HTX-LHK: Impact 10/23/2025

Harris County Commissioner Precinct 3's new community center in Atascocita will be named in honor of a former U.S. representative who served the local area, Precinct 3 officials announced in an Oct. 21 news release.

Career history: Judge Ted Poe has been selected as the namesake for Precinct 3’s ninth community center, according to the release. From 2005-19, Poe represented U.S. Congressional District 2, which includes the communities of Atascocita and Humble.
According to the release, Poe also served as a:

• Harris County district judge from 1981 to 2003
• Prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office
• Member of the United States Air Force Reserves from 1970-76

J. Jill opened a new location in the Kingwood Commons shopping center in mid-October, a company representative confirmed Oct. 22. 

What they offer: As previously reported by Community Impact, the women's clothing store offers sizes extra small through 4X with regular, petite and tall options. 

Some context: According to information on the company's website, J. Jill began in 1959 and has more than 200 stores nationwide today. 

• Opened Oct. 21 
• 780 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood

Carolyn Donovan began serving as the first associate vice chancellor of Alumni Relations and Engagement for Lone Star College System on Oct. 20.

Explaining the role: Per the release, in her new role, Donovan will be charged with the development of the Lone Star College Alumni Association. The initiative aims to:

• Celebrate the achievements of LSCS graduates
• Foster professional and personal connections
• Create opportunities for alumni to give back through mentorship, advocacy and community engagement

NRG Energy Inc. will invest $360 million to expand power generation in Harris County through a new 456-megawatt natural gas facility at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Oct. 21.

Explained: The project, which has been designated as a qualified initiative under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, is expected to begin operations by summer 2026. Once complete, the facility will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Houston Load Zone—including Houston, Pasadena and The Woodlands—helping meet growing energy demands across the fifth-largest metro area in the U.S., according to the release.

Offering input: NRG leaders said the project will bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent positions once operational.

“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” Abbott said in the news release. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses.”