05-04-2022 EDITION OF THE FORT BEND STAR

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Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 47 • No. 37 • $1.00

Jackson ousted as Missouri City manager

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Charles “Tink” Jackson era as city manager of Missouri City is over, less than five months after it began.

The city council emerged early Tuesday morning after spending hours in executive session and voted unanimously to fire Jackson with cause, albeit with little in the way of discussion.

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HGAC to hold water quality meetings

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Representatives for the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) have planned a series of meetings to discuss water quality issues surrounding several watersheds that run through Fort Bend County with the goal of one day improving the watersheds.

Essentially, several watersheds across the Houston region have been flagged for water quality issues by the state because of elevated levels of bacteria, said Steven Johnston, senior planner for HGAC. Meetings to address water quality on Oyster Creek and Chocolate Bay are both set for May 11, according to the organization.

“Waterways are impacted by everything that happens on the land that drains to them,” Johnston said.

The state of Texas has deemed that both the Chocolate Bay and Oyster Creek watersheds aren’t suitable for contact recreation because of the amount of fecal bacteria in them – similar to the status of many watersheds across the region, Johnston said.

Some amount of the issue is inherent to living so close to a major metropolitan area, according to Johnston.

But the HGAC is trying

SEE HGAC PAGE 7

Councilperson Jeffrey Boney made the motion to terminate Jackson’s employment shortly before other councilmembers made follow-up motions to appoint Sedrick Cole as an interim city manager for up to 30 days as a search firm looks, first for a full-time interim manager before conducting a search for Jackson’s replacement.

Many questions surrounding the decision, including what the city

Jackson

might pay Jackson in severance pay or whether the search firm is

contractually required to find a replacement without additional pay, remained unanswered as of press time Tuesday morning.

The city council’s decision brings to an end a controversy that began when the city council placed Jackson on paid administrative leave after receiving a letter containing allegations against Jackson for his hiring and firing decisions.

The city hired Austin-based DeChurch & Associates to investigate the claims against Jackson. The city will pay the firm $315 per hour for the investigation, according to Tara Powdrill Crain, a spokesperson for the city.

Missouri City has fought the release of information about the allegations against Jackson. The Fort Bend Star on April 6 filed an open

SEE JACKSON PAGE 7

School to Sunday Former Willowridge football coach enjoys new beginnings in NFL

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Ramon Chinyoung’s journey to the NFL was a roundabout one which took him on some detours.

As a result, he’s not taking anything for granted in his new position.

“I’m blessed, man,” Chinyoung said last week.

Since February, the 34-year-old Chinyoung has been serving as a quality control coach for the Denver Broncos while also assisting with the offensive line.

It’s his first NFL coaching gig after 10 years at the high school level in Texas. Chinyoung was an offensive line coach and later the assistant head coach at Houston’s Westfield High School from 20122019 before serving as the head coach at Fort Bend ISD’s Willowridge High School in 2020 and 2021, compiling an 11-8 record in two seasons.

“It’s exciting, it’s a joyful moment waking up every day,” he said. “It’s a lot faster than Texas high school football, but I can’t complain. I’m enjoying every minute of every day that I’m here.”

Chinyoung played football in high school, and later went on to become a four-year letterman at Southern University from 2007-2010. He was a first-team All-SWAC selection twice while

Coach Ramon Chinyoung looks on during a Denver Broncos practice on April 27. Chinyoung, the former head coach at illowridge High chool from said he is en o ing his first coaching e perience.

(Photo by Gabe Christus/Denver Broncos)

being honored as a first team AllLouisiana player in 2009.

He would later sign on with the Atlanta Rattlers, a former pro indoor football team, before coaching at Westfield from 2012-2019 as an assistant offensive line coach and the assistant head coach and then moving to Willowridge.

But he always had his eye on

getting to the NFL, and said he jumped at the chance when it became available a few months ago.

“Being a former player, your goal is always to make it to the NFL,” he said. “And although that wasn’t at the time what God had for me, the opportunity and new beginnings that I have now to be here is amazing. Just being in this

atmosphere is as good as it gets.”

What’s more, he said advancing in coaching is all about developing relationships. He was on the same coaching staff with new Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten at Westfield from 2012-2016,

SEE CHINYOUNG PAGE 7

Former Sugar Land resident part of team fighting ‘tampon tax’

By Adam Zuvanich AZUVANICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A group of Houstonarea teenagers and young adults traveled to Austin last year and tried to convince state lawmakers to support a bill that would eliminate the so-called “tampon tax.”

The effort by the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition proved unsuccessful, at least at the time. The bill was not

Punjwani

McGonagill

McElvy

passed by the Texas Legislature, and there continues to be sales taxes for feminine hy-

giene products such as tampons, sanitary pads and panty liners – even though a wide range of

drugs and medical supplies, including male libido enhancers, are considered tax exempt

under state law.

But the members of the coalition, including former Sugar Land resident Sahar Punjwani, are not giving up in their quest to eliminate sales taxes on those products in the name of both gender and economic equity. And they have some high-powered help.

The Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition is being

SEE TAMPON TAX PAGE 7

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THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, May 4, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Armor Glass providing practical year-round protection

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A woman was home alone in a high-end Sugar Land home when the doorbell rang. She didn’t answer it, assuming the person would go away. She went back to the bedroom near a wall of glass facing their pool when suddenly she heard something crash against the glass a few feet

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away.

Normally when that happens the paver (or rock) goes through the glass, the intruder follows it, and is gone within minutes before any police can arrive. In this event, he would have run right into the woman.

Instead, the paver bounced off the glass. It cracked the glass but there was no breach, no broken glass all over the room and in the carpet, no hole to worry about, no need to call the glass company for an emergency visit, no possibility that the rains later that day will come in and spread mold. There was no CHEAP TRASH HAULING FAST Home/Business • FREE ESTIMATES

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personal confrontation between the woman and the robber. The impact of the crash startled her, causing her to scream. And the guy -- who had assumed no one was home -- took off.

All of that, Michael Fjetland said, was because of Armor Glass Security Films’ special high-tech, polycarbonate 8 Mil Security Film that “armors your glass,” which he said is every building’s weakest link.

“Every piece of glass on the planet is an accident waiting to happen,” he said. “By applying this film, you’re basically making it an aftermarket impact window. It’s armoring your glass that you already have.”

