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Aug 6, 2010
Security Issues in The Ridge
A vacant listing in the neighborhood had an attempted break-in; someone pried off the solar screen on one of back windows with a bar. Also, at another house, the freon in one of the air conditioner condensors was drained (teenagers "huff" freon to get a cheap high). Please set your alarms, leave exterior lights on, and remove any valuables from cars that are parked outside. Also, please keep an eye on any vacant homes that are near you.

June 30, 2010
Harker Heights 50th Anniversary at Dana Peak Park
The city has locked in some details about its 50th anniversary celebration Sept. 25. The 50th celebration will be from 4 to 10:30 p.m. at the Army Corps of Engineers property, Dana Peak Park. Article Here

June 29, 2010
Harker Heights Shows Fast Growth
FORT HOOD AREA (Temple Daily Telegram) - Central Texas cities close to a lake or Fort Hood grew at the fastest clip between April 2000 and July 2009, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. Harker Heights on the outskirts of Killeen and next to Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir grew by 50 percent to more than 26,000 people in the nine-year period. Killeen itself, the home of Fort Hood, grew by 37 percent from 86,911 to 119,510.

June 20, 2010
New Hospital Coming to Killeen/Harker Heights
LHP Hospital Group Inc. announced Friday that it plans to build a new hospital in the Killeen-Harker Heights area. Article Here

Mar 9, 2010
Kirklands and Knockouts Coming to Market Heights
During February, the City of Harker Heights issued two commercial permits for the finish-out of previously vacant space in Market Heights. One of the permits is for a new 8,757-sf Kirklands, is a specialty retailer of home décor. The other is for a new 1,344-sf Knockouts, a barber shop for men.

Mar 5, 2010
More I-35 Widening Coming to Bell County
Work on I-35 expansion from Salado to Belton should get started this summer. Article Here

Feb 17, 2010
Oncor addresses high electric bills
Oncor representatives gave a presentation about energy bill woes to the Harker Heights City Council.
KDH News Article Here

Feb 6, 2010
Proposed improvements to Comanche Gap
Proposal No. 2 is the reconstruction of Comanche Gap Road with a hike-and-bike trail that would connect Dana Peak Park to the Harker Heights Community Park.
KDH News Article Here

Feb 4, 2010
Table and chairs for sale, $650
Contact Mary Ellen Morehead for more info: 254-698-2793, yankees1@hot.rr.com

Dec 18, 2009
Area Home Sales Up
November home sales in the Greater Fort Hood Area surged to a 75 percent increase compared to the same period in 2008, as residents hurried to meet the original deadline of the First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. KDH News Article Here, MSNBC Article Here

Nov 12, 2009
Lost dog
If you happen to find a small grey poodle, please call Leilani and John Childers at 254-690-7558 or 254-702-2644

Pampered Chef Party
Jennifer Zimmerman will be hosting a Pampered Chef Party on Nov 13 for anyone in the neighborhood who would like to attend. 2010 River Rock Trail at 6:30 pm. RSVP 254-247-5601 or rezimmerman@clearwire.net.

Oct 15, 2009
Septic System Survey
Susan Krogh will be delivering surveys to every door in the neighborhood within the next week or so. These surveys are to determine if septic issues are a widespread problem in our neighborhood. It is important that you fill out the survey and return to her. Susan's email: ridgeseptic@aol.com.

Copy of survey HERE.
Copy of information letter HERE.
Copy of attorney's instructions HERE.
News article about septic issues in Crossland Estates HERE.

Oct 11, 2009
Please pick up after dogs
Some of our homeowners are having issues with dog waste being left in their yards and driveways. Please take plastic bags with you when walking your dogs, and clean up after them.

Oct 2, 2009
Centex Done in The Ridge
Centex has decided to pull out of the neighborhood as of today. They will not be selling any more lots, and they are selling the few remaining lots back to the developer. The model home is going on the market for $203,596. They also have a spec home under contstruction at 2008 Sandy Point that will be listed at $257,386.

