DRUG CONVICTION – Yesterday, a Wise County jury in the 271st District Court of Judge John Fostel in Decatur sentenced Ricky Dale Jones Jr., 34, of Bridgeport to 30 years in prison for possessing methamphetamine. In January, while serving an outstanding warrant, a Bridgeport police officer found approximately 5 grams of meth in Jones’ pocket. Jones already had two prior felony convictions, one for aggravated assault and another for felony possession of a firearm. Due to the three strikes law, his potential sentence ranged from 25 years to life for felony drug possession.
SALES CONTINUE TO CLIMB – Retail sales in Wise County are 10 percent ahead of last year’s, according to sales tax rebates announced yesterday by the state comptroller’s office. Decatur earned its largest July allocation with $345,175, a gain of almost 14 percent over last year. Bridgeport’s share of retail sales taxes was $274,536, an improvement of 29 percent from 2011. The 12 cities that collect sales taxes in Wise County have earned $5,134,118 this year, up 10.11 percent. Rebates of $762,438 for July represent an 18 percent increase.
HELPING AARON – A benefit account for Bridgeport native Aaron Logan, 29, has been set up at First Financial Banks. Donations can be made at branches in Bridgeport, Boyd and Decatur. Follow Aaron’s progress on the Facebook page Get Well Aaron. The page also features links to MealTrain, which organizes the giving and receiving of meals, and PayPal, where donations may also be made. Read more in the midweek Wise County Messenger on news stands now.
WARM CLOSING – Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM) in Decatur will be closed Tuesday, July 24, for an out-of-town conference. If you normally pick up food on that day, make arrangements to come the prior week.
BOOSTER GOLF TOURNEY – The Decatur Eagle Football Booster Club annual golf tournament is Friday at the Decatur Country Club. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For information, call Chris at (940) 389-6084.
CHURCH FESTIVAL – July Jamboree is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Morris Memorial United Methodist Church, 302 S. Weatherford St. in Chico. The free event includes music and food. For information, call (940) 627-4312.
COLLEGE PREVIEW DAY – Weatherford College Wise County is hosting a Student Preview Day 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Students and parents can tour the facility, obtain information about the application/admissions process and course placement testing, meet faculty and staff, speak with a financial adviser and speak with a veterans affairs adviser. The college’s address is 502 Big Sandy Court, Bridgeport, which is near the intersection of U.S. 380 and Farm Road 1655.
TREE CARE PROGRAM – Texas AgriLife Extension is hosting a free tree care program at 6 p.m. today at the Sheriff’s Posse Grounds Women’s Building. Courtney Blevins with the Texas Forest Service will discuss tree problems, insect damage and diseases. Bring pictures of your tree problems.
OPEN ENROLLMENT – Open enrollment for Boyd Head Start and Early Head Start is 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6:30 p.m. today at the old competition gym, 600 Knox Ave. The programs provide free educational services to low-income children age birth to 4 years old and children with disabilities. For information, call (940) 626-4787 or (940) 627-6418.
THURSDAY NIGHT FLICKS – This month’s Thursday Night Flicks movie on the Decatur Square event begins at 7:30 tonight with live entertainment followed by the movie “Spy Kids” at approximately 9 p.m. For information, call (940) 627-6158.
DEMOCRAT MEETING – Wise County Democrats will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, July 16, in the second floor courtroom at the Wise County Courthouse.
FUNERALS – Service for Faye Newton, 85, of Decatur is 1 p.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with burial at Lone Star Cemetery.
MEMORIAL service for Renee Downey Bennett, 63, of Chico is 2 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel.
