Conroe - Montgomery Edition - March 2022

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 12 MARCH 18APRIL 13, 2022

ONLINE AT

Pandemic complicates opioid recovery in Texas

A OUT OF REACH cure Opioid-related emergency department visits declined in Montgomery County and statewide through 2020, but opioid overdose deaths statewide nearly doubled during the pandemic, with experts citing a lack of access to care as a barrier.

BY JISHNU NAIR

Prior to 2020, nationwide, state and Montgomery County data had shown declines in opioid-related problems such as treatment admissions, emer- gency room visits and prescriptions, but experts say the pandemic has compounded one of the country’s lon- gest-running medical crises. From January 2019 to September 2021, opioid overdose deaths in Texas nearly doubled, the National Center for Health Statistics reported—from 1,470 to 2,561. The troubling trend fol- lowed national numbers, as the NCHS reported a 30% increase in nationwide opioid deaths from 2019 to 2020 and a rise in the drug overdose death rate per 100,000 people from 21.7 to 28.3. In 1999, when the NCHS rst col- lected data, 16,849 drug overdose deaths were recorded with a death rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, pharmaceutical companies began marketing prescription opioid pain

IMPACTS

OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS IN TEXAS

0 1,000 2,000 3,000

2,561

2,160

1,470

1,367

“PROXIMITY TO CARE IS JUST NOT THERE. PATIENTS ARE IN RURAL AREAS, BUT PROVIDERS ARE IN THE CITIES.” TYLER VARISCO,

Jan. 2019

Jan. 2020

Sept. 2021 Jan. 2021

TODO LIST

*12MONTH PERIOD ENDING IN MONTH INDICATED

OPIOID EMERGENCIES IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

226 227

250

212

211

185

200

0 150

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

NEWSTATION PLANNED

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

CAMP GUIDE 2022

SOURCE: PROVISIONAL DATA FROM NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

CONTINUED ON 32

Incidents of family violence—which include emotional, nancial, physical and sexual abuse—have remained high since the pandemic began in March 2020, according to local law enforce- ment ocials. Echo Hutson, chief prosecutor of the Domestic Violence Division at the Montgomery County District Attor- ney’s Oce, said in Montgomery BY ALLY BOLENDER & MAEGAN KIRBY Data: family violence reports up countywide

Data shows domestic violence incidents rose in Montgomery County during 2020 despite a decline in the city of Montgomery. Domestic violence incidents increasing

LOCAL SUMMER CAMPS

Montgomery County

Conroe

Willis

31% rise in hotline calls to women’s shelters from 2019-20.

20% increase in cases led from Montgomery County District Attorney’s Oce since March 2020.

27.1% increase in family violence reports from 2019-21

47.8% increase in family violence reports from 2019-21

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY WOMEN’S SHELTER, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, CITY OF CONROECOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

CONTINUED ON 34

ASADERO TEXMEX

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

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THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. We have expanded our operations to include hundreds of employees, our own printing operation and over 30 hyperlocal editions across three states. Our circulation is over 2 million residential mailboxes, and it grows each month with new residents and developments.

HIGHLIGHTS FROMTHISMONTH

FROMCHRISSY: The end of the 2021-22 school year is quickly approaching. If you are looking for a way for your kids to have fun and continue learning over the summer, we have included our annual Summer Camp Guide. It features camp options for children of all ages, including overnight, academic, sports and art camps (see pages 24-25). Chrissy Leggett, GENERALMANAGER

Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

FROMANNA: With the ocial start of spring March 20, we’ve included a roundup of several local farmers and artisan markets in Conroe, Montgomery and Willis on Page 23, including new and recently relocated markets. Browse the guide to nd what each market oers and when you can visit to shop local. Anna Lotz, EDITOR

Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.

