Hurricane Harvey struck the region in late August 2017, dropping more than 50 inches of rain on some parts of the Houston area and flood ing about 7,000 homes in Fort Bend County. Staffers with the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management in 2017 estimated about 20 percent of the county was inundated with flood water, more than 200,000 residents affected and that emergency person nel made more than 9,900 rescues during the storm, according to a report at
By Matt
JSAZMA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM281-690-4200signupnowtoattend!10/12/22•9AM-1PM
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Major transitionGeorge: County better prepared for future emergencies Annual State of Schools address set for next monthSEE EMERGENCIES PAGE 7
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LocalMDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COMstudents going from public into private, charter schools George 832-558-8059 mobilitycity.com/stx 7746 Highway 6, Ste H, Missouri City, TX 77459 MON-FRI: 9am-5pm | SAT: 10am-2pm | SUN: Closed$200OFF COMFORTABLE LIFT RECLINERSCHAIR $50OFF LIGHTWEIGHT ROLLATORWALKERS $250OFF 3 or 4-WHEEL SCOOTERSTRAVEL within 25 miles of Mobility City of Sugar Land ESTIMATES!FREE within 25 miles of Mobility City of Sugar Land STAIRLIFT WHEELCHAIR&RAMPS The annual Fort Bend Chamber State of Schools address will take place on Oct. 12. (Contributed photo)
An annual event discuss ing the future of local Fort Bend school districts is on theOnhorizon.Oct.12, the Fort Be md Chamber of Commerce will host its annual State of the Schools address from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Sa fari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond accord ing to a news release from the business organization. Stafford MSD Superin tendent Robert Bostic, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Christie Whitbeck, and Lamar Consolidated ISD Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens will all take part in the discussion hosted by Education division chair and former FBISD trustee JimInRice.total, the three districts serve more than 120,000 students, according to the release."Join us to hear their vi sion and direction for our future workforce and busi ness leaders in Fort Bend County," the news release said.Go to FortBendChamber. com for more information.
Jerry@dreamhomesbyjerry.com832-702-5241 6, TX 77478 deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Sugar Land,
Scores of people hud dled in schools, water pouring into homes and the chaos and uncertainty of unprecedented weather – those that lived through Hurricane Harvey strik ing the region in 2017 and flooding more than 7,000 homes in Fort Bend County won’t soon forget the memories of five years ago.That experience is part of what drove County Judge KP George, then a member of the Fort Bend ISD board of trustees, to run for county govern ment, he told the Fort Bend Star last week. And as residents across the region took a moment late last month to recog nize Harvey’s five-year anniversary, George was sure that the county is in a better place today, he said.“We are much better co ordinated today,” he said. “Obviously, an emergency is an emergency. But we have the systems in place to make sure everyone is informed and can make the right decision. My job is to provide information and try to save and pro tect human life, citizens’ property and valuables.”
By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
FBISD student tests positive for monkeypox
By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Job is for 5 Days a Week 5 Hours per Day. Salary is $20 per Hour. You must have a clean record, good recommendations, mobile, with many skills. (CAREGIVIER) ELDER COMPANIONCARE/ For more details about the position jasonburkley147@gmail.comemail
JERRY FLOWERS Real Estate Agent, MBA, CNE, ABE Army Veteran (RET) •
Help Wanted
Students at Fort Bend Christian Academy work on a science project in class. FBCA is among private schools in Fort Bend County that have seen increases in student population since the pandemic, according to administrators. ( Contributed photo)
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Public school districts across the country and in Fort Bend County watched student enrollment taper off or decline during the pandemic, and many of those children still haven’t returned to their old class rooms.Butwhere are they go ing?The pandemic and re cent social strife over public education have helped ex acerbate a trend of families switching students from public into private and charter schools, among other alternative educa tion options, according to several local education ex perts.“There has been growth,” said Renie Deanda, the di rector of communications and marketing for Fort Bend Christian Academy in Sugar Land. “It hasn’t been overwhelming, but there’s definitely people seeking other options for their children outside of the traditional public school.” Enrollment at Fort Bend Christian Academy, for in stance, increased about 5 percent this school year, up to a little more than 800 students, Deanda said. That follows several years of consistent growth, some of which was spurred by recent controversies in public schools, such as the debate over whether to re quire masks or not, Deanda said.“Going to a private or a charter school, there’s a lot a parent has to take on besides just the cost of tu ition,” she said. “You’re in charge of transportation. You might have to drive to a school that’s not right next door. Families have to want to do Differentit.”factors, such as class size, focus and more, inspire different families to attend different charter and private schools, she said.“I would say for us, the biggest thing I hear, is that we are a Christian school,” she said. “Parents want to seek a place that has that as the basis for what guides the education of their stu dent.”Fort Bend Christian Academy offers that, in addition to smaller class sizes and a different en vironment than public schools, she Administratorssaid. at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Sugar Land, likewise, noted a rise in pri vate school attendance in recentBesidesyears.the smattering of private schools across Fort Bend County, several char ter groups are also making inroads in the county. Sugar Land and Katy-ar ea Harmony Public Schools have opened this year with plans to serve more than Matt deGrood
A Fort Bend ISD stu dent has tested positive for monkeypox, accord ing to school district officials.Families and staff at Ridge Point High School were informed that a student there has tested positive for the virus, according to a news release. District admin istrators did not provide information about how the student might have contracted the virus. But epidemiologists are working on contact tracing and will try to determine possible ex posures and will notify anyone who might be af fected, according to the release. Cases of monkeypox have been on the rise across the country since health experts identified the first cases earlier this year.As of Aug. 22, more than 19,962 people had tested positive for the vi rus and monkeypox has caused more than 53,000 cases across the globe, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Dis easeMonkeypoxControl. is a dis ease caused by infection from the monkeypox vi rus, according to county health officials. The virus spreads through contact with an animal, human or materials con taminated with the virus, typically via broken skin, respiratory tract or mucous membranes, ac cording to the county.
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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, September 7, 2022 THE STAR See us online www.FortBendStar.com 281-690-4200 YOUR BUSINESS Find the Star online FORTBENDSTAR.COM Quail Valley Yard of the Month Roof Replacement & Repairs Shower, Siding & Additions 832-860-1054EXPERIENCEDINTOTALHOMEREPAIRS! • Framing • Sheetrock • Painting • Fences • Concrete/Granite • Tile, Brick & Laminate • Tree Service CHEAP TRASH HAULING FAST Home/Business • FREE ESTIMATES AAACheapTrashHauling.com Insured 713-235-0560 WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE #1 Cheapest Trash Hauling / Demolition Co. in TX! If You’ve Got It, We’ll Haul It. 7 Days Same Day Service • In Your Area At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home. Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including: Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders • Aneurysms • Brain Neuropathytumors Parkinson’s disease and tremors • Sleep disorders • Spinal disorders Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) CONDITIONSNEUROLOGICALCOMPLEX Treated in Sugar Land Your health is our priority. You can be confident we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe, including requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians and staff. SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979 713-433-6421 14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 Hi!www.HoustonHumane.orgIamAllegre!Iama very sweet 48 pound mixed breed dog. I may be a little older, but I can give just as much love as any other pup! I have also outgrown the hyper puppy stage - so all the love without the destruction! I know my name, come when called, and sit! I am very good with other dogs and like adults and kids. Overall, I am a lower energy gal just waiting for someone to take me home. Currently, my adoption fee is 50% off thank to our Clear The Shelters event!! PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN CALL DANE AT 832-433-5720 • Tree Trimming • Exterior Cleaning of House Siding • Exterior Painting Quality & Integrity Since 1988 Want the BEST DEAL for your Cable and Internet? No Deposit! Call Us Today for a Quick Quote! 844-560-9986 Pictured is the garden of Quail Valley resident Elsie Adams, who was awarded the Quail Valley Garden Club's Yard of the Month for the month of August. The community organization recognizes one yard per month for their exceptional gardens and landscaping. (Contributed photo) Contact John Sazma for advertising rates 281-690-4200 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com Digital Version Fortbendstar.comon THE MONTHLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE
And on Labor Day, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the quiet dignity of so many people in our county that contribute to making it what it is. Public employees aren’t the only ones, either. No business runs without help from a dedicated staff – employees that believe in the company’s mission and are willing to go the extra mile to help an organiza tionFromexcel.the tallest highrise in downtown Houston to the mechanic assistants saving your day when you bring your car into a shop, the examples are nearly limitless.So,take some time as you read to think about your Labor Days. Did you spend time today at home, in a nice, air-conditioned home?Someone was working to make sure the neighbor hood stayed powered. Maybe you went out to a nice restaurant and ate some good food? Again, no restaurant runs without a dedicated staff who show up on time and work hard to make sure you enjoy the experience. For that matter, most of us likely fit into a similar category. We wake up most days, put in hard hours at work and go home. Most weeks, that might not seem exceptional. But each and every one of us makes a difference in the working world we call our own. And that’s worth cel ebrating.Bythe time you read this, you’ll have already spent time relaxing and celebrat ing Labor Day. But please, take some time today to think about all the ways, big and small, that employees help make our world a better place. Thank you all for the jobs you do and here’s hoping your holidays were peace ful and full of good times and conversation with loved ones. You definitely deserve it.
