Sugar Land to honor hospital workers - Page 3
During a recent visit to Hunan Garden in Sugar Land, the little things made all the difference. Read our review inside today's edition on Page 2. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)
WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 4
Visit www.FortBendStar.com
Missouri City, Stafford at political crossroads By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
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Both Missouri City and Stafford find themselves at a crossroads, with challengers vying for political control in upcoming city council elections that could represent a shift in mindset for both cities, with up-and-comers looking to unseat figures who have been entrenched in their respective positions. Lynn Clouser, a com-
munity advocate and the Development Director for Hope for Three, a nonprofit advocating for people on the Autism spectrum, is a contender for At-Large Position 2 on the city council for Missouri City. Also running for the seat is incumbent Chris Preston, first elected in 2014, and challenger James Mable. Clouser formerly support-
SEE CROSSROADS PAGE 4
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Rosenberg approves tax reduction By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The Rosenberg City Council voted to lower the city's property tax rate while approving its 2020-21 budget during a regular meeting on Sept. 1. The approved budget, which will take effect Oct. 1, includes the reduction of the city's tax rate from 41.5 cents per $100 valuation to 40 cents. “Due to the uncertainty of both the long-term and short-term effects of COVID-19, this year was a challenge to propose a budget within the projected revenues while working to meet the needs of an expanding community,” Assistant City Manager Joyce Vasut said in a news release. “The city remains financially strong while embarking on multimillion-dollar capital improvement projects, maintaining quality service levels for residents and reducing the city’s
SEE TAX PAGE 5
Three volunteers pose in front of a stack of supplies donated over the weekend to help those impacted by Hurricane Laura. Supplies collected at faith institutions all over Fort Bend County were scheduled to be loaded and shipped to Louisiana on Tuesday. (Photo from Facebook)
Louisiana couple displaced by hurricane shelters in Sugar Land By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Hurricane Laura brought record wind speeds and widespread devastation to Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Fort Bend County Judge KP George coordinated with local Christian and Islamic faith leaders and the Red Cross to utilize churches and mosques as collection sites for supplies to benefit those affected by the storm. The supply drives were held at 14 different facilities in Missouri City, Sugar Land, Rosenberg and Richmond from last Thursday through Sunday. The drives collected non-perishable food items as well as cleaning supplies that were scheduled to be loaded and shipped to Louisiana on Tuesday. Among the many forced to seek refuge was Cathy Lowry, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and her husband, Billy Lowry. And just as the famous Cajun Navy stepped up for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Fort Bend County residents – or “angels” as Cathy called them – have also found ways to help their Gulf Coast neighbors. “All these people are from Texas,” Cathy said. “And they said, ‘Well, when we had a bad time, Louisiana came and helped us.’” Thanks to a friend of
Nancy Cartie, the mother-in-law of their son, Dr. William Lowry, an orthopedic surgeon in Lake Charles, the Lowrys found their first set of angels in the form of Sugar Land residents Jami and Ted Arnst. The primary use of the home next to the Arnsts’ house on Terry Lane is for Jami’s mother, who resides in the Dallas area. “We were happy to have Cathy and Billy next door,” Jami said. “Nancy and I both attend (Unity of Houston) church, so it’s through our spirit group that we made our connection.” Cathy, 73 years old, and Billy, 74, are among those at higher risk of being affected not only by hurricane season on the Gulf Coast, but also the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setbacks she and her family have faced, she considers herself very fortunate to be out of harm’s way during a time when so many people are vulnerable and struggling. “It just brings me to tears every time I think, ‘Who gets a free house?’” Cathy said. “I mean, we just really feel blessed to have this wonderful gift.” Another Texas couple that had become close to the Lowrys prior to the storm, Ramona and Justin Payne of Lumberton, also have lent a helping hand. In the aftermath of the hurricane, Justin and two of their sons traveled to Lake Charles and placed tarp over the holes the storm had punched in the
Pictured are Bill, left, and Cathy Lowry of Lake Charles, Louisiana. After Hurricane Laura damaged their home last month, the Lowrys found refuge with Sugar Land residents Jami and Ted Arnst. (Contributed photos)
Shown is the tarp over the roof of Bill and Cathy Lowry's home in Lake Charles, Louisiana, after it was damaged when Hurricane Laura swept through Southwest Louisiana. (Contributed photo)
roof of the Lowrys’ house. Ramona is a recently retired nurse, and Justin works at an oil refinery in Beaumont, which is a little south of Lumberton. Their son Brett is a junior
