END OF AN ERA

Iconic San Antonio news anchor retiring after nearly 50-year career

Deborah Knapp is retiring in late May. Photo by KENS 5.

Longtime KENS 5 anchor Deborah Knapp, one of the most familiar faces in San Antonio broadcasting, is retiring after an impressive almost five-decade career with the station. Her last appearance on the air will be in late May.

"It's been an honor to serve the wonderful people of San Antonio in this city I love for nearly 50 years," Knapp said via a news release. "I love my KENS 5 family, so it was not an easy decision. I am thrilled to continue working with our talented staff as a mentor, and I will remain active with the Alamo Colleges Foundation."

Knapp started her journalism career at KSAT 12 after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1977, then working as a "weekend weather girl." KENS 5 quickly recruited her in 1978, bringing her on as the co-anchor of the weekend newscast.

Her distinguished career briefly took her to Philadelphia to anchor the 5 pm and 11 pm newscasts at CBS affiliate WCAU. She returned in 1987 after the birth of her daughter and has remained since.

Though most locals are familiar with Knapp as the Emmy Award-winning anchor of the 5 pm broadcast, she has also made a name as a philanthropist. She has established scholarships at her alma mater and Alamo Colleges and was instrumental in creating the KENS 5 EXCEL Award recognizing outstanding public school teachers.

"For decades, Deborah has been the heart of our newsroom and a shining example of our commitment to both journalism and community," said KENS 5 president and general manager Tom Cury in a statement. "She embodies the spirit of San Antonio and the values of KENS 5 with unmatched grace and professionalism."

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Return to Roots

Gruene Antique Company ending its 39-year run to become general store

In July Gruene Antique Company in New Braunfels will close, returning to its roots as Gruene Mercantile. Photo courtesy of Alan Michnoff, Molak Corporation

For the past 39 years, the historic H.D. Gruene Mercantile Building has been home to Gruene Antique Company, a local favorite for vintage shopping. On July 20 of this year, Gruene Antique Company will close its doors for good, and the building will return to its roots as a mercantile store.

The building went up in 1904 in Austin's neighboring city of New Braunfels, where Gruene is a historic district. For decades, this beautiful two-story brick building acted as the "community's business and social center," and carried "everything from cheese to farm implements to buggies and ready wear," according to a recent press release.

Ownership of the space will not change hands, as the Molak Corporation has owned Gruene Hall for decades. In fact, the new mercantile store is set to open later in 2025, just in time for the Molak Corporation's 50th anniversary of owning Gruene Hall.

“After prolonged consideration, we are excited to return the building to its former glory as a mercantile store," says Susie Molak, wife of the late founder Pat Molak in the press release. "We aim to preserve the legacy of Gruene while looking intentionally to the future, and we believe this shift will highlight the history of this iconic location."

Aside from Gruene Hall, the family-operated Molak Corporation owns several restaurants, stores, venues, and other real estate in New Braunfels, including Gristmill River Restaurant, Cantina del Rio, Mozie's, and more. The company also owns Down on Grayson and Josephine Street in San Antonio.

This isn't the first time the building has changed businesses. After Gruene Mercantile (known for a time as Gruene Brothers Store) closed its doors in 1938 during an economic slump, it became Hadlock & Fox, a western saddle tree manufacturer. It then transitioned to Gruene Antique Company in 1986.

In the press release, Molak says "While change is never easy, we hope to bring fresh experiences to Gruene while maintaining the rich history and vibrant character that Texans have come to love."

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