The 05-10-23 Edition of The Fort Bend Star

County denies claim in lawsuit over purported suicide

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

In its answers to a federal lawsuit alleging that the county medical examiner withheld making a ruling in an apparent suicide of a Sugar Land businessman for petty and bullying reasons, Fort Bend County said the widow of the deceased

man was uncooperative in the investigation and that the medical examiner and county officials are entitled to qualified immunity.

In the complaint filed in December by New York-based attorney Ty Clevenger, Yvette Atkinson states that her husband, Simon J. Atkinson, died of a gunshot wound at their home on June 5,

2020. A forensic pathologist performed an autopsy within days and "found no evidence of foul play," the complaint states. Likewise, the Sugar Land Police Department investigated and "quickly concluded that Mr. Atkinson died of suicide," according to the complaint.

SEE CLAIM PAGE 5

Plunging Ahead

Pickleball quickly gaining popularity in Fort Bend

By Marianne Horton EDITOR@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

At a recent city council meeting, a group of Missouri City residents raised paddles at council members - pickleball paddles that is -as the rapid area growth of the sport was acknowledged.

Since January, three indoor pickleball courts have

been added to the Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Drive, where residents can register for matches, social events, lessons or even practice drills off of a ball machine.

In March, Fort Bend County Fairground and Parks opened six outdoor courts at Jones Creek Ranch Park, 7714 FM 359, Richmond.

Additionally, construction began in April on six more lighted outdoor courts at Harlem Road Park, 701 Harlem Road. Those courts are expected to open in July. Both projects were part of a 2020 parks bond.

First Colony resident Sharon Meyer, USA pickleball ambassador for Sugar Land, also has served in the expansion of the sport

as she prompted the City of Sugar Land to repaint tennis courts to accommodate pickleball at 321 7th Street, and had two more courts built through First Colony Community Services Association at 1314 Sheffield Drive, Missouri City. Meyer, 64, who picked up pickleball in 2018 after her son suggested she try the sport, said she now plays at

least once a day.

"As we age, our social group often reduces," she said. "My husband and I can't say that. Our social circle is bigger than ever."

At the Missouri City Recreation & Tennis Center on Monday, Theresa Sauls, 60, agreed while taking a break during a heated match with

Missouri City police: man shot, dies after crashing truck into backyard

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A man was shot inside his pickup truck while parked in the parking lot of Hunters Glen Elementary School and later crashed in the 600 block of Huntington Drive Sunday night, according to Missouri City police.

In a press release, the department said at about 9:08 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a traffic accident. Whey they arrived, they found that a pickup truck had crashed trough a brike-

and-wood fence before coming to a stop in residential back yard.

The officers found the male driver unresponsive and discovered that he had apparently been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the ensuing investigation, police determined the man had been shot as he sat inside the truck across the street inside the parking lot of Hunters Glen Elementary School, 695 Independence Blvd.

The investigation is continuing.

Jim Studdard, 80, lunges for the ball while playing pickelball with Larry Quan, 72, at the Missouri City Recreation & Tennis Center Monday morning. The sport has quickly grown a following in Fort Bend County. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

Missouri City police say A man was shot inside his pickup truck while parked in the parking lot of Hunters Glen Elementary School and later crashed along Huntington Drive last Sunday night. (Photo from Facebook)

Simon Atkinson

Review: Houston Civic Symphony has excellent season closer in Sugar Land

By Ken Fountain

Another week, another concert.

Last week in this space, I reviewed the most recent stand-alone performance of the Fort Bend Symphony Chorus at Christ Church Sugar Land, which was excellent. Further demonstrating that Fort Bend is becoming something of a hub of high culture, on Friday

I attended the season-closing performance of the Houston Civic Symphony at Sugar Land Baptist Church.

First. a word about the venue.

I had driven past Sugar Land Baptist Church countless times on the Southwest Freeway and been impressed with its mammoth size, all the better to be catch the eye as you're whizzing past at highway speed. But until Friday, I had never actually set foot inside.

I'm a bit of a (very) amateur architecture buff, so I pulled out

my trusty but somewhat battered copy of the AIA Houston Architectural Guide (Third Edition) by noted Rice University architectural historian Stephen Fox, published in 2012. There I learned that the church was originally called the Williams Trace Baptist Church. According to the cornerstone, the present campus was completed in 2005.

"The pentagonal church and the adjacent educational building." the guide entry reads, "are designed in an impressionistic mixture of of traditional and contemporary themes meant to make it identifiable as a church."

I'd say that just about sums it up. Just kidding - the building is indeed very impressive, particularly the expansive sanctuary space with a central stage large enough to hold a full symphony orchestra.

Now about the orchestra. I've been a serious fan of classical music since my early adulthood, and had been aware of the

Houston Civic Symphony for many years. But since for most of the past two decades I'd lived inside the Loop and their longtime performance home is the Dunham Theater of Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) in the Sharpstown area, I had never before availed myself of one of their free performances.

