The 04-26-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

Stafford Juneteenth proposal fails on split vote

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

The City of Stafford's proposed Stafford Centre concert celebrating this year's Juneteenth holiday foundered last week with a split City Council vote that effectively put the idea on indefinite hold.

Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones,

who had been spearheading the effort since last year, was visibly upset after the vote, suggesting that other members were not sufficiently engaged with the Black community.

But Mayor Cecil Willis, who had been the most vocal member about his misgivings about the proposal, said after

the vote that his reasons centered on the $51,680 budget and the start time, which had shifted from the afternoon to the evening since it was last discussed. Jones is the chair of the ad hoc committee that was formed last year after the Council voted to proceed with an annual event celebrating

Juneteenth, which marks June 19, 1865, after the end of the Civil War, when a U.S. Army general announced in Galveston that all formerly enslaved people in Texas were free. The event known as Juneteenth was celebrated by Black Americans in Texas

SEE

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It's that time again

Early voting in local elections to continue through May 2

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Early voting in local elections in Fort Bend County and across the state kicked off Monday and continue through Tuesday, May 2, although voters were fairly sparse at at least one polling

place. Poll workers at the Missouri City Visitors Center said that there had been only a trickle of voters by midday.

Election Day is May 6, but with few marquee races on the ballot in Fort Bend, turnout may be low, despite some fairly consequential items on the ballot.

Perhaps the single largest item is Fort Bend ISD's $1.3 billion bond referendum, the largest in the district's history. The referendum is split into three three separate items, and includes rebuilding older schools, constructing new campuses, and making major repairs at existing campuses,

plus replacing older buses and adding a Smart Tag System to allow parents to track bus riders. The bond also includes IT systems and devices, campus security and a natatorium in the southeast area of the district.

While there has been little in the way of organized opposi-

tion to the bond, the district is still smarting from last November's failure of a voter approval tax rate election that would have allowed the district to use extra tax revenues to reduce a $47 million budget shortfall.

Local animal shelter reopens dog operation after distemper case

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

After closing earlier this month after the discovery of a case of distemper the Sugar Land Animal Shelter will reopen "Barksburg", its operation for dogs, on Monday, April 24, according to a news release.

The shelter was closed on April 8 due to a recent intake of a dog that tested positive for distemper, a highly contagious disease.

Dr. Carolyn Bender, the shelter’s veterinarian, rec -

ommended the closure to minimize exposure, treat affected animals and monitor the animal shelter’s dog population. Canine distemper can’t be transmitted to humans or cats.

Bender approved the reopening of Barksburg after several quarantine procedures were implemented and several rounds of tests were conducted.

“The measures we implemented were effective and prevented the spread of this dangerous disease,” Director of Environmental

and Neighborhood Services Dawn Steph said in the release.

“We would like to thank the city employees and public who have helped us through donations, fostering and off-site volunteering to make the quarantine run as smoothly as possible. We have learned a great deal, and while we hope to avoid future cases of positive disease, this experience has proven that we are able to effectively and safety care for our city’s animals," Steph said.

(Photo by Ken Fountain)

Mayor Cecil Willis

The Sugar Land Animal Shelter, with an ambassador shown during an event at Constellation Field, is reopening following a brief closure due to a distemper case. (Photo from Facebook)

Review: German Doner Kebab offers new take on old taste

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

With great fanfare, Original German Doner Kebab, a fast-casual eaery opened recently in Sugar Land Town Square. If the words "German" and "Kebab" don't immediately seem to go together in your mind, well, you're not alone.

According to the worldwide chain's website, the first restaurant opened in Berlin in 1989. There are now more than 100 locations in Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and North America.

When I visited the new Sugar Land location over the weekend, it was a whirl of activity, with at least two managers on hand greeting customers as well as man who introduced himself at the chain's head of North American operations, who gave me a brief history of the place. The Sugar Land location is the first in the Houston region, he told me. The decor has a decidedly modern, almost futuristic look, with fancy geometric lighting and sculptural elements hanging from the ceiling. Squint a little and you could almost imagine yourself in an avant garde Berlin art gallery. Tables and booths are widely spaced, and wall-length

windows provide plenty of light.

