2025 in Review, Part 2

By Lynette Sowell

The Belton Journal

The City of Belton marked the midpoint of the year 2025 when the Belton community celebrated the completed restoration of one of the few surviving early African American churches in Texas. A dedication ceremony was held at the historic Mount Zion United Methodist Church following a more than $500,000 restoration project. The church has served as a place of worship and community gatherings for generations. Originally built in 1893, the church resides in its original location along the western banks of Nolan Creek, which is now the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail. The church also stands close to the former T.B. Harris School for African American students – now the Harris Community Center.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Attendees had the opportunity for self-guided tours of the church’s restored interior along with a viewing of before-and-after photos of the restoration work. A vision for the church’s restoration began in 2018. In 2020, the city began to seek state and federal grants to restore the church’s exterior and interior. This includes the masonry, siding, windows, roof, bell tower, flooring, ceilings, painting, and air conditioning.

Funding for the $573,889 project came from the following sources: Preservation Texas Grant (2022), $77,500; National Trust for Historic Preservation Grant (2023), $100,000; Mount Zion United Methodist Church, $25,000; City of Belton Federal ARPA Funds (2022), $371,389.

July

The annual Belton 4th of July festivities went on, despite the rains on parade day. This year's theme for the parade was Celebrating 175 years of Bell County and featured 195 entries. Other areas of Central Texas did not fare so well, such as Kerr County and other areas experiencing devastating flash floods. The Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour, resulting in more than 100 lives lost, including Julia Anderson Burgess, a former teacher at Lakeway Elementary School in Belton.

A 19-year-old Belton woman narrowly escaped rising flood waters that tore through her Hunt, Texas hotel during a Fourth of July gathering. Riata Schoepf waded through chest-deep water in the middle of the night before she was rescued by a group of strangers. Schoepf was part of a group of 33 friends and family members who spend the July 4th holiday every year in Hunt.

Local relief efforts in Belton went to aid flood victims. Brandon Baker, Ashley Janke, Troy Tubbs, Guy Humphrey, Stanley Durbin, and Alecia Williams were among those at Belton Feed and Supply organizing donations for the flood relief in the Hill Country. The room was filled with donations from area residents who wanted to give back. Bold Republic Brewing & Troy Tubbs helped collect & take donations to Belton Feed and Supply, where they were sorted and sent on their way. The donations were put on pallets at Belton Feed. Volunteers used their own trucks and trailers to haul the donated supplies to their destination. At least 12 pallets of items were delivered to San Saba, nine to Leander, nine to Hunt, and three to Center Point.

Also in July, Belton Independent School District shared proposed bond projects that include updates on general classroom needs as well as expansions to sports facilities, such as high school football stadiums and the Swim Center. The Bond Exploration Meeting allowed board members and district staff to share the potential projects that could be placed into a bond. The community also had an opportunity to provide feedback on how the district plans to use the bond funding. Superintendent Dr. Malinda Golden called the meeting "a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from our families and community members about the proposed bond projects." The proposed bonds fall into four propositions, which cover general needs, sports stadiums, technology devices, and the swim center.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) awarded a 2024 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) to the Bell County Historical Commission (CHC). This annual award affirms Bell CHC for its exemplary initiation and execution of comprehensive programs that preserve Texas's multitude of historic and cultural resources. In 2024, Bell CHC volunteers committed over 1,750 hours working to preserve the county's historical resources. This included creating a quarterly history education program in collaboration with the Bell County Museum, updating and publishing the 2025 Bell County Historical Resources Guide, and contributing to the establishment of the Comanche Hunting Grounds Interpretive Trail in Temple.

Native Beltonians, brothers Marcus and Michael Ogas, became the new co-owners of L & R Meat Market, located at 601 E. Central Avenue, Suite B. The original owner of L & R, Larry, owned it from 1988 to 2015, followed by Steve Gray, who owned it from 2015-2025. In 37 years, the store has had three owners and has always been in Belton. Marcus and his brother Michael Ogas grew up in Belton and try to give back to the community, by donating meat to different sports teams, benefits like Boot Out Brain Cancer for Brandon Newman, and the Penguin Project for special needs students.

Councilmember Dave Covington handed over the keys to residents in the 600 block of E. 8th St. whose home was rebuilt through the City of Belton's HOME Program, which provides funds to replace homes for low-income residents who meet program requirements. The home was the 42nd rebuild in Belton under the program. The recipients were Ennis and Lynna Taylor, who will live in the four-bedroom home with their adult daughter and grandchildren.

