New Braunfels Edition | February 2025

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3 FEB. 11MARCH 10, 2025

Tourism dollars fund local art initiatives

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

New Braunfels’ vibrant arts scene and rich heritage have continued to be supported through hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, funding. On Jan. 13, the New Braunfels City Council allocated $738,000 to fund cultural projects for 2025. Generated by tourism, HOT funds are designed to support a wide range of arts and heritage initiatives that foster community growth and preserve the city’s cultural identity. The New Braunfels Art League, or NBAL, is one of the local organizations that relies on HOT funding to sustain its programs and outreach eorts. NBAL President Mary Hammond said these funds play a critical role in helping the league promote events and attract artists and attendees from across the country. “We worked very hard to be eligible for HOT funds, and I’m not sure we could survive without them,” Hammond said.

Local artist Johnny Duncan spray-paints a project at an Art Haus event Jan. 3.

CONTINUED ON 32

COURTESY JOHNNY DUNCAN

Also in this issue

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Development: Learn about Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge’s plans to build a new facility (Page 19)

Business: Locally owned coee truck opens brick- and-mortar location downtown (Page 35)

Shop, Dine, Play & Live in Mayfair

Master-planned Community Minutes from Historic Gruene

FIND YOUR HOME

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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.

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Impacts

• Opened Jan. 17 • 255 N. Business I-35, New Braunfels • 737-274-0384

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3 Miracle-Ear The hearing center offers its own line of hearing aids and hearing screenings. • Opened Oct. 21 • 2009 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 114, New Braunfels • www.miracle-ear.com 4 Swig The Utah-based beverage chain offers customizable soda drinks. • Opened Jan. 6 • 1280 S. I-35, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.swigdrinks.com 1101 5 K5 Storage The family-owned and operated storage facility specializes in boat and RV parking. • Opened Nov. 1 • 1474 Saur Lane, New Braunfels • www.k5storage.com 6 Advance Auto Parts The auto parts store offers a wide variety of automotive parts and accessories. • Opened Nov. 21 • 2688 Loop 337, New Braunfels • https://shop.advanceautoparts.com 7 1816 Pediatrics The pediatric clinic—locally owned by Nicolas Guerra— serves children from 0-18 years of age. • Opened Oct. 10 • 2967 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 305 • www.1816pediatrics.com 8 The Hungry Waffle The waffle truck is locally-owned by Jennifer Casillas and her fiancé Adam Tekien. The Hungry Waffle offers Liege, Belgian and bubble waffles. • Opened Jan. 12

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Now open

1 Willkommen Sweepstakes The sweepstakes hall, owned by Sarah West, offers gaming systems that simulate casino games like slots. Games are played through accounts managed by staff.

2 UT Gyro The food truck is owned by Hussein Kdhaer and Ahmed Ando, and serves Mediterranean cuisine such as pita wraps, beef and chicken shawarma.

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• 1760 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels • Instagram: thehungrywaffle.tx

• Opening TBD • 330 Addstine Lane, New Braunfels • www.costco.com

Relocations

9 La Bal De Noce The venue—owned by New Braunfels resident Linda Hoppe—can serve up to 100 people. Hoppe said they have hourly pricing and packaged pricing. • Opened in November • 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 810, New Braunfels • www.labaldenoce.com 10 Kachow Motors The locally-owned business sells used cars, trucks and SUVs, and offers in-house financing. • Opened Jan. 1 • 799 I-35 N. Frontage Road, New Braunfels • www.kachowmotors.com

14 Lucky Brew The coffee shop—owned by Jose Olson—will specialize in Pacific Northwest coffee. • Opening in March • 2311 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • Facebook: Lucky Brew

Relocations

15 The Bearded Ninja Refreshments and Treats The food and beverage bus relocated to a permanent location at the Howard Johnson Inn parking lot. The business serves dirty sodas, shaved ice, lemonades and ice cream. • Relocated Feb. 1 • 201 Loop 337, New Braunfels • Facebook: The Bearded Ninja Refreshments and Treats 16 Feel FIT Physical Therapy The business—locally owned by Jordan Russell— relocated from 2351 Loop 337 to 391 Landa St. Feel FIT Physical Therapy offers dry needling, lymphatic massages, cupping and more. • Relocated Jan. 1 • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1126, New Braunfels • https://feelfitpt.com

