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Recently, sixteen members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Richmond participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk for a Cure at Reliant Stadium. The church youth appropirately named the team, “Saints for a Cure”.
Sugar Land, Texas (October 25, 2013) - The community charity event, Pretty in Pink—Town Square, raised more than $114,000 to benefit local cancer patients through the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Cancer fund.
Presenting sponsors, Breast Surgeons – Dr. Sandra Templeton & Dr. Kelly Dempsey joined a wide range of other sponsors and donors to make Pretty in Pink a huge success.
Diane Chambers, Brittany Scally, Rosalie Thornblom and Evelyn Traylor
Second Mile Mission Center held its 9th annual banquet and silent auction at Safari Texas Ranch on April 19. The event honored supporters and served as Second Mile’s biggest fundraising event of the year, raising funds to help men, women and children across Fort Bend County with basic physical needs.
Exchange Club board member Kevin Barker, award recipient Shanta Raguthaman, Exchange Club president Gladys Brumfield, Exchange Club board member Farha Ahmed, and Exchange Club member Doug Earle. (more…)
The Sugar Land Skeeters announced on Mar. 19 that the club signed right-handed pitcher Roberto Giron and infielder/outfielder Chase Lambin. The Skeeters also announced that the club hired former Atlantic League manager and Major League scouting director Jeff Scott as pitching coach for the 2013 season. Both announcements were made by Skeeters Manager Gary Gaetti and Director of Operations Michael Kirk.
Sugar Land, Texas (October 17, 2013) - Radio Disney is making its way to Town Square for Sugar Land’s sixth annual Halloween Town event on Oct. 27, from 4-8 p.m.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” spectacular prizes and the Radio Disney road team will spice up the night with choreographed dance moves and interactive intermissions.
Suburban Sugar Land Women celebrate 23 years as a volunteer, non profit, 501C3, tax exempt, Fort Bend county, service organization who willingly, cheerfully, and generously provide year–round services and resources from infancy to adulthood since 1989 via five caring and compassionate service programs: Seniors Enrichment; Families Outreach; Infants thru Young Adults Development; Community Partners; and Community Involvement. Our mission is to design, implement, maintain, and evaluate wellness, community, educational, civic, and cultural programs that build confidence and expand knowledge and skills to succeed in school and life.
Sugar Land, TX (November 25, 2013) ― Sugar Land Animal Services will help sell plush puppies at this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting event to support efforts that place dogs and cats with caring families.
Look for the shelter’s booth in Sugar Land Town Square on Dec. 5 from 5 - 8 p.m. to learn about adoptable animals, programs provided by Animal Services and Christmas specials, including the plush puppies.
The stocking stuffers are being sold throughout the holidays for $8.99 while supplies last. The promotion is a partnership with Raising Cane’s in Sugar Land, and all net proceeds will benefit the Sugar Land Animal Shelter. (more…)
This annual event honors local cancer patients and survivors. MD Anderson Regional Care Center had great representation at last Saturday’s event. A current patient, a recent survivor, and a doctor at the center were all recognized in different ways throughout the evening.
Sugar Land resident Rosemary Herron throws out a ceremonial first pitch at the MD Anderson Regional Care Center “Strike Out Cancer Night” at Constellation Field on May 4th. Herron, a long-time volunteer at the Sugar Land Regional Care Center, is currently receiving treatment at the Center and was honored – alongside other cancer patients and survivors – at the annual event.
Harmony School of Science-Sugar Land High (HSS-High) competed in the Houston Science and Engineering Fair at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Students from over 100 Houston school’s participated in this event, presenting projects from sixteen different categories. HHS-High’s very own 7th grader, Neriyah B. placed 3rd in the competition for his project Microbes: The Shocking Truth.
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The Suburban Sugar Land Women (SSLW) selected scholarship recipients based on each students’ community service, academic achievement, and leadership.
Pictured are:
Melanie Spiller, of Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD, who plans to attend University of Texas in Austin in the fall, and major in accounting and finance; Alexandria Hawkins, of Clements High School in Fort Bend ISD, who plans to attend University of Houston in the fall and major in kinesiology; Nailah Jackson, of Hightower High School in Fort Bend ISD, who plans to attend University of Miami in the fall and major in psychology; Michael Perkins, of Foster High School in Lamar Consolidated School District, who plans to attend Wharton County Junior College/University of Houston at Victoria in the fall and major in computer science.
Sugar Creek Country Club, located southwest of the Houston metro area in Sugar Land, recently approved a strategic long-term capital improvement plan at a meeting with its membership.
Sugar Creek Country Club has announced the hiring of Bret Nutt as Head Golf Professional. Mr. Nutt will join Sugar Creek on June 18, said Gordon Wagner, General Manager and CEO of Sugar Creek Country Club. Bret started his career at Old Orchard Golf Club under the leadership of former Sugar Creek Country Club Professional Jack Montgomery. He then joined Jackie Burke’s staff at Champion’s Golf Club and most recently served as Head Professional at Redstone Golf Club for the last 10 years.
Sugar Land, TX (September 6, 2013) - Ambassador Girl Scouts Courtney Kohanski and Megan Whitworth of New Territory (Rainbow Stars Service Unit-Troop 721) completed their Girl Scout Gold Awards - the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn, symbolizing outstanding accomplishments in the areas of leadership, community service and advocacy.
The Girl Scout Gold Award involves more than a year of work, including a minimum of 80 hours of planning and leading a project that benefits the community and will have a long-term impact on the girl’s community.
Courtney Kohnaski and the Director of the Fort Bend Literacy Council
Sugar Land, TX (November 15, 2013) – The City’s new $69 million surface water treatment plant near the intersection of Voss and Burney Road in the Gannoway Lake area is operational.
The plant has the distinction of the being the largest capital improvement project ever completed by the City.
Construction began in June 2011, and work included an administration/membrane building, chemical building, maintenance building, sludge dewatering building and various treatment units.
Residents who participated in a taste test on Nov. 8, 2008, returned to sample the final product after Sugar Land placed its new surface water treatment plant in service
Sugar Land, TX (July 17, 2013) - A citizens’ bond committee recently recommended a $50 million bond election for four quality of life parks projects.
A public hearing will be held on Aug. 6 during a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, and a November election with three propositions is expected to be called on Aug. 20.
Mayor James Thompson and City Manager Allen Bogard formally announced plans for the bond election during Sugar Land’s State of the City event on Jan. 18. A citizens’ bond committee was formed in February.
Sonia Byrd is a mother of two who both lives and works in Sugar Land. In March 2012, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went to the MD Anderson Regional Care Center in Sugar Land for treatment, and in June 2012, she underwent a double mastectomy and lymph node removal. She went back to work a month later and had a reconstructive procedure in the following months.
Sonia Byrd
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS (July 30, 2013) – Sugar Land’s premier mixed-use development, Sugar Land Town Square, will celebrate its 10th birthday this year by hosting a series of community events and giving away free prizes and retailer packages, including a $2,500 shopping spree at Sugar Land Town Square and a weekend stay at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. Attendees at these special birthday events can enter to win the $2,500 shopping spree package by signing up for Town Square’s free, weekly e-newsletter.
Sugar Land, TX - (September 3, 2013) - “My SL” is the City of Sugar Land’s official new mobile app.
It is available for both iOS (via App Store) and Android (GooglePlay) platforms at www.sugarlandtx.gov/apps.
The app provides a connection between the City and its citizens and visitors. Whether a resident or visitor, “My SL” delivers access to community news, events and emergency alerts.
The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair (sugarlandwineandfoodaffair.com), one of the most anticipated culinary attractions in Texas, received top acknowledgment for their redesigned website with an AMA Crystal Award for Best Website (Small Budget) at the Houston Chapter – American Marketing Association’s awards presentation on May 23, 2013. Blue Sky Marketing, founded by Michelle LeBlanc, was a key enforcer in the complete website transformation, giving it a new contemporary look.
Sugar Land, TX (November 11, 2013) – The City of Rosenberg, Texas, lies at the geographic and logistical heart of Fort Bend County, named the No. 5 U.S. County for growth by Forbes. Rosenberg leverages its small-town charm, family-friendly surroundings, and business-friendly environment to grow the local economy. Rosenberg successfully mixes old and new, capitalizing on the community’s rich history and promising future, which is based upon logistics and commerce.
Sugar Land, TX News (October 30, 2014) - Pulmonary and sleep specialist Priya Oolut of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently performed the first endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) with fine-needle aspiration biopsy to diagnose and stage lunch cancer in a patient in Fort Bend County.
Sugar Land, TX News (December 10, 2014) - Physicians at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital recently performed Fort Bend’s first transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with laparoscopic colon surgery to minimize post-surgical pain.
TAP blocks numb the nerves supplying the anterior abdominal wall prior to abdominal surgery. They are performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. The TAP block limits the amount of post-operative pain, minimizes the need for post-surgery pain medication and reduces the length of stay in the hospital.
Sugar Land, TX News (April 9, 2014) - FORT BEND ISD ―At a Special Called Meeting on April 7, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved staffing and compensation recommendations for the 2014-2015 budget that includes an increase in the starting salary for teachers to $50,000 and a percentage increase on the teacher pay scale ranging from 4% to 8.6% for 2014-2015 to become more competitive overall and to address high turnover with teachers with 10 or less years of experience. The district will be addressing other critical points on the teacher pay scale in future years.
