New east side grocery study under way
A shopper heads to the Zero Hunger Mobile Market in Louisville, Kentucky. A food pantry in that city partners with Kroger to park an 18-wheeler with a specially outfitted trailer in neighborhoods where grocery stores don’t exist. A mobile market is one of several plans Temple is considering for an east side grocery store. Photo courtesy of Dare to Care
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN TEMPLE
East Temple residents could be shopping for groceries in their own neighborhoods as early as 2025, Temple City Manager Brynn Myers said today.
“We started a field study last week to evaluate the need for groceries to be available on the east side,” Myers said. “We’ve set aside $2,900 for a grocery market study that likely will be done in 2024.”
Myers said the study will help the city determine which direction to go to eliminate the food desert in the Ferguson Heights and Crestview neighborhoods. She said funding could be available in 2024 or 2025.
“We hope to determine if we need to pursue a brick-and-mortar grocery store or if the area can be served by a mobile market,” she said.
According to Hunden Strategic Partners, a real estate development consultant hired by the city last year, there’s not enough people living in East Temple today to attract grocery stores such as H-E-B, Kroger, Publix or Trader Joe’s.
According to Hunden’s report, about 12,198 people live in the Crestview and Ferguson Heights neighborhoods. Grocery companies generally require about 20,000 residents before they would consider locating a store in that area. They also require a median household income in a neighborhood of $40,000 to $75,000 or higher.
East Temple falls significantly short in both population and median household income, according to the report.
While the median household income in the Temple and Belton trade area as a whole is $56,313, the numbers for East Temple are almost half that. According to Hunden’s report, the median household income for East Temple is $30,373.
Residents of the two neighborhoods have said they don’t have transportation to make the three-plus mile trip to H-E-B or other grocery stores, prompting Myers to consider a mobile option that would bring groceries to the people.
A similar approach is being used in Louisville, Kentucky, a city with several neighborhoods that aren’t served by a traditional grocery store. The Dare to Care Food Pantry in that city decided to take steps to get food to those who need it.
The grocery giant outfitted the trailer with shelving, a refrigerator unit and freezers similar to those in grocery stores. Kroger also provides two employees to clean and stock the trailer daily, as well as a point-of-sale machine to ring up sales.
“The Zero Hunger Mobile Market is a single-aisle grocery store on wheels,” said Alexus Richardson, director of communications for Dare to Care Food Pantry. “The mobile market visits neighborhoods that have limited or no access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other nutritious foods.”
“The selection and prices are comparable to Kroger food stores in the Louisville area, but the quantities of each item are much smaller,” she said. “Since they are restocked daily, there’s no need to carry a lot of each item, and that allows us to get more on the shelves.”
The Zero Hunger Mobile Market operates five days a week and visits different neighborhoods each day. The truck makes two stops — one in the morning, another in a different location in the afternoon.
While Kroger hasn’t operated in Temple in decades, Myers had hoped H-E-B would help fill the need. But, H-E-B said earlier this year that they have no interest in such an enterprise.
“This is a creative idea to assist those in the community who do not have access to a close grocery store,” said Alyssa Owens, a spokesperson for the company.
“We currently offer H-E-B delivery, and this is an option for Texans to get fresh groceries via our website or app,” Owens said. “Customers add the items they need to their cart, and then they choose a time and date for delivery.”
“This option accepts all forms of electronic payment, including EBT cards, making it a fast, simple way for busy customers to get groceries on the go,” she added.
“Our delivery team already covers all of Temple,” she said, “so we would pass on such a proposition.”
Temple Park Rangers program likely to be pushed to 2026
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN TEMPLE
Temple officials are considering a move that could take a big bite out of recreational crime, but it likely won’t happen until 2026.
According to Temple City Manager Brynn Myers, a Park Rangers program is being planned to help curtail crime and vandalism at city parks and recreation facilities. Originally planned to start as early as this year, the program has been pushed back because of inflation-related budget tweaks.
The program is part of a multi-year business plan that will be presented to Temple City Council next week.
“We’re looking into implementing a Park Ranger program to provide security and increase public safety at Temple parks and trails,” Myers said. “We want to provide a dedicated presence at our parks to make sure everyone knows and follows expectations and guidelines. We want Temple recreational areas to be safe.”
Myers said the program likely will be funded in October 2026 and implemented the following year.
While details of the future plan have not been set in stone, Myers envisions a starting force of about four people — a lead ranger and three park rangers.
“They will have law enforcement training and will work closely with Temple police and the city’s Parks & Recreation department,” she said.
“They would probably use trucks as their law enforcement vehicles,” she said. “Some parks, such as Miller Springs, have some rough terrain.”
Over the years, Temple’s parks have been targeted by arson, graffiti and other acts of vandalism. There has even been a pig-napping at Oak Creek Park on Forest Trail, better known as Pig Park because of three swine statues that greet visitors to the barn-themed playground and exercise trail.
Fearing the Fourth
Fireworks can be traumatizing for PTSD sufferers and many animals
DAVID STONE | OUR TOWN TEMPLE
For many Americans, Fourth of July fireworks are an exciting and fun way to celebrate the birth of our nation. But for some people — and many animals — fireworks can be a frightening experience.
Firecrackers, skyrockets and pyrotechnic displays can aggravate PTSD in veterans and first responders, and they often cause panic in pets, horses and wildlife.
Oscar Solis, a retired US Marine, doesn’t much care for celebrating the Fourth of July because of PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder that can stem from a dramatic event such as battle, emergency situations or being a crime victim.
