FATAL WRECK REPORTED — As Update was going to press, first responders were on the scene of a wreck in the Boonsville area that resulted in a death. The wreck happened just after 7 a.m. on Farm Road 920 near Private Road 3738. Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger said the single-vehicle rollover did include a confirmed fatality. Medic-2 transported one infant in stable condition to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. More information will be posted at wcmessenger.com when it is available.
COUNTY PROPOSES LOWER TAX RATE — More than $641 million in new construction and stabilizing mineral values are allowing Wise County officials to leverage a slightly lower tax rate into a larger investment in public safety and county roads in the next fiscal year. County Judge J.D. Clark presented a draft of the budget to commissioners Tuesday, which would be funded by a 26.5-cent per $100 valuation tax rate. The proposed rate has been reduced one cent from the current 27.5-cent rate, and more than three cents below the state’s 3.5 percent revenue cap. The proposed 1-cent decrease was drawn from the county’s general fund rate (21.75 cents). The county’s road and bridge portion of the rate would remain at 4.75 cents, allowing for increases to each precinct’s fund for road improvements. That budget growth through a lower tax rate is possible because of the county’s certified taxable values increasing to $14.99 billion, up from $13.83 billion. Read more online here.
NEW LICENSE DESIGN — Beginning this week, the Texas Department of Public Safety is rolling out a new design on Texas driver license and identification cards. All new cards will feature increased security features. They are made of tamper-resistant polycarbonate material that is difficult to reproduce and compliant with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards. Instead of a gold star, the new cards feature a black, laser-engraved star in the upper right corner to indicate REAL ID compliance. The new cards also reorganize personal information in a clear and easy-to-read format for identification and verification purposes. Previously issued cards with the old design are still valid until their expiration date.
BRIDGEPORT ADOPTS BUDGET, TAX RATE — The Bridgeport City Council Monday adopted the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and tax rate. The budget is balanced with general fund revenues and expenses at $9,687,320, up nearly $900,000 from the FY 2024-25 budget. The bulk of Bridgeport’s expenses will be put into police services ($3.9 million). The adopted budget also included a $4 increase to the water and sewer base rates, and electric base rate. The council also adopted a tax rate of $64.37-cent per $100 valuation tax rate, a two-cent increase from FY 2024-25.
HEAT ADVISORY EXTENDED — Wise County will remain under a heat advisory through 7 tonight. The forecast includes a high temperature around 96 degrees with heat index values as high as 99. Parts of Wise County saw rain this morning, and we have a 40 percent chance of storms throughout the day.
VOLLEYBALL RESULTS — Decatur (7-0) remains unbeaten after sweeping Weatherford in the Lady Eagles’ home-opener Tuesday, 25-20, 25-17, 25-13. Chico (1-1) earned its first win by knocking off Bridgeport (2-6) in the first Wise County match of the season, 25-20, 25-12, 25-18. Boyd (7-1) picked up a road sweep against Krum, 25-23, 27-25, 25-17. Paradise (5-4) climbed above .500 by sweeping Poolville at home, 25-15, 25-18, 25-13. Alvord (5-4) split its dual matches against Nocona and Saint Jo. The Lady Bulldogs suffered a sweeping loss against Nocona, 25-13, 25-14, 25-11, and earned a sweep against Saint Jo, 25-19, 25-17, 25-21. Northwest (9-1, 1-0) started off District 4-6A play with a 3-1 win over Keller Timber Creek, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-10. VCA (5-3-2) outlasted Irving Highlands School in a 5-set bout, 13-25, 25-18, 25-11, 23-25, 15-13.
BARBECUE SALE — The Greenwood Masonic Lodge 779 is hosting a Labor Day BBQ sale. Brisket, sausage, pork butt and ribs are available for purchase. Pickup is 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday under the pavilion in Greenwood. Call/text 940-399-8594 to pre order.
FUNERALS — Service for John Clay Patterson Jr., 80, of Decatur is 10 a.m. today at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
MEMORIAL service for Lori Michelle Akers, 55, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins-Decatur.
FUNERAL for Carrie Green, 66, of Paradise is 11 a.m. Saturday at Pleasant View Baptist Church with burial at Thomas Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Paul Lambert Jr., 93, of Paradise will be held at a later date. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
NO SERVICE is scheduled for Larry Van Wye, 64, of Bridgeport. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Danny Abney, 64, of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. Friday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
FUNERAL for Wilma Smith, 94, of Decatur is 11 a.m. Saturday at Hudson & Torres with burial at Eastside Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
SERVICE for Ozie Carter, 71, of Chico is pending at Hudson & Torres.
GRAVESIDE service for James Thomas Mosley, 64, is 10 a.m. Friday at Azle Land Cemetery and Memorial Park.
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