Tomball - Magnolia Edition | November 2025

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Tomball Magnolia Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 2 DEC. 230, 2025

2025 Higher Education Edition

Lone Star College-Magnolia Center to open in January 2026 ‘A long time coming’

INSIDE

Lone Star College-Magnolia Center, a new satellite campus of the Lone Star College System, will open in January. Ocials said they will feel like LSCS has succeeded if they register 500 students over the rst two semesters. (Rendering courtesy Lone Star College System)

ESCONDIDO DR.

Also in this issue

1486

Impacts: Read about a new toy store now open in Magnolia (Page 6)

Election: See what comes next for Magnolia ISD after its bond election (Page 11)

1774

You are the focus of neurological advancements.

We find innovative ways to keep your brain working the way it should. Like coordinating stroke care while you are in transit so treatment plans can start before you even get to the ER. All so you can go on living like you. This is neurological care designed for you. memorialhermann.org/neuro

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

New Homes Designed for Seniors 62+ In Magnolia PRE-SELLING NOW

Model Homes

4 Floor Plans | Magnolia, TX (713)-379-8581 LEARN MORE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Your health, connected with care.

With a specialized, coordinated approach to healthcare, Kelsey-Seybold for Seniors connects your providers, specialists, and services through a single health record

that goes with you no matter which Kelsey-Seybold location you visit.

Kelsey-Seybold accepts Aetna , KelseyCare Advantage , UnitedHealthcare , and Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

Call now to learn more. 713-442-8526 (TTY: 711) seniors.kelsey-seybold.com Calling this number will connect you to a licensed insurance agent. There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options, you can review resources from Medicare, contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly, or speak with a licensed insurance agent.*

*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. © 2025 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. All rights reserved. KSSHHCIFP_1069

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Atirikta Kumar Rachel Leland

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Emily Lincke Roo Moody Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

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

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

April Halpin Account Executive ahalpin@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI careers

We've teamed up to bring you more of the stories you care about.

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact tomnews@communityimpact.com tomads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

Impacts

• Opened Sept. 16 • 27620 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.jumpandplaytx.com

TRAILBLAZER RUN

10 BUFFALO SPRINGS DR.

3 Wildflower Park The park, located inside the Magnolia Springs master- planned community, features a pickleball court, playground, walking trails and a community pavilion. • Opened Oct. 28

KRESSTON PKWY.

Montgomery

WILDERNESS WAY

TEXOMA WAY

1486

2854

TWO STEP FARM

CARRIZO WAY

• 12507 S. FM 1486, Montgomery • www.magnoliaspringstx.com

149

HONEA EGYPT RD.

PERMIAN PKWY.

Magnolia

1488

4 Embracing Hearts In-Home Care The in-home care facility offers services to areas of Houston, including Tomball and Magnolia. • Opened in August • 431 Nursery Road, Ste. C700, The Woodlands • www.embracingheartshomecare.com 5 ToyBox Treasures The business offers toys for kids from infancy to tweens, ranging from educational and wooden toys to puzzles and games. • Opened Oct. 23 • 33020 FM 2978, Ste. 519, Magnolia • Facebook: ToyBox Treasures 6 The Boot House Johnson Development has opened the 3,000-square- foot welcome center in its new community, Kresston, per an Oct. 16 news release. • Opened in October • 26850 Trailblazers Run, Montgomery • www.kresston.com 7 Rage 2 Release The business offers walk-ins, appointments and can host parties. The rage rooms are set up with furniture, electronics and other items to smash. • Opened Nov. 1 • 32360 Hwy. 249, Ste. 190, Pinehurst • www.rage2releasellc.com

TAMINA RD.

249 TOLL

2978

1774

1488

The Woodlands

NURSERY RD.

2978

7 18

STAGECOACH RD.

HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.

249

ZION RD.

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

N. ELM ST.

RUDEL RD.

GRAHAM DR.

Tomball

2920

SPRING STUEBNER RD.

CYPRESS ROSEHILL RD.

99 TOLL

HOLDERRIETH RD.

GRAND PKWY.

99 TOLL

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 14365 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.texasroadhouse.com

Now open

1 Texas Roadhouse The restaurant serves steaks, ribs, rolls and more. • Opened Oct. 27

2 Jump and Play The indoor playground is for children, with special areas for babies, toddlers, older children and teenagers.

LEGO RETIRED & PREOWNED SETS, PLUS MINIFIGS & BULK BRICKS ® BIRTHDAY PARTIES & CAMPS FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED

TOMBALL, TX

21179 Tomball Parkway

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 AT&T The new store offers the latest devices, accessories, mobile and internet services. • Opened Nov. 21 • 25517 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.att.com 9 Barnes & Noble The 12,000-square-foot store offers a variety of books, toys, games and gift items, according to its website. • Opened Nov. 12 • 6600 Spring Stuebner Road, Ste. 152, Spring • www.barnesandnoble.com Enchanted Chapters The new mobile bookstore rolling into communities across Greater Houston carries a variety of genres. • Opened in October • www.linktr.ee/enchantedchapterstx

13 Discovery Learning Center The child care service for children ages 6 weeks to school age will focus on a play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum. • Opening date TBD • 1211 Rudel Road, Tomball • Facebook: Discovery Learning Center

