RHOME POLICE SEEK CAR BURGLARS — A string of car burglaries over the weekend at a subdivision in Rhome has neighbors and police on the lookout. An eyewitness noticed four young men combing the streets of the neighborhood on foot in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 14. Rhome Police Chief James Rose said they’ve already identified at least 15 victims. “Four young men were walking through the neighborhood, opening car doors and taking GPS systems or anything else they could,” Rose said. “Most cars in the neighborhood are unlocked. This is a small town and people aren’t used to locking their cars.” But at least two homes in the subdivision had security cameras posted outside their houses. The footage was turned over to police and shows two of the suspects. In the video the men can be seen trying to open car doors. The doors are locked, and they move on. Rose said they appear to be in their late teens, possibly 17 or 18, and if anyone knows the suspects seen in the video they could probably identify them from the footage, which can be viewed at WCMess.com/burglary. Rose encourages anyone with any information to contact Wise County Crime Stoppers at (940) 627-5971, ext. 236.

MORNING STORMS — A line of storms brought heavy rain to Wise County this morning. A cool front had also dropped temperatures into the upper 40s by 7:30 a.m. Rainfall totals included 1.15 inches in Greenwood, 0.99 in Decatur, 0.95 in Alvord, 0.6 in Chico and 0.44 in Rhome. The forecast calls for the storms to clear out by midday.

RELIEF FOR WEST — Jagged Edge Salon in Decatur is accepting donations for the relief efforts in West. Stylist Jessica Kramer will be delivering the supplies Saturday morning. Items needed include bottled water, diapers, wipes, gauze, rubbing alcohol and peroxide, and non-perishable foods. Bring donations to the salon at 301 S. Washburn in Decatur. For more information, call 940-627-2311 or 817-713-8234.

CHILI CHEESE DOGS — The Wal-Mart Warriors Walking For a Cure Relay For Life team will sell chili cheese hotdog lunch plates 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday from the Dr Pepper wagon, which will be stationed outside the store’s garden center. Cost is $6 and includes the chili cheese dog, chips, drink and dessert. Proceeds benefit Relay For Life of Wise County and the American Cancer Society.

SURVIVOR DINNER — A dinner for survivors/caregivers who registered with Relay For Life of Wise County is 6 tonight at First Baptist Church in Decatur. There will be a live auction and entertainment by the Cross Timbers Band, and cancer survivor Joyce Finley will speak.

CHAMBER LUNCHEON — The Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce April luncheon is 11:30 a.m. today at Bridgeport Community Center.

DAR MEETING — The John B. Denton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is meeting 10 a.m. Saturday in the auditorium of the Wise County Historical Museum. The speaker is from the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition, and he will explain what makes a tree historic, how to find historic trees in our communities, Indian marker trees, and how we are connected to history through the trees that surround us.

BUTTERFIELD FESTIVAL — The Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce’s Butterfield Stage Days Festival is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at Harwood Park. The event includes stagecoach rides, petting zoo, kiddie train, face painting, stickhorse rodeo, bounce houses and carnival for the kids; Bridgeport Idol, Rodeo Pink 5K run, Bingo, pancake-eating contest and rib cook-off competitions; food and craft vendors, gunfighters and live entertainment. For more information, call (940) 683-2076 or visit www.bridgeportchamber.org.

PLANT SALE — Slidell FFA is holding a plant sale 8 a.m.-3:20 p.m. each school day through April 30 at the high school. Super petunias, geraniums and coleus are $2 a plant, $36 for a flat of 18. Hanging baskets are $10. Marigolds, petunias, gazanias and zinnias are $14 a flat. Call the ag department for detailed information, (940) 466-3881, ext. 229.

BENEFIT GOLF SCRAMBLE — The first Amy’s Angels Golf Scramble is 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Hidden Creek Golf Course in Burleson. Cost is $400 per team and will include range balls, golf and lunch. For a $50 donation, event organizers will display “in honor of” or “in memory of” signs around the putting green and clubhouse. Proceeds benefit the Amy’s Angels Wise County Relay for Life Team in honor of breast cancer survivor Amy Hudson Cline. For more information, call Steve Cline at (817) 822-9171 or email clinesintexas@yahoo.com.

DAVA YARD SALE — The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary will hold its annual yard sale Friday and Saturday. Donations are being accepted at the DAV Hall on Farm Road 51 South in Decatur 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

ADOPT A PET — The Wise County Animal Shelter will host an adoption event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today through Saturday at Tractor Supply in Decatur. Also, mention the shelter at Chili’s and the restaurant will donate 10 percent of your bill to the shelter.

RED CROSS MEETING — Red Cross of Wise County meets 7 tonight at the EMS Building in Decatur. Volunteers and anyone interested are invited.

DECATUR SCHOOL BOARD — The Decatur School Board meets at 6 tonight at the district’s administration building. A closed session will be followed by the open meeting.

FUNERALS — Service for Leita Maye Bolin, 76, of Boyd is 10:30 a.m.. Friday at Aurora Baptist Church with burial at Aurora Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

SERVICE for Russell Sprowls, 81, of Decatur is pending at Christian-Hawkins.

A string of car burglaries over the weekend at a subdivision in Rhome has neighbors and police on the lookout. An eyewitness noticed four young men combing the streets of the neighborhood on foot in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 14. Rhome Police Chief James Rose said they’ve already identified at least 15 victims. “Four young men were walking through the neighborhood, opening car doors and taking GPS systems or anything else they could,” Rose said. “Most cars in the neighborhood are unlocked. This is a small town and people aren’t used to locking their cars.” But at least two homes in the subdivision had security cameras posted outside their houses. The footage was turned over to police and shows two of the suspects. In the video the men can be seen trying to open car doors. The doors are locked, and they move on. Rose said they appear to be in their late teens, possibly 17 or 18, and if anyone knows the suspects seen in the video they could probably identify them from the footage below. Rose encourages anyone with any information to contact Wise County Crime Stoppers at 940-627-5971, ext. 236.

