During its Dec. 16 meeting, the Bexar County Commissioners Court approved for the fourth and final phase of an interactive, electronic history of Bexar County known as the "Story Maps, Seeds of Texas Project.”

Two-minute impact: Designed to be a free-to-access educational and research tool, the final phase will focus on the county’s history from 1945 to the present day. The project will explore a variety of historical subjects, such as civil rights, the creation of tourist attractions and local arts and culture.

The project is estimated to be completed in January 2029.

Learn more: “Story Maps, Seeds of Texas” will reside in the Bexar Heritage Center and on the Bexar County website.

From Jan. 3-14, the city of San Antonio’s Solid Waste Management Department will have four free drop-off locations for undecorated Christmas trees.

What you need to know: According to a news release, all trees must be stripped of lights, artificial snow, tree stands and other decorations prior to drop-off. Additionally, trees must be loose and unbagged. Smaller live trees can be disposed of at home by placing them in the green organic bins during normal weekly collection.
 

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.  

Closures of nationwide brands and openings of new local favorites made the headlines in 2025. Here are 10 business impacts of note from Community Impact coverage of North San Antonio.

• Starbucks shuts down several San Antonio locations amidst nationwide closures
• Genre-first bookstore Book Nerd opens in Castle Hills
• New local taco joint opens in North San Antonio
• San Antonio, New Braunfels Joann locations to close amidst nationwide closures
• The Porch bar replaces Billie Jean in Stone Oak
• Santikos planning new theater, retail space in North San Antonio
• Trader Joe's officially opens new location in North San Antonio
• Elsewhere Garden & Bar to open new location 'Elsewhere Too' in North San Antonio
• Chick-fil-A cancels plans for Stone Oak Parkway location
• Launch Entertainment to open three parks in greater SA

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.