New Caney - Porter Edition | May 2025

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

New Caney Porter Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 JUNE 4JULY 2, 2025

Inaugural issue

$120M in road projects coming to New Caney, Porter Montgomery County voters approve rst road bond in 10 years BY JESSICA SHORTEN

1314

494

The widening of Ford Road is one of 18 projects slated for Precinct 4 that will be funded by the Montgomery County road bond that was approved by voters May 3. The project will address trac ow concerns that have existed since the county’s last road bond in 2015. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 5 See when Lumos will bring family fun to Valley Ranch Page 7 Check out the latest on New Caney ISD bond projects Education Business Page 20 Read the story behind Junie B’s Snowcones in New Caney

HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us

Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care near you We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions, including cutting-edge orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular and neurological care • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research

CONROE

105

1486

336

MAGNOLIA

1774

1488

242

THE WOODLANDS

HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL

KINGWOOD

1960

249

 The Woodlands Hospital  Breast Care  Emergency Care

 Orthopedics & Sports Medicine  Primary Care  Specialty Care

To find care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/care-thewoodlands or call 713.790.3333 .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu

Kim Sommers General Manager ksommers@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Athanasia Badoian Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt Quality Desk Editor Sierra Rozen

Hannah Brol Senior Editor hbrol@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ 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 ncpnews@communityimpact.com ncpads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

ILTexas.org | Free Public Charter ILTexas.org | Free Public Charter

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Impacts

3 Kirby’s BBQ Owned by Shawn and Alondra Jones, the eatery serves barbecued turkey, brisket, pork spare ribs and sausage links, as well as sandwiches, sides and desserts. • Opened May 30 • 20463 Loop 494, New Caney • www.kirbysbbq.com 4 Rip’N Tails Crawfish Owned by Jodi and Kevin Curry, the food truck offers crawfish, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes as well as a variety of sauce options. • Opened in early April

SPEED ST.

242

CONROE PORTER RD.

Roman Forest

1485

New Caney

6 7 11

INDUSTRIAL PKWY.

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

• 19949 Michael Lane, Porter • Facebook: Rip’N Tails Crawfish

1485

1314

494

5 Taqueria La Indomable Located in The Food Zone 1314, the food truck serves tacos, quesadillas, burritos, tortas and baked potatoes.

Valley Ranch

Porter

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

• Opened in mid-April • 23242 FM 1314, Porter • Facebook: Taqueria La Indomable

9 18

HIGHLAND PINES DR.

VALLEY RANCH CROSSING DR.

MARKET PL. DR.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

6 Pastas Italia Sofi Owned by Pascual Lux Zapeta, this food truck located in The Food Zone Grand Texas serves Italian cuisine including pasta, paninis and steak. • Opened April 11

5 8

VALLEY RANCH BLVD.

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

• 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.thefoodzonehtx.com

MICHAEL LN.

7 Iron Island Located in The Food Zone Grand Texas, the eatery serves Polynesian food including Hawaiian-style teriyaki chicken, macaroni salad and guava cake. • Opened April 12 • 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.ironisland.net 8 Ivy Coffee Co. Located in The Food Zone 1314, the food truck is owned by Emma and Luis Pacheco and offers a menu of hot and cold coffee- and espresso-based beverages, teas, lemonade and pastries. • Opened May 15

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 The Focaccia Bakery Owned by brothers-in-law Stefan Mikhailovich and Mario Morales, the Kingwood-based bakery opened a food truck at The Pickleball Zone in Porter. The business offers European bread, Mexican pastries and sandwiches using the bakery’s signature focaccia bread recipe. • Opened April 3

Now open

1 The Juncture Owned by Kalyn Garcia, Patricia Chance and Gena Doudt, this arcade and self-serve ramen bar also offers board games, billiards, darts and shuffleboard. • Opened March 15 • 21042 Loop 494, New Caney • www.thejuncturetx.com

• 22056 W. Ford Road, Porter • www.thefocacciabakery.com

TO COMMUNITY IMPACT NEW CANEY - PORTER ON YOUR FIRST ISSUE!

I O

JOIN US IN BUILDING TOMORROW’S PROSPERITY TODAY AT GEMCCHAMBER.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• 23242 FM 1314, Porter • www.ivycoffee.co

• 18934 E. Industrial Parkway, New Caney • www.italianosrestaurant.net

Coming soon

14 Mavis Tire The shop will sell tires and offers services such as tire repair, balancing and rotation; wheel alignments; brake repair; exhaust and muffler repairs; and oil changes. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2025 • 20450 FM 1485, New Caney • www.mavis.com

Coming soon

9 Havertys Furniture Known for its quality home furnishings and free in- home design services, the company is opening a new 41,000-square-foot showroom in Valley Ranch. • Opening this fall • 22296 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.havertys.com 10 Final Gravity Brewpub Founded by Ted and Terri Dougherty, this dog-friendly brewpub will serve handcrafted beer and food, host live music and be available for event rentals. • Soft opening June 6; grand opening July 4 weekend

Expansions

15 365 Sports Complex The multi-sport venue will be opening a new indoor facility with courts for basketball, futsal, tennis, pickleball and volleyball. The business is veteran- and family-owned, and has been operating outdoor fields— located at 23795 Holly Ridge Road, Porter—since 2021.

