America 250 Celebration set July 4

The city of Springtown will celebrate America’s 250th birthday July 4 with a community parade at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at POJO Stadium and follow Pojo Road before it turns right onto N. Main St. (FM 51) to the Springtown Square.

Live entertainment at Cartwright Pavilion will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon.

To participate in the parade, apply at cityofspringtown.com/sign-up-for-star-spangled-bash-parade/.

Ice cream fellowship arrives July 5

Hilltop Family Church, 1227 Old Cottondale Road, will host its “Red, White and Scoop” ice cream fellowship from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

Families are invited to gather after church for ice cream and fellowship.

Telegraph demonstration due July 8

The Springtown Legends Museum, 839 N. Main St., will host a telegraph demonstration for children from 10:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, July 8.

Participants will learn how telegraphs were used to send messages over long distances before modern communication technology.

Make your own wind chime July 15

Springtown Public Library will host a wind chime-making event from 10:30-noon at 626 N. Main St. in Springtown.

Paint the pieces, put them together, then take your masterpiece home to hang outside and listen to it chime in the breeze. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Free Summer Snack Packs until Aug. 5

First United Methodist Church, 109 W. Third St., will continue its Snack Pack Program through Aug. 5, providing free dinner meals and snack packs for children and families.

Participants can dine on-site or pick up meals and snack packs every Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Storm recovery assistance available

The United Way of Parker County has launched its Long-Term Recovery Program to assist individuals and families still recovering from the April storms.

Residents who need assistance with repairs, insurance needs, or other storm-related challenges may contact director@unitedwayofparkercounty.org or call 817-458-8612.

According to the Springtown athletic department, Kamryn Wood, Emma Lett, Ashley Shreves and Libby Tedder are representing Springtown at the national tournament in Indianapolis.

The USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship is considered the premier club volleyball championship in the United States. The event brings together many of the nation's top club teams and players in age divisions ranging from 14U through 17U.

The national championship serves as one of the largest recruiting opportunities in the country, with hundreds of college coaches in attendance. It also features many future NCAA players and national team athletes.

Teams must qualify through regional and national events to earn a berth in the tournament, making participation an accomplishment in itself.

The appearance by four Lady Porcupines on volleyball's biggest club stage comes on the heels of a memorable season for Springtown High School. The Lady Porcupines finished 43-10 and advanced to the regional finals during the 2025 season.

Tedder, one of the players competing in Indianapolis, earned Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State honors and is committed to continue her volleyball career at McNeese State University.

The national tournament provides another opportunity for Springtown's volleyball players to compete against elite competition while showcasing their talents on one of the biggest stages in youth volleyball.

Eddy Prather | Springtown Epigraph

Representing Springtown FFA at the camp were President Talan Gil, Vice President Abigail Martin, Secretary Lilah Mooneyham, Treasurer Payton Ritchey, Reporter Madelyn Walker and Sentinel Layla Jeffrey.

The annual camp brings together FFA members from across North Texas for leadership workshops, team-building activities and sessions designed to prepare students for leadership roles within their chapters and communities.

The camp serves as an opportunity for newly elected officers to build relationships, develop communication skills and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Gil said the experience had a lasting impact on him.

"ALC will always have a special place in my heart," Gil said. "Even though it was my second and final year attending, it was a completely different experience because I was a different person. I left more confident, more outgoing and more positive. ALC isn't just a camp, it's where friendships are built and leadership begins. It helped shape who I am."

Martin said the camp provided an opportunity to grow as both a leader and a person.

"ALC is an experience I'll never forget," Martin said. "My favorite part was meeting members from different chapters and districts while growing as both a leader and a person. I learned that leadership isn't just about leading, it's about encouraging others, building relationships and making a positive impact. I'm grateful for every memory and every person who made this week unforgettable."

Walker said some of the most meaningful moments came unexpectedly.

"I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to attend ALC," Walker said. "It pushed me outside my comfort zone, helped me grow as a leader and introduced me to so many amazing people. One of my favorite memories was our last-minute Bible study. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful moments are the ones you never plan."

The leadership experience comes on the heels of another successful year for Springtown FFA. The chapter captured Area IV championships in veterinary science and horse judging and qualified its livestock judging team for state competition.

The six officers will help lead the chapter during the 2026-27 school year as Springtown FFA continues its tradition of success in leadership development events, career development contests and community service projects.

The Area IV Leadership Camp is considered one of the premier summer leadership opportunities in Texas FFA and emphasizes teamwork, service and personal growth while preparing students to lead their local chapters.

                                                                                   Photo Courtesy Dawson Shannon

Kolb represented Springtown at the UIL State Track and Field Meet in Austin after qualifying in the discus and finished seventh in the state.

Her trip to Austin capped another successful season in which she won both the district and regional championships in the discus and established herself as one of the top throwers in Class 4A.

The Texas High School Coaches Association's Super Elite Team recognizes some of the top track and field athletes across the state, making Kolb's selection one of the highest honors of her high school career.

Head girls track and field coach Tayler Jones described Kolb's season as outstanding after she advanced through district and regional competition and earned a top 10 finish at the state meet.

Kolb's selection to the Super Elite Team adds another accomplishment to an already impressive track and field resume and gives the Lady Porcupines another statewide honor to celebrate.

With another season remaining in her high school career, Kolb will enter next spring as one of the top returning discus throwers in Class 4A.

                                                                                           Eddy Prather | Springtown Epigraph                                                                                      

According to preseason rankings released by Dave Campbell's Texas Football, Springtown is ranked No. 3 in Class 4A Division I, trailing only Stephenville and Lindale. District rivals Decatur and Alvarado are ranked No. 7 No. 12, respectively, in the statewide preseason poll.

The high ranking comes after the Porcupines put together a memorable 2025 season, finishing 12-1, winning the District 5-4A Division I championship and advancing to the regional finals.

Springtown defeated Lake Worth and Frisco Panther Creek in the playoffs before its season ended against Alvarado.

