06-23-2021 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Legislature fails to fund virtual learning - Page 2

Torchy’s Tacos is fitting in at The Grid with its tasty variety of options.

Read our review inside today on Page 8. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

WEDNESDAY • JUNE 23, 2021 Check out

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Supply chain issues cause headaches

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 45 • No. 44

Coronavirus cases might be trending down and life is returning to some sense of normal in Fort Bend County, but for contractors and those that work in the home and business repair business, the strangeness is just beginning.

David Lueck is the owner of Richmond-based Alliance Garage Doors and has been in the industry 28 years. Now is the first time he’s ever seen delays for parts last this long, he said.

“There was a time where when you special ordered a door, the lead time was four or five weeks,” Lueck said. “Now, it’s like three months.”

David Lueck, owner of Alliance Garage Doors in Richmond, works on a garage door. He said finding parts has been difficult.

(Photo by Matt deGrood )

And Lueck isn’t the only one. While on assignment to repair a garage door one Friday morning, the homeowner said he’d been noticing similar issues in

other industries.

“It’s an issue we’re all facing, businesses little to big,” said Dipu Kakumani of of Sugar Land. “You could be missing something as little as a chip or a fastener and it slows everything down.”

As businesses resume full operations and de-

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Gang member gets 50 years in area killing

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Houston man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for assisting in the 2016 killing of a teenager at a park in Missouri City to silence him as a potential witness, prosecutors announced June 17.

Jose Guerra Sibrian, 37, pleaded guilty June 17 and was sentenced to 50 years for murder as part of a plea agreement, court records show. Sibrian had initially been charged with capital murder for his role in the killing of Estuar Quinonez, 16, as part of an MS-13 gang-related

Young dancers move to the music during Missouri City’s Juneteenth celebration last Saturday at Hunter’s Glen Park. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

T

here are lots of cool things to do in this slice of the Houston area See story on Page 7 we call home. Fort Bend County has a diverse mix of people and also a variety of options for entertainment, recreation and enjoying a hot meal or cold drink. The Fort Bend Star is kicking off a new series this week called "Fun in Fort Bend" in which we go to a place or event in the area and then tell you all about it with words, photos and also videos on our website, FortBendStar.com.

We're excited about exploring the community and all it has to offer, and we hope you'll join us along the way.

Sugar Land expands public art to Brooks Street Bridge

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sibrian

SEE MS13 PAGE 7

Families gathered along Texas Parkway and outside their front yards Saturday to watch the “One Mile of Smiles” Juneteenth parade, which ended at Hunter’s Glen Park.

(Photo by Stefan Modrich)

The Brooks Street Bridge, overlooking Char Lake and its blueish green waters and grassy embankments, stands as something of a gateway between the quiet Hall Lake and Brookside neighborhoods and the whirring of distant highway traffic and commercial buzz along state

Katy Antill’s “Natural Rhythm” mural, recently completed along the Brooks Street Bridge in Sugar Land, is a hand-cut tile mosaic featuring native birds and wildlife.(Photo by Stefan Modrich)

Highway 6.

That uninterrupted

view of the waters of Char Lake now has some

eye-catching competition from the bridge itself in the form of a new mural from artist Katy Antill, called “Natural Rhythm.”

The $59,500 mural, which features colorful, hand-cut tiles depicting beautiful natural landscapes and the local wildlife, is the newest of 21 public art displays that Sugar Land has commissioned in recent years in effort to bolster the city’s visual appeal and drive

more tourism and wildlife dollars to the area.

City spokesperson Doug Adolph said the city has spent $629,120 in total since the 2017 fiscal year on its public art program.

The Sugar Land City Council recently celebrated the completion of Antill’s artwork on the bridge.

Funding for the Brooks

SEE MURAL PAGE 7

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THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, June 23, 2021

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Elder abuse on rise in Fort Bend County

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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Elder abuse is on the rise in Fort Bend County, and new County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson would like to construct a new adult mental health division in her office to combat the problem, she said.

It’s not yet clear exactly how much such the program might cost, Smith-Lawson said. But the funding would cover the salaries of a dedicated attorney, an investigator and a legal assistant, she said.

“I want to make sure that we have the same protections as other counties,” she said. “We are a growing population, and we can’t wait to build our infrastructure. Just think of how many senior homes have been popping up all over.”

Crimes against the elder-

ly can run the gamut under Texas criminal law, said Wesley Wittig, executive Assistant District Attorney with the Fort Bend District Attorney’s Office.

