Welcome to Wise 2020

Wise County Messenger Newcomers/Visitors Guide 2020

EXPERIENCE IS EVERYTHING “SERVING NORTH TEXAS FOR OVER 38 YEARS”

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL METAL COMPOSITE LOW SLOPE

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Who Should You Trust With Your OB/GYN Care?

Decatur Women’s Health Center

Offering a Full Range of Obstetrical and Gynecological Care for Women at Every Stage of Life.

Wise County Heritage Museum Archive ~ Museum ~ Little Theater Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Admission: $2 - Adults, $1 - Children 5 - 12 • Under 5 Free Call for Auditorium Rental 1602 S. Trinity, Decatur • 940-627-5586 www.wisehistory.com

wisemuseum@embarqmail.com

Back Row: Melissa Bradley, Courtney Green, Kim Mote Front Row: Dr. Kyle

Your health and well-being as a woman are our concern. We offer a full range of obstetrical and gynecological care. Our emphasis is on making you feel comfortable, confident and reassured.

Call today to schedule your next appointment

940-627-4216

1713 S. FM 51, Suite 201 • Decatur, TX 76234

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WelcomeToWise.com

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Contents

Features Courthouse celebrates 18 125th anniversary 36 The majestic Wise County Courthouse is celebrating its quasquicentennial with plans to restore the iconic structure.

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Finding burger bliss We sent a hungry reporter throughout the land in a quest to find the best burger in Wise County.

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WelcomeToWise.com

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Hitting the links Take a swing at one of the three golf courses Wise County has to offer.

Discovering the perfect shot Our reporters share some of their favorite selfie spots around Wise County.

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10 North Grassland Alvord ....................................................... 11 Chico ......................................................... 14 Crafton ...................................................... 15 Park Springs ............................................... 15 Wise Conversation: Mark Rogers.................. 16

24 Lake Country Bridgeport ................................................. 25 Lake Bridgeport ......................................... 28 Runaway Bay .............................................. 30 Boonsville/Balsora ..................................... 31 Wise Conversation: Leah Clark .................... 32

52 Trinity Fork Boyd ........................................................... 54 Paradise ..................................................... 58 Cottondale .................................................. 60 Wise Conversation: Karen Schubert Adams ... 61

68 South by Northwest Rhome ........................................................ 69 Aurora ........................................................ 74 Justin......................................................... 80 Newark ...................................................... 82 New Fairview.............................................. 86 Wise Conversation: Christina Moreno........... 87

Need to Know

Decatur ...................................................... 41 Slidell ......................................................... 46 Greenwood ................................................. 46

Living in Wise .............................................. 108 Finding your fit ............................................ 114 Preserving local history.................................... 118 Serving the public ........................................ 120

Wise Conversation: Misty Hudson ................ 47

Helping our neighbors................................. 126

40 Chisholm Trailways

On the cover SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS — The focus of “Welcome to Wise” this year was our local business community. Through the many challenges of 2020, including a worldwide pandemic, the county’s businesses have pulled together to thrive. To help spread the good news, we enlisted Ryett White, 6, of Decatur as a newsboy dressed in 1920s fashion. Ryett is the son of Cal and Vianey White and the grandson our own Lori and Doug White. So, “Extra, extra. Read all about it!”

Cover photo by RICHARD GREENE/WCMESSENGER Cover design by JOY BURGESS-CARRICO/WCMESSENGER

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Welcome Letter

N

ot much about 2020 seems familiar. A global pandemic has seen to that.

WISE COUNTY MESSENGER

P.O. Box 149 • 115 S. Trinity • Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5987 • Fax 940-627-1004 www.wcmessenger.com • news@wcmessenger.com

While Wise County has fared better than many areas of the country as of this writing, we haven’t gone unscathed.

We crave normalcy. A return to everyday life that features handshakes and friendly hugs.

Or having a cup of coffee with a friend that doesn’t require 6 feet of separation.

We’ve tried to make this year’s annual Welcome to Wise worthy of the “familiar” you might be craving right about now.

For regular readers of this publication, you’ll once again find information about our cities and local communities, elected officials, community organizations, health and social services resources and other helpful information.

But even in our attempts to provide you with the bit of familiarity, this year’s edition does have some notable omissions. Because of the cancellation or rescheduling of most events — including the Wise County Old Settler’s Reunion — this year due to the pandemic, it made a calendar of events next to impossible to provide with any degree of accuracy. Instead, you’ll find a list of local events included with the city and county information.

Also, while we’ve tried to provide the most accurate information as of our publication date, we know all too well that things can change, sometimes pretty quickly.

That’s why we’d encourage you to visit a business or organization’s website or call them prior to a visit just to make sure the hours and days of operation are still the same.

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WelcomeToWise.com

Roy J. Eaton President

Kristen Tribe Publisher

Mark Jordan Vice President/General Manager

Kristi Bennett Business Manager

Richard Greene Editor

Brian Knox Special Projects Mgr.

Austin Jackson Editorial

Micah McCartney Sports Editor

Joy Burgess-Carrico Graphic Artist

Mack Thweatt Editorial

Lauren Salois Intern

Lisa Davis Advertising Manager

Lori White Advertising Sales

Laura Belcher Advertising Sales

Sandy Crump Advertising Sales

Donna Bean Classifieds

Todd A. Griffith Production Manager

Chris Reichert Graphic Artist

Jim Bob Hampton Subscriber Services

Dale Jameson Subscriber Services

KNOX

It’s been a challenging time for local businesses, but many have worked hard to find ways to keep serving their customers in ways they might not have even thought possible before. This year’s Welcome to Wise includes a series of “question-andanswer” stories featuring local business or chamber leaders discussing what these local companies can offer customers.

You’ll also find a number of feature stories covering topics such as where to find the best burger in Wise, the best places to hit the links, and even locations of some of our favorite “selfie” spots around the county.

And we couldn’t forget recognizing the 125th birthday of Wise County’s most famous landmark — the historic courthouse in downtown Decatur.

So for just a little bit, put thoughts of social distancing, mask wearing, stocking up on toilet paper and hand sanitizer on the back burner and enjoy reading about what Wise County has to offer.

Stay safe, everyone.

Brian Knox Special Projects Manager Wise County Messenger

USPS Publication No. 688940

ISSN 0746-8679

The Wise County Messenger (ISSN 0746-8679) is published Wednesday and Saturday by Wise County Messenger, Inc., P.O. Box 149, 115 S. Trinity St., Decatur, Texas 76234-0149. Periodicals class postage paid at Decatur, Texas.

Subscription rates: one year in Wise County $37; one year out of county $43; one year out of state $49.

An erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any firm, person or corporation, which appears in the columns of this paper will be corrected upon due notice given to the publication at the Messenger office.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Wise County Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Decatur, Texas 76234-0149. 940-6275987. http://www.wcmessenger.com. E-mail: news@wcmessenger.com. © 2020 Wise County Messenger

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• Health • Life • Medicare Supplements

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rhbins@embarqmail.com

Insurance Agency Office: 940-627-4919 Cell: 817-475-3568

debblack@embarqmail.com

Victory in Christ Lutheran Church Pastor Philip Schielke

Sunday Services:

Service: 10 a.m.

Sunday School: 11 a.m. for all ages Fellowship Lunch: Noon 508 Main St., Newark • www.viclutheranchurch.org

405 Park West Court, Decatur (Just Off US 380 Business West) 940-627-3581

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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North Grasslands

Alvord ❖ Chico ❖ Crafton ❖ Park Springs

If you want to experience Wise County in its most natural state, head to an area we call the “North Grasslands.”

The LBJ National Grasslands draws campers, horseback riders, hikers, fishermen and more to its natural beauty.

If you’d rather enjoy the scenery while sipping award-winning Texas wines, the area is also home to a number of wineries, including Brushy Creek Vineyards, O.G. Cellars and Marker Cellars Family Winery.

Limestone quarries are the main industry in the area. In fact, it's known as the “Limestone Capital Of Texas.” It also serves as the northern gateway to Lake Bridgeport, and the popular, newly-improved Wise County Park at the lake’s edge is just south of town.

Alvord was originally called Nina. Mrs. L.D. Yale, who came to “the wilderness of Wise County” around 1876 as a child of 9, described Alvord as a tent town with one long frame building, housing a grocery store and one residence — a dugout that belonged to a man named Shem Hatchet.

Alvord

On Sept. 27, 1882, the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad arrived in town for the first time, having completed the line through to Wichita Falls.

Local legend tells the tale of a man named Alvord who got off the train during its inaugural visit and asked that the town be named after him. For reasons known only

to themselves, the people of Nina agreed. Alvord’s first post office was established Dec. 18, 1882.

When the Wise County courthouse was destroyed in 1895, the towns of Alvord and Bridgeport both petitioned to become the new county seat of Wise. An election was called for Feb. 26, 1895, but Decatur remained the county seat.

Government Jim Enochs is Alvord’s mayor. The city council also includes Brian Hatzenbihler, Heather Redder, Shane Raney, Caleb Caviness and Dewayne Sherwood, who is mayor pro-tem.

The city council meets 6 p.m. the third Thursday at City Hall, 215 W. Elm St. City administrator is Clint Mercer. City secretary is Pam Gregg, and city bookkeeper is Susan Raines. Public works director is Doug Baker. ❖ Phone: 940-427-5916

Services The Wise County Sheriff’s Office provides police protection for the city. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971, or 911 for emergencies The city is served by the Alvord Volunteer Fire Department.

Sam Hahn is fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-427-3361, or 911 for emergencies ❖ Email: AlvordFire@hotmail.com The Alvord Public Library at 106 E. Franklin St. is open Wednesday through Saturday. ❖ Phone: 940-427-2842 ❖ Online: alvord.ploud.net

E. Business U.S. 81/287 includes a tennis court, pavilion, baseball fields and playgrounds.

The Alvord Area Veterans Memorial Park is at Elm Creek Park.

The Oak Hill Raceway, at 1636 County Road 1270 near Alvord, is equipped for dirt bikes and other ATVs. The track is open 1 p.m. to dark Thursdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. ❖ Phone: 940-577-2225 ❖ Online: oakhillmx.com

Local Points of Interest

Education

Parks and Recreation

Brushy Creek Vineyards and Winery, 572 County Road 2798, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The Class 2A Alvord Independent School District has three campuses:

Alvord’s Elm Creek Park, 1078

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

❖ Phone: 940-427-4747 ❖ Online: brushycreekvineyards.com Marker Cellars Winery, at 1484 County Road 2585, is open noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. ❖ Phone: 214-632-0383 ❖ Online: winery.markercellars.com

Annual Events ❖ Alvord Watermelon Festival ❖ Christmas Parade of Lights

elementary, middle school and high school.

School board members are Daniel Ruddick, Mark Gose, David Warren, Catey Allen, Jim Looney, Jim Bloomer and Russell Rice.

Superintendent is Randy Brown. ❖ Administration office: 185 S. Mosley Lane Phone: 940-427-5975 ❖ Alvord High School, 1049 W. Bypass U.S. 81/287 Phone: 940-427-9643 ❖ Alvord Middle School, 328 Farm Road 1655 S. Phone: 940-427-5511 ❖ Alvord Elementary School, 711 W. Stadium Drive Phone: 940-427-2881 ❖ Online: alvordisd.net ❖

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WelcomeToWise.com

advertorial

Matthews Roofing stays on top of industry trends

A

s we have started our 49th year serving the people of North Central Texas, Matthews Roofing decided to share some information with home and business owners as far as the way the roofing industry is headed.

First of all, many of you already know that the State of Texas does not license roofing contractors. Anybody can be one even with zero experience. If they know a roofing crew, they can hire them to do your house if you let them. No experience, no knowledge, but they do not have to know anything. It’s absurd that you have to be licensed to cut somebody’s toenails but not to do their roof.

As you can see on many of our ads, there are a lot of different badges of certifications. These aren’t free, and there is knowledge testing and skills testing that go into obtaining these certifications. Many of us have had to travel out of state when this program was first started to obtain certifications.

These certifications are on the national level, not the state level. The certifications relate more to the tests that electricians and plumbers have to take to maintain their licenses.

Why are we doing all of this?

It’s because it is the future of roofing. The National Roofing Contractor’s Association is the one doing the certifying. In some states, you cannot work on any state building without being certified. Insurance companies and manufacturers alike are getting behind the

efforts to get roofers certified, to make sure they know how every aspect of your roof is supposed to be installed, from metal edging to flashings to valleys. In 49 years and thousands of inspections, it is extremely rare that I find a completely correctly installed shingle roof. I am a Qualified Assessor which is the highest certification you can get. I had to travel to Joliet, Illinois, for my skills testing and for knowledge testing. I went to Weatherford College for my final test. If a roofer wants to be certified at the national level, then he has to take a skills test with a Qualified Assessor administering the test. The last I heard, there were only 154 of us in the U.S. The last tests I gave were in Denver in April.

If the roofing industry as a whole, with the backing of the insurance companies and manufacturers, keep moving

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

forward, then someday when you have damage to your roof and the adjuster comes out, in the paper work that he gives you will be a stipulation that you HAVE to use a certified contractor and at least 60 percent of the crew has to be certified. The certifications are individual, not company wide.

One last note is that the

NRCA and most insurance companies encourage you to find your own roofer and not some guy that comes knocking on your door. Those are sales people and not roofers. They get you to sign a binding contract and it’s on to their next sale.

At Matthews Roofing, we are trying to stay ahead of what the future of roofing is going to be.

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Sometime in 1875, Col. J.T. Brown, from Chico, Calif., came to Wise County and bought land in what is now Chico and opened a general store. Col. Brown organized the town and petitioned to call it Chico, presumably after his former residence. Others suggested Brownstown and

Government Colleen Self serves as mayor.

The city council includes Mayor Pro-Tem Greta McDaniel, Kyle Grimes, Toby Sides, Cindy Barksdale and Rick Bowling.

One seat is vacant.

The council meets 6:45 p.m. the first Tuesday at city hall, 400 S. Hovey.

Pamela Mills is city secretary. ❖ Phone: 940-644-2435

Chico

Mountville, after another town founder, R.C. Mount, who sold the initial land to Brown on which the town was founded.

The name Chico won the vote of seven men by one vote, and Chico, Texas, came into existence in 1876.

In 1888, J.T. Brown built the Brown Hotel, which has an

The Chico Chamber of Commerce meets the second Tuesday at the Chico Senior Center with an executive/ business meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by the regular meeting at noon with lunch and a speaker. It also sponsors the annual Chico Fest and provides scholarships to graduating Chico High School seniors. ❖ Online: Chico Texas Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, wisecountychamber.com/chico

Services The city has a small police department and is also served by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971, or 911 for emergencies The Chico Volunteer Fire Department provides service to the city and surrounding areas. Joshua Richey serves as fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-644-5302 The Chico Public Library, in a renovated building at 106 W. Jacksboro St. on the historic town square, offers programs and activities for people of all ages year-round. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. ❖ Contact: Michelle Slonaker ❖ Phone: 940-644-2330 ❖ Online: chico.ploud.net

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WelcomeToWise.com

Parks and Recreation M. Robinson Park, at the corner of West Sherman and Buffalo streets, includes a play area for kids, a gazebo, skate park and a basketball court.

Jewel Park, on Farm Road 1810, includes baseball fields.

Tucker Park, behind city hall at 400 S. Hovey, includes a playground.

Wise County Park, at 372 County Road 1638 on the north end of Lake Bridgeport and west of Farm Road 2952, offers three, two-lane boat ramps with ample parking, restrooms, handicap access, picnic areas, RV hookups and tent camping. ❖ Phone: 940-644-1910 ❖ Online: co.wise.tx.us (under the “Community” heading)

historical marker today.

The Rock Island Railroad arrived in town in 1893, causing a boom in population.

Chico was a retail center for cotton farmers and remained economically dependent on agriculture until the 1940s, when oil was discovered.

The Chico Senior Center is at 201 S. Buffalo St. ❖ Phone: 940-644-2218 The Chico Veterans Memorial, which honors those who have served our country, is on the town square.

Local Points of Interest O.G. Cellars, at 704 County Road 1895, is a boutique winery in the rolling hills of northwest Wise County. It is open Thursday through Sunday. ❖ Phone: 940-867-7669 ❖ Online: ogcellars.com

Annual Events ❖ Chico Fest

Education The Class 2A Chico Independent School District has three campuses — an elementary, junior high and high school.

School board members are Tim Raley, Doug Bowyer, G.A. Buckner, Steven Cox, Dusty Sides, Brian Hand and Cody Powell. Scott Higgins is superintendent. ❖ Administration office, 503 W. Sherman Phone: 940-644-2228 ❖ Chico High School, 263 Farm Road 2952 Phone: 940-644-5783 ❖ Chico Middle School, 1205 W. Sherman St. Phone: 940-644-5550 ❖ Chico Elementary School, 1120 Park Road Phone: 940-644-2220 ❖ Online: chicoisdtx.net ❖

Local Communities Park Springs Parks Springs is in northwest Wise County. Park Springs derived its name from a grove that surrounded a series of fresh-water springs in the area. The first community was known as Pringle and later changed to Park Springs. The post office was established in 1893. Postal service ended in 1915. The development of Park Springs was created by the arrival of the Rock Island Railroad. Park Springs had a thriving community in 1900, but by the end of World War I, its population was in decline.

In the early 1900s, the town included three grocery stores, a bank, a feed store, an icehouse, a blacksmith shop and a school.

While all of it is gone now, current and former residents of Park Springs meet in the tiny

community each year on the Sunday before Labor Day for the Park Springs Homecoming.

The nearest towns are Sunset in Montague County, Chico and Alvord.

Students in the Park Springs area attend Alvord or Chico schools.

Crafton In the northwest corner of Wise County is Crafton. The formation and naming of Crafton is very straightforward.

George R. Craft was an early settler who purchased 160 acres. In 1883, the town was laid out on Craft’s land, and the community adopted the name Crafton. The first post office was established in 1878 and discontinued in 1917. Amon G. Carter Sr. was born Giles Amon

Carter in Crafton in 1879.

The community once boasted six churches, a school complete with a library and auditorium, various drug and dry goods stores, cornmeal and flour mills, a cotton gin and a gas station.

Today the area is served by the Crafton Volunteer Fire Department. Craig Cowley

serves as fire chief.

Another nearby fire department also provides mutual aid to the area. Andy Sabo serves as fire chief of the Sand Flat Volunteer Fire Department.

The nearest town is Chico, and students in the area attend Chico schools. â?–

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Sunday Worship 10 am The Episcopal Church Welcomes You! A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

905 S. Church Street Mailing address: P. O. Box 22 Decatur, TX 76234

(940) 222-8705

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Wise Conversation

Mark Rogers

Marker Cellars Winery alvord

Mark Rogers, winemaker and owner of Marker Cellars Winery in Alvord, is active in promoting the community and wine industry.

He bought the Marker Cellars property in 2007, clearing land to plant a vineyard and building the winery over time. In November 2012, Marker Cellars Winery opened to the public.

Rogers is president of the Alvord Economic Development Corporation.

What industry do you represent and what do they have to offer customers?

This is Marker Cellars Winery, and we’re a grape grower and wine producer.

We attract people from a wide area. We’ve worked hard to get our marketing message out by joining the Cross Timbers Wine Trail as well as the North Texas Wine Country Trail and that encompasses from Wichita Falls all the way to almost Shreveport and down to south Dallas County, as well as Tarrant County, almost all the way to Waco.

We draw a wide variety of people who are curious about what is going on in North Texas, and any time anyone comes to our door, besides tasting our wine or looking at our patio or having a seat or what have you, I make an effort to promote the other

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WelcomeToWise.com

wineries that are in the area, as well as local restaurants, in and around Boyd, Decatur, Chico, Bridgeport, and other businesses. People are always asking where’s a good place to eat. Which hotel would you recommend?

And so we’re not just a winery. We’re more of a tourist destination, and it has allowed me to explain this area to people. I like to make sure they know where they are. I explain what the LBJ National Grasslands are and how important this area is to not only the state of Texas, but also to our history. I talk about our relationship with the national forest people, as well as Texas Parks and Wildlife. It gives me the ability to tell stories.

How has the local economy changed over the years?

Our small town hasn’t thrived in the time I’ve been here. There’s been very few new businesses that have opened, but that hasn’t deterred people from starting new businesses here.

When County Judge J.D. Clark asked me to be part of the task force putting Texas back to work, one of the things I did was contact local business owners. One of my first stops

was at Legend Bank to talk to the branch manager there.

This was right after the PPP loans were announced, and I asked her, “So how is the PPP application process going? Are people embracing it ... how’s that going for you? She said, “Mark, I have 176 applications from people that live in our surrounding area.” I didn’t know we had 176 businesses ... because at first glance when you drive through downtown, you see a donut shop, a

realtor’s office ... you see an old insurance agency. Now we have an auto repair place, a daycare center and grocery store, and that’s about it.

So there’s all these other small businesses that are work from home that exist that nobody really knows about and maybe that’s the way they want it. Our business is different because of the fact that we’re public facing, but it’s caused me to have a greater awareness of what is out in our surrounding

Wise Conversation (continued) area.

I would also say we’ve seen a large spike of interest in living out here. Every weekend someone will come in and say, “Hey, I’m looking for 2 to 5 acres. Do you know anyone? ... As soon as a chunk of property goes up for sale and is purchased, it starts to be subdivided. That tells the story, and the next thing you know the people who have bought that piece of property are stopping by here because someone told them to come by and check us out. Growth is coming and with that, hopefully, more customer facing business to our downtown, but I think we have a ways to go.

