Conroe - Montgomery Edition | October 2025

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7 OCT. 23NOV. 19, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Conroe charter changes head to November ballot

said. “For or against … just vote.” Proposition A would be the most struc- tural change, replacing the city’s current council-city administrator model with a council–city manager model, creating a city manager position who’d oversee daily city operations, among other tasks. Scott said that voters should weigh each amendment separately. “Every proposition should be consid- ered by the citizens of Conroe on the proposition’s own merit,” Scott said.

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

For the rst time since 2014, Conroe voters will decide this November on 15 proposed charter amendments. If approved, the changes would update how Conroe operates, including how meetings are held and shifting the city to a council– city manager form of government.

City Administrator Gary Scott said via email that the process was guided by public input.

“Hopefully [citizens] will come out to vote,” Scott

CONTINUED ON 28

One of the city’s 15 proposed charter amendments includes changing the form of government from a council-city administrator government to a council-city manager government. Should that amendment pass, City Administrator Gary Scott (pictured) would become Conroe’s city manager, giving him more direct oversight over the city’s daily operations.

NICHAELA SHAHEENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

Impacts: Learn about Blue Willow Coee’s relocation plans in Willis (Page 6)

Government: Learn about Ariel Gibbs, Conroe’s new chief nancial ocer (Page 9)

Nonprofit: Read about Isaiah House, which aims to change how foster care begins (Page 35)

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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 Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Atirikta Kumar Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Nichaela Shaheen Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Jake Schlesinger Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Managing Editor James T. Norman Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Houston Market President Jason Culpepper

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Chelsea Williams Account Executive cwilliams@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

1,500- to 3,000-square-foot units. • Opened Sept. 1 • 12261 N. Hwy. 75, Willis

Willis

3 Yoga From Our Heart to Yours The studio offers a variety of classes, from yinyasa flows to yin and gentle practices for every age, body and

Montgomery

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experience level. • Opened Aug. 20 • 3600 FM 1488, Ste. 175, Conroe • www.yogafohty.com

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4 Spanish Schoolhouse The education center is serving children ages 18 months to 4 years old and teaches children the Spanish language while helping to develop early childhood and academic skills. • Opened Sept. 22 • 618 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Ste. 700, Montgomery • www.spanishschoolhouse.com 5 Taquizas Tacolicious The restaurant, which also has a food truck in Willis, offers authentic Mexican food. • Opened Sept. 24 • 14420 Hwy. 105 E., Ste. 101, Conroe • Facebook: Taquizas Tacolicious 6 Stabil Drill The provider of bottom hole assembly optimization and drilling solutions completed its new 65,000-square- foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in Conroe. The $15 million project consolidates Stabil Drill’s operations under one roof. • Opened in September • 1947 Conroe Park West Drive, Conroe • www.stabildrill.com Veteran Builders The business offers construction services and reopened this fall after having slowed down in 2020, owner and veteran Kevin Bowers confirmed. • Reopened in September

2432

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WILLIS WAUKEGAN RD.

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

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Conroe

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WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Reopened Oct. 3 • 822 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.copperheadbrewery.com

Now open

1 Copperhead Brewery Officials said the brewery reopened after undergoing renovations. According to the website, the brewery opened in 2014 and offers year-round and specialty craft beers.

2 Willis Business Park The business park is now offering building spaces and a retail strip center. Building spaces range from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet, while the retail strip center has

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• Relocated in August • 96 Beach Walk Blvd., Conroe • www.creaturecommonscounseling.com

Coming soon

Now open

7 Texas First Bank The 2,385-square-foot facility will combine Texas First Bank, Texas First Insurance and Texas First Wealth Management in one building. • Opening in early 2026 • 19940 Eva St., Montgomery • www.texasfirst.bank 8 Woody’s Hideaway The new location will take up over 10,000 square feet and feature large screen TVs to watch sports, along with activities such as swing golf bays, karaoke and interactive darts, according to store officials. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, the sports bar will be located at 1128 W. Dallas St. in Conroe. • Opening in early 2026 9 PNC Bank The bank offers personal, corporate, institutional and small business banking services. • Opening in the second quarter of 2026 • 765 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Montgomery • www.pnc.com • 1128 W. Dallas St., Conroe • www.woodyshideaway.com