Someone accused of abusing the elderly might face a specific elder-related crime, such as injury to elderly, or they might face an enhancement to a more general crime, such as forgery, Wittig said.

Until 2020, prosecutors in Fort Bend County had been filing more and more elder abuse-related cases, from 26 in 2017 up to 60 in 2019, according to statis-

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Blood clots that form in the veins of the legs and arms sometimes break away and get lodged in different arteries of the body. A blood clot in the lung, which is also called a pulmonary embolism (PE), can be life-threatening. Blocking the pulmonary artery may also reduce the amount of oxygen that is able to go through the body. A common sign of a PE is a sudden shortness of breath. A major complication that may occur is pulmonary hypertension.

Heparin is usually administered for several days to help break up or dissolve clots and keep the blood clot-free. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant that works by blocking the formation of vitamin K in the blood, to keep it from coagulating. Those who take warfarin require frequent blood tests and should eat a consistent amount of vitamin K in order to keep the blood at a moderate level to reduce the risks of a bleeding or a clot.

Newer anticoagulants like rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and dabigatran (Pradaxa) do not require the frequent blood tests.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Self-neglect comprises the biggest percentage of intake reports for older people, followed by financial crimes, Smith-Lawson said.

Before joining the county attorney’s office, Smith-Lawson worked in the state’s adult protective services division between 2008 and 2013, as the sole attorney for 13 counties, including Fort Bend, she said.

“Fort Bend has a growing number of elderly,” Smith-Lawson said.

The Adult Protective Services office has an expert assigned specifically to those cases, and it’s part of the reason the county needs a dedicated office to help adults in Fort Bend.

“Elder abuse is everybody’s business,” Smith-Lawson said. “We all deserve to grow old and not have to worry about this type of abuse.”

Texas Legislature cuts funding for virtual learning

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

from

Ed’s Pharmacy

tics provided by the district attorney’s office.

Statewide, intake reports with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services have trended downward in recent years, from a high of about 75,079 in 2019, according to data from the state agency.

There might be several reasons for that, she said.

Harris County in recent years has instituted stricter regulations on group homes, and as a result, many of those businesses have been moving toward the other, nearby counties, Smith-Lawson said.

And the coronavirus pandemic likely exacerbated self-neglect issues that many older residents had, she said.

Smith-Lawson recently joined County Judge KP George, District Attorney Brian Middleton, Sheriff Eric Fagan and officials with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to spread word of

Fort Bend ISD officials are evaluating the options for teaching students at high risk for contracting coronavirus after the Texas Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have funded some online schooling next year, according to the district.

House Bill 1468 would have allowed districts

across Texas to continue to offer some virtual attendance next year and receive the same amount of funding, according to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

The state calculates how much a district receives per student based on in-class attendance.

More than 1,300 students in FBISD had asked about the possibility of attending virtually, according to Sherry Williams, a spokesperson for the district.

District officials planned to offer virtual learning to those with a higher risk of contracting the virus.

“Being unable to move forward with the virtual program is a disappointing development that may create frustration and anxiety for some parents, guardians and students,” Acting Superintendent Diana Sayavedra said.

School districts in Texas could offer virtual learning

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editor@FortBendStar.com

during the pandemic because officials with the TEA used a disaster authority to authorize funding for remote instruction, according to the agency. But without legislative approval, that couldn’t be extended.

Existing state law does, however, provide for virtual learning in a few exceptions. For instance, it allows districts to control their daily school schedules, so long as they meet the minimal number of instructional minutes.

Some districts have used this to institute a four-day in-person schedule, with a fifth remote learning day, according to the agency.

Fort Bend officials are still considering what options they might have for the students that were interested in virtual learning, Williams said. Possibilities include homebound services for eligible students, Williams said.

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021 • PAGE

Please fix our electric grid Those of us who’ve called this region home for any extended period of time are familiar with the challenges of living along the Gulf Coast. Whether it’s the barrage of tropical storms, flooding or the coronavirus pandemic – Fort Bend County residents are a resilient bunch.

But for all of the challenges and struggles, the one thing we thought we could count on was that the lights would stay on.

February proved a cruel awakening for many of us. Hours after my wife and I celebrated a quiet Valentine’s Day at home, our apartment (along with countless thousands across the region) was plunged into darkness – the result of the near-catastrophic failure of the state’s electric grid.

Each hurricane season, my wife makes a point of buying supplies for our hurricane kit. Luckily, those supplies weren’t necessary for the 2020 season.

But they came in handy as temperatures plunged, and we collectively wondered when power might finally come back.

