New Braunfels Edition | February 2026

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 3 FEB. 10MARCH 9, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

Next chapter

$28.56M Southeast Library looks to ll gap as population continues to grow in New Braunfels

BY ETHAN THOMAS

The 23,520-square-foot library building is planned to have a youth- and family-focused design, as previ- ously reported by Community Impact . Johnson said the library will act as a place for residents of all ages to connect and learn. “We’re going to be serving the youth there, provid- ing them all kinds of activities, access to collections, community connections and technology,” Johnson said. “I’m really excited about it.”

The city of New Braunfels is moving forward with the next steps of the brand-new Southeast Library Branch. The Southeast Library will be located south of the Guadalupe River and east of I-35, o Walnut Avenue, and will add a new branch to the city’s existing library system to serve a fast-growing area, said New Braunfels Library Director Cole Johnson. The project will be funded by the city’s $28.56 million voter-approved 2023 bond, Proposition C.

Southeast Library

Architects have revealed the latest proposed version of the Southeast Library. Final design is pending public feedback.

CONTINUED ON 26

Also in this issue

Impacts Page 7 Read about renovations made to a consignment shop

Development Page 19 Read about a rezoning for a potential hotel in Gruene

Government

Page 8

Learn the latest on county ood infrastructure

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Impacts

2 Sprouts Farmers Market The organic grocer offers a selection of health-focused grocery goods, organic produce and more. • Opened Jan. 23 • 275 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels • www.sprouts.com/store/tx/new-braunfels/ creekside-crossing 3 Raylor Brand Outfitters The store—owned by locals Ricky Zapata and Morgan Martinez—sells golf- and outdoor-themed apparel, hats and other stationery items. • Opened Jan. 24 • 190 Center St Suite 106 • www.raylorbrandoutfitters.com 1101 4 Mattenga’s Pizzeria Food Truck The food truck serves 10-inch pizzas, pizza rolls and more. • Opened Jan. 21 • 675 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels • www.mattengas.com

1102

ALYSSA WAY

1102

306

1863

12A

337

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

ELIZABETH AVE.

12B

LANDA

ISLAND

N. ACADEMY AVE.

117

Coming soon

5 Ruff Town Rescue Boutique & Spa The health and wellness spa for humans and pets will offer IV therapy, facials and hair restoration services on one side of the boutique. On the other side of the boutique will be a bone bar, leashes, collars and more. • Opening February • 297 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.rufftownrescue.com 6 House of Nails The Spring Branch-based business—owned by Jessica Perez—is opening a second location inside the Divine Aesthetics Studio. House of Nails will specialize in Russian manicures and pedicures. • Opening March • 931 N. Elliot Knox Blvd., Ste. 200, New Braunfels • Instagram: @house_of_nailssbtx

337

LAKE DUNLAP

1044

725

MAP NOT TO SCALE

equipment and apparel. • Opened November • 1913 Post Road, Ste. 225, New Braunfels • www.kabutoamericas.com

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7 Lulu’s Coffee y Tacos The restaurant—owned by Jessica Celedon—will sell coffee and breakfast tacos. • Opening spring • 1847 W. Hwy. 46, Ste. A, New Braunfels • No website or social media is available as of press time. 8 Tri-Star Self Storage The storage facility will offer climate- and non-climate- controlled self-storage units. • Opening March 2

throughout 2026. Las Palapas serves breakfast plates, enchiladas and more. • 12A 151 Creekside Crossing New Braunfels; 12B 1675 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.laspalapas.com 13 Connections Individual and Family Services The nonprofit organization celebrated its 45th anniversary in January. Connections Individual and Family Services offers services to foster youth, transitional living

In the news

to children aging out of foster care and more. • 1414 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.connectionsifs.org

• 2065 FM 1102, New Braunfels • www.alertbuildingsystems.com

9 Texan Tea The business is opening a second New Braunfels location, offering specialty teas, and lemonade. • Opening spring • 2286 Alyssa Way, New Braunfels • https://texantea.com

14 Pep Talk Pediatrics The speech pathology clinic expanded into a previously occupied adjacent room effective Feb. 1, in order to

