Tomball - Magnolia Edition | April 2026

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Tomball Magnolia Edition VOLUME 16, ISSUE 7 MAY 129, 2026

Built for the next storm Montgomery County spreads disaster response hubs

INSIDE

Precinct 2’s new emergency management building should allow for quicker access to disaster supplies. (Courtesy Montgomery County Precinct 2)

Also in this issue

Impacts: See where a new Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is located in the Tomball area (Page 6)

Education: Learn about TISD’s proposed FY 202627 revenues (Page 15)

Health care : Read about TRHF’s new administrative, learning center (Page 22)

At Memorial Hermann, we believe finish lines don’t exist. For our patients and the health of our community, our work is never done. Each milestone inspires us to look ahead—to relentlessly improve care, innovate for the future and to see that the medicine of tomorrow is even better than today. It is our promise to not only advance health but to personalize care, for you and for generations to come. Relentlessly pushing health and care forward.

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

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Impacts

2 Home Bank The banking center serves both commercial and retail customers. The site will also serve as a hub for Home Bank’s North Houston commercial banking team. • Opened March 16 • 27702 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • www.home24bank.com 3 Cantona Homestead The business is a 40-acre equestrian ranch with 20 horses and baby goats. • Opened March 28 • 24706 FM 2978, Tomball • www.cantonahomestead.com 4 Hissy Chick The eatery specializes in chicken sandwiches and offers catering. • Opened March 25 • 5802 FM 1488, Magnolia • https://hissychickllc.square.site 5 Discount Tire The location offers online scheduling and includes multiple service bays for car, truck, SUV and trailer tire services. • Opened March 17 • 13870 Jordan Lewis Way, Magnolia • www.discounttire.com 6 Swig The business combines sodas with a customized mix of flavors, creams, purees and fresh fruits, according to its website. • Opened March 26 • 22532 Hwy. 249, Houston • www.swig.com 7 Americas Best Value Inn & Suites The hotel features 46 rooms, and joins nearly 500 Americas Best Value Inn & Suites locations across the U.S. • Opened March 2 • 9110 N. Grand Parkway W., Tomball • www.sonesta.com/americas-best-value-inn

149

1486

1488

R E

JORDAN LEWIS WAY

Magnolia

249 TOLL

2978

1774

1488

2978

249

STAGECOACH RD.

HUFSMITH KUYKENDAHL RD.

DECKER PRAIRIE ROSEHILL RD.

WALNUT ST.

Tomball

2920

HOLDERRIETH BLVD.

TOMBALL PKWY.

2920

14 13

99 TOLL

N. GRAND PWKY.

LOUETTA RD.

10 12

VINTAGE PARK BLVD.

CHASEWOOD PARK DR.

99 TOLL

249

MAP NOT TO SCALE

kitchen renovations. • Opened March 6 • 9166 FM 2920, Ste. 700, Tomball • www.cabinetiq.com

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

8 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The shop features treats such as soft ice cream, Italian ice and Jelati, a mix of soft ice cream and Italian ice. • Opened April 16 • 24225 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 300, Tomball • www.jeremiahsice.com 9 Roll House Sushi Grill Go The restaurant offers fresh sushi, customizable poke bowls and hot Asian comfort dishes. • Opened in mid-April • 18423 FM 1488, Unit B, Magnolia • www.rollhousemagnolia.com

along Hwy. 249 and estimated to cost $6.6 million, per a TDLR filing. • 25569 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.dickssportinggoods.com 14 Ross Dress For Less The store is estimated to cost $2.24 million, with construction estimated to begin in June and wrap up next January, per a TDLR filing. • 25565 Hwy. 249, Tomball • www.rossstores.com