18 Lumos The 45,000-square-foot entertainment venue will offer a slate of activities including bowling, virtual reality, ax throwing, karaoke, a 7D motion encounter, laser tag, arcade games and live music. The venue will also feature a restaurant and bar as well as an outdoor patio. The venue will be available to host corporate events and birthday parties. • Opening this summer • 22296 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.lumossocial.com 19 Smoothie King On March 8, the smoothie shop celebrated its five-year anniversary since opening in Valley Ranch Town Center. Owned by Dave McMahon and Bill Robertson, the location serves fruit and protein smoothies in a variety of flavors as well as blended coffee drinks, fruit bowls and juice energy refreshers. • 12029 N. Grand Parkway E., Ste. 120, New Caney • www.smoothieking.com 20 Roman Forest Founded in 1975, the city celebrated its 50th anniversary

• 23435 FM 1314, Ste. B-6, Porter • www.finalgravitybrewpub.com

• Expanding by the end of 2025 • 20174 Old Sorters Road, Porter • www.365sportscomplex.net

11 Chachi’s House Located in The Food Zone Grand Texas, this restaurant will serve Puerto Rican and Caribbean eats inspired by Owner Zulma Bermudez’s family recipes. • Opening this summer

16 The Venue at Highlands Officials with Highland Pines Golf Club said the event venue added an outdoor ceremony space in May. The venue can accommodate up to 300 guests, features private bride and groom suites, and offers catering services and full bar packages. • Expanded in May • 6700 Highland Pines Drive, Porter • www.golfhighlandpines.com/thevenueathighlands

• 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.thefoodzonehtx.com

12 D-BAT Construction is underway on a new indoor baseball and softball training facility in Valley Ranch, which will offer lessons, camps, workshops and monthly memberships for players of all skill levels. The facility will also feature event space and a fully stocked pro shop. • Opening this summer • 21922 Valley Ranch Crossing Drive, Porter • www.dbatvalleyranch.com 13 Italiano’s Restaurant Construction began in mid-April on the fifth location of this restaurant coming soon to the Centre at Gene Campbell. The restaurant will offer a menu of pizzas, calzones, soups, pastas and seafood. • Opening in August

In the news

17 Kroger The Valley Ranch Town Center grocery store will undergo renovations beginning May 26 and wrapping up by Aug. 15. The store will remain open during the remodel, and enhancements will include new decor, line-up and table upgrades for the bakery department, a new floral kiosk and displays, a new cut fruit kiosk and a new enclosed service case for the seafood department. • 22030 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.kroger.com

with a Founders Day celebration May 26. • 2430 Roman Forest Blvd., Roman Forest • www.rftx.org

ATTRACT. RETAIN. PROTECT. Your employees are your greatest asset—and the right benefits package keeps them loyal, healthy, and productive.

STAND OUT IN THE HIRING MARKET. INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP PACKAGES AS SMALL AS 2 EMPLOYEES

“Chris met with us, advised us, and created a cost-e ective employee benefits package that precisely met our needs for growth. Chris genuinely cares about my business and provides a personal touch that sets him apart from others.” - Natasha Wickware – Owner of We R Champions CPA

MEDICAL • DENTAL • VISION • PAYROLL • 401K • AFLAC Chris McIlroy - Owner • Cell: 303-681-7785 • chris@migbenefits.com

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Government

OPEN ENROLLMENT to students residing in other school districts. Humble ISD is offering limited

BY WESLEY GARDNER & JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County commis- sioners applied for $16.5 million in federal grant funds to address road and drainage concerns in the Conroe, New Caney and Porter areas, following court approval April 8. The details Commissioners approved seven applications for federal grant funds for Precinct 4 with U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Kingwood, and U.S. Rep. Morgan Luttrell, Montgomery County seeks $16.5M in grants

R-Magnolia. The requests include $2 million for Porter post office drainage improvements, $1 million for a flood damage reduction study on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, $5 million for Tram Road drainage and mobility improve- ments, $2 million for Hwy. 59 southbound frontage road drain- age improvements, $4 million for Willis-Waukegan Road mobility improvements, and $2.5 million for various bridge replacements. The grants are through the fed- eral Community Project Funding initiative, which allows members of the U.S. House to allocate funding to local areas for projects such as critical infrastructure replacements and public facilities.

TOP 10% Best School Districts in America

Bring your kids to school where: • Academics ignite a lifelong love of learning • Teachers inspire greatness every day • Recess is more than just play –it’s where minds, bodies and friendships grow !

Proposed projects

TRAM RD.

