Superintendent Shane Strickland said the district is not currently a recapture district and explained how the state’s recapture system works for districts that collect more local revenue than they are allowed to keep per student.

According to the presentation, more than half the district’s general operating revenue — 56.1% — comes from the state, while 40.5% comes from local funding and 3.4% from federal funding.

“There are some districts that receive so much local taxes that they don’t receive any state taxes,” Strickland said.

“If local taxes are more than they’re (allowed) to have per student, the state asks them to write a check to the state — that’s called a recapture. We have $0 that goes back to the state for recapture.”

Academic progress

Tiffany Cano, assistant superintendent of academics, said the district has continued to show progress under the state’s A-F accountability system.

SISD received an overall accountability score of 77, a C rating, in the accountability results presented during the luncheon.

“A C means that you’re where you need to be — but a high C (shows) we’re on the right track,” Cano said.

Cano said several campuses showed improvement.

Reno Elementary earned a score of 85 and two state distinction designations. Springtown High School maintained a B and earned a distinction for postsecondary readiness.

“Our college and career readiness really contributed to that. We have worked very hard on that over the years. About 98% of our kids are graduating college or military ready,” she said.

Springtown Intermediate School improved from a D into the C range, and Springtown Middle School exited comprehensive support and improvement status.

“We have no schools in any type of major school improvement at all,” Cano said. “We have no schools that are scoring under a C, and so we’re moving in the right direction. We are very proud of our progress, but we definitely don’t want you to think that we’re OK with that (C rating).”

She said the district is also working to continue to progress through high-quality instructional material and student data to focus on areas needing improvement.

“We’re working very hard with our teachers, principals and instructional coaches to make sure not only that we have these good materials, but we’re actually using them in ways that are going to be the most effective for our kids,” Cano said.

Cano noted that both staff and district leaders are receiving coaching in an effort to improve the district's academic performance.

“(There) is lots of classroom coaching,” she said. “Our teachers are getting coached. We’re all getting coached. Mr. Strickland gets coached so we all can continue to improve and grow. We want to be able to hold each other accountable.”

Preparing for growth

Micheal Chavez, executive director of operations, said the district is also preparing for nearly 1,000 additional students over the next eight years, according to enrollment projections. He also provided a status update on the projects included in the $98 million bond approved by voters in May 2025.

Littleton Springs Elementary is on course to be completed for the 2027-28 school year.

“Littleton Springs Elementary is over 100,000 square feet and it is the most state-of-the-art elementary that you will have,” he said. “Every dollar that has been spent has really been dedicated to the future of Springtown ISD.”

Chavez said the May 2025 bond is also providing Springtown Middle School with six science classrooms, two career and technical education classrooms and a storm shelter.

The middle school CTE classrooms are intended to expose students to career programs earlier. Chavez said introducing those opportunities can help students begin finding areas that interest them before reaching high school.

Strickland closed the presentation by crediting the SISD board of trustees for voting to lower the district’s tax rate as the district moves forward with its bond projects.

He said appraisal values came in higher than projected during bond discussions, allowing the board to lower the district’s tax rate from $1.0317 to $1.0206 per $100 of taxable value while moving forward with the $98 million bond projects.

“They were able to lower the rate after building in $98 million worth of construction and upgrades,” Strickland said. “We’re blessed with a very considerate and intelligent board. We are a blessed district, and we are a blessed community.”

The heat still lingers through the middle of the day, but it begins to lose its grip when a calm autumn breeze arrives in the late afternoon and stays through the night.

I am sure everyone can agree this summer felt endless.

I know it did for me.

Near the end of August, I remember feeling a little hopeless during the hot nights when I saw a blood moon while still sweating in the heat.

The blood moon made it feel like the sun enjoyed working overtime.

The first days and weeks of September always feel like a hard finish to summer.

Rain showers eventually come when they are needed most, as they usually tend to do despite our doubts.

Annual seasons are typically the same, but when life happens between them, they always feel different.

People often plan for a daily routine, but as my late uncle once told me while we sat in a creek bed in Del Rio, “You know how you can make God laugh? Tell him your plans.”

Unexpected moments always seem to happen throughout the days, weeks, months and years.

I know I am not the only one who feels like you lose more than you win in life while you are in the heat of the moment.

That is why those beautiful, silent moments that come with an autumn breeze matter. They allow you to pause for a second, look around and appreciate simple things, like cooler temperatures under a sunset.

The sun still hangs around into the evening, but it is finally getting the clue that it is not needed past 8 p.m.

Fall is the season of harvest, and I like to think it showcases the hard work people have put into their lives as we head toward the end of the year.

The holidays will soon arrive, giving families a chance to gather, rejoice and talk about the crazy year they had.

They might also take time to speak of those who are no longer here but are forever remembered and loved.

As September falls, we continue to move forward with wins and losses.

I hope everyone has a strong finish toward the end of the year.

Storm relief case managers available

Storm recovery case managers are available to connect with residents in need of storm relief.

Residents facing unresolved storm damage to their homes or those needing food, shelter, water or other storm-related recovery assistance are encouraged to reach out.

Individuals in need of assistance or neighbors who know someone in need may contact Eleanor Carter at 682-337-6622 or eleanorcarter@htcumc.org, or Clayton Sanders at 817-550-3979 or claytonsanders@htcumc.org.

Homecoming Parade arrives Oct. 5

The 2026 SISD Homecoming Parade kicks off a week of festivities when it rolls through town beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5.

The parade route will run from Goshen Creek Elementary School to Porcupine Stadium. A community pep rally will follow the parade at the stadium.

Float registration is $25 and is open until Friday, Oct 2. Proceeds benefit the Springtown High School Student Council. To register a float, visit springtownisd.revtrak.net/HS/shs-student-council/.

National Night Out due Oct. 6

The city of Springtown will host its annual National Night Out from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Newby Pavilion.

The free community event will feature family activities, food and an opportunity for families to meet Springtown police, fire and EMS personnel.

The 911 mascot Red E. Fox will make an appearance and teach children when to call 911.

Town Hall scheduled Oct. 8

The city of Springtown invites residents, property owners, business owners and other community stakeholders to attend its second Shaping Springtown 2040 Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Municipal Annex Building, 200 N. Main St.

The meeting will give attendees an opportunity to learn about the draft comprehensive plan, ask questions and provide feedback.

The draft plan is available for public review at cityofspringtown.com/shaping-springtown-2040/.

Young Business Builders due Oct. 24

Cheldan Homes will host Young Business Builders, a children’s entrepreneurship market, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Terra Vista Community, 201 Terra Vista Blvd. The new community is west of Agnes.

The event will give children an opportunity to sell handmade goods, baked treats, arts and crafts and other items while building confidence and business skills. Children of all ages are welcome.

Booth spaces are limited. For more information, email kandreason@cheldanhomes.com.

