DECATUR, BOYD SEE POPULATION BOOST — Decatur and Boyd posted the largest population gains among Wise County cities over the past year, according to new estimates from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). Decatur led local cities in total growth, adding 875 residents, a 12.3 percent increase. Boyd saw the county’s highest percentage gain for the second year in a row, growing by 17.7 percent with 307 new residents. Overall, the total population across incorporated cities in Wise County grew by 1,911 people, a 2.7 percent increase. The report does not include growth in unincorporated areas or extraterritorial jurisdictions, where much of the county’s development activity is taking place. Other population changes reported by NCTCOG include: New Fairview, 4.7 percent increase (103 residents); Alvord, 2.5 percent increase (34 residents); Newark, 1.3 percent increase (15 residents); Bridgeport, 0.7 percent increase (43 residents); Aurora, 0.3 percent decrease (loss of 3 residents); Rhome and Runaway Bay, no change reported; Chico, Paradise and Lake Bridgeport, no data provided. The annual population estimates are compiled by NCTCOG based on data submitted by city staff across the region.
DECATUR, PARADISE FINISH TOP 10 IN LONE STAR CUP — Fueled by strong postseason runs in several sports last season, a pair of Wise County schools took home top-10 finishes in the 2025 UIL Lone Star Cup standings. Decatur High School was Wise’s top school, scoring 81 points for sixth in the 4A race. In 3A, Paradise High School cracked the top 10, finishing ninth with 54 points. The UIL Lone Star Cup recognizes the top high school in each UIL conference based on overall team achievement in sanctioned academic, athletic and music championships.
PARK ENSHRINED IN TGCA HALL OF FAME — Former Decatur cross country and girls track coach David Park was inducted into the Texas Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 Monday at the Sheraton Hotel in Arlington. Park’s career spanned 42 years — including 21 at Decatur — before retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Competing in 3A, the Lady Eagles claimed state titles in 2005, 2008 and 2009. Park also took over the boys cross country program in 2010, leading the Eagles to 4A state titles in 2012, 2018 and 2019. At both Keller and Decatur, Park holds a career total of 51 district championships, and has led 28 athletes and teams to state berths. Read more online here.
RAINEY DAY ADVENTURES — Rainey Day Adventures will hold its last craft day at Decatur Public Library 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday. Children can participate in crafts and other educational activities. This is a come and go event. Contact Carolyn Davis at 940-393-0290.
LIBRARY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION — The Decatur Library Foundation will celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the John A. & Katherine G. Jackson Public Library 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the library, 1700 S. FM 51 in Decatur. Students and teacher Shirley Watson, from the advanced reading class of 1989 that wrote a book which traces the history of the library, will also be honored.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY — Bridgeport’s annual Christmas in July Toy Drive is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at The Hub on Halsell Street downtown. It will include bounce houses, water slides and a 4×4 To Drive parade at 7.
SENIOR SOCIAL — Decatur Public Library’s Fabulous Friday Senior Social will be at Governors Ridge 9:30 a.m. today. Share friendly conversation with fellow community members. Refreshments are provided. Call Laura Altz at 940-393-0290.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR — The City of New Fairview will host Coffee with Mayor John Taylor 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at city hall.
FUNERALS — Funeral for Dennis Royce Hudson, 76, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at Hawkins-Decatur with burial at Paradise Cemetery.
SERVICE for Peggy Jeens, 88, of Decatur is 10 a.m. today at Victory Church in Decatur. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Barbara Ann York, 86, of Decatur will be at a later date. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Terry Ross, 64, of Boonsville is 10 a.m. today at Hawkins-Bridgeport with burial at Boonsville Cemetery. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for James G. Gilliland, 83, of Montague is 2 p.m. Saturday at Freedom Life Church in Bowie with burial at Paradise Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
SERVICE for Curtis D. Marlett, 84, of Bridgeport is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
GRAVESIDE service for Sharon Faye Whittenburg, 82, of Boyd is 10 a.m. Saturday at Garvin Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
SERVICE for Gilberto Moncibaiz, 85, of Bridgeport is pending at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
SERVICE for Lori Wellborn, 53, of Paradise is 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the home of Amy and Greg Fletcher in Paradise.
GRAVESIDE service for Carl Perry, 81, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Monday at Oaklawn Cemetery. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
NO SERVICE at this time for Geoffrey Isbell, 60, of Sunset. SERVICE is pending for Ron Eugene Saunders, 73, of Decatur at Hawkins-Decatur.
Loading Comments