ROLLOVER WRECK - Shemane Watts, 29, of Alvord was seriously injured in a one-vehicle rollover wreck Friday around noon south of Decatur. Department of Public Safety Trooper William Cooper said Watts was westbound on County Road 3170 about a mile west of Farm Road 51 when her pickup left the road, struck a tree and rolled. Watts was flown to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth where she was listed in good condition Friday afternoon.
CROSSING CLOSED - Farm Road 730 will be closed at the U.S. 380 railroad crossing Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 6-9.
FORGERY ALERT - A local business center was a victim of forgery in what was thought to be advertising. The Prada Shops purchased advertising from Key Card Packet Co. for cards that were to accompany keys at a local hotel. However, after the original check from The Gift Shop was cashed, an attempt was made to cash a duplicate check. The bank alerted The Gift Shop and a report was filed with the Decatur Police Department. The incident is under investigation. Several other businesses in the county purchased advertising with the company.
RAINY MONTH - Decatur received nearly 5 inches of rain in September, making it the wettest month of the year so far. Weather watcher Doyle Green reported 4.97 inches for the month, well above the average of 3.16 inches for September. For the year, Decatur has received 27.05 inches of rain, exactly 2 inches below normal for the first nine months of the year. Temperatures in the month ranged from a high of 95 on Sept. 4 to a low of 47 on both Sept. 25 and 30.
This weekend's events ...
BENEFIT SALE - The Wise County Sheriff's Department was to have a fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, for the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. Donations can be left at the sheriff's department. Call (940) 393-9908.
BENEFIT - IntegraCare Home Health was to have a rummage/bake sale to benefit the families of Becca Logan and Leslie Denison 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Bridgeport office, 1300 Halsell St. Donations are being accepted. Call (940) 683-8171 for information.
COAL MINERS' - The Coal Miners' Heritage Festival was to be Saturday, Oct. 3, in downtown Bridgeport. Festivities were to begin at 9 a.m. and will include food and craft vendors, a video game contest, baking contest, 5K run/walk and 30-mile bike ride, classic car show, tractor show and live entertainment. Booth space applications are available at http://www.bridgeportchamber.com or by calling (940) 683-2076.
QUILT SHOW - The Wise County Quilt Guild Quilt Show was to be Oct. 2-3 at the Decatur Visitor Center, 106 S. Trinity Street. The show is 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Price is $2. The show will feature judged and non-judged quilt exhibits, a quilt challenge, demonstrations, an antique sewing machine exhibit, bed turning, door prizes, a bake sale and more. Call Karen Summitt at (972) 998-1789 or e-mail ksomeit@embarqmail.com for more information.
FINAL CRUISE NIGHTS - Saturday was to be the last chance to see some antique or classic vehicles at Cruise Nights on the courthouse square. Registration is 4 to 7 p.m. Awards will be presented at 8. Downtown merchants will be open late. Participants are encouraged to wear pink and bring pink vehicles in support of "Painting Downtown Pink" promotions for the month of October.
SOFTBALL - The 12-and-under Batbusters girls softball team will hold open practice/tryouts 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Bridgeport softball field. For information call Tim at (817) 694-7909.
Next week's events ...
FALL FEST - The Catholic churches in Decatur, Bridgeport and Jacksboro will host their annual Fall Fest noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 1305 Deer Park Road, in Decatur. A 42-inch flat screen TV, $500 gift card, iPod touch, a fishing trip and a plane ride will be raffled. Many silent auction items, rides, games for adults and children are on the agenda. Barbecue, Mexican and Asian food will be served.
MEETING - The Desk and Derrick Club of Wise County will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the La Quinta Inn of Bridgeport. Reid Willson, senior account representative from Halliburton Energy Services will be the speaker. For more information, call Trinity Fincher at trinity.fincher@dvn.com.
DIABETES PROGRAM - The Wise County Extension Diabetes Coalition is sponsoring Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes, an educational program to help people with type 2 diabetes learn the skills they need to understand and manage their diabetes. The five-week series begins 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Extension office in Decatur and continues Tuesday Oct. 13, 20, Monday Nov. 2 and Tuesday, Nov. 10. To pre-register, call the Extension office at (940) 627-3341. There is a one-time fee of $20 per person to cover the cost of class materials.