Howl-O-Ween Boo Bash slated Oct. 30

The city of Springtown will host the Howl-O-Ween Boo Bash from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Optimist and Newby parks.

The family-friendly event will include trunk-or-treating, pet adoptions, a pet costume contest and an animal shelter fundraiser. Proceeds will support shelter animals.

Church Trunk-or-Treat set Oct. 31

Hilltop Family Church, 1227 Old Cottondale Road, will host its annual Trunk-or-Treat from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

The event will include trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, slides, popcorn, cotton candy and a hayride. Registration is only required for volunteers setting up a trunk.

To register a trunk, visit hilltopfamily.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3890800.

The free event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Newby Pavilion. No registration is required.

Red E. Fox, a 911 mascot, will teach children when to call 911. Springtown police will also provide free pizza and burgers while supplies last.

Amy Hedges, volunteer and Legends Museum coordinator, said National Night Out gives residents a chance to interact with first responders outside an emergency.

“Most of the time, when someone meets a police officer, firefighter, EMT or another first responder, it is because something has gone wrong,” Hedges said. “National Night Out gives families the chance to meet those same people in a relaxed, positive environment.”

Hedges said those interactions can be especially important for children.

“The goal is to make the evening very hands-on and family friendly,” she said.

“Those small interactions help build familiarity and trust, so if a child or family ever does need help, hopefully that first responder is already a familiar and approachable face.”

Hedges said she hopes residents leave knowing the people serving Springtown care about the community.

“We want families to be able to meet the people who serve them, learn about the resources available in their community and, most importantly, have fun together,” she said.

Consuelo Flores has spent more than three decades caring for Springtown ISD schools since joining the custodial staff in 1993.

It has been her first and only job since she arrived in Springtown from Zacatecas, Mexico in 1986.

“This is my first job,” she said. “I started in August 1993, and I’m still here. I love my job,” Flores said.

Flores said she began cleaning at Springtown Middle School before moving into a night supervisor role after 18 months on the job.

She was promoted to the role of district custodial manager three years ago and currently oversees the district’s seven campuses and events.

“I like working, especially when it’s outside,” Flores said. “I take care of everything — the stadium — any games, any playoffs, any band marches and track meets — and I got a good team to help me.”

Her love for working goes back to her childhood in Zacatecas, working with her father on their ranch. As the oldest child, Flores said she began working alongside him and was given responsibility at an early age.

“I started working with my daddy,” Flores said. “He had a ranch, and we took care of everything. I was the oldest one — I started working with him when I was 11, 12 years old. Sometimes he would leave for work, and I would stay with the group working on the ranch.”

Her work ethic also became part of her family life in Springtown.

Flores said all three of her children worked alongside her as teenagers, cleaning schools and helping with weekend events.

“They started before they graduated from Springtown,” she said. “They started working with me and helping.”

Flores said she wanted her children to learn the discipline of working and how to provide for themselves to help pay for expenses and education.

All three children went on to college and professional careers, including military, teaching and trucking.

“I’m so proud of them,” Flores said.

Throughout her years of work, Flores said she built relationships with generations of Springtown students, teachers and staff members.

One of them was Micheal Chavez, now Springtown ISD’s executive director of operations. Flores said she knew Chavez when he was a student and classmate of her children.

“To me, he is always Micheal Chavez, the kid from school I knew,” Flores said. “To me, he is still one of the kids — he is like one of my own children.”

Now, nearing 33 years with the district, Flores said retirement is not on her mind.

“My husband says, ‘When are you going to retire?’” she said. “I’m going to be 62 in December, but I’m not ready. Consuelo is not retiring.”

With Littleton Springs Elementary School set to open for the 2027-28 school year, Flores said she is ready for more work.

“I’m here for Springtown schools,” she said.

For National Custodian Day, Flores said she also recognizes approximately 40 employees on her team who work across the district.

“Thanks for my team — they work hard,” she said.

After decades of living and working in Springtown, Flores said the community has become home.

“I love the community — I am very proud of Springtown and of my work,” Flores said.

Student council sponsor Jose Aleman said the court is selected through four rounds of voting that begin with the entire student body.

“The first round, the entire student body can vote for anyone and everyone,” Aleman said. “I’m tabulating hundreds of random names.”

Aleman said that after sorting through the names and confirming their spellings, the number of candidates gradually decreases through each round of voting.

“From there, it’s narrowed down to the top 20, then it goes down to the top 10, and then we get it down to the final six,” he said.

The final court includes six senior queen candidates and six senior king candidates. The underclass court includes two candidates for each title: junior princess and prince, sophomore duchess and duke, and freshman lady and lord.

Aleman said expanding the underclass court was one of several changes made as the student population has continued to grow.

“Since Springtown’s growing, it doesn’t seem fair to just have one student represented for the lower grades,” Aleman said. “So that’s why we ended up adding two boys and two girls for each of the lower grades.”

Senior Kaylie Houghton experienced the previous, more limited court format firsthand after making it through several rounds last year before falling short.

“I tried last year. I made every round, but there was only one winner for freshmen, sophomore and juniors,” Houghton said. “Now they have two opportunities.”

Halo Kidd said being on homecoming court is something she has pictured since watching older students when she was younger.

“I’ve always wanted to be on homecoming court ever since I was really little,” Kidd said. “I’d go to the football games and I’d see all the girls in their dresses, and I’d think, ‘Wow, I really want to do that.’ Now I’m a senior, and now I’m here. It’s crazy.”

Senior Brylynn Bazzell said she has also aspired to reach homecoming court.

“I’ve been trying to get on the court for the whole four years, so I’m really excited that I get to be on it and wear a dress this year,” Bazzell said. “I try every year.”

Ayden Bielli, a junior, said his nomination came as a surprise because he did not realize he was being considered until he saw his name during voting.

“It feels really nice,” Bielli said. “I didn’t really know that people thought of me in this way, and I didn’t know that many people knew me.”

Aleman said another change this year allows parents to escort seniors onto the field, changing the previous tradition of students choosing a friend, boyfriend or girlfriend.

Kidd said having her parents beside her will make the moment more meaningful.

“My parents are very proud of how far I’ve come,” Kidd said. “They’re really excited to get to share that special moment with me. My dad’s really excited.”

Senior Brayden Levario said his parents are also looking forward to sharing the experience.

“My mom’s really excited about it — and my dad too,” he said. “It’s just something cool to do for your senior year.”

While not everyone will leave the field with a crown, Houghton said the experience also gives students an opportunity to support one another.

“It’s very nice having other people by your side — everyone coming together as a community and being friends with everybody,” she said.

Bielli said the experience showed him how much students are willing to support one another.

Aleman said the student council is still seeking community sponsors and donations through the day of homecoming.

“Right now, we’re doing great because we are selling our homecoming float entries — we would just love to get a lot more,” Aleman said.

