The Texas Department of Public Safety announced last Thursday that an arrest has been made in connection with a Dec. 20, 2024, fatal crash involving a tow truck driver in Salado. David Conrad Holz, 57, was loading a disabled vehicle onto his tow truck when he was struck and killed by a gold Chevrolet Impala traveling northbound. Initially, the vehicle was described as a light gold or tan Chevrolet Impala with damage to the front right passenger side, which was missing a mirror and door handle. Dash camera footage from the tow truck revealed that the Impala’s brake lights activated momentarily before the vehicle continued northbound without stopping. After the investigation that followed, Jesse G. Hernandez, Jr., 24, of Killeen was located in Laredo, Texas, and arrested and transported to the Webb County Jail. Texas law requires drivers to slow down at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit or, if able, to change lanes when passing a first responder stopped on the roadside. This includes police and fire units, tow trucks and ambulances.

Bell County Commissioner for Precinct 4 Louie Minor, Public Accountability for Animal Welfare (PAAW), Happy Tail Rescue, Journey Home Rescue and members of the public are holding a rally to call for a no-kill animal shelter for Bell County. The rally will take place on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 4:30–6:30 p.m., at the Bell County Animal Shelter, 2509 S. Loop 121 in Belton. According to the 2025 annual report for the Bell County Animal Shelter, a total of 3,183 animals were brought into the shelter. A total of 1,157 of those found adopted homes. Another 810 were transferred out. However, 975 of the animals brought into the shelter — roughly 30 percent — were euthanized. “The community is demanding a full transformation of the facility into a genuine no‑kill shelter — one that prioritizes life‑saving programs, transparency, and humane care,” Minor wrote in a media release. “Residents are calling the current situation unacceptable. The killing of nearly one thousand animals is a clear sign that the Sheriff’s current model is broken beyond repair.” The shelter is open daily for animal adoption, and fees for unsterilized dogs and cats are $50 and $20, respectively. Sterilized dogs and cats are $60 to adopt. Those who adopt animals must have them vaccinated for rabies within 72 hours and unsterilized adopted animals must be sterilized within 30 days. According to the adoption guidelines on the county website, all animals are placed up for adoption unless the Supervisor deems the animal’s behavioral problems create a risk of liability to Bell County or the public in general. “Our first goal is to remove problematic animals and then to find suitable homes for as many animals as possible. Realistically, not all animals are suitable for adoption. Therefore, the Bell County Animal Shelter is a limited-kill facility. Animals that cannot be adopted will be euthanized in a respectful, humane manner,” the website reads. The shelter lists adoptable animals on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Bellcountyanimalsheltertx/

Temple College officially opened the doors to its new four-story Main Building on Friday, cutting the ribbon on a transformative facility that reshapes the south side of campus and the Temple skyline. The ceremony also helped mark the beginning of the College’s Centennial year. “This Temple College Main Building is a new front door to opportunity for our students and our community,” said Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce. “As we celebrate 100 years of service to Central Texas, this Main Building stands as a promise that Temple College will continue to deliver high-quality education, access and opportunity for generations.” A crowd of more than 300 guests gathered for the ceremony, including College leaders and staff, students, city officials, state representative Brad Buckley, community and business partners, and education leaders. The 109,000-square-foot Main Building now anchors the south side of campus and features 21 classrooms, two computer labs, a testing center, student services and advising offices, faculty and administrative office suites, tutoring and student success areas, and a new boardroom. The 9,130-square-foot Dr. Harry B. Macey Conference Center accommodates up to 650 people and can be divided into three rooms, opening onto an outdoor patio and the main lobby for large campus and community events. The site also includes a new drop-off and entry plaza for visitors and prospective students, as well as a new quad to the north of the building featuring a fountain, seating areas, and a tiered lawn designed for gatherings, performances and student life. The Main Building also houses the new University Center, which will be occupied by Texas A&M University–Central Texas. The partnership allows Temple College students to seamlessly transfer into bachelor’s degree programs while remaining on the Temple campus. “This is a special day, and we’re excited to play a part in the opening of this beautiful building,” said Dr. Richard Rhodes, president of Texas A&M University–Central Texas. “We’re honored to strengthen our partnership with Temple College and bring expanded resources from A&M-Central Texas to the Temple campus through the new University Center. We now offer seven bachelor’s degrees to the students here, and as we continue to build out our services, we look forward to celebrating many successes in the years to come.” The College Main Building is one of four facilities built or renovated as part of Temple College’s $124.9 million bond program approved by voters in 2021. Other projects include the Workforce and Visual Arts Building, the Campus Services Center, renovations to the Dental and Surgical Technology facilities, and the Health Sciences Center currently under construction. The building was designed by Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering that has partnered with Temple College on multiple campus projects. Cloud Construction Company, based in Temple, served as the general contractor for the College Main Building and other bond-funded projects. Following the ribbon-cutting, guests toured the new facility, exploring its classrooms, collaborative spaces and modern student services areas designed to support enrollment growth and student success well into Temple College’s second century.

