FATAL WRECKS DECREASE IN 2025 — Wise County roads claimed its fewest lives since 2022 this year, with 14 people killed in 13 separate traffic accidents. The death number decreased by 60 percent from 2024, as 35 lives were claimed on Wise County roads last year. Just two fatal traffic accidents resulting in the death of two people were reported on U.S. 81/287 in 2025. Last year the highway led to 16 deaths in 10 accidents, including a mass casualty event in Alvord. The drastic reduction could be thanks to safety improvements implemented by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on some of the historically dangerous areas on U.S. 81/287. In March, TxDOT announced safety improvements — including enhanced illumination, signage and warnings on U.S. 81/287 at County Road 4838, County Road 4840 and Ramhorn Hill Road. Striping was also refreshed at each crossover, along with advanced flashing warning signs and speed warning signs with posted speed limits. The improvements were made in response to local leaders advocating to expedite long-term upgrades to the area — like overpasses and underpasses, main lane reconstruction and frontage roads — rather than a traffic signal.
BOYS BASKETBALL RESULTS — Paradise (16-1) survived a scare against Wichita Falls Legacy, earring a 42-40 victory in the Wichita Falls Classic Monday. Decatur (6-8) dropped its matchup in the showcase against Holliday, 43-33.
GIRLS BASKETBALL RESULTS — Decatur (15-4) claimed a 60-37 win over reigning TAPPS 6A state champion Prestonwood Christian Academy in the Wichita Falls Classic Monday.
BLOOD DRIVE — The City of Bridgeport will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Bridgeport Public Library. Visit wcmess.com/donate123025 to sign up.
VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE CLOSURE — The Wise County Veterans Service Office will be closed today through Friday for the Christmas holiday.
DECATUR OFFICE CLOSURE — Decatur City offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday in observance of Christmas. Regular business hours will resume on Friday.
LAKE BRIDGEPORT CLOSURES — The City of Lake Bridgeport office is closed this week for the Christmas holiday. If you need assistance, call 940-626-9783. Also, trash collection will take place on Saturday instead of Friday this week.
RUNAWAY BAY CLOSURES — Runaway Bay city offices will be closed Wednesday through Friday for the Christmas holiday. For city emergencies, call: (public works) 940-389-0255, or (police non-emergency) 940-627-5971.
COUNTY HOLIDAY CLOSURES — Wise County offices and dumpsites will close on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday. Dumpsites will reopen regular hours on Dec. 27. Wise County offices and dumpsites will also close on Jan 1, 2026. Dumpsites will reopen regular hours on Jan. 2, 2026.
ALVORD OFFICE CLOSURE — Alvord City Hall will be closed Wednesday and Thursday for the Christmas holiday. Trash collection will still take place on Wednesday.
BOYD OFFICE CLOSURE — City of Boyd offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday for the Christmas holiday. If you need immediate assistance, use the following numbers to contact the proper personnel: non-emergency police, 940-433-0030; public services, 940-255-0690.
NEW FAIRVIEW CLOSURE — New Fairview City Offices will be closed Wednesday and Thursday for the Christmas holiday and will reopen for normal business on Friday. Call 817-638-5366.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE MESSENGER — This week’s Wise County Messenger newspaper will be on newsstands a day earlier, on Wednesday, due to the Christmas holiday. It will feature our annual Holiday Greetings special section featuring Christmas-themed essays from local third graders. The Messenger office in Decatur will be closed Wednesday through Friday for the Christmas holiday. No Update will be printed on those days, but any breaking news will be posted at wcmessenger.com. Have a safe and happy holiday!
FUNERALS — Graveside service for Bobbie Jo Badger, 91, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Monday at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to service at the cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Rodney Spader, 75, of Decatur. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Sheila Thomas, 84, of Decatur. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Joshua McEntire, 35, of Cottondale is 11 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
FUNERAL for Cindy Carter, 71, of Chico is 2 p.m. Friday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery No. 3 in Chico. Visitation is 1 p.m. Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
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