The Herald-Zeitung

At the intersection of County Line Road and Walnut Avenue, three elementary schools overlap in traffic to and from school every day. In an effort to cut back on the congestion, and because the area no longer meets certain guidelines, bus service to nearby neighborhoods has been cut or reduced.

According to Texas Education Agency criteria, infrastructure improvements in the area mean bus routes are no longer necessary in a 2-mile radius around the schools.

County Line Elementary, Memorial Elementary and Walnut Springs Elementary have seen an increase in foot traffic, which has some parents worried about safety.

But because of the new light at the County Line Road and Walnut Avenue intersection, a crosswalk guard and other improvements, the schools no longer receive an allotment for extra bus service.

“That area doesn’t meet the requirements anymore because of newer sidewalks,” said Stephanie Ferguson, public information officer for New Braunfels Independent School District. “We understand the hazard that existed at one time, and that’s why we had the increased service.”

Cell Phone update

Some school zones still are not marked for the new law banning cell phone use, but they will be soon.

Once the signs are in place the new ban on cell phone use becomes enforceable, and you can be fined $200 for using a cellular device without a hands-free attachment in a school zone during school hours.