The 07-12-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Space Cowboys falter in tough series - Page 3 Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 48 • No. 35 • $1.00 Visit www.FortBendStar.com WEDNESDAY • JULY 12, 2023 JEANNE GREGORY 713-854-0923

Fort Bend officials lead task force to arrest fugitives

REALTOR , CRS, GRI, ABR SOUTHWEST Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

Fort Bend officials urge caution with increased Cycllospora case

Staff Staff Reports

The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, partnered with the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force, recently completed a five-week operation to locate and arrest fugitives, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office said at a press conference on Monday.

80 felony warrants were executed against 50 individuals during the operation, according to officials. Arrests were made throughout Fort Bend County and the greater Houston area, and one in North Carolina. The charges included aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, crimes against children, weapons

and drug crimes, and murder. More than one-third of the fugitives were located in Fort Bend County.

The goal of Operation Hawthorn, which ran from May 3 through June 9, was to target suspected gang members and violent offenders with outstanding warrants and collect criminal intelligence and to reduce crime in Fort Bend County, the officials said.

Five firearms were recovered, $9,855 was seized, along with more than 10 ounces of marijuana. Seven documented gang members were also arrested, according to officials.

“Operation Hawthorn was implemented to suppress crime in our community by targeting known violent offenders and gang members.

We will continue to conduct these type of operations to maintain safety and set a tone that we will not stop our pursuit of fugitives and violent offenders,” Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Mid-

Meadows Place secures funding - Page 2 Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, center, is joined by other law enforcment officials during a press conference outlining the results of Operation Hawthorn. Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office

dleton said in a press release.

The Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 4, Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 3, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Warrant/K9 Division, Houston Police Department

South Gessner Crime Suppression Unit, Houston Police Department Southwest Crime Suppression Unit and Houston Police Department Central Crime Suppression Unit assisted in the operation.

Fort Bend commissioners look toward attracting new industrial development

There have been reports of an increased number of cases in the region of Cyclospora, a non-lifethreatening gastrointestinal illness caused by an intestinal parasite, according to Fort Bend County Health and Human Services.

Officials are urging residents to take precautions this summer while preparing food containing fresh vegetables and fruit, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

According to a press release from the department, increased cases of Cyclosporiasis tend to occur seasonally between the months of April and August and symptoms tend to appear between two to 14 days. Cases have been associated with the consumption of fresh produce, including, but not limited, to fresh cilantro, raspberries, basil, snow peas, and mesclun lettuce.

Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. If you have symptoms of cyclosporiasis, see your healthcare provider.

Fort Bend County Health and Human Services’ epidemiology team is investigating the cases and reminds residents that some gastrointestinal illnesses can spread quickly, especially during the summer.

Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing food.

Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating, cutting, or cooking. Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces to avoid cross-contamination

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

On Tuesday (after the Fort Bend Star’s print deadline), Fort Bend Commissioners Court was expected to vote on an initiative from Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers for the creation of a committee that would evaluate county policies and make recommendations on how to attract new industrial development.

“The Fort Bend Economic Development Council explains that the county has missed several opportunities to attract and land major industrial operations, and the well-paying jobs that come with them, because Fort Bend County did not have an industrial site ready and available,

or one that could be easily and quickly developed (i.e. shovel ready),” Meyers writes in his agenda item. “Over the past couple of years as companies pursue re-shoring and nearshoring, the industrial and commercial site-selection process continues to evolve with significantly shortened project timelines. Fort Bend County needs to adjust to this new reality.”

Meyers and county officials first broached the idea in a workshop discussion during the court’s June 27 meeting.

During that discussion, representatives of the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, a nonprofit organization not directly related to the county, and Carlos Guzman, the county’s appointed

economic development director, laid out the obstacles the county has had attracting new industry and laid out a set of “tools” that the county could implement to overcome those obstacles.

Among those tools, as proposed by Meyers and the other officials, are an industrial development corporation, industrial development districts, and so-called “Super Districts” that would combine the powers of several different types of districts. Many of these would require enabling legislation in the Texas Legislature.

Meyers, a Republican who is up for reelection in 2024, has long championed bringing new industrial businesses into the county. In recent talks, he has discussed his vision for mak-

ing Fort Bend County more than a bedroom community in the greater Houston area, but a place where more residents actually work.

Immediately following the June 27 workshop discussion, Meyers moved to have the proposed committee, which would consist of him and Democratic Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, who was not present at the meeting. Meyers said that he had already discussed the item with Prestage, who told him he was on board.

