Conroe - Montgomery Edition | April 2025

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 APRIL 24MAY 22, 2025 A N

Investing in students Montgomery ISD’s $69.5M agricultural, career and technical education centers near completion

The new centers, part of MISD’s $326.9 million 2022 bond, are set to open for the 202526 school year. (Courtesy Montgomery ISD)

INSIDE

Agricultural Science Center 79,000 square feet

Career and Technical Education Center 128,000 square feet

Also in this issue

Government Page 9 Learn about Conroe’s new police chief, Jon Buckholtz Page 21 Read about the development taking place along Hwy. 242 Development

LONE STAR PKWY.

149

Transportation

Page 22

105

Get information about the Foster Drive expansion

You are in the hands of unparalleled orthopedic care.

Our care revolves around you, to get you back on your game and keep you there. Whether you need relief from tendinitis or a torn ligament, you’ll get the same leading-edge treatments that we provide to the Houston Rockets. To help you come back sooner and stronger. This is orthopedic care designed around you. memorialhermann.org/orthopedics

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

55+ best life A NEW CHOICE FOR YOUR

Chambers Creek is proud to welcome Toll Brothers, a nationally recognized homebuilder with a legacy of crafting exceptional homes for active adults. With 11 stunning model homes from nine esteemed builders—including two brand-new designs from Toll Brothers Regency—you have a choice when it comes to finding the perfect home for your next chapter. Introducing Toll Brothers

A CALDWELL COMMUNITY

14940 CHAMBERS CREEK DR, WILLIS TX 77318 chamberscreektx.com

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

��-��-�� CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

Baths • Showers • Walk-in Tubs • Windows

Your Dream Shower in ONE DAY! * We offer high-quality bath and shower remodels with durable, low-maintenance materials backed by the best warranty in the industry. Our expert team will complete your installation in as little as one day, providing a fast and hassle-free upgrade to your home.

50% Off Installation

Scan to get started!

Offer expires on 5/31/2025.

M-39963

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 Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Ryan Reynolds Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Chelsea Williams Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI Careers

We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact comnews@communityimpact.com comads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising communityimpact.com/newsletter

Proudly printed by

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

EXPERTISE YOU TRUST, CONFIDENCE YOU DESERVE. YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!

832.299.6712 BETTERBOOKKEEPERSTX.COM 19221 INTERSTATE 45 SOUTH, SUITE 250, THE WOODLANDS, TX

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Impacts

2 Lucy Blues Lucy Blues is a sports bar featuring blues music, gourmet bites and beer. • Opened March 9

Willis

• 711 Madeley St., Conroe • Facebook: Lucy Blues

Montgomery

1097

3 Clark Hearing The full-service hearing aid and protection clinic’s services include testing and custom hearing protection. • Opened March 25 • 16145 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 300, Montgomery • www.clarkhearing.com 4 Dollar Tree The retail store sells health and beauty products, frozen foods and dairy items, seasonal decor and houseware. • Opened Feb. 18 • 220 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.dollartree.com 5 HUB Veterinary Group The business’s offerings include low-cost spay and neuter services alongside vaccine services. • Opened in February 6 McAlister’s Deli The fast-casual restaurant serves handcrafted sandwiches, salads and sweet tea. • Opened March 24 • 12312 I-45 N., Ste. 500, Willis • www.mcalistersdeli.com 7 Panicafe The cafe serves a selection of European-style pastries, coffee, sandwiches and desserts. • Opened April 5 • 859 Pine Market Ave., Ste. 200A, Montgomery • www.panicafetx.com 8 Little Treasures Learning Center The learning center’s mission is to create a stimulating • 920 W. Dallas St., Conroe • www.hubvetgroup.com

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

830

2432

1484

105

149

2854

DALLAS ST.

Conroe

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

CENTRAL PINE ST.

PINE MARKET AVE.

336

3083

MEDICAL CENTER BLVD.

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

19 20

1314

149

GRAND CENTRAL PKWY.

MADELEY ST.

105

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

SIMONTON ST.

1488

THOMPSON ST.

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened March 14 • 4963 Price Road, Montgomery • www.wildhoneybox.com

Now open

1 Wild Honey Box The business opened a new retail store and offers a variety of liquid honey and creamy honeys.

COMPREHENSIVE, CONVENIENT HEALTHCARE Pediatric care, psychology, internal and family medicine, OMT, and more. Call 936.525.3600 to schedule an appointment.

1169 Grand Central Pkwy Conroe, TX 77304

shsuphysicians.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

and nurturing environment for children from infants to preschool while also offering afterschool programs, per its website.

