A series of explosions woke up a neighborhood outside Decatur this morning. A metal workshop housing a pier drilling truck caught fire between 9 and 10 a.m. Not long after the fire started, something inside set off a series of explosions. “I heard about five explosions,” said nearby neighbor John Reeves. “The first one rattled my home. It sounded like a sonic boom.” Firefighters from Decatur, Alvord and Chico responded to the fire located in the 100 block of County Road 1100. They arrived to find black smoke pouring into a cloudy sky, and flames consuming a metal building with a large truck inside. Homeowner Lani Vaughn said the explosions might have been caused by the tires on the truck. But there were also barrels of oil inside the workshop. The pier drilling truck belonged to her son Norman. He kept his work truck parked in the same workshop that his father ran Decatur Tractor and Auto shop out of for years. Vaughn said she didn’t know how the fire began. “Fortunately no one was injured, and nobody else’s property caught on fire,” Vaughn said.

Messenger photo

Decatur Fire Department was dispatched just before 10 a.m. Thursday to a structure fire on County Road 1100, off of Farm Road 1810, west of town. According to the police scanner, a barn and truck are on fire. Alvord and Chico fire departments have been called for mutual aid, and CR 1100 is shut down to through traffic. More information will be posted as it’s available.

GARBAGE RATE HIKE ON AGENDA – For the second year in a row, the company providing waste removal service for the City of Chico is proposing a rate increase. The city council will consider the proposed rate increase by Progressive Waste Solutions at its meeting at 7 tonight at city hall. The company provides trash pickup and recycling service. Other agenda items include a park board recommendation to change gym rental fees, automated clearing house (ACH) information from First State Bank, a CPI adjustment to municipal telecommunications right-of-way access line rates and regular monthly reports from various city departments. The meeting will also include an executive session for “pending or anticipated litigation.” Mayor J.D. Clark said he couldn’t comment on the specifics prior to the meeting, but the agenda indicates the discussion is regarding Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permitting.

ARSON/BURGLARY PLEA – James Edward Haynes, 30, of Boyd pleaded guilty last week to arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship, a first degree felony, and for burglary of a habitation, a second degree felony. He received 10 years deferred adjudication and will be placed on community supervision for 10 years. Haynes will also have to pay $17,224.70 in restitution. The fire took place July 13, 2011, at a home in the 500 block of Green Meadow Drive in Boyd. Boyd Police Chief Greg Arrington said it appears the home was burglarized and then set on fire to cover up the crime. It occurred over the course of a couple of days while the homeowner was on vacation.

RAIN ENDING – After two days of rain, precipitation is no longer in the forecast. Yesterday’s rain totals included 0.8 of an inch in Chico, 0.54 in Decatur, 0.45 in Greenwood, 0.33 in Rhome and 0.3 in Alvord.

DEMOCRATS SET TO LOBBY – The Wise County Democratic Party will send a delegation of 15 people to Austin Tuesday, April 9, to lobby state lawmakers on issues affecting local residents. They will join 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, call County Chair Mark York at (817) 489-1924 or local organizer Tracy Smith at (940) 231-0278. For more information on the state-wide effort, visit www.blueribbonlobbyday.com.

THE BIG EVENT – As a way to thank the residents of Haslet, Justin, Rhome, Newark and Aurora, Northwest High School will host a community service day Saturday. This year’s projects include landscaping, tree trimming, window cleaning and painting. The event kicks off at 8 a.m., and students will begin community service jobs at 9:45 a.m. A celebration is planned for 2 p.m. in Texas Gym at NHS. For more information or to request a job, email thebigeventnorthwest@nisdtx.org.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT – The monthly support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or related dementia meets 7 tonight in the board room at Wise Regional Health System’s west campus. For more information, call (940) 627-6888.

HOME SCHOOL MEETING – An informational meeting for the Classical Conversations Home School tutoring program is 10 a.m. Saturday at 700 W. Mulberry in Decatur. Child care will be provided. For information call Amber Payne at (940) 577-9175.

CHANGE YOUR DIET – A free nutrition seminar hosted by The Counseling Place, 101 S. Trinity St. in Decatur, is 6 p.m. today. Dr. Peter Gonyeau will present the 5 easy changes you can make to eat your way out of sickness, chronic allergies and fatigue. Call (940) 627-1630 for more information.

MOMMY AND ME - Wise Moms, a mommy-and-me-group, and their preschoolers (ages 0 to 5) is meeting 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Harmon Park in Decatur. Bring a sack lunch for you and your children. For more information, contact Holly Chapman at 940-577-1580 or hollyelizabethc@gmail.com.

COLLEGE SURVEY – The Weatherford College Wise County community interest survey is now available online. Dean Duane Durrett said the purpose of the survey is to “find out what courses and programs are needed to meet the current and future educational, business and technical needs for Wise County businesses and its neighboring communities.” To take the survey, go to www.wcinstruction.net/surveys.

FUNERALS – Service for Bobbie June Cash, 81, of Decatur is 10 a.m. today at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

MEMORIAL service for Karen Craven Wood, 63, of Rhome is 11 a.m. Saturday at Fairview Baptist Church. Family visitation is 10 a.m. Saturday prior to the service. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

SERVICES for Mildred Barnett, 95, of Paradise and Karlan Dean O’Dell, 66, of Bridgeport are pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Marie Slagle Kennedy, 90, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Martha Jane Hill, 88, of Bridgeport is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel in Vienna, Ill., with burial at Whiteside Cemetery near Vienna. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Bailey Funeral Home. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling local arrangements.

GRAVESIDE service for Chuck Tanner, 74, of Runaway Bay is 2:15 p.m. Monday at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas. Family visitation is 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Vernon Allen Wingate Jr., 50, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. today at Balsora Baptist Church with burial at Willow Point Cemetery. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Jason Mitchell, 21, formerly of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Jones Family Funeral Home.

MEMORIAL service for Mickye Lynn Zellers, 60, of Paradise is 1 p.m. today at Jones Family Funeral Home.

FUNERAL for Gerald “Satch” Jones, 75, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. Friday at Cates Street Baptist Church in Bridgeport with burial at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at the church. Jones Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S CONTRACT EXTENDED – After not meeting in closed session at its last meeting, the Bridgeport City Council Tuesday extended City Administrator Brandon Emmons’ contract through April 2015. Emmons has been with the city since April 2010.

