12-16-2020 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

Teen brothers killed in weekend shooting - Page 5

Are holiday treats calling your name, but you don't want to make a mess? Rustika Cafe & Bakery is just the place. Read our review on Page 8. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 16, 2020

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 17

Voters pick new mayors in Missouri City, Stafford

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

We Cook! You Eat!

Challengers Robin Elackatt and Lynn Clouser won their respective races in Saturday's Missouri City runoff election for mayor and city council, according to unofficial results released by Fort Bend County.

Dalyn Hoegemeyer,InAAMS nearby Stafford, Cecil Hoegemeyer, AAMS Financial Dalyn Advisor Financial Advisor Willis was elected to be 4502 Riverstone Blvd. #904 Missouri City, TX. 77459the town's first new mayor Bus. 281-494-3737 in more than 50 years.

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George: Move teachers up in line for vaccine

Elackatt received 5,622 votes in the Missouri City mayoral race, or 52.5 percent of the vote, compared to 47.5 percent for incumbent Yolanda Ford. In the Nov. 3 general election, Ford picked up 48.4 percent of the vote, Elackatt received 31 percent and Fred G. Taylor earned 20 percent.

In replacing Ford, Elack-

SEE RUNOFF PAGE 6

Clouser

Willis

Elackatt

The right note

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County Judge KP George is asking that teachers be included in the first round of COVID-19 vaccine distribution by the state of Texas.

George did so in a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott that was shared on social media Monday. State Rep. Ron Reynolds of House District 27, which includes parts of Fort Bend County, co-signed the letter.

George requested that “teachers and school faculty members be considered as part of the frontline tiers as local health entities begin to administer the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency authorization late Dec. 11 to deploy the PfizerBioNTech vaccine. Texas' Department of State Health Services has since initiated a distribution plan that prioritizes healthcare workers and calls for 110 health providers to receive a total of 224,250 vaccine doses as part of the first wave of distribution, with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital expected to receive 1,950 doses this week.

The county judge added in the letter that at least two area schools had applied to be a part of the state’s rapid testing program.

In response to a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates in Fort Bend County and Greater Houston, George announced during a Dec. 9 news conference that he would be elevating the county’s coronavirus threat level from orange — “moderate to significant risk” — to red, or “high community risk.”

Rosenberg native ascends to stardom on ‘The Voice’

SEE VACCINE PAGE 6

Hightower ends playoff drought in coach's absence

Rosenberg native John Holiday performs on the set of "The Voice," a reality TV show on NBC. (Photo from Facebook)

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

John Holiday has always found his own groove.

As an openly gay AfricanAmerican man who came out as a teenager, the Rosenberg native's journey has captivated millions of viewers of the hit NBC reality TV show "The Voice," in which celebrity artists like Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani compete to coach their musical protégés to victory.

"It's been an incredible journey coming here and stepping outside of the box and creating my own lane," Holiday said. "Everything I

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County Judge KP George speaks during a news conference Oct. 1 in Sugar Land.

(Photo by Stefan Modrich)

The Hightower football team did not have its head coach, who was quarantining at home as the result of COVID-19 contact tracing.

The Hurricanes also did not have a chance, at least in the eyes of some outside the program.

Now, however, they have a

have done to this point, I am honored to say that I've done it my way. I've gotten rid of the boxes, the labels. This has been such a beautiful journey. It feels like I'm in a dream."

He is a part of a rare fraternity of singers with countertenor voices, a vocal range which is equivalent to the contralto, or one of the lowest female voice types.

An accomplished virtuoso who has sung the national anthem at Houston Rockets games, performed at Carnegie Hall and studied at the prestigious Juilliard Academy in New York City, Holiday is also a teacher, having taught at his alma

long-awaited playoff win and a date in the second round after a year filled with adversity both on and off the field.

Hightower pulled off a shocker in last Friday's bidistrict playoff game against previously undefeated Port Arthur Memorial, beating the Titans in a 41-34 thriller that came down to the final minute. It was the first playoff win since 2013 for the Hurricanes (4-4), who ad-

Rosenberg native John Holiday has earned a spot in the top five of the NBC reality TV series "The Voice," where he is coached by Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend. (Photo from Facebook)

mater, Lamar Consolidated ISD, at the middle school at

high school levels, and at the collegiate level at the Univer-

sity of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music.

His advice to young people, he said, is to dream big and to always make incremental progress toward a goal, even if it takes lots of small steps to get there.

"I would tell any child out there to lean into the things that make you unique and different," Holiday said.

"Love yourself, wrap yourself in your own embrace.

Because you're the only one sometimes that may understand what you're doing, but it might make you be a global figure at some point in your

SEE VOICE PAGE 6

See more high school sports coverage on Page 4 vanced to play Pflugerville Hendrickson in a Class 5A Division I area-round matchup at 7 p.m. Friday at Waller ISD Stadium.

“Let’s go! We did it – curse over!” Hightower coach

SEE HIGHTOWER PAGE 6

Hightower's Jakolby Longino drops back to pass Nov. 5 against Manvel. The Hurricanes beat Port Arthur Memorial last Friday for their first playoff win since 2013. (Photo by Cris Armijo)

JERRY FLOWERS

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THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, December 16, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend legislators brace for upcoming session ‘like no other’

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

What will the 87th Texas Legislative session look like when it gavels in on Jan. 12?

