2025: A year in review
staff report
It happened in the blink of an eye: Come along with us as we revisit the top stories of 2025 in the Springtown area. This week take a look at the first half of the year; next week, we’ll finish up with Part II.
January
Springtown Mayor Greg Hood announced he would not seek re-election to the office of mayor. He spoke about his gratitude for being appointed to the position after the unexpected passing of former Mayor Tom Clayton more than seven years ago. He added that he intends to retire from his longtime employer, Tri-County Electric Co-op, in two years and wanted his focus to be on his job.
A 19-year-old Rhome man led Parker County Sheriff’s deputies on a vehicle pursuit that began in Azle. The pursuit ended in the 600 block of West Weatherford Street in downtown Fort Worth. The man was taken into custody without incident.
A Springtown man lost his life in a two-vehicle crash in the 300 block of State Highway 199 Saturday, Jan. 25. Jaime Ricardo Ruiz, 67, was identified as the deceased. SH 199 was shut down in both directions from about 10:45 p.m. until after 5 a.m. the following morning as police investigated the incident.
Springtown police investigated a report of an infant left inside a vehicle at a children’s sporting event at the Lions Club. The infant was found in an unattended vehicle unharmed, and Springtown officers located and arrested a man presumed to be the child’s father. He was charged with abandoning/endangering a child.
February
A Springtown man was arrested by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s deputies in Azle after a Molotov cocktail was discovered in his truck. Murphy Walls, 27, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. In addition to the deputies, the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office, Fort Worth Fire Department Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to the scene. Authorities took custody of the device, rendering it safe.
A pedestrian was critically injured in a hit-and-run vehicle incident and was flown to a Fort Worth hospital by air ambulance. Police arrested a 24-year-old man and charged him with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Venue on the Square hosted a Valentine’s Day dance for parents and their kids — a big hit in the community.
Hyde Media Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Sam Houston, announced the company’s decision to close the Tri-County Reporter, tapping Thursday, Feb. 27 as the newspaper’s final publication date. Houston cited changes in readership habits, rising costs and stiff competition for advertising dollars as reasons for his decision.
Springtown police answering a call for a welfare check discovered more than 30 cats, kittens, dogs and puppies living in extremely unsanitary conditions. The animals were voluntarily surrendered to Springtown animal control officers. Most were saved, but several were in such poor health they had to be euthanized.
Mike Kelley, longtime Springtown Independent School District Superintendent, now retired, filed to run for the office of Springtown mayor after Greg Hood announced he would not seek re-election to the position in January.
The need for more space in Springtown schools was so great that even after three failed bond elections, Springtown ISD trustees placed another bond proposal for $98 million on the May 3 ballot. The proposal, if passed, would fund construction of a new elementary school, renovations to Springtown Elementary School, a science and Career and Technology Education addition to Springtown Middle School, upgraded CTE equipment and facilities, safety and security and new buses.
A 65-year-old woman who was standing in the eastbound lanes of State Highway 199 in Springtown was struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday night, Feb. 16.
Extra! Extra! Bryson and Ashley Burtnett purchased the Tri-County Reporter days before it was set to close. The action not only ensured the continuation of a local newspaper to serve the citizens of the Springtown and Azle areas, it also meant continued employment for several individuals. The Burtnetts simultaneously announced their intention to split the Tri-County Reporter in two newspapers — The Azle News and the Springtown Epigraph — returning to the sister newspapers’ 50-year-plus history in each town.
Richelle Pruitt, currently the Place 4 Springtown City Council member, has filed to run for the office of mayor. She’d face off against former SISD Superintendent Mike Kelley for the position in the May 3 election.
Tri-County Electric Co-op removed two directors from its board and a third resigned. District 5 Director Steve Harris and District 8 Director Jarrett Armstrong were each removed by the board for violations of its bylaws. It was unclear why District 1 Director Kevin Ingle resigned from the board.
March
Storms featuring high winds caused significant damage to some homes and businesses throughout the area. Among the worst damaged was the Springtown Senior Center, which suffered the loss of its roof and awning.
Tri-County Electric Co-op’s board of nine seats was reduced to four filled seats after five board members either resigned or were removed from their positions. The board previously planned to fill its vacant positions during its upcoming September election but opted against that decision per a Feb. 27 announcement.
Citing a desire for members to select their representatives, the board has instead voted to follow its regular election cycle, holding elections for Districts 5, 7 and 9 this year, Districts 1, 2 and 4 in 2026 and Districts 3, 6 and 8 in 2027.
Thirty-one teachers across Springtown ISD received Texas Incentive Allotment designations. Thirteen teachers earned the Recognized designation; 17 were designated as Exemplary; and one earned Master Teacher status.
