Sugar Land to hold community sessions on Imperial Redevelopment Project
Staff Reports
The city of Sugar Land will host a series of community planning sessions for the Imperial Redevelopment Project from Nov. 3-6, 2025, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of the Imperial Historic District, home of the former Imperial Sugar site and the iconic 100-year-old Char House.
Sugar Land officially acquired the approximately 40-acre site in February, marking the first time in history the property has been publicly owned. This pivotal acquisition removes long-standing barriers that have hindered private development efforts for decades. Public ownership allows the City to lead thoughtful redevelopment that preserves the site’s historic character while creating a vibrant, community-focused destination.
“Redeveloping the Imperial Historic District has been a longstanding priority for both the City Council and our residents,” Mayor Carol McCutcheon said in a news release. “These sessions are an essential part of shaping a shared vision for redevelopment – one that honors the site’s history, preserves its iconic structures, and creates a thriving district our community is proud of.”
The input gathered during these sessions will establish a vision for the project and inform the selection of a private development partner. The master development partner selection process is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 through a request for qualifications, followed by a request for proposals to establish a concept plan.
The sessions will include interactive workshops, topical discussions and presentations where residents can share ideas on housing types, mixed-use development, transportation, arts, culture, history and public spaces. Community members are encouraged to participate in as many sessions as their schedules permit.
Fort Bend commissioners again spar over county attorney’s role
By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
The battle over the redistricting of Fort Bend County precinct lines may have ended – barring any future litigation – but a related skirmish continued last week as the Republican majority on Commissioners Court made yet another move concerning the authority of the office of Democratic County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson. This time, the court voted along party lines to hire a private Houston attorney to render an opinion as to the scope of powers of SmithLawson’s office.
In a specially called meeting on October 15, the court voted along party lines to pass a new map of
Fort Bend Women’s Center, Houston Humane Society partner to protect pets of domestic violence survivors
By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
There are many reasons why someone in an abusive relationship can’t simply leave – financial dependence, children, fear – but one often overlooked factor is pets. Abusers may threaten or harm a partner’s animals as a means of control, leaving victims trapped, afraid that escaping could put their pets’ lives at risk.
The Fort Bend Women’s Center and the Houston Humane Society have teamed up to address this very issue, offering safe shelter for pets while their owners rebuild their lives. Knowing their pets are protected gives survivors one less worry as they plan their escape from abuse.
“We offer the program for 90 days, which is a boarding program for, so that way the owner can get help while their pet is being cared for,” said Ashley Garza of the Houston Humane Society.
What is the Southeast Texas LINK Coalition?
Research shows a clear connection between domestic abuse and pet abuse – violence against animals often signals danger to people in the same household. Yet victims often struggle to find the right help.
The Southeast Texas LINK Coalition (or “setlink”) was created to connect people in crisis to the agencies best equipped to help them, fostering easy communica-
SEE PROTECT PAGE 2
Sugar Land Holiday Lights set for Nov. 21-Jan. 6
Community Reports
The 12th Annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights at presented by Houston Methodist at Constellation Field is will be held November 21 through January 4 at Constellation Field. A staple of the holiday season in Fort Bend County and beyond, Sugar Land Holiday Lights transforms the ballpark into a holiday wonderland, featuring over 3.5 million lights, holiday vendors, light shows, themed displays, a signature 40-foot Christmas Tree, nightly photo opportunities with Santa until December 23 and more.
and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm for most
A new addition to Sugar Land Holiday Lights for 2025 is a Nine Hole Mini-Golf Course in the H-EB Picnic Plaza. 2025 will see the return of the Synthetic Ice Rink, with skates available for rent on a nightly basis. There will once again be a carnival for most nights starting on November 28 and running through January 1. Sugar Land Holiday Lights is open all nights throughout the holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day, running from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for most Sunday through Thursday
Fort Bend County commissioners hold a heated discussion last week over the hiring of an outside law firm to offer an opinion on the duties of County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson, foreground.
