05-25-2022 EDITION OF THE FORT BEND STAR by Fort Bend Star

County events to honor fallen service members - Page 3 Extend Fence Life

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County DA’s office hosts talk on civil rights By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Friday’s meeting between members of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and area civil rights leaders came with a content warning. The event would cover the history of civil rights in Fort Bend County, and that history has been ugly, according to the district attorney’s office. What followed was an hours-long question-andanswer session between a group of civil rights leaders and county prosecutors, the purpose of which was to make the office more aware of law enforcement’s perceptions in the wider community, District Attorney Brian Middleton said. “If we don’t step up and do our jobs without double-standards, then racism perpetuates,” he told prosecutors. “It’s our job to stand up to bullies and be mindful of the significance of our decisions.” The office has made a concerted effort in recent years to increase its focus on civil rights, and had previously hosted a roundtable with the area’s police chiefs to discuss civil rights and the perception of law enforcement, Middleton said. The goal is to make events like last

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FBISD likely to place bond on November ballot By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Voters within Fort Bend ISD’s boundaries will likely be deciding whether or not to approve additional bond funding to construct schools and other facilities as soon as this November. But exactly how big that bond might be remains up for discussion. Superintendent Christie Whitbeck last week confirmed that a bond referendum was likely, with a district spokesperson add-

ing that this was part of a longstanding plan. “It is also accurate that the 2018 bond was meant to serve as a phase 1 with the intention of seeking voter approval in 2021 for a second bond needed to address needs that were not covered in the 2018 bond,” said Sherry Williams, a spokesperson for Fort Bend ISD. “The 2021 election did not happen.” More than 70 percent of voters in November 2018 approved almost $1 billion in ballot propositions that were tabbed for building

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Whitbeck

new schools, improving safety and security, transportation and maintenance across the fast-growing

school district, according to FBISD. At the time, the plan was to bring voters a second package in 2021, but the coronavirus pandemic suspended that plan, according to the district. In conversation with three trustees last week,

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it seemed there was some consensus that they’d support bringing some type of referendum to voters this November. So rather than determining whether to pursue a bond, it seems like the majority of discussion will center on how big such a proposition might be. “With the way that school funding is set up in Texas, it pretty much requires bonds to build schools,” new trustee David Hamilton said.

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Travis student selected for prestigious flight training program By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Most kids want to be professional athletes, doctors or something else when they grow up. But Travis High School student Rishita Bagga has always had somewhat different future aspirations. She has wanted to be a fighter jet pilot in the military, almost as long as she could remember, she said. “This was one of the first professions I learned about,” she said. “…I’ve stuck with it because it’s so interesting and so different. Because it’s so unique, I’ve always been determined to get there.” And this summer, Bagga will take a significant step forward in advancing her dreams. The Travis senior will take part in the Commander Naval Air Force Pilot Scholarship Program on the campus of Delaware State University from June 12-Aug. 4. The course is an eight-week training academy, during which Bagga and 19 other JROTC students will take part in at least 32 hours of academic aviation training as well as 49 hours of flight training. Bagga was one of only 20 high school juniors and seniors selected for the program from thousands of eligible cadets around the country. Upon completion of the program,

Travis High School JROTC student Rishita Bagga, center, stands with fellow Travis cadets. Bagga, a senior, has been selected for an elite ight training program this summer. (Contributed photo)

each student will earn a private pilot certification/license and five college credits. “I didn’t even know how to react (when I found out), because I never really thought I would be able to

get to all of this,” she said. That surprise was an initial reaction and not a lack of skill or a dearth of confidence in her dreams. Her first words to Major Frederick Hunt, Travis’ JROTC se-

nior marine instructor, said all he needed to know about her resolve. “She told me (as a freshman)

SEE BAGGA PAGE 7

Rent-to-own company making inroads in Fort Bend County By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A newish company that purports to help prospective homeowners afford the cost of a down payment is making inroads in Fort Bend County. Divvy – a California-based company that operates a rentto-own real estate program – first moved to the Houston area in 2020 and is especially popular in Fort Bend County, according to several people with the company and who have worked with the company. “Definitely, Fort Bend

County is one of the hottest areas,” said Megan Goodly, a real estate agent who works for Divvy’s brokerage firm. Goodly first began work with Divvy about a year ago and, in that time, has helped purchase about 30 homes as part of the company’s program, she said. Of that total, about 15 have been in Fort Bend County. “I think it’s because we market straight to families,” she said. “That means we’re in a place where people are all sort of looking for the same thing, just in different pockets of the area.”

Divvy, which began less than five years ago, operates in about 16 markets across the country. It works by partnering with prospective homeowners and offering to purchase the home for them with all cash and charging them a monthly rent payment while they save money for a down payment, according to Tom Egan, chief financial officer for the company. “The majority of our revenue is generated through rent,” Egan said. “When you

SEE DIVVY PAGE 7

ew homeowners stand in front of a home pur chased through Divvy. (Contributed photo)

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PAGE 2 • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

New sports complex opens on Hobby Road By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County elected leaders gathered last weekend to celebrate the opening of a $6 million sportsplex in the Houston part of the county. County commissioners celebrated the opening

of the South Post Oak Sportsplex, 5685 Hobby Road, according to a news release. The facility features two 100-yard football fields, bleachers, a press box, restrooms, concession stands and more. More improvements are planned for the future.

