NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 10 SEPT. 2 30, 2022
ONLINE AT
PURCHASING POWER The Power Cost Recovery Adjustment is a monthly adjustment to recover the cost of purchasing power, including fuel price uctuations. According to New Braunfels Utilities, the PCRA charge currently consists of 72% market volatility and 28% Winter Storm Uri Recovery.
WINTER STORM URI RECOVERY
28%
Power reserves: $25M before Uri
NBU spent $93M in one month during Uri
$100M
$483,000 quali ed funding from FEMA
$751.22 as of Aug. 18
short-term two- year loan NBU took out for Uri debt
IMPACTS
6
PCRA CHARGE BREAKDOWN
ENERGY MARKET VOLATILITY Due to the increase in natural gas prices and competitive Texas energy market, customers are paying $0.075 per kilowatt hour in Power Cost Recovery Adjustment.
72%
$.063 PER KWH Power Cost Recovery Adjustment = Generation Cost Recovery Factor Transmission Cost Recovery Factor + $.012 PER KWH
SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NBU customers feel the heat as electricity prices rise
TO DO LIST
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BY SIERRA MARTIN
this summer due to extreme and prolonged heat in the region, an increase in the cost of power due to natural gas prices ris- ing and regulatory changes made to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas electric market following Winter Storm Uri. The Power Cost Recovery Adjustment increased by 127% this July compared to the previous year for the average NBU customer. The PCRA is the portion of the NBU utility bill that re ects the cost to buy energy from ERCOT. Because the cost of purchasing power from the energy market uctuates, so CONTINUED ON 24
Customers of New Braunfels Utilities have seen high charges on their electricity bills this summer, causing wide- spread concern of how they will be able to keep up with increasing monthly payments. A 39% increase in overall electricity bill costs in July 2022 compared to July 2021 was seen by the average utility cus- tomer, who utilizes about 1,800 kilowatt hours per month. kWh is a measure of how much energy is being used per hour. According to NBU, customers’ electric bills are increased
TRANSPORTATION
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Drought leads to strain on Central Texas water supply
DROUGHT RECORD
the Edwards Aquifer dropped to levels not seen since 2014. Cities across Central Texas may see increased drought restrictions in the future due to a lack of rainfall and high temperatures. New Braunfels has received about 7 inches of rain so far this year, which is 13 inches below the normal average, according to data from the National Weather Service. More than 2.5 million people depend on the water from Edwards Aquifer, which has been named as one of the largest and most unique aquifers in the world by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Lack of rainfall and consistently high temperatures this summer set the stage for a record-setting drought. Comal County Guadalupe County
BUSINESS FEATURE
21
BY SIERRA MARTIN
YEAR 3RD
YEAR 2ND
Texas is experiencing its second-dri- est year in 128 years, which a ects 23.9 million people across the state, accord- ing to the National Integrated Drought Information System. New Braunfels Utilities has been in Stage 3 drought restrictions for 73 days as of publication, and water levels in
DRIEST
DRIEST
Inches below normal rainfall since 1894 12.4 12.12
SOURCE: NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPERS
CONTINUED ON 26
DINING FEATURE
23
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
THIS ISSUE
ABOUT US
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst edition of Community Impact Newspaper in 2005 with three full-time employees covering Round Rock and P ugerville, Texas. Now in 2022, CI is still locally owned. We have expanded to include hundreds of employees, our own software platform and printing facility, and over 30 hyperlocal editions across the state with a circulation to more than 2.4 million residential mailboxes.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM HEATHER: This month, we welcome our new reporter, Sierra Martin, to the team. Her second front-page story covers one of our most precious resources—water. The current drought is one of the worst we have seen in 128 years. As an avid kayaker, I know this has had a huge impact on our river ows. Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER
Community Impact Newspaper teams include general managers, editors, reporters, graphic designers, sales account executives and sales support, all immersed and invested in the communities they serve. Our mission is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our core values are Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
FROM ERIC: It is no secret that utility bills have been the talk of the town. One of our front-page stories takes a deep dive into the circumstances that created the situation and some of the ways New Braunfels Utilities is trying to address the issue. Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR
Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other.
