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Hi Temple, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: A 765 kV power line fight, a blind student’s mascot debut, Oscars movie week, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Backlash grows in Burnet County: State Rep. Ellen Troxclair opposed a 765 kV transmission line spanning over 200 miles from Bell to Schleicher counties. Oncor and LCRA expect to file plans with PUCT this spring — get details on the proposal.
Competing plans for treated water: Salado residents have raised concerns about wastewater permits near Salado Creek after TCEQ applied to discharge up to 700,000 gallons of treated water daily. Developers say this is common — learn what both sides say.
Small-town charm and activities: Nearby Salado, founded in 1859, offers over 175 shops, the Tablerock Amphitheater’s 13 acres of trails, year-round events, and stays like Yellow House Bed and Breakfast — get all the details.
Legacy and belonging in ministry: Belton’s Crossroads Church pastors Matt and Holly Thrasher shared how a family-first vision helped the congregation grow and welcome newcomers, emphasizing authentic worship and one-on-one care across the Temple area — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Mentorship powers inclusive dreams: Belton High’s Yaitzaelys Gomez, who is blind, recently lived out her dream by suiting up as Tigo the Tiger. Senior mascot Sue-Ellen Grant guided her through practices and events, including Night of Champions, giving Gomez the chance to cheer alongside athletes from Belton and Lake Belton. See how teamwork made it happen.
Award-season screenings await: Cinemark’s Oscars Movie Week will run March 9 to 15, showcasing this year’s nominees at participating theaters. Festival passes are available now for $40 and individual showtimes went on sale January 28. A timely way to catch the big contenders close to home. Get all the details.
Closet refresh, locally: In Temple, Shar’s Consignment Boutique keeps great pieces moving, with gently loved brands, one-off treasures, and the occasional “how is this still here?” find. A low-stress way to refresh the weekly rotation without fast-fashion guilt or sticker shock, and a hunt that feels as good as it looks.
Sushi night, sorted: Seoul Garden Temple delivers reliably fresh rolls without the I-35 trek. Expect crisp textures, clean flavors, and comforting Korean dishes for a mixed crowd. Slide it into your midweek dinner rotation, and count on empty plates, zero regrets.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
📖 Book Swap @ Heritage Park | Friday (2/6) at 10:30 AM – Post Stroller Strides at Heritage Park in Belton, swap the sticky board books and beach reads for something you’ll actually finish. Bring kids’ titles and adult picks, leave with fresh shelf candy, zero spending, and a little community sanity, all courtesy of the mom brigade.
💘 Galentines Market @ Amanda Kay Brow Studio | Friday (2/6) at 4:00 PM – Head to 2nd Street in Downtown Temple for a Galentines Market with mocktails, crafts, tiny tattoos, photo ops, and sweet treats from local vendors. It is free to wander and dangerously easy to enjoy, because who needs Cupid when you have good company, sugar, and a little retail therapy.
🕯 Sign of Love Candle Workshop @ Painting with a Twist | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Sign of Love is letting you flex your crafty side with a pre-class candle add-on for 20 bucks, because your home can always smell less like Tuesday. If you want in, register, add the candle, and show up 30 minutes early, coffee in hand.
❄ Glowing Winter Path @ Painting with a Twist | Saturday (2/7) at 4:00 PM – Whether you’re corralling grandkids or savoring a rare kid-free stroll, this illuminated winter path turns a cold night into a small-town wonder. Bundle up, sip cocoa, and wander through glowing art, twinkly trees, and photo ops, no rushing, just cozy bragging rights.
👭 Strong Women, Beautiful Stories: A Galentine Soirée @ Tirzah | Saturday (2/7) at 5:00 PM – Whether you’re team Galentine or just team uninterrupted adult conversation, this soirée serves mimosas, pampering, and shopping with women-owned vendors, all in one cozy hit. Tickets are $15 and include a mimosa or mocktail, plus add-on packages, self care with receipts, and flattering lighting.
🛍 Second Sunday February Market @ Sanctuary Enterprises | Sunday (2/8) at 12:00 PM – Whether you collect candles or just collect excuses to eat pizza before noon, Sanctuary’s Second Sunday market has you covered. Local makers, in-store specials, Pizza Pieros, Grindhead Coffee, and Poppy’s Paints for the kiddos, plus permanent jewelry if commitment is your love language.
🎶 Little Women: A Broadway Musical @ ASU Kerr | Sunday (2/8) at 2:00 PM – Little Women is getting the concert treatment at ASU Kerr, co-presented with The Bridge Initiative, so you get the voices, the story, and the goosebumps, no fussy sets. Jo’s ambition, sisterly chaos, and Civil War heartache included. Box office has the best deals, obviously.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Temple report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 67°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 65 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 45. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 77, with temperatures falling to around 72 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Clear. Low around 45, with temperatures rising to around 47 overnight. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Builder’s home on a half-acre in BISD, five minutes to Scott & White, blends high-end finishes with indoor-outdoor flow. The main level features a gourmet white oak kitchen with Level 5 counters, commercial gas, and a hidden butler’s pantry. Marble baths, a main-level primary suite, a double-sided fireplace, an outdoor Traeger kitchen, and a climate-controlled 8×8 dog house stand out.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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