2025 Heights Progress

Harker Heights Progress 2025 |

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| Harker Heights Progress 2025

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Harker Heights Progress 2025 |

[ Inside this issue ] Mayor: ‘Harker Heights ... rooted in talent, dedication, and hard work’ Page 5 City manager: The future of Harker Heights is bright

Page 6

Harker Heights City Council welcomes 2 new members

Page 7

Heights’ economic development model may be restructured

Page 8

Heights Parks and Recreation offers new programs

Page 9

Changes for the good happening at Heights Police Department

Page 10

Harker Heights Fire Department has experienced some changes

Page 11

Heights shares update on Fiscal Year 25 projects

Page 12

Heights sees sizeable increase in sales tax allocations

Page 17

Heights housing market continues to lag behind Bell County

Page 21

New Boys & Girls Club location is already making an impact

Page 23

Nolanville sees year of growth, forward momentum

Page 26

Central Texas College marks 60 years of service

Page 29

Harker Heights Progress 2025 is a Killeen Daily Herald publication.

Contact Us General Manager : Terry Gandy Editor: Dave Miller | dmiller@kdhnews.com Newsroom: 254-501-7542 | Advertising: 254-501-7500

| Harker Heights Progress 2025

Mayor: ‘Harker Heights ... rooted in talent, dedication, and hard work’

D

ear residents, businesses, and visitors, It is truly an honor to serve as your Mayor. Harker Heights thrives thanks to a dedicated and responsive City Council, an exceptional management team, and devoted city employees.

My goal is to continue providing our 35,000-plus residents Heights Mayor with a government that is fair, efficient, and accessible to everyone.

Harker Heights offers so much: a unique community with an excellent school system, friendly neighMichael borhoods, proven Blomquist community safety, and an abundance of quality-of-life experiences. Our bond with Fort Hood and our adoptive unit, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, is unshakable, and we are proud to support the best military units and their families.

What I love most about Harker Heights is its people. I’m constantly amazed by individuals from all corners of the world who bring their unique ideas and experiences here, working together to build shared values and a vision for the city they’ve chosen to call home.

Upcoming Community Highlights I’ll be out and about at events across the city and would love to connect with you! Mark your calendars for some of our fantastic upcoming events: In September, join us for our First Friday Music Series at Carl Levin Park Amphitheater (7-9 p.m.)

October brings a variety of community events, including the First Friday Music Series on Oct. 3 at Carl Levin Park Amphitheater, featuring Lucas Miller from 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 4, participate in the Fall Community Garage Sale happening throughout Harker Heights.

The highlight of the month is the

Harker Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony at Carl Levin Park in this Herald file photo.

The mayor touted the community’s positive attributes in his annual letter to the community, published at left.

Herald | File

Harker Heights Food, Wine and Brew Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Community Park on FM 2410. This festival will feature Texas wines, craft brews, local vendors, and live music from the Cory Morrow Band.

November and the remainder of the year will feature even more family fun starting with our First Friday Music Series at Carl Levin Park Amphitheater (7 to 9 p.m.)

Seasonal Celebrations: We’ll close out the year strong with community favorites like Halloween Hoop-la, Christmas Reception with the Mayor and City Council followed by the Traditional Tree Lighting at City Hall, Frost Fest, and Christmas Eve Santa on a Fire Truck tour of Harker Heights.

Connecting with our community is important to me, which is why I try to be at as many business-partnered community meet-ups as possible. I’d truly enjoy the chance to meet you at one!

Two events I particularly try to always attend are the Harker Heights Police Department’s Coffee with a Cop and the Harker Heights Chamber of

Commerce Morning Coffee Connection. You can find more information on these and other upcoming events on the City and Chamber Facebook pages.

Another event I enjoy attending is the Harker Heights Farmers Market: Don’t forget, our popular Farmers Market is still going strong at City Hall until the end of December!

There’s so much to enjoy, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities.

Stay up-to-date on all Harker Heights activities by checking out the Harker Heights Chamber and City

websites.

If you’re already part of our community, thank you for your contributions. If you’re considering relocating your home or business to Harker Heights, or simply thinking about a visit, please do. You won’t be disappointed!

All that Harker Heights has become, and all that it will be, is rooted in the talent, dedication, and hard work of our citizens. I couldn’t be prouder to serve as your Mayor.

Sincerely, Mayor Michael D. Blomquist City of Harker Heights

Harker Heights Progress 2025 |

City manager: The future of Harker Heights is bright

D

ear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors, If you are a resident, business, or visitor to the City of Harker Heights we are excited to have you! Our City Manager vision is to provide you with the best possible City services so that you can focus on the things that matter the most to you.

David We know Mitchell in Harker Heights you will find a community to connect, thrive and belong!

Herald | File

Harker Heights City Manager David Mitchell, left, and Mayor Michael Blomquist are seen at a recent City Council workshop.

The City’s provides a broad range of public services. City Departments include Police, Fire, Parks, Library, Finance, Planning, Public Works, and Administration. The City Council, which is comprised

| Harker Heights Progress 2025

of a Mayor and five Councilmembers, holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 5 p.m. Workshop meetings are held at 3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each

month. All meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 305 Millers Crossing. Agendas are posted 72 hours before Council meetings to encourage informed and open discussions.

All council meetings are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend and participate!

We also encourage you to get involved in your City!

The City has a number of boards and commissions that you can volunteer to serve on. Those appointments are generally made in October, and the City will advertise for applications prior to that.

The City also has a full range active civic clubs to include

Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis.

Looking for more opportunities? Maybe volunteer to coach a youth program, be a concierge at City Hall, or assist with a local non-profit.

Plugging into your community will provide you with a deeper connection to Harker Heights and will be a benefit to all who live, work or play here.

Our future is bright in Harker Heights because of the citizens and businesses that call it home! If your City can ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

David Mitchell City Manager City of Harker Heights

Harker Heights City Council welcomes 2 new members vowing to work for all the people of Harker Heights.

Burt read from a statement in which he pledged to focus on several key issues in his first 100 days, including road infrastructure, water and “reasonable growth.”

Both Burt and Myles were elected to three-year terms that run until May 2028.

By Dave Miller Harker Heights Herald

On May 13, the Harker Heights City Council said farewell to two of its members and welcomed two new ones.

The council also elected Councilwoman Lynda Nash as its mayor pro tem. It is her second time to serve in this capacity. She serve as mayor pro tem until May 2026.

The canvassed votes showed that Brian Burt won the Place 1 seat with 812 votes to Anson Booker’s 489 and Candice Shoaf ’s 124.

In the Place 3 race, the final results showed Jesse Lee Myles III won the seat with 786 votes to 651 for incumbent Tony Canterino.

After the votes were canvassed, both Burt and Myles took their oaths of office and assumed their spots on the dais.

saying farewell

Brian Burt, Place 1

Jesse Lee Myles III, Place 3

Before they took officially their seats, outgoing Place 1 Councilwoman Jennifer McCann, who

was term-limited and ineligible to seek reelection, affixed the city pin to Burt’s lapel as part of the ceremony.

Departing Mayor Pro Tem Tony Canterino pinned the city pin on Myles’ lapel and congratulated him on his victory.

Both Burt and Myles took their oaths of office and signed the required election certificates, as they were joined behind the dais by their families.

At the end of the meeting, both Burt and Myles thanked their families and those who voted for them,

Before the meeting, the city had a brief ceremony to say farewell to McCann and Canterino and thank them for their service on the council.

Both were presented with plaques in the shape of the Lone Star State proclaiming them “Bright Stars of Central Texas” and also received the game, “Heights-opoly” as well as some personal gifts.

On hand to wish them well were Mayor Michael Blomquist, City Manager David Mitchell, Assistant City Manager Mark Hyde and Police Chief Betaile Hawkins, as well as other department heads and staff.

McCann had served on the council since May 2020, serving as mayor pro tem from 2022 to 2023.

Canterino was elected in May 2022, serving as mayor pro tem for the past year.

houston johnson | city of harker heights

Then-Mayor Pro Tem Tony Canterino, left, makes remarks during a farewell ceremony for him and outgoing Councilwoman Jennifer McCann, right, prior to the May 13 meeting of the Harker Heights City Council. Seated at center is Mayor Michael Blomquist. Canterino and McCann were both presented with mementos of their service on the council.

Harker Heights Progress 2025 |

Heights’ economic development model may be restructured

By Dave Miller Harker Heights Herald

The city of Harker Heights may soon change the way it handles economic development.

At a June 17 workshop, the Harker Heights City Council heard a preliminary presentation about moving to a new economic development model in which the council and chamber of commerce — and not the city’s economic development corporation — are the key actors.

