Fort Bend Star 08/15/18 Edition

More mosquitoes found with West Nile virus: Page 2A

The Stafford High School volleyball team looks to rebound this year in district play. See story on page 4B.

WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 15, 2018

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 41 • No. 52

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Star celebrating 40 years with party Special event is Saturday at Houston Museum of Natural History 832-532-0040 Proageinstitute.com

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By Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

It’s the Fort Bend Star’s 40th birthday bash and everyone is invited to attend.

The Star will celebrate its fourth decade with a party on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, 13016 University Blvd. The first 200 attendees will receive free admission to the event and the museum, with reduced museum admission prices until 2 p.m. All of the museum’s amenities will be available to all attendees.

Although admission is free and reduced, registration is requested online at www.fortbendstar.com.

In addition to being able to explore

the museum, guests will be treated to a number of surprises. The Fort Bend Star will be giving away 300 commemorative T-shirts. There will be bounce houses for the children and food trucks from Il Primo Pizza, That’s My Dog, and That Ice. Inside will be numerous vendor booths. Among them are Olympia Gymnastics and Tumbling, Advanced Dentistry, Signature Care Emergency Center, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, Code Ninjas – Sugar Land, Colonial Oaks Senior Living, Dignity Memorial, Global Exchange, Green Mountain Energy, Grocery Delivery/ DBA HelloFresh, Gulf Coast Donor Program “Be The Match,” Houston Community College-Southwest, Life

Essentials Chiropractic, Southern Journeys, State Farm Insurance/ Lisa Sims, Sugar Land Skeeters – including an appearance by Swatson, Texas State Technical College, United Healthcare, Pool Scouts of Sugar Land, and UT Physicians.

The event is sponsored in part by Olympia Gymnastics and Tumbling; Advanced Dentistry, and Signature Care Emergency Center. Limited vendor space is still available by calling 281-690-4200.

The Fort Bend Star got its start in 1978 as The Southwest Star in eastern Fort Bend County. Based in the southwest part of the Houston metro area, the paper was launched by Beverly Carter to “provide news of local

Stakeholders discuss reburial of remains City offers land at Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery Compiled by Joe Southern JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Fort Bend Independent School District and the City of Sugar Land entered an agreement, along with other stakeholders, to move forward with relocating the skeletal remains of 95 people that were discovered earlier this year at the construction site of the school district’s James Reese Career and Technical Center to the city’s Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery.

The city and the school district announced the agreement last week in separate statements.

“Fort Bend ISD entered into an agreement with the City of Sugar Land recently as a first step toward the planned reburial of remains at the Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery, which is operated and maintained by the City of Sugar Land. The agreement comes as an extensive exhumation process continues with additional details to be finalized at a future date. This process is guided by the expertise of the Texas Historical Commission,” the district said.

“Fort Bend ISD is work-

Archaeologists exhume a grave last month at the site of a historic cemetery found in February at the construction site of Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center. (Photo by Joe Southern)

ing with Mr. Reginald Moore and The Convict Leasing and Labor Project (CLLP); the Fort Bend Historical Association, which operates the Fort Bend Museum; subjectmatter experts such as Dr. Helen Graham, with Houston Community College, George Mason University and the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society; and other stakeholders such as the National Black United Front.

These groups were invited to the site today to get a better

understanding of the district’s continued diligence to ensure appropriate protocols and processes are being taken during the extensive exhumation and analysis underway,” the district said.

“The school district and the Texas Historical Commission have been working together and told us the cemetery was uncovered during construction activity,” said First Assistant City Manager Steve Griffith. “The city of Sugar Land is an adjacent

property owner, so we’ve closely monitored the ongoing developments and worked to establish a continued dialogue with all groups involved in the process.”

City leaders recently organized a meeting with representatives of the Texas Slave Descendants Society – a group now called the Convict Leasing and Labor Project – to discuss preliminary plans for the relocation of the remains to the city’s cemetery and conceptual ideas for enhancing and memorializing the cemetery. Local activist Reginald Moore participated.

“The land owned by the city was proactively acquired in 2006 to preserve and protect the Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery and surrounding land. The property comprised just over 63 acres and has been designated as parkland – no development has occurred on the city’s site. The action taken by the city ensured that the cemetery would not suffer the same fate as many others across the country that have been neglected, forgotten and disappeared into history,” the

SEE REMAINS, PAGE 7B

Travis football coach rebounding from cancer

By Bill McCaughey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

After six months of chemotherapy, radiation treatments and stem cell transplants, Trey Sissom, head coach of the Travis Tigers football team, is ready to coach football.

“I had the month of July to get my strength back up, and now it’s August Trey Sissom and time for f o o t b a l l ,” Sissom said.

Sissom found out he had cancer last January.

“Throughout last football season and the playoffs, I was having back pain,” he said. “I thought it was muscle spasms. After the playoffs, it didn’t go away and got worse. During Christmas break, it got to the point

where I could hardly walk. I thought it might be a kidney stone. We ran all of the tests, but nothing showed up. But in January I had a CT scan and was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Of course, we had no idea what multiple myeloma was,” Sissom said.

What it is is a rare cancer of the white blood plasma cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. The cancerous cells, called multiple myeloma, create abnormal antibodies, called M proteins, which cannot fight infections. As the abnormal cells multiply, they replace the good cells and reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.

“Myeloma causes the M proteins in your bone marrow to grow rapidly, and the only way for them to get out of the marrow is through your bones. When

SEE COACH, PAGE 8B

events, meetings, and honors, and to provide a media through which local businessmen and merchants can reach the consumer.”

Carter passed away in 2013 and the next year Jonathan McElvy and Frank Vasquez took over management. They purchased the Star and the Fort Bend Business Journal last year, adding it to their portfolio of publications that includes The Leader in the Heights, four weeklies in Charlotte, N.C., and more soon with the pending purchase of the Greensheet in Houston and Dallas.

“We’re looking forward to meeting with our friends and neighbors in Fort Bend County and celebrating 40 years of the Fort Bend Star,” Vasquez said.

“It’s going to be a good time and we hope everyone will come out and celebrate with us.”

Mini-Mac

Former Houston Rockets star and Sugar Land Skeeters pitcher Tracy McGrady holds a bobblehead that was given away as a promotion Saturday for the Sugar Land Skeeters. McGrady, or T-Mac as he is known, threw the ceremonial first pitch for the game against the Somerset Patriots.

(Photo by Joe Southern)

Sugar Land girl a finalist in national science challenge

By Theresa D. McClellan THERESA@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Meeha Amirthalingam demonstrates to her mentor how her project works during a Skype call. (Photo by Theresa D. McClellan)

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When Meeha Amirthalingam puts her mind to an issue she won’t stop.

That’s why the now 14-yearold Sugar Land student was named one of the top 10 students in the nation for using her brain to tackle a global issue in the “Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.”

She is the only student from Texas to make it this far in the annual competition and she will learn the outcome in October. The annual competition invites students in grades 5-8 to submit a video describing a unique solution to an everyday problem for the chance to win $25,000 and an exclusive 3M mentorship.

“Science is like magic. You use your brain and your curiosity to solve so many problems,” explained Amirthalingam.

“You look at an issue that concerns you around the world and

try to make it better. There are fifth to eighth graders trying to save the world.”

Amirthalingam, now a Travis High School freshman in the Global Studies Academy, has always been fascinated by water conservation, so for her 8th-grade project she developed a toilet flushing system that uses both fresh and recycled water to reduce water consumption in the home. Part of the process uses recycled “gray water” that normally just goes down the drain.

She was a Sartatia Middle School student when she first submitted her technique. After her older sister, 18-year-old Layaa, made it to the state level as a merit winner as a middle school student, Meeha submitted ideas every year but this is the first idea to garner national attention.

“When I first saw the call from 3M, I was like, hi, and

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THE STAR

PAGE 2A • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

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More mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Fort Bend County Clerk Laura Richard; Liz Furman; Jay Neal, University of Houston at Sugar Land Chief Operating Officer; Mary Favre, and Mary Joyce enjoy the sharing of school history at a recent social hosted by the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.

(Photo by Elsa Maxey)

SLHF Friends treated to back to school history

By Elsa Maxey FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The Back to School themed social of the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation’s Friends on Aug. 9 kicked off with a school bell and featured trailblazing retired educator Rita Drabek, who was Fort Bend ISD’s first female principal.

Mary Willis, who served as the facilitator during the commentary, touched on Drabek’s career highlights while FBISD Trustee Grayle James connected the “then” era to “now.” As for the now, FBISD’s first day of school is on Wednesday, Aug. 15, opening with over 75,000 students.

In a classroom style setting, museum curator Chuck Kelly and Dr. Wayne

Emerson addressed Heritage Friends with history about the Lakeview School in Sugar Land.

Heritage Friends is a SLHF committee for persons 21 years and older. Annual dues are $55 per person, $100 for two. Proceeds go towards supporting the SLHF. The tax-deductible membership is available online and at the museum socials.

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The City of Sugar Land has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus at a mosquito trap located on University Boulevard near the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land in the Telfair subdivision.

The mosquitoes were trapped last week, and Sugar Land was notified that at least one tested positive for West Nile.

The city will increase mosquito spraying to twice per week citywide and will continue working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services to trap and test mosquitoes for the presence of the West Nile virus. The traps supplement the city’s larvicide and mosquito spraying operations.

Humans can contract West Nile virus from a mosquito bite. Infected mosquitoes get the virus from feeding on infected birds.

The virus can cause serious illness or death.

Dr. Joe Anzaldua, the

city’s medical director and health authority, urges residents to take precautions to reduce West Nile exposure.

“Residents should use insect repellent whenever they are outdoors and avoid going outside at dusk and dawn,” said Anzaldua. “People over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with the virus. If people have symptoms that cause them concern, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.”

