ANIMAL SHELTER - There were 72 dogs and 22 cats in the Wise County Animal Shelter as of Friday morning, said Tricia Armstrong, supervisor with the sheriff's department. The shelter has only been open one week, and she said they are already being forced to consider euthanizing some animals. There have been 19 dogs and seven cats adopted this week, and the shelter is waiving adoption fees through the end of August. Adopted animals must be spayed or neutered, but Armstrong said if a person cannot afford the procedure, the person can sign a contract stating they will have the procedure done within 30 days. Armstrong said the shelter will follow up on these contracts, and they can issue a Class C citation if the procedure has not been done.
PHONE SCAM - Decatur Police Chief Rex Hoskins and Wise County Chief Deputy Doug Whitehead said citizens have been receiving a collect call from a 713-area code phone number claiming to be from an inmate at the Harris County Jail. The automated call asks questions in an attempt to gain access to your phone line. Hoskins said the call is a scam and advises people to not accept the charges and/or hang up immediately.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - The North Central Texas Council of Governments' Area Agency on Aging Ombusdman Program needs volunteers to help elderly and disabled residents of nursing and assisted living facilities in Bridgeport and Decatur. No experience is required but volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must complete a free training course consisting of classroom study and training at local nursing homes. Hours are flexible and are determined by each volunteer. For more information, call Lisa Walker at (800) 272-3921 or send an e-mail to Pat Borgfeldt at ppborgfeldt@aol.com
SHARE YOUR SCHOOL MEMORIES - The Wise County Messenger is putting together a back to school issue to be published Thursday, Aug. 6. We'd like to hear if you have any memories of favorite teachers from your school days. E-mail us at news@wcmessenger.com or drop off your submission by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, to have your memory considered for inclusion in the paper.
MONEY FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES - CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Wise County) is accepting monetary donations for back to school supplies and clothes for abused and neglected children being served through the agency. Approximately $3,000 is needed to provide for 30 children. Make donations payable to CASA "School Fund" and mail it to P.O. Box 650, Decatur, TX 76234. For more information, call Pat Reed, director, at (940) 627-7535.
This weekend's events ...
CRUISE NIGHTS - Cruise Nights on the Courthouse Square was to be Saturday, Aug. 1, in downtown Decatur. Registration is 4 to 7 p.m. with awards presented at 8:30. Registration fee is $10, and admission is free. The Decatur Rotary Club will sell raffle tickets for a playhouse, which will be on display.
CAR WASH - The Chico Midget and PeeWee cheerleaders were to have a car wash and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Chico Mart.
AUDITIONS - Off 380 Players were to hold open auditions for "Dearly Beloved" and "Play On" 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Multiple roles for males and females are available for ages 15 and older. For more information, call (940) 389-7151 or visit http://www.off380players.org
SCHOOL SUPPLIES - Cornerstone Baptist Church is giving out school supplies for kindergarten students, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, in the church parking lot.
This week's events ...
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB - Anyone interested in learning about a possible Boys and Girls Club for Wise County is invited to a meeting at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Decatur Public Library.
BRIDGEPORT REUNION - The Bridgeport class of 1979 will host its 30-year reunion 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Bridgeport Golf and Country Club. Classes of 1976-1978 are also invited. Cost is $25 at the door. RSVP by e-mailing bridgeportclass79@yahoo.com or call (940) 389-5355.
Upcoming events ...
COUNSELING - Free group counseling for adult victims of childhood/teen sexual abuse will be offered by Sue Newcomb, LPCI, at Wise Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, 604 N. Trinity, in Decatur. Call (940) 627-6924 to pre-register. Space is limited. Sessions will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Aug. 10 through Sept. 28.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center, a family violence/sexual assault victim's service organization, is holding a school supply drive for the children of their clients. The organization is asking for donations of school supplies, regulation size backpacks and varying sizes of new children's shoes. Donations can be taken to the Wise Hope Crisis Center, 407 S. Washburn St., in Decatur, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Tuesday, Aug. 11. For more information, call Brittany at (940) 626-4585.
SKEET SHOOT - A skeet shoot benefiting Paradise FFA will be at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at 631 County Road 3470 in Paradise. The event is open to all ages and is wolf-chase format. Entry fee includes a meal, and a concession stand will be at the event. For information, call Kay Moore at (817) 343-0484.
CLEAN-UP DAY - The city of New Fairview will host a Citywide Clean-up Day Aug. 15. Residents will need to bring their driver's license or utility bill that shows a physical address within city limits. Items that will not be accepted include tires, batteries, hazardous materials, wet paint, oil refrigerants or anything containing refrigerants.
ANGEL FOOD - Angel Food Ministries orders through Crossroads Church in Decatur are due by 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. The basic box is $30. See http://www.crossroadsdecatur.com/angel-food-ministries for this month's menu and specials. To order, e-mail angelfood@crossroadsdecatur.com or call (940) 626-4527. Pick-up will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Crossroads Church.
MARINE REUNION - The Third Marine Division Association is holding its 55th annual reunion Aug. 24-30 in San Antonio. For more information, call Mike Sohn at (210) 654-3310 or e-mail him at jumient2@hotmail.com.
CLASS OF 1999 - The Bridgeport High School Class of 1999 will have its 10-year reunion Sept. 11-12. If you have not been contacted, e-mail bridgeport1999@hotmail.com.
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 Oct. 6. All proceeds go to the Decatur Police Department to help provide training equipment.
In other news ...
FIGHT MOSQUITOS - Decatur mayor Joe Lambert is asking residents to take care of their property to limit breeding grounds for mosquitos. Tips include cutting weeds, getting rid of standing water, trimming brush and cleaning out any "junk" that might be stacked in your yard.
SUPPORT - Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are 6:30 p.m. each Monday at the Newark Community Center at 404 Hudson St.
ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT - The Alzheimer's Association hosts an Alzheimer's support group at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Wise Regional Health System's west campus board room. For more information, call Kelly Walker at (940) 627-5921, ext. 3923.
HOUSING AUTHORITY - The Bridgeport Housing Authority is now accepting applications for one-bedroom apartments. Applications can be picked up at the office, 1508 Cobb, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
FOSTER OR ADOPT - CASA is taking applications for the Arrow Child and Family Ministries foster/adopt training in September at the Decatur Public Library. The classes will be each Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. To sign up, call Joy Woodruff at (940) 393-5231 or the CASA office at (940) 627-7535.
DONATE A PHONE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center is accepting cell phones and cell phone batteries in any condition. The organization works with a company, Shelter Alliance, which allows them to receive shelter funding through cell phone donations. Bring donations to the Wise Hope Crisis Center in Decatur at 407 S. Washburn St. For information, call (940) 626-4585.
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.
