WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXX NUMBER 7 Section 1 10 pages
February 18, 2026 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Erica Anderson
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
50 Weekly PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Texas The Conroe Symphony Weekly Orchestra Celebrates Gas Prices
Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 3.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.47/g today, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 9.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 20.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 1.0 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.624 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $1.86/g yesterday while the most expensive was $4.08/g, a difference of $2.22/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $1.86/g while the highest was $4.08/g, a difference of $2.22/g. The national average price of gasoline has risen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.87/g today. The national average is up 4.9 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 24.5 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 five years: February 16, 2025: $2.67/g (U.S. Average: $3.11/g) February 16, 2024: $2.91/g (U.S. Average: $3.29/g) February 16, 2023: $2.99/g (U.S. Average: $3.39/g) February 16, 2022: $3.19/g (U.S. Average: $3.51/g) February 16, 2021: $2.20/g (U.S. Average: $2.54/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $2.55/g, up 9.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.46/g. San Antonio- $2.57/g, up 29.8 cents per gallon from last week's $2.27/g. Austin- $2.60/g, up 28.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.32/g. “The national average price of gasoline continues to grind higher, and while the pace of increases remains modest for now, upward momentum could accelerate in the coming weeks as refinery maintenance intensifies and the broader transition to summer gasoline begins,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “However, supplyside dynamics could temper that seasonal pressure. If OPEC+ proceeds with resuming production increases following its first-quarter pause, additional barrels could cap crude oil’s upside and limit the magnitude of the spring rally at the pump. That said, g e o p o l i t i c a l tensions—particularly between the U.S. and Iran—remain an unpredictable variable, injecting risk into the outlook and leaving prices vulnerable to sudden shifts.” SOURCE GasBuddy
Index Community..........2, 5, 9, 10 Commentary...................3, 4, 5 Church Directory..............5 Legals.........................6, 7, 8
PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
John Williams
Spring in Montgomery Join the Fun and Celebrate! Howdy Friends! Spring is here, and the City of Montgomery is gearing up for a season of exciting events that c e l e b r a t e o u r Te x a s heritage, attract visitors, and support our local businesses. We want you to be part of the fun! We e n c o u r a g e businesses, staff, and locals to dress in Western or period attire and join in the festive atmosphere as we celebrate Texas Independence Day Montgomery Pride Opening Day of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR)
The Conroe Symphony Orchestra with conductor Gary Liebst at their recent concert celebrating John Williams in Conroe on February 7th by Ruben Borjas, Jr Yo u c o u l d n ’t h a v e packed one more sardine in the First Methodist Church in Conroe on February 7th, as the Conroe Symphony Orchestra (CSO) presented their 3rd concert of their 2025-2026 season, with their ‘Tribute to John
Williams.’ In his seven decades of work in the music world Williams has touched the listening life of almost every American, and billions more across the world. John Williams’ career started back with his time in the U.S. Air Force in the early 1950s, and progressed soon after with
orchestral work, and the creation of film scores and music for television series. By the mid-1960s, the major studios in Hollywood started calling for his talents, and he never looked back. CSO President Bill Thompson took to the microphone welcoming the sellout
crowd, and rightfully praising the hard work of conductor Gary Liebst and the orchestral players in their preparation for the event. The concert covered a quarter-century of Williams’ more popular See Williams, page 2
RJOA Celebrates Valentines And Each Other At February Meeting!
Left to Rt Officers Seated: Shelia Williamson, Anita Stevens, Lyn Howard, Katherine Taglienti, Jenny Lehr, Mary Lee Malek, charlotte Belin, Donna Summers, (standing: Elaine Collings.) Standing: Evelyn Miller, Officer: Cynthia Connor, Lyn Grey, Darla Sharer, Regina Riney, Barbara Eddleman, Caimy Harbison, Roselane Polnick, Danean Myers, Dianne Kebodeaux, Debbie Aiello, Cindy Dittrich.
The Sam Houston Trail Riders will be passing through Montgomery soon, making their annual hospitality stop at Ransom’s Steakhouse. T h i s h i s t o r i c Te x a s tradition brings riders, support crews, families, and spectators into our community creating a great opportunity for local businesses to welcome visitors and showcase Montgomery hospitality. SHTR, established in 1955, pass through Montgomery as they travel toward the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. How your business can participate: Decorate your storefront with Western, Texas heritage, or red, white, and blue festive themes Encourage staff to dress in period or Western attire on event days Offer specials or promotions for visitors and event attendees Share the excitement on social media and tag the City of Montgomery Upcoming Events – Spring 2026
The Lovely Rebel Belles in RED with Hearts galore in every form, joined together on Valentine’s Day at the South County Community Center in The Woodlands. President JENNY LEHR gifted each member of her Chapter with a Heart Shaped Box of Chocolates. February Treasurer KATHERINE TAGLIENTI also spread City of Montgomery her love with Valentines Arbor Day and Red Suckers for each Saturday, February 28 | member. Corresponding S e c r e t a r y E L A I N E ⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM 14400 Liberty St., Montgomery, TX Free seedlings, See RJOA , page 2 expert advice, and kids’ crafts Charles B. Stewart Birthday Celebration Saturday, February 28 | ⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM N.A. Davis Museum, 14264 Liberty St. Celebrating the designer of the Lone Star Flag
Business Directory...........10
March – A Month of Texas Pride M a r c h 2 – Te x a s Independence Day Commemorating the
See Events , page 2