Tomball - Magnolia Edition | April 2025

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Tomball Magnolia Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 7 MAY 3JUNE 3, 2025

FM 1488 construction continues as local businesses feel eects BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & LIZZY SPANGLER The Texas Department of Transportation is widening FM 1488 from two to four lanes between FM 1774 and west of FM 149, a project set to wrap up in 2027. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact)

• Projects' timelines, costs • Magnolia's population growth • Impact on businesses Find out more inside 18

Also in this issue Impacts: See when the Magnolia-area location of Lowe’s will open its doors (Page 6)

Business: Explore the history of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber (Page 22)

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Models are not an indication of racial preference. Floor plans, maps and renderings are artist’s conception based on preliminary information, not to scale and subject to change. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. School enrollment and boundaries subject to change. Equal Housing Opportunity. 4/25. TM

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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 Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Kevin Vu

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

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

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts

• 20255 Champion Forest Drive, Spring • www.pterrys.com

149

1486

3 CrossFit Salute The business reopened in Tomball after an eight-month closure. Previously located at 9711 FM 2920, Ste. 100, Tomball, the gym provides personal fitness instruction in a small group setting and offers up to seven daily classes. • Reopened April 1 • 8028 Dowdell Road, Ste. 104, Tomball • www.crossfitsalute.com 4 Ruah Cafe Owner Daniel Vengoechea said the cafe serves items such as toast, crepes, specialty coffees, wine, smoothies and salads. • Opened March 19 • 30420 FM 2978, Ste. 430, The Woodlands • www.ruahcafe.com 5 Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids The business offers haircut services for children ages 0-14 years old. • Opened March 1 6 Sweet Magnolias Frozen Yogurt The shop offers a topping bar of over 30 toppings and 15 frozen yogurt flavors. • Opened March 22 • 18423 FM 1488, Ste. E100, Magnolia • www.sweetmagnoliastx.com 7 SunCo. Beachwear The business offers a variety of swimwear and beachwear. Offerings include swimwear, cover-ups, loungewear, sundresses, travel gifts and accessories. • Opened March 26 • 408 W. Main St., Tomball • Facebook: SunCo. Beachwear 8 Ohana Poke Bowl The business offers Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls with Japanese influence and Cajun seafood alongside specialty • 6531 FM 1488, Ste. 313, Magnolia • www.sharkeyscutsforkids.com

1488

17B

TAMINA RD.

Magnolia

6 19

W.L ANE

249 TOLL

MAGNOLA VILLAGE DR.

1774

1488

2978

242 ST. LUKES WAY

2978

STAGECOACH RD.

HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.

249

ZION RD.

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

Tomball

17A

2920

CYPRESS ROSEHILL RD.

99 TOLL

HOLDERRIETH RD.

2920

99 TOLL

NORTHPOINTE BLVD.

CHAMPION FOREST DR.

N. ELDRIDGE PKWY.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• 6318 FM 1488, Ste. 110, Magnolia • www.mymagnoliasoap.com

Now open

1 Magnolia Soap & Bath The family-owned and -operated business sells plant- based, locally handcrafted soap and bath products, laundry detergent, home items and more. • Opened March 14

2 P. Terry’s Burger Stand The restaurant offers a menu of hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers, as well as breakfast sandwiches, which are served until 11 a.m. daily. • Opened April 7

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• Relocated April 1 • 32211 FM 2978, Magnolia • Facebook: Lucky Sparrow Tattoo and Piercing

drinks, including boba tea, milk tea and slushes. • Opened March 7 • 9803 Spring Cypress Road, Ste. 700, Houston • www.ohanapokebowl.kwickmenu.com 9 HITGolf 247 The business is a golf training facility focusing on game improvement and overall physical fitness led by founders Thomas Barnes and James Bonham. • Opened Feb. 23 • 8749 W. Lane, Ste. B, Magnolia • www.hitgolf247.com 10 Legend’s Barbershop The business’s second location opened in Magnolia. The shop offers haircuts for men and kids. There is also a

In the news

Expansions

14 Magnolia Bible Preschool The school will go from seven classrooms to 12 classrooms for its preschool program for children 18 months to 5 years old. Magnolia Bible Preschool will also add two private kindergarten classes. • Expanding in August

• 31611 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia • www.magnolia.church/mbpreschool

18 Goodson’s Cafe The restaurant is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, owner Jimmy Fogarty confirmed. The restaurant has been open since 1950 and was originally started by Ella Goodson. Fogarty said he became the owner in 1985. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including chicken fried steak, pork chops and blackened catfish, per its website.

