WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXX NUMBER 2 Section 1 10 pages
January 15, 2025 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Yvette Matuszak
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
50 Weekly
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PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Texas Montgomery County Memorial East Montgomery Weekly Library System: Winter News County Man on Child Gas Prices Exploitation Charges
by Ruben Borjas, Jr
Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.66/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 14.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 2.9 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 3.7 cents in the last week and stands at $3.525 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.15/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.03/g, a difference of $1.88/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.15/g while the highest was $4.03/g, a difference of $1.88/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.02/g today. The national average is up 0.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 3.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. Historical gasoline prices in Texas and the national average going back ten years: January 13, 2024: $2.63/g (U.S. Average: $3.05/g) January 13, 2023: $2.87/g (U.S. Average: $3.26/g) January 13, 2022: $2.90/g (U.S. Average: $3.31/g) January 13, 2021: $2.07/g (U.S. Average: $2.37/g) January 13, 2020: $2.25/g (U.S. Average: $2.58/g) January 13, 2019: $1.92/g (U.S. Average: $2.24/g) January 13, 2018: $2.27/g (U.S. Average: $2.53/g) January 13, 2017: $2.15/g (U.S. Average: $2.34/g) January 13, 2016: $1.71/g (U.S. Average: $1.95/g) January 13, 2015: $1.88/g (U.S. Average: $2.11/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $2.81/g, up 28.1 cents per gallon from last week's $2.53/g. San Antonio- $2.69/g, up 13.3 cents per gallon from last week's $2.56/g. Austin- $2.68/g, up 15.4 cents per gallon from last week's $2.53/g. “It's been a relatively quiet week for the national average price of gasoline, with little overall movement. However, colder weather has pushed diesel prices higher and could also impact gasoline prices if refiners face disruptions," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "While gas prices haven't shifted significantly yet, oil prices have climbed to their highest level since October, driven by President Biden's new sanctions on so-called dark vessels, which have slowed countries like Iran's ability to sell oil. This could soon lead to more noticeable increases in gas prices. Seasonally weak demand may help soften the impact of any increases for now, but with refinery maintenance season just weeks away—when refiners typically reduce gasoline production—motorists should be prepared for the spring rally to kick off." SOURCE GasBuddy
Index Community..........2, 3, 5, 10
Commentary...............2, 3, 4, 5 Church Directory..............5 Legals.........................6, 7, 8 Business Directory...........10
As the Montgomery County Memorial Library System charges headlong into 2025, we can look back to last year and see the growth that the county’s growing population has had on the library system, and how the entity is responding to the challenge. The adjustments being made are positive and innovative allowing library patrons of any age to enjoy in-house or away digital options to bring about the most fulfillment into their lives. Increased acquisitions have been made to accommodate the increased numbers. In 2024, the Library welcomed over 25,000 new users to the system, which has increased demand for resources and programs offered at the county’s eight locations. Library staff responded by adding over 80,000 items to their circulation last year, increasing their already extensive collection. The digital portion of the library has seen an increasing electronic download of books, audiobooks, streaming videos, and digital downloads of popular magazines, and n e w s p a p e r s . Approximately digital 32,000 items were downloaded last year, with
increasing numbers expected in 2025. “Our programming has truly flourished this year,” said Library spokesperson Anne Neidinger. “With approximately 713 additional programs offered to our community.” Neidinger went on to say that the programs served more than 61,000 attendees, enriching lives through educational opportunities, entertainment, and personal growth. “We are particularly proud of our
outreach efforts, which grew by an impressive 36%, reaching over 22,000 community members.” There are also opportunities to enjoy the benefits of the library without even having to set foot in a building. With their ‘E Pop Up’ program, the library has displays across the country to help spread the word about services through fun reading and watching opportunities, and with a simple library card it can transform boredom of
waiting at the doctor’s office to excitement in one's mind with a passage in a book. For sure it gives participants a taste of the library’s collection of titles and an opportunity to try out something new while on the go. The Digital Catalog allows library users to borrow eBooks & audiobooks as well as stream video via the Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy apps or via a website on any mobile See Library, page 2
Meals on Wheels Montgomery County Names Marion Hubbard as Director of Development
CONROE, TX – January14, 2025—Meals on Wheels Montgomery County (MOWMC) announces Marion Hubbard's appointment as its new Director of Development. Hubbard brings extensive experience in business development, event management, and community relations to the organization. In her new role, Hubbard will oversee all
aspects of f u n d development, including d o n o r relations, fundraising initiatives, and special events. She will work closely with MOWMC's leadership t e a m t o expand the organization's reach and impact throughout Montgomery County. "Marion brings an exceptional track record of business development and relationship building to our organization," says Carrie Watkins, President and CEO of MOWMC. "Having worked alongside her for years, I've witnessed her remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of
life and her unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations. Her expertise in business development, marketing, and event management is impressive, but what truly sets Marion apart is her genuine compassion for others. When I saw her natural rapport with our staff and her heartfelt dedication to our seniors' wellbeing, I knew she would be the perfect addition to our Meals on Wheels family." Hubbard previously managed two premier wedding venues, Big Sky Barn and Iron Manor, where she honed her skills in event management, client relations, and business development over nearly a decade. Her transition to the nonprofit sector reflects her desire to make a meaningful impact in the community. "From the moment I set foot inside Meals on
Wheels Montgomery County and delivered my first client meal, I felt the love, passion, and commitment to serving. I found my home," says Hubbard. "I am excited for our biggest fundraising event, A Night in Nashville, scheduled for April 10, 2025. With our talented team of employees, volunteers, and community partners, we are dedicated to ensuring our homebound veteran and senior neighbors receive nutritious meals and transportation services they so desperately need." About Us: MOWMC works to enhance the quality of life for seniors by providing nutritious meals, companionship, and access to ADA compliant transportation.
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In March 2024, a Pct. 4 Detective received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, indicating that a person in East Montgomery County had uploaded child pornography to a social media account. Acting on this information, a detailed investigation was launched that uncovered additional evidence leading to the identification of Marthaniel Jermaine Dunning, 29 years of age, recently from Kingwood, TX, as a suspect. In August 2024, Pct. 4 Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Detectives, Special Response Team ( S RT ) m e m b e r s , a n d representatives from the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Ta s k F o r c e a n d t h e Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at Dunning’s residence on Ford Road in Porter, Texas. During the search, digital devices were collected as evidence, along with a small quantity of marijuana. While at the scene, investigators observed digitally manipulated images of nude children. Dunning claimed these images were generated using artificial intelligence, which he believed was not illegal. The digital evidence was secured for further forensic a n a l y s i s . A d d i t i o n a l l y, detectives discovered that children living in the residence were exposed to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including soiled beds, active insect infestations, and used adult paraphernalia left in areas accessible to the children. Consequently, Dunning was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana and two counts of Child Endangerment. On January 10, 2025, while reviewing data obtained from Dunning’s social media account, a Pct. 4 Detective discovered a homemade digital video depicting Dunning committing a sexual assault against a child. With this new evidence, and in coordination with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for Dunning on charges of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography, both first-degree felonies. Wi t h i n a n h o u r o f obtaining the arrest warrants, Pct. 4 Detectives and Deputies located and arrested Dunning without incident. He was subsequently transported and booked into the Montgomery County Jail. Constable Hayden stated, “Protecting the children of East Montgomery County remains a top priority for our office. This case shows the importance of bringing those who harm children to justice. I commend our detectives and our law enforcement partners for their dedication to ensuring the safety of our community’s most vulnerable members.”