Progress 2025

EXPLORING GROWTH ACROSS CENTRAL TEXAS

PROGRESS 2025

KDH MEDIA GROUP KDHNEWS.COM

BUSINESS • REAL ESTATE • EDUCATION • HEALTH CARE • MILITARY • RECREATION KILLEEN • HARKER HEIGHTS • COPPERAS COVE • FORT CAVAZOS & SURROUNDING CITIES

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY & INDEX ATTORNEY

CHURCH

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

Carlson Law Firm ........ .inside Back Cover 100 E Central Texas Expwy, Killeen, TX, 76541 (254) 526-5688 www.carlsonattorneys.com

Harker Heights Methodist Church ................................44 208 W Cardinal Ln. Harker Heights, TX 76548 (254)699-6271 www.hhumc.org

St. Joseph Catholic School..................62 2901 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, TX, 76543 (254) 634-7272 www.stjosephschoolkilleen.org

United Healthcare- Freeman Witherspoon .......................13 1711 E Central Texas Exp suite 106A, Killeen, TX, 76541 (254) 449-1273

Texas A&M University Central Texas .....................59 1001 Leadership Place, Killeen, TX, 76549 (254) 519-5423 www.tamuct.edu/

HOME SERVICES

AUTO SERVICE

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Big Zacks Tire Shack ...........13 1001 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, TX, 76541 (254) 634-2746

Sociedad Cultural Hispano-American .............12 (832)971-9406

1112 W Jasper Dr. Killeen, TX, 76542 (254) 526-2600 Ray’s Certified Mechanics ..........................25 1303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Killeen, TX 76543 (254) 690-3776 www.autorepairkilleen.com

BEAUTY Vida Salon......................... .18 2102 SW H K Dodgen Loop Suite 108 Temple TX, 76504 (254) 228-5245 www.vida.salon

BUSINESS Cospers Meat Market ....... .27 2300 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542 (254) 634-9070 www.cospersmeatmarket.com

CHURCH Bible Way Missionary Baptist ............................. .64 2306 S FM 116, Copperas Cove, TX, 76522 (254) 542-2153 www.biblewaymissionarybaptist.com

www.sociedadculthispana.org/contact_us

COMMUNITY SERVICES Families In Crisis ................23 1305 E Rancier Ave. Killeen, TX 76541 (254) 634-1184 www.familiesincrisis.net

EDUCATION Central Texas College ...... .60 6200 Central Texas Expressway, Killeen, TX, 76549 (254) 526-7161 www.ctcd.edu

Training Center of Central Texas ................... .Back cover

455 E Central Texas Expwy Suite 106, Harker Heights, TX, 76548

Killeen Overhead Doors.....39 1505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Killeen, TX 76543 (254) 690-3667

Tutoring Center .................63 3700 S W S young dr suite 111, Killeen, TX, 76542 (254)245-8717

www.killeenoverheaddoors.com

(254) 213-3270 www.centextraining.com

www.tutoringcenter.com/center/killeentx

ENTERTAINMENT Desert Storm Paintball ... .64 401 Farm to Market 3219, Harker Heights, TX, 76548 (562) 235-5533

Copperas Cove Indepentant School District ................. .48 408 S. Main St. Copperas Cove, TX, 76522 (254) 547-1227 www.ccisd.com

facebook.com/Desertstormpaintball316

Nolan Creek Academy ...... .61 505 E Ave C, Belton, TX, 76513 (254) 939-4491 www.nolancreekschool.org

FUNERAL HOME

Phantom Training Center . .03 2309 Roosevelt ave, San Antonio, TX 254-952-7399 www.letsdiveptc.com

AirMax............................... 20 2768 Boys Ranch Rd, Kempner, TX, 76539 (254) 547-2406 www.airmac-aircare.com

Gambit Social House .........24 1405 Knight’s Way, Harker Heights, TX 76548 (254) 449-7909 www.gambitsocialhouse.com

Harper Talasek Funeral Home .....................21 506 N. 38th St., Killeen, TX, 76543 (254) 699-8200

503 N. Main Ave., Belton, TX, 76513 (254) 939-2411 500 W Barton Ave, Temple, TX, 76501 (254) 773-4564 www.harpertalasek.com

Rinehart Real Estate Inspection .............. 15 445 E Central Texas Expy.

Harker Heights, TX 76548 (254) 690-1186 www.realestateinspection.net

INSURANCE Allstate Ira Brand ...............21 2312 E Hwy 190, Copperas Cove, TX, 76522 (254) 547-6300 agents.allstate.com/brand-financialservices-copperas-cove-tx.html

LANDSCAPING AND NURSERY Grizzly’s Hidden Falls Nursery.............................. .19 1101 US Hwy 190, Nolanville, TX, 76599 (254) 394-2189 www.hiddenfallsnursery.com

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY & INDEX BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY & INDEX MEDICAL MEDICAL

RELIGION

SPECIALTY STORE

TRANSPORTATION

Don’s Medical Equipment . .55 . .55 Don’s Medical Equipment 1900 S1900 1st StS 1st St Temple, TX, 76504 Temple, TX, 76504 (254)770-1778 (254)770-1778 www.facebook.com/p/ www.facebook.com/p/ Dons-Medical-EquipmentDons-Medical-EquipmentMobility-100057078266518/ Mobility-100057078266518/

St. Joseph Catholic Church .............................................17 2903 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, TX, 76543 (254) 634-7878 www.stjosephkilleen.org

Continental Battery ...........21 600 E Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX, 76541 254-634-2287 www.continentalbattery.com

Hill Country Transit (The HOP)...........................13

KidZ TherapEZE ....................25 KidZ TherapEZE ....................25 1102 Winkler Ave. Ave. 1102 Winkler Killeen,Killeen, TX, 76542 TX, 76542 (254) 634-8505 (254) 634-8505 www.kidstherapeze.com www.kidstherapeze.com

RESTAURANT

MORTGAGE COMPANY MORTGAGE COMPANY

MasFajitas ..........................12 1908 E Central Texas Expy Ste B Killeen, TX 76541 (254) 699-0006 www.masfajitas.com/killeenmexican-restaurant-location/

SWBCSWBC Mortgage ............... .41 .41 Mortgage ...............

4524 S4524 W S YOUNG DR. STEDR. 101STE 101 S W S YOUNG Killeen,Killeen, TX, 76542 TX, 76542 (254) 634-2822 (254) 634-2822 www.swbc.com www.swbc.com

Mr. Snow ............................25 308 Zephyr Rd #4398 Killeen, TX 76543 www.facebook.com/p/MrSnow-100076273095141/

MUSEUM MUSEUM SaladoSalado Museum & College Museum & College Park .................................. .64 .64 Park ..................................

423 S Main 423 SSt, Main St, Salado,Salado, TX 76571, TX 76571, (254) 947-5232 (254) 947-5232 https://saladomuseum.org/ https://saladomuseum.org/

Papa’s Cafe ........................45 302 Miller’s Crossing #14, Harker Heights, TX 76548 (254)200-1313 www.papas-cafe.com/ Petty’s BBQ......................... 11 510 W Rancier, Killeen, Texas, 76541 (254) 432-7388 www.pettysonline.com

4515 W US 190, Belton, TX, 76513 (800) 791-9601 www.takethehop.com

Main Street Co-op at Florence ..............................21 219 E Main St, Florence, TX 76527 (512) 779-3992 www.mainstreetcooptx.com/ Wells Laundry ......................4 315 38th St. Killeen, TX 76541 (254) 953-4977 www.wellslaundry.com Wild Birds Unlimited ...........6 3122 S 31st, Temple, TX, 76513 (254)314-2002 www.temple. wbu.com/?utm_ source=google&utm_ medium=local&utm_ campaign=localmaps&utm_ content=551

TAX PREPARATION TTD Bookkeeping ..............26 512 2nd St. Killeen, TX, 76543 (254) 526-0111 www.ttdbookkeepingservices.com

REALREAL ESTATE ESTATE Cali Hoban, Realtor ...........55 Cali Hoban, Realtor ...........55 1536 W1536 StanWSchlueter Stan Schlueter Killeen,Killeen, Tx, 76542 Tx, 76542 (254) 681-7032 (254) 681-7032 cali@elevatetexasrealestate.com cali@elevatetexasrealestate.com

SPA Bella Vita Med Spa ........... .57 4400-3 E Cen Tex Exwy Killeen, TX, 76542 (254) 226-3500 www.bellavitamedspatx.com/

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EXPLORING GROWTH ACROSS CENTRAL TEXAS

PROGRESS 2025 Progress is an annual publication of KDH Media Group that focuses on the developments of the past year in the Central Texas communities the Killeen Daily Herald serves.

The section also takes an in-depth look at the changes in store in the year ahead.

This year’s 68-page edition includes news, information, photographs and advertisements that highlight the positive developments in Killeen and its neighboring communities of Harker Heights, Fort Cavazos, Copperas Cove, Nolanville, Florence and Lampasas.

In addition to chronicling developments in the business sector, Progress also features news and analysis from the areas of education, military, local and county government, real estate, recreation and the medical community.

The content for the 2025 Progress edition was created by staff of the Killeen Daily Herald’s editorial and advertising departments, as well as news correspondents and public information officials.

CONTACT US To subscribe, call 254-501-7400.

To advertise, call 254-501-7500.

For the newsroom, call 254-501-7540.

The Killeen Daily Herald is at 1809 Florence Road, Killeen, TX 76541.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE BUSINESS DIRECTORY...........................................4 KILLEEN BUSINESS................................................7 ROLL OF HONOR..................................................28 REAL ESTATE....................................................... 37 HARKER HEIGHTS................................................42 COPPERAS COVE................................................. 46 FORT CAVAZOS................................................... 49 HEALTH CARE......................................................52 EDUCATION.........................................................58 RECREATION.......................................................65 Find more news coverage online at KDHnews.com.

Follow us on social media: facebook.com/kdhnews | x.com/kdhnews

KILLEEN BUSINESS Massive Killeen auto complex nearing completion

BY JOSEPH BAHR KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

The five-story expansion project undertaken by Killeen Hyundai is nearing completion.

All that is left is to put the finishing touches on the new building, according to Joshua Smith, managing partner of Keating Auto Group. Keating Auto Group owns Killeen Hyundai.

While the construction is being finished, Killeen Hyundai has already moved in and started operating out of the property. The new location at 3403 E. Central Texas Expressway is a stateof-the-art facility that offers financing, sales and vehicle service.

The bottom floor, which is encompasses about a 54,000-squarefoot area, houses the company’s sales floor, an area for customers to wait and finance offices.

Behind all of that is a 26-bay service area. Speaking about that, Smith, who has worked in the auto industry for 27 years, said, “That is the nicest shop I’ve ever seen.” The service area is fully enclosed and has air conditioning, which he noted is very nice with how high temperatures can get in the summer. “We’re really excited about that,” he said.

Above that service area are four floors that house a parking garage that can hold up to 400 vehicles.

With five stories and an area slightly more than 281,000 square feet in total, the complex is the tallest auto dealership in Killeen and one of the largest in the entire Central Texas area.

The fourth and fifth stories of the parking garage feature a light-up display area that, once complete, will showcase cars and be able to be seen from the

MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

While the construction is being finished, Killeen Hyundai has already moved in and started operating at 3403 E. Central Texas Expressway. The state-of-the-art facility offers financing, sales and service.

expressway. “It’ll really be a show piece for the town,” Smith said.

Keating Auto Group, which has 32 stores, has only built two of the large parking garages with displays before, and both of those are located in the Houston area, where the company is headquartered. This new display is the first of its kind in Killeen and will be finished in the near future. Some vehicles have already been moved into the tower.

The new tower has the advantage of taking up less space. “They’re not making any more land,” Smith said. He also elaborated that it would

better protect vehicles from weather conditions, such as hail.

Keating Auto Group also owns Killeen Ford, which is just down the road from the new Hyundai building. Previously, those two companies shared aspects, but now they are being separated.

Speaking about the new building, Smith said, “This building will only be for Hyundai.”

That will allow for the old space to be dedicated entirely to Ford. That change, according to Smith, will allow everybody to get better service.

“We want to take great care of people,” he said.

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PHOTOS BY MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

Construction continues on Dave & Buster’s and the other retail space in Anthem Park at 5500 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Killeen.

Dave & Buster’s, Anthem Park remain under construction

BY JOSEPH BAHR KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

The first building in the new Anthem Park complex is expected to open in the summer of 2025, according to a spokesperson for the company.

Signage for the new Dave & Buster’s building recently went up near the road at 5500 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and construction on the building is nearing completion. Major aspects of the exterior have already been completed.

The restaurant portion of the business will offer creative drinks and a food menu crafted by a chef, according to the spokesperson.

The restaurant’s food primarily consists of American cuisine and popular options consist of numerous burgers and chicken wings, which can be ordered with or without bones and come in a variety of flavors including Buffalo, lemon pepper and Korean.

On the entertainment side, Dave & Buster’s plans to have a massive 40-foot high-definition television that patrons can watch at the bar along with more than 100 arcade games for people to play.

It will be an approximately 20,000-square foot building, and construction is being performed by Jerry Kachel Builder, Inc., a Harris County-based contractor that has worked on numerous restaurants.

Dave & Buster’s was the first building

8 | PROGRESS 2025

to begin work at Anthem Park; it first filed for a permit with the city of Killeen in June 2024 and started construction shortly thereafter.

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SPACE

The restaurant and entertainment center is the harbinger of the much larger Anthem Park development, which is supposed to encompass approximately 200 acres, once completed. That new park is expected to bring both commercial and residential buildings to the area and be worth more than $500 million, once completed.

CSW Development, an Austin-based

construction company, is handling the development of the park. Aside from Dave & Buster’s the rest of the park is going to work on horizontal and infrastructure before transitioning to the construction of more buildings. The commercial side of the park is expected to be completed first with the residential following that.

Prior to the Anthem Park project beginning, the site was originally going to be the location of the La Cascata Shopping Village. Much like Anthem Park, it was going to be a residential and commercial hub, but, after years of no development, it was abandoned.

Killeen makes major infrastructure changes

BY KEVIN LIMITI KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

The city of Killeen implemented numerous changes to its infrastructure in 2024.

This included the Hill Country Transit District, commonly known as the HOP, transitioning from a fixed-route service to a micro-transit service.

The microtransit system is based around ridesharing, similar to Uber, for $2 within the city of Killeen for direct transportation to the passengers’ destination. It replaces a traditional fixed-route system with bus stops.

The HOP gave a presentation in early February where it said it intends to redesign its entire transit system by March, purchase and replace its entire fleet, hire a significant number of new drivers and reduce overall cost of service. The presentation compares previous complaints about the fixed route system, i.e. that it’s unreliable, slow, lacking equity and has poor communication, with that of the microtransit service, which it says is much improved.

Some of those improvements, it says, include improved accessibility, reduced wait time, increased federal and local funding and service equity for seniors and people with disabilities.

The last time the HOP gave a presentation at the City Council was in November and it said it was interested in possibly expanding to Stagecoach Road, which would include the Killeen Regional Airport and Texas A&M University-Central Texas.

WATER TOWERS

The City Council approved in January hiring Viking Industrial Painting to provide engineering, renovating and ongoing maintenance to the city’s water storage tanks for $3.8 million spread out over the course of five years.

“Our staff is not equipped to do this level of maintenance, but this level of maintenance is necessary,” Jeffrey Reynolds, executive director of public works, said at the City Council meeting Tuesday. “And as we all know, water is

MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

Road improvements are underway along Bunny Trail in Killeen.

our most important resource that we provide as a municipality.”