What with all of the people milling about and the pop music playing overhead, I found the experience a bit loud. A large outdoor patio offers a respite from all the buzz inside, however.

Again, according to the website, German Doner Kebab uses proprietary cooking techniques and uses exclusively procured meats from Maryland. It also uses "Special Sauces" that are unique to the chain. As with all fastcasual establishments, patrons order at a wide, open counter to make their selections. During my visit, my meal was brought to me. The menu is built around what the restaurant calls "The Original," a large kebab sandwich on which you can select from a variety of meats, vegetables, and a choice of three sauces. There are also smaller versions, wraps, quesadillas, burgers, and more. There are veggie versions, as well as a few appetizer options. I went with The Original, of course, with beef and the yogurt sauce. The bread is almost wafer thin and has the appearance of a waffle, and it is decidedly overstuffed. I ordered french fries, but could easily have filled up on the sandwich alone. And it was indeed delicious,

different somehow than other Mediterranean-style meals I've had in a way that can't quite describe. An outing to this new and very different addition to the local food scene is highly recommended.

PRIMARY CARE Personalized to You

German Doner Kebab

Address: 2148 Texas Dr., Sugar Land

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

Sunday through Thurs -

day, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday

Entrée prices: $7.99$18.99

Kid-friendly: Yes

Alcohol: No

Senior discount: No

Healthy options: Yes

Star of the show: The Original Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Original, the mainstay of the Original German Koner Kebab, lived up to its billing during a recent to the new Sugar Land eatery. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Fort Bend Symphony Chorus to perform

On Sunday, April 30, the Fort Bend Symphony Chorus will present "A Choral Tapestry" at Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land. The family-friendly concert will be the chorus's first stand-alone concert under the direction of Ray Rhoads. It will feature a broad selection of music from various musical genres and backgrounds, written or arranged by American composers and/ or are American folk tunes from many different areas of the country. The concert will be separated into sections which include Spirituals,

Folk Songs, Sea Shanties, and Themes like dreams, wishes, and prayers. Music selections include "The Prayer of Black Elk" (a local premier), "Black is the Color of my True Love’s Hair", "Sure on this Shining Night" by Morten Lauridensen, "Amazing Grace", "The Yellow Rose of Texas", and a rousing rendition of "When The Saints go Marching In".

The music will be highlighted by the featured poetry of the Sioux Medicine Man- Nicholas Black Elk, Ysaye Barnwell, Georgia Douglass Johnson, and Edgar Allen Poe.

The concert has a suggested donation of $10 per person. For more information visit www.fbso.org.

Dozens of local athletes headed to regional track meets SPORTS

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

It was a banner weekend for many local high school track athletes last week as they hope to make their way a little bit closer to winning a coveted state championship next month.

Dozens of athletes from more than 15 schools in Fort Bend County saw athletes keep their season going at the area meets last week. Among local schools, Marshall led the way with six individual area champions as well as all having three relay teams on both the boys’ and girls’ side winning the area championship. Below is a complete list of regional qualifiers from Fort Bend County from last week’s area track meets.

Class 6A

Austin

Cailey Duren – Girls’ 400 meters (55.20 seconds; first place)

Bush

Girls’ 800 relay (47.61; second)

Amariya Hardeman – Girls’ 100 (11.66; fourth) and 200 (24.22; second)

Elkins

Girls’ 400 relay (47.29; first)

Girls’ 1600 relay (3:53.98; second)

Zachariah Morin – Boys’ 3200 (9:23.38; first)

Clint Youngoueth-Fonkou –Boys’ triple jump (45-3.75; third)

Ashton Payne – Boys’ discus (178-10.0; second) and shot put (51-10.0; fourth)

Taylor Jackson – Girls’ 100 (11.63; third) and 200 (24.12; first)

Sydney Freeman – Girls’ discus (135-6.0; first) and shot put (39-16.0; second)

Sydney Sims – Girls’ long jump (17-2.0; fourth)

George Ranch

Girls’ 400 relay (47.73; third)

Girls’ 800 relay (1:43.04; fourth)

Girls’ 1600 relay (3:56.78; fourth)

Henry Chukwu – Boys’ high jump (6-2.0; fourth)

