Man sentenced to 43 years for continuous sexual abuse of young children
Staff Reports
On April 28, 2025, 400th District Court Judge Edward M. Krenek sentenced a Missouri City man to 43 years in prison, after his conviction for the offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of Young Children in March, according to a news release. A Fort Bend County jury found Nathanael Williams Stewart, II , guilty for crimes that he committed from 2015-2017.
Stewart will serve his sentence day for day without the possibility of parole, according to prosecutors. According to Assistant District Attorney Tristyl McInnis, lead prosecutor, Stewart sexually abused two young children with intellectual disabilities. Despite the children disclosing the abuse to family members, the children were dismissed and silenced, which allowed the abuse to continue.
Eventually, the children disclosed the sexual abuse to someone outside of the family, who reported the abuse to authorities. An investigation was launched by the Houston Police Department, leading to Stewart’s arrest and prosecution. The Department of Family and Protective Services, commonly referred to as “CPS”, was also involved in the case.
“The children bravely disclosed the abuse to multiple family members, but instead of protecting the children, they protected the defendant and concealed the abuse,” McInnis said. “Their actions allowed the abuse to continue. While nothing can undo the trauma these children endured, the verdict in this case takes a significant step toward justice and accountability.”
“Many people worked tirelessly to support these children throughout the investigation and criminal prosecution that culminated in a jury trial,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said. “Our sincere thanks to the attorney ad litem for the children, the CASA volunteers and supervisors, and the forensic interviewers and the Criminal Court Advocates at Child Advocates of Fort Bend. All these compassionate and dedicated people helped bring justice to these children and to this community.”
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child/Children is a first-degree felony, punishable by 25 to 99 years, or life, in prison with no possibility of parole. The case was prosecuted by McInnis and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Howard. Child Advocates of Fort Bend can be contacted at 281-344-5100 or through the website, www.cafb.org.
Report: Most Fort Bend residents favor area’s diversity
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
For demographics nerds in the greater Houston region, the annual release of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research’s Houston Area Survey is akin to watching the Academy Awards. Begun in the early 1980s by Rice University Emeritus Professor Stephen Klineberg, the survey is reportedly one-of-a-kind in the country, an annual snapshot of how residents of a particular locality feel about their communities and their own prospects.
For decades, the survey polled only residents of Harris County, but in the past few years, it has added Fort Bend County and Montgomery County –the second- and third-most populous counties in the region – to the mix.
On Monday, the Kinder Institute
held its annual release event at the Hilton Americas-Houston in downtown Houston while simultaneously releasing the 2025 report online.
This report’s findings are based on responses from the institute’s Greater Houston Community Panel, which now includes more than 10,000 members from Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. The response rate among the nearly 3,500 Fort Bend County residents who joined the panel in fall 2024 was about 74 percent.
“The findings show that most residents are proud to call Houston home and point to its diversity, immigrant population and economic opportunity as defining strengths. At the same
SEE DIVERSITY PAGE 4
CHARANIA, WIERZBICKI SWORN IN AT FBISD BOARD
Community Reports
Sixteen Fort Bend ISD students were named recipients of this year’s $2,500 National Merit Scholarships by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) earlier this month, bringing the district’s total number of 2025 National Merit Scholarship winners to 20 so far.
Winners include:
• Steve Y. Wang, Dulles High School, Probable career field: Biomedical Engineering
• Moksh P. Shah, Austin High School,Probable career field: Quantitative Analysis
• Nabiha Ahmed, Travis High School,Probable career field: Law (Intellectual Property)
• Shaafae A. Chaudhary, Elkins High School, Probable career field: Neuroscience
• Joshua E. Cheng, Dulles High School,Probable career field: Psychiatry
• Krishna P. Chokshi, Austin High School,Probable career field: Biology
• Emilie Efendy, Clements High School,Probable career field: Computer Science
• Dezhou M. Gao, Austin High School,Probable career field: Aerospace Engineering
• Valerie Huang, Elkins High School,Probable career field: Information Systems Management
• Joshua D. Le, Dulles High School,Probable career field: Biomedicine
• Eric J. Li, Elkins High School,Probable career field: Computer Science
• Katherine Y. Liu, Clements High School,Probable career field: Education (College Professor)
• Anshul Mago, Clements High School,Probable career field: Computer Science
• Ananya Pathak, Dulles High
School,Probable career field: Medicine
• Sage Y.
