WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXX NUMBER 5 Section 1 8 pages
February 5, 2025 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Tom Cronin
Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper
Established 1995
Montgomery County News
Montgomery, Texas 77356
50 Weekly PBOX Magnolia, TX 77353
Texas Birthday Celebration for Weekly Dr. Charles B. Stewart Gas Prices Average gasoline prices in Texas have fallen 1 cent 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 1.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 17.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.4 cents in the last week and stands at $3.626 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.08/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.29/g, a difference of $1.21/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $2.08/g while the highest was $3.29/g, a difference of $1.21/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 3.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.04/g today. The national average is down 1.4 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 10.3 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: February 3, 2024: $2.84/g (U.S. Average: $3.15/g) February 3, 2023: $3.08/g (U.S. Average: $3.45/g) February 3, 2022: $3.05/g (U.S. Average: $3.44/g) February 3, 2021: $2.14/g (U.S. Average: $2.45/g) February 3, 2020: $2.13/g (U.S. Average: $2.45/g) February 3, 2019: $1.96/g (U.S. Average: $2.25/g) February 3, 2018: $2.37/g (U.S. Average: $2.60/g) February 3, 2017: $2.07/g (U.S. Average: $2.27/g) February 3, 2016: $1.58/g (U.S. Average: $1.78/g) February 3, 2015: $1.88/g (U.S. Average: $2.06/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $2.72/g, down 15.6 cents per gallon from last week's $2.88/g. San Antonio- $2.54/g, down 15.2 cents per gallon from last week's $2.69/g. Austin- $2.56/g, down 13.3 cents per gallon from last week's $2.70/g. “The national average has seen little meaningful change over the past week, as oil markets continue to face selling pressure. However, with President Trump imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, some motorists may see gas prices inch up in certain regions," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "Trump's new trade war has already triggered retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, escalating tensions. While, on paper, tariffs on Canadian energy could have a significant impact on fuel prices, a prolonged trade war could weaken global economies, reducing demand and partially offsetting the effects of tariffs. For now, I expect a slow but modest impact on fuel prices, particularly in the Great Lakes, Midwest, Rockies, and Northeast U.S.— all markets that rely heavily on Canadian crude oil or refined product imports from Canada." SOURCE GasBuddy
Index Community............2, 3, 7, 8
Commentary...............2, 3, 4, 5 Church Directory..............5 Legals.................................6 Business Directory.............8
Designer of The Texas Lone Star Flag
by Bea Rouse, Board moved from their beloved M e m b e r M o n t g o m e r y state, taking their flag as they leave part of their Historical Society hearts in their On January 25, 1839, h o m e t o w n s — t h e n , Dr. Charles B. Stewart slid proudly flying the Lone a c r o s s t h e t a b l e , h i s Star Flag at their new p r o p o s e d d r a w i n g h e residence and/or business. The Montgomery hoped to be adopted as the Texas flag. Seated across Historic Society is hosting from him was Mirabeau B. a birthday party for this Lamar, President of the favorite patriot of the City Republic of Texas. Lamar and County on Saturday, then signed the drawing, February 8, 2025, 11:00a to d e s i g n a t i n g i t a s t h e 1:00p. Everyone is invited “Official Flag, Republic of to join in the celebration, Texas.” Dr. Stewart lived have some cake, and learn just outside Montgomery more about Dr. Stewart’s when he accepted Lamar’s accomplishments, such as a s s i g n m e n t t o l e a d a the first Secretary of State committee to design an of Texas! Event Details—mark official flag for Texas. P r e s i d e n t L a m a r ’s y o u r c a l e n d a r, b r i n g longing for one flag to be a children, invite friends: banner recognized by all as D a t e : S a t u r d a y, representing Texas, was February 8, 11:00am – more successful than he 1:00pm; Location: N.H. could have ever dreamt. Davis Museum, 14263 The Texas Lone Star Flag L i b e r t y S t . i n is recognized the world Montgomery; Historian over and can be seen flying Jack Shepherd will portray i n m a n y c o u n t r i e s . Dr. Stewart, detailing Countless Texans have S t e w a r t ’ s l i f e a n d
contributions to Montgomery and Texas histories. W h e n t h e Te x a s “Unanimous Declaration of Independence” was signed on March 2, 1836, “C. B. Stewart” was the first of the 59 delegates to sign the 12-page document. Four days later, the Alamo fell after well over 1,600 Mexican soldiers attacked, scaling the walls of the Alamo under Gen. Santa Anna, overwhelming the roughly 200 brave Texans led by William B. Travis and volunteers such as James Bowie and “Davy” Crockett. Any survivors were believed to be executed. A few weeks later, with t h e Te x a n s ’ c r i e s o f “Remember Goliad… R e m e m b e r t h e Alamo!”…Dr. Stewart was among the greatlyoutnumbered volunteers at the Battle at the San Jacinto River near Houston, when
the Texans, led by Gen. Sam Houston, defeated Santa Anna. This battle w o n Te x a s i t s independence from Mexico, which became official on April 21, 1836, with the signing of the Treaty of Velasco. The Montgomery Historical Society invites everyone to join the first of what is planned to be a yearly birthday party celebrating Dr. Stewart’s birth on Saturday, February 8 , i n M o n t g o m e r y, celebrating his birth 219 years ago on February 6, 1806.