“The key word to this session is going to be patience,” said State Sen. Borris Miles, who represents Senate District 13, which includes Stafford as well as portions of Missouri City. “We’re going to have to figure out how to keep people safe.”

Miles, a Democrat, was part of a bipartisan panel of newly-elected and experienced state senators and representatives who shared their perspectives on the upcoming legislative session and the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic will present to legislators and their staffs as well as the general public in a Dec. 8 Zoom meeting hosted by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The discussion was moderated by Jeff Wiley, president of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council (FBEDC) and Marvin Marcell, a Missouri City-based

Miles

Kolkhorst

Huffman

Jetton

political consultant.

FBEDC and other local economic development organizations released a 2021 legislative agenda with recommendations for its representatives.

Republican State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham said the legislature is prepared to have strict testing protocols in place for members.

“The (Texas Constitution) is unyielding that we shall meet on the second Tuesday of January,” Kolkhorst said. “And both chambers shall be open to the public. So the challenges set before us are going to be, ‘How do we operate in a safe environment?’ ” She said the first 60 days

of the session will primarily be devoted to finance committee work and other committees, and during the final 80, “Bills will start rolling to the floor.”

Kolkhorst represents Senate District 18, which includes Richmond, Rosenberg and parts of Sugar Land. Her mostly rural district ends just shy of College Station to the north and extends down to Corpus Christi.

Kolkhorst will be a part of the state’s COVID-19 Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel (EVAP) that will make recommendations to the Texas Commissioner of Health about the distribution of vaccines.

“We’ll be rolling those

vaccines starting on or after Dec. 12, we’ll start with our healthcare facilities and we’ll progress onward,” Kolkhorst said.

“We’re so grateful to our healthcare workers and educators and our essential workers that have helped us through this pandemic.”

She also said she told Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on a recent call that her “entire focus would be on rebuilding small businesses and the middle class.”

Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican who has served as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate since 2019, will have a key role to play in the redistricting process, which takes place every 10 years

in Texas to apportion federal and state legislative districts based on population.

“I believe the (population) numbers will come in, in a very perfect world, in between the very beginning of April to mid-July,” Huffman said. “If we get the numbers prior to sine die, the end of May, it’s the legislature’s job to draw their legislative maps.”

According to the Texas Constitution, if redistricting is not completed by the legislature by the end of May, the responsibility falls to the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB), comprised of the speaker of the house, the lieutenant governor, comptroller and

attorney general.

Huffman represents District 17, which includes much of Sugar Land and Missouri City as well as the western portions of Houston and Harris County.

Four house members were also in the meeting, including newly-elected State Rep. Jacey Jetton of Sugar Land, State Rep. Ron Reynolds of House District 27, State Rep. Gary Gates of House District 28 and State Rep. Phil Stephenson of House District 85.

Jetton is the first Korean-American elected to the state legislature in House District 26.

“I’m honored to be here as the newest kid on the block,” Jetton said.

“There’s a lot of concerns about the interaction and how we’re going to be able to communicate with each other as we go into this next session that by law does need to be an open session. There should be a lot of dialogue between us. We’re going to do everything we can to be accessible to our constituents and to stakeholders to make sure that we’re making the best decisions for Texans.”

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

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GOT NEWS?

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 • PAGE

3

Are you feeling the holidays this year?

Even before we entered the Christmas season, we were collectively undergoing what was called holiday fever because we began it much earlier this year, as it did in other parts of the country starting in September. If you drove around Fort Bend County’s neighborhoods shortly after Halloween, you probably saw Christmas outdoor decorations gradually going up and by Thanksgiving, the yuletide spirit seemed to have arrive Today, so many homes brighten up neighborhoods in Sugar Creek, Sugar Lakes, New Territory, First Colony, Greatwood and others with snowmen in the front

ID-19.

So, do you know what you want for Christmas 2020? It’s probably not along the lines of what you wanted and received, or even gave others last year, unless it was cash.

That’s always good.

These days, many of us want to be in a safe and comfortable space as COVID pandemic numbers were projected to ramp up as a second wave occurrence. The safe space is what may bring us peace and joy this Christmas, especially with loved ones Here’s another nonmaterial thing that I personally want for Christmas. It’s the blessing I may have taken for granted - the gift of com-

Elsa Maxey

yards - or like my neighbor Judy, wreaths, Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, candy canes, angels and lights, lights, lights!

Now that the festive stage has been set, it will be time for gifts. This goround, more than ever, I think a lot of us are on a quest for joy that will be celebrated without many of the traditions we once observed due to COV-

3 Generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

munity comprised of Fort Benders. This is where I get to continue to live in a friendly and helpful place, free from fright and free from elitism, that snobbery that keeps a person feeling like an outsider I recall that when I first arrived 30 years ago, I felt I was welcomed into the fold in Sugar Land, where I live, and in Missouri City and Stafford, where I have worked. So, when you casually run into people like Jeff Wiley, President of the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council, and get a polite and respectful greeting at the grocery store like I did the other day, you know there’s no place like home. Wiley has been

quite the advocate for the Fort Bend business community promoting quality growth and economic development, which is probably back on track with anticipated relocations and other opportunities that will add to the resilience and vibrancy of our economy.