Take time to think of employees on Labor Day deGroodMatt MANAGINGEDITOR 281-690-4200 BAPTIST CHURCH HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 John Strader , Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Schedule 8:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org EPISCOPAL ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 10:30SUNDAY:am Worship Holy www.allsaints-stafford.orgEucharist CHURCH OF CHRIST STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 Worship:SUNDAY: 10:30 www.staffordchurchofchrist.orga.m. METHODIST CHURCH Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY Scripture of the week “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - PSALM 121:1-2 Introduce CongregationYour to the Community with a listing in our Worship Directory Call John for more information 281.690.4200 find the star online FORTBENDSTAR.COM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. • FREE! Mirabeau Lamar Homestead Park 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO + TOUR BUS SCHEDULE OR VISIT shorturl.at/fhMQ1 Fort Bend County Historical Commission presents the It’s been 200 years since the early Texian settlers constructed the fort in the bend of the Brazos River. MUSEUM CRAWL Texian Time Machine Archeological Dig • Exhibits Book Signing • Music Lots More! THREE GUIDED BUS TOUR OPTIONS TO LOCAL MUSEUMS: DeWalt Heritage Center, Sugar Land Heritage Museum, Bull Head Convict Labor Camp Cemetery, Fort Bend Museum, Old Foster Community Museum, Rosenberg Railroad Museum, Black Cowboy Museum, Fort Bend County Heritage Unlimited Museum and George Ranch Historical Park
Local, local, local – that’s the refrain I’ve heard again and again during my time as a Letjournalist.national news stick to the issues of the day, my mentors have taught me. By sticking to what’s happening in local commu nities, you’ll foster a sense of trust and also provide a service people can’t get anywhere else. There’s a certain bril liance in that approach, and one I’ve taken time and timeButagain.inhonor of Labor Day – a holiday I don’t think gets the credit it deserves –I thought I might provide a local take on an issue of national importance. It’s easy to get lost in the bigness of organizations these days. Seems like ev ery week, we write about a decision the county com missioners make, or a new school district policy or a municipal project. All those things are im portant and the elected leaders that make decisions are worth discussing. But lost in the organizations and policies are the indi viduals that make them happen.Every city, every group, every entity depends on employees and workers whose job it is to carry out the work that makes Fort Bend County such a won derful place to live. There’s the staffers at city hall greeting residents when they show up with a concern, but there’s also a whole host of employees working in jobs residents might never see – those who oversee public waste facilities and those making sure we’re safe and pre pared in times of disaster, to name but a few.
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On the heels of a 74-point performance last week, it might be tough to imagine the Fulshear Chargers scoring more in a game.Butthe Chargers did that and then some last week. The Chargers of fense was on point once again last Friday, eclipsing 70 points for the second consecutive week in a 77-18 win over Clements. It was the most points in a single game in the pro gram’s six-season history, breaking the record they had set just the previous week.Fulshear amassed more than 500 yards of total offense in the game, with quarterback Parker Wil liams throwing for 185 yards and five touch downs. Four different receivers caught scores for Fulshear, with Tate Struble hauling in two of them.JRMirelles ran for two touchdowns in the loss for Clements (0-2), his second straight multi-score effort for the ElsewhereRangers.inthe area, Randle also stayed un beaten in the season’s early stages, holding off Port Lavaca Calhoun 3024 to improve to 2-0. Leo Garza completed 18 of 29 passes for 275 yards and four touchdowns, with Cortney Brown (7 catches, 157 yards) being the re cipient of two of them. Terry came out on top in a battle of Fort Bend area schools, besting La mar Consolidated 21-3 to improve to 2-0. Marcus Townsend had 61 rushing yards and a touchdown of fensively for the Rangers, while Hammed Masha had an interception and forced fumble for a Terry defense that forced four Mustang turnovers.Eventhough it was in a losing effort, the Elkins Knights saw multiple re ceivers have big games in a 54-42 loss to Montgom ery Lake Creek on Friday. Jakson Hart led the way with four catches for 134 yards and three touch downs, while Asad Abbas hauled in five catches for 103Belowyards.is this week’s local schedule and last week’s scoreboard: This week’sThursdayschedule Clements vs. George Ranch, 6 p.m., Katy Lega cyAustinStadiumvs. Dulles, 7 p.m., MercerLamarStadiumConsolidated vs. Westbury, 7 p.m., Traylor Stadium Friday Travis vs. Hightower, 7 p.m., Mercer Stadium Foster vs. Terry, 7 p.m., TraylorMarshallStadiumatAlief Taylor, 7 p.m., Crump Stadium Fulshear at Magnolia, 7 p.m., Magnolia Bulldog StadiumStafford at Sealy, 7 p.m. Saturday Randle vs. West Co lumbia, 11 a.m., Traylor StadiumRidge Point vs. Bush, 6 p.m., Tully Stadiumswood,KempnerStadiumvs.Friend6p.m.,Mercer week’s Westbury Terry solidated Randle Creek
scores Fulshear 77, Clements 18Austin 38,
