Special to the Journal Lake Belton High School senior Taylor Rogers turned a simple idea into meaningful impact this fall, raising $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. Rogers, a lifelong Belton ISD student, selected this project as part of a community service requirement for a foreign exchange scholarship program. His inspiration sparked after watching a video of someone doing similar work in another community. “I thought it was a great cause and something people would want to rally behind,” Taylor said. “There was anxiety at first knocking on strangers’ doors, but once I got past the first house, it felt easier. I really went into it wanting to improve my communication and leadership skills, and I was more excited for the opportunity than worried about what people might think.” What surprised him most was the overwhelming community response. “There were multiple people I didn’t know who were willing to donate $100 toward helping kids they’d never met,” Taylor shared. “It was inspirational. People can be a lot more generous than we give them credit for.” Through the experience, he said he grew a deeper appreciation for the community. “I definitely learned that our community is ready and willing to support each other. It really is a family for a lot of people, and we show up when someone needs it.” Taylor credits his peers from the exchange program for encouraging him throughout the project, noting that sharing progress updates and feedback with them helped him stay motivated. Lake Belton High School Principal Steele Hantgin said Taylor’s project reflects the heart of the campus community. “Taylor exemplifies what it means to lead with initiative and compassion,” Hantgin said. “He identified a need, stepped outside his comfort zone, and took action that directly supports his classmates. His drive, generosity and humility make him a remarkable representative of Lake Belton High School and we couldn’t be more proud.” With graduation on the horizon, Taylor is already looking ahead. He hopes to pursue a career as a nuclear engineer, focusing on renewable and sustainable energy solutions, an interest shaped in part by his study-abroad experience in Costa Rica. “I’m definitely excited for the future,” he said. “And I’m thankful I got such a great community to grow up with and learn from.” 

BELTON JOURNAL By Michele Weismann Smith brothers Joe and Cecil are retiring after working in their family-owned Belton business of 74 years. Smith Brothers Drive-In Grocery’s last date of operation will be Thursday, Dec. 18, with a retirement party with family, employees, and customers. Owning three storefronts at one time, their current location at 921 E. 6th Street, is a convenience store with a gas station, car wash, and laundromat. Their parents, Joe and Lula Smith, opened more than a grocery store in 1951; they opened the doors to a family business that would become foundational for Belton, Texas, and their sons. Joe, then twelve, and Cecil, nine, worked in the store when they got home from school and never left the business. Cecil said, “Joe and I just immediately had a job.” “Cecil and I went through the ropes,” Joe said. He recalled delivering groceries “all over town in the pickup” when he was 14. The Smith brothers’ dad changed the name of the first store from Joe Smith’s Grocery to Joe Smith and Son’s Grocery in 1965. When Joe and Cecil married, their wives helped at the stores too. Joe Smith’s wife, Linda, and Cecil’s wife, Peggy, rotated help at the stores. Peggy said, “We’re the last of the old-timey grocery stores. And we’ve been proud of that.” In 1985, the Smith family campaigned for a “beer election,” Joe said. “They passed the beer election by 17 votes to vote Belton wet.”  In October 1985, they filed for and received a beer and wine license in Belton. Joe, retiring at age 86, and Cecil, retiring at age 83, sold the family business. The new owners start operations on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal Kayte Ricketts, education coordinator for the Bell County Museum, organized a free children’s event called Holiday Fest. It was held upstairs on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Children, through crafts, experienced how winter holidays and Christmas are celebrated around the world. Families brought their children to create crafts and a holiday memory. Five activities were prepared for the kids to rotate through. At each table, there was an adult to guide the craft and a printed definition of who celebrates the occasion and why. The first table was reindeer chow, a snack for reindeer. Oats and rainbow frosting sprinkles were mixed in small paper sacks. They were food and magic for Santa’s reindeer. The second table was for the Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6 in Hispanic cultures, the Philippines, and Spain. Teaching that the three wise men brought gifts to Jesus when he was a baby, they made the Three Kings’ crowns. Full paper size cut out crowns, Crayola pens, glue, and plastic gems were used to decorate them. Next, the St. Nicholas Day table was prepared with photocopies of shoes to decorate, fold, and fill with candy. Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands celebrate this bishop on Dec. 6, because he placed gifts in people’s shoes. The final craft was making a Christmas ornament to celebrate the birth of Christ. The children had a felt star, wreath, or snowflake to decorate with craft pompoms.  To complete the global adventure, jingle bells and play dough were available to build the tallest jingle structure possible, called the jingle bell maker challenge. “I like my annual Holiday Fest,” Rickets said of teaching different cultures to the children who come to the museum. Go to www.bellcountymuseum.org for more museum events.By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal

Special to the Journal The Belton Education Foundation Grant Patrol brought celebration and surprise to campuses across Belton ISD on Tuesday, December 9, as BEF trustees, Belton ISD Board of Trustees members, district leaders and community partners traveled by school bus to deliver classroom grants directly into teachers’ hands. This year’s Grant Patrol awarded 49 grants totaling $118,159.02 at 20 campuses, supporting innovative instructional ideas and hands-on learning experiences from early childhood through high school. Ellen Burnett, President of the Belton Education Foundation, said the annual tradition is “one of our favorite ways to celebrate the heart of teaching and learning in Belton ISD.” She added, “The Grant Patrol is meaningful because it puts resources directly into classrooms where they can make an immediate impact on students. It is a way for us to recognize that the community believes deeply in their work.” Two bus routes, North and South, departed from the Belton Early Childhood School at 9 a.m. and visited classrooms across the district to surprise teachers with grant checks. Burnett noted, “Seeing the responses, the joy, the shock, the gratitude never gets old. It is wonderful to watch these teachers light up when they realize their idea is being supported. BEF and BISD board members, BISD administrators and donors all join in the fun of presenting grants, and every stop is a celebration.” 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. Burnett emphasized that each grant is carefully considered. “Every proposal is reviewed by a committee of Foundation board members,” she said. “We evaluate submissions based on student impact, innovation, alignment with district goals and feasibility. We aim to find a balanced mix of projects that support a wide range of campuses, grade levels and instructional needs.” Among the proposals reviewed, one stood out strongly to Burnett: a Micro Camp initiative at Lake Belton High School. “This proposal really resonated with me because it was not designed for just one classroom or one campus. It truly benefits the entire district,” she said. “Students will engage in hands-on microbiology labs, environmental sampling and Gram staining while exploring health science CTE pathways and HOSA. It is immersive, it is collaborative and it encourages leadership and early career exploration. That is the kind of innovation we are excited to champion.” One of the many educators celebrating a grant-funded opportunity was Belton High School construction careers instructor Michael Carrillo, whose award will expand electrical training and certification options for students. “The grant is now allowing us to do the next level certification that prepares them for when they go to the workforce,” Carrillo said. “Right out of graduation, they’re ready to go into the workforce as an electrician or an apprentice electrician.” Carrillo emphasized how transformative the hands-on experience will be for his students. “Honestly, it’s practical, so instead of like paper tests and stuff like that, they have to know competencies,” he said. “When they graduate, they graduate with all these competencies in the electrical field.” He also shared his gratitude with the Foundation and community donors. “A big heartfelt thank you,” Carrillo said. “It is going to elevate the program. It’s going to bring more electricians out of this program. A lot of the students are starting to realize that they don’t really need college they can make a great career in the electrical field. By this donation, it’s going to boost them once they graduate and prepare for the workforce.” Master electrician and SkillsUSA mentor Mike Ming echoed the impact of the grant. “For the electrical contracting, the students, with hands-on experience, learn how to twist wires, bend conduit, all that stuff they would have to learn in the field, but here they’ve already got a head start on it,” he said. “Plus, this program offers them the certifications for equipment they will be using. It’s a huge jump start for their career.” Burnett also highlighted how the Grant Patrol strengthens relationships across the district. “Grant Patrol days create a sense of shared celebration,” she said. “Teachers see adults investing in their learning and community members get a firsthand look at the passion in our classrooms. It reinforces that we are all partners, families, educators and local supporters, working toward the same goal of helping Belton ISD students thrive.” She added that none of this would be possible without the community’s investment in public education. “Every grant we award is made possible by generous donors who believe in our mission,” Burnett said. “Grant Patrol is not just about awarding funds. It is about recognizing the dedication of our teachers and investing in the future of our students. We are grateful for everyone who helps make that possible, and we welcome anyone who would like to be part of our growing grant program.” “We are incredibly proud of our teachers and grateful to the Belton Education Foundation for their continued commitment to students,” said Belton ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. “These grants fuel creativity in our classrooms and open the door to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Grant Patrol is a powerful reminder of what happens when a community invests in the success of every student.” Teachers will use their grant funding to support the projects outlined in their proposals, each designed to enhance learning experiences for students across Belton ISD. For more information about the Belton Education Foundation or to make a donation, please visit https://beltoneducationfoundation.org . Full List of BEF Grant Patrol Grants Belton Early Childhood School • Indoor Large Motor Lab on Wheels — $2,800 Cedar Ridge Elementary • Code Botley 2.0 — $639.92 • James L. Burrell Elementary • Small Group Interventions — $1,200 Building Brains and Bonds-On Enrichment for Soft Start — $1,000 Charter Oak Elementary • Unlocking Learning: Breakout EDU — $1,194 Special Education Sensory — $2,000 Hands-On STEAM: Expanding Science Exploration in the Library — $4,398 Chisholm Trail Elementary • Printing the Future: Empowering Young Innovators with 3D Technology — $500 • Attention… BREAKING NEWS!! — $3,000 Leaps and Bounds for Blazers Dance — $1,000 High Point Elementary • Energy Explorers: Building a Classroom Renewable Energy Lab — $7,500 • Empowering Learners with Sensory and Focus Tools — $657.88 Lakewood Elementary • Kindergarten STEAM and STEAM Precursor — $6,174 • Game On for Speech: Interactive Resources — $560 Joe M. Pirtle Elementary • Dashing in STEM — $3,000 • Sip and Skills: Building Workforce Readiness in ALE — $500 • Building Minds with Bricks: LEGO Science Education — $4,760.84 Southwest Elementary • Igniting Literacy: STEM Adventures in the Library — $1,320.57 • Coffee Cart and Lemonade Cart — $1,500 STEM Stations — $4,368.97 Alice J. Tarver Elementary • Osmo for Kindergarten Classroom — $1,700 • Tumbles Coffee Cart — $875.78 Belton Middle School • Robotics for the Win — $4,200 • Story Drama — $800 • Beyond the Textbook: Creating Dynamic Science Learners in Belton ISD — $1,600 Spherion Middle School • Sixth Grade Science Labs — $4,000 Lake Belton Middle School • Journalism Filming Equipment — $250 • Etch-A-Sketch for Each and Every Artist — $875 North Belton Middle School • Bronco Media — $500 • Turning Pages, Building Futures: Novels and Hands-On Learning — $2,000 South Belton Middle School • SBMS Science: Equipping Labs for Safety and Discovery — $4,000 Belton High School • Translation Pens — $5,000 • Greenlee Trade Labs Electrical Certificate Program — $10,000 • Tiger STEAM Makerspace — $7,175 • Belton Tigers Esports — $5,000 Science in Action: Engaging Every Learner Through Hands-On Exploration — $2,000 Belton New Tech @Waskow • Cameras for Yearbook Program — $3,000 Lake Belton High School • Cyber-Resilience Challenge: Cybersecurity Escape Room Kits and Mentorship — $693.45 • Micro Camp — $3,755 • The Interdisciplinary Research Symposium — $2,151 • Game the System: Teaching Economics and Politics Through Play — $2,000 Administration • Bridging Ability and Activity with Assistive Technology in Adapted PE — $2,465.91 DAEP • STEM Kits for Elementary Students — $500 Delta Program • Delta Art Room — $2,000 • Printing Possibilities: Empowering Adults with Special Needs — $259

