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Harris County residents can now see preliminary Federal Emergency Management Agency map data through a new interactive dashboard from FEMA and the Harris County Flood Control District. The February draft reflects nearly two decades of change, as FEMA last released flood maps in 2007 using data from Tropical Storm Allison, per the agency’s website.

What you need to know: Per the data, the proposed changes would re-map the 100-year floodplain to include certain areas around FM 2920 and Telge Road, and near neighborhoods such as Willowcreek Ranch and Country Club Greens.

One more thing: All Harris County residents are eligible for flood insurance through the NFIP, per HCFCD.

Next steps: HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said the dashboard has been updated with the preliminary FEMA data. However, she cautioned against using the data formally as it is set to change.

Before you go: Woodell said Harris County is at the start of a long process to update the maps and, as a result, finalize insurance changes.
 

Tomball residents have a new option for automotive repairs with the opening of Cornerstone Car Care.

The family-owned business, operated by husband-and-wife team Donato and Jessica Musto, officially opened for business May 18 following a grand opening celebration held May 16.

The details: The Mustos said they chose to open the shop in Tomball because it is the community they call home.

"We chose Tomball because it's home," the owners said. "There's a strong sense of community here, and we saw an opportunity to provide a more transparent, relationship-focused auto repair experience."

Cornerstone Car Care is a full-service automotive repair shop offering diagnostics, brake repairs, air conditioning repairs and routine vehicle maintenance. The business also serves fleet vehicles for local businesses.

• 315 E Main St., Tomball

There are several events to attend in the Tomball and Magnolia area this weekend. Check them out below. This is not a comprehensive list, and events are subject to change.

Malcolm Purvis Library: Bad Art for Teens
For teens ages 12-18, the Malcolm Purvis Library will be hosting Bad Art Friday, a community event designed to celebrate art regardless of talent level.

• June 5, 3-4 p.m.

• Free (registration)

• 510 Melton St., Magnolia

Paradigm Summer Splash
Paradigm Brewery will be hosting its Summer Splash event to celebrate the summer. The party will have a wide range of family-friendly events, including live music, water slides and various outdoor activities.

• June 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball

Lemonade Launchpad Event
The nonprofit Green Thumb will be hosting a community-wide lemonade and baked goods sale to uplift child entrepreneurs.

• June 7, 3-5 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• Tomball Depot Plaza, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball

At trustees' June 1 workshop meeting, the review of the Exceeding Excellence 2030 strategic plan was presented by TISD Deputy Superintendent Amy Schindewolf. The five-year plan began in 2024 and is currently in Phase 3 out of 5. The newly released funds will support the district's next steps.

The plan: According to its website, the mission statement of the Exceeding Excellence plan is to “empower students to become impactful, contributing citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous and personally valuable educational experiences while partnering with the community.”

What happened: Schindewolf requested that an additional $975,000 be released from the committed fund so that the district can initiate Phase 3 of the plan, which trustees approved at the June 2 regular board meeting.

More details: Some of the initial goals of Phase 3 include but are not limited to:

• Expanding the Grow Your Own program again through partnerships
• School counselor professional development and support
• Community partnerships
• Innovative technology integration
• Curriculum writing
• Digital citizenship strategies
• College and career readiness strategies

Texans are on track to use more electricity this summer than ever before, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced during a board meeting this week.

The details: ERCOT, which operates the power grid for the majority of Texas, is forecasting high temperatures and moderate rainfall this summer. Coupled with the proliferation of data centers and other large projects, demand on the grid could surpass 92 gigawatts, officials estimated June 2.

This would break ERCOT’s current demand record of 85.5 gigawatts, which was set during an August 2023 heat wave.

What it means: However, ERCOT officials said a grid emergency or blackout is unlikely this summer. State officials have said this is due to:

• The addition of nearly 11 gigawatts of power capacity to the grid in the last few months
• A state law authorizing ERCOT to require large facilities to reduce their energy use in tight times