But Fort Bend County Judge KP George and Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy, both Democrats, said they wanted to hold off on a vote. George in particular said he wanted to have Prestage present so that the full court

could have a wider discussion of the proposed committee.

McCoy, meanwhile, noted that his district, centered around the Richmond area, is more rural than Meyers’s own largely urbanized district. Since his district would be the likely home of most of the new industrial development, he said, he believed he should have a more active role in the committee’s discussions.

Both men, however, said they were not opposed to the proposed committee itself, and thanked Meyers for leading the way on the discussion.

Acknowledging that a 2-2 split vote was in the offing, Meyers withdrew his motion for a vote on the committee so that it could be heard in this week’s meeting.

Fort Bend Commissioners Court discusses creating an industrial development committee during its June 27 meeting. The matter was expected to be taken up again this week. Courtesy Fort Bend County Precinct 3 office

Meadows Place secures funding

treatment plant upgrades

Staff Reports

For years, the City of Meadows Place has struggled to find funding to refurbish and upgrade a four-decadeold wastewater treatment plant to serve the nearly 5,000 residents of the onesquare-mile municipality in the northeast edge of Fort Bend County.

Now that project is set to get underway, with a significant portion of the project’s cost coming from $1.5 million in funding from the federal American Rescuse Plan Act secured by Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers.

When completed the plant will be more environmentally friendly and energy efficient, according to city officials. Additionally, it will be modernized with digital controls and will fully comply with state water quality standards.

Fort

Staff Reports

Fort Bend County Master Gardeners are offering community residents an opportunity to join their ranks by enrolling in the Master Gardener class which will begin in September.

The deadline to apply is 2 p.m. on July 21. People can apply by completing three forms - a Master Gardener application, a video, film and photographic image release form and a volunteer agreement - and by paying a $250

“I like to find innovative solutions and work with others to help solve problems,” Meyers said in a press release. “So, when Mayor Charles Jessup asked for help funding this project, I immediately got to work securing this grant to help defray the cost to Meadows Place residents.”

“This grant solves an immediate environmental concern and infrastructure need, while also reducing the cost to Meadows Place taxpayers. I am very thankful to Commissioner Meyers for his work securing this funding for the project,” Jessup said. “We are a small municipality, so Commissioner Meyers’s help is instrumental in helping cover the cost to upgrade this facility and extending its operation for the next couple of decades!”

Meadows Place, originally known as The Meadows, was formed in 1967 and incorporated in 1983.

fee for an individual or $420 for two people. Forms can be returned by either email, USPS or during business hours to the office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, 1402 Band Road – Suite 100 in Rosenberg. The class is limited to 25 applicants. Applications accompanied by payment will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given to Fort Bend County residents. Applicants will be notified by Aug. 21 and orientation is set for Aug. 31. Those

interested can call 281-6337029 for information or contact Brandy Rader at brandy.rader@ag.tamu.edu Visit https://

fbmg.org/files/2023/07/Fall2023-MG-Application-FINAL-. pdf for more information and the forms.

Classes will be held on 12 consecutive Thursdays at the Band Road facilities beginning on September 7 and concluding before Thanksgiving. Most horticulture instruction will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with additional hands-on activities from 1:30-3 p.m. Most classes are taaught remotely by professors and Extension specialists from all over Texas, while others are taught by Master Gardeners. Students also must complete 50 hours of approved volunteer ser-

vice within an eight-month period.

The 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt FBMG program has 174 members. Certified Master Gardeners are required each year to earn 12 continuing education hours and to contribute 24 hours of volunteer service.

Master Gardeners are volunteers who assist Extension in promoting research-based horticultural practices to help residents succeed in creating and maintaining their home landscapes.

Express rock Space Cowboys in tough road series

As the Sugar Land Space Cowboys approach the AllStar Break, they were hoping for a strong series in their final road trip prior to the break. Unfortunately, those plans didn’t pan out as the Space Cowboys struggled to a tough week against the Round Rock Express.

Sugar Land would hit a large road block in the plan, losing five out of six games to Round Rock – the Texas Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate –and continuing their struggle to begin the second half of the regular season. The Space Cowboys have struggled out of the gate in the second half, with their 2-10 record placing them in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s (PCL) East division standings. They currently sport a 35-52 overall record on the season, and will have a few days off for the All-Star Break before beginning a nine-game homestand at Constellation Field with a three-game series against the El Paso Chihuahuas on Friday.