You know, the notion of cancelling Christmas was suggested by higher ups in our nation’s capital out of a precaution due to the second pandemic wave of rising COVID cases. It’s not happening here and it’s not happening in other places, either. But we must remain attentive as we know it’s important to visit carefully with social distancing and masking.

And, let’s not argue so much about what has happened worldwide due to the pandemic and where we are now. I am reminded of what Winston Churchill once said, “If we open a quarrel between the past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future.” No doubt, it’s time to move on and while we may need to define new pathways, I don’t think we need to remake our society.

Spending time with family and friends, especially during the yuletide season, is a sacred part of our society. That’s a keeper. It’s also a time for human connections quite the most meaningful of gifts!

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THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, December 16, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

@FtBendAthletics:

Marshall holds off PNG; Panthers roll to area berth Adari Haulcey providing a key diving interception near the goal line in the fourth quarter to snuff out the Indians’ rally.

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Though much of the focus remains on the offensive firepower, the Marshall football team also boasted the stingiest defense in District 11-5A, surrendering a total of 20 points in nine regular-season games this year.

Last Thursday night, the Buffalos needed all of it to reach the area round of the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

The Buffalos narrowly defeated Port Neches-Groves 21-14, picking up head coach James Williams’ 100th career win at the school in the process. Marshall will next clash with Montgomery at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Randall Reed Stadium in New Caney.

In a game where its offense lacked the usual punch, the running game still led the way for Mar-

Marshall quarterback Ja'Koby Banks prepares to take a snap Nov. 12 against Willowridge. The Buffalos defeated Port Neches-Groves last week for their fifth straight area-round berth. (Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

shall in a tight game it never trailed. Runderick

Dudley scored his 16th rushing touchdown of the season, while Jy’Adrian Wortham’s third-quarter score proved to be the winner. Quarterback Roland Harvey also threw his 20th touchdown pass

of the season, to Chris Marshall, in the first quarter.

On the defensive side, the Buffalos stifled the Indians’ high-powered offense (34.2 points per game coming in) with

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

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Thor: I arrived at the shelter because my dad lost his job due to COVID and could no longer care for me. I am HOUSE TRAINED, I can SIT for treats and will GIVE PAW! I am a sweet boy that would love to be the only fur baby in the home. Sorry that's how I was raised, an ONLY FUR CHILD!

The year 2020 finally winding to a close is likely a relief for many in the area and Houston region.

Some of the area’s basketball squads, however, may want to keep the vibe of the year going as they hit the home stretch of the 2020 portion of their schedules.

Leading the way for the area’s basketball teams are the Dulles Lady Vikings, who have yet to drop a game this season. As a result of their 12-0 start, the Lady Vikings have jumped up to 18th in the most recent state rankings released Monday by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Dulles' next game is Friday against Clements.

Included in Dulles’ wins so far are victories over No.

12 Shadow Creek on Nov. 24 and No. 19 Houston Heights on Dec. 2. Junior point guard Nya Threatt is leading the Lady Vikings with 19.3 points per game, including a career-high 26 points against Heights and Westbury on Nov. 17.

Threatt also leads the team with five rebounds and three assists per contest.

After a slow start, the Ridge Point Lady Panthers have also picked up the pace heading toward the holiday break. Following a win over Clements last Friday, Ridge Point has won five straight and now sits at 6-3 ahead of Friday’s game against Austin.

In Class 4A action, the Stafford Lady Spartans have won back-to-back games against Furr and Needville to improve to 6-3. Brianna Richardson leads the way for Stafford, averaging nearly 18 points and 13 rebounds per game ahead of Tuesday’s district matchup against La Marque.

Boys The Elkins Knights continued their strong play early on this season, beating Dekaney Dec. 8 and George Ranch last Friday to run their record

E E E E

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

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

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602 605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:15 am Worship Rite Two www.allsaintsstafford.org

Playoff Schedule Friday Class 5A Division I Area Playoff Hightower vs. Pflugerville Hendrickson, 7 p.m.

(Waller ISD Stadium) Class 5A Division II Area Playoff Marshall vs. Montgomery, 7:30 p.m. (Randall Reed Stadium) Saturday Class 6A Division I Area Playoff Ridge Point vs. Jersey Village, 4 p.m. (Legacy Stadium)

Area hoops squads rolling toward new year

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BAPTIST CHURCH

Ridge Point rolls The Ridge Point Panthers showed little complacency coming off a District 20-6A title, running over the Katy Seven Lakes Spartans 56-20 last Friday night at Hall Stadium in Missouri City to reach the area round for the seventh time in eight years.

The Panthers (6-2) advance to face Jersey Village in the area round at 4 p.m. Saturday at Legacy Stadium in Katy.

Ridge Point used a balanced attack to blitz the Spartans out of the gate, rushing out to a 35-0 lead at halftime and not looking back.

