New Caney - Porter Edition | June 2025

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

New Caney Porter Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 JULY 3AUG. 1, 2025

2025 Health Care Edition

Filling the gap Smaller medical providers meet patient needs in absence of area hospital

BY WESLEY GARDNER

R A N C H P K W Y .

99 TOLL

Kelce Evans, nurse practitioner at CareNow Urgent Care in New Caney, provides a routine checkup at the clinic that opened in September. The urgent care is one of several medical providers addressing patient needs despite the area’s lack of a hyperlocal hospital. (Je Paxton/Community Impact)

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Premium sponsors

INSIDE

Impacts: Check out Porter’s newest burger joint, Uncle Tony’s Cafe (Page 5)

Education: Learn more about New Caney ISD’s new $56M administration building (Page 12)

HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE where you need us

Convenient, easy-to-access locations for primary, specialty and emergency care near you We offer a full spectrum of care, including: • Primary care physicians for you and your family, providing personal care and service • Specialists with innovative treatments and customized programs for all conditions, including cutting-edge orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular and neurological care • Collaborative teams of experts using the newest technologies and latest research

CONROE

105

1486

336

MAGNOLIA

1774

1488

242

THE WOODLANDS

HOUSTON METHODIST THE WOODLANDS HOSPITAL

KINGWOOD

1960

249

 The Woodlands Hospital  Breast Care  Emergency Care

 Orthopedics & Sports Medicine  Primary Care  Specialty Care

To find care near you, visit houstonmethodist.org/care-thewoodlands or call 713.790.3333 .

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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. About Community Impact

Welcome to your second edition of

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla Sarah Brager Melissa Enaje Valeria Escobar Wesley Gardner Rachel Leland Emily Lincke Tomer Ronen Nichaela Shaheen Jessica Shorten Haley Velasco Kevin Vu Julianna Washburn Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

What is Community Impact?

We are the largest local news organization in Texas , delivering 39 editions to over 2.5 million residents across Austin-Bastrop, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Our newspaper arrives to mailboxes monthly, and our Morning Impact newsletter arrives to inboxes daily— both free thanks to local advertiser support. At CI, we’re committed to unbiased, trustworthy news covering development, health care, education, real estate, dining, events, city council and more.

Kim Sommers General Manager ksommers@ communityimpact.com

Martha Risinger Jesus Verastegui Taylor White Ronald Winters Account Executive Athanasia Badoian Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Senior Product Manager Kaitlin Schmidt

Hannah Brol Senior Editor hbrol@ communityimpact.com

We would love your feedback! Email us at NCPnews@communityimpact.com

Subscribe to NEW CANEY | PORTER emails and breaking news.

Jason Culpepper Houston Market President jculpepper@ communityimpact.com

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

Proudly printed by

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact ncpnews@communityimpact.com ncpads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Press releases

Advertising

83% of Texans take action after reading Community Impact—and 76% say our ads help them discover new products and services. Contact us! ads@communityimpact.com Want results like that for your business? Email newsletters communityimpact.com/newsletter NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Impacts

4 Hope Media Group The Christian media company’s new global headquarters in Valley Ranch spans 50,000 square feet and features space for broadcast, podcast and video production studios for the nonprofit’s radio stations, including KSBJ. The campus also features Citizens Coffee Shop, which will be open to the public. • Opened June 5 • 21620 Valley Ranch Parkway, New Caney • www.hopemediagroup.com 5 Discovery Cove The first phase of The Highlands’ amenity complex is a water park featuring water slides, splash pads, a lazy river, a resort-style pool and a dive pool. • Opened May 17

SPEED ST.

242

CONROE PORTER RD.

Roman Forest

1485

1 6

New Caney

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

VIA PRINCIPALE PKWY.

MALVICINO DR.

1485

1314

• 21875 Zion Drive, Porter • www.thehighlands.com

MCCLESKEY RD.

494

ZION DR.

L A 5

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

Valley Ranch

6 Nepali Soul Located in The Food Zone Grand Texas, this eatery serves Nepali and Soul Food fusion cuisine with menu items including shrimp pakora bites and mango lassi. • Opened June 21

Porter

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

MONTGOMERY PNES RD.

MARKET PL. DR.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

VALLEY RANCH BLVD.

• 23020 Speed St., New Caney • https://nepalisoulfood.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

Coming soon

7 Books-A-Million The store will offer a diverse selection of books for all ages as well as toys, gifts and collectibles. The venue will also feature designated reading areas and a children’s section, and host community events and programs. • Opening this fall • 21680 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.booksamillion.com 8 Casa Julia Tex Mex Restaurant Based in Mont Belvieu, this restaurant will serve Tex-Mex dishes including quesadillas, fajitas and enchiladas. • Opening date TBD

business offers mobile pickup orders Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. in Tavola and from other locations on weekends. • Opened June 1

Now open

1 The Fat Guyz Located at The Food Zone Grand Texas, the eatery offers various sandwiches and wraps as well as desserts

• 22606 Malvicino Drive, New Caney • https://thepopstopck.square.site

such as fried ice cream. • Opened in late April • 23020 Speed St., New Caney • www.thefatguyz.com

3 Level T The business offers testosterone therapy, weight loss programs and nutritional supplements with in-person and telehealth options available. • Opened in mid-April • 12073 N. Grand Parkway E., Ste. 200, New Caney • www.thelevelt.com

2 The Pop Stop Owned by Modisty Pruett and Cara Gautreaux, the 1950s-themed mobile business offers specialty coffee drinks, dirty sodas, lemonade and energy sodas. The

• 23076 Speed St., New Caney • www.casajuliatexmextx.com

Texas Public Education Funding in 2025

Thank you, Texas Lawmakers, for HB 2. Let’s keep going!