The Porcupines return several key pieces from last year's district championship team and enter the season with high expectations.

Quarterback Kaine Hill emerged as one of the top signal callers in Class 4A last season after accounting for 483 total yards and eight touchdowns in Springtown's district-clinching victory over Decatur. Hill is projected as the preseason offensive MVP in the district.

Springtown also returns standout linebacker Rome Ewell, the District 5-4A Division I Most Valuable Player, who recorded 148 tackles and has already received multiple Division I scholarship offers.

The Porcupines also bring back explosive playmakers in wide receiver Pilot Grubis and running back Teagan Hair, along with several experienced contributors on both sides of the ball, giving Springtown a strong foundation entering the season.

Preseason rankings often change throughout the summer and fall as teams deal with injuries, player development and other factors, but the poll demonstrates the respect Springtown has earned across the state.

The Porcupines also face a new challenge this season with district realignment.

Springtown moves into a district that includes Alvarado, Aubrey, Lake Dallas, Godley, Decatur, Castleberry and Carrollton Ranchview.

The new alignment features several programs with recent playoff success and should provide a difficult road to another district championship.

Under coach Brian Hulett, Springtown has become one of the state's premier Class 4A Division I programs. The preseason ranking reflects the expectations surrounding the program entering the 2026 season.

With the start of the season still weeks away, Springtown has already earned statewide recognition and enters the fall as one of the top contenders in Class 4A Division I.

                                                                                 Eddy Prather| Springtown Epigraph

The event was held June 26-27 at multiple sites throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Duncanville, Mansfield and Cedar Hill. The showcase featured 557 teams from across the state and is one of Texas' premier summer basketball events.

The event also served as an NCAA-certified live recruiting period, allowing college coaches from Division I through the junior college ranks to evaluate players.

For Springtown, the showcase provided three games against unfamiliar competition over two days and gave coach Jason Riley and his staff an opportunity to evaluate their roster heading into the 2026-27 season.

The Porcupines gained valuable experience against teams from around the state before district play begins.

Riley said the showcase accomplished exactly what the program hoped to gain from the event.

"The TABC Showcase was a big success for us," Riley said. "Getting to play against playoff teams is always a good measuring stick, but more importantly just a great way to get to develop our team."

Riley said the experience benefited both the players and the program as a whole.

"All in all, it was good for our guys and our program," Riley said. "I am excited for the upcoming season."

The TABC Showcase has become one of the state's top summer events because it gives teams an opportunity to face opponents they normally would not see during the regular season. It also provides players with exposure to college recruiters while allowing coaches to identify strengths and areas that need improvement.

For the Porcupines, the event served as an early measuring stick and another step toward preparing for the upcoming season.

                                                                                   Photo Courtesy Jason Riley

Conservatives laughed because we understood the principle behind the joke. Government has an important role, but it also has limits. Strong families, local communities and accountable local government have long been viewed as the foundation of a healthy America. Government should do what only government can do, and it should remain accountable to the people it serves.

That old idea came to mind several times this week.

One education story raised questions about what state agencies owe elected officials — and ultimately the public — when major decisions are made. Another revealed taxpayers would foot an $8 million bill correcting mistakes in the state's adopted curriculum. At the Capitol, I spent nearly 10 hours listening to county judges, commissioners, landowners and rural Texans testify about data centers, water, energy and the future of their communities. Beneath the varied topics ran a common thread: local officials repeatedly described carrying responsibility without having the authority to shape decisions that will affect their communities for decades.

Individually, these are education stories and rural development stories. Together, they tell us something about the kind of government we're building.

For the past year, I've traveled across Texas covering the issues shaping rural communities — public education, health care, data centers, water, land use and economic development. Increasingly, I hear the same concern expressed in different ways. Decisions once made closer to home are gradually moving farther away from the people who must live with the consequences. Local communities still shoulder the responsibility, but the authority increasingly rests elsewhere.

None of this is meant to suggest that every decision belongs at the local level. Texas is too large and too complex for that. Some issues demand statewide leadership, and some challenges are simply beyond the capacity of any one county or school district. But that doesn't mean we should stop asking where the balance belongs.

Years ago, former Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander Strayhorn often spoke about what she called the "phone book test." If you could find a service in the phone book, government probably didn't need to be doing it. The phone books have disappeared, but the principle still deserves consideration. It was never really about the phone book. It was about restraint. Before government assumed another responsibility, conservatives first asked whether it was truly a function that belonged to government.

I'm not sure we ask that question as often anymore.

Instead, I suspect we've become more willing to use government to accomplish objectives we believe are worthwhile. Success has a way of changing movements. After governing for a generation, it's easy to focus on what government can accomplish and spend less time asking what government should accomplish.

Education, economic development and even data center policy reveal the same tendency. Faced with complicated problems, we increasingly look to centralized systems, statewide programs and administrative agencies to produce the outcomes we want. Many of those goals are worthwhile. My concern isn't the goals. It's what happens to the structure of government while we're pursuing them.

Conservatism was never defined solely by the policies it supported. It was also defined by how government should be organized. Limited government wasn't simply about spending less money; it was about limiting the concentration of power. Local control reflected the belief that government is most accountable when it remains close to the people. Transparency mattered because authority should always answer to citizens.

Those principles seem worth revisiting.

The institutions we build today will outlast today's officeholders and today's political victories. Programs created to solve one problem often become permanent. Authority, once centralized, rarely returns to the local level on its own.

Perhaps that's why this week's stories stayed with me. They weren't really about education, data centers or rural development. They were reminders that every policy debate is also a debate about governance.

Every time we ask government to solve another problem, we should also ask where that authority belongs and how the people affected by those decisions will hold it accountable. That's not a Republican question or a Democratic question. It's an American question — and a Texas question.

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, perhaps there is no better time to revisit the first principles that shaped this Republic. Not simply what government should do, but where power should reside, how it should be exercised and to whom it should answer. Those questions are as old as the nation itself, and they remain worth asking. Because if we stop asking them, we may eventually find ourselves living under a government none of us intended to build.

