Montgomery County News, January 24, 2024 by Monte West

WEDNESDAY VOLUME XXIX NUMBER 3 Section 1 10 pages

January 24, 2024 Home of the ‘Lone Star Flag’ and Marty Williams

Montgomery County’s Only Locally Owned Newspaper

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Texas “An Eventful Evening” Sold Out Weekly

Article by Mark Hooker Show

Payton Riley Sells Out at The Table

Photos Courtesy of Debbie Pietsch

Gas Prices Average gasoline prices in Texas have risen 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week, a v e r a g i n g $ 2 . 6 5 / g t o d a y, according to GasBuddy's survey of 13,114 stations in Texas. Prices in Texas are 2.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 36.2 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 2.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.87 per gallon. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Texas was priced at $1.59/g yesterday while the most expensive was $3.99/g, a difference of $2.40/g. The lowest price in the state yesterday was $1.59/g while the highest was $3.99/g, a difference of $2.40/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 0.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.03/g today. The national average is down 7.8 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 36.0 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 22, 2023: $3.01/g (U.S. Average: $3.39/g) January 22, 2022: $2.98/g (U.S. Average: $3.33/g) January 22, 2021: $2.09/g (U.S. Average: $2.39/g) January 22, 2020: $2.21/g (U.S. Average: $2.53/g) January 22, 2019: $1.97/g (U.S. Average: $2.27/g) January 22, 2018: $2.30/g (U.S. Average: $2.54/g) January 22, 2017: $2.11/g (U.S. Average: $2.30/g) January 22, 2016: $1.63/g (U.S. Average: $1.84/g) January 22, 2015: $1.83/g (U.S. Average: $2.03/g) January 22, 2014: $3.08/g (U.S. Average: $3.27/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Midland Odessa- $2.79/g, up 6.0 cents per gallon from last week's $2.73/g. San Antonio- $2.64/g, up 3.9 cents per gallon from last week's $2.60/g. Austin- $2.67/g, up 3.0 cents per gallon from last week's $2.64/g. "We continue to see gasoline prices bouncing off lows, only to re-test them again and again. While prices jumped in some places, it’s being offset by drops elsewhere, and that has kept alive the possibility of briefly seeing the national average fall to the lowest level since 2021," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "We remain just a nickel or so away from a $2.99 national average, and while the window of opportunity continues to slowly close, with refiners now starting the purge of winter gasoline on the West Coast, we still have a low level chance of getting there. But make no mistake- if we do see a national average of $2.99 per gallon, it won't last long as we start to turn the corner and get closer to the start of the transition to summer gasoline." SOURCE GasBuddy

by MCN contributing writer, Ruben Borjas Jr

This past Friday Evening, the MISD Fishing Team was heavily involved in the first fundraiser of the Montgomery Bass Booster Club (MBBC) held at the Lone Star Community Center. This event raised funds for the members of the Team to help reduce the costs of the Tournaments which they compete in, plus provide scholarships for Team Members wishing to attend College or Trade School. I know you’re saying to yourself, wait a minute, hasn’t the MISD Fishing Team been around for ten years? The answer is yes, but the newly formed MBBC under the direction o f J e r r y A r t h u r, S e a n Hoernke, Bobby Kay Hatzold, Annette Smith, and Amanda Gatewood, felt compelled to put together a booster club for the Team. The MBBC’s primary goal is to raise money for the students and captains of the Te a m t o o f f s e t t h e exorbitant costs of tournament fishing, plus

provide scholarship funds. There were many other helping hands with parents and others volunteering, taking on duties such as manning the fryers, to helping with set up and take down, which were instrumental in making this event so successful. Unfortunately, there were too many to be mentioned here, but just know that the Students of the MISD Fishing Team, along with the MBBC leadership know that this fundraiser would not have been as successful as it was, without the many parents and members of the community volunteering. There were many Montgomery dignitaries in attendance as well, such as School Board Members Dr. Matt Fuller, Trey Kirby, Eddie Winn, as well as the new Superintendent Dr. Mark Ruffin. When the doors opened at 6:00, we were greeted by Nashville Recording Artist Payton Howie. The reigning Texas Radio’s Vocalist of the Year set the tone with her unique

Business Directory...........10

dollars. That’s right, you read correctly, EIGHTY thousand towards his education to fish in college! Curtis will be joining former MISD Fishing Team member Cade Lipham at Drury University in

Luckily for the Team, the Fish & Shrimp was donated by the Hasara Family. After dinner, and right before the live auction, it was announced that one of the MISD Team members Curtis McCauley III, had verbally committed to attend Drury University on a Bass Fishing Scholarship worth eighty thousand

Springfield Missouri, where the pair hope to lead Drury to a National Title. After this announcement, things really got heated up when auctioneer Vince Ross got on the microphone to start the live auction. Bidding See Fishing, page 2

Love Heals Youth's Second Annual Gala

by MCN contributing for an enjoyable evening of catching up with friends, a writer, Ruben Borjas Jr great meal, a world It’s incredible that premiere video, and a night Montgomery County went of raising funds to make the so long without it, but one lives of kids in foster care strong woman took it upon better in our little neck of herself, and made it her the woods. mission to provide support Love Heals Youth, to older kids awaiting whose mission is “Through l o v i n g f o s t e r h o m e s . LOVE, we HEAL!” Offers Founder and CEO of ‘Love an in-depth counseling Heals Youth,’ Rebecca program for overlooked Smith-Nash, MA, LPC-S, kids in foster care to help was on hand this past them overcome their past Friday, to welcome the o r d e a l s , t o m a k e t h e W h o ’ s W h o o f necessary strides to go on to Montgomery County, to be successful adults. The LHY’s 2nd annual gala; to Conroe based non-profit, raise needed funds to keep besides counseling, offers the mission going. The tutoring, and clothing of event was held at the older kids in foster care, M o o n l i g h t Ve n u e i n amongst other things. Te x a s h a s Conroe. The room was adorned with beautiful approximately 50,000 kids Community......2, 3, 4, 9, 10 Montgomery County ladies in foster care, with about Commentary...............2, 3, 4, 5 i n t h e m o s t d a z z l i n g 350 of those kids being Church Directory..............5 evening gowns. Each one housed with agencies in was a princess in her own Montgomery County. And Legals.........................6, 7, 8 right. And it set the stage of those kids, the statistics

Index

style of Country Music, for what was going to be “An Eventful Evening.” Since we are the Fishing Team, what were we going to serve for dinner? You guessed it, Fried Catfish and Shrimp with all the fixings.

Rebecca Smith-Nash, with her parents, Jerry and Brenda Smith, after they were presented Love Heals Youth, 2024 Heart of Gold Award, for their selfless service in providing clothes to Montgomery County’s foster children do not bode well for once up in foster care. About they leave the foster care half develop a dependence system. Approximately See Youth, page 2 80% of prison inmates grew

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If you ever get a sense of p r o p h e c y, i t w a s f e l t Saturday night at The Table at Madeley in downtown Conroe, as owner Frank Jackson, hosted Payton Riley and her Band in the first ever Sold Out show at The Table. The Montgomery County singing sensation continues to bowl over crowds and turn heads with her range of catchy tunes; that continues to impress teens and adults alike. Riley, 15, is unapologetically Christian, and is not afraid to show her faith in The Almighty on stage, nor in public. She was named as 2023 Young Artist of the Year (18 and younger) by the Texas Country Music Association last November, in which she was the youngest singer ever to be nominated in the c a t e g o r y. P a y t o n h a s already recorded songs in Nashville, yet she still remains humble, such as in her charity work with ’Love Heals Youth,’ a Conroe based non-profit with its goal of counseling, tutoring, and clothing of older kids in foster care, amongst other things. With Love Heals Youth, it affords foster kids a greater chance at a successful life after they leave the system. Riley was especially drawn to LHY because her family fostered several kids when she was younger, and it has greatly impacted her life. Payton debuted her new song “Mascara Doesn’t Lie,” Saturday night at her concert, to a rousing applause and standing ovation. The new song joins an already impressive body of work that includes “Packin,” “Long Live Cowboys,” and “Boys Keep Up.” Payton started voice lessons at 7, and wrote her first song at 9, then began singing in The Woodlands. She initially concentrated on Christian songs, and with songs like “He Chose You for a Reason,” it’s no wonder she is being noticed in both music genres. Her branch out to Country music, playing songs with a bit of attitude has had fans respond positively. Riley is a big believer in her music touching people's hearts and giving them a better ability to deal with what life throws at them. She continues to travel to all points Texas, and attends retreats to promote writing original songs based on her life and the experiences of those closest to her. “Selling out my first band show was a dream come true,” said Riley, “And what better place to have sold out than The Table at Madeley.” Riley went on to praise Table owner, Frank Jackson, who was one of the first promoters to give her a chance to step up to his stage when he opened up shop in April 2022. “Thank you so much Frank and Conroe, for showing me and my band so much love,” said Payton.

