A project designed to improve drainage along I-45 leading up to Hwy. 242 is causing some traffic snarls for businesses and commuters in the Shenandoah area, but local officials said there are detour options to avoid construction—which is projected to be completed in 2028—to reach local businesses.

What’s being done: According to information from the Texas Department of Transportation, a $25.5 million project is underway to construct drainage improvements on the I-45 feeder.

What they're saying: “The project has primarily impacted traffic flow in and around the city as travelers use the northbound feeder between Research Forest Drive and [Hwy.] 242 during peak travel times,” Shenandoah officials said in a statement to Community Impact.

A filing for a 12,322-square-foot tenant space at Market Street was posted on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website, with an estimated February 2027 completion date.

The specifics: The filing for demolition of three tenant spaces into one shell space for a future tenant lists the project as The Woodlands Aritzia. The project carries an estimated cost of $300,000, according to the filing. Market Street officials and Aritzia were not immediately able to confirm details.

The suite number for the filing is Ste. 1140, currently occupied by Tommy Bahama Home, which Market Street officials confirmed will be closing in April.

Another detail: According to Market Street maps and previous Community Impact reporting, two adjacent spaces are currently not occupied.

• 9595 Six Pines Drive, Ste. 1140, The Woodlands

Trader Joe’s will be opening a new store in Spring, according to a TDLR filing from April 14.

Some context: Trader Joe’s is a national grocery store chain known for their lack of outside branded items in their stores, according to their website.

There are currently eight operating Trader Joe’s scattered throughout the Houston area, but this will be the first Spring location.

A public memorial for former Montgomery County Judge Jimmie C. Edwards III is planned for May 2 at Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park following his death March 31 at age 77. 

Edwards was a decorated Vietnam veteran, former state representative and founding chairman of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission, according to his obituary. 

“Known to many as a master storyteller, Jimmie had a rare gift for connecting people through humor, honesty, and lived experience,” his obituary reads. “Whether sharing memories of service, family stories, or lessons learned along the way, he left those around him better for having listened. He was a brother others leaned on, a son deeply connected to his roots, and a man whose presence filled a room.”

The big picture: Montgomery County commissioners on April 9 approved a resolution honoring Edwards as a former county judge, U.S. Marine and founding leader of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park. The court also declared April 9 Judge Jimmie C. Edwards III Memorial Day in Montgomery County.

Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin will serve as Harris County attorney effective June 15 after Commissioners Court approved her appointment April 16 in a 3-2 vote.

What happened: Kamin replaces County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne, who said he will serve in the position until she takes over in June. Commissioners Court named Fombonne as the county attorney Jan. 8 after now-U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, D-Houston, resigned from the role to run for Congress, Community Impact previously reported.

Kamin must still earn voter approval in the Nov. 3 election, where she faces Republican candidate Jacqueline Lucci Smith, the sole Republican to enter the race to serve for the rest of Menefee's county attorney term, which expires in 2028.

What they're saying: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said she expects Kamin to garner the votes Nov. 3, but it "doesn't feel right" to appoint her to the role prematurely. Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey also said the process lacked transparency and that he could not support her appointment.