Conroe - Montgomery Edition | March 2026

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 MARCH 26APRIL 24, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

A ‘face-lift’ for downtown Montgomery commencing with downtown upgrades, new plans

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Downtown Montgomery’s next chapter is starting to come into focus as city leaders push forward on several connected projects aimed at easing trac, improving walkability and making room for future growth and development. Among the eorts are updates to city ordinances, improvements for McCown Street and work on a new city complex in the former Jim’s Hardware building. Mayor Sara Countryman said the ordinance revisions are expected to return to Montgomery City Council in nal draft form in the coming months after city leaders reviewed earlier draft language in February 2025. She said the goal is to modernize rules that have not been fully updated in decades while preserving the downtown’s character. “We are running the city, looking forward, not looking back,” Countryman said. “Changing those ordinances to current-day, modern ordinances ... still keep the uniformity, keeps the charm and the feel that we want.”

CONTINUED ON 24

COLLEGE ST.

CAROLINE ST.

Government Read about Conroe’s new street closure fees (Page 9)

Events See what’s new at the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo (Page 27)

Also in this issue

Roadway improvements and ordinance upgrades are among the changes slated for downtown. (Zach Thoms/Community Impact)

2026 Fun Run & Doggie Dash

Saturday, April 11, 2026 Northshore Park in The Woodlands | Kids: Crawlers to 17 years 8:30 a.m. Site Opens | 9:15 a.m. Warm-Up | 11 a.m. Doggie Dash

The Children’s Memorial Hermann 2026 IRONKIDS Fun Run offers young athletes the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition, while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Each athlete receives a “Goodie Bag” with a race bib, shirt and a finisher medal, as well as the pride of calling themselves an IRONKID. Doggie Dash is back! Each dog receives a bandana and a finisher dog tag medal. Dogs ages 6 months plus, must be vaccinated and leashed with an adult handler.

To register, scan the QR code or visit memorialhermann.org/ironkids

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Welcome to care that gets better with age.

As your resource for senior-focused healthcare, Kelsey-Seybold for Seniors can help ensure you receive quality, proactive, coordinated care that understands your changing health needs. There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options, you can review resources from Medicare, contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly, or speak with a licensed insurance agent.* 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711) Choose your Kelsey-Seybold provider today! Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent.

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*There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent. Kelsey-Seybold Clinic accepts patients with Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans accepted. Call for details. © 2026 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSCIM_1087

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Karley Cross Bradley Dountz Wesley Gardner Cole Gee Rachel Leland

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Emily Lincke Roo Moody

Nichaela Shaheen Catherine White Kara Willis Ariel Worthy 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

16300 Northwest Freeway, Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases comnews@communityimpact.com Advertising comads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Impacts

2 Willis Kids Pediatric Dentistry Some of the services offered at Willis Kids Pediatric Dentistry include, but are not limited to, emergency dental care for kids and teens, cleanings and fillings and restorations. • Opened March 2 • 902 W. Montgomery St., Willis • www.williskidspd.com 3 Mindful Health The mental health clinic offers evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder and more. • Opened Jan. 19 4 PNC Bank The bank offers a variety of financial services, including banking, borrowing and wealth management. • A Opened Feb. 17, B Opened Jan. 20 • A 12312 I-45 N., Ste. 100, Willis, B 765 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Ste. 250, Montgomery • www.pnc.com 5 Lumos Nail Bar The nail bar offers manicures, pedicures and other self- care spa services to customers. • Opened Feb. 11 • 9662 Hwy. 242, Ste. 400, Conroe • www.lumosnailbar.com • 2107 Maurel Drive, Conroe • www.mindful.health/conroe 6 Arthur Murray Conroe The studio specializes in teaching beginner dance classes, including singles classes, couples classes and

Willis

Montgomery

1097

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

BESSIE PRICE OWEN DR.

2432

830

1484

105

2854

149

MAUREL DR.

MCCALEB RD.

