Conroe - Montgomery Edition | March 2024

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Conroe Montgomery Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 12 MARCH 21APRIL 19, 2024

Protests pending

Andrew McClelland, Montgomery Central Appraisal District residential appraiser, left, speaks with a Montgomery County resident regarding a protest request.

JESSICA SHORTENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Despite rising appraisals, property value loss threatens budgets countywide

exemption increases. She said the appraisal district is implementing “aggressive” measures to make up lost property value that include updates to its 20-year-old computer system as rising protests and exemptions push to keep taxable values low.

translate into higher tax bills for residents and aect state funding for school districts based on ndings from the Texas Comptroller. Janet Jennings-Doyle, Montgomery Central Appraisal District’s chief appraiser, said the backlog was a result of sta shortages and new

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County taxing entities lost over $8.4 billion in property value in scal year 2022-23 following a backlog of homestead exemptions and record-setting levels of protest lings. The loss sets up a potential shortfall that could

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Impacts: Boba Chic Tea & Waes opens in Montgomery (Page 6)

Government: Conroe retains property after sale stopped (Page 9)

Election: County sheri race headed to runo (Page 10)

Community: Summer camps in Conroe, Montgomery (Page 22)

Saturday, April 20, 2024 8:30 a.m. Registration & Activities | 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies & Warm-Up Join us at Town Green Park in The Woodlands The IRONKIDS Fun Run offers young athletes the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition, while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living. Running clubs are welcome. Each athlete receives a “Goodie Bag” with a race bib, shirt and a finisher medal, as well as the pride of calling themselves an IRONKID. Doggie Dash is back for 2024! The Doggie Dash will follow the children’s runs. Dogs must be leashed and vaccinated. Each dog will receive a bandana and a finisher dog tag. Texas 2024 Fun Run & Doggie Dash

To register, scan the QR code or visit memorialhermann.org/ironkids

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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 Melissa Enaje Wesley Gardner Cassandra Jenkins Shaheryar Khan Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Dave Manning Jessica Shorten Lizzy Spangler Haley Velasco Aubrey Vogel Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Jatziri Garcia Ellen Jackson Matt Mills Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White

Chrissy Leggett General Manager cleggett@ communityimpact.com

Ronald Winters Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Account Executive Taylor Rainey Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Art Production Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

Anna Lotz Senior Editor alotz@ communityimpact.com

Jason Culpepper Publisher jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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

16300 Northwest Freeway Jersey Village, TX 77040 • 281-469-6181 CI Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases comnews@communityimpact.com Advertising comads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

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Impacts

2 Gil’s Cigar Bar Gil’s Cigar Bar offers a wide selection of bourbons, scotches and cigars as well as live music. • Opened Jan. 6 • 17156 FM 1097, Montgomery • Facebook: Gil’s Cigar Bar 3 Pincho Burgers and Kebabs Pincho Burgers and Kebabs, a Miami-based burger and variety meal restaurant, is now open in Conroe. • Opened Jan. 20 • 9662 Hwy. 242, Ste. 1100, Conroe • www.pincho.com 4 Lucky Dumpling The Lucky Dumpling is a restaurant on Lake Conroe serving authentic Chinese cuisine. • Opened Dec. 31 5 Krawfish Kai Krawfish Kai, located on Liberty Street, is now open in Montgomery. The full-service restaurant specializes in Cajun and Creole cuisine alongside beer and cocktails. • Opened Feb. 7 • 14335 Liberty St., Montgomery • www.krawfishkai.com 6 Magnolia Surgery Center The surgery center is designed to treat acute and chronic pain. Magnolia Surgery Center is located inside the Magnolia Medical Specialists Building. • Opened Feb. 6 • 3786 FM 1488, Ste. 120, Conroe • 346-223-8750 7 Food Stop Food Stop, a halal cuisine eatery specializing in a variety of Pakistani and American foods, is now open in Conroe. • Opened in December • 10463 Hwy. 242, Ste. 170, Conroe • www.foodstoptx.com • 15444 Hwy. 105, Ste. B, Montgomery • www.luckydumplinglakeconroe.com

Willis

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Montgomery

1097

LONE STAR PKWY.

