Narcotics Task Force for your diligence in trying to keep our streets free of illicit substances,” Sheriff Troy Nehls said in a statement.
Sugar Land company donates $10,000 to area Boys & Girls Club From Staff Reports
This year, Friday the 13th brought some good news to a local club serving area children in Fort Bend County. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston received a $10,000 check from Sugar Land-based Fluor Corporation last Friday to help fund programming for the Richmond-Rosenberg Boys and Girls Club, housed at 1800 James L. Pink Blvd. in Richmond. It is one of three affiliated facilities in Fort Bend. “Fluor is a valued corporate partner that gives back to the community in many tangible ways,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston President and CEO Kevin Hattery said. “They are
Richmond-Rosenberg Boys & Girls Club director Brandon Mouton (left) and kids accept a check from Fluor Senior Manager of Community Affairs Barbara Jones (right).
making a positive impact in the lives of hundreds of children and teens in both our after-school and summer programs.” To learn more about the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, visit www. bgcgh.org. Follow The Star on social media @FortBendStar
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THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 • PAGE
5
@FtBendAthletics:
Marshall punches ticket to state final rematch with Aledo By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
All season, coach James Williams and the Marshall Buffalos have preached keeping their eyes on the prize after falling short in the Class 5A Division II state championship game last season. The moment of truth is now here, and they’ll have a chance to conquer the same foe that dashed their hopes in 2018. Marshall defeated Boerne Champion 55-21 Saturday afternoon at Kyle Field in College Station in a state semifinal clash, earning their second consecutive championship game berth. The Buffalos (14-1) will now turn their eyes to AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Aledo (14-1) in a rematch of last year’s state final, which the Bearcats won 55-19. It’s the first time in school history Marshall has reached consecutive championship games. The Buffalos will look to take home the school’s first football state championship at 11 a.m. next Saturday, Dec. 21. “They’ve kept that de-
Marshall assistant coach Sam Padgitt gives orders during drills at a recent practice. The Buffalos will face Aledo at 11 a.m. Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the Class 5A Division II state title. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)
termination and drive all season long,” Williams said Saturday night. Backfield duo Malik Hornsby and Devon Achane had another banner day powering the Buffalos’ offense in the
semifinal as the pair was responsible for seven touchdowns and more than 600 yards of offense. Hornsby found Achane for a 9-yard scoring toss to cap a 60-yard drive on the opening possession,
and it was just the beginning of the onslaught. Hornsby finished with 391 total yards (289 passing, 102 rushing) and four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) on the afternoon. The senior signal
caller has now accounted for 3,406 total yards and 43 touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, Achane added 153 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in addition to 75 yards receiving and the scoring catch. He has now reached pay dirt 17 times in five postseason games while rushing for at least 100 yards in each one, while Saturday’s performance also helped him eclipse the 2,000-yard mark for the first time in his Marshall career. Williams said Hornsby and Achane continue to rise to new challenges every week, even now against the best the state has to offer. “(Malik and Devon) are great leaders and welcome the challenges of leading the offense and team,” he said. The party for the Buffalos started early as they raced out to a 27-0 lead after one quarter and never looked back. And while eyes immediately jump to the points, it was the Marshall defense setting the tone and showcasing why it was the stingiest in District 11-5A this season.
Facing a Chargers offense that averaged more than 41 points per game, the Buffalos frustrated star quarterback Luke Boyers until the game’s outcome was long decided. Marshall forced turnovers on each of Champion’s first three drives, including a pair of interceptions by junior defensive back Christian Jackson on consecutive tosses from Boyers, who had thrown just five interceptions entering Saturday’s action. Senior defensive end/ linebacker Quincy Blair also forced his fifth fumble of the season. As has been demonstrated time again, the Buffalos’ potent offense wasted little time taking advantage. Including a pick six from Jackson, Marshall converted those three turnovers into 20 points before many could find their seats, and the rout was on. “At the beginning of the season, they set a goal to not only get back to the state championship, but to win it,” Williams said. “….They’ve earned the right to play vs Aledo again.”
