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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 MARCH 26 APRIL 23, 2025
2025 Voter Guide
Montgomery County pursuing $480M road bond in May
Reconstructing and widening Honea Egypt Road north of FM 1488 is among the projects proposed in the Montgomery area should the county’s $480 million bond pass May 3.
2854
$280 million, and went before voters in the May and November elections before being passed. “Communication is going to be the key to this whole thing,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker said Feb. 11. “I think there’s been a lot of discussion for quite some time now, and I just feel like we’ve got to move forward.”
BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN, JESSICA SHORTEN & LIZZY SPANGLER
HONEA EGYPT RD.
For the rst time in 10 years, Montgomery County voters will consider a $480 million road bond that, if passed, would fund 76 projects across the four commissioner precincts. Following several years of on and o discussion, commissioners authorized the bond to go before voters Feb. 11. The last bond was held in 2015 for
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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 Asia Armour Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Ryan Reynolds Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills
Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com
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Impacts
• Opened Feb. 1 • 336 1/2 N. Main St., Ste. 217, Conroe • www.besondertherapy.com
Willis
Montgomery
1097
3 Blondie’s Luxe Links The business located inside Blushing Blondie Boutique o ers permanent jewelry like anklets, bracelets and will soon launch hand chains and necklaces. • Opened Jan. 18 • 10662 FM 1097 W., Willis • www.linktr.ee/blondiesluxelinks 4 The Meating Place BBQ Besides barbecue such as brisket, ribs, sausage and turkey, the restaurant also serves loaded potatoes, chicken fried steak, quesadillas and more. • Opened Feb. 14 • 22016 Eva St., Montgomery • www.meatingplacebbqmontgomery.com 5 Mister Softee The business serves premium soft serve ice cream and custom hard ice cream. • Opened Feb. 27 • 19970 Eva St., Montgomery • Facebook: Mister Softee Montgomery 6 Tap Si Han Pinas Asian Store o cials said the store opened Tap Si Han, a restaurant inside the store in late February. The restaurant serves a bu et-style breakfast with menu items such as eggs and plantains. • Opened in late February • 804 Gladstell St., Ste. 130, Conroe • Facebook: Pinas Asian Store 7 Throwing Fit-ness The gym warehouse o ers di erent machines and training from tness enthusiasts. • Opened Jan. 1
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CARGILL DR.
LONE STAR PKWY.
2432
LAKE CONROE
PRAIRIE ST.
4
8
830
7
5
14
13
17
75
10
1484
105
2854
149
Conroe
KEENAN CUT OFF RD.
105
2
FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE
1314
6
16
75
336
3083
HONEA EGYPT RD.
GLADSTELL ST.
12
242
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ARTAVIA PKWY.
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WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
• 10200 Hwy. 242, Conroe • www.beansandberries.com
Now open
1 Beans and Berries The business o ers handcrafted co ee, tropical drinks and fresh crepes inside the H-E-B location along Hwy. 242. • Opened Feb. 1
• 10846 FM 2432, Conroe • www.throwing itness.com
2 Be Sonder Therapy The practice o ers trauma-informed therapy and works with mental health issues of all kinds. Be Sonder Therapy also specializes in working with complex trauma, veterans, rst responders and adolescents.
8 Texas Rage Asylum The family-operated business o ers time slots of 15
COMPREHENSIVE, CONVENIENT HEALTHCARE Pediatric care, psychology, internal and family medicine, OMT, and more. Call 936.525.3600 to schedule an appointment.
