springtown chamber 2014

TheSpringtown EpigraphOUR ANNUAL SALUTE TO THE SPRINGTOWN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Springtown Area2014

Chamber of Commerce Awards

2 Thursday, March 13, 2014 SPRINGTOWN CHAMBER

324 Hwy. 199 EastSpringtown817-523-3151“Our Customer Service Makes the Difference.”

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by mark k. campbellThe big day was long in com-

ing, but when it arrived on Jan. 15, the town turned out.

The remodel of Springtown’s lone grocery store, Brook-shire’s, came with much fanfare.

The store, managed by the Spring-town Cham-ber of Commerce’s Man of the Year Mark Baumann, was named the Chamber’s Business of the Year March 1 at the annual banquet.

The remodel took a while, said the 2013 Business of the Year winner, Robin Frantom of Shinola’s.

As the store’s interior and its contents were rejiggered, she joked about having to search for the milk. Then, when she came back a few days later, she had to search again.

When the doors were thrown open for Brookshire’s remodel,

local folks lined up for a shot at...milk.

The first 100 people in line who purchased $25 or more in store brand items received free

milk for a year.

One man arrived at 1 a.m. to take the new-look Brookshire’s up on its offer.

Also ar-riving at the

shiny new facility were top brass from the Brookshire’s organiza-tion, including chairman Brad Brookshire and president/CEO Rick Rayford.

Both lauded the store expan-sion and its employees from Baumann down.

During the ceremony, Brook-shire’s displayed its commit-ment to Springtown by awarding a trio of $1,000 checks to local charities.

Changes to the store were sub-stantial.

The pharmacy was moved, a

sushi bar installed, the bakery was relocated and expanded, and the deli and produce section

were substantially upgraded.The Chamber lauded the effort

of the store remodel and Brook-

shire’s’ generosity by named the store the 2014 Business of the Year.

Brookshire’s tabbed as Springtown’s top business

The newly-remodeled brookshire’s was named the 2014 business of the year by the Springtown chamber of commerce at its annual banquet march 1. Photo by Mark K. Campbell

3Thursday, March 13, 2014SPRINGTOWN CHAMBER

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502 E. Hwy. 199, Springtown

817-523-0009T hank You

to our Chamber Staff, Volunteers & Members for another great year!

We appreciate you more than we canEXPRESS!

INDEX OF ADVERTISERSA Tractor Shop ...........................................................13Agnes Baptist Church ..................................................9Atex Trash Service .....................................................12At Home Roofing ........................................................12Azle Dental Care ........................................................16Azle Vision Source .......................................................3B & B Burgers ..............................................................8Brace Chiropractic & Wellness Center ........................21Chicken Express ..........................................................3Cliff’s Auto Service Center ..........................................18Comet Cleaners .........................................................10Crabtree & Associates ................................................23Cross Timbers Golf Course .........................................25Diamond B Roofing ....................................................20Eagle Crest Villa ...........................................................8Edward Jones: Carolyn Rocha ......................................9 Exxon Tiger 55 Mart .....................................................7 Farmers - Liles Insurance Agency ................................7 Farmers - Rick Phillips Insurance Agency ...................22Fidelity National Title Agency ......................................19First Baptist Church of Springtown ...............................6

First National Bank of Weatherford .............................15Garrett’s Springtown Drug ..........................................11GIEB Veterinary Clinic .................................................17Highland Furniture .....................................................12Hilltop Family Church .................................................14Hopwood’s Tax Service ................................................4Howell’s Western Cafe ...............................................17James Wood Neighborhood Autos - Springtown .........26K-D L Feed & Supply ..................................................20Larry Don Murphy, DDS Family Dentistry ....................13Larry’s Carpet ............................................................24M&D Tire & Auto ........................................................11Moss Rehabilitation Center ........................................23Motley’s Automotive ...................................................10NorthWest Rentals .....................................................22Craig Peacock County Commissioner .........................23 Pinnacle Bank ............................................................24Pro-Max Powersports ................................................11 Rancho Nuevo Carneceria Y Taqueria .........................20RCI Electrical Services .................................................7Shinola’s Texas Cafe ..................................................10

Springtown Family Dental ..........................................20Springtown Family Health Center ...............................27State Farm Bank Amy Kapland .....................................6 Still Waters Retreat Center of Texas ............................19Sutton Printing Co. .......................................................4Tangled Salon ..............................................................9 Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital - Azle .............28The GEM ....................................................................12The Lube Center ..........................................................2The National Bank of Texas ..........................................5The Orchard ...............................................................16T-N-T Hair Designs ....................................................22Tom Samples Pest Control .........................................25Tri-County Electric Cooperative ....................................4Walnut Creek SUD .....................................................19Weichert Realtors - Team Realty ................................23Azle Western Wear .......................................................9 West Side Storage .....................................................12Winstead Paint & Body ...............................................20 Woody Creek Bar-B-Q ..................................................6

by carla noah stutsmanDustin Rowe, at the age of

20, says he’s been raised to help people.

He’s demonstrated that desire so strongly he was named Vol-unteer Firefighter of the Year for Springtown during an awards

banquet hosted by the Spring-town Area Chamber of Com-merce Saturday, March 1.

Rowe even got a kiss from Parker County Emergency Ser-vices District 1 Chief Eric Vin-son – which drew a big laugh from the crowd in attendance –

in addition to a plaque commem-orating the accomplishment.

A lifelong Springtown resi-dent, Rowe says from the time his dad asked if he wanted to

be a Boy Scout, he’s known his mission in life is to help people and to help his community.