19 Rustic Swank The home goods store is locally-owned by John Strainer. Strainer’s wife, Amber Strainer, said they were able to fully move their production facility, and noted that the new location gives them space for a dock. Rustic Swank sells hand poured soy candles in various scents. • Relocated Jan. 1 • 3526 S. Loop 337, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.rusticswank.com

Coming soon

11 The Fun Bug, Play Studio & Parties The indoor children’s play studio will have a large play structure for children ages 0-6 years old and a coffee shop at the front and will serve as an after-hours event venue. • Opening spring 2025 • 2055 Central Plaza, Ste. 108, New Braunfels • www.thefunbug.com 12 TCR Bee Supply The business—owned by longtime New Braunfels residents John and Brenda Muth—will sell a variety of beekeeping supplies such as frames, bee jackets, hive tops, starter hives and more. • Opening Feb. 15 • 522 Soechting Road, New Braunfels • www.tcrbeesupply.com 13 Costco Costco’s Regional Marketing Manager Kerry Carbullido said they would be opening a location in New Braunfels at some point in the future, but do not yet have an opening timeframe. According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, the store will be 158,000 square feet with a fuel station.

service golf cart dealer that sells used carts and custom built carts. • 22115 Old Nacogdoches Road, New Braunfels • www.comalcarts.com

In the news

17 Comet Cleaners The dry cleaning business, previously owned by Les Haas, is now owned by Jack Godfrey. Comet Cleaners offers dry cleaning, and wash and fold services. • 932 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.cometnbs.com 18 Comal Golf & Battery The family-owned business celebrated its 25 year anniversary in October. Comal Golf & Battery is a full-

Closings

20 OffRhodes Craft Beer Station The business offered a range of craft beers. • Closed Dec. 30 • 1528 E. Common St., Ste. 12, New Braunfels

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Government

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

New Braunfels denies rezoning request for cellphone tower a representative for Crown Castle from the law firm Baker Donelson, said Crown Castle sought approval to build a new tower because the city had canceled and terminated its lease on the city hall parking lot site—effective Dec. 31, 2025. “AT&T needs a replacement site in order to

New Braunfels City Council unanimously rejected a rezoning request on first reading to change property at 514 S. Castell Ave., from Light Industrial District to Light Industrial District with a Special Use Permit for the construction of a 135- foot telecommunications tower Jan. 27. How we got here The city’s planning and zoning commission recommended denial of the request, but city staff recommended approval of the request with two specific conditions—one of which was for the pro- posed landscaping to be consistent with the city’s landscaping ordinance. The second condition was related to sidewalks to ensure consistency with the South Castell Visioning Plan, Christopher Looney, director of planning and development services said. Zooming in The applicant is a telecommunications company named Crown Castle. Patton Hahn,

New Braunfels

maintain cellular coverage in this area,” Hahn said. Verizon Wireless—the public carrier for the city and its police department—is also committed to the site and improving its coverage in downtown New Braunfels. If AT&T and Crown cannot find a new site, there will be significant loss in quality coverage and available capacity, Hahn said. What they’re saying Vincent Huebinger of Vincent Gerard & Asso- ciates—Crown’s consultant—said when they first got the site that they notified over 30 or 40 people within 200 feet of the property. However, some property owners—like Mayor Neil

Linnartz and resident Frank Witting with Witting Insurance Agency—said that they were not notified. “I own a commercial property [in the proposed area], and I was not contacted,” Linnartz said. Going forward Crown Castle will need to find an alternative site or revise its plans, Looney said.

