THE VOTES ARE IN - Election night brought many races to an end yesterday while others will continue until the April runoff. In the Republican primary, County Judge Bill McElhaney won re-election over Jim Cowell; Brenda Rowe defeated district clerk incumbent Cristy Fuqua; Kevin Burns defeated Rob Hawkins to remain Precinct 2 Commissioner; Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Terri Johnson defeated challenger Karen Hall Green; and Precinct 4 Commissioner Terry Ross defeated Paul Wood. Danny Lambert and Harry Lamance were the top vote-getters for the Precinct 3 commissioner race and will face off in the April runoff. Also, Precinct 3 justice of the peace candidates Chad Hightower and Mandy Hays will also meet in the April runoff. The winner will face Democrat Ken Murray in the November general election. In the Democratic primary, party chairman candidates Barbara Mote and Mark York will be on the April runoff ballot. Complete coverage of the election can be found in Thursday's Wise County Messenger on newsstands today.
INTERIM ADMINISTRATOR RESIGNS - The Bridgeport City Council accepted the resignation of interim city administrator Rachel Huitt Tuesday night. Her final day will be Friday, March 12. Huitt stepped into the city administrator role after Van James left the city in December. Huitt was previously assistant city administrator/city secretary. Huitt said she resigned to spend more time with her family. The council appointed police chief Randy Singleton to the interim city administrator position. Singleton will serve until a new administrator is hired. The city council held interviews for the position in February.
FUNDRAISER - The Decatur High School band is having a fundraiser from 4-9 today at Cici's Pizza in Decatur.
YOUTH FAIR - Decatur Youth Fair Buyers Association meets at 6:30 tonight at Pizza Hut in Decatur.
BIRTHDAY PARTY - The Decatur Public Library will celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a party at 10 a.m. today for preschool children.
PRAYER SERVICE - This year's World Day of Prayer service in Wise County is 10 a.m. Friday, hosted by Ascension and St. Mark's Episcopal Church. This year's featured country is Camaroon, Africa. Lunch will be served after the service.
CHILI SUPPER - The Newark Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary's 21st annual Firehouse Chili Supper is 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The event will include a cake auction, door prizes and music. Supper includes chili, cornbread, iced tea and dessert. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 4 to 10 and free for children 3 and under. Proceeds go to the Newark Volunteer Fire Department and the Ladies Auxiliary.
CHICO YEARBOOKS - The deadline to order a copy of the 2010 Chico school yearbook is Friday, March 12. Cost is $45 or $50 with your name on the cover. Order at campus offices.
SHOW SEEKS VENDORS - Limited vendor space is still available for the Wise County Home and Lawn Show March 13-14 at the Decatur Civic Center. A 10-foot by 10-foot booth space is $375. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 1-877-627-2764 or 940-627-6075 or visit www.wisecountyhomeandlawnshow.com.
FUNERALS - Service for Doris Chilton, 65, of Chico is 2 p.m. today at the First Baptist Church of Chico with burial at Thomas Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
GRAVESIDE service for Barney Edward Calvert Sr., 76, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Thursday at Ryan Calvert Cemetery. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Richard L. Potter, 52, of Decatur is pending at Coker-Hawkins.
FUNERAL for William Grant Edwards, 25, of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. today at Grace Fellowship Church in Paradise. Jones Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