WHAT WE COVER
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MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTER Sierra Martin SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rachal Elliott ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Kayla Brooks METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Wendy Sturges COPY CHIEF Andy Comer ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Lindsay Scott CORPORATE LEADERSHIP PRESIDENT & GROUP PUBLISHER Traci Rodriguez EXECUTIVE EDITOR Joe Warner CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Sullivan VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Tess Coverman CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 PRESS RELEASES
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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DispatchHealth SIERRA MARTIN/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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to a new location in August called NB Cryo in the Freiheit Village of New Braunfels at 615 Oxford Drive, New Braunfels. The business moved because it outgrew its previous space and wanted to provide additional services to customers. NB Cryo offers cold therapy or cryotherapy treatments and facials, body sculpting, an infrared sauna, PBM red-light therapy and an ice bath called a cold plunge, among other services. It will also offer assisted stretching and a saltwater deprivation float tank in the 5 Pedego Electric Bikes moved from its 231 Landa St., New Braunfels, loca- tion to a larger store at 133 Hampe St., New Braunfels. The new location will provide additional space for a showroom of its bicycles and provide for more indoor storage. Food trucks and vendors will continue to be offered in the parking area of the new store. The new Pedego location opened Aug. 24, and the busi- ness is planning a grand opening event in the future, according to Kristen Pokky, owner of the New Braunfels Pedego near future. 830-387-4050. www.centraltexascryo.com
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NOW OPEN 1 Proxy Strategic Partners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 15 to cele- brate its new location at 43 Gruene Park Drive, New Braunfels. The financial ad- vising business offers services in wealth management and financial planning to assist clients in achieving their financial goals. 830-402-7402. www.proxyfinancial.com In-home medical care provider DispatchHealth began offering its services to New Braunfels residents in July. Oper- ating 365 days a year, the company sends a team of trained medical professionals to a client’s home and can treat anything that is not immediately life- or limb-threaten- ing. Dr. Mark Prather, CEO and co-founder of DispatchHealth, said access to quality
health care for all is a driving force at DispatchHealth. DispatchHealth delivers, provides and coordinates medical care for a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including viral infections, COPD exacerba- tions, congestive heart failure and more. 210-891-5236. www.dispatchhealth.com COMING SOON 2 The restaurant Black Bear Diner , based out of California, is planning to open a new location in New Braunfels at the end of December. The 6,868-square- foot renovation of a building at 4817 N. I-35, New Braunfels, began Aug. 31. Black Bear Diner anticipates the project will cost $580,000, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation listing. The homestyle restaurant serves
comfort foods, breakfast all day and also offers lunch and dinner options on the menu. 530-243-2327. www.blackbeardiner.com 3 An IV infusion lounge Dripbar began construction Aug.1 at 312 Hwy. 306, Ste. 112, New Braunfels. Dripbar offers a variety of IV infusions designed to help maximize physical and mental health and has a licensed staff of nurses and doctors, according to its website. The company is renovating a 1,400-square- foot building and anticipates opening in September. 210-664-3881. www.thedripbar.com RELOCATIONS 4 Central Texas Cryotherapy rebranded its business while relocating
location. 830-312-6704.
po***@pe********.com
ANNIVERSARIES
6 The New Braunfels Christian Acad- emy , a private school for students ages preschool to 12th grade located at 220 FM 1863, New Braunfels, celebrated 40 years in March with its 40th Annual “God of Miracles” Gala. The school is also launching a new education offering
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
COMPILED BY SIERRA MARTIN & ERIC WEILBACHER
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Pedego Electric Bikes
New Braunfels Christian Academy
ERIC WEILBACHER/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
ERIC WEILBACHER/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
called The Classical School, which will be a classical university model program for kindergarten through sixth grade students, Head of School Nick Reeves said. 830-629-1821. www.nbcatx.org 7 Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating its 25th birthday in September at its New Braunfels location at 161 Creekside Way, Ste. 602. The bakery will be holding an online contest to win a $25,000 birthday party planned by a celebri- ty party planning company. Up to 25 runners-up in the contest will receive a $100 Nothing Bundt Cakes gift card. With nearly 450 locations in the U.S. and Canada, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers four cake sizes in nine flavors, including Red Velvet, lemon, Strawberries and Cream, 8 Twin Liquors , a Central Texas fine wine and liquor retailer, celebrated its 85th anniversary in August. Twin Liquors is a fourth-generation family-owned company that started in Austin and now has over 100 locations in Texas that offer a selection of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world. There are two Twin Liquors stores in New Braunfels located at A 244 FM 306 and B 1659 Hwy. 46, Ste. 130. 830-620-9105. www.twinliquors.com NEW OWNERSHIP and Confetti. 830-241-1002. www.nothingbundtcakes.com 9 Previously known as Ace Dental, new owners have purchased the dental office located in the Interstate Plaza Shopping
7
Cowboys & Cadillacs Rooftop Bar is slated to open in spring 2023.