WHATWE COVER

Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive the latest headlines direct to your inbox. communityimpact.com/ newsletter DAILY INBOX Visit our website for free access to the latest news, photos and infographics about your community and nearby cities. communityimpact.com LIVE UPDATES

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett cleggett@communityimpact.com EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTER Maegan Kirby GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Debbie Pfeer METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens

BUSINESS &DINING Local business development news that aects you

TRANSPORTATION &DEVELOPMENT Regular updates on area projects to keep you in the know

SCHOOL, CITY & COUNTY We attend area meetings to keep you informed

ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Ethan Pham CORPORATE LEADERSHIP GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SALES &MARKETING DIRECTOR Tess Coverman CONTACT US 8400 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Ste. 220 Houston, TX 77064 • 2814696181 PRESS RELEASES comnews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions © 2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without written permission from the publisher.

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$20 average donation choose to give monthly 35% edition newsletter called The InCIder and occasionally reach out with other opportunities to directly engage. hyperlocal, unbiased journalism and help build informed communities. As a thank you, we'll include you in a special Saturday

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IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

149

1097

LEWIS CREEK RESERVOIR

1097

WILLIS

MONTGOMERY

LAKE CONROE

LONE STAR PKWY.

F45 Training West Lake Conroe

COURTESY F45 TRAINING

105

PACIFIC ST.

SHANNON CIR.

3083

336

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

149

CONROE

NUGENT ST.

336

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

COURTESY POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN

waxes along with coloring, highlights and extensions. Cosmetologists and master barbers Hannah Garcia and Katy Sherburne said they have 29 years of experience between them. 936-217-8888. Facebook: Katy’s Barber Parlor 6 First Steps Family Chiropractic opened at 21370 Shannon Circle, Ste. A, Montgomery, on Jan. 2, according to owner Charlisie Mitchell. The family chiropractic clinic specializes in women’s health, prenatal and postpartum care, 1863 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe, on Dec. 27, according to office manager Maribelle Mendoza. Along with regular washes, the car wash offers detail services, tire shines and ceramic sealant. 936-238-7888. www.oceancarwashtx.com/conroe COMING SOON 8 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen , a fried chicken fast-food chain, will open at the and pediatrics. 832-943-4778. www.firststepsfamchiro.com 7 Ocean Car Wash opened at

1314

149

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

242

NOWOPEN 1 Crumbl Cookies opened its Conroe location Feb. 25 at 351 S. Loop 336 W., Ste 200, Conroe, according to owner Amy Sapp. The menu rotates each week to offer four to five specialty flavors along with its usual chocolate chip and sugar cookies. 936-249-2061. https://crumblcookies.com 2 Fajita Pete’s opened Feb. 11 at 850 S. Loop 336 W., Ste. 400, Conroe, according to General Manager Kirstin

4 F45 TrainingWest Lake Conroe , a high-intensity interval training fitness stu- dio, opened Feb. 19 at 19794 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 200, Montgomery. The training center specializes in 45-minute workout sessions with a mix of circuit and high-in- tensity interval training-style workouts. 346-646-3717. www.f45training.com/ westlakeconroe 5 Katy’s Barber Parlor opened Feb. 1 at 2525 N. Frazier St., Ste. 6200, Conroe, according to owner Katy Sherburne. The full-service barbershop offers shaves and

Higganbotham. The restaurant offers a variety of fajitas as well as quesadillas and enchiladas. 936-231-8341. www.fajitapetes.com 3 Bride & Bloom , a wedding and event florist and flower farm, celebrated the grand opening of its store at 21123 Eva St., Ste. 100, Montgomery, on March 4-5, according to owner Alisa McCorquodale. In addition to its florals, the business offers farm supplies, wholesale flowers, house plants, floral design parties, daily deliveries and educational classes. www.brideandbloomflorals.com

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COMPILED BY MAEGAN KIRBY, ANNA LOTZ & JISHNU NAIR

COURTESY BLENDED BISTRO AND COFFEE BAR

Katy’s Barber Parlor

FEATURED IMPACT NOWOPEN The owners of Montgomery food trailer Blended Bistro and Coee Bar opened a new brick-and-mortar boutique and coee shop, Cattleya Cottage , at 1778 McCaleb Road, Montgomery, on March 13. Co-owner Ari Sliva, who runs the business with her husband, Eric Sliva, bought the location for the boutique where the trailer normally parks. Ari Sliva said she wanted to bring a “sip and shop” experience to Montgomery. Blended Bistro will continue to oer Venezuelan American food. 713-907-4364. www.facebook.com/ ourblendedbistro

COURTESY KATY’S BARBER PARLOR

Woodforest National Bank opened its rebuilt flagship location in Conroe Feb. 14.

