Christmas on the Chisholm Trail set for Friday and Saturday

Blount Lesley Dee Blount March 15, 1935 – October 30, 2025 Lesley Dee Blount, age 90, passed away on October 30, 2025 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on March 15, 1975 in Temple, Texas to J.O. M. Bender and Alma K. Bender. Lesley spent the majority of her life in the Temple and Troy area. She graduated from Troy High School in 1993 and after a short time studying at Temple College, she obtained her bachelor's degree in education at Angelo State University. She spent the next 20 years after college teaching English and coaching in the Georgetown, Killeen, and Temple areas. Lesley was a loving husband to Nick on October 7, 2007, they settled in the Temple and Troy area to raise their family and help with the family business. She enjoyed decorating her home, supporting her children in their individual activities, traveling with her mother Donna, and spending time with her extended family. Lesley will be remembered for her unconditional love for her family and her genuine care for others. She led a natural beauty that was further complemented by her smile and laughter. Her faith in God provided strength, especially through the most challenging days, and her bravery and optimism in battling her struggles was admired by many. She was a loving mother, wife, sister and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all. She is survived by her husband, Nick Blount, and her children, Penny Blount and Catherine of Troy; her parents, Ronnie & Donna Shortridge of Troy and Patsy Bender of Temple; her sister, Michelle Hoffman of Temple; her brother Lee Bender and wife Stacy of Portland; and her children Chris Shortridge and wife Jill of Temple; her brother Ryan Bender of Temple along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, her father Leo Bender and sister Ronda Shortridge Montgomery. A funeral service was held at Bethel Church Saturday November 8, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM. A visitation was held Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Young's Daughters Funeral Home in Temple. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethel Church 22621 SE H K Dodgen, Temple, TX 76502. Arrangements are under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home and Bereavement Center.

Vista Real Estate Group holds Second Annual Thanksgiving Meal Giveaway

By Aries Ramos The Belton Journal The Lake Belton Lady Broncos kept their undefeated season alive Monday night, overcoming a slow start to defeat Shoemaker 55–46 on the road. The win pushes Lake Belton to 11–0, continuing what has been one of the strongest beginnings to a season in recent program history. Shoemaker struck first, using an aggressive opening stretch to take a seven-point lead after the first quarter. Lake Belton struggled to find its rhythm early, but that changed as the Broncos settled in defensively and began to control the pace of the game. By halftime, the momentum had shifted, and the second half belonged almost entirely to Lake Belton. The Broncos' turnaround was driven by their defense. Shoemaker's early success faded as Lake Belton disrupted passing lanes, pressured the ball, and turned mistakes into fast break opportunities. The Broncos finished the night with 17 deflections, 11 steals, and five blocks, producing 20 points off turnovers. Their presence inside also made a difference, with 30 points scored in the paint and 30 rebounds collected, including 10 on the offensive end. Offensively, the Broncos received strong performances across the board. Aniya Taylor led the team with 20 points and contributed several key plays defensively that helped spark the comeback. Alexa King added 16 points, attacking the rim with consistency and providing timely stops on the other end. Olivia Dann supplied 10 points and seven rebounds, giving Lake Belton valuable strength in the post. Lake Belton turned its attention to a Tuesday matchup with Temple, which enters at 5–5. Despite the Wildcats' even record, they have shown the ability to play teams close, and the Broncos will need another steady defensive showing to protect their unbeaten mark. Results were not available as of press time. After Temple, Lake Belton will prepare for a December 9 contest against Copperas Cove, another opponent known for its physical style of play. With double digit wins behind them and confidence growing each night, the Lady Broncos head into their next stretch of games with an opportunity to continue building on their perfect start.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Lady Tigers will attempt to defeat Copperas Cove for the first time in more than three years Friday, when they travel to face the Lady Bulldawgs. Belton's three-game winning streak against Copperas Cove was snapped on Nov. 7, 2023 with a 58-11 loss, and last year, the Lady Tigers narrowly fell by three points, 51-48. The squads were district foes last time Belton beat the Lady Bulldawgs in a 46-32 outcome on Feb. 1, 2022. So far, the Lady Tigers have endured an up-and-down start to their schedule. After splitting its first four games, Belton continued the trend prior to the Thanksgiving holiday at the San Antonio Cornerstone Warrior Classic, sandwiching a pair of wins around two losses. In pool play, the Lady Tigers dominated Lockhart, winning 76-15 before suffering a 63-45 loss to Montgomery. The following day, Dripping Springs emerged with a 71-65 overtime victory in advance of beating Pace 49-36 in their final game. Belton sophomore guard Isabella Warner was placed on the all-tournament team. Then, on Tuesday, the Lady Tigers returned to the road, traveling to play Leander Rouse in advance of their trip to Copperas Cove, and they returned home without a win. The Lady Raiders immediately overwhelmed Belton, connecting on six 3-points in the opening period en route to a 59-38 victory. Rouse's long-range accuracy allowed it to carry a 26-8 advantage into the second quarter, and after making just two field goals, the Lady Tigers bounced back with a 14-point period behind Warner’s 10-point outburst, but it was not enough to spark a comeback. Rouse held a 37-22 halftime lead, and Belton (4-5) only trimmed a point off the deficit, 46-32, through three quarters. Warner finished with 19 points, while sophomore teammate Emma Harvey scored nine points, and senior Ke’Ara Shanks scored six points. Following their contest at Copperas Cove, the Lady Tigers remain on the road, playing at Waco Connally on Tuesday. Belton will also take part in the three-day Jarrell tournament (Dec. 11-13) and make the drive to Caldwell (Dec. 16) before playing their next home game on Dec. 19, when Navasota comes to town.