Now open

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

14 Carrabba’s Italian Grill The Italian restaurant is bringing a 5,242-square- foot restaurant to Tomball, per a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. Construction is anticipated to begin next June. • 13215 N. Grand Parkway W., Tomball • www.carrabbas.com 15 Dudley Sports Plaza The plaza planned to begin construction of its Elite Pickleball Club on Oct. 15, per a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. The Elite Pickleball Club space will be 21,000 square feet. • 3905 FM 1488, Ste. 110-120, The Woodlands • www.sportsdevelopers.com

18 Primos Venezuelan Food Owner Yohanathan Toro brings Venezuelan flavors to Pinehurst with Primos Venezuelan Food. Toro’s family-owned restaurant serves a mix of Venezuelan street food and American fusion, including burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, traditional arepas and lunch specials such as beef fajitas. The restaurant plans to add a small bar and live music soon, Toro said. • Opened Sept. 19 • 32360 Hwy. 249, Pinehurst • www.primosvenezuelanfood.com 19 SmartStop Self Storage Amazing Spaces Storage Center is operating under a new name and leadership. The new owner, SmartStop Self Storage, is a California-based company that offers self-storage and relocation and moving services. • 32620 FM 2978, Magnolia • www.smartstopselfstorage.com 20 Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue The family-owned business is celebrating 10 years as Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue, having added barbecue to the menu in 2015.

Coming soon

10 EveryBellies The Tomball-area restaurant will open a second location offering loaded potatoes, salads and shakes. • Opening in December • 20212 Eva St., Montgomery • www.everybellies.com 11 Arroyos Park at Colton The 5,700-acre master-planned community broke ground on Arroyos Park. Outdoor amenities will include playgrounds, a splash pad and hike-and-bike trails. • Coming fall 2026 • 42030 Texoma Way, Todd Mission • www.coltontx.com 12 Hotworx The 24/7 infrared fitness studio offers a variety of classes, including cycling and yoga within infrared saunas. • Opening in December • 1417 Graham Drive, Ste. 300, Tomball • www.hotworx.net

In the news

16 Two Step Farm Oxland Group announced in an Oct. 23 news release that Two Step Farm will feature a 55-plus community with homes ranging from 1,500-2,800 square feet. • 3319 Wilderness Way, Montgomery • www.twostepfarm.com 17 Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce The chamber appointed longtime board member and former chair Terre Albert as its new president. Albert began the role Nov. 10. • 18423 FM 1488, Ste. C, Magnolia • www.swmcchamber.org

• 200 N. Elm St., Tomball • www.tejaschocolate.com

Dr. Georganne McCandless Board Certified

As pediatric dentists, we focus on preventative care to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

FREE EXAM FOR NEW PATIENTS 12 months and under! Call and make your appointment today!

Georganne McCandless Board Certified

281.516.2700 | TEETHFORKIDZ.COM 455 SCHOOL ST. SUITE 42 TOMBALL. TX 77375

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” - John 1:29

50% OFF CHAIRSIDE WHITENING Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Expires 12/31/25

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL $99 OR FREE WHITENING KIT Special includes Comprehensive Exam, X-Rays, and Routine Cleaning. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Exp. 12/31/25 281-351-0005 Call today and experience dentistry as never before! Most insurances accepted

SERVING THE TOMBALL/MAGNOLIA COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 40 YEARS MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED INT. FREE FINANCING FOR EVERYONE!

COSMETIC CROWNS, VENEERS, FILLINGS CLEAR ALIGNER ORTHODONTICS • ORAL SURGERY NON-SURGICAL PERIO TREATMENT LATEST IN TECHNOLOGY • SAME DAY EMERGENCY ROOT CANALS • EXTRACTIONS IMPLANTS • IV SEDATION New Patients Welcome!

GENERAL, FAMILY, COSMETIC, AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY 1113 Alma Street, Tomball For more information please visit us at www.tropicaldentist.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ATIRIKTA KUMAR, NICHAELA SHAHEEN & JULIANNA WASHBURN

New assistant city manager named

Magnolia veteran, former city leader Paul Mendes remembered with Hwy. 249 dedication

Tomball has appointed Sakura Moten as its new assistant city manager Nov. 3. The impact Moten brings more than 20 years of

On Oct. 23, Lt. Col. Paul Mendes’ family mem- bers listened to sentimental stories looking back on his life as a veteran, city administrator for Magnolia and friend. Family members also got to unveil the sign that will signify a section of Hwy. 249 dedicated to Mendes, who died in 2019. What you need to know A section of Hwy. 249, which passes through Montgomery County, was ocially designated as the Lt. Col. Paul P. Mendes Memorial Parkway by the Texas Legislature, per an Oct. 24 news release. Hwy. 249 includes 15.5 miles from the southern edge of Montgomery County on the west side to the northern county line. At the Oct. 23 dedication ceremony, Charlie Riley, Montgomery County Pre- cinct 2 commissioner, said Mendes was a driving force in making that 15.5-mile stretch happen. “The road will be here to serve the community and the travelers who accept the open connection just like Paul’s oce door, which was always open to anyone who needed help,” Riley said at the ceremony. According to the release, Gov. Greg Abbott made

Sakura Moten

experience in munic- ipal administration, nance, technology and organizational development, per a Nov. 5 news release. She previously served as director of administra- tive services and acting city manager for the city of Keller. “We’re excited to welcome Sakura to Tomball,” City Manager David Esquivel said in the release. “Her experience ... will be a tremendous asset.” Moten began her new role Nov. 17 and replaces previous assistant city manager Jes- sica Rogers, who left to serve as the director of economic development in Fort Worth, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Paul Mendes’ family and community leaders gathered Oct. 23 to honor the veteran and former city leader.

COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 2

the memorial designation eective Sept. 1. “Paul Mendes knew the importance of that tollway and ... the wonderful benets that it would bring to this community,” Operations Manager Robert Castaneda said at the dedication ceremony. Some context Mendes was appointed Magnolia’s city adminis- trator in July 2010—a role he served until his death. He also served as the city manager for Oak Ridge North and was in the military for 26 years, per prior reporting. County allocates nearly $70M of road bond funds Montgomery County commissioners have allo- cated almost $70 million to road bond projects, which is more than half of the rst issuance from the county’s $480 million road bond program, per an update presented during the Oct. 28 Commissioners Court meeting. The breakdown Budget Ocer Amanda Carter told commis- sioners the rst of four rounds of funds from the county’s $480 million road bond program is already more than 50% allocated within just a few months. Ocials said they are preparing for the next round of the bond issuance to provide more funding for road bond projects. As of October, the county reported $129 million in total income from the 2025 road bond pro- gram—$128 million in bond proceeds and about

Governor appoints Mike Holley as DA

Allocations as of October

$31M

$17.6M

$15.7M

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed First Assistant District Attorney Mike Holley as the new Mont- gomery County district attorney on Oct. 29, per an Oct. 29 news release. Holley has been a part of the county’s DA oce

$4.5M

Precinct 2

Precinct 3

Precinct 4

Precinct 1

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Mike Holley

$1 million in interest earnings—according to the October nancial report. How we got here Montgomery County voters approved the $480 million road bond in May 2025, authorizing major transportation investments to address regional congestion and support growth across the county. This bond was the rst county voters had considered in 10 years, and it will fund 76 projects across the four precincts.

since 2012, and was promoted to the rst assistant district attorney in 2016, per the DA’s website. The details Holley will serve as Montgomery County’s DA until Brett Ligon’s current term expires on Dec. 31, 2026, per the release. Ligon resigned Oct. 2 to run for state Senate District 4.

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

MADE FOR YOU.

At David Weekley Homes, you are the inspiration behind every decision we make. Your Personal Home Team in Houston will work with you from selection to move-in and beyond — because you deserve a home built with you in mind.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR NEW HOMES NEAR YOU:

Audubon | Colton | Escondido | Kresston Coming Soon — Two Step Farm

Find your dream home by contacting the Houston Team at 713-979-5058

See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2025 David Weekley Homes – All Rights Reserved. Houston, TX (HOU-25-002851)

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Magnolia ISD officials looking ahead after voters oppose bond package

Results breakdown

Proposition A: third high school, elementary schools, land and bus acquisition, facility upgrades, safety and security

49.44% For 50.56% Against

2019, said she felt hopeful when she first learned about the bond propositions. “The proposed improvements weren’t about luxury; they were about keeping up with growth,” Holmes said. Tim Gideon, who’s lived in Magnolia since 1972, also said he voted for the bond. “You have to stay ahead of the need,” Gideon said. “And I feel that the bond election covered that thought.” Charles Cartwright, a Magnolia resident for over 25 years, said he voted against the bond. “The previous bonds that had passed only raised taxes, not immediately, but over time, my property values have been artificially inflated to increase the tax level they received,” Cartwright said.

After voters opposed all three Magnolia ISD bond propositions, MISD officials are planning to hear from and listen to the community, Chief Communications Officer Denise Meyers said. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Erich Morris also said he believes MISD will now be behind in meeting the needs of the district. A third high school and two elementary schools were among the proposed bond projects. Diving in deeper Morris said that while MISD was disappointed by the election results, they were encouraged by the voter turnout. He also said he believes that the $516.92 million bond package was well-structured. In their own words Michelle Holmes, who’s lived in Magnolia since

Proposition B: multipurpose facilities, baseball and softball upgrades, tennis lighting upgrades

41.15% For 58.85% Against

39.54% For 60.46% Against Proposition C: second natatorium

NOTE: MISD TRUSTEES CANVASSED THE ELECTION RESULTS NOV. 17. SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next The district will likely go out for another bond in the future. What that could look like or when that happens is up to the school board, Morris said. The earliest the district could go out for another bond is next May.

German Food, Carnival & Rides, 200 Street Vendors, Street Performers and 4 Music Stages DECEMBER 12 TH -14 TH FRI: 6PM-10PM • SAT: 10AM-10PM • SUN: 10AM-6PM

Market

German Food, Carnival & Rides, 200 Street Vendors, Street Performers and 4 Music Stages DECEMBER 12 TH -14 TH F ri : 6 pm -10 pm · S at : 10 am -10 pm · S un : 10 am -6 pm

www.TomballGermanFest.org

Free Admission & Shuttle Parking

W. Main Street - FM 2920

FREE PARKING & SHUTTLE IS AVAILABLE AT: HCA Houston Healthcare - Tomball 605 Holderrieth Blvd. Tomball, TX 77375

www.TomballGermanFest.org

Free Admission & Shuttle Parking

Market St.