2090

Roman Forest

Safe and secure Immersive Play Innovative Programs

1314

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

New Caney

1 Tram Road drainage and mobility improvements 2 Porter post office drainage improvements 3 Hwy. 59 frontage

494

99 TOLL

Porter

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

road drainage improvements 4 Flood damage reduction study

NOTE: ONLY PROJECTS IN AND AROUND NEW CANEY AND PORTER ARE MAPPED. SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 4/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Roman Forest PD expanding station

on Roman Forest Boulevard. He noted the project is needed to address the city’s growing population, which rose from 1,555 residents in 2018 to 2,832 in 2023, per U.S. Census Bureau data. The project will be funded, in part, by a $100,000 grant from the Tavola Community Foundation, Carlisle said.

Roman Forest Police Depart- ment officials plan to begin construction on a police station addition by the end of 2025. About the project Roman Forest Police Chief Stephen Carlisle said the $350,000 project will consist of a 2,000-square-foot addition to the department’s police station

ENROLL NOW! humbleisd.net/openenrollment

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

1314

494

3 4

CUMBERLAND BLVD.

4 NCHS extracurricular improvements This multi-phase project will upgrade the school’s athletic facilities, including the football field, track, baseball/softball fields and practice facility. • Update: The baseball and softball fields were used by the school’s teams this spring. • Timeline: June 2024-summer 2025 (softball/ baseball fields); summer 2025-fall 2026 (football field and track) • Cost: $32 million (softball/baseball fields); $21 million (football field and track)

Several New Caney ISD projects—funded by the $695 million bond approved by voters in 2023—are underway. This list is not comprehensive.

Ongoing projects

2 Highlands Elementary School A candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Program, the campus will accept 50 students per grade level—first through fifth grade—for its inaugural 2025-26 school year. • Update: Construction is nearing completion. • Timeline: March 2024-July 2025 • Cost: Less than $44 million 3 New Caney High School Career and Technical Education Center This 50,431-square-foot facility will feature classrooms and shops for agriculture, welding, automotive, construction, architecture and engineering programs.

Upcoming projects

1 Highlands Middle School Set to open for the 2026-27 school year, this 215,100-square-foot campus will be built by Drymalla Construction.

• Update: The cost of the project is now $10 million less than originally projected, said Richard Ressler, director of facilities and planning, during an April 21 board of trustees meeting. • Timeline: June 9, 2025-April 2027 • Cost: Less than $60 million

• Update: The center will be accepting students for the 2025-26 school year. • Timeline: June 2024-summer 2025 • Cost: $21 million

Exclusive CONNECTED LIVING PACKAGE *

EXPERIENCE CONNECTED LIVING

• Wi -F i THERMOSTAT • SMART DOOR LOCK

• Wi -F i GARAGE DOOR • HD VIDEO DOORBELL

YOUR HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO LIVE. Now, when you purchase a move-in-ready home, we’re making it even easier to stay connected to what matters most. Make your move today and come home to a more connected lifestyle.

FirstAmericaHomes.com Scan to learn more

*Offer valid only on contracts for select move-in homes signed. To qualify, buyers must finalize and execute a purchase agreement within this specified timeframe (May 1 - May 31, 2025). Eligibility for this offer requires the use of Stone Meadow Lending as the lender and Platinum Title Company for title services. All pricing, home features, design specifications, financing rates, and other details are subject to change without prior notice. The builder reserves the right to modify or withdraw this offer at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please consult a sales representative for complete details.

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE CONTRIBUTIONS BY DANICA LLOYD, HANNAH NORTON & RYAN REYNOLDS

New Caney ISD received a “C” for the 2022-23 school year with 72 out of 100 possible points in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability ratings system for school districts statewide. The ratings were released April 24 after a delay due to lawsuits, TEA officials said. The announcement follows an April 3 ruling by Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals, which overturned a lower court’s injunction that had blocked the 2023 ratings for over a year. In August 2023, over 100 school districts sued TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, arguing the agency’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts. According to the TEA, 9.5% of districts earned an “A” rating, while 42.4% earned a “B.” About 33% received a “C,” 13.7% earned a “D” and 1.2% earned an “F.” New Caney ISD earns ‘C’ for 2022- 23 school year New Caney ISD accountability ratings Since the A-F system launched in 2017-18, NCISD has only received three official ratings due to three years of State of Disaster declarations. 2017-18: Not rated due to Hurricane Harvey 2018-19: B (85) 2019-20: Not rated due to the COVID-19 pandemic 2020-21: Not rated due to the COVID-19 pandemic

What they’re saying

TEA officials said the methods of calculating 2022-23 ratings were “updated to more accurately reflect performance.” Scott Powers, NCISD’s executive director of public relations, said district officials will use the ratings as a tool moving forward. “Public schools are nearly two accountability cycles past the ratings that the TEA is releasing for 2023,” Powers said in an April 24 email. “The district will review and consider the information shared by TEA this week in our ongoing efforts to provide a high-quality education for all students.” “There are changes because we are statutorily required to make sure that we set goals in the A-F system to make Texas a national leader in preparing students for postsecondary success." MIKE MORATH, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY COMMISSIONER