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. Symptoms may include a stiff neck, vision problems, body tremors, mental confusion, memory loss and seizures. The milder form of the illness is West Nile fever. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle and bone aches, nausea and drowsiness. People with the milder form of the illness typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. Up to 80 percent of people infected

with West Nile virus will have no symptoms and will recover on their own.

Anyone with questions or concerns should contact their doctor.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends practicing the “Four Ds” as precautionary measures: • Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Dress in long sleeves and long pants when you are outside.

• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Drain standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Common breeding sites include old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters.

It’s also important for residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Learn more using the city’s interactive tool at http://webtools. sugarlandtx.gov/sl/epub/ fightthebite/index.html.

For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/ fightthebite.

Sugar Land approves Land Use Plan update From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Sugar Land City Council approved an update to the city’s Land Use Plan on Aug. 7 after a five-year public process led by a citizen Land Use Advisory Committee.

The plan includes goals and policies that focus on ways the city can develop and redevelop to remain a desirable place to live and do business. All of the goals of the Land Use Plan will work together to guide development and redevelopment decisions with the intent of preserving the city’s single-family residential neighborhoods and ensuring Sugar Land continues to be a premier place to live, work, shop and play in the region.

The Land Use Plan, also known as Chapter 6 of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, outlines policy direction and guidance for landuse decisions; establishes a vision for land use; and identifies an action plan of projects to accomplish the land-use vision and goals.

The 10 main goals of the plan include the following items: • Preserving single-family neighborhoods • Creating mixed-use activity centers • Encouraging residential

options • A great place for business • Amenities for all • Inviting outdoor spaces • Connected land uses • Balanced growth • Fostering redevelopment • Celebrate Sugar Land Residents serving on the Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) sought extensive input from the community during the process that guided work to update the plan. Public participation opportunities included public meetings, online town halls, an educational forum series and more.

“A commitment to public involvement and committee education efforts was at the center of the Land Use Plan Update in order to ensure this plan helps the city thoughtfully plan for its future,” said Debby Coffman, LUAC co-chair.

“Throughout the entire process, citizen feedback and input had a strong influence on the recommendations in the plan. LUAC considered a variety of feedback in order to develop the guidance and recommendations in the plan, and we are pleased that the plan represents the citizens’ voice for how we want our community to positively and proactively approach long-term land use decisions.”

Earlier this year, City Council asked LUAC to seek additional input on the topic of multi-family housing. LUAC completed the additional work and concluded that their original multi-family recommendations made in the plan were appropriate.

LUAC’s final recommendation included maintaining their recommended proportion of single-family to multi-family (88 percent to 12 percent, respectively) and clarifying the ratio is the community’s vision today and in the foreseeable future. A definitive statement that no new stand-alone, single-use, multi-family residential development within the city should be approved is also included.

To ensure the intent of LUAC’s recommendations is clearly interpreted – preserve single-family residential neighborhoods and Sugar Land’s recognition as a premier place to live, work, shop and play – LUAC supported the clarification of language throughout the plan to reduce the opportunity for their intent to be misinterpreted and lead to unintended negative consequences.

These modifications also include recommended additions to guide and en-

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Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

3A

FBISD’s disparate discipline practices toward black students must stop

By Ron Reynolds STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 27

It has been more than half a century since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and told the world that he had a dream; a dream that “children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

While society has made definite progress in turning Dr. King’s dream into a reality, injustices against children still exist in our cities and communities.

In K-12 schools – places where they should be safe – African-American youth are subjected to biased school discipline practices that are harming their prospects of success.

A recent news headline speaks to the fact that this is happening in our own backyard: Civil rights probe shows Fort Bend ISD disproportionately disciplined black students.

The article highlights the startling racial disparities that exist in the school discipline practices of Fort

Rob Reynolds, State Representative, District 27

Bend Independent School District, one of the most diverse school districts in America.

Though African-American youth make up only 29 percent the Fort Bend ISD student body, they account for approximately 60 percent of in-school suspensions, 60 percent of placements in disciplinary alternative education programs, and 67 percent of out-of-school suspensions.

Black students in Fort Bend ISD were six times more likely to receive out-ofschool suspensions than white students and four times as likely to be placed

on in-school suspensions, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

To make matters worse, these disparities in school discipline practices are not exclusive to Fort Bend; they are the reality all across our state. Data from the Texas Education Agency show that, in 2013-14, African-American children constituted approximately 12 percent of the students in Texas, yet they made up 35 percent of out-of-school suspensions, 25 percent of the students placed in disciplinary alternative education programs, and 26 percent of in-school suspensions. These numbers largely reflect discipline options that are made at the discretion of local school administrators.

Yet, African-American students are no more likely to misbehave than their white or Latino peers. According to a 2011 report produced by the Council of State Governments (CSG), the race-based gaps in suspension of expulsion rates disappear when school rules make those punishments mandatory for certain conduct. Meaning it is only when schools

have the choice to punish that we see African-American students disciplined at disproportionately high rates. These findings reveal discipline practices that are fundamentally unfair and motivated by bias.

Discipline that removes students from the classroom is particularly troubling because it means students are losing classroom learning time. It is no surprise, then, that the research establishes a clear link between these discipline practices and bad outcomes for students. The 2011 CSG report further found that, among Texas students who had at least one suspension or expulsion, 10 percent dropped out of high school and 23 had future juvenile justice system contact. Students who received no disciplinary action had only a 2 percent dropout rate and 2 percent juvenile justice contact rate. So not only does disproportionate school discipline unfairly keep African-American youth out of the classroom, it also leads directly to behaviors that severely reduce their prospects of graduating and succeeding

beyond school.

Youth involved with the juvenile justice system have difficulty conceptualizing success. Dreams of a college education and a meaningful career fade away within the confines of a cell. In juvenile facilities, youth learn criminal behavior and lose the feelings of safety and security that define childhood.

Even worse, a self-fulfilling prophecy sets in ¬– youth trapped within the system are labeled “ criminals,” and so they begin to identify that way.

Of course, various explanations have been offered to explain this gross disciplinary discrepancy. Some – such as the lack of cultural competence or deep and unacknowledged biases on the part of school officials – have merit. Others – such as arguments that black youth simply misbehave more than their white or Latino counterparts – are simply ridiculous in light of the data.

No matter the reason, one thing is certain: our youth deserve better. All youth have a right to an education.

Unfortunately, this right appears to be conditional.

Based only on skin color,

many schools are quick to redirect African American youth away from the classroom into a school-toprison pipeline.

The research confirms that these disparate practices are real and that they are harming African-American youths’ prospects of success. But it is not enough to know that these disparate practices exist – we must press school districts to take a hard look at the racial disparities that exist within their own schools and remedy their underlying causes.

I commend Dr. Charles Dupre, superintendent of FBISD, for making substantive changes to drastically improve the disciplinary disparities within the district. I look forward to seeing continued improvement in the future.

During the next legislative session, I will ask my fellow legislators to work with me to develop solutions that will address these concerns, which many Texans rightfully share. Together, we can ensure that schools are basing their judgment of misbehaving students solely on “ the content of their character,” not the color of their skin.

‘Hell Hole on the Brazos’ an introduction to convict labor (Based on the testimony of an ex-convict who served time at Imperial Farm in Sugar Land during the convict leasing period, 1867-1912.)

By Richard D. Vogel FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

The preponderance of the wealth of the antebellum South was derived from super-profits produced by slave labor.

The economic exploitation continued throughout the post-war reconstruction period and into the 20th century under the convict leasing system across the American South. In his selfpublished memoir, “25 Years Behind Prison Bars,” exconvict Bill Mills provides graphic testimony about the way the system worked in Texas.

In 1910, at age 17, Mills was arrested and convicted in Hunt County for the theft of a horse and sentenced to two years in prison. As Texas Inmate #37538 he was sent to the Burleson and John Farm on the Brazos River. It was there that he was introduced to the brutal reality of forced labor. His first encounter was the use of the bat.

The Bat Mills was assigned to a cotton-picking squad and learned on his first day in the field that the work day on the farm extended from daylight to dark and the production quota was 300 pounds of cotton a day per man. On his second day he met the whip. An inmate who failed to meet quota was submitted to a strapping with the bat, a two-foot long leather strap mounted securely on a wooden handle. The entire squad was required to witness the punishment and several of the inmates, including Mills, were instructed to hold the man down.

Mills recounts the harrowing event:

“We laid him on his stomach, pulled his pants down to his knees, baring the skin, and his shirt was pulled up under his arms. Two men held each of his legs, one man on each arm and one astraddle his head, which happened to be I in the present instance, because it was the captain’s command. I think he wanted to put a scare into me, and he succeeded.”

According to Mills, the inmate received 20 lashes over an extended eight to 12-minute time span in order to prolong his suffering.

The physical effects of the beating were vivid.

“The first few licks caused very red spots but by the time the last lash was put on, it is a solid blister which looks bluish black,” Mills wrote.

Then the captain made Mills, because he was new to the squad, smell the sweaty and bloody bat as a warning that he would be next if he failed to pick his quota of cotton.

Bill Mills picks up his chronicle of forced labor after he was convicted again and ended up at the Imperial work farm in Fort Bend County, known by prisoners across the system as the “hell hole on the Brazos” because of the brutal working and living conditions.

Hell Hole on the Brazos At Imperial Farm the punishment regime employed to maximize production had been perfected. In addition to the ubiquitous bat, the threat of the dark cell and chaining hung over the inmates.

Imperial Farm prisoners were confined in the dark cell (or “dungeon” as Mills puts it) for first time minor offenses. He describes its structure and function: “A man was supposed to be in the dark cell 36 hours. Therefore, to keep the prisoners in the fields, they would punish as many

as possible from Saturday night to Monday morning, with only one cup of water and one piece of corn bread Sunday at noon. The dark cell was a wooden room about eight feet long, six feet wide, and six feet high. It had no bedding or anything in it, so the prisoner was undressed and pushed in there without anything except a gown. They had to sleep on the floor unless there were too many to lie down. I have seen as many as eight men in a cell at one time for 36 hours.