And that's a shame - as I learned Friday, the Houston Civic Symphony, comprised entirely of volunteer musicians, is a very capable orchestra with an ambitious repertoire. That was on full display, as the featured piece at the well-attended concert was French composer Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, one of the seminal pieces in what you might call "modern" classical music. More on that in a bit.

The first piece of the evening was American composer Samuel Barber's Overture to 'The School for Scandal', with which I had been unfamiliar.

If you know only one piece by Barber, it's likely the mournful Adagio for Strings, which has been featured to great effect in many films, most notably Oliver Stone's Platoon. The Overture

is of an entirely different genre of music, a lively and at times bombastic selection that got the concert off to a rousing start.

Marketing 101

Marketing 101

That was followed by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginasgera's Four Dances from 'Estancia' (1941), yet another piece I didn't know. As music director and conductor Brian Runnels explained, even though the piece was written for a ballet, it wasn't exactly Swan Lake.

Indeed, the suite of dances, like the ballet is was written for, harkens back to the Argentinian ranches the title refers to, with all the gusto that implies. The second movement, titled "Danzo del trigo," was a brief respite, with excellent playing by concertmaster Chris Bojarczuk, in a collection of dances that relied on driving rhythms. As Runnels had said, the forth movement, 'Danza final" included portions that echoed ranch hands cheering on the dancers.

After an intermission, in which the audience freely intermingled with the musicians, we moved on to Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique. As the excellent program notes written by John Snyder put it, the 1830 work is "perhaps the premiere example of what has been called 'program music' that is, music that refers to to extra-musical things or events in some way."

The five moments of the Symphonie fantastique, as outlined

KEEP YOU MOVING

without

joint pain

by the program description written by the composer, tell a story of a young musician who (in brief) falls desperately in love with a young woman he sees from afar, sees her again at a ball and is "disturbed" by the vision, later reflects on his loneliness during a sojourn in the countryside, poisons himself with opium and imagines that he is being led to his death on the scaffold, and then enters a dream of a 'witches' sabbath' filled with monsters gathered for his funeral. Dark stuff indeed, and the orchestra didn't shy away from it. The famous theme that runs throughout that final movement is instantly recognizable to fans of he Stanley Kubrick horror classic The Shining, and the percussion and brass instrumentalists played it for all it was worth. Really, all of the players demonstrated incredible musicianship throughout the performance.

The Houston Civic Symphony will kick off its 2023-2024 season in the fall, with works including pieces by Rossini, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Holst. While most will be held at Houston Christian University. they are likely to make an appearance at Sugar Land Baptist Church, a home-away-from-home for the orchestra. Keep an eye out for them at civicsymphony.org.

Live life without joint pain.

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land, we know that joint pain affects every part of your life. With treatment plans customized for you, our specialists offer a full range of advanced nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Our expert joint care includes:

• Innovative pain control methods

• Physical therapy to improve mobility and range of motion

The latest technology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques that help reduce recovery time

The Houston Civic Symphony receives enthusiastic applause during their performance at Sugar Land Baptist Church. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

FBCA boys, girls soar to TAPPS track and field state titles

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

A local private school shined bright at last week’s TAPPS Class 5A state track and field meet at Panther Stadium in Hewett last week, with Fort Bend Christian Academy showing its strengths on both the boys’ and girls’ side of the docket with both teams bringing home team championships.

On the girls’ side, the Lady Eagles coasted to a title with 138 total points, easily besting second place Fort Worth Southwest Christian (82 points) thanks to three state champion relay teams as well as an individual champion and two individual runner-ups.

FBCA’s girls’ 400 relay of Danielle Herrera, Brooke Coleman, Gabrielle Washington, and Bayleigh Minor won

the crown after running the final in 47.43 seconds. Also winning state crowns was the Lady Eagles’ 800 relay of Herreraa, Coleman, Lilly Coppedge, and Kristen Shell (1:43.55) as well as its 1600 relay of Washington, Brooke Perry, Coppedge, and Shell in a time of 3:58.75. Individually, Minor was named the TAPPS

5A girls’ athlete of the meet after taking home state titles in the 400 (55.14) and triple jump (38 feet, three inches) as well as a third place finish in the long jump (18-2.00)

The boys’ team also won the team title with 91 total points, edging out Argyle Liberty Christian by just four points.

In doing so, the Eagles saw its 400 relay team of Tyrone Smith, Matthew Brown, Bryan Domino, and Luke Cummings win the state title by running the final in 42.71 seconds. Individually, the Eagles had Bryan

Domino take home a title in the long jump (23-3.25).

