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Lake Houston Humble
Kingwood Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 2 JUNE 28 JULY 29, 2025
2025 Health Care Edition
Targeting trauma care HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood to undergo $111M expansion
BY HANNAH BROL
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Currently located on the hospital’s ground oor next to the emergency room, two new helipads will be constructed on the roof of HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. The project is part of a larger $111 million expansion project that was approved by hospital system o cials in April. (Courtesy HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood)
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Impacts: Check out Atascocita’s newest card, game shop (Page 6)
Education: Learn more about Humble ISD’s approved raises for scal year 2025 26 (Page 17)
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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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3 Legendary Cardboard & Games While the business offers trading card packs and single cards spanning several genres, the shop specializes in Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana and Yu-Gi-Oh products. Additionally, the business hosts regular card tournaments and other special events. • Opened May 10 • 18321 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 480, Atascocita • www.legendarycardboard.com 4 Denny’s Open 24/7, the American diner-style restaurant chain offers a wide range of breakfast options, burgers and desserts. The Humble restaurant marks the 27th location 5 Begin A Nu Health and Wellness Owned by family nurse practitioner Danielle Ebron, the clinic offers medical and wellness services including blood work, electrocardiograms, COVID-19 and flu testing, vitamin injections and weight-loss programs. • Opened in late April 6 Salon Bosses Spa & Suites Owned by Helga Bucy, the salon offers individual suites available for lease by beauty professionals. While the salon currently offers services by hair stylists, skin care professionals and nutritionists, Bucy said she’s also looking to work with massage therapists, estheticians, stylists, nail and laser technicians. • Opened May 30 owned by franchisee Clyde Rucker. • Opened June 23 (after press time) • 7715 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble • www.dennys.com • 912 Herman St., Humble • www.beginanuhealth.com
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• 1409 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.facebook.com/salonbosshelga
2 A Lil’ This A Lil’ That Launched in 2020, this business opened its first food truck in May. Owned by sisters Joycelin Hunter-Scott, Charisma Hunter and Rita Hunter-Jones, the eatery boasts a revolving menu ranging from tacos and chicken wings to jambalaya and mini pancakes. The business will continue offering event catering and meal preparation services. • Opened May 10 • 2325 Atascocita Road, Humble • www.facebook.com/alilthis.alilthat2
Now open
7 The Rush Mediterranean Grill The restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including kebabs, baba ghanouj and shawarma. • Opened June 19
1 Cafe Petra Greek & Lebanese The restaurant offers Greek and Lebanese cuisine with dishes ranging from gyro sandwiches and beef kabobs to meat moussaka and lamb shank. • Opened May 21 • 18455 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 100, Humble • https://atascocita.cafe-petra.com
• 7203 Atascocita Road, Ste. A, Humble • Facebook: The Rush Mediterranean Grill
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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Department of Licensing and Regulation. Yama Kitchen offers a variety of Japanese sushi and Korean barbecue dishes, including specialty rolls, sushi and sashimi,
Coming soon
Now open
hibachi dishes, ramen and stir-fry options. • 224 FM 1960 Bypass Road E., Humble • www.yamakitchenus.com
8 Fig & Table Coffee Co. Originally expected to open in April, the coffee shop is now expected to open this summer. Owned by Jeremy and Jessica Eslinger, the coffee shop will offer scone flavors ranging from cranberry grove and maple bacon fig to peanut butter bliss and java chip. • Opening this summer 9 Plush Nail Bar The nail salon features a full bar and will offer an array of services, including manicures and pedicures, facials, waxing, threading, massages, red light therapy, eyelash services, and acrylic and dip nail services. • Opening in November • 740 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.plushnailbartx.com • 2269 Northpark Drive, Kingwood • www.figandtablecoffeeco.com 10 Just Nailed It The business will offer manicures, pedicures, custom nail art and seasonal spa services all delivered through licensed nail technicians. • Opening July 1 11 Kenswick at 1960 Distribution Center Triten Real Estate Partners broke ground in May on a 25- acre industrial development in Humble. The state-of- the-art industrial complex will consist of two front-load distribution buildings totaling 392,650 square feet, and commercial real estate service provider CBRE has been selected to lease the facility. • Opening this fall • 8111 FM 1960, Humble • www.tritenre.com/projects/k1960 • 1401 Wilson Road, Ste. 500, Humble • https://mysite.vagaro.com/justnailedit2
In the news
