The 04-19-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Meyers' proposal to shift precinct lines fails

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Longtime Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Myers faces the prospect of having to move out his home in order to run again following a party-line vote during the April 11 Com -

missioners Court meeting. Meyers, a Republican who has served on the court for three decades, had offered an agenda item that would have switched two voting precincts, including the one that includes his Sugar Land house, in the currently drawn Precinct 3 to Precinct 4. The current

maps were approved in a highly contentious 2021 redistricting vote following the 2020 Census.

In that map, which had only just been introduced by County Judge KP George, a Democrat, Meyers’ Precinct 3, which had been based in Katy, was shifted to the Sugar Land

and Missouri City areas, according to previous Fort Bend Star coverage. But it excluded the voting precinct that includes the Sugar Creek subdivision where Meyers has owned his primary residence for decades.

SEE MEYERS PAGE 4

A clean sweep

UH-Sugar Land led team helping clean Texas coastal waters

To find a fast, efficient way to clear harmful chemicals along the Gulf of Mexico coastline, researchers are turning to something already familiar with the task – several species of the aquatic grasses and rice that feel very much at home in murky coastal waters, according to an online story from the University of Houston.

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

With the annual hurricane season beginning June 1, Fort Bend County Judge KP George on Monday officially named Greg Bapst, who had been serving as the county's interim homeland security and emergency management coordinator,

The research team led by University of Houston’s Venkatesh Balan, associate professor of biotechnology in the Cullen College of Engineering’s Division of Technology housed at the UH Sugar Land campus, studies the abilities of these water-loving flora to uptake concentrations of chemicals and heavy metals that unfortunately end up in places where they should not be. Eventually, the researchers also hope

to the permanent position. Bapst had been with the Office Homeland Security & Emergency Management since 2021, first as an emergency management specialist and then deputy manager. He was tapped for the interim role in January, after Fort Bend County Commissioners without comment accept-

to find helpful uses of the system’s byproducts.

“But first, we must identify which species are best at removing what we don’t want – the chemicals and metals in our coastal water,” Balan said. The Managing Urban Runoff project is funded over three years with a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with $624,000 allocated for UH-based research. It is a collaboration

ed the resignation of the former EOC coordinator, Mark Flathouse, tendered in January. The reason for Flathouse's resignation was not made public.

During a press conference at the county's year-old Emergency Operations Center in Richmond, George said Bapst emerged as the best choice to lead

of Balan and UH colleagues Xiaonan Shan, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Weihang Zhu, professor of engineering technology; Ram Ray and Gururaj Neelgund of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU); and Sandeep Kumar of Old Dominion University in Virginia.

Heavy rainstorms often wash chemical fertilizers and soil amendments away from the farmlands,

lawns and household gardens where they had been helpful in appropriate amounts. Eventually, the runoff accumulates along the Gulf Coast, including in the PVAMU watershed where the team is at work.

“In the process called eutrophication, the chemical fertilizers and soil amendments feed the algae in watersheds. The result is heavy concentrations of

Fort Bend's emergency operations after an extensive search to fill the permanent slot.

“Greg has a wealth of experience and an enthusiastic outlook for the safety of residents and businesses in our county along with

The Managing Urban Runoff project tests abilities of certain native grass species to clear pollution from coastal waters. On the study site, from left, are principal investigator Vankatesh Balan, University of Houston; Ram Ray, Prairie View A&M University; Weihang Zhu, UH; and Gururaj Neelgund, Prairie View A&M.

(Photo courtesy University of Houston)

Meyers

Greg Bapst

Review: Raki offers wide array of options from all across Asia

In a fairly small space in a large strip center on Highway 6 in Missouri City, you can go on a culinary tour of a vast expanse of Asia. Raki, which I first came across while visiting the nearby Texas Biergarten a couple of months ago (demonstrating the wide culinary variety found in Fort Bend County) offers tastes of China, Japan and Indonesia.

