The Belton Journal

11/09/2024

The Belton Police Department is collecting donations for the 11th Annual Silver Santa, which provides Christmas gifts to senior residents of Belton participating in the RU OK Senior Welfare Program. Currently, 97 RU OK participants receive daily or weekly calls from volunteers, and since the program began in 2013, it has helped save 17 people from potentially life-threatening situations.
“Delivering these gift bags is more than just a gesture; it’s a reminder to our seniors that they are valued and remembered,” said RU OK Program Coordinator Anita Wyatt. “If we can make even one person feel less alone during this season, then it’s worth it to us.”
Through Silver Santa, each RU OK participant receives a Christmas gift bag. Donation boxes are located at the Belton Police Department, Belton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Belton CVS. Donations will be accepted through Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
“Our Silver Santa program reflects our commitment to serving not just the community, but every individual within it,” said Chief of Police Larry Berg. “We aim to strengthen the bonds that make Belton a caring place to live, ensuring that no one feels forgotten during the holidays.”
In December, Belton PD officers will personally deliver the gift bags to each participant’s door. We are seeking donations of the following items:
• Bandaids
• Calendars
• Lip balm
• Small notepads
• Pens
• New socks
• New blankets
• New gloves
• Boxed tissues
• Small flashlights
• Magnifying glasses
• Personal hand sanitizer
• Jar openers
• Large print crossword puzzles
• Large print word-find puzzles
• Large print jigsaw puzzles
• Small hand lotion bottles
• Large print playing cards

11/02/2024

City to install EV charging stations
By DAVID TUMA
The Belton Journal

The City of Belton is working to install two electric vehicle charging stations downtown. Each station will have two chargers.
Don Ringler Chevrolet made the stations available through the General Motors Dealer Community Charging Program for EV.
GM provides the dealership with the chargers and Don Ringler Chevrolet is responsible for the pedestals that house the chargers, cable management, and network maintenance for the first five years.
The level 2 chargers are not rapid chargers. Depending on the amount of charge an EV already has, it could take a few hours for a full charge. This is a perfect fit for shops downtown and the City of Belton.
The idea is to install these chargers near shopping and dining locations so drivers and passengers will have places to visit while their vehicles are charging.
These are universal chargers that can be used by automobile brands other than GM. Tesla comes with an adapter to make them work as well.
The City of Belton is responsible for the installation costs of the charging stations, which are estimated to be $20,000. The initial charge per kw is $1 per hour of charging.
A charging station will be set up at the Lena Armstrong Library and Whittlers Shed. Parking spaces will be marked as EV charging only.
Oncor provided the electric poles needed for the establishment of the charging stations.

11/02/2024

Helping Hands preparing for annual food drive competition
By MIKE MYERS
The Belton Journal