In today’s financial market, the city of Killeen’s water storage tanks’ replacement value is greater than $30 million, the city of Killeen said in a presentation attached to the agenda.

The benefits are that these improvements will greatly increase the service life and help increase the return on investment for the water tanks.

It will also, according to the presentation, shift the risk from the city of Killeen to Viking Industrial in the event of an early failure.

SKYLARK FIELD

The city of Killeen held a groundbreaking event at Skylark Field for a new terminal, which was attended by numerous city officials.

“This is a major step forward for Skylark Field,” said Mayor Debbie Nash-King, elaborating that this would improve transportation infrastructure in the city.

The new terminal will be approximately 3,000-square-feet and include numerous different features.

There will be a break room, charging stations, coffee bar, conference room, microwave and vending machines. The new building will also be equipped with

solar panels.

Beyond those attractions, there will also be an area specifically dedicated to pilots in the new building. It will include couches, recliners and televisions.

BUNNY TRAIL

The City Council passed $5.8 million for the reconstruction of Bunny Trail in May. The reconstruction is part of the 2022 fiscal year Capital Improvement Plan.

The project will include roadway replacements, as well as replacements of the curb, gutter, sidewalk and drainage at Bunny Trail’s intersection with Stan Schlueter Loop.

Andrew Zagars, engineer for the city of Killeen, mentioned during a May 7 council workshop that this was something talked about extensively in the news and that the project should take about eight months.

District 4 Councilman Michael Boyd, whose district encompasses the area that will be worked upon, had asked Zagars during the May 7 meeting whether his constituents will experience disruptions.

Zagars said it would mostly be lane shifting and split construction.

“There’ll be just kind of narrowing of the roads as we go,” he said.

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Killeen moves ahead with City Hall bond, ordinances

BY KEVIN LIMITI KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

In early February, the Killeen City Council voted 6-0 to move ahead with a $155 million bond election for a new City Hall.

Council members stressed a fundamental need to educate voters on the bond, which would be decided by voters on May 3.

The existing Killeen City Hall — an aging building with structural issues — is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the original Killeen High School, built in 1923 and renovated to become Killeen City Hall in 1993.

Some of the benefits of a new and bigger City Hall would be the ability to house most of the various city departments into one building, officials have said.

One of the arguments expressed by some council members previously was that the new City Hall would actually save more money in the long run. Costs for a full rehabilitation and redesign, if even possible, would be significant.

A design has not yet been settled on, but several options have been explored that included different modules with surface-level parking and parking garages. All of the potential options were located in downtown Killeen.

City leaders want the new building to go in downtown Killeen — where many city offices are now — to help spur economic activity in the downtown area.

ORDINANCES

The City Council made several changes in 2024 that were significant, including fencing regulations for developers.

Previously, perimeter walls on arterial roads would’ve required opaque masonry, but the new regulations that were approved would require precast concrete on arterial roads and composite fencing on all collector roads.

Arterial roads are major roads that

10 | PROGRESS 2025

carry large volumes of traffic. Collector roads are smaller roads that have less traffic volume and connect to local residential streets.

DONATION BINS

The City Council also approved amending an ordinance that cracked down on garbage being dumped around donation bins.

Former Executive Director of Development Services Edwin Revell gave the presentation to the City Council where he showed photos that had items such as mattresses and other junk collected around donation bins throughout the city of Killeen.

“Specifically, what will be done is currently donation containers are permitted in all non-residential zoning districts, as well as on school and church properties,” Revell said. “We’re going to limit that, such that they would be allowed in non-residential zoning districts.”

He said the exceptions to that would be the university district, cemetery district, neighborhood business district and the historic business district.

The donation bins are used by churches or nonprofits to collect used clothes, blankets and certain items.

The new regulations will pave the way for the city of Killeen to take stricter enforcement actions, according to the presentation attached to the agenda.

MEETING FREQUENCY

The City Council also changed the time and frequency of its meetings from 5 p.m. on the first four Tuesdays of every month to the first and third Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m.

The issue was originally brought forth by Councilman Joseph Solomon because he believed that it would help the staff prepare better.

The Killeen council also approved a short-term rental program in October, which requires short-term rentals — including those from companies like

Airbnb and Vrbo — to register with the city. These rentals will now be required to collect the hotel occupancy tax from their guests.

CAR WASHES

The City Council approved regulations to the car wash industry in the city of Killeen.

The amendments, which modify existing plumbing code, require car washes operating in Killeen to utilize water conservation systems, including conveyor systems equipped with water recycling. It also includes per-vehicle wash limits.

These requirements will potentially be enforced with fines. Compliance plans could be used to maintain the requirements.

Prior to the vote, Councilman Michael Boyd clarified that a plumber would not have to be on-site year-round at the car washes and that inspections would occur once a year..

Fees have also been set. The first offense will be $50, scaling up to as high as $1,000 for the third offense.

MENTAL HEALTH

In February, the City Council approved an expense of $275,000 for mental health services for police, using mostly American Rescue Plan Act funds, federal dollars for COVID relief.

Because of the stress that first responders — including police officers — have to deal with on a daily basis while doing their jobs, having a mental

JOSEPH BAHR | HERALD

Getting Dongjin Semichem to build its first U.S. facility in the Killeen Business Park is one of the Killeen Economic Development Corporation’s biggest accomplishments, Scott Connell said.

health program for the Killeen Police Department is important, Killeen Police Chief Pete Lopez Jr. said.

“I’m truly grateful for this resource,” Nash-King said. “I think it’s much needed for our police officers to have access to this service.”

Approximately $126,000 of ARPA funds would cover the fiscal years of 2024 to 2026 and then subsequently it would cost approximately $148,000 from 2026 to 2029, which would be paid for by city funds.

The contractor being hired is A&L Solutions, which Lopez said would be available 24/7 for immediate treatment by qualified behavior health professionals. They will also provide additional training and consultation.

GROCERY STORE

The search for a grocery store in north Killeen continues with the City Council in September opening up a request for proposals for a grocery store at the 38th Street and Rancier Avenue location.

The city hired Retail Coach, a consulting company, to ask the grocery chains if they would be interested in coming to north Killeen.

Much of north Killeen has been a food desert since H-E-B and IGA pulled out in 2019.

The city has been in talks with the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Oasis Fresh Market for more than a year. Former

Executive Director of Development Services Edwin Revell indicated that Oasis had said it would need at least $8 million to build and outfit a grocery store.

Revell said the grocery stores explained that they needed new residential development.

Revell said there needs to be about 5,000 new rooftops of residential development for a grocery store to be viable. Currently, he said, north Killeen has about 3,500 residences planned, most of those associated with the Anthem Park development, near Skylark Field.

SEMICHEM PLANT

The Dongjin Semichem plant is a $70 million construction project, which is currently under construction in the Killeen business park.

Scott Connell, executive director of the Killeen Economic Development Corporation, said in May they already hired 17 staff and are ramping up the process of testing equipment.

“We really appreciate them and their engagement,” he said.

The plant first began construction in December 2022 after the City Council OK’d an agreement with a South Korean company. It is a 91,000-square-foot facility and Connell said it is one of the most important achievements of the KEDC. “It’s really important,” he said in July.

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Killeen continues to grow and expand

BY KEVIN LIMITI KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Killeen is growing at a rapid rate.

Currently, the city has an estimated population of nearly 168,000.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Killeen is one of the fastestgrowing cities in the country with a population of 167,318.

U.S. News & World Report attributed the growth in Killeen to people coming from across the world to live in the city.

The reason for that, it notes, “is largely because of Fort Cavazos, which brings thousands of military families through the area each year.”

The city has expanded quite a bit to the south, passing rezoning initiatives to add single-family housing to south Killeen.

FEATHERLINE ROAD

The Featherline Road area is one of the sites of potential expansion with an estimated 300 homes set to be built there and more than 300 additional homes likely to follow, with an $11.7 million certificate of obligation bond for improvements to Featherline Road.

Council members Joseph Solomon and Nina Cobb both held a town hall in July 2024 to discuss improvements to Featherline and Chaparral roads.

This ultimately led to Bell County Commissioner for Precinct 4 Louie Minor pressing the Commissioners Court for a four-way stop at the intersection of Featherline and

MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

New home construction continues on Turnbo Ranch in Killeen. The neighborhood has space for nearly 3,000 homes.

Chaparral, where there were safety concerns. In addition, a right-hand-turn lane was also added to the intersection of Featherline and Chaparral by the city of Killeen.

This ultimately was used as a reason for the City Council to vote to approve the 87 acre rezoning at Featherline near Malmaison Road.

The Killeen City Council unanimously approved authorizing a company to design the Featherline Road Reconstruction Project for $1.8 million on Jan. 7.

The Featherline Road project will widen Featherline into three lanes, build

sidewalks, plant street trees on both sides, improve stormwater drainage, build a 12-inch water main and make improvements to the intersection of Featherline and Malmaison roads.

City Engineer Andrew Zagars said Kimbley-Horn, the company chosen to do the work, has done “really good work for us” and he said they will do work quicker than others.

The design for the project will take approximately two years, Zagars said at a City Council meeting.

“We’ve got some issues with the (Army) Corps of Engineers and some other agencies that we’re going to have to do some studies and permitting through,” Zagars said.

Solomon, who pushed hard for improvements to Featherline, said that he was “really excited about this.”

Mayor Debbie Nash-King acknowledged there would be some work ahead of the city, but said that they “took the first step.”

Councilman Michael Boyd said that it was “another fine example of the council prioritizing this project.”

TURNBO RANCH

An approximately 3,000-home subdivision called Turnbo Ranch is

12 | PROGRESS 2025

HERALD | FILE

A car waits to turn from Featherline Road onto Chaparral Road. The city has worked to improve the intersection to address safety concerns.

being built just outside the Killeen city limits.

Approximately 10 homes in Turnbo Ranch are now occupied and numerous more houses are now up for sale.

The development is part of a project known as the Bell County Municipal Utility District No. 2.

Municipal Utility Districts are political subdivisions of the state that allow developers to finance water, sewer and transportation infrastructure through elected boards that levy property taxes from district residents.

Turnbo Ranch resides in the Killeen extraterritorial jurisdiction, and Turnbo Ranch residents do not pay any city taxes. However, they do pay property taxes to the county and the MUD, but unlike the city, the MUD doesn’t have a police or fire department.

The city of Killeen does provide water and wastewater services to Turnbo Ranch as per an agreement when the MUD was first approved in 2013.

Turnbo Ranch residents pay the same water rates to the city as Killeen residents.

At 1,370 acres, the Turnbo Ranch property is massive development that is expected to take years — possibly decades — to finish.

Turnbo Ranch, or MUD-2, has had a history going back to at least 2013 when it was first approved by the Killeen City Council by a vote of 4-3.

At the time, it was considered

controversial for a number of reasons.

At first, it was voted down by the City Council.

But it passed a few months later after council members realized that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality could approve MUD-2 without the consent of the city, forcing it to provide water and sewer services after it petitioned the state through an administrative process deemed “constructive consent.”

Council members at the time, including current Councilman Jose Segarra, argued that approving MUD2 was necessary in order to maintain development control over the extraterritorial jurisdiction.

After it was approved, Segarra called it a “win-win” for the city of Killeen.

As part of the agreement, the city of Killeen built a water tower on land that was either donated or exchanged, which serviced both the city of Killeen and Turnbo Ranch.

The houses appear to be selling for approximately $269,000 to $287,000 for three- and four-bedroom houses, according to Stylecraft Builders, who have listed much of the homes.

Another subdivision, the Preserve at Thousand Oaks, is also currently being developed in south Killeen.

This development, which is 390 acres, will bring approximately 1,200 homes once complete and will include public park amenities.

KDHNEWS.COM I 13

Killeen chamber continues to serve community

BY TANNER CARLSON SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

In 2024, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce continued to serve the community with care and determination to bring the community together with the common objective to grow and expand opportunities for greater prosperity.

The Killeen Chamber was able to resume and even add to many programs and networking opportunities.

Leadership Killeen graduated 26 participants in the 2023-24 program, one of the largest graduating classes in its existence. The graduating class also recognized two honorary graduates, Kent Cagle, Killeen city manager, and Roni Nail, head of the Leadership Killeen Program and program manager for the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce.

The Killeen chamber began its 2024-25 Leadership Killeen year in September of 2024 with 24 participants and is

expected to graduate the current class in May of 2025. Registration for the 2025-26 Class is available on the chamber website.

Leadercast G.H.O.A.T was held on Aug. 28, 2024, featuring a diverse slate of experts who reminded us of our core habits, individually and collectively, shaping how we live, work, and play together. Killeen chamber hosted 130 local attendees.

In May 2025, the chamber is hosting Leadercast Legacy of Impact, which focuses on how leaders can create meaningful change that endures.

Sponsorship opportunities and registration are available on the Killeen chamber website to join us for a full day of keynote presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities designed to inspire and equip you to make a difference in your community and beyond.

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting and welcoming new business to

RICKY CLIMENT | HERALD

USAMM members — including Business Designer Marty Wall, left, CEO Jared Zabaldo, center, and Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, second from right — participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking in May at the Killeen Business Park.

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city. With the help of the Chamber’s Welcome Council and member support of the community, we celebrated 32 ribbon-cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies.

NEW INDUSTRY AND GROWTH

• Dongjin Semichem Texas, Inc., a technology company supporting the semiconductor industry, invested $70 million, creating 17 jobs with an annual average salary of $50,000.

Dongjin purchased 42 acres in the Killeen Business Park from the Killeen Economic Development Corporation to build a 92,000-square-foot threebuilding complex. Killeen is the first U.S. location for the Korea-based company.

The company makes products that will be used in the $18 billion Samsung manufacturing plant in Taylor.

• USAMM began construction of a new facility on a 6.3-acre site in the Killeen Business Park. They currently employ 100 people. USAMM, the “Armed Forces SuperStore,” will have a 25,000-square-foot facility on the site with opening in summer 2025. MGC Pure Chemical began construction on a $125 million expansion of their facility in the Killeen Business Park. It is the single largest industrial investment in the history of Killeen. The project, to support the growth of Samsung Electronics, is expected to be completed in fall 2025.

• Workspace USA has begun construction of a new development in the Killeen Business Park. With partner, Bell County Glass Company, they purchased 4.8 acres from KEDC in Killeen Business Park. The site is at Enterprise Drive and Progress Drive.

It will provide room for Bell County Glass expansion and industrial building development. The niche is to provide buildings under 20,000 square feet that companies can purchase.

The Killeen Chamber/Killeen EDC traveled to attend conferences, trade shows and direct meetings to market the Killeen area. These activities are done as part of recruiting commercial Continued on page 16

MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

Construction continues on a new Goodwill location in Killeen. The new $6.9 million facility, will feature a retail store, donation center and “Community Connect” office at 4901 W. Stan Schlueter Loop. It is expected to open sometime this spring.

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From page 14 and industrial companies to Killeen: Site Selectors in Chicago and Atlanta, Medical Device; Manufacturing in Anaheim, California, new technology companies (Los Angeles) and commercial real estate meetings in Dallas and Austin.

RESEARCH PARK SUMMIT

The Killeen Chamber, in partnership with the Fort Hood Regional Economic Development Foundation, helped organize the Fourth Annual Forge Technology Summit at Texas A&M University-Central Texas that informed attendees about technology development in the Killeen area.

On Jan. 9, 2024, they hosted the Fourth Annual Forge Technology Summit with a sold-out attendance of 120 to hear from keynote speakers Col. Vito Errico, director of Army Software Factory, and Rob Stone, executive director at Operational Test Command, along with two different panels of four additional speakers each.

The Fifth Annual Forge Technology Summit will be held in summer 2025.