Over the course of the next several days, some estimates are more than 700 people would die from hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and other issues related to the failure of the state’s electric grid. The damage estimate would far exceed that from even Hurricane Harvey, which caused catastrophic flooding in 2017 across the region.

Almost immediately, Texas leaders began the finger-pointing game. Gov. Greg Abbott swore he’d get to the bottom of the prob-

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Matt deGrood

lem. Legislators added the need to fix the power grid to their list of priorities.

At the time, I remember being shocked that temperatures in the 20s and 30s were enough to knock out power for millions of Texans and cause blackouts that lasted for days. Growing up in Amarillo, snow and freezing temperatures weren’t exactly unusual – yet they never meant going without electricity in our homes.

My wife kindly corrected me. Something very similar had happened in 2011, which I’d been living abroad, she explained.

But it turns out we were both right. For many residents in my hometown of Amarillo, the power never faltered in February. That’s because that part of the Panhandle, along with El Paso and some parts of East Texas, receive power from different sources.

If all you’d read in the intervening months were the press releases, then it might have come as a surprise earlier this week when officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which governs about 75 percent of the state’s power grid, began asking residents to conserve power because of tight grid conditions.

The warning was enough to give many of us who’d been through February’s winter storm a panic at-

tack.

Social media has turned into a steady stream of gallows humor about the instability of the state’s grid, and therapeutic vent sessions.

“Good morning to everyone except ERCOT (again),” County Judge KP George tweeted on June 15.

It’s hurricane season.

We’ve already been keeping a steady eye on weather reports, anxious over any news of possible tropical development in the Gulf.

Now, we are also faced with the prospect of the lights going off once again, this time as temperatures are spiking in excess of 100 degrees.

The fact of the matter is, for all the talk from the state’s elected leaders about getting to the bottom of the issue in February, it was, to quote Shakespeare, all “sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Preventing another disaster like February’s winter storm might be one of the few things that exceeds partisan politics in 2021.

“Do I really have to agree with Don Huffines?” state Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, asked, retweeting Republican candidate for governor, Don Huffines.

“A governor who keeps the power on shouldn’t be too much for Texans to ask,” Huffines wrote.

Stressing through hurricane season, possible flooding and the coronavirus pandemic is enough anxiety on an annual basis to take at least several years off our lives. It shouldn’t be too much to ask that we not add the possible failure of the state’s electric grid to that list.

FortBendStar fortbendstar.com

Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNT Y

BAPTIST CHURCH

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 METHODIST CHURCH

CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Worship: 10:30 a.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

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

502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

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ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org

Scripture of the week

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

- Jeremiah 29:11

3

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, June 23, 2021

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

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Wednesday, June 23, 2021 • PAGE

5

@FtBendAthletics:

Outfield trio lead Skeeters’ offensive outburst the way and driving in 10 runs while reaching base in 12 of his 20 plate appearances. He was leading Sugar Land in homers (12) slugging percentage (.616) and OPS (1.001) and had three consecutive multi-hit games entering Monday’s action, including a three-homer game in Sugar Land’s 2415 victory over El Paso Sunday night.

Meyers is the first player in Skeeters franchise history with three homers in a game, according to a news release from the team, while the 24 runs were also a franchise record.

Meyers was not the only offensive catalyst for the Skeeters as fellow outfielders De La Cruz and Siri seemingly drove in whatever runs Meyers did not. De La Cruz went 10 for 26 with two hom-

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Sugar Land Skeeters’ offense fired on all cylinders last week, scoring 52 runs in six games behind the effort of three players, who sit atop the team’s individual leaderboards entering play this week.

Outfielders Jake Meyers, Jose Siri and Bryan De La Cruz were the driving forces for the Skeeters, who lead Triple-A West’s East Division after going 4-2 last week. They were 24-15 overall entering Monday night’s action against the El Paso Chihuahuas. Sugar Land concluded its homestand by splitting games against the Round Rock Express on June 14 and June 15, then took three of the first four games against El Paso on the road.

The Skeeters, who boast the second-best record in Triple-A West, were scheduled to conclude their road trip against El Paso on Monday and

ers and two doubles while driving in 10 runs last week, and Siri went 6 for 18 with a homer and four RBIs while reaching base nine times. Siri was second on the team in OPS (.882) and led the Skeeters with 36 RBIs entering play Monday, while De La Cruz was third on the team with an .875 OPS. Infielder C.J. Hinojosa also had a strong week for Sugar Land, going 9 for 19 with a double and four RBIs in the six games. He was one of seven Sugar Land hitters to pound out multiple hits Sunday night against El Paso.

