After eight regularly scheduled concerts this summer — and one that was rescheduled due to inclement weather — Music in the Park has another strong season under its belt.

Marsha Hardin, chair of the Special Events Advisory Board, presented an annual report on Music in the Park to the Azle City Council Sept. 15.

According to Hardin, Music in the Park’s 14th season brought “strong attendance, positive community feedback and continued support from residents and local businesses.”

From May through June, the city of Azle hosted nine Music in the Park concerts, with Beatles tribute band A Hard Night’s Day bringing Beatlemania to Azle Central Park and Taylor Swift tribute artist Reputation ushering in a new era for Swifties.

“The 2026 concert series was especially well received, with many attendees commenting on the quality and variety of the bands featured throughout the season,” Hardin told council members. “We received support from 33 sponsors, contributing a total of $39,250, which was an increase of about $5,000 over the previous year.”

Hardin said the program introduced concert themes this year, which were a hit among many attendees who wanted to “dress up” to match the theme. The program also continued using branching tower lights to illuminate the playground, basketball court and volleyball court during concerts.

As the city prepares for another season next year, Hardin said one of the biggest changes will be reducing the number of concerts from nine to eight, which was discussed during the city’s budget workshop in June as a way to reduce overall costs.

“For the 2027 season, we want to keep exploring ways to bring excitement to the program,” Hardin said. “We are going to reduce the number of concerts to eight, which will help the program stay within budget while still allowing us to hire the same caliber of bands that the community has come to know and enjoy. It also has the added benefit of that last Friday in June to now remain open as a makeup day, should we have a rain out — which we normally do.”

Hardin said members of the Special Events Advisory Board are already selecting the bands for 2027 and are expected to have the lineup finalized by October.

“The continued success of our program would not be possible without the support of you, the city council, our sponsors, our community partners and particularly our dedicated park staff, so thank you again for your continued support,” Hardin said.

Following Hardin’s presentation, Mayor Randa Goode praised the Special Events Advisory Board for doing “such a great job,” noting that her granddaughter particularly liked the performance by the Taylor Swift tribute artist.

“I know there’s so much work that goes into it and y’all just make it look effortless. We just show up and enjoy the bands,” Goode said with a smile. “The Taylor Swift band, she had costume changes and all of that … so it was really neat to see that happen in Azle.”

According to city documents, Atmos Energy submitted a filing to the Atmos Cities Steering Committee April 1, requesting an increase in annual revenue of approximately $291.1 million based on the company’s cost of providing service in 2025.

Consultants for the ACSC — which is made up of 182 Mid-Texas cities served by Atmos Energy — later reviewed the filing and concluded that Atmos needed $253.4 million in additional annual revenue instead of the requested $291.1 million.

“The steering committee represents public interest of cities as far as regulating rates and services of the gas corporation,” Azle City Manager Amber Beard explained during the Sept. 15 council meeting. “At our prior council, we did reject the rate, and that was to provide a plan for the steering committee to enter into negotiations on our behalf.”

After several settlement meetings between the ACSC and Atmos Energy, the two sides eventually agreed to settle the case for $260.5 million — around $30 million less than Atmos Energy’s initial request.

Following the council’s approval of the negotiated settlement, Beard explained that Atmos rates will take effect for its Azle customers beginning Oct. 1.

“The impact of this settlement on the average residential rates is an increase of $13.37 on a monthly basis, or 14.15%,” Beard explained. “The average increase for commercial usage will be $44.82, or 9.90%.”

According to information provided by Atmos Energy, the $13.37 increase for residential customers includes a $10.96 increase associated with costs to further enhance the safety and reliability of the company’s infrastructure and to operate its natural gas distribution system. The remaining $2.41 is associated with the completion of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act refund.

For commercial customers, $36.77 of the increase is attributed to infrastructure and operating costs, while the remaining $8.05 is tied to the completion of the tax refund.

Lisa Deese, Atmos Energy’s manager of public affairs, told council members that as communities like Azle continue to grow, the company is continuing its goal to invest in infrastructure in the Mid-Tex Division.

“We are investing millions of dollars in capital improvement and increasing the pathway of the lines that we have,” Deese said. “We are growing.”

Deese explained that Atmos Energy has also continued to gain customers in Azle, growing from 1,825 customers in 2024 to 1,972 just one year later in 2025.

As new developers continue to build new housing in the area, Deese said more homeowners are now being given the choice between electric and natural gas service.

“The new residents are able to choose whether they want to have some (natural gas) options because it is safer, more reliable and actually more affordable than electric,” she said.

Money spent on capital improvement projects has also increased significantly, Deese said, with many construction crews remaining in town to complete planned projects throughout the city of Azle.

In 2024, Atmos Energy invested $1,650,467 in capital improvements in Azle, and that amount nearly quintupled with $7,872,985 spent on capital improvements in 2025.

“Between January 2025 and December 2025, Atmos Energy invested more than $1.8 billion in the Mid-Tex Division, with more than 85% of this investment spent to enhance the safety and reliability of our natural gas system,” Atmos Energy said in a statement.

Deese told The Azle News that fueling safe and thriving communities is also part of the company’s vision. In 2025, Atmos Energy contributed $36,500 to nonprofit organizations in Azle and Parker County alone.

“Compassion to give back to the communities we serve flows through the heart and soul of Atmos Energy's 5,500 employees,” the company said in a statement. “Our employees invest in the communities we call home by reading to students, working with local food banks and showing appreciation to our hometown heroes.”

Customers seeking assistance can call Atmos Energy customer service at 888-286-6700 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit atmosenergy.com/assistance.

After serving as interim city secretary since earlier this summer, Rice was officially sworn in to her new position following an executive session during the Sept. 18 meeting of the Pelican Bay City Council.

Rice stepped into the interim role in May following the departure of former city secretary Cynthia Daniels.

Mayor Tamra Olague told The Azle News that Daniels’ departure was a “difficult personnel decision,” but she is limited in what she can say publicly about the circumstances because personnel matters are confidential.

“What I can say is that the city council reached a point where we no longer had the level of confidence in the position that we felt was necessary to effectively serve the city,” Olague said. “As elected officials, we have a responsibility to make difficult decisions when we believe they are in the best interest of our residents and the city as a whole.”

Rice — who served as Pelican Bay’s accounts payable and payroll clerk since May 2025 — said Olague “persuaded” her to accept the interim role due to her extensive municipal experience.

“She brought with her 29 years as a certified municipal city secretary, and that experience has proven to be an incredible asset to Pelican Bay,” Olague said.

