DEDC RECOGNIZED — The Decatur Economic Development Corp. (DEDC) was recently recognized by both Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas and the Texas Economic Development Council for its community outreach and economic development efforts. Decatur EDC was named the recipient of the 2026 Economic Development Excellence Award by Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, which recognizes organizations for leadership in workforce development and economic growth. And for the eighth consecutive year, DEDC was also among 85 organizations recognized through the Texas Economic Development Council’s 2025 Economic Excellence Recognition program. The program honors economic development organizations that meet standards related to professional development, certifications, memberships and organizational effectiveness.
BURN BAN ACTIVE AGAIN TODAY — Wise County will remain under a burn ban due to elevated fire risks. The National Weather Service has issued an elevated fire warning for Thursday, March 19. Relative humidity values are expected to hover in the teens 20s across North Texas this afternoon. This conditions are projected to persist through Saturday. Outdoor burning is not allowed. Wise County replaced its previous burn ban with the current weather-based ban last week.
ROY EATON SCHOLARSHIP OPENS — Decatur Fire Department announced that it is accepting applications for the newly established Roy Eaton Scholarship. This scholarship, created by the Decatur Fire Department Foundation, is open to Decatur High School seniors who plan to pursue a career in the fire service. The application deadline is April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Applications can be picked up at the Decatur Fire Department, obtained through your high school counselor, or requested by emailing Susan Gomez at sgomez@decaturfd.com.
SALUTE THE STATE CHAMPION PANTHERS — The Wise County Messenger’s special section celebrating Paradise’s journey to becoming state champions is included in the March 19, 2026 edition of the Wise County Messenger. You can find this keepsake edition on newsstands, at our office at 115 S. Trinity St. and the E-Edition is available here. Next week, the City of Paradise and Paradise ISD will host a parade 6 p.m. Thursday, March 26, through downtown Paradise. It will conclude with a celebration at Paradise High School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gym.
BASEBALL — Decatur (8-6-1, 2-0) travels to face Mineral Wells in non-district play today at 5 p.m. Chico (1-7) takes on Perrin-Whitt in a non-district contest 6 p.m. at Perrin-Whitt High School.
SOFTBALL — Boyd (20-2, 4-0) squares off against Ponder in a District 10-3A battle 5 p.m. today at Ponder High School. VCA (3-1) takes on Paradise JV 1p.m. at Paradise High School.
SOFTBALL RESULTS — Alvord (8-6-2, 0-2) suffered a 9-3 District 13-2A loss to Lindsay Wednesday.
GRAVESTONE CLEANING/CEMETERY CLEANUP — The John B. Denton Chapter, NSDAR will hold a free Gravestone Cleaning Workshop and Cemetery Cleanup Day for the community at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur 9 a.m. March 28. Learn proper techniques to clean gravestones to avoid damaging them. Wear comfy gardening-type clothes and closed-toe shoes. Email Johnbdentonwaa@gmail.com.
WE ARE DECATUR DAY — The Decatur Chamber of Commerce’ 2026 leadership class is seeking eligible projects and volunteers for its annual community beautification event, We Are Decatur Day. The community-wide day of service runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. April 11. Volunteers and members of the leadership class will hit the city with list of projects, like mowing lawns of the elderly and other hands-on improvement projects. To sign up or request some assistance, visit tinyurl.com/decserviceday.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING — The Wise County Historical Commission will meet noon today at the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce board room, 812A Halsell St.
MEALS ON WHEELS GALA — The Wise County Committee on Aging’s Meals on Wheels Wise County Gala and Auction 2026 will be held 6 p.m. March 27 at the Decatur Conference Center. The theme for this year is “The Gilded Age: Dine – Donate – Do Good.” Gilded Age attire optional. Festivities include silent and live auction, raffle, entertainment and open bar. Raffle tickets for the “Grand Raffle” are now available. For tables or individual tickets go to wisemeals.org. Call 817-899-8529. Proceeds will help Wise County seniors.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Cooper Bailey, 31, Jennifer Salazar Bailey, 29, and Hudson Bailey, 5, of Paradise will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at First Baptist Church in Decatur. Arrangements are being managed by Hudson and Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
ARRANGEMENTS for Ima Jean Vining, 99, of Newark are currently pending. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is entrusted with the funeral services.
FUNERAL for Ann Fortenberry Hancock, 100, of Decatur, is at 11 a.m. Thursday at Rosston Methodist Church, with burial at Rosston Cemetery.
NO SERVICE at this time for Steve E. Warner, 69, of Decatur. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for REBA JOYCE EPPS, 93, of Chico, is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
NO SERVICE at this time for ALICE STONE, 73, of Bridgeport.
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