FOOTBALL RETURNS TO KATY AREA SPORTS | 6

TCU-SMU GAME POSTPONED Katy Times PAGE 6

VOLUME 108, ISSUE 37 THE GREATER KATY AREA'S NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1912 n katytimes.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 Brookshire deliberates construction KISD returns to campuses variances By R. HANS MILLER NEWS EDITOR

Brookshire City Council exam- ined several items of city policy at its Sept. 3 meeting. Variances were denied and approved for small structures in the city, a road repair bid was rejected and updates on trash and animal control services were provided. First up was a discussion on whether to allow a mini house to be placed at a property on Seventh Street. Immediately following that was a request for two variances to allow a mobile home park to be built on Gassner Road. The first variance would have allowed the lot size to be 1,950 square feet, while the second would have allowed for back in spaces rather than pull through spaces. Both the request for the back in spaces and the mini home were denied while the variance for the lot size was approved due to what city attorney Justin Pruitt said was confusing terminology in the associated city ordinance. City Council instructed Pruitt to rewrite the ordinance to add appropriate clarity regarding the lot R. HANS MILLER size issue. McElwain Principal Euberta Lucas spends time with a first grade student at Katy ISD’s most recently opened campus, McElwain Elementary. Lucas said she was proud of the hard work her A bid by AAA Asphalt for the teachers and staff had put into making certain the brand new campus, located in the Elyson master planned community, was on track to provide students both in person and through the repair of Stalknecht Road was district’s Katy Virtual Academy. Jordan High School also opened for the first time this year. declined after Alderman Eric Green said he’d reached out to Waller County Engineer Yancy Scott to discuss utilizing an interlocal agree- ment with the county that would Social distancing, Katy Virtual Academy keep moving along reduce the cost for repairing the since March and we’ve been planning of thermometers and tens of thousands roadway. Stalknecht Road is a split By R. HANS MILLER NEWS EDITOR since then,” Gregorski said. “We’ve been of sanitizing wipes to keep campuses safe responsibility between the county putting a lot of plans in place (and) we feel and sanitized. and city from a maintenance per- hile scattered showers kept the we have some of the best plans around. About half of the district’s students spective. Council directed Pruitt to weather cool and Katy ISD ad- We feel very safe to return to school with chose to continue on with the Katy Virtual review the agreement with Waller ministrators gathered to excitedly protocols we put in place and we’re just Academy, the district’s online program County to identify how much of the W cheer young students on at McElwain Ele- super excited.” for parents who choose to take a more repair would be the city’s respon- mentary School, KISD’s newest elementa- Over the last several weeks, KISD has cautious approach. At McElwain, about sibility and how much would be ry, students arriving at the school seemed been making it a point to reassure parents 370 of the campus’ 811 student body began under the county’s purview. to take everything in stride as they strolled that they have been proactive in protect- attending in-person instruction Tuesday Council members also into the campus. Meanwhile, McElwain’s ing their student body of about 84,000 morning. discussed the status of the city’s staff and KISD administrators were on students. In mid-August, the district held a Those students have extra precautions animal control department which hand to make certain students transitioned press conference to discuss the amount of to take before they even reach campus is currently unstaffed. The city had smoothly back into classrooms – an event personal protective equipment the district though. In mid-August, the district also previously directed Police Chief the district has been working hard to had stockpiled and made accessible to stu- released various safety videos explaining Brandal Jackson to hire an appli- prepare for said KISD Superintendent Ken dents, faculty and staff. That PPE included the safety protocols students and parents cant, but Mayor Darrell Branch Gregorski. about 135,000 pairs of gloves, more than said he was not satisfied with that “We haven’t had in person instruction half a million reusable masks, hundreds See KATY ISD, page 5 applicant and wished for other options to be explored. With the mayor acting as approval for the hiring of city staff, the situation was tabled until additional information could be examined. Alderman Lee Jones gave a brief update regarding the rebuilding Kingsland Baptist See BROOKSHIRE, page 5 Church expanding HAVE A NEWS TIP? [email protected] to second campus SUBSCRIBE TODAY (281) 391-3141 By R. HANS MILLER NEWS EDITOR

September 10, 2020 Kingsland Baptist Church is looking forward to opening a R. HANS MILLER 12 pages | $1 new campus at 24111 Stockdick School Road in Katy, Pastor Royal ISD has put together a $38.4 million bond election that will be on the ballot this coming Ryan Rush said. The new campus will be the second for the Nov. 3. Included in the bond are a variety of measures to update school buildings and other church which has its original location at 20555 Kinglsand Blvd. infrastructure to ensure the district is ready for the upcoming growth it is anticipating in the in Katy. Rush said the focus will be on supporting families, coming years. especially children. “Growing up, our house was always like the house in the neighborhood where all the kids came, you know? And it was a safe place and we saw (that) everywhere you turn around here there’s houses built up, but there’s not a lot of church space to Royal ISD seeks voter hang out, so we’d love to be the ‘house’ in the neighborhood where all the kids come,” Rush said. See CHURCH, page 5 OK for $38.4M bond By R. HANS MILLER said. The first is the district’s NEWS EDITOR upcoming growth and the second is aging infrastructure across Royal ISD has announced RISD schools, including buildings a bond election will be on the and outdoor spaces which are in ballot for district residents when need or repair, replacement or they hit the polls this Nov. 3. The improvement. three-proposition package comes out to a total of $38.4 million and is not expected to cause the Foreseeing growth district’s tax rate to increase and Growth comes in the form of is expected to improve student new subdivisions coming into safety, said RISD Superintendent RISD such as Freeman Ranch Rick Kershner. which is currently under con- “Obviously, our goal is to al- struction on FM 529, Kershner R. HANS MILLER ways provide a safe environment said. He knows at least 20 homes The new Kingsland Baptist Church campus is located at the intersection of Stockdick and an environment that is con- are currently under construction School and Porter roads, just a stones throw away from Paetow High School. The ducive for all kids to be successful in the development now. campus features indoor and outdoor playgrounds and will include a Great Harvest in learning,” Kershner said. RISD Business Manager Glad- Bread Company location. Pastor Ryan Rush hopes to have the facility open most days to The bond package is intended provide a safe place for children and their families to spend time. to address two things, Kershner See ROYAL ISD, page 5 THE KATY TIMES 2 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 COMMUNITY KATYTIMES.COM KCM to hold golf tourney Cake artist to appear By R. HANS MILLER NEWS EDITOR on ‘Halloween Wars’ Katy Christian Ministries has announced plans for By R. HANS MILLER a socially-distanced golf NEWS EDITOR tournament fundraiser set for Sept. 28 with a goal of The Katy area’s own Hemlata Basu will raising $100,000 to sup- be appearing in this year’s season of the port operations at the local “Food Network” series “Halloween Wars” nonprofit that includes a which runs from Sept. 13 to Oct. 11. Basu food pantry and family crisis has been baking cakes for about a decade counseling, among other and specializes in artistic cakes that can services. verge on the photo-realistic. Basu said she “KCM is truly blessed to jumped into cake baking head first when have such a passionate com- she found a need. munity behind us,” Deysi “In November 2012 on my son’s birth- Crespo, Executive Director day, he wanted me to bake a cake for him,” of Katy Christian Ministries, Basu said. “So I went to the library to see if I said. “Myself and the entire KATY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES could get a book on birthday cakes. I found KCM team, thank you for ‘Birthday Cakes for Kids’ by Annie Rigg and Katy Christian Ministries holds an annual fundraiser each year to bring in funding your support of the work we decided to make a fire truck cake for my for its programs that help battered spouses and families dealing with food PHOTO COURTESY OF HEMU BASU do and of this reformatted baby. I was very excited, and it turned out insecurity. This year’s event was delayed due to COVID-19 but is now set for Sept. tournament.” amazing.” Local cake artist Hemu Basu is set to appear on this 28 with social distancing precautions in place. Tee times will begin at Basu said she is excited for Katy area year’s season of “Halloween Wars” on “Food Network.” 8 a.m. according to a KCM neighbors to see her performance in Basu began baking cakes in 2012 and applied her artistic press release with about In addition to changing Equinox as a grand prize. “Halloween Wars” where she feels she per- talents to make detailed cakes. 35 teams competing at the the way the tournament A closest to the pin game, formed really well. The competition on the 18-hole course at Willow begins, the event will feature raffles and Bubba Drive are show starts out with an intro called “Road Basu’s team, “Team Mummies Rejects” Fork County Club in Katy. In an online silent auction that also planned. to Halloween Wars” which will air Sept. 13 includes herself, pumpkin carver Daniel order to enable social dis- both golfers and the general Registration is still open at 7 p.m. and will be followed by the first Miller and Steve Weiss, a sugar-spinning tancing, the tournament will public can participate in. to participate as a sponsor episode. Each episode consists of two chal- pro, according to the “Food Network” feature staggered tee times Multiple raffles are planned or as a golfer. Registration lenges, Basu said. The first involves smaller website. rather than the traditional and a Hole in One competi- can be completed online at creations that she and her team assemble shotgun start. tion which has a new Chevy www.ktcm.org/golf. while the second involves larger displays. See ARTIST, page 11

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P.O. Box 678, Katy, TX 77492-0678 P.O. Box 678, Katy, TX 77492-0678 (281) 391-3141 (281) 391-3141 THE KATY TIMES COMMUNITY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 3 KATYTIMES.COM Katy Fellowship Church installs new monument

