Recently, a young man had an old cell phone he wanted to sell.

So, in some of today’s most advanced technology he sent word to friends and acquaintances that he had a phone for sale.

Bingo! He got a bite.

A friend of a friend set up a meeting in a parking lot of FM 1464 so the two could meet and exchange the phone for cash.

Well, as you can imagine…. The entrepreneur fell victim to a man with a gun.

Not only did the gun wielding robber get his old cell phone, he got his new one, his backpack, and his wallet.

Man, it’s tough to make a buck these days, especially in a parking lot.

Photo courtesy of Missouri City

More than 300 dads and daughters enjoyed a memorable event on Sat., Feb. 11, at Missouri City’s 16th annual Dad & Daughter Dance. The theme for this year’s event was “Princess Ball” and the lovely ladies were treated to an evening fit for a princess, including dinner, dancing and a ride in a horse-drawn, lighted carriage that came with blankets to ward off the evening chill. The pre-Valentine’s Day evening of fun was a special opportunity for the girls to spend a night out with dad. Most dads said the evening was a magical moment that will last a lifetime. These girls head to the “Princess Ball” in style with their dad.

By LeaAnne Klentzman

Crime is down! Crime is down! A statement shouted from the roofs of many police agencies bragging about the downward trend of crime in their respective jurisdictions.

So what does that really mean? Is crime really down or is the way police are reporting it trending it downward? Are there really fewer burglaries? Thefts? Home invasion robberies? Shopliftings? Police administrators will tell you yes.

However, keep in mind that cities all across America are vying for that coveted “Safest City in America” moniker. Furthermore, law enforcement officials know that their city councils, commissioner’s courts, as well as state and federal elected officials expect the crime rate to be at least steady, if not declining, after all the dollars that have been dumped into “safety” for the American citizen.

UCR Reports have been hotly debated in the last three Fort Bend County sheriff’s forums. The Uniform Crime Report (UCR) is identified by the FBI as, “…a voluntary city, university and college, county, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement program that provides a nationwide view of crime based on the submission of statistics by law enforcement agencies throughout the country.” Also according to the FBI, the UCR data is a way for law enforcement to formulate their planning, resource allocation, police operations, and budgets in order to address the crime problem at various levels.

Another group that utilizes the information compiled by the UCR Report is chambers of commerce, tourism agencies as well as criminal justice researchers in their efforts to study crime. Legislators also use the UCR information to draft anti-crime measures using the research findings and recommendations of law enforcement to keep the public informed on the state of crime in their area, state and federal governments.

Based on the FBI’s publications, participation in the UCR program is voluntary. Since there is no mandatory auditing program to validate an agency’s submitted data or reporting practices, the integrity and the accuracy of data rest upon the efforts of individual law enforcement agencies in reporting accurate numbers and quality data. Keeping that in mind, it is easy to see how the numbers could need to add up to trend down. While the FBI warns not to use the UCR Reports as a report card on law enforcement agencies, that is exactly how they are most frequently used.

During the latest forum presented by the West Fort Bend Republican Women held at the Swinging Door Restaurant last Thursday evening, three of the four sheriff candidates spoke to their issues and answered questions from a panel.

First to speak was 45-year law enforcement veteran Billy Frank Teague. Teague spent those 45 years first as an officer in the Dallas area, 8 years with Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office as a patrolman, detective, and detective sergeant until 1982 when he left to join DPS. He retired from DPS after 20 years of service, joining the Richmond police department as an administrator and serving another 8 years before retiring again to run for Sheriff.

He is running on a platform of integrity, leadership, service and vision. Teague said he was a committed to utilizing “your tax dollars” in ways that best benefit the community. Teague told the audience that he would never embarrass the office of sheriff nor the voters that allowed him to serve them. When asked how he would change the reputation of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office, Teague said, “The sheriff’s office is the lead agency in the County and must cooperate with all other agencies. The sheriff has got to take the lead by encouraging, supporting, and helping the law enforcement agencies to move forward and work together.” He said he was determined to move toward an interactive, community oriented based style of policing.

