New Caney - Porter Edition | March 2026

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New Caney Porter Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11 APRIL 3MAY 1, 2026

Protecting pets Nonprots rally to serve animals in East Montgomery County

Alaska’s Hope Animal Rescue held a low-cost vaccination and free microchipping event in Porter on March 14. The Cleveland-based nonprot is one of several organizations stepping up to serve East Montgomery County pets. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

By Emily Lincke

Microchipping and vaccination event

KELLY JOE SMITH RD.

1314

Also in this issue

Impacts: Check out four new businesses coming to Valley Ranch Town Center (Page 6)

Government: See Census data for the New Caney, Porter area (Page 9)

494

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Market leaders & metro team

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

Kim Sommers General Manager ksommers@ 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

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NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Impacts

3 Casa Julia Tex-Mex With an original location in Mont Belvieu, the Tex-Mex eatery offers quesadillas, loaded nachos, fajitas, enchiladas and tacos. The restaurant also features a full

SPEED ST.

242

CONROE PORTER RD.

OLD HOUSTON RD.

bar offering beer, wine and margaritas. • Opened March 31 (after press time) • 23706 Speed St., New Caney • www.casajuliatexmextx.com

Roman Forest

1485

New Caney

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

Coming soon

4 Tiny Tundra Snowcones Owned by Bryan Arguello, Ada Roldan and Kevin Valdez, the snow cone and lemonade stand will offer finely shaved ice topped with classic and specialty syrups. • Opening in April

1485

MCCLESKEY RD

99 TOLL

1314

494

99 TOLL

5 8

Porter

7 6

• 18978 FM 1314, Conroe • www.tinytundratx.com

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

5 Starbucks The 2,200-square-foot location will employ 14-20 people and offer brewed coffee, espresso drinks, Frappuccinos, teas and pastries. Construction was completed in February on the shell building and interior work is underway. • Opening this summer • 11805 N. Grand Parkway E., Ste. 100, New Caney • www.starbucks.com 6 Baskin-Robbins The national chain serves frozen treats such a ice cream scoops and sundaes; ice cream cakes and pies; drinks, including floats, milkshakes and smoothies; and ice cream cookie pizzas. Construction on the shell building is slated to be complete in September. • Opening date TBD • 21580 Market Place Drive, Ste. 200, New Caney • www.baskinrobbins.com 7 Qargo Coffee The Italian-style cafe sells drinks, pastries, breakfast and lunch. Beverages offered include Italian blended frappes; espresso drinks, such as macchiatos; boba teas; and energy drinks. Construction on the shell building is slated to be complete in September.

MARKET PLACE DR.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

Valley Ranch

FORDRD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

NORTHPARK DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Cupid Confections Owned by Angela Hutson, the frozen dessert shop reopened for the season in March. The shop’s menu items are homemade and include cookies, brownies, cupcakes and a variety of snow cone flavors. • Reopened March 14 • 1714 Roman Forest Blvd., New Caney • Facebook: Cupid Confections

Now open

1 Texas Physio Owned by physical therapist James Patrick Presley, the clinic offers aquatic therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, pain management therapies, and golf rehabilitation and fitness. • Opened Jan. 19 • 21013 Old Sorters Road, Ste. C, Porter • www.texas-physio.com

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281-354-EASY (3279)

20651 FM 1485 NEW CANEY, TX 77357

24247 FM1314 SUITE B, PORTER, TX 77365

WWW.PORTERINS.NET

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

rotations; and safety inspections. Construction is expected to begin in July and wrap up by June 2027, per a Jan. 27 TDLR filing. • 20484 FM 1485, New Caney • www.expresscare.com

• Opening date TBD • 21580 Market Place Drive, Ste. 100, New Caney • www.qargocoffee.com 8 Nick The Greek The West coast-based eatery offers a menu of gyros, Greek plates and bowls, salads, desserts, burgers and loaded fries. Construction on the shell building was completed in February and interior work is underway. • Opening date TBD • 11805 N. Grand Parkway E., Ste. 200, New Caney • www.nickthegreek.com 9 Retail center Construction will begin soon on a 55,600-square-foot retail shopping center expected to bring fast food options, a fitness center and medical clinics to Porter. Construction is tentatively estimated to begin this summer and wrap up by June 2027. • Opening date TBD • A 23221 FM 1314, Porter; B 23227 FM 1314, Porter; C 23233 FM 1314, Porter • No website or phone number 10 Pat’s Donuts The doughnut shop will also offer pastries, breakfast tacos, kolaches and croissant sandwiches as well as iced and hot coffee. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held May 5 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. • Opening date TBD • 23487 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.patsbreakfast.com