• Relocated March 26 • 219 Simonton St., Conroe • www.guadalaharrysbarandgrill.com

Now open

• Opened in February • 13426 Hwy. 75, Willis • www.littletreasureslearningcenters.com

Expansions

14 Honor Cafe The eatery expanded with a new location in Huntsville. Honor Cafe was founded by Chris and Mandi Sadler in Conroe and offers American cuisine. • 103 N. Thompson St., Conroe • www.honorcafe.us

Coming soon

9 Daniel’s Barber Shop The business, which is opening its second location, will be offering hair care and grooming services at Willis Town Center, per a March 17 NewQuest news release. • Opening this summer • Intersection of I-45 and FM 1097 • www.newquest.com 10 Burn Boot Camp Willis Workouts offered include body weight conditioning, core strength and upper and lower body strength, per the website. • Opening at the end of June • 702 W. Montgomery St., Willis • https://locations.burnbootcamp.com/locations/willis-tx

In the news

19 Ruah Cafe Officials said the eatery opened a second location in Conroe in early April. The cafe originated in The Woodlands and specializes in gourmet toast and crepes. Ruah Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu items such as gourmet toast, breakfast toast and savory and sweet crepes. • Opened April 4 • 1219 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 100, Conroe • www.ruahcafe.com

15 Blinc Eye Care The business is celebrating its fifth anniversary May 7. • 791 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Ste. 50, Montgomery • www.blinceyecare.com 16 HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe The hospital named Julian Sanchez as its chief operating officer effective April 1, per an April 1 news release. Sanchez was most recently the vice president of operations at Corpus Christi Medical Center. • 504 Medical Center Blvd., Conroe • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com/locations/conroe 17 Texas Children’s The Woodlands In an April 2 news release, officials announced the hospital was officially certified as a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by the Texas Department of State Health Services. • 17600 I-45, The Woodlands • www.texaschildrens.org/locations/texas-childrens- hospital/the-woodlands 18 Beckett West Fork The apartment complex is expected to complete construction in April, Community Manager Erin Dobias said. The apartment complex offers one- and two- bedroom units and leasing began last October. • 10485 League Line Road, Conroe • www.beckettwestfork.com

11 Burlington The retailer will offer a variety of clothing and accessories for women, men and children.

• Opening this spring • 12338 I-45 N., Willis • www.burlington.com

Closings

12 FLIGHT! Journey 2 Excellence The business will bring private tutoring, K-fifth grade enrichment and pediatric speech therapy services. • Opening June 30 • 2517 N. Frazier St., Ste. 2700, Conroe

20 The Cuterie Owner Ashley Snell confirmed via email the eatery previously located in Conroe closed its storefront in March and is now offering catering services. While the website is under construction, Snell said customers can place orders via phone. • Closed storefront in March • 1219 Grand Central Parkway, Ste. 100, Conroe • 832-610-9700

Relocations

13 Guadalaharry’s Owner Lori Keyser said the eatery formerly located at 12947 Lake Conroe Hills Drive, Willis, relocated to a larger space in Conroe to expand its services.

A Face You Know, A Bank You Can Trust.

BofM.com

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Your 2025 benefits have renewed!

EXTRACTIONS* TOOTH STARTING AT

Full Dentures Custom Replacement STARTING AT $599 EACH

$109

EACH

*PRICE IS APART OF OUR NEW DENTURE WEARER PACKAGE

WITH WARRANTY

NO CASH VALUE

*DOES NOT INCLUDE FINAL RESTORATION Implants* DENTAL STARTING AT $1440 EACH

Free Exam & X-Ray BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

NO CASH VALUE

DDS DENTURES + IMPLANT SOLUTIONS® OF CONROE · 1142 W. Dallas St · Conroe, TX 77301

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! (888) 471-7726

Nurture a child’s curiosity and it will blossom.

Your child is growing fast, and by the time they’re 5 years old, their brain will be 90% developed. That’s why it’s so important to nurture the cognitive, physical and emotional skills now that will set them up for success in the future.

Learn more about the Primrose schools in the Greater Houston area.

Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2025 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

The department oversees 113,900 residents in 77.5 square miles, Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz said in an interview.

PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF CONROE

Conroe’s new police chief Jon Buckholtz shares vision for tackling crime Jon Buckholtz became the new Conroe police chief after being appointed by Conroe City Council out of over 40 applicants during its Jan. 23 meeting, according to prior reporting. Conroe Police Department is made up of 217 members—170 ocers and 47 civilians. The depart- ment oversees 113,900 residents in 77.5 square miles, Buckholtz said in an interview with Commu- nity Impact. Buckholtz also discussed his priorities as chief and the department’s growth. Can you share a little about your career journey and what led you to this position? I’ve been a police ocer for 30 years and in crim- inal justice for 34. I worked for the city of Conroe for 21 years, where I was a lieutenant and worked in every division of the department. Before retiring in 2018, I worked as a public integrity investigator at the [Montgomery County] District Attorney’s Oce. ... When the opportunity to return came up, I took it. I just nished my rst month back. I take training very seriously—this is not a hobby for me. It’s my life’s work, and I strive to be the best I can be. What are your top priorities as the new police chief? I have several. Collaboration between agencies

is a primary goal. Specically, it’s about building strong working relationships between law enforce- ment agencies. There are 24 agencies in this county, and we’re just one of them. By working well with our partners, we can eectively multiply our resources and improve law enforcement across the board. ... Also [a priority is] reducing the out- standing warrants in the city. We have people who commit crimes, and once warrants are issued, those arrests remain outstanding. [We’re] focusing on getting those individuals into the criminal justice system and holding them accountable for their actions. Improving our clearance rates on crimes, particularly uniform crime data, is also a focus. ... And then being transparent with the community. ... We serve the citizens here, and being as transparent as possible in all that we do is important. What’s your vision for the department as the community continues to grow? My vision is to maintain our strong presence and control over the crime rate, something we’ve done a phenomenal job of so far. The department has some amazing assets and dedicated people, but handling the challenges of population growth is an ongoing task. What are the biggest crime challenges in this community, and how do you plan to tackle them? One of our biggest challenges is the proximity of multiple jurisdictions. Criminal activity often moves from neighboring areas into our county and city, and we are responsible for addressing it. Technology plays a critical role in our approach.