On the mound, Brett Conine continued to shine in picking up his fifth win of the season in a 10-3 victory over El Paso on June 18. Conine (5-0) tossed six innings of one-run baseball while scattering four hits and

striking out five without issuing a walk. Fellow starter Chad Donato picked up a win with five innings of one-run baseball in a rain-shortened win over Round Rock on June 15.

Andre Scrubb led the team’s relief pitchers last week, throwing 2.2 scoreless innings in a couple of appearances while striking out five batters. Ronel Blanco picked up his fifth save of the season June 17 against El Paso, striking out two hitters in a perfect inning.

A look ahead Following the conclusion of their road trip on Tuesday, the Skeeters had an off-day Wednesday and were scheduled to kick off a six-game homestand against the Oklahoma City Dodgers at 6:05 p.m. Thursday at Constellation Field.

Sugar Land outfielder Jake Meyers drops the bat and starts to run after hitting the ball. Meyers had six homers for the Skeeters last week. (Photo from Twitter)

Tuesday.

Meyers went 9 for 17

for Sugar Land last week, slugging six homers along

Sugar Land group partners with state on specialty license plate

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Sugar Land-based advocacy group has succeeded in creating the first state-approved autism-related specialty license plate, the sales of which will help fund assistance for families living with autism.

House Bill 4080 recently sailed through the Texas Legislature without a single opposing vote, according to the state’s website. The bill, which will go into effect Sept.

4, will require officials with the

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to print specialty license plates bearing the words, “Autism awareness.”

Many organizations and causes, such as the Special Olympics and Girl Scouts, already have specialty license plates, but House Bill 4080 establishes the first for autism awareness.

Representatives of the

Sugar Land-based Hope For Three organization will work alongside state officials to develop the license plate, according to the bill’s text. A portion of the funding raised through the plate’s sales will go toward grants for nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is to create awareness and support families living with autism

For questions, call us at 281-690-4200 or email to : Jsazma@fortbendstar.com

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FEELING BLESSED “Reverend Canon, Owen Barker, is a member of the Missionary Society of St. Francis Assisi. He belongs to a large international organization and has been a missionary for over 40 years. ‘I’m not big on titles, just call me Owen.’ In 2014 Owen noticed something seriously wrong with his legs. He was going to a doctor for neuropathy (numbness) that started in his feet and eventually reached his thighs. It got so bad, he stopped being able to feel the brake pedal in the car. So he stopped driving. A friend recommended SLHC. Owen was getting rides from friends, family and Uber to make the appointments. After treatment Owen gained feeling back in his feet and legs, lost weight, dropped his medication substantially, began driving again and now is able to kneel on his knees for prayer again. “I want to thank everyone at SLHC, this has greatly blessed my life!” - Owen Barker

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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, June 23, 2021

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Texas Rangers investigating Houston developer adds land inmate's death at county jail to Harvest Green subdivision

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

State law enforcement are looking into what caused the death of an inmate at the Fort Bend County Jail, who died in June at a nearby hospital, according to a report sent to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.

Albert Ramirez, 57, was facing an aggravated robbery charge and had been in the Fort Bend County Jail since February 2020, according to the report. Ramirez was

transported to the hospital on June 4 because of failing health and would later die on June 13 after his condition further declined, according to the report.

Investigators with the Fort Bend County Medical Examiner’s Office have initially determined Ramirez died of natural causes, but have not yet received laboratory analysis, according to the report.

It’s fairly typical for the Texas Rangers to investigate any in-custody death that happens in county jails, said Sgt. Stephen Woodard, a

spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Rangers.

“The majority of sheriff’s offices will have rangers investigate those, for that outside investigation integrity piece,” Woodard said.

Deputies with the sheriff’s office are assisting in the investigation at the request of the Texas Rangers, said Jacqueline Preston, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Ramirez was diagnosed with liver disease the year before his most recent booking, according to the report.

homesites ready for sale by the second quarter of 2022, will feature a variety of home styles, with designs for properties ranging from 40 feet wide to 75 feet wide.

Johnson Development said it will also offer additional community amenities such parks, trails, green space and a pool upon full completion.

“Our farm-themed community has resonated with buyers looking for a more sustainable lifestyle,” Harvest Green general manager Jerry Ulke said. “…This ad-

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Johnson Development has closed on the purchase of a 630-acre parcel of land that will soon be home to more than 1,000 additional homesites adjacent to the already-burgeoning Harvest Green subdivision in Richmond, according to a news release from the Houstonbased home developer.

