03-16-2022 EDITION OF THE FORT BEND STAR

Bush boys soccer captures 20-6A title – Page 5 Extend Fence Life

WEDNESDAY • MARCH 16, 2022

Various Color Options

BEFORE

713-397-4477 • SOS-ASAP.com

AFTER

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 46 • No. 30

Memorial Hermann, BCBSTX reach agreement

By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sign up for weekday newsletter Staff Reports

For decades now, we at the Fort Bend Star have worked to bring community members all they need to know to understand life in the county – from politics to business to culture.

It’s our hope to continue bringing you all the latest news for years to come. But reporting in 2022 looks different than it has before, and readers have evolving needs in the fast-paced digital age.

Because of that, we started our online newsletter several months ago. The goal is simple – to distill our latest reporting into bite-sized pieces that arrive each weekday morning in your email inbox. The tidbits also include links to our reporting online, so you can read more at your leisure.

Please subscribe to our newsletter using the QR code just above this story. When you point a phone camera at the code, it’ll take you to a website where you can sign up to receive our free newsletter every Monday through Friday.

That way you can keep up with all the latest happenings on our website, fortbendstar.com, in between reading our weekly print edition.

INSIDE.

Here's the pitch: Read a report about local high school baseball teams.

The Houston region's largest hospital system and Texas' largest health insurer ended their contractual standoff March 11, announcing they had reached an agreement for a four-year contract renewal that will keep

healthcare costs lower for their mutual customers.

A previous agreement between Memorial Hermann Health System and BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) had expired March 1, meaning Memorial Hermann patients with BCBSTX insurance had to pay outof-network costs or find new doctors in order to pay in-network prices for

medical services. Memorial Hermann has more than 3,000 physicians in its system and operates more than 265 healthcare facilities, including Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, 17500 W. Grand Pkwy S., and several other facilities in Fort Bend County.

SEE AGREEMENT PAGE 9

Photo courtesy of Memorial Hermann Pictured is Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital.

Together again

Local member of 'Citgo 6' released, reunited with family in Katy

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Fort Bend County resident was one of two jailed Americans freed by the Venezuelan government last week after talks with the United States.

Gustavo Cardenas, a member of the so-called “Citgo 6,” came home to Katy last Wednesday, March 9, after spending more than four years in a Venezuelan prison since his arrest in November 2017.

"This terrible situation has caused a lot of suffering and pain, much more than I can explain with my words," Cardenas, a father of three, said in a statement released through the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. "The nightmare for me and my family ended last night. I got out of jail and got my freedom after about 1,570 days of wrongful captivity.

It was a very hard time marked by deep pain, but also by faith, hope, love and survival."

Cardenas also said he was "very happy" to be back home with his family and thanked those who assisted with his release, including U.S. President Joe Biden; Roger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs; and diplomat Bill Richardson, the former governor of New Mexico.

The news of Cardenas' release was cause for celebration across the county.

“Today, I am thankful that Gustavo Cardenas has returned home and is now on United States soil,” County Judge KP George said. “It has been a long-overdue journey for Gustavo, his family and his fellow imprisoned individuals, who were wrongly detained in Venezuela.”

Cardenas and the rest of the Citgo 6 were all executives at the Houston-based oil-and-gas company who were called to a business meeting in Caracas, Venezuela, a few days before

Page 5

Katy resident Gustavo Cardenas, right, embraces his son, Sergio, on Wednesday after returning home from Venezuela, where he had been imprisoned since 2017 along with five other Citgo executives. Sergio Cardenas, 21, has a rare genetic disorder called mucolipidosis. (Contributed photo from Maria Elena Cardenas)

Thanksgiving in 2017, when they were arrested by the government of Nicolas Maduro.

Citgo is a subsidiary of PDVSA, an oil-and-gas company run by the Venezuelan government, and the men were arrested, accused of trying to make a deal that would financially inhibit PDVSA and convicted in November 2020 by a Venezuelan judge. Then-U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the convictions "wrongful" and described the judicial pro-

See related column on ..................

PAGE 3 ceeding as a "kangaroo court."

Relatives of the men have described them as political hostages.

While Cardenas’ family got to celebrate his return last week, other Fort Bend County families remained waiting. The other

Citgo 6 detainees are Sugar Land resident Jorge Toledo, Katy residents Jose Pereira and Jose Luis Zambrano, Zambrano's brother, Alirio, who has family in Houston, and Tomeu Vadell.

“There isn’t much that I can say, other than being really happy for Cardenas’ family, and that we are in fact hoping for a release of the rest of the men soon,” said Carlos

SEE CITGO PAGE 9

Abandoned cemeteries common across county

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Near perfection: Check out our review of Mimi's New Orleans Cafe.

Page 10

Robert Crosser, the head of the Fort Bend County Historical Commission’s cemetery committee, has seen much in his 93 years and speaks with a certain amount of fatalism about historical preservation in the county.

“The graves at Bates Allen Park are really in pretty good shape, comparatively speaking,” he said of a host of grave markers at two cemeteries in the Kendle-

ton park.

Ever since former U.S. Rep. Pete Olson first posted about the condition of grave markers in Kendleton during a recent visit to the site of Benjamin Franklin Williams’ burial, more and more Fort Bend County residents have begun questioning how the historic cemeteries might be better preserved.

Williams was a Republican lawmaker during Reconstruction who served three terms in the Texas Legislature, was one of the founders of the freed-

men’s community in Kendleton and is the only Black man who has been nominated to be Texas Speaker of the House.

Williams’ final resting place sits a stone’s throw away from the nearby Oak Hill Cemetery, around which a literal forest has grown around about 4 acres of historic cemetery, with some markers containing people born as early as 1827.

The dire condition of the

SEE CEMETERY PAGE 9

Photo by Matt deGrood A headstone sits in an abandoned cemetery in the northwestern part of Fort Bend County.

JERRY FLOWERS

Real Estate Agent, MBA, CNE, ABE Army Veteran (RET) • 832-702-5241 Jerry@dreamhomesbyjerry.com

4500 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Sugar Land, developer reach settlement on new subdivision

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The city of Sugar Land has reached a legal settlement with a development company, bringing an end to a yearslong dispute over a proposed subdivision near the city’s airport and railroad tracks.

The city council this month signed off on a

settlement agreement with a development company called Benchmarks Acquisitions LLC, under which the company will develop 130 acres of single-family lots and 30 net acres of industrial zoning, according to city documents.

“The settlement agreement includes a mutually-acceptable concept development plan, allowing residential and

industrial development on Benchmark’s property,” Assistant City Manager Jim Callaway said.

Representatives for the owners of the property in question did not respond to a request for comment as of Monday afternoon.

Essentially, the company in March 2006 entered into a contract with the state to purchase about 312 acres of land near

Chelsea Harbour in Sugar Land, Callaway said. The company acquired the property in April 2007.

Between those dates, the city annexed the land and passed ordinances giving the property a light industrial and airport height and noise zoning, Callaway said.

The company in May 2013 submitted plans for a single-family residential development, called

Public Notice First Federal Bank Littlefield, TX SSB ATTN: Rodolfo S Rendon 5539 Ambern Dr Houston, TX 77053 This notice is to inform Mr. Rodolfo S Rendon of possible unclaimed property being held at our bank.

Please call us at (806) 385-7511 and ask for the President or Compliance Officer.

WOKE UP CRYING WITH PAIN EXPERIENCED IN TOTAL HOME REPAIRS! Roof Replacement & Repairs Shower, Siding & Additions

Tammy and Ralph Donovan own two local Auto Check locations--First Colony and Bear Creek. Tammy says, “I was having a lot of trouble with my neck. I couldn’t turn it when I was watching TV, or when Ralph would say something to me. Our shop service manager, Sandy, told me one of our clients was a chiropractor: Dr. Zack Brazzell at Sugar Land Health Center. She thought he could help me.”