It was a tough week on offense for the Space Cowboys as they mustered just 20 total runs in six games, but a few standouts still stood tall amidst the struggles. First baseman and designated hitter Jon Singleton – a former top prospect with the organization who was re-signed late last month – continued to mash for the Space Cowboys last week, hitting .375 (6 for 16) with three home runs and a 1.414 OPS to go-along with a team-leading eight RBIs. The 31-year-old is now hitting .333 with a 1.193 OPS and five homers in 55 plate appearances (13 games) since returning to the organization on June 24.

Also having a solid week for the Space Cowboys was outfielder Marty Costes, who had two triples while reaching base in nine of his 24

plate appearances for a .375 on-base percentage, while J.J. Matijevic homered twice in the series. The Space Cowboys’ pitching staff was battered as a whole, but there were still

a few solid pitching performances. Misael Tamarez and Spencer Arighetti combined to allow just five earned runs in 16 total innings in two piggyback starts last week, combining for 13 strikeouts

and a 1.00 WHIP. Joel Kunhel, Blake Taylor, and Enoli Paredes also combined for 3.1 shutout innings of relief in the Space Cowboys’ lone victory of the series, a 9-5 win on July 5.

Fort Bend County Libraries to host 'Journey through Asia' on July 19

In conjunction with Fort Bend County Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, the Sugar Land Branch Library will host a special dance performance, “Journey Through Asia,” on Wednesday, July 19, beginning at 3 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, 550 Eldridge.

Patrons will enjoy authentic and contemporary Chinese dance performed with spectacular Chinese costumes and music by Young Audiences of Houston teaching partner Dance of Asian America. Get a glimpse of many of the different ethnic groups represented in China, each with its own dance forms that directly reflect the lifestyles and customs of their region.

Classical and folk dances are an important part of China’s cultural heritage, serving as a wonderful tool for sharing

the country’s traditions, history, and culture.

Founded and directed by Janie Yao in 2001, Dance of Asian America is a nonprofit dance company dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of China through dance. The professional dance troupe is often joined by nationally recognized, award-winning guest artists from China.

The program, which is made possible by a grant from Young Audiences of Houston, is free and open to the public. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us) or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281238-2140) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Last week’s scores

July 4: Round Rock 2, Sugar Land 0

July 5: Sugar Land 9, Round Rock 5

July 6: Round Rock 11, Sugar Land 3

July 7: Round Rock 9, Sugar Land 1

July 8: Round Rock 11, Sugar Land 6

July 9: Round Rock 7, Sugar Land 1

Upcoming promotions

The first series out of the All Star Break begins with a Jeremy Peña replica World Series ring giveaway presented by Houston Methodist on Friday, which is also Holiday Lights in July. The weekend continues with Margaritaville Night on Saturday with a specialty jersey and auction with proceeds benefiting Candlelighters and a Space Cowboys Aloha shirt giveaway presented by United Health Care.

Sugar Land goes retro from July 21-23, beginning with a Lance McCullers Jr. replica World Series ring giveaway presented by Pepsi on Friday, July 21. It’s 80’s Night on Saturday, July 22 with a Yordan Alvarez rainbow throwback jersey presented by Amaro Law Firm and Escape Houston: A Tribute to Journey concert postgame, and Sunday, July 23 is a Tote Bag Giveaway presented by Constellation.

Fort Bend County Libraries offers programs specifically designed for high school-aged teens entering grades 9 through 12.

The programs provide fun and challenging opportunities for young adults, who are also encouraged to become active participants in designing and orchestrating new activities for teens in the library system.

Teens can earn volunteer-service hours by participating in FBCL’s Young Adult Advisory Councils, where they can express ideas, help organize upcoming activities, and suggest new programs and books

that would be of interest to teens at the library. The remaining July schedule of Young Adult Advisory Council meetings is as follows: George Memorial Library (Richmond) – Thursday, July 13, 6:007:00 pm, Room 2C. Cinco Ranch Branch Library – Wednesday, July 19, 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. Missouri City Branch Library – Tuesday, July 25 , 4:00-5:00 pm, Conference Room. Sienna Branch Library – Thursday, July 27, 4:005:00 pm. For more information, call FBCL’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Space Cowboys first baseman and designated hitter Jon Singleton, pictured, homered three times during Sugar Land’s series with the Round Rock Express last week. (Photo from Twitter)

If you are of the Caucasian persuasion you are now a minority in Texas. The latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Hispanics have made up the largest share of the state’s population since at least July 2022. That headcount shows 40.2 percent of Texans are Hispanic, barely edging out non-Hispanic white Texans, who made up 39.8 percent. Latinos outnumber white Texans by about 129,000.