RENDERING COURTESY CAMERON CORZINE
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON A new bar and music venue is slated to open in downtown New Braunfels in spring 2023. Cowboys & Cadillacs Rooftop Bar , to be located at 204 W. San Antonio St., will perch on top of the buildings that comprise La Belle Vie, a French imports and antiques store; Luxe Design Studio; and Red Stag, a home goods mercantile and the former home of the Seguin Beauty School. Cameron Corzine, the builder and co-owner of Cowboys & Cadillacs, said the bar will be incorporated into three stories total including the rooftop. La Belle Vie—currently located at 125 N. Castell Ave.—will move into the Seguin Beauty School spot at 214 W. San Antonio St. “It’ll be a high-end, Western-themed bar with craft cocktails, rare wines and whiskeys,” Corzine said. “There [will be] some re pits, really nice seating. We will have an Airstream trailer that we are converting into seating. All the bars specialize in high-end, clean good mixology drinks.” Corzine said the establishment will also o er some food and appetizers but will
not be a full restaurant. A second bar on the third oor above Red Stag will be a walk-up bar only. “We will have waitsta , so you decide to use them or you can order at the bar,” he said. Both bars will feature liquor lockers that customers can purchase to keep bottles of liquor or wine at the bar. The total build-out will amount to almost 10,000 square feet. The oldest of the three buildings that currently houses Red Stag was built in 1893, according to the Comal Appraisal District. In November 2021, the New Braunfels Historic Landmark Commission unanimously approved the plans, according to meeting minutes. A website is not currently available.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
COURTESY NOTHING BUNDT CAKES
Center at 1671 S. I-35, New Braunfels, and renamed the business Elite Dental . Cos- metic dentistry, teeth whitening, dental fillings and Invisalign are among the ser- vices offered at Elite Dental. The dentist’s office offers four different financial options for patients to choose from. The new owners, Dr. Veena Raja and Dr. Mohan Raj Jaganathan, have run the family-owned facility since April. 830-730-5600. www.elitedentaloffice.com 10 The Faust Hotel , located at 240 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, was acquired by Andrew and Bonnie Duettra from Vance Hinton in late May. The hotel originally opened in 1929 as the Travelers Hotel and was renamed the Faust Hotel in 1936. The hotel features art deco-styled rooms and has an on-site bar and restaurant, the Faust Pub. In 1985 it received a Texas Historic Landmark plaque and was placed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. 830-625-7791. www.thefausthotel.com
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
SOLMS BOWLING CLUB EST – 1898
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TO DO LIST
September & October events
COMPILED BY SIERRA MARTIN
Protecting Land to Protect Water. The program will feature guest speaker Texas Water Trade CEO Sharlene Leurig. The goal of the event is to educate the public on how water planning is used to maximize the amount of groundwater available in Texas. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels.
in**@co***************.org
. www.comalconservation.org/events.html 24 THROUGH 25 SELL AND TRADE GUN SUPPLIES The Premier Gun Show will be coming to New Braunfels and have 300 tables of guns, ammo, knives, shooting supplies and militaria. The public is invited to buy, sell or trade during the event. Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Sun.). Free (children age 11 and under and uniformed peace o cers), $9-$15 (general admission). New Braunfels Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. 817-732-1194. www.premiergunshows.com 30 THROUGH OCT. 02 GET READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS More than 100 merchants will be selling one-of-a-kind gifts for festive events. Concessions will be available along with a complimentary photo booth to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ( rst-call Fri.), 2-8 p.m. (Fri.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat.), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sun.). $6 (general admission), $10 ( rst- call shopping). New Braunfels Convention Center,375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels. www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com OCTOBER 01 SUPPORT THE DISABLED COMMUNITY The Rock Haus Foundation will be hosting a Special Needs Resource Fair to educate parents and caregivers on available resources. Service providers will also have the opportunity to present handouts or yers and speak to families about what they provide to the community. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St.,
Three Dog Night will be performing at Gruene Hall on Sept. 15.
