01-03-2018 Midweek copy.indd

VOLUME 139 - NO. 1 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018 DECATUR, TEXAS 18 PAGES IN 2 SECTIONS PLUS INSERTS $1

INDEXOpinion . . . . . . . . . 4Obituaries . . . . . . . 5Sports . . . . . . . . . 10Classifi eds. . . . 6, All Around Wise

Wise County MessengerP.O. Box 149 • 115 South Trinity

Decatur, Texas 76234www.wcmessenger.com

Scan this QR code with your smartphone to go to our website.

ON THE WEB ...

IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF HEAVY-DUTYS AT JAMESWOOD.COM

940-627-21779090 PREPRE-OWNED-OWNED HALF-TONS!HALF-TONS!

JamesWood.com TOP DOLLARFOR YOUR TRADE-IN

WISE COUNTY

STRUCK — A Texas Depart-ment of Public Safety vehicle was struck by a motorist Sunday while the offi cer worked another wreck in the peak time for crashes during a round of winter precipitation.

Photo courtesy of DPS

Photo courtesy of DPS

ICY CONDITIONS — A pickup pulling a cattle trailer was damaged when it slid on U.S. 81/287 near Farm Road 407 Sunday morning. The cattle trailer tipped over, leading to cows briefl y roaming on the roadway. None were seriously injured.

WISE COUNTY

Wise welcomes fi rst baby of 2018

JOE DUTY/WCMESSENGER • Buy reprints at wcmessenger.com/reprints

NEW YEAR BABY — Parents Carla and Gregory Ray hold their newborn baby girl, Maisie Michelle, who became the fi rst baby born in 2018 in Wise County on Monday at Wise Health System in Decatur. The family lives in Springtown.

BY BRIAN [email protected]

While most local residents tried to avoid driving on the icy roads Sunday, Gregory and Carla Ray of Springtown

really didn’t have a choice.A baby was on its way.The couple had come to Wise Health

System in Decatur on New Year’s Eve, but Carla was sent home. Only 30 min-utes after arriving back at their house,

Carla’s water broke.So they headed back to the hospital

around the time everyone was greeting the new year.

“She called it the whole time,” Greg-

WISE COUNTY

WCSO to bring in new K-9


The Wise County Sheriff ’s Offi ce is mov-ing forward with plans to bring in anotherK-9 following the disappearance of Rayco last October.

Rayco’s handler, Sgt. J.T. Manoushagian, said the sheriff ’s offi ce is working with a ven-dor in Wisconsin to fi nd a new K-9 offi cer for the Specialized Enforcement Division (SED).

“Once everything lines up and we are readyto go, it’s two months or so to get the dog trained and on the streets,” he said.

While no timeline is available for when the new dog would begin work, Sheriff Lane Akin said he hoped it would be the early part of thisyear.

The dog is being purchased with donations, not taxpayer money, Akin said.

JOE DUTY/WCMESSENGER ARCHIVE

REPLACING RAYCO — Wise County Sheriff’s Offi ce K-9 Rayco has been missing since a storm in October. The S.O. is moving forwardwith plans to replace the dog.

Deep freezeIce-glazed roads cause travel issues Sunday


It might not have been a winter wonderland of snow, or even a major ice event, but just enough freezing precipitation fell in Wise County Sunday to make getting around diffi cult.

Temperatures dropped below freezing Saturday, and as of press time Tues-day, temperatures had still not risen above 32 degrees. Overnight lows Sunday and Monday dropped to between 12 and 15 degrees

with wind chills in the sin-gle digits.

Only light freezing pre-cipitation fell over parts of the county Sunday morn-ing, but it was enough to create a thin layer of ice on roadways and walkways.

The Wise County Sher-iff ’s Offi ce reported 60 weather-related wrecks on Sunday. Offi cers responded to another eight motor-ist assists and seven road hazards, also all weather-related.

While wrecks were See Freeze on page 2

See Baby on page 2

See K-9 on page 3

AVERTING DISASTERProtecting the historic Decatur square from fi re weighs on the minds of offi cials following Denton blaze. See page 2.

FLYING HIGH An Eaton High School student is the fi rst to earn a pilot’s license in Northwest ISD’s Aviation and Aeronautics Academy. See page 6.

DOMINATING WIN The Lady Panthers rolled City View 56-24 to improve to 13-7 on the season and 3-1 in District 8-3A.See SPORTS, page 8.

2 WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Wednesday, January 3, 2018

USPS Publication No. 688940ISSN 0746-8679The Wise County Messenger (ISSN 0746-8679) is published Wednesday and Saturday by Wise County Messenger, Inc., P.O. Box 149, 115 S. Trinity St., Decatur, Texas 76234-0149. Periodicals class postage paid at Decatur, Texas. Subscription rates: one year in Wise County $37; one year out of county $43; one year out of state $49.

An erroneous refl ection upon the character, standing or reputation of any fi rm, person or corporation, which appears in the columns of this paper will be corrected upon due notice given to the publication at the Messenger offi ce.Postmaster: Send address changes to: Wise County Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Decatur, Texas 76234-0149. 940-627-5987. http://www.wcmessenger.com. E-mail: [email protected].© 2018 Wise County Messenger

Mark JordanVice President/

General Manager

Kristen TribeAssistant Publisher

Richard GreeneAssistant Editor

EDITORIALBrian Knox

Special Projects Manager

Roy J. EatonPresident & Publisher

P.O. Box 149115 S. Trinity

Decatur, TX 76234940-627-5987

Fax [email protected]

CLASSIFIEDSDonna Bean

Lori WhiteLaura Belcher

BUSINESS OFFICEKristi Bennett

Business Manager

ADVERTISINGLisa Davis

Advertising Manager

PRODUCTIONTodd A. Griffi th

Production Manager/Webmaster

Pierre Moua Darcy Gusse

SUBSCRIBER SERVICESDale Jamison

Jim Bob HamptonSteve Crossland

Steven Scarborough

SUBSCRIPTIONS$37 a year In-County

$43 a year Out-of-County$49 a year Out-of-State$25 Digital Subscription

www.wcmessenger.com/subscribe

SUBMIT NEWSSubmit News, Sports, Letters to

the Editor, Lifestyle, Obituaries and Update items online

www.wcmessenger.com/submit

ADVERTISINGContact Lisa Davis,

Lori White or Laura Belcher at 940-627-5987

www.wcmessenger.com/advertising

________________________________Name

________________________________

________________________________Address

________________________________City St. Zip

________________________________Phone

________________________________Email

Mail to:Wise County MessengerPO Box 149, Decatur, TX 76234or call 940-627-5987

Laura BelcherAdvertising Sales

Kristen TribeAssistant Publisher

Reece WaddellSports

Racey BurdenMack Thweatt

Joe DutyPhotographerJoy CarricoGraphic Artist

Racey BurdenEditorial

Joy CarricoGraphic Artist

W I S E C O U N T Y M E S S E N G E R

BRIANKNOXSPECIALPROJECTSMANAGER

Baby: Springtown family is firstory said. “She said, ‘We’re having her on New Year’s Day.’”

Carla’s due date was actu-ally Jan. 3, but baby Maisie (pronounced “may see”) Michelle had other ideas.

After several hours of labor, Carla gave birth to the 9-pound, 3-ounce child at 6:21 p.m. on Jan. 1.

“The fi rst thing I said when they brought her around and showed her to

me was, ‘Oh, she’s got my nose and looks like me,’” Carla said, adding that the baby has her dad’s hands and feet.

Maisie has a big sister, McKinley, 5, who is “super excited,” Gregory said.

He said when they found out they were having a girl at the 20-week mark, they were looking through a list of girls names and came across “Maisie.”

“It just stood out, and I

showed it to (Carla), and she said she really liked it,” Gregory said.

The child shares a middle name with her aunt — Car-la’s younger sister, Catelynn Michelle.

On Tuesday, the new par-ents were presented with a number of gifts from the hospital and the Wise Health System Auxiliary, including blankets, onesies, diapers, a stroller and a travel bassinet.

reported on just about every major roadway in the county, the biggest trouble spots appeared to be on U.S. 81/287 in the Rhome area.

The most common prob-lems were single-vehicle rollovers or cars sliding off the roadway.

A couple of unrelated wrecks on U.S. 81/287 near Farm Road 407 caused traf-fi c issues. A trailer full of cat-

tle being hauled by a pickup turned over, causing the livestock to wander onto the roadway before they could be rounded up and placed in another trailer. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, all the cows survived with only one bloody nose. No one in the pickup was injured.

An 18-wheeler later jack-knifed on the same roadway, causing traffi c to be blocked until that wreck could be

cleared.At times, even offi cers and

other fi rst responders on the scene of accidents became wreck victims themselves. Two DPS troopers who were seated in their vehicles while working wrecks were also hit by passing motor-ists. Both offi cers were treated and released from Wise Health System in Decatur.

In Decatur, a vehicle struck the back end of a

Decatur Fire Department brush truck on the scene of a wreck on U.S. 81/287. The driver of the vehicle was injured, but the fi refi ghters were not.

In addition to the major wrecks, more than 35 minor wrecks were reported on Texas 114 between Rhome and the Wise/Denton County line Sunday, accord-ing to DPS.

The forecast for the rest of the week looks prom-

ising. Wednesday’s high was expected to reach 43 degrees as temperatures begin to return to more average levels. No rain chances were included in the National Weather Service’s forecast until a slight chance of rain Sat-urday night into Sunday. Temperatures at that time are expected to be above freezing with a high tem-perature near 60 degrees on Sunday.

Freeze: 2 DPS vehicles hit by motorists

Continued from page 1


BIRTH DAY GIFTS — Carla and Gregory Ray with baby Maisie received a number of gifts from both the hospital and the Wise Health System Auxiliary, represented

by Nina White and Martha Blankenship. Maisie arrived at 6:21 p.m. Monday.JOE DUTY/WCMESSENGER • Buy reprints at wcmessenger.com/reprints

Protecting square from fireDECATUR

BY KRISTEN [email protected]

In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, the Down-town Mini Mall on the east side of the Denton square was destroyed by a raging, four-alarm fi re.

Although no one was hurt and fi re walls prevented the fi re from tearing through the entire block, the disas-ter weighed on the mind of Decatur Deputy Fire Chief Deroy Bennett.

“Our square is no differ-ent than anywhere in the state of Texas or anywhere in the United States,” he said. “They’re older con-struction buildings, and certainly they’re suscep-

tible to fi re just like a new building.”

Suppressing fi reBennett explained that

most of the buildings on the Decatur square have thick rock walls, which are con-sidered “divisional walls.” They may not meet current standards as a fi re wall, but they act as fi re walls, preventing, or slowing the spread of fi re, between buildings. Sprinkler sys-tems provide another level of protection, and in recent years, developer Mark Moran has insisted on installing them in his Decatur square properties.“Mark is adamant about it, and he understands the

signifi cance of it,” Bennett said. “We talked about it a lot after the Fuzzy’s fi re.”

The Downtown Mini Mall in Denton did not have a sprinkler system, but Bennett said without a sprinkler, the Fuzzy’s fi re, instead of an incon-venience, could have been devastating.

In October 2012, a grease fi re started late one after-noon in the Fuzzy’s kitchen, sending fl ames shooting up the wall.

“When it went up the wall, it got in right at the ceiling, and that’s where it hit the sprinkler heads and set them off,” Bennett explained. “When we got there, the fi re was out.”

Decatur fi refi ghters helped clear the building and clean up water, and by 8:30 a.m. the next day, they were able to re-open.

“That night they worked, cleaned, removed all the food and brought new food in. They were shut down for basically 14 hours,” Bennett said. “If that fi re had not been under a sprin-kler system, it could have spread heavier smoke, had more water damage and closed them for days.

“Or worst case scenario if that same fi re happened in the middle of the night [without a sprinkler sys-tem] and the fi re had a progression period, before notifi cation or arrival of the

fi re department, then that’s when you end up with fi res like you did in Denton.”

Moran said a fi re on a town square is like a fi re on an airplane: “it’s going to affect everybody.” The developer largely respon-sible for revitalizing down-town Decatur said the Den-ton blaze hit close to home.

“I bet I received 15 text messages that day about it,” he said. “It’s history, and it’s not like we have partners ... but everyone on the square is a partner if you want to be or not.”

As Moran has purchased properties on the Decatur square, he has installed sprinkler systems as build-

See Fire on page 3

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK — Above, Hope Johnson, Joseph Rusk and Ty Bryan of Haslet

brave the cold after swim practice at Fit-N-Wise Tuesday morning. At right, Bert Jones of Fort Worth makes a Dr Pepper delivery to

Walmart Tuesday morning.

WINTER IN WISE — Icicles hung across Wise County Tuesday morning as temperatures stayed well below freez-ing. At left, Nell Looney of Decatur is bundled up to shop.


WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 3

TO BE INCLUDED IN THE HATS IN THE RINGCALL LISA DAVIS AT 940-627-5987 or email [email protected]

WISE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT. 2

WISE COUNTY CLERK

WISE COUNTY TREASURER

WISE COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE PCT. 2


TODD BAILEY(Republican)Political advertising paid by Todd Bailey, Paradise, TX

BUCK MANOUSHAGIAN(Republican)Political advertising paid by Buck Manoushagian,Jan Cook, Treasurer, Bridgeport, TX

KIM REDMAN(Republican)Political advertising paid by Kim Redman,D’Layna Gregg, Treasurer, Alvord, TX

ASHLY COKER DOBYNS(Republican)Political advertising paid by Ashly Coker DoByns,Michael DoByns, Treasurer, Decatur, TX

KATHERINE HUDSON (INCUMBENT)(Republican) Political advertising paid byKatherine Hudson, Bridgeport, TX

SHERRY LEMON (INCUMBENT)(Republican) Political advertising paid bySherry Lemon, Bridgeport, TX

KEVIN BURNS (INCUMBENT)(Republican) Political advertising paid by Kevin Burns, Decatur, TX

JOHNNY WALL(Republican)Political advertising paid byJohnny Wall, Decatur, TX

HE PEACE PC

PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018

WISE COUNTY

POLITICAL HATS IN THE RING

WILLIE GARRETT(Republican)Political advertising paid by Willie Garrett,Robin Garrett, Treasurer, Bridgeport, TX


JAN MORROW (INCUMBENT)(Republican)Political advertising paid by Jan Morrow, Decatur, TX

WISE COUNTY COMMISSIONER PCT. 4

GAYLORD KENNEDY (INCUMBENT)(Republican) Political advertising paid by Gaylord Kennedy Campaign Fund,Brenda Kennedy, Treasurer, Bridgeport, TX

CALLIE MANNING (INCUMBENT)(Republican)Political advertising paid by Callie Manning, Avlord, TX

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION

AT FACEBOOK.COM/WCMESSENGER

Charlotte Bell Collins: Thank you.Elizabeth Kirkland: Brrrr!!Jean McCleery: OUCH!!Bessie Conway: Stay warm and safe.Jo Ann Springer: Burrrrr.Julie Burger: WOW!?Wes Hardee: Not cold here in Rockport, Texas. But we sure feel for you guys back home. Wes and CrisNikki Graves: Yall’s BS weather is making it rather chilly tonight for our NYE festivities.Chelsey Strouth: This is ridiculous. I’m freezing.Raemarie Lambert Bodey: -1 to 9 wind chill ... somebody stole our Texas.Kathy Carstens: Wow, we are -45 wind chill in Watertown, S.D.! I love SNOW! We remember those awful ice storms in Texas! STAY HOME!

FACEBOOK HOT TOPIC Published Sunday, Dec. 31

WIND CHILL ADVISORY: The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory from 6 p.m. today until noon Monday. An overnight low of around 11 degrees is expected with wind chill values of minus-1 to 9 degrees.

VISIT THESE FINE LOCAL BUSINESSES ON FACEBOOK...

wcmess.com/hairdaze

HAIRDAZESalon & BoutiqueSalon & Boutique

wcmess.com/wisefeet

Wise FeetRefl exology

GET YOUR BUSINESS FACEBOOK PAGE LISTED HERE! CALL LISA, LORI OR LAURA AT 940-627-5987, OR EMAIL [email protected]

Paid in fullWoman pays outstanding lunch debt for all students

BOYD

BY RICHARD [email protected]

When Judith Pellegrini arrived at the Boyd ISD administration offi ce Dec. 22, she caught school offi -cials by surprise.