13 Loco Cantina Construction on a new patio at this restaurant began June 4 and is expected to be complete by the end of July. Loco Cantina offers a variety of authentic Tex- Mex dishes and drinks, and restaurant officials said the business will remain open throughout construction. • 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Ste. 107, Kingwood • www.lococantinakingwood.com 14 Walmart Supercenter Officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony June 27 to celebrate the completion of a roughly $3 million renovation project, which consisted of an expansion for an online grocery department and upgrades to the store’s pharmacy, vision center, deli and bakery. • 6626 E. FM 1960 Road, Humble • www.walmart.com/store/744-humble-tx 15 Humble Fire Rescue The department celebrated its 90th anniversary with an awards dinner May 8. Originally established in 1935, Humble Fire Rescue provides fire suppression and prevention services, emergency medical services and response to non-law enforcement emergencies • 108 W. Main St., Humble • www.cityofhumbletx.gov/fire-ems 16 Primrose School at Summerwood Owned by Larry and Brandi Muse, the accredited private preschool celebrated its 20th anniversary in April. The school provides programs for children from 6 weeks old through private kindergarten, as well as after-school care for children up to 12 years old. • 14002 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Houston • www.primroseschools.com/schools/summerwood
17 Burger Fresh Initially established in Conroe in 1997, the eatery offers a variety of dishes, including hamburgers, Philly cheesesteaks, fish baskets and chicken dishes. Additionally, the burger joint offers 16 flavors of Blue Bell ice cream, sundaes and malts. Owner James Canada said he plans to add drive-thru service and a breakfast menu in the near future. • Opened May 22 • 12235 Will Clayton Parkway, Ste. 1, Humble • www.myburgerfresh.com
18 Savvas Greek Cuisine & Grill Owned by Lisa Savvas, the restaurant celebrated its 15th anniversary on June 10. Menu offerings include sandwiches and gyros; salads; seafood, meat and vegetarian plates; and desserts such as baklava.
• 6730 Atascocita Road, Humble • www.savvasgreekcuisine.com
19 Three B’s Grill The Kingwood eatery marked 15 years in business on June 9. Owned by Robert Jones and Craig Brown, the restaurant offers a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and wings and features a full bar. • 4590 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood • www.threebsgrill.com
What’s next
12 Yama Kitchen Construction is expected to wrap up in December on this restaurant, according to a filing with the Texas
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Leading the way.
Where you receive healthcare matters If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, it’s important to feel the facility is safe and equipped with the best care solutions. With so many healthcare choices, it’s comforting to know that a nationally recognized option is close to home. Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently recognized HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland as one of the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety. “It’s important for patients to know how safe a facility is because it confirms that the physicians and staff are working together to create a healing and safe environment with the best possible patient out-comes,” says Elias Armendariz, chief executive officer. “While no one looks forward to hospital visits, it’s comforting to know we are an industry-recognized leader for patient safety.” HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland was recognized with a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades. This means the hospital is a leader in patient outcomes with fewer complications that can commonly happen in healthcare environments. Where you’re treated matters, and HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland is a proven leader in providing safe, effective care. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital for care, it’s important to know that the facility is safe and equipped with the best caregivers. We are proud to share that HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood was recognized by Healthgrades as one of the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety and as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2025. “We are immensely proud to announce that our facility has been recognized for its clinical excellence and patient safety,” said John Corbeil, chief executive officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. “These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and passion that drives our organization every day.” Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently recognized HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood for these awards based on their exceptional patient outcomes in key service areas, including patient safety, stroke, outpatient surgery, outpatient joint replacement, critical care and more. HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood meets the highest standards for patient care, proving that where you receive your healthcare matters.
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Health care
BY HANNAH BROL
Health Care Edition
2025
Community Impact ’s annual Health Care Edition features news on the timeliest topics in the industry. Content ranges from major health care developments to listings of nearby health care facilities. Articles within this guide are focused on local topics a ecting your community, the metro and the state of Texas, and are written by our team of journalists to meet our mission of providing trusted news and information everyone gets.