In the news

location in Conroe. • Opened March 16 • 10204 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.legendsbarbershoptx.com

15 Blue Skye Boutique The boutique celebrated its fifth anniversary Feb. 22. Blue Skye Boutique began online before opening a storefront last fall. • 27503 Tomball Parkway, Ste. 10, Tomball • www.blueskyeboutique.com 16 Texas Children’s The Woodlands In an April 2 news release, officials announced the hospital was officially certified as a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by the Texas Department of State Health Services. • 17600 I-45, The Woodlands • www.texaschildrens.org/locations/texas-childrens- hospital/the-woodlands 17 Chili’s The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The restaurant’s menu features American and Tex-Mex cuisine, including burgers, chicken, fajitas, pasta and

11 The Kebab Shop The fast-casual restaurant serves Mediterranean bowls, wraps and plates that customers can customize, according to its website. • Opened April 9 • 32822 FM 2978, Ste. 1500, Magnolia • www.thekebabshop.com

• 27931 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.goodsonscafe.com

Coming soon

19 Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce The Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber changed its name to the Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce to better represent the area, President Laurie Clifton said. • 18423 FM 1488, Ste. C, Magnolia • www.swmcchamber.org The Texas State Troopers Foundation The nonprofit organization established by the Texas State Troopers Association officially launched with the goal of raising $1 million in its first year, according to an April 2 news release. • www.texasstatetroopers.org/foundation

12 Lowe’s The business’s new location in Magnolia is set to open its doors with a grand opening celebration on May 9, according to a March 29 news release. • Opening May 9 • 4427 Magnolia Village Drive, Magnolia • www.lowes.com

seafood, according to its website. • A 14006 FM 2920, Tomball • B 6603 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.chilis.com

Relocations

13 Lucky Sparrow Tattoo and Piercing The shop was previously located along FM 1488 in Magnolia.

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Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County overhauls development regulations

What else?

Another new development regulation will require all subdivisions or commercial properties within unincorporated areas which disturb more than 15,000 square feet to have a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. The plan will require developers to have measures in place to prevent silt and sediment from running off into local drainage systems. “Now we will have quality roads, quality devel- opments, and roads and drainage that will last 30 years now instead of lasting 10 or 12 [years]; and that’s a must,” Riley said. The regulations are applicable to all new developments outside of existing municipalities such as Magnolia, Stagecoach and The Woodlands Township. The new regulations will also be retroactive for one year prior to the adoption date, meaning any new developments registered with the county since March 4, 2024 will also need to come into compliance.

Montgomery County commissioners adopted the county’s first overhaul of its development regulations in March, setting standards and requirements for new developments in unincorporated areas of the county for the first time in over 40 years. Work on the new regulations began in 2023 under former County Engineer Dan Wilds, who died in May 2024. According to county documents, the last time the county updated development regulation standards was 1984. A committee was formed in July 2024 consisting of Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray and Director of Engineering Services Thomas Woolley to work on creating the new regulations alongside representatives from several engineering firms, including: • Sam Yager, Inc. • Stoecker Corporation

Directing development

Under the new regulations, a traffic impact analysis is required for the following developments:

Single-family residential 100+ lots Multifamily residential 200+ units

Commercial developments 100+ acres or 1,000+ average daily traffic

The size of home lots is also being regulated:

The new regulations apply only to unincorporated areas, and not to municipalities.

