IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED AT DANGEROUS INTERSECTION — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) confirmed Wednesday that a traffic signal and other safety upgrades will soon be installed at the intersection of Texas 114 and Alliance Boulevard, following the death of 8-year-old Matteo Hernandez, which renewed calls for action. Shawna Russell Jones, TxDOT’s Northwest Texas Communications director, said the project will include installing a traffic signal, roadway illumination, and multiple sets of advanced warning signs. “Safety remains TxDOT’s top priority,” Russell Jones said. “Design work for the traffic signal project at the intersection of 114 and Alliance Boulevard has been underway for several months. [..] In the near term, barricades are being placed within the work area, and onsite work will commence early next week, weather permitting.” Hernandez, a second grader at Northwest ISD’s Prairie View Elementary School, died Jan. 22 in a wreck at the intersection. Read more in this week’s Wise County Messenger on newsstands today.
RAIN REPORT — Overnight storms brought rain to parts of Wise County. Rainfall totals included 1.83 inches in Bridgeport, 0.72 in Alvord and 0.65 in Greenwood.
MCDONNELL HEADS BACK TO REGIONALS — Decatur junior Kendal McDonnell will step onto the 4A Region I links once again in hopes of bringing home her first state berth. McDonnell carded a 92 in the second round of the District 7-4A tournament Monday at Turtle Hill Golf Course in Muenster, earning an individual regional berth after finishing tied for sixth (185) with Eagle Mountain’s Brooke Borchardt. McDonnell’s regional bid is her second in back-to-back seasons, and serves as the first under Decatur coach Richard Andrews. In the district team standings, Decatur scored 777 (392-385) for third — 20 strokes behind league runner-up and regional qualifier Burkburnett (380-377—757). McDonnell will play in the 4A Region I tournament April 13-14 at Lubbock’s Shadow Hills Golf Course. Read more online here.
COFFMAN WINS COACH OF THE YEAR HONORS — After leading the Lady Eagles back to the top of the 4A Division I mountain this season, Decatur coach Drew Coffman is bringing home two of the state’s top awards. Coffman was recently announced as the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ 4AI Coach of the Year for the second straight campaign, and also grabbed the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s 1A-4A top coach honor. Making its second consecutive appearance in the 4AI state championship game, Decatur rallied late to knock off Waco La Vega 58-54 in overtime, earning its second straight state title. Read more online here.
BAKE SALE — The annual bake sale benefiting Big Mama’s Blessings is 9 a.m. Saturday in the O’Reilly’s parking lot. Proceeds will be given back to the community through the family organization. Email bmblessings95@gmail.com.
DECATUR CARES — Decatur Cares Mobile Food Pantry originally scheduled for this Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur has been rescheduled due to the threat of inclement weather. It will now be held 9 to 11 a.m. April 11.
VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE — The voter registration deadline for the May 2 city and school election is 5 p.m. today. To find out if you are registered to vote, visit wcmess.com/registered. You can also call the local voter registration office at 940-626-4453.
CHAMBER LUNCHEON — The Wise County Chamber of Commerce April luncheon is 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Weatherford College Wise County. Jill Garcia will speak on the future of our water. For tickets visit wisecountychamberchamber.com. Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday.
COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY — Decatur ISD will host a Community Block Party and Lotería night 5 to 7 tonight at Decatur High School (near front entrance). The event will include giant games, a DJ, lotería and (paid) food truck options.
EMERGENCY ALERT TEST — At the request of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), a statewide test of emergency alert systems will occur between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. today. Wise County will participate by sending a test notification through its Civic emergency alert system, according to the Wise County Office of Emergency Management. You may receive a test alert on your phone during this time. This is only a test. No emergency action is required.
CITY HALL CLOSURES — City halls in Alvord and Newark will be closed today for Good Friday.
ALL-WISE BASKETBALL — Chico’s Jordan Weiland and Decatur’s Bralyn Peck anchor the 2026 All-Wise Basketball Teams, which are featured in Thursday’s paper. The teams can also be viewed online here.
FUNERALS — Memorial service for Rosco Brian Walker, 60, of Chico is 1 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
MASS of Christian burial for Connie Marie Malek, 75, of Decatur is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur. Family visitation is 5-7 p.m. Sunday with rosary said at 6 at Hawkins-Decatur.
MEMORIAL service for Harold “Snuffy” Chancellor, 86, of Rhome is 11 a.m. Monday at Hawkins-Decatur.
MEMORIAL visitation for Tyler Paul Caster, 33, of Sunset is 6-8 p.m. Monday at Hawkins-Decatur.
SERVICE for Donna Kaye Currie is pending at Hawkins-Decatur.
SERVICE for John Wayne Hood, 69, of Boyd will be at a later date in Houston. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Daniel Braddock, 65, of Newark is pending at Hawkins-Boyd.
FUNERAL for Ima Jean Vining, 99, of Newark is 2 p.m. Saturday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Chico Cemetery. Visitation is 1 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Loading Comments