FIRST DAY – New Athletics Director Brit Hart will start work at Paradise ISD today, according to Superintendent Monty Chapman. Hart was chosen from more than 120 applicants and replaces longtime AD, Danny Neighbors.

RAINFALL TOTALS – Rainfall total from yesterday and overnight included 1.15 inches in Alvord, 1.08 in Decatur, 1.05 in Greenwood, and 0.95 in Rhome.

PET ADOPTION – The City of Bridgeport Animal Shelter will hold a pet adoption 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the shelter located at 171 A Private Road 3402 (just off of Farm Road 920). For more information call James Johnson at (940) 683-3430.

BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT – The 14th annual golf tournament benefiting United Way of Wise County is Friday, April 26, at The Golf Club at The Resort on Eagle Mountain Lake. Registration opens at 11 a.m., and the shot-gun start is at 1 p.m. Entry fee is $400 per four-person team and includes a lunch buffet, range balls, goody bags and the chance to win door prizes. For directions to The Resort, call 817-750-2178 or visit www.resortgolfclub.com. For more information, contact Andrew Rottner at 940-627-8767 or arottner@northtxbank.com.

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.

WALK TO END LUPUS – Donna Morales is looking for people to join her team, “Rednecks Fightin’ Lupus,” to participate in the Weatherford Walk to End Lupus Now at 10 a.m. May 18. Call (940) 210-2919 or email donna_cj@embarqmail.com. For more information, visit www.weatherfordlupuswalk.kintera.org.

CHILD HEALTH SUMMIT – Wise County Child Health Summit is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Decatur Civic Center. The Wise Coalition for Healthy Children, led by Cook Children’s Health Care System, will unveil Wise County-specific findings from the 2012 Community-wide Children’s Health Assessment and Planning Survey (CCHAPS). The summit is free, and lunch is provided. Reserve your place by emailing marsha.waters@cookchildrens.org.

FOOD FOR KIDS – The Tarrant Area Food Bank is competing to win $45,000 for their BackPacks for Kids Program. To vote, go to bit.ly/FullTummies and cast your vote for Tarrant Area Food Bank. You can vote once a day, each day during the month of April. The Tarrant Area Food Bank provides supplies for several food pantries in Wise County.

YOUTH FAIR RESULTS – Look in the midweek Wise County Messenger on news stands today for the Youth Fair Results special section.

FUNERALS – Service for Vernon Allen Wingate Jr., 50, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Thursday at Balsora Baptist Church with burial at Willow Point Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Jason Mitchell, 21, formerly of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Jones Family Funeral Home.

MEMORIAL service for Mickye Lynn Zellers, 60, of Paradise is 1 p.m. Thursday at Jones Family Funeral Home.

FUNERAL for Gerald “Satch” Jones, 75, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. Friday at Cates Street Baptist Church in Bridgeport with burial at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Jones Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Evelyn Irene Corrigan, 97, formerly of Decatur is 10 a.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.

GRAVESIDE service for Bobbie June Cash, 81, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Thursday at Cottonwood Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Coker-Hawkins.

MEMORIAL service for Karen Craven Wood, 63, of Rhome is 11 a.m. Saturday at Fairview Baptist Church. Family visitation is 10 a.m. Saturday prior to the service. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Marie Slagle Kennedy, 90, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Martha Jane Hill, 88, of Bridgeport is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel in Vienna, Ill., with burial at Whiteside Cemetery near Vienna. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Bailey Funeral Home. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling local arrangements.

SERVICE for Charles Tanner, 75, of Runaway Bay is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

LOCAL MAN DIES IN CENTRAL TEXAS ACCIDENT – A Bridgeport man was killed in a two-vehicle accident early Monday morning on Texas 6 in Calvert, between Bryan-College Station and Waco. Jason Mitchell, 21, was driving a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle north on Texas 6 about 4:30 a.m. when a pickup pulled out in front of him at Texas 14, according to Trooper Jimmy Morgan, a Department of Public Safety spokesperson. The 2012 Chevrolet pickup was driven by James Chmiel, 53, of Bremond. According to Morgan, Chmiel stopped at the intersection of 14 and 6, but then pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The bike struck the left front fender of the pickup, and Mitchell was ejected. He was wearing a helmet, but it came off when he was thrown from the bike. Mitchell was pronounced dead by Richardson County Justice of the Peace Keith Foltermann. “He had just turned 21 Friday,” said Morgan. “And from what I understand, he had been visiting friends in the Bryan area and was possibly en route back to Bridgeport.” Chmiel was not injured. Funeral for Mitchell is pending at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

INJURED DEPUTY GOES HOME – Montague County Deputy James Boyd, who was shot by Evan Ebel March 21 during a traffic stop near Bowie, was released from a Fort Worth rehabilitation facility Sunday, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Members of the Patriot Guard, a group of motorcyclists who often escort funeral processions of fallen officers or military veterans, accompanied Boyd on his trip home. Boyd was shot twice in the chest and once in the head by Ebel, who then led officers on a high-speed chase into Wise County. Ebel shot at several officers, eventually wrecking at U.S. 380 and Business U.S. 380. He died following a shootout with local officers. Boyd was wearing a bullet-proof vest and sustained a concussion, but he is expected to make a full recovery.

RAINY DAYS – Rain moved into Wise County overnight, and the forecast calls for more showers and possibly a thunderstorm throughout today, tonight and tomorrow.

MARCH WEATHER – It was another dry month in Wise County in March. According to weather watcher Doyle Green in Decatur, the area received 1.83 inches of rainfall for the month, and that included 0.93 of an inch on March 30. The total is well below the 3.59 inches of average rainfall for the month. Temperatures in the month ranged from a high of 87 on March 4 to a low of 24 on March 6.

ABWN SCHOLARSHIP – The Wise County Area Business Women’s Network scholarship application is available online at www.abwn.org. The scholarship is open to any current Wise County high school senior and to any former Wise County high school graduate currently attending college. Applications must be postmarked by April 12 to be considered. For more information, email info@abwn.org.

CHICO COUNCIL THURSDAY – The Chico City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday rather than the normal Tuesday night meeting this month.

CEMETERY MEETING – The Jonestown Cemetery annual meeting is 11 a.m. Saturday at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided.

