.gif)
News
Fire destroys P'Bay home
by Carla Noah Stutsman
(Posted Thu 11:01 am)
Two firefighters team up to apply water to a hotspot in the roof over the garage at a home on Sandy Beach Road Friday, May 11. Photos by Carla Noah Stutsman What began as a small kitchen fire quickly fanned into a blazed that gutted a Pelican Bay home and displaced a family of at least five people on the afternoon of May 10.
The call went out around 2 p.m. Friday, and firefighters from Pelican Bay, Reno, La Junta, Azle, Sansom Park, River Oaks and Lake Worth Fire Departments responded. They were able to keep the fire in the 1400 block of Sandy Beach Road from consuming the entire structure but losses were high.
A Pelican Bay firefighter at the scene said the American Red Cross had been called in Read more
by Carla Noah Stutsman
(Posted Thu 11:01 am)
Two firefighters team up to apply water to a hotspot in the roof over the garage at a home on Sandy Beach Road Friday, May 11. Photos by Carla Noah Stutsman What began as a small kitchen fire quickly fanned into a blazed that gutted a Pelican Bay home and displaced a family of at least five people on the afternoon of May 10.
The call went out around 2 p.m. Friday, and firefighters from Pelican Bay, Reno, La Junta, Azle, Sansom Park, River Oaks and Lake Worth Fire Departments responded. They were able to keep the fire in the 1400 block of Sandy Beach Road from consuming the entire structure but losses were high.
A Pelican Bay firefighter at the scene said the American Red Cross had been called in Read more
Rollover kills one, injures another
by Carla Noah Stutsman
(Posted Thu 11:01 am)
An Azle man was killed and his passenger injured in a one-vehicle rollover on FM 1886 near Murr Road early May 9.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Deputy Lonny Haschel, Kenneth S. Mimms, 40, of Azle, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 1 a.m.
Mimms’ passenger, Holly A. Huckaby, 41, also of Azle, was injured in the crash, but her injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, according to Haschel. She was taken to Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest for treatment, he added.
Haschel said the 2003 Ford pickup driven by Mimms was westbound on FM 1886 when Read more
by Carla Noah Stutsman
(Posted Thu 11:01 am)
An Azle man was killed and his passenger injured in a one-vehicle rollover on FM 1886 near Murr Road early May 9.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Deputy Lonny Haschel, Kenneth S. Mimms, 40, of Azle, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 1 a.m.
Mimms’ passenger, Holly A. Huckaby, 41, also of Azle, was injured in the crash, but her injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, according to Haschel. She was taken to Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest for treatment, he added.
Haschel said the 2003 Ford pickup driven by Mimms was westbound on FM 1886 when Read more
Reno official resigns under pressure
by Gail Gilmore
(Posted Thu 10:59 am)
Carol Houlihan Reno city council member and mayor pro tem Carol Houlihan last week abruptly resigned her seat on council a few days before meeting with the city’s Chief of Police, Joe Polino, according to Polino and the city’s mayor, Lynda Stokes.
During that meeting, Houlihan revealed that she had been selling purebred dogs with veterinary certificates of health that she herself had signed “in order to expedite the shipping process,” Polino said in a written statement.
Houlihan is not a veterinarian, and had apparently used the name of a local veterinarian – a forgery.
She turned herself in to Parker County Read more
by Gail Gilmore
(Posted Thu 10:59 am)
Carol Houlihan Reno city council member and mayor pro tem Carol Houlihan last week abruptly resigned her seat on council a few days before meeting with the city’s Chief of Police, Joe Polino, according to Polino and the city’s mayor, Lynda Stokes.
During that meeting, Houlihan revealed that she had been selling purebred dogs with veterinary certificates of health that she herself had signed “in order to expedite the shipping process,” Polino said in a written statement.
Houlihan is not a veterinarian, and had apparently used the name of a local veterinarian – a forgery.
She turned herself in to Parker County Read more
Sports
Six named All-District
by Mark K. Campbell
(Posted Thu 10:54 am)
Earning top honors from District 5-4A baseball coaches for the 2012 season were Hornet Zach Wood. Photo by Mark K. Campbell Six Hornets were named to the District 5-4A All-District baseball list, including a trio who earned honors among the elite.