Premium sponsors:
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Pharmaceutical company considers Generation Park for manufacturing site
Proposed Lilly site
LAKE HOUSTON
Generation Park
N. LAKE HOUSTON PKWY.
Eli Lilly and Co. is considering Generation Park for a new pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, per a tax incentive application posted May 16. Two-minute impact Lilly—a manufacturer of medicines like Mounjaro and Zepbound—is considering purchasing 236 acres from Generation Park developer McCord. Per the application, the proposed project would consist of the construction of multiple buildings, outdoor facilities and critical infrastructure as well as the installation of machinery and equipment. “Attracting life sciences manufacturing to Generation Park has been a central focus of our strategy over the last several years and we’ve been steadily advancing this goal in close collaboration with our regional partners,” said John Flournoy, senior director of sales and leasing for McCord.
While the project is not yet con rmed, company o cials said it’s part of a larger plan announced in February for Lilly to build four new pharmaceuti- cal manufacturing sites across the U.S. At the time, company o cials said they were in negotiations with several states and expected to announce all four future site locations this year. The timeline Per the application, construction would begin in 2026 and wrap up in 2030. The incentive period would run from 2031-2040, with the possibility of a 25-year extension through 2065. The impact According to an economic bene t statement pre- pared for the project, the site is projected to directly generate $233.2 million in gross state product
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PURCHASE TRACT 236.36 acres
BLACK FOREST DR. PROPOSED
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SOURCES: MCCORD DEVELOPMENT, ELI LILLY AND COMPANY, TEXAS COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
annually at full operations in 2031 and $10.36 billion for the full 41-year period. Additionally, the project is expected to employ more than 600 full-time employees.
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
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Health care
BY HANNAH BROL, WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE
4 health care updates from Lake Houston-area hospitals
1 Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital to expand cardiovascular services in Humble Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital will o er expanded cardiovascular services beginning in August, allowing patients with more complex cardiac cases to stay closer to home while undergoing treatment. What’s new According to hospital o cials, the hospital can currently treat cardiovascular conditions including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, mitral regurgitation, atrial brillation, sudden cardiac arrest and Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome. With the expansion, the hospital will also be able to o er coronary artery bypass grafting, o -pump coronary artery bypass, valvular heart surgery and surgical aortic valve repair/replacement. “Part of the community we serve has complex cardiac needs and we are committed to ensuring we match those needs with personalized, quality care right here in their own neighborhood,” said Nikki Roux, vice president and chief operations o cer for the hospital. O cials noted the $13 million project includes the construction of new spaces within the existing hospital, including a cardiovascular intensive care unit and a new operating room. Newly-recruited Dr. Viacheslav Bobovnikov will serve as the hospital’s lead cardiac surgeon.
2 HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood names new chief medical o cer O cials with HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
3 PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Humble names new CEO PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Humble welcomed Johnny Bellew as the hospital’s new CEO on Feb. 17. Per a hospital news release, Bellew previously served as CEO of the PAM Rehabilitation Hospital of Clear Lake North Campus for over three years.
named Dr. Augusto “Gus” Sepulveda as the hospital’s new chief medical o cer, via an April 15 news release.
Career history With 27 years of
Dr. Augusto “Gus” Sepulveda
MCKAY DR.
experience, Sepulveda is board certi ed in internal medicine and clinical informatics, per the release. He previously served as the associate chief medical o cer for HCA Healthcare’s Gulf Coast Division and as chief medical o cer for HCA Houston’s Northwest and Tomball hospitals. Most recently, Sepulveda served as division chief medical o cer for HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division since 2023. Quote of note “Dr. Sepulveda is a respected clinical leader with a proven track record of fostering physician collaboration and improving patient outcomes,” said John Corbeil, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. “We are excited to welcome him back to the HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division and are con dent his expertise and leadership will greatly bene t our hospital, care teams and community.”
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18839 McKay Drive, Humble www.pamhealth.com
4 Elite Kingwood Hospital now o ering sports, camp physicals Elite Kingwood Hospital began o ering sports and camp physicals on a walk-in basis in April. Hospital o cials said the services are available from 2-10 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. The hospital also implemented new streamlined registration and care processes in late 2024.
