A Stafford man pleaded guilty to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child on February 18 and was sentenced to 40 years in prison in an agreement with prosecutors, according to a news release from the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office. William Rigoberto Gonzalez, 45, was charged with abusing and impregnating his child victim in 2020. According to lead prosecutor Elizabeth Howard, an investigation by the Houston and Stafford Police Departments revealed that Gonzalez Cardona sexually abused his female victim at a residence in Stafford in August 2020. As a result of the sexual abuse, the victim became pregnant and, at 13 years old, delivered a healthy baby. Following the birth, Gonzalez Cardona agreed to a paternity test which confirmed he was the father of the child.
“The defendant took advantage and exploited a young, vulnerable child for his own desires,” Howard stated. “Investigators recognized that vulnerability and gave courage to a young girl and her mother to bring her abuser to justice. With that partnership, the truth was finally revealed, and a dangerous predator was caught.”
Gonzalez Cardona was prosecuted in the 268 th District Court before Associate Judge Craig Priesmeyer. Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years or life in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Gonzalez Cardona must serve half of his sentence before being considered for parole.
“Forty years is a long sentence, especially considering this defendant will be 65 years old before parole can even be considered. And that sentence is deserving for his heinous acts,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release.
“If you are a predator, intent on preying on the most vulnerable in our community – you have been warned. We will come for you, and we will be relentless when we catch you.”
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
In a highly produced program, outgoing Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman gave his final State of the City address last week. Zimmerman, who has held the mayor’s seat since 2016 and served on the City Council for four years before that, is term-limited and so cannot seek reelection.
For the first time, the annual event, hosted by the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Smart Financial Center rather than the Sugar Land Marriott hotel.
Attendees might not have known the reason for the venue change until they made their way
inside the massive auditorium to see the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra on the stage. As people found their way to the seat, the orchestra played works from such diverse composers as Antonio Vivaldi, George Gerschwin, Aaron Copland, Nikolai RimskyKorsakov and even the Swedish supergoup ABBA.
The musical theme of the event continued with a video in which members of the orchestra described the importance of working together as a team and their role in the community. Akin to the classical tradition of “variations on a theme,” it continued in the main body of the speech, given in tandem by Zimmerman and City Manager Mike Goodrum.
“Our city’s progress is built on the foundations laid by those who came before us. While we honor that legacy, we also understand the importance of adapting and moving forward,” Zimmerman said has he opened the address.
“Like an orchestra, each of us plays a part in shaping our community’s future, ensuring that our work today is relevant and meaningful for future generations.”
“No single instrument alone can bring music to life, but each of us plays a part in creating something extraordinary,” Goodrum said.
Together, Zimmerman and
Community Reports
A loss in the state championship game March 1 for the Hightower High School girls basketball team ended a stellar season, but even in defeat there was pride, promise for the future and a full-circle moment for the coach.
“The way we fought and the way we climbed and clawed, I can’t help but be proud of this team,” Lady Canes Coach Jasmine Brewer said in a Fort Bend County press release.
The team lost 51-42 to Fort Worth Boswell.
Brewer knew exactly how her girls felt playing for the championship trophy and coming up short. She had been in the same position in 2010 when she played at Hightower and her team made it to the big game too.
“I remember as a senior being exactly where they are and the news conference afterwards,” Brewer said as she and two of her players fielded media questions. “It’s special for me and that’s why I wanted to come back and coach high school ball.” At the game in San Antonio cheering on the Lady Canes was FBISD Assistant Athletic Director Deb Mize. She was Brewer’s coach on the 2010 Hightower team.
“It came as no surprise to me that she
With the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra playing behind him, outgoing Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman offers his closing thoughts at last week’s State of the City event. Photo by Ken Fountain
William Rigoberto Gonzalez, 45, of Stafford, pleaded guilty in February to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office
The Hightower Lady Canes pose with their second-place trophy after their state championship loss to Fort Worth Boswell. Courtesy Fort Bend ISD
Mayfield Park, located near the Imperial Sugar plant, is a predominantly Black community formerly known as The Quarters.
Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, left, accompanied by City Council members Naushad Kermally, Suzanne Whatley, William Ferguson, and Carol McCutcheon, offers opening remarks at the mural unveiling ceremony.
A member of the dance company Urban Souls performs on the basketball court mural.
Members of the Urban Souls perform on the court.
Artist Alex Arzu, who produced the basketball court mural, gives remarks. The piece is meant to reflect Mayfield Park’s history, culture, and sense of unity.
After the ceremonies, area residents make use of the basketball court.
A member of Urban Souls performs.
Bevin Biggers sculpture, “Roots,” is an examination of issues related to Black hair.
Area residents play on the basketball court with the new mural.
Members of Urban Souls perform with recorded tributes to Martin Luther King, Jr., Barbara Jordan, and Sheila Jackson Lee.
Artist Bevin Biggers shows Sugar Land City Council member Suzanne Whatley a book inside her sculpture “Roots.”
Ido love holidays. Sleep late. Have as many cups of coffee or Bloody Marys as I want. We all do that on Easter (no matter your religion), Fourth of July, Labor Day, June 14, Thanksgiving, and … wait. June 14? Not Juneteenth? Yes, June 14. That’s President Donald Trump’s birthday. Hats and horns! Break out the champagne! Oh, haven’t you heard? There is an effort to make Trump’s birthday a federal holiday. He was born on June 14, MCMXLVI, and at 78 is the oldest president to take office. What’s next?
Trump’s likeness on Mount Rushmore?
U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York, a Republican obviously, has introduced a bill that would make Trump’s birthday a federal holiday. “Just as George Washington’s Birthday is codified as a federal holiday, this bill will add Trump’s Birthday to this list, recognizing him as the founder of America’s Golden Age,” Rep. Tenney wrote in a press release. Now, June 14 is also Flag Day, which practically no one knows, but Rep. Tenney does, and is ready. “By designating
Take a day off – lots of them
Lynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
Trump’s Birthday and Flag Day as a federal holiday, we can ensure President Trump’s contributions to American greatness and the importance of the American Flag are forever enshrined into law.”
This year June 14 is on a Saturday, which means federal employees, both of them, could take a day off on the preceding Friday or maybe the following Monday or both. And since another federal holiday, Juneteenth, is only a couple of days later, there is really no point in returning to the post office, passport desk, bank or air control tower only to find yourself leaving again. Besides, who really needs that Social Security check which won’t be coming anyway?
I really like the idea except – hold your tomatoes and stones – I think we have
too many holidays as it is.
We have 11 official federal holidays. Then there are the unofficial days off like the Friday after Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. In addition, our freeways are filled with early departures a day or two before the actual holiday. And have you ever tried to do business between Christmas and New Year’s Day? Don’t bother.
When holidays fell in the middle of the week it caused problems. If, say, Memorial Day came on a Tuesday, why bother to show up at the Border Patrol watchtower on Monday? To fix that problem and create long weekend holidays, in 1968 Congress rationalized the nation’s calendar to create Monday holidays. The act combined Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays to create Presidents’ Day on the third Monday in February. Further, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day (originally called Armistice Day) became Monday holidays. Unfortunately, Congress could not move Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. (This year the Fourth of July falls on July 4.) Congress takes off one week every two.
We have two special days to celebrate Black Americans: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Juneteenth. We take off two more holidays to honor the living and dead military: Memorial Day and Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day. October 10 is Columbus Day, a sop tossed to our Italian-Americans, but Indigenous Americans whose ancestors greeted Chris on the beach note that his discovery gave Europeans gold and land, while he gave the locals smallpox, VD and destruction of their societies. But they are slowly getting their revenge, as the Cleveland Guardians told the Washington Commanders. Easter always falls on a Sunday, but don’t expect to see your doctor, lawyer or bail bondsman on Good Friday.
Two of our holidays stem from the Civil War. The story is that Memorial Day began when Confederate women put flowers on the graves of their fallen husbands and fathers. Today anything Confederate is frowned upon, so we go with this version: The Union Army commander in chief, Gen. John A. Logan, proclaimed May 30, 1868, to be Decoration Day to honor fallen Union (not
Confederate) troops. In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as “Memorial Day.”