Photo by Ken Fountain
Sugar Land Holiday Lights will be held from November 21 through January 4
Constellation Field. Courtesy Sugar Land Space Cowboys
The Fort Bend Women’s Center and the Houston Humane Society have teamed up
shelter
pets while their owners rebuild their lives. Here, HHS staff members pose with some
Photo by Juhi Varma
tion between organizations that otherwise would operate on their own.
“We started doing the ‘setlink’ partnerships in early 2020 with just a few organizations joining, and then Fort Bend Women’s Center joined, which we’re really thankful for, because the more programs and partnerships we can get, the more people we’re able to help out in the community that are currently facing homelessness or domestic violence,” Garza said.
The coalition brings together animal control officers, veterinarians, child and adult protection workers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and domestic violence advocates across Southeast Texas.
I want to leave my abusive partner but am worried about my pet, what do I do?
“People can call our emergency hotline,” said Josh Brown, CEO of Fort Bend Women’s Center. “People who
have questions or may be looking to leave can call and talk to one of our advocates, and they will work through those details. If there is a pet, then we would connect them with the Houston Humane Society to help with that process.”
The Fort Bend Women’s Center’s crisis hotline – 281342-4357 – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
“Leaving is the most dangerous time, typically in a domestic violence situation, because the abuser is potentially going to lose control of the situation when someone leaves,” said Brown.
HHS cares for a wide range of animals – not just cats and dogs, but also birds, horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs –many of which are waiting for their forever homes. Animals housed through the shelter’s boarding program are kept in separate areas and get full veterinary care. Dogs receive daily walks.
“The Houston Humane Society had boarded all sorts of pets for us – cats, dogs, birds,” said Brown. “We’ve had lizards. I think the only
thing they couldn’t board – it’s not because they didn’t want to, it was because they didn’t have a tank – were freshwater turtles.”
Any pet in the program that hasn’t been spayed or neutered will receive the procedure free of charge, said Renee Pitts, community impact associate at HHS. She added that pet owners also receive regular updates on their animals while they’re in care.
“Pet lovers know that pets are part of the family, and so it’s not uncommon for an abuser to say, ‘if you leave me, I’m going to hurt the dog or cat’,” said Brown. “And then, beyond that, even if the survivor can take the animal, where do you go? Because pets aren’t allowed in most emergency housing.”
In 2024, the Fort Bend Women’s Center served 3,322 survivors and will exceed that number this year, Brown said. To learn more about becoming a volunteer with FBWC, visit fbwc.org/get-involved/volunteer. To learn more about the Houston Humane Society, visit houstonhumane.org.
Varma can be reached at juhi. varma@gmail.com.
REDEVELOPMENT
FROM PAGE 1
Open Studio, or office hours, are also available for those who are unable to attend the group events or prefer to share their feedback one-on-one.
The schedule is as follows:
Monday, Nov. 3 – T.E. Harman Center, 226 Matlage Way Opening Presentation: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Sugar Land
Heritage Museum, 198 Kempner St. Open Studio: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Topical Meeting 3: Housing, Mixed Use & Public Space, 7-8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 6 – Sugar Land Heritage Museum & T.E. Harman Center Open Studio: 9 a.m.-noon at the Sugar Land Heritage Museum Closing Presentation: 6:30 p.m. at T.E.
of
corporation Ken Tisdel and Hannibal Anderson are Owner/Manager of The VaultX.
THE TV – “Seven members of the Texas National Guard are being sent home because they did not meet fitness standards.” Gad, how embarrassing. On national network news all of America is learning that Texas’ fighting troops are so fat that they can’t defend us from Hamas or ISIS or maybe the Russian Army, having easily rolled into Kiev, is now invading NATO. No, it’s that war-torn battle zone of Chicago. That’s a good target, so to speak, because President Donald “Bone Spurs” Trump has assured us that the Windy City is actually Gaza-on-the-Lake, saying: “There’s no place in the world, including you can go to Afghanistan. You can go to places that you would think of. They don’t even come close to this. Chicago is a hellhole right now.” According to him, that city is just as bad as Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Portland. Tomorrow Disney World where the carnage could easily spread to Mar-a-Lago.