Belton City Council approved a funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction of five-foot sidewalks along both sides of East Sixth Avenue from I-35 to Main Street (Texas 317). East Sixth is a state-maintained roadway located within the City. TxDOT plans to reconstruct this roadway from Main to I-35 starting in 2027. As part of the project, Belton is partnering with TxDOT to build the sidewalks. These projects are intended to improve the East Sixth Avenue corridor by providing pedestrian accommodations, increasing mobility and improving overall safety.

Belton’s Parks and Recreation Department welcomed their new Recreation Coordinator Adam Wells to his position in late June. Wells brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the outdoors industry, with roles relating to outreach, sales, and marketing. The responsibilities of the Recreation Coordinator include growing and building outdoor programs within Belton.

August

The Belton City Council approved a zoning change that will allow Lamar Advertising to put up a billboard with an electronic changeable sign at 1269 W. Highway 190. The property will still be zoned as Commercial Highway, but now it will require a special-use permit for the billboard. The site currently contains two traditional billboards, but Lamar plans to remove both and replace them with a single digital billboard featuring an electronic changeable message display. The move to update the zoning for the property was recommended by the Belton Planning & Zoning Commission.

The Council also approved changes related to overnight truck parking. According to Director of Development Services Bob van Til, the number of applications for truck stops has increased in recent years. Council approved an amendment related to the Commercial Highway district that clarifies that truck parking is permitted, but overnight parking is not. Also approved was the definition of overnight truck parking.

Belton ISD has announced new leadership for two campuses for the 2025-2026 school year. Cheyenne Babb has been named principal of James L. Burrell Elementary. With more than a decade of experience in public education, Babb has served as both a teacher and campus administrator across multiple grade levels. Most recently, she served as principal at Rockdale Junior High which was recognized as a Student Voice Campus through the Texas Association of School Administrators. A graduate of Lubbock Christian University, Babb holds both a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in school administration. She is certified as a PK-12 principal and EC-6 classroom teacher. “Cheyenne leads with a focus on student success—fostering strong relationships, empowering teachers and building a campus culture where each and every learner can thrive.” said Denise Sharp, Executive Director of Campus Leadership for Elementary Campuses. “Her passion for student and teacher voice as well as academic growth will serve Burrell Elementary and the Belton ISD community well.” Babb succeeds Julee Manley, who has transitioned to a new role within the district as the Early Literacy and Learning Academy Administrator.

Belton ISD announced Rachel Ramirez as the principal of Lake Belton Middle School and Cheyenne Babb as the principal of James L. Burrell Elementary.

A large residential development is a step closer after the Belton City Council approved plans for about 1,760 homes in the proposed River Farm subdivision east of Interstate 35. The subdivision will include walking trails, amenity centers and green spaces on Toll Bridge Road, north of the Lampasas River. A dedicated school site also is in the subdivision’s footprint. The proposal included the Phase 1 preliminary plat with 1,600 lots on 478.5 acres and Phase 2 with 164 residential lots and 10 homeowner association lots on 72 acres. This phase will include single family homes with at least 5,000-square-foot lots and patio homes with a minimum of 3,600-square-foot lots.

The Belton Independent School District welcomed the “Big Red Community” back to classes for the start of the 2025-2026 school year, a total of 13,500 students. Across the district’s 20 campuses, 2,045 active employees were ready to greet students from pre-K through 12th grade.

On August 13, former UMHB First Lady (1991-2009), Vicky Bawcom passed away. For nearly two decades, Vicky worked alongside Jerry Bawcom and left a mark on the UMHB community that still lingers today. In 2012, the Bawcom Student Union was named in honor of Vicky and Jerry Bawcom. A memorial service held Tuesday, August 19, at the First Baptist Church in Belton.

September

Bell County Historical Commission issued four grants for the 2026 county fiscal year. Josh Hogan on behalf of The Al Edwards Central Texas Juneteenth Association 7 Star Cemetery Restoration Eagle Project, will receive $2,820. The Killeen Area Heritage Association will receive $665. The aim of the project is to update and print brochures that identify historical places and promote Killeen history. The Railroad and Heritage Museum in Temple will receive $1,800. The Bartlett Activity Center will receive $2,715.

Belton ISD announced that Belton High School Principal Claudia Knox was selected as the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) Region 12 Outstanding Principal of the Year. Knox has been a leader in education for 29 years, including 21 years in Belton ISD. She has served at Belton High School for the past 14 years.