• The Signorelli Company • Pape-Dawson Engineers • Quiddity Engineering • Elevation Land Solutions

Minimum residential lot width 40 feet

Unincorporated Montgomery County

Municipalities

Maximum residential driveway width 25 feet

“As a group, we decided that we had to get together, and we wanted top notch development,” Riley said. “We’re not trying to keep anybody out of Montgomery County; we just want top notch developers working for us.” Among the new regulations, developers will now be required to submit a traffic impact analysis with most new residential and commercial developments. A traffic impact analysis is a study which examines if existing road infrastructure will be able to support new traffic or if improvements to a roadway are required. All developments will also now be required to have a minimum of a 6-foot privacy fence if the development backs up to an existing residential area.

Maximum commercial driveway 45 feet

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ENGINEERING OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We pored over these regulations for 18 months until we finally settled on what I would call balanced development regulations,” Gray said. “If you overregulate, it gets so difficult to get the type of development that you want in the area and the type of businesses, because it’s too expensive and it’s too stringent. So you’ve got to have a balance.”

105

Magnolia

Stagecoach

99 TOLL

249

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We’re going to make sure everybody’s following the law,” Gray said. “We’re going to make sure residents in those areas, those subdivisions, they have a peaceful day. ... We’re going to help protect those property owners.”

re-evaluated in the near future. The regulations will also be retroactively effective for any new developments registered within one year prior to the official effective date of March 17, meaning some developments may need to submit additional information and receive additional permits.

Next steps

While Montgomery County does have a drainage criteria manual, Gray said during a State of the Precinct address on March 12 those regulations are also set to be

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Government

BY MELISSA ENAJE & JESSICA SHORTEN

County jail facing inmate overcrowding Montgomery County commissioners approved an interlocal agreement April 8 for Waller County to house inmates due to over- crowding at the Montgomery County Jail. Two-minute impact Montgomery County Sheri Wesley Doolittle presented the agreement to com- missioners, which would see the Waller County Jail house up to 45 Montgomery County inmates for $75 each per day. Doolittle said the Texas Commission on Jail Standards requires county jails to keep their capacity around 90% of the total available space. However, Doolittle said the county has been operating between 94%- 116% since he took oce Jan. 1.

Harris County to consider election precinct boundary change Harris County commissioners will consider adjusting election precinct boundaries to 16 dierent voting precincts throughout the county in May due to a surplus of registered voters. Explained The 16 election precincts throughout Harris County have exceeded the state’s registered voter population requirement that calls for no more than 5,000 registered voters in each precinct, according to the county administration website. “Only election precinct boundaries are adjusted, so there are no changes to any voters’ ballots in terms of the contests in which they vote,” the county administration website states. The proposed changes include the Tomball-area

Voting Precinct 126 Proposed voting Precinct 126A Proposed voting Precinct 126B

99 TOLL

MUESCHKE RD.

SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY OFFICE OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

voting Precinct No. 126, which has 6,409 regis- tered voters. What residents should know Harris County commissioners will vote on these adjustments May 8. Voters from the various precincts can attend the public hearing May 8 and submit comments regarding the proposed changes. The public hearing and adoption of changes are scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Down- town Houston courtroom, located at 1001 Preston St., Houston.

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Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & JESSICA SHORTEN

Tomball advances on $30M for projects During its April 21 meeting, Tomball City Council approved publishing a notice of intent to issue $30 million in certicates of obligation—a way cities can borrow money— to fund capital projects. “It doesn’t obligate the city to issue the debt,” Assistant City Manager Jessica Rogers said. “It allows us to start the process ... and [start] preparing for the issuance.” Rogers said by publishing the notice of

Magnolia re stations While Station No. 186 is closed, crews will be assigned to Stations Nos. 182 and 185.

1488

242

Station 185

E S E A R

Station 186 [Temporarily closed]

SOURCE: MAGNOLIA FIRE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1744

2978

249

Station 182

Safety concerns causes Magnolia Fire Station No. 186 to temporarily close, assign crews to other stations

intent, the city cannot exceed the $30 million amount for the issuance. The details

The $30 million will be used for two scal year 2024-25 capital improvement projects, and the closing and delivery of funds should happen in July, Rogers said.

