7-29-2020 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

UIL announces modified extracurricular schedules - Page 6

Stafford MSD will unveil a new middle school and admin building next month. Read more inside today on Page 8.

WEDNESDAY • JULY 29, 2020

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 50

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Ex-deputy indicted in shooting of fellow officer

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

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The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office announced July 22 that Chadwick McRae, a former deputy with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, has been indicted by a grand jury on a charge of criminally negligent homicide in the May 29 shooting death of

Rule

McRae

Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Caleb Rule.

McRae and Rule were among several officers who responded to a report of a possible burglary of a residence in the Sienna subdivision of Missouri City. In the process of clearing the residence, the district attorney’s office said McRae fired his duty weapon and wounded Rule, who later died from his injuries.

According to the district

attorney’s office, which investigated the incident along with the Texas Rangers, the indictment alleges McRae “caused the death of Rule by firing a deadly weapon in the direction of Rule without visually checking the area where he was firing, and fired in response to an auditory stimulus without

SEE INDICTED PAGE 8

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State deployed to Richmond care facility after outbreak

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The City of Richmond announced July 22 that the Cambridge Health and Rehabilitation Center, a long-term care facility, was alerted by the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) that it had 17 cases of COVID-19 at the center.

The state’s Rapid Assessment Quick Reaction Force was on site at 1106 Golfview Dr. last Thursday, July 23 to conduct a site assessment and administer additional COVID-19 tests to all residents, healthcare professionals and staff members working at the center.

Cambridge’s patients are at high risk for complications from the infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus strain, which had infected 6,679 Fort Bend County residents of Tuesday, according to the county.

There have been at least 90 deaths, while 2,855 patients have recovered.

Richmond has 151 confirmed cases of the virus, according to the county.

"The City of Richmond is committed to working with our local community partners…to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in our community and surrounding areas,” the city said in a news release.

State workers were sent Richmond's Cambridge Health and Rehabilitation Center July 23 after positive COVID-19 tests.

(Photo by Landan Kuhlmann)

David Lineman, left, helps his son with an online search. Lineman is among the Fort Bend ISD parents who have criticized FBISD's plan to return to school. The district plans to have online-only learning for the start of the 2020-2021 school year, which begins Aug. 17. (Contributed photo)

Area parents criticize FBISD's online-only plan

By Landan Kuhlmann

LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend ISD announced July 13 that it would begin the 2020-21 school year exclusively with online learning, just four days after a previous announcement that coursework would be a combination of online and inperson instruction for those who felt safe doing the latter.

In the weeks since then, some FBISD parents have expressed disappointment and criticism regarding the district’s decision to hold off in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though it is in line with other Houston-area districts

and statewide guidance issued by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

“We had a choice, and it made sense because it allowed each family to make it. There are families willing to take what they think is a personal risk for that value, and they’re not being allowed,” said David Lineman, the father of two FBISD students. “Just the choice is what we want to bring back, because we don’t understand why we went from A to B in just a few days.”

Lineman is the head of the recently-formed Fort Bend ISD Parents Association, which has also begun an online petition protesting what they call the district’s unilateral decision to

switch gears without listening to the input of the community.

FBISD superintendent Charles Dupre said the district plans to start the school year Aug. 17 with online instruction, which is how every school district in Texas completed the previous school year.

The TEA is allowing public school districts to utilize onlineonly instruction for up to eight weeks after school starts. Houston ISD has announced it will start school Sept. 8 and keep its campuses closed to students until at least Oct. 19.

Last week, the public health authorities for Houston and Harris County issued a joint order requiring all public and non-religious private schools in

their jurisdictions to suspend inperson classes and other school activities until at least Sept. 8.

As of press time, such an order had not been issued in Fort Bend County.

“Parents can’t afford to stay home and essentially homeschool their kids – and they’ve made it a requirement that you’re basically going to have to be a teacher at your house,” Lineman said. “There’s been a general frustration (among parents) and movement to try getting our voices heard.”

As of Tuesday, Fort Bend County health officials had reported 6,679 cases of COVID-19. At least 90 have died from the infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus

Dupre

strain, while 2,855 patients have recovered.

“Since they reversed that decision, most parents I have

SEE FBISD PAGE 2

County launches new business recovery program

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend County is doubling down on its efforts to help disadvantaged small businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last Thursday, County Judge KP George announced the Fort Bend Entrepreneur program, a new initiative dedicated to providing local businesses with services focused on helping giving them recover financially and become more viable moving forward.

“This COVID-19 is something new happening every single day. It is a moving target

From left to right, brothers Stephen and Sterling Carter stand with Fort Bend County Judge KP George and County Auditor Ed Sturdivant before a news conference. The county has enlisted Carter Brothers, LLC, to run a consulting program for small businesses. (Photo from Facebook)

every single hour what is happening in our region,” George

said during a news conference announcing the venture. “We

care about their success, because it is directly impacting

our community. We will do everything possible to support our small businesses.”

