New Caney - Porter | September 2025

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New Caney Porter Edition VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 OCT. 331, 2025

2025 Voter Edition

Pushing police pay

BY ANGELA BONILLA & EMILY LINCKE

Local law enforcement agencies tackled the issue of ocer pay during the 2025-26 budget season, with Montgomery County leading the charge for a more competitive salary than what is oered in the city of Houston. Montgomery County Sheri’s Oce Chief Deputy Jonathan Zitzmann presented a pay parity plan for ocer salaries to the Montgomery County Commissioners Court on Aug. 12. Previously, local law enforcement leaders had raised concerns about Houston’s plan, announced in May, that will raise police pay by 36.5% by 2030. Montgomery County’s pay plan was approved under the county’s scal year 2025-26 budget Sept. 5. Zitzmann said the approach in Montgomery County will focus on recruiting, retaining and rewarding law enforcement personnel. “A lot of our guys are working a second job,” County Judge Mark Keough said. “[The pay parity plan] … gives them some freedom to choose not to.”

CONTINUED ON 10

The Roman Forest Police Department currently employs 12 ocers, including Ocer Noelle Rockwell, and will increase beginning ocer salaries for scal year 202526 to remain

competitive with neighboring departments. (Raphael Fernandez/Community Impact)

Also in this issue

Impacts: Check out Valley Ranch’s new 15,000-square-foot indoor baseball, softball training facility (Page 4)

Transportation: See the latest updates on Precinct 4 road projects funded by Montgomery County’s 2025 road bond (Page 8)

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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

Market leaders & metro team

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

Kim Sommers General Manager ksommers@ communityimpact.com

Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Senior Managing Editor Matt Stephens Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Houston Market President Jason Culpepper

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242

Impacts

SPEED ST.

4 Appian Deli This deli and convenience store oers breakfast items such as egg sandwiches and pancakes, as well as lunch items including burritos, sandwiches and burgers.

E. INDUSTRIAL PKWY.

Roman Forest

1485

New Caney

9 10

4 8

CONROE PORTER RD.

• Opened in early September • 2615 Appian Way, New Caney • 832-543-5022

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

5 Cupid Confections Owned by Angela Hutson, this bakery and frozen dessert shop oers cookie cakes, brownies, crispy rice treats and snow cones. • Opened July 11 • 1714 Roman Forest Blvd., New Caney • Facebook: Cupid Confections 6 The Elotito Stop The food truck oers Mexican snacks, drinks and desserts, with staple menu items including frescas con crema, ice cream, mini pancakes and nachos. • Opened in June Fur-Vana Mobile Pet Spa The mobile pet grooming business oers curbside grooming services for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at customers’ homes. • Opened July 19 • Service area includes East Montgomery County • www.facebook.com/furvanmobilepetspa • 23669 Loop 494, Porter • Facebook: The Elotito Stop

1485

1314

Valley Ranch

494

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

Porter

MARKET PLACE DR.

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

COMMUNITY DR.

VALLEY RANCH CROSSING DR. 3

VALLEY RANCH BLVD.

WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER

FARRIS GREEN RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

FORD RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Nate’s Diner In addition to all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and salads are also on the menu as well as dinner plates. • Opened in late August • 22336 Farris Green Road, Porter • www.natesdiner.com 3 Lenny’s Grill & Subs The restaurant oers a variety of hand-crafted sandwiches, wraps, soups, cheesesteaks and salads. • Opened Aug. 4 • 22510 Hwy. 59, Porter • www.lennys.com

Now open

Coming soon

1 DBAT The indoor baseball and softball facility oers batting cage rentals, private lessons, camps, clinics and monthly memberships for players of all skill levels. The facility also features automated pitching machines, pitching mounds, a team/party room and a fully stocked pro shop. • Opened in August • 21922 Valley Ranch Crossing Drive, Porter • www.dbatvalleyranch.com

7 Italiano’s Restaurant Previously anticipated to open in August, this restaurant is now expected to open this fall. Italiano’s oers dishes such as pizzas, calzones, soups, pastas and seafood. • Opening this fall • 18934 E. Industrial Parkway, New Caney • www.italianosrestaurant.net 8 Tall Bottle Liquor A liquor store is slated to open in the same building as

