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03.09.10 By Claude Hunter, Director, The Woodlands Township Honored public safety heroes03.08.10 Courier News The Woodlands-Huntsman Corporation was presenting sponsor of the recent 15th Annual Public Safety Heroes Awards Banquet. Candidates file for township elections03.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Note by Claude: It is your money and community. For the first time ever you have an opportunity to elect all who decide how your money should be spent to keep The Woodlands the best place to live, work, play and learn. Candidate slate set for college system board03.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Calling all Eagle ScoutsOnce an Eagle, Always an Eagle! The Tall Timbers District is compiling a list of all Eagle Scouts in the District. Please help complete the list - call 713-822-2810 for more information. Daily update03.08.10 by Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Misfired shell creates different show at park03.07.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Library plans free job search program03.04.10 by Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Brady sweeps primary, faces Libertarian in November03.03.10 By Kassia Micek, The Courier Eissler re-elected to Texas House03.03.10 By Brad Meyer, The Courier Local film commission to launch Web site03.04.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Convention bureau targets group sales03.03.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Posted on 03 Mar 2010 by cwh
03.01.10 By Kasia Micek, The Courier Primary battles attract strong early voting turnout03.01.10 By Brad Meyer, The Courier Suspects arrested after early-morning burglary. 03.02.10 By The Villager Cynthia Woods Mitchell Day April 29 in The Woodlands. 03.02.10 Special to The Villager Township sets day to honor Mitchell03.02.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Township SCI://TECH Showcase Annual EfTA event highlights math, science 03.01.10 By Haylee Spencer, The Villager Note by Claude: The youth of today are our future. Having had the privilege of being a judge of SCE:/TECH events for many years, I know that youth graduating from our schools are well prepared for skills that they will use to make our community and world a better place. Gourmet cupcakes coming to Indian Springs03.01.10 By Diane Shirah, Ultimate Township Township to issue $34 million in bonds02.25.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Township Woodlands starts community policing events02.24.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Township Township explores property tax exemptions02.24.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Township Posted on 24 Feb 2010 by cwh
Posted on 20 Feb 2010 by cwh
02.17.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Water negotiations back on for SJRA, ConroeNote by Claude: Delay during the 2009 Texas Legislative session to address concerns by Lakefront property owners has already cost residents throughout Montgomery County millions of dollars as we proceed with use of available surface water to meet our future drinking water needs. This SJRA Reply to Sen. Nichols should help residents understand the issues. Posted on 17 Feb 2010 by cwh
02.16.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands  Join me on Facebook and please contact me if you have questions. Take precautions when strangers come knocking02.14.10 By The Courier Note: Door-to-door soliciting is not illegal. However, if solicitors do not leave your premises when asked to, call the sheriff's office and report it as trespassing. They indicate they will take action. New events planned for Waterway Square02.12.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Visitors bureau targets SMERF groups SMERF=Social, military, education, religious & fraternal 02.12.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands The Woodlands reports job growth for 200902.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands church dedicates new campus02.11.10 By Kasia Micek, The Courier CISD welcomes new explosives detection dog02.11.10 By Kasia Micek, The Courier Water, well hot topics for county02.10.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Brackish water explored for alternate supply02.10.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Group seeks continued opposition for wells02.09.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Well opponents keep LSGCD’s feet to fire02.10.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier County fights injection well, concrete plant02.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Note by Claude: Since we are "downstream" in aquifers which are our sole current source of safe drinking water, injection of waste liquids via the Old Conroe Oil Field site north of us is of concern. During a time unsuitable for issuing road bonds to cover even maintenance of our roads, both the Injection Well and the Concrete plant will burden our county taxes with need for road construction to benefit massive truck traffic to serve these private companies. I believe waste liquids should be injected closer to their primary source (southeast of Houston) and close enough to the Gulf to avoid potential threat to anyone's drinking water source. Montgomery County nixes road bond election02.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands County defers road bond discussion02.08.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Firm relocates to Waterway Square site02.08.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands CISD gets funding from Dell Foundation02.08.10 By Kasia Micek, The Villager Early voting gets under way Feb. 1602.08.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Convenience voting (for Village Association and RDRC election) begins Feb. 15; remember to vote!Township debuts crime prevention series02.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Anadarko buys its Woodlands campus02.02.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Township honors First Lady of The Woodlands02.01.10 by Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Posted on 01 Feb 2010 by cwh
