The Guide - Fall 2022 Edition - Ft Bend Star

Here we are, about six months after our last Fort Bend Guide, and not much has changed in terms of what the county’s biggest story is - growth.

You might be tired of hearing about Fort Bend County being of America’s fastestgrowing counties, but it is always relevant. And it’s no different this time around, as it is still quite the marvel when considering the scale and nature of how it has happened.

As in every Fort Bend Guide, inside today we have taken a look at local trends in healthcare, education, infrastructure, religion, the arts, sports and recreation, food and drink along with the continued residential and commercial development in Fort Bend as the county attempts to keep pace with current and projected future growth.

Within the pages of the 2022 Fort Bend Fall Guide, we have compiled news about some of the best entertainment venues to visit, or of the diverse food scene in the region that is sure to satisfy any palate. And behind some of the county’s biggest notable moments over the last several months is its continued growth and efforts to keep pace with that growth.

Both Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD have put new items on the November ballot at least partly related to new schools and school infrastructure. The impending EpiCenter and debates over how to fund its future operations was a particular point of contention.

The future in Fort Bend is full of possibility, and everyone is busy trying to stake their claim to it. Infrastructure, growth, and development will all continue to serve as major themes in the days ahead. So, we at the Fort Bend Star felt like it might be good to recap everything that has happened over the last several months since we last gave a full overview.

We hope you enjoy the final product that has been delivered to you - that it gives you ideas on where to eat, what to visit and makes you better understand the region that all of you call home. Each week, the Fort Bend Star works to bring you the most important news and information. This is just our latest effort to do so. So without further ado, here’s our Fall edition of the Fort Bend Guide.

Local health industry continues to be indispensable to Fort Bend County

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

If there’s anything the last few years have shown, it’s that the health industry is absolutely indispensable to any community.

And, as Fort Bend County continues to grow by leaps and bounds in coming years, so too will the size of the county’s medical industry.

From new facilities and growing hospitals to innovations in treatment and research, Fort Bend County will remain central to the future of the region’s medical industry.

That’s just on a growth side too.

Fresh off of a yearslong battle against the coronavirus pandemic, local health administrators now find themselves on guard against a new outbreak in schools and communities in the county – monkeypox.

The coronavirus pandemic hasn’t gone away either.

Here’s an overview of everything that’s happened on the medical front in recent months:

The growth continues

Several hospital organizations around the Houston area have announced plans in recent years to build and upgrade their facilities in Fort Bend County.

But Kelsey-Seybold Clinic might have

made the biggest latest move when administrators with the Houston-based group practice announced plans to construct a central campus in Fort Bend County.

The construction project, which is tentatively set to finish in late 2023, is part of Kelsey-Seybold’s rapid expansion plan to serve a growing county need for healthcare, according to clinic administrators.

“You can do projections and see how many retired seniors and privately-insured people there are expected to be by 2026, and it’s right around 600,000,” said Nicholas Ro, chief legal and planning officer for Kelsey-Seybold, said of the decision. “In any area, that makes for a strong, attractive market.”

Company officials last week announced plans to expand the existing Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center and add a second building at that location in Sugar Land to create a new Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fort Bend Campus.

Representatives with the company declined to provide financial figures for the project.

But as part of the project, crews will construct a 135,000-square foot building next to a renovated existing building, according to a news release. The two structures will connect through an interior walkway and the 200,000 square-feet of combined space will host up to 75 providers across several specialties, according to the release.

Crews will also construct a new parking garage behind the addition, according to the release.

By 2024, expansion plans call for Kelsey-Seybold to own seven locations across the southwest region of Houston, a region that encompasses most of Fort Bend County, according to Ro. The clinic currently owns two such locations, Ro said.

An innovation corridor

In addition to the ongoing growth, several existing medical organizations in Fort Bend County have also won plaudits in recent months for their service and innovation across the region.

Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, for instance, was one of 7 percent of all registered hospitals to earn a magnet recognition for its patient care.

It was one of two major announcements from Memorial Hermann in recent months.

The hospital also announced plans to partner with population genome company Helix on a new genome-testing initiative that will allow patients across the metro to test for potential health problems earlier.

The initiative will use DNA information to look for hidden health risks, according to the hospital.

A watchful eye

Hospitals are expanding and growing, but local health administrators are still keeping an eye on public health risks.

Both a Ridge Point High School student and several residents have tested positive for monkeypox, and county health experts have handled contact tracing efforts afterward.

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 virus and monkeypox has caused more than 53,000 cases across the globe, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by infection from the monkeypox virus, according to county health officials. The virus spreads through contact with an animal, human or materials contaminated with the virus, typically via broken skin, respiratory tract or mucous membranes, according to the county.

Pictured is a rendering of the planned new Kelsey-Seybold campus in Fort Bend County. (Contributed rendering)

HOSPITALS, DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS, & ER DIRECTORY

ACCESSHEALTH MISSOURI CITY CLINIC 307 Texas Pkwy. Suite 100 Missouri City, TX 77489 281-342-4530

BREAST CARE CENTER

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 16655 Southwest Fwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7170

CHI ST. LUKE’S SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

1317 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-637-7000

FORT BEND MEDICAL & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER/ KELSEY SEYBOLD CLINIC 11555 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-442-9100

HEALTHSOUTH SUGAR LAND REHABILITATION HOSPITAL 1325 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-276-7574

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

16655 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7000

ECOMPASS HEALTH 1325 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-276-7574

LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH –STAFFORD FOUNTAINS

12540 Sugardale Dr. Stafford, TX 77477 713-814-3655

M.D. ANDERSON REGIONAL CARE CENTER

1327 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-566-1800

MEMORIAL HERMANN SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL 17500 West Grand Parkway South Richmond, TX 77469 281-725-5000

MEMORIAL HERMANN SURGICAL HOSPITAL

16906 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-243-1000

MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTION TREATMENTWEST PARK SPRINGS 6902 South Peek Rd. Richmond, TX 77407 832-535-2770

NEUROSCIENCE & SPINE CENTER - SUGAR LAND AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

16655 Southwest Frwy. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-274-7979

OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP SUGAR LAND

6350 Highway 90A, Ste. 600 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-265-7000

OAKBEND MEDICAL GROUP RICHMOND 1705 Jackson St. Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3000

ST. MICHAEL’S 24 HOUR EMERGENCY CENTER SUGAR LAND 16062 Southwest Freeway 281-980-4357

SUGAR LAND CANCER CENTER

15500 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-274-8212

SUGAR LAND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

15530 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 7747 281-274-6600

TAYLOR RECOVERY CENTER

11352 Sugar Park Ln. Sugar Land, TX 77478 713-557-8573

TEXAS CHILDREN’S HEALTH CENTER

15400 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-7010

TEXAS ONCOLOGY CANCER CENTER

1350 First Colony Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-277-5200

HealthCare Designed For Seniors—Now In Your Neighborhood!

Legacy Community Health has beenproviding high-quality health andwellness services inSoutheast Texas for over 40 years. Our SeniorCare team is trained to meet thehealth care needs of seniors—and tohelpyoulive ahealthier, fuller life.

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Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM LegacyCommunityHealth.org /SeniorCare

It’seasyto become a patient! Call (713) 814 3655 today toschedule anappointment with one ofour caring teammembers.

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.

Feeling sick? GET CARE NOW down? Whether you’re suffering from the flu, a cold, a skin rash or even pink eye, we are here for you with a variety of ways to get care quickly, including: DAY CLINICS CARE GROUP

Local districts, students still thriving despite effects of pandemic

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As local school districts have attempted to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic, students and schools in Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD and Stafford MSD have continued to perform.

Leading the most recent school news was the release of the Texas Education Agency’s first post-pandemic accountability ratings, which all three local districts performed well in. There were also numerous students from around the area to earn various scholarships and showcase high-caliber individual performance, with a local decathlon team finishing second in the country.