Sophia Nguyen – Girls’ 800 (2:16.92; third), 1600 (5:09.70; third), and 3200 (11:16.64; third)

Raina Thomas – Girls- high jump (5-4.0; fourth)

Adebola Iyiola – Girls’ triple jump (36-8.0; fourth)

Hightower

Boys’ 400 relay (42.16; third)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:16.94; first)

Jaquail Morris – Boys’ 300 hurdles (38.44; fourth)

Josh Sims-Waddy – Boys’ 400 (47.98; fourth)

Asa Christopher – Boys’ high jump (6-4.0; second)

Kade Phillips – Boys’ long jump (23-3.0; second)

Khylin Scott – Girls’ 300 hurdles (45.86; second)

Ridge Point

Boys’ 400 relay (41.40; second)

Boys’ 800 relay (1:25.77; first)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:16.97; second)

Girls’ 1600 relay (3:54.61; third)

Cayden Broadnax – Boys’ 200 (10.38; first)

Parker Brannon – Boys’ pole vault (15-6; first)

Mason Dossett – Boys’ 110 hurdles (13.77; second)

Ashton Bethel-Roman – Boys’ 200 (21.60; third) and long jump (22-7; third)

Gabriel Breaux – Boys’ triple jump (44-8.5; fourth)

Jaden Garner – Boys’ 800 (1:58.11; third)

Edyn Breaux – Girls’ 300 hurdles (45.27; first)

Kylah Woods – Girls 100 (11.62; second) and 200 (24.38; third)

Travis Girls’ 800 relay (1:40.27; second)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:18.01; third)

Javaris Bonner – Boys’ 400 (47.16; first)

Bryce Jones – Boys’ 800 (1:57.66; first)

Anthony Oliver – Boys’ discus (175-3.0; third)

Brianna Bejar – Girls’ 100 hurdles (14.46; first), long jump (18-0; first), and triple jump (380.75; first)

Class 5A

Foster

Boys’ 400 relay (41.27; third)

Girls’ 400 relay (49.17; third)

Boys’ 800 relay (1:26.57; second)

Girls’ 800 relay (1:43.94; third)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:28.07; third)

Girls’ 1600 relay (4:08.85; third)

Eli England – Boys’ 100 (10.52; second)

Kendal Stewart – Boys’ 100 (10.93; fourth)

Caleb Anthony – Boys’ 400 (48.50; second) and 800 (1:56.55; first)

Grant Currier – Boys’ 1600 (4:42.55; second) and 3200 (10:00.95; third)

Will Davis – Boys’ 1600

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. Officers 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

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a [MB PERMIT] by [Jeffrey Hajovsky] dba [Fulbrook Ale Works], to be located at [1125 FM 359], [Richmond], [Fort Bend County], Texas. Officers of said are [Owner - Jeffrey Hajovsky].

(4:44.30; third) and 3200 (10:00.52; second)

Devaren Staples – Boys’ 300 hurdles (39.78; second)

Daniel Humphrey – Boys’ high jump (5-10.00; fourth)

Jake Maynard – Boys’ pole vault (13-00; second)

Kayleigh Bowie – Girls’ 200 (25.43; third) and 400 (56.94; first)

Grace Gholson – Girls’ 1600 (5:36.03; third) and 3200 (12:25.12; third)

Skyla Riedel – Girls’ 100 hurdles (16.11; third)

Nicole Thomas – Girls’ high jump (4-10.00; third)

Caroline Polk – Girls’ high jump (4-10.00; fourth)

Maren Ware – Girls’ triple jump (34-6.00; fourth)

Kendal Brown – Girls’ pole vault (9-0.00; first)

Sadie Sanders – Girls’ pole vault (6-0.00; third)

Muna Osagie – Girls’ shot put (33-3.00; fourth)

Fulshear

Tyler Browning – Boys’ 800 (1:58.61; second) and 1600 (4:54.04; fourth)

Ibrahim Dawelbeit – Boys’ 1600 (4:38.39; first) and 3200 (9:54.24; first)

Maki Jacobson – Boys’ 110 hurdles (14.93; second) and 300 hurdles (40.44; third)