“She came into the offi ce and said she wanted to pay off the lunch tab,” said Boyd ISD Superintendent Ted

West. “After getting her to the food service department, she was asked whose tab she was wanting to pay for. She said, ‘All of them.’”

Pellegrini paid more than $1,400 to the district to cover the outstanding lunch bal-ances for every Boyd student.

The grandmother of Boyd sophomores Laney and Torie Pellegrini and 2017

graduate Spencer Pellegrini said it was her opportunity to “pay it forward.”

“I was thinking of all the kids, and I wanted them to start the new year with a clean slate,” Pellegrini said. “It was something nice I could do to help a little.”

The district posted about Pellegrini’s gesture on its Facebook page on the fi nal

day before the winter break. Several members of the com-munity thanked her for the kind gesture and called her an inspiration. West agreed.

“It was a very nice gesture for a lot of people,” West said.

Pellegrini made the dona-tion a few months after los-ing her husband, Ron. He died in August after battling a brain tumor. She said the

“That’s the way our unit is, as it stands right now — no taxpayer money has been spent on the dogs themselves since we began,” Manoushagian said.

Rayco had been with the department since May of 2015 and had been used for narcotics detection and apprehension.

Manoushagian said a sud-den microburst wind appar-ently caught Rayco’s kennel and sent it fl ying about 30 to 35 yards away into a fi eld during the early morning hours of Oct. 22. Despite an intense search of the area, Rayco was never seen again.

“Nobody can predict it; it was just one of those things,” he said. “The wind caught the kennel just right, lifted it up and took it out in the fi eld.”

He explained that while handlers have both outside kennels and smaller ken-nels that allow the dogs to be brought into the house, the weather forecast of brief storms didn’t meet the crite-ria for bringing Rayco inside the house that evening.

“These are high drive, intense working dogs. They aren’t pets,” Manoushagian said. “In fact, Rayco, you couldn’t even put a blanket in his kennel without him shredding it completely. So they don’t just hang out in there and relax. They’re still wanting to work.”

Since that night, addi-tional measures have been put in place to hopefully avoid a similar situation in the future.

Even though the kennels are several hundred pounds, all of the kennels are now

being anchored.Manoushagian said

they’ve received a donation of GPS collars, but the dogs usually don’t wear the col-lars in the kennels for safety reasons.

“We’ll look to see if that makes sense to have on the dogs in the kennel. We really don’t like having col-lars on the dog when they are in the kennel, because if it gets hung up they can strangle themselves, but we’ll explore all options,” he said.

In addition to the two other K-9 offi cers at the sheriff ’s offi ce, the SED has partnered with other local agencies who have recently added K-9 resources, includ-ing police departments in Boyd, Bridgeport and Deca-tur as well as the Montague County Sheriff ’s Offi ce.

Once the new K-9 begins working at the sheriff ’s offi ce, Akin said his offi ce will continue working closely with other local law enforcement agencies and their K-9 offi cers.

“I’m pretty excited about this opportunity to work together,” he said. “It’s something that’s been really important to me when I came in as sher-iff, that all of us in the agencies in Wise County and surrounding areas get along because we can accomplish so much more when we work together rather than when we iso-late ourselves and not rec-ognize the importance of the people who are wearing the different colored uni-form, because we all wear the badge that represents the same thing.”

K-9: S.O. replacing RaycoContinued from page 1

two of them attended nearly all the games of their grand-children at Boyd.

At Christmas, she wanted to help the students at Boyd

in some way. Her hope is others will also reach out to help.

“Maybe it’ll catch on,” Pel-legrini said.

ings were remodeled or in between tenants. On the west side of the square, a sprinkler system stretches from Fuzzy’s to the site of the old Majestic Theater, although Simply COCO has sprinklers in the back only.

On the east side of the square, there are sprinkler systems in Rooster’s and in every business through the north corner in what was once home to Nell’s Nook.

Moran said Tuesday he plans to get a bid this week to install sprinklers in the building on the south side that formerly housed A Ray of Flowers and the bed and breakfast on the second fl oor, as well as expanding the sprinkler system in Simply COCO.

“A whole square can burn up,” he said. “That was our motivation to do it.”

Moran said he recognizes it’s an expensive project with the largest cost being the system riser and tap-ping into the city’s water main, which he said can total $60,000 to $70,000. In Moran’s properties on the east and west sides of the square, one riser, which is the vertical pipe that “rises” from the water supply to the pipes in the ceiling, serves the pipes in neighboring spaces.

As other property own-ers contemplate installing sprinkler systems, Moran is hopeful the city will consider helping by lower-ing the cost to tap into its water main. He also won-dered if there might be grant money available for such projects.

“It’s a big cost, and I understand that,” Moran said.

Fighting fi reDecatur Fire Chief Mike

Richardson said sprinkler systems are designed to hold a fi re in place until

fi refi ghters arrive. He explained that an impor-tant part of his depart-ment’s training is teaching fi refi ghters the unique ele-ments of construction from that time period.

“That gives them insight to where to apply water and ventilation. Even though they have thick rock walls between each one, holes have been poked through for pipes, and joists used for second fl oors often connect and touch each other in the wall,” Richardson said. “It’s just being aware of those things because it can cause a fi re to spread quickly.”

Richardson explained that even if several build-ings have sprinkler sys-tems but some do not, the points at which those struc-tures come together can create a fi re load from the unsprinkled portion that overcomes the design load in the sprinkled section.

The chief said the key is to be aware of where those places exist.

“If we do have a heavy fi re in an unsprinkled building, we’ll utilize large fi restream appliances and overpower the amount of burning going on at the junction of buildings,” he said.

If fi refi ghters can’t go inside to knock down the fi re, they may have to back up one or two buildings to establish a line where they can utilize large streams of water and ventilate the building, in an effort to stop the fi re once it gets to that point, he said.

Richardson said it’s important to remember it’s not simply the building owner and single business being protected by a sprin-kler system.

“It’s also protecting rev-enues and the movement of money inside a community and jobs,” he said. “That needs to be factored into the value of the save.”


Fire: Protection plan The Messenger Classifi eds...Measuring up to your expectations one ad at a time.


OPINION

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Texas waits for Senate agreement on disaster aid funding

BY ED STERLINGGov. Greg Abbott on Dec. 21

released a statement applauding the U.S. House of Representatives’ preliminary passage of $81 billion in disaster aid to Texas, several other states and Puerto Rico.

Abbott called the House’s 251-169 vote in favor of the aid pack-age “a step in the right direction” but added that “more needs to be done to ensure the funds Con-gress provides address the critical needs Texans are enduring from the largest natural disaster in our state’s history. We look forward to working with the Senate to improve the disaster funding to ensure it addresses the acute needs of Texans.”

The U.S. Senate went into recess on Dec. 22 without voting on disaster funding. The recess came after senators passed a continuing resolution to avoid a federal government shutdown for

lack of a budget agreement.

‘1115 Waiver’ extendedAbbott on Dec. 21 announced

that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reached a hospital funding agreement for the next fi ve years.

“The new 1115 (Demonstration) Waiver ensures that funding will remain available for hospitals to treat and serve people across our state who are in need of top-qual-ity healthcare,” Abbott said.

“We are a state that is commit-ted to providing quality health-care to our people,” added Texas Health and Human Services Com-missioner Charles Smith. “With this agreement, we will continue our innovative approach to providing healthcare to millions of Texas Medicaid clients. We’re committed to delivering a sus-

tainable healthcare system over the long term while being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

Safety-net hospital administra-tors cheered the extension.

Section 1115 of the Social Secu-rity Act gives the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services the authority to approve state experi-mental, pilot or demonstration projects that better serve Medic-aid populations.

AG gives gun opinionTexas Attorney General Ken

Paxton, in an opinion released Dec. 21, said licensed handgun owners could carry loaded weapons into Texas churches that do not have posted signs banning weapons.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick requested the opinion on Dec. 1, asking Paxton to expedite his response “so that churches may know what legal options they have to improve security” in the aftermath of the

Sutherland Springs tragedy, in which a lone gunman entered a church, killing 26 people and injuring 20 others on Nov. 5.

“If a church decides to exclude the concealed or open carrying of handguns on the premises of church property, it may provide the requisite notice, thereby making it an offense for a license holder to carry a handgun on those premises,” wrote Paxton.

“However, churches may instead decide not to provide notice and to allow the carrying of handguns on their premises. Unless a church provides effective oral or written notice prohibiting the carrying of handguns on its property, a license holder may carry a hand-gun onto the premises of church property as the law allows,” Pax-ton added.

Unemployment rate fallsThe Texas Workforce Com-

mission on Dec. 22 announced the Lone Star State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent, the lowest unem-ployment rate recorded in four decades.

Also, the Texas economy added 54,500 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in November and annual statewide employment growth increased to 2.7 percent in the month of November, marking 91 consecutive months of annual growth.

“The addition of 330,600 jobs over the year demonstrates the consistency with which employers in our state create job opportuni-ties for the highly skilled Texas workforce,” said Texas Work-force Commission Chair Andres Alcantar.

Q

Ed Sterling is member ser-vices director for the Texas Press Association.

Changing rolesReady for new challenge

BY RICHARD [email protected]

Sitting around the offi ce at The Pilot Point Post-Signal in the early 2000s, I picked up a copy of the Wise County Messenger that was lying around.

At the time my brief history with Wise County included escaping the Mayfest storm of 1995 in Paradise, pitching in a few baseball games in Chico and getting lost on U.S. 81/287 trying to get back to Gainesville from Wichita Falls. I can’t drive past

the turnoff to Farm Road 1810 without laughing to this day.

But fl ipping through the pages of the Messenger, I quickly became enthralled with the quality of the reporting and unique page designs dreamed up by Skip Nichols and his talented cast.

A couple of jobs later, including a stint as an editor of another paper, I jumped at the chance to fi ll an opening as the sports edi-tor in 2009 and join this talented

staff whose commitment to community journalism is unparalleled. It’s no surprise to see the halls decorated with numerous awards.

I made a brief detour to pursue another opportu-nity before being welcomed

back in 2014 again as sports editor.

It’s been a pleasure over the past three years to tell the stories of so many great Wise County athletes and coaches in their inspiring pursuit of

excellence. Now, I’m handing off those

duties to another talented writer and reporter, Reece Waddell.

Myself, I’m moving into a new role, helping to lead the news-room. It’s not a responsibility I take lightly following assistant publisher Kristen Tribe and others before her. To be hon-est, it would be daunting if not for being surrounded by other tremendous reporters — Brian Knox and Racey Burden — and staff photographer Joe Duty.

Our commitment is always the

same — to share your stories, inform and at times make you think or act. Achieving those goals is how we will try to pro-duce the best newspaper in Texas and make our community better.

We will be debuting a few new features in the paper and AllAround Wise in the coming weeks that we are excited to share.

And as always, if you have a story idea or suggestion, please pass it along.

Q

Richard Greene is the editor of the Wise County Messenger.

GREENE

Letters to the editor

The deadline for letters to the editor is 5 p.m. Thursday for publication in the following weekend (Saturday) edition and 5 p.m. Monday for publication the following midweek (Wednesday) edition.

All letters must be signed, and writers’ names will not be withheld except under special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor. Letters should include an address and daytime phone number, so that we can contact you if we need to discuss your letter or verify your identity. The phone number will not be published.

Letters should be no longer than 300 words and focus on a single issue, avoiding personal attacks. No more than two letters a month from any individual will be published.

Email letters to [email protected], mail them to the editor, Wise County Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Decatur, TX 76234; drop them by 115 S. Trinity in Decatur weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; or fax them to 940-627-1004.

The Messenger is not obligated to run any letter, and letters are subject to editing for grammar and spelling, space, style or to remove potentially libelous statements. Third-party letters and letters published in other newspapers will not be accepted.


OBITUARIES

BUICK CADILLAC CHEVYGMC HYUNDAI PRE-OWNED

jameswood.comjameswood.com 940-6940-62277--22117777

KAREN GARRETTSERVING AS YOURSERVING AS YOURSALESPERSON ISSALESPERSON ISA REAL BLESSINGA REAL BLESSING

We will meet or beat any local competitor by 10%. Beginning March 1, 2016.

Family Funeral HomeFamily Funeral Home“A Name You Know...

People You Can Trust”FOR A LIMITED TIME...ACT NOW AND

RECEIVE HUGE SAVINGS!A COMPLETE TRADITIONAL SERVICE AND

CASKET FOR...

www.jonesffh.comwww.jonesffh.comFor more information about Prepaid Funerals visit...www.prepaidfuneral.texas.govFor more information about Prepaid Funerals visit...www.prepaidfuneral.texas.gov

$4,995Savings of $1,045

Outer Burial Container nor Cash Advances are included!902 Preskitt Road - Decatur, TX

(940) 626-8221

Norma Aline Parrish1936-2017

Norma Aline Parrish, 81, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in Decatur.

Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Morrison Funeral Home in Graham.

Norma was born Nov. 13, 1936, in Graham to Miles Alvin and Willie Norma Roberts Parrish. She gradu-ated from Graham High School and later married Jimmie Cornell Dec. 7, 1957. He preceded her in death Jan. 12, 1997.

Norma was a former resi-dent of Graham, Irving and Granbury. She was a retired telephone operator and later a phone receptionist. She loved spending time with her family and had a love for animals of all kinds. She enjoyed gardening and the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Cornell; and

sister Mattie Lee Barker. Norma is survived by

her daughter, Charlene Cornell and Ronnie Riddle of Joshua; sons Kyle Cor-nell and wife, Lori, of Qua-nah and Keith Cornell and wife, Sandy, of Decatur; nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

PARRISH

Wise County Messenger,January 3, 2018

Sharyn R. Farley1945-2017

Sharyn R. Farley, 72, of Decatur died Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Decatur.

Funeral was Jan. 2 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with Gerre Joiner officiating. Burial followed at Sand Hill Cemetery.

Sharyn was born Sept. 2, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minn., to Charles and Berla (Web-ber) Dempsey. She married Billie Farley Aug. 17, 1963, in Fremont, Calif., and was a member of the Baptist church.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sharyn is survived by her husband, Billie Farley of Decatur; son Troy Far-ley of Decatur; daughter-in-law Latricia Halferty of Sulpher Springs; daughter Dawn Gibbs and husband, Ernie, of Midland; grand-

daughter Kassandra Elliott of Abilene; sister Shelby Crawford of Midland; sister-in-law Debbie Massey of Robert Lee; brother-in-law James Farley of Decatur; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

FARLEY


Jose Maria Ramirez Hidrogo1972–2017

Jose Maria Ramirez Hidrogo, 45, of Bridgeport, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, in Bridgeport.

Visitation and rosary was Dec. 30 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Burial was at Cementerio Ejido Purisima Municipio Jimenez, Coahuila, Mexico.

Jose was born April 20, 1972, in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, to Jose Ramirez-Cedillo and Juana Hidrogo Mireles. He mar-ried Rosa Maria (Davila) April 1, 2006, in Decatur. Jose was a landscaper and general contractor. He was a member of Emmanuel Bap-tist Church.

He is survived by his wife; son Juan Carlos Ramirez of Bridgeport; daughter Karina E. Ramirez Aguilar of Bridgeport; stepdaugh-ter Brenda Mireles Davila and Marisol Mireles Davila

of Bridgeport; his parents; brothers Francisco Ramirezof Granbury, Victor Alonso Ramirez of Denton andPurisima Ramirez and Fer-nando Ramirez, both of Coahuila; sisters MargaritaRamirez, Carmen Ramirez and Juanita Ramirez, all ofCoahuila; and friends.

HIDROGO


Margaret F. Orsak1939-2017

Margaret F. Orsak, 78, of Wichita Falls died Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, in Dallas.

Graveside service is 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, at West Bridgeport Cemetery.

Margaret was born Aug. 7, 1939, in Polk County, Arkansas, to Glen Poland Smith and Lavada (Cotten) Smith. She was a retired elementary school teacher, who taught in New Mexico and Bridgeport.

She was preceded in death by husband Joseph David Orsak; her parents; and brother Glenn T. Smith.

Margaret is survived by her sisters, Nancy Reed and husband, Marion, and

Betty S. Hawkins; sister-in-law Gabriella Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

ORSAK


James Wilson Strowd1965-2018

James “Jimmy” Wilson Strowd, 52, of Springtown died Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.