Now open

Expansions

13 Kingwood Revolution Volleyball Club The volleyball club added four state-of-the-art sand volleyball courts in March, allowing officials to expand club programming. A celebration will be held April 17 from 4-8 p.m. • 23251 Ford Road, Porter • www.kingwoodrevolutionvbc.com

17 Dino Coffee Company Owned by Cal Schouten and her husband, the coffee trailer offers specialty lattes, cold brew, espresso, chai tea, matcha drinks, lemonades and sodas. The most popular menu items are the specialty lattes, such as the cinnamon-flavored Dyno-mite Latte and the Dino-Diva Latte, which includes vanilla and caramel. • Opened Feb. 4 • 20131 FM 1485, New Caney • Facebook: Dino.Coffee.Company 18 Roman Forest City Park City officials hosted a ribbon-cutting event March 16 to celebrate several new pieces of playground equipment at the park, including six slides, a fireman pole, a climbing area, overhead bars, a cozy pod spinner and two whirl- and-twirls. The park’s swing area will also be updated with new borders and wood chips. • 2430 Roman Forest Blvd., Roman Forest • www.rftx.org 19 A.V. ‘Bull’ Sallas Park Open from dawn to dusk, the park’s splash pad will reopen for the season April 6. • 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.mctxpct4.org

In the news

14 Little Caesars The Porter location closed from Jan. 26-31 while the interior was revamped. The eatery offers pick up and delivery for pizza, Crazy Bread, chicken wings, Crazy Puffs, pizza bites, brownies and sodas.

• 23741 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.littlecaesars.com

15 VCS’ DIY Shirts & More Previously known as Vinyl Creation Supply, the business changed its name in February to better reflect the hands- on do-it-yourself experience provided in store, owner Misty Good said. The craft supply store specializes in direct-to-film transfers, ultraviolet direct-to-film decals, sublimation transfers, heat-transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl and blank apparel. • 23432 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.diy-shirts.com 16 Back Pew Brewing The brewery will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a “Decades Party” on April 4 from noon-7 p.m. Owned by Bobby Harl, Back Pew Brewing features a taproom and outdoor beer garden that is family- and pet-friendly. • 26452 Sorters McClellan Road, Porter • www.backpewbrewing.com

What’s next

PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

11 DD’s Discounts The company sells clothing, home goods, toys, jewelry and more. Construction is scheduled to begin in May and wrap up in August, per a Feb. 16 TDLR filing.

• 23741 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.ddsdiscounts.com

12 Valvoline The company offers oil changes; air filter, wiper blade and light bulb replacements; fluid exchanges; tire

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY EMILY LINCKE

New Caney, Porter populations rise 30% over 5-year time span

Data shows both New Caney’s and Porter’s ZIP codes saw increases in the median age of residents from 2019 to 2024. ZIP code 77365 had a slightly bigger change with a median age of 34.9 years in 2019 to 35.5 years in 2024. Along with population, data shows diversity has also grown across the area. The ZIP code with the biggest change for a racial or ethnic group was 77365, which saw an decrease of 13.5 percentage points for the white population from 2019 to 2024.

The New Caney- and Porter-area population grew by roughly 30.3% over five years, rising from 64,476 residents in 2019 to 84,010 residents in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. On Jan. 29, the U.S. Census Bureau released new five-year data for 2024 as part of its American Community Survey, which represents a five-year estimate of the population across the country from 2020 to 2024. This data compares with the 2019 survey results, which studied the country from 2015 to 2019.

New Caney, Porter ZIP codes

Population change

Age demographics

2019

2024

0-19 20-34 35-54 55-64 65-84 85+

+26.3%

50K

242

77357

0.7%

9.1%

+35.6%

34.6% 20.2% 26.3%

2019 2024

40K

OLD HOUSTON RD.