How are you approaching taking over the animal shelter into the department? First and foremost, I’m approaching it with a very positive attitude. I love animals and was a canine ocer for seven years, so I’m passionate about this. With an open heart, we’re taking on this challenge because I want the community to be proud of their animal shelter. The citizens have funded it, and it’s our responsibility to run it for them. We’re focused on hiring the right sta ... we’re also working on upgrading the equipment and renovating the facil- ity to make it a place the community can be proud of. ... Employees deserve a good workplace, citizens deserve a good place to visit, and the animals deserve the best care we can provide.

Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz’s priorities include:

Building strong working relationships between law enforcement agencies

Improving clearance rates on crimes

Reducing the outstanding warrants in the city

Being transparent with the community

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

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County overhauls development regulations

What else?

Another new development regulation will require all subdivisions or commercial properties within unincorporated areas which disturb more than 15,000 square feet to have a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. The plan will require developers to have measures in place to prevent silt and sediment from running off into local drainage systems. “Now we will have quality roads, quality devel- opments, and roads and drainage that will last 30 years now instead of lasting 10 or 12 [years]; and that’s a must,” Riley said. The regulations are applicable to all new devel- opments outside of existing municipalities such as Conroe, Montgomery and Willis. The new regu- lations will also be retroactive for one year prior to the adoption date, meaning any new develop- ments registered with the county since March 4, 2024 will also need to come into compliance.

Montgomery County commissioners adopted the county’s first overhaul of its development regulations in March, setting standards and requirements for new developments in unincorporated areas of the county for the first time in over 40 years. Work on the new regulations began in 2023 under former County Engineer Dan Wilds, who died in May 2024. According to county documents, the last time the county updated development regulation standards was 1984. A committee was formed in July 2024 consisting of Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray and Director of Engineering Services Thomas Woolley to work on creating the new regulations alongside representatives from several engineering firms, including: • Sam Yager, Inc. • Stoecker Corporation

Directing development

Under the new regulations, a traffic impact analysis is required for the following developments:

Single-family residential 100+ lots Multifamily residential 200+ units

Commercial developments 100+ acres or 1,000+ average daily traffic

The size of home lots is also being regulated:

The new regulations apply only to unincorporated areas, and not to cities.

• The Signorelli Company • Pape-Dawson Engineers • Quiddity Engineering • Elevation Land Solutions

Minimum residential lot width 40 feet

Unincorporated Montgomery County

Cities

Maximum residential driveway width 25 feet

“As a group, we decided that we had to get together, and we wanted top notch development,” Riley said. “We’re not trying to keep anybody out of Montgomery County; we just want top notch developers working for us.” Among the new regulations, developers will now be required to submit a traffic impact analysis with most new residential and commercial developments. A traffic impact analysis is a study which examines if existing road infrastructure will be able to support new traffic or if improvements to a roadway are required. All developments will also now be required to have a minimum of a 6-foot privacy fence if the development backs up to an existing residential area.

Maximum commercial driveway 45 feet

Montgomery

Willis

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ENGINEERING OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We pored over these regulations for 18 months until we finally settled on what I would call balanced development regulations,” Gray said. “If you overregulate, it gets so difficult to get the type of development that you want in the area and the type of businesses, because it’s too expensive and it’s too stringent. So you’ve got to have a balance.”

105

Conroe

249

99 TOLL

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

additional permits. “We’re going to make sure everybody’s following the law,” Gray said. “We’re going to make sure residents in those areas, those subdivisions, they have a peaceful day. ... We’re going to help protect those property owners.”

re-evaluated in the near future. The regulations will also be retroactively effective for any new developments registered within one year prior to the official effective date of March 17, meaning some developments may need to submit additional information and receive

Next steps

While Montgomery County does have a drainage criteria manual, Gray said during a State of the Precinct address on March 12 those regulations are also set to be

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

Montgomery approves memorandum At its April 8 meeting, Montgomery City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with BCS Capital Development for a mixed-use project on 32.72 acres. In a nutshell The memorandum outlines a cost-sharing agreement for water and sewer infrastructure extensions, roadway connections and other improvements for a development near the inter- section of Lone Star Parkway and Hwy. 105, near Home Depot, according to the agenda. The improvements are estimated to cost up to $4.8 million, with City Council agreeing to reim- burse the developer up to that amount through a combination that could include sales tax revenue, ad valorem taxes and potential grants.