“It is a $25 entry fee — what we make is what we use to pay for everything we do for homecoming week.”

Community members or businesses interested in supporting homecoming and student council can contact Aleman at jaleman@springtownisd.net.

“All the money we raise, any donations we get, we give it right back to the students here at the school. I would love someone that wanted to volunteer and give us something that could help us out,” Aleman said.

City Administrator David Miller said joining the agency gives Springtown a role in regional water planning as Parker County continues to grow.

“We all understand that water is a precious commodity,” Miller said. “As the area continues to grow, this gives us the opportunity to get on the front end of the development of the public utilities agency.”

Place 3 council member David Martin said access to state water infrastructure funding is another reason to participate.

“The state of Texas is offering a billion dollars a year in water grants or funding, so we want to be at that table,” Martin said.

Springtown will pay a $15,000 annual membership fee, which is based on the city’s current population.

Among other action items, council members approved a 3.38% Consumer Price Index increase for Frontier Waste Services, effective Nov. 1, along with an updated fee ordinance incorporating the waste increase, the previously approved 2% water and sewer rate increase and a $250 drainage review fee.

Council members also accepted Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kristi Bailey’s resignation and appointed alternate Andy Jones to Place 1 on the commission.

Assistant city administrator Christina Derr said Jones has completed the required training.

TCCI Land Development representatives Joe Cansler, managing vice president of land development, and Zack Jones, chief operating officer, presented a preliminary proposal for a mixed-use development near the northeast corner of Pojo Road and State Highway 199.

Council members discussed the preliminary proposal but raised concerns about how development would look as plans move forward.

Cansler said the proposal is only an early concept.

Martin said he favored the project because it could benefit both residents and local business owners.

During the city administrator’s report, Miller said electrical plans for the water treatment plant improvement project are complete and are being sent to vendors and electrical companies for estimates.

Miller said the water transmission main project remains in the design phase, while the city’s Water Supply and Infrastructure grant application has been submitted to the state. He said bids for the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant project came in higher than expected, and staff is working to identify possible cost savings.

Miller announced the completion of the city’s downtown mural, located on the exterior wall of City Hall. He complimented artist Carly Haynie’s work on the project.

“I have heard nothing but positive comments,” Miller said. “I think we turned out with a fantastic product.”

Miller said the city plans to enhance the area around the mural with landscaping and lighting.

Two proclamations were issued during the meeting.

Mayor Mike Kelley proclaimed Oct. 9 as Hannah Baker Day in honor of what would have been Baker’s 30^th birthday. Baker, an Azle resident who died in February, regularly helped fill Blessing Boxes throughout the Azle and Springtown communities with food and essential items. Her family and others have continued the effort throughout North Texas in her honor.

A second proclamation designated October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the city, recognizing survivors, remembering those whose lives have been lost and acknowledging the organizations, first responders and advocates who assist individuals and families affected by abuse.

The city’s next regular council meeting was moved from Oct. 22 to Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. because of scheduling conflicts.

The Porcupines lost a close one to Lake Dallas. See story this edition.

The Porcupine JV blasted Lake Dallas 42-14 Thursday, Sept 24 on the road.

The Porcupine ninth-grade team also traveled to Lake Dallas and crushed them 42-0.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, the Orange Crush squad faced Godley at home and escaped with a 6-0 victory.

Volleyball

The Lady Porcupines defeated Castleberry in three sets Tuesday, Sept. 22. See story in this edition.

The varsity lost to Iowa Park three sets to one Friday, Sept 25 at Iowa Park.

JV1 defeated Castleberry 2-0, winning 25-16 and 25-17 at home Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Lady Pines JV1 lost to Iowa Park 2-0 on the road Friday Sept 25. JV1 also went 2-2 in the 199 Showdown Tournament at Azle Saturday, Sept. 26.

JV2 won three of five matches at the 199 Showdown Tournament Saturday, Sept.26.

Cross-Country

Porcupine cross-country runners ran at the Granbury Invitational Friday Sept. 25. See story in this edition.

Golf

The Springtown girls and boys golf team are playing fall golf in 2026. On Monday, Sept. 28 the Porcupines played in the Bridgeport Open. The girls team finished first and were led by Dixie Crane, who finished with the individual gold medal. Addy Burtnett finished fifth. The Lady Pines shot a team score of 351.

What is your name and grade?

“My name is Avery Shockler and I am a junior.”

How long have you been dancing?

“I’ve been dancing for about eight years. I’ve been on the Show Stoppers for three years.”

Do you have any pets?

“I do. I have a few cats and two dogs. The dogs are named Mini and Thai.”

Do you have a shout out to anyone?

“Yes, my mom for sure.”

What is your favorite class in school?

“My favorite class is probably anatomy and physiology.”

What advice would you give younger players?

“I would say failure is inevitable, but you really have to trust yourself, because being in dance you’re going to improve so much.”

What is something in dance that you’ll never forget?

“Yes, something I’ll never forget is these football games every Friday night.”

Michael or LeBron?

“LeBron.”

What does life after high school look like?

“I really want to go to the University of Texas, and I want to go to medical school.”

What would your walk-up song be?

“I would say anything from Beyonce.”

Do you have a favorite college or professional athlete?

“Yes, Arch Manning, quarterback for the University of Texas.”

Madelyn Walker led the Lady Porcupines with a second-place individual finish, helping Springtown take second in the varsity girls team standings.

Izzy Parker followed with another top-five performance, finishing fifth. Freshman Peyton McClellan continued a strong start to her high school cross-country career, finishing 16th.

Kerrington Edwards placed 20th and Claire Cash finished 21st to round out Springtown’s top five runners.

The group gave Springtown five finishers among the top 21 and helped secure the team’s second-place result.

Springtown's varsity boys also earned a team podium finish, placing third.

Kaiden Derby paced the Porcupines with a third-place finish. Brayden Levario was close behind, placing sixth and giving Springtown two runners among the top six. The varsity boys team finished in third place at the tournament.

The Porcupines will return to the course Thursday, Oct. 1, when they travel to Decatur for the District Preview Meet.

Seniors Reagan Beall, Ryleigh Strickland, Libby Tedder and Kylee McNeely were recognized before the match and all four started for the Lady Porcupines.

“It’s hard to put into words what this group has meant to our program, but we are incredibly grateful for the way they’ve represented Springtown volleyball,” coach Abby Zipoy said.

Springtown followed the ceremony with a district victory, beating Castleberry 25-7, 25-10, 25-13.

The win improved the Lady Porcupines to 28-11 overall and 3-2 in district play.

Tedder led Springtown with 10 kills, while Kamryn Wood added nine. Ashley Shreves contributed six service aces in the victory.

The Lady Porcupines returned to district action Friday, Sept. 25, with a road trip to Iowa Park to face the newcomer to the district. Springtown won the opening set but could not maintain the momentum as Iowa Park responded by winning the next three to take the match in four sets.

