DAVID STONE | July 26, 2022
Superheroes, celebrities, costumes, star-cars, wrestlers and comics — pop culture is about to explode at the Bell County Expo Center.
The fifth Bell County Comic Con in six years — the 2020 show was cancelled because of COVID — promises to be the biggest show to date. This year’s Comic Con is August 6 and 7.
“We’re expecting a total sell out,” said Johnny Huang, Comic Con promoter, creator and organizer. “We’re adding a building, giving away 10,000 free comics, offering free parking and keeping the price affordable. We will have more square-footage than we’ve ever had.”
This year’s Comic Con will feature tons of familiar faces, voices, art and wheels. Here’s a look at some of the celebrities who will be attending:
Clint Howard — The Andy Griffith Show, The Rocketeer, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Trek, Austin Powers, Apollo 13, The Waterboy, Tango & Cash, Gentle Ben.
Tom O’Connell — Darth Vader in the new Obi Wan Kenobi series, SWAT television series, True Detective.
Tom Arnold — True Lies, Roseanne, The Stupids, McHale’s Navy, Austin Powers, Exit Wounds.
Judith Hoag — Original April O’Neil on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Armageddon, Hitchcock, Wolf, Quantum Leap, Roseanne, X-Files, Judging Amy, ER, CSI, Heaven and Jag.
Mickie James — NWA wrestler, 5-time WWE women’s world champion, WWE Diva’s world champion, 4-time TNA/Impact Knockouts champion.
Mauro Castillo — The voice of Felix in Encanto.
Debbe Dunning — Heidi from Home Improvement, model, TV host.
Richard Karn — Played Al Borland on Home Improvement, former host of Family Feud and Bingo America.
Seth Gilliam — Father Gabriel Stokes in The Walking Dead. Also starred in The Wire and Oz.
Savannah Welch — Musician and actress. She has appeared in The Handmaid’s Tale, The Transcendents, Tree of Life, The Good Doctor, Boyhood, and she starred as Barbara Gordon on DC Titans.
Jad Saxton — Wolf Children, High School DxD, Koneko, Death Parade, Freezing, Ghost Hunt, Bamboo Blade, Hero Tales, Soul Eater.
Dave Sheridan — Buzzkill, Scary Movie, The Devil’s Rejects, Ghost World.
Felissa Rose — Sleepaway Camp, Victory Crowley, Terrifier 2, Scream Test.
Ian Sinclair — One Piece, Toriko, Space Dandy, Brotherhood, Food Wars!, Attack on Titan, DBZ.
Alexis Tipton — Mei Hatsume, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball Z Super, Kinds Trunks & Gotenks, Fire Emblem, Attack on Titan.
John “JBL” Layfield — WWE champion and hall of famer, 3-time WWE tag team champion, Grand Slam champion.
Kristen McGuire — Voice actress from Milim Nava, Hinana Kurahashi, and more.
Brian Tochi — Takashi on Revenge of the Nerds, Leonardo on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Master Hama on Johnny Bravo.
Huang said several other guests will be announced before the show.
In addition to the people, there will be some very cool automobiles on display, including a DeLorean outfitted like the Back to the Future car, Speed Racer, the Chevy Impala from Supernatural and Bumblebee’s car.
The show will start at 10 a.m. both days and end at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at https://purchase.growtix.com/e/Bell_County_Comic_Con_2022.
On Sunday, there will be a Comics & Cars Meet in the parking lot.
“People are invited to show off their cool cars and come to the show,” Huang said. “It’s not a car show — no trophies — but we expect some awesome cars.”
“There’s going to be so much going on. There will be artists, superheroes, comic and toy exhibitors, games, cosplay contests, celebrity guests and much more.”
“Come dressed up in your favorite costume, cosplay, or superhero Tee and celebrate all that is amazing for two epic days.”
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¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues
The latest exhibit, Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues, will be on exhibit at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum through Oct. 8.
Moravian Glory: Preserving Our Brilliance
A new exhibit, Moravian Glory: Preserving Our Brilliance is open at the Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center in Temple, and an official reception will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30. The exhibit runs through Oct. 1
Tuesday, July 26
O’Pen Mic Night at O’Briens Irish Pub. 8 to midnight. O'Briens Open Mic Is Back! Every Tuesday 8 p.m. This is an acoustic open mic. will be using our in house sound system! Come on out and let's have fun!
Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Academie Musique of Central Texas String Faculty Recital fundraiser, 7 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 300 N. Main in Temple.
Trivia Night at J Cowboy, 7:30 p.m.
STEM Team at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.
