ROY COOPER DEATH, HOUSE FIRE INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE — Investigators are continuing their inquiry into the death of Roy Cooper following a fire at the rodeo legend’s Wise County home April 30. Wise County Fire Marshal Jeff Doughty confirmed to the Messenger Wednesday that both the death and fire investigations remain active. “We’re still investigating, [but] we’ve got more information now,” Doughty said. “It still looks accidental, but we’re not going to release more until we’re positive.” The fire was reported shortly after 7 p.m. at the ProRodeo hall of famer and former all-around rodeo world champion’s home in the 600 block of County Road 3051. A memorial service for Cooper was held last week at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, bringing together family and friends such as country music legend George Strait, country singer Tanya Tucker and bull riding world champion Ty Murray. Country music legend Reba McIntire also recorded a video honoring Cooper’s life. Read more online here.
COACHES, PLAYER SELECTED TO OIL BOWL — Decatur girls basketball coach Drew Coffman has been picked to lead the West All-Stars in the 2025 Oil Bowl showcase, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at Wichita Falls Legacy High School. Joining Coffman on the West squad will be former Lady Eagle Reese Christian, who earned the All-WIse Sixth Man of the Year honor following Decatur’s run to the 4A Division I state championship. Former Boyd football coach Ian Ritchey will serve as a co-head coach for the West All-Stars in the Oil Bowl football game, slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Wichita Falls ISD’s Memorial Stadium, alongside Archer City coach Bradan Ritchey — his brother — and Petrolia coach Bradley Blassingame. Read more online here.
SCHOOL SUPPLY EVENT — Registration for the Decatur Church of Christ’s Gear Up school supply event is now open, and families must register to receive supplies. Visit decaturchurchofchrist.com to register for the event, which is Aug. 1 and 2. Priority will be given to Wise County residents attending Wise County schools.
DECATUR CARES — Decatur Cares Mobile Pantry is 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday. Cars can begin to line up in the First United Methodist Church East parking lot off Miller Street before 7. There will be produce, protein items and more for 225 families. Volunteers are also needed 7 to 9 a.m. at the First United Methodist parking lot. Visit the Decatur Cares Facebook page.
SWEETWATER CEMETERY HOMECOMING — The Sweetwater Cemetery Homecoming is Sunday. Speaker is scheduled for 11 a.m., lunch at noon and business meeting to follow. Call Karen Dawson, 940-255-4510.
HONOR YOUR PARENTS DAY — Newark Heart for Park will host “Honor Your Parents Day” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Delora Doughty Park. Activities include Nerf wars, paint fun, vendors, food trucks, bounces house and an obstacle course. Call 817-228-1890.
CLEAN UP EVENT — The Keep New Fairview Beautiful Clean Up Event is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Meet at City Hall before going to clean up the southbound frontage road of U.S. 81/287. Personal protective equipment and refreshments will be provided.
WRITERS GROUP — Decatur Public Library will host a Writers Group 5:30 p.m. today. Authors come together to share their work, offer constructive feedback, and support each other’s creative growth through discussions and regular meetings.
CONSERVATIVES MEETING — The Wise County Conservatives group meets 7 tonight at Rise Church in Decatur. State Representatives Andy Hopper and Mike Olcott will give a recap of the 89th Legislative Session.
FUNERALS — Graveside service for Randall Johnson, 64, of Oklahoma is 2 p.m. Friday at Oaklawn Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Mike Lane, 69, of Decatur is 3 p.m. Saturday at Brookside Center in Hurst. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
GRAVESIDE service for Johnny Cain, 86, of Decatur is 1 p.m. Tuesday at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Hawkins Chapel in Decatur.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Robert Nichols, 76, of Decatur. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Peggy Jeens, 88, of Decatur will be held at a later date. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Rodney Lindsey, 62, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church Bridgeport. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Tonya Kennedy, 58, of Haslet is 2 p.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial at Azleland Cemetery. Family visitation is noon-2 p.m. today at the funeral home.
FUNERAL for Mistie Lee Kimmel, 48, is 10 a.m. Friday at Lighthouse church in Bowie with burial at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie. Visitation is 6-8 tonight at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
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