New Braunfels Edition | August 2024

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 9 AUG. 7SEPT. 6, 2024

Water quality, ow rate of Comal River prompt ocials to act

Maintaining river quality

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

The Comal River in New Braunfels is experiencing environ- mental challenges due to drought, wildlife impact, urban devel- opment and changes in visitor patterns, said Amy Niles, river and watershed manager with the city of New Braunfels. Known for its clear waters and constant ow from the Edwards Aquifer, it has been a popular spot for recreation and tourism. However, recent years have seen changes in water levels and quality due to varying environmental conditions, Niles said. Niles highlighted the ongoing eorts to protect the Comal River. The city developed a watershed protection plan that was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2018, and the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority has been monitoring bacterial contamina- tion since 2014. “Our watershed protection plan focuses on identifying the sources of bacteria in the Comal River. Most of it is attributed to wildlife, both native and non-native,” Niles said. “We are working on measures to manage these populations and reduce their impact on the river.”

The Comal River, as seen from the San Antonio Street Bridge, has been central to New Braunfels’ economy and culture since the city’s founding.

CONTINUED ON 20

SHAHERYAR KHANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Also in this issue

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Environment: TCEQ greenlights water permit for rock quarry; area residents push back (Page 16)

Business: Trailhead Mountain Bike Shop brings together family and community (Page 25)

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Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Thalia Guzman Shaheryar Khan Edmond Ortiz Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss

Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia Joseph Veloz Managing Copy Editor Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace

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Impacts

opened its Creekside location in July. • Opened July 15 • 2955 Town Center Drive, Ste. 400, New Braunfels • www.crustpizzaco.com 4 Freddy C’s Bar & Patio The San Marcos-based business opened a new bar and grill in the Creekside area. Owner Jamie Frailicks said there are also plans to open a second-floor rooftop patio in the fall. • Opened July 1 • 2031 Central Plaza, Ste. 101, New Braunfels • Facebook: Freddy C’s Bar & Patio 5 Surge Swim School The business offers swim lessons from beginners to advanced swimmers. The indoor facility will also offer the space for birthday parties, parent-taught classes, private and group lessons. • Opened June 17 • 563 Krueger Canyon, New Braunfels • https://surgeswimschool.com 6 Tea Charmers Owner Jayna Owens said the shop is designed to be a sensory experience, with tester jars for customers to smell and sample the different teas. • Opened in July • 301 W. San Antonio St., Ste. 20, New Braunfels • https://theteacharmer-com.myshopify.com 7 Tipsy Cow The shop opened its second New Braunfels location, and is known for its homemade ice cream, including alcohol- infused adult flavors as well as kid-friendly options. • Opened June 28 8 Style Encore The store sells women’s clothing and accessories, where customers can buy or sell used items. • Opened July 24 • 651 I-35 N. frontage road, Ste. 410, New Braunfels • www.style-encore.com • 1705 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelstipsycow.com

1863

NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS RD.

306

TOWN CENTER DR.

337

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

BORCHERS BLVD.

OAK RUN PKWY.

1101

CENTRAL PKWY.

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

CENTRAL PKWY.

ISLAND

337

KRUEGER CANYON

RIVERTREE DR.

482

LAKE DUNLAP

1044

MAP NOT TO SCALE

725

2 breakfast. The breakfast diner opened Aug. 4 in Veramendi next to Howard Payne University. • Opened Aug. 4 • 2168 Oak Run Parkway, New Braunfels • www.breakfastnbtx.com 3 Crust Pizza Co. The Houston-based Chicago-style thin-crust pizza chain

Now open

1 AutoZone The retailer for automotive replacement parts opened its fourth location in New Braunfels. • Opened June 29 • 1225 Rivertree Drive, New Braunfels • www.autozone.com

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Endless Beginnings by Rachel The business offers event planning services within 70 miles of New Braunfels. • Opened June 14 • Facebook: Endless Beginnings by Rachel

Relocations

Now open

13 Blumen Meisters Owner Teia Bennett said the shop is relocating from 111 S. Union Ave., New Braunfels, to a new space, which

will have a wine and beer license. • Relocating by the end of July • 410 N. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.blumen-meisters.com

Coming soon

9 Demi’s Sweets Owner Constance Phardis said she is reviving the bakery her father opened as a Greek immigrant to Toronto in the 1980s. The food truck will be in front of the Columbus Club Hall.