Services available to those participating in the free program include forming business development plans, one-on-one coaching with professionals and consulting programs. It is a joint venture between the county and Sterling and Stephen Carter of Carter Brothers, LLC, which will have teams walking business owners through the process. Carter Brothers is one of several local companies that will be assisting businesses as part of the program.

County auditor Ed Sturdivant

SEE BUSINESS PAGE 8

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, July 29, 2020

★ FBISD FROM PAGE 1 spoken with feel that they are being ignored and administration has essentially rubber stamped this data from a couple of people at the county level," Lineman said. “There are a number of us who believe the COVID risk is just not significant enough to do this much economic and psychological damage to kids."

Dupre said the decision to delay in-person instruction was made based on a survey of parents, faculty and staff members throughout the district.

“As conditions began to ramp up with the pandemic, and more teachers indicated they were not going to come back to work if we did face-to-face, we really took

the only path forward that we could,” Dupre said Monday. “If someone believes we’re making decisions in isolation, they’re not paying attention to just how engaged we truly are with parents, community, staff and medical professionals.”

According to Lineman and others, their primary concern with the lack of in-person instruction is that their children will not get the social interaction they need in order to develop beyond just classroom and textbook instruction. “(My son) can do the schoolwork just fine, I’m not really concerned about that. My worry is the social aspect of it and what it’s doing to my child’s head to be stuck in the house all the time,” said Jeff, the father

of an FBISD student who asked to be identified only by his first name. “The CDC has said it’s important for kids to go back to school – it’s one of those pros and cons type of deals that at some point we’ve got to think about what it’s doing to our kids to keep them inside four walls for a month.”

In response, Dupre insisted the choice about in-person classes has not been removed – simply delayed. The district is planning to phase in faceto-face learning when it is safe to do so, and previously had parents fill out an online form denoting their choice of whether to return their children to campus or stay home.

Over the last several months, Dupre and other district officials have conducted three Zoom meetings where they take questions from concerned parents and teachers with regards to safely returning to school. However, Lineman and the other father claim that their questions – and those of other concerned parents – have been glossed over during those sessions, leading to a more troubling concern and a desire for a better avenue of feedback.

“That lack of transparency makes it even more troubling because we feel like things are

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getting hidden and there’s a certain agenda. The problem is that those Zoom meetings are the only input parents can really have,” Lineman said. “… We’re trying to find a way to make things work – even (in-person meetings) would be good enough. But that request isn’t being heard and emails aren’t being responded to.”

Dupre said he is open to discussion with parents, but cautioned that wheels are already in motion for the first day Aug. 17. He added that due to social distancing guidelines, in-person sessions might not be workable in the short time frame.

“I never close the door to parent engagement, but the plan is in motion and we’re moving forward,” he said. “If someone reaches out to me we’ll consider those things, but the odds are we’re not going to do any face-to-face meetings.”

For some, the problem with the online-only model is their students’ educational wellbeing.

“My oldest has a learning disability, so (they) need extra help and accommodations when working. Both of my kids, when they did the online learning, are not so good on the computer with that sort of stuff,” said an FBISD mother of two who asked to remain anonymous. “They need the interaction and one-on-one time to ask questions.”

The mother, who has one seventh-grader and one high school freshman, said the online model has not properly addressed the needs of special education students such as her oldest child, who needs extra

instruction for some subjects. “(My child) barely passed, because if he didn’t understand something it took several days to meet up and get a conference with the teacher – he’s trying to figure out what he missed or got wrong, and they’ve already moved on to something else,” she said. “…They even told me, ‘Mom, we’re not learning anything.’ I just want the choice, because my choice would be to send them.”

Dupre said those students will soon receive phone calls from staff who will work directly with parents of special education students to create a safe plan for them based on their specific needs.

“We are going to have many of our special education students in our buildings to make sure their needs are met because of how unique their needs are,” he said.

Among other concerns for parents are the fact that working families will need to either stay home or find a tutor for their child – when many want to get back to work to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 – and that ultimately the district’s decisions have run contrary to their claims of looking out for students, instead putting teachers and district employees at the forefront and leaving parents in the lurch.

“They’re saying they want to help the kids, but they want to do it within the model that’s best for them,” Jeff said. “They are not setting up the model to be what’s best for the kids.

That’s my frustration with it.”

Dupre acknowledged Monday that he has received multiple emails and messages

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echoing a similar sentiment.

And as a parent himself, he said he understands why parents and their families would be pushing for their own students’ best interests.

However, he said the district also has to make decisions for the safety of its nearly 80,000 students and 11,000 employees, which is why the decision to exclusively provide online instruction – at least initially – was the best option.