“It is critically important to have the best staff serving Fort Bend ISD and hiring the right employees will enable the district to focus on our mission to inspire and equip all students to pursue futures beyond what they can imagine,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent of Schools.
The recommendations are based on the board’s core beliefs & commitments, achieving board-adopted goals and priorities, and a long range financial forecast that substantiates sustainability. The recommendations balance these objectives, while being good stewards of taxpayer funds.
The plan was developed in collaboration with a budget & compensation committee comprised of teachers and employees throughout the district, the teacher forum with representatives from all 74 schools, principals and feedback from the Board.
Sugar Land, TX News (November 26, 2014) - Memorial area resident Janet Unger was born at 7:25 am on Nov. 25, 1914. To commemorate her birthday yesterday, the 100-year-old woman and her daughter visited Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center to meet and give a gift to a newborn who shared her birthday. Unger presented baby girl Utsa and her family, who reside in Sugar Land, with a hand-written card about life’s blessings, as well as a photo of herself as a centenarian and a $100 bill.
Sugar Land, TX News (May 22, 2014) - The Literacy Council of Fort Bend will host a summer buy one, get one free book sale beginning Monday, June 2, 2014 through Friday, August 15, 2014. Summer office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 am – 9:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. All profits from the summer buy one, get one free book sale support the free public programs available through The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. Programs benefiting include: Basic Literacy, English as a Second Language, GED preparation classes, and US citizenship preparation classes.
There will be a tremendous variety of books, both hardbacks for $1 and paperbacks for $.50, most in fabulous condition. Many look like they have never even been opened so they would make great (and inexpensive) gifts. Offered at the sale will be fiction, non-fiction, biographies, cookbooks, books on spirituality, kids’ books, summer reading books, puzzles, and more. The Literacy Council of Fort Bend accepts gently used book donations year-round, so please think of this organization if it’s time to winnow your collection or if you’re moving.
The summer buy one, get one free book sale will be held at The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, 12530 Emily Court, Sugar Land. For more information on the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, including area programs offered, please visit ftbendliteracy.org or call 281-240-8181.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 7, 2014) - Want to discover firsthand what it takes to be a police officer, get to know beat officers, and learn more about criminal investigation? Find out by signing up for the Sugar Land Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy and learn about traffic laws, crime scene investigations, and how to respond during an active shooter situation.
The 10-week course begins Sept. 11 and runs through Nov. 20. Students meet once a week at the police department, 1200 State Highway 6 South, from 7 - 10 pm. The curriculum includes weekend courses that include mock building searches and simulated traffic stops.
While learning about the challenges faced by police officers, laws affecting citizens, the judicial system, and emergency management, participants personally interact with officers, detectives, and other personnel in a nontraditional law enforcement setting.
The training program consists of classroom and “hands-on” instruction designed to provide interested Sugar Land citizens with a working knowledge of the SLPD, its personnel, and emergency management operations.
Topics taught during the academy include the following:
Sugar Land, TX News (May 21, 2014) - On Wednesday, May 14, Fort Bend ISD completed a refinancing of 2004 bonds that will save the District an estimated $15.2 million in interest. With the assistance of the District’s financial advisor, First Southwest, the transaction took advantage of a favorable market and the savings were substantially higher than what was originally projected. The bond refinancing was approved by the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees in June 2013. Additionally, the District will have the opportunity to pay off $7.7 million of debt early without increasing its debt service tax rate of $0.30.
“We are dedicated to managing our resources in a manner that is proactive, prudent, and conservative,“ said Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent of Schools. “I am thrilled that this refinancing will save FBISD taxpayers over $15 million in interest, which will help our tax rate remain one of the lowest in the Houston area and allow us to address the district’s growing enrollment without a significant tax increase.”
In addition, through the bond rating process, Standard & Poor’s upgraded the District’s credit rating from AA to AA+. Fort Bend ISD is one of only 15 public school districts in Texas that has a rating of AAA or AA+. According to Standard & Poor’s, the upgrade reflects Fort Bend ISD’s ongoing economic growth and strong financial performance. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (August 22, 2014) - The Boy Scouts of Troop 731 outdid themselves again this year in preparing a delicious pancake breakfast for the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. A slide presentation showed some of the camping experiences the Exchange Club has helped fund in the past. Troop 731 has produced 92 Eagle Scouts since 1991, preparing youth to become responsible, participating American citizens and leaders.
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Sugar Land, TX News (June 30, 2014) - Sugar Land is accepting applications for the new Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture, and Streetscapes (PARCS) Board.
City Council approved the creation of the board on June 17. The new PARCS Board expands the duties of the previous Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to include a focus on developing a public art plan, evaluating future funding sources for the arts, and establishing a granting program.
The nine-member board will offer an opportunity for citizens to help guide parks, recreation, and cultural initiatives by providing input, feedback, and advice on projects and programs that enrich the visual and aesthetic environment of the City.
The board will provide guidance for long-term planning, goals, and objectives for parks, recreation, public art, cultural activities, streetscapes, and urban forestry programs.
Citizens selected by City Council will work with the City to develop recommendations that:
Ideal candidates should possess skills and qualifications related to parks, art, recreation, culture, and streetscapes. Examples include people who have served as a parks, art or recreation advocate; landscape architect; architect; interior designer; urban planner; fine arts professional or educator; arts historian; administrator or curator; business or education leader; or philanthropist.
Applications may be submitted at www.sugarlandtx.gov through July 18 at 5 p.m.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 9, 2014) - Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of children? July 28 to August 1 from 9:00 am until 4 pm daily, Child Advocates of Fort Bend is offering a week-long training class to train volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. This is your last opportunity this year to complete the volunteer training class in a single week.
Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing a voice for abused and neglected children in Fort Bend County. With an army of volunteers, Child Advocates of Fort Bend currently serves more than 400 children each month through its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program and Children’s Advocacy Center.
Volunteers must be over 21 years of age, complete an application and interview, and submit to background screening. For more information or an application, please contact Volunteer Services at 281-344-5146 or [email protected].
Sugar Land, TX News (July 22, 2014) - Known for its authentic, fresh food, fun and eclectic atmosphere, Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s, plans to open its eighth Houston area location in Sugar Land in late August. To prepare for the local launch the restaurant is now hiring approximately 160 team members.
“We are thrilled to finally open in Sugar Land,” said Kamel Basma, local Owner/Operator of the new location. “Chuy’s has had more requests for a Sugar Land location over the past few years than any other city in the country.”
To support its fun and family-friendly atmosphere, Chuy’s will be hiring a variety of positions, including front-of-the-house hosts, servers, bussers and bartenders. The Sugar Land restaurant is also hiring kitchen staff and tortilla experts to help prepare its made-from-scratch dishes and signature sauces. Full-time and part-time positions are available.
“We are looking for a team of fun and energetic people who have good attitudes and are just as passionate as we are about serving authentic and fresh food,” said Basma.
Interested applicants can visit the hiring trailer Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., located in the restaurant parking lot at 320 Highway 6 in Sugar Land.
Chuy’s is currently finishing construction on the Sugar Land location. The restaurant is designed with the company’s philosophy: “If you’ve seen one Chuy’s, you’ve seen one Chuy’s.” Chuy’s Sugar Land will incorporate unique design elements, such as a “dog wall” featuring pictures of local canines, as well as Chuy’s décor staples: sculpted metal palm trees, hubcaps on the ceiling and a shrine to Elvis Presley. Chuy’s Happy Hour offers their Fully-Loaded Nacho Car with chips, salsa, queso and ground sirloin available for free weekdays from 4-7 p.m.
Sugar Land, TX News (January 7, 2014) - Want to discover firsthand what it takes to be a police officer, get to know your beat officer and learn more about criminal investigation? Find out by signing up for the Sugar Land Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy.
The 10-week course begins Feb. 27 with students meeting once a week from 7-10 p.m., including weekend courses such as firearm simulations, mock building searches and simulated traffic stops.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 24, 2014) - City Manager Allen Bogard presented his proposed fiscal year 2015 budget to City Council on July 22. The City’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30, 2015.
Based on the priorities and needs identified by City Council through planning workshops beginning in March, the proposed budget totals $324.15 million. Capital projects such as a performing arts center, voter-approved parks projects, and street/drainage improvements represent a large share of the proposed budget. Of the total, $166.32 million is for operations, $144.35 million is for capital projects, and $13.48 million is for economic development.
The increase to the City’s operating budget and general fund is 3.8 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. The proposed budget includes funding for several high priority City Council initiatives.
The following priorities are addressed in the operating budget:
Sugar Land, TX News (July 14, 2014) - The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers recently named Sugar Land’s citizen newsletter and website as the best in Texas.
Since its inception in 2002, the TAMI awards have served to recognize outstanding municipal government achievements in communications, marketing, and constituent relationships. The program also serves as an important forum for exchanging information and ideas among government professionals.
Judges credited Sugar Land Today and the City’s website as benchmarks for public education and citizen engagement.