Magnolia City Council OKs $20K in funding for rst police substation Magnolia City Council gave nal approval of the build-out cost for the Magnolia Police Depart- ment’s rst substation during its April 8 meeting. Diving in deeper The substation—located within the Magnolia Village development near FM 1488 and Spur 149— is designed to serve ocers already patrolling the FM 1488 area. Having a centralized space nearby is expected to improve eciency, espe- cially during peak trac hours, Police Chief Kyle Montgomery said. What you need to know The city will now make a single payment of $160,327 for the full build-out, with $140,000 reimbursed from the developer of Magnolia crews assigned to Station No. 186 will be split between Station No. 182 and Station No. 185, per the release. Emergency response operations are expected to continue without interference. “The Magnolia Fire Department remains com- mitted to protecting both its personnel and the community, and appreciates the public’s support and understanding,” Magnolia Fire Department ocials said via news release. Community Impact has reached out to the Magnolia Fire Department for additional details.

County to sponsor clean energy program As of March 25, Montgomery County is moving forward on creating its rst Property Assessed Clean Energy program. In a nutshell The PACE program is a nancing initiative provided through the state Legislature and the Texas Comptroller’s Oce, which allows for commercial property owners to apply for long-term loans to upgrade energy and water infrastructure such as heating, venti- lation and air conditioning system upgrades. Lee McCormick, founder and president of Lone Star PACE, said the PACE program provides an incentive for commercial property owners to upgrade to energy- and water-conserving infrastructure instead of funding continued maintenance on old systems. A recent assessment of Magnolia Fire Department Station No. 186 has caused the station to temporarily close, citing safety con- cerns, per an April 17 news release. What we know The department is working toward rehabil- itation of the station to allow crews to “safely return to the site in the near future,” as stated in the release. While the station is temporarily closed, the

East water plant: $9.86M South Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion: $20.14M

Total: $30M

SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALLCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1488

Village, Montgomery said. “The development company really came through for us,” Montgomery said. “We knew costs would be above the original $140,000 estimate, but construction ination over the past two years made that gap wider.” Montgomery said the 1,000-square-foot substa- tion is expected to improve operations for ocers in the area. Ocers will now be able to write reports, meet with residents and complete other tasks in a closer area, reducing travel time and allowing for a stronger law enforcement presence. There is no set completion date at this time, Montgomery said.

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Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA, DANICA LLOYD & RYAN REYNOLDS

TISD projects $220M in revenue for FY 2025-26 Tomball ISD is projecting $220 million in reve- nue for the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, according to a presentation by TISD Chief Financial Officer Zack Boles at an April 15 board workshop. The presentation focused solely on the budget cycle and projected revenue, which Boles said are up about 2.8% from the FY 2024-25 budget. Boles said he will present FY 2025-26 expenditures to trustees May 12. The details Boles said TISD is developing its FY 2025-26 bud- get with a focus on meeting student needs, staying competitive, supporting staff and maintaining facilities. At the same time, Boles said the district faces challenges such as a tight labor market, rising costs due to inflation and ongoing supply shortages. The timeline Boles said TISD is following a clear timeline to develop and finalize the FY 2025-26 budget:

LSC-University Park to get new equipment Lone Star College-University Park’s artificial intelligence program is getting new equipment following a $12,000 donation from the Society of Information Manage- ment’s Houston chapter, according to an April 16 news release. SIM Houston, a group of local information technology industry leaders, presented the donation at its annual charity golf tourna- ment April 11, officials said. The organization partnered with LSC-UP to help launch its AI lab last year. The impact The donation will fund new equipment at LSC-UP’s Engineering and Manufacturing Institute to give students hands-on expe- riences with the latest AI, data science and machine learning technology.

