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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5 MARCH 2 28, 2023
Magnolia adds wells amid water shortage
Connection CATCH UP
BY LIZZY SPANGLER
Grazeables plans relocation to Tomball
Nearly three months into a tem- porary development moratorium enacted in late December, the city of Magnolia is adding water wells while having discussions with local developers on several more—all in an e ort to meet the demand for water. With two wells in the works, City Engineer Mike Kurzy said he believes the moratorium could be lifted by this summer, depending on how construction goes. “[The city is] doing everything they can, and we’re trying to do everything we can to help them out of that situation and try to get back in a situation where they’re not behind the eight ball like they are now,” Kurzy said in an interview. The city has about 3,658 water connections, but none were available as of press time. One residential or commercial con- nection uses around 300-315 gal- lons of water and 270 gallons of
The city of Magnolia has around
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3,658 existing water connections with no connections available. 11,000 new connections will be needed over the next ve years.
Grand Parkway widening moves up the list
Per day, one water connection uses around:
300-315 gallons
Transportation
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270 gallons of water and of wastewater.
Magnolia ISD approves new calendar
SOURCE: CITY OF MAGNOLIA COMMUNITY IMPACT
The city of Magnolia gets some of its water from the two wells located at the Elm Street plant, which includes an operational water tower. (Lizzy Spangler/Community Impact)
Education
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CONTINUED ON 24
NHCRWA board drops water rates $0.50
TISD resource o cer contract terminated
MAPPING THE
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
The North Harris County Regional Water Authority has seen a change in lead- ership and the lowering of water rates since last fall— two historic moves for the authority. In the Nov. 8 election, candidates Mark Ramsey, David Barker and Melissa Rowell unseated three long-term incumbents. In early 2023, the new board then voted to lower water rates for the rst time in
Hans Craw sh opens for the season in Tomball
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BY ANNA LOTZ & LIZZY SPANGLER
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Tomball
The city of Tomball has terminated its three- year agreement to provide school resource o cers to Tomball ISD, the city announced in a news release Feb. 21. The city provided its 90-day termination notice in a letter to the district
Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries Join to receive exclusive Saturday news and more.
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North Harris County Regional Water Authority
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regulates the supply of wholesale drinking water in north Harris County, including the Tomball area.
SOURCE: NHCRWA COMMUNITY IMPACT
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CONTINUED ON 27
CONTINUED ON 28
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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Chrissy Leggett SENIOR EDITOR Anna Lotz REPORTERS Cassandra Jenkins, Lizzy Spangler SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ellen Jackson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE April Halpin METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jason Culpepper MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens COPY EDITOR Adrian Gandara ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Ethan Pham CONTACT US 16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281 469 6181 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES tomnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING tomads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM CHRISSY: There is no shortage of new businesses to check out in our area this month. Be sure to see what’s new and what is coming soon on pages 6-7. And, if you are a lover of craw sh, you already know it’s the season to roll up your sleeves and sport a bib! A local favorite is Han’s Craw sh. Read more about the Tomball venue in our dining feature on Page 19. You can stay up to speed on even more new business updates and daily happenings by visiting communityimpact.com and subscribing to the daily newsletter. Chrissy Leggett, GENERAL MANAGER