New funding provided in House Bill 2

#FundOurSchools

Needed to keep up with inflation since 2019

Needed to match the national average in per-pupil spending

RaiseYourHandTexas.org

Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas®

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

9 Waffle House The diner will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner items including waffles, omelets, burgers and pies.

What’s next

Now open

13 A.V. ‘Bull’ Sallas Park Renovations are expected to wrap up by Sept. 12 at this Montgomery County Precinct 4 park, according to an April 22 filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The $1 million project will include demolishing and salvaging existing baseball and football fields for reuse, as well as upgrades including a new asphalt parking lot, furniture concrete pads, concrete sidewalks and lighting. • 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.mctxpct4.org/parks/sallas-sports-complex 14 McCoy’s Building Supply The new location will sell building materials; tractor, trailer and auto supplies; farm, ranch and animal supplies; and work wear and safety gear. Construction is expected to wrap up in March 2026, according to a TDLR filing. • 21989 Hwy. 242, New Caney • www.mccoys.com

• Opening in September 2026 • 20498 FM 1485, New Caney • www.wafflehouse.com

10 Wee Kare Pediatrics The clinic will offer medical services for children including sports physicals, vision and hearing screenings, urinalysis, immunizations, and sterile ear piercings. • Opening date TBD • 20470 FM 1485, New Caney • www.weekare.net 11 Arbor Rose at Porter While the apartment complex is expected to be under construction until the end of this year, preleasing is now underway. The first of the complex’s 276 total units are expected to be available in September, and the complex will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

18 Uncle Tony’s Cafe Owned by Tony Marron, the restaurant is known for its “rattlesnake burger” and offers a menu of cheeseburgers, hot sandwiches, chicken tacos and appetizers such as onion rings and fried pickle chips. The restaurant is located about one mile from where Marron opened his original location on Nov. 1, 2010. • Opened June 1 • 21898 FM 1314, Ste. A, Porter • www.facebook.com/uncletonys1 during the May 13 Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting. Founded in 1990, the GEMCC provides networking and collaboration opportunities for business owners in New Caney, Porter, Splendora and beyond. • 21575 Hwy. 59, Ste. 100, New Caney • www.gemcchamber.com 19 Mission Northeast Tricia Bledsoe is the nonprofit’s new executive director, following the retirement of Pam Dickson in late May. The social services organization provides basic needs and a slate of wraparound services to those in need. • 22098 Loop 494, New Caney • www.missionne.org

• 22344 Montgomery Pines Road, Porter • https://arborrosecapital.com/projects

In the news

12 ArchPoint at 1485 Construction began in mid-May on a new gas station and 14,000-square-foot retail center. ArchPoint Development officials said they are accepting applications for retailers and are hoping to secure businesses offering dining options and other services. • Opening in spring or summer 2026 Starbucks Coming soon to Valley Ranch Town Center, a new location will employ 14-20 people and offer a menu of brewed coffee, espresso drinks, teas and pastries. • Opening in summer 2026 • Intersection of the Grand Parkway and Cascading Oaks Drive in New Caney (exact address TBD) • www.starbucks.com • 19261 FM 1485, New Caney • www.archpointgroup.com

15 Walmart The Porter location will be undergoing renovations in the summer of 2026 as part of the company’s “store of the future” design plan, which includes renovated pharmacy and apparel sections, expansions for the deli and produce sections as well as the pickup and delivery departments, and a new grab-and-go section. • 23561 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.walmart.com/store/297-porter-tx 16 Chick-fil-A The Valley Ranch location debuted remodeled features in April, including a refreshed dining room, children’s play place upgrades, new seating and updated decor.

• 11877 Grand Parkway, New Caney • www.facebook.com/cfavalleyranch

17 Greater East Montgomery County Chamber The chamber was recognized for 35 years of operation

IF YOU DON'T COMPARE DON'T COMPLAIN, CALL SHANE!

INSURE YOUR NEEDS LET US HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT COVERAGE GET STARTED

24247 FM1314 UNIT B, PORTER, TX 77365

20651 FM 1485 NEW CANEY, TX 77357

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

WWW.PORTERINS.NET

281-354-EASY (3279)

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Leading the way.

