Hurricaneharvey compressed by fbherald

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 200

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

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swilley@fbherald.com

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert warned county residents on Tuesday to take precautions against the approaching tropical storm. Herbert said Tropical Storm Harvey could dump as much as 18 inches of rain on the Fort Bend County area if it makes landfall on the upper gulf coast of Mexico this week. He said the rainfall could be worse if the storm makes landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast. According to the National Weather Service, remnants of Tropical Storm

Harvey could reorganize and strengthen over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico as early as Wednesday, possibly making landfall in South Texas or Northeast Mexico as soon as Friday as a tropical storm or weak hurricane,” the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management reported. “Fort Bend County could see heavy rainfall this weekend should the storm follow it’s expected track, the emergency management office reported. “At this time the storm is too disorganized for reliable forecasts, but everyone in the area should take a few minutes to make sure they are prepared should we be impacted by flooding from this storm.”

Good Afternoon School supplies giveaway

The Word of Life Worship Center offers free school supplies, backpacks and shoes at 13135 Battle Road, Beasley on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 8-10 a.m. First-come, firstserve while supplies last. For more information, contact Pastor Edward Zamora at 713-405-9157.

AARP meets

The Fort Bend chapter of the AARP will meet on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Rosenberg Civic Center. Doors open at 11 a.m.. A noon catered meal will be served by Ben’s Chuck Wagon. Lunch is $7 for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, tea and coffee. The meeting will follow and then games. For information and meal tickets, call Shirley Hanzelka 832-671-2004.

Fort Bend Journal Going up, down The fact that there’s a highway to hell and a stairway to Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic patterns.

— BH

Around the Bend Vicki Vogt Seely feeling tempted with a bag of M&M Caramel’s after her grandson, Brendan, suggested trying them... Mandi Bronsell and Michelle Moore sharing words of advice, that in a world of Kardashians, be a Lucy (Lucille Ball)... Clare Hoelscher of Richmond served as one of the University of Dallas’ 61 orientation leaders as the university’s largest freshman class in history moved in for the fall 2017 semester.... Tracy Gentry Kiser asking precious friends and family to pray for Rocky Nguyen... Monty Kelly of Needville sharing Snapchat photos of the world’s coolest granddaughter... Attack Poverty’s Rose Pickens perfecting her craft, getting ready for football season at Seabourne Creek Sports Complex in Rosenberg... Richmond Communication Specialist Michelle Moore enjoying the end of summer with some peaceful kayaking on the Guadalupe and Comal rivers... Bia Richards wishing her “amor mas lindo” husband, Kirk, a happy birthday... Claire Rodgers, Linda Drummond, Matt Salazar, Shawn Harmon, Jeff Tallas, Doris Gurecky, Dee Koch, Bia and Kirk Richards, Jess, Terri and Grace Stuart, among others, enjoying the YMCAs of Fort Bend County Board & Donor Celebration at the Stuart Ranch in Richmond... Allie Hodges excited to move into her new apartment and becoming a Fort Bend resident...

Obituaries Gwendolyn Parker Rusher, 65 Gilbert P. Guerra, Jr. 56 See page 3

Thought for Today “The chains which cramp us most are those which weigh on us least.” — Anne Sophie Swetchine, Russian-French author (1782-1857)

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Preserving Fort Bend history

THE FORT Bend Museum held its “Presidents Circle Dinner” at the Historic Moore home Tuesday evening, as part of the Fort Bend History Association’s 50-year anniversary. On top row, from left, are: Lonnie Meadows, Joe Bonham and Tim Cumings. Middle row: Bill Zemanek and Sue Mitchell. Front: Bettye Anhaiser, Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore and Bob Vogelsang.

Fort Bend History Association celebrates ‘Presidents’ Circle Dinner’ BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

Within the side veranda of the historic Moore home at the Fort Bend Museum, guests gathered along an elegant, elongated table, topped with glassware, mini lemon meringues and issues of The Texian Gazette, a museum publication. The Fort Bend History Association was holding a “Presidents’ Circle Dinner” as part of its 50-year anniversary, where past museum presidents and current board members were invited to dine and share their experiences serving as well as their wisdom. “We are celebrating 50 years of existence of what was the Fort Bend County Museum Association,” said current Board President Tim Kaminski. “Tonight we want to celebrate those 50 years by inviting back our past presidents. We want to thank you guys for your years of service. “The idea of this event was actually [trustee] Sharon Wallingford’s. Sharon came to me a couple of months ago and said, ‘Do you think we can get the past presidents together, spend some time with them and take some of their wisdom about what it was like, some of the challenges they faced?’ “We wanted to reconnect everybody back to the organization and talk about plans for the future. We’ve had some pretty major changes this past year.” Kaminski, a native of Fort Bend County — “I have deep roots in the county, my kids are fourth generation. Most of my family is from the Rosenberg, Fairchilds,

Needville area” — shared his first experiences with the museum. “My connection to the museum is coming out here as a student in elementary school and coming back in high school (Lamar Consolidated) performing on the [Moore home] balcony with the choir,” he recalled. “I did not come back on this property until I came on the board 35 years later. Just like yesterday.” Kaminski shared that he has learned a lot since becoming involved. At the time he joined, he admitted thinking the museum was “just this property here. I had no idea it was affiliated with George Ranch, no idea whatsoever about Decker Park, the Dew house. “As involved as my wife and I are in this county, and we’re involved in everything, if I didn’t know this all existed together, than how many other people didn’t know that?” Part of his goals in being president since this past January, Kaminski shared, is that in order for the association to survive “the entire county has to know about this. “Fifty years ago, it was the only thing out here. Now, we have competition of the museum in Sugar Land, there’s things popping up in Fulshear and Katy. It’s kind of taken a back seat to all of that. “We are the purveyors of the history of the county… FBHA Executive Director Claire Rogers, who has been with the association for 15 years, shared its goals and history. Read more at fbherald.com.

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

Fort Bend County Commissioners gave themselves and other elected county officials a pay raise on Tuesday. Commissioners voted to increase the pay of publicly elected officials by 3.37 percent. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said the increase is in line with what elected officials in other counties received. He said taxpayers in Fort Bend County “are getting a bargain” by hiring elected officials at the salaries they receive. The raises were approved by the court’s adoption of a salary schedule for elected officials for the upcoming fiscal year. The schedule reflects the pay increases. That schedule calls for the county judge to receive a $135,951 base salary, an increase of $4,432 over the $131,519 he earned in 2017. The county judge also earns an additional $7,200 from the juvenile board, $2,400 from the drainage board and $240 in longevity pay for a total 2018 salary of $145,791. Hebert announced plans last week to seek another term of office. County commissioners will earn a base salary of $129,477 in 2018 under the new salary schedule. They also receive $2,400 annually from the drainage board

plus longevity pay. They earned a $125,256 base salary in 2017. The sheriff will receive a base salary of $135,951 under the new salary schedule. He earned $131,519 this year. Constables will receive roughly 11 percent pay increase in 2018, from $101,770 to $113,292, to bring their salaries up to the salaries earned by constables in other counties of similar size. Here’s what other elected officials will receive: County attorney — $125,256 to $129,477 Tax assessor/collector — $122,125 to $126,240 County clerk — $122,125 to $126,240 District clerk — $122,125 to $126,240 County treasurer — $118,993 to $123,003 Justice of the peace — $109,599 to $113,292 Constable — $101,770 to $113,292 County court At-Law judge — $149,800 (no increase) Plus $7,200 from juvenile board. District court judge — $10,800 supplement (receives full salary from the state of Texas) and $7,200 stipend from the juvenile board. District attorney — $18,000 supplement (receives full salary from the state of Texas) County employees who are not elected to office will also receive pay raises of around 3 percent, Hebert said.

Commissioners Court approves decreased tax rate BY TYLER JOHNSON sjohnson@fbherald.com

Fort Bend County commissioners on Tuesday took multiple actions toward adoption of the county’s 2018 fiscal year tax rate. Commissioners voted to decrease the tax rate from 45.8 cents to 45.3 cents. The public hearing dates on the proposed tax rate will be Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Tuesday, Sept. 26. The 45.3-cent tax rate is actually greater than the effective tax rate by 1.26 percent. Pamela Gubbels, director of finance and investments, said, “Statute requires us to state we are increasing the tax rate. “The effective tax rate allows the public to assess the relationship between taxes for the prior year and for the current year based on a tax rate that would produce the same amount of taxes if applied to the same properties taxed in both of those years.”

According the tax rate summary report, the overall tax rate for Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend County Drainage District has ultimately decreased 3.07 percent since FY 2013. The commissioners court set public hearing dates for Monday, Sept. 25, and Tuesday, Sept. 26, for the approval of the FY 2018 proposed budget. County commissioners also approved several traffic control plans throughout the area. The placement of 30 mph speed limit signs throughout the Tierra Grand subdivision was approved. The commissioners approval the addition of “no parking” signs on Sierra Grand Drive and Camino Del Sol Drive in Mission Bend. Motion was carried on the first amendment to the lease agreement between Fort Bend County and the city of Missouri City to begin construction of a county public in Missouri City.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

GUESTS LISTEN in as past board presidents of the Fort Bend History Association, once known as the Fort Bend Museum Association, share their experiences serving during the “Presidents’ Circle Dinner” Tuesday night. From left, are board secretary Keely Knipling, trustee Sharon Wallingford, treasurer Billie Van Slyke, trustee Lynne Humphries, and former board president Bettye Anhaiser.

Council discusses refunding city debt

agleason@fbherald.com

May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful Psalm 68:3

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

BY AVERIL GLEASON

Today’s Scripture

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County judge warns Commissioners vote of approaching storm to give themselves pay raises next year

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

TERRY LADY RANGERS lose a close match-up to Bush; see Sports

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

The city of Rosenberg is in the works of refinancing and refunding debt that was issued nearly 10 years ago. And according to Assistant City Manager Joyce Vasut, the money earned from the refinanced debt would help pay for road reconstruction, quiet zones and sewer and water improvements. At the Rosenberg City Council special meeting on Tuesday, council members discussed the city’s debt requirements, the proposed refunding of bonds and the estimated tax rebate. City staff identified and recommended the potential projects that will need funding: ■■ Sanitary sewer and water improvements, amounting to $5.5 million;

■■ The Spacek Road reconstruction project, amounting to $1.5 million; ■■ Street reconstruction, amounting to $2 million; and ■■ Railroad quiet zones/wayside horns, amounting to $500,000. At a previous workshop meting, council members ranked the projects in their perceived order of importance. City staff was directed to refund the debt from 2008 in calendar year 2017 to issue up to $9.8 million of new debt. “Not all debt is bad,” council member Alice Jozwiak said. “There was mention of borrowing money in past meetings so we knew this was coming. “We’re going to need the $9.8 million to get our infrastructure fixed. We watch out for each other in Rosenberg. And it’s time to pay the piper.” Council members Lynn Moses, Jimmie

Pena and Susan Euton agreed with Jozwiak. “I can tell when I’m outnumbered,” Mayor Bill Benton said. “I’m not prepared to add any more debt. “I’ve said all along that we don’t have a funding problem, we have a prioritizing problem. “Philosophically speaking, all of these dollars are not voter approved. If it’s such a good idea and the people want it, then they’ll vote for it.” Moses spoke in opposition, commenting that the council was elected to represent the people and make tough decisions regarding the budget and tax rate. No action was taken on this item. Vasut said she will return at a future meeting to present a way to refinance and refund the debt from 2008. In other business, council members

took the opportunity to review and discuss the FY 2018 proposed budget. Based on the proposed tax rate, the following changes to the proposed budget were recommended: ■■ Increase the property tax revenues by $185,600; ■■ Remove $300,000 for the City Hall roof and fund the roof in the FY 2017 budget from the sales tax revenues; ■■ Increase the transfer to the fleet replacement fund for the fire engine and equipment by $165,600; and ■■ Increase street maintenance by $220,000. “I like these changes a lot better than what we initially started out with,” Jozwiak said. The final vote on the proposed 2018 fiscal year budget and tax rate (46.2 cents) is scheduled for Sept. 5.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 201

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

Fort Bend County hunkers down!

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Tropical Storm Harvey expected to dump between 18-35 inches on county BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

n See storm track map, Page 5.

swilley@fbherald.com

Foster Falcons prepare for first scrimmage of the season; see Sports

Good Afternoon School supplies giveaway

Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Fort Bend Journal I’ll handle it! Here’s another dandy from correspondent Pete Pavlovsky: Do not, I repeat, do not use $1, $2, $20, $50 or $100 bills. They have pictures of former slave owners on them! Send them all to me and I will dispose of them properly!!! Do not just throw them away. They need to be disposed of in a proper manner and I am certified to do so. Thank you.

— BH

Around the Bend

Today’s Scripture The Lord said to (Moses), “Who gave human beings their mouths? ... Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12

Thought for Today “Life begins when a person first realizes how soon it will end.” — Marcelene Cox, American writer

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Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to turn into a Category 3 hurricane before it reaches the Texas Gulf Coast late Friday, authorities reported. As the storm moves 0nshore, it ispredicted to dump between 18-35 inches of rain on Fort Bend County. Winds could reach upwards of 129 miles per hour, forecasters said. Gov. Greg Abbott preemptively declared a State of Disaster for Aransas, Austin, Bee, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton and Wilson counties. Forecasts from the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center expect this storm to intensify in the coming days, causing severe flooding, storm surges and damaging winds. Fort Bend County farmers are racing to gather their crops before the storm hits. Neil, David and Alfonse Drabek worked until 9 p.m. Wednesday and plan

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

BEASLEY RESIDENT Ruben Martinez is preparing for Tropical Storm Harvey by buying water, bags of charcoals and propane gas tanks from Lowes on Thursday.

to work after dark on Thursday and Friday to harvest their cotton crop before the storm hits. Fort Bend County residents have emptied stores of water, batteries and other supplies. “Customers have been buying water in bulk,” Lowe’s store manager Tammy Morris said. “We started off with 21 pallets and now we’re down to only two.” The store began the morning with 43 generators, but had only four left in stock as of 9 a.m. Thursday. A manager there says people are buying lots of plywood and fans. Beasley resident Ruben Martinez and his wife loaded their pickup truck with bottled water, bags of charcoal and propane gas tanks. The Kroger store in the Brazos Town Center was completely out of bottled water on Wednesday night. “Naturally, all of our stores are swamped right now,” said Joy Partain, corporate affairs manager for Kroger. She said the Rosenberg store received 78 truckloads of Kroger brand

SEE HARVEY, PAGE 5

Be prepared for Tropical Storm Harvey

Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to shower Fort Bend County with 18-35 inches of rain over the next several days. Winds could reach as high as 129 mph if Harvey becomes a Category 3 hurricane as predicted. If that happens, the electricity supply could be disrupted and the fresh water system shut down. Fort Bend County residents are encouraged to be prepared for any eventuality. Here are a few precautions to take before a storm strikes: n Know your evacuation routes. n Put together a basic emergency kit to include proper tools, supplies and a first

aid kit. n Have plenty of batteries and flashlights and at least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable foods on hand. n Refill prescription medicines; purchase antibacterial ointments and other medications. n Get cash out of the bank. ATMs may be out of power and banks may be damaged and closed after a storm. Purchase hand-cranked radios and flashlights if possible. Batteries may not be available after a storm. n Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters. n Secure outside objects, such as picnic tables and trampolines.

n Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water for several days and for each family member. n Leave low lying areas. n Evacuate if instructed to leave the area. n Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, TV or the Internet.

What to do during the storm: n Stay in a secure room and away from windows. n Don’t use the telephone or candles. n Monitor weather and civic service bulletins on either regular or NOAA weather radio. n Have supplies on hand.

n Remain indoors when the eye of the storm moves over your area, the storm will resume shortly. Safety tips after the storm: n Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. n Monitor the radio for information from emergency management officials in your area. n Before venturing outside, ensure the storm has completely passed. n Report downed power lines and stay away from them. n Use stored water and food. n Be patient until your environment is safe and back to normal.

Surface water set to come to Rosenberg next year BY AVERIL GLEASON

Congratulations to Marion and Milton Wright, who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary... Joanna, Tuan and Christina Nguyen visiting Rosenberg to witness the solar eclipse with their favorite daughter/cousin/sister... La Mar sharing memories of 2 years ago when she and her family met Tarzan... Angela and Christina Nguyen, Luke Manalo and Tommy Luu taking Joanna Nguyen on an Austin daytrip for her 67th birthday... Veronica Marroquin Aguilar and Kayla and Ralf Guzman enjoying a great dinner with good company at Lomonte’s Italian Restaurant & Bar... Navarro Middle School math teacher Joel Nieto taking a photo with “The Manly Men of Mathematics”.... Tracy Kilpatrick giving a shout out to the great group of families at Frost Elementary School, for the school’s PTO was able to gift each teacher a $30 gift certificate to a teachers supply store in Rosenberg... Taylor Ray Elementary music teacher Deborah DeDe Sullivan having fun and starting the school year off right with Noe Benitez, Angela Ramsey, Mary Jo Munguia, Laura Esparza, Linda Harrell, Beth Duhon, Anne Wertz, Laura Burch Brown, Carol A. Townsend, Jill Norwood, Sabra Hacker-Whisner, Rose Collins during in service with author and composer John Jacobson, and thanking LCISD Fine Arts Coordinator Ram Estrada...

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agleason@fbherald.com

Forty miles of pipeline will soon run from Angleton to Rosenberg to supply water for the city’s homes and businesses. At the Rosenberg City Council workshop meeting on Tuesday, a Brazosport Water Authority official gave a quarterly update on the alternative water project, set to be completed by May 2018. Currently, Rosenberg’s primary source of water is ground water, but the city has been mandated to switch its source of water to surface water. Council members then discussed a water system corrosion study, as necessitated by the upcoming conversion to treated surface water. The study cites tasks like public outreach and education and public taste-testing panels and directional flushing plans. Whenever a public water provider changes the source of water, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the provider to prepare and submit a corrosion study. “We will start identifying what types of chemicals we may have to add,” City Manager John Maresh said. “Once we get the surface water, we’re going to have to do some adjustments — but nothing too big.” On Sept. 20, city staff will assemble a test panel, and is looking for 15 residents and business owners who will try different blends of water. “We want to see what blend the citizens like best,” Maresh said.

Maresh added that people willing to participate should call City Hall at 832595-3300 for more information. In other business, Rosenberg Police Chief Dallis Warren gave his monthly animal shelter and police department report. In July, 17 dogs and six cats were adopted, and 10 dogs and cats were euthanized. Rosenberg Animal Control participated in Clear the Shelters for the first time this year, and six dogs and cats were adopted during that event. The animal shelter currently has 14 active volunteers and four volunteers in training. For the month of July, the police department received 7,646 calls and 1,700 calls for 911 lines. Officers solved 76 cases and conducted over 900 traffic stops. Council members also agreed to extend contracts for the following services: ■■The parks restroom janitorial services, amounting to $22,212; ■■Seabourne Creek Park sports field maintenance, amounting to $49,225; ■■Parks grounds maintenance, amounting to $62,055; and ■■City facility grounds maintenance, amounting to $63,729. “We’ve had no problems with any of these contractors before,” council member Alice Jozwiak said. “They’ve all been very responsive. And when the time comes, let’s extend the contracts.” The next city council meeting will take place Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 2110 Fourth St.

Man found guilty in shooting death of Texas police chief BELTON (AP) — A Central Texas jury has found a 26-year-old man guilty of murder in the death of a police chief who was shot while working an off-duty security job at a bar. The Bell County jury found Derrick Gamble guilty Wednesday of the November 2015 killing of Marlin police Chief Darrell Allen. Authorities at the time said Allen was trying to detain Gamble at the bar

in Temple when Allen was shot. Allen had been chief in Marlin, a town of some 6,000 about 30 miles northeast of Temple, since 2009. Prosecutors during Gamble’s trial this week had sought a capital murder conviction. The jury began deliberating Thursday on Gamble’s sentencing. The Temple Daily Telegram reports he faces a term of at least 15 years in prison.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

SIBLINGS JOSHUA, 5, Victoria, 9, and Vanessa Thomas, 11, watch the Dress Code Fashion Show, giving a thumbs up for approval or thumbs down, during Lamar Junior High’s Mustang Orientation Wednesday evening, in support of their older brother Preston, who will be attending as a new seventh grader. See more photos online at fbherald.com.

Mustang Orientation welcomes new Lamar Junior High students BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

A crowd of cheerleaders donned in blue and silver greeted guests at Lamar Junior High School’s Mustang Orientation Wednesday evening, shouting “Welcome to Lamar!” Budding seventh and eighth graders had a chance to learn about programs provided at the school — including but not limited to drama, band, athletics, Spanish club, FFA and crafting club — learn the code of conduct and dress code, meet new administrators, and make new friends. Assistant Principal Toshila Darjean shared the school’s code of conduct with new students and their families. The intents of the code are for every student to feel safe and respected, for every student to learn, to take ownership,

and to make the right choices. Safety, Darjean shared, is her priority. “That’s huge for me. That’s my number one thing ever in life, for every person to feel safe,” she said. “I do not want any student walking through that door and feel unsafe for whatever reason. If it’s because little Johnny is saying something about this person or that person, that’s not right. “I want each and every student on this campus to feel safe the same way when I send my kids to school, I want them to feel safe.” Respect, she added, is also essential. “We will treat each and everyone with respect, we hug each other, we tell each other we love you,” said Darjean. “That’s the kind of relationship that we build with our students on this cam-

SEE LCJHS, PAGE 5

Harvest Edition 2017 INSIDE TODAY! Friday, August 25, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 202

FIRST-EVER COMMENCEMENT

ALL EYES ON HARVEY www.fbherald.com

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

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Category 3 hurricane expected to dump 15-25 inches of rain on Fort Bend County over next 5 days BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

TSTC holds first-ever graduation ceremony in Rosenberg; see page 3.

Good Afternoon School supplies giveaway

Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Race for Grace

Abigail’s Place will host its second annual Race for Grace on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear. Race for Grace consists of a 5k and 1k fun run. For more information, please contact Shereen Sampson at Shereen.sampson@ abilgailsplace.org.

Fort Bend County residents looked skyward on Monday to see a rare event, the moon eclipsing the sun. On Friday they looked skyward for another rare event, the coming of a hurricane. Hurricane Harvey, rated a Category 2 storm early Friday morning, is expected to slam into the Texas Gulf Coast sometime Friday evening as a Category 3 storm. Its landfall is expected to occur somewhere between Corpus Christi and Matagorda. Harvey will be the first major hurricane to hit Texas since Hurricane Ike in 2008. Fort Bend County residents have been preparing for the storm since it first entered the Gulf on Wednesday. Harvey is predicted to dump between 15-25 inches of rain on Fort Bend County., according to the National Weather Service. “This is a dangerous storm and I urge all citizens to be prepared to protect themselves and their loved ones who might need assistance as the storm approaches,” said Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, who proclaimed Fort Bend County a disaster area on Thursday in advance of the storm. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday pre-emptively declared Fort Bend County and other Gulf Coast counties disaster ar-

available for Rosenberg residents starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday. Sandbags are available for pick-up at Brazos Park located at 220 Mulcahy St. The first day for classes at Needville ISD was to have been Monday, Aug. 28. That date has been postponed to Tuesday, Aug. 29, because of the hurricane. There will be no activities at any of the schools, or any extracurricular activities for students Friday through Monday. Anyone with questions should contact NISD at 281-633-1422. Fort Bend ISD has canceled school and all activities scheduled through Monday. Brazos Bend State Park has announced it will be closed temporarily because of potential impacts from Hurricane Harvey. The park will remain closed through at least Aug. 29. Park Superintendent Chris Bishop advised the closure dates could be extended when the park’s staff has a better sense of how storm conditions unfold and as damHERALD STAFF PHOTO age from the weather event is assessed THE WALMART in Richmond ran out of water on Thursday as residents scramble to and repaired. prepare for Hurricane Harvey. The Krogers store also reported brisk sales in water and “Our team is concerned that the comhurricane supplies. The H-E-B store brought in truckloads of water early Friday morning. bination of heavy rainfall coupled with high winds could result in many fallen caused the closing of the intersection. eas ahead of the storm. Texas State Technical College in Rosen- trees,” Bishop said. Lamar Consolidated ISD canceled all “Although a lesser concern, we are also its sporting events and student activities berg announced it would close on Friday. Residents have begun taking precau- anticipating significant localized ponding planned through Monday, Aug. 28, and the school district headquarters and its cam- tions against the approaching storm by from all of the rain. Our number one priority is public safety. stocking up on necessities. puses will be closed on Monday. “We want to be certain that we are The city of Rosenberg is offering its The Texas Department of Transportation announced plans to cancel the in- residents sandbags to help prevent flood- providing both a safe environment and a quality park experience before we re-open stalation of overpass spans at U.S. 59 and ing. A limited number of sandbags were the park to public use.” SH 36 this weekend. The work would have

Needville trustees review 2017-18 spending plan

Fort Bend Journal What’s the age? So when is this “Old enough to know better” supposed to kick in?

— BH

Around the Bend Congratulations to Marian and Milton Wright, who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary... Lauren Ashley with her husband Justin, enjoying a date night staycation at Hotel Icon... Husbands Ryan Smith, Oscar Beltran and Jason Allen supporting their wives at the 51st annual Lamar CISD New Teacher Round-Up at the Safari Texas Ranch... Yunghee Choi, Jennifer Smith, Drucilla Omokaro, Tierra Clayton, Henva Medlow, Bridget Peschel, Regan Garcia, Katelyn Mcdougal Spano, Tamela Allen, Carlos Soto, Kendale Stoker, Cathy Hastie, Katherine Lange, Brandon Duswalt, Amber Hendrix, among others, enjoy dining on fajitas and meeting new staff members at the LCISD New Teacher Round-Up Thursday night... Daniel Ornelas, Claudine Vass, Loan Davis, Tim Stroud, Jacey, Fanny, Calob and Jacob Jetton attending the Houston Texans V.S. New England Patriots football game at NRG Park... Shannon Stavinoha of Richmond proud of her son Teddy, rocking a Go Coogs hand sign, who started his first year of freshman year at the University of Houston...

Today’s Scripture Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Thought for Today “No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.” — Althea Gibson, American tennis champion (1927-003)

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Author visits Needville ISD NEEDVILLE ELEMENTARY kindergarten teacher Phyllis Bosak thanks best-selling author Steve Gilliland for autographing one of his books for her prior to a presentation he gave for district staff on Aug. 16.

Rosenberg man charged with aggravated assault BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

A 25-year-old Rosenberg man was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of illegal drugs, authorities reported. Gerardo Zambrano faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the second-degree felony offense. He also faces two felony charges of possession of a controlled substance, a state jail felony punishable by up to two Gerardo years in a state jail. Rosenberg police Zambrano arrested Zambrano around 5 p.m. at a residence in the 1000 block of Sally Anne Drive. Officers were dispatched to the residence in reference to a “subject with a gun,” Lt. Chad Pino reported. Officers spoke with the complaintant at the residence who said Zambrano pointed a gun at him, Pino reported. Zambrano was located inside the residence during the investigation.

Another person, Jasmine Cobbin, 23, of Beasley, was also found at the residence, Pino added. Cobbin resisted arrest and was later found to be in possession of drugs, Pino said. Cobbin was arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, less than one gram, a state jail felony offense; tampering with physical evidence to destroy its use as evidence later in court, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison; and resisting arrest, a class A Jasmine misdemeanor. Zambrano and Cobbin Cobbin were taken to the Fort Bend County Jail where they remained Thursday. Bond was not set as of Thursday afternoon. Authorities did not elaborate on who Zambrano allegedly attacked and the reason for the alleged assault. They also did not provide the media with details of the drugs Zambrano and Cobbin allegedly possessed.

Needville School Board members reviewed the second draft of the 2017-2018 financial budget and set a public hearing and special meeting to adopt it and set the 2017 property tax rate. Assistant Superintendent of Finance Dovie Peschel presented the $29,242,042 balanced budget, $2.1 million of which has been earmarked for construction. She said the 2017 property tax rate will remain the same as last year, at $1.54 per $100 valuation. Of that amount, $1.17 is designated for maintenance and operations, and .37 cents is for bonded indebtedness/ interest and sinking. While the tax rate will remain the same, more money will be generated for the district because Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (CAD) figures show the average market value of a house in Needville ISD has risen from $174,137 last year to $180,168 this year. Peschel said the school district began the 2016-2017 school year with an $8.78 million fund balance, and that number has increased by about $1 million as the current school year begins. During the citizen’s communication portion of the meeting, Needville-area resident Clay Forister addressed trustees regarding the issue of annexation by other cities.

Forister said several Needville-area residents are concerned about that possibility, and would prefer to be annexed into Needville’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). “This is a great place; great community,” he said. In speaking to “neighbors and friends,” Forister added, the goal is to “preserve the community and manage the growth that is inevitable coming.” Board President Chris Janicek thanked Forister for coming, and explained that state law prevents trustees from commenting on any issues that are not in the agenda. With very few action items on the agenda, trustees approved a .25 cent increase in adult lunch prices for all campuses, setting the rate at $3.50, and also approved the renewal of the district’s unemployment compensation insurance with Texas Association of School Boards Risk Management Fund. The cost of the latter remains unchanged from last year at $5,349. In his monthly report, Superintendent Curtis Rhodes told the board that things are going well at each campus, and the district’s staff is excited about the start of another school year. “We’ve had a great kick-off,” Rhodes said as he thanked administrators for their enthusiasm.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

Train hits truck THE FORT Bend County Sheriff’s Office received a call concerning a Union Pacific train hitting a pickup truck at the intersection of U.S. 90A East in the Richmond area and FM 359 around 2 p.m. Thursday. When deputies arrived, the driver of the truck was out of the truck and inspecting damage. The driver was not injured.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 203

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

$ 1.25

BRACING FOR HARVEY

CALLING IT LIKE I SEE IT

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

Kaepernick doesn’t have a job because he isn’t any good; see Sports

Good Afternoon School supplies giveaway

Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Race for Grace

Fort Bend Journal Shotgun lady A police officer called his station on his radio. “I have an interesting case here. An older lady just shot her husband for stepping on the floor she just mopped.” “Have you arrested her yet?” the sergeant on duty asked. “Not yet,” replied the officer. “The floor is still wet.”

— BH

Around the Bend Taylor Ray PTO President Jennifer M. Hernandez giving her kids, along with Cora Lea Edson Jerkins’ and Ashley and Paul Martinez’s kids, moon pies and Sunny D orange juice in honor of the Solar Eclipse.. Angela Nguyen sending love and wishing a happy first day of school to all of her Fort Bend ISD teacher friends... Perla Mendoza eating noodles at Les Givral’s Kahve with her boo Jake... Tracy Kilpatrick sharing a TED talk with speaker Rita Pierson, who gives words of wisdom on building relationships with educators... Johnny J. Rojas illustrating a sidewalk drawing of “The Fish Pond”... Fort Bend County Republican County Chairman Jacey Jetton and wife Fanny, sending off their sons Jacob and Calob off to their first day of fourth grade and kindergarten... Sarah J. Barta wishing her favorite 5-year-old, nephew Xander Peery, a wonderful and fabulous first day of kindergarten... Ray Aguilar proud of his daughter Alex, sharing that people will be blessed and fortunate to have her as their nurse... Lamar Junior High cheerleaders Jeslyn Nguyen, Caysie Clark, Natalie Ramirez, Valerie Aguilar, Kaylah Torres, Anjel Waddell, Rhiya Rasul, Kymbrali Palacios, Gizl Alindayu, Kate McLelland, Cierra Trebino, Haley Camacho, Craig Cabrera, Carina Morgan and Ashley Livingston greeting guests at the Mustang Orientation...

Today’s Scripture Continue to live your lives in (Christ Jesus), rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Thought for Today “In order to have wisdom we must have ignorance.” — Theodore Dreiser, American author (born this date in 1871, died 1945)

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HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Sean Olszewski of Rosenberg loads sandbags on the back of his idents who wanted to protect their homes from possible flooding vehicle on Friday at the city of Rosenberg parks department, lo- as a result of Hurricane Harvey. Before he left, Olszewski filled a cated at Brazos Park. The city was giving away sandbags to res- dozen sandbags to replace those he took.

Needville resident Robert Rocha arrived at the Watermill Express on U.S. 90 in Rosenberg on Friday afternoon to find the freshwater supplier out of water. So he raced to the Watermill Express on State Highway 36 only to find it was out of water as well. It was the second trip to both water suppliers that day. Like many residents, Rocha is worried he and his family won’t have enough water — or food and other supplies — if Hurricane Harvey wreaks havoc on Fort Bend County this weekend. Harvey was upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane at 2:30 p.m. Friday. It was expected to make landfall somewhere between Corpus Christi and Rockport on Friday evening. Harvey is the first hurricane to strike Texas since Hurricane Ike in 2008. Fort Bend County authorities warned residents to be prepared for Harvey by stocking up on supplies and staying out of harm’s way as much as possible — not driving in heavy rain and moving out of low-lying areas prone to flooding. County Judge Bob Hebert has per-emptively declared Fort Bend County a disaster area. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has also declared Fort Bend County a disaster area in advance of the storm, the first step to help victims receive federal emergency funds.

SEE HARVEY, PAGE 3A

Emergency contacts in Fort Bend County BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

With Hurricane Harvey fast approaching, The Herald has created a list of numbers for assistance with county-wide needs. ROSENBERG City Hall: 832-595-3300 Open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Hall is located at 2110 Fourth St.

Police Department: 832-595-3700 The police station is located at 2120 Fourth St. Fire Department: 832-595-3600 Fire Station 1 is located at 1021 Fourth St. Fire Station 2 is located at 5320 Reading Road. Fire Station 3 is located at 6226 August Green Drive. And Fire Station 4 is located at 4336 SH 36 South. Fort Bend County EMS is located at

4332 SH 36, next to Fire Station 4. Contact the EMS at 281-342-7233. Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office: 281341-4704 The sheriff’s department is located at 1410 Williams Way Boulevard. Animal Control: 832-595-3490 Animal Control is located at 1207 Blume Road. Fort Bend County Animal Services is located across the street from Rosenberg Animal Control at 1210 Blume Road. Contact Animal Services at 281-342-

51st New Teacher Round-up

1512. Utilities Department:832-595-3583 The department is located at 2700 Ave. A. For paperless billing, go to www. rosenberg.com/merchanttransact.com/ default.aspx. The Sewage Treatment plant is located at 6420 Reading Road. Call 832-490-1600 for information about water treatment distribution and

SEE CONTACTS, PAGE 3A

University of Texas sued over statue removal

AUSTIN (AP) — The Sons of Confederate Veterans is suing the University of Texas at Austin for removing Confederate statues from its campus. UT-Austin President Greg Fenves ordered four statues to be removed from campus Sunday, a week after the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The statues were paid for by former UT regent and Confederate veteran George Littlefield in 1920. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. Western District Court argues that the school broke its agreement with Littlefield by removing the statues. A university spokesman says the university’s lawyers carefully considered the relocation of the statues. The association also sued the university in 2015 over the removal of a statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. A judge ruled against the association and the statue was removed.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

George Junior High new teachers Wesley Simmons, Nicole Brooks, Diana Abilmona and Melinda Cave smile in line to go stage during the new staff introduction at the Safari Texas Ranch. The event marked the 51st annual LCISD New Teacher Round-Up, hosted by the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation.

LCISD welcomes new teachers BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

As Hurricane Harvey threatens its way through Texas, new Lamar CISD educators had one last fun night out before making preparations for the intense weather as well as their first LCISD school year. The event marked the 51st annual 2017 Lamar CISD New Teacher Round-Up at the Safari Texas Ranch on Thursday night, hosted by the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF). A total of 276 new teachers have joined LCISD — 147 will teach elementary school, 122 will teach secondary school and 7 will teach Special Education — with an addition of about 1,000 more students expected this coming school year. LEAF Board President Chip Sutton welcomed the new teachers to the district and shared his liking to the annual round-up.

“It is probably my favorite, if not my favorite, event of the year,” he said. “As a parent of a Lamar CISD senior from George Ranch who just graduated and is now at University of Arizona, and an incoming eighth grader at Reading Junior High, I thank you all for your service and your decision to teach at Lamar CISD.” LEAF Executive Director Janice Knight thanked the business and community sponsors, noting the event couldn’t be what it is without them. Despite the alarming weather forecast, Knight noted that “Lamar CISD is going to keep you protected and we are thrilled that you are here.” She added that LEAF awards $2.9 million back to the teachers and the LEAF grants are due Sept. 27. “I’ve been visiting several campuses,” she said. “We’re excited to do what we do. Thank you for choosing Lamar. We’re glad you’re here.”

SEE LCISD, PAGE 5A

Ex-airport baggage handler sentenced to prison for gun thefts AUSTIN (AP) — Prosecutors say a former baggage handler at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport must serve 18 months in federal prison for stealing handguns from checked luggage. Ja’Quan Johnson was sentenced Friday in Austin. The 26-year-old Austin man in June pleaded guilty to theft from an interstate shipment and to possession of a stolen firearm. Police recovered seven stolen guns. Prosecutors say Johnson acknowledged stealing numerous handguns, from checked passenger bags, between late November and early February. Investigators believe Johnson traded some of the guns for drugs. The stolen weapons included a .40-caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol. Johnson was arrested in March and fired amid the investigation that included a review of airport surveillance video.

Intersection to close temporarily The intersection at SH 36 and U.S. 59 will be closed Sept. 16-17 so contractors can hang beams on the overpass. The closure had been scheduled for this weekend but was canceled due to Hurricane Harvey. This intersection will be closed starting on Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. and reopen Sept. 17 at 7 a.m.

Sunday, August 27, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Fort Bend County prepares for first hurricane in 8 years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 A tornado watch has been issued for Fort Bend County until 2 a.m. Saturday. The advisory also warns Fort Bend County residents about the possibility of pea-sized hail and winds with gusts up to 70 mph. “It is anticipated that some areas could see up to 35 inches of rain through Tuesday south of I-10, with most areas seeing between 1525 inches,” the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency management reported Friday afternoon. In addition, Fort Bend County is under a flash flood watch and a tropical storm warning, the agency reported. As Rocha scrambled to find fresh water on Friday, Rosenberg City Councilman Jacob Balderas, 19, filled sandbags at the city yard on Houston Street. “We’re not going to run out of sand, but we may run out of bags,” he told a reporter at noon Friday. About 100 residents took advantage of the free sandbag give-away by noon, he said. One of them, Michael Martinez, said the sandbags help keep water from entering doors and windows. Although county offices will be closed until Tuesday, the city of Rosenberg will open its offices on Monday. “The city will be there to help any residents in need,” Balderas said. Lamar Consolidated ISD canceled all sporting and extracurricular activities planned for the week, and announced Friday that campuses would be closed on Monday. Needville ISD and Fort Bend ISD also announced they will not be open on Monday. The National Weather Service said Harvey could stall once it strikes the Texas coast. If that happens, it could dump as much as 15-25 inches on Fort Bend County, meteorologists said. Harvey could also blow back to sea and reform before moving up the coastline to Louisiana, some weather experts said. If that happens, the amount of rainfall could rise dramatically along the Texas Gulf Coast. Weather prognosticators said Fort Bend County residents can expect rain for about five days because of the hurricane.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

Behind Brazos Park, 406 Mulcahy St. in Rosenberg, the city’s public works department laid out around 40 cubic yard of sand for Rosenberg residents to collect before Hurricane Harvey hits. Pictured is Michael Martinez with over a dozen bags of sand in the back of his truck. “The sand creates a seal for doors and windows to keep water out,” council member Jacob Balderas said. According to Balderas, more than 100 citizens have come out to grab sand. “We’re not going to run out of sand, but we may run out of bags,” he said.

CONTACTS: Emergency numbers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

Robert Rocha of Needville attempts to fill a water bottle at the Windmill Express water station on SH 36 on Friday. He said he had made two trips to the freshwater filling station without success. He and other Fort Bend T:5.6875” County residents are stocking up on water and other supplies in advance of Hurricane Harvey’s arrival.

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RICHMOND City Hall: 281-342-5456 Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Hall is located at 402 Morton St. Police Department: 281-3422849 The police station is located at 600 Preston St. Fire Department: 281-238-1210 The fire station is located at 200 Houston St. Public Works Department: 281-342-0559 Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department is located at 600 Morton St. NEEDVILLE City Hall: 979-793-42-53 Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Hall is located at 9022 Main St.

Police Department: 979-7934253 The police station is located at 3321 Richmond St. Fire Department: 979-793-4262 The fire station is located at 3323 Richmond St. FULSHEAR City Hall: 281-346-1796 Open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. City Hall is located at 30603 FM 1093 Police Department: 281-3462202 The police station is located at 29370 McKinnon Road, Suite D. Fire Department: 281-345-2800 The fire station is located at 3026 Fifth St. Customer/Utilities Office: 281-346-8830 Open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, August 28, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 204

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ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

HARVEY’S NOT THRU YET

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Brazos River in Fort Bend County expected to breech levies BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

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TODAY!

Good Afternoon School supplies giveaway

The Word of Life Worship Center offers free school supplies, backpacks and shoes at 13135 Battle Road, Beasley on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 8-10 a.m. First-come, first-serve while supplies last. For more information, contact Pastor Edward Zamora at 713-405-9157.

Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Race for Grace

The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation for some residents of Fort Bend County and a voluntary evacuation for others. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said the emergency operations agency personnel have been closely monitoring the water level in the Brazos River. The National Weather Service forecast indicates that the Brazos River will crest sometime Tuesday, Aug. 29, in the late afternoon or early evening at an elevation of fifty nine feet at the Richmond gauge on U.S. 90A. “A flood of this magnitude is an 800year event and it exceeds the design specifications of our levees, and is potentially dangerous for a good portion of Fort Bend County,” said Hebert, who directs the office emergency management. “A 59-foot-river level threatens to overtop many of the levees in our area. “As a result, I am ordering both voluntary and mandatory evacuations for many of the levee improvement districts along the Brazos River, based on all specific facts pertaining to each levee,” Hebert announced late Sunday night. The Brazos River at Richmond is presently at 43.6 feet. During the record-setting 2016 Memorial Day flood, the Brazos River crested

SEE HARVEY, PAGE 3

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

MASSIVE SINKHOLE formed on FM 762 in front of the 24 HR Fitness on Sunday. The sinkhole expanded across the rest of the roadway by Sunday afternoon, making the highway impassable.

City of Rosenberg water still working Despite rumors to the contrary, the city of Rosenberg is not shutting off people’s water, city officials reported

LCISD campuses closed

Due to inclement weather and mobility issues, all Lamar CISD campuses and facilities will be CLOSED on Monday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sep. 1. Classes are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Sep. 5, following the Labor Day holiday. We are closely monitoring the weather and will inform the community if there are any further changes. Please monitor our website—www. lcisd.org—or the District Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest information.

Fort Bend Journal Too close Be careful when you follow the masses…sometimes the “m” is silent.

— BH

Around the Bend Lamar Consolidated High School senior Brian Kaminsky sharing his love for FFA, his excitement for competing in rodeos and how he’s mixed with Vietnamese, Polish and Honduran origins... LCHS seniors and FFA officers Everett Lane, Micaela Escochea and Juan Perez spark Lamar Junior High students’ interest in FFA during Mustang Orientation... Steven G. Wong having a fun day of work, eating delicious sushi and topping off the night with some dope dronography in Portland, Oregon... Ahmad Kz, Vance Lawrence, Sigourney, Joanne Mae, and Blake Shelfan exploring Seoul, South Korea... Rosenberg City Councilwoman Alice Jozwiak helping to fill sandbags on Friday for city residents at the public works... Rosenberg City Councilwoman Lynn Moses picking up some to-go Chinese food on Saturday...

Today’s Scripture The Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Thought for Today “The essence of immorality is the tendency to make an exception of one’s self.” — Jane Addams, American social worker and Nobel Peace laureate (1860-1935)

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Monday morning. City Secretary Jenny Pavlovich said city offices will be closed Tuesday.

HERALD FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Traffic on the Grand Parkway where it crosses the Brazos River is safe and open to traffic, authorities reported Sunday. The bridge has been temporarily restricted to one lane each way while contractors shore up the Judge Jodie Stavinoha Bridge, which was damaged during the 2016 Memorial Day flood. However, because of the storm, all the lanes are open to traffic.

Report: Stavinoha Bridge is safe, open

THE HERALD STAFF

The Stavinoha Bridge spanning the Brazos River near New Territory is safe and open to traffic, despite rumors otherwise, authorities reported Sunday. “There is a rumor floating around Fort Bend County that the Stavinoha Bridge over the Brazos River on the Grand Parkway (SH 99) will be closed this Sunday morning,” Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said. “There is no truth in the rumor.” Erosion from the three major floods in 2015 and 2016 has removed much of the earthen bank reinforcing the northern pier support, Hebert noted. However, “the bridge is safe, but major repairs to restore ground support for the pier and prevent future erosion are currently being made. Reflectors have been installed on the pier components and they are checked regularly by laser level to confirm no movement has occurred. “Due to the predicted flood event construction has been halted and all lanes of the bridge are open.”

As flood waters rise, the laser measurements will also increase and if the slightest movement is observed, the bridge will be immediately closed, said Hebert, who directs the county’s Office of Emergency Management. “If water rises to the level that prevents direct observation of its action on the pier and/or the northern abutment, the bridge will be closed immediately,” he said. “Toll Road personnel have been instructed that, if in doubt, to act in the interest of public safety. “If the river rises to the predicated forecast of 55-foot elevation at the Richmond gauge, the bridge will undoubtedly be closed due to inability to observe the river’s action against the pier and abutment, but no firm date or time can be set due to our inability to exactly predict river elevations.” Should the bridge be closed, the detour route will be via Highway 6 to U.S. 90A, Hebert said. In the event that the underpass at TX-99 and U.S. 90A is flooded, the detour will be Highway 6 to West Airport Boulevard.

Ohio veterans group won’t show Browns games after players’ anthem protest STRONGSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars post says it won’t show Cleveland Browns football games this season after a group of players knelt during the national anthem before a preseason game Monday. VFW Post 3345 Commander Tim Zvoncheck posted a message to his Facebook page Wednesday that says the Strongsville post outside of Cleveland won’t support a group or person who “dis-

graces the flag or the anthem that we have fought for.” A team spokesman responded by saying the Browns organization has a “profound” respect for the anthem, the American flag and those in the military but also respects the “freedom of personal expression.” Nearly a dozen Browns players knelt during the anthem, including tight end Seth DeValve, the first known white NFL player to do so.

HERALD PHOTO BY RYAN DUNSMORE

Flood streets in Walnut Creek A resident walks a dog down the swamped Mossy Point culdesac in the Walnut Creek subdivision on Saturday. The water has since receded but more rain is forecast for the next three days and streets could flood again.

Roads closed in Fort Bend County because of storm BY TYLER JOHNSON sjohnson@fbherald.com

Fort Bend County is continuing to close roadways throughout the area. The following the major roadways that are closed: Westpark Tollway Mainlanes between FM 1464 to Mason Road (Not verified); FM 1093 at Weston Lakes; FM 762 at 1994; SH 6 at Lake Shore Harbor; FM 1994 (5000 block near FM 762); SPUR 10 (Hartledge Road) at Kunz Road; SH 6 at Kitty Hollow park; FM 762 at Benton Road (5100 block); FM 359 from North Fulshear to Junt/Jordan Road; FM 359 at Precinct Line Road; FM 1462 from SH 36 to Brum-

below Road; SH 6 at FM 521; FM 1093 eastbound at Katy Gaston; US 90A at SH 36; SH 99 (Grand Parkway) frontage roads at FM 1093; US 90A (Main Street) at Texas Parkway; FM 1463 north of FM 1093; FM 1462 at Nordt Road; 59 Feeder Rd North at Williams Trace; Williams Trace at US 59; US 90A (Jackson Street) at Collins Road (FM 3155); FM 762 at Austin Street (YMCA area) (Not verified); US 90A underpass between Lane Drive and Collins Road; Eastbound FM 1093 (Westpark Tollway) Frontage Road at Harlem; FM 1489 north of Johnson Road. The following are the local roads that

SEE ROADS, PAGE 8

McCain bashes Arpaio pardon PHOENIX (AP) — U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona is voicing his displeasure at President Donald Trump’s pardon of the former Phoenix metro area sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of a misdemeanor contempt-of-court charge for defying a judge’s orders that he stop conducting immigration patrols. Arpaio was facing the prospect of jail time at his sentencing in October. McCain says in a statement that “no one is above the law” and “sworn law officers should always seek to be beyond reproach in their commitment to fairly enforcing the laws they swore to uphold.” By pardoning Arpaio, McCain says it undermines Trump’s claim for the respect of rule of law.

He also says Arpaio has shown no remorse for his actions. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona congressman Andy Biggs are supporting the presidential pardon of fArpaio. Ducey says Arpaio “deserves credit for helping to reduce crime in Maricopa County over his long career in law enforcement and public office.” He says Trump’s pardon “has brought finality to this chapter in Arizona’s history.” Ducey adds that Arpaio is his friend and now the 85-year-old ex-lawman can move on and enjoy his retirement with his wife and family. Biggs says he applauds Trump for pardoning Arpaio and adds that “America owes Sheriff Arpaio a debt of gratitude.

Monday, August 28, 2017

NEWS

Harvey is worst Texas storm since ‘61’s Carla. How it stacks up BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Hurricane Harvey reached land Friday night, securing its place in history as the most furious hurricane to hit the Texas coast since Hurricane Carla in 1961. Carla killed dozens and destroyed nearly 2,000 homes. A look at Hurricane Carla and some of the most damaging hurricanes to hit the United States since 2000: (Figures have not been adjusted for inflation)

CARLA

Starting as a tropical depression in the Caribbean Sea on Sept. 3, 1961, Carla steadily gained momentum until it was labeled a major hurricane four days later. After a few days, it became a Category 5, only to be downgraded to a Category 4 by Sept. 11, when it made landfall on Matagorda Island, a 38mile (61-kilometer) barrier island on the Texas Gulf coast, according to the National Weather Service. It weakened to a tropical storm after its eye hit Port O’Connor and Port Lavaca in Texas. The hurricane also impacted parts of Louisiana, Oklahoma and Illinois. In Texas, the highest winds were about 115 mph but sustained winds in some parts hit 170 mph. The hurricane spawned 18 tornadoes, including 10 in Louisiana and eight in Texas. Between Carla and the subsequent tornadoes, the

NWS said 46 people were killed and more than 450 were injured. Total damage was estimated at $2.36 billion with Texas suffering more than $400 million in damage. In Texas, 1,915 homes were destroyed.

KATRINA

Katrina crossed the tip of Florida and then swept into the Gulf of Mexico and over Louisiana and Mississippi, causing more than 1,800 deaths and an estimated $108 billion in damage and becoming the costliest hurricane in U.S. history, according to the National Hurricane Center. Most of the fatalities occurred in Louisiana, where thousands of homes and businesses in New Orleans were destroyed by strong winds and flooding. Mississippi, Florida, Georgia and Alabama also reported deaths in the 2005 hurricane, which left about 3 million people without power, some for weeks at a time.

SANDY

The pounding winds and storm surges of Sandy, dubbed a “superstorm” since it was extratropical by the time it made landfall, devastated the coastlines of New York and New Jersey in late October 2012, damaging at least 650,000 homes and causing about 8.5 million power outages, according to the Hurricane Center. U.S. officials

preliminarily tallied at least $50 billion in damage, though some sources cite around $75 billion. There were at least 147 deaths directly tied to storm conditions, as well as a number of indirect fatalities linked to hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and falling trees during the cleanup effort, the center said. Repairs to homes and infrastructure continue today.

IKE

Ike’s storm surges raised water levels across nearly the entire U.S. Gulf Coast when it hit in 2008, causing almost $30 billion in damage, mostly in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. At least 20 people were killed, according to the Hurricane Center. Waves battered the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, and almost 3 million people in those state lost power. Winds uprooted trees, and a number of homes were damaged.

WILMA

Coming near the end of 2005’s extraordinary hurricane season, Wilma caused 98 percent of South Florida to lose electricity, with experts at the Hurricane Center attributing widespread damage in the state to its large core. Trees were downed, windows shattered, roofs torn up and crops lost. All told, the U.S. reported more than $21 billion in damage, as well as

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IVAN

Ivan’s 10- to 15-foot storm surge in 2004 caused as much as a quarter-mile of an interstate bridge to collapse in Florida, which along with Alabama was among the hardest-hit states, according to the Hurricane Center. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed. Debris piled up after the storm stretched for more than three-quarters of a mile and were as tall as seven stories. Almost 2 million people experienced power outages. Ivan killed 25 people and caused more than $18 billion in damage, according to the center.

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Rita, one of the strongest hurricanes of the record-breaking 2005 season, prompted one of the largest-scale evacuations in U.S. history, with more than 2 million people estimated to have fled the Texas coast, according to the Hurricane Center. Coming just weeks after Katrina, Rita’s wind and rain caused $12 billion in damage and killed 62 people, including many nursing home residents whose bus caught fire as they fled the storm, the center said. Nearly every structure in some coastal areas of southwestern Louisiana was destroyed, some entirely swept away.

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We need vendors for the Autumn Arts & Antiques Festival on October 14th in Downtown Rosenberg. Interested vendors should contact Vendor Coordinator Martina Murphy • (281) 509-1225 martina@fumcrosenberg.net

Martina Murphy

281-240-0116

With fun-friendly president, NRA targets media

ATLANTA (AP) — The election of President Donald Trump and Republican control of Congress meant the National Rifle Association could probably rest easy that gun laws wouldn’t change for at least four years. But the NRA has begun a campaign not against pending legislation but what it sees as liberal forces bent on undoing the progress it’s made — and the political powerhouse is resorting to language that some believe could incite violence. Using the hashtags #counterresistance and #clenchedfistoftruth, the NRA has put out a series of videos that announce a “shot across

the bow,” and say the gun-rights group is “coming for you” and that “elites ... threaten our very survival,” terms that suggest opponents are enemy combatants. “The times are burning and the media elites have been caught holding the match,” NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch says in one video aired on NRATV, the gun lobby’s web video site, as it shows footage of people fighting police, breaking storefront glass and burning the American flag. Later, she specifically calls out The New York Times: “We’ve had it with your narratives, your propaganda, your fake news. We’ve had

it with your constant protection of your Democrat overlords, your refusal to acknowledge any truth that upsets the fragile construct that you believe is real life. And we’ve had it with your tone-deaf assertion that you are in any way truth or fact-based journalism,” Loesch says. “Consider this the shot across your proverbial bow. ... In short? We’re coming for you.” Kathleen Hall Jamieson, the director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, said the tone and language is “overwrought rhetoric” that, viewed by the wrong person, could lead to violence.

The kicker on one of the videos — “We’re coming for you” — is straight out of the movies, she said, and “that phrase means that violence is imminent and we will perpetrate it.” The NRA is taking a page from the Trump playbook. The friction between the gun lobby and the media isn’t new. But critics of the NRA contend the organization is relying on the “fake news” mantra started by Trump to whip up its followers after a dip in gun sales that has taken place since Trump succeeded President Barack Obama, who favored stricter gun-control laws.

Each office is independently owned & operated

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BusyBeesFlowerShop.com

Water District Water District of Public Hearing Hearing on Tax NoticeNotice of Public onRate Tax Rate

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 122 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for theMunicipal tax year 2017 on Wednesday, September 2017,will at 10:30 the offices of Allen on a p The Fort Bend County Utility District No.20,122 holda.m.a atpublic hearing Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, TX 77027. rate for the tax Your yearindividual 2017 taxes on Wednesday, September 2017, 10:30 atyour the offic may increase or decrease, depending20, on the change at in the taxablea.m. value of property in relation to the change in taxable value onSouthwest all other property and the tax Suite rate that 2400, is adopted.Houston, Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Freeway,

Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable va property in relation to proposal: the change in taxable onG.allReuter, otherM. property D. Perkins,value B. Nelson, Colihan & S. and Ghanithe tax rate that is FOR the AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

(none) (none) (none)

The following table compares taxes on the residence homesteadM. in this taxing unit&lastS.year to FOR the proposal: D. Perkins, B.average Nelson, G. Reuter, Colihan Ghani taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. AGAINST the proposal: (none) Last Year This Year PRESENT and not voting: (none) ABSENT: Total tax rate (per $100(none) of value) $ 0.975 /$100 $ 0.975 /$100 Adopted

Difference in rates per $100 of value

$0.000 /$100

Proposed

The following table compares in this taxing unit Percentage increase in taxes rates on the average residence homestead 0.0000% Average $227,509 $231,054 taxes proposed on the appraised averagevalue residence homestead this year.

General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Annual increase in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted Difference in ratesAnd perpercentage $100 ofof increase value

Last $ Year 0 $227,509 $ 2,218.21

0.975 /$100

Adopted

$ 0 $231,054 $2,252.78

$34.57 1.5585% $0.000

This Y

$ 0.

Pro

/$100 Percentage increase in NOTICE rates OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION 0.0000% Average appraised value $227,509 $231, If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the General exemptions available operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ Average taxable value $227,509 $231, Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Tax on average residence homestead $ 2,218.21 $2,252 Annual increase in taxes if

Monday, August 28, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

A big pat on the back to Stewart Hall, who has worked for the city of Richmond’s parks department for the past five years. Thanks for your service! SAL-UTE!

Our View

Seriously time to leave the area

he Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation for some residents of Fort Bend County and a voluntary evacuation for others. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said the emergency operations agency personnel have been closely monitoring the water level in the Brazos River. The National Weather Service forecast indicates that the Brazos River will crest sometime Tuesday, August 29 in the late afternoon or early evening at an elevation of fifty nine feet at the Richmond gauge. “A flood of this magnitude is an 800 year event and it exceeds the design specifications of our levees, and is potentially dangerous for a good portion of Fort Bend County. A fifty-nine foot river level threatens to overtop many of the levees in our area. “As a result, I am ordering both voluntary and mandatory evacuations for many of the levee improvement districts along the Brazos River, based on all specific facts pertaining to each levee. ” A voluntary evacuation means that you should consider leaving to head for a safer area. There is a chance that surrounding flood waters may hinder your ability to get in and out of your neighbor-

hood. You may be stuck in your neighborhood for several days. A mandatory evacuation means that there is risk to life and safety as well as property. There is also a risk to the lives of first responders who might be called on to rescue you when the expected danger materializes. During a mandatory evacuation emergency, personnel will not be able to respond to your calls for help. You will be on your own. You cannot rely on help from others. A mandatory evacuation indicates the possibility of danger to your life. We urge you not to ignore it. If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, do the smart thing: leave and be safe. Local law enforcement and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office will patrol evacuated areas. We at the Fort Bend Herald cannot stress hard enough how important it is for you, our valuable readers, to heed Hebert’s advice and leave while you still can. If you live inside a levy, grab a few things and get out while roads are still passable. If you live outside a levy — and your home has flooded in the past – leave now. We have posted a supply list on Page 5 of items you will need in an emergency.

FORT BEND HERALD

More bad weather

Hurricanes seem to follow me

nother hurricane. I was only about I was born months before Hurricane Carla struck Texas in September 1961. I must have been around 10 years old when Celia bashed Texas in 1970. I was old enough to remember Celia. We were living in Port Aransas, Texas, at the time and my aunt and her family had come to visit us. My dad Scott Reese was in the Willey Coast Guard and had to work during the storm. He would call my mom up often as the storm approached, telling her what to do and when they would shut down the ferries. About 6 a.m. the day before the storm hit, we loaded up in a pickup truck (we sat in the back with our belongings) and my mom, uncles and aunts each took a load of us to the small town of Gregory. It took about five trips to get everyone to the tiny hamlet on the mainland. From there, they ferried us in small groups to a small motel in Corpus Christi. We settled in around 5 p.m. the night before Celia arrived.

The storm battered Corpus Christi, so we weren’t much better off. But we were well away from the storm surge that covered the island town of Port Aransas, so we were better off than many. I was fresh out of high school when Hurricane Allen hit the upper coast of Mexico. It send heavy rain and winds to Texas, as well. Port Aransas was hit but not very hard. My older brother and I spent days driving up and down the beach looking for lumber washed ashore. I was working at a condominium there at the time. The storm had cracked some of the walls. On the eighth floor, a contractor was squirting glue into one of the cracks in the concrete wall. I remember thinking to myself: “Yikes, I wouldn’t want to stay here in the next storm if glue is the only thing holding this place up!” I was working on an oil rig in the Gulf when Alicia roared ashore. I was on the last helicopter flight out of the Gulf. I had stayed behind to help secure everything on the rig. We could hardly take off and land the wind was so strong. But I was young and thought it a great adventure. I was working in Three Rivers, Texas, when Rita hit the upper Texas Gulf Coast. We had so many evacuees coming down U.S. 77 that I ended up with a

big front page story in that week’s paper: RUNNING FROM RITA! In 2014 I was working at a small weekly paper in Winnie, Texas, when Hurricane Dolly came through. I remember my headline said: DOLLY’S A DUD!” Yep, everyone had evacuated the area and then the storm didn’t do squat. Still, better to be safe than sorry. And that’s the same philosophy I share today. Hurricane Harvey may be only a tropical depression at this point, but it is still deadly. Weather experts say the rains will continue through Wednesday — a total of five straight days of rain! The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management said the heavy rains are swelling the Brazos River, and they believe the river will shortly spill its banks. In fact, they believe the river will reach its highest ever, and spill over levies throughout Fort Bend County. The river hasn’t been that high in an estimated 800 years, said County Judge Bob Hebert. County authorities have issued a mandatory evacuation for those who live inside of levies, and a voluntary evacuation for all others countywide. Please listen to them and get out now. Don’t be a statistic. Contact Scott Reese Willey at swilley@fbherald.com.

Outside View

Lessons from the eclipse T he solar eclipse last week was a marvel. After all, people were looking up, instead of looking at screens! There was a widespread sense of the wonder of creation at a time of social, religious and other turmoil. People were even talking on New York City street corners! And goodness, for once people weren’t obsessing over Donald Trump and his administration, waiting for the next person to quit or be fired or bullied into subKathryn mission. Lopez Whether it be Charlottesville or the increase in violence as not just a political statement but expression of anger, vitriol on social media, or wistful talk in a New York City diner about the president being assassinated or otherwise dying (as I’ve overheard in recent days and weeks), we are not seeing the best of ourselves lately. As we were all frenzied about the eclipse, I walked out of St. Agnes Church by Grand Central (where there are 39 Masses celebrated throughout the week, along with multiple confession times and afternoon Eucharistic adoration), and came across a man resting beside his own vomit. The whole city seems as though it passes by that block, and how many of

us even notice a man there in distress, never mind stop to help and get to know him and his story? In city life, especially, we pass people by all the time. But everywhere. Even with the people we could know and love the most, sometimes. And yet, we often are on top of the latest Trump tweet and are full of opinions about it and him. There’s being an informed citizen, but then there’s using news as entertainment or distraction from the real power we yield in our own lives and in the world around us. On eclipse day, the Liturgy of the Hours, which priests and others in the Catholic Church pray throughout the day, came from the words of Saint Augustine, and he seemed to be preaching to us. He asked rhetorically: “Is there any affliction now endured by mankind that was not endured by our fathers before us? What sufferings of ours even bear comparison with what we know of their sufferings? And yet you hear people complaining about this present day and age because things were so much better in former times. I wonder what would happen if they could be taken back to the days of their ancestors — would we not still hear them complaining? You may think past ages were good, but it is only because you are not living in them.” That’s a little perspective to help you with your frustrations, be they personal, professional or political. A little reality check for our short-attention span

times. Saint Augustine continued: “From the time of that first Adam to the time of his descendants today, man’s lot has been labor and sweat, thorns and thistles. Have we forgotten the flood and the calamitous times of famine and war whose history has been recorded precisely in order to keep us from complaining to God on account of our own times? Just think what those past ages were like! Is there one of us who does not shudder to hear or read of them? Far from justifying complaints about our own time, they teach us how much we have to be thankful for.” I noticed people on social media being thankful on eclipse day. Many were even grateful to the media for making such a big deal of it, so it was nearly impossible not to pay attention to the time and find a way to view it. Thankful, too, for the time spent with family, friends or people who came to the rescue of those who weren’t prepared. We don’t have an eclipse every day, but its lessons could inspire a change of approach to daily life and all the seemingly bad news. There’s good, too. Being atwitter with gratitude daily would certainly be a different approach during times where SAD! seems to suck up so much of the oxygen. Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review Online and founding director of Catholic Voices USA. She can be contacted at klopez@ nationalreview.com.

The First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

We invite your opinion This page is for everyone’s opinion, yours and ours. We invite you to express your views through our letters to the editor column, P.O. Box 1088, Rosenberg, TX 77471 or e-mail is at newsroom@fbherald. com. Only signed letters – preferably fewer than 200 words – can be considered. Please include your address and a telephone number for verification.

To subscribe or reach us The Fort Bend Herald (USPS 241-040) is published afternoons Monday through Friday and Sunday at 1902 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, Texas. 77471-5140. 281-232-3737 or 281-342-4474. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: By carrier, $9 per month, $100 per year. Single copy: 75 cents, $1.25 Sunday. Mail rates on request. Entered as periodicals at the Rosenberg Post Office. www.fbherald.com

Peace through border control

’m dying to hear about the “3-D chess” Trump is playing with his announcement that he’s breaking his promise on Afghanistan and throwing more forces into that utterly pointless war. Will he be sending the transgender troops? But then the Emperor God gave a magnificent speech in Arizona Tuesday night. Curiously, when he talks to voters — as opposed to his Cabinet and White House staff — there’s very little about sending more U.S. Ann troops to die Coulter in the human meat-grinder of Afghanistan. Trump got thunderous applause from his 30,000-person focus group for the wall, stepped-up deportations and Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio — recently convicted of contempt for “racially profiling” Hispanics. But you could hear a pin drop when he mentioned Afghanistan, Nikki Haley and Gen. John Kelly. (At least he had the good sense not to bring up Goldman Sachs’ Gary Cohn again.) There were long faces all over cable news after Trump’s speech,

which surely triggers the reward center in his brain, like giving a mouse cheese. What was so refreshingly different about the Trump campaign was that the candidate didn’t use any of the idiotic, consultant-written bromides offered by every other GOP presidential candidate for at least the past 30 years. Instead, he looked around the country, saw what the problems were and said he’d fix them. Here are the highlights from every speech by any Non-Trump candidate for the past several decades: “I listened to the American people.” “People are frustrated.” “This election is about the future!” It may not seem like it at first, but another one of those head-scratching cliches is: “Peace through strength.” During the campaign, this was a staple of knuckleheads like Jeb!, but I’m sorry to report that our hero used it on the Arizona crowd, referring to his decision to send more troops to die in Afghanistan for no earthly purpose. The Swamp is sticky. When Reagan said, “peace through strength,” it meant something. But 30 years after Reagan won the Cold War, anyone who uses this expression conveys only that he has no understanding of the

current war. During the Cold War, America was facing an aggressively imperialistic, nuclear-armed Soviet Union. By contrast, the main threat to Americans’ safety today comes not from a country, but from millions of individual savages spread throughout the globe. Americans aren’t being slaughtered by invading Soviet troops, “Red Dawn”-style, but by Islamic terrorists on tourist visas flying commercial airplanes into our skyscrapers, and by first- and second-generation Muslim immigrants setting off bombs and shooting people at the Boston Marathon, American military bases, community centers and gay nightclubs. Americans are raped, addicted and murdered not by the Red Army, but by millions of illegal aliens waltzing across our wideopen border. Our freedoms are being taken away not by a foreign power, but by our own government — in order to protect us from terrorists, international crime rings and Mexican drug cartels operating in our own country. Defeating a non-country adversary may seem an impossible task, but the savages are perfectly containable. Today’s enemy has no capacity to harm a hair on a single American’s head — as long as we don’t let them come here.

Zinc’s sale of motorhome questioned HELENA, Mont. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s dormant congressional campaign committee recently sold a 2004 motor home at a steep discount to an old friend in the Montana Legislature. But a seemingly ordinary transaction between friends, when seen through the optics of stringent campaign finance laws, can raise a bevy of questions — especially when those friends are politically

high-powered and well-connected. After learning about the transaction, campaign finance watchdogs are raising a $25,000 question: Why would Zinke’s campaign committee sell the Kountry Star Freightliner for half the price of its apparent $50,000 market value? It’s a head-scratcher for Lawrence Noble, a senior director of the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan group of election law ex-

perts. “If the asset is worth $50,000, and they sell it to somebody for $25,000. It’s the equivalent of them giving $25,000 to that person,” Noble said. The Federal Election Commission prohibits political committees to sell assets, including campaign vehicles, below fair market value. It’s akin to a gift, Noble said. “The campaign cannot give a $25,000 gift to somebody,” he said.

NEWS

Monday, August 28, 2017

Emergency supply list The most important thing you can do as hurricane season approaches is to get yourself, your family and your home prepared. By starting early, you’ll avoid the rush at home supply stores, grocery stores and other venues typically crowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued. You should stock six basics for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container— suggested items are marked with an asterisk (*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag. Even though Hurricane Harvey has already hit land and has been downgraded, the potential for damage still exists. The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation order for those residents living inside of a levy and a voluntary evacuation order for everyone else. Don’t risk leaving without supplies. Everyone else is evacuating, which means supplies — even hotel rooms — may not be available. Here’s a supply list for anyone evacuating the area: Water A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Take at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).* Food q Take at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit: q Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables q Canned juices q Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)

household gas and water

q High energy foods q Vitamins q Food for infants q Comfort/stress foods

q Whistle q Plastic sheeting q Map of the area (for locating shel-

ters)

First Aid and Non-Prescription Drugs q First Aid Kit Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. q (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes. q (1) 5″ x 9″ sterile dressing. q (1) conforming roller gauze bandage. q (2) triangular bandages. q (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads. q (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads. q( 1) roll 3″ cohesive bandage. q (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. q (6) antiseptic wipes. q (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves. q Adhesive tape, 2″ width. q Anti-bacterial ointment. q Cold pack. q Scissors (small, personal). q Tweezers. q CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield. Non-Prescription Drugs

q Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliev-

FORT BEND HERALD

Water District Water District Notice of Public onRate Tax Rate Notice of PublicHearing Hearing on Tax The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 106 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate

The Fort Bend County District 106atwill holdat thea Mike public for theMunicipal tax year 2017 Utility on Thursday, SeptemberNo. 21, 2017 5:00 p.m. Stonehearing Associates, on Inc. a pro located at 19875 Southwest Freeway, Second Floor, Suite 270, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Your individual taxes for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the Mike Stone A may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the located at 19875 Southwest Freeway, Second Floor, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Your in change in taxable value on all other property and theSuite tax rate270, that is adopted. may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in change in taxable value all other property and theJ.tax rate FOR on the proposal: L. Shultz, J. Sams, Molho & C.that Bryantis adopted.

Sanitation, Clothing and Bedding q Toilet paper, towelettes* q Soap, liquid detergent* qFeminine supplies* q Personal hygiene items* q Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) q Plastic bucket with tight lid qDisinfectant qHousehold chlorine bleach Clothing and Bedding *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. q Sturdy shoes or work boots* q Rain gear* q Blankets or sleeping bags* q Hat and gloves q Thermal underwear q Sunglasses

AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

(none) (none) S. Nowak

the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes FOR the proposal: The following tableL.compares Shultz,taxesJ. onSams, J. Molho & C. Bryant proposed on the average residence homestead this year. (none) AGAINST the proposal: Last Year This Year Special Items PRESENT and not voting: (none) Remember family members with special requirements, such as in$ 0.300 /$100 $ 0.300 /$100 Total tax rate (perS. $100 of value) Nowak ABSENT: fants and elderly or disabled persons. Adopted Proposed For Baby*

Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.000 /$100 increase in rates 0.0000% The following table Percentage compares taxes on the average residence homestead Average appraised value $403,155 proposed on the average residence homestead this year. For Adults* General exemptions available Heart and high blood pressure (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled medication q Insulin person’s exemptions) $ 0 qPrescription drugs Last Year Average taxable value $403,155 qDenture needs qContact lenses and supplies Tax on average residence homestead $ 1,209.47 qExtra eye glasses Annual decrease in taxes if $ 0.300 /$100 -$146.92 Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Entertainment Proposed tax rate is adopted q Board games and other games Adopted And percentage of decrease -12.1475% that don’t require batteries or elec-

q Formula q Diapers q Anti-diarrhea medication q Bottles q Antacid (for stomach upset) q Powdered milk q Laxative q Activated charcoal (use if advised qMedications

by the American Association of Poison Control Centers) Tools and Supplies

q Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*

q Emergency preparedness manu-

al* q Battery-operated radio and extra batteries* q Flashlight and extra batteries* q Cash or traveler’s checks, change* q Non-electric can opener, utility knife* q Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type qTube tent q Pliers q Tape q Compass q Matches in a waterproof container q Aluminum foil q Plastic storage containers q Signal flare q Paper, pencil q Needles, thread q Medicine dropper q Shut-off wrench, to turn off

in this taxing unit las $393,537

-$39,354 $354,183 This Year $1,062.55

Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.000 /$100 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION For Pets Percentage increase in rates 0.0000% In the interest of protecting pets, If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters the Humane Society of the United States offers these tips for inclusion Average appraised value of the district by petition may require that $403,155 an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation $3 in your family disaster plan: q Do not leave your pets behind. maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. General exemptions and available q Securely fasten a current identification tag to your pet’s collar and (excluding citizen’s or disabled carry a photograph of your pet. senior It’s Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to important to include the phone numEsther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223 . ber of a friend or family member on person’s exemptions) $ 0 -$ the tag so anyone who may find your For general Greatwood information visit www.greatwooddristricts.com pet is able to reach someone who $403,155 $3 knows you.Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead $ 1,209.47 $1, Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted -$146.92 And percentage of decrease -12.1475% tricity, books for adult readers and for children.

Water District Water District NOTICE 2017 TAX YEAR PROPOSED NOTICE OFOF2017 TAX YEAR PROPOSE NoticeNotice of Public of PublicHearing Hearing onon TaxTax Rate Rate PROPERTY TAXRATE RATE FOR CITYCITY OF RICHMOND PROPERTY TAX FOR OF RICH

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTIO Bend Municipal Utility District No.at819:00will a public on Precinct a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on September 26, 2017 am athold Fort Bend Countyhearing Commisioner 3 Office 8100 Highway 359, at Fulshear, individual taxesCommisioner may increase or Precinct 3 ar 2017 onBuilding, September 26, 2017 9:00 Texas am at77441. FortYour Bend County decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the q IfAtaxes tax or rate of $0.710000 per $100valuation valuation hashasbeenbeen proposed by the governing of City of body of tax rateincrease ofA$0.710000 per $100 proposed by thebodygoverning ilding,taxable 8100value Highway 359, Fulshear, Texas 77441. Your individual taxes may of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. NOTICE OF 2017 TAX YEAR PROP of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce Richmond. Richmond. depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in For the proposal: Robert Machen Robert D. Riley PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF R and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. Stephen E. Utterback Meyers alue of all other property and the tax rate that isL.A.adopted. Robert J. Pfaffenberger PROPOSED TAXRATE RATE $0.710000 per $100 per $100 PROPOSED TAX $0.710000 YEAR'Sregarding TAX $0.735000 percan $100be directed posal: Against the proposal: Robert Machen Robert D. RileyA tax rate of $0.710000 Questions or comments this notice to governin PRECEDING YEAR'S TAXRATE RATE $0.735000 perby$100 perPRECEDING $100 valuation has been proposed the Stephen E. Utterback L.A. Meyers Richmond. TAXFlores RATEat the tax$0.712994 $100 499-1223 EstherEFFECTIVE Buentello office$0.712994 atper(281) EFFECTIVE TAX RATE per $100. The Fort Bend Municipal Utility District No. 81 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for

For general Greatwood information visit www.greatwooddristricts.com

Present and not voting:J. Pfaffenberger Robert

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.710000 per $100 Thetaxeffective rate istotal theYEAR'S total rate needed to raise the same amount revenue for The effectivePRECEDING rate istaxthe taxtaxrate needed to raise the sameof property amounttaxper of property TAX RATE $0.735000 $100 ta City of Richmond fromsame theTAX sameproperties properties ininbothboth the 2016 year$0.712994 and 2017 and tax year. City of Richmond from the thetax2016 taxtheyear the 2017 EFFECTIVE RATE per $100tax y

Absent:

e proposal:

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

d not voting: Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of p YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OFOFTHE ABOVE RATES CAN BEtax CALCULATED AS YOUR TAXES UNDER ANY THE ABOVE RATES CAN CALCUL This Year City of Richmond fromOWED the same properties in both the 2016 yearBEand the 2

Last Year $0.3293/$100

$0.3300/$100

Adopted

Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average residence homestead appraised value $444,463 General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled $0

Proposed

$0.0007 0.21%

FOLLOWS: FOLLOWS:

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE tax amount= (rate) (rate) x (taxable value ofvalue your property)/100 propertyproperty tax amount= xFOLLOWS: (taxable of your property)/100

$437,867

wing table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit lastproperty year to tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property or detailed informationabout about taxtax calculations, please contact: For assistanceFororassistance detailed information calculations, please contact: posed onperson's theexemptions) average residence homestead this year. $0

Average residence homestead taxable value $444,463 Tax on average residence homestead Last$1,463.62 Year Annual increase/decrease in taxes if $0.3293/$100 proposed tax rate is adopted(+/-) ate (per $100 of value) Adopted and percentage of increase (+/-)

For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact:

$437,867 $1,444.96This Year $-18.66 -1.27%

$0.3300/$100 Proposed

in rates per $100 ofNOTICE value OF TAXPAYERS' RIGHT TO ROLLBACK $0.0007 ELECTION increase/decrease in rates(+/-) 0.21% If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters sidenceofhomestead appraised value $437,867 the water district by petition may$444,463 require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the and maintenance mesteadoperation exemptions availabletax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. 65 years of age or older or disabled $0 $0

Schultz PatsyPatsy Schultz Patsy Schultz of Richmond TaxTax Assessor-Collector CityofCity ofRichmond Richmond Assessor-Collector City Tax Assessor-Collector 1317 Eugene Heimann Heimann CircleCircle 1317Eugene Eugene 1317 Heimann Circle Richmond, 77469 Richmond,TX TX 77469 Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3710 281-341-3710 281-341-3710 Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov

SPORTS

6• Monday, August 28, 2017

High School Sports Calendar Foster

Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Falcons vs. A&M Consolidated, Traylor Stadium, 7:30

Fulshear Thursday, Sept. 7 Football: Chargers vs. Shadow Creek, Charger Stadium, 7

George Ranch Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Longhorns at Dickinson, Sam Vitanza Stadium, 7

Lamar Consolidated Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Mustangs at Ridge Point, Hall Stadium, 7

Terry Thursday, Sept. 7 Football: Rangers vs. Dulles, Traylor Stadium, 7

Travis Thursday, Sept. 7 Football: Travis vs. Katy Taylor, Edward Mercer Stadium, 7

HURRICANE HARVEY HALTS WEEK 1 Lamar CISD, Fort Bend ISD, Needville cancel sporting events BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

Hurricane Harvey has devastated the Houston region over the weekend, putting homes and highways under water. Fort Bend County was spared the brunt of the force but it will feel the after effects with the Brazos River basin preparing for record floods. Lamar Consolidated ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Needville ISD and Brazos ISD have cancelled school for Monday and many have already cancelled the entire week of schoool. In a corresponding move, the athletics departments have cancelled sporting events for the upcoming week including the first week of football. “Stay home, stay safe and take care of your families,” said LCISD athletic director Nikki Nelson said on Sunday after events were cancelled. The local games that were cancelled include Foster at Katy Taylor on Thursday. The game scheduled to open Katy ISD’s new Legacy Stadium. Thursday also had the Travis Tigers traveling to Delmar Stadium deep in the heart of Houston take on Houston Heights. The home opener for Lamar Consolidated against Santa Fe and the reunion of the 2007 State Championship football team has been spoiled. The first game under Cornelius Anthony at Waller and Needville’s trip to Huffman Hargrave have been put on hold. No word yet if the Brazos Cougars’ game against Weimar has been cancelled but the field was under water as of Sunday. The Saturday slate with Weslaco traveling to Rosenberg to face George Ranch has been cancelled. The Foster-Katy Taylor game will not be rescheduled. No word if any other games will be rescheduled. The following list of high school football games have been confirmed as of Monday

Football: Blue Jays vs. Brookshire Royal, Blue Jay Stadium, 7

Brazos Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Cougars at Burton, Panther Stadium, 7:30

Professional Sports Calendar Astros Tuesday MLB: Astros vs. Rangers, TBA

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers won’t travel to Houston as planned after their games Sunday in California because of torrential floodwaters that have engulfed the city in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. The Rangers had been scheduled to head to Houston after playing Oakland to await the start of a three-game series with the Astros beginning Tuesday. Instead, they’ll return to Dallas to await word on its status. The Astros are in Anaheim and also will fly to Dallas while a decision is made on when and where the series will be played. “We have been in continuous contact with the Astros and Major League Baseball regarding travel tonight and the status of this week’s series,” Rangers president and general manager Jon Daniels said. “We will continue to talk throughout the day to get updates on the situation.” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said the team was in a holding pattern. “We’re going to fly to Dallas and really just sit there and wait to see what happens,”

NWSL: Dash vs. Seattle Reign, 7

Dynamo Saturday, Sept. 9 MLS: Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30

NFL Preseason: Texans vs. Cowboys, TBA

Atlantic League: Skeeters at New Britain Bees, 3:05

he said before Houston’s game against the Angels. “Really, I think everything is up in the air. We might get to Houston sometime in the next couple of days and play. We might not, so I don’t know what’s possible.” MLB spokesman Michael Teevan said officials who handle scheduling are communicating with the teams and monitoring the situation. While Hinch knows there is interest in when and where the Astros will play, he was quick to point out that they’re far more worried about what the storm has done to Houston than anything related to baseball. “The most important thing is (that) baseball is secondary right now,” he said. “Our schedule, our flight times, where we’re going to be, the buses, like all that stuff is meaningless compared to what everybody is suffering through.” Texas manager Jeff Banister echoed Hinch’s sentiments. “The best thing for all of us is to allow them to survive through this, understanding that when all this water recedes and it’s gone, there’s still a monumental challenge for all of them, the cleanup and kind to assess where they’re at,” he said. “This is not

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS his previous start on Wednesday. A look at what’s happening all around the majors Monday: Brian McCann didn’t feel like celebrating very much. He was too worried about Houston. While incessant rain from Tropical Storm Harvey pounded Houston and much of Texas, McCann tripled with the bases loaded in the eighth inning to lead the Astros to a 7-5 win against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. “It’s tough, it really is tough,” McCann said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people in the city of Houston. This is not good. You see pictures and it’s devastating. You just pray for everybody’s safety.” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said SS Carlos Correa (thumb) was expected to play Sunday for Triple-A Fresno. He has been out of the Houston lineup since July 17. ... RHP Will Harris (shoulder) was activated from the disabled list.

Up next

Skeeters Monday

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

a situation where we put baseball in front of what’s important for these people. So for us to have to defer and go somewhere else, it’s no issue for us.” Some have suggested that this week’s series with the Rangers could be moved to Arlington. If it is, it wouldn’t be the first time home games in Houston have been moved to another park because of a hurricane. In the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008, MLB moved two games with the Chicago Cubs to Milwaukee, about 95 miles from Chicago, effectively making the contests home games for the Cubs. Chicago won both of those games, with Carlos Zambrano throwing a no-hitter in the first one, leaving the Astros furious about the move. The Rangers and Astros were just the latest teams to change their travel plans because of the storm, which settled over the Texas coastline Saturday before sending devastating floods pouring into the nation’s fourth-largest city. The NFL’s Texans flew to Dallas after their preseason game Saturday in New Orleans instead of returning home and have said they’ll stay there until conditions improve enough for them to come back to

McCann helps Astros win one for Houston

Correa close to return

Texans Thursday

• •

Austin Westlake vs. Katy Clear Springs at Pearland Spring at Clear Falls Katy Cinco Ranch vs. Cy Ranch Katy Mayde Creek vs. Fort Bend Kempner Humble vs. Katy Tompkins Katy Morton Ranch vs. Aldine Nimitz Katy Seven Lakes vs. Houston Memorial Fort Bend Austin vs. Alief Hastings Fort Bend Elkins vs. Dickinson Fort Bend Marshall vs. Houston Madison Fort Bend Ridge Point vs. Humble Kingwood Pasadena Dobie at Humble Summer Creek Spring DeKaney at Galena Park North Shore Humble Atascocita at LaPorte Fort Bend Willowridge vs. Aldine Alief Taylor vs. Fort Bend Bush Houston Stratford at Alvin Montgomery at Houston Strake Jesuit Pasadena Sam Rayburn vs. Fort Bend Clements Pasadena at Galena Park Alief Elsik vs. Fort Bend Dulles

Aldine Eisenhower vs. Fort Bend Hightower Cypress Springs vs. Conroe Houston Bellaire at Clear Brook Houston Chavez at Houston Spring Woods Houston Lamar at Spring Westfield Houston Sam Houston vs. Houston Washington Baytown Lee at Houston Westbury Houston Westside at Brenham The Woodlands vs. Cy-Fair San Antonio Southwest at Victoria West Victoria East at Edinburg Vela Clute Brazoswood at Port Lavaca Calhoun Crosby vs. Manvel Clear Lake at Baytown Sterling Corpus Christi Flour Bluff vs. Cedar Park Vista Ridge Aldine Davis vs. Klein Friendswood at Texas City Angleton at Galveston Ball Willis vs. Aldine MacArthur Pearland Dawson at Conroe Oak Ridge Conroe Caney Creek at Houston Northbrook Channelview at Dayton Goose Creek Memorial at Tomball Memorial Magnolia at Humble Kingwood Park

MLB on deck

McCann lifts Astros

Dash Sunday

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lumberton at New Caney Porter Houston Austin vs. Houston Scarborough Houston Furr vs. Houston Yates Houston Northside vs. Houston Kashmere Houston Sharpstown vs. Houston Wheatley LaMarque at Houston Sterling Huntsville at Houston Waltrip Tomball at Houston Wisdom Livingston vs. New Caney Houston King at College Station Deer Park vs. Bellaire Episcopal Alvin vs. Houston Stratford Victoria East at Edinburg Vela Houston Worthing vs. Freeport Brazosport Houston North Forest at Stafford Sealy at Wharton Cuero at Houston KIPP Generations Cleveland at Shepherd Robstown at Ingleside Splendora at Cleveland Tarkington Aransas Pass at Rockport-Fulton Boling vs. Van Vleck Skidmore-Tynan at Freer Nixon-Smiley at Woodsboro Victoria St. Joseph at Bloomington

Astros and Texans travel to Dallas with Houston under water Associated Press

Friday, Sept. 8

morning that have cancelled from Texasfootball.com:

Texas teams’ plans upended by Hurricane Harvey BY KRISTIE RIEKEN

Needville

HERALD PHOTO BY RHONDA TAORMINA

The Foster Falcons were scheduled to open the season on Monday against Katy Taylor. Foster’s game was cancelled due to the flodding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Astros: RHP Mike Fiers (8-8, 4.17 ERA) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday at home against Texas, provided the game isn’t delayed because of Hurricane Harvey. Fiers pitched seven solid innings in a 6-1 win against Washington in

Power vs. power

The surprising Marlins are making a run at an NL wild-card berth, and they’ve got a matchup worthy of a playoff race: Giancarlo Stanton against Max Scherzer. Miami opens a three-game series at Washington with Scherzer (125, 2.25 ERA) scheduled to start for the NL East leaders. The twotime Cy Young Award winner has been sidelined by neck inflammation and last pitched Aug. 13. Stanton hit his 50th home run Sunday and became the first National Leaguer in a decade to reach the mark. Scherzer took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Marlins on June 21 but then allowed two unearned runs and lost 2-1. “We beat him before,” Stanton said. “He’s a workhorse out there, but we’ve got to stick to our plan.”

Pair of aces

A big week for the Yankees at home begins with a marquee matchup between All-Star pitchers when Luis Severino (11-5, 3.10 ERA) faces Cleveland ace Corey Kluber (12-4, 2.65). New York plays three games against the Indians and then four vs. Boston, both division leaders in the American League. Gary Sanchez and the Yankees are 2½ games behind the Red Sox but lead the wild-card chase. Cleveland just outscored Kansas City 20-0 during a three-

game sweep and hasn’t given up a run in 28 innings.

Get his plaque ready

Rookie slugger Rhys Hoskins will try to homer for a sixth straight game when the Phillies host the Braves. Hoskins has 11 home runs over 64 at-bats in his first 18 games, making him the fastest player in major league history to reach that mark. Three of those long balls came while last-place Philadelphia took two of three from the World Series champion Cubs over the weekend, and Chicago manager Joe Maddon predicted Hoskins would be “going to the Hall of Fame next week” after he started a triple play with a diving catch in left field.

Heart of a Tiger

The Tigers are hoping for good news on Victor Martinez. The 38-year-old designated hitter went on the 10-day disabled list Sunday because of an irregular heartbeat, the second time he’s landed on the DL this season for the condition. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said Martinez spent Saturday night in a hospital and his heartbeat was regulated. Martinez was expected to be released and travel by car to Detroit, where doctors will try to determine the cause. “You don’t mess around with the heart,” Ausmus said. “This is something you take very serious.”

Houston. The Texans are scheduled to host the Cowboys at NRG Stadium on Thursday, but that game could be in jeopardy with massive flooding in the city and rain continuing to fall. The University of Houston’s football team went to Austin on Friday, practiced there on Saturday and will resume practice Sunday on the University of Texas campus. It could make sense for the team to remain in Austin for the week with the Cougars scheduled to open the season on Saturday at Texas-San Antonio, which is just about 80 miles from Austin. A team spokesman said Sunday that the team hadn’t made any plans for the rest of the week yet. Rice opened its season this weekend in Australia against Stanford. The Owls are set to fly from Australia to Los Angeles on Monday morning and said they’ll decide if they can travel to Houston when they arrive there. AP Sports Writers Jay Cohen and Dennis Passa and AP freelancers Josh Cooper and Michael Wagaman contributed to this report.

Soccer

Dynamo, Dash reschedule matches

The Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash home games scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at BBVA Compass Stadium have been postponed due to the pending arrival of Hurricane Harvey, which is projected to affect the Greater Houston area over the weekend. The Dynamo game against Sporting Kansas City, which was scheduled for an 8 p.m. kickoff on Saturday night at BBVA Compass Stadium, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 11 and will kick off at 7 p.m. CDT. A makeup date for the Dash game against the North Carolina Courage, originally scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Sunday evening, has not been finalized at this time.

Atlantic League

Skeeters change course Due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey, the four game home series against New Britain scheduled for Monday, August 28 through Thursday, August 31 will now be played in New Britain at the following times: ■■ Monday, Aug. 28, 3:05 p.m. ■■ Tuesday, Aug. 29 - Double header (two 7-inning games), 11:05 a.m. /TBD ■■ Wednesday, August 30, 11:05 a.m.

College football

Cougars head to Austin during storm AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The University of Houston is sending its football team to Austin to practice and get out Hurricane Harvey’s way. The University of Texas has agreed to let the Cougars use their indoor practice facility. Austin is supposed to get some rain from the storm but nothing like the deluge expected for several days in Houston and along the Texas Gulf coast. The move puts the Cougars in the backyard of their former head coach Tom Herman. Texas hired Herman away from Houston after last season. Houston starts the season Sept. 2 at UTSA. Texas hosts Maryland on the same day. The storm has impacted other sports as well. The Houston Dynamo announced that a Saturday match with Sporting Kansas City has been postponed until Oct. 11.

Texas Kickoff in doubt

The storm also raised questions about whether the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff game between LSU and BYU can be played Saturday night at NRG Stadium.

NEWS

Monday, August 28, 2017

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are closed: West Airport at Maple Downs; West Airport at Noblewood; South Post Oak at Andover Glen; South Post Oak at SH 6; Fry Road at Peek Road; Fry Road at Center Villiage; Bellaire Boulevard at Mason Road; Fry Road from Carriage Bend to Mason Road; South Mason at University Park Drive; Fry Road at Mason Road (Not verified); Jeske at Wolfgang; Jeske at Roesler; Old Needville Fairchild between Oberrender Road and Jeske Road (Not verified); Huggins Road from Dixon Street to Houston Street; Hunt Road from FM 359 to Pool Hill Road; Fulshear Bend from FM 1463 to Cross Creek Bend Lane; FM 723 at Bellaire Boulevard/Fulshear Gaston; Wallis Street between 5th Street and FM 359; eechnut between Harlem Road and Mason Road; South Fry Road from Carriage Bend to South Mason Road; Lakemont Bend at FM 1093; Mason Road at Bellaire Boulevard; Skinner Road west of Mason Road; Farmer Road south of Mitchell Lake

Water District Water District NoticeNotice of Public on Rate Tax Rate of Public Hearing Hearing on Tax

Drive; Mason Road at Lewisville; Mason Road at Victoria Bay; Mason Road (9000 block) at Oyster Creek (Not verified); West Airport from US 59 to Amblewood; US 59 southbound frontage road from West Bellfort Ave to West Airport Blvd; Sugarbridge Trail at Old Richmond Road; Town Square south of Towneview; Cartwright (FM 3345) from Valley Forest to Texas Parkway (FM 2234); Teal Run Boulevard at Teal Run Place Drive Trammel Fresno at Jan; Trammel Fresno at Jan; Winfield Lakes subdivision; University at Wilkshire Way; Sienna Parkway north of Sienna Springs; Oilfield Road at Creekstone Village; Sienna Springs at Sienna Parkway; Oilfield Road at Stone Bank; Cartwright Road at Hawks Road; Foerster School Road at SH 36; 14500 Barak Road (south of Quail Covey lane); Missouri at Aylor; Arnie Road west of FM 1489; 700 Plantation (west of Harlem Road); Williams Way at Veranda Trails; 900 Morton Road; 500 Newton Drive (4th Street to Cub Lane area); Frances at Lane Drive; 7500 Reading Road (east of

FM 2977 Minonite Road); Sunrise Meadow subdivision (Koeblen Road area); Greenwood at Redbud; Frances and Land Drive; 1700 First Street; Sally Ann at Lane Drive; Brazos Town Crossing at Spacek; Avenue N at 8th Street to Louise Street; Avenue I at Mahlmann, Avenue I at Tobola; First Street at City Hall Drive and 300 First Street; Avenue I at Lane Drive; Avenue N at Radio Lane; Avenue H at Lane Drive; Hwy 6 at McKeever Road; West Airport at Kirkwood; Wright Road between US 50 and Kirkwood Road; US 59 Brazos River Turnaround; Austin Parkway at Commonwealth; Pheasant Creek east of FM 1464; University at Winding Waters; West Airport at Alston; Rabbs Crossing at Greatwood Parkway; University Boulevard at Elkins; US 59 frontage roads at Williams Trace; Williams Trace at US 59 frontage roads; Alston Road at Ashford Haven Drive; Williams Trace Blvd at Highlands; Austin Parkway at Autumn Lakes; West Airport near Dairy Ashford; 3900 Hwy 6; Austin Pkwy at Grants Lake in Front of Fire Station #4;

Alston Road from Reddington Road to Summerfield Place; Dairy Ashford Rd from Fountain Lake Dr to West Airport Blvd; Settlers Way at Honey Creek; Lexington Blvd at Oyster Point Drive; Corporate Drive from Dairy Ashford to US 59 (Not verified); Lexington Boulevard at Riverbend Crossing; US 59 Frontage Roads at Sweetwater Boulevard; Lexington Boulevard between Creekside and Colonist Park; Telfair at Addison; Williams Trace between Lexington and Edgewater; First Colony between SH 6 and Soldiers Field; SH 6 at Imperial Boulevard; Sugar Creek Boulevard at Fairway; SH 6 (northbound) at Town Center Boulevard; Ricefield Road at FM 762; Waterside Estates at Manor Court. For more information about road closures, visit www.fbcoem. org/fort-bend-county-road-closures/ If you have information about a road closure that is not reported above, or is reported inaccurately, please contact the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management.

Water Water District District of PublicHearing Hearing on on Tax Tax Rate Rate NoticeNotice of Public

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 123 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax ThetaxFort Bend County Utility District No.20,123 on a pro The Grand Mission Municipal Utility District No. 2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed rate for rate for theMunicipal tax year 2017 on Wednesday, September, 2017will at 9:00hold a.m. atathepublic offices ofhearing Allen Boone nd Mission Municipal Utility District No. 2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. at the offices of Coats Humphries LLP located atSeptember, 3200 Southwest20, Freeway, 77027. Your of Al rateRose, for P.C. the tax year 2017Robinson on Wednesday, 2017Suite at 2400, 9:00Houston, a.m. atTXthe offices located at 9 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77046. Your individual taxes may increase or individual taxeslocated may increase decrease, depending onFreeway, the change inSuite the taxable value Houston, of your property ear 2017 on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. at the offices of Coats Rose, P.C. Humphries Robinson LLP at or3200 Southwest 2400, TX 770 decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. t 9 Greenway Suite 1100, Houston, 77046. Your individual taxes taxes may increase or or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of you individual may increase taxable valuePlaza, on all other property and the tax rate thatTX is adopted.

relation toto the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. depending on the change in the taxable value of your property ininrelation alue on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal: L. Perkins, B. Whittaker, J. Caballero, J. Joseph, & M. Odums FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

W. Barnett, J. Ulke, M. Childs, F. Donnelly III & J. Puckett Jr. AGAINST the proposal: (none) (none) PRESENT and not voting: (none) FOR the proposal: L. Perkins, B. Whittaker, J. Caballero, J. Joseph, & M. Odums (none) ABSENT: (none) (none) AGAINST the proposal: (none) proposal: W. Barnett, J. Ulke, M. Childs, F. Donnelly IIIPRESENT & J. PuckettandJr.not The following voting:table compares (none)taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. ST thetaxes proposal: (none) ABSENT: (none) proposed on the average residence homestead this year. NT and not voting: (none) Last Year This Year Last Year ThisThe Yearfollowing table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit l

(none)

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

1.200 /$100

Adopted

$ this /$100 rate (per $100 of value) homestead 1.099 year. onTotal thetaxaverage residence $ taxes 1.150 proposed /$100 Adopted Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value wing Difference table compares taxesof value on the average residence homestead in rates per $100 -$0.050 /$100 in this taxing unit last year to Percentage decrease in rates decrease inresidence rates posedPercentage on the average homestead this year. -4.1667% Average appraised value

Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable rate (per $100 of value value) Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if ce in ratesProposed per $100 value tax rateofis adopted And percentage ge decrease in rates of decrease

$279,131

Last Year

$289,440

Total tax rate (perGeneral $100exemptions of value) available

This Year (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled

exemptions) in rates person’s per $100 of value $Difference 0 Average taxable value Percentage in rates $289,440 /$100 $ decrease 1.150 Tax on/$100 average residence homestead $3,328.56 Average appraised value Adopted Proposed Annual increase in taxes if available tax rate is adopted -$0.050 General /$100 exemptionsProposed -$21.01 And percentage of increase -0.6272%-4.1667%(excluding senior citizen’s or disabled

$ 0 $ $279,131 1.200 $ 3,349.57

person’s exemptions)

Last Year $

$230,338

$ 1.090 /$100

-$0.009 /$100 -0.8189%

1.099 /$100

Adopted $ 0 $230,338 $ 2,531.41

$230,338

Proposed

This Yea $234,859

-$0.009$/$1000 $234,859 -0.8189% $2,559.96

1.0

Propo

$234,8

$28.55 1.1278%

RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION appraised value $279,131 $289,440 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’$230,338 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION Average taxable value $234,8 exemptions available If taxeshomestead on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified Tax average residence $ 2,531.41 $2,559. If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the on qualified voters of theifdistrict by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the ding senior orpetition disabled Annual in taxes voters ofcitizen’s the district by may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduceincrease the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback Proposed $28.55 n’s exemptions) $ tax rate under 0 Section 49.236(d), Water Code. $ tax rate 0 is adopted And percentage 1.1278% taxable value $279,131 $289,440 of increase verage residence homestead $ 3,349.57 $3,328.56 Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. ecrease in taxes if sed tax rate is adopted -$21.01 If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the

Monday, August 28, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

HARVEY: Storm dumps more rain CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Thousands of homes were affected by the flood water and hundreds of high-water rescues took place. However, no levee was breeched. A voluntary evacuation means residents should consider leaving to head for a safer area. There is a chance that surrounding flood waters may hinder their ability to get in and out of their neighborhoods, Hebert reported. “You may be stuck in your neighborhood for several days,” Hebert warned. “A mandatory evacuation means that there is risk to life and safety as well as property.” There is also a risk to the lives of first responders who might be called on to rescue you when the expected danger materializes, he added. “During a mandatory evacuation emergency, personnel will not be able to respond to your calls for help,” Hebert cautioned. “You will be on your own. “You cannot rely on help from others.” A mandatory evacuation indicates the possibility of danger to life, Hebert continued. “We urge you not to ignore it,” Hebert said. “If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, do the smart thing: leave and be safe. Local law enforcement and the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office will patrol evacuated areas.” Fort Bend County has partnered with the Red Cross and Sacred Heart Church in Richmond and opened a temporary shelter to serve residents affected and displaced by flooding related to Hurricane Harvey. The Red Cross shelter is located at Sacred Heart Church at 507 South 4th St. in Richmond. Local residents who require help with transportation or medical needs related to the evacuation should call 211 for assistance. Please be advised that the Red Cross will not allow pets inside the shelter who are not service animals. Pets will require you to make alternative accommodations.