Fjetland is the president and founder of Armor Glass Security Films. The company is based at 12926 Dairy Ashford Rd. in Sugar Land, but Fjetland said the company provides security film for homes, commercial businesses, schools, and more across the Houston region to protect from burglars, hurricanes, solar heat, and UV rays.

He initially started Armor Glass in 2008 after hearing

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

Armor Glass provides window protection film for homes and businesses around the Houston region. (Contributed photo)

about it secondhand from a Houston resident. After looking into it and studying its effects, he said it was a no-brainer to start given the Houston region’s hurricane and additional risks.

“I’ve never found another technology that is as practical and cost-effective,” he said.

Armor Glass’s products are rated for Miami Dade

Hurricane-force winds and “large missile” impacts such as a rock or a brick, according to Fjetland, and was installed on the Sugar Land woman’s windows

by Armor Glass just a few weeks earlier.

The same film was installed on the Pentagon and federal buildings after 911, Fjetland said, but costs a fraction of impact

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glass and shutters that are three to ten times more per square foot. Those options, Fjetland said, don’t cut the solar heat up to 50 percent – saving energy costs – or cut harmful UV that causes skin cancer and furnishings to fade by 99 percent.

Armor Glass Security Film, however, does.

The company has installed the films in schools for shooter protection, as Fjetland said it delays a shooter at the glass entrance instead of blowing it out with a hail of bullets in one second. They have also installed on glass at NASA’s Mission Control, numerous Whataburger restaurants, homes, storefronts, hospitals, offices and schools.

On a residence, he said it’s a lifetime warranty. On a commercial building, it’s a 12-year warranty. Armor Glass films have prevented numerous break-in attempts on homes and storefronts, Fjetland said, while providing all-day and year-round hurricane-force wind protection. So he said there is no need to “board up” for a storm.

He said those considering buying think of Armor Glass security film as “invisible burglar bars” or “invisible shutters.” It has prevented little kids from being hurt, among other protections, according to Fjetland.

“We’re the only company who does nothing but security film,” he said. “…Glass has not changed – it’s as fragile as it ever was. So by doing this one simple thing, people are protecting their family and their property from both human intrusion and Mother Nature.”

Experts say it will be Houston’s third above-average storm season in a row.

It’s too late to call when the storm has a name. Armor Glass: Don’t leave home or live in one without it. Check them out at www.ArmorGlass.com and contact them for a free quote before hurricane season kicks off June 1.

This article was paid content for the Fort Bend Star.

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 • PAGE

3

Fort Bend County’s restaurants deserving of praise Matt deGrood

MANAGING EDITOR

Several months ago, I took over our weekly food review column and have run with it.

I’m not sure if readers have thought the reviews themselves good or bad, but I’ve sure enjoyed the chance to taste my way around Fort Bend County.

There aren’t too many

places on earth that can match this county in its diversity and abundance of good food.

While the food reviews have given me an opportunity to do something I would have done anyway (namely, eat good food), they have also given me a birds’ eye view into the trials and tribulations of running a restaurant in 2022.

Almost to a location, I’ve checked my email in the days after a food review comes out to discover a nice message from the owner of a restaurant, thanking me for writing about them.

It’s always nice to receive positive feedback for our work, but the effusive praise has always seemed a bit unearned.

This has always struck me as sort of odd, because the only thing I do is appreciate the hard work that restaurant owners across Fort Bend County do to provide all of us with delicious food. Unlike some of our more in-depth reporting that might require weeks of research, writing a food review is comparatively simple.

But more than appreciation of my writing or unique insight, I think the letters are a stark reminder of how tough it is to make it in this business anywhere, let alone somewhere with as many options as Fort Bend County.

Restaurant owners in particular have highlighted the fact that someone might

read my review and choose to visit a place for the first time. In other words, my words might help boost their business.

Beyond the potential financial benefits that might come with a review, I also suspect there are some similarities to journalism inherent in the food industry.

Namely, praise feels good.

Most typically, I suspect the people most likely to comment on your work are those with an ax to grind.

They’re happy to step up and provide criticism.

But there’s a silent majority out there that support your work. You just don’t hear from them quite as much.

If there’s anything we take away from this column,

FBISD STEM educator earns teaching award

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Fort Bend ISD teacher credited with initiating the implementation of improved STEM education in the district’s middle schools recently received an award recognizing his contributions.

On Friday, Crockett Middle School teacher Richard Embrick received the Ashley HomeStore Red Apple Award, which recognizes a standout Houston-area educator each month during the school year.

A news release said Embrick began teaching in 2007, with a goal of “presenting students with the STEM teaching philosophy that integrates science, technology, engineering and math into a single, crossdisciplinary program.”

In 2013, the release said he created FBISD’s first

robotics and engineering course for middle school students.

His STEM program, the release said, has since been implemented at all 14 FBISD middle schools and introduced to thousands of students.

Meanwhile, his STEM teams have also competed at the local, regional, and national competitions.

“Mr. Embrick is a wonderful example of how one teacher can be the impetus for encouraging young minds to achieve their untapped capabilities,” said Brittany Graham, partnerships and community specialist for Ashley.

To nominate a deserving teacher, school librarian, counselor or administrator for an Ashley HomeStore Red Apple Award, go to Fort Bend ISD teacher Richard Embrick (center) stands www.khou.com/RedAp- with family members, co-workers and students folpleAward. lowing the presentation of a Red Apple Award at David

I hope it’s that we should be more open in our praise and appreciation for restaurant workers.

I know it has certainly changed my perspective, even outside of working hours. It might go over the top, but whenever I eat somewhere with good food or service, I try to make it a point to tell employees directly.

“I want you to know that I really enjoyed my meal tonight,” I might say.

For all of our many differences, food can be a truly unifying experience.

As Anthony Bourdain once said, “Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.”

As long as I hold the reins on the food review,

I hope we can turn it into something chronicling the importance of restaurants in the community. I hope people read it and not only discover new restaurants, but also say, “Hey, I love that place, too.”

To pull this off, we need readers’ help. If there’s a restaurant out there in Fort Bend County that you just love (the more of a hole in the wall, the better), let us know. Reach out to me at mdegrood@fortbendstar. com and I’ll do my best to make it there for a future review.

It’s high time restaurant employees start realizing what an impact they make in the lives of all Fort Bend County residents.

Sugar Land men get probation for using fraudulent COVID funds

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Two Sugar Land men was sentenced to three years deferred adjudication and more than $260,000 in restitution for his role in filing false claims for federal coronavirus-related funding, court records show.

