CITY OF HARKER HEIGHTS ISSUES URGENT FRAUD ALERT REGARDING PERMIT AND PLANNING SCAM

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — The City of Harker Heights is warning residents, businesses, contractors and property owners about reports of individuals fraudulently offering to expedite City permit or planning approvals in exchange for payment.

These offers are fraudulent.

The City of Harker Heights does not use third-party vendors, private individuals or outside representatives to accelerate permit, inspection, development or planning approvals. No legitimate City employee or representative will request a separate payment, personal payment or unofficial fee to move an application ahead of others.

Anyone receiving such an offer should:
• Immediately end communication with the individual.
• Do not send money or provide banking, credit card or personal information.
• Do not click links or open attachments sent by the individual.
• Save any emails, text messages, phone numbers, payment requests or other communications as potential evidence.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to verify any questionable communication directly with the City before taking action.

Anyone who has been contacted, believes they may have been a victim or has information regarding this scam should immediately contact the City of Harker Heights Planning Department at 254-953-5647.

The City urges the public to remain vigilant and to share this warning with local property owners, contractors, developers and businesses.

As we celebrate Parks & Recreation Month, we would like to personally invite you to join us for Harker Heights Parks & Recreation's Parks Bash and the Grand Reopening of Kern Park, 400 S Ann Blvd, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10:00am-1:00pm

This special event will celebrate the reopening of Kern Park and the important role our parks play in bringing neighbors together and strengthening our community. This special event will showcase the park's exciting new amenities while offering a morning filled with fellowship, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and plenty of fun for all ages. Visitors can also explore the Harker Heights Farmers Market, which will be temporarily held at Kern Park during the celebration, featuring an outstanding selection of local vendors, fresh products, handmade goods, and unique treasures.

Please see the attached invitation for additional event details.
An RSVP is appreciated but not required.

We hope you will be able to join us for this exciting celebration and help us commemorate this important milestone for our community.
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Sincerely,
Your Parks & Recreation Team

The City of Harker Heights has partnered with Walker Partners, LLC to conduct the 2026 GIS Water Data Collection Project. Over the coming months, engineering personnel shown here, accompanied by City Public Works staff, when necessary, will be mobilizing throughout the city to collect and verify information on the City's water utility infrastructure, including water lines, valves, meters, and fire hydrants located within public rights-of-way and utility easements. Using specialized GPS equipment, the team will document the location, size, type, condition, and operational status of these assets to improve the accuracy of the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. This effort will support future planning, maintenance, emergency response, and infrastructure management for multiple City departments, including Public Works, Planning & Development, and the Fire Department. Residents may see field personnel working near streets, hydrants, valves, and other water system components as part of this project.

For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Harker Heights Project Manager Trevor Jorgensen at (254) 953-5663 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Release of Information - UPDATE 06/11/2026

On June 10, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bell County Sheriffs
Office, served an arrest warrant for Scott Cotton, a 40-year-old Killeen resident. Cotton
was charged with Manslaughter in connection with the fatal traffic crash that occurred in
the 400 block of FM 3219 on January 1, 2026, in Harker Heights, Texas.

The Harker Heights Police Department extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to
the Bell County Sheriffs Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety for their
dedication, professionalism, and investigative work that ultimately led to Scott Cotton's
arrest in this case.

~January 6th, 2026~
On January I, 2026, Emergency Services were dispatched to the area of FM 3219 and East
Veterans Memorial Blvd in reference to an OnStar vehicle crash alarm that was activated.
Responding Officers located a blue 2006 Cadillac that had collided with a tree a short distance
away from the main traveled portion of the roadway. EMS arrived, attended to the driver and
an unresponsive passenger who was still inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to 
Seton Hospital in Harker Heights for further treatment, while the driver was transported to
Scott and White Hospital in Temple.

The passenger later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by
Judge Gregory Johnson at 2:43 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered.
The deceased has been identified as Cierra Nowlin of Harker Heights.

The Harker Heights Police Department Traffic Management Unit is actively investigating
this crash to determine the cause of the crash and the factors that led to the collision and
death of the passenger. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to
contact the Harker Heights Police Department at 254-953-5400.

Authority:
Sonja V. Clay
Chief of Police
Harker Heights Police Department
402 Indian Trail
Harker Heights, TX 76548

The City of Harker Heights has released its 2026 State of the City video, highlighting the progress, priorities, and vision shaping the community’s future.

Presented by Mayor Michael Blomquist, the video provides residents, businesses, and community partners with an overview of major accomplishments from the past year and a look ahead at the City’s continued focus on infrastructure investment, economic development, public safety, fiscal stewardship, and quality of life.

The address highlights significant advancements across the City, including transportation and utility improvements, strategic wastewater planning, major park enhancements, economic development initiatives, public safety investments, and continued organizational excellence.

“The State of our City is sound. Our foundation is strong, and our future is bright,” said Mayor Blomquist. “This video reflects the hard work of our City Council, staff, community partners, and residents who continue to move Harker Heights forward.”

Residents are encouraged to watch the full video to learn more about the City’s recent accomplishments and long-term priorities.

For more information and to view the 2026 State of the City video, visit https://youtu.be/gjIniSS9Vbc.