See Payton, page 10

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Page 2, Montgomery County News, Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The Houston Texans Fell Short Sports in the NFL Divisional Round Against the Baltimore Ravens 34-10 be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” Te x a n s ' r o o k i e quarterback C.J. Stroud was tested in the cold climate of Maryland facing one of the top NFL defensive squads. He could not create the magic with his receivers and ended the day with nineteen (19) completions on thirtythree (33) attempts for one hundred and seventy-five (175) yards. The running game was non-existent. The most exciting play for the Texans came late in

the second quarter when the Texans' Steven Sims had an impressive punt return for sixty-seven (67) yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, Ka'imi Fairbairn missed a forty-seven (47) yard field in the closing seconds of the second quarter. It was a game of two (2) halves for the Houston Texans as they hung in there going into halftime with a 10-10 tie, yet Baltimore came back strong with twenty-four (24) unanswered points. It was quite apparent

Love Heals Youth's multi-faceted initiative assists older foster care youth, by taking their focus on illegal drugs before they off their past thus giving turn 25. The vast majority them reasons to lift of gangs are kids from themselves above the pain foster care, and almost they’ve endured, and live for the future. It allows them to embrace their time ahead as a challenge for the better, while learning life strategies received from L H Y ’s c o u n s e l i n g t o critically think about how to plan and proceed for life outside the foster care system. But of course, the true aim for kids in the foster care system is to find them loving homes so that they can feel safe again, that allows them to be kids again, in an unregimented system that normal families have everyday. “Today we provide almost 4,000 hrs of counseling to the foster youth,” said Rebecca NashSmith. “Mental health is the cornerstone of Love Heals Youth, and we reach out to homes and shelters, making sure no child is beyond the reach of our help.” Love Heals Youth Board President, Dina Hafley, left Many of the kids in and Rebecca Smith-Nash, LHY Founder/CEO, pictured foster care have faced together at LHY’s 2nd Annual Gala neglect; as well as physical, helping these young people do good wholesome things fishing.” from page 1 likeThe silent auction was just as successful, with was heavy with Greg many kindhearted folks in Sanford & Jake Dixon from the community stepping up Montgomery jumping in the and donating very nice fray early and often, especially after Buster items and services. All told, Barsh from Barsh Auto this event was able to raise Services threw in free oil just under 37 thousand changes for any winning d o l l a r s t o g o t o w a r d s bidder. However, it was expenses and scholarships Clay Jones from Shepherd for members of the MISD t h a t s t o l e t h e s h o w, Fishing Team. “An eventful Evening” outbidding most on many of indeed. the items. He was later quoted as saying, “I love

sexual, emotional, and even medical abuse. And quite frankly, foster kids have presented with the same “demons” that combat veterans endure in their PTSD episodes. And they even share equine therapy as a means to begin chasing off the fiends to begin their recovery on the road to healing. The incredible story of Serenity Hubert, who is one of Smith-Nash’s success stories before she formed L H Y, h a s l e d t o a n incredible giving back to the community with her life’s work. A graduate of Brigham Young University, with a Bachelors of Science in Marriage and Family Studies, she went on to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA volunteer; before she began working with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Hubert started as a Child Protective Specialist, in 2019, and now works as a Conservatorship Supervisor. So SmithNash’s methods do show success, and it's most definitely for the better. “I’m married and have

By: James M. Rankin, Sportswriter Montgomery County News Baltimore, Maryland: The Houston Texans ended their dream season where they started it against the NFL powerhouse

Youth from page 1

Fishing

Baltimore Ravens dropping the NFL Divisional game 34-10. The Texans played their first Home Game of the season against the Baltimore Ravens. It was Head Coach DeMeco Ryans first loss 25-9. All good things must end, and all sad things will pass are sound bites that keep us balanced. Yet, the most fitting quote came from T.S. Elliot who wrote, “We shall not cease from exploration. And at the end of all or our exploring will

three-quarters of aged out foster youth, will rely on government assistance by the early 20s. And the amount of kids entering foster care who have the need for mental health care is upwards of 75%.

that the defensive line did not maintain their lanes which allowed the elusive Raven's quarterback Lamar Jackson who gained one hundred (one hundred) yards on eleven (11) carries to break free all afternoon. Texans' defensive back Derek Stingley, Jr. struggled during the game getting beat in the endzone, and missing an easy interception. Te x a n s ' L i n e b a c k e r Christian Harris and defensive back Steven Nelson led the team with six (6) solo tackles and one (1) assist for both players. Despite the loss, the Houston Texans exceeded all expectations by becoming AFC South division Champions and defeating the Cleveland

Browns in the Wildcard game. The future does look bright for this young team brimming with talent and vision. In other NFL Playoff action, the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills 27-24 and, in the NFC, playoff games, the Detroit Lions buried the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23, and the San Francisco 49'ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-21. The schedule is set for the Championship for the AFC and the NFC teams with the winner advancing to the biggest game of the year: The Super Bowl. Read all about it in your hometown paper.

children, and I love my work with CPS here in Montgomery County,” said Hubert. “Rebecca worked on my case about 10 years ago, and I wouldn’t be able to be where I am without her.” One secret weapon that Smith-Nash has up her sleeve is young Montgomery singer Payton Riley, who wrote a song, “Love Heals,” based on a poem of the same name that Smith-Nash penned on her way home from a long trip. Smith-Nash and Payton met at Red Brick Tavern in Conroe, on a Saturday night in the Fall of 2021, when Rebecca heard Riley’s voice; she unabashedly interjected herself when the younger singer was sitting with her family. Incredibly, Payton and her family had discussed the night before about getting involved with foster kids. So it was a pairing evidently endorsed by God himself. The music video premiered at the gala, and was received to great applause. It was a collaboration with Carla McDougal, the founder of Reflective Media Productions, which produces the faith-based streaming mystery series, ‘Breaking Strongholds,’ filmed mostly in Montgomery. Smith-Nash and Riley, were practically stumbled upon by McDougal, at the Woodlands Community Prayer Breakfast back in April. And like any good enterprise, the trio combined their talents, and by last fall, they were ready to shoot the video to the song. For 2024, Reflective Media Productions partnered with Love Heals Youth as ‘Mission Ministry Partners’. RMP produced the music video to help share the mission of Love Heals Youth. “Being the producer, I love the video,” said McDougal. “When I heard Rebecca speak and Payton sing at a prayer breakfast, I just knew in my gut that I was gonna do a music video with them.” S m i t h - N a s h ’s o w n son’s Stephen, 7, and Shane, 9, played the parts of

the little boys in the video, which was filmed at the old Yancey property off of Honey Egypt by FM 2854. “I cannot listen to Payton’s song without crying,” said Jenny Lloyd, who volunteers with LHY. “Her music is so incredibly impactful, and heartfelt.” Smith-Nash’s parents Brenda and Jerry Smith, play an integral part in the L o v e H e a l s Yo u t h gameplan. They somehow acquire thousands of pieces of clothing, new and gently used, for LHY’s ‘Mobile Clothes Closet,’ which makes the rounds to the group homes that house foster youth around Montgomery County. All without any cost to the kids or the homes. They do ‘Welcome Home Bags’, as well as assists in the new ‘undergarment drives,’ at different parts of the year, as well as drives for school backpacks and supplies. They are an extremely busy couple, and it was definitely appropriate that LHY presented Brenda and Jerry, as the 2024 recipients of the ‘Heart of Gold Award.’ “I think we pulled off an incredible event tonight,” said Smith-Nash. “I’m excited to have all these folks here to raise awareness, so that the kids will be seen and heard, and not remain in the shadows.” Each month LHY holds a ‘Day of Counseling’, for the kids, in which they go through a series of therapeutic stations to learn skills in relation to angermanagement, boundaries, self-esteem, coping, and relationship skills. In addition, Social Service Projects are held monthly to raise awareness and gather items to help the foster youth belong and have a sense of belonging. L o v e H e a l s Yo u t h w e b s i t e i s : https://lovehealsyouth.com Please make-a-donation or volunteer. No one takes a salary at LHY, so donations go a long way into ensuring the kids’ counseling, educational, and clothing needs are met. Ruben can be reached a t : ruben@montgomerycount ynews.net

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Montgomery County News, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Page 3

Weekly Columns Understanding The Difference Between Long-term Care And Long-term Disability

Expertise by Kent Pendleton, AAMS, Independent Advisor with Raymond James

RETIREMENT & LONGEVITY A person turning 65 today has a nearly 70%1 chance of needing some type of long-term care in their retirement years. If you're among the 15 million people who will turn 65 by 20242, it's imperative to understand the different ways to preserve your assets and retirement income and protect your loved ones. Yet more than half of respondents to a recent survey conducted by Nationwide Retirement Institute® and LIMRA confused long-term care ( LT C ) a n d l o n g - t e r m d i s a b i l i t y ( LT D ) insurance3. It's not hard to unders t a n d w h y. B o t h a r e protections from financial consequences of illness or

injury, but LTC and LTD insurance serve two distinct purposes. These differences are outlined below: Long-term care insurance Long-term care encompasses a range of support and services that aren't covered by health insurance – specifically, for help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These can include: · Bathing · Dressing · Eating · Transferring (i.e., getting out of a bed or chair) · Toileting LTC insurance helps you cover the cost of this care whether you receive it in your home, an assisted living facility, a nursing home, or an adult day care center. It may be needed at any age, but it often isn't considered until later in life. Under most policies, people are eligible for LTC benefits when they are

unable to manage two ADLs on their own. A mong people s urveyed, 29% confused LTC insurance with traditional health insurance3. Health insurance does not cover long-term care. Neither does Medicare, unless you are also receiving skilled services or rehabilitative care. Medicare does not pay for non-skilled aid with ADLs, which make up the majority of long-term care services.

the community. It can comprise everything from light housekeeping to around-the-clock nursing care – all of which have associated costs that can alter your financial outlook over time. A long-term care plan enables you to make your own decisions while you still can and better enjoy your retirement and quality of life and take the burden off your family's shoulders. Wo r k i n g w i t h y o u r financial advisor to develop a strategy for funding long-term care can help prevent a costly scenario from depleting your retirement income. Despite the importance of LTC insurance, only 3.1% of people have it5.

o ff e r e d t h r o u g h t h e i r employers. An LTD policy can help you continue to financially support yourself and your family without depleting your savings, and maintain a higher standard of living than you could by relying solely on government assistance. However, most employer-sponsored policies are structured to replace only about 60% of your income6. Personal LTD coverage can replace the remaining 40% of your gross monthly income that's not covered by employers. Now that you know the difference between LTC and LTD insurance, feel free to give us a call about whether one – or both – is right for you.

The costs associated with long-term care can drain your retirement savings quickly: According to Genworth's 2022 Cost of Care Survey, the median annual cost of a semiprivate nursing home room is $94,9004. An LTC Long-term disability policy can assist with these Long-term disability costs by reimbursing you a Kent Pendleton, daily or monthly amount ( LT D ) i n s u r a n c e , b y AAMS® contrast, helps replace your up to a preselected limit. F i n a n c i a l A d v i s o r, income if you're unable to RJFS L o n g - t e r m c a r e work for an extended Pendle Hill Advisors generally takes place in period. More people are LLC three settings: at home, in a familiar with this type of 14375 Liberty St, Ste residential facility, or out in insurance as it's sometimes

109 | Montgomery, TX 77356 T 936-297-8267 Kent.Pendleton@raym ondjames.com | www.raymondjames.com/ pendlehilladvisors Sources: P l a n s p o n s o r, P r o t e c t e d Lifetime Income, Nationwide Retirement Institute® 2023 LongTerm Care Survey, Genworth Cost of Care Survey, LIMRA, U.S. Bank The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete.These policies have exclusions and/or limitations. The cost and availability of longterm care insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. As with most financial decisions, there are expenses associated with the purchase of long-term care insurance. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Pendle Hill Advisors LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

Real Estate Corner with Megan Stultz Brought to you by Megan Stultz and Coffee & Contracts Last year, the average U.S. homeowner held roughly $199,000 in equity. Not bad, huh? If you're sitting in a similar spot this year, you might wonder how to access your funds.