Roger Kurian pleaded guilty last month to one count of theft of property between $30,000 and $150,000 as part of a plea agreement that saw five other charges dismissed, court records show. If Kurian completes his probation without in-

cident, the conviction will be dismissed, according to court records.

Kurian was one of two men, along with Matthew John, accused of using fraudulent documents to receive CARES Act funds from Fort Bend County. The men were operating as landlords, according to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.

John pleaded guilty to one count of theft between $2,500 and $30,000 and received a sentence of two years deferred adjudication, according to court records.

Crockett Middle School. (Contributed photo)

Fort Bend students, teachers nominated for Houston-area Tommy Tunes Awards

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Several local high school theater performers and contributors have been nominated for prestigious Houstonarea awards.

Nine Fort Bend County students/teachers have been nominated for various Tommy Tune awards, and will be recognized in a virtual awards ceremony that will stream live on TUTS’ social media platforms at 7 p.m. on May 27. Three students plus a teacher from Fort Bend ISD were among those nominated, as were five students from Lamar Consolidated ISD. The annual awards program, presented by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), recognizes

and rewards excellence in the production of musical theater by Houston-area high school students and their teachers according to a news release from Fort Bend ISD. They are named for Broadway legend and Houston native Tommy Tune, a performer, director and choreographer with more than 50 years of stage experience.

Travis’ Esther Oseni has been nominated for “Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role” for her role as Berthe in the school’s production of Pippin. Dulles High School students Stephen McDonald (Best Performance in a Feature Role) and Maria Mingino along with teacher Nichole Duga (Best Costume Design) have been nominated in connection to Dulles’ production of 9

to 5.

Fulshear High School’s Damaris Otis was nominated for “Outstanding Role in a Lead Performance” her role of Miss Dorothy Brown in Thoroughly Modern Millie, while Khang Huynh and Ivan Toskey are up for “Outstanding Performance in a Feature Role” for playing Ching Ho and Bun Foo in the same production.

Foster High School has two individual students and one group also nominated. Abigail Opoku (Aunt Em, Outstanding Performance, Supporting Role) and Mia Subora (Yellow Brick Road, Outstanding Performance, Featured Role) are up for awards for their performances in The Wiz, which is also nominated for best orchestra.

WOKE UP CRYING WITH PAIN 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!”

We have moved. See our new address

167 Citadel Way Suite 500 Sugar Land, TX 77478

DONOVAN22STAR

Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY

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

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”

- JOB 19:25

THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, May 4, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Stafford alumnus selected in second round of NFL draft

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A former local high school football standout has taken another step toward a professional football dream.

On April 29, former Stafford Spartans standout Jalen Pitre was taken with the 37th overall pick in the NFL draft by the hometown Houston Texans. He became the first former Spartan to ever be selected in the draft, according to the school.

“Nothing like home,” he tweeted shortly following the selection.

Pitre was one of the linchpins of the defense for the Spartans during his time

at the school from 2014-2016, tallying 222 total tackles along with 12 interceptions, 10 passes defensed and seven fumble recoveries. He was the District 12-4A defensive Most Valuable Player following his senior season in 2016, during which Stafford went 11-1 and reached the Class 4A regional semifinals.

From there, he would go on to star at Baylor from 2017-2021, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors twice and being named a first-team All American following his senior season last year. He was also a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation’s best safety.

Jalen Pitre, with Stafford coach Ken Savanah, was drafted 37th overall. (Photo from Twitter)

LCISD softball squads sweep through bi-district playoffs

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As the Texas High School softball playoffs got under way last week, it was a clean sweep for the area’s teams from Lamar Consolidated ISD to kick off their postseason runs.

Fulshear, Lamar Consolidated, and Foster each swept through their firstround matchups, with all three teams securing blowout victories – outscoring opponents by a combined 52-0 count – to advance to the second round.

The Fulshear Lady

Chargers are back in the area round for a second straight season following a 19-0 win over Houston Waltrip on April 27. Nicole Cambric and Sydnee Failla each homered and drove in three runs for the Lady Chargers (22-11), while Kendall Lippold had four RBIs. Alanna Routt and Rylie Holder combined for 13 strikeouts while allowing just one hit for Fulshear, who will face Santa Fe in the area round.

Lamar Consolidated’s Lady Mustangs were also victorious in the bi-district round, taking down Hous-

ton Northside by a score of 16-0 on April 27. Aubree Jones went 4-4 with two homers and three RBIs for Lamar Consolidated while Hope Lock struck out 15 hitters in the circle. The Lady Mustangs (17-11) will face Friendswood (27-6) in area round.

Foster’s Lady Falcons shut out Houston Milby 170 on April 27, and will face Barbers Hill in the area round this weekend.

Class 4A Needville’s Lady Blue Jays are returning to the area round for the first time since 2016 following a 9-5

win over Port Lavaca Calhoun on April 27. Jessalyn Gregory went 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs, while Fayth Hoover homered and reached base three times.

Four players had multiple hits for Needville as a part of an 11-hit attack.

The Lady Blue Jays (209-1) are set to play Boerne (26-5) in the area round this weekend as they seek a return to the regional quarterfinals for the first time since that 2016 season, during which they made a run to Class 4A state semifinals.

Class 6A

It was a tough weekend for the area’s teams from District 20-6A, as George Ranch was the lone team to come out on top in their bi-district series. The Lady Longhorns beat Katy Tompkins 10-6 on April 28 and 6-5 on April 29 to advance to the area round for the third time in five seasons.

Karrlaughn Deas had three hits and three RBIs in the Game 1 win on April 28, and Jesyca Johnston drove in two runs. Macie Burks also drove in three runs on April 29. The Lady Longhorns (17-9) will face

Bellaire (17-4) in the area round.

Elkins dropped a pair of games to Katy (5-2, 17-2) to end their season with a 1514 overall record.

The Travis Lady Tigers were unable to build on a regular season district title, falling in two games to Katy Cinco Ranch (3-1, 11-4) to finish their 2022 campaign with a 16-12 mark.

Ridge Point’s Lady Panthers, meanwhile, dropped a pair of games to Katy Tompkins, ending the season with a 25-9 record.

Foster wins 24-5A, Kempner comeback clinches No. 3 seed

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

There was plenty to be decided in the District 245A baseball race entering the final week of the regular season, and several tight games ultimately decided the fates of several

local teams.

