VOTE
Johnny Teague
www.JohnnyTeague.com
FOR CONGRESS
WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 2, 2022 Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 47 • No. 58 • $1.00
Visit www.FortBendStar.com
County seeks money from coronavirus outreach firm By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
November 11–17 FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION ON JINGLE TREE FESTIVITIES, VISIT HMNS.ORG/JINGLETREE OR CALL (281) 313-2277
County near top of state in early voting numbers
The Fort Bend County Commissioners Court earlier this month approved auditing a consulting firm's contract seeking coronavirus vaccine outreach money. (Photo from county website)
A $345,000 contract for coronavirus vaccine outreach is again the center of controversy after a Fort Bend County audit asserted the consulting firm behind the agreement should repay about $25,000 for questionable expenses. Fort Bend County
awarded Houston-based Next Wave Strategies the $345,000 deal to provide outreach on the vaccine, but of the $102,200 the county has paid thus far, only about 75 percent of that can be vogued for, according to a county audit. The commissioners court earlier this month approved auditing the consulting firm’s contract after a request from
one member of the court. The decision to award the Houston-based firm has stoked some controversy since the beginning. The measure passed in a divided 32 vote, and a divided group of residents took more than 30 minutes early in the meeting to speak against or in favor SEE OUTREACH PAGE 8
Steady progress
By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Fort Bend County ranks near the top of the state in early voting turnout thus far, but overall turnout is still down in Texas from 2018, according to local and state data. As of Saturday, more than 90,207 people had voted in-person at locations across Fort Bend County, along with another 6,624 votes by mail, according to data from the county’s election office. That’s good for about 13.2 percent of the county’s 521,611 registered voters, an uptick of about 89,700 new voters compared to 2018, according to data from the Texas Tribune. Overall, it’s not yet clear what to make of early voting totals across the state. Turnout in solid Republican counties was about 125 percent, compared to about 10.9 percent in solid blue counties, according to the Texas Tribune. But turnout was higher in fast-changing counties, such as Fort Bend and Tarrant, according to the website. Early voting for the midterms began Oct. 24 in Texas and will continue until Nov. 4. Election SEE VOTING PAGE 8
Pictured is a rendering of what is to come next year at Missouri City's Township Square. Crews are set to complete the $4 million renovation at the Fort Bend County shopping center in 2023. (Contributed rendering)
Big changes coming to Missouri City’s Township Square By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Crews aren’t set to complete the $4 million renovation at Missouri City’s Township Square until 2023, but already things are starting to look a little different. Representatives with the commercial real estate firm KM Realty have announced several new tenants for the shopping center near the intersection of FM 1092 and Township Lane, along with a newly-renovated clocktower, complete
with a colorful new mural. “With the size of the property and its history as a community gathering place, we had the foundation for something special,” said Steven Stone, vice president for KM Realty. “We’ve spent a lot of time ensuring that this property stands apart from others by securing permission through city council for unique and eclectic signage, analyzing successful shopping centers within the urban core, sourcing materials from as
far away as France, finding great local artists, and investing in upgraded design elements, all of which we believe will be appreciated by our tenants and their customers.” Even before the ongoing renovation project, Township Square already boasted some of Missouri City’s most well-known businesses, such as Brandani’s Restaurant and Wine Bar and Old Hickory Inn BBQ, among others. But no one had renSEE SQUARE PAGE 8
Changes are already coming to Township Square even though work will continue into 2023. (Contributed photo)
Kelsey-Seybold beginning work on new Fort Bend campus
Contact: jsazma @fortbendstar. com
Crews have broken ground on Kelsey-Seybold’s new central campus in Fort Bend County. Officials with the health organization gathered earlier this month to celebrate the groundbreaking on the
re-elect
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clinic’s expansion in Sugar Land, according to a news release. As part of the expansion, Kesley-Seybold will construct a 13 5 , 0 0 0 - s q u a r e - f o o t facility next to an existing clinic to create Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Fort Bend Campus. Representatives SEE CLINIC PAGE 8
Kelsey-Seybold recently broke ground on the healthcare organization's Fort Bend County campus. (Contributed photo)
ELECTION DAY
Elackatt For
mayor of missour i city
Tuesday, November 8 Early Voting - Monday, October 24 Through Friday, November 4 www.MayorRobin.com
contact@MayorRobin.com
TOGETHER WE ARE MOVING FORWARD
Paid for by Robin Elackatt Campaign, Sue Hauenstein, Treasurer
By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
THE STAR
PAGE 2 • Wednesday, November 2, 2022
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
FORT BEND ISD VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE ELEC TION (VATRE) | ELEC TION DAY NOVEMBER 8
The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees has adopted a tax rate of $1.21 which requires voter approval in the November 8, 2022, election.
How will the VATRE funds be used?
Voter approval of the adopted tax rate of $1.2101, the same rate as last year, will generate additional revenue for FBISD. State law mandates an election be held if the district is to maintain the same tax rate. Why is this being requested? FBISD has experienced state funding cuts of over $21 million. The cost of educating special education students is $36 million more than state funding provides. The funding per student has not changed since 2019 and has not been adjusted for inflation. More police officers will enhance security and bolster our commitment to provide a safe environment for our students and employees, and it is essential that the district offer a competitive compensation package for teachers and staff. The district is doing its part by already reducing $15.4 million in expenditures and committing to $22.9 million in future reductions. To the surprise of many, increases in collections from higher property values are offset dollar-for-dollar by the state. For example, if $1,000 more is collected by the district from our taxpayers, the state pays the district $1,000 less. The district does not benefit from the increases in property values in the general fund, which is used to operate the district.
SAFETY AND SECURITY Cost $4 million Funding to hire new police officers for elementary schools
While a VATRE is new to FBISD, over 76% of districts state-wide have held this type of election since 2006. FBISD has managed to put off the need for this election until now.
FBISD Tax Rate Through The Years $1.60 $1.40 $1.20 $1.00
$1.34 $0.30
$1.04
$1.34 $0.30
$1.32 $0.26
$1.32 $0.26
$1.04
$1.06
$1.06
$1.27 $0.28
$1.24 $0.29
$1.21 $0.29
7.55¢ VATRE $1.21 $0.27
PAY I N C R E A S E
$0.99
$0.95
$0.92
$0.94
Cost $5 million
$0.80
Allow for an immediate increase in teacher pay
$0.60 $0.40
Full 5% increase in school paraprofessional and auxiliary staff pay
$0.20 $0
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
At $1.21, FBISD’s tax rate is lower than the present rate in Lamar CISD ($1.24) and Katy ISD ($1.35). FBISD has historically maintained a low tax rate in comparison to neighboring districts.
Financially, how does this affect me? C U R R E N T TA X R AT E
TA X R AT E I F A P P R O V E D
• $1.2101 per $100 of your property value
• $1.2101 per $100 of your property value
• $1,210 annually per $100,000 of your property value
• $1,210 annually per $100,000 of your property value
YE A R S O F S E R V I C E P R O G R A M F O R A L L E M P LOYE E S Cost $2.2 million
Same as current rate
One-time payment of $500 regardless of the number of months/years worked in the district
Ballot Language Fort Bend ISD Proposition A Ratifying the ad valorem tax rate of $1.2101 in Fort Bend Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will result in an increase of 7.31 percent in maintenance and operations tax revenue for the district for the current year as compared to the preceding year, which is an additional $47.66 million.
Additional supplement based on years of service.
What the ballot language really means: A vote FOR will keep the same tax rate of $1.2101 in Fort Bend Independent School District for the current year, a rate that will increase district revenue by $47.66 million.
Please visit fortbendisd.com/VATRE for more information.
