WEDNESDAY • JULY 23, 2025
Fresno man sentenced to 48 years in car burglaryturned murder
Fort Bend County Fair entertainment lineup announced
Community Reports
The Fort Bend County Fair Association has announced the entertainment lineup for the 89th Annual Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo, featuring 15 artists across two stages from BBQ Weekend, September 19 and 20, to the fair’s run, September 26October 5, 2025.
The Brazos and Texas stages will feature amix of musical talent, ranging from Texas country and high-energy Tejano to Country soul
and rising stars in traditional country music. Notable headliners include returning fan favorite Kevin Fowler, a staple of the Texas country scene, best known for his hit “Beer, Bait & Ammo.”
Returning this year is Wade Bowen, celebrated for heartfelt tracks like “Who I Am”. Country music legend Gene Watson, with over 75 charted singles and a career spanning more than five decades, he will also be taking the stage.
Two powerhouse groups
will be hosted by the Go Tejano committee at the 2025 Fort Bend County Fair. Headlining the evening are Los Igualados, the dynamic six-member group from the Rio Grande Valley, whose unique blend of norteño and romantic cumbia has captivated fans and created a tremendous large audience.
Opening the festivities will be Los Morales, a tight-knit group of three brothers and a lifelong friend who perform a mix of “guapachosa” cumbias and Tejano rancheras.
Other headliners include Cole Goodwin, a rising 24-year-old singer-song
writer from Georgia. He burst onto the scene with his self-produced EP, “Soon Enough,” in 2023, and in 2024, he gained traction with fan-favorite singles like “When You Get Home,” which amassed over 400,000 views on social media. This summer, he has been on tour with Luke Bryan. Josh Weathers
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS DISCUSS CRIME STATS AT ‘STATE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE’ EVENT
Staff Reports
A Fort Bend County jury recently sentenced a Fresno man 48 years in prison after convicting him of murder. Yosiah Spencer, 24, was charged with killing a Missouri City man during a car burglary in 2020, according to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
According to Assistant District Attorney Janie Korah, lead prosecutor, in the early morning hours of November 19, 2020, Spencer broke into a vehicle parked in the driveway of a Missouri City home. A resident of the home, Bryan Curry, came outside and approached the car while Spencer was still inside. Spencer almost immediately shot Curry from within the vehicle, according to prosecutors.
Spencer subsequently fled with belongings from the burglarized car. Through investigation by the Houston Police Department, Spencer was identified and charged with the Curry’s murder.
“The defendant took the life of Bryan Curry, a dedicated father of seven, beloved brother, son, uncle, family member and friend to many, over mere possessions,” Korah said in a news release. “The jury heard details of Yosiah Spencer’s actions and in turn rendered a just verdict, sending a message on behalf of Fort Bend County.”
“It is fundamental to freedom that we should be safe from harm at our homes. The defendant violated that freedom and senselessly took Mr. Curry’s life in the process,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release. “Yosiah Spencer’s 48-year sentence is a just punishment for his crime, but no sentence will relieve the suffering of Mr. Curry’s family.” Korah and Assistant District Attorney Chimaobi Nwankwo tried the case in the 268th District Court before Presiding Judge Steve Rogers. Murder in this case is
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
While crime levels are keeping pace with Fort Bend County’s rapid growth, leaders say the county’s approach to law enforcement is working. leaders said at a forum last week.
For the second year in a row, leaders of many of Fort Bend County’s law enforcement agencies gathered at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond for the “State of Criminal Justice Summit.” The now-annual event is spearheaded by Fort Bend District Attorney Brian Middleton, and was presented by the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce.
As with the inaugural event last year, this year’s edition drew upon the findings in a multi-jurisdictional study recently concluded meant to determine the actual crime rates in Fort Bend County with context. This year’s study was again led by two criminal justice professors at the University of Houston-Downtown, Beth Gilmore
and Kevin Buckler.
According to the study’s key findings, crime figures in Fort Bend County since last year remain relatively stable, with some fluctuations in categories of crime. Offenses against persons in 2024 (the period covered by the study) remained relatively stable (831.5 per 100,000), with a slight uptick from 2023. Property offenses declined 3.4 percent from 2023 to 2024, according to the study, while offenses against society, such as drug and weapon violation, dropped 16.9 percent.
The study notes that Fort Bend County’s rapid increase in population, from 818,027 in 2020 to 958,434 in 2024 has “heightened public safety demands.”
According to the study, clearance rates (that is, the resolution of reported crimes by law enforcement) of crimes against people across the county remained “consistently strong” at around 70 percent, but clearance rates of property crimes were “con-
sistently low,” at around 13 percent, highlighting “persistent investigatory challenges county-wide.”
According to the report, many crimes, such sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, remain underreported, especially during crises like COVID-19, which distorts the true crime rate.
“Fort Bend County is a national model in demographic diversity and community policing innovation,” the report’s executive summary concludes. “With unprecedented growth, demographic diversity, and a foundation of trust-building, it has the tools to lead statewide reforms in justice, transparency, and safety. To sustain public safety amid rapid growth, cross-sector coordination, legislative foresight, and continued investment in both technology and human capital are imperative. Coordinated investment and sustained innovation are key to ensuring a safe and equitable future for all residents.