Also among the biggest news was several local districts placing items up for vote on the November ballot that will impact potential building of new schools and potentially help reduce budget deficits.

Local districts perform well in new TEA ratings

In the first post-pandemic accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency, Fort Bend ISD maintained a steady overall rating, even as it saw some schools land on the unrated list because of low test scores. The county’s major school districts – Fort Bend and Stafford MSD – both earned B ratings from the agency, putting them in line with about 54 percent of school districts in Texas, according to the data. Lamar Consolidated ISD earned an A rating.

The Texas Legislature first developed the new accountability system, which ranks schools and districts on a scale of A to F, back in 2015. But the last time anyone in the state received a rating was in 2019, before the pandemic.

It rates schools based on three areas –student achievement, school progress and a campus’ ability to close academic gaps, according to the TEA.

FBISD, LCISD place items on November ballot

This November, voters will decide whether or not Fort Bend ISD can use extra tax revenues to reduce a $47 million budget shortfall, while also working to increase staff salaries along with a host of other benefits. In August, the district’s board of trustees gave final approval to placing a voter approval tax rate election, or VATRE, on the November ballot.

If voters approve the ballot measure, the district’s maintenance and operations tax rate would actually remain the same as it was last year, at $1.21 per $100,000 of valuation, according to the district. That would be about $1,210 per year for every $100,000 of valuation, according to the district. The reason voters need to approve maintaining the tax rate is because, under state law, the district must seek voter approval to institute any tax rate that would increase revenues by more than 2.5 percent of the previous year’s, according to the state.

In Lamar Consolidated ISD, voters will decide whether not to approve five ballot propositions that total $1.72 billion that would allow LCISD to build additional schools and facilities in a bid to keep pace with a growing student population. As of the 2020-21 school year, LCISD had about 36,520 students enrolled, which is up from about 26,130 students as of the 2013-14 school year, according to district demographic data.

Proposition A would set aside $1.31 billion to build four elementary schools, a middle school and a complex containing a junior high, a middle school and a high school, according to a district presentation. Using funding from Proposition A, the district would also add gym and cafeteria seating to several high schools, while also increasing safety and security at campuses, buying new buses and improving technology infrastructure.

Proposition B would set aside $189.2 million to build a district career and technology center, according to the district. Proposition C would allocate about $16.7

million for classroom technology and equipment, according to the presentation.

Proposition D would allocate about $4.9 million to add LED lighting and turf to Traylor Stadium, according to the presentation. And Proposition E would help construct a 10,000-seat second football stadium, according to the presentation.

Dulles Decathlon team finishes among best in nation

Beyond the accountability ratings, a local high school academic decathlon team finished as the state’s best, and one of the best in the nation.

On the heels of a state title in March, the Dulles High School Academic Decathlon Team can say it is one the best in the nation. During the national competition in April, the Vikings earned second place in the United States Academic Decathlon national competition.

The Dulles team, which a news release from FBISD said is the top-ranked public school team in the nation, has also won six straight Class 6A state championships. In all, the news release said Dulles earned 34 medals, including two overall individual medals and four perfect scores.

Local students win rodeo scholarships

Once the summer began, the awards didn’t stop for local students. In June, Students from 18 different high schools in Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, Needville ISD and Stafford MSD received scholarships from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s education program, as did a student from a local charter school.

Each of Fort Bend ISD’s 11 high schools had at least one scholarship recipient, with three coming from Bush. Lamar Consolidated also had three students win scholarships, while Terry and Fulshear had two recipients apiece. Each student was awarded received $20,000 to apply toward a four-year undergraduate degree.

A Fort Bend ISD teacher instructs students during the pandemic. Despite its impacts, local districts stood out in the most recent TEA ratings. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

FRESNO

Burton Elementary 1625 Hunter Green Ln.

Phone: 281-634-5080

Goodman Elementary 1100 W. Sycamore Rd.

Phone: 281-634-5985

HOUSTON

Blue Ridge Elementary 6241 McHard Rd.

Phone: 281-634-4520

Fleming Elementary 14850 Bissonnet St.

Phone: 281-634-4600

Hodges Bend Middle School 16510 Bissonnet St.

Phone: 281-634-3000

Holley Elementary 16655 Bissonnet St.

Phone: 281-634-3850

McAuliffe Middle School 16650 South Post Oak Rd.

Phone: 281-634-3360

Mission Bend Elementary 16200 Beechnut St.

Phone: 281-634-4240

Mission Glen Elementary 16053 Mission Glen Rd. Phone: 281-634-4280

Mission West Elementary 7325 Clodine Rd. Phone: 281-634-4320

Willowridge High School 16301 Chimney Rock Rd. Phone: 281-634-2450

2022 FORT BEND SCHOOLS

MEADOWS PLACE

Meadows Elementary 12037 Pender Ln.

Phone: 281-634-4720

MISSOURI CITY

Armstrong Elementary 3440 Independence Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-9410

Baines Middle School 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd.

Phone: 281-634-6870

Briargate Elementary 15817 Blue Ridge Rd. Phone: 281-634-4560

Divine Savior Academy 770 Waters Lake Blvd. Phone: 281-778-3003

E.A. Jones Elementary 302 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-4960

Elkins High School 7007 Knights Ct. Phone: 281-634-2600

Excel Adventist Academy 7950 W. Fuqua St.

Phone: 281-835-0770

Glover Elementary 1510 Columbia Blue Dr. Phone: 281-634-4920

Hightower High School 3333 Hurricane Ln.

Phone: 281-634-5240

Hunters Glen Elementary 695 Independence Blvd. Phone: 281-634-4640

International Preparatory School 1717 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-208-1403

Lake Olympia Middle School 3100 Lake Olympia Pkwy. Phone: 281-634-3520

Lantern Lane Elementary 3323 Mission Valley Dr. Phone: 281-634-4680

Leonetti Elementary 1757 Waters Lake Blvd. Phone: 281-327-3190

Lexington Creek Elementary 2335 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5000

Marshall High School 1220 Buffalo Run Phone: 281-634-6630

Missouri City Middle School 202 Martin Ln. Phone: 281-634-3440

Palmer Elementary 4208 Crow Valley Dr. Phone: 281-634-4760

Quail Valley Elementary 3500 Quail Village Dr. Phone: 281-634-5040

Quail Valley Middle School 3019 FM 1092 Phone: 281-634-3600

Ridge Point High School 500 Waters Lake Blvd. Phone: 281-327-5200

Scanlan Oaks Elementary 9000 Camp Sienna Trail Phone: 281-634-3950

Schiff Elementary 7400 Discovery Ln. Phone: 281-634-9450

Sienna Crossing Elementary 10011 Steep Bank Trace Phone: 281-634-3680

Thornton Middle School 1909 Waters Lake Blvd. Phone: 281-327-3870

WIDE School 2777 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-208-9545

RICHMOND

Adolphus Elementary 7910 Winston Ranch Pkwy. Phone: 832-223-4700

Arredondo Elementary 6110 August Green Dr. Phone: 832-223-4800

Austin Elementary 1630 Pitts Rd. Phone: 832-223-1000

Bentley Elementary 10166 FM 359 Phone: 832-223-4900

Bowie Elementary 2304 Bamore Rd. Phone: 832-223-1200

Bowie Middle School 700 Plantation Dr. Phone: 281-327-6200

Briscoe Junior High 4300 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-4000

Bush High School 6707 FM 1464 Phone: 281-634-6060

Calvary Episcopal Preparatory 1201 Austin St. 281-342-3161

Carter Elementary 8500 A. Meyers Rd. Phone: 832-223-5500

Crockett Middle School 19001 Beechnut St. Phone: 281-634-6380

Foster High School 4400 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-3800

Frost Elementary 3306 Skinner Lane Phone: 832-223-1500

Hubenak Elementary 11344 Rancho Bella Pkwy. Phone: 832-223-2900

Hutchison Elementary 3602 Williams Way Blvd. Phone: 832-223-1700

George Ranch High School 8181 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4200

Jordan Elementary 17800 West Oaks Village Dr. Phone: 281-634-2800

Long Elementary 907 Main St. Phone: 832-223-1900

Madden Elementary 17727 Abermore Ln. Phone: 281-327-2740

Malala Elementary 11770 W. Aliana Trace 281-327-5700

McNeil Elementary 7300 S. Mason Rd. Phone: 832-223-2800

Meyer Elementary 1930 J. Meyer Rd. Phone: 832-223-2000

Pink Elementary 1001 Collins Rd. Phone: 832-223-2100

Neill Elementary 3830 Harvest Corner Dr. Phone: 281-327-3760

Oakland Elementary 4455 Waterside Estates Dr. Phone: 281-634-3730

Reading Junior High 8101 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4400

Ryon Middle School 7901 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-4500

Seguin Elementary 7817 Grand Mission Blvd. Phone: 281-634-9850

Smith Elementary 2014 Lamar Dr. Phone: 832-223-2300

Thomas Elementary

6822 Irby Cobb Blvd.

Phone: 832-223-4600

Travis High School 11111 Harlem Rd.

