WDL-2019-03

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7 | MARCH12-APRIL 8, 2019

Legislative agenda Changing Texas’ property tax system is one of the Legislature’s primary objectives in the 86th legislative session. While attempting to reform this system, legislators also plan to address the state’s home appraisal process and funding for public education.

reform attempts

Bills addressing property tax reform were proposed in the state’s 85th legislative session, but failed to pass. NOV. 29, 2016 Senate Bill 2 pro- posed a rollback rate of 5 percent. JAN. 10, 2017 85th legislative session begins. MAY 29, 2017 Legislative session ends with the House refusing to vote on SB 2. JULY 18, 2017 Special session be- gins; SB 1 is filed, proposing a 4 percent rollback rate. JULY 19, 2017 House Bill 4 is filed, proposing a rollback rate of 6 percent.

FIXINGSCHOOL FINANCE

PROPERTY TAX REFORM

APPRAISAL CHANGES

8 IMPACTS

NowOpen, Coming Soon &more

The Texas Commission on Public School Finance identified changes to the school finance system, such as increasing the state share of funding.

Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, authored SB 657, which proposes lowering the appraisal value cap of a home from 10 percent to 3 or 5 percent annually.

Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston,

authored Senate Bill 2 to propose lowering the cap on annual property tax revenue increases by two-thirds.

AUG. 15, 2017 Special session ends with neither SB 1 nor HB 4 passing.

SOURCES:SEN.BRANDONCREIGHTON,R-CONROE;SEN.PAUL BETTENCOURT,R-HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

12 TO-DO LIST

Events and things to do

State legislators seek to curb property tax increases The Woodlands area officials say rising appraisal values place burdens on homeowners BY BEN THOMPSON

Greg Abbott declared property tax an emergency item in February, and dozens of related bills have been filed in their wake. However, officials with local tax- ing entities, such as The Woodlands Township, say they are already man- aging annual tax increases

many local entities that could be affected by the proposals. The twin bills propose to lower the cap for local entities’ annual tax revenue growth from 8 percent to 2.5 percent and to improve efficiency and transparency in the tax system. The proposals were fast-tracked for debate in both chambers after Gov.

Property tax reform has been a top priority for Texas lawmakers from the start of the 86th legislative session. The early filing of identical, wide-reaching bills in the House and Senate in January—Senate Bill 2 and House Bill 2—sparked debate on the topic and earned pushback from

31 DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS Construction updates

EDUCATION 2019 GUIDE 36 EDUCATION 37 BY THE NUMBERS

CONTINUED ON 54

The number of responses to suicides or attempted suicides has been rising in The Woodlands since 2013. SUICIDES A GROWING CONCERN

Area groups mobilize to offer support, prevention Officials: Reported suicide attempts, safety checks spike in TheWoodlands BY ANDREWCHRISTMAN With reported suicide and attempted suicide rates increasing in Montgomery County and throughout the state of Texas, local officials are examining strategies to combat the rising numbers. In the area patrolled by Montgomery County and Harris County law enforcement officers in The Woodlands, the num- ber of reported suicides or suicide attempts has grown from 25 in 2016 to 115 in 2018, according to statistics provided to The Woodlands Township from Montgomery County Sheriff’s office in its annual report. CONTINUED ON 56

Local health care offerings increase

THE WOODLANDS*

Statistics from TheWoodlands area

115

8 5

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

*Includes data from Montgomery and Harris Counties.

43 DINING FEATURE

SOURCE:MONTGOMERYCOUNTYSHERIFF’SOFFICE/ COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

Mary’z Mediterranean Cuisine

10 TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY SHRED DAY

DATE & TIME

Saturday, April 13 th 8:00am - 1:00pm or until both trucks are full

BENEFITING

LOCATION

2201 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380

We will be accepting monetary donations in support of Parker Kink’s run for Man of the Year benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

www.KinkForLLS.com

ESTABLISHED IN OUR VALUES. Progressive in Our Approach.

TheKinkTeam.com | 281.364.4828

Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com

The Woodlands edition • March 2019

RIGHT AT HOME

They say everything’s bigger in Texas. With over 70 locations and counting – including Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands right in your neck of the woods – that’s certainly true of us. But our aim isn’t to be bigger, it’s to be better at meeting your needs. No matter how fast our city grows, we’re dedicated to keeping pace, with new locations, new technology and services, and ever more convenient ways for you to access our world-renowned specialty programs like ophthalmology, pulmonology and orthopedics and sports medicine, close to home. We’re standing tall in our boots right here, whenever you need us. Visit texaschildrens.org/woodlands for more information or to make an appointment.

Join us for the Texas Children’s Hospital TheWoodlands Family Fun Run on Saturday, May 4, 2019 held in partnership with the Houston Marathon Foundation. Learn more at texaschildrens.org/funrunwoodlands .

Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com

WLD_060675_18_ad_RightAtHome_3Boys_WLDCIN.indd 1

1/9/19 2:08 PM

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Begin spring with a look at important issues

take a moment to read our cover story, and if you know of someone suffering in silence, please find the local resources we have in our community (Page 57). This month, we also take a look at the new legislation proposed to curb property tax increases by implementing an 8 per- cent revenue cap. Our cover story looks at how appraisal increases are driving up tax bills as well as the legislation being proposed as a solution. We hope you enjoy this edition, and I would love to hear from you if you have stories to share. Please check out our website at communityimpact.com, or give us a like on Facebook.