Next to introduce himself was Constable Troy Nehls. He said he came from a family of law enforcement, where his father and now one of his older brothers serves the community of Dodge County, Wisconsin as sheriff. Nehls said he is a retired Major in the US Army Reserve with overseas tours and 21 years of service. Currently, Nehls is constable for precinct 4 and has 19 years law enforcement experience. He relocated to Fort Bend County in 1994 and recently earned his MS in criminal justice from University of Houston Downtown.

Nehls has identified the Fort Bend County Sheriff ‘s office abysmal crime solve rate as the platform for his campaign. Nehls said that based on a statistical analysis he did on the crime solve numbers provided to him by the sheriff’s office through an open records request, he determined that their crime solve rate for burglaries is about 4%, one of the lowest crime solve rates in the state.

Nehls said he based his assertion on an analysis of the last 10 years worth of statistics that the sheriff’s office has provided to the state to report to the FBI. Nehls said he also learned that the abysmal crime solve rate was not just limited to burglaries. He also identified over three quarters of a million dollars in overtime that could be saved at the sheriff’s office by simply creating an evening shift for detectives. He said that since this budget year began in October, the detectives have accrued a quarter of million dollars in overtime.

Craig Brady introduced himself by thanking everyone for coming out and said he was honored to be the chief deputy and extremely proud of the detectives who put in the overtime to make sure it was safe for your family. He said Fort Bend County has consistently been rated as one of the safest counties of its size in the nation. However, he provided no basis for that statement.

He said his opponent, Nehls, was improperly using the UCR numbers. He went on to say that the numbers that had been provided to Nehls, the state, and the FBI were incorrect based on a computer reporting error. He went on to say that his office had gone back and hand tabulated the numbers and now, the crime solve rate was one of the best in the state. To further enforce his statement, he said, “Contact me or come to the sheriff’s office and we will show you the facts.”

The reason one would have to go to the sheriff’s office to see those numbers is because once the UCR numbers are submitted, tabulated and the UCR report is completed, there in no way to change it. In short, there is no “do over” in crime reporting rates. Brady went on to say that he has a BS in criminal justice from the University of Houston Downtown. He is the father of seven and has 34 years of law enforcement experience. He said, “I have the knowledge, experience, and background to continue to do the job.”

Candidate John Minchew, the former police officer and railroad police administrator, now business owner, was unable to attend the forum because of family emergencies that occurred that afternoon. Billy Frank Teague announced to the audience that Mr. Minchew could not be present and ask that everyone hold the Minchew family in their thoughts and prayers for a healthy recovery for his daughter and father-in-law.

There was yet another Sheriff’s candidate forum last night that will be highlighted in next week’s paper.

Calling them “digital natives in a digital age”, the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees voted to equip students with iPads as part of a controversial $18 million dollar program to boost science scores district wide. The iACHIEVE initiative will involve three Title 1 pilot schools to start with 12 other schools added next year and the remaining 47 schools added in the 2013- 2014 school year.

“This board recognizes that there are achievement gaps in certain schools,” said Trustee Marilyn Glover. “We have groups who accuse the schools from the east end of dragging the district down. This is an opportunity to put up or shut up.”

In January 2011, the district began investigating whether using technology in the classroom, specifically hand-held devices, could help improve science achievement scores for K-8 students. TAKS scores from 2006 to 2011 show a significant decline in science performance in the district, particularly with at-risk students. In an email to district employees obtained by the “Fort Bend Star”, district Superintendent Dr. Timothy Jenney wrote, “This program is built upon the integration of science content and technology and relies upon mobile technology devices to bring daily rigorous and relevant science lessons to our students in their home school classrooms.”

The Board of Trustees say the money to launch the iACHIEVE program will come from reallocated bond money, a $6 million dollar technology grant and a $1 million dollar donation from the George Foundation. Several parents addressed the board at the February 13 meeting to protest spending $18 million dollars on iPads when the district is still reeling from budgetary cutbacks and teacher layoffs over the past two years.

