Ceremony to honor service, sacrifice

Wise County Veterans Group will honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces at their annual Memorial Day program 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Wise County Veterans Memorial Park in Decatur. The ceremony honors those who gave their lives in service and offers the community a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.

Memorial Day weekend rodeo comes to town

The 16th annual Danny Dietz Memorial Classic returns to the NRS Event Center returns Friday–Monday, with team roping, barrel racing, auctions, guest speakers, and more honoring the heroes of Operation Red Wings.

Operation Red Wings was a US military operation conducted in Afghanistan in 2005. The team was ambushed, leading to the deaths of three SEALs and 16 other special operations forces personnel in a rescue attempt. This year’s rodeo is dedicated to those service members.

It starts with a dinner and auction tonight, followed by team roping and barrel racing events Saturday through Monday. Visit dannydietzmemorial.com for more information.

Fun in the sun

Wise County also has a habit of expressing its patriotism by firing up jet skis and stick smokers for long days in the sun and on the water. And with Lake Bridgeport beyond full (836.4 feet), large crowds are expected to enjoy the rare sights and swells at Wise County Park. Texas Game Wardens are once again urging caution this Memorial Day. The majority of recent water-related fatalities involved people not wearing life jackets. So remember, life jackets are required for children under 13 and strongly recommended for all. Take care on the water and look out for others.

If you’re looking for a less natural oasis, the Fit-N-Wise outdoor pool opens with special Memorial Day hours Monday from 8 a.m. to noon; regular summer hours (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) will follow next week. 

So whether you’re at a rodeo, in the water, or reverently reflecting on those who never made it back, let’s remember why we observe Memorial Day — and enjoy it safely.

Graduation SZN

It’s time to cross the stage and hold applause. Graduation season is here. Be sure to check out our special section honoring Wise County’s Class of 2025 — and many of their parents — in a Freaky Friday-inspired celebration. Decatur and Victory Christian grads will have already crossed the stage by the time the paper hits your mailbox or newsstands, but here’s a look at the ceremonies still to come: Alvord – Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. (Alvord High School Gym); Boyd – Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. (Yellowjacket Stadium); Bridgeport – Wednesday, May 28 at 5 p.m. (UNT Coliseum); Chico – Friday, May 23 at 6 p.m. (Chico High School Gym); Northwest – Tuesday, May 27 at 2 p.m. (UNT Coliseum); Paradise – Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m. (Panther Stadium); and Slidell – Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 p.m. (Slidell High School Gym)

Congratulations to all of our local graduates!

KA-WOW! IT’S FREE

Free Comic Book Week is coming to Decatur! From May 27–30, the Decatur Public Library, in partnership with Grumpy’s Comics, will be handing out free comic books and hosting themed activities for all ages.

Stop by for fun contests, prize giveaways, and a comic-inspired photo station. Feeling heroic? Enter the library’s online cosplay contest by tagging them in your costume photos for a chance to win even more prizes.