Ironically, Ralph had previously sent Tammy a picture of Sugar Land Health Center’s sign when he dined at a nearby restaurant. But Tammy describes herself as stubborn. “For a long time, I did nothing,” says Tammy.

Then one night, Tammy woke up crying at 1am. She says, “I had severe spasms in my neck. I thought, ‘Ok. Dr. Brazzell’s name has been sent to me in two different ways...so I finally scheduled a consult at Sugar Land Health Center.” Tammy’s x-rays revealed the source of her pain. She had a disc that was becoming compressed, and she had issues in her lower back as well. Tammy says, “Dr. Brazzell talked extensively with Ralph and I about how he could help me, and what procedures Sugar Land Health Center had to offer. He set up a treatment plan for me that included adjustments, decompression, electrical, and laser therapies. Dr. Brazzell also provided lifestyle recommendations. I was stubborn at first (surprise!), and set myself back by spending five hours on the riding lawn mower. After that, I followed all of Dr. Brazzell’s recommendations. He highly recommended I do a lot of walking, and he also focused on health and diet. With every suggestion, I felt improvement...and I lost weight in the process! I now sleep better, and I have really good range of motion. When Ralph talks, I can look at him!”

“When I started at Sugar Land Health Center, my pain level was a 9,” explains Tammy. “My neck was hurting and spasming, and I was in tears. Last Tuesday, my pain level was a 2. My x-rays showed incredible improvement. I absolutely recommend Sugar Land Health Center to anyone. The entire staff is genuine and sincere. They look out for what’s best for you, and the doctors really know what they’re talking about!”

• Framing • Sheetrock • Painting • Fences • Concrete/Granite • Tile, Brick & Laminate • Tree Service

Abbey Lakes, but that application was rejected because the property wasn’t zoned for singlefamily, according to the city.

The company then in May 2016 submitted a zoning variance request that was also denied, and so company officials then filed a lawsuit, according to the city.

Sugar Land officials denied the plan because of

I BUY JUNK CARS YO COMPRO CARROS VIEJOS

No Title, No Problem!

Payment Up To $600 Call Selvin

832-878-2551

the land’s close proximity to the airport and being adjacent to the railroad tracks, Callaway said.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, residential development will take place on the western side of the property and there will be a buffer of at least 160 feet between industrial and residential uses, Callaway said.

TRUCK-MOUNTED CARPET DEEP CLEANING

1st Room $39.95

Additional Rooms Discounted

• Pressure Washing • Maid Services • Handyman Services

346-297-7904

Stay INFORMED

fortbendstar.com

832-860-1054 3 Generations of Quality Service, Integrity & Honesty

Autos foreign & domestic Vehicle + RV detailing

Family Owned and Operated in Fort Bend County

Since 1951

Then

Now

We have moved. See our new address

167 Citadel Way Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Charlton’s Garage & Station & Auto Sales in Stafford, Texas, 1951-1970.

Owned by E.C. Charlton.

DONOVAN22STAR

Current garage at Staffordshire & Fifth St. Stafford, Texas.

Still the Same Great Service!

281-499-1126 • Staffordshire Rd at 5th Street Stafford, TX 77477 • www.Charltonsbodyrepair.com Monday – Friday, 7am-6pm

Those were the days - Charlton’s Body Repair - 01-31-18- 3colx3”

COMPREHENSIVE DIGESTIVE CARE in Sugar Land

At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, we provide you with personalized, advanced care to diagnose and treat digestive conditions. Our team of specialists treats both common and complex conditions using in-depth testing and advanced technologies, while providing compassionate, expert care to achieve the best possible outcomes — all close to home.

We provide a full spectrum of personalized care for the following conditions, including: • • • • • •

Abnormal liver enzymes Acid reflux disorders and GERD Celiac disease Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Dysphagia or swallowing difficulty Food intolerances

• • • • •

Gallbladder and biliary system diseases Gastroparesis and achalasia Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Motility disorders Pancreatitis

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/gastroenterology or call 281.801.9303.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • PAGE

3

Cardenas’ return home provides renewed sense of hope So when I wrote a column about the plight of the six men - four of whom have home addresses and families in Fort Bend County - it was partly out of desperation.

I asked readers to share the men’s stories on social media and contact their local elected officials and demand some sort of action aimed at getting them out of prison, getting them out of Venezuela and getting them back home to the United States, where five of the men have dual citizenship and one is a permanent U.S. resident.

But did I expect that to actually happen? I’d be lying if I said I did.

Maduro did not seem to be showing any signs of wanting to give the men their freedom, having snatched it from them three years earlier, and their advocates in America did not seem to be making any headway in that direction.

Then last Tuesday night - more than a year later - news began trickling out that one of the jailed Citgo executives, Katy resident Gustavo Cardenas, had been released along with another detainee, Jorge Alberto Fernandez, who is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Cuba.

Cardenas was back in the Houston area on Wednesday and had a long-awaited, surely emotional reunion with

Adam Zuvanich EDITOR

The last time we told you about the local men being held hostage in a Venezuelan prison, things did not look good.

It was December 2020, and the “Citgo 6,” as they have become known, had been dealt a devastating blow.

On Thanksgiving Day of that year they were convicted by a Venezuelan judge on corruption charges and sentenced to prison terms of at least eight years apiece.

The convictions marked the bitter end of a years-long trial that Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State at the time, referred to as a “kangaroo court.” The Citgo oil-and-gas executives and their families have maintained their innocence, describing them as political pawns of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro at a time when the South American country and its state-run oil-and-gas company PDVSA - of which CItgo is a subsidiary - have faced economic sanctions from the United States.

his family - wife Maria Elena, daughter Maria and sons Gus and Sergio. Cardenas had been jailed since November 2017, when he and the other five Citgo executives were called to a meeting in Caracas, Venezuela, and promptly arrested.

“I am very happy to be at home with my family,” Cardenas said in a statement provided to the Star. “It has been more than four years away from my loved ones.

This terrible situation has caused a lot of suffering and pain, much more than I can explain with my words.”

Cardenas also referred to his imprisonment as a “nightmare,” which fortunately for his family is now over. The ordeal was especially difficult for his 21-year-old son Sergio, who has a rare genetic disorder called mucolipidosis and is confined to a wheelchair.

Now father and son can start trying to make up for lost time. So can the rest of the Cardenas family.

Being able to report about their reunion as we did on today’s front page, and the end of what was a geopolitical tragedy for their family, is an exciting moment for the Star. And Cardenas’ return home should be celebrated all across the county and beyond.

Good news can be

hard to come by in the year 2022, because we’re still in a pandemic, the threat of a world war hangs over our collective heads, it’s a tough time economically and, here at home, we seem to be more polarized than ever from a political standpoint. So a pick-me-up was sorely needed.

It is unclear exactly why Maduro and the Venezuelan government agreed to let Cardenas and the other man go, but skyrocketing gas prices amidst the war between Russia and Ukraine might be a factor. So might a desire to improve relations with the U.S. There was a recent visit to Venezuela by U.S. government officials, including Roger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Cardenas thanked Carstens, President Joe Biden and former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, a diplomat who had previously engaged Maduro on behalf of the “Citgo 6,” for helping with his release.

Former U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, who represented some of the men and their families while serving in Washington, also advocated for their release by making daily reminders on social media to let his followers and constituents know long they had been in

CHEAP TRASH HAULING FAST Home/Business • FREE ESTIMATES

WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE

20% Off

With Ad #1 Cheapest Trash Hauling / Demolition Co. in TX! If You’ve Got It, We’ll Haul It. 7 Days Same Day Service • In Your Area

AAACheapTrashHauling.com Insured

OBITUARY

KENNETH NEIL LINCE SR JULY 17, 1951 – NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Ken Lince was born on July 17th 1951 in Rome, New York to Ethel Maxine and Albert W Lince.

He participated in baseball and basketball in high school, and was known as a stellar student.