How have local businesses adjusted during the closures and phased reopening due to COVID? Ours was impacted ... but everyone was impacted in the month of March. People were just hesitant to get out because they were listening to the news and the fear of the unknown. But it didn’t really slow down. You could see the cars in the parking lot at the grocery store.

As soon as the governor lifted the ban on hairdressers ... because we have multiple right in our downtown area ... the streets went from no cars to the street being full. And I don’t think that the donut store or shop was ever severely impacted. It might have been a little slow in March but not in April or May. Why is it important to shop local?

The promotion of local businesses is something that

people are very cognizant of.

A great example is everything that we sell inside here is made locally, from the hats to the candles, the jelly, the pecans, all the knickknacks, it gives me something else to talk about with customers as they come in, but it also helps promote our community and people appreciate that, especially people who are outside of here and they want to buy “Texas” and they want to buy local.

Tell us about a “hidden treasure” type of business that maybe a lot of people don’t know about from your area.

One that comes to mind is owned by Dusty Mason. He has a Wagyu beef business. He operates it from his farm on the east side of Alvord. Dusty is quite an entrepreneur, but that business is becoming more and more popular. He sells directly to the public. He advertises when he has beef available. He’s also a networker. People will say I only want a certain number of pounds, is anyone looking to share ... that kind of thing. And he’s a good guy.

What are you and others most looking forward to beyond the pandemic? Do you have any particular expectations or hopes?

So one of the reasons people come to our business is to escape a little bit. To sit on the patio and relax, meet new people that you’ve never met before. But that’s a little hard to do because of the way we’re doing the social distancing.

Whereas before, people would introduce themselves, like, “Hey do you mind if we take

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

these two chairs?” and open up a dialog. And then what often happens is I’m waved down ...

“Hey, Mark. Why don’t you grab a glass of wine ... sit down and join us ... tell us that story.”

That’s not happening yet ... although I have seen people yelling across the patio. I think a group of the population is still looking forward to being more social. ❖

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17

BY KRISTEN TRIBE

Restoration on horizon for historic landmark

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W WelcomeToWise.com

ise County is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its stately courthouse in 2020 and 2021, coinciding with its pursuit of state grants to restore the historic structure.

County Judge J.D. Clark said the goal is to take the building back to its 1896 condition but modernize it with technology and a fire suppression system.

“There aren’t many 19th century courthouses that haven’t been touched yet, but we’re one of them,” he said, referencing courthouses across the state. “It’s not just people here, but a lot of people statewide want to see this building restored.”

The Wise County Courthouse was designed by architect James Riely Gordon and cost $110,000 to construct, which was thought to be excessive by many at the time.

Each side of the courthouse looks different, and Decatur Main Street Manager Frieda Lasater, who often gives tours of the building, explained how the iconic pink granite structure took shape even before it became the centerpiece of the Decatur Square.

“The way James Riely Gordon designed that courthouse, everything was so intentional. Each block of pink granite was already cut and polished and shaped like you see it today and given a number in the quarry (in Burnet County) and then brought here.

“So they put it together like a big puzzle, really.”

If you look closely on the pillars next to the entrance on the northwest and southwest sides of the building, you’ll notice the year it was built in relief carving.

The cornerstone was set in October 1895, and when the courthouse was completed in late 1896 after only one year of construction, it was praised as “architecturally perfect” by experts at that time. Local elected officials, however, had a more practical reason for selecting the design. After two previous courthouses burned to the ground, they selected the most fire-resistant design.

The first court hearing was held in the building in December 1896.

As of summer 2020, the Texas Historical Commission (THC) had awarded the county two of three grants needed to restore the historic building. The first was awarded in January 2019, which allowed the county to update the courthouse master plan. Following the plan’s approval

by THC, the county applied for and was awarded a planning grant from the state agency in June 2020 for $787,753.

The planning grant will be used to develop all construction documents needed for restoration.

“We scored the highest of all the applicants for the planning grant, and they funded our full request,” Clark said.

He explained scoring is based on things like architectural significance, age of the building and historical significance.

Clark added it helps that the Wise County Courthouse is well-known among history and courthouse enthusiasts.

“Even people who aren’t from Wise County, know the Wise County Courthouse,” he said.

Clark said by receiving the planning grant and completing the construction documents, the county will be in position to apply for a construction grant in 2022

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

when the next grant cycle opens. It will be used for the actual restoration of the building.

“There’s a lot of excitement that we’re trying to do this,” Clark said, referencing restoration. “There have been fits and starts of trying to do this for a long time, but I think it’s feasible now for lots of reasons.”

In the meantime, the judge wants to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the building and raise money to help offset the grant match. Events are planned for the end of 2020 and into 2021. ❖

19

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Our Products Hanson Aggregates – Bridgeport Quarry produces aggregates (crushed stone and sand) that are an essential part of our daily lives. These products are vital to a healthy, growing local and regional economy.

About Bridgeport Quarry In 2016 Hanson Bridgeport quarry won the pinnacle awards for an aggregate producer. We were presented the gold award for community relations by the National Stone and Gravel association. Hanson Aggregates is an old neighbor in Bridgeport, but boasts one of the most modern and innovative aggregate operations in the country. Although the plant has been operating in Wise County since 1956, a totally new plant was completed in 2006, boosting Hanson’s production capability, and giving the facility a unique combination of environmental controls which sharply control dust and water pollution. The plant, located approximately three miles north of Bridgeport on State Highway 101, is looked upon as a model in the industry, and has drawn the attention of aggregate operations across the country.

* They are in nearly all residential, commercial and industrial building construction and in most public works projects including roads, highways and bridges; railroad beds; dams; airports; water and sewage treatment facilities and systems; and tunnels.

Economic Impact · Bridgeport Quarry is one of the largest industrial enterprises in Wise County, employing 130 full-time workers. · In addition to being the largest taxpayer in Wise County, comprising a signicant percentage of the county and schools operating budgets each year, Bridgeport Quarry operations pump millions of dollars into the local economy. · Because of transportation costs, it’s important for construction aggregates to be readily available near major markets. Aggregates are most commonly used within 50 miles of their place of extraction. That means that communities near quarries benefit from lower prices on construction of homes, buildings and roads than those that need to transport aggregate from other areas.

In Our Community As one of the area’s leading companies, Bridgeport Quarry is committed to its role as a leading corporate citizen.

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Here are a few examples: • Donated a new Veteran’s Memorial to the people of Chico • TItle Sponsor for WC Challenger Charities BBQ Challenge • TItle Sponsor for Wise County United Way Golf Tourney • Sponsor of Eighter from Decatur Food Truck Challenge • Sponsor of Bridgeport Chamber Skeet Shoot • Supporter of Project Graduation events in Wise County • Supporter of Local Booster Clubs and Youth Teams • Supporter of 1000 Miles Til Home organization for Wounded Warriors • Active Member in several area Chambers of Commerce • Provide educational field trips to schools in Wise County as well as in the DFW Metroplex • Supporter of Wise County Youth Fair and Local Buyer’s Club

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Lake Country Bridgeport ❖ Runaway Bay ❖ Lake Bridgeport ❖ Boonsville/Balsora

For outdoor recreation activities in the county, it’s hard to beat the area we call “Lake Country.”

Anchored by the nearly 12,000-acre Lake Bridgeport, this area provides opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, camping, biking, hiking and more.

Bridgeport is home to a 300-acre off highway vehicle park for offroad enthusiasts. The city also celebrates its history as a stop on the Butterfield Stage trail and its future with a booming retail center downtown.

If hitting the links is more your style, Runaway Bay features a championship level 18hole golf course. Runaway Bay also features a marina with 128 lighted boat slips in a windprotected cove.

Smaller communities like Lake Bridgeport, Boonsville and Balsora also provide scenic country living in the western part of Wise County not far from recreational and retail opportunities.

Bridgeport In 1860, Colonel W.H. Hunt and others built a toll bridge across the Trinity River. The first bridge, which was made of cottonwood, soon crumbled into the river, and an iron bridge was constructed. The bridge was built to provide an easier river crossing for the Butterfield Overland Mail Trail, a stagecoach service that carried passengers and U.S. mail from St. Louis and Memphis to San Franscisco. The formation of the town began shortly after the building of the first bridge. The name Bridgeport seems to be a

Government

Randy Singleton is Bridgeport’s mayor. City council members include Bobby Brazier, Billy Fred Walker, Kathy Kennedy, Kevin Lopez and Jimmy Meyers.

Council meetings are held 6 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays at city hall, 900 Thompson St. Chester Nolen serves as city manager, and Rachael Lynch is city secretary. ❖ Phone: 940-683-3400 ❖ Online: cityofbridgeport.net

Services The Bridgeport Police Department includes 16 officers (including two school resource officers, the chief, one captain and three sergeants), five dispatchers, one animal control officer, one code enforcement officer. Police Chief is Steve Stanford. ❖ Phone: 940-683-3430

result of its being the town at the entry point of the bridge.

Coal was discovered, and in the early 1880’s, the Wise County Coal Company was formed and operated a mine. Coal was a big part of Bridgeport’s economy until 1929.

The Rock Island Railroad came close to the old town of Bridgeport in 1893, and the town of Bridgeport moved east to be closer to the railroad.

In 1895, the Wise County courthouse burned down and Bridgeport took the opportunity to

Fire protection and first responder services are provided by the Bridgeport Fire Department. David McComis is fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-683-3446, or 911 for emergencies The Bridgeport Municipal Airport, at 299 L.V. Selz Rd., provides alternative transportation to the general aviation public. Paul Walsh is the city contact. ❖ Phone: 940-683-3455 Bridgeport Public Library, at 2159 10th St., has 36,000 books, magazines, audiobooks, newspapers, DVDs, and videos available for use by the public. Marisol Cano is library manager. ❖ Phone: 940-683-3450 The Wise Health System Urgent and Primary Care, at 1905 Doctors’ Hospital Dr., provides medical care 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. ❖ Phone: 940-683-0300, or 911 for emergencies

petition to become the county seat.

An ongoing land dispute and opposition by those who believed that the move to Bridgeport would kill all other towns on the Rock Island line were used to persuade voters to keep the county seat in Decatur. A vote was held in February 1895, and Decatur kept its position as county seat.

In 1931, a dam was constructed three miles west of town on the West Fork of the Trinity River, forming Lake Bridgeport.

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25

Bridgeport (continued)

Parks and Recreation

5,983-yard, nine-hole The city operates four golf course with Bermuda public parks. greens. It is open seven Harwood Park, at 707 days a week.

Hovey St. near downtown, ❖ Phone: 940-683-9438 includes playgrounds, ❖ Online: facebook.com/ picnic tables, pavilion, BridgeportCountryClub walking trail and lights, barbecue grills, open play area, horseshoe pits, restrooms and a six-hole The Bridgeport Visitor disc golf course. The Center, at 812 Halsell pavilion may be reserved St., provides information for events. on local attractions and ❖ Phone: 940-683-3480 history. It also serves as the Payne Park, at 409 W. home of the Bridgeport Cates St., features a covered Chamber of Commerce skate park, picnic tables, and the Bridgeport playground equipment, Heritage Museum. The open play area and center showcases the replica restrooms.

Abbot & Downing Concord Endeavor Bridgeport Coach, which represents the Adventure Park, the city’s history and its title as home of the Northwest “Stagecoach Capital of Texas.”

OHV Park, is north of ❖ Phone: 940-683-2076 town off of Texas 101 at Bridgeport is a Texas and 279 George Mitchell Pkwy National Main Street City, and includes an ATV park and the program sponsors and hiking and biking trail special events throughout system. Hiking and biking the year that promote trails are open seven days a economic development and chronicle the community’s week. The Northwest OHV colorful history.

Park is open Saturdays and ❖ Phone: 940-683-3404 Sundays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Bridgeport Chamber during the summer and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter. of Commerce’s motto is to serve the economic ❖ Phone: 940-683-3480 growth of their members ❖ Online: cityofbridgeport. while advocating for net/northwestpark business advancement, The city has two facilities economic growth and job that host various creation for the benefit of community events and Bridgeport. The chamber can be rented by the public is staffed by interim for events of up to 200 Executive Director Nathan people: the Bridgeport Byers and Accounting Community Center, at 1102 Lawdwin Ave., and the Manager Vanessa Arnold.

Membership luncheons Arcadia Theater, at 1009 are 11:30 a.m. every Halsell. third Thursday at the ❖ Phone: 940-683-3480 Weatherford College Wise The Bridgeport Country County.

Club, at 250 Farm Road ❖ Phone: 940-683-2076 2123, features a spacious

Visiting

26

WelcomeToWise.com

Bridgeport (continued)

Local Point of Interest The mission of the Center for Animal Research and Education (CARE) is to provide for the rescue, rehabilitation and holistic nurturing of sick, injured and abused big cats. CARE is home to snow leopards, cougars, leopards, lions, white and orange tigers, a bobcat, ringtail lemurs and llamas. CARE is also dedicated to efforts to learn from the animals’ natural behaviors, instincts and habitats and to learn and practice techniques to enhance the quality of life for big cats in captivity. During the summer, tours are offered at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Children must be at least 7 years old to take a tour. ❖ Phone: 940-683-8115 ❖ Online: carerescuetexas.com

Annual Events ❖ Mother/Son Sock Hop ❖ Spring Bridal and Quinceanera Show ❖ Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce Banquet ❖ Southern Rock Bouncing ❖ Daddy-Daughter Dance ❖ Bark, Bike and Brew ❖ Easter Eggstravaganza ❖ Butterfield Stage Days ❖ Mother/Daughter Tea Party ❖ Fall Bridal and Quinceanera Show ❖ Middle School Pool Party ❖ Taste of Bridgeport ❖ Spooktacular Fall Festival ❖ Suit Up and Say Boo ❖ Santa and the Stagecoach ❖ Lights on Halsell Christmas Parade ❖ Breakfast with Santa

Seasonal or Recurring Events ❖ Girls Night Out

Education The Class 4A Bridgeport Independent School District has a high school, middle school, intermediate school, elementary school and alternative campus.

School board members include Jim Bost, Charles Mauldin, Duane Sutherland, Tom Talley, Alan Powers, Scott Hiler and Jessie DeLuna. Brandon Peavey is superintendent. ❖ Administration office, 2107 15th St. Phone: 940-683-5124 ❖ Bridgeport High School, One Maroon Drive Phone: 940-683-4064 ❖ Bridgeport Middle School, 702 17th St. Phone: 940-683-2273 ❖ Bridgeport Intermediate, 1400 U.S. 380 Phone: 940-683-5784 ❖ Bridgeport Elementary, 1408 Elementary Drive Phone: 940-683-5955 ❖ Bridgeport Alternative Learning Center, 1101 17th St. Phone: 940-683-1830 ❖ Online: bridgeportisd.net ❖

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Lake Bridgeport The City of Lake Bridgeport is a community that developed after the formation of the lake that shares its name. The dam was built in 1931.

Government Ramon Galvan serves as mayor, and Sherry Pewitt is mayor pro tem.

Other council members include Daniel Cocanougher, Andy Smith, Diana Vargas and Earl Foster.

Wanda Vick is city secretary.

City council meetings are held at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at city hall, located at 301 S. Main St. ❖ Online: cityoflakebridgeport.com ❖ Phone: 940-683-2700 ❖ Email: citylkbport@gmail.com

Services Water service is provided by the West Wise Special Utilities District.

The Lake Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department serves the city and surrounding area. Willie Garrett is fire chief.

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls in the city. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971, or 911 for emergencies

Education Lake Bridgeport is part of the Class 4A Bridgeport Independent School District. ❖ Phone: 940-683-5124 ❖ Online: bridgeportisd.net ❖ Read more: Page 27 ❖

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wenty-two years ago, Jay Craddock established an Edward Jones branch office in Bridgeport. Now the branch office, located at 1028 Halsell Street in downtown Bridgeport, is among the top 5% of the 19,000 Edward Jones branch offices in the United States and Canada.

What sets the Bridgeport Edward Jones office apart is a family approach to business.

“We know our clients very well, and they become almost like a family to us. We know when their anniversaries are, their birthdays, their kids’ birthdays – I probably talk to my clients as much as I talk to my own family. We spend most of our time building these relationships and learning what is important to our clients,” Jay said.

Through his practice, Mr. Craddock has earned the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation, building a client base locally, as well as in 20 other states.

Jay said his business is a full-service brokerage firm that provides services which include retirement planning, emergency planning, estate planning and legacy planning.

The primary focus is on long-term financial wealth management.

Jay, with his team of Kim McElhaney, Becky Prince and Kathy Barrett, use a hyperpersonalized approach to wealth management. The team, with over 50 years of combined experience, is able to help the ideal client by offering customized service tailored to

the individual. The ideal client is described as an individual with goals who is eager to participate in the process.

“It’s not about the size [of the account], it’s about working with individuals who want to actively participate and work together to reach a goal,” Jay said.

Some of those goals include building generational wealth for families. It’s a point of pride when those plans come together for a client’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The team celebrates victories years in the making. For example, when mailing that first tuition check for a client’s child’s first semester of college after creating a savings account 17 years earlier for that child. Often, the cycle continues.

“It’s family legacies; we have some families who have opened college accounts for a fourth generation,” Mr. Craddock said. “We do full financial family planning … when I think about multi-generations, what I really see is the fruition of a plan. Multi-generational is about seeing those goals come to fruition. This is not an instant gratification career. In other words, you start something now, and the gratification comes as you meet those long-term goals.”

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

Jay said the process to achieving financial success first requires goals, then creating a strategy and adapting that strategy as life changes.

“Watching these life changes occur within a family has been an amazing experience. Not only financially for the family, but also personally.”

Outside of business, Jay has devoted himself to the local community. He’s a former president of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce and the Butterfield Stage Days PRCA Rodeo and is the current president of the Bridgeport Lion’s Club. Jay was also one of the founders of the Look Local campaign to help support area small businesses throughout Wise County.

In addition to taking on leadership roles with area organizations, Jay is also passionate about investing in youth organizations such as FFA and the Wise County Youth Fair. He also donates his time and resources to local charities such as Meals on Wheels and local food pantries. Jay and his wife, Patricia, donate their time and skills as pilots for Raquel’s Wings for Life, which transports

patients to M.D. Anderson in Houston, for medical treatments and appointments. When asked why it’s important to him to invest in the community, Jay said, “the community invested in me. I was 26 years old when I came to Bridgeport, and I’ll be 49 this year. The community gave me a chance and supported me, my family and my children.

It’s important for me to give back. In a small town like this, if we lose the culture of giving, we lose the community. You have to support where you do business and where you live.”

Jay Craddock’s branch office is located at 1028 Halsell Street, Suite 100, Bridgeport, TX. You can contact his office at (940) 683-6790.

29

Runaway Bay Runaway Bay was developed as a recreational community on the southern side of Lake Bridgeport.

Runaway Bay was established

Government Herman “Berry” White is the mayor of Runaway Bay. The city council includes Jerry St. John (mayor pro tem), Janice Sivley, Carolyn Moody, Laura Blackburn and Deborah Lewis.

City administrator is Pamela Woods. City secretary is Donna Raglin. The council meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday at Norma Coble Civic Center, 51 Runaway Bay Dr. ❖ Phone: 940-575-4745 ❖ Online: runawaybaytexas.com

Services Law enforcement is provided by the Runaway Bay Police Department. Steve Reynolds is police chief. ❖ Phone: 940-575-2200 The Runaway Bay Fire Department serves the city and surrounding areas. Fire Chief is JD Haselden.

Parks and Recreation The city owns a marina on the north side of U.S. 380 that features 144 lighted boat slips in a wind shielding cove. Public boat ramps are also available.

The Norma Coble Civic Center, at 51 Runaway Bay Dr., is available to city residents for social and community activities. ❖ Phone: 940-575-4745 There are two parks located in town.

Cricket Ridge Park, on Runaway Bay Drive next to the Norma Coble Civic Center, features a playground.

The Park at Runaway Bay, on Blue Bird Lane, features a

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WelcomeToWise.com

after the lake was formed in 1931, but settlers arrived in the area before the Civil War. The original home built in 1855 by

walking trail, playground and picnic areas.

The Runaway Bay swimming pool, at 938 Port O Call at The Park, is open throughout the summer. ❖ Phone: 940-626-9046 Chupacabra Point Paddling Trail, on Blue Fathom Drive, is the launching point for three trails: Boons, Willow and Coal Creeks. ❖ Online: tpwd.texas.gov/ fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/ inland/runawaybay_chupacabra

Local Points of Interest RB Golf Club and Resort, at 400 Half Moon Way, features an 18-hole golf course consistently rated as one of the best in Texas, as well as a driving range and banquet facility. ❖ Phone: 940-575-2225 ❖ Online: rbgolf.com Bay Landing/Thousand Trails/NACO Preserves, at 2305 W. U.S. 380 across the bridge from Runaway Bay, features an RV campground on the southeast shore of the lake.

