Good morning, Conroe.  This is the first edition of the Conroe Echo and I’m excited about it because my goal is to only curate news stories that are either what you need to know, or are positive and optimistic.  There is too much negativity out in the world today, especially in the news we see daily.  There is much to be grateful for.  - O.B.

 In today’s Conroe Echo:

·         Old Conroe Road Project to Restart

·         Conroe ISD is Open

·         Lone Star Family Health Center Receives Award

·         Pref-Tech Opens Office in Conroe

·         And more…

The Weather

Tuesday | 48F / 27F | ⛅| 2% Precipitation | S 5 MPH |

Wednesday | 57F / 29F | ☀️| 5% Precipitation | NW 5 MPH |

Thursday | 64F / 35F | ⛅| 10% Precipitation | SSW 8 MPH |

Friday | 54F / 28F | ⛅ | 5% Precipitation | NNW 12 MPH |

The Water (Lake Conroe)

Lake Level: 199.82 ft (Conservation pool level is 201 ft).

Air Temp: 20F

Water Temp: 53F

Wind: S 4 MPH

After months of uncertainty, the long-planned Old Conroe Road extension is moving forward again, this time under Montgomery County’s leadership. The Conroe City Council approved an agreement transferring the $221 million project, along with land rights and engineering plans, to the county. In return, the county will pay the city $3.4 million and place oversight with Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, who promised to push the project to completion. 

The road extension has been in development since 2018, but the city paused it last May to redirect funding toward urgent water infrastructure needs. City leaders said the project would have remained stalled without county involvement. When finished, the 5.7-mile roadway will link key corridors and include a bridge over the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Creek, benefiting both Conroe and the surrounding county.

Work is underway in Conroe on a major expansion of the Montgomery County Mental Health Treatment Facility, where 100 new beds are being added to serve people involved in court cases. County officials say the project will effectively double the hospital’s inpatient capacity and help reduce long waits for competency-restoration care. Most of the new beds will be used for individuals found incompetent to stand trial.

The addition is scheduled for substantial completion in December 2026, with patients expected to begin moving in around February 2027. The project is funded through a $50 million state grant awarded specifically to Montgomery County as part of a broader effort to expand mental health infrastructure across Texas. County leaders say the expansion is about getting people timely care, easing court backlogs, and responding to growing regional demand, with the possibility of future growth if needs continue to rise.

Conroe ISD campuses and offices are open today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following weather-related closures yesterday. District officials cautioned families that morning temperatures are extremely cold during bus pickup and school arrival, and encouraged parents to prepare students accordingly and make the best decision for their family.  It’s still cold out there!

The Montgomery County Fair has announced its first concert performers for 2026, bringing familiar Texas names to the fairgrounds northeast of downtown Conroe. Texas Country artist Roger Creager and Texas-born singer-songwriter Tanner Usrey will headline the first weekend of the fair, which runs April 9–19. Creager is scheduled to perform Friday, April 10, followed by Usrey on Saturday, April 11.

Both concerts will take place outdoors on a stage next to the rodeo arena and will follow the Friday and Saturday night rodeos during opening weekend. Fair officials announced the performers on the fair’s social media channels, and tickets for the fair are already on sale. Admission to the fair on Friday or Saturday night also includes access to the concerts.

Usrey, who grew up near Dallas, released his latest album, These Days, in July and has upcoming appearances across Texas. Creager, a Texas native with deep ties to the state’s country music scene, is known for hits like “The Everclear Song” and “Long Way to Mexico.” The 2026 fair marks the event’s 69th year.

If you aren’t familiar with either of the artists, check them out because they are both great in my opinion.  Tanner Usrey’s music makes me nostalgic and really think about life, while Roger Creager’s is perfect music for a County Fair (listen to “Long Way to Mexico” and you’ll know what I mean).

Occupation: Entrepreneur / Owner of a Mobile Maintenance Business (Gon’ Flat)

What do you love about the Conroe Area: I love the sense of community here in Conroe, the local businesses, and how people come together to support one another. It’s a great place to grow both personally and professionally.

How do you stay optimistic: I focus on solutions, keep learning everyday, and surround myself with people who motivate and inspire me. Every challenge is just an opportunity in disguise.

What advice would you give a new resident: Get involved in your community, meet local business owners, and don’t be afraid to take initiative. Conroe is full of opportunities if you’re willing to put in the work.

What should people know about you: I’m passionate about helping people with their vehicles and making maintenance convenient for busy lives. I’m always looking for ways to improve and provide value to my clients.

Do you have a business, project, or public account you’d like to mention: Yes! I run a mobile maintenance business that comes to you for vehicle services, making car care easy and stress-free.

Lone Star Family Health Center has received Bronze status in the National Association of Community Health Centers’ Advocacy Center of Excellence program. The designation recognizes the organization’s commitment to advocacy and supporting access to affordable, quality care. CEO Karen Harwell said the recognition reflects the health center’s focus on standing up for patients and making advocacy an organizational priority.

Preferred Technologies, LLC (Pref-Tech), a Texas-based enterprise security integration provider, celebrated the opening of its new Conroe office on January 15. More than 100 customers, partners, local officials, and community members attended the event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided facility tours.

The new office expands Pref-Tech’s ability to self-perform complex security projects and improves support for enterprise customers across Montgomery County and the north Houston metro area. The Conroe location will serve as a regional hub, helping reduce response times and meet growing demand for access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and other advanced security solutions.

I stopped in at Wasabi Bistro on S Loop and had dinner.  I thought the staff was pleasant and the restaurant was clean and nice.  I ordered the Orange Dragon Roll, Yellowtail Scallion Roll, and Soft Shrimp Spring Rolls.  The Soft Shrimp Spring Roll was outstanding with the peanut sauce that comes with it.  The Yellowtail Scallion Roll was quite tasty, and I really enjoyed it.  I felt the spicy mayo in the Orange Dragon roll was overpowering (I normally enjoy spicy salmon).  Overall 7.1/10.  I will be back for another meal.   

Thank you for taking the time to read the Conroe Echo. Let’s put more positivity into the world, and less negativity. Conroe is a great Texan and American city and it is mostly because of the people. Have a great day! - O.B.