17 Twice Upon A Time Children’s Consignment Boutique & Gifts

The consignment shop closed Dec. 20 and reopened Jan. 15 following a change in ownership and a series of renovations, which included new tile flooring, fresh paint and play area for kids. Twice Upon a Time—previously owned by Jennifer Saul—is now owned by Amy Rivera and Kelli Statler. The shop sells maternity items, children’s clothing and more. • 347 Main Plaza, New Braunfels • Facebook: Twice Upon A Time Children’s & Maternity Consignment Boutique

make more space available for the practice. • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1128, New Braunfels • www.peptalkpediatrics.com

Relocations

Closings

10 The Intrepid Thread The business—which sells luxury fabrics and sewing machines—relocated from Freiheit Village at 2165 Gabriel’s Place, Ste. 1113, to Corridor Commercial Center. • Relocated Jan. 15 • 6420 FM 1102, Bldg. 1, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.intrepidthread.com

15 Mixxed Threads Boutique The boutique sold trucker hats, clothing and more. • Closed Dec. 27 • 165 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.mixxedthreads.com 16 The Uncharted Tiki Bar The bar was located in the basement of the Phoenix Saloon and served cocktails and American fare. • Closed Jan. 13 • 193 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: Uncharted Tiki Bar 18 The Lucky You Salon The hair salon offered haircuts and hair coloring services. • Closed Jan. 31

19 13 Trees Coffee Haus The local coffee shop closed its doors after deciding not to renew its lease. 13 Trees Coffee Haus sold butter-

In the news

infused coffee. • Closed Jan. 31 • 1450 W. Klein Road, New Braunfels • Facebook: 13 Trees Coffee Haus

11 Frog Hollar Outdoor The clothing store—owned by New Braunfels local Julie Kirkland—celebrated its 5-year anniversary Dec. 20. Frog Hollar Outdoor sells outdoor apparel for men, women and children. • 1273 N. Academy Ave., Ste. 1101, New Braunfels • www.froghollaroutdoor.com 12 Las Palapas The Tex-Mex chain is celebrating its 45th anniversary

20 Nash Bros. Stores The shop will close by the end of February. Nash Bros. Stores sold antique collectibles. • Closing end of February • 309 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: Nash Bros. Stores

• 453 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • Facebook: The Lucky You Salon

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Government

Comal County accepts $1.25M grant for ood warning systems

already seen benets from cameras at downstream crossings during recent ooding, Boyd said. What’s next With grant funding, cameras at upstream loca- tions, including Spring Ranch Road and Nichol’s Landing, are also being proposed to provide real- time ood monitoring during high-water events, agenda documents state. The nal phase of the proposal, which could be completed within the next year, would expand the county’s automated low-water crossing system. Comal County has 16 automated crossings, with additional locations still requiring manual clo- sures. Automating those crossings would trigger warning lights when water reaches unsafe levels, Boyd said.

Comal County Commissioners approved a resolution accepting up to $1.25 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board, or TWDB, to bolster ood water infrastructure and warning systems at a regular meeting Dec. 23. The action authorizes the county judge to execute a grant agreement for an initial $1 million in nancial assistance to enhance outdoor ood warning sirens, monitoring technology and low-water crossing safety measures, with the ability to accept an additional $250,000 if needed, according to agenda documents. The funding was allocated from Senate Bill 3, which passed during a special session of the state’s 89th legislature following severe ooding in July. SB 3 made $30 million available statewide to sup- port ood mitigation eorts in 30 eligible counties, including Comal County, agenda documents state. Some details Currently, Comal County operates 10 high-water warning systems—six downstream of Canyon Lake and four upstream—which were tested during the July 4 weekend ooding events. Following those tests, the county made adjustments and began upgrading the systems with AC power and ber-optic communication, replacing cellular connections to improve reliability, Comal County Engineer Robert Boyd said. Plans outlined improvements to warning lead times by installing weather stations in water- sheds that feed into the Guadalupe River, along with ow sensors where water enters the river. By combining rainfall and river ow data and analyzing the information through geographic information systems, the county hopes to extend