Senior running back and University of North Texas commit Keith Jackson had his way with the Seven Lakes' defense, tallying 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Alson Monroe and Ezell Jolly added late scores as part of a 324-yard attack

for Ridge Point.

Quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. went 10-for-14 passing for 201 yards and a career-high four touchdowns to balance out the Panthers’ attack. Two of those scores went to Oklahoma State commit John Paul Richardson, who has a team-leading nine touchdown catches this season.

In other playoff action, Travis fell to Tompkins 4210 to end its season at 4-4, while Willowridge lost to Crosby 66-0 to finish at 73. Elkins forfeited its game against Katy to finish the season at 2-6.

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY : Bible Study 7:00 p.m. www.staffordchurchofchrist.org LUTHERAN CHURCH

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, LCMS 281-242-7729 800 Brooks St., Sugar Land Sunday: 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Contemporary Worship (Nursery Available) 4:00 pm Spirit of Life Worship PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Reverend Dr. Fred Seay, Pastor Sunday Worship In Person 11:00 am / Nursery Available Worship Online on YouTube www.fpcsl.org

Scripture of the week

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

- Luke 2:12

Stafford forward Brianna Richardson puts up a shot during a Nov. 6 game against Wharton. (Photo from Stafford MSD Twitter)

to 6-0 on the year. Elkins is ranked fifth in Class 6A by the TABC and are led by sophomore Chris Johnson at 18 points per game.

Hightower is back up to 3rd in the most recent TABC rankings for 5A following a 30 week that saw it beat Lamar Consolidated, Fulshear and Rosenberg Terry. Senior forward Tyrone Baker has been a force in the Hurricanes’ early action, averaging nearly 16 points and 14 rebounds per game along with two blocks.

Simultaneously, junior guard

Bryce Griggs has picked up where he left off last season, racking up 24 points and six assists per contest.

Stafford has won three straight games to square its season record at 3-3 ahead of Thursday’s district game against Sweeney. The Spartans sit 4th in the TABC rankings for 4A. Dulles had its Friday game against Bush postponed, but still finished the week at 8-0 heading into non-district tilt against Houston Stratford on Saturday.

Ob

E E E E

itu a ry

RONALD RAY DONELSON JUNE 21, 1939

Ronald Ray Donelson, beloved husband, father and “Papa,” passed away at the age of 81 on Friday, December 4, 2020, after bravely battling complications from Covid-19. Ron was born on June 21, 1939, in Sweetwater TX to Pauline and J.D. Donelson. He is preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Duane Donelson.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Benjy Donelson; his daughters Jennifer (and son-inlaw Trent) Childress of Georgetown TX and Leslie (and son-in-law Mitchell) Holzer of Sugar Land.

He took great pleasure in his four grandchildren: Brady Childress, Wyatt Childress, Lance Holzer and Faith Holzer.

Ron and Benjy grew up together, attending the same church and schools in Kress TX. After graduating from Kress High School in 1957, he left West Texas for College Station. As their love grew, Ron made many 500-mile trips back home to see Benjy. He graduated in 1961 from Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and Squadron One. He was always proud to be a Texas Aggie and so pleased when his daughters followed in his footsteps. He and Benjy dated for four years before they married on August 19, 1961.

Ron was drafted by the US Army

E

DECEMBER 4, 2020

just a few months later, and they moved to Fort Sill in Lawton OK. Upon his discharge, they moved to Gonzales TX where he was employed by Ralston Purina Company. An entrepreneur by nature, Ron started the first State Farm Insurance Agency in Gonzales in 1966. In 1972, he became a State Farm manager, and the family moved to Lubbock. Ron returned to agency in Bellaire in 1980 when he and his family moved to Missouri City. He retired at the age of 77 and, in 2016, Benjy and Ron hosted a party to celebrate his retirement as well as 50 years with State Farm and their 55th wedding anniversary.

The Donelsons have loved living in Quail Valley, their home for more than 40 years, where Ron enjoyed golfing and hit two holes in one on the same hole in 1989 and 1996.

His passions were everything the grandkids did: swim meets,

volleyball and baseball games, as well as many memorable vacations in the family’s beloved motor home in the 1980s and 90s, monthly luncheons with his State Farm Lunch Bunch, his twice yearly golf trips with his Quail Valley golf buddies, and hitting “four of a kind” at the Mississippi Stud tables in Coushatta. He will be remembered as a witty gentleman who was full of integrity, loved his family and friends, and never met a stranger.

Ron was a member of The Bridge Church, the Houston A&M Club and the Rotary Club - University Area in Houston where he had perfect attendance for more than 40 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. The family wishes to thank the incredible staff who cared for him on the Fifth Floor East at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

A celebration of life was held on Saturday, December 12, 2020, at The Bridge with lead pastor Kenny Dean presiding. A graveside ceremony followed at Morton Cemetery in Richmond. Family and friends wore Ron’s favorite color – Aggie maroon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in his memory to the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students; Rotary Club of University Area Foundation; The Bridge; or a charity of your choice.

Words of condolence can be left at www.settegastkopf.com.

✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢ ✢

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Ridge Point football players killed in Rosharon shooting

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County authorities say they are looking into a shooting in Rosharon last weekend that left two teenagers dead and another hospitalized.

A spokesperson for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office (FBCSO) said the victims, 15-yearold Devin Massey and 17-year-old Jonathan Massey, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The FBCSO said officers responded to a call at 300 Broadmore Dr. in Rosharon just after 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 to find the Massey brothers dead in a vehicle in the driveway, while a third victim was seriously injured and transported to the Houston Medical Center.

Police said the third victim was in stable condition as of Monday afternoon.

According to a Sunday tweet by Ridge Point High School football coach Rick LaFavers, the

City of Sugar Land accepting applications for leadership class In order to take the 7-weel class, one must be 21 years old and been a resident of the city for at least a year. They must also not be holding or running for an elected office within the city.

For more information about Sugar Land 101, sugarlandtx.gov/SL101.

To submit an application, visit volunteer.sugarlandtx.gov/.

By Landan Kuhlmann

Through Dec. 22, the City of Sugar Land is accepting applications for its “Sugar Land 101” class that will be held virtually from January through March.

During the class, participants will learn about city operations, get a vir-

tual tour of city facilities and take a leadership development component.

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anyone with information about Chavarria, including parents who have taken their children to Express Cuts or have been around Chavarria, to speak with them about their experience and report any potentially inappropriate contact to RPD Detective Andrew Runge 281-342-2849 or arunge@richmondtx.gov or their local law enforcement agency.

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Another alleged victim of a former Richmond salon employee who was arrested Nov. 19 and indicted on charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact has been identified, according to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office.

The DA’s office said Sergio David Chavarria, a Houston resident, was an employee at the Express Cuts hair salon on 712 South 11th St. in Richmond.

According to a news release from the DA’s office, a family member spoke to the alleged child victim after seeing an article published about Chavarria and learned that sexual contact allegedly occurred between the defendant and the child.

The family reported the information to the Richmond Police Department and the investigation is ongoing, according to the news release.

Chavarria was also charged on Nov. 19 with failure to comply with a sex offender’s duty to register. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s online database, Chavarria is a registered sex offender.

The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and the Richmond Police Department said they are continuing to encourage

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THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, December 16, 2020

★ HIGHTOWER FROM PAGE 1 Joseph Sam said in a video posted to Twitter shortly after the upset win.

Sam said Monday that he self-quarantined during the game after being potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19. He said he has not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the days since being informed last week.

Sam said Monday that he does not know if he'll be able to coach in this week's game.

“I have to sit and wait it out and see what the process is for me to come back.

I’m symptom-free as far as I know,” he said. “I was able to be there for the preparation part, just not for the execution of it.”

Sam said the team endured a delayed start to the season due to COVID-19 and played through the loss of teammate Trey Thomas, who died un-

★ VOICE FROM PAGE 1 life because you think differently."

After a remote, blind audition in October, the 35-year-old Holiday found himself with an opportunity to live out a dream and select one of his musical idols, John Legend, who has coached him all the way to the show's finale, the first part of which aired Monday night and the second part aired Tuesday night, after press time.

★ RUNOFF FROM PAGE 1 att is set to become the first Indian-American and Asian-American mayor in Missouri City's history.

"Im a big football guy," Elackatt said. "It was like one of those things where people were saying, 'You guys were not (favored) as the No. 1 seed to win.' And then it ended up, everybody knows if you force into overtime, with your general race, you can come up with the victory at the end."

The Houston Methodist Sugar Land hospital administrator briefly served a stint as Mayor Pro Tempore in 2014, part of his six-year tenure representing District C on the city council.

As many expected, turnout for the runoff was low, at slightly more than 10,000 votes, compared to more than 30,000 in the general election.

★ VACCINE FROM PAGE 1 “This vaccine is going to focus on those that are highrisk,” said Dr. Jacqueline Minter, director of the county’s Health and Human Services Department. “Those in the healthcare delivery system, those in hospitals and long-

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

expectedly over the summer due to what was called an “unfortunate medical emergency," according to a June report from KHOU. “Just to see the kids fight through all of that and get the win is a testament to their resiliency on getting the job done,” Sam said.

Leading the way for the Hurricanes in their win against Memorial was running back Charles Shelling, who took over the game early and didn’t give it back. The senior ran for a career-high 233 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring runs of 55 and 67 yards.

Quarterback and UTEP commit Jakolby Longino accounted for 178 yards and three total touchdowns – including what ultimately proved to be the final blow in a back-and-forth game that never saw either team lead by more than 13 points.

After Memorial tied

the game with a little more than a minute to go, Longino proceeded to find leading receiver Kaleb John-

son streaking down the sideline for a 51-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds left to shock the Titans and

end Hightower’s playoff drought. Johnson caught both of Longino’s scoring tosses in the game.

“It was good to bring (that bi-district trophy) home to the community,” Sam said.

“That’s a big deal.”

In his audition, Holiday performed "Misty," a 1954 jazz standard by Erroll Garner, as a nod to his grandmother.

