Conroe - Montgomery Edition - July 2022

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION 2022

ONLINE AT

REAL ESTATE EDITION

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 JULY 15AUG. 18, 2022

Texas had the largest percentage of its sold homes bought by real estate trusts in 2021 at

The percentage of sold homes in Montgomery County bought by investment rms in 2021 was

Monthly data shows home sales prices from May 2018 to May 2022 increased

Conroe, Montgomery juggle lot size, aordability demands

Rental reach

36.3%

BY ANNA LOTZ

28% 29%

The city of Conroe voted to increase its minimum lot size from 4,400 square feet to 5,000 square feet May 26, a move representatives of the development community said is likely to raise the cost of buying a home in the city. The vote was split 3-2, with Council Members Curt Maddux and Todd Yancey voting against. Council Member Howard Wood, who voted for the change, cited growing responsibly as a motivation for reassessing the minimum lot size. CONTINUED ON 31 LOTS OF LITTLE LOTS Homebuyers across the U.S. are increasingly purchasing homes on lots spanning less than 7,000 square feet.

SOURCES: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, HOUSTON ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Lakeside Conroe is a rental community underway in Montgomery. (Peyton MacKenzie/Community Impact Newspaper)

Percent of homes sold on less than 7,000 square feet

Investors driving rise in single-family rentals Large investment rms are converting sin- gle-family homes to rentals and building commu- nities to rent in the Conroe and Montgomery area to help meet the rising rental demand, while the housing shortage is driving more people to rent in the Houston area, real estate experts said. The Houston Association of Realtors reported June 15 the number of leased single-family home rentals in the Houston area increased 24.8% from May 2021 to May 2022. While rising mortgages and low inventory are contributing to the trend, experts said potential homebuyers are also facing competi- tion from real estate investment rms, or institu- tional buyers, buying properties to sell or lease. CONTINUED ON 28 BY RACHEL CARLTON & JISHNU NAIR

33% 36% 36% 34% 38% 38% 38% 38% 42% 43% 45%

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

REAL ESTATE EDITION 2022 SPONSORED BY • ARTAVIA • Caldwell Communities

Montgomery ISD approves $85M budget

REAL ESTATE DATA

IMPACTS

6 EDUCATION BRIEFS

CHRONIC TACOS

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CONROE, WE’RE GROWING FOR YOU

Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center provides comprehensive and convenient care for your whole family. With our new $250 million, 8-story South Tower campus expansion, we’re taking care to a higher level. With our new ORs, new interventional labs and units for advanced care for heart, neuro, trauma and cancer patients, you can be sure to receive the specialized care you deserve, from the name you trust – Memorial Hermann.

memorialhermann.org/thewoodlands

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Pack in the fun and fitness at our 55+ master-planned community with 20+ miles of trails, social and wellness center, and state-of-the-art fitness center. Visit our website to sign up for updates and exclusive event invitations.

• Social & Wellness Center • Resort-Style Pool • Pickleball • 20+ Miles of Trails

• Bocce Ball & Horseshoes • Vineyard • Creative Workshop

• Private Marina on Lake Conroe • 9-Hole Links Golf Course • Fitness Center • Full-Time Lifestyle Director

BEAZER HOMES • CALDWELL HOMES • COVENTRY HOMES • DEL WEBB • PARTNERS IN BUILDING

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

If you know you’re at risk for heart disease, your heart’s in the right place at St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital. From the most advanced cardiovascular risk assessment laboratory and diagnostic tools available to the leading-edge noninvasive CT coronary artery angiography—first performed in the state of Texas in October 2003—we want to prevent a first heart attack or stroke, not just settle for treating it once it happens. Our Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group physicians and specialty staff provide compassionate and comprehensive cardiovascular care, while using the latest technology to diagnose and treat heart disease. Expert cardiac care Your heart’s in the right place.

Learn more at stlukeshealth.org/locations/woodlands-north-houston-heart-center-woodlands .

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

THIS ISSUE

ABOUT US

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and Pugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM CHRISSY: The real estate market has been great for those wanting to sell, but for buyers, this market has posed many challenges. Inside you’ll nd our 2022 Real Estate Edition. We hear from local experts providing updates on the real estate market, home improvement tips, information on homestead exemptions, market aordability and more. Chrissy Leggett, GENERAL MANAGER

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

FROM ANNA: Students and teachers will be returning to school in just a few weeks, and local districts are announcing plans for new programs and safety initiatives before the year starts. Montgomery ISD also approved its $85 million budget June 27. See Pages 16-17 for education news, and keep an eye out for our annual Education Edition in August as we dive in to the top stories in education. Anna Lotz, SENIOR EDITOR

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

WHAT WE COVER

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

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett SENIOR EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTERS Peyton MacKenzie, Jishnu Nair SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Debbie Pfeer METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CORPORATE LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Tess Coverman CONTACT US 8400 N. Sam Houston Parkway W., Ste. 220, Houston, TX 77064 • 2814696181 PRESS RELEASES comnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING comads@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions

BUSINESS & DINING Local business development news that aects you

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

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

HOW WE'RE FUNDED

Join your neighbors today by giving any amount one-time or monthly to the CI Patron program. Funds PATRON PROGRAM

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

IMPACTS

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

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LONE STAR PKWY.