Unfortunately, according to the Texas Tribune, Hispanic Texans are more than twice as likely as white Texans to be living below the poverty level. Less than half are as likely to have graduated from college with a bachelor’s degrees or higher. Recent estimates show 95 percent of white adults in Texas have at least a high school diploma, compared with only 70 percent of Hispanic adults. Hispanics are just as far back on income: The median income in 2021 was $81,384 for a white household but just $54,857 for a Hispanic household.

A minority in the majority

Nor do Hispanics reflect Texas’ demographics in our Legislature. Again, according to the Texas Tribune, if the makeup of the Legislature in the 2023 session was in line with the state’s demographics, there would be close to an equal number of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white lawmakers. Instead, Hispanic Texans hold just 25 percent of seats in the Legislature. Among Republicans, who hold a large majority of legislative seats, the GOP members of color (that includes Hispanics) increased from five at the start of the 2021 legislative session to 11 this year. Now, these population figures for Texas are a bit vague because countless undocumented migrants are coming to Texas from across the Rio every day. The number for fiscal year 2022 topped 2.76 million, breaking the previous annual record by more than 1 million, according to Customs and Border Protection data. Some are deported back across the border and others are sent elsewhere.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced only last week that he had sent more than 23,500 migrants to sanctuary cities. Do they count? But many are staying

LYNN ASHBY Columnist

here and one of their main targets is – one guess – Houston. Why should they be any different from migrants leaving Los Angeles and Chicago?

Houston is 24.1 white, 44.5 percent Hispanic, 22.6 percent Black, 6.8 percent Asian. Two or more races are 10.8 percent.

[Editors’ note: In the latest Census estimates, Fort Bend County is 29.5 percent white, 25.5 percent Hispanic, 22.1 percent Black, 22.1 percent Asian. Two or more races are 2.4 percent.] And we have 3,223 homeless people whom, I suppose, weren’t included in the count. Houston ISD students are 61.7 percent Hispanic and 10 percent white. More than one out of every four people you see around town was foreign born: 29 percent. Houston has been called America’s most diverse city and these figures prove it.

Or Google Houston’s ethnic restaurants. I got as far as the top 10 Serbian cafes and gave up. (While we’re counting, almost 20 percent of Houstonians live in poverty and it takes the average Houstonian 27.5 minutes to commute each way each day.)

Several of these figures, especially from the U.S. Census Bureau, use terms like Latino or Hispanic/Latino. Having been called many names myself, I will call you by whatever title you wish. Latino or Latina is fine. So is Hispanic. For years the title Chicano was used as a slur for Mexican-Americans. I recall interviewing an elderly Hispanic gentleman who said, “When I was young, if anybody called me a Chicano I’d hit him.”

Then in the 1940s and later it was taken up by young Hispanic males as a title of pride. Today I don’t hear anyone using the name Chicano at all. In news reports and such Black is now capitalized as is Hispanic, but not white. In Texas we are different – surprise! Our Hispanic Texans are often called Tejanos. There is Tejano music and Go Tejano Day at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (which traditionally draws the biggest crowds of the year). I

CLOVER

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I’m the sweetest dog ever! I love belly rubs and I’m very good on leash!

My heartworm treatment is sponsored too! All I’m waiting for now is my FURever home.

Come visit me today at Houston Humane Society and meet my bright personality! You will fall in love with me and want me to be a new member to your family! ... ADOPT CLOVER

BRAZOS

like that title. It’s unique. Calling oneself a Tejano can only be used by proud Texans of Mexican heritage. We must remember that we Anglos – or Gringos, Round Eyes or Moverse Mia Patio!

(Spanish for Get Off My Yard!)

– were the late comers. Stephen

F. Austin inherited his father’s Spanish land grant in 1821 and eventually moved 300 families to what, by then, was Mexico.

On April 6, 1830, Mexico passed a law banning immigration. Everyone who came afterwards was an illegal immigrant. You, of course, remember Lorenzo de Zavala, the first vice president of the Republic of Texas, José Francisco “Francis” Ruiz and his uncle, José Antonio Navarro. The last two were the only native Texans among the 59 men who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Juan Abamillo, Juan A. Badillo, Carlos Espalier, Gregorio Esparza, Antonio Fuentes, and Andrés Nava. They were born in Texas, they died defending the Alamo. Among the 187 men who died there were 13 nativeborn Texians and 11 more of Mexican descent. At the Battle of San Jacinto, the only native Texans

were 30 Hispanics from San Antonio, led by Don Erasmo Seguin, whose father was the alcalde of San Antonio. Since none of the Texian troops wore a uniform, and since most of the Tejanos didn’t speak English, Gen. Sam Houston was afraid in the fog of war they would be mistaken for Santa Anna’s troops, he (Houston, not Santa Anna) ordered them to stay back and guard the supply wagons and ambulances. Seguin replied: “We certainly did not join your army, General, to ride herd on sick folks. We men from Bexar have more grievances to settle with the Santanistas than anyone else, for we have suffered the most from them. We want to fight!” Houston replied, “Spoken like a man.” They took their place in line. True story: To differentiate his troops from the enemy, Sequin had his men put a playing card in their hat bands, but he didn’t have enough to go around. I suspect Seguin told the captured Santa Anna afterwards, “Never take on anyone not playing with a full deck.”

