Alma Jo Barrera is a trailblazing figure in BMX Freestyle, recognized as one of the first female riders to make her mark in the sport during the early 1980s. Raised in Corpus Christi, she grew up riding to the Bayfront with friends, honing tricks, sharing Big Gulps, and occasionally helping shrimp boats clean nets for fish — a reflection of her humble beginnings. Her competitive career with the American Freestyle Association (AFA) saw her compete against male riders, often placing well, with a standout second-place finish in the 19 & Over Intermediate Flatland class at a major 1987 event, celebrated in *American Freestyler* magazine. Barrera’s skill earned sponsorships from S&M (Steve & Mike), Vision Street Wear, Visage Bikes and Fanta, leading to appearances at iconic events like the Mountain Dew Classic in Portland, Oregon, and the Veldrome in West Covina, California, where she placed second again, mastering new tricks at the famed Spaghetti Bowl. She contributed to a Fanta commercial shoot and talked about new and innovative bike designs, including a lightning bolt on the bottom tube. Was it her idea or was it already in the books? … We may never know, potentially influencing the CW Phaze 1. During a GT show in Corpus Christi, Josh White dubbed her “Rad Mom,” marking her rising prominence. Facing personal challenges — losing her parents in 1984 and becoming a teen mom at 15 — Barrera found support from friends’ families, with her son Lee riding on the pegs during local adventures. Transitioning to adulthood, she served in the United States Army through multiple deployments, retiring with a successful career. Despite battling PTSD, maintaining and riding her bikes — preserved through moves — reconnected her to carefree childhood days. Her emotional response to BMX’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, reflecting her pioneering role, fuels her hope to inspire girls and women to embrace the sport and discover its peace and happiness.

Americans will celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the United States throughout 2026. Many a notable leader has influenced the country in its 250-year history, and the following are some notable quotes from American presidents over the course of the nation’s history. “If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1802 “Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive.” — James Monroe, 1817 “Officeholders are the agents of the people, not their masters.” — Grover Cleveland, 1886 “In the history of mankind, many republics have risen, have flourished for a less or greater time, and then have fallen because their citizens lost the power of governing themselves and thereby governing their state; and in no way has this loss of power been so often and so clearly shown as in the tendency to turn the government into a government primarily for the benefit of one class instead of a government for the benefit of the people as a whole.” — Theodore Roosevelt, 1903 “Governments do not make ideals, but ideals make governments.” — Calvin Coolidge, 1926 “No government is perfect. One of the chief virtues of democracy, however, is that its defects are always visible and under democratic processes can be pointed out and corrected.” — Harry S. Truman, 1947 “Mankind must put an end to war — or war will put an end to mankind.” — John F. Kennedy, 1961 “A president’s hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right.” — Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965 “American has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds, lift us above our interests and teach us what it means to be citizens.” — George W. Bush, 2001 “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” — Barack Obama, 2008 (delivered while campaigning for president in an election Obama ultimately won)

City’s Finance Dept. wins award for budget process

For Belton resident Iosefa Taylor, becoming a registered nurse represents a continuation of service shaped by perseverance, adaptability, and purpose. After graduating from Central Texas College’s Associate Degree Nursing program, Taylor is advancing her career through a graduate nurse residency while continuing her education toward a bachelor’s degree. “I have accepted a graduate nurse residency position in the Emergency Department at Seton Medical Center and am continuing my education at TAMUCT in the RN-BSN degree program,” Taylor said. Taylor said nursing allows her to serve others during moments of fear and uncertainty, combining clinical skill with compassion. “Nursing fulfills my desire to serve others by being present for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” she said. “This position allows me to help people when they are frightened, vulnerable, and in need of both medical care and human connection, something I’m honored to provide in the Emergency Department.” Central Texas College provided the flexibility Taylor needed to continue her education while balancing work and family responsibilities. “CTC afforded me the opportunity to continue working as an LVN while taking my prerequisites online prior to moving to Texas,” she said. “Once I arrived in Texas, I was able to seamlessly continue my goal of graduating from the RN program and accomplish what was previously my short-term career goal.” Taylor’s path to graduation unfolded during a period of major personal and professional transition, marked by uncertainty and limited access to educational opportunities. “I separated from the Army, had my first child, and moved to a remote military base with my spouse at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, all while trying to find a college that I could take courses at to continue my nursing education,” she said. “This proved difficult in a time of uncertainty and as waitlists grew, pushing my dreams further away.” Her momentum resumed when her spouse received orders to Fort Hood, prompting Taylor to search for nursing programs in the region. She said Central Texas College quickly emerged as the right fit. “CTC’s easy application process, Veteran Services Department, close proximity to the base, and large catalogue of online courses made it very easy for me to apply and begin working towards my goals again,” she said. As an adult learner, Taylor views earning her associate degree as both practical and empowering. “Getting my AAS in nursing as an adult learner is advantageous because it allows me to move forward in the field of nursing, and increasing my nursing knowledge allows me to improve my patient care,” she said. Taylor said she was surprised by the diversity of the nursing students in her classes, which strengthened her perspective as a nurse. “I was surprised how many of the members of my cohort were also already healthcare workers, mothers, fathers, spouses, adult learners, and immigrants,” she said. “I loved being in such a diverse class because it gave me so much insight on various aspects of nursing care and barriers to care that deserve acknowledgment.” Reflecting on her journey, Taylor emphasized the importance of embracing every learning opportunity. “If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to seize every opportunity to learn, even if it’s something you already know,” she said.