BOOK SALE - The Decatur Public Library's Book Sale is Wednesday, Oct. 7 through Saturday, Oct. 10. The Wise Electric Co-Op will be sponsoring a barbecue box lunch in the library's parking lot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Boxes are $6 and will benefit the Decatur Library Foundation. Order in advance by calling (940) 627-5512.
PUMPKIN CARVING - The Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department pumpkin carving contest is 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Bridgeport Community Center. Tickets are $7.50 each, and everyone 2 years old or older must have a ticket. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 2. For information, call (940) 683-3480.
GIRL'S NIGHT OUT - Decatur's next "Girl's Night Out" is Thursday, Oct. 8. Downtown merchants will be open until 8 p.m. Merchants will be participating in the "Paint the Town Pink" all month with special emphasis on breast cancer awareness.
SLIDELL GT - Slidell ISD is accepting gifted and talented nominations through Oct. 9. Nominations are available in the elementary and jr./sr. high offices. Call Melissa Fitzgerald at (940) 466-3118 for more information.
EAGLE DOLLS - Girls ages 4 to 12 can join the Decatur Eagle Dolls and learn a routine to perform at halftime of the Decatur vs. Iowa Park home game Oct. 9. Forms can be picked up at Carson and Rann elementaries, Decatur Middle School, Decatur High School and The Magic Pony. For more information, call Ashley Smith at ashleym.smith@decatur.esc11.net or call Dainya Park at (940) 393-7241 or (940) 210-1287. Deadline is Friday, Oct. 2.
POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - A new support group for polio survivors and their families and friends will hold its first meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Decatur Public Library. For more information call Barbara Adair at (940) 255-0940.
RABIES CLINIC - Decatur Animal Control will provide $6 rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats over 12 weeks old 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the First United Methodist Church of Decatur parking lot. Other vaccinations will be available at reduced prices. All dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in carriers. Decatur Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association will assist.
FALL FESTIVAL - The 12th annual Greenwood Fall Festival is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in downtown Greenwood. The event will include a 10 a.m. parade, craft booths, game booths, children's train rides, bingo and food booths. The Greenwood E.E. Club will sell pies, cakes, cookies and canned goods. For information or to reserve a booth, call Gerry Galloway at (940) 466-7997 or Marilyn Collins at (940) 627-5175.
LORD'S ACRE - First United Methodist Church in Boyd will host Lord's Acre at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the church. There will be a blood drive, crafts, a flea market and auction as well as a bounce house and games for children. A turkey dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a live auction will be at 1:30 p.m.
FISH FRY - The Greenwood-Slidell Volunteer Fire Department's annual Fish Fry is 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in Greenwood. The event will include live entertainment, live auction and raffle.
MEET THE REPUBLICANS - Wise County Republicans will have a Meet and Greet 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Brushy Creek Vineyard. The public is invited to sample wine, other beverages and finger food. Republican office holders and 2010 declared Republican candidates are invited.
FIRE PREVENTION - The Runaway Bay Volunteer Fire Department will have fire prevention activities from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11, at Whitestone Fellowship Church, 513 Port-o-call Drive.
FALL ROUNDUP - Oak Grove United Methodist Church hosts its Fall Roundup Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11. From 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday there will be a hayride, bonfire, games, gospel singing and food. A special worship will be at 11 a.m. Sunday. The church is at 1295 Greenwood Road. Everyone is asked to bring canned food items for WARM.
ANGEL FOOD - Crossroads Church in Decatur will accept orders and payments online for Angel Food through Thursday, Oct. 15. Cash, check and foodstamp orders will be accepted through Wednesday, Oct. 14. Food will be distributed from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the church. The basic box is $30 and provides dinners for a family of four for about a week. Meat and vegetable boxes are also available. See http://www.crossroadsdecatur.com/angel-food-ministries for more information, this month's menu and specials, and for the link for online ordering. Call (940) 626-4527.
Upcoming events ...