Cabins are also available for rent. ❖ Phone: 800-388-7788 (for members) or 877-570-2267 (for non-members) ❖ Online: thousandtrails. com/texas/bay-landing-rvcampground The Sid Richardson Boy Scout Ranch, at 2282 Longhorn Drive northwest of the city, is a summer camp tradition for members of the Boy Scouts of America. It includes 16 miles of shoreline

Col. William H. Hunt is now in the center of the lake. Runaway Bay was incorporated in the early 1980s. It had a population of 29.

and offers a variety of amenities. ❖ Online: longhorncouncil.org/ camps-properties/boy-scoutcamps/sid-richardson-scoutranch

Visiting The Greater Runaway Bay Alliance works to promote the town and make the city a wonderful place to live, work and play. It hosts the annual Fourth Fest around Independence Day. Deborah Lewis is president. ❖ Online: grballiance.com ❖ Email: greaterraballiance@ gmail.com

Annual Events ❖ Fourth Fest

Education Runaway Bay is part of the Class 4A Bridgeport Independent School District. ❖ Read more: Page 27 ❖ Administrative Offices ❖ Phone: 940-683-5124 ❖ Online: bridgeportisd.net ❖

Local Communities 101

Boonsville/Balsora Located on Farm Road 920 southwest of Bridgeport, Boonsville started as a community of families on Boon’s Creek, which was named for Stephen Boon, a pioneer settler. It was moved to its present site in 1882. It continued to grow, and by 1914, it had a population of 200, along with two general stores, a school, bank and steam gristmill. The Boonsville post office closed in 1965.

Nearby on FM 920 southwest of Bridgeport, Balsora was

originally called Wild Horse Prairie because of the herds of horses once found there.

When the post office was established, it was given the name Balzora, but an old settler who couldn’t make a “Z� asked it to be changed to an “S.� The post office was established in April 1894 and discontinued in February 1896. It was reopened in April of 1900 and discontinued again in October 1924.

The area is served by the Boonsville/Balsora Volunteer Fire Department. Andy Wood is fire chief. â?–

Lake Bridgeport

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Annual Events Dinner with the Mayors Superintendent Forum Member Appreciation Events Economic Development Forum Awards Dinner Check website for meeting location info, and holiday meetings date changes.

www.wisecountychamber.com A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

31

Wise Conversation

Leah Clark

eConoMiC developMent Corporation Bridgeport

From hole-in-the-wall gems to manufacturing hubs, Leah Clark, the executive director of the Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation, provided insight into what drives Bridgeport.

What are some of the major kinds of business and industry in the area you represent and what do they have to offer customers?

Bridgeport is heavily impacted by the traffic coming and going from the limestone quarries just north of town.

We have many businesses in town that manufacture equipment and provide maintenance to those quarries. Most of the employees live in Wise County. In addition to the limestone industry, we have numerous manufacturing facilities. Most of these businesses ship products nationwide, creating more truck traffic through town. The traffic counts increase the retail offerings. In addition to traditional businesses, we also have hiking and biking trails as well as off-road vehicle trails at Endeavor Adventure Park on the north side of town. This brings in a tremendous number of day-trippers to this park and creates more traffic through town and patrons in our stores and restaurants.

How has the local economy changed over the years?

In the past several years, Bridgeport’s economy has evolved. There used to be a huge reliance on oil and gas traffic and business, but now it seems like we have a much more diverse economy. We have also started seeing a lot more day-trippers and weekend traffic. Bridgeport has a lot to

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WelcomeToWise.com

offer in the way of tourism, and I think we will continue to see that as an economic driver.

How have local businesses adjusted during the closures and phased reopenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Most of our businesses offered curbside service very early on and throughout the closures. As with most businesses in America, this was a hard time for our business owners.

Most of the restaurants that remained open offered nightly specials and used social media to get the word out. Bridgeport EDC paid for curbside signs to help indicate to patrons what businesses were still offering services.

Our locals were extremely supportive of our businesses, and I think that shows from the sales tax revenue reports. It is no doubt that revenue was down for most of our businesses, but I feel like the community stayed strong and united.

Why is it important to shop local?

I feel like it is important to shop local because in doing so, you are making an investment in your community. I love the quote “It takes a community to build a community.” If you are engaging with businesses within your community, then you are driving that community’s economy. You are bringing livelihood to the entrepreneur but also indirectly to the

streets, parks and utilities.

Tell us about a “hidden treasure” type of business that maybe a lot of people don’t know about from your area.

A relatively new business that I’m reluctant to share because I selfishly love that it is a “hidden treasure” is Locality.

Even though Locality is in the center of Halsell Street and many locals know about it, it isn’t often overrun and you can usually find a seat. I love craft cocktail bars; there is a lot of significance to the drinks being served. These cocktails are created by mixologists, not bartenders. There is time and preparation behind every drink that is served. Most of the ingredients are fresh and made in-house. If you are looking for a local place with a great atmosphere, then you should definitely stop in Locality and enjoy one of the many craft cocktails they have to offer! ❖

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Finding burger bliss

Four delicious spots you’ll want to visit

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BY AUSTIN JACKSON

W

ith an empty stomach, clear eyes and a full heart, I set off on a journey to achieve burger nirvana.

The goal was to discover the most rousing symphony of beef, buns, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions. Now, I can honestly say, chuck beef enlightenment can be found in Wise County.

This was a passion project that took sacrifices, mainly to my waistline.

Diet bedarned — it’s a job I would happily do again.

For one week, I set off to find Wise County’s ultimate burger.

Anybody can slap buns, beef, LTOP, mustard and/or mayo on a basket with a slew of fries or onion rings. Some, I’ve found, are a cut above the rest.

I whittled the list of my favorite burgers down to four.

If you’re driving through, and you feel a burger-shaped hole in your stomach, these are the spots you can’t afford to miss.

greenWood groCery 1714 County Road 2740, Downtown Greenwood Sometimes it's about the destination and the journey. Like the most cherished treasures, this one’s not easy to find.

I drove north of Decatur, up Farm Road 51, and took a hard left on Farm Road 1204.

The ranch land sprawled around me, as I looked out hoping I wasn’t lost. After a few minutes, the houses grew closer to each other before I found myself in the heart of the tiny community of Greenwood.

Here, where tractors are the most likely traffic obstacle to slow your roll, there are burgers that come with a side of an out-ofbody experience.

As I creep downtown, I find myself transported to a land time forgot.

My cell phone doesn’t have much signal.

There’s no WiFi to be had, but there are burgers. Oh yeah, there are burgers.

It’s a tradition here at Greenwood Grocery, a burger joint in a former hay and feed store that’s stood for more than 110 years.

Outside the quaint, little building, there’s a hushed calm. An eerie absence of

road noise aside from truck tires grinding through the gravel parking lot.

Inside, I’m met with the bustle of small town dining and the warmth of a family business that’s entrenched in the fabric of this farming community.

Beyond the counter sits the heart of the establishment, a flat top grill, old reliable, that’s been seasoned by decades of honest work.

You can sense history as you step inside.

Old timers play dominos in the building next door. There are the regulars that are all on a first name basis, and the newbies who look a little struck by the scene.

The owner, Jackie Hammond, has her own version of caller ID, despite the Greenwood Grocery phone lacking the feature.

“I know exactly who they are, and I know what they want as soon as I hear their voice on the other line,” Hammond

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

said.

As I scan the scene, I see an assortment of groceries on the wooden shelves in the back; I suppose staying true to the grocery in the burger joint’s title.

In a place so traditional, I opted not to rock the boat with inquiries of a keto friendly lettuce wrap. It would be disrespectful on this hallowed burger ground.

“I’ll take the cheeseburger, all the way, with mustard,” I announced I was not disappointed.

If a meal can take you away from the world and transport you to a simpler time, this is it.

“It’s a bit like Mayberry,” Hammond said. “That’s the only way I can describe it.”

Andy Griffith would probably agree.

Hammond has grown up in the burger joint. She started as a customer, then as an employee. A little over a year ago, she and

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her husband, Justin, bought the business from her aunt. The owners before her kin still come in every day for a burger that’s stood the test of time.

Greenwood’s burgers, in its own right, are outstanding. They’ve been making them the same way for years — fresh cut meat and quality ingredients, like the vegetables sourced from Hammond’s “tomato man” down in Bolivar.

These burgers are burly and tasty, seasoned by lore and a propane-powered grill that Hammond said her customers believe is the secret kick that sets the burgers apart. It’s full bodied, that’s for sure.

So much so, you may want to grab a to-go baggie just to save room for their epic pie.

I did not save room. But opportunity awaits. I’ll be back. There’s something intangible about the experience.

Hammond said the history and commitment to quality all comes together like a symphony, and I agree.

“It’s a place to get away from the noise, step back in time, when things were simpler,” Hammond said. “It’s a place you can feel at home, even if you aren’t from here.”

Home tastes pretty good.

Whistle stop 904 U.S. 81/287 Business, Decatur My next stop on my burger train brought me to Whistle Stop Cafe, a classic old school diner with one of the best burgers in the county.

Beyond the train tracks, there’s the iconic pumps of the petrified wood gas station. But that’s not the only icon nearby.

I pass the cafe pretty often. But on this day, I was on a mission.

Whistle Stop is a classic diner. While this joint isn’t off the grid, it is a throwback.

Breakfast is just about as busy as lunch here. In the cramped dining room that seems ripe for town gossip, people flood the place for a quality burger.

Here, I went off the grid, ordering a patty melt.

Solid choice, I discovered. It was pure.

No gaudy toast. Just quality ingredients.

The wait staff came with heaps of Southern charm. The food was just as comforting.

yesterday’s 50s diner 305 W. U.S. 380, Bridgeport My burger journey’s third stop took me once again to the past.

Unlike Greenwood, which felt more like the 1930s, this joint is a few decades ahead, where hotrods and Elvis reigned supreme.

Tunes from a jukebox greeted me as I opened the doors to the Americanaripe nostalgia of Yesterday’s Diner in Bridgeport.

The restaurant off U.S. 380 in Bridgeport has a vibe to it. I expected to run into George McFly, Biff, Fonzie and the entire cast of "Grease." Instead, I found Elvis striking a pose and a family-run eatery that prides itself in a tradition of burger excellence.

I ordered the Superman. Goodness, the burger packed a superhuman punch.

It’s a whole pound of 80-20 ratio chuck beef stacked as high as the mouth can chomp.

I made the grave mistake of eating a few hours before my visit. But the half that I was able to consume before reaching my threshold was a strong contender for best of the lot.

When I asked what sets their burgers apart, owner P.J. Reicheneker told me it’s part getting the best ingredients, part passion and part secret ingredients, like the beef seasoning that’s a level 5 secret.

“We’ve done the same stuff for 20 years, almost 30 now,” Reicheneker said.

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giant Burger

405 W. B.C. Rhome Ave., Rhome I would say this burger is a sleeper pick, but that would not be true for anybody who knows anything about Wise County’s burger scene.

Year after year, Giant Burger’s giant burgers have won or have come close to winning Best Burger in the Wise County Reader’s Choice awards. It’s a burger joint in a gas station that’s been doing things the right way for almost two decades, Giant Burger owner, Masoud “Mason” Farhadi said.

Still, I entered with suspicion as I navigated through the gas pumps until I found a close parking spot. I’m no stranger to gas station dining. I’m usually searching for serviceable sustenance.

Giant Burger was way more than serviceable.

The patty by itself weighs in at 10 ounces. It’s got brawn and vigor. I ordered mine with bacon, and it added just the right kick to the medley of meat, veggies, mustard and bun.

The ingredients are fresh, and the full package delivers a punch, making you question your surroundings.

I asked myself, “How could a burger this good, come from a place that sells gas, candy bars and lotto tickets?”

Well, Farhadi said it’s simple. After tasting a burger decades ago, with a thin patty that Farhadi said tasted more like

cardboard than meat, he decided to start cooking something better.

“27 years ago when I got into this business, we started with a 10-ounce patty, fresh cut ingredients. Nothing frozen,” Farhadi said. “We haven’t changed.”

The burger is a standout, with a prominent patty that’s seemingly beating its chest.

Farhadi said customers come from far and wide. The true test of his burger chops, he said, comes from his regulars in 18-wheelers. Truckers tend to be choosy in

their stops, but there’s always a steady flow of truckers coming in for a Giant Burger.

“Truckers always stop here,” he said.

“They don’t want to waste a stop. So they come here.”

It’s about taste and the knowledge that with a burger and maybe a side of fries, they won’t be feeling hunger pangs anytime soon.

I know I won’t.

I narrowed the burger list down to a final four. I recommend trying all of them and crowning a champion yourself. ❖

While I’ve listed four of my favorites, due to space for this assignment, there’s plenty of other highlights to pursue along your own burger quest. I would be remiss not to include these bodacious burger joints.

Rooster’s Roadhouse in Decatur brings the heat every time. My personal favorite is the Smoked Garlic Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Burger. In addition to their Decatur location, steps away from the square, there’s a Rooster’s location in Denton. It’s a hidden-gem favorite among locals, compared to places like LSA, in that big-city burger scene.

Rock City Burgers in Bridgeport has great ingredients and the customization to get the perfect burger your way. Plus, the buns are top notch. If you’re an off road loving mudder that worked up an appetite at the Bridgeport OHV park, it’s a no-brainer where to go.

My other Wise County favorites include Sweetie Pie's in Decatur, Five Boys Ranch in Bridgeport and Mel’s Place in Boyd.

Unfortunately, there’s not a cheeseburger (joint) in Paradise. My hope, and perhaps Jimmy Buffet’s hope too, is that some grillsavvy savant will change that soon.

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Chisholm Trailways Decatur ❖ Slidell ❖ Greenwood

The famous Chisholm Trail once passed through the eastern part of Wise County, not far from the present-day towns of Decatur, Slidell and Greenwood, so we’ve designated this area as “Chisholm Trailways.”

The largest city in Wise County, Decatur, also serves as the county seat and the heart of Wise County. From historic buildings like the courthouse and the heritage museum to state-of-the-art facilities like Wise Health System, Decatur celebrates its history and its future.

Whether you are in town for an event at the Decatur Conference Center or a weekend of shopping and dining in the historic downtown district, you’re sure to enjoy your visit to “Eighter from Decatur, County Seat of Wise.”

For small-town charm, it’s hard to beat the Greenwood and Slidell area. Enjoy a step back in time with lunch at Greenwood Grocery or take your best shot at the Fossil Pointe Sporting Grounds near Slidell.

Decatur The first settlers came to what is now called Decatur in 1853.

It has always been a waystation of some type. Initially, when it was known as Taylorsville, it was a stop on the stagecoach line that ran from Fort Worth to Fort Richardson.

The Chisholm Trail came through the eastern part of Wise County close to Decatur and in 1882, the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway arrived. The importance of the availability of transportation was vital to

the growth of a community, and Decatur has always been fortunate to be accessible.

When Wise County was established in 1856, it was ordered a county seat must be formed within five miles of the county’s center, and it was to be named Taylorsville, for General Zachary Taylor, the 12th president of the United States (1849-1850).

In 1858, Absalom Bishop, an early settler of Decatur and member of the Texas Legislature, opposed

the name of the town because he did not like Zachary Taylor, having served under him. On Jan. 7, 1858, he secured the adoption of a resolution to change the name of the town to Decatur, in honor of naval hero Stephen Decatur.

In January 1895, the courthouse burned down and other towns in the county petitioned to become the new county seat. An election was held in late February, and Decatur easily won the vote to remain county seat of Wise.

Government

Martin Woodruff serves as mayor, and Jay Davidson is the mayor pro tem. Council members are Carmelina Holloway, Mike McQuiston, Will Carpenter, Jake Hayes and Melinda Reeves. The council meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday at Decatur City Hall, 201 E. Walnut St. Brett Shannon is city manager.

City secretary is Diane Cockrell. ❖ Phone: 940-393-0200 ❖ Online: decaturtx.org

Services The Decatur Police Department provides 24-hour protection for the city. Police Chief is Rex Hoskins. ❖ Phone: 940-393-0300 The Decatur Fire Department is the only full-time fire department in the county. Nate Mara serves as chief. ❖ Phone: 940-393-0230 The Decatur Municipal Airport has been in existence

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

since 1914, making it the oldest airport in the state. Located one mile north of town on Farm Road 730, it features a 4,200-foot by 60-foot runway with a 17,000-pound dual wheel weight-bearing capacity. The runway is accessible 24 hours a day. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2855 Decatur, Wise County and the surrounding area is served by Wise Health System, 609 Medical Center Dr. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5921 ❖ Online: wisehealthsystem.com The Decatur Public Library, 1700 S. Farm Road 51 offers a mix of education, literature, technology and collaborative experiences for all ages. ❖ Phone: 940-393-0290 ❖ Online: decaturpubliclibrary.com

Visiting The Decatur Visitors Center, 106 South Trinity St., is a great place to begin your visit to town.

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deCatur (continued) Located in a historic, refurbished post office, the building houses the Decatur Main Street office of Manager Frieda Lasater. Tours of the historic courthouse can also be made with Lasater by appointment.

In addition to providing information on the city and the surrounding area, the center also regularly hosts art shows put on by the Wise County Art Association. ❖ Phone: 940-399-9558 ❖ Online: decaturmainstreet.com The Decatur Chamber of Commerce office is at 308 W. Main. Misty Hudson serves as executive director. Cason Caraway is president.

The Chamber holds membership lunches at 11:30 a.m. every fourth Tuesday except July and December at the Decatur

Conference Center. ❖ Phone: 940-627-3107 ❖ Online: decaturtx.com The Decatur Conference Center, at 2010 U.S. 380 W., is a 27,000-square-foot multi-use

facility that hosts a variety of events large and small. The center offers both on-site and off-site catering. The newest addition, which opened in May 2018, is the 107-room Fairfield Inn and

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Decatur (continued)

Parks and Recreation Decatur has six parks that provide a place to play, relax or reflect.

Kenny Renshaw Park, off FM 51 South, features two softball fields, two soccer fields, a pavilion, a playground and a concrete walking trail.

Harmon Park, at the corner of East Mill and South Church streets, features two youth baseball fields, a large playground and a skate park.

Hollis and Sue Jones Park is the largest of the city’s parks and includes two basketball courts, a baseball field, softball field, playground, soccer/ football field and an 18-basket disc golf course. It is located at the end of Country Club Road.

Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park, at the corner of North

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Arthur and Brown streets, features a playground, sandbox, swing set and picnic tables.

Melba Doyle Park, at the end of Melba Doyle Park Road off Chico Road, features a sixbasket disc golf course, swings, picnic tables and shade trees.

The Wise County Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of E. Ash and N. Trinity streets is lined with brick pavers that hold the names of 1,500 veterans.

It also features a pavilion and the “Path of Sacrifice and Valor” commemorating American conflicts. The park hosts numerous veterans events each year.

The Decatur Golf Club features a nine-hole course that is mostly open with trees lining the outside of a few fairways.

The club is at 211 Country Club Dr. and is open six days a week (closed Mondays). ❖ Phone: 940-627-3789 ❖ Online: decaturgolfclub.com The Decatur Senior Citizens Center is at 1200 N. Miller St. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2926

Annual Events ❖ Decatur Swap Meet ❖ Daddy-Daughter Dance ❖ Easter Brunch ❖ Glitzy Girls Trailer Park Event ❖ Eighter Food Truck Challenge

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deCatur (continued) ❖ Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games ❖ Mother’s Day Brunch ❖ Juneteenth Celebration ❖ Put Yo Money Where Yo Mouth Is Washer Tournament ❖ Eighter from Decatur Bicycle Rally ❖ Paint the Town Pink ❖ Chamber of Commerce Auction ❖ Boo Bash ❖ Holiday Open House ❖ Decatur Swirl ❖ A Touch of Rust Vintage Craft Show ❖ Thanksgiving Day Brunch ❖ Lucky Seven ❖ Moonlight Madness ❖ Decatur Woman’s Club Tour of Homes ❖ Breakfast with Santa ❖ Santa on the Streets

Seasonal or Recurring Events ❖ Cruise Nights ❖ Saturdays on the Square ❖ Girls Night Out

Education The Class 4A Decatur Independent School District has three elementaries, an intermediate school (5th/6th), a middle school (7th/8th) and a high school.

School board members are Matt Joiner, Marsha Hafer, Jennifer Wren, Rex Hoskins, Charlie Tibbels, Thomas Houchin and Chris Lowery. Dr. Joseph Coburn is superintendent. ❖ Administration office, 307 S. Cates St. Phone: 940-393-7100 ❖ Decatur High School, 750 East Eagle Summit Dr. Phone: 940-393-7200 ❖ McCarroll Middle School, 1201 West Thompson St. Phone: 940-393-7300 ❖ Carson Elementary School, 2100 Bus. 81/287 South Phone: 940-393-7500 ❖ Rann Elementary School, 1300 Deer Park Rd. Phone: 940-393-7600 ❖ Young Elementary School, 379 Buchanan Road Phone: 940-393-7400 ❖ Online: decaturisd.us ❖

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Slidell/Greenwood

Slidell Slidell was officially established in 1884. Because most of the original settlers were southerners, they named the new community in honor of John Slidell, a Confederate diplomat.

Located about a mile south of Farm Road 51 on Farm Road 455 just before you enter Denton County, Slidell is home to the Class 1A Slidell Independent School District.

School board members include Tim Fletcher, Kim Dunlap, Brian Moore, Johnny Zuniga, Trumanell Maples, Steve Pruett and Keira Franklin. Taylor Williams is superintendent. ❖ Administration office, No. 1 Greyhound Lane Phone: 940-535-5260, ext. 235 ❖ Slidell High School/Junior High Phone: 940-535-5260, ext. 235 ❖ Slidell Elementary School Phone: 940-535-5260, ext. 224 ❖ Online: slidellisd.net Slidell is just a few miles from a couple of popular Wise County attractions.