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18951 N. Memorial Drive, Humble www.memorialhermann.org
22999 Hwy. 59, Kingwood www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com
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From the cover
Targeting trauma care
BY HANNAH BROL
The big picture
Two new helipads, a trauma elevator, lobby and helipad storage space will be added. ROOF
Expansion projects
Each oor will have a net gain of 14 medical/surgical beds, including an isolation room.
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood’s North Tower is set to undergo a $111 million expansion, following approval from HCA Houston Healthcare System o cials in April. Hospital CEO John Corbeil said the expansion will add 60 beds, expand the adult emergency department, redesign the ambulance drop-o area, and add two new rooftop helipads. Corbeil said the expansion is necessary to keep up with growing demand for health care services, including trauma care. “We are the only Level II trauma center in the area and that span really reaches out all the way to Tyler, Texas and Louisiana,” Corbeil said. “Our area is growing at seven and a half times the national average, and so … as the demand increases, we’ve got to keep up with that with the physical space.” According to the American Trauma Society, Level II is the second-highest trauma designation a hospital can receive. Level II trauma centers are able to initiate de nitive care for all injured patients and o er 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons and some specialties. The next closest Level II trauma centers would be Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe.
FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS
16 intermediate care beds will be added, including an isolation room.
THIRD FLOOR
The adult emergency department will be expanded to include nine additional general exam rooms, three trauma bays, a decontamination room, a new EMS break area and a new covered ambulance drop o . FIRST FLOOR intensive care unit, including an isolation room. SECOND FLOOR 16 beds will be added and connected to the medical/surgical
ADDITIONAL PROJECTS
From 2019-24, Corbeil said HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood has experienced a:
Infrastructure enhancements: Three new generators will be added. Elevator access: The new trauma elevator will run from the rst oor to the roof.
46% increase in overall hospital admissions
13% increase in total surgeries
38% increase in overall emergency room visits
SOURCE: HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE KINGWOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
The timeline
Looking ahead
Why it matters
Corbeil said, as the expansion takes shape, hospital o cials are expecting to add personnel to sta the additional beds; however, exact numbers have not been announced. Corbeil also noted the expansion will help hospital o cials in their long- term goals of becoming a Level I trauma center—the highest trauma designation a hospital can receive—and bringing the rst burn unit to the north Houston area. No concrete timelines for these goals have been announced. “We believe that will create convenience and access for [our] population that continues to grow.” JOHN CORBEIL, CEO, HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE KINGWOOD
Sean Conley, the assistant chief and EMS director for Atascocita Fire Department, pro- vided input to hospital o cials ahead of the project’s approval. Currently, the ambulance drop-o area is underground, which Conley said is restrictive and leads to bottlenecks. “Trauma, [heart attacks] and stroke are the trilogy of critical patients where time really matters,” he said. “So when you’re talking about one of the few Level II trauma centers in the area, … it’s important that we can utilize that facility as quickly as possible.” Additionally, Conley said the hospital’s helipad is currently located at ground level next to the emergency room, which means the area is not accessible if a helicopter is landing. “Moving [the helipad] to the roof is extremely e cient, not only for us, but for the helicopter service as well because now they’ve got their own facility, they can come and go as they please, and they don’t have to shut down the parking lot,” Conley said. “It’s more e cient, saves time and saves lives.”
2025
April 2025
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood receives approval and $111 million in funding for the expansion project from the hospital system.
June 5
Hospital o cials hold a project kicko meeting. Design is expected to be nalized within two to three months followed by permitting, which could take three to six months.
2026
Fourth quarter 2025 or rst quarter 2026
Construction begins and is expected to take 18-24 months.
2027
Second or third quarter of 2027
Construction is completed.