77357

32.63%

24.22% 25.93%

30K

99 TOLL

0.9% 0.5%

12.49% 9.11%

8.69% 7.61%

20K

1314

77365 2019 2024

10K

28.67% 29.8% 19.7% 26% 12.3% 21.38% 27.87%

77365

77357

77365

1.5%

10.7%

77357

77365

Local demographics*

Black or African American White Hispanic or Latino

Asian

American Indian or Alaskan Native

39.3%

42.8%

51.1%

56.3%

46.2%

2019 total population: 64,476 2024 total population: 84,010

2.8% 0.2% 4.8%

2.5% 2.6% 0.2%

2024 5.6% 51.7%

36.2%

0.4% 0.1%

*ALL CATEGORIES LISTED ARE RACES, EXCEPT FOR HISPANIC OR LATINO, WHICH IS NOT A RACE. HOWEVER, THE PERCENTAGES OF THE RACES LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE HISPANIC OR LATINO RESIDENTS. NOTE: PERCENTAGES MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING.

44.1%

0.2%

2019

2024

Median household income

Education level** High school diploma or higher achieved

Largest employment sectors*** 1 Construction: 6,300 2 Retail trade: 4,444

2019 2024

Bachelor’s degree or higher achieved 2019 2024

$100K

+20.1%

+22%

3 Health care and social assistance: 4,411 4 Accommodation and food services: 3,678 5 Manufacturing: 2,981 6 Educational services: 2,589 7 Professional, scientific, and technical services: 2,547 8 Transportation and warehousing: 2,505 9 Administrative and support and waste management services: 2,492 10 Other services, except public administration: 2,192

$80K

77.63%

19.49%

$60K

$40K

81.86%

21.66%

$20K

77357

77365

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU'S AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY 5-YEAR ESTIMATES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

**BASED ON TOTAL POPULATION AGE 25 AND OLDER

***EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS ARE FOR AGES 16 AND OLDER

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Roman Forest council members authorized city ocials to begin the bidding process again for the city’s planned police department expansion project. The details During the council’s Feb. 23 meeting, City Engineer Greg Phipps said the city received several bids to complete work on the project after council members authorized city ocials to begin the bidding process in December. However, after reviewing the bids, Phipps said council members determined they needed to review the scope of the project. During the council’s March 23 Roman Forest reviews scope of police project

meeting, Police Chief Stephen Carlisle said the city was consid- ering a modular design for the project, but he noted nal details on the cost and scope wouldn’t be available until after bids come in on the project. Council members ultimately voted to authorize the city to send the project out to bid again. Some context According to previous reporting, the project will consist of adding roughly 2,000 square feet of space to the city’s police department. Once completed, ocials said around half of the existing police department will be converted into additional space for City Hall. What’s next While a start date for construc- tion has not yet been determined, Phipps had previously stated that ocials are aiming to complete the project by the end of 2026.

Roman Forest City Hall

WHISPERING PINES ST.

Roman Forest City Council member set to step down from council

Roman Forest City Coun- cil member Jerry Reasner announced he is set to resign from his position during the council’s March 18 workshop. The details Reasner, who was elected to the Place 3 council member position in 2024, would have been up for reelection in November. Reasner said he’s been forced to miss several council meetings following the death of a family member, noting he’d likely miss

more if he didn’t opt to step down. “I love this,

and I’ve had a lot of fun,” Reasner said. “Unfortu- nately, I’ve had to submit my resignation because it’s the right thing to do.” What’s next Reasner said he was unsure who would be appointed to take his seat on the council, noting he will be available until that person is found. Jerry Reasner

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Education

Here’s the latest updates on four New Caney ISD projects funded by the district’s $695 million bond package, which was approved by voters in May 2023. The bond includes two propositions, which target $634 million in campus and facility improvements and $61 million in extracurricular enhancements. This list is not comprehensive.

Ongoing projects

VIA CORSICA DR.

2 New Caney ISD Administration Building Project: Workspaces for instructional services, human resources, student services, communications, finance and professional development will be included in the district’s new 135,000-square-foot administration building. Update: Construction began in July, Powers said. • Timeline: completion by the spring or summer of 2027 • Cost: $56 million 3 New Caney Elementary School replacement Project: A new 110,000-square-foot elementary school is being built to replace the existing New Caney Elementary School building. The design will be similar to Porter Elementary School. Update: Work began in 2024 and the school is set to open for the 2026-27 school year, Powers said. • Timeline: completion by this summer • Cost: $47 million 4 West Fork High School Phase 3 Project: A covered multipurpose practice facility with turf is being added at West Fork High School. Update: Construction kicked off in October, Powers said. • Timeline: completion by this August • Cost: $6.4 million

1485

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

99 TOLL

Upcoming projects

LA WILD

Porter

SANDY LN.