Springtime has finally arrived, and it is my favorite time of year. Along with the warmer weather, it is also rodeo season, and spring break is upon us. March is a great time to get out and enjoy live music at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or locally at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, which is opening its 30th season in March for a Boston Pops performance. See our Live Music Calen- dar for more upcoming events (Page 14). While springtime is traditionally an uplifting time of year, in this month’s edition, we examine those hurting in our community and the rising rates of suicide in Montgomery County. Please

PUBLISHERS AND FOUNDERS John and Jennifer Garrett PUBLISHER -HOUSTONMETRO Jason Culpepper GENERAL MANAGER Nicole Preston, npreston@communityimpact.com EDITORIAL EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Lanane MANAGING EDITOR Matt Stephens EDITOR Vanessa Holt REPORTERS Andrew Christman, Ben Thompson COPY CHIEF Andy Comer COPY EDITORS Katharine Powell, Kasey Salisbury STAFFWRITERS Anna Lotz, Jake Magee, Kara McIntyre, Jules Rogers, Kelly Schafler, Eva Vigh, Emma Whalen, Hannah Zedaker ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Tess Coverman ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Crystal Shaffer DESIGN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan SENIOR ART PRODUCTIONMANAGER Jenny Abrego GRAPHIC DESIGNER Caitlin Whittington STAFF DESIGNERS Matt Mills, Lindsay Scott BUSINESS GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez CHIEF OPERATINGOFFICER Claire Love ABOUT US John and Jennifer Garrett began Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 in Pflugerville, Texas. The company’s mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a

Nicole Preston GENERAL MANAGER npreston@communityimpact.com

ASK THE EDITOR

FEATURED STORIES

8 IMPACTS NowOpen, Coming Soon &more 12 TO-DO LIST Local events 17 TRANSPORTATION Updates on local road projects 18 COUNTY County judges request new court 21 EDUCATION Conroe ISD plots boundaries for new elementary school SPECIAL SECTION HIGHER EDUCATIONGUIDE 36 EDUCATION Higher education sites scale up health care offerings 37 BY THE NUMBERS Statistics and demographics from local education institutions 41 BUSINESS FEATURE Vottron 43 DINING FEATURE Mary’z Mediterranean Cuisine 67 IMPACT DEALS

Why is this page different?

Regular readers of this paper may notice a change on this page. I joined Community Impact Newspaper ’s The Woodlands edition last month, and this marks my first full issue overseeing the content. I have been with the company since 2016, but my career in journalism stretches back more than 20 years, when I began at newspapers in New Jersey. Although I am from the Northeast, as the popular saying goes, I got to Texas “as fast as I could.” I have called the Greater Houston area home since 2011, and as editor of The Woodlands edition of this newspaper, I aim to report on the interests and con- cerns of the residents here. In the upcoming months, we will share our special sections on upcoming elec- tions, health care, real estate and other issues, but I hope to hear from residents about what other topics they want to know more about in the community. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime at vholt@communityimpact.com with questions, con- cerns or suggestions, and let me know how we are doing at providing you with the local news you need.

passionate team. CONTACT US 8400 N. SamHouston Parkway W., Ste. 220 Houston, TX 77064 •281-469-6181 communityimpact.com

PRESS RELEASES wdlnews@communityimpact.com SUBSCRIPTIONS communityimpact.com/subscriptions

ADVERTISE WITH US For advertising inquiries, please contact us at wdlads@communityimpact.com.

Vanessa Holt EDITOR vholt@communityimpact.com

Proudly printed by:

Do you have a question about how local government works or something going on in town? Send it to wdlfeedback@ communityimpact.com.

As you watch in awe the movements in the stock market over the past 6 months, sometimes it’s important to remember what you are trying to accomplish with your investment plan, and maybe more importantly what you are not. Achieving your investment goals should mean successfully putting children through college or establishing a comfortable income in retirement. What is not part of a successful investment plan is chasing “alpha”. Whether your plan beats someone else’s plan, or beats some arbitrary index is simply not important. It may be a conversation piece at a cocktail party, but it is irrelevant when it comes to achieving your goals. Your plan is unique to you. Chasing performance distracts investors from the objective, and often results in lower investment returns. Stick with your plan, ignore the noise, and resist the urge to chase the unattainable. MONTHLY COMMENTARY For our daily commentary and all disclosures, visit www.chjwealthmanagement.com 10200 Grogan’s Mill Road, Suite 340 • 281-298-2700

The Woodlands edition • March 2019

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The Rotary Club of The Woodlands is excited to invite you to their Texas Legends Crawfish Boil! Bring the family and join us for tasty crawfish with fixins, delicious food trucks, and great music. You’re sure to have a legendary time while serving a great cause, the Texas Legends Scholarship Fund, which will award college scholarships to students attending The Woodlands High School.

P I NC H I N ’ B E G I N S

Sunday, April 7 th from 2:00–7 :00 pm at Stillwater’s Backporch 2158 Stillwater Creek Drive • Conroe, TX 77384

L I V E MU S I C B Y CMA R E C O R D I NG A R T I S T Craig Carter

C R AW F I S H

Purchase your tickets online NOW! StillwaterTX.com

Lawn Games for Kids • Face Painting • Event Photo Frame Stop Free Kites • Remote Control Boat Races • Beer, Wine, Margaritas

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NEW Pricing and NEW Plans from the mid $200s!