Shuttle parking is in the East lot of HCA Houston Healthcare - Tomball. With shuttle running continuously on Saturday & Sunday.

Free Parking

Graham Dr

Shuttle Pick-Up & Drop o Locations.

TomballGermanFest.org • Free Admission & Shuttle Parking

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

HAVE YOU HERD?

we’re officially open, y’all And when we say open, we mean it. Now you can tour new models, grab a cold one at The Grazery, get info at the Farm Shop, get comfy at the Co-op and kick up your heels at Two Step Hall. So if you’d like a real taste of what life is like at Two Step Farm, we can’t wait to welcome you.

From the $300s to $1 million.

TWOSTEPFARM.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Lone Star College to launch degree in childhood education Higher Education Guide

2025

Uncertified teachers in Texas

Lone Star College System will offer a new bach- elor’s degree in early childhood education with an expected launch date of fall 2026 after the help of a $200,000 grant from Houston Endowment, according to an Aug. 13 news release. The four-year degree will end in a teacher certifi- cation in elementary education, said Rebecca Saiz, LSCS executive director for the educator prepara- tion program. The Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching will serve early childhood to third grade and early childhood to sixth grade, per the release. “It’s been a long time coming with this teacher shortage ... trying to figure out ways that we can make an impact,” Saiz said.

How we got here There has been a significant rise in the number of uncertified teachers in Texas for the past five years, per the Texas Education Agency. Saiz said LSCS hopes to help tackle the rising number of uncertified teachers with the new bachelor’s program. “We want to make sure that our kids ... have teachers that are well prepared,” Saiz said. Looking forward The initial cohort will launch with 150 teacher candidates, pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as well as the Com- mission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, per the release.

Total teachers

Uncertified teachers

Percent uncertified

2024-2025

352,234

11.95%

42,103

2023-2024

352,303

10.85%

38,215

2022-2023

349,586

8.41%

29,387

2021-2022

348,862

5.65%

19,694

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fashion & Gifts Local, On Trend College Gifts • House Warming • Jewelry Clothing • Self Care Gifts • Men’s Gifts

THML, Enewton, Brighton, Capri Blue, Tyler Candle, Sweet Grace & More

25% OFF Christmas Collection Please present coupon in store Online use code Holiday25 15% OFF First Order Please present coupon in store Online use code Welcome15

Check Daily for a New 12 Days of CHRISTMAS SPECIAL OFFER!

Wayne Johnson | Senior Commercial Relationship Manager

Our North Houston commercial bankers are focused on the success of your business.

Find us in Vintage Park

MEMBER FDIC home24bank.com | 281.276.1846

11715 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball • (281) 205-7421

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Education

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

SHSU expanding nursing school capacity with renovations students ... we needed to increase the number of classrooms and labs that we had,” Berry said. Berry said the simulation labs act similarly to flight simulators. The labs also help reduce the number of hours a student needs to be in a clinical setting if they can increase the hours they’re in a simulated environment. 2.5 years of planning

Sam Houston State University began a renova- tion this November of The Woodlands Center to increase the capacity of its nursing school, School of Nursing Director Dr. Devon M. Berry said. While the campus’s footprint will not be expanding, its interior space will be renovated, approximately tripling the amount of space for the School of Nursing. The project will increase the number of simulation and skills labs, and the number of active learning classrooms. “It was our desire to see what we could do to help reduce the need for nurses,” Berry said. “So that meant for us, asking, ‘What can we do to expand our enrollment?’” At a glance Berry said generally, the three barriers that keep nursing schools from expanding are a lack of space, clinical placements and nursing faculty. The renovation will address the lack of space barrier. “For us to be able to increase the number of

$13M-$14M cost

“This allows us to give the students even more practice in a safe and controlled environment,” Berry said. Looking ahead Berry said since the School of Nursing began graduating students around 13 years ago, about 1,400 nurses have been placed in the community. Once the renovation is complete around Sep- tember 2026, SHSU has a three-year growth plan to increase enrollment by nearly 70%—from enrolling 85 students twice a year to 144 students twice a year. Berry said that’d move the school from being around 400-500 students to 650-750 students.

September 2026 completion date

70% increased enrollment capacity to 144 students twice a year

SOURCE: SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

W. CAMPUS DR.

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE DR.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Blinn College’s Waller workforce campus set to open in May 2026

Looking forward

Schubert said Blinn College is also in the design stage for a roughly 80,000-square-foot multistory academic building across the street from the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex— scheduled to open in fall 2027. The academic building, which will house core courses such as science and math, will sit on the 100 acres of land on the corner of FM 2920 and Binford Road that the college purchased last year, Schubert said.

The Blinn College District will complete its new 17,000-square-foot facility for workforce training and technical education in May 2026—just in time for summer 2026 classes, Leighton Schubert, executive vice chancellor at Blinn College, confirmed. “We’re really excited about getting in and offering those types of courses to not only help the students themselves get those high-earning, high-wage jobs but also helping the region meet their workforce needs. That’s really the key here,” Schubert said. The new complex, named the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex, will sit on Binford Park Road. Per a Sept. 15 news release, the facility will have three lecture classrooms, a

Programs within the new Waller-area facility will include:

• Expanded mechatronics and advanced manufacturing courses • Emergency medical technician basic certification • Certified clinical medical assistant training • Carpentry • Construction management • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning • Phlebotomy

WALLER SPRING CREEK RD.

Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex

Future campus

SOURCE: BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

computer learning lab, a medical learning lab, a mechatronics and advanced manufacturing lab, and a skilled trades lab, as well as offices.

WALLER-TOMBALL RD.

GREAT GIFTS IN STOCK NOW! Clearance Sales Start Now Christmas Raffle Tickets ON SALE NOW! Drawing for a Firearm: 12/05 – Beretta 92XI 9mm Pistol • 12/12 – Ruger M77/44 – 44 mag Rifle • 12/19 – Canik SFX Rival 9mm Pistol More Details

OVER 600 FIREARMS IN STOCK

Shop online now! (832) 843-6991 30504 State Highway 249, Tomball

Believer’s Pawn

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

NOW SELLING!

Experience the perfect balance of connectivity and vibrant energy at Wildtree™. Nestled near Highway 249 in Magnolia, you’ll enjoy easy access to Houston, College Station and beyond. With exciting planned amenities and starlit nights right in your own backyard, every day becomes extraordinary.

TOLL BROTHERS ® SHEA HOMES ® PERRY HOMES ® NEWMARK HOMES ® COVENTRY HOMES ®

WILD Live

Models are not an indication of racial preference. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 11/25 TM New Homes from the $ 300s – $ 800s

Join our VIP list!

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Next fall, Tomball ISD will launch a new program for students who are aspiring to be educators, called Tomball Academy of Future Educators, or TAFE. The program—in partnership with Lone Star College-Tomball—will serve as the district’s second P-TECH, or Pathways in Technology Early College High School. TISD announced the new P-TECH via a news release July 1. LSC-Tomball President Lee Ann Nutt said the decision to create the new program was based on demand and teacher shortages. “We [hope we] create a pipeline of really ... dedicated, caring teachers,” Nutt said. P-TECH is an open-enrollment high school that allows students to achieve a high school diploma in addition to industry-based certications, level one or two certicates, and an associate’s degree, per the Texas Education Agency. TISD, Lone Star to create program for aspiring teachers

How we got here

Looking ahead

TAFE will be housed at Tomball West High School and will begin in fall 2026, when the new school will open. Students in the program can work toward an associate’s degree, a Texas Education Agency Aide I Certication and get experience in district classrooms, per TISD’s website. While TISD hasn’t yet had a graduating class for the TAFE program, Webb said the district is looking for ways to fund students from their associate’s degree to their bachelor’s degree through grant funding. Webb said the ultimate goal is for TISD students who want to become teachers to get a bachelor’s degree at no cost. Prospective students can nd information at www.tomballisd.net/ about-tisd/departments/academics/ p-tech.

In the Tomball Academy of Healthcare, students can earn health care certications.

COURTESY LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM

TAFE is the second program of its kind since TISD launched its rst PTECH program, also in partnership with Lone Star College-Tomball, focused on health care in fall 2023, per prior reporting. Nutt said in the Tomball Academy of Healthcare, or TAH program, students have the opportunity to earn electrocardiogram, phlebotomy and patient care technician certications, a level one preprofessional certicate and an associate’s degree. TISD’s Chief Academic Ocer Michael Webb and Dean of Student Advancement Bob Thompson said student retention is high and applications to the PTECH program continue to increase each year. Nutt said there are currently 68 total students in the program—21 of whom are juniors in the program’s rst cohort. “The best way to describe the impact I’ve seen is when we see the students out in the eld, in the classroom, excited, in their scrubs doing their work,” Nutt said. “To see the students enjoy it and benet and know that they’re into something special is the best reward.”

Oct. 20, 2025: TAFE and TAH applications open Dec. 5, 2025: TAFE and TAH applications close

249

Tomball Academy of Healthcare

2920

Dec. 12, 2025: TAFE lottery*

MUESCHKE RD.

99 TOLL

Jan. 16, 2026: TAH lottery*

Tomball Academy of Future Educators

*USED TO DETERMINE STUDENTS SELECTED WHEN THERE ARE MORE THAN 50 AND 25 APPLICANTS FOR THE TAFE AND TAH PROGRAMS, RESPECTIVELY. SOURCE: TOMBALL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

Now Selling New Homes $ 300s- $ 600s!

IN NATURE, CONNECTED BY COMMUNITY Rooted ooted

With 300 acres of lush green spaces, beautiful homes and amenities designed to enhance your well-being. A prime location close to The Woodlands and Tomball ensures you’ll always have access to vibrant activities, dining, shopping and more. Plus, families will find exceptional educational opportunities at Magnolia ISD, making it an ideal environment for children to flourish. Branch out from the ordinary at Woodhavyn and start living extraordinary. Discover a haven of natural beauty and peaceful living in Woodhavyn.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Lone Star College System’s care centers meet students’ needs It was during the height of the COVID-19 pan- demic when the Lone Star College System noticed a lot of students who didn’t have the necessary items needed to make ends meet. That’s when Carolina Redmond, who is the executive director of care programs at LSCS, said the college developed a centralized tracking system so students could identify in condentiality what it is that they need. “It’s an opportunity for [students] to just grab the items they need without having to worry about where they’re going to get those items,” Redmond said. Now, LSCS operates multiple care centers at its campuses, including LSCUniversity Park, LSCTomball and LSCMontgomery. Two-minute impact The centers oer students items and support such as eggs, milk, produce and other food items; baby supplies; clothing; school supplies; emer- gency assistance and informational resources. Redmond said through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank, the care centers can provide students with 60-120 total pounds of food a month. LSCS also partners with the Montgomery County Food Bank. “If we’re able to provide the services ... this allows [students] to retain and be in class and be able to feel comfortable that they know that they have a college campus that truly cares about them,” Redmond said.