On its website, Raki offers a quote from celebrity chef Guy Fieri: "Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together." The locallyowned restaurant seems to exemplify that philosphy. As I said, the space is small, but there's a lot packed inside. The decor offers examples of the three cultures: Chinese lanterns hang tastefully about, and on the red-brick facade walls are Japanese prints and fans, and most intriguingly to me, examples of the shadow puppets known as Wayang from the Indonesian island of Java. (I first learned about these shadow-puppet plays in the classic journalism movie "The Year of Living Dangerously" from the '80s.)

My dining companion and I went on a quite weekend during lunch, and were alone except for one other diner. I imagine it gets busier in the evenings.

So, let's talk about the food. True to its word, Raki offers a wide selection of items from the three cultures. Two full pages of its menu are devoted to Chinese food, with all of the kinds you'd expect:

shrimp, beef, chicken, noodles, and soups. Another page is devoted to Japanese cuisine, including appetizers and noodle and rice dishes with ramen, chicken and beef selections.

I've written here previously about Chinese and Japanese restaurants, so on this trip I decided to branch out. Again, the

Indonesian offerings are plentiful, and a little less familiar to my, ahem, untrained palate. It was somewhat daunting to make a selection, but I settled on Cap Cay, described as Indonesian stir-friend vegetables with chicken, shrimp and meatballs. Perhaps it was a bit too safe a selection, but when it arrived,

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Likewise, my dining companion enjoyed the Chinese dish she ordered. Conveniently, Raki also offers a long list lunch specials every day of the week. So if you're looking for a taste from a wide expanse of Asia, give it a try. Yo're likely to find something you like.

Raki

Address: 6302 Highway 6 Suite J, Missouri

City

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday

THERE’S A BETTER APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Sugar Land

Entrée prices: $8.99-$14.99

Kid-friendly: Yes

Alcohol: No

Senior discount: No Healthy options: Yes

Star of the show: Cap Coy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Cap Coy, an Indonesian stir-fried vegetables dish with chicken, shrimp, and meatballs, hit the spot during a recent visit to Raki. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Sugar Land P&Z endorses alcohol overlay district at First Colony Mall

Staff Reports

First Colony Mall's Lifestyle Center could soon be the home of a full-scale bar and grill if Sugar Land City Council next week approves an "overlay district" that would allow for such establishments.

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved recommending that the Council vote to approve the district, which would be the first such entity in the city but is modeled after one in Farmer's Branch, a suburban community near Dallas.

Currently, establishments that earn more than 50 percent of their income from the sale of alcohol are not allowed by the regulations at First Colony Mall. The Lifestyle Center is

the large open retail area adjacent to the full mall structure.

City staff explained that Brookfield Properties, which owns and operates the mall, has an opportunity to lease the space now occupied by Breaker's Korean BBQ to Little Woodrow's, a sports bar company that operates at many locations across the greater Houston area.

In the plan presented by Brookfield, the new establishment would include a beer garden that would extend about one-third of the way into the existing greenspace that is used for movie showings and other family-oriented events. Staff told the commission members that the beer garden would have a fence or other barrier as

required by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulations.

The proposed barwould also be more than 200 feet away from the nearest residences, another requirement. There were no speakers on the item during the public hearing portion. Following approved by the P&Z commission, the proposal will go before Council at its April 18 meeting. The proposal first discussed during a workshop meeting in March. In other business, the commission unanimously approved a proposed final development for a development called The Pearl at Lake Point near the Fluor Corporation campus. The proposal is for 370 multifamily units and 5 live/ work units.

Phone: (281) 712-4989 54 Sugarcreek Center Blvd Ste 317 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Learn More: www.t2booksandtax.com

713-433-6421

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

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Police: Sugar Land woman killed, suspected murderer found dead in burning house

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A Sugar Land woman was killed in a domestic disturbance and the man who police believe shot her was found dead inside a burning house after exchanging gunfire with a police officer Sunday night, according to a city spokesman.