FUN RUN – The Decatur 5K and 1 Mile Kids Fun Run is 8 a.m. Saturday in downtown. Participants can register on-site or at www.decatur5k.com. Proceeds will benefit the Jackie Murphree Scholarship Fund.

FAMILY FITNESS - Focus on Family Fitness Day at First Baptist Church in Decatur is 2 p.m. Sunday. There are activities for all ages including boot camp exercise for men and women, bounce houses and an obstacle course for kids ages 4 through sixth grade, a 5K and one-mile fun run, healthy food showcase, ultimate frisbee and a kids bike and trike course. Mark Cornelison, a participant in season 13 of “The Biggest Loser,” will speak at 6 p.m. in the worship center. For more information, call 940-627-3235.

FUNERALS – Service for Vernon Allen Wingate Jr., 50, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Thursday at Balsora Baptist Church with burial at Willow Point Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

SERVICES for Evelyn Irene Corrigan, 97, formerly of Decatur and Karen Williams, 63, of Rhome are pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

FUNERAL for Marie Slagle Kennedy, 90, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Martha Jane Hill, 88, of Bridgeport is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel in Vienna, Ill., with burial at Whiteside Cemetery near Vienna. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Bailey Funeral Home. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling local arrangements.

A Bridgeport man was killed in a two-vehicle accident early Monday morning on Texas 6 in Calvert, between Bryan-College Station and Waco.

Jason Mitchell, 21, was driving a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle north on Highway 6 about 4:30 a.m. when a pickup pulled out in front of him at Texas 14, according to Trooper Jimmy Morgan, a Department of Public Safety spokesperson. The 2012 Chevrolet pickup was driven by James Chmiel, 53, of Bremond.

According to Morgan, Chmiel stopped at the intersection of 14 and 6, but then pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The bike struck the left front fender of the pickup, and Mitchell was ejected. He was wearing a helmet, but it came off when he was thrown from the bike. Mitchell was pronounced dead by Richardson County Justice of the Peace Keith Foltermann.

“He had just turned 21 Friday,” said Morgan. “And from what I understand, he had been visiting friends in the Bryan area and was possibly en route back to Bridgeport.”

Chmiel was not injured.

MOTORCYCLE FATALITY – A 51-year-old Bridgeport man died early Saturday morning when his 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle flipped over on top of him on County Road 3424 east of Bridgeport. Department of Public Safety Trooper Gregory Hair said the motorcycle operator, later identified as Vernon Allen Wingate Jr., was traveling west when he went off the roadway. No skid marks were found at the scene and no other vehicles were involved. He was found at 2:19 a.m. by a passing motorist, and it is unclear how long he had been there or when he died. Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Jan Morrow pronounced him dead at 3:53 a.m. He was not wearing a helmet. Service for Wingate is pending at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

WEEKEND RAIN – Parts of Wise County received over an inch of rain early Saturday morning. Rainfall amounts included 1.24 inches in Rhome, 1.15 in Greenwood, 1.03 in Decatur, and 0.95 in Alvord. The forecast calls for a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms overnight, mainly after 1 a.m. with rain chances increasing tomorrow.

PTO MEETING – Decatur’s Young Elementary PTO meets at 6 tonight in the school’s library.

SUPPORT GROUP – The Grief Support Group meets 6-7:30 tonight at the Wise Regional Health System West Campus (old hospital). Enter at the far left hand side of the building. The group meets the first Monday of every month. For more information call Laura Tanner at (940) 626-2973.

OPENING DAY – Chico Youth Association Baseball Opening Day is Saturday at Jewel Park. Games begin with T-ball at 10 a.m.; 8U at 11 a.m.; 12U at noon; and 10U and 14U at 1 p.m. A raffle for a Nokona glove will be held. Cost is $5 per ticket. Call Brian Durham for more information at (940) 393-3565.

NEW FAIRVIEW CLEAN-UP DAY – New Fairview will hold a Clean-Up day Saturday. Dumpsters will be located at City Hall from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or until they are full. You will need to bring your 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.

RIB COOK-OFF – This year’s Butterfield Stage Days Festival in Bridgeport includes a rib cook-off. Entry fee is $50 per team, and the St. Louis cut ribs must be prepared and smoked at the May 11 festival. Cooking station set-up is 7 to 9 a.m., and judging begins at 2 p.m. Judges’ Pick and People’s Choice winners will be named by 4 p.m. Judges’ Pick first place wins $300 cash and a $200 gift card to Mas Meat; second place receives $200 cash and a $100 Mas Meat gift card; and third place gets $100 cash and a $50 gift certificate to Mas. To register, call the Chamber office at 940-683-2076 by Friday, May 3.

CHAMBER LUNCHEON – The Paradise Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon is noon today at Paradise City Hall. Lunch, catered by Subway, is $10 a plate.

OPEN HOUSE – Wise Hope Crisis Center will showcase their new office, at 608 N. Business 287 in Decatur, with an open house 4-7 p.m. today. There will be a ribbon cutting, tours and refreshments. For more information, call 940-626-4585.

ACADEMY HOSTS MEETING – J.O.Y. Christian Academy will have a mandatory “town hall” meeting for parents and students entering the academy 6-8 tonight at The River Church Student Center and The Rise, 1901 S. Trinity St. in Decatur. The meeting will include information for kindergarten through 12th grade students for the 2013-2014 school year.

FUNERALS – Service for Billie Horn, 77, of Runaway Bay is 2 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport with burial at Eternal Oaks Cemetery in Runaway Bay. Family visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

SERVICES for Evelyn Irene Corrigan, 97, formerly of Decatur and Karen Williams, 63, of Rhome are pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

SERVICES for Marie Kennedy, 90, and Martha Jane Hill, 88, both of Bridgeport are pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

Communications Manager Susan Gomez, with the Wise County Sheriff’s Office, reported at 6:30 p.m. that the county’s 911 system is down. If you have an emergency, call the Sheriff’s Office at 940-627-5971. More information will be posted as it’s available.

Bridgeport is also reporting trouble with their 911 system. All Bridgeport 911 calls are being forwarded to cell phone in the Bridgeport Police Communication Center. For non-emergency assistance call 940-389-4388. It’s unknown how long or how big of an area is affected. It’s possibly being caused by a cut line that’s since been reported.

The driver of a motorcycle was flown to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for injuries sustained in a wreck with an SUV a half-mile north of the Wise/Parker county line around 2:30 Friday afternoon.