The Springtown City Council ordered a second public hearing for March 18 regarding a property where more than 30 animals were confiscated in February. The city’s code enforcement officials believe the structure is beyond repair after observing its condition.
Springtown ISD revealed its Teacher of the Year in March. They include Graceyn Owens, Teacher of the year, and Jennifer Arce, Paraprofessional of the Year for Goshen Creek Elementary; Meagan Payne, Teacher of the Year, and Chelsea Scriber, Paraprofessional of the Year for Springtown Elementary School; Katie Wellborn, Teacher of the Year, and Sylvia Galan, Paraprofessional of the Year for Reno Elementary School; Melissa Kobzowics, Teacher of the Year, and Shelby Wilson, Paraprofessional of the Year for Springtown Middle School; Shauna Warlick, Teacher of the Year, and Chelsea Cabtrell, Paraprofessional of the Year for Springtown Intermediate School; and Scot McPhetrige, Teacher of the Year, and Brandon Burdick, Paraprofessional of the Year for Springtown High School.
For the first time since June 2023, the Springtown Epigraph once again appeared in newsstands and mailboxes around town after new owners Bryson and Ashley Burtnett purchased the Tri-County Reporter and returned it to its roots as the Springtown Epigraph and The Azle News. The revived newspapers were dated March 19 and 20, respectively.
april
Road work, expected to last six months, began March 24 along Avenue A. The work, to include reconstruction and sanitary sewer replacement, was approved by the Springtown City Council in January and funded at a cost of $2.7 million.
The Springtown Senior Center announced it would reopen for its regular dance nights Saturday, April 12. Storms packing high winds March 4 caused significant damage to the building, rendering it unsafe until repairs were made.
A Granbury woman, Geneva Griffith, was killed in an accident on Farm-to-Market Road 51 near Veal Station Road. Four people, including three juveniles, in a separate vehicle were transported to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth with unknown injuries.
Parker County Emergency Services District No. 1 considered a petition requesting the city of Reno be annexed into the district for fire protection. A public hearing March 31 allowed the district’s board of directors to hear from citizens with opinions both pro and con. The board took no action after the hearing but indicated it would conduct further research into the matter.
Nine people were arrested south of Springtown April 6 as a result of an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip pertaining to an illegal cockfighting operation. Parker County Sheriff’s investigators and four animal control officers seized 96 roosters, six vehicles, a box trailer and $15,500 in currency believed to be proceeds from gambling. Sheriff’s investigators said they also seized more than 50 “slashers” or “gaffs,” razor-sharp, curved, spiked spurs strapped to the rooster’s leg and used to fight another rooster “to the death.”
As the May 3 general election nears, the pages of the Springtown Epigraph were filled with candidate forums, featuring information submitted by candidates in several local elections, including Springtown ISD, Walnut Creek SUD and the city of Springtown.
The Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hop & Shop event, featuring an egg hunt for children.
The city of Reno hosted its annual Giant Egg Hunt, as well.
Former Springtown Police Chief Tony Motley debuted his first novel “Cigars Occasionally” in London, England.
A duo of bus drivers representing Springtown ISD prepared to head to the 2025 Texas Association for Pupil Transportation State Competition in Houston April 26. The pair — driver Wendy Haynes and monitor Jennifer Reyna — recently won third place in the Special Education Driver category at the Region 11 Bus Rodeo hosted by Weatherford ISD.
Scouting America Troop 303 gained three new Eagle Scouts April 19. Tyler Russell, Kasyn Davis and Trevor Russell each achieved the top honor by earning up to 21 merit badges, passing an Eagle Scout board of review and completing a comprehensive community service project.
The semi-annual Good Neighbors Blitz was hosted by Servolution Network April 11-12. Volunteers for the group help rehabilitate six Springtown area homes.
The Springtown Lady Pines claimed the 7AAAA district championship for the first time in more than 12 years. The team ended 7AAAA play with an overall record of 10-2 and clinched the title as well as the No. 1 seed entering the playoffs, which began Friday, April 25, in Springtown.
Springtown High School hosted a prayer rally Friday, April 25, in honor of student Kaylee Ratliff who tragically passed away. The prayer rally was held on the grassy knoll next to the Springtown High School softball field before the Lady Pines played their game. Students, teachers, staff, parents and students from other schools showed up in support of the Ratliff family. The Lady Pines softball team said a prayer in remembrance of Ratliff and gave the Ratliff family bouquets of flowers.