ood warning times, Boyd said. “The whole idea behind this is to increase warning time by having these weather stations and these nodes,” Boyd said. “We could increase our warning time from 30-45 minutes to hours.” County ocials identied the need for an additional high-water warning system in the Lazy L&L area downstream of Canyon Lake. The county plans to add lighting at key low-water crossings to improve visibility during nighttime ooding events, aiding rst responders and increasing public safety. Another component of the project includes installing additional cameras at critical locations. The county has budgeted funds in scal year 2025-26 for cameras at dams and has Zooming out Other counties receiving the opportunity to negotiate and execute grant agreements with TWDB include: 1 Bandera 2 Bexar 3 Burnet 4 Caldwell 5 Coke

19 23 15 10

26 24 20 25 13 6

3 29 27 4

17 16 8

16 Llano 17 Mason 18 Maverick 19 McCulloch 20 Menard 21 Real 22 Reeves 23 San Saba 24 Schleicher 25 Sutton 26 Tom Green 27 Travis 28 Uvalde 29 Williamson

12 21 1

2 9

14 28 18

6 Concho 7 Edwards 8 Gillespie 9 Guadalupe 10 Hamilton 11 Kendall 12 Kerr 13 Kimble 14 Kinney 15 Lampasas

Comal

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ETHAN THOMAS

New Braunfels to share Emergency Operations Center

City to strengthen response to mental health-related calls New Braunfels City Council approved an interlocal agreement between the New Braunfels Police Department and the Hill Country Community MHMR Center on Jan. 26 that looks to strengthen the city’s response to mental health-related calls. The gist The agreement—which will remain in eect until Oct. 14—formalizes a partnership to implement a qualied mental health professional within the police department’s dispatch center, agenda documents state. The clinician will provide consultations for nonviolent, nonemergency behavioral health calls and connect individuals to mental health resources, according to the agreement.

New Braunfels City Council approved an interlo- cal agreement with Comal County on Jan. 26 that allows the city to use oce, training and emergency operations space at the Church Hill Annex. In a nutshell The agreement provides the city with dedicated oce space inside Comal County’s Church Hill Annex. The facility will be available for city train- ing use on an as-needed basis, pending approval from Comal County ocials, according to agenda documents. Shared access will improve coordination and communication between local agencies when responding to major incidents, according to the city. The agreement also allows city emergency operations personnel to use county sta inside the Emergency Operations Center, which is housed at the annex during disasters or large-scale emergen- cies, agenda documents state.

The Comal County Church Hill Annex is located at 1345 Church Hill Drive in New Braunfels.

ETHAN THOMASCOMMUNITY IMPACT

OLD NACOGDOCHES RD.

377

CHURCH HILL DR.

$175K agreement approved for citywide streets and utility design master plan New Braunfels City Council approved a $175,000 agreement with engineering rm Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. to develop its citywide Streets and Utility Design Master Plan on Jan. 26. streetscape features. A closer look

How we got here Nov. 20, 2025: City of New Braunfels requests NBEDC to consider the $175,000 expenditure Jan. 15, 2026: NBEDC approves expenditure

Once completed, the master plan will be shared with developers to ensure new projects align with the surrounding area and the city’s long-term infrastructure goals, agenda documents state. The plan is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026, according to city ocials.

The New Braunfels Economic Development Corp., or NBEDC, approved the expenditure for the plan on Jan. 15. The master plan is intended to guide future improvements, such as underground utility conversions, on-street parking and other

Jan. 26, 2026: City Council approves professional services agreement with the rm to begin the design

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Election

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day and the last day for counties to receive completed mail-in ballots (or 5 p.m. March 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day)

Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Comal and Guadalupe County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. Visit www.comalcounty.gov/193/Elections-Voter-Registration or www.guadalupetx.gov/page/elections.home for polling locations.

Only a portion of candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on all contested and uncontested races.

