A (sometimes) tongue in cheek review of the news published this week regarding Wise County.
Normally posted every Sunday around 6:00 p.m.

For the week ending 4/28/00:

The Story Jerry Sachse, despite a prior federal conviction, was sentenced to only 21 months in the federal penitentiary after bilking two local banks out of "more than $500,000". Co-defendant Jeffrey "Hoss" Hudson received 12 months.
News worthiness (on a scale of 0 to 5) ****
The Spin It was a strange week for the normally harsh federal courts. How does Sachse, who has a prior federal conviction, receive only 9 more months than Hudson who turned State's evidence? Throw in Al Lipscomb receiving home confinement, and you have to wonder what the heck is going on with the feds.

The Story Decatur's Planning and Zoning Commission struggles with the issue of whether existing lawns should be torn up so that sidewalks can be placed throughout the city.
News worthiness ***
The Spin When's the last time you saw a lawn with a worn out foot path because of the absence of a sidewalk?

The Story In an unusual ad, the Messenger Office Supply runs an advertisement regarding Secretary's Day with the prose: "Better Yet . . . Divorce Your Wife & Leave It All to Your Secretary with our Do-It-Yourself Simple Texas Divorce and Simple Texas Wills and Trust Kits". (Thursday, April 27, 2000 in the All Around Wise section at p. 8). 
News worthiness ***
The Spin The Spin appreciates the humor but wonders whether the paper's brass gave it pre-clearance.

The Story The Wise County Messenger names its All Wise County Basketball Team and selects two Northwest High School players as offensive and defensive MVPs.
News worthiness **
The Spin On behalf of the loyal readership of the Messenger, we implore you: Please ignore all things Northwest.

The Story James J. Flusche write a letter to the editor criticizing the fact that Decatur High School decided to "party with a prom" on Good Friday.
News worthiness **
The Spin We were prepared to ignore the letter but then we started thinking. It is a little ironic, isn't it? After all the whining and rhetoric over the abolition of pre-football game prayers, the prom is scheduled on the holiest weekend of the year for Christians. Then again, maybe you can somberly reflect upon the crucifixion while dancing to the Goo Goo Dolls.

The Story Texas Ranger Lane Akin returns to his duties in Wise County after having been called upon to  provide protection for Gov. Bush on the campaign trail.
News worthiness ***
The Spin Note that Wise County was without its regular Texas Ranger from June of 1999 through March of 2000 because of our governor's presidential aspirations. Compassionate conservatism is nice but please leave our law enforcement officers alone.

The Story The Bridgeport City Council receives a vocal response at a public hearing on proposed new zoning rules. Our favorite quote comes from Tammy Armstrong when she identified herself as "trailer trash from West Side". (Bridgeport Index, p. 1)
News worthiness **
The Spin See what you've done! The negative comments by public officials regarding trailer homes (as pointed out here weekly in The Spin) have finally taken a toll on this poor woman's self esteem. Don't worry ma'am, we'll continue to fight the good fight.

See something in the local papers that struck you funny?  Then suggest a topic for The Spin.

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