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Rev It Up

COURTESY REV IT UP

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N. PACIFIC ST.

City Electric Supply

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tomers can find electrical items, such as light fixtures, tools, fuses and genera- tors. 936-297-5900. www.cityelectricsupply.com/branch/736 6 CAP Nutrition opened June 6 at 18446 Hwy. 105, Montgomery. A part of CAP Fit, the business offers loaded teas such as Peach Ring and Mojito Margarita as well as a variety of meal replacement shakes. 936-582-2544. www.facebook.com/capnutrition 7 Sport Clips opened a location June 30 at 15320 Hwy. 105 W., Montgom- ery. Specializing in men’s haircuts, Sport Clips offers a variety of shampoo, cut and fades. 936-224-7612. www.haircutmen montgomerywaterpointtx.com 8 Dripbar IV Vitamin Therapy opened at 5417 FM 1488, Ste. C, Magnolia, on June 13, owner and registered nurse Amanda Hernandez said. Dripbar spe- cializes in IV vitamin therapy offering 20 different specialty drips along with the ability to customize based on a client’s needs. Some of the drips include the Power Pack, which is the most popular;

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LAGO VISTA REAL ST.

NOW OPEN 1 Rev It Up , a biker apparel store, opened March 7 at 2017 N. Frazier St., Conroe. The business sells items associ- ated with bikers, such as helmets, leather chaps and gloves. 936-282-8812. www.facebook.com/revitupbikergear 2 So Brunchy opened May 28 at 33427 Lago Vista Real St., Magnolia, according to owner Reanna Stanley. So Brunchy is a

4 The Nutrition Store is a health and vitamin shop located at 19794 Hwy. 105, Ste. 300, Montgomery. The business, which opened June 6, offers a variety of vitamins and supplements as well as free in-body scanning and fresh meals, according to owner Morgan Romero. 281-362-5371. www.facebook.com/ thenutritionstorecom 5 City Electric Supply opened April 26 at 18409 Hwy. 105, Montgomery. Cus-

mobile, gluten-free coffee shop offering keto, dairy-free and celiac-safe coffees, bubble milk teas, scones and brisket tacos. 979-315-7758. Facebook: So Brunchy Magnolia 3 Bahama Bucks opened a Mont- gomery location July 6. Located at 19792 Hwy. 105 W., the franchise offers elaborate shaved ice combinations such as Shark Attack, Nerds Rainbow and Oreo Cookie. 936-449-1355. www.bahama- bucks.com/shop/montgomery

WELCOME HOME TO MAGNOLIA SPRINGS!

4.99% Fixed Rate FHA Mortgage Based on FHA 30-year fixed rate mortgage loan at 5.390% Annual Percentage Rate with 3.5% down. Fixed interest rate available only on certain inventory homes. Must close by 8/31/22.

MAGNOLIA SPRINGS IS A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY LOCATED IN MONTGOMERY, TX, ADJACENT TO CROWN RANCH. MAGNOLIA ISD SCHOOLS 25565 BLOSSOM COURT | MONTGOMERY, TX 77316 | CONTACT 281.712.6503 | RCH.com NEW HOMES STARTING IN THE $ 240’S

Financing offered by Lendlo Mortgage, LLC. Company NMLS 2177075. All terms and conditions subject to credit approval, market conditions and availability. Rausch Coleman Homes has locked-in, through LendLo Mortgage, a fixed interest rate for a pool of funds. Rates only available until pool of funds is depleted. Not all borrowers will qualify for said rate. Borrower must have a minimum 580 FICO credit score. Restrictions apply. Buyer is not required to finance through LendLo Mortgage to purchase a home; however, buyer must use LendLo Mortgage to receive the advertised rate. Additional closing costs will apply. Please contact your Mortgage Loan Originator for complete eligibility requirements. May not be combined with other available Rausch Coleman Homes offers or discounts. Contact a Rausch Coleman Sales Professional for more information and for a list of available homes. Rausch Coleman Homes reserves the right to terminate program or change rules at any time. 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. Registered Trademark. Copyright. All Rights Reserved. Not a commitment to lend. Borrower must meet qualification criteria.

RC SPECIAL INTEREST RATE! LIMITED TIME OPPORTUNITY ON SELECT INVENTORY HOMES

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

COMPILED BY PEYTON MACKENZIE & JISHNU NAIR

FEATURED IMPACT NOW OPEN Nourish Cafe opened July 7 inside the TransMed Complex at 2510 S. Loop 336 W., Conroe. In collaboration with the recently closed Flour-ish Cafe, some menu items will include avocado toast and daily quiche as well as coee and tea, according to the business owner. 936-441-8997

The Nutrition Store

COURTESY THE NUTRITION STORE

The Oregon-based drive-thru coffee company serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, energy drinks and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee.