He graduated from East AltonWood River High School in 1969, as salutatorian. He completed his degree in education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Later, receiving his Master’s degree in education from the University of Houston. Ken was a devoted teacher, assistant principal and principal until his retirement. He absolutely loved his staff, teachers, and most of all his students. His office door was always open to staff, students, and parents and he would receive them with a diet coke in hand to listen. He was awarded a Principal of the Year honor in 2000 while at Meyer Elementary in Rosenberg, Texas.

Ken was an avid traveler over the years and loved to play golf any chance he could get. One of his greatest memories and bucket list items was playing at Pebble Beach with his son Ken. Ken loved classic cars and enjoyed owning a classic Corvette and a convertible MG in his retirement years. He loved a good project, whether working on

cars, tinkering with dirt bikes with his grandsons, or completing home renovations. He could fix just about anything.

He was a beloved “Pa” to his five grandchildren. He was always there to offer great advice, and much needed tutoring in math, physics and chemistry. He enjoyed attending orchestra concerts, talent shows, track meets, football games and countless swim meets over the years. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Blues hockey team, and was thrilled when they won the Stanley Cup in 2019. He was able to travel over the years to watch them play at home in St. Louis, as well as Dallas, Las Vegas, San Jose, and Phoenix. He loved reading, crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and telling “dad jokes”. Ken had a quiet personality,

amazing intellect, and a wonderful dry sense of humor. He spent his last years living in the Austin area, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Ken passed away on November 29th at his home in Lakeway, Texas after a long battle with cancer, which he faced with great quiet strength and dignity. We will miss him forever and always.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ethel Maxine, his brother Jeff and his sister Melissa. He is survived by his sisters Sally Louth and Cherrie Ulicnik; son Ken Lince Jr, his wife Cathy and their boys Tyler, Gavin and Garrett; and his daughter Lori Wegleitner, her husband Kevin, and their boys Weston and Trevor.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19th, 3pm at Weed, Corley & Fish located in Lakeway, Texas. Located at 411 Ranch Rd 620 S, Lakeway, TX 78734 The family is working on setting up a Memorial Scholarship Fund in Ken Lince’s name with “The Little Blues” hockey camp, which provides an opportunity to be introduced to the sport of hockey for children in the St Louis area.

Link/Address will be provided when available.

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

F i n d th e Star o n l i n e

| FORTBENDSTAR.COM

713-235-0560

jail.

The five other Citgo executives - Sugar Land resident Jorge Toledo, Katy residents Jose Pereira and Jose Luis Zambrano, and Tomeu Vadell and Alirio Zambrano - remain in prison in Venezuela. So the nightmare continues for them and their families.

Cardenas asked for his colleagues’ “prompt release” in the statement he put out. I am, too, and just like I did in December 2020, I’m asking you to help keep the issue at the forefront.

Tell your senators and

congressional representatives that you want to see all six men back home with their families.

Tell your president and his state department.

Tell all your friends and relatives on social media.

Like Olson said after Cardenas was released, the task is not complete until all of them are. But Cardenas’ case gives us hope that that could happen and perhaps relatively soon.

When that day comes, we’ll have even better news to share.

713-433-6421

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

We want you to meet our Rosie!, named after Rosie The Riveter, the iconic symbol of women empowerment in the 1940s. Just like Rosie The Riveter, Rosie is strong and fierce with a power pose to match!

She would make the perfect gal pal to anyone who wants a strong woman by their side!

Meet our Rosie TODAY at Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Rd.

Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNT Y

BAPTIST CHURCH

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

CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Schedule 8:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

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

EPISCOPAL

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

Scripture of the week

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

- PSALM 27:12

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

HIRELOCAL • SHOPLOCAL • EATLOCAL TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL • LANDSCAPE DESIGN • PROFESSIONAL PLANTING

Texas

Doggie Daycare

Boarding – Daycare – Baths

TRACY WALKER,

• Cage Free Daycare • Private Outdoor Park • Overnight Boarding

Agent ChFC, CLU, CASL, CPCU

Safe - Clean - Fun

15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. P Sugar Land, Texas 77478-4173 Bus. 281-265-0711 • Toll 888-850-8491 Fax 281-466-4260 • Cell 281-380-7786 Tracy@agentwalker.com

Five Stars on Google & Yelp Check us out and get ½ off on your first visit

Free

at home consultation for landscaping design. ($99 Value) 281-331-6307 www.TexasDoggieDaycare.com

www.hhpstx.com | 832•641•8600

1100 FM 1092 (Murphy Rd.) Missouri City Tx 77459

CMB HEALTHCARE, INC. BOOKKEEPING : TAX PLANNING & PREPARATION : PAYROLL

Pediatric Private Duty Nursing 4434 Bluebonnet Dr., Ste 133 Stafford, Texas 77477

Roseline A. Ogbeifo

281-498-3410 • 11720 Wilcrest Dr. HTX. 77099 Locally owned and operated for over 25 years

Free estimates

832-768-1897

Install, repair, sell all makes/models of garage doors & openers

alliancegaragedoorstx.com

residential/commercial

Phone: 281-818-7965 Fax: 281-936-0299 After Hours: 832-888-6272

WHEN IT COMES TO THE NUMBERS

LOCAL

T2BOOKSANDTAX.COM

YOU CAN COUNT ON US!

cmbhealthcare@gmail.com

HIRE

(281) 712-4989

Contact John Sazma to participate in this special section

281-690-4200 jsazma@fortbendstar.com

Leading Medicine

IN ROSENBERG Quality Primary Care – Now in Rosenberg Houston Methodist Primary Care Group is coming to Rosenberg to support the growing communities in Fort Bend County. Opening in April 2022, our new practice will offer primary care closer to where you live and work.

We are safely seeing patients of all ages — in person and virtually — for you and your family’s essential primary care needs, including: •

Acute care

•

•

Chronic disease management

Physicals and health screenings

•

Preventive care

•

Routine immunizations

•

Men’s and women’s health

99

90 59 762

36

HOUSTON METHODIST PRIMARY CARE GROUP IN ROSENBERG

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit houstonmethodist.org/rosenberg-pcp or call 713.394.6638.

Se e

YOUR BUSINESS H e r e

281-690-4200

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • PAGE

5

FBISD baseball teams fare well Bush boys clinch at weekend tournaments 20-6A soccer title Landan Kuhlmann SPORTS REPORTER

In the last tournament action of the season before district play gets into full swing, several Fort Bend ISD baseball teams put in solid performances during tournaments hosted at five different schools across the district.

The Ridge Point Panthers continued their strong start to the season by going a perfect 5-0 at the Ranger-Panther tournament March 10-12. Owen Farris homered for the Panthers (11-2) on March 11 in a 12-5 win over Katy Paetow, while Texas A&M commit Justin Vossos had two hits and three RBIs. Two pitchers combined to hold Clements down in a 14-1 win on March 12 for the Panthers, who will face the Rangers again Tuesday to open district play.

Austin had a solid week at the Fort Bend ISD tournament, going 2-2 on the week. Harrison Golden had one of the standout performances of the week for the Bulldogs (4-8) in an 8-0 win over Katy Mayde Creek on March 10, lacing a double and a triple while driving in two runs.

Meanwhile, Hampton Phillips drove in two runs in the Bulldogs’ 3-2 victory over Angleton on March 12.

The Travis Tigers went 2-2 in tournament play last week. Stephen Brown and Lathan Buzard each had two hits for the Tigers (13-4) in a 6-5 win over Katy on March 11, while Je-Isaac Alamo reached base twice in a 2-0 loss to Cy-Ranch on March 10.

Dulles had a tough week in going 0-2-1 at the Fort Bend ISD tournament last weekend, but still got some solid performances. Jake Hewett threw a

Dulles’ Craig Ledet prepares to release a pitch during a game against Katy Jordan last Friday during the Fort Bend ISD tournament. (Photo

by Landan Kuhlmann)

complete game with six strikeouts in a 2-2 tie against Houston Heights on March 10, with Andrew Sellers tallying two hits at the plate. Floyd Gardiner went 3-for-3 with two stolen bases for the Vikings (2-9-1) in a 7-3 loss to Katy Jordan on March 11, while Hewett and Camden Matamoras each drove in a run.

