SUNDAY DECEMBER 26, 2022 BONUS ISSUE

“Underground garbage systems are better looking, and they are rat proof and do a much better job of containing odors.”

A crane lifts an underground waste bin in the air prior to dumping its contents into a garbage truck in Kissimmee, Florida. The city of Temple is considering dumpster options for Downtown and if the area’s neighborhood plan is approved by City Council in January, underground systems may be considered.

By DAVID STONE, Our Town Temple

As Downtown Temple grows, so does the amount of trash being produced, and that’s leading to unwelcoming alleyways cluttered with trash bins, a Temple city official said.

The city is considering alternate ways of storing waste in its booming business and entertainment district, including one method that incorporates a “now you see it, not you don’t” approach.

Waste-storage considerations are just a part of a 135-page Downtown plan to be considered by City Council in January. The plan is designed to attract new businesses and residents to the neighborhood.

“We would like to make our alleyways more attractive and more functional,” said Erin Smith, assistant Temple city manager. “One way to do that is to look at waste management options for Downtown, including underground options. The city of Kissimmee, Fla., is one of a handful of cities that have taken the underground approach. It’s worth exploring.”

According to the Downtown plan: “There is a desire to improve the function and feel of the alleys in the core of Temple. As a means to improve and declutter the alleys, the city would like to encourage the consolidation or sharing of trash and recycling (bins) between multiple business or property owners.”

“The city feels this consolidation can be accomplished in a two-part approach. One way is to increase emphasis on shared facilities and the increased use of recycling, especially cardboard, to see a more efficient service. The other approach is to begin to look at the use of underground dumpsters …”

Kissimmee found its garbage storage solution in its own backyard — Florida-based Underground Refuse Systems — and that city is the first in America to implement such a system. Ennis — south of Dallas on I-45 — is installing a URS system that goes online Jan. 24.

“This technology has been used for more than 20 years in Europe — Disneyland Paris, Barcelona, Florence and Milan all use this system,” said Jay Wheeler, CEO and president of URS. “Kissimmee has been using this technology since 2017 and is expanding its use yearly. Clearwater, Fla., is operational on Clearwater Beach and underground waste will be used at the Phillies Spring Training stadium beginning in February. Ennis will be the first Texas city to use this system in their downtown.”

Wheeler said underground garbage systems offer many advantages over traditional dumpsters that can overflow and attract vermin.

“Underground systems are better looking, and they are rat proof and do a much better job of containing odors,” he said. “They also are bear proof, not that Temple has a huge bear problem.”

“They can be used for trash, recycling, food waste and organic waste, and they eliminate dumpster fires, dumpster diving and litter blowing out of containers into the neighborhood,” Wheeler said.

According to information supplied by URS, underground units hold 6.5 cubic cards of waste, which allows 22 traditional 30-gallon street cans to fit into one below-ground container. Above ground, there is a small box for depositing garbage into the bin below — the deposit box looks similar to a slightly larger-than-average newspaper vending machine.

Each box has a connector on top where a crane can attach and lift the entire container out of the ground and empty its contents into a garbage truck using a belly-dump triggered by the sanitation crew.

“Ennis, Clearwater and Kissimmee all have their own specialized trucks outfitted with hook lift, compactor and crane,” Wheeler said. “Another option is a crane that works with trucks a city such as Temple may already own.”

Wheeler said his systems include “smart sensor” technology that notifies the city when a unit needs to be emptied.”

Deposit boxes for underground garbage and recycling bins are shown in Kissimmee, Florida. The steel plates the boxes are mounted on are the tops to the hidden bins. Temple may consider a similar system.

Trash bins line an alley in Temple’s business and entertainment district. A Downtown plan that goes before City Council in January includes dumpster options such as underground containers. David Stone | Our Town Temple

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WHAT HAPPENED HERE?

The stately building at 101 North Main Street was built in the Italian Renaissance Revival style in 1912 as a U.S. Post Office. In 1963, it was donated to the city and after renovations were made, it became Temple Public Library. The library moved a block west in 1997 to larger quarters and Temple College occupied the building for its Business Development Center, offices and classrooms. Today, the city of Temple uses the building for its Community Resource Center. The building at left in the photo is the south wing of the Kyle Hotel’s ground floor. David Stone | Our Town Temple

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CENTRAL TEXAS’ LARGEST & MOST COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dead Fish Grill will host the Hidden Sayers Band. 9 p.m.

