The Dietz Elkhorn Road Reconstruction Project is approaching design, following Fair Oaks Ranch City Council approval Jan. 15.

The waterline project is estimated to cost around $2 million for both construction and engineering services, with construction expected to begin in the summer. The entire reconstruction project is estimated to cost around $4.9 million, according to the city's website.

How we got here: Dietz Elkhorn Road reconstruction will enhance drainage and add 5-foot shoulders on both sides to create safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians, cyclists and golf carts.

In May 2025, City Council approved a development agreement for a new waterline installation beneath Dietz Elkhorn Road to extend to the Corley Tract near Fischer's convenience store. To coordinate with the waterline installation, the Dietz Elkhorn Road Reconstruction Project, originally planned for late summer 2025, was rescheduled to 2026.

Boerne Planning and Zoning Commissioners on Jan. 12 approved the final plat of Siena Court Garden Homes, located northeast of Dailey and Frey streets. The final plat includes 25 residential lots and four open space lots on 5.468 acres. The gross density is 4.56 residential lots per acre.

In a nutshell: The preliminary plat was approved by the planning and zoning commission in 2018, having changed owners between the preliminary and final plats.

City staff said the new owner has committed to repairs to Siena Court pavement as directed by the city engineer, alongside other improvements.

Planning and zoning commissioners raised concerns regarding the relationship between the new owner and the previous owners, who also developed The Cottages at Oak Park. A representative of the development said the previous owner is no longer affiliated with the development. 

A new eatery fusing American and French cuisine has opened recently on San Antonio’s North Side.

What’s new: Max’s Sister debuted at the Alon Town Center shopping area in North San Antonio on Nov. 7, according to an Instagram post from the eatery.

The exact address of the new restaurant is 10003 NW Military Highway, Ste. 2125.

Owned by chef Andrew Weissman, it’s the entrepreneur's 14th overall restaurant, according to his Instagram page.

Weissman also owns the San Antonio favorite, Mr. Juicy, with its flagship location in the Olmos Park area.

Also of note: On the menu is a mix of American and French-inspired cuisine, from chicken fried steak to pan-roasted Branzino.

There’s also a full cocktail bar, espresso bar and bread service available at the high-end restaurant.

• 10003 NW Military Highway, Ste. 2125, San Antonio

This Hill Country-born jewelry chain is continuing to expand in the San Antonio area with the opening of a new retail center.

In case you missed it: James Avery Artisan Jewelry officially opened a new store in North San Antonio on Jan. 17, according to a news release from the company.

It’s located at 13440 San Pedro Ave., just off of Hwy. 281 and inside the Courtyard Plaza shopping center that borders Bitters Road.

“Even as we grow outside of the Lone Star state, we’re continuously seeking ways to support and invest in locations close to home,” said Karina Dolgin, the company’s chief product and revenue officer. “This highly traveled area in San Antonio offers our guests a convenient location to discover new pieces, personalize their jewelry and tell their stories.”

More details: Founded in 1954 in Kerrville, James Avery offers fine, handcrafted jewelry in both sterling silver and 14K gold, according to the news release.

• 13440 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio

Eight Republican candidates are running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: Republican incumbent John Cornyn is seeking a fifth term as Texas' senior senator. Each state has two U.S. senators—Cornyn currently serves alongside Republican Ted Cruz.

Seven Republican candidates are challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination: John O. Adefope, Anna Bender, Virgil John Bierschwale, Sara Canady, Wesley Hunt, Gulrez “Gus” Khan and Ken Paxton.

If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the Republican primary, a runoff election will be held between the two top vote-getters on May 26.

Looking ahead: The winning Republican candidate will face the winner of the Democratic nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.

Three Democratic candidates are running to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate during the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Jasmine Crockett, Ahmad R. Hassan and James Talarico are competing for the Democratic nomination for a six-year term in the U.S. Senate.

The details: Each state has two U.S. senators, with Ted Cruz and John Cornyn currently representing Texas. Cornyn, whose seat is up for election, is running for reelection in an eight-way Republican primary.

The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January 2027.