By Harvey Jackson Oss The Belton Journal Project Celebration will be holding their 6th annual Christmas Fair at Belton High School on Saturday, Dec. 14. The event will run from 1:30PM to 5:30PM and offers free entry to all attendees. Project Celebration is a group founded in 1988 at BHS that annually hosts a lock-in event for graduating seniors. The group provides a safe environment where students can celebrate the end of their high school career without the use of alcohol or drugs. “Everything is donated or volunteered,” said Darcy Turner, Project Celebration treasurer. “The funds raised go directly toward making the senior celebration possible.” This year’s Christmas Fair will feature over 40 vendors, including boutique shops, crafts, baked goods, and more. Activities include ornament making, games such as ring toss, and a bounce house. Santa will be present at the event. Last year’s Christmas Fair raised over $2,000. The committee hopes to raise around $3,000 this year. Project Celebration sponsors include Hudco Janton Creations, Prickly Treats, Hold My Halo, What the Craft, Crazy Ladies Crafting, Southern Sassy Sewing Co., Sweet Scent Candles, The Well Read Wrap, Hammonds Unique Gifts, Scentsy, Scott’s Italian Ice, Bronco Nutrition, Renee’s Dipped Treats, Redbird Books & Gifts, Simply Sassi Decor, The Rose Eagle, 624 Apparel, Savannah and Co., Bake Five Homemade Treats, Evie Morrow, Mary Kay, 4 Legs of Love Grooming, Anchor Me, Village Grounds Cafe + Play, Soda Loca, Cut Gifts Boutique, Turquoise, Put your Foot in it, Art by Sara, Hazel’s Bling n’ Things, FBC Temple, Oh My Charmy, Blessed Boutique, Mandy’s Catering, Other Side of the Moon, 11:11 Creations, T&C Cup Chaos, Daily Bread Provisions, JCK Creations, La Coqui Cooler, One of a Kind by Kelly, Mayday Faith, and Bubbly Brewista.

