Conroe - Montgomery Edition | January 2025

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 10, ISSUE 10 JAN. 25FEB. 25, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

Healing through horses Equine-assisted services nd a home in Conroe, Montgomery

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Since beginning in 2022, Cherokee Out- law Ranch President Ty Nordic said the nonprot has served dozens of clients. “We’ve had parents in tears going, ‘We don’t see our children act like this. … They’re so withdrawn and nervous,’” Nordic said. “They come out here and they’re ... with the horse, just happy.”

CONTINUED ON 26

Ty Nordic, president of Cherokee Outlaw Ranch, sits with Rose, one of 27 horses found at the nonprot.

LIZZY SPANGLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Comprehensive care for everything life throws your way. For 40 years, area families have trusted us with their care: • Nationally recognized medical center for nursing excellence and rehabilitation, with 1,400 affiliated physicians • Leading neurological care with the experience of a Comprehensive Stroke Center • Advanced surgical services, diagnostics, trauma and intensive care • A state-of-the-art Heart & Vascular Institute • Modern women’s and maternity services • Children’s health and affiliated onsite subspecialists • Rockets Orthopedics and Rockets Sports Medicine Institute • Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center for survivors, regardless of treatment provider • Access to our extensive health network and much more

See how far we’ve come in 40 years.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

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

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

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

Lizzy Spangler Editor lspangler@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 2814696181 CI Careers

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Impacts

• Opened in early December • 10140 Hwy. 242, Conroe • www.gohealthuc.com/memorialhermann/locations/ harpers-preserve 3 Timberline Crossing The 10,600-square-foot event venue can hold weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. • Opened Dec. 1 • 109 Metcalf St., Conroe • www.timberlinecrossing.com 4 Ellie Mental Health The practice offers counseling for individuals, couples and families of all ages. • Opened in October • 2174 N. FM 3083 W., Ste. 100, Conroe • www.elliementalhealth.com/locations/conroe-tx 5 Amalfi Taste The restaurant offers homemade Italian food and can be found on the second floor of Harvest Market. • Opened in December • 2295 Woodforest Parkway N., Montgomery • www.amalfitaste.com 6 Lone Star College-Montgomery The Lone Star College System opened a campus store at LSC-Montgomery. According to a Dec. 17 release, the store offers school supplies, apparel and gift items • Opened Jan. 13 7 Lama Mediterranean Cuisine The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Persian food and has a location in Shenandoah. • Opened in December • 721 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.lamamediterranean.com 8 Little Dreamers Playhouse The indoor playground caters to children 6 months to 6 years old, with four custom-built playhouses. • 3200 College Park Drive, Conroe • www.lonestar.edu/campus-store

Willis

Montgomery

1097

SUMMIT PARK DR.

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

MONTGOMERY ST.

830

2432

WALDEN RD.

105

OLD RIVER RD.

1484

149

2854

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

Conroe

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

PINE MARKET AVE.

NEW DAY AVE.

336

3083

WOODFOREST PKWY.

MADELEY ST.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1314

105

149

CITY CENTRAL AVE.

COLLEGE PARK DR.

FOOD FOR LIFE WAY

1488

242

S. TRADE CENTER BLVD.

2 14

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened Dec. 15 • 15075 Walden Road, Montgomery • www.twistedparrotrvresort.com

Now open

1 Twisted Parrot Luxury RV Resort The RV resort features amenities including a two- level infinity pool, swim-up and poolside bar, hot tub, clubhouse, on-site restaurant, bike and golf cart rentals, dog park, gym, business center, arcade room and five laundry rooms.

2 Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care The center offers services for non-life-threatening conditions for patients 6 months and older. It also offers services such as flu vaccinations and sports physicals.

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

• Opened Jan. 6 • 15363 Summit Park Drive, Montgomery • www.littledreamersplayhouse.com

• 900 New Day Ave., Ste. 1000, Montgomery • www.barksuds.com

Now open

13 Panicafe The business offers pastries made with natural sourdough yeast and artisan bread including croissants, bagels and sandwiches. • Opening in February • 859 Pine Market Ave., Ste. 200A, Montgomery • www.panicafetx.com 14 Beans and Berries The cafe will offer handcrafted coffee, tropical drinks and fresh crepes inside the H-E-B location along Hwy. 242. • Opening Feb. 1