County jail facing inmate overcrowding Montgomery County commissioners approved an interlocal agreement April 8 for Waller County to house inmates due to overcrowding at the Montgomery County Jail. Two-minute impact Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle presented the agreement to commissioners, which would see the Waller County Jail house up to 45 Montgomery County inmates per day. Doolittle said the Texas Commission on Jail Standards requires county jails to keep their capacity around 90% of the total available space. However, Doolittle said the county has been operating between 94%-116% since he took office Jan. 1.

105

Diving in deeper According to the agenda, the project involves: • Water utility extensions from Lone Star Park- way to CB Stewart Drive to enhance flow and pressure in the area • Sewer improvements near Pump Station No. 12 to support future development phases • Roadway upgrades and potential landscaping enhancements The city will not take ownership of the deten- tion pond, City Engineer Chris Roznovsky said.

PROPERTY TAXES TOO HIGH???

www.HCTAX.com Give us a call now (713)-664-1215 • Residential Appeals • Commercial Appeals

In Business since 1968

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & JESSICA SHORTEN

Conroe OKs downtown revitalization program Conroe City Council approved a new downtown revitalization program aiming to beautify the area during its March 27 meeting. What you need to know The Main Street Program, created in 2022, aimed to accomplish many of the projects within the new revitalization program. During the Council’s March 26 workshop meeting, Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska said due to not enough staffing, the goals of that program weren’t accomplished. Now, a part-time team of four to five employ- ees—known as the Downtown Rangers—will be assigned various duties in downtown Conroe and surrounding areas, per the presentation. The Downtown Rangers will be part of the city’s maintenance department. The Main Street Program will take a one-year pause, which will allow time for the nonprofit

Conroe City Council names new CFO Conroe City Council named Khanh Ariel Gibbs as the city’s new chief financial officer during its April 1 special meeting. Gibbs replaces Collin Boothe, who left the position in November, Deputy City Adminis- trator Nancy Mikeska said. The details Mikeska said the city received more than 25 applications, and Mayor Duke Coon then interviewed four applicants after Mikeska and City Administrator Gary Scott narrowed the pool. Gibbs has a bachelor’s degree in account- ing and finance, a master’s of business administration, a master’s of public adminis- tration and also holds a certified government financial officer designation, Coon said.

Duties in the new program will include but are not limited to:

Power washing sidewalks and streets

Awning repairs and curb painting

Trash pick-up

Flower pot upgrades and planting

Street cleaning

Monitoring downtown and reporting issues

Set up for city events

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Conroe Live to raise funds and hire staff, Mikeska said during the meeting. A closer look No new funds will be added to the current budget, and the Downtown Rangers will use the allotted downtown funds.

CONSIDERING A MOVE? GAIN EXPERT ADVICE & STRATEGY BACKED BY 25+ YEARS OF PROVEN RESULTS.

Lake Conroe Waterfront - $800s

Scan QR Code for free home valuation.

SCAN HERE!

www.grpropertygroup.com

Country Home on 2.46 acres + Pool - $600s

GR PROPERTY GROUP: KELLER WILLIAMS THE WOODLANDS & MAGNOLIA | 936-755-1714

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

AMENITY VILLAGE

GRAND OPENING

Tour

$500! * Our Models & Enter to Win

Free Pickleball Paddle!*

Sat & Sun April 26-27 12-3 PM

Join us for family fun! Plant yourself at The Arbor, our new amenity village including a recreation center, resort-style pool, splash pad, park and playground, event lawn and much more!

Hand-Crafted Mocktails!*

Learn More!

New Homes $ 300s- $ 800s

Giveaways are while supplies last. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. Promotion Period is April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time and ends on April 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Participants must be 18 years of age or older, legal residents and must reside in Greater Houston Texas. Making a referral will not increase your chance of winning. Odds depend on the number eligible entries. Additional terms and restrictions apply. Please see https:/evergreen-texas.com/disclaimer/ for a complete set of the Official Rules. See builders for full details. 3/25 CM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA

Bill could let CISD keep virtual school

Quotes of note

Conroe ISD could potentially continue its virtual school under Senate Bill 569, coauthored by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, as it was approved March 4 by the Texas Senate Education Committee and moved to the House for further consideration. SB 569 would provide policy structure for virtual and hybrid instruction while repealing a number of current laws surrounding the process, per a news release from Bettencourt’s oce. According to the bill, it would not specically make an appropriation for virtual schools but could “provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.” Per the bill, students enrolled in a remote or hybrid dropout recovery program would be included in the calculation of a school district’s average daily attendance, which impacts school funding. A scal note on the bill also states that the Texas Education Agency would be required to provide grants and assistance to support the establishment of full-time hybrid or virtual campuses.

“We appreciate any legislation that will codify the funding so we can continue to invest in and expand this resource.”