The state’s A-F accountability system was designed to measure whether students are ready for the next grade level and how well each district prepares them for success after high school, Community Impact previously reported. “For far too long, families, educators and communities have been denied access to information about the performance of their schools, thanks to frivolous lawsuits paid for by tax dollars filed by those who disagreed with the statutory goal of raising career readiness expectations to help students,” Morath said in an April 24 news release. Morath further defended the ratings system in an April 22 press call. “Accountability works. The public issuance of ratings for school systems does positively affect the academic and life outcomes of children,” Morath said. “This is a good thing. We do this because it helps children.”

The breakdown

The district’s lowest rated schools that received an “F” include Dogwood Elementary and Tavola Elementary.

NCISD’s top-rated schools that received an “A” include Bens Branch Elementary, Infinity Early College High School and West Fork High School.

District snapshot, 2022-23

New Caney ISD ratings by campus, 2022-23

18,315 students enrolled 74.2% economically

34% emergent bilingual 92.2% average attendance rate

A: 3 B: 4 C: 5 D: 5 F: 2

disadvantaged 11.3% special education

26.7% missed 10% or more of the school year

2021-22: B (84) 2022-23: C (72)

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next

publicly funded and having the public’s children in our schools,” Morath said April 22. “It’s up to us to operate with the highest degree of transparency to deliver the best outcomes that we can for our kids.”

2024-25 school year on Aug. 15. “A-F ratings are very public, and so that is a leadership challenge that our leaders bear, but this is the cross that we bear for being

The TEA remains blocked from issuing ratings for the 2023-24 school year due to a separate lawsuit, which is pending in the state appeals court. Morath also said the TEA intends to release ratings for the

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & EMILY LINCKE

Lone Star College names president for online school Lone Star College System ocials have chosen Carlos R. Morales as the inaugural president of LSCOnline, eective July 14. He is the current campus president of TCC Connect—Tarrant County College’s online campus—in Fort Worth. Career history Morales has 30 years of experience in higher “The demand for and the growth of virtual learning is visible to all of us in higher education, and I intend to build on Lone Star College-Online’s strong foundation to create a virtual campus

Trustees approve $1K bonuses for sta Full-time New Caney ISD employees who are returning for the 2025-26 school year are eligible for a $1,000 retention incentive following approval by trustees on April 21. The overview The retention stipends will be funded by $4.3 million in state aid awarded to the district to oset an increase in homestead exemption benets, said Scott Powers, exec- utive director of public relations for NCISD. Powers said eligible employees must sign a contract for the 2025-26 school year, be in “good standing” and not have resigned. “We have some of the hardest working employees in NCISD. The goal is to have them come back and ... help us with our retention,” said Christine Gates, executive director of human resources for NCISD.

that is student-centered, academically rigorous and recognized for excellence.” CARLOS R. MORALES, LONE STAR COLLEGEONLINE PRESIDENT

education, including 25 years as an online faculty member and administrator, according to a May 21 news release from LSCS. He received a bachelor’s degree in biology/microbiology and a master’s degree in education from Inter American University in Puerto Rico. He earned a doctorate degree in education from Capella University. According to the release, Morales plans to: • Expand access • Enhance faculty support and engagement • Leverage emerging technologies to enrich the learning and teaching experience

What they oer LSCOnline currently oers more than 30 fully online degree programs with both synchronous and asynchronous class options available. For more information, visit www.lonestar.edu/lsc-online.

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

$120M in road projects coming to New Caney, Porter

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

The big picture

242

2090

S. TRAM RD.

PICKERING RD.

PLUM GROVE RD.

1485

HILL AND DALE AVE.

Approximately 52.8% of Montgomery County voters approved a $480 million road bond at the ballot box May 3, allowing work on $120 million in road projects for East Montgomery County to begin by the end of 2025. New Caney- and Porter-area projects include engineering work and construction for road widenings, bridge replacements, and intersection improvements. Among the projects include the widening of Ford and Sorters roads from two to four lanes. While these projects were originally included in the county’s last bond approved by voters in 2015, county officials said work on the two roadways never officially started before 2015 bond funds were exhausted on other projects. “It was paramount to make sure that [Ford and Sorters roads] were part of this package because of the social contract made with the public when the first bond was passed. The fact that they weren’t completed within that window was unfortunate,” Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said. Ford Road and Sorters Road are both shovel- ready projects, Gray said, meaning they will be the first Precinct 4 projects completed with 2025 bond funds.

1314

Bridge replacements 1 Gene Campbell Road: cost TBD 2 Pickering Road: cost TBD Construction to widen 3 Ford Road: $25M 4 Old Houston Road: cost TBD 5 Sorters Road: $14M-$20M Engineering to widen*

OLD SORTERS RD.