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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 • PAGE

County honoring fallen service members this weekend By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As Fort Bend County prepares to honor those who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces, there are several community events planned for the days leading up to the holiday as well as the Memorial Day holiday on Monday. Below is a list of some of the events happening in or around the county this week or on Monday to honor fallen soldiers and service mem-

bers. Sugar Land The Sugar Land and Fort Bend County Exchange Clubs will host a patriotic concert from 7:30-9 p.m. Saturday at Sugar Land Town Square to commemorate the weekend. Included in the festivities will be musical performances from the Fort Bend Brass. Also to perform will be up to 60 members of the Fort Bend Boys Choir with director Bill Adams, as well as a ballet performance of “In God We Still Trust” with dancers from Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School

in Sugar Land. The event is free for the community to attend, and attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations which will be given to the East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry. For more information on the event, visit the event page at sugarlandtownsquare. com/event/a-night-to-remember-patriotic-concert/. Elsewhere, the city of Sugar Land will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Sugar Land Memorial Park beginning at 10 a.m. Monday with a one-hour patriotic mu-

sical presentation followed by a remembrance of the names of veterans engraved inside the walls of the park’s Remembrance Tower. The Houston Commemorative Air Force will present a military flyover and there will be a 21-gun salute in addition to a flag observance led by a local Boy Scout troop, according to the city’s website. Community members can visit sugarlandtx.gov/921/Memorial-DayCeremony for more information. Missouri City This Sunday, the Quail Val-

ley Ladies Golf Association will host a couples’ golf tournament in commemoration of Memorial Day. It will take place at the Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre at 2880 La Quinta Dr. in Missouri City beginning at noon. The entry fee for the tournament is $15 per person for club pass holders, and $34.50 per person for non-pass holders. Community members can register for the event at golfquailvalley.com. For more information on the event, they can also email qvlga@ yahoo.com.

Fulshear There will be a Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Fulshear-Katy Chamber of Commerce from 11 a.m.-noon Monday at the Irene Sterne Community Center, 6920 Katy-Fulshear Rd. Among those presenting will be representatives from Lions Club International as well as Rotary International. To find out more, visit m m s . f u l s h e a r k a t y. c o m / C a l e n d a r / m o r e i n fo. php?eventid=420991 or email Kaye Kalich at kakahlich@ gmail.com.

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PAGE 4 • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Some notes on how we gather news Matt deGrood

MANAGING EDITOR

After opining about transparency, partisan politics and restaurant employees in recent weeks, an editorial detailing what happens behind the scenes in journalism might seem comparatively boring. But several recent instances have reminded me that, while a community might have once had an intimate relationship with the paper serving it, there appears to be a

starker divide nowadays. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I just think it might help to have a clearer idea of how we do some things. To start, it’s important to remember that a newspaper is a substantially different beast from social media, as it should be. Whereas the social media megacorporations aren’t liable for many of the words that appear on their sites, a newspaper is. Because of that, it’s critical that all information appearing in our paper or on our website (fortbendstar.com) or in our weekday newsletter is vetted and transparent. This is partly why, as a general rule of thumb, we do not use unnamed sources. We make rare exceptions to this rule if we have a source that 1. We

can personally identify; 2. Has information that we cannot get by any other means; and 3. Has a reasonable fear for their safety or of retaliation. The Fort Bend Star will always encourage readers to reach out to us if there’s an issue happening in their neighborhood or if they know of a story we should be covering. That’s what separates good newspapers from great ones – a real sense of trust with the community. But know that most of the time, we will need a named source to move forward with a story. On a somewhat related note, our credibility in the eyes of our readers is of the utmost importance. It is because of that fact that we seek to avoid any sign of undue influence. This is to say, we cannot

let anyone review our stories before they publish. That rule isn’t just limited to the Fort Bend Star – no major journalism outlet will allow you to do that. We will, however, allow a source to look at their direct quotes if they ask us with enough advanced notice. When it comes to quoting you, the Fort Bend Star is perhaps more easygoing than many publications. Generally speaking, unless two parties specifically agree to hold a conversation off the record before the conversation happens, it is assumed that the conversation is fair game to appear in any story. That being said, we want our sources to feel comfortable talking freely as we progress through a conversation.

It’s also worth noting that if an issue comes up or a comment is made in a public setting, such as at a city council or school board meeting, what is said in those settings can be quoted in a news report. We encourage civic discourse and fully support anyone speaking before a council meeting on an issue dear to them. But just know, the Fort Bend Star might use those words in a story we write. This brings us to our schedule. As you no doubt know, we are a weekly paper that gets distributed on Wednesday afternoons to homes and businesses across Fort Bend County. But what you might not know is that our deadline is much earlier. We spend our Mondays frantically typing up articles and piecing together our

plan for the upcoming edition. Because of that, I often tell sources that our deadline for interviews/comments/etc. is Friday. If I’m dealing with someone I’ve worked with before, sometimes I can give them until Monday to meet a deadline, but there’s really no possible extension beyond that. Relatedly, we love hearing from everyone – readers, elected leaders, active residents, experts, etc. But if you are reaching out expecting an immediate response, that response is more apt to arrive after Monday is over. We are so thankful for our many readers, and hope this column provides some insight into how we operate. One hand knowing what the other is doing can only make us more effective as a unit.