Bill targets learning exibility Senate Bill 569 would:

Allow students to enroll in up to three individual virtual courses or specialized electives that may not be available at their local school Provide exibilities for work-based learning students Enable high school students to earn an associates degree Prevent school districts from requiring virtual enrollment Prevent requirements for in-person teachers to teach virtual classes without training Create standards and accountability measures for virtual education providers

SARAH BLAKELOCK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, CONROE ISD

“I have seen rsthand how virtual learning has transformed the lives of students who thrive outside of the traditional classroom.” NICOLE MAY, TRUSTEE, CONROE ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SOURCE: OFFICE OF SEN. PAUL BETTENCOURTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

website. Students log into their homeroom each morning for a check-in, then attend Zoom classes throughout the day, according to CISD. CISD ocials said the district awaits action from the state before it can renew the virtual school for 2025-26. As of press time, SB 569 had been received by the House and referred to its Public Education committee.

reported by Community Impact . The virtual campus for district students in fth through eighth grades began in the 2022-23 academic year. The virtual school was initially created by $1.5 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. The virtual school oers fth through 10th grades for the 2024-25 school year, according to its

Stay tuned

CISD ocials at the board of trustees’ Feb. 9 meeting said the district’s virtual school, which launched in 2022, had an uncertain future as its funding will expire this year following a waiver signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023, as previously

cabinet remodels under $5,000 15% OFF 20% OFF cabinet remodels $5,000 or more FREE Design Consultation! Call for your

SMART CABINETS.

Kitchens, Bathrooms & Custom Designs Free In-Home Design Consultations Professional, Precise Installation Locally Owned. Nationally Recognized.

Discounts given after estimate

STUNNING RESULTS.

346-536-4664 | www.cabinetiq.com/woodlands

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

HIBACHI EXPRESS

Celebrating 40 Years of Service to Montgomery County APRIL 1, 1985 - APRIL 1, 2025 Thousands of Montgomery County residents benefit annually from our community programs. We couldn’t do it without YOU! Thank you for your continued support!

$ 10 OFF Sushi Rolls BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Must be equal or lesser value, Dine In or Call in orders only, cannot be combined w/other offers WITH PURCHASE OF $ 30 OR MORE Must be equal or lesser value, Dine In or Call in orders only, cannot be combined w/other offers

936-703-3758 www.hibachiexpressmontogomery.com 16145 Hwy 105, Ste 200, Montgomery, TX 77356 HOURS Mon- 11am-9pm • Tues- Closed Wed-Sat- 11am-9pm • Sun- 12 noon-8pm

DONATE

SHOP

VOLUNTEER

April Sound

126 N. SAN JACINTO ST. CONROE, TX 77301 936-760-1151 assistanceleague@gmail.com

New Friends are Right Outside Your Door

We welcome you to discover new friendships, active living, vibrant programming, and our signature dining experience at Worthington Manor. In addition to assisted living, our distinctive MONTESSORI MOMENTS IN TIME™ memory care provides compassionate, purposeful programming designed specifically for residents with dementia.

CALL OUR TEAM TODAY (936) 307-0690

1999 Lakes of Wedgewood Drive, Conroe · worthingtonmanorseniorliving.com

LIC # 308565/104865

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

WISD holds early budget discussion

MISD predicts balanced budget for FY 2025-26 Montgomery ISD is predicting a balanced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Superintendent Mark Ruffin said during a March 20 meeting. The gist Following the passage of the $5.5 million voter-approval tax rate election in November, Ruffin said MISD is in the position of not seeing a deficit. At the beginning of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the district faced a shortfall of about $4.3 million, according to prior reporting. Ruffin said the com- munity should expect a balanced district budget, increased compensation and fiscal transparency. Diving in deeper The district’s budget is made up of 33% state funds while 67% comes from local taxes; federal funds make up less than 1% of general revenues, Ruffin said. Ruffin said some of the funds from the VATRE have gone into: • $500 retention stipends Conroe ISD begins rezoning process Conroe ISD’s board of trustees heard updates about the rezoning process for Timber Mill High School on March 18. The details Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord discussed the process of attendance boundaries for Timber Mill High School, located at 2700 N. Loop 336, Conroe. The Attendance Boundary Committee will discuss the schools in the feeder zone. McCord said the rezoning timeline is: • March 18: Presented the rezoning process • May 13: Present an update of rezoning scenarios to the board • July 15: Present recommendations Learn more To learn more, visit www.conroeisd.net/ page/timber-mill-feeder-zoning-process.

Superintendent Mark Ruffin said the budget objectives for the 2025-26 school year include: Compensation: Providing competitive salaries across all positions

Willis ISD held a budget workshop to discuss the 2025-26 fiscal year budget for the district March 19. What to know Garrett Matej, the district’s assistant superintendent of business and finance, discussed the district’s upcoming budget and touched on things that would impact it, including the current state funding for the 2024-25 school year that will be finalized in September, the legislative session and the new Calfee Middle School.