SOURCE: HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE KINGWOOD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Health care
BY JULIANNA WASHBURN
In 2024, the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center saw:
433,506 lives saved
139,347 total donors
322,571 total units donated
533 volunteers
SOURCE: GULF COAST REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Local donor centers in Humble
1960
Donor Marsha Asplin celebrates a milestone of 1,600 units, or 200 gallons of blood, donated over the 42 years she has volunteered with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center celebrates 50-year milestone about how our blood products help their child get through their leukemia treatment,” Pina said. Two-minute impact COURTESY GULF COAST REGIONAL BLOOD CENTER
FM 1960 BUSINESS
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The Houston-based community blood center serves 170 hospitals and health care facilities in a 26-county area, according to the center’s website. One blood donation can help up to three people, Pina said, and to meet the community’s needs, the center needs about 1,000 donations a day . Looking ahead Pina said the organization is now working to encourage donations, since they can drop by almost 7% over the summer season. Pina said
neighborhood donor centers will expand their hours, and the center will hold mobile blood drives. One more thing Pina said the center is also looking at putting a greater focus on the contributions to research and opening a new building across the street from its headquarters to serve as the new donor room. Pina said the new donor building will open this year.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, a nonpro t blood center founded in January 1975, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Theresa Pina, chief growth o cer for Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, said with the new milestone came memories of impactful testimonies. “I get to hear the stories from moms that talk
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BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
The dental practice is owned by Dr. Femi Folayan.
Services o ered at Four Lion Dental Boutique include: • Extractions • Pediatric dental care • Implants • Cosmetic dental care • Root canals • Dentures and partials
Four Lion Dental Boutique o ers a variety of surgical and general dental services in the Lake Houston area.
PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILAR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Four Lion Dental Boutique boasts personalized care Dr. Femi Folayan, an artist and scientist, said he discovered dentistry was a blend of both passions and opened his own dental practice in 2017. Staying local
SOURCE: FOUR LION DENTAL BOUTIQUE COMMUNITY IMPACT
and what you give comes back to you.” In July 2024, the dentistry expanded to a second location in Conroe. What they o er Four Lion Dental Boutique is a full-service dentistry that specializes in implant dentistry and extractions for adults. While extractions can take anywhere from 60-90 minutes, Folayan said Four Lion Dental Boutique has recently started doing same-day crown proce- dures, a surgical procedure that used to take up to seven sessions to complete. With a new software called Fast Mill, the practice is able to take care of crown procedures in roughly two hours.
Specializing in surgical dentistry, Folayan spent two years working for Je erson Dental and became the lead provider when the Texas-based dentistry expanded. Soon after, he decided to venture out to open his own practice in his own community. Through his practice, Folayan said he focuses on providing customized care catered to each individual patient. “Kindness is not just ... [for] at home; kindness is for strangers as well, right?” he said. “Because what you would expect is what you [should] give,
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LAKE HOUSTON HUMBLE KINGWOOD EDITION
Education
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Humble ISD trustees approve 3% on- average raises for most staff members
Humble ISD board of trustees set after more than a month of uncertainty
Humble ISD board of trustees election results
Humble ISD budget highlights
Incumbent
Winner
Position 1
$543.6 million in expenditures
3% on-average raises for teachers with 1-2 years of experience and non-teaching staff 7% on-average raises for teachers with 3+ years of experience Starting teacher salary increasing from $64,350 to $66,000 annually
56.77% Oscar Silva 43.23% Gracie De Leon
Humble ISD’s board of trustees is set following the completion of a recount for the Position 3 race and a declaration of ineligibility for the Position 4 winner. The overview During the board’s June 10 meeting, HISD officials swore in newcomers Oscar Silva and Eliza- beth Shaw and incumbent Chris Parker to serve as trustees for positions 1, 5, and 3, respectively. During the board’s June 17 meeting, trustees appointed Ken Kirchhofer to continue serving as Position 4 trustee until the position is up for reelection in 2027. Trustees said Kirchhofer will not be eligible to run for reelection. How we got here Kirchhofer was appointed as Position 4 trustee after candidate elect Brittnai Brown was declared
ineligible to serve in May after HISD officials said she had not resided in the district for the six- month period required when she applied to run. Trustees voted 6-0 in favor of appointing Kirch- hofer, with Kirchhofer abstaining from the vote, after spending more than two hours in executive session. None of the trustees commented on the appointment prior to voting. For Position 3 trustee, Parker was sworn in to serve after a recount effort requested by challenger Natalie Carter only resulted in one additional vote for Carter. While the recount did not change the results of the election, Carter said she is considering contesting the results due to concerns regarding Harris County’s elections process. As of press time, Carter said her team was still deciding how to move forward and has until July 18 to do so.