Fresh Coat Painters The full-service painting company offers residential and commercial painting services. Services include interior and exterior painting, deck painting and refinishing, professional color consultation and wallpaper removal services. • Opened Jan. 15 • Serves Montgomery County and the surrounding areas • www.freshcoatpainters.com/locations/montgomery

Coming soon

• 10200 Hwy. 242, Conroe • www.beansandberries.com

18 Smalls Sliders The restaurant specializes in cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders. Smalls Sliders also features a modular setup built from shipping containers. Alongside its cheeseburger slider offerings, customers can enjoy menu items such as waffle fries, grilled cheese, and a selection of shakes, according to its website. • Opened Dec. 27 • 806 W. Montgomery St., Willis • www.smallssliders.com

9 Lucy Blues Lucy Blues officials said they have plans to open a sports bar and grill by Super Bowl Sunday. The sports bar will feature blues music and gourmet bites. • Opening Feb. 9

Relocations

15 FastSigns Conroe The business relocated from 206 S. Loop 336, Conroe, to 1151 N. Loop 336 E., Conroe and is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The business, which first opened in 2005, offers fully custom signage. • Relocated Dec. 18 16 The Modern Skein The yarn and fiber shop relocated from downtown Montgomery to along Longmire Road in Conroe. • Relocated Jan. 7 • 1909 Longmire Road, Ste. H-4, Conroe • https://themodernskein.com • 1151 N. Loop 336 E., Conroe • www.fastsigns.com/conroe-tx

• 711 Madeley St., Conroe • Facebook: Lucy Blues

10 HTeaO The tea franchise offers 24 flavors of sweet and unsweet

teas as well as ice and hot coffee options. • Opening in the fourth quarter of 2025 • 2450 N. Loop 336 W., Conroe • www.hteao.com

19 Montgomery County Food Bank The Conroe-based nonprofit is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025. • 1 Food for Life Way, Conroe • www.mcfoodbank.org 20 Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine The college was awarded a $4.99 million four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which will support its ability to pursue initiatives such as planning and developing a master’s degree in applied biomedical sciences. • 925 City Central Ave., Conroe • www.shsu.edu/academics/osteopathic-medicine

11 Welcome to the Oscar’s Bistro The storefront will serve a variety of chef-inspired casual menu options such as crab cakes, pork belly deviled eggs and truffle fries. • Opening by the end of January • 107 Old River Road, Ste. I, Montgomery • www.facebook.com/welcometotheoscars 12 BarkSuds The initial Bath S’paw membership at the dog grooming membership club will be $45 a month and includes services such as bathing, blowouts, brushing and teeth cleaning. • Opening in late January

In the news

17 New Danville The Willis-based nonprofit community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is

celebrating 20 years this year. • 10951 Shepard Hill Road, Willis • www.newdanville.org

Foreclosures • Title Troubles • Construction Complaints HOA Hassles • Boundary Disputes • Probate Wills Monitor Residential Purchase/ Sale Thru Closing - Licensed Brokers Probate Title Transfers Real Estate and Probate Law Specialist - Family Law

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

New Homes Now Selling Nestled in Montgomery County, TX

Welcome to Clopton Farms , a new home community just off the beaten path and down the scenic Rabon Chapel Road in Montgomery County, Texas. Farmhouse-chic homes and thoughtfully planned amenities go hand-in-hand in this tranquil spot. Choose from three collections of modern home designs on 50’, 60’ and 70'-wide homesites, all with deep, oversized backyards. Check out resident-exclusive amenities like our future recreation center and sparkling pool, fitness center, playground, covered pavilion and miles of neighborhood walking paths. Then hook up your boat and grab fishing gear — Lake Conroe is 1.5 miles away. Now Open! Tour three decorated Model Homes. Your new home is waiting for you. Scan the QR code to learn more about Clopton Farms or call 936-284-3620.

