The Conroe ISD board of trustees named Agueda Gambino as the Position 1 trustee in a 4-2 vote Jan. 13 . Trustees Marianne Horton and Melissa Semmler voted against the motion.

What to know: At the Dec. 16 meeting, the board unanimously approved opening an application process to fill the open position. Applications for Position 1 were open from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6 on the district website.

The move followed the Dec. 9 resignation of trustee Tiffany Baumann Nelson, who was elected to the board in 2022, as previously reported by Community Impact. Nelson is currently campaigning for the Texas State Board of Education District 6 seat in the March 3 Republican primary.

Quote of note: “This was not an easy decision,” said board President Misty Odenweller. “We had many outstanding candidates apply, which speaks volumes about the strength and commitment of our community. The board followed a thoughtful and transparent application and interview process, and we are confident and excited about Mrs. Gambino serving our district.”

• Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Jan. 17, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 9055 Airport Road, Conroe  

• Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Free (admission) 
• 16640 Eastchase St., Montgomery  

Caffe Di Fiore is preparing to open its second location, owner Eduardo Camarena said.

The details: The restaurant is planning a soft opening Jan. 23, followed by a grand opening March 6, Camarena said. He said the team chose the Conroe-Montgomery area to offer locals a warm, welcoming spot with “something a little different,” blending Mexican and Italian influences alongside familiar American comfort dishes.

Camarena said the business is built on family values and aims to create a friendly atmosphere where guests can gather often, whether dining with friends, as a couple or solo.

• 19380 Hwy. 105 W., Ste. 502, Montgomery

Candidates can begin filing Jan. 14 to run for local offices on the May 2 election ballot in the cities of Conroe and Montgomery, according to each city’s election information.

What you need to know: In Conroe, voters will see races for City Council Places 3, 4 and 5, along with the municipal judge seat. Candidate packets are available at Conroe City Hall through the city secretary's office on the third floor, 300 W. Davis St., and filings are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 13, per the city’s website.

In Montgomery, even-year elections, such as this year, include the mayor and City Council Places 2 and 4. The filing window runs Jan. 14-Feb. 13, with filings accepted 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at City Hall, 101 Old Plantersville Road, per the city's website.