Ashby is a minority at ashby2@comcast.net

CHRIST

Draft

O3536

LLC, 125 Nalco Way, Ellwood City, PA 16117-4129, has applied

34966,

the Texas Commission

Quality (TCEQ) for a

(herein referred to as Permit) No. O3536,

authorize operation of the Nalco Fresno Facility, an All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing facility. The area addressed by the application is located at 3130 FM 521 Rd in Fresno, Fort Bend County, Texas 77545-8057. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to the application. You can nd an electronic map of the facility at: https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=95.448888,29.5425&level=13. This application was received by the TCEQ on March 24, 2023. The purpose of a federal operating permit is to improve overall compliance with the rules governing air pollution control by clearly listing all applicable requirements, as de ned in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code § 122.10 (30 TAC § 122.10). The draft permit, if approved, will codify the conditions under which the area must operate. The permit will not authorize new construction. The executive director has completed the technical review of the application and has made a preliminary decision to prepare a draft permit for public comment and review. The executive director recommends issuance of this draft permit. The permit application, statement of basis, and draft permit will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ Central Of ce, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, First Floor, Austin, Texas 78753; the TCEQ Houston Regional Of ce, 5425 Polk St Ste H, Houston, Texas 77023-1452; and the West Pearland Library, 11801 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Pearland, Texas 77584-7103, beginning the rst day of publication of this notice. The draft permit and statement of basis are available at the TCEQ Website: www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/tvnotice

At the TCEQ central and regional of ces, relevant supporting materials for the draft permit, as well as the New Source Review permits which have been incorporated by reference, may be reviewed and copied. Any person with dif culties obtaining these materials due to travel constraints may contact the TCEQ central of ce le room at (512) 239-2900.

Public Comment/Notice and Comment Hearing. Any person may submit written comments on the draft permit. Comments relating to the accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of the permit conditions may result in changes to the draft permit.

A person who may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the permitted area may request a notice and comment hearing. The purpose of the notice and comment hearing is to provide an additional opportunity to submit comments on the draft permit. The permit may be changed based on comments pertaining to whether the permit provides for compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 122 (examples may include that the permit does not contain all applicable requirements or the public notice procedures were not satis ed). The TCEQ may grant a notice and comment hearing on the application if a written hearing request is received within 30 days after publication of the newspaper notice. The hearing request must include the basis for the request, including a description of how the person may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the application area. The request should also specify the conditions of the draft permit that are inappropriate or specify how the preliminary decision to issue or deny the permit is inappropriate. All reasonably ascertainable issues must be raised and all reasonably available arguments must be submitted by the end of the public comment period. If a notice and comment hearing is granted, all individuals that submitted written comments or a hearing request will receive written notice of the hearing. This notice will identify the date, time, and location for the hearing.

Written public comments and/or requests for a notice and comment hearing should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at www14.tceq. texas.gov/epic/eComment/ and be received within 30 days after the date of newspaper publication of this notice. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record.

A notice of proposed final action that includes a response to comments and identification of any changes to the draft permit will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments, a hearing request, or requested to be on the mailing list for this application. This mailing will also provide instructions for public petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request that the EPA object to the issuance of the proposed permit. After receiving a petition, the EPA may only object to the issuance of a permit which is not in compliance with the applicable requirements or the requirements of 30 TAC Chapter 122.

Mailing List. In addition to submitting public comments, a person may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Of ce of the Chief Clerk at the address above. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Chief Clerk for this application.

Information. For additional information about this permit application or the permitting process, please contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Public Education Program, MC-108, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or toll free at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained for Nalco Production LLC by calling Mr. Abraham George at (281) 710-9437.

