2016-07-02

Team of the Year: Team effort – Eagles rally at state to bring home medals

Staring down a tight fairway or hunched over a putt on a lightning-fast slick green, the sport of golf puts pressure on the individual with every decision and swing finding its way onto the scorecard. Under the most tension-filled conditions on the state’s biggest stage, Decatur relied on the will of a tight-knit pack over the talents of individuals to […]

Kyleigh Ann Marie Fountaine

Belinda Prettyman and Chance Fountaine of Bridgeport announce the birth of a daughter, Kyleigh Ann Marie Fountaine, on June 27, 2016, at Wise Health System in Decatur. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches long. Kyleigh has one brother: Taylor David Fountaine, 18 months. Grandparents include Jack Noblitt of Wall and Misty Forcier and Tom Forcier of […]

Best Sports Photos of 2015-2016

Denny Deady Sportsman of the Year: Coming back strong – After surgery, Hutchins wills team to region finals

On the floor celebrating the Class 4A title in November 2014 with her teammates, Dylana Hutchins wore a smile in spite of the longing she felt inside. A fracture in her lower back forced her to the sidelines midway through the season, keeping her out the lineup as Decatur captured its second straight state crown. “It was exciting but it […]

Male Athlete of the Year: Leaving lasting legacy – Holdman brings out best in Bulls

No matter the field of play, Keenan Holdman found the same drive. “I just like to play hard,” Holdman readily admitted. “When I was little, I was always the youngest, so I’d watch my older brothers play and that fueled me. My dad fueled me. My mom fueled me. It was in our blood to play. I embraced it and […]

Female Athlete of the Year: Valuable lesson – Early disappointment turns into lasting success

In her freshman year, Taylor Richards learned the value of hard work. Missing out on a spot on the Paradise cross country team, she watched as her seven teammates went on to capture a bronze medal at the University Interscholastic League championships in Round Rock. “I was really mad that I didn’t get to go, but it was my fault […]

Coach of the Year: Expecting success – Volleyball coach leads team back to region finals, carrying twins

For two straight seasons, the Decatur Lady Eagles reigned over their classification in volleyball. But after celebrating their second state crown, the Lady Eagles graduated two-thirds of their starting rotation, leaving questions of how a new group would compete. For their coach, Claire Gay there was no question or any less expectations. “Not many people had high hopes for us,” […]

Fireworks show gives back to veterans

For five years, Victory Church’s annual Fireworks Over Decatur event has been an Independence Day tradition for many Wise County families. In fact, Pastor Chris Bates said the Decatur Police Department estimated somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 people view the fireworks show each year, either from the church’s property or nearby. While the church hasn’t charged for parking in the […]

Don’t let the Fourth fizzle, celebrate safely

The buzz of boat motors will echo across Lake Bridgeport this weekend as lake enthusiasts celebrate the Fourth of July. But Texas game wardens and the Wise County Sheriff’s Office want revelers to take safety precautions and practice good judgment in the mix of summer heat, cool water and the promise of fireworks. “We want to see that everyone enjoys […]

Chico High School principal leaves for Azle

Chico High School’s Randy Cobb is headed to neighboring Parker County. The two-time principal and former district superintendent will lead Azle High School this fall. Cobb, a Wise County native, returned to Chico in August 2015 after 12 years at Richland ISD. He previously worked at Chico for six years in the early 1990s. Cobb said he enjoyed a chance […]