Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 |
[ Inside this issue ] City manager honored to serve citizens
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New leaders will guide Copperas Cove in 2023
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Copperas Cove EDC continues working on investments
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Copperas Cove EDC director says retail market strong
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Cove EDC begins holding quarterly popup markets
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TxDOT finishes Highway 190 project, continues another
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HOTDA director briefs council on project updates
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Lampasas top students look toward the future
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Parks and Rec Department continues improvements
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CCFD keeps chugging behind longtime officer, now chief
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Design of new animal shelter in Cove complete
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City’s drinking water report comes back clean, no violations Page 20 Copperas Cove officials still working for future water rights
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City proposing $9.6M worth of capital upgrades
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Cove Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members
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Superintendent builds on foundation of excellence
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Cove ISD expands facilities to meet growing population
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Cove ISD students excel at end-of-course STAAR test
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Cove ISD improves academic integrity ranking
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Cove High students double industry certifications
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Cove ISD fills teacher positions with in-house program
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Copperas Cove Progress 2023 is a Killeen Daily Herald publication. Contact Us General Manager : Terry Gandy Editor: Thaddeus Imerman | timerman@kdhnews.com Newsroom: 254-501-7542 | Advertising: 254-501-7500
Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 |
City manager honored to serve citizens
G
reetings from the City of Copperas Cove! The entire Central Texas Region continues to grow and if you have not yet had the opportunity to visit our amazing City, we welcome you to take a short drive and stop by for a spell! The City of Copperas Cove is a Home Rule City which is operated within the confines of our City Charter. The City operates as a Council–Manager form of Government and policy is set by the governing body, a Mayor and seven Council Members. The City’s Property Tax Rate recently decreased from 76.0068 cents per $100 valuation in 2021 to 72.1028 cents per $100 valuation in 2022. The leadership team anticipates another property tax rate reduction in 2023. While the annual operating budget has experienced its challenges over the years, the proposed budget for FY 2023 has been presented to City Council and is balanced and maintains all current City services and programs. Following a short hiatus, the annual State of the City was planned, organized and delivered to our community earlier this year in February. Along with the Mayor, I had the distinct pleasure to work with our departments to help gather and share all the great things that are happening in Copperas Cove. It was a great event and preparations for the 2024 event have already begun. With an estimated population of 38,211, the City of Copperas Cove housing and population continues to boom. In the past 13 years we have seen an increase in
population of 19%, or an approximate annual increase of 1.5%. We have expericity manager enced a ryan haverlah population increase of almost 4.5% annually in just the past two years alone. In just the past five years the number of homes has increased by 1,498, with an additional 2,659 being proposed or developed in the very near future. The Bus US 190 Sidewalk and Median Project achieved substantial completion earlier this spring and final close-out is pending in the coming weeks. Funding for the project construction was provided 100% by the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization. While the construction took a bit longer than anticipated, the final project will provide motorists and pedestrians alike many years of safety as they traverse along the corridor. An additional future TxDOT project within our community is the US 190 Bypass Expansion. The project will include construction of two additional lanes on the current bypass and six new 2-lane bridges and a new 4-lane bridge at FM 2657, that is scheduled for bidding in early 2024 and will provide connectivity for I-14 to the west side of Copperas Cove along the current Hwy 190. The City is currently reconstructing Constitu-
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tion Drive from Hwy 190 to MLK Jr. Drive and should be finished in early 2024. This project will be our first concrete street and the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation is funding the vast majority of the project. The much-anticipated new Animal Shelter was approved by the voters of Copperas Cove in November of 2022 and the project design is nearing finalization. The project will include relocation to FM 1113 and an increased footprint to better serve the needs of our community. Construction could begin as early as later this year or early 2024. The Parks and Recreation Department continues to work through the Park
Improvement Projects, a 5-year plan, which includes upgrades to parking lots, sidewalks and walking trails, lighting, playground equipment, and much more. We were elated to finally complete the restrooms project earlier this year in City Park, in which 2 facilities were remodeled and 3 new restroom facilities were constructed. On behalf of City staff and elected officials, we are honored to serve the citizens of Copperas Cove and are appreciative of your support and patience as we continue to grow. Thank you. Respectfully, Ryan Haverlah City Manager
The Copperas Cove City Council welcomed two new members after successful November campaigns. The two new members were John Hale (second from the left on the bottom row) and Manuel Montanez (far right on the top row). Herald | file
New leaders help guide Copperas Cove in 2023 By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
The city of Copperas Cove entered 2023 with a host of new leaders — both at the city level as well as in elected positions. The new leaders are in place to guide the city as it moves forward.
City Council
Some of the leadership changes occurred in the city council, with two new council members being elected on Nov. 8, 2022. On Dec. 6, 2022, Councilmen John Hale and Manuel “Monty” Montanez were sworn into their Place 4 and Place 5 seats, respectively. Hale defeated challenger Edith Natividad on Nov. 8 and filled the seat vacated by Jay Manning, who was term-limited and could not seek reelection.
Montanez ran unopposed to fill the seat vacated by Dianne Campbell. The Army spouse originally filed for reelection but resigned her campaign and backed out of the race shortly after the filing period ended. Later in December, Councilman Shawn Alzona was sworn into the council for his first full term. He ran unopposed in 2022 after having won a special election in 2021 to fill an unexpired term. On Jan. 3, council members then Councilwoman Joann Courtland to serve as mayor pro-tem. She has mayoral authority in the absence of Mayor Dan Yancey.
State of the City
With dozens in attendance, Copperas Cove Mayor Dan Yancey delivered a “State of the City” address at the Cinergy Cinemas in February.
Among the topics discussed, Yancey’s announcement of a proposed project from Texas Department of Transportation prompted a round of applause from those in the audience. Yancey referred to a project that would construct an interchange from southbound State Highway 9 to westbound Business Highway 190. “This interchange will provide quick connection for residents on the north side of town to the major retail centers on the east side of our city,” Yancey said. Currently, anyone driving south on Highway 9 must continue eastbound on Interstate 14 and turn around at Fort Hood’s Clarke Road to go back into town. The other project, though set to begin in 2026, may begin a couple of years early. The project will expand U.S. Highway 190 on the bypass from two lanes to PLEASE SEE LEADERS, Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 |
LEADERS
Work began on Constitution Drive in June 2023 and is expected to last nine months. The street is one of a handful of reconstruction or repair projects prioritized by the city.
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four lanes. Yancey told those in the crowd that the project may begin in 2024. Water and Population Growth As the city continues to grow, Yancey highlighted a few things that have been completed in the past year that indicate the city has done what it can to assure the continued supply of the commodity. They include the rehabilitation of three water storage tanks, totaling 1.69 million gallons. The Rattlesnake elevated storage tank can store 750,000 gallons of water, the Southwest ground storage tank can store 300,000 gallons and another elevated storage tank that was rehabilitated recently can store 150,000 gallons. “The water tank rehabilitation projects shared by Mayor Yancey are essential to enhance water quality and preserve these critical assets,” said City Manager Ryan Haverlah. Over the last three years, the city has seen its population growth rate climb to 2.7% annually, up from the 1% annual average increase the previous two decades. “Current and planned development by private investment is anticipated to increase the city’s population from 38,211 in 2023 to over 60,000 in 10-15 years,” Yancey said. The city council last year also approved the purchase of an additional seven million gallons per day of water rights from the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1. The
Walter Lanier | Herald
additional water, however, hinges on an expansion of the Belton Lake Water Treatment Facility, a project that has not been approved by all WCID-1 customers.
Roads
Highlighting the efforts of Public Works employees, Haverlah recapped some of the road repairs and reconstruction projects completed. In the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the Streets Department has made repairs to roads that were damaged from the ice, but the work is still ongoing. “Current and future Street projects include a second round of roadway repairs resulting from damage caused by Winter Storm Uri and the Veterans Avenue sidewalk improvement project, both of which are nearing completion,” Haverlah said. Other road reconstruction projects either in the design and bidding phase or under construction are: Constitution Drive, Suja Lane, Oak Hill Drive and Deer Flat
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Drive. The theme of this year’s State of the City address was “Engage Copperas Cove: Better Together,” and many of the projects Yancey
and Haverlah highlighted revolved around efficiency. For those unable to attend, go to the city’s YouTube video at https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=iiW-mtad-1g.