Phone: 281-634-7000

Velasquez Elementary 402 Macek Rd.

Phone: 832-223-2600

Williams Elementary 5111 FM 762 Phone: 832-223-2700

Westlake Preparatory Academy 23300 Bellaire Blvd.

Phone: 281-341-9910

Rosenberg B.F. Terry High School 5500 Ave. N

Phone: 832-223-3400

Bowie Elementary 2304 Bamore Rd.

Phone: 832-223-1200

Culver Elementary 3131 Learning Tree Ln.

Phone: 832-223-5600

George Junior High 4601 Airport Ave. Phone: 832-223-3600

Jackson Elementary 301 3rd St. Phone: 832-223-1800

Lamar Junior High 4814 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3200

2022 FORT BEND SCHOOLS

Lamar Consolidated High School 4606 Mustang Ave.

Phone: 832-223-3000

Living Water Christian School 4808 Airport Ave.

Phone: 281-238-8946

Navarro Middle School 4700 Ave. N

Phone: 832-223-3700

Taylor Ray Elementary 2611 Ave. N

Phone: 281-341-3350

Travis Elementary 2700 Ave. K 832-223-2500

Wertheimer Middle School 4240 FM 723 Phone: 832-223-4100

Wessendorf Middle School 5201 Mustang Ave. Phone: 832-223-3300

ROSHARON

Heritage Rose Elementary 636 Glendale Lakes Ln. Phone: 281-327-5400

STAFFORD

Everest Academy 610 Brand Ln.

Phone: 281-261-3030

Stafford Elementary 1250 Constitution Ave.

Phone: 281-261-9229

Stafford Intermediate School 1350 Constitution Ave.

Phone: 281-208-6100

Stafford High School 1625 Staffordshire Rd. Phone: 281-261-9239

SUGAR LAND

Austin High School 3434 Pheasant Creek Dr. Phone: 281-634-2000

Austin Parkway Elementary 4400 Austin Pkwy. Phone: 281-634-4001

Barrington Place Elementary 2100 Squire Dobbins Ln.

Phone: 281-634-4040

Cambridge Montessori School 6380 Highway 90A Phone: 281-491-2223

Campbell Elementary 1000 Shadow Bend Drive Phone: 832-223-1300

Clements High School 4200 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-2150

Colony Bend Elementary 2720 Planters St. 281-634-4080

Colony Meadows Elementary 4510 Sweetwater Blvd. 281-634-4120

Commonwealth Elementary 4909 Commonwealth Blvd. 281-634-5120

Cornerstone Elementary 1800 Chatham Ave. Phone: 281-634-6400

Cornerstone Christian Academy 2140 First Colony Blvd. Phone: 281-980-0842

Dickinson Elementary 7110 Greatwood Pkwy. Phone: 832-223-1400

Drabek Elementary 11325 Lake Woodbridge Dr. Phone: 281-634-6570

Dulles Elementary 630 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5830

Dulles High School 550 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5600

Dulles Middle School 500 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-634-5750

Fellowship Christian Academy 16355 Old Richmond Rd./Dora Ln. Phone: 281-495-1814

First Colony Middle School 3225 Austin Pkwy. Phone: 281-634-3240

Fort Bend Christian Academy 1250 7th St. Phone: 281-263-9175

Fort Settlement Middle School

5440 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-634-6440

Garcia Middle School 18550 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-3160

Highlands Elementary 2022 Colonist Park Dr. Phone: 281-634-4160

Honor Roll School 4111 Sweetwater Blvd. Phone: 281-265-7888

Kempner High School 14777 Voss Rd. Phone: 281-634-2300

Lakeview Elementary 314 Lakeview Dr. Phone: 281-634-4200

Logos Preparatory Academy 13303 Southwest Fwy. 281-565-6467

Oyster Creek Elementary 16425 Mellow Oaks Ln. Phone: 281-634-5910

Riverbend Montessori School 4225 Elkins Rd. Phone: 281-980-4123

Sartartia Middle School 8125 Homeward Way Phone: 281-634-6310

Settlers Way Elementary 3015 Settlers Way Blvd. Phone: 281-634-4360

St. Laurence Catholic School

2630 Austin Pkwy.

Phone: 281-980-0500

St. Theresa Catholic School 705B St. Theresa Blvd. Phone: 281-494-1157

Sugar Creek Montessori School 615 Dulles Ave. Phone: 281-261-1000

Sugar Land Middle School 321 7th St. Phone: 281-634-3080

Sugar Mill Elementary 13707 Jess Pirtle Blvd. Phone: 281-634-4440

Sullivan Elementary 17828 Winding Waters Ln. Phone: 281-327-2860

Townewest Elementary 13927 Old Richmond Rd. Phone: 281-634-4480

Walker Station Elementary 6200 Homeward Way Blvd.

Phone: 281-634-4400

Walden School 16103 Lexington Blvd.

Phone: 281-980-0022

University of Houston System at Sugar Land 832-842-2900 http://www.sugarland.uh.edu

FORT BEND COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Wharton County Junior College http://www.wcjc.edu

Texas State Technical College 832-595-8734 http://www.tstc.edu

Houston Community College www.hccs.edu

Complete your bachelor’s, earn your master’s or obtain a certification locally. The University of Houston System at Sugar Land (UHSSL) located just northeast of the Brazos River offers the combined UH System resources— University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, and UH-Victoria and through these programs, the institutions offer junior, senior, and graduate courses for more than 20 bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied arts and sciences, biology, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and education.

The UHSSL is part of the four UH universities in the system that includes a public broadcast educational television station and the largest university distance learning program in Texas.

Each degree at UHSSL is sponsored by one of three universities.

The UHSSL also partners with Houston Community College, Wharton County Junior College, and other area community colleges. For more information, call 281-275-3300.

Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) has four campuses in Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond and Bay City, and at other off-site locations. Students will be able to access learning 24/7 in a virtual campus to complete certificate and degree programs online. WCCJ offers an associate in arts degree for transfers to a four-year institution, associate of arts in teaching degree, associate in applied science degrees, and certificate programs. Webbased and interactive television distance education courses are also available.

For more information about programs or registration, call 800-561-9252 or 979-532-4560 for the Wharton campus, 281-243-8447 for the Sugar Land campus, or 281-239-1500 for the WCJC Fort Bend Technical Center. The college also offers classes at the Bay City campus.

In partnership with Wharton County Junior College, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) provides the technical instruction and WCJC provides academic instruction.

With tremendous support from the local community leaders, to help fill the skills gaps and train local workers for job opportunities in the Greater Houston area, TSTC offers programs in Fort Bend County including industrial maintenance technology, cyber security, telecommunications convergence technology and welding technology. The new technologies are offered via Competency Based Education.

Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County sits on 80 acres on the north side of Highway 59 between FM Road 2218 and Highway 36, approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 36.