May
Springtown City Council member Michelle Chandler Kelley was verbally reprimanded by the council after she organized and held a protest in front of the Springtown Animal Shelter. Kelley’s actions were in protest of the city’s animal control officers removing a kitten she had fostered from her home.
Springtown ISD’s Porcupine Academy graduated six students who each received their high school diploma April 28. Porcupine Academy is designed to help nontraditional students receive their high school diploma. The academy offers students a more flexible and accessible way to achieve an education while maintaining academic goals and grades.
Just nine days shy of the May 3 election, outspoken proponent of the disincorporation of the city of Reno Gregory Hodgin was arrested April 24 and charged with four counts of harassment and four counts of stalking. The following day, Hodgin posted a total of $46,000 bond and was released from the Parker County Jail.
Springtown High School announced its 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian: Dominique Tamaoki and Tyler King, respectively.
Almost 20 years after the last major investment in Springtown’s public schools — including four recent, failed attempts to pass bond proposals in various forms and amounts — voters in the district narrowly approved a $98 million bond proposal in the May 3 election.
Of 3,505 people who voted on the ballot measure, 1,786 or 51.93% voted for it while 1,719 or 48.07% voted against it — a difference of just 67 votes.
Funds from the proposal will be spent on school facilities and buses, with priority given to district-wide security upgrades, construction of a new elementary school, improvements to Springtown Elementary School, Springtown Middle School and Intermediate School, and updating equipment and facilities for Career and Technology programs.
Two newcomers were elected to the Springtown ISD board of trustees: Teresa Kelley and Derek Miles. Incumbent Damon Liles defeated a challenge from Matthew Jones by 107 votes.
From a field of five candidates, voters within the Walnut Creek Special Utility District’s taxing area elected three new directors to its board. The three candidates who received the most votes will be seated on the board.
Tom DeGeer garnered 723 votes. DeGeer was followed closely by Bo Walker with 719 votes. Stephen Rorai II received 593 votes. The three will serve on WCSUD’s board of directors for the next three years.
Longtime, former Springtown ISD Superintendent Mike Kelley took on a new role after he was elected Mayor of Springtown. Kelley defeated longtime council member Richelle Pruitt with 71.75% of the vote.
Michelle Chandler Kelley — unrelated to Mike Kelley — the incumbent in Place 2, and Walter Roberson, who ran for the place 4 seat vacated by Pruitt, were each unopposed and were seated in their respective places.
The Eureka Lodge No. 371 in Springtown awarded the 2025 Springtown Masonic Community Builder Award to Larry Caddell, a Springtown resident and former teacher.
A juvenile was arrested and charged with robbery and two counts of assault related to a May 3 incident in the 200 block of Jay Bird Lane in Reno. According to a press release from the Reno Police Department, the juvenile victim was allegedly hit, choked, thrown from a vehicle and robbed of a cell phone. The victim identified the attacker as someone the victim was in a dating relationship with.
The Lady Pines softball team’s season ended in the regional semifinals of the UIL 4A large school playoffs. After securing the district, bi-district and area championships, the Lady Pines lost a hard-fought game to the Andrews Mustangs 11-6.
The Springtown City Council bid a fond “adieu” to long serving Mayor Greg Hood, who did not seek re-election to the office in the recent general election.
“Greg, you have done a great service to this community,” incoming Mayor Mike Kelley said in honoring Hood. “I was very blessed to work, as a superintendent, with some great school boards and (city administrator) David (Miller), no matter how great he might be, could not lead the city without a council that was outstanding. You have been a key part of that for a long time. Everyone in town knows it.”
Springtown High School junior softball player Kylee Spray was named District 7-4A Most Valuable Player.
The 2025 school year comes to an end as the Springtown High School seniors walked the stage and received their diplomas. Graduation was held at Porcupine Stadium Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m. Springtown ISD Board President Chris Gilley handed the graduates their diploma as they shook hands with Principal Andrew Hohman and Superintendent Shane Strickland.
Valedictorian Dominique Tamaoki and Salutatorian Tyler King gave their farewell speeches and reflected on their time in high school.
A Freedom of Information Act request yielded interesting insight into the recent arrest of Gregory Hodgin, an outspoken proponent of the disincorporation of the city of Reno. Public records revealed a city council member, the Briar-Reno Fire Department chief, a candidate for a council seat in Reno, and an individual who purportedly owns land in the city but resides in California, filed strikingly similar police reports alleging acts of harassment and stalking by Hodgin in the days leading up to his arrest just nine days before the election. To make matters even more interesting, records revealed it was former Reno police chief Scott Elsner who set the ball in motion, contacting Reno Officer Abraham who told him Keith Morlock, who owns property in Reno, wanted to file a report. Reports containing the same keywords were filed within days of one another by Edward Payne, who was subsequently elected to the Reno City Council; Jennifer Vogle, a Reno city council member who was since elevated to the position of Mayor Pro Tem; and Moses Druxman, the former fire chief at the Briar-Reno Fire Department.
