EARLY VOTING - School bonds at Decatur and Bridgeport and 11 amendments to the Texas Constitution drew 82 voters on the first day of early voting Monday and another 86 through 5 p.m. Tuesday. Early voting continues each weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each weekday at the Bridgeport ISD administration building. Other early voting locations this week include 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Bridgeport Middle School and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Decatur ISD administration building.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS - Breast cancer survivors will be recognized before the Decatur High School varsity football game Friday, Oct. 23. Survivors should sign in before 7 p.m. They will also be invited to form a spirit line.
SLIDELL FESTIVAL - The Slidell Fall Festival is 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the school. The event will include a chili meal, booth activities and bingo.
CHAMBER LUNCH - The October Decatur Chamber of Commerce luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Decatur Civic Center. Reservations are due Friday, Oct. 23. Guest speaker is Decatur ISD Superintendent Gary Gindt. The lunch is sponsored by Decatur Main Street, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
BLOOD DRIVE - Wise County Blood Drive, sponsored by the Decatur Rotary Club, is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at the Decatur Public Library. No appointment is necessary.
RABIES CLINIC - The Wise County Animal Shelter will have a rabies clinic 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Rabies vaccines are $6, and other vaccines will be available at reduced prices.
CONCERT - Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd, 455 Rock Island Ave./Texas 114, presents a free concert with The Websters at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
REATA BENEFIT - Reata Rehab is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the LBJ Grasslands. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Valley View Trailhead in Decatur. For more information call (940) 479-2612.
FALL FESTIVAL - Pleasant View Baptist Church near Bridgeport is having its annual fall festival 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. All Sonflower Campers, helpers and their families are invited. The event will include supper, hayrides, bounce houses and games. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes. For information, call Andrea at (940) 466-3622 or Micaela Cross at (940) 389-4301.
QUEEN "B" - The city of Bridgeport is hosting the first Queen "B" Contest 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Bridgeport Stage. The male employees of the city will participate in female form to earn the title Queen "B." Silent auction items will include a helicopter ride, a Nolan Ryan-signed baseball and more. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students and can be purchased at the door or in advance. For information, call Jesica McEachern at (940) 683-3402. All proceeds benefit the United Way of Wise County.
GIVE 'EM A TIP - The Chico Volunteer Fire Department will wait tables at IHOP in Decatur from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Funds will benefit the fire department.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - The Bridgeport chapter of the National Honor Society will accept applications from juniors and seniors through Friday, Oct. 30. Applications should be turned in to Rosalinda Scott, BHS chapter adviser. Students will be notified of their acceptance by mail. For information, call Mrs. Scott at (940) 683-4064.
VOLUNTEER FAIR - A volunteer fair is 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Weatherford College. The event will include drinks, snacks and door prizes. Organizations will be on site to discuss volunteering opportunities. Call Megan Brock at (940) 452-4828 for information.
PIG TRAINING - Wise County 4-H show pig training is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Paradise ag barn. Instruction will be given on hog selection, feeding, health, daily care and more. Call the Extension office to sign up at (940) 627-3341.
COAT DRIVE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center, a family violence/sexual assault victims' service organization, is holding a coat drive for the children of clients. Donations of new fall/winter children's coats, monetary donations and/or gift cards are being accepted. Take donations to the Wise Hope Crisis Center, 407 S. Washburn St., in Decatur weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, Nov. 13. For information, call Brittany at (940) 626-4585.
FALL CLEAN-UP - The city of Bridgeport will host a fall clean-up event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. The city is looking for clean teams to help collect trash and debris in all areas of town. Shirts are limited, so sign up to reserve yours. A signed release form is required for each participant. For information, call Natalie Bilby at (940) 683-3413.
TRUNK OR TREAT - Yesterday's in Bridgeport will host its annual Trunk or Treat event Saturday, Oct. 24. An open cruise will begin at 3 p.m. Registration is 5 to 7 p.m., and registration is $20. Proceeds will be used for scholarships. Trunk or treat is 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (940) 683-6620 or (940) 627-5866.
This week's events...
FOOD DRIVE - First State Bank in Bridgeport is accepting food and toiletry items for WARM through Friday, Oct. 30. Items can be brought to the front lobby.
HAUNTED HOUSE - The Rhome Volunteer Fire Department's annual Haunted House is Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31 in the old school next to the fire hall. Admission is $7 per person. For information call (817) 696-6742.
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 information, call Blake Boyd at (817) 874-1937.
SPOOKTACULAR - Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Spooktacular Fall Festival 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Community Center. The event is free and will feature candy, games, inflatables, train rides, face painting and much more. For information, call (940) 683-3480.
LORD'S ACRE - The Lord's Acre Festival at the First United Methodist Church in Alvord is Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The festival will include baked goods, crafts, Christmas decorations, a free bounce house for kids, a silent auction and a turkey and dressing lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is $6 in advance or $7 at the door. Kids 4 and under eat free.
EQUINE THERAPY FUNDRAISER - A fund raiser for Fly Without Wings Equine Center is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Sunset Fire Hall. Cost of the fajita dinner is $8.50. Raffle tickets are being sold for a 52-inch LCD Sanyo TV, HSUN 150 S-5 Auto 4 Cycle ATV or a Wii Sports System. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and may be bought in advance or at the event. You do not have to be present to win. There will also be a live auction, silent auction and entertainment. The proceeds will go toward building a covered arena so that participants can receive therapy during all kinds of weather. Anyone wishing to donate items for either auction, to purchase tickets in advance or would like to help with the fund raiser may call (940) 427-2404 or (940) 393-1161. Web site is http://www.fly-withoutwings.org
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 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 being accepted. Call Tina Strand at (817) 454-2299 for 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 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 the 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 information.