Raises for most Humble ISD employees will range between 3%-7% in fiscal year 2025-26, HISD Chief Financial Officer Billy Beattie said during a
non-teaching staff members will also receive 3% on-average raises. Additionally, the budget will raise the starting salary for new teachers from $64,350 in FY 2024- 25 to $66,000 in FY 2025-26. Some context Beattie said most of the funding for the teacher raises is coming through House Bill 2, which includes $2,500 raises for teachers with three to four years of experience and $5,000 raises for teachers with at least five years of experience. The district will receive nearly $13.9 million in funding in FY 2025-26 to pay for the raises included in HB 2, budget documents show. When factoring in other allocations, Beattie said the district will receive approximately $52 million
$543.7 million in revenue
Position 3
50.19% Chris Parker 49.81% Natalie Carter
June 17 meeting. By the numbers
Proposed flat tax rate of $1.1052 per $100 valuation
Trustees approved HISD’s budget and compen- sation plan for FY 2025-26 during the meeting. According to budget documents, the adopted general fund budget for FY 2025-26 includes $543.6 million in expenses, $543.7 million in revenue and a proposed tax rate of $1.1052 per $100 valuation—the same as FY 2024-25. Beattie noted teachers with one to two years of experience would receive 3% on-average raises, while teachers with at least three years of expe- rience would receive 7% on-average raises. Most
Position 4*
38.72% Brittnai Brown 30.83% Tracy Shannon 30.45% Ken Kirchhofer
SOURCE: HUMBLE ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
in additional state funding through HB 2 in FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27. “The 3% [raises] help us make sure that we stay competitive with everybody ... and allow us to still have the ability to address these things next year,” Beattie said.
Position 5
53.18% Elizabeth Shaw 33.68% Scott Ford 13.14% Judy Castillo
*ON MAY 20, BRITTNAI BROWN WAS DECLARED INELIGIBLE TO SERVE ON THE BOARD. ON JUNE 17, KEN KIRCHHOFER WAS APPOINTED TO SERVE AS POSITION 4 TRUSTEE. SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733 HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202
KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115 ATASCOCITA 7034 FM 1960 E (281) 812-3100
Government
BY EMILY LINCKE
Humble residents see water, sewer rates increases In Humble, water and sewer rates will jump by about 20% each for the average residential customer after Humble City Council approved new rates May 22. What’s changed The standard resident in Humble will be paying $57.25 per month for a water and sewer bill
City awarded $1M in federal funds for public safety The city of Humble has been awarded $1 million in federal funding, which will be used for equipment for the Humble Police Department and Humble Fire Rescue. The overview In early May, the U.S. Department of Agri- culture awarded the city “earmarked federal funding” for public safety initiatives, City Manager Jason Stuebe said during the May 8 Humble City Council meeting. The city had applied for the funding several years ago. The purchases will also require $140,000 in city funds to complete, Stuebe said. “We’re getting a million [and] $140,000 worth of stuff for $140,000, so it’s a pretty good deal,” Stuebe said. Sorting out details According to a May 12 email from Stuebe, grant-funded purchases will include: • Mobile radios for both entities • A firearm casing processing system, a more advanced DNA collection system and systems for the Drone First Responder program for the police department • Heart monitors and defibrillators, an updated station alerting system and an air conditioned trailer for fireground rehabili- tation for the fire department The projects slated for the grant funding are subject to change, Stuebe said.
been required to use 30%, he said. Humble’s water is supplied, in part, through groundwater pumped from five local wells, but also through surface water, which is purchased from Houston, according to the city’s website. “We will be, in effect, doubling how much we have to purchase from the city of Houston,” Stuebe said. Humble’s last water and sewer rate adjustment was in August, according to July meeting documents. Stay tuned Another water and sewer rate adjustment may be implemented in January, after city officials have six to seven months of data to look at, Stuebe said. “We worked with our consultants ... trying to break this up to make it as easily swallowable as possible,” Stuebe said.
with under 3,000 gallons for each, Humble City Manager Jason Stuebe said May 22. Humble’s new water rates went into effect beginning June 1, according to May 22 meeting documents. Why now? The decision to up the city’s water and sewer rates comes in the wake of Houston debuting new water rates April 1, Stuebe said. Beginning July 1, Humble will be required to use 60% surface water whereas the city had previously
City of Humble water, sewer rates (effective June 1)
Resident water rate Senior water rate Resident sewer rate
Senior sewer rate
$38.52
$40
$57.25 is the amount an average Humble resident would pay per month for a water and sewer bill under 3,000 gallons for each.