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

DEAN RD.

JOHNSON RD.

Conroe

336

3083

HONEA EGYPT RD.

TWO STEP BLVD.

1314

WILDERNESS WAY

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

149

242

1488

1314

242

wedding classes. • Opened Feb. 16 • 3846 W. Davis St., Ste. 100, Conroe • www.arthurmurrayconroe.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

JIM STOWE RD.

and bites. • Opened in February

Now open

7 GP Training LLC The performance and recovery facility offers strength & conditioning, speed and agility development and sport- specific training. • Opened March 21

• 3319 Wilderness Way, Montgomery • www.twostepfarm.com/the-grazery

1 The Grazery The residential community Two Step Farm held the grand opening of The Grazery, which offers coffee, beer

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 16459 Dean Road, Montgomery • www.gptrainingllc.com

• 17506 FM 1314, Conroe • Facebook: Texas Crawfish Co.

Coming soon

8 LifeRx Wellness The business offers therapies designed to reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery, including whole- body cryotherapy, infrared sauna and red light therapy. • Opened March 2

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

13 Mavis Tire The business began construction on a new location in February, which is estimated to wrap up in August, per a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. • 22885 FM 2854, Montgomery • www.mavis.com 14 Chick-fil-A The fast food restaurant will undergo a renovation to replace its drive-thru window with a drive-thru door, per a TDLR filing. Construction is expected to begin in June and wrap up in August. • 453 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.chick-fil-a.com

• 10655 FM 1097 W., Willis • www.liferxwellness.com

9 Preferred Technologies The business’s new office space officially opened its doors on Jan. 15, officials confirmed. The Texas-based company specializes in enterprise security integration

and cybersecurity. • Opened Jan. 15 • 2346 FM 1484, Conroe • www.pref-tech.com

17 Lobb’s Padel Lobb’s Padel officials said an entertainment center is under construction, being built inside the new Dudley Sports Plaza sports and entertainment complex on FM 1488. The indoor padel club plans to offer five courts as a community-driven space for experienced players and beginners. Padel is described as a blend of tennis and squash, officials said. In addition, officials said the entertainment center will also offer a coffee shop, bar and eatery. • Opening late May • 3905 FM 1488, Ste. 120, The Woodlands • Facebook: Lobb’s Padel

10 Denim & Lace Boutique The boutique offers a variety of women’s clothing from jeans, tops, dresses, rompers and more. Sizes range from small to 2X and the boutique also sells handmade purses and handbags along with jewelry and car fresheners. • Opened Jan. 31 • 1778 McCaleb Road, Montgomery • https://denimandlaceboutique.myshopify.com 11 TownWell Veterinary Clinic The business is a full-service clinic accepting all animals, except cattle and horses. The clinic will also have a hatchery with ducks, chickens and quail available. • Opened March 16 • 20873 Eva St., Ste. B, Montgomery • www.townwellvetclinic.com

In the news

15 Charles B. Stewart Library The library celebrated its 20th anniversary March 6, having opened in its current location in 2006, according to the Montgomery County Memorial Library System website. • 202 Bessie Price Owen Drive, Montgomery • www.countylibrary.org 16 Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at The Woodlands The center celebrated a decade of service, according to a Feb. 26 news release. Since opening in 2016, the center has served more than 200,000 patients. • 17183 I-45 Ste. 310, The Woodlands • www.houstonmethodist.org Sam Houston State University Families making up to $100,000 are now eligible for Sam Houston State University’s Bearkat Promise program, which provides eligible students with the

mandatory tuition and fees they need for up to 15 credit hours per semester, according to its website. • www.shsu.edu

Closings

18 The Modern Skein The yarn craft store in Conroe closed its doors March 7, owner Sharon Graff said in a Feb. 11 Facebook post. • Closed March 7 • 1909 Longmire Road, Ste. H-4, Conroe • https://themodernskein.com

