When the Decatur Walmart parking lot became a construction site, there was quite a bit of speculation about what the largest retailer in Wise County (and the world) was up to.
That mystery was solved as the fences went down earlier this month, revealing an arsenal of Walmart-branded electric vehicle charging stations at 800 S Highway U.S. 287. It’s a relatively rare feature in the grand scheme of the $984 billion company — with Decatur joining a select list of Walmart locations in the nation that currently offer a boost to EVs.
Walmart operates more than 5,200 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores. For now, just 33 locations have operational charging stations, with another 77 listed as “coming soon.” The first installations didn’t arrive until 2025, but the network has expanded quickly since.
EV chargers are still scarce in Wise County. Decatur’s TA Travel Center off U.S. 287 near Farm Road 2264 offers EV charging, but some of the charging units aren’t necessarily open to the public, so the Decatur Walmart parking lot, a sacred site to experience all facets of Wise County culture, will add another lifeline to EV drivers panicking about their range.
Before you plug in, you’ll need the Walmart app to charge your vehicle. After downloading the app and adding your payment method, you can scan a QR code and initiate a charging session. Credit card terminals are not on the machines.
The 400-kilowatt EV chargers are outfitted with an NACS cable a CCS1 port. That wattage is powerful enough charge compatible electric vehicle batteries from near empty to 80 percent in around 15-20 minutes.
The chargers aren’t online as of April 14, so I guess there’s still time for gas-powered Walmart shoppers to snag these primo parking spots for now. Disclaimer: There’s ample precedent for businesses to legally tow vehicles, whether combustion or battery powered, that aren’t actively charging, so park there at your own risk.
Rhome receives medical attention
iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care is building its next location along Farm Road 3433 (Main Street) in Rhome, just off U.S. 287 behind Wells Fargo at U.S. 81/287.
That would place the planned $3.8 million medical facility within shouting distance of the future Rhome H-E-B — if and when that major project moves forward.
iCare currently operates locations in Fort Worth, Frisco and Forney, and is also building a new site in Van Alstyne. iCare emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, according to its website, and the company also touts no-cost medical screenings and its provider network of board-certified ER physicians.
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, construction of the 8,500 square foot medical facility in Rhome could wrap up by the end of the year.
Sales tax receipts remain strong in FY 2026
Through the first seven months of the fiscal year, most Wise County entities are tracking near — or modestly ahead of — last year’s strong sales tax revenue pace, with a few clear standouts, according to payment figures released by the Texas Comptroller.
Wise County (0.5 cent rate) has received $4.59 million after April’s disbursement, hovering near its record-shattering 2024-25 pace, based on last year’s monthly average. Among cities, Decatur (1.5) continues to lead the way at $4.42 million, running 7.7 percent ahead of last year’s pace. Bridgeport (1.5) is at $1.87 million, about 5 percent behind its prior-year trend, while Rhome’s (1.5) $950,426 trails by roughly 9 percent.
Several smaller cities are outperforming compared to last year.
- New Fairview (1.5): $431,934 (+29 percent)
- Aurora (1): $89,894 (+28 percent)
- Chico (1.5): $281,212 (+63 percent, though October reported no collections)
- Alvord (1.5): $199,014 (+9 percent)
- Boyd (1): $402,137 (+6 percent)
- Runaway Bay (1.5): $118,842 (+6 percent)
Others are holding close to flat or slightly down:
- Paradise (1.5): $228,446 (-4 percent)
For context, all monthly distributions from the Texas Comptroller’s Office reflect transactions from two months prior. So for example, February sales tax proceeds (like Wise County’s whopping $971,982 payment in February 2026) are generally up because it reflects transactions from Christmas shopping and economic activity in December.
Dancing at the HUB
Organizers of Baile De Bridgeport are aiming to time their third dance and live music event with the completion of the HUB on Halsell in downtown Bridgeport.
The new gathering spot on Halsell Street will feature a performance stage, pavilion and seating. Plans also incorporate nods to the city’s history — including coal mine and bridge-style entrances, limestone benches and a permanent home for the annual Christmas tree lighting.
The project is expected to be completed this fall. Once finished, it won’t sit idle — the popular Latin music event has drawn thousands in the past.
“We pushed the date back just a bit so we can fully take advantage of this incredible new venue and deliver the kind of production and experience y’all deserve,” organizer Jake Martinez said earlier this month.
Bridgeport Main Street will release an official date later this year.
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