Ollie's Bargain Outlet opening soon in New Braunfels
More big-box retailers continue to expand into New Braunfels as a new discount chain store is expected to open soon.
Latest update: Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is set to open on Oct. 9, officials announced on their website.
Located at 139 I-35 S. at the Courtyard Plaza, the new storefront will occupy the space previously occupied by a Big Lots store.
As a nationwide chain, Ollie’s has 618 locations across the United States. In addition to New Braunfels, a location in nearby Kerrville is also slated to open on Oct. 9, according to the company's website.
The context: Ollie’s locations sell surplus inventory and closeout merchandise, resulting in discounted prices on a variety of groceries, clothing, home decor, books, toys, mattresses and more.
The store purchases goods from big brand manufacturers from across the globe, often getting refurbished items like electronics or irregular flavors of top-shelf food items, according to the website.
Eligible K-12 students receive free school meals after legislature approves funding
This school year, students who are eligible for reduced-price meals can receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools across Texas.
The overview: During the recent legislative session, state lawmakers approved $19.8 million to cover the cost of reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.
What parents should know: Eligibility for free school meals is determined based on a family’s income through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Families can contact their school district to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals at any time during the school year. Students who are deemed eligible for reduced-price meals will receive them at no cost through the 2026-27 school year.
What they're saying: “Kids who would have paid a small fee for meals will now receive them at no cost,” said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas. “[School] is where we know so many kids get their meals—it is a guaranteed place for kids to have access to free and nutritional meals.”
American Cancer Society, Occidental partner to expand access to cancer care in Texas
Per a Sept. 12 press release, the American Cancer Society and Occidental have partnered to expand access to life-saving cancer treatment to patients across Texas. Occidental’s half-million-dollar donation will help the American Cancer Society continue to deliver the resources patients need to access cancer care that could save their lives.
The details: With the new contribution, Occidental is helping fund essential access to care programs that remove barriers often standing between diagnosis and survival for cancer patients, according to the release.
Programs the partnership is helping with include free lodging, rides to treatment and 24/7 support for cancer patients and caregivers.
Quote of note: “We are honored to contribute to the American Cancer Society and help remove barriers to accessing vital care so people can focus on their healing journey,” said Rob Stevens, vice president of supply chain with Occidental.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