Many will remember — as I do although in the Oklahoma prison at the time — of reading in the newspaper that 14 Negro prisoners were put in the cell on the Harlem farm near Richmond, Texas, and 13 of them smothered to death.

Of course, I did not see this, but talked with guards who claimed it was true.”

Mills himself was confined in the dark cell for minor infractions several times during his prison career.

Chained up Mills continues his chronicle of punishment at Imperial Farm: “For the second offense they would chain a man by his wrists. This was done by putting a small block and tackle in the ceiling of the building with a long rope running through it, extending from the picket office to the floor. At the end of this rope would be an iron rod about three feet long. At each end of the rod there would be an 18-inch chain extending downward. Another chain or piece of leather would extend from that to a man’s wrist. At the command of the picket guard, the building tender fastened this to a prisoner’s wrist, then the picket guard would pull the rope until he got the prisoner on tiptoes. And it wasn’t unusual to swing him clear off the floor. According to the rules he was supposed

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ever spent in prison. I saw more cruelty and inhuman treatment in those five years in prison than I have seen in the other 20 years in prison.

It would take a very large book to print all the tough details.”

In order to understand the full significance of the brutality that Mills and the other prisoners faced at Imperial Farm we must place his testimony in the context of the convict lease system in Texas.

During the convict leasing period, less than 20 percent of the inmates worked in shops inside the prison proper while more than 80 percent worked at outside camps, and the majority of those on sugar and cotton plantations.

In all essential details, the facilities and conditions at the Imperial state farm appeared typical of the outside camps. Long arduous workdays, poor quality food, and filthy, unsanitary

The convict lease system

SEE LABOR, PAGE 8A

BAPTIST CHURCH

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Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am • 6:00 pm

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • 281-499-3502 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459

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to hang for three or four hours. But that depended on whether he became unconscious. For in that day the guards seemed to enjoy punishing the prisoner more than the law required.

“I’m here to tell you that brutality in Texas prisons was beyond bounds. For this I experienced. I believed then and I still believe that I tried to get along without punishment on the Imperial Farm.”

Mills summarizes his years at Imperial Farm as: “…Hell on Earth, for this was the worst prison life I

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431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478

Worship @ 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 am

Bible Study, all ages, @ 9:45 am www.sugarlandmethodist.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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 Bible Study (all ages): Sun 9:00 am & Wed 7:00 pm Tuesday Adult Bible Class: 10:30 am In the heart of Mo City - with the city at heart

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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SOUTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-499-2310 4200 Cartwright Road, Missouri City, 77459

Sunday School 9:00 am

Fellowship & Coffee 10:00 am

Worship 10:30 am www.southminpres.org LUTHERAN CHURCH

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land Sunday: 8:00 am Traditional Worship

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Scripture of the week

“In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

-Psalm 5:3

PAGE 4A • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

THE STAR

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1 Offer not available in all areas, 20% discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to purchase of 4 or more windows and/or patio doors. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for a free Window and Patio Door Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 8/31/18, with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. No interest for 48 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 48 months. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. This Renewal by Andersen location is independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2018 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

5A

@FtBendAthletics:

Skeeters keep losing players and winning games

By Joe Southern

2ND HALF STANDINGS

JSOUTHERN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The players keep going and the wins keep coming for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Outfielder Courtney Hawkins had his contract purchased by the Cincinnati Reds, who assigned him to High-A Daytona. The 24-year-old Corpus Christi native became the 11th Skeeters player to have his contract purchased by a Major League Baseball organization and the 13th player to have his contract purchased by a professional baseball organization this season, both leading the Atlantic League. The 11 contracts add to the franchise’s single-season record, surpassing the previous record of nine set in 2013.

Skeeters Manager Pete Incaviglia said he wasn’t surprised Hawkins got another chance to play affiliated baseball.

“Courtney has worked hard and made some adjustments,” he said. “He deserves all the credit…

Hopefully someday we’ll see him in the big leagues.”

Despite all the departures, the Skeeters keep on winning. The first half Freedom Division champions are 63-32 overall, eight games ahead of Liberty Division leaders Somerset Patriots, who are the next closest team. As of Sunday night the Skeeters remained the best team in the Atlantic League in the second half with a 2210 record. With the Skeeters taking two of the first three games of a seven-game series from the Patriots, the Long Island Ducks (21-11) have been able to sneak past the Pats to lead the Liberty Division.

The Skeeters began last week on the road with three games at the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. After a rainout on Tuesday, the Skeeters crushed the Crabs in a doubleheader. They took the first game 12-2 with Yasutomo Kubo getting his second win of the season and former Skeeter Brett Marshall suffering the loss.

Catcher Derek Norris was 4-4 in the game with a home run and four runs-batted-in.

In the nightcap, the Skeeters blanked the Blue Crabs 7-0. Jean Machi got his first win as a Skeeter. Outfielder Anthony Giansanti led the offense going 3-4 with two homers, three RBIs and three runs.

The brooms came out on Thursday as the Skeeters swept the Crabs 12-4. Alex Wimmers came in for starter Dallas Beeler and got the win. Juan Silverio was 2-5 at the plate with a home run and four RBIs. Facing a more formidable foe upon returning home on Friday, the Skeeters took the Patriots 11 innings before earning the 3-2 walk-off win.

The Skeeters will held scoreless through seven inning at the hand of Vince Molesky but picked up two runs off Logan Kensing in the bottom of the eighth to take a 2-1 lead. Skeeters closer Felipe Paulino, who leads the

Freedom Division

W L GB Sugar Land Skeeters 22 10 0 Lancaster Barnstormers 15 14 5.5 York Revolution 15 17 7 S. Maryland Blue Crabs 10 19 10.5 Liberty Division

W L GB Long Island Ducks 21 11 0 Somerset Patriots 20 13 1.5 New Britain Bees 15 16 5.5 Road Warriors 6 24 14

post-game concert by Jack Ingram on Aug. 25.

Barrett Barnes makes an appeal after getting tagged out at third by Nate Coronado in Friday’s game. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Although the fireworks show was Friday night, the sparks continued to fly on Saturday as the Patriots took the game 5-4. In the middle of the sixth inning, Incaviglia came out of the dugout to protest an interference call.

A Patriots player made a comment from their dugout and both benches cleared.

No punches were thrown but tension remained high the rest of the game.

“That’s baseball,” Incaviglia said.

Skeeters pitcher Paco Rodriguez, newly re-acquired after a stint in the Minnesota Twins organization, took the loss. Javier Betancourt went 1-4 with a run, a triple, and an RBI. On Sunday the Skeeters returned to their winning

Anthony Giansanti hits the ball Saturday during the Skeeters game against the Somerset Patriots. Giansanti is the Fort Bend Star’s Skeeter of the Week. (Photo by Joe Southern)

league in saves, gave up a run in the ninth to send the game into extras. Former Skeeter Zech Zinicola came in for the Patriots in the 11th

ways with an 8-5 victory over the Pats. Vicente Campos came in relief to get the win and Paulino notched his 25th save. Matt Chavez provided the power at the plate going 2-3 with runs, a home run, and three RBIs. Schedule The Skeeters remain in the toughest part of their schedule this half. They play the Patriots through Thursday before going to Lancaster for three games. After getting Monday off, the Skeeters go to Lancaster to face the Patriots again for three games.

They return home for three games with the New Britain Bees, followed by three games with the Blue Crabs.

There will be fireworks after the game on Aug. 25 and a

Mission Bend/ Sugar Land Location 8910 Hwy 6 S. Houston, TX 77083 281-258-4351

and loaded the bases with an intentional walk to Derek Norris. Silverio belted a single, bringing Barrett Barnes in for the winning run.

Transactions With Hawkins departing on Friday, the Skeeters picked up Paco Rodriguez and activated bullpen catcher Jeff Allen for three days.

Pitcher Angel Nesbitt was released. On Monday the Skeeters signed infielder Luke Dykstra.

Skeeter of the Week Anthony Giansanti went 2-for-5 in Sunday’s win, extending his hitting streak to nine games. Giansanti has gone 16-for-37 (.432), with 11 runs, five doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs over that span. Incaviglia credited him with being a leader on the field and in the clubhouse. “”He’s played lights-out offensively and defensively and it putting up some tremendous numbers,” he said.

Giansanti set the Skeeters franchise record with a 26-game hitting streak in 2017. He is also third in the league with 65 runs, sixth with a .481 slugging percentage and seventh with 25 stolen bases.

Stafford Location 3531 S. Main Stafford, TX 77477 281-410-2009

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2018 2017 AUGUST

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14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org

SUN

TEAM SCHEDULE

MON

30 7:05 31 7:05 1 SOM SOM SOM 12:00PM 5 2:05 6 5:35 7 LAN SMD SMD 6:05 12 7:05 13 7:05 14 SOM SOM SOM 4:00 19 5:35 20 6:05 21 LAN LI SOM 6:05 26 7:05 27 7:05 28 NB NB SMD 6:05

My name is Jasper, somewhere on my kennel card, you see a note that says I am energetic. And maybe I was when I first came here. But I really cooled down. But I am big, so I will need some space to do my own thing.

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7:05

YRK 5:35

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5:35

SMD 7:05 15 SOM 6:05 22 SOM 7:05 29 SMD

YRK

LI - LONG ISLAND SOM - SOMERSET NB - NEW BRITAIN SMD - SOUTHERN

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ATLANTIC LEAGUE TEAMS | HOME • AWAY BRI - BRIDGEPORT LAN - LANCASTER

2

FRI

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3

6:00

5:30

4

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Margarita & Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday: Dollar hot dogs and discounted margaritas. Those with a military ID get in free Two for Tuesday: Buy one field box ticket and get one field box ticket free, half priced groups Kids in Free Wednesday: Kids (12 and under) get in free. Field box only, excludes performance groups. Not applicable 6/13 or 7/18.