Carrie Jackson, director of Career and Adult Learning at the Parker County Center of Hope, said the program is often described as a “mobile vacation Bible school” as it operates directly within neighborhoods.

“Throughout the summer, children participate in Bible lessons, games, crafts, life-skills activities and healthy meal preparation,” she said.

While Camp Hope teaches biblical principles, Jackson said the early evening program is also designed to provide mentorship and encourage children to make healthy choices in an effort to strengthen families long after the camp ends.

“The program is designed to impact children and families both immediately and long term by addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs,” she said. “Many of the children we serve face challenges that can limit their access to healthy food, positive role models or opportunities to learn essential life skills.”

In addition to camp activities, participants receive free bags of groceries to help provide meals for their families during the summer months.

In partnership with Cook Children’s and Serenity Impact, campers will also participate in hands-on microgreen gardening experiences that encourage healthy lifestyles and learn practical skills they can use at home.

“By teaching children how to make healthy choices, prepare nutritious meals and learn from the character traits demonstrated by people in the Bible, Camp Hope helps build confidence, responsibility and resilience,” Jackson said.

Unlike many summer camp programs, Jackson said Camp Hope meets the families in their communities to eliminate the biggest barrier families face — transportation.

“Some parents may not be able to afford the extra cost of gas, while others have work schedules that make it difficult to get their children to and from traditional camp or vacation Bible school,” Jackson said.

“By meeting children where they live, Camp Hope makes participation more accessible for families who might otherwise be unable to attend,” she said.

For one to two hours a day, the camp activates community engagement by allowing children to attend alongside friends and neighbors they are familiar with. Parents also have opportunities to connect with local churches that serve as host sites, volunteers and other families, creating relationships that often continue beyond the summer.

Jackson said that many former campers return to serve as volunteers as she recalled a group of teenage girls who later became volunteers.

“Their enthusiasm spoke volumes about the positive impact Camp Hope had on them growing up,” she said.

“What was once a place where they learned, grew and built relationships had become an opportunity for them to pour into the next generation of campers. Watching former campers return as volunteers is a powerful reminder that the seeds planted through Camp Hope can continue to grow for years,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the Parker County Center Hope is grateful for the willingness of churches and community organizations to volunteer their resources and spaces for Camp Hope.

“We are incredibly grateful for the churches and organizations that partner with us each year to serve local children and families,” she said.

As Camp Hope continues to grow, Jackson said the Center of Hope aspires to partner with additional churches and community organizations to expand into more neighborhoods, particularly in the Springtown area.

“Camp Hope is not just about the activities that happen during a few hours each day — it’s about building relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and reminding families that they are part of a community that cares about them and wants to see them succeed,” Jackson said.

To find more information about Camp Hope’s July 2026 schedule, visit centerofhopetx.com/camp-hope/.

Walden explained the proposal grew out of the county’s Hydrology 2050 Committee, which evolved from an earlier committee that distributed federal funding through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.

As the committee reviewed funding requests, Walden said it realized many requests came from water entities throughout Parker County, prompting county officials to shift their focus toward long-term water planning.

The county consulted with Freese and Nichols, which recommended the county form a PUA, allowing cities and water providers to work together on future water infrastructure projects since groundwater resources are becoming scarce.

“We’re drilling wells in Parker County at a rate that’s not sustainable over a long period of time,” Walden said.

Brown said regional cooperation has become increasingly relevant as state and federal agencies prioritize projects that benefit multiple communities.

“The regional solutions do score higher,” Brown said.

Although Springtown currently has access to surface water from Eagle Mountain Lake, Mayor Mike Kelley said joining the PUA would allow the city to help neighboring communities while further strengthening its own water infrastructure.

Kelley said becoming part of the regional partnership would also improve the city’s ability to compete for a share of the state’s $1 billion per year in water infrastructure funding over the next 20 years.

“We need to be good neighbors,” he said. “If everybody around us fails, we will also fail. Joining this group will give us a voice that is shared, a place at a table that will help us secure those grants you talked about.”

City Administrator David Miller concurred with Kelley.

“While we may not have a need to be a part of the PUA because we have our own water source, we don’t know what those water sources are going to do in 2050,” Miller said. “This is a good step to plan for the future.”

Miller asked Brown to clarify that joining the agency would not automatically increase water rates for Springtown residents.

Brown said the water rates referenced in the proposal would apply only to water sold through the PUA.

Miller noted that if Springtown were supplying water to other PUA members, those purchases could possibly help offset the city’s costs, rather than increase rates for Springtown residents.

Brown ended her presentation by noting that a city may withdraw from the PUA by providing 180 days’ notice, so long as it does not carry any outstanding agency debt.

No action was taken as city officials continue reviewing the proposed ordinance and user agreement before deciding whether to become part of the PUA.

Together, the three projects will add an estimated 115,000 gallons of rainwater storage with the capacity to collect more than 1 million gallons of rainfall annually.

While the grant funds rainwater harvesting infrastructure, Jill Garcia, assistant general manager at UTGCD, said the district’s broader goal is to educate communities about water conservation by developing projects that inspire residents to consider rainwater harvesting.

“We’re hoping this inspires people in those places where maybe groundwater isn’t as plentiful,” she said. “This is an absolute option for residential and commercial usage, no doubt.”

As a returning grant recipient, Garcia said the Central Community Volunteer Fire Department has utilized its grant funding to develop a rainwater harvesting system that recycles water during firefighter training at Weatherford College.

“So, what the trainees will do is they’ll utilize the rainwater harvesting volumes, they’ll learn to spray (water) on the roof of the fire station, and it goes straight back into the system. So, it’s a totally closed loop in that regard,” Garcia said.

The City of New Fairview, another returning grant recipient, previously used grant funding to install a rainwater harvesting tank at its emergency services building and a rainwater catchment system at Chacon Community Park, where harvested water will support an educational garden.

