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Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Feb. 2-6.
Main Street Market Conroe announces its end
Main Street Market Conroe will hold its last market Feb. 7, the organizers announced via Facebook on Jan. 29.
For nearly five years, the market has offered local farmers and artisan products from various vendors on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Conroe.
"If you’ve ever loved this place, come say goodbye in person. Buy a bouquet, grab a snack and tell a vendor how they made your week better," market developer Farralyn Withrow said in the social media post. "We’re sad, but so grateful."
Discover more from Reporter Angela Bonilla.
5 new businesses open or coming soon in The Woodlands in early 2026
In January, Community Impact reported on several new restaurant and business openings in The Woodlands area as well as a handful coming soon. Here is a look at five of them.
Montgomery County commissioners call for courthouse direction as historic preservation plan draws pushback
Montgomery County commissioners moved Jan. 29 to schedule a dedicated agenda item to discuss the future of the county courthouse footprint after a presentation on historic preservation sparked pushback over how far restoration plans should go—and how they intersect with the county courthouse nearing capacity.
During a presentation from the Montgomery County Historical Commission, Jason Smith, deputy chief of staff for Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, said a historic courthouse preservation master plan has already been sent to the Texas Historical Commission for review, a step required before the county can apply for state preservation grant funding.
He also said the first grant phase would support design and schematic planning, while later construction funding would require county money as a match. Official floor-by-floor drawings have already been shared with judges for feedback.
But commissioners quickly zeroed in on a bigger question: What’s the county’s long-term courthouse infrastructure plan—and who decided what “restoration” should look like?
Read the full story by Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.
Katy ISD to open applications for new statewide virtual high school
Statewide enrollment for a new virtual high school at Katy ISD opened Feb. 2, according to a Jan. 30 news conference from district officials.
Legacy Virtual High School will be accepting applications for full-time students, as well as students who would like to take additional courses in addition to classes at their home campus, Principal Kelley Kirila said Jan. 30.
The inaugural school year will welcome ninth-through 11th-grade students this summer, with the first class of 12th-grade students to be accepted in the fall of 2027.
“School choice really does matter,” KISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski said. "Every child is different, and families deserve options that fit their needs, whether that's a traditional classroom, career-focused programs or virtual learning. We are eager to deliver on that promise here in KISD."
Magnolia City Council removes city administrator
Magnolia City Council moved Jan. 28 to terminate City Administrator Chris Whittaker, approving a resolution declaring a “lack of confidence” and removing him from office effective immediately.
Council took the action during a special meeting after the executive session to consult with the city attorney on employment matters and to deliberate personnel matters related to the city administrator, according to the meeting agenda.
Before the vote, the council conducted an evaluation discussion in open session at the city administrator’s request. Council members questioned Whittaker about topics including capital improvement priorities and updates on contracts and projects.
The motion to terminate Whittaker's employment passed 4-0, with council member Geoff Beyers absent.