COURTESY DUTCH BROS COFFEE

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON The coee chain Dutch Bros Coffee is working on opening a location in Willis, a company spokesperson said. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation shows the company has listed an address at 908 W. Montgomery St. for a 950-square-foot drive-thru coee shop. The company did not have a specic timeline available but said the location is planned to open in 2023. Dutch Bros serves specialty coees, smoothies, teas, freezes, energy drinks and nitrogen-infused cold brews. Dutch Properties. A construction timeline was not provided. www.quicknclean.net 13 Spring-based Cajun restaurant House of Roux will host its grand open- ing in the MoCo Food Hall at 109 Metcalf St., Conroe, in early August, according to owner Abbey Hebert. The restaurant serves authentic Cajun cuisine, such as gumbo and boudin, as well as alligator, crawfish and New Orleans’ famous Cafe du Monde coffee, and it uses Hebert’s family recipes. House of Roux opened in May 2021 in Old Town Spring, and the downtown Conroe location will be its second location. 346-351-1099 (Spring location). www.houseofroux.com 14 The Meraki Haus fitness studio will open in Conroe on Oct. 1, according to

Bros. has opened new locations in Cypress, Tomball and throughout the Houston area. www.dutchbros.com

WOODCREEK DR.

Freebirds World Burrito

2854

COURTESY FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO

Firm, which is a beauty drip; and immuni- ty-building drips. The Magnolia location is offering 50% off plus a free B-12 quick shot for first-time clients along with discounted memberships through July. 832-476-4246. www.thedripbar.com 9 Precision Camera and Video opened its new location south of Conroe on June 3. This is the store’s first location in the Greater Houston area with the other two locations operating in the Austin metropolitan area. Precision offers cam- era equipment for purchase and for rent as well as photography classes, printing, archiving, workshops and gear. The new store is located at 17937 I-45, Ste. 105, Shenandoah. 832-214-3381. www.precisioncamerahou.com COMING SOON 10 Freebirds World Burrito will open a new location in 2023 at 962 Hwy. 242, Ste. 100, Conroe. Following the grand opening, the first 25 guests will receive free burritos for a year, according to the

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company. Freebirds offers customizable burritos, bowls, salads, tacos and nachos. www.freebirds.com 11 Flying Eye Tattoo studio will open Aug. 13 in Montgomery. Located at 19792 Hwy. 105, Flying Eye Tattoo studio will offer walk-ins and appointments for tat- too sessions as well as piercings, owner Christian Oropeza said. 832-782-8287. https://flyingeyetattoos.com 12 Quick N Clean Express Car Wash acquired 4.41 acres at FM 1488 and Katy Lee Lane in Magnolia for a new car wash location, which will include three pay stations, vacuums and a wash tunnel, according to a May 16 news release from commercial real estate firm NewQuest

the business. Located at 1905 Longmire Road, it will offer classes in pole, aerial, dance, fitness and soul. 720-773-0481. www.themerakihaus.com CLOSINGS 15 The Conroe furniture store Home- stead House will close in November, according to a store employee who cited increased costs of business and owners Chris and Linda Pfeiffer’s decision to retire. Homestead House offers furniture and accessories, and it will be offering sales as it attempts to clear its inventory. The business is at 201 N. Pacific St. in downtown Conroe. 936-756-3360. www.homesteadhousetx.com

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

Home Improvement (for Fall and Holidays) Starts Here!

August 20 & 21 Lone Star Convention Center Local Contractors. New Home Products. Free Home Decor Workshops.

Get Tips from Local Home & Garden Experts

Ideas for your Dream Home!

Holiday Entertaining & Decorating Tips from Author and Expert— Ronda Carman

Windows, Doors, Kitchens, Bath, Spas, Landscaping, Generators, Arbors/Patios, Blinds & Shutters, Kitchen/Garage Organizing, Flooring, Patio Furniture, Holiday Lighting, Insulation,

Entertaining at Home

Diane Cowen Architecture & Design Writer

Tom Tynan Host of HomeShow Radio

Ellen Delap Professional Organizer

Montgomery County Master Gardeners

Roofing, Solar, Painters, Home Builders, Remodeling Contractors, AC & Heat,

Pools, Security, Concrete Repair, Pest Control/Mosquito Systems, Water Systems, Gutters, Trees, Home Decor and much more!

