Want to catch up on Community Impact's coverage from this week? Here are five of the top stories across the New Caney and Porter area from Nov. 6-13.
GALLERY: See inside New Caney ISD's career, technical education programs
In the summer of 2025, a new $21 million Career and Technical Education Center opened at New Caney High School. Since then, programs such as automotive technology, construction and architecture have been taught in the facility.
CTE programs at NCISD have grown and gained popularity in recent years—with participation among NCISD’s ninth- through twelfth-graders outranking the state average since at least 2021, Texas Education Agency data shows.
CTE programs offer students a chance to earn industry certifications and gain hands-on experience in various fields—whether they would like to attend college or join the workforce or the military, NCISD CTE Director Brooke Lyles previously said.
Read the full story by Senior Reporter Emily Lincke.
Swipe gas station now open in New Caney
Swipe is now open in New Caney, a spokesperson for the gas station and convenience store confirmed Nov. 5.
Construction on the project began in the spring of 2025, as previously reported by Community Impact. Swipe sells gas, snacks, drinks and other items geared toward motorists.
The site will also feature retail spaces, lots for mobile homes and spots for RVs. A website was not available for the business as of press time.
Read the full story by Senior Reporter Emily Lincke.
Construction underway on Exalt Health Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital in Porter
Exalt Health officials are planning to open a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Porter, per a Feb. 17 TDLR filing.
The $21 million project will consist of a new single-story, 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Construction on the 39,000-square-foot facility began in March 2026 and is expected to wrap up by May 2027, per the filing.
The healthcare provider offers specialized rehabilitation programs that are physician-led and tailored to each patient's recovery, including physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy; specialized in-room dialysis care; and customized interdisciplinary care.
Read the full story by Senior Editor Hannah Brol.
Frost Bank officials break ground in Valley Ranch Town Center
Frost Bank held a groundbreaking ceremony for the company's upcoming location in Valley Ranch Town Center on Nov. 4, officials with developer Signorelli announced in a Nov. 9 news release.
Frost Bank offers in-person and online banking services, including personal, small business and commercial banking; checking and savings accounts; loans; and investment services.
The San Antonio-based company has more than 200 locations across Texas, and the 5,336-square-foot Valley Ranch financial center will be the company's first in New Caney, per the release.
Read the full story by Senior Editor Hannah Brol.
Business battles: Local entrepreneurs face pressures in New Caney, Porter
As local business owners navigate economic challenges such as increased costs of goods and rent, some say finances are only part of the battle to keep a company’s doors open.
Ruth Ugarte-Pratt, the owner of Krafty Shack—an art studio formerly located in Porter—said she closed her business in July due to family health issues. She said she was proud to keep her prices low for her customers since she opened at her latest location four years ago, but some of her clients could no longer pay for frequent art classes.
“I have kids that used to come every week … but parents tell me ‘Ruth, we can't do this anymore.’ … We [saw] a decline in the amount of kids,” Ugarte-Pratt said. “Big, big decline because we always were full every year.”