A Sugar Land officer responded to a call from house in the 4100 block of Issac's Way in the Chimney Stone subdivision in which a woman said her boyfriend and pushed her during an argument and she wanted him out of house, according to spokesman Doug Adoph.

When a police officer arrived at the house, he saw a woman and man running out of the house as the man was physically assaulting her. The officer saw the man pull out a handgun

the ability to engage with our internal departments, the public, private sector partners, local, state, and federal agencies,” George said in a news release.

Prior to joining Fort Bend County, Babst served for 24 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served as a chief warrant officer, as well as being a Surf & Rescue Boat Coxswain, Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Tactical Deployment Team Lead, a member of the Maritime Security Response Team West, and part of the National Incident Management Deployment Team, according to the release. Additionally, Babst is a

and shoot the woman, Adolph said. When the officer told the man to stop, the man pointed the gun in the officer's direction and fired at least one round. The officer fired in response, although it was unclear whether the man was struck, and the man ran back inside the house, according to Adolph.

While police were cordoning off the scene, they found indications that the man might have fled the house. They sent an electronic alert to residents of the Chimney Stone subdivision warning them to stay in their homes and lock their doors and windows, Adolph said.

The woman, Lantonia Faulk, 43, was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and was pronounced dead.

While police were surrounding the home, they saw that there was a fire inside the house. The fire

Coast Guard training officer and has experience in law enforcement, HAZMAT, first aid, high-risk training, weapons, tactical elements, and small boat operations in all types of weather. He served as a Coast Guard first responder in more than 1,000 cases in the maritime realm as the on-scene coordinator for various types of cases. “I’m excited about this new role, and I look forward to continuing to build this response team,” Babst said in the release. “I want to thank all the department heads in the county for their support and our First Responders, EMS, the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office, ESDs, the leadership, and all the

rented out the Sugar Land house.

department was called out to the scene, but because the location of the shooter was still unknown, firefighters were not allowed to go inside the house.

Police searched the house while trying to keep the fire at bay and came across a body of the man they believe was the shooter. According to Adolph, both he and Faulk lived at the house. Adolph confirmed that Faulk's 15-year-old son was inside the house during the incident and is now with his father.

Adolph said that everything up to the moment the woman was shot is being treated as a murder investigation. From that point on, the incident is being treated like any officerinvolved shooting. The officer has been placed on administrative duty with pay, and that part of the investigation has been referred to the Texas Rangers.

stakeholders within the county who have supported us as we have built-out this response team. My goal is to be a value and responsive proactive multiplier for all coordination during all hazards in this county.”

At the press conference, both Bapst and George emphasized that the role of the emergency operations department has become increasingly important has the county has grown in population. They urged Fort Bend County residents to follow the Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management on its social media sites and at the website, where they can sign up for emergency alerts.

At that time, Meyers said in a phone interview with the Star, he was living in an apartment in Katy so that his wife, who had only recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, could be closer to their adult daughter and grandchildren. His wife's prognosis had been to live for about five years.

Meyers said his intention all along had been to stay in the apartment until his wife passed away, and then move back to the house in the Sugar Creek subdivision where they had lived the majority of their married life and raised their children. During the time that he was in Katy, he

H WATERS FROM PAGE 1

excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and metal salts such as copper sulfate. That combination feeds cyanobacteria, which produces algal bloom that yields toxins harmful to humans, fish, marine mammals and birds,” Balan said.

Removing these substances from stormwater is necessary for maintaining ecological balance and keeping communities healthy.

Other methods of cleaning the water have been proven, including aeration, sprayable clay suspensions, chemical and biological additives, and ultrasonic technology. But they are rarely adopted because of high costs.

Around the world, aquatic plants have long been on the job of reducing nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and fine suspended particles within stormwater runoff, vastly

Meyers's wife died in January, much sooner than had been anticipated. In the meantime, they had moved back to the Sugar Land house because of the redistricting, which he said forced him to break his promise to her that they would remain near their grandchildren.

