Convenience Big Store: The Woodlands misses out on Tesla tunnels but keeps traffic push moving

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As Houston's rodeo ends, Montgomery County Fair begins

Greetings, Montgomery County friends,

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wrapped up with historical numbers Sunday. However, you may want to hold on to your hats for the county fair coming up in April.

Montgomery County's biggest event kicks off April 9 and continues through April 19 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Conroe. The first weekend features a rodeo and concert Friday and Saturday night. The following weekend, expect the smell of barbecue at cook-off competition with 'El Dia De La Familia Hispana' celebration closing out the fair Sunday.

A "Blessing of the Barns" will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Finway Electric Livestock Barn to kick things off for 2026. There are also a series of new events that are a part of the "Faith at the Fair" program.

Here are a few other Houston Chronicle features of note:

• Staying weather aware: We've made getting your weather forecast easier and simpler. Sign up for our free Houston Weather [Simplified] texting service to receive weekly forecasts and weather alerts. Sign up here or text "WEATHER" to 713-804-8129 to stay weather aware.

• Coming soon: Stop overpaying for your property taxes. In April, the Houston Chronicle's new TX Tax guided tool can help you lower your bill yourself. Join the early access list and be among the first to use our new tool.

Sondra Hernandez, Suburban Reporter

shernandez@houstonchronicle.com

Need to Know

Small Sliders, a quick-service hamburger chain operating out of 'Cans' made from shipping containers, is expanding to Texas.

Photo by: Smalls Sliders

Smalls Sliders in Willis closes after fire at burger chain's first Texas site

The Smalls Sliders Willis location experienced a fire Monday that has shuttered the restaurant building for now.

The Texas Rangers are investigating allegations by the Magnolia city secretary that Mayor Matthew Dantzer assaulted and choked her outside a Fort Worth hotel late last year.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman

Texas Rangers investigating assault allegation against Magnolia mayor

The Texas Rangers are investigating the Magnolia city secretary's allegation that Mayor Matthew Dantzer assaulted her outside a Fort Worth hotel.

The Boring Co., Elon Musk's tunnelling company, is planning to build a high-speed tunnel connect downtown Nashville to Tennessee's largest airport. The Boring Company already has one tunnel system in operation in Las Vegas.

Photo by: Provided By The Boring Co.

The Woodlands misses out on Tesla tunnels plan but keeps traffic push moving

The Woodlands won't see a tunnel under Town Center any time soon, but township officials aren't giving up on addressing increasing traffic in the community.

Venders set up for the monthly Isaac Conroe Farmers Market at Heritage Place Park, Thursday, July 11, 2019, in Conroe. The market, which comes together on the first Thursday of the month March through October, ran from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. prior to the city's Free First Thursday Concert Series, which featured Derek Spence and Southern County Line with a tribute to country music singer George Strait. Upcoming concerts in the series are on Aug. 1 with Randall King and Sept. 5 with Escape – a Journey tribute. Concerts are from 7 to 9 p.m., so bring your chairs and blankets and get comfortable. Outside alcohol is not permitted. Beer and concessions available onsite, while aater, soda, and food may be brought in. For more information call 936-522-3900.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Here are 7 Conroe farmers markets you should explore this spring

With warmer temperatures and spring vibes in the air, Conroe has several artisan and vendor markets to explore.

The Conroe ISD Board of Directors approved new bylaws for the district?s School Health Advisory Council leaving some trustees frustrated the new guidelines ?silence? the committee charged with ensuring that local community values and health issues are reflected in the district?s health and physical education instruction.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman

New Conroe principals have experience ranging from education to military service

Seven new Conroe ISD principals will bring a wide range of experience to the role.

Tomball STAR Academy, the district's early college high school, graduates are photographed during commencement ceremony at The MET Church in Houston, Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle

Houston groups get $500,000 to expand scholarships, career support

The San Jacinto College Fund and the nonprofit BridgeYear together received $500,000 in grants to expand college scholarships and career support aimed at boosting economic mobility.

Tucker McClintock, a 2-year old kidney transplant recipient, poses for a portrait in the playroom at his family's home in Spring, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Texas toddler thrives after life-saving kidney transplant. Here is his story.

A Spring toddler is thriving after a kidney transplant. His family is sharing their story during National Kidney Month.

**FOR USE WITH AP LIFESTYLES** Matzo is seen in this Tuesday, March 18, 2008 photo. Matzo is a staple at all seders. The unleavened bread reminds those at the seder that their ancestors did not have time to let their bread rise before fleeing Egypt. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

Photo by: LARRY CROWE, AP

Wine Walk: Kosher wines to explore in the season of Passover

Thursday is Passover and a time for Kosher wines. Kosher wines are becoming more and more popular throughout the wine world.

We've nominated 10 exceptional high school sports stars including Montgomery soccer star Valentina Barnett 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

Mindful Health in Conroe is hosting a ribbon cutting at its new facility today.

It is at 2107 Maurel Drive in Conroe and offers mental health services.

Offerings include therapy services, Mindful Maternal programming, child and adolescent care, holistic treatment approaches, medication management, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Spravato treatment, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and accessible virtual services.

Shout Out

Shout out to Conroe's Parker McCollum who made his fourth consecutive sold-out appearance at the famed Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The evening showed this home state star in his element as he performed his chart-topping hits, fan-favorites and tracks off his new album.

One Last Thing

Hop on over! Market Street is making sure that Easter weekend will be egg-cellent for guests of all ages with a themed photo opportunity April 2-5 in Central Park.

Families can enjoy taking a photo at an Easter-themed photo opp. all weekend long, making it the perfect stop before or after enjoying Easter brunch at one of Market Street's dining options.