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*Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. New money only. Maximum cash back $500. Interest accrues during 90 Day No Pay. If account closes within first 12 months, cash back bonus will be forfeited and added back to the loan. Real Estate loans qualify for Cash Back, but are excluded from 90 Days No Pay. Line of credit, credit card, share and certificate secured are not included in this promotion. A portion of every loan is donated to American

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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

July-August events

COMPILED BY PEYTON MACKENZIE

chairs are acceptable. 7-9 p.m. Tickets begin at $20. 9043 CR 204, Plantersville. www.bernhardtwinery.com AUGUST 02 REMEMBER CONROE’S FOUNDER Isaac Conroe Founder’s Day returns to the former Isaac Conroe Homestead. The event includes an Isaac Conroe look-a-like contest, cannons, refreshments and guides dressed in period costumes. The Conroe Citizen of the Year will be announced. 6-8 p.m. Free. City of Conroe Connection Transportation Services, 202 Ave. A, Conroe. dguin@cityofconroe.org 04 ATTEND A SPORTS BANQUET First Baptist Church Conroe hosts its Outdoor and Sports Banquet for the 19th year for those who enjoy hunting, shing and outdoor sports. The banquet—which raises funds to send students to camps—features live auctions, silent auctions and raes. 5:30 p.m. (doors open). $20. First Baptist Conroe, 600 N. Main St., Conroe. www.cconroe.org 04 CATCH A CONCERT The city of Conroe hosts Texas Flood, a Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band. Guests can bring chairs, blankets, food

and drinks. No alcohol is permitted. 7 p.m. Free. Heritage Place, 500 Metcalf St., Conroe. www.cityofconroe.org 12 THROUGH 21 SEE A MUSICAL Christian Youth Theater’s counterpart, Christian Community Theater, presents “Mary Poppins.” 7 p.m. (Aug. 12, 13, 19, 20), 2 p.m. (Aug. 13, 14, 20, 21). $25. The Crighton Theatre, 234 N. Main St., Conroe. www.cythouston.org 20 THROUGH 21 ATTEND A HOME SHOW The Montgomery County Home and Outdoor living show oers home goods, decor and artisan furniture. Teachers get in half o; rst responders, military personnel and veterans get in free. Aug. 21. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $7. Lone Star Convention and Expo Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. www.texwoodshows.com 26 THROUGH 28 MEET FAMOUS VOICE ACTORS The Conroe pop culture and comic convention features celebrities and voice actors for anime, workshops, panels and vendors, plus a cosplay contest. Noon-9 p.m. (Aug. 26), 9 a.m.-8 p.m. (Aug. 27),10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Aug. 28). Weekend passes start at $40. Lone Star Convention and Expo Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. https://comicconroe.com

AUG. 13

PARTICIPATE IN A 5K BEER RUN SOUTHERN STAR BREWING CO.

Southern Star Brewing Company hosts the sixth event in the Run in Texas Six Pack Series. The event will feature food trucks and brewery tours. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Registration includes a race T-shirt. 8-11 a.m. $55-$65 per ticket (ages 21 and up), $45- $55 per ticket (under age 21). Southern Star Brewing Co., 3525 N. Frazier St., Conroe. http://www.runintexas.com/star (Photo courtesy Run in Texas)

JULY 29 THROUGH 31

features guns, ammo and knives. Attendees under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free (ocers in uniform, children under age 12); $10 (general admission). Lone Star Convention Center, 9055 Airport Road, Conroe. www.texasgunshows.com 31 ENJOY A CONCERT ON THE HILLSIDE Bernhardt Winery hosts a lawn concert with a Queen tribute band. Table reservations are available, and lawn

SUPPORT YOUTH THEATER

Christian Youth Theater presents “Footloose”. The cast includes kids ages 8-18. 7 p.m. (July 29, 30), 2 p.m. (July 30, 31). $22. The Owen Theatre, 225 Metcalf St., Conroe. www.cythouston.org 30 THROUGH 31 VISIT A GUN AND KNIFE SHOW The High Caliber Gun and Knife Show

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

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY ANNA LOTZ & JISHNU NAIR

BLUEBERRY HILL

Drive and Blueberry Hill. FM 1097 will be widened from two to four lanes with a continuous center turn lane. The project was 7% completed as of a June update, and the contractor has 328 working dates to nish the project, according to TxDOT. Timeline: second quarter 2022-TBD Cost: $14.72 million Funding sources: federal, state

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Commissioners commit to not con- structing roadways in conservancy Montgomery County commissioners signed a resolution June 28 to not construct roadways in the Cook’s Branch Conservancy, located o FM 149 near Montgomery. The project was created in 1990 by Houston-area businessperson and philanthropist George Mitchell and his wife, Cynthia Mitchell. According to its website, Cook’s Branch also serves as a eld laboratory for carbon ux, drought, ecosystem transition, biodi- versity and the eects of re. The resolution highlighted “rapid population growth and the call for new roadways” as a potential concern for the land where the conservancy operates.