“For the parents who are frustrated, I completely understand. We’re here to serve our students. But I can’t serve my kids if the teachers can’t come to work, either out of fear or because of their own legitimate health concerns,” Dupre said.

“There are many parents who have expressed the willingness to accept the risk – and I might, too, even as a professional. But if I don’t have enough teachers who feel comfortable doing that, I can’t have your child in my building. It comes down to whether we respect our teachers and value their opinions.”

For some parents, that priority is misplaced.

“I get that they’re going to do what they do, and that’s the way the world works,” Jeff said.

“But now it’s affecting my kid.”

Dupre said there is no easy solution amidst the COVID-19 pandemic or the chaos it has caused for both the district and its families. While he is sympathetic to concerns voiced by parents, Dupre said there is not a one-size-fits-all plan.

“It’s just not a black-andwhite situation,” he said.

“Unfortunately this is where we are, and we’re going to have to navigate this.”

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THE STAR

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 • PAGE

3

Baseball is back and it unifies us all When we hear Texas Gov. Greg Abbott say that the last step that would ever be taken is to lock Texans back down, this is promising to Fort Bend County residents and business owners. The governor is referring to a measure taken earlier this year to slow the spread of COVID-19, when so many businesses were closed, residents remained home and essential services was it.

“A community lock down is not needed as long as masks & other distancing strategies are used,” Abbott wrote in a recent Twitter post.

This was further emphasized by Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman in his latest video update to residents.

“Your individual actions

Elsa Maxey

remain extremely important to our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19, which helps keep our local hospitals below capacity and Sugar Land open for business,” he said.

So, this means that resuming many life activities may be within reach. What is uplifting is that others are starting to unfold right before our eyes … like baseball, the American pastime.

There’s no more waiting.

It’s back at Constellation

Field. Fans, too? Like the cardboard-figure fans at Minute Maid Park last week, when the Houston Astros kicked off their season?

That was creative and sparked a sense of fun, as did the celebrity cutouts during opening weekend for other major league teams throughout the country this past weekend. No live fans are allowed in MLB stadiums this season due to the league’s social distancing guidelines relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

But here at home, the stadium is not empty and live fans have now begun to enjoy the games at Constellation Field. Attendance there is limited to 1,800 fans per game during the 56-game schedule for the four-team Constellation Energy League, which was

created by the Sugar Land Skeeters minor league franchise. The Skeeters, Sugar Land Lightning Sloths, Team Texas and Eastern Reyes del Tigres are the names of the teams, which are unaffiliated with MLB and consist of former major leaguers and other professional players.

Last week I was among those in the peanut gallery and saw somewhat of a scant, but decent turnout at the ballpark at this early stage. My neighbor, Judy Bowe, who has hosted Skeeters players in her home for several years, treated me to a game this past Thursday and how energizing it was to be back at a ballgame that reminded me of just the other day.

This time there were a couple more protocols

in place for entry into the ballpark. Not only were our handbags searched for security reasons, but our temperatures were also taken, and we had to be wearing a face mask, a requirement for being admitted.

Milling indoors at the stadium required the use of the mask, and this is strictly monitored for good reason.

But once you’re seated al fresco, out in the open air, the mask can come off. And the hot dogs, sodas and other concession-stand foods will even be brought to you where you’re seated, if you want. My generous neighbor, Judy, also treated me to dinner at the Insperity Club.

We wore masks, except when we ate and sat outside the club, where we watched the game instead of indoors.

After the national anthem and the start of the game, I heard the crack of the bat against the ball. Oh my, what a sweet sound, something I never thought I would come to appreciate so much.

So, here we are today, advised that the leveling of the COVID-19 cases does not altogether represent a victory over the virus itself.

But it’s a better place to be as numbers appear to stabilize.

We’re moving forward.

Baseball is back for virtual and live enjoyment and it will get better. As for the sport itself, it’s been said that baseball is about the unification of America with teamwork involved and everyone cooperating as part of the national machinery.

So, let’s do it. Play ball!

Police investigating fatal Missouri City shooting A Helping Hand

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Police are investigating a shooting incident that left a man dead last week in Mis-

souri City.

The Houston Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to a shooting call at 7636 Goudin Dr. in Missouri City at 9:20 p.m. July 21 to find

38-year-old Quincy Brown inside his home with multiple gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to HPD. HPD said there is no known

Fish City Grill selling weekly shrimp boils From Staff Reports

To help residents enjoy a taste of summer during a strange time, Fish City Grill at Sugar Land Town Square is offering a backyard cookout without the hassle of putting one together.

Every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday while supplies last, the restaurant at 15980 City Walk is offering a shrimp boil with corn, potato and sausage tossed in Cajun butter for $20 per pound and $6 frozen margaritas. The offer applies to dine-in and carryout orders.

For more information, call Fish City Grill at 281-494- A frozen margarita will be one of the offerings at Fish City 3474.