According to the 2025 Houston Area Survey, most Fort Bend County respondents, like those across the region, support the area’s diversity. File photo
With her son Aly beside her, newly elected Fort Bend ISD Position 3 trustee Afshi Charania is sworn in by her father, Barakat Charania on Monday. Photos by Ken Fountain
With a friend and a cousin beside her, newly elected Fort Bend ISD Position 7 trustee Angie Wierzbicki is sworn in by Missouri City Council member Lynn Clouser.
Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Marc Smith thanks outgoing trustee Rick Garcia for his service, as outgoing trustee David Hamilton looks on at Monday’s board meeting.
Nathanael Williams Stewart, II, 31, of Missouri City, was sentenced to 43 years in prison for continuous sexual abuse of children. Courtesy
First Colony Branch Library to host plant swap on May 24
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries’
First Colony Branch Library will host a Plant Swap on Saturday, May 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land.
Gardeners are encouraged to bring any established or propagated plants or succulent clippings that they would like to swap with others. Please provide the common or scientific name of the plant(s).
Each plant that a visitor brings (up to three) will allow them to trade for another plant. Any extra plants will be given away to visitors who
are interested in starting their own plant collection. Be prepared to chat, trade, and learn about new and different plants. This is an excellent way for plant owners to gather and swap plants and to learn about different varieties from other gardeners. Plants brought to the event must be pest-free. No monetary exchanges/transactions may be completed within the library; this event is strictly for trading plants.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, see Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the First Colony Branch Library (281-238-2800). The
Staff Reports
The Greater Houston housing market remained solid and steady in April, with home prices and sales on pace with last year’s figures. This consistent performance reinforces the market's continued stability.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ April 2025 Housing Market Update, single-family home sales across the Greater Houston area experienced a marginal decrease of 1.1 percent compared to April 2024. A total of 7,856 single-family homes were sold, slightly below the 7,940 closings recorded during the same time last year.
The average home price in April was statistically flat at $437,407. The median price stood at $339,990, showing minimal fluctuation from the previous year.
Active listings climbed to 34,989, a 37.0 percent increase compared to the same time last year. This represents the highest volume of active listings since August 2010.
“While national housing market trends may be showing signs of increased volatility due to economic uncertainty, the Houston area remains on solid footing,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “The consistent pricing and growth
in inventory offer a balanced perspective. For buyers, this typically means less competition and more opportunities to find a home that meets their specific needs and budget. For sellers, it emphasizes the importance of competitive pricing and effective marketing to stand out.”
HAR will publish its April 2025 Rental Home Update on Wednesday, May 21. April Monthly Market Comparison
The overall real estate market in Houston trailed last year’s volume. In April, total property sales were 3.5 percent below where they were during the same time in 2024.
Total dollar volume declined 2.0 percent to $3.9 billion. Inventory continued to expand with 54,978 available properties, which is up 30.3 percent compared to last April.
Single-Family Homes Update
In April, single-family home sales were in line with last year’s figures. Closings in the Greater Houston area declined slightly, by 1.1 percent, with 7,856 homes sold versus 7,940 in 2024. Pending sales, which were up 13.6 percent yearover-year, indicate that the remaining weeks of the spring homebuying season will likely continue to be active.
Home prices were virtually unchanged compared to last April. The average home price was $437,407 while the median price was $339,990. The price per square foot held steady at $180.
There were 34,989 active listings of single-family homes in April, which is up 37.0 percent year-over-year. It is the highest volume of active listings since August 2010 when there were 35,437 units.
Days on Market, or the actual time it took to sell a home, climbed from 50 to 54 days. Months of inventory increased from 3.6 last year to 4.9 months, which is the highest since August 2012. This figure tops the national inventory level of 4.0 months reported by the National Association of Realtors.
Broken out by housing segment, home sales in the Houston area performed as follows:
• $1 - $99,999: increased 14.9 percent
• $100,000 - $149,999: decreased 14.2 percent
• $150,000 - $249,999: increased 3.0 percent
• $250,000 - $499,999: decreased 0.8 percent
• $500,000 - $999,999: decreased 4.3 percent
• $1M and above: increased 1.6 percent
In April, existing home
CLARIFICATION
14, 2015 story “Texas Democratic Party removes Taylor as Fort Bend County chair,” the lead paragraph said that
without proper authorization. The word choice could be construed to imply that the money was stolen. That was not the intention of the use of that word.
sales were statistically flat with 5,598 transactions compared to 5,616 last year. The average price rose 2.0 percent to $450,755, and the median sales price was statistically unchanged at $336,063.