1169 Grand Central Pkwy Conroe, TX 77304
shsuphysicians.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
minutes and time blocks of two hours for events. Texas Rage Asylum sells breakables to use and also allows customers to bring in their own breakables. Protective gear such as face shields and helmets are provided. • Opened March 1 • 1730 Cargill Drive, Ste. 100, Willis • www.texasrageasylum.com 9 Zuka Head Spa The spa o ers a head therapy spa experience including hair treatments and hot stone massages. • Opened March 2
Expansions
In the news
13 Hope Resale The Montgomery-based nonpro t expanded and now has a room for furniture and home decor, as well as more space for clothing on its boutique side. • Expanded in January • 19786 Hwy. 105, Stes. 140 & 145, Montgomery • www.facebook.com/hoperesale.org
In the news
• 10160 Hwy. 242, Conroe • www.zukaheadspa.com
14 Majestic Youth Sports Center The sports center is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an event featuring an open gym, performances, local vendors and giveaways on April 13. Aside from gymnastics, services o ered include cheer, tumbling, ninja, dance and several educational programs. • 11467 FM 2432, Willis • www.majesticsports.com 15 Artavia A new community entryway on Hwy. 1314 opened for the 2,800-acre master-planned community, according to a Feb. 4 news release. The new access point will improve tra c ow during peak hours. • 17590 Artavia Parkway, Conroe • https://artaviatx.com
Coming soon
16 Assistance League of Montgomery County
10 Rejuve Salon + Spa The salon and spa will o er a range of services, such as hair care and spa treatments. The new location is part of an expansion of Rejuve Wellness and Aesthetics. • Opening in April • 20165 Eva St., Ste. J, Montgomery • www.rejuvemedspatx.com 11 Acai Brasil The business will provide a variety of bowls and beverages with a base of acai, which is a Brazilian berry similar to blueberries. • Opening in June
In March, the nonpro t, which serves county residents in need, is celebrating 40 years since its founding, according to a news release. The nonpro t operates a thrift store at 126 N. San Jacinto St. in Conroe that serves as the nonpro t’s main source of revenue. • 126 N. San Jacinto St., Conroe • www.assistanceleague.org/montgomery-county
Humanities to transform its U.S. History curriculum, according to a news release. The project is expected to start in the 2025-26 academic year, with a larger pilot planned for the following year. • www.lonestar.edu
Montgomery County First Responders Foundation
• 10463 Hwy. 242, Conroe • www.acaibrasilusa.com
The Woodlands Fire ghters Foundation has been renamed Montgomery County First Responders Foundation. According to information from the nonpro t, it was created in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey to provide assistance for members and expanded to include nancial assistance due to death, injury and other hardships a ecting rst responders serving The Woodlands and throughout Montgomery County. • www.thewoodlands ire ighters.org Lone Star College Lone Star College-Online has been awarded a nearly $150,000 grant from the National Endowment for the
Relocations
Closings
12 Plant Spot Founded in 2018, the retail division of Montgomery Pines was rebranded as Plant Spot and relocated from Willis to Montgomery to combine the company’s wholesale and retail operations in a larger location. • Relocated Feb. 15 • 3619 Honea Egypt Road, Montgomery • www.plant-spot.com
17 Montgomery Quilt Company The quilt shop operated since 2020 and o ered pre- cut quilt fabric, accessories, quilt samples, and quilts rescued from antique shops. • Closed Feb. 15 • 301 Prairie St., Montgomery • www.pre-cuts.com
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Government
BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN
Conroe fire stations 1 Conroe Fire Department Administration Building
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LAKE CONROE
45
6
71
7
105
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2 Fire station No. 2 3 Fire station No. 4 4 Fire station No. 1 5 Fire station No. 3 6 Fire station No. 5 7 Fire station No. 6 8 Fire station No. 7
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Conroe
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COURTESY CITY OF CONROE
SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Conroe’s new fire chief Paul Sims discusses growth, expansion plans
with before. ... My first order of business is Fire Station No. 8. ... I’ve been working on that since the first few days I was here. ... We’re optimistic we’ll get going by summer, but that remains to be seen. ... I did a survey and got great feedback from the organization, which will help us lay out a roadmap moving forward. What’s your vision for the department as the community continues to grow? My vision is Station No. 8—one of the areas of feedback from administration as well as the fire department personnel is we’re behind. We are [behind] on fire stations, and we know that we need to get there. We’re working on identifying locations for Stations [Nos.] 11 and 12 and possibly more. ... We’ve recently hired some new staff, and we’re continuing to recruit. ... We’re exploring the feasibility of hosting our own fire academy. ... This will help recruit local residents who may not have the resources to attend an academy elsewhere. How is the department adapting to the increased fire risk associated with rapid growth and dense tree cover? This area is something we’ve thought about for quite some time. We’ve had dense tree coverage for years. ... With development, some of that has been cleared, but it remains a concern. ... I can say that our group of guys have routinely been prepared [for