AWARD WINNERS

The Killeen chamber held its 91st

Annual Membership Awards Banquet on Sept. 19 to recognize these award winners: Roy J Smith Award: Timothy Hancock, Former Mayor of Killeen Community Hero Award: CPT. Steven Drayton, US Army Large Business of the Year: Trideum Corporation Small Business of the Year: Taco Casa Killeen Nonprofit of the Year: Central Texas Theatre Viva Le Arts Welcome Council Member of the Year: Kevin Thomas, Equitable Advisors Greater Killeen Young Professional of the Year: Anthony Simmons, Boys and Girls Club of Central Texas

RETURNING EVENTS

The Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce continues to grow Flavors of Central Texas, which shows the diversity of different cultures in the local area by trying different eating establishments.

Flavors of Central Texas 2025 will be held at the Killeen Special Events Center in the same format as last year, with the added bonus of food trays being provided to all patrons on April 5.

The chamber hosts Chamber Networking and News every quarter,

which gives members the most efficient way to meet and connect with other business professionals.

The monthly Third Thursday Mixers provide other networking opportunities where a chamber member hosts a networking event at their place of business.

The Military Relations Council and the Public Policy Council continued hosting luncheons.

These included Public Policy Keynote Speakers such as Bell County Judge Davide Blackburn and Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash King in January, Killeen Police Department Chief Pedro Lopez, Bell County Sheriff Department Major Perry Moose, and KISD Police Chief Erik Hydorn in June, Central Texas College Chancellor Dr. Michelle Carter in September, and Senator Pete Flores and State Representative Brad Buckley in December. For the Military Relation Keynote Speakers, we were joined by Major General Kevin D. Admiral in February, Major General William A. Ryan in June, and COL. Lakicia Stokes in November.

The Greater Killeen Young Professionals organize a monthly lunch and learn program, “Our Next Guest…” a continuous series that provides a platform for the Young Professionals to connect with community leaders.

Guest speakers have included Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King, Killeen City Manager Kent Cagle, CenTex Technologies Owner & CEO Abdul Subhani, KISD Superintendent Jo Ann Fey, and more.

ORGANIZATIONAL ADVANCEMENT

The Killeen chamber is proud to announce the advancement of business operations within its own staff.

Markita Walters was promoted within the organization to investor services program manager, Tyler Robert was hired as vice president of economic development, and Lilia Fischer was hired as receptionist. Michelle Fernandez has started her new role as business and human resource manager.

KILLEEN EDC HERALD | FILE

Representatives from about two dozen businesses participate in an event at the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce.

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The Killeen Economic Development Corporation has continued to be busy submitting proposals company growth projects with targeted real estate and

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

In the 12 months since Jan. 1, 2024, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce has added over 30 businesses to its roster.

BUILDING TRADES

AAction Inc. Remodeling and Painting, Property Management Strong Construction and Hail MKJ Roofing Systems, LLC

BUSINESS SERVICES

SCORE Austin, Austin Direct Auto Insurance Riley Enterprises, LLC Carmen G Garcia, Attorney at Law, PLLC

MEDICAL SERVICES

CYBERSECURITY

WebbSecured Renaissance Systems, Inc.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bradley Goins Productions Urban Space Entertainment

MISCELLANEOUS

Central Texas Republican Women PAC H&C Events and Designs

HOUSING AND REAL ESTATE

BOSS Realty Group, LLC Summerfield

ENGINEERING/MECHANICAL Capstone Mechanical

Hillside Medical Group Siddons-Martin Emergency Group Mission Resiliency at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center

CHURCHES

HOTELS

Katie’s Way Plus Texas Veterans Commission

Roni Mac Bar Zaca Restaurant K-POT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot So Natural Organic Restaurant and Market Source: GKCC

community data.

Killeen EDC entered into a performance agreement to support Southern Roots Brewing establishing a new facility in downtown Killeen.

The company is renovating a building to house both beer production and delivery and a casual restaurant.

Southern Roots will be a great addition to downtown Killeen when it opens in late 2025.

In May, Killeen EDC closed on the purchase of 95 acres in south Killeen to develop a new business park. The site, named Wolf Technology Park, is along south Fort Hood Street near Texas A&M University-Central Texas. It is a prime location to attract advanced companies to Killeen.

KEDC will work to advance sales and development of infrastructure for the Wolf Tech Park. Killeen EDC leased 6,000 square feet of office building in Killeen Business Park to S&B Engineers. The company is managing

the construction of the MGC Pure Chemical expansion.

Additionally, KEDC leased 13,500 square feet to Total Impact Connections to operate a call center in the office building in Killeen Business Park.

The following individuals were nominated and approved by the Killeen City Council to serve on the Killeen Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors: Tad Dorroh of BKCW (Chair), Jose Guzman of Oncor Electric Delivery (Vice Chair), Todd Fox of First National Bank Texas(Treasurer), Nina Cobb (Secretary, council member), Mayor Debbie Nash-King (council member), Jessica Gonzalez (council member), Kelly Brown of Cadence Bank.

For a full list of activities and engagements the Killeen chamber was involved with during 2024, or to see what future events and activities that you or your business could get involved with in 2024, go to killeenchamber.com.

Spark by Hilton

MILITARY SERVICES

New Life Village, Killeen Saint Francis Ministries

RESTAURANTS

KDHNEWS.COM I 17

Innovation Black Chamber launches website with AI bot SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for economic empowerment, dedicated to the success of Black-owned, veteran-owned and technology-focused businesses.

Since 2019, the IBCC has cultivated a thriving ecosystem promoting growth through innovative, technology-driven training and resources.

In 2024, the Chamber saw substantial membership growth and empowered members through AI literacy programs while expanding support for veteran entrepreneurs.

The Chamber’s signature “Culture on the Square” events fostered invaluable networking and celebrated community diversity. Through advocacy and partnerships, including continued support from Cadence Bank, they championed supportive policies and secured funding, reinvested into small businesses facilitating substantial financial transactions.

The IBCC’s strategic expansion reached new communities, and it remains committed to providing cutting-edge business education and platforms for strategic marketing, driving economic transformation and empowering individuals and businesses to achieve their full potential.

The IBCC launched a new website in October as part of its end-of-year fellowship and events.

Chief among website innovations is a generative artificial intelligence bot named A.I.Mi.E. that greets visitors on the website homepage.

A.I.Mi.E, is an acronym for artificial intelligence and mindset economics, is one of five new AI bots recently launched by the chamber.

It can answer a variety of questions that prospective members or simply people wishing to learn more about the chamber might have such as how to register a business in Texas, what the benefits of joining the chamber are and what programs the chamber runs.

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JOSEPH BAHR | HERALD

Ronnie Russell, president and CEO of the Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce, speaks at the organization’s gala in August.

Speaking about people visiting the website, Ronnie Russell, president of the Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce, said, “They’re going to be able to use A.I.Mi.E to learn more.” He indicated the bot can handle a variety of inquiries including complex questions.

Beyond A.I.Mi.E, the chamber also launched four other AI programs that are aimed at helping local businesses.

Those programs specialize in time management, risk management, digital marketing and target audience analysis.

While A.I.Mi.E is designed to help anybody visiting the chamber’s website, the other four programs are available to members only as part of a new initiative to help local businesses adopt AI. “It actually creates early adoption,” said Russell, when speaking about the new bots.

Some of the strengths of the programs include knowledge specifically related to Killeen and the surrounding area.

Russell indicated information on city resolutions along with the makeup of the area have been inputted into the programs.

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MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

New homes like these in Heritage Oaks in Harker Heights are going up across Bell County to keep up with the rising population.

Bell County’s budget, population keep rising

BY EMILY HILLEY-SIERZCHULA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

There seems to be no stopping the growth spurt in Bell County’s population, although the county budget remained in the same realm as last year’s.

Bell County’s budget for fiscal year 2025 includes expenditures in the general fund totaling $160,766,183, which is just a touch higher than last year’s

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budget of $160,461,890, according to the county commissioners’ 2024-25 budget presentation.

Although there was not a large change from 2024 to 2025, it’s a different story when compared to the $109 million budget that was passed in 2021. From 2021 to 2025, the Bell County budget saw a percentage increase of more than 47% in less than five years.

The property tax rate of 34.45 cents per $100 in valuation was approved by four commissioners with Commissioner Louie Minor abstaining from the vote on Aug. 12, 2024, at the meeting when the budget was approved. The adopted property tax rate is a 3.20 cent increase from last year’s rate.

“The ad valorem property tax roll of $37,654,000,000 — a 7.94% increase from last year — and the estimated tax revenue of $18,383,481— a 17.02% increase from last year — were also set,” according to FME News Service.

Not surprisingly, both population and property values are on the rise in Bell County.

In 1970, 124,483, people lived in Bell County. In 2023, that number was 393,193, according to the county’s budget presentation that used U.S. Census Bureau data.

In the budget for fiscal year 2025, which went into effect on Oct. 1, 2024, more than 55% of Bell County’s general fund revenues are projected to come from property taxes. Sales tax revenue provides just over 21% of general fund revenue, to the tune of more than $33.8 million.

Multiple countywide projects are expected to be funded in the coming year, most prominent of which includes the continued construction of the county’s Loop Jail expansion.

The county also is taking steps to increase connectivity.

American Rescue Plan Act funds will be used to pay for the installation of 16 new broadband towers and upgrades to 13 existing broadband towers, according to FME News Service in October.

The new towers will be in Troy, Bartlett, Salado and west Bell County.

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Several businesses open as others close doors

BY JOSEPH BAHR KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

A number of new businesses held openings and closings in the Killeen area in 2024.

OPENINGS

The opening of Pollo Campero was one of the highlights of 2024. A lengthy line gathered outside of the store to try the Guatemalan-chicken chain when it first opened in September.

The restaurant is known for both fried and grilled chicken along with numerous authentic Guatemalan beverages, dishes and sides.

Rincón de Panamá was another restaurant that opened in Killeen.

The business had been operating in downtown Killeen for a while, but had to close for renovations for about a year.

With those renovations being finished toward the end of 2024, it reopened and began serving Panamanian food again.

The business was one of the seven the city of Killeen selected to receive federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in 2022.

The area also saw multiple new medical practices expand or open in 2024. Advanced Pain Care held a grand opening for a new Advanced Surgical Center, which increased the company’s footprint in the area and expanded the amount of services it is able to offer.

Nolanville had its first free medical clinic open when the Nolanville Faith

COURTESY PHOTO

Patricia Warden speaks ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Nolanville Faith Outreach Center, which provides free health care.

Outreach Center opened in September.

That facility began offering free care to local residents for a variety of issues such as colds and viruses. The clinic began with a goal of serving approximately 45 people a week, but plans to expand services in the future.

The area also saw a variety of other food, medical and other businesses either open, move or expand in 2024.

Examples in Killeen include Arrow Trailways of Texas, Azura Nail Salon, C&H Hawaiian Grill, Frames and Things, Furniture Zone, New Life Village, Peekaboo Lounge, SEA Market & Bistro, Texas Fadez and The Charming Haven.

Copperas Cove had businesses such

as Copperas Cove Creative Space, Handmade with Love Indoor Market, Melting Pot Beauty Bar, Mojo Coffee, Village Pizza and others open in 2024.

Some new businesses that opened or expanded in Harker Heights included Lone Star Circle of Care, a new Boys & Girls Club location, 88 Ramen Wing, MCG Homestead Rentals and Sales, Modern Appliance, Roni’s Mac Bar and Seton Medical Center.

COMING SOON

Some notable businesses that have or are expected to open in 2025 include: Dave & Buster’s Honest Juicery Nelson Brew Works

JOSEPH BAHR | HERALD

Dr. Mark Malone, center, cuts the ribbon in October at the grand opening of the Advanced Surgical Center in Killeen; Malone is CEO of Advanced Pain Care.

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JOSEPH BAHR | HERALD

Owner Isabel Muñoz, center, holds a plaque presented to her as part of Rincón de Panamá’s grand reopening in December.

Southern Roots Brewing Co. Smokey Mo’s BBQ Spark by Hilton Stones Pizza Joint USAMM

CLOSINGS

Businesses closing down ranged from large national retailers to a variety of local spots. Big Lots began closing its Killeen store at the end of 2024.

That followed the company filing for bankruptcy earlier in 2024 and many of the company’s locations across the United States have closed as a result.

Kelly-Moore Paints, which had locations in Killeen and Temple, closed both in January of 2024. The business, which was headquartered in Irving, announced it was going out of business due to ongoing expenses that resulted from asbestos lawsuits.

Cookie Plug, which had locations in both Killeen and Nolanville, shut down both locations in the spring of 2024.

Prior to its closures, the business sold hip-hop culture-inspired cookies.

Hallmark Restaurant, which has been a staple of the Killeen dining scene for more than four decades, shut down in April 2024 following a fire.

The restaurant, which is known for breakfast and fried fish, has faced

numerous struggles in recent years between the COVID-19 pandemic, a vehicle crashing into it and the fire, but it is expected to reopen in early 2025.

In recent months, both The Art & More Store, a downtown art business, and Firehouse Subs, a multinational sandwich chain, also closed their Killeen locations. It was unclear why Firehouse Subs closed. The art store shut down in December with the owner citing the mental and physical difficulties of running a business.

The Killeen Food Truck Park, located at 3101 S. Fort Hood St. in Killeen, also closed in September 2024, which resulted in those that operated there having to find new places to go to and events to attend.

JANA LYNN KILCREASE | HERALD

Hallmark Restaurant, a Killeen staple, closed in April after a fire but plans to reopen this year.

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MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

Cars line the parking lot in Market Heights. Nearly $34 million in sales tax revenue reached Bell County in 2024, covering about 21% of its revenue.

Bell County brings in more sales tax revenue in 2024

BY EMILY HILLEY-SIERZCHULA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Sales tax receipts have increased every year in Bell County since at least 2014, and 2024 was no exception.

Back in 2014, the county logged $16.9 million in sales tax receipts. Last year, that number was nearly $34 million, according to the county’s budget presentation for 2024-2025.

The county’s sales tax receipts in 2023 totaled $33.3 million; in 2024, $33.8 million is projected.

In the budget for fiscal year 2025, which went into effect on Oct. 1, 2024, more than 55% of Bell County’s general fund revenues are projected to come from property taxes. Sales tax revenue provides 21% of general fund revenue.

Statewide, Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special-purpose taxing districts will receive $1.1 billion in sales tax allocations in January, which is “0.3 percent more than in January 2024,” according to a news release from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, in January.

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So, how do local municipalities fit into the picture? Central Texas showed strong economic signs compared to January of last year. Bell and Coryell counties, along with almost all of the municipalities in the three counties, also reported increases in January compared to the same month last year.

Bell County will receive nearly $2.77 million in sales tax allocations in January, an increase of 1.38% from last year, according to the comptroller’s data.

Killeen is expected to receive about $2.78 million in sales tax revenue, a slight increase of 1.9% from last year.

The $898,668 payment to Harker Heights was a 2.5% increase from last year.

Nolanville’s sales tax revenue decreased by just over 46%, from $278,953 last year compared to $149,561 this year.

Coryell County will receive $308,377, compared to $304,436 in January last year, a 1.29% increase.

Copperas Cove registered a 3.71% increase in allocations; it is set to receive $590,735.

Unemployment rose in 2024

BY JOSEPH BAHR KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Unemployment in the Killeen-Temple metropolitan area rose slightly for most of 2024 before experiencing a notable drop at the end of the year, according to the Labor Market Information Department of the Texas Workforce Commission.

The area began 2024 with an unemployment rate of 4.2% in January.

