COUNTY CALLS FOR STATE ROAD FUNDING REFORM — Wise County Commissioners this week unanimously backed a push urging the Texas Legislature to give counties a larger share of the state’s motor fuels tax revenue. The resolution supports the “Penny for County Roads” plan, which has been gaining momentum since it was pitched by Cass County Judge Travis Ransom. The proposal asks that the state reallocate funding from the current state motor fuels tax to address mounting county road maintenance problems. The state’s motor fuels tax generates about $3.85 billion annually. Around 25 percent is dedicated to the Available School Fund, with the rest going to the State Highway Fund, with a small portion dedicated to the County and Road District Highway Fund. The proposal supported by Wise County Commissioners is asking the state to dedicate 5 percent — or one penny — of the existing 23-cent per gallon state motor fuels tax to counties to help offset rising maintenance costs and public safety demands. Read more in this week’s Wise County Messenger on newsstands today or online here.
ATHENA’S MOTHER TESTIFIES; DNA EVIDENCE DOES NOT RULE OUT HORNER — Athena Strand’s mother, Maitlyn Gandy, testified Wednesday in the capital murder trial of Tanner Horner. She talked about finding out that her daughter was missing and then later that she had been murdered. “I told her I loved her and I’d see her on Friday,” Gandy said of the last thing she said to Athena. She told jurors she wanted them to know that Athena was more than just a name or photo in a news story. “She is loved, and she is missed, and she was real, and she had a life, and she wanted a life, and no one can take that from her,” Gandy said. Kristen Cossota with the Texas DPS Crime Lab said Horner could not be excluded as a contributor to DNA profiles found on vaginal, anal and oral swabs taken from Athena Strand. She also testified that there was “strong support” for the conclusion that Athena and Horner were contributors to DNA profiles found on a number of other items including clothing collected from Horner’s home. Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder in Strand’s death last week, and the punishment phase of the death penalty trial continues today in Fort Worth. For full coverage of the trial, visit wcmess.com/athena.
RAIN REPORT — Parts of Wise County received rain yesterday. Rainfall totals included 0.95 of an inch in Alvord, 0.5 in Greenwood and 0.03 in Decatur.
MUFFINS AND MEDICARE — Muffins and Medicare with Anndra Mann is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Decatur Public Library. Mann is a licensed insurance broker who will provide information regarding your Medicare.
MZ BEE — The MZ Bee is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Alvord. Enjoy a day of crafting and fellowship. Call or text Donna at 940-393-8662.
DAR MEETING — The John B Denton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Decatur with social time beginning at 9:30 a.m.
ELDERCARE CONFERENCE — The Wise County Eldercare Conference will be held 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 27 at First Baptist Church in Decatur. Older adults, caregivers and families are invited. The event will feature educational breakout sessions, vendor information, door prizes, a professional panel discussion, and a complimentary lunch. Keynote speaker Dr. Andrew Crocker of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present “Don’t Fall, Y’all!” focusing on fall prevention and healthy aging. Breakout topics include Alzheimer’s, caregiver mental health, mature driving, legal planning and nutrition. RSVP by Monday by calling the Wise County Extension Office at 940‑627‑3341. The event is hosted by the Wise County Family and Community Program Area Committee and Amy Wagner, County Extension Agent for Family and Community Health.
TEXAS TRASH OFF — Wise Republican Women will participate in the 40th Annual State of Texas Trash-Off Saturday. Meet at Weatherford College entrance on Farm Road 1655, just north of U.S. 380 in Bridgeport. Wear good shoes, long pants and hat if necessary. Also bring water. The group will provide trash bags, gloves and grabbers. Call 214-289-9857.
SENIOR PROM — The Decatur High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) will hold its annual prom for Wise County residents 55 years old and older. The “Garden Gala” is 6 to 9 p.m. April 25 at the Decatur Conference Center. Entry is free, but donations will be accepted. RSVP at wcmess.com/gardengala26.
TRACK — Decatur and Bridgeport are competing at the District 7/8-4A area championships today at Springtown High School’s Porcupine Stadium. Boyd and Paradise will take part in the 9/10-3A championships at Whitesboro High School’s Bearcat Stadium.
CELEBRATING BULLS SOCCER — We’re celebrating the Bridgeport Bulls’ 4A Division II state soccer title with extensive coverage of the game, MVP Jared Contreras and the team’s stampede to gold in the B Section of today’s edition of the Wise County Messenger. Free e-edition access can be found here.
FUNERALS — Service for Richard Ivy, 92, of Decatur is pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
MEMORIAL service for Julie Felt, 42, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Decatur. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church.
GRAVESIDE service for L.W. Mann, 93, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Sunday at Deep Creek Cemetery with visitation noon Sunday at Hawkins-Decatur.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Claude Jesse Smithpeter, 91, of Azle. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Ernest Stromsdorfer, 91, of Springtown. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Carolyn Thompson, 86, of Weatherford is 1 p.m. Saturday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Chico Cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
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