Born and raised in Weatherford, Rice received her associate’s degree from Weatherford College. She later started working for the city of Willow Park as a permit clerk through the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act grant program, where the city paid half her wages and CETA paid the other half.

“It just seems like the thing I was born to do,” Rice said, referring to her roles in municipal government.

Despite her prior knowledge, Rice said the biggest challenge in taking on the interim position was returning to municipal government after spending some time away.

“I got out of municipal government for a little while. What a mistake!” she said. “So, there was a slight learning curve to catch up to any new laws the Texas Legislature passed and just catching up on what was going on in Pelican Bay.”

Rice explained that the “city secretary” title itself is also misleading because it encompasses a comprehensive list of rules and regulations that most secretaries don’t learn while working in an office in the public sector.

She explained that in order to become a certified city secretary, individuals are required to take four courses covering public administration, municipal law, local government finance, ethics, public relations, supervision and election law, along with course exams and 96 hours of educational training. Rice added that even after graduating, individuals have to recertify every five years to keep their certification current.

“In a small city like ours, the city secretary’s responsibilities extend far beyond one specific area,” Olague explained. “The position can involve accounts payable, payroll, budgeting, elections, records, property taxes and many other important administrative responsibilities.”

While there was a slight learning curve in the beginning for Rice, Olague couldn’t help but brag on her progression, because Rice went on to excel during her 90-day interim period.

“She was instrumental in our budget and property tax preparations and demonstrated not only her extensive knowledge of municipal government, but also her commitment to doing what is best for the city,” Olague said. “I have been extremely impressed with her professionalism, knowledge and work ethic.”

When Rice is not busy at Pelican Bay City Hall, she enjoys reading cozy mysteries, which she described as “whodunits without the blood and gore.” She said she especially loves fall and Halloween. Rice also enjoys traveling, though she said she doesn’t get the opportunity to do so as often as she would like.

Rice and her husband, Spencer, have been together for 20 years. Their blended family includes four children and nine grandchildren, with Rice often caring for her two youngest grandchildren, ages 3 and 4. The four-legged members of their family include a Chihuahua named Candy and a pit bull named Rock, whom Rice adopted from work and jokingly described as a “lap dog.”

As Rice officially settles into her new role, she said she is most excited about “helping the city move forward to become a better place to live, do business and thrive.” She described the Pelican Bay staff as “a family” and noted how she loves seeing all the deer in the area, too.

Olague said she is equally excited to have Rice officially step into the role and looks forward to seeing what lies ahead for the city.

“Having someone with nearly three decades of certified municipal experience is a tremendous benefit to Pelican Bay,” Olague said. “Her knowledge of municipal government and her understanding of the many responsibilities that come with serving as a city secretary in a small municipality will help strengthen our operations and help us continue moving the city forward.”

The night also served as Youth Night at the Azle High School gym. The Lady Hornets welcomed Azle youth volleyball players to the match, where the youngsters participated in pregame activities and were recognized before the varsity contest.

The varsity Lady Hornets needed all five sets to finish the sweep.

Azle won the first two sets before Saginaw battled back to take the next two, forcing a decisive fifth set. The Lady Hornets held off the Rough Riders 15-13 in the fifth to secure the district victory.

The win improved Azle to 14-18 overall and 3-0 in district play, tied with Argyle for the district lead.

The Lady Hornets continue district play at Fossil Ridge Sept. 22 before two major tests to close out the first round of district competition.

Azle hosts defending 2025 Class 4A Division II state champion Eagle Mountain Sept. 25 before traveling to Argyle Sept. 29.

Eagle Mountain and Argyle entered the week as two of the state’s top-ranked teams, setting up an important stretch for the Lady Hornets as the first half of the district schedule nears its end.

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

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

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

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

OTHER BUSINESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When did diversity become something Texans were supposed to fear?

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

This is a Texas question.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members of the Lady Hornets volleyball program greeted students as they arrived at school, welcoming the youngsters at the front doors and wishing them a good day.

The visit was designed to strengthen the connection between Azle High School athletes and younger students throughout the district. From elementary school through high school, the message is simple: Azle is one team and everyone is a Hornet.

The volleyball players gave the younger students a chance to interact with high school athletes while also providing encouragement as they began their day.

The Lady Hornets plan to continue the welcoming tradition during the next four home games, giving more elementary students in the Azle Independent School District an opportunity to meet members of the varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams.

The visits are another way Azle athletes can represent their school beyond the volleyball court while helping build school spirit throughout the district.

The night also served as Youth Night at the Azle High School gym. The Lady Hornets welcomed Azle youth volleyball players to the match, where the youngsters participated in pregame activities and were recognized before the varsity contest.

The varsity Lady Hornets needed all five sets to finish the sweep.

Azle won the first two sets before Saginaw battled back to take the next two, forcing a decisive fifth set. The Lady Hornets held off the Rough Riders 15-13 in the fifth to secure the district victory.

The win improved Azle to 14-18 overall and 3-0 in district play, tied with Argyle for the district lead.

The Lady Hornets continue district play at Fossil Ridge Sept. 22 before two major tests to close out the first round of district competition.

Azle hosts defending 2025 Class 4A Division II state champion Eagle Mountain Sept. 25 before traveling to Argyle Sept. 29.

Eagle Mountain and Argyle entered the week as two of the state’s top-ranked teams, setting up an important stretch for the Lady Hornets as the first half of the district schedule nears its end.

Quarterback Auston Morgan completed 15 of 20 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Brayden Combs was Morgan’s top target, catching eight passes for 147 yards to lead the Hornets.

The Hornets’ running game showed some life as well, rushing for 241 yards. Kaden Haas led the ground attack with 114 yards.

“We had our best rushing game of the season and it opened up our opportunities to take vertical shots in the passing game,” Azle head coach Wilson Rigg said.

The Hornets finished the game with 480 yards of total offense, combining 239 yards through the air with 241 on the ground.

Azle’s offense has been on a tear the past two games, averaging 45.5 points per game during wins over MacArthur and Community.

“After two series, the offense did a great job of executing the game plan both running and passing,” Rigg said.

The Hornets also got a strong performance from the defense, limiting the previously undefeated Braves to 14 points. Community entered the game with a 3-0 record.

“Our defense, the majority of the first half, bottled up Community aside from a couple of specialized plays they schemed up,” Rigg said. “In the second half, Community struggled to gain a yard and were shut out.”

Azle will bring its 3-1 record into District 3-5A Division I play Sept. 25.

The Hornets host Chisholm Trail at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. The Rangers enter the district opener with a 2-2 record after falling 52-45 to Wichita Falls Memorial in their final nondistrict game.

What is your name and grade?