PHOTO COURTESY WALLER COUNTY Waller county’s new Precinct 4 Annex cost about $4.8 million and comes in at about 18,500 square feet. Once opened, the facility will house offices for Precinct 4 Commissioner Justin Beckendorf, precinct 4 justice of the peace, precinct 4 Constable and staff, a Waller County Sheriff’s Office annex, Waller County Tax Office annex, Waller County Clerk annex and offices for Department of Public Safety officers, Waller County Construction Manager Danny Rothe said. Waller County approves tax relief By R. HANS MILLER Commissioners also approved between Katy and Brookshire on NEWS EDITOR the judges and polling locations for Highway 90 was essentially complete. elections coming up in October and Minor fixes will need to be taken care In a short meeting on Sept. 2, the November. Early voting begins Oct. of over the next few weeks and water Waller County Commissioners Court 13 and Election Day is Nov. 3. will not be turned on for the building took action to approve a tax abatement However, Rosa Harris, the coun- for a few more weeks either, Rothe agreement for the Brookshire Drying ty’s Democratic Party chairperson said. However, the remaining work is Company which is developing a $6.3 expressed concern about voting minor and he expects county staff to million facility in Brookshire to allow not being established on campus be able to move into the building in it to mill rice. The court praised the for Prairie View A&M University late October or early November. project’s nod to Waller County’s rice students. She said she felt that either Rothe said he was pleased with farming traditions. the lack of access for voting at the the site and expected the location to “This is one way that we can sup- campus was either to disenfranchise port them and support that history, Black students or Democrats that be relatively safe from flooding with that heritage,” said Commissioner Jus- attend the university, which she felt nearby facilities having low elevation tin Beckendorff who led the meeting was inappropriate and setting the parking lots that would allow water to in Judge Trey Duhon’s absence. wrong example, especially since the drain away from the county’s facility Pam West, the owner of the busi- county appeared to have the voting if a serious rain event were to occur. ness, was present and verified that machines to man an on-campus Additionally, the facility is intention- the facility will bring four new jobs to voting site. ally built up in order to have it higher the area with annual salaries of about “Voting is something that we than neighboring Highway 90, he $40,000 each. The agreement, which teach our young people and this is said. was approved unanimously by the their first step into the adult world,” Other actions commissioners present – Commis- Harris said. • Commissioners approved stan- sioner Jeron Barnett was also absent Harris was joined by Prairie View dards for addressing that will allow – provided a tax abatement of 40% for City Council Member Kendrick Jones four years to help the company get who commented that the county dispatched first responders to easily developed and establish its footing should follow the NBA and other find locations throughout the county. at the facility which is located at 1019 counties throughout the country on • Commissioners approved in- R. HANS MILLER Bains Street, Brookshire. The company both sides of the party line which are formation technology purchases for Katy Fellowship Church located at 24102 Kingsland Blvd., Katy had a new already has a facility there that will be expanding access to voting by adding the county’s new justice center and monument to its congregation’s faith installed the morning of Sept. 8 in the form expanded, West said. She added that locations. updated library. of this new cross. The 50-foot monument was made by JK Welding out of Cypress, the products made there would arrive County Contruction Manager • Commissioners left a burn ban Tex. and required multiple cranes to hoist it into place and hold it while crews on local grocery store shelves at gro- Danny Rothe reported that the in place due to high risk indexes indi- finished mounting the Christian symbol to its base. cers like HEB and Aldi in the future. county’s Precinct 4 Annex located cated by the Fire Marshall’s Office. Water District Water District Notice of Public Hearing Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate on Tax Rate The Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 538 will hold a public hearing on a The Harris-Waller Counties Municipal Utility District No. 3 will hold a public proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on September 28, 2020 at 2:30 by teleconference at 866-434-5269, access code 9617275. Your individual taxes may P.M. by teleconference at (888) 557-8511, Access Code: 1512581. Your individual taxes increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. FOR the proposal: William R Murphy Jr, Andrew Clark, Jacob Baker, FOR the proposal: Lonnie Lee, Justin Wagner, David Ward, John Hoag Cameron Franz, William Jordan AGAINST the proposal: AGAINST the proposal: PRESENT and not voting: PRESENT and not voting: ABSENT:

ABSENT: Dana Thompson The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year* This Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $1.50000 /$100 $1.50000 /$100 Last Year This Year Adopted Proposed Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $0.93000/$100 $0.93000/$100 Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.00000 /$100 Adopted Proposed Difference in rates per $100 of value $ .00000/$100 Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-) 0.00% Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-) 0.00% Average appraised residence Average appraised residence homestead value $0.00 $279,902.00 homestead value $408,815.00 $406,328.00 General homestead exemptions available General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions) $0.00 $0.00 disabled person’s exemptions) $0.00 $0.00 Average residence homestead Average residence taxable value $0.00 $279,902.00 homestead taxable value $408,815.00 $406,328.00 Tax on average residence homestead $0.00 $4,198.53 Tax on average residence homestead $3,801.98 $3,778.85 Annual increase/decrease in taxes if Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $-23.13 proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) N/A and percentage of increase (+/-) N/A and percentage of increase (+/-) -0.61%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead by more than 8 percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that increasing by more than 8 percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. * There were NO residential homesteads for comparison purposes. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Should you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the tax office at Should you have any questions concerning this notice, please contact the tax office at 281-482-0216. 281-482-0216. THE KATY TIMES 4 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 OPINION KATYTIMES.COM MiLB is a vanishing American tradition or millions of amateur and minor league baseball (MiLB) F fans, the 2020 season was a bust. Not only did COVID-19 wipe JOE GUZZARDI out most all the scheduled games, SPECIAL TO 2020 may be the end of the line THE KATY TIMES for many teams. Reports abound that more than 40 minor league teams are on the ropes, and in 2021 they may be gone forever. The Chattanooga Lookouts, the Erie Seawolves and the State College (Pennsylvania) Spikes are among the established teams on MLB’s “Savage summed endangered list. “Sports Illustrated” sent a survey up his plight: ‘You to 68 MiLB teams and interviewed 21 front-office executives to evaluate can’t sleep at night, how they view their ball clubs’ futures. No one is optimistic. Several knowing some of Triple A and Double A franchises, MiLB’s highest levels, reported the things you’ll that they may need to file for bankruptcy. To the disappointment of the struggling MiLB teams, their have to do to MLB affiliates haven’t bothered to telephone to offer encouragement. survive. It’s sort MLB is a $10.7 billion industry, but is willing to let franchises that lose of unthinkable money sink. That’s today’s corporate model – get rid of dead wood, and that we’re in let the chips fall where they may. But MLB has taken an this position.’” exceptionally narrow view of MiLB’s Accurate census count essential importance. Erie, Chattanooga, State College and other teams hope we get it right. adding a citizenship question, facing the axe provide affordable owned stadium in 2000. Instead of Data collection for the opponents cried foul. They entertainment to their local small- kicking off what Savage expected to I 2020 U.S. Census ends said the question would town communities. The teams also be another banner Rivercats’ year, soon. This census, the 22nd TOM PURCELL intimidate noncitizens make jobs available that provide a he slashed salaries and told 500 in U.S. history, has faced into not responding, SPECIAL TO which would result in measure of hope to often-struggling seasonal employees that they likely its share of challenges and THE KATY TIMES undercounts in districts residents. For more than a century, wouldn’t have jobs this season. controversies. fans have turned out to support The goal of the census with many noncitizens. The Savage summed up his plight: administration eventually their favorite ball clubs and their “You can’t sleep at night, knowing has remained the same throughout its 230-year dropped that idea. youthful prospects striving to get to some of the things you’ll have to do history: to count every person Here’s the latest battle, the big show. But for the first time to survive. It’s sort of unthinkable living in the United States. Wired reported in 2019 according to “Roll Call”: in MiLB history, baseball wasn’t that we’re in this position.” that “experts fear the (census) The Constitution requires “Under pressure from the played, employment opportunities COVID also KO’d the well-known bureau is opening itself up to a the federal government to Trump administration to end disappeared, and fans were and beloved Cape Cod Baseball range of new risks, from basic do so every 10 years. The the count early, the (Census) abandoned. League, a New England fixture since functionality and connectivity population count determines agency will conclude all MiLB’s golden era ran from the 1865. As Dan Crowley explains in his failures to cybersecurity the number of U.S. House enumeration efforts on Sept. early 20th century though 1949, book, “Baseball on Cape Cod,” the threats and disinformation 30, and then comb through when 464 teams in 49 leagues from seats each state will have – campaigns.” warm summer weather and high- which can become highly data before wrapping up coast-to-coast drew 42 million quality baseball played by skilled Disinformation in the era the whole process by Dec. political. of social media? I’m shocked. fans. Outstanding players dotted college boys has attracted fans in 31 – half the time the agency When a state gains or To stay secure, remember minor league rosters: Willie Mays growing numbers since 1880. The originally anticipated after wowed them in Minneapolis for the loses seats, the party in that the Census Bureau will league has produced outstanding delaying its initial schedule Millersm Joe DiMaggio played for power sometimes redraws never ask for your full Social Hall of Famers that include: Pie because of the pandemic.” his hometown San Francisco Seals congressional districts in Security number, or your Traynor, Pittsburgh Pirates third Trump opponents say this and Mickey Mantle was the brightest hopes of making it impossible bank account or credit card baseman; Red Rolfe, New York could cause undercounting star on the Joplin (Missouri) Miners. for the other party to win. numbers, or for money or Yankees, an infielder and later Yale in minority communities. The Bands often played pre-game, That’s why census results are donations – but scammers University’s baseball coach; Carlton pretending to be from the administration says modern and families picnicked outside so important to politicians. technologies and efficiencies the ballpark before the first pitch. Fisk, Boston Red Sox and Chicago The census also determines bureau will. Ten questions ask about enable an accurate count and Instead of hiding in the clubhouse, White Sox catcher, and Frank how much federal funding Thomas, the White Sox long-time respondents’ name, sex, age, meeting its statutory deadline players mingled with fans, signed your neighborhood will of Dec. 31, 2020. designated hitter. race, telephone number and autographs happily, and after a receive. The more people In an era when everything The last page of Crowley’s book counted in a region, the more whether they own or rent. particularly satisfying win, hoisted There are no questions about is hopelessly political and shows why fans’ devotion to the money that region will receive some rooters high into the air to religion, whether one is a legal political opponents loathe and share the spontaneous post-game MiLB is unyielding. Pictured are two for roads, bridges and other distrust each other, one thing youngsters watching a Cape Cod resident or whether one has a euphoria. But eventually television, government programs. Social Security number. really matters. Baseball League game in progress. and then major league expansion, From the start, this census When the Trump It’s essential that we get our ended that simpler time. Their t-shirts read: “Cape League IS has faced no small number of administration proposed census data right. Sacramento Rivercats’ president Baseball” and “100% Pure Baseball.” controversies and challenges. Jeff Savage, whose team has won In recent years, MLB’s greedy “From cybersecurity issues three Triple A championships and ownership, its contentious politics, to administrative problems to five Pacific Coast League titles in and the overpaid, delicate, injury- a legal drama over a possible their 21-year existence, laid off 30 prone players have contaminated citizenship question, there Wired reported in 2019 that of his team’s 65 full-time workers the big league baseball. are plenty of reasons to worry in late April and must find a way “Pure Baseball,” as the t-shirt about the decennial head ‘experts fear the (census) bureau to continue paying off the bonds says, should never be allowed to count,” noted “The Atlantic” in that built a $46 million, privately vanish. July 2018. is opening itself up to a range of Cybersecurity certainly is a concern. This is the very first new risks, from basic functionality census that allows answering questions online – which may and connectivity failures to put respondents and their data at risk of cyberattack, cybersecurity threats and particularly amid COVID-19, Katy Times which has brought thousands disinformation campaigns.’” of scammers out of the SUSAN ROVEGNO | Publisher who wrote the letter, as well as woodwork. R. HANS MILLER | News Editor their address and telephone DENNIS SILVA II | Sports Editor number for verification purposes. VICTORIA PARKER | Designer Letters can be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. DEBBIE PREJEAN | Bookkeeper TOM HRUSKA | Sales Representative SUBSCRIPTION RATES The Katy Times (ISSN 067-180) is OFFICE HOURS: published on Thursday for $35 per 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday year in Harris,Waller and Fort Bend Address: P.O. Box 678, Katy, Texas, Counties and $45 elsewhere by The 77492-0678 Katy Times, P.O. 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[email protected] POSTMASTER: PRESS RELEASES: Send address changes to The Katy Press releases are accepted but are Times, P.O. Box 678, Katy, Texas, not guaranteed for publication. Press 77492-0678. releases should be e-mailed only to [email protected]. ABOUT OUR NEWSPAPER: The Katy Times is a member of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: the Texas Press Association. The We encourage your Letters to the weekly newspaper is published Editor submissions, but we reserve every Thursday. Visit our Web the right to edit for content and for site 24 hours a day, seven days space restrictions. All letters must a week at www.katytimes.com contain the full name of the person for more news and information. THE KATY TIMES NEWS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 5 KATYTIMES.COM