Townhome/Condominium Update
Townhome and condominium sales were below 2024’s volume for the third consecutive month. Transactions were 15.2 percent below last year’s level with 451 units sold versus 532 last April. The average price was down 4.0 percent to $267,507, and the median price slid 6.5 percent to $215,000.
The inventory of townhomes and condominiums expanded
to a 7.4-months supply compared to 4.4-months during the same time last year. It was the highest level recorded since October 2011 when there was a 7.7-months supply.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in April
• Single-family home sales decreased 1.1 percent year-over-year;
• Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 50 to 54 days;
• Total property sales declined by 3.5 percent with 9,283 units sold;
• Total dollar volume was down 2.0% to $3.9 billion;
• The single-family median price was statistically unchanged at $339,990;
• The single-family average price was statistically flat at $437,407;
• Single-family home months of inventory registered a 4.9-months supply, up from 3.6 months last April.
• Townhome and condominium sales declined 15.2 percent year-overyear. The median price was down 6.5% percent to $215,000, and the average price slid 4.0 percent to $267,507.
Editor's Note: The HAR report, lightly edited, is used by permission. Find the full report at https://www.har.com/ content/department/mls.
First Colony Branch Library will host a plant swap on Saturday, May 24. File photo
The Greater Houston housing market remained solid and steady in April, with home prices and sales on pace with last year’s figures, according to the
Making the grad
Good afternoon, graduating class of 202 5. Today my commencement address will be short, unlike those addresses on other campuses where graduates and their families sit in the summer heat for three hours while they are given wise words of advice – onward and upward, that sort of thing. Well, if you don’t know the direction by now, it’s too late. So those commencement speeches are like being handed a GPS after you’ve arrived at your destination. Now to the point: You finally finished your studies at this institution after four or maybe five or six years, depending on how long your parents wanted to pay your bar bills.
During your time here, you studied, read and got AI to write your papers. Back when I was a student here we didn’t have AI so I had to write my essays and other papers the old-fashioned way: I simply plagiarized. Some of you are on the dean’s list, some are on the magna cum laude list and some of you demonstrated
ELynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
about the war in Gaza and now you’re listed with the local police, DPS and the Department of Homeland Security. This brings up a question many taxpayers are asking: if you feel so strongly about that conflict in the Middle East, why are you fighting in Texas? Your demonstrations, walkouts and lock-downs, arrests, court and judges, are costing me and every other taxpayer in Texas money. I notice several – actually many – empty seats. Those were supposed to be filled by your fellow students, but they unfortunately came from places like China, Honduras and Oklahoma. Those students were selected and sent here for an education because their governments and parents knew America had the world’s best institutions of
higher learning. In the past many foreign students liked it here and stayed, which enriched our society. Others went home but always loved America with our freedom, our football games and our pizza. Some of our most brilliant professors from elsewhere are now back in China nursing their life-long grudge against the ICE of Texas. The good news is that some of them were allowed to stay since they are considered Americans. They come from Canada and Greenland.
Many of you are looking for jobs, and there are a lot of openings. I’m thinking of air traffic controllers who can shout prayers to colliding passengers, can build 40-foot walls along the Rio and can get a job in charter schools without those nagging rules about a teaching degree, background checks and silly state rules on experience and sobriety. And you can put litter boxes in the school hallways all you want. There are openings for librarians who like to burn books that mention sex, incest, bloody wars and murdering helpless children. Obviously that includes the Bible. If you like to fire scientists who are
trying to cure cancer, warn us of approaching hurricanes and explain the Infield Fly Rule, there are opening at DOGE. Speaking of that, you can apply to be adopted by Elon Musk –13 is not enough. Jobs are particularly scarce for all of you who majored in philosophy, medieval history or journalism. But money is no problem for you athletes. Your NIL – that stands for name, image and likeness for you poetry majors – has already landed you so much cash that some of you athletes are staying in college instead of going pro because you’re making more money now. At UT, as of this past January, Arch Manning’s NIL deal valuation stood at $6.6 million. Manning refused to be drafted by the NFL because he couldn’t afford the pay cut. So it is that the rest of you may have a student debt. Actually most of you have a big, fat IOU. Fifty-five percent of students from public fouryear institutions have student loans. Forty-two percent of U.S. adults under 40 have student loan debt. The total debt is $1.77 trillion, The average federal student loan debt is now $39,075. Those are na-
tional figures. Here in Texas, we are doing slightly better. We have 893,000 students in debt for $33.1 billion, an average of $37,054. Why should I care what you owe? Because 16 percent of Americans with student loans are behind on their payments, and federal student loans make up 92 percent of all those deadbeats’ student loans. “Federal?” That’s me. By the way, don’t try to weasel out of your IOU by going to court and pleading poverty (the legal term is “no mo dinero”}.