LAKE CONROE

W. MONTGOMERY ST.

830

2432 W. DAVIS ST.

SIMONTON ST.

1484

2854

105

Conroe

149

KEENAN CUT OFF RD.

1 11

FISH CREEK THOROUGHFARE

336

3083

1314

149

WOODFOREST PKWY. N.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

1488

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE

restaurant serves brick oven-baked pizza, salads and appetizers. • Opened Dec. 6

Now open

1 The Flaming Wheel Pizzeria The Flaming Wheel Pizzeria is now open in Conroe, owner Thelma Portillo confirmed via email. The

• 1905 Longmire Road, Ste. A4, Conroe • Facebook: The Flaming Wheel Pizzeria

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8 Lupe Martinez State Farm Lupe Martinez State Farm has opened a second location in Willis. The business offers auto, home, health, life, business and pet insurance. • Opened Jan. 1 • 309 W. Montgomery St., Ste. G, Willis • www.lupeinsuresyou.com

13 Leadership Montgomery County After residing in an office in The Woodlands for five years, Leadership Montgomery County relocated to the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber building in January. • Relocated in January • 505 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.lmctx.org

Now open

In the news

Coming soon

14 Willis ISD Education Foundation The Willis ISD Education Foundation gave $80,000 in grants in December to 25 teachers. The grants went to purchase items or to fund experiences. • 612 N. Campbell St., Willis • www.willisisd.org/wef 15 Galindo’s Coffee + Elixirs Galindo’s Coffee Co. has rebranded to Galindo’s Coffee + Elixirs, owner Zak Galindo confirmed via email Feb. 9. The business turns into a candlelit cocktail lounge after 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Galindo said. • 2330 FM 1488, Ste. 700B, Conroe • https://coffee.galindos.com 16 Montgomery ISD Education Foundation The Montgomery ISD Education Foundation awarded $75,000 in grants to the district, which will be used for programs and supplies, according to a Jan. 19 district blog post.

9 McDonald’s McDonald’s broke ground on a new location in Woodforest, per a Feb. 20 news release. • Opening mid-2024 • 749 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Montgomery • www.mcdonalds.com

18 Boba Chic Tea & Waffles Boba Chic Tea & Waffles offers a fusion of traditional and modern flavors through boba teas and waffles. The waffles are made with a bubble waffle, powdered sugar, sprinkles, whipped cream and waffle sticks. Customers have the option to build their own boba waffles with their choice of toppings and ice cream. • Opened Dec. 10 • 2295 Woodforest Parkway N., Montgomery • www.bobachicteawaffles.com

10 VetCheck VetCheck, a pet urgent care center, is opening a new location in The Woodlands area, according to the business. The clinic will provide animal medical services.

• Opening in late spring • 4130 FM 1488, Conroe • www.vetcheckpucc.com

Relocations

11 Head To Toe Beauty Head to Toe Beauty relocated from downtown Conroe to Longmire Road. The vegan salon and waxing studio’s services range from haircuts to full-body waxing. • Relocated Feb. 13 • 1905 Longmire Road, Ste. A2, Conroe • www.headtotoebeauty.info 12 Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ryan Korenek Edward Jones financial advisor Ryan Korenek has relocated his office within Conroe. As a financial advisor, Korenek offers complete wealth management services. • Relocated Feb. 1 • 221 Simonton St., Conroe • www.edwardjones.com/ryan-korenek

Creekside Park Village Center in Creekside Park West, according to a news release from Orioli Restaurant Group. The restaurant combines modern techniques with a Latin coastal influence featuring food made from scratch with imported ingredients. • Opened Jan. 25 • 26543 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball • www.costafina.com Yeti Yeti opened a 2,600-square-foot location at Market Street that offers in-store drinkware customization. • Opened Jan. 25 • 9595 Six Pines Drive, Ste. 1000, The Woodlands • www.yeti.com

• 20774 Eva St., Montgomery • www.montgomeryisdef.org

17 Conroe First Assembly of God After reaching the milestone in 2023, Conroe First Assembly of God celebrated its 100th anniversary with a service March 3.