The Bell County Historical Commission will meet on Monday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners’ courtroom on the second floor of the old courthouse, located at 101 East Central Ave., Belton. There will be a short meeting before the program. The title of this month’s presentation is “Trails, Tails and Tradition: European Migration & Stagecoach History.” The speaker is Pamela Anderson, Executive Director Texas Brazos Trail Region, Texas Heritage Trails, LLC. Her program explores historic inns, European migration, and the lively festivals that celebrate our shared past. The meeting is open to the public, and all who are interested in history are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 254-493-1472.

The March 3 primary elections are around the corner, and Bell County voters started heading to the polls on Tuesday for the Republican and Democratic primaries. On the first day of early voting, 2,347 voters made it to the polls. Polls are open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. today and Friday. On Saturday, Feb. 21, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 22, from noon until 6 p.m. Early voting continues Monday, Feb. 23 and ends on Friday, Feb. 27, with polls open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily through the end of early voting. Sample ballots by precinct can be found at https://www.bellcountytx.com/departments/elections/ballot_samples.php. Early voting will be conducted in person at: Belton Annex, 550 East 2nd Ave. Morgan’s Point Event Center, 60 Morgan’s Point Blvd. Salado Annex, 11057 Event Dr., Salado Temple ISD Admin Building, 401 Santa Fe Way, Temple True Deliverance Ministry, 709 W. Dean Ave., Killeen Jackson Professional Learning Center, 902 Rev R A Abercrombie Dr., Killeen Senior Center @ Lions Club Park, 1700 E. Stan Schlueter Loop, Killeen Harker Heights Parks & Recreation Center, 307 Millers Crossing For county offices, Republican Party candidates include: County Judge - David Blackburn, Theodore “Ted” Duffield Judge, County Court at Law No. 1 - Paul Motz Judge, County Court at Law No. 2 - John Mischtian Judge, County Court at Law No. 3 - John Gauntt, Jr District Clerk - Pam Blair, Lacey Martindale County Clerk - Shelley Coston County Treasurer - Gaylon Evans County Commissioner Precinct 2 - Bobby Whitson County Commissioner Precinct 4 - Curtis Emmons Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Joey Agee, Patrick “Pat” Patterson Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Gary D. Meyer, Richard Sapp, Buddy Schwab, Michael Tice Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 2 - Larry Wilkey Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2 - Beatrice “Bea” Cox For the Democratic Party, candidates include: County Chair, Democratic Party - Brandy L. L. Byrd, Teresa “Tess” Griffin, Terry Mustapher County Commissioner Precinct 2 - Stacey L. Wilson County Commissioner Precinct 4 - Louie Minor, Ernest Wilkerson Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2 - Jessica A. Gonzalez, Nicola J. James, Latasha Carroway Quarles For opposed races in which a candidate does not receive a 50-percent plus one majority vote, those races will be decided in a May 26 runoff election. For races which do not have a candidate running in the opposing party, the March 3 primary will be the deciding race for that position. Primary winners would then take office on Jan. 1, 2027. For county offices with candidates from Republican and Democratic parties, the winner will be determined in the Nov. 3 election.

