Your trusted source for local The Woodlands, TX news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Janaka Manatunga, a 56-year-old Uber driver, faces charges for sexually assaulting a passenger in The Woodlands, Texas. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office believes there may be additional victims, as the incident was captured on surveillance video. Uber has banned Manatunga from its platform and is cooperating with law enforcement.
Child Advocates of Montgomery County will host an appreciation event on May 1, 2025, to honor volunteers and community partners. The event, located at The Peach Orchard, highlights the contributions of those dedicated to supporting local children and families.
The John Cooper School hosted its annual International Celebration, showcasing global cultures through an International Flag Parade and ethnic food buffets. The event included student-led performances and culminated in a Community Food Fair featuring local restaurants, enhancing students' understanding of cultural diversity.
The City of Conroe awarded Brandy Taylor the 2024 Employee of the Year during an Employee Appreciation Luncheon on May 1. Taylor, recognized for her impactful work in the Engineering and Purchasing departments, was joined by First Runner-Up Andrew Yousse and Second Runner-Up Shawn Davis, who also received accolades for their contributions.
Montgomery County Sheriff Wesley Doolittle intervened in a road rage incident on FM 1488, disarming a suspect who threatened another driver with a firearm. The swift action prevented potential injuries and resulted in the arrest of Vernon Cradier for Aggravated Assault. Doolittle's leadership was highlighted during a ceremony honoring retired Sheriff Tommy Gage.
Montgomery County Commissioners Court designated April 29th as “Sheriff Tommy Gage Day” in recognition of his extensive public service. Sheriff Wesley Doolittle renamed the West Montgomery County Annex to honor Gage, who served over 35 years and was instrumental in launching key initiatives within the Sheriff's Office.
The Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force filed charges against multiple suspects during Child Abuse Awareness Month. Notably, five children were rescued from active sexual abuse, highlighting the task force's commitment to protecting vulnerable youth.
Valorie Burton will serve as the keynote speaker for the ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon on April 30, 2025. The event recognizes outstanding women leaders in business and finance. Steve Scheffler will also participate in the ceremony.
A Montgomery County jury sentenced Darrell Ray Vaughn to life in prison for sexually assaulting a young woman, who testified about enduring years of abuse. Vaughn, a convicted child predator, faced enhanced sentencing due to prior convictions, making him eligible for an automatic life sentence. The District Attorney emphasized the importance of protecting victims and stopping repeat offenders.
A family dog named Scruffy alerted its owners to a house fire in The Woodlands, Texas, on April 25, allowing them to escape unharmed. The fire, caused by a hot plastic bowl on the stovetop, damaged the kitchen but could have been much worse without Scruffy's timely warning. Firefighters emphasized the importance of working smoke alarms, which the couple lacked, and installed new ones after the incident.