05-13-2020 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Local tax offices back open for business - Page 6

Missouri City celebrated the area's mothers in style this past Saturday with a drive-through gift giveaway. Read more about the event inside today's edition on Page 2.

(Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

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County’s feud with prison system heating up

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County leaders say they are fed up with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and its ongoing transfer of COVID-19 positive inmates to Richmond’s Jester I Unit.

County Judge KP George, along with State Rep. Ron Reynolds and Precinct 3 Constable Wayne Thompson, sent a cosigned letter to the

George

Texas Board of Criminal Justice on May 6, urging the state’s prison system to cease the practice. A

Thompson

spokesperson for George said Monday night that county officials have not received a response.

Reynolds

“We are a major suburb of Houston with a population of over 800,000 people. This is not a rural

or isolated place,” the letter said. “We are working around the clock to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, but with your unilateral decision to send your COVID-19 positive prisoners, we are taking on additional risk.”

As of Tuesday morning, the Jester I Unit had 32 inmates recovering in medical isolation who had previously tested positive for COVID-19, according SEE FEUD PAGE 6

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Fort Bend County opens new COVID-19 testing sites

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County opened its fourth and fifth COVID-19 testing sites last Friday morning at the Gallery Furniture in Richmond and Seven Lakes High School in Katy.

According to a news release from the county, the site will operate weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays at 7227 W. Grand Parkway South in Richmond and 9251 S. Fry Rd. in Katy. They will have the capability to test 200 people per day as officials try to track the spread of the new coronavirus as the state reopens for business under the executive order by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

As of Tuesday, the county had reported 1,404

SEE TESTING PAGE 8

Above, Quail Valley Middle School eighth grader Charlize Lopez labels and sorts clothes donated to her "Warm Coats, Warm Hearts" initiative. Since beginning the project four years ago, she has collected more than 2,000 coats and other cold-weather clothes to distribute to area residents in need. (Contributed photo)

Sugar Land teen warming hearts with charitable efforts

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Whenever she gets a little chilly, Charlize Lopez knows she can simply crank up the heater in her family’s Sugar Land home or throw on a comfy sweater for some much-needed warmth.

She also knows that not everyone in Fort Bend County is that fortunate. Her subsequent mission to provide warm clothing for those in

need led to a recent honor at Charlize Lopez unloads the state and national level. clothes. (Contributed photo) Lopez, a 14-year-old Sugar Land resident and eighth named Lopez as Texas' top grader at Quail Valley Mid- middle school youth volundle School in Missouri City, teer in February. was one of 100 students In addition to a $1,000 nationwide recognized for scholarship, each winner outstanding volunteer ser- was given $2,500 to donate vice during the 25th annual toward local COVID-19 rePrudential Spirit of Commu- sponse efforts or a nonprofit nity Awards celebration on organization of their choice.

May 4. The program, in part“I didn’t think something I nership with the National Association of Secondary SEE WARMING PAGE 5 School Principals (NASSP),

SMSD honoring graduates on digital billboards

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Stafford MSD has found a unique way to publicly recognize its graduating seniors amidst concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The idea – posting the students’ photos on giant digital billboards overlooking the city of Stafford – came as a shock to at least one of them.

“I was really surprised and happy to see myself up

there, and a lot of my relatives have been reaching out and saying they were so excited when they me saw up there,” said Gabrielle Butler, one of Stafford High School’s salutatorians.

Though the pandemic has prevented many school districts in Texas from being able to hold traditional commencement ceremonies as scheduled, SMSD is attempting to honor its graduates virtually through a collaboration with Clear Channel Outdoor.

Photos of all seniors will

Stafford High School seniors are being displayed on four digital billboards overlooking the city of Stafford through the end of May. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

be displayed on all four of the Clear Channel digital billboards in Stafford. The

PRE-K | ELEMENTARY | HIGH SCHOOL | COLLEGE

photos, which consist of 195 seniors from the class of 2020, are being displayed

Celebrating a GRADUATION? Feature a message of congratulations to your loved one in this special feature of the Fort Bend Star Email jsazma@fortbendstar.com for more details about or special rates.

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, May 13, 2020

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Missouri City drive-through event celebrates area mothers

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Mother’s Day Eve in Missouri City typically celebrates the area’s mothers by letting them get silly in a photo booth, dance to music from a DJ, get their faces painted or receive a specially crafted cake and card from a loved one.

COVID-19 threw a wrench into the plans for this year’s event, but that didn’t stop city officials from ensuring that mothers still felt loved and appreciated over the weekend.