14 Food 4 Success The local nutrition counseling service has relocated from Creekside. Owner Elissa Lueckemeyer founded the business in 2015. It offers nutritional counseling with a focus on weight management, diabetes and more. • Relocated May 1 • 1067 FM 306, Ste. 404, New Braunfels • www.food4success.com 15 Pedego Electric Bikes The California-based e-bike franchise recently relocated its New Braunfels store from 133 Hampe St. The business sells and rents Pedego bikes as well as service them. • Relocated July 10

• Grand opening Aug. 15, 10 a.m. • 111 Landa St., New Braunfels • https://linktr.ee/demissweetsk

17 Açai Express NB The Puerto Rico-based franchise specializes in serving a variety of acai bowls, smoothies and other healthy, fruit-based snacks. The menu includes a range of customizable fruit bowls with toppings of fresh fruits, granola, nuts, honey and more. The menu also has various smoothies and other health-focused beverages, as well as pikole, a fruit popsicle. • Opened July 27 • 717 N. Business I-35, Ste. 110, New Braunfels • www.acaiexpress.com

10 Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant The chain’s newest location is slated to open in the Gruene Heights retail center. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant has locations in Kyle, San Marcos and Schertz. • Opening August 17 • 1050 FM 306, Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.garciasmexicanrestaurantcentraltexas.com 11 River Kids Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Kristen Self is board certified pediatric dentist and will focus on preventing oral disease while prioritizing emotional health in regard to experiences at the dental office. • Opening tentatively late August • 1058 FM 306, Ste. 104, New Braunfels • www.riverkidsnb.com 12 Sprouts Farmers Market The natural foods grocery store has nearly 380 stores across the county, including three in San Antonio. • Opening TBD • 275 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels • www.sprouts.com

• 691 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.pedegoelectricbikes.com

In the news

16 Natural Bridge Caverns The geological park celebrated its 60th anniversary of providing tours of its caverns July 3. The park offers tours of the two caverns on the property. • 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio • www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

• 25 Truss Drive, Boerne • www.darksidebrickovenpizza.com

Seguin Schoolyard The site of a former school in Seguin was converted into a mixed use space for a variety of local businesses and has a large outdoor beer garden area and stage for live music. The family-friendly venue will also host family movie nights and sporting events on its 20-foot screen along with ticketed concert events beginning in the fall. • Opened in July, grand opening Aug. 30

Worth the trip

Darkside Brick Oven Pizza Owner Michael Hawes showcases his 5,000-square-foot collection of memorabilia, posters and props from his favorite 1970s-80s movies in the eatery. • Opened May 9

• 225 N. Saunders St., Seguin • Facebook: Seguin Schoolyard

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Government

Faust Street Bridge sees surge in safety, litter Guadalupe River recreation in the Faust Street Bridge area is struggling with more litter, increased emergency calls and enforcement challenges due to its open-access and mixed property ownership. The big picture The area has seen a surge in litter and emer- gency service calls, driven by uncontrolled access and problematic behaviors, said Jordan Matney, New Braunfels deputy city manager, at a July 15 City Council meeting. Efforts to manage and clean the area have led to increased service costs and complex enforce- ment issues, highlighting the need for a more effective solution, Matney said. The contractor Pristine Texas Rivers has so far in 2024 removed 80 55-gallon trash bags from the area.

City eyes updating speed hump policy New Braunfels City Council is set to revamp its speed management program to address road safety. Council met July 15 for a special meeting that addressed concerns over the effective- ness of the speed hump policy in managing speeding issues in neighborhoods. Why it matters The primary objective is to improve road safety for all users by aligning actual speeds with target speeds on local roadways, said Garry Ford, transportation and capital improvements director for the city. What’s next City staff will now develop a detailed plan for an updated speed management program to expand traffic calming options.

River commotion Police citations in the Faust Street Bridge area are up 63.45% so far this year over all of 2023.

Calls

Citations

2021

2022

2023

2024*

NOTE: 2021 POLICE CITATION DATA UNAVAILABLE. SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

*TO DATE

A closer look The location is difficult to regulate and enforce due to minimal visibility, Matney said. She said her team will collaborate with property owners to address trespassing and other issues.