Three Azle athletes were selected to the First Team – including Zach Wood who won a superlative category by being picked at the district’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Jacob Townsley, who carried much of the hurling burden during 5-4A action, was a First Team selection as a pitcher.
Azle’s big hitter, Slayton Vaughan, was an infield First Team pick.
Two more Hornets landed on the Second Team.
Outfielder Chris Rager was honored there as was designated hitter Cole McFarland.
Read more
by Mark K. Campbell
(Posted Thu 10:54 am)
Earning top honors from District 5-4A baseball coaches for the 2012 season were Hornet Zach Wood. Photo by Mark K. Campbell Six Hornets were named to the District 5-4A All-District baseball list, including a trio who earned honors among the elite.
Three Azle athletes were selected to the First Team – including Zach Wood who won a superlative category by being picked at the district’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Jacob Townsley, who carried much of the hurling burden during 5-4A action, was a First Team selection as a pitcher.
Azle’s big hitter, Slayton Vaughan, was an infield First Team pick.
Two more Hornets landed on the Second Team.
Outfielder Chris Rager was honored there as was designated hitter Cole McFarland.
Stewart now an All-American
(Posted Thu 10:53 am)
Azle Wrestling Club members Haley Moreno and Azle's Montana Stewart (right) earned All-American honors at a Florida tournament. Azle wrestler shines in Florida championships
Two competitors from the Azle Wrestling Club – Azle’s Montana Stewart and Saginaw’s Haley Moreno – earned All-American honors at a Florida event.
Competing in different categories in the Cadet Division at the Body Bar Women’s National Championships in Tampa, both club members finished fifth among competitors in grades 8-11.
Those efforts warranted the duo All-American recognition.
The next day, the twosome stepped up to the Junior Division that pitted them against athletes ages 17-20.
Even though Stewart and Moreno are not yet 17, they vied against college-age wrestlers.
Moreno defeated a Missouri Valley Read more
(Posted Thu 10:53 am)
Azle Wrestling Club members Haley Moreno and Azle's Montana Stewart (right) earned All-American honors at a Florida tournament. Azle wrestler shines in Florida championships
Two competitors from the Azle Wrestling Club – Azle’s Montana Stewart and Saginaw’s Haley Moreno – earned All-American honors at a Florida event.
Competing in different categories in the Cadet Division at the Body Bar Women’s National Championships in Tampa, both club members finished fifth among competitors in grades 8-11.
Those efforts warranted the duo All-American recognition.
The next day, the twosome stepped up to the Junior Division that pitted them against athletes ages 17-20.
Even though Stewart and Moreno are not yet 17, they vied against college-age wrestlers.
Moreno defeated a Missouri Valley Read more
Rodeo athletes ready for Finals
(Posted Thu 10:52 am)
Expect big things from members of the Azle Rodeo Team this weekend.
AHS will be represented in every category but one at the North Texas High School Rodeo Finals May 18-20.
Only in saddle bronc will AHS be absent.
A top 15 finish for the season was required for Finals qualification.
Zak McKinney and Michael Williams will compete in three events each at Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Coliseum.
McKinney finished the 2011-12 year fifth in ribbon roping, eighth in calf roping, and tenth as a heeler in team roping.
Williams sits fourth in chute dogging, ninth in steer wrestling, and Read more
(Posted Thu 10:52 am)
Expect big things from members of the Azle Rodeo Team this weekend.
AHS will be represented in every category but one at the North Texas High School Rodeo Finals May 18-20.
Only in saddle bronc will AHS be absent.
A top 15 finish for the season was required for Finals qualification.
Zak McKinney and Michael Williams will compete in three events each at Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Coliseum.
McKinney finished the 2011-12 year fifth in ribbon roping, eighth in calf roping, and tenth as a heeler in team roping.
Williams sits fourth in chute dogging, ninth in steer wrestling, and Read more
Community
TCU coach speaks at Rachel's Challenge event
(Posted Thu 10:48 am)
Students from Hoover Elementary and Forte Junior High enjoyed a Q&A on what they'd just learned during a Rachel's Challenge event held at Forte Junior High May 11. Above, (l-r) sixth grader Hali Davis, fifth grader Jordan Williams, seventh grader Alexis Dewvall, and eighth grader Ashlee McDonald share a laugh after being singled out to answer questions. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman Forte Junior High and Hoover Elementary joined together for their second annual Rachel’s Challenge rally May 11 at Forte gym.