In lieu of its annual cakedecorating event that gives area mothers and their families a chance to bond, Missouri City hosted its inaugural Mother’s Day DriveThru on Saturday morning on the steps of City Hall. The event was held in conjunction

Savannah Winfrey, right, stopped by the Mother's Day Drive-Through May 9 with her husband and daughter.

(Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

with a Mother’s Day artwork contest for the area’s youth.

“I didn’t want COVID-19 to stop the city from continuing some of the events – plus it’s a special time for celebration,” said event organizer Kelley Matte, Missouri City’s HOA

liaison. “So I thought why not combine those two and make it happen? I think our residents deserve (an event like this).”

Dozens of vehicles pulled through makeshift tents outside City Hall as Mayor

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Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford, left, hands out a bouquet of roses Saturday. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

Yolanda Ford handed each mother a single rose, a card and a gift bag containing a glass flute emblazoned with the city emblem. All the while, Ford donned a life-sized heart costume to bring muchneeded levity and smiles to residents’ faces.

“This year, since we can’t have any big crowds, we’re

trying to bring some normalcy back and engage our residents in any creative way that we possibly can,” Ford said.

In combining the art contest with the drive-through, Matte said the area’s young residents had the opportunity to lend their creative side to the annual celebration. Those residents’ whose families

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much of the Houston area, along with the country and the world, to a standstill. But business must continue, even with schools closed and many people working remotely from home. As of publication, the businesses featured on this page were still open and ready to serve the community.

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submitted artwork and letters about their loved ones – there were 11 entries in total – received a dozen roses in addition to the card and gift bag.

The efforts appeared to be appreciated by residents such as Savannah Winfrey, who walked by with her young daughter to pick up a rose of her own.

“Especially for those who can’t get out and get to different places to purchase things for Mother’s Day, it’s really nice for them to bring the mothers something,” she said.

Ford said the event gave some of the community’s women the recognition they have rightfully earned.

“Mothers are the foundation of our community,” she said. “So it’s incredibly important to let them know how much we appreciate them.”

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THE STAR

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020 • PAGE

Houston Food Bank handing out goods on Dulles campus

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Rainbow of Love is asking for monetary donations to help restock its supplies, which help families with young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Contributed photo)

Nonprofit Rainbow of Love seeks help raising money for COVID-19 assistance From Staff Reports

Rainbow of Love, which has been helping families with babies and young children with diapers, wipes, baby clothes and other supplies, is looking for monetary donations to help it restock during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nonprofit organization, which has locations

in Houston and Missouri City, provides multiple social services for Houston-area families.

During the pandemic, Rainbow of Love has been providing one box per family with key items for young children. Each box contains necessities such as diapers, shampoo, conditioner and baby baths along with food such as milk and formulas. It also

contains clothes such as onesies, socks, pants, hats, mittens, coats/sweaters, bibs and blankets.

The organization has set up a GoFundMe account for donations at gofundme.com/f/helpingbabies-during-coronavirus.

For more information, call Rainbow of Love at 281-438-6588 or visit rainbowoflove.org.

Pandemic forces postponement of FBISD early learning center

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on district operations, Fort Bend ISD announced Monday that it has postponed the opening of the Hunters Glen Early Literacy Center until the 2021-22 school year.

Hunters Glen was originally slated to open this August to serve early learners in pre-kindergarten and first grade in the Marshall High School feeder pattern.

FBISD superintendent Charles Dupre said in a news release that having to focus FBISD resources on its online learning

program during the pandemic resulted in the loss of planning and staff development time required for a successful opening of the early learning center.

“Because of the pandemic, we do not believe we can effectively open the center by August,” he said.

When it opens its doors, it will be the second early literacy center to serve students in FBISD. The district launched its first such center in August

2018 to serve students in the Willowridge High School feeder pattern.

The implementation of other programs in the Marshall feeder pattern are still moving forward as planned, according to the district. FBISD said programs such as the new Coda Strings elementary orchestra program, elementary STEM classes, the Steinway Piano Technician program, American Sign Language and technical theatre will be available to students for next school year.

For updates and information on the prospective opening of Hunters Glen Early Literacy Center, visit fortbendisd.com/ Page/124208.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT AVISO PÚBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the Primary Runoff election to be held on July 14, 2020, will be tested on May 19, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. at the Fort Bend County Elections Department, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures.

Por lo presente se da aviso que el equipo para tabular automáticamente que se usará en la elección primaria de desempate el 14 de Julio del 2020 se probara el 19 de Mayo del 2020 a las 9:00 A.M. en el Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas para determinar si el equipo contara con exactitud los votos para todos las oficinas y en todas las medidas. /s/ John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Administrador de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend

M E M O R I A L D AY 2 0 2 0

The Houston Food Bank will be at Dulles High School throughout the month of May to help Fort Bend ISD students and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Distribution began May 6 and will be held on three other days from 9-11 a.m. at the school at 550 Dulles Ave. in Sugar Land.