Shelters set up

The shelter at Sacred Heart Church in Richmond will close as of 10:00 am. on Monday, Aug and transport residents to the new shelter at B.F. Terry High School in Rosenberg. The shelter is located at 5500 Avenue N in the Rosenberg and housing evacuees in the gymnasium. Pets are accepted at the shelter and transportation is already in place for residents coming from Sacred Heart Church. Rosenberg currently has Mandatory Evacuations in effect for the following areas: • West Street and Mulcahy Street: North of Avenue D • River Road area: All properties North of River Road, adjacent to the river • North of Brazos: all properties North of the Brazos River, within City limits including the neighborhood of Kingdom Heights • North Rosenberg: All properties East of 4th Street, North of Avenue B; all properties on 1stStreet North of Avenue D • Huntington Road properties The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has flood maps and evacuation maps available on their website at fbcoem.org and the City of Rosenberg is posting updates at rosenbergtx.gov/Harvey. Residents who wish to seek shelter in other areas are advised to visit ReadyHarris.org for a list of shelters. In case of emergency, please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency assistance, please call police dispatch at 832-595-3700.

Tornado hits Sienna Plantation

Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast late Friday night as a Category 4 hurricane. It spawned at least one tornado that touched down in Fort Bend County. One tornado damaged the Sienna Plantation subdivision, injuring one person and damaged as many as 50 homes. The early-morning tornado struck shortly after Harvey made landfall near Rockport, Texas. The tornado uprooted trees in the Sienna Plantation neighborhood and caused damage to Ridge Point High School. The roofs of homes were ripped off and windows were broken throughout the subdivision. Fort Bend County road and bridge crews fanned out on Saturday morning to remove damaged tree limbs for public roadways.

Evacuation routes

The Texas Department of Public Safety said Monday morning that U.S. 59 is still open to traffic. Grand Parkway (TX 99) is also open but there is high water at U.S. 59 intersection. The Texas Department of Transportation advised motorists to avoid traveling in current conditions. “The roadway network is inundated with water and not safe for travel. TxDOT is presently report-

ing more than 200 locations affected by high water on Texas highways and frontage roads around the Houston district; not including conditions on local streets,” said Quincy Allen, TxDOT Houston District Engineer reported Monday. “The Houston area has experienced 18 inches or more of rainfall from Tropical Storm Harvey overnight and our system is taking on record amounts of water throughout the six-county area.” Additionally, the Fort Bend County area is forecasted to continue to receive increasing rainfall amounts over the next couple of days, he said.

Shelter in place

“Citizens are encouraged to stay out of harm’s way by not getting on the roads today.” “Please shelter in place. “First responders are working diligently to address motorists already in distressed situations and we need everyone to do their part to help keep our roadways safe. Please stay off the roadways.” The shelter in place advisory seems to contradict the mandatory evacuation order issued by the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. Calls to the OEM went unanswered Monday morning. Certain areas of Rosenberg and Richmond are under mandatory evacuations. Kingdom Heights could be the next area to be evacuated. A mandatory evacuation was issued for Sienna Plantation around 10:30 a.m. Monday. The city of Rosenberg has set up an emergency shelter at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Richmond, 507 S 4th St. “We are currently trying to get more transportation to the shelter,” said Jenny Pavlovich, communications director for Rosenberg City Hall. “The high water has flooded a number homes, which is putting an extra strain on first responders.”

Harvey stalls

As of Monday morning, Hurricane Harveys center was located about 25 miles northwest of Victoria. The storm is barely moving and is expected to make a second landfall later this week closer to the Texas-Louisiana border.

Rainfall so far

Dayton (Liberty County) 27.45” Dixie Farm Road (Brazoria County) 26.76” Santa Fe (Galvaston County) 24.50” Near First Colony (Fort Bend County) 24.34” Near Pearland (Harris County) 24.27” Near Bacliff (Maritime Station) 18.75” Near Magnolia (Montgomery County) 17.80” Near Carmine (Washington County) 16.95” 7 Miles E of Ellinger(Colorado County) 16.50” Mont Belvieu (Chambers County) 16.27” Near Coldspring (San Jacinto County) 14.19” New Ulm (Austin County) 14.16” Near Katy (Waller County) 13.42” Near Boling-iago (Wharton County) 13.16” Near Bay City (Matagorda County) 13.03” 11 Miles WSW of Huntsville (Walker County) 12.20”

Government, school closings

The Lamar CISD school district will remain closed all week due to Hurricane Harvey. Needville ISD students were to have started school Monday, Aug. 28. Because of Hurricane Harvey, we previously reset that date for Tuesday, Aug. 29. However, we have now pushed the start date to Tuesday, Sept. 5. There will be no student activities until that date. Anyone with questions, call 281-633-1422. Due to flooding and predicted forecast of more rains brought on by Hurricane Harvey, the Texas State Technical College campus in Fort Bend County will remain CLOSED on Monday, Aug. 28, and Tuesday, Aug. 29. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution for students and employees. We ask all members of the TSTC family to exercise caution and stay off the roads over the next few days. TSTC will hold late registration for new students into next week to make up for the days off.

The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management issued a mandatory evacuation for residents living within levees and a voluntary evacuation for all others in the county. Here’s a look at the mandatory evacuation zones along the Brazos and San Bernard River.

Fort Bend County residents ordered to leave neighborhoods protected by levees The following areas are under a MANDATORY evacuation order:

First Colony LID #1 Fort Bend County LID #20 Fort Bend County LID #6 Fort Bend County LID #7 Fort Bend County MUD #115 Fort Bend County MUD #46 Fort Bend County MUD #49 Municipal Utility District #121 Palmer Plantation #1 Palmer Plantation #2 The following areas are under a VOLUNTARY evacuation order: Fort Bend County LID #2 Fort Bend County LID #10 Fort Bend County LID #11 Fort Bend County LID #14 Fort Bend County LID #15 Fort Bend County LID #17 Fort Bend County LID #179 Mandatory Evacuations FBC LID #6; Dell Webb-Richmond, Veranda, Williams Ranch FBC LID #7; Autumn Ridge, Blakely Bend, Clayton’s Bend, Foster’s Green, High Meadows, Lake Pointe, Meadowvale, Morningside, New Territory, Point Royale, Robinson’s Landing, Sanders Ridge, Spencers Glen, Stonehaven, Summerhill, Walkers Station, Wilkin’s Crossing FBC LID #20; Kingdom Heights FBC MUD #46; Brazos Crossing, Colony Lakes, Lake Bend Condominium, Water’s Edge at Colony Lakes, Rocky Creek Crossing,

FBC MUD #49; Oyster Creek Place, Oyster Creek Village, Pearl Pointe , Rustlers Crossing FBC MUD #115; Riverstone FIRST COLONY LID #1; Colonial Lakes Office Park, Creekshire, Heritage Colony, Lake Colony, Lakefield, Lakes of Austin Park, Lakeway, Lexington Colony, Magnolia Plantation, Old Mill Park, Oyster Creek Plantation, Plantation Bend, Plantation Colony, Plantation Creek, Plantation Park, Plantation Trails, Riverbend, Sugar Crossing MUD #121; River Park, Williams Crossing PALMER PLANTATION MUD #1; Flamingo Estates, Flamingo Island, HarborView Village, Lakeside Estates, Lakeside Village, Palmer Plantation, Peninsula, Swan Isle PALMER PLANTATION MUD #2; Crescent Oak Village, Jade Island, Lakeshore Forest, Mustang Crossing, Parkview Village, Sunrise Bay, Villa Del Lago Voluntary Evacuations FBC LID #2; Alcorn Bend, Austin Meadows, Austin Park, Briarwood, Chimneystone, Colony, Condominiums at Grants Lake, Crescent Lakes, Crescents on the Green, Edgewater, Englewood, First Colony MUD #5 , Grants Lake, Lake Pointe, Lakes of Edgewater, Landing at Grants Lake, Lexington Meadows, Meadow Lakes, Oakland Oaks, Old Mill, Oyster Point, Rivercrest, Settlers, soldiers

Field Court, Stephens Grant, Sugar Creek, Sugar Land Town Square, Sugarwood, Sweetbriar, Sweetwater, The Highlands, The Lakes, The Towns of Grants Lake, The Village on Royal Oak, Town Center Square, Travis Park, Villas of Sweetwater, Williams, Woodstream FBC LID #10; Riverpark FBC LID #11 (and the portion of Mud #116 within their levee); Greatwood , Canyon Gate FBC LID #14; Avalon, Brazos Landing FBC LID #15; Alden Springs at Riverstone, Auburn Manor, Avalon, Brookside, Cabrera Dr, Crescent View Estates, Crossing Cove, CVS Riverstone, Discovery at Riverstone, Edgewood, Enclave, Hartford Landing, Ivory Ridge at Riverstone, Ivy Bend, Kensington, Landmark, U Parkway, Majestic Point, Marble Bend, Meridian Park, Nandina, Noble Seven, Olive Hill, Pecan Ridge, Prestwick, Providence, Riverstone North, Sanders Glen, Satya River, Senova, Silver Grove, The Crossing, The Enclave, The Island, The Village, Vintage Trail, Waterside, Wetlands Park, Whisper Rock, Winding Waters FBC LID #17; Telfair, The Crossing at Telfair FBC LID #19; Creekstone Village, U Parkway, Lost Creek, Millwood, Shadow Glen, Stonebrook, Sweetbriar, The Orchard

FIRST COLONY LID #2; Alcorn Bend, Austin Meadow, Austin Park, Briarwood, Chimneystone, City Plaza, Colony Bend, Colony Cove, Colony Creek, Colony Grant, Colony Meadows, Colony Oaks, Colony Park, Colony Woods, Condominiums at Grants Lake, Creekside at Town Center, Crescent Lakes, Edgewater, Englewood, Englewood Place Estates, Englewood Place, First Colony Mall, First Colony MUD #5, Fluor Central, Grants Lake, Highlands Square, Lake Pointe, Lakes of Edgewater, Landing at Grants Lake, Lexington Meadows, Meadows Lakes, Oakland, Oaks of Alcorn, Old Mill Park, Oyster Point, Rivercrest, Settlers Grove, Settlers Park, Soldiers Field Court, Stephens Grant, Sugar Creek, Sugar Land Town Square, Sugarwood, Sweetbriar, Sweetwater, The Enclave at Lake Pointe, The Highlands, The Lakes, The Market, The Offices, The Towns, The Village, Town Center, Travis Park, Villas of Sweetwater, Williams Glen, Williams Grant, Woodstream PECAN GROVE MUD; Greens at Pecan Grove, Pecan Grove Plantation, Pecan Lakes, Plantation Place, The Greens, The Grove, The Terrace SIENNA PLANTATION; Avalon, Enclave, Hunnington, Pecan Estates, Sienna Acreage, Sienna Parkway, Sienna Plantation, Sienna Point, Sienna Steep Bank Village, Sienna Village, Southern Colony

Texas National Guard responds

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday he has activated the entire Texas National Guard in response to Hurricane Harvey, bringing the total number of deployed guardsman to roughly 12,000. These National Guardsman will assist in the ongoing search and rescue effort for any Texans in immediate danger, and will be heavily involved in the extensive recovery effort in the aftermath of the storm.

Brazos River rises

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

BRAZOS RIVER continues to rise and is expected to rise to nearly 60 feet by Tuesday evening. This photo was taken near Brazos Park on SH 36 in Rosenberg on Monday morning.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 205

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

www.fbherald.com

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

First-responders help evacuate thousands in Fort Bend County Weather Service says Brazos River will stop rising at 57.5 feet BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY & RYAN DUNSMORE

Astros move series to Tampa Bay; see Sports

Good Afternoon School supplies giveaway

Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Race for Grace

LCISD campuses closed

Fort Bend Journal Ouch! I speak my mind regularly because it hurts to bite my tongue all the time.

— BH

Around the Bend Jorge Alberto Reyes Jr. of Richmond, graduated from Clemson Univerity with a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering

Following us?

You should! Follow the Fort Bend Herald on all of our social media sites — Facebook, Twitter, and, of course, the Fort Bend Herald web site!

Today’s Scripture Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Thought for Today “Harvey if he reaches 59 feet will constitute a 800-year flood. Let me say that again, a 800-year flood. It was will far exceed the design criteria for the levees.” — Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert

86037 20032

First responders have helped evacuate thousands of residents in Fort Bend County, and at least 100 have been rescued from high water, authorities reported. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said first-responders had effected 4,400 evacuations as of Monday. On Tuesday morning, authorities at the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management had increased the evacuations to around 5,000. Sgt. Stephen Woodard, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, told The Herald that 100 people had been rescued in Fort Bend County as of Monday evening. No fatalities or major injuries in Fort Bend County as a result of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath has been reported. So far, 25 inches of rain has fallen on the Richmond-Rosenberg area since Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast late Friday, the office of emergency management reported. More rain has fallen on the Missouri City area, OEM authorities said. According to the National Weather Service, “a persistent area of moderate rain” will continue today across the eastern HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON third of the area as Tropical Storm Har- ROSENBERG RESIDENT José Santiago rode his bike over the SH 36 bridge over the Brazos River in Rosenberg to shoot a video. He vey tracks slowly east/northeast offshore said he is safe, but is ready for this to be over. and accelerates off to the northeast on Wednesday and Thursday. “This is going to inundate,” Hebert “Heed this warning and move to higher The National Weather Service is pro- on low ground,” Herbert said late Monday said. ground.” jecting the water will not recede at least night. “People need to understand, that 2016 Mandatory evacuations are still in ef“You are protected by that levee strucfor five more days. As of Tuesday morning, the Brazos ture. (The levee is) designed to protect fect for the City of Rosenberg, said City flood inundated 115 square miles of Fort Bend County. River is at 51.88 feet and was expected to against the 100-year flood. The (100-year) Secretary Jenny Pavlovich. “I haven’t run the calculations but However, the National Weather Service reach new record high at 59 by Thursday flood has a one-percent chance of happenannounced late Tuesday morning that the when you add four feet or so on top of morning — smashing the previous record ing in any given year. “Harvey, if it reaches 59 feet will con- Brazos River will reach 57.5 feet in Fort that, we’re going to inundate a significantat 54.7 feet set by the Memorial Day floods stitute an 800-year flood. Let me say that Bend County — almost three feet higher ly greater amount of property.” in 2016. The San Bernard in East Bernard is at Mandatory evacuations have been is- again, an 800-year flood. It will far exceed than the historic 54.8 feet-level set by the a new record high of 31.5 feet, three feet 2016 Memorial Day flood. sued for residents whose homes are locat- the design criteria for the levees. Forecasters had predicted the river higher than the previous record at 28.5 “Why are we so concerned out it?” said ed in the dozen or so levee districts. Voluntary evacuations have been is- Hebert, who is director of the Office of level would rise to 59 feet — one foot low- feet set in 2016. The San Bernard River has already er than the height of the levee systems sued for residents living in other low-ly- Emergency Management. overflowed its banks and has obstruct“A levee creates a bowl. If the levee los- throughout Fort Bend County. ing areas. Even at 57.7 feet, the Brazos River will “Please if you live in one of these levee es its ability to keep the water out, the rivdistricts, move! You’re living and sitting er will fill the bowl to the level of the river. swamp much of Fort Bend County. SEE FLOOD, PAGE 4

Mandatory evacuations in effect in Fort Bend County BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com.

Numerous neighborhoods and subdivisions are under a mandatory evacuation, according to the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. Mandatory evacuations grew from 10 to 14 levee districts: Sienna Plantation, Pecan Grove and Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District 15 and 19. They are: First Colony LID #1, Fort Bend County LID #20, Fort Bend County LID #6, Fort Bend County LID #7, Fort Bend County MUD #115, Fort, Bend County MUD #46, Fort Bend County MUD #49, Municipal Utility District #121, Palmer

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

TEXAS GAME Warden head toward the Brazos River with boats in Rosenberg. Law enforcement is working hard to keep people safe SEE EVACUATIONS, PAGE 4 during this difficult time.

Trump ‘cautious’ not to disrupt Harvey recovery WASHINGTON (AP) — A spokeswoman says President Donald Trump wants to be “very cautious” about making sure that his activities in Texas don’t disrupt Harvey recovery efforts. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Trump’s stops Tuesday in Corpus Christi and Austin are intended to highlight coordination at all levels of government and lay the groundwork for what is expected to be a lengthy recovery after the storm. Trump traveled with the Cabinet secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development, and the head of the Small Business Administration. Sanders says the secretaries will meet with their Texas counterparts. Air Force One flew a path to Corpus

Christi that avoided flying over Houston, where much of the downtown area is under water. Trump has thanked Singapore’s prime minister for his condolences and offer of assistance following Harvey. The White House said Trump spoke by phone Tuesday with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who had offered the use of a Singaporean Air Force Chinook helicopter detachment that trains with the Texas Air National Guard. The statement said Trump also thanked Lee for his country’s support for the USS John S. McCain search, rescue, and recovery efforts. The McCain was damaged in a collision with an oil tanker last week near Singapore. The White House said the two leaders also discussed North Korea.

Trump is traveling to Texas to tour the flooding and other damage left by Harvey, the first major natural disaster of his presidency. Trump’s 2020-re-election campaign committee is encouraging supporters to donate to disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey. A note Tuesday to the more than 10 million email addresses the campaign has collected links to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and local animal rescue operations. The email encourages people to “help our fellow Americans in need.” Lara Trump, an adviser to her fatherin-law’s re-election campaign, says in the email that this “is a time to come together as a nation to support those in need.”

President: ‘All options are on table’ after North Korea launch WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump sought Tuesday to reassert an American military threat against North Korea, saying that “all options are on the table” in response to its launch of a missile over close U.S. ally Japan. In a terse, written statement, Trump said that North Korea’s missile launch “signaled its contempt for its neighbors, for all members of the United Nations and for minimum standards of acceptable international behavior.” “Threatening and destabilizing actions only increase the North Korean regime’s isolation in the region and among all nations of the world,” Trump said. “All options are on the table.” Trump later told reporters, “We’ll see, we’ll see” when asked what he would do. Trump.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

We salute all the first responders in Fort Bend County who are putting their own lives at risk to ensure the safety of their fellow citizens!

Our View

Please don’t spread rumors

wice now someone in authority has had to dispel a rumor about Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, who directs the county’s office of emergency management, announced earlier this week that the Judge Stavinoha Bridge is safe and open to traffic. He said a rumor was circulating that the bridge was unsafe and unusable by motorists. Hebert said county engineers would keep a close eye on the bridge during the storm and flood and if it looked unsafe it would be shut down. The bridge was damaged by the 2016 Memorial Day flood. It is under repair.

Rosenberg City Secretary Jenny Pavlovich dispelled a rumor that the city had shut off its fresh water supply to residents and businesses. Look, it’s best not to believe everything you read on social media. People share false information on Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, etc. — not to be mean necessarily but in an attempt to be informative and warn others. It’s always best to get your facts from an accredited media source or from authoritative sources, such as the office of emergency management, the sheriff’s office, local police departments, etc. Let’s not make matters worse by scaring people unnecessarily.

Removing memorials to slavery

ne of the latest universities to join the move to remove statues applauding leaders of the Confederate States of America is The University of Texas at Austin. Following the murders of nine black church members in Charleston, SC, by white supremacist Dylann Roof, on June 17, 2015, UT President Gregory Fenves commissioned a study about how to deal with Confederate symbols on the university’s campus. Along with Dave the ConfederMcNeely ate flag, with which Roof had posed for pictures posted on social media, statues of Confederate statues had become racist symbols, as tributes to efforts to maintain slavery. Fenves had become increasingly concerned about battles over removing such statues, considered endorsements of racial discrimination. The tipping point for Fenves was the bloody, clash in Charlottesville, Virginia – home of The University of Virginia – over the city council’s plan to remove a mounted statue of Confederate Gen. Rob-

ert E. Lee. An Aug. 12 rally of white nationalists opposing the removal became a violent confrontation, in which a white nationalist accelerated his car into counter-protesters, killing a woman and injuring almost two dozen others. Fenves decided to quietly order removing four statues of Civil War figures from the university’s South Mall, at night, without notice, beginning at 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Fenves, in an explanatory email to the university community that Sunday night, said events like the violence in Charlottesville “make it clear, now more than ever, that Confederate monuments have become symbols of modern white supremacy and neo-Nazism.” Three of the statues – of Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Albert Sidney Johnston, and Confederate Postmaster John H. Reagan – are being relocated to UT’s Briscoe Center for American History. They will join the statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, which Fenves ordered relocated to the Briscoe Center in 2015. It went on display there, in a recently refurbished gallery, dedicated April 6, complete with a celebratory dinner. The fourth statue, of James Stephen Hogg, son of a Confederate general, and the first native-born governor of Texas, will be rein-

stalled at an as-yet unselected campus site, Fenves said. UT spokesman Gary Susswein said the removal was done late at night, without warning, for public safety reasons. The mayor of Baltimore, Md., had used a similar unannounced overnight removal of four Confederate statues a few days earlier. “The historical and cultural significance of the Confederate statues on our campus — and the connections that individuals have with them — are severely compromised by what they symbolize,” Fenves said in his email. “Erected during the period of Jim Crow laws and segregation, the statues represent the subjugation of African Americans. That remains true today for white supremacists who use them to symbolize hatred and bigotry.” It is not without some historical irony that the recent flurry of decisions to remove Confederate statues from places of honor, like the UT campus, to places of historical study, like the Briscoe Center, is accompanied by current legal battles over racism. Just in the past two weeks in Texas, a three-judge federal court has ruled that two Texas congressional districts, and nine state House districts, are unconstitutional because they were drawn to discriminate against minorities. Contact McNeely at davemcneely111@gmail.com.

Worth thinking about

Scientists: warming makes storms WASHINGTON (AP) — By the time the rain stops, Harvey will have dumped about 1 million gallons of water for every man, woman and child in southeastern Texas — a soggy, record-breaking glimpse of the wet and wild future global warming could bring, scientists say. While scientists are quick to say climate change didn’t cause Harvey and that they haven’t determined yet whether the storm was made worse by global warming, they do note that warmer air and water mean wetter and possibly more intense hurricanes in the future. “This is the kind of thing we are going to get more of,” said Princeton University climate

scientist Michael Oppenheimer. “This storm should serve as warning.” There’s a scientifically accepted method for determining if some wild weather event has the fingerprints of man-made climate change, and it involves intricate calculations. Those could take weeks or months to complete, and then even longer to pass peer review. In general, though, climate scientists agree that future storms will dump much more rain than the same size storms did in the past. That’s because warmer air holds more water. With every degree Fahrenheit, the atmosphere can hold and then dump an additional 4 percent of water (7 per-

cent for every degree Celsius), several scientists say. Global warming also means warmer seas, and warm water is what fuels hurricanes. When Harvey moved toward Texas, water in the Gulf of Mexico was nearly 2 degrees (1 degree Celsius) warmer than normal, said Weather Underground meteorology director Jeff Masters. Hurricanes need at least 79 degrees F (26 C) as fuel, and water at least that warm ran more than 300 feet (100 meters) deep in the Gulf, according to University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy. Several studies show that the top 1 percent of the strongest downpours are already happening much more frequently.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

FORT BEND HERALD

A Little Lie

Sometimes a small fib can calm a child

lied to my son. I looked him square in his eye and with a smile on my face I said: “It’s not scary.” As the rain continued to fall and as the water began to rise I thought: I didn’t think it was going to be that bad. Am I a fool? Then the photos came in. Flooding in Beasley, Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Needville, Marquita Sugar Land Griffin and Guy. People on their roofs. People in rafts. A sinkhole in Rosenberg. Confusion. Panic. Fear. Early Sunday morning my husband walked our street to get a grasp of what our neighborhood was like and came back soaked. I pretended I wasn’t too bothered by the sight, but inside a voice screamed: This is worse than I thought. And that’s why I lied to my son. My husband had picked up my son to look out of the upstairs window to view the road behind our house, which at that moment looked like a dirty river. “That’s scary,” my son said. “No, it’s not,” I lied to my son. “It’s just water. It’ll be gone in a

while.” Then I shooed him and his younger brother away, the same way I do when I’m cooking with oil on the stove, but silently I said: Yes son, this is scary. Terrifying, in fact and Mommy doesn’t know what will ultimately happen. I spent most of the weekend glued to the computer, combing through every bit of news about the flooding and city evacuations, and posting that information on The Herald’s Facebook page and website. I answered questions from residents, viewed the photos and videos they shared and with each one my panic level rose. As the day progressed, friends called and texted me asking about our safety. “Oh, just a trapped in our subdivision, but we’re A-OK” I would write back, trying to sound light and somewhat carefree. What I wanted to say was: “I feel like we should have left.” “I’m scared.” “I wish I was with my parents.” One one hand, my heart swelled at the massive community unity I was seeing online. Strangers helping strangers. Emergency personnel rescuing people. Neighbors pulling together provisions for someone in need. On the other hand, I saw photos with water touching traffic lights in Houston; people barley keeping their head above water; residents

screaming in all caps online demanding more information on how to evacuate, and I was shaken. I read posts from people out of state begging, literally, begging for someone, anyone to check on their adult children or grandchildren and my eyes watered. Helplessness settled over me. I ached for people in our community who wanted to leave but couldn’t. Who weren’t expecting their homes to flood to the point where they had to retreat upstairs or to their roofs. People who were combing through news reports but weren’t finding the answers they needed. I made a mental plan of how we could safely walk on submerged roads with our kids to my mom’s or dad’s house about 6 miles away if we needed to. If learned anything during Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent flooding, it would be how small we are when standing against nature. How we think we’ve seen everything, until something proves us wrong. How we may think we control this world, but we don’t. When the skies open up, when the ground disappears, sometimes all we can do is pray for the best and lie. Reach Marquita Griffin mgriffin@fbherald.com.

Outside View

Let’s erect the right monuments

n the mid-’90s, after the Soviet Union collapsed, I went to an old park in Moscow where the Russians had deposited pieces of the monuments of the “great” communist leaders that had been knocked down. I have pictures of myself mocking Lenin, questioning Karl Marx about economics and raising a pathetic little fist against Stalin! But destruction of the past Georgia Ann always goes Geyer many ways. When the great Buddha of Bamiyan in Afghanistan was blown up in 2001 by the Taliban, I was nearly moved to tears. And when ISIS destroyed part of beautiful Palmyra in Syria, a piece of my heart broke. Of course, the communists were savages who destroyed millions of their people, while the Buddha was the vision of peacefulness in the world, and Palmyra was the center of a great and complicated empire. Nevertheless, destruction of the past is a tricky business. So after the vicious street fights in Charlottesville, Virginia, when I delved into the newest national debate — the question of whether Confederate monuments and statues should be taken down — I was not surprised to find various strains of history that I, at least, had known

little about. Who knew that a great number of the statues of Confederate generals were put up not immediately after the Civil War, but between 1890 and 1920, and then again mid-20th century? Who knew that most of the Confederate statues were raised as a kind of appendage to Jim Crow and that they were meant to monumentalize the losses of the South until the day came when the Union would, yes indeed, be finally defeated? I certainly did not. “In the 1890s, as the Confederacy was coming to be idealized as the socalled Lost Cause and the Jim Crow system was being fastened upon the South, and in the 1920s, the height of black disenfranchisement, segregation and lynching,” Columbia University professor of history Eric Foner wrote recently in a New York Times editorial column, “the statues were part of the legitimation of this racist regime and of an exclusionary definition of America.” But it becomes more tricky, as one digs deeper, to use the morals of our age to judge the men and women of an earlier and very different one. In Baltimore, for instance, the statue of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Roger B. Taney has come down after 144 years. Yet Taney, who wrote the hated pro-slavery Dred Scott decision in 1857, had personally freed all of his own slaves. So we have to ask: Where in our parks and city halls are statues of the scores of brave black lawmak-

ers who, during Reconstruction, were U.S. senators, civil servants and school board officials? Where are the white people of the South who worked with them, struggling to make Reconstruction work? Thus, I come out tentatively as a supporter of the “build it up” side, which in effect is the idea of taking down statues memorializing utterly egregious individuals and moving others to museums, cemeteries and foundation grounds — but also constructing new monuments to our best and most creative. For I fear, as the wise writer Peggy Noonan wrote in The Wall Street Journal last week, that, “When a nation tears down its statues, it’s toppling more than brass and marble. It is in a way toppling itself — tearing down all the things, good, bad and inadequate, that made it ...” She ends with: “More statues, not fewer; more honor, not more debris. More debris is the last thing we need.” Meanwhile, I am hushed and amused by a story attendant upon these questions. Somewhere along the way, people realized that there was something namelessly similar, something jarring, about the Confederate soldier statues (“silent sentinels,” they called them) and the Union soldier statues — depictions of foot soldiers, not the generals and captains who led them — erected across both the South and the North. Georgie Anne Geyer has been a foreign correspondent and commentator on international affairs for more than 40 years. She can be reached at gigi_geyer(at)juno.com.

Report: 28.1M in US lack health coverage WASHINGTON (AP) — The government says about 500,000 fewer Americans had no health insurance the first three months of this year, but that slight dip was not statistically significant from the same period in 2016. Progress reducing the number of uninsured appears to have

stalled in the last couple of years, and a separate private survey that measured through the first half of 2017 even registered an uptick. Tuesday’s report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found 28.1 million uninsured from January-March, or 8.8 percent of the population.

That compares to 48.6 million people — or 16 percent of Americans — when the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010 under former President Barack Obama. With Republicans still talking of repealing “Obamacare,” it’s unclear if insurance gains will be maintained or reversed.

Professional Sports Calendar

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

MLB: Astros vs. Rangers, Tropicana Field, 6:10

Wednesday MLB: Astros vs. Rangers, Tropicana Field, 6:10

Thursday MLB: Astros vs. Rangers, Tropicana Field, 12:10

Dash Sunday NWSL: Dash vs. Seattle Reign, 7

Dynamo Saturday, Sept. 9 MLS: Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30

Texans Thursday NFL Preseason: Texans vs. Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, 7

Skeeters Tuesday Atlantic League: Skeeters at New Britain Bees, (Doubleheader), 11:05 a.m./TBA

Wednesday Atlantic League: Skeeters at New Britain Bees, 11:05 a.m.

FORT BEND HERALD

Flooding forces Astros; Texans to move home games BY KRISTIE RIEKEN Associated Press

Astros Tuesday

SPORTS

HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane Harvey has forced both the Houston Astros and Houston Texans to play home games miles away from the flood-stricken city with players wondering when they will be able to come back. The Astros will play a threegame series against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, this week, starting Tuesday, and the Texans will wrap up their preseason schedule against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington instead of NRG Stadium. “You have to go about your business and handle it,” Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph said Monday as the schedule for the week became clear and the misery of Harvey continued unabated. “But it’s kind of hard at the same time to kind of sit there and play football and then think about your family that’s back home when there’s constantly updates going on around the clock about things that are going on back in

your hometown.” Both the Astros and Rangers flew to Dallas after games in California on Sunday to await news of where the series would be held. After a day off Monday, they will now head to St. Petersburg, where the Astros will have “home” games far away from home, just as they did in the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008 when they played two scheduled home games in Milwaukee. The team also said a three-game series against the New York Mets that begins on Friday may also be played at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays. A person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press that the decision has already been made and shared with the players, though there was no word from the team or Major League Baseball. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the move was not disclosed. If the Astros play both series in Florida, they will end up playing 19 straight games away from Houston, where the AL West leaders last played on Aug. 24. A

10-game road trip begins after the Mets series. “The safety of our fans, players and staff remain our main priority,” Astros President Reid Ryan said. “We are extremely grateful to the Tampa Bay Rays organization for allowing us to use their facility.” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the team was open to hosting the series in Arlington this week, but had no interest in swapping a series against the Astros later in the season to accommodate the change. He said the Rangers declined partially because of thoughts for the fans, but also because that change would have left the Rangers with a 12game road trip late in the season. “Just the competitive challenge of having our guys’ last road trip of the year, (a) four-city trip was not something that we wanted to do,” he said. “We were prepared, we offered to host the series, but the decision was made to go to Tampa instead.” The Texans have been in the Dallas area since leaving New Orleans after playing the Saints

there on Saturday night. As the flooding dominated the news for another day, athletes with ties to Houston kept nervous watch, worrying about loved ones. Nationals star Anthony Rendon, who grew up in Houston, has been stressed out hearing tales of his relatives struggling back home. He spoke to his parents on Monday morning. “They were saying the water was creeping up to their garage now,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of land so it has to cover the land first before it gets to their house. It’s tough to know they’re not in a flood zone. They’re in the middle of nowhere so how can the water reach over there?” Teams and athletes got in on the fundraising efforts for what will undoubtedly be a long rebuilding process. The Texans and owner Bob McNair donated $1 million to the United Way of Greater Houston Flood Relief Fund. The NFL Foundation said it would match the $1 million donation, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his family pledged to match all funds donated to the

American Red Cross in support of Harvey flood relief up to $1 million. This came after Texans star J.J. Watt started a fundraising page that had raised more than $620,000 by Monday afternoon and Houston Rockets and owner Leslie Alexander donated $4 million to hurricane relief. Astros owner Jim Crane and the Astros foundation also pledged $4 million to the cause and Major League Baseball also contributed, joining with the players association to donate $1 million to the Red Cross and relief organizations chosen by the players. “We are committed to doing our part to provide aid and assistance to the thousands of Houston-area residents that are desperately in need right now,” Crane said. “We encourage others in our region and beyond to help out in any way that they can.” AP Sports Writers Stephen Hawkins, Schuyler Dixon, Jim Vertuno, Brett Martel, Ralph D. Russo and AP freelance writer Ben Standig contributed to this report.

Texas Kickoff College programs scramble after Harvey Stafford to be Richmond’s season-open- and gave it to Houston emergency TCU’s staff with Patterson from highest paid QB moves to New er at(AP)Sam—Houston State, postponed officials. By Sunday afternoon, ev- 2001-03 before going to Texas State DETROIT (AP) — A person by Hurricane Harvey, will be made eryone on the list was determined as head coach in 2004, and then to Orleans familiar with the deal says Matto be safe. up Friday night at Baylor. Rice in 2006. (AP) — The BYU-LSU game will be played Saturday night at the Superdome in New Orleans after massive flooding in Houston from Hurricane Harvey forced it to be relocated from NRG Stadium. ESPN announced the move Monday. Finding a stadium to play the neutral-site game was in the hands of the television network and AdvoCare Texas Kickoff organizers who wanted to find a place that allowed convenient access to at least some fans already holding tickets. The game is still scheduled to kick off at 9:30 p.m. Eastern and be televised on ESPN. “Efforts are underway in New Orleans and we will work with the fans, the Superdome, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau and both schools throughout the week to ensure the most optimal game day experience for all,” said Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and events.

The school announced the rescheduling Monday night. The Spiders and Sam Houston State were originally scheduled to open the season on Sunday night. The game was postponed as Hurricane Harvey bore down on Houston with expectations of widespread flooding that have proven true.

Cougars families safe

University of Houston football coach Major Applewhite says the families of all his players and staff have been accounted for and are safe. The Cougars got out of Houston ahead of Hurricane Harvey on Friday and have been practicing at the University of Texas since then. Applewhite said Monday he gave his players Sunday off because he could tell his team needed it as the images of flooding and dramatic rescues dominated the news and social media. The team gathered a list of family members and addresses

A school spokesman said the school is still assessing damage to university facilities, including athletics. The Cougars open the season Saturday at UTSA.

TCU helping out Owls

TCU coach Gary Patterson says the Horned Frogs will do whatever they can to help the displaced Rice Owls. The Rice team was scheduled to arrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth area Monday after traveling from Australia, where they started their season over the weekend with a 62-7 loss to 14th-ranked Stanford. Patterson says there are still specifics to work out to host Rice on the Fort Worth campus while the Houston area deals with severe flooding from Hurricane Harvey. Patterson says the Owls are worried about loved ones, but also “all their belongings and their apartments, and their housing.” Rice coach David Bailiff was on

Herman welcomes Houston

University of Texas football coach Tom Herman says he hasn’t seen any of his former Houston players yet, but figures that will change when the Cougars make their way to the Austin campus to resume practice Monday afternoon. Houston’s team went to Austin on Friday, ahead of Hurricane Harvey’s landfall, and practiced there Saturday. Herman spent the past two seasons at Houston and is now in his first season with the Longhorns. He says Texas will try to do anything it can to help the Cougars. Herman says the Cougars canceled their scheduled practice Sunday when the flooding was getting worse back in Houston, and players were “worried and not really being focused on football, nor should they have been.”

thew Stafford and the Detroit Lions have agreed to a $135 million, five-year extension that makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because terms were not disclosed. The team announced the deal keeps the quarterback under contract through the 2022 season. Stafford was entering the last season of his $53 million, three-year contract. He stood to get quite a raise and did, getting more than the $125 million, five-year contract the Oakland Raiders gave Derek Carr this summer. Detroit drafted Stafford No. 1 overall in 2009. He helped the Lions reach the playoffs last season for the third time in six seasons.

EVACUATIONS: Levees at limits CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Plantation #1, Palmer Plantation #2. The following areas are under a voluntary evacuation order: Fort Bend County LID #2, Fort Bend County LID #10, Fort Bend County LID #11, Fort Bend County LID #14, Fort Bend County LID #17 and First Colony LID #2. Officials can’t determine the level of risk for many of the other homes in Fort Bend County that are not in levee districts. The following subdivisions are affected by the estimated 59feet flood elevation at Richmond gauge outside of levees, LIDs and MUDs: Andover Farms, Bella Vista, Braebend Estates Addition, Brazos Lakes, Brazos Valley, Brynmawr Lake, Canyon Gate At The Brazos, Canyon Lakes At The Brazos, Chelsea Harbour, Clayhead Manor, Colony West, Crystal Lake Estates, Cumings Road Area (C A Dickerson), Cumings Road Area (Duran Subdivision), Cumings Road Area (Tinsley Estates), Cumings Road Area (Rio Brazos), Edgewood Addition, Estates Of Brazoswood, Estates Of Teal Run, Foster Creek Estates Foster Crossing, Foster Island Estates, Fresno Gardens, Fresno Gardens Deluxe, Glendale Lakes, Glenwood, Goldenrod Estates, Grand Reserve, Grand River, Greatwood Crossing, Greatwood Knoll, Gulf View Acres, Heritage Farms, Heritage Heights Acres, Huntington Oaks, Jones Creek Estates, Karaugh Ii, Lakes Of Mission Grove, Lakes Of Williams Ranch, Lakewood Estates, Lexington Settlement, Lomas Hills, Long Meadow Farms, Magnolia Place, Mccrary Meadows, Mp Estates, Oyster Creek Country, Pecan Bend, Pecan Chase, Pecan Creek Pecan Estates, Pecan Hill, Pecan Lake, Pitts Subdivision, Plantation Meadows, Ridgewood Estates, Rio Vista, River Forest, Rivers Edge, Riverside Ranch, Rolling Creek, Rolling Oaks, Rosedale Addition, Royal Estates, Royal Lakes Estates, Royal Lakes Manor, Shadow Grove Estates, Sovereign Shores Estates, Sun Ranch, Tara, Teal Run, Teal Run Court, Teal Run Meadows, Teleview Terrace, Texana, The Retreat At Sovereign Shores, Westcreek, Windsor Estates and Woods Edge.

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

ROSENBERG RESIDENT Julian Alvarado and his parents, Ophelia and Margarito, check out the Brazos River as it continues to rise. “We’re a little worried,” Alvarado said. “We are more worried about the people over the railroad tracks.”

FLOOD: Brazos River expected to reach record levels CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ed highways and roadways in Fort Bend County. The Colorado River also has overflowed its banks and appeared close to covering U.S. 59 early Tuesday morning. The city of Rosenberg has set up a shelter for victims at Terry High School. The shelter, which offered 3,000 beds, is full as of Tuesday, city officials said. A second shelter has been opened at George Junior High School, located at: 4601 Airport Ave, Rosenberg.

The shelter does accept animals and asks that they be crated. Other shelters open across Fort Bend County include: Gallery Furniture on Grand Parkway, Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Cinco Ranch Junior High School in Katy, Thurgood Marshall High School in Missouri City, Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Sugar Land First United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land and the City of Arcola Community Center Hall.

University fires professor who blamed Harvey on GOP vote TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The University of Tampa has fired a visiting assistant professor who suggested in a tweet that Hurricane Harvey’s destruction is “instant karma” for Texas because it voted Republican. Sociology professor Kenneth L. Storey posted the tweet and two responses on Sunday before removing the entire thread and his profile photo. University spokesman Eric Cardenas said in a statement Tuesday that Storey was fired after the school weathered an out-

pouring of online outrage over the comments. The Tampa Bay Times reports Storey issued an apology on Monday, writing that he “never meant to wish ill will upon any group.” In a Facebook post on Monday evening, the university said it “stands in solidarity with the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey.” Officials said another sociology professor will take over Storey’s classes.

Stafford High School in Stafford and Sugar Grove Church of Christ in Meadows Place will open as shelters on Tuesday. Due to weather, Republic Waste will not be able to run trucks for trash service in Rosenberg as it regularly does, Pavlovich reported. Trash pickup updates will come as the conditions of the roads change, she added. Tyler Johnson contributed to this report.

New Mexico firefighters, Red Cross team deployed to Houston ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico firefighters and American Red Cross volunteers and staff were deployed to Houston to assist in Harvey relief efforts. Executive Director of the American Red Cross in New Mexico Kathy Segura-Salas says at least nine Red Cross workers from

throughout the state are on their way, as well as two Emergency Response Vehicles containing food, water, blankets, cleanup kits, and other supplies. Las Cruces Fire Department spokesman Dan Trujillo says a six-member Swift Water Rescue Team left Monday for Houston. New Mexico Gov. Susana Mar-

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tinez activated Monday the state’s Emergency Operations Center to help in the transfer of equipment and personnel that may be requested from Texas. Martinez also directed the state Transportation and Public Safety departments to waive overweight and oversize limits for vehicles transporting equipment to Texas.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 206

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

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ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

Brazos likely won’t top levees

River still expected to flood ‘tremendous area’ of Fort Bend County BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

Foster’s Cedarian Lamb shines with Sooners; see Sports

Newspaper delivery The Fort Bend Herald will deliver its Monday, Aug. 28, edition along with its Wednesday, Aug. 30, edition together today. The Monday edition was not delivered because of Hurricane Harvey.

Good Afternoon Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Race for Grace

LCISD campuses closed

The Brazos River is predicted to crest at 56 feet sometime Friday, and likely will not top the levees in Fort Bend County, authorities reported Wednesday. However, the river is expected to reach a record-high 56-feet and swamp “a tremendous area” of the county, said Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert. “We have good news, and a warning,” Hebert said before announcing the new river level. The good news is that the river will not crest at 59 feet as originally predicted, which is “well within the design capabilities of our levees,” said Hebert, who directs the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. Authorities were worried the river might top the levee districts countywide. The levees are designed to protect communities and neighborhoods, and subdivisions from a 100-year flood event, Hebert said. The levees are 60 feet high. A 59-foot river crest amounts to a 400year flood event, which the levees cannot protect against, Hebert explained. Hebert, broadcasting from the office of emergency management in Richmond, said the 56-foot crest will occur some time on Friday at the Richmond bridge and “removed the risk of water flooding into the levee districts.” Despite the lower-than-expected crest, the 56-foot river level will far exceed the disastrous 2016 Memorial Day flood, Hebert warned. At 56 feet, the river will swamp many streets that have never been flooded before, he explained. “This flood isn’t over,” he said at the conclusion of his broadcast. “There’s still danger out there. Protect yourself and the ones you love. Like I’ve said before, we can always rebuild property but we can’t replace a life.” Hebert said Tuesday that the river will likely impact tens of millions if not hundreds of thousands of acres and cause

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

The Crawson family walks along a levee protecting their home in the River Park West subdivision on Tuesday. Residents in the subdivision were issued a mandatory evacuation earlier this week when authorities believed the nearby Brazos River might top the levee untold millions of dollars in property damage. “We have thousands of homes taking water right now,” he said during the Tuesday broadcast. “Fortunately, we’ve had no loss of life.” He also cautioned people to avoid listening to rumors of doom and despair shared on social media. He said rumors that the mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been rescinded are misleading. Hebert said he is the only one who can cancel the evacuation orders, and he hasn’t

sometime Thursday. The Crowson family temporarily moved in with friends in the Summer Lakes subdivision off of SH 36. Chris and wife Laci, brought Colton, 3, Chesney, 7, and grandmother Margaret to check on their home and see how high the water had risen.

yet. He said he won’t cancel those orders until he assured that the homes inside the 20 levee districts are safe from flooding. So far, 140,000 residents have been evacuated from the levee districts, he said. Hebert said many roads are extremely dangerous and impassable in certain areas. Hebert said anyone thinking of getting out of driving through flooded areas may be putting their lives at risk. He said they should “stay put” and call 9-1-1 if they need to be extracted. Hebert advised people stranded by high

New tropical storm forms in Atlantic

Fort Bend Journal

MIAMI (AP) — The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Irma has formed over the far eastern Atlantic Ocean but poses no immediate threat to land. At 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the storm was about 420 miles (676 km) west of the Cabo Verde Islands. Maximum sustained winds were 50 mph (85 kmp) with higher gusts. The present movement is west at 13 mph (20 kmp). The general movement is expected to continue for the next couple of days. No coastal watches or warnings are in effect. The Hurricane Center says some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Irma could become a hurricane on Friday.

Poll results Experience has proven some people should use a glue stick instead of chap stick.

— BH

Around the Bend Brandon Denny of Fulshear has enrolled at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo. Denny’s major is computer engineering.

Following us? HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

Volunteers Rene Torres of Fresno, TX traveled to Rosenberg to lend a helping hand and donate goods to the shelter at Terry High School on Wednesday. “I’ve been doing this for eight years,” Torres said. “My house is flooded in a little bit, but I needed to come help our city of Rosenberg the best way I can.”

Collection sites open to help flood victims You should! Follow the Fort Bend Herald on all of our social media sites — Facebook, Twitter, and, of course, the Fort Bend Herald web site!

Today’s Scripture (Job) said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

Thought for Today “We have thousands of homes taking water right now. Fortunately, we’ve had no loss of life.” — Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert

86037 20032

water to wave sheets, towels or other objects to attract passing rescue boats and helicopters. He said the county has several rescue teams with boats to rescue people. A DPS helicopter also is extracting people from flooded homes and neighborhoods. Rescue teams are combing flooded neighborhoods in search of flood victims, he said. First-responders have helped evacuate more than 5,000 people in Fort Bend County and more than 100 have been rescued from high water, authorities reported.

Many Fort Bend County residents want to help those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. Likely, thousands of homes will be flooded after the Brazos River reaches a historic 56-feet high. Flood victims will need clothing, food, cleaning supplies, water and more. Want to help? Donation drop-off locations have been set up around the area.

Do not drop off donations at shelters. Drop-off locations are accepting bottled water and non-perishable foods only at this time. Here are some of the collection centers: n Leadership Academy – 4100 Avenue N, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Contact: 281-762-0353 n Donation Drop Off Locations are accepting bottled water and non-perishable foods only:

GOP eyeing $1B disaster funds cut to help wall WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is promising billions to help Texas rebuild from Hurricane Harvey, but his Republican allies in the House are looking at cutting almost $1 billion from disaster accounts to help finance the president’s border wall. The pending reduction to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief account is part of a spending bill that the House is scheduled to consider next week when Congress returns from its August recess. The $876 million cut, part of the 1,305-page mea-

sure’s homeland security section, pays for roughly half the cost of Trump’s down payment on a U.S.-Mexico border wall. It seems sure that GOP leaders will move to reverse the disaster aid cut next week. The optics are politically bad and there’s only $2.3 billion remaining in disaster coffers. Congressional aides say Trump will meet House and Senate leaders at the White House next Wednesday, as lawmakers return from an August break and plunge into a daunting pile of work.

n Kingdom Church – 1112 Damon St. Rosenberg, TX 77471 n Navarro Middle School – 4700 Avenue N. Rosenberg, TX n Peace Lutheran at 1026 Radio Lane is a collection/distribution location. For monetary donations, United Way has set up a fund. Please visit www.unitedwayhouston.org/flood No of other collection sites? Email the Herald at newsroom@fbherald.com and

Flood waters in Houston begin to fall HOUSTON (AP) — Harvey’s floodwaters are beginning to drop across much of the Houston area, emergency officials said Wednesday, offering a glimmer of hope to the hurricane’s victims. But as the crisis eases, the storm could begin to give up its dead. “The water levels are going down. And that’s for the first time in several days,” said Jeff Lindner, a meteorologist with the Harris County Flood Control District. The number of confirmed deaths rose to 20 when authorities reported that two men died in separate drownings.

Osteen’s megachurch opens doors as shelter to flood victims

HOUSTON (AP) — Joel Osteen opened his Houston megachurch to those seeking shelter from floodwaters Tuesday after social media critics slammed the televangelist for not offering to house people in need while Harvey swamps the city. Lakewood Church is a 16,000-seat former arena that was the longtime home of the NBA’s Houston Rockets. The church had announced on Twitter late Tuesday morning that it was receiving people who need shelter. The move followed a day of online criticism from those who claimed the church closed its doors while other places of wor-

ship, including several mosques, opened theirs to people who needed help. The church’s decision to open up as a shelter came after a church Facebook post Sunday by Lakewood associate pastor John Gray that said flooded highways had made the church inaccessible. “For the people spreading lies about my church. If WE could get there WE WOULD OPEN THE DOORS,” Gray’s comment read. “As soon as the highways aren’t flooded please know @lakewoodchurch will do all they can alleviate the pain and suffering of as many people as possible. Love y’all! #CantStandLiars.”

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

NEWS 3A Caregiver support group meeting planned

FORT BEND HERALD

Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the Richmond-Rosenberg area caregivers meeting. It is a place for you to share information and learn about coping with such a diagnosis. The upcoming meeting is Thursday, Sept. 7. The topic that will be covered is Hallucinations and Delusions in Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. Our speaker is Cathy Harris. Following the speaker there will be a time for sharing. The group meets the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson Street in Richmond (across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse). HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Someone You Can TruST

The river rises

Free and open to the public, the Richmond-Rosenberg ACSG is presented by the Alzheimer’s Association-Houston and Southwest Texas Chapter (713-314-1313) or (1800-272-3900) and by Faith and St. John’s United Methodist churches.

The group’s Facebook Page: Richmond-Rosenberg Alzheimer’s Support Group at https://www. facebook.com/groups/RichmondRosenbergAlzheimersSupport/ Or, questions may be sent to email: richmonddementia2014@ gmail.com

Lamar Little League Fall Registration Online registration starts August 3rd

Please visit www.lamarlittleleague.com In Person Registration

Lamar Little League Board Room

Luis Garcia and Lupe Murrillo check on their home on to the second floor before the flood waters reached San Carlos Road in Rosenberg on Tuesday. They and their home, which only a block or two from the Brazos their grown children had moved all their belongings River. Albert Aguilar, Owner

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CHILDCARE AVAILABLE AT ALL SERVICES FOR BIRTH - PREK HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

Terry High Volunteer

Volunteers Rene Torres (left) of Fresno David Ferdman (center) and Kevin Jackson (right) of Austin traveled to Rosenberg to lend a helping hand and donate a U-Haul truck full of goods to the shelter at Terry High School on Wednesday.

Faith United Methodist Church 4600 FM 359, Richmond, Tx 77406 ·281-341-8200 · www.faithumc.org

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Our hats off to the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, for keeping folks updated on Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath!

Our View

Brace for a rising Brazos River

fter five straight days of rain, the sun came out Tuesday afternoon in Fort Bend County. It was a welcome sight, and a welcome relief from all the wet stuff. Most of Richmond-Rosenberg escaped serious flooding from Hurricane Harvey. The drainage system in both towns seemed to keep up with the downfall. But a lot of people in both communities, and across Fort Bend County, have been hard hit. Especially those who live by the Brazos River or creeks. The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management reported that more than 5,000 people in the county have had to be evacuated or rescued from high water since Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast on Friday evening. And Harvey isn’t finished just yet. Even though it has been down-graded to a Tropical Storm, and is now heading to Louisiana/Texas border, the rain-swollen Brazos River is expected to reach a record-setting height in Fort Bend County. The office of emergency management predicts the storm will crest at 57.5 feet sometime Friday, almost three feet higher than the 54.8 feet record set by the 2016 Memorial Day flood. Last June, thousands of homes and businesses were impacted by flood waters and hundreds of people had to be rescued from high water.

So we can be certain that even more people will be effected this coming week when the Brazos River crests. We’re fortunate somewhat, however. Forecasters had originally predicted the river to crest at 59 feet, a foot lower than the 60-foot-high levees surrounding 20 subdivisions in the county. Had the river reached that height, and topped the levees, there was great fear that every home in those communities would be flooded. But we’re not out of the woods yet. In the coming days, many more of us will lose our homes and belongings to the river water. You can help ease the suffering. Now, while the sun is shining and streets still passable, would be a great time to help out your neighbors and strangers alike. Knock on your neighbor’s door and ask them if they are all right. A box of candles or a homemade pie will always put a smile on a face. Let them borrow your bathroom to clean up if their home is flooded, or let them stay in the spare room if they don’t have electricity or indoor plumbing. Or donate food, water, cleaning supplies and clothing to the Red Cross shelter or any of our churches in the area who are collecting necessities for flood victims. A little human kindness and compassion go a long way toward bonding neighborhoods and communities together.

FORT BEND HERALD

Horrible Harvey

People help one another during storm

ight now, I’m sitting at the kitchen table, laptop illuminated by candles, listening to the wind howl outside. The rain is coming down sideways — the unrelenting, tireless rain — and I’m wondering when it’s going to finally stop. Wherever one grows up, there’s a weather disaster to deal with. There’s cyclones in Kansas, tornadoes in Oklahoma, Denise snow storms Adams in the northern states and drought in the west. In Texas and Louisiana, we have hurricanes. Much has been written about the cavalier attitude people had about hurricanes. Until Katrina. That hurricane was a game changer for the entire Gulf Coast area. We no longer kidded about hosting hurricane parties while the rain fell outside. We now listened to the weather stations, learned how to use a hurricane tracking map and kept batteries and bottled water on hand. But this one, this horrible Hurricane Harvey, snuck up on us. Maybe it’s because we hadn’t had a major storm in almost a decade that we’d forgotten how destructive wind and rain can be. Maybe we’d grown complacent, thinking levees and computer-generated evacuation plans were enough tools in our arsenal to keep the weather at bay.

In the end, Mother Nature proved that she’s a force to be reckoned with, and not a benevolent one. Who could’ve seen that over 50 inches of rain would fall on our area in less than a week? Who could’ve ever imagined that the Brazos River would crest at almost 60 feet? Nobody ever imagined the City of Houston would be forced to open reservoir gates and allow people’s homes to be flooded. Neighborhoods that had never seen rising waters found themselves evacuating the homes they’d lived in all their lives. This flood touched every person’s life in southern Texas and nobody escaped the worry or the wrath. But in between the reports of the torrential rains were stories that made me proud to be part of this huge community. There were people here who took their personal boats out to subdivisions and rescued thousands of people without being asked or told. Watching the news reports, I saw people with boats drop people off on high ground and then turn around and go back into flooded neighborhoods. There was the Cajun Navy, a group of recreational fishermen and boaters from Louisiana who hooked up their boats and drove over here to help rescue people trapped in their homes. There was the group of people with boats who headed out at 1:30 a.m. in the rain to rescue people of all races, creeds and cultures. Churches opened their doors to those needing shelter, and people gave what they had to help, including those who have little to give. They still shared what they could, and they did so willingly and

spontaneously. Neighbors invited neighbors in for meals and to stay for as long as it takes. Social media lit up with offers of an extra bedroom, space in the living room to sleep and offers to go and get people who didn’t think they could get out. Teenagers and school staffers showed up at their schools to offer their services, and people who could get to shelters to help did so. Small-town grocery store owners opened for business a few hours every day so people could restock their shelves. People baked cookies and made sandwiches for firefighters and rescue personnel, desperately wanting to do something, anything, to help. I watched emergency personnel of every ethnicity and color rescue people who needed rescuing. Nobody was refused because of their culture, race or social status, this from a state that is constantly accused of being racist and prejudicial. If you’d like to help contribute, consider a clothing pantry for our school districts. For Lamar CISD, it’s Common Threads, 500 Houston St. in Richmond. All donations will go straight to those in need and almost immediately. It will take months, maybe years, to rebuild from this disaster, and that’s a tame word for what’s happened to our beautiful part of Texas. Mother Nature might’ve slapped our faces, but we pulled up our britches, and we’re going to work to make life better than it was before. Denise Adams’ email is dhadams1955@yahoo.com.

Outside View

Michael Moore and the Democrats

ichael Moore’s one-man show on Broadway is at times hilarious, at times tedious. While theater critics found “The Terms of My Surrender” greatly wanting, the liberal audiences seemed grateful for some comic resistance to the Trump era. Problem is, Moore is their problem. Or, at risk of inflicting a narcissistic injury on the lefty provocateur’s sense of centrality in great liberal Froma causes, (SET Harrop ITAL) part (END ITAL) of the problem. Had ticket buyers known his history of aiding and abetting the forces he purports to fight, they might have added Moore to their boycott lists. They certainly would have choked at Moore’s opening complaint: “How the f- — did this happen? The second time in the last 16 years we got the most votes!” Ah, 16 years ago. That’s when Moore and other purifiers of the rigid left openly urged liberals to throw the election to George W. Bush. The race was so close that Republicans were sending checks to the campaign of left-wing spoiler Ralph Nader. It was in all the papers.

But Moore worked the Nader rallies with his rumpled-workingman shtick. “A vote for Gore is a vote for Bush,” he insanely bellowed. “If they both believe in the same thing, wouldn’t you want the original than the copy?” Democrat Al Gore won the popular vote by a half-million but lost the Electoral College, as Nader siphoned off a few progressives in Florida. Later in the show, Moore bitterly denounced Democrats who voted for “Bush’s war” and the liberal publications that endorsed it. Truth is, the claims that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction were more believable at the time than the contention that Gore was just like Bush. The lesson of 2000 had clearly been forgotten by 2016, when Bernie Sanders and allies caricatured Hillary Clinton as a handmaiden of dark Wall Street forces. They condemned her as a toady of corporate America for having backed the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Actually, the TPP was a good deal for most American workers but an easy target for demagoguery. (Trump ditched TPP, and now most Democrats support it.) Sanders was not a spoiler in the Ralph Nader sense. He vied for the Democratic nomination and eventually came around to supporting the Democratic candidate. But self-importance — stoked by adoring followers — so clouded his judgment that he saw little danger in letting the “witch” bleed until

almost the end. Even after Clinton amassed 3.6 million more votes than he, Sanders withheld his endorsement for weeks. At the Democratic convention, some Sanders ninnies booed Clinton’s name without serious reprimand by their leader. And — shades of 2000 — a Bernie group put out a flyer reading, “Join us to hear why Hillary Clinton is more dangerous than Donald Trump.” Trump picked up the talking points where Sanders left off. Clinton admittedly ran a flawed campaign, but when Sanders said after the election that she should have been able to put Trump away, you just wanted to... So what should Democrats do? They should encourage states to hold primaries attracting a broad swath of voters rather than caucuses dominated by a few welltrained strategists. They should require Democratic candidates to be registered Democrats. And they should insist that candidates for president release their tax returns. All the above Sanders opposed. He does get some grievance points for the party leaders’ favoritism toward Clinton. They should desist. Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com. To find out more about Froma Harrop and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators webpage at www.creators. com.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

Racial lies and racism E arlier this month, The New York Times ran an article titled “U.S. Rights Unit Shifts to Study Antiwhite Bias” on its front page. The article says that President Donald Trump’s Justice Department’s civil rights division is going to investigate and sue universities whose a f f i r m a t ive action admissions policies discriminate against white applicants. This is an out-and-out lie. The truth is that the U.S. Walter departments Williams of Justice and Education plan to investigate racial bias in admissions at Harvard and other elite institutions where Asian-Americans are held to far higher standards than other applicants. This type of practice was used during the first half of the 20th century to limit the number of Jews at Harvard and other Ivy League schools. Drs. Thomas Espenshade and Alexandria Radford documented discrimination against Asians in their 2009 award-winning book, “No Longer Separate, Not Yet Equal: Race and Class in Elite Col-

lege Admission and Campus Life.” Their research demonstrated that, when controlling for other variables, Asian students faced considerable odds against their admission. To be admitted to elite colleges, Asians needed SAT scores 140 points higher than whites, 270 points higher than Hispanics and 450 points higher than blacks. An Asian applicant with an SAT score of 1500 (out of a possible 1600 on the old SAT) had the same chance of being admitted as a white student with a 1360 score, a Latino with a 1230 and a black student with a 1050 score. Another way of looking at it is that among applicants who had the highest SAT scores (within the 1400-1600 range), 77 percent of blacks were admitted, 48 percent of Hispanics, 40 percent of whites and only 30 percent of Asians. The case of Austin Jia is typical of what happens to Asian students. In 2015, Jia graduated from high school and had a nearly perfect score of 2340 out of 2400 possible points on the new SAT. His GPA was 4.42, and he had taken 11 Advanced Placement courses in high school. He had been on his school’s debate team, been the tennis team’s captain and played the violin in the all-state orchestra. His applications for admission were rejected at Harvard, Prince-

ton and Columbia universities, as well as at the University of Pennsylvania. Jia said that his rejection was particularly disturbing when certain classmates who had lower scores but were not Asian-American like him were admitted to those Ivy League schools. California universities present an interesting case. At one time, they also discriminated against Asians in admissions, but now it’s a different story. As of 2008, Asians made up 40 percent of the students enrolled at UCLA and 43 percent at the University of California, Berkeley. Last school year, 42 percent of students at Caltech were Asian. You might ask what accounts for the high numbers. It turns out that in 1996, Proposition 209 (also known as the California Civil Rights Initiative) was approved by California voters. The measure amended the state constitution to prohibit state governmental institutions from considering race, sex or ethnicity in the areas of public employment, public contracting and public education. The experience of California, where racially discriminatory admissions policy has been reduced, suggests that if Ivy League universities were prohibited from using race as a factor in admissions, the Asian-American admissions rate would rise while the percentages

Trump to kick off tax overhaul WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will kick off his lobbying effort for a tax overhaul at an event with a Midwestern manufacturing backdrop and some economic tough talk. The one thing missing? A detailed proposal. Instead, in Springfield, Missouri, Wednesday, Trump will give remarks that the White

House said will focus on his “vision” for spurring job creation and economic growth by cutting rates and revising the tax code. Details will come later, officials said, when lawmakers work them out. After a year with no major legislative wins, the stakes are high for the White House and GOP leaders, who face mounting pres-

sure to get points on the board before next year’s midterm elections. Complicating matters, the tax push comes amid an intense September workload that requires Congress to act by month’s end to fund the government and raise the debt limit, as well as pass emergency spending for the Harvey disaster.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

NEWS

Pleak Speaks

Hurricane Harvey swamps streets in Pleak The past week has been tragic all through Fort Bend County. So much travesty and loss to many county residents. Pleak faired pretty well with only a few streets Marsha flooding and Goates remaining flooded during

the entire hurricane event. Pleak Fire Station was staffed 24/7 beginning Friday and remains staff until all roads are accessible. We had several water rescues including a few dogs. Our area was lucky. Roads were checked on a daily basis to ensure information was accurate and reported to the EOC regarding flooding. We at the fire station would like to thank Cristino and Dilia Medrano, Aziz with Valero, Word of God Fellowship, The Shimkus family, Malcolm

and Nancy Zurek and Larry and Kathy Bittner for the food and supplies to help us get through Harvey. Thank you to the City Council for calling and coming to check our needs as well. Remember it will take time for the waters to go down so please show patience during this time. If you need assistance you can reach FEMA at 1-800-621-(FEMA) 1-800-621-3362. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing stories of your plans for the summer, your chil-

dren’s school accomplishments OR good news from your neighborhood or your church. You can call me at 281-703-9939, or send me an email to mlgoates@ gmail.com with any news that you would like to share. To find out what is happening in the Village of Pleak you may visit their website of http://villageofpleak.com/home/ for scheduled meetings, to read minutes from previous council meetings. For more information, you may also call the Pleak Village Hall office directly at 281-239-8504.

Flights restricted over Fort Bend County During the last 24 hours there have been over 5,000 rescues in Fort Bend County. As of Tuesday morning, helicopters have started rescue operations in the county. The rescue helicopters need free airspace that is unimpeded by other aircraft operations. This includes operation of drones and other hobby related aircraft. To ensure the safety of our rescuers, Fort Bend County has requested and the Federal Aviation Administration has issued a temporary flight restriction order for Richmond and Rosenberg and the surrounding area. This restriction prohibits air traffic, including civilian aircraft, personally operated drones, quad-copters, radio controlled aircraft including any and all aircraft used by hobbyists in an area 10 miles around the Rich-

mond-Rosenberg area and below 500 feet above ground level. FAA regulations prohibit civilian and drone aircraft flight activities within a temporary flight restriction zone. This TFR will be in effect from Aug. 29 through midnight Sept. 30. Aircraft — even small aircraft used by hobbyists — could interfere with disaster response and recovery operations. Drone flights in the restricted area will be a danger to helicopters used in rescue operations and can jeopardize responder safety. We strongly urge you not to operate aircraft of any kind inside the TFR boundaries, authorities reported. Both Fort Bend County and the FAA take this restriction very seriously, authorities added. The FAA will take all appropriate measures to enforce this TFR. For questions, call 281-342-6185.

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OakBend Medical Center invokes Code Grey OakBend Health Systems is currently under Code Grey Disaster due to Hurricane Harvey. The Williams Way Campus will undergo a coordinated and organized evacuation throughout Tuesday to the Jackson Street

Campus. The Grand Parkway ER is closed, Hospital for Surgical Excellence and the Ambulatory Surgery Centers are closed through Friday, Sept. 1. The Jackson Street hospital is

at capacity and the emergency department is on diversion. At this time the decision has been made to restrict access areas to the Jackson Street Hospital. If it is necessary to access the

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WATER DISTRICT DISTRICT NOTICEOF OF 2017 2017 TAX YEAR PROPOSED WATER NOTICE TAX YEAR PROPOSED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE NOTICE OF 2017 TAX YEAR PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITYCITY OFPROPOSED MEADOWS TAX RATE FOR OF MEAD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATEPROPERTY

PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF MEADO PLACE PLACE The FORT BEND COUNTY M.U.D. #185 will hold a public hearing on a PLACE proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on September 20, 2017 at 12:00PM

tax rate of $0.832000 per $100valuation valuation hashas beenbeen proposed for adoption the governingbybody City of per $100 proposed forbyadoption theofgoverning bo at 9 Greenway Plaza,M.U.D. Suite 1100, TX 77046 . Yourhearing individual he FORT BEND COUNTY #185 Houston, will hold a public on aA tax rate ofA $0.832000 Meadows Place. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that Meadows Place. Thisper rate$100 exceeds the lower of the effectivefororadoption rollback by taxthe rate, and statebody law reo taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable A tax rate of $0.832000 valuation has been proposed governing roposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on September 20, 2017 at 12:00PM two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate. Meadows Place. This rate of thebody effective rollbackthe taxproposed rate, and tax staterate. law requi two public hearings beexceeds held by the lower governing beforeoradopting value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all t 9 Greenway Plaza,andSuite Houston, TX 77046 . Your individual two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate. other property the tax1100, rate that is adopted. The governing of City of Meadows Place proposes to use revenue the tax rate increase The governing body ofbody City of Meadows Place proposes to useattributable revenuetoattributable to the tax ra axes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable for the purpose of maintaining its current infrastructure, revenue, and level of service. Thefor governing body of City of Meadows Place proposes to use revenue attributable to the the purpose of maintaining its current infrastructure, revenue, and level of service. tax rate in FORyour the property proposal: Allen Thomas, Wesley Al in Menconi, alue of in relation to theNoonan, change taxable value of all of maintaining its current infrastructure, revenue, and level of service. for the purpose Bergeris adopted. ther property and the and tax Terrell rate that PROPOSED TAX RATE RATE $0.832000$0.832000 per $100 per $100 PROPOSED TAX PROPOSED TAXYEAR'S RATE $0.832000 $100$100 PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE per $100per per AGAINST the proposal: None PRECEDING TAX RATE$0.832000 $0.832000 PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE $0.803291 $0.832000 $100$100 EFFECTIVE TAX RATE RATE per $100per per EFFECTIVE TAX $0.803291 PRESENT and not voting: None EFFECTIVE TAXTAX RATE $0.803291 $100$100 ROLLBACK TAX RATE RATE $0.866825 per $100per per OR the proposal: Allen Thomas, Wesley Noonan, Al Menconi, ROLLBACK $0.866825 ABSENT: Scott Donahue ROLLBACK TAX RATE $0.866825 per $100 and Terrell Berger The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead inThe effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenu The effective tax rate isPlace thefrom total rate needed totheraise the same amount property tax revenue fo Meadows thetax same properties ininboth 2016 tax year and the 2017and taxofyear. this taxing unit last year Meadows Place from the same properties both the 2016 tax year the tax year. the proposal: Noneto taxes proposed on the average residence Meadows Place from the same properties in both the 2016 tax year and the 20172017 tax year. homestead this year.

GAINST RESENT and not voting: None BSENT : Scott Total tax rateDonahue (per $100 of value)

Last Year

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Meadows Place may adopt before voters are entitled

rollback tax rate is highest the highest tax rate of Meadows Place adopt before voters TheThe rollback tax rate is the tax rate thatthat CityCity of Meadows Place maymay adopt before voters are to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate. This Year to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate. to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

$1.03000/$100 $1.03000/$100 Adopted Proposed YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OFOF THETHE ABOVE RATES CAN BECAN CALCULATED AS YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY ABOVE RATES CAN CALCULAT YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES BE BE CALCULATED Difference in rates per $100 of value $ .00000/$100 he following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in FOLLOWS: FOLLOWS: FOLLOWS: Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) .00% his taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence Average appraised residence homestead value $ 321,828 $ 320,349 property amount= (rate) (taxable value of value yourofproperty)/100 property tax amount= (rate) xx (taxable value your property)/100 property taxtaxamount= (rate) x (taxable of your property)/100 omestead this year. General homestead exemptions available $ 0 $ 0 (excluding 65 years of age or older or Fordetailed assistance orinformation detailed information about calculations, please contact: For For assistance or about taxtaxcalculations, please contact: assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: disabled person's exemptions) Last Year This Year Average residence homestead taxable value $ 321,828 $ 320,349 PatsySchultz Schultz Patsy Schultz Patsy otal tax rate (perresidence $100 of homestead value) Tax on average $ $1.03000/$100 3,314.82 $ $1.03000/$100 3,299.59 City of Meadows TaxAssessor-Collector Assessor-Collector CityofofMeadows MeadowsPlace PlacePlace Tax City Tax Assessor-Collector Annual increase/decrease in taxes if Adopted Proposed 13171317 Eugene Heimann Cir,Richmond Richmond TX TX 77469 1317 Eugene Heimann Cir, TX 77469 Eugene Heimann Cir, Richmond 77469 proposed tax rate adopted $ $ -15.23 ifference in rates peris $100 of (+/-) value .00000/$100 281-341-3710 281-341-3710 281-341-3710 and percentage of increase (+/-) -.45%

Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov ercentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) .00% Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov verage appraised residence homestead value $ 321,828 $ 320,349 www.fortbendcountytx.gov NOTICEexemptions OF TAXPAYERS' eneral homestead availableRIGHT TO $ ROLLBACK 0 ELECTION 0 You$are urged to express youryour views atatthe following hearings on the proposed tax Youattend are attend urgedand to attend and express publicpublic hearings on thehearings proposed tax If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more thanYou are urged to and express yourviews viewstheatfollowing the following public onrate: the proposed (excluding yearstheofqualified age or older eight 65 percent, voters or of the district by petition may First Hearing: September 5, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Meadows Place City Hall, 1 Troyan Drive, Meadow FirstSeptember Hearing: September 5, 2017atat7:00 7:00 pm Place City Hall, City 1 Troyan Drive,1 Meadows disabled person's require that an exemptions) election be held to determine whether to reduce the First Hearing: 5, 2017 pmat Meadows at Meadows Place Hall, TroyanPlace, Drive, Mea TX 77477. TX 77477. operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under TX verage residence homestead taxable value $ 321,828 $ 77477. 320,349 Section 49.236(d), Water Code. Second Hearing: September 12, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Meadows Place City Hall, 1 Troyan Drive, Mea ax on average residence homestead $ 3,314.82 $ 3,299.59 Second Hearing: September 2017 at at 7:00 at Meadows Place CityPlace Hall, 1 City TroyanHall, Drive, 1Meadows Second Hearing: September 12,12, 2017 7:00pmpm at Meadows Troyan Drive, M Place, TX 77477. nnual increase/decrease in taxes if Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011 Place, TX 77477. Place, TX 77477. proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $ -15.23

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

BUSINESS

FORT BEND HERALD

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Houston’s population is growing quickly, but when Harvey hit last weekend there were far fewer homes and other properties in the area with flood insurance than just five years ago, according to an Associated Press investigation. The sharp, 9 percent drop in coverage means many residents fleeing Harvey’s floodwaters have no financial backup to fix up their homes and will have to draw on savings or go into debt — or perhaps be forced to sell. Houston’s Harris County has 25,000 fewer flood-insured properties than it did in 2012, according to the AP’s review of Federal Emergency Management Agency data. In percentage terms, the drop was even more dramatic in certain sections of the county: In Pasadena, just southeast of Houston, policies were down nearly 20 percent. Baytown, east of Houston, saw a 22 percent drop. A former head of the federal flood insurance program called the drops “unbelievable,” and criticized FEMA, the agency overseeing the program. “When you start to see policies drop like this, FEMA should have done something about this,” said

Robert Hunter, who ran the program in the late ‘70s. He estimates that fewer than two of 10 homeowners with flood damage have flood insurance. FEMA’s director, Brock Long, told the AP on Wednesday he was uncertain what was driving the drop in insurance coverage in Houston. He said storm victims who have lost their homes and are uninsured could seek assistance through the Small Business Administration, which offers loans. Experts point to a mix of reasons for Houston area residents deciding to drop coverage but lack of fear was a big one. The last big flood, Tropical Storm Allison, was 16 years ago, and people stopped worrying and wanted money they would have spent for insurance premiums for other items. The average cost for premiums in Harris County increased from $514 per year in 2012 to $555 annually this year, an increase of 8 percent, according to FEMA data. Jesse Trubia, president of a metal fabrication company, decided to pass on flood insurance when he moved to his two-story home on the outskirts of Houston several years ago. That decision will now cost him up to $30,000, he estimated. Up to one foot of water seeped into his home

in Cypress. In total, Harris County residents were paying premiums on nearly 250,000 flood insurance policies in June, down from almost 275,000 policies at the end of 2012. There were roughly 1.75 million housing units in Harris County, but that includes apartment and condominium buildings, making it an imperfect figure to try to calculate what overall percentage of families are covered by flood insurance. The number of policies in Houston itself fell from 133,000 to 119,000, an 11 percent drop — roughly in line with the trend nationally. Over the same period, the number of flood policies across the U.S. dropped 10 percent, to 4.9 million. Jiles Daniels, a retired oil company manager, never wavered when he bought flood insurance on both his homes: one in Houston and another on an island near Cleveland, northeast of Houston. The cost is considerable: about $1,800 a year in premiums for the two houses combined. He thinks it’s worth it: The lower level of his island house went about four feet under water, he estimates, though his city home had been spared so far.

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The Fort Bend- Harris Retired Educators welcomed new retirees to the ‘Oh Happy Day Luncheon’ held August 22, the first day of school. A pot-luck lunch was served and entertainment was provided by The Sugar Sisters. A legislative update was given by Marcy Cann, TRTA Secretary/Treasurer. The next meeting will be September 14 at 1pm in the Great Hall of First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land. Dr.

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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

WAKE UP. WALK IN. HERALD PHOTO BY REBEKAH RAMOS

Water covers Wallis community The roof of a truck sticks out of flood waters in Wallis on Tuesday. Lawns, fields and roads in and near the community were inundated by rainfall from Tropical Storm Harvey and the rising Brazos River.

You don’t need an appointment to access care from Memorial Hermann Primary Care Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers, because we accept early morning walk-ins Monday thru Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. for minor illnesses, including: • Allergies • Colds

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Flooded out The Dollar General Store on SH 36 in Wallis is closed because of flood water. Weather experts say skies in Fort Bend County will be clear for a few days but rain is forecast for Tuesday and several days afterward. The National Weather Service said a tropical depression has formed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Email flood photos to: fbherald.com

The FORT BEND COUNTY M.U.D. #118 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on September 12, 2017 at 6:00 PM at Greater Fort Bend EDC, One Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Your FORT BEND COUNTY M.U.D. #118or will holddepending a publicon hearing proposed individual taxes may increase decrease, the changeoninathe taxable of your in relation to the in taxable rate for value the tax yearproperty 2017 on September 12, change 2017 at 6:00 PMvalue at of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

he ax reater Fort Bend EDC, One Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Your ndividual taxes may increase decrease, onWaltz the change in the FOR the proposal: Alex Reid or Garrett, Dennis depending Rooney, James & axable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value Jaime Benoliel f allAGAINST other property and the the proposal: None tax rate that is adopted. PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: James Hines OR the proposal: Alex Reid Garrett, Dennis Rooney, James Waltz & The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in JaimeyearBenoliel this taxing unit last to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

This Year

$ .70000/$100 $ .68000/$100 Adopted Proposed $ .02000/$100 Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) -2.85% Average appraised residence taxes homestead $ 268,245 $ 273,449 in he following table compares on value an average residence homestead General homestead exemptions available $ 0 $ 0 his taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence (excluding 65 years of age or older or omesteaddisabled this year. person's exemptions) Average residence homestead taxable value $ 268,245 $ 273,449 Tax on average residence homestead $ 1,877.71 $ 1,859.45 Last Year This Year Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed rate$100 is adopted (+/-) $ -18.26 $ .68000/$100 $ .70000/$100 otal tax rate tax (per of value) and percentage of increase (+/-) -.97%

Adopted

• Urinary tract infections • And more

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

Last Year

• Rashes • Vomiting and nausea

WATER DISTRICT WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

GAINST the proposal: None RESENT not (per voting: None Total and tax rate $100 of value) BSENT : Jamesin Hines Difference rates per $100 of value

• Earaches

Proposed

ifference in rates per $100 of value $ .02000/$100 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS' RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION ercentageIfincrease/decrease in rates(+/-) -2.85% taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than verageeight appraised homestead $ 268,245 percent,residence the qualified voters ofvalue the district by petition may $ 273,449 that an election beavailable held to determine whether to reduce the $ eneralrequire homestead exemptions $ 0 0 operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under (excluding years ofWater age Code. or older or Section6549.236(d), disabled person's exemptions) Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011 verage residence homestead taxable value $ 268,245 $ 273,449

Early Morning Walk-In Care Monday – Friday, 7 to 9 a.m. Additionally, medical appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Use ScheduleNow to book your appointment online at mhmg.memorialhermann.org or call 1.855.355.3400 Rosenberg 2520 BF Terry Boulevard (FM 2218) 281.342.6006

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

NEWS

HERALD PHOTO BY REBEKAH RAMOS

San Bernard River overflows

FORT BEND HERALD

HERALD PHOTO BY LIBBY KING

Common Threads collects supplies for flood victims

The San Bernard River overflows SH 60 between Wallis and East Bernard on Tuesday. The San Bernard crested Common Threads at Jane Long Elementary has begun collecting supplies for flood victims. Common Threads is at 31.98 feet on Tuesday afternoon at the East Bernard gauge, almost four feet higher than the last record-high already full and no longer needs clothing, but their donation location at the old Jane Long gym/cafeteria really needs canned goods, some contact solution, can openers, bedding, and toiletries. of 28.5 feet. The San Bernard has presently has dropped to 29.6 feet.

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Hundreds of faces. Thousands of names. Year after year. The Fort Bend Herald.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 207

Keep up with our storm coverage on the Herald Facebook page!

Visit fbherald.com

TODAY!

MORE HARVEY INSIDE Fort Bend County deputies arrest 2 for storm-related road rage

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

LOCAL, STATE COVERAGE PG 3, 6, 10

Texas deploys an additional 10,000 National Guardsmen

Greatwood residents brace for record-high Brazos River crest

DPS: 48,700 homes in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey

‘SLOW-MOVING DISASTER’ HEADING THIS DIRECTION

Authorities confident levees will hold back Brazos, but river likely will affects thousands of homes BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Newspaper delivery The Fort Bend Herald will continue to post its e-edition online free of charge during the present state of emergency. See stories, photos at fbherald.com. Also, a reminder to our subscribers: The Herald did not print a Tuesday, Aug. 29, edition because of the flooding associated with the hurricane. Tuesday’s edition was posted on the Herald’s website only and is free for viewing, as are all the editions since Hurricane Harvey struck the Texas coast on Friday, Aug. 25.

Good Afternoon Bazaar rescheduled

Holy Rosary Catholic Church has rescheduled its 81st Annual Bazaar due to weather. The bazaar was set for Sunday, Aug. 27. It has been rescheduled to take place on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Race for Grace

LCISD campuses closed

Due to inclement weather and mobility issues, all Lamar CISD campuses and facilities will be CLOSED on Monday, Aug. 28 through Friday, Sep. 1. Classes are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Sep. 5, following the Labor Day holiday. We are closely monitoring the weather and will inform the community if there are any further changes. Please monitor our website—www.lcisd.org. —or the District Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest information.

swilley@fbherald.com

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said Wednesday he is confident the levees will hold back the swollen Brazos River when it crests here around midnight Friday. But the mandatory evacuation of homeowners who live inside the 20 levee districts is still in effect, he declared. “This is a slow-moving disaster,” he said. The National Weather Service on Wednesday lowered the forecast crest of the river from a projected 57.5 feet to 56 feet at the Richmond Bridge. “That’s the good news,” Hebert exclaimed. “And the best part of the good news is that 56 feet is the 100-year flood event in Fort Bend County.” He said a 100-year flood event is what the county’s levees are designed to defend against. “The new (56-foot) elevation is well within the design capabilities of our levees and I have no indication that any levee is having difficulty keeping the river

SEE HEBERT, PAGE 3

Bad luck

Two bodies were recovered from flood water covering a road between Simonton and Fulshear on Wednesday, authorities reported. Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert confirmed the deaths and said the victims apparently drove their pickup truck into flood waters covering Pool Hill Road. The road is located off of FM 1093. The initial 9-1-1 call was received at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, he reported. “We are deeply saddened to report this unfortunate incident,” said Hebert, who is director of the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. “Our hearts go out to the family of

— BH

Around the Bend Ashli Turner of Fresno has been named to the President’s List at Rogers State University during the summer 2017 semester.... Luis Garcia and Lupe Murrillo check up on their mixed breed dog, Blanca, who weathered Hurricane Harvey on the second floor of their home ...

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

They are the first deaths in Fort Bend County attributed to Hurricane Harvey

Fort Bend Journal

swilley@fbherald.com

is the spill way. At right is water that has collected inside the levee. Authorities predict the Brazos River to crest at 56 feet sometime on Friday, three feet lower than the 59-foot height of the embankment.

Curfews imposed in Fort Bend County

2 bodies found in flood waters near Simonton BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

I’m not saying some people are stupid. But they certainly have bad luck when it comes to thinking.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

GREATWOOD RESIDENTS gather on the levee protecting their subdivision on Wednesday evening. Volunteers placed sandbags along a low-lying area of the levy Wednesday morning to enure the swollen Brazos River didn’t top the earthen berm. At left

the deceased and all involved. It is a tragic day and we join their family and friends in mourning their loss.” The identities of the victims are not yet available pending notification of family. Hebert recognized the efforts of the emergency teams who responded quickly to this incident, but were unable to save the victims. “We appreciate the efforts of the Fulshear Fire Department and the Arizona Task Force Water Rescue who responded quickly on scene,” he said. The deaths are the first two recorded deaths in Fort Bend County as a result of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. Hebert warned county residents on Wednesday morning to prepare for the

SEE BODIES, PAGE 6

The city of Richmond and Fort Bend County has imposed curfews during the present crisis. Richmond Mayor Evalyn Moore issued the curfew on Wednesday. The mandatory curfew takes place between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. in certain parts of the city until further notice. The curfew affects the 100 block through the 800 block of Riveredge, 18

block of Avenue A, 28 block of Avenue A, 800 and 900 blocks of Strange Drive, 700 and 800 blocks of Greenwood Drive, 1300 block of Newlin Street, 400 and 500 blocks of Edgewood Drive, 1200 and 1300 block of Damon, 100 through 500 block of Grayless, 100 through 300 block of Avenue A, 100 through 300 block of Avenue B, 100 through 300 block of Avenue C, and 600 block of Lindemann Circle. The curfew prohibits people from remaining, walking, running, standing,

SEE CURFEWS, PAGE 10

Sheriff: Storm-related traffic leads to road rage shooting BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

A 51-year-old Katy man was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in what Fort Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls is calling a “storm-related road rage” incident. Nehls said high water across many streets and roads in the Katy area has forced traffic to the few roads opened, leading to congestion. That led one driver to attack another driver, Nehls said.

Around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Fort Bend County sheriff’s deputy was flagged down in reference to a shooting that had just occurred at the intersection of Peek Road and Westheimer Parkway, Maj. Chad Norvell reported. “The deputy found one individual with a gunshot wound on the ground and one sitting in their vehicle with their hands up,” Norvell said. “Witnesses stated two vehicles were involved in a traffic altercation and upon

SEE SHOOTING, PAGE 6

Volunteers arrive

Obituaries Corbin Eugene Humphreys, 70 Rosie Cabrera Fojtik, 61 See page 3

Hundreds eager to help with hurricane relief

Thought for Today

sjohnson@fbherald.com

BY TYLER JOHNSON

“Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.” — Edna Woolman Chase, American fashion editor (1877-1957)

86037 20032

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

FROM LEFT to right Richard Chapa, Augie Chapa and Rudy Rosales cook chicken on the grill outside of The Church in Rosenberg to feed people in shelters and give them a hot meal after they spent the last couple of days rescuing people from their damaged homes due to Hurricane Harvey. The chicken was donated by Aldi off Reading Road in Rosenberg.

Pastor Jimn Kyles waves pickup trucks filled with bottled water along to volunteers ready to unload them in a crowded parking lot in front of Navarro Middle School on Wednesday. Pastor Kyles of The Church in Rosenberg started the hurricane relief by gathering about 500 volunteers using social media to spread the word that people of Fort Bend County need their help. “This is our community,” Kyles said. “As soon as we knew the devastation was coming, we knew we were going to ride this thing out and do whatever it takes to help our community and our city.” Water, food, cleaning supplies and clothes were donated

SEE VOLUNTEERS, PAGE 6

NEWS

Thursday, August 31, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

Today in History

Your World

Looking Fur Love OREO

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

in Five Minutes

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ID#A010536

Ready to be adopted! If interested please contact Ft. Bend County Animal Service at 281-342-1512 The names of these animals has been added for cuteness-factor only. You may name your pet anything you like once you adopt them.

To adopt, foster or rescue animals, call

Fort Bend Animal Services at 281-342-1512 or

visit the facility at 1210 Blume Road in Rosenberg, Tx. Sponsored by:

STATE Nurses head to Houston to help VA hospital

HOUSTON — The VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas says 20 of its nurses have headed to Houston to relieve the staff at Houston’s beleaguered Veterans Affairs hospital.

Deputies recover bodies of six flood victims

HOUSTON — Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says the bodies of six members of a Houston family have been recovered from a van that was swept off a Houston bridge and into a storm-ravaged bayou. Gonzales says relatives returned to the scene Wednesday to look for signs of the van and notified authorities after spotting part of it poking above the water and seeing two bodies in the front seat.

Dr. Michael Moore | Dr. Mark Buvinghausen

NATION

WORLD

Authorities: Girl, 5, picked US airstrikes block evacuaup dad’s gun, shot self in tion of Islamic State militants head

SCARBOROUGH, Maine — An autopsy shows the shooting death of a 5-year-old Maine girl at her grandparents’ home was accidental: The child had picked up her father’s gun and shot herself in the head.

White nationalist campus speaking request denied

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina has rejected a request by white nationalist Richard Spencer to speak on its flagship campus at Chapel Hill. Spencer is a leader of the white nationalist movement and attended demonstrations in Charlottesville, Virginia, that erupted into deadly violence in mid-August.

BEIRUT — U.S. airstrikes blocked the advance of an Islamic State convoy carrying militants toward Iraq on Wednesday, derailing a Hezbollah-negotiated deal that removed the extremists from the Lebanon-Syria border, where they have been for years.

Israeli drone maker says some exports frozen

JERUSALEM — An Israeli drone company said Wednesday that the Defense Ministry has suspended some of its export licenses to one of its clients abroad. Aeronautics issued a statement to the stock market saying exports of the Orbiter 1K to a “significant client of the company in a foreign company” were suspended.

Read the rest of these stories, and more, online at fbherald.com

4716 FM 359 • Richmond, TX 77406 www.fcvethospital.com • 832-363-1227

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ABSOLUTELY FREE for 2 weeks* Y O U R “ L O C A L ” NEWS AND INFORMATION SOURCE Find out for yourself how the Fort Bend Herald is the most dependable resource to stay on top of important local stories – stories that will keep you connected to your community. From state and local government to the best in local schools, entertainment and sports. The Fort Bend Herald delivers you local information that you’ll find nowhere else.

n Considering the recent weather event in our community, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County feels it is in everyone’s best interest to postpone the 2018 Great Grownup Spelling Bee.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

n The Friends of the University Branch Library will hold its fall book sale from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., at the library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land. Books, CDs, DVDs and LPs for adults and children will be available. Most items are 50 cents to $1. Proceeds support reading and other educational library programs. Good condition books, CDs and DVDs may be donated to the library during the sale, or at any time. A receipt for income tax purposes can be provided. The library is located on the University of Houston campus at Hwy. 59 and University Blvd. Parking is free. nFriedens United Church of Christ in Beasley is hosting its 6th Annual Friedens Craft Show & Bake Sale on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Wenceslaus

Catholic Church, CCD Bldg., 407 S. Third St., in Beasley. Admission is free. Interested vendors should call 281-814-6301. (Outside space available only; covered pavilion).

SUNDAY, SEPT. 10

n Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1416 George St., in Rosenberg, will hold its 81st annual bazaar. Barbecue beef, chicken and sausage meal served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym. Drive-thru is available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Allen Street entrance. Event includes children’s activities and game booths. Live music will be performed by the Lazy Farmers Polka Band. Auction begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Joerger-Lindsey Family Life Center.

MONDAY, OCT. 2

n County Judge Robert Hebert is challenging mayors in Fort Bend County to put on their game face and join the Hope For Three Golf “Fore” Autism charity tournament on Oct. 2, at Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Blvd., Sugar Land. Tee time is noon.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

n The Fort Bend County Fair will kick off with a parade at 9 a.m., and the parade committee is presently accepting applications for entries. For more information on the Fair’s schedule or parade entry forms, visit fortbendcountyfair.com or call the Fair Office at 281-342-6171.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

n Keep Richmond Beautiful will host a free onsite document shred event at the Richmond City Hall, 402 Morton St. from 9 a.m. to noon. Shred items include all paper-based materials. No need to remove staples, paperclips, or fasteners. Three-ring binders, metal or plastic objects, and electronic media will not be accepted. ID is required. Bring your city of Richmond water bill stub for identification purposes. Keep Richmond Beautiful volunteers will be on-hand for any assistance needed. For more information on the shred event or to volunteer, call Keep Richmond Beautiful Chair Barbara Johnson at 281-342-4114.

It's Easy! Order your 2-Week FREE trial now.

281-342-4474 *New Subscriber Offer Only. Must not have been an active subscriber in the past 60 days.

High and dry Helen Gonzales keeps dry as her son pulls her between her house and his house on Wednesday. They live in the Seabourne Creek Farms subdivision just south of Rosenberg. Like many subdivisions, Seabourne Creek Farms was inundated this week by Hurricane Harvey and its torrential rains.

27940 Southwest Freeway, Rosenberg, TX • 281-232-7676 MON-THURS, 9:30AM – 9:00PM FRI & SAT 7:30AM – 10:00PM • SUNDAY, 7:30AM – 9:00PM

WEATHER Fri 9/1

Sat 9/2

10%

20% 90/70

91/69 Sunny, Highs in the low 90s and lows in the high 60s.

Sunny, highs in the low 90s and lows in the low 70s.

LUNCH SPECIALS TUE-SAT 11-3P

20%

80%

90%

89/70 Partly Cloudy, highs in the high 80s and lows in the low 70s.

Tues 9/5

Mon 9/4

Sun 9/3

83/71

85/72 Sc T-Storms, Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 70s.

T-Storms, Highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 70s.

7:02 am

7:01 am

7:02 am

7:47 pm

7:45 pm

7:42 pm

7:41 pm

7:40 pm

918 San Jacinto St ★ 281-341-8170 (Across from Burke’s Outlet)

BULL CREEK ROSENBERG.COM

TEXAS LOTTO WINNING NUMBERS BELOW! WE SUPPORT TEXAS EDUCATION

19-28-43-67-69-(7)

13-20-22-27-35 MORNING

90 86 93 88 94 91 92 92 92 97

64 Sunny 63 Sunny 69 Sunny 70 Iso T-Storms 74 M Sunny 64 Sunny 74 Sunny 69 M Sunny 70 M Sunny 72 P Cloudy

92 91 88 90 93 96 89 89 89 88

69 P Cloudy 66 Sunny 64 P Cloudy 67 M Sunny 72 M Sunny 70 M Sunny 68 M Sunny 68 Sunny 62 Sunny 67 M Sunny

92 96 91 93 93 89 90 89 89 89

66 Sunny 73 M Sunny 69 Sunny 71 M Sunny 68 M Sunny 67 Sunny 65 Sunny 69 M Sunny 66 M Sunny 65 Sunny

DAY

EVENING

NGHT

6-6-2-9 1-7-3-8 6-7-0-7 6-1-7-3 MORNING

7-0-5

DAY

EVENING

4-3-2 8-2-7

NGHT

4-1-2

11-16-17-44-52-54 The Fort Bend Herald is not responsible for the accuracy of the lottery numbers. See State Lottery website.

Today is Thursday, Aug. 31, the 243rd day of 2017. There are 122 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On August 31, 1997, Prince Charles brought Princess Diana home for the last time, escorting the body of his former wife to a Britain that was shocked, grief-stricken and angered by her death in a Paris traffic accident earlier that day. On this date: Princess In 1867, Diana French poet C h a rl e s Baudelaire, 46, died in Paris. In 1886, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.3 devastated Charleston, South Carolina, killing at least 60 people, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1916, the musical revue “The Big Show,” featuring the song “Poor Butterfly” by Raymond Hubbell and John Golden, opened at New York’s Hippodrome. In 1939, the first issue of Marvel Comics, featuring the Human Torch, was published by Timely Publications in New York. In 1941, the radio program “The Great Gildersleeve,” a spinoff from “Fibber McGee and Molly” starring Harold Peary, debuted on NBC. In 1954, Hurricane Carol hit the northeastern AtHarold lantic states; Connecticut, Peary Rhode Island and part of Massachusetts bore the brunt of the storm, which resulted in some 70 deaths. In 1965, the U.S. House of Representatives joined the Senate in voting to establish the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 1972, at the Munich Summer Olympics, American swimmer Mark Spitz won his fourth and fifth gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly and 800-meter freestyle relay; Soviet gymnast Olga Korbut won gold medals in floor exercise and the balance beam. In 1986, 82 people were killed when an Aeromexico jetliner and a small private plane collided over Cerritos, California. The Soviet passenger ship AdmiOlga ral Nakhimov Korbut collided with a merchant vessel in the Black Sea, causing both to sink; up to 448 people reportedly died. In 1991, Uzbekistan (ooz-bek-ihSTAHN’) and Kyrgyzstan (keer-gihSTAHN’) declared their independence, raising to ten the number of republics seeking to secede from the Soviet Union. In 1992, white separatist Randy Weaver surrendered to authorities in Naples, Idaho, ending an 11-day siege by federal agents that had claimed the lives of Weaver’s wife, son and a deputy U.S. marshal. (Weaver was acquitted of murder and all other charges in connection with the confrontation; he was convicted of failing to appear for trial on firearms charges and was sentenced to 18 months in prison but given credit for 14 months he’d already served.) Ten years ago: President George W. Bush met privately at the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who conveyed their concern about a growing strain on troops and their families from long and repeated combat tours in Iraq. Bush announced a set of modest proposals to deal with an alarming rise in mortgage defaults. Mike Nifong, the disgraced former district attorney of Durham County, North Carolina, was sentenced to a Mike day in jail after being held in Nifong criminal contempt of court for lying to a judge when pursuing rape charges against three falsely accused Duke University lacrosse players.

Area Birthdays We want to wish a big happy birthday to Anita Valdez from Jesalyn and Julian, Mary and David, and mom Alice. We love you, Anita!

Note: The deadline for Area Birthdays is 9 a.m. Monday through

Friday, and 4 p.m. Friday for the weekend edition. Any birthdays called in after that will go in the following day.

NEWS HEBERT: Slow-moving disaster heading toward county Thursday, August 31, 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 out,” he said. “I would anticipate that we have removed the risk of water flowing into or around the levees at (the 56foot level). Despite the lower crest, the rain-swollen Brazos is still expected to cause major flooding in the county, he announced. “Fifty-six feet would far exceed the current record, which was set in the Memorial Day floods of 2016,” he explained. “At 56 feet, many of the streets that normally have never seen water from the river will be impacted,” he said.

Those streets include Sienna Parkway near Missouri City, University Boulevard in Sugar Land, and Plantation Drive in Pecan Grove, he said. “These streets and many more like them will be out of service while we’re at or near 56 feet,” Hebert said. Because of the expected devastation, Hebert said the mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders remain in effect, despite rumors to the contrary. “Freedom of speech and social media can be a very dangerous weapon in an event like this,” he said. “Folks who want to manage the

Texas deploys 10,000 more National Guard deployed About 10,000 additional National Guard troops from around the U.S. are being deployed to Texas as Harvey continues dumping rain on the region. Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that “the worst is not over” for southeastern Texas as widespread flooding continues. The Republican says the arrival

of additional Guard members from around the country will bring the total number of deployments to about 24,000. Abbott earlier this week activated all available members of the Texas National Guard. Abbott says the Guard has conducted more than 8,500 rescues and more than 1,400 shelter-in-place and welfare checks.

Abbott: 32,000 Texans in shelters

AUSTIN (AP) —There are more than 32,000 people in shelters across Texas as Harvey continues drenching the state’s Gulf Coast. Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas also has an additional 30,000 beds “available as needed” for those who fled or are still fleeing floodwaters associated with the storm. At a news conference in Austin, Abbott said there are still about 107,000 power outages

statewide, down from nearly 140,000 over the weekend. Harvey roared ashore as a hurricane Friday, then triggered deadly floods as a tropical storm. Abbott refused to speculate on the final costs of the storm in terms of property damage. But he suggested that the scope of destruction far exceeded that of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, meaning the financial impact will likely be far greater than both.

news and their view of the future get out there and send messages that can be misleading.” The evacuation orders can only be canceled by order of the county judge, he noted. “There is a procedure that I will go through to do that to assure not only is the land within the levee dry, that the river is no longer a threat but also that the access roads that we use to travel safely to and from are also dry and in service.” That may be a long process, so residents who were ordered to evacuate their homes should be patient, Hebert said. “Stay where you are. If you are in low ground outside, or very near to

The Texas Department of Public Safety says more than 48,700 homes have been affected by flooding and other damage brought by Harvey since it first came ashore Friday. A report released Wednesday shows more than 1,000 homes have been destroyed while about another 17,000 have sustained major damage. Approximately 32,000 have damage described by state authorities as minor. In Harris County, one of the

Rosie Cabrera Fojtik, 61 of Needville, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Saturday September 2, 2017 in the Davis Chapel. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218) in Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

Corbin Eugene Humphreys

Corbin Eugene Humphreys was born November 11, 1946 in Houston Heights, Texas and passed away August 29, 2017 at the age of 71 in Richmond, Texas. Corbin was a lifetime citizen

of Richmond/Rosenberg. He was a decorated veteran that served our country in the 281st Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. He was the author of laughter and always lit up the room with his charm and smile. He is preceded in death by his Father William Humphreys and his Mother Helen Humphreys. Corbin is survived by his wife of 38 years Toni Humphreys; his brother Charles ‘Teak’ Humphreys; his sister Rhonda Humphreys; his daughter Jenny Humphreys Vasquez; his son Michael Dahl; and 6 grandchildren. Per Corbins request no services will be held. In place of flowers he ask that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in the U.S. Mosquitoes bite day and night.