COURTESY WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK

FEATURED IMPACT NOWOPEN Woodforest National Bank opened its rebuilt agship location at 400 W. Davis St., Conroe, on Feb. 14, according to a Feb. 22 news release. The mixed-use business center and bank branch spans 32,800 square feet and will have the bank’s full-service retail branch on the rst oor and its commercial banking team on the second oor, which is still under construction. “I am so thankful Woodforest had the vision to see what downtown Conroe had to oer and invested in our downtown roots and future,” Mayor Jody Czajkoski said in the release. “This beautiful, mixed-used development in downtown Conroe is truly a blessing and great addition that ts right in with our downtown plan.” vides civil engineering, design, planning and construction management services. Bleyl Engineering was founded by John Bleyl in 1997 and is headquartered in Conroe at 100 Nugent St. with offices in Austin, Bryan-College Station and 13 Mobility City will celebrate its one-year anniversary at 11133 I-45 S., Ste. 270, Conroe, on March 26, according to owner Sallina Tullos. The store sells mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, Houston. 936-441-7833. www.bleylengineering.com

The former Woodforest building, built in 1962, was Woodforest’s rst branch in Conroe. There was a groundbreaking ceremony in December, and after construction nishes in April there will be a community celebration in May, according to the release. Oce and retail space in the building are available for lease. 936-538-1505. www.woodforest.com

The Treasure Box

COURTESY THE TREASURE BOX

southwest corner of Hwy. 242 and Lexington Drive in Conroe, according to a March 2 news release from J. Beard Real Estate. A construction timeline was not available. www.popeyes.com 9 McDonald’s will open in the Riverpointe shopping center this summer, according to the company’s Houston-area spokesperson, Christopher Stanley. Stanley said the restaurant will feature a drive-thru and self-serve ki- osks. According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the project will be located at 316 S. Loop 336.

CAPITOL HILL RD.

RADON CHAPEL RD.

11 Mattresses Furniture and More relocated from 18425 Hwy. 105 to 13786 Hwy. 105, Conroe, in early March, according to owner Bill Zolnier. The store sells living room, bedroom and dining furniture as well as mattresses, outdoor furniture and accent pieces. 832-465-5787. www.mfandmore.com ANNIVERSARIES 12 Bleyl Engineering will celebrate its 25th anniversary March 24. The firm pro-

scooters and walkers, along with ramps, lifts and bathroom aids. Services include mobility equipment repair and battery replacement, equipment sanitation, and delivery and setup. 936-224-7135. www. montgomerycountytx.mobilitycity.com 14 105 Cafe will celebrate its 10th an- niversary at 3010 W. Davis St., Conroe, on March 27, according to owner Tom Mekaj. The lunch and breakfast cafe offers skillets, omelets and Benedicts as well as dishes, such as lox and toast, mahi mahi tacos and quiche. 936-539-3447

www.mcdonalds.com RELOCATIONS

10 The Treasure Box , a discount retailer, relocated to a new space at 15917 Hwy. 105 W., Montgomery, and opened March 11. The Treasure Box purchases overstock from retailers— primarily Amazon—and sells it at dis- counts, according to owner Kaden New. www.facebook.com/thetreasureboxstores

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

TODO LIST

March-April events

Fairgrounds, 9333 Airport Road, Conroe. 936-760-3631. www.mcfa.org 26 SHOWTEXAS PRIDE TexasFest is a Texas-themed festival featuring live music, rides, an arts and crafts marketplace, and vendors. The Taste of Texas Food Garden will have Texas-inuenced cuisine as well as beer. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free (admission). Heritage Park Amphitheater, 500 Collins St., Conroe. www.texasfesthouston.com 26 ENJOY CRAWFISH WITH LIVEMUSIC The Montgomery Music & Mudbugs Festival will be a day of live music, crawsh, food trucks and vendors. For children, there will be face painting and a kids zone. Noon-10 p.m. Free (children age 3 and younger), $25 (advanced general admission), $30 (at the gate), $125-$200 (VIP). 20400 Eva St., Montgomery. www.montgomerymusicfest.com APRIL 02 SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES The Montgomery County Funky Junque Market oers attendees an opportunity to shop local. The market will include more than 150 small-business