In the news

Relocations

15 Turquoise Door Boutique The boutique moved from 314 Market St. to 120 N. Walnut St. in Tomball, and has been in Tomball for nearly 14 years. • Relocated March 17 • 120 N. Walnut St., Tomball • www.turquoisedoorboutique.com 16 Specialists in Dermatology The business has plans to relocate from 13325 Hargrave Road, Ste. 130 and Ste. 140 to a larger space in the St. Luke’s Vintage Park campus on May 1. Specialists in Dermatology offer services from cosmetics to treating eczema and acne, according to the website. • Relocating May 1 • 20207 Chasewood Park Drive, Ste. 100, Houston • www.twssc.org

Coming soon

19 FM 1488 Animal Medical Center The veterinary hospital celebrated its 20-year anniversary in April, owner Dr. Jess Jeffrey confirmed. FM 1488 Animal Medical Center opened in 2006 with one doctor and five staff members and has since grown into a four-doctor practice with more than 20 employees, Jeffrey said. The locally owned facility offers veterinary care for cats and dogs, including wellness care, dentistry, rehabilitation, and medical and surgical services. • 7002 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.1488amc.com

10 Mexquite Cocina Norestense Specializing in premium cuts of meat and signature mixology, per the website, Mexquite Cocina Norestense plans to offer steaks, salads and specialty cocktails. • Opening second quarter 2026 • 126 Vintage Park Blvd., Bldg. D, Ste. 126-B, Houston • https://mexquitegroup.com 11 Family First ER The Tomball community can expect services including emergency care, imaging and lab testing. • Opening in August • Intersection of FM 2920 and Hwy. 249 • www.familyfirster.com 12 Liberty Dog Barkery Per the business’s website, Liberty Dog Barkery offers a variety of homemade dog treats such as jerky, cookies and pupmuffins—a dog-friendly muffin treat. • Opening summer 2026 • 130 Vintage Park Blvd., Ste. G, Houston • www.libertydogbarkery.com

23 news release. He previously served in leadership roles at HCA Healthcare, including associate chief financial officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.

• 605 Holderrieth Blvd., Tomball • www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com

In the news

17 Cactus Flower Boutique The business has expanded into two additional buildings in Magnolia. The boutique offers women’s clothing. • 5115 FM 1488, Magnolia • www.cactusflowerboutique.com 18 HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball The hospital named Francis Tezanos as its new chief financial officer, effective Jan. 12, according to a March

American Heart Association The organization in March announced two leadership appointments for the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast markets. Kellie Armstrong was named senior executive director for the Greater Houston market, and Lisa Fenley was appointed executive director for the Gulf Coast, according to a news release. • www.heart.org

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

13 Dick’s Sporting Goods The 60,496-square-foot store is slated to be located

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL

54% of Montgomery County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

46%

54%

Protested 1

Didn’t Protest 1

139,280

164,427

residential properties

$26.4M total missed potential savings

$40.3M total realized savings in 2025

Protestors won 88% of the time in Montgomery County¹

WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 91% 18% 7,822 of Montgomery County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025

IMPORTANT DATES

deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026

Montgomery County 2025 win rate

Montgomery County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025

property tax protest deadline

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Montgomery County Commissioners Court on April 9 dug into what could come next for the Montgomery County Jail. Commissioners moved with contingencies to look into building a new jail, and during discussion, got a deeper look at what ocials said is becoming a more urgent issue as the county grows and the 40-year- old jail continues to age. Sheri Wesley Doolittle told commissioners the county has made short-term changes to ease crowding. But he said those steps do not solve the county’s larger jail capacity and infrastructure problem. “We are in real trouble here,” Doolittle said. Montgomery County reviews jail expansion

Montgomery County Jail timeline

Why now?

Sheri Wesley Doolittle traced the county’s jail planning back years, with multiple studies conducted. 2005 Sheri Tommy Gage commissioned a Texas Commission on Jail Standards study projecting a need for 2,352beds by 2025.