The news release said Harvest Green’s newest section, which should have

2021 READER'S V CHOICE AWARDS

ditional land will meet that obvious demand.”

The section will add to existing amenities in the 1,300-acre development such as the 12-acre Village Farm, a fitness center and a recreation complex according to Johnson Development. It will add about 1,400 homes to Harvest Green’s master plan.

For more information about the Harvest Green subdivision, community members can visit its website at harvestgreentexas. com.

O TING ENDS JUNE

28th

CAST YOUR VOTE ONLINE www.FortBendStar.com/Site/StarReadersChoice

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Owner will be bound by the terms of this invitation only to the extent funds, from whatever source, are available.

All bids must be accompanied by proposal guaranty in the form of a Certified or Cashier’s Check, or Bidders Bond drawn to the order of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25, and in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after receipt of bids except with the approval of Owner. Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid from any responsible person which will be most advantageous to it and result in the best and most economical completion of the Work. The successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in full amount of the contract.

Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager Publication Dates: June 16, 2021 Publication Dates: June 23, 2021

Gary Garbs - Owner ggelite4u@gmail.com

912-247-5768 FB Group: Elite

Exterior - Interior Painting / Sheetrock / Granite / Roofs / Pressure Wash Carpentry / Tile Work / Bath Remodeling Hardiplank Siding / Floors / HVAC Plumbing / Electrical FOR SALE

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LEGALS

Plans, specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:

In general, the work consists of the repair of ten (10) stormwater outfalls into Red Gully, two (2) manhole repairs upstream of the stormwater outfalls and fill/regrading work at one (1) stormwater inlet (the “Project”).

Elite Construction

Regional Classified Ads

(the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:00 P.M., July 14, 2021 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407.

Civcast USA Civcastusa.com (281) 376-4577

265-7134

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SECTION 00010 ADVERTISEMENT AND INVITATION FOR BIDS

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

Sealed bids on the original forms, signed by an officer of the Company, will be received by Fort Bend County MUD No. 25 (the “Owner”) for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment and for performing all work required for the construction of:

Pressure Washing

Sheetrock Repair

Painting by Tod

NOTICE TO BIDDERS CITY HALL POWER WASH & MASONRY SEALANT PROJECT The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for performing all work required for the following project in the City:

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, July 1, 2021, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read via teleconference.

Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered

Free Estimates

cannot be combined with any offer

LEGALS

BID NO. 2021-20: CITY HALL POWER WASH & MASONRY SEALANT PROJECT BIDDER’S NAME, ADDRESS, AND DUE DATE Specifications and bidding documents may be obtained by registering with Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

Frank Garza, owner

TRANE ON SALE!

IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD COVID VACCINE, PLEASE WEAR A MASK. NO EXCEPTIONS SECURITY CAMERAS on premises

Bond & Insu ed red

STAFFORD MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT RFP #21-0015 Property, Liability and Automobile Coverage Stafford Municipal School District is seeking request for proposals from qualified companies to provide Property, Liability and Automobile Coverage for the District. Proposal responses are due on or before July 21, 2021 by 2PM CST. Proposals can be found on the SMSD website at https://www.staffordmsd.org/ departments/fiscal-responsibility.

Dedrea Norman, CFO Stafford MSD 1633 Staffordshire Road

THE FOLLOWING ADS HAVE NOT BEEN SCREENED BY THE SOUTHEASTERN ADVERTISING PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION (SAPA); Therefore, any discrepancies thereof shall not be the responsibility of the aforementioned association.

Your publisher has agreed to participate in this program and run these ads as a service to the Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association.

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See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, June 23, 2021 • PAGE

7

Fun in Fort Bend: Missouri City celebrates Juneteenth

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The energy in the air in Missouri City last Saturday was palpable as I approached Hunter’s Glen Park and saw the traffic begin to pick up along Texas Parkway.

The cause for celebration, of course, was Juneteenth, which originated in Galveston and was first celebrated in 1866 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people at the end of the Civil War. The date falls on the anniversary of Union General Gordon Granger’s arrival in Galveston in 1865 to read General Order No. 3, which announced that the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years earlier, had freed everyone in Texas.

For the last 18 years, the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation has kicked off the holiday with its “One Mile of Smiles” parade and followed it up with an evening of music and dance at Hunter’s Glen Park.

But last Saturday’s event was the first to be celebrated with the distinction of being a federal holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill into law last Thursday mandating that Juneteenth be observed nationally. It has been a statewide holiday in Texas since 1979.