Grill's weekly shrimp boil. (Photo from Fish City Grill Facebook)

suspect or motive in the case.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact HPD’s Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.

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Type 2 diabetes is a disorder that affects how the body gets rid of sugar, a natural source of energy. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs when the body rejects the effects of insulin, a hormone that controls the movement of sugar. It may also occur when the body doesn’t make enough insulin to maintain a normal sugar level. Genetic factors, physical inactivity, and extra weight may increase the risk of having type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of this disorder may include increased thirst, increased hunger, and tiredness.

Medications that help control the movement of sugar may be used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin (Glucophage) works to help the body use insulin more effectively and lowers the amount of sugar that the body makes. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea. Glyburide (Glynase) and repaglinide (Prandin) work to help the body make more insulin. Side effects may include weight gain.

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In light of the COVID-19 outbreak

and the cancellation of several community gatherings, please check with each organization for updated information about the status of their events.

The Monthly

Business to Business Magazine Copies of this publication can be found at fortbendstar.com

JULY 2020

FREE • Vol. 39 • No. 7

METHODIST CHURCH

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

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

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 SUNDAY: Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Afternoon Worship 5:00 p.m.

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

JUNE 2020

FREE • Vol. 39 • No. 6

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LUTHERAN CHURCH

NOVEMBER 2019 FREE • Vol. 38 • No. 11

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

TAPS INTO MUSICAL SEE STORY ON PAGE POTENTIAL

8

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

SEE STORY ON

PAGE

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

Scripture of the week

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THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, July 29, 2020

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★ LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS No. 20-CPR-033939 Notice is hereby given that on June 26, 2020, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of NORMA JEANNE HONEYCUTT, Deceased, were granted to the Independent Executor, Stephen Douglas Bain, by the Probate Court of Fort Bend County – Court at Law 5, Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause No. 20CPR-033939, pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court.

All persons having claims against said Estate are hereby instructed to present the same within the time prescribed by law to the personal representative at the address shown below: Stephen Douglas Bain, Independent Executor Bain & Barkley, A Partnership of Professional Corporations 14090 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Jerrius Kyle Buffer, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer Jesse A. Pierce’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by 11th day of September, 2020 (30 days after the date of the last publication), or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. 55-DR-2020-000001.00, Circuit Court of Pike County, Alabama.

Done this the 20th day of July, 2020.

Clerk of Circuit Court of Pike County, Alabama Jamie G. Campbell Attorney for Jesse A. Pierce 904 South Brundidge Street Post Office Box 325 Troy, Alabama 36081

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LEGALS NOTICE TO BIDDERS RIVERBEND ARCH SIPHON PIPE REHAB PROJECT The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME: Riverbend Arch Siphon Pipe Rehab Project CIP PROJECT NUMBER: CIP DR2002 LOCATION OF WORK: The project is located under the American Canal, just west of the intersection of Dulles Ave. and Avenue E, behind the Riverbend Country Club.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be obtained from www.CivCastUSA.com, search for project name “Riverbend Arch Siphon Rehab Project”, or documents may be viewed in the office of the Design Engineer at the following location: KALUZA INC. 3014 Avenue I, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Sealed bids in triplicate, one (1) original and two (2) copies, shall be delivered to the City of Sugar Land, Office of the City Secretary, 2700 Town Center Boulevard North, Suite 122, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on or before 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Bids received after the opening date and time will not be considered.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held on at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2020 via virtual meeting.

Details for attending the pre-bid meeting will be posted on CivCast www.CivCastUSA.com.

Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to the www.

CivCast.com on or before noon, Friday, August 14, 2020.

The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

NOTICE TO BIDDERS REHABILITATION OF THE 0.25 MG GROUND STORAGE TANK NO. 1 AT THE HOMEWARD WAY WATER PLANT, 0.50 MG GROUND STORAGE TANK NO. 2 AT THE NEW TERRITORY WATER PLANT AND THE 0.35 MG GROUND STORAGE TANK NO. 1 AT THE THOMSPON CHAPEL WATER PLANT. The City of Sugar Land seeks bids for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment, and performing all work required for the following project in the City: CIP PROJECT NAME:

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A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting for all interested parties will be held at 2:00 p.m., August 3, 2020, via virtual meeting. Details for attending the pre-bid meeting will be posted on CivCast www.CivCastUSA.com Questions regarding this bid must be submitted online to the www.

CivCastUsa.com system or contact Marcel Khouw, P.E., at (713) 462-3178 or by email mkhouw@idseg.com by Thursday, August 6, 2020 on or before 5:00 P.M. The City Council will award the contract as provided in the Invitation to Bid. The City of Sugar Land will give notice of the contract award within sixty (60) calendar days after the opening date and time.