Tedder again led Springtown’s attack, finishing with 22 kills. Shreves contributed defensively with 22 digs.

Springtown begins the second round of its district schedule Oct. 2 when the Lady Porcupines travel to Decatur for a matchup with their district rival.

The loss dropped Springtown to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in district play.

Lake Dallas jumped ahead 12-0 in the first quarter, putting Springtown in an early hole. The Porcupines answered with 13 points in the second quarter, but the Falcons added three points and took a 15-13 lead into halftime.

Junior Kolt Killion helped spark the Springtown comeback by returning an interception 69 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, pulling the Porcupines to 15-13.

Both teams scored in the third quarter. Lake Dallas added seven points while Springtown scored six, leaving the Falcons ahead 22-19 entering the fourth quarter.

Springtown added two points in the final period to pull to 22-21 but could not produce the go-ahead score.

Pilot Grubis led Springtown’s receivers with four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Junior Drew Brinkley added five receptions for 43 yards.

Jett Bryant led the rushing attack with 11 carries for 100 yards and one touchdown, averaging 9.1 yards per carry.

Springtown’s defense held Lake Dallas to 43 rushing yards as the Porcupines battled back from the early 12-point deficit and remained within striking distance throughout the second half.

Springtown travels to Aubrey Friday, Oct. 2, for its next District 4-4A game.

Former running back Cameron Rickett, a 2020 graduate of Springtown High School, and the 2019 Springtown football team were inducted into the Springtown ISD Wall of Honor during a pregame ceremony before the Porcupines faced Lake Dallas.

The 2019 Porcupines finished 13-2 and advanced to the Class 4A Division I state semifinals, giving Springtown its first appearance in the state semifinals since 1995.

Springtown produced plenty of offense during the historic run. The Porcupines scored 712 points over 15 games and reached 50 or more points seven times during the season.

The postseason run included four victories before the Porcupines reached the state semifinals.

Rickett was a major part of that success.

During his high school career, Rickett rushed for 6,471 yards on 682 carries, averaging 9.5 yards per carry. He also accumulated 1,236 receiving yards during his four varsity seasons.

As a senior in 2019, Rickett rushed for 2,280 yards and 39 touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for 442 yards and seven touchdowns.

His senior season earned him Texas Sports Writers Association second-team all-state honors at running back.

The 2019 season remains one of the deepest playoff runs in Springtown football history. The Porcupines’ 13 victories and trip to the state semifinals placed that team alongside the 1995 squad in the program’s postseason history.

Seven years later, Springtown brought the players back to Porcupine Stadium and added the team to the district’s Wall of Honor.

Rickett’s individual induction alongside the 2019 team also brought together two pieces of the same chapter in Springtown football history — one of the program’s most productive running backs and the team that made a run to the state semifinals.

But if the question is who controls the property tax system, the answer gets more complicated.

That question has been on my mind as a newspaper editor running local tax notices, and it's back in the statewide political conversation. We talk about property taxes as though there is one tax man, and the argument becomes whether he lives at City Hall or at the Capitol.

Let’s break it down.

WHO SETS THE VALUE?

Your property tax bill starts with your property's value. Your local appraisal district determines what it is worth and certifies the values local taxing entities use when setting tax rates.

Appraisal districts operate under state law, which generally requires appraising property at market value. The state also checks local values through the Comptroller’s School District Property Value Study.

We have seen that pressure close to home. At a Stratford town hall, an appraisal district board member said local values had to rise because of the state value study. If local values stay too low for too long, the appraisal district can face a state review, and the school district can face funding consequences. That gives appraisal districts a strong reason to move values up when the state says they are too low.

WHEN APPRAISALS RISE

This matters in rural communities because a growing tax base does not always mean a growing economy.

A town can show millions of dollars more in property value without adding a new business, new homes, or new jobs. The same houses and buildings are appraised at higher values. On paper, the community looks wealthier, but no new money may be moving through the local economy. Instead, growth comes from appraisals.

Those higher appraisals also mean local governments can collect more money without raising the tax rate. A city can keep the same rate and bring in more, or lower the rate and still collect more than the year before.

WHO DECIDES WHAT GETS TAXED?

The folks sitting in the chairs with the state seals on them down in Austin also decide through state policy what stays on the tax rolls.

Beginning this year, Texas increased the exemption for qualifying business personal property from $2,500 to $125,000. That is meaningful tax relief for many small businesses, but it also removes taxable value from local communities.

In Hansford County, appraisal district figures show the new exemption removed more than $7 million from the city of Spearman tax base and more than $18 million from the county tax base.

Texas also increased the school homestead exemption to $140,000, and state law and the Texas Education Agency heavily shape school tax rates.

So often, by the time local officials sit down to set a tax rate, the math has already changed. Property has been taken off the tax rolls, leaving a smaller tax base to support local services and making it harder to build a budget.

THERE ARE LIMITS, TOO

The state also imposes “caps” which limit a local government’s ability to increase property tax revenue without voter approval. For most cities and counties, that calculation generally allows about 3.5% more revenue for day-to-day operations.

But the cost of running a community does not always stay under 3.5%. Insurance, equipment, wages, fuel, streets and water systems can all cost more. Small towns do not get a discount on a fire truck or water line just because fewer people live there.

SO WHO IS THE TEXAS TAX MAN?

None of this gives local officials a pass. When a city collects more property tax, the council owns that decision. When a county increases spending, commissioners should explain why.

Local conversations about taxes and spending are healthy. Voters should expect their local governments to provide the services they need and to use tax dollars wisely. Asking those questions — and holding local officials accountable for the answers — is one of the purest forms of local control.

But it is also important to understand that the State of Texas is not simply a spectator because it does not send the property tax bill. Austin sets the appraisal rules, checks local values, determines exemptions, controls much of the school tax structure, and sets the limits local governments must work within.

So who is the Texas tax man? I would argue both. Austin controls much more of the property tax system than most taxpayers realize. At the same time, local elected officials make the final decisions about budgets, tax rates, and how much property tax to collect.

If we want an honest conversation about property taxes in Texas, both sides belong in it.

Although the local center is based in Weatherford, Unity Recovery provides services throughout Parker County, including Springtown.

Ashley Gainey, site director, told the Springtown Epigraph the organization previously operated a recovery center in Springtown for about two years. The house closed after its grant funding ended, but she said it helped establish the organization’s connections to the community.

The nonprofit continues to provide support in Springtown. Following the tornado earlier this year, Unity Recovery helped pick up debris, assisted families with downed tree limbs, delivered water and provided transportation to a local church where the American Red Cross was set up.

Unity Recovery also conducts outreach to Springtown to provide access to naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, and overdose response training.

“We're in Springtown making sure that people have access to naloxone to reverse overdoses, or they have access to training to know how to reverse an overdose,” Gainey said.

