Weekend Fun!!!

Author

TemBel Buzz
April 25, 2025

It’s finally Friday!!! You might need your flippers and boats to get around today, but there should be plenty of sunshine thru the weekend to dry it right back up! There is plenty of live music around this weekend to get out and listen to some great artists. Let’s get to the events!

In todays edition: 

  • TEA School Ratings Released

  • Bell County Sheriffs Office Unveils New Pickups

  • Early Voting Began This Week

Texas School Ratings Drop Under Stricter TEA Standards

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released new accountability ratings for the 2022–2023 school year, showing a noticeable drop in school performance statewide. Only 73% of campuses received passing grades—down from 87% the previous year—with more than 40% of rated schools experiencing a decline. The number of F-rated schools more than tripled.

The drop is largely due to a revised grading system that places greater emphasis on college, career, and military readiness. The new system faced legal challenges from over 120 school districts, which argued the TEA did not provide enough advance notice about the changes.

While TEA Commissioner Mike Morath defended the new standards as a move toward greater transparency, critics argue that the changes may unfairly penalize schools and overlook external factors affecting student success.

For more information, or to view your school’s ratings, follow these instructions:

2. Click on "Search accountability reports."

3. When the accountability reports for 2022-2023 go live at 8:30 a.m., you can use the dropdowns to search for your district or individual school.

4. When you find your school or district on the search tool, click "view reports" and an overall letter grade will be displayed.

You can also search for your school's or district's grades through the states txschools.gov website.

Bell County Sheriff’s Office Unveils New Pickups

The Bell County Sheriff's Office has rolled out a new fleet of Chevrolet pickups, fully equipped with police packages, as part of its ongoing vehicle replacement program. The updated trucks are designed to improve reliability, enhance safety, and support deputies in their day-to-day operations. Community members can expect to see the new vehicles on patrol throughout the County as the department continues to invest in modernizing its resources and maintaining a strong law enforcement presence.

Image courtesy of Bell County Sheriff’s Office

Early Voting Still On-Going for Area Elections

Yesterday, early voting began in both Temple & Belton. Find out more information below about the specific locations:

Temple Residents:

Early Voting for the 2025 Temple City Council District 1 election kicks off tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22, at the TISD Administration Building (401 Santa Fe Way).

 Early Voting Schedule

  • Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, April 25: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information, click here!

Belton Residents:

Early voting will take place at City Hall (Conference Room), 333 Water Street on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, April 25: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

  • Monday, April 28 and Tuesday, April 29: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

For more information, click here!

P.S. Looking to advertise in the TemBel Buzz? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!

Events this week:

  • 2000s Music Bingo - April 25 6:30 PM

    • Location: Treno Pizzeria & Taproom

    • Description: Put your poker face on and bring your hollaback girl to play from your table and win prizes. Let all the small things party outside on the playground while you and the wifey drop it like it’s hot in the pizzeria.

  • Lafter Hours - April 25 9:00 PM

    • Location: The Gin at Nolan Creek

    • Description: Join us for FREE COMEDY, with dinner, a few drinks and LOTS of laughs!!

  • HERPS Exotic Reptile & Animal Show - April 26 & 27

    • Location: Cadence Bank Center

    • Description: Join us for thousands of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and supplies at huge discounts! Enjoy hands-on learning, meet top breeders, and explore amazing animals.

  • Airplanes & Coffee - April 26 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    • Location: Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport

    • Description: This exciting event is open to everyone in the community—you don’t need to be a pilot to enjoy the experience. Whether you’re curious about aviation, looking for a unique outing with the family, or just want to see some cool planes up close, Airplanes & Coffee is the perfect way to spend your Saturday.

  • Fused Glass Garden Snakes - April 26 10:00 AM-12:00 PM INFO

    • Location: Cultural Activities Center

    • Description: Fused glass is an art form that involves melting glass in a kiln to create various shapes and effects. Learn about the basic techniques, such as fusing, slumping and casting. In this class you will create a garden snake. A perfect addition to your spring garden or Mother’s Day gift for mothers who love their yard!

  • Lunch at the Airport - April 26 11:00 AM-3:00 PM

    • Location: Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport

    • Description: Come out to the Airport for great food, amazing aircraft and aviation fun! Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event is for you! Open to the public!

  • Wind & Wine Paint/Craft Party - April 26 2:00-4:00 PM

    • Location: Dancing Bee Winery

    • Description: The ultimate paint and craft party. Create a wind chime or paint your own masterpiece.

  • 6th Annual 3 Texans Crawfish Boil - April 26 3:00-6:00 PM

    • Location: 3 Texans Winery

    • Description: 4 food packages available with wine specials and live music! INFO & TICKETS

  • Music Bingo - April 26 3:00-6:00 PM

    • Location: 3 Texans Winery

    • Description: Name that tune Bingo!

Live Music!

Friday, April 25

Craig Howell with Somewhere in Texas Band | Bo’s Barn Dance Hall | 8:00 PM INFO

Lacey Sturm - Acoustic Set | Schoepf’s Backyard | 6:00 PM TICKETS!

Rosenthal Parkway Band | Bird Creek Brewing | 7:00-10:00 PM

Saturday, April 26

Marcus Lindsey | Bo’s Barn Dance Hall | 9:00 PM INFO

Jody Dominguez & the Stateline Band | Johnny’s Steakhouse and Bar-Be-Que | 3:00 PM

Denny Herrin | Bold Republic Brewing Company | 7:00 PM

Robert Parker Jr Trio | Bird Creek Brewing | 7:00 PM

To get your events added, please email us at [email protected]!