As for Juneteenth, every Texan knows that day celebrates June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger, in Galveston on a balcony at Ashton Villa (it’s still there), read the Emancipation Proclamation. Black Texans were free.
For years afterwards the day was marked mainly in Texas, then spread across the nation and now, as we can see, is a national holiday. Incidentally Juneteenth is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth.” A portmanteau is two words combined into one, like smog is smoke and fog. An anklet is a bracelet worn on the ankle and Britexit is a stupid mistake made by the British.
For years, Texans celebrated Texas Independence Day, March 2, and San Jacinto Day, April 21, with parades, floats, bands and parties. Not anymore. UT-Austin marked Texas Independence Day with the Longhorn Band playing on the Mall, and that huge Lone Star flag, the one you see spread out on the field before a football game, was dropped down to cover the Tower. And a cannon (un-
loaded) was fired down the Mall towards a frat house. One year the frat rats retaliated, dressed in sombreros, they fired back. It was a lot of fun. Wonder if they still celebrate? I doubt it. The Texas A&M Aggies around the world mark San Jacinto Day with Muster honoring all the local fallen Aggies over the past year. That’s OK since no Aggies were killed at San Jacinto.
The State of Texas has 22 official and sort-of unofficial holidays. This includes Confederate Heroes Day (good luck with that), Cesar Chavez Day and Lyndon Johnson Day. Some state holidays are considered Skeleton Crew Holidays. A state agency must have enough employees on duty to conduct business. If you do work that day, you get to take off some other day. Wait! This just in: Republican Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has introduced a bill that would carve Trump into Mount Rushmore. Trump’s figure in stone would be carved next to that of President Abraham Lincoln. Break out the Bloody Marys! Ashby celebrates at ashby2@comcast.net
Four Space Cowboys named to Astros 2025 Spring Breakout roster
Community Reports
The 2025 Spring Breakout roster for the Houston Astros includes four Space Cowboys announced last week: RHP Miguel Ullola, INF Brice Matthews, INF Tommy Sacco Jr. and OF Jacob Melton. The full Spring Breakout roster can be found at mlb.com/astros/ news/astros-spring-breakout-roster-2025?t=mlbpipeline-coverage. All four players were members of the Space Cowboys 2024 Triple-A National Championship team with each playing a vital role in Sugar Land’s postseason run to their first affiliated title. Three of the four players rank in the Astros Top 30 prospects by MLB Pipeline, with Matthews currently ranked as the Astros #2 prospect, Melton ranking as the #3 prospect and Ullola rating as Houston’s #6 overall prospect and top-ranked pitcher.
Houston will take on the Nationals Spring Breakout roster on Friday, March 14 at 1:05 pm Central time at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. The game will be televised on MLB.TV, MLB.com and the MLB App and will be broadcast on SportsTalk790 in Houston.
Ullola made two starts with Sugar Land in 2024, including starting Game 2 of the Pacific Coast League Championship Series in which he fired 4.0 shutout innings, surrendering only two hits and two walks with five strikeouts. For the season, Ullola went 5-9 with a 4.28 ERA in 28 games, 24 starts, between Double-A Corpus and Sugar Land, throwing 130.1 innings with 171 strikeouts and a .163 batting average against, the lowest batting average against among qualified pitchers in Minor League Baseball in 2024.
Matthews played across three levels in 2024,
ending the season with Sugar Land after slashing .265/.384/.481/.865 in 79 games with 15 doubles, a triple, 15 home runs, 44 RBI, 52 runs scored and 32 stolen bases. In Sugar Land’s three postseason games,
The Health Museum now accepting internship applications for Summer 2025
For high school and college students looking to get a jump start on their future careers in science, build their resume, or who are just curious about the latest scientific and healthcare developments, The Health Museum is accepting applications for a number of summer internships with the museum.