The organization works alongside Safe Harbor Counseling and Serenity Impact, a nonprofit youth drug and alcohol prevention program that actively serves schools and community groups in Parker County.

“Serenity Impact is doing the prevention efforts, and Safe Harbor is doing the counseling, and then we're able to bring in recovery,” Gainey said.

Gainey said the nonprofit is looking for community partners in Springtown willing to provide office space for a few hours each week to provide one-on-one sessions for recovery planning and group recovery meetings and trainings.

Gainey emphasized that Unity Recovery's services extend to Springtown residents.

“We're not just Weatherford. We're a lot more than Weatherford, and so we're here to support them, as well. And we would love for them to be a part of anything that we do,” Gainey said.

Unity Recovery can meet individuals in Springtown at no cost, so they don’t have to travel to the Weatherford center. The organization also provides support via video, phone and chat.

Unity Recovery was established in 2019 by Executive Director Robert Ashford. The first center opened in Philadelphia, followed by locations in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Weatherford and later in San Antonio.

Andrea Pfau, director of youth services, said the organization’s youth services assist young people ages 13 to 21, adding that youth can receive peer support if they are in or seeking any type of recovery or simply need someone to talk to.

“We also have a parent aspect where we can help the parents in order to help their children. There's also a gaming aspect, so we have a gaming center, and a lot of our youth like to meet with their peers and play games at the same time, and it kind of opens up that door (for them to) open up a little bit more,” Pfau said.

The nonprofit also operates a community-based opioid recovery effort as well as a mobile recovery unit that provides community-based services outside of the center.

The organization offers yoga, karaoke, dream work, somatic, financing and budgeting classes. It also partners with a Goodwill Career Center to help individuals apply for jobs and build resumes. The organization also hosts a youth workout group and bracelet-making events called Unity Links.

The organization strives to make its services for people as easy as possible.

“We try to be as low-barrier as possible, so they don't even have to give us their real name if they don't feel comfortable doing that. They just have to be wanting services, and we're completely voluntary, so we never force anybody to receive our services,” Gainey said.

Pfau said peer specialists work with participants during recovery-planning sessions to identify their goals and determine what support they need, including help with appointments.

Gainey added that peers in the program are children at heart, which helps them relate to the youth and helps build trust.

“They've experienced everything that our youth are going through … And so, being able to relate to caregivers and youth and say, ‘I'm not any different. I had those same struggles. I've been there.’ Just that connected, lived experience is really big,” she said.

Ryan Illif, peer specialist supervisor, said one misconception about people who struggle with substance use is that they are criminals.

“Substances don't discriminate; they affect everybody, and anybody could have a substance use disorder … People are struggling, and if we don't come alongside those people and help them, then they're just going to continue to struggle,” he said.

Visit unityrecovery.org for more information.

To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.

University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 100 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.

The last day for an application to vote by mail must be received by Friday, Oct. 23.

Voters can visit votetexas.gov to confirm they are registered to vote, see what is on the ballot where they live, and get other election-related information. That site is maintained by the Texas Secretary of State.

Meanwhile, The Texas Tribune reported that an unknown number of voter registration applications were delayed because of an error by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The agency failed to forward the applications, submitted online through its driver’s license portal, to county voter registrars.

Texas Democrats have called on Gov. Greg Abbott to investigate the problem.

With the Oct. 5 deadline approaching, the delayed registrations from DPS could add to processing backlogs at affected counties. A spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office said affected voters can still have their ballots counted as long as they submitted their registration before Oct. 5.

The DPS portal accounted for about 6 million voter registrations from 2020 to 2024. Texas has more than 18 million registered voters.

JUDGE: TEXAS MUST AIR-CONDITION ALL PRISONS BY END OF 2029

A federal judge has ordered the state to air-condition its entire prison system by the end of 2029, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has estimated that could cost the state $1.5 billion.

Nearly two-thirds of the 143,000 prisoners now held in Texas prisons do not have air conditioning. In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Robert Pittman said the prison agency had “minimized and misled” the court about the seriousness of the heat problem.

“The data that TDCJ does not collect also paints a picture of an agency that is not attempting to meaningfully understand or document the dangers and impacts of heat,” Pitman wrote. 

A TDCJ spokesperson took issue with the judge’s characterization.

“TDCJ has robust heat mitigation efforts in place to protect the safety of its population and staff,” Amanda Hernandez said in an email.

The state will appeal the ruling.

CAMP MYSTIC UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Camp Mystic, the Hill Country girls’ summer camp where 28 people died in the July 2025 floods, is under criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers, kut.org reported. Fourteen search warrants were executed against family and staff members who ran the camp. KUT News obtained a copy of the affidavit filed against Tweety Eastland, whose husband, Dick, was one of the 28 who died.

The affidavit states the Rangers have probable cause to believe the camp’s leaders committed a number of criminal offenses, including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, injury to a child, deadly conduct and abandoning or endangering a child.

“These offenses were committed against child campers — including both deceased victims and surviving campers of the flood event,” Brant Johnston, an investigator with the Texas Rangers, wrote in the document.

The affidavits are intended to allow the Rangers to obtain electronic data from Tweety and other members of the Eastland family that owns the camp, as well as camp staff members. A Kerr County state district judge approved it earlier this month.

Camp Mystic’s owners are being sued in civil court by more than a dozen families.

LAND COMMISSIONER BACKS VIRTUAL BORDER WALL

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham told the Houston Chronicle that a virtual border wall makes “the most sense” for much of West Texas, where plans to build a physical wall have drawn considerable opposition.

“The bottom line is there are places where physical barriers make sense, and there are places where they don't. And we just want the solution that's best for Texas," Buckingham said in an interview with the Chronicle’s editorial board. “I think especially when you get to West Texas, a virtual wall, in my opinion, makes the most sense for most of that area.”

The Trump administration is moving to build a border wall across the more than 13 million acres the state agency controls, most of which is in West Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott has previously questioned the logic of building a physical wall in “rugged, isolated areas like Big Bend.”

Buckingham sent a cease-and-desist letter in July to U.S. Customs and Border Protection after a contractor for the agency was discovered clearing state-controlled land without permission.

Buckingham is running for reelection against Democrat Ben Flores, a former Bay City council member.

COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE FIRES DOZENS OF EMPLOYEES

The Texas comptroller’s office fired 41 employees recently, after agency leaders were told to submit lists of people to be terminated, The Dallas Morning News reported. Comptroller Don Huffines, appointed to the post by Abbott last summer and the Republican nominee in November, campaigned on shrinking the size of the state’s government.

In a recent interview, Huffines defended how he is doing his job since taking the helm.

“You’re going to hear a lot about how I’m changing the agency, consolidating different divisions,” he said. “I’m making it more efficient.” 