Seaton Star Hall will host a New Year’s Eve Dance featuring The Billy Holt Band. 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Arthur Murray Temple will host a New Year’s Eve Black & White Ball. Dinner, dancing, live entertainment, a group class, and a champagne toast are all included in the ticket. Join us for a fun evening and start the new year on the right foot. 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Fire Base Brewing Co will celebrate Beer Me a New Year. Live music, finger foods, games, Ball drop at 10 p.m., and complimentary champagne toast at midnight. $25 online or $30 at the door.

O’Briens Irish Pub with the Jason Custer Band. 10 p.m.

Bo’s Barn Dancehall Craig Howell & Somewhere in Texas will hit the stage at 9 p.m. $25 per person to include Cover, Party Favors, Champagne, Breakfast and Black Eyed Peas!!! 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Corky’s Wine Bar Rock in the New Year with Moon Tide, a power trio from Austin that covers hits from the 60’s until now. Tickets are only $35! Included in the price: midnight champagne toast, party favors, a souvenir glass, breakfast food after the ball drops and your live music and dancing for the evening! Attire is semi-formal.

TEXAS ELITE EXPLOSION POLE VAULTING: Many of the top professional, college and high school pole vaulters in the world will compete in the nation’s second largest pole vaulting competition. 9 a.m. both days.

NO LIMITS MONSTER TRUCK WINTER NATIONALS & MUD RACES are coming to The Expo on Jan. 14 & 15. See some of the nation’s most competitive monster trucks and motocross racers as they invade Bell County. 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tickets at bellcountyexpo.com

LONE STAR GUN SHOW is going Jan. 15-6. Bring in your old gun and trade up. Look at all kinds of merchandise from New and Used Guns, Knives, Swords, Hunting Gear, Books, Coins, Medals, Ammo, Reloading Equipment and Supplies. 9-5 on Saturday, 10-4 on Sunday.

A SAMI SHOW: ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET will be in Assembly Hall from 10-5 Saturday, Jan. 22, and 11-4 Sunday, Jan. 23.

PARKER McCOLLUM RED DIRT MARDI GRAS features Texas mainstream country at its best. Saturday, Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. Buy tickets and select seats at bellcountyexpo.com

DEAN’S SERIES: KATHRYN FOUSE: Let the Games Begin with Kathryn Fouse, piano. Join us for an entertaining evening of music from popular video games. 7:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

EXHIBIT OPENING: The next art exhibit opening will be Jan. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. The featured artist is PHOKUS and the exhibit will feature a  mixed media presentation entitled "So tonight that I may dream.”

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS: The College of Visual & Performing Arts at UMHB features a band that plays music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation while synchronizing the music to video projections of the original film. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, at the Sue & Frank Mayborn Performing Arts Center.

AIZURI QUARTET: This group will perform at the CAC on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Described as "genuinely exciting" by the New York Times and "elegant" and "inquisitive" by The New Yorker, the quartet presents a vibrant selection of new music and standards. The group was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. 

LION KING JR.: The Temple High School Theater Arts department will present a production featuring actors from across the school district on Jan. 27-30. The Jan. 27-29 shows will start at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee will begin at 2. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available at CentralTexasTickets.com.

POPS CONCERT: The Temple Symphony Orchestra will feature trumpeter Allen Vizzutti in a January 29 Pops Concert at the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center at Temple College. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

THE CONTEMPORARIES TELETHON “THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT” will be held on stage Jan. 29 at the CAC. The telethon proceeds provide financial support for the building and the programming.

FACING THE INFERNO: THE WILDFIRE PHOTOGRAPHY OF KARI GREER: Colorful, intimate, and intensely dramatic images that capture the work of wildland firefighters in this new exhibit that runs through Jan. 15. Amazing photography.

COMING NEXT MONTH! ALIENTO a TEQUILA: This exhibit explores and celebrates the landscape, culture, and traditions that gave birth to tequila. A series of photographs by Joel Salcido include the original distilleries that founded the industry, as well as several artisanal tequilerías committed to the ancestral ways of tequila-making, from harvest to bottle. Jan. 28-March 16.