At that time, there were 186,460 people in the civilian labor force and 7,843 of those were reported as being unemployed.

Over the following months, the unemployment rate rose slightly before peaking at a rate of 4.8% in October and November.

In November, the area recorded its largest number of unemployed people at 9,205. The civilian labor force also grew over the months with it increasing by more than 3,000 from January’s numbers to 189,830 in November.

The number of people employed also increased by about 2,000 from 178,617 in January to 180,625 in November.

That peak in November was followed by a substantial drop-off in December to 4.3%. The numbers for December have not been seasonally adjusted yet.

The number of people unemployed as of December fell by more than 1,000 to 8,068.

The civilian labor force barely

decreased to 189,629 in December and 181,561 of those were reported as being employed, which was an increase of nearly 1,000 compared to November’s numbers.

The unemployment numbers for December did represent a slight increase when compared to December of 2023, when unemployment was only 4.2%.

Examining area cities, Killeen, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights and Temple all finished the year on a positive note with the unemployment rate on the downturn.

In Killeen, the unemployment rate was 4.9% in December. That was a sizable decrease from the 5.6% unemployment rate reported in November, but the area still had the highest unemployment rate among the three cities in Bell County the Labor Market Information Department reported numbers for.

Temple had the lowest unemployment rate in the county at 3.7% in December.

That was a 0.6% decrease when compared to November’s rate of 4.3%.

Harker Heights finished the year with an unemployment rate of 4.2% in December, which was a decrease in contrast to November’s reported rate of 4.7%. In Copperas Cove, unemployment also decrease from 4.8% in November to 4.5% in December. All of the numbers for the individual cities were not seasonally adjusted.

JOSEPH BAHR | HERALD

Job seekers at Elite Nurse Aide Training’s Career Fair on Feb. 7 fill out paperwork with Cornerstone Gardens, a rehabilitation center in Temple.

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Killeen Daily Herald keeps readers informed

BY DAVE MILLER KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Whether the subject is local government, politics, military news or crime, the Killeen Daily Herald consistently offers its readers the kind of timely and accurate information they have come to expect.

As a constantly evolving media company, the Herald keeps its readers informed through a variety of digital platforms, such as its website, KDHnews. com; Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), as well as via the traditional print format.

Through words, photos, videos and graphics, KDH News continues to bring the latest news and information to Central Texas and beyond.

The news organization, which has been in existence for nearly 135 years, has evolved from a small weekly publication to an award-winning multimedia company whose reach extends around the world.

From municipal budgets to school board policy decisions and important military developments, the Herald prides itself in providing the kind of in-depth reporting that explores and explains the issues impacting Killeen-area residents on a daily basis. The Herald also offers comprehensive coverage of local political races — including candidate videos, issue-oriented, side-byside candidate comparisons, campaign finance reporting and coverage of events from the campaign trail. Candidate bios, video interviews, Q&As and updated information on local races of interest can be found at the Herald’s politics site, KDHnews.com/centerforpolitics.

KDH News also has put more emphasis on its digital platforms with expanded video coverage, providing on-scene video reporting at events and breaking news scenes across the community.

At the end of 2024, the Herald had recorded more than 18.73 million page

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HERALD | FILE

The newspaper runs on the press at the Killeen Daily Herald.

views for the year — an average of more than 1.56 million viewers per month.

The year-end total is 5.3 million viewers larger than the total for 2023 — almost a 40% increase.

The Herald recently added Audience Plus, a digital analytics system that tracks online readership of the paper’s content, to better determine audience engagement. Real-time displays showing how articles are being received by online readers help editors craft a data-driven strategy of content creation that better aligns with the interests of the Herald’s audience.

In an effort to encourage reader engagement, the Herald offers a weekly online opinion poll, solicits readercontributed videos and photos, and provides live-streaming of selected news and sporting events via Facebook Live and X. As part of the multifaceted KDH Media Group, the Herald continues to serve the fast-growing Central Texas community with an award-winning daily newspaper and several weekly publications.

In addition, FME News Service — a

The news organization, which has been in existence for nearly 135 years, has evolved from a small weekly publication to an award-winning multimedia company. joint collaboration of the Herald and its sister paper, the Temple Daily Telegram — brings readers a broader spectrum of news, sports and information spanning the coverage areas of both publications.

The Herald’s news app gives users access to its online offerings via their phone, tablet or other mobile device.

The app can be downloaded for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The Herald also offers a free text alert system, providing readers with the latest breaking news via text message.

The Herald’s commitment to timely, thorough and accurate reporting has earned an array of prestigious journalism awards in recent years.

Since 2011, the Herald has been recognized three times as Newspaper of the Year for its circulation category by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. Last year, the Herald continued to add to the more than 120 awards it has

received since 2015, winning six awards from the Texas Managing Editors and eight from the Texas Press Association.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

The Herald also produces three weekly publications — the Fort Cavazos Herald, the Copperas Cove Herald and the Harker Heights Herald — to better serve specific audiences in the community. It also produces several highgloss magazines throughout the year, including an annual Progress magazine, a Newcomers Guide in the spring and the fall, Best in Central Texas, as well as Cove Progress and Heights Progress.

In conjunction with the Temple Daily Telegram, the Herald also publishes a regional magazine called Tex Appeal.

Now entering its 13th year, the highgloss publication features profiles of individuals, groups and businesses that make an impact in their communities.

Since its founding as a weekly newspaper in 1890, the Herald has continued to grow and evolve with the ever-changing Central Texas community.

In the more than eight decades since the military changed the face and future of the community with the arrival of Camp Hood in 1942, the Killeen area has changed dramatically, and the Herald has changed along with it, keeping pace with the needs of the growing region.

“It is exciting to be a part of the growth and development of our area,” said Sue Mayborn, the Herald’s editor and publisher for the past 38 years.

“We take very seriously our role and responsibility of being a credible news source. Through our in-depth news coverage and our strong emphasis on local news, we continue to strive to give our readers the information they need to make informative decisions on matters affecting their lives.”

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REAL ESTATE Low-income senior apartments 25% complete

BY KEVIN LIMITI KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

New senior apartments are coming to the city of Killeen thanks to the Killeen Public Facilities Corporation.

Henry Flores Sr., CEO of Madhouse Development Services, says the Avanti Legacy Parkview apartment project, located on W.S. Young Drive is 25% complete and framing has started.

The Avanti Legacy Parkview apartments are low-income senior projects created by the Killeen Public Facilities Corporation with board members from the city of Killeen government and council members.

Flores also said the Avanti Legacy Westwood, also a senior facility, should begin construction in the second quarter of this year.

The project, which is expected to cost approximately $25 million, will create 108 housing units for seniors. Eight of the apartments offered will be sold at market rate, but the rest will be aimed exclusively at low-income residents in the area — specifically, seniors making 60 percent or less of the area’s median income.

Housing available will be a combination of approximately 600-square-foot one-bedroom and onebathroom units, and about 900-squarefoot two-bed and two-bath residences.

The development, which will be located at 51 N. W.S. Young Drive, could receive a 15-year property tax abatement from the city of Killeen. The abatement is estimated to be worth approximately $600,000.

However, the city retains the option to opt out of the project after 15 years at which point Crimson Bulldog Development — which is overseeing

COURTESY IMAGE

This rendering shows what the Avanti Legacy Parkview low-income senior housing development could look like when built on W.S. Young Drive in Killeen.

the project to build the Avanti Legacy Parkview apartments — would owe the city taxes.

Avanti Legacy Parkview was approved $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for kitchen equipment to the Senior Meals on Wheels program, which is run by Hill Country Community Action Agency.

Another apartment complex near downtown Killeen, Station42, finished constructing all of its buildings during the summer of 2024.

The apartment complex has a long history and was the first project of the KPFC. Station42 was conceived as a way of having affordable apartments near the downtown Killeen area, with 51% of apartments reserved for those making

less than 80% of the area’s median income.

Station42 was sold to the public as a low-income housing development, but it is considered a luxury development as well. It has amenities such as a clubhouse with a foosball table, pool, kitchen and a pool.

With a construction cost of $51 million, it’s the largest residential construction project in north Killeen in decades — a significant boost to the city government’s effort to revitalize the aging sector of Killeen and nearby downtown area.

The developer of Station42, NRP Group, has not previously answered questions related to how many units available are low-income apartments or how many are full-priced.

KDHNEWS.COM I 37

Year ends with strong buyers market in Killeen

BY ERIN ESKEW HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Killeen closed the year 2024 with a strong buyers’ market — compared to the higher prices and longer market times in broader Bell County.

The median list price of homes in Killeen was $219,000 at the end of 2024, a decrease of 2.7 percent over the previous year, according to data released by the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors.

The 112 closed sales in the Killeen housing market this past December represent a 10.4 percent decrease from the same month of 2023, according to the FHAAR. There was an 11.9 percent increase in active listings that month.

The 509 homes on the market supply about 3.6 months of inventory, according to the FHAAR data.

As of December, homes were spending 62 days on the market in Killeen, which is just over a week longer than December of 2023. Closing was taking roughly one additional day over the 27 days reported the previous year.

BELL COUNTY HOME SALES | DECEMBER 2024

KILLEEN HOME SALES | DECEMBER 2024

MIXED DATA IN BELL COUNTY

Overall, home prices in Bell County in 2024 increased by 1.1 percent to $268,000.

Although there was an increase of 10.4 percent in closed sales for a total of 360, there was also a 1.3-month increase in monthly inventory for a total of 4.8 months. At the end of December, there were 1,952 active listings, according to the FHAAR. Across Bell County, homes were staying on the home for about 85 days in December, which is 8 days more than December of the previous year. With 29 days until closing, homes were on the market for a total of 114 days—which is nine days longer than December of 2023.

The median cost of homes in Harker Heights decreased 1.7 percent to $285,000 in 2024. There were 23 closed sales in December, according to the FHAAR, which is 21.1 percent higher than the previous year. The 99 active listings represented a 19.3 percent increase over 2023. The data shows Harker Heights has 3.4 months of inventory.

Although homes were only on the

38 | PROGRESS 2025

market for 57 days — 21 fewer than the previous year — with an average of 42 days to close, Heights homes were spending two more days on the market in December 2024 than December 2023.

COPPERAS COVE

The median price of homes in Copperas Cove increased by 5.5 percent to $222,250 in 2024. Closed sales decreased by 13 percent to 40. The year

MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

For sale signs are placed by new homes in the Heritage Oaks subdivision in Harker Heights.

closed out with 171 active listings, which is a 30.5 percent increase over the previous year.

At the time, Copperas Cove had 3.7 months of inventory. Homes were spending 68 days on the market, and an additional 20 days to close. The average of 98 days on the market is an increase of 11 days, according to the FHAAR.

NOLANVILLE

The housing market in Nolanville also saw an increase of about 14.5 percent in 2024, for an average sale price of $355,000. There was a 33.3 percent increase in the closed sales. The year ended with 66 active listings, which is an increase of 20 percent over the previous year.

At the current rate, Nolanville has 4.5 months of inventory, a decrease of 2.7 percent from the previous year.

As of the end of 2024, homes were spending 119 days on the market in Nolanville, with an additional 26 days to close. The 145 days on the market is about 15 years longer than the same month of the previous year.

KDHNEWS.COM I 39

Permit reports shed light on area’s growth

BY JOSEPH BAHR KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Area cities continue to grow, and 2024 permit data from Killeen, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights provided some information on just how much they are expanding.

In Killeen, 789 new residential permits were issued in 2024, according to information provided by Janell J. Lewis Ford, the city’s executive director of communications and marketing.

The vast majority of those, 652, were for the construction of single-family homes, but the city also issued a few permits for duplexes, multi-family homes and townhouses.

There were 79 duplex permits given out and 54 townhouse permits issued.

Multi-family permits accounted for the smallest portion of permits with only three being issued in 2024.

The 789 residential permits represented substantial growth for the city of Killeen. Last year, there were only 495 residential permits issued by the city, so 2024 saw an increase of 294 or roughly 59%.

The largest increase came in the single-family category; the city only issued 413 of those in 2023. Every other category increased as well.

The number of duplex permits given out more than doubled the 34 issued by the city last year and townhouse permits saw a slight increase from the 47 issued last year. The three multi-family permits issued were also an increase when compared to the one given out the year before.

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PHOTOS MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

New homes are under construction in the Heritage Oaks subdivision in Harker Heights. Houses are also being built in Turnbo Ranch in Killeen.

Aside from residential permits, the city also gave out 35 non-residential, or commercial, permits. That represented an increase of 14 when compared to the 21 non-residential permits issued by the city the year before.

city issued in 2023.

On the commercial side, the city also had a slight decrease in the number of new construction permits. In 2024, there were only three issued, which was less than the six given out in 2024.

COPPERAS COVE

HARKER HEIGHTS

Copperas Cove saw a slight decrease in the number of new residential permits handed out in 2024. The city gave out 318 new residential permits in 2024, according to reports from the city’s Building Department.

That was a slight decrease of 25 or about 7% when compared to the 343 the

Like Copperas Cove, Harker Heights also had a decrease in the number of residential permits given out in 2024.

The city only issued 45 residential construction permits in 2024, according to a report from the city’s Planning & Development Department.

That was a sharp decline compared to the 293 given out in 2023.

The city issued 21 single-family permits and 24 duplex permits. Both of those numbers were a decrease compared to the 219 single-family and 74 two-family permits the city issued in 2023.

The number residential permits issued may have fallen off, but the city did see an uptick in the number of commercial permits handed out.

In 2024, Harker Heights issued nine new commercial permits compared to only two in 2023.

Cost of living rises

BY ERIN ESKEW HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Killeen is the 19th most populous city in Texas, and studies show the metropolitan area retains a cost-of-living 15% below the national average.

Although property taxes have declined across Bell County, the cost of living has increased by about 1.2%, according to a study released by Salary.com. The largest increases were in the areas of food, transportation and housing.

The Killeen City Council unanimously approved a new property tax rate of 65.73 cents per $100 valuation — an increase from the previous rate of 62.08 cents, according to a previous Herald article.

Next year, Killeen is set to bring in $5 million more in property tax revenue than the current budget, but the city of Killeen says this will be offset by the reduction in revenue from the state’s disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, as well as approximately $500,000 less in sales tax and less than $200,000 in revenue from fines.

Killeen is one of a few Texas cities that get reimbursement from the state due to the disabled veterans tax exemption, but the reimbursements don’t cover the full amount of property taxes the city could have collected if the exemption were not in place. The tax exemption is based on Veterans Affairs disability ratings. For example, a veteran with a 100% disability rating does not have to pay any property taxes.

The 2025 municipal budget totals $314 million, with general fund expenditures at $125.3 million, which is $4.7 million higher than the previous year’s budget.

Meanwhile, the Harker Heights City Council unanimously passed an ordinance setting the city’s property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year at 52 cents per $100 valuation.

The new tax rate is a slight decrease from the current Fiscal Year 2024 tax rate of 52.5 cents, which amounts to a tax of about $1,312 on a $250,000 property. With the new rate, there would be savings of about $10 for the same property.

Harker Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist said the 53 cents was the proposed rate, but council members opted to go with the lower rate of 52 cents.

Harker Heights does not receive the state reimbursement for lost revenue from the disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Blomquist said this additional tax burden should not fall on the rest of local taxpayers.

In Copperas Cove, the property tax rate is 66.1043 cents per $100 of valuation.

The Copperas Cove City Council approved funding to help provide competitive police and fire salaries and maintain public services to cover a shortfall in the budget, according to the previous Herald article.

With this property tax rate, the budget will have the necessary funds without reallocating money from other areas, city officials said.