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

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Government

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

Conroe retains Sam Houston Elementary after sale stopped

How we got here Conroe City Council approved the contract to sell the property during its Dec. 14 regular meeting. Conroe local arts ocials expressed surprise at the sale and spoke about the need for a new performing arts venue in an interview with Community Impact . What else? During the Feb. 27 special meeting, council mem- ber Harry Hardman said getting the Sam Houston Elementary School operational is going to be an “extremely sizeable investment.” “We’re talking ... a couple million dollars to get it up to code,” Hardman said. “If everyone could walk in and use it, it would be ideal. But unfortunately, once somebody steps in and uses it, we have to do everything to get it up to the current codes.” No discussion or action regarding the property is expected to take place until budget season later this summer.

After setting up a sale for the former Sam Houston Elementary School—property originally purchased to develop a performing arts center—the city of Con- roe will retain the property after developer Overland Property Group backed out. During a Feb. 27 special council meeting, Interim City Attorney Mike Garner read a letter from the company’s Director of Development April Engstrom announcing the company rescinded its request for a resolution of support from council. “We wish the community the best of luck in the uphill battle that repurposing and preserving vacant historic schools entail,” Engstrom said in her letter. Overland Property Group was set to build income-based housing at the property, which was planned to be a performing arts venue, Community Impact previously reported. With the rescindment, the sale process has stopped, and the Sam Hous- ton Elementary School building will remain owned by the city of Conroe.

The Sam Houston Elementary School building will remain owned by the city of Conroe.

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CONROE MONTGOMERY EDITION

Election

BY VANESSA HOLT & JESSICA SHORTEN

Montgomery County sheriff primary headed for a runoff

In his bid for re-election, Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson received just shy of the 50% of the vote needed to declare victory in the Republican primary on March 5. The gist Henderson received 38,996 votes, or 49.97% of the vote, compared to challengers Wesley Doolittle and Kenton Ford, who garnered 35,947 and 3,100 votes, respectively. “The results are so close that we’ll have to wait another few days until the results are final and official,” Henderson said in a March 6 release. “I am fully prepared to conduct a vigorous runoff election campaign and earn another four years from the voters.” Henderson is set to face Doolittle in a runoff May 28. “My family and incredible supporters are look- ing forward to the runoff,” Doolittle said. “We need a new sheriff, and I look forward to continuing to

make my case as to why I’m the best choice in this race.” What else? In other Republican primary races held March 5 in the Conroe and Montgomery area, David Eason defeated Daniel Pena in the Republican primary for the Montgomery County Precinct 2 constable position, and former Shenandoah Mayor Ritch Wheeler defeated incumbent James Noack in the race for Precinct 3 commissioner. “Anyone that knows me would tell you that I am rarely at a loss for words,” Wheeler wrote in a Facebook post on March 6. “But that’s where I found myself this morning. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many people who supported me in my campaign and for those that trusted me with their vote.” None of the three county positions had candi- dates file for the Democratic primary. The general election will be Nov. 5.

Results breakdown

Incumbent

Winner

Headed to runoff

Republican primary

Montgomery County sheriff

49.97% Rand Henderson 46.06% Wesley Doolittle 3.97% Kenton Ford

54.97% David Eason 45.03% Daniel Pena Montgomery County Precinct 2 constable 49.21% James Noack 50.79% Ritch Wheeler Montgomery County Precinct 3 commissioner

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & EMILY LINCKE

Conroe ISD begins work on 2 new schools Conroe ISD trustees approved the guar- anteed maximum price for two new schools related to the district’s 2023 bond during a Feb. 20 board meeting. The projects are for a new elementary school in The Woodlands High school feeder and a new elementary school on Hwy. 242 to relieve San Jacinto and Suchma elementary schools. Both projects were slated to begin March 1 and conclude on May 30, 2025.