The Belton City Council unanimously adopted the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget, which includes total anticipated revenue of $52.8 million and expenditures of $47.9 million. The budget incorporates an increase to total property tax revenue in the amount of $1.2 million based on a tax rate of $0.5225 cents per $100 of taxable value. The rate will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by about $16.20. The average taxable value of a Belton residence was $295,184 in 2024 year. The 2025 average taxable value of a residence is $309,386. Under the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rate, taxes imposed on the average home will be $1,616.

Marjorie Ferrill of Belton celebrated her 101st birthday, with a tea party celebration at Tirzah’s in downtown Belton on Sept. 11. Ferrill is the mother of Margaret Psencik (Don), Ray Schwertner (Linda), and Cynthia Jackson (Don). She has eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. She retired from Scott & White Clinic as an administrator and is a lifetime member of First Christian Church, Temple. She established scholarships at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Texas A&M, Temple College and gave generously to Baylor Scott & White’s Cancer Treatment Center. Ferrill is a cancer survivor.

Two Belton ISD elementary students earned national recognition as National Math Stars, a highly selective program that invests in top-performing math students and their families for 10 years. Third-grader Aayana Jain of Lakewood Elementary and fourth-grader Rosalinn “Rosie” Canto of Sparta Elementary were among just over 100 students selected nationwide.

Pietro Victor Giustino, 39, a former Belton High School teacher, was arrested again, this time by U.S. Marshals in Bexar County on state criminal charges for invasive visual recording of several female high school students in a classroom setting. The arrest took place on Sept. 23. He had previously been arrested on July 18 on federal charges by the FBI for child pornography charges. The depictions in that particular case did not involve local students, but during that investigation, the FBI discovered 13 cellphone videos that it shared with Belton PD to identify and notify victim families and for Belton PD to pursue any applicable state criminal charges.

On Tuesday, September 23rd the 15th Annual Bell County Senior Expo kicked off at the Cadence Bank Center. The Expo had more than 200 booths set up to provide senior citizens of the community with information and resources. The event was organized by The Belton Journal as it has been for the past 15 years.

More than 500 participants registered to walk one mile to raise funds and awareness for a cure for Alzheimer’s, and all forms of dementia, at the 2025 Bell County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Liberty Park on Sept. 27. Frank Garrett, a legend in fundraising for Walk to End Alzheimer’s, passed away in 2025. In 2024, he raised $40,000.

October

The Belton ISD Delta Program hosted its first open house with a full house and a ribbon cutting on Oct. 2. The new facility is located at 731 Fourth Ave. in Belton. Presently there are 40 students in the program. Classrooms include a gym, an art room, a kitchen, a sensory room, and a fine motor room. Most of the classrooms offer hands-on learning for job skills and household skills. BISD Delta is ideally located for job training opportunities in the community.

Glass Expanse, located at 2600 Digby Drive in Belton, moved to Belton about four months ago and was celebrated during Manufacturing Month. The founder said that the company was leasing property in Troy but was outgrowing the facility. Glass Expanse manufactures premium patio sliding doors and windows using glass and aluminum. Glass Expanse sold directly to builders and homeowners for seven years, but now the company sells its sliding doors and windows in Belton, at Lengefeld Lumber in Temple and at 21 other locations in Texas.

Pet Extravaganza broke attendance records with its 10th annual event, sponsored by Rescue Magazine. It featured vendors for people, pets, services, and their homes, and included free pet microchipping and also pet adoption opportunities of cats, dogs, ferrets, and reptiles.

UMHB dedicated new golf venues, the Crusader golf center including the Jane & Mac Hickerson Golf Club. The event was celebrated with a special ceremony attended by two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw. The new facility is located off University Drive on the UMHB campus. The facility’s name honors former UMHB men’s golf coach Mac Hickerson and his late wife, Jane. In addition, the practice course — four greens and 22 tee boxes — is called The Mac. The new golf center also includes a lighted short-game practice area. Hickerson, who attended the ceremony, led the UMHB men’s team from 1980 to 1999. Also, the university dedicated the clubhouse and locker room facility — the Conner Golf Performance Center — in honor of Mary Kay and Jerry Conner of Sugarland.

The 11th annual Candy Trail in Downtown Belton was rescheduled due to the weather, but still went off without a hitch. Organized by the Belton Downtown Business Alliance, more than 50 businesses and organizations lined the downtown streets to hand out candy to children and families.

November

Belton ISD voters went to the polls in November and rejected three out of four propositions that were part of a $161.8 million bond referendum, including two propositions that focused on upgrades to the district’s athletic and sports facilities. Only Proposition C, which will update technology for students and staff, was approved by voters. Proposition C makes up only $6 million of the bond total.

