Montgomery County is set to welcome a diverse array of new businesses in 2025, enhancing its entertainment, automotive, and residential sectors. 

 𝗟𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲  

 Slated to open in spring 2025, Lumos is a 45,000-square-foot high-tech entertainment venue under construction at 22296 Market Place Drive in East Montgomery County's Valley Ranch Town Center. The facility will feature augmented and virtual reality experiences, including bowling, laser tag, axe throwing, and a 6,000-square-foot arcade equipped with an Omni arena for virtual reality. Additional amenities include karaoke rooms, private event spaces, a cocktail bar, restaurant, and outdoor patio. 

 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗠𝗮𝘅 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 

 Construction is set to commence in spring 2025 on a new CarMax facility located at Interstate 45 and Aaron Pasternak Drive in Conroe. Unlike traditional supercenters, this state-of-the-art facility will focus on reconditioning used vehicles for sale in the Dallas region and nationwide. It will also include a dealer-only auction space. The facility is expected to open in early 2026 following a year-long construction period. 

 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆  

 Two Step Farm, a new master-planned community, is scheduled to open in spring 2025 at the intersection of FM 1488 and Fishcreek Thoroughfare. Embracing a country theme, the development will feature: 

   ●  𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱: A central hub with music venues and a goat farm. 

   ●  𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲: Offering specialty food and beverages, serving as the visitor center. 

   ●  𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 : Home to a herd of goats tasked with clearing invasive plant species. 

   ●  𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹: A venue for community gatherings and events. 

   ●  𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗯𝗲𝗹𝘁 : A main trail designed for walkers, runners, and bikers.

 The community will include a variety of residential options from over 30 home builders, with prices ranging from the high $300,000s to over $1 million. 

 These developments reflect Montgomery County's ongoing growth and its commitment to providing diverse amenities and services to its residents.  

 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: 
 Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/3BJ48jN 
 Hoodline: https://buff.ly/3BKLZSO 
 Paper City: https://buff.ly/3BRngvZ 
 
 #thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty 

On December 21, 2024, at approximately 9:50 AM, deputies from Constable Ryan Gable's Office responded to reports of gunshots at the AutoZone Auto Parts store located at 28803 Birnham Woods Drive in Montgomery County, Texas. 

 Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male employee inside the store who had been shot multiple times. Tragically, the employee was pronounced dead at the scene. 

 Witnesses indicated that the suspect, identified as 19-year-old William Gabriel Aguilar from Spring, Texas, entered the store and shot the employee. There were no customers inside the store during the incident, though one was present in the parking lot. Aguilar fled the scene on foot but was apprehended a short distance away by law enforcement officers. 

 Aguilar has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He is currently held at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Jail with a bond set at $750,000. 

 The investigation is ongoing, with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Crime Scene Unit and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office assisting in the case. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the victim. 

 This tragic event has deeply affected the local community, and support services are being provided to those impacted. A chaplain from the Sheriff's Office is offering counseling to the employees of the store. 

 For more information and updates, you can follow the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office on their official Facebook page. 

 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 
 Montgomery County Sheriff's Dept. - Facebook: https://buff.ly/4045gYJ  

 1 Criminal Justice Dr, Conroe, TX, United States, Texas
 (936) 760-5800
 scott.spencer@mctx.org
 mctxsheriff.org 

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

The city of Conroe is advancing its direct annexation process, which includes the incorporation of five tracts of land. Among these are two new schools and a mix of commercial and residential developments, marking a significant expansion of the city's footprint. 

 During a special city council meeting on Thursday, city staff received the green light to initiate the annexation process. This includes holding public hearings and drafting service agreements with property owners. Notably, Mayor Duke Coon was absent from the meeting. 

 Nancy Mikeska, Conroe’s deputy city administrator and director of community development, emphasized that the city no longer engages in involuntary annexation. Instead, property owners must request annexation, a process that allows for smoother integration and cooperation. 

 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
 The annexation plan prominently features two new schools, one each from the Willis and Conroe Independent School Districts: 

     Willis ISD Middle School: Spanning 170,000 square feet on 43 acres off Longmire Road, this facility includes academic buildings, playfields, and parking areas.
     Conroe ISD School: Situated on 85 acres along FM 1314, this school is still in the design phase, reflecting the district’s forward-looking approach to accommodate growing student populations. 

