Leah Couch found a passion for selling German goods when she was a teenager working at what was known as Opa's German Store. When she learned the owners, the Armke family, wanted to retire and close the store, she knew she had to do something to save it. That's when she went to her parents, Eric and Renee Couch, who acquired the business in 2019, rebranding it to Fräuleins German Store.

“I was like, ‘Dad, this can't just go away. We need this for forever,’” Leah Couch said. “That's when we took over Opa's German Store, and we converted it into Fraulein's German store.”

A family affair: Eric and Renee Couch now oversee the store with the help of their two daughters, Leah Couch and Leslie Duran, and son-in-law, Skylar Duran. Eric and Renee Couch moved to New Braunfels in the '90s and raised their children in the town. Leah Couch said their involvement is what makes it a family business. 

New Braunfels City Council approved a $298,210 contract with BRW Architects for final plans, estimates and construction-phase services for a live fire training facility on Aug. 24.

What you need to know: The live training facility will be located within the future Fire Training Complex located at 353 FM 306. The live training facility will include two burn buildings (one residential configuration and one commercial configuration) and a multi-bay building for storage and training apparatus, according to agenda documents.

The live fire training facility will help the city maintain its Insurance Services Office 1 rating, which keeps insurance premiums low, New Braunfels Fire Chief Ruy Lozano said.

"We're obligated to provide live fire training for every firefighter, every year, for 18 hours at a certified facility. Currently we're having to go to Guadalupe Fire Training Field, who has now condemned 90% of their facility for usage, so we really need to get this project going," Lozano said.

Looking ahead: The project's final design is expected to be completed in 8 months, or around April 2027.

The tourism industry continues to bolster New Braunfels' local economy through shopping, dining and river recreation.

Measuring the impact: The city of New Braunfels sees about 6 million visitors annually. Tourism in the city generated $1.3 billion in revenue in 2025, according to a news release from Visit New Braunfels. Revenue is derived from:

• Entertainment

• Lodging

• Restaurants

• Transportation and travel

A 2025 hospitality economic impact study by Impact Data Source defines hospitality as “businesses that derive significant earnings from out-of-town visitors.” The hospitality industry in New Braunfels also produced $57.4 million in taxes and other revenue for local taxing districts, such as schools and road districts.

This also included $31.7 million for the city of New Braunfels, according to the study. Hospitality impacts resident property taxes, saving local homeowners about $725 annually in property taxes, according to the study.

Digging deeper: The city's hospitality industry accounts for 16,475 jobs and pays $376.3 million in wages, which makes up 32% of total employment in the city, according to data from the study. 

Democrat Gina Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, and Libertarian Pat Dixon, a professional engineer, are challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott in the Nov. 3 election. Abbott is seeking a fourth term in the governor's mansion.

The big picture: As Texas’ top elected official, the governor signs and vetoes legislation, serves as commander-in-chief of the state military and appoints members of state agencies or advisory boards. Community Impact asked the three gubernatorial candidates for their perspectives on data centers, education, the cost of living and other topics.

The background: Abbott beat 10 Republican challengers in the March primary election, while Hinojosa beat eight other Democratic candidates to advance to the November election. Dixon was selected as the Texas Libertarian Party's candidate during an April nominating convention.

Looking ahead: Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.