PICKUP HITS HOUSE – Coy O’Neal, 80, of Decatur was injured in a single-vehicle accident shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday near downtown Decatur. Sgt. Mike Picha with the Decatur Police Department said O’Neal had been in the parking lot on the northside of the Wise Area Relief Mission building when he drove his pickup across the sidewalk, struck a guidewire, crossed Trinity Street and then crashed into the front porch of a house across the street. Picha said O’Neal sustained a cut on his forehead, but his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. O’Neal was taken to Wise Regional Health System in Decatur. Picha said O’Neal was pulling out of the parking lot and hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. Rachel Miller and her 3 1/2-month-old son, Blake, were on the couch in the living room of the home and heard the crash. A concrete porch apparently stopped the pickup’s forward progress just a few feet from Miller’s living room. They were not injured.

BAY NAMES POLICE CHIEF – Timothy W. Donald was named the Runaway Bay chief of police following a five-hour called session of the city’s council Monday morning. Donald, a Runaway Bay resident, is corporal for the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. He has served in law enforcement for 20 years, 12 of those with WCSO. He will oversee a department that includes three other full-time employees and a part-time officer. His start date is contingent on release from his current post.

JAIL INSPECTION – Sheriff David Walker reported to county commissioners Monday that the jail passed a recent inspection by the State of Texas Jail Commission. “The staff is doing a good job,” he said. “We go through those inspections every year, and the inspector is always complimentary on how clean it is and how well it’s running.” Walker also told commissioners that Rick Denney has been hired as new jail administrator. He starts April 24. Captain Jerry Gillin has been the interim jail administrator.

STORMS IN FORECAST – The National Weather Service is predicting a 70 percent chance of storms overnight and a 50 percent chance tomorrow. Some of the storms could include hail and damaging winds.

GOLF TEAMS HEAD TO STATE – The Decatur High School golf team of Dylan Rottner, Dylan Erwin, Eric Gage, Drew Jones and Jansen Alker finished second at the Region II Tournament yesterday, earning the team a trip to the state tournament May 2-3 in Austin. The Bridgeport High School girls’ team also earned a trip to the state tournament.

AGING WISELY – The monthly community health information session which covers topics relating to aging and how caregivers/family members can help their elderly loved ones is 2-3:30 p.m. Friday at the Weatherford College Wise County Campus. The AHEC (Area Health Education Center) along with First Texas Home Health and Weatherford College will present a taped short play titled “The Long Journey Home” followed by a panel discussion featuring Angie Tyson of Angel’s Home Health, Shelly Young of The Alzheimer’s Association and Dr. Lisa Welch of Weatherford College Wise County. During this panel session the experts will be able to answer any complex questions that the audience might have.

RED CROSS MEETING – Red Cross of Wise County meets 7 p.m. Thursday at the EMS Building in Decatur. Volunteers and anyone interested are invited.

RAQUEL’S WINGS FUNDRAISER – The Raquel’s Wings For Life spring fundraiser is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Decatur Municipal Airport. The non-profit organization provides cancer patients free transportation to medical centers within reasonable distance. The benefit event includes barbecue brisket plates for $10, a balloon launch, bounce house, raffle and auction, local fire department and EMS displays and live music by Rod Ballou, Dakota Burns and Dillon Gentry. For more information, visit www.raquelswingsforlife.com, email raquelswingsforlife@yahoo.com, or call Fabio or Amanda at (940) 627-1050 or (940) 399-9504.

HOMES FOR VETERANS – A fundraising dinner to benefit WC Challenger Charities’ partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the First Baptist Church of Decatur. The group is raising money to provide homes to five wounded war veterans, and keys to those homes will be presented at the J.W. Hart PBR Challenge bull riding event June 8 in Decatur. Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco, founder and chief executive officer of the foundation will attend the dinner, and although the dinner is free, there will be an opportunity to make a donation at the end of the program. To attend, RSVP to Bree at First Baptist by calling (940) 627-3235 or by emailing bree@firstdecatur.us.

FLAMINGO FUNDRAISER – The Alvord Class of 2013 Project Graduation has kicked off their Flocking of Flamingo Fundraiser. Cost is $1 per bird with a 10 bird minimum. To have the flamingos flocked to a friend or neighbor in the Alvord or surrounding areas, call Rusty Rice at (940) 389-1212. The fundraiser will continue through April 21. The birds land at night, and they are picked up the next afternoon.

JURY CANCELED – If you were supposed to serve on a jury April 25 for the Runaway Bay Municipal Court, your service will not be needed. There will be no trial.

FUNERALS – Service for Louis Wayne Lovejoy, 68, of Argyle is 1 p.m. today at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur with burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

SERVICE for Leita Maye Bolin, 76, of Boyd is pending at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

MEMORIAL services for John Robinson, 68, of Bridgeport and Debra Kay Briley, 60, of Decatur will be held at later dates. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

Coy O’Neal, 80, of Decatur was injured in a single-vehicle accident shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday near downtown Decatur. Sgt. Mike Picha with the Decatur Police Department said O’Neal had been in the parking lot on the northside of the Wise Area Relief Mission building when he drove his pickup across the sidewalk, struck a guidewire, crossed Trinity Street and then crashed into the front porch of a house across the street. Picha said O’Neal sustained a cut on his forehead, but his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. O’Neal was taken to Wise Regional Health System in Decatur. Picha said O’Neal was pulling out of the parking lot and hit the gas pedal instead of the brake. Rachel Miller and her 3 1/2-month-old son, Blake, were on the couch in the living room of the home and heard the crash. A concrete porch apparently stopped the pickup’s forward progress just a few feet from Miller’s living room. They were not injured. Today is O’Neal’s 80th birthday. He was honored on Sunday for his birthday and for pulling the chains for 65 years on the sidelines of Decatur Eagles football games.

Messenger photo by Jimmy Alford

2 INJURED IN CHICO-AREA WRECK – A wreck between an 18-wheeler and a pickup around 9:30 Monday morning on Texas 101 at Farm Road 2265 sent two people to the hospital. Department of Public Safety Trooper William Wallace said the 18-wheeler, which was hauling water, was southbound on Texas 101 and had stopped to make a left turn onto FM 2265. A pickup driven by James McDonald was northbound on Texas 101 when he attempted to go around a vehicle in front of him that had stopped to make a left turn by passing on the shoulder. The pickup then collided with the 18-wheeler as the 18-wheeler had started to turn onto FM 2265. Rescue workers freed McDonald’s passenger, Frederick Ferren, and took him to Wise Regional Health System in Decatur. He was later flown to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Rescuers used the Jaws of Life to free McDonald from the wreckage before he was transported to Wise Regional Health System in Decatur. Wallace said both were in stable condition. The 18-wheeler driver, Anthony McNeely, was not injured.

MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE/CAR WRECK – Carmen Miller, 56, of Boyd was flown to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth after ramming his motorcycle into a passenger car south of Boyd Monday afternoon. Investigators said Miller was northbound on Farm Road 730, near County Road 4470, behind a Chevrolet passenger car driven by Cassie Barbie, 22, of Boyd. Barbie had slowed and signaled her intention to turn left and was starting to turn when Miller attempted to pass her, ramming directly into the left rear of the car. Trooper Zeb Siebeneck said Miller will be issued a citation for passing in a no-passing zone.

MARATHON RUNNER SAFE – Three people were killed and more than 100 injured, more than a dozen critically, in the bomb explosions at yesterday’s Boston Marathon. Thomas Aaberg of Alvord, and attorney for the county commissioners, ran in the race. He is safe. He finished in 3:07, a personal best, well before the explosions.

REGIONAL GOLF – After the first round of the Region II Tournament at Tanglewood, the Decatur Eagles are in first position two strokes ahead of second place Argyle. Decatur finished the opening round with a score of 313, Argyle was at 315 and Spring Hill is sitting in third with a 321. The second round continues this morning.

DUAL HONORS – Sheriff David Walker and Messenger photographer Joe Duty were honored Monday at the annual appreciation luncheon of the Wise County Historical Society. Kerry Clower of Alvord, president of the Historical Society, cited Walker for allowing the inmate work crews to maintain 45 historic cemeteries and other historic sites in the county. Duty was honored for his photography, something historians will look at and appreciate many years in the future. “He does a wonderful job of recording Wise County history as it happens,” Clower said.

SURVIVOR DINNER – A dinner for survivors/caregivers who registered with Relay For Life of Wise County is 6 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Decatur. There will be a live auction and entertainment by the Cross Timbers Band and cancer survivor Joyce Finley will speak.

CHAMBER LUNCHEON – The Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce April luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Bridgeport Community Center. Speaker is Charlie Throckmorton, Butterfield Stage Days PRCA Ram Rodeo announcer. Lunch, catered by Wise Electric Co-op, is $10 a plate. Door prize donations are appreciated. RSVP by Wednesday by calling (940) 683-2076 or emailing tiffanyevans@bridgeportchamber.org.

RUNAWAY BAY COUNCIL – The Runaway Bay City Council is to meet twice today with intentions to hire a police chief. At a called meeting at 9 a.m., council members are to interview candidates for the job and will consider naming an appointment at its regular meeting at 7 tonight. At that meeting, the council will also consider purchasing pagers for the fire department; bids on property that was struck off the Bridgeport ISD; and the March meeting minutes and financials, account payable, journal and activity reports. Both meetings are at City Hall.

BRIDGEPORT COUNCIL – The Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo committee will petition the Bridgeport council again for a disbursement of hotel occupancy tax dollars at the council’s meeting 7 tonight at City Hall. The council will also consider the gifting of .643 acres to the city in closed session; purchasing software for the municipal court; a contract with Baird, Hampton and Brown Inc. for engineering services to extend a gas utility line; and during workshop will preliminarily discuss replacing the email server used by city personnel and closing city alleys.

CORRECTION – The substitute in Saturday’s story, “Substitute dismissed after gym attack,” was misidentified. Billy Garvin, 44, of Bridgeport was not involved in the incident. The substitute teacher under investigation is Billy Garvin Sr., 66, of Bowie. The Messenger deeply regrets the error.

FUNERALS – Service for Charles “Beekeeper” Steele, 72, of Bridgeport is 7 tonight at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Family visitation is 7:30-9 after the service.

MEMORIAL services for John Robinson, 68, of Bridgeport and Debra Kay Briley, 60, of Decatur will be held at a later date. Jones Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Louis Wayne Lovejoy, 68, of Argyle is 1 p.m. Wednesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur with burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.

FUNERAL for Alice Pearl Simpson, 80, of Boyd is 10:30 a.m. today at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial at Boyd Cemetery. Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.

A Boyd man was flown to a Metroplex hospital after ramming his motorcycle into a passenger car south of Boyd Monday afternoon.

Carmen Miller, 56, was transported by AirEvac Lifeteam helicopter ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth with gashes on his head and multiple breaks and lacerations to his leg. His injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

Investigators said Miller was traveling northbound on Farm Road 730, near County Road 4470, behind a Chevrolet passenger car driven by Cassie Barbie, 22, of Boyd. Barbie had slowed and signaled her intention to turn left and was starting to turn when Miller attempted to pass her, ramming directly into the left rear of the car.

Although none have yet been issued, Trooper Zeb Siebeneck said Miller will be issued a citation for passing in a no-passing zone. Siebeneck said because Miller also smelled of alcohol and beer and hard liquor were found on the bike, investigators will also “look into a possible DWI” on Miller.

A helicopter ambulance has been called to the scene of an accident in far south Wise County. The accident, which involves a motorcycle, occurred about 3:45 p.m. on Farm Road 730 at County Road 4770. More information will be posted as it’s available.

A tornado watch has been issued for 13 north Texas counties including Wise until 11 p.m. today. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for a tornado. The National Weather Service says there is a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms this afternoon into the evening.

A wreck between an 18-wheeler and a pickup around 9:30 Monday morning on Texas 101 at Farm Road 2265 sent one person to the hospital. Department of Public Safety Trooper William Wallace said the 18-wheeler, which was hauling water, was southbound on Texas 101 and had stopped to make a left turn onto FM 2265. A pickup pulling a trailer was northbound on Texas 101 when he attempted to go around a vehicle in front of him that had stopped to make a left turn by passing on the shoulder. The pickup then collided with the 18-wheeler as the 18-wheeler had started to turn onto FM 2265. Rescue workers had to free the pickup driver, whose name was not available, from the wreckage before he was transported to Wise Regional Health System. Wallace said the driver was in stable condition. The 18-wheeler driver was not injured.

