Tanner Horner and his capital murder trial have affected me over the last three weeks. Horner’s world is dark and disgusting, and it has seeped into mine, with details from his death penalty trial magnifying the permanent stain he left on Wise County. I doubt that I’m alone. Every night since the trial started, I’ve come home and hugged […]
Opinion
Letter to the editor, April 23
Transparency We need to vote “no” for the school bond. Reasons: 1. Every school campus has room for expansion. 2. Increase for senior citizens on property appraisals for school taxes and property taxes. 3. Increase in gas, groceries and medicine. 4. With no knowledge what the population of Decatur and the cities of Wise County is, how much money is […]
Opinion: Now it’s a matter of life or death
FREEDetermining Tanner Horner’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — a key pillar in the justice for Athena Strand that the Wise County community has sought for more than three years — was settled before a jury ever entered the courtroom Tuesday. Shortly after 9 a.m., Horner walked into the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center and pleaded guilty, declining to contest […]
2026 Wise County Madness Bracket
FREEBracket already busted? The Wise County Messenger has you covered. Introducing the 2026 Wise County Madness Bracket — a Wiser take on the NCAA Tournament, where instead of NIL budgets and NBA prospects, the field is made up of notable county traditions, attractions, experiences and legends. We seeded the bracket with everything from time-honored institutions to wonky fan favorites, mixing […]
How can you not be romantic about basketball?
FREEWise County basketball gave us two moments that will live on in Decatur and Paradise lore for a very long time since Friday. They were the kind of plays that define kids’ high school experiences and live in the memories of coaches long after they retire. Breakthroughs when reporters look around and quietly thank the Lord for letting them be […]
Election season is over for now
FREEThe March primaries are in the rearview mirror, so take a deep breath and enjoy the quiet while it lasts. For a few weeks, we should see a reprieve from the random numbers texting you who to vote for and the wild array of campaign flyers that clog your mailbox and hang from your door. We might even see a […]
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