The 06-14-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Space Cowboys rebound to topple Isotopes - Page 3

Mathew edges out Willis to become Stafford mayor

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Shooter in apparent road rage incident identified

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputies have identified the shooter in the shooting death of a Missouri City woman in an unincorporated area near Stafford on Tuesday night, according to a spokesperson.

According to the statement, deputies responded to a report of a shooting at approximately 9:37 p.m. in the 3000 block of 5th Street.

“Upon arrival, deputies began their investigation and determined this is a homicide investigation related to a road rage incident which resulted in the death of Deena Neal, a 57-year old female resident of Missouri City, Texas. There were no other injuries reported and the only parties involved were the drivers of both vehicles,” the statement said.

“The shooter has been identified and is cooperating with Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office investigators. At this time, this remains an ongoing investigation, no further information is available for release,” the statement said.

According to a story from ABC-13, Neal was married and an employee of KeyseySeybold in the Texas Medical Center.

In a squeaker of a runoff election, former Stafford City Position 6 Councilman Ken Mathew defeated incumbent Mayor Cecil Willis by 16 votes on Saturday, marking a significant change in the city’s leadership. In still-unofficial results, Mathew received 500 votes to Willis’s 484 votes, or 50.81 percent to 49.19 percent. It was a very low turnout election, with 10.72 percent of

the city’s 9,207 registered voters participating either in person or by mail ballots.

Mathew and Willis were vying for the post after being the two vote-getters in a four-person May 6 race that also included former Position 4 Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones and former Position 2 Councilman Wen Guerra. Mathews, Jones, and Guerra stepped down from their respective positions on Council in order to run for mayor, with each seat now held by new members.

Mathew, an Indian-

American, becomes the first person of color to lead the seven-square-mile city since it was incorporated in 1956. He served on Council since first being elected in 2006, and served on the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission for several years before then.

Willis, a San Antonio native and retired president of the Quail Valley Homeowners Association, served on the Council for a total of 36 years. He became mayor after winning a special election following the death of longtime mayor Leonard

Scarcella, who had held the office for five decades.

Mathew immigrated to the United States in the 1970s after earning a degree from the University of Bombay (now the University of Mumbai). Since his wife was attending the University of Detroit, he also decided to go there, eventually earning an MBA. He worked as an accountant and financial executive for several corporations, including Toshiba in the Houston area. He has lived in Stafford since 1982.

Sugar Land airport makes room for bees - on purpose

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Many people are afraid of bees, and perhaps for good reason. Being stung can be a very painful experience, one that sticks in your mind for a long time. But bees also have a lot of benefits, not least of which is the honey they produce which people and fauna like bears find so tasty.

After reports of bee colonies began happening at the Sugar Land Regional Airport several years ago, the leadership first thought about simply having them removed by specialists. But after some thought, they’ve made a new home for them in a remote part of the airport property, where thousands of the insects now live.

Ken Durbin, assistant director of operations and maintenance for the cityowned airport, said that he and his fellow managers think about how they can best use

the airport’s resources, including manpower. To that end, they often share articles and other items about best practices at airports.

“We’re always sharing best practices in order to move forward. If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind.

A few years ago, Durbin received the first reports of bees gathering at the airport’s control tower. When he arrived, he found there were only a few left, later learning that drones move with the queen as she moves.

Later, bees were discovered inside the wall of a hangar, which required them being removed by an expert who ripped open the wall.

Last fall, bees were found resting on the wing of a jet. Beth Rosenbaum, the director of aviation, had previously shared an article about bees that had rested on a passenger plane at an airport in the

northeast. The airport hired a staff beekeeper.

In 2016, the airport had purchased 95 acres of property called “Smithville,” which had previously served as the housing for guards at the former state prison complex making the airport approximately one square mile. Most of that property remains undeveloped.

“After reading that article I thought, what if we put hives here?,” he said. If they provided a permanent home for the bees, that might keep them from gathering in the active areas of the airport, he thought.

After doing a Google search, Durkin found the Fort Bend County Beekeepers Association to ask for advice. Ultimately, he was put in touch with Brent and Denessa (or “Nes”) Yaschuk, owner-operators of SweetNes Honey Apiaries & Beetique in Needville.

“They were very excited,” Durkin said. It turns out that airports have a lot of advantages for beekeeping. They are large properties that are very secure, and there are secluded areas without a lot of human activity. They also have a lot of grassland that is wellsuited for providing nutrition for bees.