For more information about the cost of living in Killeen, go to: https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/ KDHNEWS.COM I 41

HARKER HEIGHTS Fast-paced year of growth in Harker Heights

BY JERRY BARK SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

2024 was a fast-paced year for the City of Harker Heights with new hires, promotions, and capital infrastructure projects.

The City Council and staff continue to focus on the City’s Vision: Providing public services that empower people to focus on what matters most: Their goals, hopes and dreams.

This past year, voters appointed a new city councilmember to the dais. Shane Hodyniak assumed the Place 2 seat, while Sam Halabi was reelected as the Place 5 councilmember.

Harker Heights voters approved 21 of 23 amendments to the city charter during the Nov. 5 election.

The amendments that failed pertained to eminent domain and with following state law in disqualifying a council member or mayor from office.

Among the proposals that were approved included amendments that change the way the city structures its petition process and recall procedures.

The Harker Heights Parks & Recreation Department established new leadership this past year with Amy Atkins becoming the new Director of Parks & Recreation. Mrs. Atkins becomes just the third director in the city’s brief history for the Parks & Recreation Department.

Longtime city employee, Mark Hyde, was promoted from Public Works Director to Assistant City Manager, and Kristina Ramirez was also promoted and became the city’s first City Engineer. Mrs. Ramirez will oversee millions of dollars of infrastructure projects for the city.

42 | PROGRESS 2025

PHOTOS MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

Brakes Plus is under construction along Knight’s Way in Harker Heights.

City-sponsored programs and events were popular throughout this past year. For example, the City’s Frost Fest event, Fire Department/Lions Club Santa Pal Program, Police Departments Blue Santa Program, and the six- day neighborhood visit from Santa on the Fire Truck were all big hits.

In 2023, the City was able to negotiate and execute an agreement with Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 for wastewater disposal.

The City’s current Wastewater Treatment Plant was required to begin the process of expanding the existing plant. The estimated cost for that expansion was in excess $35 million.

The negotiated agreement allows the city to connect from the Trimmier Lift Station bypass interceptor to the WCID South Plant. The estimated cost for that connection is $15 million, a savings of

$20 million over the original estimates to enlarge the city’s existing plant.

The project will accommodate the City to its build-out population — projected at 45,000 people. The project was let for bid in 2024, and work will begin in 2025.

The City of Harker Heights received the Municipal Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal League. The award, presented during the 2024 Texas Municipal League Annual Conference and Exhibition in Houston, recognized the City for its HH-N-GO initiative.

Harker Heights created HH-N-GO, a Bingo-like initiative that has residents and staff complete tasks associated with each called number on their cards. This creative activity is designed to promote citizen and staff engagement in an enjoyable and interactive manner.

Continued on page 44

Nolanville makes advances in infrastructure, services

BY ROXANNE FLORES SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

The past year has been a year of transformation for Nolanville, with major advancements in leadership, infrastructure and community services.

From historic leadership milestones to improved city services and infrastructure projects, the city is evolving to meet the needs of its growing community.

HISTORIC LEADERSHIP MOMENT

A major milestone was reached when Mayor Andy Williams became the first mayor in Nolanville’s history to secure a four-year term.

Mayor Williams has played a key role in guiding the city’s growth, supporting community initiatives and fostering economic development. His continued leadership promises further advancements and progress for the city.

In November, Teresa Chandler was appointed as Nolanville’s city manager.

Her leadership and dedication have already made an impact, and residents look forward to the future she is helping shape for the city.

OLD NOLANVILLE ROAD PROJECT

Progress on the Old Nolanville Road Project is in full swing. This muchneeded infrastructure improvement is focused on building safer, more connected pathways for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.

As Nolanville continues to grow, improving roadways and pedestrian access has been a priority. This project will expand sidewalks, improve drainage and add designated bike lanes, creating a more pedestrian- and cyclistfriendly environment.

These enhancements will not only provide a safe and convenient route for residents but also encourage outdoor activity and community connectivity.

The city is committed to ensuring minimal disruptions during construction and keeping residents informed on the project’s progress.

These improvements will help reinforce Nolanville as a modern, accessible and connected city.

JULIUS PAVLAS | HERALD

Children play video games at the SMART Museum in Nolanville.

IMPROVED WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Another major advancement in 2024 was Nolanville’s transition to Waste Management services. This change now provides residents with comprehensive curbside waste collection, including trash, recycling, brush and bulk pickup.

The improved waste management system enhances convenience for residents while promoting sustainability and a cleaner city.

SMART MUSEUM HEART OF COMMUNITY

With all of the progress happening in Nolanville, one of the most significant achievements is the continued development of the SMART Museum — the first and only museum of its kind in Bell County.

The SMART Museum serves as a hub for innovation, education and sustainability, offering interactive experiences that inspire and engage visitors of all ages. Designed as a self-paced, technology-driven learning space, the museum challenges visitors to think about technology and the environment in new ways.

Featuring virtual reality, artificial intelligence, hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays, the museum provides an immersive educational experience unlike any other in the region.

In addition to its educational

components, the museum is home to a thriving hydroponic system, where fresh produce is grown and harvested.

This initiative not only promotes sustainable farming but also directly benefits the community, as much of the harvest is donated to local organizations that support food security.

Visitors to City Hall may even find a bowl of fresh tomatoes waiting for them, a simple but meaningful way Nolanville shares its commitment to sustainability and giving back.

ELLISON HIGH SCHOOL VISIT

In November, Ellison High School students had the exciting opportunity to visit the SMART Museum.

During their visit, students explored exhibits integrating sustainability, environmental science and cuttingedge technology. The visit highlighted Nolanville’s commitment to empowering the next generation through innovative education.

LOOKING AHEAD

The city plans to continue to move forward with exciting opportunities for residents and future generations.

As residents in Nolanville reflect on 2024, they can celebrate how far they’ve come and look forward to even greater things ahead.

KDHNEWS.COM I 43

Florence voters elect trusted faces to oversee growing city

BY EMILY HILLEY-SIERZCHULA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

In Florence’s municipal election, Mary Condon, Forrest Hyde and Ben Daniel were elected by voters to the city council, but they are not strangers to city leadership.

Condon, in particular, has served the city since 1995, including many years as its mayor. Hyde was a P&Z commissioner prior to being elected to the council in May of last year.

Daniel, who was the chairman of the city’s planning and zoning commission, ran unopposed for the mayoral seat.

Condon is mayor pro tem on the council.

Aldermen Lesa Ragsdale has served since 2012; Denise Deichmann, since 2022. Mike Harrell was elected in 2023.

The terms of Ragsdale, Deichmann and

Harrell all expire in May. The city of about 1,200 residents in northwestern Williamson County, south of Killeen, has been revitalizing its downtown area and also encouraging tourists to visit the nearby Gault School of Archaeological Research, which is at an ancient Native American site.

FLORENCE ISD

Florence Independent School District voters approved a total of $53.8 million in back-to-back bond packages to pay for a new elementary school, a band hall at the high school along with other improvements.

A few years ago, on May 7, 2022, voters approved a $49.3 million two-part bond package with 772 voters in support and 464 voters against it, according to results from the prior election.

From page 42

Harker Heights Mayor Michael Blomquist taps a ceremonial firkin, kicking off the Harker Heights Food, Wine & Brew Festival on Sept. 14.

ON THE HORIZON

City Council elections will take place in May for the appointment of City Council Place 1 and Place 3. Currently sitting at the council dais at Place 1 is Jennifer McCann and at Place 3 is Tony Canterino. McCann is serving her second full term and will not be eligible for reelection. Canterino is completing his first term and is eligible for reelection. Election information can be found at https://harkerheights.gov/ elections/may-3-2025-general-election.

The city has launched its newest Transparency Center Platform.

This platform allows staff to provide

44 | PROGRESS 2025

In May 2024, Florence voters approved a bond package, this time for $4.5 million that will be used to cover an expected shortfall in funding for the completion of the new elementary school.

Since then, it’s been full steam ahead and some projects already are in the rearview mirror.

“I want to personally thank the Florence ISD community for their support of both bonds that allowed us to complete the new field house and band hall at FHS and the ongoing construction of the new elementary campus,” Superintendent Rick Kirkpatrick said in December.

Construction is ongoing at the Florence Elementary School campus, which is located at the intersection of North Patterson Avenue and East Tomlinson Street.

MIKE BARTOSZEK | HERALD

financial/budget information in a more easily understood format. This is a cloud-based budget software program and can be accessed by visiting https:// harkerheights.cleargov.com/ The Transparency Center Platform will have a snapshot of the budget overview, revenues, expenditures, demographics, and debt services.

For a more in-depth look at the FY 24-25 Adopted Budget, please visit https://city-harker-heights-tx-budgetbook.cleargov.com/18770/introduction/ senate-bill-656-requirement The FY 2025 budget has $13,020,400 in capital project expenditures. These are new as well as carryover projects from previous fiscal years. The following are some of the major projects proposed:

• Warrior’s Path Phase 2 • Chaparral Road Upgrade • UV Disinfection System Replacement • 2024 Annual Street Improvements • Emergency Generators • Splash Pad at Kern Park Each city department also develops objectives for FY 2025. Here are a few of those objectives: • Utilization of new HR software for retention and recruitment of employees.

• Re-implementation of the community wildfire mitigation project.

• Deployment of new phone system.

• Annual review of Parks & Recreation strategic plan.

• Manage and update sections of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Implement Heights Watch program.

Heights chamber helps businesses grow

BY REBEKAH MOON SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

As we close out another remarkable year and begin a new one, the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce is proud to reflect on the successes, events, and initiatives that shaped 2024. From engaging networking opportunities to largescale community celebrations, this year has been filled with growth, collaboration and meaningful impact.

STRENGTHENING MILITARY AND COMMUNITY TIES

The HHCC’s Military Affairs Committee kicked off the year with a Fish Fry in March at Big Hoss BBQ, providing a valuable networking and social opportunity for members of Fort Cavazos. Additionally, Fishing for Freedom in September saw approximately 300 bags distributed to participants as anglers took active-duty soldiers and veterans out for a day of fishing and camaraderie.

Supporting military families remains a top priority for the Harker Heights Chamber through the Military Families Advisory Network pickup location and welcome bags distributed to Fort Cavazos families arriving in the city.

SIGNATURE EVENTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

LEADERSHIP CHANGES

On Sept. 9, the chamber welcomed a new President & CEO, Rebekah Moon, who brings a fresh perspective and commitment to advancing the chamber’s mission.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: 2025 COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

In February 2025, the HHCC proudly hosted the Community Celebration, themed “Soaring to New Heights.” With around 300 attendees, the event recognized outstanding individuals and businesses with the following awards: • Citizen of the Year: Cheryl Chaney • Police Officer of the Year: Massoud Howayeck • Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year: Logan Green • Future Star: Duane Shaw • Vision XXI Rising Star: Becky Isbell • Ambassador of the Year: Chip Howell • Community Partner: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas • Small Business of the Year: Isbell Rentals • Large Business of the Year: Raising Cane’s Harker Heights • Kern-Cox Founders Award: Bill & Jean Shine During the celebration, the HHCC also welcomed its new Board Chair, Cyd West, who will lead efforts to further strengthen business and community partnerships in 2025.

To stay up to date with events, visit hhchamber.com.

The HHCC hosted a series of exciting events that drew strong community participation including Dueling Pianos in March, Art in the Park in April and Tacos & Tequila in May. The Annual Golf Tournament in June is the chamber’s largest annual fundraiser. Other popular events include the Food, Wine & Brew Festival and the Frosted Mug & 5K Run. All will return in 2025.

BUSINESS GROWTH & SUPPORT

The chamber has launched a new program utilizing AI to help market all of our businesses. This innovative initiative enhances our online business directory, providing members with increased exposure and promotional support.

The HHCC remained committed to supporting businesses with various initiatives: • Workshops & Educational Series: Hosted eight workshops covering topics such as Marketing 101, Human Trafficking Certification, Health & Wellness, SCORE mentorship, and Medical Industry Business Development.

• Ribbon Cuttings: Celebrated the opening of 16 new businesses, reinforcing the growing economic landscape of Harker Heights.

• Fun Fridays: Launched in September with a visit to Sprinkle’s on Top and expanded into an initiative to visit chamber members, creating exposure videos to showcase local businesses.

• Small Business Focus: “Heights Has It” in October highlighted local artists and businesses, while Small Business Saturday (November) encouraged community support for small enterprises.

KDHNEWS.COM I 45

COPPERAS COVE Lots of change in Copperas Cove during 2024

BY ERIK WALSH KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

City leadership, especially the Copperas Cove City Council, saw lots of change in 2024.

The turnover began shortly after the 2024 new year began, when Manuel “Monty” Montanez resigned his position on the city council Jan. 16 because he had to move out of the city.

Montanez is a retiree of the U.S. Army, and was elected to the position for Place 5 on Council on Nov. 8, 2022.

A special election was set in May to fill the remainder of Montanez’s term.

The May special election went to a June runoff election between Dale W. Treadway and Timothy J. Traeger, with Treadway winning the Place 5 seat with 62.9% of the vote.

In order to take his seat on the City Council, Treadway resigned from the Board of Adjustments, the Appraisal Review Board, and the WCID #1 Board.

Traeger went on to win a seat on the Copperas Cove Independent School District Board of Trustees in November.

City Council seats Place 1 and Place 2 were up for election in November.

Christina Strohfus won Place 1 with 57.80% of the vote. Her opponent, Howard Hawk, finished with 42.20%.

The winner of Place 2 wasn’t so straightforward. Rita Hogan (48.25%) and Victor Hall (28.12%) faced each other in a December runoff election.

Hogan eventually won the prize, besting Hall wit 74.26% of the vote. She replaced Fred Chavez.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Fred Welch, executive director of the Copperas Cove Economic Development Association, said the EDC is “in the

46 | PROGRESS 2025

JANA LYNN KILCREASE | HERALD

FFA Chapter members brought plants for sale and rabbits for petting to Rabbit Fest. From left, Caden Secrest; Kaylee West, CCISD Academic Advisor; Daniel West, FFA Advisor; Jazelynn Melindez; and Cameron Lewis.

process of implementing a strategic plan,” and the organization “has a focus on attracting new manufacturers, developing infrastructure to support our relationship with Fort Cavazos, and developing new land.”

Welch says that the Copperas Cove area is primed for economic growth in the next 10 years.

“I’m excited about the future as the community continues to grow,” he said.

“We’re building relationships in Cove and the whole region that will make the whole area grow in the next several years.”

According to his bio, Welch has been involved in economic development for close to 30 years in Texas.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Copperas Cove Chamber of

Commerce and Visitors Bureau also actively promotes tourism in the area.

By hosting annual city events, such as Rabbit Fest, Krist Kindl Market and various 5k/10k races, they attract visitors from near and far who contribute to the local economy.

After a lengthy search, the board of directors selected Beth Galick-Carney to assume the role of president in 2023.

One of Galick-Carney’s goals is to double the membership size of the chamber and to add more value to the members.

The chamber unveiled a new mural of the Rabbit Fest Fairgrounds in July.

The design had been kept secret until the unveiling.

Linda Lapiere coordinated with students at Copperas Cove High School to bring it all together.

JOSEPH BAHR | HERALD

Nelson Brew Works, a new downtown Copperas Cove business, is planning to open in February. Several other restaurants are opening in 2025.

Fast-food and more opening in Cove in 2025

BY JOSEPH BAHR AND ERIK WALSH KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

A new construction project at 901 E. Business 190 will house both Jimmy John’s and Marco’s Pizza.

