Montgomery County commissioners have recently decided to rename the new library and community center under construction in Grogan's Mill as the Kevin Brady Library and Community Center, honoring former Congressman Kevin Brady.

Previously, in November, the facilities were designated as the Heroes of Montgomery County Library and the Heroes of Montgomery County Community Center. However, in January, commissioners rescinded this decision. Newly seated Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler formed a focus group to explore alternative naming options, which led to the unanimous selection of Kevin Brady as the honoree. ​

Kevin Brady, a longtime resident of The Woodlands, served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 8th Congressional District from 1997 until his retirement in 2023. During his tenure, he chaired the House Ways and Means Committee and was instrumental in drafting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. ​

The $16.5 million revitalization project at Grogan's Mill Village Center includes the construction of the new library, community center, and 32,000 square feet of retail space. Howard Hughes Holdings is collaborating with Montgomery County on this initiative, designing, building, and funding the facilities. Upon completion, Howard Hughes will transfer ownership of the new buildings to the county in exchange for the current library and community center property. ​ The library's design incorporates natural elements, featuring acoustical wood baffles, a sculptural tree bookshelf, and a mural of Lake Woodlands. Amenities will include study pods, a podcasting room, a 3D printing lab, and a tiered classroom. The community center will offer flexible meeting spaces suitable for various events and gatherings. ​

The project is expected to be completed by summer 2025, aiming to provide a modern, accessible space for learning, community activities, and collaboration for residents of Montgomery County. ​

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/3VGxkVZ
Community Impact: https://buff.ly/YblgThV
KSAM 101.7: https://buff.ly/plnEqDg
Woodlands Online: https://buff.ly/l7y16uv

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Township Employees Celebrate Prestigious Honor

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department has been awarded the 2025 Texas Gold Medal Award by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS). This honor is the highest recognition for parks and recreation agencies in Texas, celebrating excellence in recreation and park management.

Each year, TRAPS selects one city or community in five population categories for the Texas Gold Medal Award. The Woodlands Township was recognized in Class III, which includes communities with populations between 75,000 and 150,000. The award was formally presented at the TRAPS Annual Conference in Allen, Texas, on February 27, 2025.

"This award is a testament to our commitment to providing top-tier parks, facilities, and recreational programs that enrich the lives of our residents," said Brad Bailey, Chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. "We are honored to be recognized among the best in Texas and remain dedicated to fostering a vibrant and active community."

This accolade reflects The Woodlands Township’s dedication to long-term planning, financial stewardship, and innovative recreation programming. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in park management over the past three years.

The 2025 honor adds to The Woodlands Township’s legacy of excellence, following previous Texas Gold Medal wins in 2002, 2008, 2012, and 2019. This recognition reaffirms the Township’s ongoing efforts to provide high-quality recreational opportunities and maintain exceptional park facilities for residents and visitors alike.

For more information about The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department and its programs, visit https://buff.ly/3J7wpdT.

About The Woodlands Township

The Woodlands Township is a special-purpose district providing fire protection, environmental services, parks and recreation, economic development, enhanced law enforcement services, and more to over 120,000 residents and 2,000 businesses. Located 27 miles north of Houston, The Woodlands Township is committed to supporting the highest quality of life for its community. Learn more at https://buff.ly/3J7wpdT.

Pictured (left to right): Trohn Trabona, Jared Davis, Michelle Betcher, John McGowan, Pamela Woods, Lauren Miller, and Mitch Hall.

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The new Children’s Safe Harbor facility in Conroe has reached a major milestone, marking significant progress in its construction. The $10 million, 45,000-square-foot center, located on Loop 336 East, is expected to open this fall, providing essential services to abused children across Montgomery, Walker, and San Jacinto counties.

𝗔 𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴-𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

On February 26, project leaders, staff, board members, law enforcement officials, donors, and invited guests toured the facility and received an update on its progress. A topping-out ceremony was held, a traditional milestone in construction where the final beam is raised, symbolizing the completion of the building’s structure.

During the event, board members and donors signed beams in the building’s lobby, leaving behind inspirational messages. Children’s Safe Harbor Executive Director Victoria Constance referred to the space as “God’s house,” expressing her emotional reaction upon seeing the facility come to life.

God makes me wait, but when He shows up, it is so much more than I could imagine, Constance said. A Decade-Long Journey Toward Expansion

Children’s Safe Harbor has been serving the Montgomery County area for 27 years, offering justice, healing, and hope to child victims of sexual and physical abuse. In 2023 alone, the organization provided services to 2,302 children, reviewed 8,928 reports of abuse, and conducted more than 26,500 forensic interviews since its founding in 1998.

The nonprofit’s expansion has been in the works for 10 years, with groundbreaking taking place in August 2023.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

The new center, situated on 17 acres, is designed to foster a healing environment for children and their families. Key features include:

A first-floor healing garden, along with a law enforcement area, a conference and training center, and a medical clinic.
A second floor filled with natural light, designed to provide a comfortable space for children to share their stories and receive counseling. This level will also house a gym and dining area for staff.
A tree-lined perimeter, ensuring privacy and a sense of security for children and families seeking refuge.