In the news

12 Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church

The Montgomery County Historical Commission dedicated a county historical marker to the church on Sept. 7, MCHC Chair Larry Foerster confirmed. The church was established in September 1865. • 15155 Liberty St., Montgomery • www.facebook.com/mpmbcmontgomerytexas 13 Rancho Grande Conroe Bar & Grill The restaurant celebrated its 35th anniversary this August, founder and owner Jose Carrillo confirmed. Carrillo said the restaurant opened in 1990 and has since served Mexican cuisine favorites such as fajitas, nachos, enchiladas and burritos. • 2207 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.ranchograndeconroe.com 14 Conroe/North Montgomery County Recycle Center The center began accepting tires Oct. 1, Robert Walker, Montgomery County Precinct 1 commissioner, announced via Facebook on Sept. 17. The cost for tire recycling will depend on the tire and whether it’s on or off the rim, and payments will be credit card only. • 142 E. Wally Wilkerson Parkway, Conroe • Facebook: Conroe/North Montgomery Cty Recycle Center 15 Cartwright’s Western Wear & Conroe Shoe Shop Opening in 1955, the family-owned business in Conroe is celebrating its 70th anniversary. • 1111 League Line Road, Ste. 191, Conroe • www.cartwrightswesternwear.com Space City Weather The daily weather news and forecaster is approaching its 10-year anniversary of providing weather updates

16 Gardenwright The business, which offers a boutique gardening experience, held its grand opening Oct. 15, owner and operator Mary Cummings confirmed. Alongside annuals, perennials and specialty shrubs, Cummings said the business also offers antique pottery, house plants, garden supplies and garden- themed gifts. • Opened Oct. 15 • 512 N. Second St., Conroe • www.marycummings-gardenwright.com

Relocations

with a celebration planned Oct. 25, according to its website. Space City Editor and certified meteorologist Eric Berger said he started the site as a hobby in 2015. • www.spacecityweather.com

10 Blue Willow Coffee The shop will relocate from its current location to a tiny house on Montgomery Street, owner Melissa Jones confirmed. While the owner works to get the new shop built out, Jones said the business will operate out of its mobile coffee trailer in the back area. • Opening date TBD

Closings

17 Big Bertha’s Bar & Grill After 24 years in the Montgomery community, officials told Community Impact the bar and restaurant closed its doors. • Closed Sept. 27

• 211 W. Montgomery St., Willis • Facebook: Blue Willow Coffee

11 Creature Commons Counseling The business, offering counseling services to teens and young adults, relocated to Conroe from Magnolia.

• 12802 Walden Road, Montgomery • Facebook: Big Bertha’s Bar & Grill

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Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Conroe’s new chief nancial ocer, Ariel Gibbs, shares goals for transparency, planning

The city of Conroe welcomed its new chief nancial ocer, Ariel Khan Gibbs, on April 1, who brings experience in governmental accounting, nance and auditing. What are your top nancial priorities in your rst year as Conroe’s CFO? My top priority will be focusing on sta develop- ment and team building. ... Next, I’m committed to enhancing nancial transparency. ... Another prior- ity for my rst year is budget optimization. I plan to conduct a thorough review of the city’s budget to pinpoint areas where we can optimize expenditures without sacricing essential services. ... I also want to focus on revenue enhancement. ... How will you ensure taxpayer dollars are used eciently? Accountability and transparency are

foundational. I believe in making nancial deci- sions with the best interests of taxpayers in mind. ... Next, data-driven decision-making is crucial. Regular audits and nancial reviews will also be a priority. ... Community engagement is key as well. ... I plan to host public forums and provide accessible information on how taxpayer dollars are being spent, encouraging feedback and input from residents. Lastly, I’m committed to a culture of continuous improvement. ... How do you measure a city’s overall nancial health? First up is the budget surplus or decit. ... Next, I look at the fund balance. ... It’s important to know how much cushion we have. Debt ratios are also crucial. ... Revenue diversication is something I pay close attention to as well. ... Lastly, I evaluate long-term sustainability.

The city of Conroe welcomed its new chief nancial ocer, Ariel Khan Gibbs, on April 1.