Paul Sims became the new Conroe fire chief after City Council appointed him during its Dec. 2 meeting, according to prior reporting. Conroe Fire Department is made up of 155 firefighters and covers 77 square miles with a popu- lation of 114,00 residents, Sims said in an interview with Community Impact . Sims also said he believes that once the development moratorium is lifted, much of the development that has been slowed is going to hit a rapid pace, and staying up to date with fire equipment and personnel is at the top of his list. Can you share a little about your career journey and what led you to this position? I started as a volunteer firefighter here for the city of Conroe, I got the opportunity to get hired, become a firefighter, and work my way through the ranks. ... I retired here in 2016 and took a fire chief’s position in Central Texas. ... A position came open back here ... with Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 9. ... Then the fire chief position opened here in Conroe. ... It was a lifelong dream to be the fire chief here, especially with my family history in the depart- ment. ... My father was a firefighter here, and my great uncle was the fire chief for 20 years. What are your top priorities as the new fire chief? 50% of the organization is new, so I’ve been getting out to the stations, meeting the new faces, and reconnecting with those I worked
wildland fires]. ... We have a team that’s specifically trained and deployed when requested by ... Texas. Has the department added personnel or equipment to keep up with the area’s growth? We added Station No. 7 six or seven years ago. ... We have Station No. 8 that will be coming. In the course of that same time frame that I was gone, they added some personnel to specific apparatus around the city. ... We’re still a little bit behind, but we’re striving to get there. What challenges does increased development pose for emergency response times? The growth typically creates increased call volume, and it creates the traffic due to congestion and infrastructure strains, not only for the fire department, but certainly for the rest of the city. ... So addressing these and other challenges requires a strategic plan. The fire department, along with city administration, is going to be working on putting something together that helps us identify that and how we move forward.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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Government
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
The sheri ’s o ce has 580 sworn peace o cers, with over 1,000 in sta total.
COURTESY WESLEY DOOLITTLE
COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Montgomery County Sheri Wesley Doolittle eyes e ciencies Montgomery County Sheri Wesley Doolittle took o ce on Jan. 1, and on March 4 he shared information with Community Impact regarding the state of the sheri ’s o ce as well as what new initiatives and trends he is focused on over the next four years. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. What structural changes do you plan to make in the Sheri ’s O ce? In my rst 61 days as sheri , my team and I have been working hard to make sure this o ce runs as e ciently as possible. We’ve taken a close look at policies, personnel and operations to ensure we’re set up to serve our growing community e ectively. We’ve made some changes to how teams are managed, responsibilities are structured and [how] day-to-day operations are handled. These adjustments put our deputies and sta in the best position to do their jobs and keep our community safe. Are there any crime trends you intend to focus on over the next four years? One of my rst priorities as sheri has been xing
the issue of missed 911 calls in our dispatch center. Through personnel retention e orts and some minor procedural changes, I am proud to share that last month we missed zero 911 calls. When our community calls and needs us, we must answer— we must be there. Ensuring immediate emergency response is a critical foundation of public safety. Violent crime linked to criminal activity crossing our southern borders is a serious concern, and we will work closely with our law enforcement part- ners to address this threat head on. Additionally, we will focus on quality-of-life crimes that a ect our residents daily such as drug-related o enses, vandalism and public disturbances. What do you feel is the lifespan of the county’s jail facilities? Do you have any plans to upgrade the county jail? The Montgomery County Jail plays a crucial role in keeping our community safe by making sure those who break the law are held accountable. As sheri , it’s my responsibility to maintain the jail and uphold the peace. With our county growing so fast, that job has become more challenging. Montgom- ery County is thriving because of our conservative values, strong families and commitment to law and order. But with that growth comes the need to make sure our law enforcement and jail facilities keep up. [In late February] we went to Austin to request a 64-bed variance from the Texas Jail Commission to stay in compliance with state regulations. The com- mission unanimously approved it, recognizing the urgent need for more space. Once this expansion is
Jail growth
Opened with 450 beds Added 192 beds Added 404 beds Added 96 beds for a total of 1,142 +153.78%
1987
2005 1991 2012
SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
complete, our jail will have a total capacity of 1,317 inmates. But even with these additions, we’re still behind where we need to be. What other functions of the sheri ’s o ce do you want to bring awareness to? One of the biggest concerns I hear from folks is tra c safety. ... A specialized tra c unit will ensure we do that while also working to prevent future accidents through enforcement and education. Montgomery County has deep farming and ranching roots, and we take pride in our way of life. More mounted deputies ... would be a huge asset for crowd control at large events, parades, and festivals.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.