My wife and I recently had dinner with some dear friends. They told us about an upcoming trip to Tuscany to hike. Hiking is something they’ve done for years here in Texas, and many of their overseas vacations revolve around that passion. But then she said something that concerned me. As they talked about their Italian adventure, she added quietly, “I guess this will be our last overseas hike.” I asked why, and she replied, “Well, I’m in my seventies now, too old to keep doing this.” My first reaction was disappointment for them. After all, hiking has been a joy they’ve shared for decades. My second thought was, Wait a minute . . . I’m three or four years older than she is. So, what about this age thing? When I’m working out with my trainer at the gym and she pushes me a bit further than I’d prefer, I used to say, “You forget how old I am,” hoping she might ease up. She never did. Her response was always the same: “Age is just a number. Keep going.” And she’s right. Age itself should never define you. Yes, as we grow older, we may not do things at the same pace or intensity we once did. I still jog, but my pace today is only a fraction of what it used to be. When I was younger, if someone passed me on the trail, it nearly destroyed me. But age brings wisdom. To still be able to jog at all is a blessing from God. So now, when someone passes me, it doesn’t bother me. I’m grateful that God still allows me to get out and do something I enjoy. Of course, the older we get, the more prone we are to medical issues. But unless those issues are what’s holding you back, don’t let age be the thing that stops you from doing what you love. What does the Bible say about aging? Isaiah 46:4 reassures us: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.” God’s presence sustains us in every season of life. Scripture even portrays aging as a blessing. Proverbs 16:31 tells us, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” Is this verse reminding us that aging can be the mark of a life well lived? One day, hopefully many years from now, I will have to slow down. But until that day comes, I intend to do as much as I can for as long as I can. And when the time arrives when my body can no longer do what my heart desires, I’ll hold fast to 2 Corinthians 4:16: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” God is always with us. Regardless of age, He strengthens us and walks beside us every step of the journey. So, my friends keep moving, keep trying, keep living, age may count the years, but it doesn’t define the story. Remember, age may change our pace, butit never changes God’s promise! 

Belton City Council on Tuesday amended the Belton Thoroughfare Plan, a critical growth-management tool that ensures that the community’s transportation needs are met. The plan enables city staff to obtain necessary rights-of-way and road construction to facilitate safe and effective traffic flow. “The Thoroughfare Plan is an integral component of Belton’s Comprehensive Plan and is implemented through the city’s Subdivision Ordinance,” said Bob van Til, the city’s Development Services director. The current plan was updated and adopted in 2022. The newly amended plan changes the following thoroughfares: Wheat Road north from Red Rock to Sparta Road: Reclassify the road from a Minor Arterial (100-foot right of way) to a Minor Collector (60-foot right of way). Based on the revised emphasis of this road by residents, the classification is better served as a Minor Collector. This is also identified in the current Strategic Plan as a Minor Collector. Wheat Road south from Sparta Road to Interstate 14: Reclassify the road from a Minor Arterial (100-foot right of way) to a Minor Collector (60-foot right of way). Based on the revised emphasis of this road through the county, the classification is better served as a Minor Collector. Wheat Road Cut-Off from Wheat Road to Interstate 14: Remove this Minor Collector from the plan. Staff does not anticipate this connector to be needed. Barge Cut-Off from River Fair Boulevard to FM 317 (west of FM 317): This is a new Minor Collector that is supported by the 2012 traffic study and a 2024 update to the traffic study based on an updated local area land use plan as proposed by the landowner. The recently updated land use plan identified significant residential and nonresidential development anticipated in this area. This proposed roadway provides an internal circulator to support that anticipated development. Huey Drive from Loop 121 to Interstate 35: Reclassify this Major Collector to a Minor Collector. The 80-foot right of way appears excessive for the development trends in this area. Shanklin Road east of Interstate 35 from Future Capitol Way to Elm Grove: Remove the Major Arterial from the map due to topographical constraints. Shanklin Road north of FM 436 from FM 436 to Witter Road in Temple: Realigning the Major Arterial to the northern boundary of the future Tyler Ridge Belton Addition. Avenue O from Loop 121 to Interstate 35: Reclassify from Major Collector to Minor Collector. Reclassify the roadway due to its proximity to the Interstate 14 feeder road which provides additional capacity for traffic. Park Avenue from 24th Avenue to Guthrie Drive: Remove from the map because it was built by a developer and is currently a private road. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed amendments to the Throughfare Plan during their Dec. 16 meeting.