Girls - 400 relay: Danielle Herrera, Brooke Coleman, Gabrielle Washington, Bayleigh Minor

– state champion (47.43 seconds)

- 800 relay: Danielle Herrera, Brooke Coleman, Lilly Coppedge, Kristen Shell – state champions (1:43.55)

- 1600 relay – Gabrielle Washington, Brooke Perry, Lilly Coppedge, Kristen Shell –state champions (3:58.75)

- Bayleigh Minor – state champion in girls’ 400 (55.14 seconds), state champion in triple jump (38-3.00), and third in long jump (18-2.00)

- Gabrielle Washington –state runner-up in girls’ 400 (56.54 seconds)

- Brooke Coleman – third in girls’ 100 (12.13 seconds) and fifth in long jump (17-7.75 feet)

- Brooke Perry – fourth in girls’ 400 (57.66 seconds) and third in girls’ 800 (2:23.24)

- Kennesha Nabors – fourth in girls’ shot put (34-08.00)

- Naomi Jones – fourth in girls’ triple jump (35-5.50)

Boys - 400 relay: Tyrone Smith, Matthew Brown, Bryan Domino, Luke Cummings – state champion (42.71 seconds)

- 1600 relay: Ben Longbottom, Max Granville, Ryan Welch, Noah Brooks – fourth (3:26.61)

- Bryan Domino – state champion in boys’ long jump (23-3.25)

- Ivan Ducksworth – second in boys’ shot put (51-00.25)

- Matthew Brown – second in boys’ 100 (10.52 seconds) and third in boys’ 200 (22.89 seconds)

- Noah Brooks – second in boys’ 400 (48.78 seconds) and eighth in boys’ 200 (24.41 seconds)

- Ben Longbottom – seventh in boys’ 400 (52.73 seconds)

- Max Granville – fourth in boys’ 110 hurdles (15.37 seconds) and high jump (6-00.00)

- Tyrone Smith – seventh in boys’ 110 hurdles (15.53 seconds)

Quartet of Fort Bend County teams advance in baseball post season

By Landan Kuhlmann

Following the first weekend of the Texas high school baseball playoffs, the playoff field has been trimmed down to 16 teams in each region, and there are four teams from the area who survived their Round 1 matchups to advance. The Foster Falcons and Fulshear Chargers were the two District 20-5A teams to keep their seasons alive, while the Needville Blue Jays are moving on in Class 4A and the Ridge Point Panthers began their Region III-6A title defense with a bi-district sweep.

In Class 5A, Foster dis

patched Galena Park with a pair of comfortable victories last week in their bi-district series, taking down the Yellow Jackets 5-0 on May 4 and following it up with a 12-3 win on May 5. Chase Batten set the tone on the mound in the Game 1 win with six shutout innings, striking out 10 batters without a walk while allowing just one hit. The Falcons’ offense came alive in Game 2, led by three hits and a homer along with two RBIs from Hayden Holchak and two hits apiece from Jackson Low and Ridge Aventurado. Kansas State commit Micah Dean had a strong all around series for the Falcons with five hits –including two doubles and

a homer – to go along with five RBIs and three stolen bases while reaching base in six of his eight plate appearances.

The Falcons (25-9) will face Barbers Hill (23-101) in a best-of-three area round series this weekend. Also moving on in the Class 5A ranks are the Fulshear Chargers, who took care of business against Houston Austin with wins of 8-2 and 121 on May 4 to move on to the next round. Fulshear (24-8-1) will face off with Crosby (23-10-2) in a best-of-three area round beginning Thursday.

On the Class 4A front, the Needville Blue Jays are moving on following a bidistrict sweep of Sweeny

TEXAS TO LOUISIANA ENERGY PATHWAY PROJECT

Informational Community Meeting

Wednesday, May 17 from 4 – 7p.m.

Artesian Park Pavilion

9725 Galveston Street Orchard, TX 77464

Williams is developing the proposed Texas to Louisiana Energy Pathway project, an approximately 364,400 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) expansion of the existing Transco pipeline’s capacity through the addition of a new, gas-fired compressor station in Fort Bend County, Texas, as well as modifications and upgrades to existing compressor stations in Victoria and Hardin Counties, Texas.

This project will be regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the 7 (c) application filing process to ensure thorough consultation and cooperation with other state, local and federal regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders. Williams invites community members to the informational meeting to learn more about the proposal and the federal regulatory process, review maps, and ask questions of company representatives.

For more information: visit wmb.link/tlep or call 888-275-9084

last weekend, winning by scores of 4-2 on May 4 and 10-0 on May 5 to punch their ticket to the second round. Ryan Rodriguez (three hits, three RBIs) and Kyson Vacket (three hits, two RBIs) were the offensive catalysts in the Game 2 clincher for Needville, while Nathan Elster homered in Game 1 to back a complete-game effort from Rodriguez on the mound that saw him strike out eight batters. The Blue Jays (23-5) are slated to take on Davenport (18-14) in the area round.

Finally, in Class 6A, the Ridge Point Panthers kicked off their Region III title defense with a sweep Katy Seven Lakes, winning 10-0 in the opener on May 4 before taking down the Spartans 3-2 in eight innings on May 5 to

advance. Jack McKernan got the win in the Game 2 clincher, with JJ Kennett coming on to earn the save. The Panthers (27-42) are scheduled to face Houston Lamar (14-141) in the area round this weekend.