Messenger photo by Joe Duty

Police and emergency responders are on the scene of a wreck on Texas 101 at Farm Road 2265 north of Chico. The wreck involves an 18-wheeler and a pickup. At least one person has already been transported to the hospital and rescuers were still trying to free one other patient from the wreckage as of 10:15 a.m. The wreck happened close to 9:30 Monday morning. More information will be posted as it is available.

Messenger photo by Joe Duty

SUBSTITUTE INVESTIGATED FOR ASSAULT — A substitute teacher at Bridgeport Middle School is being investigated by police for possibly assaulting a student. Billy Garvin, 65, allegedly threw a basketball at an eighth grader who was on the floor of the gym during a game of dodgeball last Thursday. The ball struck the student in the head. Another student filmed the incident using a school-issued iPad and turned the video over to Principal Travis Whisenant. The principal contacted the parents, CPS and the Bridgeport Police Department. Garvin was immediately sent home and won’t be allowed back on any of the Bridgeport campuses, Superintendent Eddie Bland said. Read more in the weekend Wise County Messenger on news stands now. Editor’s note: The original story that ran in the weekend paper incorrectly stated that Billy Garvin, 44, was under investigation.

MAYOR HONORED — Chico Mayor J.D. Clark was named Citizen of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce banquet Saturday night. “I was completely surprised and honored,” he said. Other honorees include longtime councilwoman Fletta Barrett who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Wise Electric Co-op, which received the President’s Award.

DEMOCRATS MEET — The Wise County Democrats will meet at 7 tonight at the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, 200 Rook Ramsey Rd. in Decatur.

SOCIETY MEETING — The Wise County Fossil, Rock and Mineral Society meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wesley Center, 200 E Main St., in Decatur. The speaker is Nona Batiste, Gallery Education Director for the Monning Meteorite Gallery housed at the TCU campus in Fort Worth. The topic will be identifying meteorites from other iron ore clumps and burned rocks. Bring your meteorites and other rocks to identify to the meeting. Guests are welcome.

SENIOR LUNCH — Senior citizens 55 and older are invited to lunch at noon Thursday at Decatur Senior Center located at 1200 N. Miller. Ham and sweet potatoes and all the trimmings will be served. RSVP at (940) 627-2926.

RELAY FOR LIFE — Relay For Life of Wise County team captains meet 7:30 tonight at Candlewood Suites in Decatur to talk about survivor activities and pick campsites for the Friday, May 17, event. For more information, call Stephanie at (940) 393-3165.

VOTE FOR NHS — Northwest High School senior Caren Stueve has been named a State Farm Texas Scholar, making her school one of 50 eligible for a a $5,000 prize through the Vote For Your Favorite. Today is the deadline to vote for NHS at www.texasscholaraward.com. The Texas Scholar Award program recognizes outstanding high school seniors who are involved in any UIL competition, are leaders among their community and are high-achieving in the classroom.

VOTER REGISTRAR TRAINING — The Wise County Voter Registration Office will hold Deputy Voter Registrar training at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the training room/court room at the Wise County Sheriff’s office, 200 Rook Ramsey Dr. in Decatur. The court room is located on the north end of the building. Unless a Deputy VR has taken the training in 2013, they will need to retake the class and receive a new appointment. To RSVP or for more information, contact the Election Department at elections@co.wise.tx.us or (940) 626-4453.

YOUNG PTO — Young Elementary PTO meets at 6 p.m. today in the library. The meeting will include financial findings.

4-H MEETING — The Decatur 4-H Club meets tonight at 6 at the Extension office. For more information, call Shelly Laaser at 940-389-8811 or Lisa Long at 940-627-4567.

COMMISSIONERS TO MEET — Wise County commissioners meet 9 a.m. today in the third-floor conference room of the courthouse in Decatur. They will consider bids for three pieces of property seized for non-payment of taxes, and adoption and ratification of the updated Jury Selection Plan as recommended by District Judge John Fostel.

PARADISE CITY COUNCIL — A typing error will force the Paradise City Council to revisit last month’s decision to pay off the mortgage on City Hall at its regular meeting in that very building 6 p.m. tonight. The council will also hear the audit report from Carl Deaton, and Jamie Cook, president of the Paradise Youth Recreation Association, will also address the council about the park lease agreement between his association and the city. Water department items to be discussed include an update on the potential sewer system and waterline extensions; purchasing additional meters or establishing a system for testing existing ones; and approving a bid for the cleaning of the tower, as required by the state.

CHICO SCHOOL BOARD — The Chico School Board will consider filing a request for a public meeting and contested case hearing with TCEQ concerning the proposed air quality permit submitted by P&K Stone for a limestone quarry just east of the city at tonight’s meeting. The agenda also includes further discussion on possible bond items. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. in room 150 at Chico Elementary School.

FUNERALS — Service for Charles Steele, 72, of Bridgeport is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Family visitation will follow from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

SERVICE for John Robinson, 68, of Bridgeport is pending at Jones Family Funeral Home.

SERVICE  is pending for Louis Wayne Lovejoy, 68, of Argyle at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

FUNERAL  for Alice Pearl Simpson, 80, of Boyd is 10:30 am Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial at Boyd Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

Two people were taken to hospitals following a two-vehicle accident Friday morning just before 8 on Texas 114 at County Road 4599 west of Boyd. Department of Public Safety Trooper Adolfo Patterson said Valerie Carrillo, 19, of Fort Worth was eastbound on Texas 114 in an SUV when she came over a hill and found herself behind a vehicle that had pulled out of the county road and hadn’t yet sped up to the traffic flow. Patterson said when Carrillo realized the vehicle was still moving slow, she slammed on her brakes and turned into the westbound lanes since a guardrail made going right impossible. Her vehicle struck a westbound vehicle nearly head-on, causing Carrillo’s vehicle to roll onto its side and the westbound car to leave the roadway into thick brush. The driver of the car, Nina Lamance, 38, of Boyd was flown to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Carrillo was transported by ground ambulance to Wise Regional Health System in Decatur.