Travis boys shoot up rankings after strong week By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fresh off a win over state-ranked North Shore, the Travis Tigers boys
basketball team already had some momentum. They largely kept it going last week, winning five of six contests during a stretch that included a Fort Bend ISD tournament sandwiched between two
midweek contests. Wins over Katy Paetow, Clear Springs, La Marque, Midway and District 206A foe Bush highlighted Travis’ week, with the only blemish being a 4937 loss in a rematch with
Richmond fundraiser benefits Fort Bend nonprofit organization
North Shore on Friday. The Tigers (14-2) rose to 15th in Class 6A in the latest rankings released Monday by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches and sit alone atop 20-6A. Hightower
(13-4) is ranked fifth in Class 5A. On the girls’ side, Hightower (15-2) went 2-0 last week, with victories over Angleton and No. 14 Manvel, which propelled the Lady Hurricanes all the
way up to No. 2 in the most recent TABC rankings for 5A. Ridge Point (9-5) won its only game of the week, on Friday against Hitchcock, and sits at No. 20 in the 6A rankings.
BONDED & INSURED
From Staff Reports
Fort Bend County wine and food connoisseurs recently got the chance to sip and stroll while supporting a local charitable foundation. More than 200 attendees came to the Vino in Veranda on Dec. 9, when an afternoon devoted to showcasing local food and libations at the community’s amenity center raised $1,500 to help the Friends of North Richmond. Created in 2009, Friends of North Richmond works to create greater access to living wage jobs, spiritual health, clean water, quality education, child care, healthy families, basic and financial literacy, transportation and health care for those considered to be living in poverty in the Richmond community. Friends of North Richmond director Elise Kaufman said the money raised will fund several of the organization’s programs, such as providing a hot meal for the 50 students who are receiving direct
New
LOCAL EVENTS
ON PAGE 8
Ready to fix that fence? The Veranda community recently donated $1,500 raised at Vino in Veranda to Friends of North Richmond. (Contributed photo)
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THE STAR
PAGE 6 • Wednesday, December 18, 2019
★ CLEMENTS, FROM PAGE 1 time they do that is here in a controlled (setting) rather than out on the road. This allows them to understand what’s going to happen. “In an extreme situation, you’re going to need to use the most out of your vehicle. Having that tool in your chest is something
high school course. Enders and the dealership each pitched in $5,000 to cover course costs, allowing them to offer it to students for free. “We’ve been looking for a way to bring Kory into some of his community passions, one of which is giving back to Clements,” Brown said. “He came to us and said he wanted to find a way to get involved with Clements. I knew we had to find a way to make these worlds come together, so we brought this world to the students.” That world was enthusiastically received by students such as Pousada and junior Ashlyn Faidley, who said she learned more in two hours under the hands-on tutelage of MSR instructors and Enders – who was in the car with students to provide instruction – than in several classes of a regular driving school. “When we were driving really fast down the cones and I kept hitting them, I was like, ‘Wow, if these were people it’d be really bad!’ It was nice to know how to get out of those situations now,” she said. “Sometimes you see people on TV teaching you with their programs, but instead (Kory) is actually out here helping us. That’s really nice to have and makes it a
that carries with them through their entire driving life.” Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land’s Derek Brown said the Teen Driving School is typically exclusive to the company’s clientele and their children, but a proposition from Enders last year spurred a partnership for the first-ever concentrated
NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids, in duplicate, on the original forms, signed by an officer of the company, will be received by Quail Valley Utility District, it’s offices Q.V.U.D. 3134 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, Texas 77459, until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 for the construction of: Re-Routing 8” Force Main from Quail Valley Lift Station No. 5 to Quail Valley Lift Station No. 1 Quail Valley Utility District, Missouri City, Fort Bend County, Texas Plans, specifications and necessary information may be obtained from Saliger Engineering Corporation by calling 830-263-1510 or email request to wsaliger@swbell.net, for a non-refundable deposit of $100 per set of plans and/ or specifications. Bid Security shall be a Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check or Certified Check in an amount equal to ten (10%) percent of the total bid and must accompany each proposal. Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check or Certified Check must be made payable to: Quail Valley Utility District The successful bidder must furnish an insurance certificate, a performance bond and a payment bond in the amount of one hundred (100%) percent of the contract price within ten (10) days after receipt of the contract documents. Payment and performance bonds shall be issued from sureties with “A” rating from Best’s Key Rating Guide and who are authorized by the State Board of Insurance to do business in Texas and to issue said bonds. The bonds must be signed by an authorized representative of the surety and licensed by the State Board of Insurance. Quail Valley Utility District reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to accept any bid deemed advantageous to them or waiver all irregularities. Dated: December 2019 Quail Valley Utility District
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lot easier to learn.” Enders, who has competed on the pro circuit since graduation, said he has long wanted to find ways to pour back into a school and community that helped him get his start. Saturday’s class was the first culmination of combining his passions to do so. “I think (being from Clements) helps me connect with the students a lot, and they have something to strive for in the sense that there is something out there after high school,” he said. “To see them in the same position I was in a couple short years ago and having so much fun learning is really enlightening. You have to engage them somehow, and I think the best way to do that is by putting them with a group of their peers altogether, being spectated while doing the same thing with someone who knows what they’re doing beside them in the whole process.” Students echoed the sentiment, and couldn’t soak up knowledge fast enough. “There’s always going to be someone more experienced than you, so being able to take that information and knowledge back and apply it to your own life is really a great experience,” Pousada said. “It’s not something you get to do on a daily basis.”