The main feature of the summit
was a panel discussion featuring Middleton, study author Gilmore, Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan, Richmond Police Chief Jeff Craig, Sugar Land Police Chief Pete Lara, Fulshear Police Chief Kenny Seymour, with Fort Bend County First Assistant District Attorney Ibrahim Khawaja serving as moderator. Khawaja introduced a series of videos that detailed various aspects of the report and how it was compiled, many of them featuring the panelists, who added context to the items discussed.
Middleton said that the purpose of the report was to provide an accurate assessment of the level of crime in Fort Bend County.
“Some years ago, there were a lot of false rumors being spread about what was happening in our county,” he said. “Being in criminal justice, we knew a lot of what was being said was false.”
Library system says patrons’ data not compromised in attack
Staff Reports
Months after first acknowledging a cybersecurity attack that has wrecked havoc on its computer systems, the Fort Bend County Libraries system recently provided the public an update, saying patrons’ data was not compromised in the attack. In March, library system director Roosevelt Weeks issued a statement on the system’s website acknowledging the attack, which at that point had all but shut down the system’s computer services for two weeks. Week’s statement followed a special called meeting of the Fort Bend County Commissioners, who with almost no public discussion voted unanimously to hire the services
of several information technology firms and a law firm to deal with the incident. Since then, county officials have remained largely mum on the incident. The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office has acknowledged that it has launched a criminal investigation of the attack, but thus far has offered no details about the investigation. A recent report by an investigative team by ABC-13, based on open records requests, said that it uncovered documents stating that the attack was a ransomware attack, in which criminals attack the computer systems of large entities, including public entities, and demand large ransoms. The Fort Bend Star has not independently confirmed the ABC-13 report.
Below is the text of Weeks’s most recent update, posted on July 11.
Library Technology Rebuild –Progress Update First and foremost, thank you for your extraordinary patience as we work through the aftermath of the recent cybersecurity attack. Our team, in close partnership with County IT, continues to make steady progress toward a safer, more capable library system. Below is the latest on where things stand, why the rebuild is taking time, and, importantly, what we know (and don’t know) about any potential data exposure.
Fort Bend County law enforcement officials participate in a panel discussion during the second annual “State of Criminal Justice” summit last week. From left: Researcher Beth Gilmore, Richmond Police Chief Jeff Craig, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan, Fulshear Police Chief Kenny Seymour, and Sugar Land Police Chief Pete Lara. Photo by Ken Fountain
A Fort Bend County jury recently convicted Yosiah Spencer, 24, of Fresno, to 48 years in prison of murder of a Missouri City man during a car burglary.
Courtesy Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office
George Memorial Library to host introduction to genealogy program
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Genealogy and Local History Department staff will present a program on Friday, July 25 to help family-history researchers pursue their genealogy search at the George Memorial Library. The class, “FamilyHistory Research: Beginning Genealogy” will take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m, in the Computer Lab of the library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. In this introductory program, beginning familyhistory researchers will learn how to start their research. Library staff will provide a basic introduction to many of the resources that are available to the beginning genealogical researcher in FBCL’s Genealogy and Local History department. Items that will be introduced
include print resources, materials that are available on microfilm, and basic online tools such as the Ancestry. com and FamilySearch database. Learn how to fill out basic genealogical forms and organize one’s research. The class is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library’s Genealogy and Local History Department (281-341-2608), or by visiting the department at the library.
Those interested in more local-history or genealogy resources are encouraged to join the Family-History Research
FBCL Facebook group page.
Managed by the Genealogy & Local History department at George Memorial Library, the
group is an interactive, online forum for sharing genealogy tips and resources, as well as local-history stories.
Mission Bend library to offer program on job-hunting resources
Community Reports
Folks looking for a job or considering a career change can avoid pounding the pavement with all the other job hunters by doing some little preliminary leg work at the library.
Fort Bend County Libraries’ Mission Bend Branch Library will present a demonstration of FBCL’s “Job-Search Databases & Online Resources” on Monday, July 28, from 6-7 p.m., in the Computer Lab of the library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road.
Library staff will demonstrate how to navigate some of the libraries’ free online resources for job hungers,
including Big Interview and LinkedIn Learning for Libraries. Attendees will learn how these tools can be used to improve skills and create a résumé that will attract the attention of potential employers. The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, and registration is required. To register online at the library system’s website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select “Mission Bend Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library (832-471-5900), or by visiting the Adult Services desk at the library.
Community Reports
Fort Bend County Libraries invites the public to visit the library system’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ FortBendCountyLibraries) or Instagram account (@ fbclibraries) to vote on the entrees for the “We Are Fort Bend: Vibrant Colors of Fort Bend” Photography Contest. Voting for the People’s Choice Award will take place July 24 through August 6. Photographs will be anonymous until after the judging is complete. The winning entries will be announced at an Opening Day Reception and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 9, at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. There are two opportunities for winning: a Judges’ Choice for 1st-, 2nd-, and
3rd-place, and a People’s Choice for 1st- and 2nd-place. The prizes are sponsored by the Friends of the George Memorial Library. The photos will be on display in the Bohachevsky Gallery at George Memorial Library in Richmond from August 9 through September 26.
Amateur photographers of all skill levels were invited to enter original, photographs that portray the culture, nature, people, and places of Fort Bend County as they relate to the theme of “Vibrant Colors of Fort Bend.”
There is no fee for voting on the photographs. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www. fortbendlibraries.gov) or call the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734.