Where you receive healthcare matters If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, it’s important to feel the facility is safe and equipped with the best care solutions. With so many healthcare choices, it’s comforting to know that a nationally recognized option is close to home. Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently recognized HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland as one of the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety. “It’s important for patients to know how safe a facility is because it confirms that the physicians and staff are working together to create a healing and safe environment with the best possible patient out-comes,” says Elias Armendariz, chief executive officer. “While no one looks forward to hospital visits, it’s comforting to know we are an industry-recognized leader for patient safety.” HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland was recognized with a 2025 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ from Healthgrades. This means the hospital is a leader in patient outcomes with fewer complications that can commonly happen in healthcare environments. Where you’re treated matters, and HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland is a proven leader in providing safe, effective care. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital for care, it’s important to know that the facility is safe and equipped with the best caregivers. We are proud to share that HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood was recognized by Healthgrades as one of the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient safety and as one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2025. “We are immensely proud to announce that our facility has been recognized for its clinical excellence and patient safety,” said John Corbeil, chief executive officer at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. “These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and passion that drives our organization every day.” Healthgrades, the #1 site Americans use when searching for a doctor or hospital, recently recognized HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood for these awards based on their exceptional patient outcomes in key service areas, including patient safety, stroke, outpatient surgery, outpatient joint replacement, critical care and more. HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood meets the highest standards for patient care, proving that where you receive your healthcare matters.

Paid Advertisement

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health care

BY HANNAH BROL

Health Care Edition

2025

Community Impact ’s annual Health Care Edition features news on the timeliest topics in the industry. Content ranges from major health care developments to listings of nearby health care facilities. Articles within this guide are focused on local topics aecting your community, the metro and the state of Texas, and are written by our team of journalists to meet our mission of providing trusted news and information everyone gets.

Premium sponsors:

Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital houstonmethodist.org/care-thewoodlands 9362702000 Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital is committed to leading medicine by delivering unparalleled safety, quality, service, and innovation.

HCA Houston Healthcare hcahoustonhealthcare.com/kingwood HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood care teams recognized as national industry leaders

Elite Hospital Kingwood https://elitekingwood.com/

Elite Hospital Kingwood specializes in adult and pediatric emergencies, providing a 24/7 emergency room, imaging, laboratory services, and inpatient care.

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

HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood targets trauma care with $111M project

Expansion projects

The adult emergency department will be expanded to include nine additional general exam rooms, three trauma bays, a decontamination room, a new EMS break area and a new covered ambulance drop o. FIRST FLOOR 16 beds will be added and connected to the medical/ surgical intensive care unit, including an isolation room. SECOND FLOOR 16 intermediate care beds will be added, including an isolation room. THIRD FLOOR Each oor will have a net gain of 14 medical/surgical beds, including an isolation room. FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS Two new helipads, a trauma elevator, lobby and helipad storage space will be added. ROOF

HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood’s North Tower is set to undergo a $111 million expansion, following approval from HCA Houston Healthcare System ocials in April. The big picture Hospital CEO John Corbeil said the expansion will add 60 beds, expand the adult emergency department, redesign the ambulance drop-o area, and add two new rooftop helipads. Corbeil said the expansion is necessary to keep up with growing demand for health care services, including trauma care. The Kingwood location is one of the nearest hospitals for New Caney and Porter residents. “We are the only Level II trauma center in the area, and that span really reaches out all the way to Tyler, Texas and Louisiana,” Corbeil said.

“Our area is growing at seven and a half times the national average, and so … as the demand increases, we’ve got to keep up with that with the physical space.” According to the American Trauma Society, Level II is the second-highest trauma designation a hospital can receive. Level II trauma centers are able to initiate denitive care for all injured patients and oer 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons and some specialties. The next closest Level II trauma centers would be Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe. The timeline Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026 and wrap up by the second or third quarter of 2027, Corbeil said.

NOTE: THREE GENERATORS AND A NEW TRAUMA ELEVATOR WILL ALSO BE ADDED. SOURCE: HCA HOUSTON HEALTHCARE KINGWOODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Health care

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

4 health care updates from North Houston-area hospitals

1 Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital to expand cardiovascular services in Humble Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital will oer expanded cardiovascular services beginning in August, allowing patients with more complex cardiac cases to stay closer to home while undergoing treatment. What’s new According to hospital ocials, current cardiovascular treatment options available include congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, mitral regurgitation, atrial brillation, sudden cardiac arrest and Wolf- Parkinson-White Syndrome. With the expansion, the hospital will also be able to oer coronary artery bypass grafting, o-pump coronary artery bypass, valvular heart surgery and surgical aortic valve repair/replacement. “Part of the community we serve has complex cardiac needs and we are committed to ensuring we match those needs with personalized, quality care right here in their own neighborhood,” said Nikki Roux, vice president and chief operations ocer for the hospital. Ocials noted the $13 million project includes the construction of new spaces within the existing hospital, including a cardiovascular intensive care unit and a new operating room. Newly-recruited Dr. Viacheslav Bobovnikov will serve as the hospital’s lead cardiac surgeon.

