New Braunfels | May 2025

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 6 MAY 8JUNE 6, 2025

Water management aims to safeguard supply

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Find out more inside

• Water supply, demand projections • Breakdown of New Braunfels’ water supply • Future water infrastructure projects

306

CANYON LAKE

As of April 30, Canyon Lake is 46.3% full; a year ago, it was 58.7% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. Canyon Lake is one of the reservoirs in New Braunfels where residents receive their water supply. (Drone Hypnotics/Community Impact)

MAYFEST FESTIVAL & HOME TOUR SATURDAY, MAY 10 ○ 11AM–3PM

It’s that time of year again … birds chirping, blossoms spreading and Mayfair—New Braunfels’ nature-rich, trail- connected new home community — is getting ready to host the second annual Mayfest Festival & Home Tour. All are welcome to a day of live music, local food and family-friendly fun. A chance to take a closer look at Mayfair's colorful variety of model homes, meet our newest builders and learn about new collections coming this summer.

MAYFAIRTX.COM/MAYFEST

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

NOW SELLING YOUR DREAM HOME in HOMESTEAD Model now open! Situated right off I-35 15 minutes from San Antonio or New Braunfels

FIND YOUR HOME

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

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 Parks Kugle

Thomas Leer Maddy Morales Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss José Jiménez Chelsea Peters Managing Editor Sierra Martin Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores Quality Desk Editor Deekota Diaz

Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com

Amira Van Leeuwen Editor avanleeuwen@ communityimpact.com

Heather Demere Publisher hdemere@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

Proudly printed by

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact nbfnews@communityimpact.com nbfads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

Before

After

What’s a prosthodontist? Prosthodontist are specialists in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth and oral/facial structures with natural, esthetic, and functional replacements.

What we do: ¤ Full mouth rehabilitation ¤ Crowns and bridges with or without implants ¤ All-on-4, All-on-X

¤ Veneers ¤ Snap dentures, dentures, partial dentures ¤ Cosmetic dentistry

Dr. “Jane” Chia-Chen Tsai, DDS, MSD | 512-518-4358 | www.CentralTexasProsthodontics.com | 2410 Hunter Rd, Ste 101, San Marcos, TX 78666

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

3 Up and Downs Golf Bar The family-friendly golf simulator business is locally owned. Up and Downs Golf Bar serves classic elevated bar food and nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2163 Stephens Place, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.upanddownsgolfbar.com

RIVER CHASE WAY

SHEPHERD HILL DR.

306

CREEKSIDE WAY

2673

BROOKHOLLOW

306

17B

Canyon Lake

4 Texas Functional & Regenerative Medicine The practice—locally owned by CEO Debra 1101

337

OAK RUN PKWY.

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

Houser-Bruchmiller and Huntington Thornton—offers free consultations, peptide injections, saline tattoo removal, teeth whitening, dermaplaning, chemical peels microneedling and more, according to its website. • Opened Jan. 10 • 2115 Stephens Place, Ste. 900, New Braunfels • www.txfrmed.com

ELIZABETH AVE.

S. UNION AVE.

STEPHENS PL.

LANDA PARK

HINMAN ISLAND

Coming soon

OAK RUN POINT

5 Hill Country Day School The 12,000-square-foot preschool facility, locally owned by Haleigh Almquist, will serve children from

1863

6-weeks to 4-years-old. • Breaking ground in June • 144 River Chase Way, New Braunfels • www.hillcountrydayschool.com

337

17A

LAKE DUNLAP

6 Wafflelicious The restaurant’s menu will focus on sweet and savory waffles, house-made sauces and toppings and specialty coffee drinks with a mix of European flair and Texas comfort. Wafflelicious is locally owned by husband and wife duo Daniel and Franziska Krinninger. • Opening in May • 2188 Hwy. 46, Ste. 109, New Braunfels • www.wafflelicioustx.com 7 EōS Fitness The corporate-owned gym will open a location near Hobby Lobby. EōS Fitness offers strength training and cardio equipment along with its signature amenities like MOVEōS Cinema and Recovery Room, according to an email from EōS Fitness.

1044

725

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 Clubhouse on Castell The wine bar—owned by locals Linda and Darrell Panozzo—offers a selection of wines as well as coffee in the morning. Clubhouse on Castell will also operate as a venue for intimate shows and live music events. • Opened April 17 • 822 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.clubhouseoncastell.com

Now open

1 The Book Haus The independent bookstore—owned by Sabrina Caldwell—sells new and used books. • Opened April 26 • 344 Landa St., New Braunfels • Instagram: the_book_haus

S A L E 25

345 S. BUSINESS 35 NBMATTRESS.COM 

MEMORIAL DAY SALE

On Serta iComfort Mattresses and Bases see store for details NOW OPEN! Bedroom Furniture featuring modern & elegant designs made with quality woods

SAVE UP TO $1,000

ALWAYS LOCAL SERVICE AND HOSPITALITY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & MADDY MORALES

• Opening 2026 • Corner of I-35 and Creekside Way, New Braunfels • www.eosfitness.com

