HUMAN TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION IN ALVORD — The Wise County Sheriff’s Office said they have found evidence of a human trafficking operation at a local restaurant Wednesday. According to a news release from the WCSO, a search warrant was issued yesterday at the Punjabi Dhabba restaurant at 4566 North U.S. 81/287 south of Alvord. The search warrant was issued as part of “an on-going investigation related to human trafficking and narcotics trafficking,” according to the news release. “…The search revealed evidence consistent with human trafficking.” No more details of the operation were given, but it said additional information “will be released when appropriate.” According to Wise County Jail records, Angrej Singh, 46, of Fort Worth was booked into the Wise County Jail earlier this morning on charges of continuous smuggling of persons and smuggling of persons. Yesterday’s multi-agency operation also included Bridgeport Police Department, Decatur Police Department, Lewisville Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration of Fort Worth, Texas Department of Public Safety, the North Texas Criminal Interdiction Unit, Denton County Sheriff’s Office, Montague County Sheriff’s Office and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. More information will be posted when available at wcmessenger.com.
RAIN REPORT — Wise County saw the most rain it had seen in months yesterday as a storm system dropped nearly 3 inches of rain in some parts of Wise County. Rainfall totals included 2.8 inches in Cottondale, 2.49 in Decatur, 2.21 in Greenwood and 1.85 in Bridgeport. We’re expected to get a break from the rain today with partly cloudy skies and a high near 82 before rain chances return Friday and continue each day through Monday.
RPDO TO REPRESENT HORNER — A man charged in the murder of Athena Strand will get to keep a public defender’s office to represent him in the case. The Court of Criminal Appeals has declined to take action on a motion to reverse a judge’s ruling relating to defense counsel for Tanner Horner, who is facing the death penalty for capital murder in the death of Strand. On Wednesday, the appeals court said “it is unnecessary…to intervene” on a writ of mandamus sought by Wise County District Attorney James Stainton, who filed the motion in August after 271st District Judge Brock Smith ruled to remove Horner’s former attorneys, Bill Ray and Steven Gordon, in July and instead appoint lawyers from the Regional Public Defender’s Office (RPDO). The action was taken after the district court learned of a contract the county had signed with the RPDO years ago to provide attorneys for capital murder cases. Read more online here.
EARLY VOTING CONTINUES — Polls will be open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for early voting in the Nov. 7 election at the following locations: the Wise County Fairgrounds Women’s Building in Decatur, Alvord City Hall, Boyd Community Center, and Bridgeport Community Center. Yesterday, 362 votes were cast.
FALL CARNIVAL — The Rhome Community Library will hold a fall carnival 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $5 for everyone 4 years and older and $20 for a family of four or more. The carnival will feature a bounce house, games, crafts and a concession stand featuring fall treats. The Pumpkin Patch will also be open for those wanting to buy their pumpkins. Payment by cash or debit/credit card is accepted. Card payments will incur service fees. Visit rhomelibrary.org.
FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASS — Wise Hope will present a free self-defense class at Peak Performance Decatur 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The class is for ages 10 and up. RSVP bmott@wisehope.org or 940-626-4585.
MAIL-IN BALLOT DEADLINE — Wise County Elections Administrator Sabra Srader reminds voters who would like to vote by mail that the application deadline for a mail in ballot is Friday. That means the application must be received at the elections office by 5 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF GAMES ANNOUNCED — Northwest (28-9) will start the 5A playoff with a first-round matchup against Trimble Tech 6 p.m. Monday at Keller Timber Creek High School. Decatur (20-16) opens the 4A playoffs against Gainesville 7 p.m. Friday at Denton Ryan High School. In 3A, Boyd (29-8) will battle Dallas A+ Academy in a bi-district match 7 p.m. Friday at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Alvord (15-21) will face rival Chico (23-14) for the third time this season in a 9-2A tiebreaker for the third and fourth seeds 5 p.m. Friday at Chico High School. Seeking its eighth straight TCAF title, VCA (17-6) earned a first-round bye, and will face Burton Adventist Academy in the state semifinals 7 p.m. Nov. 2 at The Hill School of Fort Worth.
BRIDGEPORT SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS — Bridgeport Womens Club will have applications for 2023 Spirit of Christmas at the Bridgeport Library beginning today. Families needing assistance due to financial hardships and live within the Bridgeport school district qualify. Pick up applications for more information.
BRIDGEPORT BOOK SALE — The Friends of the Library will host a Fall Book Sale 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today and Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Bridgeport Public Library. In addition to traditional book sale items, the sale will feature fall/winter decor.
CHICO TRUNK OR TREAT — The Chico Park Board Trunk or Treat is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday. It will include games, costume contest with prizes and more.
CARNIVAL-THEMED PARTY RESCHEDULED — A carnival-themed party in honor of the local special needs community scheduled for this weekend at the Wise County Reunion Grounds has been moved to next Saturday, Nov. 4, due to inclement weather.
MITCHELL ENERGY RETIREE LUNCH — Retirees, former employees, spouses, and friends who started with Mitchell Energy Corporation will meet for lunch and visiting at Catfish O’Harlies in Decatur 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. For information, call Linda Potts, 940-389-8755.
THANK YOU, FIRST RESPONDERS — Today’s Wise County Messenger includes a “Salute to First Responders” special section honoring our local first responders.
FUNERALS — Memorial for Ron Pemberton, DVM, 82, of Decatur is 10:30 a.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Paul David Wagner, 78, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Saturday at Greenwood Church of Christ. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Juan Martinez, 55, of Granbury is pending at Hawkins-Decatur.
FUNERAL for Donald Gentry, 92, of Cottondale is 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Cottondale with burial at Cottondale Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Jimmy L. Weeden, 74, of Boyd. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Gene Malone, 84, of Weatherford is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
FUNERAL MASS for Jose Angel Flores Rendon, 59, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Friday at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery in Decatur. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Chip Edward Lander III, 37, of Paradise is 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace Fellowship Church in Paradise. Hudson & Torres is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Lyle Eugene Hart, 72, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Friday at Countryside Fellowship Church in Decatur.
FUNERAL for Kenneth “Shorty” Kelley, 82, is noon Friday at Montague County Cowboy Church in Montague with interment at 2 p.m. Sunday at Foster Cemetery in Foster, Okla. Family visitation is 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church.
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