 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗻  

 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 
     Fuel Maxx: Located at the intersection of Seven Coves Road and Farell Road, this new development spans approximately three acres. It is being developed by Everfuels Distribution Inc. 

     Texas Roadhouse and Walden Plaza Expansion: A new 8,000-square-foot Texas Roadhouse is planned on Texas 105 at Walden Road. This 20-acre property, developed by CHC Investments, includes space for future commercial developments and expands on Walden Plaza's success. 

 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆 
 The annexation also includes a new residential development on Texas 105 at Sapp Road. The 12.4-acre project, led by Ellison Development LLC, will consist of 61 single-family homes. 

 Mikeska noted that this tract falls within the city’s current building moratorium boundaries. To address this, the service agreement will outline how the city plans to provide essential services to the new development. 

 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗲 
 The annexation plan highlights Conroe’s balanced approach to growth, blending educational, commercial, and residential developments. With the city’s proactive stance on annexation, officials aim to ensure that services and infrastructure keep pace with the needs of the expanding community. 

 The annexation process will proceed with public hearings and final approvals in the coming months, setting the stage for these projects to take shape. Conroe's commitment to thoughtful growth underscores its role as a thriving hub in the region.  

 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: 
 Conroe Courier : https://buff.ly/3DoelCW 
 CISD: https://buff.ly/4gN68q9 
 Texas Department of Licensing: https://buff.ly/3DC0RDq 
 Community Impact: https://buff.ly/4ftEBci  

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

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced this agreement, which is part of broader efforts to hold pharmaceutical entities accountable for the opioid epidemic. 

 The settlement funds are designated for opioid abatement and will be distributed over 11 years. Specific allocations for Conroe have not been disclosed, but the city plans to use the funds for prevention and treatment programs. By participating, Conroe waives the right to pursue separate legal action on this matter. 

 Kroger's settlement is part of a national agreement totaling $1.37 billion, with Texas receiving over $83 million. 

 The company has stated that this settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing. 

 This agreement adds to Texas's ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, with the state securing over $3 billion in settlements from various pharmaceutical companies to date. 

 The opioid epidemic has significantly impacted communities nationwide, including Conroe. The settlement funds aim to support local initiatives focused on prevention, education, and treatment to mitigate the crisis's effects. 

 Conroe's decision to join the settlement reflects a commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic's challenges and utilizing available resources to support community health and safety. 

 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Houston  Chronicle: https://buff.ly/41NdN3H 
 Texas Attorney General: https://buff.ly/4gK99Ya 
 Law.com: https://buff.ly/41H29Hu 
 KVUE: https://buff.ly/4iHh5eF 
 
 #thewoodlandstx #thewoodlandstexas #thewoodlands #conroetx #springtx #montgomerycounty #harriscounty

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱 near Willis, Texas, marked its 75th anniversary with a Texas Historical Commission Marker dedication. Established in 1949, it has been vital to the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀
 The camps founding was supported by four Black businessmen, Clarence Dupree, Hobart Taylor Sr., Carter Wesley, and James Jemison, who funded half the purchase cost and helped raise the rest.  Mary Vitek, CEO of the council, stated, "For 75 years, this camp has provided girls opportunities to explore nature, build character, and grow in confidence."

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆
In 1949, the camp's deed guaranteed no Girl Scout would be denied access due to race, color, or creed. Its name was inspired by the wooded area and its robins.

𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀
Today, Camp Robinwood offers Lake Ann for water fun, riflery, archery, tents, cabins, a library, and a nature center, fostering outdoor adventures and personal growth.

𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:
Conroe Courier: https://buff.ly/3BHOIfB 
My Neighborhood News: https://buff.ly/41KYBDQ 
Hot In Houston Now: https://buff.ly/4gClzRP 
The Katy News: https://buff.ly/3DmU5BC 

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

Willis Independent School District (ISD) voters have once again rejected a significant $115.4 million bond proposal aimed at constructing a new stadium and athletic complex, marking the third unsuccessful attempt to secure funding for the project. This bond proposal included plans for an expansive 8,500-seat stadium to replace the district’s existing 50-year-old Berton A. Yates Stadium, along with amenities like a community room, field house, concessions, and parking for 3,400 vehicles. It also included a $27 million student activity center and a $19.6 million aquatic center. District officials argued that the new facilities would address growth in the area and modernize outdated athletic spaces, aligning with recent high-profile school stadium projects seen in Texas, like those in Katy and McKinney.



