A local woman and her friends spent the holiday season visiting restaurants and surprising waitstaff with generous tips.

Thousands of lights, inflatables and animatronics line the city leading up to Christmas. December is not the only month of the year when Windcrest comes together.

The City of Windcrest is limited in its space and its ability to expand, but the city's mayor said there are big future plans that can make it a destination.

If some residents in the City of Windcrest have their way, the future for business there will be as bright as its Christmas light displays.

At 94 years old, Frances Peace remembers the day she and her husband, Hugh, moved into the first home ever sold in Windcrest: Oct. 10, 1954.

In this edition of “Know My Neighborhood,” we explore the “City Of Lights,” from the friendly, festive competition to the vacant mall that once housed Rackspace.

This edition of “Know My Neighborhood" highlights Windcrest, known as the "City of Lights," featuring festive Christmas light displays and a small-town atmosphere. The roughly 6,000 residents who live just off Interstate 35 love the small-town feel, but knowing everyone in town can be a double-edged sword: Despite its charm, Windcrest faces its challenges. The story explores the city's unique character, blending its community spirit with the complexities of small-town life.

After two weeks on administrative leave, Windcrest police chief Jimmie Cole was officially terminated by the city council following a highly critical employee survey.

Windcrest Police Department Chief Jimmie Cole was placed on leave this week amid calls from residents asking him to step down or lose his job.

A city of Windcrest employee survey this summer noted numerous morale issues and complaints about leadership, specifically within the town’s police department, records obtained by KSAT Investigates show.

Windcrest Little League volunteers said someone stole the Gator used for field maintenance. Replacing it could cost the league thousands.

Election results for president, U.S. Senate, Congress, Texas Legislature, Bexar County, San Antonio and other races.

Voters in Windcrest will decide on two city council seats.

An early morning fire drew crews from Windcrest and Converse on Friday, according to the Bexar County Emergency Services District (BCESD).

Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies are trying to figure out what led to a stabbing at a bar overnight.

Morning drivers had to take a detour after the frozen access road was shut down.

Barbee Winn, one of the original developers of Windcrest, thought some lights could spread the word about a brand new neighborhood. She was right.

Bexar County commissioners approved an incentives agreement between the county, the city of Windcrest and Cleveland, Ohio-based developer Industrial Commercial Properties LLC at a Commissioners Court meeting Tuesday.

Voters in Uvalde will elect a new mayor from a field of three candidates.

Voters across Texas will head to the polls on Nov. 7 to decide the fate of 14 constitutional amendments dealing with property taxes, infrastructure, state parks, farming/ranching, teacher retirement, and more.

Jason Sheffield was so moved to take action after his 3-year-old's drowning, that he changed careers to begin installing fences around pools. This weekend is the seven-year anniversary of that tragic incident.

A man accused of several robberies area has been arrested, according to Windcrest and San Antonio police.

Roy Ramsey, 56, is now in the Bexar County Jail facing six new charges

Authorities have arrested a 24-year-old accused of shooting at a Windcrest police officer and leading them on a chase.

A man was arrested last week on multiple charges after police say he admitted to stealing vehicles in Bexar County and Balcones Heights.

The Windcrest Police Department is asking for the public’s help in searching for a man accused of assault and evading arrest.

The Windcrest Police Department is asking for the public’s help in searching for a man who carjacked a driver at gunpoint outside their home.

Windcrest police arrested a woman who they say strangled a person and assaulted another person during an aggravated robbery.

The Windcrest Police Department says they are searching for a man in connection with a robbery that happened in early January.

Windcrest police are looking to arrest a woman who is wanted for forgery of a government instrument.

Firefighters and emergency crews responded to a house fire in Windcrest early Tuesday morning.

Windcrest Police Department is warning the public about a felony suspect who escaped police custody.

Police officers in Windcrest are searching for a man accused of exposing himself three times in the spring.

Early voting results will be released at 7 p.m. CST on Nov. 8, 2022. Scroll within the result embeds to see all races.

Two women were taken to an area hospital following a rollover crash in Northeast Bexar County early Friday morning, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

A fire at a Windcrest home early Tuesday morning rekindled a few hours later, causing extensive damage.

Firefighters in Windcrest were called to put out a fire in one home not once, but twice, in one night.

Waivers for free lunches at schools will expire June 30, and that means families will have to apply for free or reduced meals on their own.