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1314 from Montgomery through Conroe. Raised median barriers are being con- structed, and the project also includes widening the pavement and modifying trac signals. The project was 23% com- pleted as of June 1. Timeline: October 2021-third quarter 2023 Cost: $9.83 million Funding sources: federal, state 3 Hwy. 105 improvements TxDOT is continuing its work to improve Hwy. 105 between FM 2854 and I-45

CONROE

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ONGOING PROJECTS 1 FM 1097 widening

242 ening project between I-45 and Anderson Road, which was complete pending a nal inspection as of June. Timeline: February 2021-fourth quarter 2023 Cost: $14.69 million Funding sources: federal, state 2 FM 1097 project A third segment of FM 1097 is also being widened between Lake Conroe Hills 1488 45

The Texas Department of Transportation is widening FM 1097 in Willis between Anderson Road and Lake Conroe Hills Drive, a project that was 59% complete as of a June 1 update from TxDOT, the lat- est available information. The project will widen FM 1097 from two lanes to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane. It is a continuation of another TxDOT wid-

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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF JUNE 28. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT COMNEWSCOMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

August 4, 2022 The FBC Conroe Outdoor & Sports Banquet is a yearly event at which people from far and wide come out to hear a great speaker, eat some great food, and join in our auction and raffles for the chance at walking away with some great prizes. Tickets: $20 purchase tickets online at fbcconroe.org/sportsbanque t Doors open at 5:30pm Dinner is at 6:30pm First Baptist Conroe 600 N. Main St. Conroe, TX 77301 facebook.com/sportsbanquetconroe 936.756.6601

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NONPROFIT Food banks struggle to meet growing demand amid supply chain issues, inflation

FOOD SCARCITY

Food scarcity in the Houston-The Woodlands- Sugar Land metro area peaked at 21.4% between Oct. 28-Nov. 9, 2020, according to U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HOUSEHOLD PULSE SURVEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Food scarcity is defined as the percentage of adults in households in which there was either sometimes or often not enough to eat in the last seven days.

21.4%

BY HANNAH ZEDAKER

25%

More than two years after the coro- navirus pandemic first hit the Greater Houston area in March 2020, food banks are still struggling to meet the growing demand for their services as volunteers are slow to return and donations become scarce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, 10.9% of residents in the Hous- ton-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metro area reported being food scarce at the start of the pandemic between April 23-May 5, 2020. Between Oct. 28-Nov. 9, 2020, local food scarcity peaked at 21.4% and has since fluctuated, dropping to 11.1% between March 1-14 before rising again to 14.2% between June 1-13. “At the height of the pandemic, we were seeing people come out in droves,” said Jennifer Huffine, president and CEO of the Community Assistance Center serving Montgom- ery County. “We’re starting to see more people come back out again [for food assistance] … for a number of reasons. … You can make decisions on what you’re going to eat and how much you’re going to buy, but you can’t change how much gas you have to put in your car to get to work; you can’t change how much rent is.” Pre-existing conditions Food insecurity was a challenge in Montgomery County prior to the pandemic, said Kristine Marlow, pres- ident and CEO of the Montgomery County Food Bank. Between the 2014-15 and 2021-22 school years, the portion of students who were considered economically disadvantaged—which includes students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals—increased from 35.74% to 40.42% in Conroe ISD and from 23.53% to 31.36% in Montgom- ery ISD, according to Texas Education Agency data. “Food insecurity has been around for a long time. It’s not a new issue, but it’s something that’s kind of come to the top because it hit home for so

20%

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10%

May 2020

2021

2022

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS Montgomery ISD Conroe ISD

Economically disadvantaged students make up a greater portion of students at Conroe and Montgomery ISDs today than they did in 2014-15.

many people who have never had to face hunger in their entire lives,” Marlow said. Marlow said the Montgomery County Food Bank nearly doubled its monthly clientele early in the pandemic from 45,000 to 88,000 clients in one month. Although COVID-19 cases and unemployment claims have since declined, food bank leaders said the demand for assistance remains high. Huffine said the demand tapered off as other pandemic assistance became available in 2020 and 2021. Now that other assistance is not as readily available, she said the Com- munity Assistance Center is seeing rising demand with costs increasing; the center distributed food for 200 families in less than two hours at a mobile food market in late June. In May, the Montgomery County Food Bank and the American Heart Association also launched a nutrition security initiative called Healthy Hearts Initiative with a monthly mobile food market at Milam Elementary School on FM 3083. The initiative is funded by Black Pearl Technology and Misti Jeter, according to the AHA, through October. The AHA said it is seeking to secure fund- ing to extend the monthly market through May 2023. “The vision is to be able to meet the needs of people in food deserts all over the Montgomery County area, in particular communities that are really in need. This is just the beginning,” said Lharissa Jacobs, vice president

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Overall change: 7,245 more students, or 35%

50%

40.42%%

35.74%

40%

31.36%

30%

23.53%

Overall change: 1,083 more students, or 58%

20%

*ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS INCLUDE THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS UNDER THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM, AMONG OTHER CRITERIA.