Sugar Land Today is an informative newsletter that provides important news and an overview of the many services and programs the City provides its residents. The quarterly newsletter is mailed to all residents and businesses within the city limits, a distribution of approximately 34,000 addresses.
Articles cover important City issues such as flood control, hurricane preparedness, updates on city road projects, finances, major capital investment projects and updates, crime prevention initiatives, partnerships with other municipalities and government agencies, as well as upcoming events, public meetings, and parks and recreation activities. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (March 5, 2014) - Part 1 crimes in Sugar Land increased 3.6 percent last year while the City’s five-year trend shows an overall decrease of more than 18.5 percent. The results were included in the Sugar Land Police Department’s 2013 Annual Report.
Part 1 crimes include assault, auto theft, burglary, homicide, theft, robbery and auto burglary.
The most recent Part 1 data shows Sugar Land’s overall crime rate is 40 percent below the state and national averages. The City’s violent crime rate compares even better at more than 205 percent below the state and national averages. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (April 2, 2014) - Sugar Land has implemented Stage 1 voluntary water restrictions to comply with a request from Governor Rick Perry to conserve water.
A recent proclamation from Perry stated that exceptional drought conditions throughout the state pose an imminent threat to water supplies, including those in Fort Bend.
Moderate drought conditions continue in Fort Bend County, and the drought conditions could continue or worsen with the approaching summer months when water demand is traditionally high.
Sugar Land’s Stage 1 water restrictions require voluntary conservation. Customers should limit irrigation to no more than two days a week and adhere to the City’s voluntary irrigation zone schedule.
“While the city currently has plenty of water, reducing irrigation conserves water, helps us stay ahead of drought conditions and reduces the likelihood that the city will need to initiate Stage II mandatory water restrictions specified in our Drought Contingency Plan,” said director of public works Robert Valenzuela. “We are not prohibiting outdoor water use, just asking customers to use water sensibly.”
Sugar Land, TX News (March 12, 2014) - The Texas Public Works Association (TPWA) awarded Sugar Land an Operations Excellence Award for increased recycling efforts during 2013 that reduced garbage sent to landfills by 34 percent.
Sugar Land’s diversion rate - the amount of material kept out of landfills - has increased each year since the City launched an expanded solid waste program in 2011 that included automated curbside collection and expanded recycling. The City’s goal for 2014 is to achieve a 40 percent diversion rate. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (May 27, 2014) - As the Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) concludes its 2013 - 2014 League year, it is pleased to announce that it has raised over $400,000 for the Fort Bend County community this year and over $2.7 million since the League’s inception in 2001. Proceeds were raised through various fundraising events, including Sugar Plum Market, FBJSL Spring Fling, and sales of the League’s second cookbook, “Treasures from the Bend, Rich in History and Flavor.” The League also received funds as a beneficiary of Tucanos Brazilian Grill fundraiser and Sugar Land Town Square’s Taste of Town Square. Additional funds were raised in conjunction with partnering organizations, including David Crockett Middle School, Sugar Land Middle School, and Kempner High School in a collaborative effort with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital (HMSLH) to benefit the American Cancer Society (ACS). Numerous worthy Fort Bend County charities benefited from the League’s donations. In addition to funds donated back to the community, FBJSL members volunteered over 20,000 hours during the 2013 - 2014 League year.
Front Row (L-R): Treasurer Ashley Joshi-Patel, President-Elect Katrina Sayes, President Debbie Buckner, Past-President Cindy Dempster and Director of Provisionals Mimi Zaybak.
Back Row (L-R): Director of Membership Mindi Zemanek, Director of Member Development Dana Clement, Secretary Soni Karamchandani, Director of Community Relations Heather Carroll, Director of Publicity Caroline Bordelon and Vice-President Hillary Watson.
FBJSL is currently hosting its annual membership drive and invites ladies interested in membership to attend events scheduled for this summer. An informational meeting will be held on June 19th at Flying Saucer located in Sugar Land Town Square at 6:00 pm. A second informational meeting is scheduled for July 17th at a location to be announced at 6:00 pm. These meetings provide an opportunity to learn about the League and membership volunteer opportunities and requirements. For more information, please contact the Director of Provisionals at [email protected] or visit www.fbjsl.com.
Ladies age 50 and above are eligible for Sustaining membership in the League. Interested ladies are invited to attend the annual Sustainer Membership Coffee this summer. For more information about this event or Sustaining membership, please contact the Sustainer President at [email protected].
Sugar Land, TX News (May 2, 2014) - Fort Bend Junior Service League (FBJSL) has begun its membership drive for the 2014 – 2015 league year. Provisional membership is available to women ages 23 and older. Women interested in learning more about the league are encouraged to attend their informational meetings, June 19th and July 17th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at locations to be determined. Please check the FBJSL website, www.fbjsl.com, for updates.
Left to Right: Angela Parker; Mimi Zaybak, 2014 Director of Provisionals; Chasity Munn; Jen Rizzo; Kelly Gardner; and Katrina Sayes, 2014 President Elect.
Along with events such as Spring Fling and Sugar Plum Market, FBJSL members will have the opportunity to provide direct service to the following agencies: Child Advocates of Fort Bend, East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry, Fort Bend Rainbow Room, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Fort Bend Seniors, Houston Museum of Natural Science-Sugar Land, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, Lunches of Love, Parks Youth Ranch, and Fort Bend Teen Service League (FBTSL), a mentoring project of FBJSL.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 26, 2014) - Sugar Land City Council recently approved a resolution adopting revisions to the City’s Financial Management Policy Statements, a document that addresses ten key areas of financial management and provides direction in managing finances.
The statements were first adopted in 2002 and reflect City Council’s vision for the City. They are reviewed and adopted semi-annually. The process takes several months of detailed review by finance staff and the council finance/audit committee, with revisions reviewed by the entire City Council in a workshop setting before adoption.
Rating agencies have noted the policy statements — and the City Council’s willingness to abide by them — as contributing factors in the strong financial management of the city and the resulting AAA rating assigned to the City’s outstanding debt by both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s.
The AAA on tax-backed debt is the highest rating attainable and results in lower borrowing costs for the city when bonds are issued for capital projects.
Sugar Land, TX News (December 3, 2014) - Most homeowners are aware holiday decorations should be used with care. Each year, statistics tell the story of the fire danger resulting from frayed wires, proximity to heat sources, and lights left on unattended. But Natalie Holst of SERVPRO of Sugar Land wants local homeowners to know that the danger of fire caused by holiday decorating, and by Christmas trees specifically, actually increases after the holiday. Citing research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Holst says while four out of five Christmas tree fires happen in December and January, the 10 days with the highest average number of fires were all after Christmas Day.
“For many families, preparing for the holiday season is a very busy time,” said Holst. “Come December 26, it’s tempting to relax and stop watering the Christmas tree, replacing bulbs in outdoor lights and tucking indoor garlands back into place. Dry greens, open sockets and decorations that slip dangerously close to light sockets or fireplaces can all increase the risk of fire in the days after the Christmas holiday.”
The American Christmas Tree Association** quotes Nielsen research that says Americans purchased 21.6 million live Christmas trees in 2011. That number is significant because, according to the NFPA, Christmas trees remain the number one culprit in holiday fires. Forty-three percent of Christmas tree fires happen in December, but January is close behind, claiming 39 percent-numbers that demonstrate the danger of allowing Christmas trees to dry out during and after the holiday season. Tragically, Christmas tree fires are particularly deadly, claiming on average one life in every 40 fires compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.
Holst encourages Sugar Land homeowners who choose to decorate with live Christmas trees to be diligent about watering their trees both before and after the holidays. “When a Christmas tree dries out, it takes only a single spark from the fireplace, a draft that blows a candle flame too near, or a carelessly held cigarette to turn your holiday celebration into a tragedy,” says Holst. “Beyond the damage from the fire itself, a Christmas tree fire, like any fire, can result in extensive smoke and water damage throughout your home, and can even be deadly.”
As the holiday season moves into full swing, Holst reminds homeowners to take common sense precautions based on a clear understanding of the potential danger to help prevent holiday traditions from turning into a holiday nightmare. For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.servpro.com.
For more information on SERVPRO of Sugar Land, please contact Natalie Holst at (281) 313-1338 or [email protected].
Sugar Land, TX News (July 7, 2014) - It’s finally July, and that means one thing…Parks and Recreation Month is here. The City of Sugar Land’s Parks and Recreation Department invites everyone to meet the staff during its first Eat and Greet. The event will take place at the Parks and Recreation campus on July 26 from 11 am to 3 pm.
Participants may obtain information about classes, programs and services, parks, hike and bike trails, upcoming events, and much more.
Food will be available for purchase, and free activity booths and games for kids will be available throughout this event.
Instructors will be available to answer questions and provide demonstrations about classes offered by the Parks and Recreation Department. Tours of both the Imperial Park Recreation Center and the T.E. Harman Center will be ongoing throughout the event.
The Imperial Park Recreation Center is located at 234 Matlage Way next to Imperial Park and the T.E. Harman Center.
For more event information, contact the Imperial Park Recreation Center at 281-275-2885.