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P R O C E E D S B E N E F I T I N G TEXAS LEGENDS SCHOLARSHIP FUND

About Texas Legends – Texas Legends is the group of original founders of the Rotary Club of The Woodlands. The main objective of Rotary is SERVICE - in the community and throughout the world. Rotarians build goodwill and peace, provide humanitarian service, and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.”

The Woodlands edition • March 2019

months and 6 years old, children from 7-12, teens from 13-19 and adults age 20 and older in piano, guitar, bass, drums, voice and ukulele. The school is located at 24913 Kuykendahl Road, Stes. C and D, Tomball. 832-328-6080. www.teoramusic.com 4 Chick-fil-A opened Feb. 28 at 25630 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball. The new restaurant will bring 90 jobs to the Tomball area, according to a news release. Chick- fil-A offers fast-casual dining featuring chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, salads and other menu options. 281-516-9500. www.chick-fil-a.com 5 Blissful Waters Float Center opened Dec. 8 at 2408 Timberloch Place, Ste. 4D, The Woodlands. The float-therapy spa opened Dec. 8 and offers individual, pack- age and membership services. 281-978-4037. www.blissfulwatersfloat.com 6 The fast-service chicken salad restau- rant Chicken Salad Chick held a grand opening Feb. 5 for its new location at 3026 College Park Drive, Conroe. The store offers a variety of chicken salads as well as other salads, sandwiches, soups and snacks. 936-224-7959. www.chickensaladchick.com 7 Tropical Smoothie Cafe celebrated the grand opening of its Magnolia store Feb. 9. The smoothie shop, located at 5417 FM 1488, Ste. A, opened Dec. 15 and offers smoothies in addition to sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, salads and breakfast items. 281-789-4595. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com 8 The Flower Child restaurant chain will open a new location in The Woodlands in early March. Flower Child aims to provide healthy and local food to customers with a focus on vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Flower Child will be located at 1900 Lake Woodlands Drive, Ste. 100, The Woodlands, and will operate daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. www.iamaflowerchild.com 9 Co-franchisees Andria Cain and Bruce Gingrich are in the process of opening Corky’s Ribs & BBQ at 25657 I-45 N., The COMING SOON

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened, are coming soon, relocating or expanding.

WOODLANDS SQ. BLVD.

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PRESERVE WAY

AUGUSTA PINES DR.

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NOWOPEN

in self-defense and martial arts, including hanmudo and jiujitsu for students age 4 and up. The first 50 members to register at the new location are also eligible for a

Bank logo, such as the lemon and sugar crepe, will go to donating a meal to help children in need. Sweet Paris is open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8 a.m.- 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 281-651-2153. www.sweetparis.com/ the-wl 2 Tiger Rock Martial Arts opened Feb. 2 at 26131 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. C-1, Tomball. The academy provides training

1 Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe announced its official opening at 9595 Six Pines Drive, Ste. 450, The Wood- lands, on Feb. 26. Along with crepes, Sweet Paris Creperie and Cafe offers salads, seasonal soups, paninis and milkshakes. Proceeds from certain menu selections bearing the Montgomery County Food

special offer. 832-434-6688. www.trmawoodlands.com

3 Teora Music School opened in early December in the Creekside Park area. The school offers private and group lessons for four age categories: children between 6

Where service is an everyday affair.

1590 Lake Woodlands Dr. 77380 At the Pinecroft Center 281-465-0700 Like us on facebook www.woodlandsruggallery.com

r t

Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com

Woodlands. Officials said the full-service restaurant will open in the first quarter of 2020. Originally launched in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1984, the eatery also has plans to open in Tomball and downtown Houston in the coming months. The menu features traditional pulled pork sandwich- es, pork ribs, brisket, catfish, fried chicken, barbecue nachos, spaghetti, baked beans, loaded macaroni and cheese, fried okra and other Memphis-inspired dishes. www.corkysbbq.com 10 Kova Fit , a personal training and group fitness gym, plans a grand opening March 30 at 18 Augusta Pines Drive, Ste. 111W, Spring. The new facility will offer services from one-on-one training to classes focused on stretching, kettlebell work and self-defense, and a full-body boot 11 Dogtopia is anticipating an opening for its newest branch in mid-April or early May at 463 FM 1488 in Conroe. The branch will offer day care, spa and boarding school services for furry friends. Additional train- ing services are planned later in the year. Founders passes are currently available for purchase to get early bookings. The new store opening will be the third Houston branch and the first in North Houston for the company. 832-308-3664. www.dogtopia.com 12 Executive Nails & Spa plans to open a new location at 5667 FM 1488, Magnolia, on March 8. The local nail salon chain will offer services for men, women and children including manicures, pedicures, waxing, facials and massages. 281-919-3260. www.executivenailsspa.com camp. 281-296-3520. www.kovafitgym.com 13 Massage Heights in Panther Creek relocated to The Woodlands’ downtown area in March. The new location at 1900 Lake Woodlands Drive, Ste. 400, The Woodlands, opened March 1. Massage Heights offers a variety of massage and facial treatments as well as aromatherapy. 832-900-7788. www.massageheights.com 14 Smiles by Design reopened as Wood- lands Lakes Dental Studio in the Marcel RELOCATION