M A I N TA I N P R O G R A M S OF CHOICE Continuing the implementation of successful programs throughout the district
SUSTAINING THE TAX RATE
CURRENT
$1.21
IF APPROVED
$1.21
THE STAR
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Wednesday, November 2, 2022 • PAGE
3
Honesty, integrity important for county's elected leaders to vote for, especially with many already turned out to the polls through the first week of early voting. But as we head into the home stretch of the November election, we thought it might be worth taking a moment to ref lect on what makes for the best sort of elected official – honesty. All across Fort Bend County, you can see that governing is far from fun and games. Almost every day, elected leaders are tasked with making difficult, but important decisions for the future of whatever they’re overseeing. No one at Fort Bend ISD, for instance, is relish-
Matt deGrood MANAGING EDITOR
Election season is underway and all around Fort Bend County, we’re seeing the end result of what voters are actively deciding – elected leadership are making hard decisions. We here at the Fort Bend Star strive to remain impartial. And we don’t feel qualified to tell you who
ing having to decide how to stem a multi-million dollar budget deficit. No matter whether voters approve the ongoing tax rate election, or if trustees must cut programs to stem the red ink, hard decisions are ahead for the district. And that’s just one example from the many municipalities, school districts and other public entities that call Fort Bend County home. It doesn’t take much to tell voters whatever they want to hear while campaigning for public office. Who doesn’t want lower taxes and better services? Who doesn’t want peace and harmony and good vibes?
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But what sets great elected leaders apart from those that don’t quite get the meaning of public service is a willingness to discuss the issues beyond the rose-colored electionseason headlines. Tax cuts are great, but how do candidates plan to pay for them? Staffing often accounts for 70 percent or more of an institution’s budget, so a noticeable tax cut must come with an accompanying reduction in staff or city budget. Perhaps such a thing is warranted in a world where costs are skyrocketing, but it’s incumbent on candidates to explain how to get from Point A to B in a convinc-
ing manner. Similarly, sometimes institutions are called to account for the bad decisions of previous boards and councils. A tax cut yesterday might mean a growing list of infrastructure needs today. That’s an unenviable position to be in – tasked with asking voters to willingly accept higher taxes for someone else’s mistake. But the best elected officials should be unafraid to weigh into sticky topics, hoping their honesty and voters’ willingness to consider the matter can win the day. Good governance is a two-way street. Leadership is only as good as
the people it serves, and a community is only as wellprepared as those leading it. As we watch decisions play out across Fort Bend County, and as many of us make our voices heard at the polls, it’s important to remember that it’s our job as informed citizens to probe deep into the claims candidates make toward us. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It’s that rare person willing to tell you something you might not want to hear that deserves a second chance. It’s up to us to figure out who that is.
JUDGE JEFF
McMEANS COUNTY COURT - AT - LAW #2
281-499-6666
email resume: darmstrong@allstate.com
C&M SPECIALIST
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THE STAR
PAGE 4 • Wednesday, November 2, 2022
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
HENRY G. BOSSLEY Henry G. Bossley passed away peacefully at home on October 11, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Carole, his two sons and their spouses, Phillip and Dottie, and Clinton and Susan, four grandchildren and their spouses; Andy and Anthony, Sarah and Chris, Elizabeth and Brett, Emily Ruth; his sister and her husband, Jackie and Lathen Holt; his sister-in-law Margaret Phillips and a host of other relatives and dear friends. A memorial service will be
held at Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land, TX on at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Inurnment will be in the Grace Garden Columbarium.
Worship Directory FORT BEND COUNTY
JUDGE
BAPTIST CHURCH
HORIZON BAPTIST CHURCH • 281-403-4994
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH • 281-499-9602
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
605 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 SUNDAY: 10:30 am Worship Holy Eucharist www.allsaints-stafford.org
METHODIST CHURCH
CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND • 281-980-6888
F O R C O U RT OF APPEALS
A United Methodist Community 3300 Austin Parkway • Sugar Land, TX 77479 Sunday Schedule 8:30 am Blended Worship 9:30 am Sunday School for all ages 10:30 am Traditional & Contemporary Worship www.christchurchsl.org
D E M O C R AT
EPISCOPAL
Please Vote for Judge Mike Engelhart for the First Court of Appeals, Place 4 on November 8, 2022. Early voting starts October 24th.