Former FBISD superintendent joins national board By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A longtime local and Texas school administrator has been named to the board of direc-

tors for a national education organization. Former Fort Bend ISD superintendent Charles Dupre has been named to the national board of directors for Kickstart Kids, the organiza-

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tion announced Wednesday. Kickstart Kids is a martial arts character development program non-profit organization created by Chuck Norris in 1990, which offers instruction to middle school and high school students throughout the state. Dupre has served as the Texas Association of School Administrators’ (TASA) director of member engagement and support since last September, and was a Texas school administrator for nearly 25 years between FBISD and Pflugerville ISD “Dr. Dupre’s experience, insight, and dedication will be an enormous addition to our national board,” Kickstart Kids executive director Joan Neuhaus said in the release. According to the release, Dupre helped launch the Kickstart program in FBISD when he was still the district’s Chief

5/10/22 2:37 PM

Dupre

Financial Officer in 1999. When he became the Pflugerville ISD superintendent in 2007, the organization said he immediately implemented the program in the district’s middle schools. Dupre also made it a priority to offer the program on each FBISD campus after taking the superintendent position there in 2013 until he retired last year, according to Kickstart. The organization said its programs and curriculum offer students an alternative to traditional sports options like football and basketball. “There are many kids who don’t have interest in these programs,” Dupre said. “What I’ve found is that Kickstart Kids fills the gap for many of them. And once they are in, I

know they are going to be successful for life because of the character values they learn through the program.” The skills of karate such as discipline, character, and more can help students build confidence that extends beyond any classroom, according to Dupre. Kickstart said more than 8,300 students were enrolled in 60 schools across the state this past year, and that its curriculum promotes “a sense of community, achievement, healthy lifestyles, and the foundation of character.” “Kickstart brings something to our schools that wasn’t there before,” Dupre said. “Middle school is where you win or lose students for life. We need something to engage all students.” For more information on Kickstart Kids, visit the organization’s website at KickstartKids.org.

OBITUARY

BARBARA FULENWIDER

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

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CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195

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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

SEPTEMBER 23, 1941

Barbara Fulenwider passed away at the age of 80 on February 22, 2022. She was born to L.A. and Bessie Fulenwider in San Antonio, Texas on September 23, 1941. She grew up to be an accomplished journalist. She worked at the Houston Post as a reporter and editor, and was a writer for the Stars and Stripes military newspaper in Germany. While in Germany she traveled throughout Europe. After she returned to Houston she became a co-owner of the original Houston Woman Magazine. Later Barbara joined the Fort Bend Star as a reporter and reviewer of motor vehicles and was able

FEBRUARY 22, 2022

to combine two of her favorite things, writing and love of automobiles. She leaves behind her brother Fred (Joan), nephew Robert, nephew Mark (Sunem) and grandnephews Isaac and Zachary. Barbara loved good food and good conversation, and she will be missed.

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.

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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 • PAGE

Panthers beat top-ranked Falcons for regional semifinal berth Landan Kuhlmann SPORTS REPORTER

In some ways, reaching the Class 6A regional semifinals has been the standard for the Ridge Point Panthers’ baseball team in recent seasons. On the other hand, Panthers’ head coach Clinton Welch knows his team still has to go out and prove themselves on the field every night. “We never talk about (our ranking) because it means nothing,” Welch said Monday. “You have to show up and play well. I would say our players stay pretty even-keeled and calm emotionally.” They kept up tradition again last weekend, taking down an area and regional power in the process. The Panthers swept topranked Katy Tompkins – which also entered the postseason ranked 10th nationally – by scores of 2-1 on May 19 and 9-7 on May 20 to advance to the Region III-6A semifinals. It is the third regional semifinal appearance in the last five postseasons for Ridge Point (31-4), which will face Pearland (33-7-1) in the regional semifinals beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday on the campus of the University of Houston. As expected with two teams that entered ranked among the top squads in the region, both regional quarterfinal games produced close battles and comebacks. The Panthers were down to their final out in Game 1 before Travis

This week’s playoff schedule **Region III-6A semifinal Ridge Point (31-4) vs. Pearland (33-7-1)** Game 1: 7 p.m. Thursday Game 2: 7 p.m. Friday Game 3 (if needed): 7 p.m. Saturday **All games played at University of Houston Vlasek singled and J.J. Kennett followed with an RBI double, and Carter Groen walked it off with a single to score Kennett. Before to that seventh inning rally, Ridge Point had not had a single runner reach second base. Kellen Gradisar also pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits in the process. “It was definitely looking bleak,” Welch said. “We have had several come back wins this year, which helps a team's mindset. We say this to our players all the time: ‘If you don't work hard, you don't deserve to have good things happen.’ They work extremely hard at practice and did deserve something good to happen, and it did.” In Game 2, the Panthers used a six-run sixth inning to break open a 3-2 game before holding off a seventh-inning rally from Tompkins to punch their ticket to the regional semifinals. Groen had two more hits and three RBIs in Game 2, while Parker Martin and Justin Vossos drove home two runs apiece. On the mound, Hunter Nichols threw six innings of two-run baseball while striking out eight hitters to earn the win and keep the Panthers’ run going. As they get set to face the Oilers this weekend, the Panthers head to the regional semifinals with an eye on their second state tournament in