JUNIOR BASKETBALL - Junior Eagles Basketball shooting/passing/dribbling clincs begin Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Decatur High School gym. Cost is $40 for four clincs (Oct. 13, 16, 19 and 22). First, second and third grades meet from 5 to 6 p.m., and fourth, fifth and sixth grades meet 6 to 7:15 p.m. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, call Coach Roger Brown at (940) 393-7229 or (903) 366-2792.
TEXAS NIGHT OUT - Wise County law enforcement and public safety departments will present Texas Night Out 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Decatur Civic Center. The "Texas style block party" against crime celebration will give citizens the opportunity to meet public safety providers from across the county. Food will include hot dogs, canned drinks, popcorn and cotton candy. Displays will include information on crime prevention, vehicles and law enforcement equipment. Bounce house and games will be available for kids. Local businesses and area community service groups have donated door prizes. The event is sponsored by the Decatur Police Department, the Decatur Citizen Police Academy and the Wise County Sheriff's Office.
RAFFLE TICKETS - The Decatur Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association is selling raffle tickets for a Stoeger Condor 12-gauge over and under shotgun. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased at the First Financial and North Texas banks or from any DCPAAA member. Drawing will be Tuesday, Oct. 13. Proceeds go to the Decatur Police Department to help provide training equipment.
FOOD DRIVE - Home Health Care in Bridgeport is holding a food drive to benefit WARM and the Bridgeport Food Pantry. The drive runs through Friday, Oct. 16. All non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the Bridgeport office or the items can be picked up. Call (940) 683-3300 for more information.
VETERANS HEALTH - VA North Texas Health Care System is sponsoring a health care outreach event, for veterans in Wise, Archer, Baylor, Clay, Jack, Montague, Throckmorton and Young counties, Saturday, Oct. 17, at Family Clinic, 812 Woodrow Wilson Ray Circle, in Bridgeport. Available services include primary care, women's health, home care, VA benefits counseling, transition assistance, educational resources and many more. Veterans who want to participate should call the VA North Texas Health Care System at (866) 272-1034 before Wednesday, Oct. 14. Veterans should bring a photo ID, health insurance information and a copy of your DD214. Be prepared to give the previous year's household income and the Social Security numbers for all dependents.
REUNION - Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base veterans will celebrate their 40-year reunion Oct. 16-18 at the Ramada in Decatur. The group will visit the Lost Battalion Room at the Wise County Heritage Museum at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.
SARAH'S CURE - The fourth annual Sarah's Cure is Saturday, Oct. 17, and will kick off with a 5K run/walk in downtown Decatur. Registration is at 7 a.m. with the fun run at 8 a.m. and the 5K run at 8:30. The concert will feature Reckless Kelly, the Josh Abbott Band and J.D. Clark. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center. An auction will also be held at the concert. For more information, to register for the run or to buy tickets, visit http://www.sarahscure.com
CHICOFEST - Chicofest is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, on the Chico square. Booths can be rented for $5 or $10 with electricity by calling (940) 644-2515. The event will include a cake walk, horseshoes, a beauty pageant featuring Chico High School boys at 11 a.m. and Bingo at 1 p.m. A picnic will follow in the park.
ALVORD FALL FEST - Alvord's annual Fall Fest is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Vendors who want to reserve a booth space should call the Alvord City Hall at (940) 427-5916. Vendor set-up is at 9 a.m. The event will include a fun jump, kids' games and activities, arts and crafts, hamburger lunch raising money for Project Graduation and music and entertainment. Fall Fest will be followed by the Alvord Volunteer Firefighter's catfish fry and cake auction that evening.
CONCERT - The New Plainsmen Quartet will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Wise County Heritage Museum in Decatur.
GED TEST - Bridgeport ISD will administer the GED Test Oct. 19-20. Call (940) 683-1830, ext. 1250, or go to the Web site: http://www.bridgeportisd.net and click on "Community" then "GED information" for more information. Pre-register before Oct. 15.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - Applications for Decatur Spirit of Christmas will be available Monday, Oct. 19, at CitiBank, DATCU, First Financial, Legend Bank, North Texas Bank and Wells Fargo. Deadline to return applications is Friday, Nov. 13. Angels will be displayed on trees beginning Monday, Nov. 23.
GOSPEL SINGING - The District Gospel Singing Convention is 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the First United Methodist Church of Decatur. The event is a non-denominational old-fashioned shape note singing. For more information, call Blake Boyd at (817) 874-1937.