“We actually partnered with them to (do) a learning garden,” Garcia said. “So, they are going to be utilizing native plant implementation in this local area and they’re going to be sourcing rainwater they’re catching off their community building at the park.”

Montague County Precinct 4, a first-time grant recipient, will install a 65,000-gallon rainwater harvesting tank to provide water for local firefighting districts while serving as an educational resource for the community.

“This is going to help both in the firefighting capacity as well as teaching the community about rainwater harvesting — in a residential capacity and for commercial,” she said.

Applications are reviewed by the district’s education committee, a panel of board members who interview applicants before making final funding decisions.

There is currently no limit on the number of times an organization may receive a grant. Returning applicants are encouraged to document how previous funding has been used, allowing the education committee to evaluate the project’s progress and community impact.

“They show up with a report of how they use the rainwater because they’re invested in terms of showing it to their constituents. Our education committee is always impressed if you’re able to quantify how much rainwater was used,” Garcia said.

Now in its fifth year, the grant program is open to eligible public entities, including cities, school districts, volunteer fire departments, emergency service districts throughout Parker, Hood, Montague and Wise counties.

Garcia said the district always encourages first-time applicants.

“We’re always excited when there’s a first-time applicant because that means someone in the community took the time to actually really engage and say, ‘Can this be a benefit for us?’” she said.

Garcia said the district intentionally made the grant application to be easy and accessible for applicants.

“The application is only about two pages long,” she said. “We wanted to make it to where a community group could fill this out without needing a grant writer — help them be competitive or at least have a score that’s engaging to the education committee.”

The district also provides valuable feedback for unsuccessful applications.

“Even if you didn’t make it this particular year, please apply next year,” Garcia said.

“That has happened sometimes, where the application the first year maybe wasn’t quite what the education committee was looking for and they (the applicant) came around and were able to grab that grant recipient spot,” she said.

Applications score higher when they demonstrate the ability to reduce groundwater use through rainwater harvesting, are located in high-visibility community areas and commit to serving as educational resources through workshops, public tours or training sessions.

“That’s our goal,” Garcia said. “We want someone to walk by a system, read one of our signs and say, ‘Can we do this at home?’”

The next Rainwater Harvesting Grant Program application period opens Oct. 1 and continues through Feb. 28, 2027.

Those interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting or next year’s grant program can visit uppertrinitygcd.com or schedule a tour of the district at 1859 W. Highway 199 in Springtown.

Museum Coordinator Amy Hedges said the 5,000-year-old practice is a great hands-on activity to help preserve a practical life skill that is becoming less common among younger generations.

“It’s a life skill that’s kind of dying out,” Hedges said. “It’s so easy that small kids could do it and learn from it.”

During the program, Hedges educated children about how to create and maintain a jar of sourdough starter using equal parts of flour and water.

“Pretty much all that starter is — is 50 grams of water, 50 grams of flour,” she said. “You just keep taking half of it every single day, and you keep feeding it every day.”

After about two weeks of feeding, the starter develops the natural yeast needed to bake bread without using over-the-counter yeast products.

Participants received a small container of sourdough starter to take home. Hedges said the starter can be combined with flour, water and an egg to make a loaf of bread.

Among those attending was Sue Petrach, a retired teacher from Poolville, who said she has enjoyed participating in the museum’s summer educational programs.

“It’s wonderful,” Petrach said. “I love the idea of educating the younger children, letting them know that things can be made rather than bought.”

Also in attendance was Angie Mitchell, a Springtown High School English teacher, who heard of the program after her daughter found the event advertised at the local library.

As an educator, she said programs like the museum’s help children connect what they learn in the classroom with hands-on experiences.

“Kids need to be able to see some of these things to be able to understand,” she said. “If they don’t have tangible things to look at, then it’s more difficult for them to understand.”

Hedges said the positive response has already inspired the museum’s next workshop. She hopes to host an adult class in August focused on sourdough starter and homemade jam.

In his presentation, Kelley said the city has exceeded its recommended reserve benchmarks, providing financial flexibility to respond to emergencies while preparing for continued growth as Springtown’s population has surpassed 5,000 residents.

“We have a healthy fund balance,” Kelley said.

“It’s allowing us to be ready for things like a tornado in April — or if there’s a need. Because the growth is kind of a snowball, as we get past that 5,000-person mark — we have some money reserved that will help us survive the initial part of that snowball when expenses go up faster than revenues do,” he said.

Assistant City Administrator and City Secretary Christina Derr said Springtown’s financial stability has also been strengthened by the steady growth of sales tax revenue, which has allowed the city to continue lowering its property tax rate for residents.

“It is the single biggest source of revenue that we have,” she said.

“A lot of people believe that most of our funding comes from property tax and that’s fortunately not the case. So, just in the last five years, we’ve seen about 50% growth in our sales tax. The more sales tax that we can collect, the lower the property tax burden. We’re very fortunate in our ability to rely on sales tax to the degree that we are able to,” Derr said.

During city infrastructure updates, Derr said the water treatment plant project will increase treatment capacity from 1 million gallons to 1.5 million gallons per day while updating aging equipment. Ninety percent of the project is funded through a state grant.

Derr also highlighted road infrastructure improvements, including drainage upgrades on Roy Lane to address long-standing drainage issues.

Following Derr’s comments, Kelley provided a law enforcement and public safety update.

“We have increased the number of officers we have available pretty significantly,” he said. “We have at least two officers available every night for the overnight shift. We have 24/7 patrols and that’s encouraging.”

Kelley also emphasized the increase of law enforcement presence in public schools.

“We’ve grown from only having two school resource officers to seven and having that very visible and consistent presence has been really beneficial,” he said.

As Springtown develops its comprehensive plan for 2040, Kelley said community surveys have generated strong public feedback despite limited interest in serving on the long-term planning committee.

Kelley encouraged residents to join the city’s Planning and Zoning board to help shape decisions that will prepare the city for future growth.

“We have three positions that are up and two people currently on the P and Z are going to run again. So, if you are interested in being involved, there are opportunities,” he said.