$18.73
$20
$15
$10
$6.75
$6.75
$5
$3.47 $3.47
$3.16 $2.54
$1.86 $1.86
$0
1K gallons over 10K gallons
0-3K gallons
1K gallons over 3K gallons
Consumer use
SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Zientek named new Humble Police chief
“I look forward to continue working with an amazing team of men and women to take us even further creating a safe community to live, work and visit,” Zientek said via email May 9. Career history Theis, who worked at HPD for 42 years, served as assistant chief of police beginning in 2017 prior to becoming chief. “My career with Humble Police Department has been an extremely fulfilling career,” Theis said. “I really have felt honored to have worked with the department, and the members of the Humble [Police] Department are second to none.”
Zientek’s career highlights
• 1991-2005: Worked for Montgomery County Constable Precinct 5 and Harris County Constable Precinct 4 • 2006: Criminal investigator with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office • 2015-2022: Part-time FBI task force officer before moving to Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office • June 2022: Joined Humble Police Department • May 8, 2025: Promoted from HPD’s assistant chief to chief
Humble City Council unanimously approved Assistant Chief Dan Zientek as the city’s new police chief during the May 8 council meeting, with council member Andy Curry absent. What’s happening? Beginning June 3, Zientek replaced retiring Chief Ken Theis, who has led the department since October 2020.
SOURCE: CITY OF HUMBLE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT JUNE 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SUBSCRIBE AT TEXASMONTHLY .COM/TEXAN TO SEE THE ENTIRE ISSUE!
DETOURS: The Botanical Gardens of Orange CRITTER: Bottlenose Dolphin OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Copper Craftsman FEATURE PREVIEW: Juneteenth’s Hero, Opal Lee
Above: The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION
DETOURS
A Green Refuge In Orange
Northwest of downtown, alongside Adams Bayou.
BY DANIEL VAUGHN
FOR FIFTY YEARS the gates of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center were closed. A bitter freeze in 1958 killed much of founder H.J. Lutcher Stark’s plant- ings, including his prized azaleas. Decades later, reopening plans spearheaded by his namesake foundation were also thwarted by nature, first by Hurricane Rita, in 2005, and then by Ike, in 2008. Finally, in 2009, the 252-acre park opened once again to visitors. Gravel paths wander along- side some three hundred plant species, and everywhere are contemplative spaces that feel far removed from the surrounding city, which lies just across the Sabine River from Louisiana. At the placid Pond of the Blue Moon is the towering Cypress Gate, a platform designed by San Antonio–based architecture firm Lake Flato from logs salvaged after Rita. At Ruby Lake, you’ll find a bird blind for viewing the many varieties of waterfowl that come through, and you just might see an alligator sunning on the dock nearby.
About 51,000 bottlenose dol- phins—the most common spe- cies o the Texas coast—are frolicking in the northern Gulf as you read this. Occasionally, though, one of them ends up on land. The Texas Marine Mam- mal Stranding Network, based in Galveston, responds to an average of 134 strandings per year. Executive director Heidi Whitehead says that after hur- ricanes, she and her colleagues have even rescued dolphins from fields and ditches as far as seventeen miles inland. So before you head to the beach, learn what to do if you come across one.
it can be rescued. Then try to keep it shaded and wet.
IF I FIND A STRANDED DOLPHIN, SHOULD I PUSH
CRITTER OF THE MONTH
Bottlenose Dolphin
IT INTO THE WATER? Often, says Whitehead, a
HOW EXACTLY DOES ONE MOISTEN A DOLPHIN ? You can pour seawater over it or cover it in wet towels. Just be sure to avoid the blowhole. MAY I PET IT? Definitely not. Wild dolphins are a protected species, and any form of harassment (such as trying to touch, feed, or swim with them) is illegal. Whitehead says the best thing you can do is be quiet and keep pets and other people at a distance. —Lauren Larson
beached dolphin is su ering from a lung disease brought on by exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it must be treated and rehabilitated. If you try to Free Willy a dolphin back into the Gulf, it is unlikely to survive. WHAT SHOULD I DO? First, call 800-9MAMMAL, which is like a dolphin 911, and someone from Whitehead’s group will talk you through keeping the animal safe until
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
MADE IN TEXAS
Inside a Copper Mind Jonathan Beall makes modern kitchenware, barware, and water dispensers that last a lifetime.