Notice Issuance Date: June 14, 2023

Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas

AVISO DE UN PERMISO FEDERAL PARA OPERACIÓN PRELIMINAR

Permiso Preliminar Número: O3536

SOLICITUD Y PERMISO PRELIMINAR . Nalco Production LLC, 125 Nalco Way, Ellwood City, PA 161174129, ha presentado una solicitud ante la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas (TCEQ, por sus siglas en inglés) para la renovación y examen del Permiso Federal de Operación (en adelante denominado el Permiso) número O3536, Solicitud núm. 34966, para autorizar la operación de Nalco Fresno Facility, una instalación de Fabricación de Todos los Demás Productos Químicos Orgánicos Básicos. El área a la cual se re ere la solicitud está ubicada en 3130 FM 521 Rd en la ciudad de Fresno, Condado de Fort Bend, Texas 77545-8057. 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=95.448888,29.5425&level=13. Esta solicitud fue recibida por la TCEQ el 24 de marzo de 2023. El propósito de un Permiso Federal de Operación es mejorar el acatamiento general con las normas que gobiernan el control de la contaminación atmosférica, claramente de niendo todos los requisitos aplicables como están de nidos en el Título 30 del Código Administrativo de Texas § 122.10 (30 TAC § 122.10, por sus siglas en inglés). El permiso preliminar, si es aprobado, codi cará las condiciones bajo las cuales el área debe operar. El permiso no autorizará construcción nueva. El director ejecutivo ha concluido la revisión técnica de la solicitud y ha hecho una decisión preliminar para preparar el permiso preliminar para la revisión y comentario público. El director ejecutivo de la TCEQ recomienda la expedición de este permiso preliminar. La solicitud de permiso, la declaración de base y el permiso preliminar estarán disponibles para ser revisados y copiados en la O cina Central de la TCEQ, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building (Edi cio)

E, First Floor (primer Piso), Austin, Texas 78753, y en la ; the TCEQ Houston Regional Of ce, 5425 Polk St Ste H, Houston, Texas 77023-1452 y the West Pearland Library, 11801 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Pearland, Texas 77584-7103, empezando el primer día de la publicación de este aviso. El permiso preliminar y la declaración de base están disponibles en el sitio de la TCEQ: www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/tvnotice

En la o cina central y la o cina regional también puede revisar y copiar documentos pertinentes para el permiso preliminar, así como los permisos para la Evaluación de Nuevas Fuentes que han sido incorporados por referencia. Cualquier persona que tengan di cultades obteniendo estos materiales debido a restricciones para viajar pueden comunicarse con la sala de archivos de la O cina Central al teléfono (512) 239-2900.

COMENTARIOS/NOTIFICACIÓN PÚBLICA Y AUDIENCIA. Cualquier persona puede entregar comentarios públicos sobre el permiso preliminar. Comentarios relacionados a la exactitud, lo completo, y lo apropiado de las condiciones del permiso pueden resultar en cambios al permiso preliminar. Una persona que podría ser afectada por la emisión de contaminantes atmosféricos del área del sitio del permiso puede solicitar una audiencia de aviso y comentarios. El propósito de la audiencia de noti cación y comentarios es para proporcionar la oportunidad para entregar comentarios sobre el permiso preliminar. El permiso puede ser cambiado en base a si los comentarios relacionados con el permiso permiten el cumplimiento con el Título 30 del Código Administrativo de Texas, Capítulo 122 (ejemplos pueden incluir que el permiso no tiene todos los requisitos aplicables que correspondan o que no se cumplieron los procedimientos de aviso público). La TCEQ puede otorgar una audiencia de aviso y comentarios con respecto a esta solicitud si una petición por escrito es presentada dentro de los treinta días después de la publicación del anuncio en el diario. La solicitud de audiencia debe incluir la base de la solicitud, incluyendo una descripción de como la persona puede ser afectada por la emisión de contaminantes atmosféricos del área de la solicitud. La solicitud también debería especi car las condiciones del permiso borrador que son inapropiados o especi car como la decisión preliminar para expedir o denegar el permiso es inapropiado. Todos los asuntos razonablemente veri cables deben ser planteados y todos los argumentos razonablemente disponibles deben ser entregados a no más tardar al nal del período de comentarios públicos. Si se concede una audiencia de aviso y comentario, todos los individuos que presentaron comentarios por escrito o una solicitud de audiencia recibirán con rmación por escrito de la audiencia. Esta con rmación indicará la fecha, hora y lugar de la audiencia. Comentarios públicos por escrito y/o peticiones para una audiencia de aviso y comentarios deberían ser presentados a la Comisión de Calidad Ambiental (TCEQ), Oficina del Secretario Oficial (Office of Chief Clerk), MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, o por internet al www14.tceq.texas. gov/epic/eComment/, dentro de treinta días después de la fecha de publicación en el periódico de este aviso. Si se comunica electrónicamente con la TCEQ, favor de notar que su correo electrónico, tal como su dirección de correo doméstico, formarán parte del archivo público de la agencia. Un aviso de la acción final propuesta que incluye una respuesta a los comentarios y denotando cualquier cambio al permiso preliminar, será enviado a todas las personas que hayan presentado comentarios públicos, una solicitud de audiencia o que hayan solicitado ser incluidos en la lista de correo. Este envío de correo también proveerá instrucciones para hacer peticiones públicas a la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA, por sus siglas en inglés), para solicitar que la EPA se oponga a la expedición del permiso preliminar. Después de recibir una solicitud, la EPA solamente podrá objetar a la expedición de un permiso que no cumple con los requisitos aplicables o los requisitos del 30 TAC Capítulo 122.

