How the Wise County Messenger uses the Web for news, advertising

LiveBlogging/TwitterDuring the 2008 Football Season, one of our most popular In 2009, the Bridgeport Sissies went to regionals for pages on the website was our Friday Night Results, which Basketball. Again, we sold a Blog-style page to a local included scores and stories from each game that week. hospital that included stories, photo slideshows and Video, This year we went a bit further, adding LiveBlogging via plus LiveBlogging via Twitter.Twitter to the page. The LiveBlogging was even studied www.wcmessenger.com/sissiesby the opposing team the week before the playoffs to determine Bridgeport’s strategy.www.wcmessenger.com/footballIn 2008, the Bridgeport Bulls went to state for Football. We sold a Blog-style page to a local bank that included all the stories we’ve run on the Bulls throughout the season, as well as photo slideshows and Video, plus LiveBlogging via Twitter.www.wcmessenger.com/bullsSample Bridgeport Sissies TweetsBreaking NewsOn Wednesday, January 21, 2009, a tragic car wreck took the life of a local high school student. Since the paper had already been published for that day, and instead of waiting for the following Sunday edition, we opted to break the story on the web. In addition to posting it in our daily Update as breaking news, we were also able to get the whole story posted quickly; the page then continued to grow over the next few days, including photos of student reactions, a candelight vigil, reader submitted photos and letters to the editor, and countless comments from the friends and the community. To this day, the page has had more than 9,300 visitors.www.wcmessenger.com/luntReader submitted photos.Reader comments.Letter to the Editor from the high school principal.A special video presentation of student reactions at the candlelight vigil.Photos of student reactions.Photos of student reactions.Social Networking SitesSocial Networking websites like Facebook and MySpace During the spring of 2008, a series of wildfires devastated are all the rage these days; they can help spread stories, the city of Paradise. Within the next two hours, we had photos and videos across the web faster than any search video footage up on our website, but at a price: the number engine. Our Facebook page drops in RSS Feeds from our of viewers vs. the number of video streams our webserver daily Update, News Headlines and Sports Headlines, as could dish out had been exceeded, crashing our website. well as video links to our YouTube channel and tagged We’ve since learned that posting the video to YouTube and photos from our print edition. We now have over 200 people utilizing their servers and bandwidth was the only way to following us on Facebook.successfully deliver these videos to our audience, as well Facebook page: www.my-wise.comas managing to have these videos spread, or “go viral,” to other parts of the internet.YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/wcmessengerPrint-to-Web: Other Advertising StreamsHoliday SpecialsWise Dining GuideOne successful Newspaper-to-Web promotion we had was Similar to the Holiday Specials promotion, the Wise Dining a series of ads geared to holiday shoppers. In addition to Guide offered print ads AND space on the web; advertisers their ad running in our paid print edition, it was also carried could either link to their own websites, or, if they didn’t on to the web and promoted with a series of sidebar ads have a website, we would scan in their menu and host it throughout our website. The viewer could then click on the ourselves as part of the promotion.advertiser they were interested in to see what their weekly www.wcmessenger.com/diningspecials were.www.wcmessenger.com/holidayChurch and Business DirectoriesRather than simply adding for-profit businesses on our Related Links page (www.wcmessenger.com/related), we opted to create online directories that would cost advertisers only pennies a day.Church Directory: www.wcmessenger.com/churchBusiness Directory: www.wcmessenger.com/businessdirectoryUpdate & Breaking NewsWIS UE FRIDAY,CFEBRUARY 6,OUNTY2009MESSENGERpdate WWW.WCMESSENGER.COM DECATUR, TEXAS VOL. 35 - NO. 26DECATUR VS BRIDGEPORT— All Eagle fans are invited to Pack the House tonight at the Decatur High School gym for the Decatur versus Bridgeport district basketball games. There will be a short ceremony between the boys’ and girls’ games where the All of 2008 DHS girls cross country team will receive