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The prices of our homes, included features, plans, specifications, promotions/incentives, neighborhood build-out and available locations are subject to change without notice. Stated dimensions, square footage and acreage are approximate and should not be used as a representation of any home’s or homesite’s precise or actual size, location or orientation. There is no guarantee that any particular homesite or home will be available. A Broker/Agent must register their client in person on client’s first visit at each community for a Broker/Agent to receive a commission or referral fee, if available. Not all features and options are available in all homes. Unless otherwise expressly stated, homes do not come with hardscape, landscape, or other decorator items. Any photographs or renderings used herein reflect artists’ conceptions and are for illustrative purposes only. Community maps, illustrations, plans and/or amenities reflect our current vision and are subject to change without notice. Photographs or renderings of people do not depict or indicate any preference regarding race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, or national origin. Our name and the logos contained herein are registered trademarks of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. © 2025 Tri Pointe Homes Texas, Inc. All rights reserved.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County commissioners approved a contract with LJA Engineering on Dec. 17 to begin preliminary work on a 2025 road and infrastruc- ture bond issue during the nal Commissioners Court session of the year. The 10-month contract was approved unani- mously by the court and authorizes LJA Engineer- Montgomery County contracts engineers for 2025 bond at a range of potential bond amounts, landing on an estimated $450 million in mid-2024. While the actual bond amount has not been nalized, commissioners have been using BOK Financial Advisors to provide tax rate impact assessments for the various proposals. Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler “[The bond planning process] is actually not just doing needs assessments and engaging, but synthesizing those

across the whole county and then actually [taking] that out to the private industry and other cities.” JEFF CANNON, SENIOR

ing to begin preliminary work including: • Project assessment and organization • Public engagement on bond needs • Coordinating funding strategies with stakeholders

assumed oce on Jan. 1 and said he will begin compiling a list of projects for Precinct 3 to present as part of the bond issue. One of the concerns shared by commissioners in 2024 was that since Wheeler was elected to replace outgoing commis- sioner James Noack, the county needed to wait until he assumed oce to begin listing projects for a bond issue. While no ocial project list has been released, commissioners said they will meet to discuss bond projects at an unspecied later date. Stay tuned According to prior Community Impact reporting, the county began identifying the need for a bond

VICE PRESIDENT OF LJA ENGINEERING

• Supporting the sale of a bond initiative The contract limits the rm to $10,000 for services within the 10-month period but can be amended at a later date. Diving in deeper During meetings in 2024, commissioners looked

issue in late 2023, but pushed it back in 2024 due to a number of concerns raised by commissioners for timing the bond alongside the presidential election. The deadline to put the bond on the May ballot is Feb. 14, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s oce; however, commissioners are able to call the election any time prior to that date.

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Government

Council makes changes to public comment Conroe City Council voted to change the public comment procedures in a 3-1 vote during a Jan. 6 special meeting. Council member Howard Wood was absent, and Mayor Pro Tem Harry Hardman voted against the agenda item. What you need to know During the special meeting, City Council approved changes to the rules and procedures for City Council’s 2024-26 term. Among the changes, “speakers are limited to addressing only topics on the current agenda,” according to the document included in the Jan. 6 agenda. Previously, public comments were open to any topic. During the discussion of the changes, Mayor Duke Coon said he will not enforce the new rule—which will go into effect at the next council meeting—and will pay the $1,500 fine for viola- tions himself.

Council approves elementary sale

“I believe this common procedure will not only enhance and empower our citizens’ voice and involvement in the

community, but also unite us to reach our common goal. ... That common goal is to make Conroe a better place to live. ” SHANA ARTHUR, COUNCIL MEMBER

Conroe City Council approved selling the Sam Houston Elementary building for $4.3 million to Overland Property Group during its Jan. 6 special meeting. The gist Overland Property Group has plans to turn it into a multifamily rental housing develop- ment, according to the agenda item. City Council approved the $4.3 million sale with the contingency of Overland Property Group securing grant funds.

“Taking away a valuable asset that is a means of accountability—open comment time from our citizens—is in

direct opposition to my core values, and I will not support it.” HOWARD WOOD, COUNCIL MEMBER

105

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

City Council OKs $1.6M budget for animal shelter Conroe City Council approved a $1.6 million budget for the Conroe Animal Shelter, which is now operated by the city, during its Dec. 12 meeting. How we got here After a dog injured itself in July at the Conroe Animal Shelter, City Council terminated its con- tract with the former operator Care Corporation, as previously reported. After City Council voted against a bid submitted by Texas Litter Control in October, the shelter is now operated by the city under the police department. Budget explained Previously, the shelter was operating with a budget of $847,417, which was insufficient to operate the animal shelter, per the agenda item.

