Residents of New Caney and Porter received a busy week of local news, from election outcomes to infrastructure improvements and early‑education expansion.
School board and city council election results
With every precinct reporting, the New Caney Independent School District board of trustees saw Ryan Schurdell win Position 2 with 9,440 votes (48.2%). His nearest challenger, Kristina Haggard, earned 4,637 votes (23.7%). The remaining candidates, Chad Turner and Kevin D. Jensen II, received 2,857 (14.6%) and 2,638 votes (13.5%) respectively. These unofficial results will be canvassed in the coming days.
In the neighboring Roman Forest, voters confirmed David Mullane and Ray Guzman as council members. Mullane captured Position 1 with 483 votes (51.33%) over LaChrystal Ricke’s 458 votes (48.67%). Guzman secured Position 3 with a decisive 641 votes (68.41%) against Oscar Ramirez’s 296 votes (31.59%). Both races are also awaiting official canvass certification.
Transportation updates from TxDOT
The Texas Department of Transportation reported progress on four key projects serving the New Caney‑Porter corridor. The most notable is the Loop 494 repair, a 7.6‑mile stretch between Via Principale Parkway and the Royal Crossing/Northpark Plaza intersection. Durwood Greene Construction Co. began work in August, with the project slated to finish in the second quarter of 2027. The $5.15 million effort is fully funded by the state and includes new pavement markings and turn lanes at Knox Road.
Additional TxDOT initiatives, though not detailed here, continue to improve local mobility and safety.
Kiddie Academy of Highlands opens in Porter
Early‑education families have cause for celebration as the East Montgomery County Improvement District announced the groundbreaking of a new Kiddie Academy location in Porter. Operated by Rakesh and Apurva Patel, the facility—named Kiddie Academy of Highlands—will provide preschool services to the growing community. The announcement, shared via a social‑media post on October 14, signals a commitment to quality childcare and early learning.
Community events this November
November brings a variety of family‑friendly activities. The Back Pew Brewing Co. will host a 5K Beer Run on November 7, benefiting the nonprofit Family Promise of Lake Houston. Participants start and finish at the brewery, earning two complimentary 16‑ounce beers, a souvenir pint glass, and a T‑shirt. The race begins at 8 a.m. and costs $60‑$75 for adults, with reduced rates for those under 21.
Additional events—including Thanksgiving storytimes and local gatherings—are listed on Community Impact’s calendar, offering residents plenty of ways to connect and celebrate the season.
These developments reflect a vibrant, forward‑moving New Caney and Porter, where elected leaders, infrastructure projects, and community initiatives work together to strengthen families and uphold local values.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
