The 03-29-23 Edition of the Fort Bend Star

See our Sugar Land Space Cowboys season preview - Page 2

Info on Sugar Land Arts Festival - Page 6 WEDNESDAY • MARCH 29, 2023

Generously supported by the City of Sugar Land Public Works Department

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 48 • No. 27 • $1.00

Fort Bend ISD board hears annual academic report

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

During a special meeting of the Fort Bend ISD board on Monday, members heard a summary of the district's Texas Academic Performance Report for 2020-21, an annual compilation of

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data across a range of performance indicators. The report, required by the Texas Education Agency, is released after all of the district's appeals on any of the indicators have been resolved.

While Fort Bend ISD performs better than the state and Region 8 averages on

most academic indicators, there were some aspects that concerned board members.

Position 7 board member David Hamilton asked staff about the gaps in academic achievement between racial groups. While Asian-Americans and white students fared generally well, the

statistics of Black and Hispanic students in both the elementary and secondary levels was not as high.

Hamilton asked if there was any way to explain those gaps. Dr. Lisa Coston, the district's director of accountability, assessment SEE REPORT PAGE 5

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Shivani Shah of Sugar Land tries her hand at kite-flying during last weekend's Sugar Land International Art & Kite Festival at Crown Festival Park. Dozens were on hand for the annual event. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Kites fill air during annual Sugar Land flying festival

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The clear-blue Texas sky above Sugar Land's Crown Festival Park was filled with kites of all shapes and sizes, while all kinds of other entertainment was on hand Saturday for the city's International Art & Kite Festival.

The ever-growing event, which has been going on for about a decade, drew

hundreds of people out to what proved to be a nearperfect day for kite f lying.

This year's event featured a main stage with numerous acts befitting the international nature of the festival, including everything from Bollywood-style dancing to martial arts displays, a Caribbean-style steel drum ensemble and Filipino folk singing.

A map of the earth invited people to place pins

in their home of origin. By the end of the day, there were pins from nearly every continent, ref lecting the diversity of Fort Bend County and the greater Houston region.

Anna Beletskaya, originally from Russia and now a Houston resident, placed a pin on her home city. Later, she and her daughter Veronica, 4, enjoyed seeing a live kanSEE KITES PAGE 5

Annual Missouri City Edible Earth Fest draws crowds

By Ken Fountain

Contact:

KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

John Sazma

After a couple of days of soso weather, Saturday turned out to be a spectacular day for Missouri City residents to take in the Edible Earth Fest.

The event, a partnership between the city's Parks and

for more info

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Beatrix Nigos of Sugar Land assembles her newly-purchased kite. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Attendees of the Edible Earth Fest excitedly wait in line for the free plants on offer. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Sugar Land Rotary Club

Shrimp Fest

Recreation Department and Missouri City Green, the local nonprofit that promotes environmental friendliness. has been an annual staple for about six or seven years, said Paul Wierzbicki, the city's horticulturalist and one of the primary organizers.

Scores of people turned out to the Oyster Creek Trail,

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where the city's Edible Arbor Trail winds for about 1/1/2 miles, offering visitors free access to a variety of edible plants.

They also encountered several booths designed to teach people of all ages about various ways to help SEE EARTH PAGE 5

THE STAR

PAGE 2 • Wednesday, March 29, 2023

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SPORTS Cowboys Corral: Sugar Land kicking off season this week

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The minor league baseball season is set to begin in Fort Bend County this week, with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys kicking off their 2023 season. So for the re-introduction of the Cowboys Corral column we introduced last season, I’d like to give my own preview of the season.

Sugar Land was set to host their parent club the Houston Astros in an exhibition game Monday night at Constellation Field, and are primed to begin the Triple-A season with a two-game road series against the El Paso Chihuahuas this Saturday and Sunday. The Space Cowboys’ home slate will begin with a six-game series against the Round Rock Express April 4-9.

The Space Cowboys are coming off a 73-75 season in 2022, a season during which they finished in fourth place in the Pacific Coast League’s East Division. But despite the results last season maybe not quite being where they wanted, Fort Bend County fans have plenty of exciting chances to see the Astros’ potential future stars in their own backyard this season.

Among the players likely to begin the season with Sugar Land are seven of the Astros’ top 30 prospects as rated by MLB Pipeline – 2B/OF Pedro Leon (No. 7), pitcher Misael Tamarez (No. 13), infielder Will Wagner (No. 14), 3B/OF Joe Perez (No. 16), pitcher Forrest Whitley (No. 21), pitcher Shawn Dubin (No. 25) and outfielder Corey Julks (No. 30).

And I’d like to preview a couple of notable ones from my perspective.

Forrest Whitley Perhaps the most recognizable name among that group for fans is Whitley, a starting pitcher who just four short seasons ago was a consensus top-10 MLB prospect by Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, and MLB after the Astros took him 17th overall in the 2016 draft out of Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio. He posted a 2.92 ERA with a 37.6 percent strikeout rate across three levels during his first full pro season in 2017 before having both his 2018 and 2019 campaigns cut short by injury.