COURTESY ARIEL KHAN GIBBS

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

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

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* This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Features and plans subject to change without notice. Windows and doors may vary per elevation. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. Home pictured may not be actual home for sale or actual model home, but rather a representation of a similar model or elevation design. Models are not an indication of racial preference. Models are not an indication of racial preference. 9/25 CM

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Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Conroe celebrates new Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center

Community members, leaders and city ocials gathered at the new Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment & Recreation Center in Conroe on Sept. 9 for a ribbon cutting and a rst look at the new space. The big picture The new center is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public in early 2026, said Mike Cantu, assistant director of recreation oper- ations. The center will replace the city’s existing Oscar Johnson Jr. facility and expand amenities. It also has a full tness center, including free weights, machines and cardio equipment, and a women-only workout space. The facility will also house city programs and the summer day camp program, Cantu said. Memberships will be oered in one-month, four-month and 12-month increments, with dis- counted rates for Conroe residents. Nonresidents will pay 25% more, but membership also provides access to other Conroe recreation facilities.

The new community center is anticipated to open in early 2026 and will include: • Two basketball gyms that can be converted into six pickleball courts • Over 30 group itness classes per week • Cycling room with 25 bikes • 3-lane walking track • Children’s zone for kids 6 months-8 years old • Full itness center • Banquet hall with capacity for up to 300 people

On Sept. 9, community members and city ocials gathered for a ribbon cutting and a rst look at the new space.

NICHAELA SHAHEENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Growth, safety drive county budget

A closer look

Stang was also expanded, with 30 full-time positions added across law enforcement and support departments. Inmate care costs also rose, Carter said. Medical services at the jail increased to $8.3 million, and food service costs grew from $1.8 million to $2.2 million, driven by ination and a rising inmate population, Carter said. The budget also covers the second year of the county’s transition to a medical examiner’s oce, with the addition of one part-time and two full- time positions. As part of its FY 2025-26 budget, the county also approved nearly $1.7 million in allocations to local nonprots and outside agencies, including $369,844 for Meals on Wheels Montgomery County.

Montgomery County ocials adopted a $508.1 million budget on Sept. 5 for scal year 2025-26, alongside a reduced property tax rate of $0.3770 per $100 valuation. While the rate is lower than last year’s $0.3790, it remains 2.09% above the no- new-revenue rate, meaning some taxpayers could still see higher bills based on property values. For a home at the county’s average value of $335,928, county property taxes would be $1,266 annually, said Tammy McRae, Montgomery County’s tax assessor-collector. Ocials are also submitting the budget for the Government Finance Ocers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, Budget Ocer Amanda Carter said. “A budget document ... should assist citizens in understanding ... how their tax dollars are being allocated and spent eciently,” Carter said.

Capital Improvement Plan Included in the budget is funding for a number of maintenance projects.

$3.5M: County patrol, custodial and maintenance vehicle and equipment replacements $1M: Building maintenance $369,000: Jail transport bus $250,000: Airport taxiway work $250,000: Juvenile Justice Center control board

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Montgomery City Council OKs permit for drive-thru restaurant at HEB site Montgomery City Council voted Sept. 9 to grant a special use permit allowing HEB to include a drive-thru for a future restaurant on its planned grocery store site. The details The permit applies to a 31.97-acre tract at the southeast corner of Hwy. 105 and FM 2854, according to city documents. The drive-thru will be located on the east side of the building with vehicle stacking positioned toward the rear of the store, sta told council. City ocials said the drive-thru will not impact trac ow on Hwy. 105. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously reviewed the request in August and recommended approval. No residents spoke during the public hear- ing held at the Sept. 9 meeting before council approved the request unanimously. What you should know HEB is set to build its Montgomery store by late 2026, with about 16.75 acres dedicated to the County OKs funding for Lone Star Parkway Montgomery County commissioners approved a new engineering contract Oct. 14 for the Lone Star Parkway widening, part of the $480 million road bond program. In a nutshell Commissioners approved an agreement with LJA Engineering Inc. totaling about $1.87 million for the Lone Star Parkway expansion from FM 149 to Hwy. 105. The contract will follow a milestone-based payment method, with each installment capped at $1 million until completion.

Conroe passes FY 202526 budget Conroe City Council voted Sept. 11 to adopt the scal year 2025-26 budget and maintain a tax rate of $0.4272 per $100 valuation, the same as the previous year. The gist The adopted general fund budget of $135.6 million covers day-to-day city oper- ations, including public safety and city ser- vices. As part of the budget, all city employees will receive a 6% cost-of-living adjustment. City sta had presented a proposal to raise the tax rate to $0.4613 per $100 valuation, the maximum allowable without triggering a voter referendum, to fund additional pay raises for Conroe police ocers, as previ- ously reported. Council ultimately opted against the increase, keeping the rate at. The city’s approved FY 2025-26 general fund budget projects $137.47 million in revenues and $135.6 million in expenditures, resulting in a $1.8 million surplus, per the agenda packet. The FY 2025-26 budget took eect Oct. 1.