Meyers told the Star that before he offered the item, he spoke with Democratic Precinct 2 Commissioner Grady Prestage, with whom he has served for the entirety of his time on the court. Prestage told him he would be amenable to the change.

Contacted by phone Monday, Prestage declined to comment.

improving the quality of water in the process.

To maximize the natural benefits, selected species of floating aquatic plants typically are nurtured by implanting hydroponically grown native grasses or wetland plants on durable synthetic mats. The plant tissue above the synthetic mat stores excess nutrients. The roots beneath release oxygen and provide a surface to support microorganism growth.

Even in deep or fluctuating waters, this configuration can treat a wide range of wastewater and help restore a healthy population of fish and other wildlife inhabitants. The first key step in the challenge is to select the best species for the task.

“Gasses such as miscanthus, khus and cattail have excellent nutrient removal potential due to their long rooting systems. Rice plants have similar structures and are cultivated as floating aquatic plants in South Asia to remove excess nutrients in ponds and

In last week's meeting, Meyers offered the agenda item and spoke at length about his reasoning. The proposed shift of the two voting precinct would have had negligible effect on the demographic and partisan makeup of Precinct 3, while allowing him to remain in his home.

With no other discussion, when the item came up to a vote, it failed 3-2, with Prestage joining George and Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy voting against, and Meyers and Precinct 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales voting for. Meyers, who is 80, says he is in good physical and mental health and plans to file for reelection in November.

lakes,” Balan said. “Once the plants are growing, we can stabilize the water’s pH levels by adding artificial aeration to the system, which facilitates the reduction of algae growth.”

To get its many benefits, the system requires upkeep, including the regular harvesting of the plants. Also the synthetic mats need to remain properly secured so that heavy winds cannot topple and sink the plants. Balan and the research team are refining a system of grouping the plants and mats by wire, so the clusters can be moved to the middle of the watershed to maximize efficiency then pulled back to the shoreline for easy harvesting.

While the floating aquatic plants currently have no commercial value once harvested, the team is seeking ways to transform the harvested plants into biochar, which has potential to increase organic carbon in soil and other agricultural amendments.

H DIRECTOR FROM PAGE 1

H MEYERS FROM PAGE 1

HS Baseball: Austin inching closer to playoffs in tight 20-6A race

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Austin Bulldogs’ baseball program has seen an entire graduating class come through without a postseason –but they are looking to end that drought, and recently took another major step towards accomplishing that goal with a strong week on the diamond.

Last week, the Bulldogs won all three games they played. Austin had a pair of 8-7 wins over George Ranch on April 10 and Elkins on April 11 before defeating Clements 2-1 on April 14 to win their fourth consecutive game.

Dylan Christie had a strong effort on the mound for the Bulldogs (12-13, 8-4 district) in the win over Clements, while Hampton Phillips smacked a home run to aid the offensive effort.

The Bulldogs are now on a four-game winning streak, and are inching closer to the program’s first playoff berth since

the 2018 season. Elsewhere in the district, the playoff race is still jam packed as several teams fight for playoff spots and positioning entering the regular season’s final few weeks.

Following the loss on April 10, George Ranch beat Travis 8-2 on April 11, then fell 7-2 against district-leading Ridge Point on April 14 before defeating Bush 14-6 on April 15. Brandon Mays and Grant Reynolds had a double and two RBIs apiece for the Longhorns (14-14-2, 8-5) in the victory over Bush, while

Johnathon Canter picked up nine strikeouts in 6.2 strong innings of work on the mound against Travis. Hightower picked up two wins last week to keep hold on the district’s fourth playoff spot, defeating Bush 3-1 on April 11 and taking down Dulles 6-2 on April 14.

Braylen Kizzee had two hits including a homer for Hightower (13-7-1, 7-5) in the victory over Dulles, and Jeremy Payne picked

The Austin Bulldogs' baseball team picked up a trio of key wins last week over George Ranch, Elkins, and Clements to move closer to the program's first playoff berth since 2018. (Photo from Twitter)

up three hits of his own while driving home two runs.