BRIAR BERRY LN.

494

6 Briar Berry Lane: cost TBD 7 Galaxy Boulevard: cost TBD 8 Gene Campbell Road: cost TBD Intersection improvements 9 Hill and Dale Avenue at Tram Road: cost TBD

*ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK ONLY

NOTE: ONLY PRECINCT 4 BOND PROJECTS IN AND AROUND THE NEW CANEY AND PORTER AREAS ARE MAPPED. SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, LJA ENGINEERING/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Why it matters

Next steps

For residents and business owners in the area, the bond signals a chance to address traffic issues that have only worsened over the last decade, community leaders said. According to election results, 63% of East Montgomery County residents were in favor of the bond’s passage compared to 52.8% countywide. “This passage will help the county catch up and work to prepare for the incredible growth here,” said Mark Linabury, CEO and president of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber. “I believe voters realized the need to be proactive regarding roads and mobility, and the [election] results reflected that.” The bond will also help address issues on Gene Campbell Road, where the East Montgomery County Industrial Park is located. East Montgom- ery County Improvement District officials said growth of surrounding businesses in recent years has turned the two-lane road into a commercial thoroughfare for the community. “More businesses have come, and now residential [lots] and a school have made their

Sorters Road at FM 1314 Ford Road at Hwy. 59 Annual average daily traffic

On May 13, BOK Financials Managing Partner John Robuck—the county’s bond counsel—said the first $120 million in bond funds will be available by the end of July with no tax rate impact expected on property owners. Commissioners are also considering a special resolution that would allow the county to begin work on certain projects before the funds are officially available. “It is of the utmost importance to close out the old precinct business and to make those road improvements that were promised to East Montgomery County a decade ago,” Gray said. “Our goal is to get as many projects shovel-ready as possible to help deal with and manage the growth that we’re experiencing.”

20K

15K

+9.72%

10K

+26.52%

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

homes along [Gene Campbell Road] in the last few years,” said Kelley Mattlage, vice president and chief communications officer for EMCID. “Although funds are going to design at this point, the future construction to widen Gene Campbell will help alleviate some of the traffic congestion.”

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY HANNAH BROL

BY EMILY LINCKE

• $150 (individual), $600 (four players) • Oakhurst Golf Club, 20700 Mills Branch Drive, Porter • www.kingwoodfootballleague.net Montgomery County Market Days Shop for a variety of products from local vendors at this farmers market, which is held rain or shine. • June 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.montgomerycountymarketdays.com Father’s Day Car Show & Dad Rock Concert Dads are invited to spend a day at the waterpark featuring a car show and live music. • June 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (with purchase of another admission ticket) • Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures, 23101 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.bigriverswaterpark.com Touch a Truck event Get up close to fire engines, police cars and construction vehicles at this event held by the Porter Fire Department. • June 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • Porter Fire Station 121, 23550 Loop 494, Porter • www.porterfire.com

June

Ongoing projects

New Caney ISD Education Foundation golf tournament Proceeds from this annual golf tournament will be used for scholarships for NCISD employees. • June 2, 7 a.m. • Registration closed; sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available • The Clubs of Kingwood, 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail, Kingwood • www.newcaneyisd.org Family Movie Fridays The R.B. Tullis Branch Library will be hosting weekly family movie screenings this summer. • June 6, 13, 20, 27; 1 p.m. • Free • R.B. Tullis Branch Library, 21569 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.countylibrary.org Kingwood Football League Gridiron Golf Classic Proceeds from this golf tournament will go toward improvements for the organization’s facilities. • June 7, 7 a.m.

1 FM 1485 mill and overlay Project: FM 1485 will be repaired, and a new layer of asphalt will be added with new pavement markings and signs along a stretch of existing road between Old Houston Road and Kidd Cemetery Road. Update: The project was 6% complete, as of a May 1 report from the Texas Department of Transportation. The project contractor is Vulcan Materials Asphalt and Construction. • Timeline: second quarter 2025-second quarter 2026 • Cost: $8.8 million • Funding source: 80% federal, 20% state 2 FM 1314 rehabilitation Project: FM 1314 will be rehabilitated along existing road from Hwy. 242 to north of McQueen Road. Update: The project was 6% complete, as of a May 1 TxDOT report. The project contractor is R Civil Construction, LLC. • Timeline: first quarter 2025-fourth quarter 2028 • Cost: $31.4 million • Funding source: 80% federal, 20% state 3 Hwy. 242 widening Project: Hwy. 242 will be widened from two to four

242

SPEED ST.

OLD HOUSTON RD.

MCQUEEN RD.

1485

New Caney

Roman Forest

KIDD CEMETERY RD.