SEPT. 21 25
WATCH COWBOYS ROPE AND RIDE COMAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
SEPTEMBER LIVE MUSIC FREIHEIT COUNTRY STORE 2157 FM 1101, New Braunfels 830-358-7148 www.freiheitcountrystore.net 07 Walther Wednesday’s VHS ‘90s Show, 6:30 p.m. 23 Howl at Moon’s Dueling Pianos, 8 p.m. 30 The Great Divide, 8 p.m. GRUENE HALL 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels 830-606-1281 www.gruenehall.com 09 “The Bacon Brothers: Out of Memory Tour,” 4 p.m. 10 Jacob Stelly & Slade Coulter, 9 p.m. 15 Three Dog Night, 8 p.m. 17 John Michael Montgomery, 9 p.m. 24 William Beckmann, 9 p.m. 30 Carson Je rey, 8 p.m. KRAUSE’S CAFE 148 Castell Ave., New Braunfels 830-625-2807 www.krausescafe.com 09 Bret Mullins Band, 6 p.m. 10 Colton’s Kin, 2 p.m. 14 New Braunfels Village Brass Band, 6 p.m. 16, 17 Alex Meixner Band, 5 p.m. 22 The Lonely Hearts Club, 6 p.m. 29 Monte Good & Jukebox Deluxe, 6 p.m.
The 128th annual Comal County Fair and Rodeo, named the largest county fair in Central Texas, has events for the whole family. Hosted by the Comal County Fair Association, the event will feature a parade, barbecue cook-o , carnival and a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo. Live music performances will take place throughout the event along with the second annual Battle of the Bands. A new Comal County Fair queen will be crowned during this year’s contest on Sept. 18. Free (age 5 and under), $5 (ages 6-11), $10 (age 12 and older). 701 E. Common St., New Braunfels. 830-625-1505. www.comalcountyfair.org
SEPTEMBER 07 THROUGH OCT. 08 PICK A PIECE The New Braunfels Art League will be hosting the Piece by Piece Show, showcasing art made one piece at a time. The show focuses on mosaics, collage, assemblage 3D sculptures, assembled jewelry, stained glass, fused glass and quilts. The art will be displayed at the New Braunfels Art League from Sept. 7-Oct. 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The opening reception will take place Sept. 11 from 2-4:30 p.m. Free. New Braunfels Art League, 239 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830-629-8022 www.thenewbraunfelsartleague.com 10 RUN THE GRUENE ROAD Beginning in front of Texas’ oldest dance hall, Gruene Hall, a kids fun run, 10K and 5K races will wind their way through the surrounding historic neighborhood. Those participating in the run will receive a race shirt, medals for winners and nishers, Texas music, breakfast tacos and cold beer from Guadalupe River Co. 8 a.m. Depending on date of registration, race entrance will cost $15-$25 (kids race), $30-$40
(5K), $35-$45 (10K). 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels. 877-806-3987. www.athleteguild.com/running/ new-braunfels-tx/2022-gruene-10k5k 11 REMEMBER 9 11 The city of New Braunfels will hold a ceremony to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The event will include a ag-raising ceremony and a moment of silence. 7:30 a.m. Free. 500 Main Plaza, New Braunfels. 830-221-4000. www.nbtexas.org 14 LEARN ABOUT ALZHEIMER’S EdenHill Communities will host its Fourth Annual Alzheimer’s Symposium, an educational gathering to gain insights and support from an expert team of memory care specialists. A caregiver service will be available to attendees at the symposium, and lunch will be provided. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels. 830-625-1327. www.edenhill.org/alzheimers-symposium 21 ABSORB FACTS ABOUT GROUNDWATER The Comal County Conservation Alliance will be hosting a community event called
New Braunfels. 817-266-6833. www.rockhausfoundation.org
Find more or submit New Braunfels events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY SIERRA MARTIN
soil nail walls, a technique to improve soil stability at the north-to-south turnaround. According to TxDOT, the project is on schedule and will improve transportation in the intersection. Timeline: June 2022-June 2023 Cost: $5.1 million Funding sources: state and federal funds 4 I-35 improvements at FM 306 Multiple construction improvements to I-35 and FM 306 will be completed in September. In 2019, crews began working on base repairs, ramp revisions, main lane and frontage road expansion and intersection improvements at FM 306. The overall completion of the project will provide better transportation and mobility to drivers, according to TxDOT. The major construction has been completed, and minor items are pending completion to end the project. Timeline: September 2019-September 2022 Cost: $18.4 million Funding sources: state and federal funds
COMPLETED PROJECT
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East South Street and South Central Avenue Water Line Realignment New Braunfels Utilities began work on its $425,000 East South Street and South Central Avenue Water Line Realignment Project on June 20. Installation of the water lines was originally scheduled for completion in mid-August but was extended to Sept. 2. “Repairs to the aging infrastructure required additional work and mate- rials to complete the project,” NBU o cials said in a press release. Roadways remained closed to thru-tra c during construction, but vehicular access to businesses and residences was maintained. Minor detours were required for short periods of time during water line and customer service line tie-ins, accord- ing to NBU. The project will improve the area’s ag- ing water infrastructure in connection with the city of New Braunfels com- pleting its citywide roadway project. Up-to-date tra c impacts for NBU projects can be found at www.nbutexas.com, or on the NBU Facebook and Twitter social media channels. Timeline: June-September Cost: $425,000 Funding source: city of New Braunfels