This week’s playoff schedule

Class 4A Area Playoffs Needville (23-5) vs. Davenport (18-14)

Game 1: Friday, 6 p.m., Karnes City Field

Game 2: Friday, 7 p.m., Victoria Riverside Stadium

Game 3: Saturday, 4 p.m., Victoria Riverside Stadium (if needed)

Class 5A Area Playoffs Foster (25-9) vs. Barbers Hill (23-10-1)

Game 1: Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Kingwood High School

Game 2: Friday, 6:30 p.m., Atascocita High School

Game 3: Saturday, 1:30 p.m., Atascocita High School (if needed)

Fulshear (24-8-1) vs. Crosby (21-10-2) –Cy-Park High School

Game 1: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Game 2: Friday, 7 p.m.

Game 3: Saturday, 2 p.m. (if needed)

Class 6A Area Playoffs Ridge Point (27-4-2) vs. Houston Lamar (14-14-1) –Jersey Village High School

Game 1: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Game 2: Friday, 7 p.m.

Game 3: Saturday, 1 p.m. (if needed)

Needville, Ridge Point, Foster softball advancing to regional quarterfinals

By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

As the high school softball playoff field continues to be trimmed, there are still several Fort Bend teams alive and well as they push towards the ultimate goal of a state championship after the area round last weekend.

The area saw one team each in Class 4A, Class 5A, and Class 6A continue their seasons with series wins last weekend, with Needville, Foster, and Ridge Point punching their respective tickets with dominating victories.

In the Class 4A ranks, Needville made quick work of San Antonio Davenport in the area round, winning 9-0 on May 4 and 8-1 on May 5 for the program’s first regional quarterfinal trip since the 2016 season. Annabell Humbird led the offensive charge for the Lady Blue Jays with a home run, two doubles, and five RBIs in the series, while Kourtney Carter also had four hits and two RBIs in the Game 2 clincher and JoJo Cantu added a pair

of doubles in the Game 1 victory. Makala Smith had 15 strikeouts during a complete-game effort in the circle in Game 1 before she and Jessalyn Gregory combined to stifle Davenport in the Game 2 win. Needville (28-8) is slated to clash with Sweeny (2710) in the Region IV-4A quarterfinals beginning Thursday night.

On the Class 5A front, the Foster Lady Falcons dropped the first game of their area round series against Crosby 5-2 on May 5 before storming back to win by scores of 12-7 and 12-6 on May 6 to move to 33-4 overall on the season and advance to the regional quarterfinals for a second consecutive season.

In Class 6A, the Ridge Point Lady Panthers advanced thanks to a 5-0 victory over Cy-Fair on May 6. Bailey Gray was the star of the game for the Lady Panthers, driving in two runs at the plate while also hurling the complete-game shutout in the circle. Ridge Point (25-7) will face off with District 18-6A cham -

pion Houston Heights (29-3-1) in the next round beginning this Thursday.

This week’s playoff schedule

Region III-6A quarterfi -

nal Ridge Point (25-7) vs. Houston Heights (29-3-1) – at Jersey Village High School

Game 1: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Game 2: Friday, 5:30 p.m.

Game 3: Friday, 7:30 p.m. (if needed)

Region III-5A quarterfinal

Foster (33-4) vs. Santa Fe (28-4-1) - Humble High School

Game 1: Thursday, 7 p.m.

Game 2: Friday, 7 p.m.

Game 3: Saturday, 2 p.m. (if needed

Region IV-4A quarterfinal

Needville (28-8) vs. Sweeny (27-10) – Brazoswood High School

Game 1: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Game 2: Saturday, 12 p.m.

Game 3: Saturday, 2 p.m. (if needed)

Williams operates the Transco pipeline, the nation’s largest by volume natural gas pipeline system, transporting natural gas from South Texas to New York City.

Bayleigh Minor and the rest of the Fort Bend Christian Academy boys and girls track teams both took home TAPPS Class 5A team state titles last weekend. (Photo from Twitter)

The Foster High School baseball team celebrates following a bi-district series win over Galena Park last weekend. Foster is one of four area baseball teams moving on to Round 2. (Photo from Twitter)

Willis, Mathew headed to runoff in Stafford mayoral election

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Stafford Mayor Cecil Willis will face outgoing Position 6 Council member Ken Mathew in a runoff election after neither garnered a majority in Saturday's four-person race. In still-unofficial results, Willis, who took office after a special election following the June 2020 death of longtime mayor Leonard Scarcella, received 47.71 percent of the vote, while Mathew received 26.18 percent.

Outgoing Position 4

Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Don Jones received 16.02 percent of the vote, while outgoing Position 2 Council member Wen Guerra received 16.01

percent.

In the Council races up for grabs, incumbent Position 5 Council member Xavier Herrera easily defeated challenger Jason Mejorado, 80.72 percent to

19.28 percent. Tim Wood defeated Mathew Vairamon to replace Mathew in the Position 6 seat.

Former Council member Virginia Rosas defeated Arthur "A.J." Honore, another former council member, for the Position 2 seat currently held by Guerra, 60.65 percent to 39.35 percent. Christopher Caldwell, currently a Stafford Municipal School District board member, ran unopposed for the Position 4 seat currently held by Jones.

