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Lake Houston Humble Kingwood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 11 MARCH 28 APRIL 28, 2026 The final stretch FM 1960 widening project in Humble nears completion
By Wesley Gardner
19
1960
WOODLAND HILLS DR.
TIMBER FOREST DR.
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A new trac light at FM 1960 and Timber Forest Drive was activated Feb. 13 as part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s $128.2 million project to widen FM 1960 in Humble. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)
Also in this issue
Impacts: Check out the Lake Houston area’s newest Pilates studio, Forma Pilates (Page 6)
Government: See how draft oodplain maps have changed across the Lake Houston area (Page 9)
Education: Learn more about how Humble ISD is implementing arti cial intelligence (Page 12)
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
1485
Impacts
99 TOLL
through obstacle course training programs for children. • Opened Feb. 9 • 2323 S. Houston Ave., Humble • www.ninjahumble.com 4 Fish & Chicks Owned by Nicholas Carter, the restaurant o ers crispy fried sh, seasoned wings, shrimp and po’boys. • Opened Jan. 2 • 9723 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble • www.ishchickstogo.com 5 Main Street Hub Owned by co-owners Mitchell Manyk and Darian Ortiz, the business o ers local wine, beer and light bites such as charcuterie boards. • Opened March 7 • 305 E. Main St., Humble • www.facebook.com/mainsthub 6 Sana’s Cuisine The family-owned eatery serves authentic halal food made fresh daily and specializes in chicken biryani, butter chicken and chicken karahi. • Opened Jan. 21 • 12235 Will Clayton Parkway, Ste. 5, Humble • www.sanascuisine.com 7 Nothing Bundt Cakes The bakery specializes in bundt cakes and o ers delivery and pickup services, fundraising opportunities, cakes for special events, and party supplies. • Opened March 11 • 9490 FM 1960, Ste. 800, Humble • www.nothingbundtcakes.com
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N. MAIN ST.
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TOWNSEN BLVD.
LAKE HOUSTON
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UPPER LAKE DR.
N. HOUSTON AVE.
OAK TIMBERS DR.
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FARMINGHAM RD.
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N TM; © 2026 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
2 Apricot Lane Boutique Owned and operated by Katie Woodard, the boutique o ers women’s apparel, accessories and gifts. • Opened Feb. 26 • 6 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.apricotlaneboutique.com/store/kingwood 3 USA Ninja Challenge Owned by Shaun Ramautarsingh, the franchise specializes in youth tness and condence building
Now open 1 Forma Pilates
Coming soon
Owned by Damaris Serrano, the Summerwood studio o ers hot mat Pilates, sculpt Pilates and reformer Pilates. • Opened Feb. 10 • 13107 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston • www.formapilateshtx.com
8 Sprouts Farmers Market The grocery store chain o ers fresh, natural and organic food with products that cater to a range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, plant-based and non- GMO products. The grand opening celebration will span three days—April 17-19—and feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways and activities.
6
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• Opening April 17 • 4303 Kingwood Drive, Ste. 100, Kingwood • www.sprouts.com/store/tx/kingwood/kingwood-dr 9 VCS’ DIY Shirts & More Owned by Misty Good, the Porter-based business will open a second location Atascocita this spring. The craft supply store specializes in direct-to-lm transfers, ultraviolet direct-to-lm decals, sublimation transfers, heat transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl and blank apparel. • Opening in April • 5340 FM 1960 E., Humble • www.diy-shirts.com
new 10,000-square-foot, two-story building. • 5629 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.strawbridge-umc.org
In the news
13 Kingwood Revolution Volleyball Club The volleyball club added four state-of-the-art sand volleyball courts in March, allowing o¦cials to expand club programming. To celebrate the expansion, the volleyball club will host a grand opening celebration on April 17 from 4-8 p.m. • 23251 Ford Road, Porter • www.kingwoodrevolutionvbc.com
In the news
What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
18 Yonutz The doughnut shop reopened under new ownership e ective Jan. 26, franchise owner Arthur Cunanan conrmed via email March 6. Cunanan said he hopes the doughnut shop will serve as a hub for Kingwood residents, regularly hosting family-friendly activities. The business o ers its signature Smashed Donut as well as big and mini doughnuts, milkshakes and breakfast sandwiches. • 4421 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.yonutz.com/location/kingwood-tx and courts to honor of two coaches. First hired in 1994, Kim Enocksen recently came out of retirement to head the tennis program again after Kevin McElroy—who had served as head coach since 2021—died in early January. • 2701 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.humbleisd.net 19 Atascocita Fire Department Each of the re department’s three stations is now able to scan lost pets for microchips following a donation of scanners from Harris County Public Health. • A Station 19, 7642 Farmingham Road, Humble; B Station 29, 4000 Atascocita Road, Humble; C Station 39, 19219 Oak Timbers Drive, Humble • www.avfd.com
14 The Frozen Panda Snowballs & Pops Owner Drexel Brooks said the business temporarily shut down over winter to complete a reboot of the store’s brand and menu. The business reopened March 9 and o ers New Orleans-style snowballs, Bluebell Ice Cream products, sundaes, Italian ice, milkshakes, and food items, such as nachos and cotton candy.