Funeral is 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at White’s Funeral Home in Springtown. Visita-tion is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Jimmy was born May 8, 1965, in Selma, Ala., to James Edward Strowd and Mildred Faye Chapman. He was a loving son, husband, dad, brother and uncle.

Jimmy enjoyed camping and fishing with his fam-ily and was involved in Girl Scouts and 4-H with his daughter, Skye. Jimmy was a professional truck driver and a member of Western Cowboy Church/Hilltop Family Church.

He is survived by his wife,

Lucinda (Luci) Strowd; his parents; daughter SkyeStrowd; sister Teresa Decker(Gary); nephews James Mayo and Leamon Caudle;and nieces Amanda Camp-bell and Jennifer Powell.

STROWD


Dennis V. Walton1923-2018

Dennis V. Walton, 94, of Azle died Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Azle.

Funeral is 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at Azle Church of Christ with burial at Azle-land Cemetery. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

Dennis was born Feb. 14, 1923, in Falls County to Jesse and Florence (Gilbert) Walton. He married Helen Corene Moore June 22, 1946, in Waco and served in the United States Army Air Corps. Dennis retired from Bell Helicopter as a mechanic.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; grandson J.B.; daughter-in-law Kathy; and sister Opal Spivey.

He is survived by sons Jim Walton and wife, Candy, of

Azle, Donald Walton of Reno and Wayne Walton and wife, Cindy, of Colleyville; daughter Janis Sonntag and husband, Michael, of Azle; grandchildren Cheyanne, Andy, Cody, Brad, Justin, Spencer, Kristina and Larry; 13 great-grandchildren; and extended family members and friends.

WALTON


Mildred Joe Tredenick1928-2017

Mildred Joe Tredenick, 89, of Decatur, formerly of Gainesville, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Decatur.

Funeral is 10 a.m. Thurs-day, Jan. 4, at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur with Dr. Brian Bos-worth officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville.

Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

Pallbearers are Kody Klement, Karl Klement, Sam Tredenick, Brandon Strom, Don Hobbs and Rich-ard Connett.

Joe was born Oct. 9, 1928, in Pratt, Kan., to Elby Ellis and Mildred (Keyton) Romine. She married Rob-ert LeRoy Tredenick Jan. 15, 1948, in Pratt, and they were married 45 years until he died in 1993.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her par-ents; sisters Lydial Wood, Nadine Bender and Gladys Nease; and grandson Bran-don Scott Burkhart.

Joe is survived by daugh-ters Denise Connett and husband, Richard, of Lind-

say, Jody Hobbs and hus-band, Don, of Valley View and Kim Klement and hus-band, Karl, of Decatur; son Sam Tredenick of Midland; grandchildren Courtny Strom and husband, Bran-don, of Fort Worth and Kody Klement of Fort Worth; great-grandson Bennett Strom of Fort Worth; sister Virginia Pope and husband, Eugene, of Fort Worth; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Solaris Hospice or a charity of choice.

TREDENICK


NOW ACCEPTING ENROLLMENT!!!City Kids Care is now accepting enrollment for Pre-K Children

ages 3 - 5 for January 2018. Children must be potty trained.

To Enroll: Call 940-627-7773Email: [email protected] S. FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234

Subscribe to the Wise County Messenger940-627-5987 • wcmess.com/subscribe

Got stuff? Get rid of it quick...

Wise County Messenger Classifi eds • www.wcmessenger.com/class


SpotlightsStudent

EDUCATION: NORTHWEST

Prairie View ElementaryElise ContrerasGrade: 3Parents: Beau and Rasheda ContrerasFavorite subjects: Reading and writingActivities: Soccer, Student Lighthouse Team, UIL, Des-tination Imagination.“Elise is a leader at PVE. You can often fi nd her giving tours of our school to guests. She is intelligent and confi dent. She is a true example of a PVE leader.” — Principal Yolanda Wallace

Seven Hills ElementarySavannah HowardGrade: KindergartenParents: Stephanie and JohnFavorite subject: “Science because we get to use and learn about magnets.”Activities: “I play with my brother on his Xbox, play with Barbies, and I love to read books.”“Savannah is someone who is always putting fi rst things fi rst. Staying focused and getting her work done is a priority to her. She sets high goals for herself and works hard to reach them. She is always kind to others in her class and willing to help everyone. Every time I see her, she has a smile that is conta-gious. Savannah has become a true leader at Seven Hills, and we could not be more proud.” — Principal Kim Blackburn

Chisholm Trail Middle SchoolKiera YadloskyGrade: 6Parents: Sabrina and Brian YadloskyFavorite subject: mathActivities: Spelling, art, helping fi rst graders with reading and sight words, helping Prairie View Elementary choir after school“Kiera is a wonderful student who adds so much joy to Chisholm Trail Middle School. She is an outstanding student and represents herself, her family and Chisholm Trail in excel-lence.” — Principal Matrice Raven

Northwest High SchoolVirginia AtkinsGrade: 11Parents: Dennis and Jen-nifer RenfroFavorite subject: Science, currently taking advanced placement courses and is ranked in the top 8 percent of her class.Activities: Competitive cheer, plays piano and has taken les-sons for 10 years, loves her dogs named Daisy and Duke and works part time.“Ginny is an excellent student, who has an excellent work ethic and strives hard to do her best each day. She is kind to others and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Ginny plans to pursue medicine by becoming a doctor with plans to possibly attend Texas A&M University in College Station.” — Principal Jason Childress

Taking to the skies

Eaton junior earns pilot licenseBY RICHARD [email protected]

As the son of pilots, Kale Burks took to the skies when he was just 4 months old, creating a fascination with fl ight at a young age.

“I’ve been around it my whole life,” Burks said.

“Up there, there’s no wor-ries — except obviously fl ying.”

While many 16-year-olds mark the milestone birth-day with a spin around the block in the family car, the Eaton High School junior celebrated with his fi rst solo fl ight in 2016. In December, the now-17-year-old became a fl ying pioneer as fi rst member of the Northwest ISD’s Aviation and Aero-nautics Academy to earn his private pilot license.

“It’s a good feeling,” Burks said about completing the process. “I soloed on my 16th birthday, and you have to meet all the other require-ments — cross country fl ying and all the hours. I fi nally got all that done and studied for the oral [test]. I got that done and took the test.”

The aviation academy is in its second year. It offers students career pathways as pilots or in aviation mainte-nance. Students earn high school and college credit along with certifi cation through Tarrant County Community College.

Donny Pharr, the Aviation and Aeronautics Academy facilitator, said the acad-emy is focused on fulfi lling Federal Aviation Adminis-tration standards and help-ing students prepare for careers.

“The fi rst two years are an introduction to avia-tion at the high school with lots of hands-on activities and projects,” Pharr said. “The junior and senior years are through the part-nership with TCC where they complete dual-credit courses, learn to fl y or do maintenance.

“We’re the only public school in North Texas allow-ing students to fl y for school credit.”

Burks was one of the fi rst students to sign up for the academy when it launched in 2016-17.

LICENSE TO FLY — Eaton junior Kale Burks earned his private pilot license last month. He is the fi rst person in the district’s aviation academy to receive his license.

Submitted photo

“We signed up as fast as we could,” he said, referenc-ing himself and a friend.

Burks received training from his father, Michael, a certifi ed instructor. He said it was a unique experience teaching his son.

“[My wife and I] are both instructors and keep our CFI current, but it’s been well over 20 years ago since we did this professionally as instructors,” Michael Burks said. “I fl y for a pro-fession now. It’s different to go back and learn all the new regs again and try to make sure you’re dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s to teach your son.

“It’s one of the highlights of my career and life. It’s neat to see him now that he has his rating. He took mom and a buddy up for the fi rst time. He went out on his own and got the plane ready. It feels good.”

Burks had 99 hours of fl ying time when he earned his license — well over the required amount of 60 for

private students. Students in the program at TCC can earn their license with as few as 35.

“Because we did the training before the pilot program was getting started this year, his train-ing was more sporadic,” said his mother, Shari Burks. “The new kids com-ing in will train three days per week. It’ll get them in and out.”

Burks will now start working on getting his instrument certifi cation, which will allow him to fl y in clouds.

“I get my instrument [certifi cation] this semester and move on to commercial by the time I get out of high school,” Burks said.

He said the school’s partnership with TCC will help him accomplish those goals. His eventual goal is to be a commercial airline pilot.

Pharr said the goal of the academy is to get students like Burks into the fi eld

that is currently suffering a huge workforce shortage.

The program does come with a signifi cant cost. The estimated fl ight cost for juniors in the program is $11,666. The costs in the senior year is esti-mated at $19,000. Pharr does point out the qual-ity instruction through TCC allows students to cut off hours and cut some costs that would be asso-ciated with going through another program.

Michael Burks said he tries to encourage students to pursue opportunities in aviation.

“I’ve given a ton of kids rides because our indus-try is really short of new guys like this coming on. It’s a good opportunity,” he said. “We’re always trying to take new kids up and give them the experience, introduce them to it and encourage them and tell them about the opportuni-ties and careers out there for them.”

EDUCATION BRIEFSBOYD

WINTER BREAK — School is out for winter break now through Jan. 8. Students will return to class Jan. 9.

BRIDGEPORTWINTER BREAK — School is out for winter break now through Jan. 5.

CHICOWINTER BREAK — School is out for winter break now through Jan. 5.

YEARBOOK ORDER — Year-books are available for $40, or $45 with personalization. Ordering information is on

the district website.

DECATURWINTER BREAK — Winter break is through Jan. 5. Jan. 8 is a staff develop-ment day, and students return to class Jan. 9.

NORTHWESTACADEMY APPLICATIONS — Northwest ISD’s acad-emies are now accepting applications for incoming 2018-19 freshmen – cur-rent district eighth-graders – who wish to take part in one of eight special-ized academic routes. The eight academies – focus-

ing on aviation, biomedi-cal sciences, business, college, cosmetology, creative media produc-tion, culinary arts and STEM — annually open the application process to eighth-graders and select students for admittance based on those submis-sions. Students can apply for any academy, regard-less of the high school they are zoned to attend. Each student may apply to only one academy. To apply for an academy, cur-rent eighth-grade students can visit nisdtx.org/cte. The application process

runs through Jan. 15, with acceptance and denial let-ters scheduled for mailing Feb. 10.

WINTER BREAK — Winter break is now through Jan. 5. Jan. 8 is a staff develop-ment day, and students return to class Jan. 9.

PARADISEWINTER BREAK — School is out for winter break now through Jan. 5.

SLIDELLWINTER BREAK — Students returned from winter break today (Jan. 3).


Argyle fell to eventual champion Jim Ned in the quarterfi nals of the Whata-burger Tournament last week, 46-42.

“We want to be a top-tier basketball program, and this particular group of kids wants to see where we match up,” said Bridgeport coach Dallas Taylor. “[Argyle] has been there, done that.”

Bridgeport was romped by the Lady Eagles twice last season, losing 52-22 and again 65-15. Argyle fi nished 2017 with a state title and a staggering 38-2 mark, ending the year on an 18-game winning streak.

“It makes us better every time we play [Argyle],” said Bridgeport guard Emily Vidal. “Last year it was rough for us, but it made us better as a team.”

Vidal has been one of the Sissies’ lead-ing scorers this year, frequently stuffi ng that stat sheet with double-digit scor-

ing efforts. In contrast to last year when Vidal almost exclusively ran the point, Taylor has been using Vidal more off the ball.

Now able to run off screens and space the fl oor, Vidal is splitting point guard duties with junior Jolene Torres. Together, the duo has opened things up for their teammates, creating a dynamic offensive attack.

“Emily’s had some good games, but what we’ve liked more than anything is our balanced scoring,” Taylor said. “That’s aided in [Vidal’s] ability to have some good nights because of the threats.”

Defensively, Bridgeport has thrown a bevy of looks at opponents, switch-ing between a frantic full-court press to anything from man to zone in half-court sets. Taylor said the variety of defenses often fl usters teams. The Sissies are allowing just 41.9 points per game this

year.“I think a trademark of our team is

our defense,” Taylor said. “I think people have to prepare for us. That’s always a scary thing for the opposing team when you have to spend 30 minutes of your practice preparing for Bridgeport’s defense.”

The Sissies fi nished last year with a 23-10 record before falling in the bi-district round of the playoffs to Ranch-view. Along with Bridgeport, four of the six teams in District 9-4A all currently have winning records.

Although the Sissies have no seniors on the roster, they are confi dent in their ability as district play gets underway.

“I think the goal is state,” said junior post Delaney Ingram. “I think we can defi nitely make it there. We just have to keep pushing ourselves and practicing hard every single day.”

Several Wise County bas-ketball teams competed in various holiday tourna-ments over the New Year’s weekend.

The Boyd Yellowjackets fi nished third in the NCTC Tournament, while the Paradise Lady Panthers fi nished third in the Burk-burnett Tournament.

The Bridgeport Sisses were the consolation run-ner-ups in the Whataburger Tournament. The Decatur Eagles and Northwest Tex-ans also competed in the Whataburger Tournament, although neither team placed.

Decatur went 0-4 in the

tournament, losing in the opening round to Semi-nole and again to Liberty Hill, Muenster and Ken-nedale. Meanwhile, the Texans dispatched the No. 8 team in 6A, Houston Sam Houston, but fell in the quarterfinals to the No. 1 ranked team in 5A, Waxahachie.

Waxahachie was the tour-nament runner-up, losing to eventual champion Man-sfi eld Timberview.

Elsewhere, the Decatur Lady Eagles fi nished 3-1 in the NCTC Tournament, defeating Muenster, Alvord and Lindsay, while losing to Nocona.

Boyd finishes third at NCTC


Sissies: Bridgeport opens district

FOOTBALL

KELLY BASTING

SPLASH-ING ON THE SCENE — Boyd freshman Nick Taylor (44) earned Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 4-3AI.

Taylor earns defensive newcomerBoyd freshman Nick Taylor made 124

tackles, including eight behind the line of scrimmage this season.

Taylor also picked off a pass and forced a fumble to earn the District 4-3A Division I Defensive Newcomer of the Year.

Taylor was one of six Boyd players to earn all-district honors. Seven Paradise players

received recognition.Breckenridge’s Zach Willis earned league

MVP. Brock’s Tanner Patino was the top offensive player. Brock’s Skyler Collier and Breckenridge’s Warren Hardy split the top defensive award.

Boyd running back Logan Jones and guard Bartolo Guevera were fi rst-team

offensive selections with Paradise running back Jacob Robinson and receiver Mitchell Sellers.

Jones ran for 641 yards and seven touchdowns.

Paradise defensive end Clayton Fulker-son and safety Jack Ishmael made the fi rst-team defense with Boyd’s Jones.

The second-team offense included Boydquarterback Kody Risenhoover and tackle Dylan Couture and Paradise quarterback Jace Essig, tackle Corbin McBride andkicker Ishmael.

Boyd defensive tackle Guevera and Para-dise punter Bryson Clark made the second-team defense.