Garrett Leehan had a double and two RBIs for the Clements Rangers (1-11-1) in a 5-3 loss against Katy Paetow on March 10.

Richard Starnes went 2-2 with a double and three RBIs while reaching base four times for Hightower in a 10-4 victory over Houston Westbury on March 10 as part of a 5-0 week for the Hurricanes, while Samuel Cantu struck out seven hitters in four innings of work on the mound.

Javon Thompson hit his first homer of the year for the Hurricanes (13-0-1, 3-0 district) in a 9-1 victory over Willowridge on March 8 during a game which saw four players get multiple hits.

William Goff doubled in the game for Willowridge (3-4, 0-2) which saw its three-game winning streak snapped with the loss.

Braylon Payne went 3-for-4

with a homer while driving in all four runs for the Elkins Knights in a 4-2 win over Clear Lake during the Alvin Tournament on March 11, while Seth Spies struck out nine hitters in a complete game on the mound. The Knights went 1-2-1 during the tournament, moving to 8-4-2 on the season.

Jose Fiscal and Dominic Medrano had three RBIs apiece for the Bush Broncos in a 12-1 victory against Klein Forest on March 10, though the Broncos went 1-3 in tournament play last week to drop to 7-8 on the season. Charles Reyes also threw four innings of one-run baseball on the mound against Klein Forest.

Softball The Ridge Point Lady Panthers continued to roll last week with two more dominating wins, a 10-2 win over Dulles followed by an 18-7 win against George Ranch on March 11. Bailey Gray hurled a complete game with seven strikeouts for Ridge Point (16-4, 4-0) against Dulles while adding three hits at the plate.

Rylie Shipp also hit her first homer of the season last week.

Travis’ Lady Tigers snapped a six-game losing streak with a pair of victories, beating Bush 18-1 on March 8 and dominating Clements 19-0 on March 11.

McKenzie Williams had three hits and three RBIs for Elkins’ Lady Knights in a 12-6 win over Dulles on March 11, while Madison Lenton and Megan Tansiongco also had three hits.

Jenna Tansiongco had a homer and five RBIs for Elkins (9-7, 40), who also beat Clements 17-0 on March 8.

Hope Burford reached base three times and drove in three runs for Dulles (1-6) in the game against Elkins, while Olivia Gould had a double. Burford also had two hits in the loss to Ridge Point, and Faith Martin drove home both runs.

Austin, meanwhile snapped a four-game losing streak with a 16-0 win against Bush on March

By Landan Kuhlmann

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Bush Broncos have become accustomed to playing hardfought matches this season, and they emerged victorious in another one last week to win a momentous District 20-6A championship.

The Broncos defeated Clements in penalty kicks Friday night to win their first district title in more than a decade.

Friday’s match was the 10th time this season the Broncos (135-2, 10-3-1) have been involved in a one-goal game. Bush got its lone goal in regulation from senior Segun Idowu, his team-leading 15th score of the season, while goalkeeper Aiden Yensen-Yee stopped all but one shot against him in both regulation and the shootout.

Bush entered the postseason on a high note, winning eight straight matches to end the regular season following a 3-1 loss to Clements on Feb. 11.

Other boys action Despite the loss, however, the Rangers are still heading back to the UIL postseason for the first time since 2019 with a final record of 10-9 overall and 9-5 in district play, good for third place in 206A. Jacob Fitch scored the lone goal for the Rangers in regulation against Bush, with an assist from Tim Kroon.

The Austin Bulldogs are back in the playoffs for the third straight season following a 6-0 win over Elkins on Friday. Ethan Nguyen had two goals and an assist for the Bulldogs (14-3-2, 9-3-2) to help them clinch 20-6A’s second seed, while Jose Colin scored twice and Kam Cortez dished out three assists.

On the Class 5A front, the Kempner Cougars remained in the driver’s their first district championship since 2018 courtesy of a win over Richmond Foster in penalty kicks on March 9. Sedat Kilicarlas, Emmanuel Rodriguez, and Franklin Hernandez each scored for the Cougars (15-2-1, 121-1), who could clinch the title with

a win over Hightower on Tuesday.

In Class 4A action, the Stafford Spartans were alone atop the District 24-4A standings entering play this week courtesy of a 6-0 win over Bay City on March 7, a 1-0 victory against Needville on Saturday, and a 2-0 win over El Campo on Monday.

Aron Maldonado scored five times or the Spartans (14-5-4, 111-1) against Bay City, while also scoring the lone goal against Needville and finding the back of the net against El Campo.

Ivan Maldonado stopped every shot against him in all three matches.

Girls The Clements Lady Rangers are headed to the postseason once again after finishing the regular season strong with two wins last week. Clements (14-6-1, 11-3) finished second in District 20-6A thanks to a 1-0 win over Austin on March 9 followed by a 6-1 victory over Bush on March 11.

Daisy Muddimer, Elly Jiang, and Kassidy Isaacson each tallied a goal and an assist against Bush.

Allison Wang scored the game winner against Austin, while goalkeeper Arwen Bac helped the Lady Rangers secure their 10th shutout win of the year.

Elkins’ Lady Knights are postseason-bound once more after winning its final two regular season matches. The Lady Knights downed Travis 1-0 on March 8, then defeated Austin by the same score in the regular season finale March 11 to clinch their spot. Madison Innes scored the lone goal for Elkins (14-7-1, 8-5-1) against Travis, while goaltender Ashley Arnold pitched back-to-back shutouts.

Madison McCoy scored four timesfor Austin in a 6-2 win over Dulles on March 8 to finish with a team-leading 18 goals, while Gabby De Jesus had a goal and two assists. Austin finished the season 10-9-3 overall and 6-5-3 in district play.

SENIOR CARE

Health Care Designed For Seniors —Now In Your Neighborhood!

Legacy Community Health has been providing high-quality health and wellness services in Southeast Texas for over 40 years. Our Senior Care team is trained to meet the health care needs of seniors—and help you live a healthier, fuller life.

Legacy Stafford Fountains at The Fountains Shopping Center 12540 Sugardale Drive Stafford, TX 77477 Phone: (713) 814 3655

NOW OPEN!

Hours: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM LegacyCommunityHealth.org/SeniorCare

It’s easy to become a patient!

Call us today to learn more, schedule a private tour or make an appointment with one of our caring team members.

Legacy accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and most HMO/PPOs. Eligibility Specialists are available to discuss sliding scale fees and potential programs to help lower the cost of health care services.

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

IT’S POSSIBLE TO LIVE WITHOUT JOINT PAIN

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD LIVING PAIN-FREE When it comes to joint surgery, experience matters. And there’s no better team than the specialists at Memorial Hermann Joint Center. We take a unique approach, assigning a Nurse Navigator to every patient, personalizing your treatment and staying by your side at every step. And with enhanced safety protocols in place at all locations, we’ll help put you on a pain-free path, so you can get back to living your best.

To learn more or to connect with our lead Nurse Navigator, visit memorialhermann.org/joint

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • PAGE

7

FBISD approves new elementary attendance zones

K e e p u p w i th n e w s i n F o rtB e n d

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend ISD’s Board of Trustees has given final approval to new elementary attendance zones ahead of the newest elementary school’s opening in the fall of 2023.

The board this month unanimously approved new boundaries for Sonal Bhuchar Elementary School, 5503 Thompsons Ferry Road in Missouri City. The new boundaries will include the area south of University Boulevard as well as everything northeast of LJ

Parkway.

Sonal Bhuchar Elementary School will be the district’s 53rd elementary school when it opens. It is named after a former member of the board of trustees.