Montgomery County Food Bank To find help: visit www.mcfoodbank. org/find-a-food-pantry-partner- agencies-conroe-tx To donate: call 936-271-8800 or visit www.mcfoodbank.org/ways- to-give-conroe-tx To volunteer: email arichardson@ mcfoodbank.org fewer volunteers. “We’re seeing a lot of the same types of things as elsewhere—just a shortage of labor—which means the people who are committed to work- ing here, they’re working extra hours to get the job done,” Marlow said. Anna Lotz contributed to this report.

of health strategies for the AHA, in a May interview. Marlow said supply chain issues have now made it harder for food banks to keep certain products such as peanut butter, frozen meat, and canned fruits and vegetables on the shelves. “A large portion of the food we distribute is donated, but because of those increased food costs right now and supply chain issues and increased demand, the food bank has had to purchase more and more food to fill in the gaps,” Marlow said. In addition, Marlow and Huffine said the organizations have seen

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

GOVERNMENT Judge, staff in place as County Court at Law 6 prepares for cases

two court clerks and a staff attorney in addition to the judge herself. The total cost of implementation would be $120,491.90 from the fiscal year 2021-22 budget, while the expected impact on the FY 2022-23 budget for salaries and benefits would be $652,000, according to budget officer Amanda Carter. Darin Bailey, a deputy for County Clerk Mark Turnbull, said that the court’s timeline would leave County Court at Law No. 6 with less time to train new employees before Valdez took the bench. “It’s not going to be a slow progres- sion,” Bailey said. “We’re going to hit the ground running from the day Judge Valdez takes the bench.” The county, which is also imple- menting a master facilities plan for its downtown Conroe offices, held discussions on potentially relocating the court. According to County Judge Mark Keough, the new court was intended to be in the James Keshan Building on North Thompson Street. He proposed having an architecture firm look at possible configurations of the new courthouse before Jan. 1.

County Court at Law 6 will begin taking cases in September. The court was approved in 2021 to ease the burden on other county courts. CARRYING THE CASELOAD

The year County Court at Law 5 was added, the most recent county court at law at the time 2007 The projected impact of County Court at Law 6 on the county’s fiscal year 2022-23 budget $652,000 The number of staffers approved, including Judge Scharlene Valdez, for the new court 7 Valdez will be sworn in to the new court seat and begin taking cases Sept. 1 Aug. 15

BY JISHNU NAIR

and my CPS background will bode very well for this court.” The court was created in early 2021 to lower the average civil caseload per county court judge and to give a permanent home for juvenile cases in Montgomery County, Valdez said. Previously, juvenile cases rotated among three other county courts that handled misdemeanor cases, with each one taking the responsibility for two years. “[The judges] felt the need for a juvenile home court was there, so they created CCL 6 with a dual docket,” Valdez said. “We’ve had three amazing judges take the docket, but [the new judge] will help with consistency and continuity.” Commissioners Court documents obtained by Community Impact Newspaper showed the planned staff would include a court administrator, court coordinator, court reporter,

A year after its creation, Montgom- ery County Court at Law 6 will be taking cases Sept. 1. Judge Scharlene Valdez of the 418th District Court will preside over the new court following her June 14 appointment. Valdez ran unopposed for the new court seat in the Repub- lican March 1 primary and did not have a Democratic opponent for the November election. She will be sworn in Aug. 15. Valdez said her previous expe- rience working as an attorney in Montgomery County’s child protec- tive services department has helped prepare her for the new role. “I’m very ready to continue with the fine work the county attorney’s office has done ... and I’m eager to implement new policies and proce- dures where they see fit,” Valdez said. “I believe my family law background

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

REGIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY Sheriff’s office introduces initiative to raise law enforcement awareness for autistic residents

INCREASING AWARENESS An initiative by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office hopes to increase awareness and safety for those living with autism and make autism resources more accessible. THE INITIATIVE

BY CHRISTOPHER GOODWIN

About 1 out of 44 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention found in a 2018 study conducted on 8-year-olds. That ratio has risen since 2000, when the rate was 1 in 150. “Those numbers are growing,” Moore said at the meeting. “That gap is getting smaller every 10 years.” The MCSO initiative has already ribbons identifying their home or vehicle as one where a person with autism is present, according to MCSO Lt. Scott Spencer. Organizations are becoming more reliant on one another to obtain individual care, said Cary Mollinedo, seen 25 Montgomery County residents register to receive co-founder and director of Texas Autism Academy, a school for autis- tic children based in The Woodlands. “The spectrum is a spectrum for a reason; there’s not one pivotal com- ponent; it’s a multitude of different characteristics that make up each individual child,” Mollinedo said. Statewide solutions State Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, said he would be willing to find funding support for the pro- gram in the next legislative session. “This ... came from a need in our community ... and I’m going to try to find dollars for it when I go into session,” Toth said. A 2007 statewide mandate helped

interactions with law enforcement. “They don’t know his diagnosis, or they may think that he is acting suspicious,’’ Moore told The Wood- lands Township board of directors at