its state championship rings. There will also be an auction and donation buckets passed around to help benefi t the family of Your Chelsea Lunt. Also a four-wheeler raffl e will be held during the fi nal game of the night, while the evening will get started with a hamburger dinner at 5 p.m. Games start at Business 4 p.m. Visitors need to park in the lot on the south end of the high school. Instead of entering from 730 South, the upper level parking area can be reached off Business Insurance 81/287 South, immediately south of Carson Elementary School. Handicapped parking is available and is easily accessible to the gym. NeedsSOFTBALL SIGN-UPS — Chico girls’ softball sign-ups are from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Chico Elementary. Ages 5 to 14 can participate. MOVIE NIGHT — The Bridgeport Main Street and Parks and Recreation Department presents “Beauty and the Beast” at Saturday’s Bridgeport Box Offi ce. Doors at the Bridgeport Stage, 1009 Halsell St., will open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie will start at www.sbcinsurance.net7. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Tickets may be picked up at city hall and 940-627-8888 • Decaturselect downtown merchants. For more information, call (940) 683-3480 or visit www.cityofbridgeport.net/parks&rec.Serving Wise County for over 100 YearsPANCAKE BREAKFAST — The Rhome Volunteer Fire Department will have a $5 all you can eat pancake breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Saturday at the Rhome Community Center. For information call Kay Spivey at (817) 696-6748. All proceeds benefi t the fi re department. If cost is a concern, UMPIRES NEEDED — Umpires are needed for Wise County girls softball games, March we ask that you compare.through June. All prospects must take a class to get certifi ed. Call Mike Maxson at (940) 577-1297 for more information. DECATUR • 940-627-5959CHICO 4H — The Chico 4H Club meets at 3 p.m. Sunday in the Chico Elementary cafeteria. Bring bingo gifts and be prepared to enter the youth fair.FUNERALS — Service for Arvil Sisk, 59, of Alvord is 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church BRIDGEPORT • 940-683-2211in Alvord with burial in Alvord Cemetery. FUNERAL for Bernhart “Bud” Forbau, 87, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. GRAVESIDE service for Doris Hixson, 91, formerly of Decatur is 11 BOYD • 940-433-5310a.m. Saturday at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation at 10 a.m. Saturday prior to the www.hawkinsfuneralhome.comservice. Coker-Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling all three services. IGA FoodlinerWe have been here since 1890...Let Our Legend Be Prices Good Thru March 17, 2009And we’ll be here tomorrow.Your Legacy.Bar-S Bacon Store Selected Varieties, 2.1-12 oz. . . . . . . . . . . . Limit 4 TotalBuy 1 Get 1 FREEIn today’s unstable world of Roma Tomatoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68¢/lb.Real Estate & Mortgages, let us be your solid ground by keeping Hormel Chili No Beans, 19 oz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limit 3 Total with $10 or More Additional Purchase. 98¢your interest fi rst.Limit 2 Total1706 FM 51 S, DecaturSpring! Water 24 pack, half liter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 for $6940-627-1553Let us exceed your expectations Minute Maid Orange Juice Assorted Varieties, 64 oz. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 for $4www.legend-bank.comwhile we fi nance your dream FM 51 South, Decatur - 940-627-6438 • 1501 Halsell, Bridgeport - 940-683-4006home.200 W. Rock Island Ave., Boyd - 940-433-2325Call 940-627-1553 for terms and restrictionsCHECK WITH US FOR PRINT AND ONLINE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES • 940-627-5987Our daily Update is a great way to get local news out to our community Monday through Friday in both print and web, but what about Saturdays and Sundays? One weekend in February saw our Update evolve from the print product (above) to a long list of breaking news and photos on the web (screenshots at right). Below is a sample “Simple-Click” email alert for breaking news that we send out to more than 1,100 email subscribers.www.wcmessenger.com/update VOLUME 129 - NO. 8 SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2009 DECATUR, TEXAS 22 PAGES IN TWO SECTIONS PLUS INSERTS 75¢INSIDE ...CHELSEA ANN LUNT 1992-2009She just brought out HOUSE FIREA mobile home in Paradise was destroyed by fire Friday afternoon.the best in all of us.See story, page 2AVanessa VerelaINSIDE ...Chelsea’s teammatesenior, Decatur High SchoolGRASS FIRESArea fire departments were kept busy Thursday responding to numerous grass fires, including one that destroyed an unoccupied home and two vehicles.See story, page 3AUNITING EXPERIENCEEditorial graphic artist Keri Pritchard Willerton got close, in more ways than one, to a few million fellow Americans at Tuesday’s presidential inauguration.See story, page 4AAREA DEATHS AND FUNERALSM. NEIL PUGSLEYDecaturTHOMAS ‘T.A.’ MOSSDecaturCHELSEA LUNTRhomeSHIRLEY FORTENBERRYEdmond, Okla.Messenger photo by Joe DutySee pages 10A and 12ASILENTLY MOURNING — A group of young people bow their heads in prayer at a vigil for Chelsea Lunt Wednesday night at Victor y Family Church in Decatur. More than 100 friends and family members showed up to grieve and show their suppor t for Chelsea’s family. WEATHER...SATURDAYSUNDAYFriends recall Lunt’s Texting is apparent Clouds and sun; Partly sunny and breezy, much coldermildersense of humorcause of teen’s wreck44°28°56°43°MONDAYTUESDAYBy TRAVIS MEASLEYBy ROBERT MORGANWAURIKACloudyMostly cloudy, a Not a single ARDMORE40/31sound was heard Wednesday night as more A popular student-athlete from Decatur High School 40/26shower possiblethan 100 students, friends and family members gathered for was killed early Wednesday while driving to school, leav-DURANT54°36°39°31° WICHITA FALLSa vigil in the youth room o40/30 f the Victory Family Church in ing her family in shock and a campus grieving the loss of 44/29HENRIETTADecatur to mourn the death of beloved 16-year-old Decatur another student for the second straight year.See page 12A44/29MONT HAigGUE h School sophomore Chelsea Ann Lunt.Sophomore Chelsea Lunt was alone in the vehicle driv-SHERMAN43/31GAINESVILLEARDMOREFriends sto42/32 od up and43/30 spoke, often through tears, sharing ing northbound on U.S. 81/287 just a few hundreds yards BONHAMWAURIKA40/3140/26memories and stories about Che42/29 lsea. The love and support from the FM 730 exit when she lost control of her pickup. thDURANT at fi lled the room almost forced the painful reality of her It fl ipped at least fi ve times on the east side of the road JACKSBOROWICHITA FALLS40/3044/31BRIDGEPORT44/29passDECA inTUR g out the minds of those gathered. She had been taken before coming to a rest near the shoulder of the high-HENRIETTA44/3144/28GREENVILLE44/29GRAHAMtoo soon. DENTONMCKINNEY42/3046/29way.MONTA 44/31GUE44/29SHERMAN43/31GAINESVILLERHOME43/3042/3244/31BONHAM42/29Continued on page 2AContinued on page 9AMINERAL WELLS44/31JACKSBOROFORT WORTHDALLAS44/31BRIDGEPORT44/33DECATUR44/3244/31WEATHERFORD44/28GREENVILLEPALO PINTODENTON 44/30MCKINNEY42/30GRAHAM46/3246/29KAUFMAN44/3144/2944/32RHOME44/31WAXAHACHIECLEBURNESTEPHENVILLE48/33MINERAL WELLSGLEN ROSE49/31CHICO48/3044/3148/31FORT WORTHDALLAS44/3344/32CORSICANAWEATHERFORDATHENS48/34PALO PINTO44/3047/3546/32KAUFMAN44/32INDEXWAXAHACHIECLEBURNE FCOMANCHE50/31ormer jail emploMERIDIANHILLSBORO50/3148/33yee is back behind barsSTEPHENVILLE48/33News Briefs ..... 3AClassifi eds .........4GLEN BROSE49/3148/30FAIRFIELD48/31 Shown is Saturday’s weather. Opinion ........... 4AWise Business ....11A50/34Temperatures are Saturday’s highs and WACOSaturday night’s lows.CORSICANALifestyle .............6ASports .........1B-3BA48/34ByTHENS47/35 BR52/37 IAN KNOXJones was arrested Tuesday on drug, Walker said he began to get reports that MERIDIANweapon, theft and parole violation charg-Tony Jones was “slipping back into the COMANCHEHILLSBORO50/3150/3148/33Chico resident Tony Jones, 44, is famil-es. His wife, Vonda Jones, and their two narcotics world” and offi cers began a two-Fiar AIRFIELDwith the Wise County Jail – he helped sons, Justin, 21, and Kevin Jones, 20, have month investigation. It was through that Shown is Saturday’s weather. 