Foster clinched its second consecutive district championship by sweeping a pair of close games from Angleton last week, winning 1-0 on April 26 and 6-3 on April 29. Coleman Briggs homered while Jackson Low drove home

three runs for the Falcons (21-8, 15-1 district) on April 29.

It was just as much of a tightrope act for the Kempner Cougars, who swept two games from Willowridge before storming back for an 8-7 win over Angleton on April

30. The Cougars trailed 7-1 after four innings, but scored six runs over the final two innings to get the win. Thomas Moss had four hits and three RBIs for Kempner (16-11-1, 106), while Nathan Jacobsen struck out eight hitters on the mound.

Ridge Point finished the regular season as the Dis-

Cangelosi Ditch Widening Final Notice and Public Explanation of Proposed Activity in Wetlands To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals This is to give notice that The City of Missouri City, Texas has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Wetlands, to determine the potential affect that its activity in the wetland will have on the human environment for Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) under grant #20-065-077-C219. The Cangelosi Ditch Widening Project is located within the City of Missouri City, in Fort Bend County, Texas. The project commences southwest of the intersection of Beltway 8 and Fondren road and extends southwest approximately 4,600 linear feet to Texas Parkway. The purpose of this project is to provide additional drainage capacity for the surrounding infrastructure and reduce flood risk within the community. This ditch serves as the main drainage channel to Sims Bayou for storm drainage infrastructure servicing nearby schools, subdivisions, industrial sites, and commercial sites.

The City of Missouri City, Texas has considered the following alternative to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: to minimize impacts to the aquatic environment to the maximum practicable extent, the preferred alternative includes the construction of a wide bench, above the ordinary high water mark of Cangelosi Ditch and it’s adjacent wetlands to the greatest extent practicable. The benched alternative includes widening such that the existing flowline of Cangelosi Ditch will be minimally disturbed.

The bench will begin at a minimum of 1 foot above the OHWM. Side slopes are proposed at 3:1, and the backslope swale along the south overbank will be removed to maximize right-of-way (ROW) utilization. Total impacts to aquatic resources are 0.156-acre (0.096-acres permanent, 0.060-acres temporary). No compensatory mitigation is required as a result of project implementation.

The City of Missouri City, Texas has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative outside of the wetlands entirely. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. This activity will have no significant impact on the environment for the following reasons: The project is entirely within the City’s existing ROW. No additional ROW or easements are required for the proposed improvements. Based on the environmental assessment conducted for the Cangelosi Ditch Widening Project (preferred alternative), it is anticipated that the project would not result in a significant impact on the quality of the human or natural environment.

Additional permitting with the USACE Galveston District, for the impacts to Cangelosi Ditch and adjacent wetlands is ongoing. However, based on current design impacts are expected to be minor (<0.10 acre) and/or temporary. Based on the findings in this Environmental Assessment, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is recommended for this project.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool.

The dissemination of information about wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be received by The City of Missouri City at the following address on or before May 13, 2022: City of Missouri City Engineering Department, 1522 Texas Pkwy, Missouri City, TX 77489, or by email at Engineering@missouricitytx.gov. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the address above, or online at https://www.missouricitytx.gov/855/Public-Works.

trict 20-6A champion with a 25-3 overall record and a 13-1 mark in district play.

However, spots 2-4 were up for grabs as Travis, Elkins, and George Ranch all finished the season with 10-4 district records. The teams were set to determine playoff seeding via a coin flip Monday night.

In Class 4A action, Need-

ville clinched a share of the 25-4A title courtesy of an 11-1 win over Bay City on April 29. Kody Gibbs homered for the Blue Jays (21-5, 11-1) against the Black Cats, while Noah Shipp reached base three times.

Some individual highlights are below, and final standings can be seen online at fortbendstar.com.

BASEBALLL SCOREBOARD April 26 District 24-5A Kempner 8, Angleton 7 Angleton 000 520 0 – 7 9 2 Kempner 100 015 1 – 8 8 2 Winning pitcher: Cody Kuffel Top performers Thomas Moss (Kempner): 4 hits, 3 RBIs Nathan Jacobsen (Kempner): 4.2 IP, 8 Ks Records: Kempner 16-11-1 (10-6), Angleton 13-15 (10-6) Foster 1, Angleton 0 Angleton 000 000 0 – 0 2 Foster100 000 X – 1 5 Winning pitcher: Chase Batten Top performers Sam Hardcastle (Foster) 3-3, RBI Chase Batten (Foster): CG, 10 K/1 BB Records: Foster 21-8 (15-1), Angleton 13-15 (10-6) April 29 District 20-6A Ridge Point 6, Travis 1 RPHS 001 230 0 – 6 9 1

Travis 000 010 0 – 1 1 2 Clements 15, Bush 0 Clements 006 81X X - 15 Bush 000 00 XX – 0 Top performers Ryan Brown (Clements): 2-2, 5 RBIs, 3 runs scored Jorge Perez (Bush): 2 IP, 0 ER, 3 K/1 BB Records: Clements 5-23 (4-10), Bush 9-21 (1-13) Top performers JJ Kennett (Ridge Point): 2 hits, RBI Parker Martin (Ridge Point): 2 RBIs Records: Ridge Point 25-3 (13-1), Travis 21-7 (10-4) District 24-5A Lamar Consolidated 11, Marshall 0 Marshall 000 00X X – 0 3 3 Lam. Cons.322 4XX X – 11 7 0 Winning pitcher: Zyon Johnson Losing pitcher: Troy Jackson Top performers: Esteban Laris (Lamar Cons.): 2-4, 2B, 2 RBIs Kyle Boutte (Marshall): 1 hit Records: Lamar Consolidated 12-17 (9-7), Marshall 5-18-1 (2-14)

FINAL STANDINGS Team Ridge Point Travis Elkins George Ranch Austin Clements Bush Dulles Foster Fulshear Kempner Angleton Lamar Cons.