Families can receive produce, protein and pantry items during distribution. They will also be able to receive toiletry items – shampoo, body wash, deodorant, etc.

– donated by community members while supplies last. Supplies will be handed out based on the size of a household and its number of kids.

The remaining food distribution days are as follows: • Wednesday, May 13 • Friday, May 15 • Thursday, May 21 Supplies will be distributed on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

All FBISD students and their families can participate in the free event.

ASK THE EXPERT

Q: A:

A high-quality shop will not provide a loaner, but will offer Chuck Charlton to arrange a rental vehicle if you require one. The cost is $25-$35 per day and there is usually no out-of-pocket expense if the cost of the rental remains within the amount stated in your insurance policy. The policy does not pay for additional insurance coverage offered by the rental company. If the repair shop offers you a loaner and can be absorbed in this cost, they have to recover it somewhere. Are they cutting corners on your repair or charging for work not performed? Beware of the “free loaner”.

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In light of the COVID-19 outbreak

and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events.

BAPTIST CHURCH

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HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994 2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459 John Strader , Senior Pastor Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org

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MISSOURI CITY CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-261-8944 2019 Bright Meadows Dr. - Missouri City, TX 77489 www.mocitycoc.org Sunday morning services: 10:15 am (includes separate youth, bible hour and nursery services)

Sunday evening services: 5:00 pm Last Sunday 1:30 pm Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Iron Mens Bible Study 1st Monday 6:30 pm

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CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Worship in the Sanctuary Simple Service / Prayer & Communion: 8 am Contemporary: 9:15 am / Traditional: 10:30 am Modern: 10:30 am Sunday School for all ages available at 9:15 www.christchurchsl.org

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, May 13, 2020

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Do we need a Census redo next year?

The 2020 U.S. Census count, which is central to our political system and economy, is off track due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Monday, 58.6 percent of the population had responded nationwide. The selfresponse rate was 53.2 percent in Texas, with Fort Bend County doing better at 65.2 percent.

The U.S. Census Bureau pushed down its field operations for the decennial count to run until the end of October.

So, instead of the completion of the massive data collection by the end of December, it now intends

Elsa Maxey

to have it done and delivered to the U.S. President

by April 30, 2021.

What is bothersome is that we really can’t be sure whether we will have adequately responded to the census call this go-round. This one will affect our community’s

political influence and the billions of dollars in federal funds allotted to states and communities each year for the next 10 years. We understand that the population count throughout the U.S. will additionally determine how many seats in Congress each state gets and also political representation at all levels of government. So the higher the number of respondents, hence count, the more of an opportunity for representation and rightful funding.

Some of us responded at the onset of the census call that started in midMarch. But overall, the effort may have gone into a holding pattern as the pandemic took cen-

ter stage.

April 1 was originally set aside as the snapshot date to count everyone in a given household, but most of us were probably sheltering in place after COVID-19’s arrival here about one month earlier.

The U.S. Census Bureau calls it a reference date.

But because of temporary living arrangements for many during the pandemic, it’s been argued that the actual numbers reported could be faulty, which means residency appears to be at issue. For others, there was probably a lack of response altogether.

Supporting that is a report indicating that in April 2010, there were more households as a percentage of the popu-

from

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By Sreeram Satish For The Star

3740 Cartwright Road (@ FM 1092)

(281) 499-4555

Living with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Cash is a 3-year-old, male Hound Mix weighing in at 52 pounds.

He came to us in the Katy animal cruelty seizure back on Feb. 28 with 220 other animals. This may be why he gets along so well with all other animals, INCLUDING CATS. He is a sweet boy, slightly timid but happy to come out of his shell with a little TLC. He has low to moderate energy and walks GREAT on a leash.

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upheavals. And because of that, the next decade brings many more new challenges.

Maybe as the data collection deadline approaches in the fall with respondent numbers, we may want to consider whether the 2020 census may best serve our nation’s communities if it were to take place in 2021.

For now, it looks like we are moving forward with a recovery prognosis for Census 2020. You can respond online and be counted by visiting my2020census.gov, even if you did not receive the U.S. Census questionnaire by mail, or you may call 844-330-2020.

Clements student leads online learning initiative

A Helping Hand 713-433-6421

lation that responded to the census as compared to April 2020.

In a video message recently posted on YouTube, Missouri City Mayor Yolanda Ford challenged residents to be counted. stating that now more than ever, this is a critical time. Missouri City reports that its resident response rate to the census went up in the last two weeks from 62.7 percent to 68.8.