Thirsty Thursday: $2 beer and sodas Fireworks Friday: Postgame fireworks shows Saturday Giveaway: Giveaways or a postgame concert Sunday Funday: Autographs and giveaways, pregame catch on the field, postgame Kids Run the Bases (Dr. Larry Caldwell)

1 2 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 24 25 26 28 29 30 31

Kids in Free Wednesday Thirsty Thursday Fireworks Tracy McGrady Bobblehead Giveaway (Assured Flow Solutions - 2,000) Football Night / Football Giveaway (Fluor - 1,000) Margarita Monday / Dollar Dog Monday / Military Monday Two for Tuesday Kids in Free Wednesday Thirsty Thursday Fireworks Jack Ingram Post Game Concert (Silver Eagle) Sunday Funday Two for Tuesday Kids in Free Wednesday Thirsty Thursday Fireworks

THE STAR

PAGE 6A • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF SUGAR LAND A tax rate of $0.32762 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Sugar Land. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

The governing body of City of Sugar Land proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of maintaining current service levels and implementing 2013 voter approved park bond projects.

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.32762 per $100 $0.31762 per $100 $0.30948 per $100 $0.35159 per $100

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Sugar Land from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Sugar Land may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

WATER DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE The FT. BEND COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 119 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2018 on September 5, 2018 at 12:30 PM at Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP, 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2600, Houston, TX 77027. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

FOR the proposal:

ALAN SHELBY, JEANETTE SPINKS, AND BRIAN KEITH JOSEPH

AGAINST the proposal:

None

PRESENT and not voting:

None

ABSENT:

CAROL RICHARDSON AND MICHAEL J. GARZA

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

Total Tax rate (Per $100 Value)

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

General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions)

NOTICE OF 2018 TAX YEAR PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR CITY OF MEADOWS PLACE

$0.56/$100

$-0.01 /$100 -1.7544% $277,658

$-0-

$-0-

Average taxable value

$278,210

$277,658

Tax on average residence homestead

$1,585.80

$1,554.88

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)

$-30.92

and percentage of increase (+/-)

-1.9498 %

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 24 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2018 on Thursday, September 6, 2018 12:00 p.m. at the 3200 Southwest Freeway, Suite 2400, Houston Texas. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted.

A tax rate of $0.832000 per $100 valuation has been proposed for adoption by the governing body of City of Meadows Place. This rate exceeds the lower of the effective or rollback tax rate, and state law requires that two public hearings be held by the governing body before adopting the proposed tax rate.

FOR the proposal: Robert Atkinson, McGinnis, Deborah Depinet, Myrsine Howard AGAINST the proposal:

None

The governing body of City of Meadows Place proposes to use revenue attributable to the tax rate increase for the purpose of maintaining its current infrastructure, revenue, and level of service.

PRESENT and not voting:

None

ABSENT:

None

PROPOSED TAX RATE PRECEDING YEAR'S TAX RATE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE ROLLBACK TAX RATE

$0.832000 per $100 $0.832000 per $100 $0.798204 per $100 $0.858727 per $100

Tax rate

The rollback tax rate is the highest tax rate that City of Meadows Place may adopt before voters are entitled to petition for an election to limit the rate that may be approved to the rollback rate.

Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-)

property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 For assistance or detailed information about tax calculations, please contact: Patsy Schultz City of Meadows Place tax assessor-collector 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3710 Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate: First Hearing: August 28, 2018 at 6:30 pm at Meadows Place City Hall, 1 Troyan Drive, Meadows Place, TX 77477.

Second Hearing: September 18, 2018 at 6:30 pm at Meadows Place City Hall, 1 Troyan Drive, Meadows Place, TX 77477.

Barbara

Rozell,

Robby

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

The effective tax rate is the total tax rate needed to raise the same amount of property tax revenue for City of Meadows Place from the same properties in both the 2017 tax year and the 2018 tax year.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE RATES CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

Proposed

$278,210

You are urged to attend and express your views at the following public hearings on the proposed tax rate:

Second Hearing: September 4, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North.

$0.57/$100 Adopted

Percentage increase/decrease in rates(+/-) Average appraised value

First Hearing: August 28, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North.

THIS YEAR

Difference in rates per $100 of value

property tax amount= (rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100

Patsy Schultz, PCC Fort Bend County Tax Assessor- Collector 1317 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469 281-341-3710 Patsy.Schultz@fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov

LAST YEAR

LAST YEAR

THIS YEAR

$1.26000/$100

$1.26000/$100

Adopted

Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value

Average appraised value

$0.00000 0.00% $ 175,873

$ 184,106

$ 0.00

$ 0.00

Average taxable value

$ 175,873

$ 184,106

Tax on average residence homestead

$2,216.00

$2,319.73

General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions)

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-)

$103.73

and percentage of increase (+/-)

4.68%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code. ` Should you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the tax office at 281-482-0216.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

Graduate returns to teach, coach at Stafford From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

When Bryce Goodwin accepted his diploma from Stafford High School in 2014, he always knew that his future might include working for Stafford Municipal School District.

Fast forward four years, and Goodwin is now working alongside many of the teachers and coaches who mentored him from 201014.

“I am very excited,” said Goodwin, who will teach seventh grade mathematics at Stafford Middle School and coach football and basketball. “It’s great to be able to give back to the community that made me the person I am today.”

The 22-year-old Goodwin was a member of the band

and National Honor Society, and played basketball and football for the Spartans.

He went on to earn an accounting degree from the University of Houston.

He played for head football coach Ken Savanah while he was the defensive coordinator for Stafford High, and also played for Stafford Middle School Coach Matt Tucker.

“I have great mentors – they are great people to learn from,” Goodwin said.

“I plan to ask a million questions.”

Goodwin will coach middle school football, alongside Tucker, and serve as a special teams coach for the SHS football team, which opens the season on Aug. 31 at Katy Paetow. In the winter, he will coach seventh grade girls basketball.

Make a friend at Brazos Bend A juvenile alligator gets cozy with a turtle at Brazos Bend State Park. Anyone interested in volunteering at the park is invited to apply for the fall training class. The Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization is currently accepting applicants for the training on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members are required to work a minimum of 48 service hours per calendar year. Applications can be found at www.brazosbend.org. For more information, email training@brazosbend.org. (Photo by Joe Southern)

Q: A:

A Helping Hand from

Ed’s Pharmacy

FOOT FACTS

by Dr. Eric Tepper

(@ FM 1092)

(281) 499-4555

APPROVED LASER TREATMENT Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a tenacious condition that can cause toenails to become discolored, thickened, smelly, or flaky.

Medications that are applied to affected nails are able to reduce fungus but do not penetrate under the nails where the fungus breeds. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of certain lasers to cure fungal nails. These lasers emit wavelengths of light to create heat energy. The laser beams are strong enough to penetrate the toenail and nailbed tissues. Since the beam can be focused directly on the fungal cells, it heats and destroys them and preserves nearby healthy tissues. Wavelengths are adjusted for the individual patient’s needs, so this noninvasive procedure is effective and essentially pain free.

HINT: A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails.

Podiatrists are specially trained to care for all parts of the foot including bones, muscles, tendons, skin, tissues, and nails. At our office, we strive to decrease your pain and other symptoms, protect any injury so it can heal, and prepare you for a return to activity. We’ll also counsel you on how to prevent problems from recurring. Our state-of-the art footcare office is well equipped to provide the treatment you need, from medication to surgery to a change in footwear. Don’t take another step until you see us at 3143 Hwy. 6 South. PH: 281-980-3668.

Causes and Treatment for Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a condition of exposure to a substance that causes an allergic reaction in the skin. It resembles a rash.

These reactions may be caused by certain ingredients in soaps, detergents, chemicals at work, perfume, or certain metals.

Plants such as poison ivy or poison oak may cause contact dermatitis. Some symptoms include a red rash, dry scaly skin, itching, burning, or sensitivity in the affected area of the skin.

Fluid-filled blisters may appear in more severe situations. A doctor should be consulted if a fever occurs or the blisters drain pus. These are signs of a possible bacterial infection.

It is best to find out exactly what causes the allergy in order to help avoid that ingredient coming into contact with the skin.

A cream that contains a corticosteroid such as hydrocortisone may help reduce swelling and itching. Creams and ointments that contain tacrolimus (Protopic) may help prevent recurrence of the dermatitis and can be used for frequent episodes.

Tacrolimus belongs to a class of medications which help reduce swelling by acting in the immune system. These are better for sensitive areas of the skin such as the face compared to steroid preparations because it does not thin the skin.

08-01-18 Dr. Tepper - 2x4 - ff-2

C L A SSI FIED

pg 8B

M AT H / C O M P U T E R TUTOR - Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics. Bill Stewart.

BSEE 281-341-1582.>+

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LEGALS Legal Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms of the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that: TX Hotel Concession Holdings III, L.L.C. d/b/a Hyatt Place Houston Sugar Land has filed application for a: Mixed Beverage Permit, Mixed Beverage Late Hours Permit, and a Beverage Cartage Permit. Said business to be conducted at 16730 Creek Bend Drive, Sugar Land, Texas 77478.

TX Hotel Concession Holdings III, L.L.C., d/b/a Hyatt Place Houston Sugar Land Ruby Huang, sole member

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LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ENCLAVE AT RIVER PARK PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT ASSESSMENT The City of Sugar Land will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2018 assessment for properties located in the Enclave at River Park Public Improvement District at 5:30 p.m. during the City Council Meeting August 28, 2018, City of Sugar Land City Council Chamber, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North.

The District was created to finance public infrastructure improvements to the Enclave at RiverPark subdivision, an approximately 54-acre single family residential development located along US59 adjacent to and accessed through the RiverPark subdivision. Developer reimbursement by the City for improvements not to exceed $2,000,000 plus interest. The proposed assessment for 2018 is $970 per lot.