As soon as he graduated from Springtown High School in

2012, he applied to volunteer with the Springtown Volunteer Fire Department.

He was voted in as a volunteer

Rowe just wants to help others

PLEASE SEE VoluntEEr, PAGE 25

Springtown Volunteer Firefighter of the Year seeks triple certification

Thursday, March 13, 20144 SPRINGTOWN CHAMBER

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817-523-7231 or 817-444-3201

Man of the yearMark Baumann (right), manager of Brookshire’s, accepts his Man of the Year plaque from last year’s winner, Mike Kelley, superintendent of the Springtown ISD.(See Baumann on page 11) Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman


Where traditional values meet modern expectations.

Steve ParkerAzle

President

Sarah HicksTeller

Bobbie BaldwinTeller

Diana RustAssistant Branch

Manager New Accounts

Baylee DavisTeller

Jessica CorleyVice President

Lender

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Carissa WidnerVice President/

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Pastor: Dr. Hal Kinkeadewww.firstbaptistspringtown.com

First Baptist Church500 N. MaiN Street

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Sunday School .................... 9:30 a.m.Morning worship ............... 10:50 a.m.evening worship ................. 6:00 p.m.

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Thank You Springtown for 9 Great

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The Chamber of Commerce’s choice for Organization of the Year has aided Springtown

youth and education since 1992.The Springtown Educational

Foundation has been giving

scholarships to graduating SHS seniors for over two decades.

Representatives of SEF re-ceived their honor from Laurie Moseley, a member of the 2013 Organization of the Year, Springtown Leg-ends Museum.

Winning was a “sur-prise,” SEF President Tootie Hall said. “It was awesome. We’ve been around for 24 years and we never thought about being honored like that.”

While the group –

comprised of community and ISD members – will continue to help Springtown students ad-vance their educations, Hall said she has some expansion plans for the organization.

Last year, SHS students re-ceived $41,350 in scholarships that can range from $2,500 to $250. Hall wants to see SEF give even more.

Springtown Educa-tional Foundation President Tootie Hall accepts the award when SEF was named the Or-ganization of the Year.

Photo by Carla NoahStutsman

Education foundation named town’s top organization PLEASE SEE TOP, PAGE 7

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The biggest fundraiser for the group is the annual golf tourna-ment at Azle’s Cross Timbers Golf Course. This year, the tour-ney is Thursday, June 12 and will be conducted in memory of Jerry Hall, a former board mem-ber and longtime Azle coach.

Thanks to the tournament be-ing underwritten, all proceeds will go to the SEF.

SEF also receives funds from different sources.

Heritage scholarships honor specific people and so do unique memorial funds that are re-

ceived. Former SEF president and current board member An-drea Hungerford said the orga-nization sometimes acts as the “flow through” for those kinds of monies.

Members of the ISD are major contributors. A monthly payroll deduction by employees helps raise the fund’s tally.

Hall hopes to install “a few more initiatives.”

She said more heritage schol-arships might be partnered with scholarships honoring promi-nent citizens or businesses who still live in the area. “We could recognize those who have been

outstanding members of our community and excellent educa-tors,” she said.

Another aspect of SEF Hall is investigating, she said, is di-recting funds toward vocational students.

A partnership with Weather-ford College is also a possibility, Hall said.

Not all funds are specifically

earmarked for scholarships but most are. Hall said, “We also give teacher grants. If a teacher decides there’s a project they want to do, they turn in informa-tion on it and we will fund it if we can.”

For the 2012-13 school year, first-year teachers were awarded $3,000.

The SEF will continue to

strive to “facilitate student achievement and skill develop-ment, recognize and encourage staff excellence, and expand community involvement from individuals, business, and civic organizations.”

That’s why the Chamber rec-ognized the substantial historical efforts of the SEF by giving it the Organization of the Year award.

n TOP, FROM PAGE 6

Top organization is education foundation


Proud to be a member of the Springtown

Chamber of Commerce

104 S. Main St., Springtown, TX

817-523-7520

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By Natalie GeNtryTeaching is one of the most

complex jobs today.It demands broad knowledge

of subject matter, enthusiasm, a caring attitude, a love of learning, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of the students.

This year’s Educator of the Year has all of these characteristics in abundance.

Mary has been with Springtown I.S.D. for 23 years, and is currently the Gifted and Talented and Dyslexia instructor

at Reno Elementary, “Mary has been an amazing

teacher for both students and staff,” said presenter and 2013 Educator of the year, Donna Rutherford. “She is passionate about education for all – herself, her students, and her colleagues.

The nomination form for the award describes her dedication to the district.

“Mary works no matter how she feels,” it said. “She is very educated in what is expected of each child at every level, and

works with them in whatever style they need in order to ensure they are successful.”

“Mary has constantly shown that she wants to be in the front lines for children’s education,” it continued. “She puts this district and our need above her own on a daily basis.”

Always a resource for other teachers to turn to, Mary finds her strength in the love of her family.

“She has been married to Henry, her saint of a husband, as she calls him, for 33 years.” Rutherford said. “ She has a beautiful daughter, Mary Beth, who is married to Steve – and three perfect grandchildren, Katie, Alex, and Caleb.”

“Mary willingly shares her vast knowledge with others,” Rutherford continued. “She is a role model and my friend and she

is most worthy of this honor.”Beckworth attributes her

success to the contributions and support of her co-workers.

“I’m truly humbled and honored by [the award],” she said.

One of Beckworth’s “favorite guys” – Sir Isaac Newton – said “If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders

of giants.”Beckworth agrees, “that

is what I do, I stand on the shoulders of some of the greatest people to work with in one of the greatest districts.”