pitcher for the McNeese State baseball team, and the Lowrys had become fans of Brett as alumni who sat near the Paynes at many of the Cowboys’ games and even watched
him on TV on the road. The Paynes rode out the storm in Lumberton and are housing several
SEE SHELTER PAGE 5
THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, September 9, 2020
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Review: Hunan Garden a Rosenberg tradition By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Pictured above is the almond chicken with fried rice and an egg roll during a recent visit to Hunan Garden in Rosenberg. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)
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dumplings. The ginger, carrots and broccoli stems were snappy and crisp. Both the scent and the crunch of the almonds was pleasing, and along with the brown rice, it gave the meal a body and sense of equilibrium. The egg roll had a sweet, almond-like flavor and was the biggest surprise for me. No matter if you’re going to order a spicy dish like Kung Pao Beef ($12.45), deep-fried Phoenix Shrimp ($13.95) or a Light Vegetarian Plate ($8.95), my advice would be to help yourself to a generous amount of sweet and sour sauce. Want to compare your fortune cookie reading to mine, or share any other thoughts on Chinese food or other restaurants in Fort Bend County? Tweet me @StefanJModrich or write to smodrich@fortbendstar. com.
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Since 1951
Sometimes it’s the small details that make a place worthwhile. The friendly staff constantly replenishing tall glasses of iced tea amid the relentless heat beating on the door. A fortune cookie with a note foretelling of a “prospect of a thrilling time ahead of you.” Dining out may not be a thrill during a global pandemic, but if it’s done with care, sometimes a brief escape is all you need. The Wang family has carved out an important niche in Rosenberg history during its 36 years of operating Hunan Garden, a destination for travelers in and outside the Greater Houston area. Open again for dine-in after initially being limited to takeout due to COVID-19, one of Fort
Bend County’s most popular Chinese restaurants remains in high demand both in-person and for togo orders. Hunan Garden has a second location in Kingwood that opened in 1987. The Kingwood restaurant is taking online orders. But back in Rosenberg, where it all started, I saw servers carrying heaping plates of Szechuan Beef and General Tsao’s Chicken, Hunan Garden’s most popular dish. There are a litany of lunch specials starting at under $10. I believe it’s within my purview to try things I’ve never eaten before, and not just things within my comfort zone. I made a blind choice of nearly 50 menu items, and selected the almond chicken ($8.95). I balanced out the unfamiliar dish with an appetizer of WonTon soup, the classic bowl of pork
Fort Bend County residents with a sweet tooth will soon have another option to satisfy their cravings. Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café announced Sept. 1 that the franchise will be opening its newest location at Sugar Land Town Square in the fall. It will be the franchise’s 11th location overall and its seventh store in the Houston re-
gion. Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café’s Sugar Land menu will offer a variety of breakfast, sweet and savory crépes, in addition to salads, paninis, milkshakes, wine and champagne. Signature crépe offerings will include Oreo Cookies n’ Cream, Berry Agave, Le Mexicain and Chicken Enchilada. For more information on Pictured is the tiramisu that the company, visit sweet- will be offered at Sweet Paris in paris.com/. Sugar Land. (Contributed photo)
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THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 • PAGE
3
Laura response brings out best of Fort Bend Each morning, I start my day with The Daily Stoic podcast, a short sound bite of wisdom from Ryan Holiday, an Austin-based author and scholar of the school of Stoic philosophy. In a recent email newsletter, Holiday writes about the elusive “them,” or the “other,” and how Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, discusses tribalism in the sense that the term is most commonly used today. “Tribalism tempts us,” Holiday writes. “Especially lately. We are suspicious of and think less of people who are not like us, who live differently than us, who come from somewhere different than us.” What’s so striking about the resolve of the
Stefan Modrich
people of Fort Bend County, during an era when our patience and nerves face test after daunting test, is how much they embody the opposite of this notion of tribalism. Instead, they evoke the word’s highest, best calling as a group that bands together to help each other no matter what. In this week’s paper, you’ll read about the selflessness of Fort Bend County residents who have donated their time,
labor and resources to help their neighbors near and far. As I continue to get out to every corner of the county and meet more and more of you, I am increasingly proud to work in a community that has stepped up for its most vulnerable residents in times of need The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause economic and social disruption, but coronavirus testing centers and drives for curbside personal protective equipment, school supplies and groceries have continued from Richmond to Missouri City. Beyond that, you’ll also learn about a Lake Charles, Louisiana couple who evacuated due to Hurricane Laura and thanks to a generous