Brian Hooven – Boys’ 300 hurdles (41.23; fourth)

T.J. Ojo – Boys’ triple jump (41-7.00; third)

Jakob Collins – Boys’ triple jump (39-10.00; fourth)

Ben McGown – Boys’ pole vault (14-0.00; first)

Ace Outhier – Boys’ pole vault (11-0.00; third)

Cohen Cordero – Boys’ pole vault (10-0.00; fourth)

Blain Evatt – Boys’ discus (166-1.00; first)

Anderson Ling – Boys’ discus (146-6.00; third)

Jacob Sanders – Boys’ shot put (46-1.00; second)

Sheldon Rice – Boys’ shot put (45-5.00; third)

Belicia Delk – Girls’ 400 (1:01.36; fourth)

Ami Quiroz – Girls’ 1600 (5:49.49; fourth) and 3200 (12:53.60; fourth)

Anisa Odom – Girls’ 100 hurdles (15.61; second) and 300 hurdles (47.42; fourth)

Kamoria Reese – Girls’ 100 hurdles (16.16; fourth)

Tylie Michal – Girls’ pole vault (8-6.00; second)

Kempner

Elizabeth Werts – Girls’ 1600 (5:35.78; second) and 3200 (12:13.29; second)

Lamar Consolidated

Grant Simnacher – Boys’ 800 (2:03.14; third)

Ayanna Johnson – Girls’ (25.01; second)

Karlyn Stavinoha – Girls’ high jump (5-0.00; second) and long jump (16-10.00; second)

Malaijah Wright – Girls’ discus (118-2.00; first) and shot put (3410.00; second)

Bria Lawson – Girls’ discus (116-1.00; second) and shot put (35-1.00; first)

Marshall

Boys’ 400 relay (39.80; first)

Girls’ 400 relay (47.25; first)

Boys’ 800 relay (1:24.01; first)

SECTION 00010 ADVERTISEMENT AND INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids on the original forms, signed by an officer of the Company, will be received by Fort Bend County MUD No. 25 (the “Owner”) for furnishing all labor, material, and equipment and for performing all work required for the construction of: WWTP Rehabilitation – Phase II

(the “Work). Sealed, competitive bids will be received no later than 2:00 pm, May 24th, 2023 in the District Office located at 10347 Clodine Road, Richmond, Texas 77407. Plans, specifications and bidding documents for the project are available at the following locations:

Civcast USA Civcastusa.com

(281) 376-4577

In general, the Work consists of miscellaneous equipment replacement at Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Nos. 1 and 2. This includes the replacement of six blowers, MCC, and the installation of a new sludge transfer pump system at WWTP No. 1, and the replacement of five blowers and the fine bubble diffuser system at WWTP No. 2.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 9th, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Prospective bidders must contact Mr. Hector Pena, P.E. at hpena@ardurra.com for details on how to join the pre-bid conference call. Owner will be bound by the terms of this invitation only to the extent funds, from whatever source, are available.

All bids must be accompanied by proposal guaranty in the form of a Certified or Cashier’s Check, or Bidders Bond drawn to the order of Fort Bend County MUD No. 25, and in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No proposal may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after receipt of bids except with the approval of Owner. Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid from any responsible person which will be most advantageous to it and result in the best and most economical completion of the Work. The successful bidder will be required to provide a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in full amount of the contract.

Leonela Ruvalcaba, Executive General Manager, Owner

Girls’ 800 relay (1:40.49; first)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:20.61; first)

Girls’ 1600 relay (3:55.17; first)

Devin Wilkerson – Boys’ 100 (10.44; first)

William Mitchell – Boys’ 100 (10.72; third)

Nolan Richie – Boys’ 200 (21.38; second)

Mason Roseboro – Boys’ 400 (48.67; third)

Arveyon Davis – Boys’ 110 hurdles (13.67; first) and 300 hurdles (37.56; first)

Jy’Adrian Wortham – Boys’ long jump (23-1.0; first)

Anthony Chatman – Boys’ discus (149-9.0; second) and shot put (49-7.0; first)

Jenaia Hunter – Girls’ 100 (12.22; third)

Jaden Small – Girls’ 200 (24.90; first)