In a brief presentation, City Manager David Mitchell noted that the city established an EDC in 1997 as a tool to assist the city in instances where infrastructure dollars were needed for a project.

However, the EDC was never funded by the council through the municipal budget, Mitchell said.

He also noted that Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code provides a method for cities to enter into economic development agreements directly.

Cities without funded EDCs have used this tool to directly engage in economic develop-

Herald | File

Jon Roberts, left, managing partner of TIP Strategies, goes over a presentation on Harker Heights economic development target areas during a June 17 Harker Heights City Council workshop. Roberts’ colleague, Alexis Angelo, looks on at right.

ment, the staff memorandum states.

Mitchell proposed a multistep process to transition to a new economic development model.

First, the EDC would become dormant.

Shoppers in Market Heights in Harker Heights take advantage of tax-free weekend sales last year prior to the start of school.

Herald | File

Then, the council would become the primary body handling any economic development decisions. The city would establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee, composed of residents with relevant experience or skills to

provide advice or review any issue requested by the council.

Finally, the council would determine funding for and enter into a contract with the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce to advance the Business Attraction Plan.

This plan was suggested by Austin-based TIP Strategies at a recent presentation to the Heights council as part of a larger strategy to bring businesses and jobs into the community.

Councilman Jesse Myles asked Mitchell is there were any other economic development models the city might consider.

Mitchell said a funded EDC and 380 Chapter business model were about the only options.

He noted that Market Heights was an example of a 380 agreement that worked out well for the city, explaining that 380 agreements are performance based, using time or generated tax money as benchmarks.

Councilman Brian Burt asked if the 380 agreements can be used for improvements in existing areas, such as the city’s north side.

Mitchell said that was an allowable use of the funding.

Mitchell said the issue would be brought back before the council for further discussion and movement toward creation of the advisory committee.

A Hallmark store is in the process of setting up shop in the Market Heights shopping center. It is one of many businesses that have become part of the city’s retail landscape in the past few years.

Dave Miller | Herald

| Harker Heights Progress 2025

Heights Parks and Recreation offers new programs, begins park upgrade

By Amy Atkins Parks and Recreation director

The Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department is proud to create community through people, parks, and programs.

The department is honored to enhance the quality of life for all residents in Harker Heights by providing safe, accessible, and engaging recreational spaces and experiences.

The department manages seven parks, spanning over 180 acres across the city. Park amenities include: • 4 softball fields • 4 baseball fields • 30-acre soccer complex • Community pool • Dog park • 18-hole disc golf course • Numerous reservable outdoor facilities • Activities Center • Recreation Center The Kern Park redevelopment project is out for bids. We are hopeful to begin turning dirt in October.

The project includes the following program elements; open play lawns, concrete trail, playground improvements, splash pad, shade structure, pre-engineered restroom, community garden renovations, storage shed, and pedestrian lighting.

New This Year: First Fridays Music Series We’re excited to present the First Fridays Music Series, a new addition to our special events! These free, family-friendly concerts take place at the Carl Levin Park Amphitheater from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music, artisan vendors, food vendors, and good company.

Upcoming Concerts: • Friday, Sept. 5 – Purple Hull • Friday, Oct. 3 – Lucas Miller • Friday, Nov. 7 – Glen Meloy

Jana Lynn Kilcrease | Herald

Popsicles in the Park at Purser Park in Harker Heights was a great success, thanks to the people from Parks and Rec and volunteers from VIA a mentorship program for girls 8-11.

Harker Heights Farmers Market Join us every Saturday through July 26, and then again Oct. 4 -Dec. 6 (after a summer break).

The market takes place 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the City Hall Parking Lot 305 Miller’s Crossing.

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, celebrated by the NRPA for over 40 years!

The Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department hosted Parks Bash on July 12. at Kern Park – 400 S. Ann Blvd.

The City’s Police Department, library, and municipal courts all participated in making the event memorable for all.

The event featured inflatables, games, Kona Ice, and free hot dogs.

Save the Dates: Upcoming Events • Friday, Sept. 5 — First Friday Music Series: Purple Hull (7-9 p.m. @ Carl Levin Park Amphitheater) • Saturday, Oct. 4 — Fall Community Garage Sale (Citywide) • Friday, Oct. 3 — First Friday Music

Series: Lucas Miller (7-9 p.m.)

• Saturday, Oct. 25 — Halloween Hoopla (10 a.m.-1 p.m. Carl Levin Park) • Thursday, Nov. 6 – Veterans Day Ceremony (6-7 p.m. @ Activity Center)

• Friday, Nov. 7 — First Friday Music Series: Glen Meloy (7-9 p.m.)

• Monday, Dec. 1 – City Tree Lighting Ceremony (5:30 p.m. @ City Hall) • Friday, Dec. 6 – Frost Fest (3-8 p.m. @ Community Park)

courtesy | Michael blomquist

Patrons grabbed their lawn chairs, blankets and other park amenities to listen to the 1st Cav Jazz Band on May 2, which was the musical act for the First Fridays program at Carl Levin Park in in Harker Heights. The next concert will take place Sept. 5.

Harker Heights Progress 2025 |

Changes for the good happening at the Harker Heights Police Department by jana lynn kilcrease harker heights herald

Recent changes to public safety in Harker Heights, led to the decision to revise the chain of command and place former Police Chief Betiale Hawkins in the role of Public Safety Director for Harker Heights. He now oversees both the Police Department and the Fire Department.

“In public safety, Police Chief our vision remains steadfast with the city to provide public services that empower people to focus on what matters most: their goals, hopes, and dreams.” Hawkins said. “We also want Betiale to be adaptable to the Hawkins needs of our community. We are excited about the many outreach and engagement programs that we offer. I encourage the public to stop by our police and fire departments to learn more about how they can benefit and be involved in those programs.”

Hawkins believes in staying engaged with the local community.

In June, of last year, the department held its first Youth Police Academy and invited 20 kids ages 10-13 to learn about police and fire department procedures in a fun and engaging way. The department has just concluded this years academy.

“It was something new we tried. It was a very good time,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins said he wanted the course to be both educational and inspirational to those who attended.

Through the academy, children learned life skills such as CPR, how to put out fires and the signs of danger. They also were able to learn about traffic stops, take fingerprints and even solve a crime scene from a video that was made by some detectives acting as criminals.

The department is also very

10 | Harker Heights Progress 2025

jana lynn kilcrease | Herald

Representatives of the Harker Heights Police Department take part in the Kiddo Cards identification program signup at Target in the Market Heights shopping center in late July. The program provides a data base, which can be accessed in the event children are missing. The cards can also be obtained by visiting the Harker Heights Police Department.

involved in providing resources to those who may be disadvantaged. In April, the department held a free popup clinic for members of the community to receive free medical screenings, food and hygiene products. In December, Hawkins also continued the Blue Santa program that donates bicycles to KISD students enrolled in the Homeless Awareness Response Program or HARP. “We gave out over 30 new bicycles to those identified with that need,” Hawkins said. “My main goal is to remain connected with the community.”

One project Hawkins is most passionate about is Building a Better Youth or BABY. Hawkins came up with the idea two years ago when he first started as Chief.

“This program is a 6-week program and partnered with our municipal court so that minors who typically receive citations and such can get assigned to our program rather than community service.” According to Hawkins, BABY’s purpose is

to expose these minors to different scenarios to show what their life might look like if they continue to get in trouble in the future and what their life would look like if they took more positive routes. The program helps young offenders learn that the choices they make now will affect their plans for the future Since the programs creation last year, Hawkins said they have not had

any repeat offenders.

“It has been a very positive program and we have talked to students after they’ve completed it and they do recommended it to others,” he said.

Cuts with Cops is an event hosted by the police department and led by the Healthy Homes Division. The event is held prior to the start of the new school year to provide free haircuts for children of all ages.

Although no date has been set for the event this year, In 2024, several barbers from the Bell County area volunteered their time to provide the haircuts at no charge. About 34 children received a haircut or a new hairstyle.

The Health Fair, was an event also coordinated by the Health Homes Division to provide a one-step shop of resources from local health organizations for everyone in the family. Groups such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children or WIC; Pink Bus Mammography, Smile Doctors, Feed My Sheep Children’s Free Clinie, and the Public Health District were there. There were some free evaluations like free vision checks, sugar level screenings, mammograms and blood pressure checks.

This was held in May at the Activities Center with about 200 people in attendance.

Harker Heights Police Chief / Director of Public Safety Betiale Hawkins briefs the Harker Heights City Council on the annual racial profiling report, which indicated almost no profiling of motorists in traffic stops in 2024.