Montgomery HEB site

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SOURCE: CITY OF MONTGOMERYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

grocery store itself, as previously reported. The project will also feature a gas station and car wash. A feasibility study completed in May 2024 estimated that the development would bring in roughly $45,600 in property tax revenue each year, while requiring about $140,000 in public infrastructure costs.

County district attorney resigns to run for oce Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon resigned from his position Oct. 2 to run for state Senate District 4 in 2026. The state Senate seat was held by Brandon Creighton, RConroe, who resigned Oct. 2 to be Texas Tech University System’s next chancellor and chief executive ocer. Senate District 4 represents all of Chambers County, a large portion of Montgomery County and parts of Jeerson, Harris and Galveston counties, serving a total population of 954,803 people, according to the 2020 census. A closer look In a letter to Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough and Gov. Greg Abbott, Ligon resigned after working as the county’s longest-serving district attorney for 17 years. “Brett has been a steadfast advocate for justice

“Of all the roles I have held as an attorney, serving as district attorney has been the most rewarding, as it has allowed me the privilege

of making an immediate and meaningful dierence in the lives of others.” BRETT LIGON, OUTGOING MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

and one of the key reasons Montgomery County is as safe as it is today,” Keough said via Facebook. What’s next Ligon will continue to serve until Abbott appoints his successor, per the state constitution. First Assistant District Attorney Mike Holley has submitted his application to be the next district attorney; however, the governor has yet to announce a timeline for a replacement to serve Montgomery County.

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Models are not an indication of racial preference. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 3/25 CM

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Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA

Get to know David Vinson, Conroe ISD’s new superintendent

we want them to possess? They’ll make us proud to call them a graduate of Conroe ISD, and we’re going to focus on those values and those characters built. What skills are you bringing to CISD that you think will be beneficial? My job is to listen and to learn and be the ambassador from whoever I represent. And ... if you learn that at the very beginning, everything else is going to become so much better. ... You learn what their needs are, how you can best serve them, and then bring the complexity of ... what is public education in Texas, to solve the problems that they uniquely have. What further measures, if any, would you take to enhance student safety here in CISD? What we’re going to look at is making sure that we’re looking through those compliance measures, and processes [and] systems that make reasonable sense, and give measurable processes of safety. And then look at, you know, what the needs assess- ments are. I’ve not seen a need that’s not been met in terms of school safety, that I would change.

David Vinson was named the new superinten- dent of Conroe ISD in a 7-0 vote at trustees’ Sept. 18 meeting. He joined the district after former Super- intendent Curtis Null left the CISD after 25 years to take the superintendent position in Lake Travis ISD. Vinson has been the superintendent for Wylie ISD since 2011, which has over 19,300 students and 20 campuses. What goals do you have for CISD to help improve student outcomes and teacher retention? The first thing is that we’re looking at our curric- ulum, and we’re going to do a complete assessment of all of it. Then, the second thing that I’ve done is we’ll be asking the trustees, asking principals, asking parents—if a kid walks across our stage and we hand them a diploma, what character skills do

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

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & JULIANNA WASHBURN

Conroe ISD eyes 2 new school boundaries

Upcoming schools 1 Grand Oaks Junior High 2 Kacy Arnold Elementary

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MISD OKs reserve ocer pool to bolster security Montgomery ISD trustees voted to authorize the MISD police department to create a pool of reserve ocers at its meeting Sept. 16, according to a news release from the district. How we got here House Bill 1458 allows school districts to create a pool of reserve ocers to help with campus security and school-related events when the school needs more support, according to the release. MISD ocials said that reserve ocers must hold a permanent peace ocer license. The Conroe ISD board of trustees on Sept. 16 discussed the attendance zones for two new schools in the Grand Oaks feeder zone ahead of their opening. Grand Oaks Junior High School will open in 2027, and Kacy Arnold Elementary School will open in 2026. The approach Assistant Superintendent of Operations Chris McCord discussed the zoning process for the two schools, which were part of the 2023 bond, including the challenge posed by growing enrollment in the Grand Oaks area east of I-45. “We have 2,000 [students] total, 800 seats for the junior high and 1,200 for the ninth-grade campus, and I would like to make a special note that’s all we could aord in bond 2023 for this particular building,” McCord said regarding the future of the Grand Oaks area.