Houston Community College (HCC) System has many college campuses and is the fourth largest community college system in the United States. HCC Southwest has college campuses in Stafford at 10041 Cash Road and less than five miles away and across from Missouri City Hall at 1600 Texas Parkway. The latter is a $21 million, 9,340-square foot campus that is home to the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Health. HCC offers academic courses for associates degrees, and for transfers to four-year institutions in the core curriculum in more than 70 fields of work, also in continuing education, for non-degree options and corporate training.

For more information visit their website at www.hccs.edu or call about their programs and locations at 713718-2000 local or 877-422-6111 outside Houston area.

FIRST COLONY BRANCH LIBRARY

2121 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479

281-238-2800 832-471-2454 FAX

GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY (MAIN)

1001 Golfview Drive Richmond, TX 77469

281-342-4455

832-471-2450 FAX; Adult Services

Hours of Operation

Mon: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

FORT BEND COUNTY LAW LIBRARY

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Rm 30298 Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3718 832-471-2455 FAX

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat.& Sunday: CLOSED

ALBERT GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

9230 Gene Street Needville, TX 77461 281-238-2850 832-471-2451 FAX

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

BOB LUTTS FULSHEAR/SIMONTON BRANCH LIBRARY

8100 FM 359 South P.O. Box 907 Fulshear, TX 77441-0907 281-633-4675 832-471-2452 FAX

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

CINCO RANCH LIBRARY

2620 Commercial Center Blvd. Katy, TX 77494-6407 281-395-1311 832-471-2453 FAX

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

MISSOURI CITY BRANCH

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

SIENNA BRANCH

SUGAR LAND BRANCH LIBRARY

550 Eldridge Rd. Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-238-2140 832-471-2460

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

MAMIE GEORGE BRANCH LIBRARY

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

FAX

320 Dulles Avenue Stafford, TX 77477 281-238-2880 832-471-2456

`

UNIVERSITY BRANCH LIBRARY

14010 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479-4295 281-633-5100 832-471-2461

Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

MISSION BEND BRANCH LIBRARY

8421 Addicks Clodine Rd Houston, TX 77083 832-471-5900

Hours of Operation

Monday: 12-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday: 12-5 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

County faith practices a demonstration of love, unity

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

There is so much that can be divisive go ing on in the world today, such as national politics and the issue of social justice.

But it in its religious practices, at least, culturally diverse Fort Bend County con tinues to stand together for the betterment of its people, no matter their faith. Places of worship such as churches, mosques and temples can be found in abundance in Fort Bend County. The residents of the county practice a wide range of faiths, from Chris tianity, Judaism and Hinduism to Islam and Sikhism.

It’s a place where traditional Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated as well as traditional Hindu holi

other. The unity showed again this past July, when St. Martins Lutheran Church in

and respect all life. Let us not be drawn apart by our differences, but be brought

cil (FBIC) at a local place of worship each November. And even though it was virtual once again last year, it still is viewed as one of the epitomes of Fort Bend County’s blend of religious and ethnic backgrounds.

The annual celebration brings together representatives from 12 different faith communities in the county such as Christ Church Sugar Land, Congregation Beth El in Missouri City, Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States, Hindus of Greater Houston and Sikh Community of Fort Bend County.

The Fort Bend Interfaith Community says the organization “seeks to build op portunities for meaningful relationships, rooted in trust, respect, and shared values, between members of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds.”

There are also plenty of fun events hap pening soon in the county hosted by its local churches. Sugar Land’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church holds the title as Fort Bend County’s largest annual pumpkin

ing the month of October on the church

Several local churches hold pumpkin patches every year in October. (Photo from Facebook)

The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving is viewed as one of the prime demonstrations of Fort Bend County’s religious diversity. (Contributed photo)

FORT BEND FAITH DIRECTORY

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 281-499-9602

605 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477 www.allsaintsstafford.org

ARABIC CHURCH OF HOUSTON 281-403-0434

3403 Cartwright Road Missouri City, TX 77459 www.achouston.org

CHINMAYA MISSION HOUSTON 281-568-9520

10353 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.chinmayahouston.org

DARUL ULOOM TEXAS MASJID 832-781-8244

11920 Hwy 6 #1400

Sugar Land,TX 77498 www.dutx.org

ISGH MARYAM ISLAMIC CENTER 281-715-3500

504 Sartartia Road Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.maryammasjid.org

ISGH MASJID ATTAQWA 281-236-2989

10415 Synott Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.masjidattaqwa.com

CHRIST CHURCH, UNITED METHODIST 281-980-6888

3300 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.cumcsl.org

CHRISTIAN FAMILY CENTER 281-340-2400

11000 Dairy Ashford Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.cfcbilingualacademy.com

CHRISTIAN LIFE CHURCH OF SUGAR LAND

11122 S. Highway 6 Sugar Land, Tx 77498 281-495-7688 www.clcsugarland.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST SUGAR LAND 281-561-0881

15590 Voss Road Sugar Land, TX 77498

CHURCH OF GOD SUGAR LAND 281-242-2424

1715 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478

CONGREGATION BETH EL 281-499-5066 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane Missouri City, TX 77459

CROSS BRIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH 281-313-8300 1049 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.crossbridge.cc

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7729

800 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.flcsl.org

FAMILY LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 281-879-5433

16425 Old Richmond Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.flcf.com

FIRST COLONY BIBLE CHAPEL 281-265-3411

3610 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonybible.org

FIRST COLONY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-980-7070

2140 First Colony Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.firstcolonychurch.org

FIRST COLONY CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTER 281-980-4141

4141 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fcccdoc.org

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-240-3195

502 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.fpcsl.org

FISHERS OF MEN LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-242-7711

2011 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.fishersofmen.org

FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 281-277-5014 16138 W. Bellfort Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.fannersoftheflame.org

GRACE CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH 832-382-3316 16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.slcbc.org

GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH 281-277-2200 12000 FM 1464 Richmond, TX 77407 www.grandparkway.org

HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH 281-403-4994 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.hbctx.org

HOLY CROSS EPISCOPAL 281-633-2000 5653 West River Park Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.holycrosschurch.com

LA PUERTA ABIERTA CHURCH 281-494-4111 126 Avenue F Sugar Land TX, 77498 www.iglesialapuertaabierta.com

MASJID SABIREEN 832-909-3307 610 Brand Lane Stafford, TX 77477 www.masjidsabireen.org

MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. Missouri City, Tx 77489 www.mocitycoc.org

MT. PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH 281-494-3826 127 Avenue E Sugar Land, TX 77498

MURPHY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-261-5216 2025 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.murphyroadchurch.org

PARKWAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 281-494-5050 5801 New Territory Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.parkwayumc.org

REIGNING GLORY CHURCH 713-355-4567 8727 Gaines Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.rgchurch.com

PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-980-2522 3510 Austin Parkway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.providence presbyterian.org

RIVER POINTE COMMUNITY CHURCH 281-277-6767 21000 Southwest Freeway Richmond, TX 77469 www.riverpointe.org

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Rd. Missouri City, TX 77459 www.southminpres.org

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-499-2507

402 Stafford Run Rd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.staffordchurchofchrist.org

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA 281-778-2046

4747 Sienna Parkway Missouri City, TX 77459 www.siennachurch.org

ST. LAURENCE CATHOLIC 281-980-9812 3100 Sweetwater Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.stlaurence.org

ST. MARTINS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 281-980-0695 1123 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.stmartinslc.org

ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH 281-494-1156

705 St. Theresa Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.sttheresasugarland.org

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH 281-240-6721 12627 West Bellfort Avenue Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.stasugarland.com

SUGAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH 281-242-2858 13333 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.sugarcreek.net

SUGAR GROVE CHURCH OF CHRIST 281-530-9651 11600 West Airport Blvd. Meadows Place, TX 77477 www.sugargrove.org

SUGAR LAND BIBLE CHURCH 281-491-7773 401 Matlage Way Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.slbc.org