In the news

Coming soon

12 Hill Country Payroll The family-owned regional Human Resources and payroll firm celebrated its 30-year anniversary on April 10. Hill Country Payroll assists business owners and HR leaders through its single database web application’s HR, Time and Labor, Payroll and Scheduling options. • 2967 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 310, New Braunfels • www.hillcountrypayroll.com 13 Gruene Botanicals The CBD dispensary celebrated its five-year anniversary in New Braunfels in March. Gruene Botanicals is owned by Sean Timmerman and specializes in THCA products. • 982 N. Hwy. Loop 337, New Braunfels • www.gruenebotanicals.com 14 The Vitamin Stack The business rebranded from The Vitamin Shoppe to The Vitamin Stack in January after The Vitamin Shoppe filed for bankruptcy, store owners Joey and Marcy Zayas said. The Vitamin Stack sells a variety of vitamins, protein powders and shakes.

Relocations

8 Synthetic Dreams Tattoo Gallery The tattoo shop relocated from 967 N. Academy Ave., Ste. A to 382 S. I-35 frontage road, Bldg. B, in mid- March. Synthetic Dreams Tattoo Gallery is locally owned by Ray Arce and offers tattoos in different styles. • Relocated mid-March • 382 S. I-35 frontage road, Bldg. B, New Braunfels • www.getpokedhere.com 9 Plant Culture The locally owned plant shop and potting bar relocated from 382 S. I-35 frontage road, Unit B to 972 W. San Antonio St., in New Braunfels on April 12. Plant Culture sells a variety of house plants and pots. • Relocated April 12 • 972 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.ourplantculture.com 10 New Braunfels Braces The orthodontist relocated from 837 Landa St., to the inside of Smile Pediatric Dental Care at 385 Landa St., Ste. B, New Braunfels. New Braunfels Braces is part of Amarillo-based Full Smile Dental and specializes in Invisalign and braces. • Relocated April 11 • 385 Landa St., Ste. B, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelsbraces.com 11 Top Tek Pros The IT company—owned by Daniel Rivas—relocated from 177 E. Faust St., to 1295 E. Common St., New Braunfels. Top Tek Pros offers a range of technology support services including and specializes in working with nonprofit organizations on VPN solutions, volume licensing, tax exempt scenarios and more. • Relocated April 7 • 1295 E. Common St., New Braunfels • www.toptekpros.com

17 Smoothie King The New Braunfels franchise is owned by Paul Flores. Smoothie King offers nutritional, healthy beverages such as smoothies and refreshers as well as açaí bowls, according to its website. • Opening in August (Walnut location); opening this winter (FM 306 location) • 17A 654 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels; 17B 312 FM 306, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.smoothieking.com

• 2736 Loop 337, Ste. 101, New Braunfels • Instagram: vitaminstack_newbraunfels

15 The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country

Closings

18 Shop Shane & Co. Boutique In a Facebook post, owner Ashlee Hill said they are going to pivot but do not know what that looks like yet. Shop Shane & Co. Boutique sold graphic T-shirts, trucker hats, women’s apparel, accessories and more. • Closed April 27 • 453 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.shopshaneco.com 19 NB’s Wicked Bah Pizza The fast casual pizza restaurant opened in November 2022 and served salads and 10-inch pizzas with various toppings. • Closed end of April • 111 S. Union Ave., Ste. 123, New Braunfels • www.nbwicked.com

The museum—which celebrated its 25-year anniversary March 2—is dedicated to the collection, conservation, preservation and display of materials associated with the cultural history of the Texas Hill Country, according to the museum’s board of directors. • 4831 FM 2673, Canyon Lake • www.theheritagemuseum.com 16 KGNB/KNBT Radio The independently-owned-and-operated radio celebrated its 75th anniversary of broadcasting on April 21, according to a news release. The radio station has been in operation since the 1950s, originally broadcasting on AM 1420 and then added FM 103.1. • 1540 Loop 337, New Braunfels • www.radionb.com

Let us refine your view.

Dry Eye Disease • Eye Rejuvenation • Contact Lenses • Diabetic Eye Health • LASIK • Macular Degeneration • Glaucoma Treatment • and more!

830.302.3357 | www.refinedeyecare.com 2188 State Hwy 46 West Suite 102 SCHEDULE YOUR EXAM HERE

Dr. Audrey Raley

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Earn premium rates with our relationship bonus.

Here, we collaborate. Here, you grow. Amegy Bank can help you take your savings to the next level—with the products you need to help grow your future. Earn up to 1.00% APY on top of our standard rates with our Money Market Accounts when you link it to a qualifying business or consumer checking account.

Learn more at AmegyBank.com/RateBonus or visit one of our branches to start working with a dedicated Amegy Banker.