Copperas Cove EDC continues working on investments Three of the four Wheeler sisters speak with Fred Chavez, a member of the Copperas Cove City Council, as he judges them at the Oscar’s Market.
ByThaddeusImerman KilleenDailyHerald
From an economic development standpoint, the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation plans to continue to use a communit survey last year to guide some of its decisions in the next 12 months. “It includes initiatives that support, establish, and promote equitable and inclusive programs to support the creation and retention of quality jobs, businesses, and investment,” said Fred Welch, director of the Copperas Cove EDC. While the EDC has placed — and will continue to place — an emphasis on supporting local businesses in whatever ways they can, it also is looking ahead. “We will be amping up our messaging via one-on-one face to face visits with decision makers involved with relocating businesses,” Welch said. “Additionally,
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we continue to provide programming via our entrepreneurial program to assist small business owners in getting the tools needed to grow their business in Copperas Cove.” The Copperas Cove EDC holds monthly business-related workshops, networking events and free consultations. The EDC
has also focused on the young entrepreneurs and has partnered with the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce to host and promote the Oscar’s Market vendor event, which features children small business owners. PLEASE SEE invest,
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Workforce Development
The Copperas Cove EDC recently began working on a workforce development project. Central to the project is creating opportunities for more networking, more visibility for work opportunities, and creating space(s) for businesses to start and grow. “We are hosting quarterly job fairs and have started a Facebook Group specifically for bridging the gap between hiring employers and job seekers,” Welch said. Working with neighboring communities is critical to the workforce development project. “Economic development does not stop at the city limits,” Welch said. “What is good for Central Texas is good for Copperas Cove, Killeen, Nolanville, Lampasas and beyond.”
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Ben Cunningham, right, owner of Galactic Goodz sells his Star Wars-themed food products on Saturday at Copperas Cove’s Oscar’s Market, a market for young entrepreneurs like Cunningham.
Budget adjustments
The Copperas Cove EDC is also now working with a slightly smaller budget due to an election that voters passed in November 2022 that redirected one-eighth of one cent of sales tax revenue from the Copperas Cove EDC to the street maintenance fund. Welch said the decision by the voters has resulted in a nearly 30% smaller budget. This means the EDC has to shift to alternative sources of income. “In the short term, we are aggressively seeking grants to assist with infrastructure projects and future land acquisition,” Welch said. “It is a slower process but by thinking and planning ahead for future land to develop we are preventing putting ourselves in the future position of selling our existing
Walter Lanier | Herald
The Copperas Cove EDC continues to look at ways to develop The Narrows Business and Industrial Park. Recently, the EDC identified approximately 50 acres of land it says can be developed in the short-term.
property (about 35 acres) and then struggling to find land to develop. “Instead, we are proactively working now with private developers and Fort Cavazos to develop strategies to take down and develop additional property for future growth.” Existing programs for business retention and expansion as well as entrepreneurial development have not been impacted by the reduction in funding. As Welch explained, how-
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ever, “(T)he ability to grow and develop future land now demands a more long-term approach that will require prudence, planning, and finding outside dollars to assist in the development process.”
Narrows Development
The Copperas Cove EDC is also continuing to look at ways to develop The Narrows Business and Industrial Park. Currently, The CDL School occupies territory in The Narrows.
Recently, the EDC identified approximately 50 acres of land it says can be developed in the short-term. “The landowners (Jimmy Clark and Wesley Atkinson) worked with the City and TxDOT when the bypass was completed several years ago to place sleeves under the roadway that one day could hold water and sewer lines to go under the roadway,” Welch said. “With the widening of 190 due to the IH-14 expansion there it was necessary to extend the length of those sleeves to the expanded TxDOT right of way.” As a result of an agrement between the EDC and the landowners, the EDC paid around $114,000 for the project. Welch said he considers the expansion of Highway 190 in that location a positive thing. “The proximity to I-14 and the major plants under construction in Taylor and south Austin for Samsung and Tesla make this a prime location for primary suppliers of components and materials for these plants,” Welch said.
Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation Director Fred Welch has said the EDC is currently working on a retail/development strategy to attract new investment to the northwest and southwest side of town, where new housing is being developed. Walter Lanier | Herald
Copperas Cove EDC director says retail market strong New investment opportunities eyed By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Copperas Cove Economic Development Director Fred Welch says the retail market in the city is strong, but there is always room for more development. As the city continues to gain more population, Welch said he and his team are eyeing a couple of specific areas in the city. “We are currently working on a retail/development strategy to attract new investment to the northwest and southwest side of town, where new housing is being developed,” Welch said in an email to the Herald in the end of June. Knowing the benefit of such, Welch said the city needs to create a couple of “anchor-type” developments in field of health care, entertainment or research and development. The Copperas Cove EDC currently has several initiatives in the retail and com-
mercial/industrial sectors, Welch explained. The city’s EDC in April began working with NaviRetail — an economic development agency — from Fort Worth to develop a marketing plan specifically designed to attract retail businesses. Welch explained that attracting retail businesses is similar to attracting industrial businesses and said that NaviRetail is
experienced in crafting that message. “Their plan will include the messaging retail site selectors are looking for to be used in content for our website, social media, and other marketing materials that will inform developers and retail agents of our local opportunities,” Welch said. Since the partnership with NaviRetail began in April, the agency has “taken inventory” of retail the city has, doesn’t have, and what retail that members of the com-
munity have expressed they want. “Taking that into consideration, the firm produced an initial report and represented the city at a national retail conference (ICSC),” Welch said. Welch said another growth spurt is likely when the city is able to attract one of the above-mentioned anchor businesses. That said, it may not happen immediately. PLEASE SEE retail, 10
The Food Zone Market gas station/liquor store is being built near the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 116 and Lutheran Church Road. The city’s EDC is looking to attract new retail investment on the northwest and southwest side of town. Walter Lanier | Herald
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“There is a bit of a dampener economically right now with higher interest rates, as it makes getting construction projects of any nature much more difficult to obtain,” Welch said. “So, we need to seek out patient money that can wait (this means more equity into the project) or other means to lessen the capital risk and gain commitment.” Despite the challenge the city’s EDC faces, Welch said it is “not too high a hill” to climb.
Sales tax receipts
The city of Copperas Cove has continually received higher sales tax revenue from the state each year, and 2023 looks to be no different. Through June, revenue from
sales tax receipts is 4% higher than it was this time last year. In 2022, the city had received a total of $3,479,615.50 from the state’s Comptroller’s Office, compared with $3,616,837.03 this year. “If you allow for inflation, we are slightly better off than we were last summer,” Welch said. “High interest rates make it very difficult for financing new construction but we are calling commercial developers in the Austin and Houston market on a regular basis to acquaint them with what we have.” Welch said Copperas Cove’s population growth and upcoming expansion of Interstate 14 on the bypass toward Lampasas are positive things. “It seems small if you live in the city, but it is actually quite significant to decision makers from outside of our area looking in to see what we have to offer their businesses,” he said.
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Cove EDC begins holding quarterly popup markets By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
In a way of drawing attention to some of the small businesses and small business vendors in Copperas Cove, the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation held the first of its quarterly vendor popup events in June. In a joint popup market and job fair, nearly 40 vendors set up shop along the sidewalks of The Narrows Business and Technology Park on June 10. The vendors varied from clothing, art, home improvement booths, bathing product, toys and more. The goal of the job fair section of the popup event is to bridge the gap between local job seekers and employers, according to the Cove EDC. The job fair section was sponsored by Workforce Development Specialist Brittany Sanders who will also be sending out regular updated job listings through email for attendees who signed up during the event. The vendors who attended seemed excited to help the community and to spread their businesses by word of mouth. There were also individuals who attended who wanted to share their cultural items along with other things useful throughout the year. There were job opportunities, housing assistant agents and even bouncy castles for the kids to enjoy on Saturday. “It’s an effort to help some of these vendors that don’t get out there a lot,” Drussell
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The Copperas Cove EDC hosted an inaugural pop-up market on June 10. The EDC developed the market as a quarterly event and is intended to coincide with Small Business Saturday in November. The inaugural event was at The Narrows Business and Technology Park
said of the pop-up markets. “It’s just another avenue to let people get some exposure and sell their wares.” The pop-up markets are intended to ultimately coincide with Small Business Saturday, which was created in 2010 by American Express to encourage people to shop at small businesses during their holiday shopping. The initiative is on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The EDC will have a popup market in August and again on Nov. 25.
