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Volume 50, Number 46

Page 10A

Geren talks 199, quakes, and ‘dark money’ Page 1B

$1 Springtown, Texas 76082

Chamber banquet honors Springtown’s standouts BY NATALIE GENTRY Springtown High School was abuzz Saturday night, March 1, as members of the business community gathered to celebrate 2013’s outstanding citizens, organizations, and businesses. Newly crowned Miss Springtown 2014, Kacee Newkirk, kicked off the evening as she led the room in a classic rendition of the national anthem. The fi rst honor presented that evening was the Hometown Heroes award. This award was presented posthumously to Tommy Frantom, the late owner of Shinola’s Texas Cafe in recognition of his dedication to his restaurant, his staff, and his community. Frantom’s widow, Robin accepted the award on his behalf. Mary Beckworth was honored as the Educator of the Year for her out-

Taco Casa owner Tom Loughery standing support of both students and took home the Chamber Member of co-workers alike. The Public Works Employee of the the Year award. And the Judy Smerud Spirit of Year went to Phillip Harrell. Springtown police dispatcher, Sheri Springtown Award went to Marcia Rhodes received the Law Enforce- Garcia. Next week, fi nd more about all the ment Employee of the Year award. Dustin Rowe was selected as the winners in our special section dediSpringtown Volunteer Firefi ghter of cated to the Chamber banquet in the the Year while Robert Schiederich was March 13 edition of The Springtown recognized as the La Junta Volunteer Epigraph. Firefighter of the Year. The Outstanding Organization of the Year award went to the Spring- Dr. Larry Murphy hoists his Oftown Education Foundation for their fi cial Wild West Festival Trash continued dedication to providing Collector Award at the Chamber scholarships to high school students. banquet on March 1. He, Mary Brookshire’s was awarded the OutHarms, and Dr. James Gieb standing Business of the Year award. were recognized for their 30 This year’s Woman of the Year was years of service on the ChamBarb Claffey and the Man of the Year ber of Commerce’s Board of was Mark Baumann. Directors. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman

Heading back to where it all began SHS Principal Chris Pennington resigns to return to the classroom BY NATALIE GENTRY Springtown High School (SHS) is looking for a new principal. Chris Pennington’s resignation was announced at the monthly school board meeting in January. “I can’t point to any single part of my current job that prompted my decision to go back to the classroom,” Pennington said. “This is a great job and there are certainly parts of it that I will miss.” He continued, “I have a great relationship with Mr. [Mike] Kelley [district superintendent] and Mr. [Mike] Gilley [assistant superintendent], and I work with a great faculty and staff here at the high school.” Pennington acknowledges there is a natural gulf between the students and a principal and said he would prefer to be able to work more directly with them.

“Administrators have an impact [on students] in the grand scheme of things, but more than anything else in our business, it’s what goes on in the classroom that makes a difference,” he said. “This is a decision to get my ‘boots back on the ground;’ so to speak...to have a more direct impact on the lives of students.” In addition, Pennington wants to return to his educational roots. “I miss teaching history,” he said. “Since I’ve given up coaching, I’ve become a pretty active reader and my interests have gravitated back to my undergrad studies.” According to Pennington, this decision has been a long time coming. “This is not a decision that we (our family) made overnight,” he said. “There have been a lot of discussions and prayers over the last six months. “I didn’t want to wait until this

summer to give my notice because I wanted Mr. Kelley to have plenty of time to select the right person for SHS.” Kelley said that the hiring process has begun. “The challenges of leading a high school campus through March, April, and May are incredible,” he said. “Mr. Pennington will wrap most or all of those things up here before we hire someone new. “With that in mind, we will not begin formally reviewing applications until after Spring Break. Interviews won’t begin until, at the very earliest, late March.” Everyone who remembers his own educational experience remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the kingpin of the educational system. ~Sidney Hook

Thou shalt not steal? Break-ins plaguing local church BY NATALIE GENTRY Solid Rock Bible Church on South Here, in June 2012 and with personal inspiration Winston Churchill peering down, Chris Pennington Reno Road has experienced two burhad just completed his freshman year as SHS principal. Photo by Mark K. Campbell glaries 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 Two “bad weather days” were al- waiver of the remaining fi ve missed on Feb. 20, and this time the thieves Due to inclement weather the Springtown Independent School ready designated on the SISD school instructional days. did much more damage TEA has asked districts to delay District (SISD) – as well as many calendar as make-up days. Once they gained entrance by pryTherefore, Friday, April 18 and applying for waivers until March, ing the back door in the sanctuary area schools – had to close schools for several days since early Decem- Monday, May 19 will be regular when the threat of winter weather open, they took two guitars belonging school days rather than holidays, and will have passed. ber. to members of the church. If TEA grants the waiver requests, Icy conditions forced SISD to shut require student and staff attendance. They also lifted a Yamaha keyboard The district will apply to the Tex- the fi ve missed instructional days and stand, two stage monitors, and a down for seven days (Dec. 6, 9, 10, 11 and Feb. 6, 7, and 11) this winter. as Education Agency (TEA) for a will not have to be made up. safe that was in secretary’s office.

SISD to apply for waiver for missed days

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.