Then, after the 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Whitley’s misfortune continued as he missed all of 2021 and part of 2022 due to Tommy John Surgery, and struggled in limited outings in Sugar Land upon his return (7.09 ERA in 33 innings) last season. He posted a 5.40 ERA with six strikeouts in five innings for the Astros this spring before being optioned to minor league camp.

It will be interesting to see how he responds this season and if he can finally deliver on the lofty expectations that have been in place for him since being drafted nearly eight years ago. I’m particularly bullish on him, because an arm like his with a mid90s fastball and multiple above-average secondary pitches don’t often come around often. And above all, he’s still just 25 years old. The sky is the limit.

Corey Julks Julks is a name that Space Cowboys fans are likely very familiar with after last season. The 27-year-old University of Houston product is coming off a breakout 2022 campaign in which he hit

J.J. Matijevic and Corey Julks celebrate after a home run during a game for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys last season at Constellation Field. The pair figure to be keys to the Space Cowboys' success this season. (Photo from Twitter)

.270 with an .854 OPS while connecting on 31 homers (tied for 2nd in the PCL) with 89 RBIs (5th) for Sugar Land. He was also 22 for 27 on stolen base attempts, the 7th-best mark in the league. As of Monday, Julks was hitting .275 with two homers and an .868 OPS in 44 plate appearances with the Astros this spring.

With the Astros’ current surplus of outfielders, Julks might not have a shot at cracking the roster to begin the season, but with Michael Brantley beginning the season on Injured List, Julks’ combination of speed and power with his newfound power

stroke could make him an interesting candidate if another injury befalls the team. If nothing else, he could be a potential lateseason September call-up.

Upcoming promotions As is always the case, the 2023 campaign is also chock-full of promotions and giveaways for fans to enjoy at Constellation Field all season long, and I’ll preview a few of them here.

There will be replica World Series ring giveaways at the first five Friday home games of the season, according to the team – replica rings of Jeremy Pena (April 7), Yordan

Alvarez (April 21), Jose Altuve (May 12), Framber Valdez (May 26), and manager Dusty Baker (June 16). Also included will be a replica Lance McCullers Jr. Space Cowboys jersey on April 8 and a postgame Easter Egg hunt for fans age 12 and under on April 12 during Easter Weekend.

Also among the festivities will be Memorial Day weekend featuring a JJ Matijevic Bat Flip bobblehead on May 27, followed by a Space Cowboys ‘Flying Fortress’ Military Jersey giveaway on May 28. Fans attending the May 28 game will also be treated to a special Memorial Day Weekend postgame

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fireworks show, according to a news release from the Space Cowboys.

There will also be a Pride Night on June 29 followed by a Marvel’s Defender of the Diamond Night on June 30 featuring custom Marvel-themed on-field hats and jerseys. Fourth of July weekend will feature 90s Night on July 1, including a Space Cowboys and Astros Reversible Bucket Hat giveaway and a postgame Zoodust concert.

For a complete list of upcoming promotions during the 2023 season, visit the team’s website at slspacecowboys.com.

THE STAR

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Wednesday, March 29, 2023 • PAGE 3

SPORTS

HS Softball Roundup: Lady Tigers, Panthers atop standings

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

After ceding the District 20-6A crown last season, the Ridge Point Lady Panthers’ softball team is looking to regain the crown it has held for the better part of a decade.

But the Travis Lady Tigers – who took the title last season – is back for more and looking strong, and both squads continued strong play as they enter the second leg of district play.

Both Ridge Point and Travis won two games last week to stay atop the 206A standings, with Ridge Point (17-5, 8-0) currently holding a slim lead over Travis (9-5, 8-1) entering the back half of district competition.

The Lady Panthers had a non-district 5-0 win over Clear Brook on March 21, before taking down dis-

trict foe Bush on March 24 to run their winning streak to six games. Reagan Green, Alexandria Rezac, and Kate Pierson each doubled and drove in a run, while Bailey Gray had a great all-around game with two RBIs at the plate and seven strikeouts in a complete-game effort in the circle. Gray and Braelyn Daniels both homered against Bush, while Jade Uresti stole five bases.

Travis has won seven of its last eight games following last week’s wins, an 18-2 win triumph over Bush on March 21 and a 19-1 victory against Hightower on March 24.

University of Florida commit Ariel Kowlewski had a grand slam to punctuate the scoring against Hightower. The Lady Tigers were slated to play Dulles on Tuesday night.

George Ranch also swept through last week, winning 10-0 over Elkins on March 21 before taking

down Clements 11-1 on March 24. Kathleen Dolan had two doubles and two RBIs while Mariah Garner drove home four runs in the win over Clements, and Zaria Turner had 10 strikeouts while allowing just three hits in the circle during a completegame effort against Elkins.

Abigail Bergeron also homered and had three RBIs against Elkins.