Since the airport is federally regulated, it couldn’t simply give property away, Durbin said. So the airport purchased the beehives and registered the Yaschuks as volunteers to manage them.

The eight original hives were installed in April, and the Yaschuks have added to them since. They expect to harvest the honey in mid-to-late July.

Reached by phone, the Yaschuks said the Smithville property is particularly attractive since it consists largely of old foundations from the former housing units, so they don’t have to do any mowing as

at other apiaries they manage. Typically, beekeepers harvest honey only once a year, in the summer months, they said. They visit the airport periodically to make sure the bees are healthy.

Besides providing honey, the Yaschuks said, bees serve as pollinators, serving an important role in protecting the environment.

Durkin said it’s too early to say what the impact of the apiary has had on keeping bees away from the more active parts of the airport.

After the 2021 February freeze caused the loss of landscaping hedges around the airport terminal, Rosenbaum asked that the replacements consist of pollinators, Callistemon Citrinus or Bottle Brush, according to a city press release. Since then, visitors have been able to get an up-close view of bees collecting pollen and nectar.

Pictured are a few of the beehives now in place in an undeveloped area of Sugar Land Regional Airport. Photo by Ken Fountain

Former Stafford City Position 6 Councilman Ken Mathew defeated incumbent Mayor Cecil Willis in a runoff election Saturday. Courtesy City of Stafford

Deena Neal, 57, of Missouri City, was shot to death in an apparent road rage incident on Tuesday, according to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office..

Photo from LinkedIn

Houston man receives 25 years in prison for child trafficking

A Houston man on May 12 pleaded guilty to continuous trafficking of a minor and was sentenced to 25 years in state prison in a plea agreement, according to a press release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.

Dewayne Cook, 33, lived in the part of Houston known as Fort Bend Houston. He appeared in the 240th District Court.

According to Assistant District Attorney Ashley

Harkness, a 15 year-old girl was reported as a runaway by her mother in the fall of 2019. The Houston Police Department conducted a welfare check at a house where she was believed to be living, with a man who was possibly trafficking her.

Cook met officers outside of his home and claimed that he didn’t know anyone by the girl’s name and no one was in the house. He allowed officers to search his house and the girl was found hiding under a blanket in the closet. The girl told officers that Cook had sex with her within the

Houston Methodist

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land is offering annual student physicals from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 29 for Fort Bend ISD and surrounding school districts.

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) requires all high school athletes to undergo and pass a physical examination prior to participating in sports or marching band. Physical evaluations include examining height, weight, vision, blood pressure, pulse, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, spine and all joints in the upper and lower body. Physicians discuss the athletes’ medical history and consult with them and their parents if further evaluation is necessary prior to releasing them to participate in sports.

“We truly enjoy working with the schools in these districts and look forward to continuing to support these school districts,” said David A. Braunreiter, M.D., a boardcertified primary care sports medicine physician.

Houston Methodist physicians have been associated with local school districts for more than 20 years and have donated all the proceeds from the student physical events back to the athletic training programs of Fort Bend ISD schools.

“Performing physical examinations is just part of being a team physician.

Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine physicians support coaches, athletic trainers and players throughout the school year,” said Nish L. Shah, M.D., a board-certified primary care sports medicine physician.

“Partnering with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides a convenient, inexpensive opportunity for our athletes to complete their physical exam,” said Aimee Marotta, head district athletic trainer for Fort Bend ISD.

“This partnership continues to provide access to some of the finest doctors in our community and a safer environment for our amazing students as they participate in our athletic programs,” Marotta said.

previous three weeks. Cook was arrested for harboring a runaway and being a felon in possession of body armor.

The following day, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office began investigating the case and secured a search warrant for the defendant’s cell phone.

During the continuing investigation, the FBCDA investigators discovered sex ads online depicting the 15-year-old victim. The investigators contacted the number on the sex ads and the person texting from that

number told them to come to the same address where the girl was previously found.

Based on this information and information gathered from the defendant’s cell phone, the FBCDA investigators secured an arrest warrant for sexual assault of a child and trafficking of a child, and a search warrant for Cook’s house. When officers executed the warrants, they again found the victim at the defendant’s house. The FBCDA’s investigators got additional search warrants for social media and discovered the human trafficking

had been going on for roughly four months.

“The survivor, now 19 years-old, continued to stay strong throughout this case,” lead prosecutor Ashley Harkness said in the release. “Her input, alongside the hard work of the Houston Police Department and our investigators, made it possible to hold Dewayne Cook accountable for perpetuating human trafficking and taking advantage of our most vulnerable.”