With Springtown’s population now surpassing 5,000 residents, Kelley informed attendees about the opportunity for the city to transition from a Type A general law city to a Home Rule city. In Texas, cities with 5,000 or more residents can adopt a Home Rule charter if it is approved by voters.

A Type A general law city operates under state law, while a Home Rule city will have the authority to pass local ordinances it considers necessary, provided they are not prohibited by state or federal law.

Kelley emphasized the decision rests entirely with the voters and said he wanted to address the topic before misinformation begins to spread throughout the community.

“That’s not something the council could or would want to decide on their own,” he said.

“We can’t legally do it, nor would we want to do that. It will only come forward after citizen input, council discussions and would have to go back to the voters. If you hear some discussion on it, I want to make sure everybody understands the council is not planning to do anything dramatic or change things from how we’ve done it,” Kelley said.

Kelley concluded by reminding attendees that growth is rapidly approaching and the city must prepare for the future.

“We are in one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire United States,” he said.

“The growth is coming. We can choose to put our nose in the sand and ignore it, or we can choose to be proactive and prepare as best as we are able. We want to be attractive to the types of growth that will help us do great things,” Kelley said.

He grew up surrounded by his father’s wrecker service and salvage yard, which helped him learn a lot about cars. That experience ultimately led him into the car business, and he opened Slate’s Motor Co. in 1982.

About six years before entering the car business, he worked in real estate and obtained his real estate broker’s license in 1979.

“I had my personal truck parked outside, and the guy came in, wanted to know if I'd sell it. I said, ‘Yes,’ and I sold it. Back then, we didn't have mobile phones, pagers and fax machines and all that, so the pay was really quick. Instead of waiting on closing for real estate, the next day I bought another truck, and the next day another person stopped by, and that's how I got into the business,” Slate said.

He also served on the board of equalization for the Parker County Appraisal District where he worked with the tax office for one summer.

He got into the auction business 60 years ago at the age of 14 and retired last September. During his auctioning career, he helped conduct benefit auctions for churches, organizations, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office and Parker County Judges’ political events. He has also conducted many cattle and car auctions.

“I had helped before, had some hard times sometimes, and I wanted to give back because I was tapped out a lot,” Slate said.

Throughout his life, Slate said there have been many people who have encouraged and inspired him, including his father — who was crucial in helping him start his business — as well as a coach and an agriculture teacher.

“There's one coach in particular that was really helpful. He said, ‘Oh, don't ever give up.’ I had an agriculture teacher who was really informative and helped me through the agricultural business that I'm in now, too,” Slate said, adding that he also owns a cattle company.

Slate said he enjoys giving back to others and seeing the impact it has on people’s lives.

“It's just kind of made me more compassionate. When you help others, it always seems like it helps me as much as them, seeing the benefits they got to have that they normally couldn't,” he said.

During the 24-hour field day, participants learned about emergency communications, made contacts and connected with the amateur radio community. Participants also had the opportunity to obtain their amateur radio license. The club made 247 contacts during the event, including contacts in Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and Brazil.

The club supports Parker, Tarrant and Wise counties through amateur radio. It offers amateur radio testing, local emergency communications, fox hunting, Parks on the Air — a worldwide amateur radio program — and field days.

Amateur radio is a noncommercial radio communication service that operates on radio frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission in the United States and the International Telecommunication Union internationally. Amateur radio operators are also known as “hams,” and use amateur radio equipment to engage in two-way personal communication with other “hams.”

Radio operators also participate in competitive events, aid communication during public events, serve as a vital communications link during emergencies and disasters, advance their technical skills and build their own radio components.

Anyone who meets FCC eligibility requirements and is not a representative of a foreign government can be an amateur radio operator in the United States. However, before individuals can get on the air, a license is required so they know the rules for operating legally. In the United States, there are three license classes that are taken in order — Technician, General and Amateur Extra.

During severe weather, club members staff an amateur radio station located inside the Azle Fire Department and relay real-time storm reports to the National Weather Service. While radar can detect conditions that could cause severe weather, amateur radio operators provide on-the-ground reports that help forecasters confirm what is happening.

“We have this thing that's called SKYWARN, and that's radio operators like ourselves. We drive around, and we will give real-time updates. So, if it's hailing, we'll call the National Weather Service and say ‘it's hailing, and this is the size of the hail, (and) how strong the wind gusts are.’ If there's a tornado on the ground, we report that,” club President Chris Fuselier told the Springtown Epigraph.

Club member Jeff Vian said amateur radios can provide a dependable form of communication during emergencies when cellular and internet services are down.

“Amateur radios still work because their battery power development doesn’t depend on the internet or built-in infrastructures. This type of radio may be the only communication you have, because it's portable, because it's easy to hear, because (there are a) lot of operators that volunteer for citizens. Everybody thinks cell phones are going to be there forever. That's not the case,” Vian said.

If you are interested in joining the club, attend one of its monthly meetings at 7 p.m. the first Saturday of each month except on holidays — July’s meeting will be July 11 — at the Azle Fire Department or visit wc5c.org for more information.

Friend earned a Master of Science in nursing; Magliola earned a Bachelor of Science.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state's flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides a forward-thinking environment and more than 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state's largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

The plaque dedication was held at Veterans Memorial at Soldier Spring Park and led by Weatherford Chapter DAR Regent Beth Holst. State Regent Susan Johnston, Weatherford Mayor Paul Paschall and Jamie Bodiford-Brinkley of the Parker County Heritage Society spoke about the importance of remembering American Revolutionary patriots whom the plaque honors.

Also honoring the fallen of Operation Epic Fury was Kaye Jordan of Parker County Gold Star Families. A brick was laid in their honor in the memorial garden. The names of the fallen were read, followed a dedication honoring the American Revolutionary patriots who sacrificed and fought to found a new nation 250 years ago.

The good ones and the bad?

Some that make us happy,

Some that make us sad.

Some are just suggestive,

Others just too vulgar or mean.

They can all stir up emotions

That can make you cringe or maybe scream.

