HORNER DESCRIBES KILLING; LEADS OFFICERS TO ATHENA’S BODY IN VIDEO INTERVIEW — Jurors on Wednesday got to hear Tanner Horner’s version of events surrounding Athena Strand’s 2022 killing. The second day of testimony in Horner’s capital murder trial included a video of an interrogation interview at the sheriff’s office where Horner describes killing the 7-year-old because he said he didn’t want her telling anybody what happened. After initially leading officers searching for Athena’s body to the wrong location, he eventually takes the Texas Ranger to the location where her body was recovered in the Trinity River at County Road 4668 (Bobo Crossing), but only after the Ranger asks to speak to “Zero,” apparently referring to the voice in his head that told him to kill the child. The trial continues today in Fort Worth as prosecutors seek the death penalty. Follow full coverage of the trial at wcmess.com/athena.
BULLS SUIT UP FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH — Making its first appearance since 2017, Bridgeport (21-3) will rematch against Brookshire Royal (28-1-1) in the 4A Division II state final match 6:30 p.m. today at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown. The Bulls will look to avenge a 3-1 loss to the Falcons in the teams’ first meeting Jan. 3 at the Alvarado tournament — Bridgeport’s first defeat of the season. The trip to the state final is the first under coach Brandon Medrano, who took over the program during the summer. Read more online here.
TRASH BASH — The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) is seeking volunteers to participate in the 2026 Lake Bridgeport Trash Bash, an annual community event dedicated to removing trash and debris from around the lake, 8 to 10 a.m. April 25. Participants are invited to an after-party 10 a.m. to noon at Lakefront Beach, 1650 Farm Road 1658. Register at trwd.com/trashbash. Register by Friday to receive a T-shirt. Early packet pick-up is 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 24 at the TRWD Lake Bridgeport office, 1710 FM 1658 in Bridgeport.
MARKER DEDICATION — The Wise County Historical Commission will host a dedication ceremony 2 p.m. Sunday for a new historical marker at the Harding-Gregg Log Cabin, 575 CR 4226, Decatur. Speakers will include Judge J.D. Clark and other local dignitaries.
FREEDOM FEST SEEKS SPONSORS — The Runaway Bay Economic Development Corporation is seeking VIP sponsors for the Runaway Bay 2026 Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 27. Call 940-393-2721.
EVENT CANCELLATION — The Meet the Heroes of the Wise County K9 unit event in Decatur is canceled for this Saturday. The event will be rescheduled at a later date. Follow Wise Republican Women at wrwomen.com or call 214-289-9857.
BLOOD DRIVE — Decatur Rotary Club will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. today at Walmart in Decatur. Visit wcmess.com/donate4926 to sign up for a time slot.
DONOR REGISTRY EVENT — Medical City Decatur will host a blood stem cell, bone marrow and organ donation registry event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. Through a quick cheek swab process, adults ages 18 to 55 can join the national blood stem cell and bone marrow registry. Participants will also be able to register online for organ donation in partnership with Southwest Transplant Alliance and LifeGift.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER — Bridgeport Education Foundation will host the Rock the Keys Fundraiser 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, with show starting at 8, at Marker Cellars, 1015 Halsell St. A piano artist will take live requests while a drummer keeps the party going all night. From classic rock to country to pop — if you can sing it, they can play it. For tickets email bportbef@gmail.com.
LIBRARY GIVING DAYS — The Decatur Library Friends and Foundation hosts Library Giving Days this week. Donate to the foundation through QR codes on signs posted around the city or at the library. This year’s goal is $3,000 to help the foundation offer a second scholarship for a Wise County senior in 2027.
SOFTBALL — Victory Christian Academy (7-3, 5-2) takes on Bethesda Christian School in a TAPPS 2A District 2 battle 5 p.m. today in Fort Worth.
FUNERALS — Memorial service for Edward Elsmere, 77, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Alvord. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for GH Smith, 83, of Aurora is 1 p.m. Saturday at Lifepoint Fellowship Church in Haslet. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Mike “Pup” Jones, 74, of Decatur is 1 p.m. Sunday at Oaklawn Cemetery Pavilion. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Jimmie Rice, 72, of Shawnee, Okla., is pending at Hawkins-Decatur.
FUNERAL for Bobbie Gay Colvin, 67, of Aurora is 11 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial at Aurora Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
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