Oral or written objections or input will be considered at the public hearing.

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Are Two Hearing Aids Really Better Than One?

It primarily depends on your hearing loss whether Terry Snook you should wear one or AuD, FAAA two hearing aids. Your brain understands sound best when both ears are working correctly. Ears work together to separate speech so that you can focus on the sounds you want to hear. Wearing one hearing aid will improve your hearing but the improvement will be limited.

Some advantages to wearing two hearing aids are: 1) Two hearing aids give you balanced hearing. Just like your eyes, the auditory system is a binaural system and the best results are achieved when both ears are hearing as well as possible and working together. It is especially difficult to hear in noisy environments with one hearing aid.

2) The ability to locate sound is based on input from both ears. It is virtually impossible to locate the sound of a car horn or siren if you do not have balanced hearing.

3) Wearing two aids allows you to hear more, thereby reducing fatigue and stress that can occur when you are straining to hear with one ear.

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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS CONCRETE LIFTING PROJECT The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: 2019 Concrete Lifting Project CIP PROJECT NUMBER: N/A LOCATION OF WORK: Throughout City of Sugar Land Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained by registering at Public Purchase www.publicpurchase.com.

Sealed bids 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, August 23, 2018, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to the www.publicpurchase.com by Friday, August 17, 2018 on or before 1:00 p.m.

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

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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS CULLINAN PARK IMPROVEMENTS – SECTION 1, PHASE 1 The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Cullinan Park Improvements – Section 1, Phase 1 CIP PROJECT NUMBER: PK1704 LOCATION OF WORK: Cullinan Park 12414 Highway 6 S, Sugar Land, TX 77498 Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com or documents may be purchased for $175 in the office of the Project Landscape Architect: White Oak Studio at 611 W 22nd St #202, Houston, TX 77008.

Sealed bids 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, August 30, 2018, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at: 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018, at Cane Room, 1st Floor, Sugar Land City Hall 2700 Town Center Blvd North, Sugar Land, TX 77479.

Questions regarding this bid must be received by submitted online to the www.CivCastUSA.com system by Tuesday, August 21, 2018 on or before 5:00 P.M. The City will award and give notice within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

THE STAR

PAGE 8A • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

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CELEBRATION! Saturday, August 18th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land

H USE, FROM PAGE 2A courage future public input and review by both the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council if an exceptional development proposal is brought forward that is in accordance with the spirit of the plan but may deviate from the specific guidance established in the plan.

“I truly appreciate the time and extra-effort the Land Use Advisory Committee has dedicated over the last five years to developing this important plan,” said Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman. ”This

plan will guide land use decisions for the city over the next 20 to 25 years, ensuring Sugar Land will continue to be a premier place to live by providing desirable single-family neighborhoods and other housing options, quality schools, attractive amenities, and outstanding city services that add to the overall quality of life for residents – supporting the city’s economic growth and low property tax rate.”

The approved Land Use Plan and more information about the update process is available online at www. sugarlandtx.gov/LandUsePlan.

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This event is sponsored in part by Advanced Dentistry, Signature Care Emergency Center and Olympic Gymnastics

First 200 attendees receive free admission. Reduced admission until 2 p.m.

Visit with these vendors: -Advanced Dentistry -Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union -Code Ninjas – Sugar Land -Colonial Oaks Senior Living -Dignity Memorial -Global Exchange

H LABOR, FROM PAGE 3A conditions were standard.

Unheated bathing water on most of the farms, even during the winter, represented the only noteworthy difference. Given the conditions under which they had to live on the farms, most prisoners preferred to serve their time in Huntsville or Rusk.

In the words of a Huntsville inmate, “Well, gentlemen, put me 25 years solid; that before I take six months on the farm. Give me 20 solid here before I would get six months on the farm.”

But either inside the walls or scattered across the east and central Texas countryside, the objective was the same—to procure the highest level of production at the lowest possible labor cost therefore maximizing the accumulation

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of capital that fueled postCivil War economic recovery and provided the seed money for many businesses and institutions that have survived to present times.

Although we know the names of very few of the prisoners who labored under the convict-lease system, we do have a general demographic profile of them from official records kept from 1880 through 1912, the end of the convict-lease period.

Here is the rundown: By race/nationality (in 1912 when the lease system ended) they were 60 percent black, 29 percent white, 11 percent Hispanic, and less than 1 percent Indian. (There were very few women in prison during the period but records affirm that in one work camp there were 60 women and over 90 percent were black.)

By age (throughout the period) the majority of the

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prisoners were between 15 and 29 years of age and had little education. The overwhelming majority of the prisoners were listed as having no trade or occupation at the time of their conviction.

The majority of convicts were first-time offenders who had been convicted for crimes against property. As a rule, serious offenders, considered dangerous or a flight risk, were not sent to the outside work farms. Ironically, they were spared the worst the system had to offer.

As a grim measure of how prisoners were treated, there were 2,998 deaths reported in Texas prisons and work camps during the 32-year period. Omitting the sharp decline in deaths after the legislative prison investigation of 1909-1910, the mortality rate among Texas prisoners was as average 3.3 percent annually—a remarkably high

rate for a population whose age was in the twenties. No records were kept of the number of suicides.

And, signaling resistance to the oppression of the system, there were 3,174 recorded escapes during the convictlease period. These escapes, averaged over 200 per year before the 1909-1910 investigation. Almost all of them from work farms despite the guards who shot to kill and packs of vicious hounds that were kept on hand to hunt down escapees.

The men and women who served time during the convict-lease period are gone but their suffering and contributions to history should not be forgotten.

To learn more, contact the Convict Leasing and Labor Project (CLLP) at convictllp@ gmail.com.

(Copyright © 2018 Richard D. Vogel)

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Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

1B

Help us celebrate 40 years of the Fort Bend Star delivering Community News!

CELEBRATION! Saturday, August 18th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land

This event is sponsored in part by Advanced Dentistry, Signature Care Emergency Center and Olympic Gymnastics

First 200 attendees receive free admission. Reduced admission until 2 p.m.

Visit with these vendors: -Advanced Dentistry -Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union -Code Ninjas – Sugar Land -Colonial Oaks Senior Living -Dignity Memorial -Global Exchange

-Green Mountain Energy -Grocery Delivery/DBA HelloFresh -Gulf Coast Donor Program “Be The Match” -Houston Community College-SW -Life Essentials Chiropractic

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NuDu TV comes to Fort Bend County offering local programming

By Michelle Leigh Smith FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Off a dusty, dirt trail near McHard Road, a white warehouse surrounded by oil wells, jackrabbits and mesquite now serves as headquarters for what’s arguably the future of television in Fort Bend County.

Sweeping vistas outside the building that look more like the set of “Lonesome Dove” are populated by the occasional coyote. Inside, though, is the broadcasting focal point of the county’s only independent TV station. Unlike the cantina in Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, there is a telephone – 832-547-2519.

Its call letters are KBPX -TV, but the staff simply calls it NuDu TV, short for the New DuMont Television Network.

Ever since February 2017, it has

The NuDu team includes Vice President Travis Brocato, intern Evan Gray, owner Mark Kennedy, chief engineer Glen Dingley and John Watts, producer of the popular Tommy’s Garage, which airs only on NuDu.TV. (Submitted photo)

broadcast live on channel 46.3, serving as a local alternative for the growing number of viewers abandoning expensive cable television.

Once inside, the studio is not so different from the studios on the University of Houston campus or Channel 13 where owner Mark Kennedy worked

earlier in his career. Today he is the proud owner of NuDu, offering high school and college sports; classic shows and movies; a western series hosted by comedian Sam Griesebaum called “Ten Gallon Movies with Griesebaum” plus original programming from the seventh largest TV market in the United States.

“The difference is that I have a closer bond to my audience,” said Kennedy, a tall, introspective man with infinite patience.

“I can ask questions on what the viewers like and dislike. I listen to their complaints and try to respond to each one. The audience is smart and knows what they like. I am not one to argue with that.”

The no-fuss, no frills office is replete with state-of-the-art transmitters, receivers and recording rigs.

“When the bigger stations

started out, it was all analog and that takes more equipment,” recalled Kennedy. “Broadcast technology has evolved and the equipment needs as well as the size of the equipment is much more minimal. Folks can watch us with an antennae on Channel 46.3, on the NuDu Remote apps for iPhone and Android, and streaming services Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku TV, Amazon Fire, Facebook Live and NuDu.TV.” Evan Gray, an intern from the University of Houston’s Valenti School of Communications, has already become proficient in sports production and says he found the perfect fit for his future.

“I was attracted to the project because we don’t have to answer to corporate and we can offer affordable advertising,” said Travis Brocato, vice president and chief engineer.

SEE NUDU, PAGE 2B

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“It’s something the cord-cutters can have some local pride in. I feel we offer great local content that you’re just not going to be able to find on the big networks.”

“Tommy’s Garage,” one of NuDu’s most popular shows, had 135,000 downloads recently. The patriotic comedy show features Tommy Adkins, who was formerly with FOX, Robert “Rosie” Rosenkranz, John Watts, Mike Rao, Matt Guidry and Gavin Babineaux, whose mom Phoebe Babineaux teaches school at Walker Station Elementary in Fort Bend ISD. “I think much of it relates to a generational shift,” said Kennedy. “The younger generation is less tethered to stationary sources like landline phones, computers, TVs, cars and

Visit our table on August 18th at the Fort Bend Star’s 40th Anniversary At the Houston Museum of Natural Science

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Celebrating 20 years of serving Active Adults in Sugar Land

Winner, 3 years in a row, of the Fort Bend Star’s Readers Choice Award!

Stop by our table at the Fort Bend Star’s 40th Anniversary Event at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

The first 250 families to visit will receive an entry into the drawing for a Flat Screen TV (1 entry per family)

Events you will not want to miss: Colonial Oaks 20th Anniversary Celebration October 4th, 2018, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Celebration at the Colonial Oaks Community.

