Read the latest Central Texas business and community news.

New Braunfels

To the moon and back: New Braunfels resident and astronaut is Texan of the Year

New Braunfels resident and 2020 Texan of the Year, Brigadier General and Apollo astronaut Charles Duke, knew from an early age that he wanted to break the bonds of gravity but never dreamed he would walk on the moon.

Resolute Health Hospital in New Braunfels to expand visitation allowances



Patients at Resolute Health Hospital, located at 555 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels, are now allowed one visitor due to an adjusted visitation policy that went in place Aug. 11. A release from the hospital states patients isolated due to COVID-19 are still not allowed patients, and two parents are allowed to visit pediatric and NICU inpatients.

Comal County Office of Public Health to offer back-to-school vaccines

From Aug. 17-28, the Comal County Office of Public Health will extend its operating hours through lunch to provide back-to-school immunizations.

New Braunfels officials greenlight program to create, retain 40 full-time jobs


A program approved by New Braunfels City Council will offer an $85,000 investment in pursuit of employment creation and retention incentives to United Training Center LLC.

Round Rock-Pflugerville-Hutto

Round Rock ISD's curbside meals resume Aug. 20. Here's what you need to know

With Round Rock ISD classes beginning 100% virtually Aug. 20, the district announced Aug. 10 it will also resume its curbside meal services for students on the first day of school. For services provided during the first three weeks of the school year, families are asked to fill out an online meal form and request services by Aug. 17.


Georgetown

Williamson County to allow gatherings of more than 10 beginning Aug. 13

Beginning Aug. 13, Williamson County will allow gatherings of more than 10 people in outdoor spaces so long as masks are still worn and social distancing measures are in place.

First Baptist Church in Georgetown offers remote learning assistance, care for GISD students of working parents


First Baptist Church-Georgetown will be offering remote learning assistance and care for working parents during the first three weeks of school, according to a Georgetown ISD Aug. 11 news release.

Williamson County sets early voting locations for November election

Williamson County commissioners set 19 early-voting locations ahead of the November election during its Aug. 11 meeting.

Central Austin


Sweetgreen opening first Austin location on South Congress on Aug. 12

Sweetgreen will open its first Austin location Aug. 12 at 1007 S. Congress Ave., Austin. The salad and grain bowl-focused restaurant has more than 100 locations nationwide, including two that opened in Houston last year.

San Marcos-Buda-Kyle

Live music venues in Hays County struggle to survive during pandemic

Downtown Buda music venue and bar Tavern on Main owner Julie Renfro said she has two months to keep her business afloat due to lack of revenue and rent demands. Like many small local venues, Renfro is currently unable to host the music acts that drove her to open her business, but she hopes that she will be able persevere long enough to bring them back.

“It’s like looking in a crystal ball. It’s all foggy,” she said.

Lake Travis-Westlake

Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hotel welcomes guests back with new safety precautions

The Sonesta Bee Cave Austin Hotel reopened to the public Aug. 5 following a temporary closure that began in June, according to The PR Boutique, a public relations firm representing the hotel. The Sonesta, located adjacent to the Hill Country Galleria at 12525 Bee Cave Parkway, Bee Cave, has implemented several safety precautions and social distancing guidelines amid the reopening.

Amy Rae Dadamo, Jack Flagler, Kelsey Thompson, Lauren Canterberry, Brian Rash and Ali Linan contributed to this report.