Conroe City Council names new fire chief Conroe City Council named Paul Sims as the city’s new fire chief during its Dec. 12 meeting. Sims will replace Interim Fire Chief Mike Legoudes, Jr., who was appointed after the City Council accepted the retirement of former Fire Chief Ken Kreger in July, as previously reported. Diving in deeper Conroe’s Human Resource Director Andre Houser said the position was advertised locally, statewide and nationwide through the city’s website, job boards and other avenues. Sims comes to Conroe from Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 9, where he served as assistant chief, according to the ESD’s website.

Conroe Animal Shelter’s $1.6M budget

$907,741 from the reserve fund $502,583 from the general fund $250,000 from a reserve fund transfer

$1.2 million for 16 full-time employees and 1 full-time veterinarian $327,767 for supplies such as general, office and cleaning supplies; building and equipment repair; fees/services; advertising; medical needs/medications

SOURCE: CITY OF CONROE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

During the Dec. 11 workshop meeting, Interim Police Chief Lee Tipton said the goal is to have 16 full-time employees and one full-time veterinar- ian, which is expected to cost $1.2 million. According to a presentation, of the approved remaining $1.6 million budget, the proposed costs include $327,767 for supplies.

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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AIRIA curates best in texas homebuilder lineup for colton

Houston, TX – Embraced by the aromatic forest beneath the blanket of bright Texas stars, COLTON™ is emerging from 5,700 acres in Montgomery County, TX. A place where new generations of Texans will set down their roots and pursue their opportunities. Big, like the state itself, this community is built on grit, pride, and those familiar - yet unmistakable details found in every corner of this state. Whether you were born here or made your way as fast as you could, your piece of Texas is waiting for you. This homebuilder ensemble for Phase 1 of COLTON has been proudly sourced and hand-selected to design homes that are architecturally inspired by the unique character of Texas: Beazer Homes, Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Drees Homes, Fedrick Harris Estate Homes, Highland Homes, J. Patrick Homes, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Village Builders, and Westin Homes.

With over 186 acres of dedicated green space in Phase 1, you'll wear out the soles of your shoes on miles of 10-foot hike and bike trails with interconnected walking paths – or to the rhythm echoing off the wood floors of the event hall at the community's first amenity center. This 8-acre complex will feature an on-site lifestyle team, playground, splash pad, park and picnic areas, 24/7 gym, outdoor amphitheater and a whole lot more. “We are excited to see the COLTON project set a high standard for quality, well-managed growth, and smart, sustainable development in our area. AIRIA's reputation for excellence gives us great confi - dence that COLTON will bring valuable businesses and services to Todd Mission,” said Neal Wendele, City Manager for the City of Todd Mission. “We look forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community.”

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Located about 45 miles north of downtown Houston, students living in the first phase of COLTON will attend Magnolia ISD, and the community will be designed to include proposed future on-site schools. With the improvements and expansion of SH249, residents of COLTON will have ease of access to employment and education corridors throughout Houston, The Woodlands, Conroe, College Station and beyond. Known for promoting a sense of community where residents can live, work and play, AIRIA will deliver the same heartfelt care and detail to this master-plan design for the residents of COLTON.

Construction is underway surrounding SH 249 Aggie Expressway and FM 1486, near Magnolia. This first phase will deliver approxi - mately 685 lots ranging from 45 ft. to 80 ft. wide with minimum depths starting at 125 ft. Model Homes and the first homebuyer purchase opportunities will begin in late 2024. COLTON is the third and largest community for AIRIA Development ® Company, whose other projects include award-winning develop- ments Aliana ® in Richmond, and ARTAVIA ® in the Montgomery County/Conroe, TX area. “We didn’t want just a theme for COLTON, we wanted something more. Something that grounds and ties us straight to the soul of this great state,” said Travis Stone, President of AIRIA Development Company, the developer of COLTON. “We’re creating a community that is exciting and new, yet familiar. A sense of place that is truly quintessential Texas.”

FOR UPDATES VISIT: COLTONTX.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY ANGELA BONILLA & EMILY LINCKE

149

LONE STAR PKWY.

105

Creekside Elementary • 1 first-grade teacher • 1 third-grade teacher

PLAN & REGISTER FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR!

Montgomery Elementary • 2 special education paraprofessionals • 1 fourth-grade teacher • 1 fifth-grade teacher

RABON CHAPEL RD.