21, Lamar Con
54, Elkins 42 Crosby 27, Marshall 21 (OT)Spring Westfield 51, Hightower 29 Katy Taylor 16, George Ranch 0 Cy Woods 38, Dulles 3 Dickinson 14, Ridge PointFriendswood0 34, Wil lowridgeMagnolia0 West 43, Bush 0 Pasadena Memorial 37, KempnerBellville3 55, Stafford 0 HS Football recap: Fulshear flies past Clements in big win KuhlmannLandan REPORTERSPORTS SPACE COWBOYSwww.milb.com/sugar-landFIND MORE INFORMATION ONLINE SMD ALB ALB RROCK RROCK ALB SAL SAL SAL SAL SAL SAL RROCK ALB ALB ALB ALB ALB ALB RROCK RROCK ALB NB RROCK RROCK RROCK RROCK 6:05 PM7:05 PM5:35 6:05 PM6:35 PM12:05 PM 6:35 PM6:35 PM7:056:05 PM 6:05 PM7:05 PM7:05 PM7:05 PM7:05 PM7:351:05 PM 6:05 PM7:05 PM11:05 PM 7:05 PM6:05 PM7:052:05 PM 6:35 PM6:35 PM2:05 PM 23 ALB 7:05 PM 1 5678910 121314151617 182021222324 19 27 RROCK 12:05 PM 28 29 252630 4 11 ALB - ALBUQUERQUE ISOTOPES RROCK - ROUND ROCK EXPRES SAL- SALT LAKE BEES LAVE - LAS VEGAS AVIATORSAll Game Are Subject To Change HOME • AWAY FIREWORKS Health Care NNFDesignedorSeniors—owInYoureighborhood! Legacy Stafford Fountains at The Fountains Shopping Center 12540 Sugardale Drive Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM It’s easy to become a patient! Call (713) 814 3655 today to schedule an appointment with one of our caring team members. Legacy Community Health has been providing high-quality health and wellness services in Southeast Texas for over 40 years. Our Senior Care team is trained to meet the health care needs of seniors—and to help you live a healthier, fuller life. Join us at our open house! YOU’RE INVITED! RSVP required. Call (713) 814 3396 or email SParker@LegacyCommunityHealth.org for more information. Join us at our open house! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 10 AM 12 PM Clinic Giveawaystours & prizes Healthy diet �ps from a Registered Die��an Nutri�onist Refreshments Legacy accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and most HMO/PPOs. Eligibility Specialists are available to discuss sliding scale fees and potential programs to help reduce the cost of health care services Let the community know in our Community Calendar! Contact: jsazma@fortbendstar.com @FORTBENDSTAR FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Initial overview
black hole, but Meyers’ de fense is good enough (both via metrics and the eye test) that he doesn’t have to be an amazing hitter to be a valuable piece to any team. If he can get himself to a point where he can have an OPS hovering around .700 give or take maybe 10 points, he can easily carve out a nice niche in this league.There seems to be a gen eral sentiment I’ve seen that Meyers might not be fully recovered from the shoulder injury that put him out of commission for nearly seven months prior to his return this season. Which could all very well beOrtrue.it could simply be that someone who is still technically considered a rookie by MLB standards, is enduring the struggles of adjusting to the highest levels of pitching after they figured out his existing weakEitherpoints.way, I’m not here to play armchair doctor or MLB analyst – the latter of which might surprise some folks if they follow me on social media, but I digress. Meyers has multiple tools that play very well at the MLB level, and whatever his issue might be, he just needs some time. And for now, the Astros have deemed that time to be best served in Sugar Land as they push for the Ameri can League’s best record. But Meyers will be back. Projection It’s pretty clear at this stage that the Astros view Meyers as their best center field option for the future. So he will definitely get more shots – whether that be in the 2022 postseason or they choose to start anew in the 2023 regular season. With his combina tion of speed, solid size, and a defensive reputation backed up by performance that plays at any level, there is little doubt in my mind that Meyers has a ceiling of at least an aver age and productive MLB center fielder – which is nothing to sneeze at. Meyers an intriguing study despite struggles
WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE The Fort Bend Star Guide is a twice a year product that serves as a guide to everyday living in our unique community. Where to go, places to see, things to do and services that are available in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, and Fort Bend County. Fall 2022 Edition Postponed to 9/28/22 GUIDE FALL 2021 ISSUE LEARN PAGESONMORE25
Sometimes in life, you get a second chance. And that’s what this week’s Cowboys Corral player profile feels like to me, because I al most had a chance to say “I knew him when” before he became known to many Astros fans. Just last season, I was trying to set up an inter view with then-outfield prospect Jake Meyers for a feature story in the middle of a breakout season for the franchise formerly known as the Skeeters. I had done so for multiple players al ready that season, and had the routine However,down.during that process last July/August, the now 26-year-old out fielder received his first MLB call-up. I often think back to that day and how cool it would’ve been to be one of the last to talk to him before he struck it big. Fast forward a year, and though it’s not quite the same, I was still eager to do this week’s profile. Because even though he has strug gled at the MLB level this season, there is still plenty leading me to believe that Meyers can be a produc tive Major League Baseball player when all is said and done.