Dulles’ Lady Knights snapped a two-game losing streak with wins over Clements (9-8) on March 21 and Austin (6-4) on March 24, improving to 7-10 overall and 5-4 in district play. Maya Salinas homered in both games and drove in seven total runs, while Kellan Ton tallied seven total hits and Sidney Burford had three doubles and three RBIs. Peyton Ellingson had two hits for Elkins (10-10, 4-4) in the loss to George Ranch.

Earlier in the week, Aus-

Kacy Perkins and the Travis Lady Tigers are hot on the tail of district leading Ridge Point in the District 20-6A race. (Photo from Twitter)

tin (7-14, 4-5) had a 16-6 win over Hightower on March 21 prior to its loss against George Ranch.

Baylee Bonner and Adriauna Coleman got three hits for Hightower (8-13, 2-7) in the loss to Austin on March 21, while Natlie Johnson had a double and two RBIs for Bush

(4-9, 0-8) against Travis.

Class 5A Foster kept its hold atop District 20-5A with a pair of wins last week, winning 17-2 against Terry on March 24 before taking down fellow district title contender Fulshear 7-1 on March 24 to extend its winning streak

to nine games. Mickayla Tosch had two hits and Morgan Gutierrez drove in two runs for the Lady Falcons (23-3, 7-0) against Fulshear, while Madison King had eight strikeouts in a complete game in the circle.

Earlier in the week, Fulshear (18-8, 6-1) defeated Kempner 17-4 thanks to six RBIs from Gabriella Castillo as well as two RBIs each from Nicole Cambric and Arissa Zajac.

Ryne Stratman also had two hits for the Lady Chargers in the loss to Foster.

Class 4A Stafford’s Lady Spartans have now won two games in a row following a 247 win over Iowa Colony on March 24 that moved them to 9-7 overall and 23 in district competition.

Senior Arisa Lemelle homered twice for the Lady Spartans in the win, including a grand slam.

HS Baseball Roundup: Ridge Point asserting 20-6A dominance Landan Kuhlmann SPORTS REPORTER

On the heels of last season’s trip to the Class 6A state tournament and with multiple stars returning, the Ridge Point Panthers looked to be the team to beat in the area this season. And nothing early on has done a thing to dispel that notion.

The Panthers continued to run through the early portion of their District 20-6A schedule last week, defeating Elkins 11-0 on March 21 before taking down Clements 12-0 on March 24 to

stay undefeated in district play. Ridge Point (15-4, 6-0 district) has won seven consecutive games.

Kellen Gradisar hurled four shutout innings to earn the win for the Panthers in a run-rule victory on March 21 against Elkins. Meanwhile, eight different players registered hits in the victory over Clements, which included homers by JJ Kennett and Travis Vlasek.

Prior to the loss against Ridge Point, Clements took home a 12-1 win over Travis on March 21. Five players had multiple hits for the Rangers (12-8, 2-2) against Travis, with Griffin Culver notching three RBIs and Daniel Trinh bringing home two runs of his own to help Nathan Nafegar earn the win on the mound.

George Ranch won both games last week, taking

down Bush 6-4 on March 21 before winning 10-0 against Hightower on March 24. Ryan Barton, Trent Richards, and Brady Duque had two RBIs apiece in the win over Hightower, while Johnathan Canter struck out six hitters in five innings of work on the mound to earn the win.

Grant Reynolds and Brandon Mays also had two RBIs apiece for the Longhorns (912-2, 3-3) against Bush.

Jose Fiscal had two hits for Bush (4-15, 0-5) in the loss to George Ranch, and Alfredo Hernandez drove in a run in the Broncos’ 14-2 loss to Elkins on March 24.

Travis bounced back from the loss to win 16-0 against Elkins on March 22 and 4-0 against Austin on March 24, improving to 8-11-2 overall and 4-2 in district play.

Elkins also rebounded from their loss to Travis with the

win over Bush. Myles Jackson and Braylon Payne each homered and combined to drive in seven runs for the Knights (6-11-1, 2-3) in the victory, while Alex Hale had four hits including a double and a triple and drove in two runs of his own. Samuel Powell was strong on the mound against Bush, allowing just five hits and one earned run in six innings of work.

Class 5A Fulshear kept its winning ways going last week with a sweep of Marshall, beating the Buffalos 14-1 on March 21 before taking a 17-1 victory on March 24 to improve to 13-6-1 overall and remain perfect with a 4-0 district mark.

Terry kept pace with Fulshear atop the district thanks to a sweep of Kempner last week, winning by a score

of 14-9 on March 21 before emerging with a 5-2 victory on March 24. Jaysen Camacho had two hits including a homer and three RBIs for Terry (11-7, 4-0) in the March 21 victory, while Clayton Ohl struck out six batters in a complete-game effort on the mound as part of the March 24 win.