Sugar Land resident, has been given a fullyfurnished house to live in until it is safe for them to return home In the coming weeks, Sugar Land will recognize frontline hospital workers battling COVID-19 with its rescheduled “Healthcare Heroes Week” starting Sept. 21, and residents looking to show solidarity with them can wear blue ribbons or place them in visible locations on trees or front porches. Let’s check back in with Aurelius. What would he think about the crises we face, and how would he handle the opportunity to contribute in a time of dire need? “It’s unfortunate that this has happened. No. It’s fortunate that this has happened and I’ve re-
mained unharmed by it… It could have happened to anyone. But not everyone could have remained unharmed by it.” I think it’s fair to say that Jami Arnst, who has opened her doors to those displaced by hurricanes on several occasions and also is a regular blood donor, lives by this principle. Rather than merely lamenting the tragedy of the circumstances that have befallen some, there seems to be an ethos of perseverance, adaptability, and overcoming obstacles among the people here. Sometimes, the people tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding our way of life and serving and protecting us may fall short, and when that does happen, we’re going
Local city to honor frontline hospital workers By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
As COVID-19 continues to impact Fort Bend County and the Houston region, the City of Sugar Land is recognizing the efforts of the area’s hospital workers. A new release from the city said Sugar Land employees will celebrate frontline hospital workers during Healthcare Heroes Week from Sept. 21-25. The celebration was initially scheduled for August, but delayed due to Hurricane Laura. Drive-by parades have been scheduled for the following three major hospitals in Sugar Land throughout the week: · 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Houston Methodist Sugar Land (16555 Southwest Fwy.). · 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at CHI St. Luke's Health - Sugar Land Hospital (1317 Lake Point Pkwy.). · 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital (17500 West Grand Parkway South). Throughout the week of Sept. 21, city buildings will also be lit up blue,
to be a watchdog for you and hold them accountable. At the same time, we can also give credit where it’s due, and seeing Fort Bend residents step up across racial, ethnic and religious lines to come together in our already diverse community to share a common goal of providing funding and humanitarian aid to fellow Texans and Gulf Coast dwellers is something that should make all of you proud to live, work, and play here. May we continue to learn from their example, and tap into our gifts to serve others when called upon to ensure this community remains a remarkable place. Email Stefan at smodrich@fortbendstar.com
ASK THE EXPERT
Q: A:
LEGAL QUESTIONS EVERY FAMILY SHOULD ASK
The year 2020 has been one of the most surprising, confusing, and frustrating years we have seen during our lifetimes. No matter what age or stage your family is in, there are questions that have arisen that keep Margie Connolly, you up at night if you are not prepared with a Attorney plan. Some of these questions might include: • Who will take care of my children if something should happen to me? • Who will make sure my bills are paid if I should get sick? • Who will make health care decisions for me if I am not able to speak for myself? • How can I make sure my aging parents are taken care of properly during the pandemic if they require in-home care or assisted living? Proper planning for these concerns can be addressed in an honest discussion with an estate planning attorney, and may address wills, trusts, power of attorney, guardianship, and medical directives. Talk to your trusted legal professional, and secure your peace of mind today.
Margie Connolly, Attorney The City of Sugar Land will celebrate its hospital workers during Healthcare Heroes Week from Sept. 21-25. (Photo from Facebook)
while community members are encouraged to replace porch lights with blue bulbs and tie blue ribbons around trees in their yards. Residents can also write messages of support on neighborhood outdoor message signs, or print and color one of Sugar Land's coloring pages as a “thank you” note to Sugar Land healthcare workers. The coloring pages are posted at sugarlandtx.
gov/ hea lt hca reheroes, and completed pages can be scanned and emailed to slheroes@sugarlandtx. gov. "The sacrifices being made by our medical professionals, first responders and their families on the front lines of COVID doesn't go unnoticed in Sugar Land," City Manager Michael Goodrum said in a news release. "We are incredibly appreciative of their
dedication and tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and we recognize that they have willingly placed themselves in harm's way to serve our community during this time of need.”
mmconnollylaw@gmail.com www.mmconnollylaw.com
4610 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 200, Sugar Land, TX 77479
346-309-4236
FortBendStar fortbendstar.com
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.
