Police agencies in The Woodlands area compete to reach pay parity
Local law enforcement agencies tackled the issue of officer pay during the 2025-26 budget season, with Montgomery County leading the charge for a more competitive salary to match or exceed what is offered in the city of Houston.
What you need to know: Jonathan Zitzmann, chief deputy with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, on Aug. 12 presented a pay parity plan to Commissioners Court in response to concerns raised in May by Sheriff Wesley Doolittle. The county, The Woodlands Township and Shenandoah have increased their fiscal year 2025-26 budgets from the original projections to account for the changes.
Zooming out: The Montgomery County pay parity plan came in response to the city of Houston’s decision in May to increase base police pay by more than a third over a five-year period. The increases to Montgomery County base salaries each year exceed those in Houston for the next four years.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
Harris Central Appraisal District board appoints new Chief Appraiser Adam Bogard
Adam Bogard will serve as the new Harris Central Appraisal District Chief Appraiser starting in January, as Roland Altinger retires after over 30 years in the role.
The details: Altinger, who officially announced his retirement in July, will remain in his position until the end of the year, then become an advisor to the new chief appraiser until the end of February, according to a Sept. 17 news release.
Board Chairman Jim Robinson said Bogard’s experience as the county’s current deputy chief appraiser was beneficial to the board’s evaluation committee.
Quote of note: “Adam Bogard has a vast amount of experience at the appraisal district, and his knowledge and background will enable him to continue to provide the leadership necessary to provide Harris County property owners with first-class customer service,” Robinson said.
Come for the pumpkins, stay for the festivities: Check out these fall hotspots in the Greater Houston area
Looking to take family photos or celebrate fall to the fullest? Here are eight pumpkin patches to check out in the Greater Houston area.
Pumpkin Patch at Harvest Season Farm: A ticket to the pumpkin patch at Harvest Season Farm includes access to a bouncy house, unlimited hay rides and pumpkin painting.
Sept. 20-Nov. 2, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
$15 (per ticket)
21110 Bauer Hockley Road, Tomball
Pumpkin Patch at P-6 Farms: Families exploring the pumpkin patch at P-6 Farms can also enjoy vintage rides, pig races, giant slides and an animal barn.
Sept. 27-Nov. 2, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
