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New OJ community center completed but not yet open to the public

Greetings, Montgomery County friends.

Having gathered under a big white tent for the groundbreaking of the new Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment & Recreation Center one hot July day in 2023, it felt pretty great to be sitting in the brisk air conditioning of the center's new event room Tuesday. A vision that was a long-time coming had become reality.

City leaders, staff, center board members and special guests gathered Tuesday for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of the building at 710 Foster Drive after two years of construction. They also toured the new center which has a large gym as its centerpiece with meeting space and workout areas on each side of the gym.

I'm most excited about the indoor walking track on the second floor. There is nowhere in the city to walk indoors when it is too hot, too cold or rainy.

No indoor walking just yet though. An opening date to the public has not yet been released but there is already a buzz about this community game changer.

See you at the new OJ center friends.

Need to Know

The Montgomery County Jail and Law Enforcement Center is seen, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Conroe.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

Montgomery County approves $508M budget with law enforcement pay hike

Law enforcement officers in Montgomery County will get a $10,000 pay boost after commissioners approved their $508 million 2026 budget Friday.

Police officers and other law enforcement are seen during the annual police memorial in honor of Sgt. Ed Holcomb, Jr. at Heritage Park, Thursday, May 13, 2021, in Conroe. The event, which was held virtually last year, honors Holcomb and other officers who have died in the line of duty as part of National Police Week.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

Conroe leaders reject tax hike to boost pay for police officers

The Conroe City Council did not agree Thursday to raise the tax rate to boost pay for the Conroe Police Department.

Conroe City Hall is photographed Monday, March 25, 2024 in Conroe.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Staff Photographer

Conroe eliminates council workshop sessions to streamline meetings

The city of Conroe has done away with its workshop sessions to comply with a new state law, which requires agendas to be posted three days before a meeting.

Transmission power lines are shown along Sam Houston Tollway at Hollister St. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Staff Photographer

Entergy's plan to build a power line across Lake Livingston faces pushback

Entergy Texas has proposed building a new transmission line across Lake Livingston. Some residents are worried about water quality impacts.

People pass through campus as the Albritton Bell Tower is seen in the background on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Texas A&M University System orders audit of courses at all 12 universities

The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents ordered an audit of courses at the system's 12 schools amid backlash over a professor's gender identity lesson.

Kregg Cuellar is officially named the superintendent of Spring ISD at a Sept. 9, 2025 board meeting.

Photo by: Ashley Soebroto

Kregg Cuellar takes over as Spring ISD Superintendent

Kregg Cuellar, interim superintendent of Spring ISD, officially took over the reins Tuesday of the 33,500-student district, reiterating his commitment in turning the district north of Houston from a D-rated district into an A-ranked district.

The breakthrough iPhone Air is perfect for those who want pro performance in an unbelievably thin and light design that's more durable than any previous iPhone.

Photo by: Photo Courtesy Apple

Apple introduces iPhone Air thin model plus iPhone 17. Here's when to get them.

In a live keynote event Tuesday, tech giant Apple debuted its new iPhone Air, its thinnest model yet, along with the iPhone 17 and new Apple Watch and AirPods versions.

This visible satellite image captured Tuesday afternoon shows an Atlantic basin that's free of tropical development, despite the normally active peak season.

Photo by: National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration

Has hurricane season peaked? Odds for Texas landfall are changing

A busy hurricane season was predicted earlier this year, but we haven't seen it yet. Here's what's changed, and why Texas is nearly past the threat.

Openings and Closings

Chick-fil-A Magnolia at Heritage Farms is officially open. It is at 13950 FM 1488, Magnolia.

It is locally owned and operated by Matt Williams. New fall flavors on the menu include the hearty Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich and refreshing new Cherry Berry & Sprite seasonal soda.

Shout Out

Shout out to the Conroe Water Polo team that is currently in its 2025 season.

Last season, the Conroe High School Girls team advanced to the regional semifinals and finished ranked 15th in Texas.

Upcoming games at the Conroe ISD natatorium are against College Park, Caney Creek and Oak Ridge. A senior night is Sept. 24 against The Woodlands.

One Last Thing

The old Montgomery County Hospital on First Street will receive a Montgomery County Historical Marker Monday at 9 a.m.

The building served as the county hospital from the 1930s through the 1970s. In recent years Overland Property Group has renovated the historic structure into Landmark 301 senior-living apartments.