Mostly, I like the memories

That they bring to my mind.

Some of the memories are good for me;

Some of them are unkind.

Do you remember that song,

The one that made you think about him or her?

Or maybe the one sung by Lulu,

The one about her love, ‘To Sir’”

What song do you remember,

That, when you hear it, makes your heart break?

Because it reminds you of someone special,

To whom you gave your all — only to find it was a mistake.

How about a song that makes you laugh,

Or that first dance, or maybe a song from your prom?

One that brings back all the memories

Of where your past came from.

I didn’t even know I was missing anyone

Until I heard that particular tune.

The lyrics that spark those thoughts

Make me realize they left too soon.

Seems there is a song for everything,

Every life event we go through.

Think about your old mixtape or CD

For that special someone that you knew.

There is a song about every topic —

Songs to make us cry, laugh and think.

Someone will write a song about anything,

Even a dead skunk that to heaven did stink.

You’ve got those songs to jazzercise,

Or Richard’s rock ‘n’ roll oldies full of pep.

Songs that make you twist and shout,

Or boot-scoot around with a two-step.

Songs bring back so many memories —

Some are good, some poor, and some of them sad.

Memories we love to dwell upon,

And some we wish we never had.

I love a song that I don’t just hear,

But in my body makes me deep down feel —

You know, like a good one in church

That lets you know in your spirit that God is real.

Don’t you love that one?

You know the one that takes you back,

Back when it all seemed less complicated,

And the world appeared more on track.

Remember all of those songs,

Let your memories run free.

Just listen for a moment —

And you might find that you agree.

It was a large, round white Bicentennial belt buckle displaying the official logo of our nation's 200th birthday. The belt itself was white patent leather and so wide that the belt loops on my bell-bottom jeans seemed to emit a faint hiss of protest every time I threaded it through them. Combined with my lengthy, mid-1970s hairstyle, I fit right in with my peers.

This July 4, our nation celebrates another milestone: its 250th birthday. Officially, it is called the Semiquincentennial, an impressive-sounding term many of us will forget by July 5.

As I have reflected on our country's upcoming celebration, I am filled with gratitude.

For 250 years, the United States has endured wars, economic hardships, national tragedies and profound change. We have chapters of our history that call for sorrow and humility as we reflect on how we have sometimes fallen short of our highest ideals.

Yet the American story is also one of freedom, resilience, expanding opportunity, scientific and technological achievement, thriving communities and countless acts of courage, service and generosity.

In a few days, many of us will gather in Azle's Central Park for Follow the Flag. For more than three decades, the Azle Area Ministerial Alliance has brought our community together to celebrate faith, freedom and community. There will be grandparents, parents and children sharing the same evening, connected by family while bringing different memories and perspectives to the celebration.

My wife, Daniele, grew up in Germany, and being welcomed into her family and culture broadened my perspective. It also deepened my appreciation for the many people, backgrounds and traditions that have helped shape our country.

Even during times when our country feels divided, I remain hopeful because of what I see around me. People raise families, teach children, operate businesses, serve in churches, volunteer in the community and help neighbors through difficult times. Those efforts strengthen the places where we live.

In 1990, First Lady Barbara Bush delivered the commencement address at Wellesley College. Speaking about life, family and priorities, she offered a reminder that still resonates today: “Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens at the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”

I suspect most of us know the truth of that statement from experience.

My feelings about our country are similar to many important relationships in my life. I would do almost anything to support my family and friends, but that does not mean I always agree with them or they with me. The people and relationships that matter most are rarely the easiest ones. They are the ones we keep showing up for because we love them.

In some ways, that is how I view our nation. One of our great freedoms is the ability to speak openly about our nation's challenges and work toward improvement while remaining grateful for the many blessings and opportunities that make this country such a remarkable place to call home.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy and for the generations who sacrificed, served and invested to protect them.

As a Christian, I especially value the freedom to worship openly, share my faith and live according to my convictions.

This Independence Day, Daniele and I will spend time with family and friends, thank God for the blessings we enjoy in the United States and pray for our nation.

My father's first career was in the United States Air Force, and both of my parents understood that our freedoms were neither automatic nor free. They taught my brothers and me to appreciate this country and the opportunities we had been given.

Today, as Daniele and I watch our children build families of their own and our grandchildren grow up, I am reminded that every generation receives a country shaped by those who came before and leaves its own imprint on what comes next.

Every now and then, I still find myself thinking about that oversized Bicentennial belt buckle and the excitement I felt at age 13 about America's 200th birthday.

Fifty years later, I am grateful to celebrate its 250th with those who will someday build upon what our generation leaves behind.

I remember counting the minutes to the final school bell of the year.

“Man, I can’t wait,” I would think to myself.

I planned on waking up at noon, watching my favorite television shows like “Rugrats,” “Doug,” “Salute Your Shorts” and “The Adventures of Pete & Pete,” then heading to Blockbuster, renting Super Nintendo games, staying up all night playing them and waking up the next day to do it all over again.

It was the perfect plan that got sidelined when my dad walked into my room.

Unlike me, he wasn’t spending his days counting down the minutes until the final school day. He spent his days working two jobs to save enough money to rent an RV so he could take the family on a road trip from Texas to New Mexico.

I was not happy.

I complained about how hot it would be. I said I wanted to stay home and watch television, in an air-conditioned house.

My dad dismissed my complaints as he started listing destinations.

“We’ll get to see Big Bend, the Marfa Lights, the alien crash at Roswell, Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands…adventure, son!” Dad exclaimed.

I kept complaining until my mom gave me the death stare that convinced me to change my attitude.

Four hours into the trip, I dropped the first “Are we there yet?” once we drove through Odessa.

I still remember the dread of what felt like an eternity traveling down Interstate 20 when my dad turned around and answered with words no impatient child wants to hear.

“Halfway there.”

Once we finally arrived in Marfa, the trip began to change for me.

