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New trail connections and park amenities are rolling out across Harris County Precinct 3, including in the Tomball and surrounding areas, more than two years after the Parks and Trails Master Plan was initially outlined.

The update: Officials with Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office said several projects have been completed since 2023, with additional trail links and park enhancements scheduled to continue through 2026 and beyond. In 2025, several projects in the Tomball area advanced, including the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve. Precinct 3 officials added a new parking lot, playground, boardwalk and south trail that connects visitors to the YMCA pond trail.

Also of note: The agreement and final design for the future 24,000-square-foot Mathews Community Center at Samuel Mathews Park is also nearly complete, officials said, with the anticipated bid date projected by the end of 2026.

Ivy Kids Audubon will open this fall in Magnolia, owner Bulbul Patel-Shah confirmed. 

The details: The learning center will offer programs for infants through school-aged children, Patel-Shah said. 

Quote of note: “Early childhood education is not just about care—it is about building confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” Patel-Shah said. “This center is designed to be a trusted extension of the family, providing a safe, enriching environment where children are prepared academically, socially and emotionally for the years ahead.”

• 16880 Mill Run Drive, Magnolia

Harris County’s hospital district has raised $99 million, just $1 million shy of Harris Health’s fundraising goal to support the $2.9 billion capital building initiative approved by voters with the 2023 bond election.

The bottom line: Harris Health President and CEO Esmaeil Porsa shared the update on the hospital district’s philanthropic efforts at the Jan. 29 Commissioners Court meeting, days after hospital officials finished the newly named John M. O’Quinn Hospital in northeast Houston, also part of the 2023 bond.

The details: The fundraising announcement comes after Harris Health officials named the new Level I trauma-capable hospital after the late attorney and philanthropist, John M. O’Quinn. The naming ceremony took place Jan. 23 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital campus, which is projected for completion in 2028 and opening in January 2029, according to a Jan. 23 news release.

Seven candidates are vying for the Republican nomination in the March primaries for U.S. House District 38.

The details: The candidates are: 

• Avery Ayers
• Jon Bonck
• Shelly Dezevallos
• Craig Goralski
• Barrett McNabb
• Michael Pratt 
• Jeff Yuna

Theresa Courts, Marvalette Hunter and Melissa McDonough are all running in the Democratic March primaries for U.S. House District 38. 

The details: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. Early voting runs Feb. 17-27. Election day is March 3.

What else?: To ensure that candidates are the ones defining their positions in Community Impact's voter guide, if candidates did not complete the questionnaire after multiple attempts to contact them, the website reads "candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time." Candidates were informed of this policy.

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Jan. 26-30. 

• Kresston expansion brings larger homesites, adds Toll Brothers and Huntington Homes in Magnolia
• IAH to wrap up $1.46B Terminal Redevelopment Program in early 2026
• 7 Harris County judge candidates raised just over $1M for March primary election campaigns
• Harris Health nears $100M capital fundraising goal less than 3 years after bond vote
• University of Houston launches new online film leadership certificate

Two Republican candidates are running to lead the Texas Department of Agriculture in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Nate Sheets is challenging incumbent Sid Miller, who is seeking a fourth term as Texas agriculture commissioner. The winning Republican candidate will face Democrat Clayton Tucker in November, and the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Tucker is running uncontested in the Democratic primary. Community Impact runs candidate Q&As for contested races only.

About the agency: The Texas Department of Agriculture's duties include administering federal nutrition programs and grants; facilitating trade of agricultural products; protecting crops from pests and diseases; providing financial assistance to farmers and rural communities; and conducting consumer protection programs, according to the agency's website.