the last three postseasons. Ridge Point fell to Southlake Carroll in the 2019 Class 6A state final. This season’s journey has been especially big for the Panthers’ psyche, Welch said, after a disappointing first-round exit last season. It has been a hard-fought playoff run so far, with four of the Panthers’ six playoff wins so far coming by one or two runs. In particular, Welch said surviving a well-pitched series with Katy Seven Lakes gave

Ridge Point’s Travis Vlasek prepares to receive a throw at first base during a game this season. The Panthers are headed to the regional semifinals for the third time in the last five postseasons after sweeping Katy Tompkins last weekend. (Photo by Bob Calbert)

The Ridge Point Panthers celebrate following last weekend’s regional quarterﬁnal victory. (Photo from FBISD Athletics Twitter)

the Panthers some muchneeded confidence. But the slate has been wiped clean again, and the Panthers will need to prove themselves once

more this weekend. “We need pitchers to execute the plan with three pitches, make all routine plays, and put up a war every single at-bat to minimize strikeouts,”

Welch said. “Pearland has a very talented pitching staff and excellent coaching.” Class 4A In the area’s other playoff action, the Needville

Blue Jays dropped a pair of 12-0 decisions to topranked Sinton last week, bringing their season to a close. Needville finished the season with a 25-8 overall record.

Cowboy Corral: Pedro Leon has intriguing skills By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Every so often in baseball, a player comes along that has almost everything you could want in a ballplayer. The term “five-tool player” typically describes someone who can hit for average and power, has good speed, good defense and a good arm. It’s a term I feel is thrown around a little too loosely these days. It creates unrealistic expectations for prospects who might eventually fall short in some aspects – thus I try to stay away from its sensationalist nature. That said, this week’s player spotlight of Space Cowboys infielder/outfielder Pedro Leon – one of the Astros’ top prospects – sees us break down the game of a young man who has a very intriguing combination of skills. I’d classify Leon as a threetool player, but with at least four-tool potential. Initial overview Leon was an international signee by the Astros last season, coming stateside from La Habana, Cuba as a part of the now seemingly endless Cuban pipeline that has opened into the Astros’ minor league system since they signed Yuli Gurriel in 2016. He made a quick rise through the Astros’ system once signed, despite struggling at the plate, hitting just .220 with a .708 OPS in 72 games across three levels. Entering the 2022 season, Leon was still ranked at the Astros’ No. 4 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and the 23-yearold has shaken off an early season slump to show why scouts are so high on him. He is hitting .254/.370/.529 for the season in 36 games, including a robust .290/.396/.634 over his last 25 games. So is what he’s doing sustainable long term? Let’s take a peek under the hood and find out.

Landan’s lowdown Off the bat, Leon’s size might not jump off the page, as he is listed at just 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. An initial glance at the stats might not see much cause for crazy enthusiasm either, with a career .232/.350/.425 slash line. But don’t get it twisted – his power stroke and batted skills are off the charts where it matters most, and pitchers are making a mistake if they underestimate him. First, let’s get the obvious negatives out of the way. There is definite swing and miss to Leon’s game, as he has struck out 145 times in 466 minor league plate appearances – a 31.1 percent rate. This season, it’s a 32.1 percent rate (53 K’s in 165 PA) – so nobody is blind to the elephant in the room. But here’s the thing – for that one admittedly noticeable negative, there are numerous positives that have long made me think he could be an instant contributor at the Major League level very soon. For one, there’s the plate discipline. For all the strikeouts, Leon has also coaxed a walk in 12.2 percent of his career minor league plate appearances – including an 11.2 percent walk rate this season as of this writing. What that tells me – and anyone looking – is that the strikeouts are not a product of chasing pitches out of the zone. And that’s the first step in this game – getting good pitches to hit. And when he gets good ones to hit, the kid is taking advantage – which leads to our next point. A quick scouring of the Space Cowboys’ Twitter account shows video of multiple Leon homers traveling at least 450 feet – a ridiculous amount of power even accounting for Triple-A West’s launching pads of ballparks. His ground ball rate - the type of batted ball least conducive to hits - has also been cut almost

Sugar Land Space Cowboys inﬁelder/outﬁelder Pedro Leon brings an interesting mix of skills to the table. (Photo from Sugar Land Space Cowboys Facebook)

in half to 27.6 percent so far this season, so he’s hitting more hard line drives and fly balls - batted balls most conducive to hits - than ever before. Then finally, there’s his

can. He’s stolen 10 bases this season in 14 attempts, demonstrating yet another tool in his toolbox. Projection As difficult as last week’s player was to project, this one is that easy. I could easily see Leon breaking camp with the Astros in 2023, and might even get the call later this season. Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick are both solid trade pieces, and could be moved at the deadline to bolster the team’s bullpen. There are definitely some noticeable flaws to Leon’s game, but as you can see above, there is so

much to like – and anything that’s wrong, can easily be tweaked with reps against big league pitching with MLB coaches. It takes repetition to find your way in any profession, and adversity is how players learn – just look at the starts to the careers of such stars as Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, compared to where they are now. Is there a Space Cowboys player in particular you would like us to write about? Feel free to shoot me a note to lkuhlmann@ fortbendstar.com or find me on Twitter @LandanKuhlmann.