I still remember being in awe as I saw the mysterious lights flickering beyond the desert landscape as the sun was setting. It set the tone of the adventure my father had been ranting and raving about.

Our next stop was Big Bend National Park.

We spent days hiking the long trails and taking breaks in the natural waters of Boquillas Hot Springs.

At night, my father would tell us ghost stories about Ben Leaton and his haunted fort where treasure was supposedly hidden. He may have gotten a little too intense with his storytelling — I slept with one eye open during our cabin stay.

But all great fathers do that, at least mine did.

The adventure continued at Carlsbad Caverns, where I held onto the guardrail for dear life when we came across the “bottomless” pit. In the evening we watched thousands of bats fly into the New Mexico sky.

Then we tumbled and slid down the massive white sand dunes at White Sands National Park.

My favorite stop on the trip was Roswell, New Mexico.

Walking through the Roswell UFO Museum was an unforgettable experience. I remember staring at the crash site displays, photographs and alien autopsy exhibits with complete amazement. It made a “believer” out of me.

The older I get, the more gratitude I have for my father.

He worked two jobs so his children could have an unforgettable experience.

The television shows and video games I cried about are still available today with the push of a button, but being a 10-year-old boy traveling the open road with my father was a once-in-a-lifetime-experience.

This column is for all fathers who dedicate their summers to being the Kings of the Road.

Please email information about your event to info@burtnettmedia.com no later than noon Friday to be included in the following week’s paper. Be sure to include the who, what, when, where and why as well as contact information. Items are listed in chronological order and printed as space is available. This is a public service and publication is not guaranteed. If you require guaranteed space in the paper, please contact Kimmy Dorado at kimmy@burtnettmedia.com.

Summer Feeding Program set June 1-25

SISD will provide free breakfast and lunch meals June 1-25 at Springtown Intermediate School, 300 Pojo Drive.

Meals will be served Monday through Thursday, with breakfast from 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required.

For more information, contact Laura Champagne at lchampagne@springtownisd.net.

Lions Club Bingo Night arrives June 27

The Springtown Lions Club will host a Bingo Night fundraiser June 27 at the Lions Club Gym. Doors open at 4 p.m., with bingo scheduled from 5-8 p.m.

There will be a total of 10 rounds; bingo sheets are $4 per sheet or 10 sheets for $35. The event will also include concessions, a silent auction and patriotic outfit contests for adults and children.

Proceeds will benefit the SLC baseball and softball program and the Back to School Bash.

Final Farmer’s Market arrives June 27

The city of Springtown’s Farmers Market will host its final market of the season Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Newby Pavilion.

Come support local businesses by shopping for fresh produce, homemade baked goods, handmade goods and special foods. For more information, contact rortega@cityofspringtown.com.

America 250 Celebration July 4

The city of Springtown will celebrate America’s 250th birthday July 4 with a community parade at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at POJO Stadium and follow Pojo Road before it turns right onto N. Main St. (FM 51) to the Springtown Square.

Live entertainment at Cartwright Pavilion will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon.

To participate in the parade, apply at cityofspringtown.com/sign-up-for-star-spangled-bash-parade/.

Ice Cream Fellowship July 5

Hilltop Family Church, 1227 Old Cottondale Road, will host its “Red, White and Scoop” ice cream fellowship from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

Families are invited to gather after church for ice cream and fellowship.

Free Summer Snack Packs until Aug. 5

First United Methodist Church, 109 W. Third St., will continue its Snack Pack Program through Aug. 5, providing free dinner meals and snack packs for children and families.

Participants can dine on-site or pick up meals and snack packs every Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dauenhauer is a senior business administration: healthcare administration major from Springtown.

A total of 432 students were honored on this semester's President's List.

Southern Arkansas University provides students the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today.

To learn more about SAU, visit saumag.edu.

Pitts, a Senior, is a family and child science major.

The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor's, master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.

• Ethan Tinius of Springtown, a sophomore majoring in digital entertainment technology
• Aubrey Pryor of Poolville, a senior majoring in nursing
• Isabelle Hull of Paradise, a freshman majoring in pre-nursing
• Ashley Pepper of Springtown, a senior majoring in psychology

Abilene Christian University serves a diverse student population of about 7,200 with world-class teaching in a Christ-centered community. Founded in 1906, this Carnegie Research 2 university is nationally recognized for undergraduate teaching and undergraduate research. Students choose from 90 baccalaureate majors that include more than 186 areas of study, 77 areas of study in master's degree and specialist programs, and five doctoral programs. ACU's mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Learn more at acu.edu.

More than 1,400 graduates completed their courses for certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees from Washburn University, Washburn University School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech).

"Commencement is one of my favorite traditions because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our students and all they have achieved," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. "Their hard work, perseverance and commitment have brought them to this milestone. We are proud to welcome them into our alumni community and look forward to the impact they will make in their professions, communities and beyond."

Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor's, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the School of Law and Washburn Tech.

All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's McPherson Campus, Washburn Tech East or Washburn Tech North. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations.

Competing against newspapers across the state with similar circulation, the Epigraph took first place in general excellence for its Sept. 25, 2025, and Oct. 9, 2025, editions.

The Epigraph also placed first in headline writing with two entries attributed to Jolee Skinner, who is now the newspaper’s social media coordinator: “An ‘Egg-stra’ special Easter,” and “Love n Stitches: Inside Springtown's quilting cartel.” Former Springtown news writer Myriam Gonzalez’s “From porcupettes to porcupines” also contributed to the win. One judge wrote: “I loved the phrase ‘quilting cartel’ and learned a new word with ‘porcupette.’ Made me want to read the stories — which is the goal. Well done!”

The paper earned second place awards in news photography and sports coverage. Five photos taken by Skinner earned the second spot in news photography. A judge commented “Nice work. I especially like the angle of the graduation photo. Nice variety of events.”

Sportswriter Eddy Prather’s work in the Sept. 11, 2025, and Oct. 9, 2025, editions won the second-place finish in sports coverage. Judges’ comments included “In sports coverage, the photos tell the story. The Springtown Epigraph may have had the strongest overall photo spread. Points scored too for a clean, excellent layout.”