KEY: D Democrat R Republican *Incumbent **Appointed Incumbent

Sample ballot

State Senator, District 21 D Judith Zaffirini* D Cortney Jones State Senator, District 19

Lieutenant governor R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick* R Esala Wueschner

State elections U.S. Senate R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale

R Marcus Cardenas R Robert Marks, Jr. R Adam Ernest Salyer Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 2 R Ronnie Clark R Noah Webster Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 3 - Unexpired term R Jim Wolverton** R Allison Heyward Guadalupe County Commissioner, Precinct 4 R Joel Hicks R Mark Allen R Stephen Germann* Guadalupe County Judge, County Court at Law No. 1 R William “Bill” Squires, III R John Green Guadalupe County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 R Willie Ybarra R Sheryl Sachtleben Comal County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1

D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head

R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton

D Marcos Velez Attorney general R Joan Huffman R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson

D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassan D James Talarico Governor R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Charles Andrew Crouch R Evelyn Brooks R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos

Local elections Comal County Judge

R Kayne Parrish R Deb Hindman

R Kristen H. Hoyt Comal County Clerk R Garrison G. Maurer

R Romelle “Mell” Walkup R Ryan Bourbon-Stuart R Leann Miller Comal County Commissioner, Precinct 2 R John Stratemann R Steve Minus R Steven Rollins State Representative, District 44 R Alan Schoolcraft

R Tom Clark* R Mark Long R Susan L. “Susie” Patterson

R Nathaniel Welch D Patricia Abrego D Chris Bell

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, GUADALUPE AND COMAL COUNTY/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa D Jose Navarro Balbuena

D Faizan Syed D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz

R Gabriel Ortiz D Eric Norman D Steve Schwab

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ETHAN THOMAS

Comal County commissioner, Precinct 2

KEY: R Republican

Steve Minus Occupation & experience: Rancher, NBISD board trustee steveminus.com

Steven Rollins Occupation & experience: Retired

John Stratemann Occupation & experience: Rancher, BOD for numerous companies, outside advisor to CEO’s/founder’s, exceptional at nding ways to ... Facebook: Citizens for John Stratemann

Navy, property manager www.rollinsforpct2.com

Comal County is my home. My wife and I have raised a family and built businesses in Precinct 2 over the last 20 years. I have served amongst the county’s nest organizations with the best people. I pledge to serve them as the front-line, most available advocate for their needs. Why are you running for oce?

I was asked to run by friends and family who understand what I have accomplished and what I stand for. I am motivated and humbled by the massive outpouring of those that back me and support this endeavor; I am running to make a dierence in all of our lives.

The legacy that we leave for future Comal residents will be in how we deal with our exceptional growth. I know we can manage the growth in a way that improves their future, and that starts by making every decision with increased nancial scrutiny and with the taxpayer in mind.

Ensuring that public communication is clear, concise and reliable. Monitoring deployed ood gauges and sensory tools along our rivers and our major watersheds/dams must provide real time date to ESD managers. Technology must work in connection with the physical alerts needed if an emergency is severe. How will you ensure your precinct is prepared for extreme weather and ooding? We must identify immediate needs and realize damage through local boots on the ground. Aligned through our high-performing ESDs and local entities lending a hand, county leadership will command a force for good in times of need. Communication must remain clear, available and reliable. How will you ensure your constituents can receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?

In my past, I have been exposed to several occasions where we’ve dealt with extreme weather, both in the military and the private sector. Dealing with these scenarios is about developing a good plan and a better recovery.

As Precinct 2 commissioner, I will prepare for extreme weather and ooding by investing in drainage and oodplain management, maintaining roads and bridges, coordinating with emergency services and other counties, and prioritizing preventive maintenance to reduce risk, protect property, and above all else, safeguard lives.

My main priorities would be based around development limitations, water acquisition and provisions, promoting self-governance and increasing transparency within county government. We also need to look at some of the deciencies that have been left from the existing developments.

First, bring the taxpayer back into the Commissioners Court. Every nancial decision will be highly scrutinized, with metrics explained, and ultimately must answer, “how does this benet the taxpayer.” Public safety - our economy, quality of life, etc, all begin with feeling safe. Infrastructure - maintenance/improvement for all of Comal County.

