Update for Friday July 30, 2021

RECORDS SHOW CONCERN OVER HOW AD MATTER HANDLED — Emails and texts show former Decatur ISD Superintendent Joseph Coburn expressing support for keeping former athletic director Mike Fuller and had multiple concerns about board President Thomas Houchin calling a special meeting to discuss his removal. The records were part of a Wise County Messenger public information request for all written correspondence between Houchin and Coburn from May 1 to June 21. Read more in the weekend Wise County Messenger on newsstands today.

HEAT ADVISORY — Wise County will be under a heat advisory from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90s with heat index values in excess of 105. Take extra precautions to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke if you will be spending time outdoors. Sunday afternoon brings a 30 percent chance of rain, and chances increase to 50 percent Sunday night.

BOARD FORMS BOND AND FACILITY COMMITTEE — The Decatur School Board has formed a bond and facility committee to work with an existing bond committee made up of local citizens. The committee, which will include board members Dylan Barnes, Jennifer Wren and Marsha Hafer, will serve as a liaison between the full school board and the existing bond and facility committee, which has been meeting for several months to look at issues about facility needs and a potential bond package. Read more in the weekend Messenger.

WEEKEND AT REUNION — The Wise County Old Settler’s Reunion enters its final couple of days today and Saturday. Tonight’s entertainment features Cody Hibbard and Triston Marez and Saturday night’s entertainment features Lawson Harris and Straight Tequila Night. Performances both nights begin at 9 p.m. Carnival ride bracelets are $25. Parking is $10 nightly.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP — The Parkinson’s Support Group will resume meeting 6-7 p.m. every first Tuesday beginning next week. The group will meet at a new location, Wise Christian Counseling in the Prada Shops, 1650 S. FM 51, Ste. 400. Call Pam Hudson at 940-389-0642.

CONSERVATIVES MEETING — Wise County Conservatives meet 7 p.m. Monday at the Big White Barn in Decatur. Konni Burton and Tracy Jenkins will be guest speakers.

BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACKS — Cates Street Baptist Church has partnered with First United Methodist Church Bridgeport, Cates Street Church of Christ and Twin Oaks Assembly of God to provide 250 school backpacks 11 a.m. Saturday at Cates Street Baptist Church, 107 W. Cates Street. The event will be a drive through pick up and will include a sack lunch. There will be signs directing people where to line up.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY — Christmas in Paradise and the Paradise EDC will host the Christmas in July Street Dance with Pat Waters 6-10 p.m. Saturday in downtown Paradise. Food will be sold by the Paradise Volunteer Fire Department 6-7:30 p.m., and live music and dancing featuring Pat Waters will follow 8-10 p.m. Snow cones and desserts will also be available. Proceeds will benefit needy kids in the Paradise area.

FUNDRAISER FOR INJURED OFFICER — A fundraiser featuring lemonade and cookies will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Wise Honda in Decatur. Proceeds benefit Rhome Police Officer Rex Richie, who was shot and injured in the line of duty in June. For information or to make a private donation, contact Misty Winans at 940-210-5607 or mdwinans@live.com.

FUNERALS — Service for Oleta Horner, 96, of Alvord is 10 a.m. Monday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with burial at Briar Branch Cemetery in Alvord. Family visitation is 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

FUNERAL for Betty Anita Brannan, 78, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hawkins-Decatur.

FUNERAL for Flasher Dan Chrisawn, 85, of Rhome is 2 p.m. Saturday at Aurora Baptist Church with burial at DFW National Cemetery at 11 a.m. Monday. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Bobbie Ruth Cantrell, 95, of Gainesville, formerly of Slidell is 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church of Gainesville with interment at Fairview Cemetery. Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home is handling arrangements.