Ciara Douglas – Girls’ 400 (57.61; second)

Reece Guillory – Girls’ 800 (2:20.62; second)

Brianna Brinkley – Girls’ 300 hurdles (46.11; second)

Mikayla Ball – Girls’ discus (115-5.0; third)

Randle

Boys’ 400 relay (41.80; fourth)

Girls’ 400 relay (48.81; second)

Boys’ 800 relay (1:27.71; third)

Girls’ 800 relay (1:44.52; fourth)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:26.79; second)

Girls’ 1600 relay (4:06.97; second)

Cortney Brown – Boys’ 200 (21.49; third)

Sean Smith – Boys’ 400 (48.40; first)

Jackson Stubbs – Boys’ 400 (50.17; fourth)

Paul Agba – Boys’ high jump (6-05.00; first)

Justice Ajibola – Boys’ high jump (6-02.00; second)

Curtis John-Miller – Boys’ shot put (45-03.00; fourth)

Taygen Tunson – Girls’ 100 (12.23; fourth) and long jump (16-7.00; third)

Kayli Martin – Girls’ 800 (2:25.49; fourth)

Alixandra Reed – Girls’ 300 hurdles (47.35; third)

Madisyn Thompson – Girls’ triple jump (35-1.00; second)

Mikayla Thompson – Girls’ triple jump (34-11.00; third)

Terry Boys’ 400 relay (3:33.27; fourth)

Girls’ 200 relay (1:42.48; second)

Justice Black – Girls’ 100 (12.48; second)

Ekom Mbarikit – Girls’ high jump (5-1.0; first)

Alexia Washington – Girls’ long jump (18-3.0; first) and triple jump (39-9.0; first)

Willowridge

Boys’ 800 relay (1:28.71; fourth)

Anthony Momon-Lattimore –Boys’ 200 (21.21; first)

Illona Gabaut-Diziere – Girls’ 400 (59.75; third) and 800 (2:18.56; first)

Class 4A

Needville

Girls’ 1600 relay (4:00.43; first)

Andrew Pollard – Boys’ 800 (2:02.54; third), 1600 (4:36.96; first), and 3200 (10:31.71; second)

Braydn Gilliam – Boys’ 110 hurdles (14.78; first)

Cooper Mires – Boys’ 110 hurdles (15.62; fourth)

Austin Anderson – Boys’ triple jump (44-00.00; third)

Maddie Watson – Girls’ 800 (2:17.95; first)

Kylee Montalvo – Girls’ 800 (2:30.59; fourth), 1600 (5:40.11; second), and 3200 (12:47.05; second)

Lita Meyer – Girls’ 1600 (5:33.24; first) and 3200 (12:18.61; first)

Jessalyn Gregory – Girls’ 100 hurdles (15.45; first)

Reyha Johnson – Girls’ 300 hurdles (48.06; first)

Ivy Vonniederh – Girls’ pole vault (10-00.00; third)

Stafford

Girls’ 400 relay (49.18; second)

Boys’ 800 relay (1:28.78; second)

Girls’ 800 relay (1:43.01; second)

Boys’ 1600 relay (3:29.84; fourth)

Girls’ 1600 relay (4:18.31; fourth)

Caleb Jones – Boys’ 100 (10.83; third)

Harold Kidd – Boys’ 200 (22.16; second)

Weldon Moffett – Boys’ 400 (51.14; third)

Brian O’Neal – Boys’ 110 hurdles (15.21; second)

Bradley Lowman – Boys’ 110 hurdles (15.36; third)

Koi Wedderburn – Boys’ long jump (21-10.50; second) and triple jump (43-5.50; fourth)

Andrew Huff – Boys’ discus (183-11.00; first) and shot put (53-0.00; first)

Jonathan Marshall – Boys’ discus (149-11.00; third)

Amber Butler – Girls’ 100 (11.85; first)

CYANCO INTL, LLC

SEEKS AN CYANCO INTL, LLC IN SUGAR LAND, TX to solve problems in a supply chain discipline. Email resume to amy.olivares@cyanco.com

Marshall's boys' and girls' track teams were champions of the area meet last weekend as they look to continue the path to defending their 2022 state titles. (Photo from Twitter)

HS Softball: George Ranch clinches top seed in 20-6A SPORTS

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A District 20-6A softball race that was tight all season was not decided until the season's final week.