Dave Miller | Herald

Harker Heights Fire Department has experienced some changes The Harker Heights Fire Department’s big ladder truck was a major attraction for visitors to the Big Truck Day event hosted by the Harker Heights library in May.

by jana lynn kilcrease harker heights herald

With a change of leadership at the Harker Heights Fire Deparment, Chris Mahlstedt was announced as the Interim Fire Chief in March following Shannon Stephens’ resignation in March.

Mahlstedt has been Fire Chief working with initiatives outlined by Stephens, to carry on some of the initiatives that are needed.

True to the commitment of the Fire Department and its staff, each initiative is Chris aimed at bettering the Mahlstedt department in some way so they are able to keep up with the times and be more proactive.

“Chief Stephens brought strong leadership and vision to our department,” Mahlstedt said. “We’re grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his new role.”

As the department moves forward, there is no slowdown in its commitment to public safety and community connection. One of the highlights planned for this year is an Open House during Fire Prevention Week in October. This family-friendly event will offer residents a chance to tour the fire station, meet the men and women who serve as firefighters, medics and administrative staff, to learn important safety tips. Demonstrations, activities for kids and fire safety education will all be part of the event. The effort underscores a shared commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive safety measures. More details, including dates and how to participate, will be announced soon.

Looking ahead, the Fire Department is also gearing up for the holiday season. Annual traditions such as Thanksgiving baskets, Santa Runs

Herald | File

and participation in the Santa Pal program will continue this year, spreading cheer and support to families throughout the community.

“These holiday programs are something our entire department looks forward to,” Mahlstedt said. “It’s one more way we can give back to the people we proudly serve.”

The department encourages residents to stay connected by following their social media channels.

The HHFD began as a volunteer organization in 1961 and now operates as a fulltime Career Department with a staff of 39 crew members in the operations division. Operations cover three shifts on a 48/96 schedule. There are seven at the administration level which includes fire prevention and training. There are currently two stations and apparatus including three ambulances, two brush trucks, a boat, two engines and a new tower truck.

The department has been a recipient of the American Heart Association Mission Lifeline Gold Plus award, which rewards excellence in early cardiac recognition and treatment.

Harker Heights Progress 2025 | 11

Heights shares update on Fiscal Year 25 infrastructure & facilities projects

By Kristina Ramirez Special to the Herald

Capital project funds provide for major construction or reconstruction of the City’s infrastructure and facilities.

These assets are considered major purchases or improvements that have a life span between 10 – 50 years, are typically multi-year projects, or are not normally funded through the operating budget. Projects included in the capital improvement plan typically consist of water distribution, wastewater collection & treatment, building, parks, streets, drainage, and sidewalks.

Hence, a capital project is major construction, acquisition, or renovation activity.

The cumulative project costs shown below include engineering, surveying, and construction contracts as of July 2025. Additionally the completion dates shown are based on when all paperwork was/ will be turned in after completion of construction.

WATER DISTRIBUTION

• Beeline Drive Waterline Replacement - $600,360 Replaced sections of waterline that were less than six inches in diameter along Beeline Drive. This resulted in continuous looped six-inch waterline located behind the curb. This project was completed in February 2025.

• Miscellaneous Water Main Improvements - $11,350 Funding for water main oversizing projects and increases in capacity in the water distribution system for future development is budgeted annually. This allows the City to leverage money to participate in oversizing a water main to improve the current water distribution. This year these funds were utilized to address a gap in the 12” water main located at 933 Knights Way/FM 2410. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in October 2025.

12 | Harker Heights Progress 2025

Courtesy photo

One of the city’s capital improvement projects has been repairs to the bridge abutment on Roy Reynolds Drive. Water from Nolan Creek had been compromised soil at the base of the bridge.

• Water Pump Station Emergency Standby Generators - $1,000,000 In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 3, which requires water utilities to develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan (EPP) and installation of a backup generator at each water pump station and pressure facility in the system such that at least 20 psi can be maintained during a 24-hour power outage. The TCEQ approved the City’s EPP in November 2023. In July 2024, the City Council authorized a contract for installation of emergency backup generators at five water pump stations. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in January 2027.

WASTEWATER COLLECTION & TREATMENT • Replacement of Blowers and Generators-Wastewater Treatment Plant - $1,984,423 Replacement of the existing emergency generator and blower equipment with a new generator estimated

at 750 kW and two new 150 HP turbo blowers. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in August 2025.

• 200 GPM Waste Activated Sludge (WAS) Pump and Motor - $276,500 The City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is currently at 75% of its design capacity. The WAS pump station was originally designed with space for a third pump and motor.

The addition will help the current

two pumps to keep up with the current sludge activity, especially during heavy rain events. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in October 2025.

• 1,000 Gallon Hydro-Pneumatic Tank Replacement - $208,000 The existing pressure tank is over 30 years old and operates the WWTP’s reuse water system. Most of the reuse water used in the WWTP goes to the sludge building for operation of the belt filter press.

Replacement of the tank will ensure proper operating pressure of the WWTP’s reuse water system.

This project is currently scheduled to be completed in October 2025.

• Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection System Replacement - $1,263,876 The Harker Heights WWTP utilizes UV lights to disinfect the plant effluent before discharging into Nolan Creek. FUN FACT: The Harker Heights WWTP was the first plant in the State of Texas to be permitted for UV disinfection and the second to be constructed. This project involves replacing the WWTP’s existing, 17-yearold UV system with a new one. This improvement is currently scheduled to be completed in October 2025.

• Replace Two Mechanical Bar Screens with Two Climber Screens - $212,000 The existing old style chain mechanical bar screens are original to PLEASE SEE Projects, 13

Projects

ties, and buildings within the City.

Park improvements are to ensure that existing facilities are rehabilitated and replaced as needed to maintain the park amenities.

from Page 12

the WWTP and have become costly to maintain. Climber screens are the new technology for debris removal at the WWTP headworks and have a much lower operating and maintenance costs. The City will receive construction bids on this project on July 29, 2025 and has a construction cost estimate of approximately $1,560,000.

This project is currently scheduled to be completed in August 2026.

• Replace 3 Raw Water Pumps $259,866 The City utilized a Buy Board to secure a manufacturer to rebuild and purchase new submersible pumps for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

To date 1 of the 3 pumps have been replaced. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in January 2026.

• Rummel Road Lift Station Upgrade and Impact Study - $2,896,650 Installed a twelve-inch diameter force main from Granite Trail to Wildewood Drive, upgraded pumps to 1,300 GPM each, and replaced the electric controls. This project was completed in December 2024.

• Trimmier Creek Lift Station Connection to Bell County WCID #1 - $1,602,282 Construction of a new “bypass/ relief” wastewater connector line to Bell County Water Control and Improvement District #1 (WCID #1) that can accommodate up to 2.0 million gallons a day (MGD) average daily flow (ADF). A flow equalization capability will be added to the Trimmier Creek Lift Station to enable it to split flows as needed between the WCID #1 plant and the City of Harker Heights’ Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in January 2026.

• Basin 15 Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Upsizing Phase 1- $75,000 New developments adjacent to Chuys and within wastewater basin 15 will exceed the sanitary sewer capacity for the existing trunk sewer main. Portions of the trunk line will

STREETS

CourtesyT

The city reinforced the earthen drainage channel embankment along Clore Road with concrete rock riprap to prevent stormwater erosion into the residential lots. Prior to this project, erosion was occurring into private property. The $221,830 project was completed in July.

need to be upsized in diameter.

Most of the existing trunk sewer main follows the creek line behind the homes toward Mountain Lion Road. The construction cost estimate for this first phase is approximately $338,000. This project is currently scheduled to bid in September 2025 and be completed in April 2026.

• Wastewater/Water Improvements for Cardinal Lane - $672,867 Reconstruction of the existing wastewater mains along Cardinal Lane and upsizing the existing waterline to 6 inches. This project was completed in June 2025.

• Wastewater Improvements for Harley Drive - $103,936 Reconstruct the existing wastewater collection line within the utility easement. This project is scheduled to be completed in July 2025.

• 2024 Manhole Repairs & Rehabilitation - $408,128 Repair and replacement of manholes in the North Trunk Line Rehabilitation Project per the City’s 10-year Sanitary Sewer Overflow Initiative agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This project is scheduled to be completed in July 2025.

• VFW Lift Station Upgrade - $50,000 This project involves epoxy coating the concrete wet well surface of the lift station to extend its life. It has been rescheduled several times as it must be scheduled around the weather.

BUILDING

• HVAC Installation at the Pet Adoption Center - $101,200 Installation of an HVAC at the Pet Adoption Center. This unit is on order and is currently anticipated to be complete in 2026.