The 41 terminations make up less than 2% of the agency’s nearly 3,000 full-time employees.

Huffines faces Democratic nominee Sarah Eckhardt, a state senator from Austin. Eckhardt was critical of the firings, saying they would have a financial impact on the state’s revenue.

“Not only does a reduction-in-force reduce the comptroller’s ability to collect lawfully levied taxes, but a reduction in institutional knowledge and expertise also significantly reduces their ability to collect,” she said. 

RED TIDE REPORTED OFF THE COAST OF GALVESTON

Biologists with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have begun receiving reports of a red tide bloom off the coast of Galveston. They are monitoring fish kills and taking water samples around Crystal Beach and southern Galveston Island.

“Water samples indicate moderate to high concentrations of red tide cells, and beachgoers are reporting mild to severe respiratory irritation resulting from the bloom,” the news release said.

Red tide is a naturally occurring concentration of a microscopic alga that produces a toxin. Dense concentrations are known as “blooms” and kill fish by paralyzing their central nervous systems. This can result in dead fish washing up on Gulf beaches.

For nearly five decades, our work has centered on sharing Jesus and strengthening marriages and families from a biblical perspective.

At our ministry’s recent board of trustees meeting, part of our focus naturally turned to “Evening Son Shine — A 50th Anniversary Gala,” though it is a full year away. We have already confirmed the date and venue and are thinking through the evening’s program.

I love special occasions and have spent a lot of time over the years planning ways to celebrate them.

Our 49th anniversary was simple. We stopped to celebrate the day, reflected a bit on our history and looked to the future, enjoyed a meal from Chick-fil-A in Azle and thanked God for his care and guidance.

Lewis Carroll introduced the delightfully silly idea of an “un-birthday” in “Through the Looking-Glass.” Alice calculates that there is one birthday each year, leaving 364 unbirthdays. Beneath the nonsense is an idea I find important: Why save all our celebrating for the milestones?

Interestingly, when we talk about our history at our 50th anniversary, most of what we celebrate will have happened during ordinary years like this one.

The late Annie Dillard, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer who found wonder and mystery in the ordinary, once observed, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

Will you walk with me for a moment? Imagine we are walking through a beautiful rose garden. We could make our way from one end to the other, comment briefly that the flowers are pretty and keep moving. Or we could stop. We might each lean in and look closely, noticing the colors and delicate petals. Then we take in the fragrance and cannot help but smile.

The beautiful roses were there whether we barely noticed them or stopped to truly appreciate them. What changed was not the garden. It was our attention.

I imagine many of the blessings in my life are like those roses. They are there, but I may move past them without stopping long enough to really notice them. Or I may be stressed by life’s demands and walk past the beauty without even realizing I was stomping through a masterpiece.

When we stop long enough to look more closely at our lives and appreciate those around us, we often discover blessings that were there all along but had been overshadowed by whatever else demanded our attention.

There is something wonderfully inviting about a grateful person.

When I spend time with someone who notices what is good, expresses appreciation and remains hopeful even when life is difficult, I often find my own perspective changing. I walk away with wind in my sails. That is the gratitude effect. We also know what it feels like when someone focuses only on the problems. Perhaps our gratitude can put some wind in their sails, giving them a bit of hope.

More than 2,000 years ago, the Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero wrote about the importance of gratitude while defending a man who had helped him during a difficult period in his own life. Cicero said there was nothing he valued more highly than being grateful, adding, “For this one virtue is not only the greatest, but is also the parent of all the other virtues.”

I think of the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV): “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances ...”

Paul is certainly not saying that everything we experience is good. He is reminding us that even in difficult circumstances, God’s goodness and our hope in Christ still give us reason to be thankful.

There are plenty of milestones still ahead, Lord willing. In the meantime, I do not want to miss the roses blooming along the way.

Year 50 gets the gala. Year 49 got Chick-fil-A. Both are worth celebrating.

The 2019 Porcupines put together one of the deepest playoff runs in program history, finishing 13-2 and advancing to the Class 4A Division I state semifinals.

At the center of that run was senior running back Cameron Rickett.

Rickett finished his senior season with 2,280 rushing yards on 254 carries, averaging 9 yards per carry and 162.9 yards per game. He rushed for 39 touchdowns and added 24 receptions for 442 yards and seven touchdowns, finishing the season with 46 total touchdowns. He rushed for at least 100 yards in 12 games.

Rickett was named the District 4-4A Division I Offensive Player of the Year and later earned second-team honors at running back on the Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A All-State team.

His success was not limited to one season. MaxPreps credits Rickett with 6,471 rushing yards, 109 rushing touchdowns and 127 total touchdowns during his Springtown varsity career.

Rickett also competed in track for the Porcupines, running the 100-meter dash and competing on Springtown relay teams.

But the 2019 season was about more than one player.

Junior quarterback Camden Chesney provided a passing threat when defenses focused on stopping Rickett, giving the Porcupines balance on offense throughout their playoff run.

Springtown opened the postseason with a 48-7 bidistrict victory over Hereford before beating Clint 53-15 in the area round. The Porcupines defeated Andrews 63-20 in the regional semifinals before knocking off previously undefeated Dumas 56-39 in the regional final.

Rickett delivered one of his biggest performances against Dumas, rushing for 283 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries as Springtown earned a trip to the state semifinals.

The Porcupines’ run ended with a 27-14 loss to Waco La Vega in the Class 4A Division I state semifinals. Chesney connected with Rickett for a 38-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter to cut an early La Vega lead to 14-7. Rickett later scored on a 5-yard run and finished with 166 rushing yards.

Springtown’s defense also played a major role in the team’s success.

Aaron Foster, a strong safety on the 2019 team, said the experience of the group helped make the defense successful.

“I would say we were very experienced,” Foster said. “We had a lot of guys that all started as sophomores, so I think that helped a lot and we played as a family.”

Springtown’s only regular-season loss came against district rival Decatur. Foster said the Porcupines regained their confidence as the season continued.

“We started playing good again,” Foster said. “We started doing everything right, making plays here and there. That built our confidence.”

That confidence carried Springtown through four playoff victories and into the state semifinals.

Seven years later, Rickett and his 2019 teammates are being recognized together for a season that remains an important part of Springtown football history.

Storm relief case managers available

Storm recovery case managers are available to connect with residents in need of storm relief.

Residents facing unresolved storm damage to their homes or those needing food, shelter, water or other storm-related recovery assistance are encouraged to reach out.

Individuals in need of assistance or neighbors who know someone in need may contact Eleanor Carter at 682-337-6622 or eleanorcarter@htcumc.org, or Clayton Sanders at 817-550-3979 or claytonsanders@htcumc.org.

Fall Festival set Sept. 26

First United Methodist Church, 109 W. Third St., will host its Fall Festival at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.

The event will include food items, family activities, crafts, a pulled pork plate lunch and an immunization clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

A silent auction will run from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by a live auction at 1 p.m.

