On April 29th over 200 law enforcement agents attended the 45th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner held by the Knights of Columbus Temple Council #3444. Rick Kasberg has chaired the annual event for 15 consecutive years. At the dinner, awards are given to various outstanding peace officers in East Bell County. Kasberg coordinates the nominations, event sponsors and selection committee for the award winning candidates from over eight law enforcement agencies through out East Bell County.

Pictured with Rick Kasberg is Howard Potter, recipient for the Department of Public Safety.

John A. Simcik, P.E., CFM was named 2011 Engineer of the Year for the Central Texas Region by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) at their annual awards banquet held in March. This award recognizes professional engineers who have represented their profession with the utmost dignity and respect as well as their contributions to the community.

Mr. Simcik is an Associate Member with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP in Temple, Texas. His engineering experience includes design and project management for roadway and drainage systems, as well as drainage studies and modeling. He has worked with many communities surrounding Central Texas and currently serves as City Engineer for several small communities including the Village of Salado, Little River-Academy and Nolanville. In addition, John serves as Floodplain Administrator for the Village of Salado.

He was previously honored for his service to TSPE, being named the 2005 Young Engineer of the Year. John is also a member of the Central Texas Branch of ASCE, the Texas Floodplain Management Association, Temple Lions Club and Greater Temple Area A&M Club and is an active lector at St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

As an Associate with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP (KPA), he is responsible for the planning and design of transportation projects, hydrologic and hydraulic studies, drainage projects, water distribution, wastewater collection, engineering reports and construction administration.

The Belton Chamber dedicated a tree in honor of 2010 Citizen of the Year, Trae Sutton. The ceremony was held in Heritage Park in Belton and was attended by family, friends and distinguished guests. Trae received a stone marker at the base of the tree honoring him for his service to Belton.

The tree planting ceremony originated in 2000 at the request of Team 1 from the Leadership Belton Class of 1999. Members of the team included Greg Pope, Mark Collier and Jerry Samu. The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has made this an annual event to honor both the Beltonian and the Citizen of the Year.

KPA Associate, Ginger R. Tolbert, P.E, was named 2010 Engineer of the Year for the Central Texas Region by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) at their annual banquet held in late February. This award recognizes professional engineers who have represented their profession with the utmost dignity and respect as well as their contributions to the community.

Professionally, Ginger has served as Branch President and Section Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). She is on the Board of Directors and is Past President of the Central Texas Chapter of TSPE. Ginger currently serves as Scholarship Chair for the Central Texas Chapter of the Texas Public Works Association and is a member in the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation.

Ginger is also active in several community organizations. She is a Past President of Altrusa International, Inc. of Temple and was named Altrusan of the Year in 2008. Ginger is a graduate of Leadership Temple, assists with the Temple Community Free Clinic Caring Ball Fundraiser and is a volunteer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she serves as a senior committeeman for the McLennan County Go Texan Committee. Ginger is also a member of the Greater Temple Area A&M Club and volunteer for the Bruceville-Eddy Mayfest.

As an Associate with Kasberg, Patrick & Associates, LP (KPA), she is responsible for the planning and design of water and wastewater projects, utility master planning, utility rate studies, reclaimed water systems, project management and construction administration. She served as the Project Engineer on a $50 million water supply project for the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation.

Thomas Valle was inducted as the 2010-2011 President of the Rotary Club of Temple, Texas at its July 1, 2010 meeting. He has been a member of the club for over seven years, serving on the Board of Directors for the past six years.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs. The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today’s most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.

The Temple Club has 85 members and meets every Thursday at Wildflower Country Club. More information on the Club, its members and projects can be found at www.templerotary.org.