Chico News

A Montague County man died Monday from injuries suffered in a motorcycle wreck Sunday in Wide County.

Denton County K-9 Officer Chico showed off his training on his first day on the job Monday, leading his handler to a $100,000 cache of cocaine.

By BAILEY SHIFFLER For North Texans, firework season comes just twice a year. It's a favorite time for Jason Tobolka, an 18-year-old fireworks fanatic from Flower Mound.'I go online to see what's rated,' said ...

In the wake of Tuesday's wildfire outbreak across North Texas, the American Red Cross is responding with help for the families affected by the fires. via Weatherford Democrat

“This morning in Midland-Odessa we had reports of grass fires and it was 30 degrees and snowing.”

Chico fire fighters battle a wild fire north of Chick as high winds and dry conditions fueled the flames Wednesday, January 30, 2008. via Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Regrouping, recouping and preparing hopefully for some calmer weather, but also being prepared for anything that might come in. Our weather conditions have not improved to the point where we're ready to relax.”

Texas - Firefighters scurried to douse hot spots and brush fires across North Texas on Wednesday while homeowners sifted though blackened rubble left behind by wind-stoked fires a day earlier. via FireFightingNews.com

“It took 40 years of our life, that's what it's done”

Ranch hand Jerrod Scott tries to beat down a brush fire that burned several acres of Winscott Ranch on Wednesday in Tarrant County near the Johnson County line. via Quick

“We want to create an expectation in these seniors that college can be part of their future”

Weatherford College and the school districts in 25 surrounding areas are partnering to assist nearly 2,000 seniors in high schools over the next two years in completing the college admissions process to assure ... via Weatherford Democrat

“She said she had to go to the store to get cigarettes and gas and that she'd call me back in just a little bit. I said, 'Well, call back. I've been having contractions...”

FORT WORTH -- Lisa Cain longs to meet William Griffin face to face.

She wants the 22-year-old Bridgeport man to know some things about her older sister, Debbie Gillispie, 41, whose death Griffin is accused of causing.

She wants him to know that Gillispie left four children and four grandchildren.

She wants to tell him how Gillispie was supposed to be with her when she gives birth to her fourth child.

And she'd like to describe for him what she saw at the Tarrant County medical examiner's office, identifying her sister's body. Read more

“Thank you for what McKinney has done for me”

Gerry Russell, of Ebby Halliday Realtors, on left, presents the Carey Cox Citizen of the Year award to Brent Allen, the general manager of the Experimental Wal-Mart in McKinney during the McKinney Chamber of ... via Plano Star Courier

“As far as I know, they're recovering from their injuries and doing as well as could be expected”

FORT WORTH -- Toxicology tests showed no alcohol in the blood of a Haslet man who was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter after a Nov. 7 crash that killed a Chico couple, police said Tuesday.

However, police said that Colton McGuffin, 22, did drink that night and that the alcohol could have dissipated by the time his blood was drawn, two hours after the collision.

In addition, McGuffin tested positive for marijuana, which can contribute to intoxication, said Sgt. Rodney Bangs of the Fort Worth police traffic investigation unit. The case is likely to be presented to a grand jury, he said. Read more

Professional bull rider Michael Lee of Chico, Texas, signs a small stuffed bull for Melissa Taylor, 11, of Uxbridge yesterday. via Worcester Telegram & Gazette

“I'll be slowing down here pretty soon”

FORT WORTH -- The day started off ominously.

Despite clear skies over North Texas, rough weather on the East Coast kept FedEx planes from getting to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on time.

The result: a 55-minute delay.

For Kim Marburger, that added to pressure to meet her first deadline: getting high-priority packages delivered by 10:30 a.m.

She got to work at about 6 a.m. after a 50-minute drive from her home in Chico, near Decatur. She spent much of the morning loading her truck, meticulously organizing packages based on the delivery route mapped out in her head. Read more

Arrests * Dallas Shane Baker, 26, of Graford, was arrested Friday on a motion to revoke probation warrant for theft by check. via Mineral Wells Insider

“When we recognized an existing issue, we've taken an effort and expended the cost to clean it up.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the first in a series of four stories on radioactive material generated by natural gas production in the Barnett Shale. via Denton Record-Chronicle

“It's going to be hard not to see K-Bob's here.”

DECATUR -- The grill is cool.

The Salad Wagon is empty.

Tears have been shed.

On Sunday, the last K-Bob's Steakhouse in North Texas closed.

Bru Baker, owner and operator of the restaurant chain known for its affordable steaks, robust baked potatoes and friendly staff, is retiring.

'My lease is up, and my franchise contract with K-Bob's is up,' said Baker, who ran the Decatur K-Bob's for 20 years. 'At my age and with my health, it's time to retire.'

News of the shutdown saddened many customers, including the Cleveland family from nearby Chico. The clan has been driving from Chico to Decatur for K-Bob's ever since it opened. Read more