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BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & ERIC WEILBACHER

New Braunfels considers adjusting solid waste rates

City Council discussed a proposal to amend Chapter 110 of the Code of Ordinances July 8 that would amount to changes to solid waste commer- cial rates and operational modifications. The background The Solid Waste and Recycling Division operates as an enterprise fund, relying on service revenues, not general funds, said Matthew Eckmann, assis- tant director of public works for the city. Eckmann proposed a new rate structure to be implemented over three fiscal years. “The rate structure is pretty disproportionate, meaning the lower-end users are paying a higher share of the cost of services than our upper-range users,” Eckmann said. Diving in deeper The proposal suggests changing recycling and green waste collections from weekly to biweekly, Eckmann said, as the rates in New Braunfels for

535

336

The price of collection

Total revenues Year

2022-23

2023-24

NBU acquires new water source New Braunfels Utilities officials announced the addition of 8,000 acre-feet of water annually from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer on July 10. The takeaway NBU CEO Ryan Kelso said NBU now pulls from seven different water sources. “The Carrizo source is being treated at a new plant located near Rosanky, Texas, and is included in the cost of the purchase,” Kelso said.

$90,711,982

$93,208,679

Total expenditures

$94,168,967 $90,855,982

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

recycling bin use are below 50%, and the rates for green waste are below 10%. These changes are expected to save approxi- mately $300,000 in labor costs, as well as reduce fuel and equipment costs, Eckmann said. Eckmann anticipates efficiency improvements with the new material recovery facility opening in New Braunfels in 2025. An outreach campaign to inform residents about a new waste management app will launch in August.

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Education

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Comal ISD adopts $450.7M budget with $23.6M shortfall for FY 2024-25

General funds revenue Local revenue: $221.6M

Federal aid: $2M State aid: $77.7M

Total $301.3M

The Comal ISD board of trustees adopted a budget for fiscal year 2024-25 at a public meeting on June 27. The $450.7 million budget covers the general fund, debt service fund and child nutrition fund, as outlined by CISD Chief Financial Officer Glenn Graham. Graham said this budget reflects investments in: • Academic success • Safety • Employee retention The budget also includes: • 3% salary increases for staff • Adjustments for inflation • Provisions for increased property values However, the district is facing a shortfall in each of its primary funds, Graham said. A closer look The primary sources of revenue for CISD’s general fund are property taxes, state aid and federal aid. The proposed tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year is $1.0869 per $100 valuation, with the maintenance and operations tax rate at $0.7369, and the debt service tax rate at $0.35. The budget was crafted under the assumption of an enrollment of 30,235 students and an average daily attendance of 27,907 students. Property values are projected to increase by 8.1%, with a 98.2% collection rate.

What else? The proposed budget includes significant investments in staffing and compensation: • $8.06 million in staffing requests • $7.45 million in compensation requests, includ- ing a 3% overall salary increase Despite the projected shortfalls, the district aims to address growth, and maintain quality education and services, Graham said. What they’re saying “This is probably, in my experience, the most difficult budget season,” CISD board President Russ Garner said. Garner expressed disappointment, noting state legislators prioritized diverting taxpayer dollars to private schools instead of adequately funding public education. “I’m very displeased with state legislation,” CISD board member Amanda Jones said. “I hope that [state legislators] are watching, not only [CISD], but all across the state of Texas.” Tim Hennessee, vice president of Comal ISD, expressed frustration with unfunded mandates from the state, highlighting the district’s commit- ment to safety and security despite insufficient state funding. “It’s very frustrating to know that we are just trying our darnedest to grow these kids and grow greatness here, Hennessee said. “We’re just not seeing that support from Austin, Texas and our legislatures.”