$200 and a spot at Rabbit Fest. Third place received $100 and a plaque.
In the weeks leading up to the market, the Copperas Cove EDC holds classes for young entrepreneurs and teaches them about branding, marketing, creating a sales pitch, creating a business plan and applying for the proper certifications required of all business owners, according to Diane Drussell, assistant EDC director. The young vendor event is named after chamber board member Michelle RochaO’Sullivan’s father, and it also stands for Operation Student and Community Advocate Readiness. Rocha-O’Sullivan said her parents were small business owners and they pushed her and her siblings to take risks and pushed them to be better.
Oscar’s Market
This year, the EDC also saw continued interest in Oscar’s Market, a youth vendor fair that runs in April. Along with getting their name out there and an avenue to sell their wares, youth are also judged and the top two winners receive some prizes. At this year’s Oscar’s Market, the top prize was $300 and a spot at Rabbit Fest in May. Second place received Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 11
photos by Walter Lanier | Herald
The overpass project at the intersection of State Highway 9 and North Farm-to-Market Road 116 continues in this July photo. The project began at the beginning of 2022 and appears to be ahead of schedule of its original three-year completion estimation.
TxDOT finishes Highway 190 project, continues overpass project Other new projects planned By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
People driving along Business Highway 190 in Copperas Cove are likely to have noticed a new addition to the road as well as a smoother drive. Contractors hired by Texas Department of Transportation completed the Business Highway 190 Improvement Project in early 2023. The controversial project created/widened the sidewalk on the south side of Business Highway 190, created a bike lane for those traveling on bicycles in the eastbound direction, created a median for a nearly 1.2-mile stretch of the road and involved resurfacing and repainting of the lanes in both directions. The project began November 2020 after several years of planning, which began in 2013. “The safety of the traveling public is TxDOT’s top priority. This project will improve safety and access management
Motorists drive past the wall of an overpass under construction as they continue northbound on Farm-to-Market Road 116. The overpass project began at the beginning of 2022.
for motorists, and will also provide pedestrian and bicycle accommodations,” TxDOT spokesman Jake Smith said in January of 2022. The approximately $4.8 million project
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was met with heavy opposition during the planning phases, however. During the planning process, TxDOT PLEASE SEE txdot, 13
txdot from Page 12
held multiple public meetings that allowed residents and business members to voice their concerns or support for the project. Some residents said during a Feb. 12, 2019, meeting that the median would do nothing to prevent accidents. TxDOT countered that by citing the safety program of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway administration that found medians provide an area of refuge for pedestrians and reduce accidents by 15%.
Overpass Project
Work also continues on the project that will create an overpass for traffic on Farmto-Market Road 116 to go over traffic at the intersection of State Highway 9. TxDOT officials have said the project is intended to reduce the risk of accidents that have occurred there.
Walter Lanier | Herald
The city of Copperas Cove is hoping to have a ramp constructed that will connect State Highway 9 to West Business Highway 190. The project is currently in the design phase.
Work on the project has gone faster than predicted. City Manager Ryan Haverlah has told elected officials multiple times that the project is about a year ahead of schedule.
Widening Project
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Frank Fowler, the owner of a ranch in rural Lampasas County, writes a recommendation on a piece of paper during the public meeting for a proposed project on Highway 190.
Early in June 2023, traffic was slowed on the highway heading into and out of Copperas Cove. The reason was because utilities were being relocated in preparation for the expansion of the Highway 190 bypass from two to four lanes. The utility relocation project ended only about a week after it began. During the May 16 city council meeting, the Copperas Cove City Council approved the contract to reroute the utilities. “TxDOT identified multiple utility conflicts in that location, with one of our water lines and sewer line that crosses the existing bypass,” said Chris Altott, the assistant director of Public Works, during that meeting. Expanding Highway 190 from two lanes to four is necessary for the Interstate 14 designation for that stretch of highway from the existing portion of the interstate to the intersection at Farm-toMarket Road 2657.
Expressway Project
The initial scope of a proposed Texas Department of Transportation project had area residents concerned in June as they spoke with TxDOT officials and inspected three large maps of the project area during a public meeting at Taylor Creek Elementary School in Copperas Cove. The project, in its infancy, initially calls for the construction of an overpass at the intersection of Highway 190 and Farm-to-Market Road 2657 — a traffic light-controlled, four-way intersection on the southwest side of Copperas Cove — and the construction of a controlledaccess freeway, one-way frontage roads and on- and off-ramps. Initial plans show the project going slightly past County Road 4807 as the highway approaches Kempner with a proposed turnaround for traffic to loop back east if needed. PLEASE SEE TXDOT, 14
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The main concern for residents in the area, however, is the encroachment of the proposed project onto residential and commercial properties on the south side of Highway 190. According to the initial design, the project would require TxDOT to acquire approximately 40 acres of land from property owners. “They’re taking our livelihood because that is a business frontage that we have, and now they’re just going to take it away,” said Maria Negrete, who lives along Highway 190 with her husband, Felipe. “And then, they’re going to leave us some territory — or some land — with no buffer. Who the hell wants to live in an area that you can hear all of that road (noise)? “When I bought that property, we didn’t have none of that (noise). The trees were our buffer, and if I wanted to do a business, I had enough land to do it. Now, they’re taking even that away from us.” Part of the justification for the project, according to Lisa Tipton, public information officer for TxDOT Brownwood District, is that the increase in traffic and limited sight distance has increased the crash risk and operational inefficiency. “The Brownwood District is bringing this project to attention now because of the expansion of the US 190 Bypass and the current growth in this area
photos by Walter Lanier | Herald
Texas Department of Transportation officials may soon begin letting the Highway 190 bypass expansion project for bids. The highway will be expanded due to the redesignation of the stretch of road from Highway 190 to Interstate 14.
— TxDOT wants to improve safety and mobility through this corridor,” she said Friday via email to the Herald. Negrete’s son, Gabriel, who lives in Copperas Cove, did not seem convinced, however — particularly referring to the proposed turnaround lanes. “There’s a huge blind spot coming this way,” he said. “If you’re coming from Lampasas, you can’t see the lights until you get to (County Road) 4814, which is their property, but the turnaround is going to be at 4807 — the next street up.
“I live in Copperas Cove. If you’ve driven through Copperas Cove, you’ve seen the improvements they have — those turnaround lanes (on Business Highway 190). I can’t tell you how many near-accidents I’ve gotten into on a 40 mph, four-lane highway. “Can you imagine double the speed? No one in Texas goes the speed limit; they’re going to go at least 10 over. So we’re talking 80 miles an hour, doing a turn into a blind (area) where you can’t see people. It is completely unsafe.” A majority of work on the Business Highway 190 Improvement Project was completed earlier in 2023. Though crews are still working on “punch-list” items, the work is mostly complete. The speed limit along that stretch of road has reverted back to 40 mph.
