As some area students kicked off their spring semesters on Tuesday, Temple Independent School District Superintendent Bobby Ott placed an emphasis on sustained vigilance against COVID-19.
As Christmas gets closer and the number of available shopping days dwindle, Santa-centered events are popular this weekend to get an extra dose of holiday cheer, with proper safety precautions of course. Check out the listing for more information on riding in a helicopter with Santa, taking your dog to the Santa Paws Parade, or snapping a photo or two with Santa at the mall. Thereâs also live music, food drives, and plenty of social-distance friendly events included.
Local Events
Freedom Air Helicopter Tours is hosting its third annual Flights with Santa event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 18-20 at the Killeen Special Events Center, 3301 S. W.S. Young Drive. Flights range from $50 to $265 depending on time spent in the air. Go to www.santaflightskilleen.com for more information and to book a flight.
Despite the first 3,900 doses of Pfizerâs COVID-19 vaccine arriving at Baylor Scott & White on Tuesday, the hospital system stressed that residents need to remain vigilant.Â
âThat is something that we do have to stress because the vaccine is just one tool in a tool kit,â said Dr. Stephen Sibbitt, chief medical officer for Baylor Scott & WhiteâTemple region. âWe absolutely endorse the continued use of masks, physical distancing, staying away from crowds and washing your hands.â
But the Bell County Public Health District took that guidance a step further on Wednesday and discouraged non-essential travel, as it identified its 141st COVID-19 related death.
Tuesday was âgame-changingâ for Bell Countyâs frontline health care workers as Baylor Scott & White received its first 3,900 doses of Pfizerâs COVID-19 vaccine.
âThis pandemic has weighed heavily on everybody in the country, including our health care workers who have shouldered a huge burden during this crisis. But today, there was optimism and hope,â said Dr. Stephen Sibbitt, chief medical officer for Baylor Scott & White â Temple region. âThere was just a positive energy today ⦠especially from those in line to get vaccinated. Itâs been one of my proudest days being with this institution, and Iâve been with them for almost 18 years.â