General funds expenditure Instruction: $178.5M

Other expenses: $90.1M

Total $320.16M

Plant maintenance & operations: $36M School leadership: $15.6M

Budgets for debt service fund and child nutrition fund

Revenue

Expenditure

$120M

$100M

$80M

$60M

$40M

$20M

Debt service fund

Child nutrition fund

SOURCE: COMAL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & ERIC WEILBACHER

Upcoming projects

1 Goodwin/Conrads lanes reconstruction Project: Full reconstruction of the two connecting roads will include sidewalks, curbs utilities and drainage. Update: The projects are progressing through their respective design phases, said Scott McClelland, assistant director of transportation and capital improvements for the city of New Braunfels. • Timeline: beginning late 2024 • Cost: $24.3 million • Funding source: 2019 bond 2 McQueeney Road repairs Project: Spot repairs of the roadway base and a complete mill and overlay of the road will take place later this year, from I-35 to County Line Road. Update: New Braunfels Utilities completed its McQueeney Road 24-inch water line project in 2023. • Timeline: beginning fall 2024 • Cost: $1.8 million • Funding source: 2023 bond 3 South Union Avenue improvements Project: There will be roadway rehabilitation from Common Street to Lincoln Street, which will include pedestrian and intersection improvements. Update: The project design is nearing completion, and construction is to begin soon. • Timeline: bidding later this summer, construction fall 2024–TBD • Cost: $2.5 million • Funding source: 2023 bond citywide streets program

306

337

1101

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

ELIZABETH AVE.

S. UNION AVE.

LANDA

ISLAND

LINCOLN ST.

337

LAKE DUNLAP

725

1044

Ongoing projects

725

4 Klein Road expansion Project: Crews continue to work on the expansion of Klein Road from Walnut Avenue to FM 725, incorporating increased lane capacity. Update: The project is ongoing as construction continues and is on track to be complete soon. Lane closures and diversions to one lane will continue. • Timeline: May 2023-fall 2024 • Cost: $17.2 million

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Funding source: 2019 bond

of Transportation. Update: Construction crews have begun paving the roadway for the turnaround and installing a raised curb. • Timeline: January 2022-August 2024 • Cost: $5.4 million • Funding sources: State and federal

5 I-35 turnaround at FM 725 Project: Reconstruction work continues on the I-35 southbound to northbound turnaround at FM 725, said Tanya Brown, a spokesperson for the Texas Department

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Real estate

Median home prices were down 2.3% in ZIP code 78130 to $318,815 and down 8.25% in 78132 to $517,450. Residential market data

June 2023

June 2024

Average home price in the last 6 months

Homes sold

New listings

-3.4%

+6.67%

+16.8%

+33.1%

78130 $348,257

78132 $546,078

78132

78130

78132

78130

78132

78130

Median home sales price

June

2023

2024

$326,190

$318,815

78130

Homes sold by price point

$564,000

$517,450

78132

June 2024

$1 million+

$750,000-$999,999

+14.5% -18.6% Number of homes under contract

Average days on the market

$500,000-$749,999

-8%

-18.87%

131

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 8306256954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM

78130

78132

78130

78132

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Environment

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

One more piece of a permitting puzzle was approved by the Texas Commission on Envi- ronmental Quality, moving forward plans for the Vulcan Materials Company-Comal Quarry to begin operations. A Water Pollution Abatement Plan was submit- ted for the quarry on March 7 and posted on the TCEQ’s website March 22. It was approved July 8 after review of comments from a 30-day public comment period that ended April 22, said TCEQ Media Relations Specialist Victoria Cann. The backstory The legal battle over whether a rock quarry can move forward excavating materials near the Meyer TCEQ greenlights water permit for rock quarry

that the proposed plant’s crystalline silica emis- sions will not negatively aect human health or welfare,” according to the legal opinion. The specics According to Cann, the company proposes the construction of a quarry with associated plant areas, buildings, stockpiles, and access roads on approximately 1,515.16 acres. That area would include: • Quarry pit areas of approximately 956 acres • 25-foot vegetative areas adjoining the 100-year oodplain • A 100-foot buer adjacent to all neighboring properties • A minimum 25-foot vertical separation from the aquifer Next steps Milann Guckian, president of PHCE, said the organization will be meeting with attorneys to le a motion to overturn. “That’ll be the last thing we could do in the TCEQ process, which is what we did to the air

Ranch and Vintage Oaks subdivisions in New Braunfels has continued for several years leading up to this latest permit approval. In October, the Texas Supreme Court denied a request by the Preserve Our Hill Country Environ- ment Foundation and aliated organizations of Comal County residents to rehear their case against the Vulcan Materials Company-Comal Quarry’s aggregate materials air permit, located in what was formerly known as the 1,500-acre White Ranch. Those groups brought a legal case against the establishment of rock crushing at the site, located near the intersection of Hwy. 46 and FM 3009 just west of New Braunfels. In November 2019 the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, granted Vulcan Materials an air permit. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble vacated the permit in March 2021, as previously reported by Community Impact . In September 2022, a retired judge sitting “by assignment” on behalf of the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals—Judge J. Woodn Jones—reversed the March 2021 ruling, writing that “substantial evi- dence supports the commissioners’ determination