50/34Temperatures are Saturday’s highs and WACObuild it as a trusty inmate. After he was also been arrested on drug charges.investigation that seven people were ar-Saturday night’s lows.52/37released, Jones was even given a job as a Wise County Sheriff David Walker said rested Jan. 15 at Tony Jones’ home at 380 jail maintenance employee.Tony Jones “did a good job” as a trusty County Road 1643 near Chico. The family Wise County MessengerP.O. Box 149Today, Jones is once again in jail – as inmate, so much so that Walker decided was not at home when offi cers executed a 115 South Trinityan inmate. He is joined by three family to offer him a job as a jail maintenance Decatur, Texas 76234members.worker after his release in 2006.Continued on page 5Awww.wcmessenger.comTONY JONES2A WISE COUNTY MESSENGER, Decatur, Texas, Sunday, January 25, 2009fromfromMy candle burns CHELSEA ANN LUNT 1992-2009WISE toWISE to at both ends;WAW SA HS IH NI GN TG OT NOIt will not last A A n en we w b lb ol go g f of lo ll ol wo iw ni gn g t ht eh e the night;PrP er se is di ed ne tn it ai la l I nI an ua gu ug ru ar ta it oi noBut ah, my foes, and www ww .w w. cw mc em se ss es ne gn eg re .r c. oc mo /mblb ol go sg /s w/ aw sa hs ih ni gn tg ot no oh, my friends –It gives a lovely light!“First Fig”Edna St. Vincent MillayReader comments from WCMessenger.com...“This is a tragic loss and our family is in prayer. According to the book of Phil MajorMatthew - God comforts those who mourn. May His love and peace give you President & Publisherstrength at this terrible time. Chelsea P.O. Box 149may you be playing the best volleyball 115 S. Trinitygame of all in heaven!”Decatur, TX 76234Randy, Bea, Katelyn 940-627-5987and Hannah McWilliamsFax 940-627-1004www.wcmessenger.com“Chelsea was a great friend; one who news@wcmessenger.comyou always knew when she was around. She would always see me from across the way and come running up with this cute, little suspicious look on her face, as if to say, ‘How come you didn’t come give me a hug just now?!’”Colin McInerneyMessenger photo by Joe DutyFriends of Chelsea Lunt place a cross and a memorial at the site of Wednesday’s crash that claimed the life of the Decatur “I played with Chelsea on a club vol-leyball team last year. I don’t think I High School sophomore. Pictured from left, Ricky Delgato and Katland Lillis hold up the cross and photo of Lunt while Margie have ever met a more amazing person. Manetta and Carlos Infante place the memorials. Ashley Townley is consoled by her mother, Carole, after being interviewed Just walking into the room, she put a by television reporters.Robert MorganTeresa MayberrySports EditorReceptionistsmile on your face. We started getting pretty close, and it hurts me to know that we didn’t hang out often. I miss her Mark Jordanso much. Chelsea’s family is always in Vice President/my prayers. I love you Chels.”Friends recall Lunt’s sense of humor ...Baillie NickelGeneral ManagerContinued from 1Ain the playoffs,” Verela said. “We were all and contagious personality. She will al-Ken Roselle“To the family and friends of Chelsea, it bummed, and so was Chelsea, but with-ways hold a special place in my heart, and Vice Presidenthas been a very diffi cult day and all of Chelsea’s death in an early-morning in minutes she had me bursting at the each day as I pass by the volleyball locker us are hurting and feeling the pain of a lost loved one. Just hold tight to the car accident Wednesday rocked the entire seams with laughter over some silly voice room, I will forever remember those spar-EDITORIALfact that we all have been so blessed city of Decatur. Friends and family mem-or face she was making. She just brought kling blue eyes and big bright smile.” Brian Knoxto have had Chelsea on this earth for bers shook their heads in disbelief when out the best in all of us.”Chelsea was a phenomenal athlete, ex-Editor16 years.”Belinda Shermantold the news.Chelsea not only had a positive infl u-celling in track as well as volleyball. As a Denny Deady“I was sitting in English when a friend ence on her friends, but also on her coach-freshman last spring, she was one of the Special Projects Manager“I am unable to put into words how came up to me and asked if I had heard es and teachers. Decatur High School top athletes on the track and fi eld team sorry I am. My heart weeps for you and Robert MorganJoey both - I don’t know if you realize about Chelsea,” said senior Vanessa volleyball coach Claire Rose said she had where she competed in triple jump, 100-Sports Editoryour whole family is mourning with you, Verela, who played meter hurdles and 300 Kristen Tribealthough we are far away. “varsity volleyball hurdles. She fi nished Christine, Dave, Assistant EditorWilliam and the girlswith Chelsea. “I had fourth overall in the 100 Mandy Bourgeoisno idea what he was hurdles and was just one Travis Measley“I met Chelsea a little over a year ago. I talking about, and spot shy of advancing to remember meeting her at a basketball Mack Thweattgame vs. Bridgeport in Decatur. When when he said she the regional fi nals in her Keri Pritchard-Willertonyou’re