September, 2022 -

A Salute to Local Veterans

Posted September 30, 2022 by Esther Lum

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 to honor the the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month when fighting ceased between the Allied nations and Germany during World War I. The Sentinel salutes all Shenandoah veterans who have served, and those who are currently on active duty. The…

Put the Brakes on Spending

Posted September 30, 2022 by Esther Lum

By Alex WarmathWhy will Shenandoah spend 3.6 times more dollars per resident in the current budget year than The Woodlands Township? Are the Woodlands residents lacking quality services and if so, how is it that The Woodlands is regularly recognized as the #1 place to live in Texas?Here are the…

Board Appointment Process: Principled or PrinciPALS?

Posted September 30, 2022 by Esther Lum

Although city council must approve all appointments to the city’s two boards (P&Z, MDD), the determination as to which applicant will be nominated for approval is made by the mayor for P&Z openings and by the MDD president for vacancies on that board.The process is subject to little-known Ordinance O-13-028,…

P&Z, MDD Positions Filled

Posted September 30, 2022 by Esther Lum

On August 10, city council approved Mayor Escoto’s appointment of Colin Caffey to fill the open position left by Jim Pollard on Planning & Zoning. Besides Caffey, only one other person applied, Rodney Wingerter. On their applications, both candidates stated they had not yet attended a single P&Z meeting. On September…

No Late Hours for Gloria’s

Posted September 29, 2022 by Esther Lum

At its September 28 meeting, city council followed the recommendation of Planning & Zoning and declined to approve a request for late hour (12-2 am) alcohol sales by Gloria’s Latin Cuisine. The restaurant will be located at the corner of I-45 and Wellman Road which is in close proximity to…

Honoring First Responders on Patriot Day

Posted September 28, 2022 by Esther Lum

Woodlands Fire Chief Palmer Buck presided over a solemn ceremony on Sunday, September 11 to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. He said this is a day to remember, reflect and renew. Also speaking at the event was Township Director Jason…

School Takes Action to Improve Safety on Wellman Road

Posted September 28, 2022 by Esther Lum

Local residents who regularly travel along Wellman Road have probably noticed that cars are no longer lining up along the shoulder of the road near Quest Collegiate Academy - Shenandoah. This is because new leadership at the school recognized the safety hazard and quickly made several changes to improve the…

City Proposal Unlikely to Gain Support of Most State Legislators

Posted September 28, 2022 by Esther Lum

On August 24, city council voted to send a resolution to the state legislature supporting legislative efforts to give local taxing entities the ability to raise the homestead exemption rate from its current ceiling of 20% up to 100%. In September 2021, a similar resolution was introduced in the legislature,…

Shenandoah Stories: The Early Years

Posted September 28, 2022 by Esther Lum

Gwen Quinn, Shenandoah resident since 1979, has many memories of her dad, Gordon Fitch. A veteran, salesman and owner of the legendary Speedy Pak convenience store, Fitch did business with many Shenandoah residents, selling barbecue, beer and groceries. He ran the store (on the northeast corner of I-45 and Research…

Halloween Safe Streets

Posted September 18, 2022 by Esther Lum

For over 30 years Shenandoah families enjoyed a tradition known as Halloween Safe Streets where certain streets were blocked and the city provided candy to designated homes for distribution. With Covid concerns in 2020, the event was changed to a parade where city officials and staff handed out candy. Citing…