PARKS

• Kern Park Renovation - $290,700 Renovations to Kern Park include a splash pad, a new playground, a small restroom, a walking trail, and parking lot updates. The City has a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant for the construction of this project. This project is currently scheduled to bid in July 2025 and be completed in 2026.

• Miscellaneous Park Projects and Improvements - $75,000 Planning, development, improvements, and renovation to the park systems, greenways, athletic facili-

• Pima Trail Joint Participation - $71,400 The City Council will, at times, agree to participate in the cost of construction of infrastructure that is jointly beneficial to the developer and to the residents. One such case is the Pima Trail Joint Participation in which a developer is putting in an addition that abuts approximately 350 feet of unimproved roadway. As part of putting in the addition, the developer will also pay half of the costs of improving this section of roadway and the City will pay the other half.

This project is currently scheduled to be completed in September 2025.

• Warrior’s Path Phase 2 - Pontotoc Trace to FM 2410 - $4,209,861 Converting ~0.41 miles from a rural ditch section to a curb and gutter section, traffic signal, sidewalk, storm drain improvements, and water distribution system improvements.

This phase includes a traffic signal at the FM 2410 intersection. The City has a TXDOT grant in the amount of $2,864,816 for this project. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in February 2026.

• 2023 Street Improvements $1,223,084 The Annual Street Improvement Program includes engineering, surveying, and construction. The 2023 Street Improvement Program included roadway reconstruction and storm drain infrastructure on North Mary Jo Drive, West Valley Drive, and Jamie Road. This project also included approximately 165 linear feet of sidewalk over the drainage channel on Vineyard Trail. This project was completed in November 2024.

• 2024 Street Improvements (Lakecliffe Phase 2) - $1,239,683 The Annual Street Improvement PLEASE SEE Projects, 14 Harker Heights Progress 2025 | 13

Projects from Page 13

Program includes engineering, surveying, and construction. The 2024 Street Improvement Program’s street(s) were Lakecliffe Drive and Lakecliffe Circle. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in August 2025.

• Warrior’s Path Phase 3 (Nolan Middle School to Old Nolanville Road) - $327,086 Widening of the street to two 12foot-wide lanes with a 12-foot-wide center turn lane and 8-foot-wide sidewalk. This phase includes a traffic signal at the Old Nolanville Road intersection. The construction cost estimate for this first phase is approximately $6,478,000. The City has been awarded a $4,400,000 TXDOT Grant for the construction portion. This project is currently scheduled to bid in 2028 and be completed in 2030.

• Chaparral Road Upgrade (Interlocal Agreement) - $66,300 The City has entered an interlocal agreement with the City of Killeen and Bell County for the design and construction of Chaparral Road.

Although the actual construction is many years down the road, the design and engineering phases for this 6.64mile roadway is already underway.

Harker Heights’ contributions to the project will only be used in the phases of the project that include its city limits and extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ); its percentage of contribution is also based on the mileage in the city limits and ETJ. • Chaparral Road Phase 3A $1,218,895 This phase will include significant grading, a retaining wall, realignment of approximately 1,200 linear feet of the existing 2-lane Chaparral roadway, and installation of a traffic signal on FM 3481. The construction cost estimate for this first phase is approximately $6,303,435 for the roadway and $1,092,000 for utility relocations. The utility relocations are anticipated to be completed in 2026.

14 | Harker Heights Progress 2025

Courtesy photo

The concrete drainage flume was replaced with an underground storm sewer pipe between Mountain Lion Road and Pontiac Drive. The $94,000 drainage flume reconstruction project was completed in July.

The roadway portion of this project is currently scheduled to bid in 2028 and be completed in 2030.

SIDEWALKS

• Indian Trail Pedestrian Improvements - $389,625 Addition of sidewalks under I-14 connecting the existing sidewalks on the south side of I-14 to H-E-B and McDonald’s properties. The construction cost estimate for this first phase is approximately $1,210,000.

The City has been awarded a $968,000 TXDOT Grant for the construction portion. This project is currently scheduled to bid in 2028 and be completed in 2029.

DRAINAGE • Mountain Lion to Pontiac Drive Drainage Flume Reconstruction - $94,187 The railroad cross tie retaining walls on each side of the drainage flume were failing. This project removed the concrete drainage flume and railroad crosstie retaining walls to replace it with an underground

storm sewer pipe. The gap between the two houses was filled in to grade and the fences replaced. This project was completed in July 2025.

• Roy Reynolds Bridge Abutment Stabilization - $74,120 Nolan Creek undermined the abutment on the downstream section of the Roy Reynolds Bridge. The City repaired the abutment on the upstream section of the bridge with a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture several years ago. This project reinforced the abutment on

the downstream side and was completed in July 2025.

• Jorgette Drive/Clore Road Bank Stabilization - $221,830 Reinforced the earthen drainage channel embankment with rock gabions or concrete rock riprap to prevent stormwater erosion into the residential lots. Prior to this project erosion was occurring outside of the City drainage easement into private property. This project was completed in July 2025.

• Drainage Master Plan CIP #1 $1,513,304 CIP #1 was identified in the FEMA Phase 2 Study to reduce storm water flooding in the northern part of the City. This project includes constructing a larger regional storm water detention facility at Goode- Connell Park, and creation of improved soccer fields at the bottom of the facility.

This project is currently scheduled to be completed in September 2025.

• Drainage Master Plan CIP #2 - Phase 2, 3, and 4 - $2,36,000 CIP #2 was identified in the FEMA Phase 2 Study to reduce stormwater flooding in the northern part of the City. This project will widen the drainage channel from Indian Oaks to Clore Road. Culvert and concrete channel improvements at Clore Road, Beeline Road, and Robin Lane will also be constructed, along with storm drainage improvements at Cherokee Drive, Elbert Lane, and Cardinal Lane. This project is currently scheduled to bid in September 2025 and be completed in December 2026.

Pavement assessment of city’s streets reveal mixed results

By Dave Miller Harker Heights Herald

In early June, the Harker Heights City Council received a preliminary presentation reviewing the condition of the city’s roads, and the results were somewhat of a mixed bag.

Ruben Williams, with Applied Research Associates Inc., went over some of the results of a recently completed pavement assessment project in the city.

The company, which was hired by the city in November at a cost of $107,000, visually inspected — with the help of a high-tech, AI-assisted vehicle —160 miles of roads in the city, Williams said, in order to assess the city’s maintenance and construction needs for its roadways.

The vehicle collected 99.8% of the data needed for the study, Williams said, noting that it could not be collected in the area where the Warriors Path construction project is ongoing.

The city’s overall road score was 64, on a scale of 1 to 100, which falls in the “fair” category.

Williams noted that the city’s newer subdivisions generally scored higher than the older parts of town.

However, Williams noted that one 18wheeled semi truck can cause as much damage to a roadway as 2,000 cars — so even newer roads can experience damage depending on the kind of traffic they experience.

Overall, the survey found that 18% of the city’s roadway miles were in good condition,

25% were in satisfactory condition, 21% were in fair condition, 20% were in poor condition, 13% were in very poor condition and 3% were in serious condition.

None of the roads were in the “failed” category.

Any roadway that scores below 40 is very poor and will require major road reconstruction, Williams said.

Some of the roads Williams highlighted during the presentation were Comanche Gap Road, which scored a 98.7 and North Roy Reynolds Drive, which graded out at 89.1.

However, South Roy Reynolds Drive scored just a 38.1 (very poor), and heavily traveled Modoc Drive was rated 46.2 (poor), and South Ann Boulevard graded out at 43 (poor).

Other streets that

Courtesy image

The above image shows the AI-assisted vehicle used by Applied Research Associates Inc. to assess the qualityi of the pavement. The vehicle traveled and recorded information on 99% of the city’s roadways, chronicling 160 miles of roads in the city.

Dave Miller | Herald

Ruben Williams, with Applied Research Associates Inc., discusses the results of a pavement assessment of the city’s streets during a June meeting of the Harker Heights City Council.

were mentioned in the presentation were Indian Trail (76.3-satisfactory), East Bee Line Lane (69.2-fair), Oakridge Boulevard (60.5-fair) and Citation Loop (29.2-very poor).

Some of the structural issues recorded around town were rutting, longitudinal cracking and alligator cracking, the latter of which Williams said is indicative of structural failure below the surface.

Mayor Michael Blomquist noted that some of the more problematic roads were annexed into the city and were built using different design standards.

Williams noted that’s a common challenge for many cities.

Williams showed the council a “preliminary

decision tree,” which provides several options for treatment for each category of road condition.

Some of the solutions, such as a crack seal, are designed to add 10-20 points to the road score, and can only be used for roads that have a starting score of at least 70.