Representatives from engineering rm HDR told the court the county’s long-range jail planning shows a need for about 2,352 beds by 2040. Consultants and county ocials described the current jail as outdated and dicult to operate. Doolittle said the county continues spending money just to keep it functioning. According to the presentation by HDR, the jail is nearing or at an unsustainable operating point, has poor sightlines that increase safety risks for sta and inmates, and faces recurring structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing issues. Planner Paul Vlnar said the facility is in poor condition and called it a challenge both physically and operationally. He said the jail is a 24/7 opera- tion that puts constant strain on building systems. Commissioners also discussed how population growth is adding pressure. County Judge Mark Keough said Montgomery County could reach 1 million residents by 2030.

2006

2007

The county built the Joe Corley Facility with 1,000 beds for $44 million . The county sold the Joe Corley Facility for $65 million and hired Broaddus Planning to conduct another jail needs assessment after immediate overcrowding followed that sale. That 2013 study found a minimum of 2,200 beds would be needed by 2032 and estimated a new jail at $202 million.

2008

2013

2014

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: THIS TIMELINE IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

Montgomery County Jail breakdown

2,352

What they’re saying

1,317

“Build for what we need and plan for what’s to come. We can’t let

“I think we would be negligent if we don’t prepare for what’s coming and what’s already here.” WESLEY DOOLITTLE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF

380

it go this long.” ROBERT WALKER, PRECINCT 1 COMMISSIONER

Original inmate capacity

Rated beds* as of April 2026

Beds needed by 2040

*RATED BEDS ARE THE NUMBER OF BUNKS THAT MEET STATE REQUIREMENTS. SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Proposed location of new Montgomery County Jail

Stay tuned

1484

reliance on aging infrastructure, per consultants and Doolittle’s presentation. The proposed site of a new jail is next to the Montgomery County Mental Health Facility. The court also reviewed the nancial scale of the options. Budget Ocer Amanda Carter said a rough calculation for a bond to support Option A would have a tax impact of about 3.5 cents, or roughly $106, based on a 25-year projection.

Commissioners moved with contingencies to look into building a new jail, which was presented by Doolittle as Option A. Building a new jail would take around 4 1/2 years, between planning, design, construction and moving into the new facility. A new jail facility would include a detention center designed to current jail standards and would provide more long-term exibility, improved stang eciency and avoid

336

MIKE MEADOR PKWY.

STEWARTS CREEK

$976.8M total project cost

2,352 -bed facility

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY COLE GEE

Meet the Fire Chiefs Association president, Raymond Flannelly On Jan. 8, Raymond Flannelly was officially elected as president of the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association. A 45-year veteran of the force, Flannelly has served the county as fire chief of Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 9 for the last 16 years. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. What are your responsibilities as president of the Fire Chiefs Association? Really, it’s just to keep each fire department, there’s 12 fire departments in Montgomery County, ... keep them informed of what we’re doing, any future growth, training options, anything that better prepares us to assist the citizens that reside in Montgomery County or traveling through Montgomery County. You’ve been a part of the firefighting world for around 45 years, going up to now. How’s it changed since you first started? It’s changed tremendously, and the change is for the better. The firemen in the beginning of time didn’t worry about things like cancer or mental health, and that’s the biggest change. Take a fire coat, for example. A bunker coat that a firefighter puts on has a life expectancy of 10 years. And every year, that coat has to be tested by a third- party tester, and it has to pass inspection. Until recently, we never cared about the person wearing that coat. How messed up is that? ... Now we have things in place to protect the firefighters’ longevity. Cancer is running crazy in