“My name is Haley Malewiski and I am a senior.”

How long have you attended Azle Christian School?

“I’ve been here for six years now.”

Do you have any pets?

“Yes, I have two dogs. Their names are Sophie and Mercy.”

What is your favorite thing about Azle Christian School?

“The teachers are willing to build a deeper relationship with you and build a stronger relationship to you and God.”

What is your favorite class in school?

“Probably Bible.”

Michael or LeBron?

“Michael. I really don’t know?

What advice would you give younger athletes?

“Don’t make it your identity because that’s not where you find your identity, you find it in Christ.”

Tell me about life after high school.”

“I want to go to Weatherford junior college for my basics and then to SFA for nursing.”

The Crusaders battled through a tough opening set, winning 26-24. The second set was not easy either, but ACS pulled out a 25-21 victory.

The Lady Crusaders then finished off Bethesda Christian with a convincing 25-11 win in the third set to complete the sweep.

ACS competes in TAPPS 2A District 2, where the Crusaders are currently in third place with a 2-2 district record and a 9-9 overall mark.

The Lady Crusaders return home Sept. 29 to host Mercy Prep Academy.

The homecoming crowd saw Nemo Crowell score the first Crusaders touchdown on a 25-yard run early in the first quarter. Colton Cook added the extra point.

The ACS defense controlled the Eagles from the start, recovering a first-quarter fumble and adding a safety.

Senior all-state utility player Grayson Smith helped lead the defense from his linebacker position. Smith also contributed on offense, catching a touchdown pass.

Crowell added two more touchdowns as the Crusaders continued to build their lead. With ACS firmly in control, younger players also saw action before halftime.

The night also included Azle Christian 2026 homecoming festivities.

During pregame ceremonies, ACS announced its homecoming court and crowned its homecoming king and queen.

Senior Haley Malewiski was crowned homecoming queen, while senior Nemo Crowell was crowned homecoming king. The 4-0 Fighting Crusaders will face the Wise County Homeschool Athletics Warriors Friday, Sept. 25 at home.

Brothers and Sisters Outreach Ministry — created a few months ago by new Pelican Bay resident Greg Thompson — has hit the ground running since it began earlier this summer.

From initially serving meals to the homeless to creating a regular communitywide food service this month, Thompson has made it his mission to feed anyone who’s hungry through his newly established organization.

“Everywhere I went, we’ve always had a community meal,” Thompson said. “Our outreach is really based around the homeless and people that are in immediate need, but a community meal has always been a big part of that because that covers them and anyone else who needs it.”

While Thompson may be new to the area, he’s not new to community outreach. In fact, he previously served as an assistant with the faith-based nonprofit organization Feeding Hearts Inc. in Freeport, where he helped prepare meals for hundreds of residents in need.

“We were in a small 700-square-foot home, feeding a thousand people on the weekend. We even had a hurricane come through, and without power, we still did it,” Thompson said. “There's no excuse.”

As soon as Thompson settled into the area and his new home, he began networking — introducing himself to members of the community and serving meals to the homeless — and that’s when he met Amber Watson.

Watson, executive director of local ministry P.R.A.I.S.E. Worship Nights, said she was the only one delivering food and groceries to the community — that is, until Brothers and Sisters came along.

“Since joining with these guys — who have done an awesome job with hot meals and feeding in-house — they’ve kind of taken over the food outreach that we have,” Watson said.

Thompson said the duo came together and instantly came up with the idea to take their initiative to the next level with communitywide meals.

SERVING UP SUPPORT

With the help of just a handful of volunteers, Thompson and Watson created a weekly community meal service in Pelican Bay, offering hot meals to anyone in need.

“The goal is just to be able to reach anybody who's hungry,” Thompson said. “I did it for two weeks in a row to kind of get a feel for it, but it's increasing so we kind of need to take a step back to maybe every other week right now to be able to meet that demand.”

While the service was launched in Pelican Bay, Thompson said much of the need has come from other areas like Azle, Springtown and Briar.

“The majority of it is seniors, people without transportation and single moms and dads,” Thompson said. “If you’re feeding macaroni and cheese for dinner or even using hamburger meat, you’re talking about $25 to $45 for a family of four or five per meal. It’s a big deal if you can just take that one meal off somebody’s plate.”

Although other food service organizations have income requirements or other criteria residents have to meet before they can be served, Thompson said the Brothers and Sisters initiative only has one requirement: come hungry.

“There’s really no paperwork to fill out,” he said. “Just come eat. Young, old — it doesn’t matter.”

“Love doesn’t ask why you’re hungry,” Watson added. “Love just pours the soup.”

While the meals are always changing — dependent upon what’s on sale at Albertson’s — the community response has been staggering, with Thompson even throwing himself into debt to try to keep up with the need.

“I have to drill it into him: you don't want to put yourself in debt,” Watson said. “In the ministry, God will provide.”

Since Thompson started serving the tri-county area — Tarrant, Parker and Wise — he said the ministry has served 714 meals altogether, with 149 plates handed out in just one week.

“We even had leftovers,” Thompson said. “God’s got a way of stretching that basket out for you.”

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

Thompson said the duo wouldn’t be able to continue the communitywide meals without dedicated volunteers — some of whom have spent countless hours and their own gas helping deliver meals and serve the community.

“I have one lady who has probably delivered 100 meals by herself and food boxes to 30 different families in a 12-mile area,” Thompson said.

Brothers and Sisters is also something of a family affair, with Thompson’s sister, Amanda Whitehead, lending a hand with cooking and delivering meals — sometimes while delivering meals for DoorDash.

“She’s DoorDashing for Jesus. That’s what we call it,” Thompson said, with a chuckle.

“She’s one of the ones who’s grinding,” Watson added. “She’s out there delivering the meals and she’s talking to local businesses about food donations and sponsoring.”

Whitehead’s work has certainly paid off. Thompson said many businesses have donated food to the cause, including Little Caesars, Faithful Acres, Shine On Sisters and upcoming new Springtown business, The Velvet Crumb Bakehouse Bistro.

“Partnering, that’s the only way it’s going to work,” Thompson said, “because there's not going to be big grants coming through or anything like that.”

“Grant writing is time-consuming,” Watson added. “We’re small. I’m not saying we won’t eventually look into that and maybe explore a little more, but currently we’re ran off our own pocket money and donations. That’s all.”

Watson said if anyone wishes to donate, the organization is currently in need of anything that is “hearty, cheap and can go far,” such as pasta, rice, beans and ramen.

While the goal is to eventually secure a building that can house all P.R.A.I.S.E.’s and Brothers and Sisters’ ministries, until then, the duo plans to continue what they’ve been doing — feeding the community one meal at a time.