For roads with a score of at least 40, milling and overlaying can be used to bring the roads up to the top category, but for roads below a 40 score, reclamation or reconstruction are the only options — and they are generally expensive.

Going forward, the city and ARA will set a target and budget, then select which roads will be chosen for treatment and construction before prioritizing which roads will be worked on.

ARA also will provide data from similar projects in Georgetown and Leander to use as a starting point, Williams said.

According to the city’s agenda presentation, the pavement assessment is part of a 10-year capital improvement plan that will be reviewed and updated as needed.

Once the city has had a chance to review the results, they will be posted online for the public, along with a “Pathweb Viewing Tool” that can display video showing each street as it was surveyed.

The council will meet with Williams later this year to discuss a possible budget allotment and review options for treatment projects.

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16 | Harker Heights Progress 2025

Heights sees sizeable increase in sales tax allocations over previous year

By Erin Eskew Herald Correspondent

Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special-purpose taxing districts received $1.2 billion in sales tax allocations in June, according to a news release from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar.

Central Texas exhibited mixed economic signs compared to June of last year, the Herald previously reported. Bell County tallied a minuscule increase of 0.94%, while Coryell County recorded a strong increase of 9.55% during the month compared to 2024.

Bell County received $2.76 million

in sales tax allocations in June, compared to $2.73 million the year before, the Herald previously reported.

Harker Heights had a 10.17% increase, receiving $890,732 while Nolanville is expected to receive $136,236, a 9.26% gain.

Harker Heights budgeted $11,310,700 for sales tax revenue for the fiscal year 2024-2025, according to the transparency center on the city’s website. Sales tax revenue makes up 35.6 percent of the city’s $31,464,700 budget.

Expenditures for the city total $31.6 million. Additional income comes from property tax, intergovernmental payments, franchise tax, charges

for services, investment earnings, fines and fees, licensing and permits, transfers in, contributions and donations, and miscellaneous income.

The current reported debt service for the city of Harker Heights is $1,470,702.50, which is down from $2,066,327.64 in fiscal year 2023.

nolanville

The city of Nolanville adopted a budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 considering sales tax revenue in the amount of $1,082,055.

The total revenue for the budget, including property taxes; municipal court, franchise and permit fees, public works, and miscellaneous

income totaled $3,785,783, according to the budget posted on the city’s website.

The budget has allocated funds for administration, municipal court, the police department, public safety, public works, facilities and parks.

Additionally, the city’s website states a payment of $408,669 toward a debt of $2,725,000. The interest and sinking rate for the debt is reported at 8.03 cents, which is lower than the previous year of 8.41 cents.

This debt service is a higher payment than previous years, with $384,031 reported in the 2023 fiscal year, $390,298 in 2022 and $396,564 in 2021.

Harker Heights Progress 2025 | 17

Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce drives forward As Harker Heights continues its upward momentum, the Chamber of Commerce remains committed to its mission to help the community connect, empower businesses to thrive, and ensure everyone belongs.

With major events on the horizon, new initiatives underway, and a calendar full of community celebrations, we’re not just supporting local businesses — we’re building the vibrant Harker Heights we all love to call home.

The main event? A high-energy performance by Texas country favorite Cory Morrow our headlining musical guest!

Whether you’re coming for the sips, the snacks, or the sounds, this festival is designed to showcase everything we love about Central Texas living.

A sneak peek of the festivities was shared during the Chamber’s float at the Belton Fourth of July Parade — complete with beer mugs, bubbles, and a scannable QR code linking attendees directly to event details and ticketing.

Spotlight on the Food, Wine & Brew Festival Get ready to raise a glass (and maybe a fork, too)! The Food, Wine & Brew Festival returns on Oct. 18, at Harker Heights Community Park, and this year promises more flavor, fun, and flair than ever before. This family-friendly event will feature local and regional wineries, craft breweries, food vendors with tasty bites, and a children’s zone so even the littlest foodies can join in the fun.

A Delicious Success: Tacos & Tea-quila We were thrilled to host our third annual Tacos &Tea-quila celebration this year — and for the first time, we brought the party to Carl Levin Park!

Open to the public, this event took on a whole new life in this lively outdoor space.

Our playful twist? The “tea” in Tea-quila, which helped us launch a family-friendly tasting track featuring a variety of flavorful teas from local restaurants. Those with tasting

Special to the Herald

Courtesy

Hunan Palace, a longtime fixture in Harker Heights, celebrated membership in the Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting on June 26. The business is located on Central Texas Expressway.

18 | Harker Heights Progress 2025

Courtesy

Smokey Mo’s Tx BBQ held its ribbon-cutting event May 8. It is located on Knight’s Way, nextdoor to Dunkin’.

tickets had the opportunity to sample tacos from all participating vendors and choose between spirited tequila tastings or a refreshing lineup of teas.

Some adventurous guests tried all three — and yes, they had a blast!

We estimated around 350 attendees joined us this year, and we’re already planning to expand this into an even larger cultural celebration in 2026.

Experience Harker Heights: A Magazine with Heart Our new publication, Experience Harker Heights Magazine, made its dazzling debut during Tacos & Teaquila weekend this past May. Bursting with local stories, city updates, and features on businesses and amenities, the magazine is our love letter to the community. The second issue is already in production and will launch at the Food, Wine & Brew Festival in October.

We’re always seeking new stories and advertisers — if there’s something you’d love to see featured or if you want your business spotlighted, give us a shout!

Ribbon Cuttings & New Business Spotlights It’s been a busy season for new business celebrations, and our community is thriving with fresh energy. Since July 2024, we’ve proudly welcomed:

2024

• Azura Nail Bar – July 8 • The Laramie at Indian Trail – August 7 • Seton Medial Center Wound Healing Center – August 9 • - Hearts Renewed Counseling – August 28 • Walmart Neighborhood Market Re-Grand Opening – October 18 • Good Steward Health – November 15 • Pop! CornEuphoria – November 21 • 88 Ramen Wing – December 4 • Boys & Girls Clubs Subhani Clubhouse – December 12

2025

• Area 254 – January 17 PLEASE SEE Chamber, 19

Chamber from Page 18

• Honest Juicery – February 5 • The Training Center Solar Maintenance Program – February 27 • Benchmark Mortgage – April 10 • Smokey Mo’s – May 8 • AdventHealth Da Vinci DV5 – May 15 • Wendy’s – June 5 • Hunan Palace – June 26 • Security Bank of Texas – June 26 • First National Bank Texas 30 Year Partnership with H-E-B – June 30 Each new business adds to the flavor of our community, bringing jobs, charm, and services that enrich everyday life.

Music Friendly Momentum & Film Friendly Futures Our Music Friendly Board has been hard at work—meeting regularly and building an incredible slate of plans to showcase Harker Heights’ music scene. They’ve not only built a registry of local musicians and venues, but they are now actively booking diverse talent for Food, Wine & Brew Fest, ensuring that the music reflects the full energy of our community.

Looking ahead, we’re also exploring Film Friendly Texas designation, a step that could bring even more economic opportunity to our city by encouraging filmmakers to use Harker Heights as a backdrop for their stories. These efforts are about more than music and movies — they’re about boosting our local economy, filling our hotels, and ensuring our shops and restaurants benefit from a steady stream of visitors and visibility.

Free Business Listings: Let’s Get You on the Map! One of our most exciting (and totally free!) offerings is our business directory listing program. Every Harker Heights business with a physical location inside city limits is eligible to be included on both hhchamber.com and discoverhark-

erheights.com — even if you’re not a Chamber member.

This is a very basic listing, but we want you to be included and visible!

Want to be listed? It’s easy! Just contact us with your business name, address, and phone number, and let us know you’d like to be included.

This listing gives your business a digital presence that’s searchable, shareable, and integrated into how locals and visitors explore Harker Heights. If you are interested in a more robust listing, we’d love to talk with you about how that looks and how we can help.

Stay in the Know: Heights Happenings Newsletter The Chamber also offers a monthly newsletter, Heights Happenings, packed with activities, events, and community highlights happening right here in Harker Heights. It’s completely free — no sales pitches, no gimmicks — just the information you want about what’s happening around town and how you can get involved.

If you’d like to receive Heights Happenings, just let us know! Give us a call to be added to our monthly email list. And if you’re a local business hosting an event, we’d love to help spread the word by including your news in the newsletter as well.

More Upcoming Events to Mark Your Calendar There’s no slowing down when it comes to community fun in Harker Heights! Two exciting upcoming events are right around the corner, and we’d love to see you there. First up is our annual Color Run, happening on Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. This vibrant, family-friendly event brings together runners, walkers, and strollers of all ages for a celebration of movement, color, and community spirit. Participants are encouraged to wear white and prepare to be splashed in color as they make their way through the course. It’s a joyful way to get active and connect with others in a lighthearted setting.