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The Eagles Canyon Raceway, at 7629 N. Farm Road 51 between Slidell and Decatur, is home to the area’s premiere road racing club. Its track is a 2½mile road course that features 11 turns, six straights and two sections with an elevation change of more than 100 feet.

The track is designed for both fast cars and motorcycles. ❖ Phone: 817-992-9774 ❖ Online: eaglescanyon.com Located across the road from Eagles Canyon is Fossil Pointe Sporting Grounds. Thousands of sportsmen a year sight in rifles, hone pistol skills and shoot clays at Fossil Pointe.

The course is spread over expansive acreage that includes rolling hills, plenty of trees and wildflowers. Fossil Pointe also hosts a variety of events and allows several organizations like the Boy Scouts, 4-H, law enforcement and others to use the facility. ❖ Phone: 940-393-6402 ❖ Online: fossilpointe.net ❖ Email: Maryam@ FossilPointe.net

Greenwood One of Wise County’s hidden jewels is Greenwood. You might feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you pull off Farm Road 1204 onto a tree-lined county road that leads into “downtown Greenwood.”

Greenwood had its beginnings when two cowboys, named Hart and Greenwood, camped in the area and decided to begin a new settlement. The creek nearby was named Hart’s Creek, and the town became Greenwood.

The Greenwood post office was established in 1877. In 1892, Greenwood built the Greenwood Male and Female Normal College, which operated until 1908.

At the heart of the community is Greenwood Grocery, a popular lunchtime stop known for the best hamburger and homemade pie in the county. The place is usually packed on Saturday nights when catfish and live music are on the menu. During the week, it’s not uncommon to see people sitting on the front porch playing dominoes or

whittling.

The community hosts a couple of festivals each year.

The Greenwood Fall Festival, held each October, usually includes a parade, vendors and beans and cornbread.

The festival is put on by the Greenwood Extension Education Club.

The Greenwood-Slidell Volunteer Fire Department usually holds a fish fry fundraiser in conjunction with the event.

The Greenwood Homecoming is in June with a potluck dinner and visiting at the downtown pavilion.

The fire department includes fire stations in both Greenwood and Slidell. The fire chief is Adam North. ❖ Online: gsvfd.us Students in the Greenwood area attend Slidell schools.

Annual Events

❖ Greenwood Homecoming ❖ Greenwood Fall Festival ❖ Greenwood-Slidell Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry ❖

Wise Conversation Misty Hudson

exeCutive direCtor deCatur ChaMBer of CoMMerCe

Misty Hudson grew up in Decatur and is the Decatur Chamber of Commerce executive director. She shared her thoughts on the economic hub of Wise County.

What are some of the major kinds of business and industry in the area you represent and what do they have to offer customers?

HUDSON Some of the major businesses that come to my mind are NRS, James Wood Motors, Landmark Fabrication and Wise Health System.

NRS is a name now known worldwide thanks largely in part to the rodeo world.

The Isham family has a long-standing history of being involved in not only the business aspect, but also the overall community spirit of Decatur. They still offer the old-time family-friendly charm.

James Wood Motors is to me like the Cheers bar is to Boston. Everyone knows your name. And if they don’t know your name, they will before you get 2 feet in the door. The James Wood way is what I have heard it referred to. Greet your customers, make them feel at home and make that ever-so-important follow up call to make sure everything is working out just the way it should be.

Wise Health System offers a wide variety of services that once was available only in big city facilities. A top-notch cancer treatment center and state-of-the-art fitness facility are just two areas that offer patients and families the ability to stay local while receiving treatment.

How have local businesses adjusted during the closures and phased reopenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

When COVID-19 began in March, we all thought we might be at home for a week or so and then kick back into our normal routine.

Realizing this was much more than we first anticipated, chamber directors, business owners and city leaders began brainstorming on how to keep Decatur pushing forward.

Restaurants quickly offered curbside service, and boutiques began Facebook Live sales. I don’t know if businesses have totally adjusted to reopenings. They are all in survival mode and doing whatever it takes to keep their doors open.

How has the local economy changed over the years?

Wise Health System is one of the largest employers in Decatur and in my opinion, helped produce one of the largest changes in our local economy. The wide variety of services they offer brings people from areas such as Jack and Montague counties. Where they once would travel to Fort Worth or Wichita Falls, they are now able to travel a shorter distance to Decatur for their medical services.

Those same people are now seeing a doctor, having lunch at a local restaurant, grabbing some groceries and filling their

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

gas tanks for the drive home. All of this helps support our local businesses and economy.

Why is it important to shop local?

Shop local is simple. Those dollars are not only helping the local tax base, but it also is helping the youth football team, project graduation at a local high school, or sponsorship for a non-profit. Local businesses donate thousands of dollars each year to help support local groups. Let’s keep supporting them. Keep your money where your house is.

Tell us about a “hidden treasure” type of business that maybe a lot of people don’t know about from your area.

Mason Jar Label is a hidden treasure that most don’t even realize is based in Decatur.

With more than 1,000 stores featuring their comfy T-shirts, you may have purchased a Mason Jar product that was produced in your hometown and never even realized it. Buying their products is about to become even easier locally. Mason Jar is set to open The Vintage Gift Shop & DIY Chocolate Factory on the historic Decatur Square in summer 2020. ❖

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advertorial

Service sets Decatur Heat & Air apart

S

haun Davie is honored to have provided excellent HVAC service for more than 20 years to Wise County through his company, Decatur Heat & Air.

Decatur Heat & Air is a second-generation company that offers commercial and residential heating and cooling as well as commercial refrigeration and full-service electrical.

Decatur Heat & Air began with Davie’s father’s AC company that serviced the Metroplex from 1975 to 1995.

In 1995, his father decided to move the company to Decatur to start a new company with his son. Davie learned most of what he knows about the HVAC business from his father.

He is now leading the business.

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WelcomeToWise.com

The Decatur Heat & Air employees are well-trained experts.

“We train in-house, learning on the job is usually the best way for a lot of guys,” Davie said. “We will also send them to outside schools with one- to two-day classes and also do a lot of in-house training.”

Throughout his over 20 years in the HVAC business, Davie has learned that the most integral part is customer service. Davie said that customer service is “a lost art form” and his company makes it their number one priority.

They do whatever it takes to make sure their customers are 100 percent satisfied with their products, installations and services. They consider it a core value of the company.

Decatur Heat & Air’s other company values include, glorifying God through the business, being honest and having integrity, being a prompt and trusted service, providing unequaled performance and accountability within their team, having the community as its mission field and knowing change is essential to

growth and always embracing it. “[We put] God first, allowing him to shine through the business, and I think we are blessed in return for that,” Davie said.

Davie believes his company’s core values and a strong commitment to customer service sets them apart from other HVAC companies and make them the best choice for consumers.

For all your HVAC and electrical needs, call Decatur Heat & Air, 940-627-1616, or visit decaturheat-air.com.

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Trinity Fork Boyd ❖ Paradise ❖ Cottondale

Located along the banks of the West Fork Trinity River and its tributaries are three communities in our “Trinity Fork” area of the county.

They may not be the largest towns or communities in Wise County, but this area is seeing some of the greatest population growth. Perhaps that’s because people are finding their own paradise in Paradise, Texas.

Boyd has made great investments in its future in recent years. After the passage of the Municipal Development District, the city has made plans to expand parks and recreation opportunities.

In addition to being a great place to make your future, the Cottondale and Paradise areas also have a rich history. Visit the Paradise Museum to learn more about the exploits of Machine Gun Kelly, who is buried in Cottondale Cemetery.

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Boyd Boyd is a town built by the Rock Island Railroad. In 1893, it was brand new, among other new towns springing up as a result of the railroad’s trek across Texas.

The town lies on a curve of the Trinity River’s North Fork. It was originally referred to as Greasy Bend because early settlers fattened their hogs on the native pecans growing in abundance.

When the railroad came through the area, they initially

named the new town Parkhurst.

But Parkhurst didn’t last. The town name was changed to Boyd within a few months because Park Springs, just four stops away on the Rock Island, was too similar to Parkhurst, and officials feared confusion. Since Parkhurst was the younger town, it was the one to change.

Boyd’s first post office was established on Sept. 30, 1893, in the Cook Brothers

General Store, which also offered groceries, hardware, general merchandise, a funeral parlor and a barber shop.

Boyd was incorporated in 1895. Its early ordinances included prohibitions against abusive language, leaving teams hitched, fireworks and regulating campfires in the streets.

The Boyd depot closed in July 1964.

Government Rodney Holmes serves as mayor, and Mark Culpepper is mayor pro tem. Council members include Ashley Frisinger, Randy Adams and Jeff Leavell. The Place 5 seat is currently vacant.

The council meets 6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays at Boyd Community Center, 420 E. Morton Ave. City hall is at 100 E. Rock Island Ave. Greg Arrington is city administrator, and city secretary is Sherrie Dast. ❖ Phone: 940-433-5166 ❖ Online: cityofboyd.com

Services The Boyd Police Department employs seven full-time officers. Jason Moris serves as police chief. Dwayne Taylor is director of public services. ❖ Phone: 940-433-8400 The Wise County ESD No. 1 /Boyd Fire Department provides protection to the city and surrounding areas. Scott Estes serves as fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-433-2085, or 911 for emergencies

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Parks and Recreation Boyd has three city parks.

Yellowjacket Park, at the corner of West Dunlap and North Evans, includes a basketball court.

James Snodgrass Park, at 501 W. Hobbs Ave., includes a playground, volleyball court, walking trail and a pavilion.

The R.T. Brooks Youth Sport

Complex, at 601 W. Hobbs Ave., includes a baseball field, softball field, t-ball field, walking trail and picnic tables.

The 4,280-square-foot Boyd Community Center, at 420 E. Morton Ave., includes a full service kitchen, banquet tables and chairs, a stage and space to accommodate up to 300 people. ❖ Phone: 940-433-5166

The Boyd Senior Citizens Center, at 420 E. Morton Ave., features a potluck lunch and domino and card games starting at 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. ❖ Phone: 940-433-5166 The Boyd Raceway, at 376 Raceway Lane, south of the city, hosts races every Friday night mid-March through August.

Boyd (continued)

The quarter-mile, semi-banked dirt track hosts races with stock cars, modified cars, sport modified cars, hobby stock cars and mini stock cars. ❖ Phone: 817-229-0287 ❖ Online: boydraceway.com River Valley Motocross, at 733 County Road 4757 near Boyd, offers an outdoor dirt track and a kids/beginner track. ❖ Phone: 817-932-3333 ❖ Online: facebook.com/ rivervalleymx

Local Points of Interest The Wild Animal Sanctuary Texas, formerly International Exotic Animal Sanctuary, at 3901 Texas 114 between Boyd and Aurora, provides a permanent home for animals

such as tigers, bobcats, cougars, lions and bears. The sanctuary is no longer open to the general public, but active financial supporters of the organization are welcome to visit on special days or weekends by appointment. ❖ Phone: 940-433-5091 ❖ Online: wildanimalsanctuarytexas.org TF Vineyard and Winery, located at 162 Private Road 4689, is open Thursday through Sunday. ❖ Phone: 940-535-5622 ❖ Online: tfvineyard.com

Education The Class 3A Boyd Independent School District has four campuses — elementary, intermediate, middle and high school.

Superintendent is Tamara Vardy. School board members are Bill Childress, Kyle Erwin, Jason Hammond, Trae Luttrell, Marty Cain, Jake Tackett and Kenneth Shepherd. ❖ Administration office, 600 W. Knox Ave. Phone: 940-433-2327 ❖ Boyd High School, 700 Knox Ave.

Phone: 940-433-9580 ❖ Boyd Middle School, 550 Knox Ave. Phone: 940-433-9560 ❖ Boyd Intermediate School, 550 Knox Ave. Phone: 940-433-9540 ❖ Boyd Elementary School, 500 E. Morton Ave. Phone: 940-433-9520 ❖ Online: boydisd.net ❖

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Paradise was first settled in the 1870s, when Bill Anderson opened a general store. The community was first called Eldorado, but when they tried to establish a post office, they learned that the name was already taken. They suggested Paradise Prairie, because of the beautiful wildflowers in the area. This name was later shortened to Paradise. Its post office was established in 1876.

A stagecoach route between Gainesville and Weatherford stopped in Paradise for passengers and mail.

The Rock Island Railroad came to town in 1893, as it also did in

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Paradise Boyd, Bridgeport and Chico. As with other communities, Paradise moved itself a mile northeast to take advantage of the railroad.

In 1933, George “Machine Gun Kelly” Barnes and his wife, Kathryn, kidnapped an oil baron, Charles Urshel, and held him at Kathryn’s stepfather’s farm. Kathryn’s stepfather, R.G. “Boss” Shannon, lived just outside of Paradise. Boss Shannon had a habit of allowing outlaws to use his farm as a hideout.

The kidnappers did not count on Urshel’s recall abilities. He was able to give such detailed descriptions of the events during

his kidnapping that the federal agents quickly identified Shannon’s farm. Shannon, his wife and oldest son were all arrested. Kelly and his wife ran but were eventually caught in Memphis, Tenn. Kelly died in prison in 1954. No one from his family claimed his body, so Boss Shannon had the body brought to Wise County and buried in the family plot in Cottondale Cemetery. Boss Shannon served 11 years of a life sentence, was released in 1944 and returned to Paradise, where he was living when he buried his stepson-in-law who no one else wanted to claim.

paradise (continued)

Government

Education

Roy Steel serves as mayor.

City council members include Robert Owensby (mayor pro tem), Kristi Force, Amanda Black, Sandy Onks and John Ward. The council meets 6 p.m. every fourth Monday at city hall, located at 218 Main St. Teresa Moody is city secretary. ❖ Phone: 940-969-2114

The Class 3A Paradise Independent School District has four campuses — an elementary, intermediate, junior high and high school.

School board members are Homer Mundy, Shannon Caddell, Susie Burt, Scott Cox, Renea Remmele, Heath Smith and Russell Read. Superintendent is Paul Uttley.

Services The Wise County Sheriff’s Office responds to calls in the city. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971, or 911 for emergencies The city is served by the Paradise Volunteer Fire Department. John Neal is fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-389-6752

❖ Administration office, 338 School House Rd. Phone: 940-969-2501 ❖ Paradise High School Phone: 940-969-5010 ❖ Paradise Junior High School Phone: 940-969-5034 ❖ Paradise Intermediate School Phone: 940-969-5032 ❖ Paradise Elementary School Phone: 940-969-5046 ❖ Online: pisd.net ❖

Parks and Recreation The Paradise Veterans Memorial Park is downtown.

Annual Events ❖ Paradise Main Street Festival

Your neighbors...

Your friends...

Your families...

Your stories.

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Local Communities Cottondale Cottondale is a few miles south of Paradise on Farm Road 2123, about three miles west of Farm Road 51.

Cottondale, as a community, existed as early as 1860, but it didn’t receive its name until 1875. When the community petitioned for a post office, they were so impressed with one settler’s cotton crop, they asked to name the town Cotton Valley.

They were informed by the postal service that Cotton Valley was taken but suggested Cottondale, which suited them. The post office was discontinued in 1912.

The community prospered with the help of railroads and the Bridgeport coal mines. However, rail service was eventually lost in Cottondale when the Rock Island track was laid from Fort Worth to Boyd, before turning to Bridgeport.

The Cottondale Volunteer Fire Department offers fire protection for the community. Fire chief is Jason Walker.

The nearby Salt Creek Volunteer Fire Department often provides mutual aid. Ken Vise serves as fire chief. ❖

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Wise Conversation Karen Schubert Adams

Boyd MuniCipal developMent distriCt

Karen Schubert Adams serves as secretary for the Boyd Municipal Development District. We visited with her to find out what Boyd businesses have to offer local citizens.

What are some of the major kinds of business and industry in the area you represent and what do they have to offer customers?

How have local businesses adjusted during the closures and phased reopenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

The City of Boyd has a wide variety of businesses offering diverse products and services that are consumed by our local communities, as well as throughout Texas and other states. Some of the Businesses in our area would be Boyd Industries, Summit Metal Corp, Tippen Steel Services, Munn’s Hardware, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Family Dollar, H3 Oil Pad, Boyd Pharmacy, Hall Cleaners, Celebration’s Florist, Hacienda’s Boutique & Gifts, Silver Bullet Pawn, Wise Lite Arms, Ballard Dentistry, WHC Primary Care, gogo gumbo!, Dos Chiles, Lowe’s Grocery, Rock Island Station and Allsup’s Convenience Store, just to name a few.

Most of the businesses in Boyd were deemed essential during the beginning of the current COVID-19 pandemic. They continued to provide goods and services to residents and non-residents alike. Some businesses were forced to change how they delivered their services and/or products to the public, such as restaurants, but were able to adapt and keep their doors open.

How has the local economy changed over the years?

Over the years, the Boyd economy has grown to offer a broader spectrum of businesses and services. Boyd is no longer just a red light and a water tower.

The businesses of Boyd offer such a variety of services that it is no longer necessary to travel out of town for services, if you don’t want to.

Why is it important to shop local?

It’s extremely important to shop local. Shopping locally creates revenue for the city that allows it to operate and reinvest in its town and citizens. Local businesses have the ability to provide a unique footprint that may not otherwise come from your bigger chain stores and restaurants. Getting to know the local business owners can provide opportunities for more personalized care and services.

Loyalty to local businesses gives them an opportunity to produce better quality products and services since they are putting their name on it. Shopping local is not only convenient but it also conserves energy and resources and saves time, and who doesn’t need more time!

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Tell us about a “hidden treasure” type of business that maybe a lot of people don’t know about from your area.

The people of Boyd are the hidden treasures in Boyd. It takes a vast array of talent and experience to make a city into a community. A community with common goals, everyone is proud to call home. Whether you’re serving barbecue at Cowboys, working with the local youth or volunteering within the community, everyone is a reflection of what is and what makes Boyd ... Boyd. ❖

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METAL, BUILDING SUPPLIES, FENCE MATERIALS, PIPE & STEEL, BARN KITS, TRAILER PARTS, BARBED WIRE, CULVERTS, R-PANEL & MORE 3407 HWY 114 PARADISE, TX 76073 • 940-969-2527 • WWW.LOWERYWS-METALS.COM MONDAY - FRIDAY 7AM - 5PM •SATURDAY 8-11:30AM 62 WelcomeToWise.com

advertorial

Steel yard sells supplies for projects large and small

L

owery Wholesale is a Paradise institution.

For more than 50 years, the North Texas distributor has supplied individuals and businesses with metal, steel building materials, fencing materials, oil field supplies, culverts, and tools.

Founder Preston Lowery was known for saying: “There’s no other place like this.”

“And there’s really not,” said son Chris Lowery, the second generation to run the business. “We sell all the stuff guys want — the gates, the steel, the pipe, but we also carry decorative items that might be of more interest to women, like ornamental metal and metal paint.

“We have a little bit of everything. We’re a small piece of the big box industry but a big piece of the steel business.”

Preston started Lowery Wholesale in the late ’60s with plastic pipe and water well tanks and pumps. Through the years, Chris said his father sold a variety of things, depending on the current economy and needs in the region.

“I even remember as a kid, if they were tearing up a railroad track somewhere, my brother Greg and I would go down with a crew and get the cross ties so we could bring them back to sell,” Chris recalled with a laugh.

He said his father was never afraid to adapt or modify inventory on a whim.

As the Barnett Shale boomed

in the 2000s, so did Lowery Wholesale as it converted from plastic pipe to a steel yard. In addition to pipe and various supplies, Lowerys sold an enormous number of culverts to oil and gas businesses, making them the largest supplier of culverts in the southern United States.

Since oil and gas has slowed down, Lowerys has continued selling culverts, but now primarily to developers with new subdivisions sprouting up across North Texas.

Chris said through the years, customers have come to realize

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

that Lowerys is steady and true and continues to shape their inventory based on current industry needs.

In 2010, Chris left his Metroplex job to run the family business, and three years later Preston gifted the business to Chris and his four siblings. In 2017, Chris and Greg bought out their sisters, and Chris continues to operate it today with the assistance of his nephew, Brian Christian.

In addition to the steel yard, Lowerys carries a large selection of tools, yard work supplies and various odds and

ends in the storefront. Chris said customers come back time after time, not only for the large inventory of materials, but also for the customer service.

“These folks are our friends and neighbors. We always treat them right,” he said.

Lowery Wholesale is at 3407 W. Highway 114 in Paradise, and it’s open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Visit them online at www. loweryws-metals.com or call 940-969-2527.

There is a second location in Cotulla, 1489 N. Interstate 35.

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Hitting the links

Wise courses provide options to socially distance

BY RICHARD GREENE

F

ew activities give the opportunity to socially distance better than driving the ball down a lush fairway and then watching a putt roll into the hole on a smooth green.

Luckily, Wise County has three varying, convenient and challenging options to get away and hit the links — RB Golf Club, Decatur Golf Club and Bridgeport Country Club.

All three have recently stepped up their game to provide an improved experience for the veteran, serious golfers, along with the weekend hackers.