“There’s a lot more to celebrate now,” said Vernita Woodson, of Missouri City, who was seated to the right of the stage as live music from Houston area artists Jaye Hammer, Bel-Ami, Evette Busby, Kollette & Soultre and Leroy Allen boomed in the background.

Earlier, as I walked along the parade route on the way to the park, I saw children and families and people of all ages. Grocery store workers and small business owners of many different ethnic backgrounds smiled as they opened their doors to watch a fleet of impressive roadsters cruise by.

A local baker offered assorted treats such as ice cream,

★ SUPPLY FROM PAGE 1 mand for service spikes, many different industries are still working through supply chain problems, according to Tim Kraft, an assistant professor of operations and supply chain management at North Carolina State University.

Just a few weeks ago, news of a lumber shortage and an associated price spike dominated headlines across the country. As of July, however, those prices began the slow return back to normal.

Futures for July delivery

Parade volunteers riding on the Houston Community College float tossed candy and toys to parade watchers during Saturday’s “One Mile of Smiles” Juneteenth parade. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

snowcones and cupcakes to a crowd of hundreds, who brought their own chairs and sat on the grass in the humid Texas heat, watching young children and older women dance in groups.

Woodson verbalized the sentiment that she and I both seemed to notice Saturday.

“It feels wonderful, you can see it on everybody’s face,” Woodson said. “We’re very happy to come together and feel like a community again.”

Woodson, who has been a regular at Missouri City’s

Juneteenth events for years, brought along Derrick Hudson, who said it was his first time attending the celebration.

He said he was happy to see so many others having fun and enjoying themselves.

The high temperature Saturday was 97 degrees, but Fort Bend County residents are experts at beating the heat. A sprayground at Hunter’s Glen Park shot water up from the ground and dumped buckets from above onto the children playing in the park.

Others congregated on the jungle gym and playground equipment, and teenagers played on the adjacent basketball courts or tossed a football around.

As a majestic sunset began to descend upon the horizon, I made my way back toward the stage.

On the way there, I ran into Bobby Ruben, who said he has lived in Missouri City for seven years.

While he said Juneteenth becoming a national holiday is significant, he doesn’t want others to lose sight of the importance of the event locally.

In particular, Ruben was referring to Freedom Tree Park, about two miles from where he and I stood, where it was announced that slavery had ended on the former Palmer Plantation.

“I don’t think that’s talked

ended June 15 at $1,009.9 per thousand board feet, down 41 percent from a record high of $1,711.20 in early May, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal.

“I think lumber is a really good example of what’s happening in a lot of industries,” Kraft said.

Essentially, at the start of the pandemic, many industries saw a downturn on the horizon and shut down and reduced production capacity, Kraft said. But contrary to expectation, demand in some areas actually increased, creating a perfect storm where there’s now a

huge gap between supply and demand, Kraft said.

Kinks in the global supply chain have already had major effects on life in Fort Bend County.

Officials with Ford Bend ISD, for instance, announced in May they would delay the opening of the district’s 12th high school, Almeta Crawford High School, for a full year, until the fall of 2023 because of a construction material shortage, said Sherry Williams, a spokesperson for the district.

“This development is disappointing, but labor, distribution and supply

chain disruptions due to the pandemic are factors the district cannot control,” district officials said. “We look forward with great anticipation to the day when Crawford High School opens its doors to welcome students.”

It’s not yet clear exactly how long it might take before global supply chains catch back up to demand, Kraft said. But it’s important to remember that some fears about inflation and the supply of product are only temporary, pandemicinduced problems, and not something that should be a problem long-term, Kraft

See Fortbendstar.com for related video

★ MS13 FROM PAGE 1

★ MURAL FROM PAGE 1

retaliation, prosecutors assert.

Sibrian was part of a group of men that in 2016 lured Quinonez to Buffalo Run Park in Missouri City and shot him 15 times as he sat on a park bench, prosecutors said.

Members of the gang were worried that Quinonez, who had witnessed several homicides, was going to testify against them, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Sibrian is the second person to receive a prison sentence in connection to Quinonez’s killing.

Douglas Alexander Herrera-Hernandez, 24, in May was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of capital murder, according to court records.

Herrera-Hernandez had called gang leaders in El Salvador to ask for permission to kill Quinonez and arranged to have several others, including Sibrian, hiding in the park while others picked the teenager up and took him there, prosecutors said.

MS-13 is a transnational gang that started in California in the 1980s and quickly spread across the county and into Central America. The gang now has a presence in major cities, including in Houston and the region.

