From a state of the city event to upcoming projects in Boerne and Kendall County, here are four government stories from January and February. 

Fair Oaks Ranch looks back on 2025, ahead to 2026 at State of the City event: Throughout 2025, the city of Fair Oaks Ranch completed multiple projects and approved contracts for upcoming infrastructure projects that move the city one step closer to full build-out.

On Jan. 29, Mayor Greg Maxton, City Manager Scott Huizenga, city staff and city officials highlighted the accomplishments of the city in the past year and what is to come in 2026 and beyond.

Maxton told attendees that City Council and staff focus on the following five priorities:

• Public health and safety
• Reliable and sustainable infrastructure
• Responsible growth management
• Operational excellence
• Financial responsibility

Check out Boerne's newest businesses with this roundup featuring new banks, an ice cream parlor, a new bar and more.

Now open
Club Car Wash
The nationwide car wash chain offers tiered wash packages alongside free vacuums, mat cleaners and more, according to its website. Monthly unlimited wash memberships are also available for patrons.

• 28353 E. I-10 frontage road, Boerne

• 228 W. Bandera Road, Ste. 100, Boerne

• 441 W. Bandera Road, Boerne

• 195 S. Main St., Boerne

A new, high-end restaurant has opened its doors to the public in Stone Oak, offering upscale steakhouse fare and ambiance.

What’s happening: Katerina Restaurant officially opened for business on Feb. 9, according to a social media announcement from company staff.

It’s located at 18740 Stone Oak Parkway, just off of Loop 1604 and adjacent to the Stone Oak Plaza shopping center.

The restaurant’s location was the former home of Frida Mexican Restaurant & Bar, which closed in September 2024, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.

On the menu: The menu features a variety of upscale steakhouse fare, from the braised beef short rib to the coriander-crusted duck breast.

There’s also pizzas, specialty soups and salads, plus a selection of libations from cocktails to mocktails, according to the menu.

DJ’s Bar & Grill is the sister restaurant to Katerina, co-owned by Katerina Akimova and Dick Jones. The eatery is also located on San Antonio’s North side, at 1806 N. Loop 1604 W.

• 18740 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio

One of Bexar County’s oldest community nonprofit organizations is set to celebrate a big milestone throughout the rest of 2026.

How we got here: The YMCA of Greater San Antonio is celebrating its 150th anniversary of serving communities in South Central Texas.

“We’re not just celebrating our history, we’re looking to our future in the community,” Louis Lopez, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, said at a Feb. 16 press event kicking off the celebration.

What’s happening: Throughout 2026, the YMCA will host events at various area branches to celebrate this milestone.

Check out the anniversary webpage here to see a complete list of events.

The official 150th celebration will take place on Sept. 26 from 6 to 11 p.m. More details will be released closer to the event.

• Branches across the greater San Antonio area

Thousands of students who apply for Texas’ education savings accounts will likely not be accepted into the first year of the program, application data from the state comptroller’s office shows.

What's happening: Over 101,000 students had applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts as of Feb. 15. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. March 17.

Program funding is capped at $1 billion for the 2026-27 school year, meaning between 90,000 and 100,000 students will likely be accepted. With demand expected to outpace available funding, applications will be prioritized through a need- and income-based lottery system.

Zooming in: Over 70% of program applicants were from low- or middle-income households, according to data from the comptroller’s office. Under Senate Bill 2, the 2025 law that created the program:

• “Low-income” is defined as families with annual household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, or about $66,000 for a family of four.
• “Middle-income” is defined as families with incomes at or below 500% of the federal poverty line, or about $165,000 for a family of four.