Montgomery ISD seeks city’s help on project costs Montgomery City Council on March 27 will hear water line upgrade requests from Montgomery ISD for its career and technical education center and agricultural science center. The gist

Chief Operations Ocer Kris Lynn said Feb. 20. MISD leaders met with City Council on Feb. 27 to discuss the project and upgrade requests. Montgomery City Administrator Gary Palmer said he’s condent he and MISD leaders can “work the landscaping stu out” without a council vote. A potential variance on the water line upgrades or a cost-share agreement between the city and MISD were discussed Feb. 27, but no action was taken.

To receive project permits from the city to com- plete the rest of the needed work on the projects, MISD may need to complete $160,000 in water line upgrades and $185,000 in landscaping, MISD

“All I’m asking is if there’s cost-share opportunities that are aorded to the council ... that they just be considered. I’m not asking for any special permissions or

“If we take the burden of [the water line upgrades], that should be paid by the school district. ... Why should the 2,500 people of this town be taxed twice?” CASEY L. OLSON, COUNCIL MEMBER

Guaranteed maximum prices The Woodlands High school feeder elementary school: $45 million Hwy. 242 elementary school: $44.8 million

anything along those lines.” MARK RUFFIN, MONTGOMERY ISD SUPERINTENDENT

SOURCE: CONROE ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY LIZZY SPANGLER

149

1097

Montgomery

COUNTY LINE RD.

Ongoing projects

LAKE CONROE

2432

1484

1 Hwy. 105 widening to Loop 336 Project: This project is reconstructing and widening Hwy. 105 in Conroe from two to four lanes between 10th Street to South Loop 336. Update: A March media update from the Texas Department of Transportation shows this project is 22% complete. • Timeline: March 2023-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $51.83 million • Funding source: state funds 2 Hwy. 105 widening to FM 1484 Project: Hwy. 105 is also being reconstructed and widened from two to four lanes between South Loop 336 and FM 1484. Update: This project is 45% complete, according to a March media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: October 2022-third quarter 2027 • Cost: $88.47 million • Funding sources: state, federal funds 3 Hwy. 242 widening Project: TxDOT is using existing right of way to widen lanes on Hwy. 242 between I-45 and FM 1488, according to prior reporting.

105

10TH ST.

105

SAN JACINTO RIVER

336

249 TOLL

3083

Conroe

1486

1485

149

1774

1314

1488

242

MAP NOT TO SCALE N MAP NOT TO SCALE N

Update: According to a March media update from TxDOT, this project is 12% completed. • Timeline: October 2023-first quarter 2026 • Cost: $28.67 million • Funding sources: federal, state funds 4 FM 1486 repairs Project: FM 1486 is undergoing overlay and base repairs

between Hwy. 105 and FM 1774. Update: This project is 6% completed, according to a March media update from TxDOT. • Timeline: October 2023-third quarter 2024 • Cost: $4.57 million • Funding source: state funds

CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROPOSED BOND PROJECTS Bond 2024 is about the growth of Willis ISD. The proposed bond projects include new facilities to address student enrollment growth and to support student programs.

PROPOSITION A $102,700,000 9th Grade Center Transportation Center General Infrastructure Willis HS Parking Lot Upgrades

PROPOSITION B $68,800,000 Athletic Complex & Stadium with Community Room

PROPOSITION C $19,600,000 Aquatic Center

PROPOSITION D $27,000,000 Student Activity Center

AGES 65 & OLDER TAX IMPACT Over Capped Dollar Amount

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Development

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & LIZZY SPANGLER

High Meadow West now selling homesites High Meadow West, a community located along FM 1486, has begun selling homesites, according to a Jan. 23 news release. The 1,600-acre community will house 1,000 families, according to the news release. Amenities will include a recreation center, walking trails and pickleball courts. “This community is in an amazing location with great schools,” High Meadow Development owner David Frey said via news release.

