WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXVIII NUMBER 38 Section 1 12 pages
September 20, 2023 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and George & Virginia Swearingen
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
50 Weekly
PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Joint The MISD Fishing Team Texas Operation DEA Weekly Dominating Performance with Task Force Article by Mark Gas Prices Hooker Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 7.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.41/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 5.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 26.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 9.9 cents in the last week and stands at $4.53 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.59/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.39/g, a difference of $1.80/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.59/g while the highest was $4.39/g, a difference of $1.80/g. The national average price of gasoline has risen 4.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.83/g today. The national average is down 1 cent per gallon from a month ago and stands 19.9 cents per gallon higher 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: September 18, 2022: $3.15/g (U.S. Average: $3.64/g) September 18, 2021: $2.82/g (U.S. Average: $3.19/g) September 18, 2020: $1.87/g (U.S. Average: $2.17/g) September 18, 2019: $2.35/g (U.S. Average: $2.66/g) September 18, 2018: $2.61/g (U.S. Average: $2.84/g) September 18, 2017: $2.47/g (U.S. Average: $2.60/g) September 18, 2016: $1.94/g (U.S. Average: $2.20/g) September 18, 2015: $2.05/g (U.S. Average: $2.30/g) September 18, 2014: $3.16/g (U.S. Average: $3.36/g) September 18, 2013: $3.27/g (U.S. Average: $3.49/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $3.42/g, up 2.6 cents per gallon from last week's $3.40/g. San Antonio- $3.49/g, up 26.4 cents per gallon from last week's $3.23/g. Austin- $3.52/g, up 20.5 cents per gallon from last week's $3.31/g. "The national average rose slightly over the last week due to continued refinery challenges in the western U.S. that have pulled gas prices up considerably in some states, while some 1 in 5 states have seen average gasoline prices decline in the last week," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "With the transition back to cheaper winter gasoline now upon us in nearly every state, we should see prices eventually cooling back off, but if refinery issues continue to develop or linger, especially now that we're entering maintenance season with less availably capacity online, the expected decline could certainly be offset. In addition, with oil prices now above $91 for the first time in nearly a year, there remains some offset from the rising price of oil thanks to Saudi Arabia and Russia's war on low oil prices, now in its third month." SOURCE GasBuddy
Leads to Arrests and Discovery of Drug Operation in New Caney
Photos Courtesy of Tanya Brogger The MISD Fishing Team began their quest to defend their Houston Division and Regional Championships this past Saturday. The Student Anglers from both Montgomery and Lake Creek High Schools did just that, turning in a “ D o m i n a t i n g Performance.” The combined squad that is the MISD Fishing Team was led by Maverick Barsh and Case Rutherford. The pair brought in a solid 5 fish limit that tipped the scales at 18.86 pounds, winning the event out of 186 Teams from 28 area High Schools or programs. Their Captain was Local Legend Julian Clepper, and he stated that “the kids fished hard all day, and what we did was junk fish today.” For those not familiar with that fishing term, it means that they fished random areas with a wide myriad of baits, basically covering a bunch of water, and fishing what’s in front of you. Julian went on to say, “we really didn’t fish any of my normal areas, out of respect of the Conroe Bass Championship that was going on the same day.” It’s good to see that good fishing ethics and courtesy are rewarded. Jacob Riley and Brenner Kirklin brought in
Photo: Mark Hooker, MISD Team Advisor. The MISD Fishing Team - 1st place winners, Big Bass Winner, and 1st place as a program, a truly “Dominating Performance.” a nice limit of Lake Conroe bass, which weighed 13.21 pounds. This very respectable stringer of fish secured these newcomers to the Program a 3rd place finish. Coming in right behind Jacob and Brenner was the
Team of Tanner Gatewood and Zane Dixon. This pair was able to lock down 4th place with a total weight of 12.48 pounds, bringing the combined weight for the top 3 Teams for the MISD at 44.55 pounds. This easily outdistanced the 2nd
place program by over 17 pounds, and the 3rd place School by over 20 pounds. In fact, MISD had 5 Teams in the Top 10 of a 186 boat field. Coming in 6th with the Big Fish of the See MISD, page 2
Inaugural Montgomery’s Music in the Park
attendance and many considered it a great success. The festival courtyard was surrounded by a mix of food trucks, local vendors, community and veterans organizations, boutique trailers, and a children’s area. Beer stalls were evenly spaced around the main area, along with a wine garden and wine slushies stand. A VIP area was stationed to the left of the Main Stage, for those who wanted a more exclusive experience for the day. “I loved the beer and music,” said Jason Smith, of Houston, visiting with a cousin from Dobbin. “I just wish it were more Country Music Star Haddon Haddock and his band perform on stage at the compact to make it more Montgomery Music in the Park festival, this past Saturday, at West Montgomery cozy, and the entrance fees County Park slightly lowered. Otherwise, I can’t wait M C N C o n t r i b u t i n g have hampered the plans of enjoyable night. West until next year.” s o m e t o a t t e n d t h e Montgomery County Park Writer, Ruben Borjas Jr Four bands garnered the Community..........2, 3, 4, 12 inaugural Montgomery’s played center stage to the attention of the main stage Commentary.......................3, 4 It was hot, then rainy, Music in the Park festival music fest, and the event, Devotional..........................5 but ended up being a this past Saturday, but those hosted by the Montgomery comfortable and beautiful who held firm with their A r e a C h a m b e r o f See Music, page 2 Legals..........6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 evening. The rain may i n t e n t i o n s , h a d a n Commerce, still had a good
Index Business Directory...........12
On September 13, 2023, deputies from the Precinct 4 Constable “Rowdy” Hayden’s Office assisted a DEA Task Force in executing a felony warrant service at a residence located in the 25000 block of Cambridge Blvd, New Caney, TX, 77357. Upon arrival, the deputies initiated an investigation. During the execution of the warrant and subsequent investigation, two suspects were arrested. Deputies discovered nearly 600 grams of methamphetamine and 21 grams of heroin inside the residence. In addition, items used for packaging and processing narcotics for sale and transport were found, along with two firearms. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jose Cruz, 40, and Laura Cortez, 37, both of Houston, TX. Both were taken into custody on outstanding felony warrants for Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance issued by Montgomery County. They also face two additional felony charges each for Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Constable Hayden commented, "Collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies amplifies our collective ability to enforce the law. By shutting down this operation, we have likely prevented harm to countless individuals and underscored our commitment to public safety."
Montgomery County Drought Intensifies: Lone Star GCD Increases Temporary Drought Buffer to 15% Montgomery County Drought Status Due to persistent high temperatures and a significant shortage of rainfall, 40.69% of Montgomery County is now under D4 Exceptional Drought conditions. Lone Star GCD's Response In light of the D3 Extreme Drought Conditions reported by the TWDB and U.S. Drought Monitor, the Lone Star GCD Board of Directors convened for a Special Board of Director meeting on Monday, August 28, 2023. The board unanimously approved Resolution No. #23-006, which introduced a Temporary Drought Buffer for 2023. U p d a t e d Te m p o r a r y Drought Buffer Details Given the escalation to D4
See Drought, page 2