Volume 62, Number 22
Azle News
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
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Football season in full swing
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Celebrate the Season
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Special Section
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Staff Favor Fun-filled ites reci
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ur season al soiree
Colors Christmof as
Coloring Co Children agentest for s 2-11
1st tax abatement granted in Azle BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN A new tax abatement policy within the city of Azle has already proved its value. The policy was adopted by the Azle city council on March 19. During the Azle city council meeting held Tuesday, Nov. 5, a public hearing was conducted to receive public input before the council approved an ordinance establishing Reinvestment Zone No. 1 in the city for the purpose of property tax abatement. Both the adoption of the tax abatement policy as well as creation of the reinvestment zone were necessary in order for the city to adopt a property tax abatement with any company going forward. Integrated Machinery Solutions (IMS), LLC and RS3 Holdings, LLC (related companies) submitted an application for property tax abatement on July 15. The council adopted a property tax abatement between the city, IMS and RS3 Holdings during the same meeting. The abatement grants a 50 percent reduction in property tax due the city of Azle from the two companies for five years beginning Jan. 1, 2014. In return for the tax break, IMS/RS3 has agreed to provide approximately This injured deer just $2 million in building(s) and improvements to the 55-acre tract it recently purwanted to get away after chased between Ashwood and Richardson Streets, with frontage on SH 199. jumping through a plate The location is just east of Allsup’s convenience store on SH 199 at the westglass window and being ern edge of Azle. trapped in a church for IMS/RS3 also promises to employ a minimum of 50 people during the course several minutes. of the abatement period, although company founders Rick Reeves and Stephen Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman Bond anticipate that number will double before the five-year abatement expires. IMS is an engineering, design and manufacturing company established in 2009 by Reeves and Bond. The company has grown from four employees and annual revenues of $200,000 at that time to more than 50 employees and anticipated revenue of more than $10 million in 2013. IMS focuses its business on engineering consulting services, contract manufacturing and custom equipment design, and manufacturing. BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN The local hairstylist was riding alone – his buddy had The business employs engineers, skilled laborers, and office personnel. Reeves and Bond, who both were present at the Nov. 5 city council meeting, Johnny Hukill says he’s always been taught to watch out experienced a blowout that prevented him from coming along that day – westbound on Southeast Parkway (SH 199 also expressed their interest in working with the Azle Independent School Dis- for cars when riding his bicycle. trict’s industrial arts program to provide training and the possibility of future “I guess now I know I should be looking out for deer, service Road) about 9 a.m. Monday. jobs to Azle High School students. too,” Hukill said Tuesday. PLEASE SEE BREAK-IN, PAGE 5A.
Deerly beloved...
Break-in at church blamed on scared deer
Optimists honor AISD students The Optimist Club of Azle’s 35th Annual Youth Appreciation Banquet was held Thursday, Nov. 7, at Forte Junior High School. Following the posting of colors and Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout Troop 175, Optimist President Joe Lieb kicked off the presentations with opening remarks and then turned the program over to president-elect Edwin Newton, who emceed the awards. Students honored at this year’s banquet included: Hannah Huling and David Mahlmann, Azle High School Taelar Bowman and Spencer Roberts, Azle Junior High Ainsley McDonald-Boyer and Andrew Lutz, Santo Forte Junior High Logan McKelvey and Johnathan Lester, Azle Elementary Sierra Craig and Dorian Evans, Hoover Elementary Lauren Giles and Sammy Reyes, Cross Timbers Elementary Leah North and Chris Lee, Liberty Elementary Brenna Ingle and Brinson Sharp, Walnut Creek Elementary Rylie Gatlin and Braxton Richardson, Silver Creek Elementary Eva Marx and Westin Wyatt, Eagle Heights Elementary Club members were reminded of
the Optimist Creed, which was read by Todd Smith. Over the past 35 years, the Optimist Club of Azle has honored more than 710 kids at its annual Youth Appreciation Banquets. Another 622 students have been recognized through the club’s Young Texan/Texanne program. The club has given more than $324,000 in college scholarships to more than 265 Azle High School graduates and over $46,500 to purchase Christmas presents for more than 1,950 elementary school children. The club has raised more than $65,000 through its last 12 annual Penny Race pro- The Azle Optimist Club honored 20 students, representing each of the AISD’s campuses, during its 35th Annual grams which benefited Youth Appreciation Banquet held Thursday, Nov. 7, at Forte Junior High School. Photo courtesy of Azle Optimist Club local charities and $70,000 to other local youth clubs and common interest with the members of assure a better tomorrow. children of Azle (Azle Contact club president Joe Lieb at the Optimist Club of Azle. Pastoral Counseling Center, Azle ISD local youth related causes. Those with a genuine concern for The club feels that support and (817) 905-9095 for information on Food Backpack program, Community Caring Center) and has given over the youth in our community share a guidance for the youth of today will becoming an Optimist Club member.
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