Special to the Journal Joseph L. Inman has been elected to the United States Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Inman graduated from Belton High School in 1964, where he was voted its most outstanding student. After graduation, he left Belton to pursue a formal education in music, specifically a double major in piano and percussion. Music later became his profession as a member of the U.S. Army Band (retired) and a teacher in the Washington, DC area. During college, Inman took up figure skating seriously, competing as a pair skater. After injury forced his retirement from competitive skating, he decided to judge, working his way up to become one of the most respected officials in the world of figure skating. After the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic judging scandal, the International Olympic Committee requested that a new system of judging be developed to replace the 6.0 system. Inman was chosen as a member of a small ad hoc group of top figure skating experts charged with designing a system that would be more objective, fairer and less prone to bias. Combining his expertise in music performance and theory with his elite level of knowledge and experience as an Olympic-level judge, Joseph Inman brought an unique perspective to evaluating artistry in a figure skating program more objectively. In 2017, Inman was awarded the International Skating Union's Gold Award of Merit, the highest award that the international governing body can bestow on a judge. He is one of only 22 recipients ever to have been so honored. With his election to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Joseph Inman will now receive the United States Figure Skating Association's highest honor when he is inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame on January 9, 2026, at the National Championships in St. Louis, Missouri.

By Clay Whittington The Belton Journal The Tigers and Lady Tigers will host the B-Town Beatdown on Saturday at Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB). Following the meet, Belton returns to action Wednesday when it travels to Pflugerville Weiss. Lake Belton will also be in attendance at UMHB on Saturday before competing at the Waco Midway meet Wednesday. BELTON BOYS SOCCER The Tigers will be holding a preseason parent meeting today inside the Belton High School library from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. During the session, program rules and guidelines will be discussed, practice and game schedules will be revealed, and holiday procedures will be outlined. Any additional questions will also be addressed. If you are unable to attend, a recap of the meeting will be emailed. For more information, visit BeltonTigers.com. SWIMMING Belton and Lake Belton will both travel to Killeen for a meet versus multiple opponents on Dec. 13. The competition will serve as the final action for both programs until they combine with New Tech to host a meet on Jan. 5. The District 22-5A meet is scheduled for Jan. 23. LAKE BELTON SOFTBALL The Lady Broncos will be holding an informational meeting regarding tryouts for the upcoming season on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Coaches will be on hand to share information with players and parents regarding guidelines for how the tryout process will work later in January. The meeting is open to all potential players of any grade. For more information, contact Lady Broncos head coach Kelsie McEachern at Kelsie.McEachern@BISD.net

Ron Donnelly February 14, 1938 – November 28, 2025 Ron Donnelly was born on February 14, 1938, in Bloomfield, Iowa. He moved to Texas as a young boy, where he built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. Ron was blessed to share 64 beautiful years of marriage with his loving wife, Dee Donnelly, who remained faithfully by his side throughout his life. He is preceded in death by his parents and three of his four siblings, along with other loved ones who welcomed him home. Ron leaves behind a devoted and deeply loved family: His children: Angela Morehead and husband David Morehead; Keith Donnelly and wife Debra Donnelly; Alicia Tobin and husband Doug Tobin; Amy Larson and husband Jay Larson. His 12 cherished grandchildren: Jason Donnelly, Clayton Hendricks, Samantha Wood, Charity Clark, Benjamin Donnelly, Ryan Morehead, Cailey Wright, Braden Morehead, Tanner Morehead, Hunter Morehead, Aria Larson, and Aaley Larson. Ron was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him joy and pride. Ron will be remembered for his kindness, his quiet strength, and the deep love he carried for his family. His legacy lives on in the generations who adored him. "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23 Burial will be at a later date. Funeral service was held December 1, 2025 at 2 p.m., at Belton Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers please donate to Our Hospice House, 5235 Toll Bridge Rd., Belton, Texas 76513 https://ourhospicehouse.org/donate/

