DEEP FREEZE CONTINUES – After temperatures dropped below 32 degrees Saturday, temperatures have remained below the freezing mark, and freezing temperatures are expected to remain with us until Wednesday. Today’s high will only top out around 26 degrees with wind chill values between 9 and 19 degrees with an overnight low of 18.
SLIPPERY SUNDAY – Dozens of wrecks were reported Sunday when light precipitation and freezing temperatures created a thin layer of ice on roadways in Wise County. Accidents were reported all over the county, but the worst spots seemed to be on U.S. 81/287 in the Rhome area. Wise County dispatch received dozens of calls regarding vehicle rollovers or drivers sliding off into ditches. At one point Sunday morning, a cattle trailer turned over on U.S. 81/287 north of Farm Road 407, meaning cattle were briefly on the roadway before they could be rounded up. No life-threatening injuries had been reported from the wrecks.
2017 RAINFALL BELOW NORMAL – Last year’s rainfall amount of 31.58 inches was more than 7 inches below the yearly average amount of 38.85 inches. In December, Wise County received 2.4 inches of rain, right at the average for the month. Temperatures in the month ranged from a high of 83 on Dec. 4 to a low of 20 on Dec. 31.
BLOOD DRIVE – A Carter BloodCare blood drive will be held 11:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Friday at Decatur Wal-Mart. Donors will receive a t-shirt and a ticket voucher for a Dallas Mavericks game.
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 Historical Society is selling calendars featuring photos 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.
PERSON OF THE YEAR – Boyd cross country coach Oscar Hernandez has been named the Wise County Messenger’s Person of the Year for 2017, while Bridgeport resident Bryson Boyd, who helped lead a movement opposed to the city’s annexation plan, has been named runner-up. Read more about the winners in the weekend Wise County Messenger still on newsstands today.
FUNERALS – Services for Mildred Joe Trednick, 89, and Willis Knight, 88, both of Decatur are pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
FUNERAL for Sharyn R. Farley, 72, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at Hawkins Chapel in Decatur with burial at Sandhill Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service.
GRAVESIDE service for Margaret Orsak, 78, of Bridgeport is 1 p.m. Thursday at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Dennis V. Walton, 94, of Azle is 11 a.m. Friday at Azle Church of Christ with burial at Azleland Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
MEMORIAL service for Norma Aline Parrish, 81, is 2 p.m. Saturday at Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. She was the mother of Keith Cornell of Decatur. Morrison Funeral Home in Graham is handling arrangements.
