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Thursday, January 15, 2015
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Ladies district hoops play underway
Volume 51, Number 39
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School board reception Jan. 22 Page 2A
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$1 Springtown, Texas 76082
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Residents fight off home invasion with a hatchet By Natalie gentry Springtown police are searching for two suspects involved in a violent home invasion that occurred Jan. 8. According to Sergeant Shawn Owens, the officer who responded to the 911 call, two unidentified men entered a house in the 400 block of North Avenue C at approximately 8:46 p.m. The intruders gained entry to the home through an unlocked backdoor and attempted to rob the residents. One of the intruders threatened the homeowners with what appeared to be a firearm. It was later discovered that the weapon was a toy. According to Owens, the intruders attacked the male homeowner when he moved for the gun. During the fight, the female resident used an ornamental hatchet to strike one of the intruders several times in his back. Although the injured intruder went for the woman and the weapon, the female resident was able to get away and take the children in the house across the street to a neighbor’s home. There they called 911. The altercation in the home shifted for control of the hatchet the resident had dropped. According to police, the homeowner was able to attain the weapon, and possibly injure one of the intruders’ legs in the process. The suspects then fled the scene in a silver SUV – possibly an Isuzu Rodeo, according to Springtown Police Chief, Ed Crowdis. The intruders are described as two white or Hispanic men, Crowdis said. One wore a ski mask, while the other used a bandana and toboggan to cover his face. At least one of the men received injuries thought to require stitches, and the Springtown Police Department has distributed the suspects’ descriptions to area medical facilities in case they seek medical assistance. Crowdis said blood samples were obtained from the scene and sent for analysis. Although the intruders’ original intent is unclear, the pair seemed to know the address they targeted, according to police. The case is still under investigation; anyone with information about the case should contact the Springtown Police Department at 817-220-1534.
This year has begun with some chilly temperatures, cold enough to keep Walnut Creek partially icy for days. Curious about the picture with the glasses above? See Page 1B! Photos by Mark K. Campbell
SPD focused on body cameras Additional personnel, another vehicle targeted, too By Natalie Gentry Following their most successful Tickets for Toy drive in December, the Springtown police department is now focused on the year ahead. “We want everyone to know that the toy drive was a big success in part because of the generosity of many local businesses,” Springtown Police Chief Ed Crowdis said. “Now we’re looking at 2015 and the year’s goals.” First and foremost Crowdis said the department is looking to get the police force back to full manpower. “Right now we’re three officers short,” he said. “The shortage makes it
difficult to follow up on cases quickly. We’re doing what we can.” In addition, this year’s budget includes funds for two new patrol cars. The department will receive the first vehicle this month and will reevaluate funding in April to decide if the second unit is still a fiscally responsible decision. Another consideration is the addition of body cameras. In light of the fatal police confrontations in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, New York, there is increasing public interest in police departments equipping officers with the
Mitchell named to premier choir again, still SHS’ first ever female honoree
Four others earn alternate status In addition, several Springtown students are alternates to the All-State Band thanks to their performances on Jan. 10: • Ashley Levesque, a freshman who plays the oboe, placed second and is first alternate. • Jacob Matthews, a sophomore percussionist, took third and is also first alternate. • Grant Trichel, also a sophomore percussionist, placed fourth and is second alternate. • Kaylon Cremeen, a senior who plays the euphonium, was third and is second alternate. “We are so proud of all 15 students and the way they represented SHS,” McLellan said. This weekend the Sound of Springtown travels to Tarleton State University in Stephenville for the ATSSB
In addition, the chief said the department is researching policies and procedures that govern the use of the cameras – another step the department must consider before implementing the cameras. “We want to make sure we put together a policy that is mindful of citizens’ rights,” Crowdis said. “At the same time, we want to collect the evidence we need to document facts.” Other plans the Springtown Police Department has for 2015 include updating the office video system and new breathalyzer equipment.
Ending on a high note
SHS’ Moreno makes elite All-State Band By Natalie Gentry The Sound of Springtown had 15 students representing SHS Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB) Area Central auditions. “This is the most students we have had at the Area level in over 10 years, and the most students out of any school at the audition,” said Chris McLellan, SISD’s Director of Bands. Junior trumpeter Luis Moreno made the cut and earned a place on the AllState Band. He will represent SHS Feb. 11-14 at the group’s clinic/concert in San Antonio. The All-State Bands, Choirs and Orchestras meet during the annual convention of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).
tiny cameras. “We’ve been doing a lot of research into what is available,” Crowdis said. “We want to make sure we purchase items that meet our needs at a reasonable cost. “We’ve tested and evaluated several brands over the past couple of years,” he continued. These cameras will allow officers to record what happens when they are not in range of their vehicle’s camera. “If an officer is inside a building or searching a vehicle, these cameras will record everything they see.” Crowdis said.
SHS junior trumpeter Luis Moreno earned a berth on the AllState Band. Photo Courtesy of SISD All-Region Band Clinic and Concerts. The band has 40 students who have earned a chair in the region band.
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By Natalie Gentry Springtown High School senior Emily Mitchell was selected for the AllState Women’s Choir for the second year in a row. “This is a very prestigious accomplishment,” SHS Choir Director, Denise Johnson said. “Emily has worked very hard for this.” This year marked Mitchell’s fourth year to compete for a place in the esteemed singing ensemble. She is the third Springtown student to ever make All-State Choir. In 2014 as a junior, Mitchell became the first student to earn a spot in the elite group in a decade. She is also the first female from SHS to ever earn a seat. Each September, over 16,000 students begin the All-State Choir audition process. At the Area round in January, the top 616 students in the state were chosen for an All-State Choir slot. Mitchell and her fellow winners will perform at a clinic and concert at the
Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio in February.
SHS senior Emily Mitchell has earned a seat on the All-State Choir for the second year in a row. Photo by Natalie Gentry
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