AUSTIN - The days are numbered for those short, harrowing Interstate 35 entry and exit ramps at Salado, Troy and other locations in Bell County. The Texas Transportation Commission unanimously voted Thursday morning to spend about $2 billion in highway projects, including $418 million to expand the interstate through Bell County. The money comes from Proposition 12 bond proceeds, which voters approved in 2007 and the Legislature authorized earlier this year.

Approving a contract for the construction of Temple's $3.4 million Central Fire Station was postponed at a regular city council meeting Thursday evening because one councilman was absent and two planned to abstain from voting due to a potential conflict of interest. Before discussion on the fire station could begin, city attorney Jonathan Graham pointed out that only two councilmembers present could vote and it takes three votes to authorize the contract.

ATLANTA - The first county-by-county survey of obesity says that Bell County ranks third in Texas in the rate of incidence of diabetes among adults. The survey also reflects past studies that show the rate of obesity is highest in the Southeast and Appalachia. In Texas, more than 30 percent of Bell County residents are said to be obese, again placing the county near the top of the list in the state.

The Senate version of health-care reform, unveiled this week, includes a tax increase for the wealthy that could affect about 2,000 Bell County families. The House measure, still in the works, is said not to have that provision yet.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House and Senate Democrats have turned to a proposal to tax breast implants, tummy tucks, wrinkle-smoothing injections and other procedures as they search for ways to pay for costly health care overhaul plans. Vanity was an easy target as lawmakers scraped for cash for the nearly $1 trillion plan to expand health care to millions of Americans who lack insurance. But it's no joke to the drug makers and people who perform the cosmetic nips and tucks. And they're fighting back.

Sharla Winkler models a Christmas dress during Altrusa's Taste of the Holidays fashion show Thursday at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple. The annual event is a fundraiser for Altrusa, a service organization. (Clint Bittenbinder/Telegram)

Joe McMann, center, a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul Pantry in Temple, picks up food Thursday that was collected by Temple College students for the Food for Families drive. The drive, which collects non-perishable food items, is 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Scott & White Memorial Hospital parking lot in Temple. Ruth Bridges, left, who helped with the Temple College effort, and Amanda Koiner, right, president of the United Way Collegiate Leadership, helped McMann load 350 to 400 pounds of food into the truck. (Jerry Prickett/Telegram)