The Helping Hands Ministry of Belton is gearing up for its Annual Food for Families Competition.
Celebrating over 30 years of community support, this year’s event promises to build on the success of last year when the community rallied together to donate the highest amount of food and funds ever recorded.
The spirited food drive competition is aimed at supporting those families in need.
Over the past few years, efforts have intensified to increase food donations within the community, resulting in significant aid for families facing food insecurity.
Last year, the competition saw schools, businesses, civic organizations, churches, and individuals come together to see who could contribute the most, both in terms of food and monetary donations.
The support from these diverse groups was overwhelming, with estimates suggesting that nearly 650 households were served weekly, up 23 percent from this time last year.
"We are so grateful for the community's generosity, which allows us to provide for these families," said Alicia Jallah, Executive Director of Helping Hands Ministry.
In 2023, the community came together and collected the equivalent of 115,000 pounds of food.
Participants are encouraged to donate a variety of non-perishable items, including food such as canned meats, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, sugar, flour, seasonings, and kid-friendly snacks.
If a food drive isn’t the right move for your organization, they will also be accepting monetary donations. Every dollar donated will be converted to two pounds of food for the competition.
Key contributors, including major local organizations, continue to play an essential role in the food drive's success, demonstrating the power of collaboration within the Belton community.
As excitement builds for this year’s event, organizers look forward to surpassing last year’s outstanding contributions, further solidifying the food drive's legacy of compassion and support for families in need.
Unfortunately, more families, as well as elderly and disabled individuals, are having to rely on the pantry. With rising utility costs and lower wages affecting many, Helping Hands has noticed an increase in the number of families seeking assistance.
New data coming in for October suggest that an estimated 700 families will be in need of assistance. Many people are struggling with high bills for water and electricity, on top of maintaining an adequate grocery budget. This includes a significant number of elderly and disabled individuals on fixed incomes, whose financial situations have not improved enough to cover both their regular household expenses and their grocery needs.
“We want to emphasize that asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. Our goal is to create a safe space where people can seek assistance without feeling embarrassed. We are all neighbors here, and it’s essential for our community to come together and support one another during this season,” Jallah said.
Holiday Meal sign up started in October for Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals.
Registration is open to residents from Belton ISD, Holland ISD, and Academy ISD only. A proof of address from September or October is required.
All donations will be collected on Friday, November 22nd from 9 a.m-6 p.m. at Helping Hands Ministry. Monetary donations can be made online at: helpinghandsbelton.org/food-for-families.
Other methods of donating are by mail to: PO Box 1923, Belton, TX, 76513, or brought in person the day of the competition.
Helping Hands Ministry of Belton and food pantry is located at 2210 Holland Rd., Belton.

11/02/2024

Belton physician reappointed to governor’s advisory council
By LYNETTE SOWELL
The Belton Journal

The office of Governor Greg Abbott announced last week that it has reappointed Taylor Ratcliff, M.D. of Belton, to the Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services (GETAC) for a term set to expire on January 1, 2030.
The council recommends changes to the EMS/Trauma System to ensure that communities receive comprehensive and efficient emergency care.
Dr. Ratcliff is an emergency medicine and EMS physician at Baylor Scott and White Healthcare, medical director at Williamson County EMS, physician medical director for the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Team 7, and a captain of the Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Department.
He is former chair of the Emergency Healthcare System for the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council. Ratcliff received a Bachelor of Science in EMS Management and a Doctor of Medicine from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Gov. Abbott also appointed Donald “Donny” Booth Andrews to the advisory council. Andrews is the CEO of Permian Regional Medical Center. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Emergency Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership, Texas Nurses Association, and the Andrews Downtown Lions Club. Booth received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas (UT) at El Paso, a Master of Science in Nursing from UT Arlington, and a Master of Business Administration from UT Tyler. His term will expire on January 1, 2030.
Additionally, the Governor reappointed Sharon Malone, M.D., Shawn Salter, and Alan Tyroch, M.D. for terms set to expire on January 1, 2030.
Sharon Malone, M.D. of Van Alstyne is the emergency medical services (EMS) medical director at Questcare and Envision Services. She is a diplomat of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and a member of the National Association of EMS Physicians. Malone received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Southern Methodist University and a Doctor of Medicine from UT Medical Branch at Galveston.
Shawn Salter of Bullard is the chief administrative officer for CHRISTUS EMS & CHRISTUS Flight For Life. He is a member of the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association and the International College of Advanced Practice Paramedics. Additionally, he is a former committee member of the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council and former Region 4 board member of the Association of Air Medical Services. Salter received an Associate of Nursing from San Jacinto College and is a Licensed Paramedic.
Alan Tyroch, M.D. of EL Paso is the chair of surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Texas Surgical Society, Texas Medical Association, El Paso County Medical Society, and Society of Critical Care Medicine. Additionally, he is a committee chair and advisory group member of the Border Regional Advisory Council. He has served as a gubernatorial appointee on GETAC since 2012 and is the current chairman. Tyroch received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Medicine from the McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston. He completed a general surgery internship at Baylor College of Medicine, a general surgery residency at the University of Arizona Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency Program, and a Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of California San Francisco, Fresno Campus.

10/26/2024

10/26/2024

Are you ready for ghosts, goblins, and witches? Join us for tons of fun at the Downtown Belton Candy Trail on Saturday!