In Stafford Municipal School District elections, Adam Sanchez defeated

Edward Rector in the race for the open Position 4 seat being vacated by Caldwell, 60. percent to 34.31 percent. Jacqueline JeanBaptiste ran unopposed for Position 7.

Willis, a San Antonio native and retired president of the Quail Valley Homeowners Association, has lived n Stafford since 1973 and has served on the Council for 36 years.

Willis said he expects to continue to run a campaign based on his central theme of reserving Stafford's policy of having no property taxes, which has been in place since the

1990s.

Mathew, a native of India who came to the United States to attend college in Detroit, has lived in Stafford since 1982. A retired financial executive, he plans to continue running on a platform of keeping the no property taxes policy in place while also also trying to expand the city's retail sector in order to gain more sales taxes. Both men said they hope to run a positive campaign in the runoff. A date for the election will be fixed after the city receives state certification of Saturday's results.

Fort Bend ISD $1.26 billion bond referendum overwhelmingly passes

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Fort Bend ISD's $1.26 billion bond referendum easily passed in Saturday's elections, based on unofficial results.

had 56.67 percent of votes cast, compared to 43.3 percent against.

To my patients:

It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my retirement. My last day in the office will be May 31, 2023.

I am excited to inform you that Dr. Ajay Aggarwal, an experienced pain medicine physician, will be taking over my practice. Dr. Aggarwal is board-certified in anesthesia and pain medicine. Dr. Aggarwal and his team will continue to see you my current location. I am confident he will provide you with the highest level of care.

Daisy and Ashley will stay and continue to provide the same personal and professional relationship you have become accustomed to.

To contact Dr. Aggarwal for appointments and information, please call: 979-285-9995 or 979-245-7246

For medical records of visits prior to June 1, 2023, please email: cathy@yourpaindoc.com

It has been my pleasure to be a part of your care, and I will miss our visits. I wish you all the very best.

Sincerely, Mark Brown, M.D.

The referendum is split into three separate propositions. Proposition A, which would fund a broad range of upgrades, replacements and repairs districtwide to outdated structures and systems, including the rebuilding of Clements High School and Briargate and Mission Bend elementary schools, had 66.09 percent approval in of votes cast in early voting, compared to 33.91 percent against. The proposition would also fund security upgrades, IT network improvements and new buses.

Proposition B, which would fund new laptops, desktops and other computer devices for students and staff, had 65.66 percent voter approval, with 34.34 percent against.

Proposition C, which would fund a third natatorium for students on the district's southeast side,

In races for the Fort Bend ISD board, Position 1 incumbent Angie Hanan defeated challenger Oscar Saenz, 58.19 percent to 41.81 percent. Position 4 incumbent Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam defeated challenger Cheryl Anne Buford, 51.84 percent to 48.16 percent. In the race for the Position 5 seat currently held by Denetta Williams, Sonya Jones won the five-person race with 3.9.39 percent of the vote. Allison Drew drew 27.1 percent, Angel Hicks drew 19.5 percent, Williams drew 9.24 percent, and Rolly DeMeza drew 4.58 percent. Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Dr. Christie Whitbeck, reached by phone after the early returns were announced, said she was "thrilled" that the bond package seemed to be headed for a decisive victory.

Whittbeck, noting that the bond election had been deferred two years because of the COVID pandemic, said that voters seemed to see that

there was no "fluff" in the package, and that the funds were required for long-needed new schools buildings, major upgrades to older ones, and other items. Coming off the district's failure last November to gain voter approval in the VATRE election - which involved keeping the tax rate at its then-current level but had ambiguous ballot language - Whitbeck said that voters more easily understood the "brick and mortar" aspect of a regular bond election.

"I just want to thank the voters for being supportive of the students and

713-433-6421

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

832-860-1054

BERING MEMORIAL

JOY

staff of the Fort Bend ID community," she said.

In Lamar CISD board races, Jacci Hotzel defeated Craig LeTulle for the open Position 4 seat currently held by Joy Williams 70.54 percent to 29.56 percent. Position 5 incumbent Jon Welch defeated challenger Brian Moore, 62.88 percent to 37.12 percent. In the Position 7 race, challenger Suzanne Box defeated incumbent and board president Alex Hunt, 59.64 percent to 40.36 percent. Find Fort Bend County's unofficial election results at results.enr.clarityelections.com.

Joy enjoys playing with the other dogs at our shelter and is a sweet dog. She LOVES getting belly rubs and is a smart girl.

Joy is looking forward to her FUR-ever home soon and being with someone who LOVES giving warm hugs!

Come visit Joy today at Houston Humane Society and meet her bright personality! You will fall in love with her and want her to be a new member to your family! ...ADOPT JOY!

Second Blessings

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST NEW LOCATION, SAME SITE, DIFFERENT BUILDING!

SPRING SALE

1427 HAWTHORNE ST., HOUSTON, TX 77006 Montrose Area • New Building (former Bering Dental Clinic)

FRIDAY, MAY 12TH • 8 AM - 3 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 13TH • 8 AM - 2 PM

1st floor of Second Blessings: Furniture & antiques

2nd floor of Second Blessings: Linens, vintage linens, men’s clothing, electronics, art, CDs, and DVDs.