Also launching in August is the next class of our esteemed Vision XXI

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Honest Juicery held its ribbon-cutting event Feb. 5. The business is located in the Market Heights shopping center.

leadership development program.

Designed to cultivate local leaders and equip them with the tools to make a difference in our city, Vision XXI combines hands-on experiences, expert sessions, and exclusive tours to deepen participants’ understanding of Harker Heights and how to lead effectively within it. If you know someone passionate about our community and ready to grow, this could be the perfect opportunity.

From tacos and tunes to ribbon cuttings and regional promotion, the Harker Heights Chamber is your go-to partner for community and business success. Everything we do ties back to our core message: Connect. Thrive.

Belong. Whether you’re discovering

a new local spot, attending a signature festival, or simply cheering for your neighbors, you are part of what makes Harker Heights feel like home.

We invite you to celebrate with us, share your stories, and grow your business alongside ours. There’s always something new, something delicious, and something inspiring happening — and we’re saving you a seat at the table.

Best ways to reach us: Phone: 254.699.4999 Email: admin@hhchamber.com Address: 552 E FM 2410, Ste B | Harker Heights Website: hhchamber.com Socials: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & TikTok

Harker Heights Progress 2025 | 19

New businesses continue to open in Harker Heights

BY JOSEPH BAHR harker heights HERALD

Business in Harker Heights appears to be booming.

The city has had numerous businesses open in the past year, with many more on the way.

One of the most notable businesses potentially coming to the city is LongHorn Steakhouse. According to city staff, a commercial permit was submitted by a company representing LongHorn Steakhouse.

If approved and constructed, that building would be built on an empty lot in front of Sam’s Club in Harker Heights.

Speaking on that subject, a spokesperson for LongHorn Steakhouse said, “We are always looking at new locations, including in the Harker Heights area; however, we are still early in the process so I don’t have any details to share at this time.”

Darden Restaurants, the parent company of LongHorn Steakhouse along with Olive Garden and other

Mike Bartoszek | Herald

The new Wendy’s restaurant is on Knight’s Way just west of the high school.

restaurant chains, announced that they would have about 40 to 45 openings in the next year, according to Fox Business.

Beyond the steak house, Harker

Heights also has numerous businesses that have opened or are planning to open this year. Some of the beverage and food businesses opening this year include Smokey Mo’s BBQ. The

Austin-based barbecue business held its grand opening in May on Knight’s Way. Craig Haley, president of Smokey Mo’s BBQ, said they were looking forward to meeting their new neighbors and being a part of the fabric of Harker Heights.

The barbecue spot offers service ranging from breakfast tacos to signature barbecue at dinner. That restaurant is located at 529 Knight’s Way. Other new beverage and food service businesses in the area include HTeaO in the Market Heights shopping center, Shipley’s Donut Shop at 109 E. Central Texas Expressway, Starbucks on Jama Drive, south of Harker Heights High School, and Wendy’s, which is on Knight’s Way just west of the high school.

Beyond the food industry, other new businesses that have opened or will open soon include Brakes Plus, Mayo Auto Works and another car wash — all on Knight’s Way, as well as a Hallmark Cards shop in Market Heights.

Mike Bartoszek | Herald Mike Bartoszek | Herald

Mayo Auto Works is under construction on East Knight’s Way, near Mountian Lion Circle.

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Brakes Plus, located on Knight’s Way, had its soft opening in mid-July. The business is epected to have a grand opening in the near future..

Heights housing market continues to lag behind Bell County

By Erin Eskew Herald Correspondent

The housing market in Harker Heights lags behind Bell County, according to data released by the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

The price of homes in Harker Heights has decreased by 3.5% to a median cost of $306,000. This decrease is mirrored in the price per square foot which has decreased 9.4% to $140 per square foot.

Closed sales are down in Harker Heights by 18.2% from the previous year with only 27 homes sold in May, the data shows.

The median price of homes has gone up by 1.2% in Bell County, for a median price of $286,500 reported in May, according to data from the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

Although the price of homes has gone up, the median price per square foot has decreased by 3.2%, for a cost of about $156 per square foot.

Closed sales have increased by 10.3% with 515 homes sold in May. As of the date when the data was compiled, there were 2,406 active listings across the county, which is an increase of 28.9% over the same period in 2024.

Of those listings, 151 were in Harker Heights, which reflects 5.2 months of inventory — up 1.6% over May of 2024.

Inventory has gone up by 1.3% in Bell County, with 5.8 months worth of real estate inventory.

Data shows homes in Bell County stayed on the market for about 79 days, which is a week longer than reported in May of 2024.

Closing time has gone down by two days, with an anticipated 29 days to close.

While the time for closing increased by two days to 31, homes in Harker Heights are on the market for about 49 days, which is nine days less than in May of 2024.

Mike Bartoszek | Herald

Houses are being built in the Heritage Oaks subdivision, in the photo above. Home sales in Harker Heights lag behind Bell County, data shows.

Harker Heights Progress 2025 | 21

After switch to microtransit Hop buses, Heights weighs budget constraints A Hill Country Transit District van drives in front of the Wellstone medical office building, next to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in this recent photo. The new Hop vans have been is use since the transit district introduced the microtransit service in September.

By Dave Miller Harker Heights Herald

Since last fall, Harker Heights residents have seen a transition in their mass transit system — going from large buses to a microtransit system using smaller vans.

Tony Austin, director of public engagement for the Hill Country Transit District, told the Harker Heights City Council in late June that the new system had provided 204,105 riders in 34 weeks, or an average of 3.97 riders per hour, and an average wait time of 13.9 minutes from the time the ride is ordered.

At that time, Harker Heights had seen 11,807 riders and is projected to have 17,996 trips this year.

For the whole area, 397,712 riders are projected for the first year (not including Fort Hood). Last year’s areawide total was just 259,805, Austin said. That number includes rides under the fixed-route service prior to September, and rides on the new microtransit service after the switch.

However, the City Council faces a decision in its budget planning regarding the transit system, also known as the Hop. Basically, if Harker Heights wants better transit service, it is going to have to pay more in the coming fiscal year, Austin said.

Austin, the transit district’s director of public engagement said the district was asking for $65,000 in the coming year. That amount is based partly on population and geographical factors, he said.

For the current year, Harker Heights budgeted just $25,000, which afforded the city only one full-time microtransit bus. Also, the service is limited in area and doesn’t cover some areas in the southern portion of the city.

Austin said if the council allocates $65,000 for the district, the city would get a second full-time microtransit bus and a third bus during peak

22 | Harker Heights Progress 2025

Dave Miller | Herald

times. He also said the district would be able to increase the city’s service area somewhat.

As part of his presentation, Austin ran through several slides showing the increase in ridership since the district introduced its new microtransit service in September.

The system replaced the former fixed-route service, which was suffering from low ridership and high costs.

Austin acknowledged that the new service has had some growing pains, particularly regarding the system’s app.

He said 34% of the trips are canceled because prospective riders aren’t happy with their ride setup after they book it, so they try to rebook to get a better result. Others cancel because of a problem with the wait time, he said.

Austin said the “ride now” button has caused confusion, and the district is trying to educate riders about its function.

Austin also said the HOP is no longer offering non-necessary medical transportation, partly because it was increasing the service’s wait time.

The previous contract required the driver to wait at least 10 minutes for the passenger when offering medical rides.

Austin said they were working on

a solution to the issue of mandated transfers between cities, but that allowing rides between cities on a single bus would increase wait times, which could cause more cancellations.

The city council will take up the funding request when it gets into planning workshops for the FY 20252026 municipal budget in coming weeks.

New Boys & Girls Club location is already making an impact in Heights President of the Killeen Independent School District Board of Trustees Brett Williams, left, presents Abdul Subhani, a businessman and philanthropist, with items for the time capsule at the grand opening of the Subhani Family Clubhouse on Dec. 14.

BY JOSEPH BAHR harker heights HERALD

The 30th location of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas opened in January, and it’s already making an impact on Harker Heights.

Through the first half of the year, the clubs have already served nearly 1,000 youth in Harker Heights through its various programs.

Programs offered by the new Subhani Family Clubhouse, which is located at 200 Nola Ruth Blvd. in Harker Heights, aim to help youth in a variety of areas including academic success, character building, exercise, leadership and mental wellness.

Tiana Quick, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas, highlighted the latter area. “We have many family members that are now able to access care,” she said.

joseph bahr | Herald

The new clubhouse offers a threetiered approach to mental wellness depending on what a youth or family needs.

The first tier focused on prevention, socioemotional learning and self-esteem. “It builds confidence in social

skills,” Quick explained.

