In preparation for its upcoming 2026 season, Crighton Theatre has begun renovations to its seating area for the first time since 1979.

The renovation effort was largely supported by local community fundraising. 

What we know: Crighton Theatre was originally built in 1934 as a showroom for vaudeville acts. However, as the vaudeville popularity faded away, the theater was turned into a movie theater in the early 1950s. 

Due to its age, the theater lay dormant for years until 1979, when locals crowd-funded an effort to revitalize the building. Just over 20 years since then, the same community has helped renovate the theater for the modern era.

The seating area for the entire theater has been torn up and remodeled. Crighton Theatre Executive Director Melody Montez designed the new seats.

Montez said that despite the renovations, Crighton will still honor the theater's original aesthetic. Montez also said the theater plans on making a plaque containing all the original names of the donors who revitalized it back in 1979.

• 2655 FM 1488, Conroe

Conroe City Council voted Jan. 8 to promote interim City Secretary Sami Quinlan to the permanent city secretary role.

What they’re saying: “I’m certainly proud tonight to offer Miss Sami Quinlan,” Mayor Duke Coon said, calling Quinlan a “dedicated employee” who has handled the interim job “through some very tough times.”

Council approved the item unanimously. Council member Shana Arthur also highlighted Quinlan’s progress in the position. 

“In a year, you did all your certification, and you did top-notch, and I'm so proud of you,” Arthur said. “You did that really quickly.”

According to the city's website, the city secretary manages official City Council meetings, prepares agendas, records minutes and maintains the city’s legislative history. The office also oversees records retention and public information requests in accordance with state law and coordinates all municipal elections, acting as custodian of city ordinances, resolutions and contracts.

Lone Star College has named Rigoberto J. Rincones Gomez as the next vice chancellor of academic affairs, the college announced in a Jan. 6 news release.

The gist: Rincones will begin Feb. 9 to provide strategic leadership for all academic functions and ensure regulatory compliance and fiscal responsibility across the college system. The new vice chancellor joins Lone Star College System from New Mexico State University’s Doña Ana Community College, where he also served as vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer, according to the release.

Notable quote: “Rincones is a seasoned academic leader with nearly 30 years of experience advancing academic innovation, strengthening student learning and supporting institutional effectiveness across community colleges and universities nationwide,” Seelpa Keshvala, LSCS executive vice chancellor of academics, said. "We look forward to working with Dr. Rincones as we continue offering high-quality academic and workforce programs.”