SUGAR LAND CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH 281-499-1763 10408 Cash Road Stafford, TX 77477 www.slcbc.org

SUGAR LAND FAMILY CHURCH 281-313-1110 1110 Burney Road Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.slfconline.com

SUGAR LAND BAPTIST CHURCH 281-980-4431

16755 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.sugarlandbaptist.org

SUGAR LAND VINEYARD 281-240-8463 5015 Grove West Blvd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.slvineyard.org

THE EPICENTER CHURCH 281-491-0000 7320 Hwy. 90A, Suite 270 Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.epicenter.life

THE FREEDOM CENTER CHURCH 281-499-0594 2303 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.freedomcentechurch.com

THE FORT BEND CHURCH 281-980-8322 1900 Eldridge Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.thebend.org

TRIUMPH CHURCH SUGAR LAND/ STAFFORD 281-416-4771

10555 West Airport Blvd. Stafford, TX 77477 www.triumphchurch.com

ZUN NURAIN MASJID 832-607-3594

16305 Kensington Drive #210 Sugar Land, TX 77479

Diversity of county dining scene satisfy eater

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

There’s no shortage of restaurants in Fort Bend County, to suit any taste, price or style. It’s one of the best things about calling this area home.

And we here at the Fort Bend Star have done our best, week in and week out, to bring you the latest and most in-depth food coverage.

Whether you’re inter-

ested in elegant Indian dining on a budget or one of Texas Monthly’s best barbecue restaurants in the state, there’s a place for you.

If a blending of styles via a chicken tikka sub sandwich sounds up your alley, it might be time to visit Sara’s Burgers & Gyros, 13420A W Bellfort Blvd., Sugar Land.

For those not looking for a full meal, a stop at Summer Moon Coffee

in Sienna might satisfy any caffeine cravings.

And newly-opened Lazy Dog in Stafford’s The Grid development has turned heads for its expansive menu of good food and an in-house beer menu.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, let us be your resource to Fort Bend County.

On the next page is a list of top-rated restaurants in their respective categories:

There are a plethora of diverse dining options in Fort Bend County, which is good for any palate. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

AMERICAN Chunk’s Burger 411 Dulles Ave Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1784

Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co. 16135 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 313-1008

Live Oak Grill 12935 Dairy Ashford Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-5253

Tornado Burger 505 Murphy Road, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-3278

Trill Taco 2887 Dulles Avenue, Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 969-7460

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 12575 Highway 59, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 729-8333

ASIAN

Aki Steak and Sushi 510 Highway 6 Suite #180, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 565-1110

Bar Kada 9009 Sienna Crossing Missouri City, TX 77459 (713) 227-5232

Goo Goo Yen

1730 Williams Trace Blvd Suite L Sugar Land, 77478 (281) 277-8383

Japaneiro’s 2168 Texas Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 242-1121

Mama Le 5400 Pointe W. Circle Ste. 180 Richmond, TX 77469 (832) 604-7083

Singapore Cafe 3149 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-6277

Sozo Japanese Steakhouse 222 State Highway 6 Ste. 100, Sugar Land, TX 77498 (281) 201-8851

Vietwich 203 Dulles Ave. Suite #100, Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 539-1642

CAJUN / SOUTHERN Crab Heads Cajun Boil 2899 Dulles Ave Missouri City, TX 77459 (346) 304-2660

Floyd’s Seafood 16549 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 240-3474

The Rouxpour 2298 Texas Dr Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 240-7689

Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine & Bar 3424 FM 1092 Road #290, Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1797

State Fare Kitchen & Bar 15930 City Walk Sugar Land, TX 77479 (713) 234-1405

BAKERIES

Ashcraft / European Bakery 220 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 403-5040

Jambeto’s Bakery & Cafe 609 Dulles Ave. Suite 750 Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 201-2477

la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe 2675 Town Center Blvd N, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281) 494-4400

Rustika Cafe and Bakery 3227 Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-4230

Sugar Land Gluten Free 635 Winston Ln Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 517-4766

BARBECUE Boogie’s Chicago Style BBQ 1767 Texas Pkwy Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 969-8626

Harlem Road Texas BBQ 9823 Harlem Road Richmond, TX 77407 (832) 278-2101

King’s BBQ 9920 US-90 ALT Ste D120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 532-7816

Old Hickory Inn Barbecue 3334 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 499-8904

The Swinging Door 3818 FM 359 Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-4758

Witt Pit BBQ 2516 1st Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 (832) 759-5182

ITALIAN Alex’s Kitchen 2601 Cartwright Road Ste. E, Missouri City, T 77459 (832) 987-1705

Brandani’s Restaurant & Wine Bar 3340 FM 1092 Road #160 Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 987-1313

Corelli’s Italian Cafe 3229 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-8900

Lomonte’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria 815 Plantation Dr #180, Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 232-8290

Piada Italian Street Food 1930 Hwy 6 Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 491-0603

INDIAN Chettinad Indian Cuisine 2127 U.S. 90 Alternate, Present St Missouri City, TX 77489 (281) 499-4680

Ghazal India Cafe 435 FM 1092 Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7177

Indian Coffee House 508 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 208-7147

Mai Colachi Indo/Pak Cuisine 15425 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 240-0786

Nirmanz Food Boutique 16338 Kensington Dr Suite #160 Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 532-0699

Stafford Kabab & Grill 4133 S Main St Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 575-6666

LATIN AMERICAN

Charlie’s Tacos 12408 S. Kirkwood Road Stafford, TX 77477 (346) 404-2767

Fernando’s 14135 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281) 494-9087

Larry’s Original Mexican Restaurant 116 E Hwy 90 Alt #3720 Richmond, TX 77406 (281) 342-2881

Pupuseria Lazo #2 1110 Farm-To-Market Rd Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-7227

Raizes Mexican Kitchen 345 Dulles Ave. Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 969-5211

TJ’s Birria Y Mas 716 Murphy Road Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 342-2881

Tornado Taco 2461 FM 1092 Road Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 342-2881

Whatever a diner’s fancy, there is a way for anybody to find a cuisine they enjoy in Fort Bend. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

Space Cowboys kick off new era of Sugar Land baseball

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sports have a way of bringing people together from all different creeds, nationalities, backgrounds, and so forth – people exactly like the ones found in Fort Bend County.

There is no age limit or restriction on the ability to run, jump, laugh, and play to your heart’s desire, and the Fort Bend County sports scene is a perfect example, with a cornucopia of fun options for residents to get their sports fix.

Since the last Star Guide came out, the rebranded Sugar Land Space Cowboys (formerly the Skeeters) have taken off in Fort Bend in their second season as the Astros’ Triple-A minor league affiliate, and their first with the franchise rebrand. The Space Cowboys are not the only avenue through which residents can get their sports or recreational fix, however. High school volleyball and football season are kicking into high gear as well, with the area’s local young athletes putting their best foot forward.

Whatever the fancy for each person in particular, there is no shortage of outdoor space or sports teams to support here in Fort Bend County. Options continue to abound for residents of Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford and beyond as we move towards the end of 2022.

Space Cowboys wind down first full season

For more than a decade, Constellation Field was home to the Sugar Land Skeeters – but that mascot and moniker is no more. Prior to the season, the Astros organization unveiled the team’s new name, Space Cowboys, along with new logos, uniforms and a mascot for the 2022 campaign, which is winding down and was slated to finish up on Sept. 28 against the Round Rock Express.

In the results side of things, it has been a bit of rough go for the Space Cowboys, as they sported a record of just 65-70 as of this writing and sat in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s East division.

Initial reaction to the name change veered to the negative end on social media. However, the area’s passion for supporting its local baseball team has not dwindled, but appears to be back on an upswing. The Space Cowboys have seen an average of 3,652 fans per game come out to Constellation Field this season – about a 12.2 percent increase from the 3,255 per game during the franchise’s final season as the Skeeters in 2021, though it’s still down from the 4,482 per game in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic

Local parks offer abundance of open-air options

Even if sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of reliable options for recreation. Fort Bend County is teeming with community, residential and educational parks that offer residents numerous avenues for fun.