Posted on 29 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.27.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 27 Jan 2010 by cwh
Posted on 21 Jan 2010 by cwh
Posted on 13 Jan 2010 by cwh
01.11.10 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Three arrested in overnight fire01.11.10 By Brad Meyer, The Courier Pregnant woman robbed at Steel City Pizza on Sawdust Road in Spring 01.11.10 By The Villager Woman robbed at gunpoint at Woodlands Mall 01.11.10 By The Villager Interfaith honors Woodlands couple01.08.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Passing the keys-Symbolic ceremony gives Township control 01.07.10 By Mike Taylor, The Villager The Woodlands Township unveils new Web siteNote by Claude: Please take time to review this valuable information source. It is important that residents become familiar with our new, easier to understand and more effective, Township governance. Our commitment is that the same or better level of services will continue as before. Please let me know of any questions or concerns not adequately answered by our website or staff. Deputies arrest Woodlands robbery suspect01.05.10 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands ‘A True Saint’01.04.10 By Kassia Micek, The Courier Restaurant owner recovering after robbery, shooting01.04.10 By Howard Roden, The Courier Filing continues for village and Residential Design Review Committee elections12.29.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Starting Jan. 1, The Woodlands will run more like a city12.27.09 By Renee C. Lee, Houston Chronicle Cynthia Woods Mitchell dies at 8712.28.09 By Howard Roden, The Villager Cynthia Woods Mitchell, patron of the arts, dies at 8712.28.09 By Allan Turner, The Houston Chronicle The Township Board addressed 35 agenda items at Dec. 16th meeting- a summary from The Woodlands Township website Posted on 12 Jan 2010 by cwh
Posted on 09 Dec 2009 by cwh
Posted on 19 Nov 2009 by cwh
11.18.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands New: Township sets new park rules and fees11.17.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Township sets village elections11.16.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Township to consolidate elections11.16.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier Texas officials: We're running out of water11.16.09 By John McFarland / Associated Press; Dallas Morning News Taking a test run on the ice 11.16.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Exploring the imagination11.16.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier Fun at the Children's Festival11.16.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Memorial Hermann plans $104M expansion11.14.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier Windsor Hills residents get answers about tax concerns11.14.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier College starting campus expansion projects11.13.09 By Alan Fossler, Ultimate Woodlands Community Associations winding down 11.10.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands TWA winding down toward transition 11.10.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager WCA to use surplus to construct dog park11.12.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Villager WCA's last bark is a new dog park11.12.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands MCSO, FBI investigating bank robbery connection 11.12.09 By Howard Roden, The Courier Water district sets new regulations 11.10.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands County gets $2.9 million grant from feds 11.10.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Market Street hotel sets opening date 11.10.09 By Diane Shirah, Ultimate Woodlands EPA, test results could help residents’ well case11.09.09 By Lucretia Cardenas, The Courier Fire Department using mobile mapping system 11.08.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands ready to build new fire stations 11.05.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Woodlands plans $4.6 million in parks projects 11.05.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands Holiday food drives get under way 11.05.09 By Kim Morgan, Ultimate Woodlands Posted on 05 Nov 2009 by cwh
Posted on 27 Oct 2009 by cwh
10.27.09 By Beth Kuhles, Ultimate Woodlands
Posted on 22 Oct 2009 by cwh
Posted on 14 Oct 2009 by cwh
Posted on 01 Oct 2009 by cwh
No Water Fight. Elected officials, leaders come away upbeat from water summit
Posted on 29 Sep 2009 by cwh
Posted on 21 Sep 2009 by cwh
Posted on 11 Sep 2009 by cwh
Posted on 18 Aug 2009 by cwh
Budget information:
Law Enforcement Plan Alternatives, Board Memo, August 17, 2009 Presentations from Budget Workshops follow:* Proposed 2010 Township Budget and Five-Year Business Plan-revised during budget process * Convention and Visitor's Bureau* Economic Development Partnership* Community Relations Department* Parks and Recreation Department* Covenant Administration* Environmental Services* Law Enforcement-Public Security Plan- not final! * Fire Department Video* Fire Department Presentation* Neighborhood Services* Transportation Plan* Additional 2010 Budget DocumentsNews articles re: 2010 Township BudgetEconomic slump hits the area08.14.09 By NANCY FLAKE, The Villager The Woodlands bureau targeting visitor dollars08.12.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier Note: see earlier reference regarding the Convention and Visitor's Bureau presentation Community policing part of efforts in The Woodlands08.11.09 By Nelda Blair and Tommy Gage in The Woodlands Villager opinion column Police agencies find mixed success with horseback patrols08.10.09 By TARA SULLIVAN, Houston Chronicle Parks and Recreation projects a major part of township proposed budget08.07.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager Correction re: Street Lighting expense of just over $1 million is for street lighting electricity usage, not installation or replacement of lights. Budgets now, and in 2010, must focus on crime08.01.09 The Courier-Opinion Woodlands Township presents budget07.30.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Villager County hammers out $211.5M budget that maintains the current property tax rate 07.29.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Courier Tax drop leads to county (budget) cuts07.28.09 By HOWARD RODEN, Woodlands Villager Note: County commissioners failed to fund more law enforcement to keep up with growth and crime increase. Delinquent assessments stay with new tax rate08.17.09 By LUCRETIA CARDENAS, The Courier