Scripture of the week
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you…and you will be changed into a different person.”
PUBLIC SAFETY. PRIVATE RIGHTS. POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR BY JUDGE MIKE ENGELHART CAMPAIGN WHICH SUBSCRIBES TO THE CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES ACT, GEORGE J. ENGELHART,TREASURER, P.O. BOX 56386, HOUSTON,TEXAS 77256.
F O R T B E N D S TA R . C O M
- 1 SAMUEL 10:6
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
Introduce Your Congregation to the Community
with a listing in our Worship Directory Call John for more information
281.690.4200
COMPLEX NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS Treated in Sugar Land
At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, our physicians collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat common to complex neurological disorders. With innovative and advanced treatment options, we provide personalized comprehensive care — close to home. Our team of physicians treats a variety of conditions, including: • • • •
Alzheimer’s disease and memory disorders Aneurysms Brain tumors Neuropathy
• • • •
Parkinson’s disease and tremors Sleep disorders Spinal disorders Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Your health is our priority. You can be confident we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe, including requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for all of our physicians and staff.
SCAN HERE
TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.274.7979.
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 • PAGE
5
Panino's opened its doors at 6825 S. Fry Rd. in Katy on Oct. 19, replacing Tony's Deli. (Photo from Clean Juice is set to finish construction and open a new location in Sugar Land later this year Facebook) (Photo from Facebook)
Nibbles & Sips: Panino’s opens up shop in Katy By Landan Kuhlmann LKUHLMANN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Residents in the northern part of Fort Bend County have a new shop with which to satisfy
their cravings for a delimade sub sandwich. On Oct. 19, Panino’s opened its doors in Katy at 6825 S. Fry Rd., Suite 500. The Katy-founded sub shop opened in the spot formerly occupied
by Tony’s Deli. The sub shop features primarily deli-made subs, with more than a dozen types of sandwiches including the pizza sub, pastrami, a Texas beef dip, and a Chicken Alfredo Melt, among other options. Panino’s also has six different types of paninis and four different kinds of wraps and salads for the health-conscious. Panino’s is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. For more information, call them at 281-5358669 or visit the shop’s
website at eatpaninos. com. Alex’s Kitchen reopens in Missouri City After being closed for renovations and expansions for the last several months, a Missouri City Italian and comfort food restaurant recently reopened its doors. On Oct. 18, Alex’s Kitchen re-opened to the Fort Bend County community at 2601 Cartwright Rd., Unit E in Missouri City according to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The restaurant offers Italian staples such as its various pastas, as well as
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pork chops, lamb chops, steak, the Wagyu beef burger, a fried chicken sandwich, and more. Alex’s Kitchen is open daily from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. Organic juice concept coming to Sugar Land There is soon to be a new organic juice option for those county residents who are most inclined to them. According to a permit filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR), Clean Juice is slated to complete construction soon on a new location in Sugar Land at 4779 Sweetwater Blvd. Construction began on Oct.
10, and is scheduled to be finished in December, according to the filing. Once completed and open, the Sugar Land store will be Clean Juice’s seventh location in the Houston area and its second in Fort Bend County, joining an existing store at 7109 Katy Gaston Rd. in the Katy/ Fulshear area. According to its website, Clean Juice specializes in cold-pressed juice, juice cleanses, smoothies, açaí bowls, avocado toast, sandwiches, and more. For more information on Clean Juice, visit the shop’s website at cleanjuice.com.
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PAGE 6 • Wednesday, November 2, 2022
THE STAR
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
The People’s Clerk
November 8, 2022
www.lauraforcountyclerk.com
Early voting: Monday, October 24 - Friday, November 4
Pol.Ad Paid for by the Laura Richard For County Clerk Campaign, Doris Gurecky, Treasurer
Review: Filli’s Café delivers new flavors in spades And the melt was delicious, crispy in all the right places and hitting my taste buds in a fascinating pattern of new f lavors. There was clearly chicken on the melt, but I spent some time trying to identify some of the other f lavors (it almost looked like there was a bit of egg, but I can’t be certain?). FiLLi’s keeps generously late hours most days, and seems perfectly-designed to become someone’s go-to destination after a long day at work, for a family seeking a home away from home, for a young group of friends looking for something fun to do on a Saturday. And it’s a sure bet that I’ll be one of those visitors returning again and again.
