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Parents and coaches at three FBISD high schools optimistic about move to 4A schools with similar enrollments playing against one another in an As expected, the University effort to balance competition. Interscholastic League moved Starting next year, three Fort Bend ISD high schools Willowridge, Marshall, and with the lowest enrollments, Ridge Point will play in Willowridge, Marshall, and District 22 which includes three Ridge Point from 5A to 4A on Spring Branch ISD schools: February 2 as part of a statewide Northbrook, Spring Woods, and realignment. The remaining eight Stratford as well as Tomball district schools will become and Tomball Memorial. There a single 5A district. The UIL was hope that the UIL would realigns every two years to keep consider moving the three Fort By Betsy Dolan
members were selected via a district-wide lottery system held Fort Bend ISD has named in every school. The Board of a group of seven parents to a Trustees selected three parents committee that will help the from the east side of the district, district make decisions involving three from the west side and one school zoning issues. The decision at-large member. The parents to include parents on the Building represent Goodman Elementary, Utilization Committee (BUC) Mission West Elementary, was decided back in November, Oakland Elementary, Pecan in part after groups of parents, Grove Elementary, Garcia angered over several potential Middle School, Quail Valley school closures, showed up at Middle School and Willowridge school board meetings wearing High School. Also serving on matching t-shirts and even the committee are members of protesting along Highway 6. Fort Bend ISD Administration, The seven parent BUC members of the Building and
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Grounds Committee and three principals who will be selected from the schools affected by potential changes in boundaries. The BUC will study attendance zones in the district and will use enrollment levels, building capacities and current and future population growth or decline as factors in any recommendations it has for zoning changes. The committee is reviewing the latest demographic data and growth trends within the District and will recommend any changes in school attendance areas to the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees in March.
By Elsa Maxey
How would you like to work within walking distance of a medical clinic that’s there to serve you? For many Fort Bend County employees that is now the case with the opening of the county’s Employee Medical Clinic that has been operating L-R: Victor Diaz, Commissioner Grady Prestage-Pct. 2, County Judge for almost two weeks after its Bob Hebert, Dr. Latha Brubaker, Bob Bass, Wyatt Scott. launch on January 30. The new
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
“Lights, Camera, Action!!”
The stage is set, the cameras are rolling and all eyes are on you as you enter the 19th annual Fort Bend Education Foundation Gala entitled “Lights, Camera, Action!!” The event will be held at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel on February 25. For sponsorship or ticket information, visit www.fortbendisd.com/foundation. Pictured back row (l to r) Mike Koehler, Cigna; Mike Siwierka, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins and Mott; Don Kerstetter, Classic Chevrolet; front row: Terri Wang, Gala Co-Chair; Jacquie Chaumette, Gala Co-Chair; and Lina Sabouni, AUTOARCH Architects. See related on page 11.
Local museums…. old is new again By Joan Frances
Spring is just around the corner. Outdoor activities and events are planned and anticipated. The residents of Fort Bend are very lucky to have so much to do without a long drive. So where do you start? What is fascinating, educational, and enjoyable for the whole family? The answer is simple, take the
family to a museum. Depending on how far you want to go, the possibilities are endless. George Ranch Historical Park showcases 100 years of Texas history The park is developed around a nearly mile long loop and to cover it will take about three hours. A tractor drawn wagon circles every 20 to 30 minutes. Tours view the Davis Victorian
center on 301 Jackson next to the Travis building is run by Concentra, a leading health care company with a presence in 40 states, and it conveniently provides the county’s workforce, their dependents and retirees with primary, preventive and wellness services. “By establishing an on-site health care clinic that is centralized and geared toward providing comprehensive medical services, we hope to positively affect the overall wellness and productivity
of our workforce,” said Judge Bob Hebert. Fort Bend’s Director of Finance and Investments Pamela Gubbels states that eligible users receive clinical services at no cost to them under the county’s new health insurance plan offering. What’s more, there’s a list of “formulary” generic pharmaceuticals that can also be filled free, if the prescription is written at the clinic. For the employees that are HEALTH CARE, continued on page 7
‘Bearcat’ provides extra security for Fort Bend County SWAT Teams SWAT officers in Fort Bend County have a lot more muscle behind them now thanks to a new tactical, armored response and rescue vehicle called the Bearcat. The newly realigned Fort Bend Regional SWAT Team will utilize the vehicle for deployments throughout the county. The Bearcat, which carries up to 10 people, is extremely versatile and can handle a variety of terrains. It is especially useful
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Fort Bend County to save $3.7 Mil
in barricaded situations, highrisk warrants, active shooters and dignitary transport. The Bearcat was put to the test last year in Tyler where a SWAT team approached a kidnapping and murder suspect who was armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. The suspect fired 35 rounds at the Bearcat before an officer brought him down. "It allowed officers to approach the residence safely and protected them under heavy fire from a
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Healthcare reform clinic for county employees open
By Betsy Dolan
+TAX & DISPOSAL
Bend ISD schools into the same district as Lamar Consolidated in order to cut down on travel costs and late nights. The news that they would be traveling north to play, says John Jakubik whose son, J.T. plays baseball and football at Ridge Point, caught him by surprise. "I thought they would merge us with LCISD. I was hoping
Parents to help Fort Bend ISD make school zoning decisions By Betsy Dolan
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Leaders of the Fort Bend Regional SWAT Team are shown with the team's new Bearcat. They include (L-R) Capt. Scott Soland, Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office and West Division Commander; Sgt. Wayne Coleman, Sugar Land Police Department, East Division; Sgt. Kurt Maxheimer, Missouri City Police Department, East Division; Sgt. Brian Baker, Rosenberg Police Department, West Division; Sgt. Patrick Herman, Stafford Police Department; Capt. James Davis, Sugar Land Police Department and East Division Commander; and Sgt. Reggie Powell, Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, West Division.
Alvin High School Gymnasium hosted by Heights Baptist Church Details and tickets at feedyourfaith.org & heightsbaptist.org
Mansion and George Ranch house with quality artifacts from the area. The rest of the tour is mainly outside, Jones Stock Farm, Sharecropper's Cabin, working pens and tree house all authentic examples of what life was like many years ago. The park has scenic settings MUSEUMS, continued on page 7
When it rains, it pours By LeaAnne Klentzman
One of our more illustrious citizens decided to test the police … the Harris CRIMINAL County Sheriff’s OF THE WEEK Office that is. Seems our Missouri City resident was operating her vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. A driver’s license she lost to a prior conviction for not having insurance. AND, while doing that, well, she decided to see if she could get the attention of that nice policeman when she sucked the stripes off his Harris County patrol car as she sped past him. Oops!
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Kirk Cameron