“The detection, investigation, and prosecution of

human trafficking cases can be arduous, but our efforts are necessary to rescue victims and protect our community from predators. I am grateful for the efforts of the Houston Police Department and our prosecutors in bringing Dewayne Cook to justice,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said.

Continuous trafficking of a minor is a first-degree felony punishable by 25 to 99 years, or life, in prison. Under Texas law, Cook must serve his entire sentence day for day without parole. The remaining charges were dismissed.

The student physicals will be hosted at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Sugar Land, located at 16811 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land. Orthopedic and

sports medicine physicians will be on-site to provide additional clearance as needed.

The cost is $20 (cash only) for ages 12 through 18. Stu-

dents should bring a completed medical history UIL Physical Evaluation form, which can be printed from houstonmethodist.org/athlete, along with the Houston Methodist release

form. Proceeds generated from the physicals will be donated back to the athletic training programs of Fort Bend ISD schools. For more information, call (281) 634-1914.

Space Cowboys rebound to topple Isotopes

By Landan Kuhlmann

Following a tough week against the Round Rock Express, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys were looking to get back on track, and they did just that last week.

The Space Cowboys dropped the opener of their six-game series against the Albuquerque Isotopes on June 6, but rebounded to win the series’ final five games and end their long road trip on a high note. Sugar Land (29-34), currently sits in third place in the Pacific Coast League’s East division and was set to return to Constellation Field for a six-game home stand against the Sacramento River Cats beginning Tuesday.

Several of Sugar Land’s hitters took advantage of the altitude in Albuquerque last week with strong offensive performances. David Hensley had a strong week on multiple fronts, going 7 for 19 with two homers and a 1.188 OPS while reaching base in 15 of his 27 plate appearances over the course of the week. Astros’

No. 6 prospect Pedro Leon also shined at the plate in producing a .438/.526/.813 line with two homers in 19 plate appearances, while J.J. Matijevic hit .286/.348/.571 with three extrabase hits including a home run.

No. 21 prospect Quincy Hamilton received a call-up to the Space Cowboys early in the week and impressed early, going 5 for 16 with four home runs and five RBIs while reaching base in eight of his first 13 Triple-A plate appearances and appearing at least once in all three outfield spots.

Jairo Solis had the best starting pitching performance of the week for Sugar Land, allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out seven hitters over six strong innings to earn the

Sugar Land Space Cowboys pitcher Nick Allgeyer throws a pitch during a game earlier this season. Allgeyer earned a win on the mound in the Space Cowboys’ June 11 win over Albuquerque, part of a five-game winning streak to close the series. Photo from Twitter

win in a 6-3 Space Cowboys victory on June 8. Meanwhile, closer Joe Record had another strong week at the back end of Sugar Land’s bullpen, hurling three shutout innings with six strikeouts and picking up saves in three of the Space Cowboys’ five wins last week to. Record now sits second in the PCL with nine saves on the season.

Upcoming promotions

A space-filled weekend will be at Constellation Field this weekend from June

16-18, starting with a Star Wars themed night on June 16 including an in-stadium jersey auction for game-worn Star Wars jerseys. June 17 is Space Appreciation Night, featuring a Space Jersey giveaway, presented by Bowlero, designed after a James Webb Space Telescope image. Saturday, June 18 is also Black Heritage Night as part of MiLB’s initiative The Nine. Father’s Day on June 18 rounds out the weekend with a Hunter Brown MLB Debut Space City Bobblehead giveaway.

Fort Bend County Libraries to screen entrepreneurship documentary on June 26

Staff Reports

The “Real Talk” film series at Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will feature a documentary about entrepreneurship on Monday, June 26, from 6-8 p.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. The film to be shown is Own the Room: Changing the World One Big Idea at a Time. This documentary shares the stories of five students, from disparate corners of the planet,

who take their big ideas to one of the world’s most prestigious entrepreneurship competitions to earn the Global Student Entrepreneur Award.

Each student has overcome immense obstacles -- from hurricanes to poverty to civil unrest -- to pursue their dreams. Hear about the obstacles each overcomes on their journey to bring their ideas to the world stage.

The documentary explores topics such as: entrepreneurship, management, economics, and overcoming adversity.

This National Geographic film, which is rated TV-PG,

is available in FBCL’s Access Video on Demand digital collection and is being shown publicly with permission from Infobase.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver to attend this screening.