There are four homes in the neighborhood that have already been contracted to be built by buyers, and these will be completed:
2005 River Rock
2013 River Rock
2015 River Rock
2005 Sandy Point

Sep 30, 2009
Indian Trail Projects to Start
An 18-inch waterline improvement from Nola Ruth Boulevard to FM 2410 is the first of the two projects. The second project is changing the Indian Trail roadway from Osage Trace to FM 2410. It will become a 29-foot-wide street with curbs, gutters and storm sewers, and a sidewalk on the east side. Article Here

Aug 11, 2009
What's Going on with Texas Real Estate?
While home prices nationwide fell 11.6% in January compared to a year ago, Texas had three of the only four housing markets in the country where homes actually increased in value. Austin-Round Rock had a 3.9% increase in housing market value, Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown home values jumped 3.6%, and Dallas-Plano-Irving grew by 1.5%.

Statewide, home prices rose nearly 2%, according to a report compiled by First American CoreLogic. No, we're not Austin-Round Rock but our market is better than most as well. See article that lists facts about the Texas real estate market, comparing 2009 sales with 2007 and 2008. Article Here

Aug 10, 2009
Harker Heights Sales Tax Rebates Up, Killeen Down
The State Comptroller's Office released statistics Friday for Texas sales tax rebates in June, showing Killeen with a sharp decrease and Harker Heights with a steady ascension. Article Here

July 9, 2009
Texas-size Growth Spurt
TEXAS (U.S. Census Bureau) - Round Rock has been named the second fastest-growing city in the nation from 2007 to 2008 with an 8.16 percent rise in population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2008 population estimates. In all, four of the ten fastest-growing large cities were in Texas, including McKinney (fifth), Killeen (ninth) and Fort Worth (tenth).

June 30, 2009
High Water Bill?
The water meters the city originally installed in our neighborhood were the standard meters for residential property. However, the water pressure in our neighborhood is such that those meters couldn't handle it. During high levels of water usage, the meters got maxed out and all the water being used above a certain point wasn't registering. So, essentially, some people were getting some of their water for free.

So the city replaced all of the meters in our neighborhood a month or two ago. These new meters can handle more water, and according to the city, they are registering the correct usage. Unless you have very high water usage, you probably didn't notice a difference in your water bill. The city suggests that most of the high water usage in our neighborhood is due to sprinkler systems and the large size of the lots.

I spoke with my sprinkler/landscape guy and this is what he recommends:
Spray head systems should water 15 minutes every time, rotor heads should water 30 minutes. For St. Augustine grass (thicker, darker green blades), water 3 times a week. For Bermuda (thin, soft, lighter green blades), water 2 times a week. Also, check your zones. If you have a zone that only waters a flowerbed with native plants, try watering that zone only once a week.

To see the PDF of the instruction booklet on how to adjust your sprinkler system, click on the Info/Maps tab at the top of this webpage.

June 19, 2009
Harker Heights Council Cuts Budget
Harker Heights City is trimming the fat out of its budget for next year. Article Here

June 11, 2009
City Cuts Speed on Knights Way
Harker Heights City will drop the speed limit on 2410/Knights way from 50 to 45. Article Here

Apr 16, 2009
Deed Restriction Violations
Let's keep our neighborhood looking nice. Our deed restrictions forbid parking of boats, trailers, commercial vehicles, or motorhomes in driveways or on the street. Also, cars are not supposed to be parked on the street for more than 48 hours. Please take a minute to review the deed restrictions here: Deed Restrictions

Apr 2, 2009
Housing Market Update
Home building and home selling in Central Texas are both showing an upturn as 2009 gets going. See Article here.

March 11, 2009
Area Job Growth Among Best in U.S.
Central Texas’ employment outlook is the fourth best in the nation, survey results indicate. See Article here.

Feb 28, 2009
Area Home Prices Remain Among Most Affordable
The Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metro area was ranked 62nd in affordability for fourth quarter 2008 See Article here.

Feb 25, 2009
Dana Peak Park Repairs
Two years after record-breaking rains destroyed Dana Peak Park (just past the entrance to the Ridge), the park is on its way to being fully operational again. Officials estimate the work should be complete by the end of this summer. See Article here.

Feb 09, 2009
Centex status in the neighborhood
Centex had planned to put their model home up for sale and to be out of the neighborhood by the end of March. However, they have changed plans. They just purchased about 15 more lots and will probably be in the neighborhood at least another year or two. At this time, they have no plans to purchase any lots in Phase 3 (at the end of Cayuga Drive)

Jan 12, 2009
Tarleton to become Texas A&M
The institution of higher learning known as Tarleton State University-Central Texas is expected to fade away in the not-too-distant future, and give way to Texas A&M University-Central Texas. See Article here.