Hilltop Recovery Ministries (HRM) launched their inpatient Christian recovery center for marginalized women in 2025. Addicted women who are homeless or are at risk are at the focus of Tanya Roper’s efforts at HRM. Six women graduated the impatient program and entered into their very own homes. Roper, the executive director of HRM, inherited the ministry in 2019, serving women in Bell County and beyond. In 2019, her first client was a young woman “who had been kidnapped by her boyfriend and held in a closet for three days.” Upon entering HRM, a sign over the hallway can be seen: “If you don’t climb the mountain, you can’t see the view.” HRM uses outreach, outpatient care, and inpatient care to help addicted, abused, and trafficked women heal. Their outreach program seeks homeless women or those on the brink, hoping to gain their trust. Recently approved as a warming facility, potential clients are able to see they are not in a lockdown facility. Roper said, “They see that we’re not these things that they may have in their mind of what recovery looks like. With all that trauma, and trust and everything.” Their intensive outpatient program offers “case management, therapy, and life skills,” said Roper. Then there is the inpatient care at the historic Cora Anderson Hospital, an African American hospital during segregation. Here they hold six group sessions per day for the women. Sobriety is phase one. After 30 days of sobriety, if they choose, they enter the second phase of the inpatient treatment. Roper said, “They’re looking for a place to feel safe and valued. They’re really looking for change.” Roper added that clients are able to stay for six months, as they become self-sufficient. “They’re getting jobs, getting ready to get housing. We work on budgets, and they’re responsible for paying a portion of their programming fees.” Roper and her team, through donations, grants, and volunteers, are able to serve each woman at less than $100 a day. HRM has the capacity to host 10 women, but they need a 10–12 passenger van in order to take in the additional women. Roper said, “In a year, we’ve graduated six women, and when I say graduated, that means living independently in their own home, employed, and sober. We think we don’t have time. We think it takes a lot of money, and yet it really doesn’t. Don’t discredit how you can be involved.” Bell County has a 14% higher than national average of women experiencing homelessness. Addiction was cited as their biggest barrier to getting out of homelessness. The HRM website is http://www.HilltopRecoveryMinistries.org. Their Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/HRMBelton.

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As the race for Bell County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 moves forward, Patrick Patterson continues to engage with voters across Bell County, emphasizing his lifelong connection to the community, extensive county government experience, and commitment to fair, accessible, and compassionate justice. A lifelong Belton resident, Patterson was raised in the very communities he now seeks to serve. His deep roots in Precinct 1 have given him a genuine understanding of the people, challenges, and values that define Bell County. Patterson is a graduate of Belton High School and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, reflecting a longstanding investment in local institutions and a commitment to serving the community that helped shape him. With 18 years of experience serving Bell County, Patterson brings firsthand knowledge of county operations, procedures, and the public service standards residents expect and deserve. His professional background provides a practical understanding of how county government functions and how the Justice of the Peace Court fits into the broader system. Patterson’s familiarity with court and county systems, including extensive experience working within the probation department, positions him to step into the role of Justice of the Peace with a minimal learning curve. He is prepared to serve effectively from day one while maintaining continuity, professionalism, and efficiency within the office. “Justice of the Peace Court is often where people encounter the legal system at some of the most meaningful moments of their lives,” Patterson said. “From joyful occasions like marriages, to difficult situations involving disputes, financial hardship, or the loss of a loved one, these moments deserve to be handled with care. My goal is to ensure every person who walks into the courtroom is met with fairness, clarity, and compassion.” Driven by a passion for public service, Patterson believes the role of Justice of the Peace is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about listening carefully, applying the law consistently, and treating every individual with dignity and respect, especially during moments that matter most. As the campaign continues, Patterson encourages residents of Precinct 1 to stay engaged, ask questions, and learn more about how the Justice of the Peace Court touches everyday lives and families across Bell County. For more information about Patrick Patterson and his campaign for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, visit www.patterson4jp1.com.