Applications now open to serve on Sugar Land government committees From Staff Reports
Sugar Land residents wanting more of a voice in their city government have an opportunity to do so through one of the city’s committees. The city of Sugar Land is offering community members the chance to serve
EVERY
HOME
EVERY
WEEK
on the Animal Advisory Board, Building Standards Commission, Independent Ethics Review Board, Planning and Zoning Commission or the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Applications opened on Friday and must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 through the Serve Sugar Land
website at volunteer.sugarlandtx.gov/. For more information on the boards and commissions application, nomination, interview and appointment process, community members can contact the Community Engagement Office at 281-275-2401 or email volunteer@sugarlandtx.gov.
ASK THE EXPERT
Q: A:
Who is responsible for paying the tow bill? The insurance company responsible for paying the repairs to your vehicle is also responsible for Chuck Charlton paying the tow bill to the body shop of your choice. If the insurance company selected a shop and you prefer to go elsewhere, they are still obligated to pay for the additional transfer tow. If your vehicle was towed at your expense, you will need to provide a copy of the tow bill to the body shop or the insurance company. Pre-paid tow bills are handled differently depending on the insurance company, so contact the shop to find out how you will be reimbursed. May God Bless our Men and Women in the Military
Your Countywide Newspaper 281-690-4200
BAPTIST CHURCH
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 METHODIST CHURCH
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary Simple Service / Prayer & Communion: 8 am Contemporary: 9:15 am / Traditional: 10:30 am Modern: 10:30 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:15 www.christchurchsl.org EPISCOPAL
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:15 am Worship Rite Two www.allsaintsstafford.org
CHURCH OF CHRIST
STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Worship: 10:30 a.m. Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY : Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org LUTHERAN CHURCH
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land Sunday: 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Contemporary Worship (Nursery Available) 4:00 pm Spirit of Life Worship PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org
Scripture of the week
Local Family Business since 1957 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street • Stafford, TX 77477 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com
“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, September 9, 2020
★ CROSSROADS FROM PAGE 1 ed Preston but said it is time for a fresh face in his position. The election is Nov. 3. “We need true representation,” Clouser said. “And I’m running for City Council At-Large Position 2 to help
re-route the direction that our city is going and try to really shape the future of our community for future generations. We’ve given him a chance, we’ve given him an opportunity, and now it’s a matter of, ‘We need somebody who is going to do the job that they
signed up to do.’ ” She accused Preston’s office of not being responsive to resident complaints and concerns. “I feel that, as a city council member, it is one’s job to be accessible and visible for (sic) the residents, and that’s something that many of the residents are not experiencing with (Preston) right now,” Clouser said. “(There’s) a lack of returning phone calls and being accessible. That’s a primary duty of the job, and that’s one thing that I’ll be doing.” Clouser also said “transparency and honesty” has been missing from the office. She said if elected, she would host town hall meetings, whether virtual or in-person depending on what is allowable in accordance with regulations in place during the coronavirus pandemic, to give residents an outlet to voice their concerns. Preston, who responded to questions with an emailed statement through a spokesperson, said he has “championed responsiveness and transparency.” “It’s important for me to respond to residents and address concerns in a timely manner,” Preston said. “For example, I successfully advocated and implemented a citizen’s survey, which
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See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Jones
provides residents the opportunity to share feedback related to city services. We in turn use the responses to serve our community better.” Preston also cited the hiring of a homeowner’s association liaison to participate in HOA meetings and report to the city council. “The HOA Liaison works lockstep with the HOAs and City Council to make sure we have real-time visibility of current issues,” Preston said. “For example, a senior citizen had a recurring issue with their dog escaping the backyard due to dilapidated fencing. A caring neighbor reached out to our HOA Liaison to ask for assistance. Under my ‘Chris Cares’ initiative, I was able to secure the supplies needed to repair the neighbor's fence. This is one example of many that highlights my immediate responsiveness to our community's needs.” A long-standing issue for local officials and candidates for public office in
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with developers need to improve to attract more upscale businesses to the area. Specifically, Mable alluded to a lack of fine-dining options or fitness centers as potential avenues for improvement at the intersection of Cartwright Road and Texas Parkway. “You have to leave Missouri City or go down Highway 6 to enjoy some of these basic amenities that I’m sure people living along Texas Parkway or Cartwright Road would love to go into the heart of their city and enjoy,” Mable said.
