Several businesses have recently opened or are planning new locations in The Woodlands area:

• Bobbie Marie Jewelry opened on July 1 at The Woodlands Mall, offering rings, necklaces, cuffs, earrings and permanent jewelry.

• Lobb’s Padel held a soft opening on Aug. 7 and plans a grand opening on Sept. 19. The location offers padel courts, a coffee shop, a bar and a wellness area.

• Studio 3113 Needlework opened on Aug. 1 in Spring, offering needlework supplies, community gatherings and classes.

• Golf TRK, an indoor golf training center, is planning a new location in Oak Ridge North. The business uses modern technology and traditional instruction.

• La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe held its grand opening in The Woodlands on Aug. 19, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend is marking 40 years since its opening on Sept. 21, according to a news release from the organization.

How we got here: The location began as an extension of the Conroe YMCA in 1977, with an office in a trailer on Sawdust Road in 1981 followed by a location in a former mattress store in 1983. Initial offerings grew to add classes, including breakdancing. The move to Shadowbend Place took place in 1986, with the new location including a childcare center, fitness center, gymnasium, locker rooms, swimming pool and ball fields.

Additional milestones for the location include:

• 1992: Expansion includes a kids' gym, aerobics room and outdoor pavilion

• 1994: Run to the Mall, which is now Run Thru the Woods, launches on Thanksgiving

• 1998: Second major expansion includes a wellness center, recreation room, toddler pool and more parking

• 1999: First YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge

Incumbent Aggie Gambino and candidate Ryan Tsamouris are the two candidates up for election for Conroe ISD position 1 on Nov. 3. 

What you need to know: Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election Day is Nov. 3, and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Montgomery County locals have until Oct 5 to register to vote early. 

Over 100,000 students have enrolled at Lone Star College System for the fall semester, marking a milestone for the college system, according to a Sept. 14 news release.

A new chapter: For the fall semester of the 2026-27 school year, 100,023 students are enrolled to take courses at LSCS, according to the release.

LSCS's current enrollment represents an increase of 2.8% compared to the fall enrollment for 2025, which was 97,294, according to the college system's website. Enrollment has grown 17.45% compared to the fall of 2022.

Notable quote: “We are proud to serve each of these students, equipping them with the tools they need to pursue their dreams,” said Christina Hagerty, LSCS senior associate vice chancellor of curriculum and instruction, via the release.

Several notable events occurred across the northern part of the Greater Houston area from Sept. 4-11:

• Montgomery County Commissioners approve tax rate increase, budget

• Trader Joe’s to set up shop in Spring

• The Woodlands residents speak out on township agreement with mounted patrol; 2027 budget approved

• Waygood coffee shop coming soon to Tomball

• Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital places final beam atop North Tower

• Harris County ESD 9 to discuss FY 2026-27 budget, insurance policies

• Construction on 7 Brew Coffee in Humble projected to begin in October

• Lone Star College System cancels November election for 3 unopposed trustees