Update

DECATUR OFFICER DIES OFF DUTY — Decatur Police Department Officer Rudopho Arizola, 40, of Decatur passed away Monday evening after experiencing a medical emergency at the QuikTrip in Decatur. Arizola was off duty at the time of his passing. Decatur Police Chief Delvon Campbell described Arizola as someone who was dedicated to the profession of policing. “His servant heart and humor made him an officer that everyone wanted to be around,” Campbell said. “He cared for people and wanted to be a difference maker.” A memorial service for Arizola is pending. “As we mourn the loss of Officer Arizola, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Decatur PD said in a post on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time of grief and loss. We ask that their privacy be respected as they navigate through this challenging period.”

STORMS HIT WISE, MORE POSSIBLE TODAY — Overnight storms brought heavy rain and quite the lightning show to Wise County, and more could be on their way today. Multiple power outages were reported throughout the county. Oncor Area Manager Sabrina Easley said as of 7 a.m., around 200 customers remained without power, with the Boyd area being the hardest hit. Reports of hail were received from Boyd, New Fairview and Decatur. Rainfall totals included 1.5 inches in Greenwood, 1.29 in Decatur, 1.23 in Alvord and 0.8 in Cottondale. Today’s forecast includes a good chance of more showers and thunderstorms, with a 90 percent chance of rain this afternoon.

SOLAR ECLIPSE — Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event? A total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, Canada and even Wise County. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Wise County will expereience 99.3 percent coverage, […]

DECATUR EDC HIRES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR — The Decatur Economic Development Corp. has hired Matt Runnels to expand business retention and expansion efforts in Decatur. Runnels, whose title is DEDC business development director, started in the newly-created position March 18. Runnel’s primary focus with DEDC will be local business retention and expansion initiatives within Decatur. While this was already in the scope of the DEDC’s work in the community, Executive Director Kevin Holzbog said Runnel’s hiring will allow the DEDC to devote more time and resources and be more intentional in its support of existing businesses, as the DEDC continues to attract new businesses to the area. Runnels has lived in Wise County for more than 15 years. His industry background spans aerospace and heavy manufacturing, oil and gas, and healthcare.

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE — The voter registration deadline for the May 4 election is today. The May 4 election will feature cities, schools, water districts and an emergency services district. To find out if you are registered to vote, visit wcmess.com/registered. You can also call the local voter registration office at 940-626-4453. Early voting in the election will begin April 22. The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is April 23, and the ballot must be returned by election day.

POTENTIAL GAS STATION SITE AT STANDSTILL — An Allsup’s location that was in the works in Paradise has not materialized due to a dispute regarding a large pile of dirt and road material owned by TxDOT. Ray Alexander was in negotiations with Allsup’s to sell his property and build a location at FM 51 and Texas 114. In front of his property, there is a TxDOT right of way where there is a 25,000 ton pile of dirt and road material, also called millings. As Allsup’s entered a 90-day closing, they pulled out due to uncertainty surrounding the pile, which would block the gas station from view. Alexander went to commissioners to seek action, but the county’s hands were tied due to the pile being state property. TxDOT spokesperson Michael Peters said they are exploring options to reduce the stockpile. Alexander said he is considering filing a lawsuit in an attempt to get the situation resolved.

STORM REPORT — Severe storms moved through the south part of Wise County last night. Hail reports ranged from pea-sized to larger than golf ball-sized around Rhome. Rainfall totals included 0.7 of an inch in Cottondale, 0.16 in Bridgeport and 0.1 in Decatur. Today’s forecast calls for cooler temperatures with a high around 59 and an overnight low of 43.

1 CRITICALLY HURT IN FALL AT LAKE SPILLWAY — One person in critical condition was flown to a Fort Worth hospital after reportedly falling in the Lake Bridgeport spillway near Farm Road 1658 Sunday night. The patient was found 150-160 feet down in the rocky terrain between the West Fork of the Trinity River and Lake Bridgeport at around 7 p.m. Wise County EMS deployed its rope rescue team, with two members of Rescue 1 rapelling down the edge to treat and retrieve the patient. The two reached the ground at around 8 p.m. Then additional crews helped hoist the patient and rescue team for initial treatment and transport. The patient was flown to Texas Health Harris Methodist hospital at around 9 p.m. After transporting the first patient, crews then worked to retrieve a second patient who did not appear to have serious injuries. Wise County EMS was joined by Bridgeport Fire Department, Lake Bridgeport Fire Department, Runaway Bay Fire Department, the Wise County Sheriff’s Office and the Wise County Fire Marshal’s Office in the rescue effort.

BOYD BOIL WATER NOTICE — The City of Boyd issued a boil water notice Thursday after a water main was damaged, dropping water system pressure to below 20 PSI in the areas of East Dunlap, North Wilson and the 600 to 900 block of East Rock Island Avenue. TCEQ has required the city to notify all customers to boil water prior to consumption. The city will notify customers when the water is safe for drinking or human consumption purposes.

INGRAM HELPS TWU REACH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME — Bridgeport’s Ashley Ingram recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in Texas Woman’s University’s 68-52 NCAA Division II Final Four win over Ferris State Wednesday. The Pioneers will play in their first National Championship game against Minnesota State 7 p.m. Friday at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri. Minnesota State held on to defeat Cal State San Marcos in its semifinal game Wednesday, 70-68.