ASMI COURSE - Accident Scene Management Inc. courses are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23-25, at LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Bridgeport. The professional course will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday for $15. The basic course is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and the advanced course is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Both courses are $45. For more information, call Spirit Rider at (940) 389-0200 or Denise Carey at (832) 385-5253. To register, go to http://www.accidentscene.org/schedule.htm#tx
HELP FOR NEEDY - Clothes and groceries will be given to needy families 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Living Word Teaching Center's distribution center, North U.S. 287 at the Justin exit, Farm Road 407. Everyone who receives food or clothes needs to bring an I.D. Donations of gently used clothing, toiletries and housewares are also being accepted. Call Tina Strand at (817) 454-2299 for more information.
BENEFIT TRAIL RIDE - Reata Rehabilitation will have a benefit trail ride Saturday, Oct. 24, at the LBJ Grasslands. Those participating should arrive at 9 a.m., and the ride begins at 10. The $25 entry fee includes lunch and parking fees. The event will also include raffles and prizes. Call (940) 479-2612 or e-mail reatarehab@yahoo.com for information. Current negative Coggins is required to participate.
FALL FESTIVAL - The Paradise PTO Fall Festival is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Paradise Elementary School. The festival will include concessions and games.
REUNION - The Boyd High School class of 1989 will celebrate its 20th reunion at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Esparanza Cafe in Fort Worth. Call Kevin Farr at (917) 873-5219 for more information.
GOODIES FOR GRANDPARENTS - Bridgeport Elementary School will honor grandparents at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at the school. Cookies, coffee and lemonade will be served and grandparents will visit their grandchild's classroom.
In other news ...
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The Rhome Volunteer Fire Department needs volunteers to help with the department's annual haunted house. For information, call (817) 696-6742 or Judy at (817) 821-7205.
ACCEPTING DONATIONS - North Texas Bank has a box in the bank lobby for Wise Area Relief Mission donations of food and toiletries.
BEARS - Boyd High School cheerleaders are collecting new stuffed animals for hospitalized children throughout the football season at all home games.
SPECIAL - The Wise County Animal Shelter has a special on pet adoptions this month, accepting donated items in lieu of adoption fees. Items needed include dry puppy food, bleach and orange cleaners. For more information, call the shelter at (940) 627-7577 or visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wise-County-Animal-Shelter/113004058348
ROAD CLOSED - The intersection of County Road 2323 and 2324 is closed until mid- to late-October for bridge replacement.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM - The Decatur Library's free after school program for students in fifth grade and up is 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students will participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities. For more information, call the library at (940) 627-5512 or visit the Web page at http://www.decaturpubliclibrary.com
BENEFIT ACCOUNT - A benefit account has been set up at First State Bank, Bridgeport for Melissa Bracken and family, who lost everything in a recent house fire. For more information, call Colleen Walker at (940) 393-3947.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The North Central Texas Council of Governments' Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to help elderly and disabled residents of nursing and assisted living facilities in Bridgeport and Decatur. Call Lisa Walker at (800) 272-3921 or e-mail Pat Borgfeldt at ppborgfeldt@aol.com for more information.
SUPPORT - Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are 6:30 p.m. each Monday at the Newark Community Center, 404 Hudson St.
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION - The Alzheimer's Association hosts an Alzheimer's support group at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at Wise Regional Health System's west campus board room. Call Kelly Walker at (940) 627-5921 for more information.
DONATE A PHONE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center is accepting cell phones and cell phone batteries in any condition. The organization works with Shelter Alliance, which allows them to receive shelter funding through cell phone donations. Bring donations to the center office in Decatur, 407 S. Washburn St. Call (940) 626-4585 for information.
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP - A free marriage workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month at the Weatherford College Education Center in Decatur. For more information, visit http://www.theparentingcenter.org To register, call (877) 922-4733.
CPR TRAINING - The Decatur Fire Department offers CPR training to people living in the Decatur city limits or in the Decatur Fire District. Classes are held monthly from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The cost is $5. For more information or to register, call the administration offices at (940) 627-3199 or come by the fire department at 201 S. Church St.