to expand the existing campus the community, whether that congregation that has been CHURCH to increase capacity. However, be painting fences, picking up meeting at one of the nearby BROOKSHIRE from page 1 in the long run, it turned out to trash or helping at one of the schools is looking forward to from page 1 be more practical to do some community nonprofits. the church’s soft opening Sept. Walking into the near- less expensive upgrades to that Once the church saw the 27 for its first service. Eventu- of the city’s animal shelter. While an improved and ly-finished space, messaging campus and begin looking at ideal area they wanted to ally, that 400 base number for updated facility had been considered, Jones said. After about families is everywhere a possible expansion of the serve, Rush said they began the congregation is expected looking at what the city could afford, the reconstruction on one level or another. From church. The original campus’ looking for land to purchase. to expand to more than 1,000 of a facility similar to what the city has previously had an air-conditioned indoor gymnasium was remodeled to In the long run, they located attendees. And that’s the point, was examined instead with estimates for the cost of playground that is under accommodate an expanded the new site, but realized the Rush said. the rebuild coming in at about $480,000. The facility, if construction, a Great Harvest church body and the idea of property was not for sale. A grand opening is expect- approved, would include an office, air conditioning and Bread Company location for a second campus in the Katy Instead of giving up, Rush ed for early 2021, Rush said. heating for the office, kennels and a horse stall. parishioners and their families area was explored. reached out to the former Possibly as soon as January. Church leaders discussed owners to see what could The church isn’t wrapped to get snacks, to messaging Other items on the walls that promotes it and eventually decided to happen. around him as a pastor, but • The city is still finalizing details for the upcoming family values, the church identify a place where there “I wrote a letter to them. I around an expanding com- renewal of trash services through Republic Waste Ser- has laid the groundwork for weren’t a lot of churches shared the vision that we had munity of service. At the core vices and for city planning and consulting with Gunda their mission with the new serving the area and step in to and we were able to purchase of that is the church’s vision fill that void. this property in 2015,” Rush of building community and Corporation. campus, he said. The church • The council is working with various stakeholders is located near Paetow High “Rather than going to the said. “And we actually bought serving others through an same place (through expand- 50 acres. … We did that inten- “all are welcome” approach, to determine the status of equipment missing off one of School in a group of growing the fire trucks the city purchased. Details will be provid- ing) we wanted to go to a place tionally so that we could sell Rush said. That includes subdivisions that had a lack of ed to city consultants and the equipment identified for where we could impact more off a portion to a developer, so recognizing the diversity in churches serving their area, return. It was unclear whether inventory errors or theft households,” Rush said. not only do they have to cover the Katy area and offering he said. An additional outdoor were the cause of the missing equipment. playground is present and Having an impact in the the development costs but we services in languages other • City Council approved the minutes for its July 9, there is a lot of outdoor space community is important for have great housing for young than English. That includes July 16 and July 28 meetings. to develop as the church needs the church, Rush said. The families and they handle the services in Mandarin Chinese • Approval of the city’s monthly invoices were as the new campus grows from idea is to provide support to drainage side.” and Spanish, currently, though approved. an opening capacity of about single and working parents The campus remains on other languages are expected • Jackson gave a report on the city’s current 400 to a number possibly and show children in the 18 acres of land with plenty of in time. COVID-19 case counts. Ten new cases had been iden- rivaling the original campuses congregation what it means to room for expansion, Rush said. “I hope that this building tified, all of which were at the local rehab center. The church body of about 5,000 serve the community. One ex- The campus will start out with is a blessing to all the roof- city’s total case count is 60 to-date with no fatalities as worshipers. ample is that the church shuts a basic capacity of 400, though tops around us and all these of the meeting. Jackson did not provide the number of Rush said the new church down once a year and has the social distancing protocols the people,” Rush said. “More recoveries. was not originally in the card. youth of the church accom- church has set in place will importantly I hope that this Brookshire City Council meets twice monthly and Kinglsand Baptist had original- pany the rest of the church keep that reduced at first. Still, building becomes a conduit of dates and agendas for their meetings may be found at: ly looked at what it would take body out to do good works in the northern Kingsland Baptist blessing to the world.” https://www.brookshiretexas.org/meetings.

est environment possible during ROYAL ISD KATY ISD this pandemic that we’re in. I’m from page 1 from page 1 very appreciative of our staff and the hard work they’ve done all the way from our district, all ys Hein said the developer, LGI Homes, has said the would be asked to perform prior the way up from our campuses development will have a total of about 840 lots. to showing up to class. and all the frontline workers. With an estimated 1.5 students per household, Some of those precautions You’ve got to remember those Freeman Ranch alone is expected to add about 1,260 included using hand sanitizer who’ve been out there working students to the district’s current student body of 2,470 getting on and off school buses, all summer.” students, Kershner said. prescreening for symptoms of McElwain Principal Euber- “Other developers are also looking at buying land COVID-19 at home and using ta Lucas said the challenge of in the district. We’re trying to make sure that we’re out hand sanitizer and sanitizing opening up a brand-new campus in front of that and prepared – not only for growth but desks and other workspaces as added to the strain for her staff as to maintain the facilities that we have so we get longer often as was practicable. The they tried to plan things virtually use out of the facilities that are currently here,” Kershner videos are still available on the in Zoom meeting rooms when said. district’s Smart Restart webpage. hands-on simply makes things While those added residents may put some strain on The idea behind all of those easier. Teachers and staff put in the school system as it works to accommodate the add- ROYAL ISD efforts is to mitigate the risk of extra effort to ensure they were ed students, Hein said it has an added benefit in helping While much of Royal ISD is currently rural, projections by consultants and students contracting the novel ready to get started, she said, and keep the tax rate from increasing despite the debt that inquiries from developers indicate a significant growth in the district’s coronavirus, said KISD Emer- she reiterated that she was proud would be incurred by the bond package, if it is approved student population over the next several years. gency Management Coordinator by voters. Because each lot in the new development is of what McElwain’s faculty and Ruben Martinez at the time. staff had accomplished. improved, it increases the taxable value of the property “While it is not possible to and the added population to the district will also be Building improvements are a large part of the bond For his part, the school’s package, including a prospective new campus un- eliminate all risks associat- namesake, Peter Mcelwain, said paying for the debt, making it so both existing and new ed with the virus, by working homeowners are paying for the improved facilities. der Proposition C and added classrooms at the Early he was glad students would be Childhood Center, Kershner said. The eight-classroom together we can keep everyone able to get back to the business The district’s tax rate last year was $1.427167 per $100 as safe and healthy as possible,” valuation, Hein said. With reductions this year due to addition would be actual classrooms rather than porta- of learning. Even with the masks bles which can present a safety hazard, especially for the Martinez said. it would give them a sense of new state laws and increased property values, that rate Gregorski said he wished the has gone down to $1.321817 per $100 valuation. younger students that attend that campus. normalcy and he felt that an Replacing three buses which are at the end of their teachers could see the smiles in-person classroom setting Hein added that the district’s credit ratings are A+ on kids faces as they returned with Standard and Poor’s and AAA with a Permanent lifespan is also important, Kershner said. would be more conducive to Nine buses total are in Proposition A. Six of the buses to school, but with the mask on quality education than a virtual School Fund Guarantee, setting the district up to re- that was difficult. Still, it was sponsibly manage any bond issuances. are intended to meet the needs of the district as the experience, though he under- student population increases, Klein said. possible to see the happiness in stood why parents would be “Property values have increased and the collection their eyes to be back in school, rate has been high, so based on those two situations, The district also needs to add a road between the cautious given the pandemic. Royal Early Childhod Center and FM 359 to alleviate he said. Since his retirement in 2017, if this bond passes, our tax rate for debt service will “You’ve got to look at their remain the same,” Klein said. traffic in the mornings and reduce the risk of accidents, McElwain has turned to writing Kershner said. eyes and you can see that kind of children’s books, two of which “The stacking program has done well for a long time nonverbal expression with their he has donated to the school, Paying for safety but based on growth there’s a need for (a road) now,” eyes,” Gregorski said. “They’re he said. McElwain hopes to Kershner said the district worked hard at estab- Kershner said. really excited to be here. You can one day be able to come to the lishing its list of needs to include in the three bond tell and you know they want to school and read his books to the proposals. The process began with an assessment from be back with their friends.” students to encourage them to a consultant that looked at growth, facility maintenance Living without Gregorski said he has two pursue literacy. He said he felt and other factors. That led to the formation of the Kershner said that without the bonds, the district students in ninth and twelfth appreciation for the district’s district’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee which reviewed would have to struggle through and find a way to make grades in the district that are move in honoring him by naming the consultant’s findings, looked at feedback from staff, things work. However, without the added classroom excited to be back in class and the school after him. faculty and the community and then came forward with space and potential to purchase land for a new campus, see their friends. “I can’t tell you how proud a recommendation. things would get tight quickly which could negatively The superintendent also and honored I feel that the school Some of the bond items are safety related, Kershner impact students. praised his staff for the hard is named that this particular said. Examples include the replacement of the roof on “We can’t raise taxes,” Kershner said. “So, we would work they’ve done to plan a school is named after me,” McEl- the RISD STEM academy which is simply dilapidated have to just limp along and make do with what we have, return to school while virtually wain said. due to age. and I guess find ways to make sure our facilities extend instructing, meeting and brain- Gregorski, Lucas and McEl- “It leaks in different places and its basically just worn without additional funds.” storming to get the job done. He wain all expressed empathy for (out),” Kershner said. “It’s at the end of its functioning District Marketing Coordinator Christi Ginn said said some teachers will continue the parents and children of KISD lifespan for that building. It’s a 1984 model so it’s been the lack of bond funding would put the district in a very to provide instruction virtually that have faced the challenges there a while.” difficult place and force the administration to piecemeal and have worked throughout the pandemic has put upon them Additional safety features the district is looking to the projects together as best they could. This would be the summer to master the skills since March. implement are security cameras that are interchange- especially true of added classroom capacity in the form needed to make it happen. “Our community’s been able throughout the district, upgrades to the HVAC of a new wing to the district’s facilities and added kitch- “It feels like seven days a through a lot and I appreciate systems at multiple campuses, adding controlled entry en capacity at campuses throughout the district. week people are working,” Gre- their patience and understand- vestibules to multiple buildings and upgrades to play- “It would be very difficult to accommodate that new gorski said. “People have really ing. It’s great to see all of our grounds at the district’s ECC, elementary school and growth without that new wing or new facilities,” Ginn put a lot of effort into this to be kids in our family here again,” STEM Academy. said. able to provide the kids the saf- Gregorski said.