Twelve high school students aged 15 and older with a minimum GPA of 2.5 will be selected specifically for the DeBakey Cell Lab Internship from June 16 to July 26, 2025. This internship provides experience in the field of biomedical science, offering hands-on opportunities in a laboratory environment with a strong focus on science communication. Interns will be expected to commit 20 hours per week as DeBakey Cell Lab Facilitators. In return, they will receive valuable Professional Development sessions with experts from the Texas Medical Center. Applications are open at 2025 DeBakey Cell Lab Summer Internship Application until April 6, 2025 and selected candidates will be notified April 21-30, 2025. In addition to the DeBakey Cell Lab Intern Program, the Museum is also offering several internships through the University of Houston Honors College, Bank of America Summer Youth Employment Program, and SerJOBS.
Students can apply for opportunities such as Science Educator Intern, Guest Services Associate Intern, Healing Arts Program Intern, and more. For more information about opportunities for both high school and college internships, please visit: thehealthmuseum.org/ join-give/internship.
Matthews went 3-for-13 with his first Triple-A home run and four RBI. Sacco Jr. appeared in 124 games between DoubleA Corpus and Sugar Land in 2024, hitting .248/.344/.378/.722 with 21
doubles, three triples, 11 home runs, 41 RBI, 58 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. After a promotion to Sugar Land on August 27, he hit .275 in 22 games with the Space Cowboys, registering five doubles, a home run, eight RBI and nine runs scored. During the Space Cowboys three postseason games, he went 4-for-13 with two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored, starting at second base in all three contests.
Melton nearly split the season evenly between Corpus (58 games) and Sugar Land (47 games), slashing a combined .253/.310/.426/.736 in 105 games with 20 doubles, two triples, 15 home runs, 54 RBI, 59 runs scored and 30 stolen bases in 34 attempts. He was one of just nine players in Minor League Baseball to have at least 20 doubles, 15 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 2024. Prior to having his postseason cut short due to
injury, Melton went 2-for-5 in two games in the PCL Championship Series with a home run, three RBI, a run scored, two walks and no strikeouts. With the full promotional schedule announced for 2025, single game tickets for all 75 home games are on sale now. For the first time in franchise history, the Space Cowboys will open their season at home when they begin their campaign as the defending Triple-A National Champions by hosting the Oklahoma City Comets on Friday, March 28 at 7:05 pm. Prior to the start of the season, the Space Cowboys will take on the Houston Astros for two exhibition games at Daikin Park on March 24 and 25. 2025 Season Memberships, including Full and Partial Season membership plans, can be purchased at ilb. com/sugar-land/tickets/ memberships.
With the start of Daylight Savings Time last weekend, the American Red Cross reminds everyone that this is an opportune time to test their smoke alarms to make sure the devices are working and replace the batteries if necessary.
“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” Madison Lawrence, Regional Planning and Situational Awareness Manager, Texas Gulf Coast Region, Red Cross, said in a news release. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”
Over the past year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 2,000 families in the Texas Gulf Coast Region affected by home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across
the country. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions. Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,284 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
Fleming named new Chief Nursing Officer of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital
Community Reports
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently announced the appointment of Sarah Fleming, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, as the new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), effective April 21. With extensive leadership experience within the Houston Methodist hospital system, Fleming brings a deep understanding of hospital operations, a commitment to nursing excellence and a passion for patient care.
“We are excited to welcome Sarah to Houston Methodist Sugar Land,” Michael Garcia, senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, said in a news release. “Her extensive experience within our system, combined with her commitment to excellence,
make her an outstanding leader for our nursing team. I have no doubt her leadership will help us continue providing unparalleled care to our patients and community.”
Fleming has served as the associate chief nursing officer at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital since 2019, contributing to advancing nursing practice, patient safety and quality care initiatives. She played a crucial role in overseeing two major hospital expansions within the first five years of operations, guiding growth from 64 to 187 beds and later to 296 beds. Fleming was also instrumental in helping the hospital achieve ANCC Magnet designation and in securing its national ranking as the No. 1 Complex Care Medical Center by Vizient
for a fourth consecutive year. Prior to that, she spent five years at Houston Methodist West Hospital where she was a performance improvement coordinator and quickly transitioned into a nurse manager over a medical/surgical unit.
In her new role, Fleming will focus on further elevating nursing excellence, with a strong emphasis on the ANCC Magnet Program. She will also strengthen quality and safety initiatives, enhance physician-nursing collaboration and continue driving exceptional patient care.