Brazos Bend State Park, located at 21901 FM 762 in Needville, continues to be one of Fort Bend County’s most prized parks. For nearly four decades, it has been a go-to spot to walk, run or play.

This jewel has offered residents and visitors hike-and-bike trails, on-site observatories and more. The 4,900-square foot park has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from more than 3,800 Google Reviews, so it appears its visitors are still enjoying it.

Sugar Land Memorial Park is another hot spot in the area. The 150-acre park at 15300 University Blvd. offers riverfront green space with 2.5 miles of bike

and walking trails plus a playground, dog park and picnic areas. This spot has a rating of 4.6 stars from more than 1,400 reviews.

In Missouri City, Kitty Hollow Park is set on 190 acres of space at 9555 Hwy. 6 with several different ways for residents to recreate. Operated by the Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation Department, Kitty Hollow offers amenities such as four pavilions, a fitness trail, three play areas, grills, covered spaces, a baseball field, picnic tables, a lake and fishing pier and two soccer fields. The spot has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on nearly 1,300 Google reviews.

If you want a little more education along with the fresh air, George Ranch Historical Park also offers good fun. Located on 20,000 acres at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond, the park is divided into four time periods (1830s, 1860s, 1890s and 1930s) and features historic home tours along with costumed interpreters and practical, hands-on demonstrations.

Fall sports in full swing

It’s football and volleyball time as well, with the local high school fall seasons getting underway in Fort Bend ISD, Lamar Consolidated ISD, and Stafford MSD. Traditional powers like Ridge Point are off to strong starts on the court and the gridiron, while the Hightower Hurricanes are looking to make a triumphant return to the Class 6A ranks following realignment.

Can the Ridge Point Lady Panthers make a fourth state trip in the past five seasons on the volleyball court? Will the Marshall Buffalos football team continue its recent run of excellence in Class 5A? Those questions and more will be answered by season’s end.

So get on out there and support our local teams as they strive to make their mark among the state’s best.

The Sugar Land Space Cwoboys celebrate after a win. The franchise was set to wind down its first full season with the new moniker on Sept. 28. (Photo from Facebook)

Fort Bend full of arts and entertainment activities

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Whether you’re literarily inclined or pre fer more active pursuits, Fort Bend County has a plethora of arts and entertainment ac tivities to suit any personality.

If you miss the water and want a nautical activity to participate in, maybe some pad dle boarding group lessons by SurfSUPTX are just your speed. The group hosts group lessons at Sugar Land’s Brooks Lake.

Beau Brown spends most of his time near the Oyster Creek Boathouse, 15910 Creek bend Drive.

Lessons for ages 7-65 are offered from 9-10:30 a.m., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and cost $50 per person.

Not far from Brooks Lake, residents could also pay a visit to the Houston Mu seum of Natural Science’s Sugar Land campus, 13016 University Blvd., where attendees have the chance to learn about di nosaurs as they walk among skeletons and through various science exhibits.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children.

The museum has also hosted unique, one-time events before, such as a sensoryfriendly experience for children who might be sensitive to overstimulation and bright lights. Check out the museum’s website, https://www.hmns.org/hmns-at-sugarland/, for specific details on some of those events.

Also nearby, residents with a passion for art might enjoy paying a visit to Sugar Land Town Square, where Art Museum TX, 16165 City Walk, is working to make a name for itself as a destination for creative people and art lovers who have flocked to the gallery to see some of the best local art in the region.

The gallery’s website, artmuseumtx.org, describes it as an “art museum with a big

sense of community.”

The museum also has a second location in Katy’s Cinco Ranch subdivision at 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., which has pro gramming for children.

Both museum campuses showcase the work of artists based in Fort Bend and Har ris counties, including high-end paintings and sculptures and leather goods for sale.

The museum is free for standard gallery viewing, but charges fees for some pro grams and events.

Art Museum TX is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri day, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

While you’re at Sugar Land Town Square, music instructors at Vivaldi Music Academy teach classes in the square each Thursday for young children. The classes introduce children to basic language and science con cepts in open settings, for children ages 1-5 from 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. each Thursday.

If you have children, maybe the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center in Sugar Land is the place for you.

The center is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Fulshear’s Cross Creek Ranch subdivi sion is also hosting an art market and home tour in late April that might pique the inter est of some residents. The event is set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 23 at the neighborhood’s welcome center, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear.

Driving a bit north, those with a passion for the outdoors could also pay a visit to Stafford’s bevy of neighborhood parks.

Stafford has 33 acres of city parks in sev en square miles.

The city of Stafford’s website, https:// www.staffordtx.gov/, has a helpful list of city parks broken down into categories: pocket parks (less than 5 acres), neigh borhood parks (between 5-10 acres) and community parks (about 20 acres).

Elsewhere in Stafford, Golem’s Gate

Gaming & Geekdom, 4645 S. Main St., offers residents a wide variety of role playing and card games, giving visitors the chance to pretend to be a knight or

mage, among other choices. For more information on upcoming events, visit meetup.com/GolemsGate/ or call 281265-6050.

Arts and entertainment options such Inspiration Stage, with actors performing a show seen here, are plentiful in Fort Bend County. (Contributed photo)

The Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is one of the many arts and entertainment options in the county. (Photo from Facebook)

FORT BEND COUNTY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

2-1-1 TEXAS/UNITED WAY

HELPLINE

Information and referral service with a free confidential helpline operated by the United Way of Greater Houston 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained helpline specialists connect those in need with critical social services. United Way of Greater Houston-Fort Bend has a trained specialist on site 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2-1-1 or 281-207-2300

ACHIEVE FORT BEND COUNTY

Achieve Fort Bend County is a diverse group of business, community and education leaders throughout the county whose focus is to provide an interconnected system of sources to reduce dropout rates and provide opportunities for those citizens without high school diplomas.

314 S. Belknap Sugar Land, TX 77487 281-243-4804 www.achievefortbendcounty.org

AID TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Provides free information on the legal system, safety planning, protective orders, custody and other services to all victims of domestic violence in Fort Bend and Harris County. 713-224-9911

avda-tx.org/

ATTACK POVERTY

Empower people to attack poverty in their life and community by strengthening under-resourced communities through spiritual growth, education, revitalization and basic needs.

3727 Greenbriar Drive, #100 Stafford TX, 77477 832-847-4379 attackpoverty.org

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Provides meaningful monitored matches between adult volunteers and youth to develop positive relationships. Outings focus on development of academic and social skills through exposure to a variety of enrichment opportunities. 281-207-2330 www.bbstx.org

CAREER AND RECOVERY RESOURCES

Helps overcome barriers to employment. Supportive services for veterans and families including assistance with security and utility deposits, rent, moving expenses, financial literacy and housing counseling. 281-207-2300 www.careerandrecovery.org

CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND

Serving victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect. 5403 Ave. N. Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-341-9955 www.cafb.org

FORT BEND CARES

Giving disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County access to a better quality of life. P.O. Box 17748 Sugar Land, TX 77496 832-819-2005 www.fortbendcares.org

FORT BEND COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

Providing love, care and attention to more than 3,500 animals. 1210 Blume Road Rosenberg, TX 281-342-1512 www.fbchhs.org/animal-services

FORT BEND SENIOR MEALS ON WHEELS

Helping seniors maintain independence through service and resources. 1330 Band Road Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-633-7049 fortbendseniors.org

FORT BEND WOMEN’S CENTER

Bringing healing and hope to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1980. 501 E Hwy 90 A Richmond, TX 77406 281-344-5750 www.fbwc.org

HOPE FOR THREE

Advocacy group providing awareness, outreach, education, resources and financial support to families living with autism spectrum disorder. 12808 W. Airport Blvd. Suite 375 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-245-0640 www.hopeforthree.org

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY

Improve family, community and professional lives through literacy 12530 Emily Court Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.ftbendliteracy.org

LUNCHES OF LOVE

Helping end childhood hunger in Fort Bend County by providing a free nutritious sack lunch during extended school holidays and weekends. 1416 Radio Ln., Rosenberg, TX 7747 832-586-6995 lunchesoflove.net

SECOND MILE MISSION CENTER

Second Mile exists to love our neighbors by meeting physical needs and equipping them to lead a responsible life in Christ. 1135 Highway 90A, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-261-9199

volunteer@secondmile.org www.secondmile.org

THE ARC OF FORT BEND COUNTY

Advocacy and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. 123 Brooks Street Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-5959

info@arcoffortbend.org arcoffortbend.org

UNITED WAY OF GREATER HOUSTON

Transforming individual lives, bringing long-lasting systemic change to tough issues like family instability and academic success.