Tomball ISD revenue history

Audited

Budgeted

Projected

$250M

$225M

$220M

$200M

$175M

$184M

$150M

+19.4%

$75M

2021-22

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT 2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

• April/May: board budget workshops, certified estimates of property values • June: public hearing and adoption of the 2025- 26 budget • July: certified property values received from

Harris and Montgomery counties • September: adopt the tax rate

MISD approves rezoning for new section within Audubon community Magnolia ISD’s board of trustees approved an attendance zone change for Williams Elementary to account for Heron Run, a new section of the master-planned community Audubon, at its April 14 meeting. The gist Heron Run includes 821 lots, broken down into around 490 that will be completed in 2025 and around 331 that will be completed in 2026, as previously reported by Community Impact. The section was originally zoned to attend Williams Elementary School but is now zoned to attend Audubon Elementary, according to the meeting agenda. A closer look The district made the change to “avoid splitting subdivision zones between different elementary schools,” according to the agenda packet. Williams Elementary has the largest enrollment

2025-26 MISD elementary feeder zones The MISD elementary zoning boundaries were changed to accommodate Heron Run.

TOM KEATING DR.

S T .

Audubon Elementary zone Williams Elementary zone Area of change: Heron Run

Great Oak School holds groundbreaking Great Oak School held a groundbreaking March 26 for its new campus expansion that will open for the 2025-26 school year. The framework Great Oak School first opened its doors in 2009 and serves grades pre-K through eighth grade. The school is located at 715 Carrell St. in Tomball. The school will have five early childhood classrooms, an administration building with a kitchen and an amphitheater on 10 acres in Tomball. Tuition ranges from $3,000 to $16,500, per Great Oak School’s website. The construction is in Phase I, with the work being completed by Boatman Con- struction LLC, a Tomball-based company.

149

249

1774

1488

SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

of any of the district’s elementary schools, with 808 students enrolled during the 2024-25 school year, according to the agenda packet and the district’s fall 2024 demographic report. Audubon Elementary currently has one of the district’s low- est enrollment counts with 509 students enrolled during the 2024-25 school year.

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Development

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Development set to bring lagoon, beaches to Magnolia area in 2026

REMINGTON FOREST W.

1488

JOSEPH RD.

BIRCH CREEK

Work is set to be completed in May 2026 on a development north of FM 1488 that will bring a lagoon, beaches and other amenities to the Mag- nolia area, Uri Man, CEO of The Lagoon Develop- ment Company, confirmed in a March 28 interview with Community Impact . “This is an economic equalizer,” Man said. “People can now drive a short distance from their homes and access crystal clear water and white sandy beaches instead of having to get on a plane and fly to the Bahamas. They can do it right it in their backyard.” In a nutshell Man said the development broke ground in December on its $30 million Phase I. “Our lagoons are strategically located in differ- ent segments of the Houston market so that they

can be easily reached by the general population for public access and so they don’t cannibalize each other,” Man said. Man also said that future phases of the develop- ment could potentially include: • An amphitheater for concerts and shows • Housing or hotels around the lagoon • A boardwalk with restaurants and lagoon views “There’s a variety of potential additional ameni- ties that could be added to the lagoon,” Man said. Man said there is no target date for the full com- pletion of the entire development. Elsewhere in the Houston area, there are lagoon developments in Dayton, Humble and Texas City. “The lagoon really has a big impact on the community because people get to know each other,” Man said.

Phase I of the development will include:

A parking lot for over 1,000 cars A swim-up bar A National

Building the entire lagoon

Four different beaches

A food truck court

Sailing Club for paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing

A floating obstacle course

SOURCE: THE LAGOON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

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FM 1488 construction continues as local businesses feel effects From the cover

The current situation

5-year estimates. As the population has grown, so too has the number of businesses. According to a Community Impact analysis, since 2022, over 80 businesses have opened along FM 1488 between Abney Lane and Hwy. 242, including H-E-B, Starbucks and Lowe’s—the latter of which is opening May 9. Laurie Clifton, president of the Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, said the corridor continues to attract businesses due to the area’s population growth and long-term infrastructure upgrades. “While some acknowledge the construction as a challenge, many see it as a strategic investment in future traffic flow and commercial viability,” Clifton said in a statement.