Let's break down two popular options: the Home Equity Loan and HELOC. Home Equity Loan Similar to a second mortgage. You receive a lump sum using your equity as collateral. Fixed interest rates mean predictable monthly payments. Ideal if you need a

specific amount all at once. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Works like a credit card but with your home as security. Allows flexible borrowing up to a set limit during the draw period. Initially, you only pay interest on the amount you borrow. After the draw period,

Congratulations Brenn ‘Kid of the Week’ This week we have Brenn (11), who was at Chick-fil-A just before Christmas playing holiday songs on her keyboard. Brenn has been playing the keyboard for 3 years now, and this was her third time playing at the restaurant. Her father is a manager there, and Brenn assured me that her father gets no cut of her tips. Brenn attends a junior high school in MISD, where her favorite teacher is Ms. Kezlofski. Her favorite colors are pink and teal. She has a good friend named Georgia. Brenn wants to be a pianist when she grows up. Brenn of course knows her ABCs, and can count over 100 easily. Thankyou Brenn for spreading holiday cheer amongst CFA customers. Good Luck Brenn, and Congratulations on being MCNs ‘Kids of the Week’.

Congratulations ‘Pet of the Week’ Meet REX. A lovable 2 year old, possibly part Shepherd or full Chihuahua. It’s hard to tell, because he had that dang toy in front of his face the entire time. For all we know, Rex could be like Dan Crenshaw and have an eye patch over his right eye. Rex is owned by John and Laura Martin of Walden. Rex, which in Latin means King, or ruler, lives with two other dogs, and he most certainly struts his stuff, and rules over the much bigger dogs. Rex most certainly enjoys his toys, and enjoys living in a nice house. He loves and craves the personal attention he constantly gets, of which his highness, Rex, totally deserves. Good Luck REX, and Congratulations on being MCNs ‘Pet of the Week’.

“REX”

Events

you start repaying the principal and interest. Comes with variable interest rates so that payments can vary.

funds? A HELOC might be your answer. If you're thinking about how to tap into your home equity, feel free to call me. Let me help you find the strategy that aligns with The bottom line? N e e d a l a rg e s u m your financial goals. Source: HELOC Vs. immediately? Consider a Home Equity Loan: A Home Equity Loan. Prefer flexible access to C o m p a r i s o n | R o c k e t

Mortgage -Megan Stultz Call or Text 936-5372587 Megan@MeganStultz. com www.FairwaterWestm ont.com

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Page 4, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Montgomery County News

Opinion / Editorial Ruben Abbott-Biden Clash Over Border Borjas Jr, Columnist Ruben’s Montgomery Musings In a show of force on January 11th, to stop the incredible influx of illegal migrants crossing the Texas-Mexico border at Eagle Pass, the Texas Army National Guard, under the direction of the Texas Military Department, occupied and forcibly ejected U.S. Border Patrol Agents from Shelby Park; a major crossing site for

illegals under the bridges leading to Ports of Entry points 1 and 2 in Eagle Pass. Texas was already in a battle with the Biden Administration over the U.S. Border Patrol’s cutting of concertina wire along the Rio Grande, which was deployed by Texas, along the riverside to prevent illegal crossings. In a dead-on-arrival

Weather for the Lake Conroe area Wednesday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Areas of fog. High near 65. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Wednesday Night A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a low around 55. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon. Areas of fog before noon. Otherwise, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 67. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Thursday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Friday A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Sunday Sunny, with a high near 58. Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 41. Monday Sunny, with a high near 61.

Montgomery County News Phone (936) 449-6397 Fax (936)597-6395 E-mail: news@montgomerycountynews.net web; http://www.montgomerycountynews.net Publisher: M. P. Stultz Editor: Monte West Assistant Editor: Jamie Sandefer Distribution Manager: Ethan Sandefer Account Executive: M. Ryan West Photography: Monte West, Ryan Johnson Reporters/Contributing Writers: Ruben Borjas Jr, Pat Spackey, Eva Raines, Diana Anderson, Gail Box, Kim West, Megan West Stultz Students and Staff of MISD, and friends of Montgomery County News. ©Copyrights, Montgomery County News, Montgomery, Texas 2017-2023 Montgomery County News is a weekly, locally owned and operated newspaper and is published by Montgomery County News at 14375 Liberty St. PO Box 1, Montgomery, TX 77356. Telephone number 936-449-6397, Fax 936-597-6395. MCN welcomes any comments or suggestions, submitted in writing to the paper. Any editorials or opinions used in this publication are those of the writers and in no way reflect the views and opinions of the Montgomery County News. MCN is currently circulating 6,220 copies throughout the Montgomery County area by retail, subscriptions and occasional random distribution. Subscription rates are $40 per year in county and $45 outside Montgomery County. Bulk Rate Permit is held by the Postmaster at Montgomery, TX 77356, Montgomery County News is an official publication of the County of Montgomery, Texas. MCN expects honest advertising standards from its patrons, and does not in any way take responsibility for false or misleading advertisements. MCN reserves to right to refuse advertisement. All contents of Montgomery County News are reserved, and we prohibit reproduction of the items without permission. D&B #12-976-8354. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Montgomery County News, PO Box 1 Montgomery, TX 77356

Editor’s Express Your letters are appreciated and will be published as space will allow. We ask that you furnish facts that pertain to your letter, which you sign with your signature, address and daytime phone number to verify the author. We hold the right to edit or not publish letters that may not conform to the mission of this paper. Mail, Fax or E-mail: Montgomery County News, 14375 Liberty St, P.O. Box 1, Montgomery, Texas 77356-0001, Fax 936-597-6395, E-mail: news@montgomerycountynews.net Web page: http://www.montgomerycountynews.net

cease-and-desist letter that was sent to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office on January 14th by the Department of Homeland Security. DHS ordered that Texas comply with the order by January 17th, or they would escalate the issue. Paxton argued that Texas is going to protect public safety despite the lack of enforcement by the U.S. Border Patrol under the orders of President Joe Biden. In a pathetic attempt to embroil Texas in controversy, DHS alleged that several deaths in the Rio Grande from several illegal crossers were the fault of the Texas National Guard, but other evidence provides to the contrary. Thankfully Paxton has told DHS and Biden to go pound sand, because they really have no legal ground on which to stand. The occupation stems from the frustration of Texas State and Military officials to quell the masses of humanity crossing into the state illegally, allowed by the Biden Administration to purposely overwhelm the social safety net, and cause chaos in states and cities with crisis after crisis; which leads to economic collapse and anarchy. It is the grand design of Democrats who have it in their playbook, for the biggest power-grab by a political party in American history; with the eventual aim of turning America into a Communist c o u n t r y. T h e D e m playbook, under the chapter ’Cloward-Piven Strategy,’ was outlined in the mid-1960s, by American sociologists and political activists Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven. Cloward and Piven’s master plan is simple. To

kill Capitalism. And in many major Democrat cities, especially in Portland, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, Philly, New York City, etc. they’ve done just that. And in an example of ’You get what you voted for,’ lawabiding citizens of those same liberal cities are now faced with threats to their personal safety; and they have to reconcile themselves with the economic realities of businesses reducing hours, or stores outright closing their doors. All of it due to massive retail theft, overwhelmed demeaned and debased police officers, soft on crime District Attorneys, and drugged out homeless who steal anything and everything to pay for their next fix. The brilliance of Governor Greg Abbott’s strategy to bus and now fly illegal migrants to Democrat sanctuary cities such as Chicago, Denver, and New York City, now have those cities reeling. They are encumbered with busted budgets, and numerous challenges which forces them to find housing for the new arrivals in hotels usually reserved for tourists; and in schools, to the point of recently kicking out students in order to house illegal migrants. It’s essentially Red Pilling a lot of the citizens. Blacks in Chicago are begging Trump to come visit. The madness has to s t o p , a n d t h e Te x a s National Guard’s move on the 11th to deny access to the Border Patrol agents from accessing the river at Shelby Park, has got the Democrat talking heads in New York and Washington near the bursting point. No doubt the move has the

approval of Governor Abbott, but also the legal low skilled workers in the State and across The Nation, whose livelihoods are threatened by the estimated 6-8 million new illegal arrivals. And since the Biden Administration took power in 2021 and allowed the border to leak like a sieve, while millions of unvetted and destitute illegals from more than 60 nations have entered the United States. Many of which are of military age, and have no interest in assimilating into American society, nor seeing it succeed. Texas has been instrumental in fighting the Federal Government for legal immigration. The floating barrier and concertina wire placed along the Rio Grande by Governor Abbott are still in place, but a recent SCOTUS ruling has allowed the cutting of the wire to begin again, until Texas AG Paxton can argue his case in front of the Fifth Circuit on February 7th. There is still no word on removing the water barricade, but this new action by the Texas Guard occupying Shelby Park, and overtaking a federal agency’s domain is unique, and most certainly is causing waves in Washington. At stake is the federal government's responsibility involving immigration, and how a sitting President is able to influence to the detriment of The Nation, the office of the United States Customs and Border Protection, whose mission is to ’’Protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the n a t i o n ’s e c o n o m i c prosperity.’’ Undoubtedly, the Border Patrol has good and qualified people that

are able to abide by the aforementioned mantra, but are hamstrung by Washington’s directives. And by going against those initiatives, BP agents risk their harm to their careers. Counter that with Texas’ obligation to public safety, and its new law to arrest anyone who has illegally entered the State. And not to mention, Texas has been at the heart of border issues for decades, while Democrat sanctuary cities that previously touted wanting new border crossers for years, now have embarrassingly backtracked their statements, causing their cities to Cloward-Piven themselves into chaos. P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p ’s border leadership during his term in office took pressure off of Texas, and other border states. Trump showed that it was possible to greatly deter illegal entries, when a federal agency is unleashed to actually do its job. Biden has done the complete opposite, and it has cost the country near half a trillion dollars in unneeded spending going against the law. Texas has the moral high ground on the border issue, and it is simply protecting the interests of Texans, and really the entire Nation when you think about it. It can be compared to World War II when Britain fought Nazi Germany until the United States could enter the war. But in this case Donald Trump is the United States, so The Nation has to hang on until he gets in.

