MURPHREE CASE VERDICT - After a full day of deliberation Monday, the jury found in favor of Jackie Murphree in a civil suit that has played out in 271st District Court over the past two weeks. They found the bulk of the responsibility to center on Betty A. Monroe, an intoxicated driver who crashed into Jackie more than two years ago. They found Monroe 70 percent responsible for the $23.5 million in damages awarded. Site Concrete Inc. was found responsible for 15 percent, and Texas Department of Transportation was found responsible for the remaining 15 percent. Austin Bridge and Road was found to have zero responsibility in the August 2007 collision that left Jackie in a permanent semiconscious state.
WANT IT IN WRITING - For about an hour prior to the county commissioners' meeting Monday morning, residents of Newark Beach Estates marched around the courthouse square in Decatur. Although the boat ramp gates have been removed in their neighborhood, they want it in writing that the ramps will remain open. "They think if they wait long enough, we'll just go away," said resident Jennifer Yenter. "They're affecting our way of life, and they're trying to illegally seize land. We just want open access, and they just need to do what's right and what's legal." County Judge Bill McElhaney said the county is working on a resolution that addresses the boat ramps, and he will probably call a special meeting for its approval.
FINANCES OK, NOISE NOT - The Decatur City Council received a clean financial audit Monday and approved a noise ordinance. Auditor Scott Seigmund said the city had revenue shortfalls in three areas - hotel-motel taxes, natural gas royalties and water sales - but the city managed to get through a tough year without layoffs or cuts in services. The noise ordinance becomes effective March 1 and allows citizens to file complaints. A community garden presentation was also heard.
EARLY VOTING - The second week of early voting in the March 2 primary elections began yesterday with 146 votes cast in the Republican primary and 11 in the Democratic primary. Early voting continues 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday at the Decatur Civic Center.
OPEN HOUSE - Weatherford College Wise County is hosting an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday. Guests can tour the facility at 307 S. Cates St. in Decatur and visit with faculty and staff. Refreshments will be served.
MEETING - The Wise County Health Group meets at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Decatur City Hall community room.
HABITAT - Those interested in volunteering with Trinity Habitat for Humanity will meet at 11:30 a.m. today at Cannon Realty.
4-H TOUR - Wise County 4-H will tour Cabela's at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Call Heather McGilvray at the Wise County Extension Office at (940) 627-3341. Parents are welcome.
PANCAKES - IHOP in Decatur is giving away free pancakes, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and accepting donations for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
WANTED - Investigators are looking for information leading to the arrest of the suspects who burglarized Chico Pantry Feb. 11. Wise County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,500 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. To report information, call 1-800-643-TIPS or (940) 627-8477. All calls are anonymous.
FUNERALS - Services for Virginia Joyce Davis, 78, of Fort Worth, Mark Hulsey, 55, of Azle and Brenda McCloud, 64, of Bridgeport are pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
MEMORIAL service for Kathleen Matheny, 65, of Sunset is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Living Word Assembly of God Church in Alvord. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Prudence Thompson, 94, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Community Church in River Oaks. Coker-Hawkins is handling arrangements.