Coming soon

12 Texas Crawfish Co. The crawfish company is opening a brick-and-mortar in Conroe, and plans to offer boiled crawfish, shrimp, snow crab legs, corn, potatoes, sausage and mushrooms. • Opening this spring

Retail & Wholesale Nursery 3619 Honea Egypt Rd. Montgomery, TX 77316 936-224-5805 • Plant-spot.com

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Conroe’s street closure fees face mounting pushback from community

Street closure ordinance requirements $500

Organizers must cover city service costs, including traffic control, public safety and cleanup when applicable Fire department: $86/firefighter per hour , minimum of 4 hours Police department: $100/officer per hour , minimum 2 officers per 100 persons

nonrefundable application fee Applications must be filed at least six months in advance Traffic control and site plans must be submitted for city review Proof of insurance and coordination with city departments required

Woodlands as a program almost mirrors this,” McGuire said. “Their residential fee portions are $500, and their commercial application fee is $1,000, so we’re proposing half of that.” Applications must be submitted months in advance and include traffic control plans, insurance and coordination with city departments. Per the city of Conroe Special Event Permit Guide, costs associated with the city include around $340 for firefighter personnel on-site and $100 per hour for two police officers. In the same meeting, Mayor Duke Coon said the biggest priorities for street closures are safety and insurance, pointing to police staffing as a major cost driver.

Conroe City Council adopted Jan. 22 updates to the city’s special event regulations, requiring organizers to obtain permits when events close streets, restrict public access or disrupt normal traffic flow. According to the ordinance, it is designed to “secure the general health, safety and welfare” while managing impacts tied to large public gatherings. Norman McGuire, assistant city administrator and public works director, told the council during a Jan. 22 meeting that the $500 price tag is comparable to nearby cities. “Extensive research ... went into cities across Texas our size, and believe it or not, our own competitive market set right here in The

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The takeaway

In their own words

Event applications step-by-step

Complete Special Event Permit Application, submitted at least 180 days prior to event Application reviewed by committee to determine if permit is granted Committee will either give the permit technician a notice to proceed or not, but this does not mean an approval of the event If given a notice to proceed, permit technician will send a checklist to the organizer Once all of the requirements have been met, the committee will conduct final review and issue a permit approval or denial After final approval, the permit is issued

While city officials say the requirements are meant to manage traffic and public safety, residents are urging council to adopt a tiered-style system instead. It’s not immediately clear if the council will reconsider the fee, but Schroeder said the fight to be heard hasn’t stopped.

Residents and small-business owners have voiced growing frustration saying the new fee structure reshapes who is able to host events. Savannah Schroeder, a Conroe resident and small-business owner, said the policy threatens the types of markets that helped entrepreneurs like herself get started. “Our very first event was a farmers market with a very low entrance fee, and it kick-started a business that has been going on for over a decade,” Schroeder said. “Those people aren’t there for fun. They’re there because they’re making grocery money.”

For a longer version of this story, visit communityimpact.com .

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 20: First day of early voting and last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28 : Last day of early voting May 2: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 4 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.

KEY: *Incumbent

Montgomery City Council, Place 4 Cheryl Fox* Efrain Lucas Montgomery ISD, Position 3

Montgomery Mayor Art Aguilar Sara Countryman* Mark Gess Kristin Gylenege

Conroe City Council, Place 4 Ken Blevins John J. Kessler Jerry L. O’Neal Conroe City Council, Place 5 Kim Attaya

Kristin Guardino John Sellars Conroe Municipal Judge Jay Gross

Sample ballot

Local elections Conroe City Council, Place 3 Kristin Hoisington Nick Vonas

James Holian Tanya Maddux

Jennie Drude Matt Mitchell

NOTE: CANDIDATES ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY LAST NAME, AND UNCONTESTED ELECTIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

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

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Election

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Conroe City Council, Place 3

What is your top priority, if elected?

What should Conroe’s budget priorities be?