vendors oering items ranging from clothing and decor to gourmet food and handmade jewelry. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free (teachers, military rst responders with ID, and children), $5 (admission). 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. www.facebook.com/ montgomerycountyjunkhippymarket 02 ATTENDA JOB FAIR Willis ISD will have a job fair for openings within the school district, including teachers, coaches and auxiliary sta, such as transportation and custodial positions. According to information from the district, attendees can reserve a spot to have a better chance at securing an interview. 8-11:30 a.m. Free. 40 FM 830, Willis. www.willisisd.org 05 LEARNABOUTMISD’S BOND Montgomery ISD will hold a town hall meeting for district residents to learn more about the May 7 bond election totaling $326.9 million that trustees called in February as well as the district’s budget process. District ocials will also share the annual budget development process. Attendees will also be able to ask questions. The meeting will be livestreamed and recorded as well. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Montgomery High School, 22825 Hwy. 105, Montgomery. 936-276-2000. www.misd.org

MARCH 26

SHOP SPRING PLANTS TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION

Bring a wagon to shop trees, bushes and plants for a spring garden from the Montgomery County Master Gardener Association. In addition to the plant sales, there will be an educational presentation at 8 a.m. 9 a.m.-noon. Free (admission). 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. 936-539-7824. www.mcmga.com/event/spring-plant-sale-2

COURTESY MCMGA

MARCH 25 THROUGHAPRIL 3 VISIT THE COUNTY FAIR The Montgomery County Fair Association will host its 65th annual fair with livestock shows, carnival rides, concerts,

vendors and a rodeo. There will be a Senior Citizen Day and Kids’ Day as well as special events, such as roping, trail rides and animal races. Times vary. Free (children younger than age 5), $5 (ages 5-11), $10 (online ticket), $15 (at the gate admission). Montgomery County

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY MAEGAN KIRBY

07 THROUGH 10 ENJOY TEXANMUSIC ARTISTS The Conroe Crossroads festival will feature 40 shows from Texas artists. The shows will take place in multiple venues throughout Conroe and feature a variety of music genres. 6 p.m.-midnight (April 7), 5:30 p.m.-midnight (April 8-9), 6-10:30 p.m. (April 10). $35 (early general admission), $100 (early VIP admission). Downtown Conroe, North Main and Simonton streets, Conroe. 936-522-3500. www.conroecrossroads.com 07 AND 08 GET A FREE PROMDRESS Priceless Gowns will provide over 500 prom dresses for junior and senior girls in Montgomery County to choose from for free. The only requirement is a school ID. 5-7:30 p.m. (April 7), 5-7 p.m. (April 8). Free. First Baptist Conroe, 600 N. Main St., Conroe. 936-756-6601. www.facebook.com/pricelessgowns 09 TAKE A PRIVATE FLIGHT Conroe Rides Day lets registered guests pick from a variety of planes to ride in, including the B-17 Flying Fortress Texas Raiders and the world’s only ying SB2C Helldiver. Times vary. $100-$995. General Aviation Services at Conroe- North Houston Regional Airport,

5260 Central Parkway, Conroe. www.b17texasraiders.org 09 SHOP HANDMADE TEXTILES The Outdoor Textile Arts Show will feature textile products, such as embroidery and cross stitching, quilting and wall hangings. There will also be demonstrations and classes available at various stores. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (admission). 500 Collins St., Conroe. http://golden-needles.org 09 CELEBRATEMOTHER NATURE The Great Garden Festival in Woodforest will feature nature-themed activities, photo opportunities, food, drinks and a free native tree sapling to take home. Attendees can sample from an edible garden and drink a frozen ower mocktail. Noon-3 p.m. Free. 251 Central Pine St., Montgomery. 936-447-2800. www.woodforesttx.com 18 TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF A ZOO Guests can meet mammals, a tortoise and other reptiles while learning about the animals. Animal feed will be available for purchase, and guests can also enjoy a hands-on reptile encounter with a 10-foot reticulated python. Times vary. Free (children age 2 and younger), $15 (admission). 15428 Delores Lane, Conroe. 936-244-0399. www.thelearningzootx.com