Sanchez
Missouri City has been the fate of the Texas Parkway corridor. “We need an innovative project that revitalizes the east side of Missouri City,” Preston said. “I want to bring jobs to our community and make our city more ‘business-friendly.’ I have worked with several business owners that have provided constructive feedback on ways to foster a more streamlined process to help facilitate growth and development.” Clouser said she plans to cultivate relationships with landlords and ensure that properties are well-maintained and more aesthetically pleasing. “It is coming along,” Clouser said. “Every time there’s an election, that is a sore spot. Obviously, for people to keep bringing it up, it’s not something that is happening fast enough. I think when you have the right people in local government that can work with people who can make things happen, I think then that’s when the magic comes.” Mable, director of career and job placement in the Houston Community College system, said his experience in preparing people to advance in the workforce enables him to better connect with residents. He also added that there has been a much greater emphasis on developing the area near Highway 6, and not enough around Texas Parkway. “I just feel that a significant portion of the city has been left behind,” Mable said. “With everything going on with our economy and COVID-19, this is the perfect opportunity to get on board to work with our business leaders in the community to basically start revitalizing the Texas Parkway.” All three candidates agreed that relationships
Stafford City Council In Stafford, the power dynamics at play are complicated by the shadow of the late former Mayor Leonard Scarcella looming over a mayoral election that pits several city council members and other outsiders against each other, all vying to take up the mantle of one of the longest-tenured mayors in the U.S. This will open up possibilities for a new generation of candidates like Adam Sanchez, who is running for Don Jones’ seat on the Stafford City Council. Jones, a former school administrator, adjunct professor and program director at HCC, has served on the city council since 2016. Sanchez, who entered into politics with a run against Scarcella for mayor in 2019, was later appointed by Scarcella to the city’s planning and zoning commission. He began his career in public works, which he said makes him well-suited to understand the internal machinations of city government. “I have worked in city government, pretty much for the past six years,” Sanchez said. “I’ve seen how city governments work from the inside out. I have a different perspective than anybody else on the council to be able to be like, ‘Look, I know what it’s like to be boots on the ground, I know what it’s like to work in Hurricane Harvey, I know what it’s like to put on events. I know what it’s like to see the inside of city government that not a lot of people get to see.’ ”
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
The Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 3 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., by teleconference at 888-2733658, Access Code: 1505605. Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.
The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 131 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. via teleconference at 1-346-248-7799, Meeting ID: 892 5833 4213, Password: 244746 or Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89258334213?pwd=QUlMU1hOelZw ZUdXYTdoZGhlR0w1Zz09 Meeting ID: 892 5833 4213, Password: 244746 . Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.
FOR the proposal:
D. Trull, B. Wolf, K. Bender, J. Browne, & M. Parsons
AGAINST the proposal:
None
PRESENT and not voting:
None
ABSENT:
None
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
Total Tax rate (Per $100 Value)
2019
2020
$0.510 /$100 Adopted
$ 0.510 /$100 Proposed
Difference in rates per $100 of value
$0.000 /$100
Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-)
FOR the proposal:
J. Jacobs, L. Smith-Boards, J. Randall, R. Miller & M. Higgins
AGAINST the proposal:
None
PRESENT and not voting:
None
ABSENT:
None
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.
Total Tax rate (Per $100 Value)
2019
2020
$1.050 /$100 Adopted
$ 1.020 /$100 Proposed
Difference in rates per $100 of value
0.0000%
-$0.030/$100
Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-)
-2.8571%
Average appraised residence homestead value
$342,806
$344,656
Average appraised residence homestead value
$177,603
$188,649
General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions)
$0
$0
General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions)
$0
$0
Average residence homestead taxable value
$342,806
$344,656
Average residence homestead taxable value
$177,603
$188,649
Tax on average residence homestead
$1,748.31
$1,757.75
Tax on average residence homestead
$188,649
$1,924.22
Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)
$9.44 0.5399%
Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)
$59.39 3.1847%
NOTICE OF VOTE ON TAX RATE
NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE
If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than 3.5 percent, an election must be held to determine whether to approve the operation and maintenance tax rate under Section 49.23602, Water Code.