“Of course, we’re going to need more funding, more donations and more volunteers — but it’s all in his time,” Watson said. “He’ll provide for us.”

MORE THAN A MEAL

Although the duo doesn’t know where their mission will take them next, Thompson said he strives to have Brothers and Sisters fill a role that churches historically played in their communities — bringing people together and ensuring neighbors take care of neighbors.

“I just want to feed people,” Thompson said. “I want people to be OK knowing that God loves them. There's no stipulation behind that — just simple love.”

“The church isn't a building. The church isn't a religion,” Watson said. “The church is God's children helping one another — and that's what we're trying to do.”

For Watson, that sense of community is already starting to take shape.

“We have repeats. I want to call them customers, but they're more like family,” she said. “I had one reach out the other day, and she was like, ‘I literally have you saved in my phone as “Lifesaver,”’ so when you hear those kinds of things, you know you're making that difference.”

Brothers and Sisters’ next meal will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. in Squiggly Park, located directly across from Pelican Bay City Hall, 1300 Pelican Circle in Pelican Bay. For now, the community meals will be held every other Saturday at 1 p.m.

To donate to Brothers and Sisters, call Thompson at 817-706-0078.

“We’ll keep doing the work, no matter where it’s at,” Thompson said. “That’s our mission — we’ll see where God takes it.”

GracePointe Church, 4110 E. Highway 199, is hosting 40 days of prayer that will culminate in a revival.

Participants are invited to start their mornings seeking God in prayer from home at 6:30 a.m. each day through Sept. 23. As the 40 days of prayer draw to a close, the church will hold revival services at 6 p.m. Sept. 20-23.

Pastor Tim McKeown will lead the daily prayer, and evangelist Don Cass will speak during the revival services.

Low-cost pet vaccinations due Sept. 26

It’s that time of year again to get your puppies and kitties vaccinated at a discounted price.

From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26, Pelican Bay residents are invited to visit Pelican Bay City Hall, 1300 Pelican Circle, for low-cost immunizations, including a $5 rabies shot. Per the Pelican Bay city ordinance, dogs and cats must be current on rabies vaccinations and registered with the city.

Call 817-444-1234 or visit cityofpelicanbay.com for more information.

Eagle Crest hosts crafts club Sept. 26

All skill levels are welcome to join Eagle Crest Villa’s Arts & Crafts Club from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Eagle Crest Activity Room, 113 Denver Trail.

Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their creativity and join in for fun, crafts and community.

AML screens Sheep Detectives Sept. 28

The Azle Memorial Library will show a free screening of the movie “The Sheep Detectives” for its adults-only Last Monday Matinee at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.

Adults of all ages are invited to this monthly program featuring a new release movie on the big screen in the library. Popcorn will be served.

AML’s Mac and Cheese Drive continues

Through Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Azle Memorial Library will host its second annual Macaroni and Cheese Drive.

Donations of any brand and any flavor of macaroni and cheese will be accepted any time the library is open. All donations will support the Azle Community Caring Center and the Azle Lion’s Club blessing box.

The Azle Memorial Library is located at 333 W. Main St. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.

Azle FCCLA Craft Fair returns Oct. 3

The Azle High School chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America will host its fourth annual Craft Fair Fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, at Azle High School. The event will feature vendor booths throughout the cafeteria, gyms and Hall of Fame Commons, along with food trucks outside the stadium.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support FCCLA programs and activities. Vendors interested in participating can find application information through DFW Craft Shows or by contacting FCCLA adviser Natasha Deramee at nderamee@azleisd.net.

Low-cost pet vaccinations set Oct. 3

Bring your dog or cat to Russell Feed & Supply at 1312 Northwest Parkway in Azle between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 for low-cost services.

Services offered include vaccinations, microchipping, fecal testing, heartworm testing and heartworm, flea and tick preventives.

For more information about services and prices, visit VaccinationStation.com. No appointment is necessary, but new clients may preregister at vaccinationstation.com/pre-register.

National Night Out returns Oct. 6

The Azle Police Department will once again host a free demonstration of the services offered in the community at National Night Out from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at The FeedLot, 225 Church St.

National Night Out, held annually the first Tuesday of October, allows community members to interact with city officials, first responders and staff of local nonprofit organizations in a relaxed, upbeat environment.

Food trucks such as Bebe’s Grazin Goodies and Sweet Spot Ice Cream Truck will be on site with snacks and treats available for purchase. 

Come out to The FeedLot to ask your local uniformed personnel those burning questions you’ve always wanted answers for.

AML hosts fire safety story time Oct. 8

Join children’s librarian, Miss Ava, along with special guests from the Azle Fire Department in the Azle Memorial Library’s Community Room for a special Fire Safety Storytime set for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8.

Created for children ages 3 to 5, Preschool Pals Storytime aids in developing age-appropriate early literacy skills. Featuring stories, singing, dancing, rhymes, crafts, sensory bins and interactive play, this event creates a fun and educational time for young children and their caregivers.

Give to ’30 for Hannah’ through Oct. 10

Azle residents are invited to donate nonperishable food items or monetary contributions from now through Oct. 10 in honor of Hannah Baker, who died earlier this year.

The “30 for Hannah” food drive is held in recognition of what would have been Baker’s 30th birthday Oct. 9. Community members are encouraged to donate 30 food items, $30 or whatever they can give, with donations benefiting Blessing Boxes and Little Free Pantries throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.

The drive will culminate with a community celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 at Lighthouse Harbor Church, 1960 Long Circle in Pelican Bay.

For donation dropoff locations or to arrange a pickup, contact Traci at 817-944-5536 or Stacy at 817-703-5309.

Servolution Blitz returns Oct. 9-10

Servolution Network will return Oct. 9-10 for its annual Fall Blitz, with a goal of revitalizing more than 20 homes for neighbors in need. The event marks the organization’s 20th Blitz since 2016.

Projects will range from major home repairs to simple yard cleanup, and no experience is required to volunteer.

Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. both days at the Servolution Network Dream Center, 1803 S. Stewart St., before heading to project sites.

Azle Manor hosts blood drive Oct. 13

In partnership with Carter BloodCare, Azle Manor Healthcare & Rehabilitation will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 721 Dunaway Lane.

All donors will receive a glow-in-the-dark Carter BloodCare T-shirt while supplies last.

Appointments may be made by visiting greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/176965.

Spooktacular ladies’ bingo set Oct. 15

Ladies in the community can dust off their witch hats, capes and costumes for the Azle Lions Club’s Monster Mash Ladies Music Bingo night scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 at 412 Commerce St.