In Texas most federal student loans cannot be discharged through bankruptcy. You almost dodged a debt collector. President Joe Biden waived up to $168.5 billion in student loans for about 4.76 million Americans. It was to be erased by the Department of Education. Two problems: President Donald Trump wants those loans paid off, and there is no more Department of Education. I mentioned earlier that there were some empty seats here today. Around your campus you may have noticed some empty offices. They were once the digs of
DEI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which sounds like a law firm. Trump’s lapdog, Gov. Greg Abbott, has banned all DEI offices from Texas public campuses. And the Trump administration is threatening to cancel all federal grants to schools which don’t abolish their DEI programs. This school has two choices: Bend its knee to Trump like Columbia University and keep all those billions in federal grants or refuse to cave in as did Harvard University, soon to be known as the Cambridge Condos.
In his commencement address at UT-Austin, retired U.S. Navy Admiral Bill McRaven said, “Make your bed.” That speech went over so well that he parlayed the slogan to being made chancellor of the University of Texas System. Considering your future today, my advice to you is: “Stay in bed.” Finally, assuming you do find work, next year another graduating class will be sitting in these very chairs, all thinking the same thing: “When I graduate, how can I take his job?” You have a one-year head start. Get busy. Ashby commences at ashby2@@comcast.net
Flannel dreams and feedback screams
veryone has seen a Nirvana t-shirt out in public. At some point, most of us even listened to an Alice in Chains song. In the early 1990s, an underground, raw music scene started to erupt. Grunge was one of the most controversial and influential genres of music…but why?
Each decade’s events play a monumental role in the output of music trends at that time. The 1970s were all about peace and love, as citizens struggled with the Vietnam War. The 1980s urged us to accept one another during the AIDS crisis.
As the ‘80s wrapped up, the world saw less of the big hair trend and Spandex clothes were being replaced with flannel (so much flannel),
Fort Bend County Libraries will present special reading challenges during the summer to encourage reading among children from birth and up, as well as teens and adults. “Color Our World” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which takes place at all FBCL locations.
Online registration for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge begins on Monday, May 26, and continues through August 31. Library activities for children begin during the week of June 2 and continue through July 26. Activities for high school students also begin the week of June 2 and continue through August 29.
Younger children will enjoy the “Summer Reading Challenge for Children,” while students in grades 6-8 can participate in activities for older kids in the “Middle School Summer Challenge.” Teens in high school can participate with adults in the “Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge” to win prizes. There is no charge to join the Summer Reading Challenge, and it is open to everyone, regardless of the county of residence.
Participants may register at any Fort Bend County library, or they may register online by going to the FBCL website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov) and clicking on the
Makenzi Cannon Youth Columnist
combat boots and Converse All-Stars. As independent record labels, like Sub Pop Records, began to gain traction, more underrated bands in the Pacific Northwest gained popularity. The ‘90s spread the idea of being individual and songwriters often chose to portray darker themes. An alternative rock genre and subculture was born. Grunge music fused elements of punk rock and heavy metal. It was, and still is, about surviving, overcom-
“SRC Sign-Up” image, which will become available on May 26. When the online registration form has been completed, readers will then have their own online page on which to record their books and reading time.
Participants may also register and log books/reading time by downloading the free Beanstack Tracker app to their mobile device from the Apple App or Google Play stores. Fort Bend County Libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge will appear as options when the program starts on May 26. Reading rewards can be redeemed beginning Monday, June 2. The last day to pick up awards is August 29. Prizes may be collected from any FBCL library. The Summer Reading Challenge is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries, the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system, and by the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality children’s summer-reading program materials for public libraries.
