New Braunfels officials have extended the deadline to submit responses for a National Community Survey after technical issues affected the number of residents able to complete the online version of the survey.

In working with the contractor tasked with the survey, the issue has been remedied, city officials said.

The deadline has been extended by two weeks past its previous deadline of March 2 to 11:59 p.m. March 16, according to an email from city officials. The new timeline aims to give more residents the ability to complete the survey.

In case you missed it: About 6,000 households have been randomly selected, receiving invitations by mail to participate in the survey, which gathers feedback on topics including public safety, transportation, economic health and overall community livability, according to a news release.

In addition to the mailed survey, all New Braunfels residents can participate through an online version. Offering both options allows the city to collect statistically reliable data while also giving more residents the chance to share their input, the release states.

A Texas-based convenience store chain is anticipated to begin construction this summer.

What we know: Food Box will be located at the corner of I-35 and Ransom Road and feature an Exxon gas station, according to a news release from SouthStar—the developer of Mayfair.

The 7,000-square-foot convenience store will also be equipped with a Deli Box Kitchen, which will offer made-to-order meals such as tacos and breakfast sandwiches, according to the release.

Food Box is anticipated to open in early 2027, the release states.

• Corner of I-35 and Ransom Road

A new boutique for clothes, accessories and more has opened in New Braunfels.

The details: Rustic Magnolia Haus opened on the second floor at 165 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. B in downtown New Braunfels on Feb. 7. The boutique sells Western apparel, accessories and gifts for women. 

• 165 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. B, New Braunfels

Families have until 11:59 p.m. March 17 to apply for the first year of Texas’ education savings account program, according to the state comptroller’s office.

The big picture: Under the $1 billion program, participating students will receive state funds for private education or homeschooling during the 2026-27 school year. It is unlikely that all applicants will be accepted, as application data shows more students have applied than the program can fund.

The program offers $2,000 to homeschooled students; $10,474 for private school tuition and related expenses; and up to $30,000 for students with disabilities. With demand set to exceed available funding, applications will be prioritized based on need and household income.

How we got here: State lawmakers created the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program in 2025, with proponents saying it will expand options for families who don't want to send their children to public schools. Critics of the program have said it will unfairly benefit students already in private schools and divert funding from public schools.