New Braunfels 280 FM 306 New Braunfels, TX 78130

1. Please refer to the Deposit Account Agreement, Account Disclosure, Deposit Rate Sheet and the applicable schedule of fees, or speak with a banker for more details. 2. Advertised premium rate effective as of 04/01/2025 available on Personal or Business Money Market accounts for account balances of $1,000.00 to $99,999,99 when you link a Personal Premium Interest Checking, Personal Premier Checking, Premier Elite Checking, Business Connect Checking, Business Interest Checking, or Community Checking accounts. Your interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY) may change at our discretion at any time. The APY assumes that interest paid remains in the account. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. We use the daily balance method to calculate the interest on your account. This method applies a daily periodic rate to the collected balance in your account each day. Interest compounds daily and will be credited to your account monthly. If you close your account before interest is credited, you will not receive accrued interest. Interest begins to accrue no later than the business day we receive credit for the deposit of noncash (checks). 3. Premium rate tiers are applied automatically to linked money market or savings accounts, CDs, and IRA accounts when the primary owner of the checking account is also an owner of the linked interest bearing account. Please see Deposit Rate Sheet for details.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

New Braunfels Utilities broke ground on its new $184 million headquarters at 5467 FM 482 on April 23, which will accommodate future growth and better serve NBU customers, according to a news release. Previously, NBU residential and commercial customers had to visit the utility’s Main Plaza oce downtown, the Customer Solutions Center at 1488 S. Seguin Ave., or the Service Center at 355 FM 306. “By bringing NBU services together under one roof, we’re making it easier to get support, solve problems and deliver the level of service our customers deserve,” NBU CEO Ryan Kelso said in the news release. The expansion is being funded by revenue bonds, which will be paid o over the next 30 years, Kelso said. Revenue bonds are not funded by taxpayers. These funds come from revenue generated by a specic project, such as a public utility. How we got here Kelso said the utility’s 2017 Facility Master Plan prescribed the sale of its existing facilities and relocating into a central facility for eciency. The utility sold its facilities back to the city, which will be redeveloped by the city following NBU’s relocation. NBU also conducted a workforce study to deter- mine the number of employees the company is projected to have in the future. The utility currently NBU breaks ground on $184M headquarters

A rendering of NBU’s visitor entrance at its future headquarters, which is located at 5467 FM 482, New Braunfels.

RENDERING COURTESY NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES

New Braunfels Utility headquarters

The new headquarters will be 250,000 square feet.

250K square feet 142K square feet: Oce space 60K square feet: warehouse 48K square feet: maintenance and equipment buildings

482

MARIGOLD WAY

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

with this expanded site we’ll be able to have those materials here on site ready for our employees,” Kelso said. It will be equipped with upgraded technology infrastructure to support the utility’s electric, water and wastewater services. Direct access to the I-35 frontage road will improve response times to restoring water and electrical outages, Kelso said. Looking ahead The project is slated to be completed in summer 2027.

has 455 sta members, and is projected to grow to 765 employees over the next 30 years, Kelso said. Project details NBU purchased the 77-acre site in 2023. The property was selected based on accessibility and scale, Kelso said. The expansion includes customer service areas, expanded customer meeting spaces and a 17-acre operations yard. Currently, the utility’s operations yard is 9 acres. “From a material storage perspective we had to spread out our storage on other sites as well ... and

Downtown 266 Landa Street, Ste. 110 North River Chase 6442 FM 306, Ste. 1103

Serving our community since 1976

Call or text for an appointment! 830-625-5716

www.landaeyecenter.com

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

1551 N WALNUT AVE, SUITE 10 (830) 626-3310

FREE QUESO WITH PURCHASE OF ANY ENTREE 7 DAYS A WEEK ANYTIME. CANNOT COMBINE WITH OTHER OFFERS.

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE LUNCH ENTREE 7 DAYS A WEEK UNTIL 3PM. CANNOT COMBINE WITH OTHER OFFERS.

MONDAY FRIDAY ONLY ONE COUPON PER TABLE

Build your new home with confidence. With a commitment to quality and a reputation for excellence, Toll Brothers is the home builder you can trust in New Braunfels and surrounding areas.

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE TollBrothers.com/NewBraunfels 877-500-0508 Ask about our Quick Move-In Homes

Toll Brothers at Sunset Ridge Quick move-in homes From the mid-$300,000s

Toll Brothers at Mayfair Single-family homes Comal Collection From the mid-$400,000s Guadalupe Collection From the mid-$500,000s Toll Brothers at Nolte Farms Single-family homes From the mid-$300,000s

Hillside on Landa Quick move-in homes From the $500,000s

Toll Brothers at Legacy at Lake Dunlap Single-family homes From the upper $400,000s

Open Mon 10 am–6 pm; Tue 2 pm–6 pm; Wed–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun Noon–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Prices shown may refer to the base house and do not include any home site premium, or any optional features. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an oering where prohibited by law.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

City looks to implement paid on-street parking The city of New Braunfels is looking to implement a paid, on-street parking system downtown where a free, two-hour parking system currently exists. If approved, the new parking system would improve access, reduce traffic congestion and support local businesses, Jeff Jewell, director of eco- nomic and community development, said during an April 28 City Council meeting. What you need to know The paid, on-street parking system, also referred to as a managed parking system, would allow downtown visitors to park for free for the first hour. Each additional hour would be $2, with a daily max of $10, Jewell said. The new system, which would be enforced by Interstate Parking, is expected to help regulate high-demand areas like downtown districts. If implemented, Interstate Parking will provide

City OKs extension for Texas Tito’s facility New Braunfels City Council approved another six-month extension for the con- struction of Texas Tito’s new facility near 1286 River Road on April 14. The overview The extension was requested by the company due to federal permitting compli- cations with a flood plain revision agenda documents state. There are no additional fiscal impacts for extending the agreement.