The movie screening 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 University Branch Library (281-6335100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281633-4734).

Last week’s scores

June 6: Albuquerque 11, Sugar Land 7

June 7: Sugar Land 5, Albuquerque 4

June 8: Sugar Land 6, Albuquerque 3

June 9: Sugar Land 10, Albuquerque 8

June 10: Sugar Land 9, Albuquerque 3

June 11, Sugar Land 7, Albuquerque 6

XXXXX Photo by XXXX

Juneteenth being celebrated around Fort Bend County

By Ken Fountain

The upcoming three-day weekend celebrates Juneteenth, honoring the occasion on June 19, 1865, after the end of the Civil War, when U.S. Army Major Gen. Gordan Granger announced in Galveston that all enslaved people in Texas were free after the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years earlier.

Long celebrated as an unofficial holiday by Black Americans in Texas and beyond, the U.S. Congress made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021. In the two years since, celebrations have grown apace, and there are several options in Fort Bend County. Below is a listing of some.

Missouri City

The nonprofit Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, in partnership with the City of Missouri City, is offering a week’s worth of events leading up to the official holiday on Monday.

On Tuesday, June 13, from 9 am.-noon, the foundation will host a STEM & STEAM Youth Camp for high school students at Thurgood Marshall High School, 1220 Buffalo Run. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

On Wednesday, June 14, from 11:30-1:30 p.m, there will be a tribute luncheon honoring the late City Council member Don Smith, who spearheaded the city’s celebration of Juneteenth in the early 2000s. The luncheon will be held at the Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Missouri City Dr.

On Friday, June 16, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the foundation will host a free Workforce Symposium and Job Fair at the Missouri City campus of Houston Community College-Southwest, 1600 Texas Parkway.

On both Friday and Saturday, the foundation will host two free concerts at Hunters Glen Park,1340 Independence Blvd. The acts will include hiphop, R&B, jazz, blues, country, zydeco. Friday’s concert (along with a free family movie) begins at 5 p.m., and Saturday’s begins at 7 p.m. Information about all of Mis

ebration.com.

Also on Friday, Fort Bend County Judge KP George will host the Annual Fort Bend County Juneteenth Celebration from 2-5 p.m. at the Landmark Community Center, 100 Louisiana St., Missouri City.

The event will feature various vendors, entertainment, dance performances, and presenters. It will include a Recognition Ceremony held from 3-4 p.m., where community honorees will be recognized for their contributions. This year’s honorees include community advocate Felicia Moon Thomas, Pastor Rachel Connor of the Vineyard Church, and Mable Huff of Fort Bend Heritage Unlimited Museum, among others.

Kendleton

overgrowth that restricts access to historic gravesites of former slaves and prepare the area for a new African American Memorial at Bates Allen Park (Historic Newman Chapel Cemetery and Historic Oak Hill Cemetery), 630 Charlie Roberts Ln., Kendleton.

The event is hosted by Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy, former U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, the Missouri City/Sugar Land Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Christ Church Sugar Land, and the Alexander Hodge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

People interested in volunteering are asked to RSVP by June 16 at https:// www.signupgenius.com/ go/10c084caea629a7f4c34-juneteenth. Volunteers can also

Worship Directory

FORT BEND COUNTY

EPISCOPAL ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477

SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507

or 281-342-3411.

Richmond

On Saturday, June 17, from 1-3 p.m. the “A Juneteenth Journey Through Fort Bend County” event will be held at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Rd., Richmond. Hosted by the Society of Justice & Equality for the People of Sugar Land (S.O.J.E.S.), the event will be live, theatrical performance honoring the importance and legacy of Juneteenth, the contributions of the Sugar Land 95, and the lives other significant African Americans and events

in Fort Bend County’s history. The event will include a performance by gospel singer Janet Dokes. Learn more and register at siennatx.com/juneteenth-jubilee.

Sienna

On Saturday, June 17, from 7-10 p.m., the Sienna Juneteenth Jubilee Market will be held at the Club Sienna Amphitheater, 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City. The market will showcase jewelry, art, books, candles, clothing, snacks, houseware and more items. There will also be a

713-433-6421

14700 Almeda Rd Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org

BEAN

number of food trucks onsite. Learn more at siennatx.com/ juneteenth-jubilee.