This deployment is only the latest of a pattern: singling out cities run by Democrats (come to think of it, are any large
I am a time bomb. Every choice, every obstacle, every moment of pressure adds another tick to the countdown. I can feel the quiet hum of stress deep inside me. It builds when I am up late studying, when my mind races about grades, friends, or the future. For the longest time, I thought that was normal. I thought being constantly stressed just meant I was working hard, that if I kept going, pushing, and ignoring how I felt, I would prove myself. But eventually, all that pressure caught up to me. There comes a point where your mind and heart cannot take it anymore. For me, that moment came when everything started to blur together: school, expectations, even who I was trying to be. I would find myself sitting alone, tears streaming down my face without even realizing
LIGHTS FROM PAGE 1
Fridays and Saturdays.
Returning promotions for Sugar Land Holiday Lights include Lights and Leashes presented by Hollywood Feed (November 23 and 30, December 7, 14 and 28), Goodwill Family Monday (November 24, December 1 and 8) and Silver Bells and Bingo (November 25, December 2 and 9). There will be two Teacher Appreciation Nights on November 26 and January 2 where educators can claim a free ticket with the option to purchase additional discounted tickets as well as a wine-tasting add-on. Plus, Center Field Cinema presented by Houston Methodist returns for three nights on December 3, 10 and 17, and attendees will have a holiday photo op and meet-and-greet with Orion on December 2. All military, active and retired, can receive a discounted ticket with proof of a military ID at the Regions Bank Ticket Office for all
Lynn Ashby Columnist
ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
cities run by Republicans?), call them a battleground with criminals, mostly illegal immigrants, and send in the troops to quell the mayhem. In Chicago’s case the mayhem was created only when ICE got in in a rocks-and-tear-gas melee with angry citizens. Until then there was no problem. So it might be argued that the peacekeepers were the ones who caused the war. In any event, the fracas allowed the MAGA minions to point at the TV and say, “See, there are riots in the streets. Chicago is a battleground.”
About our fat fellow Texans, aka the Magnificent Seven: Their plight began when ABC News showed a photo, which you may have seen, of several heavyset Texas National
EDITORIAL
The size of Texans Time bomb
I was crying. It was not just about school anymore; it was about feeling like I had to be perfect all the time, like one small mistake would make everything fall apart. I was exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically. I did not know how to slow down. That is when I realized something I should have known all along: sometimes, the most important thing you can do is stop. Just stop. Take a breath. Let yourself feel again. I started learning how to step away from the chaos
Sugar Land Holiday Lights dates.
Sugar Land Holiday Lights will also host promotional nights that include Opening Night (November 21), Military and First Responders Night (December 1), Astros Night (December 4), Scout Night (December 6), Health Care Professionals Night (December 7), Youth Sports Night (December 13), Faith and Family Night (December 18) and Ladies Night (December 19). Attendees can ring in the New Year on December 31 with a fireworks show at midnight, plus the Regions Bank Club will host the annual New Years Eve Ball, which includes a three-hour beer and wine open bar, a champagne toast at midnight, a buffet, live DJ and more.
Tickets are available for purchase for all nights, and early bird rates are available on all tickets that are purchased prior to Opening Night on November 21. Learn more and purchase tickets at sugarlandholidaylights.com/tickets.
Guard members in military fatigues, carrying rifles and duffle bags, getting out of a truck or tank or maybe an ox cart. The photo – pardon the cliché – went viral and caught the attention of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (who now calls himself the Secretary of War) who only last month told that hastily called and unneeded gathering of our top military brass about fitness standards and that he no longer wanted to see “fat troops” and “fat generals and admirals.” After the Guards’ ouster, Hegseth posted on social media: “Standards are back at The Department of War.”