10/26/2024

10/26/2024

10/26/2024

Check out this incredible photo of police chiefs from across the state of Texas! This was taken at the Texas Police Chiefs Association Breakfast, where our own Chief Larry Berg delivered the invocation. 🇺🇸 Can you spot him in the photo, along with another former Belton PD Chief?

This event was part of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference and Exposition in Boston over the weekend. Each year, the conference gathers more than 16,000 law enforcement professionals to learn new techniques, advance their knowledge and careers, and equip their departments for ongoing success.

10/26/2024

Public meeting to be held for Imagine Belton strategic plan
By MIKE MYERS
The Belton Journal

On October 28th, residents of Belton will have another chance to engage with the Imagine Belton strategic plan.
This comprehensive framework, developed by the city, is designed to guide long-term growth and development within the community.
The first public meeting was held on September 30th and was well attended.
City Manager Sam Listi said the overall goal of the public meetings is to enhance public interest in Imagine Belton, a strategic community-driven initiative adopted in mid-2022 aimed at shaping the future of downtown and its surrounding areas in Belton.
The plan outlines a vision for revitalization and growth, offers diverse housing options, and promotes creative development.
This includes encouraging higher density and mixed-use projects to foster a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.
Listi emphasized that, “The standards of the plan do not require property owners to do anything. Existing land uses will remain the same.”
Furthermore, he explained that the standards are for future changes that occur such as rezoning or making changes in the property use.
The newly introduced Imagine Belton Standards aim to revitalize the downtown area and foster economic growth by attracting new businesses while maintaining a connected, safe, and walkable environment.
These standards provide clear guidelines for development, ensuring that it reflects the community's vision and desires.
A key aspect of these standards is their focus on enhancing downtown’s unique features, particularly its proximity to Nolan Creek.
This emphasis aims to preserve the area’s charm and identity, making it more attractive to residents and visitors. The community-driven approach in developing these standards incorporates public input and thorough site analysis, aligning future developments with local wants and needs.
The plan creates new housing and business opportunities, all while preserving the charm of the historic downtown.
It proposes new zoning changes around Main Street, Sixth Avenue, and Nolan Creek, dividing these areas into sub-districts with specific development guidelines.
These updates will provide more flexibility for property owners by permitting mixed use of buildings, including small shops, residences, and live-work spaces.
Additionally, streets will be improved to facilitate better walking and biking, and new parks and trails are planned to offer outdoor spaces for the community.
The plan outlines a vision for revitalization and growth, offers diverse housing options, and promotes creative development. This includes encouraging higher density and mixed-use projects to foster a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.
Standards are based on a community-driven vision based on public input and thorough site analysis, reflecting the community's desires and needs.
The first two Imagine Belton Zones, the Central Downtown and Uptown, will be considered for rezoning starting in January 2025. It is anticipated that the new zoning would be in place in February 2025.
The other three remaining Imagine Belton Zones will be considered for rezoning later in 2025.
Properties that continue to operate as before the adoption of the standards will not be affected.
If there are changes in the use of the property including expansions, damages, or if the property becomes abandoned, they will fall under the new standards.
Assistant City Manager Matt Bates said he was excited that, “There were a lot of good questions and feedback.”
Bates also thought that exhibits placed around the room created a better understanding of the plan. He noted that attendees were placing pins on the exhibits so they could visualize the economic development, infrastructure improvement, community services, and quality of life components of the plan, in their area.
Community members, business owners, and stakeholders will have another opportunity to participate in the Imagine Belton strategic plan on October 28th.
It will be held at 6 p.m., at the Harris Community Center, 401 N. Alexander St, Belton.
For community members unable to attend the meeting, the City invites you to email or call them with your comments and suggestions.

Courtesy Photo
Residents check out a map of the Imagine Belton Standards Zones, at the city’s September 30 public meeting.