2854

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

Beginning April 14 , you will be able to enroll for Fall 2025, Spring 2026 & Summer 2026

Montgomery ISD to hire more staff following tax rate election

Montgomery ISD will be able to hire additional elementary school staff following the passage of the district’s voter-approval tax rate election on Nov. 5, district leaders announced Dec. 3. The details Voters approved MISD’s VATRE, which will provide $5.5 million in additional revenue as the district faces a nearly $4.3 million budget shortfall. In light of the incoming revenue, MISD will be able to add staff positions at Montgomery and Creekside elementary schools,

MISD officials said. How we got here MISD leaders asked teachers at both schools—some of whom have up to 28 students per class while most other MISD classes have 22 students per class—whether they want additional staff hired before the 2024-25 school year ends. On Dec. 3, Superintendent Mark Ruffin said staff asked for addi- tional help as soon as possible, so the new positions will start in January, if employees can be found.

Willis ISD increases bus drivers’ pay

LoneStar.edu/FullYearSchedule SCAN OR VISIT

“Based on the current employ- ees, this is projected to cost the district approximately $44,000 just for the remainder of ... this budget year, so from the budget- ary perspective, I feel confident that we can accommodate this within the current budget, within this program,” Chief Financial Officer Garett Matej said Dec. 11.

Willis ISD increased its pay to $20.52 for all bus drivers effective Jan. 6, officials announced Dec. 11. What you need to know The $1.25 an hour increase comes after WISD lost drivers due to better pay at nearby districts, such as Montgomery ISD at $20.20 per hour, Director of Communica- tions Jamie Fails said.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

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WHEN YOU PURCHASE YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND CUSTOM HOME* FREE POOL –OR– $55,000 DESIGN CENTER INCENTIVE Build Your Custom Home in Bentwood Farms and CHOOSE YOUR INCENTIVE

n SPREAD OUT ON 1-ACRE HOMESITES n EXCLUSIVE PARTNERS IN BUILDING NEIGHBORHOOD n LOCATED ON FM 1097, ADJACENT TO BENTWATER IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY Dress up your back yard with a Free Pool or dress up the rest of your new home with $55,000 in options at our award-winning Design Center. Whatever you choose, you’ll still get all Bentwood Farms has to offer.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY VANESSA HOLT, NICHAELA SHAHEEN & CARSON WEAVER

Private School Guide

The Woodlands

Conroe

The Woodlands Methodist School Type: religious based Grades served: pre-K-eighth grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, arts, sports Enrollment: 275 Tuition: $11,690-$19,480 annually • 1915 Lake Front Circle, The Woodlands • www.twmschool.org

Lake Creek Academy Type: nontraditional Grades served: K-12 Extracurricular activities: Dungeons & Dragons club, Homeschool Fridays, Fun Fridays Enrollment: 12-15

Tuition: $12,500 annually • 15460 Pin Oak Drive, Conroe • www.lakecreekacademy.com

• 912 W. Lewis St., Conroe • www.glenwoodprivateschool.com

• 3993 I-45 N., Conroe • www.lifestylechristian.org

Conroe

Calvary Baptist School Type: religious based

The Grove Community School Type: Montessori Grades served: pre-K-12th grade Extracurricular activities: basketball, volleyball, soccer,

Sacred Heart Catholic School Type: religious based Grades served: pre-K3-eighth grade Religious orientation: Catholic Extracurricular activities: athletics, dance, cheer, robotics team, Girl Scouts, student council Current enrollment: 288 Tuition: $8,405-$9,510 annually • 615 McDade St., Conroe • www.shcstx.com

Grades served: K4-12th grade Religious orientation: Baptist Extracurricular activities: athletics, cheerleading, art, music, ministry arts, guitar lessons Enrollment: 247 Tuition: $3,970-$4,270 annually (subject to change) • 3401 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.calvaryconroeeagles.org

robotics, choir Enrollment: 80 Tuition: $9,950-$16,800 annually • 3305 Red Bird Lane, Conroe • www.thegrovewoodlands.com

Lake Conroe Christian Academy Type: religious based Grades served: 1 year olds-fifth grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: music, dance, art, Spanish language

Covenant Christian School Type: religious based

Montgomery

Grades served: pre-K-12th grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: athletics, cheer, choir, theater, Spanish club, key club Current enrollment: 493 Tuition: $7,980-$14,450 annually