Fellowship Hall: Christmas decor, household items, kitchen, glassware, stemware, vases, crystal, silver plate, ceramics, artwork, pottery, china, cameras, figurines, and miscellaneous items.

Bering Boutique: Vintage clothing & accessories, silver, gold, and costume jewelry.

Outside: Tools, power tools, patio furniture, and lawn equipment.

*Masks and vaccines are greatly appreciated inside of the buildings!

For more information: Call 713.526.1017, option 1

Ken Mathew Cecil Willis

Christie Whitbeck

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of WILLIAM B. PIROOZ were issued on March 27, 2023, in Cause No. 23-CPR-038852 pending in the County Court at Law of Fort Bend County, Texas, to:

XUEMEI B. PIROOZ

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

c/o: XUEMEI B. PIROOZ

c/o: Jonathan R. Riehs 207 S. Main St. P.O. Box 2330 Victoria, Texas 77902

/s/ Jonathan R. Riehs Jonathan R. Riehs

Attorney for Executor State Bar No.: 24126034 207 S. Main P.O. Box 2330 Victoria, Texas 77902

Telephone: (361) 573-0183

Facsimile: (361) 573-0192

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of R. AARON GARCIA were issued on March 23, 2023, in Cause No. 23-CPR-038787 pending in the County Court at Law of Fort Bend County, Texas, to: KIMBERLY A. KORNEGAY

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

c/o: KIMBERLY A. KORNEGAY

c/o: Jonathan R. Riehs 207 S. Main St. P.O. Box 2330 Victoria, Texas 77902

/s/ Jonathan R. Riehs Jonathan R. Riehs Attorney for Executor State Bar No.: 24126034 207 S. Main P.O. Box 2330 Victoria, Texas 77902

Telephone: (361) 573-0183

Facsimile: (361) 573-0192

Email: robbie@pachtalaw.com

Drymalla Construction Company, LLC (CM at Risk) is soliciting

Qualifications/Proposals from Subcontractors/Suppliers for the Lamar Consolidated ISD Gene Tomas High School and Ella Banks Junior High Bid Package #2 – Concrete/MEP Underground/ Chillers/Cooling Towers/AHUs/Switchgears. Project consists of a new High School and Junior High Facility. The scope of Package 2 includes Concrete, MEP Underground, Chillers (Materials only), Cooling Towers (Materials Only), AHUs (Materials Only), Switchgears (Materials Only) required for the project. Qualifications/Proposals are due at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the offices of Drymalla Construction Company, LLC, 608 Harbert, Columbus, Texas 78934, via fax 979-732-3663, or email to bid@drymalla.com. NO PHONE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED. For information on how to obtain copies of the Request for Qualifications/Proposal documents call 979-732-5731, or email Bobby Truchard at btruchard@drymalla.com. Documents area also available online at planroom.drymalla.com.

H PICKLEBALL FROM PAGE 1

friends Cheryl Geores, Debbie Titus and Pat Qunones. The longtime avid tennis player said she loves the sense of community that the game provides as well as the compettion.

"It's so much, and there's a sense of personal achievement," the the resident of Fort Bend Houston. She said she now things of pickleball as her "second love" after running.

While pickleball once was primarily played among senior communities, the sport also has caught on with younger generations, largely due to the pandemic, said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of Pickleheads, an online platform for players to connect.

"All the gyms were shut down [during the pandemic], and there were not a lot of outlets to socialize responsibly outdoors," he said, adding social media posts influenced the rapid demographic growth among younger players.

According to the United States Amateur Pickleball Association's website, pickleball saw a 14.8 percent increase from 2020 to 2021 with a 21 percent growth among players younger

H CLAIM FROM PAGE 1

According to the complaint, Atkinson likely was depressed because of business problems in the wake of the COVID-10 pandemic and the ensuing economic shutdown.

But when Atkinson's brother, Steven Sanchez, paid a visit to the office of medical examiner Dr. Stephen Pustilnik to ask why he had not yet made an official ruling, it quickly turned into a "heated argument", according to the complaint. Sanchez wanted to find out when

HELP

MY PLACE STORAGE

NOW HIRING fun, fast paced environment NOW HIRING fun, fast paced environment 832-757-1836 FUN, FAST PACED ENVIRONMENT 20500 Southwest Fwy • Richmond, TX 77469

Theresa Sauls returns a serve while playing pickleball with Pat Qunones at the Missouri City Tennis & Recreation Center. (Photo by Ken Fountain)

than 25 and a 10 percent growth among players older than 55. A February 2023 release by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association named pickleball the fastest growing sport in North America for a second year in a row.