Now we may ask, why are Texans being sent to Illinois?
Reason Number One: Trump was looking for a state run by a toady who would gladly do as ordered. Where could he find a weak-willed governor who would obediently take his fellow citizens from their families, jobs and court appearances to go stand around doing nothing until an angry mob attacks the ICEmen? Gov. Greg Abbot of Texas, naturally. Reason Number Two: For Abbott, it’s payback
time. The governor of Illinois is J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat (no surprise). In the last session of the Texas Legislature, Pritzker gladly welcomed that group of Dem representatives who fled Austin to Illinois to keep the legislature from passing Abbott’s gerrymandering bill. When Attorney Gen. Ken Paxton, between dodging the FBI and divorce proceedings, attempted to extradite the reluctant lawmakers from Illinois, Pritzker refused. He called Abbott a “tool of Donald Trump” and “his lackey” and Abbott called Pritzker “a joke.”
Former President Barack Obama said in an appearance on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast: “If I had sent the National Guard into Texas and just said, ‘You know what, a lot of problems in Dallas, you know, a lot of crime there, and I don’t care what Governor Abbott says, I’m going to kind of take over law enforcement because I think things are out of control’ – it is mind-boggling to me how Fox News would have responded.” Obama noted that the Republicans, including Abbott, who now support sending soldiers from one state to another state had attacked
him a decade ago for overseeing routine military exercises in Texas.
If you are new to Texas, Pilgrim, Obama was referring to Jade Helm 15, which showed just how paranoid your new neighbors are. In 2015 word went out that the U.S. military was going to conduct an exercise called Jade Helm 15. Although the name sounds like one of Stormy Daniels’ co-workers. It was actually an annual maneuver taking place in several states, including Texas. But rumors spread that Jade Helm 15 was a cover for an Obama plan to round up political opponents or an outright military takeover. Abbott became so concerned that he called out the Texas State Guard to monitor the military. Incidentally, this is NOT the National Guard – the governor of Texas has sole control over the State Guard because it is not subject to federal activation and thus could not be used for a military takeover.
Abbott wrote to the guard commander, Maj. Gen. Gerald Betty, “During the training operation, it is important that Texans know their safety, constitutional rights, private
property rights and civil liberties will not be infringed.” As best as I can determine, Abbott’s firm action prevented a military takeover, although around Christmas I did spot members of the Salvation Army ringing bells, and there is an Old Navy store in every mall. But Abbott made our state look downright stupid. That erstwhile Kenyan made a good point: What would Texans think if funny-talking Yankees from, say, Illinois or New York were sent to patrol our streets? We would not gang up on these out-of- state weekend warriors but rather give them a Lone Star beer, a scoop of Blue Belle and a taco. On one hand, Texas is a bright red state populated by MAGAs (no, they’re not MAGOTs). On the other hand, Texas’ big cities vote Dem, and so far this year Chicago’s murder rate is down 31 percent while Houston’s rate is up 4.1 percent. Even so, Trump and Abbott would never…what are those fat National Guards from Illinois doing on my street? Ashby is deployed at ashby2@comcast.net
and how to take time for myself without feeling guilty. Whether it was going for a walk, listening to music, reading, or just sitting in silence, I began to understand that breathing does not mean giving up. It means regrouping. It means taking control back. I used to think that rest was a weakness, but now I see that rest is what makes strength possible. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and for the first time in a long time, I started filling mine again. Through that process, I changed in ways I did not expect. Mentally, I have become more grounded. I have learned how to recognize when I am overwhelmed instead of pretending I am not. I have started setting boundaries with school, with stress, even with people. I have stopped comparing myself to everyone around me because I
realized my journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. Emotionally, I have grown softer toward myself. I used to talk to myself in harsh, demanding ways, telling myself I was not doing enough. Now I try to talk to myself the way I would talk to someone I love, with patience and understanding. High school can make you forget who you are. It is like being thrown into a storm of arguments, grades, social pressure, and expectations that all tell you what “success” should look like. But learning to breathe, and slow down helped me remember that I am not just a student or a checklist of accomplishments. I am a person who is learning, growing, and figuring things out one day at a time.
