2 ARRESTED IN BRUTAL ROBBERY CASE – Two men have been arrested in the apparent robbery of an 82-year-old Wise County man last week. Roger Lee Hammons, 49, and Jimmy Ray Murrell, 49, both of Fort Worth were arrested late Monday and will be charged with injury to the elderly and aggravated robbery, both first degree felonies, according to the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. According to a news release from the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, both suspects interviewed “have given confessions as to their involvement, which have led to the recovery of items from Marvin Zimmerman’s home as well as descriptions of how Zimmerman was brutalized while bound. One suspect relayed to investigators that they used a stun gun on Zimmerman in an attempt to get information of where he kept belongings.” Zimmerman was found bound and gagged on the floor of his home late Friday and was taken to a Fort Worth hospital where he remains in serious condition. A neighbor discovered Zimmerman after not seeing the man for a few days. Investigators believe Zimmerman, who lives in far south Wise County near Briar, may have been tied up for several days. The investigation is ongoing, and arrest warrants have been issued for two more suspects, according to the sheriff’s office. Read more in the midweek Wise County Messenger on news stands today.
CATTLE THEFT RING ARRESTS – The fourth and final suspect in a cattle theft ring has been arrested, according to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Heath Berend Roe, 35, of Decatur turned himself in to Wise County authorities Friday. He was charged with cattle theft after allegedly stealing 25 head of cattle from a Decatur rancher in January 2011. He posted a $10,000 bond and was released from jail. Three Decatur residents had been arrested previously, including Dustan Fennell, 28; his wife, Alina Fennell, 32; and Travis Walker, 28. Investigators said the four stole cattle and sold them at auction markets in Gainesville and Waurika, Okla. Dustan Fennell has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in prison. The suspects could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
MORE VOTING MACHINES – County commissioners approved purchasing 20 new electronic voting machines at their regular meeting Monday. The total cost is $62,057, half of which will be paid by the elections department and half of which will come from the county’s general fund. Elections Administrator Lannie Noble said Hart InterCivic is selling the machines at a 10 percent discount. He explained that more machines are needed since three new voting precincts were added after redistricting. Read more in the midweek Messenger.
SHARPE TO REPRESENT WISE – Aurora resident D.A. Sharpe has been selected as an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention Aug. 27-30 in Tampa, Fla. Sharpe was elected as one of 152 alternate delegates to attend the convention at last week’s state convention of the Republican Party in Fort Worth. Sharpe said it is the first time a Wise County resident has been elected as a delegate to the National Republican Convention.
WELCOME RAIN – A rainy morning welcomed Wise County residents today. As of 7:45 a.m., rainfall totals included 1 inch in Greenwood, 0.55 in Alvord, 0.4 in Runaway Bay, 0.3 in Decatur and Chico and 0.05 in Rhome.
HOCKEY CLUB FUNDRAISERS – The Decatur Hockey Club will have two fundraisers Saturday – a rummage sale at Decatur Eye Center beginning at 8 a.m. and car wash at Taco Bell beginning at 10 a.m. To donate items to the rummage sale, call Tammy at (940) 577-9311.
BRIDGEPORT SOFTBALL CAMP – The Bridgeport Sissies softball camp, conducted by Midwestern State University pitching coach Kasi Carroll, is Monday, June 18, through Wednesday, June 20, at the high school field (1510 Cobb Ave.). Incoming fourth through sixth grade girls will meet 9 a.m. to noon, and girls entering sixth through ninth grade camp from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $35, and participants may register 30 minutes before their camp start time. For more information, call Coach Ruben Garza at (940) 255-2109.
MOVIE AT THE POOL – Bridgeport Parks and Recreation presents Bridgeport Box Office Night at the Bridgeport City Pool Saturday featuring Happy Feet 2. Admission is $1. Children 2 years and younger get in free. Gates open at 7, and the movie will start at dusk. For more information call (940) 683-3480.
SUMMER READING – Harlin the magician will be at the Bridgeport Public Library summer reading program today at 2:30.
FUNERALS – Service for Roger Taylor, 61, of Chico is pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
MEMORIAL service for Randy Garrett, 58, of Boyd is 2 p.m. Friday, June 22, at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Boyd.
MEMORIAL service for Clyde Garland Martin, 76, of Paradise is 3 p.m. today at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
SERVICE for Melvin Larry Conklin, 65, of Decatur is pending at Coker-Hawkins.