The Astros initially drafted Meyers in the 13th round of the 2017 draft from the University of Nebraska, following a three-year career in which he hit .307 with an .817 OPS for the Cornhuskers. It was a middling first few seasons in the system for Meyers, who hit .256 with a .733 OPS in 1,194 plate appearances from 2017-2019. Following the lost 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, he started the 2021 campaign in Sugar Land and broke out, hitting .343 with a 1.006 OPS in 68 games.The breakout earned him a call-up to the Astros last August, where he hit .260/.323/.438 in 49 games and earned the starting center field role until injur ing his shoulder crashing into the outfield wall in Game 4 of the American League Division Series. He has struggled might ily since returning from the injury this season, hitting just .209 with a .557 OPS and 33.6 percent strikeout rate, resulting in a recent demotion. However, there is still plenty to like about the 26-year-old outfielder. So let’s dive in. Landan’s lowdown There were always a few reasons to at least pump the brakes on Meyers be ing the center fielder of the future after just 49 games and 163 plate appearances last year. And it wasn’t the raw production per se – but more what was under the hood of that production and what it means as far as projections. First of all, the strikeouts reared their head. After not striking out more than 21 percent of the time in any minor league season, Meyers’ strikeout rate jumped to 30.7 percent during his brief stint in the majors last season.
Now, don’t get it twisted, I’m not saying that in and of itself is a precursor to a sunken career – many young hitters are going to see their rates jump at least a little when first called up, as the common theory is that a jump from Triple-A to MLB is about the equiv alent of going from A ball straight to Triple-A. It’s a hugeButadjustment.wherethe concern lies is that the rate jumped even more up to 33.6 per cent prior to his demotion, coupled with a walk rate that fell from an alreadylow 6.1 percent in 2021 to 4.7 percent this season. And in 26 games with Sug ar Land this season, he is hitting just .246/.313/.421 with a 21.9 percent K rate – tied for his highest rate at any minor league stop. Now, I realize all of that may seem like I’m down on Meyers – but I’m not. I feel obligated to point out his weaknesses, but he has several tools that are already major league cali ber – mainly his speed and defense.Meyers’ Sprint Speed of 28.9 feet per second ac cording to Baseball thathere’sstruggledthem.defensecancentereighth270top-40average)leaderboard/outs_above_(baseballsavant.mlb.com/histhiscenthasleaderboard/sprint_speed)(baseballsavant.mlb.com/Savanthiminthetop10perofallmajorleaguersseason.Meanwhile,6OutsAboveAveragesofarin2022isamarkoutofnearlyqualifiedfielders,andamong46qualifiedfielders.ThismangogetthebaseballonwiththebestofIt’struethatMeyershasattheplate.Butthething–it’strueheneedstonotbea
KuhlmannLandan REPORTERSPORTS
Jake Meyers rounds third base following a home run for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys earlier this season. Meyers remains an intriguing prospect despite recent struggles at the MLB level. (Photo from Facebook)