Taking a step back helped me see life differently. I used to think my worth came from
how much I could handle, but now I realize it comes from how I take care of myself while handling everything. I have learned that strength is not about never breaking, it is about finding the courage to rebuild yourself every time you do.
Now, when the pressure starts to build and I feel that ticking inside, I remind myself to breathe. It is not the end of the world. The world will still spin if I take a moment. I no longer see stress as something that controls me, but as something I can face with balance and perspective. Life is not about constantly holding everything together; it is about learning when to let go.
Taking time to rest has changed my outlook completely. It has taught me that self-care is not selfish but survival. It is how you reset, how you keep your light from
burning out. High school will always be stressful, and life will always have its moments of chaos, but now I know that stepping away does not mean I am weak but it means I am strong enough to choose peace. I used to be a time bomb waiting to explode. Now, I am learning to defuse the pressure before it destroys me. I am learning to live, not just survive. And most importantly, I am learning that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply… breathe. 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.
Eva K. Morris Youth Columnist
HAR: Area housing market maintains balance in September
Staff Reports
The Greater Houston housing market moved toward a more balanced position in September. Steady demand, easing prices and a robust supply of homes are helping the market settle into a more sustainable rhythm for both buyers and sellers.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ September 2025 Housing Market Update, single-family home sales rose 5.3% yearover-year. A total of 7,399 homes were sold compared to 7,025 last year. Pending sales, newly signed purchase contracts, also remained strong, signaling underlying market confidence from buyers.
Home prices reached their lowest levels since February. The median home price was $327,000, which is 2.1% less than last year’s figure. The average price inched up 2.0% to $421,655, largely due to a rise in luxury home sales in September.
Homes priced from $250,000 to $499,999, which accounted for more than 55% of all September sales, experienced a 1.3 percent decline in activity compared to the same time last year. All other price ranges recorded year-over-year sales growth.
Inventory remains at healthy levels across the Houston area. Active listings are still higher than this time last year, though month-tomonth growth has begun to flatten. Months of inventory dipped slightly from August as a result of increased sales activity.
“The past few months have brought lower mortgage rates, and it has helped boost buyer confidence,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “We are mindful that economic uncertainty and the current government shutdown could impact the market in the weeks ahead—particularly since new National Flood Insurance Program policies cannot be issued right now. Even so, I believe the market is heading into the final months of 2025 on more balanced footing.”
Housing Market Overview
In September, property sales across the Greater Houston area continued to outpace 2024 levels. Total sales increased 5.0 % year-overyear, with 8,686 properties sold. The uptick in transactions was matched by a 6.8% rise in total dollar volume, which exceeded $3.5 billion in September. Active listings—the total number of available properties—were 24.7% higher than last year with 59,876 units.
Single-Family Homes Update
The Houston housing market recorded its fifth consecutive month of home sales growth in September on a year-over-year basis. A total of 7,399 single-family homes were sold compared to 7,025 last year. Pending transactions also reflected continued strength in buyer demand, rising 11.2% year-over-year. Based on declining average monthly 30-year fixed-rate
conventional mortgage rates as reported by Freddy Mac, when combined with the slip in median price, monthly principal and interest payments (P&I) necessary to buy the median priced home (assuming 20% down) totaled $1,627.77. Thus, the typical September P&I payment was $143.87, $180.05, $120.60, and $82.07 less than May, June, July and August this year, respectively. The median home price declined 2.1% to $327,000, while the average price rose 2.0% to $421,655. The average price per square foot was $175, slightly below the $177 recorded in September 2024. The average list-to-sale price ratio edged down to 93.0%, which is the lowest since January 2023.