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HOTDA director briefs council on project updates By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
The city of Copperas Cove may receive a grant to construct access ramps to Tank Destroyer Boulevard. As he does on a quarterly basis, Keith Sledd, executive director of the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance, briefed the city council on project updates and anything related to Fort Cavazos during the June 20 meeting. “The city is the sponsor,” Sledd said. “We want to thank you and the (Economic Development Corporation) because Fred (Welch, EDC director) has been heavily involved in prepping for this. He’s actually been inputting the grant work into the portal in collaboration with us and with the Fort Cavazos DPW folks.” Sledd said the city should know by mid-August if the $13.9 million grant has been awarded. The scope of the proposed project calls for access ramps to be built from northbound State Highway 9 to Tank Destroyer Boulevard. The access ramps would do a number of things, according to Sledd. They would enable Fort Cavazos to relocate truck access from Clarke Road to Tank Destroyer Boulevard, enable commercial trucks to access Highway 9, Interstate 14, Farm-to-Market Road 116, and U.S. Highway 190 for movement east or west, and enhance Fort Cavazos’ surface deployability and mobility while improving safety and traffic. “It’s a good project,” Sledd
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The city of Copperas Cove is hoping a federal grant will help cover the cost of construction of a ramp from State Highway 9 to Tank Destroyer Boulevard. The city may receive a $13.9 million grant for the project but will not know for a couple months.
said, adding that costs for the project have gone up since when the city attempted to receive the grant three years ago. Sen. John Carter, Rep. August Pfluger and Rep. John Carter all have voiced their support for the project, along with Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe, commander of Fort Cavazos. The Heart of Texas Defense Alliance is a regional (3 counties/7 cities) nonprofit [501(c)(6)/municipally-funded] corporation formed in February 2003 in response to an expressed need by the communities of central Texas most affected by the activities of Fort Cavazos. HOTDA promotes the importance and sustainability of Fort Hood and all defense related industries, organizations and institutions in the Killeen-TempleFort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 15
Cove housing market slows amid fewer closings ByErinEskew Herald Correspondent
With median home prices on the rise and a drop in closings, the housing market in Copperas Cove has slowed down compared to last year, in keeping with the trends of the market across the county. At $237,500, the median cost of a home in Copperas Cove in May was up about 14% over this time last year, according to data released by the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors. Meanwhile, there have been 47 sales closed in May — which is 32.9% fewer than May of 2022. Active listings in Copperas Cove are up 55.6%. The 70 active listings represent a 0.6% increase in the inventory for 1.2 months of total inventory, the data shows. Homes in Copperas Cove are staying on the market 26 days longer than last year. In May, the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors reported houses stayed on the market for 50 days and took 25 days to close. Coryell County also saw a 10.9% increase in the cost of homes, with a median price of $259,000. With 89 homes sold in May, there was a 12.8% drop in total closings. Inventory has risen by 1.2 months across the county, for a total of 2.2 months’ supply. With 198 active listings, there were 90.4 percent more homes on the market in May than in the same period in 2022. Homes in Coryell County stayed on the market in May for 42 more days than the same period of 2022 — almost double the rate of Copperas Cove. The Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors reports homes spent about 73 days on the market
photos by Walter Lanier | Herald
The number of homes on the market in Copperas Cove has increased over the past year, causing the housing market to slow down. The median cost of a home in Copperas Cove is $237,500, according to housing data.
in May, which is 44 more days than in 2022. However, closings have taken 2 days fewer than last year at 27 days to close, the data shows. Although the state has had a 3.8% decrease in the cost of homes, with the median price of homes of $346,500, there is a 6.7% decrease in closings in home sales in May, and a 61.5% increase in active listings. There are now 2.9 months of inventory across the state according to the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors statistics, which is 1.4 months more than May 2022. Homes have stayed on the market across the state for 20 days more than May of last year, the data shows. Homes stay on the market 25 days longer than last year, but The rise in inventory of homes on the market in Copperas Cove is consistent with the same phenomena at the county and state level.
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have taken 5 days fewer to close than last year, the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors reports.
Parks and Rec Department continues improvements By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Driving or walking through the parks within the city of Copperas Cove the last couple of years, one may notice some changes the Parks and Recreation Department has made. Most recently, the city completed the long-awaited improvements to the restrooms at Copperas Cove City Park. The city held a “first flush” ceremony on April 24, signifying the completion of the $1.4 million project. Dilapidated restrooms have been a concern for some time for park-goers, and the city responded by allocating funds from Capital Improvement Projects Certificates of Obligation to rebuild those facilities, including renovation of two restrooms near Field No. 2 and the large playground. Three new restrooms are located near multipurpose Field 8, near Field No. 4, and between Field No. 6 and No. 7. The only change of location for the park restrooms is at Field 8, where it was moved to the new parking lot area to meet ADA requirements. Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Stoddard said the restroom project also puts an end to the five-year parks master plan that was approved in 2016 while his predecessor was the department head. The next project that should be complete within a few months that aligns with the current five-year capital improvement project that is prioritized by the Quality of Life Board and approved annually by the City Council includes new sports field lighting on Fields 7 and 3. According to Stoddard, other projects identified that will be worked on in the future once funding is approved include: • Replace existing bridge at the duck pond • Install new bridge at the other end of the pond • Remove rock wall • Construct walking trail around duck pond
Population effects
According to Stoddard, increased popu-
Walter Lanier | Herald
The city of Copperas Cove cut the ribbon and had a “first flush” ceremony at one of the new park restrooms in the Copperas Cove City Park earlier in 2023. The new and renovated restrooms were one of the most anticipated park projects.
lation in the city has affected the priority of work for some projects. “From staff’s prospective, there is some urgency to construct new sports fields,” Stoddard said. “Currently, we are having difficulty scheduling field time for both the youth and adult sports. “As the population grows, our participation numbers grow. If we do not address the field issue, staff would either have to cut back the number of games played or limit the number of participants, neither being a good option.” Other improvements made recently — though maybe not initiated by the Parks and Rec Department — include a resurfacing of a six-goal basketball court at City Park and the opening of the Raising Cane’s Dog Park — also in City Park. The renovation of the basketball court is part of a generous donation by Casey Wiggins and his staff at United Portable Buildings. The new all-weather courts include six adjacent basketball goals, provided by the City of Copperas Cove and just about double the size of the previous area. Stoddard said during the “first shot” ceremony on July 3, 2023, that the new court doubles the amount of space previously used for basketball.
Not far from where the court was renovated, the city christened the new Raising Cane’s Dog Park on Jan. 18, 2023. The dog park is the result of a generous gift from nationally-known chicken finger restaurant Raising Cane’s. A dog park had been a “want” for residents in the community since 2015, Mayor Dan Yancey explained when the dog park opened. Raising Cane’s paid the city $50,000 to cover constuction costs of the dog park when City Manager Ryan Haverlah announced the partnership in 2022. Two Copperas Cove organizations raised an additional $14,000 for it.
Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 17
Gary Young is sworn in as fire chief of the Copperas Cove Fire Department by Copperas Cove Municipal Judge Bill Price on Thursday afternoon during a promotion ceremony. Young had most recently been serving in an interim role and has been with the department for over 33 years. Herald | file
CCFD keeps going behind longtime officer, now chief By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Things seem to still be running smoothly in the Copperas Cove Fire Department after new Fire Chief Gary Young officially took over in February. City Manager Ryan Haverlah promoted Young to the top position in the fire department after he served for around five months in ther interim after former Chief Michael Neujahr resigned the position in September 2022. “Things have been quite busy,” Young said in an email to the Herald. “Not a huge change from the Interim Role to the permanent role which has made the transition almost seamless. I have been working on arranging priorities and taking a deeper look at the department so that we may look at what we will be improving for the future.” Prior to his promotion, Young, who has been with the Copperas Cove Fire Department for more than 33 years, served as deputy chief, a role
that has yet to be filled. That said, the department has promoted three officers after others moved on for various reasons. “When Battalion Chief Watson left, Robert Hicks was promoted to Battalion Chief to fil that vacancy. This opened up a Captain position in which Tanja Christman promoted to Captain,” Young said. “After the first of the year, Captain Dwane Cummings resigned and John Watkins was promoted to Captain to fill that vacancy.” Just as with many other departments, staffing is a priority for Copperas Cove Fire Department. “We have numerous vacancies in our operations division (Firefighters) that we are focusing on filling right now,” Young said. “Our department is also suffering from staffing woes along with other departments in the State.” The Copperas Cove City Council attempted to address this by wishing to allocate a portion of federal money it received as a result of the
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American Rescue Plan Act to hire new firefighters. Realizing that may be a somewhat futile effort, Haverlah recommended the city council use the money to go toward premium pay for the current members of the Fire Department. When the council agreed, Young nodded his head in apparent approval. “While we certainly need additional staff members, the ARPA funds have an expiration on them and the likelihood is with the staffing shortage we are in, would not have firefighters hired into those positions before the funds expired,” Young said. “I felt that it was important do re-designate those funds to support our incumbent staff who work day in and day out. Many members worked regular schedules during COVID with out any additional ongoing extra compensation. “This was very significant to me to take care of those team members. I feel that the premium pay will be an additional boost to our staff
and give them recognition for their efforts.” With the staff the department has, the officers are making the most of career-enhancing opportunities. “Our staff have been working on their professional development tracks for quite some time, but since I was promoted we have seen three staff members earn paramedic certifications, those members are Caleb Brown, Nick Davis and Braden Mosley,” Young said. “Addtionally, we had two staff members who recently completed firefighter and EMT training, Elizabeth Murry and Roel Requena. And recently Battalion Chief Scott Howard and Firefighter Travis Diaz were recognized by the La Familia Car Club organization as our Top Firefighter and Top EMT, respectively.” The Copperas Cove Fire Department fleet is made up of a 103-foot ladder Truck, three fire engines, three brush trucks, five ambulances and 6 emergency support vehicles (SUVs and pickups).