The city of Springtown hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park at Lake Drive and Walnut Creek Drive. While Memorial Day kicks off the summer season, it serves as a reminder to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.
June
Twenty years after he arrived at Springtown High School, longtime band director Scot McPhetrige was named Springtown ISD’s Teacher of the Year.
The 16th Annual Randy’s Ride, honoring the memory of Randy Horton from Springtown, took place May 31. The annual motorcycle ride raised funds that were donated to 5-year-old Colton Gower, who is battling leukemia.
Springtown was all agog as actor Billy Bob Thornton and other cast members of Taylor Sheridan’s hit TV series “Landman” arrived in town to film some scenes for the upcoming season. The White’s Funeral Home on N. Main Street was selected as a set location for the series.
Parker County continued work on numerous transportation projects funded by a $130 million bond approved by voters in 2023. In Precinct No. 1, projects are underway on Church Road, Midway Road, W.N. Woody Road, Thomas Road, Hutcheson Road, Farm-to-Market Road 51, Veal Station Road and POJO Road.
Springtown High School senior centerfielder Riley Fagan was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s All-State Team, capping off a stellar season and standout career with the Lady Porcupines.
The Reno City Council considered forming a municipal fire department. The council heard from citizens but took no action.
file photos
January
Spt. Jan 2 mayor hood photo 2
After serving as Springtown’s mayor since 2018, Greg Hood announced he would not seek re-election to the office in the May 3 general election.
February
Mike Kelley C
Former longtime SISD Superintendent filed to run for the office of Springtown Mayor.
Spt. Richelle Pruitt photo 1
Longtime Springtown City Council member Richelle Pruitt announced her plans to challenge Mike Kelley for the mayoral seat.
March
SPT YIR storm damageIMG_7646
The Springtown Senior Center saw major damage as a storm packing high winds wreaked havoc in the area March 4.
April
SPT Natalie Correll photo
Natalie Correll participated in the 3 and 4-year-old egg hunt during the chamber’s annual Hop & Shop event.
Reno Easter Bunny photo 1
The Easter Bunny came to the city of Reno and took pictures with families.
Scouts say pledge photo
Tyler Russell, Trevor Russell and Kasyn Davis recite the Eagle Scout oath.
SPT Brendle's Welding Blitz
Brendle’s Welding was one of the sponsors for the Good Neighbors Blitz and helped build fences.
SPT Softball Huddle
The Springtown High School softball Lady Pines claimed the 7AAAA District title.
SPT attendees at prayer rally
Students, teachers, staff, parents and students from other schools attended a prayer rally in remembrance of Kaylee Ratliff.
SPT Porcupine Academy graduates photo 2
The Porcupine Academy Spring Class of 2025. In this photo are (l-r): Springtown ISD Director Rick Beall, Springtown ISD Superintendent Shane Strickland, Isabelle Dominguez, Brandon Lee Monroe, Chantz Dalton Tackett, Porcupine Academy Principal Andrew Horis, Anthony Joseph Cosentino and Lonnie Lee Crockett. Not pictured is Sierra Dawn Buchanan.
SPT Valedictorian Dominique Tamaoki photo 1
Dominique Tamaoki reaches her goal as Springtown High School’s 2025 valedictorian.
SPT Salutatorian Tyler King photo 2
Tyler King claims the salutatorian spot of the class of 2025 at Springtown High School.
SPT Carl Fox gives Larry Caddell award photo 2
Grand Master Carl Fox presents former teacher Larry Caddell the 2025 Springtown Masonic Community Builder Award from the Eureka Lodge No. 371 in Springtown.
SPT-SIG-SOFTBALL
Springtown Lady Pines end the year as the 2025 area champions.
SPT Hood hands Kelley gavel photo
Outgoing Mayor Greg Hood hands over the gavel to incoming Mayor Mike Kelley in a transition of power.
SPT Kylee Spray with teammates photo
Kylee Spray is named District 7-4A MVP.
IMG_2602
The Springtown High School Class of 2025 makes its way to the field with Valedictorian Dominique Tamaoki and Salutatorian Tyler King leading the way.
SPT Memorial Day ceremony
Springtown citizens show support by attending a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the city of Springtown.
SPT Landman camera crew
The camera crew sets up a different angle for the scene when Taylor Sheridan’s hit TV show “Landman” comes to town.