2 HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood names new chief medical ocer Ocials with HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood

3 Texas Children’s The Woodlands The hospital began oering a Behavioral Health Intensive Outpatient Program in 2024 to provide support and serve adolescents age 12-17 who struggle with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and emotion regulation diculties. Services include skills-focused groups, individual and family therapy, music and mindfulness-based interventions.

named Dr. Augusto “Gus” Sepulveda as the hospital’s new chief medical ocer, via an April 15 news release.

Career history With 27 years of

Dr. Augusto “Gus” Sepulveda

ST. LUKE'S WAY

experience, Sepulveda is board certied in internal medicine and clinical informatics, per the release. He previously served as the associate chief medical ocer for HCA Healthcare’s Gulf Coast Division and as chief medical ocer for HCA Houston’s Northwest and Tomball hospitals. Most recently, Sepulveda has served as division chief medical ocer for HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division since 2023. Quote of note “Dr. Sepulveda is a respected clinical leader with a proven track record of fostering physician collaboration and improving patient outcomes,” said John Corbeil, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. “We are excited to welcome him back to the HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division and are condent his expertise and leadership will greatly benet our hospital, care teams and community.”

17600 I-45 S., The Woodlands www.texaschildrens.org

4 Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital

The hospital’s Health Education and Learning, or HEAL, program launched in early 2024. Largely funded through donations, it oers services for Houston Methodist patients at no cost. Programs focus on oncology and medical hair loss, women’s health, health education, spiritual wellness, wellness through creativity, and nutrition.

N. MEMORIAL DR.

S. TRADE CENTER BLVD.

242

KINGWOOD PL. DR.

MEMORIAL BLVD.

17201 I-45 S., The Woodlands www.houstonmethodist.org

18951 N. Memorial Drive, Humble www.memorialhermann.org

22999 Hwy. 59, Kingwood www.hcahoustonhealthcare.com

Luxury Real Estate with a Personal Touch

Your local GEICO agent makes bundling simple. Home + Auto = Easy

(281)-380-0332 deborahroserealtor@gmail.com

Dave Nelson 281-925-6733 ¡Hablamos Español!

My mission is simple: to serve, connect, and deliver a real estate experience built on trust, knowledge, and heart.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY EMILY LINCKE

“We are here to help the community. This is where we are. This is where we live. This is what we love to do.” MELISSA HERPEL, OWNER, EXPRESS FAMILY CLINIC

Express Family Clinic oers primary care and diagnostic services for children and adults.

Express Family Clinic oers services including: • Seasonal and food allergy care • Lab services • Tooth pain • Electrocardiograms • Employment physicals/screenings • Sports physicals • Vaccinations • Minor wound care • Women's and men's health

Family Nurse Practitioner Melissa Herpel opened Express Family Clinic in Porter—her third location—in 2018.

PHOTOS BY EMILY LINCKECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Express Family Clinic meets patient needs in Porter

with insurance, since patients can seek reimburse- ment from their insurer, Herpel said. The action taken From 2011-18, Herpel opened three Express Family Clinic locations—in Spring, Conroe and Porter. In 2023, the Porter clinic relocated to its current location on FM 1314 after Herpel opened a shopping center. Herpel said she is hoping to nd more tenants for her shopping center—such as a dentist or ther- apy oce—so patients can access a wider range of health care services in one place. “I’m really trying to get people from the com- munity ... who want to be entrepreneurs as well,” Herpel said.

Express Family Clinic in Porter requires no appointments and charges a at rate for visits—a business model designed to help patients with and without insurance alike, owner and Family Nurse Practitioner Melissa Herpel said. The need Herpel opened Express Family Clinic—which oers primary care services for children and adults—after discovering local health care gaps for uninsured patients. She said many patients couldn’t aord the cost of a doctor’s visit. “There just wasn’t a great way for those patients to get the same kind of health care as those with commercial insurance,” Herpel said. Express Family Clinic also welcomes patients

SOURCE: EXPRESS FAMILY CLINICCOMMUNITY IMPACT

1314

R O L L I N GH I L L S D R .

20125 FM 1314, Ste. A, Porter www.expressfamilyclinic.com

SCAN TO CONTACT US

Your employees are your greatest asset and the right benefits package keeps them loyal, healthy, and productive. ATTRACT. RETAIN. PROTECT. PROTECT.

MEDICAL | DENTAL | VISION PAYROLL | 401K | AFLAC

Chris Mcllroy

(303) 681.7785 | chris@migbenefits.com

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Your Emergency|Your Insurance WITH No Surprises

OPEN 24/7 365 DAYS A YEAR Elitekingwood.com | 832-777-6165 | Kingwood Dr @ 59 N.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

From the cover

BY WESLEY GARDNER CONTRIBUTIONS BY HANNAH BROL & EMILY LINCKE

Filling the gap

New Caney-Porter medical providers*

242

New Caney

Primary care Urgent care

Emergency rooms Combination

The overview

336

Porter

The Woodlands

105

Hospitals

A growing presence of smaller medical providers is lling the gap left by a lack of large-scale hospitals in New Caney and Porter as the area’s population continues to rise. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the population in the New Caney and Porter area grew by more than 17,650 residents from 2018 to 2023. Meanwhile, from 2018 to 2022, the number of establishments oering health care and social assistance services locally grew from 45 to 71. Robert O’Brien, market medical director for HCA’s Gulf Coast Division, said he believes smaller medical providers—like HCA’s CareNow Urgent Care in New Caney, which opened in September— have helped meet the area’s rising demand for medical services. “It’s just amazing how the growth is out there, … but I think we’re fullling that need for addressing urgent care in that region,” O’Brien said. O’Brien said CareNow Urgent Care oers a range of medical services, including diagnosing and treating common sicknesses, minor procedures, sports physicals and vaccinations. The clinic is also able to provide patients with additional resources through HCA’s network of providers.

