LEADERS UNVEIL NEW WATER PLANS — City leaders unveiled plans Wednesday night to form the West Fork Public Utility Agency — a proposed regional entity that would allow cities to collaborate on water infrastructure without legislative approval. The public utility agency, introduced during the Wise County Mayors Coalition meeting, could be a viable alternative to the Wise Regional Water District, a legislative proposal that failed to pass during the 89th Texas legislative session. Public utility agencies can provide many of the same tools as regional water districts, including the ability to coordinate on water and wastewater services. It would be funded through revenue collected from the water and wastewater services it provides to customers and would not levy a property tax. Read more online at wcmessenger.com.
BELEW ANNOUNCES RUN FOR DISTRICT JUDGE — Local attorney Paul Belew has announced his candidacy for 271st District Judge. He will run as a Republican in the 2026 primary election. The 271st District Court covers all of Wise and Jack counties. Candidates can officially file for a place on the March 3, 2026, primary ballot from Nov. 8 to Dec. 8, 2025. Many candidates announce their intention to run for office prior to that filing window. Read more in today’s Messenger or online at wcmessenger.com.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY — Bridgeport’s annual Christmas in July Toy Drive is 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at The Hub on Halsell Street downtown. It will include bounce houses, water slides and a 4×4 To Drive parade at 7.
POLICE DEPARTMENT HISTORY WANTED — As it nears the opening of its new police station, the Decatur Police Department is seeking old photos or memorabilia of the department, its personnel, patrol cars or events from past years to include in a special display honoring the department’s history and service to the community. Scanned images may be sent to records@decaturpd.net, or bring them by the station where copies can be made, and the originals will be returned.
SENIOR SOCIAL — Decatur Public Library’s Fabulous Friday Senior Social will be at Governors Ridge 9:30 a.m. Friday. Share friendly conversation with fellow community member. Refreshments are provided. Call Laura Altz at 940-393-0290.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR — The City of New Fairview will host Coffee with Mayor John Taylor 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at city hall.
HELP FLOOD VICTIMS — 1st Choice Truck Lube, 1300 W. FM 1810 in Decatur, now has a semi trailer available as a drop off location for donations for the Central Texas flood victims. Items needed include canned/non perishable food, dog and cat food/beds/blankets, gloves, batteries/flashlights, clothing, blankets, diapers/wipes/formula, toiletries and liquid IVs. Items may be dropped off 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Friday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. See the business’ Facebook page for more information.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING — The Wise County Historical Commission will meet noon today in the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce board room at 812A Halsell Street in Bridgeport. Attendees may bring a sack lunch at 11:30 a.m. and enjoy a “Lunch and Learn” presented by Ronald Womack.
CARNIVAL IN BRIDGEPORT — Triple T Amusements will hold a carnival this weekend at Harwood Park. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. today and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Unlimited ride wristband is $30. Some proceeds from the event go to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation.
TRIVIA NIGHT — Trivia at The County Seat in Decatur, hosted by Decatur Public Library, is 6:30 tonight. The evening will include friendly competition for a chance to win prizes.
FUNERALS — Funeral for Dennis Royce Hudson, 76, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Friday at Hawkins-Decatur with burial at Paradise Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
SERVICE for Peggy Jeens, 88, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Friday at Victory Church in Decatur. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Barbara Ann York, 86, of Decatur will be at a later date. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for JoAnn Davis, 89, of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. today at Hawkins-Bridgeport with burial at Thomas Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
FUNERAL for Terry Ross, 64, of Boonsville is 10 a.m. Friday at Hawkins-Bridgeport with burial at Boonsville Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
FUNERAL for James G. Gilliland, 83, of Montague is 2 p.m. Saturday at Freedom Life Church in Bowie with burial at Paradise Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
SERVICE for Curtis D. Marlett, 84, of Bridgeport is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
GRAVESIDE service for Sharon Faye Whittenburg, 82, of Boyd is 10 a.m. Saturday at Garvin Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.
SERVICE for Gilberto Moncibaiz, 85, of Bridgeport is pending at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
SERVICE for Lori Wellborn, 53, of Paradise is 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the home of Amy and Greg Fletcher in Paradise.
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