FEATURED IMPACT —COMING SOON

Town Center in early January. The studio, now located at 525 Woodlands Square Blvd., Ste. 160, The Woodlands, moved from its previous location in the Windvale Center. The dental office offers services, in- cluding orthodontics, cleaning, restoration, prosthodontics and periodontal disease COMPILED BY ANDREWCHRISTMAN AND BEN THOMPSON News or questions about The Woodlands? Email us at wdlnews@communityimpact.com. 15 IGi Playground TheWoodlands , located at 3759 FM Road 1488, Ste. 250, The Woodlands, reopened Nov. 17 under new ownership. The pirate ship-themed in- door playground includes a ball pit, slides, trampolines and a candy bar. The facility offers individual tickets and reservations for events such as birthday parties. 832-551-3096. www.igiplayground.com 16 The CynthiaWoods Mitchell Pavilion , located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, will celebrate its 30th season in The Woodlands in April. The amphitheater first opened in April 1990 over a gala weekend featuring The Houston Symphony, Frank Sinatra and Alabama with Clint Black, and it continues to host a full slate of performing artists and community events each year. The pavilion will hold a 30th anniversary celebration March 21 with a performance by The Boston Pops on Tour celebrating the music of composer John Williams. 281-364-3010. www.woodlandscenter.org 17 Maine-ly Sandwiches in The Wood- lands, located at 7 Switchbud Place, Ste. 194, is celebrating its first year in busi- ness March 26. Specials are planned for the day but will be determined at a later date. The New England eatery offers a variety of sandwiches and is known for its lobster roll. The restaurant also has locations in Cy- press and on the Katy Freeway in Houston. 281-719-5828. www.mainelysandwiches.com ANNIVERSARIES treatment. 936-271-3500. www.gabrielpolodds.com NEWMANAGEMENT

The location for the new Killen’s Steakhouse in The Woodlands area was announced Feb. 11. Killen’s Steakhouse closed on a shuttered restaurant property at 1700 Re- search Forest Drive, Shenandoah, and the new location is expected to open within 60 days, according to a news release fromNewQuest Properties. The award-winning steakhouse is one of five family-owned concepts of chef Ronnie Kil- len, a Pearland native and 2018 recipient of a James Beard Award as one of the 12 best chefs in the Southwest, according to the release. Killen’s Steakhouse, which launched 13 years ago, is known for its steak, Gulf Coast seafood and signature desserts. The new location will have room for an upscale, ambient setting, including a private event room, wine cellar and wine room. 281-485-0844. www.killenssteakhouse.com

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• Tax Planning • Retirement Planning • Estate Planning • Insurance Planning

• Personal Investing • College Funding • Business Planning

Helping you over life’s hurdles to reach your goals

The Woodlands edition • March 2019

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Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com

IMPACTS

FEATURED IMPACT —NOWOPEN

Businesses that have recently opened, are coming soon, relocating or expanding.

COMPILED BY ANDREW CHRISTMAN AND BEN THOMPSON News or questions about The Woodlands? Email us at wdlnews@communityimpact.com.

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SHENANDOAH

TAMINA

AMCMetropark Square 10 opened for business March 1 in Shenandoah. The theater is the first new AMC location in the Houston area in more than 20 years, according to AMC Theatres. Amenities include power recliners, online ticketing, newmovie screens, speakers and sound systems, an expanded menu and the AMC MacGuffins bar. www.amctheatres.com

OAK RIDGE NORTH

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2 at 27838 I-45 N., Oak Ridge North. The store offers mailing services including packing, shipping, mailbox rental and tracking. The business also includes printing, faxing scanning and other document services. 832-663-5220. www.mailcallcommerce.com 4 JAX Burgers Fries & Shakes will open its 10th Houston-area location this spring in The Woodlands area. The new restaurant will open in the Rayford Harmony plaza at 3555 Rayford Road, Spring. The chain, which was established in Spring in 2010, offers burgers, sandwiches, chicken, fries, hot dogs and shakes. www.jaxburgers.com COMING SOON

5 Mi Tierra Mexican Grill at 3555 Rayford Road, Spring, changed its name to Fron- tera . The restaurant serves appetizers, soups, salads, burritos, chalupas, tacos, fajitas, seafood, enchiladas and a variety of desserts. 281-528-0206

DISCOVERY CREEK BLVD.

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www.facebook.com/ winningbeginswithwisdom

1 Wisdom’s Vegan Bakery & Cafe opened Feb. 20 at 25192 I-45, Ste. 103, Spring. The eatery serves vegan desserts such as cakes and cupcakes as well as lunch items including macaroni and cheese, barbecue pulled mushrooms and jackfruit, and fried plantain. 954-756-1960.