My top priority is reestablishing the citizens’ voice. I will restore a culture of servant leadership within City Hall, ensuring transparency and accountability. Our government should be an extension of the people it serves, not a corporation run by unelected bureaucrats. It’s time to put the community back in charge.

We must stop funding unvetted pet projects and return to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Budget priorities should focus on people, policy, and technology. By stabilizing our finances and inviting citizens back to the table, we can ensure every tax dollar serves the public interest rather than internal bureaucratic agendas.

Kristin Hoisington Occupation & Experience: geospatial (GIS) analyst 15 years; Conroe native; local political blogger; conflict-free, no board affiliations www.hoisingtonforconroe.com

To protect our taxpayers and reduce our $750M debt. I will use my professional experience to revitalize our infrastructure to keep up with growth. This includes water, sewer, completed roads and a cohesive city development and permitting service process. I endorse financial support for police, fire and city staffing.

Control debt load to protect our taxpayers and ensure our infrastructure plans for and meets Conroe’s needs. Water/sewer, a concern for all citizens, has been underfunded since 2011 and must match our growth. Fair compensation for police, fire and city staffing to support our responders and improve daily city ...

Nick Vonas Occupation & Experience : retired senior executive; 38-year large project management; infrastructure renewal, development; resisted Blackfin, MCAD; Conroe CIDC www.nickvonasforconroe.com

Conroe City Council, Place 4

What is your top priority, if elected?

What should Conroe’s budget priorities be?

My top priority is keeping Conroe safe and strong. That means supporting our police and fire departments with the resources and compensation they need, while also ensuring our small businesses can succeed. Public safety and a healthy local economy are both essential to a thriving community.

Public safety should always be the top budget priority. We must ensure police, fire, and emergency services are properly staffed and equipped. The city should also prioritize infrastructure like roads and drainage while supporting policies that help small businesses grow and strengthen our local economy.

Ken Blevins Occupation & Experience: Site Manager—Baker Hughes; Conroe resident—8 years; POA Board President—3 years; MUD Board Director—4 years (President … www.blevinsforconroe.com

First and foremost, I will be elected to City Council on May 2nd. Once sworn in, I will methodically collaborate with stakeholders, employees, and the public to hear their prioritized goals. Together we will examine the requirements, constraints, and methodologies to create draft policies and procedures for city council.

Most politicians will talk about a fictious pain point as a budget priority. But as a businessman, I understand realistic budget priorities are made with care, due diligence, and consensus. Therefore, I will be genuine and honest to having no bias towards a priority.

John J. Kessler Occupation & Experience: MBA, Texas A&M; executive director/ CEO; small business owner; US Army veteran, 30 years www.johnkessler4conroe.com

Implement a team to review and ensure transparency, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” or “to hold the administration accountable.” The Hyatt hotel, conduct a rigorous audit, restructure the debt, and implement operational efficiencies to ensure long-term sustainability while protecting our city’s taxpayers’ financial interests. Citizen charter review.

Implement public workshops, planning commissions, for residents to have input in what they value most. Citizen agenda input to start at the beginning of Conroe council meetings. Review and put in place financial transparency, strategic modeling and capital improvement plans. Police and first responders should have qualified pay and resources.

Jerry O’Neal Occupation & Experience: business ownership of J & J Hotshot Trucking Company Conroe Texas www.electjonealcouncil3.com

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

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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Homes within The Woodlands Hills are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with Howard Hughes Communities (HHC) or any of its affiliates, companies, or partnerships. Neither HHC nor any of its affiliated companies or partnerships guarantees or warrants the obligations of, or construction by, such builders. Prices and specifications subject to change.

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Election

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Conroe City Council, Place 5

Kim Attaya Occupation & Experience: business administration degree, 40 years of business experience; retired business owner www.attayaforconroe.com

Kristin Guardino Occupation & Experience: former practicing attorney; co-founder/ CEO, “Sunshine” Champagne Cat Worldwide; semi-retired; BBA, economics, University of St. Thomas www.kristinguardino.com

John Sellars Occupation & Experience: third- generation Conroe native; Texas A&M graduate & accountant; city financial audit work; capital planning consultant www.sellarsforconroe.com

What is your top priority, if elected?

