The Conroe City Council is scheduled to meet on Sept. 24. Council members will reconsider proposed playground equipment for the Oscar Johnson Jr. Enrichment and Recreation Center. The purchase was delayed in June over concerns that a nearly $90,000 option was too small. The council could also award a bid to repair the Owen Theatre marquee.

A closer look: Following a closed executive session, the council could take action on a potential national economic development opportunity. Council members David Hairel and Shana Arthur previously asked the city to explore competing to host the proposed U.S. Space Academy, pointing to Deison Technology Park as a potential location.

Also on the agenda: The council could award $195,000 in arts and cultural grants, consider Christmas lights in Founders Plaza, award a $20,000 special marketing grant to the Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival, consider appointing an IT director and review budget amendments.

Encompass Health has filed a project registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to build a new rehabilitation hospital in Conroe. According to the company's website, its standard rehabilitation hospitals cover physical, occupational and speech therapy programs.

Project details: The construction project registration was officially filed on Sept. 15. The project details include:

• An estimated total cost of $16.6 million

• A construction timeline running from Dec. 14, 2026, to Nov. 22, 2027

• A facility size of 52,500 sq. ft.

• Capacity to support 50 inpatients in private patient rooms and provide visitor parking spaces

The facility will be located at 869 City Central Ave., Conroe, with an opening date of Nov. 22, 2027.

A new agricultural complex is opening along Hwy. 288 with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The overview: The Farm, which stands for Furthering our Agriculture and Ranching Mission, will offer 1 million square feet to support Texas youth, agriculture, education and Western heritage, according to a Sept. 17 news release from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The complex will complement the Rodeo's longstanding home at Reliant Park, according to the news release. The Farm will be located about three miles from Reliant Park.

Quote of note: "As we move toward our centennial, the groundbreaking of The Farm reflects our commitment to building not only a world-class facility, but a stronger future for Texas youth and agriculture," said Wesley Sinor, chairman of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "The impact of what begins today will be felt for generations."

To cast votes for a U.S. senator, governor, state attorney general and dozens of other races during the Nov. 3 midterm election, Texans must ensure they are registered to vote or have submitted an application by Oct. 5.

How it works: To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Reside in the county they apply to vote in

• Be at least 18 years old by Election Day

• Not have been declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court

Getting registered: Eligible Texans must submit a paper voter registration application by Oct. 5. The online form must be printed, signed and mailed to the applicant's local elections office.

One more thing: Voters who are already registered have through Oct. 5 to update their name or address, if needed.

Some voters may appear on the state "suspense" list if local officials cannot confirm their address, although they will still be able to vote in the election.

More information: Learn more about federal, state and local races at communityimpact.com/election.