Check out 6 Hays County area government updates:

1. San Marcos, Buda and Kyle to expand water resources: On Oct. 20, the cities of San Marcos, Kyle and Buda approved millions in contract revenue bonds to fund the Carrizo Expansion Program.

2. Hays County funds the Price Center: Hays County identified a clerical error in its fiscal year 2026-27 budget, and the Commissioners Court voted to provide the organization with $10,000.

3. New San Marcos VA hospital development gets zoning change: The San Marcos City Council approved a zoning change that will accommodate more parking for a new Veterans Affairs hospital.

4. Kyle re-evaluates 6 priority intersections marked for roundabouts: The Kyle City Council approved an almost $500,000 reevaluation of 12 intersections where roundabouts were recommended.

5. San Marcos council postpones funeral home zoning change: Sinai Pentecostal Church in San Marcos requested a zoning change for the property to allow Pennington Funeral Home to develop a new facility.

6. Buda proposes parkland use for road project: The city may modify portions of three park properties, totaling approximately 3.89 acres.

A new store offering home goods that blend heritage, innovation and quality opened in the San Marcos Premium Outlets.

The gist: Lifestyle brands Waterford, Wedgwood, Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen have united under one roof to offer San Marcos customers functional lifestyle pieces for everyday life.

The four brands offer a variety of products, including:

• Waterford: crystal products crafted since 1783

• Wedgwood: ceramics from the renowned British brand

• Georg Jensen: Scandinavian jewelry, home décor and lifestyle collections

• Royal Copenhagen: handcrafted porcelain and signature blue designs

The details: Located next to the Fabletics and Abercrombie and Fitch, the store held a soft launch on Oct. 9 before its grand opening in late October.

• 3939 N. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos

Educators, public officials and graduates from across the state gathered in Austin on Oct. 27 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Western Governors University in Texas. The online university offers certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees, which students can complete at their own pace.

About the organization: WGU was founded in 1997 by a bipartisan group of 19 governors in Western states to provide a more affordable and flexible option for higher education. In 2011, then-Gov. Rick Perry signed an executive order making Texas an official WGU affiliate.

Since 2011, WGU in Texas has reached the following milestones:

• 38,691 total graduates

• 45,545 degrees earned

• 24,087 students currently enrolled

Quote of note: "It was definitely one of those options that was super flexible, so that kind of fit my current schedule, especially since I work full-time," 2026 WGU graduate Jacob Gomez said. "It was super convenient for me."

Check out these stories trending in the Austin area Oct. 26-29.

1. UT Austin unveils academic health system rebrand with major healthcare expansion ahead

2. Round Rock subdivision approved for 72-acre expansion

3. Dog Haus reopens in Cedar Park under new ownership

4. TxDOT wraps up $677M Oak Hill Parkway expansion project

5. Budget, demographics and improvement plans: 3 Pflugerville ISD updates to know

6. Tractor Supply Co. planning second Georgetown store

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.