Harker Height Progress 2023

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 |

| Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

[ Inside this issue ] Heights continues to prioritize commercial development

Page 5

Parks and Rec staff continue hard work

Page 6

Many new businesses open in Heights

Page 8

Heights capital improvement project progress

Page 10

Heights water system achieves highest rating from TCEQ

Page 14

HHPD still sees emphasis on community

Page 15

Harker Heights Fire Department sees changes

Page 16

List of businesses partnering with Heights Chamber

Page 18

Seton hospital strives to offer newest methods

Page 21

Chamber of Commerce brings diversity, charm

Page 22

Local cities continue to see steady sales tax growth

Page 25

Nolanville focuses on SMART Museum, Art program

Page 26

Heights housing market stronger than state average

Page 28

Nolanville plans for enhanced walkability, outdoor projects Page 30 Harker Heights Progress 2023 is a Killeen Daily Herald publication.

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

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 |

Mayor: Heights’ quality of life ‘excellent’ Greetings Harker Heights residents, businesses and visitors, It is truly an honor to serve you as your Mayor of our fine city. As a City Councilmember and now as your Mayor, I have attended many events and I am always struck by mayor’s letter the camamichael blomquist raderie and neighborliness of our city. We live in an extraordinary city only because of our citizenry, many of whom volunteer within the city to make it all it can be.

Harker Heights’ quality of life is excellent, starting with our award-winning public library and parks departments that provide fun recreational programs and learning opportunities for all ages.

Our outstanding public safety officers at our police, fire, and EMS departments serve each day and night keeping our community safe for all. We share an unshakeable bond with Fort Cavazos, and in particular our adoptive unit, the 3rd Calvary Regiment. What an exciting time it is to live and work in Harker Heights!

I will be out and about at events across the city and would love to see and visit with you. Harker Heights’ largest annual event is the Food, Wine and Brew Festival hosted by the Harker HeightsChamber of Commerce. This year’s Festival will be at the Community Park on FM 2410 on September 9.

The Festival will host Texas wines, craft brews, vendors, life

BUy this photo at kdhnews.com

dave miller | Herald

Newly seated Mayor Michael Blomquist poses with Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gina Pence after his swearing-in May 16.

music and more! On the night before the Festival, September 8, the Chamber will host a Tacos and Tequila event at 6 p.m.

We will close out the year strong with Halloween Hoopla, Traditional Tree Lighting at City Hall, Frost Fest, and Christmas Eve Santa on a fire truck tour of Heights!

Don’t forget our Harker Heights Farmers Market is going strong at City Hall until the end of October, too! There is so much to enjoy, so I encourage you to take advantage of all these fun opportunities.

I encourage citizens to learn and get involved in helping make Harker Heights even better! Anyone can attend City Council meetings or apply to the number of boards and commissions that are all run by city volunteers.

The city benefits from your involvement and you get to learn much about your city and how it runs. Boards and commissions not your thing? Want to learn about your Harker Heights Police Department?

| Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

Come attend a monthly Coffee with a Cop event or sign up

to attend the Harker Heights Citizen Police Academy!

There are many ways to be involved as a volunteer in other ways, such as at the Pet Adoption Center, library, City’s Concierge program, parks’ coaching and refereeing, or volunteering on one of the many civic organizations.

Get involved in your community and experience the joy of serving others in the process of making our city better and stronger for all citizens by keeping Harker Heights the Bright Star of Central Texas!

It’s a great time to live in Harker Heights! I look forward to visiting with you soon.

Sincerely, Michael Blomquist Mayor, City of Harker Heights

Heights continues to prioritize commercial development

By Jerry Bark Special to the Herald

The City of Harker Heights has enlisted The Retail Coach to assist in improving commercial growth. The consulting firm has completed several market studies to help maximize the city’s appeal to retail and commercial groups with interest in the region. A Community Dashboard has been created at http://www.retail360. us/harkerheights-tx/.

The City issued four commercial construction permits through April totaling $5,530,000.

Commercial construction completed earlier this year has been Black Bear

Diner and Chuy’s Restaurant. Projects that are scheduled to open by the end of 2023 are the Gambit Family Entertainment Venue, Hampton Inn and Clear Sky Rehabilitation Facility.

Economic development agreements with the city An agreement was entered into between the City and Yellow Lilly, Inc. The city is providing certain economic development incentives to Yellow Lilly pursuant to its authority under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code.

The 380 agreement was for the redevelopment of

Lynn Drive. All structures have been demolished and will be platted by Yellow Lilly for at least 19 duplex lots along the street that is about 740 feet long.

Gambit Social House, which entered into a 380 Economic Development Incentive Agreement with the City on June 8, 2021, asked the City Council for a completion date extension due to a material shortage through December 2023.

Once construction is completed, the 12,000square-foot entertainment venue on East FM 2410 will house a beer tap room, restaurant, eight Escape Rooms, and a 400-squarefoot event space.

The project will also include three outside axe throwing lanes, beach volleyball facilities plus other games and seating areas on the premises.

A Hampton Inn is nearing completion near the intersection of FM 2410 and Interstate 14, across from Carl Levin Park.

It will be the city’s first four-story building; a conditional-use permit from the City was needed to accommodate the extra height. Both Seton Medical Center and Extraco Bank are three-story structures.

The hotel is anticipated to open by the end of 2023.

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 |

Manager: Thankful for commitment to service Dear residents, businesses, and visitors: Harker Heights is a great place to live, and my family and I truly consider it a gift to be here.

In my time as your City Manager, I have had the distinct privilege to meet many of you. I am continuously impressed with the level of community support and participation from all.

I am especially thankful for the commitment to service displayed by your City Council and City staff.

Despite challenges with such things as inflation and part shortages, your Council and staff have worked diligently to maintain service levels.

To counter these challenges, your Council and staff have sought out innovative ways to provide services efficiently, all with a tremendous sense of pride in serving you.

The City’s Vision statement is something that we are passionate about: Providing public services that em-

power people to focus on what matters most — their goals hopes and dreams.

We aspire for the City of Harker Heights to be the place for you to enjoy the things you desire the most! manager’s letter The City condavid mitchell tinues to witness strong demand for commercial and residential development. New residential subdivisions are on the horizon.

Commercial growth within the medical sector has remained a highlight of the city’s development.

New restaurant offerings have opened with more on the way!

All this progress would not be possible without a heavy focus on the supporting infrastructure. There are multiple major infrastructure projects

that are either completed, in construction, or are in the engineering process.

They range from street reconstruction, drainage improvements, sidewalk projects, water upgrades, and wastewater improvements.

The city maintains a high level of quality of life through the excellent programs found through our park and library departments.

These programs are constantly being renewed with offerings ranging all over the spectrum of learning and recreational enjoyment.

I believe that our future is indeed bright in Harker Heights! We encourage all citizens to get involved. Attend council meetings, participate in a board or commission, or volunteer in other ways throughout the community.

Get involved in your city and help write its next great chapter!

David Mitchell City Manager

Parks and Rec staff continue hard work

By Jeff Achee Parks and Recreation director

The Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department’s vision statement is “Creating Community through People, Parks, and Programs.”

Throughout the past year, parks and recreation staff have been hard at work improving quality of life of those in and around the Harker Heights community through strategic planning and public input.

