Two candidates are running for Texas Senate District 4 in the May 2 special election. Incumbent Brandon Creighton vacated the seat after being named the chancellor and CEO of the Texas Tech University System.

What you need to know: Early voting begins April 20 and runs through April 28, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is May 2. In Montgomery County, voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting. However, on election day, voters must vote at their designated voting precincts. Harris County voters can vote at any polling location during both early voting and on election day. 

More details: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/election.

Jeremiah's Italian ice is opening its Creekside area location in mid-April.

The shop will feature treats such as soft ice cream, Italian ice and Jelati, a mix of soft ice cream and Italian ice.

Quote of note: "We’re incredibly excited to bring Jeremiah’s Italian Ice to the Creekside, Tomball community. Our goal is to create a fun, welcoming space where families and friends can gather to enjoy a refreshing frozen treat," franchise owners Mansoor and Naushin Abidi said.

• 24225 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. 300, Tomball

Cactus Flower Boutique has expanded into two additional buildings in Magnolia, owner Trisha Plagens said.

What they offer: The boutique offers women’s clothing with merchandise geared toward grandmothers, moms and teens, Plagens said. The business also carries shoes, accessories, handbags, jewelry, candles, home decor, seasonal decor and gifts for a variety of occasions.
The expansion added a building focused on game-day merchandise, collegiate gifts and accessories, Texas-themed items, sports merchandise, Astros gear, YETI products, men’s gifts and pet gifts, Plagens said.

A third building features seasonal home decor, tabletop items, wedding and bridal gifts, birthday gifts, religious gifts and books, as well as baby clothing and gifts and a tween gift section, she said.

The details: Plagens said the business expanded into the additional buildings late last year after an opportunity arose to grow its product offerings and give customers more variety in one place.

• 5115 FM 1488, Magnolia

The Montgomery County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office and Montgomery Central Appraisal District will be hosting multiple property tax workshops to educate locals on navigating the property tax process. The first batch workshop is scheduled to begin April 6, according to a March 24 Facebook post.

What to expect: A few of the topics expected to be covered include the property tax system, appraisal value, right to protest and deadlines, and more. The dates for the upcoming workshops are as follows:

• April 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. at North Montgomery County Community Center, 600 Gerald St., Willis
• April 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Woodforest-The Palms, 251 Central Pine St., Montgomery
• April 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. at East Montgomery County Senior Center, 21679 McCleskey Road, New Caney
• April 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Kevin Brady Community Center, 2250 Buckthorn Place, The Woodlands
• May 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at West Montgomery County Community Development Center, 31355 Friendship Drive, Magnolia
• May 7 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Montgomery Central Appraisal District, 109 Gladstell St., Conroe

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from March 30-April 2.

• Harris County Precinct 3 pilots new approach to street repair with recycled tires
• Buttermilk Cafe opening in Willis
• Big Air slated to open Missouri City location this summer
• Booked and busy: 31 stores to visit during the Houston Independent Bookstore Crawl
• New modern, retail, dining space coming to League City