The George Memorial Library will host an introductory program on genealogy on Friday, July 25. File photo
THE TV – “It’s depraved and despicable.” “We need an investigation.” “It’s like a football game.” The Fourth of July tragedy in the Texas Hill Country, especially at Camp Mystic, has gripped the state and much of the nation. As with any such major event these days we take sides, we point fingers – usually the middle one – and play the blame game. But has anyone heard anyone say, “It’s my fault. I messed up.”? I haven’t. What we are hearing, predictably, is a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. It’s not the feds’ fault. Certainly not President Donald Trump’s or Gov. Greg Abbott’s fault. Maybe the Texas legislators or local county and city officials are to blame. I blame the press, and I am not alone. So let’s sort this out.
First, we all know what happened. But why did it happen? Was it preventable? The local leaders received three warnings overnight. Four of them before the City of Kerrville’s Police Department issued a warning in a post on its Facebook page. That was 5:16 a.m. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office posted a warning at 5:32, again on Facebook. As
The buck stops over there
LYNN ASHBY Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
late as 6:22 a.m., Kerrville City Hall was posting, also on Facebook, that “much needed rain” had swept through the region and might affect “today’s scheduled July 4th festivities.”
How about sirens? Some 20 miles from Hunt is Comfort which has a siren system that sounded and Comfort got off, well, comfortably. They even test it every noon which, the locals say, let’s them set their watches. That part of Texas has long been called Flash Flood Alley, and is one of the most dangerous regions for flash flooding in the U.S. Kerr County officials contemplated installing a flood warning system along the Guadalupe River eight years ago, but finally rejected the idea figuring it too expensive.
It would cost roughly $1 million for the project to better protect the county’s 50,000 residents, campers and tourists. That would be about as much as the county spends on courthouse security every two years. So we might blame Kerr County and city officials.
At least three times between 2017 and 2024 local officials asked the state for funds for a warning project. Each time the appeal was rejected. This brings us to the state. Gov. Abbott said at a post-flood press conference, “The state was aware that there was a possible serious flooding event days in advance and pre-positioned assets and resources and personnel.” That’s odd. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said that he wasn’t aware of any resources or personnel sent to his area, although the Texas Division of Emergency Management had people in Kerrville after (after?) the floods.
Our guv had these consoling words for Texans, telling a reporter: “You asked and I’m going to use your words, ‘Who’s to blame?’ Know this, that’s the word choice of losers.” He continued, in part: “Let me explain one thing about Texas.
Every square inch of our state cares about football. Every football team makes mistakes. The losing teams are the ones who try to point out who is to blame. The championship teams are the ones who say don’t worry about it, we got this.” Gov. Abbott has added flood warning systems to the agenda for a special legislative session scheduled for later this month. The horse is long gone so let’s close the barn door.
As for the feds, the National Weather Service (NWS) employee whose job it was to make sure the warnings got traction – a long-serving meteorologist in charge of “warning coordination” — had recently taken an unplanned early retirement amid cuts pushed by the Trump administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. He was not replaced. DOGE has gutted NOAA and the NWS and fired weather experts who have warned the Texas Gulf coast that hurricanes are coming. And poor FEMA. Trump wants to shutter the agency and shift responsibility and costs to the states. Now that transfer is on hold. Not good timing. Some so-called “experts” say
Never enough
the flooding was another manifestation of climate change. That’s a dirty word in Washington. In Texas the first draft of a plan from the Texas Water Development Board, a 267-page report, did not use the phrase “climate change.” I doubt the final report included that.
Incidentally, I love the Hill Country. In my family over the years, five girls went to Camp Waldemar and nine boys attended Camp La Junta. The center of Hunt is the Store. Once I was kicked out because I was barefoot. Now we come to the blame game. Conspiracy-theorists blamed cloud seeding.
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted that she would introduce a bill to “end the dangerous and deadly practice of weather modification and geoengineering.” When Gov. Abbott likened the blame to a football game, he punted. Trump suggested cuts at the NWS didn’t matter, but added: “If you look at that, what a situation that all is, and that was really the Biden setup. That was not our setup, but I wouldn’t blame Biden for it either,” Trump said after a weekend at his golf club.
Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer asked the U.S. Commerce Department to investigate whether cuts and staffing shortages at the Weather Service had contributed to the tragedy. Good luck, Chuck. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the cuts weren’t to blame; the water was. “I’ll tell you: You look at that water situation, that was really the Biden setup,” he said. “That was not our setup. But I wouldn’t blame Biden.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said efforts by some on the left and the media to exploit the disaster politically were “depraved and despicable.”