Sugar Land, TX News (August 1, 2014) - A sampling of mosquitoes in Fort Bend County has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. When an area tests positive for the West Nile Virus in a few mosquitoes, it does not always mean there is a high risk of human infection. Simple measures can prevent the spread or infection of the West Nile Virus. Working together with Fort Bend County and the cities in the county, residents can help control the mosquito population.
When an area has mosquito samples that test positive for West Nile Virus, Fort Bend County Road & Bridge or the appropriate city department makes a focused response to prevent mosquito breeding by increasing spraying and larviciding in the area until a sample of mosquitoes tests negative for the virus. Testing is conducted by trapping mosquitoes and submitting the sample to be tested for viruses.
Mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus does not necessarily lead to human cases of disease. There have been no human cases of West Nile Virus in the county so far this year. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (April 14, 2014) - The Fort Bend County Medical Reserve Corps (FBCMRC), a volunteer organization, was recognized nationally this week when they were awarded the 2014 Mentor Award.
“We are so proud of the great work our Medical Reserve Corps does,” said Dr. M. desVignes-Kendrick, Director of Fort Bend County Health and Human Services. “They work diligently to coordinate and train with other MRCs. They deserve this recognition.”
The award was granted by the Division of Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, which falls within the offices of the U.S. Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary of Health. The award, called the Mentor Award, “…honors the unit for successful collaboration with other members of the MRC network over the past year to share practices, participate in activities, and carry out initiatives that have strengthened individual and collective groups of MRC units.”
Sugar Land, TX News (August 6, 2014) -In Richmond, and around Fort Bend County, there is a problem with cats and kittens being dropped off at random locations or tossed out of windows of moving cars. These cats turn into feral cats, if they survive the separation from their owners.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 18, 2014) - The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved a $561,700,652 operating budget for the 2014 - 2015 school year at its June 9 regular business meeting. The FBISD budget reflects an increase in the property values of the District and is designed to provide educational services for a projected 72,317 students. The 2014 - 2015 budget is balanced and fiscally conservative while still supporting Board priorities and instructional programs. The 2014 - 2015 district budgeted cost per student is $7,767 with more than 64 percent of the budget allocated to instruction.
Included in the budget is a minimum of four percent salary increase for all teachers and an increase in the starting teacher salary to $50,000 from $46,500 that the Board approved in April. This budget also provides adjustments to the Teacher Salary Schedule to provide greater consistency in raises as teachers advance in experience. Additionally, the approved budget includes a salary increase for all other staff that is four percent of mid-point. As stewards of taxpayer funds, Fort Bend ISD designed this balanced budget to meet need to be competitive and recruit the best and brightest, while being frugal with taxpayer funds.
Budget includes new positions for the 2014 - 2015 school year
The budget includes the addition of 395 new campus positions – 253 teachers and 142 campus support staff – and 57 non-campus staff to address identified district priorities. Many of the new campus positions address class size, significant special education concerns, and counselor workload. Some positions address the needs of schools with growing enrollments. By adding more outclass teachers, assistant principals, and other supporting jobs, the District will better ensure smooth campus operations at our larger schools. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (October 15, 2014) - On Monday, October 13, The Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees met during a Special Called Meeting and unanimously approved the exchange and purchase of four parcels of land to be used for future FBISD schools and facilities.
The four parcels are located in two general areas including the Harvest Green Development near Travis High School and Sienna Plantation. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (July 23, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD has a policy to ensure that each homeless youth has access to the same free public education and related services as every other school-aged student who attends a school in FBISD.
FBISD’s Special Programs Department and campuses work together to improve the educational outcomes for homeless students by addressing areas of enrollment, transportation, academic, social, and psychological needs.
Amanda Hartley, Title I Coordinator in Special Programs, serves as the District’s Homeless Liaison. For information on services provided to our homeless youth, please contact her at 281-634-1355.
Sugar Land, TX News (April 18, 2014) - Fort Bend Independent School District is taking measures to address projected overcrowding at Commonwealth Elementary (CWE), with plans to close enrollment for the next two years. Parents are invited to attend a meeting on April 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the FBISD Annex (3119 Sweetwater Blvd.) in the main auditorium to learn more about the plan.
After consideration of projected growth, facility-use studies, and parental feedback, District officials developed a detailed plan to address the challenges due to excessive enrollment at CWE. Highlights of the plan include:
For more information, please visit the Commonwealth Elementary website by visiting www.fortbendisd.com and clicking on “Schools.”
Sugar Land, TX News (September 16, 2014) - At the August 18 Board meeting, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees called a $484 million bond election for November 4, 2014 to address the District’s growth, to provide safety and security improvements, and to upgrade the District’s technology infrastructure. Fort Bend ISD invites community members, parents, guardians and students to attend one of 12 Town Hall meetings to be held starting Tuesday, September 30 to learn more about the FBISD Nov. 4, 2014 Bond. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (August 27, 2014) - This month, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees approved revisions to board policy governing attendance boundaries and feeder patterns. Based on the adoption of this revised policy, the administration is developing procedures, a timeline, and comprehensive plan to put the new policy into action.
The policy revisions reflect the items closely reviewed, including the board’s overall philosophy regarding attendance boundaries, feeder patterns, and distribution of programs. The policy addresses priorities held by the community, as well as the board’s desire to maintain neighborhood schools, reserve “pure” feeder patterns, maintain a student-centered approach, ensure students zoned to campuses are not moved or negatively impacted when distributing programs among schools, and create attendance boundaries that will stand for five or more years when possible.
The administration has begun to develop a long-range plan to address district feeder patterns and boundaries, including new attendance boundaries for two new elementary schools scheduled to open in 2015 and 2016. Based on a new demographic update and other information that will be available in late fall 2014, the administration will review the data and implement a community engagement process to bring recommendations to the board.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 10, 2014) - Are you looking for a fun way to get involved with your community? Then we are looking for you to “Come on Board.”
The Fort Bend Junior Service League Sustainers will host their “Come on Board” 2014 Membership Coffee for prospective members on Tuesday, August 12, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the home of Judy Maddison. Fort Bend ladies who are of the prime age of fifty and older are invited to come and join this great group of ladies.
If you are interested in becoming part of the Fort Bend Junior Service League through Sustainer Membership, then come and learn how meaningful it is to be part of the League and how you can help the Fort Bend community. Don’t worry if you can’t commit to set hours of volunteering, there will be something you can get involved in; whether it is volunteering at the Sugar Plum Market or Spring Fling; helping with raffle prizes, auction items, etc., or helping out at one of the League’s core non-profit organizations. For more information, please contact Mary Favre, Sustainer President, at [email protected].
Sugar Land, TX News (November 6, 2014) - The Sugar Land Verizon Communications Store Team recently presented a Hopeline Grant of $15,000 to the Fort Bend County Women’s Center in support of the “Safety Teen Leadership Program.” The program reaches teens before or as violent relationship patterns are emerging, and provides education and empowerment for developing healthy relationship habits.
Sugar Land, TX News (March 24, 2014) - March for Meals is a national campaign held during the month of March, initiated and sponsored by the Meals On Wheels Association of America to raise awareness of senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of local communities. Hundreds of Senior Nutrition Programs across the United States like Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels are participating.
Sugar Land, TX News (December 20, 2014) - Think of your heart as your body’s delivery system. It pumps out the good stuff—oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood—to every inch of you via a network of arteries.
Sugar Land, TX News (September 29, 2014) - Fort Bend Cares Executive Director Angie Wierzbicki accepts a $3,000 check from Betty Jurado (left) of Groth Corporation in Stafford. This award was the first time Groth provided such a donation to Fort Bend Cares. Groth is a global leader in manufacturing pressure/vacuum relief valves, flame and detonation arresters, blanket gas regulators, and other low pressure relief products.
Betty Jurado, Groth Corporation, and Angie Wierzbicki, Fort Bend Cares
Sugar Land, TX News (June 1, 2014) - Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital celebrated the official groundbreaking for its new six-story patient tower in May.
The new tower – part of a $131 million expansion effort under way at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital – will add 104 beds, primarily for intensive care and medical/surgical patients, and will provide space for future growth as needed. Once the new tower joins the Main and Sweetwater Pavilions on campus, the hospital’s total capacity will reach 347 beds.
“Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital continues to grow to meet the needs of the community,” says CEO Chris Siebenaler. “Our investment in new facilities, like our new patient tower, enables us to continue to expand our service offerings and provide the latest and most sophisticated procedures right here in Fort Bend.”
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Team breaks ground on new six-story patient tower
The new tower should be open for patients in the Spring of 2016.
The patient tower is just one of five major projects included in the hospital’s current expansion plan, which also includes construction of a new 60,000-square-foot facility for Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, expansion and relocation of the Heart Center and a stand-alone Emergency Care Center to serve residents of Missouri City. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (May 12, 2014) - A local resident is back to mowing his lawn after undergoing two different heart surgeries on the same day— a practice made possible by minimally invasive coronary intervention.
Two Houston Methodist Sugar Land physicians, Yassir Sonbol, M.D., an interventional cardiologist, and Uttam Tripathy, M.D., a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, were the first in Fort Bend County to perform a same day hybrid coronary intervention, which is a combination of percutaneous intervention and minimally invasive heart surgery. This allows the patient to have two different heart surgeries on the same day, thereby minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure.
