Conroe - Montgomery Edition | April 2024

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1 APRIL 20MAY 20, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

At each Willis ISD football game, the district turns away 200300 people due to capacity. A new stadium bond proposition is on the ballot for the second time this May.

COURTESY WILLIS ISD

WISD’s $218.1M bond includes new stadium, natatorium

Capacity and accessibility concerns are why WISD is putting propositions for a new stadium and a pool on the May 4 ballot, part of a $218.1 million bond package that includes propositions for a ninth grade expansion and a student activity center.

WISD turns away around 200-300 people each football game because of capacity issues. “We’re already paying thousands of dollars a year to add extra bleachers to the end zones in order to let the visitor band and our band and our dance team sit in the stands,” Fails said.

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Willis ISD’s stadium, built in 1974, was made to accommodate a high school of 300 students, Director of Communications Jamie Fails said. In the 50 years since then, the high school’s capacity has grown to around 2,700 students, and

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

Impacts: Yeti Eddy Shaved Ice & Candy Shoppe now open (Page 6)

Election: Hear from the Conroe mayoral candidates (Page 15)

Education: Lone Star College raises tuition rates (Page 25)

Community: Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber hits 90 years (Page 29)

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Account Executive Taylor Rainey Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter Support us Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Impacts

3 Gracepoint Homes Gracepoint Homes, a custom homebuilding company, opened a new sales and design center inside one of Montgomery’s oldest historic homes. The home, according to the Visit Montgomery website, was built in the 1850s and is known as Pecan Shadows. • Opened Feb. 16 4 XFit Her The women-centered gym’s signature program features 30-minute, high-energy classes that combine functional movements, metabolic conditioning and weightlifting. • Opened Feb. 1 • 525 Woodland Square Blvd., Ste. 140, Conroe • www.xfither.com • 504 Caroline St., Montgomery • www.gracepointhomes.com 5 Black Rock Coffee Bar Black Rock Coffee Bar is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and energy drinks, according to a Feb. 16 news release. • Opened Feb. 16 • 18784 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 100, Montgomery • www.br.coffee 6 Enhanced Beauty Bar and Spa The spa offers services such as facials, scalp treatments, body polish and waxing, owner and esthetician Kassidy O’Neill confirmed via email. • Opened Feb. 26 • 3830 Honea Egypt Road, Montgomery • https://enhancedbeautybarhouston.square.site 7 Texas First Bank The location is the first to bring banking, lending, small business services and insurance solutions together under one roof, according to a Feb. 26 news release. • Opened Feb. 26 • 1965 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.texasfirst.bank 8 Yeti Eddy Shaved Ice & Candy Shoppe Yeti Eddy Shaved Ice & Candy Shoppe’s menu features over 50 varieties of sweet and savory treats.

Willis

105

1097

830

2432

LAKE CONROE

LEAGUE LINE RD.

W. DAVIS ST.

1484

SIMONTON ST.

105

149

MADELEY ST.

2854

336

Conroe

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

CARMEN BLVD.

PINE MARKET AVE.

3083

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

FRAZIER ST.

1314

CITY CENTRAL AVE.

HONEA EGYPT RD.

HORSESHOE BEND

149

OLD CONROE RD.

L P K

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

COLLEGE PARK DR.

1488

WOODLAND SQUARE BLVD.

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Wildflower Portrait Studio The studio, which is open by appointment only, offers photography services for families in the area. Owner and photographer Kelly Roland said she does photography of newborns, babies, families and seniors alongside personalized business photos. • Opened March 1

Now open

1 Toasted Pizza Co. The food truck, located at The Table at Madeley in Conroe and owned by husband and wife Ricky and Kaitlyn Fell, specializes in Detroit-style pizza. • Opened March 6

• 1300 S. Frazier St., Ste. 417, Conroe • www.wildflowerportraitstudio.com

• 316 Madeley St., Conroe • www.toastedpizzaco.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opened Feb. 2 • 1140 N. FM 3083 W., Ste. 200, Conroe • www.yetieddy.com

Coming soon

Now open

14 Oishi Sushi The restaurant will offer customers all-you-can-eat sushi, hibachi and hot pot, restaurant manager and partner Alan Liang said. • Opening in May • 1205 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 900, Conroe • www.oishisushiconroe.com

9 Ego Cuisine and Music Ego Cuisine and Music offers fine dining and live music, with regular weekly features including country and western music on Thursday nights, salsa classes, and movie nights in the coming months. • Opened Feb. 9 • 3074 College Park Drive, Ste. A, Conroe • www.egocuisineandmusic.com 10 Conroe Collective Conroe Collective, which started as a holiday pop-up shop, is now open permanently, owner Farralyn Withrow confirmed via email. The vendor market features 26 vendors that sell a variety of items, such as clothing, soap, pottery and food.