If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the city and state continue to grow?

Seek facts for Precinct 2. I love this precious hill country land I live upon and will ght for conservation education, stand against inappropriate development and help codify requirements for potential development through developing relationships with our state representatives in order to serve the goals of Comal County.

Water is a massive topic for our environment. We need to establish partnerships with national, state and local levels to include the water companies. We absolutely must determine exactly how much we have available and try and determine the best way forward to preserve and grow this resource.

I will ensure adequate water by requiring proof of long- term supply for new development, coordinating with groundwater districts and utilities, protecting recharge areas, supporting conservation standards, and planning so growth matches sustainability. Ultimately, new ideas and the courage to implement them will have to happen and I will do that.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide

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Election

BY ETHAN THOMAS

Comal County Judge Kristen H. Hoyt Occupation & experience: Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector, Texas Partners Bank Advisor, Harvard Kennedy School www.hoytforcomalcounty.com

KEY: R Republican

Kayne Parrish Occupation & experience: 14 years of emergency services, Board President for nonprofit organization, finishing Public Administration Degree ParrishforComalCounty.com

Deb Hindman Occupation & experience: RV park owner/operator debhindman@gmail.com

To defend conservative values, protect taxpayers, support law and order, and preserve the quality of life and character of Comal County with servant leadership. Luke 12:48 reminds us: those entrusted with much are accountable for much. I kept my promises before and I’ll do the same as County Judge. Why are you running for office?

I’m running for Comal County Judge because God has called me, once again, to serve and protect my community. As a man of God, husband, 15-year firefighter and fifth- generation Texan, I’m committed to restoring constitutional principles, local accountability, citizen-led leadership, responsible growth and putting families first over politics.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

How will you ensure the county is prepared for extreme weather and flooding?

As County Judge, I’ll prioritize preparedness—not reaction. This means continued investment in flood mitigation, ongoing improvement of low-water crossings and early warning alerts, strengthening community notification systems, and ensuring unified coordination among fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, including state and federal agencies, across Comal County to protect lives and property.

As Comal County Judge, I’ll draw on my 15 years as a firefighter to prepare for extreme weather and flooding. I’ll prioritize upgrading infrastructure, ensuring better drainage and roads that keep pace with growth, strengthening emergency services and demanding responsible development to protect lives and property, putting public safety first.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

I will maintain strong emergency plans, unified command and clear communication so residents know where to get help fast. I’ll be boots on the ground, ensuring city, county, state, and federal resources, cutting red tape, pre-staging aid, and supporting all first responders so residents can access relief quickly after disasters. How will you ensure your constituents can receive the appropriate aid after natural disasters?

I’ll ensure swift aid after disasters by coordinating closely with first responders, local agencies and state/federal partners, cutting bureaucratic red tape, advocating for rapid access to recovery funds and prioritizing transparent, family-first distribution of essential resources to help our community rebuild quickly and fairly.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

If elected, what do you plan to do to ensure your community has enough water as the county and state continue to grow?

We need to plan ahead, protect property rights and insist on responsible growth. By bringing cities, utilities, groundwater districts and the private sector together, protecting recharge zones, supporting education, conservation and infrastructure, and encouraging supplemental water sources outside Comal County, we can meet growth without sacrificing our quality of life.

If elected, I’ll protect our water by slowing reckless overdevelopment: requiring developers to prove a sustainable water supply before approvals, prioritizing infrastructure upgrades for existing needs, advocating for smart regional strategies and holding utilities accountable, ensuring long-term supply while preserving our Hill Country way of life. Comal First.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire by press time.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