the fire service. ... I’m thankful that we’re finally realizing mental health and cancer prevention are things that are important again for the longevity of these firefighters. Is there a moment in your career that most shaped the kind of leader you are today? A moment, no, but I’ve been very blessed to work around very talented officers. I picked and chose from each officer what I felt would be a ben- efit to me and my leadership style. I’ve always led by example, 35 years as a company officer in the city of Houston, the third-largest fire department in the United States. What are some of the bigger challenges fire departments in Montgomery County face right now? Growth and financing, Montgomery County is growing so fast that each department in the county has a hard time keeping up. ... To build a station nowadays is roughly about $5 million on the low end, and they don’t have to plan for that. ... So a fire chief has to always think about tomor- row; planning is a huge part of what’s going on in the fire service in Montgomery County. Are there any initiatives you hope to implement as Fire Chief Association president? I would like to see us train together more. It’s 12 different fire departments, and your homeowner’s insurance is based on an ISO score. An ISO score has many elements to help maintain an affordable home insurance policy on your house. Well, when we train with our neighbors, you get points for that to help reduce your homeowner’s insurance. So I’d like to see more interlocal training, which has really started to gear up over the last couple of months. ... The great thing about the fire service in Montgomery County is if my department is tied up on an incident, our neighbors will come in and just

COURTESY RAYMOND FLANNELLY

assume the role as if it were their incident, and that’s pretty significant. What would you say to a young person considering a career in firefighting today? I would suggest education. ... Degrees are important. Certifications are important, but more importantly, your physical shape and use [of] the programs that are available to you. Mental health, cancer screening, physicals and take care of yourself.

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

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TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

Government

Montgomery County to seek courthouse architect Montgomery County commissioners voted 4-1 to advertise for architect services for a new justice center and courthouse facility during their March 26 meeting. Commissioners also discussed potential future financing options for the project that could include a bond election. Potential funding sources for construction General obligation bonds Certificates of obligation Public-private partnership

Precinct 3 pilots street repair approach Harris County Precinct 3’s road and bridge department is giving old tires a second life with a new approach to street repairs. Road and bridge crews installed recycled tire rings beneath new asphalt to stabilize the foundation of the road, officials said. Road & Bridge Director Jennifer Almonte said the strategy could be replicated throughout the county to fix potholes and cracks. More details Almonte said maintenance that incorporates the tires could last decades compared to a six-month lifespan for a typical pothole repair. She said reducing maintenance frequency could save about $63,000 per taxpayer over the next 10 years. Precinct 3 will look for other potential locations for maintenance.

The architectural services approved will be funded through a court facilities fund and will be for a site adjacent to the Alan B. Sadler Commissioners Court building, according to discussion at the meeting. What happened Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler cast the opposing vote, saying he did not think the new construction should be behind the current building. Wheeler noted the county cannot decide to place a bond on the November ballot until 78-90 days before the election, in August. The cost Montgomery County Treasurer Melanie Bush

Alan B. Sadler Commissioners Court Building

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

said if the county was to hold a bond election, the cost could be around $250 million for a single courthouse building, resulting in between $15 million-$16 million annually in debt service.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Tomball approves ethics, meeting rules update Tomball City Council on April 20 approved an update to its ethics code and council procedures, including new rules tied to attendance, public comment, disclosures, complaints and censure. The ordinance repeals and replaces portions of Chapter 2 of the city’s code of ordinances related to general administration, City Council procedures and the city’s code of ethics. In a nutshell City staff said April 6 that the proposed changes are meant to modernize the city’s rules, add clarity to council operations and formalize procedures that are not clearly outlined in the current code. Slides presented during the April 6 meeting showed some of the updates would add attendance requirements for council members, including notice to the city secretary at least two hours before a meeting; define excused and unexcused absences;

Tomball OKs $1.5M for Main Street trees The trees lining Main Street are set to be replaced with new trees after Tomball City Council approved a $1.5 million contract with Environmental Designs Inc. on April 20. The tree removal and replacement is related to the FM 2920 reconstruction project, which will start in January 2029, Public Works Director Drew Huffman said. The details Huffman said the trees will be the last part of the construction along Main Street and are expected to be planted in 2031. There will be 200 trees total, planted along FM 2920 from Willow Street to Hwy. 249 where applicable, Huffman said. Sixty trees will be grown to 10-to-12-inch caliper for downtown Tomball, which Huffman said are bigger than the current 9-inch caliper trees.