Summer Reading Challenge for Children
Younger children are encouraged to read or listen to as many books as they can, and they will earn rewards based on the total number
ing and just being yourself. The music of each decade doesn’t exist in a vacuum, though. It is shaped by what is happening in the world at that time. Music has always acted as both a reflection and a power of society. It captures world events and relays emotions, which can be too complicated to put into words. Grunge music was no exception. The early ‘90s were filled with uncertainty. The Cold War had recently ended and young people were starting to feel disconnected from the image the media was still pushing. There was a growing desire for authenticity within the midst of the hard times. The first most popular grunge bands were Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. They became collectively known
as The Flannel Four. They weren’t flashy or glamorous, just raw and honest. The Seattle area was the birthplace of this new wave of alternative music. Seattle was isolated from the major music cities, such as Los Angeles and New York. The local garage bands weren’t feeling the pressure to become mainstream. This freedom opened the door for the creative minds to explore deeper emotions. This need for realness and emotion is what gave grunge its power. As these bands became more popular, their music connected with people who were tired of fake-sounding pop songs and over-the-top rock stars. Fans wanted something that felt honest, something that matched how they were re -
ally feeling. Grunge wasn’t made to be popular; it was made to let out emotions. But because of that, it ended up speaking to a whole generation of people trying to figure out who they were and how to deal with a changing world. The shift in attitude during this period wasn’t just cultural, it was personal. Many felt overwhelmed by pressure to conform, unsure of their place in a rapidly changing society. The sounds and stories being created gave people a way to process that confusion. Through stripped-down expression and unfiltered emotion, artists captured a mood that had been building beneath the surface. The result wasn’t polished, but it was real, and that honesty struck a chord.
Grunge showed the world that music is more than just sound. It’s a reflection of what people are feeling and going through. It came from a time of confusion and change and gave a voice to those who felt lost or misunderstood. With its raw energy and honest lyrics, grunge became a symbol of staying true to yourself, no matter what. It proves that when the world shifts, music shifts with it. Cannon is a Ridge Point High School student, class of 2028, a volleyball player, and a member of Jenni's Rescue. If you are a Fort Bend County high-school-age student (public, private, charter, or homeschool) who might be interested in becoming a Youth Columnist, please send an email to editor@fortbendstar.com.
of books they read or have read to them. For the first five books read, the child will receive a bookmark. The rewards continue with a certificate for 10 books, a stackable colored pencil for 15 books, and a reading trophy for the first 20 books read. For every 20 books read, the participant’s name will also be written on a cut-out shape of a crayon to be displayed in that branch library. Drawings for puppets will take place weekly. The names of readers who complete the goal of reading 20 books or more will be entered into a
drawing for gift cards – donated by the Friends of the Library organizations – from area stores. One winner from each library location will be selected in a drawing that will take place in early September.
Middle School Summer Reading Challenge
Exciting free activities are planned, while area readers in grades 6-8 participate in the Middle School Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading.
Upon completion of 10
hours (600 minutes) of reading, readers will receive a mystery prize. After completing 20 hours (1200 minutes) of reading, they will receive a trophy. The names of participants who complete 20 or more hours of reading will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library – that will be awarded to one lucky reader at each branch library, in a drawing that will take place in early September.
Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge
Adults of all ages, as well
as teens in high school, may participate in the Teen/Adult Summer Reading Challenge by logging online the time they spend reading. Special activities for high school-age teens are planned throughout the summer at the libraries. All teen and adult readers who complete the goal of reading for 1,000 minutes will earn a tie-dye pen case, while supplies last. In addition, the names of participants who log at least 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a $25-gift card – donated by the Friends of the Library – that will be awarded to one reader at each branch library in a drawing that will take place at the end of August.
An ultimate grand prize will be awarded to one reader from throughout the library system. Participants in the YA/Adult Summer Reading Challenge who complete the program by logging 1,000 minutes of reading time will be entered into a drawing for a 32 GB Fire HD 8 tablet with a red case, which will be awarded to one winner in the library system at the end of August.
For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the branch library nearest you or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
Children, teens, and adults can compete to win trophies in Fort Bend County Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenges. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
• Emma H. Wu, Dulles High School,Probable career field: Computer Science
The announcement marks the second round of winners in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Four FBISD students were awarded corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships in April. Additional recipients of college-sponsored Merit Scholarships will be an -
nounced on June 4 and July 14. The winners were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools including their academic records, scores from PSAT/NMSQT®; participation in school and community activities; essays and recommendations written by high school officials. The $2500 scholarships are financed by the NMSC.
ent people and cultures that share this geographic space.
time, many are concerned about inequality, affordability and safety,” the institute said in a news release.
The new report paints a picture of a region that is growing in population fast, which much of that growth coming from outside the United States, especially in Fort Bend.
