Stabil Drill completes $15M headquarters and manufacturing facility in Conroe
Stabil Drill, a provider of bottom hole assembly optimization and drilling solutions, announced the completion of its new 65,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing facility in Conroe in a Sept. 18 news release.
What you need to know: The $15 million project consolidates Stabil Drill’s operations—including rentals, repairs and manufacturing—under one roof, per the release. The facility features state-of-the-art CNC machines, automated welding equipment and is set to be API Q1 and API 7-2 certified. It will also serve as a licensed Grant Prideco facility.
Diving in deeper: Stabil Drill has operated in the energy industry since 1986. Company officials said the Conroe location was chosen for its central position to serve U.S. land customers and its quality-of-life amenities for employees and their families.
The details: The retailer offers department and specialty store brands at discounted prices. Items offered include men's, women's, children's and baby clothing as well as shoes, home decor, jewelry, accessories and holiday items.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
American Cancer Society, Occidental partner to expand access to cancer care in Texas
Per a Sept. 12 press release, the American Cancer Society and Occidental have partnered to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment to patients across Texas. Occidental’s half-million-dollar donation will help the American Cancer Society continue to deliver the resources patients need to access cancer care that could save their lives.
The details: With the new contribution, Occidental is helping fund essential access to care programs that remove barriers often standing between diagnosis and survival for cancer patients, according to the release.
Programs the partnership is helping with include free lodging, rides to treatment and 24/7 support for cancer patients and caregivers.
Quote of note: “We are honored to contribute to the American Cancer Society and help remove barriers to accessing vital care so people can focus on their healing journey,” said Rob Stevens, vice president of supply chain with Occidental.