“I am honored to join Houston Methodist Sugar Land and excited to lead such an exceptional nursing team.” Fleming said.
“Having spent more than a decade within the Houston
Methodist system, I deeply appreciate our culture of excellence, innovation and compassion. My passion has always been fostering a supportive environment where nurses can thrive. I look forward to working with the incredible team of nurses and physicians in Sugar Land to build upon the hospital’s strong foundation.”
Fleming earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M University. Fleming is currently completing her Doctor of Nursing from Baylor University.
‘A Taste of Ireland’ coming to Stafford Centre on March 28
Community Reports
One of the world’s top Irish dance shows, featuring a roster of international dance champions, “A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation,” will be coming to the Stafford Centre on Friday, March 28, beginning at 7:30 p.m. as part of its tour through Texas. Featuring an acclaimed cast of World Champion Irish dancers, dazzling musicians, and a contemporary vocalist, “A Taste of
Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” combines Irish charm with sensational talents for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Set to reimagined classics such as “Danny Boy,” “Wild Rover,” “Tell Me Ma,” and others that have been given modern spins, the performance offers dance performances that convey heartfelt emotion, transporting audiences through Ireland’s tumultuous history with electrifying dances, dramatic scenery, and spectacular lighting
effects.
Directed by Brent Pace, produced by Ceili Moore, with music by Charlie Galloway, the production features World Champion Irish dancers, stars from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance” such as headliners Alliyah O’Hare (nine-time World Champion, formerly of “Lord of the Dance”), Callum O’Neill (World Champion, formerly of “Riverdance”), Julia O’Rourke (four-time World Champion, star of “JIG”), and Cian Walsh (World Championship
runner-up, who has appeared Off-Broadway), who are set to perform, among other world-class Irish dancers and performers. (NOTE: casting is subject to change.)
“We offer audiences an unforgettable adventure through the heart and soul of Ireland, where every beat of music and every step of Irish dance shares a captivating journey. Each narrative is interwoven with dramatic lighting and breathtaking visual scenery, with performances meticulously crafted
to express the depth of these stories, ensuring that you feel Ireland’s history through the movement, music, and dance,” said Brent Pace, the show’s producer and director. “Dance fans will be further thrilled to find that the taps in ‘A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ are not pre-recorded but performed 100 percent live. Every performance is a breathtaking feat of excellence.”
“A Taste of Ireland— The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” is produced by
Pace Live and features music by Charlie Galloway, scenic design by Gavin Leahy, lighting design by Ben Hughes, and vision and sound design by Jack Kearney and Tyler Watkins. Ben Ling serves as technical coordinator, with Meika Clark as associate lighting designer, Pablo Lafuente as the studio engineer, Molly Armstrong as costume consultant, and Sean Higgins as the videographer. For tickets and information, visit ATasteofIrelandShow. com.
Sarah Fleming was recently named the Chief Nursing Officer of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Richard Carson for Houston Methodist
The critically acclaimed “A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation,” features a cast of world champion Irish dancers, seen here performing the high-kicking “Free Men.” Photos by Vincent Rommelaere
The critically acclaimed “A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation,” features a cast of world champion Irish dancers.
Goodrum laid out a highly positive review of the city, from its beginnings as a “company town” to its growth as a major suburb of Houston, and outlined city leaders’ vision for the future. In previous such events, the pair have extolled the idea that Sugar Land must embrace “change” in order to remain relevant in the modern economic landscape.
Zimmerman said that in the two years since he and Goodrum first articulated the city’s vision of change, the city has made much progress toward that envisioned future.
The two emphasized the city’s financial basis, earning a Triple-A bond rating in 2011. which helps Sugar Land keep maintain a low tax rate in comparison to many peer cities in the area and keep borrowing costs down
while improving services for residents.
Zimmerman mentioned the $70 million in grant funding that the city, in conjunction with Fort Bend County, was able to secure for the mitigation of erosion along the Brazos River, including in Memorial Park and the Riverstone residential development.
The pair lauded the successful passage of both the 2019 and 2024 bond programs for infrastructure, technology, and city amenities, and the small business investment program initiated a few years ago.