Foster split a pair of games with Lamar Consolidated last week with a 16-0 win on March 21 and 2-1 loss on March 24 before falling 7-3 against Shadow Creek in a non-district tilt on March 25. Coleman Briggs doubled and drove in three runs for the Falcons (14-8, 3-1) in the March 21 win, while Hayden Holchak drove in four runs and Jacob Szafran and Ridge Aventurado had two RBIs apiece.

Tylan Hill had a triple and an RBI for Lamar Consoli-

dated (4-14-1, 1-3) in the March 24 win over Foster, while Callen Hall threw two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts on the mound to earn the victory.

Class 4A Needville ran its winning streak to seven games with a 9-4 win over Sealy on March 21 before beating Bellville 6-5 in walk-off fashion on March 25 to move to 15-2 overall and 5-0 in District 25-4A competition. Ryan Rodriguez was strong on the mound with eight strikeouts in six innings against Bellville, and also had three RBIs at the plate while Brance Farrell walked it off.

Stafford has now won three straight games thanks to a 7-2 win over Iowa Colony on March 24. The Spartans moved to 5-6 overall and 3-0 in district play with the victory.

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THE STAR

PAGE 4 • Wednesday, March 29, 2023

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

EDITORIAL

The spies of Texas are upon you Lynn Ashby Columnist

"No man's life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session."

So wrote Gideon John Tucker, a New York lawyer in an 1866 court case.

Apparently, Tucker never visited Austin, but his observation certainly fits our own lawmakers. Last week we mulled over a bill before the Texas Legislature to privatize Texas beaches. Now one lawmaker, Rep. Tony Tinderholt from Arlington, wants to ban some foreign students from attending our public universities. These include those without legal permission to be here – he may have a point – plus students from China, Iran, North Korea and Russia.

But someone should tell the Arlington lawmaker to be careful what he wishes for. Those foreign students are a cash cow – among other advantages. Our public universities charge students an in-state tuition

and a higher out-of-state fee. But the out-of-country tuition is even higher. Actually, my research (some call it outright plagiarism) tells me foreign students pay some of the highest tuitions, up to $35,000 for a public university, $55,000 per year for some private colleges. Multiply that by how many foreign students we have: 1,095,299. They made up 5.5 percent of the student population in the last 10 years -- an increase of 38.6 percent.

Guess which country sends the most students to the U.S? China, with 290,086. Next is India with 199,182. Even Nepal sends11,779 students, which is probably half its population. This number steadily increased over the years until President Donald Trump clamped down on allowing foreign students to come to our campuses. Soon other countries switched to sending their star students to Britain, Canada and Australia. Now the numbers are increasing again.

What are they here to study? Engineering, math and computer science programs were among the most common fields of study. And agriculture.

Several years ago there was a coup in the Domini-

can Republic. The minister of agriculture, an Aggie, was replaced by another Aggie.

This brings us to an even greater advantage than just money: inf luence.

Countless world leaders received their higher education at U.S. universities.

I count 48 presidents, kings and dictators in recent years. This includes Iraq and Botwana. Our military academies have trained many future coup leaders around the world, but each of these academies may only enroll 60 international students at any one time and only from certain countries. Then there are the hidden powers: the captains of industry. There were 147,293 international students studying business management in the U.S. in the academic year of 2021/22.

I am all in favor of bringing young people here to inf luence them on our ways. Catch ‘em early and they stay inf luenced. Years ago I was driving, or being driven, across the deserts of Saudi Arabia, right out of “Lawrence of Arabia,” and we approached a pickup truck. As we passed, I noticed two things. The driver was a Saudi, neatly trimmed beard, f lowing headdress and robe, and

there was a decal on his rear window: “Texas A&M.” Needless to say, the truck was maroon.

Now back to Rep. Tinderholt’s idea of prohibiting students from those four countries from attending our public universities, which includes Chinese.

Texas is 40 percent Hispanic or Latino; 40 percent white; 13 percent Black and 5 percent Asian. In the fall of 2021, the Texas A&M student body was 10 percent Asian. That same year, faculty members were 9 percent Asian. In 2022, UT-Austin's student population was 21 percent Asian. The faculty was 10 percent Asian. The University of Houston's fall 2022 head count was 22 percent Asian. Ranked faculty is 25 percent Asian. As you can see, the Asian count is higher than the general Texas population.

Now, of course, “Asian” includes about a third of the world, and being “Asian” doesn’t mean you’re just off the United f light from Beijing. I suppose these universities would have to sort out who is from where. What about our fellow Texans of Chinese ancestry who are fifth generation Houstonian? “OK, Mister Chang, say y’all. Is it row-DAY-oh

or ROAD-ee-oh? It says here your mother is a neurosurgeon at Methodist.

Does she do laundry on the side?”

If our pols weren’t making life tough and complicated enough for our academics, we have the Republicans’ Grandstand of the Week: DEI. In case you missed your last Klan rally, DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion. That’s gobblegook for admitting or hiring more minorities. Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a ban on such programs on college campuses. He called the practice “potentially discriminatory” (against whites, we must assume).

