Fire danger persists
Area fire departments have had their hands full in the past few days, battling
structure fires around the county. Officials say the possibility of more of the
same mounts as Christmas trees, wreaths, and other decorations dry out, candles
burn down, and extension cords are overloaded.
A structure fire in Mason Lake Estates occupied the Tarkington fire department
on Christmas Eve, while the Cleveland FD was busy in Pebble Creek. Christmas
Day saw both departments battling house fires on Village Lane and New Salem Road,
and at FM 787 and CR 2148. The Splendora VFD was called in to assist at the Village
Lane blaze.
The U.S. Fire Administration office cite some depressing statistics in its efforts
to convince the public to keep trees watered and all electrical outlets, wiring
and extension cords well-maintained and safe. The USFA says that, on an annual
average, 400 fires occur in and around Christmas trees, causing 80 injuries,
10 deaths, and an estimated $15 million in property damages.
Cleveland firefighters, who would appreciate some holiday rest and relaxation
themselves, urge all residents to conduct daily safety checks of holiday decorations
and trees.
Holiday gives no rest to Cleveland PD
Over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Cleveland Police Department
logged a total of 61 calls and made eight arrests. Taken into custody
on Christmas Eve
were Connie Marie Bledsoe for assault; Gerald Mark Hellen for parole violation;Shatonya
Lynette Wilridge for investigation of aggravated robbery; and Adrian Dwayne
Eleby for aggravated robbery.
Christmas Day saw police arrest James Cook for expired license plates and no
drivers' license; Charmine Cook on a warrant for no drivers' license, no insurance,
and expired motor vehicle inspection; Nathan Don Wells for assault, possession
of drug paraphernalia, and robbery; and Laro Fidercio Ferrando Garcia on a
U.S. Marshal's warrant for alien smuggling.
Chamber of commerce taking nominations
The Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations
for Citizen and Business of the Year awards, to be presented at the
annual membership
banquet
in January.
Nominations must be in writing, and must include a paragraph or list of accomplishments
which would qualify the person or business for the appropriate award.
Nominations must be contained in a sealed envelope, with either Citizen of
the Year or Business of the Year clearly marked on the outside of the envelope.
They
can be mailed to the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 1733,
Cleveland, Texas 77328-1733 or hand-delivered to the chamber office at 222
S. Bonham in
Cleveland.
The deadline for submitting written nominations is Friday, January 9, 2004
at 4 p.m.
Funeral Services
--Arrangements are pending for Henry Williamson, Matilda Rosa, and Arnold
Dobbs.
On Tap at the Texan
Showing tonight at 7 and 9 p.m. is the Disney movie, "The Haunted Mansion",
starring Eddie Murphy, rated PG. Admission is $2 for children 3-11, and $4 for
those 12 and older.
Did you miss a day? Catch up with the Archive.