Open to the public.

Medicare Educational Day October 18th, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. This is a free event, open to the public. Learn what you need to know about Medicare and how to navigate your Medicare choices.

13825 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77478 • 281-277-0900 • Lic # #030191

PAGE 2B • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

THE STAR

KICK-START YOUR FUTURE AT HCC. Earn a degree or certificate for university transfer or a fast track to a lucrative career at an affordable cost.

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CELEBRATION!

Saturday, August 18th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land

Help us celebrate 40 years of the Fort Bend Star delivering Community News!

This event is sponsored in part by Advanced Dentistry, Signature Care Emergency Center and Olympic Gymnastics

First 200 attendees receive free admission. Reduced admission until 2 p.m.

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H NUDU, FROM PAGE 1B houses. Mobility and choice combined with economic and environmental value systems are impacted.”

“This community model will be the future of television – we’re able to bring local sports

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programming that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Jeff McShan, a graduate of Sam Houston State University, who also works at Precinct 5 as a media spokesperson and has worked also as the law enforcement liaison for Crime Stoppers of Houston, an organization that helps keep our community

safe.

“We recently shot the Westbury Christian basketball – they are a very good team,” said McShan. “You are not going to get that on FoxSports or ATT SportsNet. The games are aired over and over therefore families can go home and watch the games again. We air a variety of rodeos, including the Humble Rodeo and charity boxing matches, like a Battle for the Badges in Galveston where the firemen took on the police officers for charity. That event was packed and it was really fun.

Those are not broadcast anywhere else. I enjoy doing the play by play for an audience for whom this is very meaningful.”

“I think we have a good business model and if we can get into more of the high schools and colleges and do play by play for basketball that wouldn’t be on the big networks,” said McShan. “It gives me an opportunity to engage in something that is meaningful.”

They are in negotiations with the University of Houston and Rice University to air college basketball, volleyball and baseball beginning this fall. Last year, they broadcast sports for Houston Baptist University.

They are speaking to the Sugar Land Skeeters about broadcasting in 2019.

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JOIN THE

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she said hi, you are a finalist.

I was so excited. I didn’t think I’d make it this far. Maybe like a state winner. But national, wow,” she said.

In previous years she submitted ideas for a cooking drone and a recycling shower system to the 3M competition.

While researching ideas on water conservation, she learned of the water shortage crisis in Cape Town, South Africa, where the water scarcity was so intense there was a countdown showing when

3B

Help us celebrate 40 years of the Fort Bend Star delivering Community News!

CELEBRATION! H SCIENCE, FROM PAGE 1A

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

they would run out of water. So households were limited to no more than 50 liters of water per day which meant, among other things, no gardens and twominute showers.

Travels with her family to southern India also brought home the awareness of water conservation, said her mother Nappinnai Natarajan.

“Water scarcity is too much.

They fight for water and she saw that at an early age. Maybe that planted the seed. They showed kids in Africa with water that is brown color. Brown water is not good,” said her mother.

This event is sponsored in part by Advanced Dentistry, Signature Care Emergency Center and Olympic Gymnastics

First 200 attendees receive free admission. Reduced admission until 2 p.m.

Visit with these vendors: -Advanced Dentistry -Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union -Code Ninjas – Sugar Land -Colonial Oaks Senior Living -Dignity Memorial -Global Exchange

So it was no surprise when her daughter said she wanted to find a way that households could do their part to make a difference.

“I can’t imagine a life without water. Taking a 30-minute shower used to be no concern to me but what happened in Cape Town could happen to any of us. It will happen if we don’t do something daily. In India, they are trying to save water. In California, they can’t even water their lawns. Toilets use 30 percent of the household fresh water so I thought this is the way to go,” Meeha said.

She started her research in

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February. Using water from washing machines and showers, called gray water, that water is collected in a gray water chamber and used to supplement the freshwater used to flush the toilet.

She created an animated video showing the mechanical pumping system. Other systems are out there but they use electrical sensors. Amirthalingam found a way to make it completely mechanical. Toilets use six liters of fresh water, her system would save five liters of fresh water.

“Mine is completely mechanical and anyone can use

-Olympic Gymnastics -United Healthcare -Signature Care Emergency Center -UT Health -Southern Journeys -State Farm Insurance/ Lisa Sims

it once it is installed,” she said.

Her confidence is impressive to her mentor, scientist, and 3M product development specialist in the consumer healthcare division, Jen Hanson. Hanson holds a Ph.D in material science and engineering and loves her job that allows her to “solve problems and make awesome stuff.”

She was a perfect mentor match for the bubbly and confident Amirthalingam.

“You know she was already more than 60 percent there.

I’m just giving some guidance,” said Hanson.

They meet weekly via Skype

and in a recent conversation, the student sat in her living room facing an open computer explaining to Hanson her methods to tests specific theories about her system.

As Hanson queried the teen about how she would test a piece of the equipment or why she used a certain material, Amirthalingam explained how she went to home improvement stores and discussed pieces of the toilet bowl fixtures with workers and considered using materials from other

SEE SCIENCE, PAGE 7B

Global Exchange VISIT OUR TABLE ON AUGUST 18TH AT THE

Visit our table on August 18th at the Fort Bend Star’s 40th Anniversary

FORT BEND STAR’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE

at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

THE STAR

PAGE 4B • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Stafford volleyball team looking to rebound this season From staff reports FOR THE FORT BEND STAR

Stafford High head volleyball coach Ivana Ellas is confident that her team is ready to elevate its level of play this season.

“I think we have a lot of really coachable girls,” said Ellas, now in her second season as head coach and fourth overall with the program. “They work well together for not having played alongside each other. They’ve put a lot of hard work into the program. We are looking to establish a strong program, long-term.”

The Lady Spartans return three letterwinners – senior Chiamaka Nwagboso and juniors Jayla Pratt and Kayla Alexander.

Senior Khalijhia Fontenot returns to the program and into a leadership role.

Stafford graduated four seniors, including two who will take their talents to the collegiate level – Talya Monroe (Texas Southern) and Alliyah Williams (Kentucky State).

Several players gained valuable experience on the junior varsity and freshman teams last season, including junior Renata Conway, and sophomores Skylar Carrier and Asia McKenzie.

Freshmen Tristyn Reed, Madison Collins and Kendi Rushing have contributed 50-280 (Rev. 4-16/3)

Stafford High sophomore Stephanie Amady-Syd (No. 15) and junior Kayla Alexander (No. 16) compete in the Lady Spartans’ season opener on Aug. 7 at Lamar Consolidated. (Submitted photos) Stafford High freshman Tristyn Reed serves the ball during the Lady Spartans’ season opener at Lamar Consolidated on Aug. 7.

immediately as freshmen on the varsity.

Stafford has two new volleyball coaches – Jo Nicque King will coach the junior varsity and Franchelle Hill (the SHS girls track coach and Stafford Middle School Rookie

Teacher of the Year) will coach the freshman team.

Ellas has a month of non-district competition to prepare her team for the district opener on Sept. 7 vs. El Campo. The Lady Spartans will face strong competition from class 6A

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS BUDGET AND PROPOSED TAX RATE

Stafford Municipal School District The ______________________________________________________________ will hold a public Stafford Civic Center at 1415 Constitution 7:00 P.M. on August 22, 2018 meeting at ___________________________________ in _______________________________________

and 5A schools at the Dickinson Tournament (Aug. 16 and 18) and George Ranch Tournament (Aug. 23 and 25).

Ellas is excited about an Aug. 28 trip to Galveston Ball. A 2007 Ball High graduate, Ellas will face her alma mater for the first time.

“It’s always good to return home,” Ellas said. “I have a lot of support from a lot of people there and

expect to see friends and family at the game. It’s a surreal feeling to coach a game in that gym. It shows how far I’ve come in my career and as a person in general.”

Stafford is focused on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2015 – which was Ellas’ first season as an assistant coach at Stafford.

The new district schedule includes El Campo,

Wharton, and Fulshear, with Bellville and Columbus no longer in the district. Defending champion Needville returns, along with Royal and Sealy.

The El Campo game on Sept. 7 is Middle School Night, Oct. 5 vs. Sealy is Homecoming, Oct. 12 vs.

Wharton is Parent Night and the season finale on Oct. 19 vs. Fulshear is Senior Night.

McElvy Vasquez Media &

Stafford, Texas _____________________________________________.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the school district’s budget that will determine the tax rate that will be adopted. Public participation in the discussion is invited.

1.05330 $____________/$100 (Proposed rate for maintenance and operations)

Maintenance Tax

Present

School Debt Service Tax 0.27175 Approved by Local Voters $____________/$100 (proposed rate to pay bonded indebtedness)

O

F

Comparison of Proposed Budget with Last Year’s Budget The applicable percentage increase or decrease (or difference) in the amount budgeted in the preceding fiscal year and the amount budgeted for the fiscal year that begins during the current tax year is indicated for each of the following expenditure categories: 4.87 Maintenance and operations ___________% increase

or

___________% (decrease)

Debt service

68.01 ___________% increase

or

___________% (decrease)

Total expenditures

12.65 ___________% increase

or

___________% (decrease)

40th Anniversary

DE L

S!

The tax rate that is ultimately adopted at this meeting or at a separate meeting at a later date may not exceed the proposed rate shown below unless the district publishes a revised notice containing the same information and comparisons set out below and holds another public meeting to discuss the revised notice.

EW N IVE RING THE

Total Appraised Value and Total Taxable Value (as calculated under Tax Code Section 26.04) Preceding Tax Year

Current Tax Year

Total appraised value* of all property

2,792,531,016 $________________

2,780,977,941 $________________

Total appraised value* of new property**

51,936,117 $________________

5,391,145 $________________

Total taxable value*** of all property

2,414,347,819 $________________

2,468,719,496 $________________

Total taxable value*** of new property**

44,067,528 $________________

6,209,931 $________________

* “Appraised value” is the amount shown on the appraisal roll and defined by Tax Code Section 1.04(8). ** “New property” is defined by Tax Code Section 26.012(17). *** “Taxable value” is defined by Tax Code Section 1.04(10).