Relocations

15 Alden Bridge Presbyterian Preschool School officials announced relocation and expansion plans in a Feb. 28 email. The new location will provide 5 acres for exploration and larger classrooms. • Relocating in July

18 Jewel’s Teahouse Owner Catherine Brown said the restaurant offers items such as soups, salads, baked goods and sandwiches alongside beverages that include tea and lemonade. • Opened Feb. 20

• 14173 Horseshoe Bend, Conroe • www.aldenbridgepreschool.org

• Opened permanently Feb. 3 • 213 N. Thompson St., Conroe • Facebook: Conroe Collective

16 Carbon Salon Carbon Salon moved into a larger location and is expanding its services to include facials, Owner Alex Guillemin confirmed via email. • Relocated April 13 • 2138 N. FM 3083 W., Conroe • www.saloncarbon.com

• 14351 Liberty St., Montgomery • Facebook: Jewel’s Teahouse

11 DG Market DG Market offers household essentials, such as food, cleaning supplies and paper products, according to a Feb. 8 news release. • Opened Feb. 1

• 105 Carmen Blvd., Conroe • www.dollargeneral.com

In the news

12 Balanced Foods Located in Woodforest, Balanced Foods offers customers healthy, pre-portioned ready-to-eat meals, co-owner Savannah Collier confirmed via email. • Opened Jan. 21 • 820 Pine Market Ave., Montgomery • www.balancedfoods.com 13 Sylvan Learning Center The learning center is designed to give each student a personalized, trackable plan to achieve their

games such as tic-tac-toe and four traditional ax- throwing lanes, owner Jackie Parker said. • Opened Feb. 27 • 11715 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. A, Tomball • www.houstonaxeperience.com Color Me Mine The paint-your-own pottery studio offers parties and walk-in options for customers to paint and fire pottery. A variety of designs are available for adults and children. • Opened March 11

17 SHSU Health Professions Building The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved design documents for Sam Houston State University’s Health Professions Building, according to a Feb. 23 news release. • 925 City Central Ave., Conroe • www.shsu.edu

Worth the trip

educational goals. • Opened March 19 • 1336 League Line Road, Ste. 200, Conroe • www.sylvanlearning.com

• 17937 I-45 S., Ste. 109, Shenandoah • www.woodlands.colormemine.com

The Axeperience The ax-throwing venue offers four digital lanes with

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY VANESSA HOLT

Aubrey Spear takes over as general manager of San Jacinto River Authority Aubrey Spear assumed the role of general manager of the San Jacinto River Authority in January. Spear spoke with Community Impact on March 11 about the role of the SJRA and his plans for the coming year. What is your background, and how did it lead you to an interest in this position? I spent 36 years ... dealing with the water industry and water issues; the first 20 years I was in private business in engineering and business consulting to different entities. ... The last 16 and a half years I’ve been the director of water utili- ties for the city of Lubbock. ... Most everything that I see here at the SJRA is very similar to what I dealt with there, as far as the technology, treating water and wastewater. ... The organization of our water utility is very similar in size to the SJRA as well. What do you see as the main water issues in the area served by SJRA? Coming into this position, I am fully aware that ... all of our customers are wholesale customers; we don’t have retail customers, but those retail customers are important. ... They are the ones who use the water, ultimately. ... I think the biggest challenges are going to be building ... even more cooperation and consensus, and finding water solutions for a growing population here in this area, and that everybody be on the same page.

The San Jacinto River Authority:

Monitors water quality in the San Jacinto River Basin

Provides wholesale water to municipal utility districts and other entities

Operates the Lake Conroe Dam

Has divisions serving The Woodlands as well as the Highlands area around Lake Houston

SOURCE: SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What are your immediate plans for your first year in this role? I’m just now getting my arms around a lot of the projects, ... and of course ... I ask a lot of questions about, ... “Why do we need this project?” ... “Is this the best timing for it?” ... Those that are definitely priorities that we need to move forward on, if they’re dealing with aging infrastructure that has a shelf life, we have to rehab certain facilities or we’re not going to be able to function. But if there are some that it doesn’t make sense this year to move forward, we’ll probably push those back. What goals do you have for the SJRA? I am here as a neutral party, in that I don’t have all of the political ties that a lot of people may have or perceived ties. I am here almost as a fresh set of eyes on everything to see what is it that we can do to work together, moving forward in the future. We are still in the middle of a lot of legal issues [with governmental entities]. My goal is to reach out to all the entities involved and try to chart a path forward.

