Community Hardware offers more than tools in New Caney
Arlan Sorter said he has worn several hats at Community Hardware, where he has worked for his in-laws since 1985. After they retired in 2012, Sorter was handed the keys and became the owner of the longstanding hardware store.
What they offer: Opened in 1972, Community Hardware has become a staple where locals can find home improvement supplies, including garden, electrical and plumbing supplies, as well as hardware items like nails, screws and hinges.
Quote of note: As a lifelong area resident and local hardware store owner, Sorter said he has come to know many of his customers personally.
“We're so close to our customers that we will go to their funeral,” Sorter said. “Everyone's got a special story and a special place in our heart.”
The Elotito Stop now serving Mexican snacks, drinks in Porter
The Elotito Stop is now open in Porter, a spokesperson with the business confirmed Aug. 31.
The gist: The food truck offers Mexican snacks, drinks and desserts. Frescas con crema, ice cream, mini pancakes and nachos are some of the staple menu items at The Elotito Stop.
Magnolia installs first Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station No. 181
Residents and local community leaders gathered at the Magnolia Fire Station No. 181 on Sept. 3 to dedicate the first Safe Haven Baby Box in Magnolia, giving parents a safe and anonymous way to surrender their newborns without legal consequences.
About the project: Magnolia Fire Chief Terry Colburn said the project was made possible through community partnerships, including support from St. Matthias the Apostle Catholic Community, the Respect Life Ministry & Knights of Columbus, the Luttrell families, Billy Masden, Chris Jones and the Cotton Foundation, which helped fund and coordinate the installation at no cost to taxpayers.
Quote of note: “This project has been a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together, from local advocates and partners, the Cotton Foundation, to our city leaders, faith leaders—each one of you has played a role in making this vision a reality for that,” Colburn said.
What to know: Most Texas school districts required to display donated Ten Commandments posters under state law
Most Texas public schools are required to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms under Senate Bill 10, a state law that took effect Sept. 1.
The details: On Aug. 20, a Texas federal judge temporarily blocked the following 11 school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments:
Alamo Heights ISD
Austin ISD
Cy-Fair ISD
Dripping Springs ISD
Fort Bend ISD
Houston ISD
Lackland ISD
Lake Travis ISD
North East ISD
Northside ISD
Plano ISD
Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the ruling and directed other school districts to begin displaying donated copies of the Ten Commandments.
The debate: Proponents of SB 10, including Paxton and Republican state lawmakers, have argued that seeing the Ten Commandments on a daily basis will help Texas students better understand U.S. history and learn about morality.
Some religious scholars have stressed the importance of teaching students about religion in an “appropriate educational context.” Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns that non-Christian students will feel left out or be bullied by their peers for not following the Ten Commandments.