City Farmers Market returns Sept. 26

The city of Springtown’s Farmers Market is slated to return from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Newby Pavilion.

Vendors will offer fresh produce, homemade baked goods, handmade goods and specialty foods. For more information, contact rortega@cityofspringtown.com.

Young Business Builders slated Oct. 24

Cheldan Homes will host Young Business Builders, a children’s entrepreneur market, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Terra Vista Community, 201 Terra Vista Blvd. The new community is west of Agnes.

The event will give children of all ages an opportunity to sell handmade goods, baked treats, arts and crafts and other items while building confidence and business skills. Children of all ages are welcome.

Booth spaces are limited. For more information, email kandreason@cheldanhomes.com.

Howl-O-Ween Boo Bash Oct. 30

The city of Springtown will host the Howl-O-Ween Boo Bash from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Optimist and Newby Parks.

The family-friendly event will include trunk-or-treating, pet adoptions, a pet costume contest and an animal shelter fundraiser. Proceeds will support shelter animals.

For me, the next feeling is dread as I think about the winter weather weight still lingering around my waist.

I then think about all the procrastinating I have done leading up to that moment.

“Oh, I’ll just have one bite before bed,” I would tell myself. “It won’t kill me.”

Or “It’s the Fourth of July. It’s my American right to eat hot dogs and hamburgers.”

After I booked my vacation, I looked at my scale and hesitated to step on it.

“Scales are not accurate, so why does it matter?” I told myself as I tried to cope with the number I saw.

But pants do not lie. 

When I struggled to squeeze into my denim jeans, I realized I had a month and a half to get it together.

As a competitive natural bodybuilder, I have collected weight machines and cardio equipment by bargain shopping on Facebook Marketplace.

No, I do not just have a Bowflex at home like most people think when I talk about my home gym. 

I have what I call a backyard Venice Beach.

It is grungy and ugly, but it helped me win a bodybuilding competition.

I figured it could help me lose a couple of inches around my waist.

Winning a competition gave me experience in how to effectively lose weight, but, like everyone else, I feel overwhelmed by the thought of losing weight.

You have to say no to your favorite foods and make time to get your steps and exercise in. 

It is hard, but not impossible.

To make it easier, I told myself the least I could do was get on that darn stair climber for 20 minutes a day if all else failed.

So I did.

I hated it.

But I did it.

Even though I stay in decent shape year-round, those first 10 minutes on the stair climber were a gut punch.

I wanted to step off and get on the couch.

“A month and a half won’t do anything,” I told myself as each second on the climber moved like a snail.

That is when you have to tell yourself to shut up and do it.

It is also OK to cry while doing it.

Music helped, but by the end of the month and a half of training, I threw my headphones off in anger as my body ran on fumes.

Work, personal life and what felt like the weight of the world became too much.

But I know I can be a diva, and problems are usually not as big as they feel in the moment.

So, I held on to the stair climber’s handrails for dear life and kept stepping.

The final test came the day before my vacation.

I had to try on those pants again.

They fit like a glove.

I was tired from all the time spent stepping on that stair climber, but you could not tell as I shuffled my feet around the house singing MC Hammer’s “Too Legit to Quit.”

Mission accomplished.

Likely the most important thing to Reno citizens was the adoption of a proposed tax rate of $0.412974 for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The council will formally adopt a tax rate when it meets again Sept. 28. The rate represents an increase of 8.7467 cents per $100 valuation from the current rate.

During discussion, council member Place 5 Darrin Talley pointed out that over the last 10 years, the city’s tax rate has consistently dropped, from a high of about 53 cents per $100 valuation in 2016 to a low of $0.325507 per $100 valuation for the current fiscal year. He added that because the city had not completed its audits, it was not able to legally raise the tax rate for a portion of that time. 

“So, I understand nobody wants taxes raised. I don't either. I live here. I pay taxes, and as Jesse (LaForest, a Planning and Zoning board member who spoke during Citizen Participation) said earlier, I don't like to pay taxes. I don't think any of us do, but it's a necessary function,” Talley said. “And the only way that we can move forward as a city and provide the city services is to have money in the budget to do that. And I can attest to this right now that we do not have any additional money in the budget. So, even having said that, the tax rate that we have selected is the voter approval rate, which is the least of the three. So, we're trying. We truly are.”

The voter approval rate is the highest rate a municipality can adopt without triggering an election.

OTHER BUSINESS

• The council interviewed Christina Derr, assistant city administrator and city secretary for the city of Springtown, for a consultant position to provide city administrative services. After a lengthy interview, Derr requested a formal meeting to discuss what the council is looking for from the position so she can put a proposal together. The council agreed and the matter was left undecided.
• The council accepted the resignation of city secretary Rachael Summerville and approved an ordinance removing her as a signer on the city’s bank accounts.
• The council appointed longtime court clerk Cara Randall to the position of interim city secretary and approved an ordinance adding her as a signer on the city’s bank accounts.
• The council appointed police officer Abraham Estrada to the role of interim police chief. When asked, Estrada confirmed he had been seeking employment elsewhere. Pressed about a timeline, Estrada told the council he will strive to remain in the position for three months.
• Following a public hearing, the council approved a plat request for property at 750 S. Cardinal Road.
• After a public hearing, the council approved a plat request for the properties at 925 and 941 Tiffany Street.
• Following a public hearing, the council approved a plat request for the property at 782 Miller Road.
• Sam Pearson from IT Protects made a presentation to the council, which approved the company’s contract to provide IT services to the city for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
• The council approved a negotiated settlement agreement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division.
• The council approved an ordinance to amend water rates and fees. The increase will affect water customers who use more than 10,001 gallons of water per month; those who use 10,000 or fewer gallons per month will not be impacted.
• The council approved an ordinance that adds a police reserve under Article 2.05.004. The action became necessary after officials discovered there is no active ordinance providing for the police reserve.
• The council approved an ordinance appointing Officer Carter Smith to the city’s police reserve.
• The council adopted an ordinance providing for a code of conduct for its members.
• The council deliberated several bids from roofing contractors but did not select one.

The meet brought together some of the largest fields Springtown has faced this season.

“This is the biggest cross-country meet in Texas,” Springtown head coach Raul Guerrero said.

The varsity Lady Pines were led by Madelyn Walker, who finished 35th overall and helped Springtown to a 20th-place team finish.

Guerrero also praised senior Izzy Parker, who improved her personal record by 17 seconds.

On the boys side, Kaiden Derby led the Porcupines with a 10th-place overall finish, earning a medal for his performance.

Brayden Levario followed with a 35th-place finish.

“They did exactly what we needed from them this week,” Guerrero said. “We are slowly getting to where we need to be, and we are excited to keep building from here.”

Springtown returns to competition Friday, Sept. 25, at the Granbury Invitational.