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Lone Star College System lowers tax rate Lone Star College System board members voted to lower the system’s property tax rate for scal year 2025-56 during their Oct. 2 meeting. The action taken The board unanimously approved a FY 2025-26 tax rate of $0.1060 per $100 valuation, down from last year’s rate of $0.1076. Trustee Rebecca Broussard was absent from the Oct. 2 meeting. Per Oct. 2 meeting documents, the tax rate is made up of $0.0785 per $100 valuation for the maintenance and operations tax rate, up from last year’s rate of $0.0757; and $0.0275 per $100 valuation for the interest and sinking rate, down from last year’s rate of $0.0319. The average tax rate among college systems statewide is $0.1606, according to Oct. 2 presen- tation materials. The board passed a balanced budget of $548 million for FY 2025-26 on Aug. 7. While projected revenue increased by about $35 million com- pared to last year, the budget included a roughly $13 million drop in state-generated revenue from the previous scal year. What you need to know The school may relieve overcapacity campuses in the district, including both Clark Intermediate and Cox Intermediate schools, as well as Bradley Elementary School. It will also help address emerging capacity issues at Hines Elementary School, McCord said. “We would like for the junior high to serve as close as to full capacity of students because the more we can get it closer, the more we can optimize for academic programs, cocurricular, ne arts and sports,” McCord said.

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

5 FM 1097 widening Project: FM 1097 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane between west of Blueberry Hill to Lake Conroe Hills Drive. Update: This project is 79% completed, according to a Sept. 11 media update. • Timeline: second quarter 2022-second quarter 2026 • Cost: $20.21 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 6 FM 1097 at Atkins Creek project Project: At the intersection of Atkins Creek and FM 1097, this project includes improvements, including culvert replacement, shoulder additions and overlay. Update: This project is 12% completed, according to a Sept. 11 media update. • Timeline: third quarter 2025-third quarter 2026 • Cost: $4.41 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 7 Hwy. 75 improvements Project: Between South Loop 336 and Gladstell Street, Hwy. 75 is undergoing improvements, including planing, base repair and overlay. Update: According to a Sept. 11 media update, this project is 90% completed. • Timeline: first quarter 2025-fourth quarter 2025 • Cost: $3.3 million Project: TxDOT is using existing right of way on Hwy. 242 between FM 1488 and I-45 to widen lanes and restripe the intersections. Update: According to a Sept. 11 media update from TxDOT, this project is 66% complete. • Timeline: October 2023-fourth quarter 2026 • Cost: $29.11 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds • Funding source: state funds 8 Hwy. 242 widening

Ongoing projects

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LAKE CONROE HILLS DR.

1 I-45 direct connector Project: A direct connector is being constructed to connect northbound I-45 with eastbound Hwy. 242 between Shenandoah Park Drive to Hwy. 242. Update: This project is 8% completed, according to a Sept. 11 media update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: second quarter 2025-second quarter 2028 • Cost: $42.63 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 2 I-45 high-occupancy vehicle lane exten- sion Project: Between FM 1488 and South Loop 336, I-45 is undergoing an extension of its HOV lane. Update: According to a Sept. 11 media update from TxDOT, this project is 77% completed. • Timeline: second quarter 2025-fourth quarter 2025 • Cost: $1.26 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 3 Hwy. 105 widening Project: Hwy. 105 is being reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes between 10th Street and South Loop 336. Update: This project is 49% completed, according to a Sept. 11 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: March 2023-second quarter 2028 • Cost: $52.65 million • Funding source: state funds 4 South Loop 336 widening Project: Between I-45 and Ladera Creek Trace, I-45 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane. Update: According to a Sept. 11 media update from TxDOT, this project is 39% completed. • Timeline: November 2024-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $20.57 million • Funding source: state funds

1097

BLUEBERRY HILL

WILLIS MONTGOMERY

N. 10TH ST.

105

LADERA CREEK TRACE

336

GLADSTELL ST.

1488

242

SHENANDOAH PARK DR.

