Comal ISD board members received an update on a number of 2021 and 2023 bond projects across the district at a board meeting Feb. 26.

The details: Three projects are funded by the voter-approved 2021 bond, passed in November 2021, which allocated $411.3 million for the construction of two new elementary schools, one new middle school, land acquisition and infrastructure projects, according to the district’s website.

The remaining projects are funded by the voter-approved 2023 bond, passed in May 2023, which allocated $560.6 million to the construction of three new elementary schools, an additional middle school, the Life Bridges replacement campus, and safety & security projects across the district, according to the district's website.

Completed
Smithson Valley High School

• Project: heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls upgrade
• Update: work to replace HVAC controllers on campus continues
• Timeline: October 2025-March 2027
• Funding: 2021 bond
• Cost: $53,800

• Project: exhaust fan replacement
• Update: completed
• Timeline: November 2025-February 2026
• Funding: 2021 bond
• Cost: $523,000

The Braunfels Foundation Trust has announced plans to restore the Hinman House, recognized as the first stone house built in New Braunfels, according to a news release.

What you need to know: Located at 161 S. Castell Ave., the Hinman House has served as the office for Communities In Schools of South Central Texas for the past 25 years, but with the organization's move to the New Braunfels Youth Collaborative, the building became available. Following renovations, the home will be established as the Trust's new permanent home, Braunfels Foundation Trust Director Emily Hoffmann said in the news release.

The $1 million restoration will focus on structural preservation and maintaining the building's architectural character. The effort reflects its commitment to stewardship, heritage and the long-term vitality of New Braunfels, Hoffman said.

"Through our thoughtful restoration, we hope to bring new life and renewed purpose to this historic building, allowing people to experience and appreciate its architecture, history and the many stories it holds," Hoffman said in the release.

• 161 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels

Shoppers at the San Marcos Premium Outlets will soon see the opening of a popular footwear company offering a wide variety of sandals and laced shoes.

The gist: Birkenstock is set to finish out its location in the San Marcos outlets before the summer heat takes hold of Central Texas.

The retail business will complete its $50,000 building renovations and alterations on May 1, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations filing.

What’s offered: The brand sells sandals, clogs, professional shoes, sneakers, boots and footwear-related accessories for men, women and children.

• 3939 S. I-35, Ste. 1350, San Marcos

Texas held its primary elections on March 3, with Republican and Democratic voters selecting their parties’ nominees for scores of federal, state and local seats. Yet for some candidates, a major hurdle still remains before the November election.

The overview: Dozens of primary races are headed to May runoffs after no candidate picked up more than half of the vote, triggering an overtime round between the two highest-performing candidates.

The details:  Texas’ runoff election is set for May 26, the day after Memorial Day. Early voting runs from May 18-22, per the secretary of state.

State law requires primary candidates to receive more than 50% of the vote to advance to a general election, meaning a candidate must earn a majority of the vote—not just the highest number of votes—to win their primary outright. This rule means crowded races in Texas primaries and special elections frequently result in runoffs.

In those races, the top two vote-getters advance to a runoff.

Keep reading to learn about voting in the runoffs and who's on the ballot.