Edward Peter Curotto November 16, 1943 – November 23, 2025 Edward Peter Curotto, affectionately known as Eddie, passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 82 in Belton. A funeral service was held in his honor on December 1, 2025, at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton, Texas, beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at North Belton Cemetery. Eddie was known for his fun-loving spirit and wonderful sense of humor. His interests were vast, as he absolutely loved fishing and hunting, often traveling across the United States to enjoy these passions. Eddie was also a proud governor of the Moose Lodge and an active member of the Hunting and Fishing Clubs, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a referee for CYO Basketball for over 20 years sharing his love for basketball with the youth of the league. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Nancy Curotto, and was a proud father to his daughters Janie Hinkson and husband Ralph and Karen Peters and husband Dale, his son Don Myers and wife Angela, and his son Andrew Curotto and wife Jessica. Eddie was also a devoted grandfather, leaving behind grandchildren Kyle Hinkson, Amber Hinkson, Paul Peters, Katie Rodrigues, Chad Myers, Shyanne Myers, Emma Curotto, Dominic Curotto, and Delilah Curotto, as well as great-grandchildren Dahlia Dunkin, Beatrix Dunkin, Karter Hinkson, Kynsley Hinkson, and Robert Rodrigues. He was also survived by two sisters, Ida Cobo and husband Matthew, Barbara Jackson and husband Larry. Eddie was predeceased by his parents, Edoardo and Virginia Curotto, and his granddaughter Marina Valencia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Our Hospice House at https://ourhospicehouse.org/donate/ or you can send donations to 5235 Tollbridge Rd. Belton, TX 76513.

Susan Ann Wishert September 25, 1954 – November 24, 2025 Susan Ann Wishert was born on September 25, 1954, in Temple, Texas, to Johnny and Beatrice Sodek. She entered her eternal rest on November 24, 2025, at the age of 71, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous year-long battle with colon cancer. Funeral services were held on November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Karnes City, with Pastor Nate Ingle officiating. Burial followed at Karnes City Cemetery, and all are welcome to return to the church afterward for a fellowship lunch. Family visitation took place prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Susan spent most of her life in Temple, Texas, where she attended Temple schools. She began her career with the United States Postal Service in 1982 at the Temple Post Office. Over nearly 30 years of service, she held many roles — sorting mail, delivering routes, assisting customers at the counter, and ultimately serving as Postmaster for the Evant, Hobson, and Falls City Post Offices. She found the love of her life in Devasco Charles “D.C.” Wishert, whom she married on January 24, 1992, in Belton, Texas. Together they built a beautiful blended family of four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. Susan and D.C. later made their home in the Harmoney community, where they lived for many years. A woman of unwavering faith, Susan shared God’s love daily, often through the devotional messages she faithfully sent to family and friends — continuing them until her final days. She enjoyed volunteering in church programs, especially those involving children and youth camps. Above all, Susan believed her purpose in life was serving her family and helping anyone in need. She cherished the large Sodek family gatherings, especially when everyone eagerly waited for the first bowls of the beloved noodle soup (a family tradition). She gave selflessly and wholeheartedly, often putting others before herself. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Beatrice Sodek; her infant brother, Gerald Sodek; and two sisters, Donna Baird and Sharon “Sissy” Zeinert. Left to honor her memory are her husband of nearly 34 years, D.C. Wishert of Karnes City; daughters Jennifer Emerson (Darrell) of Troy, Stephanie Martignoni (Blue) of San Antonio, Sammie Taylor (Chuck) of Goliad, and Stacie Kelley of Karnes City; her sister Cindy Palatino (Tom) of Belton; and her brother Johnny “Bubba” Sodek (Kim) of Belton. She is also lovingly remembered by her eight grandchildren (Kendra Balod, Todd Emerson, Hannah Hons, Rhett Kelley, Tanner Kelley, Natalie Ingram, Tony Martignoni, and Chris Hillbrich), her ten cherished great-grandchildren, and a large, devoted family of nieces and nephews. Arrangements are entrusted to Eckols Funeral Home of Kenedy.