The win improved Springtown to 27-11 overall and 2-1 in district play.

Freshman Kamryn Wood led the Lady Porcupines at the net with 19 kills. Senior Libby Tedder was strong from the service line with seven aces, while freshman Ashley Shreves added 11 digs.

Springtown head coach Abby Zipoy told Porcupine Radio the Lady Porcupines remained focused throughout the match.

“We did a lot of new things tonight,” Zipoy said. “We stayed focused the whole game.”

Porcupine Radio named Wood its player of the game following her 19-kill performance.

“We’ve been working on communicating and playing smart,” Wood said.

The Lady Porcupines will travel to Iowa Park for a district match at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25.

What is your name and grade?

“My name is Ashton Dunks and I am a 12th grader.”

How long have you been on the Quill Crew?

“I’ve been doing this since my sophomore year.”

Do you have any pets?

“Yes, I have one dog — his name is Benny — and I have three horses, named Sunshine, Stormy and Glory.”

Do you have a shout out to anyone?

“Yes, I want to shout out my uncle because he’s been here for me. He’s now raising me; he’s my favorite person ever.”

What is your favorite class in school?

“I think financial math. It’s pretty easy.”

What advice would you give younger members of Quill Crew?

“I would tell them it’s very fun — you get to go to the games for free and stay out late.”

Do you have something that’s been driven in to your brain over and over?

“Yes, how to hold a flag properly. Eliza had to show us all. Also, as soon as we score, we run the flags.”

Michael or LeBron?

“Michael.”

What has the Quill Crew taught you?

“Make sure that you are on top of your physical ailments and make sure that people know about it, otherwise you could get hurt.”

It started after the Longhorns’ big comeback win over Ohio State — Hook ’Em — when Bo French, the Republican nominee for the Texas Railroad Commission, posted a photograph of South Asian students celebrating at the game and complained that Americans were being “displaced by foreigners”.

The response to his post came quickly, and not just from Democrats.

Republican leaders including Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and state Rep. Drew Darby of San Angelo condemned French's comments. Karl Rove, the longtime Republican strategist and former adviser to President George W. Bush, called French a “bigot” and later wrote in his Wall Street Journal column that he’ll be voting for a Democrat for only the second time in his lifetime. His first Democrat was Bob Bullock.

Watching all of that unfold, I kept thinking about another picture.

It is a picture of my daughter Ally and two of her best friends from high school.

Three kids in purple graduation gowns. Three kids throwing up the Hook ’Em sign. Three kids from a small school in the rural Texas Panhandle who were all headed to the University of Texas.

One distinguished himself through athletics. The other two through academics. UT is highly competitive — in 2022, automatic admission was generally reserved for Texas students in the top 6% of their graduating class.

They all three have different social, cultural and economic backgrounds and different family stories who all grew up together in the same small town. But they walked the same school halls. Had the same teachers. Sat in the same classrooms. Took the same tests. Cheered at the same games.

If your picture of rural Texas looks like a Hallmark movie where everybody looks the same, you may need to spend a little more time in rural Texas.

Because that is not the Texas I know. And the numbers back that up.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas now has more than 31.7 million people. About 41% of Texans are Hispanic or Latino, 13% are Black and nearly 7% are Asian. Those numbers are not some future version of Texas. They are Texas today — and you don’t have to travel to Austin, Dallas or Houston to see it.

On Sunday, I stood at a Catholic Church Jamaica celebration on Main Street in Spearman talking with a deacon about the event and the people gathered around us. He told me five cultures were represented in their church. Seems to me that is something worth celebrating.

Diversity is woven into the fabric of our rural communities. You can see it in our schools, our churches and the stands on Friday night. You can see it in the people caring for patients in our hospitals, running businesses, teaching our children, raising cattle, working in agriculture and gathering together at community celebrations.

Rural Texas is made up of many cultures, many traditions and many family stories. That is not something that takes away from who we are. It is part of what makes our communities strong.

Farmers and gardeners have always known that diversity matters. Good soil is not made up of just one thing; it takes a healthy mix to build the strongest foundation for a good harvest. The same is true of our communities, our state and our nation.

That is why I keep coming back to the question raised by the conversation this week.

When did diversity become something Texans were supposed to fear?

How did looking around and seeing Texans who don't all look alike become evidence that something has gone wrong? This doesn't have to be a Republican question or a Democratic question. In fact, the strong Republican criticism of French this week is evidence that it doesn't fit neatly into those boxes.

This is a Texas question.

Are we moving forward, learning to live together in a state that is growing and changing? Or are we moving backward, teaching another generation to see differences between their neighbors as something threatening?

I think about those three kids of ours in that graduation picture.

Before anyone sorted them into racial or demographic categories, they were simply friends. Kids who grew up together. Kids from Spearman. Kids headed to the University of Texas.

And I think about the people I stood with this weekend at a celebration in our little Panhandle town — people from different cultures sharing the same place and calling the same community home.

That is not some threat to Texas. It is Texas.

The question before Texas is not whether we are becoming more diverse, instead the question before Texas is whether we are willing to recognize the Texas that is already standing right in front of us.

Springtown Mayor Mike Kelley, a former Springtown ISD superintendent, described Lowery’s impact on the community simply.

“Jody is a legend,” Kelley said. “People love him. He was an icon to so many Springtown athletes.”

With more than 40 years in education, including decades spent coaching and 14 years serving on the Springtown ISD board of trustees, Lowery left a lasting impact on generations of students and the community.

Lowery dedicated 32 years of his life to coaching, teaching and guiding young people. He was known for teaching athletes how to compete while emphasizing accountability and hard work.

Former athletes remembered Lowery not only for what he taught them in athletics but also for the influence he had on their lives.

Cody Lewis said Lowery’s early encouragement helped launch his own playing career.

“I was in PE when Coach Lowery noticed me,” Lewis recalled. “I could run, jump — do the things that caught his eye.”

Jamie Spurlin Doremus, who played basketball for Lowery and graduated in 1988, remembered a coach who continued encouraging his players even when things were not going their way.

“Coach Lowery was your biggest cheerleader — even if you were having the worst game ever,” Doremus said. “He’d tell me, ‘Just keep shooting, it’ll go in.’ When he got upset, he’d hold the ball with one hand and point — you knew he meant business.”

Lowery’s former athletes and friends had an opportunity to show him how much he meant to them in the summer of 2025.

Dozens of former athletes and community members gathered at Legacy Oaks of Azle for a Miracle Moment of Appreciation honoring Lowery. The event included messages and memories from people whose lives he touched during his years in Springtown.

The gathering provided former players, students and friends an opportunity to thank Lowery for the lessons and encouragement he provided over the decades.

A celebration of life for Lowery is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at First Baptist Church in Springtown. Family members and friends are invited to share memories as they honor Lowery’s life and his years of service to the Springtown community.