Messenger photos by Joe Duty

BOYD AREA ACCIDENT – As Update was going to press, police, medic and fire units were headed to the scene of a two-vehicle accident on Texas 114 near County Road 4599 west of Boyd. The first unit on the scene reported one vehicle on its side. A helicopter ambulance was called to the scene, and 114 was shut down. Early reports indicate one patient may be trapped. More information will be posted at WCMessenger.com as it is available.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COY – The public is invited to a party celebrating Coy O’Neal’s 80th birthday and 65-year career pulling the chains on the sidelines at Decatur Eagle football games. The festivities are at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Decatur Church of Christ.

VOTER REGISTRAR TRAINING – The Wise County Voter Registration Office will hold Deputy Voter Registrar training at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in the training room/courtroom at the Wise County Sheriff’s office, 200 Rook Ramsey Dr., in Decatur. The courtroom is located on the north end of the building. Unless a Deputy VR has taken the training in 2013, they will need to retake the class and receive a new appointment. To RSVP or for more information, contact the Election Department at elections@co.wise.tx.us or 940-626-4453.

PLANT SALE – Decatur FFA will hold a plant sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Exxon, U.S. 81/287 and Farm Road 51. Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and planted color containers will be available. Plants were grown by students enrolled in horticulture classes at Decatur High School.

BULLDOG BAKE SALE – The Alvord Bulldog 10U Tournament team is having a bake sale 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Alvord Market Place.

DISTRICT’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY – The Decatur Independent School District will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a celebration 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Festivities will be held at 309 S. Cates St. near the original site of Decatur High School. The district became “independent” on April 14, 1913.

RELAY BAKE SALE – The Paradise High School Relay For Life team will have a bake sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Wal-Mart. Team members will also sell T-shirts and glow-in-the-dark bracelets.

TEAM CAPTAINS – Relay For Life of Wise County team captains meet 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 15, at Candlewood Suites in Decatur to talk about survivor activities and pick campsites for the Friday, May 17, event. For more information, call Stephanie at 940-393-3165.

HEALTH FAIR – The Wise County Health Fair is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Decatur Civic Center. There will be free health screenings (carotid artery scans, vision, hearing, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, total cholesterol, PSA for men over 40, blood sugar), a blood drive, bone marrow donor registration, a drunk driving simulator and door prizes. Kids activities include Wii Fitness, face painting, balloon animals, 4-H Plant Pals, fire truck and ambulance display and the landing of the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter. The Family Fun Run is at 10:30 a.m., with registration at 9:45 a.m. All participants who complete the approximately 1 mile course will be eligible for door prizes provided by Wise County businesses. Snacks and drinks provided. For more information, call 940-627-3341.

COMEDY NIGHT – Amigos of Wise County will have a comedy night for adults 18 and older from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday at The Bridgeport Stage. There will be a raffle, food and drinks. Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarship fund. Tickets are $15 per person in advance at The Hair Shop, Wise Driving School and David Correll State Farm Insurance or $20 at the door.

SINGLES CLUB – The North Texas Singles Club will meet 6 p.m. Saturday at Catfish O’Harlie’s in Decatur. All single adults are welcome. For more information, call Joyce at 817-776-0350.

CLOSED FOR CONVERSION – The Wise County Clerk’s Office recording and vitals department will be closed today for software/hardware system conversion and will reopen on Monday, April 15. The County Clerk court department will be open for regular business from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) today.

BOOK SALE – The Chico Public Library’s annual book sale is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Saturday in the library’s book room at City Hall in Chico. Funds raised support library collection development. This will be the library’s largest book sale ever, with thousands of children’s, juvenile, and adult fiction and non-fiction titles on every subject. Paperbacks are 25 cents; hardbacks, videocassetes and audiobooks are $1; DVDs are $2; and music is 50 cents with discount pricing by the bag/box. For more information, call Michelle at 940-644-2330.

CHAMBER BANQUET – The Chico Chamber of Commerce banquet is 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at the City of Chico’s Community Room, 401 S. Hovey. Awards will be presented including, Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Award, the President’s Award and scholarships. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at First State Bank in Chico or at the door for $20.

BAKE SALE – East Side Alumni is having a bake sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Church in Decatur. Money will benefit the East Side Alumni reunion in July. For information, call Mike Bell at 940-627-9082.

FUNERALS – Memorial service for Sylvia Ann Norris, 70, of Decatur is 5 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

MEMORIAL service for Bill Slaughter, 70, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Saturday at Cates Street Church of Christ in Bridgeport. Jones Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

FUNDRAISING RECORD – The 4th Annual Dazzle Me Pink fashion show and luncheon Wednesday raised $62,103, beating last year’s record by more than $10,000. The event, hosted by Wise Regional Health Foundation at the Decatur Civic Center, raises money for Mary’s Gift and Women’s Health Services at Wise Regional to help provide breast cancer screening. Money was raised from table sales, a live auction, raffles and individual donations. Read more in the weekend Messenger.

WEDNESDAY RAINFALL TOTALS – Rainfall totals from yesterday included 0.5 of an inch in Rhome, 0.46 in Decatur, 0.45 in Greenwood and 0.4 in Alvord.

5K RUN/WALK – The Rodeo Pink 5K Run/Walk is 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at the pavilion at Harwood Park in Bridgeport. Pre-register before April 26 to receive a T-shirt. Cost is $20. After April 26, fees increase to $25 and do not include a T-shirt. Registration forms are available at Bridgeport City Hall, Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce, iCopy in Decatur, Angel’s Health Care in Decatur or online at www.cityofbridgeport.net or www.bridgeportchamber.org.

SINGLES CLUB – The North Texas Singles Club will meet 6 p.m. Saturday at Catfish O’Harlie’s in Decatur. All single adults are welcome. For more information, call Joyce at (817) 776-0350.