“From 2010 to 2023, which is the most recent year for which data are available, both Fort Bend and Montgomery counties grew by 55 percent,” the report states. “In Fort Bend, more than 325,000 new residents moved into the county, including almost 140,000 residents who were born outside the U.S.,” the highest number among the three counties during that period.
Harris County added 215,000 households from 2010 to 2013 (excluding those in the city of Houston), and Houston added nearly 180,000, compared to 120,000 in Fort Bend and 100,000 in Montgomery, according to the report. Fort Bend joins its neighbor cities in seeing an overall decline in the size of families, from 3.16 people per household in 2010 to 3.00 in 2023.
“When asked what they thought was ‘the best thing about living in the Houston area,’ residents from Fort Bend, Harris, and Montgomery counties provided responses that fit into three broad categories: the people, the economic opportunities, and the activities,” according to the report.
The area’s increasing diversity was seen by most as an overall positive, especially among those in Fort Bend, which most experts say is one of the most diverse counties in the country.
“When referring to the people, residents frequently called attention to the Houston area’s diversity and the many differ-
Overall, about a quarter highlighted diversity as the best thing about living in Houston, and it was the most common response given by Fort Bend and Harris County residents,” the report states.
According to the report, more than half of the residents of the three counties were either born in the area or moved here as children. In Fort Bend, 47 percent of respondents said they moved to the region as an adult. Nearly one-quarter of both Fort Bend and Harris County residents said they had lived in their local community for less than five years, according to the report.
Some of the key takeaways from the report, according to the institute:
People in all three counties tend to rate their quality of life as good, very good or excellent with Harris County reporting slightly lower (71%) rates compared to Fort Bend (83%) and Montgomery counties (80%)
Yet 40% have considered leaving the region; 16% said it is very likely or extremely likely they’ll move.
Top concerns include crime (25% in Harris County) — even as crime rates are falling — and traffic (about 1 in 4 in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties), suggesting a return to pre-pandemic commuting patterns.
Residents across all counties say immigrants contribute more than they take from the economy with Harris (71%) and Fort Bend (72%) counties leading. Majorities in Harris (64%) and Fort Bend (56%) counties also agreed that undocumented immigrants contributed more than they take, while 48% of Montgomery County residents said the same.
To read the full report, visit kinder.rice.edu/research/ kinder-houston-area-survey2025-results.
they formally handed over the reins, Garcia and Hamilton both thanked their supporters (Garcia also thanked those who had voted against him) and their spouses for holding their households together while they put in the oftengrueling hours it takes to fulfill the duties of their unpaid positions.
“I want to say thank you to the teachers, and the administrators, and all of the wonderful people we have employed here at Fort Bend ISD,” Hamilton said. “We have a lot of challenges and a lot of issues, and it’s been a great pleasure to work through the challenges and identify solutions, and to try to come together and try to do what’s best for all almost 80,000 students and all of our teachers and families.”
“I feel like I’ve grown as a person in many ways, and I know a lot more about how public education works, and about how public education finance works,” he said.
He also congratulated Wierzbicki and Charania to the board. “This challenge is going to be a lot more of a you realize
at this point, and I hope you come in with humility and looking to serve, and I’m confident that you will.”
Garcia, who is a product of Fort Bend ISD, said he ran for the board to help serve a district that had done mush for him and his family. “My goal coming in was to make the district better than how I came in, and I think we’ve done that.”
“We’re all here for the right reasons, we’re all here to serve,” he said. “It’s all about moving the needle, all about education outcomes, keeping our students safe, our teachers safe, our staff safe. Staying focused on those things, I think it’s very important. Just focus on doing what you think is best for the community, for the kids.”
After other board members thanked Garcia and Hamilton for their service, the two new board members were officially sworn in to their offices. Charania, with her son standing beside her, was sworn in by her own father, while Wierzbicki, with a cousin and a friend beside her, was sworn in by Missouri City Council member Lynn Clouser. Each received loud applause and cheering from the packed audience portion of the boardroom.
After taking her place behind the
dais, Charania thanked those who voted for her. “And for those that didn’t, I will work extra hard to gain your confidence and your trust. I hope you guys keep me in your prayers so I can live up to your trust, and serve you guys with integrity and humility.”
Wierzbicki said she would work to maintain her integrity while on the board. “There will be tough decisions. You won’t agree with everything I have to do, but I will make sure I will fight for everybody.”