John Strong called his primary care physician, Tayma Shaya, M.D. after experiencing chest pain, a heavy feeling in his chest and trouble walking. He had no previous history of heart problems but did have an elevated blood pressure at times.
Yassir Sonbol, M.D.; John Strong and Uttam Tripathy, M.D.
Sugar Land, TX News (April 23, 2014) - At its eighth annual Doctor’s Day awards ceremony, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital literally rolled out the red carpet for their physicians, including seven leading physicians nominated and voted on by over 900 hospital employees. In honor of Doctor’s Day, hospital employees had the opportunity to participate in a “Thank a Doctor” campaign. They were able to thank a special doctor in honor of National Doctor’s Day and show their appreciation to a physician who has touched their life by writing him or her a short note. Many physicians received an envelope containing thank you notes and comment cards at the event.
Seven physicians were recognized at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Doctor’s Day celebration and medical staff meeting. At the Oscars-style event in appreciation of physicians, secret envelopes revealed the winners. The physician winners then gave a small speech to recognize and thank those that voted and supported them throughout the year.
Physicians in leading roles for 2014 were announced in seven categories: Female Physician of Excellence, Dr. Bushra Cheema, Oncologist; Male Physician of Excellence, Dr. Eddie Patton, Jr., Neurologist; Best Educator, Dr. Mauricio Reinoso, Pulmonologist; Most Respectful, Dr. Shiva Satish, Geriatrician; Most Supportive of Nursing, Dr. Timothy Oppermann, General Surgeon; Best Bedside Manner, Dr. Kumara Peddamatham, Gastroenterologist and Most Technologically Innovative, Dr. Vincent Phan, Orthopedic Upper Extremity Surgeon.
Doctor’s Day Award Winners: Dr. Eddie Patton Jr., Dr. Shiva Satish, Dr. Bushra Cheema, Dr. Vincent Phan, Dr. Mauricio Reinoso and Dr. Timothy Oppermann (not pictured: Dr. Kumara Peddamatham)
Sugar Land TX News (October 7, 2014) - Susan Mathew, M.D., recently joined the Sugar Land staff of Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates.
Dr. Mathew cares for patients with a wide range of rheumatic diseases, with a special emphasis on lupus. She comes to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from Geisinger Medical Center, a clinical campus of Temple University in Danville, Pennsylvania, where she served a fellowship in rheumatology.
Sugar Land, TX News (May 15, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land and the Texas State Guard will hold a full-scale hurricane exercise May 30 through June 1.
Areas of focus will include mass sheltering, evacuation, and hazmat response. Exercise participants will work through scenarios that focus on the following objectives:
The Texas State Guard will provide the necessary manpower to create a realistic shelter operation at Wheeler Fieldhouse in Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Boulevard. Partners supporting the exercise include Fort Bend ISD, City of Stafford Emergency Management, Fort Bend County Red Cross, and Brazos River Authority.
The exercise will result in a large presence of military personnel and equipment, as well as radio traffic simulating a disaster response.
The purpose of the exercise is to provide participants with an opportunity to evaluate current response concepts, plans, and capabilities. The exercise will focus on local emergency responder command and control coordination, critical decisions, notifications, and integration of state and federal assets necessary to save lives and protect public health and safety.
Sugar Land, TX News (August 20, 2014) - Sugar Land’s signature water tower, standing tall since 1924, will receive a complete facelift as the iconic structure is restored and re-painted to serve as one of the signature features of Imperial Sugar Land. The Johnson Development Corp., developer of the Fort Bend master-planned community, is funding the four-month restoration which will allow work crews to stabilize the structure where necessary, and paint it in an earth tone color adorned with the Imperial Sugar Land logo at the top. As a precautionary measure, a large cover will be placed over the top of the tower during the restoration.
Sugar Land, TX News (February 4, 2014) - KDC, one of America’s leading commercial real estate development and investment firms, and The Johnson Development Corp. announced today an agreement to market and develop 55 acres of commercial land in the master-planned community of Imperial, the largest remaining development opportunity in Sugar Land, Texas.
“We are excited to partner with a world-class developer, The Johnson Development Corp., to market these sites in Imperial for Class A, build-to-suit office space,” said William Peeples, KDC’s Houston Partner. “There is a tremendous demand for new office space in the area, both for headquarter locations and smaller, middle-market tenants.”
Sugar Land, TX News (April 24, 2013) - Lamar CISD’s Kindergarten Roundup for the 2014-2015 school year will be April 28-May 9. Registration will be open at all Lamar CISD’s elementary campuses from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment.
Online pre-registration is available at www.lcisd.org. After completing the on-line registration, parents must come in person to the school to bring documentation and verify information.
Lamar CISD has three early childhood programs: PPCD, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten.
The Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) is for children with severe learning problems caused by poor speech, vision, or hearing. Children with physical, mental, or emotional difficulties are also eligible. Lamar CISD will screen any child whose development is of concern to his or her parents. Please contact the Special Education office at 832-223-0400.
Lamar CISD offers full-day kindergarten classes for all children who are five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2014.
Sugar Land, TX News (May 5, 2014) - Last week the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation released the “Houston’s Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action.” The foundation’s plan to unite educators, government, and community programs - plus human and financial capital - in a mission of wiping out illiteracy is in line with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County’s mission. The plan includes targeted strategies and recommended actions intended to mobilize the community toward increasing literacy rates of people of all ages across Houston.
The foundation’s plan to unite educators, government, and community programs - plus human and financial capital - in a mission of wiping out illiteracy is just the kind of comprehensive approach required. The Literacy Council Executive Director, Kelli Metzenthin, was proud to be a part of one of the task force that developed the Blueprint to eliminate the high illiteracy rate in Fort Bend County. “It is an honor for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County to be included in this community plan. Houston is the first city in the nation to develop a plan to comprehensively combat illiteracy in our greater metropolitan community. Thank you to the Barbara Bush Houston Foundation for including Fort Bend County in the Blueprint.” To view the Blueprint visit bushhoustonliteracy.org.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 17, 2014) - Attention Fort Bend County residents, there is a “rumble in the bumble!” Teams of three adults are buzzing around preparing for the 5th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee that will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the University of Houston-Sugar Land.
Whether you lost your grade-school Spelling Bee and cannot wait any longer to redeem yourself, want to participate in a fun old-fashioned Bee to increase your knowledge, or want to show-off your superb spelling skills, the Bee is for you. For only a $500 team entry fee, a team of three spellers will win a place in our “Honey Hall of Fame” and the braggadocio rights as the “Best Grown-Up Spellers in the County.”
Feeling rusty on your spelling ability? Don’t worry. We will provide each team with a list of words to study prior to the Bee. Also, we are offering spell-agains, mulligans, and stingers for strategic teams to purchase to assist with any difficult words. Don’t “Bee” a “Humble Bee;” “Bee” a “Bumble Bee” and grab two of your co-workers, friends, or family members to join the fun as a team in our Bee.
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available for this event, and they range in price from $5,000 to $75. In addition to regular sponsorships, we are offering smaller sponsorships, such as “Bee a Word Sponsor” for $200. At the $200 level, the sponsor will have a spelling word that is related to their business announced during the Bee as one of the spelling words. Bee a Word Sponsors will receive sponsor recognition on the website, at the event, admission and dinner for two. For $100, a sponsor can be a letter in our “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” alphabet sponsorship opportunity. Two sponsor opportunities are available for each letter of the Alphabet. “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” sponsors have the chance to claim the first letter of their business name, last name, children’s name, etc., and have that letter represent their business or their family. The “A-Bee-C’s for Literacy” will be displayed at the event, on the website; will receive admission and dinner for one. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (December 17, 2013) - For the fifth consecutive year, Martha Turner Properties partnered with The Carmen and David Bridges Joyful Toyful to provide toys for children in need during the holidays.
VP and Partner Tom Anderson and VP of Sales Marilyn Thompson with Martha Turner Properties’ Joyful Toyful Collection
Now in its twentithird year, Joyful Toyful distributes toys to local charities Boys and Girls Harbor, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, The Forge for Families, and Volunteer Houston. Collected toys must be new and unwrapped and appropriate for children aged infant through high school.
Sugar Land, TX News - OakBend Medical Center in Richmond, TX was recently granted $750,000 from the George Foundation to support the hospital’s Indigent Care Program.
Sugar Land, TX News (October 16, 2014) - Memorial Hermann Sugar Land knows that hand pain can be debilitating and prevent you from accomplishing simple tasks like opening a jar or picking up a child. The good news is, it can be easily treated.
“Osteoarthritis affects one in three people age 65 and older, probably because older joints and surrounding cartilage wear out,” says Matthew Koepplinger, D.O., a hand surgeon with UT Physicians affiliated with Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. “One of the most common places for arthritis to strike is the hands, and women are more likely to suffer than men.”
Other possible causes of hand pain include accident or injury, overuse disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke, and osteoarthritis.
One of the most effective methods of treating hand pain is hand therapy, which can help ease the ache and restore lost abilities. This type of relief is typically provided by an occupational or physical therapist. Nonsurgical treatment options include exercises to increase flexibility, splints to prevent or correct injury, and training to perform tasks correctly and easily.