FROM ANNA: Our cover stories unpack two historic water moments in Tomball and Magnolia. In the Tomball area, the North Harris County Regional Water Authority voted to lower water rates for the rst time in its 22-year history, e ective Feb. 1 (see Page 27). In Magnolia, the city has implemented a temporary development moratorium until more water capacity can be added and has new water wells underway (see pages 24-25). Anna Lotz, SENIOR EDITOR
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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The Learning Experience
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COURTESY THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
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4 Shiner’s Express Car Wash opened its second location at 23216 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball, on Jan. 9, owner Bernie Gieske confirmed via email. Gieske said the family-owned car wash offers an express car wash service, and provides 20 always-on vacuums and air guns free after every car wash. Gieske also said the car wash offers memberships and family plans for customers who wash their cars more than once a month. 832-429-8604. www.shinerscarwash.com 5 30 Minute Locksmith , located at 11714 Boudreaux Road, Ste. 214, Tomball, opened Jan. 1, owner Vitaly Roshtash said via email. The business offers both residential and commercial locksmith ser- vices as well as 24/7 emergency service. Roshtash also said 30 Minute Locksmith offers one free house key copy per cus- tomer. 346-249-5886. https://30minlocksmith.com 6 Just 4 Him , a men’s haircut business, opened Jan. 30 at 22625 Hwy. 249, Tomball, co-owner Katie Pearson said. Just 4 Him offers a variety of barber services, such as haircuts, waxing, shaving and general grooming needs, 7 ClearWater Express Wash opened a location at A 14206 FM 1488, Magnolia, on Feb. 20, Marketing Manager Krystal Burgess said. The business features a 125-foot tunnel, 23 vacuum bays and two pay lanes. ClearWater Express Wash also offers single washes and monthly memberships to customers. The car wash offers family plans as well as military and first responder discounts. ClearWater Express Wash is also set to open at B 7424 FM 1488, Magnolia, on June 12, Pearson said. 832-559-8030. www.just4himhaircuts.com
STAGECOACH RD.
MAIN ST.
DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.
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MAP NOT TO SCALE
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NOW OPEN 1 Kinsley Armelle , a Tomball-based jewelry business, opened its showroom to customers and wholesalers Jan. 20, owner Crystal Habel confirmed in an email. Located at 21255 Spell Circle Drive, Tomball, customers and wholesalers can shop the catalog with 3,000-plus products in person. Prior to opening its showroom, Kinsley Armelle was an e-commerce-only business. Habel said
3 Forever Beauty Hair Studio , located at 17138 N. Eldridge Parkway, Tomball, hosted its grand opening Feb. 4. Owner Gisela Maldonado said in an email her salon offers a variety of coloring services, including color correction, balayage, highlights and ombre. Other salon services include haircuts, Brazilian blowouts, extensions, makeup and styling. Private suites in the studio are available for lease. 954-918-4455. www.hairsalontomball.com
reservations can also be made for private shopping parties. 281-801-6773. www.kinsleyarmelle.com 2 Dick’s Sporting Goods celebrated the grand opening Nov. 4-6 of a new ware- house sale store in northwest Houston. Located at 21155 Hwy. 249, Houston, Dick’s Sporting Goods is a national retailer for athletic and exercise equip- ment and clothing, according to the company’s website. 412-841-2712. www.dickssportinggoods.com
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COMPILED BY CASSANDRA JENKINS, ANNA LOTZ & LIZZY SPANGLER
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Grazeables
Great American Rug Cleaning Company
COURTESY GRAZEABLES
COURTESY GREAT AMERICAN RUG CLEANING COMPANY
Half Baked Cookie Co. will bring its cookie offerings to Magnolia.