Clements also kept pace in the tight race, winning 9-2 against Elkins on April 10 before the loss to Austin and then winning 6-5 over Travis on April 15. Cooper Cgielski and Stefano Demeris picked up three hits and an RBI apiece for the Rangers (16-11, 6-6) in the victory over Travis, and Fletcher

Garcia also had two hits of his own to help Nathan Nafegar earn the win on the mound. Sandwiched around losses to Austin and Ridge Point, Elkins beat Travis 2-1 on April 14 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Alex Hale and Maxwell Thompson each drove home a run for Elkins (9-15-1, 5-7) to back a strong complete-game effort on the mound from

Gabriel Ghunheim, who had 11 strikeouts while allowing just four hits.

Class 5A

Fulshear kept its place atop District 20-5A with a strong week, beating Willowridge 15-0 on April 11 and 15-2 on April 15 before losing 8-2 in a non-district tilt against Strake Jesuit on April 15. The Chargers are now 19-7-1 overall and 10-0 in

district play.

Foster kept pair win a pair of shutout wins, beating Kempner 10-0 on April 11 before winning again 16-0 on April 14. Hayden Holchak (4 RBIs) and Alfonso Lopez each homered to back a five-inning no-hitter from Jackson Low (12 strikeouts) in the win on April 14, while Micah Dean also had three hits and two RBIs to go along with a stolen base.

Terry, meanwhile, had a pair of wins over Marshall last week, winning 15-6 on April 11 and 7-6 on April 14 to improve to 14-11 overall and 7-3 in district play.

Lamar Consolidated scratched out a pair of wins last week to keep hold of the fourth and final playoff spot, defeating Randle by scores of 7-0 on April 11 and 9-1 on April 14. Jonathan Anders was superb on the mound in the April 14 win, striking out 17 batters and allowing just three hits in a complete game effort that was backed by RBIs from

six different hitters. Alejandro Ruales had three RBIs to lead the offensive charge for the Mustangs (9-15-1, 6-4) on April 11 to back another complete game, this one from Callen Hall.

Class 4A

The Stafford Spartans split a pair of games last week, taking down La Marque 8-7 on April 10 before losing 7-3 against Brazosport on April 11 to move to 6-9 overall and 4-3 in district competition. Bryce Williams had three hits – including a double and triple – for the Spartans in the victory over La Marque. Needville also split two games last week, losing 4-1 to El Campo on April 11 before defeating Sealy 2-1 on April 14. Ryan Rodriguez struck out seven batters in a complete game effort for Needville (19-3, 9-1) against Sealy, and Nathan Elster had an RBI single to help propel in the Blue Jays back into first place in District 154A.

Tenant, Deshawna Davis will have their 5x15 unit auctioned. Unit appears to contain multiple items including tools, chairs, tables, home décor, boxes, suitcases, and miscellaneous items.

THESE PROPERTIES ARE BEING SOLD TO SATISFY A

MY PLACE STORAGE

ALL AUCTIONS WILL BE LOCATED AT STORAGEAUCTIONS.COM

11:00 am

Tenant, Joseph Pangelinan will have their 5x10 unit auctioned. Unit appears to contain multiple items including bedframes, nightstands, and dressers.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage License by Ace of Clubs Sports Lounge, LLC dba Ace of Clubs Sports Lounge, to be located at 3230 S. Main St. Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas. Offcers of said corporation are Chad X. Slater, Manager and Chadwick Douglas, Member.

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Package Store Permit by SY AA LA Business Inc, Dba Mak’s Liquor Wine to be located at 12220 Murphy Road, Suite H, Stafford, Fort Bend Co., Texas. Officer of said corporation is Lahzat Maknojia-Pres/Sec

Tenant, Nadia Ramirez will have their 10x7.5 unit auctioned. Unit appears to contain multiple items including office desks, chairs, plastic bags, plastic containers, boxes, exercising equipment, and suitcases.