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LEGALS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MAVIS ILENE HAUN, Deceased, were issued to DARRELL NELSON HAUN, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR on June 4th, 2020, in Docket No. 20-CPR-034078, pending in the County Court-at-Law No. 6 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: DARRELL NELSON HAUN. The post office address to which claims may be presented and which is preferred by the personal representative is:

The post office address to which claims may be presented and which is preferred by the personal representative is:

DAVID R. DOEHRING Attorney for DARRELL NELSON HAUN, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF MAVIS ILENE HAUN 2000 South Dairy Ashford, Ste 298 Houston, Texas 77077

DAVID R. DOEHRING Attorney for DARRELL NELSON HAUN, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD N. HAUN 2000 South Dairy Ashford, Ste 298 Houston, Texas 77077

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED the 21st day of July, 2020.

DOEHRING & DOEHRING David R . Doehring By: _________________________________ DAVID R. DOEHRING 2000 South Dairy Ashford Suite 298 Houston, Texas 77077-5725 TEL (281) 497-0093 FAX (281) 497-8630 ATTORNEYS FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD N. HAUN

DATED the 21st day of July, 2020.

DOEHRING & DOEHRING David R . Doehring By: _________________________________

NOTICE TO JOSE JAIME SUAREZ Cause No. 199565-1 In the Chancery Court of Knox County, Tennessee

DAVID R. DOEHRING 2000 South Dairy Ashford Suite 298 Houston, Texas 77077-5725 TEL (281) 497-0093 FAX (281) 497-8630 ATTORNEYS FOR THE INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD N. HAUN Lift Station Control Panel Replacement Project (the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:00 P.M., August 12, 2020 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:

IN RE: HUITZILLIN MORELIA SUAREZ A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF18 DOB: 09/25/2005

Civcast USA Civcastusa.com (281) 376-4577

CRISTINA SOFIA BARROSO, Petitioner, v.

In general, the work consists of replacing the control panels at four lift stations and two detention ponds.

JOSE JAIME SUAREZ, Respondent.

CRISTINA SOFIA BARROSO has filed a Petition for Name Change of Minor Child against you in the Chancery Court for Knox County, Tennessee. It is ordered that publication be made for four successive weeks, as required by law, in The Fort Bend Star, a newspaper published in Stafford, Texas, notifying you, Jose Jaime Suarez, that you are hereby ORDERED to file an Answer to the Petition for Name Change of Minor Child with the Knox County Clerk & Master, 400 W. Main Street, City County Building, Suite 125, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902, and to serve of copy of that Answer upon Counsel for the Petitioner, Attorney Elizabeth Maxey Long, Shepherd and Long, P.C., at 200 E. Broadway Avenue, Suite 410, Maryville, TN 37804, within 30 days from the last date of publication, exclusive of the last date of publication, or a judgment by default may be entered against you.

You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition for Name Change of Minor Child and any other subsequently filed legal documents in the Knox County Clerk & Master’s Office at the address shown above.

A pre-bid conference call with prospective bidders will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2020, 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

FOR SALE

Rehabilitation of the 0.25 MG Ground Storage Tank No. 1 at the Homeward Way Water Plant, 0.50 MG Ground Storage Tank No. 2 at the New Territory Water Plant and the 0.35 MG Ground Storage Tank No. 1 at the Thompson Chapel Water Plant

CIP PROJECT NUMBER: WA2003 LOCATION OF WORK: 5505 Homeward Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Eddie Allum

Frank Garza, owner

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DONALD N. HAUN, Deceased, were issued to DARRELL NELSON HAUN, INDEPENDENT EXECUTOR on August 12th, 2019, in Docket No. 19-CPR-033277, pending in the County Court-atLaw No. 4 of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: DARRELL NELSON HAUN.

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THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, July 29, 2020

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

UIL announces modified schedule for extracurricular activities

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced last week that there have been significant scheduling modifications for sports and extracurricular activities that will impact multiple area schools. The state organization also released amended COVID-19 mitigation guidelines that will take effect Aug. 1.

One major modification is that the beginning of marching band activities and curriculum would be pushed

back until Sept. 7. According to the UIL, start dates for the 2020 football and volleyball seasons have also been pushed back at least a month – volleyball to Sept. 14 and football to the week of Sept.

24 – for schools that compete in Class 6A and 5A. The pushed-back dates will impact all Fort Bend ISD

schools. And while that may be an inconvenience, at least some of the district’s coaches know there is much more at stake than wins and championships.

“On the one hand, I’m an athlete and I’m competitive – I don’t know anything other than volleyball, and I want a season to happen more than anybody,” Ridge Point volleyball coach Lauryn Bailey said. “But at the same time, I would hate putting my family or myself at risk. I understand both sides.”

Marshall High School football coach James Williams echoed the sentiment.

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“You’re not doing kids justice if you’re putting them in harm’s way,” he said. “This pandemic is something we don’t typically prepare for, but we just need to be careful and keep safety first (for all of us).”