Gen. Robert E. Lee said to Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox at the Battle of Gettysburg after the failure of Pickett’s Charge: “Never mind, General, all this has been my fault; it is I that have lost this fight, and you must help me out of it in the best way you can.” No wonder they tore down Lee’s statues. Ashby is blameless at ashby2@comcast.net
Pre-School
Complimented on our reading skills and desire to learn
Running around the playground bursting with joy
Our worries are snack time and scraped knees
We are explorers, superheroes, artists with no fear of being wrong
Kinder and First
Paintings of sea creatures and friendships from tag
We laugh uncontrollably and sing songs loud and proud
Playing games with the boys even though we are girls
We do not measure ourselves
Second and Third Grade
Playing and laughing but something changed
A voice in our heads telling us to keep up
Teachers praise the smart ones,
EVA K. MORRIS Youth Columnist
Coaches, the athletic ones
We want the gold stars, the thumbs up, the feeling of winning
Fourth Grade
Girls are smaller, quieter, more delicate
Clothes always match
Hair always nice
Wondering is our laugh is too loud, our presence too much
We are more careful, more aware, more uncertain
Fifth Grade
Stop sharing how much we
love learning
Never answering questions
we know the answers to
Staying quiet not to stand out
Changing how we speak, dress, move
Believing blending in is the way to belong
We are never the first choice, never enough, never seen
Sixth Grade
The world has shut down
Sitting behind screens
Too much time to think, And most of our thoughts are not kind
Looking prettier through the pixels
We wish to be anyone but us
Seventh Grade
Losing ourselves
Everyone is happier, prettier, more wanted
Wanting to be invited, complimented, noticed
Dressing like them, talk like them, laugh like them
Still feeling behind
Seeing only what is wrong
Changing more things, hoping we can feel better
But the more we compare, the more we disappear
Eighth Grade
Pulling away, No texting back
Remaining unseen
Smiling in pictures
Crying afterward Sadness swallows everything
Our vision clouds
Ninth grade
Wearing a mask and calling it survival
Forcing smiles and laughter
Pushing through each day
Wanting a mirror I do not
avoid
Be pretty, be happy
Depression digs in
The mask that holds us together shatters
We are in pieces
Tenth grade
Done trying to be perfect
Choosing rest over performance,
Healing over hiding
Embracing being us
Dark veil starts to lift
Able to smile for the first time in years
No longer chasing approval and
Trusting our own voice
Stop letting the world measure us.
Eleventh Grade
We will keep choosing to heal, even when it’s hard
We will begin trusting the girl we buried for so long
We will let go of who we thought we had to be
We will learn recovery is not a straight line
We will forgive the versions of us who only knew to hide
We will find joy in little things and peace in quiet ones
We will build a life that doesn’t need to to be perfect
We will stop waiting to be enough
Morris is a Ridge Point High School student, class of 2027, a varsity tennis player, and an active member of JCC Maccabi Houston.
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.
In new film, is being ‘good’ the new cool?
So, I went to see the new “Superman” movie last week.
No, this column isn’t going to be a full-fledged movie review, even though it will sometimes intersect with that territory. I don’t plan to encourage anyone to see or avoid the movie, but I do want to talk a bit about what the new movie, and the character of Superman, represents in our current political and cultural moment.
I’d known the movie was coming up, but I hadn’t been terribly excited about the prospect. I’ve had a something of a love-hate relationship with the ubiquitous superhero movie genre over the past couple of decades, and yet another reboot of the “Man of Steel” franchise seemed like it might be a bridge too far. But I was willing to keep an open mind.
My own history with Superman goes back to my earliest days reading comic books. Like many young nerds (er, enthusiasts), I began with reading DC comics. I was drawn mostly to Batman, no doubt largely from watching afternoon reruns of the campy 1960s television series, but also perhaps because I found him more identifiable than the indestructible and all-powerful son of Krypton. But Superman was always in the mix. Later, as a middle-schooler, I graduated to Marvel, with its ensemble of complicated, angst-ridden heroes like Spider-Man (my favorite) and Daredevil. In the minds of gawky teenagers, DC was “square,” while Marvel was “hip.” But right about then was when the first “Superman” movie starring the then-unknown Christopher Reeve was released. The movie, released about a year after the original “Star Wars,” was part of a cultural moment that America really seemed to need at the time, the late 1970s. Coming off the turmoil of the 1960s
and early ‘70s, with the civil rights battles, the war in Vietnam and the Watergate scandal still fresh in our memories, those films harkened back to a near-mythical image of who we were as a people. Dealing with a lot of the usual adolescent angst along with a healthy sampling of other turmoil in my life, I was in particular need of that kind of message as well. The second “Superman” film a few years later was very good. The next two entries with Reeve were more disappointing, even if Reeve remained dependably heroic in the role. About two decades later, after Reeve’s untimely death, there was a reboot called “Superman Returns,” which was billed as a direct sequel to the second Reeve film. It was good enough, but not earth-shattering in any sense. I paid almost no attention to the most recent reboot series, which by most accounts seemed pretty grim. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t need Superman to be grim.
But as the publicity and early reviews of the new film began to trickle out, I felt an odd sense of excitement. The film is written and directed by James Gunn, the creative force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the first of which I saw and really enjoyed. The buzz about the new “Superman” was that it brought the character back to his idealistic, perhaps even corny, roots. After walking out of the theater, I’m here to tell you it does just that, and right on time. Judging by its
box-office success, America (and the world) agrees.
Let me just say: this is not the Christopher Reeve “Superman.” While that first movie had a lot of humor, it also took itself very seriously, especially in the first half as we see THE Marlon Brando, no less, appearing as scientist Jor-El, sending his infant son Kal-El to Earth from the doomed planet Krypton. Those early scenes, with Kal-El becoming Clark Kent, the adopted son of Kansas farmers-turned-reporter/ superhero, sometimes seem like a comic book movie as directed by David Lean of “Lawrence of Arabia” fame.