Montgomery Christian Academy Type: religious based Grades served: pre-K-seventh grade Religious orientation: Christian Extracurricular activities: basketball, soccer, art, music, Spanish Current enrollment: 115 Tuition: $9,000-$11,000 annually • 12681 FM 149, Montgomery • www.montgomerychristianacademy.com

Tuition: $2,925-$5,400 annually • 2080 Longmire Road, Conroe • www.lccawillis.com

• 4503 I-45 N., Conroe • www.ccsconroe.org

Lifestyle Christian School Type: religious based Grades served: K-12th grade Religious orientation: Assembly of God Extracurricular activities: athletics Current enrollment: 93 Tuition: $8,820-$9,550 annually

Glenwood Private School Type: independent Grades served: 6 weeks old-second grade Extracurricular activities: sports, dance, gymnastics Current enrollment: 120 Tuition: $210 weekly

This list is not comprehensive.

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Willis

Transportation

Montgomery

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Willis

1097

Montgomery

1097

Willis

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

Montgomery

1097

LONE STAR PKWY. Update: This project is 40% completed, according to a Jan. 6 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: March 2023-third quarter 2028 • Cost: $52.65 million • Funding source: state funds 149 4 I-45 northbound ramp reversal Project: I-45 is undergoing a northbound ramp reversal between FM 830 and FM 1097. Update: According to a Jan. 6 media update from TxDOT, this project is 80% completed. • Timeline: February 2024-fourth quarter of 2025 • Cost: $3.17 million 105 2854 LAKE CONROE KEENAN CUT OFF RD. 149 105 2854 KEENAN CUT OFF RD. LONE STAR PKWY. 149

Upcoming projects

830

2432

1097

830

LAKE CONROE

1 I-45 direct connector Project: A direct connector will be constructed between I-45 North to Hwy. 242 East. Update: A Texas Department of Transportation update Jan. 6 says the project will begin early 2025. • Timeline: first quarter of 2025-third quarter 2029 • Cost: $42.63 million • Funding sources: state, federal funds

2432

1484

830

1484

LONGMIRE RD.

105

N. 10TH ST.

105

2854

Conroe

Ongoing projects

• Funding source: state funds 5 Hwy. 242 widening

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

336

3083

2 Hwy. 105 reconstruction Project: Hwy. 105 is being reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes between South Loop 336 and FM 1484. Update: This project is 90% completed, according to a Jan. 6 media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: February 2023-third quarter of 2025 • Cost: $90.81 million

336

3083

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE Project: TxDOT is using an existing right of way on Hwy. 242 between FM 1488 and I-45 to widen lanes and restripe the intersections. Update: As of the most recent information available 149 in January, the project was 45% complete. • Timeline: October 2023-first quarter 2026 • Cost: $29.11 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE 149

1314

149

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

1314

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

• Funding source: state funds 3 Hwy. 105 widening

1488

242

242 SHENANDOAH PARK DR.

Project: Between 10th Street and South Loop 336, Hwy. 105 is being widened from two to four lanes.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

Home sales increased in seven of the eight ZIP codes in Conroe and Montgomery, with total home sales increasing 16.3% year over year in December. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

December 2023

December 2024

+43.5%

+40%

+38.46%

+9.72%

+233.33%

-25.47%

+23.73%

+7.14%

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

77318

77356

77303

77301

105

Median home sales price

149

77316

December

2023

2024

77306

$260,995 $332,045 $260,000 $328,250 $216,397 $335,000 $360,000 $452,450

$259,450 $308,035 $256,275 $325,000 $217,995 $375,000 $299,990 $499,000

77301 77302 77303 77304 77306 77316 77318 77356

77302

77304

Homes sold by price point

December 2024

$1 million+

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on the market

$500,000-$749,999

+65.6%

+22.73%

+13.64%

-8.51%

-14.57%

-8.85%

+6.8%

-6.93%

268

$250,000-$499,999

128

<$249,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY MELISSA SPENCER RE/MAX INTEGRITY 23309 KUYKENDAHL ROAD, TOMBALL • 713-823-2368 MELISSA@THESPENCERTEAM.COM

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

We are fearlessly devoted to exceeding your expectations, offering personalized service built around YOU . Ready to experience the difference? Contact us to learn more about our commitment to you. Ready to make your real estate goals a reality?