APRIL 02

RUNA 5K, CELEBRATEWITH BEER

APRIL 09

TAKE PART IN AN EGG HUNT

The Miles for Meals 5K and 10K starts and ends at B-52 Brewery for a morning of food trucks and beer while raising money for Meals on Wheels. In addition to the 5K and 10K, there is a 5K for children age 12 and younger. All participants get two free craft beers, root beer or lemonade from B-52 Brewery; a collector pint glass; and an event shirt. 9-11:30 a.m. $30 (children’s 5K), $60 (5K), $70 (10K). 12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe. 936-756-5878. www. mowmc.org/miles-for-meals-5k-10k

Children ages 18 months to 10 years can hunt for eggs at the city of Conroe’s annual Morning with Mr. Bunny event. Attendees can take pictures with Mr. Bunny as well and are encouraged to bring their cameras and Easter baskets. The egg hunt will begin promptly at 10:15 a.m., according to a release from the city. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Carl Barton Jr. Park Softball Complex, 2500 S. Loop 336 E., Conroe. 936-522-3500. www.cityofconroe.org

COURTESY MEALS ON WHEELS

COURTESY CITY OF CONROE

Find more or submit Conroe or Montgomery events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

Coming Spring 2022! The Perfect Round Indoor Golf, Bar & Grille

The Perfect Round provides a unique golf-centered bar & lounge setting, with craft beer and cocktails.

Craft beer on tap Mixology Events Leagues

For information call 281-363-1336 www.ThePerfectRoundGolf.com We deliver the ultimate indoor golfing experience with our award-winning GOLFZON simulators, in a cozy pub presence with top-notch service and hospitality.

1219 Grand Central Blvd. • Conroe, TX 77304

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TRANSPORTATIONUPDATES

COMPILED BY MAEGAN KIRBY

ONGOING PROJECTS

REGIONAL PROJECT

MCQUEEN RD.

1314

LAKE CONROE HILLS DR.

336

242

CRESCENT CAMPUS BLVD.

CALHOUN RD.

1097

URBAN AVE.

BLUEBERRY HILLS RD.

1485

South Loop 336 intersections Conroe City Council awarded a project for traffic signals and intersection improvements on South Loop 336 to Third Coast Services on Feb. 10. The project spans three intersections on Loop 336: River Pointe Drive and Crescent Campus Boulevard, Grand Lake Drive and Urban Avenue, and Medical Center Boulevard and Town Park Drive, according to Thomas Woolley, director of capital projects and transportation. The project includes restriping, adding left-turn lanes, and adding flashing arrows to the Urban and Town Park intersec- tions. At Crescent Campus, a new sig- nal and left-turn lane will be added.

LAKE CONROE

OLD HOUSTON RD.

Hwy. 242 widening Widening Hwy. 242 from west of FM 1485 to Hwy. 59 is 55% complete as of a late February TxDOT report. The road is being widened from two lanes to four and is anticipated to be completed at the beginning of 2023. The project in the Lake Houston area was awarded to James Construction Group, according to TxDOT information. Cost: $66.32 million Timeline: December 2019-first quarter 2023 Funding source: federal, state

FM 1314 utility upgrades Drainage pipes and storm and sanitary sewer utilities are being added to FM 1314 just south of Calhoun Road in Conroe. The project is 82% complete as of the Feb. 28 TxDOT report and was awarded to RAC Industries LLC. Cost: $3.36 million Timeline: January 2021-first quarter 2022 Funding source: Montgomery County

