There is a downturn in repeat nonemergency calls for New Braunfels' Mobile Integrated Health, or MIH, program, according to a news release.

The program was launched in January 2024 to address preventable nonemergency calls to 911 operators in the city. MIH does this by providing care to those who need medical attention but may not need a trip to a hospital or emergency room, reducing strain on emergency services and first responders, according to the release.

What you need to know: In 2025, from January to September, preventable, nonemergency calls within a cohort of 59 patients were estimated to have decreased by approximately 79%. This equates to over $500,000 in savings to city emergency services, according to a case study by the city. MIH Specialist Ashley Cammack said the service adds another tool to the belt of emergency service workers.

Terracon, a multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm, will celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout 2026.

The details: Founded in April 1965, Terracon has 28 offices across Texas and operates more than 180 offices nationwide, according to an email from Terracon Marketing Specialist Emma Robinson. The company has locations throughout Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. 

The company delivers services in:

• Facilities
• Environmental
• Geotechnical engineering
• Materials testing

Year over year, the number of homes sold decreased in the 78108, 78154 and 78233 ZIP codes, according to the most recent data from the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

Some details: The average price of homes listed for sale in the Northeast San Antonio Metro area over the past six months were between $215,000 and $297,000.

A new dining option—called The Hitching Post—is now open within Selma's Retama Park.

The gist: The Hitching Post, located at 1 Retama Parkway, Ste. 100, opened Nov. 5 and serves a selection of wings, sandwiches, burgers, salads and desserts. The restaurant also offers a drink menu featuring classic cocktails.

Matt Coxe, Retama Park's food and beverage manager, said there was demand for a new restaurant from people living around Retama—particularly South of I-35.

Coxe said they will also be offering happy hour deals in the near future. 

• 1 Retama Parkway, Ste. 100, Selma

More than 20 months after wildfires swept through the Texas Panhandle in early 2024, burning over 1.2 million acres of land, state lawmakers questioned if Texas has the tools needed to tackle another major fire.

The context: Texas is always a fire-prone state, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association. The association’s website reports that annual wildfire risk is most severe from February-April, when dry grasses and high winds can cause fires to spread, and August-October, when high temperatures and droughts contribute to fires.

“Our purpose today is to figure out—what is our response going to look like next February and March?” Rep. Ken King, a Republican representing Canadian and other Panhandle communities, said during a Nov. 3 committee hearing. “Are we better prepared … or are we in the same position we were in 2024, when our response was lacking?”

The details: Officials said Texas owns just two firefighting aircraft, with others "essentially [subleased] through the federal government."

During peak wildfire season, this means Texas may have access to limited resources.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced his bid for a fourth gubernatorial term Nov. 9, laying out an ambitious six-pronged plan to make “out-of-control property taxes finished in Texas.”

The details: Abbott's goals include eliminating property taxes charged by public school districts, which make up the majority of an average homeowner’s property tax bill. Some conservative groups and lawmakers pushed for an end to school property taxes during recent state legislative sessions.

The governor’s plan to limit local tax increases includes:

• Limiting annual local government spending
• Requiring approval from two-thirds of local voters for all tax hikes
• Allowing local residents to petition for an election to roll back tax rates
• Requiring property appraisals to occur once every five years
• Capping appraisal increases at 3% per year, down from 10% today
• Asking voters to eliminate school property taxes