Ros. Terry Hightower Marshall Willowridge Sweeny Needville Columbia Brazosport Stafford Bay City La Marque

BASEBALL District 20-6A Overall 25-3 21-7 18-9-1 16-15 11-14 5-23 9-21 3-22-1 District 24-5A 21-8 17-9-1 16-11-1 13-15 12-17 12-15 14-11-1 5-18-1 4-19 District 25-4A 24-4 21-5 14-12 11-16 8-17 7-17-1 1-20

District 13-1 10-4 10-4 10-4 7-7 4-10 1-13 1-13 15-1 14-2 10-6 10-6 9-7 7-9 5-11 2-14 0-16 11-1 11-1 7-5 6-6 5-7 2-10 0-12

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Fort Bend showcases strength at regional track meet

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Fort Bend area saw dozens of athletes qualify for their respective regional track meets, and multiple schools showcased their strength to qualify for the state meets.

In all, nine schools from the area will send more than 30 total runners and athletes from more than 10 events to the state meet in their respective classifications, which will take place at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin from May 12-14.

Class 6A The Bush Lady Broncos’ squad had a strong Region III-6A meet, qualifying in multiple events. The Lady Broncos’ 400 relay team of Raylen Russell, Rachel Joseph, Christina Pleasant, and Amariya Hardeman was the regional champion after running the final in 45.49 seconds, while its 800 relay team of Russell, Pleasant, Demeri Duplechain, and Hardeman finished second in 1:37.66 to qualify. Joseph

also qualified in the girls’ 400, nabbing a wild card slot by running the final in 54.2 seconds.

Elkins’ Lady Knights also had a strong showing. Their 1600 relay team of Faith Holman, Taylor Jackson, Emillia Gill, and Mfoniso Andrew finished second at the regional meet by running the final in 3:46.49). Andrew also qualified individually in the 400 by running a 53.76, while Sydney Freeman was the regional champion in the girls’ discus throw with a best of 140-6.5.

Fort Bend ISD went 1-2 in the Region III-6A boys’ triple jump. Travis’ Damilare Olukosi took home the regional crown with a jump of 50 feet, 9 inches, while Ridge Point’s Karson Gordon finished second by jumping a best distance of 49-11.5.

George Ranch had one boys’ qualifier, as Shane Gardner ran the 110 hurdles in 13.78 seconds to finish second.

Class 5A The Marshall boys’ and girls’ track teams con-

tinued their strong team showings last week, with both taking home the Region III-5A team titles.

Their boys’ 800 relay of Michael Patterson, Gerard Holmes, Jonathan Howard and Kameron Williams ran the final in 1:24.93 to win the regional crown, while the 1600 relay team of Mason Roseboro, Arveyon Davis, Williams, and Chris Brinkley was also regional champs with a final time of 3:16.57.

Individually, Brinkley and Davis stole the show by finishing 1-2 in both the 110 hurdles and 300 hurdles in the Region III5A final.

On the girls’ side, all three relay teams qualified for the state meet.

Marshall’s 400 relay team of Tairah Johnson, Cesley Williams; Brittney Green and Janai Williams won the regional crown with a time of 46.56, while their 800 relay team of 800 relay team of Genesis Griffin, Johnson, Tyeler Moore, and Williams finished in 1:39.96 in the final to take home the regional title.

The Bush High School girls 400-meter relay team of Raylen Russell, Rachel Joseph, Christina Pleasant and Amariya Hardeman was the Region III-6A champion last week and has its eyes set on a state title. (Photo from Twitter)

Class 4A Leading the pack in the Region IV-4A meet was Needville’s Andrew Pollard, who was the boys’ 3200 regional champion after running the final in

4:33.13.

Stafford paced the area in the field events, with Quardale Pratt winning the Region IV-4A shot put title with a best throw of 56-04.

Andrew Huff, meanwhile,

won the discus throw regional title after tossing a best of 163-08.

A complete list of the area’s state qualifiers is below:

STATE QUALIFIERS Region III-6A Bush Girls’ 400 relay – Raylen Russell, Rachel Joseph, Christina Pleasant, Amariya Hardeman (45.49; first) Girls’ 800 relay – Raylen Russell, Christina Pleasant, Demeri Duplechain, Amariya Hardeman (1:37.66; second) Rachel Joseph – Girls’ 400 (54.20; third/wild card) Elkins Girls’ 1600 relay – Faith Holman, Taylor Jackson, Emillia Gill, Mfoniso Andrew (3:46.49; second) Sydney Freeman – girls’ discus throw (140-6.5; first) Mfoniso Andrew – girls 400 (53.76, second) Travis Damilare Olukosi – Boys’ triple jump (50-09; first) Ridge Point Karson Gordon – Boys’ triple jump (49-11.5; second) George Ranch Shane Gardner – boys’ 110 hurdles (13.78; second) Region III-5A Marshall Boys 800 relay – Michael Patterson,

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Stafford Municipal School District is seeking request for qualifications from qualified companies to provide Audit Services for the District. Proposal responses are due on or before May 24, 2022 by 2PM CST. Proposals can be found on the SMSD website at: https://www.staffordmsd.org/departments/fiscal-responsibility Dedrea Norman, CFO Stafford MSD 1633 Staffordshire Road Stafford, TX 77477

United States District Court for the District of Nevada Civil Action No. 2:22-cv-00254-GMN-NJK INTERNATIONAL MARKETS LIVE, INC., a New York Corporation dba iMARKETSLIVE; Plaintiff(s) v. DE’EL WOODS, an individual; Defendant(s) SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION To: De’el Woods, 826 DeSoto Dr., Richmond, TX 77406, A lawsuit has been filed against you. Object o: Action: This is a Complaint for BREACH OF CONTRACT VIOLATION OF UNIFORM TRADE SECRETS ACT, DEFAMATION PER SE, TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS, TORTIOUS INTERFERENCE WITH PROSPECTIVE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE, and FRAUD Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) - or 60 days you are the United States of a United States agency or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(2) or (3)- you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff ’s attorney whose name and address are: Law Offices of P. Sterling Kerr. 2450 St. Rose Pkwy Suite 120. Henderson. NV 89074, If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file our answer or motion with the court. CLERK OF COURT. /s/ UNKNOWN Deputy Clerk, Date: 2/10/2022 Published in The Fort Bend Star Newspaper.

