AFFIDAVIT: TRAINER MET TEEN FOR SEX AT APARTMENTS NEAR HIGH SCHOOL — Local trainer and former high school coach Fernando Escobar had sex numerous times with a teen at apartments near DHS — and it ended when Escobar’s wife found the two together, according to an arrest affidavit. Escobar, 42, of Decatur was arrested Sept. 4 for sexual assault of a child following an investigation by the Decatur Police Department. It was Escobar’s second arrest in two weeks on a sexual crime involving a minor. According to the affidavit in the Decatur PD investigation, the woman, who was 15 at the time, said she began meeting with Escobar for treatment of a sports injury and the two began texting each other. She said Escobar convinced her to meet him at an apartment complex, and the two had sex in his pickup truck. After having sex on more than 10 encounters, the woman says in the affidavit that Escobar’s wife found the two together and told the teen to “stay away from (her husband) because he has a problem and needs help.” The alleged assault occurred more than 10 years ago, according to Decatur PD. Read more in today’s Wise County Messenger or online here.
SHAWN TO SEEK REELECTION — Wise County Precinct 4 Commissioner Colby Shawn has announced he will seek reelection in the March 2026 Republican Primary. Shawn’s announcement released Wednesday morning cited his priorities and accomplishments, which include longterm transportation and water infrastructure planning, road and bridge improvements and efforts to bolster the county’s emergency preparedness and public safety. No challengers have announced their intentions to run for Precinct 4 seat as of Wednesday morning.
9/11 SERVICE — A 9/11 Remembrance and Celebration of Unity service will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Aurora City Hall, 320 Derting Road. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics and emergency personnel are invited for a special evening to honor the courage, sacrifice and unity displayed by first responders on Sept. 11, 2001. Email kgilbert@auroratexas.gov for more information or to RSVP your entity.
REWARD OFFERED FOR INFO ON MISSING WOMAN — Wise County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information about the disappearance of Monica Sanford/Martin, 48, who was last seen in the area of Cuba Road and County Road 3203 in Bridgeport Aug. 24. She is described as 5-foot-6-inches tall and 260 pounds with long brown hair and hazel eyes, last seen wearing a gray tank top and jeans. To submit a tip (you will remain anonymous), visit p3tips.com or call the tip line at 800-643-8477. Read more here.
DONATE TO DECATUR FIRE DEPARTMENT — First Financial Bank in Decatur is accepting donations of bottled water and snacks for the Decatur Fire Department through Sept. 30 at 608 W. Hale. Call 940-683-8780.
MZ BEE — The MZ Bee is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Alvord. Enjoy a day of crafting and fellowship. Call or text Donna at 940-393-8662.
FIFTH QUARTER — Victory Church will host 5th quarter following Decatur High School’s football game Friday. It will include food and games for middle school and high school students.
SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK — The Center for Emotional Wellness in Decatur will host a Suicide Awareness Walk 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Kenny Renshaw Park. T-shirts are available upon registration. Register, volunteer or sponsor at wcmess.com/walk92325. Call Terra Durdon, 940-393-0038 or email tdurdon@cewwise.org.
TRIAL TIME CHANGE — The jury trial scheduled for today in Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Kim Redman’s court has changed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY — Paradise will compete at The Buff Run today in Haltom City.
VOLLEYBALL — Alvord (9-10) and Chico (7-11) will open play at the Saint Jo tournament today. VCA (14-6-2, 3-0) seeks its fourth TAPPS 2A win in a home league match against Nazarene Christian Academy at 6 p.m.
DAV MEETING — Disabled American Veterans Chapter and Auxiliary 70 will hold a special monthly meeting 6:30 tonight at First Baptist Church of Decatur. A representative from the Center for Emotional Wellness will be guest speaker. Email kaylajones.dav@gmail.com.
FUNERALS — Visitation memorial for Victor Don Cottrell, 77, of Paradise is 11-1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
SERVICE for Michael Franks, 43, of Bridgeport is 3 p.m. Sunday at Community Church of Decatur. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
GRAVESIDE service for Etta Forrest, 92, of Arlington is 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at West Bridgeport Cemetery. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Patricia Gilbert, 86, of Boyd is 9:30 a.m. Friday at Boyd Church of Christ. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at the church. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.
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