“Honestly this [award] is for all of them,” Beckworth said “I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for them.”

On the shoulders of giants

educator of the year, Mary Beckworth, with her family.(front, l-r): Grandchildren Caleb, alex, and Katie(back): Son-in-law, Steve Kochersperger; daughter, Mary Beth; Mary; and husband, Henry.

Photo submitted by Mary Beckworth

Beckworth cites mutual support for nomination as Educator of the Year

Mary Beckworth (right) accepts the 2014 educator of the year award from last year’s recipient, Donna rutherford.

Photo by Natalie Gentry

Loving God. Loving People. Living the Gospel.

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Three years ago, I opened my office in Springtown. Through the years, I’ve met many of you and built long-term relationships. My primary focus has always been to better understand why you invest and to recommend specific solutions that can help you reach your financial goals.

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430 E. Hwy 199, Springtown • 817-523-LOVE (5683)

• Hair • Nails• Face• Pedicure• Spray Tan


Dr. Brooke Porter (left) and her entire team at Azle Dental Care are happy to welcome all new and returning patients to visit them at their offi ce at 912 Boyd Road in Azle. Call them today at 817-444-1763 or check out their web site at Smilegreat.com – now linked to Facebook and Twitter.

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CleanersHOURS:

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Proud tobe a member of the

by carla noah stutsmanRobert Scheiderich comes

from a medically oriented fam-ily: his father retired a captain after 30 years in the fire service, his mother is a nurse, and his two brothers are Navy corpsmen.

It’s no wonder he’s proud to be a second generation firefighter.

He’s happy volunteering at the La Junta Volunteer Fire Depart-ment and working compensated volunteer shifts with Parker County Emergency Services District 1, but he’s also working toward a career in the fire ser-vice.

Scheiderich recently finished his EMT courses and is currently enrolled and taking firefighting courses.

When those are finished, he’ll endeavor to complete the para-

medic courses, hopefully as soon as next year.

LJVFD Chief Tony Scarlato says he believes Scheiderich’s work ethic is the reason he was voted La Junta Volunteer Fire-fighter of the Year.

“Like most volunteer firefight-ers, Robert wants to outwork all the others,” Scarlato said. “But he’s also done a lot of his edu-cation on his own through Train-ing Division, an online provider that’s known for being very tough.”

Although Scheiderich has only been at the LJVFD a little

more than a year, Scarlato pro-moted him to lieutenant about four months ago largely due to his hard work.

“We just couldn’t ask for a bet-ter volunteer,” Scarlato said. “He puts in at least 40 hours a month at the station, not counting calls. His call volume last month was 53 percent out of more than 70 calls, and that doesn’t count calls he works that happen on the paid shifts.”

Scheiderich says that if his wife will allow it, he’ll bring up their son to become a third gen-eration firefighter.

Following PcEsD1 chief Eric Vinson’s lead, lJVFD chief tony scarlato plants a kiss on the head of robert scheiderich, the department’s Firefighter of the year, during the chamber awards banquet. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman

Second generation in the fire service is working on a third

Scheiderich is La Junta Firefighter of the Year

North Side of Square

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Pictured: (front row, l-r) Mary Ann Smith, Kelly Brandt, Wanda Suddeath, (backrow, l-r) Tommy Standefer, Lisa Sisk, Cyndi Standefer, Sherry Brooks,

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Mark Baumann had a big night at the annual Chamber banquet.

As manager of Brookshire’s, he and staff members collected the Business of the Year award.

Baumann also was named the Man of the Year.

In announcing the honor, 2013 honoree Mike Kelley, Springtown ISD superinten-dent, lauded Baumann, saying the new Man of the Year was focused on making Springtown a better place.

Brookshire’s donates to a variety of causes annually in Springtown and Baumann oversees all that charity.

He was quick to say that he is not alone in Brookshire’s’ suc-cess.

“As everyone knows, no person stands alone. I am a re-flection of our team at Brook-shire’s,” he said. “And I’m only a reflection of the Cham-ber team.”

Kelley praised Baumann’s ability to keep the busy store – the town’s only major grocery – humming along despite the substantial chaos caused by the extensive store remodeling that took months.

Customers were directed and redirected as necessary to find items as the rebuilding took place, Kelley said, and Bau-mann constantly was crucial in seeing that the Brookshire’s customer base remained the highest priority.

At the remodeling open-ing, high ranking executives, including the organization’s CEO, lauded Baumann’s talent.

In turn, Baumann is always quick to say that his staff, from top to bottom, makes him look good.

Kelley said, “The way he manages the store is the way he performs as a chamber member – all the way.”

Kelley lauded Baumann’s handling of employees and the family atmosphere. “He takes care of his employees like he’s their dad.”

The superintendent also praised Baumann for employ-ing so many school kids and teaching the youngsters the im-portance of job responsibility.

“He understands that they may have band practice early in the morning or athletic prac-tice after school, but, at the

end of the day he has to run a business so he is teaching those kids about responsibility,” Kel-ley said.

“The chamber has a tremen-dous amount of respect, admi-ration, and appreciation” for

Baumann, Kelley said.And Baumann reciprocates. “They are great people and

everyone tries to surround themselves with great people, the best they can,” said Bau-mann.

Then the Man of the Year – a man of few words but exten-

sive action and generosity – re-turned to his seat.

Baumann earns Man of the Year award

We’re Onlinewww.Springtown-Epigraph.net


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PROUD MEMBER OF THE

SPRINGTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

By Natalie GeNtryEach year ballots are sent

out to members of the chamber in order for them to nominate someone who is involved with the Chamber of Commerce and Springtown in many aspects; they are looking for the Cham-ber Member of the Year.