Baby Bookworms (0-12 months) at Temple Public Library. 11 a.m.
Karaoke at Green Door. 9 p.m.
Wednesday, July 27
Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.
Chris Austin Martinez live at La Riv Kitchen & Bar. 7 p.m.
Through My Eyes art exhibit at The Loft. 6-8 p.m. Paintings, sculptures, poems, photos that focus on a person in the Temple/Belton area and it reflects their true beauty and worth. Presented by Feed My Sheep.
Lunch at the Airport! Flexin’ Texan food truck will be at Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport from 11 am. To 2 p.m.
Trivia at Green Door. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Musician Open Mic Night at Corky’s Wine & Beer
Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.
PreSchool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 11:15 a.m.
School Age Story Time (K-3rd grade) at Temple Public Library. 4:15 p.m.
Kid’s Night Movie on the Lawn at Treno’s Pizzeria & Taproom. 5 p.m.
Thursday, July 28
Through My Eyes art exhibit at The Loft. 6-8 p.m. Paintings, sculptures, poems, photos that focus on a person in the Temple/Belton area and it reflects their true beauty and worth. Presented by Feed My Sheep.
Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
The Bell County Area Parkinson's Support Group meets Thursday afternoon. We'll join with the large Georgetown GAPS support group by Zoom to learn about physical occupational, and speech therapies for those with Parkinson's. Join us in the meeting room at Garden Estates of Temple, 5320 205 Loop, from 2:30 until 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 28.
Beachy Beats Open Mic at Knead Peace in Belton. Bring on those Island Vibes and Beachy Beats! Feel free to dress the part and bring a drum, chair, hammock, picnic blanket, snacks, and cooler. Family friendly event!
Country & Western Dance at Sammons Community Center. 6-9 p.m. Take a whirl around the dance floor! Come scoot your boots and tap your feet to the lively music of local country and western bands on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Coffee and punch provided. Bring a finger food or dish to share during intermission. Singles and couples are all welcomed. 18+ 2nd and 4th Thursday
Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.
Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.
Country Nights at El Puerto de Jalisco. Live music and great food and drinks. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m
Concert on Main at Salado Civic Center. Salado has been designated a Music Friendly Community by the Governor’s Texas Music Office. To kick off the start of Salado’s Music Friendly Community journey, a free concert will be held for the public featuring Kristyn Harris Food trucks on site.
Toddler Story Time (12-36 months) at Temple Public Library. 10:15 a.m.
PreSchool Story Time (ages 3-5) at Temple Public Library. 11:15 a.m.
Friday, July 29
Kyle Reed at Barrow Brewing, 8 p.m.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
Academie Musique of Central Texas String Camp Showcase, 1:30 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 300 N. Main in Temple.
Summer Sounds Free Concert at Santa Fe Plaza featuring American Merit Band. 7:30 p.m.
Weldon Henson live at Bo’s Barn. Weldon Henson is to country music what an ice cold beer is on a “long, hard, hot, day” – refreshing. The first few notes out of his mouth and you know your witnessing the real deal. 8 p.m.
Dementia/Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group: Occurs weekly on Fridays. This group allows your loved ones to join us. Loved ones will be doing activities while the group of caregivers are joining together to better understand and learn tips and tricks for daily life.
Gabe’s Last Shift at FoxDog (for now). Gabe is headed to college at Texas State. Come wish him farewell. 4:30 p.m.
Sing-A-Long Piano Show at Green Door every Friday at 10 p.m.
4-Hour Temple Brew Trail Tour with Tour Temple. 6-10 p.m.
Karaoke at Corky’s Beer & Wine. 8-11 p.m.
Chess Club at Temple Public Library. 4-6 p.m.
Ghost Hunting Class at Wilson Recreation Center. Do you have an interest in the paranormal? Ever wonder what it's like to be a real ghost hunter? Try our Paranormal Studies class with paranormal investigator JohnJohn from Dark Explorers paranormal and learn all there is about becoming a paranormal investigator. Join us for this introductory class. 5:30 p.m. to. 7 p.m. $35 per person.
Saturday, July 30
Moravian Glory reception at Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center. 4-7 p.m. See this exhibit that chronicles the life of a Moravian woman.
Midnight Tradesmen live at Barrow Brewing. 8 p.m.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
Salado Legends at Tablerock. Salado Legends, is an outdoor musical written by Salado resident playwright Jackie Mills. It was chosen by the Library of Congress to serve as a record of life in America during the 1850’s and “to preserve our nation’s diverse cultural traditions for generations of Americans, present, and future. Meal: 7:15. Show, 8:15. Tickets: centraltexastickets.org
Niles City live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m.