Special to the Journal Belton High School art students are decking the halls in a big way this season, completing a large-scale, student-designed “12 Days of Christmas” mural commissioned by a local family. The project began after a Belton couple requested a mural depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas for their home. The project was given to Belton High School art teacher Janet Alardin’s Art IV students, who were challenged to design twelve separate illustrations for each verse of the song. Alardin said the mural project was a way to give students experience working on a real-world art installation. “They were excited to be doing something that was going to be used,” she said. Each student sketched multiple ideas for their assigned verse, which were narrowed down through critique and revision. Final designs were selected and painted on panels. BHS students worked to complete one of the Twelve Days of Christmas panels, a commissioned art project. Courtesy Photo The finished mural was created by more than a dozen artists, each contributing a unique style while maintaining a cohesive overall design. Art IV student Samira Cruz said participating in the project was a highlight of her year. “It was exciting to think that something I made would be displayed in someone’s home,” she said. Once completed, the mural was installed as a permanent piece of art in the family’s home, just in time for the holidays.

By Michele Weissman The Belton Journal The Belton Tigers baseball team partnered with the Texas Ramp Project early on Saturday, Dec. 6, for a Belton resident. Measurements and design ready to cut and assemble, Nick Kozole, Belton’s head baseball coach, reached out to the local Texas Ramp Project, something he has done with every team he has coached. Kozole said, “The Texas Ramp Project is phenomenal. I’ve been working with Texas Ramp Project for about eight years. This is a community service event. It’s not mandatory by any means. But I think this is something that’s really good.” Thirty players signed up and would rotate in throughout the morning, as many had other obligations. The Texas Ramp Project, prior to a ramp build, has visited the residence home, measured and designed the ramp. Kozole said, “We are there, kind of helping hands…we’ll build these modules. It seems like a really big project, but honestly, anybody can do it, and it’s really cool. And then the boys are learning. We show up and we get to work.” The Texas Ramp Project volunteers guided the boys every step of the way, helping the Belton baseball team finish strong. Roxie Winkler with the Texas Ramp Project explained that 2025 will be their 40th anniversary of building ramps. “We’ve built more than 135 miles of ramps,” Winkler said. “People apply through their caregiver, doctor, or the social workers. They apply online for a ramp through Texas Ramp Project. I do a survey, figure out if it’s possible and what kind of slope.” Funding for supplies comes from grants and donations and their team of about 20 volunteers are from several local churches. “We serve the glory of Jesus Christ,” Winkler said. “For people to stay home, rather than have to go to assisted living. They also have to get to their doctor appointments, and the goal is to get a ramp from the front door to the car.” If you want to know more about the Texas Ramp Project, go to texasramps.org.

By Shanna Grote The Belton Journal The third annual Buck Off Cancer event in honor of the late Ashley Easley will be held at Bad Dog Rodeo Company located at 5204 Elm Grove Road in Belton on Saturday, Dec. 20. Ashley and husband, Richard Easley, are both Belton High graduates and beloved members of the Belton community. Their son, Twister Easley, is also well known and adored in Belton and the rodeo community. Ashley passed away after a tremendous fight with breast cancer in August of 2024. Buck Off Cancer is a celebration of strength, rodeo spirit, and the memory of Ashley Easley. All proceeds from the event go toward a scholarship fund created in Ashley’s honor for a deserving collegiate rodeo athlete. Gates open at 10 a.m. with Bull Riding beginning at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 per head for patrons and is open to people of all ages. This year’s Buck Off Cancer event is sure to be the biggest yet with over $4,000 in added winnings, top-tier competitors, and returning favorites. Crowds are expected to pack the arena in support of a cause that continues to grow in meaning and momentum. Open Bull Riding has a $100 entry fee and will include 40 bulls. An additional $2,500 will be added to the winner’s pot and include a championship belt buckle. The Protection Match which is often a fan favorite will include $1,500 added and host four 2-man teams, with some of the toughest bullfighters around going head-to-head for a champion buckle. Killian Insurance Agency-American National is the title sponsor of Buck Off Cancer. They offer a variety of insurance needs with primary focus being in Farm and Ranch coverage. Wild Rose Rodeo Photographer is serving as the official photographer, capturing the emotions and meaning behind the moments. Richard Easley stated, “Ashley will always be remembered for her sheer toughness, determination, and headstrong drive to get things done. Even in stressful times, Ashley was steady, cool headed, and focused.” These qualities continue to inspire the heart behind this event. “Ashley would have loved seeing all the riders, bulls, and bullfighters battling it out in the arena,” said Easley. To the Easley family, many of the participants have become like family over the years and they were a big part of Ashley’s life. “These are the people who made her smile, supported her, and shared her love for the rodeo,” he added. The Buck Off Cancer event has grown every year not only in the variety of riders but also the bulls, vendors, and crowds. Organizers of the event say this year’s lineup is stacked with big names in both bull riding and bullfighting and they expect tremendous energy from the crowd and participants alike. The atmosphere of the arena itself gives off hometown vibes and often buzzes with excitement during its weekly events. Twister Easley loves seeing the huge turnout each year in support of his mom. This year is extra special for Twister because he will be competing in the Protection Match alongside his number-one partner, Spurs Ritter. They may be one of the youngest teams entered but they will be a tough team to beat. The crowd will no doubt be cheering them on. Twister was not only the apple of his mom’s eye but he has also been part of her continued legacy every step of the way, often boasting his pink in honor of breast cancer awareness. Twister can be found kneeling in prayer before events with crosses painted on his face. His strength is a testament to his mom’s life and the values she and Richard instilled in him. Through very hard days this sweet family stuck together loving and supporting one another. Richard explained, “This event simply would not exist without the dedication of Elizabeth Daly and Lane Parker, two outstanding producers in the rodeo world, who started Buck Off Cancer. Their passion has helped the event grow to what it is today.” He is also grateful to his friend, Kevin Hoyt, who is the owner of Bad Dog Rodeo Company and has made this event possible each year. For vendor spots, sponsorship opportunities, or donations please contact Liz Daly at 254.833.1875. Bull Riders and Fighters may contact Lane Parker at 830.988.3022.

By Michelle Weissman The Belton Journal Verna Lee Carr began the Tree of Angels in 1991 in Austin, Tex. Seeing how difficult it was for victims of violent crime, she created a way for them to come together and remember, reflect and support each other. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office, family, friends and coworkers met at the Cadence Bank Center on Dec. 1 for the 22nd annual Tree of Angels program to honor their lost loved ones. Hosted by the Bell County Crime Victims Coalition, the group’s vision is: “We strive to empower individuals and families experiencing trauma by providing compassionate, practical support that promotes safety and healing.”  Jill McAfee of the Bell County Crime Victims Coalition opened the program, introducing Sheriff’s Office for the posting of the colors. Victoria Menzies from the Methodist Children’s Home led the Invocation. In the prayer, she acknowledged that for some this was their first time at the event, and others had attended yearly. “God, you are close and near to the brokenhearted,” Menzies prayed. McAfee then introduced the Chairperson of the Bell County Crime Victims Coalition, Lisa Hadfield, who welcomed everyone and introduced Bell County District Attorney Stephanie Newell. Newell said, “I want to thank you all for coming. I’ve attended this event as your district attorney. Today, we remember the victims, those taken too soon. As we light the candles, let that be a symbol of hope and remembrance. Justice is not achieved in isolation. We must stand united against violence and injustice.” “I’m saddened that in 2005 we needed one tree, and today we need three. I’m going to continue to stand for victims and to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Bill County Sheriff Bill Cooke thanked the organizers and volunteers. He spoke about the impact the event has had over the years. “People apply through their caregiver, doctor, or the social workers. They apply online for a ramp through Texas Ramp Project.” The family members made their way to the ceremony, placing the ornaments on one of the three trees. One tree was donated by Olan, a direct selling company. Another tree was donated by the Temple Police Association in honor Officer Yolanda “Charlie” Aumua who passed away this year. The third tree was donated by a local family to honor all victims of crime. Due to the founder of Tree of Angels passing on the same day as the event, it was also dedicated to Carr. The Video Tribute consisted of 181 slides, for each loved one lost. Every slide had a photo, the name of the person, and their date of birth and death. Photos of babies, toddlers, elementary age children, pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, parents, grandparents, and loved ones were honored. On Oct. 17, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation for the state of Texas, declaring Dec. 7–13, 2025, Tree of Angels Week. The three trees from the Tree of Angels are up for viewing at the Cadence Bank Center throughout the month of December. A Facebook live event is on Bell County Crime Victims Coalition page. See their Facebook page for ways to donate. Jillian Howell sang “One Thing I Know for Sure,” accompanied by her adult children, Lindsey Howell and Luke Howell.