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The City of Belton will be receiving a smaller sales tax check compared to February 2025, according to the monthly sales tax report released last week by Acting State Comptroller Kelly Hancock. This month’s check for Belton is $934,545.92, which is 10.89 percent less than the $1,047,756.20 the city received in February 2025. So far for 2026, the city’s sales tax revenue is down 6.48 percent compared to 2025. Last year at this time, it was up 2.84 percent. Statewide, cities are seeing 2.9 percent more in sales tax revenue disbursements compared to last February. Altogether, cities will be receiving a total of $963.4 million this month. Statewide, sales tax receipts are up 3.5 percent statewide for the year compared to 2025. The February allocations are based on sales made in December by businesses that report tax monthly; October, November and December sales by quarterly filers; and 2025 sales by businesses that report tax annually. Morgan’s Point Resort will receive $49,776.68, up 4.82 percent. The City of Temple will receive $3,980,077.51, down 4.8 percent compared to last February. Holland is receiving $20,973.15, down 29.33 percent. Salado’s revenue is also 22.45 percent less, at $97,678.57. In western Bell County, Killeen’s monthly sales tax revenue check is $3,639,732.30, down 4.99 percent from last February and down 2.58 percent overall for 2026. Harker Heights sees a slight increase of 1.67 percent with its sales tax check totaling $1,267,928.04. For 2026, Harker Heights’ sales tax revenue is up 4.21 percent. The City of Nolanville is down 5.74 percent and will be receiving $154,282.76.

Community members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease are invited to attend the Bell County Alzheimer’s Expo, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Central Texas Council of Governments (CTCOG) in Belton. The Alzheimer’s Expo is a free, community-wide event designed to provide education, resources, and practical support to individuals and families navigating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The event will feature expert presentations, community exhibitors, and opportunities to connect with local organizations dedicated to brain health, caregiving, and senior support services. Originally launched in 2022 by Divine Home Care Services, the Alzheimer’s Expo has evolved into a fundamental community resource for those impacted by this growing disease. What began as a local initiative in McLennan County has steadily expanded in reach and impact, drawing hundreds of participants annually and creating meaningful collaboration among healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, caregivers, and families. The expansion into Bell County marks an important milestone in extending access to education and support throughout Central Texas. “Very excited about the way the Bell County community is embracing this initiative, and very grateful to our sponsors, exhibitors and participants, and to the extraordinary organizing team that is making the EXPO possible including George Losoya with CTCOG, Hailey Peek with Dementia Enrichment Center, Amanda Morales with Baylor Scott & White Health, and Matt Muñoz,” said Eduardo Berdegué, principal at Divine Home Care and founder of the Alzheimer’s EXPO. Attendees can expect: * 30 by-invitation-only relevant exhibitors * seven breakout sessions in a variety of important topics * four one-on-one stations for private consultations with a nurse, attorney, social worker, caregiver * two interactive sessions including a Virtual Dementia Tour * one panel discussion featuring the Caregiver Experience * multiple connections Alzheimer’s disease continues to affect a growing number of families across Texas, placing emotional, physical, and financial strain on caregivers and loved ones. Events like the Bell County Alzheimer’s Expo aim to bring clarity, connection, and hope to those navigating the journey. To register and for additional information, including the full program, presenter lineup, and event sponsors, please visit: https://divinehomecareservices.com/alzheimers-expo-bell/. The event is free and open to the public. Caregivers, family members, healthcare professionals, and community members are encouraged to register and to share the event information with others who may benefit.

A sixth grader from North Belton Middle School, Kimberly Lezama, placed first in the local Belton Lions Club and at the Lions Club District level for the annual Lions Club International Peace Poster contest. This year’s 2025–2026 theme was “Together as One.” This was the Belton Lions Club’s first year to participate. Students 11- to 13-years-old compete to create the poster that best represents the Lions Club. Keith Cook, a member of the Lions Club, contacted local middle school art teachers to see who wanted to involve their art students. Art teacher and tennis coach, Nick Bottesini, at NBMS, responded that he would involve his students, ranging from sixth to eighth grade. 40 students from Bottesini’s classes participated. Preparation began in early 2025, with contest rules and conditions needing to be strictly adhered to. Nov. 15 was the deadline for clubs to mail in their top choice of the artist who best represented their club. At a Belton Lions Club’s regular meeting at Dead Fish Grill, the 40 posters were on display. The club decided to recognize Maddie Cooper with second place, and Eleanor Maxfield for third place. Cook said, “It just so happened that the three best posters that the club voted on were in one sixth-grade class.” Lezama received $200 from the Belton Lions Club, and all three of the top students were given a certificate recognizing their placement. Of her poster, Lezama said, “I was thinking about cultural diffusion and how when one culture meets another, it creates fusion. If more people come together, it could create peace. I learned how to better apply shading and light. I really enjoy using watercolors and graphite, and my art style is usually more cartoon-inspired, but sometimes I like realism too.” Lezama’s piece was sent to the Lions Club District level where 14 Lions Clubs participated. On Jan. 31, it was announced Lezama’s entry also won the district level and her work was moved on to the Texas Lions Poster Competition level. The Belton Lions Club presented Coach Bottesini with a framed piece about the competition, and he also received a $20 gift card to Grand Avenue. “Because that’s a lot of work on him to have to monitor that daily,” Cook said. Cook, on behalf of the club, had Lezama’s poster printed and framed as a keepsake for her. The Belton Lions Club is considering participating in the International Peace Poster contest again next year.