“We would love all students to use iPads”, said Jenny Bailey, whose children attend Fort Bend ISD schools. “But is spending $18 million dollars an efficient use of the district’s resources? Shouldn’t we be looking at ways to spend less?”

“Education does not require bells and whistles. It requires a mind, creativity and a pencil”, said Tammy Moreno whose children attend Cornerstone Elementary. “$18 million could go a long way in accommodating our students. How can you talk about closing schools while some students get iPads?”

Two Trustees also expressed their concern for launching the iACHIEVE initiative this year. Susan Hohnbaum and Jim Rice, who were the only board members to vote against the plan, cautioned against moving too quickly when the district is still working to get it’s financial footing.

I believe this is a good program at the wrong time”, said Trustee Jim Rice. “I am told that 2013 is going to be another lean year with the state legislature and now is not the time to do this.”

I want to see how the pilot goes”, said Trustee Susan Hohnbaum. “We don’t know the impact on teachers. We have not started the budget. I don’t feel this is the right time either.”

The district’s Chief Information Officer, Robert Calvert told the board that this is exactly the right time to launch the iACHIEVE program. He says the district has significantly under-invested in technology citing Klein ISD which has fewer students than Fort Bend ISD but has spent $60 million dollars more in increasing and improving the technology available in classrooms.

“This is the perfect time to change the game, to change education”, Calvert told the board. “We can hit the right people. If this isn’t the right time then I don’t know when the right time will be. We’ve significantly underinvested in this.”

The iACHIEVE initiative will begin at Ridgegate and Ridgemont Elementary Schools later this month and at McAuliffe Middle School in April. Following an evaluation of the pilot and any adjustments to the program, iACHIEVE will be offered to 12 voluntary schools, second grade to eighth grade, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. The following school year, the program will be added to the remaining 47 schools.

By Elsa Maxey

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen “shared that in 2011, the golf courses had 54,000 rounds of play which included 100 tournaments,” and that “Council is very proud of the support the Golf Courses have received from the community as well as the general public.” This is recorded in the Feb. 13 Quail Valley Fund meeting notes prepared and distributed by Marketing Director Susan Fox.

Missouri City resident Veronica Garcia is not one of those in the community supporting the golf course, and about its operations, neither is Howard Moline, another resident. Both of them are quite vocal about the profit and losses of the golf course recently reported by the city.

Garcia wants to know who approved and why the city moved money, albeit she indicates it was done legally, from one account to another. “The financial transactions that were mentioned changed the net result from a loss to a gain and that is misleading,” she states in an e-mail blast to city officials, the city manager and area media representatives.

Missouri City government should manage the Quail Valley Golf Course with a clear profit objective, Moline reportedly states. He also is reported to have said that Missouri City residents are given a discount and that he sees no substantial benefit to residents from subsidizing golf play for non-residents. Another point he makes is that the golf course can be viewed as generating a loss due to the debt load it assumed to purchase and reconstruct it.

Essentially, the city golf course is viewed from some perspectives as breaking even, however, when the debt service, which includes principal and interest is factored it, the expenditures tell another story, different from the one in the city’s press releases.

“The residents and employees deserve a press release with the “WHO and “WHY” details,” said Garcia noting that it will take an action she describes as “just pull the minutes and release the info.” She said that once the information is released, “the public will know exactly what happened and I personally will email those individuals with my feedback and vote them out!”

City Manager Ed Broussard told the Star that the financial information referred to by Garcia is found in the annual budget, monthly budget reports, and annual audit, “all of which can be found at the City’s website,” including the past agendas and minutes for the Leisure and Recreation Local Government Corporation (LGC). Broussard said the corporation was created by the city council as a financial mechanism for governing and accounting the golf course’s costs and operations. “The revenues and expenditures associated with the golf course can be primarily found in the LGC budget,” he said.

Garcia describes herself as a single parent of Hispanic decent and a soccer mom preferring the use of the money to subsidize the golf course to go toward improving amenities such as a covered pavilion for basketball courts, more soccer fields and improvements to soccer greens and not those of the Mayor’s, she said in her communication.