Stafford High School, which competes in Class 4A, will tentatively be able to begin its fall seasons on time – Aug. 10 for volleyball and Aug. 27 for football. Cross Country and tennis can host meets beginning Aug. 17 in all classifications.

“Our goal in releasing this plan is to provide a path forward for Texas students and schools,” UIL executive director Charles Breithaupt said in a news release. “While understanding situations change and there will likely be interruptions that will require flexibility and patience, we are hopeful this plan allows students to participate in the education-based activities they love in a way that prioritizes safety and mitigates risk of COVID-19 spread.”

Under the UIL’s guidelines, schools must require staff to self-screen along with screen-

ing visitors for COVID-19 symptoms before they take part in any UIL activities such as band or athletics, or enter areas where UIL activities are being conducted. Parents must also hold students out of activities if they show any symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the UIL. Schools must also make hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, soap and water, or similar disinfectant readily available inside band halls, locker rooms or any other shared space, and thoroughly sanitize those areas and any shared equipment after each use.

Williams said he and his staff plan to begin strength and conditioning on Sept. 7 – the first day teams are allowed to gather— and begin full-squad practices the week of Sept. 14 leading up to their first scheduled game.

“It really depends on what the virus is doing,” he said of the ability to play a full season. “These guidelines put forth will help us get through the season, but it depends on if this thing keeps spiking.”

FBCA installs new field turf From Staff Reports

Fort Bend Christian Academy announced earlier this month that it has installed new artificial turf at its stadium in Sugar Land.

The local private school said it installed a shock pad system called Brock’s Powerbase Pro as well as a cooling infill called Brockfill, which replaced the crumb rubber infill previously used at Eagles Stadium. Both are products of Colorado-based manufacturer Brock USA. Fort Bend Christian Academy also replaced its old playing surface with RootZone 3D3, a product by Astroturf.

According to the school, the decision to install the turf was based on a desire to increase player safety on the field, including reducing the risk for concussions and ACL tears.

“At the end of the day, I want to be able to look a par-

Fort Bend Christian Academy recently installed new artificial turf on its football field. (Contributed photo)

ent in the eye and tell them we are doing everything we can to keep their child safe,” FBCA Athletic Director Kelly Carroll said in a news release from the school. “We don’t have the big bonds that public schools do, but we are not going to spare any expense when it comes to their safety. Their child’s brain is priceless.”

The school will have to wait a little longer than an-

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Texas State Technical College, which has a Fort Bend County campus at 26706 Southwest Fwy. in Rosenberg, is introducing a program aimed at getting unemployed workers back into the workforce

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A news release from the school said courses in its “RISE” program will help students enter the Texas workforce quickly.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics said the unemployment rate in Fort Bend County was 15.7 percent as of July 1,

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ticipated to break in its new field. Per TAPPS guidelines, there cannot be any schoolsponsored scrimmages, games or tournaments until at least Sept. 6 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first week of games has been pushed back to the week of Sept. 24.

TAPPS’ complete returnto-play schedule can be found at tapps.biz/2020-return-to-play-7-23/.

TSTC program aims to get Texans back to work

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Bailey said the Lady Panthers, state semifinalists last season, have conducted skill workouts in accordance with UIL social distancing guidelines over the summer, and did not have any positive tests as a result of those workouts.

She plans to begin workouts on the UIL’s instructed date the week of Sept. 7 “I feel like it can be done – it just takes a little extra planning,” she said.

The UIL said all employees, parents, visitors and students 10 years of age or older must wear face coverings or face shields upon entry to an area where UIL activities are being conducted if they are not practicing or playing. The UIL also said groups such as marching bands, cheerleaders, drill teams and other groups approved by the school district may attend and perform at games or contests.

“As long as we still follow these guidelines, it’s doable,” Bailey said. “It may not be ideal, but sometimes you’ve got to roll with what you’ve got.”

7/16/20 12:01 AM

more than triple the figure from this time last year.

“With so many Texans affected by the pandemic, we wanted to offer courses that would get them the skills needed to enter into industry quickly, while also focusing on providing flexible time commitments,” TSTC regional director of student recruitment Trey Pearson said in the news release.

Upon completion of the program, students earn an Occupational Skills Award, which is the formal name for the curriculum designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

These short-term courses provide quick and basic entry-level skills that can open up opportunities for those experiencing unemployment and seeking to get back into the workforce.

The program offers 12 short-term courses that are available either online or via a hybrid model, with some courses designed to be completed in as little as eight weeks. TSTC said the school is hoping to provide stability for those seeking a rapid entry into the Texas workforce with the accelerated curriculum, which was ramped up sooner than expected due to the rise of COVID-19 in the region.

“These programs will really allow students the opportunity to rise to the occasion,” TSTC Provost Edgar Padilla said in a news release. “This is designed to lead to some quality employment opportunities for students, which will ultimately be very impactful.”