Active listings were 28.5% above last year’s level with
Contributed Content
2,025 American Flags to Cover One Sugar Land Acre in
Tribute to Fort Bend’s Heroes and Veterans
PUBLIC INVITED TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE
THIS AMAZING FIELD OF HONOR® DAY OR NIGHT
NOVEMBER 9 - 11
“Honoring Fort Bend County Heroes” is the perfect theme for the third annual FIELD OF HONOR® display hosted by the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, TX. Creating an awe-inspiring panorama, the 2,025 flags will fly in a solemn formation on a single acre of the University of Houston Sugar Land Campus near the Brazos River. This stirring display brings the community together in a patriotic tribute to honor our heroes. Each 3 x 5 U.S. flag represents an individual and tells a story. Flags are sponsored for $50 apiece to honor those currently serving in our military, veterans, fallen servicemen & women, first responders, educators, coaches, clergy, family members, co-workers, and personal heroes in our lives. Our official 2025 Title Sponsors are KK and S. Scott West. Proceeds benefit the numerous charities that the Exchange Club of Sugar Land supports during the year.
“Rarely do we get the chance to see and feel and hope all at the same time” said Project Chair Doug Earle. “The sight of a sea of 2,025 flags dedicated to the honor and memory of those we love should be seen by our children, our grandchildren, our neighbors, and friends.” The 6:30 p.m. ceremonies on November 9th will honor first responders, November 10th honors hometown and personal heroes, and November 11th honors our veterans. Following protocol, the acre of flags is monitored and lit at night and can be seen from nearby I-69 / US-59 The FIELD OF HONOR® is open to the public Sunday, Monday, and on Tuesday – Veterans Day
Contact: Doug Earle at 713-419-6045 / Scott Arthur (PR) 713-824-6126
November 9 - 11, 2025
University of Houston Sugar Land Campus 13850 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479
For information about purchasing a flag - visit ecsl.org
38,552 single-family homes available. That figure was down slightly from August’s 39,625 active listings. Months of inventory expanded from 4.3 months to a 5.2-months supply. The national supply stands at 4.6 months, as reported by the National Association of Realtors. Homes spent an average of 55 days on the market, up from 52 days a year earlier. Broken out by housing segments, single-family home sales in the Greater Houston area performed as follows:
• $1M and above: increased 27.3% (331 transactions) HAR also breaks out sales figures for existing singlefamily homes. In September, existing home sales increased 8.4 % year-over-year, with 5,157 closings compared to 4,759 a year earlier. The average sales price was 1.2% above last year’s level to $434,349, while the median price was down 2.8% to $325,000.
Townhome/ Condominium Update
Demand for townhomes and condominiums strengthened across the Houston area in September. Sales increased 4.0% year-over-year, with a total of 414 units sold compared
Throughout the redistricting battle, the new Republican majority (since County Judge KP George’s party switch in June) tangled with Smith-Lawson, first elected in 2020 and reelected in 2024, over the scope of her authority as she objected to the hiring of another outside firm known primarily for its work with school districts to advise on the redistricting effort.
In July, the Republican commissioners and Smith-Lawson, joined by Democratic Commissioners Grady Prestage and Dexter McCoy, engaged in a heated argument over a bid by the Republicans to authorize the court to hire outside legal counsel to assist on matters they deem “do not conflict the the authority of the Fort Bend County Attorney.” Ultimately, the item was tabled.
In that and later meetings, there were frequent arguments between Smith-Lawson and the Republicans over what the scope of her office’s authority is, using dueling court opinions, legal opinions, and government code provisions as evidence. Smith-Lawson maintains that Fort Bend County is one of nine counties in Texas that under state law gives her office sole authority over all civil legal matters.