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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
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Education
BY ANGELA BONILLA
CISD to keep dual language program
How we got here
Information in the agenda packet states enroll- ment in the dual language program has continued to decline beginning in the third grade. In addition to enrollment, there has been difficulty in recruit- ing teachers, not enough planning time for the existing teachers in the program and a need for better development of the required curriculum, Deputy Superintendent Bethany Medford said. Medford said the district has nine openings for bilingual teachers, which serve in several district programs. The district has filled some needs by using teachers who are not certified as bilingual but have emergency permits. It also has some monolingual teachers with exemptions, but loses $200,000 in state funding annually by using monolingual teachers in the bilingual program, she said. Medford said she believes the district needs to be more competitive for bilingual teachers. “We are losing ground quickly on salary, and we are losing ground even more quickly on the stipends attached to the most hard-to-fill positions [such as] special ed [and] bilingual,” Medford said.
the 2016-17 school year and allows English- speaking students and Spanish-speaking students to begin together in kindergarten for immersive language learning. According to information at the Feb. 18 meeting, eliminating the program would have brought about $1.2 million in savings. Officials said the district would also have been able to free up additional bilingual teachers to address the growing need in its student population if it eliminated the program.
Due to a shortage in bilingual teachers and declining program enrollment, Conroe ISD officials had considered ending the district’s dual language program for the 2025-26 school year. However, after hearing almost 85 public comments at the Feb. 18 meeting, Superintendent Curtis Null said he withdrew that recommendation. “It’s a difficult decision anytime that we have to make decisions especially when staffing and money are involved,” Null said. The dual language program first began in
Bilingual needs growing in Conroe ISD Bilingual student population
Bilingual teachers
15,000
1,000
800
10,000
600
400
9 openings for bilingual teachers 31 teachers with emergency bilingual permits 30 monolingual teachers with exemptions Current bilingual teaching staff
5,000
200
0
0
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CONROE ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying
What’s next?
“The ability to master two languages at an early age is an invaluable skill that benefits children socially, academically and professionally,” NIMSI DURON, CONROE ISD PARENT
“It’s not simply about learning Spanish; … it’s about fostering a deep understanding of culture, empathy and cognitive flexibility,” JENA GUERRA, CONROE ISD PARENT
With the dual language program restored for the 2025-26 year, officials said the district must still find a way to address its needs in its bilingual program and to provide for increasing costs. The program is estimated to cost an additional $318,000 in 2026-27. Null said the next steps could include sending surveys to parents to determine what they want future bilingual and dual language programs to look like. He said this could mean consolidating programs or allowing students to move schools to follow the program.
“I get to start with kids who know little to no Spanish or English, and by the end of May their level of language acquisition is astonishing.” BRENDA YANEZ, DUAL LANGUAGE TEACHER, LAMAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“Of all the places, the bilingual teacher market is the most competitive.” CURTIS NULL, SUPERINTENDENT, CONROE ISD
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. © 2025 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY ANGELA BONILLA, WESLEY GARDNER & CARSON WEAVER
Conroe ISD adopts Bluebonnet Learning Conroe ISD trustees approved adopting the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum Feb. 18. Five board members voted in favor of the curriculum. Trustees Marianne Horton and Melissa Semmler abstained as they said they wanted to hear more feedback from teachers before adoption. The gist Bluebonnet Learning material had garnered some criticism and concerns from parents and educators across the state in 2024 since it includes frequent references to Christianity and the Bible in the materials, as previously reported. However, board members said they believe the curriculum provides material that is relevant for students and helps them to learn. How we got here Bluebonnet Learning was approved by the State Board of Education from a proposal from the Texas Education Agency following the approval of House Bill 1605 during the 2023 state legislative session. HB 1605 includes increased funding for approved instructional materials, per the TEA. Lone Star College, Comcast collaborate on tech programs The Lone Star College Foundation is partnering with cable and internet provider Comcast on programs, which includes a student-led podcast at LSC Montgomery. The details According to a Feb. 10 news release, the $100,000 collaboration also includes the donation of 100 laptops to support income-constrained LSC Kingwood students pursuing a technology-related certi cate or degree. Comcast also donated $50,000 to LSC Montgomery to help fund the creation of “Maverick Minds,” a student-led pod- cast that will provide updates on campus
CISD virtual school future uncertain Conroe ISD o cials said the district’s virtual school has an uncertain future as its funding expires this year following a waiver signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2023. What to know The virtual school was among the CISD campuses Deputy Superintendent Beth- any Medford discussed Feb. 5 when she presented A F accountability ratings for 2024. The uno cial ratings were locally calculated and then veri ed by the Texas Education Agency, o cials said. In the presentation, the virtual school received a D as it was considered under the high school label for the rst time. The school o ers fth through tenth grades for the 2024-25 school year, per its website. Students log into their homeroom each morning for a check-in, then attend Zoom classes throughout the day, per CISD. Medford said the district is waiting to see if the school gets authorization from the state for future funding.