Design of new animal shelter in Cove complete The current Copperas Cove Animal Shelter, located at 1601 N. First St., will soon make way for a new animal shelter by the Fire Station 2 on Avenue B. A majority of voters in the November 2021 election approved a proposed bond for the new animal shelter. The voter approval relieved Deputy Police Chief Brian Wyers, who had been working on the project for several years.
By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Final construction plans for a new animal shelter in Copperas Cove are complete, paving the way for construction to begin soon on the new facility. Deputy Police Chief Brian Wyers briefed the Copperas Cove City Council in June about the status of the shelter. “When the council approves us to move forward with those numbers, hopefully we’ll be breaking ground (soon),” Wyers said in June. “The big question I get from everybody is when is it going to be done? I tell them I’ve got to start on it first. “What we’re hoping for is that by this time next year, we should have a completed facility.” The city of Copperas Cove received a permit from Coryell County for the construction of an employee entrance, which will be off of Grimes Crossing Road. The new shelter will be constructed in the vicinity of Fire Station No. 2, 2401 Farm-to-Market 1113. “Initially, when we drew this up, the parking lot in the front of the building continued all the way around to the back, and that was where the employee entrance was going to be.”
Walter Lanier | Herald
The current plan calls for the employee entrance to be separate from the main parking lot because the building has to move further back on the lot, Wyers explained.
History
Copperas Cove voters approved the $4.075 million bond to construct the new animal shelter on Nov. 2, 2021. A total of 938 people (55.6%) voted
“for” the bond issuance, and 750 people (44.4%) voted “against” it. The current shelter is at 1601 N. First St. in Copperas Cove. It currently has space for 46 dogs and 12 cats. The new facility would increase capacity to 66 dogs and 40 cats. The new shelter will address issues concerning storage space, state mandated requirements, proper intake, mandated quarantine, and visitation areas.
courtesy photo
The new Copperas Cove Animal Shelter project is out for bids and the city is looking to stay within the approved bond amount of $4.075 million. The new shelter will increase capacity from 46 dogs to 66 and from 12 cats to 40. Deputy Police Chief Brian Wyers has headed up the project for several years. Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 19
City’s drinking water report comes back clean, no violations By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
As with previous summers, cities and water suppliers have produced their water quality reports for drinking water as part of the federal Consumer Confidence Report program. This year, based on reports from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022, customers in the Copperas Cove area can be confident of the quality of water coming from their faucets. For the eighth consecutive year, the city of Copperas Cove received a clean, violation-free water quality report. Copperas Cove has not reported any water violations since 2014. “The City Water Distribution Department has a long standing standard of quality that it persistently pursues every day. This standard has been the backbone of all daily operations and expectations,” said Corey Chambers, water superintendent. “We as a department push for our best so that the City residents can enjoy the best possible water quality.” “The City’s water system has been rated as a Superior Water System by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the regulatory agency for the state of Texas,” the city said in its 2022 report. Chambers said a violationfree report is important to the city. “A violation-free report represents a great attention to detail on even the smallest of items,” he said. “It helps ensure the residents that we take our jobs seriously and do our best to ensure all TCEQ
Herald | File
Students fill their water bottles during summer school in 2020. The city’s water quality report indicates a clean report for another consecutive year. It has been since 2014 that the city has received no violations from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for its water quality.
regulations are met; and in many instances, exceeded.” The water quality reports sent to customers each year are mandated under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s and EPA’s Consumer Confidence Report program. The quality updates are self-reported, with most water service providers posting the information online. Failure to issue a report can result in a TCEQ violation. Tests mandated under federal Environmental Protection Agency standards include monitoring for organic and inorganic contaminants, residual disinfectant levels, lead and copper, and adequate filtration. Lead and copper tests are required to be performed once every three years. Samples are taken on a monthly basis throughout
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the city of Copperas Cove for many different reasons, according to Chambers. “We have 40 total samples taken every month at various locations to test for Bacteriological contaminants,” he said. “We also do chlorine checks at every storage facility on a daily basis, and pull samples from various houses throughout the city to have a true representation of the quality of the water citywide.” The city of Copperas Cove receives its water from Belton Lake via the Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1. Chambers explained that the water is stored at pump stations in Killeen before being transferred to pump stations in Copperas Cove and distributed to area residents through the city’s water lines. Though the city received
no water quality violations, the city reported it lost approximately 97 million gallons of water during 2022. The reasons for the lost water are multiple. “Water loss is contributed to many different factors such as main breaks, dead-end flushing, theft, and many other factors,” Chambers said. “The water loss model is composed of accounted for and un-accounted for loss’s. “In 2021 we had a total un-accounted for loss of 475 million gallons which was a substantial total, so we re-evaluated how we were tracking our known losses and made some changes out in the field on how we track them. We managed to lower our unaccounted for loss to 97 million with hopes to improve on that number next year when we run the numbers again.”
