ROAD WORK - The Decatur downtown crosswalk project is on Trinity Street south of Main Street this week in front of the Wise County Messenger office and Messenger Office Supply. Customers can park on the south side of the building or on the south side of the Decatur Visitors Center, both located on Pecan Street.
DISASTER DECLARATION - Gov. Rick Perry Thursday issued a disaster declaration for 167 counties, including Wise, due to the threat of wildfires. "As continued drought conditions have made the threat of wildfires a reality, the state is assisting in battling these fires, and we will continue to provide the necessary resources to protect our communities," Gov. Perry said in a written statement. Wise County is not under a burn ban.
SEEKING TIPS - Wise County Crimestoppers has agreed to pay $100 to anyone who will call in a tip on underage drinkers that leads to a ticket for minor in possession of alcohol. To report an underage drinker, call 1-800-643-TIPS or (940) 627-TIPS.
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 on sale at the First Financial and North Texas Banks, as well as from all DCPAAA members. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. All proceeds go to the Decatur Police Department to help provide training equipment.
This weekend's events...
CLEAN UP - The city of Bridgeport was to have a household hazardous waste collection event Saturday, July 18. Residents will be able to dispose of paint, pesticides, solvents, batteries and electronic waste, such as computers, monitors and televisions.
SINGLES CLUB - The North Texas Singles Club was to have its monthly dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hot Skillet in Alvord.
SOFTBALL TOURNEY - The Andy Mattison Memorial Softball Tournament (The "Mo-Morial") was to be Saturday, July 18, at Kenny Renshaw Park in Decatur. The cost is $200 a team, but no team will be turned away. There will be a men's division and a coed division, as well as a home run derby and horseshoe and washers tournaments. All proceeds will benefit the family of Andy Mattison. For more information, call Michael Loucks at (940) 389-1508.
PARADISE REUNION - The Paradise High School class of 1989's 20-year reunion was to be 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at the Rottman's place in Paradise. For information, e-mail Kris (Anderle) Love at kriselove@yahoo.com or call Monda (Whirley) Court at (972) 971-7575 or e-mail mondajo@yahoo.com.
MOVIE TIME - The Bridgeport Box Office July movie is "Surf's Up" July 18 at the Bridgeport Swimming Pool. Admission is $1, and doors open at 8 p.m. The movie will start at dusk (around 9:15). For more information, call (940) 683-3480 or visit http://www.cityofbridgeport.net/parks&rec
This week's events ...
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE - Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center, a family violence/sexual assault victim's services organization, will hold 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, August 11. For more information, call Brittany at (940) 626-4585.
PAGEANT - The Wise County Little Miss Reunion Pageant is 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, under the pavilion for ages 2 to 9. All children will receive a gift. Forms are available at Decatur Chamber of Commerce, DATCU, North Texas Bank, Wise County Messenger and Chalet of Jewelry. For more information, call Misty Hudson at (940) 399-9160.
MEETING CANCELED - The Wise County Diabetic Support Group meeting has been canceled for Monday, July 20. The class will resume next month on August 17.
PUPPET SHOW - There will be a puppet show at the Decatur Public Library Tuesday, July 21, at 11 a.m. The show is part of the Summer Reading Program for children. For more information call the library at (940) 627-5515 or visit the Web page at http://www.decaturpubliclibrary.com
FOSSIL, ROCK & MINERAL SOCIETY - The Wise County Fossil, Rock and Mineral Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Wesley Center in Decatur. There will be a video on the New Madrid earthquake. For more information, call Randall Watson at (940) 627-7837.
GOAT PRODUCER MEETING - A goat producer meeting is 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Extension office. Dr. Frank Craddock, Texas AgriLife Extension professor and sheep and goat specialist, will discuss management practices and analyze fecal samples for participating ranchers. To reserve a spot, call the Extension office at (940) 627-3341. Seating is limited.
MOVIES IN THE PARK - The Chico Parks Board presents free movies at Robinson Park every other Tuesday night. The movie schedule is as follows: July 21, "Madagascar 2;" Aug. 4, "Hotel for Dogs;" and Aug. 18, "Little Giants." Festivities, including music and concessions, begin at 7:30, and the movie will start at 9. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
OPEN HOUSE - The Ellison Miles Medical Office Building in Bridgeport will have a ribbon cutting and open house from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. They will have free glucometers for diabetics, free glucose testing and free blood pressure checks.