By Matt deGrood MDEGROOD@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Sad as it may be to admit, new f lavors are a food reviewer’s bread and butter. Everyone loves Thai and American comfort food, but once you’ve had some of both, you start to notice the similarities before the differences. FiLLi Café in Sugar Land delivered on those new and interesting f lavors in spades. The newish Sugar Land restaurant and tea shop is preparing to celebrate its seven-month anniversary, and offers an eclectic menu featuring everything from burgers and pizza to samosas and omelets. The business’ Sugar Land location is its first in the United States, but FiLLi first became popular in the Middle East. And one company representative told the Fort Bend Star last week that they have big plans for expansion across Houston and the rest of the state in coming months. A social media post featuring the inside of the restaurant alongside photos of the food is what drew my attention to FiLLi. And, indeed, both the business’ interior and menu seems designed for peak social media discussion. Walking inside the restaurant after parking in a mostly nondescript strip mall, visitors are greeted with a modern exterior alongside writing on the wall describing the business’ history and pretty interior decorations. Visitors then approach a counter where they can place their orders before proceeding to a
Filli's Cafe
Address: 11920 S. Texas 6, Suite 600, Sugar Land Hours:
Filli’s Café delivered new flavors in abundance during a visit to the Sugar Land restaurant last week. (Photo by Matthew deGrood)
host of tables in a fairly large space. Hoping to experience the full array of FiLLi’s f lavors, I opted for some samosas, a shawarma jalapeno melt (on the recommendation of the person taking my order) and an iced Zafran chai. The food and drink came out in fairly quick order on minimal trays that gave the colors and
textures of the food a chance to shine. The tea was delicious, and I might even have ordered a second if not for the fact that it was a bit on the pricey side at ($6.99). I think I remember reading somewhere that the owners of FiLLI imagine it as the sort of place where people can come and hang out
-a gathering place of sorts – and based on the size and openness of the space alone, it seems perfect for it. But visitors for the long-haul might be better-suited to order one of the basic FiLLi or herbal teas that were all more reasonably priced ($2.50). As good as the tea was, it’s the food where FiLLi’s quality and
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR
Email to jsazma@fortbendstar.com or mail to: Fort Bend Star, 14100 Southwest Frwy. Ste 230, Sugar Land, TX 77478
FOR NON-PROFIT EVENTS
FORT BEND COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION The Fort Bend County Historical Commission will hold its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, Texas at 3:00 PM. Dr. Paul Spellman, Professor of US and Texas History at Wharton County Junior College and author, will present a speech titled “The Fort at the Bend – The Real Story”. Free and open to the public.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org
PROPEL SOCCER ACADEMY Fall recreational teams practice with a Propel Soccer Coach every Monday and Wednesday. Practice Time: between 5:30-8:00 Weekend Games! Season: September 7th- November 13th Who: 6-12 year oldsWhere: Practices- Sienna. Games at Hickory Slough Sportsplex in Pearland. When: Practices Monday and Wednesdays Games will be Saturday mornings before noon (U8-U10) or Sunday afternoons before 6pm (U12). Practice Time: between 5:30-8:00 For more information, please email us at info@ propelsocceracademy.com!
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11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com
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 Family Owned Serving Fort Bend Since 1984
FULL SERVICE & RETAIL STORE FOR DIY
Entrée prices: $9.99-$13.99 Kid-friendly: Yes Alcohol: Yes Healthy options: Herbal teas ($2.50-$3.50) Star of the show: Shawarma jalapeno melt ($9.99) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
and answer the “5 Ws” Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
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/.
ONGOING FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com
uniqueness really shone through, however. Any restaurant can have a good dish. But the truly good places nail the details, and that’s what really set my visit apart. The fries that accompanied my melt were perfectly-seasoned, delivering a bit of salt and f lavor to nicely-cooked fried potatoes.