Construction begins for Kresston community Construction has begun on Kresston, a 1,400- acre community from Johnson Development in Magnolia, according to a Jan. 30 news release. The details Construction has commenced on thoroughfares and residential neighborhoods as part of the first phase of the development, located at the inter- section of Hwy. 249 and FM 1486, Virgil Yoakum, senior vice president and general manager of Kresston, said in the release. The master plan of Kresston will include approx- imately 3,600 homes and: • A mixed-use residential lifestyle • Commercial retail space • Various amenities yet to be announced • An on-site Magnolia ISD school There will be retail, dining and other

249

1486

"The Aggie Expressway will make it easy for residents to drive to The Woodlands, Houston, Tomball and even College Station for those who might work at Texas A&M."

VIRGIL YOAKUM, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF KRESSTON

conveniences along a mile of frontage along Hwy. 249 and FM 1486, according to the release. What’s next? Lots will be allocated to builders by the end of 2024, with home sales expected to begin in early 2025, according to the release.

1486

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CONROE - MONTGOMERY EDITION

Protests pending From the cover

Diving in deeper

Two-minute impact

Preliminary findings released Jan. 31 show the appraisal district is still undervaluing properties. MCAD and CISD have until August to reach an agreement before officially failing the study.

Jennings-Doyle said one reason for the dis- crepancy between CISD and MCAD values is the undervaluing of vacant land in areas such as along Gosling Road and I-45 in The Woodlands.

Discovered in early 2023, the backlog of homestead exemption requests and protest applications from property owners totaled an approximate taxable property value loss of $8.4 billion from taxing entities countywide, Montgomery County Tax Assessor-Collector Tammy McRae said. “We had to get all hands on deck,” Jennings- Doyle said. “We were pulling employees from every which direction we could, ... and we had to get those exemptions processed.” While the value loss only represents a fraction of the market value in Montgomery County, it caused revenue losses for local school districts and other taxing entities ranging from $1 million-$6 million per entity. Appraisers processed over 10,000 of the backlogged exemptions in the first six months of 2023 and, with a new system, are working to speed up all MCAD processes. However, the release of preliminary findings from the state comptroller’s school district property values study conducted in 2023 found roughly $33 million in state funding for Conroe ISD could be lost if the state and MCAD can’t come to an agreement regarding the appraisal values, CISD officials said, potentially causing further shortfalls that could be passed on to taxpayers. The property value study compares county appraisal district assessments to state assessments to help distribute state public education funds, according to the comptroller’s website. If a county undervalues properties compared to market value two years in a row, the state can pull funding from school districts and relocate it to other areas.

2024 property value findings If the MCAD fails to meet 95% of the state’s metrics, CISD could lose $33 million in state funding. MCAD value State-assigned value Value difference

$10B

$20B

$30B

$40B

$50B

$60B

$ 44.76B -$1.54B

Single-family Multifamily Vacant lots Commercial

$ 46.3B

$ 3.78B

-$0.9B

$ 4.68B

$ 1.27B $1.59B

-$0.32B

$ 9.79B

-$0.9B

$ 10.69B

SOURCE: TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Managing the impact

a span of 30 minutes. While focusing on increasing the efficiency of the department, Jennings-Doyle said the district is also working to balance needs to raise appraisal values from the state with rising protests and exemption requests from residents. “This is what gets us in a catch-22 … so you have to juggle that,” Jennings-Doyle said. Jennings-Doyle said there are only 95 employ- ees within the appraisal district, which caused resources to be spread thin throughout 2023. “We have one person answering the phones for 360,000 accounts,” Jennings-Doyle said.

While managing the backlog from 2022, the MCAD began a transfer of the appraisal system to a cloud-based server, which MCAD officials said should provide quicker processing of appraisals and exemption requests. “There was just no good time to implement it because we knew what was at stake, but we had to do it,” Jennings-Doyle said. “Because if we didn’t … it would really cause bigger problems later on.” Protest filings began growing for the 2023 tax season in January 2023 as the old software took over a week to process property tax data from taxing entities, Jennings-Doyle said. However, the new software allows MCAD to process the files in

Property value loss

-$2B

-$1.15B

-$4B

-$6B

What else?