LISTA PARA ENVÍO DE CORREO. Aparte de entregar comentarios públicos, usted puede solicitar ser incluido en una lista para envío de correo con respecto a esta solicitud al enviar su petición a la O cina del Secretario O cial (Of ce of Chief Clerk) a la dirección antes mencionada. Los que se encuentran en la lista para envío de correo recibirán copias de avisos públicos futuros (si hay) para esta solicitud enviados por correo por el Secretario O cial.

INFORMACIÓN. Para más información con respecto a esta solicitud de permiso o el proceso de permisos, favor de contactar a la Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (Comisión de Calidad Ambiental de Texas), Programa de Educación del Público (Public Education Program), MC-108, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 o llamar sin cargo al 1-800-687-4040.

Puede obtener más información sobre Nalco Production LLC llamando a Abraham George al teléfono 281710-9437. Fecha de Expedición: 14 de junio de 2023

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Notice of Draft Federal Operating Permit and Acid Rain Permit Draft Permit No.: O4396

Application and Draft Permit. BRAES BAYOU II LLC, 8303 McHard Rd, Houston, TX 77053-4833, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an initial issuance of Federal Operating Permit and Acid Rain Permit (herein referred to as Permit) No. O4396, Application No. 33911, to authorize operation of the Braes Bayou II Power Station, a Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation facility. The area addressed by the application is located at: 2 miles southwest of Thompsons off of Lockwood Bypass Rd.; 1 mile east of Smithers Lake in Fort Bend, Fort Bend County, Texas 77481. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to the application. You can find an electronic map of the facility at: https://gisweb.tceq.texas.gov/LocationMapper/?marker=95.620277,29.480277&level=13. This application was received by the TCEQ on June 23, 2022.

The purpose of a federal operating permit is to improve overall compliance with the rules governing air pollution control by clearly listing all applicable requirements, as defined in Title 30 Texas Administrative Code § 122.10 (30 TAC § 122.10). The draft permit, if approved, will codify the conditions under which the area must operate. The permit will not authorize new construction. The executive director has completed the technical review of the application and has made a preliminary decision to prepare a draft permit for public comment and review. The executive director recommends issuance of this draft permit. The permit application, statement of basis, and draft permit will be available for viewing and copying at the TCEQ Central Office, 12100 Park 35 Circle, Building E, First Floor, Austin, Texas 78753; the TCEQ Houston Regional Office, 5425 Polk St Ste H, Houston, Texas 77023-1452; and the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview Dr, Richmond, Texas 77469-5141, beginning the first day of publication of this notice. The draft permit and statement of basis are available at the TCEQ Website: www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/tvnotice

At the TCEQ central and regional offices, relevant supporting materials for the draft permit, as well as the New Source Review permits which have been incorporated by reference, may be reviewed and copied. Any person with difficulties obtaining these materials due to travel constraints may contact the TCEQ central office file room at (512) 2392900.

Public Comment/Notice and Comment Hearing. Any person may submit written comments on the draft permit. Comments relating to the accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of the permit conditions may result in changes to the draft permit.

A person who may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the permitted area may request a notice and comment hearing. The purpose of the notice and comment hearing is to provide an additional opportunity to submit comments on the draft permit. The permit may be changed based on comments pertaining to whether the permit provides for compliance with 30 TAC Chapter 122 (examples may include that the permit does not contain all applicable requirements or the public notice procedures were not satisfied). The TCEQ may grant a notice and comment hearing on the application if a written hearing request is received within 30 days after publication of the newspaper notice. The hearing request must include the basis for the request, including a description of how the person may be affected by the emission of air pollutants from the application area. The request should also specify the conditions of the draft permit that are inappropriate or specify how the preliminary decision to issue or deny the permit is inappropriate. All reasonably ascertainable issues must be raised and all reasonably available arguments must be submitted by the end of the public comment period. If a notice and comment hearing is granted, all individuals that submitted written comments or a hearing request will receive written notice of the hearing. This notice will identify the date, time, and location for the hearing.