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ONGOING PROJECTS
2 I-35 exit and on ramp construction Construction crews are working on construction ramps on I-35 in between Watson Lane and Kohlenberg Road. Lane closures on the main lanes and frontage roads are still anticipated to occur to complete this project. Lane closures will continue to impact drivers until the project is completed, according to TxDOT. Timeline: March 2020-December 2022 Cost: $63.8 million Funding sources: state and federal funds
1 I-35 improvements at Schwab Road Construction crews are in the nal stages of completing a three-year-long project on I-35 from FM 2252 to Schwab Road. The project consists of ramp revisions, intersectional and frontage road operation improvements, and mill and overlay of the road. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, major construction is complete, and crews are working on cleanup and nishing minor construction, which should be completed in September. Timeline: July 2019-September 2022 Cost: $24.6 million Funding sources: state and federal funds
5 Loop 337 overpass construction A project to construct a bridge and overpass that will raise Loop 337 over the River Road intersection is anticipated to be completed in late fall. Drivers can expect minor delays due to daily lane closures for construction activities. The Rock Street exit is closed, rerouting drivers to take the next exit on Gruene Road. When the project is complete, the overpass will begin west of the Rock exit and end west of the River intersection. Timeline: February 2021-late fall 2022 Cost: $14.3 million Funding sources: city, state and federal funds
3 I-35 construction at FM 725 A yearlong project to improve the intersection at I-35 and FM 725 and construct turn lanes began in June. Construction crews are working on
ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF AUG. 23. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NBFNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
Call today for a free estimate
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808 W. County Line Rd. | New Braunfels, TX | 830-629-7663 | www.RooferChicks.com
11
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
SOS Food Bank is a local non-profit charity of church and civic volunteers dedicated to providing good food to the needy in our area. We provide both monthly and emergency provisions of nutritionally balanced groceries for the hungry in the New Braunfels area. 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible.
Client hours: 1-4pm Mon-Fri 9-11am Tues & Sat 256 W Merriweather Street
830-629-3663
Find us on Facebook
Sponsored by
FREEEVENT Giveaways, Pastries and Drinks Provided
Please scan here
October 6, 2022, 1-4pm New Braunfels Civic Center 375 S Castell Ave, NB 78130 “Why We Make Poor Decisions” Doc Talk with Dr Pak
Or visit www.pakmedicalgroup.com to reserve a ticket
PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR BY THE DEMOCRATS OF COMAL COUNTY.
UNDER GREG ABBOTT, TEXAS RANKS #41 IN SCHOOL FUNDING Texas Democrats know that our public schools are the lifeblood of our communities, and that without funding they can’t thrive. Visit democratsofcomal.org to register to vote, and learn how Texas Democrats will STAND UP, SPEAK UP, AND SHOW UP for public schools and teachers and ensure that they have the funding and support they need from our leaders.
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12
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
Greater:SATX highlights economic priorities
positioning the region as a top choice for employers and talent; facilitating employer growth and sustainability; building talent pipelines and career pathways locally; and aligning regional investments and partnerships. GREATER OPPORTUNITIES The Greater:SATX regional economic partnership is tasked with several objectives, including:
BY ERIC WEILBACHER
officer for Greater:SATX, a regional economic partnership that focuses on economic development in the eight counties that make up the San Anto- nio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area, discussed attracting business to the region with the ultimate goal of job creation. “In regionalism, we are playing catch-up. We’re not the first organization in the country to be looking at this,” Carabias-Rush said. “[The] Dallas Regional Chamber led this way back in 2004. Opportunity Austin has been at it for a very long time, as have organizations around the country, and they do so, we do so, because we know that as a whole we will drive more prosperity for all.” Carabias-Rush said a lot of the work for the organi- zation is not only attracting jobs to the area, but also jobs that fit the needs of local talent pools.
