National Roper’s Supply founder David Isham has been named among the 2026 inductees into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The Decatur entrepreneur and lifelong cowboy joins Pete Carr, Russell deCordova, Jim Jennings, and Joe Leathers as this year’s honorees. Country artist Neal McCoy will receive the Spirit of Texas Award. “From his headquarters in Decatur, Texas, Isham built NRS […]
Business
Winners announced for 2026 Wise County Reader’s Choice contest
FREEClick here to see the winners! The votes are in, and we’re happy to congratulate the winners of the 2026 Wise County Messenger Reader’s Choice contest. Each year, the community casts its votes for their favorite burgers, tacos, coffee, and so much more, spotlighting the businesses, organizations, and professionals who help make Wise County wonderful. Find all the winners in […]
Pacific coast CAT dealer to expand in Decatur industrial park
DEDC agreement with Hawthorne Machinery Co approvedSan Diego-based CAT dealer Hawthorne Machinery Co. is expanding its operations into Decatur’s industrial park. The Decatur City Council unanimously approved a Decatur Economic Development Corp. performance agreement and real estate sales contract with Hawthorne on Monday night to build and open a facility in Decatur that will bring at least 10 full-time equivalent positions to the city by 2031. […]
In Other Business: Square adds fresh syrup, Slurpees are nigh and Tractor Supply opens in Bridgeport
FREEThe syrup drought on the Decatur Square is officially over Dunn Rite Cafe, located at 112 W. Walnut St., opened Monday. The new cafe is owned by Eric and Katherine Faulkner, who are no strangers to the food service industry. Their restaurant résumé includes Coal Vines, a pizza and wine bar in Southlake, and the former Wing It Cafe at […]
DEDC board to begin interviews for director position
Board members will begin interviewing candidates for the next executive director of the Decatur Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) this week. The DEDC board will host a special meeting 8 a.m. Thursday. Candidate interviews are the only listed agenda item. DEDC Board President Jason Wren said the board is not expected to take any action regarding a finalist for the job […]
IOB: A new cafe is coming; JJ’s cold sandwiches could beat August heat
FREEBlue Mound Cafe, a staple for homestyle cooking in North Texas, is ready to plant its flag in Wise County. The cafe recently secured a lease for at the former Decatur Brandi’s location at 1803 U.S. 287 S. This foray into Decatur marks the fifth location for the chain. Blue Mound currently operates two cafes in Fort Worth (on Vickery […]
Investar completes acquisition of First National Bank
First National Bank, which has several branch locations across Wise County, is now Investar Bank, after Investar Holding Corp. acquired the First National Bank of Wichita Falls holding company. The Louisiana-based bank holding company said the acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares became effective Jan. 1. The merger was previously announced in July 2025. The bank’s Wise County locations are in […]
Decatur EDC begins search for next director
After more than five years leading Decatur’s economic development efforts, Kevin Holzbog will step down as executive director of the Decatur Economic Development Corporation on March 31, the organization announced in a press release Friday. Holzbog will take a new role as president of a Decatur-based family office for the Waggoner-Sauder family. He said he will replace longtime president Kerry […]
In Other Business: Safari stays coming to Wise County soon
FREEHeads up, Wise County. No, higher. The world’s tallest land mammals are relocating west of Decatur to Giraffe Inn & Safari, a safari-style lodging attraction that offers sleepovers with giraffes and other wild animals. Tony and Tiffany Dierolf closed on the property at 996 Hlavek Drive between Decatur and Bridgeport earlier this month. Since then, they have been busy transforming […]
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