Here is a preview of the three courses to get you on the tee box.

rB golf CluB and resort On the banks of Lake Bridgeport, RB Golf Club and Resort is home to Wise County’s lone 18-hole course.

The beautiful par 72, 6,751-yard course (5,141 yards from ladies tees) includes several vistas of the lake and winds through the scenic city of Runaway Bay. RB Golf Club has undergone a renaissance in the last two years since being purchased by entrepreneur and avid

golfer Daniel Cocanougher. His daughter, Danielle, is a co-owner and points out the family’s goal is to restore the course’s place as one of North Texas’ golfing gems.

“RB was a championship golf course and a favorite around DFW, known as a gem for many years,” Danielle said. “Everything we are doing is to bring it back to its heyday.”

The work started with restoring playing conditions to a premier level. The sprinkler

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

system was fixed, trees were trimmed and canopies were raised to give the course an instant facelift. Within two weeks of purchasing the course, the Cocanoughers had the greens killed and planted all new championship Bermuda grass.

Daniel said about the project: “This year the greens look good. Next year the greens will look great. In three years, the greens will look excellent.”

65

The greens have started to mature to provide a consistent putting surface.

Last spring, the course debuted a new 60x100-foot covered pavilion, along with a restored driving range. The pavilion includes lighting and a golf ball vending machine for nighttime use with eight covered bays and eight uncovered bays.

Along with providing a memorable round of golf, the Cocanoughers have also made improvements to the club, fitness center and restaurant. “We want to be a full resort facility.

You can have a great round of golf and everything with it to make it a nice day at

RB,� Danielle said.

Construction on the new restaurant, Lakeview Tavern & Grill, began last winter. The restaurant itself has been expanded and boasts new floors, walls, furniture and a brand-new kitchen. The 1,945-square-foot tavern overlooks Lake Bridgeport and the golf course. An extensive new wine list was carefully curated. “We have people say we have the best food at the turn,� Danielle said. “We pride ourselves on the menu with delicious salmon and shrimp scampi.�

Danielle said they are in the process of constructing an outdoor patio off the

restaurant. “It’ll be a place to sit and enjoy a nice glass of wine and watch the sunset over the lake,� she said.

Danielle said more plans are being made for additional improvements, including pickle ball courts. The resort is also planning to host more concerts, events and fundraisers. “We’re appreciative of our members who are now investing in our growth,� Danielle said. “We’re planning a lot of activities that are beyond golf. We want to get the word out to Wise County and beyond to bring more people in.�

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Mon - Sat • 10 AM - 6 PM

deCatur golf CluB Resting between the LBJ Grasslands and Decatur in a rolling valley, the Decatur Golf Club presents a fun and interesting ninehole layout for golfers.

The unique course features multiple tee boxes for several holes, including the signature hole the par three No. 7. Over 18 holes, twice around, the course plays at 6,027 yards (4,705 yards from the ladies tees).

In the past year, the course has seen a series of improvements. In 2019, the board of directors for Decatur Golf Club (DGC) developed a long-range plan with the intent of building a new clubhouse within five years, according to Andrew Rottner.

“In order to do that, DGC needed to solicit and build its membership base in order to provide the financial support needed for a new clubhouse,” Rottner said. “Additionally, increased public play was needed to further support the daily operations of the club. To assist on both fronts, basic improvements were started in 2019 and carried into 2020 to make DGC more appealing as well as more visible. A concerted effort was made to be active on social media and improve our website experience.”

The greens, fairways and tee boxes were all heavily worked. The greens are firm and smooth.

“The course underwent extensive over seeding during the winter with a bent grass mix and then aeration this spring,” Rottner said. “The course is in the best shape it has ever been and provides guests a fun and challenging round of golf.”

The work to the clubhouse continues.

Current improvements include new

flooring throughout the clubhouse, newly painted interior and exterior, improved plumbing and plumbing fixtures, new lounge furniture and televisions, and basic renovations. The pool area was painted and cleaned up including new patio furniture, new ceiling fans and

improved lighting.

“DGC is a great amenity for Decatur and Wise County,” Rottner said.

“Charter memberships (ownership) are available as are Associate and Corporate memberships. These are all very affordable for golf enthusiasts of any age.”

Bridgeport Country CluB Along the banks of the West Fork Trinity River, the nine-hole Bridgeport Country Club has long been a favorite and challenging layout for golfers.

The 3,058-yard track takes advantage of its location along the river to present challenges as you wind through lush trees.

The greens at the course have been reworked in recent years.

Bridgeport Country Club also offers a full-service clubhouse, cafe, bar, banquet room, pro shop, driving range, putting green and swimming pool. ❖

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

67

South by Northwest Rhome ❖ Aurora ❖ Justin ❖ Newark ❖ New Fairview

Several towns in the southeast part of the county are part of the fast-growing Northwest Independent School district, thus the name we’ve assigned to the area as “South by Northwest.”

Located at the intersection of two major roadways — U.S. 81/287 and Texas 114 — Rhome is known as the “Crossroads to the Metroplex.” Residents seem to have the best of both worlds: quiet, small-town living just a few minutes drive from the bigger cities.

You might want to keep your eyes on the skies in Aurora. The city is famous for its legendary other-worldly visitor who is said to be buried in the local cemetery. Newark is on the northern shores of Eagle Mountain Lake. South Wise County Park, just west of the city, provides a variety of recreational opportunities.

With the largest land area of any Wise County city, New Fairview has seen a growing number of people who call the rural landscape home.

Rhome Rhome was established around 1859. It sat at a crossroads between two stagecoach lines, the road from Denton to Jacksboro and the road from Fort Worth to Taylorsville (now Decatur).

Today Rhome sits at another crossroads, where Texas 114 meets U.S. 81/287.

The town wasn’t named Rhome until 1883. It was first known as Prairie Point, but other names have also been recorded, such as Yellow Dog, Rosanne, Calif and

Government

Michelle Pittman di Credico is mayor. The city council includes Elaine Priest (mayor pro tem), Sam Eason, Leeanne Mackowski, Kenny Crenshaw and Josh McCabe.

The council meets 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday and fourth Tuesday at the Rhome Community Center, 261 N. School Rd. Cynthia Northrop is the city administrator. Shannon Montgomery is city secretary.

City Hall is at 501 S. Main St. ❖ Phone: 817-636-2462 ❖ Online: cityofrhome.com

Scuffletown.

During the Civil War and in the years following, the area was depleted of men between the ages of 16 and 60. Because the settlements were so underprotected, raids by native tribes and renegades became commonplace. As a result, most people resettled to areas that offered better protection, and Rhome was virtually deserted in 1863.

In 1882, the Fort Worth and

Rhome is home to the longestserving library in Wise County.

The Rhome Community Library, at 265 W. B.C. Rhome, opened in 1960 and includes books, DVDs, audiobooks, public computers and programs for all ages year-round. ❖ Phone: 817-636-2767 ❖ Online: rhomelibrary.org

Parks and Recreation The city is home to two parks.

The Rhome Veterans Memorial Park is at the corner of Virginia Lane and Second

Denver City Railroad was built and passed through the area.

As is the case everywhere, the railroad changed everything.

The town was moved closer to the railroad, and the name was finally changed to Rhome, after Bryon Crandall Rhome, a prominent and very popular citizen who was instrumental in revitalizing the area. B.C. Rhome was also renowned for bringing the first Hereford cattle to this area.

Street.

Rhome Family Park is at 400 S. Virginia Lane and Stirling Lane and includes a basketball court, walking trail, playground, grills, picnic tables and a butterfly garden.

The Rhome Community Center, at 261 N. School Road, regularly hosts both community meetings and events and can also be rented for private functions. Call city hall for rental rates and availability.

Next door at the same address

is the Rhome Senior Center.

Kam Kartway, at 4746 Texas 114, is an oval 1/8-mile kart racetrack that is consistently rated as a top 15 track in the nation by readers of RacingIn. com. It hosts events throughout the year. ❖ Phone: 1-844-4-OUTLAW ❖ Online: kamkartway.com

Annual Events ❖ Rhome Splash Days ❖ Rhome Fall Festival ❖ Christmas tree lighting

Services The city is served by the full-time Rhome Police Department, at 400 B.C. Rhome Ave., Sam Love is police chief. ❖ Phone: 817-636-2400 The Rhome Volunteer Fire Department serves the city and surrounding areas. Fire chief is Darrell Fitch. ❖ Phone: 817-636-2001, 817-636-2462, or 911 for emergencies

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69

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rhoMe (continued)

Education Rhome is part of the 5A Northwest Independent School District. Most students attend Prairie View or Seven Hills elementary schools, Chisholm Trail Middle School and Northwest High School.

School board members are Ron Hastings, Mark Schluter, Judy Copp, Steve Sprowls, Anne Davis-Simpson, Lillian Rauch and DeAnne Hatfield. Ryder Warren is superintendent. ❖ Administration office, 2001 Texan Drive, Justin Phone: 817-215-6473 ❖ Prairie View Elementary, 609 FM 3433, Rhome Phone: 817-215-0550 ❖ Seven Hills Elementary, 654 FM 3433, Newark Phone: 817-215-0700

❖ Chisholm Trail Middle School, 583 FM 3433, Rhome Phone: 817-215-0600 ❖ Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin Phone: 817-215-0200 ❖ Online: nisdtx.org ❖

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WelcomeToWise.com

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

73

Aurora It's not known exactly when people started settling in Aurora, but the first proven record of land being purchased for settlement was in 1861. The post office was established in 1873.

It is said that Aurora was suggested as the name for this town by William O. Stanfield because “he felt that it was the dawn of something luminous and beautiful in the new land.”

On Aug. 21, 1882, the commissioners court voted to incorporate the town of Aurora.

It was a prosperous community.

Unfortunately, the infestation of the boll weevil destroyed the cotton crops and created economic problems for the town, which was soon followed by a fire that swept through the town.

According to reports, Aurora received Wise County’s only

Government

Services

Terry Solomon serves as mayor. The city council includes Bill McCurdy, Deb Terrell, Jason Brummal, Jason Priakus, Pennye Shockey and Janet Derting.

City council meetings are 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday at city hall, at 303 Derting Rd. A precouncil workshop is at 7 p.m.

City administrator is Dr. Toni Wheeler, and deputy court clerk is Lynnell Day. ❖ Phone: 817-636-2783 ❖ Online: auroratexas.gov

The city is protected by four resident Wise County Sheriff’s Office deputies. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971 Boyd, Newark and Rhome volunteer fire departments respond to calls. ❖ Phone: For emergencies, call 911.

Water is available along the Texas 114 corridor through the City of Aurora. Aurora Vista is serviced through Southwest Water. The southwest quadrant, including Glider Base, is serviced by Palo Duro.

alien visitor on April 18, 1897, when an airship crashed into Judge Proctor’s windmill. The occupant of the airship was killed by the impact, given a funeral and buried in Aurora Cemetery. Although the remains were badly disfigured, the Wise County Messenger reported enough of the creature was left to determine he “was not an inhabitant of this world.”

Education

and some attend Boyd ISD.

Most of Aurora’s students are in the Class 5A Northwest Independent School District

❖ Read more: Pages 72 and 55. ❖ Phone: 817-215-0000 ❖ Online: nisdtx.org ❖

PROUD TO BE LOCAL

Bridgeport

Springtown

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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We Are Here For You Customer Focused

We understand that the buying and selling process can be stressful for everyone involved. Our professional and compassionate staff is here to help make the experience an enjoyable one.

We are always available and willing to answer any questions you may have.

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

79

Justin The area that Justin occupies today was originally settled by a band of French colonists, who, in 1848, established the Icarian Colony, which was meant to be a utopian community where all would share wealth on an equal basis and all private property and

Government Alan Woodall serves as mayor.

The city council includes Lynn Crites (mayor pro tem), John Mounce, Nick Krueger, Charlotte Moore and Brad Rieger.

The council meets 7 p.m. the

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WelcomeToWise.com

capital would be abolished. It was a fiasco from beginning to end. The community was abandoned by the winter of 1849.

The area remained sparsely populated until the 1880s.

In 1883, lots began to sell, a general store was opened and a

second and last Monday at city hall, located at 415 N. College Ave. Cori Reaume is city manager, and city secretary is Brittany Andrews. ❖ Phone: 940-648-2541 ❖ Online: cityofjustin.com

community center for farmers emerged. A few years later, the Santa Fe railroad extended its line from Fort Worth. The community petitioned for a post office in 1887 and asked to be named Justin, in honor of Walter Justin Sherman, chief engineer of the Santa Fe line.

Services Police protection is provided by the Justin Police Department. Alex Cross is chief. ❖ Phone: 940-648-2541 The Justin Volunteer Fire

Department serves the city and surrounding areas.

Matthew Mitchell is fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-648-2561 The Justin Public Library, at 408 Pafford, is open six days a week (closed Sunday) and provides services for lifelong

Justin (continued) learning. ❖ Phone: 940-648-2541, ext. 6 and ext. 3 after 5 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Justin has several neighborhood parks.

City Hall Park includes children’s play structures, a tennis court, sand volleyball court, backstop for a practice field and covered pavilion with a barbecue grill.

Community Park includes a concrete walking trail, children’s play structures, three baseball/coed softball fields, one youth softball and two soccer fields and disc golf course.

Reatta Park includes a basketball court, walking trail, children’s

play structures, pond with observation deck and a covered pavilion with barbecue grills.

Bishop Park includes a historical marker, creek, observation deck, picnic tables and barbecue grills.

Tally Park includes a pond for catch-and-release fishing only.

Timberbrook Park features the beginning of a trail system just north of Timberbrook Parkway along Oliver Creek.

Local Point of Interest Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, hosts two NASCAR races per year, including a fall date during the SprintCup chase. ❖ Phone: 817-215-8500 ❖ Online: texasmotorspeedway.com

F A M I LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D S I N C E 2 0 0 6

Education Justin is in the 5A Northwest Independent School District.

Students attend one of three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. ❖ Administration office 2001 Texan Drive Phone: 817-215-0000 ❖ Justin Elementary School 425 Boss Range Road Phone: 817-215-0800 ❖ Clara Love Elementary 16301 Elementary Drive Phone: 817-698-6600

❖ Hatfield Elementary 2051 Texan Drive Phone: 817-215-0350 ❖ Gene Pike Middle School 2200 Texan Drive Phone: 817-215-0400 ❖ Northwest High School 2301 Texan Drive Phone: 817-215-0200 ❖ Online: nisdtx.org ❖ Read more: Page 72 ❖

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81

Newark The first settler to what is now Newark came in the 1850s. Mr. Benjamin B. Haney left his home in Cass County and built a log cabin by 1854.

A post office was granted to Haney in 1855, and the town named Odessa was established.

Thus, Newark can boast the first post office in Wise County.

In fact, the post office existed before Wise County existed. In 1866, the Odessa post office

Government The mayor is Mark Wondolowski. The city council includes Chris Raines (mayor pro tem), Sean Phillips, Taylor Burton and Darla LoggainsWood. Place 3 is open. The council meets 7 p.m. third Thursday in the council chambers at city hall, 209 Hudson St. City secretary is Jeanine Inman. ❖ Phone: 817-489-2201 ❖ Online: newarktexas.com

Services The Wise County Sheriff’s Office responds to law enforcement calls within the city. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971 or 911 for emergencies The Newark Volunteer Fire Department serves Newark and the surrounding areas.

Jerry Taylor is fire chief. ❖ Phone: 817-489-2331 ❖ Online: newarkvolfiredept.com The Godfrey Pegues Public Library, at 207 Hudson St., is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday

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WelcomeToWise.com

was discontinued and was not reopened.

The town went by several names after Odessa fell away. It was called Huff Valley because so many Huffs lived in the area.

Then the town began being referred to as Sueville, after a popular early settler.

When the Rock Island Railroad arrived, the conductor apparently said, “This is Newark.” The community

allowed it, and the town name was established. Another post office was opened in 1893, and the name Odessa had been taken by another post office while the Odessa post office was not in service. So the name Newark was used.

In 1933, Eagle Mountain Lake was formed nearby and gave Newark the added benefit of having lakefront property, which increased its popularity.

NEW SALEM FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH SUNDAY 10 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School 11 a.m. . . . . . . . . . Morning Worship

of Wise County Since 1979, United Way of Wise County Inc., officed in Decatur, Texas, has worked diligently to support local charities providing essential health and human services to Wise County residents. As a registered Texas non-profit corporation, United Way of Wise County conducts annual fund-raising campaigns and invests the proceeds to these local charities on the basis of their need, specific services provided, number of families served and other considerations.

Beginning in 2006, 100% of each dollar donated to the annual fall campaign has been invested in these United Way agencies and programs. This makes the United Way of Wise County one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in the country. When we all work together, we’re able to work wonders!

Pastor - Brother Willard Kiper 806-662-0146 Deacon - Ronald W. Womack 940-627-5413

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Established 1893

From 2006 to 2019, UWWC invested over $5.8 million in direct support of local community health and human services to our residents, including access to health care, food and meals, transportation, housing/utilities, emergency assistance, disaster relief, residential mobility for the disabled, help for children with learning disabilities, juvenile diabetes training, early childhood intervention/services, preschool, social service for those with special needs, family and individul counseling/therapy, pregnancy resources, assistance for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse/neglect, substance abuse prevention education, school dropout prevention and positive youth development programs

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neWark (continued) through Friday and offers a variety of educational services to the community. ❖ Phone: 817-489-2224 ❖ Online: newarktexaspubliclibrary. weebly.com The Newark Community Center is in the city hall building at 209 Hudson St. ❖ Phone: 817-489-2201

Parks and Recreation The Delora Doughty Royal City Park at the corner of Central Avenue and McCanne, across from the Newark Fire Hall, features a gazebo and barbecue grill.

Newark Town Square Park is outside city hall, 209 Hudson St.

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WelcomeToWise.com

South Wise County Park, west of the city on County Road 4873, features a public boat ramp, picnic tables and lots of shoreline for bank fishing.

Annual events ❖ Newark Cruisin’ Days

Education Newark is in the Northwest Independent School District. ❖ Read more: Page 72 ❖ Administration office, 2001 Texan Drive, Justin Phone: 817-215-0000 Online: nisdtx.org ❖ Seven Hills Elementary, 654 FM 3433, Newark Phone: 817-215-0700 ❖

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

85

New Fairview New Fairview began as Fairview in the early 1900s. It was incorporated in 1973. The name of the town was changed in 1999 to New Fairview.

Government Joe Max Wilson is mayor. The city council includes Scott Johnson (mayor pro tem), William Payne, Charley Stumm, Rebecca McPherson and Rick White.

Council meetings are 7 p.m. every first Monday at City Hall, 999 Illinois Lane.

City administrator is Ben Nibarger. City clerk is Brooke Boller, and city secretary is Monica Rodriguez. ❖ Phone: 817-638-5366 ❖ Online: newfairview.org

❖ Decatur Administration office, 307 S. Cates Phone: 940-393-7100 ❖ Northwest Administration

office, 2001 Texan Drive, Justin Phone: 817-215-0000 ❖ Read more: Page 72❖

Services The city is protected by two resident deputies from the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971, or call 911 for emergencies The East Wise Fire Department serves the New Fairview area. David Plankey is fire chief. ❖ Phone: 940-626-8094

Education New Fairview students attend either Class 4A Decatur ISD or Class 5A Northwest ISD.

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WelcomeToWise.com

Wise Conversation

Christina Moreno

loan offiCer first finanCial Bank

We caught up with Wise County Chamber of Commerce President Christina Moreno.

Moreno is a loan officer for First Financial Bank and has been in Wise County for several years. She describes the vibrant, growing business community in Wise County and a few of her favorite stops.

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WEDDING PLANNING . EVENT STAGING . FULL SERVICE FLORIST A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

87

Wise Conversation (continued) What is the mission of the Wise County Chamber?

Even during the stay-at-home orders, according to the sales tax reports, the economy here fared well. Why do you think that was?

Our mission is to unite all of our county together into one and support all of our small businesses or any business within our county.

We wanted to represent the smaller communities that don’t have the chamber representation. Bridgeport does a great job of representing Bridgeport and the businesses. Decatur does a great job of doing the same and so does Chico. We were formerly the Paradise Chamber and supported Paradise and neighboring businesses. We decided this was a great way to help other communities within our county.

What type of members do you have? We know you have members from one shop businesses all the way to Northwest ISD.

When you are quarantined to your county, it makes you realize what is here.

I’ve always been a big supporter of local businesses, so shopping within the county has not been anything different. What we’ve gained is supporting small businesses and spending more family time, and bringing that back into the household.

What are some hidden treasures in Wise County?

I want to say we have a little more than 100 members. We’ve extended our region. Northwest ISD is a huge supporter of ours because they have schools here in Wise County. Jerry [Cantu] is one of our board members. We’re grateful that we have a wide range of board members that try to represent our communities. We have representatives that live in Decatur, Runaway Bay, Newark and Paradise.

Everyone’s adjusted well. Everyone is struggling to regain business. I feel like our county, moving to the 75 percent capacity that has rejuvenated businesses to say, ‘Hey, we’re open.’ We’ve tried our best to promote that via our web page and social media.

All of our board are volunteers. We don’t actually have an employee. Mende Hanley, who owns Wise Strategy, has done a great job doing a member spotlight and just promoting our members via our social media sources.

The county keeps growing and changing along with its economy. Have you seen your membership change?

The Chamber has been a part of the Shop Local campaign. Why is shopping local so important?