At an Aug. 23 meeting of the Greater New Braunfels Economic Development Foundation, speakers presented new updates on the Continental Automo- tive Systems facility’s operations as well as initiatives to further develop economic partnerships within the Greater San Antonio region. Juergin Martin, plant manager for the new Conti- nental plant at 440 Kohlenberg Road, said the facility is still on track to open in September. The plant will manufacture products for advanced driver assistance systems, such as automated driving cameras and sensors for the development of autonomous vehicles. The company has hired more than 100 employees and expects to have more than 500 at the facility by the end of 2025. Sarah Carabias-Rush, chief economic development
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SOURCE: GREATER:SATX/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
Council approves resort close to Gruene
Record numbers apply for utility assistance
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
BY SIERRA MARTIN
review city staff suggestions. Schumann Consulting Executive Director TJ Grossi represented the owner of the property and presented the changes made to the resort proposal. “We want to be respectful develop- ers and create more of a low-impact development that would be a little bit more cohesive. … The owner’s desire is to create a place that people would go to kind of get away, not go to get next to more people,” Grossi said. New Braunfels city staff suggested eight conditions for the resort development, including no camp- fires, a curfew on outdoor activities and a 50-foot buffer from Sleepy Hollow Lane. A drainage easement is recommended on the property to contain the floodway.
The land outlined between Sleepy Hollow Lane and Gruene Road has been approved to continue construction plans for a resort.
New Braunfels City Council approved the rezoning request of a special-use permit during its Aug. 23 meeting to allow a resort property to be developed on approximately 19.96 acres at 1251 Sleepy Hollow Lane. Overall, the resort will be made up of 35 acres and composed of four different plots of land on vacant property located between Gruene Road and the Guadalupe River. The property owners applied for a special-use permit in the “R-2” Single-family and Two-family District for the 19.96 acres out of the Ingram Acres Subdivision. The item has appeared on the council agenda several times since January, and was recently postponed during the July 25 council meeting to allow time to
BY SIERRA MARTIN
The New Braunfels Utilities Assistance Program offered through the New Braunfels Food Bank still has funding to process applications, but due to high demand and lack of staffing, the response time may take longer than expected, according to the NBFB. According to Junaris Abueg, New Braunfels Food Bank program man- ager, the utility assistance program has received over 100 applications between Aug. 1-15, which is a new record. Those who apply for the program can receive assistance on their utility bills within two days if all of the docu- ments are submitted correctly.
overall resort development 35-ACRE
cabins or cottages 40
of land including an 8-acre pond 4 TRACTS
Other amenities:
• general store
• restaurant • RV hookups
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SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/ COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
830-221-7207 HVAC Tune-Up Service Electrical Services ONLY $69 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICES IN NEW BRAUNFELS AND SURROUNDING AREAS Air Conditioning & Heating Electrical Services 24/7 Emergency Services Available TACLA 39079E | TECL 31806 190 Center Street, Suite 107 www.hillcountrymechanical.com FREE WI-FI THERMOSTAT WITH ANY REPLACEMENT HVAC SYSTEM • Switches & Outlets • Parking Lot Lighting Services • Electrical Wiring • Circuit Panel Services • Ceiling Fan Installation • Indoor & Outdoor Lighting • EV Charging Stations • And So Much More… Switches & Outlets Parking Lot Lighting Services Electrical Wiring Circuit Panel Services Ceiling Fan Installation Indoor & Outdoor Lighting EV Charging Stations And So Much More…
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
We’re Here to Help Manage Utility Bills.
Family Owned & Operated Serving New Braunfels and surrounding areas for over 40 years
Bill Management Tools: • Home Assessments • After-Hours One-On-One Consultations • Automated Threshold Alerts • Bill Assistance Program
• Conservation Videos • Utility Consumption Reports • Leak Detection Checklist • Rebates • Track and View Interval Usage • Understanding Your Bill
• Bill Calculator • Budget Billing • Conservation Tips
Customers can help offset utility costs by adjusting use and practicing conservation techniques. New Braunfels Utilities offers comprehensive tools, tips, and resources to help customers understand and manage utility expenses. As a nonprofit governmental municipality, NBU rates have no built-in profit and are designed to only cover costs.
