FIRE DEPARTMENTS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST — Several Wise County volunteer fire departments are receiving financial assistance from the state. Texas House Bill 2604 and its Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program resulted in more than $1.2 million in equipment funding for Wise County volunteer agencies, after Texas’ 89th Legislative Session approved additional funding for the program. During its first allocation meeting Oct. 14, the Boyd Fire Department received $300,000 for a tender/tanker and $45,000 for a slip-on tank and pump unit. Crafton Fire Department was awarded $45,000 for a slip-on unit. New Fairview Fire Department received $265,000 for a large brush truck, and Newark Fire Department was awarded $300,000 for a tender/tanker, according to Wise County Fire Marshal Jeff Doughty. Additionally, Alvord, Boyd, Lake Bridgeport, Newark, New Fairview, Paradise, Runaway Bay and Sand Flat volunteer fire departments were among the recipients of the equipment and fire hydrant grants through the Texas A&M Forest Service announced Monday. Read more in this week’s Wise County Messenger or online at wcmessenger.com.
CRAFTON CHRISTMAS PARADE — The 6th Annual Crafton Christmas Parade is 7 p.m. Saturday. Line up at Crafton Fire Hall at 6:30 p.m. Light up your buggy, tractor, lawnmower or full-sized vehicle and join the fun. You can also donate toys to the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. Santa will visit the kids, and dinner and hot chocolate will be served.
BLOOD DRIVE — A Carter BloodCare blood drive will be held 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Bridgeport Community Center. Visit wcmess.com/donate121525 to sign up.
CHRISTMAS BBQ SALE — Greenwood Masonic Lodge 779’s Christmas Barbecue Sale has one week left. Brisket, pit ham, turkey breast, ribs, jalapeño and regular sausage are available. Pick up 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 20. Call/text 940-399-8594 to order.
BOYS BASKETBALL — Alvord (6-3) looks for its seventh win of the season in a road matchup against Henrietta Midway 7:30 p.m. tonight.
GIRLS BASKETBALL — Decatur (12-3) returns home to host Denton Ryan at 4:30 p.m. Boyd (7-8) travels to face Waxahachie Life at 6:15 p.m. Alvord (0-14) takes on Henrietta Midway 4:30 p.m. at Midway High School. Slidell (7-5) battles against Petrolia 6 p.m. at Petrolia High School.
NEW ESD SEEKS BOARD MEMBERS — The Wise County Commissioners Court has appointed a committee to interview and nominate five residents to serve on the Wise County Emergency Services District No. 4 board. ESD No. 4, which consists of the areas covered by Alvord, Chico, Crafton and Sand Flat Fire Departments, was established by voters in the Nov. 4 election. Qualified residents interested in being considered for this board may apply now at wcmess.com/esd4application. The deadline to apply is today.
YOUTH FAIR BROILERS — 2026 Wise County Youth Fair broiler orders are due by today. Cost is $43.50 per pen of 25. 4-H orders should be turned in to the AgriLife Extension Office. FFA orders should contact the Wise County Youth Fair at 940-389-5388 or wcyfsec@embarqmail.com.
CHRISTMAS MOVIE — Bridgeport Main Street will offer a free showing of “Polar Express” 6 tonight at the Arcadia Theater. Free popcorn and hot chocolate will be available.
SELFIE STUDIO — Bridgeport Parks and Recreation will hold its Holiday Selfie Studio, a place where you can take your own family Christmas photos, today through Sunday. Various time slots are available. Call 940- 683-3480. Tickets can be purchased at bridgeport.recdesk.com or at the door.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA — Decatur Fire Department will host its Breakfast with Santa 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the fire hall. It will feature free pancakes, sausage, juice and milk. Photos with Santa will be provided by Kaleb Elledge of e6pics.
COOKIES WITH SANTA — The Cottondale Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual Cookies with Santa event 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at 2852 County Road 3555. Bring your children and your camera for a visit with Santa.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA — The John B. Denton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its annual event where wreaths are placed at the graves of veterans with a ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Wise County Veterans Memorial Park in Decatur. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
FUNERALS — Mass for Vaughn “Bonnie” Biel, 75, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Monday at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with rosary said at 6.
MEMORIAL service for Patricia Ann Outlaw, 88, of Runaway Bay is 2 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport.
GRAVESIDE service for Betty Jean Rutledge, 94, of Paradise is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens in San Angelo. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church in Paradise. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
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