This year the members col-lectively chose Tom Loughrey, owner of Taco Casa, as the re-cipient of this award.

As Dr. Robert Moss described Loughrey the picture of some-one who has been an essential part of numerous projects that have made the community a bet-ter place to live formed.

“Tom is a huge asset to the community and the chamber at large,” Moss said. “He spon-sors many events throughout the year including the Wild West Festival, the Bonus Bucks, and Senior Citizens Christmas Lun-cheon.”

Loughrey is someone who dis-plays a passion for the people, the community, and the well-being of Springtown through his continuous contributions.

“Anytime he hears of some-one in need, he asks ‘what can I do?’,” Moss said. “He goes

above and beyond the call of duty, so to speak.”

City Administrator, Mark Krey agrees.

“Tom Loughrey is an out-standing corporate and private citizen who has a long history of supporting the citizens and City of Springtown,” Krey said. “Youth athletics, high school band and athletics, and all kinds of charity events have benefitted from Tom’s generosity.”

Krey noted that one feature that stands out about Loughrey is how quickly he steps up to the plate to help.

“When the Tabernacle Com-mittee approached him about the Tabernacle Wednesday fundrais-er, he immediately said yes and then upped the ante by offering the cash match challenge grant of $4,000,” Krey said. “Tom’s actions in doing this inspired other local restaurant owners to want to do the same.”

This is just one example that reflects Loughrey’s character and commitment to the commu-nity.

“[Tom] gives tirelessly with a true servant’s heart and never asks for anything in return or asks for recognition,” said Moss.

Loughrey insisted that it is a team effort that has made Taco Casa the business it is today.

“If it wasn’t for the manage-ment we have in place, we couldn’t be this successful and pass that back to our commu-nity,” he said. “I have to thank my general manager Donnaline Stevenson and store manager, Peggy Rios for their work and dedication.”

But the most important part of this equation, according to Loughrey, is the community.

“In 2002 I, my wife, and my family bought this store and the one in Willow Park at the same time,” he said. “I never thought

it would be as much fun and en-joyable as it is, and it’s because of the support we get from the community.”

He continued, “We cannot ex-press to you enough how thank-ful we are for the loyalty you have shown to us.”

Loughrey recognized for continued contributions to the community at large

tom loughrey, owner of Springtown’s taco Casa, was recognized as the Chamber of Commerce Member for the year. Photo by Natalie Gentry


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By Natalie GeNtryBy its very nature the Public Works Employee of the Year award

honors the often unsung heroes of our society—the professionals who serve the public good every day with a quiet dedication.

Springtown City Administrator, Mark Krey, described Phillip Harrell in similar terms.

“Shortly after I became City Administrator we began to build the [yearly] budget and I noticed that one of the expenses we had was due to the fact we didn’t have anybody in-house that could do a va-riety of tasks like change the oil in the vehicles, repair a lawnmower, or sharpen a lawn mower blade,” Krey said.

The answer to this problem was to create a maintenance depart-ment.

While this decision was originally done simply to save the city money it brought the versatile Phillip Harrell on board.

“Phillip is a mechanic, a welder, and a metal smith,” Krey said. “He does a bit of everything.”

With over 60 acres that the city mows all summer every year, maintenance of the lawnmowers isn’t a small task.

In addition Harrell build the city’s guardrails.In other words there are many different areas where Phillip’s tal-

ent and skills are an asset.It’s not just his versatility that makes Harrell an asset to the city.“Everything Phillip does, he does to the utmost of his ability.”

Krey said. “and he is a team player.”Both of those traits are crucial to make sure everything that needs

to get done does, indeed, get done.Whether it’s maintaining pumps during a water main break or

simply retrieving a item from the shop Krey said Harrell is willing to do the job.

“For all of those reasons and more Phillip Harrell is Public Works Employee of the year.” Krey said.

But Harrell wouldn’t accept all of the recognition.“I would like to thank all the men I work with, because without

them we couldn’t get done what needs to be done.” Harrell said once he accepted the award. “A lot of the work I do takes much more than just myself.”

Jack of all tradesHarrell’s versatility and work-ethic lauded

Phillip Harrell accepts the Public Works employee of the year award from Springtown City Manager, Mark Krey.

Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman


Service TimesSundays

Sunday School 9:30amWorship Service 10:45amChildren’s Church 10:45am

WednesdaysSummit for Youth 6:00 - 8:00pmAWANA for Children 6:00 - 8:00pm Adult Bible Study 6:30 - 7:30pm& Prayer Service

Bible Based Childcare is Provided!!

Bible Based Childcare is Provided!!

Upcoming Events!

National Day of Prayer BreakfastMay 1st 7:00 - 8:30am

Keynote Speaker - John Forrest, County Attorney

Comanche Community RehabRebuilding homes for

the less fortunateJune 8th - 13th

1227 Old Cottondale Road

For information on all events, 817-220-7177817-523-7177

Preteen Camp (Grades 3-6)June 17th - 21st

Very Exciting VBS (5 yrs - 5th Grade)June 22nd - 26th

Little Kids Camp (Grades K-2)July 7th - 9th

Visit us on the web @ www.hilltop-church.com

Helping Hearts Ladies MinistryEvery 2nd & 4th Thursday10:30am, Potluck Lunch

Youth Camp (Grades 7-12)July 21st - 25th

Ride the trolley to church!!Call for details!

by mark k. campbellSteve Parker is an Azle guy.So is his staff at the National

Bank of Texas.Everyone seems to be in-

volved in things other than bank-ing, beginning with the president of the bank.