1 Elite Hospital Kingwood 2 HCA Houston ER 24/7 - Cleveland 3 HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe 4 HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood 5 Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital

6 Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center 7 St. Luke’s Health - Lakeside Hospital 8 St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital 9 Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands 10 Texas Emergency Hospital

1314

242

99 TOLL

Spring

Kingwood

KEY

New Caney (77357)

Porter (77365)

Population change

Growth of health and social assistance facilities

Percentage of uninsured residents, 2023

New Caney Porter Montgomery County Texas United States

+30%

+58%

0 20 40 60 80

0 20K 40K 60K 80K

10% 20% 30%

2018 2019 2020

2022

2018 2023

2021

*LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, VARIOUS HEALTH CARE PROVIDERSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What’s next

A closer look

Also of note

Jhanae Kelley—public relations specialist for The Signorelli Company, the developer of Valley Ranch in New Caney—said ocials are actively looking for hospital options at that master-planned community’s upcoming wellness district. While a projected timeline for the wellness district—which will include a mixture of health care options, dining, hotel and residential units—is not available, Kelley said ocials from The Signorelli Company are currently in talks with potential tenants. O’Brien said HCA’s leadership team is also considering options in the area to meet growing demand. “HCA is on the lookout for growth to be able to build whatever is needed,” O’Brien said. “If there’s a need for another hospital in that area, then certainly that’s what they will be looking for.”

Meanwhile, Memorial Hermann Medical Group opened a primary care clinic in Valley Ranch Town Center in January. In addition, ocials with Health Center of Southeast Texas led permits with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in December to build a new clinic in Roman Forest. Construction is expected to wrap up on that project by March 2026. WeeKare Pediatrics Manager Edith Mendez said the provider is planning to open a New Caney clinic in November to cater to an underserved local Medicaid population. While WeeKare oers a range of pediatric services, she said the clinic will work closely with other area medical providers to ensure all their patients’ needs are met. “If there’s things that we cannot provide, we can always look for help for you,” she said. Additionally, neighboring hospital HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood is undergo- ing a $111 million expansion to help meet growing health care needs.

Adeolu Moronkeji, manager of Montgomery County Hospital District’s Health Care Assistance Program, said despite New Caney and Porter’s growing population, Moronkeji said the program hasn’t seen a rise in applicants seeking assistance. Moronkeji said the program is a good resource for low-income, working adults who otherwise can’t aord medical services. “People are not aware of this resource,” Moronkeji said. “We’re trying to connect them to those health care resources to help them recover faster.” To qualify for Montgomery County Hospital District’s Health Care Assistance Program, an individual must: • Reside in Montgomery County • Have an income not exceeding roughly $1,950 per month for an individual living alone • Limit medical assistance from the district to $2,000 per month

• Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien • Have a medical need of some kind

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

Events

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

BY HANNAH BROL & EMILY LINCKE

Work to begin soon on district’s $56M admin building New Caney ISD trustees approved a contract with Gamma Construction on June 16 for the district’s new $56 million administration building. What’s new Construction on the new administration

New Caney ISD names new principals New Caney ISD ocials named four new campus principals in May ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Amber Beard, former New Caney High School dean of instruction, will serve as the school’s new principal. Meanwhile, Jerey Reece—who has served as an assistant prin- cipal at Porter High School since 2022—will be the new principal of Woodridge Forest Middle School. Learn more At the elementary level, former Dogwood Elementary Assistant Principal Michelle Kale has been promoted to serve as the campus principal. Additionally, Gipsy Leal—former Sorters Mill Elementary assistant principal—has been named the new principal at Tavola Elementary.

Addi’s Faith Pickleball Classic This inaugural pickleball tournament will raise money to support research to end childhood cancer. Advanced registration is required. • July 18-20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • $65-$75 per player • The PickleBall Zone, 22056 W. Ford Road, Porter • www.addisfaith.org/aff-pickleball-tournament Leading Ladies Luncheon With the theme “Be Bold In 2025,” this quarterly event will feature a catered meal, drinks, a rae and an inspirational program. • July 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • $45 (admission) • The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59 N., New Caney • www.gemcchamber.com Back 2 School Drive East Montgomery County Improvement District sta will hand out 2,500 packets of school supplies to children in grades K-8 at this drive-thru event. • July 26, 8 a.m. • Free • Randall Reed Stadium, 21360 Valley Ranch Parkway, New Caney • www.emctx.com/bts-2025

