2024-07-16
Rhome greenlights communications venture
The efforts to create a regional dispatch center took another step forward last week. At its July 11 meeting, the Rhome City Council approved an agreement to place an emergency communications repeater on the Rhome water tower. The agreement comes off the heels of Boyd and Decatur’s two-year interlocal agreement for dispatch services slated to go into effect Oct. 1. […]
Your guide to the 143rd Wise County Old Settlers Reunion
FREEWise County’s oldest tradition and best kept secret is finally here. That’s right. The 143rd Wise County Old Settlers Reunion is making its anticipated return to Joe Wheeler Park, where thousands from home and abroad will gather from July 22 to July 27. As always, the attractions for visitors young and old will be plentiful. Carnival rides, live music and […]
Bridgeport ready to celebrate 4th Christmas in July festival
It’s only been six months, but Santa Claus is preparing a trip back to Bridgeport, this time on a 4×4. Starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Bridgeport will become a summer wonderland for the city’s 4th Christmas in July festival. As part of the Christmas in July tradition, a seemingly endless line of off-road vehicles decked out in holiday gear will […]
Lawson elected Texas FFA State president
FREEIt was the moment the crowd and thousands of agriculture students had all been waiting for at the 96th Texas FFA State Convention in Houston. All of the other state officers, including vice president, had been announced, except for one. Hunter Lawson, holding hands with his peers in navy and gold-lettered jackets, waited with anticipation. “Ladies and gentleman, your 2024-2025 […]
Selfless action: Teen hospitalized after shielding children from fireworks malfunction
As Greenwood resident Hunter Donahue celebrated America’s freedom and independence with friends, he was unaware that the annual Fourth of July gathering would change his life. According to Hunter’s mother, Amanda, a fireworks malfunction at the July 6 event resulted in Hunter suffering third and fourth-degree burns on over 30 percent of his body. “Hunter was helping with the fireworks […]
Chaney returns as Lady Eagles’ softball coach
A familiar face will be back in the Decatur Lady Eagles’ dugout for the 2025 season. After a one-year absence from the diamond, Bryan Chaney will return to the dugout for his second head coaching stint with the program following the resignation of former coach Tiffany Brown. “I’m excited to be back with the team,” Chaney said. “It honestly wasn’t […]
Suspect apprehended in school burglary
Second suspect arrested on drug chargeA Boyd man has been arrested after he was identified as the suspect in the burglary of a Boyd ISD school building last week. Calvin Lee Cooper, 39, was booked into the Wise County Jail June 10 by Boyd Police Department on one count of burglary of a building. As of Tuesday morning, he remained in the jail with […]
Update for Tuesday, July 16, 2024
HERNANDEZ GIVEN LIFE SENTENCE FOR 2021 MURDER — Daniel Hernandez was given a life sentence Monday following his guilty plea in May to the murder of 41-year-old Paradise resident Chad Vess. Prosecutors with the Wise County District Attorney’s Office presented evidence during a brief sentencing phase of the trial Monday afternoon in 271st District Court in Decatur. Hernandez, 63, of Boyd was sentenced as a habitual offender due to previous felony convictions, meaning he faced a minimum of 25 years or a maximum of life in prison for the offense. He pleaded guilty to murder on May 29, according to court records. The incident happened Nov. 30, 2021, at a home on County Road 4609 west of Boyd.