HORNER’S REQUEST FOR NEW TRIAL DENIED — A Tarrant County judge has denied Tanner Horner’s motion for a new trial filed earlier this summer. Horner was given the death sentence in May for the 2022 murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. On June 4, Horner’s appellate attorney Thea Posel filed a motion for a new trial as part of the appeal process in the case. Since Judge George Gallagher did not specifically rule on the motion, it was overruled as a matter of law, according to the Wise County District Attorney’s office. Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder at the beginning of his trial in April and was later given the death penalty by a Tarrant County jury May 5. Read more online here.

GRASS FIRE CHARS ACREAGE, SHED IN CHICO — Firefighters from multiple local agencies teamed up to battle the flames of a grass fire that threatened structures near Chico Monday. The blaze was reported at about 5 p.m. in the 1300 block of County Road 1340. Wise County EMS administrator/assistant fire marshal Randall Preuninger said the fire consumed about 5 acres. The flames also destroyed a storage building on the property. The fire was reported out as of 7:30 p.m., while crews began heavy mop-up procedures. The cause of the blaze was unknown and remains under investigation. Responding to the scene were Alvord, Bridgeport, Chico, Crafton, Decatur, Lake Bridgeport and Sand Flat fire departments, as well as Wise County EMS Rescue 1 and Squad 3.

FORMER NORTHWEST PITCHER MAY TRADED TO BREWERS — For the second consecutive season, former Northwest product Dustin May has found a new home at the Major League Baseball trade deadline. On Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals shipped May — a right-handed pitcher and World Series champion — to the Milwaukee Brewers, along with left-handed reliever JoJo Romero. The trade was first reported by Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic. According to Brewers beat reporter Adam McCalvy, Milwaukee is sending outfield prospects Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale to the Cardinals in the deal. May was selected in the third round (101st overall pick) by the Dodgers in the 2016 MLB Draft after graduating from Northwest in 2016. Read more online here.

LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS AT BRIDGEPORT PARK — The City of Bridgeport and Fonroche Lighting America will celebrate the completion of lighting improvements at Harwood Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The project included the replacement of the park’s aging bollard lighting with new solar-powered fixtures and the installation of lighting along the park’s expanded trail system. The event will include remarks from city officials and project partners before the ceremonial lighting of the park.

TRIPLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES ARE BACK — After a few days with high temperatures in the 90s, we hit 100 degrees Monday afternoon. Today’s high temperature is expected to be 101 under sunny skies.

CONSERVATIVES MEETING — Wise County Conservatives will meet 7 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Fellowship Church in Decatur. Special guests will be the elected judges and attorneys of Wise County.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP — If you care for, or care about, someone with Alzheimer’s, the Wise Alzheimer’s Support Group will have a virtual meeting 7 tonight. Learn from others and share your experiences. For information on how to participate in the meeting call Richard, 940-255-0244.

BLOOD DRIVE — The Greater Runaway Bay Alliance will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at the Norma Coble Civic Center. Schedule an appointment at wcmess.com/donate8426.

FUNERALS — Mass of Christian burial for David Inguanzo Mares, 84, of Mexico is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Decatur with burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 tonight at Hawkins Funeral Home Decatur with rosary at 7.

FUNERAL for Karson Parker, 24, of Alvord is 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Alvord with burial at Alvord Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins-Decatur.

FUNERAL MASS for Pauline Brown Melanson, 84, of Decatur is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Decatur. Visitation is 6:30-8 p.m. with rosary at 7 Thursday at the church. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.

SERVICES for Jack Madden, 92, formerly of Decatur and John Stuki, 82, of Decatur are pending at Hawkins-Decatur.

FUNERAL for Anna Catherine German, 96, formerly of Runaway Bay is 10 a.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

GRAVESIDE service for Tina Hilscher Cook, 61, of Paradise is 10 a.m. Saturday at Paradise Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

SERVICE for Richard Wooley, 74, of Paradise is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.

GRAVESIDE service for Royce Kidd, 83, of Boyd is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Garvin Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd.

FUNERAL for Joe Richardson, 90, of Paradise is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hudson and Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Wilson Prairie Cemetery. Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.

FUNERAL for Christine Cantrell, 84, of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. Thursday at Hudson and Torres with burial at Wizard Wells Cemetery.