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Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

New Braunfels City Council approved the rezoning on second and final reading for a 66-acre tract at 392 Hueco Springs Loop Road from single-family district to planned development district Jan. 13. The city’s planning commission voted 5-2 to recommend the rezoning to council in October. Commissioners Angela Allen and Chase Taylor dissented, and Commissioner Ben Miedema abstained from the vote. The property is being developed by Texas Homes—a privately owned home building and real estate development company. New Braunfels resident Drake Thompson, one of the developers for the project, said they purchased the property in 2021. “We’re really excited about this property,” Thompson said during an Oct. 10 planning commission meeting. New Braunfels City Council rezones 66 acres

The breakdown

About the project

Acreage type

Acres

The proposed project is expected to have 215 single-family residential lots, commercial space and parks. The planned development district zoning will allow the developers to offer different housing types, which will meet the needs of families at different stages of life, according to an Oct. 10 presentation. The proposed development will also have stormwater detention and water quality ponds, which will detain and treat runoff prior to releas- ing flows into Manor Creek Tributary reducing the development’s runoff to below predevelopment levels, according to the presentation. What they're saying Approximately 22 property owners adjacent to the rezoning were notified of the request, accord- ing to agenda documents. Adjacent property owners such as Thomas Pollard were concerned about the environmental impact the rezoning would have on the area.

Open space/drainage

10.02 acres

Residential

50.08 acres

Park

3.89 acres

Commercial

1.88 acres

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“The land is either on or too close to the aquifer zone for our subdivision,” Pollard said in a written statement to the city. Adjacent property owner Thomas Brewer said he appreciated the developer meeting with them. “We are happy their project is for housing and not commercial development,” Brewer said in a written statement to the city.

Next steps

HUECO SPRINGS LOOP RD.

Manager David Ferguson said in an email to Community Impact . Contingent on the project’s approval, Thompson said they are hoping to begin platting Phase 1 of the project in the second quarter of 2025, and begin construction in 2025 or 2026.

The developer will need to submit a detailed plan—which will go to the planning commission for consideration at a future meeting. If approved, the developers will submit construction plans and platting prior to building permitting, Communications

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Government

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

City of New Braunfels denies 60-acre rezoning near airport

A request to rezone 60 acres at 1280 Saengerhalle Road from multifamily low-density district to single-family small-lot residential district, near the New Braunfels National Airport, died for lack of a second during a Jan. 27 city council meeting. If an ordinance fails at any of the two readings at city council, it is considered denied, and the same request will not be allowed to be brought back to council for one calendar year, according to the city’s

lives there might complain about airport noise in the future. Shannon Mattingly, director of land use and entitlements at Drenner Group, said the property owners have a homebuilder who is interested in purchasing the property and would also like to build a smaller lot subdivision. Digging deeper Steven Harlow, an adjacent property owner and member of the Saengerhalle Homeowners Association Board of Directors, said he was against the current rezoning request and suggested the property be rezoned to small commercial business park zoning. Another viewpoint Resident Pam Kraft—who lives near the Saengerh- alle property—said she has asked about the number of airport complaints during numerous airport, city council and planning commission meetings.

New Braunfels National Airport

758

60 acres for rezoning

base zoning change guide. What you need to know

“I’ve never heard of a complaint, so we keep talking about all these complaints and I don’t know where they’re at,” Kraft said. One more thing Since the rezoning request was denied, the property remains zoned as a multifamily low-den- sity district.

The New Braunfels Planning Commission approved the request—which would allow for smaller, single-family homes on 4,000-square-foot lots Jan. 7, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . However, city staff recommended denial. Christopher Looney, director of planning and development services, said the site was close in proximity to the airport, which means anyone who

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Government

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

New Braunfels announces new chief of police The city of New Braunfels announced Jan. 17 that Osbaldo Flores will serve as the city’s next chief of police, according to a news release. How we got here Digging deeper Flores has over 27 years of

Design changes approved for Mayfair New Braunfels City Council approved changes to the Mayfair Development and Design Control Document—a set of guidelines governing the project located in Comal County’s extraterritorial jurisdiction—Jan. 27. What it means The amendments, requested by SouthStar at Mayfair, LLC, updates driveway standards and parking requirements and aligns with the city’s long-term planning goals outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan. The details The new maximum driveway width will better accommodate residences with three-car garages, Michael Meek, director of community relations for Mayfair said.

law enforcement experience, and is currently serving as the assistant chief with the Arling- ton Police Department. He has experience with managing

The city of New Braunfels conducted a nation- wide search. Out of 39 applications, 18 candi- dates were invited to submit screening videos addressing key issues in law enforcement, such as recruiting and balancing community demands with resource constraints, the news release states. Eight candidates were interviewed based on their video submissions, the news release states. Two review panels evaluated submissions. One panel included sworn and civilian personnel from the New Braunfels Police Department, and the other panel consisted of individuals from city administration, human resources and the New Braunfels Fire Department, according to the news release.