impactful since 2020.” While businesses are facing challenges, Magnolia Mayor Matthew Dantzer said he believes the projects will be of benefit in the future. “It’s a much-needed pain, unfortunately, for us to go through currently, and I’m sure it has affected some small businesses just because of the lack of ease of getting in and out,” Dantzer said. “However, once it’s done, that ease is going to be relieved, and we’re going to have more traffic going through, which will bring more patrons to small businesses.” Meanwhile, the Magnolia area is growing and developing. Between 2018 and 2023, Magnolia’s population rose 46.35% while the population in the ZIP codes of 77354 and 77355 increased by 10.42% and 13%, respectively, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey

FM 1488 has been under construction in Magnolia since 2020. The first widening project for the road began in 2020, while a second widening project began in 2022 and a project to add raised medians to FM 1488 began in 2023. Leo Flores, a public information officer with the Texas Department of Transportation, said he believes these three projects—estimated to wrap up between 2025 and 2027—are needed to improve safety and mobility in the area. However, local business owners said construction and traffic issues are affecting their businesses. “Hopefully [the raised median project] has been beneficial for traffic and accidents,” said Trisha Plagens, a Magnolia resident and owner of Cactus Flower Boutique. “But it has definitely been very impactful on my business, probably the most

FM 1488 development

Business openings

2022

2023 2024 2025 2026

Magnolia

KELLY RD.

242

249

2978

1774

COMMERCE ST.

Tomball

DORIS DR.

NOTE: THIS MAP IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

Average traffic counts at FM 1488 intersections

50K

1 Widening west of Magnolia Project: Widening from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane • Timeline: November 2020-third quarter 2025 • Cost: $35.6M • Funding source: state funds 2 Widening through Magnolia Project: Widening from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane • Timeline: June 2022-second quarter 2027 • Cost: $49M • Funding source: state funds 3 Raised medians project Project: Constructing raised medians • Timeline: first quarter 2023-second quarter 2026 • Cost: $11.2M • Funding sources: federal, state funds

Percentage increase between 2019-23

40K

West of FM 2978 +17.2%

30K

West of Spur 149 +45.5%

20K

East of Kelly Road +18.1%

West of Commerce Street +18.4%

10K

West of Dorris Road +9.4%

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

SOURCES: LOCAL BUSINESSES, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN & LIZZY SPANGLER

What they’re saying

Stay tuned

Clifton said many businesses have expressed customer navigation issues due to the raised medi- ans and turn restrictions, dips in sales and foot trac, and concerns about roadwork timelines. Dana Frazier, owner of Six Shooter Junction Boutique, said the FM 1488 widening has hurt her business. “People complain all the time that they can’t get to the store because the trac is so horrible,” Frazier said. “Which [TxDOT] has made some great progress as far as doing the best they can and getting some of it done. It’s just taken so very long; it hasn’t been a quick project.” Plagens said she believes people are scared of the U-turns caused by the raised medians. “And if they have to U-turn, they’re not going to do it. They’re just going to avoid that busi- ness,” Plagens said.

Both FM 1488 widenings are on schedule, Flores said. Final striping for the widening between the Waller County line and FM 1774 was scheduled to begin the week of April 14, with the whole project set to be completed in the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, the raised median project is approximately 70% complete, Flores said. Contractors are working on constructing curbs and medians. That project will be completed by the second quarter of 2026, according to a March 10 media update from TxDOT. Dantzer said the city is also working in partnership with county contractors and staff to identify roads that are in need of repair, with $3.5 million budgeted to repair those roads.

“It hasn’t really hurt my business yet. I think the traffic is coming, and once the traffic comes in the next year or two, it could have some impact.” MIKE KELTON, OWNER, TREEHOUSE CAFE

“All these projects are essential to improving safety and mobility in response to increased traffic volumes in the area.” LEO FLORES, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

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Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Plant Symposia The Harry Potter-themed Plant Symposia will feature a kids’ corner, plant expert-led talks, demonstrations, a photo booth and treats. • May 17, 2-4 p.m. • Free • Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library, 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • www.hcpl.net Paint Your Pet and Sip Night Grab a paintbrush and paint a portrait of your furry friend while enjoying food and drinks. Step-by-step instructions are provided.