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Appian Deli, an employee conrmed Sept. 9. • Opening in October • 2615 Appian Way, New Caney • No website or phone number as of press time 9 Tension Steel Corporation USA The Taiwan-based company will be opening a facility on 35.46 acres of land in the East Montgomery County Industrial Park. The new facility will manufacture and process oil and gas industry pipes, and is expected to bring 120 jobs to the area. • Construction to begin in January • Exact address TBD • www.tensionx.com.tw/en/ 10 GCP Paper USA, Inc. The paper products manufacturer will be opening a second facility in the East Montgomery County Industrial Park. The new 450,000-square-foot warehouse will be built upon 35.73 acres of land. • Construction to begin by 2030

In the news

• Exact address TBD • www.gcppaper.com

13 La Michoacana Plus The California-based business marked one year since opening in Porter in July. La Michoacana Plus sells desserts, such as popsicles and ice cream, and snacks such as elote and nachos. • 24183 Hwy. 59, Ste. 102, Porter • Facebook: La michoacana plus Porter TX 14 Kroger Ocials held a grand reopening party Sept. 12 following the completion of renovations that began in May. Enhancements at the New Caney grocery store include new decor and upgrades in the oral, bakery, seafood and produce departments. • 22030 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.kroger.com Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in Pugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-Pugerville market in September 2005 with a cover story about the rst toll roads in the Austin area. Today, the company has more

15 Rusty Buckle BBQ Co. Previously open for lunch service Wednesday-Saturday, the barbecue joint added dinner service with an expanded menu on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30- 8 p.m. beginning Sept. 11. • 22664 Community Drive, New Caney • www.rustybucklebbq.com ArborTrue In August, the tree removal and maintenance service company expanded its oerings to include landscaping services. • Service area includes East Montgomery County • www.arbortrue.com than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. Community Impact has a strong print and digital presence, including a daily email newsletter, to serve readers with free news and help local businesses thrive. • www.communityimpact.com

In the news

11 Mission Northeast Ocials celebrated the nonprot’s 30th anniversary during its annual fundraising luncheon Sept. 24. Mission Northeast is a nonprot social services organization based in New Caney that provides food, clothing and household items to those in need. • 22098 Loop 494, New Caney • www.missionne.org 12 T&C Discount Small Engine Repair Owner Nicholas Tuttle celebrated the one-year anniversary since he opened this business in July. The business specializes in repairs on a variety of small engines and oers four-stroke engine tune-ups, carburetor rebuilds and lawn mower blade sharpening. • 22315 FM 1314, Unit B1, Porter • www.smallenginerepairsporter.com

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Refer a friend,

Government

BY EMILY LINCKE & NICHAELA SHAHEEN

Montgomery County lowers property tax rate The Montgomery County Commissioners Court adopted a balanced fiscal year 2025-26 budget and set a property tax rate of $0.3770 per $100 valua- tion during a special meeting Sept. 5. The FY 2024-25 approved tax rate was $0.3790 per $100 of home valuation, making the FY 2025- 26 tax rate a 0.53% decrease. The details The adopted budget totals $508.1 million with allocations including law enforcement pay parity, additional staffing across departments, expanded IT and cybersecurity funding, and jail inmate med- ical and food services. The budget also includes $5.4 million for the county’s capital improvement plan, Budget Officer Amanda Carter said. A last-minute adjustment added $850,000 in expected revenue that had been excluded in earlier drafts. Most of the money was applied to

Driver’s license office returns to New Caney The driver’s license satellite office located at 22354 Justice Drive in New Caney reopened Sept. 2 after closing in December following the expiration of an agreement between Montgomery County Precinct 4 and the Texas Department of Public Safety. What’s happening? The office was previously staffed by the county and offered limited services as employees had limited access to DPS sys- tems, Precinct 4 Chief of Staff Josh Pascua said Aug. 28. Under the new agreement, the facility is staffed by DPS and offers a full range of services, including driver’s license renewals and noncommercial driver’s license testing. Pascua added that the new agreement will save taxpayer dollars since DPS is staffing the office.