Osbaldo Flores

patrol, recruiting, community engagement, behavioral health and crime analysis while overseeing a $25 million budget, according to the news release. What they’re saying City Manager Robert Camareno said Flores’ experience in law enforcement made him an ideal candidate. Looking ahead Flores will be ocially appointed and conrmed by the New Braunfels City Council at the Feb. 24 City Council meeting.

New Braunfels approves rezoning for 1.7-acre tract New Braunfels City Council rezoned 1.7 acres of property at 1182 and 1212 Old FM 306 from Multifamily Airport Hazard Overlay District to General Business Airport Hazard Overlay District with a Special Use Permit Jan. 27. Digging deeper During a Jan. 13 city council meeting, James Ingalls, representing Texas Tractor Country, said the rezoning will help meet customer demand as the business had outgrown its parking capacity. The rezoning will also help maintain smooth operations and include a new access route, where vehicles will enter only from FM 306, he added. Next steps Development permits and site plans will be reviewed in the coming weeks, said Christopher

306

Looney, director of the planning and develop- ment services department.

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News

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas comptroller projects $24B surplus as legislative session begins

Put in perspective

State leaders laid out some of their goals for 2025 as the legislative session began Jan. 14. “Property taxpayers need relief. Our public schools need support. Our water infrastructure needs investment,” Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, told his colleagues. “These aren’t Republican issues or Democrat issues— they’re Texas issues.” Gov. Greg Abbott told senators he hoped they would “use your voice and use your vote” to tighten bail restrictions for people with prior convictions and pass a school voucher package. Abbott is expected to share his official legislative priorities during his State of the State address, which typically occurs in February during legisla- tive years.

Texas lawmakers returned to Austin on Jan. 14 for the 89th legislative session. The only thing legislators are constitutionally required to do during the 140-day session is pass a balanced budget consisting of state and federal funds, according to the House Research Organization. Lawmakers will have an estimated $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending as they write the 2026-27 state budget, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Jan. 13. This includes a $23.8 billion surplus, which Hegar said will be left over from the 2024-25 budget cycle ending Aug. 31. “Texas is in good financial shape,” Hegar said as he presented his biennial revenue estimate to state officials. “Thoughtful consideration of spending decisions, as always, will be crucial to ensure new and existing investments can be funded in the future, and that these investments focus on improving the lives of Texans.” In 2023, lawmakers adopted a $321 billion budget for the current biennium. They entered that session with a historic $32.7 billion surplus. In total, $362.2 billion will be available for the 2026-27 budget, Hegar estimated. This includes about $115 billion in federal funds, which must be spent on Medicaid and other federal programs. Lawmakers released their initial budget bills, Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1, Jan. 22. The Senate’s $332.9 billion proposal was filed by Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, while Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood, filed the House’s $335.7 budget draft.

Funding lawmakers’ priorities Lawmakers appeared aligned on several major initiatives Jan. 22. They will iron out the details before passing the budget this spring.

Border security Budget writers agreed to use $6.5 billion to continue funding state law enforcement at the Texas-Mexico border. Property taxes Each chamber set aside over $6 billion to build on property tax cuts passed in 2023, although they proposed different approaches. Public schools Both drafts would raise public education funding by about $5 billion , which could include increases for teacher salaries. Water infrastructure The chambers agreed to use $2.5 billion to expand Texas’ water supplies and improve related infrastructure. Private education Each draft includes $1 billion for vouchers, which would give families public money to send their children to private schools.