10 Long John Silver’s A $1.2 million remodeling project for the seafood fast- food chain’s Humble location is set to begin in late April and wrap up in September, according to a Feb. 19 TDLR ling. Restaurant management noted the business will be closed throughout the duration of the project. • 9950 FM 1960, Humble • www.ljsilvers.com
• 7934 FM 1960 E., Humble • www.thefrozenpanda.com
15 Back Pew Brewing The brewery will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a “Decades Party” on April 4 from noon-7 p.m. Owned by Bobby Harl, the brewery features a taproom and outdoor beer garden that is family- and pet-friendly. • 26452 Sorters McClellan Road, Porter • www.backpewbrewing.com 16 Los Jarritos The Mexican eatery will celebrate its rst anniversary on April 11 with a mariachi band, a mechanical bull and face painting from 6-9 p.m. Owned by Juan Nambo, Magdiel Marquez and Armando Rodriguez, the eatery o ers a menu of tacos, tortas, fajitas and menudo. • 20669 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. A, Humble • Facebook: Los Jarritos Mexican Grill 17 Kingwood High School During the Feb. 17 board meeting, Humble ISD trustees approved the renaming of the school’s tennis complex
Relocations
11 Burger Fresh Citing issues with rent a ordability, restaurant o¦cials temporarily closed the eatery Feb. 23 at 12235 Will Clayton Parkway, Ste. 1, Humble, and will move to a new location. The eatery o ers hamburgers, Philly cheesesteaks and chicken dishes. • Reopening date TBD • 1502 First St. E., Ste. G, Humble • www.myburgerfresh.com
Expansions
12 Strawbridge United Methodist Church Church o¦cials broke ground on an expansion and renovation project in August and construction is expected to wrap up this summer. The project will renovate the church’s existing Education Wing and add a
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
Harris County residents can now see preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency map data through a new interactive dashboard from FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District in the rst countywide update since 2007. The county’s 34 oodplain administrators received preliminary data and maps from FEMA in the rst week of February, HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said. “These maps are draft. There will be years of opportunity to review these maps and engage with the process before they are nal,” Petersen said “We have a lot more work to do, but it is really fullling to see that the FEMA maps are showing the progress that we all know is happening.” According to the data, areas along Lake Houston, the west and east forks of the San Jacinto River and other tributaries, are included in the oodway and oodplain. To view the full draft map, visit www.maapnext.org/interactive-map. Draft FEMA maps update released
Proposed ood hazard zones Draft oodway (extreme risk) Draft 100-year oodplain (high risk - special ood hazard area) Draft 500-year oodplain (moderate risk) Low risk
N
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KINGWOOD DR.
1960
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SOURCE: MODELING, ASSESSMENT AND AWARENESS PROJECT MAAPNEXTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Next steps
The path ahead The estimated timeline provided to commissioners highlighted the maps may not become nal until 2028.