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25425 Kingsland Blvd. | Katy, Texas 77494 Katy Optiks 281.391.2149 19626 Saums Road |Houston, Texas 77084 281.398.4813 Enhancing vision with style 18222 Kingsland Blvd. | Houston, Texas 77094 701 S. Fry Rd. Ste. 125 281.579.6080 Katy, TX 77450 All loans are subject to credit approval. You must be a member or eligible for membership to qualify. 281.492.1209 Requirements for eligibility can be found on our website at bvscu.org/about-us/membership-eligibility. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Messaging and data rates may apply. www.katyoptiks.com Some restrictions may apply on mobile deposit. THE KATY TIMES 6 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 SPORTS KATYTIMES.COM Football returns to Katy area Katy-area teams open practice for delayed regular seasons By COLE McNANNA men and that’s the basis of what athletics are about SPECIAL TO THE KATY TIMES just getting the opportunity to share it with their teammates.” A month after schools in Classes 4A and below Although Chad Simmons and the Taylor Mus- started fall sports practices, the big schools in tangs have many key returners coming back from Classes 5A and 6A of the University Interscholastic last year’s state semifinal run, the head coach said League, including Katy and Royal ISD teams, were the relationships they’ve built among the players able to hit the practice fields earlier this week in and coaching staff will help knead out the early preparation for the football and volleyball seasons kinks. that were delayed due to COVID-19. Sept. 7 also “We have an outstanding staff of guys that coach served as the first day cross country and team kids hard but also have good relationships with tennis squads could compete in interscholastic them and don’t make things where correcting them competition. is anything personal,” Simmons said. “They have re- Football coaches around KISD had been keep- ally bought into preparation, not only how import- ing an eye on how things went in the lower classifi- ant that is but it’s all those little things that nobody cations and were grateful when their time to hit the – unless you’re behind the scenes – really even practice field finally arrived. knows about going into a ball game because you get Gary Joseph and the Katy Tigers are coming off in the ball game and if you prepare, that’ll show up, district championships every year since the 2008- and if you didn’t, that’s going to show up too.” 2009 season, but the bare essentials of the game Todd McVey has delivered a similar message to remain. his Falcons squad at Tompkins, emphasizing on fo- “It’s just great that the kids get an opportu- cusing on the small picture to create the big picture. nity to go play,” Joseph said. “It’s being a part of “It’s not rocket science: if you go out there and FILE PHOTO BY MARK GOODMAN something, I feel like around here they’re a part practice hard and you take care of the little things, Tompkins head football coach Todd McVey looked forward to the 2020 season following an extended of something that’s good, something they’ll have offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Falcons were among Class 5A and 6A programs hitting that will help them grow up to be better young See FOOTBALL, page 7 the field for the first time earlier this week to begin practices.

JOE SOUTHERN Astros starting pitcher Zack Greinke supplied six innings of work against the Texas Rangers Thursday afternoon and struck out nine batters, allowed only three earned runs to score and yielded one walk to improve his record this year to 4-0.

EDDIE GASPAR/THE DAILY TEXAN Astros swept TCU had been scheduled to play its rival SMU on Friday, Sept. 11. by Angels to TCU-SMU game postponed By SAMI SPARBER after some TCU football athletes and letes and support staff in our football start road trip THE TEXAS TRIBUNE support staff tested positive for the program have tested positive for virus, said Jeremiah Donati, TCU’s COVID-19,” Donati said. “Those By COLE McNANNA Plans to press forward with major director of intercollegiate athletics, in individuals were notified immediate- SPECIAL TO THE KATY TIMES college football in Texas have been a statement. Donati did not indicate ly and are currently abiding by CDC dealt an early setback after Texas how many athletes or staff tested protocols.” Following an 8-4 win last Thursday on a get- Christian University canceled its first positive but said “no one is currently The Big 12 Conference announced away day to salvage a series win over the intrastate football game originally scheduled facing serious health issues.” in August its football season would rival Texas Rangers, the Houston Astros were for Sept. 4 due to COVID-19. “In the course of following CDC move forward as scheduled, with swept in their four-game series against the Los The game against Southern guidelines and our aggressive testing member schools agreeing to Angeles Angels to begin a 10-day, 11-game west Methodist University, rescheduled and contact tracing strategy, we coast road trip. for Sept. 11, was canceled Friday discovered that some student-ath- See POSTPONED, page 7

See ASTROS, page 7 Student athletes tested thrice a week for coronavirus By SAMI SPARBER Conference and school officials say enhanced THE TEXAS TRIBUNE testing for sports is necessary to protect athletes, support staff and the teams they compete against. Athletics officials at Texas universities spent It’s an impressive regimen, public health experts months planning for a fall football season during a agree. But that same level of testing is not available pandemic. As conferences deliberated how teams to other Texas college students — even those living could safely compete in the age of coronavirus, in high-risk settings like dorms. proponents hoped enhanced coronavirus testing Universities don’t follow the same testing meth- for athletes would ease any lingering doubts. ods and report cases differently, so there’s no way It worked. Within the month, five major Texas to compare outcomes since classes began again. football programs are slated to play. In football and Texas A&M University reported 327 new pos- other high contact sports like soccer and volley- itive tests the week ending Aug. 29, down slightly ball, athletes will be tested three times a week, from the 371 it reported a week prior. Between according to directives from the Big 12 Conference Sept. 1 and Sept. 3, The University of Texas at and Southeastern Conference. Austin reported 103 new positive cases, more than For teams competing on a Saturday, that might doubling in three days the amount it reported for mean a test Sunday, another Wednesday, and a all of August. Baylor also reported 101 new cases final, rapid-results test Friday, said Kenny Boyd, a during that time frame. MIGUEL GUTIERREZ JR./THE TEXAS TRIBUNE Baylor University senior associate athletic director. Public health experts say schools need to Public health experts say Texas universities should increase testing of all students to prevent community Non-conference opponents must also adhere to spread of the coronavirus as classes resume. testing protocols that match conference standards. See TESTED, page 7

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relationships are relationships, and the like to have their season end in a single FOOTBALL one thing we are good at is building night,” Gotte said of the Class of 2020. TESTED from page 6 relationships with kids.” “Our seniors now have really come from page 6 Jimmy Hamon said the Seven Lakes out with a sense of urgency, they’ve (good things happen),” McVey said. “I Spartans looked forward to getting worked hard and I’m just excited dramatically ramp up testing in order to catch “silent outside of their comfort zone. just listened to something from Herm they’re going to get an opportunity to spread” fueled by students who are infected but don’t “Some things are going to be un- Edwards where he talked about, you go out and play.” have symptoms. comfortable for us and we’re going to can’t cheat the game. The work (you) Also hitting the practice fields for In Texas, that means colleges should be testing have to try things differently than we’ve do in the dark is going to pay off under the first time was the Brookshire Royal everyone as much as the athletes, said Diana Cervant- done in the past, but change is not the lights on a Friday night.” Falcon football team. Despite compet- es, an epidemiologist at the University of North Texas necessarily a bad thing and some of ing in Class 4A, the school experienced Health Science Center. Veteran coaches like Morton the things that we’ve done differently Ranch’s Ron Counter managed his way delays in their season due to positive “If you really wanted to find out what’s going on might be things we want to keep for the tests and the school’s proximity to the … you’re going to have to do more intense and more through an unprecedented offseason future that we would have never tried but was happy to have the hard work Katy and Lamar Consolidated school frequent, routine testing,” Cervantes said. “Because had this not happened,” Hamon said. districts. right now, all of the schools and universities and public behind him. Cinco Ranch’s Chris Dudley also Head coach Greg Anderson and schools, they’re really relying on symptomatic screen- “I’ve been doing this for a long time, wanted his players to embrace the his team held their first practice on ing. They’re not doing a lot of testing.” this is my 32nd or so year coaching, 20 challenges presented with the season Wednesday, Sept. 2 and had to trim years as a head coach and there’s never and looked forward to it building up been anything like this,” Counter said. the Cougars. three games off the schedule to allow Testing for “silent spread” “Every day was a new adventure, (and “There’s going to be adversity time for the team to get into game Many colleges in Texas offer diagnostic testing for we) just had to be flexible and kind of throughout the season just like there shape. students, faculty and staff who have symptoms of the roll with it and take things day by day.” is in any season but it’s really how you “They were in good spirits, they virus. But routine testing for those without symptoms Brian Randle, who took over at respond to all that,” said Dudley. “Keep were glad to be back out there just as or exposure to a positive case is less prevalent, even Mayde Creek this winter, agreed the your eye on what’s important and don’t the coaches were after such a long as the CDC estimates 40% of COVID-19 infections are adversity was a new hurdle but pitched get too caught up in some of the other hiatus where we couldn’t do anything,” asymptomatic. a task to his new team. things that can pull a team down.” Anderson said. “Yeah, I would have A. David Paltiel, a professor at the Yale School of “I challenged those kids to say, On the Class 5A stage, only the rather had the full month of August Public Health, said frequent testing for asymptomatic ‘Hey this does not get to be an excuse second senior class of Paetow Panthers to practice and be further ahead of spread is crucial to controlling college outbreaks. Given for us to be unsuccessful this season, hit the field for the first practices of where we are right now but they all the infectiousness of the coronavirus, schools should because it happened for everybody,’” their final high school season and head had really good attitudes (Wednesday). be testing everyone every three or four days, he said. Randle said. “Yes, you’re learning a coach B.J. Gotte looked forward to this They got here at 3:30, 4 o’clock even “By far, the most powerful variable that administra- new offense, yes, you’re learning a new group expanding on the progress. though we’re not practicing until 6 just tors control is testing frequency,” Paltiel said. “If you’re defense, yes, you have new coaches but “They really didn’t know what it felt because they want to be up here.” only springing into action when symptoms emerge … it’s like a fire department that only responds to calls when the house is already known to have been burnt to the ground.” As Texas continues to report thousands of new cases while it sat second in total runs scored a day, some colleges in states with fewer infections POSTPONED ASTROS (216), third in doubles (79) and fourth in have launched aggressive testing campaigns. The Uni- from page 6 from page 6 extra-base hits (138). versity of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires students, Kyle Tucker has been on fire over his faculty and staff to be tested twice a week. enhanced testing for ath- A five-game set featuring a Tuesday last 20 games, supplying a .382 average, Among Texas schools that have rolled out plans to letes. The TCU-SMU game doubleheader with first-place Oakland be- five triples and seven home runs to help catch silent spread, officials vary on how much testing would have been the first gan Monday with Houston 3.5 games back tally 28 RBI. Entering play on Monday, to offer, who exactly should be tested and whether that involving a Big 12 team this in the American League West standings Tucker had driven in 37 runs on the testing should be mandatory. season. Texas Tech Uni- and 20 games remaining on its schedule. season and ranked fourth in the Majors Baylor University stands out as one of the few Texas versity, Baylor University This will be the final meeting between behind only Jose Abreu (40), Fernan- institutions to mandate participation in testing. The and the University of Texas the Astros and Athletics in the regular do Tatis Jr. (39) and Mike Trout (38). private Christian university is requiring all students, at Austin all have games season, although only two of the 10 In the extra-base hits category, his 22 faculty, staff and vendors to test if selected, warning scheduled for Sept. 12. scheduled games were played at Hous- ranked third behind Abreu and Anthony that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. A handful of Texas ton’s Minute Maid Park where the hosts Santander, who had 25 each. Unlike other Texas universities, Baylor also required a teams that play outside the went 2-0. Oakland similarly benefitted Michael Brantley has come through negative test from all students and employees before Power Five conferences — from home-field advantage and owned a with runners in scoring position to record they returned to campus. SMU, Texas State Uni- 3-0 record at The Coliseum over the Astros a .480 average with a baserunner on UT-Austin, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech versity, Houston Baptist entering play Monday. either second or third base, which also is University encourage participation in asymptomatic University, the University Dating back to 2015, Houston has best in baseball. He’s helped the Astros’ testing but stop short of requiring it. Texas Christian of North Texas, Stephen F. won the season series each year over the team average with runners in scoring University does not offer routine testing for students Austin University and the Athletics but will need to manage at least position climb to .283, which is third-best without symptoms, according to The Dallas Morning University of Texas at El a 3-2 record to split the contests in the in MLB. News. Paso — have games sched- shortened season to extend the streak. It has been Martin Maldonado, how- Cervantes worries a voluntary approach could allow uled for Saturday. Through the first 40 games played, the ever, who has emerged as a team MVP outbreaks to go undetected, especially if some students Donati said TCU will Astros held a 21-19 record and led the Ma- candidate by catching 32 of the team’s 40 dodge the invitation to test. continue following preven- jor Leagues with 39 1st-inning runs scored games with a .255 batting average and a “If it’s optional then people could self-select tion and testing protocols ahead of Minnesota and Seattle who are team-leading .386 on-base percentage themselves out of that,” Cervantes said. “Let’s say I ahead of their conference tied for second with 30. Houston also led with four home runs and 20 RBI. He ranks think I had a high-risk exposure and I think that testing opener against Iowa State MLB in runs per game (5.4), strikeouts per first among AL catchers in RBI (20), walks positive is going to mean something detrimental to me, on Sept. 26. plate appearances (5.01) and triples (10) (19) and runs scored (17). maybe I’d decide not to get tested.” Water District Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 163 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 9:30 a.m., by teleconference at 1-877-336-1831, Access Code: 1721562 . Your individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. 2020 FOR the proposal: K. Dean, C. Maluski, J. Hundl, R. Patrick & A. Yoder AGAINST the proposal: (none)