Posted on 10 Aug 2009 by cwh
Posted on 10 Jul 2009 by cwh
Legislation to create Town Center started in 1993 and has been modified several times. In 2007 it was modified to allow begin creation of our own local government free of the threat of annexation and now called The Township. * SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day and earlier unanimously (31 to zero) by the Senate. Bill Text. This bill takes effect immediately. * HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was unanimously (29 Yea, 0 Nea) passed by those present in the Senate on May 26th and earlier passed the House (147 yea, 0 nay) by those present and voting. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill takes effect September 1, 2009 Posted on 22 Jun 2009 by cwh
06.15.09 By HOWARD RODEN, The Villager Note: Most traffic on Texas 242 is Woodlands related traffic, not through traffic. 24 hour Vehicle Counts indicate most traffic enters or leaves SH 242 via IH-45, Gosling and Greenbridge. Once FM 1488 widening is complete (within a year) only a few would choose travel through a heavily urbanized area with many traffic signals, residential areas, large churches, a very large high school, a college and university, shopping centers, access to a fire station and two hospitals, travel via FM 1488 through a Texas Forest. The distance is shorter and quicker, if traveling north, and will usually be quicker, if traveling east on SH 242 or South on IH-45. The SH 242 improvement project is not likely to be funded or started before 2012 to 2014 with likely additional increase in Woodlands congestion by then; whether or not improvements are planned. TxDOT indicates a planned 6 inch curb along a 24 foot wide median will allow trees and shrubs within a couple of feet of the roadway, as on most Woodlands collector roads. SH 242 is already six lanes, but only from IH-45 to Windsor Hills. Continuation of six lanes, at least to Greenbridge, will reduce present and future mobility problems, which a recent survey indicates is a major concern of our resident's. Questions that need more answers are: What other means, such as lower speed limits or better timing of traffic lights, are to be included in plans and design for this section of SH 242? Are improvement in "Green Ribbon" aspects included in the design? Reference and historical articles follow: * 24 Hour Traffic Counts on many Woodlands roads. * New pavement (PFC) may make Beltway 8 safer06.11.2009 By Dave Fehling, KHOU.com, Channel 11 News - Note: An amazing difference! * Use of Permeable Friction Course (PFC) asphalt can improve performance of Concrete Pavement02.11. 2003 TxDOT Technical Advisory * Greenbelt project to extend up Texas 24212.05. 2002 By Beth Kuhles, Houston Chronicle * New state highway (242) to be dedicated07.14. 1994 By Staff, Houston Chronicle. Note: The Woodlands Corp. and others donated land for SH 242. Posted on 15 Jun 2009 by cwh
June 2009, Continental Airlines inflight magazine Note: This pure editorial coverage was written by a freelance writer. Continental's magazine reach 2.4 million readers each month. This is an example of publicity we frequently receive as a result of efforts by the Woodlands Convention and Visitor's Bureau. See CVB Website at: www.thewoodlandscvb.com for more. Important: A 50% Water Saving Device Rebate, up to $150.00, is available for the purchase and installation of a rain sensor, or the installation of an ET Smart Controller, for your sprinkler system. Posted on 04 Jun 2009 by cwh
Texas Legislative Summary
Summaries of important Texas Legislative items follow: * HB 3335, which would have significantly reduced future water costs for Montgomery County did not pass. * SB 2515, Sen. Williams’ Township legislation, was passed by the House by a vote of 143 to zero on Memorial Day. Bill Text* HB 2726, Rep. Eissler’s regional participation agreement bill was finally passed by the Senate onMay 26. Bill Analysis and Bill Text. This bill takes effect September 1, 2009. * SB 275, a TCEQ/TexCom/Injection well bill relating to the application of new requirements for commercial underground injection control wells, was passed by the Senate and voted favorably w/o amendments from the House Natural Resources Committee but was not adopted by the House in time, thus ending any hope for a statutory solution to the existing TexCom permitting issue regarding the disposal facility and injection wells. * HB 875 by Rep. Eissler, relating to civil liability for erecting or maintaining certain outdoor signs or advertising (bandit signs) was passed unanimously by both houses and signed by the Governor and is effective immediately. Along with provisions of SB 2515, HB 875 may allow Township permitting of public information signs, such as for village or other community events. HB 875 Bill Analysis and Bill TextPosted on 29 May 2009 by cwh
Posted on 09 Feb 2009 by cwh
Posted on 28 Jan 2009 by cwh
To inform the public of progress of transportation projects, TxDOT has launched a new way to present project information. For Montgomery County projects click here.Posted on 21 Jan 2009 by cwh
12.22.08 By T.L. Hamilton, The Villager
Note: In the past two years the associations (TWA and WCA) reduced assessment rates more than the predicted "up to 30 percent".