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Development

BY HANNAH BROL & JULIANNA WASHBURN

Entergy Texas gets OK for 2 new power plants Entergy Texas will build two new power plants to support the southeast Texas region following approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, ocials announced in a Sept. 11 news release. Two-minute impact Per the release, the two natural gas power plants will be able to provide “enough reliable electricity capable of powering more than 300,000 homes.” Combined, the two power plants will add more than 1,200 megawatts of energy to the southeast Texas power grid, while generating $2.8 billion in eco- nomic activity and over 9,000 construction jobs. Ocials noted the power plants are expected to allow Entergy Texas to meet new customer demand, increase reliability and lower costs for all customers. Both facilities are planned to be in service by mid- 2028, per the release. The two new power plants are part of Entergy Texas’ Southeast Texas Energy Plan.

250 homes coming to Montgomery area A new community will bring 250 home- sites to the Montgomery area after M/I Homes purchased 180 acres of land along FM 2854, per a Sept. 3 news release. What you need to know Berryknoll is expected to open in spring 2026 with homesites ranging from 70 feet wide to an acre wide, per the release. There are also plans for amenities that include ponds, trails and a pavilion.

The two new power stations are expected to produce roughly 1,200 megawatts of power.

• Location: Port Arthur • Investment: $1.6 billion Legend Power Station

• Capable of powering more than 190,000 homes • Expected to generate $1.79 billion in regional economic activity during construction

• Location: Cleveland • Investment: $799 million Lone Star Power Station

LAKE CONROE

• Capable of powering more than 110,000 homes • Expected to generate $951 million in regional economic activity during construction

105

149

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Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

First Baptist Willis Trunk or Treat Celebrate Halloween in Willis with an event featuring games, prizes, costumes and candy-filled trunks. • Oct. 31, 6 p.m. • Free

Veterans Day at Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park Join Honored Mission Hall for its grand opening while paying tribute to those who have served and protected the nation. • Nov. 8, 9-10:30 a.m. • Free (admission) • Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, 1776 Freedom Blvd., Conroe • www.honoredmission.org Mighty Oaks Veterans Day Run Participate in the third annual Mighty Oaks Veterans Day Run to raise awareness about veteran suicide. • Nov. 8, 8 a.m. • $22 • 500 Collins St., Conroe • www.mightyoaksprograms.org

Trick or Treat Montgomery Celebrate Halloween in Montgomery where local businesses will be ready to welcome trick-or-treaters.

October

Fall Fest at Refuge Church Refuge Church’s event will feature games, a pie-eating contest, a pumpkin shot competition, a harvest maze, a silent auction and fall treats.

• Oct. 25, 3-6 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 12177 I-45 N., Willis • www.fbcwillis.org

• 14420 Liberty St., Montgomery • www.visitmontgomerytexas.com

• Oct. 25, 2-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 3273 S. Loop 336 E., Conroe • Facebook: Fall Fest at Refuge Church

Salvation Army Montgomery County Fall Fest Join the Salvation Army Montgomery County’s fall festival for food, candy, games and prizes. • Oct. 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. • Free • 304 Ave. E., Conroe • www.salvationarmyhouston.org Tricks, Treats and Treasures Clover House Antiques is hosting a Halloween celebration featuring a trunk or treat with vintage cars, coffee and specialty drinks, an outdoor Halloween movie and local vendors.

November

Thrill at the Mill The 25th annual Thrill at the Mill will feature a petting zoo, a zip line, a Lego room, photo opportunities and a pumpkin patch. Patch pumpkins are $0.60 per pound.

VFW 4709 Trunk or Treat The VFW 4709 trunk or treat event will feature Halloween photos, games, Halloween crafts, a coloring contest and candy. • Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • 1303 W. Semands St., Conroe • www.vfw4709.org River Pointe Fall Fest Join River Pointe for a fall festival featuring carnival games, candy and food.

• Nov. 1, 10 a.m. • $5 (admission) • 4401 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.7acrewood.org

Assistance League Thrift Shop Annual Wonderland

Montgomery County Nutcracker Market Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local businesses at a market featuring over 280 vendors. • Nov. 7-8, 9-5 p.m. • $5 (cash entry) • Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe • Facebook: Montgomery County Holiday Extravaganza

Woodforest Animal Hospital Annual Fall Fest

food and drinks, raffle prizes and face painting. • Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 14920 FM 2854, Montgomery • www.woodforestvet.com