around her you can’t help but passed away, my fi rst year of high school.Graphic Artistfeeling her vibrant energy. She always brain refused to be-“The fact that she Joe Dutymade everyone around her feel good. Ever since then she’s lit up my life and lieve it. It is still hard missed going to regionals Photographerhelped me through a lot of rough times. (a day later) to truly by one place as a fresh-I owe a lot to her.”BUSINESS OFFICEbelieve that I won’t man tells me what kind Chase Martinsee her walk through Kristi BennettPhotos submitted by Laura Craigof hard worker she was,” “I am so sorry for your family’s loss. the door again.”Business ManagerFriends and family members submitted countless photos of Chelsea to the said DHS track coach Chelsea was such a great teammate of Students gathered Messenger Web site, such as the ones above. (Left) Chelsea, second from David Park. “There are Lesa MajorBaillie’s and the other girls. If I had one Teresa Mayberr yword to describe Chelsea it would be at the site of the left, and three friends pose in Arlington at a sand volleyball tournament at kids that ‘do’ sports, and ‘spunky.’ I know she is looking down on crash a few hours the baseball park in July. (Right) Also in July, Chelsea and the other mem-there are kids that ‘love’ CLASSIFIEDSall of us with that beautiful smile she after it occurred to bers of the North Texas Junior volleyball team celebrate their second-place sports. And she loved ev-always had.”Donna BeanDerinda, Steve, and Baillieplace a cross, fl owers finish at an area tournament.ery bit of it.”and pictures in Chelsea’s memory. Tears known Chelsea since her freshman year Students at the high school spent most ADVERTISING“A girl who loved life,streaked down friends’ faces as people and was amazed at the confi dence, love of Wednesday in a daze. Principal Jason Lisa DavisOne who would have made a great wife.Advertising ManagerA girl who always had a good time,exchanged hugs and offered shoulders and support she showed on the court as Cochran said that a strange silence has one’s partner in crime.to lean on. And yet they stayed, bringing well as off.since fallen over the school, that students Lori WhiteShe is in a better place now,pictures and cards, refusing to let the mo-“In the seven years that I have taught walk the halls without uttering a word, Michelle Busheven though we just frown.Denise DennisA girl you wanted as your friend,ment fade away.school and coached volleyball, I have nev-even those that didn’t know Chelsea. because she would be there “We owe it to Chelsea to let everyone er experienced such a tragedy as we have “Everyone has been showing so much PRODUCTIONuntil the end.know how beautiful of a person she was,” this week here at Decatur High School,” respect to Chelsea and what she brought All the memories you recall,Todd A.Griffi tharen’t meant to make you fall.said Carmen Cash, one of Chelsea’s clos-Rose said. “Chelsea was such an intricate to this school,” Cochran said. “She will be Production Manager/WebmasterWhen you’re sitting around crying,est friends. “She was, no, she is, one of my part of the volleyball program, and her greatly missed by each and every one of Andrew Mayjust know she is here fl ying.best friends and my partner in crime. It’s absence has defi nitely made an impact us.”VideographerA girl who always had a smile on her face,diffi cult to put into words the pain we are on the team. As I sat there and listened As the crowd fi led out of the vigil Pierre Mouaone who always won the race.all feeling without her around.”to the team share stories about Chelsea Wednesday night, silence kept its grip Volleyball is her game,SUBSCRIBER SERVICESFriends said what they will miss most in the locker room Wednesday morning, I on the room. Some paused to look at pho-and Chelsea is her name!”Anne UptonIshley Elmoreis the way Chelsea could light up a room felt such love and honesty within the girls tos or write letters to Chelsea’s parents. Manageror conversation with a joke, a silly voice and the yearning to see their friend and Some stopped to hug friends and family, or just a smile. Verela said she will never teammate one last time.and some just stared, wide-eyed, as if lost Lowell BurkettView more reader comments Roger Weberand submitted photos, photos forget times spent with Chelsea in situa-“I have watched her grow and mature in the crowd. But as each person exited, Jim Millerfrom the candlelight vigil, tions as simple as riding a