July

Roman Forest July 4 Parade The parade will feature oats from local organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4816. • July 4, 8:30 a.m. • Free • Dogwood Elementary School, 600 Dogwood Lane, New Caney (starting location) • www.vfw4816.com Family Game Day Attendees of all ages can enjoy card and board games such as Scrabble and Uno. • July 8, 15 and 22; 2-4 p.m. • Free • R.B. Tullis Branch Library, 21569 Hwy. 59, New Caney • www.countylibrary.org Montgomery County Market Days Shop for a variety of local vendors with products ranging from skin care and baked goods to clothing and jewelry. • July 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • A.V. Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.montgomerycountymarketdays.com

building is expected to begin in July and wrap up by December 2026. The 135,000-square-foot building will include work spaces for the district’s various administration departments, including instructional services, human resources, student services, communications, nance, training and professional development. The new administration building will be funded under NCISD’s $695 million bond package, which was approved by voters in May 2023. Some context Gamma Construction was selected for the con- tract in a unanimous vote by trustees—with board President Creg Mixon and Assistant Secretary

New Caney ISD’s current administration building is located at 21580 Loop 494, New Caney.

New building

Valley Ranch 4th Fest The Signorelli Company’s annual event features live music, a reworks show, local vendors, contests and children’s activities. Tribute bands Dunn & Brooks and ZZ Tex will perform. • July 4, 6 p.m. (gates open), 6-9 p.m. (entertainment), 9 p.m. (ireworks and opening ceremony) • Free • The Hill at Valley Ranch, 11985 N. Grand Parkway, New Caney • www.thehillvalleyranch.com/valleyranch4thfest

EAGLE DR.

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

Current building

494

99 TOLL

Angela Tompkins absent. Gamma Construction has worked on other NCISD projects, including a $21 million athletics facility planned for New Caney High School.

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

Transportation

BY JESSICA SHORTEN

• Funding sources: county road bond funds, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office, U.S. Rep. District 2 office 3 Sorters Road Segment 2 widening Project: The two-lane asphalt road will be widened between Bentwood Channel Road and Northpark Drive to a four-lane asphalt section with turn lanes at public streets and bridge replacements. Update: Utility relocation work is underway. The project will be advertised for construction in August 2025 upon receipt of first portion of 2025 road bond funds. • Timeline: September 2025-September 2026 • Cost: $11 million • Funding sources: county road bond funds, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office 4 Old Houston Road Segment 1 widening Project: The two-lane asphalt road will be widened from Hwy. 242 to 0.8 miles south of Hwy. 242 to a four-lane asphalt section with continuous turn lane, traffic signal modifications at Hwy. 242, and bridge replacement. Update: Engineering design is underway. The project is scheduled to be advertised in 2026, once the second portion of 2025 road bond funds have been allocated. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $2 million (engineering only) • Funding sources: county road bond funds, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office

Upcoming projects

242

1 Ford Road widening (Phase I) Project: Planned improvements include widening the two-lane asphalt roadway to four lanes with a continuous turn lane between Needham Road and Ricewood Drive, and reconstructing the two-lane section from Ricewood Drive to Mills Branch Drive. This project will also signalize the Ford Road and Ricewood Drive intersection. Update: Utility relocation work is underway. The project will be advertised for construction in August upon receipt of the first round of 2025 road bond funds. • Timeline: September 2025-September 2026 • Cost: $17 million • Funding sources: Montgomery County 2025 road bond, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office, U.S. Rep. District 2 office 2 Ford Road widening (Phase II) Project: Improvements include widening the existing two-lane asphalt to four lanes with a continuous turn lane between Needham Road and Ricewood Drive, and reconstructing the two-lane asphalt section from Ricewood to Mills Branch drives. Update: Utility relocation work is underway. Construction will follow Ford Road Segment 1, once the second tranche of 2025 road bond funds have been allocated. • Timeline: 2026-2027

1485

OLD HOUSTON RD.

N E C A M P B E L L R D .

1314

494

MILLS BRANCH DR.

NEEDHAM RD.

N O R T H P A

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SUBSCRIBE AT TEXASMONTHLY .COM/TEXAN TO SEE THE ENTIRE ISSUE!

DETOURS: The Botanical Gardens of Orange CRITTER: Bottlenose Dolphin OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: Copper Craftsman FEATURE PREVIEW: Juneteenth’s Hero, Opal Lee

Above: The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

DETOURS

A Green Refuge In Orange

Northwest of downtown, alongside Adams Bayou.

BY DANIEL VAUGHN

FOR FIFTY YEARS the gates of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center were closed. A bitter freeze in 1958 killed much of founder H.J. Lutcher Stark’s plant- ings, including his prized azaleas. Decades later, reopening plans spearheaded by his namesake foundation were also thwarted by nature, first by Hurricane Rita, in 2005, and then by Ike, in 2008. Finally, in 2009, the 252-acre park opened once again to visitors. Gravel paths wander along- side some three hundred plant species, and everywhere are contemplative spaces that feel far removed from the surrounding city, which lies just across the Sabine River from Louisiana. At the placid Pond of the Blue Moon is the towering Cypress Gate, a platform designed by San Antonio–based architecture firm Lake Flato from logs salvaged after Rita. At Ruby Lake, you’ll find a bird blind for viewing the many varieties of waterfowl that come through, and you just might see an alligator sunning on the dock nearby.