Parker currently serves as president of both the Azle Rotary Club and the Azle Area Chamber of Commerce, besides being an integral part of the Azle Edu-cational Foundation and Texas Health Azle boards.

There are a couple of new fac-es at the bank, including teller Baylee Davis and Vice Presi-dent/Lending Officer Jessica Corley.

Corley, who came on board in October, is actually an Azle native and a 1996 Azle High School graduate. She, husband Justin and 7-year-old daughter Abby moved back to Azle in July, having lived and worked in Fort Worth for 18 years.

“I love it here!” Corley said emphatically. “It was a real tran-sition because I’ve been heavily involved in banking as well as

the Rotary Club and the Cham-ber in Fort Worth, but the peo-ple here have been so friendly and welcoming – they’ve really made it so much easier.”

She says she loves being back in Azle because of its sense of community and small town at-mosphere.

Diana Rust, Bobbie Baldwin and Sarah Hicks complete the staff at NBT.

Having local people helping local folks is a key to National Bank’s success, Parker said.

Azle is the focus for the bank and its members and the Na-tional Bank of Texas can boast of some experienced personnel.

Parker said, “I started in Azle in 1989. And (branch manager) Carissa (Widner) started when she was 17.”

“Pretty much all of us have spent years and years in banking. And all of our customers that we have known through the years mostly have come to us.”

From its doublewide mobile home beginnings, the National Bank of Texas is now settled into a modern facility at 405

Commerce Street next to the Post Office.

At the bank, customers can expect traditional services with

hometown flair.

National Bank of Texas all about Azle

The professionals at the National bank of Texas are ready to help with whatever bank-ing services you need: (front, l-r) Steve parker and carissa Widner; (back, l-r): baylee Davis, Diana rust, Jessica corley, bobbie baldwin and Sarah Hicks.


PLEASE SEE NaTIONal, PAGE 17


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Parker County’s Community Bank

By Natalie GeNtryThe Hometown Heroes award

was created to recognize people in the Springtown who have made a significant impact on the community: a statement that can be easily and appropriately applied to the 2014 recipient, Tommy Frantom.

“This year we recognize a person we lost too soon,” Amy Walker, director of the Spring-town Chamber of Commerce, said as she presented the award.

Frantom died on May 30, 2013, but the memory of his outgoing personality remains.

“Every time I went to Shino-

la’s, Tommy would stop by our table and ask about the kids and ask how we were doing,” Walk-er continued. “He always took a moment to get to know and to catch up with his customers.”

Stories of Frantom’s devotion to his wife and family, his dis-position toward practical jokes, and his dedication to his staff abound in Springtown.

“Tommy treated everyone he knew like family,” Robin Fran-tom, Tommy’s widow said.

In a letter written especially for the banquet, Linda Treloar, a long-time employee recounted Frantom’s enthusiasm for life.

“I don’t think Tommy would

ever dream he would be hon-ored for doing something he loved to do so much,” Treloar said.

Treloar said that some people might think that Frantom may have been hard to work for, but he always made sure his employees knew he and Robin were there if an employee need-ed them.

“He treated all of us like fam-ily and in a way we were a fam-ily.” Treloar said.

While Shinola’s was the second restaurant Frantom and Robin opened, it was the Springtown site they chose to keep when juggling the two business became too much.

That was when they made Springtown their home.

“At first, I’ll admit, it was dif-ficult for me to leave the other restaurant in 2008. Robin said. “But not for Tommy – he fell in love with Springtown before we even opened Shinola’s.”

“Tommy loved doing things for this community and when he met someone they instantly became his friend” Robin said. “He never forgot a name or a face.

Frantom was known to help out with many organizations in the community and would give food to those in need when ever he heard of a need.

“If there was a need of any

kind and there was any way that he could help he would be there,” Robin said. “He had a heart of gold and a personality that your couldn’t help but fall in love with.”

This fallen hometown hero may be gone, but he won’t be forgotten.

“We miss him everyday at Shinola’s, but his presence is always with us,” Robin said. “There aren’t enough words to say how proud my family and I are for Tommy to be honored with this award.”

She continued, “Tommy’s al-ways been a hero to us, but for the community to honor him in this way is priceless.”

tommy Frantom – pictured here with wife, robin – was lauded for his impact on the community at the Spring-town Chamber of Commerce banquet on March 1.

Photo submitted by Robin Frantom

Hometown HeroAward honors Frantom’s dedication to Springtown


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It takes a certain kind of mettle to be a police communications of-ficer – broad knowledge about law enforcement, patience, computer skills, a level head under pressure, and an ability to remain calm under any circumstances.

Sheri Rhodes has all that and more.Rhodes, who was selected as the Springtown Police Department’s

Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, is a 12-year veteran detective with the Fort Worth Police Department.

She left FWPD to be a stay-at-home mom, something she enjoyed immensely. She and her family moved to Springtown in 2006, but when the drought of 2011 forced the price of a bay of hay from $8 to $30, Rhodes said she had to go back to work.

And it appears the Springtown Police Department is only too happy about that.

She works the evening shift and wouldn’t have it any other way.“I love evenings – it’s fast-paced and has the most activity,”

Rhodes says. “And the officers on evening shift are ‘the bestest.’”“I feel I’m too old to work the streets again, so this is the next best

thing,” she laughed. “I guess I live vicariously through the officers, but law enforcement has always been my heart, and I get to work with some of the best officers around.”

One of those is Sgt. Shawn Owens, whom Rhodes says is one of the finest men she knows.