If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state.
The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223.
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and Trystin, Brett’s older brother, made the 70-mile trek to the Lowrys’ home to protect it from the elements. “It was like a flashback to (Hurricane Rita in 2005),” Ramona said. “Our house was demolished by Rita. It looked like a bomb went off in Lake Charles. It’s really sad to see. There’s not a lot of structures that are standing that are habitable.” Hurricane Laura was designated a Category 4 storm and was so dangerous that Justin was sent home for the first time in his career due to safety precautions because of the inclement weather. The Lowrys had last fled their home during Hurricane Rita, making their way from Baton Rouge to Houston. Cathy was 10 years old when she experienced her first major storm, Hurricane Audrey
★ SHELTER FROM PAGE 1 of Brett’s teammates who have been displaced by Hurricane Laura. Justin wakes up at 5 a.m. and makes several trips back and forth to Louisiana to lend a hand in affected areas. Recently, he transported 150 gallons of diesel fuel destined for emergency power generators. “They kind of befriended us,” Ramona said of the Lowrys. “We got really close to them, and when the storm happened, I knew that they would need help. … Our son’s house (in Louisiana) was damaged, but our primary residence is in Texas, so I called them and said, ‘What can we do?’ They’re pretty devastated by the storm.” Armed with a truckload of supplies, Justin
Airport, Bamore and Benton roads, drainage projects in Dry Creek and eight wastewater improvements, according to the city. Also in the approved budget is funding for mul-
★ TAX FROM PAGE 1 debt.” The budget also includes funding for capital improvement projects such as expansions on
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 • PAGE
Lake Charles, Louisiana, residents Billy and Cathy Lowry, standing behind children, pose with their family. (Contributed photo)
in 1957. A recent drive from Sugar Land to their Lake Charles home to retrieve some belongings took twice the usual duration (two and a half hours) because of the increased flow of traffic from displaced residents and first responders and volunteers
descending upon affected areas. They had been on a waiting list for a much-needed new roof since a hail storm struck them in May. When Laura ripped through their home before dawn Aug. 27, it caused several leaks in the roof, compromising their master bedroom
tiple full-time positions within the city’s police department. For more information, contact the city’s finance department at 832-5953300 or visit rosenbergtx. gov/budget.
C L A SSI FIED
and bathroom and living room as rain and pieces of the ceiling began to trickle down. The Lowrys’ home now awaits the assessment of an insurance adjuster. As of Saturday morning, more than 98 percent of the 104,926 tracked customers in the Lowrys’ home county of Calcasieu Parish are without power, and they cannot move in with their son in Louisiana until he regains electricity as well. “It looked like a war zone,” Cathy said. “Telephone poles down all over. Trees, we lost almost all the trees in Lake Charles. It was unbelievable. It’s really sad. “We’re fortunate, I think our house can be fixed. There’s some that are just totally destroyed.” This isn’t the first time the Arnsts have lent their house to someone in need of shelter. A nearby neigh-
5
bor once had a tree fall on their home, rendering it unlivable. While it was repaired, the Arnsts were glad to lend them a roof over their head. On another occasion, Ted’s co-workers in Meyerland were flooded out of their house, and they in turn made a brief stay on Terry Lane until they were able to return home. “It’s been kind of a rescue house,” Jami said. “It happens, and we’re just glad we can help those (in need) when it’s that time.” Cathy said she is deeply grateful for her neighbors from the Lone Star State and their selfless acts of kindness during an especially difficult chapter of their lives. “I just wanted to thank the people of Texas who helped us,” Cathy said. “It meant the world to us.” Follow us on Twitter @ FortBendStar
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SERVICES
NOTICE TO BIDDERS FUELING STATION - CITY OF SUGAR LAND PUBLIC WORKS CAMPUS The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Fueling Station
MATH/COMPUTER TUTOR Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics. Bill Stewart. BSEE 281-3411582.>+
CIP PROJECT NUMBER: MU1905 LOCATION OF WORK: City of Sugar Land – Public Works Campus Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from Civcastusa.com under Sugar Land Fueling Station.