The Montgomery County’s Sheriff’s Office has launched an initiative to increase awareness for autism and train officers to better handle situations involving autistic residents. The initiative—which originally began in late 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19—allows families with members who have autism to register and list their symptoms so law enforcement will be better equipped to mediate the interaction appropriately, MCSO Sgt. Jason Moore said. The program was created by Moore, whose son was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. Moore said he saw a need as his son approached driving age to con- sider how autism may influence

Parents can register individuals on the spectrum with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Participants can place a ribbon on their front door or vehicle to signify someone with autism is present. The program trains deputies to better recognize signs of autism.

an April 21 meeting. Identifying the signs

Kelly Bivens, co-founder and behavior analyst for The Grove ABA, which provides Applied Behavior Analysis services to those with autism, said she believes the program is a good start to creating a safe environment for those living with autism. “It’s a complicated, multifac- eted spectrum; it is not enough to describe symptoms of autism, simply because it can look so dif- ferent from just functioning level,” Bivens said.

Information is available at www.mctxsheriff.org.

Studies of 8-year-olds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that:

kids were diagnosed with autism in 2018. 1 in 44

kids were diagnosed with autism in 2000. 1 in 150

“IF YOU MEET ONE PERSON WITH AUTISM, YOU MEET ONE PERSON WITH AUTISM. YOU DON’T GET THE WHOLE PICTURE OF WHAT AUTISM IS AND ... AN IDEA OF WHAT THE SPECTRUM LOOKS LIKE.” KELLY BIVENS, CO-FOUNDER AND BEHAVIOR ANALYST, THE GROVE ABA

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

medical insurance providers to cover applied behavior analysis, Bivens said. Initiatives like this provide more safety and validity within communities, she said. “If you meet one person with autism then you meet one person with autism. You don’t get the whole picture of what autism is and ... an idea of what the spec- trum looks like across people,” Bivens said.

RECOGNIZING TRAITS OF AUTISM Although those with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit a range of symptoms, traits of autistic individuals can include:

• avoiding eye contact; using unusual speech; • difficulty picking up on social cues;

• impulsive or rapid mood changes; or • obsessive inter- est or behavior.

ease the economic disparities of these families by requiring

SOURCES: TEXAS AUTISM ACADEMY, THE GROVE ABA/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Partnering with parents to inspire and prepare college-worthy character witnesses for Christ

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

A GREAT PLACE TO START! Fall Registra tion IS NOW OPEN!

GEORGE ROSE III JOINS TEXAS FIRST BANK

• Flexible Options • Affordable Tuition • Close to Home

Texas First Bank is pleased to welcome George Rose III, Senior Vice President of Lending and Loan Production Manager, to our Montgomery County team. George joins the bank with over two decades of experience in commercial lending, ranging from sole proprietorships and non-profits to large corporations. He has arranged financing for over $250 million of commercial real estate and equipment since 2018 and previously lent over $150 million in refinancing and new home purchases as a mortgage lender. George enjoys recruiting, mentoring, and training the next generation of bankers. He has lectured on finance at Harvard and Texas A&M, spoken at the National Black MBA conference, hosted numerous home-buying and credit-building seminars for families, and published 13 articles. He has a passion for providing practical strategies for increasing fiscal efficiency and cashflow for companies. Originally from Illinois, George holds a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. He and his college sweetheart, Crystal, have lived in Texas for over 21 years and share 3 beautiful children.

www.texasfirst.bank

COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NONPROFIT Conroe nonprot attempting to make lasting impact on homeless population

BY JISHNU NAIR

According to data from the Houston-based nonprot Coalition for the Homeless’ annual Point in Time survey, Montgomery County unsheltered populations increased from 44 to 86 annually from 2017-20 before declining to 29 in 2022. Redus said those experiencing homelessness wind up in Conroe due to several factors, including the county jail and access to the county’s only emergency shelter. The campus is under construction through a partnership between HomeAid Houston—the charity arm of the Greater Houston Builders Association—and Highland Homes, an employee-owned homebuilding company based in the Dallas area. Redus rst imagined the Miracle City concept in 2009, but the chari- ty’s board advised him Compassion United was not ready to support it in 2014. He returned to the concept in 2017 and secured commitments from

Luke Redus, director of the Conroe nonprot Compassion United, led the June 17 groundbreaking for the latest addition to the Miracle City campus—a 15-bed transitional living housing unit for people facing home- lessness or addiction, according to a Compassion United announcement. Redus said the units will help tackle several root issues of home- lessness and addiction, such as addressing past traumas. Compassion United sta, who are trained in addressing addiction recovery, will be on-site to ensure residents have regular check-ins. The site will also help people facing homelessness “get back on their feet,” Redus said. “You can take a homeless person and put them in an apartment, but then you have a homeless person in an apartment,” Redus said. “We help them learn to look at themselves and at life dierently.”