PRESENT and not voting: (none) The Katy Times Best of Katy ABSENT: (none) The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing Contest 2020 is underway! unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Last Year This Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $ 0.900/$100 $ 0.900/$100 Adopted Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.000 /$100

Percentage increase/decrease Nominations in rates (+/-) 0.0000%

are closed Average appraised residence homestead value $549,407 $566,166

General homestead exemptions available Voting Begins (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0

Sept. 21 Average residence homestead taxable value $549,407 $566,166

Tax on average residence homestead $4,944.66 $5,095.49

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if Visit www.katytimes.com proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $150.83 and percentage of increase (+/-) 3.0504% Sept. 21 - Oct. 9 NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE to vote for your favorite business If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by in each category! more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223. 8 n THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 n THE KATY TIMES Call 281-391-3141 or visit www.katytimes.com to place your ad today!

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PUBLISHER’S 620 850 950 950 950 950 950 950 NOTICE: HOUSES FOR SALE All real estate advertising in this HELP WANTED PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limi- 2,000 SQ FT, 4 tation or discrimination based on RECEPTION- race, color, religion, sex, handicap, IST/OPTOMET- bedroom, 3 bath, familial status or national origin, or NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF an intention or discrimination.” Fa- RIC ASSISTANT fireplace, kitchen milial status includes children under ADDITIONAL OUT-OF-DISTRICT the age of 18 living with parents or FOR optometrist MEETING PLACE OF THE BOARD OF island, granite legal custodians, pregnant women office. We will and people securing custody of chil- downstairs bar dren under 18. train. Please DIRECTORS OF FORT BEND-WALLER This newspaper will not knowing- located in quiet ly accept any advertising for real es- send resume to COUNTIES MUNICIPAL UTILITY neighborhood in tate which is in violation of the law. katy_family_eye_ DISTRICT NO. 3 Our readers are hereby informed care1@hushmail. Notice of Public Hearing Crystal Beach, that all dwellings advertised in this To the residents and taxpayers of Fort Bend-Waller Counties newspaper are available on an equal com or fill out ap- Notice is hereby given that the City of Pattison will hold Tx by School. For opportunity basis. To complain of Municipal Utility District No. 3 (the “District”), and to all discrimination call HUD toll-free plication at 1313 a Public Hearing on the proposed FY 20-21 Budget. The more information, at 1-800-669-9777. the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of The toll-free tele- Fry Rd., Katy Public Hearing will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2020 call 936-488- phone number for the Directors of such District: hearing impaired is 77449 281-579- at 7:00 P.M 1314. 1-800-927-9275. 6939 Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Meeting will be held by videoconference pursuant to District, at a meeting held August 26, 2020, established Texas Government Code Chapter 551, and in accordance an additional meeting place outside the boundaries of the ADVERTISE! 281-391-3141 with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, District at LJA Engineering, Inc., 3600 W. Sam Houston Governor Abbott has suspended various provisions that Parkway S., Ste 600, Houston, TX 77042. 900 900 900 require government officials and members of the public BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS to be physically present at a specified meeting location. Said meeting place is hereby declared to be a public place OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES and open to the public. All residents and taxpayers of the Members of the public will be entitled to participate District and all other interested persons are hereby invited and address the governmental body during the to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such Public Auction videoconference meeting by contacting the City location and other locations previously established by the Secretary via email at [email protected]. Board of Directors as meeting places of the District. GUNS & COLLECTIBLE MONEY OF ESTATE gov or call 281-934-3715 to receive information about SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 @ 10:00A.M. logging into the videoconference. /s/ Austin Goings Secretary, Board of Directors LOCATED: WHEELER COUNTY SHOW BARNS, WHEELER, TX. The proposed budget is posted on the website: RIFLES—SHOTGUNS—HANDGUNS— https://pattison.texas.gov/financial-transparency/. BLACK POWDER—COLLECTIBLE SILVER COINS & MORE! Contact the City Secretary at 281-934-3715 or via email at Full Listing, Pictures, & Directions @ www.loydsauction.com [email protected] with any questions. See Lyndon Loyd Auctioneers On Facebook NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Lyndon Loyd Auctioneers FOR THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN 806.334.0407 (Lic. 7119) 900 900 900 LANDS FROM HARRIS-WALLER Cole Wilson Auctioneers BUSINESS BUSINESS BUSINESS 806.662.5796 (Lic.17319) OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES COUNTIES MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 4 Notice is hereby given that Harris-Waller Counties Municipal Utility District No. 4 (the “District”) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., by teleconference at (888) 204-5984, Access Code: 2868263, with access by telephone available to the public, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.125 and Governor Greg Abbott’s emergency disaster declaration dated March 13, 2020, for the following purpose: TexSCAN Week of GENERATORS CONDUCT HEARING ON EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN LANDS FROM HARRIS-WALLER COUNTIES Sept. 6, 2020 GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 4 increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power All interested property owners have the right to present ACREAGE petitions for exclusion of land or other property and offer outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 evidence in support of the petitions and the right to contest Hunting/investment/recreational property. We value!). Schedule your FREE in-home assessment the proposed exclusion based on either a petition or the Board of Director’s own conclusion and to offer evidence have some of the best in Texas! From the Hill Country today. Call 1-855-704-8579. Special financing for in support of the contest. (Edwards, Menard, Coke, Val Verde County, free qualified customers. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ranging exotics) to South Texas (Kinney, Duval, Live INTERNET /s/ Rhonda Patterson Oak County, whitetail, hogs). Large or small acreage. President, Board of Directors 30-year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo /s/ Ruth Delaunay Call toll-free or email for individual prices and terms, agmt. Includes 1 TB of data per month. Get More For Secretary, Board of Directors www.ranchenterprisesltd.com, 800-876-9720. Your High-Speed Internet Thing. Ask us how to bundle and SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. Call us today AUCTIONS 1-855-439-5457. Public Auction, Wheeler County Show Barns, OIL AND GAS RIGHTS Wheeler, TX, 10 a.m., Sat., Sept. 12. Guns Collectible September 3 Money of Estate: rifles, shotguns, handguns, black We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing powder, collectible silver coins and more. Full listing, and producing including non-Participating Royalty pictures and directions at www.loydsauction.com or see Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an Puzzle Answers Lyndon Loyd Auctioneers on Facebook. 806-334-0407 offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ or 806-662-5796. gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800. V & V Machine Shop Auction, 2915 S. Zarzamora St., Bldg. N, San Antonio, TX. Bid live online or in person MEDICAL Sat., Sept. 12, 10 a.m. View: Fri. Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; sale day 8-10 a.m. 335 Lots – Milling Machines, Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Lathes, Drill Bits, Welder, & More. Bring folding Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the chair. See website for details: www.siskauction.com, compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. 361-456-7771. 10%/12% Buyers Premium, John Sisk Free information kit! Call 866-747-9983. Auctioneers, Inc. Txs #7425 Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with Halliburton Real Estate Auctions – Texas Auctions GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL Oct. 7. Locations Include Industrial, Warehouse, Office 844-831-1525. FREE Brochure. & Land Properties in Brownfield, Odessa & Sonora. 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THE KATY TIMES KATY TIMES KatyTimes.com THE KATY TIMES FAITH THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 9 KATYTIMES.COM

Born September 14, 1926 worked for 15 years at Beaumont in Keechi, Leon County, Texas Eye Associates as a Greeter and passed away in her sleep Septem- Records Clerk until she retired Christ Clinic’s Breakfast ber 1, 2020. She at age 75. She was the middle moved to Katy daughter of Texas where she for a Blessing goes virtual James Thomas spent the past 14 By R. HANS MILLER “Jim” Lummus years. NEWS EDITOR and Myrtle Fay is survived Mable Dolson. by 3 children: Christ Clinic will be cele- She is preceded Janie & husband, brating its twentieth Breakfast in death by her Rodney Cain, for a Blessing event this year parents, her James & wife, – though with a few changes husband, James Sheila Smith and given the COVID-19 pandem- Francis “Boots” Julie Buckner. ic. The local nonprofit, which PATRICIA ANNE GIBSON Smith, sisters Her 6 Grandchil- helps uninsured patients re- 1942-2020 Jodie Vivian “Jo” dren are Eric Neal ceive affordable medical care, Lummus McVey & wife, Kathryn has teamed up with Houston The family of Patricia & husband, Schaefer Cain, Methodist Hospital and the Anne Gibson is saddened Bruce of New- Brandy C. Craig Fulshear-Katy Chamber of to announce her passing on AUDREY FAY LUMMUS SMITH ton, Kansas and 1926-2020 & husband, Matt Commerce to present a virtual August 30th, 2020 at the age of Addie Pauline Unger, R. Tyler event. 78. She is preceded in death Lummus Roll & Craig & Crystal L. Fulshear-Katy Chamber by her parents Roy and Hazel husband, Al from Houston, Texas. Suzuki, Jamie D. Smith, Andrew T. President Don McCoy will COURTESY CHRIST CLINIC Gibson, her 3 siblings Myrna Fay attended Buffalo High Craig and Ciara N. Smith. She is host the virtual event which Taylor, Leroy Gibson, and Er- School class of 1944 where she also survived by 3 Great Grand- will feature GoodRx Chief of Ordinarily, Christ Clinic’s Breakfast for a nest Gibson, and her husband played the bass and violin as well children: Aiden Rory Cain, Saylor Research Thomas Goetz. Goetz Blessing event is live and in-person with Vern Simon. She will be dearly fun features like photo booths, but due missed by her children, grand- as being elected Homecoming Fay Elizabeth Unger and Kai Noe is a researcher who is an expert Queen. She joined her sister, Jo, Craig. She also has several nieces, in applying data and design to to COVID-19 concerns, the clinic has gone children, and great-grandchil- virtual with this year’s funding drive. dren. We love you. in Beaumont where she attended nephews and cousins. assist patients in making better Let not your heart be trou- Lamar University for a year then Fay will be cremated and laid health care decisions. Goetz bled: ye believe in God, believe met and married James Francis to rest in Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 was co-founder of Iodine.com medical nonprofit which is also in me. In my Father’s Smith. They were married 34 years Pine St., Beaumont Texas at the which is now part of the Go- located a short distance from house are many mansions: if it and lived in Beaumont for most Grand Avenue and Caldwell block. odRx family of companies and Katy Mills said this event is were not so, I would have told of those years before moving to The interment will be Saturday, was previously executive editor one of the oranization’s largest you. I go to prepare a place for Country Lane Estates in Lumber- November 7, 2020 at Noon. In lieu at “WIRED.” fundraisers and usually brings you. And if I go and prepare ton Texas in April 1970. of flowers please make a donation Meals will be delivered – or in almost $100,000 annually. a place for you, I will come Fay along with then pastor to the Wesley United Methodist may be picked up in-person – Tickets for meals are $75 each again, and receive you unto Sharon Watts and some other vol- Church, 3810 N. Major Dr., Beau- through Great Harvest Bread and the website for the event myself; that where I am, there unteers began Meals on Wheels in mont Texas 77713 or the Parkin- Company. is https://christclinickaty.org/ ye may be also. — John 14:1-3 Beaumont. In her later years Fay son’s Research Foundation. A press release from the breakfast-2020.