What would you most like residents to know about the SJRA? I hope they all understand that water is our life, so they can live theirs. ... We’re trying to do the best we can; we want to build that trust that we’re working on water supply issues so they don’t have to worry about it.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

Conroe uses reserve funds to pay $625K in hotel debt

Montgomery OKs $75K for waterline During its March 26 meeting, Montgom- ery City Council agreed to pay up to about one-third of the cost for waterline upgrades needed at Montgomery ISD’s career and technical education, and agricultural science centers being built along Lone Star Parkway. The specifics MISD leaders initially requested the city fund 50% of the waterline upgrades, or about $112,177, according to the March 26 meeting agenda. City Council unanimously voted to fund up to $75,000 for the upgrades. “I don’t think you’re setting a bad prece- dent by entering into a cost-sharing agree- ment,” City Attorney Caleb Villarreal said. MISD’s CTE and ag science centers, estimated to cost a combined $80 million, are scheduled to be completed in July 2025.

debt payments, with about $2.8 million in the first lien reserve and about $2.1 million in the second lien reserve—to cover the remaining $624,949.81. Stay tuned Conroe has a $1.18 million shortfall for its first and second lien payments—$542,050 and $642,850, respectively—due Oct. 1, per the March 19 agenda packet. Council did not discuss those payments during the March 19 special meeting.

During a special meeting March 19, Conroe City Council voted to use reserve funds to cover two debt service payments related to the Hyatt Regency. What’s happening? On April 1, Conroe had three debt service pay- ments due totaling $1.63 million, two of which the city was responsible for. Council decided to dip into bond debt service reserve funds—money set aside in case there wasn’t enough in the accounts to pay

Debt payments On top of money already allocated for debt payments, Conroe City Council dipped into its bond debt reserve funding to cover the remainder of two payments due April 1. A third lien payment of $451,800 was paid by the Conroe Industrial Development Corp.

Funding already allocated

Remaining funding to source

First lien

$386,847

$155,203

Second lien

$173,103

$469,747

$200K

$400K

$600K

$800K

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Early Voting April 22-27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • April 29-30, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Election Day Saturday, May 4, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. PROPOSITION A | $102,700,000 •9th Grade Center •Transportation Center PROPOSITION B | $68,800,000 Athletic Complex & Stadium with Community Room PROPOSITION C | $19,600,000 Aquatic Center PROPOSITION D | $27,000,000 Student Activity Center •General Infrastructure

•Willis HS Parking Lot Upgrades

willisisd.org/ bond2024

Content provided by Willis ISD.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Montgomery County considers road bond Montgomery County commissioners on April 9 moved toward developing a bond elec- tion for a number of road and infrastructure projects, projecting scenarios ranging from $165 million-$1 billion. Sorting out details Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley said the county should consider separating the bond issue to allow the county to use bonds for major infrastructure projects, such as the animal shelter rebuild, courthouse rebuild and the tax office expansion. What’s next The court agreed to hold a public workshop April 23 to discuss road projects and addi- tional projects. Commissioners have until Aug. 19 to put the bond issue on the ballot.

Montgomery preparing H-E-B feasibility study At its March 12 meeting, Montgomery City Council approved as part of its consent agenda— on which items are approved with one motion without discussion—an escrow agreement with H-E-B and authorized the city engineer to prepare a feasibility study. The escrow agreement will ensure the grocer pays for the cost of the city engineer’s review of the civil site plans, which will cost $4,000, according to the March 12 agenda packet. In a nutshell H-E-B owns a 32.42-acre tract of land at the southeast corner of Hwy. 105 and FM 2854, accord- ing to the agenda packet. The site is southeast from Home Depot, which is building a location near the intersection of Hwy. 105 and Buffalo Springs Drive. The feasibility study will analyze the city of

Montgomery H-E-B H-E-B owns a 32.42-acre tract of land at the southeast corner of Hwy. 105 and FM 2854.