11 The Learning Experience will open at 9930 FM 2920 in the second quarter of 2024, franchise officials announced Jan. 31. The location will include a 10,000-square-foot center and up to a 5,000-square-foot playground, offering care for children ages 6 weeks old-6 years old. Each center offers child care, enrichment programs and early child- hood education. The Tomball location comes as part of The Learning Experi- ence’s plans to add six locations in the Houston area within two years. www.thelearningexperience.com RELOCATIONS 12 Southern Pineapple Boutique , a women’s clothing boutique and salon, relocated to 103 W. Main St., Tomball, in mid-November, owner Breann Williams confirmed. Previously located at 722 W. Main St., Tomball, Williams said the boutique relocated for more space. Southern Pineapple Boutique offers women’s clothing in sizes ranging from S-3XL in store and online while its salon is full-service, Williams said. 832-422-7533. www.southernpineappleboutique.com 13 Grazeables will relocate to 406 W. Main St., Tomball, from The Woodlands area and open its first storefront in March, Owner Amy Martinez said. The business specializes in edible art, offering tea sandwiches, Japanese Sandos—fruit sandwiches—mini desserts, and charcuterie platters and boxes. The new retail location will offer charcuterie boxes for preorder as well as grab-and-go options that include artisan cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, veggies, dip, nuts and chocolates. www.grazeables.com
Burgess said. 936-588-5780. www.clearwaterexpresswash.com 8 Jiffy Lube , located at 218 Smith Road, Magnolia, opened in mid-December, spokesperson Jennifer Friedmann said. The 4,042-square-foot location features four bays and offers automotive services, such as tires, brakes, battery service and windshield wiper replacement, Friedmann said. Jiffy Lube also offers oil changes. 346-518-0041. www.jiffylube.com/ locations/tx/magnolia/4130 COMING SOON 9 The Toasted Yolk is set to open in Magnolia at 9533 FM 1488, Ste. 400, in early April, Toasted Yolk Magnolia owner Ben Adams said. Toasted Yolk is a full-service neighborhood eatery featuring traditional and nontraditional breakfast, brunch and lunch. Menu items include boozy cocktails, savory pancakes, egg specials, salads, sandwiches and soups. www.thetoastedyolk.com 10 Husband and wife Mellanie and David Krueger will open We Heart Dogs-Magnolia on March 7, bringing dog boarding, dog day care, grooming and in-house pet-sitting services. The facility is in the works at 28202 Nichols Sawmill Road, Magnolia. We Heart Dogs-Magnolia will also offer pickup and drop-off services within a 10-mile radius for boarding stays. Grooming and boarding services are offered separately, as dogs do not have to be boarded to receive grooming services, according to the business. Additionally, business plans include expanding to offer dog training services. 832-521-3083. www.weheartdogs-magnolia.com
COURTESY HALF BAKED COOKIE CO.
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Half Baked Cookie Co. will be opening a franchise location at 13650 FM 1488, Ste. 300, Magnolia, in April, franchisee Janice Kolin-Anderson said via email Jan. 26. “Our family lives in Magnolia, and one of my biggest goals has been to own my own business,” Kolin-Anderson said. “I believe in supporting and giving back to the community you live in. After watching Stephanie’s success and growth of Half Baked [Cookie Co.] and being one of Half Baked [Cookie Co.]’s biggest fans and customers, our family decided to be franchise owners.” Kolin-Anderson will be opening the 1,383-square-foot location alongside her daughter and business partner Lindsey Kolin. ANNIVERSARIES 14 Great American Rug Cleaning Company , located at 212 E. Main St., Ste. 100, Tomball, is celebrating 30 years in business in 2023, owner Richard Middleton said via a phone interview. The business began in 1993, Middleton said. Great American Rug Cleaning Company’s services include cleaning, repair, protec- tive coatings and appraisals for any type of area rug, Middleton said. 281-255-2407. www.greatamerican rugcleaningcompany.com
“[Customers can expect] the regular gooey cookie goodness plus gluten- free, dairy-free, grain-free and paleo/ keto-friendly cookies,” Kolin-Anderson said. “We o er cookies and customized cookie cakes [as well as] local delivery, shipping and catering.” Half Baked Cookie Co. also has locations in Cypress and Tomball. www.hal akedgoodness.com