Keep mosquitoesom fr laying eggs in standing water. Tip and toss containers that hold wate r.

state’s largest and home to Houston, about 43,700 homes have been damaged, with some 11,600 receiving major damage and another 770 destroyed. Harvey has also damaged nearly 700 businesses in the state. DPS says its report will be updated each day so the number of damaged structures is expected to rise, particularly with expanding floodwaters in Southeast Texas as Harvey moves into Louisiana.

Republic Waste Services residential garbage collection will start on a limited basis on Thursday for those with regular Thursday collection days depending on street conditions Residents whose regularly scheduled trash pick up day is Friday, will have trash picked up on Friday if possible, the company reported.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Keep mosquitoes outside . Use screens on windows and doors . Use air conditioning .

a levee, you need to consider moving to a safer location,” he said. “That levee was built to keep water out of the levee-protected community. At 56 feet many of the homes within the vicinity of levees that are not levee-protected are at risk of getting water in them.” The Brazos River is presently at 54.95 feet at the Richmond bridge, according to the National Weather Service. The river surpassed the 54.7 feet record set by the 2016 Memorial Day flood around 7 a.m. Thursday. Once the Brazos peaks at 56 feet, it is expected to remain at that height until Wednesday at the earliest, the National Weather Service reported.

Festival on September 24 Noon-6pm

@ North Side Columbus Club / KC Hall 607 East Whitney Dr, Houston, TX 77022

Slavic Mass on September 23

5:30pm @ St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church 13350 Ashford Point Dr, Houston, TX 77082

www.facebook.com/HoustonSlavicHeritageFestival www.houstonslavicheritagefestival.com

HoustonTrailers, Inc.

Richmond trash pickup begins Thursday

Visit us on the web at fbherald.com

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use repellent cream on exposed skin.Treat clothing with permethrin spray .

FORT BEND HERALD

DPS: 48,700 homes in Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey

Obituaries Rosie Cabrera Fojtik

Use EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone .

Cover cribs, strollers and carriers with mosquito netting . Do not use repellent on babies under two months. Do not use OLE or PMD on kids under three years .

Zika can be passed through sex with an infected person. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika | www.texaszika.org

4520 Reading Rd., Ste A Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-238-3233

See some exciting news to share? Share your news and photos with us. Send stories & photos to newsroom@fbherald.com

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Thursday, August 31, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Here’s saluting all the Fort Bend County sheriff’s deputies who are having to sleep in their automobiles during their off-hours because of Hurricane Harvey.

Our View

Hundreds of volunteers pitch in

undreds of volunteers are turning up at shelters and hurricane relief collection sites across Fort Bend County. It does the heart good to see such human compassion in times of such great misery and despair. Many of the volunteers are from out of Fort Bend County. Indeed, many are from out of the state. We welcome and thank them all. And there’s still time for others to pitch in. By all accounts, the Brazos River will reach a record-height late Friday night or early Saturday morning. When that happens, thousands of

homes and businesses will be affected. Weather experts said the river won’t begin receding until Wednesday at the earliest. Many residents will be displaced. Tens of millions of dollars in property damage will likely occur. Help will be needed to clean up debris and homes. Many people will be in need of food, water and other necessities. So volunteers will be needed for quite a while. Now is the time for anyone unaffected by the hurricane and its aftermath to pitch in. It will be appreciated.

Trump weighing fate of immigrants

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a deadline looming, President Donald Trump remains torn over the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children — a decision that will draw fury no matter what he decides. Trump railed against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program during his campaign, slamming it as illegal “amnesty.” But he changed his tune after the election, calling DACA one of the most difficult issues he’s grappled with. The program has given nearly 800,000 people a reprieve from deportations. It has also provided the ability

to work legally in the U.S. in the form of two-year, renewable work permits — permits the Trump administration has continued to grant as the president has mulled the issue. As recently as Tuesday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the program remained under review. Activists on both sides of the issue — as well as some people close to the White House — strongly expect the president to announce as soon as this week that he will move to dismantle the program, perhaps by halting new applications and renewals. But others caution that Trump remains torn as he faces a September 5 deadline set by a group of Re-

publican state lawmakers, who are threatening to challenge DACA in court if the administration does not start to dismantle it by then. To buy more time, administration officials have considered asking the lawmakers to push back their deadline by several months, according to two people familiar with the discussions. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter, said such a delay was seen as a chance to avoid forcing a contentious immigration showdown in Congress at the same time lawmakers are trying to pass a budget deal, raise the debt ceiling and provide relief for states devastated by Harvey.

FORT BEND HERALD

My stormy birthday

Evacuation not the venue I wanted

y birthday was Monday. I celebrated by evacuating the city with my family and my best friend Audrey. Not the ideal way to ring in 23 years, but I couldn’t complain by the time the day was done. E v e n though my birthday party was canceled due to that hurricane thing that happened over the weekend, my family and I Averil still managed Gleason to make the best of what was happening. I woke up on Monday morning to water inching up our driveway and a look of panic in my parents’ eyes. After opening my birthday presents (a financial stability book from Dad and a Super Girl card from Mom), my parents told me they wanted to evacuate. Greatwood wasn’t on the mandatory evacuation list, but every

neighborhood surrounding us was. “But we can’t evacuate!” I whisper-shouted. Because if we evacuated, I thought, that would make this hurricane a real threat. I started crying. I looked around my home, thinking of fond memories I had made there and hot tears were streaming down my face. It was my birthday, I wasn’t supposed to feel like this. Audrey and I started packing, but there was only one thing on my mind: work. I told my parents I couldn’t evacuate. Sorry, no can do. I had a job and I couldn’t risk losing it over a silly storm. My dad reminded me that the “silly storm” took out an entire city on Saturday, but more importantly, I didn’t make decisions that effected my safety — he did. After letting my editor know we were evacuating to my grandma’s, he told me to stay safe. Which meant my job was safe, right? I was still anxious, though. My three-seater truck is the highest car my family has. But it wasn’t just my family

evacuating. Audrey was with us too, which meant my dad had to make multiple trips to get us to Grandma’s. I had no oil in my truck and a screw jammed in my tire, but slowly and surely, my dad drove Audrey and me to my grandma’s, only to turn around to pick up my mom, sister and our cat, Smokey. After three hours driving and waiting, my family was together, and my car wasn’t totally damaged. By the time we were all settled at Grandma’s, all I was worried about were my friends living in Friendswood, Pearland, Cypress and Katy. And despite the constant rainfall, none of my friends were immediately affected by the hurricane. I started crying again, but this time it was because of how grateful I felt. I had never prayed as hard in my life as I did this week. I am so lucky to have my friends and family safe. Reach Averil Gleason at agleason@fbherald.com.

Outside View

Remember the Thin Gold Line During my daily social media binge, I cannot help but notice all the support, donations, and praises our emergency personnel and first responders are receiving. They have been working countless hours running on little to no sleep conducting rescues, blocking roadways, and so much more! It is truly humbling and heartwarming to see our communities coming together. Even though our amazing first responders have been away from home and their families for what now has been days, they have had a hot meal, clean clothing, and warm blankets at the end of a long and trying day. There are heartbreaking images of officers and deputies carrying civilians out of their homes through waist deep waters. Images are circulating of firefighters and volunteers on boats

and rafts pulling people out of flood waters. EMS personnel are seen providing first aid care at our shelters and refuge areas. Our military support is flying above us rescuing those stranded on rooftops. What we don’t see, though, is the tired emergency call takers that have been answering calls nonstop since disaster struck. We don’t see is that a lot of them have also lost their homes, their families, and have been displaced with have nowhere to go and have lost everything. The Thin Gold Line, as some refer to dispatchers, is often overlooked. Dispatch is the voice you hear over the radio, the one that answers the phone when you call for help. What we don’t realize is that without dispatchers, emergency

services could not function. Many people are quick to judge or bash dispatch because “they took too long to answer” or “they asked too many questions.” It takes a special kind of person to be a dispatcher. It is not an easy job to answer the phone and not know what’s on the other line. So as you go about your day and decide to donate some goods to your local law enforcement, please don’t forget about the unsung heroes; the Thin Gold Line. They too need some tender loving care during these hard and trying times. A little encouragement, nourishment, and support from the community goes a long way. We thank you dispatchers, for all the hard work you do! Sincerely, Mia Bel Rosenberg

Your View

Storms cannot break our spirit

Harvey 2017: You released hell and havok for the last five days across the coast of Texas and now you’re continuing into Louisiana! You have made us lose, in very sad cases, our friends or family members, our houses, schools, our businesses, our land, our possessions, our small towns of Rockport, Port Aransas, and many more.

Just know one thing: You will never make us lose is our faith, our strength, our love, our southern hospitality, our over-whelming support. No matter what you throw at us, we will prevail because we will always band together across the country and overcome anything. That is why we are called the United States!

We will mourn, but with all the love and support of this great country we will rebuild, we will continue to help those that lost everything and can’t help themselves. We will remain “country strong.” God bless, Mary Alar Harvey survivor

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

Transparency leads to real news

hether depending on our government for storm recovery, good schools, police protection or other important services, openness and access to information are essential to ensuring the job gets done. A free flow of information helps citizens keep watch on their government. It also allows journalists to report on matters of wideKelley spread interest Shannon by scrutinizing public records and meetings and, just as importantly, asking necessary, tough questions of government officials. In short, transparency leads to real news. It leads to the truth. Legitimate news organizations uncover what has actually happened – and even look at what could plausibly happen in the future. One example is the Texas Tribune and ProPublica report last year based on maps and extensive interviews examining how Houston’s rapid development made it vulnerable to heavy flooding in torrential rainstorms. During the recent rain dump of Tropical Storm Harvey, the journalists checked in again on residents they’d met who were indeed suffering through this horrific round of flooding. They did real reporting. The term “fake news” that’s frequently used these days is on point when it’s meant to denounce made-

up Internet articles designed to incite fear or hate or to simply gain clicks. It’s not a label a public official should throw around to criticize professional journalists for delivering a message the official doesn’t like. Sometimes false or misleading information comes from government officials themselves, and journalists set the record straight. The Austin American-Statesman used public records and other reporting to examine the deaths of nearly 300 people who died in police custody in Texas. In certain cases, including the death of 18-year-old Graham Dyer who died while in Mesquite Police Department custody after being shocked with a Taser multiple times and suffering other injuries, the details revealed in government records differed from the official police version. The Waco Tribune-Herald recently cited state education rankings and emails in reporting on the Marlin Independent School District’s continued low rating by the Texas Education Agency. The district’s superintendent accused the Tribune-Herald of fabricating the news. The newspaper responded by, again, citing the public records as evidence. In-depth reporting can happen in Texas in large part because of longstanding laws protecting the people’s right to know. The Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act originated more than 40 years ago because the Legislature realized the public must be able to find out what

their government is doing. Unfortunately, some loopholes developed in the Public Information Act through the years, and now Texas court decisions have further watered down the law by placing more government records off limits. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas will explore the latest legislative and judicial activity on open government and the role of legitimate news gathering at its annual state conference “Transparency = Real News” on Sept. 14 in Austin. Meanwhile, an effort is under way to have lawmakers study the Public Information Act before the 2019 legislative session and make recommendations on how to improve the statute that was once so strong and made Texas a leader in information access. Individual Texans will play a pivotal role in that process in the coming months. Those who care about open government and understand that it’s crucial for our democracy must to speak out and let their elected leaders know they support the public’s right to know. Transparency was the Texas way for decades. It’s time to come together and embark, once again, on the road to openness and truth. Kelley Shannon is executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, a non-profit based in Austin and dedicated to promoting open government and the First Amendment rights of free speech and press. For more information on the foundation and its Sept. 14 conference go to www.foift.org.

Taxpayers: Don’t touch some deductions WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have pledged to overhaul the nation’s complex tax code. To slash taxes, they say they’ll curb a web of expensive deductions and credits to allow more revenue to flow to the government. Problem is, they’re likely to run into a wall of resistance from people and groups drawn together by a singular warning: Don’t touch my deduction. Major cherished tax breaks —

from deductions for mortgage interest and charitable donations to incentives for 401(k) contributions — have deep-pocketed supporters and lobbyists who are sure to fight to preserve those benefits. They add up to hundreds of billions of dollars in lost potential revenue that could otherwise go to rebuilding roads and bridges or social programs or even to help finance broader tax cuts for people and companies. “On every single item, there’s

a group out there ready to battle,” says Thomas Cooke, a professor and tax expert at Georgetown University. This makes the outlook thorny for a tax rewrite effort this fall, a Trump priority that Republicans consider a political imperative looking ahead to next year’s midterm elections. The collapse of GOP health care legislation raises the stakes for taxes, with Trump’s team talking about action by year’s end.

NEWS VOLUNTEERS: People from all over turn out to help victims SHOOTING: Road rage shooting

Thursday, August 31, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

from all over the country and sent to Navarro, which was used as a staging station before they were delivered throughout the county. Kyles and his team have come up with different ways to get donations out to different distributors and shelters throughout the county. Three helicopters flew in from Austin and Ft. Worth to drop off supplies. Kyles said they have 18-wheelers coming from all across the country to help distribute them. Kyles and his team of volunteers are veterans when it comes to aiding flood victims. “We were a part of the flood relief last summer,” Kyles said. “We just told our team, ‘Be ready.’ And thank God so many people came out to help.” The Church wasn’t the only church that came out to help. Hope City, a church in Houston, sent a team to Rosenberg along with supplies and the desire to help the community. Members of Hope City Kevin Lucas and his wife Megan couldn’t believe the turnout the relief effort had. “It’s incredible to see all of these people,” he said. “We just wanted to help the best way we can.” John Lawson, the pilot of one of the helicopters, thought it was moving to see the amount of people show up to lend a helping hand.

reaching a red light, one subject ran up to the other and began punching him in the head. The other driver was in a convertible vehicle with the top down. The driver being struck was lawfully carrying a firearm and shot the assailant. John Somich, 51, of Katy was killed in the incident.

BODIES: Retrieved from water CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

PILOT BRIAN Yadlosky flew in from Austin on his helicopter to bring supplies, such as diapers and food, to Navarro Middle School in Rosenberg. “It’s cool to see everyone coming out,” Lawson said. “It speaks a lot about their faith.” Toledo, Ohio resident Mary Rose Coleman came to Texas to try to help victims in Corpus Christi but couldn’t make it due to flooding. So she and a group of volunteers started driving to Houston, but couldn’t make it there either. They stayed in Rosenberg. Coleman said this is where she and her group of volunteers were meant to be. “It was actually God working His magic,” Coleman said. Kyles and his team have no

Features PEANUTS

® By Charles M. Schulz

GARFIELD

® By Jim Davis

FRANK & ERNEST

® By Bob Thaves

plans of stopping anytime soon. They’re prepared to keep this up for another 45 days or more if they have to. “We’ll stay as long as it’s needed,” he said. “We’re in it for the long haul.” Kyles invites all flood victims and Fort Bend County residents to worship and pray with him at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday at Terry High School. Here are some of the collection centers: n Leadership Academy – 4100 Avenue N, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Contact: 281-762-0353

n Donation Drop Off Locations are accepting bottled water and non-perishable foods only: n Kingdom Church – 1112 Damon St. Rosenberg, TX 77471 n Navarro Middle School – 4700 Avenue N. Rosenberg, TX n Peace Lutheran at 1026 Radio Lane is a collection/distribution location. For monetary donations, United Way has set up a fund. Please visit www.unitedwayhouston.org/flood Know of other collection sites? Email the Herald at newsroom@ fbherald.com and we will share it with our readers.

BIG NATE

ARLO AND JANIS

® By Jimmy Johnson

Zodiac★★ ★

★ ★

★

Birthdays Tomorrow

THE BORN LOSER® By Art and Chip Sansom

MONTY

® By Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Brazos River to crest at a record-setting 56 feet. He said the Brazos posted a record-setting crest of 54.8 feet last June and flooded thousands of homes. If the Brazos crests at 56 feet, almost three feet higher than the 2016 Memorial Day flood, even more homes and businesses will be affected, he said. Although Hurricane Harvey has left the area and skies are

clear, the rainfall upstream is working its way down the Brazos River to Fort Bend County. The river at the Richmond bridge is expected to crest sometime Friday night or early Saturday morning, forecasters said. “This is a slow-moving disaster,” Hebert said. “This will be a major disaster for Fort Bend County.” He warned residents to prepare for the surge of water and protect themselves and their loved ones from harm.

® By Lincoln Peirce

★

ALLEY OOP

The case will be referred to a Grand Jury for review. The victim was detained and released. Nehls told television station KPRC that the incident “should not have happened.” Nehls says the man in custody after the shooting Wednesday afternoon is telling investigators he does have a license to carry a gun.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 - Take ownership for what you do and make decisions that will sculpt your future. Learn, exercise your rights and make a difference in the lives of your loved ones. Satisfaction will be your reward for doing and being your very best. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Socialize, have some fun and participate in life. Serious discussions that revolve around your relationship with an important someone will help clear up any uncertainty about your future. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Be willing to compromise when faced with opposition. Negotiate a fair deal by offering unique solutions. Put your time, effort and energy into achieving your goals. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Using your imagination and resources to bring your ideas to life will result in a fresh attitude and changes that will make you happy about the direction in which you are heading. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -Truth comes out when emotions flare up. Listen to complaints and criticism, and consider your best reaction. An impulsive response will cause physical and emotional stress. Time is on your side. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Stick close to home and take unusual measures to ensure that your place is tidy and up to code. Cutting your costs by being more efficient will allow greater cash flow for enjoyable pastimes. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Keep spending to a minimum and avoid indulgent behavior that will affect your health or damage your reputation. Secrets are best kept that way. Moderation will be required to avoid controversy. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Form an alliance with someone who is willing to work alongside you to bring about important change. Be willing to make adjustments, but don’t go overboard. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Shy away from anyone showing signs of impulsive behavior or emotional outbursts. Avoid being drawn into someone else’s affairs. Remain level-headed and reserved to avoid a clash. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Do your best and you will stand out. Pursue talks with individuals who can elaborate on a topic you need to know more about. Mix business with pleasure. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- You’ll make a mistake if you are too quick to judge. Situations will get blown out of

proportion quickly, causing trouble with authority figures. Stick to the facts. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Discuss what it is you want to do next. Sharing your plans will help you fine-tune exactly what you want to do and make a flawless presentation. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Get down to brass tacks and initiate a practical applica-

Crossword Puzzle

NEWS

Greatwood residents cleanup after Harvey Thursday, August 31, 2017

BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

As water crept up Sam and Daneh Morales’ driveway in Greatwood on Tuesday, there was only one thing they could think to do: be brave. And by Tuesday morning, nearly two feet of water left Sam, Daneh and their son Dillon stranded in their home until the water subsided early the next day. “Greatwood never floods,” Daneh said. “That’s why we didn’t want to leave.

FORT BEND HERALD

“But it started to flood this week, and the worst part is that it’s not over until the (Brazos River) crest hits on Friday night.” The crest is a slow-moving wall of water, set to reach the Richmond Bridge on midnight Friday. The crest is currently measured at 56 feet. The levee is only designed to hold back 60 feet of water. “I’m still on edge and will be until Friday.” Daneh said she consumed news for hours upon hours this week, waiting to hear whether the river would top the Greatwood levee.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON GREATWOOD CROSSING residents Lyla Cavasos and Linda and Butch HURRICANE HARVEY ripped a tree from its roots at Winging Brook West Drive and Shadow Bend Drive in Greatwood. Stoeltje take a look at the Greatwood levee on Wednesday.

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Kar Klinic By Bruce E. Calaway, Owner

THE BENEFITS OF WAXING Car and truck owners recognize that a certain measure of upkeep is necessary to maintain safe, efficient and good-looking vehicles. Making sure what’s under the hood — and under the chassis — is in excellent condition is important. So, too, is safeguarding against damage to the exterior of a car or truck. One of the ways to protect against environmental damage is to wax the vehicle. Bird droppings, rain, salt, and sun can take their toll on a vehicle, and waxing can help combat these often inevitable environmental factors. The experts at Popular Mechanics say that, even though modern paint jobs have improved considerably in recent years, wax formulations have improved as well. Both can work wonders with regard to defending against color erosion, scratches and dullness. Furthermore, waxing increases resale value at trade-in time and can make it easier to clean vehicles. The consumer advocates at Angie’s List recommend that vehicles be waxed not less than twice a year. However, many detailers advise drivers to have their vehicles waxed once every three months, or one time per season. In addition to protecting a vehicle from the elements, waxing provides the following benefits. • Deep shine: Wax is the easiest way to make a vehicle look brand new again. While a carnauba-based wax may be recommended, many synthetic waxes are now available, and such products provide excellent shine capabilities as well. • Fills in scratches: While wax will not remove scratches, it can fill in shallow scratches to make them less visible. • Reduces friction: Car wax smooths the surface of the paint and will reduce the friction between debris and the car’s exterior. This means debris will be more likely to slide right off than cause paint to chip. • Catches contaminants: Airborne contaminants will be trapped in the wax rather than settle into paint and etch the car or truck. A number of tests can indicate when a car needs a new coat of wax. The water-beading test is one such test. If the water beads up nicely while washing or during a light rain, the wax is still performing. If the water runs in large “sheets,” it’s time for a new coat of wax. Drivers can conduct the towel test as well after the car is washed and completely dried. The resource How To Auto offers guidance on how to perform this test: Fold a 100-percent cotton terry cloth towel until it’s hand-sized and thick. Apply firm pressure to the car’s surface and twist the cloth back and forth in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. If you hear a squealing noise, then it’s time for a wax job. Before waxing, the vehicle should be clean, dry and free of contaminants. Afterward, work in a shady area. Work carefully, but do not go so slowly that the wax dries too quickly. Do not apply the wax too heavily; a little goes a long way. Try to keep it even during application. Buff the wax with a microfiber towel when done. Waxing remains an important part of vehicle maintenance, safeguarding a vehicle from the elements while also keeping the car or truck looking new.

Visit KAR KLINIC at 811 Cole Ave., Rosenberg, 281-341-8088. Mon., Wed. & Fri. 8am-6pm; Tue. & Thr. 8am-5pm. for all your auto repair needs. “We Do The Job Right.”

Have a question? Call us. We can help!

Lamar Little League Fall Registration Online registration starts August 3rd

Please visit www.lamarlittleleague.com

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

GREATWOOD RESIDENT Daneh Morales points at the Harvey-made river in her backyard.

“Everyone in Fort Bend County was kind of left in the dark,” she said. “What’s happening in other parts of Houston is devastating, but I do wish news stations focused a little more attention on Richmond and Rosenberg.” Aileen McComiskey, resident of Greatwood’s Charleston Estates, said she was terrified of the hurricane. “My brother and sister and I brought almost everything in our home upstairs, just in case,” Aileen said. “Our house has a high elevation, but we would rather be safe than sorry.” Aileen said her family isn’t going to bring their furniture downstairs until after the river crests on Friday, however. While the water has receded in Greatwood, the river near the back of the neighborhood has yet to subside. Dozens of families drove to the levee to check out the rising river. “I’ve lived here for 21 years and I’ve never seen the river this high,” Greatwood Crossing resident Linda Stoeltje said. “I’m still in shock. I lived through Hurricane Carla in 1961, I think I can live through this.” If Linda’s neighbor, Tony Poole, learned one thing about this hurricane, it was how much faith his neighbors had in each other. “The neighborhood flooded, trees were torn down and sprinkler systems were crushed, but things could have been worse,” Tony said. “God is good.”

DANEH MORALES sweeps the tree branches off her roof in Greatwood.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

CLASSIC SUDOKU

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row,

MARIAH GLEASON overlooks the Greatwood levee on Wednesday night. Next to her are nearly 50 sandbags in case flooding occurs.

level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest). Rating: BRONZE

In Person Registration

Solution to 8/30/17

Lamar Little League Board Room 8-20 – 1:00-5:00 pm 8-25 – 6:00-8:00 pm 8-30 – 6:00-8:00 pm Ages 4-12 Registration closed 9/4 Birth certificate and proof of residence required for new players.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

8/31/17

GOT NEWS? If you see news in the making, send your news and photos to:

newsroom@ fbherald.com

Friday, September 1, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 208

Keep up with our storm coverage on the Herald Facebook page!

BRAZOS RIVER CRESTS! www.fbherald.com

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

River reached record-high peak of 55.19 feet at 5:15 a.m. BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

Visit fbherald.com

TODAY!

Herald Facebook page reaches 89,000 viewers during storm Since the announcement of Hurricane Harvey making landfall, nearly 89,000 people have visited the Fort Bend Herald Facebook page. Most of them were searching for information on Hurricane Harvey. “When people wanted to know about road closures, evacuations, tornado warnings, school closings and weather updates, The Herald’s Facebook page and website became the go-to source for that information,” said Herald Facebook administrator Marquita Griffin. “Because many subscribers lived in areas that had to be evacuated or deemed too dangerous to deliver to, The Herald also made the e-Editions free on its website this week to ensure residents had access to the news they needed. “:Despite the flooding obstacles and power outages, The Fort Bend Herald updated both its website and Facebook page, day and night, every day since Hurricane Harvey hit the county.” And just like The Herald’s print editions, The Herald’s Facebook page and website has been primarily dedicated to Hurricane Harvey coverage, detailing the most-recent information from Fort Bend County, local city and school district officials, Griffin explained. The Fort Bend Herald's Facebook page — www.facebook.com/fortbendherald — has 6,819 followers and 6,937 likes. The Herald’s website is www.fbherald.com.

Good Afternoon Free food for flood victims

The Grill Smokehouse in Richmond will offer free barbecue sandwiches, chips and beverages to flood victims on Saturday. The restaurant plans to give away the free meals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 109 Liberty St.in downtown Richmond.

Fort Bend Journal A good team “Horse sense and a stable mind make a good team.” — author unknown

— BH

Around the Bend

Obituaries Rosie Cabrera Fojtik, 61 Frances Marie Lycka, 71 Ernest Wendt,71 See page 3

Today’s Scripture The King will reply (to those at his right hand), “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Thought for Today “When nothing is sure, everything is possible.” — Margaret Drabble, British author

86037 20032

The Brazos River crested at 55.19 feet around 5:15 a.m. Friday, the National Weather Service reported. The river was supposed to crest at 55.7 feet sometime late Friday or Saturday. However, it appears the river reached its peak earlier and lower than expected. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert told reporters on Thursday that the 20 or so levee districts countwide should protect the neighborhoods within from flood waters. “We are very confident our levees are sound at 55.7 (feet),” he said Thursday. “We think they are good up to 57 (feet) or 58 (feet). Our worry was: were they any good at 59 (feet)?” The Brazos was originally expected to crest at 59 feet, three feet above the record-setting 54.7 feet set during the 2016 Memorial Day Flood. Hebert, who serves as director of the county’s office of emergency management, said some communities inside of levees still contain rain water from Hurriane Harvey. Because rain water is typically drained to the Brazos, it must now be

Report: 10,648 rescued

First-responders rescued 165 people in Fort Bend County from rising water on Thursday, extending the number of rescues countywide to 10,648 since Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast on Friday. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert shared the news with reporters during a news conference Thursday. He said 29 shelters had been opened in Fort Bend County since last Friday. At the peak of the storm and its aftermath, some 4,800 victims evacuated to the shelters, he said. Sixteen of those shelters have since closed and 655 victims remained in the 13 shelters still open. Storm victims requiring long-term long-term shelters are being transferred to large-capacity shelters in Houston, Hebert reported.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FORT BEND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

FORT BEND County sheriff’s deputies took this photo of the rain-swollen Brazos River at Richmond on Thursday. Notice the neighborhoods on the east side of the bridge are flooded.

Rosenberg city council members on Thursday, fiercely debated imposing a curfew on the community. The council voted 4-2 against the curfew. However, because Mayor William “Bill” Benton voted against the measure, the resolution was defeated. Texas law gives mayors of Home Rule cities absolute authority to impose curfews during emergency situations. Benton said he did not believe in imposing undue restrictions on citizens who were already stressed by a hurricane and flood. Council member Jacob Balderas also voted against the curfew, saying it violated residents’ constitutional rights.

SEE FLOOD, PAGE 3

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

HERALD PHOTO BY BILL HARTMAN

CHILDREN IN the River Forrest Drive subdivision of Richmond kayak and stroll through the flooded streets on Thursday.

n Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders have been revised. See story, Page 7.

After spirited arguments, they vote 4-2 to ask county judge to make decision BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

pumped out, Hebert explained. Most areas of Fort Bend County took in an excess of 30 inches of rain during Hurricane Harvey, he reported. And some communities received close to 40 inches of rain, he added. The rain upstream has swollen the Brazos River, which typically is around 44 feet high in Fort Bend County. The Brazos was 55.19 feet high at the Richmond gauge on Thursday evening. “The river continues to rise, although at a slow rate. It still continues to come up,” Hebert reported. “We are in new territory since the river reached 54.6 feet. Every inch we add is an inch we’ve never seen before in Fort Bend County.” Some residents are finding water on streets that have never seen water before, he added. “That is where the danger lies. We don’t know where the water is out there,” he noted. “When people move around, they could find themselves in high water very, very quickly.” On Thursday, flood water began flowing into the Rivers Edge community in Richmond and Cinco Ranch area in Katy, he reported.

Drowning victims identified

Rosenberg council debates curfew swilley@fbherald.com

Allie Hodges raises over $300 to buy supplies for hurricane victims… Gretchen Simmen happy to have water receding on her property… Maria Gleason excited to get back to work after having evacuated last weekend… Christina Nguyen closely watching the Brazos River ....

75 CENTS

Council members Jimmie Pena, Susan Euton, Alice Jozwiak and Lynn Moses voted for the curfew. They said the chief of police sought the curfew because in his expert opinion a curfew was needed. Therefore, Euton said the council should accept his professional opinion and order a curfew. Chief Dallas Warren said “thugs and criminals” find their way to disaster areas to take advantage of people in distress. Moses and Jozwiak said the curfew will safeguard citizens. They said some of the people staying at the emergency shelters leave to walk the streets with ill will. Moses said one man staying in Terry

n Area school districts postpone first day of school. See story, Page 7.

A Brookshire woman who drown Wednesday along with her husband was talking to a 9-1-1 operator as their vehicle was swept away by flood waters near Simonton, authorities reported. The bodies of Donald Ray Rogers, 65, and his wife Rochelle, 58, were retrieved from the flood waters on Pool Hill Road on Wednesday afternoon. The road is located off of FM 1093, which connects Fulshear and Simonton. The initial 9-1-1 call was received at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday, Fort Bend County

SEE DROWNING, PAGE 3

n Donations pour in for flood victims. More items needed. See story, Page 5.

Official: Stavinoha Bridge could collapse into river BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

The Stavinoha Bridge on Grand Parkway could be closed to traffic for up to two years if it doesn’t collapse into the Brazos River during the present flood, a county official confided Thursday. The bridge, which spans the Brazos River near New Territory, has been closed since Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast last Friday. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert said the bridge was closed when engineers could no longer determine whether its concrete pilings and beams were capa-

ble of supporting the span. “Since we can’t see what’s happening and we know a relatively small amount of erosion could cause a collapse, the bridge will stay closed until the water recedes to the point engineers can determine the safety of the bridge supports,” Hebert explained during a news conference on Thursday. He said the bridge pilings and beams have laser reflectors attached that allow engineers to determine their exact location. Once the water covered those reflectors, the bridge was closed, Hebert added.

SEE BRIDGE, PAGE 3

SEE CURFEW, PAGE 5

Rosenberg transitions from response to recovery phase BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Over 250 homes in Rosenberg suffered water damage and at least 15 houses were confirmed flooded as of Thursday afternoon, authorities reported. Rosenberg city council members extended the local state of disaster in the city on Thursday. According to Police Chief Dallis Warren, the city needs to continue to provide

documentation and data to the county, which in turn sends it to the state and FEMA. Officials with FEMA will be in the community soon to tour the impacted areas, he said. The declaration will allow the county to continue to apply for financial assistance from the state to cover damage to residences inside the city limits.

SEE ROSENBERG, PAGE 5

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

City grilling

ROSENBERG CITY council members on Wednesday set up behind City Hall to grill hot dogs, hamburgers and brisket for first responders. Jimmie Pena watches some burgers and dogs grill. Other council members and city staff helped cook and serve as well.

NEWS 3 FLOOD: Brazos River crest revised to 55.7 feet

Friday, September 1, 2017

Obituaries rection of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218) in Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

Rosie Cabrera Fojtik

Rosie Cabrera Fojtik, 61 of Needville, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017. She was born in Richmond, Texas to Florencia (Reyna) and Benito Cabrera. Rosie is survived by her husband, David A. Fojtik; daughters, Rosie Ann Carpenter and her husband Randy, Vicky Ruth and her husband Brad, Elizabeth DeLuna, Amanda Trevino and her husband Jessie, Cassandra Radke and her husband Gerd, Candace Fojtik and Clint Fojtik; Grandchildren, Stephanie Green, Maegan Green, Marti Olivarez, Kristen DeLuna, Dimi Karavantos, Tristain Trevino, Kayla Cordova, Jessica Trevino, Angelica Cordova, Gabriel Cordova, Christopher Trevino, Lexi Trevino, Drew Pearce, Devon Trevino, Jonas Gonzales, Jonathan Clarida and Allison Fojtik; great-grandchildren, Brayden Green, Nicholas Green, Anabelle Silva, Samuel Seirra, Nathan Trevino and Benjamin Jackson; sister, Noemi Chitwood and her husband Will. She was preceded in death by her parents, Florencia (Reyna) and Benito Cabrera and her brothers, Benito Cabrera and Carlos Cabrera. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Saturday September 2, 2017 in the Davis Chapel. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the di-

Ernest Wendt

Ernest Wendt, also known to family and friends as Stubby or Buddy, was born October 9, 1945, to parents Edwin & Rosa Blome Wendt in Needville, TX. Buddy passed away on August 26, 2017 following complications after a heart attack and a surgical procedure. Buddy is survived by brothers Delbert Wendt, Edgar Wendt and his special friend Lauraine Ognoski, Ralph Wendt and wife Joan, and brother-in-law Victor Rabata. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Rose Marie Wendt Rabata and sister-in-law Shirley Wendt. He is also survived by the following nieces and nephews: Del Wendt, Tammy Miller, Pam Sullivan, Tommy Wendt, Janet Raesner, Mark Wendt, Lana Gallatin, Wade Wendt, Suzanne Mikeska, Dianne Sebesta, Michele Broom, Carmen Thompson and numerous great-nieces and nephews. After graduating from Needville

High School in 1964, Buddy went into farming for a few years and later took a welding course in Houston. He went to work for WKM and later for McGuire Trucking. After several years of working for others, he went into business for himself by purchasing a dump truck and hauling gravel and dirt. Buddy did hauling until his heart attack in 2009. He officially retired in 2011 after suffering a stroke that left him partially paralyzed. At about this same time, he decided to build “’Stubby’s”, where people could gather for an evening of fun. When Buddy felt good, he enjoyed going to “Stubby’s” to visit and socialize with his many friends. Buddy was a strong minded person. He accomplished a great number of his goals. He had a strong determination that allowed him to lead an independent life. He will be missed by his many friends and family. The family of Ernest Wendt would like to extend a special thank you to friend and housekeeper, Patsy Christian for the excellent care she gave him. A viewing will be held on Sat., Sept. 2, 2017, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at E. P. Compean Funeral Directors, 1223 6th St., Rosenberg, TX.

Frances Marie Lycka

Funeral services are pending with Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas for Frances Marie Lycka, 71, of Angleton, Texas Mrs Lycka passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 in Houston.

BRIDGE: Span could be shut down for 2 years CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Once the river recedes below the reflectors, the engineers will use a laser to check the support locations, he said. “If there is any movement at all, you can just plan on it being closed for up to two years while we replace the bridge or a portion of the bridge,” Hebert said. Contractors had been installing new concrete pilings and replacing earth that had washed away during

the past two flood events — the April 2016 Tax Day Flood and the 2016 Memorial Day Flood, Hebert explained. However, the project had only been underway for about a month before Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. “A significant amount” of dirt supporting the bridge has been washed away during the past two floods, he noted. The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority had attempted to make those repairs on its own rather than apply for federal funds in order

to repair the span before the next flood, Hebert told The Herald. Obviously, they didn’t have enough time to complete the project, he added. “The amount of work done on that contract won’t offer any protection from the river,” he said. “There were not enough pilings in place to offer protection.” “It very well may be that that bridge goes into the river during this flood.”

FORT BEND HERALD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The water levels in those areas, however, are dropping because the flood gates at the Barker Resevoir have been opened, he said. Still, “Our southern communities (in Fort Bend County) is only growing,” he noted Thursday. Hebert reminded reporters that this flood is the fourth FEMA disaster the county has faced in three years: 2015 Memorial Day flood, 2016 Tax Day Flood, and 2016 Memorial Day Flood.

“We need to remain diligent,” he said. “One of the things that lulls you into doing things you might do is the sun comes up and the rain stops and its a beautiful day,” he said. “We have a big river and it’s at the hightest it’s ever been. We will be in a guarded situation for days to come.” The Brazos River isn’t the only river at flood stage in Fort Bend County. The San Bernard River crested Thursday night at a record 43.58 feet. It was projected to begin drop-

ping sometime Friday. The combined rivers have resulted in 29 shelters opening in Fort Bend County since last Friday. At the peak of the storm and its aftermath, some 4,800 victims evacuated to the shelters. Sixteen of those shelters have since closed and 655 victims remained in the 13 shelters still open. Storm victims requiring longterm shelters are being transferred to large-capacity shelters in Houston, Hebert reported.

DROWNING: Couple was checking on kinfolk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Judge Bob Hebert told The Herald on Thursday. Hebert said the couple had traveled the road frequently during the storm and must have thought they could get through again. Unfortunately, their vehicle was swept away by a strong current about 1,000 yards into the flooded road, he said. The road crosses a creek at the point where the couple perished. Hebert, who is head of the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, said the woman was talking to 9-1-1 operator when their SUV was swept into the rain-swollen creek and rolled over. Family members said the couple were checking on kinfolk in the area when theY drove into the high water. A niece said there were no barricades set up at the time to warn drivers of the high water. A Fulshear Fire Department official was responding to the call when he spotted an Arizona water rescue task force fueling at a local convenience store, Hebert explained. The rescue team had a boat. They were able to retrieve the couple’s bodies shortly afterward. The Rogers are the only two deaths in Fort Bend County associated with Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, Hebert said during a news conference Thursday. Although Hurricane Harvey has left the area and skies are clear, the rainfall upstream is working its way down the Brazos River to Fort Bend County. Hebert warned county resi-

dents on Thursday to prepare for the Brazos River to crest at a record-setting 55.7 feet at the Richmond bridge. He said the Brazos posted a record-setting crest of 54.8 feet last June and flooded thousands of homes. If the Brazos crests at 55.7 feet, almost one foot higher than the 2016 Memorial Day flood, even more homes and businesses will

be affected, he said. The river at the Richmond bridge crested Friday at 55.7 feet. Hebert warned residents to prepare for the surge of water and protect themselves and their loved ones from harm. “I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again, protect yourself and your loved ones. We can always rebuild property. We can’t rebuild lives.”

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Water Water District District of Public NoticeNotice of PublicHearing Hearing on on Tax Tax Rate Rate

Powerball win leads to social media scams The Fort BendThe County Municipal Utility District will a public hearing ontaxa rate proposed Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District162 162 will holdhold a public hearing on a proposed CHICOPEE, Mass. (AP) — Police in a Massachusetts city are warning of fake social media accounts that have popped up to scam people since a local woman won the $758.7 million Powerball jackpot. Chicopee (CHIH’-kuh-pee) police

say fake Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts state they belong to Mavis Wanczyk (WAHN’-zihk), who was announced as the Powerball winner last week. The fake accounts say following and answering private messages

for the tax yearfor2017 12, 2017 PMat Si at Environmental, Si Environmental, 6420 the taxon yearSeptember 2017 on September 12, 2017atat5:30 5:30 PM 6420 Reading Rd, Reading R Rosenberg, TXRosenberg, 77471. TX Your individual taxes or decrease, depending 77471. Your individual taxesmay may increase increase or decrease, depending on the changeonin the cha the taxable value of your in relation change in taxable all other the taxable valueproperty of your property in relationtotothe the change in taxable value ofvalue all otherofproperty and prope the tax rate thattheistaxadopted. rate that is adopted.

will result in getting money. Police warn people not to provide personal information. State Lottery officials say Wanczyk chose to take a lump sum payment of $480 million, or $336 million after taxes.

For the proposal:For the proposal: Michael Gutierrez Michael Gutierrez Dale Clayton Dale Clayton Mario Rios Mario Rios

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Against the proposal: None Against the proposal:

Patricia Olivas-Vitek Patricia Olivas-Vitek Elvira Elvira GarciaGarcia

None

Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in the U.S. Present and not voting: Present and notNone voting: None

Mosquitoes bite day and night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use repellent cream on exposed skin.Treat clothing with permethrin spray .

Keep mosquitoes outside . Use screens on windows and doors . Use air conditioning .

Absent:

None

Use EPA-registered insect repellent with The following The table compares taxes taxes on anon average homestead in this following table compares an average residence residence homestead in this taxing unit taxing last year tounit one of the following: taxes proposedtaxes on proposed the average residence homestead thisyear. year. on the average residence homestead this DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paraLastLast Year Year This YearThis Year menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone . $1.090000/$100 $1.090000/$100 $1.090000/$100 $1.090000/$100

Total tax rate (perTotal $100 of (per value) tax rate $100 of value)

Adopted Adopted

Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 ofper value Difference in rates $100 of value Cover cribs, strollers Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) and carriers with Average residence homestead valuevalue $128,771 Average residence appraised homestead appraised $128,771 mosquito netting . Do not use repellent General homestead exemptions availableavailable General homestead exemptions on babies under two (excluding 65 years(excluding of age or olderofor 65 years agedisabled or older or disabled $0 $0 months. Do not use

$0.000000 $0.000000 0.00% 0.00% $135,003$135,003

Average residence homestead taxable value$128,771 $128,771 Tax on average residence homestead Tax on average residence homestead $1,403.60 $1,403.60 Annual increase/decrease in taxes ifin taxes if Annual increase/decrease Zika can be passed through sex with an infected person. proposed tax rate is adopted(+/-) proposed tax rate is adopted(+/-) Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex. and percentage of and increase percentage of(+/-) increase (+/-)

$135,003$135,003 $1,471.53$1,471.53

Keep mosquitoesom fr laying eggs in standing water. Tip and toss containers that hold wate r.

person's exemptions) person's exemptions) OLE or PMD on kids under three years .Average residence homestead taxable value

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika | www.texaszika.org

4520 Reading Rd., Ste A Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-238-3233

las

$67.93 $67.93 4.84% 4.84%

NOTICE NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS' ROLLBACK ELECTION OF TAXPAYERS'RIGHT RIGHT TOTO ROLLBACK ELECTION

If taxes on the Ifaverage residence homestead more eight the percent, qualified taxes on the average residence homesteadincrease increase bybymore than than eight percent, qualifiedthe voters of the water district by petition may require that election be held to determine whether of the water district by petition may require thatan an election be held to determine whether to reduce the to r operation and maintenance tax ratetaxtoratetheto the rollback rate under operation and maintenance rollback tax tax rate under SectionSection 49.236(d),49.236(d), Water Code. Water Co

Friday, September 1, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Our hats off to Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, who has done a great job of keeping residents informed of the hurricane and its aftermath.

Our View

Help the deputies on standby

y now most of our readers are well aware that volunteers have started collecting food, cleaning supplies and other necessities for victims of Hurricane Harvey. And that’s well and good. But if you’ve got some spare time on your hands, perhaps a portable barbecue pit, and a few extra dollars lying around, maybe you would consider helping out some very deserving individuals. I’m talking about the Fort Bend County sheriff’s deputies who are sleeping in their vehicles while they are off shift. Many of them can’t go home because, well, they may needed at a moment’s notice.

So they’re sleeping in their hot automobiles and grabbing lunch whenever possible. Wouldn’t it be nice for people to drop them off nice hot meals, wholesome sandwiches or nutritious snacks. It’s simple enough: Just take a togo meals to the sheriff’s office on Williams Way Boulevard in Richmond and tell them you want to help feed the deputies who are on standby. We’re also told these peace officers could use a comfy blanket or pad to sleep on. We’re certain anything you can do to alleviate their personal suffering would be appreciated. They are there for you. Won’t you be there for them?

Meeting people through disaster

oliticians, celebrities and the rich often set the world’s idea of their cities and re-

gions. It takes a disaster to meet the regular folks. We met average Louisianans during Hurricane Katrina and the commoners from New Jersey and New York for Superstorm Sandy. Hurricane Harvey has introduced America and the world to ordinary Texans. Froma And what Harrop the world sees is a multiracial society of victims and heroes joined by geography. It sees people waiting stoically for rescue as their homes, photos and cars are swept away — people escaping the floods with nothing but their drenched dogs. And they heard locals saying things that required subtitles (and we’re not talking about immigrants). We saw the Cajun navy, small boats coming over from Louisiana to rescue people. Some of the boats capsized, and the rescuers had to be rescued. The scene was reminiscent of the Battle of Dunkirk in World War II, when

British civilians sailed their fishing and pleasure boats to a beach in France to rescue their stranded soldiers. Shelters for evacuees in Port Arthur, meanwhile, themselves filled up with water. People were moved out on the backs of dump trucks. And hospitals tending to the wounded succumbed to the rising waters. Houston experienced nearly 52 inches of rainfall in a handful of days. Seattle (one of whose nicknames is Rain City) typically sees 37 inches of rain in a year. The residents of Houston are a politically mixed group, but Harvey seemed to lump them together into the party of humans. What other affiliation can you have when six-lane highways are under 3 feet of water — and there are whitecaps on Interstate 10? Houston has just entered the recovery phase. This is the point when the drama recedes, leaving the victims stuck in the mud of loss, bureaucracy and relentless digging out. My friend Frank, a veteran of Sandy, offers them a hint of what’s ahead. His real struggle began after the waters flowed out of his house on the Connecticut coast. Getting insurers to pay up bent his soul. The expense drained his retirement savings. He suffered most of all from a sense of violation. Of course, there’s no logic in

waving fists against an act of nature. And others had suffered far more tragic losses. But for Frank, this became a war to restore what he had. He defiantly abandoned his mold-covered first floor to live on the second floor, sleeping with a face mask. Even today, anxiety that this could happen again haunts him. From Houston, my niece Amanda had been sending Facebook videos of her streets turned into fast-moving rivers. (Her husband, a Navy submariner, has been providing some pithy commentary.) I recall joining Amanda on a glorious springtime stroll along the nearby Buffalo Bayou, then a lazy stream, now a raging tyrant. It will never seem the same. The recovery is where politics will raise its divisive head. There will be arguments on the role global warming played in the flooding. There will be debates on zoning, which Houston does not have. And what about understaffed federal government agencies? Yes, there will be lots more to talk about. For now, though, the faces and voices of America’s fourth-largest city are not oilmen, quarterbacks, pop stars or U.S. senators. They are the people of Houston in soggy sweatshirts and scraggly hair telling their stories.

FORT BEND HERALD

No time for infighting…

FB officials showing leadership in disaster

uch is being made of the conflicting advice given to Houston area residents from Gov. Greg Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner prior to the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. Abbott said Houstonians should “strongly consider evacuating” even if they were told not to by local officials, but Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett recommended they shelter in place. As we saw, flood waters resulted in a number of people needing to be rescued by boats and heFred licopters from Hartman flood-ravaged homes. Hindsight is 20/20 and the magnitude of this historic flood was impossible to predict. It’s easy to get in a political fight, but so counterproductive in the midst of tragedy. Obviously, it would’ve been fine for some people to evacuate if they could. But you also must have the means to evacuate, along with a plan and a place to go. On the other hand, Harvey and all its fury made landfall down the coast in Rockport, not Houston. Once weather forecasters realized the storm was making a northeasterly turn toward Houston, a mass evacuation would’ve caused all kinds of traffic problems and

gridlock. Turner said an evacuation would’ve been a nightmare, and he’s right. Both Turner and Emmett said people would’ve put themselves in greater danger trying to evacuate as heavy rains poured down. It’s also important to remember more than 100 people died trying to evacuate Houston in 2005 as Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the upper Texas coast. So far, the statewide death toll from Harvey is 30 people. That’s way too many people, but it’s not 100. To his credit, Abbott said now wasn’t the time to second guess each other, but don’t be surprised if others start playing the blame game. Meanwhile, in Fort Bend County, the Emergency Management Office and County Judge Bob Hebert deserve high marks for their leadership. Hebert posted helpful video updates that were widely viewed and shared on such websites as Facebook and fortbendherald.com, along with Houston television stations. He didn’t hesitate to issue mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable areas, and also instituted a curfew Thursday that will extend through Wednesday. Sheriff Troy Nehls also represented the county well Wednesday on Martha MacCallum’s The Story on Fox News. She interviewed Nehls on the phone about how he and his deputies had rescued a number of Fort Bend residents by boat. Unfortunately, she also cut him off as they broke to a live press conference

with Turner. While Hebert was happy to report good news about the Brazos River cresting at a lower than expected 56 feet, he also warned that the county is still going to have major flooding and devastation in many areas. On the bright side, people in subdivisions with levees such as Greatwood will be get a big break with the lower crest. The levee was built to withstand about a 60-foot crest, but residents have had many anxious moments. Water started to rise on many streets due to heavy rainfall, and initial predictions had the river cresting at about 60 feet. That made it hard for many residents to drive through rising water and evacuate, including several of my family members. On a personal note, my in-laws in Houston weren’t so lucky. They live along Buffalo Bayou near Interstate 10 and Highway 6, and are sandwiched between the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. They evacuated in plenty of time, but ended up with about 3 feet of water in their house. They aren’t sure when the water will recede so they can further assess damage. Flooding is awful stuff that will leave some scars, but Fort Bend and Houston will bounce back. In the meantime, all of our spirts are being lifted seeing so many volunteers (some from out of state such as Louisiana’s Cajun Navy) and neighbors helping so many people in their time of need. Reach Fred Hartman at fbh@ hartmannews.com.

Outside View

Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com.

Worth thinking about

Groups seek to halt president’s transgender military policy change WASHINGTON (AP) — Two LGBT-rights organizations asked a federal judge in Washington on Thursday to bar President Donald Trump from changing the government’s policy on military service by transgender people. The groups, backed by several former military leaders, filed a motion asking the judge to grant a preliminary injunction to keep Trump from reversing course on a 2016 policy change that allowed transgender individuals to serve openly.

Trump slammed that change in a memo last Friday and announced he was directing a return to the former policy under which service members could be discharged for being transgender. Trump directed the Pentagon to extend indefinitely a ban on transgender individuals joining the military, and he gave Defense Secretary Jim Mattis six months to come up with a policy on “how to address” those who are currently serving, leaving the door open to permitting their continued service.

Until Mattis has made that determination, “no action may be taken against” the currently serving transgender individuals. Trump also directed Mattis to halt the use of federal funds to pay for sexual reassignment surgeries and medications, except in cases where it is deemed necessary to protect the health of an individual who has already begun the transition. Lawsuits challenging the changes have been filed in courts in Washington, Seattle and Baltimore.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

Pay heed to the Devil’s Silence

eflect for a moment, if you will, on a gathering of Christians in Nashville, TN, a week

ago. A few hundred of the most prominent Christian leaders in the country across all denominations came together to sign what is being called “The Nashville Statement.” The statement merely reaffirms two thousand years of orthodox Christianity. The statement reaffirms marriage is between one man Erick and one womErickson an. It reaffirms God made us male and female and therefore transgenderism is incompatible with the Christian faith. It reaffirms the Bible lists homosexuality as a sin thereby rendering its acceptance as incompatible with the Christian faith. These are not new ideas. In fact, they are ideas specifically found in any Bible you pick up. They are New Testament ideas. These are ideas inside mainstream Christianity. They are views shared by more than one billion Christians around the world. Nonetheless, you would have thought John Piper, John MacArthur, Russell Moore and R.C. Sproul had murdered someone in Nashville last weekend. The mayor of Nashville de-

nounced the Nashville Statement for using the name of the city to perpetuate hate. For the record, the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, which organized the statement signing, names the statements generated by the group by the city in which they are signed. Other people assailed the statement for being signed the same weekend Harvey hit Texas as if a long scheduled meeting in Tennessee needed to contemplate the weather patterns of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. The hysteria from people who never read the Bible telling people who take the Bible seriously what is in it has been off the charts. Some people, like author Jen Hatmaker, objected to the Nashville Statement purely on emotional grounds. She, like so many others, has substituted Christian doctrine and sound theology for the emotion of what makes one’s self feel good. If you feel good, that must be what Jesus wanted. I assure you he did not feel good when nailed on the cross. Now, step away from religion and delve into the other subject one is not supposed to talk about in polite company — politics. In Charlottesville, VA, white nationalists were met by Antifa protestors. Even the police reported Antifa showed up looking for a fight. But if anyone pointed that out, they were accused of excusing the white nationalists’ behavior.

Last week, Antifa savagely beat people in Berkeley, CA. Despite there being no white supremacists counter-protesting, many prominent leftwing activists denounced anyone who called out Antifa. To them, Antifa had a moral calling to push back against their kissing cousins in the white supremacist movement. And they are kissing cousins, just as the Nazis and Communists were. In both instances, silence is a weapon. The devil cannot perpetuate lies when truth is spoken. As long as people speak up, it is harder to capture the minds of the young. So you must shut up and be silent. Those who would turn the world upside down are committed to ensuring your silence. You will be bullied, harassed, chased out of business, and run out of the town square. The devil’s silence is coming most noticeably for the church in America. Cultural revolutionaries assail orthodoxy Christianity as hateful and bigoted. If you adhere to the faith, you must be one of those hicks or rubes bitterly clinging to guns and religion. What these cultural revolutionaries will not say, but know, is that you are a hopeless cause. They are, instead, targeting your children. That is why you have an obligation to speak up. They only win in silence. Contact Erick Erickson on Twitter at @EWErickson.

NEWS ROSENBERG: Emergency meeting held

Friday, September 1, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “The river is currently at 55 feet and after the river recedes, we can do a full assessment of the infrastructure in the city,” Warren said. Warren said that city is currently transitioning from response phase to recovery phase. “We are transferring more departments in the city to regular work schedules,” Warren said. “However, the parks department, fleet department, utilities and public works department, police and fire department suffered water damage. “And on top of that, we have a large number of employees who

have suffered a great deal of loss.” Council member Jacob Balderas said he’s seen something inspiring come from the catastrophic hurricane. “Even in a time of disaster, we are there for our neighbors and that is incredible,” he said. “I’m so proud of the people of Rosenberg, the citizens of Houston and the state of Texas.” City Manager John Maresh thanked city employees and first responders for working diligently through the hurricane. Maresh then reminded the council that Republic Waste Services trash pickup will resume regular schedule as safety permits.

Republic Waste will run services to the best of their ability on Saturday to mitigate excess trash accumulation due to inclement weather and flooding. “This means that if your regular trash pick-up day is Wednesday, your next trash pick-up will be Wednesday, Sept. 6,” communications manager Jenny Pavlovich said. “If there is an evacuation order or standing water on the roadways, the trucks will not be able to go into the area for a pick-up. Safety is the number one priority.” The next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at City Hall, located at 2110 Fourth St.

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

FRONT ROW from left to right Heather Patterson, Gigi McClain, Jill Davis and Brittany Roberts. Back row from left to right Jennifer Hernandez and Vanessa McClain. These LCISD staff members and students are loading up vans with food, clothes and supplies then taking them to families in need on Thursday.

LCISD lends helping hand after Harvey BY TYLER JOHNSON sjohnson@fbherald.com

Hundreds of volunteers have been working together at Jane Long Elementary School all week to raise food and clothing for families impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Director of LCISD Common Threads Jill Davis said she has taken the experience she learned from the 2016 Memorial Day Flood and put it to work after Hurricane Harvey hit last weekend. “It’s all a process,” Davis said. “We have to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint.” Common Threads is a non-profit clothing assistance program, but because of the storm, they’ve also started collecting food, cleaning supplies, diapers and whatever the community needs during these tough times, she added “What haven’t we been getting?” Davis said. “We’ve gotten pretty much everything under the sun.”

Davis said they are pausing on all clothes donations, but if there’s one thing Common Threads needs, it’s food. “We need staples, such as peanut butter and pasta,” volunteer Monique Degeyter said. “We need real food. We’re getting too much snack food.” Davis said there’s also a need for can openers and canned food. There has been an abundance of volunteers coming from all over LCISD to help Davis raise enough food and clothing to help the people who can’t reach their homes due to flooding. “I’ve easily had over 500 volunteers in the last three days,” she said. And they are still more people wanting to help. Fort Bend County resident Andrea Smith was fortunate to not be badly impacted by the storm. “I feel compelled to help people in need,” she said. Davis said social media has played a major role in getting vol-

unteers to sign up. “I’m getting teenagers who volunteered for me years ago,” she said. Many of the volunteers are LCISD staff members are just looking to get out of the house after being stuck in their homes since the storm began. “Come in and find your therapy.” Davis said. “This is OCD heaven.” Common Threads is working hard to keep strict open hours from 9  a.m. to 5  p.m. because volunteers need to care of themselves as well. However, Davis didn’t leave until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday because families kept coming in needing food and other supplies, but she couldn’t shut the door to those in need. Donations can be sent to Jane Long Elementary School, 907 Main St, Richmond.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

ROSENBERG CITY council members on Wednesday set up behind City Hall to grill hot dogs, hamburgers and brisket for first responders. Pictured from left are Police Chief Dallis Warren, councils member Lynn Moses and Jimmie Pena and Stephen Ray with CobbFendley.

CURFEW: Council debate grows spirited CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 High School’s shelter attempted to prey on her mother-in-law. Moses said she didn’t want to have to explain the city’s decision not to impose a curfew to a victim or family of someone victimized by a someone out after a curfew. The proposed curfew called for people to be off the streets between midnight and 5 a.m. People

For more information on how to volunteer, visit the LCISD Common Threads Facebook page.

WATER DISTRICT DISTRICT WATER NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

going to work would be allowed out between those hours, as would people who are facing an emergency situation. Benton said the police are more than capable of handling law-breakers and that a curfew is unneeded. As far as citizens being robbed or attacked, the Second Amendment allows residents to arm and protect themselves, he noted. The councl voted 4-2 to allow

County Judge Bob Hebert order a curfew. Hebert told The Herald late Thursday he was unaware of the request and unsure if he had the authority to order a curfew for a homerule city. “State law is pretty clear in that regard. The mayors of Home Rule Cities make that sort of call.” He said he will contact the county attorney for advice when he receives the council’s request.

Visit us on the web at fbherald.com

Water District Water District of Public Hearing Hearing on Tax of Public on Rate Tax Rate NoticeNotice The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 155 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax

Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 155 will hold a public hearing on a pro The FORT BEND COUNTY W.C.I.D. #3 will hold a public hearing on a The proposed rate for2017 the taxon yearSeptember 2017 on September 2017 at at 11:00 AMAM at Bonbrook Plantation Recreational for the tax year 11,11, 2017 11:00 at Bonbrook Plantation Recr tax rate for the tax year 2017 on September 15, 2017 at 11:30AM rate at 503 Center, 9210 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, Center, 9210 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decre FM 359, Suite 118, Richmond, Texas 77406. Your individual taxes may he FORT BEND COUNTY W.C.I.D. #3 will hold a public hearing on on in the the changetaxable in the taxable valueofofyour your property in relation to the change taxable depending on thedepending change value property in relation tointhe change in ta increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value ofa proposed value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. value of your for property in relation to the in taxable value at of 11:30AM all other tax rate the tax year 2017 on change September 15, 2017 atall503other property and the tax rate that is adopted. property and the tax rate that is adopted. Alice Janca Donna JohnsonJohnson FM 359, Suite 118, Richmond, Texas 77406. Your individual taxes mayproposal: For the proposal: For the Alice Janca Donna Brett Telford James Hallmark Brett Telford James Hallmark increase depending on the change theGloria taxable value FORorthedecrease, proposal: Ann Heil, Lloyd Knapp, Chayo in Huff, Couch, and of Christina Garcia Christina Garcia Richard Wasser your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other Against the proposal: Against the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: None

property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR

PRESENT and not ABSENT: None

voting: None

Present and not voting: Present and not voting:

the proposal:table Anncompares Heil, Lloyd Knapp, Chayoresidence Huff, Gloria Couch, The following taxes on an average homestead in and Absent: this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence Richard Wasser homestead this year.

AGAINST the proposal: None Total tax $100 of value) PRESENT and rate not (per voting: None Difference ABSENT : None in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)

Last Year

Absent:

The following table compares taxesanonaverage an average residence homestead in this taxing year to unit la The following table compares taxes on residence homestead in unit thislasttaxing taxesthe proposed on theresidence average residence homestead this year. taxes proposed on average homestead this year. This Year

$ .44000/$100 $ .46000/$100 Year This Year This Year LastLast Year Adopted Proposed $1.040000/$100 $1.020000/$100 $1.040000/$100 $1.020000/$100 $ .02000/$100 (per $100 of value) Total tax rate (per Total $100taxofratevalue) Adopted Proposed Adopted Proposed 4.54% in rates per $100 of value $-0.020000 Difference per $100 of value $-0.020000 Average appraised residence homestead value $ 623,486 $ 554,170 in ratesDifference he following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) -1.92%-1.92% General homestead exemptions available $ 0 $ 0 increase/decrease Percentage in rates(+/-) (excluding yearsyear of age olderproposed or residenceappraised homestead appraised Average residenceAverage homestead this taxing unit65last to ortaxes on the average residence $223,944 $228,707 $228,707 $223,944 value disabled person's exemptions) value homestead this year. homestead taxable value $ 623,486 Average residence $ 554,170 homestead available exemptions available General homesteadGeneral exemptions 65 years of or older or disabled$0 $0 $0 Tax on average residence homestead $ 2,743.33 $ (excluding 2,549.18 65 years of(excluding age or older oragedisabled $0 Annual increase/decrease in taxes if person's exemptions) person's exemptions) residencetaxable homesteadvalue taxable value $223,944 $228,707 $228,707 proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $ -194.15Average residenceAverage homestead $223,944 and percentage increase (+/-) -7.07%Tax Tax on average residence homestead $2,329.02 $2,329.02 $2,332.81 $2,332.81 average residence homestead $ .44000/$100 $ on .46000/$100 Total tax rate (per of$100 of value) Annual increase/decrease AnnualProposed increase/decrease in taxes if in taxes if Adopted tax rate is adopted(+/-) $3.79$3.79 proposed tax rate proposed is adopted(+/-) ELECTION Difference NOTICE in rates OF perTAXPAYERS' $100 of valueRIGHT TO ROLLBACK $ .02000/$100 percentage(+/-) of increase (+/-) 0.16%0.16% and percentage ofand increase If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than Percentage invoters rates(+/-) 4.54% eight increase/decrease percent, the qualified of the district by petition may NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS'RIGHT RIGHT TOTO ROLLBACK ELECTIONELECTION NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS' ROLLBACK require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the $ 554,170 Average appraised residence homestead value $ 623,486 operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under the average residence homestead increase byby more than eight qualified voters If taxes homestead increase more thanpercent, eightthepercent, the qualifi GeneralSection homestead exemptions available $ 0 $ on the average 0If taxes onresidence 49.236(d), Water Code.

Last Year

This Year

of the by waterpetition district by may petitionrequire may require thatan an election be held determine whether to reduce the of the water district that election betoheld to determine whether to (excluding 65 years of age or older or operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water C Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011 disabled person's exemptions)

Sunday, September 3, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Obituaries

Gilbert Cerda Guajardo

1950-2017 Funeral services for Gilbert Cerda Guajardo, 66, of Rosenberg will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 11:00â&#x20AC;Ża.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Rosenberg. A prayer service will be held on Monday, September 4, 2017 at 6:30â&#x20AC;Żp.m. at Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 4, 2017 from 3:00â&#x20AC;Żp.m. to 8:30â&#x20AC;Żp.m. at Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Interment will be held at a later date. Gilbert Cerda Guajardo passed away peacefully at the age of 66 in Houston Texas, surrounded by his loving son and brother after a short but very courageous fight with his heart. Gilbert was born in Rosenberg, Texas on November 3rd, 1950 and was the youngest of six siblings born to Camilo & Isabel Cerda Guajardo. Gilbert attended and graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School. Gilbert was the founder and lead singer for his band â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Blue Litesâ&#x20AC;? for 10 years and enjoyed performing for wedding, quinceaneras and all types of dances. He had a love for music and really enjoyed and loved listening to Tejano Music and enjoyed listening to the Gus Garza program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bailando En Tejasâ&#x20AC;? each weekend and did even on his death bed. He was always a great fan of Sunny Ozuna and the Sunliners and to this day Sunny Ozuna lead singer for the Sunliners was his very close and dear friend and a special mentor to Gilbert. He enjoyed talking to Sunny and taking trips to San Antonio to visit Sunny. Sunny called him Tuesday before his death and Gilbert was smiling and so happy. Some of his favorite bands were: Sunny Ozuna & The Sunliners, Rocky Gil & the Bishops, Augustine Ramirez, Joe Bravo and Alfonso Ramos. Gilbert had a talent and enjoyed cooking and grilling and was a great griller. He loved gardening and enjoyed flowers. He had a green thumb and always grew an assortment of beautiful roses and his brother Pete would sneak and cut them to take to his wife, Mary. He lived and would breath Dallas Cowboys Football Team! Gilbert was always a vivid and die hard fan of his mighty Dallas Cowboys Football Team. It was with great pride and an

honor that he was able to make several trips to Dallas to see his beloved â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cowboysâ&#x20AC;? which he dearly loved. He would be quick to shout and say how great the trips were and how beautiful and big the Cowboys AT&T stadium was. His last trip to Dallas to see his Cowboys was with his son, Gilbert last year on December 18th when the Cowboys played against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cowboys won 26-20. When they returned home Gilbert was so excited and happy and proud of his Cowboys. Gilbert always lived life to the fullest enjoying each day relaxing, watching TV, riding around, taking trips, going out to eat and spending time with the love of his life, his only son Little Gilbert (Gil). As a young child he was always fascinated with fire trucks and dreamed of being a firefighter one day. He fulfilled his dream and became a Volunteer Firefighter for the Rosenberg Firefighters from July 1st, 1971 to March 5th, 1995 and retired after serving for 25 years. Gilbert began his career working as a meat cutter at Rupert Dominguez Grocery, Mensikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grocery then at Safeway and quickly became Meat Market Manager. After working for a total of 15 years as Meat Cutter he went to work for Texas Department Of Correction (TDC) as a Safety Inspector Officer in the year 1984 until 2015 and retired after 25 years. After his retirement he continued to work part time as a Security Officer for Cheveron/Phillips and Nalco Champion Ecolab Company. Later he went to work for his Alma Matter, Lamar Consolidated Transportation Department until his illness forced him to resign. Gilbert is proceeded in death by his parents, Camilo Guajardo and Isabel Cerda Guajardo, two brothers: Robert C. Guajardo and Isaac C. Guajardo and two sisters: Anita Guajardo Padilla and Lupe Guajardo Martinez. He is survived by his loving son, Gilbert Camilo Guajardo and brother, Pete C. Guajardo and wife, Mary from Houston, Tx, several nieces, nephews, cousins and hosts of friends from the Firefighters Department; Texas Department of Correction (TDC); Musicians; Lamar Transportation Department; and many many other friends. Tributes and words of condolences may be left for the Guajardo family at www.caballero-ryderfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home located at 722 Grillo Way, Rosenberg, TX. 281238-4500. The world has lost a wonderful courageous â&#x20AC;&#x153;manâ&#x20AC;? but God has gained a great shining star. We love you Gilbert and will miss you dearly but will forever remain in our hearts!

Linda Faye Owens Carroll

In loving memory of Linda Faye Owens Carroll, who passed away on Friday, August 25th due to complications from chemotherapy at the age of 71. Linda was born on December 22, 1945 in Sugar Land to parents Horace Owens Jr. and Ella Walenta Owens. A lifelong Rosenberg resident, she graduated from Lamar High School in 1964 and attended the University of Houston. Small in stature, she was given a large, caring heart, and a feisty personality. Always smiling, Linda loved spending time with family and friends, was an excellent caregiver, and a woman of great faith and strong character. Linda was a dedicated employee for the State of Texas for over thirty years. Most of that time was spent at the University of Texas Health Science Center as a Residency Coordinator. She was also employed by the City of Rosenberg for over 5 years, working on the Image Committee. Even after retirement, she continued serving on the committee with perfect attendance for fifteen years. She was actively involved her entire life in the First Presbyterian Church of Rosenberg, where her grandparents, Frank and Rosie Walenta, were founding members. One of her beloved hobbies was singing, as a member of the Sweet Adelineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and also the First Presbyterian Church Choir. Linda was instrumental in organizing the class of 1964 reunions every 5 years, devoting much of her time and talents. Linda is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Ed Carroll of Rosenberg; stepson Wesley Carroll of Murphy; her sister Carole McCann of Fulshear; niece Michele McCann of Fulshear; niece Kristi Stephens, husband John, and their children McCann, Jackson and Turner of Georgetown; niece Monty Guidry, husband Jason, and their children Grayson and Langley of Sugar Land; niece Lindsey Owens, husband Charles Johnson, and their children Avery and Dante of Katy, cousins Joyce Nichols, Norman Luksa, and Harris Walenta, and many family friends. She is now reunited with her beloved parents, Horace George Owens, Jr. and Ella Walenta Owens, her brother, Horace George Owens III, her sister-in-law Betty Owens, and brother-in-law, Dr. Michael McCann. Pallbearers are John Stephens, Jason Guidry, Jim Fatheree, Danny Gerken, Pete Gonzales, and Lloyd

Police: Rosenberg woman purposely hits another person with her vehicle

A 30-year-old Rosenberg woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a motor vehicle after police say she purposely hit someonew with her vehicle. Julie Orellana faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted of the third-degree felony offense. R o s e n berg police Julie Orellana officers were dispatched to the intersection of Avenue D and first Street in reference to an auto-pedestrian accident around 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Witnesses stated the victim and the suspect were engaged in some type of altercation,â&#x20AC;? said Lt. Chad

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Jochec. Honorary pallbearers are Henry Broom, Wesley Carroll, Charles Johnson, Chuck Smith, and Lonnie Zwerneman. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1400 Radio Lane, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Funeral Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1400 Radio Lane/Rosenberg, TX 77471, on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 11AM. Directly following the service, please join the family for a reception in the church fellowship hall. Her final resting place will be at the Owens family plot at the historic Fulshear Cemetery. Condolence messages may be written for the Owens family at www.garmanycarden.com. Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.

tion of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 3103 School Street, Needville, TX 77461 (979)793-4515 or (281)342-4671.

Mamie George collecting for flood victims

Steve Ralph Brawley

Jeffrey Ode Webb

Jeffrey Ode Webb of Needville passed away on August 22, 2017 at 59 years old. Jeff was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on January 18, 1958, to Terry and Mary Jo Webb of Needville. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother and niece, Lacey Jo Smerek. He is survived by his daughter Suzan Webb of Katy, father, siblings Bill Webb and wife, Marianna, of Needville, Janie Smerek and husband, Steve, of Needville, nieces and nephews Michael Webb, Tanya Webb, Lindi Stammann, and Landon Smerek, and great nieces and nephews Jacinda Webb, Jacob Webb, Jailyn Webb, Zachary Webb, Harper Webb, and Kennedy Webb. He was a great and intelligent man with many loves in life. Jeffrey Webb was a lawyer by trade, stock trader, resale guru, former rocketship safety engineer for NASA, Jet engineer for Boeing, automobile fanatic, efficient money manager and business owner, Texas A&M Aggie, and had a love for all things Vacation, especially roads trips! And so much more. Too much to be listed!! He brought alot of people love and happiness and if it werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for him who knows if I would have survived this long (his daughter). We love him so much and he will be dearly missed. Everyday you were alive is everyday you will be remembered and beyond that as well. I hope you are in heaven now dad! Anyone who was close to my family or knew my father is welcome to join us at the Memorial Service. The Service will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 4:30pm at the Needville Church of Christ: 9526 Church St, Needville TX 77461. Condolence messages may be written for the Webb family at www. garmanycarden.com. Services are under the direc-

Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218) in Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

Steve Ralph Brawley, 74, of Richmond, Texas passed away on August 31, 2017. He was born November 8, 1942 in Keiser, Arkansas to the late Ralph and Velma (Cole) Brawley. Steve honorably served in the United States Navy and retired as a Senior Chief (E8) after 20 years on Active Duty. After retirement, he went back to work for the United States Navy as a Budget Analyst for an additional 20 years of Civil Service until he decided to retire from the Navy a 2nd time. He was a dedicated Military Man whom we admired and respected our entire lives. This loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend will truly be missed. In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Flagg Brawley. Survivors include his son, Tom Brawley and wife, Kristie; daughter, Stephanie Brawley; grandchildren, Stephen Brawley, David Chitwood and wife, Brianna, Bryan Chitwood, and Gayle Brawley; great grandchildren, Harrison Wyatt Brawley and Judy Anthem Chitwood; siblings, Patricia Swallers, Peggy Swallers, Sandra Whittenberg, and Gary Brawley and wife, Lou; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Steve is also survived by his best friends, Pat Walker and Bill Vaughn. The blessing of all this is that our father is now in Heaven with our Mother and no longer in pain. The family will receive guests from 1:00â&#x20AC;Żp.m. until service time at 3:00â&#x20AC;Żp.m., Sunday, September 3, 2017 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Interment with military honors will follow in the Mausoleum of Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. Pallbearers will include Keith Swallers, Donnie Swallers, Matt Brawley, Mark Brawley, David Chitwood, Bryan Chitwood and Stephen Brawley. For those wishing, memorials may be made to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation.

Catholic Charities assisted more than 1,300 individuals Thursday with basic necessities, referrals, emergency funds and gift cards to help them deal with the challenges caused by Hurricane Harvey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now that floodwaters are receding, we are just beginning the long, slow recovery process,â&#x20AC;? said Cynthia N. Colbert, president and CEO. Catholic Charities will serve as both an information hub and donation point for selected items. Services include referrals for benefits and assistance, gift cards for needs and counseling. Catholic Charities will provide other support services as they are able, but the immediate focus is to assist individuals facing difficulties because of the storm. Donations of specific items will be welcomed at the relief centers listed below. Please check in advance for hours of operation. This weekend (Sept. 2-3), staff is available to receive donations at the main office at 2900 Louisiana, on a limited schedule. Most-needed items are: food, bottled water, canned goods, can opener: childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s items â&#x20AC;&#x201D; diapers (all sizes), formula, school supplies (elementary through high school; cleaning supplies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bleach, buckets, disk soap, laundry soap, mops, rags, rubber gloves, scrub sponges; toiletries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; combs, female hygiene items, hairbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, toothbrushes; household items â&#x20AC;&#x201D; bath towels, kitchen towels, paper towel; miscellaneous items such as bras, socks, underwear, pet food, gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations. Please do not send clothes at this time. Cash donations can be made online at www.CatholicCharities.org/ helpforharvey. People who need assistance, want to volunteer or donate, or need more information about Catholic Charities may call the main office at 713526-4611 during office hours. The 24-hour, toll-free hotline to request assistance is 1-866-649-5862. Catholic Charities assistance operations are located at the Mamie George Community Center, 1111 Collins Road, in Richmond. For more information, call 281202-6200.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in the U.S.

Pino, a spokesman for the department. He said the woman, identified as Orellana, got into her vehicle and drove it at a high rate of speed and struck the victim with the front of her vehicle. Orellana fled the scene in her vehicle shortly after striking the victim, Pino said. Officers were able to contact Orellana by telephone, and she agreed to meet the officers to give her side of the incident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once contact was made with Orellana, she was placed under arrest,â&#x20AC;? Pino said. She was taken to the Rosenberg Jail and will be transported to the Fort Bend County Jail for processing. Police did not offer a reason why Orellana and the victim quarrelled or the condition of the victim after the accident.

Mosquitoes bite day and night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use repellent cream on exposed skin.Treat clothing with permethrin spray .

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Cover cribs, strollers and carriers with mosquito netting . Do not use repellent on babies under two months. Do not use OLE or PMD on kids under three years .

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OPINION Pat on the Back Weekend Slants— We salute all those restaurants, churches, school districts and other private

Sunday, September 3, 2017

businesses who are helping to alleviate the suffering of others during the flood.

Our View

We come together in tragedy

t has been heart-warming to see so many people come together to help those in need during the great crisis we are going through. Restaurant owners provided free food to first-responders and hurricane and flood victims. Churches opened their doors to flood victims, and helped feed first-responders. Schools became shelters. Students unaffected by the floods helped out at shelters, carried, stacked and sorted food and beverages at collection centers. Papa John’s Pizza in Richmond delivered free pizzas to shelters and first responders. Pier 36 Seafood fed first responders, as did Vincek’s Smoke House, which provided meals to first-responders at the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. “Last night I took our airboat crew to Texas Borders on FM 1093 9in Ful-

shear) with the intention of buying their meal,” said Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls. “Upon entering, the entire restaurant gave us a standing ovation. This is something I have never experienced in my 25 years of law enforcement. “We had countless people telling the waitress they were buying, but the restaurant refused them all and said it was on them. “I have no idea how many pictures I took with grateful residents. “I appreciate the thanks and ask that you all do the same when you see our deputies. They are working very long hours and deserve your thanks.” Wow! If that doesn’t get you all misty eyes we don’t know what will. This is a short list of all those who helped. We’d love to be able to recognize others. Let us know, and we will. Kudos to all those who helping others during the historic flood.

Media on never-ending hunt

fter I’d spent a decade begging Republicans, including a few presidential candidates, to take up the immigration issue, Donald J. Trump came along, championed the entire thesis of “Adios, America,” and swept all contenders aside. It’s too late for the likes of Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney and Ann Paul Ryan Coulter to avoid humiliation, but if they don’t want to keep making asses of themselves in public by, for example, praising today’s version of the KKK, they should read my entire corpus of work, starting with “Demonic.” (Trump somehow grasped the whole point of that book, too.) The reason normal people are suspicious of the media’s narrative on Charlottesville is that we’ve heard this exact same story many, many times before. Facts on the ground: — Approximately every other year since forever, liberal hooligans have been rampaging through the streets, beating people up, setting off bombs, killing cops, smashing store windows, assassinating politicians and burning down neighborhoods — against capitalism, Vietnam, Nixon, Wall Street, a police shooting, Trump, Starbucks, a

sunny day. — Conservatives, mostly families, have generally avoided even the mildest forms of political protest, and, when they finally are driven to petition the government over their grievances, they pick up after themselves — at tea parties, town halls, Trump rallies and so on. Result: The entire media are constantly on Red Alert for the threat of Right-Wing Violence. The explanation for this apparent madness is that the left — both the scribblers and the shock troops — bear all the characteristics of a mob, as set forth more than a century ago by the father of group-think, French psychologist Gustave Le Bon. No behavior of the left is mysterious if you’ve read Le Bon — or “Demonic.” In “The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind,” Le Bon observed that the “complete lack of critical spirit” prevents crowds from “perceiving ... contradictions.” No matter the year or the circumstances, the media and their eunuch politicians are quick to blame any surprising violence on the Right-Wing Nazis of their imaginations — from Lee Harvey Oswald (communist) to Jared Lee Loughner and James Holmes (psychopaths) to the two stabbing murders on a Portland train earlier this year committed by a Bernie Sanders supporter, whom the media — to this day — insist, all evidence to the contrary, was a Trump supporter. When, a few months after the first murders by a Sanders

supporter, a second Sanders supporter opened fire on a congressional Republican baseball practice, putting GOP Rep. Steve Scalise in critical condition, that political attack was simply discarded. The media put the story of left-wing assailant James Hodgkinson in a lead casket and dropped it to the bottom of the sea. There are the scores of other examples of imaginary rightwing violence invented by the media — then quietly abandoned when the facts come out. After weeks of hair-on-fire headlines, suddenly you just stop reading about the Duke lacrosse “rapists,” homicidal maniac Officer Darren Wilson or legions of Trump-supporters ripping off Muslim women’s hijabs. But I remember! Here are as many as my word limit allows — maybe more! SARAH PALIN AND THE RISE OF NAZISM IN AMERICA During the 2008 campaign, the media were in a perpetual state of fright that racist Republicans would assassinate Barack Obama. Naturally, when a local reporter claimed he’d heard someone in a crowd at a Sarah Palin rally yell, “Kill him!” about Obama, the media didn’t wait for more facts! The Washington Post’s Dana Milbank promptly reported the reed-thin allegation, which was then repeated in hundreds of other news outlets. Contact Ann Coulter on Twitter at @AnnCoulter or on the Web at www.anncoulter.com.

Your View

A special thanks to some stand-up guys On behalf of the Raymond Meyer family, I would like to extend our gratitude to a group of fellows that helped rescue our cattle herd from the Brazos River area on Monday in the pouring down rain and howling winds while asking nothing in return.

Thanks to Bo Tucker, Blase Tucker, Phillip Gardovsky and Randy Bodwine. Randy also rescued our stuck tractor, which was hauling a full trailer of cattle. Without their help, all these animals would surely have per-

ished in the flood waters. The world needs more people like these guys. May God bless them and their families for their unselfish act of kindness. Donnie Meyer Rosenberg

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

FORT BEND HERALD

Adios, Harvey, stay gone I t’s awfully hard to see a light when you’re going through the dark days of a calamity like we’ve had with Hurricane Harvey. The disaster wreaked havoc all along the Texas coast and inland before Bill heading to Hartman our neighbors in East Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and who knows where else. Even a hard-headed old crankshaft can learn a few things by way of experience such as the importance of a generator and a good supply of emergency food and water. Of course, when your home is under water, none of that matters, but having an emergency evacuation plan drawn and memorized by all of your clan is vital. Our little spot in the world is north of Richmond and Rosenberg just off FM 359. Several homes out our way either took water or came awfully close. Our biggest problems were the unknowns associated with the massive hurricane, the loss of power and two extremely low spots on our only entry-exit road

that caused residents in the back half of our subdivision to be blocked from leaving. We have our own Gilligan’s Island back here cut off from the outside. And those who did escape ran into problems trying to maneuver FMs 359 and 723 where barricades blocked high water problems. Random thoughts while waiting out Harvey: 1) You realize you’ve been house bound too long when you try to dial a telephone number on your TV clicker. 2) You realize it’s time to re-cat when your varmint sheriff sits on a chair and watches as you whack a nest of water-logged copperhead youngsters who washed upon your front porch. 3) Another house-bound glare, tell-tale sign is when you look out back and see a shark in the huge county ditch only to realize it’s an odd-shaped branch that resembled a fin. 4) It’s disheartening to realize I’ve become dependent on my computer like so many youngsters, making a difficult task of sending my columns to the Herald. Instead of texting it in over my iPhone, I dictated this just like in the old days. 5) My patriotism held strong when I realized Harvey had torn my USA and Texas flags to shreds, causing a reflagging on

the front pole and an honorable retirement of my tattered flags. 6) When I built my house, I elevated three feet above normal, which paid dividends except for the back-deck tile, which the installer aimed toward my back door. That got scary close. 7) It’s a warm assurance when you see neighbors bonding even closer during trying times. 8) Likewise, what can you say about the thousands of volunteers at shelters and the first responders and volunteers with big trucks and boats. They put themselves in harm’s way to help strangers. 9) Ditto, seeing friendly caring guys with serious guns spreading out to protect people’s homes and businesses from looting. They knew what they were doing and the laws to follow. 10) By mid-week, it was a beautiful site to see the sun break through and a friendly western wind help blow Harvey out of our region. 11) Finally, it was spiritually encouraging to hear the world “prayer” spoken so often during the week. I hope we become re-addicted to our religious faiths. 12) God, family and friends were on our minds this week in Fort Bend County. Reach Bill Hartman at bhartman@hartmannews.com.

Outside View

A lesson from the storm

hey are “A people for others,” it says outside St. Ignatius

Church in Houston. This was never more evident than during the last week. “It’s devastating. It is just unbelievable. Everything Kathryn is underwaLopez ter. And I do mean EVERYTHING.” You could hear the heartbreak in Father Norbert Maduzia’s voice when he took to Facebook to share his walkthrough of the parish entrusted to his care since 2006, now severely damaged by Hurricane Harvey. But you could hear his hope, too. When Norbert first sent a message to his parishioners, it was Sunday. He wrote: “I have arrived at the Church for 7:30 a.m. Mass. ... The dumpsters are floating in the parking lot.” He added: “All of the parking lot areas have water ... Please do not risk high water. Stay safe.” As waters rose, he went from noting floating dumpsters to only being able to access the front door of the church by boat. He wrote: “I spoke with Cardinal DiNardo yesterday and said to him that as a native Houstonian I’ve never really felt fear in regard to a hurricane

or major storm. However, with this situation I have been feeling a lot of ‘angst’ — much like the apostles in the boat in the midst of a storm while Jesus slept.” In this storm, he still found room for faith in the future. He wrote: “With all of the news in media and Facebook, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and allow fear to enter into our hearts and minds. Perhaps this constant barrage of news has numbed our faith or caused doubt to enter. We can sit and fret or we can pull together as a people for others and do something about it even now.” Days later, he found himself in glass-half-full mode, so to speak: “All of the chairs in the reservation chapel had floated and separated into two groups against the two walls leaving the center “aisle” leading to the tabernacle without obstructions! Amazing.” He even managed a touch of humor: “In front of the church, the waters rage on like rapids. Whitewater rafting experts would rate this as a beginner rapid, but rafts and inexperienced kayakers should definitely stay away.” He finished: “Friends, I have heard from many of you and we are all saying the same thing: 1. We are the Church. 2. We will rebuild. 3. Our faith will be stronger because of all of this. and 4. What can I do to help? To hear everyone saying these things is the balm that is healing a broken heart. Scriptures tell us that the LORD will heal the broken-hearted and thus, through

all of you, we are being healed and will be made new.” These Christians encounter God alive in each other, and find God in caring for each other. Norbert sent an alert from the neighboring Good Shepherd parish which had flooding, too, but which also figured out a way to create a welcoming space for people to have meals together or pick up food. “We’re also flooded, but church is more than a building!” was the message Good Shepherd conveyed. Parishioners rallied to assess neighbors’ needs, pool resources and help recover what had not yet been destroyed. Before and after the storm, Father Norbert prayed the same prayer: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us, and on the whole world.” This prayer is about total confidence in the providence of God. One grows in confidence, even amidst trial and tribulation — and, in this case, a home and a parish church facing much destruction. It’s an attitude and a prayer we could all afford to better consider. At a time when we all too often see the worst of humanity, in Houston, Norbert and so many others showed us some of the best. When we live for others, we give the greatest gift. It’s a testament that our lives are meant for giving, on the model of the creator giving our lives to us in the first place. In storms and in calm, it’s the way to live. Kathryn Jean Lopez can be contacted at klopez@nationalreview. com.

Trump’s decision on immigrants coming WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’ll be announcing a decision in the coming days on the fate of hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children — immigrants he’s calling “terrific” and says he loves. “We love the dreamers, we love everybody,” Trump told reporters Friday, using a shorthand term for the nearly 800,000 young people who were given a reprieve from deportation and temporary work

permits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program created by the Obama administration. Asked what he would say to young immigrants who are awaiting his move, scared about their fate, he replied: “I think the dreamers are terrific.” Trump has been torn over what to do with DACA as he faces a Tuesday deadline set by a group of Republican state lawmakers who are threatening to challenge the program in court unless Trump ends it

by that date. Trump had slammed the program as illegal “amnesty” during his campaign and pledged to end it on his first day in office. But he has changed his rhetoric since the election, telling those covered they could “rest easy” and continuing to grant new two-year, renewable work permits. Trump has spent the last week mulling his choices, cycling through his options again and again, according to several people with knowledge of the deliberations.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

HURRICANE HARVEY

Fort Bend County judge amends evacuation order Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert has changed the evacuation orders for the following areas: Districts changing from mandatory to voluntary evacuation: n Fort Bend MUD No. 46 n Fort Bend MUD No. 49 n Fort Bend MUD No. 115 n Palmer Plantation MUD No. 1 n Palmer Plantation MUDNo. 2 n Fort Bend LID No. 7 Portions of districts changing from mandatory to voluntary evacuation: n Sienna Plantation LID – north of the Gulf Coast Water Authority canal Districts remaining mandatory evacuation: n Fort Bend LID No. 20 n Pecan Grove MUD

under

Portions of districts that will remain under mandatory: n Sienna Plantation LID – south of the Gulf Coast Water Authority canal n First Colony LID No. 1 – South of Highway 6 n Fort Bend LID No. 19 – South of Hagerson Road. Districts remaining under voluntary evacuation: n Fort Bend LID No. 2 n Fort Bend LID No. 10 n Fort Bend LID No. 11 n Fort Bend LIDd No. 14 n Fort Bend LID No. 17 n First Colony LID No. 2 n Fort Bend LID No. 6 n Fort Bend LID No. 15 n Fort Bend MUD No. 121 Portions of districts remaining under voluntary evacuation:

n Fort Bend LID No. 19 – North of Hagerson Road. n First Colony LID No. 1 – North of Highway 6 Residents who want to determine which MUD or LID their home is in, should visit the following site and type in their home address into the interactive map on the county’s website at Http://fbcoem.Org/map-forevacuation-zones-mapa-de-zonas-de-evacuacion/ For those in neighborhoods still under mandatory evacuations, please continue to honor the existing evacuation orders,” Hebert said. “We will let you know if and when it is safe for you to return home. Please monitor social media and the office of emergency management website for further updates.”

FORT BEND HERALD

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

Play time for evacuees

AFTER EVACUATING their Rosenberg home due to Hurricane Harvey, Leo, Sarah and Helen Munoz were brought to a shelter in Richmond. They play with donated toys with other children.

Texas SNAP recipients to get Harvey still powerful September benefits early

The state of Texas announced Friday it is providing a surge of food benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in the 58 counties included in the State Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Harvey. Fort Bend County is among those counties declared a disaster area. SNAP recipients in the affected counties will see their September benefits automatically loaded on Friday, Sept. 1, onto their Lone Star Cards. Normally benefits are staggered among recipients throughout the first half of the month. With this change, Texas will issue $160 million in benefits early to more than 600,000 SNAP households in counties affected by Hurricane Harvey. On Saturday, Sept. 2, SNAP recipients in the affected counties will see a percentage of their August benefits automatically added to their Lone Star Cards to replace food that was lost during the storm. With this change, Texas will issue replacement benefits to more than 716,000 SNAP households in the affected counties. There is no action required by the recipient to receive either of these additional benefits. Both are the result of federal approval of waivers requested by the Texas Health and Human Services

Commission from USDA Food and Nutrition Service following Hurricane Harvey. “This is an unprecedented disaster. We’re doing everything we can for Texans and members of our own HHS family who were affected by this terrible storm,” said Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Charles Smith. “Our staff are working fast to roll the benefits out to people in need. Texans dealing with the aftermath of Harvey need access to food benefits to replace what they lost in the storm.” To ensure food benefits are continued seamlessly for those impacted by the storm, Texas also requested and received federal approval to automatically extend benefits for six months for certain recipients who were up for renewal in the affected areas. No action is needed by the recipient. To provide additional support to SNAP recipients who were evacuated or are unable to prepare foods as a result of the storm, Texas previously requested and received federal approval to allow the purchase of hot foods with SNAP benefits through Sept. 30. SNAP recipients can now use their benefits for hot foods and ready-to-eat foods, such as rotisserie chicken or grocery store deli foods

at retailers that accept SNAP anywhere in the state. HHSC quickly made requests for these actions following Hurricane Harvey and reports of food lost during power outages and flooding caused by the storm. Texas also is continuing discussions with the federal government about the possibility of a Disaster-SNAP waiver that would offer short-term food assistance benefits to eligible families recovering after they return home following the disaster. D-SNAP benefits would be available in a phased approach in the coming weeks to eligible people who are not currently receiving SNAP and are residents of one of the counties that have a federal disaster declaration. Recipients are encouraged to use YourTexasBenefits.com or the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage and view benefit information and to update HHSC of any address changes. Recipients also are encouraged to sign up for electronic notices to stay informed about their cases. To check benefit amounts, recipients can visit YourTexasBenefits. com or call the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7EBT (1-800-777-7328). For more information about benefits, go to YourTexasBenefits.com, or dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905.

TSTC campus in Rosenberg closed indefinitely Texas State Technical College in Rosenberg will be closed indefinitely due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, the college reported Friday. “As a TSTC family, the safety and welfare of our employees and students are, of course, the focus

of our relief efforts at this time,” school officials said. “The conditions needed to reactivate the Fort Bend County campus are changing daily so at this time it’s impossible to set a definite date for reopening. “Our TSTC team will monitor

the situation by the hour and, as soon as both reasonable and practical, we’ll announce a date for opening for the fall semester.” In no case can school officials imagine that the Rosenberg campus will restart operations prior to Sept. 11, they reported.

Houston Trailers offers help to farmers, ranchers Effective immediately, Houston Trailers is partnering with RanchAid.org, sponsored by HorseTrailerWorld.com to become a distribution point for Ranch Aid coming into South East Texas to help those farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Harvey and the severe flooding in all of South-

east Texas. “If you have deliveries and need a drop location, please call us,” said Darrell Uselton, general manager of Houston Trailer. “We have 7,000 feet of empty warehouse space, acres of land, and ample parking.” Houston Trailers is located at

8709 U.S. 59 in Beasley. “If you are affected by the disaster and are in need of anything for your animals like feed, cubes, hay, corrals, medications, fencing, etc, please call us or RanchAid.org and let us know what you need! We will do whatever we can to assist.”

County offers tips for water safety after a flood CONTRIBUTED INFORMATION

Floodwaters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems, and agricultural and industrial byproducts. There is risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated with floodwater. Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas, wash children’s hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with floodwater contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. Keep open cuts and sores as clean as possible by washing well with soap. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention. Public Water Systems Anywone who receives water from a public water system (PWS), will be notified by their municipality, water utility, or system owner of any unsafe drinking water conditions in the system and provide directions on what to do to prevent exposure. Fort Bend County does not provide water or sewer services. For issues concerning your home’s water system including quality of water, drainage, and retention concerns, or sewage backup, contact the home’s city or MUD operator. Ways to contact a city or MUD operator: n A home’s water bill

n Fort Bend County website under MUDs and LIDs n Fort Bend County Engineering http://fortbendcountytx.gov/index.aspx?page=345neering page. n Fort Bend County Interactive Public Mapping Site, click on Layers and enable FBC MUD and LIDS. Private Water Well Systems Private drinking water wells

in flooded areas should always be considered contaminated. If awell or the area around it was flooded, stop using the water for human consumption. Use only bottled or boiled water as an alternative source for drinking, cooking (including washing food you eat raw), and bathing until you can disinfect your well and have a sample tested.

To Jim and Betty Hathorn:

Happy

Wedding Anniversary!!! Love you from Brent, Anna, Lane, Shelby, Tucker and Tanner Hathorn

enough to threaten floods

HOUSTON (AP) — Even a week after it slammed into the Texas coast, Harvey retained enough rain-making power Friday to raise the risk of flooding as far north as Indiana. Back in Houston, officials tried to safeguard parts of their devastated city by intentionally flooding others. The mayor announced plans to release water from two reservoirs that could keep as many as 20,000 homes flooded for up to 15 days. In another Texas city with no drinking water, people waited in a line that stretched for more than a mile to get bottled water while oth-

ers awaited evacuation flights. Residents of the still-flooded western part of Houston were told Friday to evacuate ahead of the planned release from two reservoirs protecting downtown. The move was expected to flood homes that were inundated earlier in the week. Homes that are not currently flooded probably will not be affected, officials said. It could take three months for the Addicks and Barker reservoirs, which are normally dry, to drain. The Harris County Flood Control District said it had to continue re-

leasing water to protect their structural integrity and in case more heavy rain falls. Some of the affected houses have several feet (meters) of water in them, and the water reaches to the rooftops of others, district meteorologist Jeff Lindner said. Mayor Sylvester Turner pleaded for more high-water vehicles and more search-and-rescue equipment as the nation’s fourth-largest city continued looking for any survivors or corpses that might have somehow escaped notice in flood-ravaged neighborhoods.

2 more oil spills reported in Texas HOUSTON (AP) — Oil companies have reported two more spills in Texas caused by Harvey’s floodwaters, including one estimated at up to 1,500 barrels. The Texas Railroad Commission said Friday that Denbury Onshore LLC had notified the agency of an oil spill in Brazo-

ria County that occurred when a storage tank overflowed. The company said the Wednesday accident near Friendswood spilled between 200 barrels (8,400 gallons) and 1,500 barrels (63,000 gallons) of crude. The fuel flowed into an underground storm drainage system that empties

into tributaries of Cedar Creek. A second spill was reported by Linn Operating LLC and involved an unknown amount of oil from a battery of storage tanks in Montgomery County. Representatives of the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

MLB High School Sports Calendar Foster Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Falcons vs. A&M Consolidated, Traylor Stadium, 7:30

Fulshear Thursday, Sept. 7 Football: Chargers vs. Shadow Creek, Charger Stadium, 7

George Ranch Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Longhorns at Dickinson, Sam Vitanza Stadium, 7

Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Mustangs at Ridge Point, Hall Stadium, 7

Terry Thursday, Sept. 7 Football: Rangers vs. Dulles, Traylor Stadium, 7

Travis Thursday, Sept. 7

FORT BEND HERALD

Brady Rodgers moved to 60-day DL BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

Former Lamar Consolidated pitcher Brady Rodgers has been placed on the Houston Astros’ 60Day disabled list on Friday, per reports. There were not many questions remaining after the Houston Astros traded for Detroit Tigers RHP Justin Verlander. The Astros sent three top prospects, outfielder Daz Cameron, right-handed pitcher Franklin Perez and catcher Jake Rogers, for Verlander and a player to be named later or cash considerations. But how will the Astros get Verlander on the 40-man roster? The roster is currently full after

the team claimed outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Los Angeles Angels, and designated right-handed pitcher Dayan Diaz for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Enter Brady Rodgers. The Astros activated Rodgers from the minor league disabled list, recalled him to the MLB roster and placed him on the 60-day DL —opening the space for Verlander. Rodgers was on the minor league DL after having successful ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery in May, the technique often referred to as Tommy John Surgery. The procedure normally requires 12-to-18 month of recovery. Rodgers, 26, was the 2016 Pacific Coast League pitcher of the year af-

ter posting a 12-4 record with a 2.86 ERA in last season. He struck out 116 and walked 23 in 22 starts with Triple-A Fresno in 2016. Rodgers was also named the starter for the Pacific League in the 2016 Triple-A All-Star game in Charlotte, North Carolina. He made his major league debut with the Astros in 2016, appearing in six games including one start. Rodgers was a third-round pick in the 2012 draft by the Astros out of Arizona State. He appeared with the Lamar National All-Star team in the 2003 Little League World Series. Before the injury, Rodgers was 2-0 with a 1.10 ERA in three games with Triple-A. He left his April 19 start against Las Vegas early and rePHOTO COURTESY OF THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES turned to Houston to for evaluation. Brady Rodgers has been moved to the Astros’ 60-Day DL.

High school volleyball

Lady Jays get back to work at Saint Mary’s Hall BY RYAN DUNSMORE

Lamar Consolidated

SPORTS

rdunsmore@fbherald.com

High school sports took a backseat to Hurricane Harvey. Gyms and fields went empty. Coaches’ offices were bare. Games were canceled. The focus was recovery and rebuilding to get back to normal. That idea of normal for the Needville Lady Jays was dominating on the volleyball court. Needville did that at the Saint Mary’s Hall Tournament in San Antonio, sweeping Cornerstone Christian, Somerset and Devine on day one of the tournament Friday. The Lady Jays needed only six sets to defeat all three teams in the

tournament format. Needville opened with a two-set win over Cornerstone Christian, 25-10, 25-12. The Lady Jays allowed only 22 points from their opponent in the second match, knocking off Somerset 25-8, 25-14. The toughest competition came from Devine, who pushed the Lady Jays to a 25-18, 25-18 score. But the Lady Jays did their part before they left for San Antonio. The team cooked a spaghetti lunch for the members of the Needville Fire Department to thank them for their hard work helping the City of Needville stay safe after Hurricane Harvey.