Sibrian will be eligible for parole after serving 30 years of his sentence, said Michael Kolenc, spokesperson for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Street Bridge project -- including the design, artwork fabrication and complete installation expenses – was approved by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation with restricted sales tax revenue that may only be used to promote, assist and enhance economic development activities and quality of life opportunities within the city. No general fund property tax dollars were used for the project, according to the city.

The city’s first Public Art Plan was approved by the council on Dec. 20, 2016. City officials said the plan was part of a community-engagement effort that included an online survey, round table discussions, community presentations, stakeholder meetings and a town hall presentation. The plan was developed to reflect the community’s vision, according to the city.

Including “Natural Rhythm,” the city has 21 public art installations, eight of which were completed in 2016 or later.

“Our Public Art Plan is designed to support our community on several levels such as helping businesses attract more customers, provide work for local artists and beautify our city for residents and visitors,” Sugar Land Cultural Arts Manager Suzanne Gray said in a news release. “People don’t always think of the arts as an impact economic driver, but it is.”

According to Antill, her mural is meant to evoke a sense of universal life, while grounding the viewer into the immediate, surrounding community.

The larger mural on the bridge’s east wall depicts a scene of sky, water and earth. Colorful hand-cut tile and mirrors augment the natural elements seen throughout the piece.

The artwork showcases a variety of native birds, such as the Mockingbird, Cardinal, American White Ibis and Yellow Crowned Night Heron.

Muscovy Ducks, a Redeared Slider, a Monarch butterfly and a turtle also appear amongst the na-

Jaye Hammer performs during Missouri City’s Juneteenth Celebration Saturday at Hunter’s Glen Park. Last Thursday, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that designated Juneteenth as a federal holiday. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

about enough,” Ruben said.

“For the simple fact that slavery also was ended right here in what is now Missouri City.”

Woodson said she is grateful for the resilience of the Black community in Missouri City, after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of Houston native George Floyd in 2020 and she believes the

crowds at Juneteenth events have become more and more diverse over the years.

“There’s a lot to celebrate, and to reflect on the struggle we’ve come through,” Woodson said. “Just to see that we’re headed in the right direction, and that change is happening, and to see us all come out here to be a part of that.”

said.

“The reality is that the pandemic we hope is going away in the U.S.,” Kraft said. “We’re in good shape.

But it’s still popping up in other parts of the world.

And the supply chain is so global and interconnected, all it takes is one little interruption. That’s the one big lesson people should learn.”

Lueck, for instance, depends on parts from a factory in Mexico that shut down toward the beginning of the pandemic, he said.

That facility has brought back workers in phases and is now operating at full capacity, but now the system

is lagging, he said.

Luckily, the delays haven’t yet hurt Lueck’s business too much, he said.

He just has to plan better and order parts early, he said.

For some reason, it’s been easier to order entire garage doors rather than parts, Lueck said. So, now’s the time to install a garage door, he said.

“I’ve probably lost a few jobs, but I’m not shut down,” he said. “My warehouse still has parts. But new springs aren’t coming in until next month. Do I have enough to last? I’m not sure.”

The city of Sugar Land has 21 completed public art installations around the city, such as this one on the Brooks Street Bridge. Part of it depicts the sun and blue skies. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

tive Purple Coneflowers and Black-eyed Susans.

On the west wall, additional native species are depicted, serving as an accent to the larger mural.

“It not only enhances

the beauty of Sugar Land, but it builds our reputation as an art and cultural destination,” Gray said.

“It’s our goal to create memorable, meaningful places that are focal points for our commu-

nity and enhance the appearance of our public facilities.”

To read more about Sugar Land’s Public Art Plan, visit http://www. sugarlandtx.gov/PublicArt.

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THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, June 23, 2021

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Torchy’s Tacos makes splash in Stafford

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I think it’s appropriate that most of my rites of passage that I’ve experienced as an adopted Texan have been food-related.

The most recent of these was making my long-awaited first trip to Torchy’s Tacos when its Stafford location opened in April, the second in Fort Bend County.

The first opened in 2015 at Lake Pointe Town Center, 15810 Southwest Fwy Ste. 600 in Sugar Land.

The popular Austin chain has developed a reputation as a brash and eccentric brand that has expanded its reach across Texas and the U.S., and its unapologetic creativity is polarizing to some.

After chatting with Jason Perales, the managing partner of the Stafford location, I started things off with a Torchy’s classic — the Green Chile Queso and Chips ($6.25) with tortilla chips for dipping. For 30 cents more, the Hillbilly Queso adds Texas chorizo sausage into the mix.