Contact with any personnel of the City other than as authorized in this Invitation to Bid, regarding this Invitation to Bid, may be grounds for elimination from the selection process. The City does not assume responsibility for not receiving questions from the Bidder or the Bidders’ receipt of any answers, addenda, or amendment. THE SELECTED BIDDER(S) WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO THE CITY OF SUGAR LAND STANDARD CONTRACT FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM INSURANCE COVERAGES REQUIRED UNDER THE CONTRACT. THE CONTRACT IS AVAILABLE AS AN ATTACHMENT TO THIS ITB. The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.
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CONTACT JOHN SAZMA FOR DETAILS 281-690-4206 FOR SALE
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A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held on Thursday, September 10 at 9:00 a.m. CST over Zoom. For Zoom link, please contact Julie Gavin at jgavin@pgal.com.
Questions regarding this bid must be received by Monday, September 14 before 5:00 p.m.CST. Please post any and all questions to Civcastusa.com. All questions submitted on Civcastusa.com will be answered on Civcastusa.com. Questions will be answered and any addenda will be posted by Wednesday, September 16 at 5:00 p.m. CST.
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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. CST on Thursday, September 24, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.
A non-mandatory site visit for all interested parties will be held on Friday, September 11 at 9:00 a.m. CST at the project site – 111 Gillingham Ln., Sugar Land TX.
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Area hospital earns national stroke care awards From Staff Reports
Houston Methodist Sugar Land announced Sept. 3 that the hospital had received two national awards for its treatment of strokes. The awards, both given by the American Heart A s soc iat ion/A mer ica n Stroke Association, were its “Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus” award and the “Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality” award. HMSL said it earned the awards by meeting specific quality achievement measures designed to promote recovery and
reduce death and disability following a stroke in accordance with the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” stroke initiative. According to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, Americans suffer a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. “We’re dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients,” Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital was recently awarded multiple national honors for stroke care. (Contributed photo) Houston Methodist Sugar
ASK THE EXPERT
Q:
Land stroke department director James Ling said in a news release from the
hospital. “We measure our success in the outcomes of our patients.”
Criteria for the award included judgments from national health institu-
Is there really a difference between Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs), Over the Counter Hearing Aids (OTCs), and Hearing Aids fit by an Audiologist? Absolutely, there is a big difference between these tiers of technology. That is Terry Snook why there is a difference in the AuD, FAAA pricing of these products. I have read articles that state that the Bose Hearphones PSAP have the same kind of processors as hearing aids. PSAPs and OTCs do not have the capability to modify the auditory signal as much as a hearing device. High-end hearing aids have a computer chip that can process up to 500 Million Instructions Per Second (MIPS). Advanced hearing aid circuits can run algorithms to make corrections to improve the clarity of speech. For example, hearing devices can run calculations to weight certain speech cues such as fricative sounds, like the (z), (s), (f ) sounds that are faint and difficult to hear. A lot of older technologies use beam forming to help you hear in one direction. This offers some improvement but has limitations. The more advanced high-end hearing aids use different processes to weight and make the speech signal pop up over a noisy or difficult listening environment. All of these features and settings must be programmed and adjusted precisely for each patient’s needs. Although the PSAPs and OTCs will offer some benefit, the overall improvement is very limited. It is misleading to state that these devices are just as good as a hearing aid, which is classified as a 2nd grade medical device.
A:
tions on the hospital’s response times, treatment of stroke patients and preparing patients for future care. Houston Methodist Sugar Land treats roughly 600 stroke patients annually, according to the hospital. “We are pleased to recognize Houston Methodist Sugar Land for their commitment to stroke care,” said Lee Schwamm, national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through (this initiative) can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”
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YOUR HEALTH. YOUR SAFETY. OUR PRIORITY.
IT’S SAFE TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR AGAIN WITH OUR SAFE WAIT ™ MEASURES: Enforcing social distancing in our waiting areas Screening patients/visitors at all facility entrances and providing them with surgical masks Sanitizing entire practice locations regularly and exam rooms and equipment between patient visits Staggering scheduled appointment times Minimizing wait times Having patients wait in their cars until exam rooms are available Supporting proper hand hygiene of staff, patients and visitors Expanding Virtual Care options
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Fort Bend County Judge KP George lowered the county’s COVID-19 risk alert from high to moderate last week after saying the county has seen an overall decrease in new cases over the last several weeks. (Contributed photo)
County modifies COVID-19 risk guidance By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend County Judge KP George published a community COVID-19 Roan is 3 years old. If he could talk, he'd say, "I love the classic risk level summary Sept. 1 game of chasing a tennis ball. I’m not a sore loser when the ball that changed the county’s risk level of spreading the does not come back to me. I’ve got the winner's spirit." coronavirus from “high” to “moderate to significant.” “While the signs look good, Labor Day is just around the corner, teachers are heading back into in-person education, and nursing homes have relaxed rules for visitation – this is not the time to let our guards down,” George wrote in a news release.