Montgomery County tax impact Tax rate per $100 valuation FY 2024-25 $0.3790

-0.53%

$0.3770

FY 2025-26

Average home value: $335,928 Average monthly county tax bill: $106 Average annual county tax bill: $1,266

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

lower the tax rate, with about $74,757 added to bolster contingency reserves, bringing that line item to $150,376, Carter said. Diving in deeper The adopted tax rate of $0.3770 is slightly below the previously proposed $0.3779 rate, but still rep- resents a 2.09% increase over the no-new-revenue rate, as required by state law to be disclosed. The budget and tax rate were approved unanimously.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY EMILY LINCKE

New Caney ISD to pursue 113 acres for school sites New Caney ISD’s board of trustees voted Sept. 15 to allow district administrators to negotiate the potential purchase of two plots of land, which could house future schools or district facilities. Read all about it G E N E C A MP B E L L R D . 1485

NCISD implements student ID tag policy Beginning Sept. 2, New Caney ISD students must carry an ID tag to ride district buses home after school. What parents need to know Free SMART tag IDs were issued to all NCISD students for the 2025-26 school year, which began Aug. 6, according to a news release from the district. The tags are paired with an app that allows parents to see live updates on their child’s bus trip. The SMART tag ID system also prevents unauthorized riders from boarding NCISD buses, according to the release. Students can board morning buses without SMART tags. What else? SMART tags cost $2 to replace or $5 for three cards, according to the release.

NCISD administrators will negotiate for two parcels of land—sized 100 acres and 13 acres— according to Sept. 15 meeting documents. The larger parcel is located near the intersection of FM 1485 and Gene Campbell Road, and the other site is near Robert L. Crippen Elementary School by the intersection of FM 1314 and Cumber- land Boulevard, Superintendent Matt Calvert said. The land purchases will be funded through the district’s $695 million bond package—approved by voters in May 2023—said Scott Powers, executive director of public relations, via a Sept. 18 email. Some context Due to forecasted enrollment growth over

1314

494

99 TOLL

ROBERT L. CRIPPEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CUMBERLAND BLVD.

the next decade, NCISD could need three new elementary schools and a new high school, as previously reported by Community Impact . A mid-level growth projection expects the district to see enrollment rise 43.3% over the next decade, according to a March 17 report from demographics firm Population and Survey Analysts, or PASA.

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1485

Transportation

BY HANNAH BROL

ROMAN FOREST BLVD.

• Funding sources: Montgomery County 2025 Road Bond, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office 3 Sorters Road widening, Segment 2 Project: Sorters Road will be widened from two to four lanes between North Bentwood Channel and Northpark Drive. Ditches will also be reconstructed along the corridor. Update: Construction is expected to begin in October, Pascua said via email Sept. 11. • Timeline: September 2025-first quarter of 2027 • Cost: $15.6 million • Funding sources: Montgomery County 2025 Road Bond, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office

Upcoming projects

1485

New Caney

1 Ford Road widening, Segment 2 Project: Ford Road will be widened from two to four lanes between Needham Road and Mills Branch Road; ditches will also be reconstructed along the corridor. Update: County officials are finalizing engineering and relocation of utilities for this project, said Joshua Pascua, chief of staff for Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray, via email Sept. 11. • Timeline: Construction expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026 • Cost: TBD • Funding sources: Montgomery County 2025 Road Bond, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office, federal funding secured by Rep. Dan Crenshaw

Porter

VALLEY RANCH PKWY.

1314

494

FORD RD.

OLD SORTERS RD.

Completed projects

4 Sorters Road rehabili t ation Project: The existing roadway was reconstructed between River Ridge and Royston drives to address potholes and road base failure. Update: The project was completed in August before the start of New Caney ISD’s 2025-26 school year, Pascua said. • Timeline: July-August 2025 • Cost: $219,862 • Funding sources: Montgomery County 2025 Road Bond, Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office

NEEDHAM RD.

Ongoing projects

MILLS BRANCH DR.

RIVER RIDGE DR.

2 Ford Road widening, Segment 1 Project: Ford Road will be widened from two to four lanes between Hwy. 59 and Needham Road. Ditches will also be reconstructed along the corridor. Update: Construction is expected to begin in October, Pascua said via email Sept. 11. • Timeline: September 2025-fourth quarter of 2026 • Cost: $5.9 million

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ROYSTON DR.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

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Transportation

BY WESLEY GARDNER

Northpark roadwork hinders business Businesses along Northpark Drive have been struggling to maintain in-store traffic as a major construction project along the roadway continues. Mattress, said construction has made it difficult for customers to access his store.