Zimmerman said that due to leaders’ emphasis on public safety, Sugar Land’s current crime rate is one of the lowest on record, with reductions continuing across the city.
The pair also lauded the work of the city’s staff, introducing a series of videos demonstrating the work of the
various departments, the success of the city-owned Sugar Land Regional Airport, and traffic management.
Zimmerman cited the proposed redevelopment of the Imperial Historic District and the sprawling campus of the departing Fluor company as markers of the city’s economic future.
Following the main body of the speech, attendees watched a video featuring current and past members of City Council who talked about Zimmerman’s long tenure, both as mayor and on the council. Several of them teased him about his preternaturally full head of hair.
Finally, Zimmerman stood alone on stage with the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra playing a stirring patriotic piece behind him.
“You know, as my term comes to an end, I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of Sugar Land,” he said. He
thanked his wife, Nancy, daughter and other family members and friends.
He was joined onstage by all of the current membersincluding Naushad Kermally,
Outside Sales Representative
Location: Fort Bend, Texas Company: Fort Bend Star – Your Hyper-Local Community Newspaper
Are you a people person with a passion for community engagement and a knack for sales? The Fort Bend Star, a trusted voice in our community for over 40 years, is looking for an energetic and results-driven Outside Sales Representative to join our team.
About the Role
As an Outside Sales Representative, you will play a key role in connecting local businesses with our loyal readership. You’ll work with business owners, organizations, and community leaders to help them achieve their advertising goals while supporting local journalism.
Key Responsibilities
• Build Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with local businesses and organizations.
• Generate Revenue: Meet or exceed sales targets by selling print and digital advertising solutions.
• Prospecting: Identify and reach out to potential clients through cold calling, networking, and referrals.
• Client Solutions: Customize advertising packages to meet the unique needs of each client.
• Local Presence: Represent the Fort Bend Star at community events to promote the paper and build connections.
What We’re Looking For
• Proven experience in sales (media/advertising sales a plus).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently.
• Familiarity with Fort Bend County and its community is a big advantage.
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel locally.
What We Offer
• Base salary + commission structure.
• Flexible schedule and remote working opportunities.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on your community.
William Ferguson, and Carol McCutcheon, who are vying for his seat in the May 3 municipal election. Finally Zimmerman was joined onstage by his family
annual
members as members of the Kempner High School band played. A video of the event can be found at sugarlandtx.gov/ StateoftheCity.
How to Apply
Send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the role to awilliams@txstreetmedia.com. Join a team that values local news, creativity, and collaboration!
Let’s work together to build stronger businesses and a thriving community!
Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman and City Manager Mike Goodrum give the
State of the City address at Smart Financial Center.
Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman and City Manager Mike Goodrum are joined onstage by members of the Kemper High School Band. Photos by Ken Fountain
Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman, along with family members, waves goodbye at the end of the State of the City event.
ONGOING
ABRACADABRA! MUSIC MAGIC FOR 6 & 7 YEAR OLD BOYS STARTS MARCH 18!
The Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas is offering Music Magic, an 8-week music enrichment program for six- and seven- year[old boys. The class meets from 6:30-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays starting March 18 and ending on May 6, 2025. Music Magic brings music alive through the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. To find out more about Music Magic, visit: https:// fbbctx.org/our-programs/music-magic/.
EMMY-NOMINATED FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR HOLDING AUDITIONS
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is seeking talented young boys who like music and singing. If know of one, encourage him to audition for our award-winning and Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir! No experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. Auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s webpage at www.fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800 for more details about auditions. Benefits as a choir member include greater self-esteem and self-confidence, better work ethic and a sense of belonging and community. A boy’s voice has an expiration date so it is important to audition when boys’ voices are still unchanged. Auditions are free!
AMERICAN LEGION POST 942
311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.
LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718
For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com
THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES
We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org
ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/ Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.
SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 832-987-4193, dean7351@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
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.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.
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
MISSOURI CITY AARP
Develop a support system.
Exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions. Talk through issues and ways of coping.
Share feelings, needs and concerns.
Learn about community resources.
Just a reminder that support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems.