District staff have been mulling new boundaries for months now.

Fort Bend ISD, perhaps more than other districts in the state, has had to

adjust quickly in recent years to the explosion of growth in the county. According to one analysis by HireAHelper, Fort Bend County is the second fastest-growing county in the United States. Between 2015 and 2020, the county’s population increased from about 715,000 to nearly 840,000 residents, according to the report.

Sign up for our newsletter at fortbendstar.com

C LASSIFIED

A DS

CLASSIFIED ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US AT 281-690-4200

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LASSIFIED C TRANE ON SALE!

SERVICES

A

AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING

281-492-3450

• Great Prices • Rebates!

• Financing • Warranties XR 16 SYSTEM

www.myACandHEAT.com

$30 OFF any repair

LIMITED TIME! CALL NOW!!

Call 281-468-4250 anytime

cannot be combined with any offer TACLB019260E

♠

www.criticalairac.com TACLA021957E (Licensed & Insured)

ACE TILE

Carpet • Remodeling • Ceramic Marble • Wood Flooring • Tile & grout cleaning & sealing • Laminate Wood Flooring • Granite Slab Countertops

281-898-0154 Locally owned and operated for over 25 years

832-768-1897

346-306-3627 FB Group: Elite

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

Mike Schofield

residential/commercial

Free

at home consultation for landscaping design. ($99 Value)

www.hhpstx.com | 832•641•8600

LEGALS SECTION 00010 ADVERTISEMENT AND INVITATION FOR BIDS

281-217-5799

Eddie Allum

FIND THE STAR ONLINE

MATH/COMPUTER TUTOR Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics.

Bill Stewart. BSEE 281341-1582.>+

Misdemeanors $

p.p.

500 DWI • Theft

Drug • Assaults Divorce • Child Support

Attorney D’Angelo M. Lowe 7322 Southwest Frwy., Ste. 1065, Houston, TX 77074

832-953-LOWE (5693)

FOR SALE

♠

TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL • LANDSCAPE DESIGN • PROFESSIONAL PLANTING

Install, repair, sell all makes/models of garage doors & openers

alliancegaragedoorstx.com

Gary Garbs - Owner ggelite4u@gmail.com

Call TODAY for FREE ESTIMATE

MNB ENTERPRISES LLC • DBA CRITICAL AIR

Free estimates

ADS THAT GET RESULTS CALL US EliteCLASSIFIED Construction DS AT 281-690-4200

FortBendStar fortbendstar.com

C h e c k i t o u t!

H O M E

FORTBENDSTAR.COM

LEGALS LEGALS

IM P R O V E M E N T

Sealed bids on the original forms, signed by an officer of the Company, will be received by Fort Bend County MUD No. 25 (the “Owner”) for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment and for performing all work required for the construction of: Water Well No.1 Rehabilitation (the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:00 P.M., March 31, 2022 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations: Civcast USA Civcastusa.com (281) 376-4577 In general, the Work consists of cleaning the existing well, repairing the existing well pump, and replacing the well pump motor at Owner’s Water Well No. 1.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. Prospective bidders must contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra.com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call.

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

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

Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager, Owner

CITY OF MISSOURI CITY NOTICE OF MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARING ON REDISTRICTING

LEGALS

Notice is hereby given of the following public meetings on redistricting in Missouri City, Texas: March 16, 2022: District C Virtual Workshop at 6:00 p.m.

Join from the meeting link: https://mctx.webex.com/mctx/j.php?MTID=mf978e3408c9578d9abc2286215901e7e Join by meeting number: Meeting number (access code): 2462 281 0236 Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only): +1-415-655-0003,,24622810236## US Toll March 22, 2022: District D Virtual Workshop at 6:00 p.m.

Join from the meeting link: https://mctx.webex.com/mctx/j.php?MTID=m01ff5c4c942ae90836e3cff0cd5f07c6 Join by meeting number: Meeting number (access code): 2467 829 3722 Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only): +1-415-655-0003,,24678293722## US Toll March 23, 2022: In Person Workshop at the Community Center at 6:00 p.m.

1522 Texas Parkway Register by emailing MCRedistricting@missouricitytx.gov to make comments at virtual meetings by 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Notice is hereby given of public hearings to take place at the regular meetings of the City Council of the City of Missouri City, Texas, to be held on Monday, March 21, 2022, and Monday, April 4, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at: Missouri City Community Center, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas 77489 for the purpose of reviewing proposed plans for redistricting the City of Missouri City district boundaries and for the purpose of receiving public comments on such proposed plans.

March 28, 2022, is the deadline for written comments and proposed maps, which should be sent to the City by email to MCRedistricting@missouricitytx.gov.

Additional information, including copies of each proposed plan, is available at: www.missouricitytx. gov/1098/2022-Redistricting.

Any member of the public has the right to appear at the public hearings and present information for or against the proposed redistricting plans.

ADVERTISEMENT TO BIDDERS Sealed Electronic Bids Addressed to Long Meadow Farms M.U.D. No. 194, for Phase one trail system, located in Fort Bend County, Texas. Attention Sweitzer + Associates, will be electronically received until 10:00 AM local time Friday March, 25th, 2022. The apparent low bidder will be automatically generated and posted for furnishing all plans, labor, and equipment and performing all work for the construction. Bids will not be received after closing time. Copies of the bidding documents may be reviewed and obtained from www.

CivcastUSA.com: search Sweitzer + Associate. Bidders must register on this website to view and/or download specifications, plans for this project. There is NO charge to view or download documents. Reproduction charges will apply according to CIVCAST rates. A cashier’s check or bid bond in the amount of 5% of the total amount of the bid must accompany each bid. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except the time of submitting a bid. The successful bidder, if any, will be the responsible bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be the most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the project.

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

INVITATION TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2, Attention Mr. Jason A. Kirby, P.E., District Engineer, will be received at the District’s office, 2331 South Main, Stafford, Texas 77477, until 3:00 p.m. Local Time, Wednesday, March 30, 2022 and then publicly opened and read for “Brand Lane Water Plant No. 5 Generator Replacement” for Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2 (Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2), Fort Bend County, Texas.”

Sealed Bids, in duplicate, addressed to Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2, Attention Mr. Jason A. Kirby, P.E., District Engineer, will be received at the District’s office, 2331 South Main, Stafford, Texas 77477, until 2:00 p.m. Local Time, Wednesday, March 30, 2022 and then publicly opened and read for “Construction of Stafford Run Water Plant Recoating” for Fort Bend County Water Control & Improvement District No. 2 (Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2), Fort Bend County, Texas.”

Scope of Work of the Contract includes, but not limited to, the removal of the existing diesel generator, enclosure, and concrete slab; installation of the new diesel generator, concrete slab, fuel piping, conduit, wire; site work, including miscellaneous grading. The plant facility is located at 208 Brand Lane, Stafford Texas 77477.

Scope of Work of the Contract consists of providing the necessary labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and plant to construct the Stafford Run Water Plant Recoating. The plant facility is located at 550 Stafford Run Road, Stafford Texas 77477 (See Key Map No. 569E).

Bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. A NON-MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Local Time, at the District office (2331 South Main Street, Stafford, TX). Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is NON-MANDATORY. Each Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a cashier’s check or certified check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than five-percent (5%) of the total amount bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract and execute the Bonds on the forms provided and provide the required insurance certificates within fifteen (15) days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor.

Copies of the bidding documents are on file at the following locations: Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivcastUSA.com.: search “Stafford Run Water Plant Recoating” Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications and plans for this project. There is NO charge to view or download documents.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project.

The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to this Bid and/or Contract and the Contractor agrees that the Contract can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

FORT BEND COUNTY WC&ID NO. 2

Bids received after the closing time will be returned unopened. A NON-MANDATORY pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Local Time, at the District office (2331 South Main, Stafford TX). Attendance by each prospective bidder or its representative at the pre-bid conference is NON-MANDATORY. Each Bid must be accompanied by a bid bond or a cashier’s check or certified check, acceptable to the Owner, in an amount not less than five-percent (5%) of the total amount bid, as a guarantee that the successful bidder will enter into the Contract and execute the Bonds on the forms provided and provide the required insurance certificates within fifteen (15) days after the date Contract Documents are received by the Contractor.