S. CRANES MILL RD.

INCROCIATO

Vintage Oaks

Meyer Ranch

Vulcan Comal Quarry

3009

quality permit,” Guckian said. According to Cann, the all of the quarry’s envi- ronmental permits will be “regularly investigated as part of TCEQ’s legislative requirement to inspect aggregate production operations every 2-3 years.”

A residence facing the proposed quarry site displays a sign siding against its development.

ERIC WEILBACHERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969

NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434

LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911

Environment

New Braunfels is advancing on the Dry Comal Creek Trail master plan, a 6 mile multipurpose trail project designed for recreational opportunities and to connect key areas of the community. Some of the trail amenities, according to city officials, include: • Trailheads with parking • Information signs City advances extended trail plan

HINMAN ISLAND

Following the trail The trail project is a greenway extension organized into four phases based on location, topography and roads. Those include: 1 Landa Park to Walnut Avenue (0.91 miles, 10’ wide concrete trail) 2 Little League Loop Field to Walnut Avenue 3 Altgelt Lane to Loop 337/Little League Loop Field 4 Solms Park to Altgelt Lane Existing trail

LANDA PARK

HINMAN ISLAND DR.

LANDA PARK DR.

COMAL RIVER

337

NEW BRAUNFELS LITTLE LEAGUE

• Restrooms • Picnic areas • Water fountains

ALTGELT LN.

1044

Only voluntary acquisition or easements will be used for the trail design and construction, according to the city documents. Property owners and residents engaged with city officials through meetings, workshops and surveys.

New Braunfels

482

KRUEGER CANYON

W. COUNTY LINE RD.

482

SOLMS PARK

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

The background

Keep in mind

What’s next

According to the city documents, chal- lenges for the project include: • Bank erosion • Floodplain management • Invasive vegetation Solutions for these challenges, according to the master plan, include using raised boardwalks, reconstructing banks with plantings, and removing invasive species, along with installing amenities and signage for better trail usability. Segment 1 of the trail is currently in the design stage and includes a 10-foot concrete multi-use path along the Dry Comal Creek connecting Walnut Avenue to Landa Park. City sta are still seeking public comment through Aug. 9 on the plans for segments 2 and 3. Any suggestions can be emailed to tci@nbtexas.org.

The existing Dry Comal Nature Trail, estab- lished in 2003, is a 2.25-mile loop trail located o Loop 337. The trail oers wildlife viewing and recreation opportunities and is the only mountain bike trail in the city’s park system, according to city documents. In 2013, a bond program included potential funding for the Dry Comal Creek Trail, but it was not funded due to insucient remaining funds. Public interest in the trail remained high, leading to the development of the master plan.

The next steps in the update of the Dry Comal Creek Trail project include:

Completing the feasibility study by August

Presenting concept to the City Council in September

Securing funding for right-of-way acquisition

Securing funding for construction

Finalizing design within a year and a half

Beginning construction phase, estimated to take 1-1.5 years

The trail will cut through central greenways.

SHAHERYAR KHAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Maintaining river quality From the cover

How we got here

Locations of Comal springs

Large spring Moderately large spring Medium spring Small spring

Recent evaluations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, local businesses and environmental authorities reveal declining flow rates and heightened concerns about the Comal River’s sustainability, particularly during droughts. “The entire Guadalupe River basin has experienced extreme drought conditions between 2022 and 2023,” said Richard Richter, media relations specialist with the TCEQ. “These overly dry conditions have led to lower-than-normal flow conditions throughout the basin, including the Comal River.” A key element to the river’s condition is the spring that feeds it. These springs are the primary sources of the river’s flow, making them crucial to any analysis of the river’s health and water quality, along with the health and volume of the Edwards Aquifer that feeds them, according to several agencies and experts.

COMAL RIVER

LANDA PARK DR.