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“Continue to wear masks, physically distance, and assess your risk to ensure we keep moving in the right direction. We must continue to be smart and safe.” The county has seen an overall decrease in new cases since reporting 606 on Aug. 23, posting 396 confirmed cases in a nineday span. As of Monday, 15,144 total cases had been reported among county residents, and 12,169 of those have recovered. There have been 161 deaths. Testing, on the other hand, has decreased by 72 percent since the number of daily tests peaked at 1,205
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
on July 15. The most recent testing data available as of Sept. 4 showed 334 tests were administered Sept. 1, 213 on Sept. 2, and 172 on Sept. 3. The average number of tests recorded in a 28-day span going back to Aug. 2 is 288.
The guidance the county sought from local health experts recommends that residents avoid movie theaters if they cannot socially distance at least 6 feet, and maintains its suggestions that non-essential travel be limited and gatherings limited to fewer than 10 people. “Please read the recommendations not as infringement upon personal liberty,” George said. “But as acts of solidarity that will protect the livelihoods of your loved ones, neighbors, and the local health professionals who endeavor each day to care for us.”
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.
FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS
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. VIRTUAL WALK, RUN, STROLL OR ROLL SEPTEMBER 5 - 13 Lace up for autism awareness! Family fun, race challenges, seasoned strollers or wheeler chair rollers, something for everyoneÉ anytime, anywhere! Join Hope For Three Autism Advocates in raising funds and awareness for local families and children living with autism. Register NOW, walk, run, stroll or roll, on your own, with friends or family, anytime, anywhere, between September 5 Ð 13, funraise to maximize your impact (if desired), take a photo, email to validate your stroll and cool your heelÕ s for the exciting results! Fun contests include Best Team Name, Best T-shirt and so much more! Register TODAY at my.reason2race.com/cause/hopeforthree or learn more at hopeforthree.org/events. Under 3 and elders over 80, FREE; 4 Ð 17, $15 entry fee and 18 Ð 79, $25. Discount for teams of three or more. Austim resources and referrals also available online or call 281.245.0640. DEWALT HERITAGE CENTER AUCTION SEPTEMBER 12 Furniture, antiques, art and more will be sold from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the educational programming at the DeWalt Heritage Center. Contact dware@fbhistory.org for more information. FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS SEPTEMBER 13TH ZOOM MEETING Fort Bend-Harris Retired Educators are Zooming! Monthly virtual meetings will be held by Ft. Bend Harris-Retired Educators for the remaining of 2020. Only paid members will be invited by email and sent a password for each of the upcoming monthly meetings. If you have not yet joined, please send your check for $45 made out to FBHRE to Cathy Duvall, Treasurer. $35 is sent to Austin for state dues
Honored to be your choice for life insurance. LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment
and $10 goes to our local unit. Cathy Duvall, 7131 Trailbrook Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479; email cmduvall@aol.com. The September 10th, Thursday meeting will be zoomed at 10 a.m. Speaker will be from the Ft. Bend SheriffÕ s Office explaining YANA. Dallas Mullins with AMBA will explain member benefits. Looking forward to SEEING everyone. ONGOING DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:45 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 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. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@ reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about! SIENNA CRAFT/SEWING GROUP Sienna Craft/Sewing group. Meets every Tuesday from 10-noon at Sawmill Clubhouse in Sienna Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@yahoo.com for additional information. MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education,
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and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345. BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-344-3515. 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 281413-2484. 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, email maw0500@gmail. com. AMERICAN LEGION 271 MEETING We meet the first Thursday of every month at the Post Hall, 4520 Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. A covered dish meal is served to members at 6:30 p.m. followed by meetings at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-341-9966. AMERICAN LEGION 294 MEETING Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old Hickory Inn BBQ, 3334 FM 1092, just north of Highway 6 in Missouri City. For more information, please call 713376-7295. 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 Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800272-3900.
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