The Needville Lady Jays volleyball team pictured with members of the Needville Fire Department. The team brought spaghetti to the fire department to support first responders after Hurricane Harvey.

Lamar CISD athletics helps out with recovery after Hurricane Harvey

Football: Travis vs. Katy Taylor, Edward Mercer Stadium, 7

Needville Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Blue Jays vs. Brookshire Royal, Blue Jay Stadium, 7

Brazos

George Ranch Longhorns football team helps with Hurricane Harvey evacuees at Common Threads.

Friday, Sept. 8 Football: Cougars at Burton, Panther Stadium, 7:30

Former Terry head football coach and current University of Houston football program Director of High School Relations Tim Teykl helps up pack trucks of supplies for people effected by Hurricane Harvey.

Professional Sports Calendar Astros Saturday MLB: Astros vs. Mets (DH), 1:10, 7:10

Sunday MLB: Astros vs. Mets, 1:10

Dash Sunday NWSL: Dash vs. Seattle Reign, Toyota Stadium 7

Dynamo Saturday, Sept. 9 MLS: Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30

Texans Sunday, Sept. 10 NFL: Texans vs. Jaguars, 12

Skeeters Saturday Atlantic League: Skeeters vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 6:05

Universities from across Texas brought supplies including the University of Texas, where Teykl’s daughter Tory Teykl is the Longhorns’ Director of FootFulshear and Foster football players and cheerleaders helping with neighborhood clean up after Hurricane Harvey. ball Operations.

MLB on deck

College football

Astros return to Minute Maid Park Finally on field: Rhule debuts for 1st time since Hurricane Harvey as Baylor coach vs Liberty

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A look at what’s happening all around the majors Saturday:

end, to be donated to city shelters, first responders and volunteers. Canned food will be collected at two ballpark gates.

Homecoming

Streaking

The Houston Astros play their first game at Minute Maid Park since Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding. The AL West leaders had a home series earlier this week against Texas relocated to Tampa Bay’s stadium because of the devastation. There will be a moment of silence before the Astros host the New York Mets in the opener of a day-night doubleheader, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is set to throw out the first ball. The Astros have donated 5,000 tickets to each of the three games this week-

The AL Central-leading Indians try for their 10th straight win when ace Corey Kluber (13-4, 2.63 ERA) faces the Tigers at Comerica Park. Jordan Zimmermann goes for Detroit — he is 0-3 with an 11.42 ERA in four career starts against Cleveland.

Rolling

Red Sox lefty Drew Pomeranz (14-4) has won a career-best eight consecutive decisions. He is 2-0 with a 3.43 ERA in four starts against New York this season going into the outing at Yankee Stadium. He’ll be opposed by Ma-

Atlantic League

WACO, Texas (AP) — Matt Rhule finally gets to coach a game for Baylor, nearly nine months after getting hired in the wake of the school’s sexual assault scandal Slowed up Miami slugger Giancarlo Stan- and more than a month after the ton is 1 for 17 this week — the lone start of fall camp. “It’ll be interesting to see how hit was his major league-leading 51st home run. He went 0 for 2 with guys handle the situation of playtwo walks against the Phillies on ing in the games, and that’s really Friday night as the Marlins lost the next step for our team,” Rhule said. “They’ve shown what they their fifth in a row. can do, so now how are they going Welcome to handle it in front of a crowd and Outfielder Leonys Martin is ex- in front of a good team.” pected to join the NL Central-leadRhule waited until this week, ing Cubs for their game at Wrigley only days before Saturday night’s Field against Atlanta. Chicago season opener against Liberty, to got him in a trade with Seattle on select a starting quarterback. Thursday night. The 29-year-old When Rhule makes his Bears Martin was hitting just .174 with debut , so will graduate transfer six steals in 34 games. He has twice Anu Solomon. The former Arizostolen over 30 bases in a season. na quarterback is set to take the first snap after a competition that started in spring drills with Zach Smith, who finished last season as the starter. Charlie Brewer, a freshman who enrolled last spring, also drove in Wilfredo Rodriguez with made a strong push. a single in the second. “Anu just has a little bit of poise Skeeters RHP Brett Marshall and a lot of experience, and I think posted a quality start with one he brings a little bit of leaderearned run allowed over seven in- ship,” Rhule said. “And he brings nings. Former Astro Felipe Pauli- the ability to kind of move in the no picked up the save. pocket. With a young offensive line sahiro Tanaka, who has won both of his starts since returning from the disabled list.

Skeeters back in Sugar Land, win 2-1

BY HERALD STAFF

The Sugar Land Skeeters were forced to play a home series in New Britain at the beginning of the week. But the Skeeters started the process of getting back to

normal on Friday with a 2-1 win over the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at Constellation Field. Sugar Land scored a run in each of the first two innings. Kevin Ahrens drove in Josh Prince with a single in the first and Joe Benson

that’s something we might need.” Solomon started 25 games his first two seasons playing for the Wildcats, but was limited to five games last year as a junior because of knee and foot injuries. Smith started Baylor’s last four games, including the Cactus Bowl victory, as a freshman after Seth Russell’s season-ending knee injury. Liberty is going into its final FCS season, starting what is a two-year transition to becoming a full-fledged FBS team. Baylor is the only FBS opponent this season for the Flames, who will play in the Big South but will be unable to defend their conference title or be in the FCS playoffs. Some other things about the season opener on the banks of the Brazos River between the two private Baptist schools: FAMILIAR FACE: Liberty’s athletic director is Ian McCaw, who was Baylor’s AD for 13 years before resigning in May 2016 amid the sexual assault scandal that led to two-time Big 12 champion coach Art Briles being fired and the eventual departure of university President Ken Starr. McCaw had been sanctioned and placed on probation by the university before his resignation.

NEWS BRAZOS: River crested at record-high 55.1 feet on Friday before starting to recede

Sunday, September 3, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 said the river had dropped to 50 feet late Friday night and was continuing to decline. “We’re still in a major flood situation,” he said. “Right now, it’s still a very dangerous (river) and needs to fall some more.” He warned county residents who live in flooded communities and neighborhoods to travel with great care. Hebert said streets that have never seen standing water before have flooded during this historical flood. Two Brookshire residents, a married couple, died earlier this week when they attempted to drive on a flooded roadway and their SUV was swept away by a strong current. Hebert, who directs the counties office of emergency management, said roadways that have never flooded before can be perilous because no one knows how deep the water can get in those areas or what lurks beneath the dark water. First responders helped rescue more than 10,600 people in Fort Bend County from rising water since the flooding began last week, Hebert reported. He said the record-setting flood will likely cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage. The commissioners’ court has declared the county a disaster area, as has the governor of Texas and the federal government. The declarations will help flood victims receive state and federal financial assistance to rebuild homes and businesses. Hebert announced Friday he had revised the mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders for the county. (The new orders are on Page 5 of today’s edition of The Herald.) He cautioned returning homeowners to enter flooded neighborhoods carefully. Hebert said the curfew in the unincorporated areas of the county remains in effect to prevent looting. He said criminals often arrive in flooded areas before homeowners can return and secure their belongings. The curfew, in effect from midnight to 6 a.m., does not affect residents coming and going to work. Officers will stop motorists who are driving through neighborhoods at 2 a.m., he warned. If the driver doesn’t have a good reason to be in the neighborhood at that time of the morning, chances are good the driver will be detained, Hebert said.

RICHMOND HOMES were severely impacted by floods due to Hurricane Harvey.

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

PRESTON STREET and Morton Cemetery in Richmond are submerged underwater due to the flooding Hurricane Harvey caused.

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

FORT BEND County resident Paula Medellin overlooks her father’s house in Richmond. “I grew up here,” she said. “This is where I came back to when times were rough.”

NEWS

Sunday, September 3, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

Good News in Greatwood

The case of the missing pets Over the past several years, DeDe Sullivan has become one of Greatwood’s smartest pet detectives. Sullivan, an animal lover and Greatwood resident for 15 years, has been known to jump in her car to look for lost pets and tape flyers to light poles. Now she’s writing Sue it all down in Austin her pet “notebook.” Last year Sullivan noticed a trend with certain pets that were repeat offenders. These “escape artists,” as she lovingly calls them, inspired her to purchase a notebook so that she could write down detailed clues about their identities. She started to document their names, visual descriptions and breeds, subdivisions where they lived and most importantly, the contact information of their owners. She later decided to add photos of the animals, which she also credits with successfully solving many pet identity mysteries. Within the past year, over 3,000 Greatwood and Tara pets have been added to the neighborhood notebook…just in case. Most of the entries are dogs but a few cats and even two rabbits have been registered. With the tenacity of a bloodhound, Sullivan sniffs for pet information by posting reminders on Facebook, going door to door and even stopping people while walking their dogs. “I love meeting the animals and their owners and hearing their stories. There is a lot of love and many owners who

adore their pets.” Every Sherlock needs a Watson, so Sullivan recruited more pet detectives who live in Greatwood. Fellow animal lovers Dave and Janet Gura, Jana Van Valkenburgh, Shana Richardson, Teresa Pinyon, Jenny James, Parker Hylton, Tracey Renauro and Judy Everett have access to the notebook. When Sullivan is busy with her “day” job teaching music at Taylor Ray Elementary in Rosenberg, they help investigate animals that have been found without tags. Her PI’s know how to look for clues in the notebook, solve the puzzle and reunite pets with their owners. Sullivan says “It is a terrific group and I love them. I can’t do this all by myself. It truly takes a village!” Even Sullivan has her own entry in the notebook. She’s the proud owner of two dogs, Barkley, a white lab/chow mix that she adopted from Sugar Land Animal Services 11 years ago and Brindley, a Basenji mix she rescued when he was found tied to a post on Crabb River Road in 2011. Sullivan wants to pay it forward with her pet notebook. Barkley and Brindley are her only “children.” She has made it her mission to help people find their pets and takes comfort knowing that her community would do the same for her if she ever needs it. Still, Sullivan doesn’t take any chances. Both Barkley and Brindley are microchipped and wear collars. Reunions happen faster when pets have engraved tags. She says the notebook is not intended to be a substitute for tags and microchips. Sullivan also cautions residents about contacting County Animal Control Services when they see

lost pets in the neighborhood. The shelters are overcrowded and owners are given a small window of time to claim their pets before they are given up for adoption or worse, euthanized. Dave and Janet Gura, volunteers at the Fort Bend County Animal Shelter, have been impressed with the effectiveness of Sullivan’s notebook. Dave Gura says he believes it has kept many animals from ending up in shelters because they have gotten to go home instead. In addition to reuniting owners and their lost pets, Sullivan sees a community coming together for a common goal. “One of my favorite things that has happened because of the notebook is that I am noticing many more people, who I have never heard of or even met, are stopping to help lost animals. They are posting on Facebook and tagging us. Other people are offering to keep the animal overnight or until the owner is found. People are really getting involved and stopping to help reunite animals. Lots of people. It warms my heart to see this.” Residents who wish to have their pets added to the notebook may search “Notebook for Greatwood and Tara Pets” on Facebook and submit their information. For other communities, Sullivan highly recommends finding a good pet detective who can start a notebook to protect their neighborhood pets. To be successful Sherlocks like Sullivan, detectives must be passionate about pets, keep detailed notes and know how to navigate their community Facebook pages. For Sullivan, it’s “Elementary, my dear Watson.” Got news? Email it to Sue Austin at saustin@fbherald.com.

Pet detective Dave Gura hangs out with “man’s best friends” Tucker, Dakota, Rambo and Willie.

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Monday, September 4, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 210

Keep up with our storm coverage on the Herald Facebook page!

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TODAY!

Good Afternoon

MORE HARVEY INSIDE Apply for FEMA aid now, says Fort Bend County real estate agent

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

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LOCAL, STATE COVERAGE PG 3, 4, 5, 8, 10

Life inside a shelter: Rosenberg, Pecan Grove residents find safety

Authorities offer advice on cleaning up after storm

Needville family left on a cruise before hurricane hit their hometown

‘OUR ANGELS HAVE ARRIVED’ Volunteers offer food, water, warm smiles and sympathy BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

Disaster relief drive

The George Ranch Lariettes and Belles, along with the Terry Rangerettes, will be sponsoring a gift card and bedding drive to benefit local victims of Hurricane Harvey. The benefit will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, in the Target parking lot in Brazos Town Center. The following gift cards are recommended: H-E-B, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Randalls, Target, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Bedding of pillows,blankets, sheets and comforters are also needed. The items will be provided to Common Threads, a non-profit organization collecting items for storm victims. For more information, contact TaShane O’Haver at thillohaver@lcisd.org or Jessica Wilson at jcwilson@lcisd.org.

RR museum closed

Sylvia Rendon, 68, returned to the Edgewood Trailer Park in Richmond on Sunday to see how much the flood water had receded. Her home was among the dozen or so swamped by the Brazos River, which crested Friday at a record-high 55.1 feet. “Everything’s gone,” said Rendon. “I didn’t get anything out.” It was the second time in 15 months that Rendon’s home was flooded by the Brazos. The 2016 Memorial Day Flood also forced her out of her home. This year, however, she left before the first raindrop fell. “I learned my lesson last year,” she said. “I battled the Brazos last year and

SEE VOLUNTEERS, PAGE 3

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

TINA RIGSBY, a volunteer with The Friends of North Richmond, gives flood victim Sylvia Rendon an understanding smile and tender pat on the arm on Sunday in front of her flooded home in the Edgewood Trailer Park. Rendon lost all her belongings in the flood. The Friends of North Richmond collected supplies for flood victims and distributed them to residents at the trailer park Sunday.

The Rosenberg Railroad Museum will be closed until Sept. 6, after Labor Day.

LCISD, Needville ISD campuses

Lamar CISD and Needville ISD will resume classes on Monday, Sep. 11. All central office staff, auxiliary staff, front office staff and campus administration are scheduled to return to work on Wednesday, Sept. 6. LCISD buildings will be open and available for teachers on a voluntary basis beginning on Thursday, Sept. 7.

Church unveils new name

On Sunday, Sept.10, the Embassy Church (formerly First Assembly of God Rosenberg) is hosting Embassy Day. It is a day for the church family to gather together with members of the community to worship, connect with others, and enjoy a hot meal together. Hurricane Harvey has given us an opportunity to open our doors to our neighbors to offer prayer, a helping hand and cleaning supplies for flooded homes. Everyone is invited to come join the congregation for worship at 10:30 a.m. as the church unveils its new name to the community and celebrate afterwards with a meal together. The Embassy Church is located on 2512 Avenue N in Rosenberg. For more information, contact (281)342-3805.

Fort Bend Journal The little things

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

A FORT Worth DPS officer, right, and Brandon Baca with Attack Poverty, left, help volunteers unload a pickup truck full of watermelons on Saturday at the Edgewood Trailer Park in Richmond. The area was inundated by the Brazos River this week. The melons were donated by Calvin Kimble of Rosenberg.

ELISE KAUFMAN, programs coordinator with The Friends of North Richmond, tells a flood victim in Spanish on Sunday that the non-profit agency will eventually help muck and gut the flood damaged homes in front of them as soon as possible. Kaufman handed the woman the last of the donated hamburger meat. The Friends handed out food, water and other supplies.

Thousands head to Navarro Middle School to help Hurricane victims BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

“Doing little things well is the first step toward doing big things better,” — Harry F. Banks

— BH

Around the Bend Rory and Terry Calhoun thrilled to find their Rio Vista home just as they left it during the mandatory evacuation....Robert and Kim Wilbanks taking in storm refugees by long-distance... Sheridan Smith, Camille Paschal, Ally Walters and Mia Conde go backto-school shopping on Saturday… Averil Martin Gleason has one last chance to clean her house before returning back to work at Terry High School on

Today’s Scripture

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Thought for Today “I am one of the people who love the why of things.” — Catherine the Great, Russian czarina (1729-1796)

86037 20032

KOBE BADILLO happily helps the hurricane relief effort by unloading trucks filled with bottled water at Navarro Middle School in Rosenberg.

Pastor Emilio Frias of The Church in Rosenberg has been working around the clock since Hurricane Harvey invaded Texas. And when he saw how catastrophic the storm was in Fort Bend County, his church coordinated with Navarro Middle School officials to help victims in need. “Navarro has become a point of pickup,” Frias said. “People in the community have brought things to us so we can deliver them to people in Fort Bend and Harris County.” On Wednesday, The Church had 500 volunteers. And by Saturday, thousands of people were sorting, organizing and packaging donation boxes at the middle school. “We’ve gotten so many donations that we’re using the old Tractor Supply (store) as a warehouse,” Frias said.

Abbott announces ‘Rebuild Texas Fund’ program

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is encouraging Americans across the country to come together and assist Texans as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Abbott announced the formation of the Rebuild Texas Fund, which was established by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation in partnership with the OneStar Foundation to provide relief to the victims. For those who donate now through midnight on Monday, Sept. 4 to the Rebuild Texas Fund the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation will match $1 for every $2 in donations for the first $36 million raised. Those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.rebuildtx.org or by texting “Rebuildtx” to 91999. “I continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support the victims of Hurricane Harvey have received from their fellow Americans,” Abbott said. “I encourage those who can, to contribute to this fund that will help those affected by Hurricane Harvey rebuild their lives.”

SEE SUPPORT, PAGE 8

Trump expected to end ‘Dreamer’ Mattis: NKorea threat would program for young immigrants bring massive military response WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is expected to announce that he will end protections for young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, but with a six-month delay, people familiar with the plans said. The delay in the formal dismantling of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, would be intended to give

Congress time to decide whether it wants to address the status of the so-called Dreamers legislation, according to two people familiar with the president’s thinking. But it was not immediately clear how the six-month delay would work in practice and what would happen to people who currently have work permits under the program, or whose permits expire in the next six months.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Sunday shot back at North Korea’s claimed test of a hydrogen bomb with a blunt threat, saying the U.S. will answer any threat from the North with a “massive military response — a response both effective and overwhelming.” Earlier, President Donald Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries

doing business with the North, a veiled warning to China, and faulted South Korea for its “talk of appeasement.” The tough talk from America’s commander in chief and the retired Marine general he picked to oversee the Pentagon came as the Trump administration searched for a response to the escalating crisis.

Monday, September 4, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Realtor: Time to contact FEMA BY AVERIL GLEASON

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT A caption line and a small headline on Page 1 in the Sunday edition of the Herald incorrectly reported the Brazos River crested at 51.5 feet on Friday. It crested at 55.1 feet as the story reported correctly.

agleason@fbherald.com

Since Hurricane Harvey hit west Fort Bend County more than a week ago, hundreds of homes have suffered water damage and dozens of homes have been confirmed flooded. And although the hurricane has passed, residents realize the hardest part is just beginning. The community is doing its part. The American Red Cross has been set up all across the county. Numerous groups have sprung up to help those in need and those helping with recovery. The next step for residents who were impacted by the flood is figuring out how to put the pieces of their lives back together. And that includes clean up, and paying for repairs. One step is to pre-register for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance. HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON Greatwood resident and Re- REAL ESTATE agent Audra O’Neal, who lives in Greatwood, and marketing manager Aileen McComiskey look altor specializing in Fort Bend into ways to help Hurricane Harvey victims after the flood. County Audra O’Neal said her team wants to be a resource for families who have lost their repair, grants for personal prop- the bank,” O’Neal said. rental car. Contact rental cars To contact O’Neal, call 281- immediately because there will erty replacement and unemployhomes or suffered damages. 315-1000, email audra@oneal- be a high need. “Everybody I’ve talked to ment payments. Residents with flood insur- teamhomes.com or visit www. wants to help and give and if I 3. Call FEMA and be sure to don’t know the answer to your ance have 240 days from the date onealteamhomes.com for more get a case number and point of question, I’ll make sure to point of loss to file a flood insurance information. contact. FEMA will need the Rick Mathews, vice president social security numbers for all you in the right direction,” O’Ne- claim. FEMA officials said anyone of CenterPoint Energy, created family members. al said. “My first tip to anyone who who suffered losses in the des- a list for families whose houses 4. Call a water recovery serwas affected by the flood is to ignated disaster areas can apply have suffered water damage. vice and get on a list. Make sure “For everyone we know who to sign a contract that specifies contact FEMA — (whether they for assistance by registering online at www.disasterassistance. flooded, FEMA provided two the cost of the remediation. have) flood insurance or not. “The sooner you contact gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. months of living assistance,” 5. Take pictures of every“Every house I’ve ever sold, Mathews said. FEMA, the better.” thing. All damage including wa“This was not need-based, but ter lines, air condition compresAccording to Gov. Greg Ab- I tell buyers to get flood insurbott, over 440,000 people have ance,” O’Neal said. “This hur- rather based on number of peo- sors, windows and all flooded registered for FEMA assistance ricane brought on an 800-year ple in your family. After the two content. flood, but there was flood dam- months, you can apply for more in Texas. Mark a water line on the “FEMA only has so much age last year with the Memorial assistance.” outside and inside the house to The following is a list of tips show the adjuster how high the money for non-insured people,” Day Flood and the 2016 Tax Day for people who suffered water water got. Victims cannot make O’Neal revealed. “And once that Flood from the year before. “Fort Bend County is prone to damage: money runs out, it’s out. a claim if they do not have a pic1. Call the insurance company ture of the item. “That’s what happened with flooding. If you don’t have it yet, Hurricane Sandy, that’s what I recommend you getting it now now and make a flood claim not 6. Those on a long list for rehappened with Hurricane Ka- because it’s a very small price to a homeowners claim. Homeown- covery, start to pull up carpets ers insurance will not kick in for and cut dry wall (minimum off trina, and that’s why so many pay for a security blanket.” O’Neal said she is eager to a flood. homes in New Orleans still havour feet high). help anyone who has questions 2. Call car insurance to claim en’t been fixed.” Turning on A/C will help the the automobiles. Cars will be a drying process as will dehumidiAccording to FEMA officials, about their property. “We’re putting together a list separate claim from the home. fiers. Let furniture/contents dry individual assistance can include rental payment for tempo- of contractors for people to get Once receiving a claim number, out before wrapping and packrary housing, grants for home in touch with without breaking victims should be able to get a ing for a move.

VOLUNTEERS: ‘Everyone wants to help’ lost. This time I called my daughter and said ‘come get me.’ I didn’t want to battle the river again.” Rendon arrived at the trailer park on Sunday in time to see Attack Poverty and Friends of North Richmond volunteers unloading bags of hurricane relief supplies. Victims filled boxes with diapers, cleaning supplies, wet wipes, canned goods, bottled water, clothing and other foods. Volunteers helped cart the heavy boxes to waiting vehicles. As other flood victims arrived, so did more volunteers, and more donations. “Before we were finished setting up tables, more people showed up with donations,” said Brandon Baca, senior director of operations for Attack Poverty. “Everyone wants to help. It was amazing.” An American Red Cross bus arrived with donations. Volunteers, including a group of Buddhists, DPS officers from Fort Worth, and what appeared to be the entire Richmond Police Department — quickly unloaded the supplies. Calvin Kimble of Rosenberg arrived around 5 p.m. with a truckload of watermelons. “I thought maybe someone would enjoy these melons,” he said. “I started driving around, handing them out, and noticed this crowd.” He was greeted with pats on the back, enthusiastic handshakes and a few tears. “Our angels have arrived,” Sylvia said. “We know we can count on them.” The melons quickly disappeared. “We showed up and all of a sudden people who were driving by just stopped and pulled in with bags and bags of groceries, clothing and other items,” said Sarah Beth, a volunteer with The Friends of North Richmond. “They asked us, ‘Do you need anything? Can we bring you anything?’ It was very touching.” Tina Rigsby, a volunteer with Attack Poverty, said the flood victims are grateful for any help. “For many of these people, this may be all the food they will get for a while,” she said. “Many of them lost their homes in the flood. Some lost their jobs. They have no money. They have no place to go. No way to earn a living. Nothing. They live paycheck-to-paycheck. So every little bit helps.” Sometimes, Rigsby added, a sympatheic smile and human touch go a long way. Around 6 p.m., members of Reach Church in Austin arrived at the trailer park. “How can we help?” Pastor Chris Gilkey asked Elise Kaufman, pro-

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Rene Lasoya, a delivery driver for Papa John’s in Richmond, delivers 10 pizzas to the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy on Saturday. “We wanted to help the people who were helping hurricane victims,” said John Becerra, manager of the pizza restaurant. “This is our community. We wanted to our part.” grams coordinator with The Friends of North Richmond. “What do you need? Just ask.” Gilkey said his church had collected a warehouse full of supplies for hurricane victims. He offered Kaufman diapers, hygene products, nonperishable foods, canned foods, clothing. “Whatever you need, we have it. It’s yours,” Gilkey said. He said his group already had provided supplies to The Church in Rosenberg. The Church has spent the past several days collecting supplies at Navarro Middle School. Kaufman thanked him for the offer. “These people will need help for months and months to come,” she said. “The river rose 10 inches (hihger) than the 2016 Memorial Day Flood,” she added. “It flooded homes that have never been flooded before. Homes that were unaffected by last year’s flood flooded this week.” After the city of Richmond assesses the damage to each home, The Friends of North Richmond and its parent agency, Attack Povery, will begin the “Muck and Gut” operation — cleaning the flooded homes, gutting them if needed, and rebuilding them. Although the Edgewood Trailer Park and the entire Edgewood community lie outside of north Richmond, The Friends of North Richmond have adopted the area, Kaufman explained.

The Friends of North Rosenberg, also turned out in force on Saturday to help flood victims in that community. Baca said the number of homes damaged and the number of lives impacted in both communities is staggering. “We have over 100 volunteers,” he said. “But we will need a ton more — tons of volunteers. If anyone wants to grab a broom or mop or hammer and help, we’d could use the help.” He said Attack Poverty is coordinating its efforts with Fort Bend Recovers and the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. Jonathan Wiles, his son and his dad, were among the members of Living Waters International in Stafford helping Attack Poverty and The Friends of North Richmond on Sunday. “Everyone wants to help whatever way they can, whether it’s simply providing food and clothing or helping distribute supplies,” Jonathan said. “I just hope they have the same enthusiasm a week or a month from now.” He said he fears volunteers will eventually get “compassion fatigue” or “Bystander Syndrome.” “After a week or two, most people are too overwhelmed by the misery to do any more,” he said. “Or they get Bystander Syndrom. They see all these volunteers working away and they say to themselves: Well, they have enough volunteers already. They don’t need me.”

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Monday, September 4, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Hats off to Bo Tucker, Blase Tucker, Phillip Gardovsky and Randy Bodwine, who helped rescue a family and their livestock from high water this week.

Our View

Celebrating our carriers

ewspaper carriers work to deliver the news to customers’ doorsteps every day, and in The Herald’s case, each afternoon. There are many people who work together to create a newspaper, but Monday honors the newspaper carriers. Because today is Newspaper Carriers Day. This holiday honors Barney Flaherty, the first newspaper carrier, or paperboy, hired in 1833, as well as all current newspaper carriers. Flaherty was 10 years old. It is celebrated on Sept. 4, which is

the anniversary of the boy’s hiring by Benjamin Day, publisher of the New York Sun. There is a Newspaper Carrier Hall of Fame, started in 1960, created to acknowledge some famous newspaper carriers in our nation’s history. Included in the Newspaper Carrier Hall of Fame are Martin Luther King Jr., Warren Buffet and John Wayne. If you see your newspaper delivery boys, men or women, be sure to give them a wave as they drive down the street. Because, without them, we couldn’t get our paper out to you.

Trump vs. the filibuster

resident Trump brings an outsider’s perspective to the long debate over the Senate filibuster. An overwhelming majority of the Senate disagrees with his desire to kill the filibuster, which means he doesn’t have a prayer of winning. But he’s not entirely wrong, either. Set aside Trump’s sledgehammer tweets directed at Majority Leader Mitch Byron McConnell. In private York c o nve r s ations, Trump has made a reasonable and sophisticated case against the filibuster. Not only has the filibuster been eliminated for appointments, Trump has noted, it has also been eliminated (through the process of reconciliation) for some of the most important things the Senate does — that is, for the budget and related bills it passes each year. So now, after all those changes, what remains of the filibuster is somehow supposed to be sacred and can never be changed again? Trump’s question not only recognizes the reality of former Majority Leader’s Harry Reid’s nuclear-option destruction of the filibuster for appointments, and McConnell’s extension of that to Supreme Court nominations. It also takes into account the reality of reconciliation, by which, a generation ago, the Sen-

ate killed the filibuster for budget-related bills, allowing those measures to pass on a simple majority vote. In other words, the filibuster has been steadily whittled down — by the Senate itself, of course, and not by a headstrong president — so why can’t the Senate do it again? Trump doesn’t have the slightest chance, of course. In May, when the president called for an end to the filibuster, McConnell said, “There is an overwhelming majority on a bipartisan basis not interested in changing the way the Senate operates on the legislative calendar. And that will not happen.” In return, Trump has railed against McConnell and Senate tradition. Recently the president tweeted, “If Senate Republicans don’t get rid of the Filibuster Rule and go to a 51% majority, few bills will be passed. 8 Dems control the Senate!” A month ago, Trump tweeted, “The very outdated filibuster rule must go. Budget reconciliation is killing Rs in the Senate. Mitch M, go to 51 votes NOW and WIN. IT’S TIME!” It would be an understatement to say McConnell is not convinced, and he has essentially ended the discussion with his over-my-dead-body pronouncements. One of the problems in the Trump-McConnell relationship is that Trump tends to treat leaders in Congress as if they are his employees instead of leaders elected on their own and not beholden to the president. Plus, Congress is not only a sep-

arate branch of government, it is the first branch of government; a united Congress can remove the president, while it doesn’t work the other way around. Nevertheless, Trump whacks away at some of the lawmakers he will need to pass his agenda. Hypocrisy is often at play when it comes to the filibuster; senators in the majority oppose the practice, while senators in the majority support it. But there is also a principled, consistent position on the filibuster. Veteran senators like McConnell know that while they might be in the majority now, they could be in the minority next year. They know a lot of bad bills might have become law had the filibuster not existed. So many of them protect the filibuster whether they’re in charge or not. The president is an outsider who shares none of those concerns. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a point. The Senate has changed its rules, including those on supermajorities, many times over the years. And in the future, it might change them again — in Trump’s direction. Now, stonewalled by McConnell, Trump might look for a compromise that moves him closer to his goal. Indeed, short of fully eliminating the filibuster, Trump could propose getting rid of the 60-vote standard on motions to proceed, streamlining voting on procedural matters, and other initiatives. Those might not succeed either, but at least the president would have tried. Byron York is chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner.

Topic of discussion

Co-founder of political party dies

DUMMERSTON, Vt. (AP) — Political activist Peter Diamondstone, who helped found the Vermont political party that first launched Bernie Sanders for office in the 1970s, has died at age 82. Diamondstone, a perennial political candidate and the co-founder in 1970 of the anti-war Liberty Union Party, defined as a nonviolent socialist party, died Wednesday, his daughter said. “Peter’s life of service in the

struggle to protect human rights and our nation’s Constitution began at an early age and continued through his last weeks,” his family said. Diamondstone frequently ran for office in Vermont. In 2014, he told The Associated Press his run for governor that year was likely his 23rd total run for five statewide offices since the start of the party. He also had been escorted from events for using profanities

and was arrested for crashing candidate forums to which he wasn’t invited. None of the Liberty Union candidates, including Diamondstone, has been close to winning. But Diamondstone said victory was not the goal. Sanders ran for U.S. Senate and governor two times each in the 1970s as a Liberty Union candidate but never received more than 6 percent of the vote.

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Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

FORT BEND HERALD

Storms are frightning

Disasters and fear go hand in hand At the height of Hurricane Harvey, Pastor David Rose jotted down his thoughts on the storm, the flooding and how people respond to disasters.

ere in Greater Houston, H u rricane Harvey has brought much fear. It may be the worst natural disaster in American history. People are still being rescued from their flooded David houses. DisasRose ter shelters are packed. Roads are closed, and bayous are overflowing. 1220 feet from by back door is the mighty Brazos River. It is expected to crest at historic levels later in the week. We are praying that the levee’s hold. Can we talk about fear for a moment?In April 2016, Chapman University in California released a nationwide survey of the top fears of average Americans. The 79 different fear possibilities were placed into eleven “domains of fear,” like crime, economic, manmade disasters, environment, government, technology, etc. The top three fears were: 1. Being dominated by corrupt government officials (govern-

ment) – 60.8% 2. Terrorists attacks (manmade disasters) – 41% 3. Not having enough finances for future needs (economic) – 39.9% Some of the other extreme fears included being afraid of the death of a loved one, needles, identity theft, serious personal illness, the sight of blood, and clowns. Feel free to discount or argue with the poll, but I think we can all agree that many people live with some kind of fear. Filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, made a living by exploiting our fears. He is quoted as saying, “Nothing has changed since Little Red Riding Hood faced the big bad wolf. What frightens us today is exactly the same sort of thing that frightened us yesterday. It’s just a different wolf.” What wolf scares you? Almost every prayer request that I receive, has some quantity of fear included. The “what if’s” can keep us awake at night, and may even paralyze personal progress. Fear can be a cruel tyrant. There is some good news for fearful Americans: The power of God is greater than any fear that attacks you! He can defeat the enemy that would defeat you! In the Bible, you will often see the phrase, “Do not be afraid!” When the angel came to Mary (Luke 1:30), his first words were, “Do not be afraid.” When the angel spoke

to Joseph (Matthew 1:20), and to the shepherds (Luke 2:10), he said “Do not be afraid!” Fear can cause us to become erratic and unstable. In fear, we may do or say something that we would never contemplate in more steady times. Adam and Eve loved God. They cherished the personal camaraderie they experienced each evening when God came to visit. But one day, fear caused them to hide from their wonderful Friend. Every human has had to deal with fear. Even the Apostle Paul experienced fear. In 1 Corinthians 2:3 ESV he wrote, “And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.” So often, we fear that which we cannot control. And this brings me back to this: The power of God is greater than any fear that attacks you. He can defeat the enemy that would defeat you! Believe it! I do! I must! How do we overcome fear? 1. Confront your fears with faith (2 Corinthians 7:4-5) 2. Do not doubt the power of God to help you. (Joshua 21:45) 3. Remember, regardless of what happens, God has promised to never leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) David G. Rose has been a credentialed minister for over 48 years. He is the founder of Rose Chapel Ministries in Richmond, TX. Comments may be sent to www.davidroseministries.com or parsonrose@aol.com

Outside View

President Trump’s missing ExComm

n the latest provocative act, North Korea fired a missile over Japan, prompting President Trump to tweet, “Talking is not the answer.” What the answer is, he leaves to others in the government, and to our imagination. Everybody agrees Douglas that North KoCohn rea’s nuclear ambition and aggression is a major national security challenge. Yet Trump seems to treat it as a personal annoyance that can be handled with tough tweets. In contradiction, Defense Secretary James Mattis said, “We’re never out of diplomatic solutions.” Voters worried about a commander-in-chief with Trump’s erratic temperament having his finger on the nuclear button are reassured by the strength and stability conveyed by Mattis and his fellow generals in the administration. However, with all due respect to Generals Mattis, H.R. McMaster, chairman of the National Security Council, and John Kelly, White House chief of staff, this is not the

way to determine policy for one of the most significant national security crises facing the United States and the world. In normal times, this would be upsetting since the Constitution clearly established civilian-led government. But these aren’t normal times, and people are much more accepting of the military calling the shots than leaving it up to Trump. The problem is that these generals, however wise they may be, represent a narrow band of advice. Contrary to the myth that the military is trigger-happy, those who have served, seen war up close, and experienced losses can often be just the opposite. Trump, on the other hand, famously asked one of his briefers after becoming the Republican nominee. “What is the point of having nuclear weapons if you can’t use them?” That question should be answered in all its complexity, and not just by the president or the military, but by a full range of expertise available in and outside the government. Meanwhile, administration officials go on television to say there are no good alternatives, which perhaps unwittingly gives North Korea a free pass. Trump so far has not delivered on any of his tough tweets, so he

has a credibility problem, and like many bullies, he tends to back down. But Trump needs to learn the lessons of history, and when President John Kennedy faced down the Russians over Cuba, he convened some of the most experienced and intelligent people available to form his 16-member ExComm (Executive Committee of the National Security Council) which met regularly at the White House over those dire 13 days in October 1962. It was a diverse group, including Republican Douglas Dillon, who had served in the Eisenhower administration. He was retained by Kennedy as Secretary of the Treasury and became his direct link to congressional Republicans. Another member, Llewellyn Thompson, had served in the U.S. embassy in Moscow during the 1941 German invasion and later as ambassador to the USSR in both Eisenhower’s Republican and Kennedy’s Democratic administrations. Trump’s small coterie of competent generals cannot possibly offer the range of informed opinions Kennedy received from the ExComm, and every world leader knows it. They know the Trump administration has a credibility defificit. Contact Cohn at Twitter: @douglas_cohn.

Obama offers advice to Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — Before he left office in January, President Barack Obama offered his successor accolades and advice in a private letter that underscored some of his concerns as he passed the baton. In the letter, published Sunday by CNN, Obama praised President Donald Trump, saying: “Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure.”

Obama went on to urge Trump to “build more ladders of success for every child and family,” to “sustain the international order” and to protect “democratic institutions and traditions.” Obama wrote: “We are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions — like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties — that our forebears fought and bled for.” It is customary for presidents

to leave notes for their successors. But typically these missives do not come to light so quickly. The handoff letters from President George W. Bush in 2009 and President Bill Clinton in 2001 were revealed earlier this year. CNN reports it received the Obama letter from “someone Trump showed it to.” After taking office, Trump praised the note from Obama, calling it a “beautiful letter” in an interview with ABC. Trump added that he called Obama to thank him for the note.

Monday, September 4, 2017

NEWS

Needville family anxious about storm, ready to get home from cruise

SPECIAL TO THE HERALD While most Fort Bend County residents wished they had gotten out of Fort Bend County during Hurricane Harvey, one Needville family was aboard a ship in the Gulf of Mexico, longing to get back home. Here’s the story they shared with family and friends upon their return this week: The Raybion family happily boarded the Carnival Breeze in Galveston on Aug. 20, anxious to get to their first port of call in Cozumel for one last summer hurrah before school began. After soaking up the sun in Cozumel, they were to head to Roatan Island in Honduras, and then Belize, before returning to Galveston on Aug. 27, refreshed and ready for school to start the following day. They knew then-tropical storm Harvey was in the Gulf, so mom Carissa decided to check with the cruise line to see whether it would affect their trip. “We called a few days before we left, because Carnival never contacted us to tell us anything was changing,” Carissa said. “They just assured us that they would reroute around the storm and that they didn’t have anything indicating any reason to change our schedule.” But on their first full day at sea, the decision was made to go to Roatan first, followed by Belize, then Cozumel, still returning to Galveston on Aug. 27. “Then we got to Cozumel on Friday and the storm was still so bad and the port of Galveston was closed, so they added a day to Cozumel and we stayed there overnight and got to spend a whole extra day there,” said Carissa. Also overnight, what had become Category 4 Hurricane Harvey slammed ashore between Port Aransas and Port O’Connor, packing 130-mile-an-hour winds, and the destruction was just beginning. Carissa and her husband, Lucas, and their three children enjoyed the extra day of fun in the sun, as did most of the other passengers, unaware of the devastation that lie ahead for much of Fort Bend County. Sixteen-year-old Justufer, a junior at Needville High School, along with his sisters, 14-year-old Gracie, a freshman at that campus, and 7-year-old Maddison, a second-grader at Needville Elementary, were all too happy to trade the first day of school for a bonus day of excitement. And their parents weren’t exactly disappointed, themselves. But they kept an ear tuned to weather reports, concerned about family in Needville and other parts of the greater Houston area. Dad Lucas said passengers were able to come and go from ship-toshore Friday morning until about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. “During the day on Saturday,” said Carissa, “two other Carnival ships showed up in port, the Sensation and the Triumph.” Carissa said she was told their ship received supplies such as food and other necessities from the other two ships, but she was unable to

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FREE Estimate and Insured Needville residents Lucas and Carissa Raybion and their 7-year-old daughter Maddi, from left, have been aboard the Carnival Breeze cruise ship for two weeks, along with 14-year-old Gracie and 16-year-old Justufer. Hurricane Harvey extended the family’s one-week vacation to two weeks, and they’re ready to head home. confirm that report. “We left there on Saturday, anticipating being able to go back to Galveston and disembark on Monday morning,” Lucas said. “But we were informed that the port of Galveston was still closed and we were headed to New Orleans to refuel and reload on provisions, which makes me think we may not have gotten anything from the other boats in Cozumel.” By then, the Raybion children had learned that Needville ISD postponed the start date of the 2017-2018 school year to Tuesday, Sept. 5. Catastrophic flooding across Fort Bend and Harris counties had just begun, and the Brazos, San Bernard and Colorado rivers were only a few days from reaching historic heights. The Carnival Breeze reached the mouth of the Mississippi River the night of Sunday, Aug. 27, and docked at New Orleans early the following morning. “It took about eight or nine hours to go up river to the Port of New Orleans,” Carissa said. “People who wanted to were able get off and make their way back home or try and catch flights at their own expense. But everyone had to get off and go through customs. Those wanting to travel back to Galveston by boat had to get back on the ship by 1 p.m.” Some 2,000 of the 4,800 passengers, many of them from states other than Texas, decided to disembark and head home. Explaining their decision to stay aboard, Carissa said, “It’s been a really smooth trip; actually, one of the best we’ve been on, and we’ve taken about 10 cruises. The boat has had lots of activities to keep you busy, and they keep having to revise the schedule due to the itinerary changes. There has been plenty of food, water, drinks, etc., and at no point have we felt in

danger.” Carissa said their teenagers have had the run of the ship throughout the adventure, checking in with mom and dad on schedule, and bashful Maddi has also had tons of fun except for an encounter with customs in New Orleans. “Everyone had to get off and go through customs, and then we came back onboard as we wanted. But Maddison got stopped in customs,” Carissa said with a laugh. “She is very anti-social and shy, and when the customs officer asked her what her name was and when her birthday was, she wouldn’t talk to him.” The officer explained to redhaired, blue-eyed Maddi that she had to speak to him to be allowed back on the ship, but she was having none of it. “So he finally asked how old she was, and she still wouldn’t answer,” Carissa said. “I told her to at least show him her age by holding up her fingers, but nothing doing. Then he asked Justufer and Gracie questions like when their birthdays are, and then went back to Maddi and asked her what she calls me. I had to tell her again that she had to respond to him. He was really centering in on her, and thank goodness she finally said, ‘Mom,’ and we were able to walk on through. I guess they thought we picked her up in Mexico.” On Tuesday, the Carnival Breeze headed up the Mississippi River, where it remained docked Wednesday. That night, it headed back to New Orleans, and is scheduled arrived in Galveston on Saturday, Sept. 2. Although its passengers have been joking about their “buy one week, get one week free” cruise, most seem to be ready to get home, with many anxious about what they will find.

Needville trustees delay first day of class Needville ISD administrators have made the decision to delay the start of school one more week, in the best interest of staff and students. Staff will report to work Friday, Sept. 8, and students will start classes Monday, Sept. 11. The first day of school for NISD was originally scheduled for Aug. 28, but was postponed to Sept. 5 because of Hurricane Harvey. “We will start school on the 11th of September and make this 20172018 school year one to remember,” said Superintendent Curtis Rhodes. At this point, he said, the last day of school will remain as scheduled on Friday, June 1, with graduation at 7 p.m. “We have built-in additional days for emergencies, so there is not a problem with NISD completing the required time within our current calendar,” said Rhodes. He said the Texas Education Agency has announced that it will waive the two weeks of school students will miss. “A main concern is truly compassion for those who lost everything and need a little time to take care of their personal property and lives,” said Rhodes. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Rhodes participates in daily Region 4 Education Service Center conference calls with all 52 school superintendents in the area, as well as representatives from various offices of emergency management. He also communicates with some of NISD’s neighboring districts to the west. “Lamar Consolidated ISD, Fort

FORT BEND HERALD

Bend ISD, Katy ISD and Needville ISD work closely because we have many staff that live and work in each other’s districts; so we try to coordinate with each other for the benefit of all,” said Rhodes. He said several factors came into play in making the decision to delay the start of school for NISD another week. “Our particular issue, besides families being displaced and losing personal property, is primarily lacking sufficient staff to open,” he explained. “As we took roll call of all our district staff, including transportation, food service, and instructional employees, we were at about 30 percent who couldn’t be back next week, or were very unsure. Many of our staff live outside Needville, across rivers or in flooded areas.” Also of concern to Needville ISD administrators is the flow of traffic on State Highway 36 South when the district’s students start back to school. Because the highway is a major transportation route for the coastal areas, safety for students and their families is an issue. “This is truly a devastating disaster, from the lack of food in the region to the possibility of limited fuel,” Rhodes said. “In the grand scheme of life, starting school as soon as possible when families are struggling just did not make sense for NISD. I am so proud of our community, helping each other out through this disaster. I visited the shelter at Creekside Christian Fellowship several times last weekend and earlier in the week.

The community outpouring of aid by young and old alike is wonderful. There are many districts in much worse shape than us and our prayers go out to them.” In addressing rumors that Wharton ISD students may transfer to Needville ISD in the wake of the destruction in that area, Rhodes said he has not received any such request from Wharton administrators; however, if their students do need to attend class in Needville, they will be welcome with open arms. “We are a public school, and in these situations when children are evacuated or displaced, they are considered homeless,” he said. “The Federal Law called the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act requires us to provide educational services just as we would for students within NISD boundaries.” Rhodes said Needville ISD weathered the storm with relatively few problems, among them its sewer plant at capacity due to fresh water, but it is fine now. In addition, the fire alarm at one campus was malfunctioning, causing the air conditioning unit to shut down until it could be repaired. “Our facilities came through the storm pretty well, but without staff we cannot take care of the students. We want the first day of school to be outstanding for our students and staff,” Rhodes said. “Our administrative team and school board feel the best option for NISD is to wait and start with everything ready on Sept. 11 and have the greatest year in Needville history.”

“I’ve been using my phone to communicate through Facebook messenger and Facebook, Snapchat, etc., so we’ve been able to keep up pretty well with storm information because of that,” said Lucas. “Plus, I follow some of the news stations, so that’s been helpful.” The Raybions said the scope of the catastrophic destruction left behind by Hurricane Harvey is hard to comprehend, but they are grateful that most of the Needville area was spared; and the kids are even looking forward to getting back to school, their friends, and the daily routine. Carissa’s parents took the Raybion family to the terminal in Galveston when they departed for Mexico so their vehicle wouldn’t be parked at the coast in case Hurricane Harvey decided to head that way, so they will pick the family up when they arrive back in port.

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High School Sports Calendar Foster Saturday, Sept. 16 Football: Falcons vs. Seven Lakes, Traylor Stadium, 6

Fulshear Thursday, Sept. 14 Football: Chargers vs. George Ranch JV, Charger Stadium, 7

George Ranch Saturday, Sept. 16 Football: Longhorns vs. UANL Tigers, Traylor Stadium, 3 (Homecoming)

Monday, September 4, 2017

SPORTS

FORT BEND HERALD

Fielder’s indifference LCISD football teams to wait until week 3 A win-win Travis, Needville, Brazos have games this weekend BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

Athletic competition has always been a cornerstone of the high school experience. But sports took a back seat after Hurricane Harvey ripped through Fort Bend County. Coaches, staffers, athletes and athletic trainers jumped into action to help their fellow man from Fulshear to Missouri City. But with Fort Bend County slowly getting back to normal, the question became, when will the high school teams return to the field and court?

Lamar CISD

The Lamar Consolidated ISD

will resume classes on Sept. 11 and LCISD athletics will begin after that. All football, volleyball, tennis and cross country events have been canceled up to that point. “We will focus on assisting our students and families to regroup from this disaster,” Lamar CISD athletic director Nicole Nelson said. Football opens its delayed season in week three with four games slated at Traylor Stadium, including homecoming games with Terry and George Ranch. Coaches will oversee voluntary practices starting on Thursday, Sept. 7. “We know that for some, getting the chance to be with their coaches and teammates will be a welcome step towards normalcy as we all work together through this recovery,” Nelson said. Nelson said she was also proud to see the outpouring of support

from the LCISD athletes at Common Threads, the Red Cross shelters and with cleanup in neighborhoods. “This chance to help their friends and neighbors is not just helping them to heal from this tragedy but is also reinforcing that some of life’s most important lessons aren’t taught in classrooms or on athletic fields,” Nelson said. “It also reminds all of us that we have some remarkable young people in LCISD, their acts of service and commitment to their community are inspirational to us all.” Nelson added that junior athletics will be pushed back but more information will be available this week.

Fort Bend ISD

Like LCISD, FBISD will return to school on Sept. 11. But unlike LCISD, there will be foot-

ball this weekend. Fort Bend ISD teams will not be playing official games. Instead, each team has set up scrimmages. The Travis Tigers will be at Katy Taylor on Saturday at 10:30  a.m. in tuneup for their week three game against Fort Bend Elkins.

Needville ISD

Needville ISD will not return to school until Sept. 11 but the football team will begin action on Friday. The Blue Jays opener was canceled but coach Mike Giles’ squad is slated to take on Brookshire Royal on Friday. The Needville football team will practice on Monday.

Brazos ISD

The Brazos Cougars will play their scheduled game on Friday against Burton on the road.

Lady Jays finish 3rd at Saint Mary’s Hall BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

Lamar Consolidated Friday, Sept. 15 Football: Mustangs vs. Brazoswood, Traylor Stadium, 7

Terry Thursday, Sept. 14 Football: Rangers vs. Spring Woods, Traylor Stadium, 7 (Homecoming)

Travis Saturday Football: Travis at Katy Taylor, Katy Taylor H.S., 10:30 a.m. (Scrimmage)

The Needville Lady Jays earned third-place recognition at the Saint Mary’s Hall volleyball tournament in San Antonito over the weekend. After a going undefeated on day one, the Lady Jays finished with an overall record of 5-1 through day two. Needville defeated host Saint Mary’s Hall (2-0), dropped its lone losing match to St. Stephen’s Episcopal (1-2) and swept Devine for a second time in the third-place game. The Lady Jays made short work of the Baronesses, 25-16, 25-10 in the opening match on Saturday. Junior Anna Gadway had nine kills and three aces. Senior Sydney Sacra had four blocks and senior Kaitlyn Kovarsik had 10 digs. Senior Janssen Cain had 12 assists. The loss to St. Stephen’s Episcopal was a tight one, 21-25, 26-16, 13-15. Sacra again led the Lady Jays in kills with seven and Gadway had six. Senior Peyton Sulak had three aces. Kovarsik had 11 digs and senior Hayden Smyers had eight digs. Senior Janssen Cain had 10 assists. Needville won its second match against Devine, 25-16, 25-21. Sacra had eight skills and Gadway had seven. Kovarik had 13 digs and Cain had six. GadNeedville head coach Amy Schultz and the varsity volleyball team pictured in San Antonio after way also had 14 assists.

capturing third place at St. Mary’s Hall Tournament.

Needville Friday Football: Blue Jays vs. Brookshire Royal, Blue Jay Stadium, 7:30

Brazos Friday Football: Cougars at Burton, Panther Stadium, 7:30

Professional Sports Calendar Astros Monday MLB: Astros at Mariners, 5:40

Tuesday MLB: Astros at Mariners, 9:10

Dash Saturday, Sept. 9 NWSL: Dash at North Carolina Courage, 6:30

Dynamo Saturday, Sept. 9 MLS: Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30

Texans Sunday NFL: Texans vs. Jaguars, 12

Skeeters Monday Atlantic League: Skeeters vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, 2:05

MLB

‘Winner’ Justin Verlander introduced in Houston HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander only had about 30 minutes to decide whether to accept a trade the Houston Astros. In the end, he figured he simply couldn’t pass up a chance to join the team with the American League’s best record. “Ultimately it came down to winning and joining an organization that is set up to win for a long time,” he said. The right-hander was acquired from the Detroit Tigers on Thursday night in exchange for three minor leaguers just before the deadline for having players eligible for postseason play, and was introduced in Houston on Sunday. “We’ve done a lot of work since Jim Crane bought the team in 2011 to put this team in a position to potentially bring the first championship to the city of Houston,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “And adding a top of the rotation-caliber pitcher, All-Star, Cy Young, MVP to

our club is exactly what we need to maximize our chances of not only winning this year but potentially in the years to come.” Verlander beamed as he donned his Astros cap, a different look for the 34-year-old after he spent his entire 13-year career playing for the Tigers. The trade came amid a difficult week for the city after Hurricane Harvey caused catastrophic flooding throughout the area. “Hopefully we can bring a championship to a city that really could use something like that right now and hopefully I can be a part of that and we can give this city something to rally around,” Verlander said. The addition of Verlander bolster’s an already solid rotation led by 2015 Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers. Keuchel, who voiced displeasure after the Astros failed to make any big trades in July, is thrilled to add another ace to Houston’s pitching staff.

MLB on deck

“Excitement is an understatement,” Keuchel said. “Anytime you get a perennial All-Star and pitcher of this caliber and what he’s done it just makes the team that much better.” Verlander is looking forward to getting to know Houston’s pitchers and hopes he can learn from the group. “I’m excited to work with these guys and see these guys up close,” he said. “I think this rotation has a chance to be something pretty special.” The six-time All Star is a playoff veteran having appeared in the postseason five times. He is 7-5 with a 3.39 ERA and 112 strikeouts in 16 career starts in the playoffs. He is 10-8 with a 3.82 ERA in 28 starts this season. The Tigers got minor league prospects outfielder Daz Cameron, right-hander Franklin Perez and catcher Jake Rogers as well as a player to be named later or cash in the deal.

Manager A.J. Hinch loves the experience he brings to the team and joked that he was already 2-0 with the Astros after they won both games of their doubleheader on Saturday after Verlander arrived at Minute Maid Park. “He’s a winner,” Hinch said. “We’ve had a couple of seasons here in a row that we’re very proud of that are winning seasons and he’s going to create more of that for us ... he’s as big of a potential impact as we could have imagined.” Verlander will make his debut for the Astros on Tuesday at Seattle. He’s already thought about what it will be like to pitch for team other than the Tigers for the first time in his professional career after he was drafted by Detroit in 2004. “It will be different in my routine and everything getting ready and just getting accustomed to everything around, but once you step on the mound it’s business as usual,” he said.

for Houston Astros right to acquire Verlander

The Houston Astros aren’t known for making a splash on the trade market. Carlos Beltran in 2004 and Randy Johnson in 1998 come to mind for moves that shook up the baseball world. But for the most part, the Astros’ trades have been around prospects coming and going that have been a double-edged sword. For every Jeff Bagwell and Mike Scott there is a Ken Caminiti, Steve Finley, Curt Schilling and Kenny Lofton. Even Joe Morgan. The Astros have been even more stingy with trades under General Manager Jeff Luhnow. The team clearRyan ly values prosDunsmore pects, and for the most part, he has been right to do so. But it was the right time to part ways with a few prospects last week. It was too perfect of an opportunity for the Astros to pass up on Justin Verlander. I truly believe that the Astros did have enough pitching currently on the staff to get through the playoffs, but the playoffs aren’t a time to be average. Frankly, a handful of the Astros starting pitchers have been average over the month of August: Dallas Keuchel was 2-3 with a 5.05 ERA, Mike Fiers was 1-4 with a 7.44 ERA, Charlie Morton was 1-2 with a 4.20 and Brad Peacock was 1-1 with 4.45 ERA. On top of that, the No.2 starter Lance McCullers can’t stay on the field. McCullers has been put on the disabled list twice in 2017 with back issues. Verlander comes in on a hot streak, he was 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA in August. On top of his current play, the Astros got a pitcher with World Series experience. Verlander has just under 100 playoff innings under his belt with a 3.39 ERA. The playoff rotation is all but set. Expect Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr. to start the first three games. The experience has already paid dividends for Houston in 2017 with Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Josh Reddick proving to be perfect pieces for the American League’s top offense. It’s now time for the veteran pitcher to impart his wisdom to the Astros staff. That experience is also a key injection. The Astros lead in American League’s No. 1 seed is only three games over the Indians, who have won 10 games in a row. For all the positives of Verlander, the cost wasn’t as high as it could have been. The Astros sent three top 15 prospects to Detroit: RHP Franklin Perez, outfielder Daz Cameron and catcher Jake Rogers. All have their upsides but Houston didn’t have to send any of its key cogs like Alex Bregman, Francis Martes, Kyle Tucker or Forrest Whitley. This is a win-win for the Astros. Even if 2017 doesn’t pan out, Verlander will anchor the Astros rotation for the next two season for $20 million per year. Far less a cost, compared to his nearly $30 million per year previously. Astros, now go win it all for Houston and Verlander. Reach Ryan Dunsmore at rdunsmore@fbherald.com.

NFL

Season preview: Watt back to anchor Lance McCullers set to return for Mariners series Texans defense, Savage gets chance BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A look at what’s happening all around the majors Monday:

McCullers off DL

Astros RHP Lance McCullers (back discomfort) will come off the disabled list to make his first start since July 30 on Wednesday at Seattle. UP NEXT Astros ace Dallas Keuchel (11-3, 2.91 ERA) is scheduled to pitch in the opener of a series against the Mariners on Monday. He allowed six runs in six innings in an 8-1 loss to the Rangers in his last outing.

Labor of love

The streaking Cleveland Indians try to win their 12th in a row when

they open a series in Chicago against the White Sox. The AL Central leaders are having their best run since setting a team record with 14 straight wins last year, and have outscored opponents 79-18 during this string. Trevor Bauer (14-8, 4.46) is set to start for the Indians — he’s won a career-best seven consecutive decisions.

Arizona ahead

The Diamondbacks have either led or been tied for 79 straight innings. That’s resulted in a 10-game winning streak for Arizona, its best since a franchise-best 12 wins in a row in 2003. Next up is a series at Dodger Stadium, with lefty Robbie Ray facing Los Angeles lefty Rich Hill. The Dodgers have the best record in the majors despite losing eight of their last nine.

Soccer Atlantic League Seattle ‘Reigns’ Blue Crabs hold Skeeters down on Dash, 1-0 BY HERALD STAFF

The Houston Dash were forced out of their home at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday due to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The Dash lost 1-0 to the Seattle Reign at Toyota Stadium in Frisco. Dash GK Jane Campbell stopped a penalty kick in the ninth minute but couldn’t stop a shot from Merritt Mathias in the 49th minute.

BY HERALD STAFF

The Sugar Land Skeeters could only muster three hits on Sunday against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. The Skeeters fell 6-1 at Constellation Field. Sugar Land’s one run came from Caleb Ramsey, who lifted a sacrifice fly plating Travis Scott in the second inning.

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

HOUSTON TEXANS

New faces: QB Deshaun Watson, RB D’Onta Foreman, LB Zach Cunningham, K Ka’imi Fairbairn, linebackers coach Mike Vrabel promoted to defensive coordinator. Key losses: QB Brock Osweiler, CB A.J. Bouye, S Quintin Demps, offensive coordinator George Godsey. Strengths: Houston’s defensive front should be strength of team with three-time Defensive Player of Year J.J. Watt returning after missing most of last season after two back surgeries, and 2014 top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney coming off best season. Lamar Miller returns to lead strong group of running backs after rushing for 1,073 yards last season in first year in Houston. Group should get boost this year with addition of Foreman, last year’s Doak Walker Award winner, who will be good complement to smaller Miller. Weaknesses: Questions abound on offensive line with veteran left tackle Duane Brown still holding out and unit looking shaky in preseason. Texans need center Nick Martin, who missed all of rookie season with injury, to develop quickly and guard Xavier Su’a-Filo to improve if they hope to have more potent offense. Team is set at cornerback with veterans Johnathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson, but Houston

could be suspect at safety after losing Demps in free agency. Fantasy Players To Watch: WR DeAndre Hopkins, Miller, defense. Expectations: If Watt is healthy and back to form, Houston’s defense featuring him and Clowney should be among best. Question is if Tom Savage, expected to start, or Watson can step up and provide consistent quarterback play after years of problems at position. If Houston finally gets its QB situation solved and Miller has another good season, Texans could contend for championship after failing to get out of divisional round of playoffs in previous four postseason trips.

Novack, Weeden cut

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans released kicker Nick Novak, their starter for the past two seasons, and veteran quarterback Brandon Weeden as they reduced their roster to the 53-player maximum Saturday. Novak lost his job because of the performance in camp of former UCLA standout Ka’imi Fairbairn. Fairbairn signed with the Texans last season after going undrafted and spent all of last year on the injured reserve. Novak appeared in every game last season and made 35 of 41 field goals and 22 of 25 extra points. He signed with the Texans in 2015 after spending the previous four seasons with the Chargers.

Weeden appeared in two games with one start for Houston in 2015, but did not play last season. Houston’s starter is Tom Savage and former Clemson star Deshaun Watson, who was drafted in the first round this year, is the team’s backup at quarterback. Houston also released offensive lineman David Quessenberry, a cancer survivor who had been on the team’s non-football illness list since 2015, but finished chemotherapy and returned to practice this offseason. The Texans also released safety Lonnie Ballentine, who had appeared in four games over the last two seasons, speedy receiver Wendall Williams, who played three games as a rookie last season and safety K.J. Dillon who appeared in five games last year. Also released on Saturday were receivers Dres Anderson, Justin Hardee, Germone Hopper, Riley McCarron, Chris Thompson and Marcus Leak; linebackers Avery Williams, Sio Moore, Mike Catapano, Tony Washington, Shakeel Rashad, Gimel President and Eric Lee; offensive linemen Erik Austell, Chad Slade, Josh Walker and Laurence Gibson; defensive linemen Eli Ankou, Rickey Hatley and Daniel Ross; cornerbacks Bryce Jones and Marcus Roberson; tight end Evan Baylis and running back Dare Ogunbowale.

NEWS 281-240-0116 SUPPORT: ‘People are coming together to make a difference’

Monday, September 4, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

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“That’s 20,000 square feet, and we have about 1 million pounds of donations in there.” The Church distributes to over 250 businesses and companies to relieve victims, Frias revealed. Frias said that although The Church is not in direct contact with victims of the hurricane, their donations have reached thousands of people. The Church is giving donation to Border Patrol, the National Guard and HEB, for them to distribute to victims in need. “We’re reaching out to other churches affected by the flood. I want to do what I can to help the county rebuild.” HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON Frias said that people from MORE THAN 1,000 new people come to Navarro Middle School to volunteer by packaging together donation Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and bags for Hurricane Harvey victims. California have come to volunteer with The Church. The Texas Southern University women’s soccer team came to Navarro to volunteer between games. “Now that was cool, seeing those girls take time off from training to help us out,” Frias said. “A lot of people are coming together and making a difference. It feels amazing because we live in a time where people criticize other people for who they are or what they’re doing or what they believe in. “But when people step through these doors, all that judgment, all those differences wash away, because we are here to help out people in need.” Rosenberg resident Benny DilHERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON worth packed his truck with wa- CHARLES FISCH, left, and Michael Alonzo fill a truck bed with donations at Navarro Middle School for victims ter, food, cleaning supplies and staying at Safari Texas. diapers to deliver to victims of the hurricane staying in Harris to help,” Dilworth said. Donations can be dropped off tions. County. “With everything we have,I between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at NaFrias said The Church will con“There are a lot of families in tinue to offer aid to the hurricane don’t see that happening for at varro Middle School, located at need who aren’t getting any relief victims until it runs out of dona- least a couple of weeks,” he said. 4700 Ave. N in Rosenberg. yet, and I wanted to do what I can

YOUR Success is My Goal Mamie George collecting for flood victims

FIND THE PERFECT FIT!

Diana Critelli

Catholic Charities assisted more both an information hub and donathan 1,300 individuals Thursday tion point for selected items. with basic necessities, referrals, Services include referrals for emergency funds and gift cards to Realtor® benefits and assistance, gift cards help them deal with the challenges for needs and counseling. caused by Hurricane Harvey. Catholic Charities will provide “Now that floodwaters are re- other support services as they are ceding, we are just beginning the able, but the immediate focus is to long, slow recovery process,” said assist individuals facing difficulCynthia N. Colbert, president and ties because of the storm. CEO. Donations of specific items will FaxCatholic Charities will serve as be welcomed at the relief centers

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listed below. Please check in advance for hours of operation. This weekend (Sept. 2-3), staff is available to receive donations at the main office at 2900 Louisiana, on a limited schedule. Most-needed items are: food, bottled water, canned goods, can opener: children’s items — diapers (all sizes), formula, school supplies (elementary through high school; cleaning supplies — bleach,

buckets, disk soap, laundry soap, mops, rags, rubber gloves, scrub sponges; toiletries – combs, female hygiene items, hairbrushes, shampoo, shaving cream, toothbrushes; household items — bath towels, kitchen towels, paper towel; miscellaneous items such as bras, socks, underwear, pet food, gift cards for grocery stores and gas stations. To donate, call the main office at 713-526-4611.

Monday, September 4, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Shelter: A temporary home in a time of disaster

At one point, 59 shelters opened in Fort Bend County, offering safety to almost 5,000 souls When Hurricane Harvey slammed into the Texas Gulf Coast last week, Herald reporter Diana Nguyen and her extended family moved in with family to escape rising water. Diana took time to visit one of the 59 shelters opened to hurricane victims. Here is what she saw.

BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

After Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast and made its disastrous way through Fort Bend County, sunshine slowly returned and the rainfall finally departed. Volunteers, coming from both unaffected and flooded homes, were present at the Gallery Furniture store in Richmond on Thursday to lend a helping hand in whichever way they could. Foster High School junior Breven Jackson, 16, heard about the need for volunteers through the news. “Where I live, right there by Highway 99 and Bellaire, our house was perfectly fine,” said Breven. “The only thing that was flooded was the streets. As soon as we were able to get out of our neighborhood, we came straight here. I’ve been here for about six hours.” Along with his younger brother and dad, Breven packed essentials like toiletries and paper towels for residents whose homes have been affected by Harvey. The people came across, he described, were easy to get along with. “Everyone back there, all the volunteers, I got to know them,” he said. “I got to meet a lot of nice people.” Inside the shelter sat an elderly woman by the name of Joyce Daugherty, along with her husband and two dogs. The family left their house in New Territory house Monday morning due to a mandatory evacuation. “We’ve been here since Monday. We heard about the evacuation Sunday night and at about 11 o’clock, we started working at our house and stayed up until 3:30 a.m. [moving] things upstairs,” Joyce recalled. “Then we started looking for a place to stay.” Joyce noted that some houses in her neighborhood were flooded. “They’re waiting for the levee to go down, or it’s going to go over the levee, which will make more houses flooded,” she said. “But if the levee breaks… That’s why it’s dangerous. We’re waiting to see if the Brazos Rivers is already out of its banks.” When the couple first arrived at the shelter, there wasn’t enough room, so they slept in the car.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

AFTER FACING the effects of Hurricane Harvey, New Territory resident Ivan Pidjirsky, 12, and his family sought shelter at Gallery Furniture in Richmond. Here, Ivan, with his dog Sirius, lies down on a mattress in the Green Room.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

FOSTER HIGH School junior Breven Jackson, 16, carries bags of toilet JOYCE DAUGHERTY of New Territory, with her Maltese Bandit, evacuated paper, hygiene products and paper towels to give out to those affected her home due to Hurricane Harvey’s overflow of rainfall in the Brazos Rivby Hurricane Harvey, while volunteering at the Gallery Furniture store in er, and sought shelter at the Gallery Furniture store in Richmond. Richmond.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

Joyce came in the next morning and spoke with a man who offered her his bed. “It was really cool,” she said. “So we put our pets in here. The dogs were so nervous.” She held up a fluffy, white Maltese. “This is little Bandit,” said Joyce. “It’s worked out. This is lovely. We cannot believe they brought in portable showers. They have everything. They have a cat room, a dog room, you cannot be hungry here. “The food is delicious. Different people from the community have brought in food. Everyone will go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable. It’s been wonderful.” Volunteer Christina Arca, a Pecan Grove resident and mom of two, shared that her house was listed under voluntary evacuation map. “I’ve been here since Monday and all around me was already red,” she said of the mandatory evacuation zone. “I was the only one that stayed yellow. “A few hours after I was here, everything turned mandatory. “Everyone has been wonderful. They had portable showers delivered by Monday evening. They had catered food brought in, the kitchen opened up the first Monday night, they had everything. “Monday night, they sent in 50 more mattresses and on Tuesday morning, they had breakfast brought in.” Christina noted that due to the hurricane, she hasn’t been able to go to work. “My boss is so generous, he paid us for the week,” she said. “They wired money to our accounts. “Today was supposed to be payday. We got our money yesterday. Some people are working from home.” Christina’s mom and one of Christina’s two daughters (the other daughter is safe at the University of St. Thomas) also stayed at the shelter. “My mom has been walking around with her walker, keeping herself busy, exploring a new place,” she said. “I told her, ‘Get your walk in, get your steps.’” And the kindness of the community seems to be endless. “A grooming person came,” Christina added. “She voluntarily showered and groomed the dogs. That made the dogs and the owners feel so much better.”

n Have your own flood story to share with our readers? Email us your journal at fbheral.com and we’ll share with the rest of our readers online at fbherald.com.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

FROM LEFT, Allie Mabrey, 13, sister Leann, 16, mom Karen, and Allie Kaiser, 24, volunteer at Gallery Furniture orga- VOLUNTEER PAT McGraw organizes bottles of water at the Gallery Furniture store in Richmond, which serves nizing hygiene products into gift bags to hand out to those whose homes have been affected by Hurricane Harvey. as a shelter for those displaced during Hurricane Harvey.

KOBE BADILLO happily helps the hurricane relief effort by unloading trucks filled with bottled water at Navarro Middle School in Rosenberg.

Fort Bend County residents turned out in droves to help neighbors and strangers alike after the hurricane. Got photos of your kids or students helping out? Email them to newsroom@fbherald. com and we’ll share them with our readers online at fbherald.com

AFTER EVACUATING their Rosenberg home due to Hurricane Harvey, Leo, Sarah and Helen Munoz were brought to a shelter in Richmond. They play with donated toys with other children.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 211

BREAKING NEWS!

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

Hurricane Harvey

Welcomed with open arms Texas National Guard sets up camp at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

TILMAN FERTITTA set to buy Houston Rockets; see

Good Afternoon Church unveils new name

On Sunday, Sept. 10, the Embassy Church (formerly First Assembly of God Rosenberg) is hosting Embassy Day. It is a day for the church family to gather together with members of the community to worship, connect with others, and enjoy a hot meal together. Hurricane Harvey has given us an opportunity to open our doors to our neighbors to offer prayer, a helping hand and cleaning supplies for flooded homes. Everyone is invited to come join the congregation for worship at 10:30 a.m. as the church unveils its new name to the community and celebrate afterwards with a meal together. The Embassy Church is located on 2512 Ave. N in Rosenberg. For more information, contact 281-342-3805.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

THE TEXAS National Guard, along with the Texas Task Force 1 and 2, have been stationed at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in order to carry out search and rescue efforts throughout the county due to Hurricane Harvey. Back row,

from left, are: Cpl. Ramirez, Sgt. Cook, Spc. Lucido, Spc. Newman, Lt. Culver, Spc. Dellvalle, Sgt. Sangster and Pfc. Rios. Front row, from left, are: Sgt. Molina, Pvt. Trevino, Lt. Pinon and and Spc. Rios.

Rows of sand-colored LMTVs (Light Medium Tactical Vehicles) and camouflaged humvees lined the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds parking lot on Saturday. Approximately 250 members of the Texas Task Force 1 and 2 and the Texas National Guard HAVE BEEN stationed at the fairgrounds to search for and rescue county residents affected by Hurricane Harvey’s flooding. “The military has the high-profile vehicles, we have the boats,” said Task Force 1 Assistant Leader Travis Maher, who has been with the force for 18 years and serves with the Austin Fire Department. “We work together to facilitate help for the locals.” The areas they served, Maher noted, included mainly Richmond-Rosenberg, Cinco Ranch, Greatwood, Pecan Grove, and Sienna Plantation neighborhoods. Maher explained the evacuation process of an urban search and rescue mission.

SEE TASK FORCE 1, PAGE 3

American Legion

American Legion Post 271 and Auxiliary will meet on Thursday, Sept. 7 at the Post Home 4520 Highway 36 South. Covered dish meal at 6:30 p.m. followed by meeting at 7:30 p.m. Call 281-341-9966 for more information.

Needville Harvest Festival

Needville Harvest Festival turkey, ham, dressing, and all the trimmings drive-thru dinner will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10, Proceeds will go toward scholarships. For meal tickets, call 713-254-1300.

Deadline extended

The 34th Annual Needville Harvest Festival Sponsorship has been extended due to the hurricane. Any business or individual interested in sponsoring the 2017 festival may call 281-468-9314. Deadline is Sept. 12.

Fort Bend Journal Not running away “Not all who turn their backs are running away.” — Swedish proverb

— BH

Around the Bend Rosenberg Mayor Bill Benton spotted at Home Depot on Monday... Richmond City Commissioner Barry Beard enjoying a meal at Jason’s Deli before heading to Houston and checking on his mom and helping jump start his father-in-law’s vehicle... Fort Bend County Road & Bridge workers Brent McCauley, Wes Bratton, Mark Fleck, Doug Kinard, Glen Zawhr and Ruben Zavala help transport a fallen Oak Tree in front of the county courthouse on Jackson and S. 5th Street in Richmond... Vanessa and Lance McClain, Elida Castillo, Kimberly, Frankie and Felipe Pena and George Ranch High School students Candace Hoang, Lexi McMillan, Catherine Phan volunteer their time organizing needed items at Common Threads by Jane Long Elementary School in Richmond...

n Mandatory, voluntary evacuation orders revised. Story, Page 8.

AUSTIN — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s request for Community Disaster Loan assistance for Texas localities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. That means Fort Bend County communities recovering from the storm can now receive funding to help maintain their operating budgets and continue their full operations while also focusing on rebuilding their communities. Abbott thanked FEMA for their quick response in helping these cities.

See page 8

Today’s Scripture Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13

Thought for Today “I am one of the people who love the why of things.” — Catherine the Great, Russian czarina (1729-1796)

86037 20032

“The quick and focused work of our federal partners in response to Hurricane Harvey has been essential to the recovery effort in Texas,” Abbott said. “These loans are critical to providing cities with the resources and flexibility to recover while still providing important services to the Texans in their communities. “I look forward to our continued work with the federal government and thank them for their help on behalf of the victims of this storm.”

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

TEXAS TASK Force 1 members, from left, John Nickles, Les Ward and Danny Watkins (holding the red frisbee), play a game of ultimate frisbee at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg on Saturday, after conducting about a week of search and rescue efforts due to Hurricane Harvey.

n St. Paul’s United Church of Christ is collecting pet supplies for lost pets. Story, Page 5.

n FEMA disaster recovery center opens at George R. Brown Convention Center. Story, Page 5.

Fort Bend County Hurricane schedules debris pick-up

It is important that residents abide by the debris sorting guidelines provided at http://fbceom.org/debris, county officials said. These guidelines include separating debris into categories, never using trash or plastic bags for this debris, placing debris piles at the curb or roads edge, and restrictions on county officials entering private property.

SEE DEBRIS, PAGE 5

Rosenberg council to set Downtown Rosenberg planning September events 2018 tax rate Tuesday

agleason@fbherald.com

Monica Sanchez-Oros, 32 Connie Lopez, 91 Jung Hun Youn, 43

n IRS offers tax relief to Hurricane Harvey victims in Fort Bend County. Story, Page 5.

Fort Bend County cities may apply for FEMA disaster loans

BY AVERIL GLEASON

Obituary

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

TEXAS NATIONAL Guard members Raul Mendoza and Hannah Wells take a water break after playing a game of ultimate frisbee in the hot sun. The Texas National Guard, along with the Texas Task Force 1 and 2, have been stationed at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in order to carry out search and rescue efforts throughout the county due to Hurricane Harvey.

The proposed 2018 fiscal year budget and supporting tax rate will be the main topics of the Rosenberg City Council meeting to be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall, 2110 Fourth St. Council members will consider adopting the proposed budget and tax rate (46.2 cents) for FY 2018. The proposed budget appropriates funds necessary to fund city operations, including water and wastewater operations, debt service obligations, special revenue fund operations and internal service fund operations. At an emergency city council meeting on Aug. 31, Police Chief Dallis Warren said that more than 250 homes in Rosenberg suffered water damage and at least 15 houses were confirmed flooded. Because of Hurricane Harvey and the resulting flood, city staff recommend that council authorize a temporary waiver of building permit fees for construction re-

pairs related to the storm. According to city staff, if approved, this will help minimize further hardship for the property owners that find it necessary to perform repairs and/or rehabilitate flood-damaged properties. The fee waiver would be effective for building-related permits applied for and issued from Sept. 1 of this year through Aug 31, 2018. In other business, council will consider taking action on roof repairs for City Hall and fence repairs for the police department. As discussed at the August workshop meeting, the City Hall roof replacement project has been removed from the FY 2018 proposed budget in order to find it from current year sales tax revenues, amounting to $300,000. Council has requested that the police department fence repair also be budgeted with the current year sales tax revenue, amounting to $36,000. Council members will consider ap-

SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 8

BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Live music, an art exhibit, and a fall fun fest highlight Rosenberg Main Street Program’s festivities for the month of September. The downtown-based program works to create events catering to residents of the area, according to Main Street Pro-

gram Manager Dan Kelleher. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is holding its fourth annual Fall Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 16. The museum is located at 1921 Ave. F. The theme for the fourth annual event is “May the Steam be with you.” The Houston Area Steampunks are

SEE DOWNTOWN, PAGE 8

Deputies investigate home invasion robbery in Tara subdivision The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a home-invasion style robbery case in the Richmond area. Around 11 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a residence in the 7000 block of Sharpsburg Drive in the Tara subdivision concerning the incident.

The initial report is that two black men carrying guns forced their way into the home and pistol whipped one of the residents. Detectives believe there was another person waiting in the getaway vehicle, a Cadillac.

SEE DEPUTIES, PAGE 8

NEWS 3 TASK FORCE: Texas National Guard, Texas A&M veterinarians camp at Fairgrounds

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “We have someone embedded in the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) when we get a call,” he said. “Or we’ll hear it on the radio if we don’t have any phone devices working. “They’ll give us an address. From here (the designated station), we’ll dispatch either a boat squad or a boat squad with high-profile vehicles. They’ll make their way to the incentive, the house or wherever, and they’ll boat to where it’s dry. “On the backside of it, we’re calling the EOC for transportation, whether it’s medical transportation like the ambulance, or a bus or a van to take those folks to a shelter. And then we’ll come back here.” Texas Task Force 1 member Juan Velez added that the forces are branched into separate squads. “There’s four squads, but each squad is divided up,” he said. “So they can send just two guys out depending on what the call is. “But if we’re going to search a whole neighborhood, they’ll send a whole squad out, which is roughly 11 people.” The squad always includes a dog handler and a hazardous materials (hazmat) member, Velez noted. “Those guys take care of us and make sure we decontaminate once we get back,” he said. “They have special sprays they put on us.” Velez, who is originally from San Antonio and has been on the force since 1997, pointed out the dangers of flooding waters. “We have to put on dry suits because the water’s contaminated,” Velez said. “Being in drysuits is extremely hot. It’s got rubber around the neck and the wrists. The feet have sealed booties. You zip it across your chest. “The only thing exposed is your face and your hands. You have to be real careful not to swallow water or get splashed in the face. If you do, you gotta clean up real quick. “There’s sewage in the water. This area is [a lot of] farmland and hydro products. You get a lot of animal feces, gasoline and oil.” After several days of flooding, Velez said the water becomes infected with animal carcases.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

Texas National Guard Sgt. Cook and Sgt. Molina slowly roll the wheel of a LMTV (Light Medium Tactical Vehicle) to flush out any water from the vehicle’s transmission.

“The water becomes very, very contaminated and dangerous as time goes by; you can start smelling it in the air,” he noted. “You just gotta be careful.” And it isn’t the Texas military forces’ first time serving Fort Bend County. Maher added that the force was stationed at the fairgrounds a year ago due to the Memorial Day flood. “We have responded to numerous, numerous hurricanes,” he said. “Hurricane Katrina, Ike, Gustav, Harvey, Rita, all of those kind of stand out. “We’re starting to make plans to go to Brazoria County, but we haven’t been released here yet.” After 10 days of being stationed in Fort Bend County, Maher is looking forward to returning home. “I have two boys and my wife at home, so I miss them a lot,” he shared. Once back in Austin, Maher plans to catch up on sleep and wrestle with his sons, Riley and Maddox, 10 and 13, and spend time with his wife and 1-and-a-halfyear-old black lab. The best part of his time serving? “Helping the people who need help in times of need, without a doubt,” said Maher. “People are very grateful,” added Velez. “You show up to their house and they start crying. They’re just happy to be [rescued]. It makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something. It’s a good feeling.” Along with the Texas National Guard and Task Force 1 and 2, members of the Wentzville and Mehville Fire Dept. from St. Louis, Missouri and a few from various states across the United States, also served Fort Bend County during Hurricane Harvey.

www.fbherald.com

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

Texas Task Force 2 US&R (Urban Search and Rescue) members Andrea Sutcliffe, on left, and Keri Grant, on Saturday, hold up two puppies sheltered at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in care by the Texas A&M University Veterinary Emergency Team.

Share your news and photos with us. Send stories & photos to newsroom@fbherald.com

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Kudos to Texas National Guard and the Texas Task Force 1 and 2 for searching and rescuing Fort Bend County residents during Hurricane Harvey.

Our View

Congress must tie Harvey aid to debt limit bill

ongress needs to combine a $7.9 billion disaster relief package for Harvey with a contentious increase in the nation’s borrowing limit, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says, arguing it is needed to ensure storm victims in Texas get the help they need. “The president and I believe that it should be tied to the Harvey funding,” Mnuchin said Sunday. “If Congress appropriates the money, but I don’t have the ability to borrow more money and pay for it, we’re not going to be able to get that money to the state. So, we need to put politics aside.” President Donald Trump visited storm-ravaged areas in Texas over the weekend, expressing hope for

speedy congressional action on Harvey aid. But some House conservatives are opposed to directly pairing disaster aid with an increase in the debt limit, saying it sends the wrong message on overall government spending. Democrats have also been cool to the approach. Linking the two issues could make it politically difficult for lawmakers to oppose the debt-limit bill. Trump plans to meet with congressional leaders from both parties this week as lawmakers return to Washington after their summer recess. The government’s cash reserves are running low because the debt limit has actually already been reached, and the Treasury Department is using various accounting measures to cover expenses.

The kindness of strangers

ever was I more proud to be a Texan than this past week. After Hurricane Harvey rapidly made its frightening way into southeast Texas, fear and panic began to slowly seep into people’s minds. Grocery stores and gas stations became flooded with customers. Diana Plans to Ngyuen evacuate and phone calls with worried voices were made. Others intended to remain cooped up in their homes for days. Hurricane Harvey was all over the news. As a journalist still busy with interviews and events to cover, I didn’t take the time to prepare with groceries and gallons of water or pause to conduct a game plan. My family group text messages were blowing up. My mom sent news links about the hurricane and urged my sisters and me to come home. ‘OK. If our house gets flooded, we’ll stay upstairs the whole time,’ I thought to myself. ‘But wait… Would that be dangerous? What if the crazy wind rips off the roof ?’ On Sunday night, while all I wanted to do was watch the season finale of “Game of Thrones,” it was preparation time! My sister, Christina, and I brought all our important belong-

ings upstairs, the vital documents like our birth certificates, photo albums, my laptop, camera, and loads of DVDS in fear of being damaged. In the pouring rain, Christina and I lined the doors with taped garbage bags to keep the water from entering and sacks of soil to weigh the bags down. We all slept in my mom’s room downstairs, for my mom was afraid the hurricane might hit our house. The water levels kept rising and rising. Our neighborhood streets and plants completely disappeared under the flooding waters. ‘This is it!’ I thought. I was ready to be holed up for the week. Come Monday afternoon, my mom started freaking out and refused to stay home. “We need to leave!” she yelled, stressing out. We weren’t sure who to call or who could help us out. After a series of phone calls, and my family stressing out, suddenly, we were saved by the bell! I opened the door to find volunteers from my neighborhood asking if we needed help. I was overwhelmed with emotion. I yelled out to my mom to let her know. I grabbed my backpack and packed my dog, Kina, in a tote bag to make her easier to carry. I looked at the two men at my doorstep. They were holding onto an air mattress. An air mattress! I found it humorous and inventive. As soon as I sat down on the air mattress, my shorts became completely soaked. But my main concern was my dog Kina. She was shivering and scared. I was a little worried about the house, my car,

and how or if I could get to work, but I had faith it would all be OK in the end. As we were carried out via air mattress by these beautiful strangers in the rain, they treaded deeper and deeper, eventually reaching chest deep water. All around us were neighbors evacuating. We boarded onto an LMTV filled with other people and dogs. I wish I could have given the helpers a hug. But with the rainfall increasing and residents in need of evacuating, it was ‘Go, go, go!’ time. Thankfully, my family and I made it out safely and stayed at my aunt’s place. Reflecting on it all, I feel so incredibly proud of humanity and grateful for the kindness of strangers, my friends’ and family’s well-being, everything. My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected. While Hurricane Harvey brought a great deal of suffering, loss and destruction in its wake, the kindness of good Samaritans and first responders never fall short. I can’t thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do. Hurricane Harvey is certainly a tale of trauma and devastation through what seemed like an endless storm. But it is also a greater story of kindness, love, courage and heroism. As we experience these crazy, unfortunate times, it’s always nice to know you’re not alone. Helping hands, open ears and an open heart go a long way. You can reach Diana Nguyen at diana.bt.nguyen@gmail.com.

Topic of discussion

South Korea, Russia talk missile testing WASHINGTON (AP) — South Korean President Moon Jaein has told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the United Nations Security Council should seriously review cutting off oil supplies to North Korea. In a 20-minute phone call with Putin, Moon also urged the U.N. Security Council to review measures to cut off sources of North Korea’s foreign currencies, including banning coun-

tries from importing North Korean workers. That’s according to a statement released by Moon’s presidential office. The office said Putin told Moon that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs threatening international peace and security, but emphasized finding a diplomatic solution. President Donald Trump has spoken with South Korean

President Moon Jae-in Monday for the first time since North Korea’s recent nuclear test. According to a statement from South Korea’s presidential office, Moon and Trump agreed to remove the limit on the payload of South Korean missiles in response to the North’s nuclear test. They also both agreed that the latest test was a grave provocation that was “unprecedented.”

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

FORT BEND HERALD

Fort Bend proud

A community that stands together triumphs

his community is again on the path to healing. It will be a long and frustrating journey, no doubt about it, but we will recover — especially considering how we’ve come together. The last time I found myself proud and in awe of this community’s ability to unite was during last year’s flood. Much like Marquita current conditions, that Griffin flood displaced people, destroyed property and devastated our sense of security. High waters crept into places in a way never seen before and people, including myself, were terrified. I teared up when I heard about the Brookshire couple that died in the flood waters. Although I did not know them personally, nor their family, I ached as if they were my own family, because despite our differences and even our disagreements, Fort Bend County is a family. We are at odds at times and we fight, just like any family, but when it matters we know how to come together no matter our

races, cultures, socioeconomic statuses and backgrounds. And this is the silver lining I choose to focus on. We have no control over nature or the hardships it can cause, but we have complete control over how we take care of one another. In his column that ran this past weekend, Bill Hartman said: “It was spiritually encouraging to hear the world ‘prayer’ spoken so often during the week. I hope we become re-addicted to our religious faiths.” I agree 100 percent. This recent experience was probably the first time I saw so many people start prayer chains online for Fort Bend, and I didn’t see one negative comment. When someone asked, “How can I help?” the suggestions came flying from all corners of the county. Whether it was a county organization or the woman down the street trying to collect clothing for a neighbor, people focused their energy on helping. Herald staff worked around the clock through the high waters, rough weather and power outages to ensure our readers and this community had the latest updates and the information they needed in efforts to regain that damaged sense of security. There were rescues by first responders and non-emergency personnel alike, food and cloth-

ing drives, and messages circulating on the web and social media, not just proclaiming that we will recover, but also detailing efforts to make it happen. It’s easy to post a catchy hashtag or meme that can be shared across the web; it’s another thing to put recovery efforts in motion. What makes me proud is that the people rallying to help are the same people now facing hardships. I know a few people whose homes were flooded and they lost so many valuables, but they are out there right now contributing to recovery efforts. This speaks volumes to our humanity, of our compassion. I finally ventured to a couple of stores the other day, and I could be imagining this, but everyone seemed a bit kinder, a bit more compassionate than usual. People smiled more and helped fellow shoppers reach items on a shelf they couldn’t reach. People were more patient and willing to wait on their fellow man. These may seem like slight actions, but sometimes the largest impact can be made by the smallest means. We will continue to take steps toward healing and I have no doubt that we will get there because a community that stands together, triumphs together. Reach Marquita Griffin at mgriffin@fbherald.com.

Outside View

Realistic choices must be made

hen summer ends and autumn begins, one tends to feel instinctively, if foolishly, that other things will end and begin, too. That’s certainly not true when it comes to America’s far-flung wars. When President Trump spoke recently on AfghaniGeorgia Ann stan, he positGeyer ed the choices we face in the war as essentially only two. We could suddenly withdraw, leaving the Middle East in utter chaos, or we could stay in for the long run, adding a small number of American troops and praying for a miracle (and thus also leaving the Middle East in chaos). I should say for the record that there was a third suggestion. Erik Prince, the former Navy SEAL and founder of Blackwater, the private security firm accused of crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, put forward the perfectly amazing idea of contracting a 5,000-man “mercenary” force for Afghanistan. But for some strange reason, the regular military men in the White House were not nice about the idea at all. Meanwhile, the president went so far as to say: “From now on, victory will have a clear definition. Attacking our enemies, obliterating

ISIS, crushing al-Qaida, preventing the Taliban from taking over Afghanistan and stopping mass terror attacks against America before they emerge.” So, fellow citizens, this is where we are — once again. Our leading military men say repeatedly that we can’t “win” in Afghanistan in any conventional sense of the word (and if anyone in Washington actually knows what “winning” would mean, that wisdom has not been shared with any of us). Perhaps London’s well-versed The Guardian headlined the situation best: “Afghanistan: unwinnable and unlosable.” But before we get too glum, allow me to suggest that there IS another alternative that is not nearly as crazy as Erik Prince’s. It is not an easy alternative, and it would not be a painless one for us, much less for the Afghans. But if it truly involved a change in our strategic thinking, it could, I believe, save us from incalculably painful mistakes in the future. Our problem, exemplified by the Afghan war, is that we are overextended as a nation. We have 800-plus military bases across the world. We have spent at least $1 trillion in Afghanistan, while we are 20 times that amount in debt. We talk about nation-building, but in truth, we are doing more nation-destroying. We claim at every turn to be the arbiter of the world, while we have forgotten how to keep our own cities safe.

This problem is to be found almost everywhere we look. The U.S. Navy has been involved in four — count them, FOUR! — accidents this year resulting in the tragic and unnecessary deaths of multiple American sailors in the Pacific and the South China Sea. The situation was considered so serious that U.S. Navy ships worldwide were ordered to pause their activity so the Navy could investigate whether ships are being overused and whether the deployable battle force, at 277 ships, is smaller than what is needed to meet demand. In short, our Navy is overextended. Yet the answer to such problems is always to somehow fund more military action, more demand, and never to pause and ask: “What is within our capacity?” Many immediately jumped into the discussion over Afghanistan, blaming the military. It is easy to say that it’s the generals who want war, but that is actually not true. Vietnam was created by civilians filled with ego after American victory in World War II. Iraq and Afghanistan were pushed by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who was ambitious to have “his” war, and by Vice President Dick Cheney and his group of civilian Pentagon “neocons,” who saw attacking Iraq as a means to defend Israel. Georgie Anne Geyer has been a foreign correspondent. She can be reached at gigi_geyer@juno.com.

Trump left politically damaged? WASHINGTON (AP) — After a summer of staff shake-ups and self-made crises, President Donald Trump is emerging politically damaged, personally agitated and continuing to buck at the confines of his office. For weeks, the West Wing has been upended by a reorganization that Trump has endorsed and, later, second-guessed, including his choice of retired Marine Gen. John Kelly as chief of staff. The president recently lashed out

at Kelly after a boisterous rally in Phoenix, an incident relayed by a person with knowledge of the matter. In private conversations, Trump has leveled indiscriminate and harsh criticism on the rest of his remaining team. Seven months into his tenure, Trump has yet to put his mark on any signature legislation and his approval ratings are sagging. Fellow Republicans have grown weary of his volatility, and Trump spent the summer

tangling with some of the same lawmakers he’ll need to work with in the coming weeks to pass a government funding bill, raise the country’s borrowing limit and make a difficult bid for tax overhaul legislation. “He’s in a weak position,” said Christopher Ruddy, the CEO of Newsmax and a longtime Trump friend. “A lot of the Republican establishment has not been supportive, his poll numbers are down.”

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Disaster recovery centers open in 4 Texas counties AUSTIN— Four state of Texas/ FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open: one in Jackson County in the city of Edna, one in Harris County in the city of Houston, one in Colorado County in the city of Columbus, and another in Fayette County in the city of La Grange. Disaster recovery centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in 32 counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration the State and other interests will be at the centers to talk about assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance in filing an application. The new centers are at these locations: n George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston n Cowboy Memorial Football Stadium, 1303 West Gayle St., Edna n Colorado County Services Facility, 305 Radio Lane, Columbus n Randolph Recreation-Activity Center, 653 East Pearl St., La Grange The U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance employees are committed to helping businesses and residents rebuild as quickly as possible. SBA representatives are available to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and help business owners and residents apply to SBA. Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. Centers have assistive technology equipment allowing disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision

loss. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms. If possible, homeowners, renters and businesses should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. Eligible residents may register for assistance the following ways: n Online at DisasterAssistance. gov. n Phone 800-621-3362 n Via the FEMA app, available for Apple and Android mobile devices. To download visit: fema.gov/ mobile-app. The following information is helpful when registering: n Address of the location where the damage occurred (pre-disaster address). n Current mailing address. n Current telephone number. n Insurance information. n Total household annual income. n Routing and account number for checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into a bank account). n A description of disaster-caused damage and losses. Disaster survivors can visit any of the centers for assistance. Locations of other recovery centers are online at www.fema.gov/ DRC. “Homeowners, renters and businesses in Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzalez, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Refugio, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Waller, Walker and Wharton may be eligible for help.”

DEBRIS: Pick up begins this week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Please put your debris as close to the curb and the sidewalk as you possibly can,” said Marc Grant, Fort Bend County’s debris management coordinator. “If you put it past the sidewalk, we cannot go on private property to pick up your debris. If you have more debris past the sidewalk we will pick up as much as we can and then we will have to come back once you’ve moved the rest of your debris to the curb line.” Grant said residents who have a roadside ditch in front of their property shoould follow similar guidelines but treat the ditch like they would the sidewalk. He said residents should place debris along the roadside so that it does not impede traffic or the flow of water in the bottom of the ditch. “Items that are on your private property side will not be picked up on the first trip through by our trucks, but we will return once you have moved the remaining debris

out to the roadside,” he explained. The restriction of the use of trash bags to contain the debris is something many residents may not know. Storm debris is compiled and processed differently than normal household garbage, and bagged storm debris will not be picked up by county debris removal trucks, Grant said. “If you have already placed debris at your roadside, please reference the guidelines at fbceom.org and remove trash bags from these debris piles,” he said. “It is also important not to park vehicles in locations that block our access to debris piles. If a vehicle is parked on a roadside in front of a debris pile, workers will have to move on and return at a later date to retrieve the debris.” Fort Bend County officials will be working hard for many weeks to collect and properly dispose of the Hurricane Harvey debris, Grant added. “We greatly appreciate your help in making this process a success.”

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

St. John’s collecting pet supplies St. John’s United Church of Christ, located at 1513 West St. in Rosenberg, is a pet supply drop off and distribution site. For information, you may call the church office at 281-342-5159. Please call between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon daily, Monday through Friday. The site is also available for supply drop offs on Sunday from 9-11 am. The site manager is Sandra Flarity, assisted by Cisco Kolkmeier. The church also has parking in the rear, located behind the church at Avenue M and Brazos Street. On Saturday, Sept. 2, six members of Rescuers Without Borders and rescue group MASA from Midland, Texas, delivered supplies to the site. The site is accepting needed supplies, such as cat and dog food, non-clumping kitty litter, litter pans, food bowls, carriers, wire collapsible crates, leashes, collars, toys, dog chew bones and treats. During their time in Fort Bend County, they have rescued several dogs for a trip back to Midland. The Fort Bend County and Rosenberg AC Shelter is overflowing, and many dogs and cats need rescue.

IRS offers tax relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey

Victims of the Hurricane Harvey may qualify for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service. The president has declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas. Following the recent disaster declaration for individual assistance issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the IRS announced today that affected taxpayers in Texas will receive tax relief. Individuals who reside or have a business in Fort Bend County, may qualify for tax relief. The declaration permits the IRS to postpone certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, certain deadlines falling on or after Aug. 23. and before Jan. 31, 2018, are granted additional time to file through Jan. 31, 2018. This includes taxpayers who had a valid extension to file their 2016 return that was due to run out on Oct. 16. It also includes the quarterly estimated income tax payment originally due on or after Aug. 23, and before Jan. 31, 2018, and the quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on or after Aug. 23 and Jan. 31, 2018. In addition, penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Aug. 23 and before Jan. 31, 2018, will be abated as long as the deposits were made by Jan. 31, 2018. If an affected taxpayer receives a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS that has an original or extended filing, payment or deposit due date that falls within the postponement period, the taxpayer should call the telephone number on the notice to have the IRS abate the penalty. The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers located in the covered disaster area and applies automatic filing and payment relief. Taxpayers considered to be af-

fected taxpayers eligible for the postponement of time to file returns, pay taxes and perform other time-sensitive acts are those taxpayers listed in Treas. Reg. § 301.7508A-1(d)(1), and include individuals who live, and businesses whose principal place of business is located, in the covered disaster area. Taxpayers not in the covered disaster area, but whose records necessary to meet a deadline listed in Treas. Reg. § 301.7508A-1(c) are in the covered disaster area, are also entitled to relief. In addition, all relief workers affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization assisting in the relief activities in the covered disaster area and any individual visiting the covered disaster area who was killed or injured as a result of the disaster are entitled to relief. Under section 7508A, the IRS gives affected taxpayers until Jan. 31, 2018, to file most tax returns (including individual, corporate, and estate and trust income tax returns; partnership returns, S corporation returns, and trust returns; estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax returns; and employment

and certain excise tax returns), that have either an original or extended

due date occurring on or after Aug. 23, 2017, and before Jan. 31, 2018.

1015 Frost St. • Rosenberg 77471 www.benfranklinplumbing.com

281-342-3086

TX Lic M13459

Water District Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The FIRST COLONY L.I.D. #2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on September 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm at 4330 Knightsbridge Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Your individual taxes may FIRST COLONYincrease L.I.D. #2 will hold a public hearing or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value on of a relationon to the change in taxable of all rate for theyour taxproperty yearin 2017 September 12, value 2017 at other 12:00 property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The prop tax pm a Knightsbridge Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Your individual tax increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value FOR the proposal: Ron Frerich and Christine M. Lukin your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all ot the proposal: None property and theAGAINST tax rate that is adopted. PRESENT and not voting: None Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in the U.S. ABSENT: Zach Weimer Ron Frerich andtaxes Christine Lukin The following table compares on an averageM. residence homestead in Mosquitoes bite day and night. FOR the proposal:

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use repellent cream on exposed skin.Treat clothing with permethrin spray .

Keep mosquitoes outside . Use screens on windows and doors . Use air conditioning .

Keep mosquitoesom fr laying eggs in standing water. Tip and toss containers that hold wate r.