About 51,000 bottlenose dol- phins—the most common spe- cies o the Texas coast—are frolicking in the northern Gulf as you read this. Occasionally, though, one of them ends up on land. The Texas Marine Mam- mal Stranding Network, based in Galveston, responds to an average of 134 strandings per year. Executive director Heidi Whitehead says that after hur- ricanes, she and her colleagues have even rescued dolphins from fields and ditches as far as seventeen miles inland. So before you head to the beach, learn what to do if you come across one.

it can be rescued. Then try to keep it shaded and wet.

IF I FIND A STRANDED DOLPHIN, SHOULD I PUSH

CRITTER OF THE MONTH

Bottlenose Dolphin

IT INTO THE WATER? Often, says Whitehead, a

HOW EXACTLY DOES ONE MOISTEN A DOLPHIN ? You can pour seawater over it or cover it in wet towels. Just be sure to avoid the blowhole. MAY I PET IT? Definitely not. Wild dolphins are a protected species, and any form of harassment (such as trying to touch, feed, or swim with them) is illegal. Whitehead says the best thing you can do is be quiet and keep pets and other people at a distance. —Lauren Larson

beached dolphin is su ering from a lung disease brought on by exposure to bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it must be treated and rehabilitated. If you try to Free Willy a dolphin back into the Gulf, it is unlikely to survive. WHAT SHOULD I DO? First, call 800-9MAMMAL, which is like a dolphin 911, and someone from Whitehead’s group will talk you through keeping the animal safe until

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

MADE IN TEXAS

Inside a Copper Mind Jonathan Beall makes modern kitchenware, barware, and water dispensers that last a lifetime.

BY AMANDA ALBEE

When Beall launched Sertodo Copper, in 1997, he traveled the U.S., cold-calling ho- tels and restaurants to sell Mexican-made copper cookware and chafing dishes. Three years later, he moved to Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán, a town with a coppersmithing tradition that predates its founding nearly five hundred years ago. There, he joined a copper community led by James Metcalf, the late sculptor and educator who reinvigorated local artisanal traditions. An apprentice- ship with copper maestro Máximo Velázquez Correa had Beall forging hundreds of nails and tools, including hammers and chisels, to cultivate a “manual intelligence” that he says is in decline among modern American creators, who sidestep material knowledge for computer-aided design. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly.

IN HIS AUSTIN warehouse, Jonathan Beall sips water from one of his copper cups, an Ayurvedic practice said to stimulate diges- tion and increase immunity. He points to a hand-carved solid-copper vase made us- ing traditional techniques, such as melting recycled copper into ingots and repeatedly annealing and forging the mass into shape, a skill he learned in Mexico. It reminds him of a similar piece he encountered on a trip to Sayulita, on that country’s Pacific coast, almost thirty years ago—he can still see it glittering in the dawn light among a peddler’s wares. “I had never seen anything like it,” he says. “I didn’t know what was happening, but I had a big feeling.”

OUT THERE

Meanwhile, In Texas A man dressed in shorts and sneakers was seen cruising down the center lane of westbound Interstate 40 in Amarillo on an electric scooter . In a cave near Marfa, archaeologists discovered remnants of an atlatl, a straight-flying boomerang, and other components of whatmay be the oldest intact hunting kit found in North America. Almost four thousand Kerrville residents lost power for two hours after a ringtail came into contact with equipment at a substation. On National Beer Day, a train collided with the trailer of a semitruck near Saginaw, spilling hundreds of cans of beer around the tracks. Nearly three thousand people and 1,300 dogs descended on a ranch in Bee Cave for Texas’s largest annual golden retriever meetup . Hoping to steal a car, a man threw a rock through the window of a Tyler dealership, injured himself while entering through the broken glass, and called 911 for help getting out of the building, even though several doors were unlocked. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was bitten by an ostrich while visiting a wildlife park in North Texas. —Meher Yeda

Jonathan Beall polishes a copper vessel at his com- pany’s workshop in Austin on April 24, 2025.

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Opal Lee at her Fort Worth home, in front of a painting of her family tree.

advantage of the specials. At least four con- versations are happening at once, all of them somehow meeting at a center point, briefly, beforebouncingooneanotherandcontinu- ing in their own universes. When Lee, 98, emerges from a back room, glass of milk in hand, she is vibrant, smiling widely, and moving gingerly, but no one fusses over her. They all seem to know she moves at her own pace, on her own time. “Old people ain’t got nothing but time,” she tells me, set- tlingintoachairinanocethatisoverflowing with honors and ephemera: a signed basketball from the New York Knicks, photos with Pres- idents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, various awards from women’s groups and colleges and civil rights organizations. When I ask Lee how she’s feeling, she tells me she’s wearing a back brace, so she’s feeling good. Her back has been hurting, but it ain’t nothing special. Old people have aches and pains; most of them don’t even know why or where they came from. I want to know what keeps her going, and she smiles. “I feel like I’m everybody’s grandma. And I had good grand- mas.” She recalls her grandparents always findingwaystohelpfolksintheircommunity. “My mom was like that too,” she says. “It’s just part of your makeup.” To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