Guest speaker Jarrett Anderson, a Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs running backs coach/co-offensive coordinator, inspired students with his words of encouragement geared toward continuing a positive educational learning environment; the importance of achieving good grades; and respect in both athletics and life.
Anderson interacted with Hoover and Forte students and all learned while having fun.
Hoover Elementary KC Club, under the leadership of Shaunary McDonnell, has encouraged the student body throughout the school year to follow Rachel Scott’s Read more
(Posted Thu 10:48 am)
Students from Hoover Elementary and Forte Junior High enjoyed a Q&A on what they'd just learned during a Rachel's Challenge event held at Forte Junior High May 11. Above, (l-r) sixth grader Hali Davis, fifth grader Jordan Williams, seventh grader Alexis Dewvall, and eighth grader Ashlee McDonald share a laugh after being singled out to answer questions. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman Forte Junior High and Hoover Elementary joined together for their second annual Rachel’s Challenge rally May 11 at Forte gym.
Guest speaker Jarrett Anderson, a Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs running backs coach/co-offensive coordinator, inspired students with his words of encouragement geared toward continuing a positive educational learning environment; the importance of achieving good grades; and respect in both athletics and life.
Anderson interacted with Hoover and Forte students and all learned while having fun.
Hoover Elementary KC Club, under the leadership of Shaunary McDonnell, has encouraged the student body throughout the school year to follow Rachel Scott’s Read more
Retiring coach has roots in Azle and Springtown
by Mark K. Campbell
(Posted Thu 10:47 am)
Alan Jones coached at his alma mater, Castleberry, in the late '70's. He led the Lions to a district baseball title. Alan Jones likes to fish. And fix things. And teach football linemen how to play those position.
Now Jones, after 35 years teaching and coaching mostly in Springtown and Azle, is retiring.
Jones, known for his joking manner, said retiring was “kinda” a tough decision: “My wife told me the garage needed cleaning out and it was going to take at least a year and a half.”
Beginnings
A two-sport star, football and baseball, at Castleberry – “I was too clumsy and slow for basketball,” he chuckled – Jones was a standout as a Lion, Class of 1965.
A Read more
by Mark K. Campbell
(Posted Thu 10:47 am)
Alan Jones coached at his alma mater, Castleberry, in the late '70's. He led the Lions to a district baseball title. Alan Jones likes to fish. And fix things. And teach football linemen how to play those position.
Now Jones, after 35 years teaching and coaching mostly in Springtown and Azle, is retiring.
Jones, known for his joking manner, said retiring was “kinda” a tough decision: “My wife told me the garage needed cleaning out and it was going to take at least a year and a half.”
Beginnings
A two-sport star, football and baseball, at Castleberry – “I was too clumsy and slow for basketball,” he chuckled – Jones was a standout as a Lion, Class of 1965.
A Read more
Sales tax revenues continue climbing
(Posted Thu 10:45 am)
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced May 9, that state sales tax revenue in April was $2.07 billion, up 10.9 percent compared to April 2011.
“Sales tax revenue has now increased for 25 consecutive months. Recent strength in sales tax collections continued in both business and consumer spending categories,” Combs said. “Growth was led by the oil and natural gas-related sectors, while significant gains also came from retail trade and restaurants.”
Combs will send May local sales tax allocations totaling $633 million to cities, counties, transit systems, and special purpose taxing districts, up 5.5 percent compared to May 2011.
The May Read more
(Posted Thu 10:45 am)
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced May 9, that state sales tax revenue in April was $2.07 billion, up 10.9 percent compared to April 2011.
“Sales tax revenue has now increased for 25 consecutive months. Recent strength in sales tax collections continued in both business and consumer spending categories,” Combs said. “Growth was led by the oil and natural gas-related sectors, while significant gains also came from retail trade and restaurants.”
Combs will send May local sales tax allocations totaling $633 million to cities, counties, transit systems, and special purpose taxing districts, up 5.5 percent compared to May 2011.
The May Read more
Opinion
FYI: In one way or another, the end is near
by Mark K. Campbell
(Posted Thu 10:44 am)
Could a zombie work a smartphone? Could it slide its finger – provided it doesn’t fall off – across the touch screen and make the thing come on? And would it be smart enough to use Goggle Maps to find the largest gaggle of nearby human brains?