FM 1097 widening The Texas Department of Transporta- tion project to widen FM 1097 between Lake Conroe Hills Drive and Blueberry Hills Road has begun, with 2% of the work completed as of a Feb. 28 report from TxDOT. The project is widening FM 1097 from two to four lanes with a continuous turn lane in the Willis area. The project is scheduled to be completed in 328 working days, according to TxDOT information. Cost: $14.72 million

Cost: $237,644 Timeline: TBD Funding source: city of Conroe

Timeline: January 2022-TBD Funding sources: federal, state

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 11. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT COMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

BOND 2022 COMPONENTS

PROPOSITION A Middle School #3 Elementary School #7 Fine Arts Addition at LLMS

PROPOSITION B Football Stadium&Community Room

$77,641,750 $45,614,400

$62,565,000

$2,422,500 $4,000,000 $500,000 $12,866,350 PropATotal: $143,045,000

Field Turf-WHS Baseball/Softball Fields Upgrades-Elementary Playground Equip. Future Land Purchases

PROPOSITION C Natatorium (Aquatic Center)

$19,390,000

ELECTION DAY SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 7 AM - 7 PM ELECTION DAY TOTAL BOND PACKAGE EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING

TOTAL BOND PACKAGE

PROPOSITION A PROPOSITION B PROPOSITION C GRANDBONDTOTAL

$143,045,000 $62,565,000 $19,390,000 $225,000,000

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

Now scheduling VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON

appointments – at your place or ours! Whether you’re new to the Kelsey-Seybold family or a longtime patient, you have a choice of where you can safely get care. Call our 24/7 Contact Center at 713-442-0000 to schedule a same-day or next-day virtual Video Visit or, for non-respiratory illnesses, an in-person appointment at our Conroe Clinic .

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

Developments underway in the Conroe area

COMPILED BY MAEGAN KIRBY

RENDERING COURTESY TEXAS PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING

MAEGAN KIRBY/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

TEXASPROFESSIONAL SURVEYING Texas Professional Surveying will break ground for its new office expansion in mid-March, according to Director of Business Development Briana Winget. The 18,000-square-foot building will bring together employees from three different buildings and accommodate the company’s almost quadruple- size growth in the last five years. Founded in 2003, construction is set to wrap up by its 20th anniversary in March 2023.

HYATT REGENCY The Hyatt Regency Conroe and Convention Center, located on I-45 just south of Loop 336, is set to open in May 2023 after breaking ground in October, according to Conroe Assistant City Administrator Steve Williams. The hotel and convention center will feature 250 rooms, meeting spaces, a ballroom, a pool and a three-story parking garage. The project is 13% complete as of Feb. 23 with the foundation for the hotel and parking lot being poured by mid-March.

THE SHOPPES ONWOODMARK The Shoppes on Woodmark, a 10,143-square-foot retail center on FM 2854, is scheduled to be complete by year’s end, according to commercial agent Jacquelyn Prosch. The retail center will have six units, and preleasing has begun with Alpha Commercial Group, according to Prosch. In addition, the center will include Salon Suites by A with 13 private salon suites available for rent. Prosch said the shops will provide local opportunities for entrepreneurs.

336

105

GRAND LINK DR.

1484

336

3083

2854

The Woodlands Dive Center

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

EDUCATION

Lone Star College System enrollment trends Since 2017, student interest has grown in programs including teaching, business and computer sciences. Non-degree-seeking students have also been on the increase.

5,000

+265%

4,000

3,000

2,000

KEY

Business Associate of Arts in teaching Nursing Non-degree seeking casual students

1,000

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Lone Star College Systemsees enrollment shifts Over the past five years, the Lone Star College System has seen a shift in the programs that students are seeking, including a 50% increase in business students, due to factors such as the coronavirus pandemic. Valerie Jones, associate vice business Associate of Arts or field of study category. In the fall 2021 semester, there were 2,893. “They are intending to be business majors at a university,” Jones said. “I saw that as a really telling increase as to where the market demand was for those students.” BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN “Students who take classes but do not intend to seek a credential are in the casual category,” Jones said. Enrollment data from LSCS shows “non-degree-seeking casual student” has become the third-most enrolled

TOP TRANSFERS Students transfer from the LSCS to other universities after beginning their studies. Here are the places the largest numbers of LSCS students transferred to in 2021.