Five Arrested at Conroe Immigration Protest
a fight broke out, and by Ruben Borjas, Jr P h o t o c r e d i t S c o t t protesters were impeding traffic. Saturday’s protest Engle is the result of a local CONROE, TX – The television station report at p l a n n e d p r o t e s t o n Conroe High School of an Immigration and Customs incident between a teacher Enforcement (ICE) and student in an deportations in downtown i m m i g r a t i o n d e b a t e . Conroe did materialize Video out of Huntsville has around 2 pm Saturday, b e e n s e e n S a t u r d a y r u n n i n g i n t o d u s k . evening, with the mostly Initially, the protesters, young, peaceful protesting mostly young Hispanic at one major intersection in males and females, lined that city. The potential for an the streets at the intersection on W. Phillips ICE raid on schools is a St. and W. Davis St. in possibility as President Conroe, holding their Donald Trump’s Border country of origin flags C z a r, To m H o m a n i s signs as cars passed the saying that he is not pulling area. One U.S. and Texas a n y p u n c h e s o n flag were seen. Multiple i m m i g r a t i o n r a i d s t o law enforcement agencies a p p r e h e n d i l l e g a l were on-scene as it appears immigrants. When the
border czar was asked by a reporter what criminals are hiding in schools? Homan noted that there are numerous MS-13 members aged 14 to 17 in schools, and that he will expand ICE to eventually to focus on anyone in the U.S. illegally. ‘Title 8 United States Code 1324 (iii),’ is constantly referenced by Homan, which gives him the authority of his office, and he is very serious about his job, noting it's a felony if anyone knowingly harbors or conceals an illegal alien from immigration authorities, or impedes a federal law enforcement officer, in their line of duty. Around 4 pm the
younger protesters began t o i m p e d e t r a ff i c , a s businesses were complaining all their parking spaces were being taken by the protesters and they were unable to conduct proper business. As nearby police moved in on the scene the crowd started to get more agitated. “One female was arrested after throwing a water bottle and hitting a Conroe Officer in the head,” said Scott Engle of Montgomery County Police Reporter. “Protesters carrying signs began walking in the roadway. Conroe Police See Protests, page 2
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PRE-SRT POSTAGE PD #80 MONTG. TX
MCTXSheriff Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety and Immigration Enforcement The Montgomery County Sheriff ’s Office remains steadfast and committed to protecting every inch of Montgomery County and serving all who live in and visit here. Our first responsibility is to the citizens of our county and to ensure our community remains safe to visit, live, work, worship, and raise a family. In recent weeks, our office has received multiple inquiries regarding MCSO’s position on immigration enforcement. Our office has a long-standing partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who work collaboratively to enhance public safety and the effectiveness of our operations. This collaboration works as a force multiplier and allows us to implement innovative programs and best practices to keep our community safe. Along with twenty-five other sheriff’s offices in Texas, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office participates in the f deral 287(g) program. The 287 (g) program allows certified and trained law enforcement personnel to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. The 287(g) program is not new to Montgomery County, and it has been around since 1996. Sheriff Tommy Gage and his administration were instrumental in laying the foundation for this program and he worked tirelessly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to keep our community safe. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office signed an MOU to participate in the 287 (g) program in 2020. Sheriff Doolittle and his staff are equally committed to continuing the 287(g) Jail Enforcement Model by working with our federal law enforcement partners to identify and address potential public safety threats within our jurisdiction. This program is administered through the Justice Bureau and in the jail setting and only after an individual has been lawfully arrested for violating state law. The violation must be above a misdemeanor “C” or fine-only offense. Sheriff Doolittle and the MCSO command staff have met with local, state, and federal partners to reiterate our commitment to maintaining good working partnerships to keep Montgomery County safe. We stand committed and ready to assist with any lawful requests to aid in the removal of public safety threats from our community. Our office takes pride in professionally, fairly, and transparently enforcing the law and keeping Montgomery County safe for all residents. Public safety remains our top priority, and our office encourages all individuals to report crimes, regardless of immigration status. We do not want fear or uncertainty to prevent victims or witnesses from communicating with law enforcement to keep our community safe. "For the past 188 years, the residents of Montgomery County have entrusted the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office with keeping and maintaining the peace in Montgomery County. Today, we remain steadfast and committed to serving you. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and utilize all modern law enforcement tools to protect and serve Montgomery County. I am 100 percent committed to keeping our residents and visitors safe by all legal means." - Sheriff Wesley Doolittle.