Some legislators have vowed to cut college funding if the universities don’t get with the program, or more accurately, abolish it. So we have The Diversity of Texas. School presidents, facing a state cut in their budgets, are groveling to obey the edit while still attracting the best and brightest students and profs – not to mention half backs and 7-foot-tall dribblers -- to their campuses.

Earlier we mentioned foreigners endangering our security, and that is a concern to our counterespionage guardians. They

know that the Chinese are intent on worming their way into our secrets. Remember that the Ruskies couldn’t develop their own atomic and hydrogen bombs until they stole our plans and blueprints. So we must be on guard for Chinese spies. The feds even closed the Chinese consulate in that hotbed of foreign intrigue: Houston. This surveillance has netted a few solid cases of espionage, but locking out or deporting those with a yellow persuasion seems a bit heavy handed. I guess admission officers could strap ankle monitors on suspects to see if they ever visited a Chinese restaurant or had an iPad in their knapsack. “Do you ever write your mother back in Shanghai?” Or: “Have you ever used TikTok?” “I notice you have been vaccinated for Covid-19.

Why?” As for you, Rep. Tony Tinderholt, beware of any colleague who shows signs of competency. They are clearly not Texas legislators.

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Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY

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BRAZOS BEND BAPTIST CHURCH - 979.553.3049 22311 FM 762 RD.-Needville, TX 77461 Dr. Doug Brooks- Pastor Sunday School/Bible Study - 9:30am Sunday Worship Service - 10:30am Wednesday (Team Kids) - 7:00pm Wednesday (Bible Study) - 7:00pm Any Prayer needs call 979.553.3049 Special Events-Resurrection (Easter) Weekend www.bbbchurch.org METHODIST CHURCH

CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888 A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Rev. Dr. Daniel Irving, Senior Pastor Sunday Schedule 9:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 11:00 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org

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CHURCH OF CHRIST

STAFFORD CHURCH OF CHRIST • 281-499-2507 402 Stafford Run Rd. -Stafford, 77477 Stephen Higley, Preacher Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Wednesday 7:00 pm www.staffordchurchofchrist.org PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • 281-240-3195 502 Eldridge Rd. -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

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

- ROMANS 12:12

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across

1. Resting places 5. Healthful retreats 9. Fink 13. ___ cheese 14. Casts 16. Maui dance 17. Viewed with approval or pleasure 19. “Iliad” warrior 20. Two-seater 21. Back, in a way 22. Saws with the grain 23. Goes on and on 25. Fox relative 27. Thin wires with tiny tufts of yarn 31. “Much ___ About Nothing” 32. Course 33. Chest material 37. “___ we forget” 39. Hot spot 42. Baby 43. Song of joy 45. Achy 47. Absorbed, as a cost 48. Short tables accompanying sofas 52. Disperse 55. 100 kurus 56. Farfetched 57. Sylvester, to Tweety 59. Big step 63. ___-bodied 64. Hardly ordinary 66. Bottom of the barrel 67. Slope of loose rock debris 68. ___ Scotia 69. Coastal raptors 70. Aims 71. Form of matter

Down 1. Doozy 2. Icelandic epic 3. Angry outburst 4. Small amount 5. Clutter; a total mess 6. Quote, part 3 7. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g.

8. Product motto 9. Keen or eager 10. Papal court 11. Beth’s preceder 12. Boito’s Mefistofele, e.g.

15. Dorm annoyance 18. Change, chemically 24. “Buona ___” (Italian greeting) 26. Parenthesis, essentially 27. Segmented organ near mouth of invertebrates 28. “I had no ___!”

29. Ask

30. Charm 34. Call 35. A chip, maybe 36. Bakery selections 38. Indiscreet, inconsiderate 40. “O Sanctissima,” e.g.

41. Skilled performers 44. “___ a chance” 46. Our “mother” 49. Unborn embryo 50. Home of Paris 51. Large estate or manor 52. Flat 53. Wooden pole used in Scottish games 54. ___ wrench 58. Conflicted 60. “American ___” 61. Hawk’s opposite 62. Final, e.g.

65. Cabernet, e.g.

Look out for our 2023 Fort Bend Star Guide! Coming Soon!

Call John Sazma about securing your spot today!

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THE STAR

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Wednesday, March 29, 2023 • PAGE 5

Dozens arrested, charged in sting operation Staff Reports

The Fort Bend County District Attorney's office on Monday announced the arrests of 29 men who allegedly sought to pay for sex in a multi-day late January operation in collaboration with the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance.

"Operation New Year was a buyer suppression operation in Sugar Land targeting illicit sexually oriented businesses and resulted in 29 arrests. The operation aimed to combat human trafficking in Fort Bend County by identifying

H EARTH FROM PAGE 1

the environment, including ones about the water cycle, recycling, beneficial insects, composting and the like.

Perhaps the biggest draw to the event was the free trees and plants of several varieties that people were able to

H REPORT FROM PAGE 1

and compliance, told Hamilton that the staff would begin working on a written response.