LSCS operates multiple care centers at its campuses that oer students food items, supplies and other resources.

COURTESY LONE STAR COLLEGEKINGWOOD

Lone Star College- Montgomery

1488

242

249

Lone Star College- Tomball

Lone Star College- University Park

• www.lonestar.edu/tomballcarecenter • www.lonestar.edu/upcare • www.lonestar.edu/ montgomery-maverickcarecenter

Through a partnership with Houston Food Bank, 60120 pounds of food a month is provided to students.

COURTESY LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM

Ready for the Best Year Ever?

MAGNOLIA

MUSIC LESSONS

Teaching the Joy of Music Holiday Gifts Available GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC THIS SEASON! Pick Up a Holiday Gift Bag Up to $300 in Savings!

Before & After School Care 6 Weeks - 12 Years

346-361-1669 20015 Farm to Market 2920 @ the corner of 2920 & Mueschke Rd www.kindredlearningacademy.com Elementary School Transportation Available Grand Oaks Rosehill Road West Elementary Turlington Roberts Road Lowe Elementary

Learn More

Call: 832-592-0529 Text: 832-356-0539

BOOK A TOUR TODAY!

32207 Tamina Road Magnolia

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

‘A long time coming’ From the cover

How we got here

What’s happening

Planning for the Magnolia Center has been ongoing since 2014, as the project was part of LSCS’s $485 million bond, which was approved by voters that same year. After the bond passed, the campus faced roadblocks from projects such as the Tomball Tollway extension and the FM 1488 overpass at FM 149, which delayed the campus’s location selection process, per prior reporting. The project’s design was completed in late 2022, and officials broke ground on the project in June 2024, as previously reported by Community Impact. “My very first meeting as a vice president was to go look at land for a potential Magnolia Center 15 years ago. Here we are, finally opening,” Nutt said. Magnolia is a growing area, which is why it was chosen for the new satellite campus, Nutt said. Formerly aligned to the system’s LSC-Montgomery campus located along Hwy. 242, Nutt said that due to the Magnolia Center’s proximity to LSC-Tomball, which is located along Hwy. 249, it is now part of that campus instead. Once it opens, LSC-Magnolia Center will join 10 other satellite campuses within LSCS. “We are excited to have one of the satellite campuses in our community,” Magnolia ISD’s Chief Communications Officer Denise Meyers said. The new satellite campus is located across from

Magnolia Center timeline

Over a decade after work began on it back in 2014, Lone Star College System officials will welcome the first students through the doors of Lone Star College-Magnolia Center on Jan. 20 for the spring 2026 semester. Lone Star College-Tomball President Lee Ann Nutt said that at the Magnolia Center, a satellite campus for LSC-Tomball, students can complete associate degrees for university transfer and work toward workforce certifications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as emergency medical services, according to the campus’ website. The HVAC and EMS programs were chosen based on feedback from the community. Nutt said the other classes offered at the satellite campus will be freshman- and sophomore-level university transfer- type courses such as English, math and government. All classes at the Magnolia Center will also be face-to-face. The total cost of the 85,000-square-foot satellite campus was $28.15 million, Nutt said. Sitting on 15 acres, the campus will also feature a library and comprehensive student support services, per its website. “This is a long time coming. … The community has wanted it for a very long time,” Nutt said. ”So when we open in January, we will open in January. We’re not going to do a soft start, we’re not going to just open a few things. We’re going to open.”

November: Voters approve $485 million bond Summer: Search continues for site of LSC-Magnolia Center January: LSC-Creekside Center opens in Tomball March: Officials consider locations for LSC-Magnolia Center January: LSCS purchases land along FM 1486 for LSC-Magnolia Center

2014 2015 2016 2017

2019

Late 2022: The project’s design is completed

2022

June: Officials break ground on LSC-Magnolia Center January: Classes slated to begin at the new campus

2024

2026

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Magnolia West High School along FM 1486. Meyers said MISD officials have begun discussing poten- tial partnership opportunities with LSCS officials.

Zooming out

Features of LSC-Magnolia Center

population in Magnolia rose from 2,938 to 6,321—a 115.15% increase. “As population growth has accelerated, the [Magnolia Economic Development Corp.] board has seen firsthand the increasing demand for accessible pathways to promotions, skill devel- opment, and higher-wage careers,” said MEDC Executive Director Rachel Steele.