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and he wanted to connect with his son. Upon hearing those words, Michaels said he momentarily lost the ability to think. But after recovering his wits, he reached out to his father the next day. “I thought my father was going to be a mystery my whole life,” he said. “I’m thinking, ‘What is happening? How?’ I was kind of speechless. For about five minutes, my mind just went blank.” This has been the first holiday season for Michaels knowing where he came from. He met up with Katie for the first time over Thanksgiving in Houston, where she was visiting other relatives, and said the two have instantly formed a strong bond. He is planning a trip to visit his birth parents in Illinois in March and said there are two other half-siblings he has yet to connect with. It’s the perfect present that outshines all the others for Michaels. “I was overwhelmed, and it was both a comfort and a shock,” he said. “It all just fell together so fast.”
★ GENETICS, FROM PAGE 1 line company was attending in Houston, and it was then Michaels discovered a link to his birth mother. His uncle told him he had found a long-lost sister through a private investigator in 1992 – Michaels’ mother. The revelation was mind-blowing for Michaels, who then reached out to a second uncle to link up with his mother. “I didn’t think I would know so much within a week,” Michaels said. More revelations were to come. Shortly before Michaels said he planned to reach out to his birth mother, she made first contact and revealed he had two younger siblings – a 14-year-old sister, Katie, and a 25-year-old brother, who both live in Illinois. “(Katie) was all excited to have an older brother,” Michaels said. “She calls me for homework help, questions and advice on everything.” Then on Oct. 7, his mother called again – this time to tell him she’d run into his birth father at an Illinois Walmart,
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TRUCK DRIVER NEEDED Looking for Driver for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry’s Tri-City Churches Resale Shop. Must be able to lift and move heavy furniture and drive a box truck. Job is full time at 35 hours per week. Job is full time at 35 hours per week. Email to: jackie@humanneeds.org East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry is a not-for-profit organization who’s mission it is to address the basic human needs of persons in temporary financial crisis in East Fort Bend County.
LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS PURCHASE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City: BID NO. 2020-12: PURCHASE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES 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, January 2, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS MANHOLE AND VALVE REPAIR SERVICES The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City: BID NO. 2020-13: MANHOLE AND VALVE REPAIR SERVICES 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, December 19, 2019, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky CPPO, CPPB, Contracts Manager jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019. The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE- CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE XI PARKING GARAGES, TO ADD INTERIOR PARKING GARAGE LIGHTING PROVISIONS FOR REDUCING UNWANTED GLARE AND PROVIDING FOR PARKING GARAGE SAFETY
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City Council Public Hearing: 5:30 p.m., January 7, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North to hear all persons interested in proposed amendments to the Development Code for Chapter 2, Article XI Parking Garages, adding interior lighting provisions related to reducing glare and providing for parking garage safety. The agenda item for this meeting will be placed on the City of Sugar Land website at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas” City Council no later than Friday, January 3, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Development Code amendment online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ PublicHearingComment or contact City of Sugar Land Planning Department at (281) 275-2218.
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THE STAR
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nas, Toledo and the Zambranos, the men were accused of trying to make decisions that would financially inhibit Citgo’s parent company and by extension the Venezuelan government. They have yet to stand trial. “New developments are a step in the right direction, but all will not be right until the Citgo 6 are returned to their families,” Olson said Dec. 10 on Twitter. “We will never give up until they are allowed back to the USA!”