A San Antonio woman who admitted to stealing more than $660,000 from a Windcrest church was sentenced to 7 years in prison, the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said.

Being pulled over by police can be stressful for both drivers and officers, not to mention time consuming for both.

San Antonio friends of a Somali migrant who was killed while working as a taxi driver are demand justice on behalf of surviving family across continents.

The City of Windcrest announced Sunday City Hall and the Windcrest Post Office will be closed this week due to possible COVID-19 exposure.

One of the most well-known houses in Windcrest is about to get some national fame as the homeowners were selected to compete on season nine of ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight.”

A man accused of fatally shooting a taxicab driver in Windcrest two years ago was arrested Friday on the West Side of San Antonio, and an arrest affidavit implicates at least one other suspect in the crime.

The City of Windcrest is hosting a Kite Flying in the Park event on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pet owners living in and around Windcrest are relieved after the arrest of a man accused of stealing other people’s dogs.

The fire marshal is trying to find the cause of a fire in Northeast Bexar County overnight.

Three people were able to escape a house fire near Windcrest on Tuesday morning.

Catfish, fried chicken, smothered pork chops and all the southern fixings too--that’s what you will have to choose from at Mrs. Kitchen Soul Food Restaurant in Windcrest.

A man linked to a Windcrest robbery in December was arrested Monday following a chase involving Bexar County deputies, officials say.

Shortage of blood donations hits home for Windcrest community. Local church and fire department are hosting a blood drive Sunday to help patients in need.

WINDCREST, Texas – Pet owners living in and around Windcrest are relieved after the arrest of a man accused of stealing other people’s dogs. Cody Lee Canfield, 33, was arrested Monday and charged for the incident involving a 68-year-old woman who was gardening last Monday. The victim provided a license plate number and video she captured of the incident to police, leading to Canfield’s arrest. AdHernandez said Bexar County deputies who were assisting with this case discovered Canfield after he wrecked his vehicle near his home. “I know there are at least three different cases multiple agencies are dealing with,” Hernandez said.

SAN ANTONIO – A kitchen fire damaged a home just outside the Windcrest city limits late Wednesday night, fire officials said. The fire was called in around 9:30 p.m. at a home in the 6600 block of Woodford Street, far from New World Drive and Montgomery Drive on the city’s Northeast Side. Firefighters said when they arrived, they found flames on a wall and coming out of the roof. Fire officials said they were able to put out the fire quickly and without incident. The woman who was cooking inside the home managed to get out safely and was not hurt.

One of the most well-known houses in Windcrest is about to get some national fame as the homeowners were selected to compete on season nine of ABC’s “Great Christmas Light Fight.”

SAN ANTONIO – The coronavirus pandemic didn’t stop one local holiday tradition from taking place this year. Windcrest’s annual Light Up, when residents decorate their homes with glamorous Christmas lights and displays, will begin on Saturday. Every year, a contest is held and judges decide the best displays in a variety of categories. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring” to pay tribute to military members. Windcrest officials said Light Up is made possible by volunteers, the Windcrest Economic Development Corporation and the Windcrest Women’s Club.

The affidavit states the man then left his home to cash a check and to “avoid a confrontation” with Polivchak. He returned home and began playing loud music in his bedroom, the affidavit states. He then heard glass breaking, turned down the music and yelled at Polivchak to leave, according to investigators. The man grabbed a broom handle and told the woman to leave. The affidavit states Polivchak left the house and waited by the garage “for her ride.”The stabbing victim left his house to get help from a nearby fire department.

WINDCREST, Texas – Like several small cities around Bexar County, the city of Windcrest had its share of long voting lines on the first day of early voting. 33K+ cast ballots on first day of early voting in Bexar CountySome residents were surprised to see lines stretching to the roadway from the Civic Center. Most of the residents KSAT spoke with were excited to see so many letting their voices be heard. However, there were some who were frustrated with why the process seemed to take longer than what they expected. Watch the story in the player above to hear what the residents had to say.

Hooters is also honoring America's military vets by giving them 10 free wings when you eat there on Memorial Day. There are a pair of reading programs that will reward your kids for reading over the summer. Barnes and Noble has a program that rewards kids by giving them free books. While you're at it, keep a daily reading log and Chuck-E-Cheese will reward your kids with free tokens to use of their games. You can email us your freebies at fridayfreebies@ksat.com.