105

2854

SOURCE: CITY OF MONTGOMERY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Montgomery’s water, wastewater and drainage systems to see if any upgrades or utility extensions

are needed. Stay tuned

The feasibility study is expected to take a total of 47 calendar days, according to the March 12 agenda packet.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Transportation

The Houston-Galveston Area Council rec- ommended $564.61 million in state and federal funding for Montgomery County projects as part of the 2025-28 Transportation Improvement Plan. During an April 3 meeting, the H-GAC unveiled the 2025-28 TIP, which will allocate federal and state funding to transportation projects across eight counties in the Houston region. Funding is allocated to the projects every four years as part of the 2045 regional transportation plan, which is also managed by H-GAC. Why it matters According to the TIP documents, Montgomery County may have $564.61 million in federal and state funding allocated over the next four years for projects involving roads such as Hwy. 242, Loop 336 and I-45. Other projects Another $228 million in projects are being funded by the state along the outskirts of Mont- gomery County and on the eastern portions of Porter and Cut-N-Shoot. Projects located partially within Montgomery County total $90.5 million. What else? H-GAC will accept public comments regarding the proposed list of projects for the 2025-28 TIP through April 24. Public comments can be submitted online through the H-GAC comment H-GAC outlines $565M for projects countywide

1097

Willis

Montgomery

BROWDER TRAYLOR RD.

1484

105

Conroe

1 Hwy. 105 expansion: $125.27M Reconstructing and widening from two to four lanes 2 Loop 336 expansion: $37.1M Widening from two to four lanes, and dividing east and westbound lanes 3 Conroe bus terminals: $28M Montgomery County projects: A Constructing Downtown Conroe bus terminal B Constructing Lone Star College bus terminal 4 Hwy. 242 third direct connector: $21.7M Constructing eastbound direct connector from I-45 to Hwy. 242 5 I-45 improvements: $16.47M A Extending northbound HOV from FM 1488 to Loop 336 B Raising frontage roads from Shenandoah Park Drive to Hwy. 242 6 Sorters McClellan Road expansion: $27.84M Widening to four lanes between FM 1314 and Hwy. 59 7 Research Forest Drive expansion: $5M

105

336

RESEARCH FOREST DR.

1314

1488

242

TAMINA RD. SHENANDOAH PARK DR.

SHADOWBEND PLACE

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

Widening from four to six lanes from Shadowbend Place to Kuykendahl Road

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The public comment period is also open to local governmental agencies and counties for additional input regarding the final project list.

portal. Once the public comment period is over, the project list will be finalized and funding will be allocated in May based on any changes made, according to H-GAC officials.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JESSICA SHORTEN & LIZZY SPANGLER

FM 1486 widening to start in 2028

Anticipated future developments

A project to widen FM 1486 between FM 1774 and Jackson Road is not anticipated to begin construction until at least early 2028, said David Balmos, vice president of WSB Consulting, during a public meeting held April 4. WSB Consultants helps facilitate projects in the county, Balmos said. In a nutshell Montgomery County is proposing widening FM 1486 between FM 1774 and Jackson Road from two to four lanes, per the April 4 public meeting mate- rials. The roadway would include four 12-foot-wide lanes; a 40-foot-wide raised median; outside and inside shoulders; a shared-use path for bicycle and pedestrian use; and drainage via a roadside ditch. Sorting out details Balmos said this project will address safety and prepare for anticipated future development, including an estimated 24,000 new homes. “There’s going to be a huge number of rooftops

built along this corridor that, quite simply, a two- lane road can’t handle,” Balmos said. Montgomery County is funding the project development, while the Texas Department of Transportation, along with federal funds, is expected to pay for construction, Balmos said. The widening is expected to cost around $120 million. What they’re saying Diana Walker, who has lived in the area since 2007, said flooding is one of her concerns. “We’re just going to have more of the same [flooding] in more places because between all this new development they’re putting in; that’s more concrete,” Walker said. Stay tuned Balmos said the county will evaluate the comments received, the right of way alternatives and come up with a widening solution that will minimize impacts and displacements.

1486

1774

249

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Learning will never be this easy for your child again. Or as wondrous.

Did you know 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years? Since 1998, Primrose schools in Houston have been making the most of this important time by helping children grow the mental, physical and emotional skills that will set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.

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Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2024 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Election Voter Guide

2024

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

*INCUMBENT

https://elections.mctx.org for polling locations.

