Volume 64, Number 22
Azle News
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
THE
www.azlenews.net
Azle playoff hopes snuffed Page 10A
CTE dedicated to Dr. Lea Page 4A
A terrible streak continues Page 1B
Paving Ongoing at Stewart Street Bridge
TxDOT crews were working hand over fi st Nov. 10 to lay asphalt and perform fi nishing touches on the Stewart Street Bridge in advance of rains predicted for Wednesday. Rick White, public services director for Azle, said Reynolds Asphalt and city crews are ready to lay more asphalt from Main Street to the eastern bridge approach, and from the western bridge approach to Silver Creek Azle Road next week. White predicts the newly constructed bridge will be open before Dec. 1. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman
TRC disses SMU study, approves well permits Texas Railroad Commission says study ‘hypothesized’ BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN areas from November 2013 to January In a fi nal hearing Nov. 3, Texas 2014 was related to oil and gas activRailroad Commission (TRC) mem- ity in the area. That study pointed to high volumes bers unanimously voted to allow XTO of wastewater injection combined Energy and EnerVest to retain permits for injection wells they operate in the with saltwater (brine) extraction from natural gas wells in the area as the Reno area. A scientifi c study conducted by most likely cause of the earthquakes. The Railroad Commission heard Southern Methodist University (SMU) researchers concluded that the most testimony from those scientists as likely cause of a swarm of more than well as the mayors of both Azle and 30 earthquakes in the Azle and Reno Reno, and representatives of XTO and
EnerVest. TRC Technical Examiner Paul DuBois told Railroad Commissioners David Porter, Christi Craddick, and Ryan Sitton that SMU’s report “showed a weak temporal correlation between injection and seismic activity, too small, however, to imply a causal relationship without further corroborating evidence. “[SMU scientists] hypothesized, but did not attempt to establish a me-
chanical hydraulic linkage or estimate induced pressure on the Azle fault... where the initial rupture occurred,” DuBois told commissioners. “[Therefore,] examiners conclude the evidence does not support a fi nding of fact that XTO and EnerVest wells are the cause...” Commissioner Sitton, before making a motion to approve both the XTO and EnerVest permits, told DuBois and other TRC staff members he ap-
preciated the work they had done in evaluating the models that were run and the case studies made available to the Commission. “I agree with your fi ndings,” Sitton said. “We have an opportunity to lead on this, and I appreciate your hard work.” Sitton then moved to approve the permits. Craddick seconded the motion, and both, along with Porter, voted in the affi rmative.
Search down to quartet
Veterans Honored at Azle High School
For new Azle city manager BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN The Azle city council reconvened in regular session following an executive session Nov. 3 and authorized Mayor Alan Brundrett to begin negotiating with “qualifi ed candidates” for the position of city manager for the city of Azle. Craig Lemin, who has served in that capacity since February 2004, announced last June that he will retire no later than Jan. 8, 2016. At a June 16 meeting, the city had hired Strategic Government Resources (SGR) – one of the top three local
At the fi nal football pep rally of the year Nov. 6, students and adults took time to honor and recognize local veterans. Photos by Mark K. Campbell
PLEASE SEE CITY, PAGE 2A.
Poolville VFD joins ESD 1; Reno-Briar VFD fi nal holdou BY CARLA NOAH STUTSMAN It’s down to just Reno-Briar. As a result of Parker County voters okaying Pooville VFD joining EDS 1, the Reno-Briar VFD is the last remain-
ing area in Parker County not part of one of the county’s nine Emergency Services Districts. That city, and a portion of unincorporated Parker County surrounding
it, currently receives fi re suppression service from the Briar-Reno Volunteer Fire Department. Voters were tasked with deciding whether to annex the Poolville
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This Week in Azle History
Fire Service Area into Parker County ing debts and taxes of the District if Emergency Services District 1 by add- the area is added to the District. ing a tract of land in the area to the Voters already within the ESD voted District as well as whether to assume its proportionate share of the outstandPLEASE SEE VOTERS, PAGE 4A.
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20 Years Ago In November 1995, three masked gunmen robbed the Dairy Queen of more than $350 as the restaurant was closing.
36 pages plus supplements
$1 Azle, Texas 76020