HTX-COM: Impact 9/11/2025

In March, Janna Hoglund was appointed the new director of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, after previously serving as the director of the Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library.

What you need to know: Community Impact interviewed Hoglund about her new role, what her priorities are and her vision for the library system. 

Quote of note: "I want people to know that our Montgomery County Memorial Library System is a vital, welcoming resource for everyone in our community. Whether you are looking for help with job searching, free internet access, access for knowledge and information, yearly literacy programs for your children, or just a quiet space to think and learn, the library is here for you," Hoglund said.

Creature Commons Counseling, which offers in-person counseling services to teens and young adults, relocated to Conroe from its original location in Magnolia in August.

“I felt there was a greater opportunity to support young people near Conroe, Montgomery and Willis from this central location,” practice owner Lish Montesa said.

What they offer: Montesa said the business commonly works with young people challenged by anger, anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, trauma, school pressure and substance abuse. Montesa also offers “walk and talk” counseling, equine-assisted therapy and virtual appointments.

• 96 Beach Walk Blvd., Conroe

The Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County's annual point-in-time survey shows homelessness in the Houston area remains steady, but there has been a jump in chronic homelessness compared to last year.

Latest update: The coalition found that there were 3,325 homeless individuals in the region the night of Jan. 27, 2025, 45 more compared to last year, according to the report. Harris County was reported to have 3,000 homeless individuals, while Montgomery and Fort Bend counties were reported to have 247 and 78, respectively.

Compared to the national level, which has been climbing annually, Houston’s homeless population remains steady, due in part to a “consistent response system” to addressing homelessness, Kelly Young, the coalition’s president and CEO, told Community Impact in an interview.

Despite the stability, the region has seen a 16% increase in unsheltered homeless individuals. Young said the rise in unsheltered homelessness compared to last year is because of reduced shelter capacity in 2024.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a Sept. 10 executive order aimed at prohibiting hemp-derived THC products from being sold to minors, which he called “safety for kids, freedom for adults.” The order comes one week after a special legislative session ended without Abbott and state lawmakers agreeing on legislation to ban or restrict THC sales.

The details: Abbott’s order directs the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to “immediately begin the rulemaking process” on new THC regulations, including:

• Limiting THC sales to people 21 years and older
• Requiring THC retailers to check all customers’ IDs
• Expanding testing and labeling requirements for THC products
• Raising manufacturer and retailer licensing fees to cover costs of enforcing the new rules
• Enhancing monitoring by state and local law enforcement