speed, which I got a chance16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite to personally see last sea-200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 (phone) son at both Corpus Christi713-774-5131 (fax) 713-774and Sugar Land. And let me7122 tell you – someone who can hit 450-foot tanks shouldWWW.SWOBGYN.COM not be able to run like Leon

Dr. Utsavi Shah is leaving Southwest Ob Gyn.

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Dr. Shah joined Southwest Ob Gyn in August 2018 out of residency and has grown a thriving practice over the past almost four years. Dr. Shah has accepted an academic faculty position in the medical center and will be leaving Southwest Ob Gyn as of May 31, 2022. Southwest Ob / Gyn Associates has proudly served the greater Houston and Sugar Land communities for the past 27 years and while Dr. Shah’s presence will truly be missed, her spirit of caring and providing excellent patient care can be found in every physician within our group. It is our hope that you will continue to trust us with your care. Please call our oﬃce at 713-774-5131 to receive assistance with transitioning your care to one of the other physicians within our group. You may contact our oﬃce or visit our website at www.swobgyn.com and complete a request for release of medical records if you choose to continue care outside our practice. Please join us in wishing Dr. Utsavi Shah the very best as she moves into the next chapter of her life.

Meet Pancho! This sweet baby boy has been through a couple rough patches in his life. With a shortened tail, a recent eye surgery, and being surrendered by his owners of six years, you think this boy would have a broken spirit. But no! This boy is as sweet as molasses and is so excited to see & explore the world around him, and get all the pets from all of the new people he meets on the way! This sweet baby deserves the comfort of his own home. Could it be with you?

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H CIVIL RIGHTS FROM PAGE 1 week’s something regular, but the pandemic had temporarily stopped the office from hosting events, Middleton said. Those civil rights leaders in attendance last week didn’t mince words. Pastor David Sincere of the Fort Bend Transformation Church, for instance, told a story about being placed in handcuffs and called a racial epithet just because he was outside when police were searching his apartment complex for a suspected criminal. “It’s important to understand the impact on someone’s mental health and the stress it creates,” Sincere said after being asked to define racism. Dr. Alexander Brown, a civil rights activist who at 16 years old was present during the famous “Bloody Sunday” march in 1965 in Selma, Alabama, expressed anger at the fact so many Black people are killed by law enforcement while those who perpetrate white domestic terrorism have been arrested peacefully. The 1965 march became famous because law enforcement attacked unarmed marchers. The moment was a turning point in the battle for civil rights as video of state troopers beating marchers was shown on television that night,

igniting more support for the movement and leading to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, according to one summary on History.com. Brown cited the recent example of Payton Gendron, an 18-year-old man accused of shooting and killing 10 people at a supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y., according to a CNN article. Law enforcement have said Gendron targeted the store because it was in a predominantly Black neighborhood and tried to livestream the shooting, according to the article. Gendron was arrested after the shooting, according to the article. Police chiefs from cities across Fort Bend County also attended last week’s events, and some of them spoke about the troubles they’ve seen. Outgoing Sugar Land Police Chief Eric Robins said he’d seen politics affect law enforcement in recent years. “After January 6, for instance, there was a divide in local law enforcement,” said Robins, referring to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. “People take sides, and we’re trying to find out how to deal with that.” Robins told attendees he’d also gotten pushback from other police officers over the years when he’s tried to explain how his experience as a Black man had affected how he viewed law enforcement.

is one of the biggest factors in driving toward her dream of becoming a pilot. “I’ve been told (being a fighter pilot) is one of the most difficult things you can do,” she said. “So it’s that challenge that I want to prove to myself I can accomplish – because I know I can do it.” As for becoming an officer, Bagga said Hunt has served as her biggest role model during her time at Travis, and watching how he leads has played a major role in her development. According to Bagga, she has always admired the

H BAGGA FROM PAGE 1 that she wanted to be a fighter pilot,” Hunt said. “So when this opportunity came about, she was the first person I thought of. All the hard work she’s done helped her get to where we are right now. She deserves all the credit.” Bagga serves as the Travis Marine Corps JROTC unit’s Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and commanding officer, and said she has always relished the challenge of leading others. In fact, she said the challenge itself

Wednesday, May 25, 2022 • PAGE

H DIVVY FROM PAGE 1 pick out a house, a customer signs up with Divvy. If they are approved, they get a budget and we pair them up with a real estate agent to go out and look at homes. When they find a home they like – as long as it suits their budget and meets our investment criteria – we buy the home.” Customers sign a threeyear lease agreement with the company, with the option to purchase the home from Divvy at any point, Egan said. The way the program works is a prospective homebuyer applies through divvyhomes. com and, if approved, pays either 1 or 2 percent of the purchase price, which helps determine their monthly rent and also is put into a savings