"I never thought my name would be in the same sentence as John Legend," Holiday said before Monday's show aired. "And here I am getting ready to sing a duet with my coach. I'm going to be singing on the stage with him. So you can imagine that this little boy from Rosenberg, Texas, is just really shocked and humbled and all those things. I consider it a blessing."

And Legend, in turn, has been appreciative of the opportunity to mentor an up-and-coming artist.

Holiday said he dedicated his cover of Coldplay's "Fix You" to Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen, in recognition of the couple's grief after they lost their son Jack to a miscarriage in October.

"What a joy and inspiration it has been for me to coach someone so immensely gifted and full of love," Legend wrote in a Tweet on Monday night.

Holiday is classically trained, having grown up

singing at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, where his grandmother Sandra Mathis Franklin was the pianist and music director. There, he taught himself to play piano, and later the organ.

Under the direction of Bill Adams with the Fort Bend Boys Choir, Holiday's musical career began to take the next step as he and his fellow choir members traveled around the country and the world together and gave the young Texas native a taste of life outside of Fort Bend County.

And in the COVID-19 era without a live studio audience, one of Adams' lessons has stuck with Holiday and resonated deeply with him.

"He would always tell us, 'We sing to one the same way we sing to 1,000,' " Holiday said. "You never sang differently whether you had a big or small audience."

Holiday has never forgotten his roots. He said he cherished his upbringing and is proud to call Rosenberg his hometown, saying it helped to elevate and nurture his gifts.

"Growing up there, you

would walk outside of your home and everyone would be so happy to help you," Holiday said. "Your neighbor could help you, they could also get on to you if they were doing something wrong. I grew up with that kind of love. My mother told our neighbors, 'If you see John or any of my children doing something wrong, you get on to them.' We don't really live in a society like that anymore, but I loved it.

In many ways, it was the village that lifted me up higher than I ever thought I could go."

"I feel really good about it," Elackatt said. "The people spoke. In the general election, I felt like we didn't get a fair shot at it. I felt like people were kind of pushing and saying, 'What party are you?' even though it's a nonpartisan race. There were too many things on the ballot. It wasn't really a Missouri City race."

The mayor-elect's most daunting task is to reunite a divided city council, which will include new at-large member Clouser, who beat incumbent Chris Preston in another runoff on Saturday.

Elackatt said he wants to speak to each council member and learn about their vision for the city.

"Whether you voted for me or not, I'm going to represent the entire city," Elackatt said. "We are proud of our cultures and our diversity in Missouri City. I am a minority myself, so I take with great pride (the responsibility)

of uniting everybody and moving our city forward together. That's the way I like to govern."

Ford's 2018 victory was also a historic one. She unseated then-incumbent Alan Owen to become the first African-American woman to be elected mayor in the city's history.

Owen served 24 years as Missouri City's mayor, with eight years of experience prior to that on the city council. He endorsed both Elackatt and Clouser in their respective races.

Ford previously represented District A as a city council member from 2013-18 and also served as Mayor Pro Tempore.

Clouser garnered 6,259 votes, or 59.5 percent of the vote, to defeat Preston for At-Large Position 2 on the city council.

Clouser said she credited her victory to her campaign's consistent message, which she felt re-

flected a desire for change.

"I maintained my level of integrity and didn't respond to the negativity in the campaign," Clouser said. "It was a message of inclusion, and the fact that this is a nonpartisan race, the fact that every citizen in Missouri City matters. I think the citizens saw and felt that sincerity and in me they see someone that they want, a person who is best capable and suited to represent our city."

Clouser said she and Elackatt did not campaign together as a unified front against the incumbents.

Nor did her friend Reginald Pearson, who ran for City Council At-Large Position 1 and lost narrowly to incumbent Vashaundra Edwards.

"We were very clear about that from the very beginning, even when Reginald ran," Clouser said.

"We did not run as a slate, even though when it came down to it, it may have ap-

peared as such because it was pretty much us against them. But Robin and I both, our vision aligns. We have the same vision for the city, and it just happened to align. And it's going to be an honor and a pleasure to work with him as he leads our city."

Ford and Preston did not immediately respond to interview requests.

New mayor in Stafford In the runoff to succeed the late Leonard Scarcella as Stafford mayor, Councilman Cecil Willis was victorious with 53.5 percent of the vote to AJ Honore's 46.5 percent. Willis received 1,129 votes and Honore garnered 981.

"I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the citizens of Stafford for having faith in me," Willis wrote in a statement. "This election was about you, the people, and which direction you wanted to take your city. As elected officials,

we are your custodians.

I am indeed honored and humbled to be your choice to lead your city."

Honore wrote in a statement that he was grateful for the support he received during the campaign, but lamented that his momentum did not carry over from the general election.

"We are disappointed that more voters did not stay engaged in the runoff to lock in our victory from the general election," Honore wrote. "... I look forward to continuing my engagement and extend my hand to offer the new administration my experience to help in any way possible to restore our financial stability and make a stronger Stafford."

All results are unofficial until canvassed. Runoffs were required because no candidate recorded at least 50 percent of the vote on Nov. 3. Early voting for last Saturday's runoff was held from Nov. 30-Dec. 8.

term care facilities, as well as EMS (personnel). Those will be the first ones to be offered the vaccine.”