Jan 2, 2009
Upcoming Changes at Ft Hood
The 4th Infantry Division will soon begin the transition to its new home at Fort Carson, Colo., in June, and that is likely to be the biggest change at the post in the coming year. As a result, the number of troops that live and work on Fort Hood will shrink from the norm of about 52,000 to something around 39,000 between February and March. See Article here.

Dec 28, 2008
TXDot Announces 2410/190 improvements
TxDOT has already opened a new entrance ramp to westbound US 190 in front of Market Heights, and officials announced a $4.5 million project to widen the westbound frontage road from FM 2410 west to Stan Schlueter Loop. When the westbound entrance and exit ramps are both open, TxDOT will complete ramp reversals on eastbound US 190 and then complete a turnaround at the Indian Trail underpass and improve the intersection of US 190 and Indian Trail. Then a northbound turn lane will be built on FM 2410 for traffic to enter US 190.

Dec 28, 2008
More Businesses Opening in Market Heights
The businesses which have opened are Cinemark Theater, Firestone, First National Bank of Texas, Dicks Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond, Circuit City, Petco, Old Navy, Caroline's, ULTA, Dollar Tree, Lane Bryant/Cacique, Rack Room, Twin Liquors, Maurice's, rue21, Catherine's, AT&T retail store, Payless, Portrait Innovations, Fossum Dental, Sally Beauty, Great Clips, Any Lab Test Now, and restaurants and snack stops including Cheddar's, Panda Express, Cracker Barrel, Fish City Grill, Chipotle, and YoYo's Frozen Yogurt.

On track to open in 2009 are Bank of America, Chase Bank, Chick-fil-A, Genghis Grill, James Avery, Five Guys, Studio Nail Salon, H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt.
See Complete Article here.

Nov 29, 2008
Homebuilding Expected to Pick Up
Killeen area homebuilders, reassured recently that troop levels at Fort Hood will stay constant and eventually increase, are still biding their time on new construction to get some surplus inventory sold before they start aggressive building again. At the same time, home prices are going up even as foreclosures keep increasing.. KDH News Article here.

Nov 16, 2008
Southern Living at Home Party
Ingreg Pemberton will be hosting a Southern Living at Home Party and everyone's invited! The party will be 2:00 pm on November 16 at 2011 Sandy Point. Please RSVP to ingreg.pemberton@us.army.mil or call 210-367-2432.

Oct 31, 2008
Scott & White plans Heights clinic
Scott & White leased a 9,100-square-foot building in Texas Heritage Park at 907 Mountain Lion Circle for a new family clinic. Expected opening is mid-January. KDH News Article here.

Oct 29, 2008
Athletic Complex near completion
The Farm-to-Market 2410 Athletic Complex will have its seeds planted today to go alongside its already standing fences, light poles and more. Estimated completion is in March. KDH News Article here.

Oct 10, 2008
Attempted break-ins in Knights Ridge
Two attempted break-ins occurred in Knights Ridge (just this side of HHHS) yesterday. Both were in the daytime while the homeowner was in the house (females) and the owner's car was in the driveway.

A car pulled up on the street in front of the house with 3 or 4 young men in the car. A a hispanic man in late teens/early 20's with baggy pants rang the bell. When the owner opened the door, he tried to push his way in. One owner was able to lock her door before he got in and the other had a dog that scared him off. In the second instance he said they needed gas money and he would cut her grass for gas money...However no lawnmower was in sight and when she said no he started to coming toward the door.

The suspects are in a dark colored small car (black or dark blue) with heavily tinted windows. Both incidents have been reported to the police. Keep your eyes open but do not approach or attempt to follow the suspects. Call 911. They have a police officer at the high school and response time should be rather quick.

Please share with neighbors. The more people who are aware and watching, the safer our neighborhood will be!

Oct 6, 2008
Dog reashes required/Cleaning up after pets
A few dogs have been running loose in the neighborhood lately, snapping at heels and leaving "gifts" in neighbors' yards. City ordinances require dogs to be kept on a leash at all times when outside their fenced area, and for their owners to clean up their messes. Please be considerate of others.