This devotional page and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all of us to Devotional Page attend worship services. For more information, see our Church Directory Online at www.katytimes.com BAKER’S BOOKS The Katy Times Usually Open: Wed-Fri: 2-6 PM Sat: 10-1PM Directory ofLocal Churches @22237 Katy Frwy., TX (ad revised: 01/03/20) & Houses of Worship

ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH OF CHRIST FAITH WEST CHURCH EL SHADDAI ASAMBLEA DE DIOS CHURCH OF CHRIST - KATY 2225 PORTER ROAD • 281-391-LIFE Your Ad Here! GARY KERR, PASTOR 5610 LILAC STREET • 281-391-8339 5438 E. 5TH STREET • 281-391-7606 THE FELLOWSHIP Call Debbie for more information PASTORS, PETER & ESTELA PINON CINCO RANCH CHURCH OF CHRIST FAMILY LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 6655 S. MASON ROAD • 281-579-3100 22765 WESTHEIMER PARKWAY • 281-395-3950 WWW.THEFELLOWSHIP.ORG 24911 ROESNER ROAD • 281-392-0637 AARON WALLING, MINISTER JERRY EDMONSON, PASTOR 281-391-3141 ALBERT CORTEZ, PASTOR • WWW.FLAG.CHURCH CHURCH OF CHRIST IN FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH JOURNEY CHURCH BRIDGEWATER 1507 KATY FLEWELLEN RD. • 281-646-1084 541 PIN OAK ROAD, KATY • 281-391-3326 21650 CRESTBROOK COVE DR. KATY, TX 77449 DON GRIFFIN, PASTOR SUNDAY SERVICE AT 10:30 AM FRY ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST HOSANNA! WWW.JOURNEYCHURCHKATY.COM 2510 FRY ROAD AT FRANZ • 281-578-1897 FUNERAL HOME 17700 CLAY RD. • 281-345-1182 JEREMIAH HILL, LEAD PASTOR BOB PULLIAM JAMES P. BELL, PASTOR Serving Katy and West Houston since 1945 WESTPARK CHURCH OF CHRIST KAINOS COMMUNITY CHURCH BAPTIST MEETING AT FULSHEAR COMMUNITY CENTER (281) 391-2424 19946 SAUMS ROAD • 281-599-1473 1508 East Avenue • Katy, Texas 77493 ANTIOCH MISSIONARY 281-712-1492 JOE AND YOLAND HERRON-PALMORE, Mailing Address: 1415 East Avenue, Suite B • Katy, Texas 77493 BAPTIST CHURCH WWW.WESTPARKCOC.ORG PASTORS 655 DANOVER • 281-391-2263 EPISCOPAL KATY BIBLE CHURCH TYRONE FREEMAN, PASTOR CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES 2500 AVENUE D BRIDGEWATER BAPTIST CHURCH 1225 W. GRAND PARKWAY SOUTH • 281-392- 281-391-7284 • 281-391-6855 A/C & FRANZ ELEMENTARY 3310 MATT MANCINI, PASTOR Heating 2751 WESTGREEN BLVD. • 281-578-0970 TRUE FIX ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL KATY COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP Lic #TACLB004843E MICHAEL THOMPSON, PASTOR 1936 DREXEL, KATY • 281-391-2785 24102 KINGSLAND BOULEVARD Quality Service for over 42 Years CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH REV. MARK WILKINSON 281-391-0099 Living in KATY, Working in KATY & KATY Proud 281-392-9334 MAYDE CREEK TIM BARKER, PASTOR “We’re in Your Neighborhood and 2855 GREENHOUSE ROAD • 281-492-2689 LUTHERAN KINDRED SPIRIT We’ll Be Here When You Need Us” www.truefix.com LARRY MADDOX, PASTOR CROSSPOINT COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP KATY’S FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 700 S. WESTGREEN • 281-398-6464 22025 I-10 W., 281-492-6064 600 PIN OAK • 281-391-1100 PAUL GOEKE, LEAD PASTOR RAMADA LIMITED HOTEL, RM. 306 21715 Kingsland Blvd. Ste. 105 COLEMAN PHILLEY, SR. PASTOR 281-855-3402 • REV. L. R. FURR, PASTOR LIVING WORD Katy Tx, 77450 GOOD NEWS BAPTIST CHURCH EVANGELICAL-LUTHERAN LIFE CHURCH katyteeth.com OF HOUSTON 3700 SOUTH MASON ROAD 2610 GREENBUSCH • 281-395-5433 2502 KATY HOCKLEY CUT-OFF • 281-391-9199 281-392-2300 SAM RUDD, PASTOR M-Th 7am-7pm VIRGIL YEHNERT, PASTOR MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHRISTS MERCY Fri. 7am-3pm KINGSLAND BAPTIST CHURCH MISSOURI-SYNOD 3506 PORTER RD. Sat. 8am-2pm 20555 KINGSLAND BLVD. • 281-492-0785 3RD ST. & AVE. D, KATY • 281-391-0171 281-391-2273 PASTOR RYAN RUSH JOHN DAVIS WADE CASHION, PASTOR License # 9157 PARKWAY FELLOWSHIP VICTORY OF THE LAMB– NEW HORIZONS 27043 FM 1093 • 281-391-6673 WISCONSIN SYNOD WORD OF FAITH CHURCH WWW.PARKWAYFELLOWSHIP.COM 20351 CINCO RANCH BLVD. @ PEEK RD. 906 AVENUE A (CHAPEL) PASTOR: MIKE MCGOWN 281-395-0544 • NATHAN BUEGE, PASTOR 281-391-6770 REDEEMER COMMUNITY CHURCH EDDIE L. STALLWORTH-CHERRY, JR., PASTOR P.O. Box 758 281-931-1833 24201 CINCO RANCH BLVD. • 281-371-21-56 METHODIST NORTHWEST BELIEVERS CHURCH Katy, Texas 77492 Fax: 281-391-1845 MITCH MAHER, PASTOR FIRST UNITED METHODIST - KATY 5423 E FIFITH STREET • 281-829-8985 www.landscapebycountrycare.com • [email protected] LARRY CONNER, PASTOR RIVER BEND BAPTIST CHURCH 5601 FIFTH STREET • 281-391-2121 Irrigation, Sales & Service 26700 FM 1093. • 281-346-2279 DR. RICHARD L. WHITE, SENIOR PASTOR POWERHOUSE CHRISTIAN CENTER P.O. Box 758 • Katy, TX 77492 Katy Hardware WWW.RIVERBENDC.ORG GRACE FELLOWSHIP 1818 KATYLAND ROAD • 281-391-0095 UNITED METHODIST CHURCH G. F. WATKINS, PASTOR Hardware Store Kay & Mickey Powers, Owners JOHN C. CROWE, PASTOR 281-391-1833 Your Hometown SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, 2655 S. MASON ROAD CREEKSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH Fax: 281-391-1845 559 Pin Oak Rd. (NEXT TO GREAT S.W. EQUESTRIAN CENTER) MEETING @ WOODCREEK J.H.S • 713-705-4878 Katy, TX 77494 West Campus 19449 KATY FREEWAY • 713-465-3408 281-646-1903 • JIM LEGGETT, PASTOR RESURRECTION CITY CHURCH OF Albert W. Thompson HOLY COVENANT UNITED Owner 281-391-3437 • Fax 281-391-6922 DR. ED YOUNG, PASTOR KATY 23855 CINCO RANCH BLVD. METHODIST www.katyhardware.com TRI-COUNTY BAPTIST DR. BLANCHARD D. LAYTON, SR., SENIOR PASTOR www.landscapebycountrycare.com • cSUountITEryc 240are@ KAconsTYoli, TXdat e7749d.net4 5715 PEEK ROAD • 281-371-3900 22111 MORTON ROAD (AT MASON) • 281-579-1200 MINISTER CRISELDA VALVERDE, TEL. 281.579.7400 RICK SHRADER, PASTOR FRED WILLIS, SENIOR PASTOR ASSISTANT TO THE PASTOR Katy Veterinary Clinic TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH ST. PETER’S CHURCH SERVICES: 11:30 - 1:00 3 Praise be to the God and Father Serving the Greater Katy Area Since 1964 UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 10000 SPRING GREEN BLVD. 5819 10TH STREET 20775 KINGSLAND BLVD. • 281-492-8031 Kari Cleavinger, D.V.M. • Lori Smith, D.V.M. KATY, TX 77494 CHURCH #: 281-291-8596 of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father DR. PAT SPARKS, PASTOR Hillary Barra, D.V.M. • Catherine Berry, DVM 281-579-6724 • TRINITY-KATY.ORG PASTOR'S CELL 832-332-4687 Jessica Machala, DVM of compassion and the God of all What every PASTOR JOSH GUAJARDO MINISTER’S CELL: 832-335-2552 pet deserves. MORMON 27227 Hwy. Blvd., Katy WESTLAND BAPTIST CHURCH CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF CROSSINGS COMMUNITY CHURCH comfort, Open M-F 7-6 • Sat 8-12 www.katyvetclinic.com 281-391-3169 • 1407 GRAND PARKWAY SOUTH • 281-392-5099 LATTER DAY SAINTS 26100 CINCO RANCH BLVD. KATY, TX 77494 ROY MEADOWS, PASTOR 1928 DREXEL WWW.CROSSINGSCOMMUNITYCHURCH.ORG 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, WESTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH & 281-391-0687 MEETS AT 10:40 AM AT KILPATRICK ELEMENTARY ACADEMY 281-391-5439 so that we can comfort those in any 3883 LAKES OF BRIDGEWATER DR • 281-492- CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF 3448 LATTER DAY SAINTS PENTECOSTAL trouble with the comfort we ourselves TRINITY FAITH CHURCH REV. RICHARD D. BUTTS, PASTOR 1603 Norwalk 10TH & AVE. D • 281-391-3310 receive from God. 281-578-8934 DR. PHILLIP AND JILL CELEMENTS, PASTORS ANGLICAN BISHOP SCOTT BAUER THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. MATTHIAS NOTTINGHAM COUNTRY WARD HERITAGE FAMILY CHURCH 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 2120 KATY HOCKLEY CUTOFF • 281-391-1010 DIOCESE OF MID AMERICA 281-578-8930 MICHAEL FILLMER, PASTOR 4142 DAYFLOWER • 281-463-2304 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF WWW.HERITAGEFAMILYKATY.ORG GRACE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY LATTER DAY SAINTS 24968 KATY RANCH ROAD, KATY, TEXAS 77494 9950 SOUTH MASON THE PENTECOSTALS OF KATY 281-769-5544 281-398-7796 1941 WESTBOROUGH • 281-829-1175 Your Ad WWW.GRACEANGLICANKATY.COM ROB MCKEE, PASTOR RECTOR: ROBERT HENSON NAZARENE WESTSIDE CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN CATHOLIC OF THE NAZARENE CORNERSTONE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD CATHOLIC Here! 3434 FRY ROAD • 281-492-0234 EVANGELICAL-PRESBYTERIAN 1530 NORWALK DR. (NOTTINGHAM) • 281-578-0707 REV. KENT SCHWAMBERGER, PASTOR 1351 S. MASON RD. • 281-579-1080 FR. TOM LAM REV. CARTER SANGER, PASTOR Call Debbie ST. BARTHOLOMEW CHURCH NON-DENOMINATIONAL GRAND LAKES PRESBYTERIAN 5356 ELEVENTH ST. • 281-391-4758 CHURCH ON THE ROCK 6035 S. FRY RD. FR. CHRISTOPHER PLANT, PASTOR 433 S. BARKER CYPRESS • 281-599-9777 REV. DEAN POGUE, PASTOR for more information ST. EDITH STEIN CATHOLIC JORGE H. CARDENAS, PASTOR 281-646-7500 COMMUNITY BELIEVERS’ WORLD OUTREACH CHURCH NEW HOPE PRESBYTERIAN 3311 N. FRY ROAD • 281-492-7500 1600 WOODS ROAD • 888-334-BWOC(2962) 1350 N. MASON ROAD • 281-492-8520 REV. BRIAN LONG 281-391-3141 REV. RYSZARD KULMA, PASTOR TOMMY AND RACHEL BURCHFIELD, PASTOR CHRIST CHURCH PCA When the cares CHRISTIAN THE EMPOWERMENT CENTER 10818 GASTON ROAD FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 20910 PARK ROW 281-392-0002 of my heart (Disciples of Christ) Your Ad Here! 281-578-3535 REV. FRED GRECO, SENIOR PASTOR are many, 22101 MORTON ROAD • 281-492-2693 DAVID ROBERSON, PASTOR Call Debbie for more information REV. HEATHER TOLLESON, MINISTER FAITH MANGER CHURCH SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST your consolations CURRENT-A CHRISTIAN CHURCH 20701 KINGSLAND BLVD. @ DOMINION SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH cheer my soul. 26600 WESTHEIMER PKWY • 281-395-4722 281-578-2550 1913 EAST AVENUE• 281-398-1301 281-391-3141 DARREN WALTER, MINISTER DAVID L. BROWN, PASTOR PASTOR RICHARD DEVOST Psalms 94:19 • Printing/Copies Keller & Sadler, CPA’s KellerA Partnership & ofSadler, Professional Corporations CPA’s • Office Supplies A Partnership of Professional Corporations Office: 281-392-5744 • Fax Service Office: 281-392-5744 1260 Pin Oak Rd., Suite 114 Office:Fax: 281-392-5818 281-392-5744 5807 Hwy Blvd., Katy 1260 Pin Oak Rd., Suite 114 Fax: 281-392-5818 Katy,1260 TX Pin 77494 Oak Rd., Suite 114 Steve@kellerandFax: 281-392-5818sadlercpas.com Katy, TX 77494 [email protected] katyprinters.com • 281-391-7072 Katy, TX 77494 [email protected] Believe THE KATY TIMES 10 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 NEWS KATYTIMES.COM Harris bail reform not leading to new crimes By JOLIE McCULLOUGH and legislation target felony cases, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE some opponents fear the increased releases will free people who A new report examining the would then commit more crimes. impact of recent changes to bail Police officials and union lead- practices in Harris County found ers have recently pointed to people that releasing more misdemeanor released from jail before trial on defendants from jail without re- felony-level charges who then are quiring cash bail did not lead to an suspected of committing new vio- increase in arrests for reoffending. lent crimes, including murder. By The findings are being cited as Sept. 2 afternoon, Houston Police a win by criminal justice reform Chief Art Acevedo and Houston advocates who have long argued Police Officers’ Union President that cash-bail requirements unfair- Joe Gamaldi did not respond to ly penalize poor defendants who questions asked the prior day can’t afford release from jail before about the report. trial. Harris County’s new bail Wednesday’s report was the system only targets misdemean- first by independent monitors ap- or crimes, where the longest pointed by a federal judge as part sentence possible if convicted is of a settlement order in a lengthy a year. Harris County also allows lawsuit that led to changes in the inmates with good conduct to bail system in Texas’ most pop- trim two-thirds of their sentence, ulous county. Civil rights groups meaning they could be released in have noted the case as the first to four months on a year sentence. put America’s cash bail system on Garrett said the fear of people trial in federal court. released committing new crimes MICHAEL STRAVATO FOR THE TEXAS TRIBUNE “This misdemeanor bail reform is common among changing bail is working as intended, and there The Harris County Jail in Houston. The county’s new bail system only targets misdemeanor crimes, where the longest sentence possible if convicted is a systems but that the data so far are real results,” said Brandon Gar- year. Texas’ most populous county changed its bail practices for misdemeanor defendants last year after a lengthy lawsuit challenging cash bail. doesn’t support it. rett, a law professor at Duke Uni- “Those fears haven’t come to versity and independent monitor narrowed under the county’s new first-named plaintiff is a woman meanor cases and had been fight- pass in other jurisdictions as well,” of the reforms. “Many more people system. Before the lawsuit, white kept in jail on suspicion of driving ing the lawsuit, and replaced them he said. “Sometimes people point are released promptly, cash bond people were more likely to bond with a suspended license because with Democrats. In January 2019, to particular anecdotes. … Anec- amounts are vastly reduced except out of jail before trial than Black she could not afford the $2,500 bail the new judges drastically changed dotes can be powerful, but they in cases where there will be public people. Data on Hispanic defen- set for her case — likely a $250 fee county policies, allowing the large can also be quite misleading.” safety concerns … [and] there has dants is unavailable. if she went through a bail bonds majority of misdemeanor defen- A spokesperson for the Harris been no change in reoffending.” Not included in the report company. dants to qualify for automatic jail County district attorney’s office Changes to the popular cash- is data on how often the defen- The lawsuit argued that the release on no-cash bonds — where seemingly took issue with the bail system — in which defendants dants who were released without county’s largely cash-based bail defendants promise to arrive at report’s methodology behind the can pay for their release from jail payment failed to show up at court system was unconstitutional, since court or they could later have to finding that recidivism had not before trial either by paying the hearings. Bail reform opponents a poor person could be stuck in jail pay. Only those arrested for violat- increased, noting it did not look total, reimbursable amount to the across the country have used rises before trial while another defen- ing bonds, repeat drunken driving specifically at new crimes commit- court or a nonrefundable per- in missed court appearances as dant facing the same charges with or some family violence offenses ted by people out of jail on bond. centage to a bail bonds company ammunition against releasing the same criminal history could would need to first appear before “As they note in their report — have long been opposed by people on no-cash bonds. The walk free if they had access to cash. a court official before release deci- ... they lack adequate data to some law enforcement officials report said appearance rates and In 2017, a federal judge in Hous- sions could be made. examine the effectiveness of su- and conservatives who argue that reasons for missed hearings will be ton agreed, slamming the county In July, county commission- pervision of individuals released defendants who are freed on bond considered in future reports. for its practices and ordering the ers agreed to settle the lawsuit on bond, and that they intend to before a conviction could commit As litigation and legislation release of almost all misdemean- and submitted to the judge the return to this in their next report new crimes while awaiting trial. to change bail systems began to or defendants from jail within 24 already-implemented changes to on their ongoing analysis,” said The report found the rate of spread across the country as a hours of arrest, regardless of their bail decisions — as well as other spokesperson Dane Schiller. new criminal complaints filed criminal justice reform staple, ability to pay. The more conser- changes like reminding people The monitors said in the report against misdemeanor defendants Harris County became entrenched vative appeals court later walked of their court appearances and that their data tracked new crimes in Harris County within a year of in a federal lawsuit over its back that ruling and called instead allowing defendants to reschedule. committed within a year by all their initial arrest had not changed misdemeanor bail practices for for bail hearings within two days of The judge approved the settlement people charged with a misde- since the reforms were implement- years. In 2016, civil rights groups arrest where defendants can argue in November, and independent meanor, including those released ed in early 2019. sued on behalf of several people for lower or no-cash bonds. experts were appointed in March from jail because they were not The report also found the gap kept in jail for days because they Then in 2018, local elections to monitor the system for seven guilty or if they were convicted and between white and Black defen- could not afford to pay the bail swept out the mostly Republican years. had already served their time or dants being released before trial amount set for their release. The judges who presided over misde- As other bail reform lawsuits were on probation. Water District Water District Notice of Public Hearing Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate on Tax Rate The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 151 will hold a public hearing on The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 161 will hold a public hearing a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 12:00 by telephone conference at (1-888-363-4734), Access Code (8706826). Your individual p.m., via teleconference at 888-363-4734, Access Code: 8706826. Your individual taxes taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.