As the originator of Proposition “O” and passed by the voters for the city charter, I will focus on strong public safety—I will make sure that our Police and Fire departments will have the human, physical, and financial resources available to protect our citizens.

As a council person I’ll focus on serving citizens through conservative government and creating a vibrant and safe city to work and live. My priority is to provide city functions that keep citizens safe; hold taxes reasonably low; and provide world class public services so people want to live here.

Restoring trust between residents and City Hall. Too many people feel decisions are made without transparency or public input. My priority is bringing openness and accountability back to local government so residents, businesses, and city leadership can work together toward solutions that strengthen Conroe.

What should Conroe’s budget priorities be? I will focus on strong public safety—police, fire, water, sewerage, and critical infrastructure. That’s where taxpayer money should go first. Stick to the fundamentals and protect and serve the citizens paying the bills. That’s what Conroe citizens deserve. How would you approach Conroe’s growth? Shift from reactive growth to responsible development. Weak cities with weak ordinances attract irresponsible development. Strong cities with strong ordinances attract responsible development. Growth must pay for growth.

My approach reflects the values and needs of Conroe’s citizens using conservative forecasting; implementation of strong financial and reserve policies to ensure delivery of core government services over time; decreasing ineffective policy designs, e.g., acquiring local revenue through fines and fees; and a values driven transparent 20-year comprehensive plan. I will address growth and development by placing the needs of Conroe citizens first; by providing for the needs of our aging citizens and youth; and strategically directing resources to increase safety in neighborhoods, job diversity, and revitalization of downtown areas, arts centers, and parks for Conroeites to thrive.

The city’s budget should prioritize the fundamentals: public safety, infrastructure, and responsible financial management. Police, fire, roads, and water services must come first. Taxpayers work hard for their money, and city government should treat every dollar with discipline and respect.

Growth is inevitable, but it must be managed responsibly. My approach is clear rules, consistent decisions, and planning ahead for infrastructure. Developers deserve predictable standards, and residents deserve leadership that ensures roads, utilities, and services keep pace with growth.

Conroe Municipal Judge

Jay Gross Occupation & Experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

James Holian Occupation & Experience: community center director; legal studies education; Texas House staffer; law firm assistant; twice congressional staffer www.james4judge.com

Tanya Maddux Occupation & Experience: accounting, Conroe Golf Cars: 15 years; substitute teacher, Conroe ISD: 4 years; volunteer: 30+ years www.tanyamaddux.com

What is your top priority, if elected?

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

My top priority is upholding law and order for all Conroe residents, ensuring safety, fairness, and impartial justice without favoritism. Judicial ethics demand strict impartiality on all city matters and laws to protect our community.

If elected, my priority is enhancing the efficiency of our court system while improving access for all. I am committed to fostering a judicial environment that restores public trust and supports the overall well- being of our community.

How would you ensure fairness and impartiality in your courtroom?

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

Fairness comes from impartial, strictly evidence driven rulings rooted in our nation’s judicial principles. I’ll deliver just outcomes on a case-by-case basis that will seek truth, hold all accountable, encourage positive change when possible, and always protect Conroe families and individuals first.

I will strictly adhere to legal and ethical standards, treat every individual with respect, and maintain transparency in the courtroom. Through continued education and careful consideration of each case, I will ensure all parties have an equal opportunity to be heard.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

HAVE YOU HERD?

WE’RE SELLING NOW, Y’ALL And when we say now, we mean right now. With 20 model homes from 9 builders to tour, coffee, bites and cold ones for sale at The Grazery, comfy places to kick back at The Co-op — we even had our first baby goats born at the goat barn. So if you’d like a real taste of what life is like at Two Step Farm, we can’t wait to welcome you.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY COLE GEE

Montgomery ISD, Position 3

What is your top priority, if elected?