SHELTER OPENING - The Wise County Animal Shelter's grand opening is 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at its new location, 119 Private Road 4195 in Decatur, between the Wise County Impound and Wise County Dump site. Soft drinks and cookies will be served.
VETERANS INFO - Tito Garcia with the Texas Veterans Land Board will be at the Veterans Service Office in Decatur 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, to answer questions concerning land, home improvement, new home loans, veterans cemeteries and veterans homes. Call the VSO to set up an appointment at (940) 627-2470.
MOVIE ON THE SQUARE - Decatur's Thursday Night Flicks will present "Open Season" at 9 p.m. or dark Thursday, July 23.
ASMI RALLY - An Accident Scene Management Inc. Motorcycle Awareness rally is July 24-26 at the Thunder Hill Rally Grounds, 167 Private Road 1106, in Decatur. Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, and admission is $10, plus one small stuffed toy to be donated to local emergency responders. A Dart Run will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, bike games are at 2 p.m. and a band will perform from 8 to midnight. A Sunday service will also be held. For information, call (940) 389-0200 or e-mail snowman41279@yahoo.com.
FOOTBALL PROGRAM - Ads are now being sold for the Decatur High School football program. To place an ad, call Katherine Cox at (940) 389-6734 or e-mail her at kgoyankees63@yahoo.com. Deadline is July 24.
BASS TOURNAMENT - Devon Energy will host a bass fishing tournament and fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Wise County, Saturday, July 25, at Lake Bridgeport. Check-in is at 5 a.m., fishing starts at 6 a.m. and weigh-in is at 3 p.m. Entry fee is $125 per team and first prize is $1,375, second prize is $825 and third prize is $550. Big bass wins a cash prize of $500 and $250. Registration forms are available at Devon Energy, 1209 CR 1304, Bridgeport, or by calling Milton Dunlap at (817) 988-2544 or Cody Burdine at (940) 393-9020.
BENEFIT - The Cruisin' for a Cure 2009 benefit carshow and concert is Saturday, July 25, at the Decatur Civic Center. The car show is 1 to 5 p.m., and registration is $15. Motorcycles are welcome. The concert featuring Johnny Cooper, Brazos Stone and the Cody Robbins Band is 5:30 to 11 p.m., and admission is $15. All proceeds benefit the Lung Cancer Alliance. For more information on the benefit, or to be a sponsor, call Becky Morrow at (940) 683-3833. For information on the car show, call Sam Merrell at (817) 253-7830 or e-mail cruisinforacure.decatur@yahoo.com. The benefit is in memory of Theresa Hobbs of Chico who died in February.
CONCERT - The Wise County Historical Society is hosting a concert featuring the Clear River Band at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the G.C. Ran Little Theater inside the Wise County Heritage Museum. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and are available now at the museum or can be bought at the door. All proceeds benefit building restoration.
EAST SIDE REUNION - The East Side Alumni reunion is at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Decatur Civic Center. There will also be a fellowship service at 11 a.m. Sunday at St. John Baptist Church in Decatur. For more info, call Mike Bell at (940) 627-9082.
Next week's events...
READING CLUB - The Decatur Public Library's Online Teen Summer Reading Club continues through July 28. Students entering grades 5-12 can participate. To enter, go to www.decaturpubliclibrary.com/tsrc.htm. For each book read, your name goes into a drawing for prizes. Awards will also be given for best review, funniest review and most books read.
MARKSMEN QUARTET - The Marksmen Quartet will be performing at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 26, at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale at 145 CR 3355 in Paradise. A love offering will be received. For more information call (940) 433-5539.
FOSTER OR ADOPT - There will be a foster/adoption families get-together at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Pizza Hut in Decatur. Anyone who is currently a foster/adoptive parent or prospective in Wise County is invited to attend. Cost is approximately $4 to $6 per person. Children are welcome to attend. For more information contact Amanda Johnson at amanda@wisechemsafe.com or Pat Reed, director of CASA of Wise County, at (940) 627-7535.
Upcoming events...
CHAMBER MIXER - A multi-chamber mixer is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, at Garrett Creek Ranch Conference Center.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