FOR the proposal: K. Gier, K. Jackson, S. Fitzsimmons, L. James FOR the proposal: C. Kight, K. Scully, J. Schubert & J. Kaiser & N. Shipley

AGAINST the proposal: (none) AGAINST the proposal: (none)

PRESENT and not voting: (none) PRESENT and not voting: (none)

ABSENT: (none) ABSENT: M. Harris

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year This Year Last Year This Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $ 0.930/$100 $ 0 .890/$100 Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $ 0.9000/$100 $ 0.9000/$100 Adopted Proposed Adopted Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value -$0.040 /$100 Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.000 /$100

Percentage increase/decrease Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-) -4.3011% in rates (+/-) 0.0000%

Average appraised residence Average appraised residence homestead value $351,356 $362,281 homestead value $577,614 $583,790

General homestead exemptions available General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0 disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0

Average residence homestead Average residence homestead taxable value $351,356 $362,281 taxable value $577,614 $583,790

Tax on average residence homestead $ 3,267.61 $3,224.30 Tax on average residence homestead $5,198.53 $5,254.11

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) -$43.31 proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $55.58 and percentage of increase (+/-) -1.3254% and percentage of increase (+/-) 1.0691%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223. THE KATY TIMES COMMUNITY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 11 KATYTIMES.COM ARTIST from page 2

Basu said she found the large displays to be the most challenging because she focuses her work on putting a lot of detail into each cake, but having a time limit forced her to look at which details were most important to include and set other trimmings aside. “You have to be really quick and think fast and be imaginative and creative at the same time to create something good,” Basu said. “They will give you an (assignment and time limit) of course, so you have to think of like, what you can take off and then create Basu has applied her heritage to her craft with this something great.” piece she entitled “Durga the Shakti” which won her The first round is 45 the championship on “That Takes the Cake.” The cake minutes long and the larger represents a goddess from Hindu faith that centers challenge is five hours long, around combating evils and demonic forces and being Basu said. a protective mother figure. The cake is dedicated to This may look like a purse, but it’s actually one of Basu’s cakes – Her first appearance on women who are victims of domestic violence and other inspired by Michael Kors. Basu’s is proud of the dedication to detail “Food Network” was for the forms of violence against women. in her work that leads toward photorealistic cakes such as this one. show “Wedding Cake Cham- pionship” and earned her recognition in the finale, Basu said. It was – quite literally – a long way from where she began. Basu said she began baking more cakes and kept getting asked who had made the cake or where she’d bought facebook.com/@thekatytimes them. People were shocked to find that she’d made them PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEMU BASU herself and as she kept making them, she was able to turn her Basu doesn’t just do sculptural cakes. This example of a more traditional cake and artistic talent toward the cakes cake decoration is one example of what her business can provide to the community. making everything from the horror scenes baked on the Once the family got to the nothing. I think, in truth, I show to peacocks and Disney’s Houston area and settled near knew nothing about baking “Dumbo.” All with no formal Katy, Basu said she reopened – how to decorate cakes – training, she said. her business and kept com- nothing at all, so I read a book In time, Basu started her peting and participating in the about cake making and what cake business called The professional dessert industry. will make you want to pay me Sweet Sensation while her She has since won or placed for (baking).” she and her husband lived in high in several regional baking Basu’s business continues Aberdeen, Scotland where competitions and served as to grow and her competi- her husband was assigned for judge for the That Takes the tion participation continues work. While there, she attend- Cake competition in Austin, to increase locally and on ed her first competition in Bir- Tex. and has become a brand television. Those interested mingham, UK in 2014 which ambassador for Sugarin. in purchasing a cake from she said pulled her that much Basu said she loves her Hemu Basu’s business, The more into the profession. work on the show and off Sweet Sensation, can email FIND US ON “I was planning to compete and hopes that her success her at hemlata.basumatary@ the following year in (Birming- in pursuing her passion can gmail.com, message her ham) with so much talent, but help others pursue their own through her facebook page at again life took a U-turn and aspirations. https://www.facebook.com/ my husband was transferred “Don’t ever give up. When hemubasu/ or call her at 346- FACEBOOK to Houston, Texas,” Basu said. I started in (2011) I knew 772-8367.