People: Staffing campuses and departments based on campus needs

Financial stability: Ensuring long- term financial health

Safety: Continuing to improve safety and security across MISD

Students: Continuing to offer programs that meet student needs

CISD begins to discuss 2025-26 budget amid legislative uncertainty Conroe ISD board of trustees discussed projec- tions for its fiscal year 2025-26 budget at an April 1 special meeting, while acknowledging uncertainty surrounding enrollment and potential changes to funding with the Texas Legislature underway. In a nutshell CISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Garza pre- sented projections to the board and discussed the challenges of formulating the budget due to: • The impact of possible legislation during the current legislative year • The current budget deficit of $11.9 million • Unknown impact of possible education sav- ings accounts being discussed by the Texas Legislature • The need to support the growing special educa- tion population • Hiring four teachers for class size reductions • Hiring six paraprofessionals • Increasing the police stipends, purchasing addi- tional police vehicles and maintaining staffing levels above the state requirement Looking ahead Ruffin said the district may look to ask voters to pass a bond as early as 2026.

Willis ISD projected 2025-26 fiscal year expenditure highlights

Overall budget

Calfee Middle School Salaries: $3.59M Operating expenses: $622,406

Salaries: $74.64M Operating expenses: $15.56M

Total: $90.2 million

Total: $4.22 million

SOURCE: WILLIS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Conroe ISD’s finances

Estimated total revenue Estimated total expenditures Estimated budget shortfall

2024-25 budget

$700.05M

$11.9M

$711.97M

Projected 2025-26 budget

$719.30M

$4.76M

$724.06M

SOURCE: CONROE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What they’re saying House Bill 3 would create state-run education savings accounts, which families could use to pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses, such as textbooks or transportation, Community Impact previously reported. Garza said the estimated projected student enrollment for 2025-26 is 73,500 students with a daily attendance rate of 93%. As the property value rate has yet to be determined, Garza gave a projected tax rate of $0.9348 per $100 valuation, down slightly from the $0.9447 per $100 valuation projection she provided in December.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

#1 in Service with a Smile Aero-Septic Maintenance, Inc. 281.351.9681 www.aeroseptictx.com

We Love Our Customers! We’re always there when you need us 7 Days a week . We got your back[up]

Time for Spring Maintenance!

Aero-Septic Maintenance, Inc. $ 10 OFF Toward any of our services

PLAN & REGISTER FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Valid one per customer per year

#1 in Service with a Smile

WE OFFER SEPTIC PUMPING

Advertise in the Health Care Edition

Beginning April 14 , you will be able to enroll for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 & Summer 2026

ADS@COMMUNITYIMPACT. COM PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES | DIRECT MAIL

You belong here.

JOIN A NETWORK OF 1,600+ LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

LoneStar.edu/FullYearSchedule SCAN OR VISIT

NETWORKING REGULATORY ADVOCACY INDUSTRY TRAINING CHARITABLE OPPORTUNITIES PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

GHBA.ORG/BELONG

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

Investing in students

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & LIZZY SPANGLER

Also of note

Percentage of graduates who earned industry-based certifications

The current situation

Between 2020-2023, the percentage of grad- uating students who earned an industry-based certification rose from 5% to 62%, according to data from MISD. The district has 36 certifications that can be earned, which Ruffin said may change as various certifications are sunset by the Texas Education Agency. “We’ve got kids that can achieve that certification, go onto college and now they have a much higher paying job while they’re in college,” Ruffin said.

MISD graduating class

State graduating class

When Montgomery ISD’s 2025-26 school year begins Aug. 14, there will be two new facilities available to high school students— one for agricultural science and one for career and technical education. The two centers, which have an estimated final cost of $69.5 million, are projects from the district’s 2022 $326.9 million bond, per prior reporting. Superintendent Mark Ruffin said they will house programs including veterinary science, welding and cosmetology. “It’s just that chance we have of opening doors for our kids,” Ruffin said. At the agricultural science center, a large portion will be used for the district’s barn, which will house various livestock and have a wing dedicated to each high school, Ruffin said. The center will also have classroom space and a shared show arena. Meanwhile, community involvement will also be an aspect of the CTE center, Ruffin said. Although no opening timelines are set, the community will be able to patronize a bistro, salon and auto shop run by students. “[The community is] directly supporting our kids and our programs by being a part and coming and allowing us to serve food and ... do those things,” Ruffin said. “But they’re also getting to see what their investment is in our students and how that investment is manifesting itself in the work that they do.”

25% 50% 75% 100% 62% of graduating MISD seniors in 2023 earned an industry-based certification, up from 5% in 2020.

2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Timeline of centers’ progress 2021 2021-24 strategic plan adopted May 7, 2022 MISD’s three bond propositions totaling $326.9 million pass March 15, 2023 Location announced for ag, CTE centers April 26, 2024 Construction begins on the centers

How we got here

MISD Chief of Staff Justin Marino said the conversation about CTE began in the 2020-21 school year when the district was working on its strategic plan, which around 200 MISD stakeholders helped develop. Feedback from the strategic planning process then helped inform the 2022 bond steering committee. “That steering committee got the feedback, reviewed what the conversations were with the strategic plan and said, ‘How can we create a space in our school district that not only meets the needs of our students, but is really a crown jewel for our community?’” Marino said. The district announced the centers’ location— along Lone Star Parkway in Montgomery—in March 2023 and broke ground last April. Both centers are anticipated to be completed by the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, which begins Aug. 14. Both centers will be referred to as The DEN—an acronym for discover, explore and navigate.