HINMAN ISLAND

LANDA PARK

PRINCE SOLMS PARK

SOURCE: EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Comal River bacteria levels There was a significant spike in E. coli levels in May 2022, reaching 1,400 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters. The standard for recreational use is 126 cfu per 100mL. Levels below were taken in May of each year.

Diving in deeper

Next steps

The city of New Braunfels developed the watershed protection plan for the Dry Comal Creek and Comal River watersheds to protect and preserve water quality. This includes recommendations to discourage the feeding of wildlife and minimize bacteria loading into the waterways. The elevated bacterial levels in the Comal River are a significant concern, Niles said, primarily driven by wildlife waste, particularly from the high concentration of urban- dwelling white-tailed deer. The city of New Braunfels’ wildlife feeding ordinance, established in 2018, prohibits the intentional feeding of wildlife to mitigate this issue. Stricter enforcement of this ordinance, along with fines of up to $500 for violations, aims to reduce wildlife congregations near the riverbanks, thus decreasing contamination. According to city documents, high concentrations of wildlife in an area “lead to high amounts of animal waste in that area, which contains harmful bacteria that can pollute waterways when washed away by rain, causing bacteria pollution in the Comal River and Dry Comal Creek.” The city is considering collaboration with environmental organizations to bring additional resources and expertise to these initiatives. By addressing wildlife impact and enhancing community involvement, New Braunfels can protect the Comal River, ensuring its health and vitality for future generations, Niles said.

The 2024 Texas Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality offers a detailed assessment of the Comal River. The TCEQ monitored dissolved oxygen, pH, water temperature and bacteria levels. While the river generally meets water quality standards, bacteria levels are higher than acceptable limits. “We continue to monitor the Comal River closely, focusing particularly on bacterial levels which exceed water quality standards in some areas,” Richter said. He said the elevated bacteria levels in the Comal River are mainly due to animal waste from wild- life, lower water levels, concentrated pollutants and increased urbanization.

1,500

1,200

900

600

300

SOURCE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Comal River stream flow Stream flow has generally decreased over the years, with a notable drop in 2022 to 197 cubic feet per second and a further reduction in 2023 to 90.5 cfs. Levels below were taken in May of each year.

What’s being done

Several agencies are responsible for maintaining the health of the Comal River, including the city of New Braunfels, the TCEQ and the Edwards Aquifer Authority. These organizations are implementing various plans to address the river’s challenges. Matthew Hoyt, owner of Corner Tubes in New Braunfels and a director for the EAA, said contin- ued development within the aquifer’s recharge zone also creates greater risk for the river’s health with more impervious cover. “We need to focus on protecting the aquifer from over-extraction and contamination,” Hoyt said. “[The Edwards Aquifer] directly feeds the Comal River ... the health of the aquifer is crucial for maintaining the river’s flow.”

400

320

240

160

SOURCE: TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

OCTOBER 10-13 4 DAYS. 4 DISTINCT EVENTS. IN GRUENE TEXAS

c k

e t s

BENEFITING UNITED WAY OF COMAL COUNTY

GrueneMusicAndWineFest.org

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Events

Lizard Craft As part of their Wondershop Craft events, children will have the opportunity to create and take home a bright- colored paper lizard. • Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • $8 adults and children 12 and over (event included with admission) • McKenna Children’s Museum, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.mckennakids.org/calendar Old Gruene Market Days Gruene Market Days features nearly 100 artisans offering handmade items made by local artisans and vendors. • Aug. 17-18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Gruene Historic District in front of Adobe Verde, 1724 Hunter Road, New Braunfels • www.gruenemarketdays.com

throughout the year with each show different from the last. Every show offers a collection of selected inspired designers, boutiques and other exclusive vendors. • Aug. 9, noon-6 p.m.; Aug. 10, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • $10 for ages 12 and up • New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, Dungeons & Dragons Adventures Adults are welcome to play the iconic fantasy game that features role-playing and medieval themes and characters. • Aug. 10, 3-5 p.m. • Free (registration required) • New Braunfels Public Library-Main Branch, 700 E. Common St., New Braunfels • www.nbtexas.libcal.com/event/12455417 Pickleball 101 Beginners and pickleball enthusiasts will be able to learn the basics of the game at the Cranky Pickle venue. • Aug. 12, 9-10 a.m. • $10 • Cranky Pickle, 624 Krueger Canyon, New Braunfels • www.thecrankypickle.com/event/ pickleball-101-6/2024-08-12 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.peddler.tixonlinenow.com