In September, George put forward an agenda item that would have allowed the court to hire outside legal counsel on any matter the court decided. But at virtually the last minute, the item was removed from the court’s agenda.
Last Thursday, in an item dubbed “miscellaneous” – that is, not officially offered by any of the court members - calling for the hiring of the firm of Houston lawyer J. Grady Randle for $10,000. In the attached engagement letter, the firm says it’s duties under the agreement “consist only of rendering an opinion as to the scope of powers of the Ft. Bend County Attorney office.”
Earlier, the court took up the authorization of payment of the Houston law firm Rogers, Morris & Grover – which had advised the court-appointed Citizens Redistricting Advisory Committee - for its services, which McCoy and Prestage both said was illegal because that work was done without the required authorization of Smith-Lawson.
In extended remarks, McCoy referenced legal opinions issued by several Texas Attorney Generals dating back decades and other documents supporting his contention that Smith-Lawson’s office had sole authority over the civil legal matters of the county.
He also mentioned that there is a pending legal opinion before current Attorney General Ken Paxon, requested by the Republican members of the court, seeking clarification of the Fort Bend County County Attorney’s authority. Moving to hire an outside attorney before that opinion is issued would not be proper, McCoy said. [At press time, the Fort Bend Star had not seen a copy of that request.]
“We are not confused,” Smith-Lawson said in her own remarks. “The law is the law, and has been stated.”
The measure to approve the firm’s payment passed 3-2, along party lines.
When the item to hire the outside firm to issue an opinion on Smith-Lawson’s duties
to 398 a year earlier. Prices showed some moderation. The average price declined 4.9% to $273,890, while the median price was down 4.4% to $230,000. Inventory continued to expand, giving buyers more options. Active listings increased 31.9% to 3,428 units, increasing months of inventory from 5.7 months in September 2024 to 8.2 months this year.
Houston Real Estate Highlights in September
• Single-family home sales increased 5.3% year-over-year.
• Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 52 to 55 days.
• The single-family median price declined 2.1%
came up on the agenda, the discussion became increasingly heated.
“To spend $10,000 to basically ask for an opinion that has already been provided, an opinion that is also pending for the Attorney General’s office to review, it’s duplicative, it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars,” Smith-Lawson said in objecting to the item. “It interferes with the authority of our office.”-
“I have been placed here by the voters,” she said. “And it is not the duty of this court to hire outside counsel to check or grade me. I am responsible to the voters, not to the commissioners, a separate elected official.”
Precinct 2 Commissioner Prestage, a Democrat, said the item was “arrogant and dumb.”
When McCoy asked the Republicans why the item was being considered, Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers said that he had consulted with several outside attorneys who disagreed with Smith-Lawson’s interpretation of the scope of her authority.
“All we’re trying to do is look for clarification,” he said.
Republican Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales said, “What is happening is that there is a discrepancy between civil [law] and administrative. And in administrative, Commissioners Court has that right.”
“The minute you hire somebody from the bar, it’s civil,” countered Prestage. When the item came up for a vote, it again passed 3-2 along party lines.
A video of the full meeting can be found at fortbendcountytx.new.swagit.com/ videos/359054.
Steady demand, easing prices and a robust supply of homes brought the Greater Houston housing market moved toward a more balanced position in September, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. File photo
Fort Bend County County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson defends her office during a meeting of Commissioners Court last week.
Photos by Ken Fountain
Fort Bend County Commissioners Andy Meyers, left, and Dexter McCoy spar over an item dealing with the scope of the County Attorney’s office.
Libraries to host ‘Battle Bot’ workshop on Nov. 6, 8
Students (grades 1-5) will have an opportunity to explore the world of robotics is a special “Battle
a competition earlier this year in Sugar Land. File photo
Community Reports
Students (grades 1-5) will have an opportunity to explore the world of robotics is a special “Battle of the Bots” workshop and competition at Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library on Thursday, November 6, from 4-4:45 p.m.,
in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. The workshop will be repeated for students in grades 6-12 at the Missouri City Branch Library on Saturday, November 8, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 1530
Texas Parkway.