Stay tuned
Petersen said the Modeling, Assessment and Awareness Project (MAAPNext) dashboard has been updated with the preliminary data received from FEMA to help individuals understand potential oodplain impacts. However, she cautioned against using the data formally as it is set to change. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said his major concern was that residents who are pur- chasing homes or property without the updated oodplain maps could be purchasing homes within a oodplain. “People are going to be buying homes tomorrow, and they won’t know anything about these maps,” Ramsey said. “I don’t know if there’s anything we can do to facilitate at least making the homeowner that’s about to buy something—banking his life or her life investment in a piece of property—[aware] that we’ve got more information about it.” Petersen said part of the decision to release the preliminary data typically only provided to oodplain administrators was an eort to begin educating the public now about potential ood- plain and oodway changes.
Petersen said a series of in-person meetings and webinars will be held to ensure the public has time to submit feedback on the new maps. However, the dates have not been nalized as of press time. “It is important to emphasize that, at this stage, these are draft maps from FEMA intended for technical review by oodplain administrators,” HCFCD spokesperson Emily Woodell said. “They are not nal, not regulatory. ... Nothing changes right now related to ood insurance requirements or development regulations.” Various portions of the county have received spot updates following major developments and infrastructure improvements in 2017 and 2019, according to FEMA documents. “In a county as large and complex as Harris County, it takes many dierent individuals to help move an eort like this forward,” Petersen said Feb. 12.
A Feb. 2:
2026
Draft data is released from FEMA to oodplain administrators
A
B
C
B May:
FEMA releases public data; community outreach begins C May 2026-January 2027: Ocials start community outreach, town halls D February-May 2027: Formal FEMA appeals and comment period E May 2027-May 2028: Map and modeling revisions made based on feedback F May-June 2028:
2027
D
E
2028
Final letters of map approvals are sent to elected ocials, oodplain administrators
F
G November 2028:
Ocials approve nal maps
G
2029
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY HANNAH BROL & WESLEY GARDNER
Humble PD reports drop in auto theft cases The city of Humble saw a roughly 49% drop in auto theft cases from 2024 to 2025 after ocials implemented the use of Flock cameras throughout the city, interim Police Chief Kris Batteneld said during a March 12 City Council meeting. What they’re saying Batteneld said he believes the installation of Flock cameras, which scan license plates to help identify vehicles, directly contributed to the trend. “We recognize that there’s a lot of new technology there that’s making a dierence,” Mayor Norman Funderburk said during the meeting. The city also saw a roughly 15% drop in property crimes, decreasing from 574 cases in 2024 to 490 cases in 2025, according to HPD data. “I think that’s a huge credit to our city and the investment that we’ve made into that technology,” Batteneld said.
March primaries result in runo elections Several federal, state and local races are headed to runos May 26, after no candidate received the majority vote in March. How it works State law requires primary candidates to receive more than 50% of the vote to advance to a general election. In races where no candidate received the majority vote, the top two vote-getters head to a runo election. The Republican primary runo includes U.S. Senator; Texas attorney general; Texas railroad commissioner; Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judge, Place 3; and Harris County judge. The Democratic primary runo includes Texas attorney general, Texas lieutenant governor, Harris County district clerk and Harris County judge. Early voting will run May 18-22.
City of Humble crime statistics
2024
2025
Aggravated assault 58 69 +19%
Auto theft 187 95
-49%
Burglary of a motor vehicle 317 307
-3%
Burglary 70 88 Robbery 29
+26%
-45%
16
Sexual assault
23
34
+48%
SOURCE: HUMBLE POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY IMPACT
Humble City Council cancels local May 2 election
seats after no candidates led to run against them. Some context The city of Humble holds a general election on the rst Saturday in May each year. All positions are at-large with a two-year term and no term limits, according to the city’s election website. Humble City Council is comprised of the mayor and ve council members who all vote on issues.