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

Splendora ISD Education Foundation golf tournament

1314

The seventh annual golf tournament benefiting the Splendora ISD Education Foundation will feature opportunities to golf and network. Participants of all golfing skill levels are welcome. • June 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • Registration closed; sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available • Oakhurst Golf Club, 20700 Mills Branch Drive, Porter • www.splendoraisdeducationfoundation.com

494

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Timeline: Dec. 2, 2019-second quarter 2025 • Cost: $76.5 million • Funding source: 80% federal, 20% state

lanes from west of FM 1485 to Hwy. 59. Update: The project was 95% complete, as of a May 1 TxDOT report. The project contractor is James Construction Group.

Porter

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

Development

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Construction moves forward on EMCID convention center

Preparations to lay the foundation of the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s convention center in New Caney are nearing completion as construction continues on the $108 million project, EMCID President and CEO Frank McCrady said. McCrady noted ocials broke ground on the project in March. The roughly 210,000-square-foot venue will feature: • A 55,000-square-foot ballroom and exhibit hall • About 20,000 square feet of meeting space • Around 25,000 square feet of lobby space and outdoor courtyards. McCrady said work crews should be ready to pour the facility’s foundation in late May. “This is a column-free building—no obstructions— which will be nice for future events,” said Kelley Mattlage, EMCID’s vice president and chief communications ocer.

PARK LAKE VIEW DR.

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

Located in Valley Ranch’s entertainment district, foundation preparations are underway for the East Montgomery County Improvement District’s convention center. COURTESY EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

What’s next

The impact

According to a 2021 economic analysis report, the project is expected to generate the following returns within the district over a 30-year period:

McCrady said the project represents a signif- icant investment into the growth of East Mont- gomery County. In November, EMCID’s board of directors approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of $159 million in sales tax revenue bonds to cover the cost of the convention center as well as an 813-space attached parking garage. Mattlage said the $159 million secured for the project includes potential contingency costs.

McCrady said construction on the project is expected to take around 18 months to complete, noting ocials are aiming to open the convention center in the fall of 2026. “We should be at the top of the list for major employment relocations, and this investment will certainly help move the needle,” McCrady said.

$1.73 billion in spending at area businesses $35.1 million in sales, hotel and venue tax revenue to the district

$775 million in new earnings by area businesses

500 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs More than

SOURCE: HUNDEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Luxury Real Estate with a Personal Touch

Advertise in the Health Care Edition

(281)-380-0332 deborahroserealtor@gmail.com

My mission is simple: to serve, connect, and deliver a real estate experience built on trust, knowledge, and heart.

ADS@COMMUNITYIMPACT. COM PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES | DIRECT MAIL

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

MORE STELLAR THAN USUAL!

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT MAY 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

DETOURS: Hoodoos in Big Bend Ranch State Park CRITTER: The Caprock Bison

OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Music Makers FEATURE PREVIEW: Meet the Texperts

Above: Big Bend Ranch State Park.

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

DETOURS

Clods and Monsters

Location: In Big Bend Ranch State Park, 26 miles west of the Barton Warnock Visitor Center BY PAM LEBLANC WALKING AMONG the weird spires of rock that sprout like giant mushrooms in Big Bend Ranch State Park feels like wandering the set of the original Star Trek series. The sand-colored hoodoos—some as tall as a two-story building—look otherworldly, but they developed natu- rally. Eons of wind and rain have scrubbed away softer materials such as fine-grained mudstone and porous tu at the base of the columns, leaving caps of hardened rock at the top. Use your imagination and you might see a human-shaped figure, a lumpy rendition of a troll, or a colossal bird egg balanced on a pedestal. These “fairy towers” famously appeared in the closing scenes of Boy- hood, Richard Linklater’s 2014 coming-of-age drama. An easy stop if you’re driving through the park, the Hoodoos Trail is about a mile long. If you’re not up for the walk, a shaded picnic table oers views of the hoodoos, the Rio Grande, and Mexico beyond.

acres, “they’re usually just cud chewing and wallowing and walking around like they have all day to do nothing,” says Na- talie Smith, a park interpreter. Still, she warns visitors to stay at least fifty yards, or half the length of a football field, away from a bison—and even more during rutting season, which typically lasts from June to September, when they can be aggressive. “If you get two bulls that are equally dominant and are physically equals, they can fight, and they will,” says park superintendent Donald Beard. “We have had bulls killed by other bulls.”

The bison at Caprock Canyons State Park, in the Panhandle, default to photogenic docility, as befits a noble symbol of the American West. They are the descendants of five herds, in- cluding one created by Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight, who in 1878 rescued several calves during the great slaughter that made the once plenti- ful bovines a rarity. There are other herds on private land, but Caprock’s has been designat- ed the o cial herd of Texas, a celebrity status the bison seem unaware of. Mostly unrued by the campers and day hikers who visit the park’s 15,314

YIKES. HOW DO I AVOID IRRITATING A BISON? Leave appropriate space be- tween yourself and any animal capable of tap dancing on your organs, and look out for signs of agitation. “If their tail is in the air, like it’s flagging, you need to step back,” says Smith. Ditto if it’s swinging its head from side to side. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M BEING CHARGED BY ONE? Beard says, “If you get into a situation where you’ve been charged, it’s too late.”