H BOND FROM PAGE 1 The district continues to grow, albeit not at the same pace as several years ago, but is also facing a budget shortfall that needs addressing, Hamilton said. District administrators are projecting an almost $47 million budget deficit for the

selflessness of officers, including her instructor, and the way they carry themselves. “Whatever he says, I take it and understand why he acts a certain way,” she said. “That’s helped me become a better leader, to be able to understand how people think and the thought process of an officer.” Bagga knows that the upcoming summer course, as well as her future aspirations, are lofty. But that’s exactly why she sets them, she said. She has never backed down from a chal-

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Public Hearing

A public hearing will be held by the City Council of Missouri City, Texas to receive comments for or against proposed amendments to the City of Missouri City Zoning Ordinance regarding: (1) Section 4. Definitions regarding sexually oriented businesses The public hearing is scheduled: DATE: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Missouri City Community Center 1522 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) Missouri City, Texas Specific information is available at City Hall, Missouri City, Texas, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or you may call 281-403-8541.

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resenting smaller opportunities, and step up to the plate when nobody else is there.” It appears Bagga herself has done just that. As a result, she is one step closer to conquering those challenges and fulfilling her lifelong dreams. “When they’re taking those responsibilities on and grasping them to really reach for the stars, that makes me proud,” Hunt said. “I’m happy because, as freshman, she said she wanted to do this – now we’re seeing it come true.”

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weather events, Egan said. Several local real estate agents contacted by the Fort Bend Star said they hadn’t had a chance to work with Divvy yet, and so they didn’t have thoughts on the program. But Goodly said in her experience, agents like working with Divvy because of the allcash home offers. “We aren’t that different from any other brokerage,” she said. “You’re still getting clients pre-approved.” The biggest difference for Goodly personally is that she’s ultimately representing Divvy in the transaction, she said. Goodly suspects that Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD schools have helped turn Fort Bend County into a hotbed for the new company, she said. For more information, visit divvyhomes.com.

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lenge, and doesn’t plan to begin doing so now. She didn’t find out about the scholarship program until a month before last year’s deadline, thus she had to scramble to complete a military aptitude test as well as a physical fitness test and medical qualification within a month. Bagga will also be the first person in her family to attend college in America next fall, whenever she chooses between Texas A&M, the University of Houston and Embry-Riddle, among others. She moved to the United States from Punjab,

C LASSIFIED

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

SECTION 00010 ADVERTISEMENT AND INVITATION FOR BIDS 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:

(the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:30 P.M., June 23, 2022 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407.

(the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:00 P.M., June 23, 2022 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407.

Specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:

Civcast USA Civcastusa.com (281) 376-4577

The project will entail the evaluation, rehabilitation and replacement of sanitary sewers using various construction techniques and will be performed on phases pursuant to Work Order Agreements as set out in Section 00509 of the Contract Documents.

The project will entail the evaluation, rehabilitation and replacement of sanitary sewer manholes, and will be performed on phases pursuant to Work Order Agreements as set out in Section 00509 of the Contract Documents.

A pre-bid conference call with prospective bidders will be held on Prospective bidders shall contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra.com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call.

A pre-bid conference call with prospective bidders will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. Prospective bidders shall 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

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, May 25, 2022

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Review: Alpha Dessert’s uniqueness deserving of more than one visit By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

I’ll be frank – I’m not much of a sweets person. If given the option between dessert and something salty or spicy, I’ll generally pick the latter. But on a hot day full of interviews, sometimes the soul calls for a nice, cold smoothie. Such were the circumstances I found myself in last week. As someone who doesn’t frequently order smoothies, however, I found myself wondering, how does someone choose between a vast array of places offering a somewhat similar-sounding menu of smoothies made from varied fruits and protein powders? The answer came in the form of a quick search on my phone – you simply pick whatever sounds the most unique. That’s how I ended up at Sugar Land’s Alpha Dessert Juice Café, 1531 State Highway 6, Suite 140. If you haven’t, I urge you to take a look at the menu on the group’s website. Never before have I seen such a wild-looking collection of drinks representing a bold array of f lavors. Take the signature falooda, for instance – a drink that is described as full of sweet, kulfi-based milk, delicate Asian noodles, layers of rubes of refreshing jelly, crushed nuts and topped with Mawa sweet cream ice cream and loads of more ingredients. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint my readers. While I picked

By Landan Kuhlmann

While not one of Alpha Dessert Cafe's more adventurous options, the strawberry banana smoothie (pictured) made an impact during a recent visit. (Photo by Matt deGrood)

Alpha Dessert because of its unique take on the crowded smoothie genre, I was both hot and exhausted and reverted to what I know best – the old, reliable strawberry banana smoothie. As smoothies go, this checked all the boxes – good f lavor, decent size, quickly prepared. If I had any critique, it’s that at more than $7 for what seemed like a medium-sized cup, it felt a tad expensive. But it appears that’s the direction the whole industry is moving in, so I can’t fault Alpha Dessert for the price.

