Decatur Petrified Station Featured on WFAA

How many times have you driven past an abandoned building and not given it a second thought? Mike Castellucci takes you into the lost places of Texas. 

See full video report: https://www.wfaa.com/video/news/lost-texas-how-one-man-preserves-texas-h...

Home Sales Slow in Wise County

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

Home sales in Wise County took a big dip in September.

The month featured just 59 closings, down 28 from August and 21 from September 2017.

While home sales slowed, the number of listings increased to 314 from 305 th...

Wise County Unemployment Rate Down

Wise County unemployment has gone down since last year! Check out these figures.

View the Decatur EDC website for more statistics.

Early voting in election set to start.

By Brian Knox |  Wise County Messenger

Election Day is Nov. 6, but you might want to take advantage of early voting which begins next week.

Voters can begin marking their ballots Monday, Oct. 22 at four early voting locations in Wise County: the El...

Sales tax collections continue roll.

By Richard Greene |  Wise County Messenger

Sales tax collections continue roll: A majority of Wise County cities received a big jump start to the fiscal year on sales tax collections.

A majority of Wise County cities received a big jump start to th...

Governor's Small Business Forum for Women

There will be a Governor's Small Business Forum for Women in Corpus Christi on October 25! This is a great opportunity for networking and attendees will obtain timely, relevant and actionable advice. Register now.

Read on...

Upcoming TEDC Webinar

Be sure to check out TEDC's upcoming webinar: Effectively incorporating social media into your marketing strategy. 

Webinar will be October 31, 2018 at 10am & 11:30am. 

Register online.

Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF)

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) continues to serve as Texas’ biggest “deal-closing” fund, awarding over 150 grants totaling more than $600 million since 2004.

The Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) awards “deal-closing&...

Texas earns three No. 1 rankings:

Texas secured three No. 1 rankings on Area Development’s Top States for Doing Business 2018, the publication’s ninth annual survey of site selection consultants.

Texas took home the No. 1 spot in three different categories on Area Devel...

Texas has added 394,500 jobs over the past 12 months.

According to the Office of the Governor Greg Abbott, Texas has now added 394,500 jobs over the past 12 months, with 32,000 added in August.

Read on...

Late local officer honored by Governor Abbott.

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

STAR OF TEXAS AWARD – Governor Greg Abbott presented a Star of Texas Award to Richard Hale’s wife, Jenifer, and son, Thomas, at a ceremony in Austin last week honoring first responders who were kil...

Texas ranks 2nd in the nation for net tech employment.

Texas ranks 2nd in the nation for net tech employment according to recent CompTIA - The Computing Technology Industry Association report.

Read on...

Governor Abbott issues executive order to support the military.

WHEREAS, Texas has 15 military installations which contributed $101.6 billion in output, $62.33 billion in GDP, and $39.8 billion in disposable personal income to the state’s economy in 2017; and

WHEREAS, the State of Texas strongly supports the mission of...

Wise County Commissioners adopt 2019 budget.

By Kristin Tribe | Wise County Messenger

Wise County commissioners Monday adopted a budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2019.

The budget totals $60 million and will be funded in part by a property tax rate of 36 cents per $100 property valuation.

Although th...

Governor Greg Abbott releases School Safety Action Plan.

Governor Greg Abbott today released a School Safety Action Plan Summary, which details actions taken over the summer by school districts across Texas to improve and expand school safety measures. The actions taken by these school districts follow the Gove...

TEDC Webinar: Capitalizing on Economic Development Trends

Don't miss the Texas Economic Development Council's Webinar.

Thursday, September 6th at 10:30am. 

Register Online.

Texas now at 25 straight months of job growth

By Lynn Brezosky - San Antonio Express News

Texas employers in July marked 25 months of consecutive growth, with seasonally adjusted and benchmarked numbers released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas on Friday showing 13,100 added jobs.

The statewide un...

Wise designated disaster area due to drought.