FOOD DRIVE - Vincent Investment Management is collecting non-perishable canned food or cash donations for Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM). Donations can be dropped off anytime during the month of October at the office, 2250 Farm Road 51 South, Suite 900, in Decatur.
Next week's events ...
CREDIT SEMINAR - The Wise County Extension office presents a seminar on understanding and improving your credit score at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Extension office. Topics will include why your credit score is important, why you should care about your credit score, what determines your credit score and how you can improve your credit score. The program is free. Call the Extension office to sign up at (940) 627-3341.
HAUNTED HOUSE - Alvord eighth graders are sponsoring a haunted house in downtown Alvord Oct. 29, 30 and 31. Proceeds will benefit the class project graduation. A concession stand will be available. The house will be open Thursday, 7-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. until the last person is scared away. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for students.
GOODIES FOR GRANDPARENTS - Bridgeport Elementary School will honor grandparents at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Cookies, coffee and lemonade will be served, and grandparents will visit their grandchild's classroom.
GOLF FOR CHARITY - The Wise Electric fifth annual 4-Man Scramble Golf Tournament is 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Runaway Bay Golf Course. All proceeds benefit Wise County Charities. First place teams receive $240, second place $120 and third place $80. Cost to enter is $60 per player. Prizes will also be awarded for closest to the pin and longest drive. Door prizes and lunch will be provided. For information call (940) 389-7334.
AG SINGLES - The Texas Chapter of Singles in Agriculture will have a weekend event Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1. The chapter will meet at 8 a.m. Friday at Brushy Creek Retreat, 435 Richey Road in Bowie, at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The group will visit St. Jo, Brushy Creek Winery and Nocona. Visit http://www.singlesinag.org or call (940) 872-2521 or (940) 842-1205 for information.
COSTUME PARADE - Bridgeport's fifth annual Halloween Costume Parade and Trick-or-Treating is 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, downtown. Mayor Don Majka will lead the parade. Participants should meet in the Duckwall's parking lot at 5 p.m. For more information, call (940) 683-3485.
TRUNK OR TREAT - The First United Methodist Church in Alvord will host a Trunk or Treat event 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in the parking lot across from the church. Treats will be served from car trunks and tail gates. Free hot dogs and soda will be served, and the Carter Blood Mobile will accept blood donations.
Upcoming events ...
BASKETBALL SIGN-UPS - Decatur pee wee basketball sign-ups are under way for fifth and sixth grade boys and girls. Deadline is Sunday, Nov. 1. Forms can be picked up at Decatur Intermediate School. Contact Paula Graves at (940) 626-8116 or (940) 389-2414 or e-mail decaturpeeweebasketball@hotmail.com for information.
CHALLENGE - Wise Electric Cooperative has challenged other Wise County businesses in a food drive to benefit the Wise Area Relief Mission. Call Lillie Hunt at (940) 627-2167 to take part. A custom trophy goes to the winner. Food will be collected Nov. 6.
ASMI COURSE - Accident Scene Management Inc. courses are offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6-8, at LaQuinta Inn and Suites in Bridgeport. The professional course is 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 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
BARRELS FOR BOOKS - Royal Christian Academy in Boyd will host the Barrels for Books barrel race Saturday, Nov. 7. Exhibition will begin at 11 a.m., and the race will start at 2 p.m. Monetary and raffle item donations are accepted. All proceeds benefit the academy. Call Amy Proudfoot at (940) 389-2441 for information.
FOUNDATION BANQUET - The Bridgeport Education Foundation seventh annual benefit banquet and auction is Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Bridgeport High School Commons area. Donations are sought for live and silent auction items, table sponsors and direct donations. Mail or fax to chairman Sue Ray by Oct. 30 at 808 Woodrow Wilson Ray Circle, Bridgeport, TX 76426 or (940) 683-2069.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - Applications for Decatur Spirit of Christmas are available 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.
FARM EQUIPMENT AUCTION - The Chisholm Trail Tractor Club annual Fall Farm Equipment Consignment Auction is 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Wise County Posse Grounds on Farm Road 51 South in Decatur. Equipment already consigned includes a 1951 Farmall Super A, a 1949 Farmall Mod "C" and a John Deere 3010. For consignment information call Grady Griffeth at (940) 393-2155. Heugatter Auction Service will conduct the auction.
COOKING - Grace Baptist Church of Decatur is taking orders for smoked turkeys, hams and briskets to be cooked on Nov. 20. Meats may be picked up that evening at the church parking lot. Turkeys are $30, Hams - $35 and Briskets - $40. All proceeds go to the Grace Baptist Benevolence Fund. To order, call (940) 627-7558.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS - Applications for Rhome's Spirit of Christmas are now available at Rhome City Hall at 105 W. First St. Applications must be returned to city hall by Nov. 20. The program provides toys and clothes for economically disadvantaged children. It is sponsored by the city of Rhome and Rhome United Methodist Church.
COAT DRIVE - Coats will be accepted at all Decatur financial institutions through Dec. 10 for the Spirit of Christmas coat drive. Infant through young adult sizes will be accepted.
In other news ...
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Rhome Volunteer Fire Department seeks volunteers to help with its annual haunted house. For information, call (817) 696-6742 or Judy at (817) 821-7205.
ACCEPTING DONATIONS - North Texas Bank has a box in its 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.
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 Public 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 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 in 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 - 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 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 a support group at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at Wise Regional Health System's west campus board room in Decatur. Call Kelly Walker at (940) 627-5921 for 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 information, visit http://www.theparentingcenter.org To register, call (877) 922-4733.
CPR TRAINING - 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 information or to register, call the administration offices at (940) 627-3199 or come by the department at 201 S. Church St.