6 The Sears Home Appliance Show- room at 26914 I-45 N., Oak Ridge North, permanently closed Feb. 25. The show- room, which announced last fall it would remain in business following Sears Holding Company’s bankruptcy filing in October, began advertising its store closing sale in January. www.sears.com

2 Mobility Collision Center opened Jan. 14 at 11066 Hwy. 242, Conroe. The full-service collision repair shop offers body, mechanical and cosmetic services for accident, weather or animal damage. 936-273-1066. www.mobilitycollision.com 3 Mail Call Commerce opened March

COME EXPERIENCE : MOORE DECORATIVE PLUMBING · WATER HEATERS · PLUMBING SUPPLIES 936-756-6663

The Woodlands edition • March 2019

LOCAL EVENTS

To-do list Your ultimate local guide for events, business openings, meetings andmore in the months of March and April

MARCH 15-16 Find treasures at annual community garage sale The Shenandoah Civic Club sponsors a biannual community garage sale for city residents, with signs posted throughout town to direct customers to participating blocks and homes. Free. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Locations throughout the city. www.shenandoahtx.us

MARCH 16 Fish in the 12th annual Creekwood FishingDerby Participants in the derby, sponsored by The Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association, can earn prizes for catching fish. 8-10 a.m. Free. Creekwood Park, 3383 S. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov MARCH 16 Celebratewith the annual Shamrock Shindig event Attendees can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish dancers and bagpipers, food trucks, children’s activities and artisan vendors. Noon-6 p.m. $5. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 713-594-3165. www.inspireprod.com

MARCH 23 Clean up township parks during EarthDay GreenUp Members of the community can partici- pate in cleanup efforts before joining an Earth Day party. 8-11 a.m. (cleanup), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (celebration). Free. Town- ship parks. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

COURTESYTHEWOODLANDSTOWNSHIP

Find more or submit Woodlands events at communityimpact.com/wdl-calendar . Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

See a full list of events at communityimpact.com/events.

WORTHWHILE CONVERSATIONS RETHINKING ROTH IRAS…

ROTH IRAS ARE NOT EXACTLY NEW. WHAT IS THERE TO “RE-THINK?” More to the point: Some people should re-think the use of Roth IRAs. Start by remembering two key differences between Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs. First, money contributed to a Roth has already been taxed. BUT, if you conform to the rules, everything you ever withdraw, including earnings that might be many times what was contributed, is completely tax-free. Second, unlike traditional IRAs, there is NO requirement to withdraw minimum distributions from a Roth IRA after reaching age 70-1/2. YOU SAID “SOME PEOPLE” MIGHT NEED A RE-THINK. WHO SPECIFICALLY? After 48 years of working with clients, we’ve now advised through the full cycle of IRA drawdowns for some of our longer-tenured families. Oftentimes, we encounter meaningful balances left in these IRA accounts when the estate passes to the next generation. Those clients were well enough positioned for retirement that they did not “need” all the funds in their IRA. That is the opportunity. SO, HOW DOES THAT CONNECT TO THE ROTH IRA? Phillip Hamman, CFP ® , CFA, chairs our Wealth Planning Committee, a group of our professionals with multiple professional backgrounds, including attorneys and CPAs.

He summarized the connection in this way: “Clients approaching or just starting retirement may forecast that IRA accounts will not be fully withdrawn during their lifetime, leaving a balance for heirs. Until seeing the numbers, it is difficult for them to imagine the potential wealth enhancement from a Roth conversion. The strategy of converting all or a portion of a traditional IRA and paying some tax now is counter-intuitive, but the savings accumulated over many years can be substantial.” Each person’s situation is unique, and running the numbers is critical. WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS? Make sure you have experienced and well- trained eyes preparing the analysis. This is an area where it is essential to rely upon an advisor who is 100% committed to the fiduciary business model, which puts the client’s interest first. Do not rely on “analysis” from anyone with a product selling motivation. Our experienced team of financial professionals are ready to sit down at our office in The Woodlands to visit about the potential.

Lauren Rich, CFP ® , and, J. Harold Williams, CPA/PFS, CFP ® , weigh the differences between traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, and the importance of having a team of professionals to determine the right choice for you.

Linscomb & Williams is not an accounting firm.

For more information, or a copy of our Form ADV, Part II, with all of our disclosures, call Craig Ivy or Larry Napier at 281 841 0707, or visit www.linscomb-williams.com.

1925 Hughes Landing Blvd., Ste. 200 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 281 841 0707 www.linscomb-williams.com

Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com

COMPILED BY BEN THOMPSON

MARCH 30 Special Olympics returns toOak Ridge High School Approximately 300 athletes participate in the annual Special Olympics event sponsored by The Woodlands Kiwanis Club. 10 a.m. Free. Oak Ridge High School, 27330 Oak Ridge School Road, Conroe. www.woodlandskiwanis.com/ special-olympics APRIL 1 Get your legal questions answered by phone Volunteer attorneys with The Wood- lands Bar Association offer a free public call-in law line for Montgomery County residents with questions on legal topics. 5-7 p.m. Free. 281-817-0392. www.woodlandsbarassociation.com APRIL 6 Participate in Just for J fundraiser 5K/1-mile races Races raise money for a new wing of the newborn intensive care unit at Memo- rial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center. 8:30 a.m. $20-$25. Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands. www.justforj.com/houston APRIL 12 Watch a hat show at Chapeaux for Charity Attendees can participate in a hat style show benefiting New Danville’s work with adults with disabilities. 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. $25. Glade Cultural Center, 2000 Woodlands Parkway, The Wood- lands. www.newdanville.org

APRIL 6 Choose a race at the Muddy Trails Bash

Runners can participate in one of sev- eral races through the George Mitchell Nature Preserve before enjoying the Muddy Bowl Crawfish Cookoff. 3-8 p.m. $50. 6055 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov APRIL 13 Attend a tropical gala for the county food bank The Montgomery County Food Bank Food for Life Gala benefits the food bank’s mission. 6-10 p.m. The Wood- lands Resort & Conference Center, 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands. 936-271-8822. www.mcfoodbank.org