The male’s name was not available, but investigators said he was in his 50s and his injuries did not appear life-threatening.

According to investigators, Carolyn Hoover, the driver of the Mitsubishi SUV, was southbound on Farm Road 51 south of Boyd when she attempted to make a u-turn in the middle of the road, just as the motorcycle came over the crest of the hill.

The motorcycle hit the the passenger side of the vehicle broadside, and its driver sustained lacerations to the head and a broken arm.

Hoover was issued a citation for making an illegal u-turn. Neither she or her passengers were injured.

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, Wise County Sheriff’s deputies, Boyd volunteer firefighters, Wise County medics and Springtown police responded.

BOARD MEMBER INDICTED – A Denton County grand jury Thursday indicted Northwest ISD trustee Kerry Jones of Trophy Club on four counts of improper relationship between an educator and student, and a warrant will be issued for Jones’ arrest. According to a statement by the Trophy Club Police Department, the alleged offenses occurred between April 2010 and March 2011, when Jones was a high school counselor with Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Jones was a freshmen counselor at the district’s Colleyville Heritage High School when he was placed on administrative leave last August. Public Information Officer Lee Delk with the Trophy Club Police Department said the investigation revealed that no offenses occurred on school property. A statement issued by NISD read, “With this indictment, the NISD school board will continue to comply with applicable law and policy … as it refers to his continued service on the board. Northwest ISD officials have cooperated fully with law enforcement agencies during their investigation and will continue to do so In Northwest ISD, we condemn any actions that would cause harm to a child.” As of Thursday afternoon, Jones had not resigned from his post on the NISD School Board. Read more in the weekend Messenger.

CHAMBER LUNCHEON – The Paradise Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon is noon Monday at Paradise City Hall. Lunch, catered by Subway, is $10 per plate.

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT – Bridgeport Class of 2017 will host a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament April 5 at the Bridgeport Middle School. Sign-in begins at 4 p.m. with play beginning at 5. Deadline has been extended until Monday, April 1. For more information, call Deneise Walker at 940-389-5420, Brittany Sutherland at 940-683-4143 or Nicole Johnson at 940-389-7197.

SHELTER CLOSED – Wise County Animal Shelter will be open today but will close Saturday in observation of Easter. Regular business hours resume 8 a.m. Tuesday.

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS – All Wise County administrative offices will be closed today for Good Friday. Also, all Wise County dumpsites (Boyd, Chico, Cottondale, Decatur and Slidell) will be closed today with all dumps open regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

RELAY BAKE SALE – The Jimmie and Vickie’s Angels Relay For Life team will have a bake sale 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in front of Main Street Mall, 103 W. Main, in Decatur. For information, call 940-627-3929.

4-HERS SUPPORT RELAY – Wise County 4-H will have a bake sale 2 to 5 p.m. today at the First Finacial Bank in Decatur and at 10 a.m. at the Chico Supermarket. Cakes, breads, cookies and brownies will be sold, and proceeds benefit Relay for Life.

SINGLES MEET – North Texas Singles Club meets 6 p.m. Saturday at CiCi’s Pizza in Decatur. All single adults are welcome. For more information, call Joyce at 940-627-6422.

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 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.

OPEN HOUSE – Wise Hope Crisis Center will showcase their new office, at 608 N. Business 287 in Decatur, with an open house 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 1. There will be a ribbon cutting, tours and refreshments. For more information, call 940-626-4585.

PLANT SALE – Decatur FFA will host a plant sale 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Exxon station on the corner of Farm Road 51 and U.S. 81/287. Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and color planters will be for sale. All plants have been grown by the students of the agriculture program at Decatur High School.

ACADEMY HOSTS MEETING – J.O.Y. Christian Academy will have a mandatory “town hall” meeting for parents and students entering the academy 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 1, at The River Church Student Center and The Rise, 1901 S. Trinity St. in Decatur. The meeting will include information for kindergarten through 12th grade students for the 2013-2014 school year.

BUTTERFIELD BOOTHS – Through May 3, the Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce will accept applications for vendor booths at the Butterfield Stage Days Festival – which is Saturday, May 11, at Harwood Park in Bridgeport. Fees for members are $50 for food/drink spaces without electricity or $55 with electricity; and $20 for art/craft/merchandise/game booths without electricity or $25 with electricity. For non-members, food/drink booths are $100 without electricity or $110 with electricity; and $40 for art/craft/merchandise/game set-ups without electricity or $50 with electricity. For information, call the Chamber at 940-683-2076 or email tiffanyevans@bridgeportchamber.org.

FUNERALS – Memorial service for Betty Manning, 78, of Boyd is 2 p.m. today at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

FUNERAL for Bobby Deaton, 66, of Paradise is 10 a.m. today at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Willow Point Cemetery.

SERVICE for Karen Williams, 63, of Rhome is pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

A Denton County grand jury today indicted Northwest ISD trustee Kerry Jones of Trophy Club on four counts of improper relationship between an educator and student, and a warrant will be issued for Jones’ arrest.

According to a statement by the Trophy Club Police Department, the alleged offenses occurred between April 2010 and March 2011, when Jones was a high school counselor with Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Jones was a freshmen counselor at the district’s Colleyville Heritage High School when he was placed on administrative leave last August.

Public Information Officer Lee Delk with the Trophy Club Police Department said the investigation revealed that no offenses occurred on school property.

A statement issued by NISD read, “With this indictment, the NISD school board will continue to comply with applicable law and Policy BBC (legal) as it refers to his continued service on the board. Northwest ISD officials have cooperated fully with law enforcement agencies during their investigation and will continue to do so …

“In Northwest ISD, we condemn any actions that would cause harm to a child.”

In a separate release, NISD Board President Mel Fuller wrote, “The news of the indictment today against Mr. Jones is concerning and disconcerting to the Northwest ISD board. As members of an elected school board, we must always promote the best interests of the district as a whole and our community’s priorities and concerns.

“We want to remind the public that through our criminal justice system, defendants retain the presumption of innocence, unless proven guilty … The board does not have the authority to issue a decision in that regard … ”

As of Thursday afternoon, Jones had not resigned from his post on the NISD school board.

Jones, who has a master’s in education and counseling and a principal certification, was elected to Place 6 on the board in May 2011. His term expires in May 2014.