The second stage is more targeted with focuses including conflict resolution and peer communication, while the last stage is highly individualized and includes clinical counseling.

The counseling is provided at no

cost to youth and families. “Cost is not going to prohibit a family,” Quick said, explaining that even copays can be expensive.

Beyond mental wellness, there are many other programs available at the clubhouse. In recent months, it has had guest speakers, taken field trips and completed other projects.

Quick described the activities as a combination of education and fun.

“What they learn sticks with them,” she said.

While the clubhouse only opened in January, the idea for the club first started about two years prior.

“It took a good year to really kind of hone in on what the community needed,” Quick said, elaborating that they wanted to address a gap in service.

“We’ve wanted to be in Harker Heights for a long time,” she said.

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Seton invests in high-tech equipment for better medical care

By Lucy Taylor Special to the Herald

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights continues to provide the community with exemplary healthcare in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The medical center is affiliated with Wellstone Health Partners, a multi-specialty physician group that takes pride in caring for patients during each unique phase of life.

Specialties include family medicine, ear nose and throat, general surgery, urology and women’s health and wellness.

Cutting-Edge Technology Seton Harker Heights now offers a new robotic surgery technology, the da Vinci Xi Surgical System, which is used in minimally invasive surgery. Patients can go home within 24 hours of surgery and in many cases go home the same day with the da Vinci Xi System, compared with open surgery, which can have a recovery of up to two weeks.

Not only does the da Vinci Xi result in a shorter hospital stay, the recovery is quicker than standard surgery, meaning patients can return to normal activities faster.

Seton Harker Heights is the first in the region to offer the VELYS RoboticAssisted Solution, a state-of-the-art technology that simplifies total knee replacement surgery. The technology is designed to deliver efficiency and optimize patient outcomes. Advanced orthopedic technologies like the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution helps surgeons perform knee replacement surgery tailored to the anatomy of each patient with digital precision and accuracy.

The robotic-assisted device helps in providing predictable results to improve outcomes, increase mobility and help with faster recovery for patients.

Robotic surgery advancements

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Members of the Seton robotic surgical team stand with the new VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, which performs knee replacement surgery.

are not the only way Seton Harker Heights continues to invest in technology allowing the highest level of care for patients in our community.

This investment includes a state-ofthe-art Siemens ARTIS icono cardiac cath lab to provide emergency cardiac care as well as routine outpatient procedures.

Seton is also investing in women’s services, adding a second mammography machine due to increasing demand. The MAMMOMAT B.brilliant mammography machine utilizes artificial intelligence in addition to 3D technology, advancements that provide more detailed images that can lead to earlier detection.

Award-Winning Quality Care

Seton Harker Heights was recognized with two prestigious honors from The Leapfrog Group, reflecting its dedication to exceptional patient care.

For the tenth consecutive time, Seton Harker Heights earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade. Seton Harker Heights is one of only 19 hospitals in Texas to have 10 consecutive Straight A’s since 2020.

Additionally, Seton Harker Heights was named a Top Hospital for the second consecutive year, a distinction based on excellence in infection rates, surgery outcomes, maternity care and other quality measures.

The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers, is known as the

toughest standard-setter for healthcare safety and quality. The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, practices for safer surgery and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors.

The health system also received a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

This overall rating reflects quality measures for common conditions that hospitals treat, such as heart attacks and pneumonia.

Seton Harker Heights is Joint Commission Accredited and is an AccredPLEASE SEE Seton, 25

Seton from Page 24

ited Chest Pain Center and Advanced Primary Stroke Center. The health system strives to offer the newest methods and best practices in heart care, earning the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain MI Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award for 2024, one of only 80 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

Convenient Care, Close to Home Urgent care provides another important access point to healthcare for patients needing immediate care that does not rise to the level of a life-threatening emergency. Seton Harker Heights continues to partner with Freedom Urgent Care, offering five convenient locations throughout Harker Heights, Killeen Belton and a new location in south Temple.

In addition to urgent care services, this collaboration provides a venue for occupational medicine for on-thejob injuries, vaccinations, physicals, routine medical testing and OSHAmandated exams for employees working in industrial environments.

Seton Harker Heights also has opened a Wound Healing Center to

support an underserved and growing population of people living with chronic wounds.

The center offers patients an individualized treatment plan that may include specialized wound dressings, debridement, compression therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, advanced cellular products and topical growth factors, edema management and/or non-invasive vascular assessment.

Economic Impact In 2024, Seton Harker Heights paid approximately $17.2 million in state and local taxes, supporting schools, firefighters, police, roads and other vital community services. The health system’s annual payroll totaled almost $49.8 million. Additionally, approximately $73,000 was contributed to local sponsorships benefiting the Killeen Independent School District, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Killeen Community Clinic.

Community Partnerships The Seton Harker Heights outpatient therapy program opened in 2016 in partnership with the Armed Services YMCA at the 54,000-square-foot wellness center in Harker Heights.

The program offers patients expanded access to therapy services.

Courtesy

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights recently announced the installation of a second hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) chamber at its Wound Healing Center.

The hospital also collaborates with the Greater Killeen Community Clinic (GKCC) by providing financial support to improve the health of at-risk populations in Bell County.

GKCC offers patients a chronic care management program to treat diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma/COPD. For more information, go to setonharkerheights.net. To find a physician, go to setonharkerheights. net/find-a-provider.

About Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Seton Medical Center Harker Heights (SMCHH) is an 83-bed acute

area hospital that opened in 2012.

The hospital’s mission is to be the community’s premier healthcare system, recognized for exceptional patient-centered care, quality services and respect for those we serve. With quality patient care as a top priority, SMCHH is ready and able to manage all types of medical emergencies in a safe environment with outstanding medical expertise.

Seton Harker Heights offers an array of services such as cardiology, a Level IV trauma-designated emergency room, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedic services and total joint replacement, diagnostic services, wound care and more.

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Seton Medical Center Harker Heights received the 2024 Ardent Cup for providing outstanding and excellent care.

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Nolanville sees year of growth, forward momentum BY roxanne flores SPECIAL TO THE HARKER HEIGHTS HERALD

The past year has been a defining one for the City of Nolanville, a year of thoughtful transition, visible progress and renewed momentum.

Leadership transitions that shape the future In 2024, Nolanville bid farewell to longtime City Manager Kara Escajeda, who served the community with over a decade of visionary leadership.

Her tenure was marked by major infrastructure improvements, grant success, and a deep committment to community connection.

On Nov. 7, 2024, Teresa Chandler was appointed as city manager following her roles as city secretary and interim manager. Chandler brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to city operations.

“This past year has been about honoring where we’ve come from and building on that foundation,” Chandler said. “Nolanville is growing in all the right ways and we’re doing it with heart, purpose and partnership.”

On Nov. 21, 2024, Mayor Andy Williams began his fourth and final term, becoming Nolanville’s longestserving mayor. Under his leadership, the city has emphasized connectivity, smart growth and civic engagement.

Infrastructure and public safety milestones In March, Nolanville completed the Old Nolanville Road Pedestrian Bridge, significantly improving safe access across Nolan Creek and enhancing the city’s trail system.

In June 2024, the city acquired the former CBF & R building, which now serves as the official new home of Nolanville’s Fire Department a major upgrade in visibility and emergency readiness.

In February 2024, the long-an-

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Herald | File

Nolanville planned to celebrate the opening of the Old Nolanville Road pedestrian bridge on July 25. The bridge, which was completed in March, is located south of Interstate 14 on the road that turns into Main Street farther north.

ticipated Nolanville Faith Outreach Clinic was officially completed. In development since 2019, the clinic is a critical addition, offering essential healthcare services that support the well-being of Nolanville residents.

Business growth and local investment Nolanville’s business scene saw a strong surge this year, with both new openings and expansions that reflect the city’s growing appeal. Recent highlights include:

• JD’s Kitchen — A takeout only eatery offering fresh, homestyle meals.

• Squiddles Survival Swim School — An indoor swim facility teaching life-saving water skills.

• Green Apple Smoke Shop — A new retail addition offering lifestyle products and accessories.

• King of the Mountains — A local favorite bike shop expanded its operations to Avenue G, adjacent to Nolanville’s linear skate park, stregthening ties between recreation and retail.

With even more businesses prepar-

ing to open, Nolanville continues to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship.

LOOKING AHEAD

From healthcare and public safety to leadership and local commerce, this year has been a transformational year for Nolanville. With deep community roots and an eye toward the future, the city is laying the foundation for long-term success where growth is purposeful, and progress is people centered.