Additional updates to the city’s ethics code and council procedures would: Establish a formal complaint and investigation process Create a censure process for council members

Add a public disclosure webpage for campaign finance reports, conflict disclosures and contracts requiring abstention Clarify quorum and decorum rules for meetings and public comment

SOURCE: CITY OF TOMBALL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

create orientation requirements for new council members; and expand the city’s ethics code with added transparency and disclosure expectations. Diving in deeper According to the presentation, the ordinance would also add language prohibiting council members from representing private interests before city bodies, strengthen gift restrictions and clarify misuse of confidential information.

TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION

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Education

BY COLE GEE

Tomball ISD projects $255M in revenue for scal year 202627

Tomball ISD’s scal year 2026-27 general fund revenue is projected to be around $255 million, TISD Chief Financial Ocer Zack Boles said at the March 16 budget workshop meeting. Boles said the audited revenue for FY 2025-26 was $238.3 million; this new budget is a $16.7 million increase. The projections The various goals TISD hopes to address include sta recruitment and retention and providing well-maintained facilities. As previously reported, TISD has the opening of Tomball West High School and Creekside Junior High School’s fth-grade expansion in August. Boles said the opening of the facilities had led to “quite a bit of additional costs,” however, competi- tive salaries are a high priority. At the Capitol TISD has received some support from the state level to address the district’s funding needs. In

TISD 202627 budget timeline On March 16, CFO Zack Boles laid out the timeline TISD follows when nalizing the upcoming year’s budget.

March-May: budget committee meetings

June: public hearing and adoption of the budget

Sept.: adopt the tax rate

Jan.

Dec.

July: certied property values received from Harris and Montgomery counties

April-May: board budget workshops, certied estimates of property values

TISD 202627 projected general fund revenues Property taxes (local): $119.54M Remaining state aid: $103.51M Teacher Retirement System on behalf: $14M Fast growth allotment (state): $7.43M Other revenue (local): $6.04M Teacher incentive allotment (state): $3.97M Federal funding: $500K Total: $255M

June 2025, the Texas 89th Legislature passed an $8.5 billion funding bill—House Bill 2. Boles said HB 2 generated an overall funding increase of $11.8 million. The breakdown is: • Regular and maintained programs: $1.86 million • Safety allotment: $630,000 • Teacher retention allotment: $6 million • Support sta retention allotment: $888,000 • Allotment for basic costs: $2.43 million

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

Education

TISD discusses bus seat belt requirement On April 13, Tomball ISD trustees discussed a new requirement for Texas school districts to only use buses that contain three-point seat belts. The mandate stems from Senate Bill 546, and TISD officials said they aren’t sure the district will be able to meet the financial requirements. The cost Originally, there was an exception for certain school buses with a model year of 2017 or earlier, Chief Operating Officer Steven Gutierrez said. The new bill eliminated this exception, meaning that TISD must calculate the total cost required submit it to the Texas Education Agency by May 29. Gutierrez said that TISD can retrofit buses or purchase new buses to meet the new requirement. Items worth mentioning Gutierrez also noted an issue of liability that was

State board advances K-12 reading list After delaying a vote in January, the State Board of Education gave preliminary approval April 10 to roughly 200 literary works that all Texas public school students would be required to read beginning in 2030. The gist The Republican-led board signed off on a revised list, proposed by member Keven Ellis, R-Lufkin, in a 9-5 party-line vote April 10, with all Republican members in favor and all Democrats opposed. Ellis’ draft list ranges from nursery rhymes in early grades to classical literature in high school. The list also includes excerpts from the Bible. Board members will have the opportunity to make additional amendments to the list before taking a final vote in June.