OPAL LEE LIVES on the same property where her childhood home once sat, inside a house recently built for her by Habitat for Hu- manity. On the front door is a purple wreath. In the center of the wreath is a quote from Lee herself: “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.” Inside, the house buzzes with Lee’s friends and family. There’s excitement in the air, in part because it is Veterans Day, and at least two veterans are in the home, preparing to circulate through several restaurants to take

FEATURE PREVIEW

Opal Lee Marches On The 98-year-old activist partly

responsible for Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday says, “I got work to do.” BY HANIF ABDURRAQIB

GET THE LATEST TOP 50 BBQ LIST DELIVERED: SUBSCRIBE AT OUR FRIENDS & FAMILY RATE OF $9!

Barbecue is best enjoyed with friends and family. Become a part of our community today by subscribing to Texas Monthly for an exclusive $9 rate.

TEXASMONTHLY.COM/TEXAN

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY WESLEY GARDNER & JESSICA SHORTEN

Porter Fire Department plans new station The Porter Fire Department is set to construct a new fire station near Valley Ranch Town Center, officials announced in a May 27 news release. The details The project will mark the department’s sixth fire station in its 52-square-mile coverage area, per the release. PFD Chief Carter Johnson said initial estimates suggest the new station’s central location could reduce emergency response times by two to three minutes. “Our mission is to serve the community effi- ciently, and this central location will allow us to do just that,” Johnson said in the news release. A closer look The new fire station is coming as the populations in the New Caney and Porter areas continue to rise. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the total Law enforcement pay equity examined Montgomery County commissioners authorized the creation of a committee June 10 to look at law enforcement pay equity across policing agencies in the county. The committee must report back to commissioners by the beginning of budget workshops—which are currently scheduled for Aug. 12-15—and include: • Gap analysis

Precinct 4 approves amenity projects Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commis- sioner Matt Gray advanced two projects during Commissioners Court on May 27 to enhance the availability of amenities and senior services throughout his precinct. What residents need to know The first project—funded by a $5,000 grant from Entergy Texas—will help purchase supplies and expand health and wellness programs at the senior center, which serves around 200 seniors in Precinct 4 each week. Commissioners also approved the $50,000 purchase of 12 acres of land located at 23790 Park Drive in New Caney. The purchase was made on behalf of the East Montgomery County Sports Association to allow for expansion of public recreational programs offered by the organization.

VALLEY RANCH BEND DR.

Proposed Porter fire station

population of the New Caney-Porter area grew by nearly 30% over five years, rising from 60,140 in 2018 to 77,795 in 2023. “With the ongoing growth of the Porter-New Caney area, this new station represents a crucial step forward in meeting the needs of our expand- ing jurisdiction,” Johnson said in the news release. While an exact construction timeline and cost estimate have not been announced, officials with Valley Ranch developer The Signorelli Company said the project is estimated to be complete in three to four years.

Sheriff’s office restructuring enters Phase 2 of plan

Sheriff’s office restructured

The three new bureaus are lead by Assistant Chief Deputies Robby Sells, Eric Hensley and Rick Bass, respectively.

Support bureau • Logistics • Information technology • Homeland security • Night command

Justice bureau • Jail command

Following an internal restructuring, Mont- gomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle told commissioners May 13 that department efficiency, backlogs and call response times have improved. Montgomery County commissioners approved Phase 2 of the office’s reorganization May 27. Two-minute impact Doolittle said he restructured the sheriff’s office to a “bureau structure” to provide chain of command guidance and efficiency to commis- sioners on May 13. The new structure divides the duties of the sheriff’s office under three assistant chief deputies. The specifics Doolittle said he felt the biggest accomplish- ment in his first 100 days was the full staffing of the sheriff’s office and the reduction of wait times for calls to the 911 emergency dispatch center. He said 94% of calls to the emergency dispatch center are now answered within 15 seconds . “We were spending about five minutes on the

Operations bureau • Patrol command • Criminal investigations

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Budget health review • Tax rate considerations • Funding mechanisms What’s next

phone with those people trying to transfer those calls; but through working with IT and with our software, we’re now able to move those calls more efficiently,” Doolittle said. MCSO has also launched an automatic callback system for its emergency dispatch, which will call a phone number back if it disconnects. “It’s just amazing what will happen when you put a fresh set of eyes on a problem and think outside the box and look with people for com- mon-sense solutions,” Doolittle said. Additional challenges he said the department will be working to address include replacing inmate transport buses; staff and support space; and pay parities.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said he would like the committee to bring a one-to-five-year plan for increasing law enforcement pay across the county. “We fund law enforcement, and we prosecute,” Gray said. “In light of law enforcement pay increase discussions in surrounding counties, I find it appropriate to have the same discussions here in Mont- gomery County.”

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12-13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24

communityimpact.com