The nonprofit’s thrift shop doors open on Nov. 11, featuring decorations and collectibles at discount prices. The sale will continue until everything is sold. • Nov. 11-TBD, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (shopping hours) • Free (admission) • 126 N. San Jacinto St., Conroe • www.assistanceleague.org/montgomery-county

• Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m. • Free (admission)

Celebrate the fall season at Woodforest Animal Hospital’s annual fall festival, which will feature activities including bounce houses, a petting zoo,

• Oct. 25, 4-7 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 118 N. San Jacinto St., Conroe • www.cloverhouseantiques.com

• 700 Gladstell Road, Conroe • www.riverpointebaptist.org

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

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**Terms and conditions may apply. Both the person making the referral (Referrer) and the individual referred (Referred Person) must be in good standing to be eligible for participation in the refer a friend or family offer. Existing member and referred member must be 18 years or older. Program is not valid in combination with any other offer CRCU offers. The Referred Person after providing the unique referral code must meet the following requirements to qualify for participation in the Refer a Friend offer. *At minimum, open a required savings account with the minimum balance of $5, subject to approval, 1) $25 for becoming a member with direct deposit over $400, 2) $10 for 40+ debit card transactions, 3) $10 for enrolling in bill pay 4) $20 for a minimum $1000 funded loan, 5) $15 for obtaining a CRCU credit card with a $500 balance, and 6) $10 for opening a CD. All requirements must be met within 90 days of account opening. Based on the qualifications that are met, the up to $90 referral incentive will be posted to the Savings account of both the Referrer and the Referred Person’s account on the 91st day. Existing CRCU members cannot be referred as part of the promotion. There is no limit to incentive dollars earned for Referrers. Business and specialty accounts are not eligible. Offer subject to change at any time without notice. All new accounts are subject to CRCU standard account membership terms and disclosures. CRCU reserves the right to reject any referral incentive redemptions. Offer valid May 1st - December 31st, 2025. CRCU Employees are not eligible for the refer a friend incentive. CRCU may issue an IRS Form 1099 to you. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. See Credit Union for details

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Election

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

In Montgomery County, voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting. However, on Election Day, voters must vote at their designated voting precincts. Visit https://elections.mctx.org for polling locations.

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

Proposition F An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that compensation for mayor shall not exceed $400.00 per month and $300.00 per month for a City Council member and that any approved increase in compensation shall not be effective for any council member during the term they were elected or appointed. Proposition G An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that the mayor and individual City Council members have no authority to act except in their legislative capacity as part of the entire council and that they have no individual authority to direct administrative activities. Proposition H An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that in times of disaster, the mayor shall serve as the emergency management director. Proposition I An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that no candidates for mayor and City Council members shall be eligible to be a candidate for or appointed to office unless they have completed the required financial certifications on or before filing for office, as per state law. Proposition J An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that each actively serving City Council member and the mayor are eligible to participate in the city’s health

benefits at the same cost as employees. Proposition K

Sample ballot

An amendment to the Conroe Charter requiring a petition for recall to state distinctly and specifically the alleged action(s) and the factual circumstance(s) surrounding such action(s) taken by the individual that warrant the reason for the recall as to give the individual sought to be removed notice of the matter(s) and thing(s) on which the individual’s recall is predicated. Proposition L An amendment to the Conroe Charter requiring a petition for recall to be signed by qualified voters of the city equal to at least 15% of the number of qualified voters registered to vote at the last general city election. Proposition M An amendment to the Conroe Charter decreasing the number of council members necessary to call a special meeting from three to two. Proposition N An amendment to the Conroe Charter deleting the provision authorizing the city secretary be appointed director of finance. Proposition O An amendment to the Conroe Charter limiting the amount of debt which may be issued without approval by citizens through an election.

City of Conroe Proposition A An amendment to the Conroe Charter to create the City Council/Manager form of government. Proposition B An amendment to the Conroe Charter requiring an agenda item requested by the mayor or any two members of council to be placed on the regular agenda. Proposition C An amendment to the Conroe Charter to specify three City Council members or two council members and the mayor shall constitute a quorum, but that three affirmative votes shall be necessary to take action. Proposition D An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that the city administrator, deputy and assistant city administrator, police chief, fire chief, city secretary, city attorney, and all department heads shall be nominated by the mayor or any City Council members. Proposition E An amendment to the Conroe Charter specifying that all members of city boards and commissions shall be nominated by either the mayor or any City Council member.

NOTE: PROPOSITION TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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