District 4-3A Division IFootball Team

District MVP: Zach Willis, senior, BreckenridgeOffensive MVP: Tanner Patino, senior, BrockCo-defensive MVP: Skyler Collier, senior, Brock; Warren Hardy, senior, BreckenridgeOffensive Newcomer of the Year: Owen Wood-ward, sophomore, BreckenridgeDefensive Newcomer of the Year: Nick Taylor, freshman, BoydSpecial Teams Player of the Year: Jose Escobedo, senior, BreckenridgeCoaching Staff of the Year: Breckenridge

First-team OffenseQuarterback: Matthew Wallace, senior, Bowie; Tripp Jones, junior, BrockRunning back: Logan Jones, senior, Boyd; Angel Ruiz, junior, Breckenridge; Jake Tesky, junior, Brock; Jacob Robinson, junior, ParadiseWide receiver: Koby Miller, junior, Boyd; Brian Couture, sophomore, Boyd; Rylan Dorman, senior, Bowie; Kyler Knight, junior, Breckenridge; Mitch-ell Sellers, sophomore, ParadiseTight end: Dillon Swaim, senior, Bowie; Baylor Cupp, junior, Brock; Jake Escalon, sophomore, BreckenridgeTackle: Hunter Kirkham, senior, Bowie; Rance Russell, junior, Breckenridge; John Brunner, junior, BrockGuard: Bartolo Guevera, freshman, Boyd; Marvin Phillips, junior, Breckenridge; Harrison Loewes,

senior, BrockCenter: Lane Berkley, junior, Breckenridge; Sage Boleman, senior, BrockKicker: Noah Nye, senior, Brock

First -team DefenseDefensive end: Kaden Hendrix, junior, Brock; Terrance Roberson, senior, Breckenridge; Clayton Fulkerson, senior, ParadiseDefensive tackle: Hunter Kirkman, senior, Bowie; Rance Russell, junior, Breckenridge; Tate Swearengin, senior, BrockInside linebacker: Jake Escalon, sophomore, Breckenridge; Zakk Young, junior, Brock; Dillon Swaim, senior, BowieOutside linebacker: Logan Jones, senior, Boyd; Jacob Skinner, junior, Bowie; Chucky Perez, senior, BreckenridgeSafety: Riley Durham, senior, Breckenridge; Jack Ishmael, sophomore, ParadiseDefensive back: Angel Ruiz, junior, Breckenridge; Tommy Merrill, junior, BrockPunter: Jase Lopez, sophomore, Brock

Second-team OffenseQuarterback: Kody Risenhoover, junior, Boyd; Jace Essig, sophomore, ParadiseRunning back: Tommy Merrill, junior, Brock; Car-los Zepeda, junior, Ponder; Ty Harris, freshman, BowieReceiver: Aaryn Medina, sophomore, Brecken-ridge; Landon Hoffman, junior, Brock; Payton Price, junior, Bowie

Tight end: Brock Anderson, senior, Ponder; Jase Lopez, junior, BrockTackle: Dylan Couture, senior, Boyd; Tanner Cantrell, sophomore, Breckenridge; Creighton Wolfe, junior, Brock; Corbin McBride, senior, ParadiseGuard: Justin Bolton, senior, Bowie; Julio San-chez, junior, BrockCenter: Lane Berkley, junior, Breckenridge; Sage Boleman, senior, Brock; Tyler Wagner, senior, PonderKicker: Jack Ishmael, sophomore, Paradise

Second-team DefenseDefensive end: Dylan Couture, senior, Boyd; Eric Valdez, junior, Breckenridge; Jessie Hallmark, sophomore, BrockDefensive tackle: Bartolo Guevera, freshman, Boyd; Marvin Phillips, junior, Breckenridge; Parker Bounds, junior, BrockInside linebacker: Toby Morrison, junior, Brock; Noah Bean, senior, Ponder; AJ Craddock, junior, BowieOutside linebacker: Logan Lightfoot, sophomore, Brock; Chance Tomlinson, junior, BowieSafety: Jay Rogers, senior, Bowie; Kevin Franco, junior, BreckenridgeDefensive back: Brett White, senior, Brock; Mason Durrett, junior, Ponder; Joey Crawford, junior, BowiePunter: Bryson Clark, junior, ParadiseHonorable mention

Defensive end: Clinton Snyder, senior, BoydSafety: Boone Eustace, junior, Boyd; Caleb Armijo, freshman, BoydDefensive back: Tyler Morris, senior, Boyd

KELLY BASTING

STRONG RECEPTION — Paradise’s Mitchell Sellers hauls in a pass against Boyd. Sellers earned fi rst-team 4-3AI.


HHoopsoopsWise

NeighborhoodAutos.com

287 SOUTH 940-627-2099DECATUR

1205 HOVEY940-683-9663

BRIDGEPORT

LARRYBURKHALTER

TODDMcCORMICK

DECATUR TEAMNeighborhood Autos

SPORTSGIRLS BASKETBALL

Sissies head into district

REECE [email protected]

Behind a suffocating defense and oppor-tunistic offense, the Bridgeport Sissies have rocketed out of the gates for a 13-3 start to the season.

Bridgeport fi nished as the consolation runner-up at the Whataburger Tourna-ment this past weekend, dispatching Dallas Christian and Stephenville before losing to Nazareth in the consolation fi nals.

When the latest Texas Association of Bas-ketball Coaches’ rankings were released Monday, Bridgeport checked in at No. 19 in 4A.

With non-district and tournament play over, the Sissies will now turn their atten-tion to District 9-4A play. Bridgeport has the immediate test of facing the defending 4A champions, Argyle, at 8 p.m. Friday at home.

Bridgeport opens 9-4A with defending champs


DRIVING TO THE BASKET — Bridgeport guard Emily Vidal slashes to the rim against Dal-las Christian.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Rolling alongParadise crushes

City View


LEADING THE WAY — Paradise guard Maddie Mitschke drives around a City View defender.

REECE [email protected]

With under six minutes remaining, Paradise coach Chad Woodard threw his hands in the air in disbelief. The Lady Panthers missed another shot underneath the basket – and Woodard was ready to talk things over.

After calling a timeout, Woodard urged his team to play with the same effort and intensity they had dis-played in the fi rst three quarters. In fact, he was so animated in the huddle and on the bench, it was hard to tell Paradise led by 30 points.

Behind a dominant fi rst half and double-double from junior Maddie Mitschke, the Lady Panthers rolled City View 56-24 to improve to 13-7 on the season 3-1 in District 8-3A.

“We got complacent on the offensive end and just made some lazy passes,” said Woodard of his teams’ performance in the fourth quarter. “I’m not looking to run up the score, but I’m looking to good shots with good passes. We were just getting lackadaisical. In our district, we have to play four quarters.

“The gimmick shots we’ve gotta hit.”

Despite only managing eight points in the fourth quarter, Paradise outscored the Lady Mustangs 48-17 through the fi rst three peri-ods. The Lady Panthers began the game on an 11-3 run and then mounted another 10-0 run to start the second half.

Alternating between a full-court press and suf-focating half court man-to-man, Paradise forced a bevy of turnovers that led to opportunities in transition.

No member of the City View team ended in double

fi gures, as the Lady Panthers held the Lady Mustangs’ leading scorers to six points each.

“We started the game really good,” Mitschke said. “We were talking really good and the intensity was really high.”

Mitschke was one of several Paradise players making an impact on defense, jumping passing lanes and wreaking

havoc on the City View offense. At one point in the fi rst half, the Lady Mus-tangs had trouble even crossing half-court against Paradise’s press.

Mitschke ended the afternoon with a team-high 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Hannah Beth Pearson added nine points and fi ve assists. Christina Tipton poured in nine points of her own. This past weekend at the Burk-

burnett Tournament, Mitschke earned all-tournament honors while helping the Lady Panthers claim third place.

Paradise travels to take on Henri-etta on Friday.

“We did some good things in the [Burkburnett] tournament,” Woodard said. “It was good for us. It’s nice to put a few wins together and then come back into district and get another one.”

Basketball briefs:

The Decatur Eagles went 0-4 in the Whataburger Tournament over the week-end, dropping their season record to 9-8.

The Bridgeport Sissies open District 9-4A play Friday against Argyle, the defend-ing 4A state champions.

ResultsFriday, Dec. 29

GirlsNon-district

Bridgeport 73, Stephenville 40Decatur 48, Lindsay 31Nocona 47, Decatur 41Saturday, Dec. 30Nazareth 60, Bridgeport 36Decatur 49, Alvord 20

BoysFriday, Dec. 29

Non-district

Liberty Hill 62, Decatur 53Muenster 51, Decatur 50Kennedale 56, Decatur 43Saturday, Dec. 30San Antonio Wagner 55, Northwest 53Kennedale 56, Decatur 43

Schedule Girls6-5A

Friday, Jan. 5

Chisholm Trail at Northwest9-4A

Decatur at KrumArgyle at Bridgeport

8-3ABoyd at City ViewParadise at Henrietta

2-2APerrin at AlvordMuenster at Chico

BoysFriday, Jan. 5

6-5A

Chisholm Trail at Northwest8-3A

Boyd at City ViewParadise at Henrietta

2-2APerrin at AlvordMuenster at Chico

21-ASlidell at Era

Non-districtBridgeport at Fort Worth Country DayDecatur at Muenster

See Sissies on page 7

Renew your Subscription or Start a New In-County Subscription for Only

PO Box 149 • 115 South Trinity • Decatur, TX 76234

940-627-5987wcmessenger.com/subscribe

See page 10 for more details!

Carrier Route Presort

BULK RATEU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDecatur, TX

Permit No. 88

A PA R T O F T H E W I S E C O U N T Y M E S S E N G E R • J A N U A R Y 3 , 2 0 1 8NORTHWEST

MACK THWEATT/WCMESSENGER • Buy reprints at wcmessenger.com/reprints

HOLIDAY HOOPS — Northwest’s Mason Hix drives for a dunk against Waxahachie in the quarterfi nals of the Whataburger Tournament Friday. Hixscored eight points in the Texans’ 65-60 loss to the Indians.

2 ALL AROUND WISE • A PART OF THE WISE COUNTY MESSENGER Decatur, Texas, Wednesday, January 3, 2018

GET LISTED

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED ON THIS PAGE FOR AS LITTLE AS $30 PER WEEK!

Call Lori, Lisa, Laura or Ken at 940-627-5987 or email [email protected]

Trees Inc.Trees Inc.•Tree Removal & Trimming

•Lot & Land Clearing(940) 482-6545 • (940) 367-1239Rick Gamon • Established 1969

TREE TRIMMING

SELF STORAGE

McDanielP A V I N G

Family Owned Since 1965Commercial & Residential

FREE ESTIMATESHot Mix Asphalt • Reground Asphalt

Chip Seal • Seal Coating • Crack FillingStriping • Base Work & Grading

940-393-2404 • 940-393-3612Check Out McDaniel Paving on Facebook

TAYLOR Septic & Dozer ServiceSeptic & Dozer ServiceWe install all types of septic

systems & repair old onesWe Pump and Clean Tanks

All Types of Dirt Work: House Pads • Roads • Driveways • Topsoil Hauling • Select Fill, Sand and Gravel • Storm Shelters Installed

HAY FOR SALEDanny Taylor • 940-389-3068

LAND IMPROVEMENT

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

Commercial • Residential Farm & Ranch • Custom Gates

Automatic Gate Openers

AFFORDABLE AFFORDABLE FENCINGFENCING

ROLL OFF DUMPSTERSPerfect for Spring Cleaning

940-626-9290 • Decatur • www.affordablefencing.net

We Also Offer

HOME IMPROVEMENT

TAYLOR SEPTIC PUMPING SERVICESeptic Pumping & Cleaning

940-627-3385940-393-1047

Customer service is our top priorityServing North Central Texas for over 27 years

Charles Taylor Licensed TCEQ Disposal Site

940-627-1616 or 817-847-1579

•HeatPumps•Gas-Electric Heat•GeoThermal•Air Conditioning•Ice Machines•Commercial Refrigeration

DECATURHEAT-AIR.COM TACLB28913C

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION • LEASING

FALL TUNE-UP $68

LAND-LOT SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIALDUMP TRUCK - SAND • TOPSOIL • GRAVEL

DOZER, SKID STEER • BACKHOE • TRENCHER CONCRETE WORK • WELDING • ALL TYPE OF FENCING

ROAD GRADING • BRUSH HOG • ROLL OFF CONTAINERSROAD GRA

LOGAN PARK940.393.6622

MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Parker ElectricResidential • Commercial • Industrial

Installs and RepairsServing Wise and Surrounding Areas Since 1992

940-433-8627 • 817-996-0514TDLR#18124

[email protected]

WISECOUNTY SERVICE

DIRECTORYDIRECTORY

940.627.2030

Call

FREE QUOTES & MOBILE SERVICE

BROKEN WINDSHIELD?

RICHARDSON AUTO GLASSTHANK YOU ACTIVE MILITARY, FIREFIGHTERS,

EMS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, TEACHERSRECEIVE FREE ROCK CHIP ON YOUR PERSONAL

VEHICLE! CALL FOR DETAILS.

ROY & CINDY REYNOLDS100% FINANCING AVAILABLE40+ Years Building ExperienceCell 817-366-7990 • 940-247-2526

go to www.lrbuild.com

LEN ROY DONBUILDERS, Inc.

Installation & Repair Servicewww.facebook.com/builder.roy

BudgetSeptic

Systems

Storm SheltersSales & InstallationIn-Ground orWalk-In Safe Rooms10 Year Leak Warranty

Installation

BB

E&E AUTO GLASSDecatur, TX

Local Family Owned- Insurance Claims Accepted

- Se Habla EspanolGET YOUR FREE QUOTE!

Free Mobile Servicewww.eandeautoglass.com

Eddie Sr. 940-393-5459 or Eddie Jr. 940-577-1979

Let Us Replace Your Cracked Windshield or Repair Your Chips

940-210-5603 • [email protected]

DAWSON CONSTRUCTIONKeith DawsonHome RemodelingGeneral Contractor

TERRY TERRY YOUNGYOUNG

FREE ESTIMATES10% SENIOR &

VETERANS DISCOUNT

[email protected]

Young’s Constr

uction

Complete Rem

odeling Solutio

ns

Decatur Decatur Self StorageSelf StorageVOTED BEST SELF STORAGE IN WISE COUNTY

1100 E. Business 380 • Decatur 940-627-6434 www.decaturselfstorage.net

ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL!

• RV & Boat Storage• Climate & Non-Climate Controlled Units• We sell boxes & moving supplies• Rental Trucks & Trailers

SKINNER SEPTIC 940-393-5494

RELAXA OK SEPTIC L.L.C.

940.255.9331Locally Owned & Operated

... SEPTIC TANK CLEANING...Honest, Licensed Contractors Take Care Of All Your Septic Needs

SPECIALIZING IN AEROBIC & CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMSINSTALLATION...REPAIRS...SERVICE CONTRACTS...

MASTERPLUMBER... LIC & INSUREDRESIDENTIAL...MUNICIPAL...SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL

SONSCONSTRUCTION

JIMMY ENOCHSOWNER / OPERATORALVORDCALL ANYTIME940-391-6757

3BURIED UTILITY WORK, HOUSE PADS,

SEPTIC SYSTEMS, ROAD WORK. ,

FREE ESTIMATES

FENCINGCONSTRUCTION & REMODEL

PAVING

Join America’s Largest

Air Medical Membership

Program for as low as $65 a

year!

a’s

l p as a

We are committed to quality customer service by creating awareness in communities we serve to help minimize the fi nancial burden to

families who suffer medical emergencies.

Bobby Curry | 903-388-3612 | [email protected]

DESIGN . CONSTRUCT

940 . 655

. 4272

HOMES . BARNDOMINIUMS . AG/EQUINE LEGACY DEVELOPMENT-TEXAS.COMLEGACY DEVELOPMENT-TEXAS.COM

DDESIGNDDESIGN .. CONSCONS

940940 .. 655655 .. 44

HOMEESSHOMEMESS BBARARNDNDOMINIUMSBBARARNDNDOMINIUMS AG/EQAG/EQ

PROFESSIONAL GRADE CUSTOM BUILDING & REMODELING

VETERAN OWNED

RADPROFESSIONAL GPROFESSIONAL GRADPROFESSIONAL GODELCUSTOM BUILDING & REMOOCUS O U G & O ELTOM BUILDING & REM DCUSTOM BUILDING & R OCUSTOM BUILDING & RE ODD ELTOM BUILDING & REMOOM BUILDING & RE ODCUSTOM BUILDING & RD

FREE CONSULTSFREE CONSULTS

Septic Pumping & CleaningWe Have Licensed TCEQ Dumping Site

940.389.8556940.577.0028

Serving North Central Texas Counties4427 FM 920 • Bridgeport

www.dssepticservice.com

SEPTIC TANKCLEAN OUT

Septic Pumping & CleaningWe Have Licensed TCEQ Dumping Site

940.389.8556940.577.0028

Serving North Central Texas Counties4427 FM 920 • Bridgeport

www.dssepticservice.com

SEPTIC TANKSEPTIC TANKCLEAN OUT

1-A Services - Your One Stop Shop for all your Heating/AC, 1-A Services - Your One Stop Shop for all your Heating/AC, Plumbing and Backfl ow NeedsPlumbing and Backfl ow Needs

Maintenance, Repairs and ReplacementsMaintenance, Repairs and Replacements817-232-5577 oror [email protected]

for appointmentsfor appointmentswww.mrbackflowtx.com

FALL / WINTER HEATING /AC SPECIAL $49.9595ALLALL // WINTER HEATINGWINTER HEATING /AC SPECIAL /AC SPECIAL $4949

. 15 Point Checklist on your AC/Heating System

. Quarterly/Annual Service Contracts Available

. Fully Insured . Background Checked . Licensed Technicians

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

AUTO GLASS

CONSTRUCTION & REMODEL

ELECTRIC COMPANY

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Tile/Wood Flooring Showroom • Kid Safety Pool Fence Deck Retention Wall/ Trench Drains

Remodeling/Repairs Kitchen • Bathrooms - ADA Compliant Roofi ng - New/Repairs/Metal/Shingles

RReyesHomeRemodeling.com • [email protected]

FULLY INSURED! • SERVING WISE COUNTY 7+ YEARS 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON OUR SERVICES

1551 BUSINESS 380 SUITE 5 • DECATUR 940.626.3721 • 940.399.3460 • 940.399.9450

LEVI FORBUS940-577-2220

TRIPLE KSPECIALIZING IN FLAT WORK

ALL TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING WELDINGFULLY INSURED

QUALITY WORK AT A LOW PRICE

CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION, LLCPAINTING • CABINETS • FRAMING • FLOORING

ADDITIONS & ALTERATIONS • DUSTLESS DRYWALL REPAIRWINDOWS • CONCRETE CUTTING & FINISHING

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SPECIALIST • BOBCAT SERVICES & MORE

YERGENSON CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELINGNSTRUCTION AND REMODEL

BARRY - 940-366-9377www.yergensonconst-remodeling.com

Licensed InsuredFREE ESTIMATES

All Work Guaranteed!