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melissa@thespencerteam.com ∙ 713-823-2368 ∙ TheSpencerTeam.com

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Our Beauty is

Welcome to Evergreen, where natural beauty and your dreams meet. Lush trees and greenbelts set the stage for life’s adventures. This spring, The Arbor opens with a pool, splash pad, pickleball, and more. Explore beautiful new homes by Shea Homes, Perry Homes, Highland Homes and Chesmar Homes. At Evergreen, beauty is endless.

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. 1/25 CM Find your dream home from the $300s-$800s

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY CARSON WEAVER

Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community, ranging from local programs to details about medications. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—show them your gratitude by supporting them. In this issue, you’ll learn more about parks in the area, and a program at Houston Methodist The Woodlands that provides community and connection for patients. Additionally, read further to get information about a local running club that ends with a brew, and a local business that offers methods to optimize health naturally. Our cover story looks at equine-assisted services in and around the Conroe and Montgomery area, and the benefits clients see from the services offered by local nonprofits and businesses. To read additional health and wellness coverage, and to keep up with the news throughout the month, visit communityimpact.com/newsletter to sign up for our free daily email newsletter.

What's inside

County mental health facility expansion proceeds with new leadership (Page 21)

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Montgomery’s Revive Biohacking aims to optimize health naturally (Page 23)

Demand rising for semaglutides such as Ozempic and Zepbound (Page 25)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

When it comes to proximity to a park, 23% of Conroe residents and 37% of Willis residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, which is lower than the average of the nation’s 100 most populous cities at 74%, per the Trust for Public Land. The TPL launched the 10-Minute Walk program in 2017, which aims to improve access to parks, per its website. “Public parks and green spaces are community essentials,” said Bianca Clarke, director of the 10-Minute Walk program. “Parks offer nearby residents a place to play, connect and reap the benefits of the outdoors.” 23% of Conroe residents live close to parks

Measuring the impact

Willis

Total number of parks: 4 Total park acres: 42 Percentage of residents who live within a 10-minute walk of a park: 37%

According to the TPL, the city of Houston spends $32 per resident on parks each year, while other Texas cities such as Austin, San Antonio and Dallas spend upwards of $120 per resident. An October 2023 report by the Kinder Institute—a research organization at Rice University—showed two-thirds of Houston residents supported the city spending upwards of $100 per resident on parks and green space. Additionally, in 2021, local parks and recreation agencies in Texas generated $13 billion in economic activity, and supported 74,722 jobs, according to the National Recreation and Parks Association. Nationally, local public park and recreation agencies generated $201.4 billion in economic activity and supported over 1 million jobs.

LAKE CONROE

105

249

Conroe

6 Total number of parks: 23 Total park acres: 2,321 Percentage of residents who live within a 10-minute walk of a park: 23%

LAKE HOUSTON

TRINITY BAY

146

1093

NOTE: THE CITY OF MONTGOMERY WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND’S PARKSERVE DATABASE. SOURCE: TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Health & wellness

BY VANESSA HOLT

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Mental health facility expansion proceeds with new leadership

HEAL program provides community, connection at Houston Methodist Housed at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, Health Education and Learning, or HEAL, is a new program oering physical, emo- tional and spiritual services for Houston Methodist patients at no cost, ranging from cooking classes to wig styling. The program, which launched in January 2024 and is funded largely through donations, oers complimentary services in the Cook Family facility at The Woodlands hospital, including spaces for cooking, socializing and other programs for small groups. On any day, one room might have tai chi classes while another holds a sound bath program allowing patients to use singing bowls to create soothing sounds. Support groups and other community resources also contribute to the

What else?

holistic programs oered at no charge to Houston Methodist patients, said Program Manager Marilyn Tennille. Who it’s for The program is open to any Houston Methodist patients at no charge, ocials said. The program is led by Tennille and Lindsey Bruchhaus, the director of guest relations and services for the hospital. In addition, about 10 volunteers help to work with programs each week as well as students through various educational partnerships. “Sometimes we forget about the importance of community concerns,” Tennille said. “Our surgeon general says that loneliness is a public health crisis right now ... and that’s free to treat.”

Montgomery County Purchasing Director Gilbert Jalomo said the county must move forward on awarding a construction bid for the project by June, and the project must be completed by February 2027 unless otherwise extended. Special Projects Coordinator Brain Luly will take over overseeing the project and providing updates to the court, work previously carried out by Evan Besong, the former Precinct 3 chief of sta. “Brian [Luly] is my project operations guy, and it’s a Precinct 1 project, so we can work hand in hand with anybody that needs to have any discussion on that project,” Walker said. Walker was also made the designated special projects oversight commissioner. Assistant County Attorney Amy Davidson said the move would allow for a more streamlined reporting and monitoring of special countywide projects.