According to Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce President Beth GalickCarney, the Jimmy John’s is expected to open in February and the Marco’s Pizza at an unknown date later in 2025. Jimmy John’s is an American sandwich chain and Marco’s Pizza will serve Italianstyle pizza.

Golden Chick is expected to open at 2301 E. Business 190 later this year. It is moving into a building that previously housed Shipley Do-Nuts. An opening date for it is not known yet, but renovations are underway.

Other food-related businesses expected to open in 2025 include Stones Pizza Joint at 302 S. First Street, and Nelson Brew Works at 209 South Main Street.

Nelson Brew Works is planning to open in February and will serve craft beer along with other beverages and pizza.

While not a new business, Refresh Spa & Salon is opening a new spot in downtown Copperas Cove. The spa

and salon, which has been in business for more than a decade, is moving into two downtown buildings, which it completely renovated.

Other new businesses expected to open in 2025, according to the chamber of commerce: HomeTown Complete Auto Care will be on 956 W. Business 190, DG Market will be at 814 N. First St., Jamkas Barbershop Studio will be at 2208 E. Business 190, BC Massage will be located at 14060 S. Farm-to-Market 116, Cranky’s Groom & Organics is at 214 S. Second St. The Rustic Chicken is at 2126 E. Business 190, and Boots & Roots Diagnostics will be located at 202 S. Second Street.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

It was a busy year in 2024 for the Chamber, as it saw many businesses join the fold. Joining the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce in 2024 were: The Widdle Foundation, Kempner Volunteer Fire Department, NRBE, Negrete Firefighter Foundation, Copperas Cove Bulldogs- Hill Country Youth Football, Smile Doctors Orthodontics, Days Inn by Wyndham, Copperas Cove, Killeen Auto Group, Addie’s Petting Zoo, Azura Nail Salon

Bar, Bella Vita Med Spa, Copper Moon LLC, Dana’s Cleaning Service Texas LLC, Duffing LLC DBA Samuel and Sons’ Heating and Air, Leola’s Kitchen, Lil Blessings 4D/HD Ultrasound, Lillie Aguerro & Associates, Lonestar Car Wash, Lotus Wellness Center LLC, Mon’Amie’s Caribbean Flava Ice, PaperPie Education Service and Brand Partner, Rainbow Heart Studio, Texas HomePro, Texas Nighthawks, Underground Games, LLC, Village Pizza Copperas Cove, The Melting Pot Beauty Bar, AREA 254, Card My Yard Copperas Cove, Texas A&M University - Central Texas, Grace Sanchez Realty Team, Claymore Jet Washing Company, Ashley Homestore Outlet, Great Clips, Centex Priority Real Estate, The Cove Theater, McAlister’s Deli of Copperas Cove, Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Christian House of Prayer, handmadwithlove, Association of The United States Army Central Texas Chapter, Triple E Events, Metronet, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Coryell County, Coryell Health Medical Clinic - Copperas Cove, Copperas Cove Creative Space, Democratic Party of Coryell County, A Davis Consulting.

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Lampasas works on parks projects and more

BY EMILY HILLEY-SIERZCHULA HERALD CORRESPONDENT

The City of Lampasas is a small town with a ton of recreation opportunities.

Ten different parks and sports complexes are managed by the city’s parks and recreation department, including the Hanna Springs Pool and the historic Hancock Park Swim Area that first became a regional attraction in the 1900s because of its cool, spring-fed waters that stay a constant 69 degrees all year long.

More than 20 years ago, in 2004, city leaders created a “Parks & Recreation Open Space Master Plan” and the city has been working toward those goals ever since.

“Some of the parks projects in 2024 included improvements to the 580 Sports Complex’s Hike & Bike Trail, Rodeo Arena and pavilion; we made the lighting better at the Skate Park; and we made several improvements to Community Gardens that are located at Campbell Park,” according to City Manager Erin Corbell.

In 2025, the projects that the city is working on include the installation of wayfinding signs, putting in new lighting at the Turner Complex and improving the parking lots at Cooper Spring Nature Park and Campbell Park.”

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HERALD | FILE

Been Fish’en by Joe Barrington of Throckton is among the sculptures in Campbell Park in Lampasas.

Like other cities in Texas Hill Country, Lampasas is growing.

“We are seeing growth similar to other communities,” Corbell said. “People are attracted to Lampasas because of the school system, quality of life, our parks system and the small-town charm.”

In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of the city of Lampasas to be 7,855. More than 23,260 people call Lampasas County home.

Back in 2010, the census showed that 19,677 people lived in Lampasas County, including 6,681 people in the city of Lampasas.

During 2024, the city of Lampasas issued a total of 13 new home permits.

The city’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is $36,712,612 compared to $35,186,100 in Fiscal Year 2024.

The current property tax rate is 34 cents per $100 valuation.

FORT CAVAZOS Mounted Warrior Museum brings history to life

BY BRENT JOHNSON KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

After a decade of effort by a dedicated group of veterans and civic leaders, the long-awaited National Mounted Warrior Museum opened its doors to visitors last September, offering visitors to the Killeen area a chance to see Army history without having to get a visitor pass and go through a security gate.

The U.S. Army has employed mounted troops in combat since its inception in 1775, first on horseback and later in tanks and helicopters — and this cutting-edge facility displays artifacts from every era since then, with a special emphasis on the mounted formations that call Fort Cavazos home.

Located next to the Marvin Leath Visitor Center outside Fort Cavazos, the museum was a dream of the late Gen. Robert Shoemaker, who commanded III Corps in the 1970s and became a local community leader after retiring to Harker Heights. Shoemaker died in 2017, but the National Mounted Warfare Foundation led the effort to bring that vision to life with a facility that, unlike past museums dedicated to individual units, showcased the whole history of American mounted warfighters.

Visitors can take a tour through time in the main exhibit hall, which displays countless artifacts curated by Department of the Army history staff.

Ranging from the uniforms and equipment of America’s earliest cavalrymen to the UH-1 Iroquois helicopter and the mighty M1 Abrams tank still in use today, the main exhibit covers all its bases.

To the right of the main exhibit hall entrance is a smaller room for shortterm displays.

BRENT JOHNSON | HERALD

III Corps deputy commander Brig. Gen. Geoff Van Epps, Command Sgt. Maj. John McDwyer and retired Lt. Gen. Paul Funk cut the ribbon in front of the National Mounted Warrior Museum on Sept. 18.

Currently, that space houses a tribute to Leonard Zwick, an Army combat photographer who documented the Allied advance into Normandy in World War II. His photographs and camera equipment have been displayed there since the museum’s opening in September.

This year, according to exhibits curator Maisie Duncan, the museum will work with other Army museums on programming for the Army’s 250th birthday on June 14. In the spring, the focus will be on the Vietnam War. “We have the 60th anniversary of the first Army ground troops officially in Vietnam, as well as (the battle of) Ia Drang, which is pretty important to the 1st Cavalry Division’s history,” Duncan said. “Part of our mission, along with preserving Army history, is to help educate soldiers on their unit history — build esprit de corps, things like that.”

Active-duty soldiers rotate on temporary assignment to the facility’s staff. Consisting of junior enlisted troops and noncommissioned officers from Fort Cavazos units, these service members are tasked with both learning their own unit history and helping

to provide visitors the best learning experience.

In the longer term, the group that raised the initial funds for the museum’s construction has plans for additions to the building that will make it more of an event space for both the Central Texas and Army communities. “(The classrooms) will be outfitted with all the high-tech stuff that we need to do conferences and classes, and bring in school kids, bring in university students — have folks do their unit reunions here, potentially do weddings and parties,” said Bob Crouch, vice president of the National Mounted Warfare Foundation. “We really think that’s the next big component, because it makes it not just a museum, but a kind of an event center or miniature convention center.”

According to III Armored Corps, an average of more than 2,500 people per month have visited the new facility since its opening.

The National Mounted Warrior Museum is at 105 Trooper Loop, Fort Cavazos. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

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Fort Cavazos steams ahead with quality-of-life innovation and housing construction in 2025

BY BRENT JOHNSON KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Fort Cavazos has earned recognition for installation excellence in the first full year with its new name, and 2024 marked the completion of several major projects to improve on-post housing as well as energy resiliency.

Garrison commander Col. Lakicia Stokes wrote in January that the commitment of soldiers, civilians and their families on post laid “a foundation for continued success in 2025.”

AWARDS

Fort Cavazos received the Commander-in-Chief ’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence in 2024 and was named the best garrison by Army Installation Management Command for its quality of life initiatives, costsaving measures and energy efficiency programs. Army Installation Command also named Fort Cavazos as its “best garrison,” and the post’s directorate of public works was recognized for its efforts in environmental conservation and resilience.

An Army higher headquarters inspection gave Child and Youth Services high marks, according to Stokes.

CONSTRUCTION

Several projects to improve housing, recreation and food service have already been completed in the past year, while even more are ongoing as Fort Cavazos continues to grow.

Housing: Fort Cavazos leaders oversaw several advancements in singlesoldier housing as well as recreation and fitness facilities in 2024, while housing contractor Cavalry Family Housing worked to replace older homes in its residential communities.

One new barracks building for 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade was completed last year, and another two are on the way for the 69th and 1st Cavalry Division.

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BRENT JOHNSON | HERALD

The frame of a new barracks building undergoes construction in December next to a recently opened 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade barracks on Fort Cavazos.

Workers demolished 314 older houses in Chaffee Village and finished 217 new homes in the Heritage Heights neighborhood, with 409 more units planned in the next three years. Five barracks facilities for 3rd Cavalry Regiment and 1st Cavalry Division Artillery saw completed renovations, as did 803 family housing units.

Recreation and fitness: The Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation expanded the hours of Warrior Way Physical Fitness Center to 24/7, while transitioning four of its other facilities into Soldier Performance Readiness Centers to advance the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness initiative. Plans to transition Abrams, Airfield and North Fort Cavazos gyms to 24 hours are ongoing.

In outdoor facilities, a new Heritage Heights playground and dog park opened in September and leaders broke ground on an outdoor fitness park beside Abrams Physical Fitness Center

the following month. The Abrams park, designed in a way that soldiers can train while their children play nearby, is set to open this summer.

Dining and transportation: Fort Cavazos introduced several innovations in dining options last year, including campus-style dining and a coffee bar featuring a variety of blends.

Phantom Centralized Hub opened at Ironhorse Dining Facility with grab-andgo options, food trucks and meal prep services, while the garrison partnered with Central Texas Food Bank and Military Family Advisory Network on initiatives to ensure military families have access to fresh food.

Several new dining options are also available on post; Dallas-based Lucky’s Cafe expanded to the location of the former Chili’s on 751st Tank Battalion Avenue, while Panera and Sbarro also opened up new stores on the installation.

For troops and their families to

get around Fort Cavazos, garrison leadership launched the Cavazos Connector in partnership with the Hill Country Transit District. The Cavazos Connector boasts a “user-friendly experience akin to ride-sharing apps,” Stokes wrote in January, and the mass transit system has served more than 188,000 riders since its inception last March.

LEADERSHIP CHANGES

III Armored Corps, the parent command of Fort Cavazos, welcomed a new leader in 2024. Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral took over the organization nicknamed “America’s Hammer” in August, as outgoing commander Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe departed for a staff assignment in Germany. Admiral had previously served as commander of 1st Cavalry Division since 2023, handing the reins deputy commander Maj. Gen. Tom Feltey at the division’s forward headquarters in Poland before returning to Texas for the assignment.

Now responsible for over 90,000 troops, Admiral stated after the change

of command ceremony that he would maintain “a focus on warfighting by taking care of our soldiers, civilians and families each day.”

The corps also added Brig. Gen. Geoff Van Epps, an engineer officer, to its team as deputy commander for maneuver.

In the garrison command team, Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoads arrived from 1st Cavalry Division Artillery as the garrison’s senior enlisted advisor.

DEPLOYMENTS

Operational and training deployments scattered Fort Cavazos units all over the world in 2024. The storied 3rd Cavalry Regiment departed for South Korea in January on a regular rotation of brigade-sized Stryker formations, training with Republic of Korea Army forces and bolstering the country’s security amid threats from neighboring North Korea. The regiment returned in October after completing its first-ever tour on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, four brigades of 1st Cavalry Division deployed along with

its headquarters to Eastern Europe in the spring, tasked with reinforcing the eastern flank of NATO. From Romania in the south to as far north as Estonia, more than 5,000 members of the division trained with allied militaries as the Russian military continued to bear down on nearby Ukraine. Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Sustainment Brigade and Division Artillery are still in the process of redeploying to Fort Cavazos, while division headquarters plans to be back in Texas by March.

The 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command headquarters element returned in May from a tour in the Middle East supporting Operation Spartan Shield, where its duties included humanitarian aid to those affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict.

As the “Lucky 13th” returned home, elements of 36th Engineer Brigade joined over 17,000 American troops taking part in Defender 24, a large-scale deployment exercise that also included more than 23,000 troops from partner militaries.

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HEALTH CARE AdventHealth offers top-tier patient care

BY MARIANA RODRIGUEZ SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

AdventHealth Central Texas is truly a cornerstone of health care excellence in the region.

They hospital recently earned an A rating from the LeapFrog Group, which really underscores its commitment to top-notch patient care and safety.

Located here in Killeen, AdventHealth Central Texas is all about providing exceptional health care services, using advanced medical technologies, and offering personalized care to the community. This dedication has earned AdventHealth the title of “Best Hospital in Central Texas” for the fourth year in a row, as voted by the Killeen Daily Herald’s Readers Poll.

AdventHealth’s reach extends throughout Central Texas, with primary care clinics and another hospital in the rural parts of the area, AdventHealth Rollins Brook.

The Rollins Brook facility in Lampasas has been making significant strides in the health care industry. For the third consecutive year, Rollins Brook has been recognized as a top Rural Hospital in the nation, an accolade that highlights their excellence in patient care and overall performance.

This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of their exceptional team of health care professionals, who are always focused on patient well-being and providing topnotch care.

As AdventHealth continues to grow, so do the healthcare options available to the community. Residents now have four convenient locations to choose from: Lampasas, Copperas Cove, Killeen, and the newest addition in Harker Heights.

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COURTESY PHOTO

AdventHealth hosted a holiday train ride for children in December.

These clinics provide comprehensive primary care services close to home, ensuring that individuals and families have access to high-quality health care.

Each clinic is staffed by experienced physicians and health care professionals who are dedicated to delivering personalized and compassionate care to the community.

The mission of “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ” is truly brought to life by the AdventHealth Central Texas Foundation. The Foundation has been instrumental in enhancing patient care through its dedicated fundraising efforts. The foundation organizes several major events each year, like the AdventHealth Central Texas Sporting Clay Tournament, the AdventHealth Central Texas Fall Golf Classic, and the Gold Star Gala.

These events collectively raise close

to $200,000 annually, which helps in acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment and bringing essential services to the community.

AdventHealth Central Texas is a true pillar of health care excellence, consistently earning accolades for its dedication to patient care and safety. As the hospital continues to expand and enhance its facilities, the community can rest assured that it is receiving the highest quality of care.

The tireless fundraising efforts of the AdventHealth Central Texas Foundation further support this mission, ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care.

Together, these initiatives not only solidify AdventHealth’s role as a beacon of health and wellness in Central Texas but also pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for all residents.

Darnall staff cares for Fort Cavazos community

BY RODNEY JACKSON CARL R. DARNALL ARMY MEDICAL CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Chance Lee Davis, the first baby of the 2024 New Year arrived at 12:30 a.m. and weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and 19 inches. Proud parents and veterans Douglas IV and Alexa Davis looked forward to companionship as a family and seeing Chance, and sister Emery almost two, grow up together and form the brother and sister bond.

