Thursday, October 9, 2014
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Volume 51, Number 25
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Page 8A
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Springtown, Texas 76082
Angelic Acrobatics
Burn Ban in place for Parker County By Natalie Gentry An emergency burn ban – declared by Parker County Judge Mark Riley – was issued Oct. 8 in Parker County because of an elevated risk of wildfires due to drought conditions. The ban took effect at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8 and will last for seven days, expiring at 11 a.m. on Oct. 15. This decision comes less than 24 hours after Tarrant County issued a burn ban, reaffirming the widespread drought conditions. Parker County currently sits at an average of 639 on the Keetch Byrum Drought Index (KBDI), with some ar-
eas of the county topping 700. These numbers are important because KBDI indexes of 600-800 are the most severe associated with intense, deep-burning fires with significant downwind spotting. Even live fuels such as grasses and trees can be expected to burn actively at these levels. For more information on the KBDI visit: http://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/ PredictiveServices/Drought/KBDI_ Fact_Sheet.pdf. Residents who violate the burn ban can face a class C misdemeanor that could result in a fine of up to $500 plus PLEASE SEE PC, PAGE 2A.
On the day before the burn ban was issued, firefighters from La Junta, Springtown, and Azle quickly extinguished a grass fire between Cindy Lane and Hyde Away Lane Oct. 7. Photo by Natalie Gentry
Hickey Hollow project plagued by thefts By Natalie gentry Crews working on the Hickey Hollow Bridge can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The project on Smith Road has experienced a number of setbacks, including a three-week wait on concrete and a series of thefts. “We’ve had a couple of batteries stolen out of the vehicles,” County Commissioner for Precinct 1, George Conley said. According to Conley, these thieves did more damage than simply taking
the batteries though. “We lock the vehicle up, so they had to come in and cut the locks,” Conley said. “Then they just cut the cables connecting the batteries and anything else in the way.” Batteries for these vehicles can run from $200-$300 apiece. Barring any further complications Conley estimates that the project should be completed in about two weeks. Its original projected completion date was early September.
The Sound of Springtown performed their elaborate program before a large crowd at the Oct. 3 football game at Porcupine Stadium. It included mobile, large angelic illustrations like this one behind a colorguard performer. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
Square Deal arrives Oct. 18 All-day fundraiser to aid Tabernacle refurbishment
by mark k. campbell Expect the Springtown Square to be crowded Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. That’s the hope of the Friends of the Tabernacle committee, anyway. An all-day event is slated that includes food trucks, a chili cook-off, and a street dance. Committee member David Ward said the Square Deal is family friendly and will include a number of activities for all ages. All proceeds from the shindig go toward the Tabernacle fund, he said. The committee’s ultimate goal is to raise $125,000; right now there is about $50,000 in monies. The Oct. 18 event is expected to bring in another $12,000-$15,000, Ward said. He said, “We want to get the citizens invested.” Ward recounted the history of the Tabernacle – built in the 1930’s – about how many public performances have been held there through the years as well as revivals. “The diary show used to be a big deal, back in the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, and After a series of setbacks work at Hickey Hollow is finally nearing ‘70’s,” Ward said. And many a local resident used the an end. The estimated time for the completion of the project is two weeks. Photo by Natalie Gentry Tabernacle historically as a weekend
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hangout during their teenage years. The Square Deal already has numerous business sponsors, Ward said. In fact, all sponsorships sold out, he noted on the group’s Facebook page. During the 12-hour event, new cars will be displayed and a series of singers will perform – including a one-
David Ward, a Friends of the Tabernacle committee member, updated Springtown Optimists on fundraisers for the structure and area at the Oct. 7 meeting of the club. Photo by Mark K. Campbell time SISD teacher, Steve Hill. Also, Ward said, several upscale items will be raffled off, including a welding machine worth $450. Tickets are $1 each and the drawing
is set for 8:15 p.m. Advanced entry into the event can be obtained by purchasing a special black and orange wristband that says “I (heart) the Tabernacle.” A $5 donation at City Hall goes directly into the fund. Another fundraising effort is directed toward the sale of paving stones. Those are available for $50 each and can be bought any time from City Hall or at the Square Deal event. Ward said earlier work done around the Square was still being considered in a contest lauding the top downtown construction efforts. A special voting on Facebook at Friends of the Tabernacle can boost the project’s chances, he said. Springtown is in the top three in the Texas Downtown Association contest; a grant of approximately $1,500 goes to the winner. With the current $50,000 collected, Ward said work would soon begin on re-roofing the Tabernacle. The faux-wood roof comes with a 50-year warranty. Future improvements on the Tabernacle site include sidewalks, sprinklers, a fountain/water feature, seating improvements, landscaping, and electrical upgrades.
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