George Ranch capped the regular season with a 6-4 win over Elkins on April 21 to finish the regular season

19-8-1 overall and 14-2 in district play, clinching their first crown since moving to the district three seasons ago. Six different players drove in runs against Elkins with Blaine Bielitz and Abigail Bergeron knocking out three hits and a double apiece to lead the attack.

Travis finished 15-6 overall and 14-2 in district play thanks to wins over Ridge Point (3-1) on April 18 and Bush (17-0) on

April 21 to finish off the regular season. Ariel Kowalewski had a homer at the plate while dominating in the circle for the Lady Tigers in the win over Ridge Point.

Braelyn Daniels had two hits while driving in the lone run for Ridge Point (21-7, 12-2) against Travis, while Abi Parker had a double.

Dulles is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 thanks to two wins last week, beating Elkins 10-7 on April 18 to clinch their spot and then capping the regular season with a 16-4 win over Clements on April 21. Maya Salinas had two homers and five RBIs in the win over Elkins.

Class 5A

It was also a battle for the softball crown in District 20-5A between Foster and

Fulshear, coming down to the final regular season game last week.

Ultimately, it was Foster coming out on top. The Lady Falcons clinched the crown with a 4-0 victory over the Lady Chargers on April 21 to finish the regular season after a 16-0 win over Terry on April 18.

Ella McDowell had a home run and two RBIs for Foster (30-3, 14-0) in the victory over Fulshear, while Maddie Carter drove home two runs at the plate and Madison King struck out seven during a completegame effort in the circle. Bailey Lechler homered and drove in four runs against Terry, while Jordan Tosch and Izzy Jacoby had three RBIs apiece to back a strong outing from Sophie Brammer (seven strikeouts) in the circle.

ford Center.

Gabriella Castillo had two hits including a double in the loss for Fulshear (24-9, 12-2), which will head into the playoffs as the district’s second

seed. Lamar Consolidated is the district’s No. 3 seed thanks to two wins last week, beating Willowridge 16-0 on April 18

before taking down Kempner 12-2 to finish the regular season 20-7 and 10-4 in district play.

Terry bounced back from the loss to Foster with a 12-5 victory over Randle on April 21, clinching their spot in the postseason by virtue of the win combined with Kempner’s loss to Lamar Consolidated. The Lady Rangers finished the regular season 14-10 overall.

Class 4A Needville capped off a perfect district season last week with an 8-0 win over Belleville. Amron Elliot, Jessalyn Gregory, and Jaycie Croatt each had two hits and an RBI apiece in the win for the Lady Blue Jays (23-8, 12-0), who will face Bay City in the bi-district round later this week.

and beyond for more than a century and a half before being recognized as a federal holiday in 2020. This year, the actual date falls on a Monday, but the concert was planned for June 18, a Sunday which happens to coincide with Father's Day.

Jones is one of three Council members, along with Wen Guerra and Ken Mathew, who

H VOTING FROM PAGE 1

Since then, the FBISD administration has been engaged in large budget cuts, but has warned that a failure to pass the bond would result in having to use operating funds to take care of long-de-

are challenging first-term incumbent Williams in the May 6 municipal elections, Williams was elected in a special election shortly after the 2020 death of Mayor Leonard Scarcella, who had held the post for decades.

Much of the discussion at the April 19 meeting centered on the proposed budget, which had been drawn up by members of the committee and representatives of RMSquared, the private company that runs the city-owned Staf-

ferred maintenance and other issues. If the May referendum fails, district officials have said there might be another attempt in November.

Meanwhile, nine candidates are vying for three seats on the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees.

Position 1 incumbent Angie Hanan is being challenged

The lion's share of the budget, $25,000, would have been for the hiring of the Scott Joplin Orchestra, a primarily Black volunteer orchestra that is part of the Houston-based Community Music Center.

