City Council -

City Elections Will Likely Be Cancelled

Posted February 10, 2025 by Esther Lum

Although three council seats are up for election this year, so far no one has filed applications to run against any of the three incumbents: Charlie Bradt, Jim Pollard and Joe Summerlin. The deadline for filing with the city is February 14, and if no one else applies to run,…

Shenandoah Urged to Oppose Widening Grogan’s Mill

Posted November 14, 2024 by Esther Lum

Two Woodlands area elected officials asked the Shenandoah city council to pass a resolution against the plan to expand Grogan’s Mill from four to six lanes between Research Forest and Woodlands Parkway. MUD 67 Director Steve Briggs and Woodlands Township Director Dr. Shelly Sekula-Gibbs made the request during citizen’s forum…

Ted Fletcher Resigns, Council Appoints Joe Summerlin

Posted November 11, 2024 by Esther Lum

Updated November 14, 2024 On November 5, councilman Ted Fletcher submitted a letter of resignation to Mayor Escoto effective that same day, citing a family medical issue and his growing business. Council approved the nomination of Joe Summerlin to fill the vacant seat during its meeting on November 13. Fletcher was…

Should Medical Marijuana Dispensary Be Located Next to Homes?

Posted August 26, 2024 by Esther Lum

Despite multiple objections from residents, city attorney Bill Ferebee claimed state law makes it “pretty darn crystal clear” that the city cannot enforce its own zoning regulations and will likely grant a Special Use Permit (SUP) which would allow medical marijuana to be dispensed near homes along Holly Hill (see…

Council Buries Term Limits

Posted August 4, 2024 by Esther Lum

Citing a conflict between a 2013 ordinance (see page 24)and the city’s 2011 Integrated Development Code, council voted unanimously on July 24 to amend the ordinance and remove all term limits for members of Planning & Zoning. Prior law allowed P&Z members to serve up to three consecutive two-year terms…

Residents Speak Out On Possible Zoning Change Along I-45

Posted March 23, 2024 by Esther Lum

Planning & Zoning Commission held a special meeting on March 19 to discuss changing the zoning laws for a narrow strip of land facing the southbound I-45 feeder between Wellman and Reserach Forest. That area consists of various businesses such as hotels, restaurants, a gas station and two vacant buildings.…

Big Wins for Grassroots Conservatives

Posted March 6, 2024 by Esther Lum

Winning over 60% of the vote, Gwen Withrow solidly defeated incumbent GOP county chair Bryan Christ. During her campaign, Withrow promised she would “move past the drama and discord that has been surrounding our Montgomery Republican party for more than a few years now and work together” to earn people’s…

David Memorial: Where Is The Finish Line?

Posted December 26, 2023 by Esther Lum

One year ago local officials proudly broke ground to celebrate the long awaited extension of David Memorial to Hwy 242, with former Shenandoah Mayor Ritch Wheeler saying "we finally got it across the finish line." Current Mayor John Escoto said the funding had been acquired to "complete this project." Unfortunately,…

Savanah Drive Residents Concerned About Zoning Proposal

Posted December 7, 2023 by Esther Lum

Some area residents are alarmed about a potential zoning change under consideration by the Planning and Zoning commission which affects properties facing the I-45 South feeder between Wellman and Research Forest. The change could allow multiple story buildings to be built behind homes on Savanah Drive. Robert Shock has lived…

Local & State GOP Officials Highlight Failed Leadership of Bryan Christ

Posted November 17, 2023 by Esther Lum

Several Montgomery County GOP precinct chairs, State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) members and concerned citizens turned out for city council’s November 15 meeting. During citizens forum, 13 of them presented Shenandoah officials with a long list of grievances against county chairman Christ. Since the mayor and three councilmen have endorsed…