Sep 30, 2008
Restaurant, clinic, more businesses coming to HH
Two new strip centers are being built in the 400 block of Knight's Way near Walgreens. Down the street, the walls of a KFC are taking shape, and a bank's construction is in review stage with the city. One of these centers - Knights Crossing - is nearly complete. The construction of Knights Crossing took about eight months and the build out, which is when businesses come into a portion of the building, should take about 30 to 60 days.

Sep 29, 2008
Trash pick-up days changing
As of Oct 1, trash pick-up in the neighborhood will be Tuesdays and Fridays.

Sep 20, 2008
Take security measures against gas siphoners
Two homes in the neighborhood have recently had gas siphoned from their cars' gas tanks in the middle of the night. If your car doesn't have a locking cap, you may want to consider buying a locking cap at an auto parts store, or parking in the garage. Also, keeping your exterior lights on at night can help deter thieves.

Sep 17, 2008
Lost Dog
Keep a look out for a brindle colored boxer in the neighborhood. His owner says he is wearing a collar and is friendly. If you find him, he belongs to the house right next door to the model home.

Sep 15, 2008
Red Light Cameras on 2410
Red light cameras have been installed at the intersection of 2410/Wampum (by the Chamber of Commerce), and the intersection of 2410/Miller's Crossing (by the post office). These cameras are currently in the testing phase and tickets are not being given out at this time. But be careful - that may change in the future.

Sep 7, 2008
Lane Closure Starts in Heights
The Texas Department of Transportation will reduce traffic to one lane on southbound Farm-to-Market 2410 as it approaches the U.S. Highway 190 overpass in Harker Heights on Monday. KDH News Article here.

Sep 5, 2008
Harker Heights Library Nears Completion
The Library and Activities Center construction on Indian Trail is nearing completion. Parking lots should be finished soon. The 16,500-sf library (kitchen, staffing area, shipping room, offices) and the 8,800-sf activities center are tentatively scheduled for an October construction finish.

Aug 27, 2008
Red Light Cameras in Killeen
Most of the citations from the newly-installed cameras in Killeen intersections have been for drivers not coming to a complete stop before making a right turn on a red light. Be careful! Fines are $75! KDH News Article here.

Aug 25, 2008
These stores are now open in Market Heights
Target
Cinemark
Bed, Bath and Beyond
Maurice's
AT&T
Circuit City
Payless Shoesource
Lane Bryant
Barns & Noble
Rue 21
Rack Room Shoes
Catherine's
Dollar Tree
Petco
Ulta
Portrait Innovations

Aug 24, 2008
Heights Tax Rate to Remain the Same
Due to the rise in property values, as well as all the new homes and businesses being built, property tax rates for the city of Harker Heights have remained the same for 17 years! KDH News Article here.

Aug 10, 2008
New FEMA Map Expands Flood Plain
The flood zones of Central Texas are getting remapped, and if you live near a waterway, it could cost you money. On Sept. 26, new Flood Insurance Rate Maps will take effect across Texas, and the change will have a substantial impact on cities like Killeen. More info and KDH News Article here.

July 30, 2008
Dana Peak Park Repairs
The federal government has allocated $4M to renewing Stillhouse Hollow Lake, to recover from the damage caused by record-breaking floods last year. See KDH News Article here.

July 30, 2008
Market Heights Update
The developer of Market Heights has a website where you can view the property map and see which stores are coming. See Developer's website here. (Once on their website, click on "Property Browser."

These stores have already opened:
Target
Cinemark Theater
Dollar Tree
Petco
AT&T
Rack Room
Rue 21
Maurices

July 23, 2008
Local businesses and building plans...
Motels: Groundwork has begun on two new motels on the south side of Central Texas Expressway between Farm-to-Market 2410 and Indian Trail. The larger motel, between the temporary building housing the Harker Heights branch of Union State Bank and the Whataburger at the intersection of the two highways, will be a four-story, 80-unit extended-stay Studio 6. The Studio 6 will be the city's tallest building. The other is a three-story, 44-room Super 8 at 470 E. Central Texas Expressway.