Tenant, Cherry Jamora will have their 10x5 unit auctioned. Unit appears to contain multiple items including dressers, boxes, and miscellaneous items.

Tenant, Scott Covington will have their 5x10 unit auctioned. Unit appears to contain multiple items including shelving, plastic containers, miscellaneous items, and boxes. Tenant, Joyce Bush will have their 5x5 unit auctioned. Unit appears to contain multiple items including home decor, plastic bags, plastic containers, boxes and miscellaneous items.

My Place Storage, Sugar Land is located at 15025 Voss Road, Sugar Land, TX 77498; we can be reached at (281) 207-6521

EDUCATION

Night of Learning

BNI members!

Great opportunity to network with other BNI members and chapters

Keynote Speaker: Master Communication Coach Geral Parsons

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HS Softball: District playoff spots, positioning up for grabs SPORTS

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The Austin Bulldogs’ baseball program has seen an entire graduating class come through without a postseason – but they are looking to end that drought, and recently took another major step towards accomplishing that goal with a strong week on the diamond.

Last week, the Bulldogs won all three games they played. Austin had a pair of 8-7 wins over George Ranch on April 10 and Elkins on April 11 before defeating Clements 2-1 on April 14 to win their fourth consecutive game.

Dylan Christie had a strong effort on the mound for the Bulldogs (12-13, 84 district) in the win over Clements, while Hampton Phillips smacked a home run to aid the offensive effort. The Bulldogs are now on a four-game winning streak, and are inching closer to the program’s first playoff berth since the 2018 season.

Elsewhere in the district, the playoff race is still jam packed as several teams fight for playoff spots and positioning entering the regular season’s final few weeks.

Following the loss on April 10, George Ranch beat Travis 8-2 on April 11, then fell 7-2 against district-leading Ridge Point on April 14 before defeating Bush 14-6 on April 15.

Brandon Mays and Grant Reynolds had a double and two RBIs apiece for the Longhorns (14-14-2, 8-5) in the victory over Bush, while Johnathon Canter picked up nine strikeouts in 6.2 strong innings of work on the mound against

Travis.

Hightower picked up two wins last week to keep hold on the district’s fourth playoff spot, defeating Bush 3-1 on April 11 and taking down Dulles 6-2 on April 14. Braylen

Kizzee had two hits including a homer for Hightower (13-7-1, 7-5) in the victory

over Dulles, and Jeremy Payne picked up three hits of his own while driving home two runs. Clements also kept pace in the tight race, winning 9-2 against Elkins on April 10 before the loss to Austin and then winning 6-5 over Travis on April 15. Cooper Cgielski and Stefano De -

Worship D irectory

FORT BEND COUNTY

BAPTIST CHURCH

HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994

2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459

John Strader , Senior Pastor

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm

Wednesday 7:00 pm AWANA/Youth www.hbctx.org

BRAZOS BEND BAPTIST CHURCH

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

EPISCOPAL

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602

605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477

SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org

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

- ROMANS 12:12

meris picked up three hits and an RBI apiece for the Rangers (16-11, 6-6) in the victory over Travis, and Fletcher Garcia also had two hits of his own to help Nathan Nafegar earn the win on the mound.

Sandwiched around losses to Austin and Ridge Point, Elkins beat Travis 21 on April 14 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Alex Hale and Maxwell Thompson each drove home a run for Elkins (9-15-1, 5-7) to back a strong completegame effort on the mound from Gabriel Ghunheim, who had 11 strikeouts while allowing just four hits.

Class 5A

Fulshear kept its place atop District 20-5A with a strong week, beating Willowridge 15-0 on April 11 and 15-2 on April 15 before losing 8-2 in a non-district tilt against Strake Jesuit on April 15. The Chargers are now 19-7-1 overall and 10-0 in district play. Foster kept pair win a

pair of shutout wins, beating Kempner 10-0 on April 11 before winning again 16-0 on April 14. Hayden Holchak (4 RBIs) and Alfonso Lopez each homered to back a five-inning nohitter from Jackson Low (12 strikeouts) in the win on April 14, while Micah Dean also had three hits and two RBIs to go along with a stolen base.