Tickets are $40 and include four rounds of bingo. All proceeds from the event will help support the Azle Lions Club’s blessing box program that helps fight food insecurity in the community. Attendees who bring a new children’s book for the Lions Club’s Christmas Angel Tree program will also receive an extra raffle ticket.

To purchase tickets, visit https://square.link/uu/eOXgzUnm. For more information, send an email to info@azlelionsclub.com.

Art and Butterfly Festival arrives Oct. 17

Creativity will officially take flight at The FeedLot, 225 Church St., Saturday, Oct. 17 for the Art and Butterfly Festival.

Set from 8 a.m. to noon during the Azle Farmers Market, the family-friendly festival promises a morning “where art meets the wonder of nature,” featuring a butterfly experience, natural journaling, live music, shopping and, of course, art.

For more information, send a text message to 682-262-8923 or an email to adscott@cityofazle.org.

APD Trunk or Treat set Oct. 24

Azle’s finest ghosts and goblins are invited to attend Trunk or Treat from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at The FeedLot, 225 Church St.

Hosted by the Azle Police Department, Trunk or Treat is a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. As local businesses, organizations and residents decorate their trunks and park in The FeedLot, kids will be able to go from trunk to trunk and fill their bags with candy — while also showing off their Halloween costumes — in a safe and controlled environment.

Trunk or Treat is a free family-friendly event open to the community.

Community Trunk or Treat set Oct. 30

Annunziato Jiu Jitsu, CJ’s Play Corner and Redemption Barbell will team up to host a community Trunk or Treat at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at 118 S. Stewart St.

Families are invited to bring the kids in costume and enjoy decorated trunks, candy, treats and a fun evening with the community. Event attendees are also invited to decorate a trunk and hand out candy.

Ash Creek Church hosts Fall Fest Oct. 31

Ash Creek Baptist Church returns with its annual Fall Fest from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at 300 S. Stewart St.

Everyone is welcome to attend the free event, which will feature food, games, rides, a hayride, barrel train, a four-story rock-climbing wall and giant inflatable obstacle courses (one for big kids and one for preschoolers).

Email rhonda@ashcreekbaptistchurch.org with any questions.

Christmas on Main Street arrives Dec. 5

The Azle Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas on Main Street Dec. 5.

The event will offer a Christmas market, free children's activities inside 404 Main Place, and the annual Azle Lions Club car show.

After the festival, the official tree lightings at City Hall and the Azle Historical Museum will take place, followed by a lighted parade on Main Street.

Registration is open for vendors and parade entries. Visit azlechristmasonmain.com for more information or to register.

Starting Oct. 1, the center — which has previously been managed by Meals on Wheels Inc. of Tarrant County — will come under city management, with special events coordinator Amanda Scott overseeing daily operations.

Under the city’s current agreement with Meals on Wheels, the organization manages the center and provides a center director, Jackie “JJ” Joy. The city currently pays $33,894.89 annually under the agreement; the management fee was set to increase by 3% to approximately $34,911.74 Oct. 1.

Meals on Wheels began managing the Senior Activity Center under an agreement with the city in October 2020. After renewing the agreement over the next several years, council approved a new three-year agreement in September 2025. With federal funding that had previously helped Meals on Wheels provide the service no longer available, the agreement increased the city’s annual management fee from $23,196.41 to $33,894.89.

During its Sept. 15 meeting, the Azle City Council unanimously approved a revised agreement with Meals on Wheels that will eliminate the approximately $34,911 annual management fee the city would have paid beginning Oct. 1.

According to parks superintendent Kyle Culwell, the city’s only annual payment to Meals on Wheels under the revised agreement is a $1,000 recurring training fee, which will result in an estimated $33,911 in annual city savings.

“The fee will help offset the costs of ongoing training provided to city staff and support of the congregate meal program,” Culwell said. “I have proposed $24,000 in the 2026-27 proposed budget to cover the equipment that will be necessary, supplies, activities and other programs needed for the Senior Activity Center.”

While the city will now assume management of the center, Marcus Rockwell, vice president of Adult Activity Centers for Meals on Wheels, explained that Meals on Wheels will continue providing congregate meals to seniors, along with training, supplies, technical assistance and compliance support for staff.

“We still want to provide the support as it relates to grant opportunities,” Rockwell told council members. “The partnership will continue. It will be expanded by Amanda being able to take over and do day-to-day operations and working with the community as a whole to bring in more activities, so we're excited about it.”

Scott told The Azle News that while she’s honored and excited to step into this new role at the Azle Senior Activity Center, she doesn’t plan to make any major changes right away.

“My priority is to listen to our seniors and learn what they would like to see for the future,” Scott said. “This is their center, and we are here to serve them, so their ideas and needs will help guide us for any possible changes.”

Scott said her goal is to grow the center by adding activities that appeal to seniors with a wide variety of interests while continuing the programs they already enjoy. She said she also hopes to strengthen partnerships with local businesses and build upon the wonderful support the center already receives from vendors and community partners.

According to Culwell, the center’s growth over the past year in both membership and programming is already paving the way for additional partnerships.

“We now have an opportunity to transition a part-time position into a full-time role, allowing us to strengthen and expand partnerships with local businesses and pursue additional sponsorship opportunities,” Culwell told The Azle News. “These partnerships can help generate outside funding to support community activities and special events, offset program costs and enhance the programs and services offered to our residents.”

Rockwell said Meals on Wheels will also continue to bring in additional opportunities to the center despite no longer managing its daily operations.

“When we see opportunities that will come forward, we'll be able to get things like health and wellness classes, some technology classes and make them available to the center,” Rockwell said. “I think this is going to be a great opportunity for the city of Azle.”

Mayor Randa Goode joked that council members were looking for a “catch” in this new agreement — especially since the city would now be saving more than $30,000 each year.

“The catch is, it’s more work on us,” Rockwell said. “But the thing about it is, when you have someone that's going to be involved at the level that I believe a manager can bring to that program, I see opportunities for it to grow, so we will still be involved.”

While Jackie “JJ” Joy has served as the center director under Meals on Wheels for several years, Rockwell said her employment with the organization will end when the current contract expires Sept. 30.

“She will no longer be an employee of ours, so she won't be an employee providing the services,” he said. “She will still have access to be able to come to the center and programs and things like that.”

Despite the transition, Scott said she wants seniors to know that they are “always welcome” at the Azle Senior Activity Center — and there is always room for new friends to join.

“The center is more than a place for meals and activities; it is a family,” Scott said. “Many seniors in our area may not realize what the center offers, that Meals on Wheels is available or even that their community has a senior center. I want every senior in our area to know that they have a place where they are welcome, valued and connected.”

