The city of Magnolia may be getting its own fire department.

The long-awaited Hwy. 249 corridor extension—a project that was removed from the Houston-Galveston Area Council 2035 Regional Transportation Plan in 2010 due to funding concerns—became a reality when Phase 1 opened to drivers on April 12.

The Montgomery County Elections Office has released early voting totals, and after nine days of voting, county voters are turning out in force.

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, a company located in The Woodlands that specializes in growing preclinical and clinical stage products for a variety of diseases, has been selected to lead a collaborative effort towards the fight against the Ebola virus.

Four community information sessions are scheduled in May to introduce parents and students to the redesigned SAT and PSAT exams.

Houston Methodist Hospital bought out the Tailgators Pub and Grill at 242 Crossing to make room for access to the hospital, leaving the remainder of the retail center intact.

There will be no shortage of activities for residents to do this weekend with a variety of public festivals kicking off in Tomball and Magnolia.

New opening in Market Street

The Lone Star College System board of trustees named Rebecca Riley the lone finalist April 29 in its search to find the next president of its Montgomery campus.

Austin-based development company Stratus Properties Inc. officials confirmed big-box grocer H-E-B purchased 18 acres in September to construct its first Magnolia location at the corner of FM 149 and FM 1488.

Kroger Marketplace at Shops at Katy Reserve shopping center opens Aug. 7

The antique shop sells American and European home goods.

The health and fitness store opened its first location April 10.

The bakery opened in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch on April 15.

Many Montgomery County homeowners may see a significant increase in their appraised property values this month.

Road bond election early voting

The engineering firm hosted an open house ceremony April 17.

The restaurant opened its Mason Road location on April 23.

The four candidates running for Magnolia City Council positions 1 and 2 discussed their platforms and answered write-in questions from audience members during an April 21 public forum at City Hall.

The community of Cardiff Ranch is located between I-10 and Hwy. 59 and features homes ranging from 2,531-4,844 square feet.