Jones said he was struck by using the orchestra after he heard a performance at the urging of committee co-chair

A. J. Honoré, a former Council member who is now running for Position 2. Another $15,970 would have been for the rental

by Oscar Saenz. Position 4 incumbent Dr. Shirley RoseGilliam is being challenged by Cheryl Anne Buford. Position 5 incumbent Denetta Williams is being challenged by Rolly DeMeza, former board member Allison Drew, Angel Hicks and Sonya Jones.

In the City of Stafford. three sitting City Council members

Worship Directory

FORT BEND COUNTY

BAPTIST CHURCH

HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994

2223 FM1092 • Missouri City, TX 77459

John Strader , Senior Pastor

Sunday Bible Study 9:30 am

Sunday Worship 10:45 am 6:00 pm

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

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

of the Stafford Centre and related costs.

During the discussion, Willis stressed that the proposed budget was substantially higher than the target figure of $27,000 that had originally been discussed.

Jones agreed that he had underestimated how much it would cost to rent the facility as well as many of the ancillary items, but that the he had wanted to put on an event that would put Stafford's Juneteenth event in a higher league

- Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones, Wen Guerra and Ken Mathew - are vying to replace incumbent Cecil Williams in the top seat he as held since winning a special election shortly after the 2020 death of longtime Mayor Leonard Scarcella.

Meanwhile, six candidates are vying for four seats on the Council. Position 5 incumbent Xavier Herrera is being challenged by Jason Mejorado. Tim Wood and Mathew Vairamon are running for the open Position 6 seat currently held by mayoral candidate Ken Mathew. In a special elec-

than those of neighboring cities.

Willis and others also raised concerns that the later start time of event would discourage families of young children from attending.

After a protracted discussion of the several agenda items that fell within the proposal, Jones, Mathew and Council member Xavier Herrera voted for the proposal, while Williams, Guerra and Council member William Bostic voted against. Council member Al-

tion, former Council members Arthur "A.J." Honoree and Virginia Rosas are vying for the Position 2 seat currently held by Guerra. Christopher Caldwell is running unopposed for the Position 4 seat currently held by Jones.

In Stafford Municipal School District elections, Edward Rector and Adam Sanchez are running for Position 6. Jacqueline Jean-Baptiste is running unopposed for Position 7.

In Lamar Consolidated School District board elections, Jacci Hotzel and Craig

ice Chen was absent, which made the tie vote possible. While there was some discussion of bringing up the matter at a later meeting, Jones appeared resigned to the idea that there was no viable path forward given the short timeframe before the holiday.

In a candidate forum the next night, Willis said that the city would have a Juneteenth celebration in the future.

LeTulle are running to fill the open Position 4 seat currently held by Joy Williams. Position 5 incumbent Jon Welch is being challenged by Brian Moore, while Position 7 incumbent and board president Alex Hunt is being challenged by Suzanne Box. There are also several municipal utility district and other elections on various ballot across the county. Information about polling locations and times and sample ballots by precinct can be found at fortbendcountytx. gov.

TONY

Tony LOVES spending hours watching TV! He is a very shy but VERY sweet boy!

Tony LOVES walks, treats, is a champion eater, and is house traied.

Come visit

...ADOPT TONY!

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

H STAFFORD FROM PAGE 1

The George Ranch softball team secured its first District 206A title after finishing the regular season with two more wins last week. (Photo from Twitter)

COVID-19 - it was simply a blind date

lifetime “nine-eleven” will always mean the attack on the World Trade Center that caused the disastrous invasion of Iraq. We celebrate the Fourth of July, which conveniently always seems to land on July 4, and that’s when the Declaration of Independence was signed by the delegates.

Well, most of them. We fudge the date a bit because it says on the top of the document:

“In Congress, July 4, 1776.”

But now we have a new date to remember: May 11. Back on Jan. 30, President

Joe Biden announced that he would end both the national emergency and the public health emergency declarations on May 11, 2023. Let’s have a big mask burning. Get as close to others as you wish. No more vaccinations.

infamy.” He was speaking to the U.S. Congress on the next day, and said “date,” but it has become “day of infamy.” Who cares? Certainly in our

Actually, the document was signed by most of the members on August 2. Other delegates trickled in and Thomas McKean didn’t sign until 1781. Let’s not get too picky about it.