bus back home into a fi ne young lady,” Rose said. “I saw leaving behind the photos, letters and Wesley Robinsonand a special video of friends after volleyball games and the way Chel-changes in her that were remarkable tears, they all did one thing – remember.remembering Chelsea Ann sea could turn a heartbreaking loss into and a talent that couldn’t wait to escape. !OFFICE SUPPLYLunt at www.wcmessenger.something positive.Reminiscing with the team this week, we E-mail Travis at tmeasley@wcmessen-com/lunt.Leisa Gage“I remember riding back from our loss heard story after story of her funny antics ger.com.ManagerTim TerrellJames BradshawCarrie AdkinsSue CarlsonDonna JurosekSubscribe PARADISEShelly StokesIan FitzgeraldOnline.Fire destroys mobile homeSUBSCRIPTIONS$35 a year In-County$40 a year Out-of-County$45 a year Out-of-StateFive fi re departments re-$20 Digital Subscriptionwww.wcmessenger.com/subscribesponded to a structure fi re BURNING FAST www.wcmessenger.com/SUBMIT NEWSFriday afternoon on Stone-— A Cottondale subscribeSubmit News, Sports, Letters to gate Drive just south of Par-fi refi ghter the Editor, Lifestyle, Obituaries and adise off Texas 114.battles fl ames Update items onlinewww.wcmessenger.com/submitFirefi ghters from Paradise, leaping out Karl Green, LLCADVERTISINGRhome, Bridgeport, Decatur of a mobile Repair, Remodel, Some New Contact Lisa Davis, Lori White, and Cottondale battled the home Friday afternoon on Denise Dennis or Michelle Bush at Construction, Mobile Homes, fi re that had completely con-940-627-5987Stonegate Houses, Commercial www.wcmessenger.com/advertisingsumed a double-wide mobile Drive south of Room Additionshome. Offi cers on scene kept Paradise off USPS Publication No. Fencesall civilians at a safe dis-688940Texas 114. Five SkirtingISSN 0746-8679tance due to ammunition depar tments The Wise County Messenger (ISSN 0746-8679) Decksthat was going off inside the – Rhome, is published Thursday and Sunday by Wise County Messenger, Inc., P.O. Box 149, 115 S. Trinity St., Porcheshouse. Cottondale, Decatur, Texas 76234-0149. Periodicals class postage paid at Decatur, Texas. Subscription rates: PaintingAs of 5 p.m. Friday, crews Bridgepor t, one year in Wise County $35, six months $18; one year out of county $40, six months $22; one year Tape, Bed & Texturewere still out monitoring the Decatur and out of state $45, six months $23.An erroneous refl ection upon the character, blaze that destroyed most of Paradise standing or reputation of any fi rm, person or We Do It Allcorporation, which appears in the columns of this the interior of the home and – battled the paper will be corrected upon due notice given to the fl ames for more Give Us a Callpublication at the Messenger offi ce.burned three large holes in than two hours.Postmaster: Send address changes to: Wise County 940-626-4806the roof. The cause of the Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Decatur, Texas 76234-If it’s not on this list call and ask.0149. 940-627-5987. http://www.wcmessenger.fi re is unknown. Messenger photocom. E-mail: news@wcmessenger.com.by Travis Measley© 2008 Wise County MessengerFREE ESTIMATESWis Ue tuesDay,Cmarch 10,ounty2009Messengerpdate www.wcmessenger.com Decatur, texas Vol. 35 - no. 48FIRE DESTROYS HOME — Three fire departments battled a structure fire early Tuesday morning near Bridgeport that destroyed a home and a small truck. The double-wide mobile home at 379 Private Road 3492, about six miles south of Bridgeport, was engulfed in flames when firefighters from Bridgeport first arrived. The homeowners were able to escape without injury but the home was a total loss. Paradise and Lake Bridgeport volunteer fire departments assisted with the blaze. Red Cross was on scene just before 6 a.m. to assist the family. Interim Fire Marshal Chuck Gomez was investigating the cause of the fire when Update went to press.FOOTBALL COACHING CHANGE — The Northwest ISD last night named Bill Patterson as the new head football ClearViewTree Service and Stump Removalcoach at Northwest High School. Patterson replaces Leonard McAngus who requested reassignment last month. • Tree RemovalPatterson is currently head football coach and athletic coordinator at Naaman Forest High School in Garland. He • Stump Grindingwas head football coach and boys athletic coordinator at Canyon High School in Canyon from 1996-1999.