Stafford

On Sunday, June 18, from noon-8 p.m., the City of Stafford will hold its Inaugural Juneteenth Celebration at the Stafford Centre, 10505 Cash Rd. The event will include an exhibit by The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, based in the Houston Museum District, along with food, music and games. Information can be found at the city’s website, staffordtx.gov.

762 RD.-Needville, TX 77461

Dr. Doug Brooks- Pastor

Sunday School/Bible Study - 9:30am

Sunday Worship Service - 10:30am

Wednesday (Team Kids) - 7:00pm

Wednesday (Bible Study) - 7:00pm

Any Prayer needs call 979.553.3049

Special Events-Resurrection (Easter) Weekend www.bbbchurch.org

METHODIST CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

A United Methodist Community

3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479

Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor

Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 Stephen Higley, Preacher

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordcoc.com

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

502 Eldridge Rd. -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

Hi my name is Bean, I am very sweet and rambunctious. Most importantly I’m super vocal and love to be close to someone at all times. I play well with other cats, and small dogs (no experience with medium or large dogs). I would do best with a family that can give me a life of companionship and attention.

Please come to Houston Humane Society and adopt me! ADOPT BEAN!

The Freedom Tree in Missouri City was where enslaved people at the Palmer Plantation were told they were free after the end of the Civil War. Fort Bend County is hosting several events to celebrate Juneteenth his year. Photo by Ken Fountain

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

When I.R.S. eyes are frowning

Lynn Ashby Columnist

By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET

T– “Hi,” I say to the guy behind the desk. “I’m here to pay my taxes. Sorry to be late, but I got an extension.” He looks up from behind a 2-foot pile of papers, and puts aside his goosequill pen. “Have a seat. I’ll be with you in -- what’s this? –June? How does October sound?” No doubt, like you, this makes me think of Al Capone and the missing $1 trillion. Let’s take the last thought first. Most Americans pay their federal income tax. A recent Credit Karma Tax survey of more than 2,000 Americans

found that respondents are actually more likely to cheat on their diet, a test or even a significant other than on their tax return. Only about 6 percent said they have knowingly cheated on their income taxes. Most respondents said they believe the big cheaters are the rich, and they are right. That seems obvious; Americans who receive a weekly pay check are an open book to I.R.S. snoops, but those super wealthy with Swiss bank accounts and a staff of accountants and tax lawyers are harder to check. Then there are also legal loopholes: In 2011 an undocumented immigrant housekeeper working at Trump National Golf Club earned $26,792.90 and paid more in federal income taxes than Trump did which was $0.

According to I.R.S. officials, most of the unpaid taxes are the result of evasion by the wealthy and large corporations. How much? It was estimated by the I.R.S that an average of $441 bil-

lion per year went unpaid from 2011 to 2013. Charles Rettig, former I.R.S. commissioner, estimated the U.S. is losing $1 trillion in unpaid taxes every year. One trillion dollars? That alone would pay for what the Pentagon spills. Why this huge loss? Rettig said that the agency lacks the resources to catch tax cheats.

This brings us to the I.R.S. circa 1890. The tax service is woefully understaffed, uses equipment you can find in a computer museum and continues to shrink. As of 2018 (the latest figures available, like I said, the tax troopers are woefully behind) the I.R.S. had 9,510 auditors. That’s down a third from 2010. The last time the I.R.S. had fewer than 10,000 revenue agents was 1953, when the economy was a seventh of its current size. In 2010, the I.R.S. examined 1.4 million individual income tax returns, about 1 percent. In 2018, audits decreased to 370,000, or about 0.2 percent.

The I.R.S conducted 675,000 fewer audits in 2017 than it did in 2010, a drop of 42 percent. And the I.R.S is still shrinking. Almost a third of its remaining employees

will be eligible to retire in the next year, and with morale plummeting, many of them will -- 52,000.

What to do? Republicans in Congress cut the I.R.S.’s budget even more. President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act included $80 billion for the agency to spend over the next 10 years, paying for 82,000 new employees. Republicans slashed it by $21.4 billion. This means even fewer agents, but here’s the irony: because the I.R.S. brings in tax dollars, fewer agents and fewer audits actually results in – get this – an increase in the debt!

The elephants in the room (the GOPers) were jubilant. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted: “Democrats’ new army of 87,000 I.R.S agents will be coming for you -with 710,000 new audits for Americans who earn less than $75k.” Republicans also warn that “gun-toting agents will be kicking down your front door.” Actually, only about 2,500 special agents carry firearms because they deal with potential criminal tax violators and financial criminals. That’s nothing new. They have been armed since 1919.