1 Porter High School fine arts, CTE and athletics facilities Project: Features will be added and remodeled for Porter High School’s fine arts and career and technical education programs. Athletics updates will include a new covered multipurpose practice area and revamped baseball, softball and football/soccer fields. Update: Work is scheduled to begin in early 2027, according to a March 11 email from Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations. Turfing of the football fields is scheduled to be completed this summer while turfing at the baseball and softball fields will wrap up this winter. The covered multipurpose practice facility is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2027. Gamma Construction was chosen to complete the Phase 3 project, during the March 16 NCISD board meeting. • Timeline: completion of all work by spring 2028 • Cost: $23.75 million (combined projects)

RIVERWALK DR.

MILLS BRANCH DR.

1314

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

W. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.

N O R T H P A R

SORTERS MCCLELLAN RD.

494

WOODLAND HILLS DR.

Kingwood

TOWNSEN BLVD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

1960

N. HOUSTON AVE.

1960

Humble

TIMBER FOREST DR.

WILL CLAYTON PKWY.

Atascocita

MADERA RUN PKWY.

BY EMILY LINCKE

New Caney ISD gives raises to police ocers, bus drivers New Caney ISD bus drivers and police ocers will receive a pay increase in the 2026-27 school year after the district’s board of trustees approved the pay changes March 16. The gist Under the new compensation plan, NCISD police Pay raises for 2026-27 school year Bus drivers Peace officers $19.45 per hour +$0.25

NCISD promotes 2 new principals

Brittany Horton and Traci Towslee were named the new principals of West Fork High School and Bens

+$5.00

$30-$42.03 per hour

Traci Towslee

Brittany Horton

ocers will be paid $5 more per hour and bus drivers will be paid 25 cents more per hour, said Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations, via email March 18. Pay was not changed for other NCISD employees for the 2026-27 school year, Powers said. Remember this? In July 2025, NCISD trustees approved $2,500- $5,000 annual raises for teachers with at least three years of experience, as previously reported by Community Impact . The raises were funded by money NCISD was scheduled to receive from House Bill 2, which was signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott in June 2025.

Police sergeants

Branch Elementary School, respectively, at the March 16 New Caney ISD board meeting. Career history Horton has worked at NCISD for four years and has 14 years of experience in education. Most recently, she served as an assistant principal at Keefer Crossing Middle School. Meanwhile, Towslee most recently served as an assistant principal at Bens Branch Elementary School, and has 16 years of experience in education.

+$5.00

$35-$49.45 per hour

SOURCE: NEW CANEY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

In other news Superintendent Matt Calvert’s contract for 2026 was also approved and extended from June 30, 2029 to June 30, 2030 at the March 16 board meeting. Calvert did not receive a pay raise, but an addendum was added to his contract stating that the district will provide him with a vehicle, which can be replaced every three years. According to the contract, the district will also provide gas.

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

Transportation

BY HANNAH BROL

Ongoing projects

3083

1314

1485

242

NEEDHAM RD.

242

OLD HOUSTON RD.

242

MCQUEEN RD.

1485

CONROE PORTER RD.

KIDD CEMETERY RD.

CONROE PORTER RD.

1314

1 FM 1485 rehabilitation Project: A roughly 7-mile segment of FM 1485 is being rehabilitated between Old Houston and Kidd Cemetery roads. Project contractor Vulcan Materials Asphalt and Construction will repair the road base, add new asphalt overlay, restripe the road segment and replace signage along the corridor. Update: Work is 96% complete as of a March 10 report from TxDOT. • Timeline: second quarter of 2025-second quarter of 2026 • Cost: $8.83 million • Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% TxDOT

2 FM 1314 rehabilitation Project: A roughly 2-mile segment of FM 1314 is being rehabilitated between Hwy. 242 and north of McQueen Road. The project contractor is R Civil Construction LLC. Update: Work is 58% complete as of a March 10 report from TxDOT. • Timeline: irst quarter of 2025-fourth quarter of 2028 • Cost: $5.3 million • Funding sources: 80% federal, 20% TxDOT

3 Hwy. 242 drainage Project: Detention ponds are being constructed along Hwy. 242 between Needham Road and Hwy. 59. The contractor is R Civil Construction LLC, and the project aims to improve drainage along the corridor. Update: Work is 80% complete as of a March 10 report from TxDOT. • Timeline: August 2024-second quarter of 2027 • Cost: $8.2 million • Funding source: TxDOT

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Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR & HANNAH BROL