Mackie attributes the sport's rapid growth to the low barrier of entry. Players only need a $30 to $40 paddle, which can be purchased online, and a ball that is similar to a wiffle ball. Unlike other social sports like tennis or golf, which often require years of practice, he said pickleball is "an inclusive sport

a ruling would be made so that his sister could collect the proceeds from a $1 million life insurance policy she needed to keep her husband's business afloat and support her teenage son, according to the complaint. That set off a series of confrontations between Sanchez and Pustilnik, whom the complaint accuse of delaying making a ruling in the case or even holding an inquest for more than a year "for the most petty and inhumane reasons," the complaint states.

In the plaintiff's second amended petition, filed

where you can play for years or play for the first time - and win - that day."

He describes the game as a cross between ping pong, tennis and badminton. Pickleball was founded in Washington in 1965 by former Congressman Joel Pritchad, who could not find badminton rackets for his guests, so he instead brought out ping pong paddles. Pickleball scoring is similar to badminton, but the net is played low and the ball bounces as with tennis.

Mackie said tennis courts often are retrofitted with pickleball lines. Four pick-

March 31, and county attorneys' motions to dismiss the lawsuit on behalf of Pustilnik and County Judge KP George and the members of Commissioners Court (named in their official capacities), filed April 21, it is revealed that in January, almost a year-and-a-half after Simon Atkinson's death and a month after the lawsuit was originally filed, Pustilnik made his official ruling that the death was a "homicide." That ruling contradicted a November 1, 2021 letter in which Sugar Land Police Detective Michael Gamble wrote that "this Agency

leball courts can fit inside one tennis court. The game can be played as singles or doubles, meaning up to 16 pickleball players could potentially play on a single tennis court at once.

Mackie's website, pickleheads.com, enables players to schedule public or private matches and also lists area pickleball courts with details about each location such as number of courts, open hours, reservation links and the cost. Some courts are open to the public while others include a one-time fee or a membership for use.

believes the deceased died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr. Atkinson's death was the result of another party or suspect." There had been no pending investigation for more than a year, Gamble wrote.

In an emailed statement on May 4, City of Sugar Land spokesman Doug Adolph said, "We have no new investigative leads that are currently being pursued and our stance has not changed since last fall."

In the motion to dismiss the case filed on behalf of Pustilnik, assistant county

Jones Creek Ranch Park

Six outdoor courts 7714 FM 359, Richmond

www.fortbendcountytx.gov

Life Time - Sugar Land

Three indoor courts 1331 Highway 6, Sugar Land

www.lifetime.life

Missouri City Recreation and Tennis Center

Three indoor courts 2701 Cypress Point Drive, Missouri City missouricitytx.gov/1058/Pickleball

Shadow Bend Greatwood Recreation Center 3

Two outdoor courts 1241 Shadow Bend, Sugar Land

www.mygreatwood.com

Sugar Land City Park

Four lighted, outdoor courts 321 7th Street, Sugar Land www.sugarlandtx.gov

Sugar Land Imperial Park and Recreation Center

Two indoor courts 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land www.sugarlandtx.gov

Texas Badminton and Pickleball 10 indoor courts 18120 W. Bellfort Bldg D, Richmond www.texas-badminton.com

T.W. Davis YMCA

Two outdoor, two indoor courts

911 Thompson Road www.ymcahouston.org

Harlem Road Park

*expected to open in July

Six outdoor courts 701 Harlem Road, Richmond www.fortbendcountytx.gov

attorney Rolf Krueger argues that Yvette Atkinson's claims of First Amendment retaliation and equal protection fail on the merits, and that she failed to state a plausible claims of violation of due process or that she was subjected to "seizure" when a justice of the peace ordered her to attend the inquest that Pustilnik convened more than a year after Simon Atkinson's death.

Krueger also argues that Atkinson herself delayed the proceedings by refusing Pustilnik's request to turn over all of the ammunition in the house for a firearms test he intended

to perform himself. In the complaint, Atkinson and her attorney argue that Pustilnik had no reason to perform such a test and that he in fact was not qualified to do so.

federal court in May or

ton

WHERE TO PLAY:

Michaelene Ramos of Sugar Land, Texas, 78 was born July 4, 1944 and passed away on April 19, 2023 surrounded by her family. Michaelene was born in Dayton, Ohio, grew up in Michigan and moved to Texas in 1975 with her husband & daughter. She was a parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church and she also worked in the St. Theresa parish office until retirement.

Michaelene was a very compassionate person and was always caring for others. She gave so much of her time volunteering for many years with the church and with organizations including Catholic Daughters, Theresians, The Gathering Place, Bereavement committee and others. She also loved spending

time with her family & cooking. She loved going to the beach, collecting seashells, going on cruises and watching old movies & the Lawrence Welk Show. She loved to ballroom

E E O bituary E E

dance in her earlier years and is how she met her husband, who was in a band at one of the ballrooms.

She is survived by her husband, Vincent Ramos; daughter, Michelle Meza and husband, Rocky; grandchildren, Michael, Austen & Hope; sister, Patricia DeBruyne and her husband Bruce; sister-in-law, Dolores McMann, children Angela & David and her husband Joe; sisterin-law Juanita Ramos, children Benito, Jr., Monica & Gina; stepson, Vincent Ramos Jr. and wife, Corina; grandchildren, Joaquin, Alejandro, Gabriel & Sabina; and many cousins. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 1:00pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land.