Copies of the bidding documents are on file at the following locations: Copies of the bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivcastUSA.com.: search “Stafford Run Water Plant Recoating” Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download specifications and plans for this project. There is NO charge to view or download documents.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive all defects and irregularities in bidding or bidding process except time of submitting a Bid. The Successful Bidder, if any, will be the responsible Bidder which in the Board’s judgment will be most advantageous to the District and result in the best and most economical completion of the Project.

The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Government Code, may apply to this Bid and/or Contract and the Contractor agrees that the Contract can be terminated if the Contractor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

FORT BEND COUNTY WC&ID NO. 2

GARAGE SALE? LET THE COMMUNITY KNOW! 281.690.4200

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Texana opens new café and Fulshear campus

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

An area nonprofit recently opened the doors to its newest center in Fort Bend County.

On March 11, the Texana Center hosted the grand opening of their new Texana Café and Fulshear campus at 7440 FM 359.

The Texana Café is a retail-training center with the goal to “make and serve exceptional food while supporting meaningful employment for individuals with autism and/or intellectual disabilities,” according to a news release from the organization. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Along with the café, there

are two programs providing services in the back half of the building. One is the third location of Texana’s Children Center for Autism, where one-on-one applied behavior analysis treatment is provided to children up to age 8. The other is the new Center for Advancement, which is geared to prepare teens and adults for life after high school.

“The Fulshear campus and the Texana Cafe is a new chapter for Texana that will allow for us to explore even more possibilities to unlock the potential of the clients we serve,” Texana Chief Executive Officer George Patterson said. “We are beyond excited that this dream and vision is now a reality.”

Contributed photo The staff of the new Texana Cafe stands in front of their facility at 7440 FM 359 in Fulshear. Texana Center opened the cafe and its new Fulshear campus on March 11.

The most important information in your life is

LOCAL INFORMATION • Local Businesses • • Local Schools • • Local Leaders • • Local News • • Local Sports • • Local Government •

Support that information...

Support Local Journalism Advertise your business • Share our stories Subscribe to our newsletter • Share your stories Sponsored by Southeastern Advertising Publishers Association

Your Logo Here

T H E M O N T H LY

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Contact John Sazma for advertising rates

281-690-4206 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com

THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 • PAGE

H CITGO FROM PAGE 1

H CEMETERY FROM PAGE 1

Anez, a Richmond resident and stepson of Toledo.

Former U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, who called for the Citgo executives' release and assisted some of their families while serving in Washington, echoed Anez’s comments, saying the mission isn’t over until everyone is home.

“I’m overjoyed that Gustavo Cardenas is finally home with Maria Elena, Maria, Gus and Sergio in Katy,” Olson said. “But our joy will not be complete until Tomeu, Jorge, Alirio, Jose Luis and Jose Angel are free and home with their families, too. Whatever the families need from me, they’ve got it. Always.”

Cardenas echoed Olson's sentiment, asking for the "prompt release" of his five Citgo colleagues.

"I also ask for the freedom of other people in our same condition in Venezuela and other countries around the world," Cardenas said. "They and their families deserve the same blessings and freedom that I got."

graves at Oak Hill Cemetery is hardly unique in both Fort Bend County and across the state and nation, according to Crosser.

Of about 170 total cemeteries in the county, more than half have been abandoned, he said.

“I really don’t know the solution,” Crosser said. “So few in Texas understand the situation. But how many abandoned cemeteries must there be in Texas?”

High costs of maintaining cemeteries combined with often-confusing property records and rules about who’s responsible for preserving a cemetery make the act of caring for them complex affairs, he said.

The county’s historical commission keeps track of the more than 170 cemeteries and periodically assigns them categories, such as moderate, light or high risk of loss, Crosser said.

But with a yearly budget of about $4,000, it’s hard to do much more than that, Crosser said.

As of Monday afternoon, representatives for County Judge KP George had not responded to a request for comment about whether the county has considered

H AGREEMENT FROM PAGE 1 Now that the two parties have reached a new agreement, Memorial Hermann said in a statement on its website that in-network access has been restored for patients with "BCBSTX commercial PPO/POS, EPO, Blue Essentials HMO and Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO health plans."

BCBSTX said in a statement that the agreement also will expand "future access to Memorial Hermann providers for our Blue Advantage HMO members."

"We have great respect for Memorial Hermann," BCBSTX added. "The health system has an important and vital role in delivering care to our members and patients.

We are happy to continue our longstanding relationship with the

Contributed photo from Maria Elena Cardenas Gustavo Cardenas, right, embraces his daughter, Maria, after he returned to their Katy home on Wednesday. He had been imprisoned in Venezuela since November 2017.

health system."

For Memorial Hermann patients and BCBSTX customers who might have received out-of-network services during the 10-day period when a contract was not in place, Memorial Hermann said those patients should call the member services phone number on the back of their BCBSTX member identification cards.

The hospital system also said HMO patients who switched primary care providers during the break in in-network coverage, who wish to transfer back to their previous provider, should call the BCBSTX member services number as well.

"We are reinstating members/patients with no lapse in effective date; and most, if not all, the claims will be

reprocessed," BCBSTX spokesperson Carrie Kraft wrote in an email.

Although their monthslong negotiations did not produce a new agreement before the previous one expired, both the health system and the insurer both said they had remained committed to working out a deal.

"BCBSTX’s commitment to the sustainability of our health system, our physician network, and our Accountable Care Organization is integral to the health and wellbeing of the many communities we have proudly served for more than a century," Memorial Hermann said. "It is our distinct honor and privilege to continue delivering these services as in-network providers, for all those who need us, for many more years to come."

putting more money toward historical preservation. The county assigns the commission’s budget each year, and sometimes allocates more money for specific preservation projects, Crosser said.

A visit to Brick Church Cemetery in the northwestern part of the county, near State Highway 99, confirmed Crosser’s claims about the state of historic cemeteries.

The Star on Monday visited the cemetery, which sits next to Richmond’s Oak Hill Cemetery (not the same as the one in Kendleton). The only sign either cemetery existed was a single sign, reading “Oak Hill Cemetery,” with an arrow pointing down a private drive. There, both on the edge of a tree line and buried in woods, were a series of grave sites, ranging from some people who were born in the early 1800s all the way to one person who was buried in March 1989.

Crosser also provided the Star with old newspaper articles showing that this is not the first time county residents have shown an interest in preserving the historic cemeteries out in Kendleton.

“Residents want to preserve graveyards,” reads a Houston Chronicle article

from 2004. “Historic status sought from state for three local sites.”

Crosser said he was hopeful that work getting the Sugar Land 95 designated an historical site might make it easier for other organizations to secure the designations for other cemeteries, like the ones in Kendleton.

The Sugar Land 95 are a group of 95 African Americans whose unmarked graves were found in 2018 at the site of Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center. Historians believe they were members of the state’s convict leasing system in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Despite facing an uphill battle, Olson and county resident Nick Landoski continued working to preserve the graves in Kendleton over the weekend.

“Nick and I found and GPS marked 25 historic cemetery artifacts on Saturday,” Olson said. “Most of the tombstones had names, a few had initials, a couple of blank stones and three picture frame-looking monuments. Next steps are to get FBC and the history preservation groups engaged.”

Want the BEST DEAL for your Cable and Internet?

No Deposit!

Call Us Today for a Quick Quote!

