SOLAR ECLIPSE — Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event? A total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, Canada and even Wise County. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Wise County will expereience 99.3 percent coverage, with counties just to the south and east of us in the path of totality (100 percent coverage).
STANDOFF ENDS IN ARREST — The Wise County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man late Saturday night after a standoff near Northstar Parkway and U.S. 287. According to a press release from Chief Deputy Craig Johnson, the sheriff’s office received information from a concerned citizen about a male subject, later identified as 27-year-old Joseph Beverly of Sanger, who was yelling and removing his clothes while holding a knife to his neck near a “jack-knifed” truck and trailer. “As deputies responded the male subject began stabbing a dog and slamming the dog’s head on the ground. The dog sustained multiple stab wounds,” Johnson said in the press release. After several attempts at de-escalation, Beverly barricaded himself inside the vehicle and held the knife to his neck. The WCSO tactical team arrived on scene to assist deputies and took him into custody. Beverly was taken to the Wise County Jail on charges of Cruelty to Non-livestock Animals and Resisting Arrest, Search or Transport. The dog was taken to a veterinarian for emergency care and is expected to make a full recovery, the press release said.
BRIDGEPORT AD RESIGNS — Bridgeport ISD announced Friday that it is searching for a new athletic director/head football coach. Coach JD Martinez submitted his resignation Friday, April 5. He will serve out the remainder of his tenure until his resignation is effective at the end of the school year. In a press release, the district said it is looking to select Martinez’s replacement by the end of April. “Having the opportunity to work with the athletes, coaches, parents, and the entire community of Bridgeport has been an incredible experience,” Martinez said in the press release. “I am grateful for the support and cooperation I have received during my tenure.” After three years of leading the BISD athletic program, Martinez said in the release that he plans to pursue other career opportunities. Martinez compiled a 10-21 record at Bridgeport, reaching the postseason once. Read more online at wcmessenger.com.
SOLAR ECLIPSE PARTY — Decatur Public Library will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party 1-3 p.m. today at Harmon Park. Decatur is expected to see 98.9 percent coverage. Bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and any other outdoor essentials you may need. The library will have food trucks available, giant yard games and solar eclipse science experiments for all ages. Solar glasses are available for DPL patrons at Decatur City Council Chambers, 201 E. Walnut St., while supplies last. Call 940-393-0290.
BASEBALL RESULTS — Decatur (16-7, 5-1) suffered its first district defeat in a 3-2 loss to Krum in the teams’ series finale Friday. James Mahoney went 2-for-4, including a solo home run, while Jed Ross allowed three runs on nine hits with six strikeouts and four walks in six innings. Cler Green, Ephram Dunavant, Carson Green and Nic Lara recorded three RBIs each, as Bridgeport (4-7, 2-4) picked up its second league win by routing Lake Worth, 18-8. Boyd (21-2-1, 8-0) closed out its 10-3A series against Pilot Point Friday with a 21-1 blowout win. Houston McIntire went 3-for-5 and drove in four runs, while Jax Heid and Elijah Webber finished with three RBIs. Eric Rogers allowed just one hit and struck out seven in five innings. The Yellowjackets also claimed a 2-0 non-district win against Jacksboro Saturday behind 11 strikeouts and two allowed hits by Will McIntire. Paradise (15-8) moved to 6-2 in the league standings with a 15-0 shutout against S&S. Braden Wilson allowed two hits and finished with six strikeouts and three walks in four innings, while Briar Whitaker, Cash Watson and Cooper Woodard drove in two runs each. In 10-2A, Alvord (11-5, 7-1) Shut out Nocona 11-0. Troye Baker went 2-for-3, including a 2-RBI triple and a solo home run. Wade Stovall and Blake Davis combined to allow two runs with three strikeouts and one walk in five frames. Chico (5-10, 1-7) picked up its first league win by defeating Saint Jo, 6-5. Zach Schlekewy and Grant Barksdale swung for two RBIs each.
SOFTBALL RESULTS — Decatur (7-15-1) dropped to 4-2 in District 8-4A after a 7-5 loss to Springtown Friday. Iva Marquesen swung for two home runs and finished with five RBIs, as Bridgeport (7-11, 4-2) defeated Castleberry, 15-4. Alvord (9-9, 2-8) earned a 14-13 win over Saint Jo, and was limited to two hits in a 13-1 10-2A loss to Collinsville. Chico (9-9) moved to 3-5 in 9-2A with a 16-1 win against Olney. Taylor Martin led the Lady Dragons with a 3-run home run, going 1-for-4 with five RBIs. Addy Sides struck out 12, allowing one run on one hit in seven innings. On Saturday, Boyd (21-7, 7-3) shut out Callisburg in a 10-3A showdown, 13-0. Mekenzie Wilson gave up one hit and struck out eight in three innings, and surpassed 400 career strikeouts. Abby Atkinson and Taylor Lane finished with three RBIs each. Lacy Pollard went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs to lead Paradise (15-11-1, 7-3) to a 4-2 victory over S&S.
AREA TRACK — Slidell will compete at the District 23/24 area track championships today at Graford High School.
BASEBALL — Due to forecasted inclement weather Tuesday, Decatur will now face Springtown in the teams’ first District 8-4A meeting 5 p.m. tonight at Springtown High School. In 10-3A, Boyd will welcome Whitesboro, while Paradise hosts Callisburg. Both games will begin at 5 p.m. Alvord will travel to Muenster for a 10-2A showdown at 5 p.m.
SOFTBALL — With inclement weather forecasted for Tuesday, Bridgeport will now take on Lake Worth in District 8-4A action 5:30 p.m. tonight at Lake Worth High School. Paradise will host a 10-3A affair against Ponder at 4 p.m. Chico earned a forfeit win over Bryson due to the Cowgirls not fielding a team this season.
CHANCE OF STORMS — The National Weather Service reported a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms around 4 p.m. today. Tonight there is also a high chance of more storms, with rainfall totals predicted around 0.5 inches locally. Wind gusts may be as high as 20 mph.
SENIOR MEET-UP — Adults 50-and-over are invited to the Chico Senior Center Meet-up 11 a.m.-1 p.m. today. Contact Anna at 940-393-2212.
FUNERALS — SERVICE for MILTON ANDRESS, 88, of Boyd is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Aurora Baptist Church with burial in Aurora Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
MEMORIAL at a later date for MICHELLE RENNE WHISENHUNT, 59, of Poolville.
SERVICE is pending for FLORENCE GREENFIELD, 82, of Boyd.
NO SERVICE at this time for JON CAROL CARSEY, 81, of Decatur.
NO SERVICE at this time for JERRY YATES, 90, of Decatur.
NO SERVICE at this time for ELVIN ROY LINDSEY, 69, of Paradise.