HOMES FOR VETERANS – A fundraising dinner to benefit WC Challenger Charities’ partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the First Baptist Church of Decatur. The group is raising money to provide homes to five wounded war veterans, and keys to those homes will be presented at the J.W. Hart PBR Challenge bull riding event June 8 in Decatur. Lt. Gen. Leroy Sisco, founder and chief executive officer of the foundation will attend the dinner, and although the dinner is free, there will be an opportunity to make a donation at the end of the program. To attend, RSVP to Bree at First Baptist by calling (940) 627-3235 or by emailing bree@firstdecatur.us.

BOOK SALE – The Chico Public Library’s annual book sale is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the library’s book room at City Hall in Chico. Funds raised support library collection development. This will be the library’s largest book sale ever, with thousands of children’s, juvenile, and adult fiction and non-fiction titles on every subject. Paperbacks are 25 cents; hardbacks, videocassettes and audiobooks are $1; DVDs are $2, and music is 50 cents with discount pricing by the bag/box. For more information, call Michelle at (940) 644-2330.

CHAMBER BANQUET – The Chico Chamber of Commerce banquet is 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the City of Chico’s Community Room, 401 S. Hovey. Awards will be presented including Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Award, the President’s Award and scholarships. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance at First State Bank in Chico or at the door for $20.

BENEFIT FUNDRAISER – Western Star Cowboy Church will hold a benefit fundraiser for pastor Bobby Bowden 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Springtown Square. The event will feature live entertainment, booths, baked goods, raffles and games. Donations, volunteers and vendors are needed. For more information call Katherine Thomas at (817) 220-0528. Proceeds will help with medical expenses for an inoperable kidney and cancer of other organs.

ESL OPEN HOUSE – An ESL (English Second Language) Open House is 7 p.m. Monday, April 15, at First United Methodist Church in Boyd. For more information call Patti at (940) 433-5662.

DINNER AND DERBY – Chico Class of 2013 will host a project graduation fundraiser dinner and home run derby at 5 p.m. Friday at the high school softball/baseball fields. A barbecue sandwich dinner costs $5 per plate, and the home run derby is $10 per entry. All proceeds benefit project graduation.

BAKE SALE – East Side Alumni is having a bake sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Church in Decatur. Money will benefit the East Side Alumni reunion in July. For information, call Mike Bell at (940) 627-9082.

FIRST RESPONDER ON AGENDA – Rhome City Council will meet in closed session during its regular meeting tonight to continue discussing possible applicants for the city’s newly created EMT/first responder position. Two months ago the council voted 3-1 to create the post. The job description says the first responder will respond “to all calls within the Rhome Volunteer Fire Department service area needing emergency and non-emergency medical treatment or care” and offers a detailed list of additional tasks. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Rhome City Hall.

ALVORD SCHOOL BOARD – The Alvord School Board meets tonight and is expected to approve the issuance of up to $1.8 million in time warrants and maintenance tax notes. That debt, which does not require voter approval, will be repaid over the next 15 or 20 years with regular maintenance and operations funds – around $85,000 a year. The money will be used to pave parking lots and driveways around the middle school and high school at an estimated cost of $950,000. It will also provide funding for two school buses and pay for a laundry list of needed items. The meeting is at 6 p.m. at the administration building, 100 Mosley Lane.

FUNERALS – Memorial service for Sylvia Ann Norris, 70, of Decatur is 5 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

MEMORIAL service for Deb Brantner, 63, of Alvord will be held at a later date. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

WARDEN INDICTED FOR ASSAULT – A Bridgeport man whose alleged actions resulted in two Decatur schools going on lockdown and ended after a standoff with police in Bridgeport has been indicted for aggravated assault against a public servant. The indictment states that on Jan. 22, James Marshall Warden Jr., 43, threatened officers by pointing and pulling the trigger of a rifle in the direction of officers during the standoff while the officers were investigating Warden for threatening to kill his wife. The weapon was not loaded. Aggravated assault against a public servant is a first degree felony.

RAINY MORNING – Rain and cooler temperatures moved in overnight. The rain is expected to stick around through midday with a high temperature of 48. Rainfall totals as of 7:30 a.m. included 0.35 of an inch in Rhome and 0.12 in Decatur.

BLOOD DRIVE – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host a Carter blood drive 5-8 tonight at 202 E. Thompson in Decatur. For more information call Laura Blaylock at (940) 368-3058.

ABWN MEETING – Wise County Area Business Women’s Network will meet at 11:45 a.m. Thursday at the Decatur Civic Center. John Robinson, JRobs Sports and Fitness, will present 7 Keys to Winning in the Game of Life. The meeting is open to all businesswomen. Reservations can be made at www.abwn.org. Also, April 12 is the application deadline for the ABWN Scholarship which is open to any current or previously graduated Wise County student. Application can be found online.

MEMORIAL BENEFIT – The Clay Anderson Memorial Concert and Benefit is Saturday at Bono’s Chophouse and Saloon in Decatur. A Working Man’s Truck Show is noon-7 p.m. Anyone interested in entering their semi truck should RSVP to Cody Howdeshell at (940) 389-3315 or Chris Fletcher at (817) 929-9161. The concert will feature Colt West at 7:30, Ryan Ready at 9 and the Joey Green Band at 10:30. The event will also feature a silent auction, PBR Vegas raffle, T-shirts, food and drinks. Proceeds benefit the family of the late Clay Anderson and the fight to end multiple myeloma. For information call Juli at (940) 390-6905.

CLOSED FOR CONVERSION – The Wise County Clerk’s Office recording and vitals department will be closed on Friday for software/hardware system conversion and will reopen on Monday, April 15. The County Clerk court department will be open for regular business from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed from noon-1 p.m. for lunch) on Friday.

ART SHOW – The Bridgeport ISD Art Show is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Bridgeport Community Center, 1102 Lawdwin Ave.

LIONS GOLF TOURNAMENT – Bridgeport Lions Club 27th Annual Eyeglass Golf Tournament is Saturday. The 3-person scramble will include tee times of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Bridgeport Country Club, 250 FM 2123. Registration is 7 a.m. Cost is $150 per team and $30 for a cart. You may also bring your own. For more information or to enter a team call Teri Bland at (940) 683-4070, ext. 25. Proceeds benefit Lions Club Sight Program.