June 2024 2024-29 strategic plan adopted

June 11, 2024 Montgomery City Council finalizes $75,000 contribution toward waterline upgrades March 18 MISD trustees approve names for both centers Aug. 14 Both centers open as 2025-26 school year begins

Montgomery ISD’s CTE program The district offers 13 career clusters, under which more specific programs such as culinary arts, cybersecurity and cosmetology are housed.

Agriculture, food & natural resources Architecture & construction Arts, audiovisual technology & communications Business, marketing & finance

Hospitality & tourism

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Human services

Information technology

What they’re saying

Law & public service

$480 million bond be approved by voters May 3. Scott Harper, president of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, said he believes the center will broaden students’ horizons. “With the growth of the area, … this CTE program is going to build an amazing pipeline of the future workforce,” he said.

Mayor Sara Countryman said she believes businesses in the area will thrive with people visiting the city for future competitions held at the centers, increasing the city’s sales tax revenue. Countryman also highlighted the traffic needs that will need to be addressed around the centers. Lone Star Parkway is on Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker’s project list should the county’s

Manufacturing

Education & training

Transportation, distribution & logistics

Engineering

Health science

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Development

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Lake Conroe Park reopening in 2025 with new concept, amenities

LAKE CONROE

105

LAKE MEADOWS DR.

Lake Conroe Park is set to reopen after abruptly closing in early 2024 following approval of a new partnership between the San Jacinto River Author- ity and Lake Conroe Beach Park, a private entity. Two-minute impact The San Jacinto River Authority approved a new lease agreement March 27 with Leroy, Joan and Soraya Herbert to renovate and reopen the Lake Conroe Park as the Lake Conroe Beach Park. Leroy Herbert is the owner of 1097 Watersports, a boat rental company operating on Lake Conroe that also provides a pirate-themed cruise. “I can’t wait to open the doors to the public because we see how eager the public [is] because we have a business adjacent to that park,” Leroy Herbert said. Soraya Herbert presented the trio’s plan for the

park to the SJRA board and outlined the three phases of improvements planned. “Our main goal is to make a family-operating community space that celebrates our little area,” Soraya Herbert said. How we got here According to prior Community Impact report- ing, the park was previously operated through a 30-year partnership with the SJRA, the Precinct 1 Commissioner’s Office and Texas Parks & Wildlife. However, the partnership ended Dec. 31, 2023, due to increased costs and liability to the county, per the Precinct 1 Commissioner’s Office. Next steps Soraya Herbert said the team is planning a grand opening scheduled for May 24.

Three phases of improvements to Lake Conroe Park are planned. Phase 1 (2-3 months to completion) • Inspection and cleanup • Staffing • Administrative office opening • Restoration of current areas • Food truck village opening Phase 2 (4-6 months to completion) • Amphitheater project • Recreation area restoration • New playground (awaiting community partnerships) • Beach area and beach cabana installation Phase 3 (14-20 months to completion) • LED board to help with communication • Additional water recreation amenities • Community feedback-based improvements

SOURCE: LAKE CONROE BEACH PARK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

A stretch of Hwy. 242 near I-45 is transforming, with new businesses opening in the area, residential developments underway and an infrastructure project on the horizon. Since 2023, over a dozen businesses have opened within a 1-mile radius of Hwy. 242, along with four residential developments underway in the area, according to prior reporting. “Our entire county is growing, and that corridor along [Hwy.] 242 is no dierent,” Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said. “It’s a no brainer. It’s just an easy place to develop. … You’ve access to two major highways or interstates and all the great amenities right there.” While residents said access attracted them to the area, the rapid development has brought growing pains. “The congestion on [Hwy.] 242 was not near as bad as this. Now, I would say, it has just massively increased over the last nine months, and I really don’t know what the solution is at this time,” Evergreen resident Misty Caudillo said. Hwy. 242 aected by developments

Hwy. 242 development 2023 openings 1 Sunrise Donuts 2 Freebirds World Burrito 3 AT&T 4 Jersey Mike’s Subs 5 Dunkin’ 6 Thrive Massage 7 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice 8 Whataburger

2024 openings 9 Pet Supplies Plus 10 Pincho Burgers and Kebabs 11 Pizza Twist 12 Dental Care of Woodloch 13 Tailgator’s Pub & Grill 14 Memorial Hermann- GoHealth Urgent Care 15 Next Level Urgent Care

2025 openings 16 Silver Spoons 17 Beans & Berries 18 Zuka Head Spa

Residential developments

THIS MAP IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

Evergreen by Shea Homes: 740 acres

Mavera by Pulte Development: 1,100 acres

242

Artavia by Airia Development: 2,842 acres

Harper’s Preserve by Sam Yager Incorporated: 160 acres

7 15 16

242

2 6

3 4 9 10 11

SOURCES: LOCAL BUSINESSES, SHEA HOMES, AIRIA DEVELOPMENT, SAM YAGER INCORPORATED, PULTE DEVELOPMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