Montgomery County appraisal protests

-$8B

-$8.07B

-$10B

Despite MCAD appraisals coming in below state estimates, property value protests from residents facing higher appraisals have increased by 50% since 2019, with 2023 filings reaching a record high of 98,238, according to the Montgomery County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office. “That’s beyond our control. Protest is beyond our control because that’s a property owner’s right, and we encourage it,” Jennings-Doyle said.

100,000

75,000

Highest taxable value loss in 2023-24 Montgomery

50,000

25,000

County $2.3B

Conroe ISD $1.35B

Conroe $1.07B

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT, MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY JESSICA SHORTEN CONTRIBUTIONS BY LIZZY SPANGLER

In their words

What’s next?

The final results of the statewide school district property study will not be released until August, when a number of taxing entities in Montgomery County are planning budgets. Jennings-Doyle said MCAD officials are working to introduce processes, including a pool of appraisal trainees to free up experienced appraisers for field work. In 2025, MCAD is also expecting to roll out new mobile apps and online portals, which will allow residents to complete the majority of the exemption and protest processes online. “We have to be ready to meet [challenges] head on, and the only way for us to do that is to be equipped and to provide better resources, and making sure that we are up to date on our technology,” Jennings-Doyle said.

“The backlog and protests make budget planning more dicult, so we have to use estimates for property tax revenue.” COLLIN BOOTHE, ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR

“When we certify value, that’s an estimate. … We still have to allow the appraisal process to take its place.” JANET JENNINGS-DOYLE, CHIEF APPRAISER, MONTGOMERY CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT

AND DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, CONROE

“[The property value study] was a curveball that hit us. It has the potential to be signicant if we don’t get this xed.”

“We feel very condent that we can get [state property study ndings] reversed. If we can’t, it will be a $33 million impact on our budget.” KAREN GARZA, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, CONROE ISD

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Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Annual Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo supports local youth Founded by the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber in 1957, the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo started as Field Days, becoming a rodeo in 1979. “The initial event ... [provided] an opportunity for competition to showcase excellence in your craft of raising livestock and competing with your neighbors,” said Brian Hayes, Montgomery County Fair Association executive director. How we got here Beginning as Field Days, the rodeo moved to various local ranches and farms where dierent activities were added throughout the years. “We called it the Field Days back then, where they would literally bring their cattle to a rancher’s eld and would have their livestock compete against each other,” Hayes said.

As the event expanded, the annual Field Days began to resemble what the Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo is today. Staying local The Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo’s goal to support local youth through scholarships and auctions developed over time, with its mission formally adopted in late February. “It’s really exciting to go into this year with that piece of establishment,” Hayes said. Ready to rodeo Hayes said the rodeo has new entertainment options this season, set for April 11-21. New attractions includes concerts, a classic car show and Extreme Dogs—an event featuring athletic canine competitions. Last year, the rodeo hosted about 80,000 people and gave $1.6 million to local youth, Hayes said. “As our population continues to skyrocket, we anticipate the fair doing the same,” Hayes said. “And I look forward personally to seeing us become a 100,000-person event in the not-too- distant future.”

• 9055 Airport Road, Conroe • www.conroe.org

March

Montgomery Community Garage Sale The city of Montgomery is holding a spring community garage sale. Participants can purchase a booth for $25. • March 23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • $25 (booth)

Montgomery Sip and Stroll Historic Montgomery is holding a sip-and-stroll event featuring products for sale, live music and food trucks. • April 11, 4:30-7:30 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 14420 Liberty St., Montgomery • www.visitmontgomerytexas.com

Texas Lagerfest at Fass Brewing The Texas Lagerfest will feature 60 lagers. • March 30, noon-8 p.m. • $30 (admission)

Montgomery County Funky Junque Market This market will feature over 120 vendors selling items such as clothing, decor and food items. • April 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 9055 Airport Road, Conroe • www.facebook.com/ montgomerycountyholidayextravaganza Montgomery County Chorale Society Love & Peace Spring Finale Concert The spring concert will feature themes of love and peace. • April 19, 7 p.m. • $5-$20 (admission) • 4308 W Davis St., Conroe • www.mcchoral.org

The Montgomery County Fair and Rodeo’s mission is to support the youth of Montgomery.