AGAINST PRESENT ABSENT:

Use EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone .

this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

the proposal: None

Last Year

and not Totalvoting: tax rate (perNone $100 of value)

This Year

$ .20000/$100 $ .20000/$100 Adopted Proposed $ .00000/$100 Zach Difference Weimer in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) .00% Averagecompares appraised residence $ 464,305 $ 464,400 The following table taxeshomestead on anvalue average residence homeste General homestead exemptions available $ 0 $ 0 Cover cribs,taxing strollers this unit (excluding last year to taxes proposed on the average reside 65 years of age or older or and carriers with disabled person's exemptions) mosquito netting . homestead this year. Do not use repellent Average residence homestead taxable value $ 464,305 $ 464,400 on babies under two Tax on average residence homestead $ 928.61 $ 928.80 months. Do not use OLE Annual increase/decrease in taxes if or PMD on kids under three years . proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $ .19 $ .20000/$100 $ .2 Total tax rate (per $100 of value) and percentage of increase (+/-) .02%

Zika can be passed through sex with an infected person. Difference Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.

Last Year

Adopted

in rates NOTICE per $100 of value RIGHT TO ROLLBACK$ ELECTION .00000/$1 OF TAXPAYERS' Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than .00% percent, the homestead qualified votersvalue of the district by petition may For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika | www.texaszika.org Average appraisedeight residence $ 464,305 $ require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the General homesteadoperation exemptions available $ tax rate under 0 $ and maintenance tax rate to the rollback Section of 49.236(d), Waterolder Code. or (excluding 65 years age or 4520 Reading Rd., Ste A Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-238-3233 disabled person's exemptions) Bob Leared, Tax Assessor-Collector 713-932-9011 Average residence homestead taxable value $ 464,305 $

8 Obituaries

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

ballero-ryderfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home located at 722 Grillo Way, Rosenberg, TX. 281-238-4500.

Monica Sanchez -Oros Connie Lopez

Funeral services for Monica Sanchez-Oros, 32, of Rosenberg will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home. She is preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Rodriguez. Monica is survived by her husband, Juan Sanchez-Oros; children, Bobby Charles, Christopher Charles, Ivan Charles, Juan Sanchez; mother, Adela Jalomo Rodriguez; sisters, Josie Contreras, Frances Guerrero, Brenda Rodriguez and brother, Efrain Medel. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Caballero-Ryder Funeral Home. Tributes and words of condolences may be left for the Sanchez-Oros family at www.ca-

Funeral Services for Connie Lopez 91, of Rosenberg, Texas are pending with Hernandez Funeral Home 800 Fourth Street in Rosenberg.

Jung Hun Youn

Jung Hun Youn 43, of Sugar Land, Texas passed away August 29, 2017. He was born May 9, 1974 in Korea to Ikje Youn and Choonsil Jung. Visitation will be held Tuesday September 5, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Hernandez Funeral Home 800 Fourth Street in Rosenberg. Arrangements are under the direction of Hernandez Funeral Home 800 Fourth Street in Rosenberg.

COUNCIL: Meeting is Tuesday CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 pointing a replacement board member to the hotel occupancy tax evaluation committee. James Urbish is currently a member of the committee and the Rosenberg Planning Commission. However, according to city charter, a planning commissioner may not serve on any other city committees. Glenn Dresner and George Zepeda applied to serve on the

committee, and council members will appoint one of the applicants. The evaluation committee was established to review applications for the use of tax revenues to ensure the proposed projects meet the criteria. Other members of the evaluation committee are council members Lynn Moses and Alice Jozwiak, Rosenberg Development Corp. Vice President Allen Scopel and city staff representative Joyce Vasut.

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NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

County revises evacuation orders

Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert has changed the evacuation orders for some areas adjacent to the Barker Reservoir. Portions of neighborhoods below 98-foot elevation, or difficult to access due to high water in the roads accessing or within their neighborhood, are under a Mandatory evacuation with law enforcement discretion. When law enforcement deems these areas safe to reenter they may be present to ensure safety and security of these areas; locals should heed their orders. For information about recovery and safely returning to your home, visit http://fortbendrecovers.org/. Residents may check on the pool levels of the Barker Reservoir and reference the Fort Bend County LIDAR data to determine if water may be in their homes or

streets. Many neighborhoods adjacent to the Barker Reservoir area still have hazards present such as flooded roads, fallen trees, displaced animals, and standing water. Residents should use extreme caution when returning to their homes. If law enforcement deems the areas to be unsafe, they may restrict entry to these areas at the sheriff’s discretion. “The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office will do everything possible to allow people to get back into their homes.” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “Some danger still exists. If we let people into their neighborhoods, we want to be sure that everyone is safe. Please be patient.” Hebert thanked residents for their ongoing cooperation during

the storm and its aftermath. “I want to thank you for your cooperation during this tragic flooding incident,” he said. “This has been difficult for everyone affected, especially for those displaced from their homes. “Please let us know if you need assistance from the county in dealing with flood-related issues. We have resources and we are here to help.” Hebert has changed the evacuation orders for the following areas adjacent to the Barker Reservoir: Areas under mandatory evacuation with law enforcement discretion: n Canyon Gate Cinco Ranch, Section 1 - 8 n Cinco Ranch, Greenway Village, Section 11 (North of Windmill Bluff Lanen and east of and including lots along Hollow

Branch.) n Cinco Ranch, Greenway Village, Section 12 (Southeast of Pinebury Lane.) n Cinco Ranch, Southpark, Section 1 Residents who live in those areas are encouraged to visit the following web site to find if their property is included in the revised evacuation orders: http://fbcoem. org/map-for-evacuation-zones-mapa-de-zonas-de-evacuacion/. “For those in neighborhoods still under mandatory evacuations, please continue to honor the existing evacuation orders,” Hebert said. “We will let you know if and when it is safe for you to return home. Please monitor social media and the office of emergency management website for further updates on the flooding situation.”

DEPUTIES: 2 robbers sought DOWNTOWN: Events planned CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Two men from the residence got into a truck and chased the robbers’ vehicle. After a chase through the area, the truck crashed into the vehicle and the driver of the Cadillac jumped out of the car and left the area. Shortly after, that man was taken into custody by a Sheriff’s Office detective who was in the area. The robbers’ vehicle was stolen out of Houston. One man was wearing a green shirt and was described as being thin and tall. Besides the lime green shirt, he was wearing white boxers and had tattoos on his arms. The other man was wearing a washed-out brown shirt and blue jeans. He was described as shorter than the first robber and was heavier. Both men were wearing black ski masks. “Our detectives are working hard to ID these crooks,” said

Sheriff Troy Nehls. “Considering all the difficulties we’ve endured during the hurricane, these guys struck when our victims were not expecting an attack. If you have any information about these thugs, please call our Crime Stoppers TIPS line and get the reward money.” Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. n Call (281) 342-TIPS (8477) n Submit online: http://www. fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/ Information, which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn you up to $5,000 cash reward. All calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. n Visit Crime Stoppers on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/fortbendcountycrimestoppers for details on a new easy way to submit tips via the P3 Global Intel App.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 holding a “steam punk station,” which will include parasol dueling and croquet. Attractions will include live music by local musician Kayla Gulley, a Brazos Bend State Park exhibit, museum open house and exhibits, up-close views of trains from the rail fan observation deck, bounce houses, face painting, crafts and model train displays. Star Wars and steam punk themed costumes are encouraged. “Every year, the fest has a theme,” Rosenberg Railroad Museum President Greg Cauthen said. “This theme has a play on Star Wars, as well as steam locomotives. It’s a blend for lovers of trains and science fiction.” Admission is $8 for everyone 2 years and older. Admission is free for children under 2. More information and speed pass advance purchase tickets are available online at http://www.rosenber-

grrmuseum.org/fall-fun-fest/. When the railroad fun is over, patrons are invited to Robin Holley and Babs Wilson’s artist reception at BR Vino, 1917 Ave. G, from 5:307:30 p.m. on Saturday night. Another Time Soda Fountain, 800 Third St., will offer live music on Sept. 8. Cody Ray Henry is scheduled to perform from 6-8 p.m. On Sept. 13 and Sept. 27, BR Vino will hold its monthly bingo night. “About 40 to 50 guests attend every month,” BR Vino business owner Mike Mercado said. “It’s a big hit with work groups, and it’s nice for people to get together once a month.” Reservations for bingo night can be made by calling 832-595-2881. “Rosenberg Main Street Program is a coalition of volunteers who work in partnership to promote and improve downtown Rosenberg,” Kelleher said. “There will be lots of fun and exciting activities, entertainment and special events every weekend for the next few weeks.”

Hundreds of faces. Thousands of names. Year after year.

The Fort Bend Herald.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

1 shot dead, 4 in custody after Harris County police chase HOUSTON (AP) — Harris County sheriff’s officials say one woman has been shot and killed by a deputy and four people are in custody after a chase and gunfire that also involved federal marshals. Sheriff’s officials tell Houston TV station KTRK the shooting appears to be a road rage incident where people in a pickup truck directly drove into U.S. marshals as

they attempted to stop at a hotel in north Harris County. The deputy and marshals opened fire as the people in the truck fled, then chased the truck into an apartment complex where the driver tried again to slam into the officers. Deputies shot again and the woman was hit. The truck finally stopped at the back of the complex and the four people were taken into custody.

Floridians keep wary eye on Hurricane Irma, buying supplies Jackson and S. 5th Street

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

Fort Bend County Road & Bridge employees Wes Bratton and Brent McCauley check out the scene on S. 5th St. by the Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond, of a fallen Oak tree due to Hurricane Harvey.

Trump rescinding DACA program protecting young immigrants WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared the Obama administration’s program “an unconstitutional exercise of authority” that must be revoked. New applications will be halted for President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. in the form of

two-year, renewable work permits. “I’m here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded,” Sessions announced. But the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix — “should it choose to,” Sessions said — before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program. According to Department of Homeland Security officials, people with permits whose renewals are set to expire between now and March 5, 2018, will be able to re-apply — so long as their applications

are submitted by Oct. 5, 2017, one month from Tuesday. Trump had suggested in an earlier tweet that it would be up to Congress to ultimately decide the fate of the young immigrants, dubbed “Dreamers” in a reference to an earlier legislative effort. He tweeted, “Congress, get ready to do your job — DACA!” “Make no mistake, we are going to put the interest of AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST!” Trump added in a second, retweeted message. “The forgotten men & women will no longer be forgotten.” Sessions’ announcement came the same day as a deadline set by a group of Republican state officials who said they would chal-

lenge DACA in court unless the Trump administration rescinded the program. Administration officials argued the program might not hold up in court — and said that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would throw the program into chaos. Trump has spent months wrestling with what to do with DACA, which he slammed during his campaign as illegal “amnesty.” Many of his closest advisers, including Sessions, policy adviser Stephen Miller, and former chief strategist Steve Bannon argue that the program is unconstitutional and have urged Trump to follow through on his campaign promise to end it.

MIAMI (AP) — Floridians took advantage of the Labor Day holiday to empty many store shelves of drinking water and other supplies in advance of Hurricane Irma, which could affect the state by the weekend. By mid-day Monday, many grocery stores across South Florida had been emptied of bottled water and stores were hoping to restock beginning Tuesday morning. On Monday, Florida Gov. Rick

Scott declared a state of emergency for the state’s 67 counties to give local governments “ample time, resources and flexibility” to prepare for the storm. He also urged Floridians to stay vigilant and monitor weather conditions. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Hurricane Irma is a Category 4 storm, centered about 320 miles (515 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 14 mph (22 kph).

Haley lays out argument to say Iran not abiding nuclear deal WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s envoy to the United Nations is laying out the argument for the U.S. potentially declaring Iran in formal violation of the nuclear deal. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley says she doesn’t know what decision Trump will make on the Iran deal. She says it’s his decision alone. But Haley is detailing a litany of U.S. grievances against Iran and its Revolutionary Guard.

Don’t Wait. Communicate.

Make your emergency plan today. Visit Ready.gov/communicate

Many of the accusations took place before the nuclear deal was negotiated. Decertification would be a first step toward the Trump administration fulfilling its threat to pull out of the deal. But notably, Haley says if Trump does declare Iran in violation, that doesn’t necessarily mean the U.S. will withdraw from the deal. She’s leaving open the possibility that sanctions relief could remain.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 212

Keep up with our storm coverage on the Herald Facebook page!

www.fbherald.com

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

Hurricane Harvey

CLEANUP BEGINS

Visit fbherald.com

TODAY!

Good Afternoon Church unveils new name

The Embassy Church (formerly First Assembly of God Rosenberg), 2512 Ave. N in Rosenberg, is hosting Embassy Day on Sunday. Everyone is invited to come join the congregation for worship at 10:30 a.m. as the church unveils its new name to the community and celebrate afterwards with a meal For more information, contact 281-342-3805.

American Legion

American Legion Post 271 and Auxiliary will meet on Thursday at the Post Home 4520 SH 36 South. Covered dish meal at 6:30 p.m. followed by meeting at 7:30 p.m. Call 281-341-9966 for more information.

Needville Harvest Festival

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

VOLUNTEER BRYAN Moss, left, and Rosenberg homeowner Jessie Leandro, right, carry a china cabinet out of Leandro’s home on Monday. Leandro’s home took on about 2 feet of water from the overflow of the Brazos River.

Residents return to their flood-damaged homes

Needville Harvest Festival turkey, ham, dressing, and all the trimmings drive-thru dinner will be held on Sunday, Sept. 10, Proceeds will go toward scholarships. For meal tickets, call 713-254-1300.

Deadline extended

BY TYLER JOHNSON sjohnson@fbherald.com

Monthly dance

The Happy Cousins Dance Club will hosts its monthly dance on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 8-11:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 4520 SH 36, in Rosenberg. Al Sulak and The Country Sound will perform. For information, call 281-232-3531. The club will also take donations for Hurricane Harvey victims.

Fort Bend Journal One great thing “What great thing would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?” — Robert Schuller

— BH

Around the Bend Polly Ryon Middle School students Jasey Johnson, Kate Krafcheck, Molly Moore, Campbell elementary students Yvette Garza, Ava Campbell, Brook Billedo, Terry High School coaches Patrick Longstreet, Darnell Jackson, Nick Cavallo, Greg Jones, Beasley Elementary School teacher Amy Jones, Jane Long fourth-grader Matthew Moody, Smith Elementary School Principal Carla Thomas, PTO mom Kim Ashley, Ramon Torres, Robert Hodge, Terry junior Treshuan Marshall, sophomores Moses Alvarez and Ruperto Rodriguez volunteer their time helping victims of Hurricane Harvey...

Obituaries

Joe Edward Stransky, 87 Lavern Oakes Karen Kay Henson Earnest Wendt, 71 Bertha (Gonzalez) Villagomez, 91 See page 5

Today’s Scripture How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Thought for Today “We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality.” — Iris Murdoch, Anglo-Irish author and philosopher (1919-1999)

86037 20032

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

VOLUNTEER DAVID Tong, left, and Rosenberg homeowner Jessie Leandro, right, carry a damaged couch out of Leandro’s home on Monday. Leandro’s home sits about 50 yards away from the Brazos River. “I lost everything,” he said.

With his house only about 50 yards away from the Brazos River, Rosenberg resident Jessie Leandro knew everything in his home had been ruined by Hurricane Harvey and a record-high Brazos River last week. He also knew he had a lot of cleaning to do once the river receded. He’d need help. That much was certiain. On Monday, he got it. Nearly a dozen volunteers from Friends of North Rosenberg, a local Attack Poverty organization, helped Leandro remove couches, bookshelves, dishes, clothes, carpets, pictures and other furnishings from his home. “I lost everything,” Leandro said later Monday. “It messed me up real bad.” Leandro’s home took the worst of the storm on Tuesday, Aug. 29. His girlfriend Gloria, whose home in Fairchilds was also flooded, said his home took on about 2 feet of water. The Friends of North Rosenberg has been working diligently to find homeowners who were affected like Leandro. The volunteer group’s main goal right now is to assess the damage of their homes, figure out what the homeown-

SEE CLEANUP, PAGE 12

n Needville FCCLA members to hold collection drive for storm victims Thursday. Story, Page 3. n Chamber of Commerce collects items for victims. See list of drop-off sites, Page 8. n Pecan Grove first responders treated to meals, thanks to local business. Story, Page 8. n Museum, George Ranch Historical Park offer discount admission. Story, Page 8. n Hurricane and flood victims will need help to rebuild. You can help. See Our view, Page 4. n Lack of zoning contributed to human misery after historical flood. See Froma Harrop, Page 4. n City of Rosenberg lifts mandatory evacuation orders. Story, Page 3.

Texas Lt. Gov. Patrick visits Hurricane Irma slams Threads in Richmond Caribbean as Cat. 5 storm Common He also visited the county’s emergency operations ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (AP) — Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record force early Wednesday, its 185-mph winds shaking homes and flooding buildings on a chain of small islands along a path toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and a possible direct hit on South Florida. The strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever recorded passed almost di-

rectly over the island of Barbuda, causing widespread flooding and downing trees. France sent emergency food and water rations to the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity. The regional authority for Guadeloupe and neighboring islands said the fire station in Saint Barthelemy was flooded by more than 3 feet of water.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick joined state Sen. Joan Huffman at the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday afternoon. Patrick and Huffman then visited the Volunteer Disaster Recovery Center at Jane Long Elementary School in Richmond where Common Threads volunteers were helping victims of Hurricane Harvey. “They are another great example of

people coming together to help,” Patrick said. Patrick joined state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst and state Rep. Phil Stephenson and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in Wharton earlier in the day. They visited the emergency operations center in the hard-hit community. Last week, Kolkhorst visited Terry High School, which was serving as a shelter for hurricane and flood victims.

Library to hold annual Rosenberg council floored photo contest in September by cost of new city hall roof Theme: Capture Fort Bend County Fort Bend County Libraries is seeking entries for its “Capture Fort Bend County” Photography Contest in September. Amateur photographers of all skill levels are invited to enter original photographs that portray the culture, nature, people, and places of Fort Bend County — from hidden gems in our communities to favorite places and scenes around town.

Entries can be submitted at any of the libraries in the Fort Bend County library system beginning Sept. 5; the deadline for entries is Sept. 30. Prizes will be awarded for 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place entries. Winners will be announced at a special

SEE CONTEST, PAGE 9

BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Rosenberg City Hall is in the process of getting a new roof. The only problem is, some Rosenberg City Council members are not happy that the $300,000 allocated for the roof replacement project will be spent on building a flat roof. At the Tuesday city council meeting,

council members voted in favor of roof repairs for City Hall and fence repairs for the police department. “This is not the place for a flat roof, that’s for sure,” council member Alice Jozwiak said. “Maybe in some point in the future there would be a way to put a pitch on that roof, but that is going to take some money. Right now, that’s not in our budget.”

SEE ROSENBERG, PAGE 9

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Needville students collect supplies for storm victims

Needville High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) members are holding a school supply drive to help students affected by Hurricane Harvey. The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Needville High School. Here is the list of supplies the students will be collecting” n Pencils- My First Ticonderoga Pencils

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

MARY SUE Ferrell of Wharton donates a few bucks on Tuesday to Jes- joined the George Ranch High School Lariettes to collect gift cards and sica Loredo, a junior at Terry High School, left, and Meagan Gonzales, bedding for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Ferrell said she lost everything a sophomore at Terry. The Terry High School Rangerettes Dance Team she owned in the storm, but still wanted to help other flooding victims.

or #2 Pencils n Erasers- Pink erasers or large white erasers n Crayons- Box Crayola brand - 24 count n Markers- 8 ct. Crayola (Classic Primary Color) washable markers-broad tip n Scissors- Fiskars scissors 5 inch blunt edges, Fiskar pointed tip scissors 5”or 7” n Glue- 4 oz. or 8.oz. bottles of Elmer’s white school glue – No gel or 4 pack of glue sticks regular or jumbo n Folders- Plastic pocket folder without brads-red, blue, plastic pocket folder with brads – Blue, red, yellow, green n Plastic school box (No larger than 6 ½ “X 9”) or plastic school pouch n Roll of paper towels n Large box of facial tissues – 175 count, large boxes of Kleenex n 80 ct. baby wipes

n Box of Ziploc bags – 50 count– snack, sandwich or quart size n Box of Ziploc bags gallon bags n Backpacks – Standard Size (without wheels) n Red ink pens n Highlighters, fat yellow and pink desk style hi-liter, or pkg. of different color highlighter markers (4 count) yellow, green, blue, and pink n Crayola water color paint set n 12 count map pencils n Primary writing journals – Stage 3 – (Drawing space and Handwriting Lines) n Flashcards- addition flashcards 0-18, subtraction flashcard 0-18, multiplication flash cards 0-12, division flash cards 0-12 n 1” Binder w/clear view pockets or 1 ½” Binder w/clear view pockets n 1 Subject, wide rule spiral notebook n Wide rule composition notebook n Small pencil sharpeners n Plastic rulers with centimeter and inch markings n Package of dividers (8 tab) n 100, 150 or 200 ct. notebook paper – wide rule n Spiral notebooks – 100 ct. each (No dividers/wide rule) n 8 pocket poly organizer (can be found at Office Depot) and poly pocket folders with brads (1 blue, 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green) n Pkg. dry erase expo markers 4 ct. n Chisel point – bBlack n Pkg. dry erase expo markers 4 ct.

Rosenberg lifts mandatory evacuation orders citywide The city of Rosenberg lifted its mandatory evacuation orders on Sept. 5. The evacuation for the following areas is cancelled, effective immediately: n West Street and Mulcahy Street North of Avenue D n River Road area: All properties

North of River Road, adjacent to the river n North of the Brazos River: all properties North of the Brazos River within City limits n North Rosenberg: All properties East of 4th Street, North of Avenue B; all properties on 1st Street, North of Avenue D

Thank You! HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

GEORGE RANCH High School 10th-grader Selma Kidwai, with bucket, and Ashly Rodriguez, a senior at Terry High School, ask for donations from drivers in front of Target on Tuesday. About two dozen dancers from the Rangerettes and Lariettes collected gift cards and bedding for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

FOSTER HIGH School JV boys basketball coach Brian Henry donates a $15 gift card to Johana Romera, a senior at Terry High School, and George Ranch High School ninth-grader Sophia Martin, center, in front of Target on Tuesday. Their dance teams collected gift cards and bedding for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

A HUGE Thank You to St. Jude For Keeping Me Safe —Joyce Beyer

Houston MetHodist urology AssociAtes WelcoMes dr. MArtinez And dr. srikisHen Houston Methodist Urology Associates is pleased to welcome Laura Martinez, MD, and Neel Srikishen, MD, to the new practice located on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. Houston Methodist Urology Associates is a group of physicians dedicated to the treatment of the entire genital and urinary tract. Combining clinical expertise with advanced technology, the practice treats the following conditions: • Bladder disease

• Infertility

• Erectile dysfunction

• Kidney stones

• Female urology

• Prostate issues

• Incontinence

• Urologic cancers

To schedule an appointment, call 281.746.6611 or visit houstonmethodist.org/spg to learn more about the practice. Dr. Laura Laura Martinez Martinez Dr.

Dr.Neel NeelSrikishen Srikishen Dr.

16659 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building 2 Suite 265 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281.746.6611

houstonmethodist.org/spg

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Thanks to Texas Roadhouse and Hartz Chicken Buffet in Rosenberg for feeding hundreds of first responders early this week.

Our View

Harvey is gone; misery remains

urricane Harvey is long gone, and the Brazos River continues to recede. Many of us can breathe a sigh of relief. Others of us cannot. Some Fort Bend County residents are just now returning to their flooded homes. They’re finding everything they own ruined. Couches, beds, chairs, tables, rugs, carpets, lamps, toys, clothing, chests of drawers — even irreplaceable photographs, scrapbooks and other heirlooms — are being thrown away. Some may even lose their vehicles, the only way they have of getting to work and feeding themselves and their families. Sadly, many of these people don’t have the means to replace their belongings. It will take them months or years to get back to the life they used to know. Just cleaning out the stinky brown Brazos River mud that seeped in every

opening and between walls will require a monumental effort. Yet others will suffer a worse fate: They will lose their entire home to the hurricane and the subsequent river rise. Bulldozers, pry bars and sledge hammers will demolish many of these homes in the months to come. These poor souls will start rebuilding their lives from the ground up. The state and federal government will help many victims recover from the historic flood. And nonprofit groups will provide clothing, food, bedding and other necessities. They’ll also get help from a caring community. If you have extra cash on hand, why not donate a gift card, cleaning supplies or even money to these agencies? Or grab a mop or broom and head to the river’s edge and see who needs help. It’ll be appreciated and make a big difference in someone’s life.

FORT BEND HERALD

Maria’s turning 17

The best sister I never wanted... kidding

remember exactly where I was when my mom told me she was pregnant. She was getting ready in the bathroom of our old house when she asked me how I would feel about having a little brothAveril er or sister. Gleason I didn’t care, really. As long as that thing growing inside my mom was a girl. And lucky for me, she was. I had just turned 6 when Maria Consuelo Gleason was born on Sept. 6, 2000. Alternatively, Sept. 6 was the day my life was ruined. Or so it seemed. For six glorious years, all eyes had been on me. I was famous among friends and family. An icon, if you will. I brought light to everyone’s lives I touched. And then Maria came along. My infant sister was an unintentional attention hog and I hat-

uct of its freeway-driven sprawl and no zoning. “The once-depopulating Fifth Ward,” he wrote approvingly, “has seen a surge of new housing — much of it for middle-income African-Americans.” That was pre-Harvey. Last week, Fifth Ward residents found themselves waist-deep in water, their possessions ruined. Now they fear that nearby industrial sites may be leaking toxic compounds into the mix. Kotkin’s Center for Opportunity Urbanism now blames the area’s clay soil (doesn’t absorb water well) and flatness (doesn’t drain well) for much of the flooding. Well, isn’t that all the more reason to preserve wetlands and pave less? The constant carping at expensive coastal cities tends to ignore that their land areas are hemmed in by major bodies of water. Houston could grow and grow into the limitless Texas plains. The Atlantic Ocean curbs New York’s sprawl. The Pacific limits San Francisco’s. In praising the Houston way, Kotkin points out that the average one-bedroom home rents for 60 percent less in Houston than in San Jose, California. It’s odd how free-marketeers often ignore free markets. The cost of housing is high in San Jose because lots of people want to live there. It’s a supply and demand thing. Some people consider long commutes in heavy traffic a fair trade for more square footage. Others

want a walkable environment ensured by urban planning and are obviously willing to pay for the privilege. It’s a free country. Conservatives unwilling to seriously confront climate change are trying to avoid evidence of its role in the Houston calamity. The Wall Street Journal fights the notion, widely shared by leading climatologists, that global warming has made storms like Harvey fiercer. “No amount of flood control could have prevented damage from a once-in-500-years storm,” an editorial said. Perhaps true, but Harvey was Houston’s third 500-year flood in three years. Something’s happening up there, ya think? Of course, all debates on Houston’s affordability must now be conducted in the past tense. With an estimated 60,000 housing units no longer viable, rents are sure to rise. Furthermore, the “affordable” housing seems to have suffered far more in the floods than the luxury buildings. Another risk is that taxpayer hearts will harden toward the National Flood Insurance Program. In the wake of Katrina, Sandy and now Harvey, this subsidy for homeowners who live in floodprone places has come under increasing attack. Serious reform would place the risks more squarely on the owners of vulnerable properties. Froma Harrop can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com.

Your View

Hurricane victim thanks city My husband, two dogs, and my bearded dragon were under mandatory evacuation in Sienna Plantation in Missouri City and sent to a shelter in Richmond. We stopped a policeman in Sugar Land to get an address for the shelter. We made our way there and what a response from the people of Richmond! Limited bedding and only

snacks but water and more importantly great compassion and caring by all of the volunteers. By day 1 and a half, the food was in abundance, and there was clothing, water, and everything you could need. A volunteer drove back to her house to get a heating pad for my reptile. It kept him alive.

It might not have been important for a lot of people but he is my pet and she cared that it was a pet. I have never experienced such compassion from strangers. Extraordinary! Thank you, Richmond, you have the Texas spirit Charise Miltenberger Missouri City

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

up for as a sister, but more importantly, I had to mend our friendship. And then one day, I woke up and things were different. I wasn’t sure what had happened, but Maria and I were friends again. I mean, kind of. We went shopping and worked out together and although things weren’t back to normal, they weren’t unbearably bad anymore. Today, Maria is 17. She’s smart and funny and has a little bit of a temper on her when she gets hungry, but you know what? I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else in the world. Maria has the ability to light up a room (almost as bright as I do) without even trying. While she is a woman of few words, when she does choose to speak she is quick-witted and smart. She’s cute, she’s fun, she’s young and she’s my new best friend. Maria, I hope you have a bangin’ birthday. You deserve it. Reach Averil Gleason at agleason@fbherald.com.

Outside View

The price rises on Houston’s housing s the floodwaters recede, much of Houston’s famously “affordable” housing may seem less of a bargain. We’re not just talking about rising rents, inevitable with so many units destroyed. We are talking about the emotional cost of having to move in with friends, rebuild and buy new furniture more than once in a lifetime. Floods have been a regular occurrence in Houston, but the city’s lack of zoning and sloppy landuse practices made matters worse. Developers had Froma covered land Harrop that could absorb water and built willy-nilly in floodplains. The disaster in Houston has put many conservatives on the defensive. Houston was their urban model. Developers could put almost anything anywhere, which lowered the cost of living. By unfavorable comparison, “elite” coastal cities that regulate development have relatively high housing costs. But it’s an extreme creed that portrays regulation as the enemy of investment. In the real world, smart regulation can protect investments. Libertarian Joel Kotkin has long touted Houston as “America’s Opportunity City” — the prod-

ed her for that. After learning that sharing also takes place outside of the classroom, I came to terms with my weasel of a sister. And don’t get me wrong, I love her. But until last year, I didn’t even really like her. It wasn’t her fault. I moved away to college when she was 12 and I didn’t return until she was nearly 16. In those years that I was gone, Maria totally changed. Adolescence took charge, and as she grew, she didn’t leave a space for me in her life. So when I got moved home after college, it was like the roles were reversed. Maria was the star of the show at home, and I was the weasel stealing the show. It took time. Like, a lot of time before Maria and I were on good terms again. Snide remarks and ugly looks were the only things we exchanged for months. I was 100 percent ready to be part of Maria’s life again, but I had to wait. I had years of her life to make

Harvey Provides Teaching Moments

‘D

og catches car.” That may be happening in the nation’s capitol, and in the Texas capitol, where Republicans control the legislative and executive branches of government. Or, in the sobering wake of Hurricane Harvey, they may have caught the bus. Hurricane Harvey, being described as the biggest natural catastrophe in US history, will be a test of how federal and state governments will deal with all the rebuilding and refurbishment, and rethinking of infrastructure planning to Dave reduce damMcNeely age in future calamities. All the volunteer efforts to help rescue, evacuate, transport and provide temporary shelter for flood victims – many whose homes were badly damaged or destroyed by Harvey’s wind and rain – has been heart-warming and impressive. And in addition to an impressively large number of efforts by individuals, churches and other organizations, other governments have pitched in. For instance, Austin’s police department sent 51 officers to Houston on a bus, to pair up in patrol cars with Houston officers

to ease some of the burden on the city’s strapped police department. Williamson and Travis Counties sent water rescue teams. And so on, from around Texas and the nation. School officials outside the flood zones invited refugee schoolage kids to attend classes at their schools, while the refugees wait weeks or months before they can return home. But rehabilitating all those homes, plus roads and streets and simply hauling off trash, is going to be an enormous challenge, and require a lot of time, effort, and money. The Republicans’ control of the levers of government in Washington and Austin essentially means that they own Harvey. While Democrats will certainly help, the ultimate responsibility to provide services, rather than just cutting taxes and services willy-nilly, rests with the Republicans. In the process, they may learn lessons from challenges in several different areas. Flood Control. Houston’s tradition of avoiding zoning is going to come into question like never before. There will be questions aplenty about rebuilding in flood-prone areas without significant changes, like requiring houses to be elevated, like many buildings along the coast. There will be some areas where rebuilding won’t be allowed – or at least shouldn’t be. Flood Insurance, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There proba-

bly will be new consideration of funding and requirements for flood insurance. Estimates are that about three-fourths of the flooded houses didn’t have it. Also, the administration of President Donald Trump may have to re-think its proposed budget cuts to programs for federal preparedness for and response to such disasters, that were added after the slow response to Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of New Orleans in 2005. Cuts are proposed for FEMA; the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which helps rebuild hospitals, community centers, homes and parks; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which helps prepare coastal resident for potential disasters; and the National Weather Service (NWS), which helps forecast huge storms. Emergency Federal Funding. Trump has asked Congress for $7.85 billion as immediate federal aid to begin Harvet recovery efforts. But Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called that a “down payment.” Abbott estimated the eventual cost could be between $150 billion and $180 billion – significantly more than the cost of either Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans in 2005, or Hurricane Sandy that hit New Jersey and several East Coast states in 2012. Alternatives to using the Rainy Day Fund. Reach Dave McNeely at davemcneely111@gmail.com.

Bernie Sanders criticizes end to Dreamers program

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday called President Donald Trump’s reported decision to end a program that grants temporary legal status to people who were brought to the United States illegally as children “one of the most cruel and ugly” decisions by a modern president. In a Labor Day speech to members of the New Hampshire AFLCIO in Manchester, Sanders said it was the job of union members

to bring people together and stand with those affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, and the people of Houston who lost their homes in flooding from Hurricane Harvey. “Imagine telling 800,000 young people, bright young people, exemplary young people ... that they are going to lose their legal protections,” Sanders, an independent who ran for president as a Democrat, said to the estimated 350 union members and activists at the

St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. “So I say to the United States Congress: If Trump goes ahead with his very, very cruel decision, our job is to pass legislation to protect the young DACA people and to make that program permanent.” There are an estimated 800,000 immigrants, nicknamed Dreamers, who are part of the DACA program. Trump, a Republican, is expected to announce on Tuesday that he’s going to end the program with a six-month delay.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

GOT NEWS?

SHARE IT WITH US! If you see news in the making, send your news and photos to us at newsroom@fbherald.com

FEED THE GROUP FAMILY TENDER

40 Tenders.....................$44.00 100 Tenders.................$110.00 150 Tenders.................$165.00 250 Tenders.................$275.00

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Cabbage.........................$15.99 Pinto Beans & Rice...........$23.99 Mac & Cheese..................$25.99

CASSEROLES – FAMILY SIZE

Approx. Servings 24 Cornbread Dressing........$23.99 Broccoli, Rice & Cheese...$25.99 Chicken & Dumplings.......$25.99

DESSERT – FAMILY SIZE

Approx. Servings 15 Peach Cobbler.................$23.99 Bread Pudding................$23.99 Banana Pudding..............$23.99

A kind gesture Pecan Grove firefighters and first responders stand with Kevin and Jennifer Gibbs, center, who treated the public servants to a free meal at Belin Park in Pecan Grove. The couple owns The Moonwalk Man. They inflated their moonwalks and slides for the first responders’ children to play on during

MISC. ITEMS

20 Tejas Wings & 4 Rolls...$15.49 20 pcs Fish & 6 Rolls.........$25.99 5 dz Gizzards or Livers.....$14.99

the fete. From left are Larry Danna, Chief Joe Woolley, Jacob Martin, Kevin and Jennifer Gibbs, Eric Orem, Jesse Woolley, Denise Davis, Jason Sweatt, Jarrod Vontz, and Milton Dinges. The Gibbs were planning a vacation to Mexico but decided to spend the money on the first responders instead.

Museum, historical park offer discount admission

VEGETABLES – FAMILY SIZE

Approx. Servings 24 Mashed Potatoes & Gravy...$18.99 Coleslaw, Green Beans, Corn...$18.99 Potato Salad...................$23.99 Rice Only........................$15.99

HARTZ CHICKEN #135 • 1106 First Street • Rosenberg, TX 77471 • 281-342-7570

ALL YOU CAN EAT • CONVENIENT DRIVE THRU • DELICIOUS FOOD

The Fort Bend Museum and George Ranch Historical Park have reopened to the public on Wednesday. As a benefit to the community, the Museum will offer free admission and the park will offer half-price admission through Saturday. “After nearly two weeks of dealing with the stress and trauma of the storm, people need a place to go have a break and take their minds off the destruction,” said Fort Bend History Association Executive Director Claire Rogers. “We invite the community to bring their whole family to the Museum or Park this week and enjoy a Texas history experience on us.” In addition to free admission,

the Museum will also have special activity stations set up for children on Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. “Children can spend the morning playing Victorian games, making crafts and taking part in 1800s chores that include churning butter, grinding corn and washing clothes,” said Museum Site Manager Ana Alicia Estrada. Tours of the Long-Smith Cottage and 1883 John and Lottie Moore Home will also be available, along with a showing ofthe film “Night at the Museum,” she said. Like thousands of others all across the Houston area, several of the Fort Bend History Association’s structures sustained damage during the storm, including a ceiling in the Museum’s 1883 John

and Lottie Moore Home and the Park’s Visitor Center, which was flooded with eight inches of water. All of the other historic homes, artifacts and livestock are safe, Rogers said. “We’ve been damaged, but we’re not down,” she said. “It could have been much worse, and we’re grateful to be able to re-open this quickly.” A temporary Visitor Center will be set up in the Programs Office at the George Ranch Historical Park until repairs can be made. Temporary signage has been set up to direct visitors to the new location; the rest of the Park experience will not be affected. This Saturday’s historic lunch will take place as planned at the Park’s 1830s Jones Stock Farm site; the menu includes candied

pork belly, venison and pork smoked sausage, pinto beans and fatback, dandelion greens with potatoes and onions, cornbread and blackberry shortbread with cream. The meal will take place at 12:30 p.m. and costs $14 for adults and children 13+, $13 for seniors (62+), $11 for children ages five to 12 and $4 for children four and under. Members of the Fort Bend History Association will receive a discount on the meal price. Reservations for the meal can be made online at https://www. georgeranch.org/event/saturdaylunch-1830s-jones-stock-farm/ or by calling 281-343-0218. Proceeds from the park’s activities benefit the History Association.

Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce members collecting items for storm victims

The Central Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is collecting supplies for hurricane/flood victims. “As we work through the tremendous and sometimes overwhelming tasks of putting our community back together, we must all remain mindful that it is life’s challenges and how we meet them that define us,” Regina Morales, president of the chamber told members in an email on Tuesday. “The Fort Bend community’s giving heart makes us a stronger and closer community with each adversity.” Current chamber businesses serving as dropoff and pickup

points are: n Block House Coffee — 611 Jackson St., Richmond, Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. n Central Fort Bend Chamber — 4120 Ave. H, Rosenberg. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. n FastSigns — 28000 U.S. 59, Suite H-1, Rosenberg. Open Monday-Friday. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. n Safari Texas — 11627 FM 1464 Road, Richmond. Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Donations: Drop off donations from the list below to the Old TSC Location; 1400 FM 2218, Rosenberg: Absolutely no clothes will be accepted.

The following specific items are needed: n Nonperishable foods — canned goods/boxed foods such as macaroni amd cheese, individual cereal n Bottle water n Gatorade n Plastic ware/cups/ paper plates n Plastic to go containers n Can openers n Hygiene items n Diapers — all sizes n Wipes/baby formula n Pet kennels/ pet food n Gallon Ziploc bags n Black trash bags n Cleaning supplies n Gloves/masks n Shovels

n Brooms n Buckets n Bug spray n Bleach n Fans n Boxes “Fort Bend is one of the most giving and helpful counties,” Morales said. “The outpouring of support for those devastated by the Harvey floods, is awe inspiring. “Our ability to help so many through our partnership with The Church continues and the following locations are setup as points of pickup for flood victim families in need of assistance through the end of this week.”

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Back row, from left, are Bo Langdon, Kelsey Kuhrt, Ashton Langdon, Keith Beck and Darwin Enax. Kneeling in front, from left, are Patrick Flarity, Tammy Horton, Crystal Carson, and Ashley Bonds.

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St. John’s United Church of Christ, located at 1513 West St. in Rosenberg, is a pet supply drop off and distribution site. For information, you may call the church office at 281-342-5159. Please call between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon daily, Monday through Friday. The site is also available for supply drop offs on Sunday from 9-11 am. The site manager is Sandra Flarity, assisted by Cisco Kolkmeier. The church also has parking in the rear, located behind the church at Avenue M and Brazos Street. On Saturday, Sept. 2, six members of Rescuers Without Borders and rescue group MASA from Midland, Texas, delivered supplies to the site. The site is accepting needed supplies, such as cat and dog food, non-clumping kitty litter, litter pans, food bowls, carriers, wire collapsible crates, leashes, collars, toys, dog chew bones and treats. During their time in Fort Bend County, they have rescued several dogs for a trip back to Midland. The Fort Bend County and Rosenberg AC Shelter is overflowing, and many dogs and cats need

Employees may donate vacation leave to victims

The Internal Revenue Service has announced special tax relief designed to support leave-based donation programs to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey. Under these programs, employees may forgo their vacation, sick or personal leave in exchange for cash payments the employer makes, before Jan. 1, 2019, to charitable organizations providing relief for the victims of this disaster. Under this special relief, the donated leave will not be included in the income or wages of the employees. Employers will be permitted to deduct the cash payments as business expenses.

BUSINESS CLEAN UP: Rosenberg flood victms return to find flooded homes, ruined belongings

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

Brazos Bend State Park extends closure provide public access to the park headquarters for information purposes only as soon as it is safe to allow traffic to that point. He re-iterated that no picnicking nor any form of day-use recreation would be possible until the park re-opens later in the fall. “I cancelled all incoming reservations through Oct. 4,” Bishop added. “At this point, I do not think that re-opening on Oct. 5 is realistic. However, we will need to to conduct a preliminary damage assessment before we make a wise decision about what is realistic and appropriate for a re-opening date.” Brazos Bend State Park is a

Brazos Bend State Park extended its closure to public use because of impacts from Hurricane Harvey and historic flooding. “The flooding that followed Hurricane Harvey crested at 52.67 feet at the FM 1462 gauge in Rosharon. That is the highest level flood recorded at that gauge since the 1957 floods,” said Park Superintendent Chris Bishop, Although floodwaters are receding, there is still water between the entrance and park headquarters and between the Park Headquarters and the interior of the park, Bishop reported. He said that the staff would

5,000-acre parcel of public land managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to conserve natural and cultural resources, provide recreational and educational opportunities, and foster an understanding of the diversity of Texas’ lands and heritage for all generations. For more information about Brazos Bend State Park or this release, please contact Chris Bishop, (979) 553-5101, or email Bishop at christopher.bishop@ tpwd.texas.gov. Or, visit www.brazosbend.org or Texas Parks & Wildlife on the web at www.tpwd.state.tx.us, or join the park’s Facebook fan site.

Your source for local news: fbherald.com HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

ROSENBERG HOMEOWNER Jessie Leandro, left, and Friends of North Rosenberg volunteer Bryan Moss, right, carry out a bookshelf to the garbage on Monday. “I just bought that bookshelf,” Leandro said. “I never even got a chance to use it.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 er’s immediate needs are and additional needs moving forward in the recovery phase. “Sadly, some of the areas that have been affected were affected 15 months ago during the 2016 Memorial Day Flood,” Initiative Director Rose Pickens said. “We’ve been through this whole process before and we will continue to be there moving forward as (homeowners) return their damaged homes.” Homes that were affected most by severe flooding are located north of Avenue A in Rosenberg and along the gully of the Brazos River, which runs down Sixth Street. Currently, Friends of Rosenberg has three teams mobilized, with one of them already starting the “Muck and Gut” process at Leandro’s home on Seventh Street. The “Muck and Gut” process is the removal of all furniture, debris and damaged sheetrock and

flooring. Most of the volunteers helping with Leandro’s home are from River Pointe Community Church in Richmond. “It’s sad,” River Pointe member and volunteer Bryan Moss said. “Mr. Leandro lives so close to the river so it’s going to take him even longer to recover.” Moss and his daughter Olivia said they were more than willing to help people in this time of need. “It’s what Jesus would’ve done,” Moss said. Volunteer Remi Asade and her son Tobi carried boxes of wet and dirty clothes out to the road where they were dumping all of Leandro’s damaged belongings. “I’m just serving God,” Asade said, pointing to the sky. “I’m just trying to be a light in the darkness.” Friends of North Rosenberg are working with other organizations and churches, like River Pointe, to continue the “Muck

and Gut” process on Tuesday. Pickens said she is hoping to have 20-30 teams in the North Rosenberg region within the next few weeks. Friends of North Rosenberg will be sending teams out to the 100 Block of Eighth Street on Tuesday. Over the next few days, Friends of North Rosenberg will branch out to the Cumings Road area as soon as they receive clearance from Fort Bend County emergency officials. Persons interested in volunteering should contact the Friends of North Rosenberg office, 503 3rd St. in Rosenberg, or call them at (832) 471-6090. Aspiring volunteers can also contact the group through its Facebook page. “We know it’s going to take at least six months to a year in some cases just so homeowners can return to their homes,” Pickens said. “Friends of North Rosenberg are in it for the long haul.”

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

VOLUNTEER FROM Friends of North Rosenberg and River Pointe sets up a couple of fans to help air out a damaged home in Rosenberg. Note the high water mark on the wall.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 213

INSIDE 2017

FOOTBALL

Preview

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

Hurricane Harvey

“They come in and they’re just exhausted. They’ve been in that nasty water, and to be able to go in and get clean makes them feel like a human again.” — Cindy Peterson, Texas Baptist Men volunteer

Brown returns to lead Mustangs Lamar Consolidated

Anthony takes over Rangers

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swilley@fbherald.com

’Horns ready to leave new legacy George Ranch

Beta testing the Chargers Fulshear

The Judge Jodie Stavinoha Bridge on TX 99 over the Brazos River was reopened to traffic on Wednesday. The bridge, located on the Grand Parkway near New Territory, has one lane open to traffic in each direction. At this time, tolls are still waived on Fort Bend County toll roads so that motorists may get around flooded roadways or traffic resulting from some of the still-flooded routes through the region. The bridge had been under repair but was closed shortly after Hurricane Harvey struck the area on Friday, Aug. 25, because engineers could not determine if its supports had moved. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert told reporters on Thursday, Aug. 31, that the bridge would not be reopened

Blue Jays seek return to playoffs Needville

Cougars hungry for more Brazos

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Stavinoha Bridge reopened to traffic BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

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until flood waters receded enough to allow engineers to determine whether the bridge was structurally safe. Hebert said the bridge could collapse into the Brazos, which reached a record-high 55.1 feet on Friday. If the bridge remained intact, Hebert said it could be closed for up to two years for repairs. Apparently, engineers have determined the bridge is structurally sound and approved its use by vehicles. Contractors are replacing tons of missing earth that used to help support the bridge, and erect additional concrete pilings. The river has flooded three times in the past two years and each flood cuased damage to the bridge, Hebert explained. Contractors began repairs to the bridge about two months ago, but Hurricane Harvey interrupted their efforts.

American Legion

American Legion Post 271 and Auxiliary will meet on Thursday at the Post Home 4520 SH 36 South. Covered dish meal at 6:30 p.m. followed by meeting at 7:30 p.m. Call 281-341-9966 for more information.

Needville Harvest Festival

Needville Harvest Festival will hold a turkey, ham, dressing, and all the trimmings drive-thru fundraiser dinner on Sunday. Proceeds will go toward scholarships. For meal tickets, call 713-254-1300.

Deadline extended

Monthly dance

The Happy Cousins Dance Club will hosts its monthly dance on Saturday from 8-11:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 4520 SH 36, in Rosenberg. Al Sulak and The Country Sound will perform. For information, call 281-232-3531. The club will also take donations for Hurricane Harvey victims. Call Jerry Faldyn at 281-232-3531 for more informaiton.

Helping those helping others

Texas Baptist Men provides free meals, showers, laundry service

BY DIANA NGUYEN

Church musical

The Tribe of Benjamin will present “Songs of Praise Musical” at Greater New Prospect Baptist Church, 14020 W. Richmond St. in Needville at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Featured groups: Gospel Starz of Austin, Spiritual Chemistry of Fort Bend County, soloist Jeanette Washington, Worship & Praise, Erica Edwards and Rochelle Neal. For more information, contact Rev. A. L. Edwards at 979-793-4839.

Fort Bend Journal Close guard “Thoughts: Ideas to be guarded closly, as they could welcome words at any time. — Joe Heuer.

— BH

Around the Bend George Ranch seniors Chester Sims III and Topher Hebb, junior Matthew Burger, and freshman Davion Jenkins, as well as many others, helping out at Common Threads....

Obituaries Mary E. Mayberry, 66 U. L. Davis “Pete,” 95 Rev. Charles M. Dilworth, Jr., 72 Frances Marie Lycka, 71 Donald Ray Rogers, 65 Spenceria Rochelle Rogers, 58 Connie Lopez, 91 See page 2A & 3A

Today’s Scripture God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Thought for Today “Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other.” — Ann Landers, American advice columnist (1918-2002)

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

TEXAS BAPTIST Men volunteer Robert “Bob” Andrews, who is in charge of a mobile unit with showers, four laundry machine washers and five dryers, counts the number of laundry washes and showers that have been conducted at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Within just two days, there have been 129 loads of laundry and 42 showers. Andrews, and other TBM volunteers follow Texas Task Force 1 and 2 soldiers to assist them during disaster reliefs.

86037 20032

dnguyen@fbherald.com

A refreshing shower. Clean laundry. A good meal. These are simple routines in citizens’ daily lives, but in times of disaster, they may not be as accessible. Thanks to the Texas Baptist Men (“Anyway — Anytime — Anywhere”), a nonprofit ministry organization, the search-and-rescue military forces sta-

tioned at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg this past week had access to numerous mobile units, which included food units, showers and washing machines. Dressed in bright yellow Disaster Relief Texas Baptist shirts, volunteers Wayland and Cindy Peterson stood in front of their trailer ready to serve. The couple, who have been with Texas

SEE BAPTIST MEN, PAGE 10A

Knights of Columbus to distribute supplies to hurricane victims The Rosenberg Knghts of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Thursday, Saturday, Sept. 9, and Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. until the supplies run out each day.

n When tragedy strikes, we come together to help victims. Denise Adams column, Page 4A.

The Knights will also distribute supplies on Thursday, Sept. 14, Saturday, Sept. 16, and Tuesday, Sept. 19. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

n The state of Texas offers lots of help for hurricane victims. List of agencies, Page 10A.

Easy there, girl...

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

TEXAS NATIONAL Guard member Samson Anderson pets a horse through the gate of its stable at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Cattle and horses found wandering during the hurricane and its aftermath were taken to the Fairgrounds for safe keeping until their owners could be located.

Behind the Badge Charities to help first responders Behind the Badge Charities is here for Fort Bend County first responders every day of the year. During this exceptionally difficult time following the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, Behind the Badge Charities would like to offer assistance to any Fort Bend County first responder who was personally affected by flooding. Any first responder whose home or vehicle was damaged as a result of flooding, may go online to http://behindthe-

badgecharities.org to request Hurricane Harvey Relief. Anyone who would like to donate to assist Fort Bend County first responders, may go online to http://behindthebadgecharities.org to make a donation. No amount is too large or small. Please remember that the first responders had to leave their families and their flooded homes during the worst of Hurricane Harvey to respond to the needs of the community.

n Vehicle ruined by Harvey? Insurance companies will take action quicker. Story, Page 6A.

n Texas comptroller provides assistance to 80,000 victims. Story, Page 6A.

‘Ride to Rosenberg’ vintag car show scheduled for Saturday BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Dozens of cars, both vintage and new, will line the streets of downtown Rosenberg come Saturday morning. Because from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Ride to Rosenberg will come back. “This used to be such a big event in downtown Rosenberg,” project leader Renee Butler said Wednesday. Butler explained that Rosenberg res-

ident Linda Rulau was in charge of the event for 13 years, but decided to pump the brakes on the Ride to Rosenberg in 2013. And four years later, Butler, the Rosenberg Arts Alliance and car show enthusiast Erica Martinez joined forces to revitalize the Ride to Rosenberg. “For years, people were telling us how much they missed the event, and finally, I gave in,” Butler said. “If this is something the people want, then it’s something I

Texas, US gas prices continue to surge in Harvey’s aftermath COPPEL (AP) — Retail gasoline prices in Texas and across the country continue to surge in the aftermath of catastrophic flooding brought by Harvey. AAA Texas on Thursday reported the average price at the pump statewide this week was $2.54, up from $2.26 last week. Of the metro areas in Texas, drivers in

Dallas are paying the most on average at $2.67 while motorists in Amarillo are paying the least at $2.37. AAA says the national average for regular unleaded is $2.67. The association says that while there’s no fuel shortage, Harvey has created distribution problems.

want to do.” Participants can register at Another Time Soda Fountain, 800 Third St., until 8 p.m. on Friday for a $20 registration fee, or on Saturday at the Art Park across the street for a $25 fee. A free T-shirt will be given to every participant. “You should see the cars that have been registered,” Butler said. “They range from the 1930s to present-day cars.” Cars that have been registered include

a 1957 Chevrolet Coupe, a 1966 VW Beetle, a 1968 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and a 1931 Model A Ford pickup. “Our sponsors have provided trophies for first and second place for 11 different categories,” Butler said. Categories include best in show, best in pre-1950s, best in 1960s, best in 1970s, best in 1980s, best in 1990s, best in muscle, best in modern (2000-present), best in rat-rod,

SEE CAR SHOW, PAGE 6A

SpaceX launches super-secret minishuttle CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launched the Air Force’s super-secret space shuttle on Thursday, a technology tester capable of spending years in orbit. The unmanned Falcon rocket blasted off from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, as schools and businesses boarded up for Hurricane Irma. It’s the fifth flight for one of these crew-

less minishuttles, known as the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle. The two Air Force space planes have already logged a combined 5 ½ years in orbit. But officials won’t say what the spacecraft are doing up there. The last mission lasted almost two years and ended with a May touchdown at the runway formerly used by NASA’s space shuttles. The first one launched in 2010.

Thursday, September 7, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Our hats off to the Rosenberg Knights of Columbus, which is handing out supplies to the victims of Hurricane Harvey!

Our View

Trump overrules GOP

resident Donald Trump overruled congressional Republicans and his own treasury secretary Wednesday and cut a deal with Democrats to fund the government and raise the federal borrowing limit for three months, all part of an agreement to speed money to Harvey relief. In the course of a relatively brief negotiating session at the White House, Trump largely sided with Democratic leaders as they pushed for the three-month deal. He brushed aside calls from Republican congressional leaders and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for a longer extension to the debt limit, which Republicans had been aiming for to

avoid having to take another vote on the politically toxic issue before the 2018 elections. Trump then boarded a plane to North Dakota with Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, in an effort to garner bipartisan support for tax legislation that Republican leaders are crafting on a purely partisan basis. That continued the day of bizarre disconnects between the president and the leaders of his party. “We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One, not bothering to mention House Speaker Paul Ryan or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who also were present.

Time to remove Trump from pilot’s seat

uclear threats by North Korea frighten us and terrify South Koreans, who could suffer devastating losses in a conflict. But Donald Trump apparently sees the crisis as an occasion to threaten South Korea’s econoFroma my, as well Harrop as its leadership’s manhood. First he accused South Korea of “appeasement” for wanting to negotiate with North Korea. Then he talked of ditching America’s free trade agreement with the country. By the way, Trump campaigned on his willingness to talk to North Korea’s bizarre leader. He called Kim Jong Un “a pretty smart cookie” and said he’d be “honored” to meet him. As for trade with South Korea, the U.S. has a $28 billion trade deficit on goods but an $11 billion surplus on services. South Korea is also a major market for many U.S. ranchers, farmers and manufacturers. Reportedly, none of the president’s advisers involved in Korean policy wanted to drag trade into this volatile situation. As for South Koreans, they worry that Trump is “kind of nuts,” according to a former State Department expert on the region. Blustering about a trade war with a key ally in a dangerous

confrontation is insane. What’s it about? It could reflect a sadistic impulse to exact pain when people are down. It could be an exercise in “base” cultivation, stoking the uninformed belief that free trade is a kind of foreign aid, a one-way street benefiting foreigners at the expense of Americans. It could be he has no idea what he’s doing. Whatever. Many factors fuel trade deficits. They do not equal “losing.” About 60 percent of America’s imports are for intermediate goods. These are things that go into final Made-in-USA products. For example, shared auto production with Mexico lowers the finished U.S. vehicle’s price. This helps higher-skilled U.S. workers compete globally. Rather than coolly renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement to America’s advantage, Trump is making this country look ridiculous and weak. It’s Canada that is demanding higher labor and environmental standards. That would include stopping a member from cutting its commitment to address climate change to attract investment. (Who could that be?) Mexico has joined Canada in standing firm against an American proposal to set a minimum amount of U.S. content to qualify for tariff-free access. And Mexico says it’s ready to walk out on the talks. Incoherence reigns. Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick notes that in its NAFTA negotiations, the Trump administration is “pressing for provisions from the TPP that Mr. Trump denounced.”

The Trans-Pacific Partnership was created to help its 12 members better compete with China. You’d never have known this from the simple-minded populism, both left and right, that turned TPP into the enemy of the American worker. The thinking went: TPP has something to do with Asia. China is in Asia. Chinese imports are putting American factories out of business. But China was not a member. TPP would have let America write the trade rules. Trump took this country out of TPP, and now China is writing the rules — and other countries are making their own deals. No trade accord is perfect. Even the best ones hurt some domestic workers. The remedy for them is to secure the social safety net, especially guaranteeing health coverage, and retraining. And what is the remedy for Trump’s unhinged trade policies? Go around them. The U.S. Constitution places most authority over trade with Congress. The Republican Congress’ failure to accomplish much of anything thus far does not instill confidence in its ability to handle thorny trade issues. But at the very least, lawmakers could, in Zoellick’s words, “block Mr. Trump’s crackup.” They should know that tweets don’t kill. Follow Froma Harrop on Twitter @FromaHarrop. She can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com. To find out more about Froma Harrop and read features by other Creators writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators webpage at www.creators.com.

Your View

Stamp price jumps to 60 cents WASHINGTON (AP) — A 60 cent postage stamp? The U.S. Postal Service would have to boost prices for mailing letters and packages by nearly 20 percent — the biggest one-time increase in its history — to avoid bankruptcy and improve delivery service, an industry analysis says. That means the price of a firstclass stamp could jump from 49

cents to nearly 60 cents — if the post office gets the power to raise stamp rates beyond the rate of inflation. The Postal Service is currently petitioning the agency that oversees it, the Postal Regulatory Commission, to grant the biggest change to its pricing system in a half century: the authority to lift a cap on postal rates. The commission’s decision is expect-

ed within weeks. If the Postal Service gets the ability to raise rates, it could add substantially to the cost of mailing prescription drugs and magazines, for example. Packaging and bulk-mail rates also would be affected, straining tight budgets for an increasing number of state and local governments that distribute election ballots by mail.

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FORT BEND HERALD

When tragedy strikes

Everyone pitches in to help victims

heard the giggling before I saw what triggered the laughter. The happiness came from the dozen or so children sitting in a circle with Gene and Doris Tomas as they sorted a mountain of mismatched socks for Lamar CISD’s food and clothing pantry, Common Threads. Doris and Gene were among the hundreds of volunteers who came to Common Threads in the Denise days after HurAdams ricane Harvey to donate their time in helping those affected by the storm. Attack Poverty and Friends of North Richmond helped out some of the hardest hit homes in our community, and the work isn’t finished yet. Churches have organized work crews that are working seven days a week to help residents already struggling financially. These organizations don’t just pop up when there’s a tragedy. They’re helping the neediest yearround, from making sure children have shoes and school uniforms to providing diapers and formula to young parents. Social media played a huge role in getting helpers to donation sites. Armies of volunteers would search on Twitter or Facebook to find a neighborhood or family in need and then arrive to do whatever they could to help. Groups formed online pages where people can search for places to volunteer and help out. At Common Threads, parents with their children, teachers, businessmen and women, teens, athletes, coaches, retirees all came and found a way to give back.

Every day, coaches and young athletes unloaded donations, delivered supplies to area hotels where displaced families were staying, and volunteered for any job that needed to get done. Firefighters and EMS personnel were busy 24/7. Businesses and churches donated hot food, water, supplies and money to relief funds. Most fanned out into the community to muck out houses, remove sheetrock and salvage as much as possible. Many of our business owners provided food for volunteer workers, even when their own livelihoods were suffering. For hours, people worked behind the scenes, making sure the power stayed on, the Internet lines kept us connected and supplies were delivered as soon as the roads were passable. People not only donated food and clothing, but they donated their talents. Barbers and hair technicians cut hair at police stations and recovery sites, putting a bit of normalcy back into people’s lives. People with boats went from house to house during the worst part of the flood. Four-wheelers and ATVs drove through drenched neighborhoods, retrieving people who couldn’t navigate flooded streets. Simonton and Valley Lodge were hard hit and over a dozen trucks were lined up near the entrance as volunteers fanned out and helped at homes for people they’d never met before. We were at a house in Simonton and the homeowners were removing ruined furniture and carpet. Two state troopers, one from another county, stopped and offered to help along with the young National Guardsmen riding with them. They quickly picked up the ruined living room furniture and deposited it at the curb, much to the relief of the exhausted homeowners.

So often, law enforcement personnel are criticized but, during the flood, they were pitching in to help wherever they were needed. House after house. Family after family. Neighborhood after neighborhood. Those who weren’t flooded cleaned out closets and pantries to donate what they could. Young moms and retirees took in laundry, and bilingual folks helped displaced people get through the overwhelming mountain of paperwork required for financial aid. This area was slammed by one of the worst hurricanes to ever make landfall. People worked together to make a positive difference in the midst of tragedy. It’s humbling and uplifting to watch prejudices disappear. White, Black, Asian, young, old, rich, poor – none of that mattered as volunteers all over southeast Texas stocked shelves, sorted clothing, gathered supplies and then delivered them with a smile to those in need. No complaining. No racial barriers. Just people helping people. Volunteering brings out the best in people, the best they didn’t even know they had in their hearts. The road ahead is long, so please continue giving and helping where needed. If you weren’t able to help out during the initial flood, don’t worry. Organizations are going to need volunteers for months, so please consider adding your name and muscle to the list. If you’re willing to give of your time and effort, there’s a place for you. Most of all, Fort Bend County, thank you for your incredible generosity, your gutsy optimism and your willingness to start over, bigger and better than ever. Denise Adams’ email is dhadams1955@yahoo.com.

Outside View

DACA now Congress’ problem

rkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, who after the departure of Jeff Sessions has emerged as the Senate’s leading immigration hawk, says he would support the le g alization of all current DACA recipients — nearly 700,000 of them — if Congress would at Byron the same time pass measures York to protect Americans workers from the effects of that legalization. DACA, which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was created by President Obama’s unilateral decision to shield from deportation and grant work permits to people who were brought illegally to the United States as children. On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump administration is rescinding DACA, effective six months from now. That leaves it up to Congress to decide the next step for the nation’s socalled Dreamers. “We ought to take care of them,” Cotton said in a recent telephone conversation, noting that DACA recipients arrived in this country illegally, “through no fault of their own.” “In any legislative fix, I would like to see them receive a green card,” Cotton said. At the same time, he continued, “We ought to recognize that giving them legal status has two problems. First, it

creates a whole new class of people who will then be eligible for a green card and citizenship — namely, the extended family members of those who will receive legal status who can, through chain migration, get legal status themselves.” “Second,” Cotton said, “it will encourage more illegal immigration.” The first problem can be fixed by passing the RAISE Act, Cotton said — the bill Cotton has sponsored with fellow GOP Sen. David Perdue that would strictly limit chain migration as well as re-balance current immigration policy in favor of skilled immigrants. The second problem could be addressed by extending E-verify across the country, which Cotton called “the best way to reduce more illegal immigration.” Cotton has conferred with President Trump and with White House staff on best way to move beyond DACA. Cotton said the president’s instincts are that DACA, imposed by Obama with no action from Congress in what many Republicans felt was an unconstitutional overreach, would not have been defensible in court. Sessions said the same Tuesday when he noted, “If we were to keep the Obama Administration’s executive amnesty policy, the likeliest outcome is that it would be enjoined (by a court).” That was important because the attorneys general of several states threatened to sue the Trump administration if the president did not do away with DACA. Trump’s action, announced by Sessions, makes any such lawsuits beside the point. And now, it throws the ball straight into Congress’ court.

What will it do about those 700,000 soon-to-be-former DACA recipients? That is where the negotiating comes in. Will Senate Democrats, not to mention Republicans who favored the Gang of Eight comprehensive immigration reform bill, actually vote for the RAISE Act — which some have already said they oppose — in exchange for legal status for Dreamers? It’s not at all clear. Would they agree to extending E-verify? Also unclear. So far, most of the Republican lawmakers who have spoken out about DACA are supporters of comprehensive immigration reform — Sens. Lindsey Graham, Thom Tillis, and Jeff Flake, as well as Reps. Mike Coffman and Carlos Curbello. And, of course, Speaker Paul Ryan, who has called on the president not to end DACA, even though Ryan once described the program as “blatantly unconstitutional.” But the vast majority of Republican lawmakers have not been heard from. Most are united in their belief that President Obama overstepped his authority by instituting DACA. They believe the action would not survive court scrutiny. They believe they have to do something to accommodate current DACA recipients while not making the overall immigration problem worse. And after Trump’s action, it seems unlikely they would revive and codify the program without also enacting some significant reform of the immigration system. Byron York is chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner.

NEWS BAPTIST MEN: Helping those helping others

10A

Thursday, September 7, 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A Baptist Men for about 13 years, traveled from Early, Texas for five hours to wash Hurricane Harvey first responders’ laundry and provide them with portable showers. “We’re retired and we felt like this gives us the chance to do what God wants us to do to make a difference,” Wayland shared. “We had the opportunity to go all over the South. “Texas Task Force 1 and 2 is who we are serving, so we follow them wherever they go.” The trailer, he noted, was built about 14 years ago. The Texas Baptist Church volunteered its use with the Texas Baptist Men for disasters and different youth gatherings. “This trailer was for (Hurricane) Katrina,” he added. Cindy shared that the couple’s first experience using the trailer for hurricane disaster relief was for Rita in 2005 in Sabine Pass. While the laundry and shower trailers may be the most wellknown units, the couple pointed out that there are feeding, mud out and chainsaw units as well. “When there’s a flood like this, [the volunteers] go in and scrape the mud out,” Cindy explained of the mud out units. “They take the sheet rock out that’s been wet and prepare [for the home] to be remodeled.” “There’s also a trailer called chainsaw,” added Wayland. “They go in and take out the trees that have fallen.” Across the trailer stands a table filled with rows of white laundry bags marked with names. In the back of the trailer are two washing machines and two dryers with standing room for the volunteers to move around. On the side, there’s a door to the showers with a sign reading: Please help us take care of your showers! “They come in and they’re just exhausted,” said Cindy. “They’ve been in that nasty water, and to be able to go in and get clean makes them feel like a human again.” Cindy pointed out that Texas Baptist Men also provides child care. “Sometimes when there’s a disaster and the parents need to go to request help from FEMA, buy supplies or take care of their needs, they need some place safe to leave their children,” said Wayland. “There’s all sorts of different things people can do,” added Cindy.

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

AT THE Fort Bend County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Texas Baptist volunteers Cindy Peterson and Nancy Skrabanek stand in front of a laundry trailer unit with the organization’s logo: Texas Baptist Men, Love more than words... Anyway — Anytime — Anywhere.

FORT BEND HERALD

Texas offers services for hurricane, flood victims Texas Health and Human Services is urging people to be aware of the benefits and services available to Texans who suffered loss following Hurricane Harvey. “I’ve seen firsthand the devastation, and we’ve been moving quickly to line up an array of benefits and services to help people in need,” said HHS Executive Commissioner Charles Smith. “We’ve been working closely with our federal partners and our folks on the ground to get food benefits rolling and do what we can to help simplify life for people affected.” Texas HHS has mobilized various agency programs to help Texans. Here is a recap of some of the benefits and services Texas HHS offers.

FEMA Grants

Texas HHS has processed more than 80,000 grant applications for federal aid for people whose property was damaged by Hurricane Harvey. The Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households program and the Other Needs Assistance program can provide money to help repair private or household property damaged in a major disaster. Texas HHS is quickly processing applications in batches in coordination with FEMA and the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

Early Food Benefits

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

TEXAS BAPTIST MEN volunteers Cindy and Wayland Peterson, who for about 13 years have traveled all over the south to serve Texas Force 1 and 2 members, sit in the back of their Disaster Relief shower and laundry trailer. The couple are originally from Early, Texas. “You don’t have to be the person out rescuing to help. “We work with Texas Baptist Men, but there’s so many different groups and they’re all volunteers. The money goes to things like the trailer. But the workers, they don’t get paid. They’re just doing it because they want to.” “Almost everybody here has one common focus: To help people that need help,” stated Wayland.

“We come together and we got that common focus. If you stay here for a while, you see it and you hear it.” Wayland shared that his favorite part about being involved is simply “seeing the unity of the people wanting to make a difference.” “Every disaster is different,” he added. “We can’t go out in the water and rescue people, but we can do their laundry when they come back.”

THANK YOU!

irst and foremost, our heartfelt prayers go out to all who have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Now that Harvey, perhaps the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, is gone and the recovery efforts have begun and will continue for months and years to come, I would like everyone to know about a few things I witnessed as part of the rescue operations. After previously assisting the Fort Bend County Sheriff ’s Office during the Memorial Day flood in 2016, on Saturday, 26 August 2017, I received a call from Sheriff Troy Nehls requesting assistance from our three airboats. We started Sunday, 27 August, helping homeowners get out of their flooded homes. For the remainder of the entire week, we assisted in various locations including Sugar Land, Katy, Rosenberg, Missouri City and even Harris, Montgomery and Brazoria counties. During these operations, we rescued countless flood victims as well as pets and animals. Although the news media did everything possible, even being on our boats at times and assisting us, the devastation I saw was so overwhelming in person that watching reports on television at night did not come close to describing the mass chaos and destruction. From scared and crying kids and parents as well as people waving and screaming for help to an elderly man having a heart attack on one of our boats, this will be something I’ll never forget. There were many folks who did everything they could to assist in rescues including those who had flooded homes. FBC Sheriff ’s Office deputies and staff, city law enforcement, Fire and EMS, State Troopers, Game Wardens, National Guard and FBC administrators and personnel were all-in with their crisis management plans. On my boat, along with either Sheriff Nehls or his brother, FBC Pct. 4 Constable Trever Nehls, we had a police officer who had driven non-stop all night from Indiana to help. In all flood areas, there were hundreds of private boats of all kinds trying to help in any way possible. However, the thing that impressed me the most was the Sheriff and his brother, Trever. Let me tell you, these two men were nothing short of bulldogs and were out in the driving rains and flood waters EVERY day, from daylight past dark, wading sometimes in chest deep water, knocking on doors and literally carrying people and pets from their homes. No sitting behind a desk, out of the elements giving orders but instead, right in the middle of rescue efforts all over the county while constantly directing his staff and consulting with other agencies by radio and phone. Seeing these two great Americans in the trenches day in and day out kept me going and was so inspiring, I thought to myself how lucky we are to have them in Fort Bend County. Now, please understand, there are many people to thank for volunteering long hours and giving their entire week and holiday helping others still to this day. However, as “high ranking” public figures in our community, I felt it was important to let everyone know about Troy and Trever Nehls. No photo ops and then back to the “safe house”. Hurricane Harvey did not care who you were, your color, how rich or poor or who you voted for and neither did the Nehls. In closing, I would like to thank the employees at Lake Management Services, L.P. for their efforts not only in FBC but also our Spring office (Harris/Montgomery Counties) and our Pearland office (Brazoria County). I would also like to thank the employees at Levee Management Services for their dedication and efforts in helping maintain the various levee systems in FBC, working 12 hour shifts without complaint. I’m very proud to see the quality of personnel we have.

Thank you, Mac McCune, President Lake Management Services, L.P.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in the affected counties had their September benefits automatically loaded Sept. 1 onto their Lone Star Cards. Normally benefits are staggered among recipients throughout the first half of the month. With this change, Texas issued $160 million in benefits early to more than 600,000 SNAP households in counties affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Replacement Food Benefits

SNAP recipients in the affected counties saw a percentage of their August benefits automatically added Sept. 2 to their Lone Star Cards to replace food that was lost during the storm. With this change, Texas issued replacement benefits to more than 716,000 SNAP households in the affected counties.

Disaster Food Benefits

Texas HHS is continuing discussions with the federal government to request a Disaster-SNAP waiver that would offer short-term food benefits to eligible families recovering after they return home following the disaster. If approved by the federal government, D-SNAP benefits would be available in a phased approach in the coming weeks to eligible people who aren’t currently receiving SNAP and are residents of one of the counties with a federal disaster declaration.

CHIP Co-Pays

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the state’s request to waive Children’s Health Insurance Program co-pays and enrollment fees in response to Hurricane Harvey. CHIP clients who live in a county included in the federal disaster declaration will have their co-payments and enrollment fees waived through November 2017. Counseling and Behavioral Health Texas HHS has deployed behavioral health professionals to provide support for first responders in the greater Houston area. Staff continues to assess behavioral health operations and resource needs in shelters across the state, including the possible need for additional behavioral health training for shelter staff. Texas also has a plan to allow licensed medication-assisted treatment providers (methadone clinics) in Texas to receive funds so that displaced clients can receive necessary treatment.

Insect Repellent

Texas continues to offer an insect repellent benefit for certain populations to help prevent Zika transmission. Widespread flooding increases the likelihood that people could encounter the types of mosquitoes that are capable of spreading disease. Pregnant women, women ages 10 to 55, and males 14 and older can get one bottle of mosquito repellent a month from a participating pharmacy if they are in the following programs: Medicaid Children’s Health Insurance Program CHIP-Perinatal Healthy Texas Women Children with Special Health Care Needs Services Program Family Planning Program

WIC

Several WIC clinics have reopened in the Houston area. WIC families who evacuated and lost or left behind WIC foods or formula can go to any open WIC clinic to get prorated replacement food benefits. Families can visit TexasWIC. org or call 800-942-3678 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and select option 3 to speak with an operator who will help find an open location. Additionally, WIC is offering breastfeeding assistance 24 hours a day via its lactation support hotline at 855-550-6667. WIC is the Women, Infants and Children Program administered by Texas HHS.

Flexibility for Nursing Homes

Affected long-term care providers such as nursing and assisted living facilities have been granted

temporary exceptions to certain state and federal requirements, in part to help them more readily accept evacuees. Facilities were allowed to exceed their normal licensed capacity to receive evacuees, with approval from Texas HHS. Affected facilities also did not need to comply with state admission, transfer and discharge notification rules for residents being evacuated. Texas HHS continues to monitor the status of facilities and assist as needed.

Flexibility for Medicaid Providers

Texas HHS has been working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to get flexibility in administering Medicaid while Texas continues to recover from Hurricane Harvey. With approval from CMS, Texas has been able to waive or modify various federal requirements related to health care provider participation, certification and licensing. Texas can allow providers enrolled with another State Medicaid Agency to provide services in Texas and can enroll providers with Texas Medicaid through an expedited process with a more limited set of minimum requirements. The state has also been successful in obtaining relief from specific sanctions or penalties.

2-1-1

The Texas HHS 2-1-1 call center has fielded thousands of Harvey-related calls for information about disaster assistance and other services. 2-1-1 has increased its staffing and volunteer counts to handle the increase in call volumes due to Harvey. 2-1-1 helps connect Texans with disaster-related information and resources, including how to apply for benefits and how to access replacement benefits for food lost as a result of Harvey.

More Information

People with questions about HHS food benefits should dial 2-11 and select option 5. For other storm-related services, including shelters, dial 2-1-1 and selection option 5. For questions about TANF, Medicaid or CHIP, dial 2-1-1 and select option 2. Texas HHS is encouraging recipients to use YourTexasBenefits. com or the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage and view benefit information and to update HHS of any address changes. Recipients also are encouraged to sign up for electronic notices to stay informed about their cases. To check benefit amounts, recipients can visit YourTexasBenefits.com or call the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7EBT (1-800-7777328). Also, check the state’s Twitter page at Twitter: @TexasHHSC

Your source for local news: fbherald.com

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in the U.S. Mosquiotes bite day and night. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use repellent cream on exposed skin.Treat clothing with permethrin spra. y

Keep mosquitoes outsi.de Use sce r ens on windows and door.sUse air conditionin.g

Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in standing water. Tip and toss containers that hold water.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanon.e

Cover cribs, strollers and carriers with mosquito nettin.g Do not use repellent on babies under two months. Do not use OLE or PMD on kids under three year.s

Zika can be passed through sex with an infected person. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika | www.texaszika.org

4520 Reading Rd., Ste A Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-238-3233

Friday, September 8, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 214

SHELTER FOR SHELLED FELLOW

Children feed Bisby the tortoise; see Page 7

Good Afternoon Music in the Park

Historic Richmond Association’s Music In The Park concert, the last of the 2017 Summer Music concert series, will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday in City Hall Park (under the big oak tree)! Bring chairs or blankets for a couple of hours of good acoustic music with Kayla Gulley.

Church unveils new name

Needville Harvest Festival

Needville Harvest Festival will hold a turkey, ham, dressing, and all the trimmings drive-thru fundraiser dinner on Sunday. Proceeds will go toward scholarships. For meal tickets, call 713-254-1300.

Deadline extended

Monthly dance

The Happy Cousins Dance Club will hosts its monthly dance on Saturday from 8-11:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 4520 SH 36, in Rosenberg. Al Sulak and

Fort Bend Journal

STAGGERING STATISTICS

•30-40 inches of rain • 40 mph wind • 65 mph gusts •4 tornadoes spawned •55.19 feet river crest •100-year flood event •10,000-year rain event •49,554 homes evacuated •2 known deaths •19 shelters opened •4,900-plus in shelters

Excited to meet the Texas governor, Richmond resident Olivia Garcia, 72, hugs Gov. Greg Abbott after the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management’s briefing and press conference Thursday evening. Olivia and her daughter, Lisa, have been waiting outside the office to finally greet Abbott.

The sun is shining, the Brazos River has fallen below flood stage, and many Fort Bend County residents who were ordered out of their homes have returned. Most streets once closed by flood waters have reopened. Many merchants are open for business. And storm victims are busy cleaning out their homes and putting their lives back together. What a difference a week makes. Only now can authorities begin to calculate the damage caused by the Category 4 hurricane, the first to hit the state since Hurricane Carla in 1961. “We still can’t grasp the immensity of what happened in Fort Bend County,” said Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert, who oversaw the county’s emergency operations efforts during and after the storm. Hebert reported the staggering statistics on Thursday. Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast on Friday, Aug. 25. During the height of the storm, winds blew a steady 40 mph and gusted upward of 65 mph. Four tornadoes touched down in Fort Bend County. One hit the Sienna Plantation community, injuring a resident and damaging some 50 homes. Over the next seven days an estimated 30-40 inches of rain were dumped on Fort Bend County, swamping 186 square acres of land — 21 percent of the county land mass. “Most of (the flooding) was in the low areas near the river but some of it was in subdivisions that had never thought they’d see flood wa-

Abbott: ‘Rebuild smart’

swilley@fbherald.com

Donald Ray Rogers, 65 Spenceria Rochelle Rogers, 58 U. L. Davis “Pete,” 95 Mary E. Mayberry, 66 Rev. Charles M. Dilworth, Jr., 72 Jean Kay Rempfer Schuppan, 84 Ruth Marie Robinson “Sister,” 76 Lavern Lindy Bender Oakes, 78 See page 9

Today’s Scripture I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Thought for Today “Censorship is the height of vanity.” — Martha Graham, American modern dance pioneer (1893-1991)

86037 20032

BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

As local residents and officials affected by Hurricane Harvey set out to recover and rebuild, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management in Richmond on Thursday, to strategize disaster relief with state and local leaders. “We don’t just want to rebuild, we want to rebuild smart,” said Abbott at the OEM’s press conference. “We want to avoid catastrophes and damages like this in the future. There are a lot of smart strategies, some of which we already be-

gan talking about tonight to rebuild in a smart fashion.” The governor said he set up a framework so that Texas and the federal government can work together quickly to begin the process of rebuilding Texas. At the OEM, Abbott had the opportunity to visit with state representatives and leaders of Fort Bend County, which is just one county within five different regions that have been set up by Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, appointed by Abbott to lead the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas.

SEE ABBOTT PAGE 8

Benefit concert in Simonton draws in thousands BY AVERIL GLEASON Wearing a #FulshearSimontonStrong shirt and rose-embroidered cowboy boots at Anthonie’s Market Grill in Simonton on Thursday, singer Mary Sarah said she wanted to do everything she could to help flood victims in the area. And after getting in touch with the Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce, who put the relief concert together on Tuesday, she had just that chance. Both Mary Sarah and fellow Richmond product Moses Rangel said they would sing for as long as people were donating. The two country performers began their performance at 7 p.m., and by 7:45, nearly $2,000 had been donated by people in the audience. Seventy-five percent of the money raised on Thursday will be donated to Simonton Community Church, which will be given to victims of the flood.

Obituaries

Texas governor visits Fort Bend County, discusses recovery strategy

SEE STATS PAGE 8

“A closed mind is a dying mind.” — Edna Ferber

Shakira Richielle Wilson of Richmond was named to the Dean’sList at Baylor University last semester... Fulshear Police Capt. Mike McCoy talks to Richmond-native singer Mary Sarah at a benefit concert in Simonton… Audrey Lane, Gretchen Simmen and son Cole enjoy an outdoor dinner on Thursday night… Maria Gleason, Sheridan Smith, Ally Walters and Mia Conde see midnight premiere of “IT”… Allie Hodges sorts through donation boxes at work, excited to give back to the community…

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Closed mind

Around the Bend

75 CENTS

Hurricane Harvey

agleason@fbherald.com

— BH

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

n Texas governor extends suspension of hotel occupancy tax for hurricane victims. Story, Page 7.

The other 25 percent, per request of Mary Sarah, will go toward relief for Caiden’s Hope, a neonatal intensive care support organization. “Before and after Hurricane Harvey hit, a lot of babies were taken to other hospitals,” Mary Sarah told the audience. “It’s expensive to get them back home and to get them the care they need. So I’m going to help get them back.” By 9 p.m., donations had reached over $4,000. “It broke my heart that I couldn’t be in Texas helping right after the hurricane hit,” Mary Sarah said. “I came as soon as I could, and man, does it feel good to be back in my stomping grounds. “I went to school right down the road from here, at Foster High School. I know this area all too well.” Fulshear City Council member Tricia

SEE CONCERT, PAGE 8

n Fort Bend County cancels all mandatory, voluntary evacuation orders, Story, Page 7.

Army vet accused of threatening Veterans Administration officials SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A 44-yearold wounded retired soldier arrested by FBI agents in San Antonio is accused of threatening to kill Veterans Administration workers and posting online threats to blow up an agency building. Federal prosecutors say Walter Steven Crosley told a VA nurse in June that he “may be the next guy that takes y’all out” and posted videos online threatening to destroy the VA facility in Kerrville.

Authorities say Crosley, from Lakehills, about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio, spent 13 years in the Army. He was wounded in 2005 in Iraq by an exploding improvised bomb, received a 100 percent service-related disability in 2013 and has been treated at the Kerrville VA Medical Center. Crosley made an initial appearance Thursday in federal court in San Antonio and remains in custody.

Deputy constable dies during training FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Tarrant County authorities say a deputy constable has died of an apparent heart attack during training. Constable Ruben Garcia says Deputy Mark Diebold had completed a tactical

team qualification Thursday when he was stricken. Members of the tactical team performed life-saving measures and called for an ambulance. He was pronounced dead at Alliance Medical Center in Fort Worth.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

MARY SARAH, left, and Moses Rangel spent their Thursday night raising money for flood victims in the Fulshear/Simonton area at Anthonie’s Market Grill.

n It’s OK to clean up, but document evidence, damage for FEMA. Story, Page 7.

n Cities, county begin spraying for mosquitoes. Shoe drive underway. Stories, Page 7.

On Capitol Hill, Trump Jr. denies collusion with Russia WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s eldest son cast his meeting with a Russian lawyer last year as simply an opportunity to learn about Hillary Clinton’s “fitness, character or qualifications,” insisting to Senate investigators behind closed doors that he did not collude with Russia to hurt her campaign against his father. Donald Trump Jr.’s description of the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in New York, delivered in a statement Thursday at the outset of a Senate panel’s staff interview, provided his most detailed account yet of an encounter that has drawn close scrutiny from Congress and special counsel Robert Mueller. He tried to dismiss concerns about one comment he made in emails leading up to the meeting. He said he was just being polite when he emailed “I love it” to Rob Goldstone, the publicist who was setting

up the meeting with a Russian who was said to have election-season dirt on Clinton. Trump Jr. said it was “simply a colloquial way of saying that I appreciated Rob’s gesture.” Thursday’s interview at the Capitol was the first known instance of Trump Jr. giving his version of the meeting in a setting that could expose him to legal jeopardy. It’s a crime to lie to Congress. Multiple congressional committees and Mueller’s team of prosecutors are investigating whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to influence the outcome of the election. A grand jury used by Mueller as part of his investigation has already heard testimony about the meeting, which besides Trump Jr., included the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort.

Friday, September 8, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Hurricanes. Floods...

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The Fort Bend Herald

From the first day to the last, we provide our readers with up-to-date information on the disaster and what help is available to victims.

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Friday, September 8, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Kudos to the Gibbs family, who spent the money they had saved for a Mexico vacation to feed first responders in Pecan Grove last weekend.

Our View

White House must defend president

resident Donald Trump’s ex-strategist is blasting White House aides who publicly distance themselves from the president’s response to Charlottesville — yet stick it out in the West Wing. Steve Bannon, in a CBS interview weeks after he was pushed out from the administration, singled out Trump economic adviser Gary Cohn, saying, “If you don’t like what he’s doing and you don’t agree with it, you have an obligation to resign.” Cohn, in an interview with The Financial Times, had sharply denounced Trump for saying that “many sides” were to blame for the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and criticized the administration’s response to incident. Bannon’s take: “You can tell him, ‘Hey, maybe you can do it a better way.’ But if you’re going to break, then resign. If you’re going to break with him, resign.” Asked if Cohn should have quit, Bannon said: “Absolutely.” Bannon, a favorite among the far-

ther-right in the GOP, was jettisoned from his post in August after a turbulent seven months in the West Wing. He returned to Breitbart News, which he led before joining Trump’s campaign. Calling himself a “street fighter,” Bannon said “that’s why Donald Trump and I get along so well. I’m going to be his wing man outside for the entire time.” Bannon also used the “60 Minutes” interview to criticize the Roman Catholic church, after church leaders denounced Trump’s decision to end a program that protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation. He said bishops “need illegal aliens to fill the churches.” The bishops, Bannon said, “have an economic interest in unlimited immigration, unlimited illegal immigration. ... This is not doctrine at all.” Kevin Appleby, who oversaw migration policies for the U.S. bishops for 16 years, said their position is, in fact, rooted in “2,000 years of church teaching.”

FORT BEND HERALD

In Harvey’s aftermath…

Not the time for ‘climate change’ debate

eather is changing all the time, and in that regard, we definitely have “climate change.” But it seems so inappropriate for pundits to pontificate about global warming and climate change being the reasons we’ve had two brutal hurricanes during Fred the last two Hartman weeks. I vividly remember the same thing happening in September 2005 when I saw a BBC reporter say how climate change was causing Hurricane Rita to hit Texas right after Hurricane Katrina had hit Louisiana a few weeks earlier. The reporter said it like it was an irrefutable fact. My thought was, how the hell do they know that? Some people want to be entertained by Al Gore-directed climate change movies and opine about how burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide and causes global warming and increases ocean temperatures and, hence, attracts hurricanes to warmer ocean water.

Just remember, it’s only an opinion, not a “settled science,” as Gore might say. It’s impossible to make the claim that a specific hurricane or weather event is caused by global warming or climate change. Hurricanes may be attracted to warmer water, but water temperature and other conditions on the Texas Gulf Coast probably won’t be the same next year as they were this August. I’m pretty sure the water’s been warm in previous Augusts when we didn’t have any hurricanes. And as far as hot temperatures in Houston, they ranged from a record 105 to 109 degrees around Labor Day in 2000. it hasn’t ever been that hot before or since. I wonder why? I wish these climate pundits would pick a better time to express their opinion than when a hurricane is bearing down on Texas or Florida and people aren’t running for their lives and trying to clean up the damage done to their homes. “Harvey is what climate change looks like,” blared an alarmist story by Eric Holthaus in Politico. com on Aug. 28 just two days after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Rockport and was in the process of flooding parts of Houston and Fort Bend County. “More specifically, Harvey is

what climate change looks like in a world that has decided, over and over, that it doesn’t want to take climate change seriously.” Now, is that just the case in 2017? What about Hurricane Carla in 1961 or Hurricane Celia in 1970? Were those Texas storms caused by climate change or was that before the earth supposedly started warming so much? And what about the 1900 Galveston hurricane that killed at least 6,000 people? And what about 2004 when four hurricanes — Charlie, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne — ravaged Florida? We know the last major hurricane to hit Texas was Ike in 2008, so doesn’t that mean we didn’t have any climate change during the last nine years? We don’t always know where a hurricane’s eye will make landfall and where the worst of the damage will occur until the last few hours. That’s because even with the best meteorological science, weather can still be unpredictable. Saying global warming/climate change is responsible for Harvey and Irma seems like psychobabble — and nothing more than trying to advance a political agenda. We can have that debate at a better time. For now, please go away. Reach Fred Hartman at fbh@ hartmannews.com.

Outside View

Trump’s DACA move is brilliant

y now, it has occurred to President Donald Trump that if he lets Congress do what it wants, it will do nothing. Any legislation he proposes will end up DOA, a casualty of gridlock. Dick Hence the brilliance of Morris his DACA decision. If the Democrats don’t work constructively with the GOP to produce a real piece of legislation, the deadline of the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program will force them into line. Facing the possible deportation of 800,000 of their constituents because of Democratic intransigence, the party — from Chuck Schumer on down — will have

to pull in its horns so as to not impale a divided Republican party. Instead, the entire Senate — all 100 members — will have to work together with stellar bipartisanship to craft a solution. The Senate will function as it is supposed to. The likely solution will be very similar, in all likelihood, to the Gang of Eight proposal that was such a hot potato during the 2016 election. “Dreamers” will have to show that they have no criminal record, have not been on welfare, and have learned English to be able to stay. If the Democrats balk at any of the GOP conditions, the default solution is 800,000 deportations, an unacceptable alternative to their party. All the leverage will be on the side of the Republicans. Conversely, with a solid Democratic Party supporting legislation to legitimize the “Dreamers,” enough RINO

votes will be available to pass the legislation, whether or not conservatives come on board. These “Republicans in name only” will be motivated by a desire to get on the right side of history and not to incur the wrath of the immigrant community and its massive Latino vote share. The conservatives can satisfy their base by voting no without damage to the Party’s reputation. The Democrats will do the heavy lifting. At the same time, Trump skated on the tough question of how to deal with the DACA issue and stay faithful to his campaign pledges and his base. He did just what he said he’d do. He overruled and repealed DACA. But he did so in a way that opens the door to a Republican courtship of the Latino vote. Deft move. Good move. Contact Dick Morris on Twitter at @DickMorrisTweet or Dictmorris.com.

Topic of discussion

Trump tweets reassurance about DACA WASHINGTON (AP) — House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urged President Donald Trump Thursday to tweet reassurances to the immigrants who benefit from a program his administration is ending. And the president obliged — in the latest instance of Trump doing the bidding of leaders of the opposition. The president tweeted, “For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about — No action!” He was referring to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which President Barack Obama

created through administrative action in 2012. Trump’s administration said Tuesday it is rescinding the program but is giving Congress six months to take action on it. Notwithstanding his tweet, the nearly 800,000 immigrants who obtained temporary work permits and deportation protections via DACA can’t rest entirely easy. Any of them whose protections expire within the next six months have until early October to reapply, and for others they must look ahead to an uncertain future. It’s not clear whether Congress will actually be able to solve their

problem in six months — or what Trump will do if lawmakers don’t act. Shortly after Trump’s tweet appeared Thursday morning, Pelosi told fellow Democrats at a closeddoor meeting that she had spoken with the president and asked him to send it, in order to make clear to the so-called “Dreamers” that they wouldn’t be subject to deportation during the six-month window. Pelosi’s comments were confirmed by a Democratic aide who spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose details of the private meeting.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

Trump returns power to Congress

he Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created in 2012 by executive order by then President Barack Obama was 100% unconstitutional; he knew it when he did it, as does everyone who seriously studies the Constitution. He broke the law. Separation of powers with one body Harold making the Pease law, another enforcing it, and a third adjudicating it, is the most basic principle of the Constitution. In it “all” federal law originates with and is processed through Congress with the President having only the authority to sign or veto law made by Congress and thereafter obligated to enforce all law processed in the same manner, whether he agrees with it or not. In every presidential inauguration we listen to him pledging by oath to be obedient to it: “I do solemnly swear…that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” (Article II, Section 1, Clause 8). Making his own law,

or refusing to enforce existing law coming through the same process, are grounds for impeachment. Only Congress can make law (Article I, Section 1). Executive orders that have the force and effect of law are entirely unconstitutional. Those supporting the Constitution must oppose made-up law by a single person regardless of political party or personal agreement with the action. That is how law and order breaks down and chaos, even revolution, results. Obama’s having done so was one of the most willful violations of the Constitution in U.S. History and, as indicated, certainly grounds for impeachment, but Republicans were afraid to pursue this course. Congress had repeatedly failed to pass legislation creating a way to assimilate children of illegal aliens who, through no fault of their own, only know this country. Still, returning illegal immigrants to their own country was/is the law of the land that every president, member of Congress, and elected official, state or federal, takes an oath to uphold. Obama violated his oath of office by not enforcing the constitutional law of the land, as would President Trump, if he did not return “ALL” legislative powers back to Congress by not renewing the unconstitutional DAPA program. Attorney General Jeff Sessions correctly stated, “In other words, the executive branch, through DACA,

deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions … Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.” Immigration law was specifically placed with Congress, which was given the power “to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization” (Article I, Section 8, Clause 4). Clause 18, of the same section, states, Congress shall have the power “to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing Powers.” The supreme law of the land for immigration is called the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 274 of this titled—Bringing in and Harboring Certain Aliens—requires fines and/or imprisonment of anyone who aids and abets illegal aliens. Any person who “knowingly” attempts to bring in an alien, has knowledge of, attempts to transport an alien within the U.S., “conceals, harbors, or shields from detection, or attempts to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation; … shall be punished.” Punishment is “for each alien in respect to whom such a violation occurs.” To read more of Pease’s weekly articles, visit www.LibertyUnderFire. org.

Trump welcomes Kuwait’s leader WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has welcomed the leader of Kuwait to the White House, and is meeting with Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah. Trump says he will discuss the diplomatic crisis involving Qatar and its Arab neighbors. The president also says that the two have he calls a “great relationship.” Kuwait is a staunch American ally trying to mediate a festering diplomatic crisis involving Qatar and its Arab neighbors. That crisis could have implications for the U.S.

military presence in the region. The Kuwaiti leader is thanking the United States for standing with their country when Iraq’s Saddam Hussein launched an invasion. Trump has sent conflicting signals about where he stands on the dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt. Trump initially appeared to side with Saudi Arabia, but then instructed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to support the Kuwaiti mediation effort. President Donald Trump is

meeting with the leader of Kuwait, a staunch U.S. ally trying to mediate a diplomatic crisis involving Qatar (KUH’-tur) and its Arab neighbors. Trump’s White House meeting with Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah comes as Trump has sent conflicting signals about where he stands on the dispute. Trump initially appeared to side with Saudi Arabia, but then he instructed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to support the Kuwaiti mediation effort.

High School Sports Calendar Foster Saturday, Sept. 16 Football: Falcons vs. Seven Lakes, Traylor Stadium, 6

Fulshear Thursday, Sept. 14 Football: Chargers vs. George Ranch JV, Charger Stadium, 7

George Ranch Saturday, Sept. 16 Football: Longhorns vs. UANL Tigers, Traylor Stadium, 3 (Homecoming)

Lamar Consolidated Friday, Sept. 15 Football: Mustangs vs. Brazoswood, Traylor Stadium, 7

Terry Thursday, Sept. 14 Football: Rangers vs. Spring Woods, Traylor Stadium, 7

Travis Saturday Football: Travis at Katy Taylor, Katy Taylor H.S., 10:30 a.m. (Scrimmage)

Needville Friday Football: Blue Jays vs. Brookshire Royal, Blue Jay Stadium, 7:30

Brazos Friday Football: Cougars at Burton, Panther Stadium, 7:30

Friday, September 8, 2017

SPORTS

MLB: Astros at Athletics, 9:05

Saturday MLB: Astros at Athletics, 3:05

Dash Saturday NWSL: Dash at North Carolina Courage, 6:30

Teams switch gears before start of school BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

The Texas weather hadn’t hinted it was fall yet, but the calender was nearing the end of August. High school volleyball teams were already barnstorming across the state and football teams were making final preparations for the upcoming season when the Gulf Coast was turned upside down. Hurricane Harvey ripped through towns like Port Aransas, Rockport and Corpus Christi and dumped historic amounts of rain on the Houston area. The rain water and the Brazos River rose and flooded homes and entire communities. The athletics departments of the schools from west Fort Bend County from switched preparing for the season to preparing to help out victims of Hurricane Harvey. Schools coordinated efforts to help clean out flooded homes, clear garage and collect supplies. Many Lamar Consolidated ISD programs lent a helping hand at Common Threads. The campus coordinators indicated they couldn’t have been prouder to see their student athletes, coaches and staff helping raise the communities back up after Hurricane Harvey.

Lamar Consolidated head football coach Rick LaFavers had to kayak back to his home in Sienna Plantation after Harvey. But he was proud of the Richmond/ Rosenberg community outreach. “Words can’t describe the emotions and what your feel when you see the (schools of LCISD), and from different backgrounds coming together to help,” LaFavers said. “It’s the human spirit. It’s what America is about and what Texas is about that was revealed. We always had it but it was put on display. “It’s heartwarming and cool to see the love, strength and faith for everyone to come together to help.” Head coach Shaun McDowell and the Foster Falcons jumped into action to help those with flooded homes. “Honestly, it didn’t surprise me. I knew we were that type of community all along,” McDowell said. “From the get-go people were ready to help. I’m so proud of our kids, parents, faculty and staff that wanted to help out and continue to help. It’s amazing.” Travis’ head coach Trey Sissom and the Tigers helped out with the families in Pecan Grove and North Richmond area. “It’s one of those things that you hope as a program, even as a school, all things that we talk about in terms of being a servant to the community have sunk in,” Sissom said. “After a devastating event like Harvey, you hope that character comes to light. “I think our kids have come through even better than we ex-

MLS: Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30

Texans Sunday NFL: Texans vs. Jaguars, 12

Skeeters Thursday Atlantic League: Skeeters at Bridgeport Bluefish, 5:35

Foster High School and Briscoe Junior High School coaches rip up a flooded floor in Richmond. pected. They have stepped up to the plate to be as helpful to the community has they could.” North of Foster, Fulshear too had to deal with flood waters. Head football coach Oschlor Flemming saw his Chargers rally for the community. “I think that is one of the great things about Fulshear and this entire area. We are a true community at Fulshear High School,” Flemming said. “It’s cool to see our kids, without even being asked, to help the people of our community.” At Brazos High School, the Cougars dealt with storm waters that flooded Wallis and even cov-

ered Cougar Field with water. “We helped with people around the community,” head coach Ned Barrier said. “We got lucky that water didn’t get into too many house around here.” At the same time, coaches were happy to get back on track after weeks of helping. “We are excited to get back to some normalcy and get our student athletes back on the playing field,” George Ranch head football coach Ricky Tullos said. “We were proud of our student athletes giving back and serving our community through the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.”

Fulshear High School baseball players cut out wet Sheetrock in Fulshear.