The department manages seven parks that encompass 180 acres of parkland across the City. These facilities include four softball fields, four baseball fields, a 30-acre soccer complex, a community pool, dog park, 18-hole disc golf course, numerous reservable outdoor event faPLEASE SEE parks,

courtesy photo

Young adventurers collect rock specimens along a trail at Dana Peak Park as part of a GoHeights! event sponsored by the Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department.

| Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

parks

A young archer aims her arrow during an archery class offered by the Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department.

from Page

cilities, an Activities Center, a Recreation Center, and more.

Over the last 12 months, staff has utilized information from the 2020 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan and the internally developed 3-year Strategic Plan to increase opportunities for Harker Heights residents to build community.

Four goals were identified during the master planning process that guide what updates are made: a commitment to accessibility, sustainability, conservation, and innovation.

During the strategic planning process, it was identified that the fifth and main priority would be investing in staff as an investment in the community.

This means that staff must be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities required to create community for Harker Heights residents.

Park improvements

The playground at Carl Levin Park, originally constructed with the rest of the park in 1999, will be replaced and will include a naturetheme and more inclusive elements. Construction of the

courtesy photo

new playground will begin in September 2023.

The Purser Family Park playground will receive new shade coverings to protect users from the harsh Texas sun and new shade covers and picnic tables will be added to Goode-Connell Park. Both improvements will take place this summer.

Heights Adaptive Sports

Many programs were forced to pause during the pandemic.

One of our most cherished

jana lynn kilcrease | Herald

A Bell County Master Gardener explains the science behind growing plants during a gardening class at Carl Levin Park’s Community Gardens.

and important programs held the pause button a little longer to ensure that it’s participants would be safe upon return: The Harker Heights Adaptive Sports program.

Consisting of multiple programs for both children and adults with disabilities, Harker Heights Adaptive Sports made its return at the ed of 2022.

In 2023, staff have already hosted an adult wheelchair basketball tournament with teams from across the state of Texas and Arkansas, partnered with Peaceable Kingdom Retreat to offer archery programs for kids and adults of all abilities, and held a bowling program for children with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 5 and 22 through Harker Heights Ability Sports (an HHPRD program within the Adaptive Sports Umbrella.

These programs will continue throughout 2023, with the Ability Sports program conducting pickleball, soccer, and pool parties for their

participants.

The partnership with Peaceable Kingdom will continue to offer archery programs throughout the year at both Harker Heights Parks and the retreat center itself.

PK and HHPRD will also join forces to bring the iCanShine Bike Camp back to Harker Heights this summer.

This program teaches children with special needs how to ride a bike in a weeklong, hands-on camp operated by iCanShine, a national program.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant

In March 2023, the Get Outdoors (GO) Heights program received a $30,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreation CO-OP program to expand its offerings to families and to offer a separate program aimed at getting girls comfortable in the outdoors.

Programs will include educational nature-based programs, camping programs in which all supplies are provided, and more.

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 |

walter lanier | Herald

The parking lot was packed for the opening the new Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant on Central Texas Expressway. The new eatery officially opened July 27.

Many new businesses open in Heights

By Erin Eskew Herald Correspondent

Harker Heights has seen the opening of several new businesses in the past 12 months, with others due to open for business by the end of the year.

The new Chuy’s Harker Heights location opened for business at 700 W. Central Texas Expressway on July 27. The Austin-based Tex-Mex chain is known for its authentic, fresh food, and eclectic design, according to a news release.

Menu favorites include the ChickaChicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and Big as Yo’ Face Burritos.

The local diner features quirky décor, to include an Elvis shrine, metal palm PLEASE SEE openings,

walter lanier | Herald

Patrons enjoy their meals during the first day of business at Chuy’s Tex-Mex in Harker Heights. The new restaurant has seen steady business since it opened its doors on July 27.

| Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

openings from Page

trees, a hand-carved wooden school of fish hanging from the hubcap-covered ceiling.

Pictures of local dogs were collected earlier this year and are featured on the La Chihuahua Bar “Dog Wall.” Patrons who bring a picture of their dog when they dine will get a free appetizer.

“We are so excited to start serving lunch and dinner daily here in Bell County and offer a hometown location for our loyal customers between Austin and Waco,” said Jenn Reid, Chuy’s Harker Heights General Manager. “We look forward to offering our popular Tex-Mex favorites while partnering with this amazing community full of military and healthcare heroes.”

The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and they close at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, patrons can enjoy drink specials and $5 chips and dips during happy hours from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

“There are a number of new and exciting opportunities that the city is currently working,” according to Harker Heights Assistant City Manager Jerry Bark.

Also new to the Harker Heights commercial scene, Black Bear Diner opened earlier this year along Central Texas Expressway in the former Richard Rawlings’ Garage location.

In the personal care category, Elements Massage and About Face both opened for business this year in the city.

dave miller | Herald

Despite several construction delays, Gambit Social House on East FM 2410 is expected to open this fall.

Located in the Market Heights shopping center, Elements Massage offers massages for therapeutic, rejuvenation, recovery, and relief. To help reduce stress, boost the body’s natural defenses, promote healing, or reduce aches and pains, massages can enhance quality of life.

In the same shopping center, About Face is a premier medical spa and wellness center offering treatments for face and body, as well as weight loss services.

Appointments can be booked by phone or online.

Texas Luxe Realty recently opened for business as well, with an office on Pan American Drive.

Looking ahead, ClearSky Rehabilitation should be operational by the end of the summer.

The 30-bed medical rehabilitation hospital is under construction just east of the Seton Medical Center Harker ClearSky Rehabilitation hospital is expected to open its doors along CTE by the end of summer. walter lanier | Herald

Heights on Central Texas Expressway.

Gambit Social House, located east of Community Park on FM 2410, is projected to open in September.

Planet Fitness is also expected to open for business by the end of the year, Bark said.

The city continues to work out the details of what will happen with the parcel of land behind City Hall.

The City Council gave approval for the 3.2-acre to be sold for the purpose of commercial development.

However, the development must be compatible with nearby Carl Levin Park and be available for joint-use by the city.

Bark said the growth and development on the horizon is bright.

“Market Heights is reporting low vacancies,” Bark said. “Harker Heights remains a strong destination for commercial business.”

dave miller | Herald

Pierino’s Pasta & Pizza to Go opened its doors earlier this year. The Italian take-out restaurant is on Cheetah Trail, just off Central Texas Expressway.

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 |

Heights capital improvement projects move forward staff report

The City of Harker Heights has a Capital Improvement Plan, better known as a CIP. The CIP is a planning and fiscal management tool used to coordinate the location, timing, and financing of capital improvements over a multi-year period.

It is critically important and one of the major responsibilities for the City of Harker Heights and the City Council.

The CIP budget is prepared and presented for approval at the same time as the operating budget to assess accurately the impact of a project on operating costs.

It is a working document and is reviewed and updated annually to reflect changing community needs, priorities, and funding opportunities to ensure that the infrastructure exists to preserve and enhance facility assets.

Capital improvements are all around us.

We do not think about it every day, but it’s the sidewalk we walk on, the park at which we meet your friends, even the pipes that carry water that comes out of our faucets.

These are public assets that are maintained by the City of Harker Heights, and they are part of a larger system of infrastructure that affects each person’s quality of life.

courtesy | city of harker heights

The paving of Sun Meadows Drive was one of many street improvements the city made in 2022.

