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Boerne ISD Aquatic Learning Center reaches substantial completion

The long-awaited Boerne ISD Aquatics Learning Center has reached substantial completion, celebrating a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 15.

What’s happening? Paid for through 2022 bond funds, the facility offers a new home for aquatic sports for students at Champion and Boerne high schools.

According to a Dec. 15 news release, the center features a Myrtha Competition pool, which is the highest internal aquatic standard, with depths from 4 feet to 16 feet. The facility is also Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant and equipped for competitive swimming, diving and water polo.

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, new programs will be added to the Boerne ISD curriculum, giving students the option of enrolling in an Outdoor Life Physical Education course.

“We are so excited to have our very own aquatic learning center. This will serve as a dynamic learning environment for our students, and will allow our dedicated athletes the ability to practice and compete on their home turf,” Superintendent Kristin Craft said in the release.

 
On The Business Beat
Bentley, Papa Nachos Cantina and more: 5 new local business updates in Boerne

From a Fair Oaks restaurant opening a new location to new local businesses in Boerne, check out these five updates from across the area from November and December.

Bentley Motors

The UK-based auto manufacturer officially unveiled its newest showroom, where customers can browse select models.

  • 27605 I-10, Boerne

Papa Nachos Cantina

The expanded eatery features a larger space, a bar, a private room for events and a patio area, serving lunch and dinner with reworked menus offering a selection of Mexican dishes.
  • 25839 W. I-10 frontage road, San Antonio

O’Reilly Auto Parts

The auto parts store chain has opened its second location in Boerne, offering vehicle parts, accessories, general diagnostic services and more.
  • 1032 N. Main St., Boerne

The Model Box

A new model building store has opened its doors, offering a selection of historic models, gaming models and other products for hobbyists.
  • 1022 N. Main St., Boerne

 
Stay In The Know
VIA opens sixth ride-share app zone

On Dec. 9, VIA Metropolitan Transit celebrated the launch of the southeast San Antonio VIA Link Zone, which is the sixth Link Zone to open in the city, at the Pre-K 4 SA – South Education Center.

The details: According to a news release, VIA Link Southeast began service Nov. 3 and covers approximately 13.8 square miles in Southeast and East San Antonio, including the Brooks Transit Center and the forthcoming Eastside Transit Center. The service is open from 5 a.m.-11 p.m. with a wait time of roughly 20 minutes or less.

The VIA Link app allows riders to book a ride in specially designated vans, which will drop them off anywhere within the Link Zone. Rides cost $1.30 per ride and riders can request a free transfer if transferring to a VIA bus.

  • 7903 S. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio

 
Statewide News
State moves forward with grants to help counties install sirens after deadly floods

Central Texas counties could begin receiving up to $1.25 million each in state funding for flood warning sirens in the coming weeks and months, officials announced Dec. 16.

The overview: The funding comes less than six months after historic flooding hit parts of Central and West Texas over the July 4 weekend, killing at least 137 residents and visitors. During special legislative sessions this summer, state lawmakers approved requirements that 30 counties included in a July disaster declaration install flood warning systems with the help of $50 million in state grants.

Zooming in: Each county is expected to receive up to $1.25 million from the Texas Water Development Board. Counties seeking more money will need their requests approved by the three-member board.

Counties are required to submit detailed project plans to the TWDB and can use the grants to install physical infrastructure such as sirens, rain gauges, flood gauges and solar panels to power the warning systems. The money can also be used for local flood education, outreach and training programs, TWDB staff said. 

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the San Antonio area.

Wanting to spread Czech cuisine with Texas flair in Central Texas, Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery co-owner Chase Katz said he had been eyeing expansion for the past couple of years.

Now, the San Marcos-based kolache bakery has opened its third overall location at 1164 FM 306 in New Braunfels.

“This will be your favorite local coffee shop,” Katz said. “There’s so much to love about being here in New Braunfels.”

Read here.

 

🥗 A new kind of service: Veteran-owned Clean Eatz fuels healthier living through meal prep
(Read more)

☕️ CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bistro opens 5th location in North San Antonio
(Read more)

🥩 Texas Roadhouse now open in New Braunfels
(Read more)

 

A local favorite has officially reopened in New Braunfels, this time as a food truck.

Steaks to Go held a soft opening Dec. 14 and a grand opening Dec. 18 for its new food truck, located at 221 Elliot Knox Blvd., next to Roc-N-Ritas.

Steaks to Go previously operated as a brick-and-mortar at 107 S. Business I-35 before closing in 2014, co-owner Casey Woods told Community Impact.

"When we had the chance to bring back a New Braunfels favorite, we didn’t think twice. We said yes and got to work," Woods said in a Facebook post.

See more details.

Your local team

Sierra Martin
Managing Editor

Melanie Bostic
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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