The Bell Community Foundation will open their grant application period on Feb. 1, 2026. Local nonprofit organizations serving Bell County are invited to apply. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations serving residents of Bell County. To apply, visit [www.bellcommunityfoundation.org/grants](http://www.bellcommunityfoundation.org/grants) and complete the online application form. Each year, the Foundation provides grants to meet diverse community needs and support programs and projects in education, human services, health, cultural arts and other civic concerns. Past recipients of Bell Community Foundation grants include Temple Children’s Museum, 411 House, CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties, Central Texas Youth Services, Feed My Sheep of Temple, and Family Promise. The Bell Community Foundation is an IRS approved public charity founded in 2018. The foundation is a community partner and resource for nonprofit organizations in Bell County and the surrounding areas. Bell Community Foundation was created to provide support to the specific needs of the Bell County area and have a profound impact on the quality of life in our community. For more information scan or visit, http://www.bellcommunityfoundation.org or email info@bellcommunityfoundation.org.

The office of acting Texas State Comptroller Kelly Hancock’s office released its monthly sales tax revenue report for January, and the City of Belton is receiving $754,640.44 in sales tax revenue, starting the new year down by 0.52 percent compared to January 2025. January’s sales tax allocations to Texas cities are based on sales made in November by businesses that report tax monthly. Hancock’s office is sending cities a total of $727.2 million in sales tax allocations for January 2026, which is up 4.3 percent compared to January 2025. Nearby Morgan’s Point Resort and the City of Temple are both up compared to last January, at 5.76 percent and 7.28 percent, respectively. The City of Troy’s sales tax disbursement this month is up 6.65 percent. Salado is down 0.74 percent compared to last January, while Holland is up a whopping 30.26 percent to start the new year. Killeen’s sales tax rebate this month is $2,802,307.26, up 0.72 percent from last January. Harker Heights sees an increase of 1.24 percent for January 2026 and will receive $909,900.67.

