CHARGED UP CROWD - Citizens packed the Bridgeport City Hall council chamber Tuesday night to express concerns over high electric bills. The City of Bridgeport provides electricity to residents. Many residents and business owners were concerned that while they had taken steps to decrease usage, their bill continued to climb. Some residents said they could not pay and would not pay their bill.
CHILD PORN INDICTMENT - A federal grand jury in Fort Worth has indicted Kenneth Dale Chase, 50, of Wise County with one count of possession of child pornography. The indictment alleges that between Jan. 15, 2008, and Feb. 7, 2008, Chase knowingly possessed a computer and external storage media that contained child pornography. Chase was released on bond pending trial set for April 19 before U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means. If convicted, Chase faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He will be required to register as a sex offender. The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Wise County Sheriff's Office.
BUSINESSES HONORED - Decatur Economic Development Corp. teamed with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Tuesday evening to present business excellence awards for the second year. The Legend Award for a longtime company went to Wise County Title Co., in business since 1884. Other awards went to Decatur Music, Mark Duncum-Double Creek Capital, David's Western Store-NRS, Walmart, SBC Insurance, Devon Energy, Henderson Technologies, Wise Area Relief Mission, and Garrett Creek Ranch. Special recognition was given to Decatur City Manager Brett Shannon.
VOTING BEGINS - Wise County Elections Administrator Lannie Noble said 110 people voted in the Republican Primary and 15 in the Democratic Primary Tuesday, the first day of early voting for the March 2 primary elections. Early voting continues 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday through Feb. 26 at the Decatur Civic Center and at the Decatur Walmart 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
NO SHOW - Newark Beach Estates residents who trudged through a downpour last week to send a message to commissioners about the boat ramp gates didn't march Tuesday. They had vowed to return to the courthouse after last week's demonstration when they discovered commissioners weren't meeting until this week.
CLINIC - Angels Care Home Health hosts a free blood pressure clinic, 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at First Financial Bank, 909 Stevens Street, in Bridgeport. For information, call (940) 627-6888.
CHAMBER LUNCH - February Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Community Center. Cost is $10. Call (940) 683-2076 to make reservations today. Kim Tinkham is the speaker.
BUSINESS WEBINAR - A business "webinar" will be presented from noon to 1 p.m. today at the Decatur Visitors Center. The topic is "Moving Your Business Forward, Even When the Economy's Not: Key Growth Strategies to Implement Now for 2010." Participants are asked to bring their own lunch.
DUMPSITES CLOSED - Boyd, Chico and Cottondale dumpsites are closed today.
SAVE YOUR LUNGS - The Decatur Public Library will present tobacco prevention activities with Kari Thorn from the Star Council at 4 p.m. today. The free program is designed for students of all ages.
FUNERALS - Memorial service for Miriam E. Vise, 71, of Paradise is 2 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport.
MEMORIAL service for Frona Genevra "Gee" Barnett, 93, of Paradise is 2 p.m. Saturday at Paradise Church of Christ. Hawkins Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for A.J. Clark, 64, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Thursday at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Chapel with burial at Sycamore Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Coker-Hawkins.
FUNERAL for Joy Godbey, 73, of Decatur is 1 p.m. Friday at Coker-Hawkins Chapel with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Coker-Hawkins.
SERVICE for Mark Fleckenstein, 50, of Decatur is being held through Becker-Ritter Funeral Home in Brookfield, Wis.