One more thing

Hegar noted that if Texas were its own nation, it would be the world’s eighth- largest economy. He said legislators’ budget decisions have “kept Texas in a strong position relative to other states that exhibited less fiscal discipline” and urged them to continue spending the state’s money wisely. “Despite positive economic numbers, many of our residents are feeling the higher cost of groceries, housing and other basic necessities, and many are struggling to ensure a bright future for their children,” Hegar said Jan. 13.

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATURE ONLINE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Transportation

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

New Braunfels Utilities began upgrading its water line infra- structure along Landa Street and Elm Street on Jan. 13, according to a news release. The details The $565,599 project includes replacing 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. These upgrades will continue to help improve service reliability and system resiliency to ensure capacity for future demand, the news release states. Water line upgrades begin on Landa Street

LANDA PARK DR.

Lane closed

New Braunfels

What you need to know The right-turn lane from Landa Street to Landa Park Drive will be closed; however, drivers can still make right turns from the nearby through-lane, according to the news release. Construction on Landa Park Drive will take place from 9 p.m.-6 a.m., and there will be only one-way traffic, the news

release states. Looking ahead The project is slated to be completed by early May.

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Parking lot breaks ground in Gruene

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Rockin’ R River Rides, located at 1404 Gruene Road, and drop them off near the front of Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. Pickup and drop- off will be at the same location, and additional wayfinding signage will direct visitors to shuttle parking while work is underway. Looking ahead The parking lot is anticipated to be completed in late spring.

An 800-space parking lot, located at 1622 Gruene Road, New Braunfels, broke ground in Janu- ary at Gruene’s Historic District, according to a news release. To help with parking during construction, a complimentary shuttle service will operate Friday through Sunday, according to the Gruene’s Historic District website. The shuttle will pick visitors up from the parking lot across from

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

CISD approves name for new school

A closer look

Trustee Jason York encouraged the committee to think outside the box with future namings. “I just don’t want to see three schools in one geographic area—Mayfair Elementary, Mayfair Middle School, Mayfair High School,” York said. Krawczynski echoed York's sentiment and said he had hesitations about following a corporation's lead for an elementary school. Board Vice President Tim Hennessee said he is proud of the name Mayfair Elementary School as most of their other elementary schools are named after geographic locations. The selection process for a mascot will begin in February or March. A recommendation for the elementary school's mascot will be presented to the board in April, according to the meeting presentation.

The Comal ISD board of trustees approved the name for “Elementary School 23” on Jan. 23. In a 5-1 vote, the board chose to name their new elementary school Mayfair Elementary School. The single dissenting vote was Trustee David Krawczynski. The elementary school is located within the Mayfair development—a 1,900-acre master- planned development being constructed on the north end of New Braunfels. In November 2023, voters passed a bond proposition to fund the construction of Elementary School 23 and a new middle school, which is scheduled to open in August 2025, according to the district’s website. A facility name recommendation committee formed and met three times in December to review and discuss names, according to board agenda documents. Seven of the eight

New Braunfels

Mayfair Elementary School

committee members nominated the name Mayfair Elementary School, according to the meeting presentation. Other names on the nomination list were George W. Bush Elementary, Trump Elementary and Landa Elementary.

UNFORGETTABLE.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Comal, New Braunfels ISDs call May trustee election The New Braunfels ISD, or NBISD, and Comal ISD board of trustees ordered a May election at their January board meetings. What you need to know April 3 last day to register to vote Dates to know

New playground equipment coming New Braunfels ISD is looking to purchase new playground equipment and sun shades for Seele and Carl Schurz Elementary Schools. Both projects will be funded through the district’s 2024 Bond Proposi- tion A, according to agenda documents. The timeline The projects will be presented with a funding proposal at a future board meeting. Pending board approval construction is anticipated to begin after the school year ends and be completed before Aug. 1, 2025.

Single Member District 6 and 7 seats—currently held by trustees Amanda Jones and David Kraw- czynski—are up for election. Jones and Kraw- czynski were elected in May 2022, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . NBISD trustee seats for District 1 and two at-large positions will be up for election. At-large trustees Kimberly Goodwin and Megan Stratemann-Willis are seeking reelection, accord- ing to the district’s 2025 elections website. Goodwin was elected to the board in May 2023 and Stratemann-Willis was elected in May 2022. District 1 Trustee Morgan Renaud—who was elected to the board in May 2022—is also seeking reelection.