University of Houston

2,477

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER 799 The University of Texas 1,191 University of Houston-Downtown 1,679 Texas A&M University 1,925 Sam Houston State University Jones added the technical and business fields at the LSCS are continuing to grow, and programs such as business, cybersecurity and technology are also seeing increases.

program over the past five years, following the associates of arts and associates of science degrees. The program enrollment changes are similar with surrounding universities as well. Transfer data from 2021 indicates the top univer- sity that LSCS students go to is the University of Houston, and student headcount data shows the three largest changes in program enroll- ment are the Bachelor of Science in health, teaching and learning, and computer science. The bachelor’s in health has seen the most growth since 2017, increasing from 302 to 1,158, a 283% increase.

chancellor of academic affairs at the LSCS, said incoming students have shown a greater interest in health care, education and business as fields for starting a career. Jones said the enrollment changes act as an indica- tor of where students are seeing the greatest financial value. Enrollment data provided by the LSCS shows the number of students seeking business degrees, either as an Associate of Arts degree or as a field of study, have increased by about 50% since 2017. In fall 2017, 1,808 students were enrolled in the

Jones noted there has also been increasing interest and demand in the LSCS nursing associate program. However, due to the limited number of spots available with hospital sys- tems for clinical sites, the enrollment cannot increase dramatically. “We have twice as many applicants as we have spots,” Jones said. According to the LSCS, the biggest change over the past five years has been the increase of non-degree-seeking casual students from 1,178 students in fall 2017 to 4,265 students in spring 2022.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

ELECTIONRESULTS

Primary election results in the Conroe, Montgomery area

RESULTS BREAKDOWN For more election information, visit communityimpact.com . COMPILED BY ANNA LOTZ

Primary elections were held March 1 across Texas. Here are the outcomes of some contested primary races that determined who will be on the November ballot as well as those statewide contenders headed to a May 24 runo. The list of races is noncomprehensive. SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Incumbent

Headed to runo RUNOFF

Winner

Republican race

Democratic race

TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL

TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

TEXAS LAND COMMISSIONER

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 8

41.81% Dawn Buckingham

43.12% Rochelle Mercedes Garza

22.25% Christian Collins 12.64% Jonathan Hullihan 2.42% Dan McKaughan 2.34% Jessica Wellington 2.32% Candice C. Burrows 1.78% Chuck Montgomery 52.18% Morgan Luttrell

34.68% Angel Luis Vega 19.17% Tim Mahoney 46.15% Janet T. Dudding

14.83% Tim Westley

19.6% Joe Jaworski 19.46% Lee Merritt

12.6% Jon Spiers

12.29% Mike Fields 5.53% S. T-Bone Raynor

10.56% Don W. Minton

MONTGOMERY COUNTY JUDGE

7.55% Victor Avila

66.11% Mark Keough 17.69% Billy Gra 16.2% Sara Countryman

6.61% Weston Martinez 3.07% Rufus Lopez 2.97% Ben Armenta 67.18% Cecil Bell Jr. 32.82% Kelly McDonald TEXAS HOUSE, DISTRICT 3 42.74% Ken Paxton 22.78% George P. Bush 17.46% Eva Guzman 17.02% Louie Gohmert TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL

TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSIONER, PLACE 2

47.18% Wayne Christian 15.12% Sarah Stogner 14.32% Tom Slocum Jr.

1.32% Michael Philips

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 2

1.21% Jonathan A. Mitchell

1.09% Betsy Bates

11.88% Marvin Sarge Summers

56.47% Charlie Riley 43.53% Jennifer Eckhart

0.44% Taylor M. Whichard IV

11.5% Dawayne Tipton

TEXAS LAND COMMISSIONER

TEXAS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 4

31.99% Sandragrace Martinez

41.52% Mike Collier

25.79% Jay Kleberg 21.95% Jinny Suh 20.26% Michael Lange

47.08% James Metts 52.92% Matthew Gray

30.23% Michelle Beckley

28.25% Carla Brailey

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

PUBLIC SAFETY

A new re station No. 54 is planned across from the existing station on Walden Road following structural issues demanding a new station.