12300 Parc Crest Drive Stafford, TX 77477 281-207-2300 www.unitedwayhouston.org

YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON

Provides programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Includes after school programs, swim lessons, teen leadership, summer day camps and activities for older adults. 281-499-9622 www.ymcahouston.org

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW

FORT BEND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-491-0800 www.fortbendchamber.com

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for a Re location Package. Includes a magazine with information on area housing, schools, churches, retail, restaurants and more.

The Chamber also sells Fort Bend County street maps for $2. 445 Commerce Green Blvd.

FORT BEND ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 713-335-4240

Contact the Fort Bend Association of Realtors for information on a Realtor in the Fort Bend Coun ty area. You also may want to request a copy of the association’s annual publication. Fort Bend County Houston’s Finest Address A Guide to Homes, Neighborhoods and Lifestyles.

FORT BEND ISD 16431 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 www.fortbendisd.com 281-634-1000

LAMAR CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, Texas 77471 832-223-0330 www.lcisd.org

STAFFORD MSD 1633 Staffordshire Rd., Stafford, TX 77477, 281-261-9200, staffordmsd.org

FORT BEND COUNTY COURTHOUSE 309 South Fourth Street Richmond, Texas 77469 (Mailing Address) 301 Jackson 281-342-3411 Richmond, Texas 77479 Court Coordinator Fax Number 281-341-4426 www.fortbendcountytx.gov

FORT BEND CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT

2801 B.F. Terry Blvd. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-344-8623 www.fbcad.org

TEXAS DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY (Driver’s License) 28000 Southwest Freeway Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-517-1630 www.dps.texas.gov

COMCAST-XFINITY STORE 13540 University Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-934-6489

U.S. POST OFFICE

SUGAR LAND MAIN POST OFFICE 225 Matlage Way Sugar Land, Texas 77478-3273 281-494-0013

FIRST COLONY BRANCH

3130 Grants Lake Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 800-275-8777

CENTERPOINT ENERGY 800-752-8036 www.centerpointenergy.com

RELIANT ENERGY

All Service Requests Handled via phone 713-207-7243 www.powertochoose.org (this is where you can choose y our electric provider)

CITY OF SUGAR LAND TREASURY MANAGEMENT

2700 Town Center Blvd. North Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-275-2750

WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS 800-347-1991 www.windstream.com

AT&T 800-288-2020

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

10703 Stancliff Houston, Texas 77099 800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov

FORT BEND COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR

12550 Emily Court Sugar Land Substation 281-341-3710

FORT BEND AUTO REGISTRATION

1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3709

FORT BEND COUNTY REGISTRATION & TITLING Mailing Address: (FB Co Tax Office) 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle

Richmond, Texas 77469 281-341-3709

5855 Sienna Springs Way Missouri City, TX 77459 832-471-4140

DMV PHONE NUMBER 281-341-3710 fax 281-238-3265

fbauto@co.fort-bend.tx.us www.co.fort-bend.tx.us

Also, online auto registration renewal; visit TxDMVVehicle Registration Renewal for eligibility re quirements.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Ask for a voter registration card at Sugar Land CIty Hall, a U.S. Post Office or a county office. Return the form to the Voter Registrar. Questions should be addressed to the Elections/VOter Registration Office at 281-341-8670.

FORT BEND COUNTY RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

1200 Blume Road. Rosenberg, Texas 77471 281-633-7581 281-633-+7527 (Recording)

ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACT INFO

FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE 401 Jackson St., 281-341-8608 Richmond, TX 77469 FBC.Judge@fortbendcountytx.gov

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

VINCENT MORALES, PRECINCT 1

1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469 281-344-9400

commpct1@fortbendcountytx.gov

GRADY PRESTAGE, PRECINCT 2 303 Texas Parkway, Ste. 213, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8000 commpct2@fortbendcountytx.gov

ANDY MEYERS, PRECINCT 3 22333 Grand Circle Dr., Katy, TX 77494 281-238-1400 Andy.Meyers@fortbendcountytx.gov

KEN DEMERCHANT, PRECINCT 4

12919 Dairy Ashford Road, Ste. 200, Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-980-2235 commpct4@fortbendcountytx.gov

U.S. CONGRESS, TEXAS DISTRICT 22 –TROY NEHLS

1117 FM 359 Suite 210, Richmond, TX 77406 346-762-6600

TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 26

– JACEY JETTON

77 Sugar Creek Blvd., Suite 600, Sugar Land, TX 77478 512-463-0710 (Austin office)

TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 27

– RON REYNOLDS

2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 102, Missouri City, Texas 77489 281-208-3574 (district office); 512-463-0494 (Austin)

TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 28

– GARY GATES

2205 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 512-463-0657 (Austin)

TEXAS HOUSE DISTRICT 85

– PHIL STEPHENSON

834 Third St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7900 (district office); 512-463-0604 (Austin)

SUGAR LAND MAYOR

JOE ZIMMERMAN

2700 Town Center Blvd. North, Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-275-2313

jzimmerman@sugarlandtx.gov

MISSOURI CITY MAYOR

ROBIN ELACKATT

1522 Texas Pkwy., Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-8500

STAFFORD MAYOR

CECIL WILLIS

2610 South Main St., Stafford, TX 77477 281-261-3901 cwillis@staffordtx.gov

MEADOWS PLACE

MAYOR CHARLES JESSUP

One Troyan Dr., Meadows Place, TX 77477 281-983-2950

Email: mayor@cityofmeadowsplace.org

RICHMOND MAYOR REBECCA HAAS

402 Morton St., Richmond, TX 77469 281-342-5456

ROSENBERG MAYOR

KEVIN RAINES

2110 Fourth St., Rosenberg, TX 77471 832-595-3300

kraines@rosenbergtx.gov

Fort Bend County balances planning for growth with existing infrastructure needs

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As the saying goes, the only two certain things in life are death and taxes. But in Fort Bend County, a third item might be added to that list – growth.

With that growth comes a stunning list of infrastructure projects in cities and municipalities across the county. But recently, those infrastructure improvements haven’t just been in response to the county’s stunning growth rate.

At Fort Bend ISD, for instance, district administrators have been mulling a future bond referendum to ask voters for more money to renovate a host of buildings in desperate need of re-

pair.

County Judge KP George recently reflected on the changes the county has seen that make it better-prepared for disasters five years after Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017.

New facilities

Voters this November will decide whether or not to approve five ballot propositions totaling $1.72 billion that would allow one of Fort Bend County’s school districts to build additional schools and facilities in a bid to keep pace with a growing student population.

The Lamar Consolidated ISD board of trustees signed off on placing the propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot, with only one trustee – Jon Welch –

voting in opposition.

News of the November bond referendum comes less than two years after voters split on four propositions in 2020, approving more than $660 million in projects while rejecting two propositions that would have constructed a stadium and other athletic facilities, according to a Houston Chronicle article.

Trustees in Fort Bend ISD also contemplated calling for a November bond referendum, but have held off for now to focus on a tax rate election to stem a $47 million budget deficit.