MARCH 23 Enjoy music at BB&T Woodlands CrawPHish Festival Attendees can dig into thousands of pounds of crawfish while enjoying live music and children’s activities. The event benefits the Pulmonary Hypertension Research Inc. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $5-$15. Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. www.woodlandscrawfish.com

COURTESYMONTGOMERYCOUNTYFOODBANK

COURTESYBB&TWOODLANDSCRAWPHISHFESTIVAL

MARCH 30 Participate in the North Houston Indoor Tailgate Therapy & Beyond kicks off Autism Awareness Month with an indoor tailgate party. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Wood- lands. 713-364-4654. www.therapyandbeyond.com MARCH 30 Attend a gala for local nonprofit Angel Reach The Wings Wheels and Heels gala benefits Conroe-based nonprofit Angel Reach.. 6 p.m. (reception), 7:15 p.m. (dinner). $2,000 (per couple). Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 832-326-5566. www.angelreach.org MARCH 30 Walk in the annual March for Marrow Houston A day of education and fundraising for bone marrow failure diseases includes 1- and 2-mile walks and a raffle. 8 a.m.-noon. $15-$30 (registration). Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands. www.marchformarrow.org

MARCH 23-24 Camp overnight with the family at Camp Terramont Families can enjoy an overnight camping trip complete with crafts, games, activ- ities and food. 12 p.m. $125 (family of four). Terramont Park, 8500 Terramont Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3950. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov MARCH 22 Visit the Art N Fashion Show to help charities Attendees can enjoy a New York fashion-themed show benefiting local charities in this event hosted by Designer Divas Luxe. 6 p.m. $125-$500. Glade Cul- tural Center, 2000 Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands. 832-557-8781. www.gladeculturalcenter.com MARCH 28 Attend night of fundraising for Special Angels group Special Angels of The Woodlands holds a charity fundraising event to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 5-8 p.m. $50. Angel Oaks Event Center, 314A Pruitt Road, The Woodlands. 281-367-3200. www.specialangelsofthewoodlands.org

APRIL 13 Participate in a full day of Easter-themed festivities Multiple egg hunts and other Easter activities are held throughout the day. 9-5 p.m. Prices vary. The Recreation Cen- ter at Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 281-516-7348. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov

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See a full list of events at communityimpact.com/events.

The Woodlands edition • March 2019

LIVE MUSIC IN AND AROUND THE WOODLANDS LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

DOSEYDOE BIGBARN 25911 I-45 N., THE WOODLANDS 281-367-3774 www.doseydoe.com March 14 Sawyer Fredericks, 8:30 p.m. 15 Tejas Brothers , 8:30 p.m.

TEJAS BROTHERS

COURTESYTEJASBROTHERS

16 The Level One Band, 8:30 p.m. 17 The Urban Cowboy Reunion, 7 p.m. 18 Joe Burlison’s Uptown Jazz, 7:30 p.m. 20 Shane Smith and the Saints, 8 p.m. 21 Miss Leslie and Lisa Layne, 8:30 p.m. 22 Wood andWire , 8:30 p.m. COURTESYWOODANDWIRE 23 Texas Flood, 8:30 p.m. 24 David Allan Coe, 7:30 p.m. 29 Dennis Quad and the Sharks, 8:30 p.m. 30 Keeton Coffman, 8:30 p.m. 31 The Association, 7:30 p.m. April 3 John Baumann, 8 p.m. 4 Wade Hayes, 8:30 p.m. 5 Chuck Cannon and Zane Williams, 8:30 p.m. 6 Sara Evans, 8:30 p.m. 9 “Brave” Dave McMahon, 7:30 p.m.

WILD STALLIONVINEYARD 5969W. RAYFORD ROAD, SPRING 281-803-9463 www.wildstallionvineyards.com March 23 Louis Lamb and the Gentle Lamb Experience, 6 p.m. 30 Tribute to George Strait featuring Derek Spence and Southern County Line, 6 p.m. GLADE CULTURAL CENTER 2000WOODLANDS PARKWAY, THEWOODLANDS 832-557-8781 www.gladeculturalcenter.com

March 23 Symphony Swings

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See a full list of events at communityimpact.com/events.

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CONCERT IN THE PARK 2505 LAKEWOODLANDS DRIVE, THEWOODLANDS 281-210-3800 www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov March 17 The Sammy Jo Band, 5:30 p.m. 24 Rock-A-Fellas , 5:30 p.m. COURTESYROCK-A-FELLAS 31 Brenda Guy The One Woman Show, 5:30 p.m. ROCK THE ROWAT HUGHES LANDING HUGHES LANDING, THE WOODLANDS 281-210-3800 www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/ rocktherow March 21 Boston Pops on Tour: The Music of John Williams, 7:30 p.m. April 13 Chris Tomlin with Tauren Wells and Pat Barrett, 7 p.m., $26.25-$103.95 26 Leon Bridges with Jess Glynne, 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$99.50 May 2 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, 7:30 p.m., $39-$129

March 12 Jazz on the Northside, 7 p.m. 15 April Spain Jazz Trio, 7:30 p.m. 19 Jazz on the Northside, 7 p.m. 22 Hannah Smith, 7:30 p.m. 26 Jazz on the Northside, 7 p.m. 29 Ken Gaines, 7:30 p.m.