By Messenger Staff |  Wise County Messenger

Wise County was designated this week as a natural disaster area by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to drought conditions.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue also named Dallas, Denton, Parker and Tarrant c...

Taking Care of Business: Tip of the hat to Biggar

By Kristen Tribe |  Wise County Messenger

RED CARPET READY – Jeff Biggars (center, right) and Decatur EDC Director Thom Lambert (left) catch up before going inside Trinity Street Coffee Bar for the premiere of a short film about Biggar H...

Watch the CNBC interview with Governor Greg Abbott on Texas as top state for business.

Texas Named CNBC's “America’s Top State For Business” For 2018

https://youtu.be/mRrvYmqmQPo 

Texas Produces Urban Employment Uplift

By The Perryman Group - Dr. M. Ray Perryman

Texas metropolitan areas are leading the way in employment growth, claiming two of the top three spots in the nation in job gains between June 2017 and June 2018. Based on US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) esti...

Get your Taste of Wise Tickets!

Be sure to get your tickets for Taste of Wise coming up this Thursday, August 30th. It is a great place to check out many of our local restaurants and boutiques all in one place!

Read on...

Small business optimism at 35 year high!

By Leia Klingel - Fox Business

Small business owners’ optimism touched a 35-year high in July, with businesses setting records in terms of job creation and hiring, while they cited the availability of qualified workers as their biggest challenge....

Proposed Tax Decrease

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

Wise County commissioners Monday proposed a decrease in the tax rate at the recommendation of County Judge J.D. Clark.

The proposed rate for the 2018-19 fiscal year is 36 cents per $100 property valuation, 1.89 cents...

Decatur eyes tax cuts

By Roy J. Eaton |  Wise County Messenger

Decatur taxpayers who have seen their property values soar will get some relief if the Decatur City Council approves a proposed 3.6-cent tax cut to fund next year’s $8.7289 million budget.

Finance ...

Decatur EDC Marks 25 Years!

By Roy J. Eaton | Wise County Messenger

LATEST PROJECT – Infrastructure is under construction at Eagles Landing Business Park in Decatur. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

It was one of the most decisive elections in Decatur history, and over the last ...

Texas earns five No.1 rankings in state ranking report.

The Lone Star State was ranked among the best of the best after receiving five No. 1 rankings and 48 top-10 spots in Business Facilities’ annual State Rankings Report

Texas secured the No. 1 spot in five different categories in Business Facilitie...

Texas is becoming a hotspot for startups.

By Jade Scipioni  Fox Business

Entrepreneurs are ditching Silicon Valley and heading south to Texas instead to launch their startups, according to a congressman from the Lone Star State.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, told FOX Business’ Mar...

CNBC Ranked Texas as Top State for Business!

The Lone Star State secured the top spot in CNBC's rankings after a strong year of economic growth and the addition of over 350,000 jobs.

Texas claimed the No. 1 spot in CNBC's annual Top States for Business ranking, thanks to its strong economy, infrastru...

Business is good; Cities see increase in sales tax collections:

By Richard Greene |  Wise County Messenger

Decatur enjoyed another big month in sales tax collections in May.

The city brought in $365,354, a 10.37 percent growth from May 2017, according to the July report from the Texas Comptroller’s of...

Mark Your Calendars for the Byron Art Exhibition!

Save the Date: Byron Art Exhibition coming soon.

Read on...

Texas comptroller bumps revenue estimate by $2.8B, thanks to higher oil prices and economic growth:

Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN — Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Wednesday increased his revenue estimate for the current two-year budget cycle by $2.8 billion.

Hegar said tax collections have exceeded his expectations because of a strengthening Texas econ...

The Texas Economic Development Council will hold it's annual conference this October:

2018 Annual Conference at Worthington Renaissance,. 200 Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas.

Dates of Event: October 17-19, 2018Tim...

Governor Abbott announces $5M in grants for workforce training programs across Texas

Governor Greg Abbott today announced $5 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to 13 workforce training and job placement programs across the state. This second round of 2018 Texas Talent Connection competitive grant awards, administered by the Texas W...

