RUNAWAY BAY TO CONSIDER DOWNSIZING GOLF COURSE — Runaway Bay officials are expected to consider a rezoning request that could downsize the former 18-hole golf course and allow for mixed-use development on the property, according to an announcement released last week by the owners of the closed RB Golf Club. The concept would reduce the course to a standard nine-hole layout while keeping roughly half of the property designated as recreational green space. Remaining land would be rezoned to allow for a village center intended to attract new businesses and a townhome development for new housing. The Cocanougher family shared that there has been no viable market interest in maintaining or selling the property as an 18-hole golf course and described the proposal as an alternative to the continued decline of the closed golf course property. They said the plan is preliminary and not a finalized development proposal. The City of Runaway issued a press release Monday night stating that the council is opposed to the golf course proposal. “The City of Runaway Bay wishes to clarify that the City Council is unanimously opposed to the rezoning proposal as presented by the property owners,” the press release said. “Under Texas law, the City is required to accept and process rezoning applications submitted by private property owners. This procedural requirement does not indicate support or likelihood of approval. The term ‘consider’ reflects a legal obligation only. While the City cannot prevent a rezoning request from being filed, City Council retains full authority to deny the request following the required public process.” The zoning request was expected to be submitted to the Runaway Bay Planning and Zoning Commission at its Jan. 6 meeting, the RB Golf Club announcement said. However, in a Jan. 6 phone call, Runaway Bay Mayor Herman White said that it would not come before the P&Z. He said several residents have spoken out against the proposal, and that the owners had brought the idea up during public comment at prior city council meetings. The rezoning request follows Weatherford College’s decision in 2024 to decline a donation of the golf course property to the college. The Cocanoughers have owned and operated RB Golf Club & Resort since 2018. It closed last year. Read more here.
WISE WELCOMES FIRST BABY OF 2026 — Wise County welcomed its first baby of 2026 with a baby girl arriving less than 11 hours into the new year. Madison Poehler was born at 10:34 a.m. Jan. 1 at Medical City Decatur. The daughter of Brytnee and Ryan Poehler of Decatur weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 19½ inches long.
GIRLS BASKETBALL RESULTS — Decatur (20-4) improved to 3-0 in District 7-4A play following a 101-4 win over Castleberry Friday. Bridgeport (15-10, 2-1) claimed its second league victory by defeating Eagle Mountain, 54-47. In 10-3A, Boyd (10-13, 2-1) earned a 51-31 win over Pilot Point. Alvord (0-22, 0-3) dropped its third 13-2A contest in a 56-24 loss to Era. Chico (14-8, 2-1) edged Slidell (12-8, 1-2) in a Wise County district showdown, 33-32.
BOYS BASKETBALL RESULTS — Slidell (14-6, 1-0) captured its first District 13-2A win by claiming a 77-66 win over Wise County rival Chico (12-8, 0-1) Friday. Decatur (7-9, 1-0) started District 7-4A action with a 58-42 victory over Castleberry. Bridgeport (10-11) is 0-1 in league play following a 45-39 loss to Eagle Mountain. In 10-3A, Boyd (12-10, 0-1) fell to Pilot Point in its district opener, 59-46. Alvord (10-8, 1-0) escaped its 13-2A opener with a 53-50 win over Era.
BOYS SOCCER RESULTS — Bridgeport (5-1) finished 4-1 at the Alvarado tournament last week. The Bulls earned four straight wins over San Angelo Lake View (4-0), Navasota (3-0), Hidalgo Early College (3-0) and Lumberton (1-0) before falling to Brookshire Royal 3-1 in their final match.
GIRLS SOCCER RESULTS — Decatur began its 2025-26 season with a 0-3 run at the Southlake tournament last week. The Lady Eagles suffered losses to Flower Mound (8-0), Plano (7-1) and Southlake Carroll (9-1).
OBERLE, DELGADO BRING HOME TSWA 3A ACCOLADES — Boyd coach Clark Oberle and senior outside hitter Addy Delgado ended their careers by leading the Lady Jacket program to its first state championship title. Now, the coach-player duo have received top honors on the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association’s 3A all-state volleyball team. Oberle tied for the Coach of the Year award with Goliad coach Jess Odem, who led the Tigerettes to the 3A Division I title over Bushland (3-0). Meanwhile, Delgado shared the 3A Player of the Year honor with Goliad junior middle blocker Addison Yendrey — the MVP of the 3AI state tournament. Joining Delgado on the First Team all-state list was middle blocker Annabelle Nichter, while senior Bryleigh Wallace was named a Second Team all-state libero. Junior Cami McIntire grabbed Third Team all-state setter honors. Read more online here.
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.
GARDEN CLUB MEETING — Wise County Garden Club meets 11:30 a.m. Thursday for lunch and meeting at the Bridgeport Lions Club. Lunch will be brown bag lunch, with drinks, chips and dessert provided. The program will be “Pruning Basics” presented by Donna Smith.
BLOOD DRIVE — Decatur Medical Lodge will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday. Sign up at wcmess.com/donate1626.
FUNERALS — Services for Herbert Doody, 77, and Eileen Toohey, 68, both of Decatur are pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
SERVICE for Richard Milton, 72, of Bridgeport is pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Jackie Harris, 77, of Bridgeport. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Kathleen Dynes, 87, of Bridgeport. Hudson & Torres is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Don “Big D” Stinnett, 78, of Runaway Bay is 2 p.m. Thursday at Hudson & Torres with burial at Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
SERVICE for Shannon Lamb, 60, of Paradise is pending at Hudson & Torres.
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