FROM THE EDITOR
🏫 Good morning, MoCo! Today, Conroe ISD lays out its priorities for the next Texas legislative session, Two Step Farm adds more housing choices, Houston opens cooling centers, and the Houston Toy Museum prepares to close. Let’s go!!!
In today’s Conroe Echo:
Conroe ISD Sets Austin Priorities
Two Step Farm Expands Home Choices
Houston Opens Heat Relief Centers
Toy Museum Plans August Farewell
And More…
CONROE AREA WEATHER
Friday: 97F / 76F | 🌤️ | 25% | SSE 9 MPH
Saturday: 96F / 75F | ☀️ | 4% | S 7 MPH
Sunday: 96F / 77F | 🌤️ | 9% | SW 5 MPH
Monday: 98F / 77F | ☀️ | 10% | SW 7 MPH
Tuesday: 98F / 78F | ☀️ | 9% | SW 6 MPH
CONROE AREA NEWS
Conroe ISD Sets Austin Priorities
Conroe ISD trustees reviewed an early draft of the district’s priorities for the next Texas legislative session. The five focus areas are employee pay and retention, school funding, student discipline, accountability rules and local school facilities impact fees.
The district plans to gather public input before formalizing its priorities and policy language this fall. Community meetings are scheduled at the Conroe ISD administration building on July 28, Aug. 5, Aug. 24 and Aug. 25.
Two Step Farm Expands Home Choices
Two Step Farm is moving ahead with a 156-acre second phase in Montgomery County. Seven builders will offer homes ranging from the mid-$300,000s to more than $1 million, including townhomes, patio homes, cottages and a village for residents age 55 and older.
Homesite sales have started, with lots expected to reach builders in December. Plans also include a walkable village center and a new road connection to FM 1488 that is expected to open by the end of 2026.
⭐ Attention: Advertising Opportunity for Local Businesses!
You may have noticed that we have been testing advertising. I’ve been using my bookkeeping business as the guinea pig and visits to its website have significantly increased.
We will be selecting a few local small business advertisers to receive a considerable amount of free advertising in multiple issues of one to four of our local newsletters (Conroe, Houston, Pearland, Sugar Land).
The free advertising will be a combination of story-style ads with a photo and internet links, and digital banner-type ads with a couple supporting sentences about your business and internet links. If you have a local small business, let’s have a conversation. You can email us at [email protected].
We are specifically looking for the following types of local small businesses:
Personal Injury Attorney
Insurance Agent / Agency
Junk Removal
HVAC
Landscaping
Financial Advisory or Wealth Management
Real Estate Agency
Dental Group
Primary Care Group
If you are a local business owner and you are interested, email us today!
CONROE AND MOCO UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 7/24/2026
Comedian Adam Hunter at The Riot Comedy Club, Conroe.
Tequila in Paradise at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe, Montgomery.
Destiny’s Child: Iconic Reimagined Tribute at The Bell Tower on 34th, Houston.
Jeremy McComb’s Honky Tonk Circus at Dosey Doe The Big Barn, The Woodlands.
Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands.
Date Night: Summer Love Painting Class at Painting with a Twist, The Woodlands.
Murder Mystery Dinner: Masquerade at Wild Stallion Vineyards, Spring.
Saturday, 7/25/2026
Conroe Sports Cards & Collectibles Show at Hyatt Regency Conroe
“All About Trees” Gardening Class at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, Conroe
Adam Hood at The Table at Madeley, Conroe
Headliners Comedy Series at Boathouse Bar & Lounge, Montgomery
Dueling Pianos at Two Tones Dueling Piano Bar, The Woodlands
Motionless In White: The Sweat and Blood Tour at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands
Led Zeppelin Tribute: Dancing Days at Main Street Crossing, Tomball
Sunday, 7/26/2026
Conroe Sports Cards & Collectibles Show – Day 2 at Hyatt Regency Conroe
Aaron Watson: Me & Jake at The Table at Madeley, Conroe
Rustic Heart at Papa’s on the Lake, Montgomery
Karaoke Night at GuadalaHARRY’s Bar & Grill, Conroe
Willie Nelson Tribute – The Outlaw Years at Dosey Doe – The Big Barn, The Woodlands
Solo Sunday with Justin LeBlanc at The Blue Lion Brunchery & Pub, The Woodlands
Larry Gatlin at Main Street Crossing, Tomball
Disclaimer: Please double check the dates and times on any events you go to. Sometimes events change their date or time, and sometimes we get things wrong.
AROUND THE METRO
Houston Opens Heat Relief Centers
Houston has opened several cooling centers as dangerous heat settles over the area. The locations are open to anyone needing relief, especially residents without air conditioning or another safe place to cool down. The city’s emergency management office has an online map of available sites.
Officials urged residents to drink water, limit outdoor activity, wear light clothing and check on people at higher risk. Confusion, vomiting, fainting or stopping sweating can signal heat stroke and require an immediate 911 call.
Toy Museum Plans August Farewell
The Houston Toy Museum will close on Aug. 30 after more than four years in The Heights. Owners Matt and Sara Broussard said rising expenses and rent made the museum’s current home unsustainable.
The 5,000-square-foot museum opened in January 2022 and displayed items from a collection of more than 10,000 toys, including an 1890s teddy bear and the first Rubber Duck toy from 1977. The owners plan to stay active through LEGO events, pop-ups and collaborations, and hope to reopen elsewhere someday.
The Conroe Echo is Presented By Clearjournals Bookkeeping
If you own a service business (e.g. Cleaning company, Plumbing, HVAC, Restoration, Roofing, etc.) and need bookkeeping, check out Clearjournals at Clearjournals.com.
BUSINESS UPDATE
Businesses Get Storm Prep Briefing
A Conroe Chamber lunch session will help local businesses prepare before the next hurricane. Entergy experts will explain steps companies can take, how power restoration works and what may be ahead for Texas energy and the electric grid.
The Lunch & Learn is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 505 W. Davis St. in Conroe. Lunch is included. Admission is free for registered Chamber members and $10 for nonmembers or walk-ins.
The Sanctuary Moves to Montgomery
Grand Central Church has become The Sanctuary and moved from Houston Street in Conroe to a larger property at 1701 McCaleb Road in Montgomery. The church held its first service there June 14 and is operating under a soft opening.
Leaders said growing attendance pushed the congregation beyond its former one-acre location. The new five-acre property sits between Conroe and Montgomery, which church officials said makes it easier to reach members across the county. A grand opening is planned for Sept. 13, and Sunday services begin at 10 a.m.
THE SPORTS REPORT
Imai Leads Astros Past Miami
Tatsuya Imai struck out eight batters over six innings as the Astros beat the Miami Marlins 5-3 at Daikin Park. The right-hander allowed one run and four hits in his first start since July 7.
Jeremy Peña opened the game with a home run, Lucas Spence added his first career RBI and Isaac Paredes hit a three-run homer in the fifth. Imai leaned heavily on his slider and also mixed in more changeups. Josh Hader pitched a scoreless ninth for his 11th save.
Elko Eyes Next Step for Aggies
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko used SEC Kickoff to discuss the work ahead after last season’s playoff appearance. He said the Aggies must replace drafted defensive linemen, build a dependable offensive line and prepare for another difficult schedule.
Elko also stressed winning on the road and practicing for loud, uncomfortable SEC environments. He said last year’s progress has not satisfied the program because the team is still seeking championship hardware. The goal, he said, is continued growth and a stronger finish this season.
THANKS!
🏘️ That’s it for today, MoCo. Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend!