The postseason has arrived, and Lake Belton appears ready. In their final meets of the regular-season schedule, the Broncos and Lady Broncos traveled to the Temple Invitational last week, and numerous lifters returned home with medals. Equally important, Lake Belton emerged with the girls team title. Paced by five first-place finishes, the Lady Broncos (1st, 60) cruised to the championship, beating second-place Belton (28) by 32 points. Along the way, Lake Belton standouts Jaya Lisenbe and Moriah Rydberg were named top overall lifters for their respective combined weight classes. Rydberg won the 114 division by combining a 260-pound squat, 155 bench press and 265 deadlift for a 680 total, while Lisenbe’s 365-240-335–940 showing won the 220 title. Gold medals were also earned by Catalina Esquivel (105, 195-125-215–535), Nani Rubio (123, 290-120-315–725) and Aralina Acosta (181, 300-170-315–785), while teammates Shekayla Munoz (2nd, 123, 240-150-225–615), Emyle Love (2nd, 132, 245-140-280–665), Analicia Diaz (2nd, 148, 275-155-335–765), Macie Solis (3rd, 114, 230-140-245–615) and Baylie Anderson (3rd, 242, 195-110-245–550) completed the Lady Broncos’ top-three outings. The Lady Tigers were guided by Riley Lawhon (165, 255-155-255–665), Anahi Perez (198, 300-185-345–830) and Byonka Donaldson (242+, 245-210-345–980), who each placed first. Ciaran Messersmith (132, 200-135-240–575) was third. Waco University (3rd, 22) and Copperas Cove (4th, 18) followed in the final standings. Lake Belton also found success in the boys division, where it placed second (45) with just three points fewer than champion Waco (48). Weight-class winners were Wesley Bradley (165, 445-245-375–1,065), Matthew Jackson (181, 450-340-440–1,230), Hunter Loraus (220, 550-355-485–1,390) and Evan Lazott (275, 520-400-500–1,420). Also landing on the medal stand for the Broncos were Jax Holliman (2nd, 148, 410-265-450–1,125), Colton Crocker (2nd, 308, 520-315-560–1,395), Prince Kabuya (3rd, 181, 440-300-430–1,170) and Kaleb Truelove (3rd, 308, 550-325-485–1,360). Copperas Cove was third (40) and Waco University was fourth (20). Behind bronze-medal showings from Jorge Guardiola (3rd, 148, 415-235-405–1,055) and Keaton Richardson (3rd, 275, 400-215-430–1,045), the Tigers were sixth, scoring 13 points. Now, both Belton and Lake Belton turn their full attention toward the regional meets. The girls meet will be held March 7 at Del Valle, while the boys meet is set for March 14 at Joshua. Before then, however, there are opportunities to improve. Lake Belton hosts a last-chance qualifying meet today, where lifters can attempt to earn a spot at the regional meet by achieving qualifying totals.
The Lady Broncos spent all season earning their state ranking. Monday, they proved it was deserved. After dominating the competition throughout its schedule, losing just one game and earning an undefeated District 16-5A championship, No. 4 Lake Belton took its first step toward a state title, and it was impressive. Playing in the Division I bracket, the Lady Broncos traveled to Waco Midway to open their playoff run against Midlothian and delivered a one-sided showing as they never trailed en route to a 65-41 victory. Lake Belton led 30-8 following the first quarter, and the Lady Panthers could not recover. Junior point guard Aniya Taylor recorded 12 of her game-high 16 points in the second half, and the performance was complemented by four more double-digit scorers. Alexa King, a sophomore guard, finished with 14 points, while junior teammate Gemma Pierce had a dozen points. Additionally, freshman small forward Olivia Dann and sophomore guard Erica Taylor each scored 10 points for the Lady Broncos. The outcome sets up a second-round encounter with either Seagoville (22-12) or Dallas White (12-22) either tonight, Friday or Saturday. Lake Belton (34-1) will not play a state-ranked opponent until potentially facing No. 24 Texarkana Texas (21-3) in the third round. No. 8 Prosper Walnut Grove (29-5) also resides in Region II. LADY TIGERS Belton’s turnaround season came to a close Tuesday evening at Maypearl, where No. 20 Midlothian Heritage earned a 50-34 victory. The Lady Jaguars posted the game’s first six points and never eased up en route to reaching the Class 5A, Division II second round. By the conclusion of the first quarter, the lead expanded to 15-8, and Heritage owned a 27-13 halftime advantage, closing the period with a 7-1 outburst. The Lady Tigers were within seven points, 32-25, to begin the fourth quarter as sophomore Laila Koonce-Huston scored six of her team’s 12 points in the period, but it was not enough. Heritage (29-7) scored six unanswered points to begin the final quarter. The defeat concluded Belton’s first playoff appearance since 2022 and ended the careers of seniors Ke’Ara Shanks and Emma Flory, who helped the Lady Tigers produce a 17-18 overall record.
Alma Jo Barrera is a trailblazing figure in BMX Freestyle, recognized as one of the first female riders to make her mark in the sport during the early 1980s. Raised in Corpus Christi, she grew up riding to the Bayfront with friends, honing tricks, sharing Big Gulps, and occasionally helping shrimp boats clean nets for fish — a reflection of her humble beginnings. Her competitive career with the American Freestyle Association (AFA) saw her compete against male riders, often placing well, with a standout second-place finish in the 19 & Over Intermediate Flatland class at a major 1987 event, celebrated in *American Freestyler* magazine. Barrera’s skill earned sponsorships from S&M (Steve & Mike), Vision Street Wear, Visage Bikes and Fanta, leading to appearances at iconic events like the Mountain Dew Classic in Portland, Oregon, and the Veldrome in West Covina, California, where she placed second again, mastering new tricks at the famed Spaghetti Bowl. She contributed to a Fanta commercial shoot and talked about new and innovative bike designs, including a lightning bolt on the bottom tube. Was it her idea or was it already in the books? … We may never know, potentially influencing the CW Phaze 1. During a GT show in Corpus Christi, Josh White dubbed her “Rad Mom,” marking her rising prominence. Facing personal challenges — losing her parents in 1984 and becoming a teen mom at 15 — Barrera found support from friends’ families, with her son Lee riding on the pegs during local adventures. Transitioning to adulthood, she served in the United States Army through multiple deployments, retiring with a successful career. Despite battling PTSD, maintaining and riding her bikes — preserved through moves — reconnected her to carefree childhood days. Her emotional response to BMX’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, reflecting her pioneering role, fuels her hope to inspire girls and women to embrace the sport and discover its peace and happiness.
It was difficult, but Joshua Mann knows he made the right decision. For almost two decades, the veteran head football coach made Leander his home, overseeing Rouse’s program from the first day the school opened. During the span, he won plenty of games and celebrated multiple championships. He also raised a family. Entrenched within the community, Mann saw his children grow within the city limits while also creating lifelong friendships with other residents. Recently, however, change was calling the coach, and he accepted a new challenge, becoming the Tigers’ head coach following the retirement of Brett Sniffin. In the days since his milestone decision, which altered both his professional and personal lifestyle, Mann admits to having no regrets. “Being here has been truly amazing,” he said. “It has been beyond my expectations of anything I could have imagined or thought it would be like. The people, the community and the staff members have all been outstanding, and most importantly, the student-athletes are phenomenal already. “I’m just excited to get to work with all these people every day.” The feeling should be mutual. As the Raiders’ inaugural head coach since its start in 2008, Mann developed the team into one of the area’s premier squads. Rouse, which was recognized as a University Interscholastic League program in 2010, produced an overall record of 91-89-1 through its first 16 seasons, collecting consecutive district titles in 2020 and 2021. In the playoffs, the Raiders were 13-9 in nine appearances, reaching the Class 4A, Division I state semifinals in 2012. The success helped Rouse earn a trio of top-25 finishes in the Lone Star Cup, which recognizes excellence at schools across both athletics and academics, and he has received several coach-of-the-year awards from various publications. Now, he looks to transfer his philosophy to Belton, and on the football field, Mann feels the process was already underway prior to his arrival. “I’m already at a huge advantage,” Mann said. “I believe there are three ‘Es,’ and that is effort, enthusiasm and execution, and the kids are in control of all three. These guys are already at a level where their effort is high, so my goal is just to take it a little higher. “They’ve got the enthusiasm, and they want to work together as a family, so we just need to perfect our execution for my system that I’m bringing in. Knowing that I’m not going to have to start at step one, though, was part of my draw to Belton.” The Tigers went 35-32 under Sniffin, reaching the playoffs five consecutive seasons to set a new school record, and they captured district titles in 2022 and 2023. Mann’s arrival coincides with the UIL’s biennial realignment, which kept the Tigers in District 8-5A, Division II along with two-time defending league champion Brenham, Killeen Ellison, Waco, Waco University and Bryan Rudder. The setup is slightly different from Mann’s prior seven-team district, leaving one less district game than Rouse played during the previous two seasons, but as expected he is embracing the change. “It is a smaller district,” Mann said, “and there is not a lot of room for error. We have to capitalize on opportunities to win when we have them. For me, though, it always starts with Week 1 — that is the most important game on the schedule because that is the only game we get to play that week. “I’m really excited for August even though I’m not ready yet. I just can’t wait to see what we can do.”
Friday night felt like the postseason arrived early as Lake Belton and Belton met under the lights at Wilson-Kerzee Field with district positioning on the line. Both programs entered the matchup level in the standings, aware that the outcome would shape the race heading into the final stretch of the first round. Lake Belton generated several threatening moments, particularly as the match moved into its final stages. In the closing minutes, the Broncos pushed numbers forward and applied steady pressure in search of a breakthrough. However, Belton’s defensive shape held strong, disrupting runs and closing down shooting lanes before a decisive strike could develop. On the other end, Belton produced quality chances of its own, finding stretches of rhythm and controlling portions of play. The Lady Tigers controlled many possessions and remained organized defensively when Lake Belton increased the tempo. The midfield battle proved especially critical, with both teams fighting to dictate the pace and limit transition opportunities. A major factor in the stalemate was the defensive execution from both squads. Lake Belton’s back line worked together in front of their goalkeeper, who delivered a confident performance between the posts. Belton’s defense answered with tough defense, stepping up in key moments to prevent second-chance opportunities and maintain structure. As the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard reflected what the match had been from start to finish: evenly matched. The 0–0 result was less about missed opportunities and more about defensive discipline and competitive focus. For Lake Belton, the draw keeps them unbeaten in district competition, maintaining momentum as they prepare for their next road test. For Belton, the result secures a valuable point and keeps them firmly in contention as district play continues. With both teams still very much in the hunt, this rivalry meeting may prove to be a pivotal chapter in a tightly contested season. If Friday night was any indication, the district race is far from decided. Both programs showed they have the structure and the determination required for a deep postseason push. As the first round winds down, expect the intensity to only increase.
Americans will celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the United States throughout 2026. Many a notable leader has influenced the country in its 250-year history, and the following are some notable quotes from American presidents over the course of the nation’s history. “If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1802 “Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive.” — James Monroe, 1817 “Officeholders are the agents of the people, not their masters.” — Grover Cleveland, 1886 “In the history of mankind, many republics have risen, have flourished for a less or greater time, and then have fallen because their citizens lost the power of governing themselves and thereby governing their state; and in no way has this loss of power been so often and so clearly shown as in the tendency to turn the government into a government primarily for the benefit of one class instead of a government for the benefit of the people as a whole.” — Theodore Roosevelt, 1903 “Governments do not make ideals, but ideals make governments.” — Calvin Coolidge, 1926 “No government is perfect. One of the chief virtues of democracy, however, is that its defects are always visible and under democratic processes can be pointed out and corrected.” — Harry S. Truman, 1947 “Mankind must put an end to war — or war will put an end to mankind.” — John F. Kennedy, 1961 “A president’s hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right.” — Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965 “American has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens.” — George W. Bush, 2001 “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” — Barack Obama, 2008 (delivered while campaigning for president in an election Obama ultimately won)
City’s Finance Dept. wins award for budget process
For Belton resident Iosefa Taylor, becoming a registered nurse represents a continuation of service shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and purpose. After graduating from Central Texas College’s Associate Degree Nursing program, Taylor is advancing her career through a graduate nurse residency while continuing her education toward a bachelor’s degree. “I have accepted a graduate nurse residency position in the Emergency Department at Seton Medical Center and am continuing my education at TAMUCT in the RN-BSN degree program,” Taylor said. Taylor said nursing allows her to serve others during moments of fear and uncertainty, combining clinical skill with compassion. “Nursing fulfills my desire to serve others by being present for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” she said. “This position allows me to help people when they are frightened, vulnerable, and in need of both medical care and human connection, something I’m honored to provide in the Emergency Department.” Central Texas College provided the flexibility Taylor needed to continue her education while balancing work and family responsibilities. “CTC afforded me the opportunity to continue working as an LVN while taking my prerequisites online prior to moving to Texas,” she said. “Once I arrived in Texas, I was able to seamlessly continue my goal of graduating from the RN program and accomplish what was previously my short-term career goal.” Taylor’s path to graduation unfolded during a period of major personal and professional transition, marked by uncertainty and limited access to educational opportunities. “I separated from the Army, had my first child, and moved to a remote military base with my spouse at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, all while trying to find a college that I could take courses at to continue my nursing education,” she said. “This proved difficult in a time of uncertainty and as waitlists grew, pushing my dreams further away.” Her momentum resumed when her spouse received orders to Fort Hood, prompting Taylor to search for nursing programs in the region. She said Central Texas College quickly emerged as the right fit. “CTC’s easy application process, Veteran Services Department, close proximity to the base, and large catalogue of online courses made it very easy for me to apply and begin working towards my goals again,” she said. As an adult learner, Taylor views earning her associate degree as both practical and empowering. “Getting my AAS in nursing as an adult learner is advantageous because it allows me to move forward in the field of nursing, and increasing my nursing knowledge allows me to improve my patient care,” she said. Taylor said she was surprised by the diversity of the nursing students in her classes, which strengthened her perspective as a nurse. “I was surprised how many of the members of my cohort were also already healthcare workers, mothers, fathers, spouses, adult learners, and immigrants,” she said. “I loved being in such a diverse class because it gave me so much insight on various aspects of nursing care and barriers to care that deserve acknowledgment.” Reflecting on her journey, Taylor emphasized the importance of embracing every learning opportunity. “If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to seize every opportunity to learn, even if it’s something you already know,” she said.
Alice Joan Sandlin May 28, 1935 - February 7, 2026
The Bell County Historical Commission will meet on Monday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ courtroom on the second floor of the old courthouse, located at 101 East Central Ave., Belton. There will be a short meeting before the program. The title of this month’s presentation is “Trails, Tails and Tradition: European Migration & Stagecoach History.” The speaker is Pamela Anderson, Executive Director Texas Brazos Trail Region, Texas Heritage Trails, LLC. Her program explores historic inns, European migration, and the lively festivals that celebrate our shared past. The meeting is open to the public, and all who are interested in history are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 254-493-1472.