2022-06-29

First Edition Video for Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Update for Wednesday, June 29, 2022

VASSAR RESIGNS FROM BRIDGEPORT COUNCIL — The Bridgeport City Council approved the resignation of Place 5 council member Linda Vassar Monday. Vassar, in an email to the Messenger, said she was stepping down because she was moving to Abilene. “When I ran for city council I never dreamed we would leave Bridgeport. But due to circumstances with our family, the option arose for us to relocate to Abilene, which is my hometown and a better area for my husband to work from,” Vassar said. “I greatly enjoyed serving on the council and I am very proud of the accomplishments we’ve made during my short time in office. I truly believe that I’m leaving the City of Bridgeport better than I found it. We wish everyone here nothing but the very best.” Vassar was elected in May 2021. The council voted to appoint Matt VanHoose to the Place 5 seat 3-1. Council member Place 2 Brett Wade voted against the appointment.

Closing chapter

DECATUR

HANDING OVER THE BATON — Nate Mara will take over as Decatur city manager later this week after Brett Shannon retires. Shannon has led the city administration for the past 32 years. See story on page 3.

Wheeler indicted for theft from city

AURORA


Toni Wheeler, the former long-time city administrator for Aurora, was indicted Thursday by a Wise County grand jury for theft by public servant. According to district court records, Wheeler was indicted for the first degree felony offense of theft of property more than $300,000 by a public servant. The indictment states that Wheeler, “pursuant to one scheme or continuing course […]

Plane crashes in East Wise

NEW FAIRVIEW


A plane crashed in a field Sunday afternoon in New Fairview, but the plane’s occupants were not located. The crash happened around 4 p.m. when a witness told Wise County dispatchers a small plane went down in a field followed by a puff of smoke that then went away, according to the call sheet. The witness did not see the […]

Firefighters head to Palo Pinto

WISE COUNTY


Six more firefighters from three Wise County fire departments went to Palo Pinto County Monday to help battle the large wildfire. Two firefighters from East Wise, two from Chico and two from Wise County ESD No. 1 (Boyd) joined a joint task force. The group took apparatus collectively capable of carrying 10,500 gallons of water. Three Boyd firefighters, including chief […]

Weather may curtail fireworks

WISE COUNTY


Fireworks stands around Wise County are up and running and selling fire crackers and rockets ahead of the Fourth of July. But whether those fireworks are allowed to be lit on the holiday will depend on the weather. During Monday’s commissioners court, Wise County Fire Marshal Jeff Doughty said the county’s weather-activated burn ban, which prohibits burning on elevated or […]

Shelter remains closed

WISE COUNTY


The Wise County Animal Shelter remains closed after an outbreak of distemper led to the shut down of the facility three weeks ago. Animals located at the shelter have been closely monitored and cared for as staff has worked to stop the spread of the disease. Personnel has also consistently worked with veterinarians to make sure that the proper treatment […]

Job well done

Shannon ends 32-year tenure

FREE

By Monday afternoon the mountains of paper work and materials have been reduced to a few piles on and around Brett Shannon’s desk. The decades of early morning and late nights spent at city hall, poring through financial records, building plans and ordinances are down to just a days and hours for the long-time city manager. After 37 years with […]