HEALTH FAIR – The Wise County Health Fair is 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Decatur Civic Center. There will be free health screenings (carotid artery scans, vision, hearing, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, total cholesterol, PSA for men over 40, blood sugar), a blood drive, bone marrow donor registration, a drunk driving simulator and door prizes. Kids activities include Wii Fitness, face painting, balloon animals 4-H Plant Pals, fire truck and ambulance display and the landing of the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter. The Family Fun Run is at 10:30 a.m., with registration at 9:45 a.m. Snacks and drinks provided. For more information, call (940) 627-3341.

BAKE SALE – The Paradise High School Relay For Life team will have a bake sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Wal-Mart. Team members will also sell T-shirts and glow-in-the-dark bracelets.

COMEDY NIGHT – Amigos of Wise County will have a comedy night for adults 18 and older from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday at The Bridgeport Stage. There will be a raffle, food and drinks. Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarship fund. Tickets are $15 a person in advance at The Hair Shop, Wise Driving School and David Correll State Farm Insurance or $20 at the door.

MAGIC SHOW – Victory Family Church in Decatur presents a free magic show at 7 tonight. Families are invited to attend the event, called “Living Illusions,” which features an escape artist and an illusionist. The event will be held at the church located on U.S. 380 in Decatur. For more information go to www.victoryfamilychurch.com or call (940) 627-5820.

FUNERALS – Graveside service for Curtis Ray Galttana Sr., 61, of Huntsville, formerly of Wise County, is 2 p.m. today at Aurora Cemetery.

FUNERAL for Betty Evelyn Calhoun, 91, of Decatur is 1:30 p.m. today at Greenwood Baptist Church with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.

MEMORIAL service for Sylvia Ann Norris, 70, of Decatur is 5 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins.

MEMORIAL service for Deb Brantner, 63, of Alvord will be held at a later date. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Richard Allen Bower, 72, of Alvord is 2 p.m. today at the St. Peter Lutheran Church with burial at Sunset Cemetery. White Family Funeral Home in Bowie is handling arrangements.

CITY OPPOSES NEW QUARRY – The City of Chico is asking the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a contested case hearing on an air quality permit submitted by a company seeking to create a limestone quarry just east of town. Chico Mayor J.D. Clark said the city just recently learned about the application by P & K Stone, LLC. to operate the quarry, and much of the property is within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Among the concerns brought up by the city in the letter is the possible air pollution from engine emissions and traffic hazard potential of the dust clouds that could be created from the plant. “I don’t know anybody in Chico who will tell you we don’t have enough dust in the air,” Clark said. He said the plant would also be blasting at levels below the water table in the area. Truck traffic in the area is also a concern, Clark said.

PRESIDENT ADDRESSES INDICTMENT – At the Northwest ISD School Board meeting Monday, Board President Mel Fuller read aloud a statement to address inquiries to remove from the board Kerry Jones, who was indicted March 28 on four counts of improper relationship between educator and student. “As school board members, we are unpaid, elected officials who are not employed by Northwest ISD,” he said. “We are each individually elected by registered voters who live in the school district Neither us, as a board, nor the Northwest ISD administration have the legal authority to suspend a school board member.” Legal board policy states that in order to involuntarily remove someone from office, Fuller continued, a board member must be convicted by a jury for any felony or for a misdemeanor involving official misconduct. “Current law does not allow for removal based on an indictment or arrest,” Fuller added. Jones, who was not at Monday’s meeting, had not resigned as of Monday night.

PRINCIPAL’S COMPLAINT TO BE HEARD – A principal’s complaint against the superintendent is the subject of a special Chico School Board meeting tonight. The meeting agenda includes only one item – personnel discussion – a complaint by Chico Middle School Principal Maury Martin against Superintendent Mike Jones. The discussion is being held in closed session. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at Chico Elementary School.

SEVERE WEATHER IN FORECAST – It might be a stormy evening in Wise County. According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, thunderstorms are expected to move from west to east tonight as a cold front moves across the area. The storms may include hail and damaging winds, and an isolated tornado is possible. It will be warm ahead of the front with an expected high of 80.

DEMOCRATS SET TO LOBBY – The Wise County Democratic Party has sent a delegation of 15 people to Austin today to lobby state lawmakers on issues affecting local residents. They are joining other groups from around the state for Blue Ribbon Lobby Day. The event will focus on three main issues: restoring the $5 billion in funding cut from public education during the last legislative session, expanding the state’s Medicaid program, and restoring the $72 million in funding cut from the Women’s Health Program. For more information on the state-wide effort, visit www.blueribbonlobbyday.com.

VACCINES – Texas Department of State Health Services is having a children’s vaccination clinic 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Cost is $10 per child or $20 per family, and a parent must be present with the child’s shot records. Enter at Miller Street and go to rooms 103 and 105.

AUTISM AWARENESS GAME – The Northwest High School softball team will play the fifth-annual Autism Awareness Game tonight in honor of NHS’s Circle of Friends, a school-sponsored club for students drawn to their peers who have special needs. If you would like to support the cause by making a donation or purchasing a shirt, contact Tonya Morrow at tmorrow@nisdtx.org.

DISTRICT’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY – The Decatur Independent School District will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a celebration 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Festivities will be held at 309 S. Cates St. near the original site of Decatur High School. The district became “independent” on April 14, 1913.

LOCAL THESPIANS – Six Wise County thespians are involved in the Artisan Center Theater’s production of “The Hiding Place” 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 3 p.m. Saturdays through Saturday, April 20 at the theater, 420 E. Pipeline Rd. in Hurst. Eve Roberts of Wise County is directing the production, and Judi Conger of Runaway Bay will play Corrie ten Boom, one of the lead roles. Other local actors include Cathy Lackey of Decatur and Rick and Andrea Duwe of Greenwood. Rebecca Roberts of Decatur is the theater’s resident costumer.

SCV MEETING – The Sons of Confederate Veterans will meet at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur at 7 tonight. The program will be presented by Rocky Sprott.

FUNERALS – Service for Betty Evelyn Calhoun, 91, of Decatur is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Baptist Church with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

MEMORIAL service for Sylvia Ann Norris, 70, of Decatur is 5 p.m. Sunday at Coker-Hawkins.