The Belton Police Department will submit two criminal justice grants — one for rifle-resistant body armor, the other for renewal of the General Victim Assistance grant program. The grant submittals were approved during Tuesday’s Council meeting. According to Belton Police Chief Larry Berg, the body armor grant is for 23 rifle-resistant armor plates rated to stop rifle rounds. The purchase would replace outdated ballistic vests for all staff at an estimated cost of $100,000. The grant does not require matching funds. The victim assistant grant would allow Crime Victims’ Assistance Program services to be expanded at the police department and would include counseling services, funding for the victim assistance liaison, training, equipment and supplies. The estimated cost for personnel, supplies, equipment, and training is $100,000, and the grant requires a 20 percent match. The 20 percent match — about $20,000 — would be included in the Fiscal 2027 budget. Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Council received a report and provided direction for future revisions to the short-term rental ordinance. On March 14, 2023, City Council adopted an ordinance to license and regulate short-term rentals (STRs) within the city of Belton. In February 2025, the city executed a contract with Granicus LLC to assist with identification, compliance, and monitoring of STRs. More than fifty STRs have been identified, but only nineteen of those have been permitted. Even fewer are remitting hotel occupancy taxes to the city. There are also a significant number of unregistered units that do not meet the 500-foot spacing requirement in the ordinance. Staff seeks direction from City Council on three distinct components to craft revisions to the STR ordinance for future consideration: • Collection/enforcement of hotel occupancy taxes • Owner-occupied versus non-owner occupied designations • Separation requirements for duplexes and multi-family units Whether an STR is permitted or not, hotel occupancy taxes are due for any stay less than 30 days in length. Seventy-six percent of the identified STRs are delinquent on occupancy taxes. Staff recommends pursuing the collection of all taxes, penalties, and interest for occupancies occurring from Jan. 1, 2025, to present. If necessary, complaints may be filed with the municipal court. In the current ordinance, the 500-foot separation requirement does not apply if “the owner of the property does reside on-site when a portion of the dwelling unit is rented.” The owner-occupied designation is made when the property is permitted. Because there is no practical way to verify that the owner is actually on site during each rental, this designation is essentially moot. Staff recommends eliminating references to owner-occupied properties from the ordinance. Two non-owner-occupied duplex owners appealed the 500-foot distance requirement to Council. Both were approved. The Council then asked staff to review solutions to duplexes and other multi-family dwellings. Staff recommends allowing STRs on both sides of a duplex that is located on one lot, regardless of the owner-occupied status. However, the method to measure the distance between applicable duplex lots is the same method as measuring between single family lots: nearest lot line to the nearest lot line. For multi-family properties, staff recommends amending the ordinance to change how the 500-foot distance is measured between multi-family units located on the same lot. The current ordinance states that the distance is measured from lot line to lot line. A better measurement for multi-family properties may be the distance from exterior wall to exterior wall of the other dwelling unit. The distance between an STR in one multi-family development and another STR located on a separate lot would still be measured from lot line to lot line using the 500-foot distance rule.

Public education is under attack, even though states are legally required to provide an equitable and adequate education for every child. As an educator, I’ve learned to listen to older people. Seasoned adults have an uncanny ability to sense who can be trusted and who can’t. Most of the time, I agree with them. In just about every job I’ve ever had, there have been a few older educators who became trusted comrades, people who had seen enough to know the difference between noise and truth. People have instincts like that. Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling. Sometimes it shows up in how someone treats employees or even their own friends. For me, my radar immediately goes up when anyone starts disparaging the teaching profession. Like any profession, there are bad actors who should be removed, and public and state education can and should improve with the right support. A few bad apples never justify bullying an entire profession though Bullying is increasingly coming from social media. Online harassment, threats, and insults aimed at teachers have become the most common form of aggression educators face today. These attacks cause real emotional and psychological harm and are driving good teachers out of the classroom. Left unchecked, this kind of rhetoric can spill over into real-world violence. Much of it is politically motivated. Well-funded organizations have repeatedly targeted public and state education with false or misleading claims. In June 2023, as reported by author Glenn Rogers, Gordon ISD, a small, high-performing rural district in north central Texas, was viciously attacked online after being falsely accused of grooming students for transgenderism. The claim centered on a book available statewide through TexQuest, an online library coordinated with the Texas Education Agency. The book had never been accessed in Gordon ISD and had already been suppressed by school officials. None of that mattered. The attack rattled teachers, parents, and administrators. Educators who had done nothing wrong were subjected to fear, stress, and public shaming. Let’s just call it what it is, public education is taking some hard shots right now. Across the country, more teachers are being verbally abused and, in some cases, physically attacked by students and even parents. Some reports say as many as 10 to 14 percent of educators have been assaulted on the job. A lot of folks point to the post-pandemic years as the turning point, but regardless of the cause, the results are clear: teachers are worn down, morale is taking a hit, and too many good educators are deciding it’s not worth the risk anymore. That’s why school safety isn’t just a talking point, it’s something we’ve got to take seriously. Older, experienced educators seem to know who to trust. Maybe it’s time the rest of us trusted our seasoned teachers again. Thought for the Week, “A community’s true values are revealed not by its slogans, but by how it treats the people entrusted with educating its children. When we choose education over outrage, we choose a stronger future.” Blake Powell, a leading Texas educational attorney. Dr. Jack Welch serves as President of Fort Scott Community College. With a career spanning professional sports, public education, and rural community development, he brings a servant-leader mindset and a passion for building trust-driven cultures that empower people to thrive in the classroom, on the field, and in life. He is also the author of Foundations of Coaching: The Total Coaching Manual.