Bluebonnet Learning materials include:
Classic literature
Science
Art history
Technology
Culture
Under state law, a public school:
Must include religious literature in curriculum
Is prohibited from religious instruction Can include instruction about religion and religious liberty Can include instruction regarding respect for all religious views
SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s next The curriculum will be put into place at some campuses in the 2025-26 school year while district o cials work to see if it can be placed in all of the campuses, according to discussion at the meeting.
MISD to buy police vehicles from Tomball During its Feb. 18 meeting, Montgomery ISD trustees approved the purchase of police vehicles from the city of Tomball. In a nutshell The district is purchasing four police vehicles from the city of Tomball for $50,000, according to the meeting agenda. MISD trustees also renewed the district police department’s memorandum of understanding agreement with local law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction within district boundaries. The school district works with local law enforce- ment agencies to coordinate responses in case of emergencies, according to a Feb. 18 news release. Also of note The board of trustees also received an update on projects funded by the $326.9 million bond in 2022.
“ Providing our police department with updated, reliable vehicles equips our o cers to do their jobs more e ectively. This is a win-win situation
for both the city and the school district .” MARK RUFFIN, MISD SUPERINTENDENT
Brad Mans eld, chief facilities and operations o cer, said all projects remain on budget with a target completion date of this summer, and $113.2 million remains left from the bond. Mans eld said: • The CTE and Agriculture Center is 70% completed. • Montgomery High School renovations are 70% completed. • Both the stadium renovations and transporta- tion fuel center are 25% completed.
resources and student life. CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN
Council passes ordinance to ban parking on Loop 336 Conroe City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting vehicles from parking along Loop 336, citing concerns over public safety, during its Feb. 27 meeting. The decision comes from complaints by 45 336
Conroe awards new bus service contract Conroe City Council approved a new five- year contract with First Class Transportation to operate city bus services during its Feb. 27 meeting. The service plans to connect The Woodlands Express and Conroe Connection services to downtown Houston, according to
residents about parked vehicles creating unsafe conditions, Chief of Police Jon Buckholtz said in the Feb. 26 workshop meeting. What this means The ordinance prohibits all parking along Loop 336, including on the shoulders of the highway, unless explicitly needed like for emergency vehicles, according to the ordinance. “This is a safety concern for the community. ... We’ve had many complaints over the years, parking on the shoulder or any portion of the loop is not justified as safe in our opinion,” Buckholtz said during the Feb. 26 workshop meeting. “We want to be able to prohibit parking where we have specific concerns.”
105
the agenda. The details
The agreement, valued at $2.1 million, includes an option to extend for an addi- tional five years, according to the presen- tation. By year four, a 70% reduction in commuter bus costs is expected, which is due to grant funding that will help the city purchase the buses. The city of Conroe’s contract will go into effect starting April 1, according to the agenda packet.
N
Signage prohibiting the parking will be posted by the Texas Department of Transportation now that the ordinance has passed, Buckholtz said in the Feb. 26 workshop meeting.
17
CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY JESSICA SHORTEN & LIZZY SPANGLER
Willis breaks ground on new city building The city of Willis held a groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 10 for its new building that will house its public works department and animal control. The gist City Manager Sheyi Ipaye said construction on the 6-acre property is anticipated to be completed in seven months. The total cost of the project is around $1.2 million-$1.3 million . Ipaye said the city currently works with Conroe to house animals at its shelter, and the new animal control facility will be able to house around four dozen animals. “It’s OK to have interlocal agreements with other cities, but if you can have your own, it’s better. The citizens would like that better,” Ipaye said. “And that is what this [is].”
Montgomery County OKs new development regulations for roads Montgomery County commissioners approved a new set of development regulations March 4 after some changes were made regarding minimum street widths, following concerns presented by the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association. What you need to know Under the new regulations, the county is man- dating a minimum road width within new residen- tial developments to improve the overall quality of developments. However, Jason Oliphant, fire chief with Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 1, said during the Feb. 11 meeting that the previously proposed 22-26-foot minimum would create a “significant risk for delayed emer- gency response times.”