The Azle Senior Activity Center, located at 605 Southeast Parkway, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meals are available for a suggested donation of $2.50, but seniors who are unable to contribute will never be turned away. Anyone with questions may call the center at 817-444-0070 or send an email to Scott at adscott@cityofazle.org.

During the Sept. 15 Azle City Council meeting, Mayor Randa Goode proclaimed Oct. 9 — what would have been Hannah’s 30th birthday — Hannah Baker Day, in recognition of a life marked by “compassion, generosity and a deep commitment to helping others.”

Hannah, who died in February, found great joy in serving the community — even while facing her own health challenges. Despite the obstacles she faced, she never let them stand in the way of spreading positivity and helping others in need.

“Hannah believed no one should go to bed hungry and devoted herself to filling local blessing boxes alongside her mother, Stacy Baker,” Goode said, reading from the proclamation. “She inspired others through her simple belief that if everyone gave a little, together we could do a lot of good.”

The day after Hannah’s death, her loved ones got together to continue her mission. Traci Day, a close friend of the family, created an Amazon wish list inviting others to either purchase food items that would be distributed to blessing boxes in Azle and Springtown or to fill blessing boxes in their own communities.

“People are kind of honored to carry it on for her. We initially had set up a wish list on Amazon … The list was cleared in four days,” Day previously told The Azle News. “It’s just been big. It’s so remarkable how one person can inspire so many people to want to help somebody else.”

Since then, an outpouring of support through donations made in Hannah’s memory has provided thousands of dollars’ worth of food for blessing boxes throughout Azle, Springtown, the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond.

Today, Hannah’s legacy continues through the efforts of Hannah’s Helpers, a community food initiative dedicated to stocking local blessing boxes and little free pantries in Azle, Springtown, Pelican Bay and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Hannah’s Helpers hopes to hold the food drive around Hannah’s birthday each year, continuing her tradition of asking for food donations instead of gifts.

“For her birthday for the last several years, instead of presents, Hannah has asked people to donate food instead, and this year we are,” Day said in a previous article. “I think that we'll continue to do this for years to come.”

From now until Oct. 10, Hannah’s Helpers is hosting a food drive in honor of Hannah’s 30th birthday, with community members encouraged to either donate 30 items or $30.

The food drive will conclude with a community celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at Lighthouse Harbor Church, 1960 Long Circle in Pelican Bay. Attendees can drop off donations, enjoy a cupcake, make a notecard for a snack bag and spend time with Hannah’s family and friends.

“I just want to thank everybody who has donated,” Stacy Baker said during the council meeting. “Hannah loved helping people and being a part of the community.”

Since the launch of Hannah’s Helpers, Stacy Baker said three local blessing boxes have been dedicated in her daughter’s honor: two from businesses — Prep & Crave Co. and Neal Legal, P.C. — and one from the city of Pelican Bay.

While the last several months have been tough on the Baker family, Stacy Baker said she wouldn’t have been able to continue Hannah’s mission without the help of her good friend, Traci Day.

“Without Traci, I would not know what to do with myself,” she said. “She is so very much appreciated by me that none of my words do her the justice she deserves. She drove daily to visit Hannah while she was in the hospital, and she has been beside me daily these past seven months dedicating hours and hours to Hannah’s mission of no one going hungry. She helps me with everything, and I appreciate that.”

Nonperishable food items most needed for the food drive include peanut butter, canned meat, Chef Boyardee, macaroni and cheese, fruit cups, cereal, snacks and drinks.

Those who wish to donate food can drop off donations at any of these locations:

• Prep & Crave Co., 128 Park Place, Azle
• Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop, 400 E. Highway 199, Springtown
• Woodard Builders Supply, 6405 Airport Freeway, Fort Worth
• Lake Lodge Nursing & Rehabilitation, 3800 Marina Drive, Lake Worth
• MANE hair co., 3001 E. Highway 199, Springtown
• Attic Rerun Resale Shop, 714 Southeast Parkway, Azle

Monetary donations are also accepted through PayPal at happydaizes@att.net, Venmo at Traci-Day-3 or Zelle at Stacy Baker, 817-703-5309. An Amazon wish list can also be viewed here.

For more information or to arrange a donation pickup, contact Traci Day at 817-944-5536 or Stacy Baker at 817-703-5309.

Starting Thursday, Oct. 1, the city of Pelican Bay will begin enforcing its ordinances requiring residents to have their pets registered with the city and vaccinated.

“Pet registration and proof of rabies vaccination have been requirements in the city of Pelican Bay since 1982,” Mayor Tamra Olague told The Azle News. “These requirements are not new; they have been part of our city ordinances for more than four decades.”

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

According to Section 3.01.007 of the city’s Code of Ordinances, all dogs and cats must be registered with the city, with registrations renewed annually as long as the animal remains within city limits. The ordinance also requires residents to complete a city registration form and pay an annual registration fee of $10 per animal for unspayed or unneutered pets and $7.50 per animal for spayed or neutered pets.

Registered animal owners must be at least 17 years old, and animals must wear a city-issued metal registration tag on their collar or harness at all times.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Section 3.02.001 of the city’s Code of Ordinances requires owners of dogs, cats and other animals commonly vaccinated against rabies to keep their animals current on rabies vaccinations.

New Pelican Bay residents must comply with the vaccination requirement within 10 days of moving into the city. However, if an animal has bitten a person or another animal within the previous 10 days, the owner must report the bite to a veterinarian, and the animal cannot receive a rabies vaccine until the 10-day observation period has ended.

ENFORCEMENT BEGINS OCT. 1

Olague explained that beginning Thursday, Oct. 1, the city will begin enforcing both requirements — pet registrations and vaccinations — adding that a violation can carry a fine of up to $500. Olague said failure to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and failure to register a pet with the city are separate requirements and may result in separate violations.

With approximately 600 pets currently registered with the city, Olague explained how registration plays a role in protecting both residents and their pets.

“The purpose of pet registration is first and foremost the health, safety and well-being of our community,” Olague said. “It helps the city maintain accurate records, verify that pets have current rabies vaccinations and assists our animal control efforts in identifying and returning lost pets to their owners. These requirements are also consistent with the Texas Rabies Control Act and applicable provisions of the Texas Health and Safety Code.”

LOW-COST RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC SET SEPT. 26

To help residents get their pets up to date before enforcement begins, the city will host a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 26 at Pelican Bay City Hall, located at 1300 Pelican Circle. Rabies vaccinations will be available for $5.