Ruben can be reached a t : ruben@montgomerycount ynews.net

Willis ISD Trustees Call For $218.1M Bond Referendum In A May Vote WILLIS, Texas - At the regular school board meeting on Jan. 10, Willis ISD trustees unanimously called for a bond package to be presented on the May 4, 2024 ballot. The bond consists of four propositions totaling $218,100,000 and carries a potential maximum 7.9 cent tax rate increase. The projects in the bond were identified by a long-range facility planning committee comprised of community members, parents, business owners, and employees who have met bimonthly since August 2023. Proposition A includes a Willis High School 9th grade expansion with parking lot upgrades, a new transportation center and funds for general infrastructure for a total of $102,700,000. Willis High School currently has 2,600 students enrolled. The school is expected to exceed capacity in 202728. The expansion would accommodate 1,200 students and would alleviate overcrowding at the high school. This would also delay the need for a second high school for about ten years, allowing time to build a solid tax base capable of supporting a new campus. Proposition B is for a new athletic complex & stadium with a community room totaling $68,800,000. The district purchased 62 acres in 2023 for a future stadium at the corner of FM 830 and Hwy 75, across from Willis High School. The stadium

would be built to accommodate a growing 6A school district, with 8,500 seats, concessions, large restroom facilities, and a fieldhouse. The community room will provide a place to hold meetings, end-of-year banquets, and other special events. The room will be available to the public for rent. Proposition C would build an aquatic center adjacent to the proposed stadium for $19,600,000. The facility would include a 50-meter USA-sanctioned swimming-sized pool with an additional dive well. The pool will include two moveable bulkheads to accommodate UIL events. The Dive well will include one 3-meter springboard, two 1-meter springboards, one 3-meter platform and potentially a 5-meter platform. The facility would also include seating for 800 people, a girls' and boys' locker room, classrooms, a weight room, and a storage room. For many years, Willis ISD swimmers have been required to drive to Conroe to use the Conroe ISD natatorium. Although the district would like to bus the students, we don't always have open buses or drivers. This means students are driving at 5 am on a major roadway, about 40 miles roundtrip. The aquatic center will also be available to community members for exercise classes and swim lessons. Proposition D

includes a student activity center housed at Willis High School, totaling $27,000,000. This student activity center would include a media room, classrooms, equipment storage, a set of girls' and boys' locker rooms, additional offices, a weight room, a multipurpose indoor field, a baseball/softball area, and a dedicated Air Force JROTC and wrestling space. Nets will be available for golf as well as field access for soccer. The student activity center will be used by 900+ students in various activities. An indoor facility would also alleviate concerns about athletes practicing in harsh outdoor temperatures or elements. UIL rules dictate a limit on the amount of time players can be exposed to the harsh weather. They are also limited in the amount of time they can wear pads outdoors. Representatives of the

planning committee presented the recommendation to the board as an informational item, and the Board voted unanimously to place the bond referendum on the May ballot. Presenting the information were parents Matt Adams and Abbie Holland, as well as former board member and parent Christen Arnold. Just prior to the bond presentation, the Board listened to a presentation regarding district growth prepared by Population and Survey Analysts, PASA, out of College Station. The last time the district heard from PASA was in early 2021. The updated projections show that Willis ISD is entering a moderate to fast growth rate and is predicted to add 10,000 students by 2033. Early voting runs from April 22 through April 30. Election day is May 4, 2024.

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Montgomery County News, Wednesday, January 24 2024, Page 5

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TRAVEL Cruising: Travel Adventures with Arthur Travel Column

Arthur Hermiz - Travel Consultant 777 Travel For all you Leisure and Business travel needs 281-541-1301

Obituary Cruising is my favorite type of vacation. It is the best bang for the buck. You can budget your expenses while you are traveling easier because most of your food expenses are taken care of on the ship. We have primarily cruised Carnival for the last 24 years, because we felt loyal to them and earned Platinum status over the years. Our first cruise was in 2001 on the Carnival Celebration, the first one, out of Galveston. This past year, we decided as travel agents that we should experience other cruise brands. We created a group cruise for June 15th, 2024 on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas and we purchased 2 cabins for ourselves. That cruise now has another group, a Swifties(Taylor Swift Fan Club) group that will be cruising with us. The Mariner of the Seas will be coming to Galveston in April of this year. Just before Thanksgiving last year, we had the opportunity to experience another brand, which we knew was coming to Galveston in 2025, which has been announced and bookings opened up for sailing. That cruise line is

MSC Cruise Line. MSC is the 3rd largest cruise line, with 23 ships, and one more about to set sail. MSC, Mediterranean Shipping Company, is a worldwide company, and their primary business is cargo shipping. We flew to New York to cruise on the MSC Meraviglia which first set sail in 2017. The Meraviglia can carry 5655 passengers and sails full time from New York. We thought it would be awesome to see New York, and then sail to the Bahamas for 7 days, and then back to New York for a couple more days(see my previous story about our New York adventure). The night before we were due to set sail, MSC announced that because of storms in the Atlantic and Caribbean, that we would instead go north, spending 3 days in Boston, 1 day in Portland Maine, and 1 day in Saint John, Canada or St Johns, Newfoundland. There was a little confusion for a few days about which port we were going to, but regardless, it was going to be a great cruise, and we were not going to let the itinerary change ruin the trip. The MSC Meaviglia is one of the most beautiful ships I have ever been on and definitely the nicest ship we have ever sailed on. It was a very modern ship with an inside mall with shops, candy stores where you can create your own chocolate bars, restaurants, and a digital ceiling that was over 500 feet long and 40 feet wide that played all kinds of animations and light shows. The staff was very friendly, and helped as much as they could with our questions and needs. The photo staff was amazing, we purchased an unlimited digital package and took lots of photos each night. The kids area(big kids like

myself also included) had an arcade, kids clubs, basketball courts, bowling alley and even 2 Formula 1 simulators that were actual Formula 1 cars with TV screens attached. The simulators were very entertaining and realistic with motion and very difficult to control like a real Formula 1 car. The casino was located on Deck 7, towards the back of the ship. It was not near anything or in a place that you had to pass through very often, which made it like a ghost town. They had a full Las Vegas style casino with slots and tables. There were plenty of machines to choose from because there were not a lot of people in the casino. I am not sure if it was because of the location or because the ship attracted people from all over the world or because over half the ship had canceled due to the itinerary change. It was a diverse mix of people from Europe, Asia, Australia and the US. We did not attend any of the shows but from what I was told, they were great shows. They had Broadway shows, magicians, comedy, and even musicals during the 7 day cruise. The ship had a reservation system so that you could reserve your show admission in advance and most of the shows were included in the cost of the cruise. The food was amazing. The buffet was on Deck 15 and had multiple locations to get Burgers and hot dogs, pizza, and a multitude of other meats, vegetables, cheeses, breads, and desserts. The drink stations had coffee, iced tea, water, and a wide variety of hot teas. There was even an ice cream station by the pool. The Meraviglia had plenty of outside space, including a heated pool with a large TV screen playing movies and

sporting events outside. There were 2 additional pools, one inside next to the outdoor pool and one on the back of the ship which was reserved for adults only. There is even a water park with slides for kids of all ages, including the grown up kids at heart. Most of these areas were not used because of the cold temperatures on this voyage, but I could see it being more utilized during a summer cruise, or winter Bahamas cruise. The ship also had an area called the Yacht Club, and there were restaurants, pools, and lounging areas that only those who paid for the upgraded Yacht Club rooms and suites were able to enter. The yacht club offers more amenities and even butler service. Overall, the ship is beautiful, and the staff, food, and entertainment was top notch. BUT, here are my issues with the cruise, not in any specific order. We were notified of the change at 8pm the night before, so there was no time to add a shopping trip to purchase clothing more adequate for the climate difference from our original itinerary. I expected that MSC would be like other cruise line and try to accommodate guests with on board credit, free drinks, upgraded rooms(since over 2500 people canceled) or even future cruise discounts. I would have been happy if they would have did my laundry from New York for free so that I could wear my warmer clothes while in the colder ports. Instead, I paid $60 for 20 pieces of laundry to be cleaned and we didn't receive the laundry back until after our last port. They do have a great app system(when it works) which is free of charge and lets you text and communicate with