How we got here

What they’re saying

Local population growth

77385 77302

Between 2018-2023, Montgomery County’s population grew 18%, from 554,445 to 654,722 residents, per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Scott Harper, president of the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, said the Hwy. 242 corridor is a hot spot given its location to The Woodlands and its direct access to I-45. “[Hwy.] 242 has always been busy, but it’s always been two lanes, and now they’re starting the expansion of that. As that happens, the growth is following from the neighborhoods to the retail side,” Harper said. “It’ll be bumper to bumper.” Last June, Montgomery County commissioners approved a $19.1 million agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to build an east- bound yover connecting I-45 North to Hwy. 242. Gray said the project, expected to nish by 2028, aims to ease local trac congestion. Gray is also proposing to complete the David Memorial Drive extension to Hwy. 242 and widen Old Houston Road from Hwy. 242 to FM 1314 should the coun- ty’s $480 million road bond pass May 3.

For residents living o Hwy. 242 in communities like Evergreen, they said the pace of development has become overwhelming. Matt Ramirez, in an interview with other residents who recently moved into the community, said commuting 3 miles in 30 minutes has become the new normal. Keith Luechtefeld, Houston division president for Shea Homes and developer of Evergreen, said the 740-acre development, currently home to about 200 houses, plans to accommodate 2,000 houses and is expected to be completed within the next six to eight years. “We wish they would address them earlier, rather than later, but we believe that the county and the state are both working to help improve trac and reduce congestion in the area,” Luechtefeld said.

242

2018 2018 2023 2023

18,972

+4.3%

19,787

25,572

+5.2%

26,889

Between 2018-23, the annual average daily trac on Hwy. 242 increased:

+12.8% +30.8% West of Donwick Drive West of Exxon Road

SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5YEAR ESTIMATES, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

City of Conroe secures $30M in funding for Foster Drive expansion project

lanes between 10th Street and South Loop 336. Update: According to a March 10 TxDOT media update, this project is 42% complete. • Timeline: March 2023-second quarter 2028 • Cost: $52.7 million • Funding source: state funds 4 South Loop 336 widening Project: Between I-45 and Ladera Creek Trace, South Loop 336 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left turn lane. Update: This project is 6% completed, according to a March 10 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: November 2024-second quarter 2027 • Cost: $20.6 million • Funding source: state funds 5 Hwy. 105 reconstruction Project: Between South Loop 336 and FM 1484, Hwy. 105 is being reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes. Update: According to a March 10 media update from TxDOT, this project is 93% completed. • Timeline: February 2023-third quarter 2025 • Cost: $90.81 million • Funding source: state funds

Upcoming projects

1 I45 HOV Extension Project: Between FM 1488 and South Loop 336, I-45 will undergo a high-occupancy vehicle lane extension. Update: This project was set to begin in the rst quarter of 2025, according to a March 10 media update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: irst quarter 2025-fourth quarter 2025 • Cost: $1.3 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds

1314

1484

336

During its March 12 workshop meeting, Conroe City Council heard updates about the Foster Drive expansion project, including where the $37.3 million in funds for the project will come from. The project, which has been in development since 2018, aims to alleviate trac congestion, improve safety and enhance infrastructure, coun- cil member Howard Wood said in the meeting. The details The project will widen the existing two-lane road with no sidewalks, to a four-lane road with sidewalks and drainage for stormwater, water and wastewater, Public Works Director Norman McGuire said during the March 12 workshop meeting. The road will also include an improved railroad crossing that features new gates, McGuire said.

According to the March 12 presentation, the cost breakdown includes: • $30 million in federal funding • $7.3 million in local government funds Diving in deeper A grant for the Foster Drive project was originally submitted to the Houston-Galveston Area Council in 2018 during its call for projects, McGuire said; however, it was denied. The city then resubmitted the project in 2023 to HGAC and was recently awarded the funds. Foster Drive serves as a high-trac area with Conroe ISD’s Runyan Elementary School and the Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center nearby, Wood said.

SGT. ED HOLCOMB BLVD.

336

10TH ST.

“This is another win for Conroe. We’re getting a $30 million project for less than a third of the cost to the city.” DUKE COON, CONROE MAYOR

105

LADERA CREEK TRACE

Ongoing projects

2 South Loop 336 lighting Project: Safety lights, conduit, conductors and other electrical services are underway along South Loop 336 between I-45 and Sgt. Ed Holcomb Blvd. Update: According to a March 10 media update from TxDOT, this project is 96% completed. • Timeline: December 2024-third quarter 2025 • Cost: $518,164 • Funding source: state funds 3 Hwy. 105 widening Project: Hwy. 105 is being widened from two to four

1314

1488

What’s next The project will enter the design phase two years prior to the bidding opening. Construction will begin in 2031, Purchasing Contract Adminis- trator Brandy Taylor said.

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

CONROE 1304 W Davis (936) 539-8787 NORTH CONROE 18434 Hwy 105 W (936) 582-5410

MONTGOMERY PLAZA 1420 N Loop 336 W (936) 441-7161

WILLIS 9618 FM 1097 (936) 228-0385

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22-23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44

communityimpact.com