As for when the general public will have access to the vaccine, Minter said to expect a window of 6-9 months.

“There is definitely light at the end of this tunnel,” Minter said.

In anticipation of the vaccine rollout, the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (TSMP), a division of the Better Business Bureau Education Foundation, issued a warning to seniors and all those interested in receiving a vaccination to avoid scams and fraudulent notices related to the distribution of the vaccine.

TSMP’s Jennifer Salazar wrote in a news release that Medicare recipients will “likely not need to pay anything out of pocket to get the vaccine during this public health emergency.”

In addition, Salazar wrote that any solicitations such as paying to add your name to a list or for promises of early access to a vaccine are also scams.

No one from Medicare or the Health Department will contact recipients regarding a vaccine or to sell treatments or ask for sensitive information such as a Social Security number or bank account number.

Medicare recipients who have coverage questions should contact their local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at SHIPTAcenter.org or 1-877-839-2675.

George wrote in a letter to residents explaining the change to the county’s guidelines that “as the holiday season kicked off, we are seeing alarming trends of positive cases, hospitalizations, and other critical factors going in the wrong direction.”

Cases began to increase steadily in Fort Bend since the beginning of November. On Nov. 27, the most recent data point following the Thanksgiving holiday, 462 cases were reported, and the spike continued into December, with

5,214 new cases added between Dec. 1-11, the most recent data available as of Monday.

Dec. 3’s total of 1,285 cases was a new single-day record for the county, the highest total since 859 cases were reported on Aug 14. On Dec. 8, the county recorded its second day of more than 1,000 positive tests.

There have been 331 deaths reported due to COVID-19 and 22,002 recoveries in Fort Bend County.

Minter said the county has conducted interviews and done contract tracing with residents who tested positive for COVID-19. A common response, she said, was that people were gathering more, even if those gatherings were not necessarily large groups. She said the county will be able to approximate whether or not the results from any cases that may have been connected to gatherings that took place on Thanksgiving will be available next month.

“What we are seeing now is reflective of behaviors that occurred 10 to 21 days prior,” Minter said. “And the rate of growth in numbers represents widespread and uncontrolled transmission of (the coronavirus).”

She said there has also been an increase in testing and test

positivity as well as an increase in hospitalizations and ICU bed patients as a result of COVID-19.

Minter also noted the same preventative measures the county has advocated regarding the coronavirus have also been effective in slowing the spread of the flu as county residents have been getting their seasonal flu shots.

“This further demonstrates that our behavior does have consequences, both positive and unwanted,” Minter said.

“We know COVID fatigue is real. We know you’re tired.

We’re tired, too, but being tired and stopping (adherence to health guidelines) has its consequences.”

George reiterated that positive developments, such as the deployment of a vaccine, is not a reason for people to let their guard down. But he said he will not be issuing any new restrictions like curfews.

County judges have been limited in the scope of their authority by Abbott since April, when the governor decided to not allow local officials to issue COVID-19 restrictions stricter than that of the state’s.

“There is no shutdown order,” George said. “This is actually a guideline for our citizens so that we can all work together.”

The Hightower Hurricanes run onto the field before a game earlier this year. They will face Pflugerville Hendrickson in a Class 5A Division I arearound playoff game at 7 p.m. Friday at Waller ISD Stadium. (Photo by Cris Armijo)

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 • PAGE

7

FBCL accepting submissions for local photography contest ty Over Division Initiative, the contest is looking for entries that “capture the themes of anti-racism and bridging differences in Fort Bend County through your eyes,” according to FBCL’s website. All accepted entries will be displayed in a virtual gallery on the FBCL’s website, fortbend.lib. tx.us, from Feb. 1-28.

Only one entry will be

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County Libraries (FBCL) is accepting submissions through Jan. 11 for its “Bridging Differences” photography contest.

In conjunction with the Fort Bend County Diversi-

accepted per person. Entrants must be amateur photographers and will be judged on the following criteria: · Relationship to the contest theme · Composition · Focus · Lighting · Emotional impact · Creativity First-place contest win-

ners will receive $200, with the second- and third-place winners to receive $150 and $100, respectively.

For more information on the contest and requirements, visit fortbend.lib. tx.us/2021-photographycontest.

Anyone with questions can contact Christina Tam at Christina.

Tam@fortbend.lib.tx.us or 281-633-4726.

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PAGE 8 • Wednesday, December 16, 2020

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Rustika Cafe & Bakery delivering high-quality holiday cheer

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

While your annual office Christmas party or family gatherings may be much more limited this year, that’s no reason not to indulge in the tradition of baking cookies to celebrate the holiday season.

Or better yet, you could save yourself the time and the hassle of cluttering up your kitchen and support your local bakery instead.

I decided to do a practice run ahead of Christmas at Rustika Cafe & Bakery in Sugar Land. The folks there have dedicated themselves to quality, and while you’ll pay a premium for it, it’s definitely worth splurging for whatever special occasion you find yourself wanting to celebrate.

Rustika is a treasure trove of sweets and savory goods alike, with European, Latin American and Jewish influences that reflect the heritage of the founder, Francis Reznik.