Hamilton praised what he said was the district's focus in recent years in instilling discipline, saying that in his

H KITES FROM PAGE 1

garoo in the petting zoo featuring all kinds of exotic animals, including a llama and an iguana.

Beletskaya said she was drawn to the event because of the great weather

and arresting those intending to buy sex," the office announced in a press release.

"Commonly known as 'johns', they create the demand for human trafficking and contribute to the pervasive problem the community faces from these crimes." the press release stated.

According to the release, prosecutors shut down an illicit massage business under the state-granted authority to remove such businesses. Working with the property owner, the tenant was evicted and the location was t hen used to stage an under-

cover operation where law enforcement personnel received solicitations for sex from prospective buyers.

Thirty-one charges were filed, including solicitation of prostitution, resisting arrest, and drug-related charges.

“Our goal is to keep our

community safe from crime and eradicate human trafficking in its entirety.

Once again, we partnered with other law enforcement agencies to conduct a sting operation. In this operation, we targeted prospective sex buyers.," District Attorney Brian Middleton said in the release.

"Again, whether in a residential neighborhood or commercial establishment, we are watching. Fort Bend County is, and will continue to be, one the safest places to live because of operations like this. We are setting the tone – do not come to Fort Bend County to commit crime," Middle-

ton said.

"The fight against human trafficking is something that we all must join in to save lives. It’s not just an effort of one office or one official, it is an undertaking that all of us in leadership and in our communities must join together to fight," County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson said in the release.

"My office will use the civil remedies of injunctive relief and civil penalties to compliment the criminal law enforcement approach being led by District Attorney Brian Middleton, Sheriff Eric Fagan, and other local law enforcement

agencies. Human trafficking and sex trafficking are driven by supply and demand. If we get rid of these massage parlors, also known as illicit massage parlors, we can reduce the supply in our county and drive this activity out of our county.

Together we can make Fort Bend safer for our children and for everyone," SmithLawson said.

Partnering agencies in the operation also included the Missouri City Police Department, Houston Police Department, Department of Public Safety, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

select and take home. The trees were provided by the city through a grant from HEB, said Angie Wierzbicki, Paul's wife and president of the Missouri City Green board.

Mike Walsh, one of the Texas Master Naturalists volunteers, said he expected that about 80-100 trees would be given away by the

end of the event, which went from 9 a.m.-noon.

HEB also provide the fruit that people were able to take home with them.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 731, the Rosenberg-based Texas Master Naturalists Coastal Prairie Chapter (serving Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton Counties), and Missouri

City-based Mu Kappa Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority were on hand to volunteer at the stations.

Among the Boy Scouts was Alex Shannar, 13, who helped pass out fruit to people.

"I need the service hours and this is fun," he said with a smile.

Zainab Momin attended with her daughter, Zahra, 3, who excitedly took in the information at the recycling educational station.

"She loves to learn about nature," Momin said, adding that Zahra had also enjoyed learning about the water cycle.

"It's great to see all the people out, and it's a beauti-

ful day. This is amazing," she said.

This year's event also featured a photo contest in which people could submit photos based on several environmental themes online.

Winning entries, voted on by attendees, were announced at the end of the event.

own life, discipline (or the lack thereof) has been fundamental to how well he did academically, in athletics, or professionally.

"We need to recognize that discipline is a good word, and it should not be moved one way or another based on racial groups," he said.

Board secretary Dr. Shir-

ley Rose-Gilliam asked that the district leadership more directly apply the data from the annual reports to campuses' individual improvement plans.

Rose-Gilliam also asked about the section of the report that showed a yearto-year increase in violent or criminal behavior statis-

tics on campuses.

Board president Kristen Malone pointed to a year-over-year increase in the dropout rate, saying that students who drop out of high school are statistically more prone to imprisonment, substance abuse or homelessness.

"This breaks my heart,"

she said.

Superintendent Christie Whitbeck provided some context to the dropout rate, noting that during the first year of the COVID pandemic, many students moved away from the district or even the state, and many of them ended up being "lost" in the system. The district

also was closed longer than any other district in the state during the pandemic, exacerbating the statistical difference.

The full TAPR report, which runs more than 150 pages, will be made available on the district website, w w w. f o r t b e n d i s d . c o m , within two weeks.

and to see a lot of people enjoying themselves.

"It' a fun time," she said.

Myriam Santillan, originally from Mexico, came at the invitation of a friend and also enjoyed the people-watching.

"I't's great to see everyone's face," she said.

Victoria Cantu arrived

with her younger brother, Liam, 9 from the Spring Branch area.

They'd heard about the festival and made the drive out to Sugar Land because they thought it would be a great time.

Also on hand were several art cars on display, a rock-climbing wall, ven-

dor booths with all kinds of wares for sale, actors on stilts playing fantasy characters, a section where people could do their own sidewalk chalk art - the activities were bountiful.

But it was kite-f lying that was the main draw of course, and people of all skill levels tried their

hand, either with kites they brought themselves or new ones purchased on site.