To symbolize hope and healing, polished stones were given to children, families, board members, and staff, who were encouraged to make a wish before placing them into the building’s foundation.

The facility is being constructed by Houston-based Tellepsen, with Aaron Murray serving as the project manager. Funding the Future

Funding for the new facility comes from a combination of public and private donations:

In June 2022, the Woodforest Charitable Foundation committed $2.5 million for naming rights.
In 2023, State Rep. Will Metcalf (R-Conroe) secured $5 million from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Additional contributions from local donors, including Dan and Judge Lisa Michalk, Mike and Vanessa Manners, Joy-Dawn Colburn, Ron Cooke, and Mike Stoecker, helped bring the total to $10 million.
ExxonMobil donated $100,000 in January 2024.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, $𝟮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁.

With its expanded space and enhanced resources, the new Children’s Safe Harbor facility will provide a safe and supportive environment for abused children, ensuring they receive the justice, healing, and hope they deserve.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Children's Safe Harbor: https://buff.ly/sbqZGvp
Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/lvCSQ1Z
Woodlands Online: https://buff.ly/7T2OZub

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In a recent Montgomery County commissioners meeting, Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray proposed forming a task force to identify budget savings that could be redirected to essential services like roads, infrastructure, and law enforcement. Gray drew inspiration from President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, suggesting a similar approach at the county level.

However, the proposal met resistance from fellow commissioners. Commissioners Charlie Riley, Robert Walker, and Ritch Wheeler expressed concerns that such a task force might devolve into a "witch hunt." Riley questioned the necessity of the task force, while Walker emphasized his confidence in existing departmental oversight, stating, "I'm the Elon in my precinct."

County Judge Mark Keough supported the initiative but recommended that the task force's scope encompass all county departments, not just those under the commissioners' purview. He also suggested that the task force chair should be appointed from his office to ensure comprehensive oversight.

Despite Gray's assurances that the task force's goal was to enhance efficiency and transparency, the proposal did not advance. The majority of commissioners favored relying on current procedures and trusted department heads to maintain fiscal responsibility.

This discussion highlights the ongoing debate within Montgomery County's leadership regarding the best methods to achieve fiscal efficiency and effective resource allocation.

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Judge Kristin Bays delivered a stark warning to Montgomery County Commissioners: the courthouse is plagued by rats, mold, asbestos, and a crumbling former jail, demanding "a solution and we need to do it quickly."

Commissioners acknowledge the need for a new jail, but Bays stressed the courthouse's urgency, citing safety and ADA issues. The 1936 building struggles to accommodate the county's 191% population growth and added courts, with current defendant intake described as a "nightmare."

A $160 million plan proposes a new 290,975-square-foot building with 28 courtrooms, allowing for a jail addition if built outside downtown or a smaller "mini-jail" for daily trials if downtown. A bond would result in a minimal tax increase, offset by asset sales and potential lease income.

While the Commissioners acknowledged the presentation, they did not commit to a timeline, leaving the courthouse's future uncertain.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/41xu1NK
Community Impact: https://buff.ly/4kfuETr

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

Just after midnight, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at Goose's Acre in The Woodlands.

Upon arrival, Deputies discovered two males, ages 31 and 29, and one female, age 27, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Witnesses on scene quickly provided medical aid, and all three individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The suspect, a 27-year-old-male from Houston, was also transported to a different local hospital for treatment due to injuries he sustained from by-standers who detained him for law enforcement, after the shooting.

The suspect is currently in custody, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Our detectives are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident to determine what led to this shooting. We understand that situations like this create fear and uncertainty in our community, and we want to reassure the public that we are fully committed to maintaining safety and holding the suspect accountable.

The names of the victims and the suspect are not being released at this time. We will provide updates as appropriate while ensuring that the investigation's integrity remains intact.

We want to extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families as they receive medical care. We appreciate the swift response of our deputies and first responders and the cooperation of the community as we work through this investigation.

We urge anyone with information, video footage, or details about this incident to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-760-5876 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP.

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Montgomery County has implemented new regulations to prevent outgoing elected officials from depleting inventory before their successors assume office. During a recent court session, County Judge Mark Keough proposed measures to limit both inventory control and spending by departing officials. While the commissioners agreed to impose restrictions on inventory, they did not support spending limits, expressing concerns that such constraints might hinder officials who remain committed to their duties during their final period in office.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler raised this issue after observing that his predecessor, James Noack, had significantly reduced funds and inventory prior to leaving office. Wheeler highlighted a particular instance where Noack authorized a $400,000 equipment purchase for another department shortly before his departure. Additionally, Wheeler advocated for increased transparency by suggesting that all contracts be discussed in open sessions. He cited an example where, two months before leaving office, the previous administration extended a five-year Chapter 381 Agreement without open discussion, impacting the county by $60 million.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray acknowledged facing similar challenges upon taking office but cautioned against imposing excessive budgetary restrictions. In response to these concerns, Assistant County Attorney Amy Davidson indicated that the court might consider modifying its consent agenda in future meetings to enhance transparency and address issues related to contract renewals by outgoing officials.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/4gGNiQX
Conroe Courier:n https://buff.ly/4gKV4cJ