Among its many holiday

Pictured are Christmas cookies from Rustika Cafe & Bakery, located at 3227 Highway 6 in Sugar Land, during a recent visit. (Photo by Stefan Modrich)

cookie boxes was a set of chocolate-covered gingerbread men, a festively decorated house and a Christmas tree. I decided to throw in a pair of Alfajores Divorciados ($3.45 each), most famous in Argentina for their Dulce de

Leche, or caramel filling, but popular all over South America and parts of Spain and France as well.

“Divorciados” is Spanish for divorced, symbolized by the separation of the white and brown frosting at the top of the cookies.

I also had the good fortune of trying a breakfast burrito ($9), which comes with scrambled eggs wrapped in a flour tortilla and offers a choice of a variety of add-on ingredients. My selections were chorizo and queso fresco,

a Houstonian staple that I’ve become quite familiar with, having purchased the iconic La Vaquita brand in grocery stores across Fort Bend County and in Houston.

The Rustika kitchen must be an exceptionally busy place. In addition to churning out custom cakes, cookies and other pastries, it has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu, including homemade empanadas, sandwiches, salads and soups.

The owners seem to have a dark sense of humor, and though I usually don’t myself, I noticed something on the menu that struck a chord with me as a bit of a throwback to the simpler times that preceded the ongoing global pandemic.

A section of the breakfast menu is labeled “Disaster Specials” ranging from familiar Houstonian problems such as the Oil Spill Omelette ($14) with Spanish-style scrambled eggs, shredded potatoes, black beans and honey wheat toast

topped with homemade mole sauce. There’s also a Recession Omelette ($1), which is a single scrambled egg. (Spoiler alert: There’s an unflattering and notso-subtle reference to Houston’s NFL team in this part of the menu as well, but in the Christmas spirit, I’ll spare you from having to read it here.)

Rustika’s original Houston location opened in 1994 and there are also locations in Friendswood and League City. At the Sugar Land location, free delivery is available and the dining room is open at 50 percent capacity.

Rustika Cafe & Bakery

Address: 3227 Highway 6, Sugar Land Dining Options: Dinein, takeout, free delivery Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily Entrée prices: $9 - $14 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Healthy options: Summer Salad ($10) Star of the show: Christmas Cookies

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COMMUNITY

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

CALENDAR

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

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

DECEMBER 11 – JANUARY 4.

29TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR Join us for the 29th Annual Christmas Home Tour benefiting Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

The VIRTUAL tour features 6 beautifullydecorated homes, 22 DIY “How To” Holiday Video Demonstrations, a Wreath Raffle featuring 18 designer wreaths, Silent Auction, Party Packages and more! Tickets for the tour are $30 which gives you online access from December 11 – January 4. Visit www.cafb.org/events/ home-tour and support children who have been abused in our community. All donations are tax deductible.

JANUARY 14 FT. BEND/HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS ZOOM MEETING Ft. Bend/Harris Retired Educators next zoom meeting is Thursday morning, January 14th, at 10:00. We look forward to all our members joining us. Paid members will receive their zoom invitation a week prior to the meeting. For further information email cmduvall@aol.com.

Pleas let me know if any questions about info being sent. My internet just came up otherwise would have sent earlier this morning. Thanks, Linda Russell 281-499-5885 JANUARY 23 SAVE THE DATE FELICIA SMITH JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION It’s back! The family-fun entertaining, challenging and fun jigsaw puzzle competition is slated for January 23, 2021. Presenting Sponsor, LearningRx Sugar Land preps for the 4th Annual Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

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

Competition. Puzzle fanatics or first-time puzzlers, ages 10 and up, rally together to raise autism awareness until all the pieces fit. Awards and bragging rights guaranteed!

Join sponsors OCuSOFT, Inc., Fort Bend Teen Service League and Robert “Poppy” Lampkin for this virtual affair! To learn more or to register your team ($125) now, visit www.hopeforthree. org/events. Limited availability.

ONGOING FORT BEND SENIORS MEALS ON WHEELS SECRET SANTA The Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels is hosting a Secret Santa for Seniors Program.

Gifts can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1330 Band Road in Rosenberg no later than Dec. 4th. For those interested in volunteering to deliver meal and gifts to our home-bound seniors, please contact iloveseniors@ fortbendseniors.org. If you are dropping off a large amount of gifts or need to change your drop-off time, please call 281.633.7049 or email leah@fortbendseniors.org.

CIRCLE OF HOPE CHANGE A CHILD’S FUTURE For nearly a decade, local nonprofit Hope For Three Autism Advocates has provided local families with the gift Hope. The organizations gift-giving program, Circle of Hope can change a child’s future. Supporters select a monthly amount to give so families have access to lifechanging therapies and treatments children with autism might otherwise go without. Double your impact on Giving Tuesday, 12/1 at 7am on Facebook. Simply make a donation early and your contribution can be matched. Continue on

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DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:45 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited.

For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281499-3345.

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, tax-free monthly stipend if eligible. Call today to help change the world, one child at a time in Rosenberg. For more information, call 281-344-3515.

DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way Fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, email maw0500@gmail.com.

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