In August, Jones came under investigation for an allegation of misconduct with a former student.

“The board firmly believes that the alleged actions of one person should not reflect negatively on the teachers, administrators or others in the district, who work tirelessly each and every day, in partnership with parents and the community, to provide all students a premier education, preparing successful, productive citizens.”

COURTHOUSE SECURITY – The Wise County courthouse in Decatur will no longer be open for meetings after 5 p.m., a change that primarily affects the local Democratic and Republican parties. Both groups held their monthly meetings on the second floor. County Judge Bill McElhaney told commissioners at their meeting Tuesday that the decision was made by the courthouse security committee, which includes McElhaney, District Judge John Fostel, County Court-at-Law No. 1 Judge Melton Cude, Sheriff David Walker, Captain Kevin Benton and Chief Deputy Doug Whitehead. McElhaney said the group began evaluating courthouse security after “several incidents here and of course, throughout the country …” Both groups have been told they can use the Sheriff’s Office training room for their meetings. Read more in the weekend Messenger.

EGG HUNT – The Hills Nursing and Rehab in Decatur will host an Easter egg hunt at 3 p.m. Friday. The Easter Chicken will make an appearance.

SHELTER CLOSED – Wise County Animal Shelter will be open Good Friday, but will close Saturday in observation of Easter. Regular business hours resume 8 a.m. Tuesday.

PLANT SALE – Decatur FFA will host a plant sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Exxon station on the corner of Farm Road 51 and U.S. 81/287. Annual, perennials, hanging baskets and color planters will be for sale. All plants have been grown by the students of the agriculture program at Decatur High School.

SINGLES MEET – North Texas Singles Club meets 6 p.m. Saturday, at CiCi’s Pizza in Decatur. All single adults are welcome. For more information, call Joyce at (940) 627-6422.

PERSONALITY SEMINAR – Bridgeport Economic Development Corp. and the Small Business Development Center through Tarleton State University will host a free session on “understanding personalities to maximize success in business” 6-8 tonight at Weatherford College Wise County. Participants will take a personality test and learn how to capitalize on the characteristics of each type.

VOTE FOR LOCAL COOK’S RECIPE – Today is the last day to vote for Helen Fields of Paradise and her semifinalist Honey and Bacon Brussels Sprouts Pizza recipe for the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. The 33 entries who garner the most online votes will join the finalists from two other categories in the national Bake-Off competition Nov. 10-12 in Las Vegas. Vote for Helen’s Honey and Bacon Brussels Sprouts Pizza recipe at www.pillsbury.com/bakeoff.

COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION – Governor’s Ridge and Angels Care Home Health will host the first in a series of community education sessions 10:30-11:30 a.m. today at Governor’s Ridge, 300 E. Devereaux St. in Decatur. The topic is “keep your senses sharp.” RSVP for a complimentary lunch at (940) 627-1104 or RSVP@governorsridge.com.

IDENTITY THEFT WORKSHOP – DATCU Credit Union will offer a workshop on identity theft prevention noon to 12:45 p.m. today in the lecture hall at Weatherford College Wise County.

OPEN HOUSE – Wise Hope Crisis Center will showcase their new office, at 608 N. Business 287 in Decatur, with an open house 4-7 p.m. Monday, April 1. There will be a ribbon cutting, tours and refreshments. For more information, call 940-626-4585.

HELP FOR PROM – Paying It Forward For Prom is a not-for-profit organized cause which offers assistance with prom-related expenses such as dresses, shoes, jewelry, hair-dos, manicures and pedicures for girls – and (new this year) tux rentals and haircuts for boys – in exchange for community service hours. The program is open to all Wise County high school juniors and seniors, based on need. To apply, visit www.payitforwardforprom.org. A dress fitting will be 9-11 a.m. Friday at CrossRoads Church (1400 Deer Park Road, in Decatur).

BAKE SALE – Paying It Forward For Prom organizers will have a bake sale beginning at 9 a.m. today at Patti’s Hair Parlor in Decatur. Proceeds will fund tuxedo rentals for Wise County high school junior and senior boys, who couldn’t otherwise afford going to prom. For more information, visit www.payitforwardforprom.org or call Amanda at (940) 536-8585.

HEALTH FORUM – The Wise County Health Forum meets 9 a.m. today at the Decatur City Hall Community Room. The main topic for discussion will be the health fair, scheduled for April 13 at the Decatur Civic Center.

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS – All Wise County administrative offices will be closed tomorrow for Good Friday.

FUNERALS – Service for Karen Williams, 63, of Rhome is pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

MEMORIAL service for Betty Manning, 78, of Boyd is 2 p.m. Friday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Boyd.

FUNERAL for Bobby Deaton, 66, of Paradise is 10 a.m. Friday in the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Willow Point Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.

BOMB MAKING MATERIAL FOUND IN SUSPECT’S CAR – A court document filed Tuesday by Texas Ranger Anthony Bradford revealed the contents of the car driven by Evan Ebel, including bomb making materials. Among the items found in or on the vehicle are “misc. bomb making materials,” found in a black backpack and duffel bag from the Cadillac’s trunk, along with a “document with apparent bomb making instructions.” Clothing items collected include sunglasses, a mask, tan pants with apparent blood stains, shoes, and a Domino’s pizza shirt along with a “heatwave” bag and pizza box. The inventory also included surveillance cameras, three pages of handwritten directions along with apparent letters from “Nate.” It is unclear if “Nate” is connected with Domino’s pizza delivery driver Nathan Leon, who was killed March 17 in Denver. Ebel is a suspect in last Tuesday’s murder of Tom Clements, the director of the Colorado Department of Corrections. Ebel was killed last Thursday following a high speed chase that began with Ebel shooting Montague County deputy James Boyd and ended with a crash at the intersection of U.S. 380 and Business U.S. 380 in Decatur and a shootout with Wise County officers. Ebel later died at a Fort Worth hospital. Boyd was released from the hospital yesterday. Read more in the midweek Wise County Messenger on news stands today.

HOSPITAL OWNERSHIP CHANGE NOW OFFICIAL – North Texas Community Hospital is now officially the Bridgeport campus of Wise Regional Health System. Wise Regional CEO Steve Summers and NTCH CEO Max Ludeke met Monday to sign the papers formalizing the transfer, which officially took place one minute after midnight this morning. It might take a couple of weeks before it is back up and running as a full-scale hospital. Read more in the midweek Messenger.