NFL

Texans host Jags in opener as Houston recovers from Harvey HOUSTON (AP) — Hurricane Harvey made football an afterthought in Houston. On Sunday when they open the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans know a city just beginning to rebuild after the storm will be looking for them to provide a boost. “We know it’s a hard time here in Houston right now,” running back Lamar Miller said. “We’re just trying to do anything to make this city proud this upcoming Sunday. And for us to do that, everybody has to do their assignment, play fast and just put on a show.” The Texans last took the field for a preseason game against the Saints on Aug. 26. They spent several days in Dallas before their last preseason game was cancelled after the storm. Houston looks to extend its winning streak against the Jaguars to seven games in a matchup that will feature the return of superstar defensive end J.J. Watt. He missed the final 13 games of last season following his second back surgery. Watt has become the celebrity face of the storm after a fundraiser he started has raised more than $29 million (and counting) for hurricane relief. He’s been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support he’s received from around the country and can’t

Florida State and Florida canceled their Saturday home football games because of Hurricane Irma. No. 10 Florida State was set to play Louisiana-Monroe, and No. 22 Florida was scheduled to face Northern Colorado. Also, South Florida and UConn called off their game in Connecticut because of travel concerns. The cancellations came after Florida Gov. Rick Scott ordered all state colleges and universities closed through Monday in order to support shelter and

wait to play Sunday to help provide the fans an escape. Watt was also quick to note his teammates have also pitched in to help out in the days since the storm. “Our guys understand how big this city is for us,” Watt said. “We wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for these incredible fans and these incredible people supporting us, and our guys have been unbelievable about trying to give back and do whatever they can. It’s been really cool to have their support behind all of this.” While the Texans move into their season after the storm, the Jaguars will have to leave their family and friends behind to head to Houston as Hurricane Irma approaches Florida. Coach Doug Marrone said they’ve had long discussions about how the team will deal with it, but declined to provide any details on their plans. “We’re going to handle that all internally of what we’re doing with all of our plans and trying to make sure we keep everyone in mind as this is going on, because this is a difficult thing for the people that work here,” he said. “It’s a difficult thing for the people in Jacksonville. ... We just got to do the best job at this time for the families and the people that are involved.” Some things to know about the Jag-

emergency relief efforts. Florida State has more than a dozen players on its roster who are from South Florida, which is expected to receive the greatest brunt of the hurricane. Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher added that some of the player’s families have come up to the area and that the school is making sure they have somewhere to go. Fisher also said the NCAA has been helpful with granting waivers so that the university can provide assistance.

uars-Texans game:

Ready to go?

Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles was listed on the injury report (right wrist), but said Wednesday that it wasn’t a concern and he’d be ready to go on Sunday. Sunday will be his 46th straight start, and after facing the Texans often he knows Sunday will be another challenge. He tries not to dwell on the things that went wrong in his first three seasons. “I try to leave it in the past,” he said. “None of it was any good, I don’t think. I think there’s obviously stuff you can learn from and from different situations ... but I’d rather not think about it. ... As of now it’s focus on how can we beat the Texans and how can I help us be as efficient as possible.”

Kicking off

Ka’imi Fairbairn will make his NFL debut after the Texans cut veteran Nick Novak and made him the team’s kicker. Fairbairn signed with Houston last season after going undrafted and spent all year on injured reserve. He doesn’t expect to be nervous Sunday because of the preparation he’s put in since joining the Texans. “Just keep stuff simple. Make kicks,” he

AP TOP 10 HS FOOTBALL

Results for the teams ranked in The Associated Press Texas high school football poll. Class 6A 1. Allen (1-0) at Evangel Christian Academy, La., Friday. 2. Katy (0-0) at Klein Collins, ccd. 3. Converse Judson (1-0) at SA Northside Brennan, Saturday. 4. DeSoto (2-0) beat Denton Guyer 42-13. 5. Cibolo Steele (1-0) at Lake Travis, Friday. 6. Austin Westlake (1-0) vs. Niceville, Fla., Friday. 7. The Woodlands (0-0) at Spring, Friday. 8. Galena Park North Shore (0-0) at Manvel, ccd. 9. Lake Travis (0-1) vs. Cibolo Steele, Friday. 10. Cedar Hill (0-1) at Mansfield, Friday. Class 5A 1. Manvel (0-0) vs. Galena Park North Shore, ccd. 2. Aledo (1-0) vs. Aguilas Blancas IPN, Mexico, Friday. 3. Temple (1-0) at Round Rock, Friday.

Astros open 4-game series at Oakland BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A look at what’s happening all around the major today:

Streaking snakes

Astros: RHP Michael Feliz pitched one inning in a rebab start for Class A Quad Cities, retiring all three batters he faced.

The Diamondbacks can stretch their club-record winning streak to 14 games in the opener of a set against the Padres. The run includes six victories over the NL West-leading Dodgers, and Arizona even led for 97 consecutive innings — the second longest span in the majors since 1900 — before the Dodgers scored first on Wednesday night. Patrick Corbin (13-11, 3.83) has a pair of victories during this streak, and he’ll seek another against San Diego’s Jordan Lyles (0-2, 6.71).

Sweet 16?

Dodgers blues

Astros RHP Collin McHugh (2-2, 3.25) opens the four-game series at Oakland on Friday following a day off. McHugh makes his ninth start since coming off the DL on July 22.

Training room

Mike Clevinger and the Indians try to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 16 games when they begin a series against Baltimore. Clevinger (8-5, 3.50 ERA) has delivered a pair of scoreless outings during Cleveland’s streak and has perhaps found his footing after an inconsistent start to his big league career. Orioles lefty Wade Miley (811, 4.91) will try to slow a lineup that slugged five homers Thursday night against the White Sox.

The Dodgers would match their worst skid since May 2013 with another loss to the Rockies. Los Angeles has dropped seven straight, and the latest was perhaps the most disheartening — Colorado smacked around ace Clayton Kershaw en route to a 9-1 win Thursday night. Now it’s Yu Darvish’s turn to try ending this slump in a matchup against German Marquez at Dodger Stadium.

said. “That’s the name of the game, making my kicks.”

Bouye’s return

Cornerback A.J. Bouye signed with the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and spent his first four years with the team before signing a $67.5 million contract to join the Jaguars this offseason. As he prepared for the first meeting against his former team, Bouye reflected how much going against Houston receiver DeAndre Hopkins in practice every day aided his development. “It helped out a lot, definitely, going against one of the best receivers in the league,” Bouye said. “He had plays on me, I made plays on him, and one thing I tried to do was see what I could do better ... just trying to make myself better as a player to help the team win at the time.”

Fournette’s debut

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette is expected to make his debut after missing the last three preseason games with a foot injury. Jacksonville is hoping the fourth overall pick in the draft, who ran for 3,830 yards in his career at LSU will beef up a running game that ranked 22nd last season.

Foster at No. 9 in 5A gridiron poll

MLB on deck

Up next

Dynamo Saturday

FORT BEND HERALD

Coaches, athletes conduct outreach after Harvey

College football Professional Sports Calendar FSU, Florida cancel home games Astros Friday

To the Max

Max Scherzer hasn’t lost a start since June 21, and he’ll go for another victory when the Nationals host the Phillies. Scherzer (13-5, 2.19) is 5-0 with a 2.37 ERA in his past 11 starts, including five effective innings versus Milwaukee last time out before exiting with a bruised calf after being struck by a line drive.

Feeling fine?

Chris Archer (9-8, 3.76) is set to return after throwing just eight pitches in his previous outing before exiting with forearm tightness. The Rays right-hander gets a tough draw in the Red Sox and left-hander Drew Pomeranz (14-5, 3.36), who lost last time out against the Yankees to end a 14-start unbeaten stretch.

Come on in

The Braves are offering free tickets to fans from Florida, Georgia and South Carolina displaced by Hurricane Irma. During a four-game series against the Marlins which began Thursday night, the Braves will give a complimentary ticket to anyone showing a valid Florida ID.

4. Denton Ryan (1-0) vs. Mesquite Poteet, Friday. 5. CC Calallen (1-0) at SA Johnson, Friday. 6. Fort Bend Marshall (0-0) at Alief Hastings, ccd. 7. Dallas Highland Park (0-1) vs. Waxahachie, Friday. 8. College Station (0-1) at Killeen Shoemaker, Friday. 9. Richmond Foster (0-0) vs. A&M Consolidated, ccd. 10. Cedar Park (0-1) at Austin Vandegrift, Friday. Class 4A 1. Carthage (1-0) vs. Texarkana Liberty-Eylau, Friday. 2. Gilmer (1-0) at Center, Friday. 3. West Orange-Stark (0-0) vs. Little Cypress-Mauriceville, ccd. 4. Argyle (1-0) vs. La Grange, Friday. 5. Waco La Vega (1-0) vs. Lorena, Friday. 6. Cuero (0-0) vs. Yoakum, Friday. 7. Celina (1-0) at Argyle Liberty Christian, Friday. 8. Kennedale (0-0) at Terrell, Friday. 9. Abilene Wylie (1-0) vs. Lubbock Monterey,

Friday. 10. China Spring (1-0) vs. Huntsville, Friday. Class 3A 1. Cameron Yoe (1-0) vs. Gatesville, Friday. 2. Brock (1-0) vs. Midland Christian, Friday. 3. Gunter (1-0) vs. Pottsboro, Friday. 4. Hallettsville (0-0) at Shiner, Friday. 5. Lexington (1-0) at Thorndale, Friday. 6. Yoakum (1-0) at Cuero, Friday. 7. Wall (1-0) at Cisco, Friday. 8. Newton (0-0) vs. Silsbee, Friday. 9. East Bernard (0-0) vs. Hitchcock, Friday. 10. Malakoff (1-0) vs. Rusk, Friday. Class 2A 1. Refugio (0-0) vs. Goliad, Friday. 2. Tenaha (1-0) at Kerens, Friday. 3. Bremond (1-0) vs. Iola, Friday. 4. Crawford (1-0) at Clifton, Friday. 5. Mason (1-0) at Johnson City, Friday. 6. Muenster (1-0) at Pilot Point, Friday. 7. Mart (0-1) at West, Friday. 8. Albany (1-0) vs. Dublin, Friday. 9. Abernathy (1-0) at Tulia, Friday. 10. Iraan (0-0) vs. Ozona, Friday.

A&M’s Sumlin receives racist threat in mail

Rockets’ McGrady, Lobo to be inducted

HOUSTON (AP) — Texas A&M and law enforcement officials were investigating after football coach Kevin Sumlin received a racist and threatening letter at his home. His wife, Charlene Sumlin, posted a picture of the letter , which had a return address in Houston, on Twitter on Thursday night. The handwritten letter read: “You suck as a coach! You’re a (racial epithet) and can’t win! Please get lost! Or else.” On the post Charlene added: “People of 2017: please tell me how any part of this is OK? And to the sender: did it occur to you that a child may open it?” At the end of the post she added the hashtag orelseWHAT? Later on Thursday night Texas A&M President Michael Young and athletic director Scott Woodward issued a joint statement condemning the letter and adding that they are: “working with law enforcement authorities to bring the sender of this letter to justice.”

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Rebecca Lobo was in familiar surroundings Thursday while preparing to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The former UConn and WNBA star grew up 13 miles away in Southwick. Lobo will be officially inducted into the Hall Friday as part of an 11-member class that also includes NBA stars Tracy McGrady and George McGinnis, Kansas coach Bill Self and Notre Dame women’s coach Muffet McGraw.

Atlantic League

Thon homers in win BY HERALD STAFF The Sugar Land Skeeters remain in the hut for the Atlantic League playoffs with a 4-2 win over Bridgeport Bluefish at Harbor Yard. Dickie Thon hit a solo home urn in the fifth inning. Brett Marshall allowed one run on three hits over six innings.

Friday, September 8, 2017

Evacuation orders canceled in Fort Bend County During hurricane Harvey’s impact and in the days immediately following, Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert issued evacuation orders in many areas of the county in order to protect life and property. These orders at their height covered an estimated 50,000 households. While high water is still present in some areas, conditions on the Brazos River, San Bernard River, and in areas adjacent to the Barker Reservoir have improved enough to warrant cancellation of these orders for the remaining portions of the county. Effective immediately, no areas in Fort Bend County are under an evacuation order. Residents should still use extreme caution when entering these areas.

Remember to; “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Although all remaining evacuation orders have been cancelled, those areas may still have hazards present such as flooded roads, fallen trees, displaced animals, and standing water. “This historic flood event has challenged Fort Bend County, but our residents have risen to that challenge and shown great courage, poise, and patience in the face of this tragedy,” Hebert said. “We want you to know that we’re right here with you and we are doing everything we can to help you get the care you need, get back into your home, and get assistance from FEMA. “Remember, there are still hazards out there, so be careful and keep your family safe.”

Governor extends suspension of hotel occupancy tax after Harvey AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott today extended his proclamation suspending both the state and local Hotel and Motel Occupancy Tax for relief-effort personnel and victims of the storm statewide. This suspension will help ease the financial burden of those impacted by Hurricane Harvey currently staying in a hotel or motel. “As the effects of Hurricane Harvey continue to cause a temporary housing emergency for victims of

the storm, Texas will provide as much relief as possible during these hard times,” said Governor Abbott. “The last thing that these victims and relief-effort personnel should be concerned with during this time of recovery is the cost of temporary shelter. The state will continue to work to get Texans back in their homes as quickly as possible so they can focus fully on rebuilding their lives.”

Features

PEANUTS

® By Charles M. Schulz

GARFIELD

® By Jim Davis

FRANK & ERNEST

® By Bob Thaves

NEWS

DISASTER BRIEFS Shoes needed

Anyone who has slightly used shoes they are willing to donate to disaster relief, please bring them to Peace Lutheran Church, 1026 Radio Lane, Rosenberg. People that were affected by Hurricane Harvey are in desperate need of shoes.

Document the damage

Lunch time for sheltered tortoise

Hadley Torres, Jackson Marsalis and Jeremiah Fonseca feed Bisby the turtle at Gingerbread House Day Care Center. Bisby was sheltered at the Gingerbread House because his home had to be evacuated when Harvey hit.

Body believed to be Houston hotel worker’s found HOUSTON (AP) — The family of a woman who went missing more than a week ago at a Houston hotel as it flooded from Harvey says a body believed to be hers has been located in the building. Jill Renick went missing Aug. 27 while staying at the Omni Houston Hotel. The 48-year-old worked there as director of spa services. Houston police spokeswoman Jodi Silva said she couldn’t yet

confirm the identity of the body recovered Thursday morning. Renick’s family has said Renick, who had checked into the hotel with her dog, didn’t show up when hotel guests and employees were called to the second floor and notified of a mandatory evacuation Aug. 27. Her dog was found in her room and her car was in the hotel’s parking garage. Kristen Cadenhead, spokes-

BIG NATE

MONTY

ALLEY OOP

® By Dave Graue and Jack Bender

Mosquito spraying

The city of Rosenberg has added a third day to mosquito spraying from now until Sept. 29. City crews will spray Monday, Wednesday and Sat evenings. County crews have also begun spraying the unincorporated areas of the county. They will concentrate on areas where the pests are thicker.

® By Jimmy Johnson

★ Zodiac ★★ ★ ★ ★

★

Birthdays Tomorrow

® By Art and Chip Sansom

woman at Omni’s Dallas headquarters, said a body presumed to be Renick’s was found in a ceiling area above the lower level of the hotel. Her sister, Pam Eslinger, said in a statement Thursday that they are “heartbroken.” She says her sister “could light up a room just by walking in and adored life.” Officials are attributing more than 70 deaths to Harvey.

Residents may start cleaning up their home before FEMA arrives to do an inspection, however they must document all the damage. The information is critical for estimating and verifying damage. Residents should also make sure to back up photos somewhere such as a cloud drive or external hard drive. If the photos are lost or compromised, residents may not receive FEMA assistance. Helpful tips on documenting damage: n Take photos before cleaning up n Take pictures of the debris piles during and after cleanup n Save a sample of wet carpet and pad underneath n Leave up a sheet of drywall for referenc n Take a photo of the model numbers of all damaged appliances

® By Lincoln Peirce

ARLO AND JANIS

★

THE BORN LOSER

FORT BEND HERALD

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 Look over personal documents and make sure everything is up to date. Forge ahead with plans that will make your life easier and your financial debts less stressful. This is a year to deal with negativity, stuff you no longer need and anyone who is a bad influence. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Collaborate with individuals you find inspiring in order to come up with an idea that can help you out financially. Clear a workspace at home designated to a moneymaking endeavor. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Making travel plans, getting involved in something that excites you or nurturing an important relationship should be on your agenda. A commitment will lead to new beginnings. Romance is encouraged. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Keep an open mind, but don’t feel you must jump in and take part in something that you feel uncertain about. Consider taking the road less traveled. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -Don’t allow a fast talker to coax you into something you don’t want to do. Emotional pressure should be handled firmly. Don’t be afraid to say no. Follow your own path. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Stick close to home and protect what you have. Walk away from unpredictable individuals displaying excessive behavior. The simpler your lifestyle is, the easier it will be to control. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Make love a priority. Set the stage for a romantic date or take time to reassure someone of how much you care. A professional change looks promising. A commitment can be made. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Reconnecting with people from your past or getting back to basics or things you used to enjoy doing will change the way you move forward. Actions speak louder than words. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Discipline and hard work will help you accomplish your personal goals. Making a physical change or updating your look will boost your confidence. Romance is in the stars. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Physical activity will help ease stress. A levelheaded decision will be necessary when dealing with a lifestyle change. Re-evaluate your relationships with others and walk away from anyone who is a bad influence.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Make a commitment to do your very best and help the people you care about most. Romance is encouraged and will help tighten your relationship with someone special. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Walk away from anyone who is a bad influence or untrustworthy. Bailing someone out of a fix will be costly and could ruin your re-

lationship. Stick close to home. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Good times will bring you closer to the people you care about most. Don’t be shy; say what’s on your mind and express your long-term goals. COPYRIGHT 2017 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

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“We’re talking to county judges, mayors, state representatives, state senators to already begin resolving the process of the needs and demands of local citizens as well as local governments,” said Abbott. Sharp, seated beside Abbott, added, “Our goal in this process is to be as good as the citizens in Texas who have been selflessly giving of themselves, their time, their talents, their resources and rescuing fellow Texans. “We’re setting up mechanisms where we can reach experts directly to mayors, county judges, elected officials, to make sure that when they have a problem, their problem doesn’t get lost in the process.” Abbott shared his plan for the local leaders of communities affected by “this horrific storm” to do the following: “One, to ensure that we efficiently and effectively bring the resources of all state agencies to be able to help you. “Two, to help communities in accessing their needs. “Three, to help the communities navigate state and federal resources that are available. “Four, to advocate for the interests of local communities before the federal government as well as before the state government. “Five, to help them access the expertise available to help them rebuild. “More importantly here, we want to ensure that every county judge, every mayor, every state representative, and every state senator of every affected community, is going to have one single

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

GOVERNOR GREG Abbott, right, shakes the hand of Texas A&M University System Chancellor James Sharp, left, on Thursday in Richmond. Sharp was recently selected by Abbott to lead the Hurricane Harvey rebuilding efforts. point of contact,” he said. “If we’re going to accomplish our goal, we must master first, communication.” Abbott noted that all elected officials, county, city, or state, should have a 24/7 go-to person. “You’ll have a name and a phone number for any need that any of your constituents have,” he said. The governor gave Sharp some words of advice: “Get it done ahead of schedule, under budget, with a smile, with quality customer service. “It is important to understand that under Chapter 14 of the government code, [Sharp] is going to have at his ready, the ability to tap in the full array of state resourc-

es,” Abbott continued. “Some of these resources are provided in the executive branch through elected officials.” Due to Hurricane Irma affecting Florida, many local residents are worried Texas is going to be overlooked at the federal level. Abbott addressed those fears. “There’s a concern that when people go through the catastrophe of Hurricane Harvey, all the world’s attention is on us,” he said. “Then you see Irma happen to our friends and neighbors over in Florida, who I express my deep concerns for and express my full support for their efforts. “Yesterday, as Irma was heading toward Florida, I spoke to the president, to the speaker of

the house of the United States of America, I spoke to leaders up and down inside the White House. They remain fully focused ensuring that Texas will receive the funding support we need. They assured me and reassured me that everything Texas needs, is what we get.” And a big reason why, Abbott noted, is because of the worldwide focus on the actions of “first responders and your average, everyday Texans helping Texans, taking out their boats, rescuing people, getting them out of the water. “That was an inspiration for people around the world. What Texas did, inspired leaders of Washington D.C. and that’s not going to go away for a while.”

CONCERT: Thousands raised for Hurricane Harvey victims

Share your news and photos with us. Send stories & photos to newsroom@fbherald.com

A MESSAGE FROM ACCESSHEALTH

AccessHealth Meets Healthcare Needs in Harvey Aftermath As many families in Fort Bend and the surrounding counties are trying to put their lives back together, AccessHealth is doing all it can to meet health needs during the recovery. Long hours, stress and exposure to contaminated water, mold and hazardous chemicals can have devastating health consequences. While taking care of homes and property, it is imperative that Fort Bend residents also take care of themselves. “As a community health care provider, we want the community to know that our locations are open, fully staffed and making special accommodations for those facing these trying circumstances,” said Mike Dotson, CEO. “We have same-day availability for sick patients, and we’ve implemented an expedited registration process for patients. We know many people don’t have access to personal documents as a result of being displaced from their homes, and we don’t want to inhibit the care they need.” Officials cautioned the public about hazards of contact with floodwater from Hurricane Harvey, but it was nearly impossible for many Fort Bend residents to avoid contact with either floodwater or other contaminated materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises that people who have been exposed to contaminants and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, fever, dizziness or fatigue should seek medical advice. In light of these concerns, AccessHealth wants the community to know its four clinics in Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City and Brookshire are open and providing adult and pediatric services as well as behavioral health and HIV services. “We understand many people may be facing high levels of anxiety or stress at this time and we want them to know that we are here to help,” said Chief Operations Officer, Jody Noirot. “We are here for tetanus shots, medical check-ups, sick visits and chronic disease management. We also offer psychotherapy and other mental health services provided by licensed therapists.” AccessHealth is a private, not-for-profit community health center serving Fort Bend County and the surrounding areas. Pediatrics, primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, women’s healthcare including OBGYN services, nutrition services and more are provided to patients of all ages and backgrounds regardless of income or circumstance. AccessHealth is a United Way agency, and the main Center in Richmond is recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. For more information about AccessHealth, contact Cindy Reaves at (281) 633-3169 or creaves@myaccesshealth.org.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

MARY SARAH performed at Anthonie’s Market Grill in Simonton on Thursday night to raise money for flood victims in the Fulsher/ Simonton area. Pictured next to her is Fulshear Area Chamber of Commerce president Don McCoy.

FULSHEAR AREA Chamber of Commerce president Don McCoy and Cheryl Stalinsky hold hundreds of dollars in donations raised at Anthonie’s Market Grill on Thursday night. Proceeds will go to flood victims in Fulshear/Simonton. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Krenek said Thursday night’s event was an awe-inspiring response from the community. “We’re helping residents one day at a time. And something like this is exactly what the people needed to be reminded that we all have each others’ backs.” Emily Loftus said she couldn’t

Jody Noirot, COO

horses and walked them in kneedeep water all the way to I-10 to get them to safety. “I’m here tonight because I got lucky, and I want to show my support for my neighbors who did lose their cattle in the flood. “If this night has shown us anything, it’s how much stronger we are together.”

STATS: Hebert says damage was immense CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Mike Dotson, CEO

be more proud to be from Fort Bend. Bobbing her head to Mary Sarah’s performance of “Jolene,” Loftus had a smile on her face and her hand on her heart. “We came close to losing our cattle during the flood,” Loftus revealed. “But people from Twinwood Farm in Simonton found our

ters,” Hebert said. Such a “rain event” happens once in 10,000 years, Hebert said. The National Weather Service forecasters believe such rains might come once in 30,000 years. It’s difficult to plan for a 10,000year rain event, or a flood that happens once in a lifetime, he added. The rain-swollen Brazos River crested at a record-high 55.1 feet on Friday, Sept. 1.

Hebert said the Brazos River reaches 55 feet once in a 100 years. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations affected thousands of residents. Besides those who left on their own accord or in their own vehicles, first-responders evacuated 49,554 homes and businesses because of high water. A total of 464 roads were closed during the storm and its aftermath. Almost 5,000 people sought ref-

uge in the shelters at the peak of the disaster. Thirty-eight government agencies, including first responders from other states, brought resources and manpower to Fort Bend County to help out, Hebert noted. In the past week, life has returned to normal for many Fort Bend County residents. For others, it may take weeks, months or even years to get back to the life they knew, Hebert said.

Friday, September 8, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

County to begin debris pick up

Fort Bend County residents affected by Hurricane Harvey and the recent floodwaters are hard at work cleaning out their homes and property after the storm. County emergency management officials will begin collecting residents storm debris starting this week. The county will coordinate debris removal efforts for all unincorporated areas and with partnering jurisdictions. It is important that residents abide by the debris sorting guidelines provided at http://fbceom. org/debris. These guidelines include separating your debris into categories (Separating Your Debris) never using trash or plastic bags for this debris, placing debris piles at the curb or roads edge, and restrictions on county officials entering private property. “Please put your debris as close to the curb and the sidewalk as you possibly can,” said Marc

FEMA offers tips on filing disaster claims A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from Hurricane Harvey (DR-4332) was made for the state of Texas, including Fort Bend County, on August 25, 2017. Her is a brief overview of how to get started. Register with FEMA and submit your application: n You may register for FEMA as-

sistance over the phone or online. We encourage those who are able to register online, as there may be frustrating wait times for the phone line. n Online: https://www.disasterassistance.gov n Phone: 1 800 621 FEMA (1 800 621 3362) When you register for disas-

ter assistance either online or by phone, you will need the following to complete your application: n Social Security number n Address of the location where the damage occurred n Current mailing address n Current telephone number n Insurance information n Total household annual income

n Routing and account number for your checking or savings account n A description of your disaster-caused damage and losses For more details on FEMA claims process, visit: https://www. fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistanceFor information on filing a flood insurance claim, visit: https:// www.fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim.

Grant, Fort Bend County’s Debris Management Coordinator. “If you put it past the sidewalk, we cannot go on private property to pick up your debris. If you have more debris past the sidewalk we will pick up as much as we can and then we will have to come back once you’ve moved the rest of your debris to the curb line.” Grant added that residents who have a roadside ditch in front of their property should follow similar guidelines but treat the ditch like they would the sidewalk. “Place your debris along the roadside so that it does not impede traffic or the flow of water in the bottom of the ditch,” he explained. “Items that are on your private property side will not be picked up on the first trip through by our trucks, but we will return once you have moved the remaining debris out to the roadside.” The restriction of the use of trash bags to contain the debris is something many residents may

not know. Storm debris is compiled and processed differently than normal household garbage, and bagged storm debris will not be picked up by county debris removal trucks, Grant explained. “If you have already placed debris at your roadside, please reference the guidelines at fbceom.org and remove trash bags from these debris piles,” he said. It is also important not to park vehicles in locations that block our access to debris piles. If a vehicle is parked on a roadside in front of a debris pile, workers will have to move on and return at a later date to retrieve the debris, Grant said. “Fort Bend County officials will be working hard for many weeks to collect and properly dispose of the Hurricane Harvey debris,” Grant said. “We greatly appreciate your help in making this process a success.”

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VOLUME 125, NUMBER 215

Needville Harvest Festival

Needville Harvest Festival will hold a turkey, ham, dressing, and all the trimmings drive-thru fundraiser dinner on Sunday. Proceeds will go toward scholarships. For meal tickets, call 713-254-1300.

Deadline extended

Church musical

KC donates supplies

The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. until the supplies run out each day. The Knights will also distribute supplies on Thursday, Sept. 14, Saturday, Sept. 16, and Tuesday, Sept. 19. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

Woodmen Life

Woodmen Life Chapter 3909 will meet on Sept 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Immanuel United Church 9018 Church St. in Needville. We will have an election of officers and planning session. A meal will be provided and members are asked to bring a dessert. For questions call, Darlene at 979 -793-4704.

Intersection closing

Contractors are rescheduled to hang beams at U.S. 59/SH 36 overpass from 9 p.m.Friday, Sept. 16, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18. The intersection will be closed during the process. SH 36 traffic south bound (heading toward Needville) will be detoured to Spur 10 and U-turn and north bound traffic (heading toward Sealy) will be detoured to FM 2218 and U-turn.

Fort Bend Journal REL’s message

Those who oppose removing statues of the general and statesman Robert E. Lee report receiving a message from him during a séance. It said: “Whereas I am fascinated with my recent notoriety, I might suggest that many of you liberals channel your energy toward the little Korean ass with the bombs.”

— BH

Obituaries

Karen Kay Henson, 57 Melvin Ray Wallace, Sr., 90 James Valdez, 49 Estella Turicchi, 97 Rosalyn (Grawnoski) Becker, 63 See page 3A

Today’s Scripture The Lord says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

Thought for Today “History is the great dust-heap ... a pageant and not a philosophy.” — Augustine Birrell, English author and statesman (1850-1933)

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‘WE PRAYED, GOD ANSWERED’ BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

The prediction was grim: Hurricane Harvey would likely come ashore as a Category 4 hurricane and stall once inland. Weather experts said the storm could dump as much as 35 inches of rain on Fort Bend County. As bad as that would be, the rain-swollen Brazos River could reach a record-high 59 feet in Fort Bend County within days. At that height, the river certainly might top the 20 or so levees in Fort Bend County — levies built to protect entire neighborhoods from the Brazos. If that happened, authorities feared flood water would swamp tens of thousands of acres and cause billions of dollars of property damage. As the river rose, mandatory and voluntary evacuations were ordered for those neighborhoods and homes and businesses in low-lying areas. Fortunately, the river crested at 55.1 feet, almost a foot higher than the record-setting 54.8 feet set by the 2016 Memorial Day Flood but well below the 59 feet predicted. Those who preach the Gospel in Fort Bend County said the lower crest was nothing short of a miracle. “Many of my neighbors told me that they were praying that the river would subside,” said retired pastor David Rose, whose Richmond residence is located close to the river. “I was praying that God would restrict the Brazos River as described in Psalm 104:9 – ‘You set a boundary they [the water] cannot cross.’ God set a boundary that superseded the boundaries the best engineers predicted.”

SEE PRAYER, PAGE 5A

n The city of Rosenberg will begin picking up storm debris on Monday. Story, illustration Page 5A.

Straight forward. Informative. Truthful. Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert gets high marks for his leadership when catastrophe struck. Story, Page 5A

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Catholic Charities provides disaster relief, outreach at Mamie George Center

BY HERALD STAFF

The Mamie George Community Center — a Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston program serving Fort Bend County — will open its doors to assist people impacted by Hurricane Harvey, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9.

n State of Texas/FEMA open disaster recovery center in Missouri City, Story, Page 5A.

Individuals and families will receive groceries, disaster supplies, clothes, information and referrals, and a hot lunch, said Beth Zarate, Fort Bend director for Catholic Charities. To offer this disaster relief effort, Catholic Charities is working with the local Order of Malta Federation, Knights of Co-

n USDA pledges assistance for farmers, ranchers affected by hurricane, flood. Story, Page 5A .

lumbus and many community volunteers. Zarate said the community has responded in a big way to the needs in Fort Bend County, and she sent special thanks to Safari Texas, Kroger’s, Fiesta Mart, Gordon Foods, Frito Lay and Disney, which is “pro-

SEE CATHOLIC CHARITIES, PAGE 5A

n Fort Bend County toll roads to begin collecting tolls again. Stories, Page 3A.

7th-grader in Austin arrested Dunsmore named Fort Bend Herald Sports Editor for 9mm gun in backpack AUSTIN (AP) — Authorities say a seventh-grader has been arrested at his school in northwest Austin after a loaded 9 mm pistol was found in his backpack. Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody says no one was hurt or threatened. The student, attending a middle school in the Round Rock Independent School

BY HERALD STAFF

Ryan Patrick Dunsmore has been elevated to the position of Sports Editor at the Fort Bend Herald. Dunsmore, 29, had served as a sports reporter at the Herald for the past two years. He steps in for Gary Martin, who had previously held the position for over 20 years. A lifelong sports fan, Dunsmore is a 2006 graduate of Terry High School and 2010 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with bachelor of arts degree in history and government. He currently resides in Richmond with his wife Carrie, 10-month-old son Jackson and dog Max. During Dunsmore’s time with the paper, he has covered numerous state championship competitions, including the 2015 Class 5A, Division I State Championship football game between George Ranch and Mansville Lakeridge, the George Ranch Longhorns’ volleyball team’s 2015 Class 5A state semifinals game, the Longhorns’ numerous gold medals at the state track meet and Foster’s Nkechinyere Nwankwo’s back- to-back golds at the 5A state wrestling competition, Foster Falcon’s state

District, was taken Friday to a juvenile justice center. The school’s principal, Paige Hadziselimovic, has sent an email to parents saying another student reported that the weapon was in the backpack. Police then found the gun. The message to parents does not indicate how the student obtained the pistol.

Rings intended for high school softball champions stolen Ryan Dunsmore semifinals game against Temple, and numerous Little League baseball title games. Dunsmore said he plans to continue the strong tradition of sports coverage at the Fort Bend Herald, covering: Lamar Consolidated High School, Terry High School, Foster High School, George Ranch High School, Fulshear High School, Fort Bend Travis High School, Needville High School and Brazos High School, Little League baseball/softball and professional sports.

TEMPLE (AP) — Authorities are investigating the theft of state championship rings a Central Texas high school softball team won in June. The rings won by girls from Academy High School in Little River Academy were to have been presented Friday

night during a football halftime ceremony. School Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles says a box containing the rings was stolen Thursday evening from a vehicle at a Temple apartment complex. Temple police say the vehicle was unlocked.

Holy Rosary Catholic Church bazaar is Sunday Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1416 George St., in Rosenberg, will hold its 81st annual bazaar. Barbecue beef, chicken and sausage meal served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the

gym. Drive-thru is available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Allen Street entrance. Event includes children’s activities, game booths and live music.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Obituaries

Karen Kay Henson

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” On Sunday, September 3rd, Karen Kay Henson wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 57. Karen is predeceased in death by her mother Patti Niver, father Atlee Daniel “AD” Cathey, brother David Cathey, infant niece Dana Cathey and infant grandson Christian Capps. Karen is loving remembered by her husband “Mr. Wonderful” Peter Henson of 15 years. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 14, 2002. Karen is forever remembered by her daughter “Bear Bear” Amber Lynn Bialas and boyfriend Cody Medve; granddaughter “Boo Bear” Tinsley Joy Capps; brother Robert Pitts and wife Shirley; sister Judy Pequeno and husband Manuel; sister-in-laws Debbie Cathey, Kathleen Duncan; Brother-in-laws Michael Henson, Steve and wife Helen Henson; Nephews Robert Pitts Jr. and wife Christian, Nathan Pitts, Christopher and wife Amelia Pitts, and Jeremy Pequeno; Nieces: Dianna Wray, Denise Cathey and Jamie Pequeno as well as special extended family members. Karen is also survived by her childhood friend or as they referred to each other “sister” Carol Lee and husband Michael and their daughters Jamie and husband Eric Tripp, and Tricia Lee Malone. Karen was born in Houston, Texas on May 14, 1960. She graduated from Westbury High School in 1978. She graduated from Massey Business College with an Executive Accounting Degree in 1979. Karen’s career as a bookkeeper and QuickBooks Specialist spanned 38 years. Karen enjoyed spending time with her family and was the glue that held her extended family together. Karen loved babies and enjoyed spending time with her pride and joy Tinsley. Karen was a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years and continued her love of scouting with other leaders Penny Whited and Linda Jordan by hosting annual gatherings of the girls from STGSC Troop 629 over the past 15 years. Cruising was a favorite mode

of travel that she enjoyed with Peter as well as annually with girlfriends. Her brother David, introduced Karen to motorcycles while in high school. Karen continued this pastime later in life. Karen held a lifelong passion for animals, especially cats. This was evident as she continued her passion by spoiling her 4 fur babies Piper, Rat Rat, Missy and Frankie. Karen will be missed by family, friends and the many clients who’s lives she touched on a daily basis. A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 16, 2017 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to her granddaughter’s college fund at Karen K. Henson Memorial Fund at Capital One Bank or https://www.paypal.me/kkmemorialfund. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218) in Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

NEWS

Sr., Maggie, Merry Jane, Mason, Madison, Zachary, Zoey, Colton, Kyle, Matthew, Morgan, Macy, Mya, Mackenna, Cheyanne, Riley, Austin, Amelia and 2 great great grandchildren, Amoura, Malachi Jr. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Ann Wallace; parents, Clarence “Boots” and Dovie Wallace; brothers, Billy Hugh Wallace and Charles Wallace. Melvin was born on October 3, 1926 in Cleveland, Texas. He had a passion for all sports but his heart was with baseball. When he was younger, he traveled with a Triple A team in Louisiana. After going to work for Phillips 66 in Old Ocean, he joined their men’s softball league. As his family grew it brought him joy to watch his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports and he would attend their events at every opportunity. A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2017 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia, a private burial will follow on Wednesday. All are welcome to attend visitation and celebrate Melvin’s life. Arrangements are by Baker Funeral Home 634 S Columbia Dr West Columbia Texas 77486 Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting our website at www.bakerfuneralhome.net.

James Valdez Melvin Ray “Slough Foot” Wallace, Sr.

Melvin Ray “Slough Foot” Wallace, Sr. of Needville, Texas, formally of West Columbia, Texas passed away on September 7, 2017 at the age of 90. Melvin is survived by his two sons, Melvin Wallace Jr. and Randy Wallace, both of West Columbia; brother, Joe David Wallace and wife, Vicky of Oregon; 6 grandchildren, Matthew Wallace and wife, Joey, Michael Wallace, Jennifer Lamb and husband, Chuck, Jeannene Kemp and husband, Isaac, Megan Savant, Melvin Wallace and wife, Anna; 18 great grandchildren, Malachi

James Valdez, 49, passed away peacefully in his Colorado home,August 25, 2017 from several health complications. James was born August 23, 1968, in Houston, Tx. and was a lifelong area resident. James was very down to earth and loved to live life to the fullest, James was well known for his artistic ability, he loved to draw and could draw just about anything. James was a very good cook and loved to eat, James also had a very special way of making the people around him laugh. He loved music and really enjoyed dancing. And last but not least, James was an Extraordinary and Loving Father and his love for his Family was indescribable. He is preceded in death by Par-

cane Harvey and the subsequent floods. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the State and other agencies will be at the centers to talk

about assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance in filing an application. The center is located at the Fort Bend County Sienna Annex, 5855 Sienna Springs Way, in Missouri City. Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fort Bend County toll roads to resume tolling The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority ceased all tolling on Sunday, Aug. 27, in coordination with tolling partners in the Houston area to facilitate easier transportation following the impacts of Hurricane Harvey. After several days of conver-

sations and discussions, toll road authorities determined that the resumption of tolling in Fort Bend County will begin on Monday, Sept. 11, for the Fort Bend Parkway from Beltway to south to Sienna Parkway and the Grand Parkway (TX-99) from Westpark

south to I-69 (US-59). On Wednesday tolls will resume on the Westpark Tollway from the Fort Bend County line west to SH-99. All three of Fort Bend County’s toll roads do have non-tolled alternatives.

Notice of change of drinking water produced by the City of Richmond. The City of Richmond plans to begin using chloramines to disinfect its public drinking water in September 2017. This change from chlorine to chloramines is necessary as Richmond transitions to the use of legislatively mandated surface water early next year. This change is intended to benefit customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBP’s) in the system, while still providing protection from waterborne disease. The change to chloramines can impact people dependent on dialysis machines. A toxic condition known as hemolytic anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from water used in dialysis machines. Dialysis patients typically utilize a device such as a charcoal filter to remove the chloramine from their water. Medical facilities should also determine if additional precautions are required for other medical equipment.

FORT BEND HERALD

ents, Aurora and Juan Valdez. Brothers Juan and Raul Valdez, and Nephew Ruben Valdez. He is survived by his Partner Cindy Snider, Children, Daughter Jaime Valdez and Fiance Santos Munoz , Son Lucas Valdez and Wife Aimee Valdez, Son Julian Valdez. Grandchildren Jeremiah Valdez and Isaiah Valdez. Eldest Sister Alicia Alvarado and husband Samuel Medrano, Brother Arnulfo and Wife Susan Valdez, Brother Rodolfo and Wife Blanca Valdez, Brother Mario and Wife Nancy Valdez,Brother Jorge and Wife Jackie Valdez, Brother Roberto and Wife Julissa Valdez Sister Sonia and Husband George Scaggs, Sister Nelida Valdez Nathani, and Brother Rene Valdez. As well as Niece Veronica and Husband Israel Gamino. Niece Iris Valdez, Nephews Stephen, Gabriel, Andrew, Alex and George Valdez and many more special nieces and nephews as well as cousins. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 17th, at the Morton Masonic Lodge No. 72 211 Morton St, Richmond Tx 77469.

Estella Turicchi

Funeral services for Estella Turicchi, 97, of Rosenberg, TX, are pending with Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, Inc., 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671. Mrs. Turicchi

Missing person clearinghouse organized

TEXAS/FEMA opens disaster recovery center in Missouri City A state of Texas/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers has opened in Missouri City. Disaster recovery centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in 39 counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurri-

In hurricane-impacted areas, the Texas Department of Public Safety is encouraging persons concerned about the whereabouts of missing loved ones to file a missing persons’ report with the appropriate local police department or sheriff’s office. “If you are not sure where to file the report, contact the DPS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3243 or email mpch@ dps.texas.gov, and they will assist you in identifying the correct local agency,” said DPS Trooper Erik Burse. He said the DPS is also available to provide investigative and analytical assistance to local agencies in missing persons cases when requested.

died September 6, 2017, in Rosenberg, TX. Updated arrangements and Online Guest Book will be available at www.garmanycarden. com.

Rosalyn Jeanette (Grawnoski) Becker

Rosalyn Jeanette (Grawnoski) Becker, 63, of Rosenberg, passed away on September 7, 2017 in Houston, Texas. She was born May 14, 1954 in Richmond, Texas. Roz enjoyed riding bikes with her husband, Brady and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. This loving wife, mother, “Lee Lee”, sister, aunt and friend will be missed. Roz is preceded in death by her father, Henry Andrew Grawnoski and her mother, Mary Ann Kramer.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, William Brady Becker; sons, Jerry Baxter (Gina Apodaca), and Brandon Becker (Jessica); grandchildren, Dylan Matthew Baxter, Lilli Ann Baxter, Autumn Skye Baxter, Cole Andrew Becker and Caden Austin Becker; siblings, LaNita Kaluza, Rita Grawnoski, and Andy Grawnoski (Joy); nieces, Lindsey Kaluza, Shelley Faltysek; and nephew, Richard Kaluza (JoAna); along with extended family and friends. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2017 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg. Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd., (Hwy 59 South @ FM 2218) in Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.

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A MESSAGE FROM ACCESSHEALTH

In addition, chloraminated water can also be toxic to fish; however, it is safe for all other animals. If you have a fish tank, please make sure that the chemicals or filters that you are using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramines. For more information, please see the City’s Public Works Department web page at

http://www.richmondtx.gov/departments/public-works/water-department

or contact the City of Richmond at (281) 342-0559.

Mike Dotson, CEO

Jody Noirot, COO

OPINION Pat on the Back Sunday Slants — Our hats off to Attack Poverty, Friends of North Richmond and Friends of North

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Rosenberg for all they are doing to help hurricane and flood victims.

Our View

US steps up Qatar crisis diplomacy

he Trump administration on Friday ramped up diplomatic efforts to help resolve Qatar’s crisis with its Arab neighbors, which risks implications for America’s military presence in the Middle East and the fight against the Islamic State group. The U.S. is also concerned that the spat among Arab governments could hamper a shared interest in blunting Iranian assertiveness in the region. President Donald Trump spoke with Qatar’s leader to affirm the importance of ending the festering, three-month-old dispute between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, the White House said Friday. Trump’s call to Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on

Thursday came after he met the emir of Kuwait, whom he thanked for his vigorous yet thus far unsuccessful mediation. Trump reasserted his demand for all countries to stop funding extremist groups. He previously has described how Arab leaders criticized Qatar for such terror financing during a regional summit in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. Trump “underscored the importance of all countries following through on commitments from the Riyadh Summit to maintain unity while defeating terrorism, cutting off funding for terrorist groups and combatting extremist ideology,” the White House said in a statement. The leaders “also discussed the continued threat Iran poses to regional stability.”

The devil’s playground I have a year old in sixth grade. The more I talk to parents, the more I am mindful of how clueless many of us are about raising our kids in the internet age — an age that only recently came into being. It is even more difficult to raise your kids in a world where you may have Christian values, but Erick the world is Erickson increasingly hostile to those values. I actually recently pitched a television show idea on this. How do we, as people of faith, raise our kids in the 21st century? How do we co-exist with people who do not share our values without selling out our values? How can people of faith be in the world without falling into the trap of being of the world? How do we help our children experience the world online and off without losing their souls? In our present age there are not many clear voices on these subjects. One thing I am increasingly clear on is that your kid probably does not need a cellphone, and even if your kid does need a cellphone, he absolutely does not need Snapchat. The internet and, in particular, social media, is nothing more than the Devil’s playground where idle

hands go to cause trouble. Social media more often than not brings out the worst in all of us. You giving your child access to it on a cellphone, tablet or computer at a time your child is beginning to figure out his or her own body and dealing with hormones and puberty is just asking for trouble. The internet is a tool and just as our children are figuring out the changes in their bodies, the changes in their feelings, and the changes in their personalities, we are giving them access to something we presume they can figure out. Most of them are doing a terrible job, but their parents are doing even worse. It does not matter that your child might have bought his own cellphone. It does not even matter if he buys his own phone plan. If he is in high school or younger, you really do have an obligation to check in and make sure he is responsible. Snapchat, because it is so ephemeral, is perhaps the worst place for your kid to be. The site came to fame by allowing people to send messages that then disappear. It is the favored tool of high school kids to send explicit pictures that disappear so there is often no proof. And if there is no proof and no record, are you sure your little angel is not being a devil on his phone? The truth is you probably do not know. I more and more frequently

hear from parents who are worried about it. They find out fights are starting in group text messages or via social media. Their children are being bullied or bullying other children without them even knowing. And so few even think to check their children’s phones or deny them access to Twitter, Facebook or Snapchat. J ust because all the other kids have it does not mean yours should have it. In fact, that often means yours should not have it. Bad things are happening there and you might find out too late to curb your child’s behavior or protect him from a monster. My wife and I have installed a device called Circle on our home Wi-Fi system. It lets us regulate the time our children are on the internet, which apps they can use and which websites and YouTube videos they can view. It is not a substitute for active parenting, but it sure helps. I just cannot caution you enough on this. Your child really does not need a cell phone. It may be more convenient, but it is not necessary. And giving your child access to the Devil’s playground just as their body begins its migration to adulthood places an unfair burden on them that neither they nor you will see as a burden until it is too late. Contact Erick Erickson on Twitter at @EWErickson.

Your View

Congressman apologizes to female colleague

WASHINGTON (AP) — Veteran Alaska Rep. Don Young has apologized after addressing a 51-year-old female colleague as “young lady” and saying “doesn’t know a damn thing what she’s talking about.” Young, 84, is a Republican in his 23rd term as Alaska’s sole House member. In a House floor debate Thursday night, Young was offering an amendment

about wildlife management on national preserves in his state when Democratic freshman Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington spoke in opposition. Jayapal, who was born in India, is the first Indian-American woman in the House. Clearly angry, Young said that Jayapal “doesn’t know a damn thing what she’s talking about.” He accused her of parroting

“nonsense” from a special interest group and said, “You may not know me, young lady, but I’m deeply disturbed.” Jayapal objected immediately and asked that Young’s words be stricken from the record. Young later apologized, saying he has tendency to “get very defensive about my state.” Jayapal said she accepted the apology.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

FORT BEND HERALD

Humor and tragedy don’t mix

’ve spent a lot of time trying to understand the breadth of the tragedy named Harvey that wrecked so many lives along the Texas Gulf Coast as well as inland and into parts of Louisiana. We all have friends who were seriously impacted, Bill either during Hartman Harvey’s onslaught or the aftermath flooding. It will take weeks, months or even years to recover. I always try to look at the lighter side of life, because the bleak is so...bleak. The finality of Harvey reminded me of a personal loss back in June 2014 when one of my dearest friends died in Beaumont. His large family asked me, a Presbyterian/Methodist, to deliver the eulogy. They also asked me to “keep it light.” That was an onerous task, considering the service was held at Temple Emanuel, and the average age of the Jewish congregants was 75. A tough crowd to be “light”

with, so I concentrated on the family and hoped the other guests would follow their lead. I’d known the family members more than 40 years, and it was easy to reminisce about their patriarch’s funny side. The temple’s elders enjoyed the gags and chuckled from time to time. Trying to force a smile about Harvey is a tougher task, considering the enduring hardships. Seeing aerial views of traffic snarls stretching for miles, homes destroyed, entire communities flooded, freeways resembling large lakes and the extent of devastation takes on a life of its own. People aiding strangers and the risks taken to rescue victims of the deadly storm make you feel great to be a Texan. Then you read about people from other states driving hundreds and hundreds of miles to help because human beings were in harm’s way makes you even prouder to be an American. I was always passable as a student taking math and accounting classes. Not rocket science, but adding and subtracting. Now I’m completely baffled by new metrics used to answer any question about any subject. By Sunday, when I was freed from my Gilligan’s Island be-

cause of road flooding around my home north of Richmond and Rosenberg, I read where the U.S. Corps of Engineers reported a trillion gallons of water was produced by Harvey. During the week I watched those totals go to 9 trillion, 19 trillion, 24.5 trillion and finally 33 trillion. That’s what the smarts are saying the torrents produced in Texas, Louisiana and all the way to Tennessee and Kentucky. In perspective, that’s equal to a cube of water 3.1 miles high and 3.1 miles wide. Don’t ask me to explain. I’m just reporting what the “experts” say. That’s a heckuva bucket. No metric has turned this demolition into dollars and cents, and I’m not sure I even want to know, because the thought of loss of lives and property is staggering enough. I will close with one clever statement I read, though not trying to skew over the hardships. “After the great flood, God sent Noah a message using a dove. In Texas, because of the time of year, God sent a hummingbird. He knew if he sent a dove it would end up stuffed with jalapeño and wrapped in bacon.” Reach BH at bhartman@hartmannews.com.

Outside View

Donald Trump the Democrat

o President Trump’s apparent delight, the Chuck and Nancy show debuted in Washington this week. Trump had tired of Mitch and Paul, so he sided with their rivals. Trump has never been much of a Republican. He was a longtime Democrat, and he’s clearly more comfortable with Brooklyn-born Chuck SchumDouglas er and Baltimore-bor n Cohn Nancy Pelosi than red-Stater Mitch McConnell and the Midwestern moralist, Paul Ryan. Barely an hour before Trump signed onto a Democratic proposal for a short-term debt hike to give lawmakers breathing room to deal with pressing challenges, Ryan had called the three-month extension “ridiculous and disgraceful,” accusing the Democrats of “playing politics” with disaster relief aid. Trump’s swift action made Ryan look foolish, and McConnell was none too happy taking instructions from a president who takes pleasure in dissing him and his fellow Republicans. What’s going on here? First, Trump tried to work with the Republicans for seven months, and he hasn’t gotten squat.

He’s ready to try something else, and he’s a lot more culturally comfortable with the top two Democrats than he is with their counterparts. That’s part of it. The other part is that Schumer and Pelosi have played their hand smartly. They are the grownups in the room, and they have behaved like parents dealing with an irascible child. Schumer hasn’t responded in kind to Trump’s tweets and insults. Pelosi hasn’t jumped on the impeachment bandwagon, and she’s taken some heat from the Democratic left for her caution. They talked with Trump about legalizing DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), and he touted their willingness to do that in his remarks after meeting with congressional leaders from both parties. That would be quite a coup if Trump pulled it off. Just 48 hours after he had his attorney general announced the demise of DACA, the Obama-era executive order looked like it might find new life in bipartisan legislation. That of course is the most optimistic outcome. A lot could go wrong once the political process gets revved up and conservative Republicans load up any legislation with onerous provisions that Democrats could not support. Republicans are in disarray while Democrats are unified, and Trump likes to go with the winners. Schumer and Pelosi have succeeded

in getting Trump’s ear and making him seem powerful. They aren’t condescending to him in the way that McConnell and Ryan have been, each in his own way. McConnell irritated Trump by saying that he didn’t understand the legislative process and how long things take. It was a statement of fact that Trump took as an insult. Ryan has always held himself out as morally superior, which must rankle Trump. Schumer and Pelosi have held their fire when it comes to Trump, and now they have an in with him that might produce results. They can relate as fellow Democrats, which Trump was originally, and his daughter, Ivanka, certainly continues to be. She gets criticized for not producing more results, but she shouldn’t be discounted if only for the proximity that she has as her father’s treasured eldest daughter. It’s dangerous to cheer anything Trump does because it may not last, but there’s an opening here, and he’s found it to potentially get a law authorizing DACA, and to find bipartisan support for infrastructure spending and tax relief and reform. There could also be collateral benefit in getting him to calm down on the foreign policy front with his new-found friends. Doug Cohn writes his syndicated column in partnership with Eleanor Clift. Contact him on Twitter: at @ douglas_cohn.

Pelosi predicts greater leverage for Dems WASHINGTON (AP) — House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi predicted on Friday that Democrats will have increased leverage on immigration and other issues, after a debt and disaster aid deal they cut with President Donald Trump passed the House on the strength of Democratic votes. Pelosi said she makes “no apology” for working across the aisle with a president disdained in her home state of California, arguing that the president now understands Democrats are committed to compromise, “but also to stand our ground.” The package of Harvey aid

money coupled with a short-term increase in the debt ceiling and government spending passed Friday 316-90, with all 90 “no” votes coming from Republicans. Pelosi said that vote suggests Republicans are going to have a hard time passing other upcoming spending bills on their own, and will have to turn to Democrats again. “If it’s depending on Democratic votes, it increases our leverage,” Pelosi said in an interview with a small group of reporters. “It gives us a possibility for passing the DREAM Act” as an amendment to spending legislation.

The DREAM Act refers to legislation that would provide legal status to immigrants brought illegally to the country as children. Some 800,000 of these immigrants are currently protected from deportation by temporary work permits granted by an Obama administration program, but Trump has said he will dismantle it. He has given Congress six months to act before the program ends. At Pelosi’s urging, Trump sent a tweet Thursday morning reassuring so-called “Dreamers” that they would not be subject to deportation during that six-month period.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Hebert earned high marks for his leadership during Hurricane Harvey BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY swilley@fbherald.com

When Kerri Balogh and her husband first heard word that the Brazos River might flood because of Hurricane Harveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s torrential rains, they figured they could ride the storm out. After all, they had stayed put during the record-setting flood of 2016 and the levee around the community held back the river. However, when the voluntary evacuation order was changed to a mandatory evacuation, they moved in with friends on higher ground. Although they were safe on the second floor of their friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, they worried about their own house in Pecan Grove. Like many other Fort Bend County residents, the Baloghs followed the storm closely on TV, the newspapers and online. One voice they turned to time again was Fort Bend County Judge Robert â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bobâ&#x20AC;? Hebert, who directed the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office of emergency management. He reported on the storm each day from the OEM office in Richmond. The news media broadcasted his reports, and the OEM put videos of the reports online on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought his explanations were very clear and realistic,â&#x20AC;? said Balogh, 42, a document control lead. She wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t alone in her view. Others applauded Hebertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily reports, using terms like â&#x20AC;&#x153;informative,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;straight forwardâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;truthfulâ&#x20AC;? to describe him. They shared their gratitude with the judge on social media during and after the storm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He really seemed to care about our county and in these type of situations things change quickly,â&#x20AC;? Ba-

logh told The Herald. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like he really tried to give the most accurate information he could.â&#x20AC;? At times, Hebert used strong language to warn folks about the pending flood, which he called â&#x20AC;&#x153;a slow-moving disaster.â&#x20AC;? He cautioned viewers to move to higher ground and said a 59-foot river crest could cause billions of dollars in property damage. Balogh took him at his word. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you can be over cautious when peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives and property is at stake,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel he went overboard at all.â&#x20AC;? Emily Ammons, who lives in the Creekmont subdivision in Fresno, agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Throughout the entire experience, we stayed up to date with Judge Herbert and Fort Bend OEM,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We watched every newscast and Facebook live briefing to make sure we were getting the most accurate information for our area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Judge Herbert was always calm but direct in his briefings which helped us feel safe and informed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was no hype which helped us make the best decisions for us and our family during such a trying time.â&#x20AC;? Ammons told The Herald she appreciated Hebertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolve to get the news out each day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though you could see in his face that he was just exhausted, he always took the time to answer questions make sure everyone was properly briefed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He and the entire OEM team deserve a vacation after all their hard work.â&#x20AC;? Hebert said he had plenty of help during the storm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to commend my staff here at the Emergency Operations

BACON JAM

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Fort Bend County Judge Robert â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bobâ&#x20AC;? Hebert holds up a map showing the mandatory evacuation zones countywide during a press briefing at the height of Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent flooding. He was commended for his straight forward warnings. Center and all our first responders,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You did a fantastic job throughout this event. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not over yet, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winding down and moving into recovery.â&#x20AC;? More than 25,000 calls were received at the OEM phone bank during the storm and its aftermath. The countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website recorded more than 7 million visits during the crisis, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So people were staying informed, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good thing,â&#x20AC;? he said. He urges residents to share his information with others by word of

mouth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would especially like to give Judge Bob Hebert a shout out!!!â&#x20AC;? Joanne Hall Hughes posted on the OEMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook page. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a committed, caring leader that is working tirelessly to keep everyone safe!! God Bless you and your staff!!â&#x20AC;? Linda Lee said she appreciated Hebertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frequent updates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frequent and clear update videos and the team who diligently answered what seemed like every comment were calming in providing much needed details,â&#x20AC;? she said on the OEM Facebook page.

Rosenberg to begin picking up storm debris The city of Rosenberg will begin picking up debris from properties damaged by the flood on Monday, Sept. 11. There will be three passes, each lasting approximately two weeks. It is very important that debris be separated according to the

guidelines put out by Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management. Debris should be separated into the following groups: nVegetative Debris (leaves, plants, branches, etc.) n Demolition Debris (building

materials, mattresses, etc.) n Appliances and White Goods (refrigerators, microwaves, etc.) n Electronics (computers, televisions, et.c) n Household Hazardous Waste (Cleaning supplies, chemicals, etc.)

CATHOLIC CHARITIES: Handing out supplies CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 viding some magicâ&#x20AC;? on Saturday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our values are faith, integrity and collaboration, and this event is designed to bring hope and help to our community and to let them know weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for them,â&#x20AC;? Zarate

said. To coordinate relief efforts, Catholic Charities is working closely with many organizations including the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, United Way, Red Cross, Catholic parishes, Fort Bend County Social Services and a number of local nonprofits.

n Normal household trash will not be picked up with the disaster debris. Residents should continue to bag their trash and put it out on your regular trash pick-up day. For questions, call (832) 595-3300.

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Damages are being assessed, and preparations for the recovery phase of the disaster have begun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our teams work all year to prepare for situations like this, and we are ready to respond across the entire region,â&#x20AC;? said Cynthia N. Colbert, Catholic Charities president and CEO.

PRAYER: Turning to God is normal during crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 When he heard the news that the river would crest four feet lower, Rose called relatives whose homes also would be threatened by a 59-foot Brazos crest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I heard the good news and was amazed,â&#x20AC;? he recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I called my daughters who live in Greatwood. They have been so worried about their levees.â&#x20AC;? Rose said he truly believed County Judge Bob Hebert and the Office of Emergency Management expected the Brazos to crest at 59 feet or beyond. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But God set a boundary,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And that my friend, is a miracle.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;God said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;this far, and no more.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Knowing that He can do it with rivers, assures us that he can set limits anywhere He wants. Therefore, prayer works!â&#x20AC;? The Rev. David Shows, pastor of Word of God Fellowship Church, agrees with Rose. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly, a 4-foot difference is a miracle,â&#x20AC;? he said. Perhaps less a miracle but equally impressive, Shows said, was the support for victims. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During the news coverage and the multitude of rescues that we saw, it did not matter race, color, creed, political affiliations, etc., but we were all simply humans helping humans,â&#x20AC;? he said.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is what I used to see growing up in this nation and I have been missing that in the current political climate. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When important things really matter, Americans come together as Americans.â&#x20AC;? The goodwill among men reminded him of a verse in Genesis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cain asked God in Genesis, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Am I my brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keeper?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I believe God basically answered, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yes, you are!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I pray this type of respect for another human being continue long after the flood waters subside.â&#x20AC;? Does God answer prayers?â&#x20AC;? Rose asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Absolutely. We prayed; God answered.â&#x20AC;? Fr. Paul Wehner, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church in Richmond, said prayer is common during times of crisis and great loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Certainly, it can be suffering the loss of a loved one, but there are many other kinds of losses such as loss of health, loss of a job, loss of a relationship,â&#x20AC;? he explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scripture reminds us, as in Psalm 30:2, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. There are many times in life when we need to learn to live without something precious that we have had. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is especially true after the recent devastation caused by Harvey. â&#x20AC;?

Calvary Episcopal Church will host a community-wide healing service on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 806 Thompson Road. A healing service is a quiet, introspective time consisting of scripture readings, prayer and anointing, Wehner said.

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Monday, September 11, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 216

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

Needville ISD keeps last year’s tax rate

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Needville School Board members have approved the 2017-2018 financial budget and set the 2017 property tax rate. The tax rate will remain unchanged from last year, at $1.54 per $100 valuation. Of that amount, $1.17 is designated for maintenance and operations, and .37 cents is for bonded indebtedness/interest and sinking. Dovie Peschel, assistant superintendent of finance, said that while the tax rate will remain the same, more money will be generated for the district because Fort Bend Central Appraisal District figures show the average market value of a house in Needville ISD has increased from $174,137 last year to $180,168 this year. Peschel presented the $29,326,224 balanced budget, which includes $2.1 mil-

Travis Tigers get final tuneup against Katy Taylor; see Sports

Good Afternoon The 34th Annual Needville Harvest Festival Sponsorship has been extended due to the hurricane. Any business or individual interested in sponsoring the 2017 festival may call 281-468-9314. Deadline is Sept. 12.

KC donates supplies

The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. until the supplies run out each day. The Knights will also distribute supplies on Thursday, Sept. 14, Saturday, Sept. 16, and Tuesday, Sept. 19. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

Woodmen Life

Woodmen Life Chapter 3909 will meet on Sept. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Immanuel United Church 9018 Church St. in Needville. We will have an election of officers and planning session. A meal will be provided and members are asked to bring a dessert. For questions call, Darlene at 979 -793-4704.

Reunion game

The public is invited to the Lady Jays Volleyball Reunion Tournament, with matches at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, in the Needville High School gym. A reunion for all current and former Needville volleyball players and their families follows at 5 p. m. at the SPJST Hall on Texas 36 South.

Casino day trip

The Fort Bend County AARP Chapter 1772 is planning a Casino day trip to Coushatta on Tuesday, Sept 19. Cost is $10 per person. Bus departs from FB County Park & Ride lot in Rosenberg at 8 a.m. and returns at 10 p.m. Seating is limited. To reserve a seat call Janie at 281-239-5236.

BRAZOS BEND State Park Superintendent Chris Bishop takes a look at the damage at Hale Lake. Shown is a tree that was uprooted and toppled over the walkway.

‘It could have been worse’

95 percent of Brazos Bend State Park was submerged by flood waters BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Chris Bishop crouched at Elm Lake in Brazos Bend State Park to take a photo of not one, not two, but three 9-foot alligators lying just yards away from him on Friday morning. “My Instagram followers are going to hate me for these photos,” the park superintendent joked. “Ever since the park flooded, all I’ve posted about are the ‘gators.” The fact that he can take photos of live ‘gators is good news. Natural disasters like hurricanes and floods tend to kill a lot of wildlife. And back-to-back natural disasters that hit Texas came hard and fast, he said. “We thought the hurricane was bad until the flood came, then we were really worried,” he said. The park suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage following the flood, Bishop told The Herald. Camp sites were submerged in more than 6 feet of water for almost a week,

and metal grills and picnic tables may be unsalvageable. “Basically, anything made of metal is going to have to be looked at, simply because the metal deteriorates in the water,” Bishop said. “And a large part of the park is still under water.” Ninety-five percent of the 5,000-acre park was covered in water following the flood. “We’re trying not to feel sorry for ourselves,” Bishop said. “Because it could have been a lot worse. “For better or worse, we have a lot of experience with flooding over the last few years, and all we can do is rebuild the park better for the next flood to roll through.” Bishop said park personnel began preparing for the flood on Aug. 24, by removing appliances from camp sites. However, because of the fast-moving hurricane, they did not have enough time to secure all of the camp sites. Out of the 77 camp sites at the park,

SEE PARK, PAGE 5

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

TEXAS A&M AgrilLife County Extension Agent and 4-H Coordinator Justin Saenz, in front of a rescued horse, speaks about the animal situation at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds due to Hurricane Harvey.

Animals find temporary home at Fairgrounds

BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey proved devastating for many, causing many citizens to evacuate their homes and find shelter. While those affected may seek temporary homes in shelters or with friends/ relatives, many may wonder: What happens to the animals? Where do the pets

Make a difference “It is easy to make a dollar, but it is hard to make a difference,” — Kevin Kelly

— BH

Around the Bend Reese Vela pumped to visit Austin for the weekend... Angelica Martinez and Christa Charles surprising their mom Josie Velasquez on her birthday on Sunday. Josie’s granddaughter Angela Nicole calling her from San Diego...for giving me a surprise party on Sunday...granddaughter stationed in San Diego... Rudy and Lucille Antrich enjoying the barbecue chicken, sausage and brisket lunch at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church bazaar on Sunday... HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Obituaries Margaret Rodriguez Cortez, 88 Helen Evans Simon L. Rodriguez, 85 See page 3

Today’s Scripture God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Thought for Today “I have seen gross intolerance shown in support of tolerance.” — Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet and author (1772-1834)

and livestock go? Thankfully for the animals of Fort Bend County and surrounding areas, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team came to the rescue. About 100 farm animals — horses, goats, donkeys and cattle, and 50 dogs and cats, most of which were owner-evacuated — have sought, and are still seeking

SEE ANIMALS, PAGE 11

Disaster recovery centers open in Fort Bend County

Fort Bend Journal

86037 20032

lion earmarked for construction, and predicted close to $1 million will be added to the fund balance this year. Trustees praised Peschel for her work om the budget, as did Superintendent Curtis Rhodes. “I can honestly say Dovie’s done a heck of a job,” said longtime Trustee Jim Kocian. Kocian, who has served on the board for 30 years, said he recalls when Needville ISD’s annual budget was only $800,000 and many never dreamed the district would grow like it has. Rhodes said more growth is on its way, which calls for campus renovations and reconfigurations, including the addition of a second elementary school within the next couple of years. “It’s just something you need to start thinking about,” Rhodes told trustees.

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

Deadline extended

75 CENTS

Car show draws crowd

RAUL SAAVERDRA of Rosenberg and his son Eric check out a 1947 Chevrolet coupe during the ‘Ride to Rosenberg’ vintage car show on Saturday. The annual competition, held in historic downtown Rosenberg, drew a huge crowd of automobile enthusiasts and shoppers looking for something unique in the downtown business district.

Texas expands food benefits for Harvey victims AUSTIN — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will begin offering disaster food relief, commonly known as D-SNAP, for victims of Hurricane Harvey starting Wednesday, Sept. 13. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides short-term food benefits for eligible families recovering from a disaster. D-SNAP is available to eligible residents of the counties with a federal disaster declaration and weren’t receiving benefits through regular SNAP at the time of the disaster. “The devastation from Hurricane Harvey will impact Texas families for years to come,” said Texas Gov. Abbott. “In this time of need, this program will help Texans get back on their feet faster, as they will have one less thing to worry about. The state of Texas will continue

do everything it can to help Texans rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.” Texas HHSC will begin offering the benefits in stages, beginning with an 11-county area that can be served through the health and human services offices in those counties. Larger-population sites, such as in Houston and Corpus Christi, will launch in the coming days with special sites to accommodate large volumes of people who would not be able to be efficiently served through a local HHS office. “We have Texas families who lost everything,” said Texas HHS Executive Commissioner Charles Smith. “This puts a card in their hands so they can buy the food

SEE BENEFITS, PAGE 11

Fort Bend County residents have three options for visiting with government officials about their flood assistance process. A third Disaster Recovery Center opened today at the Katy Mills Mall, in addition to one in the Sienna Annex and one at the Simonton Community Church. Disaster recovery centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in 39 counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State and other agencies will be at the centers to talk about assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance in filing an application. The Fort Bend County Disaster Recovery Centers are: Fort Bend County Sienna Annex, 5855 Sienna Spring Way, Missouri City. Open Monday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Simonton Community Church, 9703 FM 1489 (Simonton Road), Simonton. Open Monday-Saturday, from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy. Open Monday-Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster assistance employees are committed to helping businesses and residents rebuild as quickly as possible. SBA representatives are available to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and help business owners and residents apply to SBA. Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. Centers have assistive technology equipment allowing disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision loss. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms. If possible, homeowners, renters and businesses should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. Eligible residents may register for assistance the following ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. or by phone 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Monday, September 11, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

We salute the Knights of Columbus in Rosenberg for their efforts to help victims of Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent flooding.

Our View

Some people still need help Anyone who took a drive around Rosenberg and Richmond this weekend couldn’t help but note the folks living near the river were in the process of hauling muddy carpet, wet sheetrock and soiled personal belongings out of their homes. While life has returned to normal for most of us, it could take weeks or months — even years — for others to recover from the devastating flood. We commend all of the hundreds if not thousands of volunteers who are helping out their fellow man during and after the crisis.

And, naturally, we thank all those who have donated much-needed clothing, food, beverages, cleaning supplies and more to those affected by the flood. If you’ve got some time on your hands, perhaps you might take a drive to north Rosenberg and north Richmond and lend a hand. You might even consider joining the Friends of North Richmond or the Friends of North Rosenberg, two great organizations whose volunteers are working daily to help victims. They can use all the help they can get.

Immigrants, liberty and duty

’m just off a trans-Atlantic crossing. You don’t realize how moving the experience of walking to the top of a ship for a pre-dawn arrival in New York City will be until you have the opportunity to do it. I found myself after a week on the ocean oddly comforted by the sight of buildings. As much as the sunsets and rises on the ocean drew me into a renewed appreciation Kathryn for the beauty Lopez of the Earth, Glenn Frey’s “You Belong to the City” was playing in my head. Dry land has its advantages. But it was neither the buildings nor Manhattan that is the star of the show when pulling into New York Harbor. It is, of course, the Statue of Liberty. The Germans behind me saw her first, saying: “There she is: Lady Liberty. Welcoming us.” For me, a native New Yorker, it was a familiar sight, and a symbol of what we ought to be as a nation and as citizens and good neighbors — not to mention a beacon to people a world away looking for a haven or a fresh start. This occurred the day after Donald Trump announced his

DACA news: the act that gave safe haven to illegal immigrants brought to the country as children is toast unless Congress wants to do something about it. A blanket of condemnation seemed to fill the airwaves. Even with a slow and expensive Internet connection on the ship, it was impossible to tune out. And it shouldn’t be tuned out. I had a flashback that morning to a conference call from a few years back. American Catholic bishops were urging Congress to move on immigration reform, and a question was raised with some bluster about the need for a high fence. You could hear over the phone lines that the question rattled every pastoral instinct in Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who was, at the time, president of the bishops’ conference. We live in a time of miscommunications, misapprehensions and misunderstandings. We also live in a time when more of us have an opinion about everything, often in the most absolute terms. Some of the alarms raised by pastors and Catholic bishops have been dismissed as coming from a constituency with a financial interest in keeping immigrants around. But this is about family, not numbers. I’ve known Archbishop Jose Gomez from Los Angeles for many years. And I don’t think he’d mind me

sharing that he often shares with me his distress about politics, and about conservative Republicans. And it’s not only because he is concerned about the people entrusted to his care. He also cares about the souls of the people in leadership, perhaps more than they do. “For me, immigration is about people, not politics,” he tells me. “For me, behind every number is a human soul with his or her own story. A soul who is created by God and loved by God. A soul who has a dignity and a purpose in God’s creation. Every immigrant is a child of God — a somebody, not a something.” Our founders dreamed of a nation where men and women from every race, religion and national background could live in equality — as brothers and sisters, children of the same God.” We need to make and enforce laws about borders and immigration justly. We need to see again the possibilities that so many have seen at the sight of the Statue of Liberty and other symbols of the promise of America. It’s something to share, not hoard or let recede in all the noise and anger.

FORT BEND HERALD

Why wasn’t mail delivered?

What about ‘Neither snow nor rain’?

urricane Harvey had quite an impact on the Willeys. The Category 4 hurricane slammed into the Texas coast around Rockport. My brother’s home in Port Aransas, about a 20 minute drive from Rockport, was all but destroyed. The surge never reached the home. My great-grandfather built the house on one of the highest dunes on Mustang Island. And the house, which my brother inherited, is nestled close to a another structure. Scott Reese But debris Willey bashed into the house, damaging it. Leslie says the damage could take months to repair. Fortunately, no one was inside the home at the time. My sister and my other brother both live in Anahuac. That farming community is located right on the coast between Beaumont and Houston. It took a direct hit when Harvey, which had stalled inshore, backed out of the state, regained its strength, and made landfall north of Houston. My younger brother, John, who lives in Anahuac, works at a hospital in Houston. He was stuck there for four days because water covered the roadways. He didn’t want to drown trying to get home.

I offered him the couch in my apartment. “Zach and I would love to have you stay over,” I told him by text. He turned me down cold. Seemed he’s rather sleep in his car for four straight nights than sleep over at my place. Hmpf! Guess Zach and I oughta tidy up a bit... My apartment is on the second floor in the middle of Rosenberg so I had no fear of high water. (My girlfriend says a little water on my floor would improve things a bit but that is a conversation for a later date.) John’s home in Anahuac escaped damage. Other than some high water, in the lawn, the house sustained no damage. His house is up off the ground by about five feet, a smart move, I must admit. His wife was also smart enough to park her car on higher ground before the storm hit. My sister’s house in Anahuac also escaped serious damage. Stacey said her roof lost some of its shingles and water got inside, but nothing of consequence. Her lakeside home in Moss Bluff, however, was damaged by high water. That home, which they are in the process of building, is located about a block from the Trinity River, which flooded. She said the damage is a setback but will only delay the building a little. WHERE’S THE MAIL? Although I didn’t suffer any damage from the storm, I did suffer financially, sorta kinda. I was waiting for a big fat insurance check to arrive. Unfortunately,

the mail wasn’t delivered. I checked each day throughout the storm but no mail. Frustrating. I tried to be understanding. I wouldn’t want any postal carrier to be harmed delivering mail in a storm, but the sun was shining the day after the hurricane hit Fort Bend County, and it has shined every since. From what I observed, there was no standing water on most streets in the town. So why couldn’t the mail be delivered, at least to those parts of town without standing water? I kept checking my mailbox for the entire week. NOTHING! Grrrr... Our own newspaper delivery people only missed a day or two during the storm. We printed the weekend edition Friday night and delivered it before the storm hit. We also didn’t deliver on Monday or Tuesday. But we resumed delivery on Wednesday. I wasn’t the only one upset by the lack of mail. Many people I ran into expressed similar anger. They all said what I had been saying: Those doggone postal unions are too strong. Postal workers can’t be fired so they don’t have to worry about missing work. We all agreed: Instead of paying these postal workers $30-$40 per hour (plus government benefits), hire some new high school graduates to deliver the mail for $15 per hour! Heck, pay me $15 per hour to walk home to home and stuff letters in mailboxes! I have a daughter in college. I could use a second job. Contact Scott Reese Willey at swilley@fbherald.com. (Pssst! Don’t try to mail me a letter)

Outside View

Kathryn Jean Lopez is senior fellow at the National Review Institute, editor-at-large of National Review Online and founding director of Catholic Voices USA. She can be contacted at klopez@nationalreview.com.

Your View

Voting no to county bond proposal

Precinct 1 County Commissioner Vincent Morales commented in an article in the Aug. 17 edition of The Fort Bend Herald. The story outlined the proposed bond election in Novem-

ber. He described the bonds as “needs,” and not “wish” projects. The voters approved bonds about three years ago and Needville/Fairchilds Road from Texas 36 to FM 361 was supposed to be one of the projects.

To date, nothing has been done. So now, we should vote for another bond? I don’t think I can support this bond. Delbert Gajevsky Needville

Nehls brothers an asset to Fort Bend County Mac McCune, your advertisement in the Fort Bend Herald (Thursday, Sept. 8, Page 10A) really caught my attention. It was true and to the point. The accolades you gave everyone, including our sheriff and his brother are so true. Troy has been a boon to the Richmond area for years and the residents still talk about his service as a Richmond police officer. He along with his brother Trevor are a gift to our commu-

nity. I have never met Troy, or his brother, but I am a resident of Richmond for over 50 years, which makes me almost a true resident and have often heard of their efforts to help and protect the city. I would also like to mention Mac McCune. I met him as a young fellow just starting his business of Lake Management in the Richmond area. I, being an old guy, wondered

how anyone would manage a lake, not knowing the coming residential lakes coming to our area. This obviously took someone with vision. Anyone that has come into contact with Mac knows he is a caring good guy. I haven’t seen him in 20 years but seeing his comments in the newspaper, I know he hasn’t changed. Tom Stell Richmond

Sept. 11, a day I will never forget

will never forget. I was 8 years old, sitting at my desk in the third grade looking out the window and watching other kids play on the playground. All of a sudden the principal came into the classroom and asked my teacher to step out in the hall so he could speak to her for a couple minutes. Not knowing what was being disTyler cussed, the whole class Johnson stared at them and then my teacher put her hands over her mouth and fell to her knees. The principal had just informed her that two planes had flown into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York

City and that the country was under attack. My teacher came back into the classroom with tears still running down her face and tried her best to explain what was happening to a bunch of 8 and 9 year olds. I remember sitting at my desk and trying to wrap my head around it. I just kept asking myself why. Why was this happening? Why do people hate us? Why are there bad people in the world? As the day of Sept. 11, 2001 went on, parents were picking up their kids early and taking them home. I stayed the remainder of the day and when my mother picked me up, she gave me the biggest hug and held me so tightly. That’s when it hit me. That’s when I knew this was serious. I got home, turned on the TV and saw nothing but news coverage of the attack. In footage from earlier in the

day, people were scrambling for their lives. People were jumping from the buildings. Fire fighters and police officers were risking their lives to try and save someone else’s. I had never seen anything like it. Then the buildings collapsed. I sat there in my mother’s arms and watched thousands of people fall to their death or get buried alive by all the rubble that had fallen. I asked my mother the question that had been in my head all day, “Why?” My mother is the type of woman who usually has an answer for everything, but this time, she just looked at me and said, “I don’t know, baby.” Sixteen years later, I’m still asking the same question. Contact Tyler Johnson at sjohnson@fbherald.com and follow him on Twitter @STJfbherald.

Trump pays tribute to Sept. 11 tragedy Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Scott Reese Willey MANAGING EDITOR

Ron Depuy CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Oliver ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Rebekah Ramos CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Ryan Dunsmore SPORTS EDITOR

Bill Hartman CHAIRMAN

Fred Hartman VICE CHAIRMAN

Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is leading a national moment of silence on the anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks, his first commemoration of the solemn anniversary in office. Trump and first lady Melania Trump observed a moment of silence at the White House on Monday in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who were killed when hijackers flew commercial airplanes into New York’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The Trumps bowed their heads and placed their hands over their hearts as “Taps” was played on the South Lawn during the somber ceremony with White House aides and other administration officials. The morning remembrance was

held at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane struck one of the Twin Towers on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. Trump and his wife were also paying their respects at a Pentagon ceremony led by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The observances come as the U.S. grapples with the death and destruction caused by two hurricanes in three weeks. Vice President Mike Pence was representing the administration at an observance at the 9/11 memorial in Shanksville. A native New Yorker, Trump has a mixed history with 9/11. He frequently uses the terrorist strikes to praise the city’s response but also makes unsubstantiated claims about what he did and saw on that

day. Trump often lauds the bravery of New York police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders who rushed to the Twin Towers, in some cases knowing they probably wouldn’t make it out alive, as an example of the resilience of the city where he made a name for himself. But Trump has criticized President George W. Bush’s handling of the attacks, accusing his fellow Republican of failing to keep Americans safe. Trump has also made dubious claims about Sept. 11, particularly saying when talking about Muslims that “thousands of people were cheering” in Jersey City, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from lower Manhattan, as the towers collapsed.

Monday, September 11, 2017

NEWS

PARK: Storm killed some wildlife, felled trees

FORT BEND HERALD

Water District Water District NoticeNotice of Public onRate Tax Rate of Public Hearing Hearing on Tax The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 176 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at Greatwood Lakes Office Building, Suite 100 A, Houston Community Bank Conference Center, located at 19855 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

THERE ARE approximately 300 six-foot or longer alligators at Brazos Bend State Park. Many of them survived the hurricane and subsequent flooding of the park. Other wildlife, such as fawns and possums, was not so lucky. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 70 were submerged in water during the flood. “There was nothing we could do about the wildlife, either,” Bishop said. “Alligator nests were flooded and not viable, and this has happened the last three years around the same time, which means alligator reproduction has dropped drastically.” In addition to that, small mammals, such as ‘possums, armadillos, fawns and raccoons have suffered a high mortality rate. “This will significantly impact the park,” Bishop revealed. He added that because the park has been closed since Aug. 24, it

has lost almost $500,000 in revenue. “We certainly can’t reopen until at least Oct. 5,” Bishop said. “I’m heartbroken about that, but I have to remember to put the safety of the people first.” More than 250,000 people visit Brazos Bend State Park every year. “This is an awe-inspiring event,” Bishop said. “And from this destruction will come new life.” High water marks are visible on trees all around the park, some marks reaching trees over 6 feet. “It’s incredible, because in a year, we’ll still be able to see the visible water marks on the trees,

and they will be a reminder of what happened,” Bishop said. On Monday, state park employees from West Texas are coming to Brazos Bend State Park to help with the recovery. “Although the park won’t be open for at least another month, we will soon begin having Saturday work events for volunteers who wish to help clean up the park with us,” Bishop said. “It’ll take time to make the park safe for people again, and when it is, we will strive to provide that quality experience people love about Brazos Bend State Park,” Bishop said. The park is located south of Richmond at 21901 FM 762.

Texas State Technical College in Rosenberg to reopen Sept. 18 Texas State Technical College in Rosenberg will resume classes Monday, Sept. 18 for those who are able to travel safely and whose situations allow. “TSTC has made the safety and welfare of its employees and students a priority throughout the events of Hurricane Harvey, but now that the immediate threat to safety is passed and the local focus has turned to restoration and

recovery the college can begin to transition efforts toward getting the campus back online,” TSTC Chancellor Mike Reeser said. Reeser said he and several TSTC administration, faculty and staff members from across the state have personally visited the campus to listen to employees and offer support. Extensive outreach to TSTC employees and students has also

been conducted and the college has provided much-needed supplies to the Fort Bend County campus for those who have suffered loss during the flooding,” he addded. “We will continue to assess the needs of our employees and students in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and will work with those who have suffered great devastation,” Reeser said.

Visit us on the web at fbherald.com

M. Shirley, T. Erickson, J. West & N. Powell (none) (none) S. Scharn

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of increase

This Year

0.550 /$100

Adopted

$206,761

$ 0.550 /$100 $0.000 /$100 0.0000%

$ 0 $206,761 $ 1,137.19

Proposed

$214,620 $ 0 $214,620 $1,180.41

$43.22 3.8006%

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

Water District Water District NoticeNotice of Public onRate Tax Rate of PublicHearing Hearing on Tax

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 109 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at Si Environmental, LLC, 6420 Reading Road, Rosenberg, Texas,. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 2 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Monday, September 18, 2017, at 12:00 noon at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP located at 3200 Southwest Freeway, 1st Floor Conference Room, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

J. Kidda, D. Brittain, B. Rich, J. Lawrence (none) (none) Wm. Dea

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage decrease in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

Last Year

This Year

0.340 /$100

Adopted

$281,589

-$0.040 /$100 -11.7647%

$ 0 $281,589 $ 957.40

M. Kroboth, M. Rubal, J. Farrar, R. Duran, & J. Carroll (none) (none) (none)

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year

0.300 /$100

Proposed

$279,815 -$27,982 $251,834 $755.50

-$201.90 -21.0883%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. For additional information on your taxes, visit www.greatwooddistricts.com/districts/fbmud109.

This Year

0.590 /$100

Adopted

$344,447

$ 0.510 /$100 -$0.080 /$100 -13.5593%

$ 0 $344,447 $ 2,032.24

Proposed

$356,434 $ 0 $356,434 $1,817.81

-$214.43 -10.5514%

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

High School Sports Calendar Foster Monday

Volleyball: Lady Falcons vs. Victoria East, 5

Saturday

Football: Falcons vs. Seven Lakes, Traylor Stadium, 6

Fulshear Monday

Volleyball: Chargers at Lamar Consolidated, 5

Thursday

Football: Chargers vs. George Ranch JV, Charger Stadium, 7

George Ranch Tuesday

Volleyball: Longhorns vs. Pearland Dawson, 7

Monday, September 11, 2017

SPORTS

FORT BEND HERALD

Terry, Foster gyms feel effects of Harvey Volleyball teams having to adjust schedule after water damage BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

Hurricane Harvey put the high school athletic calendar on hold for nearly three weeks. Things will finally get back to normal for this coming week with school back in session. But this will still not be normal for two schools: Terry and Foster high schools. Lamar Consolidated ISD athletic director Nikki Nelson confirmed over the weekend that gyms at both schools had taken on water. “We did have some water damage at Terry and Foster but repairs have started already at Foster and they are slated to start next week at Terry,” Nelson said.

“I applaud our maintenance and operations department for getting on top of the issue so quickly and getting the repairs started. “It will help us to get our students and our facilities back on schedule as soon as possible.” Ranger Gym was directly effected at Terry. Foster’s auxiliary gym was impacted, while the main gym wasn’t. The repairs appear to be on schedule for completion before basketball season starts. “We are predicting it could take a month or two to have them both functioning fully once again,” Nelson said.

Changing gears

The Lady Rangers volley-

ball team has already adjusted th schedule. Monday’s game against Port Lavaca Calhoun has been moved to the auxiliary gym. Tuesday’s home game against Lamar Consolidated has been flipped to a home game for the Lady Mustangs. And the same goes for Friday’s game against Fulshear that now will be played at Charger Gym. The lack of an auxiliary gym will only affect the Lady Falcons’ sub-varsity teams. Freshman games will start at 4:30 at Foster in the main gym for the foreseeable future. Nelson also confirmed that these two sites were the only major damage done to LCSID athletic facilities.

“We had some windscreens torn up and we’ll get those replaced in the near future,” Nelson said. “On the bright side, the grass has had a good drink and is nice and green for when our football teams return.” The football teams are expected to return to a full schedule of action in week three, starting with Terry welcoming Spring Woods to Traylor Stadium on Thursday. Lamar Consolidated will play on Friday against Brazoswood. George Ranch and Foster will play a doubleheader on Saturday. The Longhorns will welcome Autonoma de Nuevo Leon and the Falcons face Seven Lakes.

Fort Bend ISD

LCISD teams weren’t the only ones changing plans for their athletic programs. Fort Bend ISD has changed the time and location of Travis’ first football game of the season. The Tigers were scheduled to face Fort Bend Elkins on Friday, Sept. 15 at Mercer Stadium at 7 p.m. But the game will now take place on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Hall Stadium at 11 a.m. The move due to after damage from Hurricane Harvey at Mercer Stadium. While there is no word yet on how long repairs will take a Mercer, but at this time no other games at the stadium have been rescheduled.

High school football

Tigers get final tuneup with Katy Taylor

Saturday

Football: Longhorns vs. UANL Tigers, Traylor Stadium, 3

Lamar Consolidated Tuesday

Volleyball: Lady Mustangs vs. Fulshear, 5

Friday

Football: Mustangs vs. Brazoswood, Traylor Stadium, 7

Terry Monday

Volleyball: Lady Rangers vs. Calhoun, 6

Thursday

Football: Rangers vs. Spring Woods, Traylor Stadium, 7

Travis Tuesday

Volleyball: Lady Tigers at Dulles, 6:30

Saturday

Football: Tigers vs. Fort Bend Elkins, Hall Stadium, 11

Needville Tuesday

Volleyball: Lady Jays at East Bernard, 7

Friday

Football: Blue Jays vs. Booker T. Washington, Blue Jay Stadium, 7:30

Brazos Tuesday

Volleyball: Cougarettes vs. Hitchcock, 5

Friday

Football: Cougars vs. Shiner, Cougar Stadium, 7:30

HERALD PHOTO BY RYAN DUNSMORE

TRAVIS QUARTERBACK Amryn Jeffrey throws the ball TRAVIS DEFENDERS swarm to the football during the scrimmage TRAVIS WIDE RECEIVER Arjei Henderson breaks at tackle against Katy Taylor. down field against Katy Taylor. against Katy Taylor at Katy Taylor High School.

Henderson shows off skills at receiver and in return game BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

KATY — The Travis Tigers and Katy Taylor Mustangs were scheduled to square off on the football field this past Friday. Then Hurricane Harvey happened. The Tigers’ first two games were canceled to give time for students, facility and staff to recover from the flood waters. But the Tigers and Mustangs still have football seasons to play after school starts again. Thus the two teams met on Saturday at Katy Taylor for a scrimmage.

It didn’t take long for the Tigers offense to take center stage. Oregon commit junior wide receiver Arjei Henderson caught an early touchdown strike from senior quarterback Amryn Jeffrey. Sophomore wide receiver Kollin Jackson streaked down the sideline for an 80-yard touchdown during time with the second units. But the success was short-lived for the Tigers against the stout Mustangs defense led by Texas A&M commit Max Wright. Wright gave the Tigers’ offensive line arguably their toughest test of the season. The Mustangs defense

collected three sacks and an interception during the timed period of the scrimmage. The Tigers’ special teams unit stood out during the scrimmage. Henderson had two nifty kickoff returns but the true impact wasn’t felt with no tackling allowed on the plays. The Tigers found out how far they have to go to replace Garrett Urban in the kicking game. Senior punter Dylan Hearrall showed room for growth. The Tigers’ first game is Saturday against Elkins at Hall Stadium.

NFL moving quickly to reverse Foster adds game at Katy ISD’s new Legacy Stadium halt on Elliott’s 6-game ban

BY RYAN DUNSMORE rdunsmore@fbherald.com

The Foster Falcons were scheduled to open Katy ISD’s new Legacy Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 31. The game was canceled after Hurricane Harvey ripped through the Texas Gulf Coast. But the Foster Falcons will get another crack to play at Legacy Stadium during the 2017 season. Lamar Consolidated ISD athletic director Nikki Nelson confirmed the Fal-

cons will play against the Cinco Ranch Cougars on Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m. The game replaces the Falcons’ bye week. No other LCISD teams have added a game at this time.

Travis Tigers

The Travis Tigers have added a game to their 2017 season with Klein High School on Sept. 22. The Tigers will travel to Klein Memorial Stadium to face the Bearkats at 7 p.m.

MLB on deck

BY SCHUYLER DIXON AP Pro Football Writer

The NFL is moving quickly in hopes of reversing a federal judge’s decision that blocked the league’s six-game suspension of Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott in a domestic violence case in Ohio. The league on Monday asked the judge who ruled in Elliott’s favor to stop the preliminary injunction that cleared last year’s NFL rushing leader to play while the case is in court. A notice of

appeal was also filed with the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The NFL’s latest filings came about 12 hours after Elliott rushed for 104 yards in the Cowboys’ 19-3 win over the New York Giants at home Sunday night. Elliott had already been cleared to play in the season opener when U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant granted a temporary restraining order and injunction blocking the suspension Friday.

NFL

Astros fall flat on their face in Savage benched, Watson in for Texans Professional HOUSTON (AP) — Leonard Myers made it 3-0 in the first Sports Calendar Oakland, continue road trip Fournette ran for 100 yards and quarter and he added one from WIRE AND STAFF REPORTS

Astros Tuesday

MLB: Astros at Angels, 9:07

Wednesday

MLB: Astros at Angels, 9:07

Texans Thursday

NFL: Texans at Bengals, 7:25

Skeeters Tuesday

Atlantic League: Skeeters at Bridgeport Bluefish, 7:05

The Houston Astros entered the day tied with Cleveland for the best record in the AL, but their pitching fell apart at the Coliseum. After a four-game sweep at the hands of the Oakland Athletics, the Astros now trail the Indians by one game in the overall AL standings. RHP Justin Verlander (11-8) faces the Angels on Tuesday in his second start with Houston since being acquired from Detroit. Verlander is 6-8 lifetime against the Angels.

...and counting

The Indians can win their 19th straight game when they open a series against Detroit. Cleveland is two victories shy of the 2002 “Moneyball” Athletics for the longest streak since 1935, and it can get within striking distance with a win as Carlos Carrasco (14-6, 3.53) takes on Tigers rookie Myles Jaye (1-0, 0.00). Throughout this franchise-record run, the Indians have maintained that it’s not

much of a discussion topic in the clubhouse. “Maybe this thing gets more carried away with other people as opposed to us,” manager Terry Francona said. “We just play the game.”

Still struggling

The NL West-leading Dodgers are a loss away from their longest skid since moving to Los Angeles as they open a series at San Francisco. L.A. has dropped 10 straight for the first time since 1992, and that was the franchise’s worst stretch since the Brooklyn Dodgers lost 16 consecutive in 1944. Kenta Maeda (12-6, 4.02 ERA) tries to play stopper against Giants rookie Chris Stratton (2-3, 4.10).

9/11 anniversary

Teams across the country will hold pregame ceremonies and moments of silence on the 16-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, and players, coaches and umpires will wear hats with an American flag patch.

a touchdown in his NFL debut, and Jacksonville had 10 sacks and forced four turnovers to help the Jaguars to a 29-7 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday. Blake Bortles threw for 125 yards and a touchdown, Calais Campbell had four sacks and Dante Fowler returned a fumble 53 yards for a score as the Jaguars snapped a six-game skid against Houston. The Texans hoped to provide a boost to the area ravaged by Hurricane Harvey with a win. Instead, Tom Savage struggled behind a porous line and was benched in favor of rookie Deshaun Watson at halftime with Houston down 19-0. J.J. Watt returned after missing 13 games last season after back surgery, but injured his finger in the first half and finished with just one tackle. A 42-yard field goal by Jason

25 yards early in the second. The Texans punted on their first four possessions, and the fifth one ended when Savage fumbled on a sack by Yannick Ngakoue and the Jaguars recovered the ball.

Injures

Houston linebacker Brian Cushing, tight ends Ryan Griffin and C.J. Fiedorowicz and receiver Bruce Ellington all left the game with concussions. Jaguars receiver Allen Robinson injured his left knee in the first quarter and didn’t return.

Up next

Jaguars: Host Tennessee on Sunday. Texans: Face a quick turnaround with a trip to Cincinnati on Thursday.

JAGUARS-TEXANS STATS

Jacksonville 3 16 7 3—29 Houston 0 0 7 0— 7 First Quarter

Jac–FG Myers 42, 12:08. Second Quarter Jac–FG Myers 25, 14:49. Jac–Fournette 1 run (kick failed), 2:02. Jac–Fowler 53 fumble return (Myers kick), :49. Third Quarter Hou–Hopkins 4 pass from Watson (Fairbairn kick), 9:09. Jac–Bohanon 1 pass from Bortles (Myers kick), 4:14. Fourth Quarter Jac–FG Myers 38, 3:11. A–71,710. Jac Hou First downs 19 23 Total Net Yards 280 203 Rushes-yards 39-155 23-93 Passing 125 110 Punt Returns 1-7 1-21 Kickoff Returns 0-0 1-24 Interceptions Ret. 1-67 0-0 Comp-Att-Int 11-21-0 19-36-1 Sacked-Yards Lost 0-0 10-54 Punts 4-46.8 5-43.2 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 3-3 Penalties-Yards 10-89 9-94 Time of Possession 30:05 29:55 INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING–Jacksonville, Fournette 26-100, Ivory 9-42, Bortles 3-13, Bohanon 1-0. Houston, L.Miller 17-65, Watson 2-16, Ervin 3-8, Foreman 1-4. PASSING–Jacksonville, Bortles 11-21-0125. Houston, Savage 7-13-0-62, Watson 12-23-1-102. RECEIVING–Jacksonville, Hurns 3-42, Fournette 3-24, O’Shaughnessy 1-18, A.Robinson 1-17, Benn 1-12, Ivory 1-11, Bohanon 1-1. Houston, Hopkins 7-55, Fiedorowicz 4-46, Ervin 4-18, L.Miller 2-31, Anderson 2-14.

NEWS ANIMALS: Donkeys, horses, cattle find refuge

Monday, September 11, 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 shelter at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Justin Saenz, who oversaw and coordinated the Texas A&M VET’s presence at the fairgrounds, said he was in for a big learning experience dealing with animals and working with others in the Hurricane Harvey aftermath. “We tried to stay ahead of everything else,” he said. “Owners got flooded out, so they had no place to take [their animals].” Saenz walked through a fairgrounds stable, noting that many of the horses have been returned home. “These horses over here will probably be going home later today,” he pointed out. “These horses over here are from Thompson, so they’re going to be flooded for a while. They’ll probably be here for a couple of weeks.” With the influx of animals, first responders from the Texas National Guard and Texas Task Force 1 and 2, among groups stationed at the fairgrounds for search-and-rescue efforts, were in for a treat. “The National Guard had the chance to walk the dogs and go horseback riding,” said Saenz. “Some of the Task Force really enjoyed the horses here.” As for the pets, Saenz noted the team “had a system in place where people could bring their dogs and cats here and we would send them to the shelter after they were looked at by the vets. “The vet crew were a great group to work with. They had a whole tent set up here. They had tons of equipment.” Jennifer G. Gauntt, College of Veterinary Medicine communications specialist and Texas A&M University Veterinarian Emergency Team public information officer, explained that the VET’s primary objective in Fort Bend County,

FORT BEND HERALD

Water District Water District NoticeNotice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The SiennaManagement Plantation Management District hold aa public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the The Sienna Plantation District willwillhold public hearing on a proposed taxtaxrate fo year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prosperity Bank, 14060 Southwest year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Prosperity Bank, 14060 So Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change Freeway, SugarinLand, Texas. individual taxes may increase decrease, depending the taxable value ofYour your property in relation to the change in taxableorvalue on all other property andon the the tax rate that is adopted. in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other prop the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal: L. Bell, D. Osborne, J. Knox, Jr., C. Radley & D. Marcell AGAINST the proposal: (none) PRESENT and not voting: (none) ABSENT: FOR the proposal: L. Bell,(none) D. Osborne, J. Knox, Jr., C. Radley & D. Marcell

AGAINST the The proposal: (none)taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to following table compares PRESENT andtaxes notproposed voting:on the average (none)residence homestead this year. HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN Shown is the close up of a horse’s eye with purple stitches after it was ABSENT: (none) Last Year * This Year * treated by the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team. The horse, along with other horses, cattle, donkeys, goats, dogs and cats, sought shelter “was to provide medical support to urban search-and-rescue canine teams and other state and national entities, as well as to resident animals injured as a result of Hurricane Harvey. “The VET offered pre- and postfield operational medical care to 10 search-and-rescue dogs that were affiliated with Texas Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2, stationed in Rosenberg.” Of those 100 livestock animals, Gauntt stated about 20 to 40 required veterinary care at some point. “Once our records are entered into our medical system, we anticipate those numbers to be much higher,” she said.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

1.050 /$100

$ 1.050 /$100

The following table compares taxes on the average Adopted residence homestead in thisProposed taxing unit las in rates perresidence $100 of valuehomestead this year. $0.000 /$100 taxes proposed Difference on the average

Due to the fairgrounds being a shelter for both large and small animals, Gauntt noted there were similar protocols for animal care in regard to providing medical services. The process included visual triage (assessment, gathering of vital statistics, etc.), physical examination, and treatment of wounds, such as lacerations, shipping injuries, and flood-related skin infections. “The dogs and cats brought to us were decontaminated. Otherwise toxic materials the animals may have been exposed to from the flood waters, as well as to cleanse out any wounds the animal may have had,” she explained.

Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled Total tax rate (per person’s $100 ofexemptions) value) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Difference in rates perincrease $100inoftaxes value Annual if Proposed tax rate is adopted Percentage increase in rates And percentage of increase

0.0000%

Last Year * $

1.0500 /$100

$0.00 Adopted $0.00

0 $0 $0.00

$0.000 /$100 $0.000.0000%

This Year

$ 1.050

Propose

0.0000%

Average appraised value $0 $0 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION General exemptions available (excluding seniorIfcitizen’s disabled BENEFITS: Texas offers D-SNAP to victims taxes on theoraverage residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that person’s exemptions) $ an election 0 be held to determine whether to reduce$the CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 19. For detailed instructions and operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. Eligible households willtaxable rethe alphabetical order listing, go to $0 Average value $0.00 they need. Nothing is more import- www.hhs.texas.gov/d-snap. ceive up to two months of beneant than feeding and taking care of Households must bring identifi- fits when their cards load. The * There are NO residential homes on average residence homestead $0.00in this District. $0.00 our families.” is equivalent to cation when applying for D-SNAP. benefit amount Tax Residents of the initial 11-coun- Common types of verification in- the maximum amount normally ty area must apply in person. Ap- clude a driver’s license or other issued to a SNAP Annual increase in taxes if household of Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to plications will be taken for those government-issued photo identifi- their size, within three days of counties based on a rolling alpha- cation. applying. Proposed tax rate is adopted Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. $0.00 betical order between Sept. 13 and 0.0000% And percentage of increase

Water District Water District NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION Water District Water District of PublicHearing Hearing on Tax NoticeNotice of Public onRate Tax RateIf taxes onNotice the averageNotice residence increaseon byTax more than percent, the q of Public onRate TaxeightRate of homestead PublicHearing Hearing

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 5 will hold a public hearing on a proposed voterstaxofratethe district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to re Imperial Redevelopment District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. at Allen Boone Humphriesand maintenance operation tax 28, rate2017 to atthenoonrollback rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code Thursday, September at Imperialtax Sugar Plant, 198 Kempner Street, 2nd Floor Conference Robinson LLP, 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston, Texas. Your individual taxes may Room, Sugar Land, Texas, 77478. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value on all other property and change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. * There are NO residential homes in this District. the tax rate that is adopted. FOR the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the& tax office at (281) 499-1223. FOR the proposal: B. Little, D. Parmer, J. Thompson

T. Taylor, M. Greenwood, G. Smith, B. Adams (none) (none) N. Hedrick

AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of increase

Last Year

This Year

1.480 /$100

Adopted

$168,817

$0.000 /$100 0.0000%

$0 $168,817 $2,498.49

1.480 /$100

Proposed

$172,767 $0 $172,767 $2,556.95

$58.46 2.3398%

(none) (none) T. Stubenrouch & P. Shah

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Total tax rate (per $100 of value) Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

Last Year*

This Year

1.100 /$100

Adopted

$582,788

$0.000 /$100 0.0000%

$ 0 $582,788 $ 6,410.67

1.100 /$100

Proposed

$574,417 -$28,721 $545,696 $6,002.66

-$408.01 -6.3645%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION

If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223.

NEWS

Monday, September 11, 2017

Division of J. Louis Deitch Interests Inc. 3018 Fifth St., Stafford, Texas 77477

FORT BEND HERALD

Harvest Festival drive-thru dinner

PH: 281-499-6400 FAX: 281-261-0047 FT. BEND COUNTY’S LARGEST SCRAP METAL DEALER

CASH FOR CANS 50¢ LB. COPPER & BRASS

ALUMINUM ITEMS

STAINLESS & ALLOY

MISC. ITEMS

#1 Copper..................$2.33 lb. #2 Copper..................$2.13 lb. Lt. Copper..................$1.90 lb. Hard Brass.................$1.65 lb. Red Brass..................$1.55 lb. Yel. Brass...................$1.50 lb. Radiators....................$1.40 lb. A/C Coils...................$1.05 lb. Ins. #1........................$1.30 lb. Ins. #2........................$0.85 lb. Jelly Wire....................$0.85 lb. Bullet Shells...............$2.30 lb. 304-SS..........................35¢ lb. 316-SS..........................50¢ lb. Chrome Wheels.............40¢ lb. Carbide.......................$5.50 lb.

Extrusions.....................56¢ lb. 5052..............................57¢ lb. 6061..............................45¢ lb. Clips..............................35¢ lb. Sheet.............................35¢ lb. Cast...............................33¢ lb. Litho Plates...................50¢ lb. Alu-Coils........................32¢ lb. Pas-Gutters...................40¢ lb. Alu-Wheels.....................47¢ lb. Alu-Shavings.................22¢ lb. Ins Alu-ACSR................22¢ lb. Lead..............................60¢ lb. Batteries..................$10.00 ea. Golf Cart Batteries...$17.00 ea Compressors............ $5.50 ea Elec. Motors..................20¢ lb.

REIGNING NEEDVILLE Harvest Queen Payton Schro- Dinner, which took place Sunday at Harvest Park. The eder hands Barbara Sims her turkey-and-dressing 34th annual Harvest Fest takes place Oct. 20 and 21 meal at the annual Needville Harvest Fest Drive-Thru at Harvest Park.

SEVERAL NEEDVILLE ISD students volunteered to help prepare meals at the annual Needville Harvest Fest Drive-Thru Dinner, which took place Sunday at Harvest Park. Among them are, from left, Sage Korczynski, Payton Labay and Jack Bishop.

IN THE wake of Hurricane Harvey, Needville High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) members are holding a school supply drive to help students affected by the disaster. From left are junior Simon Steffek, Cashius Jones and Ahmad Irteima.

SEVERAL NEEDVILLE Lions Club members volunteered to help prepare turkey-and-dressing meals at the Needville Harvest Fest Drive-Thru Dinner, which took place Sunday at Harvest Park. Among them are

Tom Wallis, at left, and at right, background to foreground, Darrel Mitchell, Tom Stavinoha and Lee Geiling. The 34th annual Harvest Fest is set for Oct. 20 and 21 at Harvest Park.

Note: Prices are subject to change without notice due to market fluctuation. Call for updated quotes

If you are not selling us your metals, we both lose money!

DON'T DELAY, CALL TODAY

281-499-6400

Expires 9/17/17

NOTICE NOTICE OF TAX REVENUE INCREASE OF TAX REVENUE INCREASE The Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 4 conducted public hearings on September 1, 2017 and September 8, 2017 on a proposal to increase the total tax revenues of the Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 4 from properties on the tax roll in the preceding year by 2.18 percent. The total tax revenue proposed to be raised last year at last year's tax rate of $0.100000 for each $100 of taxable value was $6,689,886. The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of $0.100000 for each $100 of taxable value, excluding tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $6,833,914. The total tax revenue proposed to be raised this year at the proposed tax rate of $0.100000 for each $100 of taxable value, including tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year, is $7,093,823. The Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 4 is scheduled to vote on the tax rate that will result in that tax increase at a public meeting to be held on September 19, 2017 at Fulshear Simonton Fire Station No. 1, 30626 Fifth Street, Fulshear, TX 77441 at 8:00 AM. The Fort Bend Emergency Services District No. 4 proposes to use the increase in total tax revenue for the purpose of accommodating the increasing needs in our fast growing area. Plans

include increased staffing within the Fire Department and it's administration along with building new fire stations and purchasing the apparatus for each new station.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Keep mosquitoes outsi.de Use sce r ens on windows and door.sUse air conditionin.g

Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in standing water. Tip and toss containers that hold water.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanon.e

Cover cribs, strollers and carriers with mosquito nettin.g Do not use repellent on babies under two months. Do not use OLE or PMD on kids under three year.s

Zika can be passed through sex with an infected person. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika | www.texaszika.org

4520 Reading Rd., Ste A Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-238-3233

Quite a quilt Fort Bend County Fair Creative Arts Department held its annual Kickoff Coffee at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. The event offered all the volunteers an opportunity to meet, renew friendships and plan for the upcoming fair. Contest division members were also named. Contest divisions this year includes quilting, floral arts, photography, art, baked goods, visual arts and needwork. Other divisions include canned goods, sewing machine, arts and crafts, collections and holiday.

QUILTING DIVISION members, from left, are Beverly Permenter, Sharon Tusa, Barbara Seelhorst, Pat Hebert and Gerry Aitken. More photos, Page 8.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 217

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County will allow bagging of debris BY HERALD STAFF

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TODAY!

Good Afternoon KC donates supplies

The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Thursday, Sept. 14, Saturday, Sept. 16, and Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. until supplies give out. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

Craft extravaganza

The 6th annual This & That Craft Extravaganza Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Briscoe Junior High School, 4300 FM 723. Admission is free. Activities and games scheduled.

Fort Bend Journal

In an about face, Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert said residents may go ahead and bag storm debris. Hebert said he has amended the debris permit with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and has verbal approval from FEMA to allow the county to pick up bagged debris. “We are sorry for any frustration this has caused our residents; we heard you and have negotiated with the TCEQ and FEMA for an amended permit and a simpler process,” he explained. “If you have already bagged your debris, just leave it on the curb to be picked up.” Bagged debris needs to be picked up with different equipment, he explained. Thus, county clean up crews may not pick up bagged debris immediately, he said. County workers will not pickup household trash. “If your cars are parked on the street the trucks will not be able to pick up your debris,” Hebert warned. “Please move your vehicles off the street so the trucks can pick up your debris.” Debris removal equipment will cover

the affected areas of the county several times over the coming weeks. “If your neighborhood has not seen the debris trucks yet, you will soon,” Hebert assured residents. “If you are not able to get your debris to the curb yet, the trucks will be by a few more times to pick it up and haul it away.” Remember that all debris has to be separated. The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has information posted on its website about debris separation. Residents should check this flyer to ensure their debris is properly sorted so it can be hauled away as quickly and cleanly as possible. (The Fort Bend Herald has posted a copy of the debris separation chart on Page 10.) Anyone who needs assistance cleaning their house after the floods should call CrisisCleanup at 844-965-1386 to request a volunteer team to come help. “If you are able to help your neighbors with cleanup, the safest and most efficient way to get connected is through Volunteer Houston, or another cleanup organization you may already have a relationship with,” Hebert said.

SH 36/US 59 intersection to close temporarily Contractors are scheduled to hang beams at SH 36/U.S. 59 overpass Sept. 15-18.

The intersection will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18.

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

HERALD PHOTO BY RHONDA TAORMINA

Holy Rosary bazaar DEACON CHARLIE Buhay and Father Bill Bartniski pose for a photo with a young bazaar goer during Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s annual bazaar on Saturday. See more photos on Page 10.

Harvest Fest deadlines approaching Deadlines are fast approaching for various Needville Harvest Fest events. Here is a list of the events and their deadlines:

Barbecue Cook-off

Teams wishing to enter the Barbecue Cook-off must do so by Friday, Sept. 15. Cost is $125, which is non-refundable, and port-a-cans may be rented for $75 each.

QB guru?

Around the Bend

See page 3 & 5

Today’s Scripture For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. Isaiah 26:21

Thought for Today “Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it and you’ll start believing it.” — Jesse Owens, Olympic gold medal track and field athlete (1913-1980)

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

RAY HUNDL, a member of the Houston Area G Gaugers, helps weed the garden railroad at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum on Saturday. The museum will hold its Fall Fun Fest this coming Saturday.

Rosenberg Railroad Museum Fall Fun Fest set for Saturday BY AVERIL GLEASON

Simon Levano Rodriguez, 85 Ronald Gene Brown, Sr., 67

86037 20032

SEE HARVEST FEST, PAGE 10

HOUSTON (AP) — Services will be held this week for a Houston police officer who drowned last month after being trapped in Hurricane Harvey-related flooding while driving to work. A funeral was scheduled Wednesday morning for 60-year-old Sgt. Steve Perez. Police say Perez became trapped in his patrol car in a flooded highway underpass while heading to work before dawn on Aug. 27. A Houston police statement says the funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart . A private burial service will follow at the Houston National Cemetery.

— BH

Obituaries

Checks should be made payable to Needville Harvest Festival, and must accompany entry forms mailed to: Needville Harvest Festival, c/o Steven Schultz, 13607 Howe Lane, Guy, Texas. 77444. Call Schultz at 281-932-3551 or e-mail him at sschultz2002@gmail.com for additional information.

Funeral Wednesday for Houston officer who died in flooding

Anyone who calls Texans Coach Bill O’Brien a quarterback guru needs his head examined. He’s had eight starting QBs in four seasons. His “detailed playbook” looked just like the plays the Oilers ran in the 1960-70s. First play, handoff over left tackle. Everyone in the house knew that. Two suggestions for Coach Bill: 1. Quit calling plays and concentrate on being a head coach — whatever that job entails. 2. Hire an offensive line with ability and a coach who can make pancakes out of wads of flour. Terrible start to the a season by losing big to Jacksonville.

Billy and Rena Johnson delighted at finding a photo of their 1947 Chevy on Monday’s front page of the Fort Bend Herald... Taylor Ray secretary Frances Villarreal with Michelle Arredondo, Lydia Villagomez, William and Lori Rollins, Ralph, Maritza, and Alicia Villarreal and Lupe A. Uresti, remembering her late mom by celebrating her birthday and enjoying a turkey dinner with all of the family in her honor...

75 CENTS

agleason@fbherald.com

The Rosenberg Railroad Museum has plans that are out of this world for the upcoming Fall Fun Fest. The theme for the fourth annual event is “May the Steam be with you.” “Every year, the fest has a theme,” Rosenberg Railroad Museum President Greg Cauthen said. “This theme has a play on Star Wars, as well as steam locomotives. It’s a blend for lovers of trains and science fiction.” The Fall Fun Fest will take place at the museum grounds, 1921 Ave. F, on Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by Hurricane Harvey,” Museum Director Ratha Liladrie said. The museum came through this record rain event with only minor issues, according to Liladrie, which is why the event can go on as planned. “Recovery efforts are exhausting and stressful, so bring your kids and have some fun at this important fundraising event,” she added. Money raised will renovate the Education Station and MoPac caboose, improve current exhibits and bring in new ones. The Houston Area Steampunks are holding a “steam punk station,” which will include parasol dueling and croquet.

The day’s festivities will feature live music by Rosenberg musician Kayla Gulley, museum open house and exhibits, up-close views of trains from the rail fan observation deck, bounce houses, face painting, crafts and model train displays. Star Wars and steam punk themed costumes are encouraged. Event coordinator Brenda Cauthen said steam punk and Star Wars go hand in hand. “The Houston Area Steampunks came to the museum earlier this year and wanted to be part of the Fall Fun Fest, and we thought we could incorporate that with this Star Wars theme we had in mind,” she said. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and goes on until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for everyone 2 years and older. Admission is free for children under 2. More information and speed pass advance purchase tickets are available online at http://www. rosenbergrrmuseum.org/fall-fun-fest/. Last year, over 2,000 people came to the Fall Fun Fest, according to Cauthen. To become a volunteer for the event, call the museum at 281-633-2846 or email info@rosenbergrrmuseum.org The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading in Fort Bend County.

Hundreds of foster children evacuated AUSTIN (AP) — Texas Child Protective Services and its contractors had to evacuate more than 400 foster kids in institutions because of Hurricane Harvey and, probably, hundreds more who lived in foster homes along the Gulf coast, protective services officials said Monday. The Dallas Morning News reports the state and dozens of its private foster-care providers relocated the children without incident, according to Protective Services Commissioner Henry “Hank” Whitman and Kristene Blackstone, his deputy who runs CPS. Just as impressively, CPS workers in about 55 affected counties made timely initial checks on nearly 96 percent of youngsters named in child maltreatment tips of the most serious kind between the night of Aug. 24, just before Harvey made landfall, and Monday, Whitman and Blackstone said in an interview. The 3,000 CPS workers in the region included 76 who were evacuated and unable to return to their homes.

Man kills ex-wife, then self in front of child in Fort Worth FORT WORTH (AP) — Fort Worth police say a man fatally shot his ex-wife in front of their 9-year-old son in a library parking lot before killing himself. Police say 38-year-old Brian Kesner called 911 Sunday morning after the shooting and said he’d killed 28-year-old Krista Copeland. He then shot himself in the head. Copeland was taken to a hospital where she died from gunshot wounds to her head. Kesner was pronounced dead in the library’s parking lot.

NEWS

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Obituaries

Ronald Gene Brown, Sr.

Ronald Gene Brown, Sr. was born on January 8, 1949 in Lodi, California to Arnel and Dorothey Jean Davis Brown. He was a Junior Captain at Station #41 in the Houston Fire Department before retiring after 36 ½ years of service. He was also a Sherriff’s Deputy in Wharton County. Ronnie was a member of the Houston Firefighters Local #341, HFD Street Machines, and loved his ‘55 Chevy Bel Air, as well as hunting, fishing, and Hot Rods. He has lived in Needville for the last nine years. Ronnie passed away on Friday,

September 8, 2017, at his home in Needville, at the age of 68 years. He is survived by his wife, Conda Pietsch Brown; father, Arnel Brown, Sr. and his wife Ellen; children, Ronald Gene Brown, Jr. and Pam Grisham, Melissa Kay Ballette and James, and Johnny Pietsch; grandchildren, Tiffany Lynn Brown, Ronald Gene Brown, III, Keelea Blythe Wells, Jackson Cole Ballette, and Wyatt James Ballette; two great grandchildren, Ethan Hardin and Madi Brown; brothers, Joseph Brown and Arnel Brown, Jr.; mother-in-law, Jeannette Pietsch; father-in-law, Edward Pi-

FORT BEND HERALD

etsch and his wife Carol; and his caregiver, Linda Herkshan. He was preceded in death by his mother and a brother, Gary Brown. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Schmidt Funeral Home – Grand Parkway Chapel, where funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. with Chaplain Daniel Schramm officiating. Funeral services held under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home 1344 W. Grand Parkway South ~ Katy, Texas 77494 ~ (281) 391-

HELP FIND SABER!

Medium male sable/white Sheltie missing

Lost in Rosenberg near Spur 10, Sept 2, Last sight 9/7 at 90 & 36 underpass. Do Not Chase! Please call if you see him!

Please call If you see Saber! Jenny Poti-281-638-4540 Joni Huff- 713-553-3683

Catholic Charities offers disaster response at Mamie George Community Center Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the region’s leader in disaster response, continues to help individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Harvey – connecting them to needed resources and referrals. This week, disaster relief services will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9  a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2900 Louisiana Street. “We know the needs of people dealing with Harvey’s aftermath will change as we get further from the actual disaster,” said Cynthia N. Colbert, president and CEO.

“Catholic Charities is here to help them deal with those challenges – including safe housing, adequate food, job issues, transportation, school transfers, lost papers, legal issues and more. Our goal is provide help and create hope so they can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.” Cash donations to help Harvey victims can be made online at www.CatholicCharities.org/helpforharvey. People who need assistance, want to volunteer or donate, or need more information about Catholic Charities may call the

main office at 713.526.4611 during office hours. The 24-hour, tollfree hotline to request assistance is 1.866.649.5862. For referrals to Greater Houston’s social support network, call 2-1-1. For urgent help in life-threatening situations, please call 9-1-1. Donations of specific items will be welcomed at the relief centers listed below. Please check in advance for hours of operation. Most-needed items are: Baby items — diapers (size 4 and 5), small umbrella strollers, car seats, formula, NEW toys, blankets, bottles, pacifiers, bottle

nipples, breast pads, bottle brushes, diaper bags Cleaning supplies (including heavy plastic masks, heavy work gloves) New bath and kitchen towels Please do not send clothes at this time. Here are the locations, hours and contacts for the Catholic Charities assistance operations: Mamie George Community Center 1111 Collins Road Richmond, Texas 77469 281.202.6200 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

We’re broadcasting ourselves too!

Storm coverage, recovery coverage... local coverage! The Fort Bend Herald keeps you in the know about what’s going on in your community.

NRCS offers disaster assistance to Fort Bend County farmers and ranchers

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas has established two special Environmental Quality Incentives Program sign ups to help farmers and ranchers that suffered damage to working lands and livestock mortality as a result of Hurricane Harvey. EQIP is available to help farmers and ranchers treat the on-farm/ ranch problems caused by the high winds, rainfall and flood waters due to Hurricane Harvey along the Texas Gulf coast. Declared Disaster Counties and eligible under these sign ups in-

clude: Austin, Aransas, Bastrop, Bee, Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, and Wharton. An EQIP special sign up specific to agricultural livestock mortality and carcass disposal is now open and available to immediately assist producers in disposal of livestock

carcasses on their farm or ranch. This special sign up ends Sept. 22. NRCS is also now accepting EQIP applications from producers in the Harvey disaster declared counties to apply conservation practices, to address resource concerns due to Harvey, as well as agricultural livestock mortality carcass disposal. The first funding deadline is Oct. 6, with additional funding dates of Nov. 3, and Dec. 3. Farmers and ranchers seeking NRCS financial and technical assistance can sign up for EQIP at their

local NRCS office or if already a USDA client, on-line via Conservation Client Gateway. Conservation practices available through this EQIP funding are specifically designed to address flood and wind damage, and excessive runoff to address natural resource concerns caused by the hurricane and provide future protection from exceptional storm events. For more information contact the local USDA Service Center office at 1-888-489-8732 or visit the Texas NRCS Web site at www.tx.nrcs. usda.gov.

Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 167 Fort BendNotice Countyof Public Municipal Utility District No. 167 Hearing on Tax Rate

Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate

The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No.167 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on October 5, 2017 at 12:00 (Noon) at Si Environmental, 6420 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your The Fortproperty Bend County Municipal Utility District No.167 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

ax year 2017 on October 5, 2017 at 12:00 (Noon) at Si Environmental, 6420 Reading Road, Rosenberg, TX FORindividual the proposal: Pfister,orAlvin Williams, Bill Tobin, David Grafein&theDavid Fifervalue of your 7471. Your taxesLeanne may increase decrease, depending on the change taxable roperty AGAINST in relation tothetheproposal: change inNone taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: None

FOR the proposal: Leanne Pfister, Alvin Williams, Bill Tobin, David Grafe & David Fifer The following table compares AGAINST the proposal: Nonetaxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. PRESENT and not voting: None 2016 2017 ABSENT: None Last Year $0. 85/ $100

T ot al t ax rat e (per $100 of v alue)

This Year $0.85/$100

Adoptedin this taxing unit last year Propto osetaxes d The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.00/$100 roposedPercentage on the average residence homestead this year. increase/decrease in rates (+/-) 0.000%

Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen's or disabled person's exemptions) Total taxAverage rate (ptaxable er $100value of v alue) Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if Difference inproposed rates pertax$100 value (+/-) rate isofadopted and percentage of increase (+/-)(+/-) Percentage increase/decrease in rates

$ $

292,014

2016

Last 10%Year $0.262,813 85/ $100 A2d,2o3p3te.9d1

$ $

$0.00/$100 ($249.05) -11.15% 0.000%

291, 893

2017

20%This Year 23$30,5.1845/$100 1, 984. 86

Proposed

Average appraised value $ 292,014 $ 291, 893 General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen'OF s orTAXPAYERS' disabled NOTICE RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION person's exemptions) 10% 20% If taxesvalue on the average residence homestead increase by more$than eight percent, the qualified voters $of 233,514 Average taxable 262,813 the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and Tax on amaintenance verage residtaxenrate ce htoomtheesrollback tead tax rate under Section 49.236(d), $ Water 2,23Code. 3. 91 $ 1, 984. 86 Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)Mike Arterburn, Tax Assessor-Collector ($249.05) (713) 688-3855 and percentage of increase (+/-) -11.15%

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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 218

PLEAK SPEAKS

www.fbherald.com

dnguyen@fbherald.com

Good Afternoon KC donates supplies

Craft extravaganza

Woodmen Life

Fort Bend Journal Nice going, team I wish I was as smart and as well-read as my long list of correspondents. Here’s a new one I haven’t seen before, and I like it: “No borders, no language, no culture = No Country!”

— BH

A 3 percent salary increase for cost of living, 20 percent increase in health insurance premium allowance, and a 5 percent increase in dental insurance premium allowance, were enacted for city employees at the Richmond City Commission special meeting on Tuesday. Richmond Finance Director Susan Lang also shared the city’s proposed tax rate for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 at 71 cents per $100 valuation, 2 cents less than the previous year’s tax rate and 4

cents less than two years ago. Throughout the years, the tax rate has continued to go downward. “Overall, there’s about a 10 percent decrease,” said Lang. Richmond’s general fund total expenditures for fiscal year 2017-2018 amount to $16,208,811, a 3 percent increase over the 2016-2017 budget. The utility fund expenditures, also defined as the water and sewer fund, total $7,763,691. These expenditures cover water and wastewater services to Richmond citizens and businesses,

SEE RICHMOND, PAGE B3

Fort Bend County lawmaker Lois Kolkhorst has been assigned to a committee tasked with studying ways of protecting coastal communities from hurricanes. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the appointments of state Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, and state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, Lois to the Joint InterKolkhorst im Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System on Tuesday.

BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Benedettini Cabinets is breaking ground in Rosenberg on Thursday, with the help of the Rosenberg Development Corp. And at the RDC’s monthly meeting on Thursday, board members will discuss the economic development activities and contacts, including updates on projects. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 SH 36. “It’s pretty cool that Benedettini is expanding its current footprint in Rosenberg,” Executive Director Randall Malik said. “The business will be adding over 50,000 square feet.” Benedettini is located at 533 SH 36. RDC board members will also consider taking action on business retention visits, economic indicators and upcoming recruitment projects from the pre-

SEE RDC, PAGE A5

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

THE SUN paints the clouds purple, red and orange as it sets over Needville. Weather forecasters say Fort Bend County will have sunny skies on Thursday and Friday with temperatures in the low 90s. Rain is predicted to hit the region on Sunday and Monday.

‘It was pretty simple: Get in the water, get people out of the water, get them to safety’

— Pecan Grove firefighter James Bishop

Obituaries Bessie (Straznicky) Deiss, 97 Tommy Joe Sebesta, 57 Ysabel P. Soza, 70

“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.”

LeviticuS 19:9-10

Thought for Today “Better to be without logic than without feeling.” — Charlotte Bronte (BRAWN’-tee), English author (1816-1855)

86037 20032

AG: 12 million Texans’ personal information stolen BY HERALD STAFF

Darcy and Daisy Gomez having a fun sister date at the Pixel Forest exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.... Angela Nguyen getting help decorating and preparing her new fourth grade classroom from Lam, Christina Nguyen and her favorite sister... Lam and Christina exploring eccentric, mosaic heaven Smither Park on Sunday... James Kennedy of Fulshear and Dale Dostal of Orchard started their freshman year at the University of Iowa... Marcela Galvan enjoying a family trip in San Antonio and catching up with the former Texas Tech friends... Joanna Nguyen cooking pastries for her sister Tuong Do who underwent a foot surgery... Alex Medina and Jose Arredondo spending bro bonding time playing a game of pool...

Today’s Scripture

Taylor was also designated as co-chair. “In recent days we have seen how important it is that Texas has the best possible systems and infrastructure in place, not only for day-to-day operations, but also for unexpected and sometimes disastrous events,” Patrick said. “I know that Sen. Taylor and Sen. Kolkhorst are committed to ensuring Texas will continue to lead in every way.” The Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System studies and reports to the legislature the feasibility and desirability of creating and maintaining a coastal barrier system that includes a series of gates and barriers to prevent storm surge damage to gulf beaches, coastal ports, industry, and property.

NATURE’S CANVAS

RDC helps business expansion

Around the Bend

See page 5A

75 CENTS

Richmond budget Kolkhorst named to includes pay raises coastal barrier panel BY DIANA NGUYEN

Herald reporter Marsha Goates shares a hurricane victim’s tale of woe. Page B2

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

PECAN GROVE volunteer firefighter Cody Jimerson, who is on his way to becoming a commissioned firefighter, checks equipment of a Pecan Grove firetruck. First reponders helped many hurricane victims.

Fort Bend County residents may be among some 12 million Texans who have had their personal information stolen from a credit reporting agency, authorities reported. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert following a report from Equifax Inc., one of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies, that it experienced a data breach affecting 143 million Americans, including nearly 12 million Texans. “From mid-May through July, hackers accessed names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers from Equifax credit reports,” Paxton reported. “Around 209,000 individuals had their credit card numbers stolen.,” he said. Equifax revealed the breach last week. “My office has been in contact with Equifax and is working to get to the bottom of how this massive data breach occurred, and how we can protect the 12 million Texans it reported who are at potential risk of identity theft,” Paxton said. “We will do what’s necessary to hold Equifax accountable. In the meantime, I encourage Texans to educate themselves about how to best protect their personal information and to file a complaint with my office if they have any concerns about this breach.” The Consumer Protection Division of the attorney general’s office offers the following tips to Texans who may be affected by the Equifax data breach: n Check your credit report by going to a free service: www.annualcreditreport.com. Accounts or activity that you don’t recognize could indicate identity theft. n Consider placing a credit freeze on your files. Such action makes it more difficult for someone to open a new account in your name. n If you decide against a credit freeze, consider placing a fraud alert on your files. It warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim and will make it more difficult for someone to open credit in your name.

Pecan Grove first responders Barges to house recount a harrowing week BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

After almost three years of volunteering their services to the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department, James Bishop, 30, and Cody Jimerson, 20, were propelled into search-and-rescue efforts in Richmond during the height of Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent flooding. “It was my first time,” said Bishop in an interview at the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department Station on Pitts Road. “It’s not something they necessarily hit on at the [fire] academy. There’s specialized training classes for this kind of stuff, but it was pretty simple. Get

in the water, get people out of the water, get them to safety. “We wore our bunker gear to protect our legs from stuff in water and it kept us semi-dry. After spending 10 hours in water and rain, everything was soaked down to the bone.” “There was a lot of people scared, a lot of people didn’t know what to do,” added Jimerson. Bishop noted the first responders were warned about bacteria infections, snakes and alligators in the water. “There were rumors that there were a few displaced alligators that made it out this way, but we

SEE FIRST RESPONDERS, PAGE B1

some Harvey victims

PORT ARTHUR (AP) — Government officials say floating barges outfitted with living quarters will provide temporary homes for hundreds of Southeast Texas residents displaced by Hurricane Harvey. Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman on Tuesday announced the housing plan for as many as 600 people left homeless after Harvey. Freeman says two floating barges will provide living space and three meals a day, plus laundry facilities. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick says the two berthing barges are especially meant to help families. The Navy has used berthing barges to house military personnel at times when ships were undergoing repairs.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Knights of Columbus help hurricane victims

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

Plenty of peaches

ROSENBERG RESIDENT Elsa Riscinos grabs a few peaches at the KC Hall on Tuesday. The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will be giving away supplies to hurricane and flood victims on Thursday, Saturday and next Tuesday from 10 a.m. until supplies run out. KC Hall is located at 2007 Kaycee Drive.

Dozens come to KC Hall for relief

DOZENS OF people lined up outside of KC Hall in Rosenberg on Tuesday, eager to receive supplies following the hurricane and flood. The Knights of Columbus said anyone looking for food, diapers, cleaning supplies and water is welcome. The Knights will be set up outside the hall, 2007 Kaycee Drive, again on Thursday, Saturday and next Tuesday from 10 a.m. until supplies run out.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS IN FORT BEND COUNTY The state of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Administration have opened three disaster recovery centers in Fort Bend County. Disaster Recovery Centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in 39 counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state and other agencies will be at the center to talk about assistance and to help anyone who needs guidance in filing an application. The centers are located at : n Simonton Community Church, 9703 FM 1489 (Simonton Road). It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

nFort Bend County Sienna Annex, 5855 Sienna Spring Way, Missouri City. It is open Monday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; n Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy, open Monday- Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance employees are committed to helping businesses and residents rebuild as quickly as possible. SBA representatives are available to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and help business owners and residents apply to SBA. Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. Centers have assistive technology equipment allowing disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones

that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision loss. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms. If possible, homeowners, renters and businesses should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center. Eligible residents may register for assistance the following ways: Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Phone 800-621-3362 (voice, 711/VRS-Video Relay Service) (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish). HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON Via the FEMA app, available for Apple and Android mobile devices. To download visit:B:11.625” The Knights of Columbus opened its doors at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, offering food, water, cleaning supfema.gov/mobile-app. plies and diapers for hurricane and flood victims. And by 10:15 a.m., dozens of families were lined up outside

Lined up and ready

T:11.625”

KC Hall in Rosenberg, thankful and eager.

S:11.625”

TOGETHER, WE HEAL. S:10.5”

The spirit of Texas has proven to be unbreakable and we have shown the world what Houston Strong really means. We thank our hometown heroes, including our physicians, nurses and staff, for their selfless courage and dedication as we work together to make our city whole again.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Friends of CASA to host Fall Coffee Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend, an auxiliary volunteer group supporting Child Advocates of Fort Bend, will host its annual Fall Coffee Membership social in the home of Brenda Bartley, on Tuesday, Oct.10, at 10 am. In addition to coffee, mimosas, light fare and learning about the FRIENDS mission, guests will be treated to a holiday decorating presentation by Jen Hayes and Jen Rizzo, owners of Feather & Nest Interiors in Missouri City. The public is invited to attend and join FRIENDS. Membership dues of $40 support a variety of activities benefiting the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the volunteers who help them. For further information on Friends, the location and to RSVP for the event, please contact Kristin Stiles-Janossy at 713-384-8096. Friends of Child Advocates of Fort Bend is an auxiliary league which helps support a variety of activities benefiting the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the volunteers who help them. Their Special Needs Fund underwrites the needs of children that other providers are unable to offer – items that most people take for granted. The fund has underwritten backpacks filled with school supplies, summer camp tuition, tutoring, caps and gowns for graduating seniors and computers for college students.

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Busy getting invitations ready to mail, are seated, from left, Peggy Jackson and Kristin Stiles-Janossy. Back row, from left, are Alison Haralson, Pat Somers and Sue Lockwood.

FIRST RESPONDERS: Pecan Grove firefighters recall crisis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 never saw anything,” he said. “I know there were snakes and there were definitely fish. I saw fish swim up next to me as I was in the water.” One rescue that was especially rewarding, Bishop noted, was of a family of three: a handicapped mother and a little boy and girl. “The daughter was scared, their mother was disabled, I had to support her,” he recalled. “I was talking with the kids, and the little son was like, ‘This is the first time I’ve ever been in a boat, this is cool!’ “He was having fun! I was like, ‘That’s a good attitude to have.’ “Some people were just out having fun like Texans do in crazy weather, and some people were devastated, terrified, they were scared. “I think I heard the words ‘Thank you’ that week more than I have in my entire life. It’s not like it was expected or needed, that’s what we were there to do.” Bishop added that there were many people with medical issues who needed to be evacuated. “It was basically just a lot of water rescues,” he said. “We had high-vehicle rescues. I would get the people out of their house, either with a high-vehicle or flat bottom boats or canoes.” Bishop recalled the responsibilities of getting people checked in, making sure they had food and water, then transporting the evacuees onto the bus to either Gallery Furniture, Eagle Heights Church or other shelters. Jimerson noted the firefighters were stationed at a Kids ‘R’ Kids in the Waterside neighborhood across from the Pecan Grove Fire Station No. 2. Along with the rescues, Jimerson said his duties included helping with donations and trucking people in and out. “Then they stationed me at Fire Station No. 2,” he said. “I stayed there the rest of the week running medical calls and I just stayed on duty and never went home.” “We both worked about an equivalent of about 120 hours,” added Bishop. “We slept at the station the whole time.” Jimerson explained the process of a search-and-rescue. “They call 911 and it goes to the county sheriff’s office, [the sheriff’s office] locates them and finds the nearest agency,” he said. “Then they’ll call us over the radio.” “The National Guard was out here, too,” added Bishop. He pointed out that it’s important to know the water levels when choosing transportation for the evacuees.

unteers or paid duty crew, it didn’t matter. We all just focused on the task at hand and got things done. “Some departments may have that issue, who knows? But all our volunteers stepped in big time. “I also learned that there’s a lot of good people, not just in this neighborhood, but in the greater city, and the state. We even had volunteers come from San Antonio with their boats asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ They didn’t even hesitate. “I think that was the best thing. I don’t care what the media says with all this stuff going on, you saw the truth during Hurricane Harvey. There were so many people here not even from Texas helping. There’s plenty of good people in the world.”

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

PECAN GROVE volunteer firefighter James Bishop, who has worked with the volunteer department for three years come January, checks the electric panel of a fire truck at the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department on Pitts Road. “The water was at times up to my waist, but there were times where it would (only) go up to the knee,” said Bishop. “The more weight you put on a boat, the more it’ll sink down and it could drag on the road or the curve. “With the motor you have to be careful ’cause you could destroy the blades. Speedboats were too big for the area. “I somehow figured out how to move an extremely heavy, motorized wheelchair into a flat bottom

Water District Water District Notice NoticeofofPublic Public Hearing Hearing ononTaxTax RateRate

The FortThe Bend FreshFresh Water No.1 will 1 will a public on a proposed t FortCounty Bend County WaterSupply Supply District District No. holdhold a public hearinghearing on a proposed tax rate for the taxtheyear on Thursday, 2017at 6:00 at 6:00 the Mustang rate for tax 2017 year 2017 on Thursday,September September 21,21,2017 p.m. p.m. at the atMustang CommunityCommuni Center,FM 4521521 FMNorth, 521 North, Fresno,Texas. Texas. Your Your individual may may increase or decrease, dependingdependin Center, 4521 Fresno, individualtaxestaxes increase or decrease, on the change the taxable value yourproperty property ininrelation to the in taxable value of value all otherof all oth on the change in the intaxable value of ofyour relation to change the change in taxable rate that is adopted. property property and theand taxtheratetaxthat is adopted.

boat and keep her, myself and her husband balanced all at the same time with all her luggage. It was an interesting experience to learn.” As for what they have learned from Hurricane Harvey? “A little water won’t hurt you, but a lot can kill you,” said Bishop. “With Harvey, we definitely learned on the go of how to get ourselves organized. We quickly learned that the people in this department, whether they were vol-

FOR the proposal: Paul Hamilton, Greg Fleck, Calvin Casher, Rosa Linda Medina and Rodrigo Carreon

FOR the proposal: Paul Hamilton, Greg Fleck, Calvin Casher, Rosa Linda Medina and Rodrigo Carreon AGAINST the proposal: None

AGAINST the proposal: None

PRESENT and not voting: None

and notNone voting: None ABSENT: Being Ready is Easy WithPRESENT

TheNone following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to ABSENT: taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year This Year taxes proposed on the average residence homestead thisLast year.Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

Be Ready with Auto Rates, Starting as low as $29

rate (perin$100 Difference rates of pervalue) $100 of value 281-341-7000 Total taxPercentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)

Insure your Auto, Home, and Life with Farmers *Rate based on age, clean driving record, multiple cars, and superior financial responsibility.

Difference in rates per $100 Average appraised valueof value

Arnold Alaniz - Insurance Agent • aalaniz@farmersagent.com

General exemptions available Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) 1221 1st Street • Rosenberg, TX 77471 (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled www.farmersagent.com/aalaniz Average person’s appraised value exemptions)

Join Us on Sunday Mornings! Average taxableavailable value General exemptions

(excluding citizen’s or disabled Taxsenior on average residence homestead person’s Annual exemptions) increase/decrease in taxes if

8:15 am−contemplative service in the Chapel with weekly Communion 9:00 am−traditional service in the Worship Center 10:00 -10:30 am−fellowship in the Gathering Area 10:30 am−contemporary service in the Worship Center with weekly Communion Children and Youth will be have Sunday School at 9:00 am and Kids & Youth Worship at 10:30 am.

1.00/$100 Last Year Adopted

$1.00/$l00 This Year Proposed

1.00/$100 $-0-/$100 Adopted

$1.00/$l00 Proposed

$-0-/$100 $94,496

$88,593

$0$88,593

$88,593

$94,496

$885.93

$944.96

$94,496

proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) Average taxable value

$88,593+$59.03

$94,496

Tax on average residence homestead

$885.93

$944.96

and percentage of increase (+/-)

+ 6.66%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION CHILDCARE AVAILABLE AT ALL SERVICES FOR BIRTH - PREK Annual increase/decrease in taxes if

Faith United Methodist Church 4600 FM 359, Richmond, Tx 77406 ·281-341-8200 · www.faithumc.org

If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified

proposed ratedistrict is adopted (+/-)may require that an election be held to +$59.03 voters tax of the by petition determine whether to reduce the and percentage of increase (+/-) + 6.66% Water Code. operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Pleak Speaks

Flood victim thanks her rescuers

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Pleak resident Elaine Shows would like to send a big thank you to the following for getting her, her husband and fur babies to safety via boat during Hurricane Harvey: Alderman Brenda Jaynes, Pleak Fire Department, and the Texas Forestry Services. She greatly ap p re c i at e d Marsha the water resGoates cue and ride to the fire department to await her daughter to

pick them up. Elaine, you are most welcome. We are committed to our community and take the necessary steps to protect our residents. Thank you from the members of the fire department for the sweet card and cookies! We truly enjoyed you coming by the fire department and sharing. Information for debris pick up from Hurricane Harvey can be found here: http://villageofpleak. com/2017/09/06/debris-pickup/ The City Council and Planning/zoning will have a joint meeting September 13, 2017. Meeting begins at 7 p.m. Pleak City Hall is located at 6621 FM 2218 and FM 2218 near the intersection of

FM 2218 and Highway 36 South. Meetings are always open to the public. The Pleak City Council begins at 7 p.m. September 20, 2017. The Pleak City Hall is located at 6621 FM 2218 and FM 2218 near the intersection of FM 2218 and Highway 36 South. Meetings are always open to the public. Heartfelt condolences to Mayor Larry Bittner and his wife Cathy for the passing of his mother Irene Meismer Bittner — August 15, 1922 — September 9, 2017. Memorial Donations in memory of Irene M. Bittner may be made to St. Mary’s Church, Garwood Voluntary Fire Dept., Hospice of South Texas, or donor’s

choice. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing stories of your plans for the summer, your children’s school accomplishments OR good news from your neighborhood or your church. You can call me at 281-703-9939, or send me an email to mlgoates@ gmail.com with any news that you would like to share. To find out what is happening in the Village of Pleak you may visit their website of http://villageofpleak.com/home/ for scheduled meetings, to read minutes from previous council meetings. For more information, you may also call the Pleak Village Hall office directly at 281-239-8504.

LEAF rewards new teachers Lamar Educational Awards Foundation Executive Director Janice Knight (left) presents a $100 bill to Lamar CISD’s newest teacher, Andrea Lopez. Lopez is starting her career in teaching at Thomas Elementary. This year, L.E.A.F. awarded $100 to every teacher entering Lamar CISD with no experience. Lopez is the 93rd teacher to receive $100 to buy supplies for her classroom. Pedro Chapa, right, is the Lamar CISD recruiter who helped place Lopez at Thomas.

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Worrall to discuss his book, ‘Pleasant Bend’ The Fort Bend Archeological Society will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be author Dan M. Worrall, a member of the Harris County Historical Commission. Worrall recently published a book about the history of west Houston called Pleasant Bend: Upper Buffalo Bayou and the San Felipe Trail in the Nineteenth Century. The book grew of his efforts to save an early Texas grave-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE

Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 159 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, November 2, 2017 10:00 a.m. at the Rosenberg Civic & Convention Center, located at 3825 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg Texas 77471. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 159 wil hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, November 2, 2017 10:00 a.m. at the FOR Rosenberg Civic Robert & Conventi on Center, ocated atSharon 3825K HiSteckler, ghway Rhonwyn 36 South,B the proposal: M Preiss, Steven lSterling, Weissman, Vickie Maresh Rosenberg Texas 77471. Your AGAINST the proposal: Noneindividual taxes may increase or decrease, depending and not voting: None on thePRESENT change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable ABSENT: None valueTheof alfollowing l other property and the tax rate that is adopted. table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

This Year FORTax therateproposal: Robert M Preiss, Steven Sterlin$0.7200/$100 g, Last SharonYearK Steckl$0.7200/$100 er, Rhonwyn B Adopted Proposed Weissman, Vickie Maresh Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.00000 AGAINST theincrease/decrease proposal: None in rates (+/-) Percentage 0.00% Average appraised value $ 217,872 $ 222,275 PRESENT and not voti n g: None General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or ABSENT: None exemptions) disabled person’s $ 0.00 $ 0.00 Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)

$ 217,872 $1,568.68

$ 222,275 $1,600.38

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing $ 31.70 unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead2.02% this year. NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS' RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION

Last Year This Year If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, Tax the ratequalified voters of the district by petition may$0.7200/$100 require that an$0.7200/$100 election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback Adopted Proposed tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. Difference rateshaveperany $100questions of value concerning this notice, please $0.00000 Shouldinyou contact the tax office at 281-482-0216. Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-) 0.00%

yard from destruction, hidden away from the modern world near Post Oak Boulevard where his second great g randparents are buried. The public Dan M. is invited to Worrall hear Worrall tell the story of the forgotten pioneers who set-

tled rural western Harris County — not the early movers and shakers of the city of Houston, but the everyday men and women who lived on the frontier that lay to its west, in what now is the area from River Oaks, to eastern Katy. The presentation will be held on the second floor of the Assembly Hall of the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy located at 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, next to the Fort Bend County Justice Center. The program is free and open to the public.

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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Grown-Up Spelling Bee set for Nov. 9 Due to the impact of Hurricane Harvey on Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area, the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County postponed its Spelling Bee fundraiser that raises more than $40,000 for adult literacy programs in Fort Bend County each year. The event, presented by CenterPoint Energy, is rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 9, from 6:309:30 p.m. at Constellation Field. This year’s Grown-Up Spelling Bee is co-chaired by Holly Kaminga and Emily Rhodes. Competing teams include: CenterPoint Energy, C & M Favre Foundation, Exchange Club of Fort Bend, Fort Bend Herald, Fort Bend Independent School District, Frost Bank, County Judge Bob and Pat Hebert, Houston Methodist Hospital Sugar Land, Judge David and Shayne Newell, The Johnson Development Corporation, Linbeck Engineering, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, PrimeWay Federal Credit Union, Rangeland Energy, Roberta K. Randall Charitable Foundation, Roberts Markel Weinberg Butler Hailey, Sugar Land Skeeters, Wells Fargo, WJ Interests/McDonald & Wessendorff Insurance Spectator tickets are still available for $50 and will include dinner. “Watch your neighbors, co-workers and friends compete against one another to win a coveted spot in the “Honey Hall of Fame!” Kaminga said. Smaller sponsorships are available, including “Bee a Word” spon-

IRS: Retirement plans can make loans, hardship distributions to victims of Hurricane Irma

The Internal Revenue Service announced that 401(k)s and similar employer-sponsored retirement plans can make loans and hardship distributions to victims of Hurricane Irma and members of their families. This is similar to relief provided last month to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Participants in 401(k) plans, employees of public schools and tax-exempt organizations with 403(b) tax-sheltered annuities, as well as state and local government employees with 457(b) deferred-compensation plans may be eligible to take advantage of these streamlined loan procedures and liberalized hardship distribution rules.

Though IRA participants are barred from taking out loans, they may be eligible to receive distributions under liberalized procedures. Retirement plans can provide this relief to employees and certain members of their families who live or work in disaster areas affected by Hurricane Irma and designated for individual assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For a complete list of eligible localities, visit https://www. fema.gov/disasters. To qualify for this relief, hardship withdrawals must be made by Jan. 31, 2018. The IRS is also relaxing procedural and administrative rules that normally apply to retirement plan loans and hardship distributions.

RICHMOND: Budget includes raises CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A Ready for the 2017 Grown-up Spelling Bee are, standing, from left, Kelli Metzenthin, executive director of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend, and Holly Kaminga, co-chair of the Spelling Bee fundraiser.) Sitting, from left, are Angela Cox and Diana Englet, with CenterPoint Energy, and Emily Rhodes, co-chair, of the bee. sor for $200, where donors get to choose a word to be used in the bee. For $100, a sponsor can select a letter in the “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” alphabet. “Bee a Word” sponsors will receive admission, dinner, and drink tickets for two, recognition on the website, and

recognition at the event. “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” sponsors will receive admission and dinner for one, recognition on the website, and recognition at the event. In addition, a drawing will be held for a weekend getaway to the Texas Hill Country.

Tickets are one for $5 or five for $20. Winners will be announced at the Bee but winners need not be present to win. For more information, please visit ftbendliteracy.org or contact the Literacy Council at 281-2408181.

well as to operate services for surrounding municipal utility districts (MUDs). “We are anticipating that the general fund will have 105 days (in reserve funds) at the end of this fiscal year,” said Lang. “The budget also includes the investment in employees.” “It looks good,” commented Mayor Evalyn Moore. “It’s a lot of work from a lot of departments,” said Lang. Moore said she thinks there

will be more revenue as city development continues. “Our property taxes have been trending up a great deal,” noted Lang. “Once H-E-B starts opening up and we get our 50 percent share (of sales tax), that will be a great revenue generation for our city as a whole.” Following an executive session, Commissioner Barry Beard made a motion to approve the contract for City Manager Terri Vela “to reflect a pay raise commensurate with the raise that will be city wide on all city employees.” It passed unanimously.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 219

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

Foster High grad among those killed in Plano shooting

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Good Afternoon KC donates supplies

The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Saturday, Sept. 16, and Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. until supplies give out. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

Craft extravaganza

Woodmen Life

AARP meets

The Fort Bend Chapter of the AARP will hold their “ Member Appreciation Month “ meeting on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Rosenberg Civic Center. Doors open at 11 followed by a free noon lunch for members from Papa John’s Pizza. Guests will be $7 a person for lunch. The meeting will follow lunch and then games. Please join us!!

Fort Bend Journal When the going gets tough “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.” — William Arthur Ward

— BH

Around the Bend

A TRAFFIC stop in Fort Bend County on Tuesday netted an estimated $485,000 worth of marijuana, which a DPS trooper found inside tires.

A Foster High School graduate was one of eight people killed by a gunman in Plano this last weekend, authorities reported. Rion Christopher Morgan, 31, was killed Sunday when the homeowner’s ex-husband entered the residence and started shooting,police said. Morgan is the son of Nelson and Melinda Morgan of Pecan Grove. Morgan was among the guests invited to attend a football watch party at the residence that afternoon, authorities reported. Plano police have identified 32-yearold Spencer James Hight as the gunman. Hight was killed by an officer who arrived on the scene, heard gunfire, was confronted by the armed man and shot

The Texas Department of Public Safety seized 80 pounds of marijuana Tuesday afternoon when a DPS trooper stopped a vehicle in Fort Bend County. The trooper stopped a 2007 Ford sport utility vehicle traveling northbound on U.S. 59 for a traffic violation. A DPS canine unit was called to the scene and alerted on the vehicle. The trooper discovered that each

tire contained metal boxes filled with marijuana, worth approximately $485,000,DPS Sgt. Erik Burse reported. The driver, Gabriel Garcia, 48, and passenger Rodolfo Garcia, 40, of San Benito, Texas, were arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana, Burse reported. Both were transported and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail.

Houston man pleads guilty to killing sheriff’s deputy HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston man accused of fatally shooting a Harris County sheriff’s deputy has pleaded guilty to capital murder and has accepted life in prison without the possibility of parole. The plea by Shannon Miles, who turns 33 Friday, allows him to avoid a possible death sentence for the August 2015 slaying of Darren Goforth. The deputy was shot 15 times while at a suburban Houston gas station where he was putting fuel in his patrol car. Prosecutors said Miles ambushed Goforth simply because he was a law enforcement officer. Miles has a history of mental health

issues, initially was found incompetent and spent several months at a state hospital since his arrest days after Goforth’s death. Doctors later determined him competent and a judge ruled him competent to stand trial. Miles could have been tried for capital murder for the killing of a peace officer on duty. Capital murder is punishable by death. Prosecutors say they offered the plea deal to Miles after consulting with Goforth’s widow, who said she did not want to put her children through years of emotional turmoil each time Miles appealed his death sentence.

event set for Sept. 24 BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Tom Koppa has been wanting to find a way to thank members of the military, veterans and first responders for what they do in Fort Bend County. And next week, the Richmond resident will have that chance. Koppa, founder of networking group Like-Minded Community, is holding a Salute to Those Who Serve fundraising event from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 24. The fundraising festival will be held at VFW Post 3903, located at 1903 First St. in Rosenberg. Proceeds from the event will go to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rosenberg Police Department and the Rosenberg Fire Department. “As a veteran, I love our veterans and military and I love our first responders,” Koppa said. “Folks are showing their true selves after the hurricane in relief and rebuilding. “This is just a little something to thank them for all they have done, all they are doing, and all they are going to do. “With great weather, we should raise thousands of dollars for these three entities.” Koppa asks that attendees donate $5

HERALD PHOTO BY TYLER JOHNSON

Clean up continues at Tony Becerra Park

See page 3

Today’s Scripture The Lord says, “See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” Isaiah 42:9

Thought for Today “America has been called a melting pot, but it seems better to call it a mosaic, for in it each nation, people or race which has come to its shores has been privileged to keep its individuality, contributing at the same time its share to the unified pattern of a new nation.” — King Baudouin (boh-doo-AHN’) I of Belgium (1930-1993)

86037 20032

upon arrival. Those who donate will receive a wristband, good for all activities throughout the day. The family-friendly event will include a Kidzfest, which features bounce houses, a giant slide, a petting zoo, pony rides, a rock wall, paint-ball, a mechanical bull, bubble runners, a photo booth and face painting. There will be live music indoors and two DJs stationed outside all afternoon. Static Edge Band is scheduled to perform from 2:30-4 p.m., followed by a performance by Hold ’Em Band. Car enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their antique, classic and muscle cars and monster trucks to the Karzfest taking place during the fundraiser. Category awards will take place at 5:30 p.m. Other activities include a flag retirement ceremony at 2:30 p.m. and a rib eating contest at 3 p.m. Koppa said he is excited to have the community come together. Like-Minded Community works to meet the needs of the community, according to Koppa. “The city of Rosenberg has become part of the event, and the community has rallied around this idea,” he said.

Behind the Badge contributes $75,000 to first responders

Obituaries Rosa Reyes-Lopez 62 Hilmer George Hrncir, 95

him. Police say Hight’s 27-year-old ex-wife, Meredith Emily Hight, was among the victims. Others have been identified as 33-yearold Anthony Michael Cross; 24-year-old Olivia Nicole Deffner; 29-year-old James Richard Dunlop; 22-year-old Darryl William Hawkins; 28-year-old Myah Sade Bass; and 25-year-old Caleb Seth Edwards. Police say their hometowns haven’t yet been confirmed. Meredith Hight’s mother has said her daughter owned the home, had recently divorced Hight after six years of marriage and was hosting a party to watch football games. Herald reporter Marquita Griffin contributed to this article.

$485,000 worth of weed found in wheels Salute Those Who Serve

Cooper Collier thanking two amazing humans, Tomas and Katherine, for welcoming him in as a refugee during Hurricane Harvey and continuing to shelter him after his home was devastated... Ryan Lam enjoying “an otterly fun” weekend at the beach spotting otters in Monterey, California... Ray Aguilar thanking volunteers from Iowa, who unloaded 18-wheelers, taught the art of a pallet jack, cleaned and developed a shelter in Rosharon in an Asian temple... Ashley Mai leaving her Texas roots behind to move to Auckland, New Zealand... Tracy Kilpatrick, Kim Evans Mikeska, Kathryn Bradley Wootton and new Frost fourth-grader Trinity Kilpatrick, happy that school has finally started... Veronica Marroquin Aguilar ready for a busy school year with her babies who are starting third, fourth, fifth and 12th grade...

75 CENTS

CLEANUP CONTINUES at Richmond and Rosenberg parks. On Thursday, the City of Rosenberg Parks Department spent the morning powerwashing the pavement at Tony Becerra Park in Rosenber after muddy waters rose from the Brazos and completely flooded the park. The water reached well over the park sign, according to parks and recreation officials.

As of Sept. 12, Behind the Badge Charities has specifically committed $75,000 in assistance to Fort Bend County first responders who were personally affected by Hurricane Harvey. Although Behind the Badge has committed this assistance, it is nowhere near the amount needed to completely assist these men and women with the damage caused by Harvey. There are many organizations raising funds to assist those affected by Harvey. Behind the Badge Charities is a 100 percent volunteer 501©3 organization whose core mission is to provide support to Fort Bend County first responders who have suffered financial hardships. Hurricane Harvey certainly has caused some hardships for many of the first responders here in Fort Bend County. Behind the Badge is seeking additional donations to assist these men and women and no amount is too large or small. Anyone who would like to donate, please visit http://behindthebadgecharities.org to make a donation.

‘Inside Texas Politics: Notes from the Fort Bend Delegation’ BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

Grading the Texas legislative body for the past session, recognizing the pressing challenges Texas faces, and bridging the divide between legislators and local officials. These were the political topics discussed at the Central Fort Bend Chamber and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s collaborative event “Inside Texas Politics: Notes from the Fort Bend Delegation” at the Safari Texas Ranch on Tuesday. Guests had the opportunity to hear insight from Texas senators Lois Kolkhorst — District 18, and Joan Huffman — District 17 and state representatives John Zerwas — District 28, Ron Reynolds — District 27, Phil Stephenson — 85, and Rick Miller — District 26, who discussed

the highs and lows of the 85th legislative session. Central Fort Bend Chamber Chairman Jim Russ stated that the Texas Legislature ended its 85th session having passed hundreds of bills but leaving several high-profile issues unresolved. “Using the A through F system, what grade would you give yourselves as a legislative body for this past session?” he asked, followed by echoed laughter in the audience. “I think we had a lot of good bills — human trafficking bill, pro-life bill, so many bills that were passed — 13 bills that I touched that passed,” said Sen. Kolkhorst. “I think I would give us a C+. I think we can do better, but I don’t think we failed

SEE POLITICS, PAGE 5

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

STATE REP. Phil Stephenson, District 85, who serves on the Investments and Financial Services and Pension committees, and Sen. Joan Huffman, District 17, who serves on the Senate Committee on State Affairs and Senate Committee on Criminal Justice as the chair and vice chair, respectively, participate in the Central Fort Bend Chamber and Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s “Inside Texas Politics” event on Tuesday.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

HELP FIND SABER!

Medium male sable/white Sheltie missing

Lost in Rosenberg near Spur 10, Sept 2, Last sight 9/7 at 90 & 36 underpass. Do Not Chase! Please call if you see him!

Please call If you see Saber! Jenny Poti-281-638-4540 Joni Huff- 713-553-3683

OakBend Medical Center remained open and performed emergency surgeries and delivered babies during Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent flooding.

4 babies delivered, 4 emergency surgeries performed at OakBend Medical Center during Hurricane Harvey As one of ony a few Level III Trauma Centers in the area, OakBend Medical Center remained open during Hurricane Harvey and operated normally for two days before calling a Code Gray Disaster. The code parameters limited access to the hospital, reduced visitations and staff to essential personnel only, and closed all ambulatory surgery centers. Due to rising waters and predictions regarding the overflow of the Brazos River, OakBend temporarily closed its Williams Way location and safely and efficiently

transferred all patients to Jackson Street on Monday, Aug. 28, with no issues. As one of the few fully operational hospitals in the surrounding counties not on diversion during the storm, OakBend Medical Center’s Jackson Street campus performed four emergency surgeries, delivered four babies, saw over 450 emergency room patients, and had more than 25 doctors travel to the hospital during the storm, many of whom left their homes and families to shelter in place at the hospital for one or more nights. On Thursday, Aug. 31, Williams

Way was re-opened with limited services including labor and delivery and emergency services. On Sept. 1, the Code Grey was lifted and both hospitals returned to full operations and normal staff. “We are deeply appreciative of the sacrifices our employees have made during this time, especially the long hours they have spent away from their own homes and families caring for our patients around the clock,” said Sue McCarty, vice president and administrator and incident commander of OakBend Medical Center. “We are thankful for the patients

that remained with us during this chaotic time as we worked to give them the best care available. “We also owe a debt of gratitude to the people of Fort Bend County who donated blankets, toiletries, food and other essentials to the hospital staff while we operated under the Code Grey. “As the last remaining independent nonprofit hospital in the Greater Houston Area, we remain committed to this community and are devoted to being able to provide Fort Bend County with essential medical services and fulfill their healthcare needs.”

Extended Hours! Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm Wednesday: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm THURSDAY: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm FRIDAY: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm SATURDAY: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm

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Obituaries

Hilmer George Hrncir

Hilmer George Hrncir of Rosenberg, beloved Husband, Father of three, Grandfather of five, Great Grandfather of nine and friend, entered into eternal rest on September 12, 2017. Hilmer was born on August 6, 1922 to John Paul Hrncir and Emilia Sciba. He was one of five boys and there were four sisters to this union of marriage. He was a WWII Veteran; Omaha beach landing, Purple Heart, EAME

Campaign medal with five bronze stars and one bronze arrowhead, Good conduct Medal. He married Ruth McCarty, April 25, 1948 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Houston. He and Ruth instilled in their children Faith, Hope and Love. Dad was truly part of the “Great Generation”. Visitation will be held from 3:00  p.m. – 6:00  p.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2017 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosenberg. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Rosenberg.

Rosa Reyes-Lopez

Funeral Services for Rosa Reyes-Lopez 62, of East Bernard, Texas will be held Friday September 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Hernandez Funeral Home 800 Fourth Street in Rosenberg. Burial will follow at San Francisco Cemetery in East Bernard, Texas. Visitation will be held Thursday September 14, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Hernandez Funeral Home 800 Fourth Street in Rosenberg. Mrs. Lopez was born January 4, 1955 in El Campo, Texas and she passed away September 13, 2017 in East Bernard, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Manuel Valdez and Felipe Valdez; her sister Francisca Valdez. She is survived by her husband Arturo Lopez; her children Justin Lopez, Martin Reyes, Jesse Reyes, Ashley Lopez and Lupe Reyes; her sisters Jesusa Montalvo, Sofia Valdez and Dominga Valdez along with 7 grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.

AccessHealth continues to meet health care needs of communities As many families in Fort Bend and the surrounding counties are trying to put their lives back together, AccessHealth continues to meet health needs of the communities it serves during the recovery, executives at the nonprofit health agency said. “Long hours, stress and exposure to contaminated water, mold and hazardous chemicals can have devastating health consequences,” said Mike Dotson, CEO. “While taking care of homes and property, it is imperative that Fort Bend residents also take care of themselves. “As a community health care provider, we want the community to know that our locations are open, fully staffed and making special accommodations for those facing these trying circumstances. Dotson said AccessHealth facilites are up and running after the storm. “We have same-day availability for sick patients, and we’ve implemented an expedited registration process for patients. “We know many people don’t

have access to personal documents as a result of being displaced from their homes, and we don’t want to inhibit the care they need.” He cautioned the public about hazards of contact with floodwater from Hurricane Harvey. “It was nearly impossible for many Fort Bend residents to avoid contact with either floodwater or other contaminated materials,” he acknowledged. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration advises that people who have been exposed to contaminants and are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, fever, dizziness or fatigue should seek medical advice. In light of these concerns, AccessHealth wants the community to know its four clinics in Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City and Brookshire are open and providing adult and pediatric services as well as behavioral health and HIV services, AccessHealth executives said. “We understand many people may be facing high levels of anxiety

or stress at this time and we want them to know that we are here to help,” said Chief Operations Officer,Jody Noirot. “We are here for tetanus shots, medical check-ups, sick visits and chronic disease management. We also offer psychotherapy and other mental health services provided by licensed therapists.” AccessHealth is a private, notfor-profit community health center serving Fort Bend County and the surrounding areas. Pediatrics, primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, women’s healthcare including OBGYN services, nutrition services and more are provided to patients of all ages and backgrounds regardless of income or circumstance. AccessHealth is a United Way agency, and the main Center in Richmond is recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. For more information about AccessHealth, contact Cindy Reaves at (281) 633-3169 or creaves@myaccesshealth.org

needs guidance in filing an application. The centers are located at : n Simonton Community Church, 9703 FM 1489 (Simonton Road). It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. nFort Bend County Sienna Annex, 5855 Sienna Spring Way, Missouri City. It is open Monday-Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; n Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy, open MondaySunday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance employees are committed to helping businesses and residents rebuild as quickly as

possible. SBA representatives are available to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program and help business owners and residents apply to SBA. Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. Centers have assistive technology equipment allowing disaster survivors to use amplified telephones, phones that display text, amplified listening devices for people with hearing loss, and magnifiers for people with vision loss. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request.

Monday-Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-4pm

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To share memories of Mrs. Lopez please visit our website at www.hernandezfuneralhome.com.

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Thursday, September 14, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Saluting developer D. R. Horton, who donated $125,000 to Fort Bend County to aid in Tropical Storm (Hurricane) Harvey relief...

Our View

Deporting ‘Dreamers’ not in nation’s interest

ouse Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday said that deporting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally is “not in our nation’s interest,” as he and President Donald Trump prepared to huddle with top Democrats to try to hash out a legislative fix. Speaking in an AP Newsmaker interview, Ryan said he believes the president “made the right call” when he announced that he would give Congress six months to figure out what to do with former President Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program before dismantling it. DACA has given nearly 800,000 young people protection from deportation and the right to work legally in the country.

“I wanted him to give us time. I didn’t want this to be rescinded on Day One and create chaos,” Ryan said, arguing the time would allow Congress to “come up with the right kind of consensus and compromise to fix this problem.” As part of that effort, Ryan will be meeting with the House’s top Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, on Wednesday evening, before Pelosi heads to the White House for a dinner with President Trump and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer. The leaders were expected to discuss DACA and other issues, according to congressional aides and the White House. Trump is also scheduled to meet with a group of moderate members of Congress from both parties Wednesday afternoon.

Constitution Day is long forgotten

his Sunday, September 17, is Constitution Day, arguably the most forgotten designated day in America. The mainstream media will say nothing of it. No parades or city council proclamations; nothing of it in the week prior in university classes. No threeday weekend, beer Harold busts or barPease beques in its favor. It is as though it never happened. Probably not one in ten can tell what happened on this day in 1787; it has been ignored so long. But this day positively affected everyone in the United States and is probably the most important day in our history, the day that we institutionalized liberty in America. The day that the Constitutional Convention ended and the Constitution was sent to the states for ratification. For nearly six thousand years of recorded history governments best described as regimental have dominated man. Only for a few fleeting moments in the past has individual man had anything to say concerning the restrictions leveled on him. Under an occasional benevolent monarchy or an unconcerned king, man has, in rare instances, been left to himself and thus somewhat free.

And, even more rare were the instances when as in Athens, Rome or at Runnymede, the people, sometimes through persuasion and often by force, instituted changes allowing individual freedom to flourish for a brief time. Our experiment with liberty was one. Still, until 1787 man did not know how to harness government. Liberty is, in fact, freedom from excessive government and the biggest enemy to individual liberty is, and has always been, government. But the Constitutional Convention, ending on Sept. 17, did just this. We abolished kings forever in favor of presidents selected by the state legislatures (before the 17th Amendment) for a short, but defined, period of time. We took away the presidents power to make decrees (even laws or rules) over us, allowing him, in a state of the union address to merely suggest changes, otherwise to sign or veto law made by the legislative branch. The legislative branch, consisting of representatives for the states, (the U.S. Senate) to protect states rights from federal intrusion, and the peoples’ representatives (the House of Representative) to protect the people from federal intrusion, made ALL the law. Both legislative branches from different perspectives, had to approve every law imposed upon the people and all law had to adhere to the constitutional list (Article I, Sec. 8, Cla. 1-18). Historically, the two areas most sensitive to the people were excessive taxation, as all monies expended were extracted from the

people, and unpopular wars, as all injuries, deaths, and suffering was absorbed by the people. Under the Constitution there can never be an unpopular war as the peoples’ representative (The House of Representatives) have total power over raising and funding the army. They must consent to the war by declaration (because they provide blood and brawn for it) and they alone authorize the treasure for it (Art. 1, Sec. 8, Cla. 11). “All bills for raising revenue shall originate” with them (Art. 1, Sec. 7, Cla. 1). The Constitution, if followed as designed, ended for all time both unpopular taxes and war. We became the first nation in history placing the people in charge of both. Moreover, funding for war could not be extended for more than a two-year time period, thus requiring that the war remain the will of the people (Art. I, Sec. 8, Cla. 12). The Constitution is marked by four divisions of power the first, and most important, being between the states and the federal government with fear of a national government dominant. The Constitution remains an enemy to big government, largely supported by both political parties and liberals and conservatives alike, because big government is an enemy to individual liberty. Perhaps this is the reason so few wish to honor it or bring attention to it on Constitution Day. Harold Pease is a syndicated columnist and an expert on the United States Constitution.

Your View

Republicans unveil effort on health care WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators on Wednesday rolled out competing plans for the nation’s health care system, with a group of GOP senators making a last, long-shot effort to undo Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders proposing universal government-run coverage. Despite opposition and little time, Sens. Lindsey Graham,

R-S.C., and Bill Cassidy, R-La., proposed legislation that would do away with many of the subsidies and mandates of the 2010 law and instead would provide block grants to the states to help individuals pay for health coverage. “If you believe repealing and replacing Obamacare is a good idea, this is your best and only chance to make it happen because everything else has failed except this ap-

proach,” Graham told reporters. The senators said that some states would get more money to provide health care than they get through the current system. They are modeling their effort after the welfare reform legislation passed under President Bill Clinton in the 1990s. They said states are better equipped than Washington to determine how best to meet the needs of their residents.

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FORT BEND HERALD

A little bigger

Don’t underestimate our youth

y dad liked telling the story of when I was 3 years old, he sent me to the neighbor’s house to get some eggs. I was thrilled to be a “big girl,” as he said, but my mom was terrified because I had to walk through an open field that separated the two houses. “Your mom thought you were too little to go all that way, but I told her you were a big girl,” he told me. Sure enough, I walked over, got the eggs and returned, safe and sound. As parents, we’re sometimes overprotective of our Denise children, and Adams for good reason. News bulletins warn of child molesters, predators, crooks and kidnappers almost every hour, and nobody feels their child can safely maneuver in the big bad world out there. I was guilty of over-protecting my boys when they were young. I dropped them off and picked them up every day when they were in elementary school. We got our eldest son a pager when they first came out so he could let us know where he was at all times. It was hard to let them grow up, but they were the ones that jumped out of the nest — I didn’t have the

heart to push them. Despite my hanging on, they showed us they were independent — they opened a sno-cone stand at the end of our driveway, got summer jobs when they were able and cut lots of grass and hair to earn extra cash. What I discovered was that when young people are given a chance, it’s incredible what they can accomplish, and we have quite a few examples here in Fort Bend County. Right after Hurricane Harvey, some enterprising youngsters opened a lemonade stand in Pecan Grove and raised over $700. They willingly spent that hardearned money on bedding, pillows and towels to donate to those who had to evacuate. Some young children in my neighborhood baked cookies and gave them away for free to all the neighbors, thanking God for the many blessings they’d received in their lives. This happened at the tail end of the rains when they weren’t sure whether their house was going to flood. We often underestimate teenagers, but my experience with them during the hurricane volunteer efforts showed me just how capable these young people can be. At Common Threads, coaches showed up with their entire football teams, and those young men and women handled donations all day long. They carried boxes wherever they needed to go, helped people load needed items into their vehicles and

went with the coaches from hotel to ravaged neighborhoods, giving out food, water and supplies. Teen volunteers from all five high schools in Lamar CISD served as ambassadors at the relief centers, greeting evacuees and volunteers and doing whatever they were asked to do. At Common Threads, those who were bilingual helped people shop in the clothing section of the donation center and then gathered all the supplies the families needed. For days, they showed up and lifted, sorted, folded and labeled whatever needed to be organized. They did so while laughing and talking together, and none of them escaped into their cell phones. They enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship all around them. I saw pictures on social media of our teens helping out in the flooded areas in Richmond near the Brazos River and all over parts of Rosenberg where the waters damaged homes and cars. They didn’t do this for pay —they pitched in because it was the right thing to do. Maybe now that the emergency is over, some teens will go back to lounging on the couch for hours, stay glued to their cell phones and once again ignore their parents. But perhaps many of them will remember the gratifying feeling one receives from volunteering and giving back. Something tells me, the latter is true. Denise Adams’ email is dhadams1955@yahoo.com.

Outside View

Elite cities should share the wealth

s Seattle ascended into the club of superstar American cities, its housing became expensive and its streets congested. That’s the price of success. These factors helped prompt Amazon.com to announce plans to build a second headquarters somewhere else in North America. This move could herald a neat solution for cities seeking choice jobs and for those burdened by crowding and astronomical rents. Froma In this vast Harrop continent of ours, it’s crazy to shoehorn so much ambition, innovation and technical prowess into New York, San Francisco and a handful of other coastal cities. For the “elite” cities, sharing the growth would reduce pressure to tear down their beloved neighborhoods to build forests of soulless towers — all in the name of improving affordability. That’s the “remedy” pushed by developers and foes of zoning, historic preservation and sane urban planning. The explosive growth of New York City’s population has driven the subway system to near breakdown. Some see congestion pricing — charging new fees to drive into

midtown Manhattan — as a fix for perpetual gridlock. That would encourage more people to use the subways, the argument goes (but see two sentences above). Get this. New York has just “upzoned” the Midtown East business district to allow the construction of at least 16 new office towers. That would bring 28,000 more workers to the area. Things have gotten so crowded the city is removing some subway seats to pack in more people. Companies increasingly demand urban settings where people bounce ideas off one another and younger workers congregate. But there are fine urban settings far from the coasts, and employers are going to them. Denver and Phoenix, for example, have become magnets for finance companies strained by the high costs of San Francisco. Amazon’s casting call included some specifications. The city’s population must exceed 1 million. The site must have access to public transportation and be near a university and international airport. Amazon has its hand out for tax breaks and assorted public subsidies. Waving 50,000 good new jobs should bring out a good number of eager contestants. Cities cited as likely finalists include Columbus, Denver, Nashville, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Toronto. (Remember they said

“North America.”) A few may want for artisanal bakeries and curated wine lists, but add 50,000 tech workers to the mix and watch the urban amenities grow. As for those left behind in the elite cities, they too have reasons to welcome seeing some of the people headed for other destinations. After all, the cure for very high housing prices isn’t just more supply; it’s less demand for housing. And that would take some pressure off their middle- and working-class neighborhoods. Their low buildings often occupy the sites developers most covet. Some cities are already densely developed. Those on the coast couldn’t grow gracefully even if they wanted to, because they are hemmed in by oceans and such. Other cities, particularly the ones prone to sprawl, could benefit from added density. And their older housing stock close to downtown might need the loving attention of newcomers. In the meantime, let’s put in a good word for smaller cities that don’t meet Amazon’s size standard. There’s evidence that some young, educated people are moving back to the devastated Rust Belt cities their families abandoned, places like Youngstown, Ohio. Love of place draws them, not expectation of high pay. But wouldn’t companies value having employees like them? Froma Harrop can be reached at fharrop@gmail.com.

Senate rejects war authorization

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday rejected a bipartisan push for a new war authorization against the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, electing to let the White House rely on a 16-year-old law passed after the Sept. 11 attacks as the legal basis to send U.S. troops into combat. Senators voted 61-36 scuttle an amendment to the annual defense policy bill by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., that would have allowed war authorizations, created in the wake of al-Qaida’s 9/11 strikes, to lapse

after six months. Paul, a leader of the GOP’s noninterventionist wing, said Congress would use the time to debate an updated war authority for operations in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere before the old ones expired. Paul criticized his colleagues ahead of the vote, urging them to embrace their war-making responsibility instead of surrendering their power to the White House. He and senators who backed his amendment said former President Barack Obama and President

Donald Trump have used the war authorizations from 2001 and 2002 for military operations in countries that Congress never voted to support. “We are supposed to be a voice that debates and says, ‘Should we go to war?’ It’s part of doing our job,” Paul said. “It’s about grabbing power back and saying this is a Senate prerogative.” Opponents of Paul’s amendment agreed on the need for a new authorization but warned that that his plan would backfire.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Cody Odom is president of Delta Machine and Ironworks Inc. in Louisiana. He and his employees provided free meals Saturday and Sunday to residents in the Richmond area.

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

UNSUNG HEROES

A neurosurgeon who used his boat to rescue neighbors, a businessman from Louisiana who fed folks in Richmond, a soccer mom who organized a donation drive... Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re among hundreds of unsung heroes who helped Hurricane Harvey victims over the past 2-3 weeks.

Dr. Joseph Cochran, a neurosurgeon with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Associates at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, watched from his Meyerland home as the floodwaters rose higher and higher. Dr. Cochran hopped in his personal boat and rushed to the aid of his neighbors. He helped rescue more than 100 residents from their homes as Brays Bayou continued to spill into the streets. At right, Ofelia Rogers He was back in the hospital that night for consults and operating on patients set up a valuable donation drive in the Grand the next day. Vista area that provided hundreds of residents Know an unsung hero who deserves praise for their with cleaning supplies, clothing, food and waactions during the crisis? Got a photo? The Fort Bend ter. She also drove into Herald would like to recognize them. Email photos and the different neighborinformation to newsroom@fbherald.com. hoods and handed out supplies.

Because of the road conditions, deliveries of donor breastmilk had been delayed and supplies were running low. Dr. Carla Collado, neonatologist at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, left her shift from delivering babies to drive 130 miles to Bastrop to coordinate with the Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Milk Bank in Austin. She was able to pick up 440 bottles of breastmilk and bring them back to hospitals across Houston that were in need.

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Friday, September 15, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 220

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

www.fbherald.com

‘Moments of despair and rage’

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

But Richmond mother refuses to give credence to gunman who killed her son BY MARQUITA GRIFFIN mgriffin@fbherald.com

Chargers lose opener against George Ranch; see Sports

Good Afternoon KC donates supplies

Craft extravaganza

Woodmen Life

AARP meets

Fort Bend Journal Security blanket “The best security blanket a child can have is parents who respect each other.” — Jan Blaustone

— BH

Around the Bend Maricela Grable and first reponders receiving high marks for helping her mom during the hurricane and its aftermath...

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Richmond mother Melinda Morgan said she refuses “to give any energy” to gunman Spencer James Hight, who murdered her son and seven other people in a mass shooting in Plano, Texas Sunday at an annual football game watch party. “It was so senseless, so horrific and I have my moments of despair and rage,” said Morgan. “But I don’t want to give any energy to him, the shooter.” Rion It was through a Morgan series of phone calls from her son’s friends that Morgan and her husband Nelson found out their son Rion Christopher Morgan, 31, was one of the victims at the party. “We heard a news broadcast regarding Plano and any time I hear Plano my ears tune in,” Morgan said. “I did not think

Randle named finalist for top superintendent

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SEE MORGAN, PAGE 8A

Health and disability fair planned Fort Bend County libraries will host a Health and Disability Fair on Friday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the meeting room at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Representatives from a variety of organizations will be available to hand out information and answer questions about health-related topics, preventative healthcare, safety and mobility issues, and community resources. Visit with professionals from Fort Bend

County’s Community Health, Social Services, and Transportation departments; the Office of Emergency Management, Pinnacle Senior Center, Texas State Library’s Talking Books Department, the Social Security Administration, home healthcare providers, a hearing-aid provider, and much more. This come-and-go event is free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455.

agleason@fbherald.com

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

ROSENBERG RESIDENT Alice Prosise holds up a picture of her brother Alfred Luvojacky. Alfred was reported missing in action over Dresden, Germany in 1945.

HARVEY HAIR DAY

See page 8A

Today’s Scripture Do not be anxious about anything. Philippians 4:6

Thought for Today “The lack of a sense of history is the damnation of the modern world.” — Robert Penn Warren, American poet (born 1905, died this date in 1989) HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

TERRY HIGH School football players wore “#TexasStrong” stickers on the backs of their helmets Thursday night — a reference to the Texans strength and resilience during and after Hurricane Harvey.

BY AVERIL GLEASON

Blasa C. Paiz, 69

86037 20032

#TexasStrong

Rosenberg woman remembers brother MIA since WWII

Obituaries

HERALD PHOTO BY RHONDA TAORMINA

Still missing Not forgotten

Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Randle is one of only five public school administrators from across Texas selected as state finalists for the annual Superintendent of the Year award. Sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), the program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in Dr. Thomas educational leaderRandle ship since 1984. Joining Dr. Randle as 2017 finalists and their regions are Robert Jaklich, Victoria ISD, Region 3; LaTonya Goffney, Lufkin ISD, Region 7; Judd Marshall, Mount Pleasant ISD, Region 8; and Jim Vaszauskas, Mansfield ISD, Region 11. “I am honored to be a finalist,” Randle said, “but any honor I receive is only a reflection of the many tremendous employees of Lamar CISD, the commitment from our School Board, as well as a community which recognizes the importance of education.” The 2017 Superintendent of the Year will be announced October 7 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas. The districts of the winning superintendent and state finalists will receive an award from Balfour, program underwriter. Dr. Randle was named Region 4 Superintendent of the Year in June. The Region 4 Education Service Center serves a seven-county area composed of 49 public school districts and 38 open-enrollment charter schools, representing more than

SEE RANDLE, PAGE 8A

You should!

much of it at first, until I realized my husband had been trying to reach him and he wasn’t picking up.” Morgan described her son as a lively, adventurous person who “was just enjoying life with friends.” She added that Rion, along with several of the other victims at the party, were friends with Hight. “He was not shot by a stranger,” Morgan said, adding that circumstance substantially contributes to the pain. Morgan also stressed the party was not a large one, but rather a “small gathering of 14 to 15 people that was held every year.” “This [shooting] was not random, but planned,” she said. “The shooter knew about this party and knew who would be there.” Hight, who was killed by an officer responding to a 9-1-1 call from the home, was the estranged husband of one of the victims, Meredith Hight, who had filed for divorce in July. “Rion was a groomsman in his wedding years ago and he knew [Hight] was

BROTHERS LANEE and Xavier Herring show off their favorite super hero pose on Harvey Hair Day at Frost Elementary School on Friday. Children who donated money to a fund for Hurricane Harvey victims were allowed to wear silly hair to school on Friday. More photos, Page 5A.

Rosenberg resident Alice Prosise was no more than 10 years old when her brother Alfred’s billy goats attacked her. “Alfred was in FFA and he raised a bunch of billy goats who all hated me for some reason,” Alice recalled on Friday, officially proclaimed POW/MIA Day in Rosenberg. “And every time I went to care for the chickens, they would sail over the fence after me. “Well one time I wasn’t fast enough, and the billy goats ran straight to my bum.” Alice laughed when she remembered scolding her brother for his goats’ behavior. Alice has a lot of fond memories of her brother Alfred. However, her last memory of him took place during World War II. On Feb. 14, 1945, Alfred Luvojacky, who served in the Army Air Force, was reported missing in action over Dresden, Germany. Alice was 13 at the time, and Alfred had just turned 21. “After one year, soldiers who are missing in action are proclaimed dead,” Alice said. “That year was long and full of hope and prayer, and by the end of it, it tore my mother apart.“I’m not sure my mother ever gave up hope.” Alice, now 85, said she has made her peace with Alfred’s absence.

SEE PROSISE, PAGE 6A

Texas AG warns of hurricane construction, clean-up scams AUSTIN — In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday warned those in affected areas to guard against contracting scams. Paxton also offered tips to safeguard against unscrupulous individuals looking to take advantage of vulnerable Texans. “Unfortunately, scams involving contractors failing to perform work they were paid to do are not uncommon following a disaster such as Hurricane Harvey,” Paxton said. “I encourage hurricane victims in Texas to take the extra time to evaluate and hire the right contractor to avoid being swindled. The consumer protection hotline will remain open and we stand ready to assist anyone who has been preyed upon after this disaster.” He said victims may call his office at 800-621-0508 to report scams. The state’s Consumer Protection Division offers the following tips to avoid contractor fraud during the clean-up and

rebuilding process: n Contact an insurance adjuster to get an estimate of the damage and repair cost. n Don’t sign a check from your insurance company over to a contractor. n Only do business with licensed or bonded contractors or builders. Get multiple estimates. n Be cautious of contractors who solicit services door-to-door, especially those that are unfamiliar or from out of town and try to pressure you into signing a contract on the spot. n Get the salesperson’s license plate number. n Consult the Better Business Bureau to ensure you are working with a trustworthy business. n Ask for referrals from people you trust and for references from contractors. n Get more than one estimate on work, so you know if you’re being overcharged. Don’t be rushed into signing a contract and never pay in full up-front for promised work.

Friday, September 15, 2017

NEWS

Service League contributes to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts Fort Bend County has suffered catastrophic damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey and the unprecedented rain and flooding that has followed. The women of the Fort Bend Junior Service League, many of whom live in the Rosenberg-Richmond area, have stepped up in a number of ways to help the community in this time of need. Members of FBJSL have been collecting and delivering needed supplies to various non-profit agencies all over Fort Bend County, volunteering to assist with clean-up efforts, and donating 300 remaining 2016 Sugar Plum Market bags to the Stafford High School hurricane relief shelter for guests to keep their personal belongings.

Additionally, FBJSL has set up a Harvey Community Assistance Fundraiser to raise funding for relief efforts. The Harvey Community Assistance Fundraiser, established through the Fort Bend Junior Service League Community Assistance Fund, will allow FBJSL to continue giving back to the various charitable agencies that are suffering. It will also aid those agencies in their own recovery due to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Non-profit organizations interested in applying for a grant from these funds may apply online at www.fbjsl.org. Community Assistance Fund applications can be found under the “Community” tab and by click-

ing “Request Support”. To contribute to the FBJSL Harvey Community Assistance Fundraiser, please visit www.fbjsl.org. Donations are tax deductible and can be made directly online through the link on the FBJSL home page. The Fort Bend Junior Service League is a 501©(3) organization. It is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the Fort Bend County community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable as well as providing an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill and camaraderie for all members.

■■ Emery Marie Guerrero, a daughter born to Priscilla D. Erias and Guadalupe Guerrero III of Rosenberg on Aug. 26, 2017 and weighing 7 lbs. 12 ozs. ■■ Zoe Mmachukwu Nwajie, a daughter born to Chioma Udoka Nwajie and Nelson Ucheka Nwajie of Sugar Land on Aug. 26, 2017 and weighing 6 lbs. 14.1 ozs. ■■ Adebola Milayla Sotomwa, a daughter born to Oluwaseun and Abimbola Sotomwa of Houston on Aug. 30, 2017 and weighing 7

of Houston on Aug. 5, 2017 and weighing 6 lbs. 1 oz. ■■ John Gonzales Garza V, a son born to John Gonzales Garza IV and Vanessa Gonzales of Rosenberg on Sept. 7, 2017 and weighing 7 lbs. 2 ozs. ■■ Donny Jose Rivera, a son born to Marianna Garcia of Richmond on Sept. 7, 2017.

Births Births at OakBend Medical Center — Williams Way, Richmond, TX for Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2017 follows. ■■ Cataleva Celeste Long, a daughter born to Melissa Long and Jonathan Long of Richmond on Aug. 22, 2017 and weighing 8 lbs. 8 ozs. ■■ Emmanuel Osarymwense Oviawe, a son born to Imuetinyan and Omoruyi Oviawe of Katy on Aug. 24, 2017 and weighing 7 lbs 13 ozs.

ment the appropriate material in our courses,” said Bryan Bowling, director of instructional support at the Fort Bend County campus. Expanding the concept evolved from an initiative TSTC in Marshall already had students doing. TSTC has statewide at least 340 students in the Business Management Technology program, more than 350 students in the Computer Systems and Network Administration program and more than 400 students in the Cyber Securi-

FORT BEND HERALD

Water District Water District of PublicHearing Hearing on on Tax Tax Rate Rate NoticeNotice of Public The Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 10 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City, Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

The Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 10 will hold a public hearing on a propose for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at 9600 Scanlan Trace, Miss Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxabl your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax ra K. Shipley, E. Shepard, S. Harrell Jr. & R. Ware FOR the proposal: adopted. AGAINST the proposal: (none) PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

(none) N. Grace Jr.

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

FOR the proposal: K. Shipley, E. Shepard, S. Harrell Jr. & R. Ware AGAINST the proposal: (none) Last Year This Year lbs. 12 ozs. PRESENT and Total not tax voting: $ 0.840 /$100 $ 0.800 /$100 rate (per $100(none) of value) ■■ Kitana Serenity NavarreAdopted Proposed te, a daughter born to Sabrina N. Grace Jr. ABSENT: Castillo and Nose Navarrete Difference in rates per $100 of value -$0.040 /$100 Percentage decrease in rates Average appraised value General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed tax rate is adopted And percentage of decrease

-4.7619%

$305,785 The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in $317,902 this taxing unit la taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

TSTC expands technology certification dept. Students in three programs at Texas State Technical College are getting an opportunity to earn technology certifications as part of final exams starting this fall. Students who are cyber security majors at the Rosenberg campus can earn Cisco and CompTIA information technology and networking certifications. “If the industry values a certification or series of complementary certifications, and finds them necessary for our graduates in the workforce, we will imple-

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

ty program. “TSTC is very market-driven and we are one, statewide,” said Bowling. “Our purpose is to ensure the success of our students in the workforce through the statewide lens. Therefore, we work very closely with industry leaders to determine what is most relevant for our students from an instructional standpoint.” For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

$ 0 $305,785 $ 2,568.59

$ 0 $317,902 $2,543.22

Last Year $

-$25.37

0.840 /$100 -0.9877%

This Yea

$ 0.80

Adopted

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION

Propo

Difference in rates per $100 of value -$0.040 /$100 If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified Percentage decrease in rates -4.7619% voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. $317,90 Average appraised valueand maintenance tax rate to the rollback $305,785 General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s orQuestions disabled or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Your source for local news: fbherald.com person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ $317,90 Average taxable value $305,785 Tax on average residence homestead $ 2,568.59 $2,543.2 Water District Water District Water District Water District Annual decrease in taxes if of PublicHearing Hearing on on Tax Rate Notice Notice of Public Tax Rate Notice of Public onRate Tax of PublicHearing Hearing on Tax -$25.37Rate Proposed tax rate is adoptedNotice The Pecan Grove Municipal Utility District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax -0.9877% And percentage of decrease The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 194 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate

year 2017 on Tuesday, 26, will 2017 athold 5:30 p.m. at the Pecan Grove Country ClubFort locatedBend at rate rove Municipal UtilitySeptember District a public hearing on a The proposed tax tax2017 on Thursday, County Municipal Utility October District No.at 10:00 194 a.m. willat the hold a public hearing on a prop forfor the the tax year 5, 2017 offices of Allen Boone Humphries Highway 359 at Plantation Drive, Richmond, TX 77406. Your individual taxes may increase or Robinson Freeway, Suite 2400, in the San Jacinto Room, for the tax year 2017 on LLP, Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Conference the offices ofHouston, Allen Boon n Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pecan Grove Country Club located at3200 Southwest decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of Robinson Southwest 2400, inallthe Jacinto 9 at taxable Plantation Drive, Richmond, TXthat is77406. taxesLLP, may 3200 increase or value on all other property and the tax rate adopted. Your individual your property in relationFreeway, to the changeSuite in taxable value on otherSan property and the Conference tax rate that is Roo Yourtoindividual pending on the change in the taxable value of your property Texas. in relation theadopted. changetaxes in may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the tax If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the ta e on allFOR other property and the tax rate that is adopted. C. Howard, R. Yokubaitis, B. Kluppel, S. Crow & C. Bertrand the proposal: FOR thebyproposal: Berger,that M. Rozell, & J. Morales voters of the district petition may C.P. require an election be held to determine whether to r adopted. (none) AGAINST the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: (none) PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

operation and maintenance taxvoting: rate to(none) the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Cod PRESENT and not

(none) (none)

ABSENT:

J. Bashaw

Berger, M. Rozell, & J. Morales FOR&the Howard, R. Yokubaitis, B. Kluppel, S. Crow C. proposal: BertrandThe following table C.P. posal:The following tableC. compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to AGAINST the proposal: (none) he proposal: taxes proposed on the(none) average residence homestead this year. taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. PRESENT and not voting: (none) and not voting: (none) Last Year This Year Last Year this notice can be directed This to Year Questions or comments regarding ABSENT: J. Bashaw (none) Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

0.625 /$100

Adopted

$ 0.615 /$100 Proposed

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

1.250 /$100

$ 1.250 /$100

Adopted

Proposed

The following table $100 of on valuethe average residence homestead $0.000 /$100 in this taxing uni Difference in rates per $100 on of value -$0.010 /$100 in this taxing unit Difference ng table compares taxes the average residence homestead lastcompares yearin rates to pertaxes Percentage increase in rates 0.0000% decrease in rates ed on Percentage the average residence homestead this year. -1.6000% taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Average appraised value $231,940 General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled Last Year person’s exemptions) $ 0 Average taxable value $231,940 e (per Tax $100 of value) $ 0.625 on average residence homestead $ 1,449.63 Adopted Annual increase in taxes if Proposed is adopted n rates per $100taxofratevalue And percentage of increase

Average appraised value General exemptions available This Year(excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 value $239,842tax rate (perAverage Total $100taxable of value) /$100 $ 0.615 /$100 Tax on average residence homestead $1,475.03 Annual decrease in taxes if Proposed Difference in rates per $100 Proposed tax of rate value is adopted $25.40 -$0.010 /$100 percentage of decrease 1.7522% Percentage increaseAnd in rates

$322,152

$239,842

$320,851

Last Year $

$ 0 $322,152 1.250 $4,026.90

Adopted

This /$100

$ 0 $320,851 $4,010.64

-$16.26 $0.000 /$100 -0.4038% 0.0000%

-1.6000% ecrease in rates Average appraised value NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT $322,152 TO ROLLBACK ELECTION RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION raised value NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’$231,940 $239,842 General exemptions available If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified mptions available If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified (excluding senior citizen’s voters of the districtorbydisabled petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the g senior citizen’s or disabled operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback $tax rate under0Section 49.236(d), Water Code. person’s exemptions) operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. exemptions) $ 0 $ value0 Average taxable $322,152 able value $231,940 $239,842 Tax on average residence homestead $4,026.90 Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Questions or comments$regarding this notice can be directed to ge residence homestead 1,449.63 $1,475.03 Annual decrease in taxes if Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. ase in taxes if -$16.26 Proposed tax rate is adopted

$32

$ $32 $4,0

6A Indictments

Friday, September 15, 2017

Fort Bend County Indictments for Sept. 11, 2017 follow (The indictments are listed by name, offense and offense date): ■■ Lemarcus Dixon, forgery of a financial instrument, a state jail -felony offense punishable by up to two years in prison. He is accused of forging a check worth $20,870 on a April 22, 2016. Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Sugar Land PD. According to court records, Dixon was convicted in 2014 on one count of felony theft of property and in 2009 he was convicted of felony forgery of a commercial instrument. ■■ Lemarcus Dixon, fraudulent use of or possession of identifying information, items numbering less than five, a state jail-felony offense. He is accused of using another man’s name and birth date on an application on July 23, 2016.Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Sugar Land PD. According to court records, Dixon was convicted in 2014 on one count of felony theft of property and in 2009 he was convicted of felony forgery of a commercial instrument. ■■ Lemarcus Dixon, fraudulent use of or possession of identifying information, items numbering less than five, a state jail-felony offense. He is accused of using another man’s name and birth date on an application on April 14, 2016. Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Sugar Land PD. According to court records, Dixon was convicted in 2014 on one count of felony theft of property and in 2009 he was convicted of felony forgery of a commercial instrument. ■■ Diana Jaramillo Euell, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She is accused of using a knife to threaten a family member with imminent bodily harm on May 18, 2016, and either cut him or bit him during the alleged assault. Bond was set at $30,000. Arresting agency: Fort bend County S.O. ■■ Juan Enrique Mejia, aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony offense punishable by up to life in prison. He is accused of raping a woman on March 12, 2016, and threatening to harm her or kill her if she resisted. He was also charged with one count of sexual assault, a second-degree felony offense. He is accused of

having sex with the same woman on March 12, 2016, without her consent. Bond was set at $60,000. Arresting agency: Fort Bend County S.O. ■■ Mark Anthony Mottu, injury to a child, an elderly person or a disabled person, and causing reckless bodily injury, a state jail-felony offense. He is accused of injuring a child under the age of 14 on May 6 by pulling the arm of his mom, who was holding the child, and causing her to drop the child on a hot item. Bond was set at $25,000. Arresting agency: Rosenberg PD. ■■ Kelvin Jones, unauthorized use of a vehicle, a state-jail felony offense. He is accused of taking someone else’s vehicle without permission on May 28. ■■ Courtney Maris, possession of a controlled substance, less than 1 gram, a state-jail felony offense. She is accused of possessing cocaine on June 14. Bond was set at $7,500. Arresting agency: Fort Bend County S.O. ■■ Jamal Kent Johnson, possession of a controlled substance, between 1 gram and 4 grams, a third-degree felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He is accused of possessing Psilocin, which produces an effect similar to LSD, on June 16. Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Rosenberg PD. ■■ Steven Carty, continuous sexual abuse of child under the age of 14, a first-degree felony offense. He and an accomplice are accused of sexually assaulting a child continuously between Nov. 1, 2016, and Feb. 7, 2017. Bond was set at $100,000. Arresting agency: Fort Bend County S.O. ■■ Cherry Jamila Payton, continuous sexual abuse of child under the age of 14, a first-degree felony offense. She and an accomplice are accused of sexually assaulting a child continuously between Nov. 1, 2016, and Feb. 7, 2017. Bond was set at $100,000. Arresting agency: Fort Bend County S.O. ■■ Joshua Xavier Fusilier, murder, a first-degree felony offense. He is accused of using a firearm to kill a man on July 30, 2016. He was also indicted on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the same shooting, a second-degree felony offense. Bond was set at $100,000. Arresting agency: Stafford PD. According to court records, Fusilier was convicted in

NEWS

Harris County on October 2015 of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. ■■ Narciso Martinez-Abundez, assaulting a family member or member of the household by impeding breathing and/ or circulation, a third-degree felony offense. He is accused of punching or biting a woman and also choking her on June 23. Bond was set at $19,000. Arresting agency: Fort Bend County S.O. ■■ Daniel Argo, burglary of a building, a state-jail felony offense. He and two accomplices are accused of breaking into a building and attempting to steal or stealing construction tools and a television on July 3. Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Katy PD. ■■ Darrin Arnold Bennett, burglary of a building, a state-jail felony offense. He and two accomplices are accused of breaking into a building and attempting to steal or stealing construction tools and a television on July 3. Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Katy PD. ■■ Jarmean Alexander Walker, burglary of a building, a state-jail felony offense. He and two accomplices are accused of breaking into a building and attempting to steal or stealing construction tools and a television on July 3. Bond was set at $5,000. Arresting agency: Katy PD ■■ Ricardo Ernesto Sanchez, assaulting a family member or member of the household by impeding breathing and/ or circulation, a third-degree felony offense. He is accused of punching and kicking a female in the home with whom he was dating on July 5. In addition, he was charged with breaking into the home to commit the alleged assault. Bond was set at $30,000. Arresting agency: Rosenberg PD. ■■ Ricardo Ernesto Sanchez, assaulting a family member or member of the household by impeding breathing and/ or circulation, a third-degree felony offense. He is accused of hitting with his hand and choking a minor child with whom he was dating on July 5. Bond was set at $30,000. Arresting agency: Rosenberg PD. ■■ Timmothy Joseph Tovey Jr., forgery of a government/national instrument/money/security, a third-degree felony offense. He is accused of forging a $100 bill and attempting to spend it on July 12.

FORT BEND HERALD

HARVEY HAIR DAY

FROST ELEMENTARY School students Jordyn Weenk and Micah Misher strike a pose for Harvey Hair Day on Friday. Students who donated money to the school’s hurricane relief effort could wear funky hair to classes Friday. AT RIGHT, Simon Hornbeck sports a yellow Mohawk while dancing in the Frost Elementary School gym on Friday morning. Money raised will go to Common Threads. HERALD PHOTOS BY AVERIL GLEASON

PROSISE: Brother was reported missing in 1943 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A “When my parents were older, they bought three cemetery plots for themselves, and after they passed, my siblings and I weren’t sure what to do with that third cemetery plot,”

she said. “And it dawned on us. Because we never got his body or laid him to rest, we got a grave marker from the military and put him next to Mother and Dad. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s

where my brother is.” With tears in her eyes and a hand over her heart, Alice looks at a photo of her older brother in his military uniform. “I still get teary-eyed. I love him and I miss my brother every day.”

Hundreds of faces. Thousands of names. Year after year. The Fort Bend Herald.