May

‘Toy Story’ at The Depot Enjoy “Toy Story” under the stars. • May 10, 5-9 p.m. • Free • Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball • www.tomballtx.gov Cypress Symphonic Band Concert Attend a late spring concert featuring the Canyon Pointe Elementary children’s and handbell choirs. • May 10, 7 p.m. • $10 (general admission) • Tomball Memorial High School, 19100 Northpointe Ridge Lane, Tomball • www.cypresssymphonicband.org Vintage Car Festival Register your vehicle to participate in the 11th annual Vintage Car Festival or enjoy the car show for free. • May 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • $20-$25 (car registration), Free (spectator admission) • First Presbyterian Church Tomball, 30410 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • www.fpctomball.org

• May 21, 6-9 p.m. • $40 (admission) • Crazy Train Bar, 38925 FM 1774, Magnolia • www.tropicalexpressionspsp.com

Children’s Entrepreneur Market Attend a farmers market run by kids with various vendors to shop from and activities. • May 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Paradigm Brewing Company, 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball • www.childrensentrepreneurmarket.com

The Prevailing Winds Concert The Memorial Day concert will honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served the nation. • May 26, 7 p.m. • Free (admission) • Lone Star College-Tomball Performing Arts Center, 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • www.lonestar.edu

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Business

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Tomball chamber celebrates 60 years of community support The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Com- merce is celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of advocacy, service and connection across the business community and residents of Tomball. Though ocially incorporated in 1965, President and CEO Bruce Hillegeist said that its roots stretch back even further. “There are telegrams from the 1920s in the old depot referencing the Tomball Chamber of Commerce,” Hillegeist said. “It wasn’t incor- porated yet, but business owners were already working together, grassroots-style, to better the community.” Marking a milestone Over the years, the chamber has evolved into what it is today—a hub of support for nearly 850

members, ranging from small businesses to major manufacturers. Hillegeist said its mission is to provide resources and foster an environment that helps businesses. “If businesses prosper, people get jobs, buy homes, invest in the community—it’s a ripple eect,” Hillegeist said. Far more than ribbon cuttings and luncheons, the chamber tackles wide-ranging issues, from mobility to education to legislative advocacy, Hillegeist said. “We’ve been to Austin twice this year alone,” Hillegeist said. “We bring our top priorities, like public school funding, workforce development and water infrastructure, straight to lawmakers. We’re not lobbyists, we’re advocates.” A closer look But Hillegeist said the chamber’s work goes further than business and advocacy, also serving as a local resource for residents, too. “We have people walk in asking all kinds of things—where to eat, how to recycle, where to get a driver’s license,” Director of Communication

Amy Mason said. “Our motto is even if we don’t have the answer, we’ll help you nd it. We want no one to leave here without a path forward.” Community events like the annual Holiday Parade and Miss Tomball Pageant are among the chamber’s visible works. “The parade has over 160 entries, 5,000 participants, with 40,000 in attendance. It’s not just a show, it’s about community pride and connection,” Mason said. “We call it ‘two miles of smiles.’” What else? With a ve-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which is an honor shared by fewer than 3% of chambers nationwide, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber is widely recog- nized for its excellence, Hillgeist said. Despite a small sta, the chamber runs on the energy of its volunteers and members, Mason said. “We can’t do it alone,” Mason said. “Our ambassadors, board members and civic-minded individuals are the heartbeat of what we do.”

Each year, the chamber honors the volunteer of the year.

COURTESY GREATER TOMBALL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

29201 Quinn Road, Ste. B, Tomball www.tomballchamber.org

Events like the annual Holiday Parade and Miss Tomball Pageant are among the chamber’s visible works.

COURTESY GREATER TOMBALL AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TOMBALL PARKWAY 28595 Tomball Pkwy (281) 290-7810 SPRING STUEBNER 6603 Spring Stuebner Rd (281) 288-0239

THE WOODLANDS 10491 Kuykendahl (281) 681-9110 GOSLING ROAD SPRING 24527 Gosling Rd (281) 516-9404

2024 - 2025

Garrett McClurg Audubon Elem.