★ CITGO 6, FROM PAGE 1 residents. The other detained men are Tomeu Vadell and Alirio Zambrano, the brother of Jose Luis. Relatives of all the men, along with other supporters and U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, participated in an October march in Houston that was organized by Alexandra Forseth, the daughter of Alirio Zambrano. According to Olson and relatives of Carde-
Wednesday, December 18, 2019 • PAGE
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THE STAR
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Fort Bend ISD approves new student ranking policy By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
GOT NEWS? Email your news or press release to editor@FortBendStar.com
Students enrolling in Fort Bend ISD’s programs of choice will have some new dynamics to take into account after the district approved a different form of evaluation. During Monday night’s regular board meeting, the FBISD board of trustees unanimously approved the adoption of a policy related to class rank. The district’s recommendation was that students in a program of
choice would be ranked with students at the high school within the attendance boundary in which they reside rather than the school at which they take the classes. Following Monday night’s decision, students who enroll in one of FBISD’s nine high-school level programs of choice will begin being ranked in that manner beginning with the class of 2024. According to FBISD superintendent Charles Dupre, the plan was the culmination of about six years
of attempting to find a more equitable way to rank students at schools where the choice programs are taken. He said the practice would be fairer to the FBISD student body as a whole.
“This has long been a concern voiced by both academy and non-academy students and their parents,” he said in a video posted to the district’s website Dec. 10.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR FORT BEND COMMUNITY CALENDAR IS FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS. 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. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 COOKBOOK CLUBS HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE The Culinary Book Club at the University Branch Library will meet Dec. 18, at 1:30 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land. . Share tips, get ideas, and enjoy the camaraderie of other individuals who have an interest in cooking and good cuisine! For more information, call the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900), the University Branch Library (281633-5100), or the library systemÕ s Communications Office (281-633-4734). FRIDAY, DEC. 20 HOLIDAY WRAP OPEN HOUSE Fort Bend County LibrariesÕ Mission Bend Branch Library will host the event from 1-3 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road in northeast Fort Bend County. The library will provide basic essentials, such as wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons, but those attending are welcome to bring their own materials as well. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the Mission Bend Branch Library (832-471-5900) or the library system’s Communications Office (281633-4734). JANUARY 1 BINGO NIGHT Brazoria-East Fort Bend County Optimist Friday February 7, 2020 7pm (Doors open at 6pm) New Hope Lutheran Church 1424 FM 1092 Missouri City, Tx 77459 Great Prizes ! Fun For All! $25 early bird cards. $30 at the door. THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS Meeting, Thursday, January 9th @ 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. in The Great Hall at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. Come earlier to socialize. Two programs: Voter Registration Update; Meds & Medicare with Memorial Herman Sugar Land Pharmacy Director. All retired public school personnel invited. More information, call 281-499-5885. TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 SUGAR LAND GARDEN CLUB Mary Spolyar, Texas Master Naturalist, will explore a number of plants local to the Fort Bend area that are garden-worthy and are available for sale locally. Informative handouts will be available. All meetings of the Sugar Land Garden Club are free and open to the public. The meeting starts at 9:30 am and is held at the St. BasilÕ s Hall, 702 Burney Road, Sugar Land. For further information, please refer to the SLGC website at www.sugarlandgardenclub.org. ONGOING DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Are you interested in an adult Sunday School class that offers breathtaking videography of important Holy Land archeological sites combined with cultural scholar Ray Vander LaanÕ s explanation of the religious significance of those sites? First Presbyterian Church of Sugar Land offers an ongoing 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 will help you more fully appreciate Biblical times and places, so you could more fully respond to the power of the Word today. There is no cost. 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.
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EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, AmericaÕ 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. We are about 1) Doing Good in and for our community, 2) Having FUN!! 3) Making New Friends & 4) Developing Professional Relationships through our Programs of Service in Americanism, Youth, numerous Community Service Events and our National Project, the Prevention of Child Abuse. We are in Ò Unity for ServiceÓ as we work together to inspire our communities to be better places to live! 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!
Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800-272-3900.
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.
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.
AHFC JUNIOR HURRICANES (JHSL) Registration For the FALL 2019 - Now Open - The Junior Hurricanes Soccer League (JHSL) is led by professional United States Soccer Federation (USSF) licensed staff and is designed for boys & girls who want to play and have fun in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment. The JHSL program is being offered at multiple locations and in conjunction with CFSA at the Schiel Road Complex.To learn more about each location and to register please visit www. albionhurricanes.org.
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 281-3424455 or 281-633-4734.
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 281222-4888. MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345. BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, taxfree 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. 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.
QUAIL VALLEY WINE SOCIETY Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month for education of wines, food pairings and fellowship at the Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta, Missouri City. For more information, call 281-4376798 or jackipauley@att.net. 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.
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. Schoolaged children are invited to come read to a cat, receive an Ò 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 866-659-0666. A case manager will contact you and get you started on your road to recovery.Visit www.fortbendrecovers.org for more information and to donate. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City presents a variety of programs every month. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.
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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 281341-9966.
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ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with AlzheimerÕ s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. JohnÕ s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson St. in
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