Water District Water District Notice of Public Hearing Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate on Tax Rate The Fort Bend/Waller County Municipal Utility District No. 2 will hold a public hearing The Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 199 will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 12:00., on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 11:00 by teleconference at Telephone Number: 877-810-9415, Access Code: 4987831. Your a.m., by teleconference at (888) 278-0296, Access Code: 8166315. Your individual taxes individual taxes may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on may increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the relation to the change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines property determines the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners. the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.

FOR the proposal: S. Corbin, G. Whitt, C. Davis, & D. Montgomery FOR the proposal: M. Wilson, B. Stewart, B. Ashby & P. Huinker

AGAINST the proposal: (none) AGAINST the proposal: (none)

PRESENT and not voting: (none) PRESENT and not voting: (none)

ABSENT: S. Wallingford ABSENT: J. Hammonds

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year* This Year* Last Year* This Year* Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $ 0.800/$100 $ 0.800/$100 Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $ 0.600/$100 $ 0.600/$100 Adopted Proposed Adopted Proposed

Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.000 /$100 Difference in rates per $100 of value $0.000 /$100

Percentage increase/decrease Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-) 0.0000% in rates (+/-) 0.0000%

Average appraised residence Average appraised residence homestead value $ 0 $ 0 homestead value $ 0 $ 0

General homestead exemptions available General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or (excluding 65 years of age or older or disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0 disabled person’s exemptions) $ 0 $ 0

Average residence homestead Average residence homestead taxable value $ 0 $ 0 taxable value $ 0 $ 0

Tax on average residence homestead $ 0 $ 0 Tax on average residence homestead $ 0 $ 0

Annual increase/decrease in taxes if Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $0.00 proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $0.00 and percentage of increase (+/-) 0.0000% and percentage of increase (+/-) 0.0000%

NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE NOTICE OF TAXPAYERS’ RIGHT TO ELECTION TO REDUCE TAX RATE If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance, and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. rate to the voter-approval tax rate under Section 49.23603, Water Code. * There were NO residential homesteads for comparison purposes. * There were NO residential homesteads for comparison purposes. The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223. Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223. THE KATY TIMES 12 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 TEXAS KATYTIMES.COM Report: Privately built border wall will fail By JEREMY SCHWARTZ operation and maintenance plan, and PERLA TREVIZO Fisher Sand and Gravel plans THE TEXAS TRIBUNE AND PROPUBLICA quarterly inspections of the fence as well as extra checkups after September 2, 2020 large storms. The company had It’s not a matter of if a privately also said it would plant grasses built border fence along the shores that better hold in place the sandy of the Rio Grande will fail, it’s a riverbank and add a layer of rocks matter of when, according to a new to lessen erosion. New soil will engineering report on the troubled also be “treated and seeded” to project. help fill ground cover. The report is one of two new Tompkins called the mainte- studies set to be filed in federal nance plan “completely inad- court this week that found numer- equate” and a “haphazard and ous deficiencies in the 3-mile bor- unprofessional approach to long- der fence, built this year by North term maintenance.” Dakota-based Fisher Sand and Tommy Fisher said Tuesday Gravel. The reports confirm earlier that he couldn't comment on reporting from ProPublica and the reports because he hadn't The Texas Tribune, which found reviewed them. But he added that segments of the structure that his company has fixed all of were in danger of overturning due the erosion, in part by adding a to extensive erosion if not fixed 10-foot-wide road made out of and properly maintained. Fisher rocks for the Border Patrol to drive dismissed the concerns as normal BRENDA BAZÁN FOR THE TEXAS TRIBUNE over that his crew considered big post-construction issues. The 3-mile border fence along the shore of the Rio Grande will fail during extreme flooding, according to an engineering report that is set to be filed in enough so it wouldn't be as easily Donations that paid for part of federal court this week. displaced. He estimates it will cost the border fence are at the heart up to $150,000. of an indictment against members fence the “Lamborghini” of to convince a federal judge to stop of the banks. In the Rio Grande "Bottom line, if you want border security on the border you of the We Build the Wall nonprof- border walls and bragged that the construction of the project Valley, the federal government have to think outside the box," he it, which raised more than $25 his company’s methods could until the potential impacts of the usually builds sections of the wall million to help President Donald said. "I feel very comfortable with help Trump reach his Election wall on the Rio Grande could be miles inland on top of existing Trump build a border wall. what we've done." Day goal of about 500 new miles determined. levees, partly due to erosion Former Trump chief strategist In July, Fisher appeared on a of barriers along the southern Mark Tompkins, an environ- concerns. Steve Bannon, We Build the Wall podcast hosted by Bannon, who border. mental engineer hired by the wild- A second report, based on a ge- founder Brian Kolfage and two called Fisher “kind of a mentor” Instead, one engineer who life refuge, noted in his report that otechnical and structural inspec- others connected to the organi- who “taught me really about how zation are accused of siphoning reviewed the two reports on be- widespread erosion and scouring tion by the Millennium Engineers you actually have to build a wall.” donor money to pay off personal half of ProPublica and The Texas occurred after heavy rain events Group of Pharr, Texas, also hired Asked about the engineering debt and fund lavish lifestyles. All Tribune likened Fisher’s fence to a such as Hurricane Hanna in July, by the National Butterfly Center, concerns, which Bannon said were four, who face up to 20 years in used Toyota Yaris. but that the fence has yet to expe- found that the fence was stable part of a “hit piece,” Fisher called prison on each of the two counts “It seems like they are cutting rience a flood of the Rio Grande. for now, but that it faces a host of them “absolutely nonsense.” they face, have pleaded not corners everywhere,” said Alex “Fisher Industries’ private bol- issues. They include soil erosion “I would invite any of these en- guilty, and Bannon has called the Mayer, a professor of civil engi- lard fence will fail during extreme on the river side — in some areas gineers that so-called said this was charges a plot to stop border wall neering at the University of Texas high flow events,” concluded gaps up to three feet wide and gonna fall over, I’ll meet ‘em there construction. at El Paso. “It’s not a Lamborghini, Tompkins, who specializes in river waist deep, concrete cracking, next week. … If you don’t know We Build the Wall, whose it’s a $500 used car.” management. construction flaws and what the what you’re talking about, you executive board is made up of Since Fisher’s companies “When extreme flow events, firm concluded was likely substan- probably shouldn't start talking,” influential immigration hard-lin- embarked on construction of the laden with sediment and debris, dard construction material below he said. “It’s working unbelievably ers like Bannon, Kris Kobach and Rio Grande fence, the Trump completely undermine the foun- the fence’s foundation. well. There’s a little erosion main- Tom Tancredo, contributed $1.5 administration has awarded about dation of the fence and create a The Millennium engineers tenance we have to maintain.” million of the cost of the $42 mil- $2 billion in federal contracts to flow path under the fence or cause called for a clay covering to protect But to experts, Fisher’s lion private border fence project the firms to build segments of the a segment of the fence to topple the embankment from erosion, planned fixes are inadequate. south of Mission, Texas. border wall in other locations. into the river, unpredictable and as well as closely monitoring the “To me, it’s almost like putting Last year, the nonprofit also Fisher agreed to the inspection damaging hydraulics will occur,” project. a Band-Aid on a gaping wound,” hired Fisher to build a half-mile as part of ongoing lawsuits against he added in an affidavit to be filed Its conclusion: “The geography said Adriana E. Martinez, a South- fence segment in Sunland Park, Fisher Sand and Gravel filed last in court. at the wall’s construction location ern Illinois University Edwards- New Mexico, outside El Paso. year by the National Butterfly Experts have said the fence will in comparison to the river bend ville professor and geomorphol- Company president Tommy Center and the International face a never-ending battle with is not at a favorable location for ogist who reviewed the reports Fisher, a frequent guest on Fox Boundary and Water Commis- erosion given its proximity to the long-term performance.” on behalf of ProPublica and The News, had called the Rio Grande sion. They unsuccessfully sought water and the sandy, silty material According to a copy of an Texas Tribune. Water District Cajun Catfish Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate Mondays The Woodcreek Reserve Municipal Utility District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2020 on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., by teleconference (877) 411-9748, Access Code: 3072281. Your individual taxes may 3:00 – 7:00 pm increase at a greater or lesser rate, or even decrease, depending on the tax rate that is adopted and on the change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the All You Can Eat change in taxable value of all other property. The change in the taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property determines for $10.99 the distribution of the tax burden among all property owners.

FOR the proposal: C. Foster, J. Perkins, D. Beltrami, & C. Caruthers

AGAINST the proposal: (none)

PRESENT and not voting: (none)

ABSENT: (none)

The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year.

Last Year This Year Total tax rate (per $100 of value) $ 0.590/$100 $ 0.585/$100 Kathy’s Adopted Proposed Difference in rates per $100 of value -$0.005 /$100

Percentage increase/decrease Shrimp in rates (+/-) -0.8475% Average appraised residence Boil homestead value $415,876 $432,760 General homestead exemptions available (excluding 65 years of age or older or from 5-9pm disabled person’s exemptions) ($16,635) -$21,638 (every Friday) for $10.50 lb Average residence homestead taxable value $399,241 $411,122 includes corn and potato Tax on average residence homestead $2,355.52 $2,405.06 with every pound. Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) $49.54 and percentage of increase (+/-) 2.1031%

NOTICE OF VOTE ON TAX RATE If the district adopts a combined debt service, operation and maintenance and contract tax rate that would result in the taxes on the average residence homestead increasing by more than 3.5 percent, an election must be held to determine whether to approve the operation and maintenance tax rate under Section 49.23602, Water Code. 9027 S.E. I 10 Frontage Rd. • Sealy, Texas 77474 The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state. 979-987-6077 Questions regarding this notice can be directed to the tax office at (281) 499-1223.