Noah’s Give-AGift Crawsh Boil Attendees can enjoy crawsh, shrimp and live music at this event, from which proceeds will nancially support a local Title I school through Noah’s Give-A-Gift. • April 11, 1-6 p.m. • $10-$25 • Back Pew Brewing, 26452 Sorters McClellan Road, Porter • www.noahsgiveagift.org Shoot For Scholarships BBQ Cook-O The barbecue cook-o will help raise scholarship funds for local East Montgomery County students. This year, the event will also include a car show. • April 17-18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • $150 (cook team entry), $25 (car show entry) • A.V. ‘Bull’ Sallas Park, Big Rivers Cajun Fest Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures is hosting a Cajun festival featuring crawsh, beer and mixed cocktail specials; live music; crawsh races; and a crawsh- eating contest. • April 25-26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • $44.99 (admission) 21681 McCleskey Road, New Caney • Facebook: Shoot For Scholarships

April

Worth the trip

Birdies for Beacon Proceeds from this golf tournament at Highland Pines Golf Club will benet Project Beacon. • April 7, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • $175 (all-inclusive Birdie Bundle), a-la-carte games available • 6700 Highland Pines Drive, Porter • www.projectbeacontx.org Blossom Bash Attendees can enjoy nature-related crafts and a tree giveaway, and are asked to bring seed donations. • April 8, 1-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • R.B. Tullis Branch Library, 21569 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.countylibrary.org Pick-a-Buddy Pickleball Fundraiser Proceeds from this pickleball tournament will benet Mission Northeast’s Buddy Bag Program, which provides weekend meals for local children facing food insecurity. • April 11, 1-4 p.m. • $60 (player registration) • The PickleBall Zone, 22056 W. Ford Road, Porter • www.missionne.org

Montgomery County Fair & Rodeo The annual event will feature a barbecue cook-o, rodeo competitions and carnival rides. Roger Creager will perform April 10 followed by Tanner Usrey on April 11. The fair’s newest event, Faith at the Fair on April 12, will feature faith-based artists. El Dia de La Familia Hispania will take place April 19. • April 9-19, times vary by date • $5-$20 (general admission), $25-$30 (April 19) • 9333 Airport Road, Conroe • www.mcfa.org

• 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.bigriverswaterpark.com

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Protecting pets From the cover

The approach

What’s happening

Animal cruelty calls From 2015-25, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received almost 1,040 calls regarding animal cruelty for ZIP codes 77357 and 77365, which cover New Caney and Porter. Animal cruelty calls

“People just don’t have the nances,” Larson said. “When you have to cut costs in your budget, … animals usually suer because of it.” Low-cost or free spay/neuter operations are a vital resource for New Caney and Porter, said Laura McConnell, president of Lone Star Animal Welfare League. Nonprot ocials said the surgeries are a tool to reduce the number of stray animals being sent to animal shelters. Montgomery County leaders are working to protect local pets, but oftentimes stray animal populations can worsen due to neighboring counties, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said in a December interview with Community Impact . “We do butt up to several other counties right here in Precinct 4, and they are hotspots for … dumping animals,” Gray said.

The demand for low-cost pet services, such as vaccines and spay/neuter operations, is growing in the New Caney and Porter areas—and local nonprot leaders said they are working hard to meet the community’s needs. “A lot of our services are being moved over [to New Caney and Porter] because the need is, to me, just as great [in Cleveland, Texas], but they have a lot of help,” said Lidia Martinez, co-founder of Cleveland-based nonprot Alaska’s Hope Animal Rescue. “This area has a little less help, so we want to be able to bridge that gap.” The rising need for low-cost pet services is likely due to economic factors, said Kerri Larson, an independent contractor who works with multiple local animal organizations, including Alaska’s Hope and the AABY Foundation.