Humble City Council members voted Feb. 26 to cancel their upcoming May 2 election after no candi- dates led to run against the three incumbents. The details Three seats were up for grabs in the upcoming election, including places 3, 4 and 5 currently held by Bruce Davidson, Paula Settle and Rick Swanson, respectively. The incumbents will now retain their
BruceDavidson Paula Settle
Rick Swanson
Davidson was initially appointed in 2021 and was reelected in 2022 and 2024. Settle was initially elected in 2020 and was re-elected in 2022 and 2024. Swanson was rst elected in 2024.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Education
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Humble ISD trustees approve pilot AI program for teachers
Humble ISD trustees approved a pilot program for K-12 educators to use OpenAI’s articial intelligence tool ChatGPT at the Feb. 17 board meeting. The details HISD Chief Financial Ocer Billy Beattie said the AI program will be used to help teachers and sta with a variety of tasks, including: • Creating discussion prompts • Developing study guides • Drafting emails • Analyzing student data “It’s really not so much a question of should we use AI, but it’s really about how do we responsibly and safely utilize AI for the benet of our students,” Beattie said. A closer look Beattie said the program should be able to save sta time with tasks, such as analyzing student
attendance reports. “I can only imagine the time and e ort it takes for a lot of those tasks,” Beattie said. “Whereas, if you had a safe and secure environment, you could plug that into ChatGPT and let it do all the analysis in 30 seconds.” According to OpenAI’s website, the program is also capable of personalizing teacher support based on grade level, curriculum and preferred teaching styles. Beattie also noted the data involved would not be shared with other districts and would not be used by OpenAI to train its own AI models. “Our data is inside our workspace and isolated in our workspace, so there’s no outside learning on our data,” Beattie said. “Our data is safe and secure.” What’s next Beattie said sta will soon begin training on AI literacy and ethics, designing instructional plans, and streamlining planning and workow.
Driving innovation Humble ISD is part of OpenAI’s rst cohort of schools testing its new ChatGPT pilot program for educators. Only three other entities in Texas are in the cohort, including:
Humble ISD Houston ISD Dallas ISD Region One Education Service Center
SOURCE: OPENAICOMMUNITY IMPACT
Beattie noted the district will test the software until 2027, when OpenAI will stop o ering the program for free. After the trial period ends, Beattie said the district will decide whether it will pay for the program moving forward or opt to try programs from other AI developers.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY WESLEY GARDNER
HISD approves targeted improvement plans Humble ISD trustees approved targeted improvement plans for six campuses during the board’s Feb. 17 meeting. The details HISD Director of Accountability Sherita Wilson- Rodgers said six schools have been agged for targeted improvement plans, including Autumn Ridge Elementary, Autumn Ridge Middle School, Humble Middle School, North Bend Elementary, Oaks Elementary and Ridge Creek Elementary. Wilson-Rodgers said the targeted improvement plans are in line with TEA requirements stipulating them for campuses that receive three years of consecutive “D” state accountability ratings. A closer look Wilson-Rodgers said much of the focus of the improvement plan will revolve around providing
District ocials project CCMR gains Humble ISD ocials are expecting the district’s college, career and military readiness score in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings to rise to 78%-81% for the 2025-26 school year, Melissa Leigh, director of personalized student success, said during the March 10 board meeting. Some context The district’s CCMR score for the 2024-25 school year was 62%—20 percentage points behind the state average. At the beginning of this school year, district ocials implemented several new programs to boost the CCMR score and better track student progress. Leigh noted the CCMR score is a “lagging indicator,” meaning data used to compile pro- jections for the 2025-26 school year reects student outcomes for the 2024-25 school year.