She challenges councilmember Danny Nguyen referring to him as the Chair of International Relations, “and it is my opinion that you should be fighting for each Ethnic group.” She asks that Nguyen “Quit siding with the establishment and the status quo. You have kids and you should understand the necessity to improve our parks.” Because of his business background she asks that he use it to improve the city’s operations. “Fight for us,” she requests.

Garcia also asked that the city manager release the minutes of the LGC meetings. Broussard said that “GC can also be found at our website,” and reports that the city will not be distributing a press release as requested by Garcia.

“Missouri City has been the leader in park, trail and facility development,” said Broussard about the city’s parks and recreation’s needs and programs. He referred to the new recreation center, tennis center, and community center, facilities under construction to be opening this summer. Accomplishments that include opening another phase of the Oyster Creek trail and winning statewide attention for its Edible Arbor Trail, Broussard adds that the neighborhood park system is extensive with community parks, passive parks, and even a major county park spread through the city.

The Quail Valley Fund meeting notes Fox prepared state that Councilman Jerry Wyatt, who was also in attendance, “reminded the group that 74% of the voters in Missouri City voted for the bonds which included a new Community Center/Pro Shop and Tennis and Rec Center.” Stating that it is unfortunate that there are a few residents who are complaining that the golf courses will never turn a profit, Wyatt said those complaining do not necessarily have their facts straight, according to the meeting notes that also say Wyatt referred to the golf courses takeover by the city to be a quality of life and tax base issue.

Councilman Floyd Emery, also at the meeting, “clarified that it is the city’s desire to get the golf course to a positive cash flow and manage the operation as if it were a business,” indicate the meeting notes.

Mayor Owen has repeatedly stated that the golf courses are an amenity for the city’s residents, and at the meeting said they should not be judged strictly by whether or not there is a positive cash flow, as the ownership stability of the course has improved property values.

Around mid-2008, the Quail Valley Golf Course was acquired by the city by eminent domain. City voters approved a $17.5 million dollar bond referendum for the acquisition of 400 acres of park land. According to city financial data, the golf course did not turn a profit and the city transferred $283,000 from its general fund to the LGC fund due to a $210,000 loss.

A law enforcement pursuit travels from Fort Bend County into Houston, then back out to Fort Bend County, then coasts to a stop near Beasley.

Early last Friday morning Sheriff’s patrol deputy Glen St Hillaire and his trainee Matt Gobar were rolling and patrolling along FM 1092. Just shy of 3 a.m., they witnessed a car committing a traffic violation on FM 1092 near Stafford.

The deputies attempted to stop the violator but she took off as the driver, later identified as Elizabeth Louise Wilson, 30, of Missouri City, sped away. As the deputies gave chase, she wound her way through Stafford neighborhoods eventually hitting US 90A where she traveled eastbound at high rates of speed.

According to Sheriff’s spokesman Bob Haenel, Wilson traveled eastbound on US 90A until she got to Loop 610. He said, at Fannin street Wilson exited, made a U-turn, and began driving back westbound on the Loop. Wilson got off the 610 Loop at 59 southbound and headed back to Fort Bend County.

Haenel said, “Several agencies became involved in the chase, which, at times, reached 100 mph.” As the chase parade approached the Brazos River Turnaround deputies laid out spikes across the driving lanes near Crabb River Road. Haenel said, “Wilson’s vehicle hit the spikes, but she continued driving southwest on U.S. 59 with law enforcement vehicles giving chase.” As a result of that activity three patrol cars were damaged. The chase continued southbound past Richmond, past Rosenberg and came to a stop as her vehicle veered off of U.S. 59 near Isleib Road near Beasley. Haenel said her front tires were down to bare metal.

Although stopped along the road, Wilson refused to surrender to deputies, locking herself in her car. Eventually after she refused to open the door or window, deputies shattered a window to get to Wilson. When the window shattered, Wilson sustained minor cuts and was taken to Oak Bend Medical Center in Richmond said Haenel where she was later released back into custody of deputies and taken to jail.

Elizabeth Wilson was charged with Evading Arrest, Possession of Marijuana; and Driving While Under the Influence. Wilson has been released on bond.