I cannot tell you how eager I am to return to this place and try one of its more outrageous concoctions. Maybe that will be a falooda, or maybe a mango delight falooda or possibly even a birthday cake shake. But until I can return, I’d love to hear from anyone else who’s visited this unique drink destination. What is your favorite thing to order? Have you tried any of the food? Fort Bend County is chock full of interesting places to dine, and Alpha Dessert is no exception.

Alpha Dessert Juice Café

Address: 1531 State Highway 6, Suite 140, Sugar Land Hours: 2 p.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 2 p.m.-midnight FridaySunday Entrée prices: $5.99$11.99 Kid-friendly: Yes Senior discount: No Healthy options: Juices, some smoothies Star of the show: Strawberry banana smoothie Rating:

CALENDAR MAY 28 PATRIOTIC CONCERT HONORS FALLEN HEROES MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND R e d , w h i te an d b l u e w i l l b e th e c o l o r s o f th e e v e n i n g at Su g ar L an d T o w n Sq u ar e Satu r d ay M ay 2 8 , fro m 7 : 3 0 p . m . - 9 p . m . w h e n s e v e r al F o r t B e n d E x c h an g e C l u b s p r e s e n t “ A N i g h t T o R e m e m b e r , H o n o r i n g O u r F al l e n H e r o e s . ” T h e tal e n ts o f m o r e th an 5 0 v o i c e s f r o m th e n ati o n al l y k n o w n F o r t B e n d B o ys C h o i r w i th th e F o r t B e n d B r as s , d an c e r s f r o m C o o k i e J o e ’ s B al l e t G r ac e , an d s i n g e r - s o n g w r i te r s B i l l an d K i m N as h w i l l b e p r e s e n te d . T h e e v e n t i s f r e e an d o p e n to th e p u b l i c . C an n e d f o o d d o n ati o n s ar e e n c o u r ag e d f o r E as t F o r t B e n d H u m an N e e d s M i n i s tr y. T h e e v e n t w i l l b e h e l d at Su g ar L an d T o w n Sq u ar e , 1 5 9 5 8 C i ty W al k . F o r i n f o r m ati o n , c al l Sc o tt A r th u r at 7 1 3 - 8 2 4 - 6 1 2 6 .

MAY 30 FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES TO CLOSE IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY A l l b r an c h e s o f F o r t B e n d C o u n ty L i b r ar i e s w i l l b e c l o s e d o n M o n d ay, M ay 3 0 , i n o b s e r v an c e o f M e m o r i al D ay. R e g u l ar l i b r ar y h o u r s w i l l r e s u m e o n T u e s d ay, M ay 3 1 . T h e o n l i n e l i b r ar y i s al w ays o p e n at w w w . f o r tb e n d . l i b . tx . u s . F o r i n f o r m ati o n , c o n tac t th e l i b r ar y s ys te m ’ s C o m m u n i c ati o n s O f f i c e at 2 8 1 6 3 3 -4 7 3 4 . JUNE 1 LIBRARY HELPS READERS WITH ELECTRONIC READING DEVICES AND E - BOOKS F o r t B e n d C o u n ty L i b r ar i e s ’ Si e n n a B r an c h L i b r ar y w i l l h av e an E - R e ad e r Q u e s ti o n - an d - A n s w e r s e s s i o n o n W e d n e s d ay, J u n e 1 , f r o m 1 0 a. m . to 1 1 a. m . T h e e - R e ad e r Q u e s ti o n an d A n s w e r s e s s i o n i s a w al k - i n c l i n i c d u r i n g w h i c h p atr o n s c an b r i n g th e i r m o b i l e r e ad i n g d e v i c e s an d h av e th e i r q u e s ti o n s an s w e r e d . L e ar n h o w e as y i t i s to c h e c k o u t f r e e e b o o k s , e - au d i o b o o k s , m u s i c , an d m o v i e s f r o m th e l i b r ar y’ s o n l i n e d i g i tal c o l l e c ti o n s . T h e s e s s i o n i s f r e e an d o p e n to th e p u b l i c . R e s e r v ati o n s ar e n o t r e q u i r e d . F o r i n f o r m ati o n , s e e th e F o r t B e n d C o u n ty L i b r ar i e s w e b s i te ( w w w .

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14700 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77053 www.HoustonHumane.org | (713)433-6421 Restrictions apply See Store for Details

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DVD - BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED 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 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 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 . 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 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 i n f o r m ati o n c al l 2 8 1 - 2 4 0 - 3 1 9 5

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EXCHANGE A m e r i c a’ s Se r v i c e C l u b , al w ays e s ts an d i s i n s e ar c h o f n e w 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 d ate e ar l y m o r n i n g ( 7 a. m . ) , n o o n 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 , 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, o r m i k e @ r e i c h e k f i n an c i al . c o m W e h av e yo u j o i n u s an d s e e w h at w e

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SUGAR LAND AMERICAN LEGION A m e r i c an L e g i o n F r e e m an P o s t 9 4 2 m e e ts th e f o u r th T h u r s d ay o f e v e r y m o n th at th e P o s t f ac i l i ty, 3 1 1 U l r i c h , Su g ar L an d , T e x as , at 7 : 0 0 P M . A l l v e te r an s ar e w e l c o m e . P o s t h al l i s av ai l ab l e f o r r e n tal f o r e v e n ts . C al l 7 1 3 - 5 5 3 - 5 3 7 0 i f i n te r e s te d .