April 2229 early voting will begin

Feb. 14 applications for a place on the ballot must be submitted

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Learn more The main early voting locations will be at the Comal County Elections Oce, located at 396 N. Seguin Ave., in New Braunfels, and Guadalupe County Elections Oce at 215 S. Milam St., in Seguin.

School

Cost

Seele Elementary School

$300,000

Carl Schurz Elementary School

$300,000

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Legacy at Veramendi now leasing A new luxury apartment complex called Legacy at Veramendi, located at 150 Word Parkway, is now open and leasing in New Braunfels. About the project The development has 324 units across 11 buildings and oers a mix of studio apart- ments and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Legacy at Veramendi also has a resort- style pool, outdoor kitchen, 24-hour tness center and pet spa.

Apartment complex nearing completion The Sophie, a 282-unit multifamily apartment complex located o I-35 at 108 Creek Way, is nearing completion in New Braunfels. The project broke ground in February 2023, Assistant Community Manager Jaime Goodall said in an email to Community Impact. The Sophie was developed and is managed by a Houston-based property management company called AOG Living. What you need to know With buildings one and two completed, resi- dents began moving into the complex in Novem- ber. Goodall said they are hoping to complete construction on the third building in the complex in February and that buildings four and ve will be completed in late February or early March. Project details The Sophie oers one-, two- and three-bedroom

The Sophie is located at 108 Creek Way.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

apartments between 659 and 1,444 square feet. Each unit is equipped with stainless steel appli- ances, a washer and dryer and dishwasher. The complex oers an assortment of amenities including a: • 24-hour tness center • Dog wash, dog park • Conference center • Game room There will also be a sky lounge on the top oor of building 3, Goodall said.

RIVER RD.

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2-story mixed-use project bringing cafe to Mayfair Midtown Mayfair SouthStar Oce & Cafe—a 2-story mixed use project featuring a cafe and oce space—will be breaking ground within the Mayfair development this summer. Project details The ground oor of the project will house Kristi Robinson, vice president of SouthStar Com- munities marketing and community relations told Community Impact . SouthStar Communities has been located at 1118 Vintage Way in New Braunfels for about 10 years, and has plans to relocate to this new space in late summer of 2026, Robinson said.

The project will also feature a cafe, which will serve as a gathering place for Mayfair residents and individuals coming into the community.

Mayfair’s Homeowners Association. The top oor will house SouthStar Communities headquarters,

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Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Car dealership to build new 82,000 square-foot facility

Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge held a ground- breaking ceremony for its new 82,000 square-foot facility, located at 1310 S. I-35, New Braunfels, on Jan. 15. Project details Wes Studdard, vice president for Bluebonnet Motors Co. said they outgrew its current location at The Becker building at 547 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels. The Bluebonnet Jeep, located at 283 S. I-35, and Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge facilities will move into the new facility. The new car dealership facility will be located on a 10-acre property and have 673 parking spaces, an air-conditioned shop with 52 stalls and a 2-story parts warehouse. It will also have a four lane service drive and an eight car showroom. Learn more Studdard said that Volkswagen is giving them their franchise, which will replace Bluebonnet

Jeep. “Why wouldn’t you want Volkswagen in a German town like New Braunfels,” Studdard said. The timeline The project is slated to be completed in Febru- ary 2026, Studdard told Community Impact.

