Bill Hogg recites his oath of office as Wise County Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace with County Judge J.D. Clark Monday afternoon at the Wise County Court Center in Decatur. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
Bill Hogg will get a head start in the Wise County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace courtroom after his win in the March Republican primary. On Monday, Wise County Commissioners approved appointing the retired Texas Department of Public Safety trooper to serve the unexpired term of Jan Morrow, who retired at the end of 2025.
Hogg was sworn in at the Wise County Court Center in Decatur by County Judge J.D. Clark Monday afternoon. His first cases as JP 1 will come Tuesday.
The clock on Hogg’s four-year term will begin after Morrow’s term expires Dec. 31, 2026.
Bill Hogg, who was in attendance of Monday’s meeting, shares his appreciation for his supporters, commissioners and future Justice of the Peace colleagues after being appointed to serve the unexpired JP 1 term. Hogg won the March Republican primary for JP 1 with 57.88 percent of the vote. He did not draw a Democratic challenger. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
“I appreciate the confidence that the voters showed in me, and I’m excited to get to work, one more time,” Hogg said Monday during the meeting. “I’ve met with many of the county officials, and I appreciate how engaging and professional and open you all have been.”
Hogg won his March 3 primary race with 57.88 percent of the vote, avoiding a runoff despite a crowded field of JP 1 candidates, which included: Jason Van Dyke (26.69 percent), Francisca Ortiz (8.66 percent) and Ed Villa (6.78 percent). No Democrats ran for the seat.
Hogg will now take over for Wise County Commissioners Court Attorney Thomas Aaberg, who has served in the JP 1 office on a temporary basis since Morrow’s retirement went into effect in January. Morrow was one of the county’s longest-serving elected officials, holding down her seat as JP 1 for 27 years.
Wise County Commissioners Attorney Thomas Aaberg (smiling at back) was recognized Monday for serving as Justice of the Peace 1 on a temporary basis. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
In addition to welcoming Hogg to the county team, County Judge J.D. Clark also thanked Aaberg for stepping in to serve after Morrow’s departure.
In other business:
The county’s weather-based burn ban remains in effect.
Commissioners approved equipment purchases for Wise County EMS and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office.
The county received a clean audit opinion for fiscal year 2025 from outside auditor, Snow, Garrett and Williams.
Wise County Judge J.D. Clark issued a proclamation to designate April 20-24 as Every Kid Healthy Week.
Wise County’s Texas A&M AgriLife Office and Cook Children’s Hospital are collaborating to send goody bags to Bridgeport Pre-K students to promote healthy eating, active play and positive family connections next week. On Monday, Wise County Judge J.D. Clark issued a proclamation designating April 20-24 as Every Kid Healthy Week in Wise County. AUSTIN JACKSON | WCMESSENGER
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