This new film has a very different take. It begins in the midst of the action, with Superman actually being bested in battle for the first time. Then we have the introduction of Krypto, a dog with superpowers and a red cape. We don’t actually learn how Kpyto (a character who appeared in the comics but never before on screen) actually fits into the story until near the very end of the film. But by then, the audience has become accustomed to the movie’s comedic rhythms, and it makes
perfect sense. I’m not going to delve too much into the story. I went into the movie with very little information, and I think that’s the best way to do it. If you’re a longtime Superman fan, you will encounter a lot of surprising, sometimes even disconcerting, revelations. The story is very frenetic, even hard to follow at times, but the more willing you are to suspend disbelief (it’s a movie about an all-powerful superhero from another planet, after all), the better. For all of the fast-moving action and awesome special effects (and they are indeed awesome), I actually found the movie’s earnest tone the thing that was most interesting. And the very best scene, for my money, is one where there is no action or special effects at all. It’s where Lois Lane, Clark Kent’s colleague at the Daily Planet (and recent girlfriend) is interviewing Kent as “Superman” in her apartment. If you’re keeping score at home, there is a similar scene in the first Christopher Reeve film in which Superman is interviewed in the beautiful Lane’s apartment. (Speaking from long experience as a
mild-mannered reporter, I can tell you this almost never happens in real life.)
The scene is just two people talking in a room about important matters. Specifically, Superman’s recent intervention, outside the auspices of the U.S. government, in an imminent conflict between two fictional countries. The aggressor nation seems vaguely Eastern European, while the nation being targeted seems vaguely Central Asian or Middle Eastern, a point that has led to much debate in the political sphere. Clark and Lois (played excellently by David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, respectively) stake out their viewpoints passionately, but with mutual respect. Clark, er Superman, insists he was representing only himself and the desire to save people from a horrendous fate, or put more simply, “do good.”
Some folks have made the claim that this is an example of the film’s (and by extension, the Hollywood elites’) desire to seem “woke.” They seem to have missed the point that doing good was always what Superman was about. In the corresponding scene in that
first Christopher Reeve film, Lois asks Superman why he’s come to Earth. “I’m here to fight for truth, and justice, and the American way,” he responds. Lois cynically retorts that he’s “going to end up fighting every elected official in this country.” But Superman, ever earnest, means it. In our own time, many of us have felt buffeted by the political winds and all of the vitriol that those entail. At the national level, the state level, and even right here in Fort Bend County, we’ve seen people behave in ways that have left many of us, including your humble scribe, bewildered. Sadly, none of us have superpowers. We don’t have the ability to fly, stop speeding bullets, or keep skyscrapers from falling down on innocent people. But we do have the ability to choose how we operate in the world, and how we interact with our neighbors. It can sometimes be daunting to act with kindness. But again, for my money, that’s the American way. Fountain dons his cape at KFountain@fortbendstar.com
Perhaps the best scene in the new “Superman” movie is the interview between Clark Kent (David Cornswet), as Superman, and Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) in her apartment. Copyrighted image via Warner Bros.
‘Hellcat Mike’ sentenced to 10 years in prison for evading arrest by DPS
Staff Reports
A San Antonio man known on social media for running from police to promote his car-selling business was sentenced July 7 to the maximum ten years in prison after pleading guilty to felony evading arrest or detention with a vehicle in what prosecutors called "a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse" with a Texas state trooper last year, according to the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office.
A DPS trooper with the last name of Corral attempted to stop Micahel Altravion Wilson, 39, known as "Hellcat Mike," in February 2024 for driving a Dodge Hellcat coupe with a fictitious New
York license plate emblazoned "MAFIA," according to Assistant District Attorney Grayson Miller. Wilson accelerated quickly, weaving through busy westbound traffic on I-10 in Katy, according to a news release.
The trooper initially lost sight of the defendant but caught up several minutes later as traffic congestion forced Wilson to slow down. When the trooper approached, Wilson again gunned the engine, weaving within traffic before glancing off a landscaping truck and crashing into a barrier, causing his airbags to deploy.
Evidence indicated that at the time of the crash Wilson
country hits with a rock-androll twist for fairgoers to enjoy.
was travelling over 100 mph with the gas pedal fully depressed. A female passenger, a French bulldog, an open container of alcohol, and steroids were located in the vehicle, all unharmed in the crash.
After his arrest, Wilson admitted to running from police, and that he had done so other times in San Antonio.
Further investigation unveiled Wilson’s Instagram account, “Hellcat Mike” where the defendant frequently posted videos of him appearing to run from police attempting to conduct traffic stops.
Wilson testified during the July 7 sentencing hearing and admitted that he was evading authorities in one of
the videos he posted on social media. He claimed he used these videos to promote his business sourcing and selling Dodge Charger Hellcats. Wilson claimed he evaded the DPS trooper because he didn’t want to be stopped in “a client’s car.”
“Trooper Corral’s perseverance brought justice to someone who carelessly put the community in danger for social media clout,” Miller said in the news release. “And the Court sent the clear message that our streets are not playgrounds, and police chases aren’t content for the defendant’s Instagram reels.”
“It’s offensive that the defendant would use our
community so callously, as a mere backdrop for his selfpromotion,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said. “It was a blessing no one got hurt when too often these stories end in tragedy. I’m proud of the work we are doing to keep our county safe.”
Wilson was prosecuted in the 434th District Court before Presiding Judge J. Christian Becerra. Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle is a third-degree felony in this case punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Wilson next faces sentencing in another felony Evading with Vehicle case in Guadalupe County.
will also be preforming.
Weathers’ country soul style draws comparisons to artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.