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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, September 7, 2022 THE STAR See us online www.FortBendStar.com C LASSIFIED A DS CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US 281-690-4200 C LASSIFIED A DS CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US AT 281-690-4200 Call 281-468-4250 anytime www.criticalairhvac.com TACLA021957E (Licensed & Insured) MNB ENTERPRISES LLC • DBA CRITICAL AIR TRANE ONLIMITEDSALE!TIME!CALLNOW!!XR 16 SYSTEM • Great Prices • Rebates! • Financing • Warranties HOME IMPROVEMENT ♠ ♠ACE TILE Carpet • Remodeling • Ceramic Marble • Wood Flooring • Tile & grout cleaning & sealing • Laminate Wood Flooring • Granite Slab Countertops Call TODAY for FREE ESTIMATE 281-898-0154 Eddie Allum Mike Schofield 281-217-5799 FOR SALE 832-953-LOWE (5693) 7322 Southwest Frwy., Ste. 1065, Houston, TX 77074 Attorney D’Angelo M. Lowe Misdemeanors DWI • TheftDWI • Drug Assaults• Assaults Divorce • Child SupportDivorce • Child $ 500 p.p. MATH/COMPUTER TUTOR Algebra, Geometry, Trig onometry, Pre-Calcu lus, word 341-1582.>+Billspreadsheet,processing,graphics.Stewart.BSEE281SERVICES BUILD A BETTER LIFEHoustonEnrollin our FREE skilled trades training program to start your career in construction Hbi.org/buildstrong-houston LEGALS Sugar Land’s Professional “Affordable” Roofers Residential Commercial Call for Fast Free Estimates 832 944 ROOF (7663) www.SugarLandRoofingLLC.com100%FinancingwithLowPaymentsNoPrePaymentPenaltyNoCollateralNewReplacementRoofsandRoofRepairsAsphaltShinglesRubberShinglesSteelShinglesFlatRoofsMetalRoofs Did You Know? ROOF INSURANCE is Rapidly CHANGING Verisk has been collecting information on ROOF AGE and CONDITION Throughout the USA and selling the service to Insurance Companies. Some Insurance Companies are NOT writing or renewing ROOF COVERAGE if the Roof is 10 Years Old For Others they are NOT writing or renewing ROOF COVERAGE at 12 or 15 Years of Age Many Roofs are Damaged but NOT LEAKING Yet We Fly Drones with Artificial Intelligence to Identify and Assess the Condition of Your Roof. www.AerialRoofInspection.com 979-534-2018 An RiverstoneCreekdba:BEVERAGEforCommissionBeverageAlcoholicwithhasapplicationbeenmadetheTexasaMIXEDbyRambleGrill,LLC to be located at 7022 HWY 6 SUITE 100 Member.ClaytonHarris,Member.ManagingRichard77459.CITY,MISSOURITEXASOWNERS;Harris,KyleMember.Harris, Sign up for our newsletter at fortbendstar.com CITY OF MISSOURI CITY AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING THE TERM OF THE FRANCHISE
I, Crystal Roan, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, Texas, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said ordinance, amending Ordinance No. O-15-47, approved on the second of three readings by the City Council at its regular meeting held on September 6, 2022, as the same appears in the records of my office.
/s/ Crystal Roan City Secretary LEGALS questions, call us at 281-690-4200 or email to : Jsazma@fortbendstar.com
CITY OF MISSOURI CITY AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, AMENDING THE TERM OF THE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO GFL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES USA, INC., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WASTE CORPORATION OF TEXAS, L.P., A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF WCA WASTE CORPORATION, FOR THE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
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Staff Reports
I, Crystal Roan, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, Texas, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said ordinance, amending Ordinance No. O-15-46, approved on the second of three readings by the City Council at its regular meeting held on September 6, 2022, as the same appears in the records of my office.
