With eye on growth, Tomball ISD approves $13M land purchase for future facilities
Tomball ISD’s board of trustees approved the purchase of 110 acres to be used for district facilities at its regular meeting Sept. 9. The two separate properties have a total price tag of about $13.63 million and will be paid with bond 2025 funds.
What they're saying: When asked to clarify what the land purchase was for during the regular meeting, TISD Superintendent Martha Salazar-Zamora said the decision is based on the district’s future needs.
“Land becomes a little more challenging as we grow out as a community as we build out and pricing becomes a challenge over time as prices increase. ... This continues to be in alignment with the district's history of purchasing property for the future of our students in education,” Salazar-Zamora said at the meeting.
More details: The properties are located near Telge Road between Hwy. 249 and Cypress Rosehill Road.
Franchisee Tharith Konh has opened a Shipley Do-Nuts in Pinehurst, a representative confirmed.
The details: Shipley offers over 30 kinds of fresh, handmade donuts in glazed, iced, filled and cake varieties, according to the menu. Shipley also offers hot and ice coffee, frappuccinos and other drink options, plus a variety of fresh breakfast and lunch options, including eight different types of kolaches.
Work begins on 5.8-acre amenity center for residential community Woodhavyn
Construction has begun on Woodhavyn’s 5.8-acre, $5.5 million amenity center, according to a Sept. 9 news release. Woodhavyn, developed by Shea Homes, is a residential community located along Dobbin-Huffsmith Road in Magnolia, south of the Conroe and Montgomery area.
In a nutshell: The amenity center will feature a resort-style pool, event lawn, splash pad, shade pavilion and lakes, according to the news release. It is anticipated to open in 2026.
What they're saying: “We’re excited to be able to move so quickly into amenity construction,” Keith Luechtefeld, Houston Division president for Shea Homes, said via news release. “Residents will be able to get settled into their new homes and won’t have long to wait to take advantage of the great amenities we will have to offer within the community."
Zooming out: Phase 1 of the community is set to include 160 homes priced from the $320,000s, with 700 homes in total planned for Woodhavyn, according to the news release. Residents in the community will be zoned to Magnolia ISD.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo won't seek third term ahead of 2026 election
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo formally announced she will not seek reelection for a third term as judge of Texas’ largest county. Hidalgo said in a Sept. 15 news release that she is keeping her promise not to serve more than two terms.
Quote of note: “I ran for office as a change maker to challenge the establishment and bring a fresh perspective to a Harris County government," Hidalgo said. “I’m so proud of our community and all of the progress that we’ve achieved together, from expanding early childhood education to making our community safer.”
Also of note: The announcement comes just weeks after addressing a crowd of Houston business leaders and constituents Sept. 5 about her reelection status during the 2025 State of the County keynote address. Hidalgo hinted she would announce “soon” whether or not she would run in 2026.
Hidalgo has served as county judge since 2019 and was reelected after winning the county seat during the November 2022 general election. Her current four-year term ends Dec. 31, 2026.
Houston single-family home sales jump nearly 12% in August, inventory up over 30%
The gist: Single-family home sales rose 11.9% compared to the same time last year in August, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ August 2025 Housing Market Update released Sept. 10. The number of homes available was also reported to be 30.4% above last year’s number. While sales and available homes numbers were higher, home prices didn’t show as much change this August compared to last year. The median sales price remained almost unchanged at $335,000, according to the report.
What they’re saying: “August brought the strongest sales gains we’ve seen so far this year, and that’s encouraging for both sides of the market,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar said. “Buyers have more choices and negotiating power than they’ve had in more than a decade while sellers continue to benefit from solid demand. As mortgage rates continue to ease, I anticipate buyer activity will remain solid in the coming months.”