BBQ weekend will feature the vibrant New Orleans-based party band Bag of Donuts kicking off the festivities with their signature mashups and festive performances. Siggno, a multiaward-winning Tejano band known for blending traditional sounds with modern flair, will close out the cookoff weekend.
Joining this year’s lineup is John Foster, a finalist on American Idol Season 23, where he gained national attention for his country vibe and strong fan base. He recently made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, and has gained a strong reputations for his storytelling through music. This will be his first appearance at the Fort Bend County Fair and his first Texas stop on his tour.
Also returning is hometown favorite Maverick Murphy, a young yet seasoned performer who has opened for major acts such as Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker, and Braxton Keith. A torchbearer for traditional country, Maverick continues the legacy of his father, Patrick Murphy, who performed at the fair in the 1990s.
On the Texas Stage at the 2025 Fort Bend County Fair, regional favorites Steel Country, David Glenn, and Horizon will take the spotlight. Baton Rouge’s own Lauren Lee will make her debut, delivering her favorite
“This year’s lineup perfectly reflects our community’s love of music and tradition,” Fair
President Bobby Poncik said in a news release. “With these talented artists spanning genres and generations, the 2025 Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo promises unforgettable performances and a true celebration of our legendary event.”
Alongside the music, fairgoers will enjoy rodeo events, livestock shows, a lively carnival, delicious food, a wine room, shopping, and familyfriendly activities, with more than 100,000 visitors expected during the fair’s run.
Tickets are now available for purchase. Visit fortbendcountyfair.com for ticket purchases, schedules, and event details.
2025 Fort Bend County Fair Entertainment Lineup
Brazos Stage
September 19 — Bag of Donuts
September 20 — Siggno
September 26 — Cole Goodwin
September 27 — Wade Bowen
September 28 — Los Igualados & Los Morales
October 1 — Maverick
Murphy
October 2 — Josh Weathers
October 3 — John Foster
October 4 — Kevin Fowler
October 5 — Gene Watson
Texas Stage
September 26 — Steel Country
September 27 — David Glenn
October 3 — Lauren Lee
October 4 — Horizon
Middleton said he knew that instigating a study could pose a political risk, especially if it showed large spikes in certain types of crimes. But, he said, but that has not been borne out by the data, especially after two years.
Security & Your Personal Information
• No evidence of data compromise. After extensive forensic analysis, we have found no indication that patrons’ sensitive personal information was accessed or stolen.
• Minimal data collected by design. The library has long followed a privacyfirst policy:
o We do not store Social Security numbers, driver’s license scans, or payment card details.
o We collect only the basics (name, address, email/ phone, and reading history necessary to run holds and checkouts), and we purge many of these records on a rolling basis.
o This approach significantly reduces the risk of identity theft, even in the unlikely event of a data breach.
Where We Are Today
• New infrastructure is in place. All replacement servers, network hardware, and security tools have arrived and are currently being installed.
• Polaris is moving to the cloud. Our core library platform (Polaris) is being rebuilt as a fully cloud-based service, approved by the Fort Bend County Commissioners
“I was relieved to read this report. The feeling that I had is that Fort Bend is safe,” he said. He added that one challenge law enforcement faces is that news media often highlights crime, particularly violent crime. “If you’re like me, you’re sitting there wondering, is this happening in Fort Bend?
“But, you’re experiencing it in your living room, so it seems like its happening in your community. I hope people take this report and realize when they’re watching it on the news, you realize this is not Harris County. No disrespect to our friends in Harris County, but the demographics and the atmosphere is different there. There is something very unique about Fort Bend County,” he said. The summit also included panel discussions featuring law enforcement officials and experts on juvenile justice, human trafficking, and proactive initiatives in prosecution. Find the full report online at fortbendcountytx.gov/ government/departments/ district-attorney/2025-crimereport.
Court. Moving to the cloud provides stronger security, faster updates, and the ability to add new features more quickly.
• Data restoration is underway. The vendor is carefully restoring backup data and importing all offline transactions recorded during the outage. This meticulous work simply can’t be rushed; accuracy now prevents bigger headaches later.
Why the Timeline
Expanded
A transformation of this scale involves lengthy hardware lead times, thorough security testing, and meticulous data validation. We truly understand that waiting can be challenging, but these important steps are necessary to ensure we deliver a safer, more resilient, and stronger library system for years ahead.
• Modernization instead of a rollback. Instead of rushing the old system back online, we decided to invest in modern hardware, software, and cloud architecture. This provides faster service and better long-term protection.
• Contract approvals safeguard your tax dollars. Finalizing purchase agreements for new equipment and managed security services added extra weeks, but it ensures we get the best value and performance for county residents.
• Built-in resilience for the future. The extra time enables thorough security testing and strengthening, an initial investment that helps prevent similar disruptions in the future. Because some milestones, such as external security certification, depend on third-party partners, we still can’t provide a definite “golive” date. Our best estimate continues to be late summer or early fall, and we will update you immediately if that changes.
What’s Coming for You
When the rebuild is finished, you’ll enjoy:
• A faster, mobile-friendly online catalog, accessible on any device, inside or outside the library, with self-service renewals and holds.
• Faster check-out and check-in with upgraded self-service options.
• Expanded digital collections of e-books, audiobooks, streaming media, and easier one-click borrowing.
• Enhanced research tools and new learning platforms.
