Your morning starts here.

FEMA approved Texas' appeal Friday, opening Individual Assistance to residents of 20 Hill Country counties for temporary housing, emergency home repairs, uninsured losses, and other disaster expenses (including Comal and Kerr); affected residents should file insurance claims first, then apply by calling 800-621-3362, online, or via the FEMA app.

The Sophienburg Museum and Archives launched History on Tap last Wednesday, a lecture series on Prohibition that paired talks with local beer and sausage (patrons heard local historians); organizers say more sessions on New Braunfels' alcohol history will be scheduled soon.

Supporters gathered in a hangar at New Braunfels National Airport & FBO for the Hill Country Music Jam, a fundraising concert that benefited Comal Conservation and honored Nancy Pappas with the group's annual award.

Long Creek High School's Dragon marching band will make its first-ever appearance at the UIL Class 5A State Marching Band contest later this season, marking the program's inaugural trip to state competition.

The city has officially opened natural-surface trails at Northwest Park (140+ acres), a newly acquired public park, and the trails are now open to the public for hiking and biking.

The Arc of the Hill Country hosted its first inclusive trunk-or-treat event on Saturday, Oct.

17 at St. John Paul II (with student volunteers from local high schools) to kick off the Halloween spirit.

The Kunkel family honored Garrett Kunkel with the second annual Memorial Project (which raised over $10,000) to assist local neighbors in need.

The event demonstrated a continued commitment to community service.

On Oct. 11, the Randy Rogers Family Foundation held its second annual Pickleball Jam, raising $50,000 for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area + demonstrating local support.

The local charity event brought community members together to help pets in need.