• Storm Damage Experts• Chipper ServiceJACKIE FUNDRAISER — A donation lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today at the First United Methodist • Bucket TruckChurch in Decatur to raise money to send Jackie Murphree of Decatur to China for stem cell treatment. The meal FREE ESTIMATESwill include a baked potato and fixings, salad, dessert and a drink. Another meal will be served at the same time (Senior Citizen Discount)and location Thursday with soup, salad, dessert and drink being served. To-go containers will be available.Fully InsuredDON’T BE SCAMMED — Decatur Deputy Fire Chief Deroy Bennett said someone has been calling local residents 940-626-4345asking for donations for the Decatur firefighters. Bennett said the fire department has not approved nor endorsed Toll Free 1-866-606-3224anyone to solicit donations on their behalf and the call is a scam.Most Credit Cards Accepteds rr TMDECATUR PD RECOGNIZED — Decatur Police Dept. was honored Monday by the Decatur City Council as the 11th department in Texas to receive recognition from the Texas Police Chiefs Association for accreditation in the group’s 158-step program of best police practices, implemented in 2005. The council also approved a replat of the Wal-Mart property, creating a separate lot for the Murphy USA gasoline station.SCV MEETING — The Sons of Confederate Veterans meet at 7 tonight at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church in Decatur.RELAY MEETING — A Relay for Life committee meeting is 5:30 tonight at Justice of the Peace Terri Johnson’s courtroom at the sheriff’s department. A team captains’ meeting is at 6:30.Local Paper. CHICO BARBECUE — The Chico High School senior class hosts a barbecue dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the elementary school cafeteria during open house. Cost is $5 a plate and all proceeds benefit Project Graduation. The event also includes silent and live auctions.Local News.OFFICE HOURS CHANGE — Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Terri Johnson’s office is now open through the lunch Loyal Readers.hour (noon to 1 p.m.). “Due to economic hard times we hope these new hours will accommodate those who might otherwise have to take time off in order to take care of court business,” Johnson said. The office will now be closed from 11 a.m.-noon for lunch.LIFEGUARD CLASS — The Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard Class March 13-18. Cost is $175, and you must be at least 15 years of age prior to March 18. For more information, call (940) 683-3480.HEART GALLERY — Assumption Catholic Church is hosting the CASA of Wise County Heart Gallery of North Texas through Friday, March 20. The Heart Gallery is a traveling photo exhibit of children currently available for adoption.SOCIETY MEETING — The Paradise Historical Society meets at 7 tonight at the Paradise United Methodist Church. Speaker will be John Lea of Austin with information on the Adkins-Murphy families.FUNERALS — Service for Charles Luther Brock, 76, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at Coker-Hawkins Funeral Chapel with burial in Oaklawn Cemetery. GRAVESIDE service for Evelyn Walker, 80, of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. Wednesday at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation from 6-8 tonight at Jones Family Funeral Home. SERVICE is SUBSCRIBE!www.wcmessenger.com/subscribepending for Jack Walker, 77, of Decatur at Coker-Hawkins.Wise Be a part of Countythese special sections. .Cal Lori, YSuouth Fpport the Youth of Wisair Michel e, Denise or Lisa at e County! 940-627-5987Youth Fair PreviewYouth Fair ResultsAdv. Deadline: Mar. 10Adv. Deadline: Mar. 31Publication: Mar. 19Publication: Apr. 19check with us for print anD online aDVertising opportunities • 940-627-5987Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired?Weight Loss Surgery can help resolve Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, sleep apnea and other health conditions.Come to one of our educational classes Sat., February 7 at 10 a.m.or a free informational seminar to learn Wise Regional Health Systemmore.Fit-N-Wise Boardroom609 Medical Center Drive • DecaturCall 940-626-4683 or visit MyBariatricSolutions.comfor the date and location of our next event.5 Easy Ways to Start Selling the Web NOW5. Offer “in-line” ads that 4. Offer a print AND web cut into a story. Offer package that links the special packages, like advertisers print ad on click-throughs to the 1. Start an online the web.advertiser’s ad online if directory, like a church 3. 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