• 236 N. Main St., Conroe • www.fassbrewing.com

Conroe Symphony Orchestra Concert: Space The Final Frontier The Conroe Symphony Orchestra is holding a space-themed concert featuring music from Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” from “The Planets,” Richard Strauss’s “Also Sprach Zarathustra” and John Williams’ “Star Wars” theme. • April 13, 2:30 p.m. • $25 (adult), $10 (children ages 10 and up)

COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

April

Tastefest The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce launches Tastefest with a party, followed by eight weeks of tastings. • April 4, 5-8 p.m. (launch party), April 4-May 31 (tastings) • $35 (chamber members), $50 (non-chamber members)

AIRPORT PKWY.

• 4308 W. Davis St., Conroe • www.conroesymphony.org

9333 Airport Road, Conroe www.mcfa.org

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Real estate

Home sales year over year saw at least double- digit percentage growth in six out of eight ZIP codes in the Conroe, Montgomery and Willis area. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2023

February 2024

+126.9%

+50%

+80%

+12.96%

-50%

-15.05%

+27.27%

+34.29%

77301

77302

77303

77304

77306

77316

77318

77356

77318

77356

77303

77301

105

Median home sales price

149

77316

February

2023

2024

77306

$277,500 $358,169 $288,000 $336,843 $229,490 $380,990 $317,470 $435,239

$271,485 $376,733 $248,000 $375,000 $220,000 $355,000 $282,450 $511,190

77301 77302 77303 77304 77306 77316 77318 77356

77304

Homes sold by price point

February 2024

101

$1 million+

226

$750,00-$999,999

Average days on the market

$500,000-$749,999

-52.8%

+55.26%

+46.48%

+78.67%

+13.86%

-21.01%

-12.71%

+24.73%

$250,000-$499,999

<$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

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Community

Camp Guide

2024

Maximum Athletics Gymnastics Camps Type: day / sports Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 3-7, June 17-21, July 15-19, July 29-Aug. 2 Cost: $175 per week (until April 30), $200 per week (after April 30), $225 per week (first day of camp) National Youth Theater: Broadway’s Greatest Hits Day Camp Type: arts / day Ages: 6-12 Dates: July 8-12 (Montgomery), July 22-26 (Conroe) Cost: $175 (before May 1), $200 (after May 1) • Restoration Church, 107 Fish Creek Thoroughfare, Montgomery; Conroe Bible School, 4491 I-45 N, Conroe • www.nationalyouththeater.org/day-camps • 1500 Wilson Road, Conroe • www.maximumathletics.net

There are several summer camps set to take place in the Conroe and Montgomery area. Check them out below. This list is not comprehensive.

• 808 Northpine Drive, Conroe; 8932 Freeport Drive, Montgomery • www.backstagedancestudio.net Camp Fun Quest Type: day / sports Grades: 1-6 (Camp Fun Quest), 7-8 (Totally Teen Program) Dates: May 28-Aug. 13 Cost: $160 per week (Camp Fun Quest), $175 per week (Totally Teen Program); Conroe residents receive a 25% discount • Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center, 100 Park Place, Conroe • www.cityofconroe.org

Conroe/Montgomery

Backstage Dance Studio’s Camp Broadway Type: dance / day Ages: 7-10 Dates: June 25-28 (Conroe), June 18-21 (Montgomery) Cost: $225 per week • 808 Northpine Drive, Conroe; 18932 Freeport Drive, Montgomery • www.backstagedancestudio.net Backstage Dance Studio’s Princess Camp Type: dance / day Ages: 3-6 Dates: June 4-7, July 16-19 (Conroe); June 11-14, July

Lighthouse Summer Camp Type: day / sports Ages: 5-12

Dates: June 3-Aug. 9 Cost: $200 per week

9-12 (Montgomery) Cost: $225 per week

School of Rock Conroe Type: arts / day / music

• 5701 N. Frazier St., Conroe • www.lighthousewillis.com

Buy 3, Get 4th Camp FREE -OR- $25 OFF * www.cordovanartschool.com S

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