APRIL 6 Frank theMan theMusic

April 2 Jazz on the Northside, 7 p.m.

Singing impressionist BobAnderson pays tribute to Frank Sinatrawith a live 32-piece orchestra. 8 p.m. $29.50-$300. CynthiaWoodsMitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, TheWoodlands. 281-364-3010. www.woodlandscenter.org COURTESYCYNTHIAWOODSMITCHELLPAVILION

THE REFUGE BAR&BISTRO 24WATERWAY AVE., STE. 110, THEWOODLANDS 713-389-5674 www.refugeinthewoodlands.com/the-refuge-bar-and-bistro

March 15 Billy Pope 16 Yelba 22 The Others 23 Unique Soul Band 29 Jimmie Hunter 30 Yelba

April 5 Jimmie Hunter 6 Louis Lamb

March 14 Fidelity Maxx, 7 p.m. 21 Buck Yeager Band , 7 p.m.

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28 The Duderinos, 7 p.m.

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The Woodlands edition • March 2019

OUTSMARTING CANCER TAKES LEADING MEDICINE.

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Community Impact Newspaper • communityimpact.com

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY VANESSA HOLT AND JAKE MAGEE

ONGOING PROJECTS

THE WOODLANDS

Cost: $50.6 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 3 BirnhamWoods Drive widening BirnhamWoods Drive will be widened from two to four lanes from north of Fuller Bluff Drive to north of Elan Boulevard. Traffic signals will be added to the intersec- tions of BirnhamWoods and Legends Run Drive as well as BirnhamWoods and Elan, according to Precinct 3 officials. In Febru- ary most work for new lanes on Birnham Woods had been poured, and crews were working on installing the traffic signal at BirnhamWoods and Legends Run, accord- ing to Precinct 3. Timeline: September 2018-September 2019 Cost: $2.5 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 4 Elan Boulevard widening The project will widen Elan Boulevard from two to four lanes from Aldine Westfield Road to BirnhamWoods Drive and will also widen Aldine Westfield from two to four lanes from Elan to Knoll Oaks Lane. In Feb- ruary, the new lanes were open on Elan, and crews were installing a new traffic signal at Elan and Aldine Westfield.

1 Woodlands Parkway widening Woodlands Parkway will be widened from six to eight lanes from west of I-45 to a half-mile west of the Grogans Mill Road overpass. The project will add one lane in each direction with right-turn and acceleration lanes at major intersections. The storm sewer installation is complete, and the roads will be open after concrete pours, signage and striping are complete, according to Precinct 3 officials. Timeline: February 2018-April 2019 Cost: $6.7 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 2 Rayford Road expansion This project will widen Rayford Road from four to six lanes between Lazy Lane and the Grand Parkway, construct a six-lane bridge over the Union Pacific Corp. tracks, install new traffic signals and add a raised median. When drainage system construc- tion is complete, road widening work will proceed, according to Precinct 3 officials. Eastbound and westbound temporary lane closures will occur from Richards Road to the Grand Parkway weekdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. throughout the duration of the project. Timeline: April 2017-summer 2019

KNOLL OAKS LANE

BIRNHAM WOODS DR.

R O B I N S O N R D .

ALDINE WESTFIELD RD.

SAWDUST RD.

LAZY LN.

FULLER BLUFF DR.

SPRING

99 TOLL

Map not to scale N

Timeline: August 2018-May 2019 Cost: $2 million Funding source: Montgomery County Precinct 3 COMPLETED PROJECTS 5 I-45 bridge improvements at Rayford and Sawdust roads The Texas Department of Transportation replaced the I-45 bridge deck where it crosses Rayford and Sawdust roads, replaced the support materials under

the bridge on the northbound side and patched the support column where I-45 crosses Spring Creek. TxDOT Public Infor- mation Officer Emily Black said replace- ment of the northbound and southbound bridge decks was completed in January, and the crew replaced the southbound support materials and repaired the column at Spring Creek in February. Timeline: Jan. 2, 2019-March 2, 2019 Cost: $405,277 Funding source: TxDOT

HOW ITWORKS When is it OK to make a left turn during a flashing yellow light?

Motorists statewidemay encounter flashing yellow lights at certain inter- sections. This usually happens after a green turn arrow light turns into a flashing yellow one, signaling tomo- torists they may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic. According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, this is known as pro- tected-permissive left-turn phasing.

This phasing is used only at intersec- tions that meet certain requirements, such as adequate sight distance, three or fewer lanes from the opposing approach, a speed limit of 45mph or less, adequate traffic gaps, low crash rates andmore. It is against the law to enter and block intersections to wait tomake a left turn. Motorists must stop at the stop

bar provided at the intersection until there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic before entering the intersection and turning. If a flashing yellow light is operating and a safe gap exists as amotorist approaches the intersection, he or she can immediately make the left turn without stopping.