Deadline is noon every Friday. Limit entries to 40 words
FORT BEND-HARRIS RETIRED EDUCATORS TO MEET NOVEMBER 10TH Meeting Thursday, November 10th, from 1:00-3 p.m. at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd. in the Venue Room. Foundation raffle. Bring 2 large cans of soup and crackers for Shared Dreams. Arrive earlier to socialize, sign in, buy raffle tickets and pay dues if you haven't already. All Fort Bend and Harris County I.S.D. retired public educators are invited. For more information, call 713-206-2733.
281-243-2344 281.243.2300
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-1 a.m Friday; 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday
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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 281240-3195 EXCHANGE EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about! MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801 Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-859-5920 or 281-499-3345. GEORGE RANCH PUMPKIN PATCH We are excited to announce that the Great Pumpkin Round Up will be returning to the George Ranch Historical Park, starting October 15 - November 26. This will be the perfect place for families and visitors of all ages to take an unforgettable fall photo or selfie surrounded by pumpkins that climb structures and cascade to the ground in elaborate designs.
Non-Profit Event? Let the community know in our Community Calendar! Contact: jsazma@fortbendstar.com
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Wednesday, November 2, 2022 • PAGE
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Across
1. Desk item 7. “Yadda, yadda, yadda” 10. Basic monetary unit of Romania 13. File menu option
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21. Spud leaf eater (2 wds) 25. Cafeteria carrier 27. Cap 28. Appropriate 29. Hot-air blower 31. End 33. “___ we having fun yet?” 34. Human-centered 38. Same old, same old 39. Elmer, to Bugs 40. Fix, as leftovers 41. Close-fitting tartan trousers 44. When doubled, a dance 46. After-dinner drink 47. The Boston Strangler, e.g. 50. First-place winner 51. ___ power 54. Some Bach pieces 57. Clothing 59. One who curses 60. Argument 61. Dash 62. “Raiders of the Lost ___” 63. Sun god
Down 1. At a previous time 2. Network of veins 3. Soon, to a bard 4. “Casablanca” pianist 5. Boss 6. Change, as a clock 7. Relating to finance 8. Beat 9. Dental decay 10. Certain digital watch face, for short 11. .0000001 joule 12. “It’s no ___!” 15. Seafood entree 17. Party bowlful (2 wds) 20. “Welcome” site 21. Approach 22. One who pulls something apart 23. Rodeo ring? 24. Bumper sticker word 25. Staying power?
26. Rodent-catching dog or cat 29. Mature male red deer 30. Pistol, slangily 32. The “p” in m.p.g. 35. Acne scar 36. Drug to remedy grief 37. God with a hammer 42. Benevolent, nature-oriented witchcraft 43. “The English Patient” setting 45. “Aladdin” prince 48. “Ciao!” 49. Disinclined 51. Not yet final, at law 52. Beethoven’s “Archduke ___” 53. Amerada ___ (Fortune 500 company) 54. Cooking meas. 55. “I ___ you one” 56. Brown-capped mushroom 58. ___ el Amarna, Egypt
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H SQUARE FROM PAGE 1 ovated the site since Township Square first opened in 1984, according to officials with KM Realty. The ongoing renovations have already drawn in several new tenants. Mike Ouano, owner of Bean Here Coffee, and Ryan Borinaga have plans to open a new coffee shop, called Fellowship Coffee Co., in Township Square, according to a news release. “It is definitely a buzz within the city,” Borinaga said. “Many of my friends and family love it. Our space for the coffee shop has the
H VOTING FROM PAGE 1
Day is Nov. 8. The ballot is full of local and statewide races, such as County Judge H CLINIC FROM PAGE 1 for the Houston-based group practice have declined to provide financial figures for the project. Crews in coming months will use the existing Fort Bend Medical and Diagnostic Center
See us online www.FortBendStar.com
that pays homage to the surrounding area, according to the release. In addition to the new arrivals, many of Township Square’s mainstays are set to remain in the shopping center for the foreseeable future, according to the release. Old Hickory Inn BBQ, Brandani’s Burgers, Tacos and Brews, Bollycurves Fitness and Fair Ladies Nails will all remain at the shopping center along with several local favorites such as Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine & Bar, EudyBelles Furniture and more, according to the release. “We’re really pleased that the tenants of Township Square have chosen to continue their tenancy at
the shopping center,” Stone said. “They’ve embraced the vision and appreciated the upgrades.” Upgrades at the 67,000-square foot center include replacing windows and doors, installing metal canopies and fabric awnings, adding patios and improving the common areas, among other improvements, according to the release. Officials with KM Realty plan to announce more about the renovated center ahead of a planned 2023 grand opening, according to the release.
