BREAKING NEWS - TRACTOR TEAM WINS NATIONALS - A Decatur High School tractor restoration team made up of team members Philip Grundy, Will Gregg, Brandon Myers, Colton White and Ishley Elmore won a national competition today for their restoration of a 1964 John Deere 3020. The tractor is owned by Bobby Watts of Decatur. Rick Elmore is the team's advisor. The competition was held in Indianapolis.
DISTRICT SHOWDOWNS - The district races are heating up among area football teams. In class 2A, Chico will battle rival Alvord at Bulldog Stadium, Boyd will look to go 3-0 at Jacksboro and Paradise will look to make it two wins in a row at Millsap. In 3A, Bridgeport will seek to stay atop the district rankings when they play at Vernon and Decatur will host Burkburnett. In 4A, Northwest will look for its first win of the year in Keller against Keller Fossil Ridge. All games begin at 7:30. Breast cancer survivors will be recognized before the Decatur game. Survivors should sign in before 7 p.m. They will also be invited to form a spirit line. Also, Decatur will hold a special ceremony at halftime to celebrate Eagle Stadium's 50th anniversary. If you can't make it to the Eagles' game, follow Messenger Sports Editor Richard Greene's live blogging at http://www.wcmessenger.com/sports/update
BANDS TO COMPETE - The Boyd and Paradise high school marching bands will compete in the area competition tomorrow at the Birdville Fine Arts Center with Boyd performing at 2:30 p.m. and Paradise at 5:30.
PINK - Paint the Town Pink is today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Decatur Square. Wagon rides, bake sale, silent auction and lunch on the lawn are included.
EARLY VOTING - The first week of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election ends today. Voting is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bridgeport ISD administration building. Early convenience voting will also be tonight from 6-8 p.m. at the Decatur ISD administration building. Yesterday 98 cast votes at the civic center and 20 at the Bridgeport ISD administration building. Another 26 cast votes at Bridgeport Middle School. Early voting continues through Oct. 30.
OFFICE MOVED - The Appraisal District's collections office will open at the Decatur City Hall community room today at 201 E. Walnut. The office has temporarily moved due to flooding.
TRADE DAYS - Decatur Trade Days is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday at the Sheriff's Posse Grounds on Farm Road 51 South in Decatur. Call Carla Tackett at (940) 390-9104 for information.
HAUNTED HOUSE - Bring the kids to a haunted house in downtown Alvord Oct. 29-31, sponsored by the eighth grade class. The house opens at 7 each evening.
BASEBALL TRYOUTS - The North Texas Colts select baseball team 12 and under AAA has openings for spring 2010 season. If interested call Mark Wilson at (817) 692-7216 or e-mail mtwilson_10@hotmail.com.
REATA BENEFIT - Reata Rehab is holding a fundraiser on Saturday at the LBJ Grasslands. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Valley View Trailhead in Decatur. For more information call (940) 479-2612.
RABIES CLINIC - The Wise County Animal Shelter is hosting a rabies clinic 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow. Shots are $6. For information, call (940) 627-7577.
TRAINING - Wise County will train volunteers for the Point of Dispensing, or POD, site at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Alternative Learning Center in Bridgeport, 1101 17th St. The training is to prepare for a possible bio-terrorism attack. Citizens are welcome to participate.
BLOOD DRIVE - Wise County Blood Drive, sponsored by the Decatur Rotary Club, is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Decatur Public Library. No appointment is necessary.
HAUNTED HOUSE - The Rhome Volunteer Fire Department Haunted House is open from 7 to 11 p.m. tonight and Saturday at the fire department. Admission is $7 and refreshments are available. For information, call (817) 696-6742.
SOFTBALL - The 12-and-under Batbusters Girls Select Softball Team is holding open practice/tryouts 3-6 p.m. Sunday at the Bridgeport Softball Fields. For information call Tim at (817) 694-7909.
CHAMBER LUNCH - Reservations are due today for the October Decatur Chamber of Commerce luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Decatur Civic Center. Guest speaker is Decatur ISD Superintendent Gary Gindt. The lunch is sponsored by Decatur Main Street, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
FUNERAL - Visitation for Idalia Gomez, 19, of Decatur is 6-8 tonight at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