While officials get ready to open this new cam- pus, enrollment at the college system as a whole is growing, per LSCS data. Between the fall of 2012 and the fall of 2025, enrollment grew 25%—rising from 77,877 to 97,294. Magnolia’s population is also growing, per estimates from the Texas Demographic Cen- ter. Between July 2021 and January 2025, the

85,000 square feet

$28.15M

7 classrooms

Sits on 15 acres

Lone Star College System's total enrollment

+24.93%

100K

5 computer classrooms

7 labs

97,294

80K 60K 40K 20K 0

77,877

Will be LSCS’s 11th satellite campus

Includes a library

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Fall semester

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & JULIANNA WASHBURN CONTRIBUTIONS BY LIZZY SPANGLER

What they’re saying

Stay tuned

Tomball and Magnolia ISD graduates attending Lone Star College

Nutt said she’ll feel like LSCS has succeeded if they register 500 students over the first spring and summer semesters. She predicted that over the next couple of years, the campus could see enrollment of at least 4,500 students. “Our first priority is to get the building open and operational,” Nutt said. Erich Morris, MISD’s assistant superintendent of operations, said the district is starting to have conversations with LSCS officials about what potential partnerships could look like. “We are anxious to see what possibilities may exist in the future, through ... working with our [career and technical education] programs,” Morris said. With regard to the district, data from LSCS shows that at least 200 MISD graduates have attended the community college during every fall semester since 2020. On the Tomball ISD side, at least 300 graduates from that district have attended LSC in that same time frame.

“We look forward to being there to be a good neighbor and to help Magnolia

Magnolia ISD

Tomball ISD

500 400 300 200 100 0

and their growth and their success,” LEE ANN NUTT, LONE STAR COLLEGE TOMBALL PRESIDENT

405

358

272

234

Fall semester SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

“The campus will ... strengthen the city’s long-term economic resilience. ” RACHEL STEELE,

Meanwhile, Nutt said they’re hiring staff to prepare for Jan. 20, when classes begin. “We are bringing [staff] on board now so that they’ll be ready to hit the ground running in January,” Nutt said.

MAGNOLIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Golden Nonsense FINE JEWELRY & WATCHES Serving you for over 40 years

DIAMONDS AND FINE JEWELRY • CUSTOM JEWELRY REPAIRS ON PREMISES • WATCHES AND WATCH REPAIR • APPRAISALS FINANCING AVAILABLE

28533 TOMBALL PARKWAY TOMBALL, TEXAS 77375 SW CORNER/249 @2920

281.351.7005

GOLDENNONSENSEJEWELRY.COM

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

STARTS HERE Holiday Magic

LOW-RATE PERSONAL LOANS FLEXIBLE TERMS

SCAN TO ENJOY A HAPPIER HOLIDAY

OPENING JANUARY 2026

LSC-Magnolia Center

1488

www .MTFCU. Coop | 713-681-0339

249 TEXAS

1774

1488

LONESTAR.EDU/MAGNOLIACENTER

LSC-Tomball

FM 2920

99 TEXAS

ALL CLOSING COSTS PAID* FIXED RATE .% ON SELECT HOMES FOR A LIMITED TIME*

290

SMALLER PAYMENTS

POSSIBILITIES

HOUSTON: 866.419.1949 HISTORYMAKER.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY LIZZY SPANGLER & JULIANNA WASHBURN

New TISD high school attendance zones to be approved in December Ahead of Tomball ISD’s third high school, Tom- ball West, opening next fall, new attendance zones will be approved in December, Chief Operating Ocer Steven Gutierrez said Nov. 11. The proposed attendance zones were endorsed by trustees last November when new attendance zones were approved for intermediate and junior high schools, per TISD information. In a nutshell The new zones will only aect students in ninth and 10th grades and not 11th or 12th grades. TISD ocials project that TWHS enrollment will be 855 students when the campus rst opens. Gutierrez said when Tomball Memorial High School rst opened around 15 years ago, it did so with 843 students. Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora also said Tomball ISD growth rate hits 1.8% The growth rate of Tomball ISD—about 1.8%—is the lowest in 12 years, Mark White, the district’s assistant superintendent of accountability, said Nov. 10. “Growth is still happening. ... But growth is not even when we look at the parts of our school district, the dierent campuses and the dierent grade levels,” White said. On Oct. 31—the snapshot date for the Public Education Information Management System, or PEIMSTISD’s enrollment reached 23,256 students, according to White’s presentation. More details White said a housing slump is contribut- ing to the low growth rate. Per an analysis by Redn, a real estate brokerage, national housing turnover is at its lowest rate in decades, with 28 out of every 1,000 homes changing hands in 2025. In Houston, there were 23.3 sales per 1,000 homes in 2025, a 13% decrease compared to 2024.

TISD, MISD raise bus driver compensation Both Magnolia and Tomball ISD trustees voted to increase bus driver pay at their meetings Oct. 27 and Nov. 11, respectively. Breaking it down Per information from both districts, MISD’s new starting pay rate is $23.25 per hour. TISD’s starting pay is $25 per hour for full-time drivers, $20 per hour for trainees, and $22 per hour for driver substitutes.

Tomball ISD projected high school enrollment Tomball high school

Tomball West high school Tomball Memorial high school

500 0 1K 1.5K 2K 2.5K 3K 3.5K

To see the proposed high school attendance zones, scan the QR code. *TOMBALL WEST HS WILL OPEN WITH NINTH AND 10TH GRADES, REACHING FULL 912 ENROLLMENT IN THE 202829 SCHOOL YEAR. SOURCE: TOMBALL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“I think that this [increase] will not only help us keep the people; it’s a retention, but also a recruitment tool.” MARTHA SALAZAR ZAMORA, TISD SUPERINTENDENT

the projected enrollment isn’t inclusive of stu- dents who’ll be in the Tomball Academy of Future Educators program, or any transfer students, so that number will likely rise. Trustees’ next meetings are Dec. 8 and 9.

