A new spot for libations and spirits has opened its doors in Live Oak.

What we know: Premier Liquor and Wine, located at 8145 Pat Booker Road, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 21. 

The liquor store is owned and operated by local Marilyn Elder.

What they offer: Premier Liquor and Wine sells local and international wines and a wide variety of top shelf liquor from vodka to whiskey. The store also has a large selection of shooters and cocktail mixers available.

• 8145 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak

A new ice cream truck called Alsies will begin operating this spring in the Northeast San Antonio area.

What you need to know: The ice cream truck—locally owned by Steven Johns—will serve the Schertz, Selma, Universal City and Converse areas. Johns is also the owner of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe location in Schertz. 

Alsies will also offer catering for birthday parties and school events.

What they offer: Alsies sells prepackaged Mexican and gourmet ice creams, Johns said.

• Serving the Schertz, Selma, Universal City and Converse area

A new $2.5 million outdoor classroom, located at the future Texas Cavaliers Education Center, is scheduled to open this spring.

What you need to know: Paid for with funds donated by Susan Naylor, the new outdoor classroom will be named in memory of her son, William Naylor Smith, and will provide a dedicated outdoor space on the Alamo grounds for children to learn from experts, according to a news release. The outdoor classroom will feature built-in stairs and greenery.

According to the news release, roughly 155,000 school-aged children visit the Alamo each year. With the opening of the Texas Cavalier Education Center, the number is expected to reach 250,000. The Texas Cavalier Education Center will feature safe school bus access, a STEAM Lab, a Distance Learning Lab and an agricultural garden.

• 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio

Two Republican candidates are running to lead the Texas Department of Agriculture in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Nate Sheets is challenging incumbent Sid Miller, who is seeking a fourth term as Texas agriculture commissioner. The winning Republican candidate will face Democrat Clayton Tucker in November, and the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Tucker is running uncontested in the Democratic primary. Community Impact runs candidate Q&As for contested races only.

About the agency: The Texas Department of Agriculture's duties include administering federal nutrition programs and grants; facilitating trade of agricultural products; protecting crops from pests and diseases; providing financial assistance to farmers and rural communities; and conducting consumer protection programs, according to the agency's website.