Given our current state, is it a good idea to risk getting a grossly inaccurate undercount that will adversely affect us until the next census is administered in 2030?

We’ve been a bit distracted these days from economic and physical

Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that results from uncontrolled, high blood sugar levels. The disorder typically occurs over a long period of time, as high blood sugars gradually damage nerve cells within the body.

Peripheral neuropathy most commonly affects the hands and feet, resulting in numbness, tingling or pain. If left uncontrolled, neuropathy can affect other major, internal organs in the body such as the heart and digestive system.

Certain prescription medications may help restore function or slow progression of neuropathy. Anti-seizure medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) help relieve nerve pain by relaxing the body.

Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) or duloxetine (Cymbalta) may also help decrease symptoms by blocking the transfer of certain pain signals in the brain. Both classes of medications may cause drowsiness and dizziness as side effects.

Sreeram Satish, a Clements High School junior from Sugar Land, is conducting free online tutoring for elementary school students who are coping with the new pandemic situation and trying to adapt to the online way of classroom learning.

To help out his school district and city in the COVID-19 lockdown, he repurposed some aspects of his high school organization, Young Leaders, which was earlier involved in teaching debate and public speaking skills to young elementary students, to now focus on addressing the needs of elementary students’ education in areas of math, science and English.

He reached out to several principals of schools in his

area and identified students that would need the help and to get the word out on this new initiative.

His core team of volunteers were paired up with elementary students to start one-on-one direct tutoring sessions on different subject areas.

This tutoring has been supplementing the online class room work for these elementary students and the parents have been very appreciative of the efforts to keep their children engaged and given a chance to catch up and excel in their academic endeavors.

Satish's Young Leaders organization has empowered more than 100 students across 10 different schools in Fort Bend ISD with this initiative, and he hopes to continue his contributions to the community with outreach to many more institutions.

05-10-17 - Ed’s Pharmacy - 2 x 4.5

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church in Sugar Land, conducts an annual “Wish Upon on A Star” drive in which they encourage the congregation to fulfill the wishes of area children in need. So in 2016, an 11-year-old Lopez chose to fulfill the wish of another 11-year-old girl who had one simple request – a fleece jacket.

“I was touched because her choice of a gift was an everyday need and not a toy,” Lopez said. “It made me think of all the children struggling through each day, battling it out in the cold.”

That moment drove Lopez to launch “Warm Coats, Warm Hearts.” She began by writing letters to her school principal, her mother’s workplace at Ridgemont Early Literacy Center in Houston

★ WARMING FROM PAGE 1 was simply doing was taking that much recognition – there are so many more people out there who have been doing more, but somehow I got the recognition,” Lopez said.

“I didn’t expect anything to come out of it other than the appreciation from giving clothes out to everyone.”

Lopez said her project, the “Warm Coats, Warm Hearts” drive, has collected more than 2,000 cold-weather items during the past four years to donate to community members in need. She never meant for it to become so popular, saying the project began as “a wish.”

Lopez said St. Laurence Catholic Church, her home

and her Traditional Karate Center dojo asking for permission to set up collection boxes there.

In order to further spread the word, Lopez persuaded members of a broadcast club at a local middle school to film her talking about her mission. She also made fliers to explain her project to her classmates.

“If there’s a girl my age braving it out while I’m sitting in my room with the heater up to 70 degrees with some blankets, I’ve got to do something about it,” she said.

For about four weeks beginning in late November each year, Lopez has asked everyone to gather clothes in the various donation boxes and emptied the donation boxes each week. After each

C LASS I F I E D

call for appointment

★★★★★★★★★★ LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR PARK FACILITIES The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City: BID NO. 2020-18: CUSTODIAL SERVICES FOR PARK FACILITIES BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

For questions regarding this bid, please contact Jason Poscovsky, CPPO, CPPB, Contracts Manager jposcovsky@sugarlandtx.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

The City will award the contract and give notice of award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