August

Groovy Gruene Scavenger Hunt A live and interactive host will send participants on a quest to experience a wide variety of carefully curated locations in town. The family-friendly event requires walking or driving to checkpoints for various tasks and challenges. • Aug. 1-31, 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. • $19.20 • Scavenger hunt starts at Gruene Coffee Haus, 1720 Hunter Road, New Braunfels • www.tinyurl.com/jzvuwrkz ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ The Christian Community Theater will perform “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” based on the Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney animated film. • Aug. 8-9, 7 p.m.; Aug. 10, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Aug. 11, 3 p.m. • $25 • Jackson Auditorium at Texas Lutheran University, 1000 W. Court St., Seguin • www.cytsanantonio.org/shows

September

‘How to Loosen Up Your Pastels’ painting workshop Nationally acclaimed artist Marla Baggetta will teach different painting techniques. • Sept. 6-8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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• Members $575, non-members $615 • New Braunfels Art League, 239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.thenewbraunfelsartleague.com/workshops Fiesta Patria: Las Fotos de Ayer The celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will feature photos from the Seidel Studio Collection spanning from the 1920s-1960s. The event will have entertainment, local food, crafts and activities. • Sept. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Sophienburg Museum & Archives, 401 W. Coll St., New Braunfels • www.sophienburg.com Dog Adoption Event: Tailgate Party The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area will host a dog adoption event. • Sept. 7, 1-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Pet Supplies Plus, 2736 Loop 337, Ste. 102, New Braunfels • www.hsnba.org/event/ dog-adoption-event-tailgate-party Gruene 10K/5K Participants will start and finish at Gruene Hall. They

will receive T-shirts and race-specific finisher’s medals, and awards will be given to top performers. A post-race celebration will feature music, food and craft beer. • Sept. 14, 6:45 a.m. • Entry fees vary • 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels • www.athleteguild.com/event/ new-braunfels-tx/2024-gruene-10k5k Child-Centered in Central Texas Conference CASA of Central Texas will have an educational conference about the latest trends in child protection and the evolving landscape of the child welfare system. • Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • $50 (registration required) • McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.casacentex.org/event/ child-centered-in-central-texas-conference Dachshund Races Dachshund races return to Krause’s Cafe. The ticketed event will be accepting food and supply donations for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Racer registration is $10 per dog. • Sept. 22, 2-5 p.m. • $5 • 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.krausescafe.com/event/dachshund-races-3

Tea education at Gruene Tea Haus Gruene Tea Haus will host ‘Top 5 Factors that Determine Caffeine Level in Tea,’ a class about different varieties of tea leaves and their caffeine content. The class will also include a lesson on brewing methods and techniques. • Aug. 25, 2 p.m. • $10 (registration required) • 2327 Gruene Lake Drive, Ste. C, New Braunfels • www.grueneteahaus.com

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Events

BY THALIA GUZMAN

Live music

Billy’s Ice 1193 Loop 337, New Braunfels www.billysice.com

• Aug. 24: LC Rocks, 9:30 p.m. Freiheit Country Store 2157 FM 1101, New Braunfels www.freiheitcountrystore.net • Aug. 20: Rio Tripiano, 6:30 p.m. • Aug. 23: Gary Glenn & the 20X Band, 8:30 p.m. • Aug. 27: Rio Tripiano, 6:30 p.m. • Aug. 31: Jay Eric & Rumor Town, 8 p.m. • Sept. 3: Rio Tripiano, 6:30 p.m. Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.gruenehall.com • Aug. 17: Jacob Stelly, 9 p.m. • Aug. 23: Friday Afternoon Club, 4 p.m.; Kin Faux, 8 p.m. • Aug. 24: Them Dirty Roses, 9 p.m. • Aug. 30: Friday Afternoon Club, 4 p.m.; Clay Walker, 8 p.m. • Aug. 31: Jason Boland & The Stragglers: 25th Anniversary Tour, 9 p.m. • Sept. 6: Friday Afternoon Club, 4 p.m.; Stoney LaRue, 8 p.m. • Sept. 7: Stoney LaRue, 9 p.m. Happy Cow 9103 FM 1102, New Braunfels www.happycowbar.com • Aug. 17: Race Ricketts (full band), 8:30 p.m. • Aug. 24: Last Train To Juarez, 8:30 p.m. • Sept. 7: Haywire, 8:30 p.m. Our Lady Bar & Patio 1720 Gruene Road, New Braunfels Facebook: Our Lady Bar & Patio • Aug. 10: Tim Williams with Melissa Townsend, 6 p.m. • Aug. 15: Uncle Wes, 6 p.m. • Aug. 16: Jess & Dave Russell, 6 p.m. • Aug. 22: Uncle Wes, 6 p.m. • Aug. 23: Jackson Ward, 6 p.m.