Proposed downtown parking fee system

Free

0-1 hour

1-2 hours

2-3 hours

3-4 hours

4-5 hours

$10

5 hours or more

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

parking ambassadors that can help drivers find available parking, assist with payments and monitor parking spaces for violations, according to the city’s website. Paid parking revenue would allow the city to reinvest in downtown parking through property acquisitions, parking leases and signage, according to the presentation. Any ordinance changes that must be approved by City Council will be on the May 12 and May 27 agendas, according to the presentation.

337

Comal County accepts 39-acre land donation

3424

306

to provide the public with land where they can observe and study native plants, birds and wild- life. Other future goals include establishing ponds and enhancing native food sources for birds and wildlife, according to the agreement. Comal County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jen Crownover said they’d like to brainstorm ideas for developing trails on the property, and then the county will begin budgeting for the project.

Comal County Commissioners Court approved an agreement with Christchurch Texas L.P. accepting the gift of 39.31 acres of land, located at 1500 Hancock Road, Canyon Lake, on April 17 for a future nature sanctuary. The details The sanctuary will be named Clora Edna Haier Nature Sanctuary. The goal of the sanctuary is

CANYON LAKE

Craft Beer Artisan Pizzas Artisan Pizzas Live Music Live Music Grill Open on Weekends & $10 New Style 1586 Pepperoni Pizza Every Sunday

1586 Wald Rd. | 830-241-2431 | guadalupebrew.com

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & MADDY MORALES

Comal, New Braunfels ISDs earn ‘B’ ratings for 2022-23

Comal and New Braunfels ISDs earned a ‘B’ rating overall upon the release of the Texas Educa- tion Agency’s 2022-23 A-F Accountability ratings. The system uses A, B, C, D and F ratings, but A and B ratings are the only ones considered to be passing. Comal ISD scored 85 out of a possible 100 points and NBISD scored 81 out of a possible 100 points. In case you missed it The ratings were released April 24 after a year- and-a-half long lawsuit with districts across the state which argued that TEA did not provide suf- ficient notice before implementing new standards in the 2023 accountability system. NBISD was not part of that lawsuit, but Comal ISD was. But a separate lawsuit concerning the 2024 ratings remains pending in the Texas 15th Court of Appeals according to previous reporting by Community Impact. Some context The A-F system was originally developed by the 85th Legislature to determine how well students are being prepared academically for the next grade level and for college. TEA typically assigns annual A-F ratings to each public school district and campus based on students’ standardized test scores. However, full ratings have been partially withheld statewide since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across Texas, nearly 11% of school districts received an A rating for the 2022-23 school year. Forty percent of districts earned a B, while about 32% scored a C, 14% received a D and about 3% received an F, according to the TEA.

New Braunfels ISD

Comal ISD

Campus

Rating

Campus

Rating

Carl Schurz Elementary County Line Elementary Klein Road Elementary

D C C B B B B C B B B B A B B

Comal Academy

Clear Spring Elementary

Freiheit Elementary

Lamar Elementary

Goodwin Frazier Elementary

Memorial Elementary

Seele Elementary

Hoffmann Lane Elementary

Veramendi Elementary Voss Farms Elementary Walnut Springs Elementary

Morningside Elementary

Oak Creek Elementary

Canyon Middle School

Lone Star Early Childhood Center New Braunfels Middle School Oak Run Middle School Long Creek High School New Braunfels High School The NBISD Learning Center

Church Hill Middle School

Danville Middle School

Canyon High School

Memorial Early College High School

SOURCE: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NOTE: THE COMAL DISCIPLINE CENTER IS NOT LISTED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT RATED

“The public issuance of ratings for school systems does positively affect the academic and life outcomes of children,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath told reporters on April 22. “We do this because it helps children. ... When we don’t do it, you don’t get the benefits of those public ratings and it is very logical to then presume that performance declines as a result.” Community Impact reached out to CISD for comment, but did not hear back as of press time. Hannah Norton contributed to this report.

What districts are saying Chief Academic Officer Kara Bock said NBISD administrators have remained focused on working closely with teachers and district staff to develop strategies that address areas of growth. “At NBISD, we are committed to providing a high-quality education for ‘Every Student. Every Day,’” Bock said in a news release. Stay tuned During an April 22 press call, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said the agency intends to release the 2024-25 ratings Aug. 15.

