Update

FORMER BRIDGEPORT TRAINER JAILED ON CHILD SEX CHARGE — Bridgeport Police Department’s investigation into a possible child sex crime involving a former Bridgeport High School athletic trainer resulted in an arrest Wednesday. Billy Newsom, 60, of Bridgeport was arrested on the felony charge of online solicitation of a minor, said Bridgeport Police Chief Steve Stanford. The Wise County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Rangers and the U.S. Secret Service forensic division have been assisting with the investigation for weeks. Stanford said investigators found forensic validation of a crime Tuesday. ”This case is still under investigation; however, due to the nature of this crime, it was a priority to make an arrest as soon as we had forensic validation of a crime,” Stanford said. “Investigators received that confirmation (Tuesday) and obtained the arrest warrant (Wednesday) evening.” Newsom was an athletic trainer at Bridgeport High School, working with Bridgeport athletes for around 20 years. He retired in 2018. For concerns or additional information, Stanford said to contact Detective John Bradshaw at 940-683-3430 or jbradshaw@cityofbridgeport.net.

ARTIFACTS FROM MUSEUM FIRE TO BE DISPLAYED — The Wise County Historical Society will present a free exhibit “Out of the Fire” at the Decatur Visitor Center (106 S. Trinity St.) Friday, Saturday and Sunday featuring artifacts recently recovered at the Wise County Heritage Museum site following last year’s fire. Hours for the exhibit are 6-8 p.m. Friday (includes refreshments), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Entry for the exhibit will be at the Decatur Visitor Center’s back door. Call 940-627-5586 or email wisemuseum@embarqmail.com.

SUPERINTENDENT, BOARD AT ODDS OVER TRAINING — Frustrations between some members of the Decatur School Board and the superintendent were expressed during an item about board training hours at Monday’s meeting. After board President Dylan Barnes announced the board training hours as required by law, saying that none of the board had received the “Team of 8” training, some board members voiced their displeasure that the training hadn’t been scheduled. Superintendent Chad Jones said that the training was not scheduled because “for the last few months, this has not been a team of eight.” He added that once the new board is seated following next month’s election and a new superintendent is hired, the board can hold the training. The answer was not satisfactory to at least a couple of board members. “I believe this dysfunction reflects leadership, and it’s disappointing and it’s embarrassing,” board member Sandra Schneider said. Board member Scott Koehler said the board was not following policy by not scheduling the training.

SEVERE STORMS POSSIBLE — Thunderstorms are expected to develop near a dryline across West Texas late this afternoon and move into our area this evening. Some of the storms may be severe with very large hail and gusty winds being the main hazards, according to the National Weather Service. Chance of rain is 50 percent. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy today with a high around 79 and a low of 67.

BRIDGE WORK TO BEGIN OVER U.S. 81/287 IN RHOME — U.S. 81/287 north and southbound will be closed at FM 3433 in Rhome from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday for bridge deck replacement beginning next week and continuing through fall 2024. Traffic on U.S. 81/287 north and southbound will be detoured to the frontage road where motorists must go through a four-way stop before entering the main lanes. Starting Monday, the FM 3433 bridge over U.S. 81/287 will be temporarily closed through this fall. The U.S. 81/287 exit ramps to Texas 114 will remain open to traffic. Motorists should expect delays and take alternate routes if possible. According to the City of Rhome Facebook page, the bridge will be closed for approximately five months as they redeck the surface. The current rework of the bridge will only be a redecking of the existing lanes with no expansion or traffic light installation at this time.

FIRE DESTROYS HOME — No injuries were reported after a late night house fire south of Boyd Wednesday night. Firefighters from Boyd, Rhome, Briar-Reno and Newark Fire Departments, along with Parker County ESD No. 1 and Wise County EMS, arrived at the scene in the 300 block of Brighton Oaks Drive shortly before midnight Wednesday. “When we showed up, the structure was well-involved,” Boyd Fire Department lieutenant Jacob Owens said. “There was fire coming out of every window and showing through the roof. We deployed a big line early and got the majority of the fire knocked out in the front of the house. It is a total loss. No one was inside the house, and we didn’t have any firefighters get injured while working the scene.” The cause of the blaze is not known. According to Owens, the fire will likely be investigated by the Wise County Fire Marshal’s Office.

DECATUR OFFICER DIES OFF DUTY — Decatur Police Department Officer Rudopho Arizola, 40, of Decatur passed away Monday evening after experiencing a medical emergency at the QuikTrip in Decatur. Arizola was off duty at the time of his passing. Decatur Police Chief Delvon Campbell described Arizola as someone who was dedicated to the profession of policing. “His servant heart and humor made him an officer that everyone wanted to be around,” Campbell said. “He cared for people and wanted to be a difference maker.” A memorial service for Arizola is pending. “As we mourn the loss of Officer Arizola, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Decatur PD said in a post on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time of grief and loss. We ask that their privacy be respected as they navigate through this challenging period.”

STORMS HIT WISE, MORE POSSIBLE TODAY — Overnight storms brought heavy rain and quite the lightning show to Wise County, and more could be on their way today. Multiple power outages were reported throughout the county. Oncor Area Manager Sabrina Easley said as of 7 a.m., around 200 customers remained without power, with the Boyd area being the hardest hit. Reports of hail were received from Boyd, New Fairview and Decatur. Rainfall totals included 1.5 inches in Greenwood, 1.29 in Decatur, 1.23 in Alvord and 0.8 in Cottondale. Today’s forecast includes a good chance of more showers and thunderstorms, with a 90 percent chance of rain this afternoon.

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, […]

DECATUR EDC HIRES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR — The Decatur Economic Development Corp. has hired Matt Runnels to expand business retention and expansion efforts in Decatur. Runnels, whose title is DEDC business development director, started in the newly-created position March 18. Runnel’s primary focus with DEDC will be local business retention and expansion initiatives within Decatur. While this was already in the scope of the DEDC’s work in the community, Executive Director Kevin Holzbog said Runnel’s hiring will allow the DEDC to devote more time and resources and be more intentional in its support of existing businesses, as the DEDC continues to attract new businesses to the area. Runnels has lived in Wise County for more than 15 years. His industry background spans aerospace and heavy manufacturing, oil and gas, and healthcare.