BY ETHAN THOMAS

New Braunfels ISD trustees learned what is fuel- ing stagnant student enrollment growth, and how private and charter schools may affect the district’s outlook over the next decade at a meeting Jan. 12. What happened Trustees reviewed a demographic and enroll- ment forecast, highlighting how housing growth, population shifts and the Texas Education Free- dom Accounts are playing in a new demographic study from Population and Survey Analysts, or PASA. The study was presented during a Dec. 8 meeting by PASA, a Texas-based firm hired by Demographic study shows steady growth for NBISD

the district to conduct a comprehensive demo- graphic study. The study aims to help guide long-term planning for facilities, attendance zones and enrollment capacity, according to board documents. Digging deeper NBISD’s population growth is largely driven by new housing developments, such as Veramendi, but student enrollment continues to plateau. Between 2019 and 2025, the district gained approximately 350 students, while the popula- tion within district boundaries increased by an estimated 3,000-4,000 residents, according to PASA’s data. Although the numbers are steady, NBISD is one of the fastest-growing Education Service Center Region 20 districts, according to the data. Despite the increase in births within the district in recent years, kindergarten enrollment has con- tinued to decline. The decline can be attributed, in part, to families choosing private schools, transfers or homeschooling options since becoming more available around 2018, PASA President Stacey

5-year enrollment change

Students gained

District

4,750

Comal ISD

3,770

Medina Valley ISD

1,522

Boerne ISD

1,351

East Central ISD

969

Southwest ISD

758

Navarro ISD

352

New Braunfels ISD

Tepera said. “If changes happen in the economy and the housing market, and if three new charter schools move in or none ... all of those factors are contrib- uting to the reduced and accelerated scenario of growth,” she said.

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BY ETHAN THOMAS & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

NBISD, CISD approve new academic calendars The Comal ISD and New Braunfels ISD boards of trustees approved academic calendars during their January meetings. What you need to know CISD approved academic calendars for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years. The new calendars were developed with guidance from the Districtwide Educational Improvement Council, or DEIC, a committee made up of teachers, administrators, parents and community members, according to board documents. The primary difference between the newly approved CISD calendar and recent years is a later start date in August, which results in the school year ending one week later in May, according to the meeting presentation.

Comal ISD calls May general election During its regular school board meeting Jan. 22, the Comal ISD board of trustees unanimously approved calling a May general election for Single-Member Districts 3 and 4. Some details The general election will take place May 2. Both trustee seats are for a three-year term, according to board documents. Portions of each single-member district are situated in Comal, Hays and Kendall counties. The district will contract with Comal County to administer the election in all three coun- ties, according to board documents. Trustee Jason York is currently serving on the board in the Single-Member District 3 seat. Board Vice President Russ Garner is serving in the Single-Member District 4 seat.

The districts will observe the following student and staff holidays:

Sept. 7: Labor Day Oct. 12: Columbus Day*

Nov. 23-27: Thanksgiving break Dec. 21-Jan. 1, 2027: Winter break Jan. 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb. 15, 2027: Presidents Day March 8-12, 2027: Spring break April 16, 2027: Good Friday* NOTE*: GOOD FRIDAY AND COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAYS ARE ONLY BEING OBSERVED BY NBISD.

SOURCE: COMAL, NEW BRAUNFELS ISDS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What else? NBISD trustees approved the district’s academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year, which was also developed by the district’s respective DEIC, said at the Nov. 10 meeting. NBISD teachers will return to work Aug. 3. School will begin Aug. 17 and end May 21. Graduations will be held May 23, according to the district website.

Comal ISD approves $58.43M price tag for construction of Elementary School No. 22 The Comal ISD board of trustees approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price No. 2, or GMP-2, of approximately $58.43 million for the construction of Elementary School No. 22 on Jan. 22. What it means The approval marks the final step in a three- S. CRANES MILL RD. MEYER PKWY. MEYER RANCH RD. Meyer Ranch included in the first guaranteed maximum price, according to board documents.

Elementary School No. 22 will be located in the Meyer Ranch development. The 110,000-square- foot campus is designed to serve approximately 800 students. While an exact address has not yet been confirmed, the Meyer Ranch development is located along S. Crane Mills Road near Hwy. 46 West, as previously reported by Community Impact .

phase process to select and authorize the project. GMP-2 covers the remaining construction work not

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Transportation

BY ETHAN THOMAS

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The city of New Braunfels and the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, were awarded funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or AAMPO, fiscal year 2027-30 Transportation Improvement Program. With the latest approvals, AAMPO’s total investment in New Braunfels road construction projects is expected to reach approximately $146 million, according to a news release.