Texas Red’s Name that Tune Bingo at Bold Republic Brewing. 7 p.m.
4-Hour Temple Wine Trail Tour with Tour Temple. 3-7 p.m.
Comedy Showcase at Corky’s Beer & Wine. 8-10 p.m.
Sunday, July 31
Central Texas Film Society Monthly Movie & Discussion presents Jaws at CAC. 2 p.m. “When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.”
Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.
Guys and Dolls at Temple Civic Theatre. A odd-ball romantic comedy directed by Dr. Sara Harris Baker. For tickets and showtimes, visit
Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Music by The High Country Flyers at 4 p.m.
Monday, August 1
$1 Summer movies at The Beltonian Theatre. 10 a.m., 1, p.m. 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. Storks
Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Second Look Book Club at Temple Public Library. 6 p.m.
Academie Musique recitals this week at Christ Episcopal
Our Town Temple | July 24, 2022
The Academie Musique of Central Texas String Camp Faculty will present an evening of chamber music featuring works by Saint Saëns, Walton, Debussy and Mozart at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, in the Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 300 N. Main in Temple.
The evening will also include a second consecutive world premiere of a newly commissioned work by Composer in Residence Isaac Villaroya.
Featured in this concert will be Alanna Schubert of Woodway, the winner of the Academie Musique Concerto Competition as a soloist with the orchestra, performing the last movement of the Mozart violin concerto in A major: the “Turkish” concerto.
Additional performers will be students from Temple, Belton and Waco who have been selected to participate in the Advanced Chamber Music and Orchestral Leadership Program, which offers an immersive and intensive musical experience for serious and committed players.
During the week of camp, they will work closely with faculty members to prepare the music for this concert as well as for the Camp Showcase on Friday, July 29.
The end-of-camp student showcase performances will begin on Friday, July 29 at 1:30 pm and will consist of a student orchestra concert, followed by a concert featuring the students selected to this year’s Advanced Chamber Music and Orchestral Leadership Program.
Admission to both concerts is free.
The Academie Musique of Central Texas is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations benefiting the student scholarship program of Academie Musique are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.
For more information, contact Lois Reiter, Director of Strings lreiter@amcentex.org or call the Academie Musique office at (254) 228-0691.
Our Town Temple | July 26, 2022
As recently as 1851, the plains in what is now eastern Bell County was covered in waist-high grasses that served as a buffet for the area’s largest residents — the American bison.
Visitors who passed through the area marveled at the massive herds that blackened the land with their sheer numbers.
There were no barbed-wire fences or roads back then, just miles of wild grasslands and herds of buffalo. The bison did share the land with antelope, wolves, wild horses and black bear.
The animal population and the few settlers and Native Americans in the area co-existed for years. The buffalo and other wild animals provided food and fur for clothing, shelter and protection from the cold.
But in the mid-1800s, non-stop wagon trains of hunting parties began arriving in Texas for one purpose — collecting furs and shipping them back to factories in northeastern states. The bear was the first to go, followed by the wolf and antelope. Bison — because they numbered in the millions in Texas — held out the longest.
Indians and early settlers had hunted buffalo for years, and they used nearly the entire animal for food, clothing or shelter. But the raiding parties backed by furriers and leather companies had something else in mind. It wasn’t survival.
They shot and killed thousands of bison a day, skinned them in the fields, and packed the hides onto wagons that headed back east. There was a constant trail of fur wagons coming in and going out of the state. While bison was their primary target, they shot and skinned just about everything that moved. It was like a lumber operation, but buffalo and bear were being harvested instead of trees.
The meat from the downed animals was left to rot in the fields, eventually cutting down on the food supply for settlers and Native Americans. Soon, with the numbers of wild game and buffalo dwindling, hungry Indians began raiding their neighbors for food.
Shooting buffalo became commonplace, and even was a sport of sorts. Passengers on early trains would fire at buffalo through windows in railcars and bet with other riders on how many they could kill.
By 1890, fewer than 100 American bison remained in Texas, and populations of all wildlife were decimated in what would become Bell County. Deer populations came back, but bear, antelope and other four-legged mammals were gone for good.
On this day in 1845, the United States flag is said to have been raised on St. Joseph Island by United States troops. This was the first time the U.S. flag was flown in Texas. St. Joseph Island is a sand barrier island in Aransas County. The troops were part of a force under Gen. Zachary Taylor sent to protect Texas from Mexican interference after annexation. After the detachment landed on the island, the main force landed on August 1 and camped by a massive live oak tree at the site of present-day Rockport. The tree is now known as the Zachary Taylor Oak.
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