EDUCATION & SCHOOL NEWS

The Temple Independent School District Transportation Department is rolling out another digital tool to help increase safety and communication for bus riders across the district. The district is opening the parent portal of the SMART tag transportation system this week. INSIDE: Updated news from local schools, colleges and school districts.

Polls: Texas, Temple residents support pot reform

More than 90 percent of local residents surveyed favor legalization of up to 4 ounces of cannabis DAVID STONE |OUR TOWN TEMPLE with contributions by SCHEDULE 6 FOUNDATION Texas voters overwhelmingly support legalizing marijuana and about four in five residents say cannabis should be legal for medical or recreational use, according to a new poll […]

Hawn developers eye 2023 opening

New and renovated buildings along Central Avenue in Downtown Temple will become home to more than a dozen new retail shops, eateries and office spaces, and they could be open by summer. According to Jonathan Garza, director of development for Waco-based Turner Brothers, the first floors of the former Sears building, the old Hawn Hotel and the new 4th Street Parking Garage will be leased as retail and office space.

Local group forms Hospice House

A local group has formed with the purpose of opening a non-profit hospice care house in Central Texas for families needing a place for a loved one to spend their final days.

TEXAS POPULATION TOPS 30 MILLION

According to the Census Bureau, Temple’s population grew by more than 3,500 people between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021, and the estimated population today is approaching 90,000.

KEEP YOUR ANIMALS WARM

While preparing your home and vehicle for cold weather, be sure and take care of the furry family members as well. Here’s a few tips for keeping the animals safe during winter.

CENTRAL PLAZA EYES MAY 2023 OPENING

The 19-unit Central Plaza apartment community located in a historic Downtown Temple building could have tenants as early as May, one of the building owners said today.

A HOUSING CRISIS

Rental rates have climbed at an alarming rate, forcing low-income residents in Temple and other cities out of their homes. The rate hikes have been fueled by inflation, higher property taxes and in some cases, groups of investors looking for hefty profits.

Let’s make some tails wag

Consider taking a little time to spread cheer to organizations dedicated to helping animals. There are several local shelters that need a helping hand during the holiday season, including the City of Temple and Bell County shelters.