Throughout the year the hospital hosted and participated in multiple health and information fairs for beneficiaries, suicide prevention, summer safety, open houses connecting local area high schools, universities and professional medical organizations with the hospital, all while graduating physicians and nurses for its Graduate Medical Education program, and hosting health fairs and vaccination events for veterans and beneficiaries.

Coast Guardsmen, Lt. Mary Leon, and Lt. j.g. Ethan Etlinger, were the first to graduate the CRDAMC Interservice Physician Assistant Program in February. The graduates praised the extraordinary dedication of CRDAMC’s leadership, doctors, nurses, and staff for the opportunity and education.

The Fort Cavazos Intrepid Spirit Center, which falls under CRDAMC’s leadership, held its 8th Annual Open House for post and the surrounding community leaders, beneficiaries, and current and prior patients in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month in March. The ISC has helped many service members with treatment of long term affects from brain injuries and has seen improvements with many patients.

The hospital received an ‘A’ safety grade from the Leapfrog Group in May for its commitment to providing quality and safe care.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public.

Eighth graders from Audie Murphy

Middle School embarked on a transformative journey to the hospital, also in May. They learned firsthand from Army and civilian medical professionals the intricacies of providing care to active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families within a medical treatment facility.

Dr. Lawrence Williams also retired Army major, Career & Technical Education Teacher, AMMS, coordinated the tour with Brenda Ploof, education coordinator, CRDAMC, in hopes that the students would learn about different careers and jobs that they may want to explore in the future.

The annual Joint Emergency Medical Exercise kicked off in June, training 1,500 Joint Service personnel representing 50 medical specialties on from 60 different units across Fort Cavazos, the Tri-Services, DoD affiliates, three components, and NATO partnerships.

The annual Graduate Medical Education program followed close behind recognizing the accomplishments of fellows, residents and students across various medical disciplines as they finished up the GME program and took their final steps by receiving their certificates during the ceremony.

Ten residents received their specialty certification in emergency medicine.

Seven, received their specialty certification in family medicine, one fellow received his specialty certification from the emergency medicine ultrasound fellowship, and another fellow, received her specialty certification from the family medicine obstetrics fellowship.

The 9th Annual Baby Expo in October offered expecting parents and families a day filled with education, fun, and invaluable resources and attracted many first-time parents, military spouses, and healthcare professionals, all focused on ensuring a positive experience for growing families.

Training, education, and getting health information to beneficiaries remained top goals for CRDAMC as it hosted the Medical Readiness

Command, West Best Medic Competition in November, and the annual retiree health fair and its annual immunization event at the year.

Staff Sgt. Dominic Kochen, operating room technician, and Cpl. Nolan Wallace, practical nurse specialist, Brooke Army Medical Center, were the 1st place winners of the competition, and the 49th annual retiree health fair offered immunizations, routine health screenings, health-related information tables and more. Leaders and guest speakers encouraged retirees to tell their stories in their communities.

Nearly 300 beneficiaries conveniently received their vaccinations during the hospitals annual flu or COVID-19 vaccine event hosted by its Army Public Health Nurse department in December.

The APHN team offered flu shots for eligible beneficiaries 6 months and up and COVID-19 shots for 12 years and older, and the hospital ended the year like it started, caring for the Fort Cavazos community and delivering exceptional care, optimizing medical readiness, and producing a medically ready force in support of III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos.

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is at 590 Medical Center Road, Fort Cavazos. The hospital system serves nearly 100,000 beneficiaries and consists of the main hospital with primary care and emergency services, inpatient medical and behavioral health services, and seven community-based and soldiercentered medical homes.

On an average, the hospital sees 3,700 daily visitors, which equate to roughly 1 million encounters per year, including filling some 1.2 million prescriptions at its 13 pharmacies.

OTHER SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

The American Red Cross is at 36000 Darnall Loop #1039, 254-287-0400. It serves military members, veterans and their families.

The Robertson Blood Donor Center is at 2250 W. 761st Tank Battalion Ave. Volunteer donors, willing and able to contribute, are encouraged to visit. Call 254-285-5808.

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Baylor Scott & White a trusted name in health care

BY CHRISTINA MILWEARD SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

For more than a century, Central Texans have turned to Baylor Scott & White Health for trusted, high-quality care. With access to an academic medical center tackling the most complex cases, a pediatric hospital equipped with specialized technology designed for young patients, and 24/7 virtual care, more patients than ever can now connect with a comprehensive network of primary and specialty providers dedicated to finding the best path forward.

As a not-for-profit health system, Baylor Scott & White reinvests surpluses into expanding services, advancing technology, funding lifesaving research and growing the healthcare workforce.

In 2024, Baylor Scott & White continued this commitment by providing award-winning patient care, improving patient access and expanding programs to support the region’s growing healthcare needs.

SERVING OUR GROWING REGION

Last year marked record-setting growth for the health system as demand for services surged across Central Texas. In 2024, Baylor Scott & White delivered a record-breaking 3,400 babies in Temple and Waco and experienced an all-time high in emergency room visits at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Medical Center.

Baylor Scott & White expanded its virtual care offerings to provide more convenient, high-quality healthcare solutions. Virtual services now include postpartum care, headache care, and muscle and joint care, all accessible through the MyBSWHealth app.

Recognizing that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all, Baylor Scott & White continues to offer a blend of virtual and in-person options, tailoring treatment plans to best meet each patient’s needs.

TRAINING TOMORROW’S DOCTORS

Baylor Scott & White, in affiliation with top-rated Baylor College of Medicine, welcomed its second class of

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COURTESY PHOTO

In 2024, McLane Children’s hosted Camp Dreamcatcher, giving kids with cancer and their siblings a chance to experience the joy of summer camp.

medical school students to the Baylor College of Medicine – Temple campus.

As the state’s population grows, Baylor Scott & White is working to make sure the number of physicians available to serve Texans grows with it by training the doctors of tomorrow.

The effort is also projected to provide a meaningful boost to the region’s thriving economy, producing an estimated $159.7 million in annual gross product and 1,713 jobs over the next decade, according to a study by economist Ray Perryman, PhD.

BEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Baylor Scott & White – Temple continued to receive the “gold seal” from U.S. News & World

Report for best regional hospitals in Texas, as well as 17 more specific accolades for common and specialty procedures.

U.S. News & World Report also honored the medical center as a Best Hospital for maternity care and maternity care access. These recognitions were received for providing high-quality labor and delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies.

Baylor Scott & White had 26 recognized hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals list — more than any other not-for-profit health system in Texas.

NURSING EXCELLENCE

Baylor Scott & White’s Temple Region

continued to be recognized with the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, placing it among the top 10% of U.S. hospitals for nursing excellence.

Magnet-designated hospitals have rigorous standards for excellence in nursing and patient care, which translates into better, safer and more satisfying experiences for patients.

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY

2024 Children’s Miracle Network Impact McLane Children’s and Children’s Miracle Network continued working together to fund lifesaving treatments, advanced medical equipment and essential pediatric services — ensuring the best care for children in Central Texas. This year, 6-year-old identical twins Audrey and Ella Stott are making history as the first twin Children’s Miracle Network Champions for McLane Children’s.

Born nine weeks early, Audrey and Ella underwent a 10-hour surgery to reshape their skulls. Now thriving, they’re sharing their story to highlight how philanthropic support helps

provide lifesaving care.

CAMP DREAMCATCHER

In 2024, McLane Children’s hosted Camp Dreamcatcher, giving kids with cancer and their siblings a chance to experience the joy of summer camp — something many of them wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy due to their medical conditions. A dedicated team of McLane Children’s doctors, nurses and counselors — some of whom are former campers themselves — attend to provide the specialized care that makes this unforgettable experience possible.

HOLIDAY MAGIC

Every year, McLane Children’s creates moments of joy and celebration for young patients facing hospitalization over the holidays. Halloween kicked off the season with a costume party where children got to dress up and have fun — bringing a sense of normalcy to those spending the holiday in the hospital.

Later in the year, Santa made a special visit, delivering cheer and listening to wish lists, preserving the simple joy of being a kid for those in our hospital.

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Seton continues to offer award-winning care

BY LUCY TAYLOR SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Seton Medical Center Harker Heights (Seton Harker Heights) provides the community with exemplary healthcare in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

The medical center is affiliated with Wellstone Health Partners, a multispecialty physician group that takes pride in caring for patients during each unique phase of life.

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

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

AWARD-WINNING QUALITY CARE

Seton Harker Heights is Joint Commission Accredited and is an Accredited 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.

Seton Harker Heights is one of only 80 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

In 2024, Seton Harker Heights was recognized with two prestigious honors from The Leapfrog Group, reflecting its dedication to exceptional patient care.

For the ninth consecutive time, Seton Harker Heights earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade, joining just 192 hospitals nationwide and one of only 20 hospitals in Texas to achieve this streak.

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,

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COURTESY PHOTO

Dr. Erik Lovria, left, and Dr. Joseph Cohn stand with the VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution, a state-ofthe-art technology that simplifies knee replacement surgery at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights.

a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers, is known as the toughest standard-setter for health care 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.

“To achieve Straight A status, along with the Top Hospital recognition, reflects our team’s commitment over the last five years to providing exceptional care to every patient, every day at Seton Harker Heights,” said Patrick Swindle, chief executive officer of Seton Harker Heights. “I am extremely proud of our caregivers and their commitment to providing

exceptional care in our community.”

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.

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

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.

“We are excited to bring a high level of orthopedic innovation to the Central Texas area,” Swindle said.

“The addition of the VELYS RoboticAssisted Solution and the ATTUNE® Knee System are a reflection of our ongoing commitment to providing highquality healthcare in our community, offering our total knee replacement surgery patients with a more personalized care experience.”

Seton Harker Heights opened a Wound Healing Center in June 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 noninvasive vascular assessment.

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 lifethreatening emergency.

Seton Harker Heights continues to partner with Freedom Urgent Care, offering three convenient locations.

In addition to urgent care services, this collaboration provides a venue for occupational medicine for on-the-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, Killeen and Belton.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

In 2024, Seton Harker Heights paid approximately $9 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, more than $100,000

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.

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 at Seton Harker Heights, go to setonharkerheights.net/ find-a-provider.

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EDUCATION Killeen ISD experiences a busy year in 2024

BY JANA LYNN KILCREASE KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

AND KAREN RUDOLPH KISD COMMUNICATIONS

Killeen ISD, home to about 43,000 students, continues to set the bar for educational excellence and innovation in Central Texas.

As the largest and one of the most diverse school systems in the region, KISD provides award-winning learning opportunities for students from prekindergarten through graduation.

Serving the cities of Killeen, Harker Heights and Nolanville, as well as Fort Cavazos, KISD maintains a strong partnership with the military installation through its adopt-a-school program. This initiative pairs military units with individual campuses, fostering a supportive learning environment for students with military connections.

The district encompasses 31 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, five comprehensive high schools, three special campuses, a Career Center, and an Early College High School.

Killeen ISD is celebrating multiple state recognitions that highlight the strength of its academic and extracurricular programs.

In the area of Fine Arts, KISD has once again earned the prestigious District of Distinction award from the Texas Art Education Association.

This marks the second consecutive year KISD has been recognized, placing it among the top 5% of visual arts programs in the state.

This distinction is a testament to the program’s exceptional leadership, community support, and the dedication

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TODD MARTIN | KISD

Students arrive Wednesday at Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock Middle School in Killeen for the first day of school at the new campus in August.

of visual arts students and educators.

Throughout the past year, KISD visual arts students and teachers have excelled in numerous areas, earning top honors in local and state competitions, hosting elementary art clubs and contributing over 115 hours of community service to beautify the local area.

In addition to excelling in the arts, KISD has also been selected as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas.

This recognition celebrates districts that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation and commitment to student

success through high-quality Career and Technical Education programs.

The KISD Career Center, a state-ofthe-art facility, offers students from all the of the district’s high schools the opportunity to explore courses from 16 national career clusters.

Through valuable business partnerships, students gain realworld experience and earn industry certifications, licensures and college credits that prepare them for life beyond graduation.

Continued on page 60

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From page 58

PHONE-FREE CAMPUSES

Last summer, school board members approved the implementation of Yondr pouches for storing electronic devices with magnetic locking closures for every middle and high school student, and unlocking bases at every secondary campus.

Phones and personal electronic devices (iPads, laptops, smartwatches) are not to be used during school. Every student is assigned a personal Yondr Pouch and a Chromebook. While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to bring their Pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good working condition Looking ahead, KISD is forming a Budget Advisory Committee this spring. Comprised of parents, employees and community members. This committee will collaborate to develop strategies that ensure the district’s financial stability while maintaining its commitment to student success, human capital and fiscal responsibility.

NEW SCHOOL CAMPUS

Jimmie Don Aycock Middle School opened to students in August. The campus is named after Aycock, a longtime Killeen veterinarian. Hailed as a champion for public education and a Republican who represented the Killeen area in the Texas House from 2005 to 2015, Aycock was the chair of the House Public Education Committee and supported career and technical education programs in the state.

He served on the Killeen school board for three years in the late 1980s. He continues to support the district and was described by former KISD board member Shelley Wells when she said, “He spent his entire life serving this community and giving back to this community.”

This campus represents the 13th middle school and 53rd campus in the district and houses KISD’s third STEM program.

SYSTEM SCORECARD

Killeen ISD trustees, administrators and over 400 community advocates have been working since the summer of 2023 to formulate the beginnings of the district’s Strategic Plan which was approved at the Feb. 17, 2024, board meeting.

“Many hours of hard work, discussions, debates and meetings have gone into these findings. I’m so glad we are on the way,” Superintendent Jo Ann Fey said.

The board adopted three priorities in February for the district moving forward through 2029 and the goals aligned to these priorities. They are: student success, human capital and financial stewardship. With that, there are four basic goals developed to accomplish these priorities. These are the key performance indicators that include strategies, progress measures and outcome measures for each goal.

“My life’s work is about kids winning,” Fey said at the beginning of the process. “What I’m most proud of so far is how many stakeholders have contributed to the development of our high-performance management system. Together — with all voices — we can create a learning environment where every student thrives and reaches their full potential.”

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Cove ISD welcomes new superintendent, principals

BY ERIK WALSH KILLEEN DAILY HERALD

Copperas Cove welcomed a new superintendent to its ranks in 2025, taking over for the retired Joe Burns.

Brent Hawkins was selected as the job’s lone finalist in December and took the post’s reins in January.

Hawkins has more than 16 years of experience as a superintendent in Texas public schools, having served in that role in Hawkins Livingston ISD since June 2014, the longest-tenured superintendent in Livingston’s 100-year history. He has worked in Texas public schools for more than 32 years total.

Over the past decade, Livingston improved its campus performance from the lowest 5% in the state to a “B” district, with three “A” campuses and two in the U.S. News & World Report’s Top 40, in a district where more than half of students are economically disadvantaged.

In 2024, the Livingston ISD Board of Trustees nominated Hawkins for Superintendent of the Year, raving about his work to improve professional staff turnover from 27.7% in 2014 to 10% in the past two years, his student-first approach to leadership and his ability to navigate tragic situations with poise and strength.

Hawkins earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. He completed his doctorate in educational leadership in 2011. He is married to his wife of 27 years, Jenny. The couple has three adult children and two grandchildren.

OTHER CCISD LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN 2024

• Robin Grabitz is the new principal at Clements/Parsons Elementary.

• Carolyn Jackson is the new principal at House Creek Elementary.

• Marshall Chauvin is the new principal at S.C. Lee Junior High.

• Carlin Grammer is the new principal at Copperas Cove High School.

• Jimmy Shuck was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Operations & Support.