Worship

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

Linda Ruth Powell, 81 of Missouri City, Texas died surrounded by loved ones on April 27th, 2023. She was born August 17, 1941 to Charles William Manoushagian and Ruth Pyle Manoushagian in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was a 1959 graduate of Pasadena High School and studied at Sam Houston State University. She was deeply devoted to her faith and was a member of the First United Methodist Church Missouri City for 36 years. She enjoyed working with various charities over the decades. She also enjoyed golfing, the outdoors & skeet shooting. She worked alongside her husband Ed at the 3M disturber they owned, Bayou Sales & Service, before retiring in 2007.

Linda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, who was much loved throughout her life. She will always be remembered as an inspiration for so many. She is survived by her son Charles Edwin Powell and

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

his wife Catherine and their twins Charles and Caitlyn of Garden City, New York; and son Douglas Gene Powell and his wife Kendra and their daughter Ka’ila of Kealakekua, Hawaii, sister Charlotte Ann Strader, of Sugar Land, TX, sister Jenny Sue Muggli of Weimar, TX and beloved dog Cooper.

She is preceded in death by her husband Edwin Branch Powell, her husband for 54 years. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Linda to the FUMC Missouri City Good Samaritan Fund.

EDITORIAL

Local second graders already have firm grasp on newspapers

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Back in January, I wrote a column about how I'd been musing on the state of journalism. My insights weren't particularly novel - they largely reflect a lot of the discussion that has been going on in the wider media world and the communications academic world for some time.

The next month, I gave a talk to the The Exchange Club of Sugar Land during one of their regular Friday morning meetings at the Sugar Creek Country Club. They were good people and I felt warmly received, and

the audience asked some probing, sometimes a bit tough, questions about how journalists go about doing their jobs.

Last Friday, I gave a similar talk to a much different audience - the combined second-grade classes at Sweetwater Elementary School in Sugar Land.

I had initially been asked to take part in the school's Career Day on Monday. Unfortunately, that happens to be production day for the newspaper and I couldn't afford to take that much time away from the grindstone, er, computer. But with a little bit of negotiation, the school allowed me to come to give

ASK THE EXPERT

a solo talk

I went into the talk with some trepidation - I've never been a very accomplished public speaker, and I don't particularly relish talking about myself. That was compounded by the fact that I was late for the scheduled time, making the cardinal sin for journalists of missing deadline. But once I arrived and entered the large cafeteria filled with eager young pupils, I began to relax.

The first thing that struck me was how incredibly diverse the school population is. I grew up in Alief, which was then and remains a very diverse place, and it was very heartening to see

here. It's seems trite to say, but these kids are indeed our future, and after meeting them, I feel very hopeful about it. After giving a somewhat truncated version of the talk I'd given earlier to the adults of the Exchange Club, I started fielding questions. And that's where it got really interesting, because their questions got right to the heart of what journalism is all about "Why are there are newspapers?" (Ideally, in a democratic system the news media tell people the important things happening in their community so they can make good decisions.)

:AIf your vehicle is unsafe or illegal to drive due to the accident, you are entitled to a replacement vehicle immediately upon being issued a claim number. If you are the insured, check with your insurance agent to find out if you have a rental reimbursement on your policy and how much coverage per day you have. If you are a claimant, you are entitled to have alternative transportation while your vehicle is in the shop. If your vehicle is legal and safe to drive, scheduling your vehicle for repairs will avoid unnecessary overages in rental charges. The person renting the vehicle is responsible for optional insurance purchased from the rental company. A reputable shop will be able to reserve a rental vehicle as part of their service and as a convenience to you.

"What happens if you make a mistake?" (You try very hard not to, but it sometimes happens. The important thing is to correct it.)

"What happens if you don't finish the newspaper?"

(Nothing good.)

"What happens if people lie in the newspaper?" (Real journalists should never do this. Unfortunately, the problem of false or misleading "news" has been a growing problem, here and all across the globe.)

"Are you famous?" (No, not really.)

As you can tell, these precocious young people already have a strong sense of why newspapers (and news

media generally) are important, and why they should adhere to strong ethical standards. As interested as they may have been in me, I was very heartened to learn about them.

One other thing: The school has just started its own newspaper, produced by the students themselves, called "The SWE Star." They're off to a very good start.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any story suggestions, news tips, or if you just want to give me your take about what's happening in our fair county. You can reach me at KFountain@fortbendstar. com.

Chuck Charlton

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.

THE ARC’ ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC “PRESENTING SPONSOR” TROY COMPANIES

The Arc is excited to announce their 29th annual Golf Classic is on May 22, 2023, at Sweetwater Country Club! 10:00 am registration and shotgun start at 11:00 am, followed by BBQ dinner and live auction. Register on line at arcgolf23.givesmart.com or call 281-494-5959.

INTRODUCTORY

LIBRARIES OFFER

HANDS-ON COMPUTER & TECHNOLOGY

THROUGH APRIL

CLASSES

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

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

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,