The impact

Ray Hernandez, Partnership Lake Houston presi- dent and CEO, cited traffic delays among the biggest concerns business owners have voiced. “One of the most significant issues is the disrup- tion of normal traffic flow,” Hernandez said. “The delays ... are making it difficult for their clients or customers to access their favorite businesses.” While Skero said traffic conditions have improved since construction began in April 2023, the lane closures are still impacting the amount of time his drivers spend transporting products between his store and a nearby distribution center. “We have a distribution center right by us, [and our drivers used to be able to make the drive] in less than two minutes,” Skero said. “[Now,] it takes my employees 20-25 minutes to get to my other center. We do that somewhere around 30 times a day.” Megaton Brewery co-owner Chris Sarvadi said the brewery has seen a roughly 30% drop in business since construction began. Similarly, Grayson Gerloff, Kenneth’s Car Care general manager, said the reduc- tion in business has forced the company to reduce its workforce. However, Skero expressed optimism since the “Northpark Needs You” campaign launched. “Business is starting to pick up a little bit, for sure, and I know the work the chambers are doing is absolutely helping,” Skero said. Since construction on the Northpark Drive overpass project begin in April 2023: $750,000 is how much Skero’s Furniture & Mattress was required to borrow to stay operational after losing more than $1 million in sales. $700,000 is how much Kenneth’s Car Care lost as they reported business has dropped by approximately 30% . 30% is roughly how much revenue has dropped for Megaton Brewery.

“When construction started, nobody wanted to get on Northpark [Drive],” Skero said. “It’s gotten better, but it’s still rough.” Construction on the roughly $149.6 million two-phase project along Northpark Drive began in April 2023 and is expected to be substantially completed in 2030, said Ralph De Leon, Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 10 administrator. De Leon said the project aims to alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility and increase safety in the Kingwood area. He added that the overpass will provide an additional evacuation route in the case of future flooding.

To help raise awareness and drive business toward the area, local chambers of commerce Partnership Lake Houston and the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber banded together to launch the “Northpark Needs You” campaign in late July, which local business owners have said is already having a positive impact. While conceding the roadway improvements and the addition of the overpass are needed, several business owners on Northpark Drive have reported declining revenue in the two years since the project began. Daron Skero, owner of Skero’s Furniture &

Project overview

1 Northpark Drive overpass project Project: A new overpass will be constructed over the Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks and Loop 494 as well as west- and eastbound frontage roads beside the overpass. Northpark Drive will also be widened between Hwy. 59 and the overpass. • Timeline: April 2023-fourth quarter of 2026

2 Northpark Drive reconstruction project

Project: Northpark Drive will be widened from four to six lanes between Woodland Hills Drive and Russell Palmer Road. Both bridges at the Kingwood Diversion Ditch and the crossing at Ben’s Branch will be replaced, and drainage infrastructure will be installed along the roadway. • Timeline: October 2028-2030

Cost: $149.6 million

Funding sources: city of Houston, TIRZ 10/LHRA

N O R T HP A RK DR .

494

UNION PACIFIC CORP. RAILROAD

SOURCES: SKERO’S FURNITURE & MATTRESS, KENNETH’S CAR CARE, MEGATON BREWERY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCES: LAKE HOUSTON REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NO. 10/COMMUNITY IMPACT

most affected by roadwork. Additionally, Linabury said officials from each of the chambers will continue to post about affected businesses on their respective social media pages. “I think the message is being received by people who [might not have shopped] on Northpark,” he said.

“Consumers just change their normal habit patterns, and I don’t think they realize the effect that, that would have on the businesses along that construction route,” Linabury said. Linabury said the two chambers created a webpage—www.northpark.biz—containing a directory that allows visitors to view businesses

Get involved

GEMCC President and CEO Mark Linabury said a major focus of the “Northpark Needs You” campaign is to drive in-person traffic back to stores and restaurants that rely on those customers.

NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Pushing police pay From the cover

What you need to know

Montgomery County deputy pay four-year plan

Years in service FY 2024-25

FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28 FY 2028-29

Zitzmann said the team that developed the Montgomery County pay parity plan believes it will keep the county competitive in the region. During the Aug. 12 budget hearings, Zitzmann said the number of vacancies in Harris County and Houston—at least 1,400—exceeded the total number of peace officers in Montgomery County, which is about 1,000. Turnover in the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department is only 1%, and there were only 20 vacancies as of Sept. 3, Sheriff Wesley Doolittle told the Commissioners Court in May. However, he also said that negotiations in Houston have created potential retention challenges. In a Sept. 11 emailed statement, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said Montgomery County’s pay parity plan will allow agencies to find and retain good personnel. Gray’s precinct covers east Montgomery County, including New Caney and Porter, according to the county commissioners’ website. “This is critical to keeping our rapidly developing community safe,” Gray said.