844-560-9986

E D I GU MORE LEARN ON

PAGES

2 & 25

UE 021 ISS FALL 2

sary

85th Anniver

RD

t3 Sept 24 - Oc ne TH

li buy ticks oynf a i r . c o m

fortbendc

ount

30,000 copies

of the Guide to be delivered in

March

The Fort Bend Star Guide is a twice a year product that serves as a guide to everyday living in our unique community. Where to go, places to see, things to do and services that are available in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, Stafford, and Fort Bend County.

Spring 2022 Edition – `Coming March 30, 2022 To advertise call 281-690-4200

9

RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT

when you advertise in the Spring and Fall edition in the Fort Bend Star Guide 2022.

THE STAR

PAGE 10 • Wednesday, March 16, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Mimi’s New Orleans Nibbles & Sips: to open fast-food Café offers nearly perfect meal Culver’s restaurant in Fulshear

By Matt deGrood

By Landan Kuhlmann

MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

To be completely frank, Mimi’s New Orleans Café and Oyster Bar was one of the hardest places to review that I’ve come across so far.

I visited the Richmond cajun and creole restaurant last week on the recommendation of a friend, and quickly discovered many things to love about the restaurant that’s been open for about a year.

Namely, everything on the menu sounds incredible! I spent somewhere in the realm of 5-10 minutes just debating with myself what to order. Do I want the pasta bienville, with tasty-looking grilled chicken breast and penne pasta generously seasoned with mimi’s cream sauce and seasonings? Or perhaps a seafood platter was more in order?

In the end, I settled for the chicken and sausage jambalaya. And let me tell you, dear readers, the entrée was among the best I’ve tasted.

The rice and sausage and chicken all melded together perfectly, creating a combination that was both well-textured and f lavorful. With each bite, I found myself stopping for a moment to fully-appreciate and savor the cacophony of f lavors that melted across my tastebuds, just as I might with a perfectly-aged whiskey.

The chicken and sausage jambalaya, pictured, was a tasty delight during a recent visit to Mimi’s New Orleans Café and Oyster Bar in Richmond. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

Whoever cooked that dish deserves the highest of praise.

At this point, you might be wondering what makes it so hard to review Mimi’s, then.

The trouble came with the sides that I chose to order. On that particular day, I opted for the mac and cheese and fries (my entrée let me pick two from a sizeable list of options). Both, unfortunately, were quite bland.

Neither was bad, to be clear. They just felt like a definite step down and out of place next to how wonderful the jambalaya was.

Even now, I’m somewhat conf licted on whether the fault ultimately lies with the

restaurant. Perhaps I should have opted for a more traditional side dish to accompany my entrée? Red beans and rice and mustard greens were both options, for instance.

Another option would have been to neglect side dishes altogether, and order the pasta bienville on its own.

All told, I recommend a visit to this new restaurant anytime you’re driving through that part of Fort Bend County.

But consider your side options carefully, and please let me know if you find something better. More f lavorful sides are all that separates this joint from the best restaurants I’ve visited.

Mimi’s New Orleans Café and Oyster Bar Address: 1833 Richmond Parkway, Suite 2100, Richmond Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday Entrée prices: $15$29 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Gulf shrimp salad ($17) Star of the show: Chicken and sausage jambalaya Rating:

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

A Wisconsin-based fast-food chain specializing in butter burgers and frozen custards is making its way to Fort Bend County.

Per the company’s website, Culver’s is soon opening a location at 6677 Flewellen Way in Fulshear. An opening date has not been set, but a report from Community Impact Newspaper said construction is expected to be completed by the end of May. Once completed, the restaurant will be the first Culver’s in Fort Bend County and the company’s 14th location in Texas.

The restaurant’s main offerings are butter burgers and frozen custard, according to its website, but there are also chicken tenders, seafood sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches. There are also sides available such as fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes & gravy, and steamed broccoli along with premium sides including cheese curds, onions rings and soups.

Culver’s website said hours can vary based on location.

For more information and to see a menu, community members can visit the restaurant’s website at culvers.com/restaurants/ f u l s h e a r - t x- f l e w e l l e n way.

Mexican-Pakistani fusion restaurant opens in

Wisconsin-based Culver's is soon bringing a new location to Fulshear. (Photo from Facebook)

Sugar Land There is a new fusion restaurant that has opened its doors in Sugar Land.

According to a report from Community Impact Newspaper¸ Mexican-Pakistani fusion spot Mint ‘n Chili held a soft opening March 7 at 11609 Hwy. 6 in Sugar Land's Woodbridge Shopping Center. It will be the first location in Texas.

Mint ‘n Chili has various types of burritos, such as chicken, beef and lamb, according to its website. There is also fusion food tacos and bowls available to diners, along with burgers, cheesesteak sandwiches, and sides such as chili fries and fried shrimp.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday.

For more information on what Mint ‘n Chili has to offer, visit its website at mintnchili.com/, email info@mintnchili.com or call 346-428-0160.

Follow @LandanKuhlmann on Twitter

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

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

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

MARCH 1 - APRIL 19 NURTURING THE GROWING MIND WEBINAR SERIES P .E .A .C .E . ( h ttp : / / p e ac e n u r tu r e s k i d s . o r g / ) p r o v id e s f r e e “ N u r tu r i n g th e G r o w i n g M i n d ” w e b i n ar s f o r p ar e n ts / c ar e g i v e r s / e ar l y c h i l d h o o d e d u c ato r s . T h i s 8 - p ar t o n l i n e w o r k s h o p s e r i e s w i l l h e l p yo u p u t yo u n g c h i l d r e n o n a positive learning and school trajectory. Offered on Tuesdays f r o m M ar c h 1 s t- A p r i l 1 9 th : C al l 8 3 2 - 4 1 5 - 3 0 8 8 o r e m ai l : p p s 4 p e ac e @ yah o o . c o m .

MARCH 24 LAMBDA SIGMA CHAPTER OF DKG HYBRID MEETING T h u r s d ay, M ar c h 2 4 th , th e l o c al c h ap te r , L am b d a Si g m a, o f D e l ta K ap p a G am m a, an i n te r n ati o n al p r o f e s s i o n al s o c i e ty o f l e ad i n g w o m e n e d u c ato r s w i l l m e e t i n p e r s o n an d b y w ay o f z o o m at A l l Sai n ts E p i s c o p al C h u r c h , 6 0 5 D u l l e s Avenue, Stafford, TX. Social time begins at 4:30 pm, and th e m e e ti n g w i l l b e g i n at 5 . P r o g r am : " U n p ac k i n g I d e as " , s h ar i n g e n d e av o r s f r o m v ar i o u s o th e r c h ap te r s ; Sp e ak e r : Sal e th i a M o r r i s , L S m e m b e r an d D K G T e x as A r e a 4 C o o r d i n ato r . W o m e n e d u c ato r s w h o ar e i n te r e s te d i n l e ar n i n g ab o u t D K G , c o n tac t d k g l s n e w s 2 0 2 0 @ g m ai l . c o m

P u rc o n M s p o n W in e b e tw

MARCH 25 NIGHT OF A THOUSAND LAUGHS WITH VICKI LAWRENCE h as e yo u r tab l e f o r R e ad i n g B e tw e e n th e ar c h 2 5 , 2 0 2 2 to d ay! F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n s o r s h i p o p p o r tu n i ti e s f o r R e ad i n g B e tw e e s , v i s i t th e w e b s i te at w w w . f tb e n d l i te r ac y. o r g / r e e e n - th e - w i n e s

Su n d ay, A p 1 0 0 te e n v to r ai s e aw A w ar e n e s s B ap ti s t C h u So u th w e s t s c h o o l s ar e

THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES PRESENTS MUSIC FOR GOOD C o m e j o i n T h e San c tu ar y F o s te r C ar e Se r v i c e s as w e c e l e b r ate o u r e x p an s i o n i n to F o r t B e n d C o u n ty. E n j o y a f r e e c o n c e r t, s o m e f o o d tr u c k s , an d a f am i l y f r i e n d l y e n v i r o n m e n t. I t w i l l b e o n A p r i l 3 r d f r o m 5 - 7 p m at th e Su g ar L an d T o w n C e n te r . C an ’ t w ai t to s e e yo u th e r e !