Posted on 17 Dec 2008 by cwh
Posted on 09 Dec 2008 by cwh
12.03.08 By T.L. Hamilton, The Courier
Posted on 25 Nov 2008 by cwh
In 2007 this legislation was modified to allow creation of the Woodlands Township and prevent annexation.
Posted on 07 Aug 2008 by cwh
July 28, 2008 By T.L. Hamilton, Courier/Villager Correspondent Note by Claude: Last November, an historic event occurred. Voters validated legislation which allows The Woodlands to transition to democratic self governance - a true government of, by and for the people. This principle of democracy is the most important aspect protected by our Transition Agreement. Mutual objectives stated in The Transition Agreement are to: * accomplish a seamless consolidation of functions and services provided by the Parties into a single, community wide, governmental organization and * fund, by the most efficient and cost effective means to the taxpayers of the community services while: * preserving and continuing the current high level and quality of such functions and services by utilizing existing personnel, management, programs and structures, and * ensuring continuity of management and elected leadership. Woodlands Township welcomes new board members. May 28, 2008 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle Residents elect members to Township board. Election was first step in transition of governing power in The Woodlands May 10, 2008 By BETH KUHLES, Houston Chronicle Township Election Results From Houston Chronicle Website Historic event: The Woodlands Transition Begins Woodlands groups OK final governance agreement. Approval starts timeline on transition to Township board 02/07/2008 By BETH KUHLES, Chronicle Correspondent New governance approved in The Woodlands11/07/2007 By: Tiffany Williams, Courier staff Note by Claude: For the first time in the history of Houston (and Texas), a community in the extraterritorial jurisdiiction of cities is guaranteed the opportunity to choose their own future governance. Residents who voted "For" deserve credit for this historic achievement. Sincere thanks to those who helped make this vote possible, including: * Sen. Tommy Williams, Rep. Rob Eissler and Mayor White (and all 31 Texas Senators, 144 Texas Representatives and Governor Perry, who approved enabling legislation) * Leaders of Houston and Shenandoah who testified in support of the legislation * Directors of the Community Associations and the Town Center who voted for the Memorandum of Understanding * And many others too numerous to mention Click here to view the transition agreement. Posted on 30 Jul 2008 by cwh
Important Governance Information:
* Memorandum of Understanding-Timeline for transition to new government in 2010. Source: Community Associations * Regional Participation Agreement between Houston and The Woodlands, as approved by Houston City Council * Houston's Historical Timeline relative to The Woodlands, by Claude Hunter, updated February 10, 2010. * Why we cannot become a city now, by Claude Hunter, updated Nov. 8, 2007 * Map: How Houston Grew, by Jay Carr, Houston Chronicle, Oct. 8, 2006 Enabling Legislation approved in 2007: * Senate Bill 1012 authorized binding regional partnership agreements with Houston and Conroe to release The Woodlands from the threat of annexation * House Bill 4109 modified Town Center Improvement District legislation to allow expansion and renaming the district to serve as the political subdivision for all parts of The Woodlands was alidated by The Woodlands voters Nov. 6, 2007. * The district was expanded and renamed "The Woodlands Township" and all elected and appointed directors of The Woodlands Township became accountable to the voters for every dollar of taxes collected or spent and every policy approved. True democracy began May 10, 2008 as five Directors, who were not elected at-large, were replaced. Legislative history: Town Center Improvement District (TCID) * Composiite Legislation through 2009. (Compilation of all TCID/Township legislation) * Legislation to create TCID began in 1993 with Senate Bill 1325, then to House Bill 2843 by Kevin Brady and then to Senate Bill 1373. * TCID initial legislation (SB 1373) was modified in 1997 by Senate Bill 26, in 1999 by Senate Bill 1807 and in 2005 by Senate Bill 1353.Posted on 17 Oct 2007 by cwh
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This website provides information on matters of interest to residents
of The Woodlands, TX. Personal views by Claude Hunter should not
be interpreted as official positions of The Woodlands Association
or other not-for-profit Corporations of The Woodlands on which he
is a Director. His views reflect input received from residents and
constituents. Note: If you find this website useful, please feel
free to share it's location with other residents of The Woodlands. |
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