Beatrix Nigos, of Sugar Land, worked to assemble her new kite for her son, Caleb, and Leni Lopez, his grandmother. "He loves f lying a kits," she said of her son.

Along with the kites, the sky was occasionally festooned with daytime fireworks which streamed multi-colored smoke.

All in all, the people filling the vast expanse of Crown Festival Park seemed to be making great use of a beautiful spring day in Fort Bend County.

Yes, we're in-network.

St. Luke’s Health facilities, including St. Luke's Health - Sugar Land, are once again in-network with Cigna. Our affiliated physicians from Baylor College of Medicine are also back in-network.

Make an appointment NOW!

THE STAR

PAGE 6 • Wednesday, March 29, 2023

See us online www.FortBendStar.com

It's official: Sugar Land has an art festival Editor's Note: This week we introduce an occasional Fort Bend County arts and culture column by contributor Mitch Cohen, who also writes for our sister paper, The Leader.

Know of any events coming up? Send information to news@fortbendstar.com.

It’s official, Sugar Land has its very own, official, bona fide art festival! The Sugar Land Arts Fest returns this weekend for its second annual event.

Sugar Land Arts Fest is presented by PrimeWay Federal Credit Union, showcasing local, national, and international artists.

The event happens Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, 2023, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Smart Financial Centre Plaza, 18111 Lexington Blvd, Sugar Land.

What makes an art festival legit? A reason for art patrons and the general public to stay all day and even to come back a second day. Art, music and entertainment, food and drink and children’s activities are all on that list and the Sugar Land Arts Fest managed all that successfully in their first year, and they’re back with more for the second.

"We're excited to bring back the Sugar Land Arts Fest for another year,” said Stacy Borgfeldt, a of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation board and cochair of the 2023 Sugar Land Arts Fest. "This

Art patrons can enjoy the second annual Sugar Land Art Fest at Smart Financial Centre Plaza.this weekend. (Photo courtesy Sugar Land Arts Festival)

year's event will celebrate a diverse group of artists, showcasing an outdoor gallery of original, one-ofa-kind art.”

Attendees will be able to visit with and purchase works from local, national, and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, glass, photography, jewelry, pottery, and more.

Local artists are returning for the second year and there will be more of them as word of the inaugural event’s success spread.

I had a chance to speak with landscape and nature photographer Tim Herschbach, who regularly attends Houston-area festivals and events.

“The Sugar Land Arts

Fest is a much-needed multi-day local art show in the southwest Houston area that is easily accessible compared to the huge national shows that we have a few times a year,” Herschbach said.

“Sugar Land and the surrounding communities have been needing an art show like this and I'm

looking forward to participating as an artist again this year, as it is close to my home in Manvel and very convenient for me as an artist in the area to exhibit my work," he said.

Herschbach said he likes that visitors can park near the entrance and enjoy live music while browsing a large variety of local art-

ists.

“Did you buy art and don't want to lug it around all day? Your car isn't far away,” Herschbach said.

“And don't forget the beer garden!”

Organizers say this year's event will feature even more live music and a wider variety of musicians including "Tribute to George Strait," featuring Derek Spence, “The Ziggy Band,” “Bubba Westly,” and “ Flash Back.” The names describe the music well, I think. These and and more entertainment are listed on the website and social media pages.

The beer garden Herschbach mentioned also has hand-selected wines, and there will be a variety of food truck vendors selling different and fun food options. 2023 brings the addition of a children’s art activity area.

Updates and highlights can be found by following the Sugar Land Arts Fest on Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/sugarlandartsfest. Tickets are $10 and parking is free. To purchase tickets and for more general information, visit www.sugarlandartsfest.com.

Cohen writes Art Valet, an arts column in our sister paper The Leader, and is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet. com.

Local library to host North American Youth Chinese Orchestra Staff Reports

Fort Bend County Libraries will host a performance by the North America Youth Chinese Orchestra on Saturday, April 1, from 2-3 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road.

Directed by Changlu Wu, the North America Youth Chinese Orchestra consists of talented young Chinese-American student musicians who are passionate about their culture and its music. Using the violin and f lute, as w(www. fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call

the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-238-2140), or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).ell as Chinese instruments such as the pipa, guzheng, and zhong ruan, the musicians will perform a variety of traditional Chinese musical pieces.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, see the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend. lib.tx.us) or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281238-2140), or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

Fort Bend County Libraries will host a performance by the North America Youth Chinese Orchestra on April 1 at the Sugar Land Branch Library. (Photo courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries)

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See us online www.FortBendStar.com

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 • PAGE 7

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

FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS

FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/ request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com

AMERICAN LEGION POST 942, 311 ULRICH SUGAR LAND, WILL HOLD A BATTLE OF THE BARRELS COOKOFF

LIBRARIES OFFER INTRODUCTORY HANDS-ON COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY CLASSES THROUGH APRIL Fort Bend County Libraries’ Adult Services staff will present a variety of free, introductory computer classes this month. The classes will take place in the Computer Labs of the libraries; seating is limited and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select the library, and find the program. Or call the branch libraries system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734). The schedule for April is listed online.