Water District Water District NoticeNotice of Public on Rate Tax Rate of PublicHearing Hearing on Tax

NOTICE OF 2017 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 12 will hold a public hearing on a proposedFOR tax rate THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY

The Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District No. 12 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City, Texas 77459. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable year 2017 on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at 9600 Scanlan Trace, Missouri City, value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax rate that A tax rate of $0.6000 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption is adopted. 59. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable

by the governing body of the City of Missouri City. This rate exceeds the rate lowerthat of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that ur property in relation to the change in taxable value on all other property and the tax two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the S. Jackson, M. Marroquin, & L. Demerson FOR the proposal: proposed tax rate. AGAINST the proposal: (none) PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

(none) J.N. Vogan & P. Slot

The following table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to S. Jackson, M. Marroquin, & L. Demerson roposal: taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. (none) the proposal: Last Year This Year T and not voting: (none) Total tax rate (per $100 of value) 0.880 /$100 $ 0.870 /$100 J.N. Vogan & P. $SlotAdopted Proposed

The governing body of City of Missouri City proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of public safety, infrastructure, and departmental priority needs. PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.6000 per $100 $0.5601 per $100 $0.5423 per $100 $0.6006 per $100

Difference in rates per $100 of value -$0.010 /$100 -1.1364% Percentage decrease in rates ing table compares taxes on the average residence homestead in$565,122 this taxing unit last year to Average appraised value $562,752 osed onGeneral the exemptions average available residence homestead this year. The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled amount of property tax revenue for the City of Missouri City from the person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0 same properties in both the 2016 tax year and the 2017 tax year. Average taxable value $565,122 This Year Last$562,752 Year Tax on average residence homestead $ 4,952.22 $4,916.56 Annual decrease in taxes if The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that the City of Missouri City ate (per Proposed $100 oftaxvalue) $ 0.880 /$100 -$35.66 $ 0.870 /$100 rate is adopted may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the And percentage of decrease -0.7201% Adopted Proposed

rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

in rates per $100 of value /$100 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK-$0.010 ELECTION You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public decrease inIf taxes rateson the average residence homestead increase by more than eight-1.1364% percent, the qualified hearings on the proposed tax rate: voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the$565,122 ppraised value $562,752 operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. emptions available The second public hearing will be held on September 18, 2017 at 7:00 ng senior citizen’s or disabled PM at City Hall, Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Questions or comments regarding this notice can be directed to Texas. s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0 Esther Buentello Flores at the tax office at (281) 499-1223. xable value $562,752 $565,122

Friday, September 15, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

RANDLE: Selected as school chief finalist CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

A&M University and doctorate at Oklahoma State University. The state selection committee, which interviewed regional winners August 25-26 in Austin, targeted such issues as advocacy efforts during the regular and special sessions and the importance of all staff members’ contributions to a district’s success. Also explored were the ever-changing challenges facing education leaders as they focus on initiatives and programs that truly benefit students. Candidates are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee

1.2 million students, 95,000 educators and 1,500 campuses. Randle, superintendent of Lamar CISD for 16 years, serves approximately 32,000 students. He has 36 years of administrative experience. Of particular note to the state selection committee were his emphasis on academic excellence, creative learning and innovative practices. Working with his staff and board of trustees, the Lamar CISD stresses every decision should be made with the students in mind. Randle earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas

relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. Superintendents from any of the state’s local school districts are eligible for nomination by their school boards. Local nominees are submitted to a regional selection committee, which chooses one nominee to send to the state selection committee. TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local public school boards. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve approximately 5.4 million students.

Your source for local news: fbherald.com Your source for local news: www.fbherald.com

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITO BITES

Use EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanon.e

Keep mosquitoes outsi.de Use scerens on windows and door.sUse air conditionin.g

Cover cribs, strollers and carriers with mosquito nettin.g Do not use repellent on babies under two months. Do not use OLE or PMD on kids under three year.s

Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in standing water. Tip and toss containers that hold water.

Zika can be passed through sex with an infected person. Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika | www.texaszika.org

4520 Reading Rd., Ste A Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-238-3233 PUBLIC NOTICE Brief Explanatory Statements of Proposed Constitutional Amendments Special Election, November 7, 2017 Proposition Number 1 (HJR 21) HJR 21 proposes a constitutional amendment that would permit the Texas legislature to expand the circumstances under which a partially disabled veteran or their spouse may qualify for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the veteran’s residence homestead. Currently, the Texas legislature may provide that a partially disabled veteran or their spouse is entitled to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a percentage of the market value of the disabled veteran’s residence homestead only if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization at no cost to the veteran. The amendment would allow the Texas legislature to provide that the exemption also may be taken when the residence homestead was donated, sold, or transferred to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead. The amendment also harmonizes certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of part of the market value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled veteran or the surviving spouse of a partially disabled veteran if the residence homestead was donated to the disabled veteran by a charitable organization for less than the market value of the residence homestead and harmonizing certain related provisions of the Texas Constitution.” Proposition Number 2 (SJR 60) SJR 60 proposes a constitutional amendment to require that certain conditions be met for the refinancing of a home equity loan to be secured by a voluntary lien on a homestead. The amendment also would: redefine what is excluded in the calcu-

lation of the cap on fees associated with a home equity loan, lower the cap from 3% to 2% of the original principal amount of the extension of credit, and specify that such fees are in addition to any bona fide discount points used to buy down the interest rate. The amendment would further specify the list of authorized lenders to make home equity loans, change the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, allow agricultural property owners to acquire home equity loans, and update technical terminology in the Texas Constitution. The amendment would be effective on January 1, 2018, and applicable only to a home equity loan made or refinanced on or after that date. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to establish a lower amount for expenses that can be charged to a borrower and removing certain financing expense limitations for a home equity loan, establishing certain authorized lenders to make a home equity loan, changing certain options for the refinancing of home equity loans, changing the threshold for an advance of a home equity line of credit, and allowing home equity loans on agricultural homesteads.” Proposition Number 3 (SJR 34) SJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prevent certain office holders from serving indefinitely beyond the expiration of their term. Office holders who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate and receive no salary would only be able to serve until the last day of the first regular session of the Texas legislature that begins after their term expires. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment limiting the service of certain officeholders appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate after the expiration of the person’s term of office.” Proposition Number 4 (SJR 6) SJR 6 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to require any court that is hearing a challenge to

the constitutionality of a state statute to notify the attorney general of that challenge, if the party raising the challenge notifies the court that the party is challenging the constitutionality of such statute. Additionally, the amendment would allow the Texas legislature to set a period of not more than 45 days following the notification to the attorney general that the court must wait before rendering a judgment that a state statute is unconstitutional. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to require a court to provide notice to the attorney general of a challenge to the constitutionality of a state statute and authorizing the legislature to prescribe a waiting period before the court may enter a judgment holding the statute unconstitutional.” Proposition Number 5 (HJR 100) HJR 100 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide a more detailed definition of “professional sports team” for purposes of their charitable foundations, which the Texas legislature may permit to hold charitable raffles. The amendment also deletes a requirement that an eligible professional sports team charitable foundation permitted by the Texas legislature to hold charitable raffles had to be in existence on January 1, 2016. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment on professional sports team charitable foundations conducting charitable raffles.” Proposition Number 6 (SJR 1) SJR 1 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature by general law to provide that a surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty is entitled to receive an exemption from ad valorem taxation from all or part of the market value on the surviving spouse’s residence homestead, as long as the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the first responder. It would also allow the Texas legislature to provide that the surviving spouse, who qualifies

HERALD PHOTO BY RHONDA TAORMINA

Entertaining fans Terry High School marching band plays a catchy tune during the first quarter of Thursday’s game at Guy K. Traylor Stadium.

Texas begins debris removal from state roads AUSTIN — Texas Department of Transportation contractors have begun removing debris from the side of state roadways in the Coastal Bend. “The cleanup in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey is a job that will take months for Texans to complete,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “But our state agencies have been poised and ready to begin the work of clearing our roads and public spaces of the often times dangerous debris left by this storm. “I am proud of the work TxDOT has done to date, and we will continue to ensure that ev-

ery state agency is executing on the task of rebuilding Texas as quickly and efficiently as possible.” Following Harvey’s direct hit on the Coastal Bend, TxDOT’s immediate response was to ensure roads and bridges were safe for travel. This included damage assessments, removing debris and reopening roads for first responders, emergency crews and the public, replacing and reactivating traffic signals, reinstalling stop, yield and one-way signs and resuming ferry service in Port Aransas. While sign and signal work

is continuing, TxDOT can now move to the debris removal phase of its ongoing recovery efforts. The initial focus is Aransas, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio counties, some of the hardest hit areas. Only debris in the state right of way will be eligible for collection. Please be aware that debris removal involves slow-moving heavy equipment and motorists and pedestrians need to give crews plenty of room to work, Abbott said. Contractors will remove debris on state highways elsewhere in the state at a later date, he said.

MORGAN: Rion was a Foster High graduate CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A having a tough time with the divorce,” Morgan said. “And all of them were trying to help him through it. In fact, Rion had been out with him the night before.” Morgan said the senseless tragedy robbed society of brilliant young minds. “I would jokingly call Rion and his friends the UN because they were a racially diverse group of people. With all the racial ten-

and receives the exemption and then qualifies a different property as the surviving spouse’s residence homestead, receive an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the different homestead in an amount equal to the dollar amount of the exemption of the first homestead for which the exemption was received in the last year in which the surviving spouse received the exemption for that first homestead. Like the initial exemption, this benefit will only remain available if the surviving spouse has not remarried since the death of the first responder. The proposed amendment would apply only to ad valorem taxes imposed for a tax year beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

sion going on in the world today, there was none with them,” she said. “They were a smart group of eclectic professionals and productive citizens. They were accomplished men and women. “That is what I want everyone to remember.” The other victims were 33-year-old Anthony Michael Cross; 24-year-old Olivia Nicole Deffner; 29-year-old James Richard Dunlop; 22-year-old Darryl William Hawkins; 28-year-old Myah Sade Bass; and 25-year-old Caleb Seth Edwards. Rion, who was a 2004 Foster High School graduate, was a University of Texas at Dallas alum

and a manager in the university’s Office of Information and Technology. He graduated in 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and information technology. In his memory and in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church,16138 W. Bellfort St., Sugar Land, Texas 77498 for the Friendship Educational Fund or the University of Texas at Dallas Diversity Scholars Program. “I want other young people to have the opportunities that Rion had,” his mother said. “To find adventure in their lives like Rion did.”

Obituaries Blasa C. Paiz

Funeral arrangements for Blasa C. Paiz, 69, of Rosenberg, TX., are pending with E.P. Com-

pean Funeral Directors, 1223 Sixth St., Rosenberg, TX. 77471, 281-238-4443. “Our Family Serving Your Family”

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of all or part of the market value of the residence homestead of the surviving spouse of a first responder who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty.” Proposition Number 7 (HJR 37) HJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the Texas legislature to make an exception to the law regarding the award of certain prizes. Currently, the Texas Constitution requires the Texas legislature to pass laws prohibiting lotteries, raffles, and other programs where the award of gifts is based on luck or chance. The proposed amendment would make an exception to this general rule to allow the Texas legislature to authorize credit unions and other financial institutions to institute programs which, in order to encourage savings, would award prizes based on luck or chance to the credit union’s or financial institution’s customers. The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment relating to legislative authority to permit credit unions and other financial institutions to award prizes by lot to promote savings.” Published by Texas Secretary of State Rolando B. Pablos, www.VoteTexas. gov, 1/800-252-VOTE (8683)

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AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 221

Good Afternoon Chicken dinner fundraiser

St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1513 West St. in Rosenberg, will hold a chicken fried chicken fundraiser on Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dine-in or takeout plates available. Cost is $10 per plate. Tickets go on sale Monday. To buy tickets, call 281-342-5159 and 281-342-5174.

KC donates supplies

The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. until supplies give out. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

Woodmen Life

www.fbherald.com

BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Attorney Jeanne McDonald figured she’d have to resign during the Rosenberg Development Corp. meeting on Thursday. After all, she’d forgotten to notify the RDC that her firm had increased its billing rate in 2016. Instead of firing her, however, the board gave her a pay raise. In January 2015, the RDC executed an engagement letter with McDonald for legal services to the RDC. The engagement letter provides for a annual review and possible adjustment of the firm’s billing rates.

Thursday’s agenda called for the board to consider increasing legal service billing rates. However, McDonald acknowledged she had failed to give notice to the RDC about her increase in rates in 2016. “I would really like to say I’m sorry,” McDonald told RDC members. “I am not trying to put this over on you, but I understand I made a serious mistake. “That’s why I’m here and if there’s any shake in your confidence in me and you don’t want me to represent you, then I would be ready to resign immediately.” The attorney’s current billing rate is $350 per hour. Despite her admission, the RDC staff

Homecoming royalty

“Resentments are burdens we don’t need to carry.” — Author unknown

— BH

Around the Bend

See page 5A

Today’s Scripture Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35

Thought for Today “I personally believe that each of us was put here for a purpose to build, not to destroy. If I can make people smile, then I have served my purpose for God.” — Red Skelton (1913-1997)

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HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Needville High School senior Lanie McShannon was crowned 2017 Homecoming Queen on Friday. She is escorted by classmate Jericho Anderson and her father, Corey McShannon. She plans to attend Texas A&M Galveston and study marine biology.

Fort Bend County Transit waived fair through Sept. 29

In an effort to assist residents affected by Hurricane Harvey, Fort Bend County Commissioners Court have approved waiving Fort Bend County Transit fares through Friday, Sept. 29. All services will be free of charge, including commuter, demand response, and Richmond-Rosenberg point deviation routes. Fort Bend County Public Transportation will also waive all pending suspensions for September 2017.

“I’d like to educate myself more before voting tonight.” Peña made a motion to consent to an increase in billing rates, which was seconded by Bailey. In other business, board members discussed the economic development activities and contacts, including updates on the Fort Bend County Small Business Development Center. In the last five years, the SBDC has created 714 jobs in the county. The SBDC offers guidance and business consulting advice. The next RDC meeting will be held Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 SH 36.

Kolkhorst appointed to education funding panel

State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst has been appointed to a committee charged with studying ways of funding higher education and making colleges and universities efficient and competitive. Kolhorst, R-Brenham, represents Fort Bend County. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also appointed Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels; and Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, to the Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education Formula Funding. Hancock has been designated as cochair. “Improving the quality of higher edu-

Burdens

Hilmer George Hrncir, 95 Lillie W. Bishop, 94 Blasa C. Paiz, 69

went ahead and recommended changing the proposed billing rate to $395 per hour. “McDonald has been with us since the beginning of 2015, and she’s done a great job,” Executive Director Randall Malik explained. “Yearly rate increases are normal,” RDC member Teresa Bailey added. “That’s just business.” RDC member Jimmie Peña agreed. However, President Chris Martin said that the board members are going to have to take a look at the RDC’s contract policies. “Maybe this isn’t the only professional service or contract that we’re paying that has gone over our heads,” Martin said.

BY HERALD STAFF

Fort Bend Journal

Obituaries

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

RDC attorney admits to error, gets pay raise

AARP meets

Nicholas Le excited for the Final Fantasy 7 remake... Tajana Surlan Mesic with a friend dressed as a scarecrow getting ready for autumn with festive decorations Parkway Fellowship Church in Fulshear... Jennifer M. Hernandez feeling heartbroken watching “Hand in Hand Benefit for Hurricane Relief Concert”... Cheryl M. Morse hanging up a colorful birthday balloon wreath on her door...Richmond Fire Chief Mike Youngblood and Richmond City Planner Jessica Duet conversing about the sport of fishing, football, and interesting family members...

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cation continues to be one of my top priorities,” Patrick said. “Each of these appointees will play an instrumental role in ensuring our state’s higher education institutions continue to be efficient and competitive.” The Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education Formula Funding will examine how Lois higher education institutions are Kolkhorst funded and how they use special item project funds.

Lions Club Fair Parade 5K registration begins Sept. 27 The Rosenberg Lions Club will sponsoer its 6th Annual Fort Bend Fair Parade 5K on Friday, Sept. 29. Race starting time will be 8:45 a.m preceding the parade. The start line will be located at Jackson Street (US 90A) and Fourth Street in Richmond and will finish at the Rosenberg Walgreens, located at US 90A and Jennetta.

Early packet pickup and pre-registration will be Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Chick-fil-A in the Brazos Town Center in Rosenberg from 4:30- 7:30 p.m. Race day registration deadline is 8:15 a.m. For more information, contact Liz Gerstenberger at 281-380-9728 or email gekofron@aol.com.

The Transportation Department has reinstated commuter privileges for all passengers with pending service suspensions. Passengers may contact Transit’s reservations department at 281-633-7433 to schedule services. “We’re pleased to offer this support to those in need during this initial phase of recovery. It’s just the right thing to do,” said Fort Bend County Judge Bob Hebert.

Crime Stoppers seeks information The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a criminal mischief case in the Sugar Land area. On Tuesday, Sept. 5, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a location on Riverbrook Lane in the Sugar Land area. Personnel with the company that installed the communication line received a notification that the line was not working properly. Company personnel made location to check the line and discovered the unknown persons gained access into the metal guard of the line. The perpetrators

then cut the duct with the cable inside and filled the duct with insulation. The cable provides communication service to several businesses and a hospital in the area. The damage was estimated to be approximately $25,000. Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (281) 342-TIPS (8477) or online at http:// www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/ Information, which leads to the apprehension and filing of charges on the suspect(s) involved, could earn tipsters up to $5,000 cash reward. Crime Stoppers tips remain anonymous.

HERALD PHOTO BY DENISE ADAMS

HARVEY HAIR Terry High School participated in “Harvey Hair Don’t Care Day” on Friday. Students donated a dollar to either wear crazy hair or crazy hats, and all proceeds were donated to local charities. Rhonda Klutts and Marlayna Shaw took part. More photos, Page 3A.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

Harvey Hair Don’t Care Day

S A LU T E

Terry High School participated in “Harvey Hair Don’t Care Day” on Friday. Students donated a dollar to either wear crazy hair or crazy hats, and all proceeds were donated to local charities.

to those who

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OPINION Pat on the Back Sunday Slants — Thanks to former Fort Bend County residens David Hastings and family who drove from

Sunday, September 17, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

Be brave commish, wake up Our View Muck and gut volunteers needed I Decatur with three trailers loaded with relief supplies from the fine folks in Wise County.

nce again, this Saturday, River Pointe Church members are mobilizing to assist families with the clean-up and “muck outs” of houses in and around the Fort Bend area. Hundreds of volunteers are expected to show up at the church’s Richmond campus and filter out into the community,” said Pastor Patrick Kelley. Volunteers are to arrive by 9 a.m., but anyone who would like to help can still show up late — even if it’s to get their name on the list of volunteers who will be sent out next time.

The church’s worship center is located at 5000 Ransom Road. Kelley said the church has sent out cleaning teams nearly every day since the rain stopped. To date, more than 1,700 River Pointe volunteers have cleaned and mucked out 197 homes, he said. The volunteers have worked very hard over the last few weeks to benefit others. And they’ve made a huge impact in the lives of so many and will continue to do so in the weeks to come. We thank them for all their hard work, and the hard work to come.

No amnesty is a good amnesty

onald Trump is being told that amnesty for “Dreamers,” or DACA recipients, will only apply to a small, narrowly defined group of totally innocent, eminently deserving illegal immig rants, who were brought to this country “through no fault of their own” as “children.” (Children who are up to 36 years Ann old.) Coulter Every syllable of that claim is a lie, and I can prove it. To see how DACA will actually work, let’s look at another extremely limited amnesty that was passed in 1986. Farmers wanted temporary guest-worker permits for their cheap labor, so that they could continue pretending that the Industrial Revolution never happened and refuse to mechanize. (And, boy, did that work! We haven’t heard a peep about “crops rotting in the fields” since then.) The agricultural amnesty was

supposed to apply to — at most — 350,000 illegal aliens. It would be available only to illegals who were currently in the country doing the back-breaking farm work that no American would do. Without them, crops would wither on the vine. They were saving us from starvation! Talk about deserving. Are any Dreamers saving us from starvation? But instead of guest-worker permits, then-Rep. Charles Schumer — from the lush farmland of Brooklyn — decided to grant full amnesty to any illegals who had done farm work for at least 90 days in the previous year. That’s pretty restrictive, isn’t it? In the end, “up to 350,000 farm workers” turned into 1.3 million. Oh well, what are you going to do? No use worrying — let’s just move forward and get all these people voter registration cards! This innocent little amnesty for a small, clearly defined group of illegals quickly became amnesty for anyone who applied. The same thing will happen with any other amnesty, no

matter how strictly the law is written. (And it won’t be written strictly.) In the first few years of the agricultural amnesty, internal Immigration and Naturalization Service statistics showed that 888,637 legalization applications were fraudulent. According to immigration agents, “farm workers” stated in their interviews that cotton was purple or that they had pulled cherries from the ground. Of the 888,637 fraudulent applications, guess how many our government approved. Answer: More than 800,000. The agricultural amnesty was so carefully administered that not one, but TWO of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers were in this country because of it. (More on that in another column.) The main problem with the farm worker amnesty, the DACA amnesty or any amnesty is that everyone involved in the entire immigration apparatus is feverishly working, on the taxpayer’s dime, to transform this country into a Third World hellhole. Contact Ann Coulter on Twitter at @AnnCoulter or on the Web at www.anncoulter.com.

’m really not taking the week off. It’s simply with the mania in this country for professional football, Ret. Marine Col. Jeffery A. Powers expresses my feelings much better than I could. He’s been there and fought for our country and has heartfelt feelings about the prima donnas who won’t honor our National Anthem. I have researched this letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and have been assured Col. Powers is the author. I agree 100 percent with what he says, and if you don’t, I’m sorry.

“Dear Commissioner, Bill “I’ve been Hartman a season pass holder at Yankee Stadium, Yale Bowl and Giants Stadium. “I missed the 1990-91 season because I was with a battalion of Marines in Desert Storm. Fourteen of my wonderful Marines returned home with the American Flag draped across their lifeless bodies. “My last conversation with one of them, Sgt Garrett Mongrella, was about how our Giants were going to the Super Bowl. He never got to see it. “Many friends, Marines, and Special Forces soldiers who worked with or for me through the years returned home with the American

Flag draped over their coffins. “Now I watch multi-millionaire athletes, who never did anything in their lives but play a game, disrespect what brave Americans fought and died for. “They are essentially spitting in the faces and on the graves of real men. Men who have actually done something for this country beside playing with a ball and believing they’re something special! They’re not! My Marines and Soldiers were! “You are complicit in this! “You’ll fine players for large and small infractions but you lack the morale courage and respect for our nation and the fallen to put an immediate stop to this. “Yes, I know, it’s their First Amendment right to behave in such a despicable manner. What would happen if they came out and disrespected you or the referees publicly? They’d face the wrath of your office. “I observed a player getting a personal foul for twerking in the end zone after scoring. I guess that’s much worse than disrespecting the flag and our National Anthem. “Isn’t it his 1st Amendment right to express himself like an idiot in the end zone? “Why is taunting not allowed yet taunting America is OK? “You fine players for wearing 9-11 commemorative shoes yet you allow these people on the sidelines to sit, kneel or pump their pathetic fists in the air during the anthem. “They are so deprived with their multi-million dollar contracts for playing a freaking game! You condone it all by your refusal to act.

You’re as bad and disgusting as they are. “I hope Americans boycott anyone who supports that rabble you call the NFL. I hope they turn off the TV when any team is playing that allows this disrespect to occur, without consequence, on the sidelines. I applaud those who don’t. “Legends and heroes do not wear shoulder pads. They wear body armor and carry rifles. “They make minimum wage and spend months and years away from their families. They don’t do it for an hour on Sunday. They do 24/7, often with lead, not footballs, coming in their direction. “They watch their brothers carted off in pieces, not on a gurney to get their knees iced. They don’t even have ice! “Many don’t have legs or arms. Some wear blue and risk their lives daily on the streets of America. They wear fire helmets and go into the fire rather than down to safety. “On 9-11, hundreds vanished. They are the heroes. “I hope your highly paid protesting pretty boys and you look in that mirror when you shave tomorrow and see what you really are — legends in your own minds. “Time to change the channel.” --Col Jeffrey A Powers USMC (ret). (This letter was originally sent to former Florida Rep. Allen West, who posted it on his website and watched it go viral across the country.) Reach BH at bhartmannews.com.

Outside View

A closer look at the Dream Act

ommentary on the DACA controversy frequently notes that the nation’s nearly 700,000 so-called Dreamers are a law-abiding group. But a new bill to give DACA recipients full legal status, sponsored by Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Jeff Flake and Democratic Senators Richard Durbin and Charles S c h u m e r, Byron would allow newly legalYork ized Dreamers to have many run-ins with the law — arrests, charges, convictions — and still receive benefits. Schumer, the Democratic leader, is demanding quick passage. President Obama’s original 2012 executive action creating Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals stipulated that to be eligible, recipients must have “not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misde-

meanor offense, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.” When Obama announced the criteria for renewing DACA status in 2014, “multiple misdemeanor offense” was changed to “three or more misdemeanors.” The Obama administration defined a “significant misdemeanor” as a crime with a maximum sentence of one year, or, regardless of length of sentence, “an offense of domestic violence; sexual abuse or exploitation; burglary; unlawful possession or use of a firearm; drug distribution or trafficking; or driving under the influence.” With the Dream Act of 2017, Graham, Flake, Durbin and Schumer have adopted much of the existing Obama-era criteria about crime, but in a way that would allow Department of Homeland Security officials to be much more lenient with newly legalized DACA recipients. The Dream Act would exclude anyone who has been convicted of “any offense under federal or state law, other than a state offense for which an essential element is the alien’s immigration status, that is

punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of more than one year; or three or more offenses under federal or state law, other than state offense for which an essential element is the alien’s immigration status, for which the alien was convicted on different dates for each of the three offenses and imprisoned for an aggregate of 90 days or more.” The phrase “other than a state offense for which an essential element is the alien’s immigration status” could excuse a lot of criminal activity. “It would grant status to illegal aliens who have been convicted of felony ID fraud or other crimes that could be considered to be related to their immigration status,” noted Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies, which favors tighter restrictions on immigration. “You could say human smuggling, document fraud, benefits fraud, false claims to citizenship, illegal voting, and many other felonies have an essential element that involves immigration status.” Byron York is chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner.

Lee Hartman EDITOR & PUBLISHER

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Our plutocratic tax system T

he week after Donald Texas, have no income tax. It’s unlikely that whatever the Trump won the election, he ducked away from Trump Trump administration comes up with will pass muster with the ConTower for a steak dinner at 21. The patrons of the high-end gressional Budget Office, which is restaurant applauded him, and in non-partisan and will evaluate the return he assured them, “We’ll get plan. your taxes down, don’t worry about Unless Trump and his allies in it.” the Congress do something radiThat’s not cally different what Trump is and surprise us, saying to the they will offer public of course. a plan that disHe says his proportionately plan will lowrewards the rich and adds to the er taxes for the deficit. middle class, They will and the rich will expect us to bestay where they are. lieve that pumpHe wants to ing more money Douglas Cohn & cut the corpointo the pockets Eleanor Clift of those at the rate tax rate top will magifrom 35 to 15 percent, and he wants to shave or cally translate into greater growth “flatten” personal tax rates so mid- and more and better jobs. It hasn’t worked in the past, and dle income earners will have more it won’t work now. money in their pockets. Why do we even have an income The problem is if he makes those changes, he will bust the budget un- tax, you might ask. It was authorized by the 16th less he raises taxes on the rich, and Amendment in 1913 during the eliminates significant loopholes. There is no appetite among Re- William Howard Taft administrapublicans to raise taxes on upper tion after Taft’s predecessor, Teddy income earners, and there are very Roosevelt, proposed it to rein in few big loopholes politicians dare to the Robber Barons, those titans of close without incurring the wrath industry who were threatening to turn America into a plutocracy, a of those directly affected. However, the one that GOP pol- government for, by and about the icymakers are zeroing in on is the rich. In 1910, he said, “The really big state and local tax deduction. But it turns out that mostly blue fortune, the swollen fortune, by state constituents will be affected the mere fact of its size, acquires because they tend to have higher qualities which differentiate it in kind as well as in degree from what state income taxes. In fact, seven states, including is possessed by men of relatively

small means, Therefore, I believe in a graduated income tax on big fortunes, and in another tax which is far more easily collected and far more effective—a graduated inheritance tax on big fortunes, properly safeguarded against evasion, and increasing rapidly in amount with the size of the estate.” Calling for a middle-class tax cut sounds good, but there’s only so low down the rate scale you can go without making up the loss somewhere else. Republicans often cite President Kennedy as the original tax-cutter. He took the top marginal tax rate down from 91 percent to 70 percent. President Reagan took it down to 28 percent, and it’s since crept up to 39.6 percent to plug some of the holes that Reagan blew in the budget. An income tax devised to combat the plutocracy, through all kinds of shenanigans and with the help of lobbyists and campaign donations, now exists mainly to benefit the plutocracy. Interrupting that cycle is a Herculean task, and that’s where the CBO comes in. The CBO helped kill the GOP health care plan when it said that repealing and replacing Obamacare would leave 22 million people without insurance. Trump can have his rallies, and he can exhort Republicans to support tax reform, but once the CBO speaks, that could be the death knell for tax reform just as it was for health care. Reach Douglas Cohn on Twitter at: @douglas_cohn.

Improper teacher-student relationships on the rise AUSTIN (AP) — The number of cases of teachers accused of soliciting romantic relationships from students has increased for the ninth year in a row in Texas, with a state education official attributing the increase to more awareness of the issue. The Austin American-Statesman reports that in the one-year period

that ended Sept. 1, the Texas Education Agency opened 302 cases against public teachers accused of having improper relationships with students. That’s a 36 percent increase from the year before. Doug Phillips, TEA’s director of educator investigations, attributes the growth to increased vigilance

among teachers and administrators of recognizing and reporting improper behavior. State lawmakers made curbing improper teacher-student relationships a priority during this year’s regular legislative session. He says, “We’ve amped up the pressure to report and we’ve made people more aware.”

Sunday, September 17, 2017

RELIGION

FORT BEND HERALD

Salute and appreciation to our first responders M

ost of us survivors of Hurricane Harvey have a story to tell. From alligators in the pool to raccoons in the attic, strange things have happened. Unfortunately, some of our law enforcement officers and first responders saw things no one should ever have to see. Lives were lost, property destroyed, and memories scored. SomeDavid times, words Rose are insufficient. Let tears speak. As the Brazos River was rising to historic levels, my neighbors were concerned about the levees. We were under a voluntary evac-

Church Briefs Calvary Baptist Church

4111 Airport Ave. in Rosenberg, 281-232-0372, calvaryrosenberg.org, — on Sunday offers an 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service — followed by Bible study for all ages at 9:30 a.m. and a 10:45 a.m. Comporary Worship Service. Group Bible Study is offered for adults, teens and children at 6 p.m. on Sundays.On Wednesdays the schedule includes; choir for preschoolers through 5th grade at 6:00 p.m. and at 6:45 p.m. Mission Friends, Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors and Youth and Adult Bible Study. Dr. Jason Martin is pastor.

Calvary Episcopal Church

FM 762 at Austin Street in Richmond, offers two Sunday worship services — an 8 a.m. traditional service and 10:30 a.m. contemporary service.

Community Christian Church of Rosenberg

5220 Reading Road in Rosenberg — Sunday School 9 a.m. followed by Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Bible study at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Pastor is Ben Kruse.

Creekside Christian Fellowship Church

located across from Needville High School.

Faith United Methodist Church

4600 359 in Richmond, 281-341-8200, www.faithumc.org. Sunday worship services begin with Contemplative from 8:15 to 8:45AM in the chapel for prayer, communion and a brief devotion by a pastor. Traditional service is at 9:00 am in the Worship center. This hour offers a robed choir, hymns and liturgy. The Contemporary service is held at 10:30 am in the Worship Center. This service combines traditional elements with acoustic music with a band and Communion every Sunday. Adult Bible classes meet at 9:00am and 10:30 am. Youth Bible study for grades 6-12 meets at 9:00 am. Children’s Bible study is at 9:00 am with a dynamic children’s worship service at 10:30 am. All of our worship services can be seen and heard on the web. Visit the church website, www.faithumc.org and click on the “Live Worship” link in the Worship and Giving section. The Men of Faith will host ongoing gatherings on the third Monday of the month from 6 to 8pm. Join us in the field next to the parking lot for food, fellowship and a devotional. Bring a side dish or desert and a chair to sit on. During the summer we take time for some light summer reading and to reflect on the literature in our Christian walk. The books are Aug 20, 5-7pm “Hidden Figures” by Margot Shetterly. Registration is required only for those requesting childcare. At Faith you will experience a message you can relate to, music that is uplifting and exciting and real relationships. We invite you to explore our ministries and become involved in the life of Faith. “Belong, Believe and Be a Blessing.”

First Assembly of God

2512 Ave. N in Rosenberg, firstassemblyonline.net, 281-342-3805 — the church announced that it is “looking for those without a church home, who want to be a part of something big that God wants to do through us by making a difference in our community.”

First Baptist Church of Beasley

7319 Ave. J, Beasley, 979-387-2267, beasleychurch.gutensite.com, will have worship services at 11 a.m. Sunday with Rev. Charlie Blansit, pastor, and Bible study at 9:45 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Orchard

corner of Galveston and Sabine streets, 281-478-7543, has Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. A Sunday worship service is at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Donnie Melton, interim pastor.

First Baptist Church of Richmond

502 S. Fifth St., 281-342-8664, fbcrichmond.net, will have worship services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. Bible study is 9 a.m. Sunday Bible Study begins at 9:00AM. Our Worship Service is at 10:30AM. We have childcare available for birth through Kindergarten. Wednesdays we have a music program, supper and prayer meeting starting at 5:00PM.

First Baptist Church of Rosenberg

1117 First St., 281-232-6622, www.firstrosenberg.org, has a classic worship service at 9am and a contemporary

uation, but many of us chose to stay. Few people slept at night because we did not know if we would suddenly be mandated to evacuate. The driving rain would not stop. Every odd sound rattled the mind. Things were tense. Not knowing is a tedious master. In a storm, societal rules change. People are often more open to others. It was a great opportunity for me to wander through our subdivision to check on the elders, and to fellowship with those who stayed. We spent quality time sharing our concerns over the storms potential impact. Some of us gathered for prayer. On several occasions, a few of the men went down to see the river. There was a safe vantage point where we could see how quickly it was rising, and then report back to

our families. Life-long friendships were made during those anxious hours as we waited for the Brazos to crest. Thankfully, we had no flooding in our neighborhood. Occasionally, a Richmond Police vehicle cruised through our streets. We were very grateful that they were on duty. The field behind my house, was used to land county sheriff helicopters, and I was glad to know that they were there. Huge Chinook helicopters thundered overhead carrying National Guard troops and supplies. Knowing that the military had our back was very comforting. On the Thursday after the storm, I went to the iconic Richmond bridge to take pictures. It was stunning to see the Brazos rising to just under the lower

beams. The current was so strong that large pieces of debris floated by like helpless twigs. After taking multiple photographs, an authoritative voice spoke into my ear, “What are you doing?” Surprised, I turned to see a police officer in full tactical gear and a rifle over his shoulder. He calmly pointed out that I had wandered into a restricted zone, and needed to move…….and I did without delay. Thank God for the law enforcement officers who guard our communities. They leave their own homes and families, even in a raging hurricane, to care for our safety. Did you notice public safety personnel on duty during the storm? To me it was reassuring, even if I was the guy under scrutiny. (Got

some great pictures, though!) Our Heavenly Father is our supreme authority. Yes, through Christ, He is our Friend and Savior. He comforts us in sorrow, and answers our prayers. But, in the issues of life, God remains our Sovereign King, and final Word. No one else can do it. As far as I know, God is the only one who is Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent. That alone sets God above the rest. Kingdoms rise and fall, but God endures. Hurricanes blow through and disrupt the infrastructure, but God remains. Intellectuals concoct failed theories and philosophies, but God stands. Atheists may ignore God, but He does not ignore them. Agnostics may look elsewhere

for inspiration, but the power of God’s love tugs at their heart for consideration. Did you know that there would be no absolute authority on the earth if God did not exist? It’s true. Romans 13:1 ESV – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Under God, law enforcement officers were on duty during Hurricane Harvey. Thank you! We needed you. May God bless and protect you! Salute! ______________________ David G. Rose has been a credentialed minister for over 48 years. He is the founder of Rose Chapel Ministries in Richmond, TX. Comments may be sent to www.davidroseministries.com or parsonrose@aol.com

service at 11:11am with Dr. John Reid, pastor. Bible Study classes for all ages are taught at 10:10am every Sunday. Our Fall schedule has changed a bit. On Sundays @ 5:30pm, there is an Adult Bible Study in the Fellowship Hall, a Youth Service – grades 7th – 12th in the Youth Room, Children in Action – grades 1st-6th (starting Oct. 1st), and a nursery available for 0-Kindergarten. On Wednesday evenings, Youth & Children’s Activities are from 6:00-7:30pm and an Adult Bible Study is in the Fellowship Hall from 6:15-7:15pm. Youth Activities are for grades 7th-12th and Children Activities are for age 4 thru 6th grade. The nursery is available for 0-3 years old. There is also a Women’s Bible Study, “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God” in Room 103 and a Men’s Bible Study, “Modern Parables” in Room E-206 being held from 6:157:30pm. Won’t you join us? There is something for the whole family.

Worship services are at 8:30am and 11am with Pastor David Hodges. Sunday School for all ages is offered from 9:45am-10:45am. At Grace you can expect careful Bible teaching through books of the Bible and heartfelt worship with contemporary music and songs along with updated traditional hymns. We have an excellent Awana program that is available on Friday evenings (6:30pm-8:20pm) from September through May for children 2yrs old through high school. Awana reaches children for Christ through fun, Scripture-filled experiences that lead them to know, love and serve Him. Awana impacts families by reaching children and helping them grow as long-term disciples. Following Awana is Parents’ Night Out which is from 8:20pm to 10:00pm. Wednesday evenings are when our Youth Group meets, as well as periodic Friday game nights after Awana. Wednesday mornings and evenings are also when we host a Ladies’ Bible Study Group, which alternates between using popular women’s studies and studying through books of the Bible together. Grace is a mission-minded church with a heart to reach Fort Bend County for Christ. For more information about our beliefs or various ministries, visit our website at www.insidegrace.org or call our church office at 281-341-0618.

LIFEChurch Fort Bend

Rev. Michael J. Truongluan Nguyen, C.Ss.R., Pastor Masses: Saturday Vigil, 5:30 p.m., Sunday: 7:30a.m., 9:30 a.m. (interpretation for deaf),11:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m., *Family Life Center nursery open during 9:30 a.m.,11:30 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. Masses Weekday Mass in Chapel: Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m.; Chapel Open For Prayer: Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m.6:30 p.m.; Liturgy of the Hours: Morning Prayer: Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.; Evening Prayer: Monday-Friday, 6:00 p.m. Spiritual Exercise: Monday-Friday: 6:45 -7:00 a.m. Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help: Monday-Saturday: 7:00 - 7:15 a.m. Rosary: Monday-Saturday: 7:15 a.m., before Mass Saturday: 4:45 p.m., before Mass Sunday: 6:45 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 4:15 p.m.,before all Masses Divine Mercy Chaplet: Monday-Friday: 3:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration (Chapel): Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. 8:45-9:45 a.m. after monthly First Friday Mass Benediction: Wednesday: 9:00-10:00 p.m. Healing Prayer (in the Chapel): Sunday: 6:00 p.m., after Mass

tion, a gift that opens us to the dramatic power of God through our desperate need for him. In this six-week Bible study, Jessica LaGrone leads us in a captivating exploration of the miracles of Jesus, helping us to see that our weakness is an invitation for God to work powerfully in our lives and reminding us that we need God on our best days just as much as we do on our worst. — Men and women are invited to join us Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm starting September 19. This is not just a women’s study, it’s just from Women’s Division of Abington Press. — Women are invited to join us on Wednesday mornings at 9:00am starting September 20. —Please sign-up today for one of the classes and pickup your book in the church office!! Please be prepared to discuss week 1 at the first class session. Books are $12.00 each. Entrusted- We were never meant to take this journey of faith alone or in secret. God has entrusted us with the great and mighty gift of the gospel, something too precious and life-giving to keep to ourselves. In this 6-session Bible study, Beth will encourage you to guard what God has entrusted to you, further His kingdom by sharing Christ with others, and pour into future generations just as Paul once mentored Timothy. Because in this journey of joy and hardship, we need each other to stay the course and live a life of faithfulness. Please sign-up today for class on Sunday afternoons starting October 1 at 2:00pm or Tuesday evenings starting, October 3 at 6:30pm. Books are $13.00 each. We will notify everyone when books arrive.

First English Lutheran Church

3615 College St. in Damon, 979-7423427, holds services under the direction of Pastor Jamie Olson every Sunday at 10:15 a.m. with the Rites of Communion offered the first and third Sundays of the month.

First United Methodist Church of Fulshear

8201 Harris St., 281- 346-1416, fumc-fulshear.org — Sunday worship begins with a traditional service and weekly communion at 8:30 a.m., a middle service at 9:45 a.m., and late service at 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Cary Wilkins, Sr. Pastor, and Rev. Bobby Knowles. Sunday School classes for all ages are at 9:45 a.m. Three adult classes. Youth meet Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Kids troop meets Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. Call 281-346-1416 for more information.

First United Methodist Church

1127 Third St., Rosenberg, 281-3423333, fumcrosenberg.net — Our Pastor is Rev. Bob Sinclair. Our services are at 8:30 a.m., featuring our Praise Band, and at 11 a.m., featuring our Sanctuary Choir. Sunday School classes for all ages meet at 9:40 a.m. Our youth group, for grades 6-12, meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. Children’s Choirs rehearse at 5 p.m. Wednesdays. Handbell ringers rehearse at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays, with Sanctuary Choir practice at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The Praise Team Band rehearses at 7 p.m. Thursdays.

Great Oaks Baptist Church

7101 FM 2759 Richmond, TX meets Sunday at 9:45am with Sunday School for all ages. Enjoy worship at 11am with our Pastor Russell Davis and Bible Study Sunday evening at 6 pm. Wednesday evening Bible Study 6:30pm. Thursday morning a weekly Ladies Prayer meeting begins at 10:45 am.

The Hispanic Church

meets in the fellowship hall with Sunday School at 2:00 p.m. and worship begins at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7 p.m.

Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Friedens United Church of Christ

1416 George St., Rosenberg. Weekend schedule at Holy Rosary: Saturdays — confessions at 11 a.m.; Mass at 5:30 p.m. Sundays: Masses at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Daily Mass: 8 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and every first Saturday in Marian Hall. 8:15 a.m. Thursdays in the church. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is 24/7 in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Rosary for Peace Mondays at 6 p.m. in Marian Hall. Bible Study Mondays at 7 p.m. and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Mark Conference Room at the Parish Hall. Young at Heart gathers every 2nd Tuesday at noon for a luncheon, fellowship & games in Marian Hall. 81st Annual Bazaar will be held Sunday, Sept. 10.

Friendship Church Assembly of God

7302 Ave. C, Beasley, 979-387-2580, tinyurl.com/khdzmgm — The Rev. Karen Wilhelm will conduct worship at 10:15 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church

1400 Radio Lane in Rosenberg, 281-342- 2076 will worship in the sanctuary beginning at 10:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m., and Children’s Church starts at 10:45 a.m.

7502 Avenue I, Beasley. For more information call 979-387-2787 or 281814-6301.

Lead Pastor Luke Crain will begin a new series of sermons entitled “Protege: Life Lessons from Paul” during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at Friendship Church, 4640 Richmond Foster Road at FM 359 in Richmond. First message in the series is “The Transfer of Truth.” Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Friendship Church offers adult Bible class, youth service, and ministry to children of all ages. Nursery and children’s ministries for birth to fifth grade are offered at every church service. Previous messages, upcoming events and information about all Friendship Church ministries can be found at www.friendshipchurch.cc or phone the church office at 281/3411300..

Graeber Road Church of Christ

1910 Graeber Road, across the street from Navarro Middle School. We offer Bible classes for all ages on Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 7:30pm. We also assemble for worship on Sundays at 10am and 6pm. Our adult Bible classes are currently studying the Gospel of John on Sunday mornings. A warm welcome awaits you! For more information, visit www.graeberroad.com.

Grace Community Bible Church

located at 5121 FM 359, Richmond.

Hope Lutheran Church ELCA

Immanuel Evangelical Church

9018 Church St., Needville, 979-7936125, will have its weekly worship service at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. Our Guest Speaker Kevin Marek will be preaching his sermon, entitled “Don’t Miss This” based on John 5:31-47. On Tuesday and Thursday our Mother’s Day Out program called Leaps and Bounds meets from 8:30-2:30. Wednesday no youth or adult activities. Sunday School class begins at 9 a.m. for all ages.

Joy Lutheran Church

717 FM 359 in Richmond, 281-7623310, www.joyrichmond.org , conducts two worship services with Holy Communion each Sunday. Celebration Worship, a traditional service begins at 8 a.m. and Spirit Touching Spirit, a contemporary service led by the Praise Band and lay liturgists begins at 10:30 a. m. A Children’s Time lesson precedes the sermon by Pastor Tim Christ at each service. Sunday school for children ages two years through high school in the classrooms begins at 9:15 a.m. Adult classes are led by Pastor Christ at 9:30 a. m. A nursery is provided for all children through age 4. Pecan Grove Quilters meet every Wednesday at 10 a.m. JOY Prayer Shawl Group meets every Friday at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the church office.

has worship service at Reading Junior High School, 8101 FM 762, Richmond, at 10:30 a.m. During the service, a nursery and Sunday school will be available. For more information, or to register, visitlifechurchfortbend.org.

Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church

601 travis st. Richmond. Mt Vernon will will celebrate its 152 years of service on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3:30 p.m. We, the pastor and members, would like to extend a special invitation to all our former members, family and friends to come and take part in this very special celebration. Rev. Lee Jones, Jr. Pastor of St. Paul’s Missionary Baptist Church of Brookshire, will be our guest speaker — accompained by choir and congregation.

Needville United Methodist Church

8602 Church St., Needville, 979-7936185, needvilleumc.org— Worship service is at 10:45 a.m. Sundays with a message by the Rev. Pamela Jackson; Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m.; Youth Sunday is at 5 p.m. except on the first Sunday of each month. Call for information on Bible studies and Girl Scout meetings.

New Bethel Baptist Church

14820 Branch Forest Drive, servicing Fort Bend and Harris County. www.nbbcf.org.

New Covenant Fellowship Church

1412 Brazos St., Rosenberg, 281-3410303 Sunday worship: 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Charles Surovik giving the sermon: “Follow Him — All the W.” Nursery during the sermon. Daily prayer is at 6 a.m. Monday-Friday. Wednesday — 6:00 PM — Fellowship meal; 6:45 PM — teaching for adults, “healing.” Classes for youth and children.

Peace Lutheran Church

Located at the corner of Avenue I and Radio Lane, Rosenberg. (281-3428800). Worship is at 9:30 am each Sunday with Sunday School for all ages following worship. www.peace.rosenberg. org. Pastor Mike Giese leads worship at Peace Lutheran. Every Tuesday the Dorcas Community Sewing Circle meets in the Fellowship Hall at 9 am. The women in this non-profit event sew quilts for distribution to those in need. Anyone who loves to quilt is welcome to participate. Choir practice is held each Wednesday evening at 7 pm. Military Care Package packing is held the second Monday of each month at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall. Karate meets each Friday at 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall. The Deborah Bible Study meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 9:30 am. The LWOP meeting is the third Monday at 6:30 with the Ruth Bible Study following. Line Dancing is held every Tuesday at 5:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more information call the church office.

Primera Iglesia Bautista

1211 Clay St. in Richmond. For more information, call 832-289- 9166.

Quest Church

Temporary location is in the Kids Resort, located at 5419 FM 762, Richmond. Pastor Ray and Melinda Guinn lead the non-denominational, spirit-filled church. For more information on this fledgling new church you can reach Pastor Ray at 713-417-0787. The church email address is questchurch77@ gmail.com Website is questchurch. org Worship on Sunday is at 10:30 a.m. Worship will focus on contemporary music, relevant messages focusing on God’s grace, encouraging casual dress, and building a fellowship with a culture of affirmation and love. Quest Church vision is to be a “mosaic” of believers from all ages and nations.

River Bend Baptist Church of Fulshear

27600 FM 1093, Fulshear, 281-3462279, www.riverbendbc.org, Bible study for all ages at 9:00 a.m. Holds worship services at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday.. Rev. John Crowe, pastor.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

507 S. Fourth St., Richmond 281342-3609, www.sacredheartrichmond.

Second Baptist Church of Rosenberg

4100 Ave. N, 281-342-6013, is an old-fashioned, hymn-singing church. Bible study is at 9:45 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m. Pastor Paul H. Lewis, a graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, prepares conservative Biblical messages. Jane Turner is the pianist. Turner provides free music classes to children during the 9:45 a.m. hour. The Kid Jam Time Choir performs each Sunday during the worship hour. Gay N. Lewis leads Bible study at 9:45 a.m.

Shilo Missionary Baptist Church

607 West St. in Rosenberg. Pastor James W. Johnson. Sunday School is at 9 a.m. Morning worship is at 10 a.m. Bible study is Wednesday night. Call 281-342-0527 or (cell) 713366-2714 for more information.

Simonton Community Church

9703 FM 1489, Simonton, TX 77476; 281-346-1221 www.simontonchurch.org Senior Pastor Steve Littlefield Worship Services at 8:30am & 11:00am Sunday School at 9:45am

Smith Chapel

Bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God at Smith Chapel A.M.E. Church, 601 Brazos St. Rosenberg, TX 77471. Visit us online at Smithchapelrosenberg. org. Rev. Alonzo Edmond. Weekly calendar: —Sunday school Sunday morning at 9:30 AM Sunday worship service at 11 a.m.

St. John’s United Methodist Church

All events at St. John’s UMC, 400 Jackson Street, Richmond TX 77469. 281-342-6631. www.stjohnsumc-richmond.org This week’s sermon is titled “Surrounded” given by Rev. Jeff Gantz. Music Notes: Children’s Vocal Choirs (ages 4-5th grade) meet from 4:00-5:00pm and Chime/Bell Choirs (grades 1-5) meet from 5:00-5:30pm on Wednesdays. Stop by the office for a registration and medical form or go to http://www.stjohnsumc-richmond. org/#/serve/childrens-choirs. For more information, contact Tim Benson at 281-342-6631 or Tim.Benson@stjohnsumc-richmond.org. Bible Study: Sign-up online or in the church office. Miracles of Jesus-Jesus demonstrated the presence and power of God by performing miracles. He turned water into wine, healed the sick, calmed the storm, opened blind eyes, and raised the dead. While these beloved stories draw our attention to divine power, they also have something else in common: human desperation. Every time we see Jesus performing a miracle, we also get a glimpse into the gift of despera-

St. John’s United Church of Christ

St. John’s United Church of Christ located at 1513 West Street in Rosenberg (281-342-5159; www.stjohnsunitedchurchofchrist.org) will hold worship services at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday morning with the Rev. Daniel Haas delivering the morning message entitled, “Road to Freedom.” The Mature Adults will meet on Tuesday, September 19th beginning at 1:00 p.m. for an afternoon of fellowship and games. For more information regarding worship services or weekday activities please contact the church office or visit our website or FaceBook page.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

7615 FM 762 in Richmond, 281-5451661, www.stmarksfortbend.org. Summer worship service schedule is 10:00am. Nursery is available during the service. St. Mark’s School is still accepting enrollment for the school year, 18months to 5 years olds. For more information on current activities or worship please contact our church office, visit our website or Facebook page.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

1208 Fifth St., Rosenberg,281-341-7500 stpaulrosenberg@ yahoo.com Children’s Sunday School and Adult Bible Study meets at 8:45 am, Worship Service with Holy Communion begins at 9:30 am, John Johnson will be leading worship, Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sisters of Faith Bible Study Circle meets at 6:00 pm at Olive Garden. Friday, Bulletin Assembly Crew at 9:00 a.m.

St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church of Needville

9122 Church Street, 979-793-4305, www.stpaulsneedville.com, will hold Sunday services at 10 am. Rev. Miriam Haas-Melchior will deliver the sermon, “You Are God’s Children - Act Like It.” Scripture: Exodus 14: 19-31 & Matthew 18: 19-31. The Anthem will be ‘Our God, He Is Alive’, led by Dr. Rodney Bell. Nursery is provided. Join in Rally Day activities with food, a water slide, and fun and games for the entire family. Rally Day will start following congregational meeting at the end of Church services. No Sunday School. Bible Study will be held at 3 pm in the fellowship hall. St. Paul’s Necessities Pantry and Clothes Closet are open 10 am to 12 noon on the 1st and 3th Saturdays of each month.

COMMUNITY

Sunday, September 17, 2017

FORT BEND HERALD

Victor Hoskins and his truck, “The Mule,” are too stubborn to let floodwaters stop them from rescuing stranded Houstonians. AQUAMAN NICK Plaisance pushes Mary Kawaja in his kay- FRED KAWAJA, Nick Plaisance and Mary Kawaja ABOVE, VINNY and Bradley Herak through the flooded streets of Greatwood to the safety give new meaning to “neighbors helping neigh- mes and Friendswood police offibors.” cer “Carlos” rescue stranded resof Nadeem and Sofia Sheikh’s house. idents.

Good News in Greatwood

Greatwood superheroes to the rescue The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a “superhero” as a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers; or an exceptionally skillful or successful person. When Hurricane Harvey swooped in, Greatwood superheroes revealed themselves. Here are their legendary stories. Super man Justin Ring is dedicated. Leadership is his superpower. As president of LID 11, Ring Sue used social Austin media to keep residents informed. Greatwood received staggering amounts of rainfall and the Brazos River rose to record levels. A voluntary evacuation was announced. Streets flooded and residents were gripped with fear. Greatwood weathered the storm with Ring at the helm. Ring’s calm, frequent Facebook posts assured the community that the levees were strong and the pumps were working nonstop to remove rising water. Superhero William Ferguson is faithful. Bravery is his superpower. Ferguson believes his faith in God gave him superhuman strength when he needed it most. While riding his bike through flooded streets to help stranded motorists, Ferguson heard screams coming from a nearby golf cart tunnel. Teenage boys had tried to swim though the tunnel which had only one foot of air left at the top. One of the boys panicked while swimming and was drowning. Ferguson ran down the hill, jumped into the water and used a pool float to pull the young man out. Ferguson immediately called EMS to transport the teenager to the hospital. Though he had little fight left in his body, the young man was lucky and survived the incident. Ironman Victor Hoskins is steadfast. Persistence is his superpower. From Sunday through Thursday during the height of Hurricane Harvey, Hoskins drove his truck, an F250 nicknamed “The Mule,” into flooded neighborhoods to evacuate residents, pull out stranded vehicles and give road condition updates. He continued to help day and night, even advertising on “Facebook Live” until he had to stop because “The Mule” had taken on too much water. Superheroes Steve, Andrew and Alec Ferguson are gallant. Bravery is their superpower. This trio took to the streets (in their boat!) to rescue people from Sienna Plantation, Riverstone and flooded areas in Richmond. They delivered insulin to a little girl in desperate need and helped inspectors who needed to check the levees in other communities. Batman and Robin duo Vinny

and Bradley Hermes are fearless. Courage is their superpower. They heard cries for help on the news and fired up their “Boatmobile” to save people (and their pets)! The boat sustained damage from driving over submerged cars, trucks and mailboxes but the experience was one they won’t soon forget or regret. Bradley is thinking about joining the Coast Guard someday and now knows he has what it takes! Ironman Kris Chamout is valiant. Grit is his superpower. Chamout, along with his friends and a crew from KBC Construction and Remodeling, rolled up their sleeves to pluck Houstonians from rising waters. Their efforts didn’t slow down there as they used their expertise to assist flooded homeowners with the cleanup afterwards. Superman Jonathan Willman is bold. Confidence is his superpower. Willman participated in boat rescues, checked frequently on his neighbors and used his jeep to transport a mother and her twin boys through dangerously high floodwaters to the home of good Samaritans Mike and Audra O’Neal. Superhero Mike Udayan is kind-hearted. Generosity is his superpower. Udayan, manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Gessner, saved 25 suites for Greatwood residents during the height of the storm (meals included!) free of charge. Superheroes Nadeem and Sofia Sheikh are caring. Kindness is their superpower. The fury of Hurricane Harvey couldn’t stop them from helping Fred and Mary Kawaja, an elderly couple who were stranded at home as waters rose. Aquaman Nick Plaisance, who owns a kayak, boarded the couple on his boat and steered them to Sheikh’s house so they could safely “ride out” the storm. Superhero Mike Rozell is helpful. Thoughtfulness is his superpower. Before the storm, Rozell drove to a vendor on the Northwest Freeway (a long haul from Greatwood) to pick up ten generators for residents.

He not only delivered each generator but included extra oil as a gesture of kindness. Wonder Woman Mary Meyer is helpful. Guidance is her superpower. Meyer created a “Harvey NOT Evacuating” Facebook group. The site provided information, support and encouragement during Hurricane Harvey. Residents from the Knoll, who live along the bayou, loved the idea and created a similar group. Super-Knoll residents Scott Edwards and Christina Deshotel studied and interpreted river charts. Edwards walked the neighborhood to make reports and calm the nerves of frazzled residents. Superheroes Chris and Tamara Maikranz are determined. Tenacity is their superpower. Faster than a speeding bullet, stronger than a locomotive and able to leap floodwaters in a single bound, they overcame Hurricane Harvey in their emergency equipped rescue truck. They teamed up with superheroes Jennifer Nava, a manager at Target, and Myles Fuqua to deliver groceries from Target to stranded Greatwood residents in the rescue truck. For Steve Spellman, the wrath of Mother Nature struck twice during Hurricane Harvey. While stranded and surrounded by water, he received word at 4 AM that his mother had hours to live. Terry Hydo, Spellman’s sister-inlaw, sent out a plea on Facebook for help. The Maikranz duo answered the call. With emergency lights flashing, they rushed Spellman to his mother’s nursing home to say their final goodbyes. Spellman and Hydo will never forget their kindness and compassion. “Our family is forever grateful.” Greatwood’s legendary heroes inspire us to find superhuman powers that exist within us all. Spiderman said it best. “You’re stronger than you think you think you are.” Got news? Email Greatwood news to Sue Austin at saustin@fbherald. com.

ON TOP of the truck are Greyson Storer, Clif Self, Isabella Storer, Brylee Blacksher, Keenum Self. Below: Darrell and Kathie Brooks with Daxen Blacksher, Derek and Lindsay Blacksher, Sonia Storer and Kathryn Self stand with superhero Jennifer Nava who delivered groceries to stranded Greatwood residents.

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AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 222

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

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BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

Rows and rows of excited Navarro Middle School students lined the Terry High School football field bleachers, ready to find out quite possibly the most important answer of their sixth grade experience: Isbindi, Reveur, Amistad or Altruismo? The four houses were represented by the different color teams: green, blue, red or black, in which the students will be

placed, much like the concept of the four Hogwarts houses from “Harry Potter.” An announcement stating the housing instructions Friday afternoon echoed throughout the football field: “You are going to break open your egg when Mr. [Frank] White counts down from 3-2-1 and says ‘Go!’ Whatever color is in there, you run as fast as you can to that corner.” Students lined up and waited in anxious anticipation to know their housing destination. Once the eggs were broken, revealing colored ribbon confetti, the students ran to their new houses. At each corner of the field, Navarro staff were ready to welcome students into their teams with excitement, high-fives, hugs and cheers. In one corner, math teachers Ros-

SEE NAVARRO, PAGE 8

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

NAVARRO MATH teacher Joel Nieto carries sixth-grader Caleb Alamia, with students Makayla Daily and James Beltran, among others, to cheer on team Isbindi during the school’s housing day.

3 Rosenberg police officers suspended

Good Afternoon KC donates supplies

The Rosenberg Knights of Columbus will give away supplies to Hurricane Harvey victims on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. until supplies run out. The KC Hall is located at 2007 Kay Cee Drive in Rosenberg, across from the American Legion Hall on SH 36.

The off-duty officers are accused of drinking alcohol at the PD during the flood

Woodmen Life

Woodmen Life Chapter 3909 will meet on Sept. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Immanuel United Church 9018 Church St. in Needville. The group will have an election of officers and planning session. A meal will be provided and members are asked to bring a dessert. For questions call, Darlene at 979-793-4704.

AARP meets

The Fort Bend Chapter of the AARP will hold their “Member Appreciation Month” meeting on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Rosenberg Civic Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. followed by a free noon lunch for members from Papa John’s Pizza. Guests will charged $7 a person for lunch. The meeting will follow lunch and then games.

Craft extravaganza

Fort Bend Journal Explain again “Tell me again how a man having genital reassignment surgery, breast implants, lifelong hormone therapy and a name change makes him a woman, but you don’t believe in genetically modified food because it’s not natural. “It must be confusing to be a liberal.”

— BH

Around the Bend Cheryl M. Morse hanging up a colorful birthday balloon wreath on her door... Ahmad Kz and Vance Lawrence returning home to sweet Texas after their trip in Seoul, South Korea... Kimberly Ong being fascinated by a Harry Potter, Hogwarts themed classroom... Troy-Analisa De Leon sharing the Bible verse Acts 20:35...

Obituaries

SIGNS OF SCHOOL SPIRIT FOSTER HIGH School junior Phoebe Dillard sports a Falcons logo on her cheek during Saturday’s game against Seven Lakes. The entire cheerleading squad had the logos painted on their faces.

HERALD PHOTOS BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

Suspect arrested after 2 Texas deputies shot DE KALB, Texas (AP) — Authorities have captured a Northeast Texas man after investigators say he shot two deputies checking reports of his house on fire. The Bowie (BOO’-ee) County Sheriff’s Office says both deputies were treated for minor injuries Sunday. Charges were pending against the homeowner. Chief Deputy Jeff Neal says two deputies responded to a fire in De Kalb, 140 miles (225 kilometers) northeast of Dallas. The suspect allegedly didn’t want the fire extinguished, pointed a gun at officers, then drove away. Neal says deputies drove through a field, got stuck and the suspect used his truck to ram their vehicle.

Storm troopers, steampunkers crash RR Museum’s Fall Fun Fest agleason@fbherald.com

See page 5

Today’s Scripture The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

Thought for Today “Don’t think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire. I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drives into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl. Let him come out as I do, and bark.” — Samuel Johnson, English author, critic and lexicographer (1709-1784)

THE FOSTER High School cheerleaders perform in the reflection of the sunglasses worn by Foster High School senior Brooke Petzold during Saturday’s game against Seven Lakes. Brooke was among a throng of students cheering the Falcons on to victory at Guy K. Traylor Stadium. They had the Falcons helmet painted on their faces to show their team spirit.

Three Rosenberg police officers accused of drinking alcohol on city property during the flood have been suspended, city officials confirmed Friday. The officers, who were not named but were said to be senior in rank, were drinking inside the Rosenberg Police Department as flood waters rose, Rosenberg Mayor William “Bill” Benton said. Even though they were off duty at the time, city policy prohibits consumption of alcohol on city property. “That’s forbidden and it’s not tolerated,” Rosenberg Assistant Police Chief Tracie Dunn told a reporter. They were suspended for a week without pay. The officers allegedly consumed alcohol on Thursday, Aug. 31, while they were off duty but stuck at police headquarters because of rising flood waters. Dunn said the officers admitted to drinking “liquor” while they waited for the water to recede.

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Isbindi, Reveur, Amistad or Altruismo?

Navarro MS sixth-graders enter their houses

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ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

Storm troopers invaded the Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s fourth annual Fall Fun Fest on Saturday. However, these Star Wars villains, along with Darth Vadar’s grandson dark warrior Kylo Ren, weren’t at the museum to cause trouble. “We are bad guys trying to do good,” said Storm Trooper No. 62285, otherwise known as Damian Hebert. The theme for the event was “May the Steam be with you.” “Every year, the fest has a theme,” Rosenberg Railroad Museum President Greg Cauthen said. “This theme has a play on Star Wars, as well as steam locomotives. It’s a blend for lovers of trains and science fiction.” And on Saturday, a line of more than 100 parents and children waited to meet the storm troopers and Kylo Ren. “Some of the adults seem more excited than the kiddos,” museum site manager Elizabeth Morgan said. “The thing is, the Star Wars characters here today are so passionate about what they do. “They’re involved in the community

SEE MUSEUM, PAGE 5

St. John’s to hold fried chicken fundraiser Oct. 22 St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1513 West St. in Rosenberg, will hold a chicken fried chicken fundraiser on Sunday Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dine-in or drive-thru take out plates available. Cost is $10 per plate. Pre-sale tickets only through Oct. 14. To buy tickets, call 281-342-5159 or 281-342-5174.

Texas grand jury indicts ex-teacher’s aide who faked cancer

HERALD PHOTO BY AVERIL GLEASON

STEAMPUNKER SYDNEY Dunlap teaches Trisha Rao how to play wonderland croquet at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s fourth annual Fall Fun Fest on Saturday.

DALLAS (AP) — A former Dallas-area teacher’s aide who faked having cancer and took a car and donations from staff and students has been indicted on a count of theft of property. A Dallas County grand jury indicted 56-year-old Kevin MaBone (MAY’-bone) last week. MaBone last year had told school administrators in Mesquite (muhsKEET’) that he had prostate cancer, prompting students and staff to rally in support of him. More than $11,000 was raised. Officials later learned that the days off he requested for treatment coincided with federal court dates in West Virginia.

Monday, September 18, 2017

NEWS

FORT BEND HERALD

BLUE JAY HOMECOMING COURT Concerns raised SENIOR QUEEN CANDIDATE

SENIOR QUEEN CANDIDATE

for Texas special ed students after Harvey

AUSTIN (AP) — Paperwork and technology concerns have been raised for special education students in Texas displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The Austin American-Statesman reports disability rights advocates are urging families of special education students to inquire about replacing assistive technology in

storm-damaged schools. Advocates also want to make sure parents get proper information about paperwork needed to enroll a special education child in a new school. Cheryl Fries, with a parent group called Texans for Special Education Reform , says additional stresses are created when such children are displaced.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

NEEDVILLE HIGH School senior Brittany Zwahr is escorted to the Homecoming game Friday by Bailey Rodriguez and her father Troy Zwahr. Brittany plans to attend Stephen F. Austin and become a game warden. She is the daughter of Kathryn Zwahr.

NEEDVILLE HIGH School senior Madeline Young is escorted to the 2017 Homecoming game on Friday by classmate Kolby Morris and her father Michael Young. Madeline plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin and study law. She is the daughter of Amy Young.

SENIOR QUEEN CANDIDATE

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NEEDVILLE HIGH School senior Lindsay Norman is escorted to the 2017 Needville Homecoming game on Friday by classmate Hunter Garcia-Davis and her father Todd Norman. Lindsay plans to attend Wharton County Junior College upon graduating high school. She is the daughter of Sheryl Norman.

NEEDVILLE HIGH School senior Sarah Adams is escorted to the 2017 Needville Homecoming game by classmate Tyler Schnitzer and her father Scotty Adams. Sarah plans to attend the University of Houston and study dermatology. She is the daughter of Rhonda Adams.

SENIOR QUEEN CANDIDATE NEEDVILLE HIGH School senior Janssen Cain is escorted to the 2017 Needville Homecoming game by classmate Brayden Pawlak and her grandfather Emil Stepan. Janssen plans to attend Texas A&M University medical school and study dermatology. She is the daughter of Kyle and Stacie Cain.

JUNIOR DUCHESS NEEDVILLE HIGH School 11th-grader Bethany Martinez is escorted to the 2017 Homecoming game by classmate Kutter Green and her godfather Jayme Sanchez. She plans to attend Texas State University and study psychology. She is the dauther of Joel and Olgo Martinez.

SOPHOMORE DUCHESS

Needville High School 10th-grader Evan Stavinoha is escorted to the 2017 Homecoming game by classmate Kyler Tekyl and her father Bradley Stavinoha. Evan plans to attend Texas State University and study medicine. She is the daughter of Cecilia Stavinoha.

FRESHMAN DUCHESS

NEEDVILLE HIGH School freshman Jenna Lindemann is escorted to the 2017 Homecoming game by classmate Jace Elliston and her father Darrell Lindemann. Jenna plans to attend Texas Tech University after high school and study chemical engineering. She is the daughter of Sharon Lindemann.

HERALD PHOTOS BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

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Monday, September 18, 2017

OPINION

Pat on the Back

Hats off to Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office deputies Monica Love and Carlos Pocasangre, who replanted some trees blown down in the Grand Mission subdivision during the hurricane.

Show your respect today

oday is National Respect of fascism by defeating the Nazis, the Day around the world. Japanese and the Italians in WWII. The holiday has been obOur brave military protects us served every Sept. 18 since from such dangers every day. 2009. Our government leaders, often the It’s a day when we acknowledge butt of ridicule, should be praised our respect for one another for keeping our economy strong. A tip of the hat, a wave of the hand, Teachers educate our young, who a salute: All show proper respect. become the public servants, soldiers Of course, a verbal acknowledg- and teachers of tomorrow. ment is probably the best. And where would we be without Sept. 18 is a great day to show our out parents? respect to our elders, our military, It’s also a great day to remember to our government leaders, our school respect our enemies. We’re talking teachers and our parents. about the Russians, North Koreans Our elders made the world the and ISIS. They’re sneaky, conniving great place it is to live. The Greatest devils bent on harming us and our Generation saved us from the perils way of life.

Last chance for immigration reform

particularly risible amnesty application is denied by a stodgy rules-follower in our immigration bureaucracy, that denial will be litigated before a federal judge in Hawaii, then appealed to the Ninth Circuit. For two decades after the 1986 amnesty, the federal courts were tied up with dozens of class-action lawsuits brought on behalf of illegal aliens — regular illegal aliens, farm worker illegal aliens and still-in-Mexico illegal aliens — challenging every aspect of the law. Is that how American tax dollars should be spent? On endless litigation, brought by America-hating activists on behalf of people who have no right to be in our country and decided by Democrat-appointed judges? (Who are also America-hating activists.) And when their work is done, there will be a lot more Democrat-appointed judges because there will be a lot more Democrats. Lawyers sued over everything — the absence of Creole interpreters, the requirement that illegals have proof of prior farm work and the rare denials of amnesty. Congress desperately tried passing laws that would pre-

FORT BEND HERALD

Bazaars are busy

Annual fundraisers are lots of fun

Our View

awyers for La Raza and lawyers for the government both believe it is their mission to humiliate and destroy white Christian America. (Actually, this country is “biracial Christian America,” plus a few Amerindians and anyone else who assimilated to Western European Ann culture.) Coulter There are multitudes of them, and they will never, ever stop. Congress could pass a law granting amnesty to any 7-foottall, left-handed, red-headed illegal aliens from Lichtenstein — and hundreds of left-wing outfits would instantly set to work, demanding amnesty for witch doctors, cannibals, pederasts, terrorists and the rest of the multicultural universe that makes America so vibrant. On the other side of the application process would be government immigration bureaucrats who either used to work at La Raza, or hope to in the future. On the off chance that some

vent courts from hearing these cases — all to no avail. Left-wing lawyers just had to pick the right judge, and they won. In 2005 — nearly 20 years after the 1986 amnesty — the Ninth Circuit was still granting amnesty to hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens who claimed they had been unfairly denied because they were not in the country for the first amnesty. Seriously. No matter how the law is written, as long as anyone is eligible for amnesty, everybody’s getting amnesty. President Trump is the last president who will ever have a chance to make the right decision on immigration. After this, it’s over. The boat will have sailed. If he succeeds, all the p@ ssy-grabbing and Russia nonsense will burn off like a morning fog. He will be the president who saved the American nation, its character, its sovereignty, its core identity. But if he fails, Donald Trump will go down in history as the man who killed America.

’m not Catholic so I don’t go to many church bazaars. I was raised Presbyterian and cannot ever recall attending a church bazaar as a child or adult. We just didn’t have fundraisers. Since going to work at The Herald (Herald-Coaster to everyone who has lived here all their lives), I’ve attended several bazaars. We e k e n d before last I went to Holy Rosary’s annual bazaar in Rosenberg. The weather was delightful and there was a throng of Scott Reese people enjoyWilley ing barbecue brisket, sausage and chicken meals and bidding on silent auction items and in the live auction. Children were having fun at the dunking booths and other fun games. If the entire Willey clan showed up, I could guarantee the beer booth alone would fund a mission trip to South America. This last weekend, Cindy and I went to the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Damon. It was a 30-minute ride but the weather was pleasant and once again we had a great meal of smoked brisket and sausage. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Once again, there were plenty of games for children. I ran into

an old colleague, Gary Martin, and his wife. They were running the ring toss booth and seemed to be enjoying themselves. A live band enticed some to dance to what I’m guessing is polka music. I spotted Shorty Yeoman the auctioneer at both bazaars. I checked out the live auction items. Cindy wanted to bid on one of the hand-made swingsets. We ran into Linda Pavlicek, who was taking tickets to the bingo game. She may have been selling jars of homemade pickles, jellies and jams. She tried to entice us into buying a jar of freshly-made sauerkraut. Mmmmm...I do love fresh sauerkraut. My grandmother used to make it when I was a child and we would eat it with some spicy sausage. Later, when I was in my teens, my mother would make it. She passed the recipe on to me when I became an adult and I will cook up sauerkraut and sausage about once or twice a year. No one else in my family will eat it, so I have to use it up in a day or two or it goes bad. It doesn’t spoil, but I only like sauerkraut when it tastes fresh. Two days in my icebox NOTHING tastes fresh. I’m single. What can I say? I thought of buying a jar at the bazaar but that would then force me to go shopping for sausage and, well, I loathe shopping. So I turned it down. Besides, I was only able to eat

half of my brisket and sausage meal. I have leftovers for a day or two. What strikes me odd about these bazaars is how many of the people who go to them but do not necessarily attend the church. Many I have spoken to tell me they attend another church and many say they’re not even Catholic. I only ask them because, well, the church is too small to have that many members. There were people everywhere on Sunday! Cindy and I had to park down the street on the side of the road and walk a block to the church. Others did, too. Some of the homeowners were not too pleased with people parking on the street. I heard them griping about it. So that tells me that the overflow parking is unusual. If it happened every Sunday, they would have stopped griping by now, or moved. Cindy tells me its common for members of one Catholic church to attend the bazaar at another Catholic church in the area. I guess a lot of people just want to help out the churches, even if they aren’t members. Or they love brisket, sausage and smoked chicken. I’m told another Catholic church in this area holds a bazaar as well. It’s somewhere over by Wallis, I’m told. Guess I know where I’ll be next weekend. Contact Scott Reese Willey at swilley@yahoo.com.

Outside View

Contact Ann Coulter on Twitter at @AnnCoulter or on the Web at www.anncoulter.com.

Your View

Council generating bad image

During the second Rosenberg City Council special meeting Aug. 31, the council considered the resolution requesting the mayor to execute an order enacting a curfew between the hours of 12 a.m. (midnight) and 5 a.m., within the city of Rosenberg. When I watched the video, I was shocked with the acrimonious behavior from two of the city council members, Lynn Moses and Alice Jozwiak, towards another council member, Jacob Balderas. The unnecessary personal attacks directed towards Councilman Balderas were hostile, disrespectful, coarse, inappropriate and unwarranted. Councilwoman Moses ap-

peared to have forgotten that Councilman Balderas is a grown man who was elected by the citizens in Rosenberg to represent them not a younger person to argue with. Councilwoman Jozwiak uttered the words “Shut up” after she made it clear that she was tired of hearing the Constitution cited by Councilman Balderas. Her recommendation was to urge citizens to think in a “smaller scale.” It appeared that she believes in the Constitution, but did she not think that it applied to the discussion about the City of Rosenberg? What does that mean? I was very impressed with

Councilman Balderas’ articulation and composure. He did not respond in kind and his calmness spoke volumes. Shouldn’t there be civility in politics? Does an elected official’s freedom of speech give him or her the right to rip into a colleague they do not agree with? What about open mindedness and professional behavior? Everyone is free to view the videotape and see for themselves the unprofessional behavior. Is this the image that Rosenberg City Council wants? Ann Gardner Rosenberg

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Clyde King PRESIDENT

Mark Thormaehlen CONTROLLER

Garbage in, garbage out W e’re moving into a smaller house. We don’t need these extra bedrooms. No one but the cat has slept in the spare rooms for years, yet they have to be aired out, vacuumed and cleaned. We have closets full of clothes we never wear, cupboards full of dishes we never use and a dining room we haven’t eaten in since Clinton was Jim president. Mullen The attic is a complete unknown. If it was on a map, it would be labeled “Here be dragons.” No one knows what’s in the attic, except for whatever is rustling around up there at night. Could be a raccoon, could be a family of four. I don’t want to know. When we eat with friends, it’s either at the kitchen table or at a restaurant. Let someone else clear the table and wash up afterwards. We use the living room, the bedroom, the kitchen and the porch — the rest of the house is abandoned. Half the stuff in the garage has never been used, and the other half should be returned to its rightful owners. I’ve been meaning to get around to it — for 40 years. I think some of them have passed on already. We could probably sneak most of this stuff into our neighbors’

garages. They’d never notice, since they are as bad about hoarding stuff as we are. So, we’re packing up to move to a right-sized home. What we couldn’t sell at garage sales or online, we gave away to our friends and neighbors. Anyone that visited us had to walk out the door with something. A jar of mayonnaise. A can of garbanzo beans. A lamp, a side table, a box spring. It didn’t matter if they wanted it or not, we made them take something. They could slough it off on someone on their way home if they wanted, as long as it was out of our house. But that was the easy part. The hard part has been getting rid of the stuff under the sinks. Why do we have half a jar of silver polish? How old is that? I’m not sure we ever owned any silver. Surely not enough to use half a jar of polish. Is it garbage now? Is it safe to throw it away? Half-full jars of cleaning products, floor wax, oven cleaner ... how do we get rid of it? That’s something we never used to ask when I was a kid. Rat poison? Throw it in the garbage. Drain cleaner? Whatever. Nuclear waste? Flush it down the toilet. As a city boy, I never asked myself where the drain went. Stuff just magically disappeared. Now, after years of living on a farm with a septic system, I know

exactly where it goes. There is no magic involved; it stays pretty close to where you put it. We have city friends who visit us, and when they find a spider in the bedroom, they’ll kill it with a wad of Kleenex and flush it down the toilet three times to make sure it’s gone. The next morning, we get to hear all about the new organic store where they now do all their shopping, how they separate their garbage into neat little stacks of newspapers and tin cans, how they bring their own shopping bags with them to the store. Does that organic food get delivered on organic trucks? Is the store where they shop made out of organic steel and organic sheet rock? Is it organically air-conditioned? Are the shopping carts compostable? Is the garbage truck that takes away their separated garbage made out of organic steel? Does it run on used pasta? I don’t see how bringing your own shopping bag makes up for all that. Just one time, take all your own garbage from one week down to the nearest landfill. See where most of it goes. Your first thought won’t be that it smells funny, or that it’s much bigger than you thought. Your first thought will be, “It’s as if we’re buying junk just so we’ll have something to throw away.” What a waste. (Contact Jim Mullen at mullen. jim@gmail.com.)

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER VOLUME 125, NUMBER 223

HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

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75 CENTS

Rosenberg council to mull Spacek contract BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

After approving a $9 million road reconstruction contract for Spacek Road in July, Rosenberg City Council members will make budget adjustments to get construction started. The council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall, 2110 Fourth St. Five bids were received in June, and the contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, Hurtado Construction Co. Funding for this project will include money from previously issued certifi-

Travis, Foster have strong showing at Deer Park; see Sports

ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

cates of obligation and Fort Bend County mobility funds from 2007 and 2013. The county is agreeing to pay up to 50 percent of eligible construction costs for the roadway, drainage facilities, utility line conflicts, traffic control devices and sidewalk and construction phase inspection services. The county will also reimburse the city for 100 percent of the right-of-way acquisition, up to a maximum of $1 million. According to city staff, the county’s maximum contribution to the project shall not exceed $6,768,392. Spacek Road will be reconstructed from Bryan Road to south of Herbie Drive.

The improvements will transform the existing two-lane asphalt road with open ditches into a four-lane, concrete curband-gutter roadway with raised center medians, a sidewalk and an underground storm drainage system. Construction is to begin in the fall. In other business, council members are scheduled to take action on extending the current contracts of service providers. The contract with Cypress Creek Pest Control for mosquito control efforts within the city is up for renewal and the city has the option to extend it for one year. Cypress Creek Pest Control submitted the lowest quote of three bids, amounting

to $37,150. City staff said Cypress Creek Pest Control has satisfactorily performed services for the city since 2009 and recommends the approval of the contract renewal. Council members will also consider awarding tax reappraisals to citizens of flood-damaged properties affected by Hurricane Harvey. Approximately 56 properties in the city, including 51 residences and five businesses, were affected by the flooding. Fort Bend County Chief Appraiser Glen Whitehead estimates that the reappraisal will cost approximately $30 per property.

Seabourne Creek Nature Center to cost $2.9 million BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Good Afternoon Woodmen Life

Woodmen Life Chapter 3909 will meet on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Immanuel United Church 9018 Church St. in Needville. The group will have an election of officers and planning session. A meal will be provided and members are asked to bring a dessert. For questions call, Darlene at 979-793-4704.

AARP meets

Craft extravaganza

Chicken dinner fundraiser

St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1513 West St. in Rosenberg, will hold a chicken fried chicken fundraiser on Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Catered by Ben’s Chuck Wagon. Dine-in or take-out plates available. Cost is $10 per plate. Tickets go on sale Monday. To buy tickets, call 281342-5159 and 281-342-5174. Serving begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Desserts available. Portion of proceeds to help Hurricane Harvey victims.

At Wednesday’s 5 p.m. Rosenberg Planning Commission meeting, Planning Administrator Ian Knox will present a land plan for Seabourne Creek Center. The center, located on Seabourne Creek Nature Park, will consist of 58 acres on the south side of U.S. 59. The land plan is proposing two reserves and a large section for future development, according to city staff. As part of the platting process, access and utilities must be extended east of the existing development. The plat is intended for commerical development and takes into account the ditch running through the reserves. The nature center would include an interactive educational space, office space, a pavilion, deep porches, a classroom, integrated solar roof panels and native plant life. The total estimated cost of the nature center is $2,936,449, according to Parks and Recreation Director Darren McCarthy. The nature center is scheduled to be built by 2019. In other business, Knox will ask for approval of preliminary plats submitted for Sunset Crossing neighborhood and Baker subdivision. Sunset Crossing is located off of FM 2977 at its intersection with Bryan Road. The development will result in the construction of Bryan Road, eventually connecting with A. Meyers Road. Knox said if the plat is approved, the city can prepare to receive building permits. Knox will also ask for approval from the commission for a plat within the Walnut Creek neighborhood. The new section would contain 17 acres of land and six reserves. A reserve is a long-term capital plan for a property, its infrastructure and surrounding assets. The neighborhood is located within the extraterritorial jurisdiction in Rosenberg, so Knox is working on city limit adjustment before further growth. Around 100 houses are built in Walnut Creek each year. If the plat is approved, it will take one or two weeks before construction can begin, Knox said. The commission meets regularly on the third Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. in City Hall, 2110 Fourth St.

HERALD PHOTO BY RHONDA TAORMINA

Halftime entertainment THE TERRY High School Rangerettes Dance Team entertains Ranger football fans during halftime. From left are senior Lt. Ashly Rodriguez, social officer Melody Villanueva, senior Lt. Taylor Green, Heather Ryder, Gabbie Almazon and social officer Natalie Holguin.

Author to discuss book ‘Pleasant Bend’ The Fort Bend Archeological Society will hold its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be author Dan M. Worrall, a member of the Harris County Historical Commission. Worrall recently published a book about the history of west Houston called Pleasant Bend: Upper Buffalo Bayou and the San Felipe Trail in the Nineteenth Century. The book grew of his efforts to save an early Texas graveyard from destruction, hidden away from the modern world near Post Oak Boulevard where his sec-

ond great grandparents are buried. The public is invited to hear Worrall tell the story of the forgotten pioneers who settled rural western Harris County — not the early movers and shakers of the city of Houston, but the everyday men and women who lived on the frontier that lay to its west, in what now is the area from River Oaks, to eastern Katy. The presentation will be held on the second floor of the Assembly Hall of the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy located at 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, next to the Fort Bend County Justice Center.

‘Rock the Ranch’

Fort Bend Journal Your answer is... Now that most of the statues have been torn down, tell us how your life has improved. Take your time. I’ll wait.

The Fort Bend History Association is hosting “Bites & Brews” on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Fort Bend Museum’s historic Moore home, 406 S. 5th St. in Richmond. Enjoy a night under the stars with wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres and live music by Shark Bait. For every ticket sold, $5 will be donated to Common Threads for disaster relief efforts in Fort Bend County.

— BH

Around the Bend Monica Blase’s children Gabby and Aiden entering the sixth and third grade... Barbara Magana Robertson asking for volunteers for the Fort Bend County Fair Exceptional Rodeo on Friday, Oct. 6... Melisa Mahan Roberts reminding Fulshear Charger parents to adhere to the school zone speed limit...

Richmond city parks set new hours

Obituaries

BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

Sonia Zamorano, 65 Earl Fant, 58 Evelyn “Ann” Kanak, 88 See Page 5

Today’s Scripture Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Thought for Today

“If you are losing your leisure, look out; you may be losing your soul.” — Logan Pearsall Smith, Anglo-American author (1865-1946)

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Bites & Brews fundraiser set for Saturday

bid $1,000 on a 2017 Black Widow go-kart donated by Richmond Equipment and Shawn McDonald, who bid $1,000 on tickets for the Houston Texans versus Kansas City Chiefs football game, donated by Danny and Barbara Crawford. The Crawfords are grandparents of tuba section leader Cole Crawford. “I think it was great,” said Head Band Director Daren Jordan of the event. “I was very humbled by the generosity of our neighborhood and our community.

Richmond City Commission on Monday approved an ordinance setting the official hours of operation for Freeman Town Park from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. “This is in a residential area so we’ve taken into consideration the residential neighborhood that’s around it,” said City Manager Terri Vela. For the city’s other parks, the hours of operation are as follows: George Park, between the hours of 6 a.m. to midnight; Wessendorff Park, between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. except for special events lasting until midnight; and Clay Park, between the hours of 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time. The ordinance states: “It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy, use or be present in any park during any hours or part thereof in which the park is not open for public use.“ The park superintendent, with the approval of the city manager, may for good cause, grant extensions of the times herein provided for usage of the city park.”

SEE BOOSTER CLUB, PAGE 8

SEE PARKS, PAGE 5

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

GEORGE RANCH Longhorn Band members Lauren Seid, Audrey Jordache, Cam Shelly, Ainsley McGee, Jennifer Martinez, Jada Weber, Emily Zhan, and Michael Sotelo, show their Longhorn spirit at the “Rock the Ranch” Band Preview Night fundraiser.

George Ranch High School Band Booster Club raises over $12,000 for music program BY DIANA NGUYEN dnguyen@fbherald.com

Tunes from Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy,” Samuel Barber’s “Medea’s Dance of Vengeance,” Offenbach’s “Can Can” and Bizet’s “Carmen” echoed through the George Ranch High School cafeteria while guests dined on barbecue. It was George Ranch High School’s Band Booster Club “Rock the Ranch” band preview Friday night, which included dinner, a live and silent auction and

preview performances from the George Ranch band. The fundraiser event supports the school’s marching band and year-round commitment of the students and band directors. Guest auctioneer Shorty Yeaman and Fort Bend County Commissioner Vincent Morales Jr. served as emcees. LCISD School Board President James Steenbergen and trustees Dr. Tyson Harrell and Mandi Bronsell were also in attendance. In total, the event raised over $12,000. The top bidders were Harry Buzek who

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

NEWS

BOOSTER CLUB: Group raises money for band

HERALD PHOTO BY DIANA NGUYEN

SHOWN FROM left: Houston Baptist Adjunct Professor Shawn McDonald, who was one of the two highest bidders, and LCISD School Board President James Steenbergen smile at the school’s Band Booster Club “Rock the Ranch” Band Preview Night. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The generosity was just incredible, especially right after Harvey. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year in order to keep our marching band going. I was worried that we wouldn’t have a great turnout, that the auction wouldn’t go that well. “But our community is absolutely incredible.” Jordan noted that the band directors usually start planning the event at the end of the school year. “Most of the planning started late April, early May,” he said. “Our band boosters put it together and they do an incredible job of organizing this. They do such a great job, we (band directors) just take care of the kids. “We do what we’re hired to do, which is teach the kids, have them play, and they’ve (boosters) taken care of all of this.” When George Ranch opened up eight years ago, Jordan said, the annual band preview night started off as an ice-cream social. “We would just go outside, play

some songs from our show, people would come and we’d have a big ice-cream party,” he recalled. “It wasn’t really a fundraiser. “Our boosters would buy just big buckets of ice cream and have the toppings. It was about five or six years ago that we decided to do it as a fundraiser and add a dinner. Then we decided to add a live and silent auction.” This year’s musical performance, Band Director Patrick Wade explained, is a mixture of classical pieces all tied around the common theme of dance. “The band students are learning to dance so they’ll be dancing and playing simultaneously, sometimes with and sometimes without [their instruments],” said Wade. “We have our color guard, they work with flags and imitation rifles, and they do dancing as well.” Wade shared that the students will be attending five different competitions including the University Interscholastic League (UIL), which he compared to the STAR testing version of music. The music performed at the

“Rock the Ranch” band preview night is just over half of what the students will be performing for their competition in late October, Wade added. “The entire length of our performance show is about six and a half minutes. They memorized six and a half minutes of movement and playing simultaneously. “We take melodies and we weave them together. We have an arranger from California who we hire and we pay the copyright fees and he takes them and weaves them together to help us tell a storyline.” And the results have paid off. After all the hard work of staff, students and the Band Booster Club members, the event raised over $12,000 and brought smiles to the faces of students and their families. “The George Ranch High School Band Booster Club has an outstanding team of parents who worked very hard to plan the event,” said Rock the Ranch Chair Jennifer Lane. Read more online at fbherald.com.

FORT BEND HERALD

Fort Bend County Master Gardener classes begin Oct. 10

The Texas Master Gardener Program in Fort Bend County will begin its next training class on Oct. 10. “Fort Bend County is a wonderful place to garden, our climate allows us to have beautiful gardens, both ornamental and edible almost year round,” said Master Gardener Barbara Buckleuy. “If you enjoy gardening as a hobby or would like to begin gardening the Texas Master Gardener Program may be just what you are looking for to get started or improve your gardening success while sharing your knowledge with the community.” Master Gardeners are volunteers who receive in-depth training that enables them to support and extend the reach of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s efforts

979-618-2242

Guy Werchan Owner

at the Fort Bend County Extension Office at 1402 Band Road in Rosenberg. Instruction is delivered by Texas A&M University specialists on topics such as vegetables, fruits and nuts, soils, landscape design, pathology, propagation, rainwater harvesting, and more. The cost is $200 ($353 for couples sharing the curriculum). The registration deadline is Sept. 22. The class size is limited and is filling fast, so reserve your space now. For more information about the 2017 class to become a Certified Master Gardener, and to obtain an application, visit https://fortbend. agrilife.org/horticulture/ and click on the Texas Master Gardener icon, or call Margo “Mac” McDowell, Program Coordinator, at 281-633-7033.

USDA offers help to farmers, ranchers impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma

WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has announced special procedures to assist producers who lost crops or livestock or had other damage to their farms or ranches as a result of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Also, because of the severe and widespread damage caused by the hurricanes, USDA will provide additional flexibility to assist farm loan borrowers. “The impact is shocking and will be felt for many months,” Perdue said. “In addition to efforts being made on the ground to assist producers, we have taken a hard look

Guy’s Auto Repair Monday-Friday: 8-6 734 Grillo Way Rosenberg, TX 77471

by delivering sound horticultural and environmental information to residents, creating and maintaining demonstration gardens, and teaching gardening knowledge to youth, Buckleuy said. The Texas Master Gardener Program is a state-wide organization that is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about gardening and share that knowledge with others in Fort Bend County, she added. “Each year the Fort Bend County Master Gardeners offer training classes and invite new members to join their volunteer efforts,” Buckleuy explained. To become a certified Master Gardener, submit an application for the 2017 training classes. The courses will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Oct. 10-Nov. 9

1015 Frost St. • Rosenberg 77471 www.benfranklinplumbing.com

281-342-3086

TX Lic M13459

at our regular reporting requirements and adjusted them so producers can take care of pressing needs first and mostly deal with documentation and claims later. President Trump’s directive is to help people first and deal with paperwork second. And that’s what USDA is doing.” USDA’s Farm Service Agency is authorizing emergency procedures on a case-by-case basis to assist impacted borrowers, livestock owners, contract growers, and other producers. The measures apply only to counties impacted by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-

ministration-determined tropical storm, typhoon, or hurricane, including Harvey and Irma that have received a primary Presidential Disaster Declaration and those counties contiguous to such designated counties. Financially stressed FSA farm loan borrowers affected by the hurricanes who have received primary loan servicing applications may be eligible for 60 day extensions. Full details are available at https://go.usa.gov/xRe8V. A more complete listing of all of the special farm program provisions is is posted at https://go.usa.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

AND TEXAS COASTER www.fbherald.com

VOLUME 125, NUMBER 224

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ROSENBERG-RICHMOND, TEXAS

75 CENTS

Balderas: City ‘squandering’ tax dollars Rosenberg council decides funding for road reconstruction project BY AVERIL GLEASON agleason@fbherald.com

Visit fbherald.com

TODAY!

Good Afternoon Woodmen Life

“This debt proposal is the government squandering money.” — Jacob Balderas

The Spacek Road reconstruction project is scheduled to begin soon, but some Rosenberg City Council members are not happy about where the money funding it is coming from. At the council meeting on Tuesday, however Mayor Bill Benton and concerned council members Amanda Barta and Jacob Balderas were outnumbered. Funding for this project will include money from previously issued certificates of obligation and Fort Bend County mobility funds from 2007 and 2013. “I’m not convinced the public is aware of the specifics of this item,” Benton said. In fact, the project was brought before council in August and again at the Sept. 5 meeting. Council members have previously discussed the city’s debt requirements, including the refunding of bonds for project costs. Projects totaling $9.8 million are as follows: ■■ Sanitary sewer and water system

improvements, amounting to $5.5 million; ■■ The Spacek Road reconstruction project, amounting to $1.5 million; ■■ Other street reconstruction, amounting to $2 million; and ■■ Railroad quiet zones/wayside horns, amounting to $500,000. “I distinctly remember us speaking of this,” council member Alice Jozwiak countered. “A certificate of obligation is a debt. I don’t have a problem with it because it’s what we need to improve our city and move our city forward.” Council members Jimmie Pena, Susan Euton and Lynn Moses agreed. Balderas said that the council was taking the citizens’ money without their consent. “We don’t have a funding problem, we have a spending problem,” he said. “This debt proposal is the government squandering money. Every time that government takes more money than it needs, it squanders it.

SEE ROSENBERG, PAGE 5

BY DIANA NGUYEN

Fort Bend Journal

dnguyen@fbherald.com

Come again? Wish we’d said this: “So the name ‘Robert Lee’ for a sports commentator is troubling to you, but you’re perfectly OK with the middle name “Hussein” for a president? “I give up.”

— BH

Around the Bend

Obituaries

Myron Park Thomas, 56 Eddie Harris Jr., 91 Jay C. Mack, 91 Estella (Thielemann) Turicchi, 98 Joe Y. Sedillo, 60 Mary Sue Cummins, 63 Dorothy J. Byrd, 82 See pages 2 & 5

Today’s Scripture Philip asked the Ethiopian eunuch, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts 8:30

Thought for Today “History must stay open, it is all humanity.” — William Carlos Williams, American author and poet (1883-1963)

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— Alice Jozwiak

Fulshear property in disaster areas to be revalued

AARP meets

Megan McGill, Yulena Morin, Jessica Holmquist, Shanequa Clark of Richmond, Jadie Morales — all of Richmond, and Rubi Bocanegra, Tonia Pavlicek and Kaitlyn Noseux of Neeville, along with Hannah Emmons of Orchard, excited to earn their nurses pins from Wharton County Junior College... Brent McCauley of Needville wishing his wife Kelly Hodges McCauley a happy 4-year anniversary... Jennifer Lane feeling proud of her “baby,” Marshall, for participating in the George Ranch Longhorn band in his first football game... Brad Abides visiting the Rick and Morty mobile at the Alamo Drafthouse in Katy... Newly wed couple Tam T. Nguyen and Tuan Tran celebrating buying a house together, and thanking Esin Tan and Kimmy Cao for helping them close the deal... Artist Matt Manalo curious about doing private art classes with alternative techniques, wondering who would be interested... Dee Koch with Sophia Chou and Nancy D. Zimmerman enjoying a fun evening celebrating the Taiwanese Culture Goodwill Mission Troupe of the 106th National Day, where funds from the performance went to assist Hurricane Harvey families... Sierra Garivey King, Lori Vignes Cox and Kaleigh Herrera, kicking off Homecoming Week at Lamar Consolidated High School dressed as Minnie Mouse...

“It’s what we need to improve our city and move our city forward.”

A golden moment

HERALD PHOTO BY SCOTT REESE WILLEY

FOSTER HIGH School freshman Madeline Hemenes whips her golden flags in time with the music during Saturday evening’s halftime performance at Guy K. Traylor Stadium in Rosenberg. The Falcons marching band performed a number of patriotic tunes for football fans.

2015 suicide leads to lawsuit BY HERALD STAFF

The family of Eugene Ethridge Jr., 33, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Tuesday against Fort Bend County in connection with his death while in custody in 2015. “The Fort Bend County jail has an atrocious record of failing to prevent suicide of inmates,” the family said in its lawsuit, filed at the federal courthouse in Houston. In the lawsuit, the family cited the Sept. 29, 2015, hanging death of jail inmate Heriberto Correas, who committed suicide. “The Texas Commission on Jail Standards investigated and wrote a letter directly to Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls,” the family claimed in the lawsuit. “The short, to-the-point Oct. 15, 2015, letter stated in the first sentence that ‘an area of concern exists.’

That concern was failure to do the 30-minute face-toface inmate visual contacts required by state law,” Ethridge’s family said. “As a result, the TDCJ classified the Fort Bend County jail as ‘At Risk’ and the county was required to submit a plan to prevent reoccurrence.” On Nov. 3, 2015, Ethridge committed suicide by hanging himself, the family said in its lawsuit. The jail staff failed to do the TCJS-required inmate rounds, which allowed him to hang himself, the family said. The lawsuit also names Sheriff Troy Nehls and members of the jail staff. “This is one of the worst failures of a jail system I have seen,” said civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen, who has been hired to represent the family. “Even when Texas made needed changes after Sandra Bland the Fort Bend County jail failed to change.”

Fulshear City Council on Tuesday passed a resolution authorizing the Fort Bend County Appraisal District to provide property tax relief for owners of property in the city impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The appraisal district has sent a letter reminding Fulshear that by law, the appraisal district is “required to complete a reappraisal as soon as practicable of all property damaged in a disaster if the area is declared a disaster area by the governor...” The city’s resolution states that “funds are hereby dedicated for the purpose of having Fort Bend Central Appraisal District re-appraise those properties impacted by Hurricane Harvey.” Prepared by Fulshear Chief Financial Officer Wes Vela, the resolution memo states that the city will share in the cost of the reappraisal with other communities. “We expect the impact on revenue to be minimal but I think it’s a token of goodwill for those families that were impacted by this event,” said City Manager C.J. Snipes. Mayor Pro-Tem Tricia Krenek asked if other jurisdictions have participated in this reappraisal. “I know the county has and the other taxing entities were considering it on their agendas,” she noted. “I’m not aware but I know all the city managers want to pass it in their communities as well,” answered Snipes. A letter sent by Chief Appraiser Glen Whitehead states that for reappraised property, “the taxes are prorated for the year the disaster occurred. The local taxing unit assesses taxes prior to the date the disaster occurred based on the market value as of Jan. 1. “Beginning on the date of the disaster and for the remainder of the year, the taxing unit applies its tax rate to the reappraised market value of the property.” Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend County Drainage District adopted a resolution requesting the reappraisal of property damaged by Hurricane Harvey on Sept. 12. “In the letter we received from Mr. Whitehead, he said we’re expected to share the cost which is great, but if other jurisdictions don’t participate, that increases our cost which may negate the benefit,” Krenek pointed out. “Obviously, we want to provide that benefit to our residents. But to do so, we have an unknown expenditure on our summary. That’s what I’m curious about.”

SEE FULSHEAR, PAGE 5

Chicken dinner fundraiser to help hurricane victims St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1513 West St. in Rosenberg, will hold a chicken fried chicken fundraiser on Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Catered by Ben’s Chuck Wagon. Dine-in or take-out plates available. Cost is $10 per plate. Tickets go on sale Monday. To buy tickets, call 281-342-5159 and 281-3425174. Serving begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. Desserts available. Portion of proceeds to help Hurricane Harvey victims.

Free concert planned to raise money for Harvey relief efforts

The International Youth Fellowship in association with Gracias Choir will present a free admission relief concert for Hurricane Harvey victims and the community. on Friday, Oct. 13. The “Christmas Cantata” will take place at the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land. For tickets, visit: www.ChristmasCantata.us or contact: 346-400-1812 or via email at HTCantata@gmail.com. To donate, visit: gofundme.com and search for ‘We bring the joy to you.’

The Gingerbread Man

NEEDVILLE ELEMENTARY School kindergarten teacher Beverly Carrington reads “The Gingerbread Man” to her students in her class and Cathy Chilek’s class. The children had just finished making their own gingerbread man and taking it to the cafeteria to be baked. Upon returning, they found he had run away, and they

set out on an adventure throughout the school to find him. Along the way, they learned where places such as the nurse’s office, library, and principal’s office are located. Having no luck in their search, they returned to their classroom to find the gingerbread man waiting there for them to eat.