CIP PROGRESS FOR FY 2022-2023 INCLUDES: 2022 Street Improvements

Total Project Costs: $937,400 The following streets are completed and received subgrade concrete stabilizationrehabilitation with hot mix asphalt paving and concrete ribbon curb: • Yuron Trace

dave miller | Herald

Above, a city sign explains the paving project on Wildewood Drive. In the city-provided photo at right, the nearly completed roadway is seen looking from Pioneer Trail southward toward Farm-to-Market 2410.

10 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

• Seminole Trace • Maya Trail • Sun Meadows Drive

2023 Street Improvements

Total Project Costs: $1,033,300 Currently under Engineering and will be let for construction in late 2023. These PLEASE SEE projects, 11

courtesy | city of harker heights

One of the capital improvement projects for the city was the construction of sidewalks along FM 3481, south of FM 2410. The city built sidewalks for pedestrians on both the east and west sides of the roadway.

PROJECTS

City Park, Hampton Inn, and Brake Check.

Road. Culvert and concrete channel improvements at Clore Road, Beeline Road, and Roving Lane will also be constructed

from Page 10

streets include: • Mary Jo • West Valley • Jamie Drive • Verna Lee Blvd. — this area will receive some safety and student crossing improvements.

Widening Warriors Path

The project engineering design is nearly complete and the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization (KTMPO) has approved funding for the project. TxDOT has agreed to an August 2023 let date. Estimated construction timeline of 9 months.

Sidewalk – East and West sides of FM 3481

Total Project Cost: $336,300 Originally broken into three phases for budgeting purposes. The sidewalk is complete on both sides of FM 3481 from Vineyard Trail to FM 2410/Knights Way.

Miller’s Crossing Improvements and Roundabout:

Total Project Cost: $1,150,00 Reconstruction of Miller’s Crossing and possible construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Carl Levin

Warriors Path Phase 2 – Pontotoc Trace to

PLEASE SEE PROJECTS, 12

FM 2410

Total Project Cost: $4,157,600 Widening of the street to two 12-footwide lanes with a 12-foot-wide center turn lane and 8-foot-wide sidewalk. The Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization (KTMPO) has approved funding for the project.

Drainage Master Plan No. 1 – Goode/Connell Park Detention Facility:

Total Project Cost: $1,051,200 This project was identified within the FEMA Phase 2 study. It will reduce storm water flooding in the north part of the City. Project would include a larger regional storm water detention facility at the existing Goode/Connell Park.

Drainage Master Plan No. 2 – Phases 2,3, and 4:

Total Project Cost: $2,402,574 This project was identified within the FEMA Phase 2 study. It will reduce storm water flooding in the north part of the City. Project will widen the drainage channel from Indian Oaks Drive to Clore Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 11

PROJECTS from Page 11

along with storm drainage improvement at Cherokee Drive, Elbert Lane, and Cardinal Lane.

Fuller Lane/Tye Valley Cross Drainage Replacement:

Total Project Cost: $163,900 Remove the existing corrugated metal drainage pipes and replace them with box culverts and reinforced concrete pipes.

Preswick / Cedar Oaks Channel Improvement:

Total Project Cost: $158,600 Replacement of an existing segment of concrete lined channel between Preswick Drive and Cedar Oaks Lane.

Project includes regarding and shaping the channel and lining it with concrete and concrete paving the entrance to the channel on Cedar Oaks.

Roy Reynolds Drive Bridge Abutment Stabilization:

Total Project Cost: $152,100 Nolan Creek has undermined the abutment on the down stream section of the

Roy Reynolds Bridge. The upstream bridge section has been repaired through a grant with Texas Department of Agriculture.

200 GPM Waste Activated Sludge

Replacement of the existing emergency generator equipment with new equipment estimated at 750 kW and replacement of the existing blower equipment with two new 150 HP turbo blowers.

(WAS) Pump/Motor

VFW Lift Station Upgrade

Total Project Cost: $113,500 The WAS pump station pumps the sludge to the aerobic digestor from A Plant and B Plant gravity flow to the WAS pump station. The Treatment Plant is currently at 75% of its design capacity. Original design allowed for a space for a third pump and motor. The additional pump will ad with the current sludge activity — especially during heavy rain events.

Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection System Replacement:

Total Project Cost: $750,000 Involves the replacement of the 17-year old existing system. The Treatment Plant utilizes UV lighting to disinfect the plant effluent before discharging into Nolan Creek.

Wastewater Treatment Plant replacement of Blowers and Generators:

Total Project Cost: $1,580,000

dave miller | Herald

Equipment sits behind fencing at the western edge of the Beeline Drive sewer replacement project. A waterline replacement project is also ongoing in the same area, providing upgraded delivery capability to the older subdivision.

12 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

Total Project Cost: $50,000 The VFW lift station is one of the oldest lift stations in the City. The rectangular concrete wet well requires rehabilitation. The project involves epoxy coating the concrete wet well surface to extend its life.

Basin 15 Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Upsizing:

Total Project Cost: $670,000 With the new ClearSky Medical Facility and other development in that area, the sanitary sewer capacity will exceed the existing trunk sewer main. Portions of the

existing trunk line will be upsized in diameter.

Beeline Drive Sewer:

Total Project Cost: $703,070 Replace the sanitary sewer main and service line laterals from Rebecca Lane to Watson Lane. This is the first project listed on the City’s Sanitary Sewer Overflow Initiative partnership with the TCEQ.

Sewer Rehabilitation

Total Project Cost: $250,000 Repair and replacement of defective sanitary sever lines and manholes as part of an annual program to maintain the sanitary sewer system within the City. The City entered into another 10-year Sanitary Sewer Overflow Initiative with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

PLEASE SEE PROJECTS, 13

PROJECTS from Page 12

1,000 Gallon Hydro-Pneumatic Tank Replacement:

Total Project Cost: $82,000 Replacing the existing 31year old pressure tank that operates the plan reuse water system.

Most of the reuse water that is utilized in the plant goes to the sludge building for operating the belt filter press. Replacement ensures proper operating pressure of the plant reuse system.

Rummel Lift Station Wastewater Capacity Expansion:

Total Project Cost: $2,770,307 Install a twelve inch diameter force main from Granite Trail to Wildewood Drive, upgrade pumps to 1300 gpm each and replace the electric controls.

Water Pump Station Emergency Standby Generators

dave miller | Herald

Pipes, equipment and a city sign mark the location of an ongoing sewer replacement project at the corner of Beeline Lane and Watson Lane in Harker Heights recently.

curb.

Cedar Knob Water Line:

Total Project Cost: $813,000 The 2017 Water Master Plan recommends replacing the existing 6-inch water line with a 12-inch diameter water line.

The limits of the project are Cedar Knob Road from FM 2410 to FM 3481. Once the water line improvements are completed, the street pavement section can be rehabilitated.

Total Project Cost: $3,188,1000 Senate Bill 3 requires water utilities to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans where each water pump station and pressure facility in the system can maintain at least 20 psi during a power outage lasting beyond 24 hours. The City’s five water pump stations will have backup generators.

Bulk Solid Waste Collection:

Beeline Drive Water Line:

Total Project Cost: $44,600 Replacement of the existing dog kennel gates with improved equipment that will include feeding doors and privacy panels.

Total Project Cost: $455,150 The replacement of water line sections that are less than six inches in diameter along Beeline Drive to have a continuous looped six-inch water line. The new waterline will be relocated behind the

Planning, development, improvements, and renovation to the park systems, greenways, athletic facilities, and building within the City. Park improvements are to ensure that existing facilities are rehabilitated and replaced as needed to maintain the park amenities.