Carl White Thomas R. Bersch City Council, Place 2 Shana Arthur Betty Boren Avery Curt Maddux*

Dates to know

Sample ballot

April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 6 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

City of Conroe Mayor Todd Yancey Duke W. Coon Kristin Wilkinson-Guardino City Council, Place 1 David Hairel Susan Johnson

Montgomery ISD board of trustees Trustee, Position 4 Trey Kirby* Paul E. Cameron IV

Where to vote

Montgomery County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct. Visit

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, CITY OF CONROE, MONTGOMERY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Buy a new home, receive up to $10,000 *

Now through May 31 NEW HOMES FROM THE UPPER $200s.

*This offer is available only to buyers signing a new home sales contract with one of The Woodlands Hills® approved builders from April 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024. The offer provides a $10,000 incentive on new homes on 65-75-foot homesites, a $7,500 incentive on new homes on 50-60-foot homesites and a $5,000 incentive on new homes on up to 45-foot homesites toward the price of the home, design center upgrades or closing costs on eligible new homes purchased in The Woodlands Hills. Some restrictions may apply. No substitutions will be permitted. A registration form must be obtained from the builder’s sales office prior to signing the new home contract. Sales contracts not written between April 1, 2024 and May 31, 2024 will not qualify. Homes must close on or before December 31, 2025. The incentive will be awarded to the buyer at the time of closing. Homes within The Woodlands Hills are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with Howard Hughes Holdings Inc® (“HHH”) or any of its affiliated companies or partnerships. Neither HHH nor any of its affiliated companies or partnerships guarantees or warrants the obligations of, or construction by, such builders. Prices and specifications subject to change.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MATT STEPHENS & LIZZY SPANGLER

Conroe mayor

Todd Yancey Occupation: retired (former owner of Yancey Concrete) Experience: has served as City Council member, Position 1, for the last four years www.yanceyformayor.com

Duke W. Coon Occupation: Hadco International Oil & Gas CEO Experience: former mayor pro-tem, City Council member www.dukeforconroemayor.com

Kristin Wilkinson-Guardino Occupation: former attorney; co-founder/CEO, Champagne Cat Worldwide; semi-retired Experience: BBA, economics; Juris Doctorate (J.D.); private law www.kristinguardino.com

What is your top priority if elected?

Community engagement and inclusion: Building a strong sense of community and fostering inclusivity are vital for Conroe’s well-being and prosperity. As mayor, I will prioritize initiatives aimed at increasing civic engagement, promoting diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision- making process.

Restoring trust and transparency to City Hall (fixing broken policies and procedures); providing our first responders the equipment and manpower to protect themselves and our citizens; protecting our trees and green spaces will be a priority; balancing budgets while lowering high water rates

My tenure as mayor will focus on serving Conroe’s citizens through conservative government and on creating a vibrant and safe city to work and live. My priority is to provide city functions that keep citizens safe, hold taxes reasonably low and provide world- class public services.

How would you approach planning the city’s next fiscal year budget?

Planning the next budget requires a strategic and inclusive approach prioritizing the needs of our community while ensuring responsibility and transparency. Here’s how I would approach it: Assess the financial situation, engage stakeholders, set clear priorities, have transparency and be fiscally prudent.

As mayor I would audit each department for expenditure, cost savings and efficiencies, and then develop a budget with a standard 5% reduction in growth to trim wasteful spending. The reduction would not include fire and police departments.

My approach reflects the values of Conroe citizens using conservative forecasts; implementation of financial and reserve policies ensuring delivery of government services; decreasing ineffective policy designs, e.g., acquiring revenue through fines and fees; the creation of a 20-year comprehensive plan.

Service

Integrity

Initiative

FOR CONROE CITY COUNCILMEMBER: POSITION 2

Conroe First ... Texas Always

Place responsible restrictions on builders with the emphasis on preserving our natural resources (trees, land, water and wildlife) Avoid additional tax growth by making good business decisions. Gross mismanagement of Conroe Hyatt Hotel and Convention Center has resulted in a S&P credit downgrade which significantly increases future cost to taxpayers. Provide Citizens with a better place to live through infrastructure enhancements. Provide Police, Fire and First Responders with additional resources given escalating needs of Community (will always vote for safety) Promote diversity in Community Leadership positions. Maximize opportunities for local services in developing the Community. Keep fighting to lower water rates.