Decatur EDC Directors Recommend New Member

Looking to fill the at-large spot on the Decatur Economic Development Corporation board vacated by the recently elected councilman Jay Davidson, its directors turned to the man Davidson ran against in the May election.

The EDC board nominated Cecil &ld...

Webinar: Capitalizing on Economic Development Trends

Nearly half of today's jobs will be impacted by automation and artificial intelligence. Urban center population is booming like no time since European immigrants flooded the cities to work in factories 150 years ago. Growing companies face two critical sh...

Texas Wins Sixth Gold Shovel Award For Job Creation And Business Investments

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Texas has been awarded the Gold Shovel Award by Area Development Magazine for new job growth and business investments. This annual award recognizes states that drive job creation and investment t...

Decatur Square Booming: Yoga studio to open in July!

By Kristen Tribe |  Wise County Messenger

Owner Jana Holland said she’s still working on the schedule, but there will be morning and evening classes available.

“Most of our teachers are from the Decatur area,” she said...

Business is booming at the Decatur Conference Center

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

“How many times are we eating dinner at the conference center this month?” It’s become a running joke at my house because almost every local banquet, fundraiser or holiday party is held...

Texas offers game changing incentives to start your business!

Texas takes the initiative to invest in the future by offering competitive incentives to companies who create jobs and drive innovation as they do business in our state and its communities. 

Here is a link to view some of the most commonly utilize...

Governor Abbott announces security plan for schools

By Richard Greene |  Wise County Messenger

Superintendents at multiple Wise County school districts were encouraged by the security plan announced by Texas Governor Greg Abbott Wednesday.

Abbott’s plan included proposals for increasing la...

Economic Development also includes Rural Development.

The Governor's Office Rural Development Initiative embodies several objectives to assist rural communities and small businesses to create and retain jobs through business development and community strategic planning assistance. Through various partnership...

Texas as a Destination for Innovation:

TEXAS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND ACCENTURE JOIN FORCES

TO PROMOTE TEXAS AS A DESTINATION FOR INNOVATION

May 8, 2018, Austin, Texas -- The Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) and Accenture announced a partnership to position Texas as the...

DISD Revenue Expected to jump More Than $3 Million

By Richard Greene | Published Saturday, May 12, 2018

Based on preliminary tax values and the projected increased enrollment, Decatur ISD is expecting an increase of $3.3 million in revenue for the 2018-19 fiscal year.

Deputy Superintendent Cindy Tatum infor...

Texas Ranked No. 1 for 14th Straight Year in Best States for Business

Source: Chief Executive Magazine

STAMFORD, Conn., May 2, 2018 – Texas was ranked as the No. 1 state for business for the 14th straight year in Chief Executive magazine’s 14th annual Best & Worst States for Business survey, which was...

House Farm Bill Addresses Rural Broadband Needs

By Kristen Tribe | Published Saturday, May 5, 2018

Wise County’s pursuit of improved broadband service will possibly benefit rural areas across the country through the new Farm Bill, according to Congressman Mac Thornberry.

Thornberry met Wednesda...

Need Assistance with Your Small Business? The U.S. Small Business Administration is Here to Help

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories. SBDCs help entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and help existing businesses re...

Gov. Abbott calls for adding $100M to Texas Enterprise Fund

By Bill Hethcock  – Staff Writer, Dallas Business Journal 

The Texas Enterprise Fund should be re-upped to the tune of more than $100 million, Gov. Greg Abbott said today in a speech to the Dallas Regional Chamber.

The deal-closi...

Eagles Landing Business Park Construction to Begin

By Kristen Tribe |  Wise County Messenger

The Decatur Economic Development Corp. Wednesday awarded a $2.8 million contract to McMahon Contracting for the construction of infrastructure at Eagles Landing Business Park southeast of town.

EDC Director...