Wes Studdard, vice president for Bluebonnet Motors Co. said they outgrew the dealership’s current location.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY THALIA GUZMAN

• $9-$15 • New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.premiergunshows.com/gun-show/new-braunfels Troutfest Expo 2025 The event will feature workshops in fly fishing, and preserving and protecting cold water fisheries. • Feb. 21-23, times vary • Free (expo), $25 (movie night) • Lazy L&L, 11699 River Road, New Braunfels • www.grtu.org

February

New Braunfels Bridal Expo This event will feature over 70 vendors and showcase new wedding gown styles from Celebrations Bridal and Prom. There will also be giveaways • Feb. 16, noon-4 p.m. • $10 • New Braunfels Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelsbridalexpo.com Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance: Aloha! Daddy Daughter This annual event will have a themed ballroom with dancing and refreshments. • Feb. 21, 7-9 p.m.; Feb. 22, 4-6 p.m., 7-9 p.m. • $30 per person • Wursthalle, 178 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels • https://newbraunfels.gov/calendar New Braunfels Gun Show The event will feature 350 booths offering guns, ammo, shooting supplies and knives. Attendees will be able to buy, sell or trade items. • Feb. 22-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Saturday); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sunday)

March

Spring Market Spring into the season with three days of shopping from over 100 vendors offering spring decor items, jewelry, crafts and more.

In A Pickle Festival The Houston-based festival will offer 140 unique food and artisan vendors carrying unique pickle treats like pickle pizza, fried peanut pickle ice cream and pickle cotton candy. The event raises awareness to support the Hunter Syndrome Foundation.

• March 14-16, times vary • $5 (general admission) • New Braunfels Civic Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com

• March 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • $10 (general admission)

• Comal County Fair Association, 701 Common St., New Braunfels • Facebook: In A Pickle Festival

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Events

BY THALIA GUZMAN

The Texases, 4 p.m. • March 3: Bret Graham, 6 p.m. • March 4: Slim Bawb Fat Tuesday, 6 p.m. • March 5: The Georges, 6 p.m. • March 6: Ted Russell Camp, 6 p.m.

www.rileystavern.com • Feb. 20: Mike Ethan Messick and Friends, 7 p.m. • Feb. 21: The Homebodies, 7 p.m. • Feb. 22: Mark Allan Atwood Band, 8 p.m.

www.drinklokal.com • Feb. 20: Tim & Colin Branch 7 p.m. • Feb. 21: TX 46 Band, 8:30 p.m. • Feb. 22: MC & The Mystyx, 8:30 p.m. • Feb. 27: Caleb Wilbourn, 7 p.m. • Feb. 28: Chuck Wimer, 8:30 p.m. Krause’s Cafe 148 S Castell Ave., New Braunfels www.krausescafe.com • Feb. 21: RAD Dance Band, 6 p.m. • Feb. 22: Tony Taylor, 11:30 a.m. • Feb. 22: The Lonely Hearts Club, 6 p.m. • Feb. 23: Nyles, 11 a.m. • Feb: 23: Living Hairitage, 3 p.m.

Live music

Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels www.brauntex.org • Feb. 20: Brett Cline, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 23: Mid-Texas Symphony presents Puttin’ on the Ritz, 4 p.m. • March 4: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 7:30 p.m. • March 6: Barry Corbin, 7:30 p.m. • March 7: Atlanta Rhythm Section, 7:30 p.m. • March 13: Two Tons of Steel: Buddy Holly Tribute, 7:30 p.m. Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.gruenehall.com • Feb. 20: Kayla Jane, 6 p.m. • Feb. 22: Flat Top Jones, 1 p.m.; Junior Brown, 9 p.m. • Feb: 23: Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers, noon; Rochelle & The Sidewinders, 4 p.m. • Feb. 24: Bret Graham, 6 p.m. • Feb: 25: Jeska Forsyth & The Harmony Sisters ATXM, 6 p.m. • Feb: 26: Eric Demmer, 1 p.m. • March 1: Red Iron Push, 11 a.m.; Josh Abbott Band, 6 p.m.; 10 p.m. • March 2: Broken Arrow Band, noon;

• Feb. 23: Bo Porter, 4 p.m. • Feb. 26: Ryan Quiet, 7 p.m. • Feb. 27: Sid Grimes, 7 p.m.