Parker McCollum will perform at the Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels Sept. 1.

COURTESY WHITEWATER AMPHITHEATER

• Aug. 29: Uncle Wes, 6 p.m. • Aug. 30: Spud Sims, 6 p.m. • Sept. 5: Uncle Wes, 6 p.m. • Sept. 6: Mark Cruz, 6 p.m. Phoenix Saloon 193 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels www.thephoenixsaloon.com • Aug. 18: Steven Vee, 2 p.m. • Aug. 21: George Joseph Marsh, 7:30 p.m. • Aug. 23: Chris Max Band, 8:30 p.m. • Aug. 25: All Mixed Up Acoustic Duo, 2 p.m. • Aug. 28: Trevor Underwood, 7:30 p.m.

www.rileystavern.com • Aug. 10: Bakersield Texas, 8 p.m. • Aug. 11: Picker’s Circle with Bo Porter, 4 p.m. • Aug. 14: Ace Peppers Blue Jam, 7 p.m. • Aug. 15: Mike Ethan Messick and Friends, 7 p.m. • Aug. 16: The Homebodies, 7 p.m. • Aug. 17: Sarah Gayle Meech, 8 p.m. • Aug. 18: Kayla Jane’s Picker’s Circle, 4 p.m. • Aug. 21: Ace Peppers Blue Jam, 7 p.m. • Aug. 23: Fourth Fridays with Prairie Rattlers, 8 p.m. • Aug. 29: Sid Grimes, 7 p.m. • Aug. 30: Amber Lucille, 6 p.m.; Dallas Burrow, 8 p.m. Whitewater Amphitheater 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels www.whitewaterrocks.com • Sept. 1: Parker McCollum, 8 p.m. • Sept. 6: Turnpike Troubadours, 7:30 p.m. • Sept. 7: Turnpike Troubadours, 7:30 p.m.

• Aug. 30: Triple J Band, 8:30 p.m. • Aug, 31: Cadillac Drive, 9 p.m. • Sept. 1: In The Groove, 1 p.m. Riley’s Tavern 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels

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Business

BY THALIA GUZMAN

Fernando Benavides stands with his wife Yessenia Benavides and head of security Lizzie the Corgi.

Trailhead Mountain Bike Shop oers a selection of bikes to choose from as well as custom builds.

PHOTOS BY THALIA GUZMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Trailhead connects the cycling community Trailhead Mountain Bike Shop owner Fernando Benavides has been biking for most of his life. The full story After retiring early from a career in law enforce- ment, his love of bikes was the perfect way to transition into his family business. The Benavides’ opened the shop in 2021 in a

Trailhead Mountain Bike Shop sells a variety of accessories including bike parts, apparel and more.

sidewalk and we even have our kids working in the shop.” Trailhead Mountain Bike Shop sells road, electric and standard bikes from brands like Giant, Evil, Rocky Mountain and Transition. Custom builds and bike repairs are also available. Looking ahead Benavides said he and his family are committed to building relationships with other bike enthusiasts and providing quality service to customers. The shop hosts clinics on bike maintenance and also hosts ride events in New Braunfels and San Antonio. “We encourage people to take a break from normal life and get them outdoors,” he said. “We want them to know that this is for all ages.”

building that has been on his father’s family’s side for generations. The building housed various family businesses including a shoe shop that belonged to his uncle in the 80s. The Benavides’ maintain the building in its original state as much as possible by still using pulley windows and skeleton key doors. “We don’t plan on ever getting rid of it,” Bena- vides said. “My grandfather’s name is still on the

1170 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels www.trailheadmtbshop.com

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

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