For decades now, we at the Fort Bend Star have worked to bring commu nity members all they need to know to understand life in the county – from poli tics to business to culture. It’s our hope to continue bringing you all the latest news for years to come. But reporting in 2022 looks different than it has before, and readers have evolv ing needs in the fast-paced digital age. Because of that, we started our online news letter. The goal is simple – to distill our latest report ing into bite-sized pieces that arrive each weekday morning in your email inbox. The tidbits also in clude links to our reporting online.Please subscribe to our newsletter using the QR code. When you point a phone camera at the code, it’ll take you to a website where you can sign up to receive our free newslet ter every Monday through Friday.That way you can keep up with all the latest hap penings on our website, in between reading our weekly print edition. GRANTED TO GFL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES USA, INC., SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WASTE CORPORATION OF TEXAS, L.P., A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF WCA WASTE CORPORATION, FOR THE RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE TO USE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO CONDUCT A SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE BUSINESS FOR COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
/s/ Crystal Roan City Secretary
For
See us online www.FortBendStar.com THE STAR Wednesday, September 7, 2022 • PAGE 7 281-690-4200 AT THE STAFFORD CENTRE 10 / 12 / 22 • 9AM - 1PM Expo SENI R 6TH ANNUAL • FREE Admission • FREE Food & Drinks • Gifts and drawings • Games and activities • Educational information on health, finances and legal concerns • A chance to meet experts who will offer free advice on a number of senior issues • An opportunity to mingle with friends JOHN SAZMA 281-690-4200 • JSAZMA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
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1,600 students, according to a series of news releases. Harmony School of Inno vation – Sugar Land opened its doors on Aug. 29 and will serve more than 900 high school students. The Katy campus, which is actually in Richmond, opened Aug. 23 and will serve between 700 and 800 students in eighth through 12th grade, accord ing to a news Representativesrelease.for the charter school group, which already operated sev eral schools in Fort Bend County, did not respond to three requests for comment about what drew them to open more campuses in the region.Buta growing number of students both in Texas and across the nation are mov ing into charter schools, according to an Axios ar ticle.The Axios report found Texas charter school en rollment grew about 8.6 percent between 2020 and 2021.Enrollment in Texas pub lic schools increased by about 55,700 students, or 1 percent, from 2020-21 to 2021-22 school years, but the overall number of stu dents remains lower than it was before the coronavirus pandemic began, accord ing to a report by the Texas Education Agency. The shift from public schools into private and charter schools is having a financial affect on Fort Bend County public educa tion, which is funded based on the number of students attending schools. Fort Bend ISD’s board of trustees last month called for a voter approval tax rate election, or VATRE, to be added to the November bal lot as a means of reducing a $47 million budget shortfall. Several factors have played into making the shortfall as big as it is, according to district admin istrators. But among them is a student population that tapered off with the start of the pandemic, they said. The student enrollment the most recent school year was about 2,100 fewer children than expected, according to the district. District demographers es timated the enrollment would be about 79,700, but the year started with about 77,500 enrolled students, according to the district. That number increased to about 78,650 by the end of the school year – higher than the pre-pandemic en rollment – but not enough to reach where demogra phers expected, according to the district. More and more studets across the country and county are making their way to private or charter schools, according to administrators. (Contributed photo) theWhentime. George thinks back to that time, he said he remembers a general lack of information or shelter for residents who found themselves without shelter on short notice. “There were a lot of residents who were born elsewhere and didn’t know where to go or how to manage a disaster like that,” he said. “And shel ter hadn’t been set up in manyFortplaces.”BendISD adminis trators quickly set up two shelters at Marshall and Kempner high schools to house 600 people in each, George said. And it was while watch ing the people gathered at those emergency shelters that George decided to run for county judge, he said.Fast-forward five years later, and George points to the efforts the county made to bet ter communication between Countyevidencemanagementandfloodwellenforcementorganizationsmunicipalities,andlawagenciesasasmoneyputtowardmitigationprojectsanewemergencyofficeasthatFortBendisinabetter place, he said. County leaders ear lier this year unveiled a new, $10 Georgeatedandisasters.commandresourcescenteremergency24,000-square-footmillion,operationsthatwillprovideandserveasacenterduringThefacilityreplacesoldbuildingthatoperina70-year-oldjail,said.“Theprevious(emer gency management) facility was falling apart, and we could not go through another disaster in that facility,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales said at the time. “So, this was a decision that the commissioner’s court had to make for the safety of our constitu ents. It was not functional for what we needed as a public safety facility for our constituents.” County leaders have also ramped up planning for potential disasters in recent years, George said. For instance, the county has a draft plan on what to do during potential di sasters, so staff is ready ahead of time, he said. And another ongoing project, a $120 million event venue called Epi Center, will double as an emergency shelter once finished, George said.
H EMERGENCIES FROM PAGE 1 H TRANSITION FROM PAGE 1
The flavor of the iced mocha, with weetness that didn't overpower the flavors, and the flaky, buttery croissant was tempting enough to return for a second vist last week. (Photo by Matt deGrood)
Meeting from 1-3 p.m. at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. in the Venue Room. Norm Scholes with Fort Bend County will talk to us about water management in the county and Wayne Smith will be telling us how to prepare our homes for bad weather. Arrive earlier to socialize, sign in and pay dues if you haven't already. All Ft. Bend and Harris County retired public educators are invited to attend. More information, call 713-206-2733.