Montgomery County commissioners approved naming Precinct 1 Commissioner Robert Walker to oversee the 100-bed expansion of the Montgomery County Mental Health Facility on Jan. 7. Walker requested oversight of the Montgomery County Mental Health Facility expansion project to be shifted from the county to his precinct oce because the facility is within Precinct 1. The project will double the number of available beds at the Montgomery County Mental Health Facility, funded by a $50 million grant from the Texas Health and Human Services Mental Health Inpatient Facility Grant Program in 2023. The funding came with deadlines for project completion, which the county must meet in order to prevent losing the funding.

Key deadlines June 2: Contractor approved to begin work April 30, 2026: 50% completion mark Dec. 31, 2026: Substantial completion Feb. 28, 2027: Completion

Patients can take part in tness classes such as tai chi.

VANESSA HOLTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

336

242

This feature has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

17189 I-45, Ste. 575, The Woodlands www.houstonmethodist.org/for-patients/ heal-program

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ATTORNEY B.D. GRIFFINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

LOWER PRICES on HUNDREDS OF WINES In-Store ONLY 2/1 - 3/1 No Limit on Quantities While Supplies Last

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CONROE 1304 W Davis (936) 539-8787 NORTH CONROE 18434 Hwy 105 W (936) 582-5410

MONTGOMERY PLAZA 1420 N Loop 336 W (936) 441-7161

WILLIS 9618 FM 1097 (936) 228-0385

Store selections vary. Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. SPECSONLINE.COM

Offering Curbside, In-Store Pickup & Delivery

Health & wellness

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Fass Brewing Run Club oers tness, community

Josh Litton said he and his wife would trek from Magnolia to the Heights to participate in a run club. Noticing a lack of run clubs in his area, Litton teamed up with Fass Brewing in Conroe. “Seeing everybody hang out and nd ... people that they’re comfortable with ... it’s rewarding,” Litton said. The overview The Fass Brewing Run Club meets twice a week on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, rain or shine, run club member Chris Wilson said. “The cool thing is that everybody is super positive,” Wilson said. At the end of the run, participants get a free brew and chat with each other at Fass Brewing.

The club has two separate designated routes—one a 5K and one a 10K—and caters to all skill levels.

W. DAVIS ST.

A closer look The rst run was on July 21, 2022, and what started out as ve to 10 people has grown to a core group of 30 with over 175 participants, Litton said. Club members range from 18-year-olds to a man in his 80s who travels from Huntsville every Thursday to run with his crew, Wilson said. “I hate to use the term because it’s just so cliche, but ... it really does just kind of feel like an extension of my family,” Litton said.

SIMONTON ST.

Fass Brewing 236 N. Main St., Conroe www.instagram.com/fassrunclub

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Revive Biohacking oers red light therapy to improve skin health and alleviate muscle pain.

Revive Biohacking’s owners have a background in health and collaborated to help others optimize health.

PHOTOS COURTESY REVIVE BIOHACKING

Revive Biohacking aims to optimize health naturally

Contrast therapy helps to boost circulation and promote sweating.

to boost circulation followed by a cold plunge to enhance natural recovery. • Salt rooms: The salt rooms aim to clean out all aspects of one’s respiratory system. • Red light therapy: This method aims to enhance the skin’s health and alleviate muscle pain. • Aesthetics: This method includes facials and body sculpting with natural solutions. What else? Ornelas said Revive Biohacking also has a wellness networking group and holds events. “Anyone can take control of their own health in a natural way that feels good and is going to be benecial,” Ornelas said.

Looking for dierent ways to improve his health, Rick Ornelas created a business to oer biohacking methods to optimize health naturally through science and technology. “I was reading [Lifespan by David Sinclair], and that’s where the idea ... was born,” Ornelas said. A closer look Ornelas said through Revive Biohacking he— along with a team of owners with a background in health—oers several methods to help improve one’s quality of life for all ages. Revive Biohacking oers alternatives to pharma- ceuticals to optimize health such as: • Contrast therapy: Clients start in a warm sauna

WOODFOREST PKWY.

618 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Ste. 500, Montgomery www.revivebiohacking.com

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

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