Carl Levin Park Playground:

Total Project Cost: $243,900 Replacement of the 1999 existing playground facility at Carl Levin City Park.

The new installation will be all-inclusive with amenities for children with various physical and cognitive abilities.

Total Project Cost: $379,500 Relocation of the Drop Site Center to Amy Lane to include drainage improvements, paved surfaces for the main traffic areas, two access points on Amy Lane and architectural drawings for the Sanitation Attendant Building to be constructed on the site.

Dog Kennel Run Gates:

Miscellaneous Park Projects :

Total Project Cost: $100,000 Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 13

Heights water system achieves highest rating from TCEQ Special to the Herald

The City of Harker Heights is required by the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act to develop a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for the public.

The 2022 Annual Drinking Water Report includes information on the water source, regulated and unregulated contaminants, special health effects language, and information on protecting water quality.

The City of Harker Heights’ main concern is to provide its citizens with high-quality potable water and to deliver an uninterrupted flow of water with adequate pressure in the required quantities while protecting our health and welfare.

“We are recognized as a Superior Water System by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

This is the highest rating available,” said Jerry Bark, Harker Heights’ assistant city manager. “Our drinking water meets or exceeds all federal (EPA) drinking water requirements.” Bark said.

In 2022, the city used 1,812,644,300 gallons of water with an average of 4.9 million gallons running through approximately 192 miles of water mains each day.

The city can also store approximately 6 million gallons of water at a given time. The city’s per capita use for 2022 was 143 gallons per day.

Currently all the city’s drinking water comes from Belton Lake and is pur hased through the Bell County Water Control & Improvement District No. 1.

The full report can be

courtesy | cityi of harker heights

City officials from Harker Heights and Killeen listen to Ricky Garrett (in blue shirt and white hat), director of Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, provide information about the Belton Water Treatment Plant during a tour of the facility on June 28.

viewed by visiting the City of Harker Heights website at https://harkerheights.gov/ index.php/departments/water-and-utility-services

Water Loss Audit results

All public water suppliers are required to publish their annual water loss.

The City of Harker Heights submitted its annual Water Loss Audit to the Texas Water Development Board for calendar year 2022.

The estimated water loss for calendar year 2022 was 190,115,084 gallons of water.

Water loss occurs through waterline leaks, inaccurate water meters, theft, and other causes.

“Be assured that the City of Harker Heights is prepared and is able to provide its citizens with a high quality of potable water while protecting health and welfare for many years to come. The city has passed a Water Conservation Plan to encourage efficient use of water by our residents and businesses,”

14 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

Bark said.

In addition to serving as the city’s source of drinking

water, Belton Lake is used both for flood and conservation.

HHPD still sees emphasis on community

By Bob Massey Herald correspondent

The Harker Heights Police Department saw a continued emphasis on community programs during new Chief Betiale Hawkins’ first full year at the helm.

Hawkins noted that his job as the top law enforcement officer began in August of 2022, succeeding Phil Gadd, who retired after six years as chief.

Hawkins Hawkins said, “The transition has been smooth due to the support of the great people who work with me at HHPD. City leadership and staff plus the backing of the City Council has shown residents that we can overcome any task that comes our way.”

HHPD is authorized to employ 56 officers and 14 civilians. Hawkins said, “Recruiting has been successful and we are in better shape than a year ago. We’ll continue to promote the idea that the HHPD environment alone plus the first-rate officers on staff attracts men and women to graduate from a police academy and then apply for a position with us.”

The department’s Healthy Homes Division links social service organizations and community resources with families and help short circuit the dysfunctional trend in homes before a crime occurs.

Destinee Henderson is the Healthy Homes Division Coordinator and Crime Victims’ Advocate.

She is assisted by Healthy Homes Division Youth

bob massey | Herald

Harker Heights police Community Services Sgt. Dennis McAfee, left, and Community Services Officer Crystal Thomas unload new bicycles from their vehicle to Eastern Hills Middle School in December. The bicycles were shared with students in the Homeless Awareness Readiness Program in Killeen ISD.

Services Specialist Desiraye Torres.

Henderson said that as coordinator, she oversees the program as a whole and primarily assists sexual assault victims.

“We spend Henderson a significant amount of energy making sure that victims and others who need help link up with the most effective agencies available,” she said.

The Healthy Homes Division offers youth services, a Take Me Home program, assistance with crime victims’ compensation, crisis/grief counseling, domestic violence support, a direct link to area resources and an “Are You Okay” program for elderly residents. They are also helpful in finding resources,

including emergency shelter, mental health referrals, homeless shelter, food bank and food pantry and protective order information.

When it comes to situations such as domestic violence, where officers are dispatched to a scene, Henderson explained, “If a suspect is arrested and there is a protective order in place, then we will meet with victims and make ure that what we’re doing doesn’t put them in harm’s way.

“We help with a behind the scenes and after-the-fact role by not interfering with the work of the officers. The only time we would ever appear at a scene is if there are children involved.”

Torres described a “Healthy Home” as a place that is safe where all the basic needs are accessible and met. Health and wellbeing

should also be promoted.

No two homes will ever be alike because of culture and other factors, she acknowledged.

“It allows me to use creative Torres ideas on a larger scale and is motivation to connect with individual circumstances.

It’s our job to help them realize the wide range of assistance,” Torres said.

Torres reaches out and develops back to school programs and services such as Back-to-School supplies donation drives, free back-to -school haircuts, and a Teen Café where students at Eastern Hills and Union Grove middle schools can gather to openly discuss issues that teens face every day.

Officer Crystal Thomas, who has served in the HHPD Community Services Division for the past six years, has been busy over the last several months involved in recruiting with the help of a brand-new pickup delivered last year.

She’s in a time of transition, awaiting the return of Sgt. Peter Quichocho to Community Services in addition to the hiring of a third officer for the office.

“Our goals will continue in the areas of recruiting, making appearances at community gatherings, spending time in neighborhoods plus collecting donations of new bicycles for our Blue Santa program. There is so much to be done and having a third person on the team will get us back to our original mission,” Thomas said.

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 15

Harker Heights fire department sees changes

By Bob Massey Herald correspondent

There were major personnel changes during 2023 in the Harker Heights Fire Department.

After being at the helm as HHFD Chief for the past six years and 7 months, Paul Sims, retired and returned to Conroe, where he is closer to his two sons, daughter-in-law, a grandson, inlaws and other relatives who live in that part of the Houston area.

Sims is living again in the city where he started his career in the fire service.

In Conroe, he has taken on a new position as assistant chief with Montgomery County District # 9-Caney Creek Fire and Rescue.

Hicks said, “Chief Sims was instrumental in the complete renovations of Central Fire Station and Station # 2 in addition to being deeply involved in the planning process for Station # 3, which is yet to be constructed.

Sims has been succeeded by Shannon Stephens, a 24-year veteran of The Colony Fire Department. Stephens took command as HHFD Chief on July 10, after serving as assistant fire chief for The Colony since 2014.

At The Colony, he was responsible for five fire stations and 95 staff members.

He has also been a peer reviewer for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, an Adjunct Fire Instructor for Collin College and served on the Emergency Services Advisory Committee as a board member at Collin College. Stephens is the lead instructor of the Fire Instruc-

bob massey| Herald

Harker Heights Fire Department personnel show off the city’s new tower truck at City Hall last month.

tor III certification course curriculum which includes certifications for Fire Officer III and IV, Incident Commander and Incident Safety Officer.