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Ongoing projects

1 Barbarosa Road/Saur Lane Improvement Project Project: The roadway will be widened from two lanes to four lanes. There will be a center lane and sidewalks added along with traffic signal improvements at major intersections, including: FM 1101, Alves Lane and Saengerhalle Road. Update: Approximately $7.5 million in additional funding was provided by AAMPO, increasing the federal contribution to $17.6 million. • Timeline: Construction is expected to begin mid-2028 and be completed by late-2030. • Cost: $22 million • Funding sources: AAMPO, voter-approved 2023 city bond (Proposition A) 2 TxDOT’s FM 725 Improvement Project Project: Approximately $8.3 million from AAMPO will help fund ongoing intersection operational improvements, which include upgrades to turn lanes, grading, structures and resurfacing. Update: Under construction • Timeline: Construction began in 2021 and is expected to be completed in winter 2026. • Cost: $13.89 million • Funding sources: AAMPO, TxDOT 3 TxDOT’s I-35 at the Solms Interchange Improvement Project Project: The interchange will be updated to be a three- lane curbed roadway with $14.3 million in additional AAMPO funding. The project also consists of adding an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant shared path. Update: Pre-design

SAENGERHALLE RD.

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N. PEACH ST.

N. PLUM AVE.

N. GRAPE AVE.

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GUADALUPE RIVER

S. SOLMS RD.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N

• Cost: $9.48 million • Funding sources: AAMPO, 2023 city bond (Proposition A) 5 I-35 at Loop 337 and Rueckle Road inter- change improvement project Project: There will be additional intersection lanes and new I-35 access turnaround lanes. Update: The $33.66 million in AAMPO funding will help construct additional intersection lanes and new I-35 access. • Timeline: Undetermined • Cost: $33.66 million • Funding source: AAMPO

• Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and be completed by the end of the year. • Cost: $42.9 million • Funding sources: AAMPO, TxDOT 4 Citywide Pedestrian Improvements Project Project: The $4.27 million from AAMPO will aid the city’s ongoing efforts to add sidewalks along North Peach, North Plum and North Grape avenues, sidewalks along Avery Parkway and continued improvements to the shared-use path on Hanz Drive. Update: Under construction • Timeline: Construction began in 2025 and is estimated to be completed in 2026.

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Development

BY ETHAN THOMAS

62-unit condominium community complete Dovetail, a 62-unit condominium develop- ment, located in Freiheit Village, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 11. Some details Dovetail offers studio to three-bedroom floor plans ranging from $200,000-$500,000, Liam Caruana, Dovetail sales manager said. It also has a resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen and an off-leash dog park.

6 acres rezoned for potential 3-story hotel New Braunfels City Council approved rezoning approximately 6 acres at the intersection of Gruene Road and Hanz Drive on Jan. 26 for a proposed boutique hotel. The overview The request, submitted by Killen, Griffin & Far- rimond, PLLC on behalf of property owner Brandy Worley, is for property located at 830, 832 and 870 Gruene Road. The rezoning would change the lot from a combination of neighborhood commercial and multifamily districts, with a special use permit for short-term rentals, to a resort commercial district, according to agenda documents. The property currently includes a mix of resi- dential-style structures used for overnight lodging, formerly known as the Gruene Homestead Inn, as well as the now closed Tavern in the Gruene, agenda documents state.

Proposed hotel development

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About the project The project, tentatively named “Gruene Court,” would include a luxury boutique hotel at the corner of Gruene Road and Hanz Drive, along with the reopening of Tavern in the Gruene. The hotel is pro- posed to be three stories tall with about 150 rooms, said Ashley Farrimond, an attorney representing the prospective developers. What’s next New Braunfels Mayor Neal Linnartz said any future development would be subject to additional review, including site plans, traffic impact analysis, historic preservation requirements and permitting.