Conroe city ocials and Compassion United sta celebrated the June 17 groundbreaking of Miracle City’s rst transitional housing unit. (Courtesy Luke Redus)

MIRACLE CITY The Miracle City campus underway is located o Foster Drive.

Conroe City Council in 2018. In February 2019, the city donated 5 acres of land, and Montgomery County’s Community Development oce provided a $1.2 million grant. Miracle City broke ground in 2020 near Foster Drive, and its ve-year build-out includes a tiny-house village as well as more skills training facilities, such as for carpentry. Redus said transitional housing would be Miracle City’s rst phase. He expects the campus to be com- pleted by the end of 2024. Miracle City’s Empowerment Center, which hosts Compassion United’s oces as well as classrooms, a church and

hygiene services, opened April 15. “Homelessness isn’t a black-and- white issue,” Redus said. “There are faces behind those names. My passion is for people to understand that there is more to it than, ‘They don’t want to work.’”

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION • JULY 2022

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Conroe, Montgomery & Willis ISDs

Montgomery ISD to implement ID badges as security measure

BY ANNA LOTZ

“When we have those trickling in of students, right now there is somebody at the front of the building that basically has to monitor those cameras all the time, and they will let anyone in through the doors,” she said. ID cards can also be used to check out books from the library and are expected to decrease time in cafeteria lines and improve efficiency with dismissal, she said. In the future, the district plans to add technology that will allow bus tracking and use ID cards to take attendance, manage admission to school events, and check in at the nurse’s or counselor’s offices so staff knows where students are in an emergency. The program will be phased in, Davis said, as the ID cards have a 10-week wait time, which will push the implementation past the first day of school. “We also want to make sure that we are kind of changing the mindset that every single student and every single staff member wears badges, just so that way when we are walking on campus, every single person knows to ask for identification when you’re walking around,” Davis said. “We want every student to be vigilant in knowing that

INVESTING IN ID CARDS

MONTGOMERY ISD The Montgomery ISD board of trustees approved the purchase of staff and student ID badges June 28 that will be required to be visibly worn on campuses starting in the 2022-23 school year in an effort to improve safety and security. The purchase totals $87,566 in startup costs, Executive Director of Technology Amanda Davis said during a presentation to trustees. “It is our highest priority each and every day to keep the safety of our staff and students foremost in what we do,” Superintendent Heath Morrison said during the meeting. These ID cards will allow the district to decrease the risk of unidentified visitors and reduce unse- cured doors on campuses, Davis said. “That’s going to be a retraining of staff and students to make sure every single student, every single staff member wears that badge with fidelity,” she said. In addition, secondary students who have per- mission to leave or arrive early for other obligations will be able to access doors with their ID cards, Davis said.

Trustees approved purchasing ID badges for staff and students for the 2022-23 school year. Total startup costs

$87,566

7,000

Purchase includes

ID cards for grades 9-12 and

14,000

cards for pre-K-grade 8

Pre-K-grade 8 students will receive cards each, one to wear and one to clip on a backpack

Replacement cards will cost approximately to reprint

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

is an expectation of our district—whether you’re a contractor, whether or not you’re a maintenance worker, whether you’re a superintendent, you always have a badge on you; you always have that identification.”

New school named, high school projects hit delays in Conroe

A new elementary school near FM 1484 and Airport Road has been named Janet K. Bartlett Elementary.

BY KYLEE HAUETER CONROE ISD The board of trustees voted June 21 on naming four facil- ities: two new elementary schools, a police command center and the natatorium. Among the projects named is Flex 23, the elementary school being built in the Caney Creek/ Conroe feeder zone. Opening in August 2024, the school was named Janet K. Bartlett Elementary School. Bartlett taught at CISD for 30 years. The board voted to name the police command center after outgoing

police Chief William Harness and the natatorium after Laura Wilkinson, an Olympic gold medalist diver who trained in The Woodlands. Director of Construction and Planning Easy Foster also updated the board on construction projects. Foster said work at Conroe High School has encountered a problem due to a cement shortage. “We have a contractor diligently working, trying to find innovative ways to make sure we return the former Wilson Road location and the

homeside parking lot—which is where our faculty and staff and drop-off loop are for next year—back to a drivable condition,” Foster said. One of the district’s concrete suppliers could not provide concrete on time, but Foster said they are working with two other suppliers. “This is one we are concerned about and watching over, but our contractor is committed to making sure we have school in this location next year,” Foster said. Foster also noted while the Caney

Opening in August 2024

Draws from the Caney Creek/Conroe feeder zone

SOURCE: CONROE ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

Creek High School renovation is overall on schedule, the front entryway will not be ready for school in August, and the district is working to create an alternate secure entry/ exit for students and staff.

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