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Community Partners of Montgomery County celebrated its 25th anniversa- ry Feb. 12. The nonprofit organization maintains the Rainbow Room in the local Child Protective Services office in Conroe, stocking it with new items, including clothing, diapers, baby formula, hygiene items, shoes, blankets, car seats, snacks and books, among other items for chil- dren. CPS caseworkers can then use these items as needed to support children in care. The Rainbow Room opened Feb. 12, 1998, and the nonprofit organization is run by volunteers. 281-914-9841. www.cpmckids.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
March-April events
COMPILED BY ANNA LOTZ
25 SHOP A SPRING MARKET Shop from more than 75 vendors, take pictures with the Easter Bunny and enjoy children’s activities during the Spring Fest Crafter & Artisans Market. Noon-4 p.m. $1 (admission), free admission (bring a can of corn, peas or sweet potatoes for Society of Samaritans). Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-1488. www.greatermagnoliaparkwaycc.org 25 EXPLORE JOBS Interested candidates can meet with recruiters for Tomball ISD positions, such as teachers, bus drivers, teacher’s aides, nurses and school nutrition workers. Attendees can apply for positions beforehand and register online. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Grand Lakes Junior High, 20247 Cypress Rosehill Road, Tomball. 281-357-3100. www.tomballisd.net/jobfair 28 READ TO DOGS Children ages 4-12 are invited to pick a book and share it one-on-one with a dog from Pets with a Mission. Registration opens online one week before. 5 p.m. Free. LSC-Tomball Community Library, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. 832-559-4235. www.hcpl.net/branch/lone-star-college- tomball-community-library APRIL 02 CATCH A CONCERT Listen to selections including Karl Blench’s “Fortitude,” Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” and Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” at Symphony North’s spring concert. 4 p.m. Donations accepted. Salem Lutheran Church, 22601 Lutheran Church Road, Tomball. www.symphonynorth.org 03 VISIT A JOB FAIR Attendees can learn about employment at Magnolia ISD by visiting a job fair with openings for all positions including auxiliary roles. 4:30-7 p.m. Free. Magnolia Event Center, 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-3571. www.magnoliaisd.org
The 2023 Houston Rodeo season will span 20 days from Feb. 28 March 19. (Courtesy Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo) WORTH THE TRIP HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO The annual event spans 20 days from Feb. 28-March 19 with a rodeo, concerts, shopping, a carnival and other activities. Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m., with the entertainer beginning at 9 p.m. and gates opening at 6 p.m. Weekend rodeos start at 3:45 p.m., with the entertainer at 6 p.m. Times and costs vary. NRG Park, 1 NRG Parkway, Houston. www.rodeohouston.com CONCERT LINEUP: MARCH 02 Lauren Daigle 03 Bun B 04 Walker Hayes 05 Zac Brown Band 06 Jason Aldean 07 New Kids On The Block 08 Jon Pardi
MARCH 26
ENJOY ART, SUPPORT PETS BALMORHEA EVENTS
Magnolia-based Abandoned Animal Rescue hosts its Art, Wine and Wags event with a wine and bourbon pull, auction items, vendors, photo booth, and DJ. Funds go to support AAR. Ra e tickets can be purchased online. 4-7 p.m. $50 (entry), $25 (three ra e tickets purchased online). Balmorhea Events, 33400 Wright Road, Magnolia. events@aartexas.org. www.aartexas.org (Courtesy Abandoned Animal Rescue)
MARCH 10 THROUGH 11
more than 50 farm and artisan vendors to browse. Free (admission). 4-7 p.m. Tomball Farmers Market, 205 W. Main St., Tomball. www.tomballfarmersmarket.org 23 THROUGH APRIL 02 VISIT THE COUNTY FAIR The Montgomery County Fair will include rodeos, concerts, a carnival, livestock competitions, barbecue cooko s, a petting zoo and pony rides. 4 p.m. (gates open Mon.-Fri.), 11 a.m. (gates open Sat.), noon (gates open Sun.). $10-$15, free (Mon.-Thu.). Montgomery County Fair Grounds, 9333 Airport Road, Conroe. www.mcfa.org 24 THROUGH 26 CONNECT WITH TOMBALL’S GERMAN ROOTS Shop from 200 vendors and enjoy four music stages, street performers, German food, and a carnival and rides at Tomball’s German Festival. 6-10 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun.). Free
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS The Tomball Art League presents its spring show and sale. The event features pieces by local artists. 1-6 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sat.). Free (admission). LSC-Tomball Community Library, 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. www.thetomballartleague.com 11 THROUGH 12 CLEAN UP TRASH Montgomery County Precinct 2 hosts a heavy trash cleanup event; con dential items can also be shredded. Tires, electronics, batteries and household trash are not permitted. Precinct 2 residents must show ID. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sun.). Free, $10 (per 5 gallons of chemicals). 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia. 832-934-2193 15 WANDER A SUNSET MARKET The Tomball Farmers Market brings its Luck of the Irish evening market with
