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.

EXPLOSIONS RATTLE NEIGHBORHOOD – A series of explosions woke up a neighborhood outside Decatur Thursday 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.

BUSINESSES TO SEE RATE INCREASE – Commercial customers of Progressive Waste Solutions in Chico will see a 4 percent increase in rates for waste collection, effective May 1. The company had originally proposed a 4 percent increase for both commercial and residential customers. “Because residents had an increase last year, I opposed the across-the-board increase,” Mayor J.D. Clark said.

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT – Fighting Fernandez Fuerte Relay For Life team will host a dodgeball tournament fundraiser Saturday, May 4, at JRob’s in Decatur. Cost is $10 a person for a six-person team. Individual registrations will also be accepted. Pick-up games for kids and ladies are $5 a player. Half the proceeds go to 19-year-old Valente Fernandez Jr., who is battling bone cancer, and the other half to the American Cancer Society. For more information or to register, call or text Junior at 940-210-2878 or Erika at 940-577-1513 by Friday, April 19.

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.

MOMMY AND ME – Wise Moms, a mommy-and-me-group, and their preschoolers (ages 0 to 5) is meeting 10 a.m. to noon today 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.

CEMETERY MEETING – The Jonestown Cemetery annual meeting is 11 a.m. tomorrow 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. tomorrow in downtown. Participants can register on-site or at www.decatur5k.com. It is expected to be a beautiful day, and all 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.

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.

FUNERALS – Service for Harvey Burger Sr., 85, of Rhome is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Decatur. There is no visitation.

FUNERAL for Jason Mitchell, 21, of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. today at the First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Gerald “Satch” Jones, 75, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. today at Cates Street Baptist Church in Bridgeport with burial at Bridgeport Cemetery. Jones Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

SERVICE for Willie Randle, 60, of Decatur is pending 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.

NO SERVICE is scheduled at this time for Mildred Barnett, 95, of Paradise. Hawkins Funeral Home in 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 tonight at Bailey Funeral Home. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling local arrangements.

GRAVESIDE service for Karla Dean O’Dell, 66, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. Saturday at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

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.

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.