With cooler weather on the way, it’s time to plant some new shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Do not forget fertilizer, soil, and mulch! FALL IS FOR PLANTING
Learn more at nbutexas.com/conservation or call 830.608.8925.
956 N Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 • (830) 629-2401
Sensations of fast or fluttering heartbeats could signal atrial fibrillation (AFib), a serious yet treatable heart disease. People with AFib are at increased risk of stroke and heart failure, so early detection is critical. The highly trained physicians at Resolute Health Hospital are ready to provide you with some of the best heart care treatments available for a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Listen to your heart. It could be AFib.
Find a Cardiologist at ResoluteHealth.com/Cardio
Rapid or irregular heartbeat?
14
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EDUCATION BRIEFS
News from Comal & New Braunfels ISDs
QUOTE OF NOTE
Board reviews construction, possible school names
Comal ISD Meets Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at the CISD District O ce, 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels. 830-221-2000. MEETINGS WE COVER HIGHLIGHTS TEXAS The Texas Education Agency has released school district accountability ratings for the rst time since the pandemic. The ratings measure how much students learn and if they are prepared for the next grade. Additionally, they show how well a school or district prepares their students for success after high school in the workforce, college or the military. Overall, Comal ISD received an A, or 93 out of 100, and New Braunfels ISD received a B, or 86 out of 100. For campus-speci c scores for NBISD, visit www.nbisd.org and for CISD, visit www.comalisd.org and search for 2022 accountability ratings. “I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE NINE AND A HALF YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE HE HAS GIVEN TO THE BOARD, AND FOR THIS, WE ARE TREMENDOUSLY GRATEFUL.” ERIC BERGQUIST, NEW NBISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT, ON WES CLARK'S DEPARTURE
BY CHRISTOPHER GREEN
BUILDING SCHOOLS The following names are being considered for the newest schools.
COMAL ISD During the Aug. 22 board meeting, CISD Chief Financial O cer Crystal Hermesch presented updates on the construction of three new schools. CISD is using funds from a 2021 bond package to nance the construction. According to Hermesch, contractors for Elementary Schools Nos. 19 and 20 began working on the second oors of the new schools as well as utility and infrastructure needs. The completion date for both projects is slated for June 2023. Construction for Middle School No. 8 is slated to begin in March 2023 and be completed by June 2024. The board of trustees was presented with potential school names for the new schools being built. The board will vote on the new school names Sept. 29. The top names recom- mended for ES 19 are Farias Elementary, Brady Elementary and Spitzer Elementary. The top names chosen for ES 20 are Farias Elementary, Brady Elementary and Vetter Elementary. The top names for MS 8 are Brady Middle, Bulverde Middle and Bullis Middle.
Elementary school No. 19 • Farias Elementary • Brady Elementary • Spitzer Elementary Elementary school No. 20 • Farias Elementary • Brady Elementary • Vetter Elementary
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Middle school No. 8 • Brady Middle • Bulverde Middle • Bullis Middle
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SOURCE: COMAL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
District hires Brown as new director of safety and security
Board reorganizes after resignation
“Every year, we work diligently to improve our safety practices, and Mr. Brown will continue to uphold that work and move it forward.” Brown pre-
BY SIERRA MARTIN
NEW BRAUNFELS ISD The board of trustees held a special meeting Aug. 15 to discuss a board member vacancy and the reorganization of the board. Board President Wes Clark resigned from his position Aug. 6. After discussion, changes were made to reorganize the board. Former Vice President Eric Bergquist was approved as the new president. Clark was elected in May 2022 with his term set to end in 2025. Clark was elected to the board in 2013 and re-elected in 2016 and 2019.