Water Park: A new water park is coming to the City of Killeen, and it could be up and running by next summer. Lions Club Water Park has a maximum capacity of 780 people and would hold a 2,180-sf bathhouse and a 10,360-sf multiuse pool. In addition it would have with a 25-meter lap pool, three water slides, a bowl slide and shade shelters.

Target/Market Heights: The Target store in Killeen has closed its doors for the final time, while the Target store in Harker Heights has officially opened its doors. Target will be the second major nationwide chain to open at Market Heights. The first was the Cinemark theater, which opened in May. Other major national chains, including Barnes & Noble, Dick's Sporting Goods and Circuit City, will follow with openings in Market Heights. Most of the stores in Market Heights will be open by the middle of August, with the pad-site businesses such as Cracker Barrel opening in October.

Library: The Harker Heights Library and Activities Center should be completed in 80 days, according to Steven Cox, Chaney-Cox site manager of the project. The building is about 60 percent complete. The library and activities center will be divided into two parts - about 16,500 sf for the library and more than 8,800 sf for the activities center.

June 23, 2008
Southern Living Party
All neighbors are invited to a "Flip Flops & Fritos" Southern Living At Home party, hosted by Yennhi Henderson. Join us for some sizzling ideas that will make your "end of summer" parties rock. View the new fall catalog. Sunday, June 29th, 3:30 pm at 2017 Lakefront Drive. RSVP to 247-8925.

June 2, 2008
Cayuga Drive: Speeding
A concerned neighbor called the city about the traffic that is coming through Cayuga drive, now that the road has been opened up. She was told that the police department has increased patrols and they are considering placing a speed machine at the end of Cayuga.

June 2, 2008
Cayuga Drive: Water
The city of Harker Heights is looking into the issue of water constantly running over Cayuga Drive at several locations. They may add piping under the street to divert the flow.

May 30, 2008
Congratulations Mark & Darlene Reed!
Congratulations to the proud new parents of a bouncing baby deer. Born during the night against the house in their back yard on Stampede circle. Mama and baby are fine.

May 28, 2008
Wood fence along Comanche Gap being repaired
Centex, the neighborhood builder, is repairing the wood fence along Comanche Gap.

May 17, 2008
Community Yard Sale
Community Yard Sale will be Saturday, May 17 at 7:00. For list of participating homes and neighborhood map, click here.

May 16, 2008
Wood fence along Comanche Gap
Harker Heights city has determined that the homeowners on Stampede Circle whose lots have broken sections of fencing, are responsible for making the repairs to the fence.

April 25, 2008
Hwy 190 Ramp Reversal from 2410 to Indian Trail
Texas DOT started the process Thursday of reversing the on- and off-ramps on U.S. Highway 190 between Indian Trail and Farm-to-Market 2410. Killeen Daily Herald article here.

April 24, 2008
Market Heights Update
The new Cinemark theatre is scheduled to open May 22. The other stores in Market Heights are scheduled for the end of the summer. Stores will include Target, Circuit City, Barnes & Noble, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Lack's, Petco, Chik-fil-A, Fish City Grill, Panda Express, Chipotle and Cracker Barrel, plus more! See Killeen Daily Herald article here. See Developer's website here. (Once on their website, click on "Property Browser."

April 19, 2008
Meet the Neighbors/Mary Kay Preview
Jamie Secor will be hosting a party at her home at 3:00 on Saturday, May 3. The primary purpose of the party is to get to meet the neighbors; everyone in the neighborhood is invited. Stop by for dessert and to view the new Mary Kay products. Receive 10% off anything Jamie has in stock. Great Mothers Day gift ideas. No pressure to purchase any products, just come get to know your neighbors.
2016 River Rock Trail. (254)393-1208

April 18, 2008
Wood fence on Comanche Gap
Centex has said they will not be repairing the fence on Comanche Gap. They say it is the responsibility of each individual homeowner. If you would like to speak with a Centex rep about this, call 699-7763.

April 16, 2008
Neighborhood Yard Sale
Saturday, May 17
Information flyers will be delivered to your door within the next few weeks, and more info will be posted on this website.

April 16, 2008
Speed zone change
Use caution when driving on Verna Lee, the road that runs in front of the high school from 2410 to Indian Trail. The city has recently changed the speed limit from 40 to 30, and this has always been a favorite hangout for police to catch speeders. School speed zone is still 25 during school hours.