$3.24M-$4.9M: cost to retrofit 103 buses $14.42M: cost to purchase 103 buses—$140,000/bus Breakdown of Tomball ISD's bus fleet

Three-point seat belts: 102 Two-point seat belts: 17 No seat belts: 77 Mix of three-point and two-point seat belts: 9

205 school buses

SOURCE: TOMBALL ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

brought up when TISD reached out to vendors for quotes regarding retrofitting buses. TISD would be held responsible for any injuries that could occur as a result of the new seat belts, Gutierrez said. Gutierrez recommended that TISD submit to the TEA that it doesn’t have funds available to comply with the new law.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Lone Star College System maintains tuition prices On April 2, Lone Star College System trustees approved unchanged tuition rates for 2026-27. What happened During the LSCS trustees’ regular April 2 meet- ing, trustees unanimously approved the proposed tuition rates for the 2026-27 school year. Trustee Daniel Meza expressed a desire to lower LSCS tuition rates in the future, especially out- of-district and out-of-state/international tuition, which he said are high compared to other schools. However, board Secretary Iesheia Wilson said if rates are lowered for out-of-district and out-of- state/international tuition, LSCS will need to lower in-district tuition too, which could impact the college system’s budget. It was too late to consider lowering the tuition rates for the 2026-27 school year, Chancellor Mario Castillo said April 2. However, trustees tasked

SHSU celebrates Match Day

$111 per credit hour for in-district students $249 per credit hour for out-of- district students $313 per credit hour for out-of-state/ international students $43 per credit hour for dual credit students According to April 2 meeting documents, the LSCS tuition rates will remain at:

On March 20, student doctors at Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated Match Day and learned where they would go for their residencies. “We’re just so proud of y’all because you’ve been able to rise to the occasion,” COM Dean Thomas Mohr said during the ceremony. Some context Student doctors interview with residency programs across the country, and submit a ranked list of the residency programs where they’d like to train, Mohr said. The residency programs also rank the students they’ve interviewed, and after the preferences are processed, student doctors are paired with residency programs.

SOURCE: LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM/COMMUNITY IMPACT

the district’s Audit and Finance Committee with evaluating potential tuition changes and bringing information to the board in the future. Remember this? In March 2024, LSCS trustees voted to raise the college system’s tuition to the current fees, as previously reported. The changes included an $8 bump per credit hour for in-district tuition and a $23 increase per credit hour for out-of-state/inter- national tuition.

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Built for the next storm From the cover

Two-minute impact

Precinct 2 emergency management building

For years, when west Montgomery County crews needed extra water, cots, blankets or other emergency supplies after a storm, the backup plan was simple but risky: go to Conroe and get it. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley said that worked when the west side of the county was smaller and easier to navigate. But after Hurricane Harvey, multiple winter storms, oods, tornadoes and a wildre—and with Precinct 2 now home to about 190,000 residents—he said the distance started to become a problem. “One of these days, we weren’t going to be able to get there,” Riley said. “And if we were to get there, it’d be four or ve days after the fact.” Now, Precinct 2 is nearly nished with a $1.4 million emergency management building on its county barn property—paid for by using American Rescue Plan Act funds—that Riley said should be online around May 1. The site includes an 8,000-square-foot building, a 2,300-square-foot canopy, a backup generator and room for emergency supplies such water, blankets and basic medical items. The building is not meant to change what happens while a storm is still hitting, Riley said. Crews still have to wait, assess damage, clear roads and respond to res or debris before opening the site to residents. But he said the goal is to have a base much closer to Magnolia-area communities instead of making repeated supply runs. That matters, he said, because Precinct 2 already knows where trouble usually starts. Spring Creek crossings are often among the rst to ood, and residents along roads such as Egypt Road can end up stuck until water drops. Riley said the new site

$1.4 million construction cost

8,000 sq. ft. building footprint

Equipment: basic medical supplies, water, cots, blankets, batteries, tools, associated gear items and a backup generator

1774

1488

NICHOLS SAWMILL RD.

50 sta members manning the building during disasters

UNITY PARK DR.

Pauline Road re

Disaster declarations in Montgomery County

COVID-19

Hurricane Beryl

There have been multiple disaster declarations in Montgomery County since 2005.