Krysalyn Petersen, a local culinary arts student at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, is participating in The Greatest Baker 2025 online challenge through the Bake from Scratch magazine. The winner will receive $10,000, a two-page spread in the magazine, along with the title, The Greatest Baker. The challenge benefits The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, a 501(c)(3) supporting families of pediatric cancer patients and cancer research. Petersen discovered the competition while scrolling on Instagram. “Baking is more than a competition for me. It’s been a source of my comfort and creativity and connection,” she said. The 2025 challenge started in December, and Petersen has consistently shifted between first and second place. Through a weekly elimination process, the public votes online. From the number of votes, contestants either move onto the next phase or are eliminated. The competition draws to a close at the start of February. Petersen said, “Every recipe I make has a piece of my heart in it. This competition represents how far I’ve come by believing in myself and my passion. And this competition is a reminder that chasing what you love can open doors you never expect.” Each contestant has a dedicated link to share with their followers, friends, and family. On the link are photos of items they have baked. Petersen has photos of a tres leches cake, a lime pie popular with family and friends, an over-the-top Oreo-topped cupcake, and more. Voters can vote once a day for free. Additional votes are purchased. All proceeds go to the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. Petersen attended Chisholm Trail Elementary, South Belton Middle School, and graduated from Ellison High School in 2025. If she wins, Petersen said, “The $10,000 from the competition will help with tuition. And a photo shoot to be in the magazine. That would be a pretty cool opportunity for me, and put a head start to my career.” To view Petersen’s page and vote, go to https://greatestbaker.org/krysalyn-petersTeNY.

Texas Department of Transportation Waco District crews proactively mobilized on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to start early brine application on State roads in the eight counties the Waco District serves. Crews are applying brine on all major State roadway travel lanes, including I-35 and I-14 through Friday. Brine is a salt and water mixture that can help slow initial icing on pavements. Starting Friday, crews will transition to 24-hour operations through the end of the projected wintry weather. All operations are dependent on weather, and crews will adjust as conditions warrant. If travel is necessary during wintry weather, drivers should: • Follow local forecasts; be prepared to delay or cancel travel plans during icy weather conditions. • Buckle up. • Decrease speeds and drive to conditions. • Increase following distance between vehicles. • Anticipate slick and hazardous driving conditions; be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses, ramps, turns, and shaded areas. • Do not use cruise control or lane assist. • Give TxDOT vehicles at least 200 feet of space during operations.

A new partnership between Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport and Belton ISD is introducing students to career pathways in aviation through a hands-on STEM program. This program began after Dr. Malinda Golden, BISD superintendent, connected with the City of Temple to explore opportunities to support aviation education in Belton public schools. Temple city staff worked alongside BISD Career & Technical Education Director Denise Ayers to connect the district with “You Can Fly High” school aviation STEM curriculum, a free program designed for the next generation of aviation professionals. Gabi Nino, BISD’s assistant superintendent of Teaching & Learning, said the school district is “incredibly excited about this partnership with the city of Temple Executive Air Center.” “The partnership reflects our community’s shared commitment to empowering every learner to pursue their dreams while strengthening the future of our workforce,” Nino said. “By providing high-quality, real-world learning experiences for our Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering students, we are moving beyond the four walls of the classroom to ignite innovation and develop critical thinking skills.” “We are deeply grateful to our partners for opening their doors and helping bridge classroom learning with high-demand careers beyond graduation,” Nino added. Belton ISD assembled a team of administrators and educators to build the program and partnered with the Temple airport to provide real-world exposure to the aviation industry. As part of this effort, city staff supported light renovations to the Elmer Reed Terminal, transforming the space into a classroom where students periodically meet on-site at the airport. Throughout the past semester, students enrolled in the program have had opportunities to engage with aviation industry professionals, including pilots, air traffic professionals, flight schools, military representatives and airport staff. Students also participated in airport tours, gaining up-close exposure to aircraft and airport operations. According to Emelie Palma, a City of Temple public relations specialist, the Aviation STEM program is located at Belton New Tech High School and continues to grow through collaborative support from Belton ISD and the Temple airport. “Our team holds strong to the sentiment that the future of aviation depends on inspiring the next generation today,” said Andre Hill, a manager at the airport. “By partnering with Belton ISD, we’re giving students exposure to aviation careers and helping them see a clear path from the classroom to the workforce,” Hill said. “Programs like this strengthen our region by building the skilled talent that will support aviation and economic growth for years to come.”