Written public comments and/or requests for a notice and comment hearing should be submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, or electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/ and be received within 30 days after the date of newspaper publication of this notice. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address and physical address will become part of the agency’s public record.

A notice of proposed final action that includes a response to comments and identification of any changes to the draft permit will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments, a hearing request, or requested to be on the mailing list for this application. This mailing will also provide instructions for public petitions to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to request that the EPA object to the issuance of the proposed permit. After receiving a petition, the EPA may only object to the issuance of a permit which is not in compliance with the applicable requirements or the requirements of 30 TAC Chapter 122.

Mailing List. In addition to submitting public comments, a person may ask to be placed on a mailing list for this application by sending a request to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address above. Those on the mailing list will receive copies of future public notices (if any) mailed by the Chief Clerk for this application.

Information. For additional information about this permit application or the permitting process, please contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Public Education Program, MC-108, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or toll free at 18006874040. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained for BRAES BAYOU II LLC by calling Ms. Jennifer Coleman at (660) 596-7828.

Notice Issuance Date: June 16, 2023

LEGALS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting Quali cations/Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for the Lamar Consolidated ISD Gene Tomas High School and Ella Banks Junior High - Bid Package #3. Project consists of a new High School and Junior High Facility. Refer to the Project Documents for a full description of

Documents are also available online at planroom.drymalla.com.

FUN, FAST PACED ENVIRONMENT

20500 Southwest Fwy

fun, fast paced environment

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ONGOING

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC offers ESL classes on Tuesday nights 6-8:30 from August 22, 2023 through May 21, 2024. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths. All are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org

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:pm4: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: 281-2047716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 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 281240-3195

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

Review: Oliver's Gourmet offers fine food with a message

By Ken Fountain

Faithful readers will know that I’ve taken a couple of weeks off the restaurant beat, writing about a baseball game and a movie. But after these two one-offs, your friendly neighborhood non-foodie food reviewer is back at it this week.

And I’ve got a particularly interesting restaurant this week. After a couple of soft openings, Oliver’s Gourmet, a high-end sandwich shop, officially opened earlier this month in a large strip center in Missouri City. As a longtime fan of sandwiches, I’d been eagerly anticipating my first opportunity to check it out.

Oliver’s Gourmet has a very unique backstory, which you can find on its website, but I’ll sum it up briefly. The proprietors are the parents of Oliver (or “Ollie), a now 3-year-old boy who was born with a rare condition known as esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, (or EA/TEF). The condition affects a person’s ability to swallow.

According to the website, “Ollie overcame many obstacles to become the happy and thriving child he is today who loves, among many things, food.” They say they started the restaurant not only in his honor, but to share his story to give patrons a reason to smile. A Christian-oriented restaurant, it will share a portion of its proceeds to support

missions around the world, children’s medical research, and families of children in neonatal intensive care units.

Upon entering the restaurant, you immediately get a sense that this is a different kind of sandwich shop. There’s a definite upscale feel to the place (although the prices are very reasonable). The decor is done in muted colors, with plush black and green chairs and high-quality lighting.

As a lifelong afficionado of jazz, I particularly enjoyed

that the sound system offers classic jazz instrumentals by the likes of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.

One wall of the restaurant is devoted to pictures and vignettes of Oliver’s life story. Another wall features small cards on which people can write prayers or other messages and hang them from pegs. While there is a Christian orientation, you don’t have to be a Christian or even religious to appreciate the sentiment.

The restaurant offers some

THERE’S A BETTER

standard but decidedly highquality sandwich options, as well as soups and salads. There is also a menu of children’s favorites. I went with The Overnighter, a tender pork shoulder sandwich described as being cooked “Mississippi-style” on a toasted hoagie. I’m not entirely sure what Mississippi style is meant to taste like, but I thoroughly enjoyed the sandwich, which had a certain tanginess that I liked a lot. My dining companion

had a salad, which they also enjoyed.

The service was excellent.

The staff are dressed in black attire and speak in soft tones, and they make a special point of checking in on patrons to see how they’re doing, something you don’t often find in more run-of-the-mill sandwich shops.

I found the entire experience first-rate, and the tone and mission of the restaurant to be very worthy. I encourage you to check it out.

TO CANCER CARE in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Sugar Land. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.