Former Treasurer

Businesswoman

Community Service Leader

Military Family

www.davidforconroe.com

ConroefirstTexasalways.com

Pol. Adv. Paid for by the Shana Arthur Campaign

Political ad paid for by the David Hariel Campaign

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Election

How would you approach planning the city’s next fiscal year budget? A. Using my financial knowledge to restore accountability and transparency during this crisis period of excessive debt.; B. Running the city like a business rather than a government entity. This would include justification of spending that produces the best results for citizens.; C. Providing third party audits of each department.

Conroe City Council, Place 1

What is your top priority if elected?

A. Restoring accountability for financial decisions based on policy and procedure.; B. As chairman of the CIDC, I am tasked with bringing new business to the city of Conroe which will produce new property and sales tax revenue.; C. Growing city revenue and reducing indebtedness.; D. Improving our bond rating ...

David Hairel Occupation: retired business owner Relevant experience: founder and CEO of nationally known technology company, member of multiple boards and foundation president www.davidforconroe.com Susan Johnson Occupation: real estate broker Relevant experience: bachelor’s degree in communication from UT; has served in leadership roles www.facebook.com/susanforconroe

(1) Safety and security of our residents. (2) Promoting Conroe to attract commercial, retail and residential business in order to increase sales tax revenue. With a big emphasis on promoting the Hyatt Hotel to make it profitable. (3) Transparency at City Hall so that we can work together to make ...

First of all, we need to make sure that adequate time is allowed to evaluate year-over-year performance before budget decisions are made. Collaboration between the mayor/City Council and city departments to prioritize budget line items. Evaluation of what’s working and what isn’t working and making appropriate decisions. We need ...

My top priority is to serve the people of Conroe.

One way to approach planning the next budget is to meet with department heads and front line works to adjust the needs.

Carl White Occupation: Camlight Video Productions Relevant experience: public servant

www.facebook.com/ carlforconroecouncil

To help the residents that live there by making sure things like roads, parks, jobs, infrastructure and community activities are stable and safe for everyone. Hold high standard to education to make sure kids get good education

Figure out what roads and buildings need repairs, make sure police and fire department have what they need to do their jobs. Budget money for equipment, training, hiring and infrastructure if needed. Set money aside to keep local parks and libraries clean and operating, as well as making sure the ...

Thomas R. Bersch Occupation: retired; also invests in real estate in Conroe Relevant experience: has worked in city council in Wisconsin, volunteer throughout Conroe 832-517-1958

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Conroe City Council, Place 2

*INCUMBENT

Shana Arthur Occupation: retired

Betty Boren Avery Occupation: retired

Curt Maddux* Occupation: Conroe Golf Cars vice president Relevant experience: current mayor pro-tem, council member; business growth and leadership 936-203-0581

Relevant experience: multimillion- dollar project management/finance; community service leadership; education in finance www.conroefirsttexasalways.com

Relevant experience: elected commissioner of emergency services in HC; Conroe MUD No. 1 president, term May 2020-2024 www.conroevotes.com

What is your top priority if elected?

Structure, transparent and fiscal discipline decision making

Debt servicing—there are three certificates of obligation for the Hyatt Hotel and a payment due for interest only of $3,273,400 for both 2024 and 2025. In 2051, the combined principle of $77,090,000 and interest cost of $59,363,925 brings the total debt calculated to $136,452,925. Plus, there are bonds.

Several places within the city demand our attention. However, ethics among city leaders is crucial. The voters and the citizens of Conroe need to be able to depend on what they hear coming out of Conroe City Council. Without honesty and integrity, they have nothing.

How would you approach planning the city’s next fiscal year budget?

Achieve financial solvency

Review year-over-year budget (YOY), sales tax receipts and allocation, population analysis for past three years, review projected revenues for 2024-2025 to prepare a baseline budget by city department. Project expected population for the budget year and compare to the prior YOY information.

We will research and interview city department heads and project leaders to establish current successes and challenges. Then, we'll formulate resolutions to those challenges, balancing it all with growth forecasts.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Using Ultrasound to Treat Essential Tremor

Sam Javedan, MD, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of movement disorders. Affiliated with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neurosciences and part of Mischer Neuroscience Associates, he has a comprehensive understanding of neurological conditions such as essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and dystonia, with extensive experience in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound.