Planning for growth

As school districts across the region work to maintain facilities, the county is hard at work bringing needed im-

provements across the board.

Fort Bend County, for instance, is working to increase public transportation offerings for local residents.

The $10 million department currently provides commuter park and ride services to the Galleria, Greenway Plaza and the Texas Medical Center along with a demand response service that allows residents to schedule a ride anywhere within Fort Bend County with a 30-day notice.

But the hope is to one day add trips downtown to a growing list of options, according to department administrators.

And that’s hardly the only project on county employees’ plates.

Crews are still hard at work on a $120 million event venue called Epi-

Center that will also double as an emergency shelter once finished, George said.

The county is also exploring a $36.76 million project to expand broadband access across the region, using federal money to help pay for the plan.

Essentially, engineers like Cobb Fendley have proposed a $36.76 million project that would construct a network of fiber cables near major thoroughfares in Fort Bend County that could serve as a backbone for internet connectivity across the area.

Several competitive federal programs exist to help secure funding for that project, but they require the county to put forth a 30 percent match, according to Melissa Beaudry, a project manager for Cobb Fendley.

More than 60 percent of Fort Bend County remains undeveloped, and this project would help secure broadband infrastructure for the future growth of Fort Bend County, George said.

Remembering Harvey

County leaders earlier this year unveiled a new, $10 million, 24,000-squarefoot emergency operations center that will provide resources and serve as a command center during disasters.

The facility replaces an old building that operated in a 70-year-old jail, George said.

While Fort Bend County is now five years removed from Hurricane Harvey, which flooded more than 7,000 homes locally, local entities are still working to guard against future disasters like it.

The city of Sugar Land recently received a $27.5 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board that will go toward a flood control project near the city’s regional airport, according to a news release.

Fort Bend County’s public transportation department is working to add additional destinations to its services to help serve residents. (Contributed photo)

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Chuck Charlton of Charlton Auto Body in Staf ford understands customers and treats them like family.

The foundation for the success of Charlton Auto Body has always been focused on the customer, and it’s been that way for three gen erations.

“My grandfather, E.C. Charlton, moved to Stafford in 1950, and opened up the business in 1951, and later named the company Charlton’s Garage and Auto Sales. In 1970 my dad, Johnny Mack, took over the company. When he retired in 1982, I took over,” Charlton said.

Chuck kept the same phone number and busi ness name, and built “Charlton Auto Body into what it is today.”

It’s been 24 years in a very active auto busi ness focusing on collision and insurance work.

“If you wreck your car, that’s the kinda work we do – fix any damage. We’ve repaired them clear up to the value of the cars, so we’ve seen it all. And we work on all vehicles,” he said.

As a successful small businessman in Staf ford, Charlton is firmly established in the industry, yet has no plans for expanding the business.

“I like to keep the business small so I can keep an eye on all aspects of the company,” he said.

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“Number one, insurance companies try and get you to go to shops that work for them. I tell everybody you don’t have to work with shops that work with insurance companies. Most are so big, and they don’t have the hands-on experience we have here at Charlton’s. I tell people you have the right to choose the body shop of your choice. We have a great customer data base and a lot of customers, and most of our work is word of mouth,” he said.

He stays away from cars during the weekend, but talks to customers over the phone if they need him. After discussing any damage issues, Charlton said, “I really don’t recommend custom ers take the car to the storage lot. Tow it to the house and I’ll get it out the next morning.”

Not a tinkerer of cars in his spare time, Charl ton does like his trips to Mexico. It’s one of his favorite fast vacation getaways.

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“Our customers are not just a name and a number here, you know. We become friends with them, too,” he said.

“Bring your car to Charlton’s. Where you’re treated as family and not just another customer,” he said.

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Development drives forward continues as county keeps growing

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County remains one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and its economic and residential development has continued to boom as builders and developers try to keep pace with the population explosion.

The county had grown to more than 900,000 people as of 2021, according to the Fort Bend Economic Development Council’s website. Fort Bend is the second fastest-growing county in the United States, according to one analysis by HireAHelper.

Projections have Fort Bend County’s population increasing to 960,690 by 2025, according to the EDC, and to more than 1.1 million by 2030. In response, the last six months have seen several developments take flight or near completion all around the county to help keep up with the growth.

Residential development

In response to the growing population, several new subdivisions or living communities have either begun work or are set to begin soon.

A national developer began work in June on a new, 933-acre community called Starbridge near Rosenberg that

could one day contain as many as 2,000 homes according to a news release from Starwood Land, a Florida-based developer with projects in 10 states. The first phase of the community could be available for resident move-

in as early as next year and will be constructed near State Highway 59 in Rosenberg, according to John Brian, the east region president for Starwood Land.

More than 10,000 new homes are

projected to come on the market in 2022, compared to about 9,350 in 2021 – an increase of about 21.35 percent, according to a report prepared by the Fort Bend County Central Appraisal District.

“Fort Bend County continues to be a very popular destination for homeowners,” Brian said. “Starbridge will include many of Houston’s top homebuilders, a variety of family-oriented amenities and a well-planned community design.”

In late March, Representatives for Houston-based Johnson Development Services acquired about 117 acres of land that will be added to the company’s Candela development in Richmond. Once complete, the Candela masterplanned community will feature more than 1,000 homes. The development company initially purchased 460 acres for the development, but expanded it with the purchase of 117 acres because the land became available.

The new section of Candela will one day house more than 345 homes in a mix of 40-, 50- and 60-foot homesites, according to the developer.

Hundreds of homes have already sold in the development since sales began in late 2020, according to the developer.

Picuted is a Google Map image of where the Starbridge living community will be located in Rosenberg. (Contributed photo)

Commercial development

And it’s not only residential development that is booming.

Crow Holdings Industrial is currently at work on two separate projects in Stafford, combining to be more than 1 million square feet of industrial office space. The first of those projects, called Weatherford Farms, just finished construction in March and features three buildings at 13223 Murphy Road combining for 568,084 square feet of space.

The second project, called Kirkwood Industrial, will feature two industrial buildings at 13015 and 12855 S.

Kirkwood Road, combining for about 550,000 square feet of space.

Construction on Fort Bend County’s new EpiCenter has been ongoing since last year, and developers are anticipating big revenues when construction is finished sometime in 2023.

In voting to spend more than $26.78 million to cover EpiCenter’s operating expenses during its first years of existence earlier this year, county commissioners said the $120 million project would ultimately be a boon to Fort Bend County.

“This will be an asset to Fort Bend County,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales said. “It will cover itself.”

Between sports and events rentals, ad-

vertising and sponsorship agreements, parking and more, the county might expect to make about $3.65 million from the facility starting in the first year, according to a presentation provided by Stonehenge Holdings, a Sugar Landbased commercial real estate company. The county should also expect to pay about $2.18 million in operating expenses in the first year, according to the same presentation.

Developers estimated the facility would host about 84 events in its first

year, with that number increasing each year the venue exists afterward, according to the presentation.

County officials estimate the total cost of the project will be about $120 million for the site that sits on a 51.75-acre site near the southwest corner of State Highway 59 and State Highway 36 in Rosenberg, near the site of the county fairgrounds.

The Fort Bend EpicEnter, a rendering of which is shown here, has been a point of contention when it comes to covering its operating expenses. (Contributed photo)

SENIOR EXP

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Stafford Centre • 10505 Cash Road • Stafford,TX 77477 FORT

The expo is a one day event designed to provide seniors in our community information and services that are needed, and you are invited!

Over 50 local businesses will be assembled in the Stafford Centre to provide answers to questions that are important to you.

Throughout the day there will also be speakers explaining health care issues, medicare, finances, legal concerns and other areas of interest.

This is not ALL serious business!! Breakfast snacks will be provided in the morning and lunch in the afternoon. There will be games and activities going on all day with prize giveaways from the attending businesses.

The best part of this day is that it is all FREE to you!

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