Update for Monday, February 5, 2024

ALVORD HOUSE FIRE — An Alvord home was destroyed Friday night in a fire suspected to have been started by a lightning strike. At about 11:10 p.m., Alvord Fire Department was dispatched to the scene where they could immediately see smoke showing from the residence. Decatur, Chico, Sunset, Greenwood-Slidell and Wise County EMS were all on the scene for mutual aid. “The homeowners said they heard a very loud boom and just within minutes, the house was filled with smoke,” Alvord Fire Chief Coley Frye said. “Upon entry of the house, we did experience quite a bit of smoke and such and were quickly able to get that under control, extinguished and into a mop up state.” All of the family members were able to exit the home safely, but they did lose a pet. The fire was called under control and in a mop up state by 11:30 p.m., but the fire department remained on scene for a couple of hours to watch over everything, Frye said.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE — Today is the deadline to register in order to be eligible to vote in the March 5 primary election. If you’ve recently moved to Wise County or have never registered to vote, go by the Wise County Elections Office at 200 S. Trinity St. in Decatur to fill out a voter registration card. For more information, visit votetexas.gov. You can also read a story in the current issue of the Wise County Messenger or online here.

ROAD CLOSURE — BNSF Railroad will have a road closure and detour at the railroad crossing at County Road 2898 near Alvord 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday. During this time the road will be completely impassable.

WEEKEND RAIN REPORT — Rainfall totals from the weekend included 0.8 of an inch in Cottondale, 0.77 in Decatur, 0.65 in Bridgeport and 0.62 in Alvord. Clouds are expected to give way to sunny skies this afternoon with a high around 59 with a low of 38.

REGIONAL SWIM RESULTS — A total of nine Decatur swimmers claimed 16 total state berths following performances at the 4A Region I championships Friday and Saturday at Andrews ISD Natatorium. The Eagles were the regional runners-up with 320 points, finishing 161 behind regional champion Andrews. Johnny Albaugh was named the meet’s top athlete, earning individual gold medals in the 50 freestyle (22.23) and 100 butterfly (53.25). He also claimed a regional title with the 200 freestyle relay (1:32.04) and a silver in the 200 medley relay with Logan Fultz, Aaron Williamson and Blaze Pippin. Williamson added golds in the 200 freestyle (1:51.28) and 100 backstroke (56.49), while Fultz took silver in the 50 freestyle (22.27) and earned a state call-up after finishing third in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.58). Caleb McKee became the program’s first freshman boy to advance to the state meet after finishing fifth and earning a call-up in the 500 freestyle (5:28.31). In the girls division, the Lady Eagles were fourth with 195 points. Kenzi Hays was the district champion in the 200 IM (2:25.02) and 100 breaststroke (1:14.48), and also took gold in the 200 medley relay (1:59.47) with Zoey Hall, Kady Martinez and Eliana Bridges. Hall, a four-year state qualifier, won the 100 freestyle (55.99) and placed second in the 100 backstroke (1:01.93). Martinez added a silver in the 500 freestyle (5:58.36) and claimed bronze and earned a state call-up in the 200 freestyle (2:10.97). Boyd’s Libby Vaughan earned her second trip to state after placing third and earning a call-up in the 500 freestyle (6:00.42).

GIRLS BASKETBALL RESULTS — Decatur (27-5, 9-0) remains unbeaten in District 8-4A with one game left after outlasting Krum in a road showdown Friday, 45-40. Bridgeport (23-10, 6-3) earned its sixth league win with a 52-13 victory over Springtown. In 10-3A, Paradise (26-7, 12-1) routed Boyd in the second Battle of Texas 114 contest, 67-22. Alvord (11-19) fell to 1-10 in 13-2A after losing to Era, 47-19. Chico (5-26, 0-11) remains winless in league play after a 43-33 loss to Tioga. VCA (24-4, 7-0) defeated Westlake Academy in a playoff tuneup game, 59-26.

BOYS BASKETBALL RESULTS — Decatur (20-10, 5-2) cut Krum’s lead to 4 with 1:30 left in a District 8-4A showdown, but ultimately suffered a 10-point loss, 58-48. Bridgeport (12-19, 2-5) suffered a 75-40 defeat to Springtown. Paradise (21-10, 10-1) survived a scare against 10-3A Battle of Texas 114 Boyd, 43-41. In 13-2A, Alvord (17-15) fell to 6-4 after a 1-point loss to Era, 59-58. Chico (5-26, 0-9) was unable to pick up its first league win, as Tioga defeated the Dragons, 73-26.

BOYS SOCCER RESULTS — Decatur (6-4, 1-0) opened District 8-4A play with a 6-2 win over Collegiate Academy. Bridgeport (9-1-1, 1-0) shut out Springtown in its league opener, 5-0.

GIRLS SOCCER RESULTS — Decatur (6-3-1, 1-0) earned a 6-0 shutout against Collegiate Academy in its District 8-4A opener. Bridgeport (4-5-1, 0-1) tied Springtown at 1 at the end of regulation, but suffered a 3-1 loss after penalty kicks.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP — If you care for, or care about, someone with Alzheimer’s, the Wise Alzheimer’s Support Group will have a virtual meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday. Learn from others and share your experiences. For information on how to participate in the meeting call Richard, 940-255-0244.

LIBRARY STORYTIME — Decatur Public Library will hold Storytime 10:30 a.m. today. Join Ms. Kim as she reads a story, and enjoy play time with friends. Call DPL at 940-393-0290.

SOFTBALL SCRIMMAGES — Paradise will play its fourth tuneup game against Lindsay 5 p.m. today at Lindsay High School.

FUNERALS — Graveside service for Ernest Roberts, 90, of Decatur is 1 p.m. Saturday at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.

MEMORIAL service for Sandra “Sandy” Gail Erwin, 83, of Runaway Bay is 2 p.m. Wednesday at The Bay Community Church. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.

SERVICE for Frances Gerladine Holley, 88, of Gordonville is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

FUNERAL for Dorothy Williamson, 77, of Bridgeport is 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Eastside Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.