For 20 years, Phyllis Lair dealt with a shaky left hand. The 76-year-old College Station resident, who is left-hand dominant, had watched her own mother endure similar symptoms and knew that her condition was inherited. Lair saw a neurologist in College Station and was diagnosed with essential tremor, a neurological condition believed to be caused by disruption of signals that control movement in the brain. Over the years, she also developed shaking of her head and neck. She was prescribed medication that helped control these unwanted movements at first. Within the past three years, however, Lair noticed the medication was no longer working, even though she was using the maximum dosage. After her neurologist added a second medication to her daily regimen, Lair’s hand continued to shake uncontrollably. “I couldn’t write anymore,” she recalls. “Putting on eye makeup was a problem, and I could no longer measure ingredients when I cooked. I avoided eating soup in restaurants and carrying a cup of coffee was difficult.” As the owner of two restaurants who kept the books and managed payroll, her inability to write with her dominant hand drove her to seek a different treatment option. “I saw ads on social media about this new ultrasound procedure to help people with essential tremor,” she remembers, “so I asked my neurologist, Dr. Boyle, about this.” Allison Boyle, MD, a board-certified neurologist with Mischer Neuroscience Associates (MNA) in The Woodlands specializes in neurology and movement disorders. She referred Lair to her colleague, Dr. Javedan. Dr. Javedan determined that Lair was a candidate for a non-invasive treatment known as MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of essential tremor. During the procedure magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to pinpoint the part of the brain causing the tremor, and focused ultrasound delivers soundwaves directly to the brain to heat, or ablate, the area and disrupt the signals from the brain to the affected hand. Lair opted to undergo the procedure in September 2023. “Ms. Lair was a candidate for this procedure because her medications were no longer effective in managing her hand and forearm tremor,” Dr. Javedan says. “A pre-operative CT scan of her skull also determined she was a candidate because the bone density of her skull was optimal for the ultrasound to reach the area of the brain that we needed to target.” The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) lists MRgFUS as a treatment option for essential tremor, paving the way for insurance coverage

of the procedure. “Recent studies on the sustainability of this procedure at the five-year follow-up have shown it to be an effective way to control essential tremor,” Dr. Javedan says.

Sam Javedan, MD Neurosurgeon

On the day of the procedure, Lair’s head was shaved to allow for the placement of a metal fixation frame around her skull to immobilize her head and to optimize the delivery of the soundwaves to her brain. The frame attaches to the skull in four areas that are numbed prior to its placement. She remained awake during the treatment. Guided by a pre-procedure MRI that determined where to begin targeting, Dr. Javedan moved Lair into the MRI machine and administered pulses of ultrasound to the part of her brain where the tremor originated. These pulses temporarily stop the overactive tremor signals emerging from the brain. Then, Lair was brought out of the machine and asked to trace a spiral design and draw straight lines on a sheet of paper. These drawings helped Dr. Javedan determine whether he had located the exact spot needed to control the tremor. After being taken in and out of the MRI machine to test her hand control a few times, Lair’s drawings smoothed out, indicating Dr. Javedan had successfully located the origin of the tremor. “Once we determine we’re in the right spot with the drawings, we deliver the focused ultrasound to that area at a high temperature to create a long-term lesion on the brain,” he says. “I was put in the machine two or three times before I was able to follow the spiral and draw straight lines,” Lair recalls. “My drawings show the difference.” The whole process lasted about three hours, and Lair was discharged. She had a follow-up MRI the next day. She said she never experienced pain—just pressure—and only felt a “little wobbly” and tired the next day. These are common side effects that Dr. Javedan had informed her she might experience. At her three-month follow up in January 2024, Lair underwent another MRI to check if her brain had healed properly. Her hand control was also evaluated. Dr. Javedan says with this procedure, most people can maintain 80% control of their tremors three months after the treatment, and studies show that result is maintained for at least five years. Since her procedure, Lair can write again and has returned to bookkeeping and managing payroll for her two restaurants. She also regularly cares for eight of her 16 grandchildren and is thrilled with her results. “I would do this again in a heartbeat and recommend it for anyone with essential tremor,” she says. “It changes your life and takes you back to the way you should be.”

To learn more about treatment options for essential tremor, visit memorialhermann.org/essentialtremors

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY EMILY LINCKE

*INCUMBENT

Montgomery ISD board of trustees, Position 4

What is the biggest issue MISD is currently facing, and how would you address it?

What is your top priority if elected?

I want to continue the momentum that MISD has with our local legislators to help understand the formula the state uses for funding, each district throughout the status is funded dierently. We need more consistency, so we know how to budget more eectively.

