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Thanksgiving DA fires back against allegations of misconduct by George events about in Fort Bend County By Ken Fountain
KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fort Bend County is gearing up for a weekend full of Thanksgiving events, from community dinners and food giveaways to family festivals, fun runs, and volunteer opportunities. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with neighbors, give back, or enjoy festive activities, there’s something for everyone leading up to Thanksgiving Day. The Fort Bend County ABWA Annual Friendsgiving Social When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. Where: Chuy’s, 320 Hwy 6, Sugar Land. Details: The event offers an evening of connection, celebration, and gratitude for members, guests, and prospective members, featuring a festive fall atmosphere and Tex-Mex dining. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP and can bring a guest. Learn more at allevents.in/ sugar-land /for t-bend-countyabwa-annual-friendsgiving-social/200029121299927.
In court filings last week, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office vociferously denies allegations by attorneys for County Judge KP George that District Attorney Brian Middleton acted out of political malice in indicting George on charges of money laundering and misappropriation of identity by a public official. The filings are the latest salvo in the convoluted legal maneuverings after Jared Woodfill and Terry Yates, George’s attorneys, called for
the charges to be dropped and for Middleton to be disqualified in their own court filings last month. In September 2024, George was indicted by a Fort Bend County grand jury on a single misdemeanor count of misrepresentation of identity of a political candidate. The indictment alleges that George knew that his former chief of staff, Taral Patel, was using fake social media accounts to post false, racist social media messages about George, who like Patel is Indian-American,
SEE GEORGE PAGE 3
In court filings last week, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s office denies allegations by attorneys for County Judge KP George that District Attorney Brian Middleton acted out of political malice in indicting George. File photo
ELACKATT, OTHER MISSOURI CITY OFFICIALS SWORN IN AFTER ELECTION By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM
Pecan Harvest Festival When: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Historic Downtown Richmond, 316 Morton Street, Richmond Details: A free family festival hosted by the Rotary Club of Richmond featuring artisan and farmers market vendors, a car show, bake-off contests, live entertainment, food trucks, and activities for kids. Proceeds from the event support the Richmond community through student scholarships and donations to local nonprofits such as the YMCA, Nery’s Promise, Mercy Goods, and Fort Bend County 4-H. Learn more at rotaryrichmond. org/event/pecan-harvest-festival2?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
It was a celebratory affair at the Missouri City Community Center Monday as a packed hall saw the swearing-in of a full slate of incumbents (plus one new member) following the November 4 municipal elections, promising a continuation of the city’s pro-growth agenda of recent years. Mayor Robin Elackatt, elected to his third term since being first elected in 2020, defeated outgoing District B Council member Jeffrey Boney, 52/61% to 47.39%. In keeping with a spirit of conviviality that pervaded Monday’s festivities, Elackatt in an earlier specially called meeting in the Council’s chambers presented Boney with a proclamation honoring his eight years on Council over four terms, as well as symbolic street sign with his name, a flag of the city, and a framed photo collage of his time in office. “I really believe when you’re tasked
SEE THANKSGIVING PAGE 2
SEE ELECTION PAGE 4
Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt, with his wife Tina beside him, is sworn into his third term by 240th District Court Judge Surendran K. Pattel on Monday. Photo by Ken Fountain.
Fort Bend's interfaith community to gather for annual Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 24 By Juhi Varma CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fort Bend residents will have an opportunity to “give thanks as one” later on Monday, November 24 as dozens of faith communities come together for the county’s annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Organized by the Fort Bend Interfaith Council, the service brings together leaders and members of Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and other traditions for an hour of prayers, readings, and music offered from each faith’s own perspective. The evening is intentionally worshipful, but not a debate or blending of beliefs, said Pastor John Strader, chair of the Fort Bend Interfaith Council. Each community will share its traditions while standing side by side with neighbors of other faiths. “In a time when public conversations can feel loud and divisive, we want this night to feel peaceful,
Fort Bend County’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held Monday, Nov. 24 at Christ Church Sugar Land. Contributed photo
hopeful, and human.” said Strader, lead pastor at Missouri City’s Horizon Baptist Church. “My hope is that attendees walk away with a fuller sense of gratitude and a clearer awareness that their neighbors of other faiths are not strangers or headlines, but people they can pray and sing alongside.”
The theme of this year’s service is “Giving Thanks as One.” The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service began about a decade ago and has grown in both participation and diversity. It had moved online during the pandemic, and Strader said in-person attendance has steadily increased,
with more congregations, families and young people taking part. One highlight will be a combined interfaith choir made up of singers from various congregations across the county. The choir will close the evening, offering what Strader describes as a visual and musical
expression of the event’s theme. The Fort Bend Interfaith Council in its current form was established in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, when leaders who had worked side by side in relief efforts decided to stay connected. Since then, the council has coordinated public events and hosted dinner dialogues, where residents from different faiths share meals and conversations about their traditions. Strader emphasized that the Thanksgiving service is open to anyone, regardless of background or religious affiliation. “You don’t need to belong to a particular tradition to attend,” he said. “If someone is curious about their neighbors, or simply wants a quiet, beautiful space to give thanks with others, this service is for them.” The gathering will take place on Monday, November 24, from 7–8 p.m. at Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Parkway. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and a community reception will follow. The event is free and open to all.
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