EHIConstruction Co.• Debris Removal• Dirt & Gravel• Commercial

• Demolition• Salvage• Residential

Boyd, TX ehicc.com 817.752.9911

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

[email protected]

BRUSH CLEARING • MULCHINGDIRT WORK • PADS • DRIVEWAYS • GRUBBING

RECLAIMING LANDFOR THE FUTURE

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

[email protected]

BRUSH CLEARING • MULCHINGDIRT WORK • PADS • DRIVEWAYS • GRUBBING

RERERERECCCLCLAIAIIMIMIMIMMIM NGNGNGNGNGN LANANANANDDDDDDFOFOFOFORRR THTHHHEEEE FUFUFUFFUFF TUTTT REEEE

CONSTRUCTION & REMODEL

Decatur, Texas, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 ALL AROUND WISE • A PART OF THE WISE COUNTY MESSENGER 3

STK#15859. MSRP $39,060, Customer Cash $6,250, POB Discount $3,636

2017 FORD F-150 S/CREW XLT

2017 FORD ESCAPE TITANIUM

2017 CHRYSLER 300 S2017 FORD FOCUS S3.6 V6 - 8 Speed Auto - UConnect Nav - S Appearance PKG

5.0 V8 - 4x4 - Nav - FX4 - Sync 3

2.0 - I4

1.5 ECO Boost - Vista Roof - Nav - 4wd

STK#14664. MSRP: $44,690, POB Discount $9,700

STK#15479. MSRP: $63,950, Customer Cash $3,000, POB Discount $8,060

2015 FORD EDGE SPORT

2017 RAM MEGA CAB SLT

2017 RAM 1500 CREW LONESTAR

2017 RAM 1500 CREW LONESTAR

5.7 V8 Hemi - 8spd Auto - UConnect - Nav - 4x42.7 V6 - Nav - Remote Start - Heated Seats

$14,990$14,990

FREE MOUNTING & BALANCEwith Purchase of 4 or 6 Tires

Excludes Dual Rear WheelsService Department 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon - Fri 7:30 - Noon Sat

BODY SHOP SPECIALSpray N’ Bedliner $399

Now thru Jan 31. $499 Value. Call for appointment.

Service Department 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mon - Fri 7:30 - Noon Sat

Wagonseller Road at US 287 • Bowie • 940-872-1133www.pattersonofbowie.com

AAW AAW

5.7 V8 Hemi - 8spd Auto - Ram Boy - UConnect Nav - 4x4

STK# 15591. MSRP: $48,310, Customer Cash $6,250, Chrysler Capital Cash $500, Trade-In Cash $1,500, POB Discount $5,370

STK#15462. MSRP: $51,700, Customer Cash $4,250, Ford Motor Credit $1,250, Owner Loyalty $1,000, POB Discount $9,300

2013 Ford Edge............................. $10,4902011 Ford Expedition ...................... $14,9902012 Ford Mustang ........................ $8,5902015 Ford Escape .......................... $11,2902008 Hummer H3 .......................... $10,9902016 Ram 2500 ............................ $26,9902014 Chev 1500 LT ........................ $24,9902013 Ford F150 FX2 ....................... $19,9902009 GMC Yukon X2 ....................... $10,9902012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon .......... $21,990$10,490$10,490$10,490

HOME OF SIMPLIFIED PRICING • NON-COMMISSIONED SALES STAFF

MULTIPLE CHOICESMULTIPLE CHOICES

Pre-owned Quality Approved!All Vehicles are Plus Tax, Title & License

2011 FordExpedition

2013 Ford Edge

STK#15968. MSRP: $18,745, Customer Cash: $4,000, POB Discount: $2,335

STK#15919. MSRP $37,455, Customer Cash $3,500, Owner Loyalty $1,000, POB Discount $3,965

6.7 Diesel - Dual Rear Wheels - UConnect - Luxury Group

$6,335 $6,335 OFF MSRPOFF MSRP

Simplifi ed priceSimplifi ed price$28,990$28,990

$8,465$8,465OFF MSRPOFF MSRP









STK# 15956. MSRP: $48,160, Customer Cash $6,250, Chrysler Capital Cash $500, Trade-In Cash $1,500, POB Discount $5,320


$13,570$13,570OFF MSRPOFF MSRP

Simplifi ed price$52,890

$11,060 OFF MSRP


RP: $63,950, Customer Cash $3,000, POB Discount $8,060

7 RAM MEGA CAB SLTDual Rear Wheels - UConnect - Luxury Group

iceice

CROSSWORDCLUES ACROSS

1. Put within 6. Learned person12. Resistance16. Female title17. Logical basis for a belief18. Of I19. Indicates position20. Article21. Insignifi cant organizational member22. __ route23. Expression of disapproval24. Microelectromechanical systems26. Ponds28. Satisfy30. Dad31. Spanish soldier “El __”32. Pouch-like structure34. Obscure unit of measurement35. Okinawa prefecture capital37. Platforms39. Jazz singer Irene40. Benefi ts41. Hellenistic governors43. Brownish-green fruit44. Needed to see45. Political action

committee47. Fast plane48. Bahrain dinar50. Urgent request52. Raccoon genus54. Millisecond56. Atlanta rapper57. Rural delivery59. Intrauterine device60. The Wolverine State61. Free agent62. For instance63. Reduces66. Lincoln’s state67. Quit70. Midsections71. Bullfi ghting maneuvers

CLUES DOWN 1. The arch of the foot 2. Canadian peninsula 3. Koran chapters 4. Abba __, Israeli politician 5. Youngster 6. Burns 7. Comedienne Gasteyer 8. Valley 9. Belongs to sun god10. Nickel11. Great in salads12. Leader

13. Forced through a sieve14. Entryway15. Support pillars25. Aquatic mammal26. __ Farrow, actress27. Unhappy29. Holds molecules31. Thrifty33. French dynasty36. Scottish port38. Irish militant organization39. Dawn41. Musical group of seven42. Used to fry things43. Carrot’s companion46. Rough stone landmarks47. Fourth son of Jacob and Leah49. Goes against51. Passion53. Hard white animal fat54. Soybean pastes55. Beckon58. Mountain and morning are two60. Self-referential64. Data executive65. Retirement plan68. Star Trek character Laren69. You and I

Subscribe Online.www.wcmessenger.com/subscribe

IT’S WHAT WE DO.940-627-5987 • WCMESSENGER.COM/SUBSCRIBE


RANDYWILLIAMS

BUICK • CHEVY •CADILLACGMC •HYUNDAI•PRE-OWNEDGMC HYUNDAI PRE OWNED

940-6940-62277--22117777Let RANDY SAVE YOU MONEY on

Your Next NEW or PRE-OWNED Vehicle!

1600 W. US Bus 380, Suite A • Decatur, TX

ENT & Allergy Clinic PAwww.myentclinic.com

Call: 940-627-7997to schedule a

FREE INQUIRYwith our Ideal Protein Coach

Weight Loss Method

Start with

BRING IN THENEW YEARWITH OUR

SERENDIPITY SHOP

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT940-390-9125 • 940-391-8949

Custom Quilting & Embroidery

Done On-site

WHIPP FARM PRODUCTIONS404 W. MAIN ST, AZLE

Gun Show

Saturday, January 6 • 9 am - 5 pmSunday, January 7 • 9 am - 4 pm

Admissions - $815 & under FREE with paid adult.

BUY • SELL • TRADE817-929-1816

Cooper follows in father’s footsteps

BY BRETT [email protected]

In 2017, rodeo fans witnessed the crowning of a new world a l l - a r o u n d c h a m p i o n and two pro bull riders topping $1 million in total earnings.

Tuf Cooper, a former Deca-tur resident who lives near Weatherford, snared his fi rst all-around gold buckle after becoming a world-class steer roper in addition to being one of the best tie-down ropers.

Prior to 2017, Cooper had earned eight National Finals Rodeo berths and three gold buckles in tie-down roping on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit. This year, he added a trip the National Finals Steer Roping in Mulvane, Kan., to his resume.

Winning a substantial amount of prize money in both tie-down roping and steer roping, Cooper became a world all-around title contender. In 2017, Cooper fi nished 12th in steer rop-ing and second in tie-down roping race en route to win-

ning world all-around title. He clinched the title Dec. 16 after competing in tie-down roping at the NFR at Las Vegas’ Thomas & Mack Center.

Cooper’s all-around title was similar to his father’s victory 34 years go. In 1983, Roy Cooper won the PRCA’s all-around, tie-down rop-ing and steer roping world titles. Roy Cooper lives in Decatur.

On the Professional Bull Riders circuit, 20-year-old Jess Lockwood of Volborg, Mont., became the young-est cowboy to clinch a world title in the PBR’s 24-year history. He received a $1 million bonus for snaring the gold buckle at the 2017 PBR World Finals on Nov. 5 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In winning the world’s most coveted bull riding title, Lockwood broke the age record set by Decatur’s Mike Lee, who won the gold buckle at 21 in 2004.

In the PBR, the world champion receives $1 mil-lion in addition to the prize money he earns during the regular season and the PBR Finals. Lockwood earned $1,525,292.

Bull rider Sage Kimzey of Strong City, Okla., also com-

manded respect by earning more than $1 million on three pro bull riding circuits.

On the PBR circuit, Kimzey earned $549,566, including $433,333 from winning the RFD-TVs The American in February in Arlington. On the PRCA circuit, Kimzey earned $436,479 as he clinched his fourth consecutive PRCA title. Kimzey also pocketed a $100,000 bonus for clinch-ing the Championship Bull Riding title after competing in the association’s fi nale in July in Cheyenne, Wyo. to bring his yearly total to $1,086,045.

When a bull rider would win more than $1 million in the recent past, it was only from within the PBR, which has awarded a $1 million bonus to its world cham-pion since 2003. But Kimzey earned lots of respect this year as he racked up more than $1 million by excel-ling in three bull riding associations.

On the National Cutting Horse Association circuit, superstar rider Austin Shepard of Summerdale, Ala., and a 3-year-old stal-lion named Dual Reyish clinched the NCHA’s World Championship Futurity open division title on Dec.

10 after turning in a lofty final round score of 228 at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Fort Worth. The victory earned the horse’s owner, Billy Wolf of Whitesboro, the coveted $192,762 prize.

The 2017 Futurity victory was the second major title that Shepard clinched at a high-profi le NCHA show. On Dec. 2, Shepard and a 6-year-old mare named Deluxe Checks claimed the world title during the NCHA World Finals at WR Watt Arena in Fort Worth. Shepard and Deluxe Checks earned $23,777 throughout the World Finals and broke the NCHA’s open division annual earnings record with $146,977 throughout 2017, according to sallyharrison.com.

Shepard and Deluxe Checks broke the previous open division annual earn-ings record of $142,346 that was set in 2015 by then open world champion Special Nu Baby and rider Matt Gaines of Weatherford.

Q

Brett Hoffman, a Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame member, has reported on rodeos for more than three decades for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

HOFFMAN

Start with a clean sheetBY GERRY [email protected]

It’s a new year! 2018!It doesn’t seem possible.

You may feel like 2017 can’t possibly be over because you didn’t get everything done that you had planned to do. Since some of us will be writing 2017 on things for the next several weeks anyway, so we’ll just extend it for awhile. Or not.

Where will 2018 take you? Wherever you go, I hope you’ll fi nd clean sheets.

How’s that for a New Year’s wish?

Think about it for a min-ute. You may travel this year for business or vaca-tion or to visit family. When you arrive at that hotel room or bedroom in some-one’s house, don’t you want the sheets on the bed to be clean?

If you have to spend a night in the hospital this year (we hope not, but it

could hap-pen), don’t you want clean sheets on the bed?

T h i n k about it for a minute. Isn’t the alterna-tive just … gross?

Now, I’m going to make a sharp turn and switch metaphors. (I started to say either a “left” turn or “right” turn, but I was afraid someone would interpret it politically).

What will your story be this year? Whatever it is, I hope it’s written on a clean sheet.

Imagine you get an actual handwritten letter in an envelope in the mail. Since most of our correspondence comes via email or text, we may have to really use our imaginations. Don’t you want it written on a clean sheet of paper? Or is it OK

to just repurpose some other old correspondence and write around it or over the top of it?

That’s not nearly as gross as dirty bed sheets, but it doesn’t say much about how much someone cares about you if they can’t even spring for fresh paper.

Here’s my point in all this silliness: a New Year is a new trip with a new story. We need to start fresh.

I’m setting some signifi -cant goals for 2018. I hope you are as well. But do you know what can prove to be the biggest hindrances to reaching those 2018 goals? That would be our 2017 goals, whether we reached them or not.

If we reached them, we can be tempted to main-tain the status quo and miss this year’s opportuni-ties. If we missed them, we can be paralyzed by fail-ure as we keep replaying our mistakes and missteps

in our heads.Either way, too much look-

ing backward can keep us from moving forward.

Here’s a little tool to help you start the new year. Take a clean sheet of paper and write these words at the top of the page: “It is January 1, 2019. I am …”

Now write three state-ments you want to be able to say about yourself at the end of this year. Write them in present tense, as if they are already true.

Now, what do you need to start doing to make those statements more likely to be true?

Your life matters to God. He has given you a clean, fresh, new year. What will you do with it?

Q

Dr. Gerry Lewis, author, blogger, church consultant and leadership coach, serves as executive director of the Harvest Baptist Association in Decatur.

Life Matters

BRIDGEPORTBENEFIT ACCOUNT — A GoFundMe account has been created for the fam-ily of Jacinda King, who was killed in a car wreck last week. Funds will be used to help pay for funeral expenses and other expenses. wcmess.com/king

FUEL FOR A CURE — The Bridgeport Women’s Club put together Fuel for a Cure, a gift card program that helps current cancer patients in Wise County. Drop off gift cards for gas at The Cancer Center at Wise Health System. Call Laura Tanner, 940-626-2300, option 6.

CALENDARS AVAILABLE — The Bridgeport His-torical Society is selling calendars featuring pho-tos of sunsets over Lake Bridgeport taken by four local residents. “Sunsets Over Lake Bridgeport” is available for purchase for $8. Call Don Majka, 940-389-3821.

DECATUR BLOOD DRIVE — Carter Bloodcare will be at Walm-rart 11:30 to 4:45 p.m., Fri-day, Jan. 5 for a blood drive. Donors will receive a t-shirt and a voucher for a Dallas Mavericks ticket.

KNITTING CIRCLE — The Knit Wits and Crochet Nuts meet 6 to 8 p.m. every

Thursday at the Deca-tur Public Library. Call 940-433-3847.

DOMINOES ANYONE? — Anybody who plays 42 or would like to learn is invited to the Decatur Senior Citizen Center at 6 p.m. on Thurs-days. The center is located at 1200 N. Miller St.

PARADISEEVENT RESCHEDULED — The Light a Lantern for a Loved One event was rescheduled for Jan. 30. Email [email protected] for information.