DECORATE YOUR SPACE WITH ART FROM OUR PLACE DECORATE YOUR SPACE WITH ART FROM OUR PLACE

DECORATE YOUR SPACE WITH ART FROM OUR PLACE Local Art …Texas Talent 239 W. San Antonio Street DECORATE YOUR SPACE WITH ART FROM OUR PLACE Local Art …Texas Talent 239 W. San Antonio Street DECORATE YOUR SPACE WITH ART FROM OUR PLACE

DECORATE YOUR SPACE WITH ART FROM OUR PLACE

Local Art …Texas Talent

Local Art …Texas Talent Local Art …Texas Talent 239 W. San Antonio Street 12 239 W. San Antonio Street 239 W. San Antonio Street 239 W. San Antonio Street

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

2 New Braunfels ISD properties transferred to local nonprot

kept up with ination, according to the release. More details The building at 430 W. Mill St.—which previ- ously housed New Braunfels High School and the district’s Administration Center—has been designated as a historic property. It has served as a center for education in some form since opening in 1855, the news release states. Stacey Dickey, executive director of NBYC, said they will maintain all the requirements to keep 430 W. Mill St. a historic landmark. The nonprot has raised $13 million to invest in existing structures on the property, which will be renovated over the coming year. NBYC will use the buildings to oer free programs to middle and high school age students. The programs will focus on career readiness, nancial literacy, nutrition and more, according to the release.

The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved the transference of two properties to the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, or NBYC, on April 14. The properties, located at 407 and 430 W. Mill St., are currently owned by the district, but moving forward NBYC will be responsible for all future nancial concerns with the properties, according to a news release. How we got here In 2023, NBISD determined no future instruc- tional plans for the facilities existed. NBISD and NBYC entered into a $1/year, 50-year lease and retained all nancial responsibility for property insurance, HVAC, roong, plumbing and electri- cal systems for the duration of the lease while only receiving $50 in revenue, the release states. NBISD administration believed that placing the district in this nancial situation wouldn’t make sense when the school funding system hasn’t

430 W. Mill St.

407 W. Mill St.

Notable quote NBISD Vice President Nancy York thanked NBYC for taking this project on. “It’s a much-needed resource for our commu- nity, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for the future,” York said in the release.

125 S Elliott Knox Blvd newmancmpy.com 830.620.8444

Botox|Dysport|Xeomin Dermal Fillers Biostimulators Fat Dissolvers PRF Treatments Hair Restoration Medical Weight Loss Hormone Therapy Intimate Rejuvenation Laser Treatments Body Sculpting Vitamin IVs Vitamin Injections Full Body Waxing Microneedling Morpheus8 Chemical Peels Facial Treatments Body Treatments Eyelash Services Eyebrow Services Teeth Whitening Makeup Applications Clinical Skin Care

Still You. Only Better.

Mini Lip Plump $279 Pamper your pout with the perfect amount of plump. Increase the hydration of your lips, while improving the appearance of vertical lines to reduce the signs of aging lips. Improve the overall volume, shape and symmetry of your lips, while also achieving facial harmony with a custom lip plump.

Botox $9/Unit Dysport $3/Unit Xeomin $8/Unit Take advantage of affordable offers on the world’s number one anti-aging treatment. Botox, and similar alternatives, are used to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the facial muscles. Treatments are fully customized and tailored to each guest’s needs.

Weight Loss Buy a Month, Get a Month HALF OFF Our Slim Shot Weight Loss program is a safe and effective way to lose weight, shed inches, and reduce your body fat by 15 - 20%. Improve your health and keep food cravings

Learn More About New Braunfels’ #1 Provider for Aesthetics, Wellness, and Weight Loss Solutions!

at bay, while also boosting your self confidence.

We currently offer both Semaglutide & Tirzepatide weight loss options.

Cosmetics and More

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Transportation

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Landa, Elm Street project wraps up

Construction underway at Conrads Lane

Closed to westbound drivers

306

Roadwork to complete the Landa and Elm Street Water Line Improvements Project is scheduled to be completed in early May. A closer look On Jan. 13, New Braunfels Utilities began upgrading approximately 500 feet of an 8-inch water line with a 12-inch line along Landa Street from Landa Park Drive to the bridge at Dry Comal Creek.

Drivers in New Braunfels may have to detour around ongoing road construction at Conrads Lane

until June 7. The details

Detour

The project, which began April 21, includes water line relocation by New Braunfels Utilities while city contractors are replacing the low water crossing on Conrads with a culvert bridge struc- ture and pavement reconstruction, New Braunfels Communications Manager David Ferguson said. Until June 7, the flow of traffic on Conrads will only be eastbound toward the I-35 frontage road. Westbound drivers can detour on the I-35 frontage road to FM 306, according to a news release. The background The project is funded by the Goodwin Lane and Conrads Lane 2019 bond project, which will total

over $24 million once completed. Next, work on Goodwin would begin with roadway reconstruc- tion, building a bridge over Alligator Creek and storm sewer installation in front of Oak Creek Elementary school, Ferguson said. Scott McClelland, assistant director of trans- portation and capital improvements, said during an April 14 City Council meeting that the full Goodwin Lane and Conrads Lane project should be completed in early 2027.

LANDA PARK DR.

LANDA ST.