JAM WITH SAM J o i n Sam G r i c e T u e s d ay e v e n i n g s at 6 : 3 0 f o r a c as u al e v e n i n g o f m u s i c . W e p l ay a v ar i e ty o f m u s i c i n c l u d i n g b l u e g r as s , c o u n tr y, g o s p e l an d s o m e w e s te r n . W e r e q u e s t ac o u s ti c i n s tr u m e n ts o n l y p l e as e . W e w e l c o m e b o th p ar ti c i p an ts an d m u s i c l o v e r s w h o e n j o y l i s te n i n g to g o o d l i v e m u s i c . T h e r e ’ s n o c h ar g e an d w e w e l c o m e b e g i n n e r s an d g l ad l y o f f e r g e n tl e as s i s tan c e . W e m e e t 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 d , Su g ar L an d . P l e as e c al l Sam at 8 3 2 - 4 2 8 - 3 1 6 5 f o r f u r th e r i n f o r m ati o n . 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 E l d r i d g e R o ad o f f e r s a T h u r s d ay M o r n i n g Stu d y F o r M e n . T h i s g r o u p i s o n g o i n g an d a v ar i e ty o f s tu d i e s th r o u g h o u t th e ye ar

b r e ak f as t, c o f f e e ti m e ! T h u r s d ays C al l th e c h u r c h Sc h o f i e l d at 2 8 1

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

LISA N SIMS, AGENT

ers will have options of three cuts of beef as part of the New York Strip Flight – Texas Kobe-style Wagyu beef, Nebraska Prime Certified Angus, and Japanese A-5 Wagyu beef. There will also be an orange vanilla cheesecake that has sliced candied orange and sweet gelee for dessert. Ori’Zabas Mexican Grill opens in Sugar Land Even though they had to wait a little longer than anticipated, Mexican food lovers in Fort Bend now have their newest option available to them. According to a Facebook post from the restaurant, Ori’Zabas Scratch Mexican Grill opened May 10 at 13513 University Blvd. in Sugar Land. As reported previously by the Star, the restaurant had originally planned to open by the end of April. It is the first area location for the Nevadabased restaurant. Ori’Zabas offers burritos, bowls, nachos and more in the customer’s choice of protein such as grilled lime shrimp, shredded beef, chicken, steak and more. Also available will be vegetarian-style bowls, nachos and wraps. Visit zabas.com for more information. Follow on us social media @ FortBendStar

Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to:

PEACE OFFERS - SCHOOL - AGE PARENT ENGAGEMENT VIRTUAL SERIES J o i n “ P ar e n t E n g ag e m e n t Sc h o o l - A g e V i r tu al Se r i e s ” th at 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 / ) o f f e r s at n o - c o s t to p ar e n ts o n T u e s d ays i n M ay to ad v an c e th e i r c h i l d r e n ’ s ac ad e m i c an d s c h o o l s u c c e s s an d n u r tu r e th e s o c i al - e m o ti o n al d e v e l o p m e n t o f te e n s . 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 .

FREE PET BEDS

Customers can try one or all of these salsas at Alicia's through May 31 during the restaurant's "Eat the Heat" challenge. (Photo from Facebook)

and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

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Adventurous eaters who also want to donate to a charitable cause can do so at a Mexican restaurant with multiple locations in Fort Bend County. Through the end of the month, Alicia’s Mexican Grill is hosting an “Eat the Heat” challenge in honor of National Salsa Month at all of its locations, including its Katy locationm 25725 Katy Fwy., and Richmond restaurant, 20420 Southwest Fwy. Diners can purchase and try to finish 3 ounces of each of the restaurant’s hottest salsas, according to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. For $6.95, those wanting to try the challenge can purchase samples of Alicia’s Chile de Arbol, Habanero and Scorpion salsas. Five-ounce samples are also available separately, the post said. Alicia’s said $1 from each sale will be donated to Kids Meals, Inc., a Houston nonprofit dedicated to eradicating childhood hunger. Perry’s offering special spring menu Perry’s Steakhouse, which has Fort Bend restaurants in Katy (23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Suite Q100) and Sugar Land (2115 Town Square Place), is offering a special menu for the spring season through Aug. 31, according to a news release from the restaurant. Included on the menu is the spring vegetable salad – sugar snap peas, green beans, asparagus, English peas and fennel tossed with a light honey mustard dressing, capers and mixed herbs – along with an artichoke, potato and leek soup with truffle oil. For the main course, din-

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EXPERIENCE COUNTS! 35+ YEARS SERVING FORT BEND COUNTY

Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

‘Eat the Heat’ at Alicia’s Mexican Grille LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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281-243-2344 281.243.2300

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BECOME l u n te e r s ar e d f r i e n d to c m m u n i ty. T r e m o n th l y s an g e th e w o r m o r e in fo r

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A FOSTER GRANDPARENT n e e d e d to b e a r o l e m o d e l , m e n to r 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 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 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 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 . m ati o n , c al l 2 8 1 - 3 4 4 - 3 5 1 5 .

Dine-In Open!

TAKE-OUT & CATERING

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

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com