NEWARKMOVIE AT LIBRARY — The Newark Public Library will

show “Despicable Me 3” at 1:30 p.m. To register, call the library, 817-489-2224, or stop by the library, 207 Hudson St.

RHOME VETERANS GROUP — The Rhome Veterans Group will have the following events: Jan. 12 — 6:30 p.m. movie night featuring “Burlesque” at the Rhome Public Library; Jan. 13 — 9:30 a.m. auxiliary meeting, fol-lowed by the veterans meet-ing at 10 a.m., at Rhome Public Library.

LIBRARY EVENTS — Rhome Public Library has preschool story time 11

NEWS BRIEFS

Complete the Sudoku grid so that each row, each column, and each 3 by 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9. Numbers cannot be duplicated in a row or a column.

SUDOKU

See Briefs on page 9


Cervical cancer was once among the deadliest forms of cancer, largely because it was not detected before it reached its more advanced stages. However, thanks to increased screening over the past three decades, the cervical cancer rate among American women has declined by more than 50%. Aside from more frequent screening, recent advances against cervical cancer have been possible by vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV) and some of the cancers linked to those types of human papilloma virus. To be most effective, these vaccines should be given to girls and boys at age 11 or 12. They are given in a series of shots, which can be started as early as age 9.

Found in its early stages, cervical cancer can be successfully treated. The choice of treatment and the long-term prognosis depend on the type and stage of cancer. Your age, overall health, quality of life, and desire to be able to have children must also be considered. Our goal at WISE OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY, P.A. is to keep you healthy through all ages and stages of life. Please call 940-626-8008 to schedule an appointment. Our Decatur offi ce is located at 2451 South FM 51, Ste. 300.

P.S. HPV vaccine produces the strongest immune response in preteens.

PRESERVING CERVICAL HEALTH

Visit us at our website wiseobgyn.com

Sign up for food handlers’ class in Decatur

BY TANYA DAVIS [email protected]

Food borne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety prac-tices. Texas A&M AgriL-ife Exten-sion Wise County pro-vides a food protection management training program that seeks to reduce the risk of food borne illness.

Under state law, all food employees must complete an accredited food handlers’ training program within 60

days of employment. The Texas Cottage Food Law requires that anyone who operates a cottage food business have a food han-dler card.

Food service employees and those who operate a cottage food business can attend a two hour food han-dlers’ class, accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services, on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Wise County offi ce, located at 206 S. State Street in Decatur.

This two-hour course will now be required for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe

Wise Notes for

Consumers

Tips for winter fire ant controlBY TODD VINEYARD [email protected]

Winter in Texas means cooler temperatures and less time out of doors. This does not always mean fewer insects, however.

Fire ants are generally less active during the win-ter months, but with our urban environments provid-ing warmer pockets of habi-tat, these pesky insects con-tinue to mound up in very annoying locations.

The fi re ants’ food needs change through the year. In

temperatures below 75 degrees the queen slows down her egg produc-tion, thus the n u t r i t i o n a l needs of the colony are changed. In colder weather conditions the ants do not seek out the high protein, oily foods as they do in warm weather. Because of this change in food choice, the ants will not feed on the typical fi re ant

bait formulated products (Amdro, Spectracide, Logic) which signifi cantly reduces the effectiveness of these products. Neither broad-casting bait nor individu-ally treating one mound at a time with bait will produce satisfactory results in cold weather.

Individual mound treat-ments are more effective fire ant control methods under these conditions. There are over 100 differ-ent products labeled for individual mound treat-ments of fire ants. Prod-

ucts for individual mound treatments vary in their formulations and active ingredients.

For success with individ-ual mound treatments for fi re ant control:! Most dry formulations should be followed by 1-2 gallons of water, as directed.! Do not disturb the mound unnecessarily.! Do not create runoff when watering in the product.! Mix liquid products according to their label instructions.! Apply products on warm,

sunny afternoons. The ants will be closer to the surface, and you will achieve better control.! When purchasing mate-rials, note warnings about non-target organisms and apply as directed on the label.! Never dispose of unused chemicals down the drain as this introduces pollut-ants which the treatment plants are not equipped to remove. This harms the environment.

Effective cool season fi re ant treatments focus on

individual mound treat-ments using the properly labeled materials. Bait-formulated products are not effective in these tem-peratures because the ants will not feed on the baits. We will not be able to com-pletely eradicate fi re ants. However, with persistent treatment and the coop-eration of neighbors we can greatly reduce the impact fi re ants have on our daily lives.

Q

Todd Vineyard is a Wise County Extension agent.

Ag News

How to prune old rose bushesBY NEIL [email protected]

Dear Neil: How impor-tant is it that we pick the seed heads off our pan-sies? I can remember my mother doing that. As many plants as we have now, I can’t imagine doing it unless it was really critical.

Today’s hybrids bloom much more heavily than those old varieties of our childhood. Even when we let them go to seed, they just keep on blooming. The the-ory we used a generation or two ago was that the seeds sapped the vigor of the plants, but that’s no longer the case.

Dear Neil: We have sev-eral old rose bushes that were not pruned by the for-mer owner for the past four or fi ve years. They’re very tall and full of dead wood. This is our fi rst winter to be tak-ing care of them. When and how should we prune them?

Bush roses are pruned in mid-February. Gener-ally we try to cut them back by 50 percent, which could still apply to your plants. Selected canes will probably need to be pruned back more heavily. Always make your cuts just above buds that face out from the centers of your plants. That way you’ll continue to encourage lower, more open branching that will allow better air fl ow to the foliage, hence lessen the problem of blackspot. Remove all dead canes. With that much time elapsed, there are bound to be many.

Dear Neil: I have several hundred feet of ugly, bare chain link fencing that I would like to have covered with some type of vine next spring and summer. It would be nice if it fl owered, but that’s not necessary. I would like simply to scatter seeds and have it grow quickly. What would you suggest?

Oh, if only it were that simple. First, just our annual vines are grown from seed, and they would be dead and gone with the fi rst freeze each winter. If that wouldn’t be a problem for you, hya-cinth bean is lovely. You could also use black-eyed Susan vine, morning glories, moonvine and cypressvine. Carolina jessamine is a nice evergreen permanent vine, and climbing antique roses could be pretty. Honestly, that will probably create a green fortress of vine that may be less pleasing than you really want. Consider put-ting in nice beds and using evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs, some vines and well-placed trees to soften the visual impact of the “walls” to your property. Putting vines on all of your fencing would be roughly akin to aligning all of your living room furni-ture in a large room around only the walls.

Dear Neil: What should we do with a bed of azaleas where the soil has appar-ently washed away? All of their roots seem to be right near the soil surface.

You should put a new layer of organic mulch over their roots. Use several inches of brown sphagnum peat moss mixed with equal amounts of fi ne pine bark mulch. Moisten it thoroughly after you put it around the plants.

You’ll want to repeat the process every growing sea-son, since the organic mat-ter will decay and disappear. Folks trying to grow azaleas in areas where both the native soils and municipal water supplies are alkaline may even have to dig their plants late in the winter, re-prepare the beds, then re-set or replace the plants. Pro-ductive life of azalea plants under those more challeng-ing circumstances is usually 8 to 10 years before they need to be replaced.

Dear Neil: I know that I need to prune my plum trees this winter. When do I do it, and how much do I take off? We just moved into our house in September. I’m not sure if they’ve ever been pruned.

The goal with peaches and plums is to start prun-ing them from the day they are planted. We cut the new trees to 22 to 24 inches, and then we select three or four of the strongest, most evenly spaced shoots to train into the scaffold branching of the tree. Every winter thereaf-ter, we remove all strongly vertical growth, encour-aging the tree to take on a spreading, bowl-shaped form. All shoots that extend vertically should be removed each winter, as you attempt to keep the tree at eight or 10 feet of height and 12 to 16 feet of width. All of that said, however, it is quite dif-fi cult to retrofi t a tree that has never been pruned prop-erly. Your best bet is just to come as close as you can without mangling the tree as it currently grows.

Dear Neil: We have a red-leafed yucca that has been in our yard for about 15 years. During this time we’ve had

SUBMITTED PHOTO

PICKING PANSIES — Hybrid blooms grow more heavily now, so there’s no need to pick theseed heads off your pansies.

more than one bloom only three or four years. What can we do to get more blooms?

It really sounds like your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight. Full sunlight ensures the best possible bloom. You also should avoid high-nitrogen plant foods that might stimulate exces-sive growth. On the other hand, if the plant hasn’t multiplied and clumped freely over that extended period, it may not be big

enough for really full bloom.Dear Neil: I have new

blackberry plants that have grown very well. They were planted last winter. Should they be pruned now?

Absolutely not. Blackber-ries produce on canes that were produced the preced-ing year, so you should have fruit this spring. Once canes bear fruit, however, they will never bear again. That makes early June the best time to cut the canes that

have just borne fruit backcompletely to the ground.“Tip-prune” the new canes to keep them shorter andmore compact.

Q Have a question you’d

like Neil to consider? Mailit to him in care of the WiseCounty Messenger, P.O. Box149, Decatur, TX 76234 oremail him at [email protected]. Neil regretsthat he cannot reply to ques-tions individually.

Gardener’s Mailbag

food. The certifi cate is good for two years and is valid anywhere in the State of Texas. Participants will learn about good personal hygiene, cross contamina-tion and time and tempera-ture abuse.

Call the Extension office at 940-627-3341 to sign up. The registration fee is $20 and covers course mate-rials and an official food handler card. Registration deadline for the course is Tuesday, Jan. 16. Space is

limited. Individuals with disabili-

ties who require auxiliary aide service or accommoda-tion in order to participate in the event are encouraged to contact our offi ce within fi ve working days prior to the program.

The class is taught in Eng-lish, but Spanish handouts are available if requested in advance.

Q

Tanya Davis is a Wise County Extension agent.

the GOLD STANDARDin Classifi edsEvery Weekend and Midweek. And

only in

940!627!5987ADS"WCMESSENGER.COM

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR RENT

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Classified GOLDWISE COUNTY MESSENGER

RENTALS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FARM AND RANCH

PETS MERCHANDISE FOR SALE TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCEMENTS NOTICES

• Real Estate for Sale• Acreage• Business Property• Condos/Town Homes• Duplexes• Homes• Lots

• Mobile Homes• Wanted to Buy

• Apartments• Business Property• Condos/Town Homes• Duplex Housing• Homes• Mobile Homes• Rooms

• Roommate Wanted• Spaces & Lots• For Lease• Wanted to Rent• Wanted to Lease• Facilities• Storage Buildings

• Business Opportunity• Employment Information• Adult/Elderly Care• Childcare• Food Service

• Medical/Dental• Miscellaneous• Offi ce• Retail/Sales• Trades• Work Wanted

• Childcare• Adult/Elderly Care• Business• Housecleaning

• Let Me Fix It• Miscellaneous• Tutoring

• Farm Equipment• Fencing• Lawn & Garden• Livestock• Livestock Care/ Training• Livestock Lost & Found

• Livestock Stud Service• Livestock Supplies• Miscellaneous• Mowing• Pasture & Feed• Poultry

• Pets• Pets Lost & Found

• Pet Care/Training• Pet Stud Services

• Appliances• Clothing/Jewelry• Furniture• Garage Sales

• Firewood• Miscellaneous• Auctions

• Boats• Cars• Recreational Vehicles• Trucks

• Accessories• Trailers• Wanted to Buy

• Card of Thanks• Let’s Swap• Lost & Found

• Personal• Wanted

• Legal Notices• Public Notices

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS APPEAR ONLINE AT WWW.WCMESSENGER.COM/CLASS

Business HoursMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deadlines:Classifi ed Line Ads Classifi ed Gold: Noon on Monday Weekend Edition: Noon on FridayReal Estate Ads Classifi ed Gold: 3 p.m. on Wednesday the week before Weekend Edition: 3 p.m. on TuesdayClassifi ed Display Ads Classifi ed Gold: 5 p.m. on Thursday Weekend Edition: 5 p.m. on Wednesday

Special Offers:5-week Service Special: Place an ad of 20 words or less for 4 weeks in the Business Services classifi cation of the Wise County Messenger for $82. Receive a bold heading and the 5th week FREE!

4-week For Sale Special: Place an ad of 20 words or less for 2 weeks in any For Sale classifi cation of the Wise County Messenger for $42. Receive a bold heading and extra 2 weeks FREE!

Classifi ed Advertising Policy:Classifi ed ads for the Weekend/Classifi ed Gold edition are $20 per week for 20 words or less (each additional word is $1).

Error Responsibility:Customers are asked to check their ad im-mediately after it appears in the paper and report at once any error found. Claims for adjustment should be made at that time. The Wise County Messenger is responsible for an incorrect ad only the fi rst time it runs, so check your ad carefully.

Classifi ed Gold goes into 28,000 additional homes.

Payments:In person: 115 South Trinity St., DecaturBy mail: Wise County MessengerP.O. Box 149Decatur, TX 76234-0149By phone: 940-627-5987

CALL 940-627-5987 & GET RESULTS!

$20 for20 WordsWeekend and

All Around WiseOnly $1/word over 20 words

Twice a week.52 weeks a year.Only $25.

No waiting in line, just straight to your Inbox, before it even hits the streets.Call 940-627-5987, or subscribe online at wcmessenger.com/subscribe

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limita-tion or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimina-tion.” Familial status includes chil-dren under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not know-ingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings adver-tised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

First Baptist Church of Alvord is seeking

Full-time Christian Daycare TeachersStarting Pay $9/hrMonday - Friday

Must be dependable and love children. Call Lori at 940-210-2678 for interview

Looking for a Bridgeport

STORE MANAGERMust be mature and dependable. Apply in person.

Decatur, TX

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

• Acreage • Business Property • Condos/Town Homes • Duplexes • Homes • Lots • Mobile Homes • Wanted to Buy

Acreage

Sun Set Realty - Jim Boyd, Associate940-845-2120

940-393-0421 Cell

10 acres heavily wooded

- Amon Carter Lake Waterfront, A-Frame & dock.

31+ acres, small government lake.

45.49 acres, shed & lots

89+/- partially wooded,creek bottom.

PENDING,,

hed & lots hed & lots

PENDING 10 acres 10 acreseavily woodedeavily wooded

Homes

BIG HOUSE ON PRAIRIEHorses OK! Acres, new 4-bedroom,2-bath, 2-living areas. $802/month,$695/down. Great location. Agent,(972)317-9425.

HOUSE & GARAGEfor sale. Needs to be finished. Viewof Lake Bridgeport. Boat ramp ac-cess. 194 Bass Lane. $65,000.(817)994-8531.

KOZY KOTTAGENew 4-bedroom, 2-bath, privacygalore! $770/month, $500/down. EZqualify. Agent, (972)317-9425.

READY REAL ESTATERobert Shaffer, (940)255-4684.Owner financing available. List for4%.

Lots

5-7 ACRE LOTSavailable, Lake Bridgeport area.Owner finance. Call for details,(817)360-9393.

Mobile Homes

1999 OSPREY DOUBLE WIDE32x76', 2001 square feet. Must bemoved immediately. Accepting of-fers. Call (940)393-2778 for informa-tion.

2002 REDMANsingle wide, 3/2. Must be movedASAP! Good condition, heating andac, appliances included. $26,000.(940)389-5087.

3-BEDROOM, 2-BATHlarge kitchen & day room. 14x70Melody mobile home. $1,500. Somerepair needed. Must be moved.(972)442-0209.

RENTALS

• Apartments • Business Property • Condos/Town Homes • Duplex Housing • Homes • Mobile Homes • Rooms • Roommate Wanted • Spaces & Lots • For Lease • Wanted to Rent • Wanted to Lease • Facilities • Storage Buildings

Apartments

$200 OFF 1ST MONTH RENT!Chico, 2/1 apartment. $700/month.$300/deposit. No waterbed. No pets.Call (817)929-1930.

BRIDGEWOOD Executive Suites Bridgeport, TX1,2,3 Bedrooms

& Garage Available

940-220-7489BridgewoodExecutiveSuites.com

Call Property Manager

Cabins & efficiency apartments forrent, including some as low as$500/month w/all bills paid. Boydarea. Excellent location. (940)433-3133.

Business Property

Commercial space available, 206State Street, Decatur. Executive of-fice space. $1.50/foot, all bills paid(except electric). Available for move-in. (940)577-1000.