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The Woodlands edition • March 2019

COUNTY

Caseloads inMontgomery County district courts have been increasing faster than the population boom, causing local judges to ask the state Legislature for a newdistrict court. OUTPACED GROWTH

Montgomery County judges request new court

associate judges or part-time jobs. Compared to the average caseload per district of the five-county cohort—Denton, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Williamson and Cameron, which are similar in pop- ulation size—Montgomery County’s caseload is 37.8 percent higher in civil cases, 48.4 percent higher in family cases and 40.6 percent higher in felony cases. The Commissioners Court voted 4-1 to support the request for a new district court Nov. 20 and voted unanimously in support Feb. 12. If the Legislature approves the bill, the earliest a new court could manifest is summer 2020 due to fis- cal year funding timelines. “We absolutely need [a new court],” Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough said. The county is responsible for staff and stipends, and the state pays district judges. The courtroom space and offices are already built and available. VETERANS, SPECIALTY COURTS Before requesting a new court, the judges reorga- nized their dockets in 2012 to consolidate case types so they could work with consistent attorney teams. They also created specialty courts, which help people access court-ordered treatment instead of going to the county jail, which was at 95-97 percent capacity in 2012. Since the changes were made, the jail population has not surpassed 78 percent capacity since 2016, Jensen said. One specialty court in the county is the Veterans Treatment Court, created to help veterans convicted of felonies or misdemeanors caused by mental health trauma suffered at war to receive court-ordered treat- ment to improve mental health recovery instead of jail time. Montgomery County maintains a 20-24 percent vet- eran population in its jail—double the national aver- age of 10 percent, according to Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare. To address the problem, the county redi- rects post-traumatic stress disorder survivors through its Veterans Treatment Court and the veteran’s pod in the jail, which helps with resources and services. “The veterans court shows real compassion and creativity in helping our veterans navigate the crim- inal justice system,” said U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Conroe. “This system is one that could be dupli- cated in other parts of the state to help ensure our veterans receive the help they need re-entering society.”

BY JULES ROGERS Under pressure from a vast caseload increase, the Montgomery County board of judges is asking the state Legislature for an additional district court. Annual caseloads in county district courts have risen by 10,746 cases since 2008—a 41.3 percent increase, compared to the 32.4 percent population growth over the same time period, according to the board of judges’ court documents presented to the Montgomery County Commissioners Court on Nov. 20. The last time a new court was created by the Legislature in Montgomery County was in 2007. State Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, filed House Bill 1437 on Feb. 6 requesting a new district court. The bill was referred to the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee in late February. Identical bills filed in the House and Senate in mid-February relating to the operations of the state court system also reference the creation of a new Montgomery County district court. Nate Jensen, director of court administration for Montgomery County, said the caseload increase has been seen across criminal, civil and family cases. With the county jail spending $50 a day per inmate and with many cases using public defenders, the overburdened system is a drag on taxpayer funds, according to the documents. The Texas Supreme Court standard dictates all civil jury cases be disposed within 18 months and all nonjury cases within one year. Currently, 20 percent of civil cases take longer than a year to be resolved, and only 1 percent of civil cases are jury trials in Montgomery County, according to the board of judges. Jensen said a host of local socio-economic and demographic factors contribute to the caseload increase, such as higher marriage rates, which trans- late to higher divorce rates compared to other places seeing a cohabitation trend inwhich splitting up does not require legal action. “As one [judge] who does all felony cases, I can tell you my dockets are packed,” Judge Kathleen Ham- ilton of the 359th District Court said at the Nov. 20 meeting. Hamilton said felony cases have increased because police departments countywide have increased their staff and are arresting more people. “It’s very clear from the recommendations ... that break down the data for how much caseload war- rants how many different courts in different juris- dictions, and that recommendation came back to us at Montgomery County needing two [new] courts, and even under some information three [new] courts,” said Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. “We’re going to move forward through our office supporting adding one [district court].” CASELOADS AND COURTS On Nov. 20, Judge Tracy Gilbert of the 418th District Court, who is spearheading the new district court request, said the backlog cannot be solved by adding

Total annual new and ongoing caseloads Population ’08- ’09 ’09- ’10 ’10- ’11 ’11- ’12 ’12- ’13 ’13- ’14 ’14- ’15 ’15- ’16

’16- ’17

+20%

TOTAL PERCENTCHANGE

+15%

+8.9%

41.3% 32.4%

+5.1%

+10% +5% 0%

+3.8%

+2.6%

-5%

SOURCES:U.S.CENSUSBUREAU,TEXASOFFICEOFCOURT ADMINISTRATION/COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

COUNTY COMPARISONS Montgomery County’s caseload is higher than nearby counties by an average of 37.8 percent in civil cases, 48.4 percent in family cases and 40.6 percent in felony cases.

Number of district courts

Family

Felony

Civil

POPULATION

836,210

CASES PER JUDGE

608

700 1,117

POPULATION

764,828

CASES PER JUDGE

838 1,062 1,268

POPULATION

570,934

CASES PER JUDGE

1,631

1,267

2,677

SOURCE:TEXASOFFICEOFCOURTADMINISTRATION/ COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

STAFF NEEDS Broken down by full- and part-time jobs, shown in decimals, district jurisdiction cases need a total of 14.5 full-time judicial officers and currently have 11.2, according to a state workload analysis.

CIVIL CASES

FAMILY CASES

FELONY CASES

NEEDS: 0.9

NEEDS: 0.6

NEEDS: 1.8

HAS: 4.5

HAS: 4.9

HAS: 1.8

SOURCE:TEXASOFFICEOFCOURTADMINISTRATION WORKANALYSIS/COMMUNITY IMPACTNEWSPAPER

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