Filing is open now for the May 2 general elections for the Belton City Council and the Belton Independent School District board of trustees. On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the first day of filing, two Belton City Council incumbents filed for re-election. John R. Holmes Sr. filed for Place 1 and Dave Covington filed for Place 2. Holmes is the current Mayor Pro Tem and has served on the Belton City Council for nine years. The filing period is open until 5 p.m. on February 13. A candidate packet is available online for residents interested in serving. Councilmember terms are three years. The council meets twice a month for evening meetings. Each councilmember receives $1 annually for his or her service. Information and candidate packets can be found online at https://www.beltontexas.gov/government/city_clerk/election/index.php. Completed packets must be submitted to Belton City Clerk Amy Casey at City Hall by the deadline. For the Belton ISD board of trustees, incumbents filed for re-election. Rucker Preston filed for Trustee At-Large, and Brandon Bozon filed for Trustee At-Large. These are three-year terms through May 2029. For more information, visit www.bisd.net/election. Candidate packets, including the application, are available at the Belton ISD Administration Building. The last day to file a declaration of write-in candidacy is Tuesday, Feb. 17, by 5 p.m. The last day to register to vote in the May 2 election is Thursday, Apr. 2. Voters can check registration status online at https://www.votetexas.gov/.

Belton residents were able to take a look at plans last week for the expansions of Interstates 14 and 35 that some say would move key Belton exits two miles away and remove direct access to downtown. The Texas Department of Transportation held public meetings in Belton and Temple to present plans for the 7-mile expansion of I-35 from Loop 121 in Belton to Loop 363/US 190 in Temple. The Belton meeting was Jan. 14 at the Cadence Bank Center. The proposed improvements include improving the I-14/US 190/I-35 system interchanges, widening I-35, and improving overall safety, connectivity and mobility. Currently, the existing section along this corridor of I-35 includes three general-purpose lanes and two frontage road lanes in each direction. The expansion would include — in each direction — an additional general-purpose lane for a total of four, three express lanes, two to three frontage road lanes and a shared-use path. The project is part of a larger plan to extend I-14 from its current terminus in Belton to BU 190 in Rogers. The first segment ends at the Loop 363/US 190 exchange with I-35 in Temple, and the second segment follows the loop east to FM 93. The third segment continues to Rogers. In decades to come, I-14 is expected to stretch 1,300 miles from Odessa to Augusta, Ga. Several residents attending the Jan. 14 meeting said the project would affect more than just downtown Belton. It affects everyone — homeowners, renters, small businesses, restaurants, banks, medical offices, schools, churches, the university, and families who rely on a healthy local economy and a connected community. Reduced access means fewer visitors, less economic activity, lower property values, and long term damage to the vitality of Belton. According to a post on Facebook signed by dozens of Belton businesses, the city “has worked for years to build a thriving, walkable, event filled downtown that brings thousands of people here for Belton Market Days, Downtown Belton’s Candy Trail, Christmas on the Chisholm Trail, Bacon Blues and Brews, Schoepf’s Summer Music Series, Belton’s Fourth of July Parade and Celebration and so much more.” “A 20-lane highway and the loss of direct access could undo decades of progress and isolate the historic heart of our city,” the post stated. “This is one of the most important opportunities we have to speak up,” the post continued. “Decisions made now will shape Belton for the next 50 to 100 years.” The purpose of the expansion is to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and improve connectivity in the I-35 corridor and accommodate the future I-14 extension. According to TxDOT, the project is needed on this stretch of I-35 because it currently is inadequate to meet current and future traffic volumes, and there are safety and operation issues with ramp and intersection configurations. Also, TxDOT says the interstate-to-interstate connections do not meet criteria and standards for an interstate facility. TxDOT says in the Segment 1 corridor, the crash rate exceeds the state average. The concentration of crashes are at the I-14, US 190 and Sixth Avenue interchanges. The first round of public meetings for Segment 1 was held May 2, 2024, in Belton. At that meeting, residents addressed existing congestion and safety concerns, local access and roadway conditions, and impacts to properties and neighborhoods. Proposed improvements for the upcoming project include extending I-14 from its current terminus in Belton to the Loop 363/US 190 interchange in Temple via alignment following I-35; improving interchanges and ramps along the joint interstate, and widening I-35. According to TxDOT, these improvements will upgrade mobility and safety between urban and rural areas, military installations and economic sectors including freight, energy, timber and agriculture. For those who did not attend the meeting but would like to view the plan and make a comment, a virtual meeting is online at https://shorturl.at/Be1WO . Comments must be received by Jan. 29.