GAULT SITE TOUR: Join us Feb. 12 at the Gault Site for a tour! It is a full guided 3 hour tour across the 2.5 miles long site. Learn about the many artifacts excavated and the Paleoindian culture found right here in Bell County! Pre-registration required; $10/person 11 years and older. All participants are asked to meet at the site at 8:30am. The tour will begin promptly at 9:00am. Maps will be provided a few days prior to the scheduled tour date. The site is 30 minutes from Belton, between Salado and Florence. Tickets are $10 per person, payable by debit or credit card only. Payment is needed within 5 days of registration. Please call the museum at 254-933-5243 to make payment. All proceeds go directly to the Gault School of Archaeological Research.

January

January 3-4 — Learn the art of glass fusing during evening classes at A Work of Art Studio. Contact: Jillmoon4655@gmail.com

January 6, Thursday - In partnership with the Temple Community Clinic and other sponsors, the Living Well in Bell wellness series will debut at the CAC. The first presenters for the 2022 series will be Dr. Patricia J. Sulak and Dr. Jeffrey Waxman who will discuss all aspects of well-being. 6 p.m.

January 6, Thursday - Central Texas Arts League meets to plan a year of creative ventures. Open to the public.  6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m.  Come learn about the plans and meet with fellow artists in the Central Texas area.

January 7, Friday - On the first Friday of every month, historic downtown Temple transforms into a giant party. Enjoy street music and performances, drinks, food, and after-hours shopping.

January 8, Saturday - Cabin Fever: Stargazing Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Learn about constellations, meteor showers and other celestial objects while checking out the night sky. 10 a.m.

January 8, Saturday — Great British Rock ’n’ Roll Name that Tune Bingo at Fire Base Brewing Co. 7:30 p.m.

January 11, Tuesday - Shimmy and shake your way over to Sammons Community Center for a 6-week fun-filled Belly dancing course. Tighten your core by learning a mixture of movements with Colleen Pannell, Instructor. $90

January 14-15 - No Limits Monster Truck Winter Nationals & Mud Races. Some of the nation’s most competitive truck and motocross racers as they invade Bell County Expo Arena on Friday and Saturday. 7:30 p.m.

January 15, Saturday - Game Show Night by Texas Red at Fire Base Brewing Co. We have the night for you! 4 rounds of the game show questions and prize-winning for all! Free to play and Family Friendly! Who will walk away with the evening's Oscar? Play as a team or individual. Win free drinks and other prizes! 7-9 p.m.

January 19, Wednesday - The city of Temple is undertaking the development of a Mobility Master Plan designed to produce a multimodal transportation system. The second public involvement meeting will be hosted online with a live event and in person at the Wilson Park Recreation Center on from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

January 22, Saturday — Name that Tune Bingo: 80s and 90s Mixtape at Fire Base Brewing Co.

January 29, Saturday - Parker McCollum Red Dirt Mardi Gras at Bell County Expo. 8 p.m.

February

February 4, Friday - On the first Friday of every month, historic downtown Temple transforms into a giant party. Enjoy street music and performances, drinks, food, and after-hours shopping.

February 5, Saturday - Geek Out Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. Want to show off your geeky side? Come out to the museum for Geek Out Family Day. Dress up as your favorite superhero, cartoon, or video game character. Enjoy the nerdier side of life.

February 11-12 - Bell County Youth Fair Livestock Show & PRCA Rodeo. The Bell County PRCA Rodeo is currently in its 34th year of continuous operation at the Bell County Expo Center. Last year, the Bell County Youth Fair awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to local area youth. https://agrilife.org/bellctyyouthfair/

February 12, Saturday - Kyle Mathis plays an acoustic solo gig downstairs at Tom Sefcik Hall in Seaton. 8 p.m. to midnight

February 12, Saturday — 5th annual Onesie Bar Crawl. The comfiest bar crawl ever. Starts at Mo’s Rail Yard Saloon. Map will be available. www.crawlwith.us/temple/onesie#tickets

LIST YOUR EVENT! Email info to OurTownTemple@gmail.com with “What’s Happening” in the subject line.