On Aug. 5, the San Marcos City Council approved an approximately $2.19 million construction contract for the Airport Taxilane Project, which will rehabilitate pavement and complete taxilane improvements at the San Marcos Regional Airport.

The overview: The city received two construction bids for the completion of the project June 4. Harper Brothers Construction LLC submitted the lowest bid, was determined to be capable of completing the project and was awarded the contract, according to agenda documents.

The company's bid featured a base bid of $853,670 plus an additional amount of $1,338,645, known as bid schedule No. 1.

City funds will be used to cover the base bid cost while grant funding from the Texas Department of Transportation will cover up to 90%, or $1.2 million, of the bid schedule No. 1 costs, according to agenda documents.

Diving deeper: The Airport Taxilane Project will rehabilitate portions of the existing concrete apron pavement at the airport, according to agenda documents.

Construction is anticipated to begin in November and end by summer 2027.

Hays CISD and San Marcos have experienced major changes in the past two months, from both superintendents announcing their retirements to the district’’s constructing and unveiling new schools.

Check out four education stories from the Hays County area.

1. Hays CISD superintendent set to retire after four decades in public education: After eight years serving as the Hays CISD superintendent of schools and nearly 40 years in public education, Eric Wright will retire in February 2027.

2. Hays CISD makes progress on High School No. 4: The Hays CISD community will soon see a new comprehensive high school as the district breaks ground on the $396 million construction project.

3. SMCISD superintendent announces retirement: Michael Cardona has served as the superintendent of schools for San Marcos CISD since 2016. On July 7, he announced his intention to retire at the end of September 2026.

4. SMCISD to open new elementary campus ahead of school year: San Marcos CISD officially opened the new Mendez Elementary School campus on Aug. 19 for the 2026-27 school year.

Locally owned miniature golf course, Sip-N-Putt, is relocating within New Braunfels.

The overview: Sip-N-Putt will close its current location at 7420 I-35 N. frontage road in December due to increasing rent costs, Owner Bret Shallenberger said. The miniature golf course will reopen across the highway at 225 Watson Lane W. in February.

Sip-N-Putt currently operates as an 18-hole miniature golf course that serves pizza, wings, beer and other drink options. The new location will give Shallenberger the opportunity to offer additional amenities, such as new courses and food and beverage options. Shallenberger said they also plan to work with local youth programs and make the new complex eco-friendly with water recycling and potentially solar panel systems.

Shallenberger said he is happy that they were able to relocate within New Braunfels.

"We are blessed to be able to stay here," Shallenberger said.

• 225 Watson Ln. W., New Braunfels