Christine Paord Bear Branch Elem.

Allyson Peyton Ellisor Elem.

Katie Phillips Lyon Elem.

Megan Turner Magnolia Elem.

Dawn Garcia Magnolia Parkway

Angela Lagunas Nichols Sawmill

Shanea Smith Smith Elem.

Alexis Cook Williams Elem.

Laura Sudderth Bear Branch Int.

Katherine Burnham Magnolia Int.

Bailey Kelly Bear Branch J.H.

Ashley Sorbel Magnolia J.H.

David Youngblood Magnolia High

Heather Dalton Magnolia West

Dana Dean Stephens Academy

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

JUST FORE! YOU

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WEEKENDER: A Big Time in Big Spring CRITTER: Gray Fox MADE IN TEXAS: A Recipe for Stunning Ceramics OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas FEATURE PREVIEW: The Texas Monthly Profile of Scottie Scheffler

Above: Hotel Settles, in Big Spring.

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

CRITTER

Gray Fox

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY ONE? Look for a black stripe, typically run- ning down the length of the animal’s back. Gray foxes also have a “bright orange patch on the side of their face and neck,” says Amanda Veals Dutt, a postdoctoral scientist at Sul Ross State University. That distinguishes the species from the slightly larger, non-native red fox (which settlers near Waco introduced for hunting in the 1890s) and two smaller species: the swift fox, found in the Panhandle, and the kit fox, which roams West Texas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT? It can thrive in a range of habitats, in part because it’ll eat almost anything —mice, small birds, insects—and it seems to enjoy living close to humans. Attacks on us (or dogs or cats) are rare, but rabbits and guinea pigs might make a tasty snack. And if you keep chickens? “They’re basically ice-cream cones running around,” says John Tomeček, a carnivore ecologist at Texas A&M University. ANY URBAN FOX TALES? In October 2021, in front of at least one hundred onlookers at the San Antonio River Walk, firefighters rescued a baby gray fox stranded on a window ledge about 25 feet o¥ the ground. More re- cently, Bethany Snowden, a lieutenant with the city’s animal care services department, sent colleagues to scoop up a fox that had wandered into a court- house. “We enjoy saving urban wildlife,” she says, adding that both foxes were transferred to Wildlife Rescue and Re- habilitation, a local sanctuary. —Rose Cahalan

WEEKENDER

A “Big” Secret in West Texas With a grand hotel and a rich history that includes oil, rail, and Midnight Cowboy , this Permian Basin town holds some surprises. BY COURTNEY BOND

a diner-style room complete with red vinyl– topped chrome stools. At the south end of town, the four-hundred- acre Comanche Trail Park is home to Big Spring’s big spring. Well, what’s left of it. The railroad, the ranches, and all the other busi- nesses of civilization long ago drained the water table, but ocials utilize what they call artificial outflow, making for a nice waterfall that spills into a reservoir. Continue your educational journey during lunch at Local’s, a onetime school building down the street from the park. After lunch, fill up on the town’s more modern history at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. For supper, pop in at J Jayz Bar and Grill (across from the Train Car) for colorful cock- tails and the kind of food—burgers, quesadillas —needed to soak them up. Or head back to home base and enjoy a whiskey sour and chicken-fried steak from Settles Grill. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

FRIDAY: If you did nothing else but spend a night at Hotel Settles, your visit would be worthwhile. A dust-colored brick building rising fifteen stories, its glowing red rooftop sign visible for miles, the crown jewel of Big Spring exemplifies the word “landmark.” Catty-corner to the hotel, across Runnels Street, is what appears to be downtown’s most popular restaurant, Devour. Inside a narrow space, patrons pair giant margaritas with hearty American fare that includes burgers, pork chops, and bacon-wrapped quail with green onions and hot honey. After dinner, make tracks two blocks north and one street over to the Train Car Cigar Bar. SATURDAY: The sign outside still says Dell’s Café, but this spare restaurant with the odd name of Neutral Ways serves fat egg-filled tacos and classic American breakfast plates in

The entrance to Comanche Trail Park.

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