0-3.99

$60,528

$70,928

$81,952

$90,896

$101,296

4-5.99

$66,019

$76,336

$87,360

$96,304

$106,704

6-8.99

$70,783

$80,704

$91,728

$100,672

$111,072

9-11.99

$73,756

$84,032

$95,056

$104,000

$114,400

12-15.99

$77,126

$87,568

$98,592

$107,536

$117,936

16+

$82,638

$92,976

$104,000

$112,944

$123,344

Comparing Montgomery County and Houston deputy salaries

$125,000 Montgomery County

City of Houston

$100,000 $75,000 $50,000 $25,000 $0

FY 2024-25

FY 2025-26

FY 2026-27

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming out

Digging deeper

Under the city of Houston’s pay parity plan, a first- year Houston Police Department officer will now have a base salary of $75,000, according to the plan, which went into effect in July. Previously, the same officer would have been paid a base salary of $62,574. On Sept. 24, Harris County Commissioners Court approved $102 million for law enforcement parity raises under the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Originally, in May, commissioners had pledged to budget $140 million in funding for police raises.

Montgomery County’s pay parity plan was also influenced by pay changes made for Harris County law enforcement departments, as well as the Dallas Police Department, Lt. Jim Slack, the public information officer for Montgomery County Constable Precinct 4, said in an email. Precinct 4 covers east Montgomery County, including New Caney, according to the precinct’s website. “The pay raises ... will pay off for years and years with amazing deputies to serve our resi- dents, business owners and visitors,” Slack said. Prior to Montgomery County’s new pay parity plan, keeping pay competitive was a challenge, and hiring and retention are always a challenge, Slack said. Precinct 4 has 54 full-time officers, and in the last year, has lost four to five officers to other agencies, he added. “The law enforcement pool isn’t as big as it used to be,” Slack said. “We have a rigorous testing process, but it’s necessary to get the best of the best we can find.” The regional law enforcement job market is active, said Glenn Riddle, the director of Lone Star College’s Law Enforcement Academy, which

Law enforcement job market

54 full-time officers and 13 reserves work for Montgomery County Constable Precinct 4

3 positions are open in Precinct 4

182 students have graduated from Lone Star College’s Law Enforcement Academy in the last 3 years

Police department raises

Montgomery County

City of Houston

47 different police agencies have hired LSC graduates

+17.2% +10% +15.5% +8% +10.9% +6% +11.4% +6%

FY 2025-26

SOURCES: MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRECINCT 4, LONE STAR COLLEGE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

FY 2026-27

will be relocated to LSC-Kingwood in January. The academy has a 95% hire rate for graduates, he added. “Since most police agencies do not have their own police academies, regional academies such as the LSC Law Enforcement Academy are a major pipeline for filling their job openings,” Riddle said.

FY 2027-28

FY 2028-29

SOURCES: HOUSTON, MONTGOMERY COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANGELA BONILLA & EMILY LINCKE

Growing challenges

Looking forward

Since law enforcement pay has increased through- out the Greater Houston region, smaller depart- ments, such as the 12-officer Roman Forest Police Department, have also adjusted starting pay, Chief Stephen Carlisle said Sept. 2. “Some of the small towns are left scratching the bottom of the barrel to try to somehow keep up. … It is very challenging,” Carlisle said. Roman Forest’s budget, adopted Sept. 9, includes higher starting salaries, Carlisle said. Officers’ starting pay was bumped from roughly $52,372 to $62,772. The city has also invested $350,000 in a police station expansion, which is slated to break ground at the end of this year. “[The expanded station] will definitely help with retention, because … that portion will be new, mod- ern and up to date, and it’ll be a nicer environment,” Carlisle said. Meanwhile, Carlisle said hiring has become increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies in small towns, and state funding will be necessary

Montgomery County has $9 million slated in the preliminary budget for FY 2025-26 for the pay parity plan, which will begin to hit paychecks in October. Oct. 11 is the first day the pay parity plan will take effect for deputies, while the raises for jail staff will take effect in March. Education pay incentives Additional pay is available to all full-time county employees with degrees as of Oct. 11. Bachelor’s $1,560 Master’s $2,600 JD/Doctorate $3,640

Roman Forest police starting pay

$80K

$62,772.32

$60K

$50,188.32

$52,372.32

$40K

$20K

2023-24 2024-25 2025-26

Fiscal year

SOURCE: ROMAN FOREST POLICE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

for small departments that can’t match continually increasing pay raises offered by larger law enforce- ment agencies. “Without [state] support, small towns will be priced out of the market for qualified officers,” Carlisle said in a joint Sept. 8 statement with Capt. Jeff Campbell.