The Covid-19 pandemic is over! Sort of. Biden’s announcement came on the very same day that the World Health Organization, or WHO, said it still considered the Covid-19 pandemic to be “a public health emergency of international concern.”

Not to get bogged down in

statics, but these are human beings we are discussing: According to WHO, as of Jan. 31 worldwide there had been 6,817,478 deaths due to the pandemic. By April 18, the worldwide death toll stood at 6,897,012, a gain, or loss, of another 79,534 people in two and a half months. Since Jan. 31, the U.S. has registered 1,118,800 Covid-19 deaths. That’s 21,554 deaths during that period. Texas went from 90,366 deaths to 92,018 while Harris County counted 11,547 deaths at the end of January. Now the death toll is 11,650, but it’s still early in the day. So maybe Joe’s happy announcement was a little quick on-the-draw.

A little background. The first human cases of Covid-19 were identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The first confirmed case in the U. S. came on Jan. 20, 2020 in Washington State, where a man developed symptoms after returning from a trip to Wuhan. (That’s when Dr. Anthony Fauci officially began the pandemic season by tossing out the first needle.) Incidentally, I can’t remember the first time I ever heard of Covid-19, can you? And I always wondered who, or WHO, named the disease? Wonder no more. WHO came up with Covid-19 as an acronym for the coronavirus disease which began in 2019. Unlike the Spanish Flu of 1919 that killed up to 100 million people, Covid-19 makes no reference to any people,

places or animals to avoid stigma. We wouldn’t want to chap the Chinese who, experts say, have been of little help in investigating the pandemic’s origins. Which brings us to an argument that has come about because of Covid-19. Where did it originate? We know the disease began in Wuhan, but was it accidentally spilled from a lab that was working on the disease or from a meat market that sells dogs, rats and other delectables. Almost everyone has taken sides, talking heads on TV have entered the fray, but I have a question? What possible difference does it make? In our priorities we need to find a cure, we need to prevent another exact or similar outbreak and it makes absolutely no matter which building in Wuhan gave the world the disaster. But this is so typical of our times. You name a subject and you will find Americans taking angry sides. Usually it’s Republicans versus Democrats, progressives (who used to be called liberals) versus conservatives. You find angry confrontations not only about politics but about guns, transgender children, birth control and school books. Most of these have been around for years. “Eve, did you take your pill today?”

Now we are in furious fights over age-old situations. Why now? Want to start a fight in a bar room or a company picnic? “I think Trump won.” Dr.

Greg Abbott, having solved all of Texas problems, got into the mask-no mask fight. Poor airline flight attendants were punched in the face for simply trying to carry out the mask rule. To mandate or not to mandate? Dr. Fauci got crucified for trying to save our lives. At 83 years old, working 54 years at the National Institutes of Health, 38 of them running the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, he’s retiring and I don’t blame him. How many medical scientists need a bodyguard? A lot of these demonstrators and sign wavers have too much time on their hands. Do something useful. Adopt a highway. Someone should start a COVID-19 Museum. Glass cases showing the vast number of different masks. Show marks that went on the floors of grocery stores, lobbies and tattoo parlors telling us where to stand 6-feet from our fellow cougher. The museum should show photos of the anti-vaxxers with their posters -- along with their obituaries. These exhibits will be reminders to our grandchildren of what life was like back in 2020 to 2023. But even now that the pandemic is over, our lives have been changed forever. It will take years, or maybe forever, when our wage slaves and cubicle dwellers will go back to a 40-hour work week in the office. A lot of people like to commute to their jobs down the hall and into their laptops. Restaurants and theaters are still suffering from a lack of both workers and customers. I spotted a newspaper (remember them?) article telling how dry cleaners are hurting. We don’t need clean clothes for the office. Bathrobes can be washed.

On May 11 it’s hats and horns! COVID-19 is officially over! But get your booster. Ashby celebrates at ashby2@ comast.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 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

RICHMOND/ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Please join us on Thursday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, at St. John’s UMC in Richmond. St. John’s is located at 400 Jackson Street. Alzheimer’s Association support groups are a safe place for caregivers and loved ones of people with dementia to develop a support system.

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.

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.

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.

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

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264

Meets the first 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.

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,” find 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 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.

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 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