We cherish all of our members, the ones we gain and the ones that have stepped off. Our economy is changing. It’s changed within the last three months. We want to be able to help and support in any way that we can. We do free advertising and promotion for any of our members promoting their events and grand openings.

That’s how we boost our economy. It’s a huge disservice to our small businesses if we are not supporting and shopping local. I’m a huge supporter of shop local because I feel like I’m putting my money back into our economy here in the county.

We eat breakfast probably every Saturday at Brandi’s. We’ve driven to Boyd to eat at Mel’s. We try to go all over the place as a family. That’s how we try to support our small businesses. And I think that everybody’s premise within any of the chambers is to support our small businesses.

You mentioned the past three months.

How have you seen local businesses adjust? What has the Chamber tried to do to help?

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Every Friday night our family eats at Baja Street Mexican Grill in Bridgeport.

It’s a lot like our Cheers. The minute you walk in, the owner Eddie is like ‘Hey Chris, thank you for coming.’ He has the most spectacular customer service I’ve ever seen. And then we have a newer place in Aurora, Martian Margaritas, Atomic Tacos and Addie Cakes and Lily Pies. To go out there and get a green chile breakfast burrito or green chile cheeseburgers are hidden gems cause I’m from New Mexico originally. Green chile is a thing in New Mexico. It’s a little taste of home here.

Their green chile cheese fries are like a meal in itself. I feel like we have a lot of hidden gems with a lot of mom and pop shops. If you don’t ever get off 380 or 287, you don’t realize what’s here.

Our huge premise that we try to relate to our board members and to our members is to check in at the spots you’re eating at or shopping at. That gives them that little boost.

What do you feel like is going to be important moving forward?

As we go through this tremendous growth, it’s that cohesiveness, being together and supporting each other.

I moved here seven years ago. I love Wise County. I’m a huge volunteer freak and am in several organizations. Just being here volunteering and immersing yourself in your community. ❖

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

89

STATE FARM®

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Jessica Childers Sharon Blessing (940) 366-9208 (940) 577-2488 realtor@jessicachilders.com sharonmblessing@gmail.com Terresa Ashley (940) 632-8959 realtor@terresaashley.com

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Truck Lube, Inc. 1300 W. FM 1810 1 Decatur 940-627-3223 Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8 am - Noon www.trucklube.biz

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www.martinmarietta.com Your Best Source in the Metroplex For Quality Construction Aggregates, Cement and Ready Mix Concrete BRIDGEPORT QUARRY 972-647-7200 • 1795 South Hwy 101 • Bridgeport Texas Our mission statement explains our company’s reason for existence.

It describes who we are and what we do. It supports our vision and communicates our purpose and direction to all of our stakeholders.

As a leading provider of natural resource-based building materials, Martin Marietta provides the foundation upon which our communities improve and grow.

Our vision statement describes our company as it would appear in a future state. It drives our company’s decisions and goals and challenges and inspires our employees.

Our goal is to build a world-class organization committed to the long-term success of our employees, communities and other stakeholders.

Our values describe our beliefs and behaviors. They guide our decisionmaking and establish standards upon which we can assess our actions.

They create a moral compass in our business dealings for both the company and its employees. They support the vision.

• SAFETY -- We are uncompromising in our commitment to the safety and health of our people and the community.

• INTEGRITY -- We will do the right thing by adhering to our core values and ethical business principles.

• EXCELLENCE -- We are committed to being a role model through responsible innovation and continuous improvement.

• COMMUNITY -- Our strength and success is derived from our people and the relationships they build within our neighborhoods and cities.

• STEWARDSHIP -- Our responsibility is to make the world better today and for future generations.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Here are a few examples:

Donations to City Parks and Recreation and Local Fire Departments Lions Club and United Way Sponsors Member of local Chamber of Commerce Hosted educational field trips for schools in the area and First Responders for the county Donated 110 baskets for the Senior Rehab center patients in Bridgeport

MARTIN MARIETTA WELCOMES YOU TO WISE COUNTY A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Discovering

the perfect shot

Looking for a fun activity that lets you practice good social distancing? Wise County has plenty of places for you to snap a selfie and share on your social media of choice. The staff at the Wise County Messenger share some of our favorite spots to get the perfect shot.

On Friday nights, you can hear the revving of engines and the cheers of fans at Boyd Raceway, located at 376 Raceway Lane, just south of town. The venue is a quarter-mile semi banked oval dirt track. Events include International Motor Contest Association modifieds, stock cars, sport mods and sport compacts, as well as factory stocks. - Micah ❖ No need for Red Bull, Bridgeport gives you wings. This mural, painted by local artist Mary Boswell along 10th street in downtown Bridgeport, can turn just about anybody into an angel. - Austin ❖

When in Rhome, the entrance road sign on U.S. 81/287 is a chance to quote Ron Burgundy from “Anchorman” or the Old 97’s’ lyric “hitchhike to Rhome.”- Richard ❖

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Level up. This Mario-themed mural is a hidden Easter egg in the heart of downtown Bridgeport. Kris Hibbitts and Jack Hayhurst created the pixelated mural, which is an interactive throwback to the 1980s Nintendo video game, “Super Mario Bros.” Pro-tip. Look for a Goomba staring out from between 10th and 9th Street behind the Hayhurst Brothers Design and Build shop and you too can help Mario save the day. Austin ❖

Located a half-block off the east side of the Decatur Square, this colorful mural is a relatively new addition to the downtown art scene. What’s great about it is it includes paintings of several notable landmarks — so it’s a one-stop shop for your selfie purposes (or it can lead you to other selfie spots in town). It was painted by local artist and Greenwood resident Rick Duwe in 2017. Regular readers of Welcome to Wise might remember Duwe’s work on the cover of our 2014 edition which showed him painting the iconic Greenwood Grocery. - Brian ❖

Visitors to Aurora can take pictures with one of its famous residents — an alien named Ned. According to legend, a UFO crashed into a farm’s windmill in town on April 17, 1897. The report indicates the pilot — who was called “not of this world” — did not survive the crash and was buried in the nearby Aurora Cemetery. Reportedly, wreckage from the crash site was dumped into a nearby well under the damaged windmill, while some ended up with the alien in the grave. A Texas Historical Commission marker now sits outside the cemetery describing the incident. - Micah ❖

You can find this eye-catching, colorful mural on the north side of Boyd City Hall on Rock Island Avenue. The postcard-like work of art was created by Boyd resident Audra Lambert in 2018. The final design for the mural was chosen by nearly 400 Boyd residents in an online vote and painted in less than a week. Lambert also painted the city seal on the wall of the city council chambers inside the Boyd Community Center. - Micah ❖

This might be one of Decatur’s hidden gems. You almost have to be looking for it to notice it, since it is located on the backside of the Decatur Visitor’s Center near the pocket park a block south of the Decatur Square. My personal disdain for yard work can be seen as I skeptically eye the giant hand shovel planted atop a hill of wildflowers. - Brian ❖

Not sure if Billy Ray Cyrus and Lil Nas X ventured to Paradise for the 2019 hit single “Old Towne Road.”

But it’s a must stop, and you don’t even need a horse. - Richard ❖

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

Bridgeport’s past, present and future is chronicled along the walls of 901 Halsell Street with icons of the area. The mural was painted by local artist Mary Boswell in 2017. - Austin ❖

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Wise & Jack Counties Catholic Communities Father Reehan S. Antony, SAC Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1305 Deer Park Decatur

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FREE Screenings in Wise County

Free mammograms and Pap tests for women without insurance and those who qualify: Mammograms for women 40 and older Must be at least 1 year since last mammogram

Funding for screenings provided by Cancer Prevention and Research Institute (CPRIT), Susan G.

Pap tests for women 21-64 years old

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M O N C R I E F.CO M A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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1900 North Trinity Street • P.O. Box 269 • Decatur, TX 76234

940-627-2167

“WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY” 940-627-3107 308 W. MAIN DECATUR VISIT WWW.DECATURTX.COM

.

Rich in charm, history, beauty, pride and an abundance of opportunity.

Your chamber is a service institution and an action organization. It provides a medium through which people can take effective action for the progress of our community. It works to create job opportunities, expand our tax base, attract tourists and visitors, and improve community facilities such as streets, highways, parks, schools and human resources. If you are interested in being a part of your growing community, we encourage you to become a member of your chamber of commerce.

O Over ver 350 members and growing strong.

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.

MONTHLY EVENTS • Monthly Luncheons • Ribbon Cuttings ANNUAL EVENTS • Eighter From Decatur Food Truck Challenge • Annual Golf Tournament

• “Put Yo Money Where Yo Mouth Is” Washer Tournament • Chamber Auction • Christmas Tree Lighting • Moonlight Madness Parade of Lights & Shopping Event

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Living in Wise

Sheriff’s Office

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The Wise County Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement and promotes safety for the entire county. Divisions include administration, detention, patrol, special services (animal control, asset control, civil process, courthouse security, Crime Stoppers, criminal warrants, property and evidence, sex offender registration, transport and vehicle impound), specialized enforcement, communications, criminal investigations, crime scene investigation, school resource officers and boat patrol. Sheriff is Lane Akin. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5971 ❖ Online: sheriff.co.wise.tx.us

Emergency Medical Services Wise County EMS provides emergency pre-hospital care as well as critical care and non-emergency transfers for the entire county. It staffs four full-time MICU level ambulances, a rescue unit operated by a shift supervisor and a part-time MICU unit that’s in service as needed.

EMS administrator is Randall Preuninger. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2002, or call 911 for emergencies ❖ Online: ems.co.wise.tx.us

Public Dumps The county operates five public dumps that accept household trash from Wise County residents. They are not for commercial use.

The Boyd Dumpsite, 546 S. Allen St., is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The Slidell Dumpsite, 242 County Road 2820, is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The Cottondale Dumpsite, 6465 Farm Road 2123, is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday

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through Saturday.

The Decatur Dumpsite, 127 Private Road 4195, is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Recycling is available for clean cardboard, newspaper, paper, plastic, tin cans, aluminum cans, oil and oil filters and batteries. ❖ Online: co.wise.tx.us

Veterans Service Office The VSO helps veterans acquire benefits through the Veterans Administration. Benefits include education, money, home loans and monthly compensation. Employees at the VSO serve as mediators who file claims and represent Wise County veterans. The office, 205 N. State St. in Decatur, is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Friday. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2470 ❖ Email: wisevets@co.wise.tx.us

Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District is a government organization that works to protect groundwater resources in the counties of Montague, Wise, Parker and Hood through the registration of water wells, observing aquifer levels and conservation education. The district office is at 1859 W. Texas 199 in Springtown.

Mailing address is P.O. Box 1749, Springtown, TX 76082. ❖ Phone: 817-523-5200, or toll free 877-38UTGCD ❖ Online: uppertrinitygcd.com

Wise County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (WCID) The Wise County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (WCID)

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supports flood control and the conservation of natural resources. It’s a taxing entity, and its funds are used for projects such as floodwater retarding dams in the county, securing easements needed to build the dams, watershed projects and cost sharing with landowners in the district.

The office is at 1604 W. U.S. Business 380 in Decatur. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2942

USDA Service Center Wise County farmers and ranchers are served by the U.S. Department of Agriculture service center on Business U.S. 380 West in Decatur.

The center is home to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development.

The staff, headed by District Conservationist Darnell Willis, provides assistance to protect, develop and wisely use natural resources. The mission of the NRCS is “Helping People Help the Land.” ❖ Phone: 940-627-2268, Ext. 3 The Wise County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office, headed by Tracy Meadows, administers federal USDA farm programs locally. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2268, Ext. 2 Rural Development, headed

by Area Director Allen Lambright, has a mission of helping the people of rural

America develop sustainable communities and improve quality of life. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2268, Ext. 4

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service strives to improve lives through education. The Wise County office is in Decatur at 206 S. State St., Suite A. The Agriculture and Natural Resource programs are designed to reach agriculture producers as well as homeowners.

The Family and Consumer Sciences programs offer practical information for families on raising children, eating well, managing money and staying healthy.

Extension agents include: Marty Morgan, agriculture/ natural resources; Tanya Davis, family and consumer sciences; and Chrissy Karrer, 4-H and youth development. Jacqueline Gonzalez is the program assistant for Better Living for Texans, and Dianne Meadows is the 4-H program assistant. ❖ Phone: 940-627-3341 ❖ Online: wise.agrilife.org

LBJ National Grasslands For those looking for a break from the day-to-day routine, try spending time enjoying the natural beauty of the LBJ

National Grasslands.

The roughly 20,302 acres that make up the Grasslands in northern Wise County offers a recreation area at Black Creek Lake, which includes camping, picnic tables, restrooms and a boat ramp. TADRA Point offers one of the best trail riding opportunities in the area and also features a campground. The 75-mile LBJ Multi-Use Trail can be used for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking and has campsites along the way. Valley View Campground has 15 developed campsites, a restroom, water for horses and a pavilion with a grill.

Some areas may require a fee for use.

Start your escape to nature by visiting the National Forest Service office at 1400 U.S. 81/287 in Decatur. District ranger is Jeff Stoney. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5475 ❖ Online: fs.usda.gov/texas

4-H 4-H has numerous projects, opportunities and learning experiences for youth. The organization encourages family members to work together on projects while instilling integrity, work ethic and a devotion to community service in its members, ages 8 to 19.

4-H is open to all boys and girls regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, handicap or national origin. Children

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not yet old enough for 4-H can join Clover Kids. Designed as an introduction to 4-H, this informal education program is for children ages 5 through 8.

If you are interested in joining Wise County 4-H, call Chrissy Karrer, county Extension agent – 4-H and youth development, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Wise County, 940-627-3341. You can also find information on the Facebook Page: facebook.com/ WiseCounty4H.

Alvord 4-H Club

❖ Meets: 5 p.m. first Tuesday at 100 North Wickham ❖ Contact: TBD ❖ Phone: TBD

Bridgeport 4-H Club ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Tuesday at Bridgeport Community Center ❖ Contact: Kathy Shallene ❖ Phone: 817-228-0512

Chico 4-H Club ❖ Meets: 4 p.m. second Sunday at Chico Elementary School cafeteria ❖ Contact: Kelly Martin ❖ Phone: 940-210-2506

Decatur 4-H Club ❖ Meets: 6 p.m. third Monday at various locations ❖ Contact: Tracy Barnett ❖ Phone: 940-210-0904

Paradise 4-H Club

Boyd 4-H Club ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd ❖ Contact: John Moore ❖ Phone: 817-999-9255

❖ Meets: 6 p.m. second Tuesday at Paradise Elementary School cafeteria ❖ Contact: TBD ❖ Phone: TBD

We’re excited for you and your family to join us at our weekend services!

For service times, please check tfc.org 2950 W. Hwy. 380 • Decatur, TX 76234 • www.TFC.org A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Slidell/Greenwood 4-H Clu b ❖ Meets: 4 p.m. second Sunday at Slidell High School library ❖ Contact: Karen Vanover ❖ Phone: 940-367-8328

Clothing and Textiles Club ❖ Meets: 4 p.m. first Tuesday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Julia Haschke ❖ Phone: 817-690-4823

Horse Club ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. third Thursday at NRS Saddle Shop ❖ Contact: Ashley Simmons ❖ Phone: 940-389-5746

Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun Project ❖ Meets: 2 p.m. first and third Sunday of the month at Decatur PD. ❖ Contact: Kristi Polone ❖ Phone: 940-320-9230

Robotics Project ❖ Meets: 5:30 p.m. second Thursday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Wanda Parker ❖ Phone: 817-230-3810

Dog Project ❖ Contact: Janie Vawter ❖ Phone: 940-859-6520

Photography Project ❖ Meets: 4 p.m. fourth Sunday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Jeannette Ward ❖ Phone: 940-393-0624

Vet Science Level 1 ❖ Meets: 5:30 p.m. second Monday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Sandi Leichliter ❖ Phone: 940-465-6695

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Goat Project

Longhorn Project

❖ Meets: 3 p.m. third Sunday at Chico 4-H/FFA barn ❖ Contact: Kelly Martin ❖ Phone: 940-210-2506

❖ Meets: 6 p.m. fourth Monday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Justin Roberson ❖ Phone: 940-799-6060

Poultry Project ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. third Thursday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Julia Haschke ❖ Phone: 817-690-4823

Rabbit Project ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. third Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church in Boyd ❖ Contact: John Moore ❖ Phone: 817-999-9255

County Council STEM Project ❖ Meets: 4:30 p.m. first Thursday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Dianne Meadows ❖ Phone: 940-627-3341

Clover Kids ❖ Meets: 6 p.m. second Tuesday at the Women’s Building, Wise County Fairgrounds ❖ Contact: Carrie Read ❖Phone: 817-228-3360

❖ Meets: 6 p.m. first Monday at Extension office ❖ Contact: Chrissy Karrer ❖ Phone: 940-627-3341

Weatherford College Wise County Weatherford College Wise County opened a permanent campus between Decatur and Bridgeport in the fall of 2012.

General education classes include the Texas common core,

which is 42 semester credit hours that are guaranteed to transfer to four-year public universities in Texas. WCWC also offers courses of study in registered nursing and cosmetology. WCWC partners with all Wise County high schools to provide dual credit courses in order for high school students to obtain college credit while still in high school. Non-credit, technicaloriented programs and classes in Workforce Education are also available, and the college has become a popular site for community meetings and special training sessions.

The college is at 502 Big Sandy Court in Bridgeport. ❖ Phone: 940-627-2690 ❖ Online: wc.edu

Wise County Messenger We here at the Wise County Messenger think everyone

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living in Wise ought to know what’s going on in the place we all call home. And the best way to do that is to read the Wise County Messenger.

We publish our nationalaward winning paper every Wednesday and Friday as well as a single-sheet Update daily Monday through Friday.

Both are also available in digital formats. News, photos, advertising and more can also be found on our website, wcmessenger.com. Connect with us on social media through our pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Messenger produces a number of special sections throughout the year.

We also offer publishing services to outside businesses and entities.

Our office is at 115 S. Trinity St. in historic downtown Decatur. ❖ Phone: 940-627-5987 ❖ Online: wcmessenger.com

Annual events ❖ Wise County Youth Fair ❖ Wise County Health Fair ❖ Grasslands Trail Run ❖ Wise County Home and Lawn Show ❖ Relay for Life ❖ Dazzle Me Pink ❖ United Way Golf Tournament ❖ Youth Art Show ❖ Memorial Day Program ❖ Wise County Olympathon ❖ Kids Fishing Derby ❖ Sonflower Camp ❖ Wise County Old Settlers Reunion ❖ Wise Health Foundation Clay Shoot ❖ Taste of Wise County ❖ Patriot Day Program ❖ Reading of U.S. Constitution ❖ Chisholm Trail Antique Tractor Club Fall Consignment Auction ❖ Wise County Public Safety Fall Festival ❖ Veterans Day Program ❖ Blue Ribbon Bash ❖ Wise County Toy Run ❖ Wise County Chamber Awards ❖

All Your Insurance Needs

www.sbcinsurance.net 940-627-8888 Decatur A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Finding your fit

Resource guide for local community groups 4-H and Clover Kids

❖ Email: info@abwn.org ❖ Online: abwn.org

❖ Location: 812-A Halsell St.; P.O. Box 1104, Bridgeport, TX 76426 ❖ Online: bridgeportchamber.org

Area Business Women’s Network

Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce

Bridgeport Lions Club

❖ Meets: 11:45 a.m. second Thursday, usually, (except July) at the Decatur Conference Center, 2110 W. U.S. 380, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Reservations due by 11:45 a.m. Monday prior to the event.

❖ Meets: Membership lunch is 11:30 a.m. third Thursday at Weatherford College Wise County. ❖ Contact: Executive Director Nathan Byers or Account Manager Vanesa Arnold ❖ Phone: 940-683-2076

❖ Meets: Noon first and third Wednesdays at the Bridgeport Lions Club Hall, 1107 8th Street ❖ Contact: Tonja Underwood ❖ Phone: 940-393-0484 ❖ Online: bridgeportlionsclub.com

❖ Contact: Chrissy Karrer ❖ Phone: 940-627-3341

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(Community groups continued) Bridgeport Women’s Club Chico Masonic Lodge No. 508 ❖ Meets: Quarterly ❖ Address: P.O. Box 485, Bridgeport, TX 76426 ❖ Online: Bridgeport Womens Club on Facebook

Chico Chamber of Commerce ❖ Meets: Noon second Tuesday at the Chico Senior Center ❖ Contact: Lynda Childs ❖ Phone: 940-644-1846 ❖ Address: P.O. Box 533, Chico, TX 76431 ❖ Online: Chico Texas Chamber of Commerce on Facebook

Chico Chapter No. 433 Order of the Eastern Star

❖ Meets: 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday at the Chico Masonic Lodge, 112 W. Jacksboro St., on the Chico Square ❖ Contact: Bobbie Morris ❖ Phone: 940-644-2339

❖ Meets: 7:30 p.m. first Thursday at the Chico Masonic Lodge, 112 W. Jacksboro St., on the Chico Square ❖ Contact: Tom Ferguson ❖ Phone: 940-389-9879

Daughters of the American Revolution, John B. Denton Chapter ❖ Meets: 10 a.m. third Saturday August through May in the parlor room of the First Baptist Church in Decatur ❖ Contact: Amy Pegues ❖ Phone: 940-577-3192 ❖ Email: tewilliams65@yahoo.com

Decatur Chamber of Commerce ❖ Meets: 11:30 a.m. fourth Tuesday (except June, July and December) at Decatur Conference Center ❖ Contact: Executive Director Misty Hudson ❖ Phone: 940-627-3107 ❖ Online: decaturtx.com

101 E. Main St. • Decatur, TX • (940) 255-9943 YourCBDstoreDecatur.com A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Sons of Confederate Veterans — Albert Sidney Johnston Camp No. 983 ❖ Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church of Decatur, 201 E. Main St.

