Update for Thursday, April 18, 2024

FORMER BRIDGEPORT TRAINER JAILED ON CHILD SEX CHARGE — Bridgeport Police Department’s investigation into a possible child sex crime involving a former Bridgeport High School athletic trainer resulted in an arrest Wednesday. Billy Newsom, 60, of Bridgeport was arrested on the felony charge of online solicitation of a minor, said Bridgeport Police Chief Steve Stanford. The Wise County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Rangers and the U.S. Secret Service forensic division have been assisting with the investigation for weeks. Stanford said investigators found forensic validation of a crime Tuesday. ”This case is still under investigation; however, due to the nature of this crime, it was a priority to make an arrest as soon as we had forensic validation of a crime,” Stanford said. “Investigators received that confirmation (Tuesday) and obtained the arrest warrant (Wednesday) evening.” Newsom was an athletic trainer at Bridgeport High School, working with Bridgeport athletes for around 20 years. He retired in 2018. For concerns or additional information, Stanford said to contact Detective John Bradshaw at 940-683-3430 or jbradshaw@cityofbridgeport.net.

HOUNDS CLAIM SECOND REGIONAL GOLF TITLE — In the second year of a total program revamp, the Slidell Hounds have swung for their second straight regional title. Slidell’s A team carded a two-day total 732 (355-377) to claim the 2024 1A Region Ill trophy at Mount Pleasant Country Club Tuesday. The Hounds finished 25 strokes ahead of runner-up Rochelle (757), while Graford shot 781 for third. Riddik Davis led the Hounds with a 173 (83-90), finishing sixth overall. Paxton Peacock (92-92) tied for 12th with Sidney’s Caleb Carter with 184. Dax Davis shot 189 (90-99) for 18th, while Caden Luig (94- 96) tied with Iredell’s Caleb Garland for 19th with 190. Zayne Browning rounded out the team’s score card, placing 23rd with 193 (90-103). Slidell’s A team will compete at the 1A state tournament, scheduled for April 29-30 at Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle. Last season, the Hounds finished fifth at their first state meet with 722 (368-354).

CHANCE OF STORMS — Today’s forecast includes a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m. Otherwise, it will be partly sunny with a high near 88.

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 in Decatur. The meeting will include installation of new members and officers. Contact Connie Brawley at 940-393-5971.

DECATUR CHAMBER LUNCHEON — The Decatur Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the naming of the Texas State Fish at its monthly luncheon Tuesday at the Eagle Activity Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration deadline is today at decaturtx.com.

BLOOD DRIVE — The Decatur Rotary Club will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Wise County Spring Event at the Decatur Conference Center. Sign up at wcmess.com/donate42024.

AGRILIFE WHEAT FIELD DAY — Extension officers from Wise, Cooke, Montague and Denton counties will host the 2024 Wheat Field Day in Lindsay May 9. The event begins with a tour of plots with research specialist Russell Sutton at 4 p.m. at 4301 County Road 422 in Gainesville, followed by a dinner at Lindsay Smokehouse from 5:30-6 p.m. After the meal, presentations will be made from the Texas Wheat Producers Board and three specialists to discuss grain markets, small grain production resources and integrated pest management. Cost is $15. Register by dropping off payment at any four of the participating Extension offices. If mailing a check, send to Wise County AgriLife Extension at 206 S. State St., Decatur, TX 76234 and make payable to “Livestock Committee.” For questions, contact Marty Morgan at marty.morgan@ag.tamu.edu or (940) 627-3341.

AGGIE MOMS SPRING FUNDRAISER — The Wise County Aggie Moms Annual Spring Fundraiser for a freezer of beef and Blackstone grill is now underway. Proceeds are used for scholarships for current Wise County Aggies. Go to the Wise County Aggie Mom’s Facebook Page for the link to the fundraiser.

MITCHELL ENERGY RETIREE LUNCH — Retirees, former employees, spouses and friends with Mitchell Energy Corporation and all affiliated companies will meet for lunch and visiting at Catfish O’Harlies in Decatur 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday.

ALL-WISE BASKETBALL TEAMS ANNOUNCED — Decatur’s Javen Colbert and Bralyn Peck headline the 2024 All-Wise Basketball Teams as MVPs. The All-Wise Basketball Teams are included in Thursday’s Wise County Messenger sports section available on newsstands today or online at wcmessenger.com.

HOME LAWN AND GARDEN SECTION — Today’s Messenger includes a Home, Lawn and Garden special section.

FUNERALS — Memorial service for Shirley Louise Morgan Fortenberry, 88, is 10:30 a.m. Monday at Slidell Baptist Church. Family visitation is 9:30 a.m. at the church. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Johnny Barnes, 89, of Boyd is 11 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial at 4 p.m. at Old Union Cemetery in Simms. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

SERVICES for Patti June Unger, 57, of Boyd and Lawson Hines, 77, of Rhome are pending at Hawkins-Boyd.

GRAVESIDE service for Tamra “Tammy” Womack, 64, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. Monday at Paradise Cemetery. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Decatur Police Officer Rudopho “Rudy” Arizola Jr. is 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church Decatur with interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

SERVICE for Fannie Sizemore Warner, 91, of Hallsville, formerly of Bridgeport, will be held at a later date. Rader Funeral Home in Longview is handling arrangements.