-The Sienna Branch Library (8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City) will host Board-Game Nights on Mondays, April 3 and 17, from 6:00 to 8:00pm, in Conference Room 2A of the library.

-The First Colony Branch Library (2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land) will host on Tuesday, April 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Meeting Room. Visit website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call (281238-2140) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-6334734).

HOPE FOR THREE TEEN HUDDLE

Sunday, April 2, 2023. Hope For Three Teen Huddle is revving up for its annual Car Wash for Kids presented by Sugar Land Baptist Church on Sunday, April 2nd, at C & C Dental, 17003 SWF, Sugar Land from 10 am to 2 pm. Student volunteers, ages 12 and over, Volunteers and sponsors needed. Visit www.hopeforthree.org/events to learn more.

LEARN HOW TO PLAN A BUDGET-FRIENDLY VACATION AT LIBRARY PROGRAM Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library presents “Vacation Planning on a Budget” on Tuesday, April 4, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, in the Computer Lab of the library, located at 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd in Missouri City.

EASTER EGG HUNT 2023 SPONSORED BY AMARO LAW FIRM Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Constellation Field. Gates Open at 11:45 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt at 12:15 p.m. First Pitch at 2:00 p.m. Register at Amarolawfirm.com/easter-egg-hunt. Please register by Friday, March 24th to join our guest list.

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS TO MEET APRIL 13TH Sugar Land Branch Library on Saturday, April 15, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 550 Eldridge. The next program in the Ancient Civilizations series will take place on Saturday, May 13, at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library. See the Fort Bend County Libraries website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) or call the Sugar Land Branch Library (281-238-2140) or the library system’s Communications Office (281-633-4734).

LIBRARIES’ “ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS” SERIES FOCUSES ON GREECE IN APRIL Meeting Thursday, April 13th, from 1-3 p.m. at Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. in the Venue Room. Program: Senior Medicare Patrol-Scams. TRTA Day at the TX Capitol will be April 11th-12th. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. Website: http://localunits.org/FortBendHarris/ For more information, call 713-206-2733.

CHEF ELLEN SCHWARTZ TO SHARE RECIPE TIPS AT FIRST COLONY BRANCH LIBRARY Professional chef Ellen Schwartz presents “Picking the Perfect Recipe” at Fort Bend County Libraries’ First Colony Branch Library on Tuesday, April 18, from 6:30 to 8:00pm, in the Meeting Room of the library, located at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Register online (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us). Visit or call 281-238-2800.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 942, 311 ULRICH SUGAR LAND, WILL HOLD A CRAWFISH BOIL On April 15, 2023, from 12 noon till 5 pm. All Veterans and public are invited. Plates are $12

HOPE FOR THREE WILL HOST ITS INAUGURAL FAMILY FUN FEST Saturday, April 22, 2023. Hope For Three will host its Inaugural Family Fun Fest, presented by Fred and Mabel R Parks Foundation, on Saturday, April 22nd, at River Pointe Church, 5000 Ransom Rd., Richmond, from 10 am to 1 pm. The outdoor festival provides an inclusive opportunity for local families whose children, teens, and adults have special needs. Families must be Fort

GOLF FOR A CAUSE 2023 BENEFITTING THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES April 24 at Sienna Golf Club in Missouri City. For sponsorship and player details, please go to our website at https://www.sanctuaryfostercare.org/golf Questions? Reach out to Jenny Fridge at 713483-4003

SUGAR CREEK GARDEN CLUB BACKYARD GARDEN TOUR Sugar Creek Garden Club. Backyard Garden Tour. On May 6, 2023, 10 am to 4 pm. At Sugar Creek Subdivision. Tickets available at Guard House (Sugar Creek Blvd. at Country Club Blvd.), or at any of the 5 homes featured. Fundraiser for horticultural scholarships and neighborhood beautification.

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Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www. fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

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SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.

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

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FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 20222023 YEAR To join, the membership application can be accessed at https://www. fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League.

Information regarding attending these events is available at www. fbjsl.org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please.

We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-4283165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195

EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345.

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On April 1, 2023, from 12 noon till 5 pm. All Veterans and public are invited. Plates are $12

LIBRARIES HOST BOARD-GAME NIGHTS FOR ALL AGES IN APRIL

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THE STAR

PAGE 8 • Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Generously supported by the City of Sugar Land Public Works Department

A DEEP DIVE INTO THE SCIENCE OF HOW WATER FLOWS Jan 27–May 14 Everyone’s actions on land affect our ocean.

What can YOU do in your watershed to protect our ocean?

Find out in Ocean Bound – go deeper and be a Watershed Warrior! Make it rain, spot the polluters and encounter eye-popping aquatic species and ecosystems along the way.

For tickets and information, visit hmns.org/oceanbound.

See us online www.FortBendStar.com