Proposition A, which included $92.9 million in campus security and improvements at several schools, was the closest of the four propositions. It failed — 50.49 percent against to 49.51 percent for. Prop A would have funded six-foot security fences, security gates and additional exterior lighting around school playgrounds. Proposition B, which included $43.7 million in improvements to athletic facilities, failed 62.04 percent against to 37.96 percent for. Prop B would have provided improvements at several campuses and would have turfed the Belton High softball and baseball fields.

Proposition C passed 52.85 percent for to 47.15 percent against, and it will provide money to update campus, student and staff technology, including laptop computers. Proposition D, another proposition focused on athletic facilities, failed 57.89 percent against to 42.11 percent for. This proposition was designated to provide $19.2 million to update the district’s Swim Center.

“No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in our Town” is the mission statement of Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Bell County, which launched Nov. 2. Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to building and delivering hand-made, fully furnished beds to children in need. SHP’s mission is to tackle the issue of children without beds, which is estimated to affect nearly 3 percent of the population, or more than 1,000 kids locally. Fundraising began with the goal of having the first bed assembly events in February of the new year.

A tour and ribbon cutting was held for the new state-of-the-art imaging Seton Medical Center Harker Heights located at 2812 Oakmark Dr. in Belton. One room is for X-rays, another for ultrasound, one for CT scans, and one for MRIs. The Belton location, with its own dedicated staff, will have Harker Heights staff from time to time. It is located near Freedom Urgent Care and Wellstone Health Partner Family Medicine Clinic.

The Belton City Council approved a Facade Improvement Grant in the downtown area. The $45,000 grant — the maximum amount — was requested by Dusty Miller for a building at 222 E. Central, located in the Downtown Belton Commercial District at the northwest intersection of East Central and North Penelope. The grant will help pay for exterior renovations, including the replacement of non-historic windows and doors, and repainting previously painted exterior walls. The work on the building is estimated to cost $128,000, with the grant covering about a third of that amount. According to the 2022 City of Belton Historic Resources Survey, this commercial-style brick structure was constructed around 1935 and underwent major alterations to the front façade in the 1980s.

December

The City of Belton will allow Hunt Communities Belton to sell smaller lots than previously approved in the River Farm subdivision, located east of Toll Bridge Road and north of the Lampasas River. River Farm consists of eight phases of residential lots, two amenity centers, a school site and supporting streets and open spaces. Hunt Communities Belton had requested a reduction in lot width from 50 feet to 45 feet for a portion of the development. The Development Agreement stipulated that the maximum number of homes at build-out will be 1,775.

Miller Springs Nature Center had trail improvements made to the trail system. Miller Springs Nature Center is a 260-acre scenic natural area in the historic Tennessee Valley, which is located in or near the cities of Belton and Temple. The nature preserve is open to the public, at no charge, each day of the year. Visitors enjoy hiking and biking in this parkland, which has more than 10 miles of trails divided into several loops. The trail system has been widened, improving access to the trail system, and a scenic overlook. Railings have been added to the park where there is an overlook. A pavilion was added to the overlook. The trail leading to the trails that drop to the bottom is now cement and 6 feet wide.

The Belton Education Foundation Grant Patrol brought celebration and surprise to campuses across Belton ISD, awarding 49 grants totaling $118,159.02 at 20 campuses, supporting innovative instructional ideas and hands-on learning experiences from early childhood through high school. This year’s funded projects focus on expanding STEAM learning, enhancing literacy, strengthening hands on science, supporting special education and growing opportunities in areas including robotics, media, esports and assistive technology.

The Belton City Council upgraded the city’s homebased businesses ordinance and added a new category for dog grooming. According to Tina Moore, assistant director of Planning, a new law that went into effect on Sept. 1 adds a “no-impact home-based business,” which is allowed in residential areas providing that the use is secondary to a residential use. Home-based businesses cannot sell alcohol or illegal drugs and cannot operate as a “sober living home” or a sexually oriented business. The total number of employees and patrons of the home-based businesses must not exceed the municipal occupancy level limits for the property, and it must not generate on-street parking or a substantial increase in traffic through the area.

Lake Belton High School senior Taylor Rogers raised $1,627 in door-to-door donations to help pay off student lunch debt on his campus. His efforts erased approximately 54 percent of outstanding balances, lightening the load for dozens of Bronco families ahead of the holiday season.

Cochran, Blair and Potts brought back an ice skating rink located in downtown Belton, across the street from their establishment. Skate rental and use of the rink was free to the community and skating ended on Dec. 27 for the season.