For lease, shop building. 1593 E.Highway 114, Boyd. (817)281-4311.

Business Property

For lease, 4 offices, Decatur. Kit-chen, bath & big reception area.$ 750 /mon t h . Owne r / b r o k e r .( 9 40 ) 627 - 2638 .

FOR LEASE, AVAILABLE NOWCommercial space, 605 N. Busi-ness 287, Suites 106-B & 106-D.Karl Klement Propert ies, Inc.,(940)627-6362.www.klementproperties.com.

Condos & Town Homes

LOVELY TOWNHOME2-bedroom, 2-bath, office, enclosedpatio. With view of lake & golfcourse. Runaway Bay. $895/month.Maria, (972)834-8111.

RUNAWAY BAYBeautiful view of lake, 1-bedroom, 1-bath. $650/month. Call (940)389-1615.

Duplexes

BRIDGEPORT2 or 3-bedroom. $800-$850/month.Call (940)389-1615.

Clean & spacious, 2/1/1 duplex,CH/A, washer/dryer hookups, ceil-ing fans, mini-blinds. No pets.$500/month plus deposit. 405 LiveOak, Bowie. (940)872-1359.

Homes

2-bedroom, 1-bath, 107-A W. Ken-tucky Street, Chico. $675/month,$675/deposit. Call Kevin, (719)660-5992.

C & RProperties

Decatur, TX

HOMEFOR LEASE1631 Chenoweth

Decatur

3 BEDROOMS, 2 FULL BATHS, 2 CAR GARAGE

Brick, total electric, wood flooring, tile, ceiling fans in all rooms, alarm system,

pre-wired for cable or Dish, electric garage-door opener, fenced yard, fully landscaped. Decatur city

limits. Decatur ISD.

PETS WELCOME! NO PET DEPOSIT

Please call 817-247-0246

We would love for you to LIVE in one of our homes!

$1,450/month $1,450/deposit

6 months or month-to-month lease available.

Cabin in the woods, Slidell area offFM 51. $600/month includes utilities.Deposi t , 1st & last requi red.(940)389-9486.

Nice brick house, 3-bedroom, 2-bathfor rent in Rhome. Cal l Beki ,(817)307-3709.

Homes

Lake front, modern 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home for lease, Runaway Bay.Fully furnished, 1-year lease re-quired, background/credit check.Available Feb. 1. $1,350/month,$1,000/deposit. (214)695-0997,[email protected].

DECATUR: 2-bedroom, 2-bath,new in country, $1,150/month.Coming soon, 3-bedroom, 1-bath.Cannon Property Management,(940)627-6265.

Mobile Homes

0 credit check. 2, 3 & 4-bedroomhomes, $550-$1,500/month, forsale/rent. Owner finance land/homepackages, 1.5-4 acres. Ponder ISD,pets OK. (940)648-5263,www.ponderei.com.

EMPLOYMENT

• Business Opportunity • Employment Information • Adult/Elderly Care • Childcare • Food Service • Medical/Dental • Miscellaneous • Offi ce • Retail/Sales • Trades • Work Wanted

Employment Information

!!ATTENTION!!Advertising under this classificationis normally not a bona fide opportun-ity. Typically, companies advertisinghere offer information about poten-tial employment. Some are sellingthis information. We suggest thatour readers thoroughly investigatethese advertisers before investingany money.

Adult & Elderly Care

Caregiver needed, weekend days.Must pass background check. Call(940)644-2317 or (940)399-9268.

Childcare

and seeking teachers who are passionate about kiddos!

Call Tara940-627-8393

We’re in Full Bloom

Aurora, Decatur, Roanoke locations

Seeking reliable & professional staff.Apply in person at Little Angels DayCare, 1403 Hovey Street, Bridge-port, TX. (940)683-5620.

Food Service

Work while your kids are in school.Come to work after they go toschool. Be off before they get homefrom school. Monday-Friday lunch,all positions. Sweetie Pie's Ribeyes,201 W. Main, Decatur. Apply 9a.m.-6p.m., Mon.-Sat. EOE.

Food Service

AcceptingApplications

Restaurant General ManagerStarting at $34,000 - $38,000

Assistant ManagersStarting at $11/hr

Shi! ManagersStarting at $9/hr

Delivery DriversFull-time positions

receive bene"tsMedical/Dental/Vacation Pay

Sick Pay/Life InsurancePositions Available in Decatur & Bridgeport

Apply at www.pizzahut.com/careers

601 S. Washburn, Decatur406 US Hwy 380, Bridgeport

Equal Opportunity Employer

A tiA ti

Medical & Dental

Governor’s Ridge940-627-1104

Apply In Person.

NOW HIRING

Must love to work with Seniors

Medical & Dental

NOW HIRINGHospitality Aides

6 pm - 6 am

C.N.A.’sAll Shifts

Competitive RatesAsk About Our Sign-On Bonus

PRN Nurse Weekend Receptionist

Send Resume to [email protected]

or call 940-683-5023EEO/M/F/D/V

BRIDGEPORT

Now hiring for the following positions:

Apply In Person At701 West Bennett Rd., DECATUR or call

940-626-2800EEO M/F/D/V

Sign-on Bonus $2,000

Sign-on Bonus $2,000

Sign-on Bonus $500

Nursing & Rehabilitation

The Hills

DIETARY AIDE

CNAs8-HOUR SHIFT

APPLY IN PERSON AT201 E. THOMPSON, DECATUR

or FAX RESUME to 940-627-3937 EEO/M/F/D/W

CMA12-HOUR SHIFT

COOKLike UsMY!WISE.COMMY!WISE.COM

EMPLOYMENT


Karl Klement Properties, Inc.

For consideration of all positions apply to:Jodi Dusek, H/R Director

605 N. Business 287, Suite 102, Decatur, [email protected]

940-627-6362We offer Benefits, Paid Holidays, Vacation & Training

(Hershey Ice Cream Distributor)

No Positions Available at this Time

Sales Associate Be Part of a Growing Sales Team!

Sales experience a plus, will train. Must be commited to customer satisfaction. Commission & bonus oppor-

tunities. 5-Day work week with paid holidays, vacation and training.

Vending Team LeadSupports team manager and performs management du-ties when manager is absent or out of office. Manages

growth of Vending Division, including keeping detailed records of equipment availability, client performance and sales and advises management on placement and purchases where necessary. Stays on target with dead-

lines and goals to team member and is highly self-moti-vated! Lots of opportunity for growth! Opportunity for bonuses based on performance! Sales experience pre-

ferred but not required. Must have a neat appearance, be personable with a go-getter attitude! Must have a clean background, driving history and must be able to pass a

pre-employment drug test.

Maintenance Foreman & Laborers Residential manitenance experience preferred. Must be

dependable and have valid TXDL. Competitive Salary and Wages

to match your experience.

Bridgeport Correctional CenterIs Hiring

CORRECTIONAL OFFICERSNo experience required, paid training, competitive pay

and excellent bene!ts!Email your Resume to [email protected] call (940) 683-3010 to apply!

Management & Training Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

A Leader In Social Impact

Part-time DeliveryThe Wise County Messenger has an

opening for a part-time delivery person.Applicants must be reliable, in goodphysical condition and have a clear

driving record.

Apply in person to:Mark Jordan

Wise County Messenger115 South Trinity, Decatur

Apply in person 9 am - 4 pm Tuesday and Thursday

You’ll more than pay for your $37 subscription by savings you’ll fi nd in the Messenger every week.

❏ 1 Year In-County $37❏ 2 Year In-County $70❏ 1 Year Out-of-County $43

❏ 1 Year Out-of-State $49❏ 1 Year Digital $25❏ 2 Year Digital $50

Local Paper. Local News. Loyal Readers.

PO Box 149 • Decatur, TX 76234940-627-5987 • Fax 940-627-1004wcmessenger.com/subscribe

SEEKING CDL DRIVERS CLASS A OR B WITH X ENDORSEMENT

940-627-1005

* New Late Model Lightweight Equipment* Top Competitive Pay* Family Medical Insurance portion paid by company * Family Dental and Vision Insurance Available within approx. 45 days* 401(k) Available* Vacation and Holiday Pay * Home Daily

Contact us at 940-683-0001 or come by our Bridgeport

Office 3338 S. Hwy. 101

NOW HIRING Experienced CDL Class A

END-Dump Drivers.

$1,000 Sign On Bonus and

$850 WeeklyGuarantee

Fence Pipe and Supplies23/8 - 27/8 - 31/2 - 41/2 - 51/2

Square & Rectangular TubingC-Purlin

Domed Caps and SpringsAll Types of Steel

Flusche Enterprises, Inc.940-759-2203 Muenster, TX

Authorized Dealer

Miscellaneous

Apply In Person1601 S. FM. 51

DECATUR NOT JUST OIL, PENNZOIL TM

Oil & LubeNOW HIRINGEXPERIENCED LUBE TECHS

Accepting applications for kennelhelp, Boyd area. Full-time days,Tues.-Fri. & Sun., 6a.m.-2:30p.m.(817)456-5623.

Front counter and presser positionsavailable. Apply in person at CometCleaners, 1400 S. FM 51, Decatur.

Hendershot Equipment is hiring forthe shop porter/yard maintenanceposition. Must have clean driving re-cord and valid driver's license. Ap-ply in person at 1841 North USHighway 287, Decatur.

Offi ce

Now Seaching for

AdmissionCoordinator

experience in long term care preferred.

Send Resume to [email protected]

2108 15th St. Bridgeport TX 76426or call 940-683-5023

EEO/M/F/D/V

BRIDGEPORT

Offi ce

DATCU IS HIRING!Full-time Teller. Please visit ourwebsite at datcu.org to apply online.EOE.

Trades

Accepting applications for full-timeHydraulics Mechanic and Auto Elec-trical Technician. Experience re-quired. Benefits offered. Apply inp e r s o n o r em a i l r e s um e :s a l e s@b r i d g e p o r t m f g . c om .

CDL end dump driver needed.Home every night. Willing to train,great pay! Se habla Español. Call(817)366-5838.

Chaney Trucking is now hiring full-time CDL drivers, minimum 1-yearexperience. $1,000 SIGN-ON-BO-NUS! New hire must complete 90days of employment, with no discip-linary action, and no unexcused ab-sences. Complete benefits packageavailable within 30 days of hire, in-cluding paid time off, medical, dent-al, vision, life & Aflac. Training paystarts at $15.60/hour. Regionaltrucking – HOME EVERY NIGHT!Call Daniel at (817)636-4012 to ap-ply.

Diesel mechanic/parts changerneeded, CDL a plus. Call (940)736-0758, Mon.-Fri., 8a.m.-5p.m.

Hats Off Haircuts in Boyd is lookingfor part-time help. If you have a Cos-metology or Barber license, call(940)433-3400.

Looking for a hot shot driver with 2+years experience and HazMat en-dorsement. New equipment, com-petitive pay, and benefits. ContactMelissa Collins @ (940)594-3755.

Martin Truck Enterprises is lookingfor welders and truck/trailer mechan-ics. Pick up application at 701 E.Rock Island, Boyd.

Texas Pride Fuels is now acceptingapplications for Fuel Techniciansand CDL drivers. Both positions willrequire travel. Visit www.texaspride-fuels.com and click "employmenttab" to read complete job descrip-tion and submit application.

Trades

Now Hiring Class A CDL Drivers.

Hazmat a plus but not required. Must pass a

background check and have a clean driving record. Competitive pay based

on experience.

Must apply in person at 131 FM 4 Jacksboro, TX

O!ce 940-567-3350

Now hiring Automated Fuel Operat-or. Preferred qualifications: OSHA10, Safeland (PEC), CDL license,secondary education, and mechan-ically inclined. Offering competitivepay, potential bonus incentives, fullbenefits, 401(k), PTO, and lodgingprovided. Apply online at:TexasPrideFuels.com.

Spikes Electrical Contractors is hir-ing licensed journeymen and ap-prentice electricians. Call (940)626-1112 to apply. TECL #22088.

The Hair Lounge looking for stylistwith booth rental. Call (940)577-9434.

Truck driver needed. CDL required.$20/hour. Home each night. Oper-ate forklift & help on farm. Call(940)466-7999.

Trades

Truck drivers needed, Class-A CDLwith tanker endorsement. Must havetruck driving experience; tank truckexperience preferred. Call (940)736-0758, 8a.m.-5p.m., Mon.-Fri.

SERVICES

• Childcare • Adult/Elderly Care • Business • Housecleaning • Let Me Fix It • Miscellaneous • Tutoring

Business

CATE CONCRETE30 years' experience,residential, commercial.Pa t i os , d r i veways ,slabs, retaining walls,

tear out & replace. Dirt work. Freeestimates. (817)395-2321.

GRAVEL DRIVEWAYSK's Hauling & Services. Watererosion problems, culverts, dirt-work, house-pads, materials hauled.In business over 30-years. Creditcards accepted. Kevin, (940)627-4550.

FOR YOUR WELDING NEEDScall (817)938-0766 or (806)466-4505. 1 mile north of Leeper CreekBBQ, Highway 287, Decatur.

MR. SWEEPSChimney Cleaning Service. Chim-ney caps, dryer vent cleaning, fire-place repairs. Winter special, basicclean/inspect, $75 for Wise Countyresidents. Call (817)692-5624.

Business

COMPLETE TREE & LAWNservice. Text or call for free estim-ate with no obligation. Our priceswon't stump you. (940)229-4997.

Let Me Fix It

AFFORDABLE R U READYHandyman. Top quality professionalwork, without the professional price.Free estimates. James D. Brown,(940)210-0985.

ALL TRADES HANDYMANand remodeling services. No job istoo small. Call Mike at Tune's Con-struction (940)255-5635.

FREE ESTIMATESResidential & commercial. Roofing,siding, windows, gutters, fencing.Call Keith, (817)913-6296. BBB A+rating. Locally owned/operated.TOTAL FOUNDATION REPAIR

Pier/beam, slab homes, home level-ing, skirting & remodeling, stonework, metal roof. Free estimates.Call Jesus, (940)399-9947.

FARM AND RANCH

• Farm Equipment • Fencing • Lawn & Garden • Livestock • Livestock Care/Training • Livestock Lost & Found • Livestock Stud Service • Livestock Supplies • Miscellaneous • Mowing • Pasture & Feed • Poultry

Fencing

3D FARM & RANCH SERVICESAll types fencing, metal buildings,carports, custom gates, entrances,cattle guards, mobile & shop weld-ing, general clean-up, skid steerwork. YOU NAME IT, WE DO IT!!Credit cards accepted. (940)210-1242. Tx3dranch.com.

AFFORDABLE FENCINGAl l types, inc ludingchain link, wood pri-vacy, vinyl, farm fen-cing. Installation or re-pair. (940)626-9290.

www.affordablefencing.netBOBBY'S FENCE

All types fencing. Free estimates.Ove r 25 yea rs ' expe r i ence .(817 )444 -3213 .

Livestock

REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS20-22 months old, virgin, will test,delivery within 40 miles, $1,800-$2,300. (940)389-5323.REGISTERED BLACK BRANGUSbulls for sale. Call Truitt Hodges,(940)393-5830.

CASH PAID FOR HORSESmules & donkeys, any kind. Pick upavailable. Call John Capehart at(903)603-4906.

Livestock Care & Training

RED RIVERHORSESHOEING

30 years' experience,certified. Reasonablerates. Wise & sur-

rounding counties. Steve Sewell,(940)366-1485.

Livestock Stud Service

BULLSHave small herd tobreed? Don't want tobuy bull? Quality BlackB rangus bu l l s f o r

lease . T r i ch . / fe r t i l i t y tes ted .(940)393-9665 .

Livestock Supplies

Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip II tocontrol fleas, tick, manage mites,stable flies & mosquitos where theybreed. At Tractor Supply. (ken-nelvax.com).

Mowing

www.cutandgrow.com

Residential & CommercialLandscape

Maintenance

ALL Landscape Services:Licensed Sprinkler Install & RepairRock Masonry WorkOutdoor Kitchen CountersLandscape Upgrade and DesignTree TrimmingSpring & Fall Clean UpBrush Clearing

BUSH HOGSmall acreage, mesquite and cedarremoval, skid steer services, sheddemo and moving. (940)399-9616.