281.232.4436 LEGALS Request for Proposals Drymalla Construction Company, Inc. (CM at Risk) is soliciting Qualifications/Proposals from Subcontractors for the Lamar Consolidated ISD HVAC renovations at Lamar Junior High, and Athletic Complex, and Site Wide Paving and Drainage. Qualifications/ Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday May 20, 2020 at the offices of Drymalla Construction Company, Inc., 608 Harbert, Columbus, Texas 78934, via fax 979-732-3663, or email to bid@drymalla.com. NO PHONE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED! For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/ Proposals documents call 979732-5731, or email Jason Labay at jason@drymalla.com. Documents are available online at http:// www.drymallaplans.com and Virtual Builders Exchange.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS REZONING FROM STANDARD SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) OR GENERAL INDUSTRIAL (M-2) TO THE HILL AREA RESIDENTIAL (HR-1) FOR APPROXIMATELY 9.7 ACRES AND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2, ZONING REGULATIONS Planning and Zoning Commission Public VICINITY MAP: Hearings: 6:30 p.m., May 28, 2020, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, hosted via live stream at http:// www.sugarlandtx.gov/1238/SLTV-16-Live-Video or https://www.youtube.com/sugarlandtxgov/live and Sugar Land Comcast subscribers can also tune-in on Channel 16 to hear all persons interested in the City-initiated Rezoning from Standard Single Family Residential (R-1) or General Industrial (M-2) to The Hill Area Residential (HR-1) for approximately 9.7 acres located (1) on the north side of Lakeview Drive, between Wood Street and drainage parcel R157753 (38 single-family lots addressed 203 Lakeview Dr. through 715 Lakeview Dr.); and (2) on the south side of First Street between Main Street and Wood Street (Lonnie Green Park).

The Commission will also hold a public hearing for proposed amendments to Chapter 2 Zoning Regulations of the Development Code.

Learn more about the draft changes by visiting the project webpage at www.sugarlandtx.gov/TheHill, or by contacting the City of Sugar Land Planning Department by email at longrangeplanning@ sugarlandtx.gov or phone (281) 275-2218. The agenda items for this meeting will be available on the City website at www.sugarlandtx.gov/ under “Meeting Agendas” Planning and Zoning Commission no later than Friday, May 22, 2020. Request details or provide feedback on the proposed Rezoning or Development Code amendment online at www.sugarlandtx.gov/PublicHearingComment.

As of the date of this publication (May 13, 2020) the Centers for Disease Control recommends social-distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the City of Sugar Land has elected to conduct this meeting online. Members of the public wishing to view the meeting live may do so at the links above. Members of the public desiring to make comments during the public hearings may submit their written comments to the Office of City Secretary (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov). Comments should reference the hearing in the subject line, must be received by 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2020, then will be read into the record during the public hearing. Members of the public desiring to make their comments during the published date and time of the public hearings must e-mail (citysec@sugarlandtx.gov) or call ((281) 275-2730) the Office of the City Secretary by 3:00 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2020 to register and receive instructions for direct participation during the hearings.

Should the Centers of Disease Control, and/or the prevailing appropriate authority, lift the restrictions related to social distancing and the avoidance of large and small gatherings in public spaces prior to 72 hours of the date of the public hearings, the City of Sugar Land will provide notice to the public on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda at www.sugarlandtx.gov under “Meeting Agendas.”

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sugar Land Regional Airport TxDOT CSJ # 18HGSUGAR-REBID Sealed bids for the construction of airport improvements at Sugar Land Regional Airport need to be addressed and delivered to Mr. Thomas Harris III, City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boule-vard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. Bids will be received until 2:00 PM, June 10, 2020, then publicly opened and read. Any bid received after closing time will be returned uno-pened. The bids will be opened and read aloud at the Sugar Land City Hall, Council Chambers, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479.

The City of Sugar Land requests that all persons who attend the bid opening in person to practice safe social distancing. In an effort to facilitate practicing safe social distancing, please limit the number of people attending per com-pany due to space restrictions. For persons who will attend the bid opening in person, all persons will have to have their temperature taken prior to being permitted to enter the building. If a person’s temperature indicates that they have a fever that person will not be allowed to enter the building. We recommend that if you are attending the bid opening in person to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the bid opening time. To attend the bid opening via tele-conference, please use the following call-in number and meeting ID. Call-In Number: 209-844-4600. Meeting ID: 24136866.

In general, the Aviation Construction work consists of: Aircraft Hangar, parking lot and access road pavement.

Technical questions concerning the specifications should be directed to Craig Clairmont or Nathan Mikell at (281) 494-3252. Please call Sheri Quinlan, TxDOT, Aviation, at 512-416-4516 for ques-tions concerning the bid documents or further information.

A pre-bid conference concerning this project will be held at 10:00 AM on May 20, 2020 at the Sugar Land City Hall, Council Chambers, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479. The City of Sugar Land requests that all persons who attend the pre-bid conference in person to practice safe social distancing. In an effort to facilitate practicing safe social distancing, please limit the number of people attending per company due to space restrictions. For persons who will attend the pre-bid conference in person, all persons will have to have their temperature taken prior to being permitted to enter the building. If a person’s temperature indicates that they have a fever that person will not be allowed to enter the building. We recommend that if you are attending the pre-bid meeting in person to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the meeting time.