SOURCE: MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW CANEY - PORTER EDITION

Events

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Fall Events Guide

• 24160 Briar Berry Lane, Porter • www.newcaneyisd.org

2025

Makers Market Join Blue Jay’s Cauldron for a day of creativity with crafts from local artisans showcasing handmade goods. • Oct. 18, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 23435 FM 1314, Porter • www.bluejayscauldron.com Halloween Sugar Cookie Decorating Class Decorate Halloween-themed cookies with the Dapple Bakery at Back Pew Brewing. • Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m. • $69.07 • 26452 Sorters McClellan Road, Porter • Facebook: Dapple Bakery

Precincts 4 Pumpkins & Popcorn Attendees can bring blankets or lawn chairs to watch an outdoor screening of “Hotel Transylvania.” • Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.mctxpct4.org Chili & Beans Cook-Off/Cornhole Tournament Participate in a chili cook-off, cornhole tournament and silent auction to support student scholarships. • Oct. 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • $50 (cooks), $20 (cornhole) • Porter VFW 4816, 24411 Cunningham Drive, Porter • Facebook: Shoot For Scholarships Bens Branch Elementary Fall Festival This festival will feature games, inflatables, food trucks and vendors.

support of local nonprofits. • Oct. 11, 6:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • $140 (participants), free (spectators) • Qakhurst Golf Club, 20700 Mills Branch Drive, Porter • www.kofc.org HMGT New Caney Splendora Fall Festival This festival will feature a chili cook-off, a car show, games and a petting zoo. • Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • $7.50-$50 (prices range by activity) • Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.rodeohouston.com Valley Ranch Town Center Pumpkin Patch This inaugural event will feature photo opportunities, pet adoptions, seasonal treats and hayrides. • Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • 21572 Market Place Drive, New Caney • www.shopvrtc.com

October

OktoBEERfest Celebrate Oktoberfest at Back Pew Brewing with craft beer, food trucks, live music and games. • Oct. 4, noon-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • 26452 Sorters McClellan Road, Porter • www.backpewbrewing.com Women’s Pumpkin Painting Party Head to Dayspring Church’s Community Room for an evening of painting pumpkins. • Oct. 9, 6:30-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 24277 FM 1314, Porter • https://dayspringag.churchcenter.com

Montgomery County Market Days Pickle Festival

Men Who Cook Fall Fundraiser Team up with local men and women to serve an appetizer, entree, dessert or drink for a friendly competition in support of student programs and teacher grants in Splendora ISD.

• Oct. 18, 6-10 p.m. • $22 (pre-sale starting Sept. 22), $30 (at the door) • The Atrium Center, 21575 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, New Caney • www.splendoraisdeducationfoundation.com

This pickle festival will include vendors, food trucks, pickle eating contests and a pickle costume contest. • Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McCleskey Road, New Caney • www.montgomerycountymarketdays.com

Knights of Columbus Golf Tournament Participate in this 29th annual golf tournament in

• Oct. 18, 11 a.m. • Free (admission)

PORTER 23611 Hwy 59 (281) 354-0733

HUMBLE 19322 US-59 (281) 540-7202

KINGWOOD 1420 Kingwood Dr (281) 359-7115

Election

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

Oct. 20: First day of early voting Oct. 24: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Oct. 31: Last day of early voting Nov. 4: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or Nov. 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)

Montgomery County residents can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting; however, election day locations are by precinct. Visit https://elections.mctx.org for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

New Caney ISD board of trustees, Position 7

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? I served as vice president over safety and security of the Humble Rodeo for many years, where I worked directly with the Humble ISD Foundation. That role required coordination with educational leaders, budgeting, event planning, and community outreach—all of which translate well to the responsibilities of a school board member. I bring strong community values, leadership as a local business owner, and a deep commitment to supporting quality education. I aim to guide our district through rapid growth with transparency, fiscal responsibility and a focus on student success while maintaining the integrity of our schools. developed effective solutions. Additionally, as a parent of four children with different learning styles, I recognize the importance of students’ individual educational needs. I have over thirteen years of experience working at an international organization, where I have collaborated with diverse individuals, assessed situations and

What sort of needs do you think accompany a growing school district and how are you prepared to meet those needs? As a board member, I would support strategic multiyear bond planning, aligned with accurate demographic forecasting. Transparent and frequent communication with the community about capacity needs and timelines. Working closely with planners and developers to anticipate new growth and align resources accordingly before capacity is exceeded.