“Our goal is not to issue fines. Our goal is compliance and, most importantly, protecting the health and safety of our residents and their pets,” Olague said. “We encourage residents who have not yet registered their pets or who need to update their rabies vaccination to take advantage of this opportunity and contact City Hall with any questions regarding registration.”

For more information about vaccinations or registrations, call Pelican Bay City Hall at 817-444-1234 or go online to cityofpelicanbay.com.

WATER/WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN

Derek Turner, professional engineer with Jacob & Martin Engineering, spoke at the Azle City Council meeting Sept. 1 and presented an updated Water and Wastewater Master Plan.

Almost three decades after the city’s last comprehensive plan in 2000, the new plan provides an updated assessment of the city’s existing water and wastewater infrastructure, system capacity, current and projected service demands and future infrastructure needs.

“This was intended to be a broad master plan as opposed to a capital improvement plan,” Turner told the council. “This is a 25-year study, so it goes through the year 2050.”

According to Turner, Azle’s population is projected to increase from approximately 13,000 residents to around 21,000 by 2050 — along with the number of water and sewer connections.

Turner explained that the water treatment plant capacity is currently at 6 million gallons a day and is projected to exceed that number around 2039. However, Turner said 80% of that capacity is expected to be reached within the next two to three years, which has triggered the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirement for the city to begin planning for an expansion.

Along with expanding the treatment capacity, Turner said the water master plan also recommends replacing the Commerce Street tank as well as the main transmission line.

Switching gears to wastewater, Turner explained that the wastewater treatment plant has a capacity of 2.45 million gallons a day, with usage projected to reach only 2.21 million gallons a day by 2050.

“The treatment plant, as far as capacity on the wastewater side, appears to be adequate,” Turner said. “But we have much more serious issues at the wastewater plant with aging infrastructure and failing components.”

Turner said many wastewater plant improvements are listed in the cost analysis, including upgrades to the Charles Street, Liberty School Road and Broadway Road lift stations, force main upgrades and the replacement of an aging 10-inch reuse line that carries treated wastewater from the plant to the Cross Timbers Golf Course for irrigation.

Overall, Turner said there are more than $90 million in identified and recommended improvements across the city’s water and wastewater systems: $58.4 million for the water system and $31.8 million for the wastewater system.

Place 4 council member Josh Berry pointed out that much of the future growth is projected to occur outside Azle’s city limits and questioned how the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction factored into the more than $90 million in recommended improvements.

Turner explained that the plan’s projections assume significant development within the ETJ — including close to full buildout — but said the plan should be reevaluated every five years as actual growth occurs.

“The improvements should really be driven by growth,” Turner said. “Hopefully we’ve been extremely conservative.”

With adoption of the master plan set to take place at a later council meeting, the discussion shifted to the city’s proposed water and wastewater rates.

WATER/WASTEWATER RATES

For the first time since the 2017-18 fiscal year, the city has completed a new Water and Wastewater Rate Study.

Presented by Patrick Lawler, co-founder and CEO of ZacTax, the new rate study evaluates current operating and capital costs, projected financial requirements, debt obligations and the adequacy of existing rates to support the long-term financial sustainability of the utility funds.

According to Lawler, the total cost to run the city of Azle’s system in fiscal year 2027 is projected at $10.06 million. After accounting for other revenues, he said the city would need to collect approximately $9.1 million through its rates. Under existing rates, the study projects an approximately $1.1 million revenue shortfall for fiscal year 2027.

“The shortfall right now is $1.1 million, so in order to make up that difference, you would need a 14.57% increase in FY 2027 … without using fund balance,” Lawler said. “The great news is financially you’re in fantastic shape, so you have time to move into this rate increase. We will work through this and look at what those different options are for you.”

Lawler presented the council with six different rate options to consider, with some increasing rates by 14.57% to meet the full cost of service in 2027, while others would phase in smaller increases over several years by using the city’s existing reserves as a bridge. Four options would also maintain the city’s current 90-day operating reserve, while two would reduce the requirement to 30 days.

Of the six, officials focused much of the discussion on Option 4, which would maintain the 90-day reserve while phasing in rate increases and would also include financing of water and sewer projects in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. This option, Lawler said, would increase rates by 8.55% in fiscal year 2027.

“What shocked me when I went through this study was you guys have extremely affordable utility rates,” Lawler said. “When you look at your overall utility rates and what your options are for those utility rates, either option you choose, you are still well below market for your area, and significantly below market west of Fort Worth.”

In comparing Azle’s rate to other nearby cities, Lawler said Option 4 would still place the city on the lower end, particularly when compared with other cities in the “western metroplex.” Based on 5,000 gallons of monthly usage, this option would result in a residential water bill of $41.29 and sewer bill of $43.57.

While the master plan identifies more than $90 million in recommended improvements through 2050, Public Services Director Rick White explained that the rate study focuses on approximately $6.5 million in water and wastewater projects over the next five years.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen in five years. The people in Azle have to pay for the people in Azle. The people in the ETJ have to pay for themselves,” White said. “We're not on the right side of the lake for where we can get water from Fort Worth. We have to have our own water and wastewater plants … We're the only thing out here that has sewers, so anything that comes in here that wants to connect to sewer is going to have to come through us … and there are some projects in here that pave the way for the ETJ to tie into this.”

Lawler reiterated that the near-term improvements are “necessary upgrades” and have to be done regardless of Azle’s growth.

“Specifically, the horizon that we're looking at here is what is needed in the five-year window, and really, our hope is unless something substantial changes, you shouldn't have to have another conversation until FY 2031,” he said.

City Manager Amber Beard explained that while the 14.57% increase seems like a “big jump,” the city didn’t have a rate increase since 2017 until the current fiscal year, when rates increased by 2.5%.

“This is the result in going so long without increasing rates as costs continue to rise, so we’re trying to correct that — and we did,” Beard said. “We were ready to issue debt this year. We could have started on some of those projects, but to do more of an incremental rate increase to help the residents and the customers, we pushed those projects out so we could have a better path forward.”

Lawler added that the council was not being asked to vote on anything that night but can instead use the information presented to determine how it wants to phase in future rate increases and whether to maintain the city’s current 90-day reserve requirement.

The Azle City Council is expected to revisit the proposed rate increases at a future meeting before any changes are adopted.

The Hornets’ win locked up a spot in the UIL team tennis postseason with one regular season match remaining.

Azle closes out the regular season Sept. 29 when the Hornets travel to Argyle for the district finale. The match will give Azle one final tuneup before postseason play begins.

The UIL district certification deadline is Oct. 3, with bi-district matches scheduled for Oct. 5-6.