May 4, 11,18,25, 2022

Desirae Roberts – 100 hurdles (14.25; second) and 300 hurdles (43.15; first) Genesis Griffin – Long jump (192.75; third/wild card) Rosenberg Terry Boys 800 relay – Trumaine Mitchell, Alphonso Brown, Wilson Lightfoot, Devin Wilkerson (1:26.70; second) Region IV-4A Stafford Girls’ 400 relay - Tori Williams, Amber Butler, Paige Lewis, Mackenzie Catalon (49.95; second) Amber Butler - girls’ 400 (12.31; second) Quardale Pratt - boys’ shot put (56-04; first) Andrew Huff - boys’ discus throw (163-08; first) Needville Andrew Pollard - boys’ 1600 (4:33.13; first) and 3200 (10:13.18; third/wild card) Jesus Panchito - boys’ 800 (1:59.90; second) Matthew Norwood - boys’ high jump (6-00; second) Jessalyn Gregory - girls’ 100 hurdles (15.78; second)

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Gerard Holmes, Jonathan Howard, Kameron Williams (1:24.93; first) 1600 relay – Mason Roseboro, Arveyon Davis, Kameron Williams, Chris Brinkley (3:16.57; first) Gerard Holmes – 200 (21.09; second) Jonathan Howard – 200 (21.42; third/wild card) Arveyon Davis – 110 hurdles (13.84; first) and 300 hurdles (37.98; second) Chris Brinkley – 110 hurdles (13.96; second); and 300 hurdles (36.25; first) Jy’Adrian Wortham – Long jump (22-4.25; second) Girls 400 relay – Tairah Johnson, Cesley Williams; Brittney Green, Janai Williams (46.56; first) 800 relay – Genesis Griffin, Tairah Johnson, Tyeler Moore, Janai Williams (1:39.96; first) 1600 relay – Cesley Williams, Desirae Roberts, Brianna Brinkley, Brittney Green (3:51.13; second) Cesley Williams – 400 (55.14; second) Tairah Johnson – 100 hurdles (13.73; first) and long jump (1911.5; first)

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McGonagill and H TAMPON TAX FROM PAGE 1 McElvy argue that femirepresented pro bono

by Baker Botts LLP and two attorneys for the Houston-based firm, who are challenging the application of existing sales tax exemptions by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The attorneys said they are prepared to file a lawsuit in state district court if the comptroller’s office does not grant their request for a sales tax refund related to products purchased in 2021 by Punjwani, 20, who grew up in Sugar Land and is a student at the University of Chicago.

“We want to let them know we’re not backing down,” Punjwani said of state leaders. “It’s really important for us to end this tax.”

The initial request for a sales tax refund was submitted in April 2021 and requested a total refund of $1.78, the amount in sales taxes paid by Punjwani when she purchased less than $22 worth of liners, pads and tampons from Doyle’s Pharmacy in Houston, according to documents provided by attorneys with Baker Botts. The comptroller’s office issued a denial of the request in February, according to the attorneys, who on April 21 submitted a request for redetermination as well as a request for a refund hearing.

The Baker Botts attorneys, Laura Shoemaker McGonagill and Meghan D. McElvy – the wife of McElvy Partners CEO Jonathan McElvy, who owns the Fort Bend Star – argue that feminine hygiene products should be tax exempt because of Rule 3.284 under Title 34 of the Texas Administrative Code, a regulation promulgated by the comptroller’s office to interpret and implement Section 151.313 of the Texas Tax Code. Rule 3.284 says that among the products that should be tax exempt is a wound care dressing, which is defined as “An item that absorbs wound drainage, protects healing tissue, maintains a moist or dry wound environment (as appropriate), or prevents bacterial contamination.”

nine hygiene products meet that definition.

So does Dr. John Irwin, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Baylor of College of Medicine, who submitted his professional opinion on behalf of Punjwani and the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition in a document provided by the attorneys and submitted to the comptroller’s office.

McGonagill and McElvy also argue that taxing feminine hygiene products, when products such as Band-Aids, gauze pads, eye patches, corn cushions and male libido enhancers are tax exempt, amounts to gender-based discrimination and therefore violates the Texas Constitution.

“The argument is that the comptroller’s position favors the male sex drive over female menstruation,” McElvy said.

Added McGonagill: “It’s insulting. It’s not only insulting, I think it contravenes their own stated rule, and it’s sexbased discrimination.”

Kevin Lyons, a spokesperson for Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, said the office could not comment on a pending sales tax refund request, citing state law.

Lyons did not answer questions seeking to determine how much leeway the comptroller has in interpreting or implementing the existing Texas Tax Code and Texas Administrative Code, or whether the comptroller thinks feminine hygiene products should be tax exempt.

Lyons said the office received approximately 40 refund claims in January 2020 related to sales taxes paid for feminine hygiene products, adding the claims “were all denied due to the products not being exempt.”

“I have not talked to (the comptroller’s office) recently, but my understanding was they did have some leeway to create rules that could have included menstrual products in the exempt situation,” said State Rep. Donna Howard, a supporter of the effort to eliminate the tampon tax. “I think they’d prefer to have the

legislature take that action. I do not know what the political ramifications were expected to be.”

Howard, an Austin-based lawmaker, proposed the aforementioned bill during the 2021 legislative session and also authored similar bills in each of the previous two biennial sessions. She said her most recent bill had bipartisan support but did not make it to the f loor of the Texas House for a full vote.

Howard said her proposed legislation has so far been torpedoed by financial considerations, adding that lawmakers are often reluctant to eliminate a tax revenue stream without replacing it with another revenue source. But she and McGonagill both said sales taxes generated from the sale of feminine hygiene products represents only a fraction of the overall sales tax revenue generated across the state.

McGonagill said the tampon tax is especially problematic for lowincome women and has a ripple effect because a lack of access to feminine hygiene products could cause women to choose to skip out on school or work over fear of embarrassment.

“The fact I’m having to even talk about this is mind-boggling,” Howard said. “This is a basic healthcare need of girls and women of childbearing age. There is no reason whatsoever that we should be taxing these products.”

Howard said she’s encouraged by the efforts of young women such as Punjwani and equity coalition co-founder Zoe Kass, a 16-year-old Bellaire High School student who said she helps provide free feminine hygiene products in the girls bathrooms on the Bellaire campus.

McElvy and McGonagill said they are committed to fighting on behalf of Kass, Punjwani and other members of the Texas Menstrual Equity Coalition, and are willing to take their case all the way to the Texas Supreme Court if necessary.

“We will see this issue through,” McGonagill said.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 • PAGE

H CHINYOUNG FROM PAGE 1 and said Outten is the one who made him aware of the Broncos’ opening in the first place.

Outten was the offensive line coach at Westfield from 2012-2016 while Chinyoung was his assistant, and was hired by the Broncos on Feb. 2 according to a report from the Houston Chronicle.