Dovetail

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

A new sports facility named 2 Wheel Kids Action Sports Park is gearing up to break ground at 320 Caney Creek Road, New Braunfels, in February. The 5.5-acre sports park is being developed by locals Brandon Beabout and Duke VanDeel. Beabout said VanDeel purchased the property in 2023. About the project The park’s philosophy is to be a skill-focused and family-friendly destination designed to build condence, progression and community across 2 Wheel Kids Action Sports Park to break ground in New Braunfels

multiple riding disciplines. “The whole goal is to be able to give kids these skills in life that we don’t learn without challeng- ing experiences and skills of communication,” Beabout said. Digging deeper The sports park will oer tracks for gas-powered dirt bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, RC cars and small gas-engine vehicles. The small gas-engine vehicles include mini bikes, pit bikes and youth gas units. “All the courses are very unique, there [will be] multiple dierent riding spots for all levels of riding,” Beabout said. 2 Wheel Kids Action Sports Park will also oer spring and summer camps where kids can learn track etiquette, ways to ride safely and how to have condence. The sports park will be mem- bership-based; however, day passes will also be available, Beabout said. The sports park will also have 15 RV hookups equipped with power, water and septic systems, alongside cabins, enclosed bathrooms with heat,

2 Wheel Kids Action Sports Park The 5.5-acre sports park will oer a wide range of tracks for dierent gas-powered bikes and small-gas engine vehicles.

2 1

1 500’ Sidewinder 2 400’ Sidewinder 3 350’ Sidewinder 4 200’ Sidewinder 5 Electric bike 6 Mini bike track

7 Sand drag strip 8 Spectator area 9 Free ride 10 BMX/mountain bike free ride 11 Bathrooms/ concessions

air conditioning and showers. Beabout said they also plan to have re pits and spots for food trucks. Aside from the dierent riding zones, the park will also be equipped with a stage for live music and community events and a gear center for equipment rentals or purchases. Beabout said they are hoping to open in March.

The sports park will oer tracks for gas-powered dirt bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, RC cars and small gas-engine vehicles.

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Events

Hill Country Home & Garden Outdoor Living Show This expo will feature home decor vendors from across Texas, keynote speakers, interior design experts and more. • Feb. 28-March 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturdays), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sundays) • $5 (admission) • New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.hillcountryhomeandoutdoorlivingshow.com

officers and children 11 and under get in free. • Feb. 21-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sunday) • $10 (general admission) • New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.premiergunshows.com/gun-show/new-braunfels Taste of Texas Dinner Enjoy a four-course dinner inspired by popular Texas dishes along with sampled wines from across the Hill Country. • Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • $84 (without wine pairing), $108 (with wine pairing) • Krause’s Cafe, 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • Facebook: Krause’s Cafe ‘Giselle’ Ballet Texas will perform two nights of this iconic ballet routine featuring romance, adventure, suspense and more. • Feb. 27-28, 7-9 p.m. (Saturday); 2-4 p.m. (Sunday) • $49.50-$73.50 (prices vary based on seat selection) • Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org

February

Come Play Your Way Intended for children with disabilities and their immediate families, this special event will allow guests to enjoy and learn from exhibits in a comfortable environment. • Feb. 19, 5-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • McKenna Children’s Museum, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.mckennakids.org/events The Galentine’s Craft Crawl at the Artifactory This evening of community and crafts will guide participants through three different local businesses and create a unique craft at each one. Snacks will be provided. • Feb. 20, 6:30-9 p.m. • $45 (admission) • The ARTitude Cottage, 968 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: The ARTitude Cottage New Braunfels Gun Show The two-day gun show will feature a variety of Texas and locally based vendors selling ammunition, accessories, merchandise and more. Uniformed peace

March

St. Paddy’s Day 5K and 1K Leprechaun Run Celebrate the annual Irish holiday with a 5K or short 1K fun run for the kids. Preregistration is required. • March 14, times vary • $20 (race registration) • Landa Park Dance Slab, 32 Gazebo Circle, New Braunfels • www.athleteguild.com/event/new-braunfels-tx March Market at Freiheit This pet-friendly event will feature local vendors, a playscape for children and more.

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