‘Law enforcement is my heart’Rhodes respected for dedication to officers

PLEASE SEE rhoDEs, PAGE 19

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“All banking loans – real es-tate, automobile, business – as well as all the deposit products” are available, Parker said.

Customers concerned with the economy are cautious with their cash and are keeping it in local banks.

“What we see is that we have a lot of customers that come to a bank like ours – and all the other banks – to put their money here because they’re worried about putting it anywhere else,” Parker said.

“They want a stable environ-ment which would be a bank like ours,” he added.

The security of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insuring deposits up to $250,000 is comforting to cus-tomers.

Parker said it’s important to him that he and his employees work in the community with the people who are their customers – hence their presence throughout town.

Lobby hours for the bank are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday hours are extended from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

The drive-through is open

from 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday.

Azle people helping Azle people – that’s what the National Bank of Texas is all about.

For more information, call 817-444-4235.

National Bank of Texas all about Azle n NATIONAL, FROM PAGE 14A

Darryll Mathis, Deana Baugh, Lisa Martinez, Shawn Swink, Pastor John Conway, Kelvin Miles, and Brad Baltzell stand with the Hilltop Family Church’s trolley, lovingly named the Soul Train. Photo by Natalie Gentry


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Chamber Board Members

Three longtime Chamber board of director members were recognized at the annual banquet: Mary Harms, Dr. Larry Murphy, and Dr. James Gieb. All have served for de-cades behind the scenes to make the Chamber and Springtown better. Harms received a tiara, Murphy a commemorative trash can, and Gieb an official Wizard of Oz-like docu-ment, each reflections of the trio’s work. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman

By NATALie GeNTryJames Wood has been in the car business since 1963.He opened his first new-car dealership 35 years ago.He has been selling pre-owned cars for approximately 20 years.And he opened the Azle branch six years ago.This year, the Azle location celebrated the grand opening of a new

office building and lot.“We are very proud to have a store in Azle,” Wood said. “And

we’re so happy our new building will finally be an addition the city can be proud of too.”

The Azle branch – like all Neighborhood Autos pre-owned car locations – focuses on financing vehicles for all credit types.

They offer a variety of payment options, but many customers take advantage of their in-house financing.

“We help people with mistakes on their credit find a nice vehicle.” Wood said.

With eight locations throughout the region, Neighborhood Autos has a larger selection of vehicles than what may be sitting on the local lot.

And all vehicles have been put through a 75-point inspection by certified mechanics.

“We have a shop whose only purpose is to process these used cars and make sure they are in excellent condition before we put them on the lot,” Wood explained. “I’ve been in this area most of my life and

Neighborhood Autos by James Wood focus on community

PLEASE SEE AZLe, PAGE 20

224 West Main St.817-270-0948

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Being at work with a smile on her face is nothing unusual for Sheri Rhodes, Springtown’s Law Enforcement of the Year. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman

Ironically, Springtown City Manager Mark Krey was Rhodes’ lieutenant for a time when both worked at FWPD – and she counts him among the great people she gets to work with.

Police Chief Ed Crowdis not-ed that Rhodes came to the de-partment in October 2011 and needed little training because of her experience as an officer.

“She’s a team player who is always willing to come in and

cover for others when we need her. She’s very dependable and is always early for her shift,” Crowdis said. “Last year, she as-sisted Laura Stone with Tickets for Toys, as well.”

He said Rhodes is especially talented when it comes to cus-tomer service.

“She has the skills to calm people and get the information we need or direct them where they need to go,” Crowdis said. “She’s an excellent dispatcher who takes officer safety very

seriously. You can just tell she strives to be excellent at all she does.”

Crowdis said it’s also impor-

tant to note Rhodes is well-liked by the people on her shift for the way she does her job.

Asked how she feels about

being selected for the award, Rhodes said she is honored to be recognized for her hard work and integrity.

n RHODES, FROM PAGE 16

Rhodes respected for dedication to officers

Locals Kathy and David Hicks own the Exxon Tiger Mart at the intersection of Highways 199 and 51. They offer far more than just fuel. Patrons can buy money or-ders and Lotto tickets, beer and wine, lunch and breakfast items, hunting and fish-ing licenses, and send money via Western Union. You can even rent a movie from the Tiger Mart. Stop by and discover that the store can be your one-stop shop.

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The pros at The Lube Center are focused on making sure their clients are satisfied. In fact, their motto is “Our customer service makes the difference.” And those custom-ers keep coming back; in fact, every tenth visit by a patron earns that vehicle owner a free oil change. If you need more than their 10-minute oil change, The Lube Center at 324 Highway 199 East also offers fuel injection and transmission services. Come by Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. To 6 p.m. or Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Lube Center ac-cepts all major credit cards. Call them at 817-523-3151 and see what customer service really can be like.

The Lube Center

(l-r) Jeremie Williams, porter; Wayne Wallenhurst, man-ager; Edita Gallegos, office manager; and Philip Rice, salesman stand in front of the new Neighborhood Autos building at 417 Northwest Parkway in Azle.

Photo by Stephanie Cravotta

Azle location opens new auto complex

we have a good name as far as doing what we say we’ll do and being honest and forthright.”

That’s the reason Neighbor-hood Autos provides the stress-free guarantee which includes a

72-hour buy back guarantee and a 24-month, 30,000 mile pow-ertrain warranty.

“If someone isn’t happy with a car, we’d rather them not have it,” Wood said. “We want them to be happy, so if we can’t find a car that does that, they can get

their money back.”Driving off a lot in a new or

pre-owned car often represents the end of a customer’s experi-ence with a dealership.

Not at Neighborhood Autos.They have a team of represen-

tatives who keep in touch with

customers to provide continued support.