Nolanville invests in community connection and creativity BY roxanne flores SPECIAL TO THE HARKER HEIGHTS HERALD

In Nolanville, progress isn’t just measured in roads or buildings, it’s measured in relationships, shared experiences, and a deep-rooted commitment to quality of life.

Over the past year, the City of Nolanville has continued to invest in community-focused initiatives and enhance public spaces, bring residents together and inspire lifelong learning.

Projects that reflect community pride From art sculptures around the community to holiday events and youth-led volunteer programs, Nolanville continues to shine as a city where community pride runs deep.

In 2024, the city ramped up its beautification efforts through collaborative partnerships with residents, volunteers and Keep Nolanville Beautiful. Seasonal cleanups and creative public art installations have help enhance the look and feel of public spaces while encouraging civic engagement across generation. These projects reflect the shared commitment to maintaining a clean, attractive and welcoming community.

A major highlight of the year was the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in January. This new city tradition invited residents of all ages to come together in service and reflection, honoring Dr. King’s legacy by giving back to the community through volunteer efforts and unity.

Nolanville’s parks: where community gathers The city’s linear skate park, located near Avenue G, has become a hub of activity for youth and families. With features that encourage both skating and socializing, it reflects Nolanville’s emphasis on spaces that support physical wellness and creative expression.

Improvements to the Nolan Creek corridor and nearby trails have also enhanced walkability and outdoor enjoyment. Whether it’s a weekend stroll, morning bike ride, or family picnic, Nolanville’s parks are welcoming, inclusive, and well-maintained.

Public events held in these spaces, such as the annual Nolanville Train Whistle Jamboree, have drawn large crowds and reinforced the importance of shared experiences in building strong neighborhoods. The Jamboree celebrates local heritage and brings together families, vendors, music, and fun in a unique Nolanville way.

Smart museum: innovation for all ages One of the city’s most exciting and future-forward projects continues to be the SMART Museum. What started as an under-utilized space is now transforming into a community learning hub filled with hands-on exhibits, STEM activities, VR experiences and hydroponics demonstrations.

In 2024-25, the museum hosted field trips, open house events, and interactive learning opportunities for students and families. Local youth volunteers and educational partners have played a key role in shaping, programming that reflects community needs.

Beginning in July, the SMART Museum officially opened its doors for daily public admissions, inviting residents and visitors to explore, learn and innovate year-round.

Creative corner: crafting connection What began as a quarterly series has grown into one of Nolanville’s most beloved recurring programs.

This year, Creative Corner became a monthly, free craft event for families and residents. It provides a space for connection, creativity and quality

An armadillo sculpture made from recycled tires is displayed outside the SMART Museum during an open house in Nolanville earlier this year.

Hamida Botchway | Herald

time proving that even simple activities can have a powerful impact on community bonding.

Each month features a new, themed craft, often aligned with holidays or city events and brings together neighbors of all ages for fun, conversation and a sense of togetherness.

Expanding recreation through new partnerships In 2024, the City of Nolanville entered into an agreement with Lonestar Soccer, officially bringing structured youth soccer programming to the community. The partnership gives local athletes access to professional training, league play and team development right in their own backyard.

Additionally, D-BAT, a well-known baseball and softball training brand, is bringing an 18,000 square foot indoor facility featuring batting cages to Nolanville.

This new addition will provide local athletes and families with expanded recreational options and a dedicated space for skill development.

These new partnerships reflect Nolanville’s long-term commitment

to active living, youth development and year-round recreational opportunities for all ages.

Celebrating together Volunteerism remains central to the city’s success, with individuals consistently stepping up to support programs, events and initiatives.

From Grinch Fest to MLK Day of Service, Nolanville’s events are more than just gatherings, they’re opportunities to build community and strengthen the city’s shared values.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Nolanville continues to grow, its commitment to creative placemaking, civic pride, and lifelong learning remains at the forefront.

With active parks, the SMART Museum opening in July, the new athletic programs like Lonestar Soccer and the 18,000-square foot D-BAT batting facility and monthly events like Creative Corner, the city is investing in more than infrastructure, it’s investing in people.

Nolanville’s heart is found not just in what it builds, but in how it brings people together.

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Nolanville housing market continues to hold steady

By Erin Eskew Herald Correspondent

The housing market in Nolanville appears to be holding steady compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

The median price of homes has increased by 3.4% in Nolanville to $313,200, compared to the 1.2% price increase in Bell County, to a price of $286,500.

However, the number of closed sales in Nolanville is the same as the previous year. The 16 homes sold in May leave 57 listings on the market — 5% fewer than the

same period last year, the data shows.

This leaves 3.9 months of housing inventory in Nolanville, which is 1.1% less than there was at the end of May of 2024.

Closed sales have increased across Bell County by 10.3 percent with 515 homes sold in May. There are 2,406 active listings across the county, which is an increase of 28.9% over the same period in 2024. Inventory has gone up by 1.3%, with 5.8 months worth of real estate inventory.

Although the price of homes has gone up in Bell County, the median price per

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square foot has decreased by 3.2%, for a cost of about $156 per square foot.

In Nolanville, the price per square foot has increased by 4.2% to $181.05 per square foot.

Homes in Bell County stayed on the market for about 79 days, which is a week longer than reported in May of 2024. Closing time has gone down by two days, with an anticipated 29 days to close.

Nolanville homes are on the market for 89 days, which is four days less than last year. Closing times are also five days less in the city, with the average home taking 28 days to close.

roxanne flores | city of nolanville

Homebuilding continues in several areas of Nolanville. The home above is under construction in the Warriors Legacy (Enclave) subdivision.

Home construction is also ongoing in Wildwood Estates.

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Central Texas College marks 60 years of service, growth and impact wish to continue their education.

Articulation agreements with institutions like Texas A&M UniversityCentral Texas and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor allow students to transfer credits easily, saving them both time and money.

By Wendy Sledd CTC chief of Marketing and Communications

For 60 years, Central Texas College has been a driving force in the economic and workforce development of Central Texas.

Founded to prepare students for careers and strengthen local industry partnerships, CTC continues to meet regional needs by building a pipeline of skilled graduates across a wide range of high-demand fields.

Anniversary Celebration Kicks Off a Year of Tribute The college officially launched its 60th anniversary celebration during its annual Open House event on July 19, where hundreds of students, staff, and community members gathered to reflect on the past, honor the present, and look ahead to the future.

The event featured a ceremonial cake cutting, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration of CTC’s milestones, achievements and continued commitment to student success.

Rooted in Community from the Start CTC was officially established in 1965 and opened its doors to students in 1967. Its 565-acre main campus in Killeen was made possible through a land donation by Fort Hood via the U.S. Department of Education. But perhaps most crucial was the unwavering support of the Central Texas community, including local leaders, civic organizations, and citizens, that rallied for the creation of a college that would serve the educational and economic needs of the region.

From the beginning, CTC has been a community-driven institution built by and for the people it serves.

A Regional and Global Reach Serving the western portion of Bell County, Fort Hood, and a 10,000square-mile rural area across multiple counties, CTC’s impact spans far beyond Killeen. The college offers instruction locally, nationally, and

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Herald | FIle

The campus at Central Texas College in Killeen is seen recently.

internationally, with programs on U.S. military installations throughout the country and overseas. Its global reach includes distance education programs primarily serving militaryconnected students and adult learners.

Locally, CTC’s partnerships with Killeen and Copperas Cove Independent School Districts provide dual credit and Early College High School opportunities that allow students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, setting them on a fast track to career or university success.

Programs Built for Today’s Workforce Under the leadership of Chancellor Dr. Michele J. Carter, Central Texas College continues to align its academic offerings with the needs of today’s job market. Students can pursue programs in technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business, public service, and skilled trades, as well as academic transfer degrees designed to launch students toward a four-year university.

From the region’s top-tier nursing

program housed in the CTC Health Science Center to the hands-on training in CTC’s IT Academy, students are prepared not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers. Career skills programs help transitioning service members adapt their military experience into marketable civilian roles, supporting economic mobility and veteran success.

Seamless Pathways to Higher Education CTC’s strong university partnerships open doors for students who

A Holistic Approach to Student Support Central Texas College invests deeply in student well-being through a robust suite of wraparound services. These include academic advising, success coaching, free tutoring, mental health counseling, childcare assistance, a food pantry, career services, and emergency aid. By removing barriers that may disrupt educational progress, CTC empowers students to stay focused and reach their goals in school, work, and life.

Looking Ahead: Welcome to What’s Next As Central Texas College celebrates six decades of transformative education, its mission remains unchanged: to provide accessible, equitable, and high-quality educational opportunities that promote student success, degree completion, and workforce readiness.

With a legacy built on community partnership and an eye firmly on the future, CTC invites the community to celebrate not only where it has been, but where it is going.

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