BY SIERRA MARTIN
Stephen Brown
NEW BRAUNFELS ISD The district hired Stephen Brown as the new director of safety and security. He began his new role with NBISD on Aug. 18. “Mr. Brown will ll a critical role in the district administration and brings with him the expertise we need to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for the nearly 10,000 students we expect to enroll in NBISD this fall,” Superintendent Cade Smith said in a statement.
viously served as the assistant director of safety and security for three years at Greeley Evans School District in Greeley, Colorado, and as a police o cer. “I’m extremely blessed to be at NBISD. I look forward to working with community stakeholders to build and grow established safety protocols. I’m so honored to be part of this community,” Brown said.
www.comalisd.org New Braunfels ISD
Meets Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the NBISD Administration Center, 1000 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels. 830-643-5705 • www.nbisd.org
SATURDAY, September 17th BBQ KICKOFF, ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL, RODEO QUEENS CONTEST … PLUS MANY FUN EVENTS FOR THE KIDS
For info and advance tickets go to www.comalcountyfair.org FRIDAY, September 23rd SCOTTY ALEXANDER OPENS FOR KEVIN FOWLER 6:30pm–12:00am THURSDAY, September 22nd COUNTY LINE BAND OPENS FOR MONTE GOOD 7:30-11:30pm
SATURDAY, September 24th GARY GLENN AND THE 20X BAND, AND GABE GARCIA 7:00pm–1:00am SUNDAY, September 25th MARIO FLORES AND SODA CREEK, JEREMY RICHARDS BAND 6:00–10:00pm *with paid gate admission FREE * ADMISSION TO ALL CORRAL ENTERTAINMENT!
PRCA Rodeo performances 7:30pm nightly Thurs.-Sat. Open bullriding Sunday 2pm Livestock Show · Interesting Exhibits · Delicious Food and Drink!
Heart of america shows CARNIVAL
WEDNESDAY, September 21st
New Braunfels, TX September 21-25
NIGHT IN OLD NEW BRAUNFELS CROSSROADS DJ STAN ELLIOTT 6:00–11:00pm
prca RODEO
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • SEPTEMBER 2022
Let us refine your view.
Dr. Audrey Raley specializes in Dry Eye Disease, Myopia Management, Glaucoma, LASIK Co-management, and Macular Degeneration
CALL US AT 830-626-3712 OR OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.
2188 State Hwy 46 West Suite 102 | New Braunfels 830.302.3357 | www.refinedeyecare.com
2085 CENTRAL PLAZA, NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS 78130 (830) 626-3712 • WWW.TRUSTTEXAS.BANK
Sept. 30-Oct. 2nd First Call Shopping Hours Fri. 10 am-2 pm General Admission Hours Fri. 2 pm-8 pm | Sat. 10 am-6 pm Sun. 10 am-5 pm
New Braunfels Convention Center 375 S Castell Ave. New Braunfels, TX 78130 Gift Market Holiday shopping with 100 vendors! Shop local and support small businesses this holiday season!
*FOR A $100,000 LOAN WITH A TERM OF 360 MONTHS WITH AN APR OF 4.865% – THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENT WILL BE $521.65, AFTER A 20% DOWN PAYMENT REQUIREMENT. APR = ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE. THESE RATES ARE EFFECTIVE AS OF AUGUST 2, 2022. AVAILABLE RATES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO TERMINATION AT ANY TIME. ALL LOANS ARE SUBJECT TO CREDIT AND UNDERWRITING APPROVAL. CERTAIN PRODUCT EXCLUSIONS MAY APPLY. LOAN TO VALUE RATIO (LTV) NOT TO EXCEED 80%. ESCROW REQUIREMENTS WILL ALSO APPLY. NOT VALID FOR A SECOND HOME. FIRST LIEN ONLY. CERTAIN FEES AND RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY, OR OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS MAY APPLY. CONTACT YOUR MORTGAGE LENDER FOR DETAILS. NMLS #478474
$10 First Call Shopping $6 General Admission
www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com
55 + ACTIVE ADULT
APARTMENT AND COTTAGE HOMES
LEASING NOW 830-327-7299 • LarkspuratCreekside.com 2825 Sophie Lane • New Braunfels, TX 78130 Thursday • September 15th • 12:00 PM at Faust Hotel 240 S Seguin Ave • New Braunfels, TX 78130 Dine with us and learn all about what our 55+ community has to offer! Now offering up to $4600 concessions!* Lunch and Learn
“A Great Place to Call Home” Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship – 10:00 a.m.
734 N. Loop 337, New Braunfels • 830-629-2202 www.newbraunfelschristianchurch.org
Larkspur is an equal housing opportunity. Amenities and services vary by location. Pricing and availability subject to change. *Some restrictions apply. Please contact your Larkspur at Creekside team member for full details.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
communityimpact.com
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