10/26/2024

Bell County sheriff honored at annual banquet
By MIKE MYERS
The Belton Journal

The 36th Annual J.A.I.L (Jesus Acts in Inmates’ Lives) Ministry banquet held Thursday, October 10 at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton was not just an occasion for celebration; it marked the end of an era as attendees honored Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange.
Lange has served as the head of the sheriff’s department for 12 years, having been first elected in 2012 and subsequently re-elected in two consecutive elections.
He chose not to run for re-election in March of this year and will officially resign at the end of 2024.
In a reflective speech to those gathered, Lange said that he felt pride and nostalgia.
“I come to you tonight with mixed emotions,” Lange told the audience. “This is my last Jail ministry banquet that I will attend as your sheriff. Depending on how you want to look at it, good or bad, I really enjoyed being sheriff and my association with the Jail ministry.”
During the evening's recognition of Lange’s service, he was awarded the prestigious Angel Unaware Award by Jail Ministry Inc., presented by Steve Cannon, the organization’s executive director, and Johner Martin, the adult facilities coordinator.
“I can’t say enough about the Jail ministry,” Lange remarked, expressing his gratitude for the organization.
For 36 years J.A.I.L. (Jesus Acts in Inmates Lives) Ministry has provided faith-based support to Bell County adult and juvenile offenders, victims, law enforcement professionals, and affected families.
Guest speaker Byron Johnson is a Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University and is the founding director of the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR).
He is the author of more than 200 journal articles, monographs, and books. He is recognized as a leading authority on the scientific study of religion, the efficacy of faith-based organizations, and criminal justice.
Johnson highlighted the success of prison ministry programs in Louisiana and Mississippi, detailing his experiences in the books “More God, Less Crime” and “The Angola Prison Seminary”.
J.A.I.L. Ministry was established in 1987 under the leadership of the late Harold Ellis, a former prison chaplain. The ministry provides support to inmates at the Bell County Jail and reaches others nationwide through its global internet outreach.
“It’s amazing that God would choose to use someone like me,” Martin remarked before he presented the award. “I’ve been coming here for 24 years. God’s grace and his mercy are amazing. He pours it out on us daily.”
Martin took a moment to thank ministry volunteers.
“It took a man like Harold Evans to walk into a cell and say, ‘That should not be.’ He started J.A.I.L Ministry and it saved my life,” Martin said.
Throughout the year, J.A.I.L. Ministry reaches offenders through weekly Bible Studies led by area volunteers, free Bibles and Christian reading material distributed to adult and juvenile offenders, Certified Anger Resolution courses, life skills, Christmas gifts for the children of offenders via Project Angel Tree and Crisis Intervention as requested by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office.
In closing his final speech as Sheriff for the celebration, Lange emphasized the importance of helping inmates. “We’re here to help our fellow human beings. That’s what I try to teach my younger employees,” Lange said. “I tell them, ‘If you’re here to be the biggest, baddest correctional officer, you’re not going to make it. If you’re here to be the biggest, baddest police officer, you’re not going to make it’. If you’re to help your fellow human beings through some of the toughest times in their lives, you’re going to be very successful.”
“This ministry has always held a special place in my heart,” Lange stated.
He also expressed confidence in his successor, Bill Cooke, who will take office after winning unopposed in the Republican primary and is expected to continue supporting the ministry's mission.
BELTON JOURNAL/MIKE MYERS
Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange accepts Angel Unaware Award from Johner Martin and Steve Cannon at last Thursday’s J.A.I.L Ministry Banquet.