For campuses to exit their targeted improvement plan, Texas Education Agency ocials said they will need to complete the following steps: 1 Conduct data analysis to pinpoint cause of deciencies
Implement targeted interventions
2
Monitor progress to track and measure improvement Maintain clear, detailed evidence of all interventions for TEA review Achieve a rating of “C” or better in the subsequent August accountability ratings
3
4
5
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
additional training for teachers and leadership to ensure student success. “We’re constantly in communication with them,” Wilson-Rodgers said. Wilson-Rodgers noted student outcome data will be collected in real-time while the targeted improve- ment plans are in eect, which will allow campus and administrative ocials to quickly assess whether improvement strategies are working.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Transportation
BY HANNAH BROL
3 Lakeshore subdivision drainage improvements Project: Storm sewer and inlet additions will be installed along Elm Shores Drive in the Lakeshore subdivision. The project aims to increase drainage capacity and reduce ood risk throughout the neighborhood. Update: This project has completed the design phase and is pending advertising for bids, Reid said. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $350,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3 4 Will Clayton Parkway sidewalk Project: A sidewalk will be constructed along Will Clayton Parkway between Tabor Brook and Garbit drives. The project aims to enhance pedestrian mobility in the area. Update: Previously expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter of 2025, Reid said utility conicts have delayed construction. • Timeline: starting construction in the second quarter of 2026 • Cost: $400,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3
Upcoming projects
1960
1 West Lake Houston Parkway sidewalk, Phase 2
1
Project: A sidewalk will be constructed along West Lake Houston Parkway between Aerobic Avenue and FM 1960. The project aims to enhance pedestrian mobility. Update: Harris County Precinct 3 o cials are evaluating the sidewalk program and funding to determine which projects, including this one, will move forward, Director of Communications Amery Reid con rmed via email March 9. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: TBD • Funding source: TBD 2 Woodland Hills Drive, Teakwood Spring Drive trac signal Project: A new tra c signal will be installed at the intersection of Woodland Hills and Teakwood Spring drives. The project aims to increase driver safety. Update: This project is in the design phase and the construction start date has been moved up from 2027, Reid said. • Timeline: startingconstruction in the third quarter of 2026 • Cost: $650,000 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3
AEROBIC AVE.
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TABOR BROOK DR.
GARBIT DR.
WILL CLAYTON PKWY.
LAKESHORE LANDING DR.
MADERA RUN PKWY.
W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.
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TEAKWOOD SPRING DR.
MAPLE SHORES DR.
STERN CREEK LN.
LAKESHORE LANDING DR.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE N
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY HANNAH BROL
Construction wraps up on new re station
Porter Fire Department
Construction is winding down on the Porter Fire Department’s new Station 125 as ocials begin preparing for their next project: Station 126. What’s new Station 125, a $6.5 million project, is a new three- bay station that will host a full-time crew of four and house a re engine and an evacuation boat. Chief Carter Johnson said the crew moved into the new facility March 17, and the department plans to host a grand opening for the public in April or May. Located in the southeastern portion of the Porter Fire Department’s service area, Station 125 will pri- marily serve neighborhoods including Kings Manor, Kings Mill, Oakhurst and Oakhurst Park. “We’re looking to decrease the response time from our current administration station to the southern part of our district, so [Station 125 will] decrease the response time to that area,” Johnson said.
What’s next In the next six months to a year, Johnson said construction is expected to begin on Station 126. Located in Valley Ranch, the new facility will serve as both a new re station and the department’s new administration facility, which is currently housed at Station 121 on Loop 494. “We’ve currently outgrown our Loop 494 loca- tion,” Johnson said. Upon the completion of Station 126, Johnson said the former administration space at Station 121 will be converted into professional development space with classrooms and training props. Currently in the design phase, Johnson said a total cost estimate for Station 126 is not yet available as of press time. However, he added the construction of both Station 125 and 126 is funded through existing property tax revenue, noting no tax rate increase was required for the projects.
Future Station 125 A
Service area Current stations Future stations
OLD HOUSTON RD.
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RENDERING COURTESY PORTER FIRE DEPARTMENT
SOURCE: PORTER FIRE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Events
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
‘Johnny Be Good’ Curtain Call Cafe is presenting “Johnny Be Good,” a musical comedy about the prodigal son and his hit song. • April 25, 2 and 6:30 p.m.; April 26, 3 p.m. • $15-$25 (individual ticket), $130-$200 (table ticket) • The Nathaniel Center, 804 Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood • www.curtaincallcafe.com Partnership Golf Classic Held at the Golf Club of Houston, this annual golf tournament features networking, prizes and food. • April 27, 7 a.m. • $1,500 (team of four) • 5860 Wilson Road, Humble • https://lakehouston.org Drive to Save Lives Tournament Hosted by the Kailee Mills Foundation, this seventh annual golf tournament supports the foundation’s mission to reduce fatality and injury from non-seat belt use. • April 27, 7 a.m. (check-in begins),
• E. Main St., Humble • Facebook: Humble Flower Fest
• April 25, 2-6 p.m. • Tickets start at 50 cents • Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 1901 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood • https://fosterespta.membershiptoolkit.com
March
Teacher of the Year Luncheon This luncheon will honor teachers from San Jacinto College-Generation Park, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Humble ISD and Sheldon ISD. • March 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $40 (members) $50 (non-members) • Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • https://lakehouston.org
Gather & Grow Student Spring Festival Hosted by Home Run Ministries, this event will showcase student project displays, live student performances and interactive academic booths. • April 11, 3-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Kingwood Bible Church, 3610 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Humble • www.homerunministries.com Derby Dreams Gala Hosted by Lake Houston Outreach, this Kentucky Derby- themed gala will feature virtual horse races, food,
Creativity Rocks - OZ! Creativity Shell’s 11th annual fashion show fundraiser will showcase the “Wizard of Oz”-inspired works of the nonprot’s young designers. The event will also include a buet dinner and dancing. • April 25, 6-9 p.m. • $63-$115.50 (admission) • Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble • www.creativityshell.org Casino Night - Luminaire The Cirque-inspired casino night will support The Village Centers’ mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. • April 25, 6-10 p.m.