City Manager David Mitchell said, “We are extremely excited to have Shannon as our next fire chief. He has made significant contributions to fire safety and devoted his life to public service.

“He will be a capable leader who will serve the City and HHFD as we confront the challenges of the future.”

Stephens has a bachelor’s degree in fire and emergency services administra-

Shannon Stephens, left, took over as chief of the Harker Heights Fire Department on July 10. He succeeds Paul Sims, right, who left the city in April. bob massey | Herald

16 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

PLEASE SEE fire, 17

fire

Harker Heights Fire Department personnel respond to a mobile home fire in the area of Ute and Yuron streets in Harker Heights on June 30.

from Page 16

tion from Texas A&M University-San Antonio as well as a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In addition to his educational accomplishments, Stephens has several professional firefighting designations that include the Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, the Fire Chief Executive Officer from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the Certified Fire Executive from the Texas Fire Chief ’s Association, the MIFireE from the Institute of Fire Engineers and is a certified public manager from Texas State University.

Stephens told the Herald that his first day as chief was busy but it was not work. “One of the great things about being a firefighter is that you get to go to work and not have to go to work, if that makes any sense. One of my first impressions was that is the case at HHFD and I want to continue that from me to everyone in the organization.”

During Stephens’ research about the city and the fire department he learned from the website about City leadership and how they interacted with each other.

The amount of data was also impressive. Not all fire departments have that much data but with HHFD, he could tell there was great potential.

“I’m not from Central Texas and am completely new to the area and just coming into the culture of this area of

BOB MASSEY | Herald

the state in comparison with where I’ve been,” Stephens said. “Prior to my first day on the job I made a trip here to meet with the shifts. After meeting with just the first one, I knew I had made the right decision. I’ve got two more shifts to go.”

The HHFD began as a volunteer organization in 1961 and now operates as a full-time Career Department with a staff of 39 crew members in the operations division.

Operations covers 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.

For two years in a row, HHFD also

received the Best in Central Texas in the Killeen Daily Herald.

LEFT: The control panel of the Harker Heights Fire Department’s new tower truck was on public display last month at Harker Heights City Hall. The ladder assembly is extended in the photo at right. bob massey | Herald

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 17

courtesy photo

Elements Massage, in the Market Heights Shopping Center, hosted a Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting event.

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The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Eun’s Cafe, located on Indian Trail, across from the H-E-B grocery store.

List of businesses partnering with the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce since July 2021 TLL Maintenance & Management 2709 San Jacinto Road, Temple Jamaica Perry Realty 821 Cedar Ridge Street, Harker Heights Sheree Lanette Content & Consulting 415 FM 2410 #2652, Harker Heights The Zamore Foundation www.Kzamore.com Harker Heights

202 E. Beeline Lane, Harker Heights Rentals to Go 2606 Atkinson Ave., Killeen Southern Roots Brewing Company 219 N. 8th St., Waco Tilted Kilt 2900 E. CTE, Killeen

701 Sun Meadows Drive, Harker Heights Eun’s Cafe 600 Indian Trail, Ste 101, Harker Heights Mountain View Baptist Church 1400 E. FM 2410, Harker Heights

EPSG / Todd Honohan Cedar Park

O’Connell West PLLC www.oconnellwest.com Harker Heights

AME Movers 2027 S. 61st St., Ste. 115, Temple

St. Joseph Catholic Academy 2901 E. Rancier Ave., Killeen

Parsons Roofing 605 E. Central, Lorena

Tap Tap Art Studios 103 Mountain Lion, Harker Heights

Freedom Urgent Care 2810 Clear Creek Road, Killeen

Big Country Beef Jerky www.bcbeefjerky.com Nolanville

J.A.I.L. Ministry Inc. 211 E. Central Ave., Belton

C&H Hawaiian Grill 200 Commerical Drive, Harker Heights

Hauoli-Socially Inspired www.thehauoli.com Harker Heights

Legendary Eats 111 S. Main St., Nolanville 202 Beeline

EMCTX, Inc. dba Elements Massage Market Heights 210 E. CTE, Ste 670, Harker Heights Heights Athletic Club, LLC

18 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

All Things Possible, PLLC dba Bella Sei Wellness and Beauty Studio PLEASE SEE BUSINESS, 19

BUSINESS from Page 18

300 W. CTE, Harker Heights Spectrum Reach-Media Sales 100 CTE Ste 206, Harker Heights Pink Tulips Cakery www.PinkTulipsCakery.com Harker Heights Phantom Warrior Brewing Company 400 Cheyenne Drive, Killeen Rehab Warriors 262 Carroll St., Fort Worth Black Bear Diner 401 W. CTE, Harker Heights Safe Haven ADT 595 Round Rock West Drive, Round Rock Indiana Tech https://military.indianatech.edu Dallas/Fort Worth Ninja Physio 2304 W. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen Top Value Storage #1 1003 N. 38th St., Killeen On Air Balloon Art Nolanville Todd Smith Performance Food Service 5252 Lucius McCalvey Drive, Temple Tapville Social - Central Texas Mobile Taproom 111 S. Main St., Nolanville Greater Killeen Community Clinic 718 N. 2nd St., Ste. A, Killeen Diamond Nails 2102 S. W.S. Young Drive, Killeen Luxia Jewelers 1801 E. CTE Ste. 4, Killeen MLM Financial Services 602 Silver Creek Drive, Harker Heights

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Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce staff, employees and friends gather in front of Black Bear Diner for a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting event earlier this year.

Girl Scouts of Central Texas www.gsctx.org Apartment Association of Central Texas 445 E. CTE Ste. 4, Harker Heights Centex Mirror PhotoBooth Co. https://www.centexmirrorphotobooth. com Harker Heights Isbell Rentals 1200 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Ste 100, Killeen Harker Heights Police Department 402 Indian Trail, Harker Heights Harker Heights Living 53345 Red Fox Run, Unit 1, Fort Cavazos Income Lifestyle Solutions & Consulting Services LLC http://bbroughtonandassociates.com Harker Heights PLEASE SEE business, 20 Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 19

business from Page 19

Ward North American 703 Progress Drive, Killeen

Killeen Lightdance Photography Harker Heights MCG Homestead Rentals and Sales 105 E. Mockingbird Lane, Harker Heights

Saira Construction LLC P.O. Box 2682, Harker Heights

Indian Oaks Living Center 415 Indian Oaks Drive, Harker Heights

Crumbl Cookies 201 E. CTE Ste 1340, Harker Heights

The Rosewood Retirement Community 5700 E. CTE, Killeen

Island Celcuterie http://islandcelcuterie.com Temple

Pierino’s Italian Scratch Kitchen 440 E. CTE Ste. 104, Harker Heights

Garcia Architects, Inc. 1023 Canyon Creek Drive Ste. 125, Temple Texas Luxe Realty, LLC 581 Pan American Drive Ste 1, Harker Heights Chuy’s Tex-Mex 700 W. CTE, Harker Heights Lone Star Circle of Care 205 E. University Ave. Ste 200, Georgetown Killeen Auto Group 3301 E. CTE, Killeen Orkin Pest Control 5404 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.,

AP Woodworks USA Mustang Trail, Harker Heights Tipzy Rose Mobile Bar Co LLC http://tipzyrose.com Fort Cavazos Harker Heights Rollers, Inc. http://www.rollershh.com Harker Heights Good Merger 2033 Catkins Lane, Harker Heights Educational Outfitters 400 E. CTE, Harker Heights Cosper’s Country Meat Market 2300 E. Elms Road, Killeen Ave Confections Cotton Candy Cart &

courtesy photoS

Synergy Village Executive Suites, at 331 Indian Trail in Harker Heights, had a ribbon-cutting event in June.