How would you approach Montgomery’s growth and development? Our community is growing quickly, and I appreciate that the district uses the long-range planning committee and annual demographic reports to stay ahead. I believe MISD will soon need two new campuses for 5th and 6th grades, which would ease overcrowding and create a better learning environment for students.

Montgomery ISD is excelling in many ways, but we must better support students with behavioral challenges so teachers can focus on teaching and parents can stay engaged. With enrollment declining, many families are choosing homeschooling or private schools, often citing ongoing concerns about bullying and school climate.

Jennie Drude Occupation & Experience: lifelong Montgomery resident, MISD graduate; PTO president; MISD SHAC co-chair; wife, mom; 17+ year volunteer Facebook: Jennie Drude-MISD Board of Trustees Pos. 3

My top priority is keeping students and teachers at the center of every decision. Retaining high-quality teachers in a competitive market is essential to student success. This means supporting educators in the classroom, maintaining strong academic standards, and ensuring teachers have the resources needed to create eective learning environments.

The current board and administration have done an amazing job staying ahead of growth. We must continue that plan through long-term facility planning, collaboration with community leaders, and ensuring schools keep pace with enrollment while protecting taxpayers from unnecessary nancial burdens and maintaining the high-quality education Montgomery families expect.

Matt Mitchell Occupation & Experience: local business owner; Baylor University alumni; community advocate & volunteer; MISD parent & taxpayer www.mitchellformisd.com

LIC # 308565/104865

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

This Easter, rediscover hope at The Woodlands Methodist Church. Join us at the Woodforest and Montgomery campuses as we celebrate the Savior who fills us with new life. COMMUNITY EASTER CAR HOP | MARCH 28 MONTGOMERY CAMPUS 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Cedar Brake Park | Montgomery Hop from car to car to receive eggs and enjoy other family-friendly activities. Free and open to the public. MAUNDY THURSDAY FISH FRY AND COMMUNION | APRIL 2 WOODFOREST CAMPUS 5:30 p.m. | Woodforest Gym Delicious fried fish dinner followed by Holy Communion. Registration required. GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 3 MONTGOMERY CAMPUS 7:00 p.m. | Oak Hills Junior High A worship service of remembrance (Tenebrae) with Holy Communion. EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES | APRIL 5 WOODFOREST CAMPUS 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. | Woodforest Gym MONTGOMERY CAMPUS 10:30 a.m. | Oak Hills Junior High 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. | Woodforest Gym 10:30 a.m. | Oak Hills Junior High Celebrate Easter across our four campuses with contemporary, traditional, modern, Español and ASL-interpreted worship services for the whole family.

Find a full schedule of Easter services, live stream links, activities and event registration by scanning the QR code or visiting twmc.org/easter

The Woodlands | Woodforest | Montgomery | Creekside thewoodlandsmethodist.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HALEY VELASCO

KEY: *Incumbent

What should Montgomery’s budget priorities be?

Montgomery Mayor

What is your top priority, if elected? Ensuring that developers and construction companies abide by their contracts and proper home construction. Most companies are leaving the consumer hanging. This should change if contracts are amended and negotiated and not simply allowed to pass by those with no experience in reading and interpreting contracts.

New infrastructure and securing all water needs for its residents.

Art Aguilar Experience: trial attorney www.aguilar-trial-law.com

My top priority, if elected, is keeping Montgomery’s water and sewer infrastructure ahead of our community’s growth. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked to plan for today and the future. Proactive infrastructure ensures reliable services, supports responsible growth, and protects the quality of life our residents value.