The Caprock Bison CRITTER OF THE MONTH

OH. —Lauren Larson

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

MADE IN TEXAS

The Sound Machinists A Houston-area company creates modern synthesizers with vintage vibes for Joe Walsh, Duran Duran, and LCD Soundsystem. BY MICHAEL HALL

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas

In the right hands—customers include Chro- meo, Duran Duran, LCD Soundsystem, and nu- merousfilmandTVsounddesigners—theycan create audio that is human and otherworldly, animated and moody, hard and soft. “The idea that synths are just beeps and bloops is not accurate at all,” says Mike Gra- ham, an engineer and the vice president of business development. “They can sound creepy; they can sound angry; they can sound happy or sad. They can sound inquisitive.” The company’s roots go back to 1969, when Roger Arrick, then an eight-year-old living in suburbanFortWorth,firstheardSwitched-On Bach, an album of the composer’s songs played on the synthesizer created by Robert Moog. To read the rest of this story and stories about other independent makers in Texas, subscribe to Texas Monthly.

THE BUILDING’S WALLS sometimes shake with a sonic rumble. Other times, it’s like a spaceship is flying overhead or as if the elec- tronic duo Daft Punk has reunited in this pleasant industrial park in Stafford, thirty minutes from downtown Houston. But it’s just business as usual at the workshop head- quarters of Synthesizers.com. Thecompanyhasmadeanalogmodularsyn- thesizers for nearly thirty years. The instru- ments are based on the classic Moog (rhymes with “vogue”) synths of the sixties and sev- enties, but these modern-day machines are cheaper and easier to play. They are elegant, with black panels, silver knobs, and red lights.

Numerous attendees at a pickle- themed event in New Braunfels claimed that it was a fiasco, with one unhappy patron posting that she “didn’t even get 1 pickle” and that organizers “should have called it the dusty long line festival.” A pig named Peppa and a blind dog named Amy were reunited with their owner after the lost pair trotted along- side U.S. 290 and wandered into a general store in Austin’s Harris Branch neighborhood. Drivers of two vacuum trucks caused a large explosion and fire after they al- legedly attempted to steal petroleum from a pipeline maintenance station near Orla. The discovery of more than one hun- dred human teeth buried in the yard of a Hondo home prompted an investiga- tion by local police, who found out that the previous owners of the property were dentists who may have been fol- lowing a tradition of burying teeth for good luck . A state representative from Smithville introduced a bill called the Forbidden Unlawful Representation of Roleplay- ing in Education (FURRIES) Act, which would ban “non-human” behavior in schools, such as wearing a tail. A substation explosion at Texas Tech University caused widespread power outages and the eruption of green flames from manhole covers across campus. —Meher Yeda

Mike Graham operates a Studio-110 system at the Synthesizers.com oce in Staord.

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Space Center Houston tour guide Irwin Stewart.

for a movie about space to get a VIP tour from Stewart, though he has guided actor Natalie Portman, who portrayed an astronaut in 2019’s Lucy in the Sky, and director Alfonso Cuarón, an Oscar winner for 2013’s Gravity . You just have to reserve a spot on one of Stewart’s week- days-only excursions, which cost about $200 per person and are limited to small groups. With light gray hair styled in the manner of Albert Einstein’s, the 56-year-old Stewart is expressive and enthusiastic, often peppering conversations with “Did you know that?” He and eleven others on the Space Center’s sta give these specialized tours, and Stewart is comfortable with famous visitors. He is also a certified commercial pilot who spent more than a decade as an aircraft-maintenance in- structor. In other words, he can go deep on all things that fly. He can easily talk for three hours, the average length of a tour, and show no sign of flagging. Stewart greets me on a hot fall day at the entrance to Space Center Houston and makes small talk while he escorts me around the back of the building to a black SUV. Then, as he drives onto the NASA campus, he launch- es into tour guide mode. His voice becomes louder and more animated. “There’s one hundred buildings on this cam- pus! Each has its own specialty.” To read the rest of this article about Stew- art and more of our favorite tour guides all across Texas, subscribe to Texas Monthly.

IF YOU’VE BEEN among the million-plus annual visitors to Space Center Houston, the museum at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, you’ve probably seen the Apollo 17 command module, walked through the replica of the space shuttle Independence, and touched a moon rock. You may have even taken a tram to the 1,600-acre working campus behind the museum and walked up to the Saturn V rocket —more than thirty stories tall—lying on its side like a giant in repose. But have you met Irwin Stewart? You don’t have to be a celebrity preparing

FEATURE PREVIEW

Meet the Texperts Tour guides, park rangers, and docents interpret our state in wildly different ways, but their mission is the same: tell a story no one would ever want to walk away from. BY KATY VINE

TEXAS MONTHLY : WRITTEN BY TEXANS FOR TEXANS FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF READERS.