• March 7: Uncle Lucius: Live Album Recording, 8 p.m. • March 8: Allan Hendrickson, 11:30 a.m.; Heather Linn & The Deacons, 2 p.m.; Uncle Lucius: Live Album Recording, 9 p.m. • March 9: Bret Graham, noon; Lindsay Beaver, 5 p.m. • March 10: Chris Ruest, 1 p.m.; Kayla Jane, 6 p.m.; Clayton Chapin, 8:30 p.m. Phoenix Saloon 193 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels www.thephoenixsaloon.com • Feb. 22: Whiskey Rebellion, 9 p.m. • Feb. 26: Steven Vee, noon Redbird Listening Room 1260 Elliot Knox Blvd., New Braunfels

• Feb. 28: Amber Lucille, 6 p.m.; Prairie Rattlers, 8 p.m. • March 1: Matthew Brodnax and The Blue Sherpas, 9 p.m. • March 2: Kayla Jane’s Picker’s Circle, 4 p.m. • March 6: Manzy Lowry, 7 p.m. • March 7: Birdlegg & the Tight Fit Blues Band, 8 p.m. • March 8: Ted Russell Kamp, 7 p.m.; Josh Morningstar, 9 p.m. • March 9: Bo Porter, 4 p.m. • March 13: Mike Neumann, 7 p.m. River Rose Tavern 145 FM 2673, Canyon Lake www.theriverrosetavern.com

• Feb. 26: Yodel Blitz, 6 p.m. • Feb. 28: Soul Sessions, 6 p.m. The Watering Hole Saloon 1390 McQueeney Road, New Braunfels www.wateringholesaloon.com • Feb. 21: Clint Taft & The Buck Wild Band, 8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 21: Paul Eldridge, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 28: Devin Blaze, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 21: Paul Eldridge, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 28: Devin Blaze, 7:30 p.m. • March 7: Brandon Collins, 7:30 p.m. The Villa 190 Gruene Road, New Braunfels

www.redbirdlisteningroom.com • Feb. 21: George Ensle, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 22: Crow & Gazelle, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 26: Michael Kelton, 7:30 p.m. • Feb. 28: James McMurtry, 7 p.m. Riley’s Tavern 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels

• Feb. 27: Texas Double Shot, 8:30 p.m. • Feb. 28: County Line Band, 8:30 p.m. • March 1: Broken Arrow, 9 p.m.

Brandon Collins will perform at River Rose Tavern March 7.

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FIRST EDITION!

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT FEBRUARY 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

EXCURSIONS: A Port Aransas Quest CRITTER: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: A Western Wear Pair FEATURE PREVIEW: Panhandle Fires, One Year Later

Above: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025

Dear Fellow Texan, WELCOME

I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to bring you this special edition of Texas Monthly ’s February issue within the pages of Community Impact . One great Texas institution meets another. Community Impact and Texas Monthly have shared goals: to equip you with the news and perspectives that help you understand your state and your neighborhood and inspire you to engage with the people and places that surround you. Each month, we’ll provide you a kind of sampler of what Texas Monthly has to offer. Food, drink, travel, critters, and a taste of some of the award-winning storytelling Texas Monthly is known for. Enjoy the next few pages, thank you for welcoming us into your home, and please consider subscribing to Texas Monthly. —ROSS McCAMMON

EXCURSIONS Among the Craniacs North America’s tallest bird stalks Port Aransas once again. Its fans are back too. BY ROSE CAHALAN

I'M LEANING ON the rail of the Scat Cat, a red-and-white charter fishing boat in Aran- sas Bay, when two bottlenose dolphins leap majestically out of the water alongside our wake. The midday February sun gleams on their fins as the pair chases us. “Look!” I shout. A few of my sixty or so fellow passengers turn to watch, but this is only a warm-up for the real stars of the show: the whooping cranes. Today’s tour is part of the Whooping Crane Festival, an annual four-day winter celebra- tion of one of the continent’s rarest avian

species—and its tallest. About two thousand birders have descended on Port Aransas, a Gulf Coast town of around 2,900 residents on Mustang Island, for the twenty-seventh iteration, which is packed with more than fifty events, including birding tours and lectures by scientists. (This year’s festival happens February 20–23.) Before the arrival of European settlers, more than ten thousand of these birds soared across the continent, but habitat destruction and overhunting drove them to the brink. By

EDITOR IN CHIEF, TEXAS MONTHLY

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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