April
Spring Concert Series Head to Kings Harbor for an evening of live music performed by Party On!
drinks and ra©es. • April 17, 7-10 p.m. • $150 (single entry) • Walden Country Club, 18100 Walden Forest Drive, Atascocita • www.lakehoustonoutreach.org
• April 2, 6-8 p.m. • Free (admission) • 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive, Kingwood • https://kings-harbor.com
• $200 (individual entry) • The Clubs of Kingwood, 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail, Kingwood • www.thevillagecenters.org
Kingwood Anime/Food Festival Enjoy an anime festival with food from a variety of Asian cuisines and 100 unique vendors featuring anime merchandise and collectibles. The event will include a cosplay competition, a ramen-eating contest, a voice actor impression contest, a lion
dance and live entertainment. • April 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • Kingwood Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood • www.facebook.com/kingwoodanimefestival
Humble Flower Fest This inaugural event will feature beautiful oral displays, local vendors, live entertainment and family activities. • April 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission)
Spike’s Spring Carnival This event will feature carnival rides, music, concessions, a ra©e and silent auction. Proceeds will benet future PTA-sponsored programming for the rebuilt Foster Elementary, which is slated to reopen in August.
9 a.m. (shotgun start) • $1,000 (team of four) • The Clubs of Kingwood, 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail, Kingwood • www.kaileemillsfoundation.org
PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202
KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100
Save The Date April 17, 2026 | 7 pm Walden Country Club Join us for dinner, cash bar, silent auction, raffle, wine & bourbon pull, and a virtual horse race. Learn more about Lake Houston Outreach’s Youth Leadership Academy and how you can help. Scan the QR CODE FOR Tickets/ Sponsorships DeRby DReams: Bet on Lake Houston’s Future Leaders Lake Houston Outreach presents
18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
From the cover
The nal stretch
BY WESLEY GARDNER
The overview
Project breakdown
1
2
After more than four years of construction, work on a $128.2 million project to widen FM 1960 in the Lake Houston area is expected to wrap up in April, ocials with the Texas Department of Transportation conrmed March 18. In late 2021, road work began on a two-part project that widened FM 1960 from a four-lane asphalt roadway to a six-lane divided concrete roadway. TxDOT Public Information Ocer Bambi Hall said the project consists of a raised median, curbs and gutters, channelized left-turn lanes and 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of the roadway. Segment A—a $58.2 million project—runs from Business FM 1960 to east of Twigsworth Lane, while Segment B—a $70 million project— continues to the western approach of the McKay Bridge at Lake Houston. Hall said work on Segment B wrapped up in December, and that all lanes within Segment A will be open by March 23. She noted work on remaining punch-list items should be nished by the end of April.
1960
LAKE HOUSTON
TWIGSWORTH LN.
FARMINGHAM RD.
59
Humble
WOODLAND HILLS DR.
W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.
