Convenience Big Store: Massive development proposed for Montgomery County draws opposition

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Most Montgomery County schools are on spring break. Here's where to find fun.

Greetings, Montgomery County friends,

Conroe ISD and most Montgomery County schools are on spring break this week with the exception of Montgomery ISD where students will be out of school March 16-20.

Fortunately for families, there are plenty of activities in Montgomery County and the greater Houston area to keep the young ones entertained. This week and next, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is rolling out a new, free arts series for spring break.

The Pavilion's Arts Break performances will take place this week and March 16-20. The performances combine fun, music and learning for free. Shows are at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each performance day.

Other Montgomery County spots to explore include the Montgomery County Veteran's Memorial Park, Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, Memory Park in Montgomery and this weekend Lake Conroe Beach Park.

The Houston Chronicle has compiled a list of free, family friendly activities for spring break. Additionally, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in its second week and there's plenty to do at NRG Park.

If you are planning a trip to the rodeo and want to get the latest Rodeo 2026 news straight to your inbox, the Houston Chronicle's daily newsletter, Rodeo Roundup, will keep you in the loop on everything rodeo. Sign up here.

Sondra Hernandez, Suburban Reporter

shernandez@houstonchronicle.com

Need to Know

An aerial rendering showing what Magnolia Town Center could look like once completed. The 200-acre project is proposed west of Highway 249 in Montgomery County, north of Houston.

Photo by: Tannos Development Group

$1 billion proposed development sparks pushback from Montgomery County residents

Residents are pushing back on a proposed $1 billion, 200-acre mixed-use development in a city north of Houston already experiencing rapid growth.

Alligator Creek near Texas 105 toward Frazier Street is seen, Friday, March 26, 2021, in Conroe. The Conroe City Council discussed looking into turning the creek into something similar to The Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Conroe considers $4 stormwater utility fee for residents, businesses

Conroe is considering implementing a $4 stormwater utility fee to help fund more than $11.9 million in needed infrastructure improvements across the city.

Communters exit one of the buses of The Woodlands Express, a commuter bus service to Houston, at the Marisco Place 'Park and Ride' location in The Woodlands, TX, Monday, March 19, 2018. (Michael Wyke / For the Chronicle)

Photo by: Michael Wyke, For The Chronicle

Riders of The Woodlands Express will see a fare increase, more downtown runs

A sharp increase in ridership on The Woodlands Express has prompted The Woodlands Township to add more runs to downtown Houston and to raise fares by $2, beginning April 1.

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Photo by: Courtesy Photo, The Woodlands Township

Woodlands Township chairman balks at 'cartoony' commuter bus design

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Science teacher Greta Peacock works with her students at Yellowstone Schools in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Yellowstone College Prep is a public charter high school that shares a campus with a Christian private elementary school.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Former education chief talks 'painful' HISD improvements, Texas school funding

Here are five takeaways from what she said during her visit to Texas.

Soprano Elizabeth Marlow performs at the 2025 Young Texas Artists Music Competition Finalists' Concert & Awards program. Marlow, who grew up in The Woodlands, won the gold medal in the Voice division.

Photo by: Photo By Dave Clements.

Young Texas Artists finalist concert features rising classical music stars Saturday

Arts nonprofit Young Texas Artists (YTA) will bring eight rising classical music stars to the stage Saturday, March 14.

Peter and Trish Wakefield were the 2025 Lord and Lady of St Patrick's Day in Conroe. New royalty will be crowned for 2026 at the annual St Patrick's Day Party at The Conroe Pub on Tuesday, March 17th.

Photo by: Photo Courtesy Kris Nordstrom McBride

Phlock News: St Patrick's Day Celebration in the works for downtown Conroe

March is here and with it comes The 5 O'Clock Phlock's favorite day of the year – St Patrick's Day

We've nominated 10 exceptional high school sports stars to be the Houston Chronicle's Athlete of the Week.

Tell us which athlete you think deserves the title this week.

🗳 Vote in the Girls Poll

🗳 Vote in the Boys Poll

Openings and Closings

Conroe Welding Supply Inc has moved from its long-time location on South Frazier to 4425 N Frazier in recent weeks.

The brand new property is expansive with additional buildings from its original location.

Shout Out

Shout out to Rachael and Lee Bowles as the winner of River Plantation's Yard of the Month for March.

Their yard is a combination of white azaleas, Japanese yew, pansies, snap dragons, oak trees, camellias, iris, gerber daisies, elephant ears, dusty miller, dwarf mountain pine, foxtail ferns, crepe Myrtle and red bud, according to the River Plantation Garden Club.