Veterans Support Group ❖ Meets: Call for an appointment ❖ Contact: Karen Self ❖ Phone: 940-872-5947 ❖ Email: karenandleroy.self@yahoo.com

Wise County Art Association ❖ Online: Wise County Art Association on Facebook ❖ Email: diaczenko@yahoo.com

Decatur Junior Woman’s Club

Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 70

❖ Meets: 7 p.m. second Monday September through May ❖ Contact: Alex Selby ❖ Email: alexselby89@hotmail.com ❖ Online: eventsdjwc.com

❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Thursday at 2801B FM 51 South, Decatur ❖ Contact: Bobby Harris ❖ Phone: 940-389-1922

Decatur Lions Club

First Baptist Church HOPE (Helping Others Practice English)

❖ Meets: Noon Wednesday (except the fifth Wednesday of the month) at the Lions Club Building, 207 N. State St., Decatur ❖ Phone: For building rental, call Anita Ross at 940-255-7636. ❖ Online: decaturtexaslionsclub.org

Decatur Rotary Club ❖ Meets: Noon Thursday at Decatur Conference Center, 2010 W. U.S. 380 ❖ Email: decaturrotary5790@gmail.com ❖ Online: decaturrotary.com

GFWC/TFWC Decatur Woman’s Club ❖ Meets 6:30 p.m. second Tuesday September through May at First United Methodist Church of Decatur Fellowship Hall ❖ Contact: Dee Ann Archer ❖ Email: dejaa201@gmail.com ❖ Phone: 940-735-0361

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❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday September through May at First Baptist Church Decatur, 1200 Preskitt Rd. ❖ Phone: 940-627-3235

Wise County Chamber of Commerce ❖ Meets: 11:45 a.m. first Monday (exceptions apply for legal holidays) at various locations; Monthly coffees 8-9 a.m. fourth Wednesday at various locations-see website ❖ Contact: Kayla Jones ❖ Email: info@wisecountychamber.com ❖ Online: wisecountychamber.com

Wise County Community Coalition ❖ Meets: Noon second Monday at Pizza Hut in Decatur ❖ Contact: Mike Bell ❖ Phone: 940-799-1077 ❖ Email: ChapKipe@hotmail.com

Wise County Democratic Party Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority ❖ Meets: Second Saturday September through May (except for March) ❖ Contact: Rachel Gasperson ❖ Phone: 940-210-2452

Greater Runaway Bay Alliance ❖ Meets: As needed ❖ Contact: Deborah Lewis ❖ Email: greaterraballiance@gmail.com ❖ Online: grballiance.com

❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. second Tuesday at Decatur Conference Center ❖ Contact: Chair Janet Amos ❖ Phone: 940-399-7352 ❖ Email: wisedemocrats@gmail.com ❖ Online: wisedemocrats.com

Wise County Fossil, Rock and Mineral Society ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. third Tuesday even numbered months at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Decatur ❖ Contact: Tom Robinson ❖ Phone: 940-393-9620 ❖ Email: wcfrms@gmail.com

need to knoW (Community groups continued) ❖ Online: wisecofossilrockandmineralsoc. weebly.com or Wise County Fossil, Rock, and Mineral Society on Facebook

Wise County Genealogical Society ❖ Meets: 6:30 p.m. third Thursday except December, June, July and August at Decatur Public Library ❖ Contact: Patti Gillespie ❖ Phone: 940-328-2104 ❖ Email: gensearcherpatti@gmail.com

Wise County Republican Party ❖ Contact: Chair Eric Marney ❖ Online: wiserepublicans.com

Wise County United Way

Wise County Retired School Personnel

❖ Contact: Martin Woodruff or Barbara Haley ❖ Phone: 940-627-3684 ❖ Email: uwwise.ed@embarqmail.com ❖ Online: wisecountyunitedway.org

❖ Meets: 11:30 a.m. (lunch), noon (program) fourth Tuesday except May and December at Decatur Conference Center ❖ Contact: Debra Wood ❖ Phone: 940-393-9839

Wise County Veterans Group ❖ Meets: 8 a.m. Saturday for breakfast (see

website for locations) ❖ Email: qualitybob@earthlink.net ❖ Online: wisecountyvets.org

Wise Health System Auxiliary ❖ Phone: 940-539-8555 ❖ Online: wisehealthsystem.com/support/ volunteering ❖

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Plan now to protect your family should something unexpected happen to you. Our life insurance and financial services help our nearly 740,000 members sleep well at night. And the many opportunities we offer members to help others and the community put smiles on their faces all day long.

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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Preserving local

history

Resource guide for local historical societies and museums Wise County Historical Commission

The commission is responsible for initiating and conducting programs concerning Wise County and Texas history suggested by county commissioners and the Texas Historical Commission. It is responsible for collecting, preserving and making available to the public the historic archives located at the Wise County Heritage Museum. It also reviews all applications for state historical markers before they are submitted to the THC. ❖ Contact: Kerry Clower ❖ Phone: 940-627-5586 ❖ Online: wisehistory.com

Wise County Historical Society The organization owns and operates the Wise County Heritage Museum at 1602 S. Trinity St. in Decatur. Its main focus is to raise money for the restoration and continued operation of the museum while maintaining and continuing to collect artifacts related to the history of Wise County and Texas in general. ❖ Meets: Noon fourth Thursday except August and December ❖ Phone: 940-627-5586 ❖ Email: wisemuseum@embarqmail.com ❖ Online: wisehistory.com

Wise County Heritage Museum The museum, which housed the Decatur Baptist College prior to 1965, was built in 1892. The Lost Battalion Room serves as a tribute to local soldiers who were captured

by Japanese soldiers as prisoners of war in

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the Dutch East Indies during World War II. They were held in forced labor camps for three-and-a-half years. Sam Woody’s cabin, one of the first structures built in Wise County, is now located in front of the museum. The museum also offers genealogy services to help people trace their Wise County family history back to the 19th century as well as an extensive collection of artifacts on display for public viewing. The museum’s G.C. Rann Auditorium hosts monthly gospel opry sing-alongs as well as concerts, plays and weddings throughout the year. ❖ Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday ❖ Phone: 940-627-5586 ❖ Online: wisehistory.com

Paradise Historical Society Presentations of interest to the community are included in each regular meeting. One major fundraiser each year is the Paradise Main Street Festival, the last Saturday of September and free to the public.

Funds are raised through local business sponsorships, auctions, car show and other activities. The money is used to maintain the Paradise Veterans’ Memorial Park, Paradise Museum and to support the local community. President is Jim Taylor. ❖ Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday January, March, May, July, September and November at the United Methodist Church in Paradise ❖ Contact: Donna Weeden ❖ Phone: 940-859-3691 ❖ Email: paradisemainstreetfestival@gmail.com ❖ Online: paradisehistoricalsociety.org

Paradise Museum The historical museum at 216 Main Street opened in 2017 and features an exhibit on Machine Gun Kelly, a 19th century organ, a veterans’ wall, old Paradise school house photos and Paradise yearbooks from 19411999. Genealogical research is available. ❖ Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday ❖ Contact: Gay Read ❖ Phone: 940-969-2021

Bridgeport Historical Society The Bridgeport Historical Society operates a historical museum at 812B Halsell St. The Society’s primary purpose is to rediscover, perpetuate and preserve the history of the Bridgeport area. ❖ Meets: 11:30 a.m. third Monday at Pizza Hut in Bridgeport. ❖ Online: bridgeporttxhistorical.org

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Bridgeport Heritage Museum Interactive exhibits and historic artifacts weave together to tell the story of Bridgeport’s history at the Bridgeport Heritage Museum. In the lower floor of the Bridgeport Visitors Center on Halsell Street, the museum features exhibits about the Butterfield Stagecoach days, oil and gas exploration and coal mining. ❖ Hours: 1-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by request

Wise County Veterans Memorial Museum The museum, operated by the Wise County Veterans Group, opened in 2015 and contains exhibits that chronicle the history of wars and conflicts in our country, from the Alamo to the current War on Terror with emphasis on the “forgotten” wars of Korea and Vietnam. The

museum makes special note of the role Texans, and particularly Wise County residents, played in our nation’s history. It's at 1308 10th St. in Bridgeport. ❖ Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday ❖ Phone: 940-683-1054

Aurora Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission works to promote the history of the city, preserve the historic atmosphere of the district as it developed between 1850 and 1920, restore or reconstruct historic structures and sites within the historic district and encourage an active business climate which promotes the development of a diverse range of businesses compatible with the historic district. ❖ Meets: Quarterly ❖

Your Hometown Pharmacies RENSHAW DRUG Renshaw Drug

800 A Medical Center Dr., Decatur

940-627-5343 • Drive Thru

Rhome

400 South Main St., Rhome

817-638-5561 • Drive Thru FREE DELIVERY Immunizations Compliance Packaging Compounding Online/Mobile Refils

BestValuePharmacies.com A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

Serving Wise County Since 1906

Decatur • 940-627-5959 Bridgeport • 940-683-2211 Boyd • 940-433-5310 119

Serving the

public

Resource guide to local elected and appointed officials

Elected Officials

CLARK

County Judge

Commissioner Precinct 2

J.D. Clark

Kevin D. Burns

P.O. Box 393 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5743 940-627-6926 (fax) cojudge@co.wise.tx.us The judge’s office is on the first floor of the county courthouse in Decatur.

BURNS

Commissioner Precinct 3

Sheriff

Harry Lamance

Lane Akin 200 Rook Ramsey Dr. Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5971 940-627-3797 (fax) AKIN

WHITE

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sheriff@sheriff.co.wise. tx.us

P.O. Box 899 Decatur, TX 76234 940-427-4881 940-427-2210 (Fax) comm2@co.wise.tx.us

LAMANCE

P.O. Box 899 Decatur, TX 76234 940-433-5365 940-433-5511 (Fax) comm3@co.wise.tx.us

Commissioner Precinct 1

Commissioner Precinct 4

Danny White

Gaylord Kennedy

P.O. Box 899 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5810 940-627-0735 (fax) comm1@co.wise.tx.us

KENNEDY

P.O. Box 899 Decatur, TX 76234 940-683-4153 comm4@co.wise.tx.us

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(Elected Officials continued) County Clerk

Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 1

Sherry Lemon LEMON

P.O. Box 359 200 N. Trinity St. Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-3351 940-627-2697 (fax) countyclerk@co.wise.tx.us

Melton Cude CUDE

P.O. Box 901 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5005 940-627-4791 (fax) ccl@co.wise.tx.us

The courtroom is on the third floor of the county courthouse in Decatur.

District Clerk

Brenda Rowe ROWE

P.O. Box 308 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5535 940-627-0705 (fax) districtclerk@co.wise.tx.us The district clerk’s office is on the first floor of the county courthouse in Decatur.

Tax Assessor/Collector

Judge, County Court-at-Law No. 2

Stephen Wren WREN

Monte Shaw

SHAW

HUDSON

404 W. Walnut Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-3523 (tax office) 940-627-7237 (fax) 940-627-3304 (auto registration) monte.shaw@co.wise.tx.us

P.O. Box 250 Bridgeport, TX 76426 940-683-0268 940-683-0269 (fax) ccl2@co.wise.tx.us The courtroom is in the Wise County Annex Building at 1007 13th Street in Bridgeport, unless the court instructs otherwise.

Treasurer

County Attorney

Katherine Hudson

James Stainton

P.O. Box 554 207 N. Church St. Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-3540 940-627-3573 (fax) treasurer@co.wise.tx.us

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

STAINTON

County Courthouse, Suite 300 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-3321 940-627-7194 (fax) countyattorney@co.wise.tx.us

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(Elected Officials continued) District Judge

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1

Brock Smith

Jan Morrow

County Courthouse Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-3200 271st Judicial District, covers Wise and Jack Counties. The district courtrooom is on the second floor of the county courthouse in Decatur.

SMITH

MORROW

District Attorney

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2

Greg Lowery

Kim Redman 200 Rook Ramsey Dr.

County Courthouse, Suite 200 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5257 940-627-6404 (fax) LOWERY

districtattorney@co.wise.tx.us

FAMILYOWNED HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTAL COMPANY Proud Dealer of:

3261 S. HWY 287 • DECATUR, TX 76234

972-659-1200

DOZERS • EXCAVATORS • WHEEL LOADERS • ROLLERS MINI EXCAVATORS • TELEHANDLERS • SKID STEERS WelcomeToWise.com

Decatur, TX 76234 940-626-4206 REDMAN

940-626-4243 (fax) jp2@co.wise.tx.us

BROWN’S CUSTOM LEATHER CUSTOM BOOTS & BOOT REPAIR, HOLSTERS & MORE

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S A L E S • R E N TA L S • O U T S I D E S E R V I C E

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P.O. Box 509 205 N. State St. Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-2694 940-627-5417 (fax) jp1@co.wise.tx.us

210 N. MAIN STREET • PARADISE, TX HOURS: 9AM - 6PM

940-210-9319

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(Elected Officials continued) Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3

Constable, Precinct 3

Charles Applewhite

Mandy Hays HAYS

GARRETT

P.O. Box 86 125 FM 730 North Boyd, TX 76023 940-433-2969 940-433-3062 (fax) jp3office@co.wise.tx.us

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4

Constable, Precinct 4

Willie Garrett

Kevin Huffman

1007 13th St. Bridgeport, TX 76426 940-683-4244 940-683-3747 (fax) jp4@co.wise.tx.us

Constable, Precinct 1

Dennis Hudson HUDSON

APPLEWHITE

P.O. Box 86 125 FM 730 North Boyd, TX 76023 940-433-2969 940-433-3062 (fax) constable3@co.wise.tx.us

2901 FM 51 South, Suite 200 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-2008 940-627-0120 (fax) constable1@co.wise.tx.us

HUFFMAN

1007 13th St. Bridgeport, TX 76426 940-683-3750 constable4@co.wise.tx.us

State and U.S. Representatives Phil King Texas House District 61 — 817-596-4796

Pat Fallon Texas Senate District 30 — 940-320-6792

Kay Granger U.S. Representative, Texas District 12 — 817-338-0909

Mac Thornberry U.S. Representative, Texas District 13 — 940-692-1700

F A M I LY

Constable, Precinct 2 CHILDREN & ADULTS

Larry Short SHORT

2901 FM 51 South, Suite 200 Decatur, TX 76234 940-626-0027 940-627-0120 (fax) constable2@co.wise.tx.us

COSMETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY

Debbie Selz D.D.S.

Dan Selz D.D.S.

Crowns . Fillings . Root Canals Sedation . Dentures . Extractions Laser Dentistry Certified All On Four Implants

811 Halsell St | Bridgeport | Texas 76426 940-683-4077 | 940-683-2935 Fax

Mon - Thurs 8 am - 5 pm | Closed for lunch 12 pm - 1 pm

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

Se Habla Espanol

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Appointed Officials 911 Addressing

Wacy Beck 2901 S. FM 51, Bldg. 100 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-9332 940-627-6171 (fax) 911addressing@co.wise.tx.us

Asset Management

Diana Allen 400 W. Walnut Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-3312 asset@co.wise.tx.us

Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5744 940-627-3388 (fax) auditor@co.wise.tx.us

County Engineer

Chad Davis

2901 S. FM 51, Bldg. 200 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-9332 940-627-6171 (fax) engineer@co.wise.tx.us

Elections Administrator

County Auditor

Ann McCuiston P.O. Box 899 207 N. Church St.

Sabra Srader P.O. Box 1597 200 S. Trinity Decatur, TX 76234 940-626-4453/627-3656

940-626-4283 (fax) elections@co.wise.tx.us

Emergency Management Coordinator

Cody Powell 206 S. State St., Ste. B Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5870 940-627-3017 (fax) cody.powell@co.wise.tx.us

940-627-7521 (fax) rpreuninger@ems.co.wise. tx.us

Fire Marshal

Jeff Doughty 206 S. State St., Ste. B Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5870 940-627-3017 (fax) firemarshal@co.wise.tx.us

Indigent Health Care

EMS Administrator

Randall Preuninger 1101 W. Rose Ave. P.O. Box 1509 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-2002

Beverly Kalisek 1101 W. Rose Ave. Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-4203 940-627-7521 (fax) ihc@co.wise.tx.us

Thank You for Supporting Meals on Wheels and Wise County Committee on Aging!

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401 N. HWY 156 JUSTIN 940-648-3113

unitedpropanetexas.com

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WelcomeToWise.com

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Home Decor and Gifts

(Appointed Officials continued)

IT Coordinator

Clint Summers 101 N. Trinity, Ste. B 100 Decatur, TX 76234 940-626-2055 dir@co.wise.tx.us

SHOP

Decatur, TX 76234 940-626-2055 sysadmin@co.wise.tx.us

Veterans Service Officer

Laura Clark

Public Works

Joey Highfill 2901 S. FM 51, Bldg. 100 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-9332 940-627-6171 (fax) publicworks@co.wise.tx.us

CREATE

205 N. State St. Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-2470 940-627-3828 (fax) wisevets@co.wise.tx.us

DIY Classes and Parties

205 N Newark, Decatur Tx

Wise County Animal Shelter

I.T. Director

Cathy Sides

Steven Melton 101 N. Trinity, Ste. B 100

119 PR 4195 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-7577 cathy.sides@co.wise.tx.us❖

one block north of 0ain 6W , one block east of the railroad tracks

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We carry all organic farm made bath and body products for men and women.

We carry products from Mudpie, Primitives by Kathy, Southern Sisters, Viv and Lou, Mary Meyer, Eleven Point Candles, Dionis Skincare, Walton Woods Skin Care, Lulujo Baby, Lovebug Baby, Wubba Nub, Taggies, and more...

940-627-1208 401 S. Washburn • Decatur

Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 1pm

farmhouseflowersandgiftshop.com • farmhouseflowersngifts@gmail.com A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

125

Helping our

neighbors

Resource guide for local health or social service assistance or support

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(Health Resources continued)

Acts 4 Others Seeks to unite the community and all available resources to prevent homelessness and fight root causes of poverty stricken families in Wise County. ❖ Contact: Jessica Sicking ❖ Phone: 940-389-4991 ❖ Online: acts4others.org

Al-Anon A mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. ❖ Meets: Monday and Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 602 N. Business U.S. 81/287, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Contact: Frances Stack ❖ Phone: 940-594-5087

Alcoholics Anonymous International fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. the best life for residents in nursing and ❖ Meets: Daily at 12:30, 6:30 and 8 p.m. at 602 assisted living centers.

N. Business U.S. 81/287, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Contact: Tina Rider, Managing Local ❖ Contact: Larry Gober Ombudsman — Decatur Medical Lodge/ ❖ Phone: 940-627-3800, 940-393-8669 Nursing Home; Heritage Place of Decatur/ Nursing Home; The Hills Nursing & Rehabilitation/Nursing Home ❖ Phone: 817-695-9196 Helping people who help someone with ❖ Contact: Becka Carr, Regional Ombudsman Alzheimer’s.

— Bridgeport Medical Lodge/Nursing Home; ❖ Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday at Wise Health Governor’s Ridge/Assisted Living Facility; System East Campus Residence at Senior Care/Assisted Living Facility ❖ Contact: Richard Sides ❖ Phone: 817-695-9151 ❖ Phone: 940-255-0244

Wise Alzheimer’s (Support Group)

American Cancer Society

CASA of Wise and Jack Counties

Provides trained child advocates to serve Education, support groups ❖ 1200 Summit Ave., Suite 320, Fort Worth, TX as independent voices in court for abused and neglected children as well as case 76102 management services for children in CPS ❖ Online: cancer.org care. Volunteer opportunities are available. ❖ Phone: 817-737-9990 or 24-hour 800-227❖ Contact: Executive Director Elizabeth Randle; 2345 Director of Recruitment Mike Darst ❖ 300 E. Pecan, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: casawise.org ❖ Phone: 940-627-7535 Volunteers make up a disaster action team that responds to local disasters such as house fires and tornadoes. ❖ Contact: Melvin Castleberry ❖ Phone: 940-210-4908 or regional office, 214- Provides educational and case management services to children and their families 678-4800 through Head Start and Early Head Start. ❖ Bridgeport Head Start ❖ Contact: Jackie Ackerman ❖ Phone: 682-312-6515 ❖ Decatur (Mulberry) Head Start Ombudsmen in Wise County help achieve ❖ Contact: Nallely Arevalo

American Red Cross

CDI Headstart North Texas

Area Agency on Aging Nursing Home Ombudsman Program

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

❖ Decatur Early Head Start ❖ Contact: Analuisa Macias ❖ Phone: 940-641-3533 ❖ Boyd Head Start ❖ Contact: Virginia Yanez ❖ Phone: 940-400-0150

Child Study Center Provides diagnosis and treatment services to children who have, or are at risk for developmental disabilities and related behavioral and emotional problems. ❖ 1300 West Lancaster, Fort Worth, TX 76102 ❖ Online: cscfw.org ❖ Phone: 817-336-8611

Communities in Schools of North Texas Provides drop-out prevention and stay-inschool services to at-risk and economically disadvantaged students in schools in Denton and Wise counties. ❖ 217 South Stemmons Fwy, Suite 101, Lewisville, TX 75067 ❖ Online: cisnt.org ❖ Phone: 972-538-9930

Diabetes Education Classes Total Diabetes Care at Wise Health System offers regular diabetes education classes on Mondays at rotating locations around the county. The classes are intended to help those with diabetes better understand and manage the disease. ❖ Contact: Dick Gilley and Brenda Haile ❖ Phone: 940-626–1890

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(Health Resources continued)

Diabetes Support Group

Meals on Wheels, Wise County (WCCA)

Wise Health System, the Wise and Montague County Medical Society and Renew Home Health host a monthly diabetes support group 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month in the Education Room of the hospital in Decatur. ❖ Contact: Dr. Brad Faglie ❖ Phone: 940-627-7443 ❖ Email: totaldiabetes@wisehealthsystem.com

Operates Meals on Wheels program providing home delivered meals and transportation services to homebound seniors. Organized Wise Lunches for Seniors (OWLS) is held on Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church in Decatur and on Thursdays at Ascension and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport. WCCA clients receive free transportation with TAPS. ❖ 300 N. Trinity, Suite A, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-627-5329 ❖ Online: wisemeals.org

Provides free air transportation for cancer patients to the medical center they need. ❖ 351 Airport Rd., Box 2, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: raquelswings.com ❖ Phone: 940-399-9504 ❖ Email: raquelswings@yahoo.com

Metroport Meals on Wheels

Salvation Army

ECI Provides Early Childhood Intervention (E.C.I.) services to children birth to 3 years of age who are experiencing developmental delays or disabilities.