Atascocita
N
1 FM 1960 Segment A Project limits: Widens FM 1960 from four lanes to six lanes between Business FM 1960 to east of Twigsworth Lane. • Cost: $58.2 million • Timeline: late 2021-April 2026 • Funding source: TxDOT
2 FM 1960 Segment B Project limits: Widens FM 1960 from four lanes to six lanes between east of Twigsworth Lane and the McKay Bridge at Lake Houston. • Cost: $70 million • Timeline: late 2021-December 2025 • Funding source: TxDOT
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
some challenges for the businesses, their clients and people just passing through the area,” Hernandez said. “However, it’s going to improve and elevate the experience of those who live, work, travel and thrive in the area.”
Ray Hernandez, CEO and president of Partnership Lake Houston, said while the project was necessary for the area, construction has caused some diculties for businesses along FM 1960. “Construction, while needed, obviously causes
A closer look
Why it matters
What’s next
TxDOT data shows trac has remained relatively stable throughout the project. From 2021 to 2024, trac counts at Moonshine Hill Road and FM 1960 increased by roughly 1.6%—rising from a daily average of 45,054 motorists in 2021 to 45,793 motorists in 2024. “Sometimes just the perception of trac might cause some challenges,” Hernandez said. Prior to the start of construction, trac steadily increased along the roadway, rising from 39,125 average daily motorists in 2014 to a peak of 51,189 in 2018—a nearly 31% increase, TxDOT data shows.
Despite trac remaining relatively consistent along the roadway, Hernandez said many of the businesses he’s spoken with have struggled throughout stretches of the project. Kanga’s Indoor Play Center owner Megan Styron said her business’ location at the intersection of FM 1960 and Timber Forest Drive has made it easier for patrons to access her business, but she said she still believes some motorists are avoiding the roadway. “[Trac is] heavy west of us … so any- body coming from the front of Kingwood or New Caney to get to us would struggle or be afraid to come because of that,” Styron said. HEB Store Director Thomas Theriot said his store, located near the intersection of FM 1960 and West Lake Houston Parkway, lost business early in the construction process. However, he said he’s seen an increase in customers since construction largely wrapped up near his store. “The streets were a mess, and nobody wanted to mess with us, so [customers] deselected the store,” Theriot said. “As soon as construction eased, it picked back up.”
Hernandez said he believes many of the businesses along FM 1960 will be poised for success once construction wraps up. “I think there’s a better sense of ease and safety for those businesses that have weathered [the project],” Hernandez said. “I believe they’ll see some uptick in business that will maybe cause them to expand their oerings as well.”
While work on the FM 1960 widening project will be largely complete by the end of March, TxDOT ocials said several punch list items will need to be completed throughout April, which commonly include:
FM 1960 average daily motorists 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 45,125 45,040
Repairing pavement cracks or uneven surfaces
-0.9%
47,032 51,189 45,346 44,608 45,054 45,505 46,415 45,793
+4.4%
Fixing drainage issues
+8.8%
-1.3% +2% +1% +1% -1.6% -11.4%
Finalizing pavement markings
Replacing damaged landscaping
2021 2022 2023 2024
Cleaning up debris
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Business
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
From left, Little B’s is operated by Christina Ashworth, Leticia Waith-Mair, Lindsey Loftin and Ryan Hammons.
The banana pudding cheesecake is a top seller.
Little B’s Bakery specializes in creating unique custom cakes to help make clients’ dreams a reality.
PHOTOS COURTESY LITTLE B’S BAKERY
Little B’s Bakery specializes in custom cakes
Growing up in Splendora, Lindsey Loftin said she found joy in the kitchen baking fudge, cookies and brownies with her mother. With an entrepreneurial mindset since grade school, Loftin often sold her baked goods to her classmates. Years later, she discovered that her love for baking could be as rewarding as running her own business. After working at several local bakeries for close to a decade, Loftin founded Little B’s Bakery in June 2025. What’s in the name? Loftin said the name of the bakery was inspired by her nickname growing up. “Growing up, my family always called me ‘Little B’ because my middle name was Belle,” Loftin said. Named to represent a busy baking bee, Loftin designed her own logo featuring a bee made out of baking tools including rolling pins as legs, whisks as wings and a piping bag for the body. What to expect Operated alongside a sta of four bakers who Loftin met at bakeries where she previously worked, Little B’s Bakery provides a personalized customer service experience for all walks of life. From her time working at other bakeries, Loftin said she learned both how a business should and should not operate.