• Stronger privacy and security protections for every account.
Services you can use right now:
• Borrow books, DVDs, and other items (expired cards are temporarily accepted).
• Sign up for a new library card.
• Enjoy fee-free borrowing— overdue fines are waived until full-service returns.
• Access most digital resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, and research databases.
• Connect to Wi-Fi at every branch.
• Print from USB drives at many locations (call ahead to confirm).
• Attend programs, classes, and events.
• Staff is available to locate items for you, even items located at other branches. If the item is located, staff can set it aside for you to pick up at the location it is found.
Temporarily unavailable:
• Online catalog, account management, and holds tracking
• The Wall Street Journal and LinkedIn Learning databases
• Hotspots and Launchpads for checkout We are committed to delivering a stronger, smarter, more resilient, and betterequipped library, making the best possible use of your tax dollars while prioritizing your privacy and security. If you have questions, please contact your local branch or check this page for updates. We’ll keep you updated as milestones are reached. Thank you for standing with us as we build the future of your library.
HATTEN JR. AUGUST 12, 1994 JULY
Missouri City, TX 77545. The service will include a visitation and a celebration of life to remember and reflect on Raymond’s vibrant spirit and the love he shared with all.
RAYMOND
Micahel Altravion Wilson, 39, known as "Hellcat Mike," of San Antonio, was sentenced to the maximum 10 years in prison for felony evasion of arrest by a Texas DPS trooper.
Courtesy For Bend County District Attorney's Office
Ullola fans Sugar Land season-high 11 batters in series sweep over Salt Lake
Community Reports
RHP Miguel Ullola (W,52) punched out 11 batters, a Sugar Land season high, as the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (11-8, 50-44) stymied the Salt Lake Bees’ (7-14, 36-59) offense to clinch a series sweep with a 3-1 win on Sunday night at Constellation Field. Photo by Kathy Aung/ Special to the Star
As of press time, the Space Cowboys are on a seven-game winning streak and have won 10 of their last 12 games. Sugar Land’s series sweep was their second sweep of the season and first since the Space Cowboys swept the Reno Aces from May 13-18.
Ullola worked around a oneout walk in the top of the first with an inning-ending punchout before striking out the side in the top of the second.
Colin Barber and Collin Price led off the bottom of the second with back-to-back singles and with two outs in the frame, Barber scored on an error as the Space Cowboys went ahead, 1-0. Ullola faced the minimum
in the third while fanning one batter and struck out two in the fourth, registering eight punchouts through four innings without allowing a hit. The right-hander picked up his ninth and 10th strikeouts during a 1-2-3 top half of the fifth as Ullola continued ripping through Salt Lake’s lineup.
Sugar Land put two on with one out in the bottom of the fifth as Jesús Bastidas shot a single to center and Omar Narváez walked, but the runners were left on.
After Ullola picked up the first out of the sixth with his season-high 11th strikeout, RHP Jayden Murray (H,6) entered and induced a double play on his first pitch in relief to retire the side. Ullola exited after 5.1 innings without allowing a run or a hit while fanning 11 batters, the highest strikeout total from a Space Cowboy pitcher this season.
two starts against the Bees this season, Ullola combined for 10.1 innings with no runs, one hit and 21 strikeouts. The Dominican Republic native came into today’s start ranked eighth in the PCL in punchouts.
· Jesús Bastidas extended his on-base streak to 21 games, the longest from a Space Cowboy batter in 2025, after going 1-for-4 on Sunday. Over his on-base streak, Bastidas has eight doubles, four homers, 20 RBI and 15 runs scored. Bastidas is currently on a seven-game hitting streak with five multi-hit games over that span.
on a five-game on-base streak going 6-for-13 (.462) with a homer, three RBI, eight walks and four runs scored. Narváez drew three walks on Sunday, his first three-walk game with Sugar Land in 2025.
· With a hit on Sunday, Colin Barber has recorded a knock in five of his last six games.
· Tommy Sacco Jr’s home run in the sixth was his second of the season with Sugar Land and first since being promoted on June 11.
Salt Lake broke up Sugar Land’s no-hitter in the seventh with a single and scored a run in the frame to make it a 3-1 game.
RHP Jordan Weems (H,1) fired a scoreless eighth to preserve the Space Cowboys’ two-run lead, and RHP Rhett Kouba (S,1) was summoned for
Sugar Land extended their advantage in the bottom of the sixth. Price walked to lead off the frame, and in the ensuing at-bat, Tommy Sacco Jr. scolded a two-run homer that hugged the right-field foul pole, putting the Space Cowboys up, 3-0.
Adoption fees waived at Sugar Land animal shelter through July 31
Community Reports
Sugar Land Animal Services is working to clear the shelter, by the end of July, by waiving pet adoption fees and offering their Sugar Land Cares Package to every family who takes home a pet. With the number of lost and stray dogs, cats and other animals across the area, Sugar Land Animal Services is committed to making space and providing care for as many pets as possible.
Through July 31, National Mutt Day, the shelter will waive adoption fees for all long-stay pets. Every adoption of a free, furry, forever friend comes with a Sugar Land Care Package,
which includes:
• Spay/neuter
• Microchip
• Vaccinations
• Rabies shot
• Crate, harness, leash, food and toys
To accommodate busy lifestyles and work schedules, Sugar Land Animal Services has new hours of operation. Visit the shelter at 101B Gillingham Lane, Sugar Land. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/Ad.
the ninth and closed out Sugar Land’s 3-1 win with a perfect ninth on 10 pitches.
