United Way of Comal County is expanding its services for the first time in 80 years.

What you need to know: The local nonprofit will be serving Guadalupe County residents in addition to its current territory, Executive Director Terry Robinson said in a news release.

“This evolution comes after years of collaboration and a shared commitment to improving lives and strengthening the communities we call home in both counties,” Robinson said in the release.

Stay tuned: The expansion necessitates a name change for the nonprofit and other minor restructuring. The organization’s board will hold a strategic planning meeting in February, Robinson said in an email to Community Impact.

“I’m hoping they will tackle any name change at that time,” she said. “Once they do, we will establish a timeline for all legal and public changes.”

• 468 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 403, New Braunfels

Tobacco Haus Cigar Lounge closed its doors in New Braunfels at 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 525 on Dec. 19, according to the store's website.

The store opened in the city in 1996 and had been open in the New Braunfels MarketPlace shopping center for eight years, according to the lounge's Instagram.

More details: Tobacco Haus Cigar Lounge sold a variety of cigars and other international variants, according to the shop's website.

The lounge also had a full cocktail bar that featured a selection of traditional and house-made specialty drinks.

• 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 525, New Braunfels

From restaurant openings to Kendall County conservation easements, check out five trending stories from Community Impact's coverage of the San Antonio Metro.

The Weighted Plate to reopen in downtown New Braunfels following recent closure

A local bar, grill and live music venue that recently closed in New Braunfels is planning to make a comeback early next year.

Some context: The Weighted Plate will be reopening at a new location at 118 S. Union Ave., in downtown New Braunfels, in early 2026, according to a Facebook post by owner Cody Teer.

Judson ISD approves calendar for the 2026-27 school year

The Judson ISD board of trustees unanimously approved the district’s 2026-27 academic calendar Dec. 18.

What you need to know: According to the approved calendar, the first semester of the 2026-27 school year will be Aug. 12 through Dec. 18.  

From a family dance night to fundraising events and a star party, check out these events scheduled for the Northeast San Antonio area over the next few weeks.

Texas Pickle Hall Glow Pickleball Open Play
Pickleball players will play under special black lights with glowing balls and paddles. Players are encouraged to wear bright neon gear or glow accessories. This event welcomes all skill levels. 

• Feb. 14, 8-11 p.m.
• $10 (drop-in play), members free
• Texas Pickle Hall, 201 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak

• Feb. 21, 1-8 p.m.
• $21 (admission)
• 305 N. Universal City Blvd., Universal City

• Feb. 7, 4-6 p.m. (Mother/Son Dance); 7-9 p.m. (Daddy/Daughter Dance)
• $12 (children), $18 (adults)
• Schertz Civic Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz

Fast-casual eatery Jason's Deli is celebrating its 50th anniversary by honoring the fresh food, people and communities that have defined the restaurant, officials announced in a Dec. 30 news release.

The background: The deli was founded in 1976 by Joe Tortorice Jr. in Beaumont and has since branched out to 114 Texas locations and 235 delis nationwide in 27 states, per the release.

What's new: According to the release, the eatery is celebrating its anniversary by spotlighting new soups during the National Soup Month of January, while also rolling out new items, including the Deli-Bration Cookie—a sugar cookie topped with sprinkles—and returning others.

In their own words: “Our 50th anniversary is about staying true to what’s made Jason’s Deli special since day one—thoughtfully prepared dishes, diverse selections and genuine care for the people we serve,” Clare Wilson, vice president of culinary and R&D at Jason’s Deli, said in the release.