The course is open to those in all of TSTC’s Texas locales, including Fort Bend County. To learn more about TSTC’s RISE program, visit tstc.edu/ rise.

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

THE STAR

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 • PAGE

7

THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, July 29, 2020

★ INDICTED FROM PAGE 1 first attempting a visual identification of the source of the auditory stimulus.”

Criminally negligent homicide is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. The district attorney’s office said a court date for McRae has not been set.

On July 23, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post that McRae had been relieved of his duties with the department.

“This situation is tragic,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said in a news release. “It is sad when a fellow member of the law enforcement community is criminally charged with breaching his duty of care. And the death of Deputy Rule, who was on duty serving his community at the time of his death, is an unbearable loss for his wife, children, and extended family.”

★ BUSINESS FROM PAGE 1 said the county is paying Carter Brothers $1 million for the endeavor.

According to Stephen Carter, there have already been about 200 businesses recruited into the program, such as hair and nail salons, gyms and wellness centers. Fort Bend Entrepreneur is open to all who wish to apply at fortbendentrepreneur.com. The program has a focus on minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses, and services will be provided in a variety of languages to make them accessible to all participating businesses.

“We know those federal loans are required to bounce back

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Stafford MSD unveiling new district buildings in August

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Whenever Stafford MSD students are able to return to their classrooms, some of them will have some new digs.

According to a Monday news release from engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews

& Newnam, SMSD will unveil its new facilities for middle school and administration next month. Part of the district’s $62 million bond that passed in 2017, the new facilities are aimed at addressing the growth and expansion of SMSD, which enrolled approximately 3,600 students in the 201920 school year, according to

the news release. SMSD previously announced its plan to start school Aug. 19 with four weeks of online-only instruction. The $26 million middle school will be able to house 950 students from grades 6-8 upon its opening.

Set on nearly 140,000 square feet, the school will include science labs, robotics, engineering and computer labs,

band and two art rooms, a fitness room, library, two gymnasiums and a cafeteria.

Meanwhile, the administration building includes office areas, training and conferences rooms, and a board room for meetings.

A district memorabilia area where there will also be a 3D model of the installed complex is also part of the

$6.9 million facility, which is named after late Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella.

“We are thrilled with our new space,” SMSD superintendent Robert Bostic said in the news release. “We can’t wait for staff, students and the community to see the final result and enjoy the renovations of our complex in person one day soon.”

Sugar Land Tax Office temporarily closed to public From Staff Reports

Due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sugar Land Tax Office located at 12550 Emily Ct. will be closed until further

from COVID-19, but we also understand that not only do you need the financial support, but the operational and strategic support,” he said. “It’s our passion to make sure businesses recover to the level of before COVID-19, and be bigger and better than ever.”

One Fort Bend business owner who has already taken advantage of the training is Stephanie Hayes, who has run the Star Wellness Center in Fresno for three years. On a normal schedule, Hayes provides a full spectrum of wellness services for her customers, such as personal training, nutrition services and meditative sessions.

However, upon the county’s order for gyms to close in March,

notice, according to a Monday news release from Fort Bend County Tax AssessorCollector Carrie Surratt.

The Sienna and Needville offices will also remain closed to the public. Tax office staff will collect and process transactions reshe was forced to adapt on the fly. Over the last few months, she said she has been in the process of transitioning her services to fully virtual methods – but had little idea on where to begin until contacting Carter Brothers and its team.

“I know there are things I have to change and that it’s going to be continuous,” Hayes said. “It happens quicker than any business owner would expect.”

To begin, she said the consulting team helped her brainstorm marketing strategies to help keep her customers up-to-date about the company’s status as well as reimagining her business plan and services to optimize it during a slowdown due to statewide social distancing guidelines.

ceived through the mail and drop boxes at all three locations.

The Richmond, Katy, and Missouri City offices will continue offering full-service auto and property tax processing at their normal business hours, according

to the release.

Online registration renewal is available at renew. txdmv.gov, while property tax payments can be made at fortbendcountytx.gov/ services/paypropertytaxes.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of

customers using contactfree options to conduct business with us during this pandemic,” Surratt said in the news release.

For more information, visit fortbendcountytx.gov/ taxoffice or follow the tax office on social media.

Among the biggest changes, according to Hayes, is that instead of offering a wide range of services, she recently picked a few from her existing services to make better and more accessible to people based on advice from the team.

“They helped me create a package that’s workable through COVID, which means having statements on websites and letting your clientele know exactly where you stand and where your business stands,” she said.

“From there, we moved on to a couple marketing strategies such as how to keep your clientele and scale your business for the pandemic. That has definitely helped.”

Specifically, Hayes has fo-

cused on a virtual nutrition and meditation services as she works toward a total virtual experience for her clients. Those services, she said, can benefit anyone, and she would not have thought to hone in on them if not for the program.