Can we bring some truth to these fearsome charges?

First, it is 82,000 new employees, not 87,000. They will be added over the next decade, and most of them will not be agents. Among the I.R.S.’s work force of about 79,000 employees, only 10,000 are actually agents. Of those 10,000, about 8,000 are number-crunchers behind their desk who audit tax filings, and 2,000 are special agents who investigate potential tax crimes. In fact, the two most common I.R.S. jobs have little to do with tax auditing or investigations: about 13,000 are customer service representatives who answer taxpayers’ phone calls (read: put you on Hold) and 10,000 are seasonal employees who file mail or transcribe data. Other jobs include lawyers, examiners, technicians, appeals officers, cafeteria workers and the people who mop the floors. So let’s be specific when they trot out “87,000 new agents.” That number is totally misleading, but it sounds scary on TV.

We have all heard the line: “Half of Americans pay no taxes at all.” Put that down with the Easter Bunny, leprechauns and competent Texas legislators. Everyone pays

taxes: sales tax, property tax, franchise tax, and indirectly, a whole slew of hidden taxes. Every time you fill up your pickup truck you are paying a tax to the feds. A majority of those non-payers work and thus also pay the payroll taxes that help support Social Security and Medicare. The State of Texas has no income tax, but our legislature just passed a $321.3 billion budget. Where do you think they got that money? It would be slightly more accurate to say that half of Americans pay no federal income tax, but even that, like the number of “guntoting I.R.S agents” is wrong. The number of Americans who pay no federal income tax is still a hefty 44 percent and 97 percent in 2018 were paid by the top half of taxpayers.

As for Al Capone, he got away with murder and mayhem for years. An army of law enforcement agencies couldn’t nail him, but the tax man did, ultimately convicting Capone of tax evasion, sentencing him to Alcatraz for 11 years and fining him $50,000 (the harshest tax fraud sentence in history to that point).

Ashby is taxed at ashby2@ comcast.net

Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas

AVISO DE RECIBO DE LA SOLICITUD Y EL INTENTO DE OBTENER PERMISO PARA LA CALIDAD DEL AGUA RENOVACION

PERMISO NO. WQ0012073001

an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-95.520833,29.590833&level=18

ALTERNATIVE LANGUAGE NOTICE. Alternative language notice in Spanish is available at https://www.tceq.texas. gov/permitting/wastewater/plain-language-summaries-and-public-notices. El aviso de idioma alternativo en español está disponible en https://www.tceq.texas.gov/permitting/wastewater/plain-language-summaries-and-public-notices.

ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing.

OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing."

If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting.

The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. TCEQ may act on an application to renew a permit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contested case hearing if certain criteria are met.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at https://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas

SOLICITUD. Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 26, 2727 Allen Parkway, Suite 1100, Houston, Texas 77019 ha solicitado a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental del Estado de Texas (TCEQ) para renovar el Permiso No. WQ0012073001 (EPA I.D. No. TX 0078891) del Sistema de Eliminación de Descargas de Contaminantes de Texas (TPDES) para autorizar la descarga de aguas residuales tratadas en un volumen que no sobrepasa un flujo promedio diario de 500,00 galones por día. La planta está ubicada 1403 Lazy Spring Drive, Missouri City en el Condado de Fort Bend County, Texas 77489. La ruta de descarga es del sitio de la planta hasta una zanja de drenaje de Fort Bend; de allí a la zanja del Distrito de Control de Inundaciones del Condado de Harris, de allí a HCFCD, de allí a Sims Bayou, de allí a Houston Ship Channel/Buffalo Bayou Tidal. La TCEQ recibió esta solicitud el March 27, 2023. La solicitud para el permiso estará disponible para leerla y copiarla en 3134 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, Texas antes de la fecha de publicación de este aviso en el periódico. Este enlace a un mapa electrónico de la ubicación general del sitio o de la instalación es proporcionado como una cortesía y no es parte de la solicitud o del aviso. Para la ubicación exacta, consulte la solicitud. https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=-95.520833.29.590833&level=18 AVISO ADICIONAL. El Director Ejecutivo de la TCEQ ha determinado que la solicitud es administrativamente completa y conducirá una revisión técnica de la solicitud. Después de completar la revisión técnica, el Director Ejecutivo puede preparar un borrador del permiso y emitirá una Decisión Preliminar sobre la solicitud. El aviso de la solicitud y la decisión preliminar serán publicados y enviado a los que están en la lista de correo de las personas a lo largo del condado que desean recibir los avisos y los que están en la lista de correo que desean recibir avisos de esta solicitud. El aviso dará la fecha límite para someter comentarios públicos.