BY AMANDA ALBEE
When Beall launched Sertodo Copper, in 1997, he traveled the U.S., cold-calling ho- tels and restaurants to sell Mexican-made copper cookware and chafing dishes. Three years later, he moved to Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán, a town with a coppersmithing tradition that predates its founding nearly five hundred years ago. There, he joined a copper community led by James Metcalf, the late sculptor and educator who reinvigorated local artisanal traditions. An apprentice- ship with copper maestro Máximo Velázquez Correa had Beall forging hundreds of nails and tools, including hammers and chisels, to cultivate a “manual intelligence” that he says is in decline among modern American creators, who sidestep material knowledge for computer-aided design. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly.
IN HIS AUSTIN warehouse, Jonathan Beall sips water from one of his copper cups, an Ayurvedic practice said to stimulate diges- tion and increase immunity. He points to a hand-carved solid-copper vase made us- ing traditional techniques, such as melting recycled copper into ingots and repeatedly annealing and forging the mass into shape, a skill he learned in Mexico. It reminds him of a similar piece he encountered on a trip to Sayulita, on that country’s Pacific coast, almost thirty years ago—he can still see it glittering in the dawn light among a peddler’s wares. “I had never seen anything like it,” he says. “I didn’t know what was happening, but I had a big feeling.”
OUT THERE
Meanwhile, In Texas A man dressed in shorts and sneakers was seen cruising down the center lane of westbound Interstate 40 in Amarillo on an electric scooter . In a cave near Marfa, archaeologists discovered remnants of an atlatl, a straight-flying boomerang, and other components of whatmay be the oldest intact hunting kit found in North America. Almost four thousand Kerrville residents lost power for two hours after a ringtail came into contact with equipment at a substation. On National Beer Day, a train collided with the trailer of a semitruck near Saginaw, spilling hundreds of cans of beer around the tracks. Nearly three thousand people and 1,300 dogs descended on a ranch in Bee Cave for Texas’s largest annual golden retriever meetup . Hoping to steal a car, a man threw a rock through the window of a Tyler dealership, injured himself while entering through the broken glass, and called 911 for help getting out of the building, even though several doors were unlocked. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was bitten by an ostrich while visiting a wildlife park in North Texas. —Meher Yeda
Jonathan Beall polishes a copper vessel at his com- pany’s workshop in Austin on April 24, 2025.
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LAKE HOUSTON - HUMBLE - KINGWOOD EDITION
Opal Lee at her Fort Worth home, in front of a painting of her family tree.
advantage of the specials. At least four con- versations are happening at once, all of them somehow meeting at a center point, briefly, beforebouncingooneanotherandcontinu- ing in their own universes. When Lee, 98, emerges from a back room, glass of milk in hand, she is vibrant, smiling widely, and moving gingerly, but no one fusses over her. They all seem to know she moves at her own pace, on her own time. “Old people ain’t got nothing but time,” she tells me, set- tlingintoachairinanocethatisoverflowing with honors and ephemera: a signed basketball from the New York Knicks, photos with Pres- idents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, various awards from women’s groups and colleges and civil rights organizations. When I ask Lee how she’s feeling, she tells me she’s wearing a back brace, so she’s feeling good. Her back has been hurting, but it ain’t nothing special. Old people have aches and pains; most of them don’t even know why or where they came from. I want to know what keeps her going, and she smiles. “I feel like I’m everybody’s grandma. And I had good grand- mas.” She recalls her grandparents always findingwaystohelpfolksintheircommunity. “My mom was like that too,” she says. “It’s just part of your makeup.” To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .
OPAL LEE LIVES on the same property where her childhood home once sat, inside a house recently built for her by Habitat for Hu- manity. On the front door is a purple wreath. In the center of the wreath is a quote from Lee herself: “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.” Inside, the house buzzes with Lee’s friends and family. There’s excitement in the air, in part because it is Veterans Day, and at least two veterans are in the home, preparing to circulate through several restaurants to take
FEATURE PREVIEW
Opal Lee Marches On The 98-year-old activist partly
responsible for Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday says, “I got work to do.” BY HANIF ABDURRAQIB
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