Volume 63, Number 35
Azle News
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
THE
Azle A of Commrea Chamber erce Awa rds 2015
www.azlenews.net
Exemplary teachers honored Page 1B
Azle Area Chamber of Commerce Special Section
Citizen the Ye ar Nate Sofim mons A Special
Supplim
Azle Ne The
A Dazzling Dazzler
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Azle man charged with animal cruelty Fund set up for Shetland pony by Carla Noah Stutsman An Azle man was arrested and charged with cruelty to livestock animal(s) Feb. 3 after a pony was attacked by a pack of dogs. Juan Gabriel Mesta, 40, was booked into the Parker County jail, where he posted $2,500 bond and was released the following day. According to a press release, Parker County Sheriff’s deputies found a two-year-old Shetland pony owned by Mesta wandering in the 100 block of Arvel Circle in Reno suffering from injuries apparently received during the attack. Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said the sight of the Shetland was horrific. “The Shetland had no ears and the facial muscles had been ripped off of its face,” Fowler said. “It’s a senseless tragedy that could have been 100-percent avoidable had the horse’s owner simply followed the law and kept it properly contained.” Mesta told deputies the horse was not injured when he last checked on him the previous day. Deputies and animal control officers said when the Shetland was found Tuesday, a potent smell of infection was evident, leading investigators to Dancer Kayla Arstingstall, well, dazzles during the Azle High School Emerald Dazzler's halftime per- question the actual time frame of informance when AHS hosted Denton in basketball Feb. 3. Next up for the award-winning group are jury claimed by Mesta. competitions in Weatherford and San Antonio. Photo by Mark K. Campbell Mesta told deputies he typically tied
the pony up in various locations on his property for “grazing purposes,” and because the property lacked adequate fencing to house the Shetland. Deputies discovered a large gruesome scene where the horse had been
“
It’s remarkable how a horse can endure such a tragic mauling... Dr. Craig Sweatt vetenarian
attacked by dogs, leaving tracks, horse hair and blood in the area, including in trees. Deputies also reported no water source was found for the Shetland in the immediate area where he had been tied up. Mesta told investigators he only watered the pony every-other day. The horse was medically evaluated by a veterinarian and is currently receiving treatment. Veterinarian staff reported the Shetland is expected to survive the maulPLEASE SEE HORSE, PAGE 2A.
Russell Feed moving to new store in April BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN Construction is well underway on a new building at a new location for a business that’s been in Azle for years. Russell Feed & Supply has announced plans to open its new location at 1312 Northwest Parkway in early April. Now in its 17th year, Russell Feed & Supply was founded by Kenny and Teresa Russell with the purchase of Ruthardt Pet & Feed Centers in 1997. The new location just about one mile west of the current store will offer almost double the amount of parking, warehouse and retail space, a spokesperson said. The new store will also offer more convenience due to its location at the western edge of Azle where State Highway 199 runs both east and
The store will also begin hosting monthly low-cost vaccination clinics soon after opening. Store hours will also increase when Russell Feed opens the doors in its new location, staying open an extra hour each weekday until 7 p.m., the spokesperson said. Business hours at the new location will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. In addition to the Azle store, Russell Feed has locations in Fort Worth, Benbrook, Crowley, Haltom City, and Saginaw. Construction is coming along nicely at Russell Feed & Supply’s new location at 1312 Northwest ParkLike other stores, the Azle Russell Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman way. will offer a large selection of pet and west. a one-way access road. propane filling station, bulk fertilizer, livestock feeds and supplies, organics, The company’s current location at Because the new store will be 50 a much larger selection of products, lawn and garden supplies, fertilizers, tack, hay, and unique gifts. 155 Southeast Parkway is located on percent larger, it has room to feature a and increased parking.
First Pitch Saturday On a day that ended up being near-perfect, Azle baseball and softball squads hit the diamonds for the first time this season. First Pitch Saturday on Feb. 7 featured softball scrimmages – where the Lady Hornets excelled – as well as baseball practices and an alumni game. It was the initial outings for squads that are looking forward to memorable seasons, including freshman bunter T.J. Fugate (left) and softball slugger Sarah Brown. Photos by Mark K. Campbell
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35 Years Ago On Feb. 16, 1980, the News reported that Azle was being battered by “near-blizzard” conditions that Saturday.
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