Families bundled up and headed outdoors this past holiday weekend to participate in Camp Tahuaya’s annual Fishing Tournament. Camp Tahuaya is located just south of Belton and is operated by Scouting America. The camp is best known for its spring-fed lake and clear waters. Recent renovations have brought new life and activities to the camp and more opportunities for families. Camp Tahuaya hosts year-round camping, fishing, and outdoor education programs and often teams up with Texas Parks and Wildlife for angler education and conservation training. The lake is privately stocked and maintained, giving the camp the ability to host tournaments and youth instruction events. Though the weekend mornings were a cold start, kids and parents lined the banks of Lake Boyd Callan. Anglers enjoyed the new floating dock and fishing dock, both of which were donated by the Order of the Arrow’s Netopalis Sipo Schipinachk Lodge. Kids and parents compared catches throughout the mornings while volunteers helped with nets, measurements, and the occasional tangled line. Several anglers hit their trout limit before lunch, while younger kids seemed just as excited to catch just about anything. Organizers said attendance was strong for the opening weekend and that enthusiasm stayed high despite the weather. “Our guests are having a blast out here,” one organizer said. “We’ve seen trout, smallmouth bass, and bluegill coming out of Lake Boyd Callan all morning.” Anglers were allowed to keep up to six trout per day along with up to six other fish of another species. Prizes are awarded in three age divisions: elementary youth, 12–17 year olds, and adult. Prize categories include Largest Trout, Heaviest Basket, Smallest Trout, and Largest Non-Trout. Volunteers from Scouting America, Green Suiter Outdoors, and Texas Parks and Wildlife helped run the event, answer fishing questions, and teach new anglers how to clean their catch. After weigh-ins, families could warm up by the fire and cook their catch on site. The tournament was scheduled to run two weekends in January with the remaining sessions scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday. Organizers of the event informed the Belton Journal that they are cancelling this weekend’s tournament due to the expected inclement weather. Questions regarding future tournaments or fishing access can be directed to reservations@camptahuaya.org 