“We want our customers to know we are here to help if something should happen and money becomes tight,” Wood said. “We understand that life has its ups and downs and we

want to work with our customers to keep them in a car.”

A sign is posted on the walls in the new office in Azle that says “We focus on your future, not your past. We finance you,” and customers can expect noth-ing less.

n AZLE, FROM PAGE 18


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by carla noah stutsmanBarb Claffey really doesn’t

understand what all the fuss is about.

Named the Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce’s Wom-an of the Year, Claffey exudes an endearing mixture of enthu-siasm, grace, and humility that leaves no doubt why she was chosen for the award.

Claffey and her husband, Paul, will celebrate 48 years of mar-riage in June – something she calls a miracle in a time when so many marriages don’t last nearly as long.

The Claffeys moved from their native Wisconsin to Texas in the early 1980s with their three chil-dren, who ranged in age from 8 to 16 at the time.

“It was hard on the two old-est ones, but we had to move if we wanted to continue eating,” Claffey said ruefully.

Paul was a stone mason by trade, and a good one. Barb had been a real estate agent. But in-terest rates were at 18 percent and building had stopped in Wis-consin, so the couple packed up their family and moved to Eu-less.

Work was plentiful in Texas, for both of them. After a few years, Paul realized most of his work centered around swim-ming pools, so he began Claffey Pools, which was an instant suc-cess.

But success comes with a price, and while Paul single-handedly sold more than 100 pools in his first year alone, he was becoming exhausted.

“He reached a point when he said he just had to find a place in the country where we could get away from it all,” his wife said.

Surprising, since Claffey was a successful real estate agent, it was not her who led Paul north-west of Springtown – clear up in Wise County – to a 10-acre tract of land.

“He did it all himself. He is a veteran, and by that time, we had lived in Texas more than five years, so he was a qualified Tex-as Vet,” Claffey said. “He got information on their foreclosed land sales and drove all over looking at property before he bid on this place and got it.”

In the years since, that 10 acres has grown as neighbors have put their property up for sale, and

the Claffeys now own 100 acres off Agnes Road North.

As she tells her story, Claffey insists that only God gets credit for any of it – from the marriage, to the move south, the successful businesses to the choice of land.

Eleven years ago, Paul was tired, and the couple’s children wanted to buy the pool busi-ness. So Barb and Paul sold it to them, but a couple of months later, Paul had a heart attack and

underwent triple bypass surgery. He’s had two heart attacks since the first.

It was time for him to get some rest.

In the early years, the Claffeys spent their weekends in Agnes, but not long after Paul’s bypass surgery, the cabin Paul had built there became their home.

“For years, we had talked about one day building a place where friends could come and enjoy what we felt was such a special place to get away from the hectic city life,” Claffey said. “Once we built a bridge across the ravine that separates the two parcels of land we own, those plans began to grow.”

The Claffeys now dreamed of a place where people could come and sit beside still waters and hear from God.

And so, Still Waters Retreat Center was birthed.

The pond was enlarged and stocked, the cabin was built and in 2011 the pavilion was finished and gazebo added.

The land was dedicated as Still Water Retreat Center Texas and the Center’s first wedding was held in November 2011.

At the request of their chil-dren, Paul returned to work in quality control at Claffey Pools a couple of years ago.

The Claffeys have hired two

barb claffey, left, accepts the Woman of the year award from last year’s award winner, amy Walker, right.


Woman of the YearClaffey’s excited for what Springtown is and what it can be

PLEASE SEE claFFEy’s, PAGE 22


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Springtown Family Health Center doctors Gene McDaniel, D.O. and Chris Opella, M.D. are board certified in family practice and specialize in pediatrics and adult medicine. Opella specializes in women’s health, as well. New patients and walk-ins are always welcome at the office at 308 Highway 199 West in Springtown. Plus the practice accepts all major health plans. If you are looking for medical care for the entire family, you’ll find it at Springtown Family Health Center. Call today at 817-523-5402.

Springtown Family Health Center

employees to keep the work going at Still Waters Retreat.And with construction in progress on a pool and the retreat’s third

cabin, Barb set out to do something she’s always wanted to do but never had time.

“Now I want to be involved in Springtown, to be a real part of this community,” she said. “I’ve even been elected to the Chamber board – what a great group of people! – and I’m attending Leader-ship Northwest.”

Ironically, Claffey had wanted to attend Leadership Northwest since her days as a Realtor in the Mid-Cities, but her schedule would never allow it until now.

If you want to hear some genuine passion, stop Barb the next time you run into her and bring up the subject of a career and technology center for Springtown schools.

A tour of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD’s Hollenstein Career and Technology Center with Leadership Northwest, as well as the recent passage of a $20 million bond package in the Azle ISD for a similar career and technology center has Claffey fired up.

“If you want to grow a community right, you start with the kids,” Claffey said. “Those kids (in Saginaw) are graduating high school as licensed cosmetologists, welders – they even have robotics and what those robots can do is amazing!”

It’s something that could just as easily happen in Springtown, she says.

Claffey is full of ideas and a driving passion – something else she gives God credit for – not just to complete Still Waters, but to do whatever she can to make the Springtown community an even better place than it already is.

“Springtown is just a special place – its history, its friendliness, but especially its people – they’re all just so special,” she added.

“Why did God plop me here? I don’t know,” Claffey said. “But He’s given us the opportunity to give people something they can’t get anywhere else. We want to make this a special place to be, where God is present – where you can feel Him.

“I hope we can just plant a seed and that it will grow. We want this to be a place where people can just be still...”

As for being named Woman of the Year, Barb Claffey is both hon-ored and humbled.