Terry, meanwhile, had a pair of wins over Marshall last week, winning 15-6 on April 11 and 7-6 on April 14 to improve to 14-11 overall and 7-3 in district play.

Lamar Consolidated scratched out a pair of wins last week to keep hold of the fourth and final playoff spot, defeating Randle by scores of 7-0 on April 11 and 9-1 on April 14. Jonathan Anders was superb on the mound in the April 14 win, striking out 17 batters and allowing just three hits in a complete game effort that was backed by RBIs from six different hitters. Alejandro Ruales had three RBIs to

lead the offensive charge for the Mustangs (9-15-1, 6-4) on April 11 to back another complete game, this one from Callen Hall.

Class 4A

The Stafford Spartans split a pair of games last week, taking down La Marque 8-7 on April 10 before losing 7-3 against Brazosport on April 11 to move to 6-9 overall and 43 in district competition. Bryce Williams had three hits – including a double and triple – for the Spartans in the victory over La Marque.

Needville also split two games last week, losing 4-1 to El Campo on April 11 before defeating Sealy 2-1 on April 14. Ryan Rodriguez struck out seven batters in a complete game effort for Needville (193, 9-1) against Sealy, and Nathan Elster had an RBI single to help propel in the Blue Jays back into first place in District 15-4A.

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

Travis is one of several Fort Bend teams still battling for playoff positioning as the regular season enters its final week. (Photo from Twitter)

Cutting out all the words from Connecticut

"You walk around downtown Houston, which is butt ugly, not much there..." said Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. He was speaking on a local morning radio program in, obviously, Connecticut, commenting on Houston, host of the Final Four which UConn’s Huskies won. "Except for the UConn fans," he said, "everywhere you'd hear bouncing off of those big, empty walls, 'Let's go UConn, UConn Huskies.'" On yet another radio program Gov. Lamont said:

"You're walking around downtown Houston, it's kind of godforsaken, not very pretty…” Gee, and we spent so much time and effort behind those big, empty walls to make our visitors welcome. At such times we might be defensive and fight back, with comments like: “No

one ever said, “Hartford, the Eagle has landed.” Or even, “New Haven, we have a problem.” Such retorts would be childish. So would, “What about Benghazi, Hillary?” That accusation is still ripe in some GOP circles. We must look at these uncalled for and gratuitous insults in a typical Texas way. No, don’t shoot him, reason with him. First, we need to note all the good points about Connecticut. It is the nation’s third smallest state, hence its license plate logo: “We’re Bigger than Rhodes Island and Delaware.” The name Connecticut is derived from the Mohegan-Pequot word that has been translated as “Boorish Yankee.” Actually it means “long tidal river" and "upon the long river." The state is 5,543 square miles, which would easily fit into our Brewster County (6,193 square miles). Its state song is “Yankee Doodle.” Ours is “The Eyes of Texas,” or should be. State nickname: “The Nutmeg State.” Connecticut residents have the second highest rate in the nation of combined state and local taxes (after California). Connecticut’s

population: 3.6 million, a bit more than one-tenth Texas’. It has Yale University, established in 1701. The school produced Nathan Hale and William Buckley, the latter being the last sane Republican and the quintessential Ivy Leaguer. Little known fact: Buckley’s grandfather was the high sheriff of Duval County, Texas. That’s all we need to know about the Nutmeg State. Insulting Houston and Texas is nothing new. We get put down all the time. You can chalk it up to jealousy. “Buc-ees is too damn big,” wrote Gerrett Martin of Atlanta-based “Paste Magazine. I don’t even think it’s fair to call Buc-ees a gas station; Buc-ees is basically a KMart that only sells junk food and Buc-ees shirts. It’s overwhelming, and not really in a good way – especially when the store is packed.” Other observations: “Galveston is destroyed beyond its ability to recover." U.S. Army Quartermaster after the flood of 1900 in a report to the War Department. John James Audubon visited Houston in the 1840s and later wrote, “We ap -

proached the President's mansion, wading in water above our ankles." He noted that the mansion was a dirty and muddy hut and that the Capitol roof leaked. The mansion’s inhabitant didn’t fare much better. Alexis de Toqueville, French author of “Democracy in America,” after meeting Sam Houston, said, "He is one of the unpleasant consequences of popular sovereignty.”