River of Life Church, 17156 FM 1097, Montgomery, 936-449-4414 Cornerstone Church, 1011 W. Lewis, Conroe, Mt. Calvary Baptist, ASSEMBLY OF GOD 936-597-5331 or 936-449936-756-7792 Cornerstone Christian Old Hwy 105, 936-5885983 Lakeside Bible Church, Assembly of God of Conroe, Living Way Church, 2330 18940 Freeport Drive 2080 Longmire Rd, Conroe Mt. Sinai Baptist, located at 100 Mosswood Dr., Montgomery, 936-582936-441-8875 Bethel Road, Montgomery, Conroe, Texas in front of River 1977 Hope Tabernacle 936-597-4668 Plantation. 936-273-1755 Church of St. John, Pastor David Whitaker Union Grove Baptist New Life Assembly of retreat and wildlife center, Meets at 18961 Freeport Dr Church of Richards, Texas 2615 St. Beulah Chapel God, Rabon Chapel Road, Montgomery About 11 mi N of Rd., Montgomery, 936-597Montgomery, 936-588-3399 936.582.7722 Montgomery on FM 149 5757 Thursday 7:30pm Sunday School all ages BAPTIST Fellowship of MontgomSunday School at 10:00am 9:45 am, Church Service 11:00 Church of the Good ery Sunday Worship at 6:00pm am, Wednesday Bible Study Soldier (Baptist Affiliation), 12681 FM 149 Community And and Youth Group 6 pm Montgomery, TX 77356 1501 North Frazier Interdenominational (936) 597-3949 (McKenzie's BBQ), Conroe, CATHOLIC Senior Pastor Dale Talbert Texas, Phone: 936-494-5775, Lone Star Cowboy Sacred Heart Catholic, Service Times: Sundays at www.churchofthegoodsoldier. Church 109 N. Frazier, Conroe, 9:30am & 11am / Wednesdays org. Worship: Sunday at 21627 Eva St. Montgom936-756-8186 at 6:30pm for Children & 10:30am, Sunday School: 9:30 ery, TX 77356 (936)597-5742 Student Ministries am St. Mary’s Pastors Randy & Darla Weaver Watch us live Sundays Heritage Baptist Church Catholic, Service Times: Sundays @ 8 @fellowshipofmontgomery.on 19087 Lake Mt. Pleasant Rd, FM 1774, Plantersville, AM, 9:30 AM & 11 AM line.church or follow us on Montgomery 77356 936-894-2223 Mondays @ 7 PM Livestream: Facebook @thefmchurch! Phone: Pastor Bear 936 7:45 Service Watch us live Sundays @ 9:30 www.thefmchurch.com 448-4027 St. Joseph’s Catholic, AM & 11 AM @ lonestar.tv Gary Chapel Baptist CR 213, Stoneham, and click on Watch now. EPISCOPAL 936-894-2223 Church St. James the Apostle PO Box 125, Montgomery, Abundant Life Ministries Episcopal, JEWISH Texas 77356, 5525 Spring Corner of FM 149 & FM 1097 1803 Highland Hollow, Congregation Beth Branch Road, Montgomery. W. Montgomery TX 77356 Conroe, 936-756-8831 Shalom, 5125 Shadowbend 713-478-1256, Sunday Bible Prayer /Sunday School 9:30 The Grace Christian Place, The Woodlands, Class 10:00 am, Worship am Sunday Service 11:30 am Outreach Center 281-362-1100 Service at 11:00 am. 25293 Tisdale Road, Wednesday Pray/Bible Study Faith Baptist Church Dobbin, Texas 6:30 pm LUTHERAN Meets at 464 McCaleb Rd. 936-689-3141 Transformation Church Grace Lutheran (ELCA), Sunday Morning Bible Mt. Pleasent Baptist Montgomery Highway 105 W., Lake Study 9:30 a.m. Worship Church 20350 FM 2854 Conroe, 936-588-1944 Service 10:45 a.m. FM 149 N., Montgomery, Montgomery, TX 77316 Living Savior Lutheran Sunday Evening Worship Sun: 10:30am 936-449-6807 Church-LCMS 309 Pond St. 6:00 p.m. Admin@TCMontgomery.or The Church @ Lake Montgomery 77356 Church St. Beulah Baptist g Conroe phone: 936-597-8013 Web : Church, located in Dobbin, April Sound Church, 1701 McCaleb Rd www.livingsaviortexas.org P.O. Box 112, Montgomery, 67 ½ April Wind S., Montgomery, TX 77316 Pastor David R. Bailes. 77356 April Sound, 936-588-2832 936-588-4975 Benui Baptist Church, Lighthouse Fellowship www.lakechurch.com METHODIST Scott Ridge and FM 1097, Church, Sunday worship @ 10:00 Montgomery United Montgomery Montgomery, 936-582a.m. Wed. activites 6:30-8pm Methodist Church Antioch Baptist, 7700 North Shore Church 22548 Highway 105 West Dobbin, 936-597-5560 Living Branch Church, 10 am Worship Service Montgomery, TX 77356 China Grove Baptist Highway 105 W., Lake 18501 Fm1097 West @ the Phone: 936-597-6162 Church, Willis, 936-767-4744 Conroe, 936-588-3400 Bentwater West Sunday Worship: 8:30 Dacus Baptist, Dacus, New Beginning Bible Gate Entrance a.m., 9:45 am., 11:00 a.m. 936-449-0845 Pastor Cary Smith Church, Praise & Worship dacuschurch@gmail.com, Covenant Felloship 19087 Mt. Pleasant Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. dacusbaptist@consolidated.net 302 N. Danville, Willis, Tx. Cemetary Rd, 936-597-8921 Www.mumctex.org www.dacusbaptist.org 77378 Carbon Church, Richards United First Baptist Church, 936/890-8034 Highway 105 W, Lake Methodist Church Hwy 105 W., Montgomery, www.cfmlife.org Conroe, 936-588-4660 6639 FM 1696 Richards 936-597-4230 Celebration Service 10am Walden Community Worship Service 11 AM Honea Baptist Church, Sundays Church, Sunday School 10AM FM 2854, Montgomery, Youth Explosing 7pm 12400 Walden Rd, Walden, Porter Chapel A.M.E. 936-588-1260 Wednesdays 936-582-6696 Zion Church, Jones Chapel Baptist, Pastors Sean & Lori Jo Services 9:30 and 11 a.m. 1308 S. Hwy 1486, FM 2854, 936-756-2505 Cook WaldenChurch.com Dobbin,

Area Churches

your family, except for the important ones who are under the age of 18. The company policy is that no one under 18 should be using the messaging feature on the app which really does not make the cruise line very kid friendly in my book. The rooms were very comfortable, as I booked a large aft balcony in their Fantastica class, which was an upgrade from the Bella class. The mattresses were not as comfortable as you would expect for the class of ship, and the closet space was very minimal. Less than half of what we get with Carnival. And only having 2 elevator banks made it quite a walk just to get to and from our rooms. The layout of the ship showed another elevator bank closer, but that was for the crew only. During our 3 day stop in Boston, the severe weather kept us on the ship for the most part of the first 2 days. The storms were so bad that it pushed the ship into the dock, apparently damaging the gangway. While in port, the casino and all the shops were closed due to government regulations. We did get to go do a trolly tour on the second night after the storming was over. We did go into town the first day to try and find warmer clothes but there was not a huge selection since about 3000 other cruise guests beat us too it and there were not many shopping options near the port. Overall, the cruise was great. I hope by the time they

come to Galveston, they fix the few customer service issues and policies. These issues 99% of guests will never see, as it is a matter of how they handle the customers when issues like changing the itinerary happen, which does not happen very often. Little something from the cruise line like a drink or on board credit or a room upgrade would have been a nice gesture, but refusing to give any compensation for those that chose to continue to cruise on the new itinerary seemed a little on the greedy side. As a travel agent, I want to make sure my guests are informed with the best information I can give. I will give you the good, the bad, and the ugly and let you decide if this is what you want. As for me, I am excited that MSC will be bringing a ship full time to Galveston. More options means more competition which also means competitive pricing. I am always looking for the best deals for my customers. If you want us to find you the a great deal on cruises or any other type of travel, call us at 281-541-1301. Also like us o n F a c e b o o k a t www.facebook.com/lucky77 7travel. We are constantly posting deals and destinations that you may have never thought about traveling to. No vacation is perfect, this trip was an example that travel plans changes can happen to anyone at any time.

Sunday Bible Class - 9:30 PRESBYTERIN am First Presbyterian Worship - 10:30 am and Church of Conroe 6:00 pm 2727 N. Loop 336 West Wednesday - 7:00 pm Conroe, Texas 936-756Phone: 936-582-4855 Email: 8884 Sun. 9:00 & 11:00 cofcmontgomery@consolidate Sun Sch 10:00 d.net Nursery provided Web: Church of Christ in www.cofcmontgomery.org Montgomery Paul Praschnik, Minister 301 Pond Street, Montgomery, TX.

Union Grove Baptist Church of Richards Please join us: Services- Sunday School Classes for all ages begins at 9:45 AM, Church Service at 11:00 AM. We also have Monday and Tuesday night Bible Study Discussion at 6:15 PM. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer Group as well as Youth group activities at 6:00 PM. All are welcome! Our Annual Christmas program is December 17 at 6:00PM Y'all Come!!!

To support this devotional page call to advertise! 936-449-6397

Page 6, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Montgomery County News

LEGAL

THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY

LEGAL

NOTICE OF SALE (REAL PROPERTY) § §

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the 457th Judicial District Court of Montgomery County, Texas, on a Judgment rendered on the 6th day of October, 2022, in the case of U.S. Bank. NA., Plaintiff, vs. Kim M. Holt and Clarence J. Holt, Defendant(s), Cause No.22-10-13505-CV in said court, judgment being in favor of U.S. Bank. NA, Plaintiff as against Defendant(s), I did on the 20th Day of December 2023 at 1 :00 o'clock pm., levy upon the following described property of Defendant(s): Kim M. Holt and Clarence J. Holt. Being a 2951 acre tract of land situated in the Beasley Pruett Survey, abstract No. 419, Montgomery County, Texas, and being a portion of a 4.02 acre tract described in deed to Clarence J. Holt and wife, Kim M. Holt recorder under Montgomery County Clerk's file No. 9637508 of the real property records of Montgomery County, Texas; save and except a 1.069 acre tract described in deed to Shannon Babin recorded under Montgomery County Clerk's file No. 9637509 of said real property records;

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LEGAL

did on the 9th day of January, 2024 levy on REAL property described below, and on the 6th day of February, 2024, I will offer for sale and sell at 301 N. Main Street, Conroe, Texas 77301 (west side court steps),, Conroe, Texas 77301, at approximately 10:00 a.m. for cash to the highest bidder, all right, title, and interest that the said defendant Tyler S. Franks and Alexandria Franks, jointly and severally had in the property described below: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

$2,578.53 Principal Sum $6,473.08 Attorney Fees and expenses Interest on the total judgment at the rate of 8% per annum from the date of judgment until paid. $398.00 Court Costs $0.00 Judgment Credit

And foreclosure of a lien on the following described property: Commencing at a point in tile centerline of White Oak Road A 60 foot wide roadway) for the southwesterly corner of a called 5.0 acre tract described in deed to Edward and Rose Wisenbaker recorded in volume 632, Page 81 of the deed records of Montgomery County, Texas. Thence with the centerline of White Oak Road East a distance of 192.45 feet to a point for the southwesterly corner and point of beginning of the herein described tract, said point also being the southeasterly corner of said babin 1.069 acre tract; Then with the easterly line of said 1.069 acre tract north a distance of 468.00 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod set for a corner; Thence west a distance of 192.45 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod set in the westerly line of Wisenbaker's 5.0 acre tract; Thence north a distance of 127.45 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod set for the northwesterly corner of the herein described tract, also being the northwesterly corner of Wisenbaker's 5.0 acre tract. Thence with the northwesterly line of Wisenbaker's 5.0 acre tract east a distance of 367 .40 feet to a 5/8 inch iron rod set for a corner; Thence south a distance of 595.50 feet to a ½ inch iron rod found for the southeasterly corner of Wisenbaker's 5.0 acre in the centerline of White Oak Road; Thence with a centerline of White Oak Road West, a distance of 174.95 feet to the point of beginning. Note: The company is prohibited from insuring the area or quantity of the land described herein. Any statement in the above legal description of the area or quantity is correct, but is made for only informational and/or identification purposes and does not override item 2 of schedule B hereof.