Copperas Cove officials still working for future water rights By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Copperas Cove officials are still working to ensure the city has enough water decades into the future. Currently, with enough water rights to last until around 2047, the city is looking to secure more rights to allow the city to continue to grow past that mark. That said, the 2047 projection may be off. “That was based on growth rates that were incorporated in there,” said Public Works Director Scott Osburn during a tour of the Belton Water Treatment Plant in July 2023. “That doesn’t factor in maybe we’re looking at securing some industry that’ll be highvolume users. That doesn’t project in what we’re experiencing in growth currently, which has been at 2-3%. So that 2047 benchmark potentially in reality is a little bit closer to now.” Osburn used a common idiom to demonstrate why securing water rights is important. “It’s not my phrase, but water is the new gold,” he said. “You need to have that capacity, you need to have raw water under contract, you need to have pumping capacity, storage capacity.” Osburn was one of a few Copperas Cove officials who took a tour of the Belton Lake Water Treatment Plant in July to look at the plant’s operations and hear about planned upgrades to the plant. With the intention of ultimately upgrading the capacity of the plant to account for needed water for the customer cities, certain maintenance
Herald | file
Scott Tucek, the chief plant operator at the Belton Water Treatment Plant, right, speaks about the plant’s operations during a tour with Copperas Cove officials in July 2023. The city is still hoping to secure more water rights from a proposed expansion of the Belton Water Treatment Plant
issues must be addressed immediately. One of the most important pieces of the plant that needs to be addressed is the electrical switch gear near the raw water intake area where the plant draws its water from the lake. Ricky Garrett, the general manager of Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, said the replacement of the electrical gear is important because it is 46 years old and would not be able to handle the electricity that would be added from a substantial upgrade. In total, upgrading the electrical infrastructure of the plant could cost around $17 million. Part of that would also call for moving the existing aboveground electric transmission lines underground. PLEASE SEE water, 22 Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 21
WATER from Page 21
“That would make us a lot more resilient,” Garrett said during Friday’s tour. “During (Winter Storm) Uri ... one of our bigger concerns — other than being able to get the water out — was if those lines go down, we’re down; we’re out of power.” The lead time — or the time it would take to receive parts after they’re ordered — for electrical equipment of that nature is well over a year, Garrett explained to the officials on the tour. Upgrading electrical infrastructure is just one of many things that need to be done to not only bring the plant to standard but also to put it in a position to handle increased capacity. Briefing to the group of Copperas Cove officials, Allen Woelke, vice president of CDM Smith, an engineering firm designing the plant maintenance and upgrade projects, said Bell County WCID-1 is considering a number of options. One option would be to solely fix the maintenance issues. Another would be to fix the maintenance issues and make upgrades to allow the plant to produce an additional three million gallons per day. A third option would be to address the maintenance and make
upgrades for an additional six million gallons per day. Finally, a fourth option would be to do the full expansion and bring the plant to an additional 30 million gallons per day. Currently, the plant can produce up to 90 million gallons of water per day. WCID-1’s other water plant, on Stillhouse Hollow Lake, can produce up to 17 million gallons per day. Copperas Cove City Councilman John Hale, who was touring the plant for the first time, said during the briefing that the pitch to all the cities should be the potential cost savings of doing the full expansion as opposed to doing a small expansion and then the full one a few years down the road. Garrett — quoting figures from Woelke — said due to duplicate costs and one component of the upgrades in particular, the realized cost savings over the course of 25 years could be around $28 million or so. Hale, who has been on the Copperas Cove City Council since January, said the tour of the plant was beneficial. “It’s knowing where we are from a capacity standpoint, from an equipment age standpoint, and where we need to go in the future,” Hale said. Cove Councilwoman Joann Courtland — also touring the plant for the first time — concurred with Hale but also for reasons that it would secure water for the region. Ricky Garrett, general manager of Bell County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1, right, speaks with Copperas Cove officials during a tour. Herald | file
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“In five to 10 years from now, are we going to have enough water in this area?” she said during the briefing. Because Copperas Cove gets all of its water from Belton Lake, the time is now to secure more water. “You can’t just magically find a second source of water,” Courtland said. In order to move forward with issuing debt for any upgrade, WCID-1 must receive approval from all of its entities that it provides water to: Killeen, Fort Cavazos, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Belton, the 439 Water Supply Corporation and Bell County WCID-3 in Nolanville. Should the district — and cities — opt for the 6-milliongallon upgrade, it could cost a total of around $52 million. A full expansion to 120 million gallons could cost in excess of $150 million, based on num-
bers presented last year. Costs are shared by all entities and each one’s total portion is determined by how much capacity interest it has. Killeen, for example, would bear the largest portion of the total bill. Osburn said reaching the threshold could prove disastrous. “In the event that we reach those levels, TCEQ will not allow you to serve anymore connections,” he said. “There are formulas that come into play that say you need 0.6 gallons per minute per connection treatment capacity. Currently, the city — off of that — would be sitting at 89% at capacity. However, one of the things that I did when I came on, we went for an alternate capacity request with TCEQ and reduced that 0.6 gallons per minute to 0.3 gallons per minute.”
The city of Copperas Cove is planning for the construction of a new Senior Activity Center as one of its tax-supported capital improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The city recently approved Elements of Architecture, Inc. to design the schematics for the new proposed senior center. Herald | file
City proposing $9.6M worth of capital upgrades One of the taxsupported capital improvement projects planned by the city of Copperas Cove include a replacement of sports lighting on Fields 1, 2 and 3 at the Copperas Cove City Park.
By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
The city of Copperas Cove is looking at doing $9.6 million worth of capital upgrades, which will be added to the city’s debt service via certificates of obligation. A proposed debt issuance in 2023 was discussed with the city council in detail during the preparation of the FY 20222023 budget a year ago. Staff updated city council on the proposed debt issue during the city council planning session. The city’s financial advisor, Specialized Public Finance, recommended the use of certificates of obligation for the debt issuance. Proposed uses of certificates of obligation are:
Tax-Supported
Capital Outlay Plan — $1,084,340 Walker Place Boulevard Reconstruction — $103,500 Fleet Shop Facility Rehabilitation — $60,000 Replace sports lighting on fields 1, 2, & 3 — $540,000 Install walking trail around pond and
Herald | file
build one new bridge and replace existing bridge — $450,000 Copperas Cove Senior Center-Construction — $482,569 Municipal Court Building RenovationConstruction — $400,000
Water/Sewer Supported
Capital Outlay Plan — $785,860 Northeast WWTP Blowers Upgrade — $1,500,000 South Wastewater Treatment Plant Office / Lab Construction — $330,625
Solid Waste Supported
Capital Outlay Plan — $1,159,000 Solid Waste Complex Improvements — $1,588,446
Golf Course Supported
Capital Outlay Plan — $100,000
Drainage Supported
Ramblewood Estates Drainage Improvements — $970,255 Bond Issuance Costs — $110,035 Rounding Amount — $20,370 Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 23
PrintScape owner Hope McKee (pink shirt) cuts the ribbon to signify the official grand re-opening at her new business location. Herald | FILE
Cove Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members The Copperas Cove Independent School District saw growth in a variety of areas in 2022, including academic growth and classroom population. The school district also completed a number of endof-life-cycle HVAC replacements and also replaced a broken pipe that caused flood damage at Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy prior to the start of 2023.
Herald Staff Report
The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau was formed in 1956 to promote commerce, economic growth and tourism through various partnerships and initiatives. Currently with interim leadership, the Chamber is under the direction of Nancy Nelson. The chamber provides leadership and assistance with an emphasis on representing a unified team that fosters a cooperative business climate, supports professional and economic development through the collective efforts of chamber staff, chamber members, community leaders and individual volunteers to create and maintain an enhanced quality of life for Copperas Cove residents. The chamber actively promotes annual city events such as the Easter Egg Roundup, Farmer’s Market, and the Spring Festival. The chamber also promotes events by other community organizations and chamber members. Chamber-sponsored events include the annual Rabbit Fest, the Jack Rabbit Run, H-E-B Summer Run to Fun, the Gallop or Trot and the Krist Kindl Markt. Information about those events and others can be found on the chamber’s website, www. copperascove.com. The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce is amid a search for a new director.