“No matter what field you’re in, I’m finding right now that a lot of people are under a lot of mental emotional stress,” she said. “Since I have services for those, that’s something better to assist people and better their lives. I can focus on services that help people be stress-free and stay healthy.”

Entrepreneurs throughout Fort Bend County will receive: • One-on-one coaching by local and national highly trained

business coaches and consultants • Monthly virtual and face-toface business resilience courses • A customized COVID-19 business recovery plan • Monthly strategy meetings • Six-month access to an online business consulting program Hayes said the services have been a boon to her as she attempts to navigate through the obstacles posed by COVID-19.

“You can’t be so rigid in your thinking, your way to market or your services that need to be strategized (in a situation like this),” she said. “You have to be willing to change and accommodate, and sometimes you need to do that very quickly.”

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

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

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

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

JULY 1-31 HOPE FOR THREE GRATITUDE CHALLENGE Hope For Three, Autism Advocates invites you to its Gratitude Challenge 2020. The virtual event, set for July 1Ð 31, will use the social media platform, Facebook (@hopeforthree), but will also appear on Instagram and Twitter. The purpose of the challenge is to help autism families, supporters and followers to foster an attitude of being grateful in their daily lives.

Each day, a suggestion and an empowering quote/ word, will be posted on Facebook. Participants are then encouraged to implement, as well as, comment on their experience. For more information, visit, like and follow Hope For three at @hopeforthree or email hope@hopeforthree.org. Information regarding programs, events and volunteer opportunities can be found at hopeforthree.org.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS Fort Bend Ð Harris Retired Educators are Zooming!

Monthly virtual meetings will be held by Fort BendHarris Retired Educators beginning in August.

Members will be invited by email to our kick-off meeting held on Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. You will receive an email with meeting ID # and a password from fbhres@gmail.com. If you have not yet joined, please send your check for $45 made out to FBHRE to Cathy Duvall, Treasurer, 7131 Trailbrook Dr. , Sugar Land, TX 77479. $35 is sent to Austin for state dues and $10 goes to our local unit. If you have recently retired and are interested in joining, please send request to cmduvall@aol.com HOPE FOR THREE STRIKE OUT AUTISM The first-ever Hope For Three Virtual “Strike Out” Autism jersey auction is underway. Now through Aug. 16, you can bid on your favorite Sugar Land Skeeters custom autism jersey on the Live Source App. The Virtual Auction, sponsored by Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation, is part of, the 8th Annual “Strike Out” Autism Family Fun Event, which was

cancelled in April due to the pandemic. Sugar Land Skeeters will don the custom-made autism jerseys, courtesy of OCuSOFT, Inc. Aug. 16 when they take on the Sugar Land Lightning Sloths at 5 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the Hope For Three Family Assistance Program. For details on how you can participate and win, visit hopeforthree/events.

ALBION HURRICANES FC AHFC has multiple campuses in and around Houston, including Sugar Land. The club invites all interested players from ages of 7-18 to contact the campus director about team placement. Interested players should pre-register before coming out.

Visit albionhurricanes.org/afhcstaff for contact information.

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, AmericaÕ s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members!

Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@ reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

SIENNA CRAFT/SEWING GROUP Sienna Craft/Sewing group. Meets every Tuesday from 10-noon at Sawmill Clubhouse in Sienna Plantation. We sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, etc. contact Livia Erich at 281-543-3524 or liviaerich@ yahoo.com for additional information.

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DAV CHAPTER 233 MONTHLY MEETING The second Tuesday of every month at the United Way fort Bend Center, 12300 Parc Crest Dr., Stafford, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-222-4888.

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, taxfree 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.

WHILE WE’RE WAITING SUPPORT GROUP For Bereaved Parents - grieving the loss of a child at any age. Meets the third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m., at the First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd., Sugar Land. For more information, call 281-413-2484.

AMERICAN LEGION 271 MEETING We meet the first Thursday of every month at the Post Hall, 4520 Hwy. 36 in Rosenberg. A covered dish meal is served to members at 6:30 p.m. followed by meetings at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 281-341-9966.

AMERICAN LEGION 294 MEETING Meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Old Hickory Inn BBQ, 3334 FM 1092, just north of Highway 6 in Missouri City. For more information, please call 713-376-7295.

ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP Caregivers of patients with AlzheimerÕ s disease or other related dementias are invited to attend the first Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at St. JohnÕ s United Methodist Church, 400 Jackson St. in Richmond, across from the historic Fort Bend County Courthouse. Free and open to the public.

For more information, call 713-314-1313 or 1-800272-3900.

4-H, FOOD & NUTRITION Fort Bend 4-H is looking for input from the community on how it can better serve the public.

To learn more about 4-H projects, join 4-H at 7 p.m.

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