Hays County’s only animal intake facility issued a community plea to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate as it hits critical capacity.

What’s happening: San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter staff said in a statement that three dogs face the highest risk of euthanasia due to health or behavioral factors, and need confirmed placement by Nov. 18. Without placement, euthanasia may be considered, officials said.

What else? Twenty-three pets in total, including one cat, are on the at-risk list as of the morning of Nov. 11.

“We never want to make these decisions,” Animal Services Manager Christie Banduch said. “These decisions are heartbreaking, but sometimes necessary to ensure the overall welfare of the animals in our care.”

Lend a hand: Shelter staff said the most effective support includes:

• Adopting
• Fostering, especially medium- and large-breed dogs
• Volunteering to assist with animal care and enrichment
• Donating items or money

From new businesses to anniversaries, here are six business updates for the Buda area, including an auto shop, tasting room and more.

Now open
Local Automotive: Owned by local Brad Hullum, the auto repair shop will offer oil changes, engine repairs, tire rotations, alignments, brake jobs and electrical work.

• Opened Nov. 10
• 3950 FM 967, Ste. 100, Buda

• Opening in 2026
• 215 Railroad St, Buda

• 3420 RM 967, Ste. B-107, Buda

After a year of construction, The Courthouse—a 25,000-square-foot pickleball, padel and restaurant venue—opened its doors to the New Braunfels community Nov. 4.

In a nutshell: Co-owner Diego Sotelo said The Courthouse is "very unique," and something the city needed in the New Braunfels Town Center at Creekside shopping center.

"New Braunfels [needed] a family hub where all family members—from parents to children and friends—can find something to do all under the same roof," Sotelo said.

The details: The Courthouse has six indoor pickleball courts and four outdoor padel courts. The venue offers equipment rentals and certified coaching staff.

Sotelo said The Courthouse was built with family in mind, which is why there is a playground for kids in the heart of the venue’s social area. The venue accepts bookings for private events such as birthdays, corporate events, and school and community fundraisers. 

On the menu: The restaurant’s brunch menu features avocado toast and chilaquiles, while the standard menu serves burgers, Tex-Mex, soups, salads and shareables. A number of menu items are also named after local teams. 

Every day for the past 25 years, at least one person has died in crashes on Texas roads. Texas officials and the families of some fatal crash victims commemorated the grim anniversary with a candlelight ceremony at the Texas Capitol on Nov. 7.

The impact: Jamie White said her 2-year-old daughter, Allie, was hit and killed by a distracted driver at Round Rock’s Old Settlers Park in September 2019.

“It only takes [a few] seconds… to kill somebody,” White said Nov. 7. “Can you imagine doing this, taking somebody's child from them, and living the rest of your life knowing that you caused that?”

Following Allie’s death, her parents launched Allie’s Way, a nonprofit aimed at ending distracted driving.

More details: TxDOT data shows that speed and impaired driving are involved in the majority of deadly crashes on Texas roads.

“These are not random events,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said Nov. 7. “These are the results of making the wrong choices on our Texas highways."