ORDINANCE REJECTED – Wise County commissioners rejected a solid waste facility siting ordinance at their meeting Tuesday morning. The ordinance, drafted by an engineering company (R.W. Beck), was developed with technical and financial assistance from the North Central Texas Council of Governments in 2009. It designates specific areas within the county where landfills could be placed, but Precinct 2 Commissioner Kevin Burns said it’s insufficient. “It’s not a complete document and does nothing to protect the Trinity Aquifer,” he said. Burns made a motion to reject the ordinance and pursue further study through COG. Read more in the weekend Messenger.

HEALTH FORUM – The Wise County Health Forum meets 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Decatur City Hall Community Room. The main topic for discussion will be the health fair, scheduled for April 13 at the Decatur Civic Center.

PERSONALITY SEMINAR – Bridgeport Economic Development Corp. and the Small Business Development Center through Tarleton State University will host a free session on “understanding personalities to maximize success in business” 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Weatherford College Wise County. Participants will take a personality test and learn how to capitalize on the characteristics of each type.

GARAGE SALE – The River Church, at 1901 S. Trinity St. in Decatur, will have a garage sale fundraiser 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday.

IDENTITY THEFT WORKSHOP – DATCU Credit Union will offer a workshop on identity theft prevention noon-12:45 p.m. Thursday in the lecture hall at Weatherford College Wise County.

BLOOD DRIVE – Wise Regional Health System will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday in front of the hospital. For information, call Annette Raley at (940) 626-0167.

CHILD HEALTH SUMMIT – Wise County Child Health Summit is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at the Decatur Civic Center. The Wise Coalition for Healthy Children, led by Cook Children’s Health Care System, will unveil Wise County-specific findings from the 2012 Community-wide Children’s Health Assessment and Planning Survey (CCHAPS). The summit is free, and lunch is provided. Reserve your place by emailing marsha.waters@cookchildrens.org.

EGG HUNT – Senior Care Health and Rehab Center in Bridgeport will host an Easter egg hunt 4-5 p.m. Friday. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos. The facility is located at 2108 15th St.

BUTTERFIELD BOOTHS – The Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for vendor booths for the Butterfield Stage Days Festival – which is Saturday, May 11, at Harwood Park in Bridgeport – through May 3. Fees for members are $50 for food/drink spaces without electricity or $55 with electricity; and $20 for art/craft/merchandise/game booths without electricity or $25 with electricity. For non-members, food/drink booths are $100 without electricity or $110 with electricity; and $40 for art/craft/merchandise/game set-ups without electricity or $50 with electricity. For information, call the Chamber at (940) 683-2076 or email tiffanyevans@bridgeportchamber.org.

HOME, LAWN AND GARDEN – Look for the Wise County Messenger’s annual Home, Lawn and Garden special section in the midweek paper on news stands today.

FUNERALS – Service for Jimmy Kyle Rhine, 67, of Bridgeport is 1 p.m. today in the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Bethel Cemetery.

FUNERAL for Bobby Deaton, 66, of Paradise is 10 a.m. Friday in the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home with burial at Willow Point Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

SERVICE for Carmen Alejandre, 78, of Saginaw is pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

GRAVESIDE service for Pat North, 76, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at Boyd Cemetery. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.

VISITATION for John Michael Herbst, 61, of Rhome is 6-8 tonight at Coker-Hawkins.

MEMORIAL service for Betty Manning, 78, of Boyd is 2 p.m. Friday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

A court document filed Tuesday by Texas Ranger Anthony Bradford revealed the contents of the car driven by Evan Ebel, including bomb making material. Among the items found in or on the vehicle are “misc. bomb making materials,” found in a black backpack and duffel bag from the Cadillac’s trunk, along with a “document with apparent bomb making instructions.” Clothing items collected include sunglasses, a mask, tan pants with apparent blood stains, shoes, and a Domino’s pizza shirt along with a “heatwave” bag and pizza box. The inventory also included surveillance cameras, three pages of handwritten directions along with apparent letters from “Nate.” It is unclear if “Nate” is connected with Domino’s pizza delivery driver Nathan Leon, who was killed March 17 in Denver. Ebel is a suspect in last Tuesday’s murder of Tom Clements, the director of the Colorado Department of Corrections. Ebel was killed last Thursday following a high speed chase that began with Ebel shooting Montague County deputy James Boyd and ended with a crash at the intersection of U.S. 380 and Business U.S. 380 in Decatur and a shootout with Wise County officers. Ebel later died at a Fort Worth hospital. Boyd is expected to recover.

EBEL’S GUN TIED TO CLEMENTS’ MURDER – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado announced yesterday that the gun used by Evan Ebel to shoot Montague County Deputy James Boyd and also used in a shootout with Wise County officers last Thursday is the same gun used to kill Tom Clements, the chief director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, last Tuesday. The findings were confirmed following an analysis of the shell casings by the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab. “The confirmation goes well beyond acknowledging the same caliber and brand of ammunition being used, but rather is based on unique, and often microscopic markings left on the casings at both scenes,” Lt. Jeff Kramer wrote in a statement released by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Ebel was killed following a shootout with officers at the end of a high-speed chase that ended at the intersection of U.S. 380 and Business 380 in Decatur Thursday morning. A search warrant obtained by the Wise County Messenger from the Wise County District Clerk’s Office revealed a laundry list of items found in the 1991 black Cadillac driven by Ebel. He used a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun during his firefight with Wise County sheriff’s deputies and Decatur police officers. In addition to the handgun, investigators found more weapons and ammunition in the vehicle along with narcotics, cell phones, computers, thumb drives, memory cards and several forms of correspondence with an unknown or unidentified suspect who might be involved in the case. The most damning items found include a Domino’s Pizza carrier bag and a Domino’s Pizza jacket. This possibly connects Ebel with the murder of Nathan Leon, 27, a part-time delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza in Denver. Leon was found murdered on Sunday, March 17.

VOTE FOR LOCAL COOK’S RECIPE – Helen Fields of Paradise and her Honey and Bacon Brussels Sprouts Pizza recipe are one of 60 semifinalists in category 1 of the Pillsbury Bake-Off. The 33 entries who garner the most online votes from now until Thursday will join the finalists from two other categories in the national Bake-Off competition Nov. 10-12 in Las Vegas. Vote for Helen’s Honey and Bacon Brussels Sprouts Pizza recipe at www.pillsbury.com/bakeoff.