“I’m very honored by the intent, but it’s the celebration behind it — the fireworks, the large crowds — that’s a bit much for me,” said Solis, a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
According to Dr. Elizabeth Coe, a licensed psychologist with Baylor Scott & White’s Warriors Research Institute, Solis is far from alone. Every year the nation celebrates its independence with fireworks, and these loud and bright celebrations of freedom can seriously impact veterans who have defended it.
“Fireworks can be a trauma trigger,” Coe said. “The sounds, smells and flashes of light can bring back thoughts and memories of a traumatic moment for those suffering from PTSD.
“Some of these celebrations can have a lot of meaning for military veterans — they often cause former soldiers to think deeply about what it means to serve their country,” she said. “The Fourth of July can be a loaded holiday with positive and negative aspects for veterans.”
The Warriors Research Institute, based in Waco, has been around since 2013, and Coe has been affiliated with the institute for about five years.
“We have been serving veterans through statewide grant programs,” she said. “We are funded by the Texas Veterans Commission, and we are treating veterans and first responders through Telehealth.”
Coe said reactions to fireworks can be severe for veterans and others with PTSD.
“A lot of things can happen — it all depends on the person,” she said. “These reactions can cause an elevated heart rate and higher blood pressure, and make the body respond like it is truly in danger such as being in combat or being chased by a tiger. The body thinks it is in a threatening situation.
Persons suffering from PTSD can be treated with a variety of therapies, Coe said.
“Is healing possible? I say yes,” she said. “I believe it can go away with the appropriate therapy.”
The Warriors Research Institute offers a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week hotline for veterans and first responders in need, Coe said. They can reach a health professional by calling (254) 716-6208 or emailing wri@bswhealth.org.
Temple Fire Chief Mitch Randles said fireworks can harm people and damage property, and he emphasized that fireworks are illegal in Temple and its neighboring cities.
“Temple is a community that truly cares about its neighbors,” says Fire Chief Mitch Randles. “One in seven residents are veterans. Let’s support those who served our country and help our community stay safe from unintentional burns.”
Police Chief Shawn Reynolds agreed. He said that even though fireworks can be sold legally in Bell County, it is against the law to sell, possess or set off fireworks within the city limits.
While many Americans enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors associated with fireworks, noisy Fourth of July celebrations can also be a terrifying experience for wild and domestic animals. The Temple Animal Shelter suggests that residents keep their dogs and cats indoors when fireworks can be heard to avoid the risk of panic or escape.
Dr. Ron Gill of Texas AgriLife said fireworks can also cause reactions with farm animals and wildlife.
“I’ve never really seen adverse reactions in cattle or sheep, but horses are sensitive to sounds,” he said. “There are many horses in and around Temple, so fireworks could be an issue for horse owners.”
“Another concern in Central Texas would be fireworks catching a house, barn or straw on fire — that could be a huge problem,” Gill said.
Many animals become so frightened by the noise of fireworks that they run from familiar people and environments and become lost. They also may suffer devastating or even fatal effects from the stress.
Here are some tips to help veterans cope with triggers:
Avoid avoidance. Avoidance can be a short-term fix, but it tends to worsen the problem over time. It’s helpful to confront safe triggers you’ve wanted to avoid gradually. Some Veterans may need help from a mental health professional.
Remind yourself where you are and what is happening around you. Repeating simple reminders, like ‘this is not a combat zone,’ and ‘these are only fireworks’ can help reset the brain during a PTSD trigger.
Change the body’s temperature. Safely lowering body temperatures can quickly remind someone where they are and help quell PTSD triggers. Veterans can take a cold shower, or use an ice pack, ice cubes, frozen vegetables packs or splash cold water.
Schedule meaningful activities you enjoy. Planning self-care can boost your mood, which can offset the overall impact of stress triggers.
Celebrating America
Here’s a glance at local Fourth of July festivities
DAVID STONE | TEMPLE DAILY TELEGRAM
On July 4, 1776, the 56-member Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.
The great war with the British paved the way for 2.5 million colonists to become Americans. In perspective, that national number is about the same as Houston’s population today.
This most American of holidays will be marked with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues across the country and the Central Texas area.
Here’s a glance at local celebrations being planned:
Temple — The 25th annual Fun Fest & Fireworks Show will be on July 4 at Crossroads Park. The free event will include a rockin’ performance by Hair Metal Giants at 7 p.m., assorted vendors and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are welcome.
Belton — It’s the granddaddy of Central Texas Fourth of July celebrations and it is under way.
The annual PRCA Rodeo will be July 1-3 at the Bell County Expo Center, featuring top cowboys and cowgirls. The action starts at 7 p.m. each night.
A full day of fun is planned for Independence Day, starting with a Patriotic Program at the Courthouse starting at 8 a.m.
The Fourth of July Parade begins at 9 a.m., following a route from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (10th Avenue & Main Street) to the Police Memorial on Birdwell Street.
The High 5 Hot Dog Eating Contest, aka The Chowdown at High Noon, will be one of the featured events at the Festival on Nolan Creek, which will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Yettie Polk Park.
The band Sprung will take to the outdoor stage at 7 p.m. at Schoepf’s BBQ Backyard Party. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow the show.
Morgan’s Point Resort — The city by the lake will be celebrating the nation’s birthday on July 2 with SummerFest. Activities will start at 5 p.m. and continue to 10 p.m. in the area around Kleypas Park and the Mic & Garrett Hill Event Center. Fireworks will be presented at dark. Expect food trucks, fun activities and live music.