LOT 349, BLOCK 67, OF WALDEN ON LAKE CONROE, SECTION 15, A SUBDIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN CABINET C, SHEET 20A, OF THE MAP RECORDS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS. MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 245 LAKE ESTATES DRIVE, MONTGOMERY. TEXAS 77356 Witness my hand this 9th day of January, 2024. Philip Cash Constable PCT. 1 Montgomery County, Texas By: S. Closson, Sergeant TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE AND TIME: CASHIER'S CHECK OR MONEY ORDER AT THE CONCLUSION OF SALE SALE WILL BE HELD AT APPROXIMATELY 10:00 A.M. NOTE: ON THE PROPERTY SOLD THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YOU HAVE BOUGHT THE PROPERTY “AS IS”. BUYERS ARE FURTHER ADVISED THAT THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY AT THIS CONSTABLE'S SALE MAY NOT EXTINGUISH ANY LIENS OR SECURITY INTEREST ON THE PROPERTY. YOU HAVE SIMPLY PURCHASED WHATEVER INTEREST THE DEFENDANT HAD IN THE PROPERTY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT AN ATTORNEY OF YOUR CHOICE. Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024 FINAL NOTIFICATION TO OWNER

and on the 6th day of February 2024 between the hours of 10:00 o'clock a.m. and 4:00 o'clock p.m., at 501 North Thompson, Suite 402 Conroe, Texas 77301 Montgomery County, Conroe, Texas, I will offer for sale and will sell at public auction, for cash, all the rights, title and interest of Kim M. Holt and Clarence J. Holt, Defendant(s), in and to said property. Witness my hand this the 20th day of December 2023. /s/ R. Crowder Deputy R. Crowder, #8451 Kenneth Hayden, Constable Pct. 4 21130 US Hwy 59 #C New Caney, TX. 77357 281-577-8985 Published Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 2024

R&R Towing and Recovery, TDLR# 0006596365C, VSF#0659815VSF, 22031a Walnut Dr., Porter TX,77365: 281-601-7832: rrtowingandrecovery2023@gmail.com Location Towed From 1003 First St Humble Tx Vehicle Info: 2012 Volkswagen Passat, VIN# 1VWBP7A37CC021059, LP# LPV0693 PA, BLACK IN COLOR Published Date: January 24, 2024

STATE OF TEXAS

§ § MONTGOMERY COUNTY §

NOTICE OF SALE BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on December 21st, 2023, seized, levied upon, and will offer for sale the following properties, on the first Tuesday in February, 2024, the same being the 6th day of said month, Pursuant to Texas Tax Code 34.01, and as further provided in the Resolution adopted by the Commissioners Court of Montgomery County, Texas on July 27, 2021 and recorded as instrument number 2021105114 in the Official Public Records of Montgomery County, Texas, tax sales in Montgomery County shall be conducted as an ONLINE AUCTION at the following URL:https://montgomery.texas.realforeclose.com. Beginning February 1, 2022, the Montgomery County Constables will no longer conduct LIVE tax sale auctions. The Montgomery County Constables will continue conducting live auctions for execution sales, if any are scheduled in a given month, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, and will proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Montgomery and the State of Texas, towit:

§ § MONTGOMERY COUNTY §

NOTICE OF SALE BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on January 4, 2024, seized, levied upon, and will offer for sale the following properties, on the first Tuesday in February, 2024, the same being the 6th day of said month, Pursuant to Texas Tax Code 34.01, and as further provided in the Resolution adopted by the Commissioners Court of Montgomery County, Texas on July 27, 2021 and recorded as instrument number 2021105114 in the Official Public Records of Montgomery County, Texas, tax sales in Montgomery County shall be conducted as an ONLINE AUCTION at the following URL:https://montgomery.texas.realforeclose.com. Beginning February 1, 2022, the Montgomery County Constables will no longer conduct LIVE tax sale auctions. The Montgomery County Constables will continue conducting live auctions for execution sales, if any are scheduled in a given month, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10: 00 AM, and will proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Montgomery and the State of Texas, towit:

Dated at Conroe, Texas, the 21 day of December, 2023. Constable Gene DeForest Montgomery County, Texas By; /s/ P. Hubbard P. Hubbard Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP, attorney for plaintiffs, at (936) 760-1410 Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Montgomery County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs. PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY MUST PRESENT TO THE CONSTABLE CONDUCTING THE SALE A WRITTEN STATEMENT ISSUED TO THE PURCHASER BY THE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR STATING THAT THE PURCHASER OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO THE COUNTY AND THAT THERE ARE NO KNOWN OR REPORTED DELINQUENT TAXES OWED BY THE PURCHASER TO ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT OR CITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. STATE LAW FURTHER PROHIBITS THE CONSTABLE FROM DELIVERING A TA X DEED TO ANY PURCHASER WHO FAILS TO PRESENT TO THE OFFICER THE REQUIRED WRITTEN STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR'S OFFICE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Comoe, Texas, the 4th day of January, 2024. /s/ Philip Cash Constable Philip Cash Montgomery County, Texas By; /s/ Stephen Closson Stephen Closson, Deputy

NOTICE OF CONSTABLE'S SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY

* *

Notice is hereby given that by a certain Order of Sale issued out of the 457th Judicial District Court of Montgomery County, Texas on the 20th day of December, 2023 in favor of Walden on Lake Conroe Community Improvement Association, Inc. recovered a judgment in Cause No. 23-05-07126, in the 457th Judicial District Court of Montgomery County, Texas on the 5th day of July, 2023, against Tyler S. Franks and Alexandria Franks, jointly and severally. Placed in my hands for service, I, Philip Cash as Constable Precinct 1, Montgomery County, Texas,

Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP, attorney for plaintiffs, at (936) 760-1410 Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024

Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Montgomery County News, Page 7

www.montgomerycountynews.net

LEGAL STATE OF TEXAS

LEGAL

§ § MONTGOMERY COUNTY §

LEGAL

NOTICE OF SALE BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on December 21, 2023, seized, levied upon, and will offer for sale the following properties, on the first Tuesday in February, 2024, the same being the 6th day of said month, Pursuant to Texas Tax Code 34.01, and as further provided in the Resolution adopted by the Commissioners Court of Montgomery County, Texas on July 27, 2021 and recorded as instrument number 2021105114 in the Official Public Records of Montgomery County, Texas, tax sales in Montgomery County shall be conducted as an ONLINE AUCTION at the following URL:https://montgomery.texas.realforeclose.com. Beginning February 1, 2022, the Montgomery County Constables will no longer conduct LIVE tax sale auctions. The Montgomery County Constables will continue conducting live auctions for execution sales, if any are scheduled in a given month, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, and will proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Montgomery and the State of Texas, towit:

LEGAL

Dated at Conroe, Texas, the 21st day of December, 2023. Constable Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden Montgomery County, Texas By; /s/ Randy Crowder Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP, attorney for plaintiffs, at (936) 760-1410 Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024

STATE OF TEXAS

§ § MONTGOMERY COUNTY §

NOTICE OF SALE BY VIRTUE OF AN ORDER OF SALE

and issued pursuant to judgment decree(s) of the District Court of Montgomery County, Texas, by the Clerk of said Court on said date, in the hereinafter numbered and styled suit(s) and to me directed and delivered as Sheriff or Constable of said County, I have on December 27, 2023, seized, levied upon, and will offer for sale the following properties, on the first Tuesday in February, 2024, the same being the 6th day of said month, Pursuant to Texas Tax Code 34.01, and as further provided in the Resolution adopted by the Commissioners Court of Montgomery County, Texas on July 27, 2021 and recorded as instrument number 2021105114 in the Official Public Records of Montgomery County, Texas, tax sales in Montgomery County shall be conducted as an ONLINE AUCTION at the following URL:https://montgomery.texas.realforeclose.com. Beginning February 1, 2022, the Montgomery County Constables will no longer conduct LIVE tax sale auctions. The Montgomery County Constables will continue conducting live auctions for execution sales, if any are scheduled in a given month, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 4 o'clock p.m. on said day, beginning at 10:00 AM, and will proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder all the right, title, and interest of the defendants in such suit(s) in and to the following described real estate levied upon as the property of said defendants, the same lying and being situated in the County of Montgomery and the State of Texas, towit:

(any volume and page references, unless otherwise indicated, being to the Deed Records, Montgomery County, Texas, to which instruments reference may be made for a more complete description of each respective tract.) or, upon the written request of said defendants or their attorney, a sufficient portion of the property described above shall be sold to satisfy said judgment(s), interest, penalties, and cost; and any property sold shall be subject to the right of redemption of the defendants or any person having an interest therein, to redeem the said property, or their interest therein, within the time and in the manner provided by law, and shall be subject to any other and further rights to which the defendants or anyone interested therein may be entitled, under the provisions of law. Said sale to be made by me to satisfy the judgment(s) rendered in the above styled and numbered cause(s), together with interest, penalties, and costs of suit, and the proceeds of said sales to be applied to the satisfaction thereof, and the remainder, if any, to be applied as the law directs. PURCHASERS OF TAX SALE PROPERTY MUST PRESENT TO THE CONSTABLE CONDUCTING THE SALE A WRITTEN STATEMENT ISSUED TO THE PURCHASER BY THE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR STATING THAT THE PURCHASER OWES NO DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES TO THE COUNTY AND THAT THERE ARE NO KNOWN OR REPORTED DELINQUENT TAXES OWED BY THE PURCHASER TO ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT OR CITY WITHIN THE COUNTY. STATE LAW FURTHER PROHIBITS THE CONSTABLE FROM DELIVERING A TA X DEED TO ANY PURCHASER WHO FAILS TO PRESENT TO THE OFFICER THE REQUIRED WRITTEN STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR. TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE, PLEASE CONTACT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR'S OFFICE AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO THE SALE. Dated at Conroe, Texas, the 27th day of December, 2023. /s/ R. Gable Constable Ryan Galle Montgomery County, Texas By; /s/ J. G. Valquez J. G. Valquez Deputy Notes: The Minimum Bid is the lesser of the amount awarded in the judgment plus interest and costs or the adjudged value. However, the Minimum Bid for a person owning an interest in the property or for a person who is a party to the suit (other than a taxing unit), is the aggregate amount of the judgments against the property plus all costs of suit and sale. ALL SALES SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE MAY BE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE ON THE PROPERTY WHICH HAVE BEEN ASSESSED SINCE THE DATE OF THE JUDGMENT. For more information, contact your attorney or LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP, attorney for plaintiffs, at (936) 760-1410 Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024 THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY

§ § NOTICE OF EXECUTION SALE

By virtue of a Order Of Sale issued out of the Honorable 284th Judicial District Court, Montgomery County, Texas, on a Judgment rendered on the 2nd day of March, 2023, in the case of Imperial Oaks Park Property Owners Association, Inc., Plaintiff, vs. Maria Angelica Covarrubias (1) $1,160.00 Past due unpaid assessment, interest and late charges. (2) $2,011.95 Attorney's fees (3) PostJudgment Interest at the rate of five percent (5%) per annum on the full amount of the judgement awarded herein from the date hereof until paid. (4) $374.00 Court Cost. $0.00 Judgment credit and foreclosure of a lien on the following described property, Defendant, Cause No. 22-11-15340 in said court, judgment being in favor of, Imperial Oaks Park Property Owners Association, Inc., Plaintiff as against Defendant, I did on the 9th day of January 2024, at 2:10 o'clock pm., levy upon the following-described property of Defendant: LOT 10, BLOCK 20, IMPERIAL OAKS PARK, SECTION 3, A SUBDIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN CABINET C, SHEET 187B OF THE MAP RECORDS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS (THE "PROPERTY"); and on the 6th day of February, 2024, between the hours of 10:00 o'clock a.m. and 4:00 o'clock p.m., at the Montgomery County Courthouse located at 501 N. Thompson Suite 402, Conroe, Texas 77301, I will offer for sale and will sell at public auction, for cash, all the rights, title and interest of Maria Angelica Covarrubias, Defendant in and to said property. DATED at 1520 Lake Front Circle Suite 200, The Woodlands, Texas, this the 9th day of January, 2024. /s/ John G. Vasquez Deputy, JOHN G. VASQUEZ Ryan Gable Constable Pct. 3 1520 Lake Front Circle, Suite 200 The Woodlands, TX 77380 281-364-4211 Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024

Page 8, Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Montgomery County News

LEGAL

NOTICE OF CONST ABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 284TH DISTRICT COURT of MONTGOMERY County on the 10th day of January, 2024 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. ALEJANDRO FEDERICO, ET AL

www.montgomerycountynews.net

LEGAL

CITATION BY PUBLICATION APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP 24-45949-P CLERK OF THE COURT ATTORNEY OF RECORD L. BRANDON STEINMANN ADAM LOONEY PO BOX 959 1095 EVERGREEN CIRCLE #409 CONROE TX 77305 THE WOODLANDS TX 77380 THE STATE OF TEXAS

in Cause # 21-09-12224 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 1 :23 O' Clock PM on the 4th day of January, 2024, which is the first Tuesday of said month, through online bidding at https://montgomery.texas.realforeclose.com as authorized by the commissioner's court of MONTGOMERY County pursuant to Section 34.0l(a-1) of the Texas Property Tax Code, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 0035050108200 LOT 82, BEING 1.95 ACRES OF LAND MORE OR LESS, OUT OF COUNTRY RUN AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION SITUATED IN THE WILLIAM WEIR SURVEY, ABSTRACT 42 AND THE NEAL MARTIN SURVEY, ABSTRACT 26 LOCATED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN CLERK'S FILE #2002-022359 OF THE REAL PROPERTY RECORDS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS.

TO: The unknown heirs of the ESTATE OF: BOBBIE JEAN JOHNSON, Deceased GREETING: You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application to Determine Heirship filed by Feliscia Harrison, at or before 10 O'clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of Ten (10) days from the date of Publication of this Citation, before the Honorable Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County, at the Courthouse in Conroe, Texas. Said application was filed on January 08, 2024. The file number of said matter being: 24-45949-P The style being: ESTATE OF: BOBBIE JEAN JOHNSON

Levied on the 12 day of January, 2024 as the property of FEDERICO ALEJANDRO ELSA ALEJANDRO to satisfy a judgment amounting to $12,613.63, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney's fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, MONTGOMERY COUNTY; MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT; LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM DISTRICT AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT # 01. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND ON THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2024. /s/ Philip Cash PHILIP CASH CONSTABLE MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS By /s/ Stephen Closson, STEPHEN CLOSSON, Deputy Published Dates: January 17, 24, 31, 2024 NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF MONTGOMERY By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 284TH DISTRICT COURT of te Honorable 284TH DISTRICT COURT of MONTGOMERY County on by the Clerk thereof, in the case of

The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit: Determine who the heirs and only heirs of the decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Given under my hand and seal of said Court in Conroe, Texas on this the 8th day of January, 2024. (SEAL, Probate Court #1) L. Brandon Steinmann, County Clerk Montgomery County, Texas /s/ Dena Mizell 1/8/2024 2:16:51 PM Dena Mizell, Deputy Clerk Published Date: January 24, 2024 AUCTION AD NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of property to satisfy landlords lien. Sale is 10:00 AM, February 8th, 2024. Property will be sold to highest bidder at the time of auction. Cleanup and removal deposit may be required. Seller reserves right to withdraw property from sale or not accept any bidder. Property will be sold in entire contents of each individual storage unit. Property includes contents of spaces of following tenants: Kristofer Grau, Jerry Metcalf, Zanndra Musachia, & Natalia Martin. Property being sold includes the following: Household items, and boxes. Contact Tall Pines Storage- 105, 6421 Hwy 105 W suite A Conroe Tx 77304, (281)560-4331. Published Dates: January 24 and 31, 2024 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

WILLIS INDEPENDENT DEPENDENT SCHOOL vs.

SAEZ, JOSE ALSO KNOWN AS SAEZ, JOSE A., ET AL in Cause #21-09-12230 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 O'clock AM on the 6th day of February, 2024, which is the first Tuesday of said month, through online bidding at https://montgomery.texas.realforeclose.com as authorized by the commissioner's court of MONTGOMERY County pursuant to Section 34.01(a-1) of the Texas Property Tax Code, the following described property, to wit:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of property to satisfy landlord's lien. Sale is 10 AM on Thursday, February 8th. Property will be sold to highest bidder at the time of auction. Cleanup and removal deposit may be required. Seller reserves right to withdraw property from sale or not accept any bidder. Property will be sold in entire contents of each individual storage unit. Property includes contents of spaces of following tenants: Jody Daley, Ebony F Williams, Jacob R Lehde. Property being sold includes the following: boxes, totes, toys, dog cages, baseball equipment, lamp, duffle bags, furniture, and window air conditioner units. Contact Tall Pines Storage- 1488, 8215 FM TRACT 1: GEO: 0052200106500 1488, Magnolia Tx. 77354, (281) 560-4355. LOT SEVEN (7) IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF FRONTIER LAKES, SECTION ONE (!), A Published Dates: January 24th and January 31st, 2024 SUBDIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 579 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF Notice of Public Sale MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS. TRACT 2: GEO: 0052200106600 Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, TJO 10 X 10 Management, Ltd LOT EIGHT (8) IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF FRONTIER LAKES, SECTION ONE (I), A Managing properties listed below will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a SUBDIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT l a n d l o r d ' s l i e n . T h e s a l e w i l l b e g i n o n o r a b o u t t h e t i m e i n d i c a t e d a t THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 579 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF www.SelfStorageAuction.com .Property will be sold to the highest bidder for cash. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be temporarily required. The seller reserves the right TRACT 3: GEO: 0052200106400 to reject any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property may be sold by space. General LOT SIX (6) IN BLOCK THREE (3), OF FRONTIER LAKES, SECTION ONE (!), A description or property being sold includes contents such as household/personal SUBDIVISION IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT goods/misc. items in spaces of following tenants. THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 5, PAGE 579 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Levied on the 12th day of January, 2024 as the property of JOSE SAEZ, CAROL SAEZ

12:00 pm Valley Ranch Self Storage @ 21910 Valley Ranch Crossing Dr. Porter, TX 77365.

www.SelfStorageAuction.com

to satisfy a judgment amounting to $5,257.26, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney's fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of WILLIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, MONTGOMERY COUNTY; MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT; LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM DISTRICT AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT #01.

Alicia Bennight, Maria Chavira, Bradley Elkins, Luis Gamez, Tiffiny Watley Published Dates: January 24, 31, 2024

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND ON the 12th day of January, 2024 /s/ Philip Cash PHILIP CASH CONSTABLE MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS By: /s/ Stephen Closson STEPHEN CLOSSON, Deputy Published Date: January 17, 24, 31, 2024 CITATION BY PUBLICATION APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP 23-45545-P CLERK OF THE COURT L. BRANDON STEINMANN PO BOX 959 CONROE TX 77305

ATTORNEY OF RECORD NATASHA L. GRANSBERRY 6300 W LOOP SOUTH STE 490 BELLAIRE TX 77401 THE STATE OF TEXAS

TO: The unknown heirs of the ESTATE OF: JASON M. FREDERICKS, Deceased GREETING: You are commanded to appear and answer to the Application to Determine Heirship filed by, Tami Fredericks, at or before 10 O'clock A.M. of the first Monday after the expiration of Ten (10) days from the date of Publication of this Citation, before the Honorable Probate Court No. 1 of Montgomery County, at the Courthouse in Conroe, Texas. Said application was filed on September 28, 2023. The file number of said matter being: 23-45545-P The style being: ESTATE OF: JASON M. FREDERICKS The nature of said proceeding being substantially as follows, to wit: Determine who the heirs and only heirs of the decedent are and their respective shares and interests in this estate; that no appraisers be appointed; and for all other relief to which applicant may be entitled. Given under my hand and seal of said Court in Conroe, Texas on this the 18th day of January, 2024. (SEAL, Probate Court #1) L. Brandon Steinmann, County Clerk Montgomery County, Texas /s/ Dena Mizell 1/18/2024 10:41:30 AM Dena Mizell, Deputy Clerk Published Date: January 24, 2024 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE SELF SERVICE STORAGE OF CONROE WISHING TO AVAIL, THEMSELVES OF THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 59 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE HEREBY GIVES NOTICE OF SALE UNDER SAID ACT THIS SALE IS BEING MADE TO SATISFY A L A N D L O R D L E I N B I D S W I L L B E A C C E P T E D O N L I N E AT www.storageauction.com S TA R T I N G O N 0 1 / 3 1 / 2 4 C O N T E N T S A R E MISCELLANEOUS, HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL ITEMS OF TENANTS LISTED, KRYSTAL HARDY, PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE IN CASH ONLY. SELF SERVICE STORAGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY BID AND WITHDRAW PROPERTY FROM SALE. Published dates: January 24, 31, 2024

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CLASSIFIED HOME LEASE

HOME LEASE

HOME FOR LEASE I have a 3-2-2 Brick Home with a fenced backyard that will be available on 12-1823. It has porcelain tile flooring with 4 ceiling fans & a large utility room with a small workshop. It is all electric & was completely painted inside in May. It is located 15 miles from The Woodlands Mall & 13 miles from Downtown Conroe on FM 1485 & Hwy 242! If interested, you can message me or call # 832-510-8750

Montgomery County News, Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Page97

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Community

WINTER FEEDING By Cheryl Conley Lake Creek Nature Preserve Board of Directors It's much easier for birds and squirrels to find food in the summer but it's challenging in the winter. There are about 300 species of birds that spend their winters in the Houston area because of our mild temperatures. Squirrels are here yearround. You can help our birds and squirrels by supplementing their diet when food is scarce. SUET – birds burn a lot of calories just to stay warm. Suet is a highenergy, high fat food source and Is available at big box stores and Amazon. You can order feeders specifically for suet cakes. If you want a fun family activity, you can make your own. You'll find many recipes online. SEEDS – black-oil sunflower seeds, thistle, and safflower seeds are popular high-energy foods. FRUITS – use a tray feeder to provide fruit like apples, oranges and pears. Cut the fruit into small pieces. PEANUT BUTTER Make sure you get the saltfree kind. You can purchase feeders specifically for peanut butter and you can also use a pine cone.