The first thing a therapist does is learn what you normally do with your hands and find ways to adapt. If you like to bake, for instance, spooning batter for cupcakes may be easier than pouring it from a bowl. Your therapist may also give tips for how to deal with hand pain throughout the day. For example, if your hands hurt most in the morning, beginning your day with a warm bath or shower may ease your pain.
It may be just as important to find out what you shouldn’t do with your hands as what you should do. To stop or change activities that cause hand pain, don’t bend or twist your hands repeatedly, avoid using tools that are too big for your hands, keep your forearms level with your keyboard to avoid flexing your wrists when you type, and take regular breaks to avoid repeating the same hand movements too frequently.
To learn more about hand pain and other orthopedic issues, visit www.memorialhermann.org/orthopedics.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 8, 2014) - After a months-long search, Missouri City Council members announced at their July 7 regular meeting that former Assistant Chief of Operations Mike Berezin would be sworn in as the City’s new Chief of Police on July 9 at the Public Safety Headquarters.
“Having been with the City for more than 25 years, I consider it an honor to work with my fellow Missouri City employees,” Chief Berezin said. “Council, for as long as I can remember, has always been supportive of my department, and I’m grateful to serve the City as Police Chief.”
Chief Berezin has been serving as the City’s Interim Police Chief since former Chief Joel Fitzgerald left to serve as the head of the Allentown, Pa., Police Department, in January of this year. Well-known for his leadership and exemplary service, Chief Berezin was promoted to his assistant chief position in 2011 and was in command of the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions.
Image courtesy of Missouri City
City Council salutes Police Chief Mike Berezin at their July 7 meeting. Members from left: Chris Preston (At Large Position #2), Jerry Wyatt (At Large Position #1), Floyd Emery (District D), Chief Berezin, Yolanda Ford (District A), Mayor Pro Tem Robin Elackatt (District C), Don Smith (District B), and Mayor Allen Owen.
Throughout his tenure with the City, Chief Berezin has endeared himself to the countless citizens he has met while serving to protect the community. He quickly rose the ranks of the Missouri City Police Department, building his way up every rank in the department and climbing “every rung on the ladder,” as he puts it. Under previous leadership, he has helped the City become ranked one of the top 20 safest cities in Texas by Safe Wise, a company that specializes in security systems; and he helped facilitate the department’s participation in the City’s homeowners’ association outreach program.
Thanking Council for the opportunity to lead Missouri City’s finest, Chief Berezin said: “You’ve always been there to give the department positive critiques regarding enforcement.” (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (July 21, 2014) - At its regular meeting on Monday, June 16, the Missouri City Council recognized the Muñiz family for assisting Missouri City Officer Benjamin Pahl after he was in a motorcycle accident outside their Sienna Plantation home. Officer Pahl presented the family with an additional plaque that recognized them for their heroic efforts to help the injured officer and other public safety and emergency personnel during and after the accident.
On February 19, Officer Pahl left the Missouri City Public Safety Headquarters after a meeting to head home on his motorcycle. After recently being selected to the City’s new motorcycle traffic unit, Officer Pahl had begun riding his motorcycle as often as possible, but that day he accidentally hit a curb while turning into his neighborhood. He was thrown off of the vehicle and hit a street sign.
“After getting past the initial shock of the accident, I was able to reach my cell phone and call 911. Right after I got a hold of the dispatcher, Juan and Synthia Muñiz, neighbors whom I have never met, came to my aid. Mr. Muñiz took my cell phone and spoke to the dispatcher, giving her the information they needed, all the while checking my injuries and summoning extra help,” Officer Pahl said. “Mr. Muñiz held my twisted leg stable, which I had been trying to do myself. Mrs. Muñiz spoke to me and tried to keep me busy. She contacted my wife and informed her of the accident and which hospital I would be going to.”
Image courtesy of Missouri City
Officer Ben Pahl, center, recognized the Muñiz family for coming to his assistance after he was in a motorcycle accident in front of their home.
The impact had caused an anterior dislocation of Officer Pahl’s left knee and a large laceration to the bone on his lower right leg. The high-impact trauma to his knee was both limb and life threatening. Despite needing emergency care quickly in order to save his left leg, Officer Pahl said that until the Muñiz family stepped in, he felt ignored by passing vehicles.
“I remember thinking to myself ‘why isn’t anyone here to help me?’ I’m not sure how long I was on the ground with no help, but it seemed like an eternity,” Officer Pahl said. “While lying on the ground, I heard many people drive past without stopping to help or come to my aid. Mr. and Mrs. Muñiz didn’t wait for someone else to help, they didn’t stop to take pictures or video, they just came to me. That’s all I needed at that moment.” (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (June 17, 2014) - Since the creation of the City’s new Animal Shelter in the fall of 2013, the assistance provided to the City’s lost and homeless animals has been provided in many interesting and creative ways, many of which were the result of the tireless work the City’s dedicated Animal Control officers provide. One prime example of a creative and strategic animal rescue occurred this May, when Missouri City Staff was able to partner with two dog friendly volunteer agencies to rescue a homeless, broken-legged husky who was found within City limits.
Toward the end of May, Missouri City Animal Control officers found a friendly husky wandering around with a broken leg. Despite his injury, the dog showed no signs of timidity and jumped right into the Animal Control vehicle.
Staff and Animal Shelter volunteers quickly appealed to local husky, sled dog, and Eskimo dog rescues to seek treatment for the dog’s broken leg, which, despite its severity, had not brought the cheerful dog’s spirit down. A group in Carrollton named the Texas Husky Rescue offered to help the dog, but it was unable to provide a means of transportation.
“We immediately sent out pleas through social media and personal contacts looking for transportation for the dog,” Missouri City Animal Control Supervisor Juan Acevedo said. “After hours of searching, miraculously Pilots and Paws, a group of private pilots that fly dogs to rescues, agreed to fly the husky to Carrolton over the weekend.”
Missouri City Animal Control Officer Richard Perez delivered the dog to the ArcolaAirport early one Saturday morning, where the husky was flown by Pilots N’ Paws to his new home in Carrollton. The dog received a new name, Red, was treated and put up for adoption.
Residents interested in visiting the Missouri City Animal Shelter, can contact Acevedo via phone at 281-403-8707 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 16, 2014) - At its Monday, June 2, Regular Meeting, Missouri City Council Members heard a presentation on the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget and listened to a run down of the previous year’s financial standings. Council will vote to approve the new budget today, June 16, at 7 pm in Council Chambers, 1522 Texas Pkwy.
“The City’s proposed budget is the culmination of months of planning, difficult discussions, continued revisions, and challenging thinking to gauge, prioritize, strategize, and eventually put into action programs and services for the citizens of Missouri City,” City Manager Ed Broussard said. “Adoption of the annual budget is one of the most important actions of the Council each year as it provides a road map to City staff and citizens on what the City will do the next year. It is a connection between the long-range plans of the community and the annual revenues the City expects to collect.”
In the FY 2015 proposed budget, the City will maintain its current tax rate of $0.57375; have total revenue of $38,531,087; and have total expenditures of $39,386,459.
Highlights include: (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (June 9, 2014) - From 6 - 9 pm on Friday, July 4, Missouri City invites citizens to flock to Buffalo Run Park for an exciting day of family friendly activities, patriotic games, delicious food, and the always popular firework show.
The annual Fourth of July Celebration and firework show will once again take place at Buffalo Run Park, 1122 Buffalo Run Blvd. This year’s celebration will include moonwalks, rides, a rock wall, mechanical bulls, a trackless train, and human hamster balls.
Food such as shaved ice, barbecue, funnel cakes, tamales, and crepes will be available for purchase via cash only. The evening will end with a fireworks show at approximately 9:15 pm; parking and stadium seating will be available at Thurgood Marshall High School.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 12, 2014) - From 8 am to noon on Saturday, June 14, Missouri City will partner with Missouri City Green and Texas Green Giant to sponsor the next Electronic Recycling event at the Public Safety Headquarters, 3849 Cartwright Road.
The previous electronic recycling event, held on January 11, drew more than 250 residents and 28 City-wide volunteers. Following the success of the previous electronic recycling event, the City has expanded the program to include a data cleansing service for a fee of $10 per hard drive; drives will not be returned to residents.
To view a list of acceptable and non-acceptable recycling donations, visit the Missouri City website at missouricitytx.gov and click on the event’s calendar listing. For more information on the event, visit missouricitygreen.org.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 10, 2014) - From June 15 - 21, Missouri City will participate in the 2014 International Fire/EMS Safety and Health Week. Safety and Health Week is a joint initiative of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The event is coordinated by the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section and the NVFC and is supported by a network of fire service, health, and safety organizations.
This annual event aims to improve firefighter safety and health to give all a better chance of survival during emergencies and long-term. Fire departments across the world will take time during the week to increase awareness and action so that safety and health become a priority in all fire departments.