What about robots? What if all the smartphones teamed up with iPads and Bose radios and built some impervious robot nation at Lockheed that decimates their Homo sapien purchasers?
And what if, by some miracle, you manage to survive these two events only to see Dec. 21, 2012 arrive? You succeed evading Read more
by Mark K. Campbell
(Posted Thu 10:44 am)
Could a zombie work a smartphone? Could it slide its finger – provided it doesn’t fall off – across the touch screen and make the thing come on? And would it be smart enough to use Goggle Maps to find the largest gaggle of nearby human brains?
What about robots? What if all the smartphones teamed up with iPads and Bose radios and built some impervious robot nation at Lockheed that decimates their Homo sapien purchasers?
And what if, by some miracle, you manage to survive these two events only to see Dec. 21, 2012 arrive? You succeed evading Read more
Code talkers served U.S. in World War II
by J'Nell L. Pate
(Posted Thu 10:43 am)
Readers of this column may not be aware that Native American tribesmen assisted the U.S. Intelligence operations during World War II as code talkers. I have known for quite some time that the Navajo provided their service in the Pacific Theatre to slip messages past the Japanese. I did not realize, however, that Comanche men did the same thing in Europe to confound Hitler's German army. Perhaps people learned about the Navajo code talkers first because over 100 Navajos were involved. Only 17 Comanches took the training, and just 14 of these went overseas.
At a history convention this spring Read more
by J'Nell L. Pate
(Posted Thu 10:43 am)
Readers of this column may not be aware that Native American tribesmen assisted the U.S. Intelligence operations during World War II as code talkers. I have known for quite some time that the Navajo provided their service in the Pacific Theatre to slip messages past the Japanese. I did not realize, however, that Comanche men did the same thing in Europe to confound Hitler's German army. Perhaps people learned about the Navajo code talkers first because over 100 Navajos were involved. Only 17 Comanches took the training, and just 14 of these went overseas.
At a history convention this spring Read more
All politics is local and personal
by Zan Prince
(Posted Thu 10:42 am)
The election season is in full swing. We’ve gone to the polls to elect mayors, city council members, school board members, and we’ve evaluated bond proposals. Now, it is finally time to vote in the primary to determine who will represent the party in each position from president to constable in the general election in November.
In a “normal” season, the primary is followed by precinct conventions that are the first place that voters are able to participate in influencing their preferred party platform and to elect delegates to the county convention. Those delegates then gather to fine tune the Read more
by Zan Prince
(Posted Thu 10:42 am)
The election season is in full swing. We’ve gone to the polls to elect mayors, city council members, school board members, and we’ve evaluated bond proposals. Now, it is finally time to vote in the primary to determine who will represent the party in each position from president to constable in the general election in November.
In a “normal” season, the primary is followed by precinct conventions that are the first place that voters are able to participate in influencing their preferred party platform and to elect delegates to the county convention. Those delegates then gather to fine tune the Read more
Movie Man
Dark Shadows: A fun, campy idea bled dry
by Movie Man
(Posted Thu 10:50 am)
.jpg)
Dark Shadows A horror of a comedy Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter Directed by: Tim Burton Rated PG-13: comic violence and sensuality, gore, hippies The Movie Man is among those who came home from school and, between Slam Bang Theater, watched the weird soap opera Dark Shadows.
Having a vampire on your TV every day was great and soon more monsters joined. But they really didn’t show up often enough to warrant eliminating Icky Twerp and Slam Bang Theater.
And that’s the case with the new movie – if something else is available, Dark Shadows is worth skipping.
About the film
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton making their seventh movie together based on a beloved TV horror soap seemed like a good idea, Read more
by Movie Man
(Posted Thu 10:50 am)
Dark Shadows A horror of a comedy Starring: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter Directed by: Tim Burton Rated PG-13: comic violence and sensuality, gore, hippies The Movie Man is among those who came home from school and, between Slam Bang Theater, watched the weird soap opera Dark Shadows.
Having a vampire on your TV every day was great and soon more monsters joined. But they really didn’t show up often enough to warrant eliminating Icky Twerp and Slam Bang Theater.
And that’s the case with the new movie – if something else is available, Dark Shadows is worth skipping.
About the film
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton making their seventh movie together based on a beloved TV horror soap seemed like a good idea, Read more