NO ESD VOTE THIS YEAR — Commissioners tabled a vote to place the proposed Wise County Emergency Services District No. 5 on the November ballot following a public hearing Monday that drew both support and opposition. The court opted to delay the decision while awaiting a determination from the Fort Worth City Council on whether the proposed ESD would be allowed to include portions of Fort Worth’s extraterritorial jurisdiction in Wise County. Newark Fire Chief Jerry Taylor said Tuesday the proposed ESD is now planning to place the issue on the May 2027 ballot, regardless of whether the City of Fort Worth responds before Aug. 17. Taylor said the additional time will allow the proposed district’s boundaries to be finalized and give officials adequate time to educate voters about the proposed taxing entity. The districts are currently in flux as officials continue discussions over ETJ territory. The Fort Worth City Council does not meet during the month of July, which complicated efforts for a potential November election. The effort to form ESD No. 5 is being led by the Newark Volunteer Fire Department and New Fairview Fire Rescue. If approved by commissioners and voters, the district would provide a dedicated funding source for fire protection and emergency services in unincorporated areas of southeastern Wise County and the cities of Aurora and Newark. Read more in Thursday’s Messenger.
GROUP SHOWS SUPPORT FOR SHERIFF — More than 100 people attended Wise County Commissioners Court Monday in an apparent show of support for the Wise County Sheriff’s Office’s work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Much of the crowd was attracted by renewed attention to the WCSO’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) Task Force Model following an increase in related arrests and subsequent media coverage. Mellema presented additional information on recent arrests, the program in general and his criticism of the Wise County Messenger’s reporting from a July 24 story. Five attendees addressed commissioners during public comment to praise the WCSO for its work with ICE. A few speakers addressed the immigration-related arrest of Rosendo Lira, a subject of recent media coverage. In a video posted to Facebook, Mellema was seen thanking FlashPoint Army, as well as other unaffiliated Christian and conservative attendees who backed the sheriff and the WCSO’s continued participation in immigration enforcement at the meeting. FlashPoint Army is a politically active Christian media organization with local chapters. According to its website, it is a 501(c)(3) based in Newark. Read more online here.
TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT CONTINUES — After hitting 101 Tuesday afternoon, another day of triple-digit high temperatures is in today’s forecast. The heat advisory has been extended until 8 tonight.
STATION 5 OPEN HOUSE — Wise County EMS Station 5, located at the intersection of U.S. 81/287 and Farm Road 1655 in Alvord, will host an open house 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Tour the station and meet the team.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG — American Mah Jongg will wrap up its last day of summer hours today from 3-6:30 p.m. Game sets and cards are available on a first come, first served basis. All levels are welcome. Contact Kristi Singley at 940-393-0290.
LABOR DAY BBQ SALE — Greenwood Masonic Lodge is holding its Labor Day Barbecue sale. Brisket, sausage and ribs are available for purchase. Preorder only. Pick up is Aug. 29. Call/text 940-399-8594. All proceeds go back to the community and school.
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE — Wise Hope invites the public to adopt a student through its Back-to-School Tree. Choose a student’s school supply list and purchase the items they need to be ready for the first day of school. Student supply lists are available in person at Wise Hope Decatur Outreach Office, 608 N. Business U.S. 81/287, or online at wisehope.org/school-supply-drive/. Monetary donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase school supplies for students. Donate at wisehope.org/donate/. Call 940-626-4585.
FUNERALS — Memorial service for Michael Joseph Magliola, 51, of Poolville is 11 a.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
MEMORIAL service for Clarice Houston Andrade, 88, of Rhome is 2 p.m. Saturday at Hawkins-Decatur.
FUNERAL for Karson Parker, 24, of Alvord is 11 a.m. Aug, 6 at First Baptist Church in Alvord with burial at Alvord Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Aug. 5 at Hawkins-Decatur.
SERVICE for Charles Eubanks Jr., 71, of Decatur will be held at a later date. Hawkins-Decatur is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for David Inguanzo, 84, of Mexico is pending at Hawkins-Decatur.
GRAVESIDE service for Howard Dennis Thornton, 78, of Chico is 10 a.m. Thursday at Chico Cemetery. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Kay Cauthorn, 82, of Chico is 1 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins-Bridgeport with burial at Crafton-Norwood Cemetery.
MEMORIAL service for Barbara Jean Haddox, 77, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. Friday at The Rock Church in Bridgeport. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
GRAVESIDE service for Rosia Lee Pollard, 85, of Chico is 2 p.m. Friday at Chico Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
MEMORIAL service for Betty Lou Massey, 91, of Poolville is 2 p.m. Monday at Hawkins-Bridgeport. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
SERVICE for Allan Lem, 76, of Runaway Bay is pending at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
FUNERAL for Kelley Ann Wreay, 49, of Graham is 11 a.m. Saturday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd with burial at Boyd Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
GRAVESIDE service for Royce Kidd, 83, of Boyd is 11 a.m. Aug. 5 at Garvin Cemetery. Family visitation is one hour prior to the service at Hawkins-Boyd.
MEMORIAL service for Rose “Rosie” (Moore) Campbell, 63, of Mansfield is 2 p.m. Thursday at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport.
FUNERAL MASS for Baby Anne Lara of Bridgeport is 10 a.m. today at St. John the Baptizer Catholic Church in Bridgeport with burial at Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport. Hudson & Torres is handling arrangements.