20 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

Sweets 4062 Aransas Drive, Belton Boley’s Smart Foundation Repair 3887 Stone Road, Temple Mountain Laurels Housekeeping 4902 Sunrise, Killeen FiberFirst 1900 E. Elms Road, Killeen Cedar Crest-A Behavioral Healthcare System 3500 IH-35 South, Belton AT&T Mobility 201 E. CTE Ste 600, Harker Heights Synergy Village 331 Indian Trail, Harker Heights Harvard Roofing & Construction 110 Church St., Unit 4, Salado Express Employment Professionals 1801 Trimmier Road Ste A-7, Killeen ZRoyal Stay Funished Temporary Apartments 5808-B Redstone Drive, Killeen Darden Financial Strategies http://www.dardenfinancialstrategies. com Horseshoe Bay Texell 17 S. First St., Temple

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Educational Outfitters on CTE in Harker Heights had a ribbon cutting to celebrate its one-year anniversary under new ownership earlier this year.

Seton hospital strives to offer newest methods merce, the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Killeen Community Clinic.

By Lucy Taylor Special to the Herald

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights provides the community with exemplary healthcare in both inpatient and outpatient setting. 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, OB/GYN and urology.

SMCHH offers an array of services such as cardiology, emergency services; a Level IV trauma-designated emergency room; general surgery; orthopedic surgery, including total joint replacement; gastroenterology; a dedicated women’s center; diagnostic services and more.

Award-Winning Quality Care

SMCHH is Joint Commission Accredited and is also an Accredited Chest Pain Center and Advanced Primary Stroke Center. SMCHH strives to offer the newest methods and best practices in heart care. In 2022, the hospital earned the American College of Cardiology’s Chest Pain PCI Accreditation. U.S. News and World Reports also recognized SMCHH as a high performing hospital in heart failure in 2022.

Additionally, for the 7 th time in four years, SMCHH was awarded an ‘A’ grade from the Leapfrog Group’s fall 2022 Hospital Safety Guide.

This national distinction was earned for protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. Only about 30 percent of U.S. hospi-

Community Partnerships

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Seton recently expanded its imaging services with addition of a new, state of the art CT scanner. The CT scanner has improved diagnostic capabilities. and increases our capacity to accommodate scheduled and emergent needs.

tals achieve this top grade.

“The high standards for patient safety upheld by our caregivers and medical staff are a vital part of the clinical excellence we provide to our community,” said Patrick Swindle, SMCHH Chief Executive Officer. “This prestigious award validates our team’s continued commitment to serve in alignment with our mission — to provide quality healthcare in Christian love, service and dignity.”

SMCHH is one of only 62 acute care hospitals in Texas to receive a four-star rating from CMS. This overall rating reflects quality measures for common conditions that hospitals treat, such as heart attacks and pneumonia.

“Receiving these local and national awards reflects the vision of SMCHH — to be the community’s premier healthcare system, recognized for exceptional patient-centered care, quality services and respect for those we serve,” Swindle said.

Convenience

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.

SMCHH continues to partner with Freedom Urgent Care, offering two convenient locations. In addition to urgent care services, this collaboration provides a venue for occupational medicine for onthe-job injuries, vaccinations, physicals, routine medical testing and OSHA-mandated exams for employees working in industrial environments.

Freedom Urgent Care has clinics conveniently located in Harker Heights and Killeen, and a third location is under construction.

Economic Impact

In 2022, SMCHH paid approximately $8.5 million in state and local taxes, supporting schools, firefighters, police, roads and other vital community services.

SMCHH’s annual payroll totaled almost $36 million.

Over $74,000 was contributed to local sponsorships benefiting the Killeen Independent School District, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Com-

The SMCHH 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.

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

The clinic offers patients a chronic care management program to treat diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and asthma/COPD. For more information about SMCHH, 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.

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 21

A large group of runners sets off on the annual Brews & Brats 5K Mug Run last October at the Harker Heights Community Park.

More than 200 participated in the 5K hosted by the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Herald | File

Chamber of Commerce brings diversity, charm Dear Residents and Business Owners, We are delighted to share with you an exciting community update on the positive growth and development taking place in our beautiful city of Harker Heights.

At the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, it is our privilege to support and promote the prosperity of our local businesses and Chamber message residents, and we are thrilled to see the gina pence incredible progress being made.

Fun Fact: Harker Heights has been named one of the Best Places to live in Bell County for the third year in a row.

Allow me to share a few of the key qualities that contributed to the “Bright Star of Central Texas” receiving this accolade:

Economic Expansion

Over the past year, Harker Heights has experienced significant economic expansion, attracted new businesses, and continued to foster a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Our city has become an increasingly desirable destination for industries such as healthcare, trade, specialty retail, hospitality, leisure, and technology.

This growth has not only created numerous job opportunities for our residents but has also contributed to a stronger local economy. The chamber will continue to collaborate on initiatives aimed at expanding local job opportunities and supporting economic growth for all.

New Business Openings

We are delighted to announce the opening of several new businesses in Harker Heights. From charming local boutiques and restaurants to innovative startups, our community is diversifying its commercial landscape. These new establishments bring fresh experiences and

22 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

services to our residents while adding to the vibrancy of our city. We encourage everyone to support these new ventures and experience the quality offerings they bring.

Harker Heights has taken steps to create a business-friendly environment, with initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and attracting new ones. The chamber actively promotes local businesses through various channels, such as PLEASE SEE chamber, 23

chamber from Page 22

our websites: HHchamber.com, DiscoverHarkeHeights.com, HHFoodandWine.com, social media platforms, newsletters, magazine publications and community events.

This increased visibility can help local businesses attract customers and generate growth. The chamber advocates for the interest of local business, offers resources and support services to businesses including access to educational workshops, seminars, and training programs. Connecting our partners through networking opportunities, providing guidance on business development, marketing strategies, and navigating local regulations are just a few more of the benefits offered by the chamber.

Since our last progress update, we have strengthened the organization and proudly welcomed 88 new members to the chamber.

Infrastructure Development

Recognizing the importance of modern and efficient infrastructure, Harker Heights has undertaken several notable development projects. Our city has invested in improving transportation networks, enhancing connectivity, and upgrading public amenities. These infrastructure developments aim to enhance the overall quality of life for our

Herald | file

Members of the Lily Sing’s Hosanna Dance Group perform at the Art in the Park festival in Harker Heights, held in April at Carl Levin Park and hosted by the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce.

residents and create a solid foundation for future growth.

visitors to enjoy.

Revitalization Initiatives

At the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, we firmly believe that community engagement is vital for a thriving city. We have been actively organizing and supporting various events and programs that bring our community together.

From local festivals and charity drives to educational workshops and networking opportunities, these initiatives foster a strong sense of unity and collaboration among residents, businesses, and organizations.

These events not only contribute to the local economy but also help foster a sense of community pride and engagement.

We proudly host the annual Harker Heights Leadership Program Vision XXI. This program has impacted our local community with over $141,681 since its inception in 2013. Each graduating class participant receives continuing education credits from our community partner Central Texas College. Currently the students have earned 2,610 CEU’s from Central Texas College during the leadership course beginning 2021.