PARADISE ALLEY

TURNING 65? UNDERSTAND MEDICARE AT OUR MONTHLY SEMINARS! May 15th 11:30am The Longhorn Cafe May 29th 3:30pm Cooper’s BBQ

Aimee McCarty Licensed Insurance Broker

Personalized Plans & Local Expertise

Susan Shimp Licensed Insurance Broker

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE MEDICARE PLAN REVIEW 210-460-2454 • 2090 N I-35, #4105 • medicaregalstx.com BY APPOINTMENT ONLY We are independent brokers and represent the vast majority of all plans in Texas, however we do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do represent in your area. We are contracted with 9 different insurance companies. Please contact Medicare.gov or (800) MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Ocials with waste disposal company WM, formerly known as Waste Management, celebrated the grand opening of the Mesquite Creek Recycling Facility, located at 801 Kohlenberg Road, New Braunfels, on April 15. “Not only are we celebrating the hard work and culmination of a very special project, we’re also making signicant steps toward enabling a more sustainable Texas,” said Domenica Farmer, WM Texas Oklahoma area vice president. In September 2023, the city of New Braunfels entered into an agreement to partner with WM to build a state-of-the-art recycling plant, something the city had previously lacked. The city’s recycling trucks had been driving to material recovery facilities in San Antonio multiple times a day since 2007, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . Construction on the recycling facility began later that year, WM’s chief sustainability ocer Tara Hemmer said. The $72 million recycling facility is equipped with over 16 optical sorters that use cameras and lasers to identify and properly sort materials discarded at the center. “That technology can help us recycle more material, make it cleaner for our customers and really transforms the experience for our employees,” Hemmer said. Ocials unveil $72M regional recycling facility

The Mesquite Creek Recycling Facility is located at 801 Kohlenberg Road, New Braunfels.

PHOTOS BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Austin

WM Service areas Mesquite Creek Recycling services the following areas:

130

Buda

Comal County

New Braunfels

1 Austin 2 New Braunfels 3 Victoria 4 Live Oak 5 Jourdanton 6 Buda 7 Boerne 8 Universal City 9 Converse

Boerne

Mesquite Creek Recycling Facility

1604

San Antonio

410

123

173

181

Jourdanton

SOURCE: WM COMMUNITY IMPACT

Victoria

Some details

Quote of note

New Braunfels recycling trucks will unload all collected material at the recycling facility. From there, those materials will be sent to a large con- veyor belt for sorting. Paper, cans and bottles will be separated before being run through an Eddy current, an electric current that pulls materials with aluminum o the conveyor belt. The sorted materials will then be compacted into bales, as previously reported by Community Impact. Mesquite Creek Recycling can process up to 144,000 tons of material annually and is also equipped with an education center. Cardboard, paper and aluminum cans are among the materi- als that can be recycled at the facility.

As New Braunfels continues to grow, so do needs for thoughtful infrastructure that supports sustainable living, said Andrés Campos, New Braunfels’ Mayor Pro Tem. “By investing in modern solutions like this here in our community, WM is helping our city prolong the life of our landlls, conserve natural resources and strengthen programs that support both the economy and ecology of our city,” he said. “The Mesquite Creek Recycling Facility provides much better access to recycling services making it easier than ever for residents to participate in building a greener, cleaner city.”

Each bale can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and will be shipped to end users or mills to be used again.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Nonprot organization’s campus expansion nears completion

Connections and Individual Family Services—a nonprot organization that supports at-risk youth in Comal County—is anticipating completion of its new campus this fall, Development Coordinator Rianne Sykes-Wenske said. Some background The rst phase of the expansion—which consisted of the nonprot’s Emergency Children’s Shelter and Transitional Living Program—broke ground in October 2023 and was completed in September 2024. The residential facility provides emergency housing for foster youth and home- less youth. The transitional living program also provides housing for children between the ages of 15 and 23 years old, Sykes-Wenske said. “It’s magical to see where we were just a couple years ago to where we are today,” she said. Ocials broke ground on Phase 2 of the proj- ect in October 2024. Sykes-Wenske said they anticipate Phase 2 to be complete in August or

Phase 2

1 14 oces 2 2 additional play therapy rooms

3 Sand tray therapy room 4 3 conference rooms 5 Multipurpose room

1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

A birds eye view of Connections and Individual Family Services Phase 2.

2 2

COURTESY CONNECTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICES

Phase 2 Phase 1

N. MESQUITE AVE.

CONNECTIONS INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SERVICES

September. The details

Project timeline

2023

2024

2025

2026

September 2024 Completion Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 2 of the project will house Connections’ counseling oces, prevention programming and sta. The nonprot’s counseling program—which previously operated with six oces—will now have 14 oces, two additional play therapy rooms, a sand tray therapy room and three conference rooms for families to meet. Sykes-Wenske said the completion of Phase 2 will allow the organization to consolidate programming and streamline its operations under one roof. A multipurpose room will also be constructed in Phase 2. Sykes-Wenske said the multipurpose

Aug. or Sept. 2025 Completion

October 2023 Groundbreaking

October 2024 Groundbreaking

SOURCE: CONNECTIONS AND INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

working through things they are struggling with. “We can work with them individually outside of the family unit, and so being able to oer this will help us to better serve the youth and fami- lies that we’re serving because we can provide more individualized care and be more exible,” Sykes-Wenske said.

room will be able to accommodate 60 people and also come with a partition to separate the meeting space into two meeting rooms. What else? Connections and Individual Services will also be able to oer a $45 fee for-service-model through which guardians can spend one-on-one time

Complete Home Comfort System Replacements Starting at $6,995.00 with 0% EZ payment options

Free estimates & Free second opinions Call 210-688-8040 Today!