OFFICE MOVE – The Decatur WIC Clinic-Outreach Health Services office has moved to 2014 Ben Merritt Drive, Suite C (in front of the hospital). WIC is a USDA supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children under the age of 5. Call (940) 627-5796.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY – The Wise County Historical Society meets noon Thursday for lunch at the Wise County Heritage Museum in Decatur. Retired University of North Texas professor Ron Marcello will speak. He collected lost battalion survivors’ oral history. Visitors are welcome.

EASTER AT THE LIBRARY – The Decatur Public Library will host children’s Easter Egg hunts at 11 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Sign up is required, and spaces are limited. Call (940) 393-0290 to reserve your spot.

STAY SHARP – Governor’s Ridge and Angels Care Home Health will host the first in a series of community education sessions 10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday at Governor’s Ridge, 300 E. Devereaux St. in Decatur. The topic is “keep your senses sharp.” RSVP for a complimentary lunch at (940) 627-1104 or RSVP@governorsridge.com.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE HUNT – The Wise County Sheriff’s Office annual Easter egg hunt is 11 a.m. today at the Decatur Civic Center. Food and drinks will be provided. Bring a basket for hunting and a camera for photos with the Easter bunny.

PRE-K PRE-QUALIFICATIONS – Prekindergarten pre-qualification packets are available at all NISD elementary schools and can be picked up through today. For more information, visit www.nisdtx.org/prek or call (817) 215-0198.

HEALTH FAIR – A few spots are still available for those wanting to participate in the Wise County Health Fair 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Decatur Civic Center. The fair is sponsored by Wise County United Way. Entry forms for booth space are available on the United Way website at www.wisecountyunitedway.org/healthforum.html. For more information, call Dena Silvers at (940) 627-5080.

QUARTER AUCTION – Proceeds from tonight’s Bridgeport Quarter Auction will go the Area Business Women’s Networking Scholarship Fund to benefit local high school and college students. Entry fee is $2 for a bidding paddle and entry for several door prizes. Raffle tickets will be available for $1 each or seven for $5. Half of the money goes to the winner, the other half to charity. Cash will be paid for your unwanted gold, silver and platinum, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund. The event, for ages 18 and older, is 6-8 p.m. at the Bridgeport Lions Club, 1107 8th St.

FUNERALS – Service for Jimmy Kyle Rhine, 67, of Bridgeport is 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Bethel Cemetery. Family visitation is 7-9 tonight at the funeral home.

FUNERAL for Bobby Deaton, 66, of Paradise is 10 a.m. Friday at the Chapel at Jones Family Funeral Home with burial at Willow Point Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

SERVICE for Carmen Alejandre, 78, of Saginaw is pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

GRAVESIDE service for Pat North, 76, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Boyd Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Coker-Hawkins.

NO SERVICE is scheduled at this time for Mary Meadows Lord, 46, of Rhome. Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.

MEMORIAL service for Betty Manning, 78, of Boyd is 2 p.m. Friday at Christian-Hawkins.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado announced this afternoon that the gun used by Evan Ebel to shoot Montague County Deputy James Boyd and also used in a shootout with Wise County officers last Thursday is the same gun used to kill Tom Clements, the chief director of the Colorado Department of Corrections last Tuesday. The findings were confirmed following an analysis of the shell casings by the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab. “The confirmation goes well beyond acknowledging the same caliber and brand of ammunition being used, but rather is based on unique, and often microscopic markings left on the casings at both scenes,” according to a statement released by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Ebel was killed following a shootout with officers at the end of a high-speed chase that ended at the intersection of U.S. 380 and Business 380 in Decatur Thursday morning. The Messenger also learned of evidence found inside the car Ebel was driving at the time of the shootings. Read more here.

A search warrant obtained by the Wise County Messenger from the Wise County District Clerk’s Office revealed a laundry list of items found in the 1991 black Cadillac driven by Evan S. Ebel, 28, of Colorado, during his wild shoot-out with law enforcement in Wise County last Thursday morning. Ebel used a 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun during his firefight with Wise County sheriff’s deputies and Decatur police officers. In addition to the handgun, investigators found more weapons and ammunition in the vehicle along with narcotics, cell phones, computers, thumb drives, memory cards and several forms of correspondence with an unknown or unidentified suspect who might be involved in the case. The most damning items found include a Domino’s Pizza carrier bag and a Domino’s Pizza jacket. This possibly connects Ebel with the murder of Nathan Leon, 27, a part-time delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza in Denver. Leon was found murdered on Sunday, March 17. Also, Hornady 9mm shell casing recovered from the scene of the shootout in Wise County are the same caliber and brand found at the home of Tom Clements Tuesday night. Clements, 58, director of Colorado Department of Corrections, was gunned down in front of his home in Monument, Colo., two days before Ebel started a mobile shooting rampage through Montague and Wise County. Ebel possibly used the pizza delivery garb as a disguise to approach the home of Clements. The Cadillac had two different kinds of Colorado license plates on it. The car itself was not registered to Ebel, but to an individual living in Aurora, Colo.

Messenger photo by Jimmy Alford

SHOOTING INVESTIGATION CONTINUES – Investigators in both Texas and Colorado will continue their work this week to determine if Evan S. Ebel, who was shot and killed Thursday by local law enforcement officers in Decatur following a high-speed chase in which Ebel shot Montague County Deputy James Boyd and fired at several Wise County law enforcement officers, is tied to the killing of Colorado prisons chief Tom Clements and pizza delivery driver Nathan Leon. On Saturday, for the first time, Colorado investigators identified Ebel as a suspect in the Clements murder case. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado this weekend released a statement saying that shell casings collected in Texas will be analyzed by the Colorado Springs Metro Crime Lab to prove or disprove whether or not the same weapon was used in Texas and in the Clements murder. Via their Twitter page Sunday, the El Paso S.O. said they hope to have ballistics results back “early in the week.” Ebel’s father, Jack, released a statement this weekend saying, in part, “I am profoundly saddened by the recent events involving my son, Evan Ebel, and offer my most sincere condolences to all those individuals and families who have suffered from his actions.” The Bowie News reported this weekend that Boyd continues to recover at Harris Methodist Hospital. “Several local officers have visited and said he looks great,” the News reported Sunday on its website. Comprehensive coverage of last Thursday’s chase and shooting is featured in the weekend Wise County Messenger on news stands now. Check back at WCMessenger.com for the latest in this continuing story.