The City of Montgomery’s budget must prioritize infrastructure, public safety, and the quality of life our residents expect. Investing in water, sewer, and roads keeps us ahead of growth and ensures reliable services. Supporting police, fire, and emergency responders keeps our community safe. And as the Birthplace of the …

Mark Gess Experience: retired (oil and gas executive), part-time fitness coach; 25+ years in energy; 10+ years, strategy ... www.gessformayor.com Sara Countryman* Experience: mayor; real estate agent; I have spent seven years on city council and I am heavily involved. Facebook: Mayor Sara Countryman, City of Montgomery, Texas Kristin Gyldenege Experience: entrepreneur; realtor; Montgomery business owner and homeowner; sold many, many homes in Montgomery all while … Facebook: Kristin Gyldenege for Mayor of Montgomery

Effectively managing our growth. I want to engage all citizens, new and established, to build a vision that maintains our small-town character and lays out how the City can connect and serve our many neighborhoods. There are many cities across Texas to inform and inspire us.

Revenues will increase with growth, but if our expenses rise with it, we’re no better off. To improve our City and create something impactful, we’ve got to be efficient while we grow as a community. We need to work smarter, not harder, and put resources where they matter most.

My top priority is to slow down the big box development and promote the small business tourism for our town.

While growth is inevitable, I want to focus our budget on our water situation primarily. Second I want to focus on increasing our already flourishing veteran population. Third I want to increase visibility of the city from a tourism standpoint.

Montgomery City Council, Place 4

What should Montgomery’s budget priorities be? Budget priorities should focus on protecting core services, strengthening infrastructure and preserving community character.

What is your top priority, if elected?

My top priority is community first. To balance the historic charm of the city, while balancing the growth and future infrastructure.

Cheryl Fox* Experience: retired small business owner, participated in city committees, longtime resident with knowledge of city projects ... www.facebook.com/cherylfoxfor montgomerycitycouncilplace4 Efrain B. Lucas Experience: restaurant and hospitality industry, human resources, training staff, budgeting, maintenance & repair, property management, short-term ...

Revitalize downtown and support small business by putting tax dollars to work. No more continuing to expand their real estate footprint. No tax breaks for big box stores. Restore trust in government through transparency, fiscal responsibilty and putting personality conflicts aside to solve real problems.

Evaluate critical needs, Improvement of current infrastructure, Restore MEDC funding, stop buying real estate and sitting on it.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & COLE GEE

CISD OKs forming special education parent council The Conroe ISD board of trustees approved cre- ating the CISD Special Education Parent Advisory Council, or SEPAC, at the Feb. 17 board meeting. It was established in a 6-0 vote, with trustee Aggie Gambino abstaining as the council’s founder. What to know Kendra Wiggins, CISD’s executive director of special education, said SEPAC would be a collab- orative forum between the district and parents or guardians of students receiving special education services and 504 services, which serve students with disabilities who attend schools receiving federal nancial assistance, per the Texas Educa- tion Agency. The committee will be made up of a diverse group of board-appointed parent members representing all campuses and feeder zones while

MISD OKs $3.2M oce space buildout At its regular Feb. 17 meeting, MISD trust- ees approved to utilize the empty space at the district’s career and technical education center, known as The Den, for a new faculty oce space. The move stems from the aging and deteriorating state of the Education Support Center and the desire for its faculty to work in better conditions. Why now? The ESC does not have the proper working conditions to host its faculty. Superinten- dent Mark Run said Feb. 17 that the ESC building is “aging and has signicant struc- tural concerns.” Some of these structural concerns include cracked bricks, drywall separations and sinking ceiling tiles. The construction will begin this summer, per a Feb. 17 news release.

WISD names principal for new elementary

SHSU celebrates opening of new health building

Conroe ISD special education overview Special education students served in Conroe ISD in 2025-26 11,603

After nearly four years of development, Sam Houston State University cut the ribbon to open its new Health Professions Building on Feb. 17. “This building represents a deliberate choice. A choice that reects how health care works in the real world,” SHSU President Alisa White said. Two-minute impact The $65 million, 81,000-square-foot facility has been in early development since 2023, according to prior reporting from Community Impact . Built to operate alongside the College of Osteopathic Med- icine, the new facility oers students a “regional home to several major health care systems,” per a Feb. 18 news release. SHSU will host four programs in the new facility: Master of Science in Athletic Training, Master of Science in Dietetics, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Doctor of Physical Therapy. “It provides instructional laboratory simulation and faculty spaces that will expand our capacity to

2025-26 initial evaluations underway 1,166 504 Plan students as of February 6,107

Willis ISD trustees on Feb. 11 approved the principal for Ruth Castleschouldt Elemen- tary School, opening in

Sam Houston State University ocials cut the ribbon Feb. 17 to ocially open the brand new health facility.