Education is at a crossroads at the state and federal level, both systemically and philosophically. We need to continue to advocate for our teachers as well as keeping our students and faculty insulated from liberal viewpoints and beliefs. Montgomery is a conservative community and I intend to maintain those beliefs.

Trey Kirby* Occupation: commercial real estate advisor Relevant experience: served three consecutive terms from on the MISD board of trustees 832-524-5676 Paul E. Cameron IV Occupation: pilot Relevant experience: BS in construction science, minor in business administration; master’s in homeland security; Air Force ocer 979-574-5071

Teacher hiring/retention. The availability of teachers has dwindled since COVID[-19] and in order for Montgomery ISD to attract and hire the best qualied teachers, we need to pay equal or more than our surrounding school districts. Starting teachers should be paid top dollar and current teachers deserve a raise.

School funding. I would ensure that there are no frivolous expenditures within MISD’s limited budget. If there are, I would identify and eliminate those unnecessary costs in order to direct money towards our student’s education and extracurricular activities as well as teacher’s salaries.

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

WISD’s $218.1M bond includes new stadium, natatorium From the cover

What they’re saying

Two-minute impact

were taken off the bond package due to the economic climate at the time, according to the district’s website. “The reality is the growth is coming,” Fails said. “We can’t stop it, and as an educational facility, it is our job to be prepared and to provide the best education and academic facilities we can.” After a community bond presentation held March 19, Juan Cristales, who has three children in WISD, said he didn’t know how he was going to vote on the 2024 propositions. “I’ve heard opposing opinions,” Cristales said. “And I need to figure out which way we’re going to go with this thing.”

In the May 4 election, voters in WISD’s jurisdiction will have the opportunity to vote for or against four bond propositions totaling $218.1 million. This latest bond election follows a $100.15 million bond in 2020 and a $143 million bond in 2022. “The next phase of growth that we need to address is the high school,” Fails said. This upcoming bond election is also the second time voters will weigh in on propositions for a stadium and natatorium. In the 2022 bond election, propositions for the stadium and natatorium did not pass by 77 and 12 votes, respectively. In 2020, these two propositions

“There’s some concerns. We have a lot of high growth. … But then also going into debt so much is pretty extreme.” JUAN CRISTALES, WISD PARENT

“We just want the public to remember that every time we delay doing these things, they cost more in the long run, and they also hurt our capability to expand for our students that are coming anyway. ” JAMIE FAILS, WISD DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

2020 BOND $100.15M total

2022 BOND $224.95M total

2024 BOND $218.1M total

Proposition A (funded): • District-wide facility updates • Elementary gym additions • Lynn Lucas Middle School expansion • New pre-K center

Proposition A (funded): • Elementary School No. 7 • Middle School No. 3 • Lynn Lucas Middle School fine arts addition • High school baseball and softball field upgrades • Elementary school playground equipment upgrades • Future land purchases Proposition B (failed): • New football stadium and community room Proposition C (failed): • New natatorium

Proposition A: • Ninth-grade expansion • Transportation center • General infrastructure • Parking lot upgrades Proposition B: • An athletic complex and stadium with community room Proposition C: • An aquatic center Proposition D: • A student activity center

Diving in deeper

With the 2020 and 2022 bond packages, there was no increase to the tax rate because of the dis- trict’s growth and the increase in property taxes, Fails said. With the 2024 bond, the district expects there will be a tax rate increase. “With the amount of bond debt that we have right now, it’s just not going to be the same situation,” Fails said. “When you’re passing bonds in a short amount of time like that, it’s not as easy to do the no-tax-increase thing.” If all four 2024 bond propositions pass, the tax rate would increase by $0.079 per $100 of valuation. That figure will decrease if not all the propositions pass, Fails said.

$100.15M

$102.7M

For: 49%

$143M

Against: 51%

$68.8M

$19.6M

For: 49.84% Against: 50.16%

$62.56M

$27M

$19.39M

WILLIS ISD TAX RATE

per $100 valuation

SOURCE: WILLIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

$1.50

WISD STUDENT GROWTH

$1.20

20K

Projected

18,970

$0.90

15K

8,978

$0.60

10K

7,493

$0.30

+19.8%

+111.3%

from 2018-19 to 2023-24

from 2023-24 to 2033-34

SOURCE: WILLIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT *ANTICIPATED MAXIMUM TAX RATE INCREASE IF ALL PROPOSITIONS PASS

SOURCE: WILLIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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