The Epigraph placed third in feature writing for two stories written by Skinner: “David Hart: A second chance story” and “Living life to the fullest” about a young boy’s cancer battle.

A pair of stories written by Gonzalez, “Lilly’s behavior called into question in Reno” and “Right place, right time,” about a Springtown resident and Fort Worth police officer who helped save the life of an infant after a serious car accident, took third place in the news writing contest. Judges commented “High ratings for ledes, value to community, and enterprise. The story about the rollover accident was particularly moving.”

Five photos submitted by Skinner earned a third place in feature photography for the Epigraph, as well.

Bringing in the points needed to top the competition for the Sweepstakes award was a third place in the special sections contest for the annual Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards Gala. The judges said, “This tab gives a great impression of an enthusiastic area with really engaged residents.”

The Epigraph earned a total of 500 points in the hunt for the Sweepstakes award; it was followed by the Silsbee Bee with 475 points; the Texas Spur with 450 points; and the Flatonia Argus with 400 points.

The Epigraph’s sister paper, The Azle News, tied for fourth place in the TPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest.

Known throughout the wrestling community simply as "Fargo," the prestigious event will be held July 9-18 at the Fargodome and features the nation's top wrestlers competing in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Very few athletes earn the opportunity to compete at the national tournament, making Contreras' qualification a significant achievement.

Contreras is scheduled to leave for Fargo on July 8 and will compete in the 16U 150-pound division against some of the best wrestlers in the country.

A community fundraising event to help offset travel expenses was held June 20 at Trident Fitness in Springtown. Family, friends, teammates and community members gathered to support Contreras as he prepared for the national tournament.

"It went really well," Contreras said. "We actually had two fundraisers, a Fill the Singlet fundraiser and a car wash at Trident Fitness. A huge thanks to my coaches, teammates and community for helping out."

The road to Fargo has required a year-round commitment to training. Contreras begins his days Monday through Thursday at Springtown's POJO Maker strength and conditioning program before heading directly to wrestling practice. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, he adds wrestling circuit training at home.

In addition to his local training, Contreras regularly works with and wrestles some of the top wrestlers in Texas.

"Occasionally, I have the opportunity to wrestle my coach," Contreras said with a smile.

Contreras enters Fargo following a standout sophomore season that included a district championship, a third-place finish at the Region I-5A Tournament and a berth in the UIL Class 5A State Wrestling Tournament.

Although his state tournament run ended with a 1-2 record, Contreras finished the season with an impressive 47-7 mark, one of the best single-season records in Springtown wrestling history.

"State didn't go my way, but it was a great opportunity to see how I would respond on a big stage," Contreras said.

"This is a huge accomplishment to make it to the state tournament, something very few wrestlers ever do," Porcupine head wrestling coach Sawyer Cooper said following the state tournament. "Doing it as a sophomore shows where Dominic is headed. We'll be back with unfinished business."

Contreras also earned First Team Class 4A State Dual Team honors and was a key contributor during a season in which Springtown sent 12 wrestlers to the regional tournament despite what many considered a rebuilding year.

As Contreras prepares to compete against the nation's best wrestlers, Cooper said the experience is the result of years of dedication and sacrifice.

"Opportunities like this don't happen by accident," Cooper said. "They come from years of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and commitment to being the best. Fargo is one of the biggest stages in high school wrestling."

The journey to Fargo has also become a family effort. While Dominic trains in Springtown, his mother, Kimberly Contreras, is often on the road supporting the family's busy wrestling schedule.

"Dominic is training now in Springtown, and I am with his younger brother in Aledo at a wrestling camp," Kimberly said.

Like many athletic families, the Contreras family spends much of its time traveling between practices, camps and competitions.

Cooper also expressed appreciation for those who have supported the program and Contreras throughout his wrestling journey.

"I'm thankful to all the parents, administration and everyone else who helped make this special," Cooper said.

For Contreras, the trip to Fargo represents both a reward for an outstanding season and an opportunity to test himself against the nation's elite while proudly representing Springtown wrestling on the national stage.

                                                                              Eddy Prather | Springtown Epigraph

Spray was a key contributor to the Lady Porcupines' success throughout her career and helped lead Springtown to another deep playoff run during the 2026 season. The senior right-hander established herself as one of the top pitchers in Class 4A, finishing her final season with 170 strikeouts and helping guide the Lady Porcupines to the regional semifinals.

The All-State selection is the latest accomplishment for Spray, who earned numerous post season awards including Utility Player of the Year for District 7-4A. During her time at SHS Spray served as a team leader both on and off the field.

Spray's softball career is not over. The Springtown standout signed a scholarship to continue her academic and athletic career at Paris Junior College, where she will join one of the top junior college softball programs in Texas.

                                                                                     Eddy Prather | Springtown Epigraph

What is your name and grade?

“My name is Dalton Starr and I’ll be a junior.”

Do you have any pets?

“Yes, I have a black lab and a chihuahua, and we have a bunch of cats.”

What is your favorite class right now?

“My favorite class right now I’d have to say culinary. I want to be a chef.”

What is your favorite sport?

“My favorite sport is for sure basketball.”

Do you have a shout out for anyone?

“Yes, my mom and dad.”

How long have you been involved in basketball?

“It’s been a while, maybe eight years.”

Lebron or Michael?

“Michael.”

What advice would you give younger athletes?

“I think my advice would be to play for yourself. Play hard for you and your teammates.”

What is life after high school going to look like?

“I want, if I could, I would love to keep going for basketball. If not then I want to be a chef.”

What is your pre-game routine?

“Yes, clean my shoes always, because they like slipping on the court.”

Tell me about a game or moment you’ll never forget?

“Yes, it was actually two days before school ended in May, I went for a dunk and I actually made it.”

What has sports taught you about life?

“First off, teamwork. Don’t give up. If you want something keep attacking.”

Eddy Prather | Springtown Epigraph