According to the new regulations, the minimum road widths in subdivisions will be:
Local road widths (open ditch roadways) • 22 feet for roads with less than 1,500 vehicles average daily traffic • 24 feet for roads with less than 3,000 vehicles average daily traffic
Suburban and urban road widths
(curbed roadways) • 25 feet for subdivisions with less than 32 home sites • 27 feet for subdivisions with more than 32 home sites
Why it matters County Judge Mark Keough said he wanted to have the minimum road width increased to 28 feet across developments to fully address concerns from the Montgomery County Fire Chief’s Association. The changes were ultimately approved 3-2 with Keough and Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker dissenting because they wanted the minimum road width to be 28 feet.
19
CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
Election
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
Voter Guide
2025
Dates to know
Where to vote
April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
Montgomery County residents can cast their ballots at any polling location during early voting. However, election day voting locations are by precinct. Visit https://elections. mctx.org for polling locations.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
What is the biggest issue facing MISD, and how would you address it? The rapid growth of our community and the capacity our schools are facing. Make sure we have enough teachers to handle the student to teacher ratio in the classroom. To make sure we can provide fairness to all students when it comes to quality and time in their education. Fast-paced growth with a current one-size-fits- all curriculum that is not accurately captivating those students that fall below nor above expectations creating learning gap amongst our student body. Funding must also continue to be the focus of any school board. I have the …
How can trustees help MISD prepare for anticipated student enrollment growth? We can look at the budget, then determine and project the needed funds. Determine where in the district the growth is occurring and work with the schools administration on their needs for the growth. Have competitive salaries to retain and attract high-quality staff to fill our classroom needs. With shifting demographics, we have to have a board that will work together to solve challenges ahead rather than fight over past battles. As a leader, lawyer and mediator, I have the skills needed to help our board focus on the shared goals of supporting teachers and students. I am…
Montgomery ISD, Position 6
What is your top priority if elected? Find out what problems they are currently discussing and help to resolve them. To learn from the current board members, their goals for MISD both currently in place and their future aspirations for the district. I want what is best for our district employees, students and community. Promoting quality education by paying competitive wages to teachers and providing and incentivizing further education opportunities and retaining those talented teachers. With recent tax increases this will be a challenge, why is why we should also form committees to evaluate “out of the box” …
Mark Keelen Occupation & experience: retired Houston firefighter; substitute; homeroom coordinator; playground committee lead; PTA; athletic booster club member; HFD... 281-900-8652 Bryan J. Bahr Occupation & experience: oil and gas marketing; Juris Doctor; Law License; master of business administration; bachelor of arts; certified mediator; ACC board member https://www.raisingthebahr.org
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
Montgomery ISD, Position 7
KEY: *Incumbent
Josh Jaros Occupation & experience:
Kyle Calhoun Occupation & experience: general manager, Kureha Energy Solutions; professional leader; church community leader; military leader,
Nate Robb* Occupation & experience: business owner; current board member; member, Bond Task Force Committee; ample hours of educational training 832-248-3177
carpenter, Republican Precinct 77 chair, advocate on education issues locally/statewide, father’s rights state leader https://joshformisd.com
veteran; community leader https://kylecalhoun.com
What is your top priority if elected?
Lowering property taxes is my top priority. When the district allows uncontrolled spending, that money can only come from one place, the taxpayers. The school board sets the tax rate and is responsible for managing how this money is spent.
My top priority if elected is to be a voice for the teachers and the community as it relates to the needs of our district.
My top priority is maintaining financial responsibility while prioritizing teacher salaries, student safety and academic excellence. We must invest in schools while ensuring transparency and accountability. Supporting educators, expanding student opportunities and planning for growth will keep MISD a premier district.
What is the biggest issue facing MISD, and how would you address it?
We have a spending problem. I have received calls from across the district where property taxes continue to rise while teacher pay is not addressed. I would implement cost-cutting procedures and reduce the dependence on bonds.
School choice and recapture are the biggest issues facing our district. It is crucial that we speak up on these issues and hold elected officials accountable to the needs of the community and district. We are responsible for speaking out against the legislation negatively impacting our children and community.
