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Thursday, October 30, 2014
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Porcupines win on last-second TD
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From Nashville to the pulpit Page 1B
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SPD: Thefts in autos rising By Natalie Gentry A recent rash of vehicle burglaries in Springtown has been reported to the Springtown Police Department. Twenty vehicle burglaries have been reported since Oct. 5, Springtown Police Lieutenant Curtis Stone said. “As far as we know none of the burglaries have been forced entries,” Stone said. “It’s been people who are not locking their doors” The perpetrators appear to be simply walking down streets checking door handles. Stone said the best way to prevent the crime is twofold: lock cars and don’t leave items – especially valuables – in cars. “Anything people leave in the vehicles is being taken,” he continued. “There are numerous firearms missing, as well as wallets, purses, and phones.” Stone also emphasized the importance of reporting vehicle burglaries immediately. These people are looking for any chance, according to Stone. If the opportunity isn’t present, there is no chance for the crime.
Volume 51, Number 28
The Lubbock Leap
The Lady Porcupine cross country team is jumping for joy after finding out they had qualified for the regional meet in Lubbock Oct. 31. The squad: (l-r) Hanna Phares, Harley Phares, Rian Kinney, Sharaia Stout, Kristine Camacho, Gabby Cassanova, and Briana Escobar. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
State bound! Sound of Springtown to compete in San Antonio Nov. 3
Natalie Gentry Months of early morning practices have paid off for the Sound of Springtown. After competing against 23 bands in the 4A University Interscholastic League (UIL) Area Marching Band Contest at the Leander ISD Gupton Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 25, the high school band will advance to the state competition Nov. 3. The top 10 bands from prelims competed in the Leander finals, where the Sound of Springtown finished second and was one of four 4A bands to advance. “Our kids were awesome all day,”
said Chris McLellan, director of bands for SISD. “Even after an 18 hour Friday and what turned into an 18 hour Saturday.” The Kennedale, Waco-Robinson, and Burnet bands also qualified. This marks the fourth trip to the Alamodome in San Antonio for the Sound of Springtown. The SOS will perform at 1:30 p.m. Ten judges hail from a variety of venues, from Texas high schools (Waxahachie and Vista Ridge in Cedar Park) to the collegiate level (Georgia Tech and Auburn, to name two of the eight). A live webcast is available at
www.streaming.mrvideoonline.com. Locally, anyone can watch the competition at the SISD Building at 301 East 5th. The Sound of Springtown will leave for San Antonio Sunday and return Tuesday. Aside from their Area mates, SOS will also be contending against Argyle, Princeton, Wills Point, Canton, Melissa, Fredericksburg, North Lamar, Atlanta, Spring Hill, and Pecos. And: Abilene Wylie, Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Grulla, Kings- The Sound of Springtown will compete at the highest level – state ville, Pearsall, Port Isabel, La Feria, – Monday, Nov. 3 in San Antonio’s Alamodome at 1:30 p.m. and Big Spring. Photo by Mark K. Campbell
Springtown Elementary School outlines improvement plan by Natalie gentry
Springtown Elementary School (SES) principal, Pearl Russell, presented the 2014 Targeted School Improvement Plan to the board and the public at the Oct. 27 Board of Trustees meeting. This plan is a requirement by the state of Texas for schools that need to show improvement on standardized tests scores under the new accountability system. Scores from last year’s STAAR tests indicated that subgroups of SES students were not progressing as required from grade three to four in math, reading, and writing.
The first steps in the process are conducting on-site needs assessment and a focused data analysis. Russell noted that poor vertical alignment appeared to be a major factor in the lack of progress. In response to these findings the SES Campus Leadership team (CLT) and administration have developed a calendar to allow teachers to meet with one another in their own grades – horizontal alignment. Vertical alignment teams will also meet to make sure instruction in math, reading, and writing is aligned throughout all grade levels.
Polls now open By Natalie Gentry With early voting wrapping up Friday, Oct. 31 Parker County residents have a variety of decisions to make. Voters statewide will decide the governor for the next four years and whether to approve Proposition 1 – a constitutional amendment “providing for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to assist in the completion of transportation, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads.” They will also choose if Republican incumbent Phil King or Democratic challenger Matthew Britt will be the
State Representative for District 61. On a local level, residents in Parker County Precinct One will be voting in the race for Justice of the Peace. Some Precinct One voters will also elect school board members for the Poolville Independent School District, while others will decide whether or not to become part of Parker County Emergency Services District 8. Reno voters will choose whether or not to approve a one-fourth of one percent (¼ of one cent) sales and use tax for maintenance and repair municipal streets.
These alignments will ensure students continue to progress in accordance to state standards. By monitoring instruction with focused walkthroughs and data analysis of assessments, SES administration will be able to make sure all students are receiving adequate instruction. In addition, professional development is being provided to teachers in all three subjects. Development sessions in reading and math have already taken place at SES this year. To date, 75 percent of the teachers at SES have attended the Writing Acad-
emy and plans are in place to ensure the through www.springtownisd.net. rest of the teachers are able to attend the course in 2015. SES is not alone in this situation. Schools across the state are working to adapt to the new accountability system. Although it may be a daunting task, Janet Sanders, the school’s professional service provider, implied that the plan is often a blessing in disguise. Having successfully worked through this process last year at Goshen Creek SES Principal Pearl Russell outElementary School, SES has a road lined the Targeted School Immap, of sorts, to follow. provement Plan for SES at the The school’s improvement plan can Oct. 27 school board meeting. be viewed on the campus’ web site Photo by Natalie Gentry
Suspects sought in PCSO furniture restoration scam
Missing a chair or table? Parker County Sheriff’s investigators executed a search warrant at a local storage facility stemming from an investigation where a husband and wife team is facing numerous theft charges. Sheriff Larry Fowler said several complainants filed reports with the Sheriff’s Office stating they fell prey to a furniture restoration scheme the couple, Steven and Alyssa Lee, conjured. The victims reported the suspects PLEASE SEE EARLY, PAGE 2A.
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promised to refinish antique furniture as a service to the victims. To date, 11 people have reported leaving their furniture with the suspects who entered an agreement with the victims to restore their furniture but instead kept the items and attempted to resell them online for profit. To date, the victims have reported the Lee’s stole an estimated combined total furniture value of more than $20,000. Sheriff’s investigators reported the couple is also suspected in a case be-
ing investigated by the Springtown Police. In addition, cases from Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Willow Park Police Department, and Weatherford Police Department have also been reported. Within the last month, victims have resorted to posting the crimes on social media, warning others to be cautious of enlisting the couple for restoration services, which has since sparked a media frenzy of comments about the suspects and their business PLEASE SEE SPD, PAGE 2A.
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