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

Montgomery County is set to expand its jail capacity by adding 64 beds to address persistent overcrowding, a situation intensified by the county's rapid population growth. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle, who assumed office on January 1, highlighted that the jail's 1,253 beds have been operating at over 90% capacity. The Texas Jail Commission approved a variance on February 6, allowing the utilization of existing floor space for the additional beds without necessitating infrastructure modifications. Despite these capacity challenges, the jail recently passed an inspection focusing on facility conditions, emergency preparedness, inmate processing, medical care, and hygiene standards. Sheriff Doolittle has also addressed staffing concerns, filling nearly all of the 31 vacancies since taking office. County Judge Mark Keough supports these initiatives, acknowledging the efforts made in the initial months of Doolittle's tenure.

The county's population surge is a significant factor contributing to the jail's overcrowding. U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that the population grew from 455,746 in 2010 to an estimated 711,354 in 2024. Historically, the county attempted to mitigate overcrowding by constructing the 1,293-bed Joe Corley Detention Center in 2008. However, due to occupancy challenges and tax-exempt status requirements, the facility was sold in 2013. A 2015 study recommended expanding the existing jail or building a new one to meet future demands, but no definitive actions have been taken.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/3EEuQeE
Hello Woodlands: https://buff.ly/412LcW5

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

Children at Risk, a Houston-based education nonprofit, has released its 2024 rankings of Texas public schools to assist parents, educators, and community members in understanding school performance and identifying areas for improvement. These rankings are particularly significant this year due to the absence of official A-F accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which has been unable to release them for the 2023 and 2024 academic years because of ongoing legal disputes over changes to its rating formula and the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams.

𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆

Elementary & Middle Schools – Assessed on student achievement, growth, and performance relative to poverty levels.
High Schools – Evaluated using the same criteria plus college readiness, but without military or career readiness factors.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

58% of Houston-area schools improved, with high schools leading gains. HISD saw notable progress due to its reform programs.
44 districts improved, 38 declined, and 10 lacked data; YES Prep Public Schools and Spring Branch ISD showed major improvements, while Deer Park ISD and New Caney ISD declined.
Gold Ribbon Schools (high-performing, low-income campuses) more than doubled.

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻-𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀

Elementary: TH Rogers (HISD), Stafford STEM (Stafford MSD), Commonwealth (Fort Bend ISD).
Middle: TH Rogers (HISD), Stafford STEM, Briarmeadow Charter (HISD).
High: Carnegie Vanguard (HISD), Tomball Star Academy, Alief Early College.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/42OM1UQ
Fox26 Houston: https://buff.ly/4jYUUkI
Children at Risk: https://buff.ly/3WY3FBV

#thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

In 2024, the Conroe ISD Virtual School saw its accountability rating fall to a 'D' from a previous 'B', signaling a significant drop in performance standards. This downturn has sparked concerns regarding the school's educational quality and operational efficiency. Deputy Superintendent Bethany Medford has identified the virtual school, alongside Grangerland Intermediate and Patterson Elementary (both also receiving 'D' ratings), as key areas requiring immediate attention for enhancement within the district's framework.

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆

The future of CISD's Virtual School is clouded by the cessation of state funding scheduled for September 2025. Superintendent Curtis Null has adopted a cautious stance, remarking, "We are sort of one foot in and one foot out on the virtual school," due to the lack of guaranteed funding and legislative authorization beyond the current term.

𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁

The virtual school was introduced by CISD in 2022 under the provisions of Senate Bill 15, which allowed educational entities to start virtual learning programs. It caters to students in grades five to ten through the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN), which facilitates online education with TEA-approved courses and certified teachers. In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott mandated the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to relax certain criteria for virtual instruction, enabling programs like CISD's to operate through 2025. However, the sustainability of these programs remains uncertain due to fluctuating funding and performance metrics.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Despite these operational and financial hurdles, interest in the virtual school persists among parents, who often seek educational continuity through to the twelfth grade. Bethany Medford has noted the community's appreciation for the virtual learning option, saying, "We see that it has value in our community."

The district awaits the official TEA accountability ratings, which have been postponed due to litigation over the STAAR tests and the state's grading system. As CISD addresses these multifaceted challenges, the viability of its Virtual School hangs in the balance, dependent on state funding resolutions and the success of strategic improvement initiatives aimed at boosting school performance.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/40S0nRL
Virtual CISD: https://buff.ly/4hVFxrq
Texas Education Agency: https://buff.ly/4gBO1Tt

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