The Green Chile Queso is one of the quintessential appetizers on offer at Torchy’s Tacos, an Austinbased chain which has locations in Stafford and Sugar Land. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

The Ace of Spades is one of the secret menu tacos from Torchy’s Tacos in Stafford, which opened in April. (Photo

by Stefan Modrich)

I’m normally quite picky with queso as my mind’s eye can’t escape the horrors of

the plasticky nacho cheese often sold at concession stands at youth sports games

and community pools. But this queso is full-bodied and the freshness of the green chiles came through in every bite.

Another one of Perales’ recommendations was the Trailer Park Taco ($4.05), with fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo and cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce nestled in a flour tortilla. I already had plenty of queso at my table, so I didn’t opt to get it

“Trashy,” but if you’re so inclined, you can satisfy your craving by substituting lettuce for an extra helping of queso.

In an unexpected twist, the Fried Avocado Taco ($4.20) turns out to be one of the few vegan options at Torchy’s. It was served alongside the Trailer Park Taco with refried pinto beans, pico de gallo, lettuce and cheddar jack cheese with poblano sauce on a corn tortilla.

The next card in the Torchy’s deck was, fittingly, the Ace of Spades.

So big it needs two flour tortillas, this centipedelike monstrosity is centered around a grilled jalapenocheddar sausage, smoked beef brisket and a fried egg.

It is slathered in green chile queso and Cotija cheese, cheddar jack cheese, sour cream and cilantro.

The X-factor is the spicy Diablo sauce, made with the Peruvian pepper known as Aji Panca, chili peppers and chipotles.

If you stopped by Torchy’s last month, you would have had a chance to try the May Taco of the Month — the Tokyo Drifter, which featured Teriyaki-glazed pulled pork,

fried wonton strips, sweetand-sour veggie coleslaw, sesame Sriracha mayonnaise and cilantro, garnished with a lime wedge and served on a flour tortilla.

June’s Taco of the Month is the Texas Hottie ($5.95), featuring Nashville-style chicken tenders, cayenne sauce, coleslaw, pickled relish, honey and fresh Cotija cheese with chipotle sauce on a flour tortilla.

Torchy’s Tacos

Address: 11327 Current Ln, Stafford Dining Options: Dinein, takeout, delivery Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday Entrée prices: $3-$8.95 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Fried Avocado Taco Star of the show: Ace of Spades

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From Staff Reports

People with a sweet tooth have another option to satisfy their cravings in Sugar Land.

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Hermani last Thursday announced his conception, Little Joy Snacks, Sweets & Gifts, had opened in Sugar Land Town Square.

The store offers a variety of treats and a curated selection of trinkets. It is in a plaza kiosk adjacent to The

Great Holiday Store and across from Altar’d State at 16121 City Walk.

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COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

GOT NEWS? Email your news to

editor@FortBendStar.com

Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to jsazma@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.

JUNE 28 PARENTS TIME OUT FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM AND SIBLINGS! In partnership with Hope For Three Autism Advocates, Sugar Land Baptist Church will host a Parents Time Out, Monday, June 28, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Children with autism and their siblings ages 4 Ð 18 are welcome!

Fun times with new friends, games, sensory-friendly activities, and so much more. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. Visit hopeforthree.org/events to sign-up for a few hours of respite.

JULY 2 CITY OF RICHMOND FREE MOVIE NIGHT The City of Richmond will have a showing of Jurassic Park at Wessendorff Park, located at 500 Preston St., at 8:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring their own blankets and or chairs and there will be free popcorn and water offered onsite along with food trucks. Visit richmondtx.gov/Home/Components/ Calendar/Event/7336/19 for more information.

JULY 19 - 22 ROCKY RAILWAY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL all children K through 5th Grade are invited to Rocky

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LISA N SIMS, AGENT Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

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Railway Vacation Bible School at St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church Ð 4747 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City 77459. Times are 6 p.m. Ð 8:30 p.m. and registration forms can be found online www. siennachurch.org or contact the office 281-778-2046.

For more information email children@siennachurch. org

WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang.

The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195

ONGOING SUGAR LAND AMERICAN LEGION American Legion Freeman Post 942 meets the fourth Thursday of every month at the Post facility, 311 Ulrich, Sugar Land, Texas, at 7:00 PM. All veterans are welcome. Post hall is available for rental for events. Call 713-553-5370 if interested.

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!

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

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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.

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