Update for Wednesday, July 26, 2023

RESTAURANT DAMAGED, HOME DESTROYED IN SEPARATE FIRES — Two structure fires in the western part of Wise County had first responders battling a multitude of flames Tuesday afternoon. A structure fire in Runaway Bay at 3:37 p.m. Tuesday led to one home being declared a total loss, and two more damaged from heat. The blaze occurred in the 900 block of Port-O-Call Drive, with multiple departments responding, including Runaway Bay, Bridgeport, Lake Bridgeport and Wise County EMS. The house that was destroyed was under construction at the time of the fire, according to Runaway Bay Fire Chief James Gates. First responders were then alerted to another structure fire at Pizza Hut in Bridgeport shortly after 4 p.m. According to EMS Administrator Randall Preuninger, the fire appeared to have started on the lower portion of a side door entry wall and spread vertically up the wall space. The restaurant received heavy damage to one exterior side due to a combination of flames and smoke. Bridgeport Fire Department was in command of the scene, with Lake Bridgeport and Paradise fire departments called for mutual aid. One firefighter suffered heat exhaustion at the Runaway Bay fire, and several more were treated at the Pizza Hut fire as a precaution due to heat, said Preuninger. The cause of both incidents are currently under investigation. Read more online here.

UNRELENTING HEAT CONTINUES — Wise County remains under a heat advisory through 9 tonight. Yesterday’s high temperature hit 105, and the same is expected today. Due to continued elevated fire danger, the county’s burn ban remains in effect. No outdoor burning is allowed.

SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY — Decatur Church of Christ, 2601 Farm Road 51 South, will distribute free school supplies (glue, scissors, spiral notebooks, pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.) at its annual Gear Up event 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Students entering pre-kindergarten through 6th grade who are accompanied by a parent are eligible. Supplies will be distributed in a drive-thru line in the church parking lot. Look for signs to direct you to the line entrance by the church office on Old Reunion Road.

WEDNESDAY AT REUNION — Tonight’s activities at the Wise County Old Settler’s Reunion include the Second Annual Decatur Lady Eagles Volleyball Boosters Grass Bash volleyball tournament at 8. Registration is at 7. Proceeds benefit the LEVB athletic program. Parking is $10, and carnival ride bracelets are $25.

CHICO ISD STUDENT ENROLLMENT — Chico ISD’s online enrollment for 2023-2024 school year is now open to all students. A link for student enrollment can be found on the district’s website, chicoisdtx.net. Call Jennifer Norton, 940-644-2228 ext. 1241.

ROLLIN’ WITH GUS — Come meet Gus, the Wise County OWL, at the Rollin’ with Gus send-off rally at the Owls Activity Center in Decatur on Friday. Gus will be motorcycling across America to bring awareness of the vital needs of our senior citizens. The event is from noon-2 p.m. Friday and refreshments will be served. You can enter a raffle to win two Harley Davidson leather jackets anytime in the month of August. Enter the raffle at the event or go online at MealsOnWheelsWiseCounty.org and go to the Rollin’ with Gus tab.

EAGLES FISHING TEAM SEEKS NEW MEMBERS — The Decatur High School Fishing Team will host a team meeting at noon Sunday at Brandi’s Country Kitchen in Decatur. The program is seeking new members who are students at DHS, homeschooled, do not have a fishing team at their school or attend a private school. In addition, the Eagles are searching for new sponsors for the 2023-24 season. Call Jonathan Britt at 817-240-6216 or Ashley Britt at 817-891-1196, or visit the team’s Facebook page.

BLOOD DRIVE — An American Red Cross blood drive will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday at Hilltop Assembly of God, 1670 E. Texas 114 in Boyd. Donors can sign up at wcmess.com/donate8123.

CELEBRATE SUMMER READING — Decatur Public Library will hold a Wrap Up Party in celebration of the end of the Summer Reading Program today. The event will include crafts and games from 2-4 p.m. and a bubble foam truck from 3-4 p.m. Mayor Mike McQuiston will also hand out certificates of completion to those who have completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge. Registration is required for the bubble foam truck, so visit wcmess.com/foamparty to register. Call 940-393-0290.

MESSENGER KIDS COLORING CONTEST — This week’s Messenger coloring contest can be found in the Thursday, July 20 newspaper and is sponsored by Decatur Dental. The contest is open to kids ages 4-10. Winners will receive a summer fun gift basket. Stop by the Wise County Messenger office by 5 p.m. today to turn in your coloring sheet.
FUNERALS — Graveside service for Veda Mae Sherman, 95, of Decatur is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sweetwater Cemetery. Family visitation is 30 minutes prior to the service at the cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur is handling arrangements.

FUNERAL for Jack Watson, 77, of Decatur is 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Boyd with burial at Bethel Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins-Decatur.

MEMORIAL service for Bonnie Sue Rawlings, 101, of Decatur is 2 p.m. Aug. 3 at First United Methodist Church of Decatur. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.

GRAVESIDE service for Max Ann Hancock, 90, of Bowie is 10 a.m. Tuesday at Chico Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.

SERVICE for Raymond Martinez, 70, of Decatur is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

GRAVESIDE service for Randy Dunn, 67, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Thursday at Boyd Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is handling arrangements.

VISITATION for Keitha Largent, 46, of Paradise is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.