Contact: Maxine Maxfield, Wise County program director ❖ Phone: 1-888-754-0524 ❖ Online: MHMRtarrant.org/ECI

Helen Farabee Center MHMR Treats specific mental health issues.

Services are also available for intellectual and physical disabilities. Adults and children are treated. ❖ 1515 U.S. 81/287 Business, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: helenfarabee.org ❖ Phone: 940-627-1251

Logos Counseling Offers counseling with fees on a sliding scale.

2201 South FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: logoscounseling.com ❖ Phone: 817-812-2880

Made 2 Thrive Provides opportunities for individuals and families with special needs. ❖ P.O. Box 601, Bridgeport, TX 76426 ❖ Phone: 940-577-0570 ❖ Online: made2thrive.org

Mary’s Gift Program Provides free diagnostic and screening mammograms to low-income, uninsured women in Wise County. ❖ Wise Health System West Campus, 2000 S. FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: WiseHealthFoundation.com/marysgift ❖ Phone: 940-626-1329

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Delivers meals to residents of Aurora, Boyd, Justin, Newark and Rhome. ❖ Online: metroportmow.org ❖ Phone: 817-491-1141

Moncrief Cancer Institute Provides fully funded mobile mammography for the uninsured in Wise County and the surrounding area. ❖ Online: moncrief.com ❖ Phone: 800-405-7739

Parkinson Support Group of Wise County Parkinson’s Disease support group for patients who have Parkinson’s, their caregivers, family members and friends in Wise County and surrounding counties. ❖ Meets: First Tuesday each month at 6 p.m.

❖ Location: Wise Health System, Decatur East Campus (old Fit-N-Wise) ❖ Contact: Pamela Hudson ❖ Phone: 940-389-0642

Raquel’s Wings for Life

Rental assistance, utilities, emergency support, emergency relief for travelers.

Sponsors Christmas tree for Angels and WCCA Meals on Wheels clients. ❖ Wise County Unit: WARM, 300 N. Trinity, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-626-4676 (After hours, call Decatur or Bridgeport police department or Wise County Sheriff’s Office.)

Social Security Office Although Wise County doesn’t have a Social Security Office, most business can be handled online or by phone. If an office visit is necessary, the closest office is in Denton. ❖ 2201 Colorado Blvd., Denton, TX 76205 ❖ Online: ssa.gov ❖ Phone: 888-717-1530

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(Health Resources continued)

South Wise Services Food pantry, clothing and other assistance as funds are available. ❖ Trinity Baptist Church, P.O. Box 217, Boyd, TX 76023 ❖ Phone: 940-433-5281

Southeast Wise County Community Services Provides food pantry and limited emergency assistance to Rhome and Newark area residents in need. ❖ P.O. Box 148, Newark, TX 76071 ❖ Phone: 817-439-2932

Southwestern Diabetic Foundation Rehabilitation and education training for boys and girls with diabetes through residential summer camps at Camp Sweeney. ❖ P.O. Box 918, Gainesville, TX 76241 ❖ Online: campsweeney.org ❖ Phone: 940-665-2011

Stroke Overcomers Support Group

Tarrant Area Food Bank Mobile Pantry

❖ Meets: 6 p.m. third Thursday at Wise Health System, 2000 S. FM 51 in Decatur ❖ Contact: Casey Rauschuber ❖ Phone: 940-626-2457

Working with local agencies, the food bank delivers food for distribution to area residents in need once a month to three locations in Wise County.

Susan G. Komen North Texas

First United Methodist Church in Decatur

Funds breast health education, screening, treatment and patient services for medically underserved men and women in the North Texas service area, including Wise County. ❖ P.O. Box 261730, Plano, TX 75026 ❖ Online: komennorthtexas.org ❖ Phone: 972-378-4808, Option 0

TAPS A demand-response transportation system providing rides to local citizens and free transportation for WCCA clients. ❖ 3400 Texoma Pkwy., Sherman, TX 75090 ❖ Online: tapsbus.com ❖ Phone: 844-603-6048

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

❖ 104 S. Miller St., Decatur ❖ 8-9 a.m. first Saturday ❖ Contact: Sarah Atkinson ❖ Phone: 940-627-7535 First United Methodist Church in Bridgeport ❖ 608 17th St., Bridgeport ❖ 9-11 a.m. second Thursday ❖ Contact: 940-683-2780 U-Turn World Ministries in Chico ❖ 306 N. Texas 101, Chico ❖ 3-6 p.m. fourth Thursday ❖ Contact: Clover Alexander ❖ Phone: 940-644-5555

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ARE YOU

READY? CITY, SCHOOL, COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL, TAX, LOCAL OPTION, BOND Elections happen every year. Are you registered?

Have you moved? Is your information correct?

Do you have a current voter certificate with the correct information?

The Wise County Voter Registration Office is here to make sure YOU ARE READY to exercise your right to vote.

Wise County Elections 200 S. Trinity, Decatur Come by or call 940-626-4453 or wisecountytx.gov

WATERGATE IRRIGATION • DIRT WORK RETAINING WALLS • DRAINAGE WORK FENCES • DECKS • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Doug White License #2378

940-399-6440 WWW.WATERGATEIRRIGATION.COM Established 1985

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Digital Imaging • Dentistry • Grooming Ultrasound • Boarding • Integrative Therapies Hal Reese, DVM

Decatur

Laurie Lipsey, DVM

940-627-2133

1000 Business Hwy. 380 East “Enhance and Extend The Life Of Your Pet”

Trees Inc. Tree Removal & Trimming •Lot & Land Clearing (940) 482-6545 • (940) 367-1239 Rick Gamon • Established 1969

WALLACE PLUMBING COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, SERVICE, REMODEL, & CONSTRUCTION

24-HOUR

EMERGENCY SERVICE TOMMY WALLACE LIC #M18757

214.680.4579 SERVING WISE COUNTY SINCE 1995

DR. CYNTHIA HEMESATH, DPM

ANNOUNCING DR. CYNTHIA HEMESATH PODIATRIST & WOUND CARE SPECIALIST

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR FEET CHECKED? Over 30 million Americans suffer from Diabetes that could lead to wounds and amputations.

ARE YOU AT RISK?

• Neuropathy • Diabetes • Cancer treatment wounds • Surgical wounds • Seniors • Non-healing wounds

• Lower extremity ulcers • Lower extremity edema • Fungal nails • Ingrown toe nails • Warts • Discolored skin

Now serving Wise, Montague,Denton, Tarrant Counties and surrounding areas. Offices in Decatur and Bowie for your convenience. Medicare and most private insurances accepted. Cash pay welcome.

Call us today at 940-228-0062 1001 W. Eagle Dr. • Decatur, TX 76234 hemesathdpm@gmail.com WISE COUNTY MEDICAL & SURGICAL BUILDING FAITH COMMUNITY CLINIC - BOWIE

HEMESATH PODIATRY, PLLC Foot & Ankle Wound Care Specialist Board Certified DR CYNTHIA HEMESATH CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE VISIT US ONLINE AT WALLACEPLUMBINGINC.NET

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

“Healing for Closure” in Christian love.

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(Health Resources continued)

Texas Neighborhood Services Community Services Assistance to low income households with utility payments, heating/cooling system repairs, energy education and budget counseling. ❖ 300 N. Trinity, Suite B, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-626-4277 (Friday only) ❖ Online: txns.org

Texas Ramp Project Builds wheelchair ramps for disabled or elderly people who cannot afford to buy one. ❖ Online: texasramps.org

Trinity Habitat for Humanity Builds quality, affordable houses for qualified low-income families. ❖ 9333 N. Normandale St., Fort Worth, TX 76116 ❖ Online: trinityhabitat.org ❖ Phone: 817-926-9219

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Wise Area Relief Mission (WARM) Provides food pantry, referral and information services, and limited financial assistance for utilities and prescriptions when funds are available. ❖ 300 N. Trinity, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: warmtx.org ❖ Phone: 940-626-4676

VA/Decatur Community Based Outpatient Clinic Serves veterans living in Wise, Jack, Clay, Archer, Baylor, Young, Montague and Throckmorton Counties ❖ 1713 S. FM 51, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-627-7001 ❖ Online: northtexas.va.gov

Wise Choices Pregnancy Resource Center Provides pregnancy tests, STD and abstinence education; abortion alternative counseling; abortion education; parenting classes; material goods including diapers, clothing, formula, baby food, infant furniture, car seats, etc.; contraceptive education; peer counseling; referrals and spiritual counseling. ❖ 604 N. Trinity, Decatur, TX 76234

❖ Online: mywisechoices.com ❖ Phone: 940-627-6924

Wise Coalition for Healthy Children Provides free Wise Parent Café: small, intimate settings where parents and caregivers discuss their families and parenting challenges, share ideas and learn proven parenting techniques. The coalition meets at noon the first Thursday every other month at First United Methodist Church of Decatur, 104 S. Miller, Decatur, TX. Marsha Waters with Cook Children’s Health Care System is regional coordinator. ❖ Phone: 682-885-3069 ❖ Online: centerforchildrenshealth.org

Wise County Christian Counseling Provides individual, couples and family therapy counseling services on a sliding scale basis. Jenny’s Hope is a free grief center for children and adults. ❖ 1650 S. FM 51, Suite 400, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: wiseccc.org ❖ Phone: 940-627-1618

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(Health Resources continued)

Wise County Lupus Support Group ❖ Contact: Donna Morales ❖ Phone: 940-210-2919

Wise Health Center Community Health Clinic Provides a medical home in Wise County for uninsured and underinsured. Provides basic access to health care on a reduced fee/sliding scale basis. ❖ 2000 S. FM 51, Suite D, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-626-3888

Wise County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Intervention, counseling, referral and education to abusers of alcohol or drugs and their families. ❖ 105 S. Church, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-627-3921

Wise Hope Shelter and Crisis Center Emergency safe housing, resource referrals, counseling, legal advocacy and emergency response for victims of domestic violence. ❖ 608 N. Business 81/287, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Online: wisehope.org ❖ Phone: 24-hour hotline 940-626-4855; Spanish hotline 940-393-2884

Wise Kid Care Provides assistance to CPS in caring for abused/neglected children. Provides Christmas gifts to needy youth, as well as counseling and education services. ❖ CPS Supervisor — 2000 W. Business U.S. 380, Decatur, TX 76234 ❖ Phone: 940-393-7830 ❖

What happens when water wells get too crowded.

Make the decision today to protect your well’s spacing from new wells.

When you register your existing well with the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District: . Registering an exempt well is voluntary and FREE . Participate in groundwater level study . Test your water for contaminants . and more!

817-523-5200 www.uppertrinitygcd.com

A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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VOTED BEST BEVERAGE STORE IN WISE COUNTY

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A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

135

Index of Advertisers AUTOMOTIVE

1st Choice Truck Lube, Inc. ........................ 93 BMG Auto Group.......................................... 9 Chico Auto Parts & Service, Inc. ................ 49 Decatur Tire Store, Inc. .............................. 78 Flusche Auto Repair Company ................. 104 Holmes Auto Supply .................................. 93 James Wood, Decatur ................................ 80 James Wood Cadillac, Denton.................. 100 Karl Klement Ford ........................................ 5 Kemp’s Wrecker Service, LLC .................... 49 Kwik Kar Oil & Lube ................................. 103 Reeves Automotive .................................... 75 The Tire Outlet............................................ 44

BANKS

The Community Bank ................................. 74 DATCU Credit Union ................................... 55 First Financial Bank .................................. 102 First State Bank, Bridgeport, Chico, Runaway Bay, Paradise .......................... 93 First State Bank, Decatur ............................ 53 Legend Bank .............................................. 50 Pilgrim Bank .............................................. 75

CHAMBERS & ORGANIZATIONS

Alvord Economic Development Corporation....................... 12 Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce............. 33 Bridgeport Economic Development Corporation....................... 33 Decatur Chamber of Commerce ............... 106 Decatur Conference Center ........................ 90 Decatur Economic Development Corporation....................... 94 Decatur Main Street ................................... 22 Meals on Wheels, Wise County Committee on Aging ............................. 124 Tarrant Regional Water District .................. 97 United Way of Wise County........................ 83 Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District ............................ 133 Wise County Chamber of Commerce ......... 31 Wise County Elections Office ................... 130

CHURCHES

CrossRoads Church ................................... 43 Episcopal Church of the Resurrection ........ 15 Father’s House Church ............................... 30 First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport .............................. 20 First United Methodist Church, Decatur ..... 55 Full Armor Fellowship ................................ 49 New Salem Free Will Baptist Church .......... 83 Trinity Fellowship ..................................... 111 Victory Church ........................................... 58 Victory in Christ Lutheran Church ................ 9 Wise & Jack Counties Catholic Communities .......................... 100

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DENTISTS

Decatur Children’s Dentistry ...................... 59 Decatur Dental ......................................... 104 Excellent Dental.......................................... 22 Selz’s Family Dentistry ............................. 123 Forever Teeth ............................................. 75 Rosenbaum Dental ..................................... 17

EDUCATION/CLASSES

Midwestern State University ...................... 72 Silhouette Dance Company ...................... 104 Victory Christian Academy ......................... 84 Weatherford College Wise County.............. 89 Wise Ballet and Music Academy ................ 42

FINANCIAL

Edward Jones ........................................ 4, 29 First National Bank Mortgage, Mark Goodwin .......................................... 3 Guardian Title Company ............................. 85 Modern Woodmen, Stephanie M. Newbury, FIC .................. 117 Modern Woodmen, Derrick R. Same, FIC .............................. 76 Shelly Sessums Tax Service ..................... 100 Title Resources .......................................... 78 Wise County Title Company ......................... 9

INSURANCE

Black Insurance Agency ............................... 9 Cary Bohn, CLU, ChFC, State Farm ............ 90 Trey Horn, Farmers Insurance .................... 91 Stephens, Bastian & Cartwright, L.P......... 113

LAWN & GARDEN

Cut & Grow Lawn Service .......................... 78 Decatur Garden Center ............................... 94 McMaster New Holland .............................. 91 Superior Lawn & Landscape ...................... 49 Trees Inc. ................................................. 131 Watergate Irrigation ................................. 130

MEDICAL/HEALTH/FITNESS

Meria Aulds, MD ...................................... 100 Best Value Renshaw Drug ........................ 119 Decatur Women’s Health Center................... 4 Family Clinic ............................................... 17 Fit-N-Wise .................................................. 79 G. Keith Gill, M.D., The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute ....................... 73 Hemesath Podiatry, PLLC ........................ 131 JROBS Performance Training..................... 81 Mary’s Gift, Wise Health Foundation ........ 133 Moncrief Cancer Institute ......................... 105 North Texas Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation....................... 91 S&J Pharmacy ........................................... 76 Solaris Hospice ........................................ 129 Wise County Medical & Surgical Association ............................. 130

Wise Family Practice Urgent Care .........70-71 Wise Health Clinics ............................ 51, 107 Wise Health System ........................... 92, 140 Wise Hearing Solutions, L.L.C., Dr. Julie Mistic, CCC-A, FAAA ................ 90 Your CBD Store ........................................ 115

OPTOMETRISTS

Bond Family Eye Care ................................ 50 Bridgeport Eye Center .............................. 103 Decatur Eye Center..................................... 43

PETS/ANIMALS/LIVESTOCK

Bloomoon Pet Resort ................................. 22 Decatur Livestock Market........................... 85 Decatur Veterinary Clinic .......................... 134 Wise County Animal Clinic ....................... 131

REAL ESTATE/HOME BUILDERS

AAC Land Management.............................. 98 Bison Creek ................................................ 99 Cannon Realty ............................................ 42 Lisa G. Caraway, Parker Properties Real Estate ................. 99 Century 21 Sue Ann Denton, Inc. ............... 59 Joey Duncan, Century 21 Sue Ann Denton, Inc. ........... 53 Angie Kasner, Century 21 Sue Ann Denton, Inc. ........... 23 Jane Kasner, Century 21 Sue Ann Denton, Inc. ........... 23 Sue Meek, Century 21 Sue Ann Denton, Inc. ........... 91 Trevor Meek, Century 21 Sue Ann Denton, Inc. ........... 91 Parker Properties Real Estate ..................... 77 Connie Swain, Parker Properties Real Estate ................. 27 Trinity Realty .............................................. 90

RECREATION/LODGING

City of Bridgeport Parks & Recreation ....... 33 Decatur Public Library ............................... 20 Fairfield Inn & Suites, Marriott ................... 90 Runaway Bay Golf Club & Resort............... 20 Wise County Heritage Museum .................... 4

RESTAURANTS/ FOOD/BEVERAGES

Catfish O’harlies ....................................... 101 Dos Chiles Mexican Restaurant & Cantina ............. 137 Eighter Liquor .......................................... 134 Giant Burger............................................... 94 Kenepela’s Kitchen ..................................... 81 Leeper Creek BBQ .................................... 101 Little Caesars Pizza .................................. 134 Lowe’s Supermarkets ................................. 60 Marker Cellars Winery................................ 31 TF Vineyard and Winery ............................. 43

Index of Advertisers RETAIL

2K Pawn & Gun.......................................... 50 Alvord Merchants ....................................... 12 Brown’s Custom Leather .......................... 122 Chalet of Jewelry........................................ 23 Country Chic Living.................................... 66 Crown Home Furnishings........................... 66 Decatur’s Main Street Florist and Events ................................... 87 Decatur Matting & Framing ........................ 53 Decatur Square Merchants....................56-57 DIY Studio................................................ 125 Easy Rent - Rent-To-Own ........................... 25 Farmhouse Flowers and Gift Shop ....................................... 125 Freedom Powersports ................................ 99 Halsell Street Merchants, Bridgeport .........................................34-35 Herbs & More ............................................ 43 Ideal Flooring & Design............................ 102 iOffice....................................................... 106 Lowery Wholesale, LLC ........................62-63 Main Street Antique Mall .......................... 103 McLaughlin Supply & Masonry Supply ..................................... 83 NRS Ranch .............................................. 135 nu2u Resale ............................................. 106 White Heat ................................................. 98 Wise Marketplace ..................................... 138

SALONS/BEAUTY

Jacikay Laremore Hair Stylist ................... 102 Patti’s Hair Parlor & Etc. ............................ 44 Laura M. Shaffer, Mary Kay ........................ 93 Skin & Body Works Spa ............................. 94

SERVICES

Ary Co. A/C & Heat, LLC ............................ 23 Bisidas Water Well Drilling, B&B Pump ... 103 D.F.T. Self Storage .................................... 104 Decatur Heat & Air, Inc....................... 48, 139 Decatur Iron & Metal Recycling ................. 98 Decatur Self Storage .................................. 23 Dendy Machinery Sales & Rental ............. 122 Don’s AC Service, Inc. ................................ 28 Drake Plumbing ......................................... 43 Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group ............. 21

Hawkins Funeral Homes........................... 119 Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home.... 134 Kosmos Solar ............................................ 99 Law Offices of Carol Ann Carson, P.C......... 75 Mann Refrigeration, Inc. ............................ 20 Martin Marietta .......................................... 95 Matthews Roofing, L.L.C........................ 2, 13 The Roof Guy ............................................. 27 Simpson, Simpson & Penebaker ............... 76 Skinny’s Phone Repair ............................. 102 Taylor Septic & Dozer Service .................... 85 Taylor Septic Pumping Service .................. 98 Tom’s Pool Service..................................... 86 Total Plumbing Solutions ........................... 76 United Propane ........................................ 124 Wallace Plumbing .................................... 131 Wise Electric Cooperative......................... 106 Youngs Tank, Inc........................................ 74

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WWW.DOSCHILES.COM A Publication of the Wise County Messenger, Decatur, Texas

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