Summer Address:CoffeeMoon9402 State Highway 6, Mis souri City Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Entrée prices: $3.15-$6.10 Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: No Senior discount: No Healthy options: Variety of pastries Star of the show: Iced mocha ($5.85) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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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 FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.www.facebook.com/
A Stafford deli is of fering a special dine-in deal for this week only, and special catering deals.Starting Tuesday and running through the end of the week, Fresh and Savory Deli and Grill, 12343 Murphy Road in Stafford, is offering 15 percent off the price of any dine-in order of three sandwiches or more.Additionally, the longtime staple is now offering special catering deals for the upcom ing holiday seasons and beyond. Any catering order of at least $200 will receive 10 percent off the final price. Fresh and Savory is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For more informa tion or to inquire about potential catering op portunities, visit the deli’s website at fre shandasvory.com Rosenberg cookie shop changing hours of operation
I must admit, this week’s food review is cheating ever so slightly. In the time that I’ve been writing these, I’ve made it a point to keep things as varied as I can, both geographically (Stafford, Missouri City, Sugar Land, etc.) and stylistically (Mex ican, Thai, Chinese, etc.). But before last week, I’m not sure we’ve reviewed a coffee shop before. Recently, I met a source at Summer Moon Coffee near Sienna in Missouri City, 9402 State Highway 6, and was so impressed that I knew I needed to re turn for a food review. It’s funny that this small chain of stores would be the first I’d choose to feature. I’m a big fan of the coffee shop experi ence – sitting and reading a good book while sipping something tasty, but there are many ways in which Summer Moon is not my ideal a bit kitschy, with signs that the own ers are trying to appeal to everyone, rather than de signing a space specifically for the place. Any doubts I had about the place, however, went away with the first sip of mocha.While I’m not generally a sweets person, I opted for a mocha because sipping on something a little sweet while engaged in good conversation sounded ap pealing. And this place’s variation on the popular iced drink was a homerun. To start, the barista that helped me told me she could make a less sweet version of the mocha when I told her I wasn’t big on sweets, but that a mocha sounded good. And she was true to her word, delivering a drink with hints of sweetness that didn’t overpower the coffee flavors. My second visit offered the opportunity to try some of the pastries along side a second iced mocha (because how could I re sist?). The selection wasn’t as plentiful as some coffee shops, but what Summer Moon lacked in variety, they more than made up for in Thequality.croissant was but tery, flakey and nice. And the cinnamon rolls made for an excellent and filling breakfast the next morn ing.Clearly, this spot is al ready taking off for those living nearby, because on my second visit someone was studying or reading or typing at every table inside.So,I might not be the first to recommend Sum mer Moon in Missouri City. But that doesn’t mean it’s still not worth a visit as soon as you can.
PROPEL SOCCER ACADEMY
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-
A local dessert shop is temporarily changing their hours of operation. Beginning this week and running through Oct. 14, Mrs. Claus Cookie Company at 939 3rd St. in Rosenberg will be open on Fridays and Saturdays only from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. according to owner Ashley Spivey, as the company works to transform the shop and prepares for the holiday season.However, Spivey said the shop will still accept custom orders of any size during the period of temporary operat ing hours. Community members can still sub mit the custom orders online at the store’s website, mrsclaustreats. com Star Cinema Grill offering brunch menu Local dine-in movie theaters now have new weekend options avail able to moviegoers. The Star Cinema Grill locations at 4811 State Highway 6 in Missouri City and 22125 FM 1093 in Richmond are now offering a new weekend brunch menu, according to its Facebook page. According to the post, the menu includes breakfast tacos, biscuits & gravy, chicken & waf fles, and more. It will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 14100 Southwest Frwy. Ste 230, Sugar Land, TX 77478 S.W. Suite #200 Sugar Land, TX 281.243.2300 (Main) • KenWoodPC.com 281-243-2344 (Direct) SIMS, AGENT 11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: lisa@agentlisasims.com281-201-2448
By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
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 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org
PAGE 8 • Wednesday, September 7, 2022 THE STAR See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Freeway
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 832-4283165 for further information.
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Fall recreational teams practice with a Propel Soccer Coach every Monday and Wednesday. Practice Time: between 5:30-8:00 Weekend Games! Season: September 7th- November 13th Who: 6-12 year oldsWhere: Practices- Sienna. Games at Hickory Slough Sportsplex in Pearland. When: Practices Monday and Wednesdays Games will be Saturday mornings before noon (U8-U10) or Sunday afternoons before 6pm (U12). Practice Time: between 5:30-8:00 For more information, please email us at info@ propelsocceracademy.com!
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!
Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-344-3515.
Review: Flavors keep driving me back down to Summer Moon Coffee LISA N
Nibbles & Sips: Fresh and Savory offering special dine-in deal this week
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
SEPTEMBER FORT
ONGOING 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
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.
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 281499-3345.