Philip O’Neal who has more than 25 years experience in education and athletics has been hired as the new Athletic Director for Fort Bend ISD. O’Neal, who was approved at the Board of Trustees meeting on February 13, is replacing Keith Kilgore who retired at the end of January.

“I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the amazing academic and athletic successes attained by the student athletes and coaches of the Fort Bend ISD under Keith Kilgore’s leadership,” said Philip O’Neal.

For the past three years, O’Neal has been the Executive Director of Athletics at Weather-ford Independent School District. Before that, he was an athletic director and assistant athletic director at Weatherford ISD for more than 9 years. O’Neal has also served as a head basketball coach and business and physical education teacher at Weatherford and Copperas Cove High Schools. He was an assistant coach and math teacher at Temple High School and Red Oak High School.

He began his career as a Men’s Basketball Student Assistant Coach at Wayland Baptist University, where he played Men’s Basketball from 1983 to 1986.

“Mr. O’Neal is a great addition to the FBISD family. We are confident he will continue our rich tradition of success at the regional and state levels while supporting high academic standards and meeting the needs of all student athletes,” said Michael McKie, Assistant Superintendent.

O’Neal holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Wayland Baptist University, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration from Tarleton State University. O’Neal has been married to his wife Jamie for 25 years, and they have one son Stewart who is a senior Energy Commerce Major at Texas Tech University.

Photos by Mary Favre, Liz Furman, and Brenda Perry Among the guests were Carole and Bob Brown, with Dee Koch.

Looking in the rear view mirror it is safe to say Fort Bend Cares party “Road Trip to Rio” on Feb. 11, was a sizzling success, raising over $150,000. This charitable foundation will allocate these funds in June to more than 20 non-profit organizations serving disadvantaged children all in Fort Bend County.

The cohesive partnership between Fort Bend Cares and the presenting sponsor Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital was once again a winning combination. Memorial Hermann’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Brown, and wife Amy were among the attendees enjoying the event which seemed to be an endless parade of Who’s Who in Fort Bend County including on air host Michele Fisher from 93Q and Houston’s Eagle, as emcee.

Jill Curtis, Executive Director of Fort Bend Cares, and her 26 Committee Chairs, worked tirelessly together to produce an entertaining evening, turning the Fluor Daniel Cafeteria into a Carnivale themed paradise.

Auctioneer Jim Richard produced high drama as the live auction alone raked in a total of $54,400. The Silent Auction, Casino Games, Jewelry Raffle, Sterling McCall Lexus Wheel of Fortune Game, Photo Booth, and Latin inspired dancing helped create a festive and giving atmosphere to the evening.

For further information about Fort Bend Cares, please go to the website, www.FortBendCares.org, or call 832.392.1983.

Shown in the photo are Music Magic boys.

Music can be such an adventure, especially for six and seven year old boys! Why not sign up the young boy in your life in Music Magic, an eight-week music enrichment program for six and seven year old boys? The Fort Bend Boys Choir offers this course which brings music alive through the use of movement, musical games, singing and other child-centered activities. Boys learn about pitch matching and rhythm awareness in addition to developing large muscle coordination, increased focus and better musicianship. No auditions are necessary – just a love of music and singing!

Since the Fort Bend Boys Choir organization is celebrating their 30th anniversary this 2011-2012 season, Music Magic will get to take part in the celebration! In addition to their eight-week program, Music Magic boys will sing with the three treble choirs and the alumni choir in the organization’s annual Spring Concert on May 12, 2012!

For this 15th season of the Music Magic program, the class will meet every Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., beginning this Spring season on February 28 and ending May 8 at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City.

The cost for this course is only $80 and boys will receive a free Music Magic t-shirt once classes start. Classes are limited in size so please call the choir office at (281) 240-3800 to pre-register or visit their website at www.fbbctx.org.

Sponsorships range from $250 through $5000. Program ads vary from $75 through $200.

Silent auction items are also needed. Individual tickets are $15 adult and children 12 and under are $10.

Please call Jess Stuart at (281) 341-0791 or email jesss@ymcahouston.org for more information.