“Missouri City’s Fire and Rescue Services Department is dedicated to living up to our slogan of Service, Honor, Commitment. We cannot say them unless we accept responsibility and are willing to hold each other accountable for their meaning,” Fire and Rescue Services Chief Russell Sander said. “These three words are the hallmark of accountability each member of MCFRS should embrace. We are accountable to our families, each other, and our citizens.” (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (June 20, 2014) - Speaking to a packed house on Thursday, June 5, at the City Centre at Quail Valley, Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen delivered his 2014 State of the City Address, highlighting citizen partnerships that have been pivotal to the City’s diverse success and economic development.
Highlighting a range of accomplishments and reflecting on completed goals in his speech, Mayor Owen presented to a wide range of local business leaders such as representatives from the event’s presenting sponsor, Muller Law Group; to area elected officials such as Council members from Missouri City and other Fort Bend cities, Fort Bend ISD Trustees, State Representatives, and Congressmen.
The event was hosted in partnership with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, a long-standing partner of the City that has been vital in welcoming new businesses to Missouri City and hosting various events highlighting the City’s economic development. Chamber Chairman Glenn Smith was on hand to present several of the day’s speakers, including Mayor Owen. Members of the City’s Senior Planning Council were also honored by Mayor Owen as an example of a partnership the City has developed to benefit residents and promote the City’s core principles of City First, Communication and Collaboration.
“Our story is one that features a diversity of strong partnerships. Every day, City officials and staff collaborate to provide excellent services to citizens, businesses, and stakeholders,” Mayor Owen said. “Utilizing strategic policies and goals, City leaders adhere to an alignment to achievement approach, thereby ensuring continuous progress across all operations, including public safety, fiscal management, infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives, parks programs, and citizen outreach projects.” (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (September 10, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land has confirmed the presence of West Nile virus at mosquito traps located in the Sugar Land Business Park and the Sugar Creek subdivision. The mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile on Sept. 9.
The City increased mosquito spraying to twice per week this summer and has been working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services to trap and test mosquitos for the presence of the West Nile virus. The traps supplement the City’s larvicide and mosquito spraying operations. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (July 2, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land and the Sugar Land Development Corporation have approved an incentive package to support major new plans by Nalco Champion, an Ecolab company, to consolidate its Houston-area offices and centralize its headquarters in Sugar Land, a move that brings in more than $45 million in investments and over 860 new jobs.
Nalco Champion will build a new approximately 133,500-square-foot facility with 1,000 parking spaces. Existing buildings will be reconfigured to maximize office space, accommodate supply chain needs, and create additional space for the expansion of the company’s research and development (R&D) facilities. The new building and parking lot will be located partially on the 18.5 acres Nalco Champion purchased from Johnson Development in 2013. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2016.
Additionally, Nalco Champion will make substantial rail spur improvements to assist City of Sugar Land efforts to gain Union Pacific Railroad approval for the extension of University Boulevard north of U.S. Highway 90A.
The company decided to centralize its headquarters in Sugar Land after a comprehensive evaluation of other regional opportunities.
“Nalco Champion is proud of its long history in Sugar Land and all that the city offers,” said Steve Taylor, EVP and president, Nalco Champion. “We very much look forward to making Sugar Land our home for Nalco Champion and are ecstatic to have the opportunity to welcome so many new employees to this incredible community.” (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (July 2, 2014) - On Monday, June 16, Missouri City’s new five-person motorcycle unit officially began patrolling City streets and neighborhoods. Created as a way to stealthily target traffic violators, the new motorcycle unit allows the City’s dedicated patrol vehicles to concentrate on watching City subdivisions and businesses.
Members of the Missouri City Police Department have identified areas within the City where frequent traffic violations occur; members of the motorcycle unit will be used not only as a way for the City to curb rising traffic violations and accidents but also as an educational outreach program.
“The newly formed motorcycle unit offers another opportunity for us to be responsive to the concerns of our community, specifically concerns regarding the safety of our roadways,” Interim Chief of Police Mike Berezin said.
Image courtesy of Missouri City
The five-person unit is made up of Sergeant Tracy Cox, Officer Michael Bukowski, Officer Robert Lawson, Officer Ben Lampe, and Officer Brian Norwood, each of whom have gone through Accident Investigation and Reconstruction School and Victory motorcycle training in Tucson, AZ.
“This unit fills a definite need within the City. Between 2012 and 2013, we saw a 50 percent increase in traffic accident,” Assistant Police Chief Keith Jemison said. “These four officers and one sergeant will be located in various Missouri City neighborhoods and communities, which is where we actually receive most of our calls and complaints regarding traffic.” (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (July 23, 2014) - Fort Bend ISD has established Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29 as walk-in registration days where parents may enroll students new to the District at any FBISD school. Schools will hold morning registration from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm, and afternoon registration will take place from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm each day. Families who are unable to attend the walk-in registrations will need to make an appointment to register students on additional days.
Parents of all students new to FBISD begin the process by completing the New Student Online Registration Process. Parents may complete the process from their home computers or at a computer available on their student’s campus. A link is provided on the District’s website. To complete the process, parents will need an email address to successfully create an account.
To make an appointment to enroll their child, parents who have completed the online process should call the school in which their child will attend. No appointment is needed for the walk-in registration dates of July 28 and 29.
Current FBISD students who have moved to another home within the District and will be zoned to a different school in 2014-2015 are not required to complete the online registration. Parents of rezoned students should call their new campus to make an appointment.
To ensure that registration goes smoothly, families are asked to bring the following documents when enrolling their children in Fort Bend ISD:
Sugar Land, TX News (May 29, 2014) - Teachers often wonder how students will respond to classroom lessons and whether they will apply the skills and information they receive to their personal lives. So when Oakland Elementary School second-grade teacher Janet Lavong learned that her student Carson Padilla turned a classroom lesson into a charitable event, she was thrilled.
Lavong presented a study unit on homeless and charitable deeds to her class, and unbeknownst to her, the unit made a big impression on Padilla, who decided to make his “Changers Group” a reality. His charity of choice was the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provides shelter and support to families of hospitalized children. With the help of his parents and residents of Waterside Estates, Padilla raised $1,200 from the sale of Rainbow Loom bracelets that he made and sold at his neighborhood’s annual garage sale. An area businessman matched Padilla’s amount by $1,000, making the total amount Padilla donated to the Ronald McDonald House, $2,200.
Padilla is shown with his mother, Kerry Padilla at the Ronald McDonald House Charities facility.
“My husband and I are thankful that Miss Lavong helped Carson tap into his charitable side and see that he can help make a difference in the world,” said Kerry Padilla. “He’s already making plans for next year’s charitable event.”
Sugar Land, TX News (July 2, 2014) - Sugar Land City Council approved a $225,000 contract with Jerdon Enterprise, L.P. for improvements identified in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Projects to be constructed this year include:
City Council approved the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan last year after a recommendation from an 11-member citizen task force. The recommendation was based on significant public input from a variety of activities, including:
The plan identifies a future network that includes 24 miles of bike lanes, an additional 18 miles of on-street shared lanes for bicycles, and 128 miles of pedestrian and bike paths
The network of pedestrian and bicycle routes will focus on connecting key destinations such as schools and commercial areas. In addition, the plan identifies areas for improved crossings at major barriers such as U.S. Highway 59, State Highway 6, U.S. Highway 90A, the railroad, and the Brazos River.
For more information about Sugar Land’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/pedbike.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 11, 2014) - Sugar Land police are looking for a vehicle that hit a 24-year-old woman traveling in the eastbound lane of Lexington Boulevard near Riverbend Crossing just after midnight today.
When police arrived, the woman was lying face down in the roadway and bleeding from her face. There was a damaged bicycle next to her and a large amount of broken glass on the roadway. The woman couldn’t remember what happened. She was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Medical Center.
Police believe the woman was hit by a vehicle, and the driver did not stop to render aid. Several people who saw the woman in the road stopped to help, but said they did not see the vehicle that hit the woman.
Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2020 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).
Sugar Land, TX News (July 28, 2014) - Sugar Land police are looking for two men who robbed an employee at Domino’s Pizza, 11920 Dairy Ashford Road, on July 21.
The 25-year-old employee said he walked outside at about 2:30 am to place an item in his vehicle as he was closing the restaurant. His vehicle was parked behind the restaurant. While standing near his vehicle, he was approached by two men, who displayed handguns and demanded money from the cash register.
The employee told the men that cash receipts had already been deposited at a bank, so the suspects took a small amount of money from the employee and ran away.
A female employee inside the restaurant witnessed the armed confrontation, locked the door, and called police.
There were no video surveillance cameras around the exterior of Domino’s; however, footage from a nearby business indicates the suspects may have left in a small, red, four-door passenger vehicle with black rims.
The suspects were described as black men wearing dark hoodies and black sweat pants. They were 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 1 inches tall and 24-28 years old. They both had thin builds, medium skin tones, and were clean shaven. One had a short military-style afro haircut.
Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at 281-275-2540 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477).
Sugar Land, TX News (May 23, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land will hold a community meeting on June 2, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, at the Imperial Park Recreation Center, 234 Matlage Way, to discuss possible plans for Gannoway Lake Park.
The 70-acre community park is located near the intersection of Voss and Burney Roads along Oyster Creek and could provide opportunities for passive, nature-oriented recreation.
The property’s potential connection to a network of hike and bike trails, its proximity to several residential developments, and the abundance of natural features on the property could facilitate activities such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and canoeing.