KP George’s efforts to fend off Republican challenger Tever Nehls in search of a second term in county government and Gov. Greg Abbott facing off against
Beto O’Rourke. Voters that have spoken with the Fort Bend Star ahead of Nov. 8 said they were drawn out by a multitude of factors. To find an early voting
location nearest them, county residents can visit https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/ e l e c t i o n s - vo t e r- r e g i s tration/early-voting-
schedulepolling-location-november-8-2022. For examples of a sample ballot, community members can go to https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/gover n-
ment/departments/
to construct the campus, according to the release. The two structures will connect through an interior walkway and the 200,000 square-feet of combined space will host up to 75 providers across several specialties, according to the release. Crews will also construct a new parking
garage behind the addition, according to the release. The new campus will house an ambulatory surgery center, a cancer center and more, according to the release. The work is the second major project KelseySeybold administrators have begun in Fort Bend County in recent years.
Crews in March broke ground on a new, 33,000-square-foot clinic in Stafford. The clinic will open at the Grid, a 192-acre, mixed-use development built on the former Texas Instruments campus, according to the hospital. The new facility will be at 11211 Nexus Avenue, off State Highway
59, between Kirkwood Road and West Airport Drive, according to a news release. The clinic will offer primary and specialty healthcare for adults and children, according to Kelsey-Seybold, and will have space for 15 providers with the possibility of expanding up to 27 providers
in the future. Patients will have convenient access to on-site imaging, including routine Xray, ultrasound and 3D mammography, according to the news release, in addition to services such as cardiac stress testing, echocardiography and lab services.
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H OUTREACH FROM PAGE 1 of the decision. “I question why we need to spend $345,000 on this particular effort, since we’re already doing an outstanding job,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner
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Andy Meyers, before voting in opposition. “And it’s my personal policy not to vote to give money to a firm that is a political operative.” Representatives for NextWave Strategies did not respond to a request for comment as of Monday afternoon.
most perfect view of the clock tower, which we are absolutely thrilled about.” The new coffee shop will feature light, natural colors in a modern space, according to a news release. A new barber shop, called Duck Barber Shop, is set to debut in the shopping center as well, according to the release. Finally, an unnamed business has leased more than 6,000 square feet of space in the shopping center to open a new restaurant, according to the release. A design firm, called United by Design, enlisted local artists to paint a new 54-foot mural on the clock tower
HIRE LOCAL
Fort Bend Independent School District 5:30 P.M. on November 7, 2022 In the Board Room of the FBISD Administration Building 16431 Lexington Blvd. • Sugar Land The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Fort Bend ISD’s rating on the Financial Integrity System Rating (FIRST) Public Encouraged to Attend
Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) is proposing to build a 191-ft monopole telecommunications facility in the vicinity of Hidden Lake Ln, Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas 77469 (29 40 25.15 N, 95 49 09.50 W). Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Project 6122009557 - MPH c/o EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, mhouston@ebiconsulting.com, or at (504) 458-4444.
