CONTINGENCY CLARIFIED - The specific uses for a $2,205,500 contingency fund within the 2009-2010 budget for Weatherford College Wise County were reviewed in Monday's commissioners' meeting. The money is slated to cover start-up costs for several programs including LVN to RN transition, $385,400; physical therapist and occupational therapist assistants, $590,939; vocational nursing, $187,000; EMT and paramedics, $588,000; truck driving, $419,250; and law enforcement academy, $34,911. The fund makes up almost half of the $4,404,253 budget, and commissioners were concerned last week because college officials did not offer line item details for the contingency fund. These were presented to the county at the request of county judge Bill McElhaney. Read more in Thursday's Messenger.
AIRPORT NEWS - The Decatur City Council agreed Monday to terminate a lease with Brian Thompson for office space at the municipal airport at year-end. Thompson had asked that his lease be transferrred to Michael Dunham, who is purchasing the business. A committee determined Thompson's tech business is not sufficiently related to aviation to meet state and federal guidelines. Speaking for the committee, City Attorney Mason Woodruff said it will be looking at all leased space at the airport and recommending higher rental fees.
CEMETERY APPOINTMENT - W.B. Woodruff Jr. has resigned after serving for 34 years on the city of Decatur cemetery board. The city council appointed Cynthia Rieger DesRoche to serve a two-year term to replace Woodruff.
POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP - A new support group for polio survivors and their family and friends will hold its first meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Decatur Public Library. For more information call Barbara Adair at (940) 255-0940.
RIDE FOR THE CURE - Deadline to register for the Ride for the Cure at the LBJ National Grasslands is midnight Sept. 30. The Oct. 10 trail ride benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Texas, raising funds for breast cancer research and services. Riders 10 years of age and older must raise a minimum of $250. Registration is at http://www.komennorthtexas.org
BENEFIT SALE - The Wise County Sheriff's Department will hold a fundraiser Saturday for the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. Donations can be left at the sheriff's department. Call (940) 393-9908.
MEETING - Wise County Retired School Personnel will meet at 11:30 a.m. today at Catfish O'harlie's in Decatur. All retired school personnel are invited.
RACHEL'S CHALLENGE - Decatur Intermediate School is having a Rachel's Challenge Kickoff Assembly at 2:30 p.m. today. Parents and community members are invited to the multi-purpose building to learn about how kindness does make a difference. Visitors must check in through the front office prior to the assembly.
GIRL'S NIGHT OUT - Decatur's next "Girl's Night Out" is Thursday, Oct. 8. Downtown merchants will be open until 8 p.m. Merchants will be participating in the "Paint the Town Pink" all month with special emphasis on breast cancer awareness.
LEARN TO DANCE - Weatherford College in Wise County is offering ballroom dance classes beginning Thursday. Classes will be held every Thursday through Oct. 28. Class times are 6-8 p.m. and the cost is $55. Contact WCWC at (940) 627-2690 for more information.
FUNERALS - Service for William H. "Billy" Troxell, 77, former mayor of Rhome is 10 a.m. today at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel with burial in Aurora Cemetery.
GRAVESIDE service for Ruby Black, 91, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Thursday at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 7-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
SERVICE for James Key, 58, of Alvord is 1 p.m. Friday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Decatur. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Entombment is private at a later date.