$99 VIP MAINTENANCE MEMBERSHIP • 2 seasonal precision tune up • 32 point safety, health & e ciency inspection and much more

Locally Owned and Headquartered in Downtown New Braunfels

MINI SPLITS | DUCTWORK | AIR QUALITY | HEATING | AIR CONDITIONING www.ductmanac.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MADDY MORALES

Headwaters at the Comal expansion sees progress in New Braunfels

The cost

The nonprofit organization’s $28.5 million expansion is being funded through donors, the New Braunfels Economic Development Corpora- tion, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and NBU, Pappas said. “We are trying to connect people to their water source here and help them understand that we all play a part in protecting it and preserving it,” Pappas said.

Phase 2 of Headwaters at the Comal multimillion-dollar expansion is anticipated to be completed later this year, said Nancy Pappas, managing director of Headwaters at the Comal. Headwaters at the Comal is a New Braunfels Utilities legacy project. The public-private partnership showcases green infrastructure, protection of the Comal River and historical elements associated with the Comal Springs and Edwards Aquifer, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . The expansion is being developed in three phases.

Key:

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Headwaters at the Comal

Breaking down the cost Key:

Phase 2 cost Phase 3 cost Phase 1 cost

KLINGEMANN ST.

$10M

$28.5M total cost

$13M

$5.5M

SOURCE: HEADWATERS AT THE COMAL/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HEADWATERS AT THE COMAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Project details

variety of innovative features such as pollinator- attracting plants and cloth that represents clouds with a step pool in the courtyard that will fill and drain with precipitation, representing the Gulf of Mexico. A step pool is a stream where water flows over multiple small steps or rocks, Pappas said. The entirety of the project is slated to be completed by the end of 2026, Pappas said.

includes construction of a new building equipped with a meeting space for up to 200 people, board-style conference room and screened education space for programs and exhibits. The final phase of the project involves transforming an existing building into a representation of the Edwards Aquifer ecosystem. There will be an open roof, which will have a

Phase 1 of the expansion was completed in 2017 and included construction of a picnic area and covered pavilion accessible to the public. Pappas said the goal for Phase 1 was also to prevent stormwater runoff with pollutants from entering the Comal River, which decreased by 90% following the completion of the first phase. Phase 2 construction—which began in 2023—

Reimagining Pediatric Care

Personalized. Compassionate. Convenient. 830-587-5098 pricklypearpediatrics.com | 2967 Oak Run Pkwy, Suite 505

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Water management aims to safeguard supply From the cover

The conditions

Demand Existing supply Shortage Water supply, demand projections in New Braunfels

88.3K

120K

Population growth and prolonged drought continue to put a strain on water resources in Central Texas, especially Canyon Lake, one of the reservoirs in New Braunfels from which residents receive their water supply. The city of New Braunfels is home to 102,218 people, but its population is expected to double by 2040, according to population projections from the Texas Water Development Board 2026 Draft Regional Water Plan. As the population continues to rise, so does the water demand. Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays and Travis are among several Central Texas counties projected to require significantly more water by 2070. Much of Central Texas is in an extreme or exceptional drought. In Comal County, 108,472 people are affected by an extreme drought. In Guadalupe County, 131,533 are affected by an extreme drought, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System. “I don’t see how you can talk about Canyon Lake in our community right now, without talking about the drought that goes hand in hand with it,” Nathan Pence, executive manager of environmental science for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, said during an April 22 Canyon Lake water management public meeting.

64.2K

100K

43.1K

80K

24.6K

60K

9.4K

40K

20K

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

2080

Projected population in New Braunfels

594.91K

600K

473.91K

368.21K

400K

275.87K

199.89K

140.36K

200K

+323.86%

2030

2040

2050

2060

2070

2080

SOURCE: 2026 DRAFT REGIONAL WATER PLAN, COMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming out

This year, water supply and conservation has been top of mind for state lawmakers. The 2022 state water plan estimates that demand for water in Texas will increase by 9% and existing water supplies will decline by 18% by 2070. Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, introduced Senate Bill 7 on March 13, which would expand the types of water projects eligible for state funding and prioritize financial assistance for wastewater treatment projects in small communities, as previously reported by Community Impact. District 73 Rep. Carrie Isaac, who represents New Braunfels, Canyon Lake and other parts of Comal and Hays County, also filed House Bill 5325 on April 7, which would require certain subdivi- sion plats to certify that adequate groundwater is available for the development. SB 7 was passed by the Senate in early April and heard in the House Committee at the end of April. HB 5325 has had no action, as of press time.

Projected municipal water needs by county in 2070

By 2070, several counties in Central Texas are projected to require significantly more water.