Bonded Indebtedness 103,895,000 Total amount of outstanding and unpaid bonded indebtedness* $__________________________ * Outstanding principal.

50-280 (Rev. 4-16/3) (Back)

Comparison of Proposed Rates with Last Year’s Rates Maintenance & Operations

Last Year’s Rate

$

1.04005

Interest & Sinking Fund*

$

0.19000 *

Total

$

1.23005

Local Revenue Per Student

$

8,584

State Revenue Per Student

$

951

Celebrate with us!

-Free admission to the first 200 attendees

Rate to Maintain Same Level of Maintenance & Operations Revenue & Pay Debt Service $

1.10709

$

0.31099 *

$

1.41808

$

9,493

$

875

-All of the Museum’s amenities will be available

Proposed Rate

1.05330

$

0.27175 *

$

1.32505

$

9,342

$

963

-Bounce houses for outside fun

$

-Discounted admission until 2pm

* The Interest & Sinking Fund tax revenue is used to pay for bonded indebtedness on construction, equipment, or both.

The bonds, and the tax rate necessary to pay those bonds, were approved by the voters of this district.

Comparison of Proposed Levy with Last Year’s Levy on Average Residence Last Year

This Year

Average Market Value of Residences

$

194,012

$

200,095

Average Taxable Value of Residences

$

190,115

$

197,854

Last Year’s Rate Versus Proposed Rate per $100 Value

$

1.23005

$

1.32505

Taxes Due on Average Residence

$

2,338.51

$

2,621.66

$

283.15

Increase (Decrease) in Taxes

Under state law, the dollar amount of school taxes imposed on the residence homestead of a person 65 years of age or older or of the surviving spouse of such a person, if the surviving spouse was 55 years of age or older when the person died, may not be increased above the amount paid in the first year after the person turned 65, regardless of changes in tax rate or property value.

Notice of Rollback Rate: The highest tax rate the district can adopt before requiring voter approval at an 1.05330 election is ___________________________.

This election will be automatically held if the district adopts 1.05330 a rate in excess of the rollback rate of ___________________________.

Fund Balances The following estimated balances will remain at the end of the current fiscal year and are not encumbered with or by a corresponding debt obligation, less estimated funds necessary for operating the district before receipt of the first state aid payment: Maintenance and Operations Fund Balance(s)

$ 12,156,593

Interest & Sinking Fund Balance(s)

$

2,278,618

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Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

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HOUSTON METHODIST CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY ASSOCIATES

WELCOMES DR. MARVIN ATKINS

Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates is pleased to welcome Marvin Atkins, MD, to the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital campus. He completed fellowships in both cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery, and offers the full scope of surgical and minimally invasive endovascular options to treat diseases of the heart and vascular system.

His level of expertise, combined with access to state-of-theart technology at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, allows for rapid diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular conditions with better long-term outcomes for patients.

To schedule an appointment, call 713.352.1820.

Marvin Atkins, MD

Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon

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5B

THE STAR

6B • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

F ORT B END F ORT B END

AnitA Milne

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H OME S HOWCASE H OME S HOWCASE

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FRESH PAINT, TILE AND WOOD LAMINATE FLOORS.

SALE PENDING

713-416-0791 kim@kimtruitt.com www.kimtruitt.com GARY GREENE

Wonderful starter home in the heart of Sienna! 3 bedroom home features granite kitchen counters, brand new Stainless appliances. Wood flooring in family & dining room. Recent roof (Jan 2018). And wonderful screened in porch w/ceiling fan for enjoying the outdoors bug-free! Backs up to wooded area & retention pond so nice and private.

Open, flowing floor plan. $235,000 MLS # 16819818

PRICE REDUCED

BARBARA MONTGOMERY cell: 713-898-3938 office: 281-980-5050 montgomb@garygreene.com

barbarajmontgomery.com

QUAIL VALLEY

3 BEDROOMS AND 2 BATHS ON CUL-DE-SAC MULTIPLE UPGRADES INCLUDE DOUBLE PANE WINDOWS, ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORS IN LIVING AREAS, CARPET IN BEDROOMS, TOTALLY REMODELED MASTER BATH, AND GRANITE COUNTERS IN THE KITCHEN WITH PAINTED CABINETS. THE ROOF WAS REPLACED IN 2012 AND THE GUTTERS IN 2017.

DAVID GOLDBERG

Lovely 2 story home in the heart of Quail Valley, close to the golf course and Quail Valley Center.

Large corner lot, large enough for a pool! Updated kitchen with granite and a gas cook top.

Large kitchen and breakfast area! Slate floors, wood laminate floors upstairs.

Bring an offer! $255,000

713-705-7400

713-898-3938

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

H SCIENCE, FROM PAGE 3B departments. Using math and fractions, she explained how she determined how wide to open the drain to get optimal results. She kept copious notes, which Hanson told her to make sure she included in her final presentation, as researchers like to see the data.

H REMAINS, FROM PAGE 1 city said.

According to the FBISD, “the ability to identify descendants is one of the shared goals for all of the stakeholders and the district remains open to partnering with other organizations to identify possible funding and hopefully permission for this deconstructive analysis.

While we understand that the National Black United Front has expressed concerns on various issues such as intellectual control over the project and reparations for past injustices, Fort Bend ISD remains committed to continuing the dialogue with all appropriate parties as we move forward toward appropriate reburial.

“As previously shared, preliminary analysis indicates the remains located at the site are most likely those of individuals who were part of the convict leasing program. This discovery has brought a

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 • PAGE

When Hanson said she was sending her a box of items to help her with her experiments including beakers, gloves, and other scientific goodies, her eyes lit up and a huge grin spread across Amirthalingam’s face.

“I just love science,” she said afterward.

The top 10 finalists each receive $1,000 and the chance

to do a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist. They also get a trip to St. Paul, Minn., to compete in the Final Event in October and a chance to attend a taping of a Discovery Network show.

The Grand Prize winner receives $25,000. Amirthalingam said she would use her winnings for a college fund, and to donate to a water con-

servation organization.

Her father Raja Amirthalingam is an engineer and her mother a volunteer with the Fort Bend Independent School District. As she is just entering her freshman year at Travis High School, she does not know what she wants to pursue in college.

But she does have dreams about the next 15 years, as she

dark chapter of our community’s history back to light, and it is our intent to continue to partner with our community and rebury the individuals in an appropriate manner,” the district said.

In 2016, the city’s cemetery was designated a state historical site. An official marker designating the history of the cemetery and prison was installed; this city-led initiative was the result of more than a year of extensive research and coordination with the Fort Bend Historical Commission and the Texas Historical Commission.

The city’s cemetery contains the remains of prisoners and guards who died from 1912-1942 at the Texas Department of Corrections’ Central Prison Unit. For more about the

city’s cemetery and efforts to preserve, protect and honor the area’s past, visit www.sugarlandtx. gov/1694/The-ImperialFarm-Cemetery.

“Just as we’ve worked hard to honor and protect those buried at the Old Imperial Prison Farm Cemetery, the city of Sugar Land has a common interest in ensuring that the remains discovered on the school district’s property are memorialized with the utmost dignity and in a manner that honors their historical significance,” said Griffith. “We look forward to facilitating a coordinated effort that achieves this purpose and sharing more specific details as we work toward a more formal agreement.”

Sugar Land’s interest in historical preservation is

consistent with past efforts such as significant contributions to the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Sugar Land, which was built inside what was once the Main Unit, known as Two Camp, where the prison’s African-American inmates were held.

understands using her brain can be lucrative. In 15 years

7B

she wants to be “a patentholding engineer.”

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THE STAR

PAGE 8B • Wednesday, August 15, 2018

H COACH, FROM PAGE 1 I was diagnosed, my rib cage looked like swiss cheese, and my spine was beginning to be damaged. Normally you find out you have myeloma

by breaking a rib when you cough or breaking some other bone because it has deteriorated,” Sissom said.

Immediately upon being diagnosed, Sissom’s doctor sent him to the emergency room and he spent three days in the

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hospital.

During this time, his doctors developed a playbook to treat the cancer. Multiple myeloma is not curable, but it can be treated.

“We sat down with my medical team, I had gone from one doctor to a team now, and we developed a plan of treatment, and one week later I was down at M.D. Anderson,” Sissom said.

Sissom’s game plan was to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment to kill the cancerous M proteins. Then, healthy blood-forming stem cells would be introduced into his body to produce healthy white blood cells.

“I went through radiation treatments and had chemo-

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therapy during the spring. I was on medical break from Travis from January through most of March. I came back to Travis in late March even though I was still undergoing chemotherapy,” Sissom said.

“I had to convince the doctors that I was well enough to coach spring training. We played our spring game on a Tuesday night, and then the next day I started my stem cell transplants.”

The transplants took most of June.

“I was at M.D. Anderson for most of the month of June.

The stem cell transplants are essentially you pull out some of your stem cells, kill the bad protein and then inject them back in. It’s a reset for your

body,” Sissom said. “In September, I will go back to my regular doctors, and begin a maintenance program. I will be taking medicine to keep the stem cells in check. I am in a clinical trial and the results have been tremendous so far. Right now, I am in 100 percent remission, which is kind of unique at this stage.

Going forward, I just need to take care of myself. Fatigue has been a big issue, so I have learned that taking a nap really helps me keep going.”

In addition to being head football coach, Sissom is the athletic coordinator for Travis. This means he is responsible for all athletic programs at the school.

While he was gone for es-

sentially the entire spring semester, the athletic program continued to function smoothly.