Azle News Sports will provide an update on the Hornets’ playoff matchup in next week’s edition.

Community volunteers and voter registrars Terry and Mike Lafon dedicated their time to assist students with their application forms and answer questions about the voting process.

“Registering to vote is a significant milestone, representing a young person’s transition into adulthood and their commitment to civic responsibility,” Witherspoon said. “By taking the initiative to register, these students have demonstrated remarkable maturity and taken a crucial first step toward contributing to the future of their community and country when they cast their ballots in upcoming elections.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring and summer.

Azle students who achieved the academic honor include Joshua Sloss, Rachel Boone, Christopher Cox, Madison Mcgrath-Kruser, Shelbie Clark and Gilbert Figueroa.

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 94-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. Recognized as one of the "Most Innovative" regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each learner.

These allocations are based on sales made in July by businesses that report tax monthly.

“The increased sales tax revenue being returned to local governments is an indicator that many local entities may have an opportunity to use these additional funds to help reduce property taxes,” Huffines said. “Lower property taxes are one of the most effective ways to make housing more affordable and ease the financial burden Texans face with gas, groceries, and other everyday costs.”

Below is a list of local cities and Special Taxing Districts detailing the net payments they will receive from the comptroller’s office in September:

Note: Parker County Emergency Services District No. 1 collects sales tax in the Peaster and Annetta South areas, where only a one-half cent sales tax rate is available to the district; PCESD No. 1A collects sales tax in the remaining areas of the district at a rate of 1.5%.

For details about September sales tax allocations to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, visit comptroller.texas.gov/transparency/local/allocations/sales-tax/.

The victory moved the Hornets to 2-1 in district play and gave Azle some momentum as the team tennis season moves deeper into the district schedule.

The win was an important one for the Hornets as the district race begins to take shape. With several key matches still ahead, every opportunity to add another district victory becomes more valuable.

Azle will continue its team tennis season with important district matches coming up, including Fossil Ridge, Eagle Mountain and Argyle.

Those matches will give the Hornets more chances to improve on their 2-1 district record and build on the Saginaw win.

The Lady Hornets wasted little time downing the Lady Rangers in three sets, 25-16, 25-18, 25-16, to start district play 1-0.

Azle established control in the opening set with a 25-16 win, then continued the momentum in the second. Chisholm Trail made the second set the closest of the match, but the Lady Hornets still pulled away for a 25-18 victory.

With a chance to finish the match in straight sets, Azle closed the night with another 25-16 win.

The win gave Azle a strong start to district play following its Orlando tournament.

The subvarsity volleyball squads also won, completing a program sweep of Chisholm Trail.

Azle’s junior varsity team won in three sets, 25-23, 12-25, 25-20. After dropping the second set, the JV Lady Hornets responded in the deciding third set to finish the night with a victory.

The Azle ninth-grade A team also earned a win, taking its match in straight sets, 25-11, 25-18.

The Lady Hornets are off to a hot district start, but the schedule will continue to test them. With district rivals Brewer, Saginaw and Fossil Ridge and new district member Eagle Mountain among their upcoming opponents, the Lady Hornets will look to maintain some momentum.

For the varsity, the opening sweep gives the Lady Hornets an early district victory to build on as the race moves forward.

What is your name and grade?

“My Audrey Beall. I am a senior.”

How long have you been a cheerleader?

“For as long as I can remember, my whole life. I just love it — it’s been my passion my whole life.”

Do you have any pets?

“Yes, I have dogs, Asher, Amy and Piper.”

Do you have a shout out to anyone?

“I would like to shout out my parents and my friends, my best friend Alyssa and my boyfriend Kenny.”

What is your favorite class in school?

“My favorite class is forensics. It’s a bunch of crime scenes.”

Michael or LeBron?

“Michael.”

Do you have a pregame routine or superstition you must do before a game?

“I don’t really have anything like that, like a meal. I do my hair, makeup and get dressed. That’s it.”

What advice would you give younger athletes?

“Have a positive mindset and always remember that Jesus is over everything, he’s always there.”

Tell me about life after high school.”

“I’m going to go to Weatherford Junior College and study stenography or become an ICU nurse.”

The visiting Hornets produced several explosive plays, including touchdown passes of 59 yards, 53 yards and 70 yards from Azle quarterback Auston Morgan.

On the night, Morgan completed 17 of 28 passes for 419 yards and five touchdowns as the Air Raid offense delivered its biggest performance of the young season.

Morgan’s leading target was senior Brayden Combs, who caught 11 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns.

Azle head coach Wilson Rigg collected his second win of the season and liked what he saw from an offense capable of producing points quickly.

“We were very explosive and physical with the ball in our hands, breaking tackles and scoring,” Rigg said.

Rigg said in a preseason interview that he was bringing the “Air Raid” to Azle. Three games into his first season leading the Hornets, the Air Raid has started to take off.

“At receiver, we were given lots of one-on-one opportunities, and we dominated those more times than not,” Rigg said.

Combs was not Morgan’s only target.

Keaton English caught a 59-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, while Kaden Haas added another big play with a 70-yard touchdown reception.

“The line and running backs were challenged to play with way more physicality this week, and they did that,” Rigg said.

The victory was also significant because MacArthur, a Class 6A program, entered the game at 2-0. The Cardinals had defeated Creekview and Southwest before Azle came to Irving and handed them their first loss.

Both teams kept fans on the edge of their seats with how quickly the tide could turn.

Azle would score, only to see MacArthur answer. The Cardinals erased an early Hornet lead and tied the game at 14 before the offenses continued trading blows.

Neither defense could consistently slow the opposing offense as points piled up throughout the night.

Rigg said Azle’s aggressive offensive approach also created some difficult situations for its defense because of how quickly the Hornets were playing.

“Our offense was extremely aggressive and up-tempo,” Rigg said.

Even after giving up 41 points, the Hornets defense came up big when it counted against a MacArthur offense that entered the game averaging 28 points through its first two contests.

“The defense did a good job of slowing down a very good running game all night,” Rigg said.

For Azle, the 49 points were a season high through the first three games. The Hornets opened the season with a 28-24 victory over Abilene Cooper before falling to Weatherford 28-14.

The win over Irving MacArthur gives the Hornets a 2-1 record heading into their final nondistrict game.

Azle travels to Nevada Community for a 7 p.m. game Friday, Sept. 18.

After that, the games begin to carry even more weight.

The Hornets open District 3-5A Division I play at home against Chisholm Trail at 7 p.m. Sept. 25.

If Thursday night was any indication, Rigg’s Air Raid will enter district play with plenty of firepower.