Leon Heights Elementary will celebrate its 70th anniversary on January 27, 2026, marking seven decades of education, tradition, and deep community roots in Belton ISD. The campus will mark the milestone with a special on-campus celebration beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27. Leon Heights Elementary is located at 1501 North Main St. in Belton. The celebration will include a reception, student musical performances, reflections from school and community leaders, and opportunities for fellowship and photos. Since opening its doors in 1956, Leon Heights has served generations of families, becoming a place where connections are formed, memories are made, and students are known and valued. The milestone anniversary offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the school’s lasting impact, from alumni whose lives and careers were shaped in its classrooms to educators who have dedicated decades of service to its students. For Ben Smith, a Leon Heights alumnus who now serves as Belton ISD’s Executive Director of Secondary Campus Leadership, the strongest memories are the relationships built early on. “The connections I made with my classmates stand out the most. I am still friends with several of them today,” Smith shared. “My teachers taught me to persevere through difficult learning experiences. My reading, writing, and math skills today reflect what I learned from my excellent Leon Heights teachers.” Smith attended Leon Heights from 1982 to 1986 and credits Mrs. Pirtle for her big heart for kids, Mrs. Putman for pushing rigorous learning, and Coach Gillmeister for creating fun and energetic experiences in physical education. “Embrace the moments,” Smith said. “They pass quickly.” Current principal Lexie Newberry says leading Leon Heights during its 70th anniversary year is both meaningful and humbling. “Leon Heights is more than a building. It is a place filled with generations of stories, memories, and traditions,” Newberry said. “I have spent my entire career in Belton ISD, so I deeply understand the pride that surrounds this school. Knowing my father-in-law was part of the very first group of students to attend Leon Heights makes this year feel especially full circle.” Newberry describes the campus legacy as one rooted in belonging, pride, and community. “For 70 years, Leon Heights has been shaped by dedicated educators, supportive families, and a community that truly loves this place,” she said. “Generations have walked these halls, and that shared experience creates a bond that is incredibly special. Leon Heights is not just a school. It is a piece of history people carry with them long after they leave.” While the campus has evolved to meet the needs of today’s learners, its core mission remains unchanged. “We honor tradition while holding high expectations for student success,” Newberry said. “By maintaining a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere while strengthening teaching and learning, we ensure students are prepared for the future without losing what makes Leon Heights feel like home.” Few people embody the school’s history more than Debra Johnson, who has been part of the Leon Heights family for 28 years. “It is a small campus, and I love the people,” Johnson said. “What has remained the same is the care and attention staff give to students and their families. We want every child to feel valued and supported and to help them grow academically and as people.” Johnson, who was born the same year Leon Heights opened, says the anniversary holds special meaning. “We are the same age,” she said with a laugh. “I am excited about the 1970s theme, and I am kind of an expert.” Over the years, Johnson has taught multiple generations of the same families and continues to direct an afterschool honor choir that has met weekly for more than 25 years. The choir previously performed at the school’s 50th anniversary celebration. “Because it is such a small school, everybody knows each other,” Johnson said. “I have taught students whose parents were once in my choir. I know every child’s name, and I get to watch them grow from kindergarten through fifth grade. That connection is special.” After 70 years, Leon Heights Elementary continues to be a place where students feel known, families feel connected, and a proud legacy lives on one generation at a time.

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) has announced that registration is now open for the spring 2026 semester at the UMHB Arts Academy. Participants of all ages and skill levels in music, theatre, and dance can discover the joy of the arts at the UMHB Arts Academy. Classes include instrumental and vocal lessons, musical theatre, dance, and early childhood groups. With expert instructors, supportive programs, and a welcoming environment, the Arts Academy is a place to build confidence and learn new skills. “No matter your age, it’s never too early or too late to learn,” said Grace Catherine, the Arts Academy director. “Don’t wait to sign up, though. Spots are filling up fast!” The UMHB Arts Academy exists to provide quality, innovative arts instruction and experiences for all ages within a Christian environment, teaching skills and techniques that will enhance not only the lives of the students but also the quality of life within the community. Spring classes begin on January 20. Enrollment is limited, and classes fill up quickly. Register today at www.umhb.edu/artsacademy or call 254-295-4686 for more information.

The HOP is starting the new year with microtransit expansions in four cities, anchored by growing demand in its microtransit program. Effective Jan. 1, riders across Belton, Temple, Killeen, and Harker Heights gained access to expanded service zones designed to better connect residents with schools, neighborhoods, parks, and destinations throughout each city. As flexible, on-demand transit continues to grow in popularity, The HOP’s expanded microtransit service gives riders more convenient options than ever before. To celebrate, riders can try one microtransit ride at no cost using the promo code RIDEHOP26, which provides $4 in ride credit, or the equivalent of one round trip. The promo code is valid Jan. 1–31, 2026, and available for one use per rider account. “Our goal is to create a network that adapts to the needs of our riders,” said Raymond Suarez. “These expansions strengthen connections to schools, neighborhoods, and community destinations, and they reflect our commitment to improving mobility across the region.” In Belton, the expanded zone further strengthens connections to community destinations, faith centers, and key commercial areas. In Temple, the enlarged service area reaches additional schools, apartment communities, and parks. In Killeen, the microtransit zone expanded to serve more residential neighborhoods and school campuses, improving access for families and students. Harker Heights riders have benefited from broader coverage across the city. As part of the Temple updates, the Temple City Hall mobility hub for the Urban Regional Commuter closed. Riders can now make transfers and connections at the Santa Fe Mobility Hub, located at 201 Santa Fe Way, just north of the Chamber of Commerce building. While microtransit is growing across the region, The HOP discontinued microtransit service in Salado. Riders in that area continue to have access to transit options through The HOP’s Bell County Rural Demand Response service. In addition to microtransit expansions, The HOP implemented a minor schedule adjustment to its Urban Commuter service to improve reliability during peak travel periods. Updated schedules can be found at https://takethehop.com/urban-regional-commuter. Riders are encouraged to learn more about the service changes by visiting https://takethehop.com/service-announcements. To download The HOP mobile app and redeem the RIDEHOP26 promo code, visit: https://takethehop.com/download-our-mobile-app.