By Shanna Grote The Belton Journal Christmas on the Chisholm Trail returned to Belton Dec. 6–8, transforming downtown Belton into a two-day holiday celebration filled with music, food, shopping and family activities. The annual event drew people from across the state and boosted holiday cheer with small town flair. Festivities began Friday evening with a movie on the Square. Families snuggled in blankets and chairs and, when the crowd cheered, a large lighted lever was shifted and the massive decorated Christmas tree in front of the courthouse lit up with thousands of lights. The crowd cheered as the courthouse was also lit up with red, green, and white lights. Following the tree lighting, the ice skating rink opened for families to enjoy until 10 p.m. On Saturday, events began at noon with warmer temps and sunny skies. More than 100 vendors lined the downtown area and people filled the streets to enjoy. Belton Masonic Lodge rolled wagons around the streets giving away free hot dogs to shoppers. My Giving Tree set up a photo booth with hay and an inflatable Christmas scene. Children sat on the curb enjoying their free hot dogs and taking in the atmosphere. Karen Wheeler, also known as the Pie Lady, was nearly sold out of pies by 3 p.m. Wheeler was decked out in a purple shirt and matching hat that said “The Pie Lady.” “It was the perfect day. The weather, the music, the crowd, was perfect,” Wheeler said. She sells a variety of pies with buttermilk, tollhouse, and pecan being fan favorites. Hula dancers performed in front of the courthouse and gave out leis as they invited the crowd to join in. Other performances were held by UMHB, Belton Middle School Band, and Temple College. The crowds stopped to enjoy activities and also viewed from picnic tables set up in the streets. Santa was available from noon to 5:30 p.m. with a line that went around the corner. After visiting with Santa and getting a photo, each of Santa’s visitors received a candy cane from city staff. Children smiled and told Santa all their wishes. Santa also had a host of adult visitors, everyone gentleman in his wheelchair was seen enjoying visiting with Santa briefly over a smile and a handshake. The ice skating rink was run by city staff. There was a line with excited skaters as the city staff politely and quickly checked them in. Skaters could be found gliding and falling all around the rink. Belton expanded their rink this year, giving ample space for skaters. Ice skating nearly behind the rink, Belton Fire Department had a first aid station available for any needs of attendees. Large inflatables including inflatable axe throwing was also set up near the rink. Children laughed wildly as they bounced around. A variety of other activities were also available. Belton Public Library gave away free children’s books in winter village. Free photo opportunities were available across the downtown area. The famous oversized red chair was a fun spot for people to sit and take photos. Howdy shots took free digital photos with fun backgrounds and props. Children could paint wooden reindeer made of cut logs and antlers made of tree branches. Popcorn Friday gave away free popcorn samples. And adorable red mailbox was displayed with a table to Santa to place in the mailbox. Nolan Creek Brewery had a live band playing and a nice spot to relax for attendees. As the late afternoon set in, more people flowed into the streets preparing for the parade which began at 6 p.m. Lawn chairs and blankets were some of the most popular items. Crown and Cactus Co. hosted a private event in front of their store with a large balloon arch and plenty of seating for parade viewing. The city mayor rolled through on a large green tractor covered in Christmas lights. The city council pulled the big red wagon behind him with the Trucking Santa and large Christmas tree and lights. The BHS Marine Core JROTC marched in uniform and Santa hats. The BHS cheerleaders also were on foot with red and white pom poms followed by the Tiger mascot. Temple EMS decorated an ambulance covered in lights with a massive inflatable Santa hat on top of the cab. The Belton Chief of Police walked the parade with large dogs and his Santa hat, waving to the crowd. One float that gained lots of cheers was a decorated pedal cart from Pinky’s with bubbles blowing behind it. Belton Police Foundation towed a large trailer with a snowman and Christmas sleigh. Snoopy was proudly waving in front. The Green Grinch was spotted waving wildly and revving his motorcycle engine to the crowd. A blue and white semi truck pulled a trailer decorated like a train including the engine smoke. A large trailer float mimicked a life size gingerbread house. Santa was featured in a large red classic car with his elves behind him. As the parade wound down and people cleared out, patrons chatted about the fun they had. It is safe to say Christmas on the Chisholm Trail in downtown Belton was a huge success.

Special to the Journal Chisholm Trail Elementary is once again opening its beloved “Elf Closet,” a tradition that has quietly supported families since the school opened in 2013. The annual holiday shop provides parents with a dignified, joyful opportunity to choose new gifts for their children, completely free of charge, thanks to generous community donations and dedicated staff and volunteers. This year, more than 75 students are expected to benefit from the program. To maintain privacy for families, a portable on campus is transformed into a festive storefront where parents can reserve a shopping time during the week of December 15. Gifts are organized and labeled by a point system, allowing families to shop based on the number of students they have. While parents browse, they can enjoy cocoa and connect with staff members who will later wrap each gift and discreetly ensure it makes its way home in time for Christmas morning. A message has already been sent to families inviting them to donate much-needed items. For Principal Sydnie Sewell, now in her second year leading Chisholm Trail Elementary, the Elf Closet represents the heart of the campus. “As a relatively new principal at Chisholm Trail Elementary, our Elf Closet continues to show me the heart and soul of this school community,” Sewell said. “It is more than just a charity; it is a living example of our commitment to the families we serve. It shows we do not just educate students; we support families, ensuring every child can experience the joy and magic of the holidays”. Sewell added that the dedication of staff and volunteers is “nothing short of extraordinary,” noting the countless hours spent sorting donations, scouting for special items, transforming the portable into a store and wrapping every gift with care. “I hope this experience communicates that families are seen, valued and supported by their Chisholm Trail Elementary family,” she said. “By giving parents tickets to shop, they get the power to choose the perfect gift for their own child, that beautiful, essential parental experience of providing for their family”. School Counselor Angela Cavanaugh said the campus is especially in need of items that ran out quickly last year, including bead kits, tween gifts such as makeup, nail kits and bath bombs, Legos, craft or STEM activity kits, pajamas in a variety of sizes and large gift bags to help with wrapping. She added that stuffed animals were also popular and having a few of the season's hot items would make a big difference for families. Cavanaugh, who coordinates the setup for the Elf Closet, said volunteers will assist with wrapping gifts, with additional support expected from the campus PTA. The Elf Closet operates fully through donations from families, staff, businesses and community partners. Sewell said the impact of those contributions is felt immediately. “When a family walks away with beautifully wrapped presents to place under their tree, it is a direct result of our community’s generosity,” she said. “When we come together, we ensure that joy is shared equally throughout our community”. Community members interested in supporting the Elf Closet can purchase items through the Amazon Wish List at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlists/3R1WZVIOYTI4M?ref_=wl_share or drop off new, unwrapped items at Chisholm Trail Elementary, located at 1082 South Wheat Rd.

