FORMER PRECINCT FOREMAN ARRESTED FOR THEFT – Former Precinct 4 foreman Roy Teague has been charged with theft of more than $500 and less than $1,500 by a public servant, a state jail felony. The charge stems from the alleged sale of a scrapped pneumatic roller. Prior to his retirement July 21, the 58-year-old worked under County Commissioner Terry Ross who was temporarily suspended without pay Aug. 14. Ross was indicted in May for tampering with government records and abuse of official capacity. Teague was arrested by Texas Ranger James Hicks Tuesday evening and was booked into the Wise County Jail. He posted a $5,000 bond Wednesday. According to the arrest affidavit, Teague sold the roller for scrap metal and recieved approximately $700. The money was allegedly spent on tires and an axle for a barbecue pit, and Teague claimed to have $200 in his wallet. According to the affidavit, Ross told the Rangers that the roller was sold as recycled metal, and the money was used to “purchase ribs for a party and paper plates.” The affidavit says Ross and Teague told the Rangers that proceeds from all metals sold to Rick’s were to go through the Wise County treasurer’s office. Ross was questioned as to why the money was not deposited into the county account and according to the affidavit, his response was “something to the effect that then we would not have been able to have a party.”
FIRE CLOSES COURTHOUSE – A smoldering cigarette left in a bathroom trash can on the third floor of the Wise County courthouse in Decatur caused a thick, white smoke to fill the third floor of the historic building shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday. The courthouse was evacuated while Decatur firefighters located the source of the smoke. It was initially reported as a possible chemical spill. The cigarette had ignited a few plastic bags, releasing eye-burning smoke into the hallway and nearby jury room. Fans were used to help air out the building, but the strong smell continued to linger, prompting County Judge Bill McElhaney to close the courthouse for the rest of the day. The building was to reopen this morning at 8.
UNITED WAY KICK-OFF – The United Way of Wise County 2013 Campaign Kick-off Luncheon is today at the Decatur Civic Center. Doors will be open 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and information from affiliated agencies will be displayed. Lunch is $15 per person.
BIKING FOR BREAST CANCER – The third annual Biking for Breast Cancer fun run and benefit concert is Saturday, Sept. 29. Registration is 10 a.m. at Decatur Power Sports with live music following at Bono’s Saloon featuring Jeremy Martin Band, Brandon Gentry, Jamie Richards, Hollow Point, Dusty Baker, Fezzent, Terry Razor, Colt West and Brandon Jenkins. Cost is $25 per bike entry (includes entrance to concerts), $5 for an extra poker hand and draw cards and $10 for concert admission for public. There will be cash prizes and a silent auction. For more information, call (940) 627-8804.
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP – The monthly support group for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementia is 7 tonight at the Wise Regional Health System West Campus board room. For more information, call Angie at (940) 627-6888.
RODEO NIGHTS – Wise County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo begins today with slack night, and full performances follow on Friday and Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance for only $7 from queen, sweetheart and little miss contestants. Parade entry applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. Friday. The parade is 11 a.m. Saturday in downtown Decatur with a 10:30 line-up at Sandford Oil at Business 287 and Walnut Street. For more information or a parade application, go to www.wcsposse.com.
SLIDELL/GREENWOOD 4-H – The first Slidell/Greenwood 4-H meeting is 6:30 tonight at the Slidell High School library. For more information, call Kim Dunlap at (940) 466-9921.
PARADISE CHAMBER MEETING – The Paradise Chamber of Commerce meets noon Monday, Sept. 10, at City Hall. The program will be on the newly opened Weatherford College campus. For information, call (940) 433-3288.
WISE REPUBLICANS – The Wise County Republican Party meets 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, on the second floor of the county courthouse in Decatur. Speaker is Constable Joe Law of Kaufman County, who will talk about STAR (Start Today Accepting Responsibility), a program he started for youth offenders.
CALENDARS FOR SALE – Wise County Special Needs Baseball is selling 16-month calendars for $10 each. The calendars feature artwork from local special needs individuals, and proceeds go toward building a special needs baseball field equipped for persons of all disabilities. To get your calendar, call Jeri Kay at (940) 577-1848 or Cheryl at (940) 683-4234.
MINI CHEER CAMP – The Decatur High School cheerleaders will host a mini camp 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, through Thursday, Sept. 13, at the DHS cafeteria. Cost is $50 and includes a T-shirt, cheering with varsity cheerleaders and Regal Eagle at the Sept. 14 football game. For information, call (940) 393-7241 or email kanetha.hicks@decatur.esc11.net.
FUNERALS – Graveside service for Geneva Lee Howell, 90, of Bridgeport is 1 p.m. today at Merriman Cemetery in Ranger. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
GRAVESIDE service for Bobby Lee Boyd, 82, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Friday at Oaklawn Cemetery. There is no visitation. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
VISITATION for James Thomas Hughes, 38, of Decatur is 1 p.m. Saturday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home.
PRIVATE memorial service will be held for Billy Ray O’Dell Jr., 58, of Bridgeport. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Albert Boswell, 76, of Boyd is pending at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
SERVICES for Daniel Grmela, 97, of Decatur and Brenda Harkins, 62, of Fort Worth are pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