Afterward, the newly constituted board moved into executive session to elect new board members. They emerged nearly two-and-a-half hours later and voted unanimously to reelect Position 6 trustee Kristin Tassin as board president. Hanan was elected vice-president, and Rose-Gilliam elected secretary, with Position 2 trustee Adam Schoof the sole vote against both. By Monday, it remained unclear when and how the board would replace Position 5 trustee Sonya Jones, who announced in a Facebook posting late on May 5, after the election results were released, that she would be resigning from the board because of a job opportunity.
Summer reading challenge kick-off set for May 31
Fort Bend County Libraries will celebrate the start of summer with a Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off Party on Saturday, May 31, from 2-4 p.m., at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.
Readers of all ages are invited to this free library-wide event that includes carnival games, face-painting, crafts, a scavenger hunt, prizes, and more.
Raffles for puppets will take place at 3 p.m, 3:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.. Winners must be present to claim their priz
Attendees can pick up a scavenger hunt and explore stations throughout the library to make crafts, play games, get a bookmark, research a birthday, and more. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will be rewarded with a prize packet (while supplies last).
Library staff will be available to answer questions about FBCL’s Summer Reading Challenge and to help with registration. (See more information about the challenge on Page 3.)
FBCL’s Summer Reading Challenge is for readers of all ages – from newborns to seniors. Younger readers can earn rewards for the number of books they read or that are read to them, while teen and adult readers can track the time they spend reading to
Fort Bend County Libraries will hold a Summer Reading Challenge Kick-Off Party on May 31 at the George Memorial Library. File photo
meet their goal. Everyone who completes the challenge by the end of August will be entered into a drawing for a grand prize!
Children have looked forward to FBCL’s Summer Reading Challenge (SRC) since 1967. The annual SRC trophy has been a goal for multiple generations. The
popularity of the program inspired FBCL to expand the program to teens and adults who had grown up discovering a love of reading through FBCL’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Materials for this event are made possible by the Friends of the George Memorial Library.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge or to register online, visit FBCL’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov/2025-SRC) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281633-4734) or any of FBCL’s branch libraries.
Ivey's six shutout innings power Space Cowboys to series sweep over Reno
Community Reports
RHP Tyler Ivey’s six-shutout innings and a three-run seventh, punctuated by Collin Price’s solo homer, led to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys’ (27-18) 3-0 win over the Reno Aces (21-24) on Sunday at Constellation Field. Sunday was Sugar Land’s second shutout of the series and sixth of their campaign. The Space Cowboys also earned their first series sweep of the season and their first six-game series sweep since June 6-11, 2024 against the Salt Lake Bees.
Collin Price pummeled a 1-0 fastball 421-feet to left-center for a solo homer, his seventh home run of the campaign, as the Space Cowboys took a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Sugar Land stretched their advantage. Luis Castro and Tommy Sacco Jr. drew walks before Castro came around to score due to an error on the catcher Michael Perez on a pickoff attempt at first. The Space Cowboys made it 3-0 on a two-out RBI single from Zack Short, scoring Sacco Jr.
In the first, Iveymade quick work of the Aces, retiring the side in order with an inningending strikeout on 11 pitches before firing a perfect second with another inning-ending punchout on 15 pitches.
In the third, Ivey hurled a 1-2-3 frame with two punchouts, running his ledger to four strikeouts through three innings while not allowing a baserunner.
Luis Guillorme picked up Sugar Land’s first hit of the game in the bottom of the fourth, labeling a lead-off double down the left-field line before Jesús Bastidas walked. In the ensuing at-bat, the two executed a double steal, putting two runners in scoring position with nobody out. However, the next three Sugar Land batters could not bring them in, stranding the runners as the two sides stayed tied 0-0 heading into the fifth. Reno threatened in the top of the fifth as Trey Mancini singled and Blaze Alexander reached on an error, but Ivey left them on by fanning the next two Aces hitters before forcing Jesus Valdez into a flyout.
After a scoreless sixth for both sides, the first two Reno runners reached base in the seventh before RHP Nick Hernandez (W, 2-1) came on in relief. Hernandez kept the Aces off the board by inducing a double play before forcing Cristian Pache to groundout.
UH Branch Library to host class on organizing legal affairs
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library will present “Getting Your Legal Affairs in Order” – a program in the Senior Series for older adults and their family members – on Friday, May 23, beginning at 10:30 a.m., in Meeting Room 1 of the library, 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus.