Acre-feet of water per year:

<1,000

1,000-25,000

25,000-100,000 >100,000

Williamson County

Travis County

Bastrop County

Hays County

Comal County

Bexar County

NOTE: THIS MAP DOES NOT REFLECT THE DEMANDS OF THE UPDATED PROJECTED POPULATION THAT WAS PRESENTED AT CITY COUNCIL.

SOURCE: TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Zooming in

The plan

today and for a long, long time in the future—poten- tially through build-out,” NBU CEO Ryan Kelso said. The city’s water supply consists of seven sources totaling 50,375 acre-feet of water per year. A combination of surface water, groundwater, and purchased water eliminates NBU’s total depen- dency on the Edwards Aquifer.

Based on current projections, NBU will have enough supply to meet the current change in demand until calendar year 2042. If conservation efforts are achieved, the utility’s supply will meet demand until CY 2063, according to its 2023 Water Resources Plan Update. “We have ample supply to take care of demands

To keep up with growth and combat drought impacts, NBU is continuing to expand its water portfolio and encourage conservation. NBU maintained Stage 2 Drought Restrictions in the area, whereas other comparable utilities—like San Marcos, Kyle and Buda—are in Stage 3. The utility is also expanding its water reclamation facility and looking into Aquifer Storage Recovery, or ASR, according to an email from Reagan Peña, NBU’s director of enterprise communications. Sam C. McKenzie, Jr. Water Reclamation Facility expansion What it does: Increases water capacity from 2.5 to 5 million gallons per day Cost: $80.6 million Timeline: Oct. 2023-Sept. 2026 Funding source: Revenue from rates and impact fees Aquifer Storage Recovery What it does: Stores potable water in an underground aquifer to meet seasonal peak demands Cost: $22-25 million Timeline: The remaining cycle testing should be complete by the summer of 2027. Funding source: Revenue from rates Gonzales Carrizo Water Supply Project What it does: Brings an additional 8,000 acre-feet of treated water per year Cost: $188.5M (Infrastructure costs only) Timeline: Available in June Funding source: Revenue from rates for delivery and operations, impact fees for the infrastructure, which include pipes and treatment plants

1985

100%

New Braunfels Utilities water sources

1995

14%

41%

45%

City of Seguin Trinity Aquifer Run-of-river GBRA Canyon reservoir Edwards Aquifer

2005

33%

32%

35%

2015

13%

23%

33%

31%

5% 2% 16% 9% 14%

GBRA GCWSP GVSUD

2024

36% 18%

25%

50%

75%

100%

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Growing challenges

Trinity Aquifer, he said. Only about 5% of the rainfall that falls on the surface of the area over the Trinity Aquifer makes it into the aquifer as recharge water, and then it takes about two years for that water to enter the aquifer. The reason why it is so slow to produce is because it is “very disjointed,” Spencer explained. If the drought continues, he said he anticipates more private wells running dry and intermittent stream flows.

Ryan Spencer, executive director of Comal Conservation—a nonprofit organization aiming to preserve land, water and wildlife in Comal County—said water is not easy to come by. “The reality is our communities are defined by water and every gallon—every drop—counts,” Spencer said.

4/12 Crawfish Boil w/ Jean Pierre and the Zydeco Angels 4/25 Jesse Lee 5/3 Dallas Moore Band Low water levels at Canyon Lake will have an immediate impact on tourism revenue and could have a significant impact on the recharge of the

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2025-2026 SEASON PREVIEW

JEFF ALLEN .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. SEPT 18 AN EVENING WITH SUZY BOGGUSS ......................................................................................................... SEPT 19 YACHTY BY NATURE ................................................................................................................................................................................... SEPT 27 DAVID BENOIT ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ OCT 3 RONSTADT REVUE ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... OCT 4 THE HEART OF ROCK & ROLL ................................................................................................................................................ OCT 11 DR. REED TIMMER EXTREME METEOROLOGIST .................................................... OCT 16 JUDY COLLINS ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... OCT 17 BROTHERS OF THE HEART .......................................................................................................................................................... OCT 27 VIENNA BOYS CHOIR ......................................................................................................................................................................................... NOV 1

LAS NUEVAS TAMALERAS ....................................................................................................................................................... NOV 20 WILL HEARN’S GRAND OL’ CHRISTMAS SHOW ........................................... DEC 2 & 3 MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS ..................... DEC 5 THE ISAACS CHRISTMAS ............................................................................................................................................................... DEC 12 THE SWING DOLLS ............................................................................................................................................................................................ JAN 22 SO GOOD! NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE ............................................................................................................. JAN 23 SETH JAMES - FULL BAND ............................................................................................................................................................... FEB 6 THE MALPASS BROTHERS .......................................................................................................................................................... FEB 26 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: FLEETWOOD MAC - RUMOURS ......... MAR 12 LET’S HANG ON! FRANKIE VALLI TRIBUTE ........................................................................ MAR 13

5/10 Jason Eady 5/17 Jim Lauderdale 5/30 JOSH BACA AND THE HOT TAMALES

Season packages available through the Box Office: 830-627-0808 Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

For more events or to rent an onsite cottage visit: www.rileystavern.com • 8894 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78132

BRAUNTEX.ORG TICKETS AT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20-21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40

communityimpact.com