Larry Buford Candidate did not provide photo or information before press time.

Parent/guardian and community involvement are imperative as the district grows. I will work with the board of trustees to continue broadening the lines of communication, ensuring we meet the needs of those in our district and community.

Kristina Haggard Occupation & experience: Adaptable professional, problem-solver, dedicated and passionate mom.

Budgeting/operational efficiency (I bring a business mindset to ensure funds are allocated effectively for classrooms, infrastructure, and technology.) Teacher support (Teacher retention and recruitment are critical.) Distributed leadership (I support shared decision-making and collaboration.) Tailored education (With diverse student needs, personalized learning is key.)

David Hagler Occupation & experience: Community member for 20 years; local business owner; college ministry teacher

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Gretta Rogne Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Stacey Kiki Shipley Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY EMILY LINCKE & WESLEY GARDNER

Roman Forest City Council, Position 2

KEY: *Incumbent

What are the city’s biggest needs, and how will you address them? Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

What measures, if any, need to be taken to address the city’s fast-growing population? Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Chris Ellis * Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Roman Forest’s biggest needs are zoning, better drainage, and protecting home values. We are already working on zoning, and I am committed to getting that across the finish line. By improving infrastructure and ensuring safety, we can preserve our community’s character and keep property values strong.

Be aware, observant and involved in our growth. Monitor the development and strains of our limited infrastructure and budget. Have fiscal responsibility, transparent governance and putting the needs of residents first. I am committed to doing what’s right, ensuring that decisions support the well-being and future of Roman Forest. Roman Forest’s growth can be a blessing if managed, but without proactive planning it will outpace police, roads, and drainage. The measures needed are balanced growth management: stronger infrastructure investment, fiscal responsibility, and policies that protect the “quiet wooded residential” character while supporting modern needs.

David Mullan e Occupation & experience: 35-year resident, nine years on city council, retired business owner ... 281-389-9258

Flood damage prevention—Drainage studies and codes and standards need updating to protect property in and outside the floodplain from loss. Some reasonable zoning ordinance that allows for strategic and smart growth of the community for land use, density, elevations, drainage, tree preservation, retail, parks, trails and utilities.

Linda Stewart Occupation & experience: Teacher and administrator–45 years, business CEO–30 years ... www.facebook.com/stewartlcs

Roman Forest City Council, Position 4

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Greg Partin * Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Families are concerned about rising taxes. Elderly residents are on fixed incomes and cannot afford the rising tax rate. Responsible and reasonable spending needs to be addressed, and we need to be held accountable. For example, we are still paying for a drainage project that hasn’t solved the problem.

Our population is growing very fast, but the answer isn’t higher taxes or poor planning. The answer is responsible growth. We need a workable efficient plan for growth without wasting taxpayer money.

Ricky Warwick Occupation & experience: Captain at the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constables Department, previous New Caney ISD school board member

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Breaking down the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot

Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election. The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute. SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT DISCLAIMER: AMENDMENT TEXT DOES NOT REFLECT OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE.

Proposition 6

Proposition 12

Ban on securities transaction taxes HJR 4 would bar lawmakers from imposing taxes on the purchase and sale of financial assets or requiring financial market operators to pay a tax to conduct business.

Judicial oversight SJR 27 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct to include six judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court and seven citizens appointed by the governor.

Proposition 1

Proposition 7

Proposition 13

Texas State Technical College funding Senate Joint Resolution 59 would create two new funds to support the Texas State Technical College System, which has campuses statewide. Up to $52 million could be appropriated this year.

Tax exemption for military spouses HJR 133 would allow lawmakers to create a future property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from an illness related to their military service.

Increasing homestead exemption SJR 2 would raise the property tax exemption on a person’s main residence, known as a homestead exemption, from $100,000 to $140,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Proposition 2

Proposition 8

Proposition 14

Ban on capital gains taxes SJR 18 would prohibit the Texas Legislature from imposing any future taxes on capital gains, which is income received from selling an asset. Texas does not currently have such a tax.

Ban on death taxes HJR 2 would prohibit the legislature from imposing future taxes on a deceased person’s estate or an inheritance passed to their heirs. Neither tax currently exists in Texas.