Porter Heights tornado

Hurricane Ike

Tropical Storm Imelda

Winter Storm Uri

Tri-County re

Hurricane Harvey

2005

2010

2015

2020

2025

NOTE: THIS TIMELINE IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 2COMMUNITY IMPACT

include hurricanes Ike, Harvey and Beryl, Tropical Storm Imelda and the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. Riley said the building is ultimately about cutting out wasted time. “We’re already here, and it’s already here,” he said. “Everything’s here.”

gives those residents a more direct place to go once roads reopen and response work is underway. He also added that during natural disasters, about 50 sta members will man the emergency building. The need is backed by the county’s disaster history. Montgomery County’s past disaster declarations

What residents should know

Montgomery County emergency buildings

1 Precinct 2 emergency management building ( 10,300 sq. ft. ) 2 Precinct 4 emergency management building ( 10,300 sq. ft. ) 3 Main emergency management building ( 68,000 sq. ft. )

He said each smaller warehouse is designed to hold enough sheltering and point-of-distribution supplies for about 500 people, as well as give the county three stockpiles to pull from during a countywide event. In Precinct 4, Commissioner Matt Gray said the county also recently added a re-rated bulldozer that has already been used to help reghters clear debris and create re breaks during wildre response. He said the goal, like the new ware- houses, is to get response tools closer to where they may be needed. County ocials have also updated emergency management training this year, as previously reported by Community Impact, part of what Millsaps described as a larger eort to prepare for future disasters.

Precinct 2’s building is one piece of a broader county eort to spread emergency resources beyond Conroe. Jason Millsaps, executive director of Montgom- ery County’s Oce of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said identical supply warehouses are coming online in Precincts 2 and 4 to help reach areas that are harder to serve quickly from Conroe when roads are ooded or blocked by debris. “Instead of having it coming from Conroe and having to transfer [to] the county during either a hurricane, where trees are in blocking roadways [or] ood, where the roads are closed, we have stu in those areas that are harder for us to serve in an immediate situation from Conroe,” Millsaps said.

Willis

Montgomery

105

Conroe

1488

242

Magnolia

99 TOLL

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Why it matters

Quotes of note

Breaking it down

The county’s disaster history helps explain why ocials are paying closer attention to where supplies are stored. Riley said each storm has added another lesson about time, access and trac. He said ooded roads in Precinct 2 and evacuation backups during Hurricane Rita serve as reminders that both residents and respond- ers can get trapped when roads choke with water, debris or cars. Millsaps said that is exactly why the county placed new supply hubs in Precincts 2 and 4 instead of in Precincts 1 and 3— where Conroe can already be easily reached. I-45 has remained usable in major events, but roads such as FM 1488 and FM 1485 can create bigger barriers when the county is trying to push supplies east or west, he said. “As events occur and we have to use it, we’ll just replenish it from the main hub,” Millsaps said.

As hurricane season nears, Riley said residents should plan for wind and high water, stock up early and not wait until the last minute. An April 9 forecast from Colorado State University calls for six forecasted hurricanes, with two considered major.

“It gives us greater eciency to be able to move quickly to meet the needs of the community

in the event of a crisis. That’s what it does.” MARK KEOUGH, MONTGOMERY COUNTY JUDGE

Disaster preparedness expo

Lone Star Convention & Expo Center Date: Saturday, May 9 Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

“These facilities really assist us with making sure the constituents in that area have the immediate resources they

Hurricane preparation tips

• Have your supplies in order: water, batteries, ashlights, radio, cash • Secure your important documents • Have a plan for your pets

need during disasters.” JASON MILLSAPS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MCOHSEM

SOURCES: NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER, COUNTY PREPAREDNESS MATERIALSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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A SINGLE-PROPOSITION ADDRESSING GROWTH & AGING EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS New Schools High School #3 Elementary School #10 & # 11 Safety & Security Buses Replace buses that are 20 years or older and address growth. Priority Maintenance Projects at existing facilities and Special Education Program Accessible Playground Equipment Land for Future Schools

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TOMBALL MAGNOLIA EDITION

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

See 3 upcoming, ongoing transportation projects around Tomball, Magnolia

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

149

1774

KUYKENDAHL RD.