Liz McNeel, a senior realestate specialist and certified senior-housing professional, will moderate a panel of experts who will talk about ways to simplify the legal-planning process and navigate the critical decisions that come with aging.
Attendees will learn about must-have legal documents, effective estate planning,
long-term care options, and the roles of guardianship and conservatorship.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), or call the University Branch Library (281-633-5100) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: Park inside the gated lot (VISITOR LOT 4). Bring the parking-ticket stub to the check-out desk inside the library to be validated by library staff. Parking is FREE if the ticket is validated by the library. Parking outside the gated lot may result in a parking violation from the University of Houston.
Senior real-estate specialist and certified senior-housing professional Liz McNeel will moderate a panel discussion about ways to simplify the legal-planning process and navigate the critical decisions that come with aging at the UH Branch Library on May 23. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
Ivey finished with 6.0 innings with 8 strikeouts and no runs.
LHP Blake Weiman (H, 1) stranded an inherited runner in a scoreless eighth, and RHP Luis Contreras (S,4) closed out the series sweep by blanking Reno in the ninth as the Space Cowboys took the series finale, 3-0.
NOTABLE: · Tyler Ivey pitched 6.0+ innings on Sunday, the longest outing of his Triple-A career and his first time hurling 6.0 innings since August 9, 2019 with Corpus Christi. He also registered eight strikeouts, another Triple-A career high, the first time with 8 punchouts for the righty since May 11, 2019 with Corpus Christi. Ivey has not allowed an earned run in two other appearances this season, but Sunday was his first scoreless outing since April 13 against the Albuquerque Isotopes.
· With a walk and a hit by pitch, Luis Castro extended his on-base streak to 10 games where he is 15-for-36 (.417) with four doubles, two home runs, 13 RBI, four walks and eight runs scored.
· Tommy Sacco Jr. walked in the seventh on Sunday and scored. He has reached base safely in 12 of his last 14 games, going 13-for-44 (.295) with two doubles, a home run, six RBI and 10 runs scored.
· With walks in the fourth and the eighth, Jesús Bastidas extended his on-base streak to
12 games, the longest active Space Cowboys streak. During the on-base streak, Bastidas is 13-for-42 (.310) with two doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI, five walks and 11 runs scored. Bastidas has four multi-walk games this season but today was his first in the month of May.
· Zack Short picked up an RBI single in the seventh, his 11th game reaching base in his last 13. Over that span, Short has two doubles, three homers, 10 walks and 7 RBI. · Luis Contreras earned his fourth save of the season, the most on the Sugar Land roster. Contreras came into today’s game tied for seventh in the PCL in saves.
· As of Sunday, the Space Cowboys are currently on an 11-game winning streak, the longest in franchise history, and the longest active winning streak in professional baseball after the Minnesota Twins lost on Sunday.
This article is provided by the marketing office of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, and is used by permission.
LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS
WORD SCRAMBLE
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
FOR NON- PROFIT EVENTS
ONGOING
REMEMBERING DIRECTOR W.J. “JIM” ESTELLE
There will be a gathering on Saturday May 17, 2025, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Texas Prison Museum in Hunstville to remember and to pay tribute to the legacy of W. J. “Jim” Estelle, former Director of the Texas Department of Corrections (TDC). Director Estelle’s tenure spanned the years of 1972 through 1982. Director Estelle passed away February 13, 2025, in El Dorado Hills, Ca. All past employees and friends of Director Estelle are cordially invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact David Stacks at the Texas Prison Museum at (936) 295-2155. The museum is located at 491 TX-75 N, Huntsville, Texas, 77320.
CAR WASH FOR KIDS IS APRIL 27TH TEENS
RAISE AWARENESS FOR AUTISTIC PEERS
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of fun and giving back! Car Wash for Kids is on April 27th and sponsored by Sugar Land Baptist Church and OCuSOFT. The event will take place at C & C Dental, 17003 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm Join Hope For Three Teen Huddle and over 100 energetic teen volunteers from around Fort Bend County as they rev up to celebrate Autism Awareness Month and promote acceptance. Student teens from local schools will hand wash your car with an eco-friendly solution—FREE! Donations are encouraged to support local families living with autism. Want to get involved? There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, donate or sponsor! Come out for a day of community, fun, and making a difference. For more details or autism resources, visit www.hopeforthree.org/events, call 281-245-0640, email events@hopeforthree.org
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 restau rants. 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 281785-7372 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 Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195.
EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial. com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!
MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801
Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.