Caden Sanderson, Campus Director if iCode Sugar Land, will lead the workshop and demonstrate how to use Scratch block coding to program robots and how to incorporate sensors into robotics to help them interact with their environment.
Attendees will learn how to use Vex Robotics kits to build robots, maneuver them around, and battle them in a pushing contest. Students will have an opportunity to cheer for their favorite robot in a Battle Bots competition in an arena at the library. This program is made pos-
sible by the Friends of the Library organizations that support these branch libraries.
The workshop is free and open to the public. Materials are limited, however, and registration is required. To register online at Fort Bend County Libraries’ website (www.fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the First Colony Branch Library (281-238-2800) or the Missouri City Branch Library (281-238-2100), or by visiting the libraries.
Community Reports
This fall, FBCL’s Sienna Branch Library is hosting a free series of Financial Literacy workshops designed to give high school-aged teens in grades 9 through 12 a better understanding of personal finances, credit cards, and money-management skills that will help them succeed in the adult world after high-school graduation.
The series of classes is presented by Fort Bend County Extension Agent Janelle Johnson. Each month’s session is a stand-alone topic; students may choose to attend individual programs, or they can opt to attend the whole series.
The series continues on November 3, from 5-6 p.m., with a program on “Managing Credit.” Students will learn how credit cards, loans, and credit scores work. They will also hear about strategies
Fort Bend County Extension Agent Janelle Johnson will present a program on “Managing Credit” for highschool aged teens this fall on Nov. 3 at the Sugar Land Branch Library. Courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
for using credit wisely while avoiding excessive debt.
The final program in the series – “Introduction to Credit Cards & Insurance” –will take place on December 1. This class will delve more
deeply into the use of credit cards, including how they work and how to avoid debt. Those attending this class will receive tips for using credit cards smartly and responsibly. Students will also get an overview of insurance types – including health, auto, and renters’ – and why they are an important part of financial planning.
The series is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and registration is required. To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbendlibraries.gov), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program on the date indicated. For more information, call the Sienna Branch Library (281-238-2900) or FBCL’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).
The Sienna Branch Library is located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City.
of the Bots” workshop and competition at two Fort Bend County libraries on Nov. 6 and 8. Pictured is
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com
MISSOURI CITY GREEN TREE RESILIENCY WORKSHOP
Missouri City Green will host a Tree Resiliency Workshop on Saturday, November 1, from 9-11 a.m. (check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.), at the Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Missouri City Drive. Attendees will earn how to plant and care for trees that can withstand the challenges of our changing climate. This workshop will cover tree selection, planting best practices, and how to protect trees from extreme weather events like droughts, freezes, hurricanes, and flooding. Learn more and register at missouricitygreen.org.
RICHMOND/ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING
Please join us on Thursday, November 6, at 7 p.m. for our monthly meeting. We will be meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, at St. John’s UMC, 400 Jackson Street, Richmond. We are looking forward to an open meeting this month. We encourage caregivers to bring any ideas they would like to discuss.
Support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They educate and inform participants about dementia and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. These support groups give caregivers and others impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia a place to connect and share with one another. The Richmond/ Rosenberg Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group is for caregivers only. There are online support groups for people who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. You can contact alz.org to learn more about those particular support groups.
Please visit our group’s Facebook Page: Richmond Alzheimer’s Support Group facebook.com/groups/RichmondRosenbergAlzheimersSupport/ or visit facebook.com/groups/alztexprograms to learn more about the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter’s Care and Support groups. Questions may be sent to: gallowkj@earthlink.net
ONGOING
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 selfconfidence, 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.
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, 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,
LITERACY COUNCIL
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
