Update for Monday, August 22, 2022

WOOD GIVEN LIFE SENTENCE FOR SHOOTING OFFICER — Royce Edward Wood was given a life sentence Friday afternoon by a Wise County jury, 14 months after he shot a Rhome Police officer in the leg during a traffic stop in New Fairview. Earlier in the week, Wood pleaded guilty to aggravated assault against a public servant for shooting at two Rhome Police officers, Rex Richie and Brody Brown, as he fled from a traffic stop on Farm Road 407. One of his shots struck Richie in the lower leg. The 44-year-old Wood was sentenced to 60 years for the assault on Brown and a life sentence for the offense against Richie. The jury also assessed the maximum $10,000 fine in both cases. During closing arguments of the three-day trial, Wood’s attorneys Christy Jack and Robert Huseman argued that while their client had taken responsibility for the assault by pleading guilty, Wood’s actions did not warrant a long prison sentence. Assistant District Attorney Patrick Berry said Wood was the “perfect candidate” for a life sentence while describing Wood’s previous convictions for robbery and burglary of a habitation and his actions surrounding the shooting. The jury took a little more than an hour to reach its unanimous verdict, which was read in court shortly after 4 p.m. Read more in the midweek Wise County Messenger.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT — Wise County will remain under a flood watch until noon. Heavy rainfall could cause flooding of creeks, streams and rivers. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. As of 7:30 a.m., rainfall totals included 1.2 inches in Greenwood, 1.18 in Decatur, 0.89 in Bridgeport and 0.55 in Alvord. Rain is expected to continue this morning with a smaller chance of rain this afternoon.

1 HURT IN MOTORCYCLE WRECK — A motorcyclist was reportedly injured in a two-vehicle wreck south of Bridgeport Sunday night. According to emergency radio, the wreck occurred around 8 p.m. at the intersection of Farm Road 2123 and Sunflower Road. Emergency responders requested a medical helicopter dispatched to the scene.

BLOOD DRIVE — Boonsville Community Center will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive noon-6 p.m. Tuesday. Make appointment or just show up. Call Robert Grantham, 940-393-1550.

SENIORS INVITED TO BRIDGEPORT ISD MEETING — Bridgeport ISD offers senior citizens the opportunity to be a part of the school district through the Gold Club. The first meeting is 9 a.m. Wednesday at the ALC, 1101 17th Street. The Gold Club engages senior community members in the school district in a variety of ways, keeping them informed about important issues within Bridgeport ISD through meetings with district leaders. Seniors can attend home competitions and special events by showing their Gold Card pass.

PICTURE DAY — Decatur High School will hold photo days for freshmen, sophomores and juniors Tuesday and Wednesday. Students have been asked not to wear green clothing due to the nature of green screen technology in the backdrop. The school will offer a make-up day Oct. 26.

COUNTY CONSIDERS LEASING SPACE FOR STUCKY — Wise County commissioners will consider an agreement to allow State Rep. Lynn Stucky to use an office in the Veterans Service Office during its meeting at 9 this morning. A member of Stucky’s office would use the space to meet with local constituents on a regular basis. Commissioners will also act on a resolution to accept the Texas Historical Commission’s Historic Courthouse Preservation grant.

DECATUR PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE — The Decatur City Council will conduct a public hearing on the tax rate of 64.5258 cents per $100 of valuation at 6 tonight. The council will also hold a public hearing on the proposed budgets of $14.643 million for general fund, $6.671 million for utility fund and $2.057 million for debt service.

DECATUR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING — The Decatur School Board will have a budget workshop as part of its meeting at 6 tonight at the DISD Administration Building.

PARADISE TO REVIEW SEWER STUDY — The Paradise City Council will review a feasibility study for the city’s sewer system tonight as the city continues to grow. The meeting begins with a workshop at 5:15 p.m. The council will also host a hearing and discuss the 2022-23 fiscal year budget and property tax rate. The city is proposing to keep the property tax rate at 34.5 cent per $100 valuation.

ALVORD SCHOOL BOARD MEETING — Alvord ISD trustees will meet at 6 tonight and hold a budget workshop. Trustees will also receive a facilities update and consider staff development plans.

COLLEGE BEGINS FALL SEMESTER — Today is the first day of the fall semester at Weatherford College, including Weatherford College Wise County.

FUNERALS — Graveside service for Bille Mae Brown, 85, of Chico is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sweetwater Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.

MEMORIAL service for Freddie Elbert Robeson Jr., 52, of Decatur is 2 p.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport with family visitation one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

FUNERAL for Sidney Nelson Sowell, 85, of Chico is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hawkins Chapel in Bridgeport with burial at Chico Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

SERVICE for Betty Jo Bush, 92, of Boyd is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Hawkins-Bridgeport with burial at Cottondale Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

MEMORIAL service for Misty Renee` Cabell, 44, of San Leon is 5 p.m. Friday at Cornerstone Community Church in Springtown. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

SERVICE for Earl Dallas, 87, of Paradise is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Douglas G. Goodwin, 74, of Rhome is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial at Aurora Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.

MEMORIAL service for Javonte Marquis Chaffin, 26, of Rifle, Colo., formerly of Bridgeport is 1 p.m. Friday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

SERVICE for Jeffrey Warren Boston, 55, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Saturday at Biggers Funeral Chapel with a reception to follow at the family’s home in Decatur.