The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees discussed purchasing five new school buses during a regular meeting Nov. 10.

The gist: The purchase, totaling $783,371, would include two 77-passenger buses for general route use and three 54-passenger buses to be used for special needs routes, outfitted with wheelchair lifts and tracks with anchorage for three wheelchairs each, according to board documents.

Each bus would be equipped with air conditioning, according to board documents.

Sorting out details: After evaluating current fleet needs, the district’s transportation department said available resources and future vehicle needs determined the buses listed in the proposal.

The district would fund the purchase using voter-approved 2024 bond funds. This would be the second investment in new buses for the district made from that bond, according to the district. The first fleet of buses was purchased in the 2024-25 school year.

From new restaurants, sporting goods stores and record store expansions, check out these business updates from around New Braunfels this December.

Now open
Wholesale Electric Supply
The Texas-owned business sells electricity to electricians and also sells pipe, wires, plugs, lighting and other electrical equipment to the public, Branch Manager Ryan Nichols said.

• 3530 Loop 337, New Braunfels

• 468 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 402, New Braunfels

• 2308 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels

• 1108 W. Coll St., New Braunfels

• 159 I-35 S., New Braunfels

New businesses open in Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch and New Braunfels are just some of the headlines from Community Impact coverage of the San Antonio metro the week of Nov. 17-21.

• New African deli and new Trader Joe's around Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch.
• New Braunfels invests in right of way for intersection improvements project.
• Projects in the works for New Braunfels Utilities.
• Boba tea shop now open in San Antonio area.
• Academy Sports + Outdoors comes to New Braunfels.

The National Council on Aging, or NCOA, began in 1950 and provides resources and advocacy for the U.S.’s aging population, with the goal of improving the health and financial readiness of 40 million older Americans by 2030, according to its website.

Ebony P. White is the NCOA director of economic security and social safety net initiatives, with 15 years of experience in the field, according to NCOA's website.

In an email to Community Impact, White answered questions about best practices for senior community members and tips for financial literacy as adults age.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.