State dementia research institute SJR 3 would allocate $3 billion to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. An additional $300 million would be available for dementia-related research grants.

Proposition 3

Proposition 9

Proposition 15

Tightening bail rules SJR 5 would require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, including murder and aggravated assault, if the state demonstrates that a defendant is a flight risk or threat to public safety.

Business tax exemption HJR 1 would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ personal property, such as equipment and vehicles, from taxation. Texas business owners currently receive a $2,500 exemption.

Parental rights SJR 34 would add language to the Texas Constitution stating that parents have the right to “exercise care, custody and control” of their children and determine how to raise them.

Proposition 4

Proposition 10

Proposition 16

Water supply funding House Joint Resolution 7 would send $1 billion in sales tax revenue to the Texas Water Fund each year from 2027-47. The state fund was formed in 2023 to finance water projects.

Homes destroyed in fire SJR 84 would allow a future state legislature to create a property tax exemption for someone rebuilding a home that is completely destroyed in a fire.

Requiring citizenship to vote SJR 37 would enshrine in the Texas Constitution that people who are not U.S. citizens may not vote in Texas elections. Only U.S. citizens are currently eligible to vote under state law.

Proposition 5

Proposition 11

Proposition 17

Animal feed tax exemption HJR 99 would allow state lawmakers, in a future legislative session, to create a property tax exemption for stores that sell animal feed.

Exemption for elderly homeowners SJR 85 asks voters to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are over 65 years old or have a disability to $200,000. This would apply to taxes charged by public schools.

Border security tax exemption HJR 34 would exempt increases in a property’s value from taxation if the land is along the Texas- Mexico border and the added value is due to the installation of border security infrastructure.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Business

BY JOVANNA AGUILAR

Every morning from Tuesday-Friday, Brandon and Stephanie Leyva pull their walk-in coee trailer to the Evergreen Baptist Church parking lot in Porter to serve coee to locals ranging from teachers and police ocers to parents looking for a pick-me-up. Blending their Native American and Mexican culture, the husband-and-wife duo opened Cinco Vidas Coee Company on Sept. 15, 2024. Staying local The duo began selling coee and avored whipped honeys at farmers markets in 2023 and decided to make their business ocial on FM 1314 where they saw a need for a local coee shop with a dierent concept. The business name Cinco Vidas Coee Com- pany, which translates to “ve lives coee com- pany,” was inspired by the couple’s ve children, Stephanie Leyva said. Meanwhile, the concept of the walk-in mobile coee trailer came from a friend with a similar business concept in Florida. Though business was slow at the beginning, Brandon Leyva said it was as if the coee shop blew up overnight. However, the couple gives credit to community events that bring people together. During their next community event, Cinco Vidas Coee Company will be participating in Mont- gomery County Market Days’ rst pickle festival in New Caney on Oct. 25. What they oer With coee sourced from local vendor Talavera, a Mexican-inspired coee shop, Cinco Vidas Coee Company specializes in lattes made with dierent avors. Some favorites include salted caramel, hazelnut and vanilla bean, the Leyvas said. In addition to coee, the business oers matcha lattes and plant-based energy drinks made with vitamins and amino acids. “Our beans are roasted weekly to ensure every cup is full of avor,” the Leyvas said. “We’re passionate about creating unique, avorful drinks for our customers.” Looking ahead, the couple has plans to expand with a second coee trailer location in Porter or Splendora by early next year. Cinco Vidas Coee Co. blends Mexican, Native American roots in Porter

JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT Husband-and-wife duo Brandon and Stephanie Leyva opened Cinco Vidas Coee Company in September 2024.

Seasonal oerings Seasonal menu items customers can expect this fall include:

Co ee

Matcha & chai

• Pumpkin spice • Pumpkin horchata • Pumpkin spice chai

• Pumpkin spice • Pumpkin banana nut • Pumpkin horchata

• Pistachio spice • Cookie butter • Smores

Check out the website for more drinks and location schedules.

In addition to coee, drink oerings include matcha, tea, lemonade and energy drinks.

SOURCE: CINCO VIDAS COFFEE COMPANYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY CINCO VIDAS COFFEE COMPANY

1314

23141 FM 1314, Porter www.cincovidascoeeco.com

Cinco Vidas Coee Company is housed in a cozy trailer and oers coee items from local vendors.

JOVANNA AGUILARCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW CANEY PORTER EDITION

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