Pasture & Feed

*COASTAL HAY*Large round bales, heavily fertilized& herbicided. Near Alvord, will load.(940)872-2197.

ACREAGE SERVICESSpraying, fer t i l iz ing, seeding.Tommy (940)390-3130.

COASTAL AND TIFTONBermuda, 4x5 bales for sale. R EFlorida III, Greenwood, (940)399-7410.

COASTAL HAYFertilized & weed killed. $30 &$40/bale. 10 miles north of Decatur.(817)233-3334.

CUSTOM ROUND BALINGCall (940)389-6407 or (940)577-5202.

MIX 30 LIQUID FEEDhay for sale & liquid fer-t i l i z e r . C u s t o mround/square baling,mowing/plowing, graindrill, gardens tilled. Hay

hauling. (940)393-9616.

FERTILIZED SQUARE BALESCoastal. No weeds/stickers. 1-25,$7 each, 25-50, $6.50 each, 50-100,$6 each. 176 CR4680, Boyd.(940)433-2633.

FRESH COASTAL HAYHorse quality, fertilized & herbicided,4x5 bales, $50/1st cutting; $45/2ndcutting. Stored indoors. By appoint-men t o n l y , ( 8 1 7 ) 6 29 - 6 026 ,( 8 17 ) 2 21 - 3 320 , Bo yd .

HAY FOR SALERound & square bales, coastal. De-livery available. (940)389-6407.

ROUND BALESfo r sa le . Buy 10 , $25 /each .(940)627-2638.

PETS

• Pets • Pets Lost & Found • Pet Care/Training • Pet Stud Services

Pets

!!ATTENTION!!We suggest that our readers thor-oughly investigate any advertiserbefore investing any money.

ALL AROUND WISE • A PART OF THE WISE COUNTY MESSENGER Decatur, Texas, Wednesday, January 3, 2018 7

SERVICES FARM AND RANCHEMPLOYMENT

NEWBUICKS

CADILLACSCHEVROLETS

GMCS • ISUZUSHYUNDAIS

PRE-OWNED

¡Te Asisto Con Carros Nuevos Y Usados! 512-956-3151

DELGADORICKY

Need help with historical family research?Wise County Messenger back issues are available from 1880 through today at the Wise County Heritage Museum, 1602 South Trinity in Decatur.Open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.Or visit www.wisehistory.com

Pets

POODLE PUPSTaking deposits. [email protected]. Toys andminis. Facebook: Silk Poodles.(817)636-2826.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

• Appliances • Clothing/Jewelry • Furniture• Garage Sales • Firewood • Miscellaneous • Auctions

Garage sales

!!ATTENTION!!Garage sale ads must be called inBEFORE NOON MONDAY to run inthe All Around Wise/Wednesdayedition. We offer Update Gold, clas-sifieds on the front of Thursday'sUpdate, for an additional $5. We donot run garage sales the weekendbefore the sale.

Boyd, FM 730 South, follow signs to122 PR4750, every Fri.-Sat., start-ing Jan. 5-6, 9a.m.4-p.m. Indoor es-tate sale. Cash only.

Garage sales

IT’S A NEW YEARWITH NEW TREASURESSO GET RID OF THE OLD!

GARAGE SALESPECIAL!JANUARY NO FRILLS

(940) 627-5987

CALL BEFORE NOON MONDAY TO PLACE YOUR AD!

ONLY $10

JUST THE BASICS:TOWN, ADDRESS, DAYS/DATESNote: Regular classified pricing applies to list detailed directions and/or items. $20 for the 1st 20 words plus $1/word over 20.

WISE COUNTY MESSENGER

Firewood

FIREWOOD FOR SALESeasoned oak firewood, pecan andmesquite cooking wood. Deliveryavailable. (940)389-6407.

Miscellaneous

ROAD BASE DELIVEREDAlso, top soil, select fill, sand andred clay. Wise & surroundingcounties. (817)897-6785.

TRANSPORTATION

• Boats • Cars • Recreational Vehicles • Trucks • Accessories • Trailers • Wanted to Buy

Trailers

BEST OFFER2010, 32' 5th wheel. 2015, 40' dualtandem gooseneck. 2006, 48' flatbed. First State Bank, Chico,(940)644-2218.

NOTICES

• Legal Notices • Public Notices

Alcohol Permits

Application has beenmade with the Texas Alco-holic Beverage Commis-sion for a Mixed BeverageRestaurant Permit with aFood and Beverage Certi-ficate by Frilly's BBQ, dbaFrilly's BBQ Smokehouselocated at 401 N. Loop US81/287, Decatur , WiseCounty, TX.Officers of said Partner-

ship are Luis Alonso Sanc-hez; Ruth Sanchez.

Bids & Proposals

INVITATION TO BIDWise County is accepting formal

sealed bids for the following:SUV XL

Sealed bids will be accepted inthe Wise County Asset Control Of-fice at 400 W Walnut, or P.O. Box952 Decatur, TX 76234 by Diana Al-len, Asset Control Specialist, until10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 11,2018. Specifications and bid formsmay be obtained by contacting theWise County Asset Control Office at940-627-3312. Bids will be publiclyopened and read at 10:00 a.m.,Thursday, January 11, 2018 in theWise County Asset Control Office at400 W Walnut, Decatur, TX. TheCommissioners ҋ Court of WiseCounty will consider bids for awardat the next regularly scheduledCommissionersҋ Court at the loca-tion posted on the agenda. WiseCounty reserves the right to acceptand/or reject any and all bids for anyreason whatsoever.

I had been searching for a boat forever untilI found

the right boat online at

www.wcmessenger.com/class

The right place to buy and sell just about anything...

including boats!


PETS MERCHANDISE FOR SALE NOTICES


Your health and well-being as a woman are our concern. Our emphasis is on making you feel comfortable, confi dent and reassured.

Call today to schedule your next appointment.

940-627-42162451 S. FM 51, SUITE 300 • DECATUR

Who should you trust with your OB/GYN care?

Decatur Women’s Health Centeroffers a full range of obstetrical and gynecological

care for women at every stage of life.

(Left to Right) Brittany Smith, Melissa Bradley, Dr. Douglas Kyle, Kim Mote

“Friendly, professional and confi dential.”

MOVIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!! CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR MOVIE TIMES!

940-627-5522DETAILS ON FACEBOOK AND WEBSITEwww.plazacinema4.com

PLAZA CINEMA IV920 W. Thompson, Decatur

NOW SHOWINGINSIDIOUS: THE LAST KEY PG-13 JAN. 4 • 7 P.M.

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI PG-13

FERDINAND PG

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE PG-13

PITCH PERFECT 3 PG-13

FOOD CAN DRIVE FOR WARM BRING 2 CANS OF FOOD AND RECEIVE A SMALL POPCORN

CHRISTMAS HOURS: NOW - JAN 8

HAPPY NEW YEAR

GMCBUICKCHEVYHYUNDAI

DANE SHELTON:Determined toMeet Your NEW Meet Your NEW and PRE-OWNEDand PRE-OWNEDVehicle Needs.Vehicle Needs.

DANE [email protected] 940-627-2177

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE!

www.wcmessenger.com/

subscribe

Subscribe today! One Year In-County ................. $37! One Year Out-of-County .......... $43! One Year Out-of-State ............. $49

! Two Year In-County ................. $70! Two Year Out-of-County .......... $80! Two Year Out-of-State ............. $90

Name:________________________

Address:______________________

_____________________________

City:_________________________

State:_________ Zip Code:_______

Clip and mail to:Wise County Messenger

P.O. Box 149 • 115 South Trinity Decatur, Texas 76234

and get the rest of the story.

JUST JUST LIKE LIKE NEWNEW

Starting January 2018TUESDAY - FRIDAY 10 am - 6 pm

SATURDAY 10 am - 4 pmNew Consignment Hours

Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 5 pmSaturday by appointment only

802 W. MAIN ST. • DECATUR

NEW YEAR NEW HOURS

Continued from page 4a.m. every Wednesday. Children participate in learning activities, includ-ing songs. STEAM meets 4 to 5 p.m. every second Tuesday to conduct vari-ous science and technol-ogy experiments. Call 817-636-2767.

WISE COUNTYSEEKING VOLUNTEERS — Solaris Hospice needs vol-unteers. Those who choose to participate will undergo

a background check, drug screening and TB testing. Training is provided. Con-tact Director of Volunteer Services Caitlyn Littlejohn at [email protected] or 940-627-1001. solarisfamily.com

RED CROSS VOLUN-TEERS — The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to serve on the Local Disaster Action Team to respond to local

disasters such as house fires and tornadoes. Call Melvin Castleberry, 940-210-4908.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — Wise County Commit-tee on Aging is seeking volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors in Wise County. A valid driver’s license is required, and a background check will be performed. Call 940-627-5329 or stop

by 300 N. Trinity St., Suite A, in Decatur.

FLAG RETIREMENT — There is a box at the Para-dise Veterans Memorial Park designed for people to drop off unserviceable fl ags to be properly col-lected and retired by BSA Troop 194 of Bridgeport. It will take all Texas and United States fl ags, as well as other state and country fl ags.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONSCrossword Solution Sudoku Solution – Beginner Sudoku Solution – Intermediate

NEWS BRIEFS

Toyota ShareLunker Program announces 2018 season changesFor more than 30 years,

the Texas Parks and Wild-life Department’s (TPWD) Toyota ShareLunker Pro-gram has partnered with anglers to enhance bass fi shing in Texas.

This year the program launched Jan. 1 with a new, year-round season and more opportunities for anglers to participate and be rec-ognized for contributions. The program also has a new logo and look that conveys the excitement of catching a lunker bass.

“Angler recognition contin-ues to be a primary goal of the Toyota ShareLunker pro-gram,” said Kyle Brookshear, Toyota ShareLunker pro-gram coordinator. “This year for the fi rst time ever anglers who catch a largemouth bass 8 pounds or larger can par-ticipate simply by providing important catch information for us to use to improve bass fi sheries science.

“We will be recognizing and rewarding these anglers as well as those anglers who loan their lunker bass weighing 13 pound or greater to our breeding pro-gram during the spawning season,” he said.

The four new levels of achievement are:Q� Lunker Legacy Class: Every angler who loans a 13-pound or larger bass to the Toyota ShareLunker program during the spawn-ing period Jan. 1 to March 31 will join the prestigious Lunker Legacy Class. These valuable fi sh are an integral piece of the Toyota Share-Lunker selective breeding and stocking program, and anglers will be eligible for an exciting prize package commensurate with the importance of sharing their lunker.

Each Lunker Legacy Class angler will receive a Toyota ShareLunker Catch Kit containing branded mer-chandise and fi shing tackle items, a 13-pound-plus Legacy decal, VIP access to awards programming at the

Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest, a replica of their fi sh, and an entry into the year-end ShareLunker Prize Drawing to win a $5,000 shopping spree and an annual fi shing license.

These anglers will also be entered into the Legacy Class Prize Drawing for a $5,000 shopping spree and an annual fi shing license at the end of the spawning period March 31. Additional prizes may be included in both of these prize draw-ings prior to their entry deadlines.Q Lunker Legend Class: Anglers who enter a 13-pound or larger large-mouth bass Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 will become a part of the Lunker Legend Class. These anglers will receive a Toyota ShareLunker Catch Kit containing branded mer-chandise and fi shing tackle items, a 13-pound-plus decal to display their achieve-ment, a replica of their fi sh, and an entry into the year-end ShareLunker Prize Drawing for a $5,000 shop-ping spree and an annual fi shing license. Additional prizes may be included in the prize drawing prior to its entry deadline.Q� Lunker Elite Class: Anglers catching double-digit largemouth bass 10 to 12.99 pounds Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 will become a part of the Lunker Elite Class. These anglers will receive a Toyota ShareLunker Catch Kit containing branded mer-chandise and fi shing tackle items, a 10-pound-plus decal to display their achieve-ment, and an entry into the year-end ShareLunker Prize Drawing for a $5,000 shop-ping spree and an annual fi shing license. Additional prizes may be included in the prize drawing prior to its entry deadline.Q� Lunker Class: Anglers entering largemouth bass at least 8 pounds or 24 inches Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 will be recognized at the Lunker Class level. These anglers will

receive a Toyota ShareLunker Catch Kit containing branded merchandise and fi shing tackle items, an 8-pound-plus decal to display their achieve-ment, and an entry into the year-end ShareLunker Prize Drawing for a $5,000 shop-ping spree and an annual fi shing license. Additional prizes may be included in the prize drawing prior to its entry deadline.

A new logo and new tagline, “Bigger Better Bass,” highlight the brand-ing changes to the pro-gram, which also includes new Toyota ShareLunker branded merchandise for prizes, updated marketing materials and a new web-site and mobile application to make it easy to enter your catch in the program and keep up with the latest ShareLunker news

Starting Jan. 1, anglers are now able to quickly enter their catch on their smart-phone using the new Toyota ShareLunker mobile appli-cation, which is available for free download in the iTunes app store and on Google play or online on the new Toyota ShareLunker website, texas-sharelunker.com.

The digital entry forms will allow anglers to easily submit photos of the fi sh being properly measured, weighed and held.

In addition to providing information and photos of their fi sh, anglers will also be able to provide a genetic sample of their largemouth bass by collecting and send-ing fi sh scales to TPWD using simple instructions from the app and website. These data will help fi sher-ies biologists evaluate the impact of the ShareLunker breeding and stocking pro-gram in the gene pool.

“Monitoring the impact of ShareLunker stockings is critical to evaluating the success of the program,” Brookshear said. “That’s why the citizen scientist piece is so important. We need anglers to help us bet-

ter understand the popula-tions of our biggest bass in Texas, and we are excited to offer exciting prizes in exchange for providing us with the information and genetic material from their lunker catches.”

Hatcheries staff will also attempt to spawn all eligible ShareLunkers 13 pounds or larger donated between Jan. 1 and March 31. Offspring of female genetic inter-grades will be combined and stocked back to the source locations for all Share-Lunker entries for the year, and genetically pure off-spring will be maintained at the Texas Freshwater Fish-eries Center in Athens and eventually distributed to all TPWD production hatcher-ies to be used as brood stock for statewide largemouth bass stockings.

“Our goal is for all hatch-ery-held Florida largemouth bass brood stock to eventu-ally be the descendants of ShareLunkers,” Brookshear said. “Increasing the per-centage of ShareLunker off-spring being introduced into Texas waters is an impor-tant part of increasing the lunker genetic potential in the state.

“We are incredibly grate-ful for anglers who choose to loan us these valuable fi sh, and we are looking forward to continuing our efforts to make Texas fi shing bigger and better with the selec-tive breeding program.”

For program updates, photos and to keep up with Texas lunker catches, join the ShareLunker commu-nity online at www.facebook.com/sharelunkerprogram/.

The Toyota ShareLunker Program is made possible by a grant to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foun-dation from Gulf States Toyota. Toyota is a longtime supporter of the Foundation and Texas Parks and Wild-life Department, providing major funding for a wide variety of education, fi sh, parks and wildlife projects.


Renew your Subscription or Start a New In-County Subscription for Only

That’s ALL of 2018 for only $20.18!Get all of 2018’s News, Sports, Community Events, Lifestyle, Business and MORE for only $20.18! Hurry! This is a Limited Time Offer!

________________________________________________________________Your Name

________________________________________________________________Address

________________________________________________________________City State Zip

________________________________________________________________E-mail Address

________________________________________________________________Credit Card Number

________________________________________________________________Expiration Date CC Code on Back

❑ Master Card ❑ Visa ❑ American Express ❑ Discover

________________________________________________________________YOUR Digital Subscription Username

________________________________________________________________YOUR Digital Subscription Password

PO Box 149 • 115 South Trinity • Decatur, TX 76234940-627-5987 • wcmessenger.com/subscribe

❑ 1 Year In-County + Digital Subscription $20.18

❑ 2 Year In-County + Digital Subscription $40.36

Thanks for subscribing to the

WISE COUNTY MESSENGER

wc.edu

This edition of the Wise County Messenger Digital Subscription is brought to you by

wcmess.com/lowesgrocery

wcmess.com/brookshires

Be sure to check out Specials or Websites

from these Advertisers in this Midweek’s Wise

County Messenger...

wcmess.com/freds

wcmess.com/dollarwcmess.com/onedaydentures

DENTURES& DENTAL

01-03-2018 Midweek copy.indd

Documents