10/26/2024

Ketteman joins staff at BEDC
By DAVID TUMA
The Belton Journal

Warren Ketteman was recently hired as Director of Industry Development for the Belton Economic Development Corporation.
Ketteman has extensive knowledge in Economic Development having worked in Buda for ten years in this field. He also worked for the Economic Development Corporations in Alice, Granbury, and Forney.
He grew up in Southern Illinois and played high school basketball for his hometown high school. He worked stocking groceries at the local grocery store sorting recycled bottles, back when bottles were recycled, and also bagging groceries and carrying them out to the car.
While working at the grocery store, he got to know the McCormick spice representative.
When the man retired, he applied for his job and got it. Basically, he has been in sales ever since.
In 1998 he got hired to an economic development position in his hometown. Friends pushed him to apply for the job.
He applied for the Buda Economic Development Director position, as Warren’s wife, Lisa, wanted to be closer to the coast.
Lisa and Warren then moved here to Belton to be closer to their grandchildren.
“I was looking for something part-time. My wife was starting to ask if I was going to start looking for work,” said Warren. “I saw the position was open and thought I would throw my hat into the ring. Texas has economic freedom. There is just less burden from the government here. We have rules here in Texas, but the atmosphere is more open in Texas. I like not having a long winter. In Illinois, the state develops everything. It is a top-down approach. Over the years I have learned how to speak Texan and understand it. Belton is a cool place. It is one of those jewels. It is such a gorgeous community.”
“Warren’s experience and energy will be a great addition to the BEDC team and will serve the Belton community as we continue to build upon a successful Business Retention and Expansion program. As the Director of Industry Development, Warren will also assist with business recruitment efforts in line with BEDC’s mission to promote, assist, and enhance economic development activities with special emphasis on job retention, job creation, and capital investment,” said Cynthia Hernandez Executive Director Belton Economic Development Corporation.

10/22/2024

Belton couple celebrates 70th anniversary
By Michelle Rodriguez
The Belton Journal
Joan and Maurice Northen celebrated 70 years of marriage on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
“It’s hard! We had stalwart Baptist parents. That’s what we were taught! There’s no list of rules,” said Joan Northen when asked how they stayed married so long.
The couple was married October 16, 1954, at First Baptist Church of Belton, where they have been members, Joan for 80 years and Maurice for 70 years. Their parents picked their wedding date.
“My mother designed and created the satin and tulle wedding dress. The dress cost $30,” Joan proudly stated. With inflation today, it would be $350.79. Their daughter Robin Northen McAfee wore it at her wedding and her daughter might wear it. There’s no commitment for her to wear it.
Maurice was born on the Curry Farm in his grandparent’s house in 1933 in the 3 Forks Community, the Leon River is behind it. His mother was Jennie Mae Curry and his father was Houston Northen. He worked on the farm with his father for 57 years.
“We did not milk cows. We raised field crops, milo, corn, oats, wheat, hay, and cotton that were sold to the market. I picked the corn. We used a grain trailer. We didn’t have an 18-wheeler. It was pulled by a ½-ton pickup. Daddy hauled it. I ran the combine and enjoyed every minute of it,” said Maurice. Maurice and his father Houston produced the first bale of cotton in Bell County. Together they also participated in the Belton 4th of July Parade with a mule drawn covered wagon and supported the Belton Chamber of Commerce for many years. Maurice along with farming, worked for the Belton Post Office for 35 years, and was recognized as a 1,000,000-mile carrier.
Joan moved to Belton with her family during the war at the age of 8 with her parents to help her grandparents on the Thomas/Normand dairy farm which was located near the old Leon Valley Golf Course. Her mother was Ara Lee and her father was R.T. Normand.
1949 was an important year for Joan and Maurice. Both of their fathers, Houston Northen and R.T. Normand were coaches on each of their younger sons’ little league team. Joan and Maurice attended the ball games, and a true love story was hatched. Also in 1949, Maurice was a 16-year-old FFA student. He won the Houston Livestock Show Grand Champion Duroc. This was a big deal for him, his family, his FFA chapter, Belton High School, Belton, and his agriculture teacher. The pig sold for a world record price at the auction and was purchased by American oil tycoon and owner of the Shamrock Hotel, Glenn H. McCarthy.
Both Joan and Maurice are Belton High School graduates. Joan graduated in 1954 and Maurice graduated in 1950. They have four children. The eldest child is Norman, who was followed almost four years later by sister Royda Northen Frazier, and then 11-1/2 months later, another sister, Robin Northen McAfee.
“I raised my daughters Royda and Robin like they were twins. I dressed them alike,” said Joan. When the children were in preschool Joan attended UMHB when it was still an all-girls school. She was a teacher in BISD for 22 years and began the Early Childhood Program for BISD. Five generations of the Northen/Normand families have attended UMHB.
“I thought I was finished having children, but Carol Beth surprised us,” said Joan. Their youngest daughter Carol Beth Taylor is 16 years younger than her sister Robin. Joan was also a Quilt Historian.
“I was a member of the program at the museum, I went to Chattanooga, Kentucky for appraisal classes in 1999. I can tell where a quilt was made which is the most important, not who made it. People would bring quilts to me, and I would tell them where it was quilted. I would get excited when they told me I was right,” said Joan.
Their son Norman recently retired in March this year from his career as a florist. He won the TSFA 2024 Achievement Award. Royda is also retired. Robin is a teacher and lives with her parents and the 3 children work together to take care of their parents. The youngest child Carol Beth lives in Rockwall, TX and works as a Pathologist Assistant at Methodist Hospital.
They have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