To attend the pre-bid conference via tele-conference, please use the following call-in number and meeting ID. Call-In Number: 209-844-4600. Meeting ID: 24136866. A site visit will be performed after the conclusion of the pre-bid meeting. If persons cannot attend the site visit after the pre-bid meeting, then they will need to schedule a different time for a site visit. Please call Mitchell Davies, Sugar Land Regional Airport at 281-2752100 to arrange a site visit.

5

Hearts” may have started as a wish, but it’s become a wish come true for people in need.

Lopez is happy about that.

“The most important thing is to find a cause, and find your drive and purpose behind it,” she said. “...You just need to understand why you’re doing it – as long as you keep in mind why you’re doing it, you’ll be able to succeed.”

Lopez wants to keep succeeding in helping others.

“Our differences are exactly what we need to help each other, because the first step in making a difference is understanding our boundaries and what I can do in order to close this distance,” she said.

“It’s up to us who are more fortunate to help those who are not.”

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about all the people out there who are braving it out (without those).”

It’s not the first time Lopez has been recognized for her efforts. Just a year after beginning “Warm Coats, Warm Hearts,” she was among eight Fort Bend ISD students recognized in July 2017 by the Lone Star Leadership Academy Alumni Council.

“We admire these young leaders for their ability to assess the needs of the communities they serve and find meaningful ways to address them,” NASSP CEO JoAnn Bartoletti said in a news release. “At a time when everyone is looking for optimism, these students are a bright light for their peers and the adults in their lives.”

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Lopez has donated leftover items to a shelter for domestic violence victims and a youth immigration detention center.

“It was a bit hard to understand in the beginning as to why someone my age would prefer to get clothes rather than something materialistic – many children on Christmas Day, the last thing they want to see when they open up their gift is clothes,” she said. “But I’m fortunate to have warm clothing and a heater in the house or blankets that I can rely on to keep me warm. Then I just think

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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, May 13, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend Tax Office reopens to public with limited capacities

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Fort Bend County Tax Office reopened to the public with reduced lobby capacity

★ FEUD FROM PAGE 1

to the TDCJ website.

The site also says that five Jester I employees have tested positive.

The transferred prisoners will be sent back to general population of their original prisons once they have been medically cleared, according to the TDCJ. ★ BILLBOARD FROM PAGE 1 the end of this month.

“I didn’t know they were going to do it, and I just thought it was a good gesture to bring positivity when everyone’s feeling down and not knowing what’s going on,” Butler said. “They’re still thinking about us and committed to helping us have a good finish to the year and ending our school career strong even if we can’t have the traditional events.”

on May 4.

The office's locations that have opened include the ones in Richmond, Missouri City, Sienna Plantation and Sugar Land. These offices are offering full-service auto and

property tax processing at their normal business hours.

The Needville office remains closed to the public, though staff is processing transactions received through the drop box, mail, and dealer

drop-offs.

“We are pleased to begin serving our customers in person again, even if it is at a reduced capacity,” Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carrie Surratt said in a

news release.

Residents can visit fortbendcountytx.gov/taxoffice and follow the Fort Bend County Tax Office's social media pages for future updates.

Staff is also available to assist customers by email at FBCTaxInfo@fortbendcountytx.org or by calling 281-341-3710.

Follow us on social media @ FortBendStar

In total, more than 1,400 inmates around the state have tested positive for COVID-19.

TDCJ spokesperson Jeremy Desel previously said the COVID-19 positive prisoners were transferred from other prisons to hospitals and then to the Richmond jail. He said Monday that he was not previously aware of Fort Bend County’s letter to the

Texas Board of Criminal Justice and that the TDCJ plans to continue its practice.

“The Jester I Unit will continue to be used as a step-down facility,” he said.

Included among the local officials’ complaints to the TDCJ was that, because the county does not control what happens at the prison, it cannot

implement the same safety measures put in place at other facilities and testing sites within the county. They also insist the transfers from other Texas prisons put Fort Bend County citizens at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, because Jester I employees could live in the

county.

The county has opened free testing sites in each of its precincts as part of its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. As of Tuesday, county officials had reported 1,404 cases of COVID-19. The disease also has caused 40 deaths among county residents.

“We will not allow a mandate from Austin to … put our citizens at risk for

getting coronavirus and going backward to shutting down our economy again,” the letter says.

According to county leaders, thousands of Fort Bend residents have signed a petition that also was sent to the TDCJ requesting it cease the transfer of infected inmates to Jester I. Desel said he also was not previoiusly aware of a petition sent to the TDCJ.

SMSD Superintendent Robert Bostic said the idea grew from a desire to commemorate the outgoing seniors and help them remember their final year of high school for something other than the pandemic.