April of this year began the class of 2023 with 30 current students to

Community Engagement

Preserving the unique character and charm of our community is a priority for us. Therefore, we are actively involved in revitalization initiatives to breathe new life into key areas of Harker Heights. Our efforts include enhancing public spaces, beautifying streetscapes, and fostering a sense of community pride. Through these initiatives, we aim to create inviting and attractive spaces for residents and Valerie Payson, left, and Tina Capito unveil two of the three benches and four picnic tables near City Hall that the Vision XXI Class of 2022 donated to the city recently. Vision XXI is a Chamber leadership program that began in 2013. dave miller | Herald

PLEASE SEE chamber, 24

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 23

chamber from Page 23

include 15 Harker Heights High School students with a planned graduation in November.

The Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center is proudly hosting and supporting the following events: • Harker Heights Music Series (events scheduled throughout the year) • Harker Heights 5K Mug Run & Kids Fun Run (scheduled various times throughout the year) • HH Tacos & Tequila – Friday, Sept. 8 • HH Food, Wine & Brew Festival – Saturday, Sept. 9 • Hereford Heritage Showcase – Fall 2023 • Fishing for Freedom – September 2023 • Mother Earth News- February 2024 • HH Solar Eclipse Fest – April 2024

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the positive growth in our city, we remain committed to working tirelessly to further enhance Harker Heights. We will continue collaborating with local businesses, government bodies, and community members to promote sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and an exceptional quality of life for all. Together, we can shape the future of Harker Heights and make it an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

We extend our sincere gratitude to each one of you for your support, dedication, and commit-

herald | File

Frank Grocholski, better known as Frankie G., strums a couple of chords on a guitar at the Sounds of Spring Festival at Harker Heights’ Carl Levin Park. The guitarist is an instructor at Music & Arts, which was formerly The Band Room. The festival was sponsored by the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce.

ment to our remarkable city.

We encourage you to stay engaged, explore the wonderful opportunities Harker Heights has to offer, and spread the word about our flourishing community. Thank you for being an integral part of Harker Heights’ positive growth story.

Sincerely, Gina Pence President & CEO Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center

24 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

Heights, Nolanville continue to see steady sales tax growth

By Erin Eskew Herald Correspondent

Harker Heights and Nolanville continue to see steady growth in economic development and sales tax revenue.

Harker Heights sales tax revenue for 2022 was projected at just under $1 million less than the $11,193,921 brought in during the 2021 fiscal year, according to city records. The 2022 fiscal year is projected to bring in $10,482,200, and the following year is projected to bring in $10,1691,800.

“Forecasts are projected at a 2 percent growth each fiscal year,” according to a report developed by the city of Harker Heights. “This process is slightly easier two years after the start of the pandemic, with the 2021 fiscal year being an unprecedented year statewide for sales tax revenue.”

The city’s sales tax revenue in 2021 was almost double the previous year’s $7,733,153.

Nolanville reported sales tax revenue of $1,718,856 in fiscal year 2020 to 2021.

The revenue from 2021 to 2022 is up by just more than $200,000 at $1,959,029. This revenue includes the general city budget, as well as street maintenance and the Economic Development Corporation.

“Sales tax is difficult to predict because many variables impact the amount,” according to a report issued by the city.

“Sales tax revenue increased dramatically in 2017 due to a significant annexation that included commercial properties on the periphery of the city.”

Changes in online sales tax requirements impacted the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

The following year, the COVID-19 restrictions increased the need for delivery services, which caused an increase that surpassed forecasted sales tax numbers and spilled into the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

“In fiscal year 2021-2022, we anticipated a potential decline in online sales given the absence of restrictions, but the exponential growth of the housing market increased retail sales of construction materials,” the report stated. “These dynamics are challenging to determine from comptroller reports, so this analysis

is purely from retrospectively looking at each year’s conditions.”

During the last fiscal year, the comptroller added an amount to each city’s monthly sales tax earnings, but it was not delineated at the local level, according to Marlene Fey, finance director for Nolanville.

“This monthly allocation was lower than the previous month; however, a comparison from month to month is not necessarily an indicator since businesses pay at various frequencies: monthly, quarterly, and annually in some cases,” Fey said. “However, sales tax received in the month of June by the City is actually paid months after it is received by the comptroller.”

The timing in the dip seems to coincide with decreased construction activities earlier this year, Fey said.

“Based on permitting activities, we have seen this return to its usual levels, comparing February and March numbers,” Fey said. “We still anticipate that sales tax amounts forecasted will be reached.”

[ Harker Heights Sales Tax allocations ]

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 25

walter lanier | Herald

A row of cars sits outside a row of shops along eastbound Central Texas Expressway in Nolanville. In the past year, the development has added a Korean restaurant, a cookie shop and a liquor store, with more retail outlets on the way.

Nolanville focuses on SMART Museum, art program

By Madeline Oden harker heights Herald

The City of Nolanville has multiple projects in the works, but the biggest of them all is the SMART Museum, which will near completion of phase one in the fall.

Nolanville Community Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Shidler explained that phase one will be the current museum space and phase two will be a second building for community gatherings and events.

“We want it to be location for not just Nolanville but central texas to come. This is a project that’s been on our minds for a while now,” Shidler said.

The SMART Museum was

madeline oden | Herald

Work continues on the SMART Museum, with completion of the first phase expected this fall. The building is the former JW Sims Community Center.

originally the JW Sims Community Center, which has served as a hub for Nolanville activities since 1978.

With federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, the 45-year-old building was transformed into a learning hub of innovation and

26 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

sustainable technology.

The museum will include elements of professional training, education and recreation. The museum is currently scheduled to include a library space, podcasting rooms and a virtual reality setup, which the city hopes

will be used for professional applications as well as recreation.

“We are hoping it will be a destination for high tech VR, hands on learning, career training and more.”

The SMART Museum is partnering with Texas workforce for VR and career training opportunities as well as Museum Arts in Austin to bring interactive art exhibits to the area.

“We will be working with museum arts for the next year to make sure that the exhibits are up to a standard that will set a pace for what we want everyone to learn,” Shidler said.

Nolanville is also adding color and inspiration to the PLEASE SEE museum, 27

museum from Page 26

city through the Nolanville Public Art Program, which was formed in January 2023.

According to the Nolanville EDC website, the mission of the NPAP is to add value to Nolanville’s cultural, visual, and economic growth through public art.

“It is proven that art enhances the quality of life for all who live near and visit it. It helps to give a community its identity, fosters community pride, and can create a sense of belonging. Nolanville is no exception and has much to gain in these areas by installing these four new art pieces,” the website said.

The program places sculptures and art

pieces around town and along the main roads.

On May 5, four sculptures were unveiled under the Nolanville overpass — lovingly nicknamed the wonderpass by locals.

The city plans to add plaques to each artwork that allows for visitors to learn about the artist and the art itself.

Nolanville has also seen a rise in residents as the city now has around 6,085 people.

“Since January of this year, the City of Nolanville has witnessed a notable surge in its housing and business sectors,” Shidler said.

According to Shidler, Nolanville has granted over 100 certificates of occupancy for new homes within its limits.

These certificates signify the completion of construction projects and attest to the City’s commitment to providing quality

residential spaces for its residents.

Nolanville has also seen new business activity along I-14 and Main Street with the installation of a multi-suite shopping center by the Oldham Goodwin Group.

“New businesses, Love Liquors and Sura Korean and Sushi are the first two to open their doors to Nolanville residents,” Shidler said. “Plans are in the works to fill the remaining suites, but official announcements have not yet been made by those companies.