The bond’s failure came despite Willis ISD's strategy of placing the vote during a high-turnout presidential election, hoping it would attract support. If approved, the bond would have increased local taxes to cover the additional facilities and support the district’s goal of accommodating a rapidly growing student population. With nearby schools projected to exceed capacity in the coming years, Willis ISD has been actively seeking ways to update and expand its facilities, yet this setback indicates voter hesitation regarding the significant cost of such an ambitious project.



This recent rejection continues the trend of voter pushback on high-cost school athletic projects, underscoring ongoing community concerns about balancing educational needs with fiscal responsibility.



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

A new library and community center is coming to The Woodlands' Grogan's Mill Village Center, an area currently undergoing major revitalization. The transformation is spearheaded by a partnership between Howard Hughes Corp. and Montgomery County, with the project set to honor local military members, veterans, and law enforcement. This 16.5 million-dollar facility will include an expansive library and a community center that is expected to become a social and educational hub for the area. 👮 


 
The new library, replacing a former Randalls grocery store, is set to open in 2025 and will feature unique amenities: a dedicated children’s area, a young adult room, a podcast studio, and a 3D printing station. The adjoining community center will house a 5,000-square-foot multipurpose hall, boardrooms, meeting rooms, and a ballroom, ideal for events and community gatherings. Local officials believe the complex will not only enhance learning and socializing but also provide a dedicated space for community members to honor military service members and first responders, who are an integral part of Montgomery County's identity. This project aligns with the area's commitment to both modernization and community values, reflected in its design and multifunctional spaces. 🚑 


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

H-E-B has partnered with the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) program on a new initiative to boost pollinator habitats across Texas. The "Pollinators for Texas" project will distribute $50,000 in funding through grants, allowing TMN chapters to apply for up to $3,000 each for community-based conservation efforts. The initiative will focus on creating and enhancing spaces that support pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, bats, and birds, which are crucial to local biodiversity and agriculture.



Through these grants, TMN chapters will establish native plant gardens, or "wildscapes," in public parks and community spaces, which will attract and sustain pollinator populations. In addition, the program aims to engage the public through volunteer projects and educational events, raising awareness of the importance of these species to ecosystems and food security. This effort is expected to make a visible impact in communities across Texas, from supporting wildflowers to aiding crop pollination through pollinator habitats.



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

Conroe city officials recently faced backlash after a vote that raised the salaries of three senior employees to over $300,000, sparking public discontent in a city where many residents feel more financial transparency is needed. The highest increase went to City Administrator Gary Scott, whose salary was boosted to $365,000. Two other positions also saw substantial hikes, aimed at aligning salaries with comparable roles in larger Houston-area cities.



Supporters on the council believe the raises will help retain skilled leadership amid restructuring. Critics, however, argue that these increases are excessive and should have been introduced more gradually. This controversy has sparked broader conversations about public-sector pay, transparency, and Conroe's overall budget priorities, with residents and council members divided over the necessity and timing of these substantial salary hikes. 



𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Houston Chronicle: https://buff.ly/3AI5qLq 

Conroe Courier : https://buff.ly/4hSB49Z 



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

Construction has started on a substantial 193-mile natural gas pipeline in Montgomery County, Texas, led by Blackfin Pipeline. The pipeline, designed to move up to 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily, will stretch from Colorado County to Jasper County in East Texas. This pipeline aims to facilitate the growing natural gas output from the Permian Basin and will connect it to larger markets, reducing energy costs and minimizing flaring-related emissions.



In response to local concerns about environmental impact, particularly at the 64-acre Lake Creek Preserve near The Woodlands, Blackfin Pipeline and community advocates, like the Bayou Land Conservancy, collaborated to modify construction methods. This includes implementing underground boring techniques to avoid disrupting the preserve’s landscape, minimizing permanent surface impact on this ecologically sensitive area.



This development reflects a significant move in supporting regional energy demands while considering community and environmental concerns 



Sources:

Land Trust Alliance: https://buff.ly/40FPzHX 

Blackfin Pipeline: https://buff.ly/48New6m 



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