MEMORIAL service for Deb Brantner, 63, of Alvord will be held at a later date. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Richard Allen Bower, 72, of Alvord is 2 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Peter Lutheran Church with burial at Sunset Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.

WOMAN KILLED IN ROLLOVER WRECK – Sylvia Williams Norris, 70, of Decatur was killed Saturday morning in a wreck on County Road 4227 just south of U.S. 81/287 a couple of miles south of Decatur. Department of Public Safety Cpl. Jeff Johnson said Norris was northbound on the county road around 9:45 when she ran off the west side of the road, overcorrected, went into a sideskid, left the east side of the roadway and rolled her SUV at least two or three times. Norris was ejected. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jan Morrow pronounced Norris dead at the scene. A nearby resident said Norris was going “extremely fast” as she passed by the house just moments before the crash. Johnson said it is obvious Norris was traveling at an unsafe speed. Other than that, the investigation would continue into the cause of the wreck. Service for Norris is pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

PILOT UNINJURED AFTER HARD LANDING – A Fort Worth pilot walked away with no injuries after making a hard landing in a field in Rhome. Department of Public Safety Trooper Adolfo Patterson said James Edgar Vroom, 66, was flying the single-engine plane just before 3 p.m. Saturday when it started to stall. Vroom decided to make an emergency landing in a field just west of U.S. 81/287 and south of Texas 114 West. As he was landing, the plane began operating normal again, and Vroom decided to try to take off again. But before he could lift off, the plane hit a ditch, and the wheels sunk and broke off in mud, bringing the plane to an abrupt halt.

SCV MEETING – The Sons of Confederate Veterans will meet at the Wesley Center of the First Methodist Church in Decatur at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The program will be presented by Rocky Sprott.

TOPS OPEN HOUSE – Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) will hold an open house at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the basement of Grace Baptist Church in Decatur. For information, call (940) 389-2900.

VOTE FOR NHS – Northwest High School senior Caren Stueve has been named a State Farm Texas Scholar, making her school one of 50 eligible for a a $5,000 prize through the Vote For Your Favorite. Vote for NHS now through Monday, April 15, at www.texasscholaraward.com. The Texas Scholar Award program recognizes outstanding high school seniors who are involved in any UIL competition, are leaders among their community and are high-achieving in the classroom.

REPUBLICANS TO MEET - Wise County Republicans will meet at 6:30 tonight at their new location, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office Complex at 200 Rook Ramsey Dr. in Decatur. Keynote speaker is Chico Mayor J.D. Clark, who will give a report on his experience at the Harvard leadership program in January and will speak on his concepts of leadership and vision for leadership in Wise County.

MAGIC SHOW – Victory Family Church in Decatur presents a free magic show 7 p.m. Wednesday. Families are invited to attend the event, called “Living Illusions,” which features an escape artist and an illusionist. The event will be held at the church located on U.S. 380 in Decatur. For more information go to www.victoryfamilychurch.com or call (940) 627-5820.

CLAY SHOOT – The sixth annual Barnett Shale Sporting Clay Shoot benefiting the Bridgeport Visitor Center is Thursday, April 25, at Northwest OHV Park (2914 Texas 101 in Bridgeport). There will be a morning flight at 9 a.m. and afternoon at 1:30 p.m., and lunch will be served at noon. Fee is $100 a person or $500 for a five-man team. To sign up, call the Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce at (940) 683-2076.

NORTHWEST SCHOOL BOARD – Employee benefits will be the topic of the budget workshop and several discussion items of the Northwest School Board meeting tonight. Trustees will talk about the upcoming year’s compensation, health, dental and vision plans and hear a budget update during the workshop which precedes the meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the NISD Administration Building (2001 Texan Drive in Fort Worth). Trustees will also hear reports from the district’s guidance and counseling effectiveness; energy effectiveness; parent survey; monthly construction and February financials.

FUNERALS – Service for Betty Calhoun, 91, of Decatur is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Greenwood Baptist Church with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

SERVICE for Deb Brantner, 63, of Alvord is pending at Coker-Hawkins.

FUNERAL for Willie Randle Jr. IV, 60, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

GRAVESIDE service for Chuck “General” Tanner, 74, of Runaway Bay is 2:15 p.m. today at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

A Fort Worth pilot walked away with no injuries after making a hard landing in a field in Rhome. Department of Public Safety Trooper Adolfo Patterson said James Edgar Vroom, 66, was flying the single-engine plane just before 3 p.m. Saturday when it started to stall. Vroom decided to make an emergency landing in a field just west of U.S. 81/287 and south of Texas 114 West. As he was landing, the plane began operating normal again, and Vroom decided to try to take off again. But before he could lift off, the plane hit a ditch, and the wheels sunk and broke off in mud, bringing the plane to an abrupt halt.

Messenger photo by Joe Duty

Police have released the identity of the victim from this morning’s wreck. Sylvia Norris, 70, of Decatur was killed Saturday morning in a wreck on County Road 4227 just south of U.S. 81/287 a couple of miles south of Decatur. Department of Public Safety Cpl. Jeff Johnson said Norris was northbound on the county road around 9:45 when she ran off the west side of the road, overcorrected, went into a sideskid, left the east side of the roadway and rolled her SUV at least two or three times. Norris was ejected. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jan Morrow pronounced Norris dead at the scene. A nearby resident said Norris was going “extremely fast” as she passed by the house just moments before the crash. Johnson said it is obvious Norris was traveling at an unsafe speed. Other than that, the investigation would continue into the cause of the wreck.

Messenger photo by Joe Duty

A 70-year-old Decatur woman was killed Saturday morning in a wreck on County Road 4227 just south of U.S. 81/287 a couple of miles south of Decatur. Department of Public Safety Cpl. Jeff Johnson said the woman was northbound on the county road around 9:45 when she ran off the west side of the road, overcorrected, went into a sideskid, left the east side of the roadway and rolled her SUV at least two or three times. The driver was ejected. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jan Morrow pronounced the woman dead at the scene. A nearby resident said the driver was going “extremely fast” as she passed by the house just moments before the crash. Johnson said it is obvious the woman was traveling at an unsafe speed. Other than that, the investigation would continue into the cause of the wreck. The woman’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family.