TISD approves 202627 course catalog changes

Junior high and high school students in Tomball ISD will have the option to take new classes in the 2026-27 school year, including Mariachi I and II, Sci- entic Research and Design, and Musical Theater, after trustees approved changes to the district’s course catalog during their Nov. 11 meeting. Chief Academic Ocer Michael Webb presented the changes to the school board during the Nov. 10 workshop meeting, which includes 17 new courses and three course removals. At the junior high school level, the courses Touch Systems Data Entry and College and Career Explo- ration will be removed in place of General Employ- ability Skills, and Crafts will be removed at the high school level, which Webb said has low enrollment. Also of note In response to a question from board Secretary John McStravick, Webb said the district does not have grants in place to help students pay for any course fees but that TISD would work to make sure any student could still take a course. “We’re not going to let $25 prevent a student from taking a course,” Webb said. “We do that right

New junior high courses: Mariachi I and II Spanish II

General Employability Skills

New high school courses:

Turf and Grass Management Landscape Design and Maintenance Scientic Research and Design CTE Project-Based Capstone Energy and Natural Resource Technology Chinese III and IV German 5 Musical Theater I, II, III and IV Dual-Credit Environmental Science I and II

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

now with dual-credit fees. We’ll nd a way to make sure that that student is able to take that course.” Stay tuned The new courses will be added to the junior high and high school course catalogs for the 2026-27 school year.

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

Transportation

BY JULIANNA WASHBURN

Ron Papsdorf, H-GAC’s chief transportation officer, discusses priorities in Greater Houston area

Community Impact interviewed Ron Papsdorf, the chief transportation officer for the Houston-Gal- veston Area Council, about the current state of transportation in the Greater Houston area. H-GAC is a regional organization through which local gov- ernments consider issues and cooperate in solving problems in areas such as transportation. Papsdorf, who stepped into the role of chief transportation officer in June, spoke about the biggest priorities and challenges for transportation in the Greater Houston area as well as new trends he is seeing in mobility needs across the region. What are your responsibilities as the chief transportation officer? I have the honor of working with a group of dedicated professionals in service to the Houston region. With the Transportation Policy Council, we partner with local, regional and state agencies to plan, prioritize and invest in transportation system improvements to improve the lives of the people who live and work here. That means marshaling our resources to achieve the region’s transporta- tion goals: improve safety, keep the system well maintained, move people and goods efficiently, strengthen economic competitiveness and protect the environment. In your view, what are the biggest priorities for transportation and mobility in the Greater Houston area? I view addressing the region’s safety, congestion and air quality issues as paramount. If we can address those core issues, we will have a trans- portation system that contributes to a thriving and livable region. As an example, during the last three months of 2024, we experienced over 47,000 crashes on the region’s transportation system. Not only was each of those crashes probably the worst thing that happened that day to the people involved in them, but those crashes also make it harder for people to get to work on time, slow down the deliv- ery of goods to our stores and put our emergency responders at risk. That adds to our congestion, worsens our air quality and hurts the economy. What are some of the challenges this area has when it comes to transportation and mobility? The Houston region is large, dynamic and growing. Our population tripled over the past fifty years to 7.7 million people, and we expect to grow by another 3 million people over the next 20 years. The choices we make about how to manage and

improve the transportation system in response to that growth will have a big impact on the long-term success of the region as a desirable place to live and do business. We also have challenges with con- gestion and our ability to efficiently move freight through the region. In fact, according to a study by the American Transportation Research Institute, the Houston region has eight of the nation’s top 100 truck bottleneck locations and two of the top 10. As a port region, our economy depends on being able to move goods efficiently. The H-GAC is currently in the process of updating its Regional Transportation Plan. How will that plan guide transportation and mobility projects for the region in the near future? The Regional Transportation Plan is arguably the most important thing we do. It identifies the transportation investments we will make over the next 20 years that best achieve our region’s goals. Because we don’t have enough resources to do everything we want to do, let alone need to do, we must prioritize. Then we work together as a region to implement those improvements. Are there any new trends you are seeing in mobility needs across the region? Like most regions around the country, we’re still experiencing changes in travel patterns post- COVID, from some people working from home some of the time. E-commerce and increased home deliveries are influencing transportation needs. Finally, changing technologies like self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence ... will change the way we use and experience the transportation system over time. What do you want people to know about the H-GAC and the role it plays in the region’s transportation and mobility projects? At our core, we are conveners. We bring people together to wrestle through difficult issues and collaborate to make the best possible decisions to address the region’s transportation problems and build a livable future.

COURTESY HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL

H-GAC Projected population growth

Harris Brazoria

Fort Bend Galveston

Montgomery

Chambers, Waller and Liberty

2020

66.7% 11.6% 8.8% 5.2% 5% 2.7%

Total: 7.09M

2030

62.7% 12.4% 10.7% 5.6% 4.8% 3.8%

Total: 8.33M

2040

60.2% 12.9% 12% 6%

Total: 10.15M

4.6% 4.3%

2050

57.5% 13.5% 12.5% 7.2% 4.7% 4.6%

Total: 10.72M

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

SOURCE: HOUSTON-GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26-27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52

communityimpact.com