Area residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting, learn about potential plans for the park, and provide input.
The project is currently included in the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan as potential parkland.
A conceptual plan for the property is being developed for planning purposes. Feedback from this process will be presented to City Council in the future, and funding for the project will be discussed.
Sugar Land, TX News (March 27, 2014) - Aniyah King, a third-grade student from Richmond, TX has been awarded a Disney Friends for Change Youth Grant through Youth Service America. The grant will support King in leading a community service project for Global Youth Service Day.
Sugar Land, TX News (May 30, 2014) - Oakland Elementary School students and staff are enjoying a new playground pavilion thanks to the generous donations and efforts of school supporters. The new structure was funded with donations from the Waterside Estates Community Association, Fort Bend County Mud District No. 118, Oakland Elementary’s Physical Education Department, and the school’s PTO.
Shown during the ribbon cutting ceremony are (from left) Jason Kirby, Fort Bend County Mud District No. 118; students Avery Smith and Gavin Allen; Romain Barski, President of the Waterside Estates Community Association; Wendy Perry, former Oakland PTO Board Member; and (back) Lori Hoeffken, Oakland Elementary School Principal.
The school hosted a dedication ceremony in April to reveal the new playground pavilion. More than 1,100 students joined school administrators and staff, as well as former principal Barbie Herrington, in gathering to give thanks to those responsible for the structure. Fifth-grade Student Council members Gavin Allen and Avery Smith opened the ceremony giving thanks to the special guests. The school choir sang a special song written by music teacher, Tory Randle, with assistance from fourth and fifth-grade choir members; and Principal Lori Hoeffken presented special guests with plaques in appreciation of their contributions. Following the dedication ceremony, guests enjoyed a reception organized by counselor Tonichia Jackson.
Oakland Principal Lori Hoeffken thanks the honored guests.
Sugar Land, TX News (September 3, 2014) - Look to Mamie George Community Center for advice and resources to help seniors get the most out of life. Mamie is changing our attitudes towards aging from the traditional image of decline to a new vision of continuous growth. Keep looking forward! Your senior years can provide wonderful opportunities to learn new skills, pursue new adventures, develop new passions or explore old ones.
Retired Seniors 55 and better are invited to participate in Community Theater at the Mamie George Community Center. Auditions for readers, actors, singers and dancers will be held at the center on October 29th 10 am - 12 pm. This is an opportunity for seniors to develop their skills and perform in a staged production. Seniors of all levels of experience, from novice to seasoned pro, are welcome to participate.
Sugar Land, TX News (June 10, 2014) - Service days for bulky waste pickup will change for all residents on August 4, 2014.
Bulky waste service is provided once a month for items too large to fit in the garbage cart. Bulky waste does not include construction, demolition, or hazardous wastes.
Some residents will also have a new day for recycling, but collection days for garbage and green waste will not change.
The changes are detailed at sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste, and residents will receive information by mail that includes a magnet detailing the new service schedules.
Automated recycling service is provided once a week utilizing a City-issued green cart with a wide range of materials being accepted, including:
Green waste collection is also provided weekly. The green waste program ensures all green waste — grass clippings, leaves, brush, tree limbs, etc. — will be recycled rather than sent to a landfill. Green waste materials should be placed in a reusable container or tied bags; compostable bags are not required.
Sugar Land, TX News (May 6, 2014) - Congratulations to St. Laurence Catholic School S.P.I.C. E. student, Jacob Martin, who was chosen to entertain the Sugar Land Skeeter’s Baseball fans during the seventh inning stretch at a recent ballgame to help celebrate, “Strike Out Autism Day” benefiting Hope 4 Three. Jacob gave a wonderful performance by singing “God Bless America” for the crowd of fans. Jacob is a 6th grader enrolled in the “Special People In Catholic Education” (S.P.I.C.E.) program at St. Laurence Catholic school. The S.P.I.C.E. program is designed to support the education of children with special needs in our community.
Sugar Land, TX News (April 30, 2014) - The City of Sugar Land and Shape Up Fort Bend will hold the fourth annual Bike to Work Day and second annual Bike to School Day on Thursday, May 8.
The event – part of National Bike Month – begins at 7:30 a.m. at the South Meadow Pavilion at Sugar Land’s Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd., with vendors, giveaways, and music.
Riders will depart for Sugar Land Town Square at 8:15 a.m. The 4.2-mile ride will take riders down University Boulevard to Fort Settlement Middle School, Elkins Road, Sweetwater Boulevard, and Lexington Boulevard.
Sugar Land’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan identifies a vision for “Superior Mobility.” Participation in National Bike Month is a component of supporting transportation choices and healthy, active lifestyles.
Sugar Land, TX News (February 11, 2014) - The Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) named Sugar Land Director of Parks and Recreation Jim Browne its “East Region 2014 Parks and Recreation Director of the Year.”
Browne was recognized for professional leadership, public service and quality-of-life enhancements in Sugar Land. The award was presented Jan. 25 at the East Region TRAPS Workshop.
Under Browne’s leadership in Sugar Land, the City opened the Imperial Park Recreation Center, a facility that includes a full gymnasium, an exercise room, two multipurpose rooms, a video gaming room, a kitchen and a beautiful patio/garden area.
Sugar Land, TX News (July 21, 2014) - The Sugar Land Animal Shelter is extending reduced adoption fees of $20 for cats through Sept. 8. The fee includes vaccinations, spaying, and a microchip with a lifetime registration.
All cats and kittens include a sleepover option allowing potential families to try out a pet in their home for three to five days. If it’s a perfect match, just return to Animal Services to finalize the adoption.
The City also hosts adoption events at Petsmart, 16758 Southwest Freeway. Adoptable animals from the City’s animal shelter are displayed on a daily basis. Cats are housed at Petsmart seven days a week, and dogs stay at the store on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
For more information, contact Sugar Land Animal Services, 101 Gillingham Lane, at 281-275-A-DOG (2364).
Sugar Land, TX News (September 18, 2014) - The Sugar Land Heritage Museum, with its treasure trove of rare photographs, art and mementos capturing the storied history of Sugar Land, now has a permanent home.
Sugar Land City Council has approved the museum’s new location in Imperial Sugar Land where it will occupy 12,600 square feet of space on the second floor of a historic container warehouse once used by the Imperial Sugar Company. The space is located near the Imperial Sugar Char House on Highway 90 at Kempner Street. (more…)
Sugar Land, TX News (October 13, 2014) - Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital recently became the first hospital in Fort Bend County to perform a single incision laparoscopic hysterectomy procedure.
“Memorial Hermann Sugar Land is passionate about providing the best patient care available and offering more options for our patients,” said Board-certified Gynecological Surgeon Nicole Fleming, M.D., who performed the first procedure in August. “Fewer incisions may speed recovery time, reduce the chance of infection and other surgical complications, and potentially result in less pain for the patient.”
Sugar Land, TX News (July 24, 2014) - The Texas Public Works Association (TPWA) selected the City of Sugar Land to receive a Sustainability Practices Award for achievements in solid waste and recycling.
The award recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to promote sustainability in public works.
Sugar Land was recognized for an ongoing public education campaign to make residents aware of solid waste and recycling services intended to reduce waste sent to landfills.
Pictured (L-R) during a recent City Council recognition ceremony are Assistant Public Works Director Dawn Steph, Texas Public Works Association Southeast Branch President Andrea Brinkley, Mayor James Thompson, and Environmental Manager Gabe Reaume.
Sugar Land’s enhanced solid waste and recycling program was implemented several years ago with the goal to increase services and reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills. At that time, just 10 percent of waste was being diverted from landfills.
The enhanced solid waste and recycling program now includes automated collections of garbage and recycling, a bulky waste program, and increased recycling services such as a green waste recycling program.
The City designed an education and marketing campaign to ensure residents are aware of the program. The campaign included both traditional and modern advertising including videos, education events, news releases, mailers, etc. The City of Sugar Land has also made use of social media and developed an informative smart phone app to better educate residents.
Through the education campaign and a partnership with Republic Services, the City was able to provide the enhanced services at a savings to taxpayers of $800,000 annually and diverted more than 36 percent of solid waste from landfills in 2013.
To learn more about Sugar Land’s solid waste and recycling services, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/solidwaste.
Sugar Land, TX News (August 11, 2014) - The Sugar Land Police Department identified problems with its wrecker truck rotation that included tow trucks not on the contract arriving at accident scenes claiming they were sent by one of Sugar Land’s contracted companies. Companies working under several different business names made it difficult to verify insurance and licenses. The chief of police recently established a process for annual renewal of the contracts to ensure insurance coverage is up to date and trucks that show up at accident scenes belong to companies on Sugar Land’s rotation. The new process better protects motorists from predatory business practices.
Sugar Land, TX News (January 2, 2014) - Sugar Land will partner with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to present a State of the City Address focusing on the City’s 2013 accomplishments. This is the sixth year that the City has presented an annual summary of activities to citizens.
The community is invited to attend the program to be held Jan. 24 at the Sugar Land Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, located at 16090 City Walk at the corner of U.S. Highway 59 and State Highway 6.
Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., followed at 8 a.m. with a dynamic presentation of 2013 Sugar Land achievements. (more…)
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