COMENTARIO PUBLICO / REUNION PUBLICA. Usted puede presentar comentarios públicos o pedir una reunión pública sobre esta solicitud. El propósito de una reunión pública es dar la oportunidad de presentar comentarios o hacer preguntas acerca de la solicitud. La TCEQ realiza una reunión pública si el Director Ejecutivo determina que hay un grado de interés público suficiente en la solicitud o si un legislador local lo pide. Una reunión pública no es una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso.

OPORTUNIDAD DE UNA AUDIENCIA ADMINISTRATIVA DE LO CONTENCIOSO. Después del plazo para presentar comentarios públicos, el Director Ejecutivo considerará todos los comentarios apropiados y preparará una respuesta a todo los comentarios públicos esenciales, pertinentes, o significativos. A menos que la solicitud haya sido referida directamente a una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso, la respuesta a los comentarios y la decisión del Director Ejecutivo sobre la solicitud serán enviados por correo a todos los que presentaron un comentario público y a las personas que están en la lista para recibir avisos sobre esta solicitud. Si se reciben comentarios, el aviso también proveerá instrucciones para pedir una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo y para pedir una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. Una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso es un procedimiento legal similar a un procedimiento legal civil en un tribunal de distrito del estado.

PARA SOLICITAR UNA AUDIENCIA DE CASO IMPUGNADO, USTED DEBE INCLUIR EN SU SOLICITUD LOS SIGUIENTES DATOS: su nombre, dirección, y número de teléfono; el nombre del solicitante y número del permiso; la ubicación y distancia de su propiedad/actividad con respecto a la instalación; una descripción específica de la forma cómo usted sería afectado adversamente por el sitio de una manera no común al público en general; una lista de todas las cuestiones de hecho en disputa que usted presente durante el período de comentarios; y la declaración “[Yo/nosotros] solicito/solicitamos una audiencia de caso impugnado”. Si presenta la petición para una audiencia de caso impugnado de parte de un grupo o asociación, debe identificar una persona que representa al grupo para recibir correspondencia en el futuro; identificar el nombre y la dirección de un miembro del grupo que sería afectado adversamente por la planta o la actividad propuesta; proveer la información indicada anteriormente con respecto a la ubicación del miembro afectado y su distancia de la planta o actividad propuesta; explicar cómo y porqué el miembro sería afectado; y explicar cómo los intereses que el grupo desea proteger son pertinentes al propósito del grupo. Después del cierre de todos los períodos de comentarios y de petición que aplican, el Director Ejecutivo enviará la solicitud y cualquier petición para reconsideración o para una audiencia de caso impugnado a los Comisionados de la TCEQ para su consideración durante una reunión programada de la Comisión. La Comisión sólo puede conceder una solicitud de una audiencia de caso impugnado sobre los temas que el solicitante haya presentado en sus comentarios oportunos que no fueron retirados posteriormente. Si se concede una audiencia, el tema de la audiencia estará limitado a cuestiones de hecho en disputa o cuestiones mixtas de hecho y de derecho relacionadas a intereses pertinentes y materiales de calidad del agua que se hayan presentado durante el período de comentarios. Si ciertos criterios se cumplen, la TCEQ puede actuar sobre una solicitud para renovar un permiso sin proveer una oportunidad de una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso. LISTA DE CORREO. Si somete comentarios públicos, un pedido para una audiencia administrativa de lo contencioso o una reconsideración de la decisión del Director Ejecutivo, la Oficina del Secretario Principal enviará por correo los avisos públicos en relación con la solicitud. Ademas, puede pedir que la TCEQ ponga su nombre en una or mas de las listas correos siguientes (1) la lista de correo permanente para recibir los avisos de el solicitante indicado por nombre y número del permiso específico y/o (2) la lista de correo de todas las solicitudes en un condado especifico. Si desea que se agrega su nombre en una de las listas designe cual lista(s) y envia por correo su pedido a la Oficina del Secretario Principal de la TCEQ.