She says it’s all due to God’s favor.

Claffey’s excited for Springtown n CLAFFEY’S, FROM PAGE 21

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By Natalie GeNtryMarcia Garcia doesn’t claim

to be a philanthropist and she doesn’t claim to be generous with her time.

In fact, she said she doesn’t know how her name came up regarding this award.

“I volunteer because I’m self-ish,” she said as she accepted the award.

But the facts are stacked against her in this respect.

The 2014 Judy Smerud Spirit of Springtown award winner has an enormous list of volun-teer activities that prove she is anything but selfish.

She has served six years on boards of various PTAs; two years on the board of the Springtown High School athlet-ics booster club; one year on the Project Celebration committee; six years as the director of the Porcupine Stadium spirit shop; seven years as the treasurer of the Springtown Education Foundation; and was named the Texas State Board of Edu-cation’s Hero for Children in 2010.

The list of her commitments goes on and on.

During his presentation of the award, last year’s Spirit of Springtown recipient, Pastor John Conway of the Hilltop Family Church, explained that the award is for someone who exemplifies a sense of commu-nity pride through involvement and sponsorship of community projects.

“People like Marcia don’t do it for the recognition, they just like to serve people,” Conway said. “You’ve got the right heart and the right spirit – you de-serve this award.”

Garcia laughs off the idea that the volunteering is hard work.

“I started with PTA and then I could walk into the school and the kids would be so excited,” she said. “It was like being a rock star.

“I brought joy to the kids and I didn’t have to give them homework,” Garcia continued. “It felt really good. “

For Garcia the act of volun-teering became an adventure.

“They just kept giving me one

group after another,” she said. “I got to make set designs for plays and turn cafeterias into rodeos.

“It was fun and I had a blast.” Garcia said.

She said it wasn’t like work-ing at all.

“I learned how to do fund-raising and work in the POJO store; it was like running your own little business without all the expenses,” Garcia said. “With none of the profit either mind you.

“Everybody else profits from

it and that’s what counts,” she continued.

And in that statement she re-veals a generous heart.

“I don’t know how people can say they don’t have time to vol-unteer,” Garcia said. “How can someone not have time for such fun? “How can they not have time to bring so much joy?” she asked.

Through her actions Garcia proves that although volunteer-ing consists of giving time and effort the rewards are numer-ous.

“I made a lifetime of friends doing this and I became part of Springtown,” she said. “There is no financial benefit, but the gift of belonging to such a great close-knit community is price-less.

“So,” she continued, “as I said, I volunteer because I’m selfish.”

Garcia finds fun in volunteering

Marcia Garcia accepts the 2014 Judy Smerud Spirit of Springtown award from last year’s recipient Pastor John Conway. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman

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Kacee Newkirk, Miss Springtown 2014, lead the crowd in the singing of the national anthem at he beginning of the Chamber banquet.

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– and began his first shift immediately – on July 4, 2012.

The only thing that’s prevented Rowe from attending the fire, EMS and police academies is something that’s just not under his control – his age.

He’ll reach the required age of 21 soon and is already in the application process to attend those academies at Weatherford College.

He hopes to attain certification in all three areas – something called a “triple cert” – while he’s still 22.

Springtown FVD Chief Ben Overholt said Rowe is “a class act.”

He explained that while there are a couple of requirements volunteers must meet in order

to be eligible for the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year award, most of his volunteers were, in fact, eligible.

Since the award is voted on by the member-ship, it’s a true honor for any firefighter to re-ceive, because it means the majority of one’s peers think he or she deserves the award.

“I think anyone who’s willing to get up at 3 a.m. and do what we do for free is deserving,” Overholt said. “But Dustin does that and more. He easily meets the required 80 hours per month – not counting calls – and sometimes pushes 150-200 hours a month in the station.”

Rowe said he was told he needed to be at the Chamber banquet because his father was receiving an award.

“I was shocked,” to receive the award, he said. “I was really surprised.”

Volunteer Firefighter of the Year seeks triple certification n VOLUNTEER, FROM PAGE 3

Dustin Rowe spends as many as 200 hours each month volunteering at the Springtown VFD – and that doesn’t count the time he spends on actual calls.


Springtown Chamber President Amy Walk-er gets a big laugh when Fire Chief Eric Vinson threatens to kiss Dustin Rowe, Springtown’s Volun-teer Firefighter of the Year.

Photo by CarlaNoah Stutsman


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Newly crowned Springtown queens made their first official public appearance at the Chamber Banquet March 1: Junior Miss Springtown Lauren Jones (left) and Miss Springtown Kacee Newkirk. Photo by Carla Noah Stutsman

Cliff’s Auto Service Center can take care of any automotive need, most of the time in one day. That includes transmissions, air conditioning, shocks and struts, brakes, and alignments. Not to mention state inspections and oil changes. Veterans like (l-r) Thom-as Morrison, Glen Merrill, and Brandon Clayton (not pictured Eric Bragg) work on cars, light trucks, trailers, and motorcycles – and offer 12-month warranties on every repair. Stop by one of the two centers, in Springtown at 1088 E. Highway 199 or Weatherford at 302 Palo Pinto Monday through Saturday. Photo by Mark K. Campbell

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Named a 100 Top Hospitalin the nation.

At Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle, we are proud to have earned our way onto the 2013 list of “100 Top

Hospitals in America” according to Truven Health Analytics. Their study evaluated patient quality and safety, financial

and organizational performance as well as our efficiency. We are happy to be considered among the best hospitals, but

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1-877-THR-WELL | TexasHealth.org/Azle

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of the hospital. © 2014

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