09 Ashley McBryde 10 The Chainsmokers 11 Turnpike Troubadours 12 La Fiera De Ojinaga 13 Cody Jinks 14 Machine Gun Kelly
15 Kenny Chesney 16 Chris Stapleton 17 Cody Johnson 18 Brad Paisley 19 Luke Bryan
(parking, shuttle, admission). www.tomballgermanfest.org
Find more or submit Tomball and Magnolia events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Grand Parkway widening rescheduled due to high priority Transportation planning experts have proposed widening segments of the Grand Parkway sooner than previously scheduled to improve mobility and meet growing demands. Projects include the widening of the two lanes heading in both directions to three lanes from I-45 to Hwy. 249 and from Hwy. 290 to I-10, which were initially planned for scal year 2029. 99 TOLL 249 Hwy. 290 to West Road: $72.8 million in FY 2026 Kuykendahl Road to Holzwarth Road: $45.94 million in FY 2023 Hwy. 249 to Kuykendahl Road: $65.34 million in scal year 2024 DEMAND DRIVEN PROJECTS Projects to add two lanes along the Grand Parkway were added to the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program. KUYKENDAHL RD. HOLZWARTH RD.
ONGOING PROJECTS
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Eastern FM 1488 widening The two-lane portion of FM 1488 between FM 1774 in Magnolia and west of FM 149 will be widened to four lanes with a continuous left turn lane. According to a Feb. 1 update by the Texas Department of Transportation, the James Construction Group started the project in June, which is 18% complete. Construction is expected to be complete in the rst quarter of 2025. Timeline: June 2022- rst quarter 2025 Cost: $48.28 million Funding Source: TxDOT
The Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council voted unanimously Jan. 27 to move these projects into the 2023-26 Transportation Improvement Program. Major projects in the TIP can receive federal funding, and HGAC transportation committees regularly revise plans as needed. Jim Dickinson, senior transportation planner for the HGAC, said the project would be funded by state toll revenue. “These widenings would mitigate congestion and improve the opera- tional e ciency of the system,” he said at the Dec. 16 TPC meeting. Emily Black, public information
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o cer with the Texas Department of Transportation in Houston, said as tollway use has grown, the level of service standards agreed upon by TxDOT and the seven a ected counties are no longer being met. Construction for each segment
could take between 18-30 months, and further widenings could be needed in the future depending on tra c counts. Black said the Grand Parkway was built with large medi- ans, so widenings can be made from the inside to minimize disruption.
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ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF FEB. 13. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT TOMNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. of a Feb. 1 update from TxDOT. Timeline: November 2020-third quarter 2023 Cost: $30.33 million Funding Source: TxDOT Western FM 1488 widening TxDOT is also continuing a project west of the city of Magnolia to widen FM 1488 from two to four lanes with a continuous left turn lane. The project spans from the Waller County line near Joseph Road and FM 1774 in Magnolia and was 57% completed as
Magnolia holds rst public meeting on master thoroughfare plan Around 60 people attended the city of Magnolia’s rst meeting on its master thoroughfare plan Feb. 1. The master thoroughfare aims to guide the development and enhance- ment of the city’s transportation network. Cristin Emsho , employed at AEI Engineering—the rm developing the plan—said residents at the meeting expressed concerns about tra c on roadways such as FM 1774 and FM 1488, a lack of alternate routes outside of subdivisions and narrow roadway widths.
“The residents agreed transportation relief is needed throughout the city to reduce the amount of time they sit in tra c when trains are blocking the crossing,” Emsho said. “There is concern the existing roadways should be widened and have a larger turning radius for commercial vehicles and buses and re trucks.” Residents can share feedback via an online survey, and a second meeting is planned in March before the plan is presented to the public in April, according to the plan’s website.
Weigh in on transportation needs at https://baxterwoodman.mysocialpinpoint.com/magnolia.