Consider a fellow named Charles Hedenberg who persuaded an uncle living in New Jersey (not Connecticut) to come to Houston in the late 1830s.

The uncle arrived one morning and transferred his bags to his nephew's business, Hedenberg and Vedder. Charles suggested that his uncle go over to the Capitol and watch Congress in action. The uncle agreed and went to the Capitol, whereupon he heard gunshots. He rushed to a hallway just in time to see Algernon Thompson, a Senate clerk, being carted off. Thompson had been severely wounded by another clerk. The uncle left the Capitol and walked down the west side of Main Street. As he passed the

Round Tent Saloon, inside, one Texian soldier shot another. The wounded soldier staggered out and almost fell on the New Jerseyian. He ran across the street and arrived at John Carlos' Saloon. Just then a man fell out of the saloon with his bowels protruding from a huge wound made by a Bowie knife. The newcomer raced back to his nephew's store and said, “Get me a dray so I can at once go to the boat that leaves for Galveston this afternoon." "Why, Uncle, what do you mean? You have seen nothing; have not had time to look at the town." "Charley," said the uncle, "I have seen enough. I wish to return home immediately. I do not wish to see any more of Texas." He left.

“If I owned Texas and hell, I would rent Texas and live in Hell.” That famed quote came from Gen. Philip Henry Sheridan. He later explained, “In all my life, gentlemen, I will never forget my first visit to the State of Texas. I had been bumped over its sterile plains for a week in an ambulance. I was tired, dusty and worn out. When

I reached my destination (Galveston), I found some people there who wanted me to talk and be received and all that sort of thing, before I had a chance to get the sand out of my eyes and ears. One fellow was persistent. He asked me with pure American curiosity what I thought of Texas. In a moment of worry and annoyance I said if I owned hell and Texas, I would live in the former and rent out the latter. The fellow who asked me the question proved to be a reporter. The next day, what I had said was in print and I never could stop it.”

One last slap from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. He said the Huskies' victory "is enormous for UConn, and it's enormous for the state of Connecticut," noting that "for one brief and shining moment everyone was talking about the state of Connecticut." Yes, one brief moment. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame. Connecticut's victory over San Diego State ended up being the lowest TV-viewed final on record.

Ashby trades insults at ashby2@comcast.net

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 signifcant 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

FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS

BOXED LUNCHEON MEETING MAY 11TH

Meeting Thursday, May 11th, from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. in the Venue Room. Pre-paid boxed lunches will be for members who ordered in April. Last meeting until August. Programs: CASA presented by Pat Sommers and Vacationing presented by Mary Crochet Ongoing community service project: bring peanut butter or monetary donations for East Ft. Bend Human Needs Pantry. Arrive earlier to socialize, sign in and pay dues if you haven’t already for the upcoming year. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. Website: http:// localunits.org/FortBendHarris/ For more information, call 713-2062733.

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 713-4834003

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264

Meets the frst Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. The next Bus Trip is on April 26, 2023, to Painted Churches. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.

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 beautifcation.

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 fnd the program. Or call the branch libraries system’s Communications Offce (281-633-4734). The schedule for April is listed online.

ONGOING

THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES

We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’

ONLINE BOOK CLUB

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,” fnd the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

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 ft 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.

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: 281-204-7716 vincer. music@gmail.com

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023

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 281240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING

BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church offce at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofeld 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 Presby terian 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 Presi dent, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfnancial.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

CROSSWORD ANSWERS