10/22/2024

By MIKE MYERS
The Belton Journal

On October 28th, residents of Belton will have another chance to engage with the Imagine Belton strategic plan.
This comprehensive framework, developed by the city, is designed to guide long-term growth and development within the community.
The first public meeting was held on September 30th and was well attended.
City Manager Sam Listi said the overall goal of the public meetings is to enhance public interest in Imagine Belton, a strategic community-driven initiative adopted in mid-2022 aimed at shaping the future of downtown and its surrounding areas in Belton.
The plan outlines a vision for revitalization and growth, offers diverse housing options, and promotes creative development.
This includes encouraging higher density and mixed-use projects to foster a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.
Listi emphasized that, “The standards of the plan do not require property owners to do anything. Existing land uses will remain the same.”
Furthermore, he explained that the standards are for future changes that occur such as rezoning or making changes in the property use.
The newly introduced Imagine Belton Standards aim to revitalize the downtown area and foster economic growth by attracting new businesses while maintaining a connected, safe, and walkable environment.
These standards provide clear guidelines for development, ensuring that it reflects the community's vision and desires.
A key aspect of these standards is their focus on enhancing downtown’s unique features, particularly its proximity to Nolan Creek.
This emphasis aims to preserve the area’s charm and identity, making it more attractive to residents and visitors. The community-driven approach in developing these standards incorporates public input and thorough site analysis, aligning future developments with local wants and needs.
The plan creates new housing and business opportunities, all while preserving the charm of the historic downtown.
It proposes new zoning changes around Main Street, Sixth Avenue, and Nolan Creek, dividing these areas into sub-districts with specific development guidelines.
These updates will provide more flexibility for property owners by permitting mixed use of buildings, including small shops, residences, and live-work spaces.
Additionally, streets will be improved to facilitate better walking and biking, and new parks and trails are planned to offer outdoor spaces for the community.
The plan outlines a vision for revitalization and growth, offers diverse housing options, and promotes creative development. This includes encouraging higher density and mixed-use projects to foster a vibrant and dynamic urban environment.
Standards are based on a community-driven vision based on public input and thorough site analysis, reflecting the community's desires and needs.
The first two Imagine Belton Zones, the Central Downtown and Uptown, will be considered for rezoning starting in January 2025. It is anticipated that the new zoning would be in place in February 2025.
The other three remaining Imagine Belton Zones will be considered for rezoning later in 2025.
Properties that continue to operate as before the adoption of the standards will not be affected.
If there are changes in the use of the property including expansions, damages, or if the property becomes abandoned, they will fall under the new standards.
Assistant City Manager Matt Bates said he was excited that, “There were a lot of good questions and feedback.”
Bates also thought that exhibits placed around the room created a better understanding of the plan. He noted that attendees were placing pins on the exhibits so they could visualize the economic development, infrastructure improvement, community services, and quality of life components of the plan, in their area.
Community members, business owners, and stakeholders will have another opportunity to participate in the Imagine Belton strategic plan on October 28th.
It will be held at 6 p.m., at the Harris Community Center, 401 N. Alexander St, Belton.
For community members unable to attend the meeting, the City invites you to email or call them with your comments and suggestions.