Volume 62, Number 38
Azle News Wednesday, March 5, 2014
THE
www.azlenews.net
Geren talks 199, quakes, and ‘dark money’ Page 1B
Lady Hornets shine at Brewer meet Page 11A
Thou shalt not steal?
Chaos in the Box
Break-ins plaguing local church BY NATALIE GENTRY Solid Rock Bible Church on South Reno Road has experienced two burglaries in the past three months. The fi rst incident happened in November when the thieves kicked in the door to the pastor’s offi ce and took all of the church’s computers. The most recent burglary occurred on Feb. 20, and this time the thieves did much more damage Once they gained entrance by prying the back door in the sanctuary open, they took two guitars belonging to members of the church. They also lifted a Yamaha keyboard and stand, two stage monitors, and a safe that was in secretary’s office.
And, the criminals stole the brand new computer, monitor, speakers, and printer from the secretary’s offi ce – all items that were replaced from the previous break-in. In addition to the thefts the burglars also caused a lot of damage to the church itself. They knocked a large hole in the wall to gain entrance to the pastor’s offi ce where they destroyed many items The damage also includes craft paint that was spilled on the carpet in secretary’s office. Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact the Reno Police department at 817-221-2500.
APD detective says burglaries are up
It’s pretty crowded near the Mineral Wells goal Feb. 28 at Hornet Field. This ball found the net for an Azle goal thanks to the efforts of Ben Davis (3) and Dominick Garcia (5). AHS won big, 7-0. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
Protect yourself and neighbors from thieves BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN Burglaries are up. Not just in Azle, but in a broader area that includes Azle, Springtown, Boyd, and unincorporated areas in Tarrant, Parker and Wise counties. Azle Police Detective Sgt. Kevin Rogers says he’s up to his ears in burglary reports of homes, apartments, buildings, and vehicles. For Rogers, the dilemma is often with those who make it easier for the criminals. “I just wish people would watch out for one another,” Rogers said. “People need to know their neighbors and watch out for unusual activity. “Don’t assume everything is okay when you see someone you don’t recognize loading things into a vehicle. Take the initiative and call the police.” An unusual vehicle continuously driving through a neighborhood could
be a burglar looking for easy targets. Get a license plate number and give it to local police, Rogers said. He is also frustrated with those who make criminals’ jobs so easy by leaving valuables in plain sight in their vehicles. After all, there’s nothing more enticing to a thief than a laptop, smart phone or other electronics left sitting in the front seat while the driver runs inside a store for “just a minute.” That minute is all it takes. “Lock your valuables in the trunk or take them with you,” Rogers advised. “Pay attention to your neighbors’ habits, learn who visits them, and report any unusual or suspicious activity,” he said. There’s an easy way to sum up the best protection from crime around, according to Rogers. “Love thy neighbor.”
Local elections take shape Azle, Lakeside cancel elections, saving taxpayers thousands BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN The deadline to fi le an application for a place on the ballot for the General Election slated for May 10 has come and gone, and there were some last minute filers. The city of Azle will save almost $10,000 by canceling its election this year, since there are no contested races in town. Lakeside, too, will cancel its election due to lack of contest, thereby saving around $4,000. A last-minute fi ler for Place 2 on the Board of Trustees for the Azle Independent School District means the ISD will hold an election. The city of Pelican Bay will also hold elections after four last-minute fi lers – three of whom already hold city council seats – filed to run for the Mayor’s seat.
199 Rollover
Tom Petty’s term in Place 2 is expiring and he has opted to run for the office of Mayor rather than defend his seat. Robin Finstad and Bill Morley, who currently occupy Places 5 and 3 respectively, still have a year remaining in their terms. If either of them wins the Mayoral election, a vacant City Council seat will be left to fill. Two of three races in the city of Reno are contested, requiring an election there, as well. See box on page 2A for a complete list of candidates in these local elections. General election early voting Azle voters who live in Tarrant County may vote early at the B.J. Clark Annex; those who live in Parker County may vote early at Azle Masonic Lodge #601. Pelican Bay voters can cast ballots early at the B.J. Clark Annex, as well. Early voting for Lakeside will take place at the Sheriff’s Office North Patrol Division in Lake Worth.
AHS grad gets 30-year sentence
Three people were taken to Texas Health Azle Monday afternoon with minor injuries following a one-vehicle accident on SH 199 near Ash Creek Drive. Madison Hillard, 23, of Springtown, was behind the wheel of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee when her 4-year-old daughter, in the back seat, called out to her. According to the accident report fi led by Trooper Chris Markin of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Hillard turned to check on the child, causing the Jeep to veer left toward the median. Hillard jerked the wheel right, but saw another vehicle in her path, so she went left again, causing the Jeep to roll. Her passengers, Richard Andrews, 22, and the child were transported as a precaution. All three were released from the hospital in short order. No charges were filed. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman
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This Week in Azle History
30 Years Ago
BY MARK K. CAMPBELL Days before he was slated for trial, Kyle Austin Ware pleaded guilty to four sexual crimes and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Ware, 31, received 30 years on three counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child and got 20 years for another count, indecency with a child by contact. All counts will be served at the same time with no parole. Ware was scheduled to go on trial March 3 and could have been facing life in prison for the fi rst-degree felonies. Collin County prosecutor Crystal Levonius said, “The defendant rightfully accepted responsibility for his actions.” Defense attorney Robbie McClung said, “He put the feelings of the girls first.” Ware was arrested at DFW Airport last April and has been jailed since with a bond of more than $1 million. The crimes stem from when Ware was a cheerleading coach at private gyms in the Dallas area and date back to 2007.
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In March 1984, members or non-members could rent a VHS movie from Sho-Tyme Movies at Azle’s Park Place Mall. If you rented 10, you got one free!
22 pages plus supplements
$1 Azle, Texas 76020