On Sept. 26, the Academy Sports + Outdoors store in Valley Ranch Town Center marked 10 years since opening in New Caney, a spokesperson for Valley Ranch developer The Signorelli Co. confirmed Sept. 21.

What they offer: Academy sells equipment for outdoor and sporting activities, as well as clothing and furniture, according to the company’s website. Offerings include:

• Athletic clothing and shoes

• Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing gear

• Outdoor furniture

• Grills

• Bicycles

• Outdoor pools and play sets

Remember this? The store originally opened in Valley Ranch in 2016, as previously reported by Community Impact.

• 21770 Market Place Drive, New Caney

Several events are scheduled in the New Caney and Porter area for the weekend of Oct. 2-4:

• Halloween at Big Rivers Waterpark: Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures is hosting Boo Rivers, which features family-friendly activities, and Voodoo Bayou Haunted Trail, which features PG-13 entertainment.

• Woods of Kaos: Located in Cleveland, this event features a 30,000-square-foot haunted house, a zombie paintball shoot, concerts, ax-throwing and escape rooms.

• Heavy trash day: Montgomery County Precinct 4 is hosting a free event at A.V. Bull Sallas Park on Oct. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. for residents to drop off irregular trash, including mattresses, fencing, furniture, metal and a maximum of 12 tires per person.

• Oktoberfest: Back Pew Brewing is hosting a free-admission festival on Oct. 3 from noon-7 p.m. featuring more than 15 Oktoberfest brews on tap, live music and food trucks.

The Roman Forest City Council will hold two contested races in the Nov. 3 election, according to City Administrator Scott Castleberry. Three council positions are up for election, with council members and the mayor serving staggered, two-year terms.

The candidates running for the council seats include:

• Current Position 2 Council member David Mullane and LaChrystal Ricke, who are both running for the Position 1 seat.
• Ray Guzman and Oscar Ramirez, who are competing for the Position 3 seat.
• Linda Stewart, who is running unopposed for the Position 5 seat.

The Position 1, 3 and 5 seats were previously held by Mitchell Davis, Jerry Reasner and Larry Sanders, respectively. None of these three incumbents filed for re-election. The Roman Forest City Council consists of five council members and a mayor.

Memorial Hermann Health System President and CEO David L. Callender is retiring at the end of 2026 after seven years with the organization. His final day in the role will be Dec. 31.

What we know: Callender will be replaced by Alec H. King, who serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer. King was selected to succeed Callender following a multi-year selection process.

The two are partnering through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. During his time at Memorial Hermann, King has been vital to the system's strategy, growth and transformation, hospital leaders said.

Quote of note: “It is an extraordinary honor to lead Memorial Hermann, which has been an essential part of Greater Houston for more than 119 years as a healthcare provider, employer and community partner,” King said. “Under Dr. Callender’s leadership, we have built tremendous momentum and I believe our greatest opportunities lie ahead.”

King will start his new role Jan. 1.