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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COUNTY
New museum rounds up history of Montgomery County Sheri ’s O ce
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
a labor of love and something we’ve wanted to do for a long time.” The Montgomery County Sheri ’s O ce Museum will tentatively open to the public March 7 and was funded through donations and asset forfei- ture funds, Lt. Scott Spencer said. The museum will host group tours and provide a space for training and presentations. It is operated by the museum website, 41 sheri s have served in the county, with the role of sheri shifting over the years. Sheri s in the early years acted in dual roles, including justice of the peace and coroner, Henderson said. In the 1850s, sheri s had a cattle rustling unit. In the 1860s, Mont- gomery County sheri s created an educational program for freed slaves. According to the museum’s website, former Sheri Guy Wil- liams, who served from 1993-2005, Citizens Academy Alumni. According to the sheri ’s
The Montgomery County Sheri ’s O ce was established after Mont- gomery County became the third county in the Republic of Texas in 1837, according to the MCSO website. Joshua Robbins was the rst sheri and served for four years. His legacy is among the rst on the wall in the new Montgomery County Sheri ’s O ce Museum. The museum, located at 2359 Holloman St., Conroe, held a soft opening Dec. 14. The new building commemorates the history of the 185-year-old sheri ’s department with photos, uniforms, memorabilia and newspaper clippings. “This museum is all about remem- bering our history and bringing folks back that have given great portions of their lives to service in Montgomery and the Montgomery County Sheri ’s O ce,” Sheri Rand Henderson said in a presentation Dec. 14. “It’s been
Former Montgomery County sheri s attend the museum’s soft opening Dec. 14.
Montgomery County Sheri ’s O ce Museum 2359 Holloman St., Conroe www.mctxsheri .org/museum
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One of the cruisers in the rst motorcycle tra c division is on display at the museum.
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developed the rst auto theft task force. Former Sheri Tommy Gage, who served from 2005-17, created the rst motorcycle tra c division and the rst full-time SWAT team. “It’s humbling to look back on our history to see how far we have
come and how bright the future is for Montgomery County,” Hender- son said. “Reecting on the past is profoundly inspiring and challenges us to continue to lead, innovate and honor our rich history of public safety service.”
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Lone Star College and Tomball & Magnolia ISDs
Tomball ISD board of trustees will meet at 5:30 p.m. March 7 at 310 S. Cherry St., Tomball. 281-357-3100. www.tomballisd.net Magnolia ISD board of trustees will meet at 6:30 p.m. March 20 at 11659 FM 1488, Magnolia. 281-356-3571. www.magnoliaisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS TOMBALL ISD During its Feb. 7 regular meeting, the Tomball ISD board of trustees unanimously approved the 2024-25 instructional calendar. In the 2024-25 school year, the rst day of school will be Aug. 14, 2024, with the last day of school set for May 22, 2025. LONE STAR COLLEGE Stephen Head, the chancellor of the Lone Star College System, announced in a Jan. 10 news release that he will retire Aug. 1. Head started at LSCS in 1984, serving as president of three campuses and executive vice chancellor before becoming chancellor in 2014. The LSCS board of trustees will begin conducting a search for its fth chancellor by forming a search committee and selecting a search consultant.
2023 24 calendar set in Magnolia
LSCS records 3% spring enrollment increase
and improve teacher retention rates. “I think this is a great answer to attracting and keeping great talent,” Trustee Dacia Owens said. Bullock said to execute this longer fall break, the calendar will add ve minutes to the school day and set aside three days for bad weather. Therefore, according to Execu- tive Director of Communications Denise Meyers, dismissal for high school and junior high students will be at 2:30 p.m.; intermediate students will be dismissed at 3:15 p.m.; and elementary students will be dismissed at 3:45 p.m. The last day of school is May 24.
