SATX-BNE: Impact 10/14/2025

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Katherine McDaniel to the 498th Judicial District Court in Kendall County for a term set to expire at the end of 2026.

The details: According to an Oct. 6 news release, McDaniel is the first assistant district attorney for the Kendall County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, currently serving on the Texas Violent Gang Task Force.

McDaniel is also a member of the Texas District and County Attorneys’ Association Journal Editorial Board, State Bar of Texas, Kendall County Bar Association, Texas Bar College and the Texas Prosecutors’ Society.

The background: In 2023, the 88th Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 3474, creating the 498th Judicial District Court effective October 1, 2025.

The 498th Judicial District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the 451st Judicial District Court in all civil and criminal matters filed in Kendall County. McDaniel will be sworn in to her new role Oct. 14

Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on Oct. 16 will consider final approval of updates to the Unified Development Code alongside the implementation of speed limit reductions on Rolling Acres Trail.

What’s happening? During the Oct. 2 meeting, public hearings were held for each agenda item, and City Council is scheduled to give final approval during the Oct. 16 meeting.

City Planner Jessica Relucio shared information on UDC amendments, which include changes to screening standards, a conservation development alternative, subdivision design, signs, trees, site development and other policy changes.

What else? An Oct. 2 public hearing covered the speed limit reduction of Rolling Acres Trail, which was brought forth by residents concerned about the speed limit given the road conditions. If approved at the Oct. 16 meeting, the speed limit from Ammann Road to Silver Spur Trail will be reduced to 30 mph, matching other neighborhood roads in the city.

A community organization formed in the 1800s in Comal County is recognizing its 150th anniversary this fall.

The context: Anhalt’s Germania Farmer Verein was established in 1875 by early German settlers in the area, the organization's current President, Max Engel, told Community Impact in an email.

Originally created as a community group to discuss the protection and preservation of livestock and agriculture in the Hill Country, Engel said it now focuses on celebrating and preserving German tradition and culture.

“We are thrilled to mark 150 years of our organization’s dedication to preserving German culture and community spirit,” Engel said in a news release.

The group’s headquarters, called Anhalt Halle, is located at 2390 Anhalt Road in Spring Branch, situated in western Comal County.

What’s happening: The organization is hosting Anhalt’s Annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to honor the milestone anniversary.

• 2390 Anhalt Road, Spring Branch

A new international dance studio has expanded into the United States, adding its first location in the San Antonio area.

A closer look: En Beat Dance Academy opened a new studio for classes and community events on Aug. 16, Co-owner and Media Director Adolfo Mora told Community Impact.

The academy originated in Auckland, New Zealand, where it’s still home to the business’s original location.

The framework: En Beat Dance is fronted by lead instructor and Professional Dancer Angel Lopez, Mora said.

The team leads two different programs—one for competitive dancers and another “streets” style program.

“There’s a duality in the programs we offer,” Mora said.

If students are looking to strengthen their skills for high school dance teams or competitions, Mora said that competitive classes for fundamentals are the route to go.

For those interested in learning more eclectic styles of dance, the “streets” program is another option, Mora said.

• 2339 Evans Road, San Antonio