By Michelle Rodriguez The Belton Journal Candy’s Beauty Lounge Salon & Suites is a newly established booth and suite rental salon located at 111 N. East St. in downtown Belton, founded by local stylist Candy Abreu. “I opened my own salon to give other independent stylists and beauty professionals a home for their own brand and business,” said Abreu. “First and foremost, I want to thank God for guiding me through this journey. Here’s to this new chapter, and to all the beauty, creativity, and joy to come at my salon!”

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal The Belton City Council approved an agreement with the Brazos River Authority last week that secures an easement for the Belhouse Pipeline Project. The pipeline will move water from Belton Lake to Stillhouse Hollow and will provide water to Austin’s northern suburbs. BRA is a governmental entity responsible for developing, managing and protecting the water resources of the Brazos River Basin in Texas. Its activities include operating reservoirs and dams, managing water supplies for municipalities, agriculture, and industry, and providing wastewater services.

By Michele Weisman The Belton Journal Vista Real Estate Group’s second annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway more than tripled last year’s of 150 dinners, giving away 500 meals at Heritage Park in Belton last Monday. At 10 a.m., they began handing out meals, 400 to the public and 100 to Fort Hood. Inspired by a personal experience of co-owner Emilio Perales, this legacy is gaining momentum. 

By David Stone The Belton Journal Christmas is coming early for animal shelters in Belton and Temple. The fourth annual Merry Pawlidays Bull Riding Competition will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Cadence Bank Equine Center, on the grounds of the Expo Center in Belton. Admission is free — with a donation of pet food. “Bring a bag of dog or cat food, and you will get in free,” said Mike Seiler, owner and CEO of Bullothon Promotions. “We have several animal shelters in need of food, including the Bell County Shelter in Belton, the Temple Animal Shelter and Tiny Hooves Rescue.”  “Temple Animal Shelter has 72 animals and needs food, so I’ve already delivered 500 pounds of dog food to help out, but they need more food,” Seiler said. “We’ve had a dog-food donation of 2,000 pounds from Travis Farr of Outlaw Feed. There’s a big need for feed at our local shelters.”

By David Tuma By David Tuma The Belton Journal Christmas on the Chisholm Trail will be December 5th and 6th this year. At 6 p.m. on Friday, there will be a showing of The Santa Clause movie outdoors on the north side of the Bell County Courthouse. The Belton Youth Advisory Committee will be selling popcorn as a fundraiser to support local charities. Hot cocoa will also be available for purchase.  After the movie, there will be a performance by the Sweet Adelines and the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree. The tree lighting will be around 8 p.m.

Special to the Journal The Friends of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery are proud to announce that Retired General Paul Funk Jr. will be the guest speaker at the annual Wreaths for Veterans wreath-laying ceremony, held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. This cherished event honors the memory and service of our nation’s veterans by placing a holiday wreath at every grave and columbarium in the cemetery. General Funk, a distinguished leader with decades of military service, will offer remarks during the opening ceremony, bringing heartfelt insight and gratitude to this solemn occasion.