After Outten extended the offer to interview with the Broncos a few weeks later, Chinyoung flew out to Denver for the interview. It was a short time later that he was offered (and accepted) the job.

“Everything you do is about relationships, and through those relationships, opportunities present themselves,” Chinyoung said. “You have to take it upon yourself to be ready.

(Justin) found a way to open the door for me, and I had to go in and knock it down.”

H HGAC FROM PAGE 1 to coordinate local plans that might help improve water quality on both watersheds, along with the upper Oyster Creek watershed, which runs through Sugar Land and Missouri City, according to Johnston.

Fixing the bacteria levels in the watersheds could cost many millions

H JACKSON FROM PAGE 1 records request, seeking the letter detailing allegations against Jackson that led to the council placing him on paid administrative leave while the Austin-based law firm conducts an investigation into the claims against him.

James Santangelo, the city’s assistant city attorney, on April 20 filed an appeal to the request with the Texas Attorney General’s Office, attempting to withhold that document from public view.

In that appeal, Santangelo asserts the city should be allowed to withhold the document because it could lead to a lawsuit.

7

As the quality control coach, Chinyoung said his job is to form relationships with the younger players and assist the offensive line coach, among other duties – a natural transition considering that’s where his coaching career began.

And though the speed is faster than high school on the field, he said the importance of fostering those connections and learning from everyone around him remains constant.

“Coaching high school football is all about the kids, and getting an opportunity to coach in the NFL is about the same thing,” he said. “The only real difference is that it just so happens these kids are grown men… When you’re a former player and you start coaching, you think you know everything. But you have to learn to teach and how to deliver it to student athletes.”

And so far, he has had to do it without his family by

his side, which he admitted wasn’t the easiest thing. His wife is a teacher and coach at Klein Oak High School in Houston, while Chinyoung’s youngest son is still in an FBISD elementary school.

However, he said he finds time to FaceTime them every day, and that doing so keeps things in perspective. Once the school year is over, he said, his wife and son will move out to Denver.

“It wouldn’t be easy without being able to see your family face-to-face. We’re definitely busy on this level,” he said. “But there’s always time – family’s a big thing that we believe in here, so we’re making time for it.”

He’s in a dream spot, and is soaking up every moment.

“There’s nothing greater than coaching in the National Football League,” he said.

of dollars – an issue that having a coordinated plan and effort might help procure grants and other funding for, Johnston said.

The public meetings are meant to solicit resident input on what might be done to clean up the waterways, such as by discussing possible pollutants and other issues, Johnston said.

A third meeting hasn’t

been formally scheduled, but is tentatively set for later this summer to discuss the Upper Oyster Creek watershed, Johnston said.

To learn more about the meetings and the project, visit this site: https://www.h-gac.com/ watershed-based-plans/ san-jacinto-brazos-coastal-basin-tmdl-and-implementation-plan.

Whoever replaces Jackson in charge in Missouri City would be the city’s fourth administrative leader in just two years.

Just weeks prior to the council placing Jackson on administrative leave, Mayor Robin Elackatt and Jackson had said they hoped to return stability to the city.

Jackson earned a yearly salary of about $210,000, in addition to a $600 per month vehicle allowance and a $90 per month phone allowance, according to public documents.

The city council authorized spending $23,000 on a search firm before it hired Jackson, whose two predecessors, Anthony Snipes and Odis Jones, were given severance payments totaling almost

$1 million. Snipes was fired in a 4-3 vote by the city council in February 2020, and Jones’ subsequent tenure ended with a 5-2 vote to fire him in April 2021.

Jackson arrived in Missouri City after most recently holding the same city manager post in La Marque, which sits in the middle of Galveston County.

Jackson, who had served in the role there since 2019, resigned in July 2021, shortly after the city council met for hours in an executive session to discuss whether to fire him, according to the Galveston County Daily News, which covered the story.

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Review: Udipi a must-visit destination Nibbles & Sips: Creole barbecue joint for county's vegetarian food lovers

coming to Sugar Land

By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I have a bit of a confession to make: This week’s restaurant review is sort of unfair.

Not long ago, I lived near Houston’s Mahatma Gandhi District and would make regular trips there to take in its abundance of good Indian food.

A small restaurant called Udipi Café was my first love, with its vegetarian-centric menu and a buffet that gave patrons a chance to sample their way through everything.

It’s funny how much things change, but stay the same.

I recently made a trip out to the Sugar Land location of Udipi Café, 2325 Williams Trace Blvd., to see if the experience translated to a new place.

And the answer is that, while there were differences, the same magic inhabited both restaurants.

To begin on a brief sour note, the famous buffet is at least temporarily no more. My server apologized, and explained that the coronavirus pandemic had stopped it.

Luckily, he came armed with a host of recommendations. After a moment of consideration, I settled on a thali that came with jackfruit curry, a paneer curry, lentils and more.

The mix of f lavors at Udipi have always impressed me, but something about the cascading shift from dish to

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Pictured is a thali from Udipi Cafe. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

dish – one sweet, another savory – was truly an adventure.

There was nothing included in the thali that didn’t feel perfectly designed to complement everything else.

I so thoroughly enjoyed my meal that I didn’t want it to end. After polishing off a dessert of a type of noodle rice pudding, I decided to order a mango lassi to keep the experience going for

just a little bit longer.

Typically, these reviews are a little bit longer than this one. But sometimes when you’re dealing with something so perfect, it’s hard to add anything.

It’s a sure bet that I’ll be returning to Udipi Café one day soon.

Udipi Café

Address: 2325 Williams Trace Blvd., Sugar

Land Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9:15 p.m. TuesdayFriday; 11 a.m.-9:15 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday Entrée prices: $8.99$13.99 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Alcohol: No Healthy options: Pineapple curry ($9.99) Star of the show: Jackfruit curry Rating:

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR MAY 6 FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES TO CLOSE FOR STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY All branches of Fort Bend County Libraries will be closed on Friday, May 6, for Staff Development Day. Regular library hours will resume on Saturday, May 7. Your online library is always open at www.fortbend.lib.tx.us. For additional information, contact the library system’s Communications Office at 281-6334734.