At Little B’s Bakery, Loftin said customers are treated with kindness and knowledgeable sta are there to guide them through the whole process. “I really strive to make people feel as comfortable as possible with us, and not feel like they don’t know what’s going on,” Loftin said. “A lot of places act like you should know everything right o the bat.” From the oven Specializing in custom cakes and chunky cookies, Loftin said baked goods at Little B’s Bakery are made from scratch with quality ingredients, including chocolate sourced from California. With a variety of cake avors o ered, Loftin said the white chocolate raspberry cake is one of the most-requested avors. Other best sellers include the bakery’s lemon bars, banana pudding cheesecake, strawberry shortcake and lemon blueberry cake. To pair with its baked goods, Little B’s Bakery also o ers co ee including lattes and cappuccinos as well as hot chocolate during the winter. “I really appreciate [my team] and everything that they do ... I would absolutely not be able to do it without all of them ... they are really what keeps me going, and are the foundation of this place,” Loftin said. Looking ahead, Loftin said she plans to add Door Dash delivery services and hopes to someday expand with a second location in the Spring area.
Little B’s Bakery o ers a variety of macaron avors.
The Bisco brownie is made with chocolate sourced from California.
NORTHPARK DR.
59
494
RUSSELL PALMER RD.
N
1310 Northpark Drive, Ste. 400, Kingwood www.littlebsbakery.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Nonpro t
BY EMILY LINCKE
Program participants volunteer in the local community.
The mentorship program includes civic engagement.
Lake Houston Outreach oers mentorship and community service opportunities to Humble ISD sophomores.
PHOTOS COURTESY LAKE HOUSTON OUTREACH
Lake Houston Outreach oers student mentorship
Lake Houston Outreach—a volunteer-run nonpro t—aims to ll knowledge gaps for Humble ISD sophomores and inspire the next generation of leaders, Lake Houston Outreach President Beth Hancock said. In a nutshell While the organization was founded in 2019, nonpro t leaders said they really found its niche with the launch of the Youth Leadership Academy—a student mentorship program—in September 2024. “We wanted to train up the next generation of leaders so that they could contribute back to the Lake Houston community and it doesn’t end with us,” Hancock said. The program helps students learn skills including: • Managing budgets • Civic engagement • Navigating career path/college selection • Job interview skills • Letter and essay writing, • Applying to jobs and colleges Lake Houston Outreach ocials decided to target high school sophomores because they felt it allowed enough time to help students before graduating, Chair and Treasurer Andrea Low said. Ocials noted about 40% of the nonpro t’s partic- ipants are students who might not have support at
home or are underserved. “Once they’ve gone through our program, not only do they have the skills that they’ve learned, but they have a network in the community that they might not have had otherwise,” Low said. Diving in deeper Under the Youth Leadership Academy, students meet with their adult mentors about once per month, Hancock said. The six-hour sessions also include community speakers and meals for students. The program takes about 40-50 hours total to complete, and students must apply and interview for the program before being selected. Lake Houston Outreach volunteers and students also give back to the community through o-site service projects, Hancock said. Last year, the stu- dents organized a trip to help a veterans community with its garden. “[The students] give me so much hope ... they’re just really awesome humans,” said Megan Waldrop, Lake Houston Outreach’s executive director. “I feel like we as adults get just as much out of this as the kids do.” Looking ahead Looking ahead, the nonpro t hopes to grow the mentorship program beyond one school district, and also oer life skills classes to the general community, Waldrop said.
Lake Houston Outreach hosts fundraisers to help support its mission, including a gala planned for April 17.
Need to know
Six hours per month will be spent mentoring students Additional time will be spent on community service projects
How to apply
Download an application from Lake Houston Outreach’s website Fill out the application and email it to applications@lakehoustonoutreach.org If chosen, applicant will be interviewed by the selection committee
How to volunteer
Email info@lakehoustonoutreach.org
SOURCE: LAKE HOUSTON OUTREACHCOMMUNITY IMPACT
www.lakehoustonoutreach.org
23
LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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