NOTABLE:
· Miguel Ullola went 5.1 innings on Sunday without allowing a hit or a run and punched out 11 batters, his highest strikeout total of the season. 5.1 innings was also a season high for Ullola. In
· Sugar Land has won eightstraight games over Salt Lake in 2025 after taking the final five games from the Bees in May and sweeping Salt Lake this weekend. The Space Cowboys combined for 36 strikeouts during their threegame sweep against the Bees with only four runs allowed.
· The Space Cowboys’ sweep was their third sweep at home in affiliated history and the second this season.
· Omar Narváez is currently
After Sugar Land’s threegame series against Salt Lake, the Space Cowboys were headed to El Paso for a six-game set against the Chihuahuas. Games can be seen live on the Bally Sports Live App or MLB.TV and can be heard anywhere at SLSpaceCowboys. com.
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.
Fort Bend County Fair Queen candidates announced
Community Reports
The Fort Bend County Fair Association recently announced the candidates for the 2025 Fort Bend County Fair Queen Scholarship Contest. The long-standing tradition of crowning a Fair Queen is officially underway, with six young women representing schools across the county.
This year’s candidates are Aylla Goins of Lamar Consolidated High School, Gianna Jarlowe of Clements High School, Aubrey Ostertag of Fulshear High School, Leighton Lara of Foster High School, Kendall Duff of Fulshear High School, and Kaydence Miller of Travis High School. The candidates will compete for the crown and several scholarship opportunities.
The candidates gathered for a welcome meeting at the Fairgrounds in Rosenberg where they participated in a mandatory orientation, met with members of the Queen Scholarship Committee, and posed for official photos. 2024 Fair Queen Saige Sowa welcomed the new candidates and share her experiences from the past year. Since being crowned, Saige has appeared at numerous community events including RodeoHouston and the Fort Bend County Fair’s Summer Night Gala.
The Fair Queen title is more than ceremonial—it represents a yearlong commitment to leadership, service, and community involvement. The Queen will serve as an ambassador during the Fair’s BBQ Cookoff and 10-day run, attending livestock shows, auctions, receptions, and other official events.
of Fulshear High School, Leighton Lara of Foster High School, Kendall Duff of Fulshear High School, and Kaydence Miller of Travis High School. Courtesy Fort Bend County Fair Association
Throughout her reign, she will also represent the Fair at community functions, holiday gatherings, luncheons, and special appearances across Fort Bend County.
The 2025 Fort Bend County Fair Queen will be crowned on Friday, September 26, 2025, during the opening weekend of the Fair. For more information about the Fair Queen Scholarship Contest or other Fair events, visit fortbendcountyfair.com or contact the Fair Office at 281-342-6171.
LEADER PUZZLER SOLUTIONS
Sugar Land Space Cowboys players and manager huddle during Friday night's game against the Salt Lake Bees at Constellation Field. The Space Cowboys went on to sweep the
series 3-0. Photos by Kathy Aung/Special to the Star
Members of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys and the Salt Lake Bees exchange congratulations following Friday's game at Constellation Field. The Space Cowboys went on to sweep the series 3-0.
The Fort Bend County Fair Association recently announced the candidates for the 2025 Fort Bend County Fair Queen Scholarship Contest. Front row, left to right: Aylla Goins of Lamar Consolidated High School, 2024 Fort Bend County Fair Queen Saige Sowa, and Gianna Jarlowe of Clements High School. Back row, left to right: Aubrey Ostertag
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
BECOME A MASTER GARDENER
Want to learn new skills in gardening and share them with others? Sign up for the
Fall 2025 Intern Class of Fort Bend County Master Gardeners by July 18. You can find the application form at https://fbmg.org/files/2025/06/MG-Application-2025-1.pdf
Enrollment is limited to 25 participants, and is on a first-come, first served basis. Both application and payment are required to secure a spot.
Master Gardeners work with Boy and Girl Scouts, provide summer kids camps and offer free online and in-person classes about different aspects of gardening. Master Gardeners man a Help Desk and answer gardening questions from our community.
It also is a means of forming lasting friendships.
Learn more about Master Gardeners at https://fbmg.org/become-a-master-gardener/
ONGOING
EARTH KIND KIDS CAMP REGISTRATION OPEN
Youths in grades 3-5 can have fun this summer learning about gardening by attending Earth Kind Kids Camp, sponsored by Fort Bend County Master Gardeners.
The July 21-24 day camp will cover the topics of gardening, horticulture and environmental science through different high-energy projects that help the youths learn about seeds, plants, rain and other topics between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Registration is open for the camp, which will be in Building D at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Texas 36 in Rosenberg. The camp is limited to the first 25 paid participants. Register at https://agrilife.org/ftbend4h/event/2025earthkindkidscamp/ The fee is $85. Registration includes all materials, snacks and a T-shirt. For more information, contact Brandy Rader at Brandy.Rader@ag.tamu.edu
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES AT GPBC
In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, Grand Parkway Baptist Church will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid-August 2025 through May 2026. We are located at 12000 FM 1464, Richmond, across from Austin High School. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths, all are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway.org
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 281785-7372 for more information.
LAND ROTARY CLUB
SUGAR
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, sugarlandrotaryclub5890@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.
