Recently many Katy residents have traveled abroad, competed in rodeos or shopped in newly opened stores.

When Katy Mills opened in 1999, city of Katy officials envisioned the mall as an engine for growth for the city.

When construction of the new Katy City Hall is complete in spring 2016, the hope is that residents will feel as if the building has been there all along, according to city administrator Byron Hebert.

The bursts of warm weather we’ve experienced have me thinking that spring is right around the corner.

Hawks Landing features dozens of newly built homes with prices ranging from $195,000 to $410,000.

Hot Tubs of Katy openedinearly December at 455 Katy Fort Bend Road, Ste.300.Theshopspecializesinoutdoor entertainment and offers Sunbelt hot tubs, grills, patio heaters and accessories. The store sells a line of hot tub chemicals and provides services to monitor hot tub chemical levels. The shop can also set up electrical and other construction services to get a hot tub up and running. 281-371-8827.www.hottubsofkaty.com 

With a menu full of catfish and shrimp dinners, po’boys and authentic Cajun-inspired food, Seafood on the Geaux has something for everyone.

BB’sCafeopeneditsfifthrestaurant, its first outside Houston, at 406 W. Grand Parkway, Ste. A-400, in late January. Offering what it calls “Tex-Orleans” food—traditional southern Louisiana- style cooking fused with a Texas twist–the restaurant is known for po’boys and gumbo. The company opened its first Houston location in 2007 and offers dine-in, take-out and catering services. 281-665-7843. www.bbscafe.com

The University of Houston system is looking to move forward in a big way with ongoing efforts to become The Energy University in Houston.

Officials developing the future 610-acre Grand Texas Sports and Entertainment District under construction in New Caney announced Feb. 23 a new 30-acre attraction will debut in late 2015.

The YMCA of Greater Houston has announced the purchase of 6.58 acres of property in Katy for the construction of the city’s second YMCA location.

Texas will soon combine vehicle registration and inspection stickers in its new “Two Steps, One Sticker” program.

Montgomery County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a $350 million road bond election for May 9—even with public concerns being raised about the effect a proposed Woodlands Parkway extension would have on traffic in The Woodlands.

Montgomery County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a $350 million road bond election for May 9.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, toured Montgomery, Madison and Grimes counties with local law enforcement Feb. 19 in a series of press conferences calling on U.S. Senate democrats to stop filibustering the DHS funding.

Shell Oil Company has addressed rumors of a planned Montgomery County campus.

After two possible rail lines were identified by the Texas Department of Transportation last fall, Texas Central Railway announced its final corridor recommendation Feb. 17.

Katy business owner Rusty Wylie will open his third Chick-fil-A location in summer 2015.

From live music to an umbrella parade, residents are invited to partake in the city of Magnolia’s third annual Mardi Gras on the Stroll Feb. 14 throughout the downtown area.

The following is a list of lane closures due to construction projects in and around the Tomball and Magnolia area, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.