160 140 120 100

80 60 40 20 0

2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

On Aug. 26, Montgomery County commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance regulating roadside vendors in unincorporated areas of the county, as previously reported by Community Impact . Gray led the push for a ban, which he said also prevents peo- ple from selling animals along roadways, as these animals are often kept in “inhumane conditions.” The ordinance went into effect Sept. 1 following the passage of House Bill 2012 in the Texas Leg- islature, as previously reported. The bill allows counties to enforce roadside vendor regulations. Montgomery County’s ordinance bans the solicitation of money as well as the sale or distribu- tion of food and merchandise on public highways and roads, as previously reported. It also prohibits vendors from placing structures in those areas. “[The roadside vendors ban] also provides some safety and some coverage to our animals,” Gray said. “It keeps … [animal selling] out of the parking lots and the side of the roads,” Gray said. Since the ban began, 17 warnings or citations have been given countywide, according to data from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Puppy mills often worsen stray animal popu- lations, Larson said. Puppy mills are commercial breeders keeping animals in cruel conditions, according to the American Society for the Preven- tion of Cruelty to Animals’ website. “When [puppies] don’t sell, and they become 4-6 months old, people dump them,” Larson said. “Because there’s no use for them anymore.” Over the last decade, from 2015-25, the sheriff’s office received almost 1,040 animal cruelty calls for ZIP codes 77357 and 77365, which cover New Caney and Porter, respectively. During the same time period, 141 animal cruelty charges were filed in the whole county, according to data from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

A growing problem Unneutered/unspayed dogs and cats can create multiple litters per year, which means stray animal populations can multiply rapidly.

Time

Dogs

Cats

67,000 dogs and almost 66,100 cats can be born within six years from small starting populations of unneutered/unspayed animals.

1 year

16 dogs

12 cats

2 years

128 dogs

67 cats

4 years

2,048 dogs

2,107 cats

6 years

67,000 dogs

66,088 cats

NOTE: NUMBERS VARY DEPENDING ON STRAY ANIMAL MORTALITY RATES.

3.3 million stray or lost dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters in 2025. Meanwhile, 9.1% of dogs and 7.9% of cats were euthanized in the same year.

Montgomery County Animal Shelter population

Montgomery County Animal Shelter outcomes

Start of year (as of Jan. 1) End of year (as of Dec. 31)

Save rate Live release rate

94% 90%

200

100%

480 522

600

Live release rate

Live outcomes - All outcomes Exclusions*

80%

400

*ANIMALS THAT GO MISSING OR DIE WHILE IN CUSTODY, AND UNTREATABLE/UNHEALTHY PETS EUTHANIZED AT OWNER’S REQUEST

60%

Save rate =

Live intakes Live intake Other outcomes** -

200

**DANGEROUS ANIMALS SEIZED BY THE POLICE OR SHELTER, AND CATS RETURNED TO THE COMMUNITY 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

4,101 animals were adopted from Montgomery County Animal Shelter in 2025, and 3,959 animals were adopted in 2024.

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, BISSELL PET FOUNDATION, NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICACOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY EMILY LINCKE

The impact

Lend a hand

and items, such as unused insulin needles, old towels or old newspapers, can all help. “It takes the village, and it takes community support,” Larson said.

The nonprofits serving animals in New Caney and Porter operate off the generosity of others, Larson said. Monetary donations—such as sponsoring vaccines and operations— volunteering, fostering or donating pet food

Local animal welfare organizations are focusing on spay and neuter services to help pets and make communities safer, McConnell said. The operations can prevent health problems for pets, including testicular and ovarian cancers, she said. “By spaying and neutering your pet … your pet will be healthier in the long run,” McConnell said. A lack of low-cost veterinary services burdens communities, because shelters become crowded and unvaccinated pets are a public health risk, said Operation Pets Alive President Rebecca Forbes via email March 19. Her organization offers low-cost spay/neuter operations and vaccines. “Ultimately, these challenges affect the quality of life for both residents and animals,” Forbes said. Volunteers with Alaska’s Hope and the AABY Foundation help the community access medica- tions for pets to prevent fleas and heartworms. The organizations also help feed the pets of people experiencing homelessness, said Juanita Zavala, AABY’s clinic coordinator.

Community resources

Lone Star Animal Welfare League Pet food is given to senior citizens by this nonprofit, which also coordinates spay/neuter operations. • www.lsawl.org Montgomery County Animal Shelter This county-run facility accepts stray animals and offers adoptions. • 8535 Hwy. 242, Conroe • www.mcaspets.org Operation Pets Alive The nonprofit holds adoption and spay/neuter events. • www.operationpetsalive.org

Low-cost vaccinations Low-cost spay/neuter operations Fostering/adoptions

Alaska’s Hope Animal Rescue This nonprofit hosts pet vaccination events. • www.alaskashopeanimalrescue.com AABY Foundation Funded through its thrift store, this nonprofit provides pet assistance for senior citizens and hosts animal vaccinations and spay/neuter events. • Thrift Store: 22558 Community Drive, New Caney • www.instagram.com/aabyfoundation

SOURCES: INDIVIDUAL ORGANIZATIONS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Dining

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Wing avors oered range from spicy garlic and teriyaki to Parmesan garlic and mango habanero.