Other businesses new to the area are the Cookie Plug at 160 S. Main Street, and Legacy Beach Therapy at 202 N Main Street. With these positive trends in both residential and business growth, Nolanville continues to establish itself as an attractive destination for those seeking a thriving community and a place to call home.”

Some road projects still ongoing in Harker Heights

By Jerry Bark Special to the Herald

Two major highway projects were completed that will assist Harker Heights commuters travel more efficiently. The completion of Interstate I-14 and the New Turnaround.

The Texas Department of Transportation is finished the construction of the new turnaround bridge at Interstate Highway 14 and Farm to Market 2410 in Harker Heights.

The goal for the project was to construct a similar

turnaround on the east side of Farm to Market 2410 and will allow westbound traffic on East Central Texas Expressway to turn around at Farm-to-Market 2410 and head eastbound.

FARM-TO-MARKET 2410 The project is tentatively scheduled to begin in June 2024 on FM 2410.

The construction is designed to increase the safety standards on FM 2410 by relocating storm drain headwalls which are currently too close to the edge of pavement.

Utility relocation may need

dave miller | Herald

to occur to accommodate this project.

The road will be repaved from Stillhouse Lake Road to

Simmons Road.

The TxDOT project does not include additional lanes or sidewalks.

ABOVE: Traffic travels along I-14 just east of the Indian Trail exit in Harker Heights. The widening, paving and striping of the interstate is now completed between Harker Heights and the flyover ramp to I-35.

AT LEFT: Roadwork is done on the Farm-toMarket Road 2410 turnaround bridge in Harker Heights in 2022. The west-to-east turnaround was completed last summer and is getting heavy use daily. (BOB MASSEY | HERALD) Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 27

dave miller | Herald

A “sold” sign stands in front of a newly completed house on Prospector Trail in the Cedarbrook Ridge subdivision in south-central Harker Heights. Every new home on the north side of the street has an identical sign in the yard.

Heights housing market stronger than state average

by Erin Eskew Herald Correspondent

The housing markets in Harker Heights, Nolanville, Bell County, and across the state show influences of the national recession, according to data and information from the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

The housing market in Harker Heights is moving slower than the same time last year, but the number of active listings, closed sales, and available inventory shows a steady increase.

In May, the median price of homes in Harker Heights was $335,000, which is up about 3.6% over the previous year, according to data released by the Fort

dave miller | Herald

Homebuilder D.R. Horton advertises the sale of new homes to those passing the sign in the Cedarbrook Ridge subdivision in Harker Heights.

28 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023

Hood Area Association of Realtors.

Both the county and state markets have marked a 3.8% decrease in median home prices, with median values reported at $276,000 in the county and $346,500 across the state, the data shows.

PLEASE SEE housing, 29

dave miller | Herald

A pile of bricks sits in front of a home under construction on Prospector Trail in Harker Heights.

housing: Nolanville market mirrors state from Page 28

“In Harker Heights, closed sales are down compared to last year,” according to Michael DeHart, executive of the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors. “Properties are staying on the market for about 36 days, slightly longer than last year. This is still shorter than the state average of 52 days.”

Harker Heights saw 60 closed sales in the month of May, which is 7.1% higher than May of 2022, the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors reports. This trend is also opposite the numbers reflected in the county, where there was a 3.9% decrease in closed sales this year compared to last year, and a 6.7% decrease statewide.

With 64 active listings as of July 1, Harker Heights has 30.6% more homes this year than last, representing about 1.3 months of inventory, which is half a month more than last year, according to the data. Homes in Harker Heights spend about 20 days more on the market than in 2022, with an average of 36 days listed, and 29 days to close, the association of Realtors found.

Bell County has seen a 179.8% increase in the number of homes on the market compared to last year, according to the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

The 1,133 active listings represent a 1.7-month increase in inventory for an estimated 2.3 months’ worth. Across the state there

has been a 61.5%increase in active listings for a total of 84,026. This represents about 2.9 months’ inventory, up 1.4 months over last year.

In Bell County, homes spend about 52 days on the market and 32 days in closing, which represents a total of 29 more days on the market than in May of 2022, the data shows.

Homes across Texas spend the same 52 days on the market but have taken an average of 34 days to close, representing an increase of 20 days on the market compared to last year.

Nolanville’s housing market more closely mirrors the county and state statistics with a 16.1% decrease in median home prices compared to last year, and with four closed home sales, there has been a 66.7 % decrease in closed sales compared to last year, the Fort Hood Area of Association of Realtors data shows.

Active listings are up 328.6%over last year with 30 homes actively listed in May, and up 5.2 months’ worth of inventory — a 4.7% increase over 2022.

Homes remain on the market an average of 46 days, which is 25 days longer than last year. Closings have taken an average of 23 days, which is 40 days quicker than May of last year.

The total time spent on the market is 15 days less than last year.

“Closed transactions have continued to fall since 2021 reflective of the downturn in the national economy,” DeHart said.

dave miller | Herald

A row of work trucks and trailers sit outside a line of homes under construction along Prospector Trail in south-central Harker Heights.

dave miller | Herald

A home under construction along Propsector Trail is framed out, with exterior insulation, as work continues on the interior.

Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023 | 29

Nolanville plans for enhanced walkability, outdoor projects

By Madeline Oden harker heights Herald

Nolanville may be small, but the city has big plans for bringing more people to the area.

“There are around 59,000 motorists that pass us on I-14 each and every day, and we want to take full advantage of that,” Director of the Nolanville Economic Development Corporation Brian O’Connor said.

With projects like the SMART Museum and the new Nolanville Public Arts Program, Nolanville is off to a great start on achieving this goal.

The city is planning to further connect residents of Nolanille together by focusing on walkablility and connecting the two sides of Nolanville.

“Our connectivity project will connect residents who live along the 439 spur all the way to Avenue G with what we are now calling our downtown district,” said Jennifer Shidler, the community outreach coordinator for Nolanville. “This means improved walkability with more sidewalks.”

Shidler explained one sidewalk that is currently being laid will double as a multiuse path that can be used as a skate park.

Nolanville is embracing the city’s natural beauty with multiple projects and grants focused on outdoor projects.

“That is a big priority for Nolanville — helping underserved residents and enabling them with the tools we can give to

madeline oden | Herald

Sculptures were installed in parts of Nolanville on May 5 as part of the new Nolanville Public Arts Program.

get out and enjoy it,” Shidler said.

The City of Nolanville received a $150,000 small community grant from The Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission in February 2023 to fund improvements of Fox Park located at 603 N. 10th St. The improvements include a playground with universal equipment, a pavilion, a skate park, solar lighting, a butterfly garden, and native landscaping.

“We recently won a waterway grant that can help to keep Nolan Creek clean. That Two brick welcome signs were recently installed at the eastern and western edges of Nolanville along I-14. walter lanier | Herald

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will help us to enhance the recreational ability, adding to the outdoor life and the quality of life for our residents,” Shidler said.

In December 2022, Nolanville was awarded the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Clean Water Act 319 (h) grant. This grant, totaling $581,221.55, will help to provide funding to support the City’s “Nolan Creek Matters” program.

The program’s goals are to help promote the health and well-being of Nolan Creek by adding a watershed coordinator.

“Nolanville is a beautiful community. We are really proud of it,” Shidler said.

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32 | Harker Heights Herald Progress 2023