Managing rapid growth is MISD’s biggest challenge. We must plan ahead with responsible budgeting, strategic facility planning and investment in educators. Advocating for proper state funding, improving facilities and ensuring small town values guide decisions will help MISD grow successfully while protecting taxpayers.
How can trustees help MISD prepare for anticipated student enrollment growth?
We plan for additional student enrollment by redistricting where needed. Several school districts in Texas are closing schools because enrollment is declining. We do not need to overbuild, we need to plan sensibly.
Trustees can assist with growth by ensuring that funds are properly allocated to allow for growth. This will require concise and clear communication with residents and taxpayers as to why the funds are needed and how previous funds were allocated.
Trustees must prioritize long-term facility planning, teacher recruitment and resource allocation. We must proactively address growing needs, advocate for funding and engage the community in data-driven decisions to keep schools safe and class sizes manageable.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION
Montgomery County pursuing $480M road bond in May From the cover
Diving deeper
The big picture
Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley will also have several reconstruction projects in the southern portions of Montgomery and Conroe. According to Riley’s project list, proposed road projects include Honea Egypt Road, Rabon Chapel Road, Old Hwy. 105 and River Plantation Drive. Riley also said he plans to reconstruct Kuykendahl Road from FM 1488 to Research Forest Drive, which is just south of Conroe. The improvements are estimated to cost $8 million and will include: • An increase from two to four lanes • Adding traffic signals to Kendall Green Drive • A turn lane extension “We’ve done a number of things to try to make this [roadway] a better situation,” Riley said Jan. 22. “Anything we could do to clean up some of this congestion and make the traffic mobility and traffic movements easy, ... I think it’s a major project for our road bond.”
Willis will entail widening and rehabilitations, reconstructions, and new location route studies. However, there are no individual cost estimates as of press time for the projects. In Precinct 1, the project list includes a four- lane design and reconstruction of Lone Star Parkway in Montgomery, as well as a study for a new segment of Lone Star Parkway that would connect Hwy. 105 to Liberty Street on the southwestern portion of the city. One other major project will be to reconstruct a new four-lane road at Cude Cemetery Road, providing a widened connector between FM 1097 and FM 830. “As a taxing entity ourselves, we know that we don’t and won’t go to our taxpayers proposing a bond unless we have done our due diligence, … and I know the county has done the same,” Montgomery ISD Superintendent Mark Ruffin said. “I’m proud of the work they’ve done in really assessing the critical areas of need.”
Montgomery County commissioners agreed Feb. 11 to put a $480 million road bond referendum before voters in the May 3 election. Funds will be divided among the four commissioner precincts, with Precincts 1 and 2—both of which encompass portions of Conroe and Montgomery—anticipated to receive $120 million over the next five years to complete 32 projects. John Robuck, managing partner at BOK Financials, the county’s bond counsel, said the bond initiative should not result in a property tax increase if it is approved by voters. Robuck said this is because the county lowered its debt service over the last several years to allow for the issuance of $120 million a year in debt using the county’s current funding collections. According to the Precinct 1 project list, which was compiled by Commissioner Robert Walker’s office and LJA Engineering, the projects within Conroe, northern Montgomery and
Precinct 1 bond projects
Widenings
Reconstructions
Extensions
Precinct 2 bond projects There are 19 proposed projects across Precinct 2, some of which are located in southern Montgomery and western Conroe.
HIDDEN FOREST DR.
45
JOHNSON RD.
COALTOWN RD.
LAKE MOUNT PLEASANT RD.
149
STONE MOUNTAIN DR.
C
.
45
1097
ROSE RD.
CUDE CEMETERY RD.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR.
1486
75
FARRELL RD.
830
LONESTAR PKWY.
STIDHAM RD.
CEDAR LN.
RIVER PLANTATION DR.
SEVEN COVES RD.
1484
105
OLD DOBBIN PLANTERSVILLE RD.
MAIL ROUTE RD.
336
45
2854
S. PINE LAKE RD.
OLD HWY. 105
336
105
RABON CHAPEL RD.
336
FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE
HONEA EGYPT RD.
1488
45
Reconstructing Cude Cemetery Road into a new four-lane road is one of Precinct 1’s proposed projects.
N
KUYKEHNDAL RD.
N
NOTE: PRECINCT 2 PROJECTS ARE ALL ANTICIPATED TO BE RECONSTRUCTIONS AND WIDENINGS.
SOURCES: PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE, LJA ENGINEERING/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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