Three B’s On The Green oers a variety of drinks including lemon drops, chocolate martinis, bloody Mary’s and wine.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Three B’s oers golf course views in Porter

Craig Brown co-owns Three B’s On The Green in Porter and Three B’s Grill in Kingwood.

Overlooking the green at Oakhurst Golf Club, Three B’s On The Green was built on the success of the Three B’s in Kingwood by lifelong friends Robert Jones and Craig Brown. Founded in 2010 in Kingwood, Three B’s expanded to Porter in 2024. How it happened A golfer himself, Brown said the sport shared with his father ignited his idea to create a space for the general public and golfers. Oering a family-friendly environment at one of Houston’s top public golf courses, Brown said the eatery is a community favorite for golfers and neighbors alike.

What’s special about it? As a community space, Three B’s on the Green holds several weekly specials and events. On Fridays, the venue holds live music on the patio and oers crawsh for $8 a pound on weekends during crawsh season. On the menu Three B’s On The Green specializes in American cuisine oering a menu of burgers, wings, tacos, salads and steak. The eatery also boasts a full bar with oerings from wine and beer to specialty cocktails. Aside from its dining services, Three B’s has a private room that can be reserved for celebrations.

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Nonpro t

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Volunteers assist with HTown Dream Center’s mobile food distribution program.

COURTESY HTOWN DREAM CENTER

By the numbers Part of H-Town Dream Center’s mission is to help support and provide safe housing for women and children who are survivors of human tracking, domestic violence and crisis pregnancies. Here’s a look at who the nonprot helped in 2024: • 311 women and children discipled through the Our House Of Hope Program • 241 women and children rescued from domestic violence situations • 48 expecting mothers rescued from crisis pregnancy situations • 22 women rescued from human traficking situations

HTown Dream Center Founder Shannon Nelson sits in front of a mural painted on the wall near the nonprot’s community center.

WESLEY GARDNERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HTown Dream Center oers safe shelter, support

said the nonprot also oers a variety of life skills courses to those in its care. “They have parenting classes, baking classes, nancial classes, anger management classes,” Nelson said. “And they do all this while their kids are in school.” Additionally, Nelson said the nonprot provides support through its Care & Share Food Pantry. Nelson noted the nonprot would not be able to function without the help of the nearly 400 individuals who volunteer to assist at the center. Additionally, she said the center accepts both monetary donations and donated items for its Care & Share Food Pantry, as long as the items are in good condition.

dine-in special for women and children who are survivors of human tracking, domestic violence and crisis pregnancies. “We just walk the journey with them,” Nelson said, noting the nonprot can house up to 50 occupants. In addition to providing safe housing, Nelson Nelson noted one of the main functions of the nonprot is providing support and safe housing In 2010, Shannon Nelson founded HTown Dream Center in Splendora. The nonprot provides a range of service to individuals in need, including rescuing women and children in crisis, feeding the hungry and educating at-risk youth. A closer look

SOURCE: HTOWN DREAM CENTERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

M A G N O L I A D R .

EAST RIVER RD.

E . H O L L Y L N .

26373 E. Holly Lane, Splendora www.htowndreamcenter.org

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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

Real estate

Approximately 74 fewer homes sold across the two ZIP codes that make up Community Impact’s New Caney-Porter coverage area, data for February 2026 compared with February 2025 shows. Additionally, data shows nearly 72% of homes sold were in the $200,000-$399,999 price range. Residential market data

February 2025

February 2026

Homes sold by price point in February 2026

77357

77365

2 2

$800,000+

$600,000-$799,999

$400,000-$599,999

$200,000-$399,999

<$199,999

242

Number of homes sold

Average days on market

OLD HOUSTON RD.

77357

-58.27%

+55.56%

+19.4%

99 TOLL

1314

77365

Average home price in the last six months

77357

77365

77357

77365

77357 $290,172

Median home sales price

February

2025

2026

77365 $300,000

$238,000

$279,990

77357

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY DEBORAH ROSE REAL ESTATE, POWERED BY EXP 2813800332 • DEBORAHROSEREALTORGMAIL.COM HUMBLE ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION DIRECTOR 2026 FIVE STAR LEGENDS

$370,750

$329,995

77365

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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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