August. The gist

Special education/504 Plan students in the district in 2025-26

23.8%

Chastity Simon

CITY CENTRAL AVE.

Chastity Simon was

named as the rst principal of Ruth Castleschouldt Elementary School. Simon currently serves as associate principal and dean of instruction at Bra- bham Middle School, per a news release. “I look forward to partnering with our families, students and sta,” Simon said. The new school is part of the district’s $143 million 2022 bond, as previously reported.

Students receiving special education services, 2025-26

16%

GRAND CENTRAL PKWY.

SOURCE: CONROE ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

educate students and support long-term program growth,” SHSU CFO Amanda Withers said. Classes for the health professions building are set to begin this summer, according to SHSU.

serving in an advisory capacity with the district making the nal decisions, Wiggins said. SEPAC will meet quarterly starting Aug. 31.

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

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Ongoing projects

Willis

Montgomery

1 I45 direct connector Project: A direct connector is being constructed to connect northbound I-45 with eastbound Hwy. 242. Update: This project is 20% completed, according to a Feb. 18 media update from the Texas Department of Transportation. • Timeline: second quarter 2025-third quarter 2028 • Cost: $42.63 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 2 I45 HOV lane extension Project: I-45’s high-occupancy vehicle lane from FM 1488 to South Loop 336 is being extended. Update: This project is 79% completed, according to TxDOT’s Feb. 18 media update. • Timeline: second quarter 2025-rst quarter 2026 • Cost: $1.26 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 3 Hwy. 105 widening Project: Between 10th Street and South Loop 336, Hwy. 105 is being widened from two to four lanes. Update: Per TxDOT’s Feb. 18 media update, this project is 60% completed. • Timeline: March 2023-second quarter 2028 • Cost: $52.65 million • Funding source: state funds 4 South Loop 336 widening Project: South Loop 336 is being widened from two to four lanes between I-45 and Ladera Creek Trace. Update: This project is 62% completed, according to TxDOT’s Feb. 18 media update. • Timeline: November 2024-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $20.57 million • Funding source: state funds 5 FM 1097 widening Project: From Blueberry Hills Road to Lake Conroe Hills Drive, FM 1097 is being widened from two to four lanes. Update: This project is 90% completed, according to TxDOT’s Feb. 18 media update. • Timeline: second quarter 2022-second quarter 2026

1097

BLUEBERRY HILLS RD.

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE HILLS DR.

2432

830

ATKINS CREEK

ANDERSON RD.

LAKE CONROE

1484

105

149

2854

N. 10TH ST.

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

LADERA CREEK TRACE

GLADSTELL ST.

Conroe

336

3083

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

1314

149

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Cost: $20.21 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 6 FM 1097 at Atkins Creek project Project: This project at FM 1097 and Atkins Creek includes culvert replacement and shoulder additions. Update: According to TxDOT’s Feb. 18 media update, this project is 67% completed. • Timeline: third quarter 2025-third quarter 2026 • Cost: $4.41 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds

Completed projects

7 Anderson Road reconstruction Project: Anderson Road was reconstructed to include additional roadway width from FM 1097 to FM 830. Update: This project was completed as of Feb. 20, Montgomery County Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker announced via Facebook. • Cost: $2.09 million • Funding source: Montgomery County road bond funds

HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE AGES Pediatric care, psychology, internal and family medicine, OMT, and more — in your neighborhood.

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

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