walter Lanier | Herald
Nelson, who is the board president, has served in the interim role since former director Silvia Spires resigned the position in the summer of 2022. Spires had been in the position for about a year. Some of the new Chamber members since July 2022 include: • Netco Texas & Premiere Diamond Group, All City Real Estate (181 W. Business Highway 190, Suite 2) • Virtual Window Shop (204 E. Robertson Ave.) • Global America Pageant (204 E. Robertson Ave.) • Caribbean Jerk Hut (314 E. Avenue D) • Printscape (409 E. Business Highway 190) • Gatewood Theological Institute and Seminary (1803 Pecan Drive) • D.R. Horton (402 Minnie J Loop)
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• The House on Main Coffee Shop and Salon (303 S. Main St.) • A Better Nutrition (1306 Georgetown Road) • Elevate Hydration (128 Cove Terrace)
Superintendent builds on foundation of excellence It is truly an exciting time to be a student or a staff member in Copperas Cove ISD. The district is well known for the outstanding academic programs offered to students. Copperas Cove ISD is one of the best school districts in Texas and continues to gain momentum, outperforming the state and region in almost every area of accountability. CCISD is a leader in literacy, utilizing evidence-based instructional methods that best support the development of skilled readers. Additionally, CCISD students receive researchbased math instruction that begins with concrete models and manipulatives before moving to the abstract, so our students have a strong conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. With a solid foundation in both reading and math, CCISD students are prepared for both college and careers. Copperas Cove ISD partners with the community to provide relevant and authentic learning experiences for students. Copperas Cove High School is home to a robust CTE program, which offers over 26 industry-based certifications. Our students are given the competitive advantage of graduating with hands on experience, immediately transferrable to the workplace. In addition, the district provides access to college credit through the UT OnRamps, CTC Early College and Dual Credit courses, and Advanced Placement courses offering a wide variety of opportunities for students who are bound for post-secondary adventures. CCISD is proud of the extensive summer camp selection offered to students to enhance academics and social emotional learning, such as STEM Camp, Math Camp, Multi-Sensory Dyslexia Camp, Resilience Camp, and Ranger Reading Camp. Copperas Cove offers learning opportunities for students in non-academic areas over the summer featuring topics like fashion design, painting, hiking, fishing, and archery. While CCISD is one of the best kept secrets in Central Texas, the education students receive in Copperas Cove is second to none. Copperas Cove ISD recently completed a strategic planning process focused on
developing a visionary plan to ensure the district provides the most current and pertinent education possible to the students we serve. The planning process included individuals from all stakeholder SUPERINTENDENT groups to determine JOE BURNS the future direction for the district. The process came to fruition in Spring 2022 with input gathered from more than 125 individuals representing parents, business owners, teachers, students, active duty and retired military personnel, partners in higher education from Central Texas College and Texas A&M – Central Texas and community members. The plan, known as “Vision 2024” focuses on five objectives, each with specific outcomes. The objectives include, Instruction and Support, Human Capital, Whole Child, Facilities, and Stakeholder Engagement. CCISD feels each of these objectives is crucial to the success of our students while they are being served in CCISD and beyond as they seek their niche in a rapidly changing job market. In order to continue meeting the educational needs of families in Copperas Cove, the district is also completing a long-term facility improvement program that includes significant facility improvements to meet the growing needs of our students at Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy, Martin Walker Elementary, Hettie Halstead Elementary, Williams/Ledger Elementary, Copperas Cove High School and a new Career and Technical Education facility for the building trades and welding programs at CCHS. One of the top priorities for the district involves efforts to create more secure facilities for the safety and well-being of students and staff. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, every campus has a single secure entry for parents and guests to enter and check in. Every campus has an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and conduct drills at least monthly. As part of
the EOP, every campus also has a threat assessment team that works to identify students, staff, or guests who might pose a security risk. In addition, we have security policies in place that require all exterior and interior doors to remain locked at all times. Through a relationship with the City of Copperas Cove, the district utilizes Copperas Cove Police officers as school resource officers. The district also utilizes video and audio surveillance and door alarms at district facilities. The district also uses the STOP IT app for anonymous reporting of unusual or suspect behavior. I would encourage you to partner with Copperas Cove ISD as we build on our foundation of excellence and work to develop a successful future for the students we serve. Focused on children, Dr. Joe Burns Superintendent of Schools Copperas Cove ISD
Copperas Cove Herald Progress 2023 | 25
Cove ISD expands facilities to meet growing population ByWendySledd SpecialtotheHerald
Copperas Cove ISD looks to continue to serve students’ educational needs in the 2023-2024 school year with exemplary academic instruction, continued upgrades on campuses and facilities and extensive safety measures across the district. In the past school year, Copperas Cove ISD students showed continued improvement on the Texas Education Agency’s accountability rating with nearly half of the district’s campuses earning an “A” rating and the district receiving a high “B” with a score of 87. CCISD Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Services Amanda Crawley said both students and teachers work hard throughout the year to master the content of the curriculum. “We have made strategic adjustments to our teaching since the pandemic and our students are outperforming their pre-pandemic scores. This is nothing short
of outstanding,” Crawley said. “Teachers and paraprofessional staff are dedicated to teaching lesson content all year long so that when it is time for the STAAR test, it is just another day where our students demonstrate what they have learned.” A broken pipe caused flood damage at Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy immediately prior to the start of 2023, providing the opportunity to renovate some additional areas of the campus. Construction to expand the campuses of Martin Walker Elementary, Hettie Halstead Elementary, Williams/Ledger Elementary as well as Mae Stevens were completed in the fall of 2022. Drainage projects were also completed at Martin Walker Elementary and Copperas Cove High School. An HVAC upgrade took place in the spring at Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy, the CCISD Technology Building and the upper building at Martin Walker Elementary School, which also received a new roof as did the cafeteria at Crossroads High School. CCISD has been very proactive in its
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approach to school safety. Though not all security measures can be shared to protect the integrity of the safety plan, secure vestibules are in place at all CCISD campuses. The result is a secure single point of entry for all guests that allows staff and students to remain protected. The District also conducts full safety and security audits once every three years. This is not new to CCISD and audits were completed in the spring of 2022. The district chose to hire an outside auditing firm to ensure all areas of concern were discovered and reported. The auditor’s report was very complimentary of the district and in his summary, he notated, “In my 18 years of doing this type of work, CCISD’s EOP (Emergency Operations Plan) is the best I have seen come out of a district.” Families moving into Copperas Cove or relocating to a new home in school district boundaries may enter their address on the CCISD website at https://www.ccisd. com/273994_3 to determine what school their children will attend.
Cove ISD students excel at end-of-course STAAR test By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
High schoolers and middle schoolers in Copperas Cove ISD appear to have made strides in terms of academic advancement. When the Texas Education Agency released the end-of-course STAAR scores in June, Copperas Cove ISD saw marked growth in many of the categories. “We were very proud of our teachers and our students and how well they performed,” said Amanda Crawley, deputy superintendent of instructional services. “(We are) particularly proud in the areas of English I and English II. Those had been difficult areas for us in the past to see growth, and we implemented some new instructional strategies in those areas and some new curriculum and really saw our English I and English
II scores take off.” According to the scores released by the Texas Education Agency, Copperas Cove students posted large improvements in those two subjects. For English I, Copperas Cove ISD students improved, posting lower “Did Not Meet” scores, dropping from 36% in 2022 to 22% in 2023. The district also improved in all other categories. “Approaches” improved from 64% to 78%. “Meets” improved from 48% to 59%. Finally, “Masters” went up from 7% in 2022 to 15% in 2023. Students in English II seemed to perform just as well as they did in English I for Copperas Cove ISD. The district lowered its “Did Not Meet” from 33% to 21% and raised its “Approaches” from 67% to 79%. Copperas Cove students also improved their
“Meets” rate in English II from 53% in 2022 to 59% in 2023 and its “Masters” rate from 5% to 8%. The school district has emphasized teaching reading and writing and helping teachers to instruct how to do it. “We have a huge literacy initiative, and we’re finally seeing those students get to the high school level that we worked with at CCISD for a number of years,” Crawley said. “Now, they’re really starting to shine and show those skills.” Along with the two English courses, high school students are tested on three other subjects: Algebra I, Biology and U.S. History. Additionally, in Copperas Cove ISD, eighth graders take the Algebra I STAAR test. “(This) is unique to us because both of our junior
Herald | file
Copperas Cove High School student Desyree Foster uses a white board to explain an algebraic concept to Copperas Cove Junior High students Kyla Linnert and Kyah Stafford as they prepare for math STAAR testing in 2022. The Copperas Cove junior high students test over Algebra I.
high campuses are STEM academies,” Crawley said. Copperas Cove Junior High students scored well on the Algebra I test in 2023, raising their “Approaches” score from 73% in 2022 to 82% in 2023. The “Meets” rate also increased from 35% to 41%. S.C. Lee Junior High’s numbers look down from a year ago, but the school tested far more students in 2023 than it did in 2022. For 2023, the junior high posted a rating of 85% “Approaches,” 43% “Meets,” and 17% “Masters.” This year, the test was redesigned to “better align with classroom instruction, which necessitated re-setting of standards and scales from 2022 to 2023,” the TEA said in a news release on June 30, when the latest scores were released. Crawley said that among the changes, the TEA mandated that all tests include a written portion. It also put a cap on the test that only up to 75% could be multiple choice. TEA officials said in the news release that the statewide results show that overall, schools are recovering academically following multiple COVID-19 pandemicrelated disruptions. Crawley said she and the Copperas Cove ISD staff see the same. “We’re seeing our kids fully recover from the pandemic,” she said. “They’re really bouncing back and thriving. And some of our scores are higher than they were prepandemic. We’re really seeing them not only rebound, but also exceeding our expectations.” PLEASE SEE STAAR, 28
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Cove ISD improves academic integrity ranking A Copperas Cove ISD elementary student completes her lessons on a computer at school.