CONTACTOS E INFORMACIÓN A LA AGENCIA. Todos los comentarios públicos y solicitudes deben ser presentadas electrónicamente vía http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/o por escrito dirigidos a la Comisión de Texas de Calidad Ambiental, Oficial de la Secretaría (Office of Chief Clerk), MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Tenga en cuenta que cualquier información personal que usted proporcione, incluyendo su nombre, número de teléfono, dirección de correo electrónico y dirección física pasarán a formar parte del registro público de la Agencia. Para obtener más información acerca de esta solicitud de permiso o el proceso de permisos, llame al programa de educación pública de la TCEQ, gratis, al 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

También

Texas 77407.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:

Civcast USA Civcastusa.com

(281) 376-4577

In general, the Work consists of miscellaneous equipment replacement at Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Nos. 1 and 2. This includes the replacement of six blowers, MCC, and the installation of a new sludge transfer pump system at WWTP No. 1, and the replacement of five blowers and the fine bubble diffuser system at WWTP No. 2.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on June 21st, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Prospective bidders must contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra.com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call.

Owner will be bound by the terms of this invitation only to the extent funds, from whatever source, are available.

All bids must be accompanied by proposal guaranty in the form of a Certified or Cashier’s Check, or Bidders Bond drawn to the order of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25, and in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after receipt of bids except with the approval of Owner. Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid from any responsible person which will be most advantageous to it and result in the best and most economical completion of the Work. The successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in full amount of the contract.

Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager, Owner

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Adrian Byron Turner, Deceased, were issued on June 2, 2023, in Cause No. 23-CPR-038943, pending in the County Court at Law No. 4, Fort Bend County, Texas, to John Ross Turner. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

PUBLIC NOTICE

06-05-2023

TAKE NOTICE THAT: I Mariama Keita the real flesh and blood woman is stating my claim for the Real Property stated below now and forever. If anyone has prior superior, equitable or legal rights of interest, please state your claim in, and come forward under the penalty of perjury of law within 30 days. With all legal documents stating all legal rights in/ to/for/of said Real Property located on,8810 Morning Glow Dr. Missouri City, Texas 77459 Instrument/Book# -Page# 2022064472. It is HEREBY REQUESTED to present your claim of witness in writing to: Mariama Keita at the following address 7820 Paragon Circle Apt#408 Elkridge, MD 21075 on (or) before 07-08-2023.

MY PLACE STORAGE

THESE PROPERTIES ARE BEING SOLD TO SATISFY

Applications for Fair Queen Scholarship Contest accepted through June 15

The Fort Bend County Fair is now accepting entries for the Fair Queen Scholarship Contest. The contestants are limited to the first 20 entries, and the registration deadline is June 15, 2023. A mandatory orientation meeting will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 2:30 pm at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, Building W, 4310 TX-36 S, Rosenberg.

“The experience of running for Queen is a tradition and a rewarding opportunity. Our candidates gain basic real-life skills to apply personally and professionally,” said Fort Bend County Fair President Jennifer Williams.

The Fair Queen serves as an ambassador throughout the fair’s 10-day run. The Queen will attend receptions, livestock shows, and auctions as part of her duties. In addition, the Fair Queen will represent the Fort Bend County Fair at community events, luncheons, holiday gatherings, and other fair

ONGOING

FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS

We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/ request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com

THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES

We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264

Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. The next Bus Trip is on April 26, 2023, to Painted Churches. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’ ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www. fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB

Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.

FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST

CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer. music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 20222023 YEAR

To join, the membership application can be accessed at https://www. fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer

where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl. org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING

BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE

Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED

Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195

EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

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.

activities throughout the year.

The Fort Bend County Fair Queen Scholarship Contest is for females between the ages of 15 and 19 who are residents of Fort Bend County. The competition is based on a personal interview, an essay, a networking event, and participation. Winners receive scholarships and prizes for their efforts and the opportunity to serve as a community ambassador for the Fort Bend County Fair for the coming year.

The 2023 Fort Bend County Fair Queen will be crowned on Friday, September 29, 2023. For more information, visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call the Fair Office at 281-342-6171.

The Fort Bend County Fair is now accepting entries for the Fair Queen Scholarship Contest through June 15. Courtesy Fort Bend County Fair

Expertise Matters When You Need BACK AND NECK CARE

Specialists Serving Fort Bend County and Surrounding Areas

If you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, we offer comprehensive spine care ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive options to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists provide advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to your active life.

We offer:

• A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors and specialists

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs

• A dedicated care navigator who will connect you with the appropriate doctor for your condition

• Expedited appointments

• Advanced, state-of-the-art technology

To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call