TEXASMONTHLY.COM/TEXAN Subscribe to Texas Monthly for just $9 and never miss a story!

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Community

BY HANNAH BROL

President and CEO Mark Linabury (center) runs the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber with help from chamber sta and members of the chamber’s board of directors.

COURTESY GREATER EAST MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAMBER

President, CEO Mark Linabury talks East Montgomery County growth ahead of chamber’s 35th anniversary

didn’t have much competition in the area, and so they’re having to step up their game and gure out ways to market and connect and make sure people know about them. Is there any state legislation the chamber is keeping an eye on this session? This year, we’re still watching the commercial property taxation piece. Homeowners ... are getting all kinds of [property tax] protection and relief, [but] commercial doesn’t have any of that and ... there is no control on the property appraisal side of it. So we’re really hoping something permanent will go in place because that directly aects the business community. Not every business owns the land, but somebody does, and they’re the ones charging the rent and passing it on [to tenants]. What do you see for the future of East Montgomery County’s business community? We have a lot of hospitality-based businesses— food and retail—which is a great indicator because that’s really a stepping stone in the economic development piece. So you’ll start to see more managerial companies and corporations looking for headquarters starting to look at this area. You’ve [also] got to have quality places to live ... with the new master-planned communities ... you can start to understand how it’s all coming together, but none of it happens overnight. The landscape of East Montgomery County looks a lot dierent today than it did 10 years ago.

chamber. We’ve been able to more than double our budget, and we put that back into our programs that every member can benet from. What do you attribute this membership growth to? We adopted a member-focused, opportunity- driven philosophy that we believe is a game changer for our chamber. Chamber membership, we feel, is that step above just doing business in the community. It’s being part of the business community, and we really feel that has made a dierence, too. People feel that they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves, and that seems to resonate. What is the role of a chamber in a community? A lot of people think it’s just networking and ribbon-cuttings, but we do a lot more than that— we’re a voice for businesses. We have a leadership program—Pathway to Leadership EMC—and we are getting into the workforce development space. We’re working with our school districts and learning from our business community where the skill gaps are, and serving as a conduit between the two. Chambers are also known for advocacy; we’re not activists, but we advocate. What challenges are businesses in East Montgomery County facing today? East Montgomery County is growing at a record pace. They know it’s becoming more of a competitive market. Some of the businesses really

Mark Linabury became the president and CEO of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber in August 2019. Prior to that, he served on the chamber’s board of directors beginning in 2017 and was elected board chair in 2019. As a lifelong entrepreneur with a background in marketing, Linabury said he is uniquely suited for his current role with the chamber as he knows rsthand the challenges business owners face. Linabury sat down with Community Impact for an interview May 7 to discuss the chamber’s evolution as it approaches its 35th anniversary this summer. What do you enjoy most about your current role? I have a passion for local brands because they are the only thing that keeps communities unique—it’s what gives them personality. Without them, we’d kind of all look the same with the big brands—which we need as well—but being able to help the local brands has always been a passion of mine. How has the chamber’s membership changed during your tenure? This chamber traditionally averaged at about 300 members over the years, and we were able to increase that average to 500 members within three years of my rst calendar year [as president and CEO], and that’s where we kind of maintain right now. The rst quarter of this year compared to last year, new membership was up 45%. So when I see things like that, it lets me know that business is condent in our area [and] they see value in our

To read the full Q&A online, visit communityimpact.com .

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Owner Junie Brewer is celebrating Junie B’s Snowcones fth anniversary in May.

Junie B’s funnel cakes are made with homemade batter and can be customized with a variety of toppings.

PHOTOS BY JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Junie B’s Snowcones serves sweets in New Caney On her 14th birthday in 2020, Junie Brewer was handed the keys to a snow cone stand—a gift that was not only a gesture, but a vote of condence from her family. most rewarding part about owning a snow cone stand is being able to serve families in the same community where she grew up and watch them grow with her business.

The snow cone stand features a turf area with a playground, swings, picnic tables and games.

“We still have the same customers from the rst season we opened. And, now they’re basically like

Five years later, Junie B’s Snowcones has become a staple in the New Caney community and gained a loyal local following. Staying local Easily spotted down the road from miles away, Junie B’s Snowcones features bright shades of pink, owers, umbrellas and ample space for photo opportunities. The family-friendly snow cone stand features a playground for children, swings, picnic tables and games like Connect Four. As a New Caney resident herself, Brewer said the

494

family,” Brewer said. Must-try menu items

CUTTLER RD.

With over 200 snow cone avors, Junie B’s also oers Blue Bell ice cream, Mexican corn nachos, wrapped pickles, candy, fried Twinkies and home- made funnel cakes. The snow cone stand operates from March to October and has a mobile truck that can be booked for on-site events.

21120 Loop 494, New Caney www.facebook.com/juniebssnowcones

Advertise in the Home Edition

PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES DIRECT MAIL

ADS@COMMUNITYIMPACT. COM

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 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

communityimpact.com