COUPLE LOSES PETS, BELONGINGS IN FIRE – A couple in Boonsville lost their belongings, including their dog Blue and rabbit Roger, in a fire that scorched their single-wide mobile home Friday night. Reka Diaz and Tony Lane were in Decatur buying garden seeds and supplies for home improvement projects when they received a call around 7:30 from their landlord notifying them that their home on Private Road 3508, southwest of Bridgeport, was on fire. The Boonsville-Balsora Volunteer Fire Department, which was assisted by Bridgeport, Lake Bridgeport and Runaway Bay agencies, responded within minutes. But when the first units arrived, the home was engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Red Cross was dispatched to assist the couple, who lost everything. To assist them, call (817) 312-2704.

YOUTH FAIR WRAP-UP – The Wise County Youth Fair ended Saturday afternoon with the sale of champions. The Grand Champion Steer, shown by Ray Edwards of Paradise Jr. FFA, was sold for $11,000 to the Youth Fair Champions and Blue Ribbon Club.

FIRE CHIEF HONOR – Newark Fire Chief James Edgemon was honored at a surprise celebration Saturday night at the Decatur Civic Center for his 50 years service to the department. County Judge BIll McElhaney, Sheriff David Walker and others made special presentations to Edgemon, including a letter citing Edgemon’s service to his community from former President George W. Bush. Firefighters from throughout Wise County were on hand for the dinner.

RAINFALL – Parts of Wise County received measurable rainfall this weekend. Totals included 0.32 of an inch in Rhome and 0.2 in Greenwood and Decatur. Wise County remains under a freeze warning through 9 a.m. today, and another freeze warning will go into effect at midnight as temperatures are expected to bottom out in the middle 20s overnight.

GOSPEL SINGING - The monthly Gospel Opry is at 7 tonight in the G. C. Rann Little Theater on the second floor of the Wise County Heritage Museum on South Trinity Street in Decatur. Admission is free, but an offering will be accepted toward the expenses of the Museum.

FIND YOUR FIT – Northwest ISD’s James M. Steele Accelerated High School (606. N. Walnut St., in Roanoke) will host an open house for 2013-2014 high school students and their parents 6 to 7 tonight. Applications are due Friday and can be found at www.nisdtx.org/sahs.

CANCER SURVIVORS – Today is the last day for local cancer survivors and caregivers to register with Relay For Life of Wise County. Those registered will be invited to a dinner Thursday, April 18, and will be honored during opening ceremonies of the all-night walking event Friday, May 17. Register online at www.relayforlife.org/wisecotx (then hit the orange “Sign up” button). Forms may also be obtained by calling Brenda at (940) 627-7661, emailing bscott@jameswood.com or from Brenda at James Wood Motors in Decatur or Erika at the Wise County Messenger in Decatur.

DECATUR CITY COUNCIL – The Decatur City Council tonight will hear reports on the airport, Civic Center and library as well as updates on the city’s finances and the Main Street program prior to its 6 p.m. meeting at City Hall. The staff reports begin at 5:30. During the meeting, the council will consider taking action on the proposed zoning change on the Sheriff’s Posse Grounds along Farm Road 51 South, from single-family to thoroughfare business. They will also hear and discuss a presentation by Decatur Police Sgt. Delvon Campbell regarding Texas Citizens on Patrol.

FUNERALS – Service for Bobby Deaton, 66, of Paradise is pending at Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Jimmy Kyle Rhine, 67, of Bridgeport is 1 p.m. Wednesday at Jones Family Funeral Home with burial at Bethel Cemetery. Family visitation is 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

SERVICES for Carmen Alejandre, 78, of Saginaw and Patty North, 75, of Decatur are pending at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

FUNERAL for Marcia Roberts Devoll, 50, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery.

SERVICES for Betty Manning, 78, of Boyd and Mary Lord, 46, of Rhome are pending at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

A couple in Boonsville lost their belongings, including their dog Blue and rabbit Roger, in a fire that scorched their single-wide mobile home Friday night.

Reka Diaz and Tony Lane were in Decatur buying garden seeds and supplies for home improvement projects when they received a call around 7:30 from their landlord notifying them that their home on Private Road 3508, southwest of Bridgeport, was on fire.

The Boonsville-Balsora Volunteer Fire Department, which was assisted by Bridgeport, Lake Bridgeport and Runaway Bay agencies, responded within minutes. But when the first units checked on scene, the home was engulfed in flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Red Cross was dispatched to assist the couple, who lost everything. Diaz wears a size 12 pants, large in tops and 7 in shoes. Lane wears a size 40 in pants, extra large in shirts and 10 in shoes. To assist them, call 817-312-2704.

The suspect who shot one deputy three times in Montague County and fired at multiple Wise County law enforcement officers during a high-speed chase that ended in Decatur was confirmed dead by Wise County Sheriff David Walker during a noon press conference Friday. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, working with FBI and local law enforcement confirmed the suspect to be Evan S. Ebel, 28, a parolee out of Colorado. Montague County Sheriff’s Office deputy James Boyd, who sustained three gunshots — two to the chest and one to the head — after he initially tried to stop Ebel near Bowie, is listed in stable condition at Harris Methodist in Fort Worth. Ebel then led officers on a wild chase on U.S. 287 before he crashed his vehicle into an 18-wheeler in Decatur. He then leaped from his fiery vehicle and opened fire on deputies and Decatur police. He was shot in the head when law enforcement returned fire. Investigators with El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado and FBI agents from Colorado are in Wise County looking into a possible connection between Ebel and the murder of two men in Colorado, Tom Clements, 58, the director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, and Nate Leon, a 27-year-old part-time pizza delivery driver. Clements was murdered in front of his home Tuesday night. Leon was found murdered Sunday in Denver. Steve Johnson, assistant director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation office, said at the press conference that the only connection between the Colorado slayings and the shootout in Wise County is that Ebel was driving a black Cadillac with Colorado plates. That vehicle matched the description a witness saw in the neighborhood at the time Clements was shot and killed.

Messenger video by: Andrew May

Messenger photo by Joe Duty