Old re station location

New re station location

RENDERING COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 2

NewESDNo. 2 re station to replace existing station inWalden area Land has been secured in the Walden community for a new Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 2 re station set to start construction in July and nish in July 2023, Fire Chief Brian Edwards said. The existing re 12500 Walden Road, Montgomery, had repairs done after structural de- ciencies were found six years ago, but larger issues, such as the foundation, led to either rebuilding or moving locations, Edwards said. Edwards said the new station comes with growth in the community. BY MAEGAN KIRBY by sales and property tax revenue. The project will cost around $2 million and take about a year to complete, he said. Montgomery County Municipal Utility District No. 8 owns the a station on a new site was also made due to not having a temporary location while rebuilding occurs.

“It was [going to] cost us more to repair the station and get it up to the new re code and all that com- pared to building a new station,” Edwards said. “There wasn’t really a space for us to have temporary housing to keep the responders in Walden, so that was an additional expense that we were going to have and the logistics of doing it because there’s not a lot of room anywhere in Walden for that.”

existing station, so it is unknown what will be done with the station once the new one is built, Edwards said. The MUD provides water for reghting, and the MUD and ESD—both taxing entities—work on projects such as water treatment plants, he said. Edwards said the decision to build

station, Station No. 54, was found to have structural issues, so employees will be moved to the new station, which is being built across the street at the southwest corner of Walden Road and Emerson Drive. The existing station at

“It’s denitely gotten busier in this area,” Edwards said. “I think we run 1,000 calls a year, so we’re up about a call per day [since the start of 2022].” Edwards said the department will seek construction bids in mid-March for the project, which will be funded

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • MARCH 2022

EDUCATION BRIEFS Conroe ISDnames CaptainMatthew Blakelock next chief of police

BY VANESSA HOLT

“I want to thank you for this opportunity to lead one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the best school district in Texas,”

CONROE ISD Matthew Blakelock, a captain with the Conroe ISD Police Department, will be the next chief of the department when Chief William Harness retires in June, according to a Feb. 28 CISD news release. Harness has been with the district for 26 years. Information on the district website states Harness began his law enforce- ment career in 1973 at the Houston Police Academy and served with the Houston Police Department for 20 years before accepting a position as captain with Houston ISD Police Department and joining CISD in 1996.

Blakelock said in a statement, referring to the board.

Matthew Blakelock

According to the district, Blakelock said his core principles in policing include preventing crime, earning community support and respecting community principles.

LSCS launches law enforcement academy

HARDY TOLL

BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN

ALDINE WESTFIELD RD.

LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM Students in the Lone Star College System now have a chance to become Texas licensed police officers at the LSC-East Aldine Center. According to a news release, the new program provides the skills and competencies that will equip students for careers as law enforce- ment officers with the LSCS Law Enforcement Academy. Students must be at least age 21,

Information Sessions will be held at LSC-North Harris at 2700 W W Thorne Drive, Academic Bldg. 126, Houston.

have a valid driver’s license, be a U.S. citizen, and have a high school diploma or GED. Cadets will receive classroom instruction and engage in hands-on training to prepare them for the state licensing examination.

4 Days, 8 Venues

Montgomery ISDapproves calendar for 2022-23

BY ANNA LOTZ

start Sept. 14, Oct. 19, Nov. 9, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 12. In addition, Marino said the committee recommended removing early-release days for elementary students, totaling two additional student holidays for elementary students in the upcoming year. As a result, early-release days for second- ary students will include a student holiday for elementary students. The first day of school will be Aug. 11, and the last day of school will be May 26, 2023, according to the approved calendar.

MONTGOMERY ISD Trustees unanimously voted Feb. 15 to approve the Montgomery ISD calendar for the upcoming 2022-23 school year with some early releases and student holidays differing for elementary and secondary campuses. Executive Director of Commu- nications Justin Marino said the District Advisory Committee also recommended reinstating six late-ar- rival days for secondary students. According to the calendar, secondary students will have a two-hour delayed

1 City

April 7-10 www.conroecrossroads.com