MAY 9 MISSION BEND BRANCH LIBRARY PRESENTS SPANISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE Fort Bend County Libraries’ Mission Bend Branch Library presents a Spanish Conversation Circle for individuals who would like a place to practice their Spanish language and conversation skills. The next monthly Spanish Conversation Circle will be Monday, May 9, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the Conference Room of the library, located at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road. This activity is free and open to the public. For information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the Mission Bend Branch Library at 832-471-5900.

MAY 12 LIBRARIES OFFER INTRODUCTORY HANDSON COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY CLASSES Do you have a new Kindle or Nook™, but you’re not sure how to use it? Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library will have an E-Reader Question-and-Answer session on Wednesday, May 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, in the Meeting Room of the library, located 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. The session is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), or call the First Colony Branch Library (281-238-2800) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

MAY 12 FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS LUNCHEON/MEETING The meeting is Thursday, May 12, at 11 a.m. in The Great Hall, Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd.; End of Year Pot Luck Lunch; Program: Induction of 2022-2023 Officers; speaker: MFAH, Gerry Aiken, "Art in Bloom"; Bring items for auction; Children's Book Project raffle. Arrive early to socialize, sign in and pay dues if you haven't. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. More information, call 713-206-2733.

MAY 14 ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE ASSOCIATION 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Join the Asian Pacific American Heritage Association for its 30th Anniversary Gala "Dancing with the APAHA All Stars", Saturday, May 14 at 6:00p, at the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria. The Bollywood-themed night includes cocktails, auction, awards ceremony, and dance competition featuring Dr. Cindy BerthelotLy, Nabil Shike, Lilu Cheng, and Christine Ho. The winning dance team will receive a mirrored disco ball trophy and $1,000.

Omaha-based coffee shop expanding to Fort Bend Beginning next year, a Midwest-based coffee shop will begin expanding its footprint in Southwest Houston and Fort Bend County.

Scooter’s Coffee, an Omaha-based drive-thru coffee franchise, has plans to open five Fort Bend County locations in the next few years, according to a news release from the company. Spokesperson Lucy DeLorenzo said the chain will open a Sugar Land location in January 2023, and future locations are also planned for Missouri City, Stafford, Rosenberg and Richmond.

When it opens, the Sugar Land store will be its second Houston-area location, joining an existing one at 26551 Kuykhendahl Road in Spring.

Scooters’ specializes in artisan espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, baked-fromscratch pastries and more along with a line of organic hot and iced teas, single-origin coffee and smoothies. The expansion is the result of a ten-unit franchise agreement signed by George Ayoub, according to the company.

and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 14100 Southwest Frwy. Ste 230, Sugar Land, TX 77478

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

MAY 14 LAMBDA SIGMA CHAPTER OF DKG MEETING/LUNCHEON Saturday, May 14, the local chapter, Lambda Sigma, of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional society of leading women educators will meet in the home of Mary Ann Dolezal, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Induction of Officers, meeting, end of year review, luncheon. Women educators who are interested in learning about DKG , contact dkglsnews2020@gmail.com.

MAY 17 PETER HOTEZ, MD, PH.D. & DR. EMILY HOTEZ, PH.D. COVID-19 IN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY LIVE ZOOM SESSION Hope For Three Autism Advocates and Access Health are honored to announce an intimate session with world-renowned doctors Peter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., autism dad, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development in Houston, and his daughter, Dr. Emily Hotez, Ph.D. Emily is a developmental researcher and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UCLA. She currently serves on the leadership team of the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health. Join the one-hour live Zoom session on May 17, 2 p.m. CST. Pre-registration required at www.hopeforthree.org/hotez for this once-in-alifetime opportunity.

MAY LIBRARY HELPS READERS WITH ELECTRONIC READING DEVICES AND E-BOOKS Fort Bend County Libraries’ Adult Services staff will present a variety of free, introductory computer classes this month. The classes will consist of a hands-on introduction to basic skills..

The classes will take place in the Computer Labs of the libraries; seating is limited and reservations are required. Mission Bend Branch Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Road (832-471-5900) will offer MS Word 2016: Accelerated from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, May 12. Learn basic and intermediate skills for using MS Word. This class will focus on formatting and using pre-made templates.

ONGOING PEACE OFFERS-SCHOOL-AGE PARENT ENGAGEMENT VIRTUAL SERIES Join “Parent Engagement School-Age Virtual Series” that P.E.A.C.E. (http://peacenurtureskids.org/) offers at no-cost to parents on Tuesdays in May to advance their children’s academic and school success and nurture the social-emotional development of teens. Call 832-415-3088 or email: pps4peace@ yahoo.com.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as

a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www. ftbendliteracy.org JAM WITH SAM Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year.

The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time!

Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.

SUGAR LAND AMERICAN LEGION American Legion Freeman Post 942 meets the fourth Thursday of every month at the Post facility, 311 Ulrich, Sugar Land, Texas, at 7:00 PM. All veterans are welcome.

Post hall is available for rental for events. Call 713-553-5370 if interested.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/ events DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195 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, 281-5751145 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 281-499-3345.

BECOME A FOSTER GRANDPARENT Volunteers are needed to be a role model, mentor and friend to children with exceptional needs in the community. Training, mileage reimbursement, 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.

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

Furrest Greenwood, left, and Kennis Williams will bring a new Creole BBQ joint to Sugar Land this summer. (Photo by Michael Anthony)

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For more information, visit https://www.apaha.org or call 832922-2089.

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

Fort Bend County is home to many a diverse dining establishment fit for its melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and another one will be making its way to the area later this year in the form of a fusion barbecue joint.

According to a news release, Sugar Land native and pitmaster Kennis Williams is set to bring Williams Smokehouse BBQ and Blues to Sugar Land Town Square this summer. Williams and cofounder Furris Greenwood will operate the restaurant, which says it will bring “an old school traditional Texas barbecue concept with a Creole-modern twist.”

Menu options to be available will include smoked stuffed turkey legs filled with dirty rice and topped with shrimp and sausage alfredo sauce; homemade armadillo eggs made with homemade sausage wrapped around a smoked gouda stuffed jalapeno wrapped with bacon; and Creole candy smoked wings.

Along with its food, the restaurant will also feature a rotating selection of live blues music, with a small stage area set up to showcase local musical talent. The 5,500-square-foot space at 2105 Lone Star Dr. will also have a patio for diners to enjoy, according to the release.

“I’ve built many great lifelong friendships and business relationships right here in Sugar Land,” Williams said.

“Sugar Land is my home, and I can’t wait to share my passion for food with my community.”

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