CROSSWORD
ANSWERS
Let the community know in our Community Calendar! Contact: jsazma@fortbendstar.com
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Wednesday, November 2, 2022 • PAGE
9
Ridge Point clinches third straight 20-6A title Landan Kuhlmann SPORTS REPORTER
The names and faces may change slightly, but the Ridge Point Panthers’ dominance of District 206A has been a constant in recent seasons. And the program continued that last week by clinching another title. Ridge Point cruised past Travis 43-15 last weekend in their season finale to improve to 8-2 and finish a perfect 8-0 in district competition, securing their third consecutive District 20-6A crown and their sixth title in the last seven seasons. Senior running back Ezell Jolley ran for 140 yards and tied a season high by running for three touchdowns in the win for Ridge Point. It was the sixth time Jolley has found the end zone multiple times in a game, and the third time he has scored three touchdowns in a game. Austin Carlisle also threw three touchdowns for the Panthers, two of them going to Ashton Bethel-Roman (five catches, 107 yards). Elsewhere in 20-6A, the Hightower Hurricanes have clinched a playoff spot following a 49-14 win over
Clements last weekend. Jeremy Payne ran for two touchdowns and caught another for Hightower (72, 6-1), while Khaleb Davis ran for a touchdown and also returned a punt for a score. John Lewis ran for a season-high two touchdowns in the loss for Clements (45, 4-3), which would clinch its second consecutive playoff berth with either a win against Dulles next week or a Travis loss. In the class 5A ranks, Randle kept its hold on the final 10-5A Division II playoff spot with a 5321 win over Rudder. Zion Lewis rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries for the Lions (4-5, 2-3), while DeMeco Harvey had 92 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Foster also held tight to a playoff spot in the highlycompetitive District 10-5A (Division I) by running past Magnolia, 56-21, last Thursday. Running back Ashton Ojiaku had four rushing touchdowns for the Falcons (7-2, 5-2), while quarterback JT Fayard had three total touchdowns. Elsewhere in Class 5A, the Kempner Cougars grabbed their first win of the season last week, shutting out Terry 19-0. Corban Evers threw two touchdown passes for Kempner (18, 1-6) in the victory, and Antonio Jacobs caught his team-leading fifth touchdown of the season.
Ridge Point's Ashton Bethel-Roman pulls away from a Clements defender during an Oct. 15 game at Mercer Stadium in Sugar Land. Bethel-Roman had 107 yards and two touchdowns in last week's 43-15 over Travis, which clinched the Panthers' third straight District 20-6A title. (Photo by Bob Calbert)
Thursday Fulshear vs. Foster, 7 p.m., Traylor Stadium Hightower vs. Austin, 7 p.m., Mercer Stadium Friday Bush vs. Travis, 7 p.m., Mercer Stadium Terry vs. Manvel, 7 p.m., Traylor Stadium Needville vs. Iowa Colo-
This week’s schedule
ny, 7 p.m. Kempner at Angleton, 7 p.m., Angleton High School Marshall at Dayton, 7 p.m., Dayton ISD Stadium Willowridge at Santa Fe, 7 p.m., Santa Fe High School Randle at Huntsville, 7:30 p.m., Huntsville High School Stafford at Bay City, 7 p.m.
Saturday George Ranch vs. Elkins, 11 a.m., Traylor Stadium Clements vs. Dulles, 11 a.m., Mercer Stadium Last week’s scores Foster 56, Magnolia 21 Fulshear 9, Manvel 7 Ridge Point 43, Travis 15 Dulles 20, Elkins 2 Bush 42, Austin 7
Hightower 49, Clements 14 Kempner 19, Terry 0 Marshall 47, Galena Park 0 Randle 53, Rudder 21 Montgomery 21, Lamar Consolidated 7 El Campo 28, Stafford 11 Dayton 57, Willowridge 21
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THE STAR
PAGE 10 • Wednesday, November 2, 2022
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Jingle Tree features a showcase of beautifully decorated trees and décor, up for bid in a week-long, online silent auction. Proceeds support the Museum’s daily operations, expand access to underserved communities and support innovative sensory-friendly programming.
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FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION ON JINGLE TREE FESTIVITIES, VISIT HMNS.ORG/JINGLETREE OR CALL (281) 313-2277