BY PEYTON MACKENZIE
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
MAGNOLIA ISD The board of trustees approved the district’s calendar for the upcoming 2023-24 school year at its Feb. 13 meeting with the rst day of school for students being Aug. 9. The calen- dar was approved by the board 7-1 with Trustee Jay Michals opposing the motion. Deputy Superintendent Jason Bullock said the 2023-24 calendar includes a weeklong fall break in October to match other districts
LONE STAR COLLEGE The Lone Star College System recorded 3% enrollment growth this spring over spring 2022, LSCS announced Feb. 2. According to a news release, enroll- ment climbed from 78,463 to 80,595 students year over year. However, according to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, spring enrollment in most Texas two-year public colleges fell 6% from 2021 to 2022. The LSC CyFair campus saw one of the largest increases in spring enrollment, data shows, growing from 20,220 to 20,643 students year over year. The launch of LSCS’ eighth campus, LSC Online, also boosted spring enrollment with 4,291 stu- dents enrolled. However, enrollment decreased at the other ve campuses: Montgom- ery, North Harris, University Park, Tomball and Houston North.
DATES TO KNOW The 2023-24 calendar for Magnolia ISD adds ve minutes to the school day to accommodate a weeklong fall break.
AUG. 9
OCT. 9 13
NOV. 20 24
DEC. 21 JAN. 3
MARCH 11 15
MAY 24
First day of school
Fall break
Thanksgiving break
Christmas break
Spring break
Last day of school
SOURCE: MAGNOLIA ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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News from Tomball and Harris & Montgomery counties CITY & COUNTY Harris County authorizes 10% toll rate cut, free EZ tags
HIGHLIGHTS TOMBALL The Tomball City Council approved the creation of a focus group Feb. 6 for the Parks, Trails and Recreation Master Plan underway. The master plan will include a site analysis of the city’s existing facilities, community engagement to determine residents’ wants and needs, and five- and 10- year plans. The focus group will be made up of community members, business owners and volunteers. HARRIS COUNTY Commissioners opted to use a $9 million general fund surplus to help cover deficits in the sheriff’s office and district attorney’s office. Harris County is projected to finish the first quarter of the 2022-23 fiscal year with a surplus despite a tighter budget being adopted by commissioners Sept. 13, according to a Jan. 31 presentation from the Office of Management and Budget. Of the $5.6 million given to the sheriff’s office, $1.5 million will cover the department’s deficit, and $4.1 million will go to hire 120 sheriff patrol positions. For the DA’s office, $1.8 million will cover the department’s deficit, and $2.5 million will be used to hire 30 assistant district attorney positions. Tomball City Council will meet at 6 p.m. March 6 and 20 at 401 Market St., Tomball. 281-351-5484. www.tomballtx.gov Magnolia City Council will meet at 7 p.m. March 14 at 18111 Buddy Riley Blvd., Magnolia. 281-356-2266. www.cityofmagnolia.com will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 7 and 28 at 501 N. Thompson St., Ste. 402, Conroe. 936-756-0571 www.mctx.org Harris County Commissioners Court will meet at 10 a.m. March 14. Montgomery County Commissioners Court Meetings are held virtually and at 1001 Preston St., Ste. 934, Houston. www.harriscountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER
BY EMILY LINCKE
EASING THE BURDEN The 10% toll rate discount—which will go into effect by Sept. 4—will apply to motorists driving two-axle vehicles on toll roads managed by the Harris County Toll Road Authority.
HARRIS COUNTY A Harris County Toll Road Authority pro- gram that will reduce the cost of tolls by 10% was approved unanimously by Harris County commissioners Jan. 31. The discount will represent about $90 million in savings per year, Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said. “This gives us confidence in what the [Harris County] Toll Road Authority’s doing,” Ramsey said. “When you look at the consistent revenues that they generate, when you look at their ability to cover what they do. I think we are, in many ways, an envy of the state, in terms of how well we run our toll road authority.” The rate reduction will go into effect by Sept. 4 for two-axle vehicles. HCTRA will also provide up to eight free EZ tags per household as part of the program. HCTRA Director Roberto Treviño said drivers can choose to apply the discount on each individual transaction or after aggregating transactions on a monthly basis.