“We really wanted to make sure we were showcasing our kids in a special way, because it’s pretty terrible that they can’t walk across the stage and graduate like folks have traditionally done,” he said.

“We wanted them to know that we love them and we

see that they need to be supported. This was a neat way to do it while keeping social distancing and having the signature of not trying to do what everyone else did.”

Lee Vela with Clear Channel Outdoor said SMSD paid $2,000 – or $500 per billboard – to digitally honor its graduates.

“Hopefully the students and their parents see their faces up on the billboard, and then they become a celebrity,” Vela said. “It’s important for us to rec-

ognize these graduating seniors, because they’ve worked long and hard to get where they are. This is part of our commitment to the communities in which we operate.”

Initially, Stafford seniors put yard signs outside their homes to acknowledge their graduation into the next stage of their lives.

But Bostic said something about the arrangement still seemed off. The celebration still lacked what he called the district’s “SMSD Swag.” “(Yard signs) didn’t seem

big enough or enough of a signature,” Bostic said. “A billboard on (Highway 59) with your face plastered up there is a virtual way to give your kid that big embarrassing hug in front of everyone saying, ‘I love you. You did something great.’”

The efforts appear to be appreciated, at least by the Butler family. Gabrielle’s father, Chris, said it is an extension of the love that SMSD has shown its students, including both of his daughters.

“I’ve appreciated a lot of what the district has done over the years,” he said. “…

That’s what you get with a small entity – a little more special focus on (the students).”

Gabrielle’s mother, Garri, echoed the sentiment.

“I feel so proud and happy not only seeing her face, but those students who have been with her since kindergarten. They’re going to do great things in the world,” she said. “I appreciate all that (SMSD) has done in going out of their way to acknowledge the kids. Even if they don’t get a graduation, they’ll know the school thought enough of them to try doing something other than just a virtual ceremony.”

Gov. Greg Abbott previously ordered all Texas schools to close for the remainder of the year.

Last week, Texas Education Commissioner Mike

Morath issued statewide guidelines for graduation ceremonies, saying schools can conduct virtual ceremonies with the use of video or vehicle ceremonies that involve drive-in or drive-through activities.

Morath said schools also can utilize outdoor venues that allow for adequate social distancing. Bostic said SMSD still plans to have a physical graduation ceremony at 8 p.m. July 17 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, where SMSD can ensure that participants and attendees can adhere to social distancing.

That would be perfect for Gabrielle Butler, who wants to give her fellow seniors a proper sendoff.

“I’ll be happy to just have a graduation – I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time,” she said. “I’m working on my speech and I’m excited to share my parting words. I’m still just as excited about graduation as I was before this whole thing.”

In the meantime, she and her classmates can become stars in their local community. “(The digital billboards) helped us give them that moment to let them know we love them. You see it, and so does everybody else,” Bostic said. “That’s exactly the good old embarrassing hug from your mom and dad that shows you are loved.”

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020 • PAGE

7

Houston Methodist Sugar Land ramping up services to patients sist a patient The hospital said those infected with COVID-19 are being kept in a concentrated unit, while medical personnel treating those patients do not interact with any other patients.

Fort Bend County officials had reported 1,404 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday. The disease had caused 40 deaths among county residents, while 240 had recovered.

“We already had a robust health and safety program in place prior

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent executive order allowing for the resumption of medical procedures not related to COVID-19, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital reopened its diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, procedural and surgical schedules on May 1. Those services had previously been restricted due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, the upper-respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus strain.

While expanding its services, the hospital is implementing several modified protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as: • Modified in-car checkin and waiting process for outpatient services • Screening everyone upon arrival with temperature checks and exposure questionnaire • Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment while providing patient care • Implementing additional sanitation processes to disinfect all equipment and surfaces • Implementing virtual waiting rooms and staggered appointment times to minimize contact with others

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“We are taking every precaution and will continue to do so.”

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Yes, in 2011 scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical Terry Snook Center and the National AuD, FAAA Institute on Aging found that people with hearing loss are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia as they age. Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports that “A lot of people ignore hearing loss because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age. Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem.” With untreated hearing loss the brain is constantly trying to fill in the gaps to understand speech or conversation. The extra processing necessary to understand what is being said creates an increased cognitive load. This cognitive load is one of the factors that has been related to an increased risk of dementia.

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DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS We’re still here for you Even during these challenging times, Houston Methodist doctor offices are open and seeing patients who need our care. Though your appointment may not look like a typical appointment, our providers may see you via video visit, telephone or in person, when needed. Rest assured, we are taking every precaution to ensure we can safely see you and meet all your health care needs. houstonmethodist.org/hereforyou 281.274.7500

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, May 13, 2020

★ TESTING FROM PAGE 1 COVID-19 cases among residents. The upper-re-

spiratory disease has also caused 40 deaths within the county.