Just put the peanut butter in the crevices and hang it from a tree. If you want to, after putting the peanut butter on the cone, roll it in bird seed. MEALWORMS – I purchased a big bag of mealworms at Walmart. It's pretty gross to look at but the birds love them. CRACKED CORN – you can purchase bags of cracked corn or you can buy a bag of mixed bird seed with cracked corn as one of the ingredients. Make sure to buy premium feed. The cheaper feed has fillers and is just wasted because the birds won't eat it. NIGER SEED – loved by goldfinches. There are specific feeders for this. WHITE PROSO MILLET – Use a tubular feeder for millet. PEANUTS – squirrels love peanuts. You can buy shelled or unshelled but make sure they are unsalted. Put the peanuts on a tray feeder away from your bird feeders. Some birds like peanuts as well. EGG SHELLS – don't throw your egg shells away. Rinse them and bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Once cooled, crush them up and add to your bird food. You can

also scatter some on the ground for the ground feeders. CHEESE – this one surprised me. Buy grated mild cheddar and use a tray feeder. WAT E R – v e r y i m p o r t a n t ! Yo u c a n purchase birdbath heaters so the water won't freeze. No matter the season, always keep your feeders and bird baths clean. Rotten food can actually kill the very birds you're trying to help. I haven't said much about squirrels. In addition to peanuts which I mentioned above, they will raid your feeders and pick out what they like leaving the rest to fall to the ground. You can try baffles, spikes and squirrel-proof feeders. Don't place your feeders near trees because they will jump from a branch onto your feeder. I know from experience. Thank goodness the weather in our area isn't too bad. We have cold snaps that don't usually last too long but if you think about how small birds and squirrels are, you realize how hard it is for them to stay warm and to find food in the winter. Let's help them.

Montgomery Whataburger Celebrates 1000th Store Opening: A Local Favorite Whataburger, the 73 year old Texas Treasure, recently celebrated the opening of its 1000th store on January 16th, with new locations in Georgia and Oklahoma. All of its stores in fourteen states from Arizona to Florida, including Texas, were in a celebratory mood, giving away free bottles of Whataburger Ketchup and other prizes to customers throughout the day. Whataburger started from a single burger stand in Corpus Christi, when founder Harmon Dobson opened his first store in June 1950 on Ayers Street.

Whataburger has announced plans to open new stores in Nevada, and South Carolina adding two more states to its nationwide footprint. The celebration of the thousandth store also prompted WBs spirit of giving back to the community. “With this milestone, we are donating $100,000 to local food banks through the Whataburger Feeding Student Success program,” said WB President and CEO Ed Nelson. “We are committed to providing nutritious meals to those in need but to also empower young

minds.” Montgomery’s Whataburger celebrated the day as well, happy to be back from the treacherous roads of the day before. Ms Sandy Johnson, the well-liked WB family member (employee) of the store, was on hand to give out prizes to customers who enjoyed their meals in the dining room that day. Ruben can be reached a t : ruben@montgomerycoun tynews.net

Warrant Amnesty Program The City of Montgomery Municipal Court is r u n n i n g a Wa r r a n t Amnesty Program, from now until April 23, 2024. If you have outstanding warrants with the City of Montgomery, NOW is the time to act. As part of the program, ALL warrant fees are removed if you contact the

court to make arrangements. If you can’t pay in full, but you’re serious about taking care of your warrants, the court is open to working with you. Contact the court for information on scheduling a court date. Keep in mind, the Montgomery Municipal Court is a safe haven court

year-round. You can handle your warrants without the fear of being arrested. We don’t want you to go to jail!! Let’s make arrangements. 936-597-6434 101 Old Plantersville Rd Montgomery, Texas 77316

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Page 10, Montgomery County News, Wednesday, January 24, 2024

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MCN’s Veteran Of The Week: .This week’s Veteran is Michael Ward. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, having served from 1971-1991. Michael had an important job working with Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, or nuclear ICBMs. He was in communications with the missiles after they were fired off. Thankfully, Ward only communicated with the ICBMs in training, or we wouldn’t be here, so his service was vital in deterring other nuclear powers from starting a n o t h e r w o r l d w a r. Michael also worked with digital data, or the forerun-

ner of today’s Internet, as well radio frequencies in communicating with the missiles. Ward was stationed in Montana, which is very cold during the Winter, and although he grew up in upper Michigan, he happily calls Texas home today since he retired. One of Ward’s biggest concerns when stationed in Montana was in spring, when the snows began to melt, and many a time he had to deal with the sump pumps beginning to break down. “And you don’t want a wet missile,” he said. He charged airmen under his command

Michael Ward to shovel snow off the missile sites. One time, Ward was going to a launch control site India-One at Whiteman Air Force base, when his group encountered a UFO at 3am in the morning. It was a triangular pyramid shaped craft, and one guy Michael was riding with had a cow, because it was heading straight for them. When they drove away, it turned bottom side up and disappeared. When they got to the LC site, there were over 20 guys at the base who saw the same thing. Of course, the Air Force was hush-hush in

reference to the event, but some guys took pictures, and it has been referenced in some programs he has watched. There are numerous reports of UFOs being attracted to missile bases in those days, because tremendous amounts of energy were required to run the place, and Michael just happened to see one. Sadly, Michael reported that the movie Michael Ward. ”War Games,” was just a Hollywood invention. Congratulations Michael on being MCNs ‘Veteran of the Week’.

2023 PROPERTY TAXES DUE BY Payton from page 1 JANUARY 31, 2024 Tax Office Offers Extended Hours (Conroe, Tx) The 2023 property taxes must be paid by January 31, 2024 to avoid incurring penalties and interest, according to Montgomery County Tax AssessorC o l l e c t o r, Ta m m y McRae. The Montgomery County Tax Office offers numerous options to pay including: Online using Credit/Debit Card By Phone 1-800-3517929 e-Check Pay in Person Using Credit/Debit Card at any of the 6 tax office locations Pay by Mail in the envelope provided D r op b o x ( C o n r o e location only)

Skip the Line- Schedule an Appointment Online- this feature is available for all offices. Simply go to the Tax Office website and select the time you would like to come into the office to make your payment. “We are pleased to provide e-Check service at no cost to our taxpayers. I encourage you to utilize this free service. Property owners choosing to pay with a credit/debit card will continue to see lower service charges this year. The convenience fee charged by the vendor to pay by credit or debit card remains at 2.08%,” said McRae.

Taxpayers may pay online b y g o i n g t o http://mctotx.org and select Property Tax or access their individual account by scanning the QR code on the statement with a smart device. Paper receipts are available upon request or may be printed online. T h e Ta x O ff i c e i s offering extended hours to pay your property taxes in person. All office locations, including our new Willis branch will be open from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., January 29 - January 31, 2024. “I encourage taxpayers to take advantage of the extended hours and avoid waiting in line”, said McRae. All payments, including metered mail, online bill pay and e-checks, must bear a USPS postmark or be received on or before January 31 st. Depositing payments in a USPS collection box does not guarantee a postmark for that day and could result in the accrual of penalty and interest if done on or near a delinquency date. The Montgomery County Tax Office Call Center is available to assist taxpayers with questions weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. “We are here to answer your questions and assist with your needs”, said Ta m m y M c R a e , Ta x Assessor Collector.

Payton Riley leaving her forever mark at The Table at Madeley on January 20th

Payton Riley wows the crowd at The Table at Madeley this past Saturday in Conroe The World Premiere of Payton’s video “Love Heals,” played Friday night at the Moonlight Venue in Conroe, and it was received with much enthusiasm by the audience of the LHY Gala, and there she wasn’t afraid to pray in front of others either. The video was a collaboration of Riley, Love Heals Youth founder and CEO, Rebecca SmithNash, and Carla McDougal, the founder of Reflective Media Productions, which produces the faith-based streaming mystery series, “Breaking Strongholds.” And there is no doubt that Payton will be filming more videos as her career progresses. “I had an awesome time tonight watching Payton Riley and her band here at The Table,” said Alex Foster, who was visiting family in Montgomery County, from Temple. “They absolutely crushed it.” Frank Jackson was so impressed with Riley’s performance Saturday, that he had her hands pressed

into concrete to commemorate the first Sold Out performance at his place. “Payton Riley has been p l a y i n g T h e Ta b l e a t Madeley since we opened in 2022,” said Jackson. “Each performance solo, songwriting rounds and now full band she seems to grow and get better each

was not surprised she was his first sell out. “I expected it would happen sooner or later, since each time her audience numbers seem to grow as well as her ability as an artist.” To search out Payton Riley’s music, go to: https://linktr.ee/Paytonrile y m u s i c o r

Payton Riley debuting her new song “Mascara Doesn’t Lie” Saturday night at The Table at Madeley time both vocally and musically.” Jackson went on to say that Riley’s professionalism is years beyond some artist twice her age, and he

@paytonrileymusic Ruben can be reached a t : ruben@montgomerycount ynews.net

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