HCTRA toll roads
45
249
99 TOLL
59
290
90
610
10
10
SOURCE: HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
90A
45
59
288
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Montgomery County seeks $15.5M from state for active shooter training facility
Commissioners split up $1.1B in bond funds
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
BY EMILY LINCKE
MONTGOMERY COUNTY Commissioners approved a resolution seeking $15.5 million from the Texas Legislature to fund an active shooter training facility in Montgomery County. Commissioners are seeking to formally acquire the former Keefer Crossing Middle School in New Caney and recondition it to support a permanent active shooter training facility that can be used by agencies across the state. The facility has been rented since Oct. 1 and operated jointly by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Montgomery County
HARRIS COUNTY On Jan. 31, Harris County commissioners unani- mously opted to divide $1.1 billion in bond funding from November propo- sitions for road and parks projects in each precinct. Commissioners voted unani- mously to allocate $175 million of propositions B and C to each county precinct as well as 26.36% of funds to be divided among the four precincts based on the federal government’s Social Vulnerability Index metric. Ten percent of bond funds also go to proj- ect management and administration. Precinct 2 had the highest number of citizens with an SVI over 75.
1485
Training facility
1485
59
494
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Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The county will assume the long-term cost of the facility, which Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emer- gency Management, estimated to be around $2 million a year.
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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BUSINESS FEATURE
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
HOW TO START A BEEHIVE
Essentials includes hives, frames, feeders, a bee suit, gloves, smoker, a hive tool and a bee brush.
Gather supplies & housing
1
Order bees in the winter. Most beekeepers will receive their bees around April.
Order the bees
2
Introduce the bees to the hive and set out a water-sugar solution until they begin to feed themselves. Bee season typically thrives in spring. The population begins to decline until new bees are born in November.
Set up the hive
3
Andy Knight and his wife, Sandra Knight, own Magnolia Bee & Supply as an extension of their beekeeping hobby. (Photos by Cassandra Jenkins/Community Impact)
Andy shows an example of beeswax.
Magnolia Bee & Supply Husband and wife provide reservoir of beekeeping essentials I n 2012, Texas law made it pos- sible for beekeeping to qualify residents for an agricultural in an interview. “‘I don’t know if it’ll work, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?’”
Monitor the bees
4
SOURCES: ANDY KNIGHT, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY IMPACT
Each colony can hold between 20,000-80,000 bees. He also harvests honey in the summer months and sells small portions in the store. In addition, Sandra won rst place at the Texas Beekeepers Association Annual Honey Show in 2022 for her home- made mead, which is fermented important aspect is patience, Andy said. On average, beekeepers lose between 35%-40% of their colonies each year. “It can be challenging for some,” he said. “Failure is seen as such a negative thing these days, but it’s really the way we learn.” honey mixed with water. For beekeepers, the most
Magnolia Bee & Supply 1010 Magnolia Blvd., Ste. K, Magnolia 281-305-4072 www.magnoliabeeandsupply.com Hours: Wed.-Thu. 6-9 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; closed Sun.-Tue., Fri.
valuation on their property taxes. Andy Knight and his wife, Sandra Knight, said they were among the rst residents in Montgomery County to take advantage of the new rule about nine years ago. But what started out as a simple way to reduce taxes turned into a lifelong hobby and a new side hustle. Andy said he created Magnolia Bee & Supply LLC in 2021 and opened his storefront in February 2022 after returning from the Ameri- can Beekeeping Federation. “It was kind of like, ‘You know, I think I want to do this,” Andy said
The shop provides all the basic components and supplies needed for beekeeping at a hobbyist level. Magnolia Bee & Supply’s website also doubles as an educational resource with links, videos and organizations for new beekeepers as well as a place to buy hardware. Andy said he is a member of several beekeeping clubs, including the Montgomery County Beekeep- ers Association, and director of the Texas Beekeepers Association. He said he owns around 18 colonies between his two homes in Magnolia and San Jacinto County.
1774
OAK CROSSING
SUGAR BEND DR.
N
IT’S SPRING AT SALEM
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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION • MARCH 2023
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