Friday’s opening of two new sites gave the county

free testing sites in all four precincts as officials work to gauge the level of COVID-19 spread within the community.

“This is an absolutely necessary service in the face of what we are experiencing today,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken DeMerchant said in a news release. “The community in all areas must have ac-cessibility to free testing sites as the county moves forward to opening up for regular business.”

Residents do not need to be experiencing symptoms in order to be tested, but they must make an appoint-

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend County Judge KP George (left) speaks at the opening of a COVID-19 testing site as Commissioner Ken DeMerchant (right) looks on. (Photo from KP George Twitter)

ment and bring their unique

ID to the testing site. To set

up a time and date, residents can sign up at uthtmc.az1. qu a lt r ic s.com/jfe/for m/ SV_0ILT5XuVXN8gvhH or call 281-238-2363 be-tween 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays.

AccessHealth will be performing the tests, while LabCorp will be providing the test kits as well as the results, which will be available 3-5 days following testing, according to the county.

For more COVID-19 coverage just like this, follow the Star on all of our social media pages @FortBendStar

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COMMUNITY

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to native countries all around the world.

We want the families we serve to make choices that will satisfy them today and in years to come.

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to editor@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events.

EXCHANGE CLUB OF MISSOURI CITY A citywide blood drive in partnership with the city of Missouri City will take place on May 13 at the Quail Valley City Centre in the Bluebonnet Room. Social distancing and safety protocols will keep you safe while you are making your donation.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS We will not be meeting in May. As of now, we plan to have our kick-off meeting/luncheon in The Great Hall at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. during which we will install our new officers. TRTA dues for March 2020-February 2021 are now due. Members and new retirees wishing to join, please mail a personal check made payable to FBHRE for $45 directly to treasurer Cathie Ritchie at 1107 Laurel Green Rd. in Missouri City. If you are a Diamond Plus member, then you would only send Cathie a check for $10. Contact Cathie with any questions at critchie43@comcast.net ALBION HURRICANES FC AHFC has multiple campuses in and around Houston, including Sugar Land. The club invites all interested players from ages of 7-18 to contact the campus director about team placement. Interested players should preregister before coming out. Visit albionhurricanes.org/ afhcstaff for contact information.

ONGOING ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA FOOD DRIVE A community food drive benefiting East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry is being sponsored by St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church, 4747 Sienna Pkwy., through May 31. Boxes will be at the front door of the church to collect needed food items. Monetary tax deductible donations can be made out to East Ft.

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DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday morning at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land ( 502 Eldridge Rd. ). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, AmericaÕ s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members!

Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@ reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

SIENNA CRAFT/SEWING GROUP Sienna Craft/Sewing group. Meets every Tuesday from 10-noon at Sawmill Clubhouse in Sienna Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@ yahoo.com for additional information.

DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-222-4888.

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, taxfree monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg.

For more information, call 281-344-3515.

WHILE WE’RE WAITING SUPPORT GROUP For Bereaved Parents - grieving the loss of a child

at any age. Meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at the First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land. For more information, call 281-413-2484.

AMERICAN LEGION 271 MEETING We meet the first Thursday of every month at the Post Hall, 4520 Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. A covered dish meal is served to members at 6:30 p.m. followed by meetings at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-341-9966.

AMERICAN LEGION 294 MEETING Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old Hickory Inn BBQ, 3334 FM 1092, just north of Highway 6 in Missouri City. For more information, please call 713-376-7295.

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with AlzheimerÕ s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. JohnÕ s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson St. in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public.

For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800272-3900.

4-H, FOOD & NUTRITION Fort Bend 4-H is looking for input from the community on how it can better serve the public.

To learn more about 4-H projects, join 4-H at 7 p.m. at the University Library (14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land), visit fortbend4h.eventbrite.com or call 281-342-3034.

ADOPT A SHELTER CAT Fort Bend Pets Alive is partnering with Half Price Books in Sugar Land to find homes for shelter cats and to promote literacy among young readers.

School-aged children are invited to come read to a cat, receive an Ò I read to a catÓ bookmark and be eligible to adopt a cat for 50 perecent off. Held 1:304:30 p.m. the first Saturday of every month at 3203 Hwy 6 S, Sugar Land.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City presents a variety of programs every month. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2900 or 281-633-4734.

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Bend Human Needs Ministry (EFBHNM) and placed inside the mail slot. For additional information, please contact melinda@siennachurch.org.

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