M Su R d F o yo p u 2 0

APRIL 14 FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS MEETING e e ti n g , T h u r s d ay, A p r i l 1 4 th , at 1 : 0 0 p . m . , V e n u e R o o m g ar L an d F i r s t U n i te d M e th o d i s t C h u r c h , 4 3 1 E l d r i d g . P r o g r am : F B I SD B o ar d o f E d u c ati o n C an d i d ate r u m . A r r i v e e ar l i e r to s o c i al i z e , s i g n i n an d p ay d u e s u h av e n ' t. A l l F o r t B e n d an d H ar r i s C o u n ty I . S. D . r e ti r e b l i c e d u c ato r s ar e i n v i te d . M o r e i n f o r m ati o n , c al l 7 1 3 6 -2 7 3 3 .

, e s if d -

ONGOING

W in e s ab o u t n th e ad i n g -

APRIL 3 CAR WASH FOR KIDS DOUBLING THE IMPACT! r i l 3 r d , H o p e F o r T h r e e T e e n H u d d l e an d o v e r o l u n te e r s f r o m ac r o s s th e c o u n ty w i l l r e v u p ar e n e s s an d ac c e p tan c e d u r i n g A p r i l , A u ti s m M o n th . T h e e v e n t, p r e s e n te d b y Su g ar L an d r c h w i l l tak e p l ac e at C & C D e n tal , 1 7 0 0 3 F r e e w ay i n Su g ar L an d . T e e n s f r o m ar e a o n h an d to w as h c ar s w i th an E c o - F r i e n d l y

EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY 281-243-2344 281.243.2300

s o l u ti o n , f r o m 1 0 : 3 0 am to 2 : 3 0 p m . T h e c o s t i s F R E E o f c h ar g e ; h o w e v e r , d o n ati o n s ar e w e l c o m e . Su g ar L an d B ap ti s t C h u r c h i s m atc h i n g d o n ati o n s u p to $ 3 , 5 0 0 ! W e ’ r e d o u b l i n g o u r i m p ac t! V o l u n te e r an d s p o n s o r o p p o r tu n i ti e s available. For more information or to find autism resources, v i s i t: w w w . h o p e f o r th r e e . o r g / e v e n ts o r c al l 2 8 1 - 2 4 5 - 0 6 4 0 .

14090 S.W. Freeway Suite #200 Sugar Land, TX

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY W e e n h an c e l i v e s an d s tr e n g th e n c o m m u n i ti e s b y te ac h i n g ad u l ts to r e ad . W e n e e d yo u r h e l p . L i te r ac y C o u n c i l i s ac ti v e l y r e c r u i ti n g V o l u n te e r T u to r s to p r o v i d e i n s tr u c ti o n f o r E n g l i s h as a Se c o n d L an g u ag e ( E SL ) L e v e l s 0 - 5 , th r e e h o u r s a w e e k . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n , c al l 2 8 1 - 2 4 0 - 8 1 8 1 o r v i s i t o u r w e b s i te w w w . f tb e n d l i te r ac y. o r g JAM WITH SAM J o i n Sam G r i c e an d h i s f r i e n d s e v e r y T u e s d ay N i g h t at 6 : 3 0 p m at F i r s t P r e s b yte r i an C h u r c h , 5 0 2 E l d r i d g e R o ad , Su g ar L an d , T e x as . T h e g r o u p p l ays f o l k , c o u n tr y, b l u e g r as s , r e l i g i o u s an d p atr i o ti c s o n g s . C al l Sam at 8 3 2 - 4 2 8 - 3 1 6 5 or the church office at 281-240-3195 for more information.

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN Su g ar L an d F i r s t U n i te d M e th o d i s t C h u r c h , 4 3 1 E l d r i d g e Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This

g r o u p i s o n g o i n g an d u s e s a v ar i e ty o f s tu d i e s th r o u g h o u t the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join u s an y ti m e ! T h u r s d ays , 6 : 3 0 - 7 : 3 0 am i n W e s l e y H al l . C al l the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 2 8 1 - 2 1 7 - 5 7 9 9 f o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n .

SUGAR LAND A m e r i c an L e g i o n F r e e m T h u r s d ay o f e v e r y m o n th Su g ar L an d , T e x as , at 7 : 0 P o s t h al l i s av ai l ab l e f o r 5 3 7 0 i f i n te r e s te d .

AMERICAN LEGION an P o s t 9 4 2 m e e ts th e f o u r th at th e P o s t f ac i l i ty, 3 1 1 U l r i c h , 0 P M . A l l v e te r an s ar e w e l c o m e . r e n tal f o r e v e n ts . C al l 7 1 3 - 5 5 3 -

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE G i v e a G i f t o f H o p e o n e - ti m e o r m o n th l y. Y o u r p r o v i d e s ac c e s s to th e r ap i e s an d s e r v i c e s c h i l d r e n au ti s m m i g h t o th e r w i s e g o w i th o u t. P l e as e c o n s i d e r F o r T h r e e i n yo u r E s tate , P l an n e d , o r Y e ar - E n d G R e g i s te r n o w , o r l e ar n m o r e ab o u t e x c i ti n g e v e n ts : h o p e f o r th r e e . o r g / e v e n ts

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED W e e k l y c l as s d e s i g n e d to h e l p yo u u n d e r s tan d an d ap p r e c i ate th e B i b l e b y g i v i n g yo u a b e tte r s e n s e o f th e l an d an d c u l tu r e f r o m w h i c h i t s p r an g . T h e c l as s m e e ts at 9 : 3 0 am e v e r y Su n d ay at F i r s t P r e s b yte r i an o f Su g ar L an d ( 5 0 2 E l d r i d g e R d . ) . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n c al l 2 8 1 2 4 0 -3 1 9 5 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes g u e s ts an d i s i n s e ar c h o f n e w m e m b e r s ! V ar i o u s F o r t B e n d c l u b s e x i s t an d c an ac c o m m o d ate e ar l y m o r n i n g ( 7 a. m . ) , n o o n an d e v e n i n g m e e ti n g ti m e d e s i r e s . F o r m o r e i n f o , c o n tac t M i k e R e i c h e k , R e g i o n al V i c e P r e s i d e n t, 2 8 1 575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to h av e yo u j o i n u s an d s e e w h at w e ar e al l ab o u t!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 M e e ts th e s e c o n d M o n d ay o f e v e r y m o n th at 1 1 : 3 0 a. m . , at 2 7 0 1 C yp r e s s P o i n t D r . , M i s s o u r i C i ty R e c C e n te r .

L u n c h , e d u c ati o n , an d e n te r tai n m e n t. A l l s e n i o r s o v e r 5 0 i n v i te d . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n , c al l 7 1 3 - 8 5 9 - 5 9 2 0 o r 2 8 1 4 9 9 -3 3 4 5 .

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT V o l u n te e r s ar e n e e d e d to b e a r o l e m o d e l , m e n to r an d f r i e n d to c h i l d r e n w i th e x c e p ti o n al n e e d s i n th e c o m m u n i ty.

T r ai n i n g , m i l e ag e r e i m b u r s e m e n t, tax - f r e e m o n th l y s ti p e n d i f e l i g i b l e . C al l to d ay to h e l p c h an g e th e w o r l d , o n e c h i l d at a ti m e i n R o s e n b e r g . F o r m o r e i n f o r m ati o n , c al l 2 8 1 3 4 4 -3 5 1 5 .

(Direct)

(Main) • KenWoodPC.com

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

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

h e lp w i th H o p e iv in g . w w w .

11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com

Dine-In Open!

TAKE-OUT & CATERING

AVAILABLE

19 years

family owned and operated LUNCH SPECIALS HOME MADE TAMALES & TORTILLAS MARGARITA’S TO-GO!

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com