ENROLLMENT, AWARDS AND FACILITIES

Cove ISD maintains 12 facilities that help educate approximately 8,000 students and employ about 1600 staff and substitutes. The district continues to use each building it’s erected in the more than 140-year history of schools in Cove, including the Avenue E campus which first opened in 1896 and, today, houses Crossroads High School.

Trustees also approved in 2024 to update security film on campuses as an added method of keeping students safe on campuses.

The district has completed improvements on multiple campuses since opening its last school, House Creek Elementary in 2011.

The largest improvement project has been the full renovation of the Fairview wing at Fairview/Jewell Elementary School, which was completed in time for the 2019-20 school year.

In August 2023, the district opened a new facility at Copperas Cove High School for Career & Technical Education (CTE), which features state-of-the-art welding & construction science labs for students to learn these trades in a proper environment.

CCISD’s technology staff continues to upgrade its infrastructure and the tools used in learning.

After an unsuccessful bond election in May 2024, the district will refresh the facility improvement committee and continue the work of evaluating what improvements to facilities are needed and how to accomplish that. Prior to 2024, the last time the district asked voters to approve a bond to renovate facilities was 2005.

House Creek Elementary received the blue ribbon award in 2023, a designation that last for five years. The U.S. Department of Education awards the blue ribbon to public and private schools that demonstrate high academic achievement or significant progress in closing achievement gaps.

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A&M-Central Texas keeps growing

BY KAREN CLOS SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Texas A&M University-Central Texas celebrated its 15-year anniversary in 2024, marking its establishment as the 11th regional university in the Texas A&M University System in 2009.

In just the last year, the university has marked significant milestones, including breaking ground on a new facility to house central utilities, the university police department, and an emergency operations center.

The CORE Building, budgeted at $47M, is expected to add an additional 34,396 square feet to the university’s current three buildings and estimated 300,000+ square feet on 672 acres.

Construction is currently ahead of schedule and anticipated to be complete in February 2026.

EdSmart has ranked A&M-Central Texas, “The #1 Most Affordable University in the U.S.”, and the website, CollegeForAllTexans — which has ranked the university as one of the most affordable universities in Texas for years — agrees.

Recently featured in a news story about the continued value of degree attainment, President Richard M. Rhodes, Ph.D. highlighted the additional tuition features that help current students and potential new students make their dollars go even farther.

For example, the university offers the Bachelor’s Bonus program which caps full-time tuition for 12 hours and allows students to take all additional hours at no additional cost.

Enrollment is on the rise at A&MCentral Texas, despite fluctuating declines at colleges and universities across the U.S. Some examples include a significant increase in graduate program enrollment which has risen by a whopping 44% since 2019 and now accounts for 27% of the university’s total population.

Spring 2025 enrollment indicates that this semester, too, has been one of growth with the total credit hours taken by students currently at 23,726 — an increase of 10.9% compared to 2024 spring statistics. Additionally, student

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headcount is 2,451, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2024 spring statistics.

One of the university’s proudest characteristics is strong and growing degree programs. As of 2025, there are 30 undergraduate and 19 graduate degrees, including a new graduate degree program in public administration and a standalone graduate level program for Superintendent Certification.

More degree programs are scheduled to begin in 2025, so check the university website for updates as they happen.

The College of Business Administration at A&M University– Central Texas has been ranked No. 54 in the nation for online, undergraduate business programs by the U.S. News & World Report.

This marks the second straight year A&M–Central Texas online programs have made a significant jump in the national rankings. The jump in rankings vaults A&M–Central Texas into the top five schools in the state. The university is tied for fourth in Texas.

Unlike traditional universities, A&MCentral Texas is focused on the transfer student who has earned college credits but who now wants to put those credits toward an undergraduate degree.

The university also takes pride in a uniquely student- centered environment with a team of advisors who give everything they’ve got to make sure new and current students are making progress toward their degree goals.

And in the classroom, the university’s low faculty to student ratios encourage mentorship, and learning opportunities that are tailored to its students’ interests and career goals. Outside the classroom, our students have opportunities to engage on-campus in student government, career and professional development, and student recreation.

A&M-Central Texas has 15 active student organizations and recently earned its fifth recognition for its participation in the national ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its work encouraging and strengthening nonpartisan student voter participation in both state and national elections.

Learn more at www.tamuct.edu.

UMHB marks 180 years of higher education

BY ASHLEY SMITH SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

2025 is a significant year for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, as it marks the institution’s 180th year of carrying on its tradition as the oldest continuously operating college in the state.

Enrollment at UMHB for the current academic year is at nearly 3,400 students from 44 states and 28 countries.

UMHB offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 65 undergraduate majors, 10 master’s degree programs, and two doctoral degrees.

It recently expanded its online offerings by launching several new programs that significantly broaden access to a UMHB education, regardless of location. Over 90% of UMHB students receive some form of financial aid, and the university awarded more than $50 million in grants and

scholarships last year.

The Marek-Smith Center for Teacher Preparation, a groundbreaking 12,808-quare-foot training facility to prepare general and special education majors for various academic environments, is officially open and will lead the way for special education training through innovative spaces that incorporate immersive, multisensory, and interactive equipment.

Construction continues on the university’s Jane and Mac Hickerson Crusader Golf Club for the UMHB men’s and women’s golf teams. The practice facility, which features four par4 holes, five par-3 holes, and additional short-game practice areas, is now open.

The clubhouse should be complete by the summer of 2025.

UMHB competes in 16 sports in the American Southwest Conference of NCAA Division III. The Cru has won over 65 conference championships since

intercollegiate athletics began in 1979.

A welcoming, student-centered approach with a high standard of excellence continuously defines the core UMHB experience.

Propelled by an unapologetically Christian commitment, the university is dedicated to helping students deepen their faith and integrate Christian perspectives into every dimension of life.

Since it was founded in 1845, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) prepares students for lives of leadership, service, and faithinformed discernment in a global society. Academic excellence, personal attention, broad-based scholarship, and a Baptist vision for education have distinguished this Christcentered learning community since its beginning.

To learn more about UMHB, go to www.umhb.edu.

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Central Texas College has wide reach

BY MICHELLE FLORES SPECIAL TO THE HERALD

Central Texas College celebrated a historic year in 2024, commemorating almost six decades of providing quality higher education to students in the local community, at military installations nationwide, and online across the globe.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Michele Carter, CTC achieved several milestones, including hosting its first summer graduation in August, when 59 students proudly walked the stage, marking a new tradition that recognizes summer graduates.

The college also held its first employee convocation where the first cohort of faculty and staff were presented with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award for their significant contributions to strengthening the college’s culture of care and excellence.

Since its founding in 1967, CTC has grown to an annual enrollment of nearly 58,000. During the 2023-24 academic year, the college awarded 1,323 degrees and 801 certificates of completion.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Speech and Debate Team participated in three major competitions: Battle at the Alamo, Phi Rho Region V Regionals, and Texas Community College Forensics Association State Tournament. The team placed in the top three for each competition.

The Health Sciences department offered its first nine-month Vocational Nursing program, which included 17 students and a 100% pass rate of the National Council Licensure Examination.

The CTC Police Academy offered four cohorts and graduated 63 cadets representing 19 law enforcement agencies throughout the region and 18 independent students for a total of 81 cadets. All graduates passed the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Exam, resulting in a 100% pass rate.

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

The CTC Foundation played a pivotal

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role this year, hosting numerous events to raise funds for scholarships and programs that directly benefit students.

In October, the Foundation held a dedication ceremony to honor William P. Jones, whose generous $1.3 million donation funded the purchase of three new aircraft to support the college’s aviation training program.

Through its mission to enhance the college’s growth through gifts, scholarships, equipment, and donations, the Foundation awarded 451 scholarships totaling $790,000. These scholarships support students, faculty, programs, and the expansion of CTC’s facilities.

ACADEMIC AND CAREER TRAINING

CTC continues to offer a diverse range of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers or transfer to four-year universities.

Popular programs include aviation science, business administration, logistics, agriculture science, nursing, computer-aided drafting and design, industrial technology, and computer and information technology. Additionally, the college offers quick career training programs that can be completed in one year or less, providing pathways to careers in healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, robotics, welding, and more.

It also offers continuing education programs for lifelong learners and a College for Kids program.

LOOKING FORWARD

As CTC celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025, the institution remains committed to its mission of providing transformative education and workforce development opportunities. With a legacy of innovation and community impact, CTC is poised to continue shaping futures and empowering learners for generations to come.

Additionally, CTC proudly owns and operates KNCT-FM (91.3), a noncommercial public radio station that has been a cornerstone of the community since its first broadcast on Nov. 23, 1970.

For more information, go to www.ctcd. edu.

RECREATION Killeen-area schools find success in the playoffs

BY CLAY WHITTINGTON HERALD CORRESPONDENT

Ellison did it again.

One year after reaching the state championship game for the first time since 1993, the Eagles defied the odds and repeated the feat in 2024.

Despite graduating a wealth of talent, including multiple-time all-district most valuable player and all-state selection Jamyron Keller, who now plays collegiately at Oklahoma State, Ellison maintained its momentum and dominated once again.

Ranked among the state’s elite all season, the Eagles delivered in the playoffs for the second consecutive year, defeating every postseason opponent before losing to Lancaster 59-30 in the Class 5A final.

Ellison won 17 consecutive games prior to falling in its final contest and finished with an overall record of 35-6 while also securing its second straight district title.

The Eagles, however, were not the area’s only team to reach its sport’s grandest stage.

In just its fourth year of existence, Lake Belton exceeded expectations by advancing to the state tournament behind a quartet of all-state players in pitcher Shelby Schultz, third baseman Angie DeLeon and shortstop Casey Schultz, who were all seniors, and junior pitcher Maddison Ruiz.

The Lady Broncos swept their district schedule en route to a 41-5 campaign that came to a conclusion against eventual champion Melissa in the state semifinals. The Lady Cardinals defeated Lake Belton 4-0 in one of only two shutout losses during the season.

Area athletes experienced plenty of

DENNIS KNOWLTON | HERALD

Ellison’s Daryl Cannie (6) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Waco University.

individual success as well.

At the track & field state meet, multiple medals were garnered, including five gold.

Shoemaker senior Malik Esquerra, who signed to play football at Texas Tech, capped off his high school career by winning the 110-meter hurdles state championship with a time of 13.72 second. He complimented the accomplishment by placing third (37.17) in the 300 hurdles at state.

The Grey Wolves’ quartet of Maurice Starr, Lamont Reed, Kacy Kincaid and Brandon Brown also combined to produce a third-place time of 1:26.23 in the 800 relay at state.

Chaparral senior Madeleine Fey, who committed to Kansas, completed a career sweep by earning her fourth discus state title with a heave

measuring 164 feet, 6 inches along with emerging from the meet with her third consecutive silver medal in the shot put (45-11¼).

Lake Belton sophomore Kendrick Jones Jr. also defended his state crown, repeating as 200 champion by finishing the race in 20.83, and he further added to his collection of gold medals by clearing 23-0 to place first in the long jump.

Rounding out the area’s state titles, Salado pole vaulter Jackson Bragg topped 16-4¾ to end his high career in style, while junior teammate Luke Anderson was third in the 1,600 (4:13.97).

The Lady Eagles also ended their season with bronze medals, placing third at the Class 4A cross country state meet behind freshman McCall Boyd, who traversed the 3,200 course in 11:30.2 for eighth overall.

Chaparral’s first wrestling state championship in school history was produced by Ava Milliner, who won the 126-pound weight class. Copperas Cove 165-pounder Erinn Sewell was second.

In the boys division, Ellison’s Aodhan Jimenez (106) and Salado’s Keagan Sieracki (126) each lost in the event’s finals.

In the pool, Ellison senior Alyssa Ifill capped off her high school career by returning to the swimming & diving state meet for a second consecutive season, and she made history at the event.

With a time of 52.13 seconds, Ifill placed sixth in the 100-yard freestyle, setting a new school record in the process. She was also ninth (24.11) in the 50 freestyle.

Also making her second straight appearance at state, Chaparral sophomore Christine Kim was 11th in the 50 freestyle, finishing in 24.33.

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UMHB athletics shine in every sports season

BY CLAY WHITTINGTON HERALD CORRESPONDENT

In 2004, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s football team began an unheralded string of success. In 2024, the Crusaders hoped they started another impressive streak.

Six years after initially establishing its program, Mary Hardin-Baylor embarked on a series of playoff appearances capable of rivaling almost any team in NCAA Division III history.

For an astounding 19 years, the Crusaders qualified for every postseason, winning three national championships during the span, although their first, which was obtained in 2016, was later vacated due to rules violations.

In 2023, however, the run ended as Mary Hardin-Baylor posted an overall record of 6-4, but hope of starting anew blossomed one year later.

Thanks in part to seven All-American Southwest Conference First Team representatives and Co-Freshman of the Year Gaige Sanders, a defensive end, the Crusaders were 6-3 during the regular season and took full advantage of their at-large bid, defeating Trinity 29-22 in the first round.

Mary Hardin-Baylor went on to beat Hardin-Simmons 17-13 and Linfield 28-18 before suffering a season-ending 17-10 loss to John Hopkins in the quarterfinals. It was the Crusaders’ sixth trip to the round.

Now, the team looks to build another lengthy playoff streak on the foundation established this season, and other Mary Hardin-Baylor teams have plenty of reason to celebrate 2024 as well.

The Crusaders women’s and men’s cross country teams were both represented at the West Regionals after placing first and second, respectively, at the conference championship. At the race, Presley Wall posted Mary HardinBaylor’s top female time, placing 81st overall, while Andrew Young was the men’s first finisher, placing 136th.

On the basketball courts, the Crusaders men’s team was the ASC runner-up, concluding its season with

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ANDY ZAVOINA | HERALD

Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Jerry Day Jr. catches a 26-yard touchdown pass against Hardin-Simmons at Shelton Stadium in Abilene.

a 17-10, 10-6 record prior to junior guard Eli Beard being named all-conference newcomer of the year.

Their counterparts fell in the first round of the NCAA Division III tournament under first-year head coach Katie Novak Lenoir, who guided the program to a 21-7 overall record. It was the Crusaders’ fourth appearance in the tournament.

Junior guard Arieona Rosborough was named all-conference defensive player of the year.

Mary Hardin-Baylor’s baseball and softball teams saw their seasons end in the ASC tournaments after posting records of 24-17, 14-20, and 24-15, 138, respectively. Each squad placed 10 players on the all-conference teams, and senior infielder Rhett Grosz landed on the American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region Second Team.

The Crusaders women’s soccer team delivered another strong campaign, falling in the conference championship after reaching the match for the fourth consecutive season. As a result, the team received seven spots on the allconference team highlighted by junior Malyn Martinson being named codefensive player of the year.

In other women’s sports, Mary Hardin-Baylor’s volleyball team saw its 22-8 season come to an end in the ASC championship, where East Texas Baptist won in five sets, while the beach volleyball squad won its first championship.

Just two years after starting the program, the Crusaders defeated East Texas Baptist and Berry College to win the American Volleyball Coaches Association Small College Beach Division III title as Gracie Nichols and Aliana Rojas were named all-Americans.

In just its fifth season of existence, Mary Hardin-Baylor swept the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association Division III Major Awards.

On the heels of producing a 9-2 record, senior Katelyn Kilodziejczyk was named most outstanding athlete of the year, junior Sarah Williamson was named specialist of the year, Addison Williams was named freshman of the year and head coach Raffaela Scotto was named coach of the year.

The Crusaders won their second consecutive NCATA Division III tournament and became the first program to reach the top eight in the national rankings, climbing to No. 5.