249

2978

HUFSMITH RD.

1488

STUEBNER AIRLINE RD.

1774

JOSEPH RD.

Hufsmith Road intersection improvements

FM 1488 widening west of Magnolia Project: FM 1488 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane between the Waller County line and FM 1774 west of Magnolia. Update: This project is 98% completed, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s March 10 media update. • Timeline: November 2020-second quarter 2026 • Cost: $35.35 million • Funding source: state funds

FM 1488 widening through Magnolia Project: Between FM 1774 and west of FM 149, FM 1488 is being widened from two to four lanes with a continuous left-turn lane. Update: This project is 64% completed, according to TxDOT’s March 10 media update. • Timeline: June 2022-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $48.28 million • Funding source: state funds

Project: This will make improvements to the intersections of Hufsmith Road at Kuykendahl Road, Stuebner Airline Road and FM 2978. Update: This project is now in the design phase for future planning and construction. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $36,645 • Funding source: Harris County Precinct 3

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Health care

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

The Tomball Regional Health Foundation celebrated the opening of its new administrative and learning center April 16 during an event that culminated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the new building. “This is our gift to the community,” TRHF board Chair Tom Kikis said. More details As previously reported, the new center includes a learning center that can accommodate 120 people and be divided into multiple rooms; a 1/3-mile walking loop with 8-foot-wide sidewalks; and a shing pond, mobility exercise stations and birding areas. TRHF celebrates the opening of its new building

The Tomball Regional Health Foundation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new building April 16.

LIZZY SPANGLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

TRHF broke ground on the building in Novem- ber 2024, per prior reporting. What they’re saying “It is about the building, but it’s not,” TRHF CEO Jerey Klein said. “What it’s about is what’s inside the building.” “What this facility’s going to do for the commu- nity is amazing,” Paradigm Construction President Dustin Hall said.

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Some context TRHF supports community initiatives around the Tomball and Magnolia area, per its website.

Events

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

• May 16, 7:30 p.m. • $15 (advance), $20 (at the door) • 403 Eats, 403 E. Main St., Tomball • www.403eats.com

May

Families Helping Families This fundraiser will include activities such as kids’ games, raes, and live and silent auctions. • May 3, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. • $20 (adults), $5 (children 12 and under) • Tomball VFW, 14408 Alice Road, Tomball Crawsh Cooko and Festival The cooko and festival will include local vendors. • May 9, noon-6 p.m. • $40 (cook-off entry), Free (market entry) • Tomball Flea Market, 19827 FM 2920, Tomball • www.tomballflea.com 2nd Saturday at the Depot Families can enjoy a showing of “A Minecraft Movie.” • May 9, 5-9 p.m. • Free (admission and parking) • Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball • www.tomballtx.gov Texas Eagles Concert The tribute band Texas Eagles will perform a variety of songs from The Eagles.

Summer Splash Bash This event features slides, music and outdoor activities. • May 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Paradigm Brewing Company, 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball • www.facebook.com/paradigmbrew Tomball Walmart’s Memorial Day Program The event includes a Gettysburg Address reading. • May 25, 10 a.m.-noon • Free • 27650 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • www.walmart.com/store/703-tomball-tx Summer Reading Program Kicko The theme for this year’s program is “Unearth a Story.” • May 28, 2-4 p.m. • Free • Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library, 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • https://hcpl.net/locations/tom

Vintage Car Festival Attendees will be able to browse a variety of vehicles, as well as enjoy live music, vendors and food. • May 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • First Presbyterian Church Tomball, 30410 Tomball Parkway, Tomball • https://fpctomball.org

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