The Christmas season was busy for Central Texas Republican Women (CTRW), as they worked on a Caring for America project with the local nonprofit Jeffrey’s Tree to provide children with toys, clothing, and necessities, including hygiene products, blankets, and beds. At the November 10 meeting, CTRW invited Jeffrey’s Tree, Inc., which serves children across Central Texas, to share its work. Jeffrey’s Tree Founder and Marine Veteran Dagne Ameigh shared the organization’s story and mission, which is named after her son, who would use his own school lunch money to help kids in need. Sadly, her son passed away, and Dagne carried on his selfless legacy, founding the nonprofit Jeffrey’s Tree. Additionally, Club members were invited to donate toys, and the toy box overflowed. Following Dagne Ameigh’s presentation, CTRW Caring for America Chair Kathy Ruiz and President Janet Brown presented Jeffrey’s Tree with a $500 check to help kick off their December Christmas initiative. At the December 8 CTRW meeting, the Club Executive Board presented Jeffrey’s Tree with a $300 donation in the name of President Janet Brown, to honor her lifelong mission to be a voice for children, especially those who have been abused or trafficked. Throughout November and December, countless CTRW members volunteered at the Jeffrey’s Tree warehouse to help fill Christmas wishes (boxes) for over 560 local kids. Members also traveled to distribute boxes at area schools. Jeffrey’s Tree will soon have Club members serve on the Board as the ministry grows and seeks more interested community members. More information is available at www.jeffreystree.org. The year-round effort at Jeffrey’s Tree helps ensure that vulnerable children and families feel the love, security, and warmth of a responsive community. Membership with Central Texas RW is open for 2026. As a member, you can help with projects like Caring for America, joining hands with the community—because we are better together.

Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas (CIS) recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its 2025 school supply fundraising partnership with H-E-B. During the month-long partnership, $47,037 was raised to support students in the CIS program in Killeen, Copperas Cove, Temple, Salado, and Jarrell. This year’s total represented an increase of nearly $11,280 from the previous year. While the campaign was conducted during the summer months, the impact extended far beyond the start of the school year. School supplies are needed year-round as students continue to replace worn materials and take on new coursework throughout the academic year. “School supply needs don’t end once the first bell rings in August,” said Michael Dewees, executive director of the local CIS organization. “Thanks to the generosity of our community and our continued partnership with H-E-B, we can respond to student needs in the middle of the school year as well as during the final weeks when support is just as critical.” Through customer donations at checkout, which included rounding up purchases or contributing set amounts, H-E-B shoppers transformed everyday transactions into meaningful support for students. The funds raised by H-E-B have been combined with other back-to-school contributions to ensure all CIS students have the necessary supplies throughout the school year regardless of their economic situation. “We are incredibly thankful to the community for showing up for our students,” said Dewees. “The growing commitment from the community helps ensure students have the resources they need to stay engaged and succeed in school.” Locally, CIS serves 58 campuses and provides one-on-one support to more than 6,100 students. Funds raised through the H-E-B campaign directly support the CIS mission to surround students with a community of support, empower them to stay in school, and achieve in life. “Each donation, regardless of the amount, helped remove barriers to learning and sent a powerful message to students,” said Dewees. “We are truly grateful to H-E-B for its continued partnership and every customer who chose to donate. This generosity is an indication of the community’s investment in student success and will make a huge difference every day.” Anyone wishing to contribute can either visit the CIS office or mail a donation to: Communities In Schools 4520 E Central Texas Expressway, Suite 106 Killeen, TX 76543 Secure online donations can also be made, and more information on how to support local CIS students can be found at www.cis-tx.org .

John Everett Mathews July 4, 1930 -January 1, 2026