By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Copperas Cove ISD students continue to excel in the classroom, and the results are shown with improved academic integrity ratings. Earlier this year, Copperas Cove ISD officials learned the district had earned a “B” on the annual Texas Academic Performance Reports evaluation and is making strides toward earning an “A.” Overall, the school district received an 87% rating. According to the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Academic Performance Reports pull together a wide range of information on the performance of students in each school and district in Texas every year. Performance is shown disaggregated by student groups, including ethnicity and socioeconomic status. The reports also provide extensive information on school and district staff, programs, and student demographics.
Herald | file
The 2022 accountability letter grade rating is based on data from the previous year: in this case, 2021. The report, as presented by Crawley, shows that the district improved its ratings in a number of areas from 2019, the last reported year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall scores improved from 83% to 87%. In the school progress category, Copperas Cove ISD received a 90%, up from 86%. It improved academic growth from a 70% to a 76%. Relative
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Copperas Cove ISD showed noticeable improvement in the categories for each class when compared with this time a year ago. This year, for Algebra I, Cove ISD improved its “Did Not Meet” from 38% in 2022 to 22% in 2023. It also experienced increases in “Approaches” and “Meets” from 62% to 78% and 29% to 35%, respectively. Copperas Cove ISD had a slight decrease in grade-level mastery of algebra with 12% being reported as “Masters” in 2023, down from 16% in 2022. In Biology, the district decreased its
performance went from an 86% to a 90%, and closing the gaps went from 77% to 80%. In his State of the District address in March, Superintendent Joe Burns went into further detail about the district’s rating. Based on the district’s data, TEA rated four CCISD schools as an “A.” “When you talk about kids’ performance earning an ‘A’ (for the school), that’s almost every kid, every subject, every classroom meeting or exceeding the standards set by the state,”
“Did Not Meet” rate from 18% in 2022 to 10% in 2023. Improvements were made in “Approaches” (82% to 90%) and “Masters” (17% to 18%). Copperas Cove’s number for “Meets” went down from 54% to 53%, but Crawley said part of that could be that since a higher percentage posted “Approaches” or “Masters,” it meant students were advancing out of the “Meets” category. In U.S. History, Copperas Cove students also passed at a higher rate. The district dropped its “Did Not Meet” rate from 8% to 4%. It also improved its “Approaches” rate from 92% to 96%. The district — possibly for reasons that Crawley described above — had 73% in the “Meets” category, compared to 77% in 2022. The district also reported a smaller mastery of the subject, with 38% recording “Masters”
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Burns said in his address. “That is phenomenal.” One school, House Creek Elementary, had such a dramatic year-over-year improvement that Burns said it is being nominated by Texas commissioner of Education Mike Morath to receive Blue Ribbon School status. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program began in 1982 under the U.S. Department of Education. It recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups, according to the Department of Education website. “House Creek Elementary School is recognized for closing the achievement gap for grades three, four and five in both math and reading,” Burns said. Burns also highlighted the effect some changes have had on the quality of instruction students have received.
scores compared with 52% who did so in 2022. Overall, Copperas Cove scores were comparable to the state averages. Texas graduation requirements stipulate that students must obtain scores that are approaching their grade level score or higher in order to graduate, according to TEA. “I appreciate the dedication and skill of Texas educators as they work to meet the needs of their students every day,” said Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath. “STAAR is designed to provide parents and teachers with a clear understanding of how well students learned this year’s academic material and whether they are prepared for the next grade level and for life after graduation.”
courtesy photo courtesy photo
Copperas Cove High School student Taylor Stein draws medication into a syringe as she works toward her veterinary technician certification.
Copperas Cove High School student Kyrah Hill learns in her pharmacy tech placebo lab how to make medication by titration and pulverization methods.
courtesy photo
Copperas Cove High School welding students work on a variety of projects including this livestock feed trough being welded together.
Cove High students double industry certifications By Wendy Sledd Special to the Herald
Copperas Cove High School 2023 graduate Aiden ConoverWilhite took full advantage of the opportunity to earn certifications during his high school career so he was ready to enter the workforce upon graduation. In the 2022-2023 school year, Wilhite earned certifications in EKG technician, phlebotomy technician, patient care technician, nurse aide, and clinical medical assistant. Wilhite is one of hundreds of students who earned Industry Based Certifications during the school year. Copperas Cove High School Careers Technology Education Coordinator Sandra Perry says the school’s programs of study are aligned with local workforce
development agencies and job opportunities specific to the area. “We will continue to align our IBCs to our Programs of Study and what is relevant in the workforce industry,” Perry said. “Once students complete a program of study, they have developed the skills to be successful in their specific industry choices.” CCHS more than doubled year-over-year its number IBCs earned by students in the 2022-2023 school year to more than 400. Ninety-one percent of CCHS students enrolled in a CTE course during the past school year. Comparatively, 23 percent of Texas high school students enrolled in a CTE course. Nearly half, 42.87 percent, of Copperas Cove Junior High students and 35.7 percent of S. C. Lee Junior High students en-
rolled in CTE courses in the 2022-2023 school year. With trades courses including welding and construction and manufacturing seeing an uptick, health sciences courses experience the highest enrollment. Teacher Jeni Carbone Williams instructs student in CCHS’ Certified Pharmacy Technician Program. “In this classroom training, students prepare to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam credentialed through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and recognized through the State Board of Pharmacy,” Carbone-Williams said. “One of the most rigorous courses in the health science pathway, we focus on creating a working knowledge of the top 200 medications, federal requirements, patient safety
and quality assurance, order entry, and processing.” Copperas Cove ISD’s new Career Technology Education facility opens in the 20232024 school year to students enrolled in construction and manufacturing trades and welding, allowing enrollment in both programs to increase. “Learning hands-on applications in a high paying field seems to be a strong path to prepare for a future career in a skilled trade. Becoming certified allows me a greater chance at securing a job, allowing a strong start to my future, post high school,” said Agriculture Mechanics student Rafe Anderson. “My ultimate career goal is to have a career I enjoy. As a kid, I always had an interest in welding, and now I have the opportunity to explore that while still in high school.”
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Amanda Crawley, Copperas Cove’s deputy superintendent of instructional services, introduces the inaugural class of the RISE Program taught internally for college credit. The RISE Program was initiated to assist employees in finishing college courses to achieve a teaching certificate to teach full-time in a classroom. Herald | file
Cove ISD fills teacher positions with in-house program By Thaddeus Imerman Killeen Daily Herald
Copperas Cove ISD has helped fill its teacher openings by offering an internship program that incentivizes teacher’s aides making the jump to become full-time teachers. The school district unveiled the Rising Instructors Soaring in Education program, which began in earnest at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. Copperas Cove ISD’s RISE Program creates a fast-track for CCISD staff members to apply for teaching internships after they have completed 60 hours of college credit, according to the district. In the inaugural year, more than 30 teacher’s aides worked in classrooms as teacher interns last school year, and another couple dozen had enrolled in college courses to reach the required 60 hours of college credit to earn a spot in the program. A mother/daughter duo made history as the first ones
to complete their degrees from Indiana Wesleyan University in April. Marie Fox and her daughter Adrianna Fox were close to finishing when they began in the program. The younger Fox said prior to the program, she had accrued 113 credit hours by attending college “on and off.” Her mother had 125 credit hours under her belt when she started in the program, the district said. “Things happened in life that caused me to delay my career/ education goals. The bump in pay as a R.I.S.E. intern teacher has helped me support my family,” Marie Fox said in April. “To be graduating with Adrianna, who I started it all with, makes it so special.” Another teacher intern, Stephanie Arevalo, also completed her degree to finish the program. CCISD is working to increase the number of high school students who want to become future teachers by also creating a pathway for them to earn degrees to teach in
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CCISD. The district offers 12 hours of college credit to high school students in education and training courses through
the Copperas Cove High School Career Technology Education Department in partnership with Central Texas College.
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