What you need to know: The city of Magnolia entered Stage 1 of its drought contingency plan on Aug. 27, issuing a voluntary water conservation notice. This stage is triggered when daily water use exceeds 50% of the city's combined pumping capacity for five consecutive days.

Under Stage 1, residents are asked to limit outdoor watering to designated days based on their address, targeting a 5% voluntary reduction in demand.

The details: Public Works Director Charles Stroud reported that Magnolia pumped about 87 million gallons from its wells in August, with wells currently running 16-17 hours per day. Stroud warned that the city could move into Stage 2 "ASAP" if demand remains high.

What’s next: Stage 2 is triggered when daily water use exceeds 60% of the combined pumping capacity for five consecutive days. Unlike Stage 1, Stage 2 restrictions are mandatory and aim to reduce daily demand by 15%.

Incumbent John McStravick and candidate Joseph Ferguson are the two candidates up for election for Tomball ISD position three on Nov. 3.

What you need to know: Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election Day is Nov. 3, and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Registered voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on Election Day.

Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved the fiscal year 2026-27 budget in a 3-2 vote during its Sept. 8 special session.

By the numbers: Some of the provisions adopted in the $546.8 million budget include pay parity for law enforcement, a 5% across the board raise for non-law enforcement employees and funding for the new 523rd District Court.

What they're saying: The main point of disagreement in the budget was a 5% across the board raise for non-law enforcement Montgomery County employees and pay parity for law enforcement beginning June 5. 

This November, four candidates are running to lead the Texas Comptroller's Office and serve as the state's chief financial officer.

The overview: Libertarian V. Alonzo Echavarria-Garza, Democrat Sarah Eckhardt, Green Party candidate Shehla Faizi and Republican Don Huffines are running for comptroller. Huffines, whom Gov. Greg Abbott appointed to the office in July, is considered the incumbent in this race.

How it works: The comptroller oversees government spending and administers the state's $1 billion education savings account program, which launched ahead of the 2026-27 school year.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30 in the midterm election, and Election Day is Nov. 3.