“I really have to thank my assistant athletic coordinator Nicole Hitt. She stepped up and acted as the coordinator and our programs didn’t miss a beat. I think she proved she can be an athletic coordinator and hopefully she will get the opportunity in the near future,” Sissom said. “My assistant coaches did a great job with the football team.

I couldn’t ask for a better staff.”

“I also want to thank my wife Kellie, and my kids Dru and Kylie. They were really strong and got me through this,” he added.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FORT BEND COMMUNITY CALENDAR IS FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS. Deadline is noon every Friday. Please keep wording to a minimum. Answer the “5 W’s” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to Editor@FortBendStar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 3944 Bluebonnet Drive, Stafford, Texas 77477.

MONTH OF AUGUST TEEN EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY

The Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, offers a variety of programs for the Young Adult community. Programs are free and open to the public. To register, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, or call 281-238-2952, or visit the library.

FRIDAY, AUG. 17 PROBATE FOR PROPERTY OWNERS

The University Branch Library will present a program for older adults and their family members at 10:30 a.m., at 14010 University Blvd. in Sugar Land. A real estate specialist will lead a will talk about the best ways to navigate the probate process. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-633-5100 or 281-633-4734.

SATURDAY, AUG. 18 FORT BEND STAR’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY BASH

The Fort Bend Star and the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land present The Fort Bend Star’s 40th anniversary with a party at the museum, 13016 University, Blvd. Sugar Land. The doors will open at 10 a.m. with free admission for the first 200 attendees and reduced admission until 2 p.m. Enjoy all of the museum’s amenities, visit with more than 25 vendors, enjoy delicious treats from food trucks. Bounce houses will be available along with a few more surprises. Visit www.FortBendStar.com for more information and registration.

MARRIAGE PREP

Invest in your future marriage. Join Pitcher Ministries at Brazos Professional Building, 130 Industrial Blvd., Sugar Land, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Receive tools to help navigate the storms of life ($30/couple).

Receive $60 off a Texas marriage license. Call 832-945-5323 or contact@ pitcherministries.org.

CREATING CHARACTERS WITH DEPTH

The First Colony Branch library will present the writing seminar 1-3 p.m., 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Aspiring writers will explore the elements of creating believable and well-rounded characters. Those attending should bring laptops, notebooks, or any other materials they use for writing. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2800 or 281-633-4734.

YA DESIGN BY YOU: ROCK IN ART - PAPIER-MACHE DOGS

Teens in grades 9-12 are welcome to this recyclable-art series from 2-4 p.m. at the Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge. Part 1: Teens will create the dog sculpture of their dreams with papier-mâche. Aug. 25 – Part 2: Teens will put the finishing touches on their dog sculptures and then show them off in the library. Free and open to the public, but reservations are required. To register, visit www.fortbend.lib.tx.us, click on events, select Sugar Land Branch, and find the program, or call 281-238-2140.

H.O.P.E (HELPING OUR PARENTS EXCEL) AUTISM RESOURCE FAIR

Hope For Three Autism Advocates is hosting the fair at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, from 10 a.m. to noon. Visit a variety of providers, therapists, nutritionists and professionals. Free and open to the public. Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, visit hopeforthree.org/event/hopefair or call 281-245-0640.

SHRED PAPER AND DISCARD ELECTRONICS

Visit Thornton Middle School, 1909 Waters Lake Boulevard, Sienna, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Purge unneeded papers, old cell phones, hard drives and more with ProShred. Enjoy DJ Rico, complimentary popcorn and watermelon, various food trucks will be there as well. For more information, visit www.siennaplantation.com.

OPERATION BACK PACK DROP

Love and Unity Works is sponsoring the 5th Annual event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Fellowship of Love Church, 10223 Clodine Road, Richmond.

Free back packs, gift cards, haircuts, workshops, moonwalks and more.

You must pre-register by visiting https://obpd2018.eventbrite.com or calling 281-497-1971.

MONDAY, AUG. 20 MENDED HEARTS CHAPTER 362

Mended Hearts Chapter 362 will meet at 5:30 p.m. at HBU Bradshaw Fitness Center 7731 Southwest Freeway, second Floor. Meeting is free with free parking. Morgan Glick will speak on Cardiac Rehab and Consistent Exercise.

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TUESDAY, AUG. 21 THE SAM HOUSTON PROJECT

Enjoy a free presentation on Sam Houston and early Texas History at the Fort Bend County Historical Commission, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond beginning at 3 p.m.

LOVING FRIENDS MEETING

Dinner and entertainment begin at 5 p.m. at Quail Valley City Center., 2880 La Quinta Dr., Missouri City. Scott Graham, a local, renowned pianist, will entertain. Loving Friends is a social group of men and women who lost their spouses and want to enjoy fellowship and friendship.

Reservations required, please call 281-208-3124.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 22 FAMILY GAME NIGHT

The University Branch Library will host the games, 7-8 p.m., at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land. Board games, Wii video games, cards, LEGOs, and puzzles will be available, families are welcome to bring their own games. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281633-5100 or 281-633-4734.

SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

The Kick Off Reception for the Boys and Girls Clubs tournament will take place at OCuSoft, 3044 Southwest Fwy, Rosenberg, beginning at 8 p.m. Learn more about the Fort Bend Boys and Girls Clubs and sign up for the tournament. For more information and to RSVP, email lrenaud@ bgcgh.org.

THURSDAY, AUG. 23 IS YOUR RETIREMENT AT RISK WORKSHOP

St. Catherine of Sienna Episcopal Church 4747 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City, is hosting the session, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Speakers will provide insights on how to be prepared in retirement and to manage retirement savings. Free and open to the community. For more information, contact melinda@siennachurch.org or call 281-778-2046.

SATURDAY, AUG. 25 TEXAS TALKS: TEXAS AND THE RECONSTRUCTION ERA, POST CIVIL WAR

The George Memorial Library will host the history program, 1:30 to 3 p.m., at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Dr. Nicholas Cox, a professor of Texas and U.S. History, will discuss the military, political, and social changes in Texas after the American Civil War (1860-1880s), with a focus on Fort Bend County. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY: EVERYTHING YOUR NEED TO KNOW

First Colony Branch Library will present the program, 2-4 p.m., at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Learn about the equipment needed, where to buy it, the average cost of the equipment, and how to build certain components. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2800 or 281-633-4734.

THE HARVEY EXPERIENCE: ONE YEAR LATER

Fort Bend Recovers…With Creativity presents works of art submitted

by Hurricane Harvey victims. Visit this free exhibit to see original interpretations of the event. Constellation Field, noon to 2 p.m. For more information visit fortbendrecovers.org/with-creativity.

SUNDAY, AUG. 26 FORT BEND BRASS QUINTET PERFORMANCE

At the George Memorial Library, 2-3 p.m., in the meeting room of the library at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

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THURSDAY, AUG. 30 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Join us at the Fort Bend New Team Kick Off Party, 6-7 p.m., Safari Texas Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond. For more information, call 800272-3900 or visit https://fortbendkickoff2018.eventbrite.com to reserve a spot. Join the Facebook group at facebook.com/groups/alztexFortBend.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 1 KIDS YOGA

An introductory class will take place at the Sugar Land Branch Library for children in grades kindergarten through 5, 10:30 a.m., at 550 Eldridge. Children attending will learn basic movements and how to stay physically fit with regular exercise. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 281-238-2140 or 281-633-4734.

COLOR YOUR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Celebrate the weekend with a splash of color at Harvest Green, The Farmhouse, 3400 Harvest Drive. Free artistic activities include an art market and silent auction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, a tiedye station (bring your own t-shirt), live music, food trucks and more.

Sunday is Community Coloring Day from noon to 4 p.m. The public can sketch and color with free supplies as well as contribute to a community painting. For more information, visit www.harvestgreentexas.com/ coloryourweekend.

SEPT. 20 HURRICANE PREPARATION SEMINAR

Save the date to attend a presentation by Mike Stone at Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway. Stone is the general manager of the Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 2. Email janr@ christchurchsl.org or call 281-690-4773 for more information.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22 PICNIC AND FUN RUN

Dream4Adoption will sponsor their second annual run at Memorial Park in Sugar Land. The walk/run begins at 9 a.m., followed by the picnic.

Each adult registered will have a chance in the mystery box give away.

T-shirts given to paid registered guests signed up before Sept. 9. Visit dream4adoption.org to register.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 FRIENDS OF CHILD ADVOCATES FALL COFFEE

The public is invited to attend and join us for the fall coffee social in the home of Cathy Stubbs, at 10 a.m. Help support a variety of activities benefiting the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend and the volunteers who help them. For more information on the friends group, the location, and to RSVP for the event, call Kristin at 713-384-8096.

ONGOING RICHMOND-ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson Street in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse.

Free and open to the public. For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800-272-3900.

QUAIL VALLEY WINE SOCIETY

Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month for education of wines, food pairings and fellowship at the Quail Valley City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta, Missouri City. For more information, call 281-437-6798 or jackipauley@ comcast.net

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

HURRICANE HARVEY - 1 YEAR LATER

The Pregnancy Resource Medical Center has moved to 4411 Avenue N in Rosenberg across from Navarro Middle School. Volunteers are needed on a continual basis. For information on volunteering or supporting the PRMC in other ways, email info@prmcfortbend.org.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 10 PECAN GROVE WOMEN’S CLUB

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.

Take a look back at one of the most devastating hurricanes that deeply impacted the North Rosenberg and Cummings Road area. Where we were, where we are and where we are going, as a community. Brazos Park 2-6 p.m. Free food, family fun, and games.

The group will meet at the Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club at 9:30 a.m. The fall program offers a fabulous quilt show. The quilts will be presented by members. Make reservation by contacting Kay at 281-238-

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STORY SPINNERS WRITING CLUB

Hosted by the George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond.

5:30 to 8 p.m. All levels welcome to write, share, learn and support.

Free and open to the public. The program meets on the third Thursday of every month. For more information, call 281-342-4455 or 281-633-4734.

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