Texas Economic Development Council Webinar - Manufacturing is Not Dead

After decades of job loss and a struggling reputation, manufacturing has made a comback in the United States. Since the recession, production jobs have increased - and so have the knowledge and skill requirements. After analyzing hundreds of thousands of ...

Fairfield Inn and Suites Opening Soon - Decatur, Texas

By | Wise County Messenger

Fairfield Inn and Suites at the Decatur Conference Center is expected to open next week. A representative from the hotel confirmed the opening date is set for Tuesday, April 24.

Construction on the hotel by Marriott began in Oct. ...

Wise County Hiring Event

The Wise County Hiring Event is coming up on Thursday, April 12th from 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

Location: Weatherford College Wise County, 5180 Hwy 380 in Bridgeport TX.

Read on...

QuikTrip Progress Update: Church building demolished for QT

By Kristen Tribe |  Wise County Messenger

CHURCH BUILDING TORN DOWN – Demolition of the former Cornerstone Baptist Church in Decatur started Tuesday. After the property is cleared, a QuikTrip will be built on the site. Messenger photo by...

Wise County Finances In Order

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

Outside auditor Snow Garrett Williams gave Wise County a clean report on its financial audit for fiscal year 2017.

Firm representative Kathy Williams told county commissioners Monday the fund balance at the end of th...

Governor Abbott announces Smith & Nephew adding new jobs in Fort Worth

Governor Greg Abbott today announced Smith & Nephew, Inc. has selected its Fort Worth facility to locate a $29 million project. A global manufacturer and supplier of advanced medical equipment and technologies headquartered in London, Smith & Neph...

Texas Wins the 2017 Governor's Cup

Texas Wins the 2017 Governor's Cup!

The Lone Star State Earns Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup award, recognizing the Lone Star State for attracting the most qualified projects of any state in 2017.

Read on...

Market Your Business - Decatur Chamber of Commerce Directory

Looking to expand your business in 2018? The Decatur Chamber of Commerce Directory can help grow your business by guiding residents and businesses to you. Ads need to be submitted before March 30th. For more info call 940-627-3107.

Read on...

Coming Soon: Wise County Hiring Event

Wise County Hiring Event - Thursday April 12th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Weatherford College Wise County, 5180 Hwy 380 in Bridgeport TX.

#decaturedc #jobs #wisecountytx #hiringevent #wisecountyhiringevent

Moving Ahead: Decatur City Council authorizes bond sale for business park

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

Decatur has moved another step closer to the creation of a business park off Farm Road 2264.

The city council Monday authorized the issuance of the Decatur Economic Development Corporation sales tax revenue bonds in the...

Tarleton State University Small Business Development Center

The Tarleton State University Small Business Development Center is an outreach program providing counseling, training workshops and reference resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Check them out!

http://www.tsusbdc.org/

#decaturedc #economicdevel...

Texas job growth to rebound in 2018

By Dan Zehr -   American-Statesman Staff

Photo By: ILANA PANICH-LINSMANA - Worker washes a rig at Latshaw Drilling’s Oil Rig 43 in Midland, Texas, on Feb. 8, 2017.

With the Texas economy “firing on all cylinders,” sta...

Decatur Texas Attractions

Decatur attractions aren't just for tourists. Have you visited these local gems?

http://decaturtx.com/live-play/attractions-recreation/

#decaturedc #decaturtx #localattractions

Dinner with the Wise County Mayors

Our Wise County Mayors will be giving us the latest information on their city and plans for the year. Come stay informed on your local community and all the exciting things happening locally. Open to the Public.

The event will be held in the Women&rsqu...

The Drive to Start a Business

By: George N. Root III

Ever wonder what drives people to start their own business?

It is interesting to contemplate what drives people to start a business. Starting a business of your own requires money, many hours of hard work, patience and the understandi...

DFW added the most manufacturing jobs in the U.S. last year.

By Evan Hoopfer - Dallas Business Journal

Of the 15 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the country, Dallas-Fort Worth tied with Houston for the most manufacturing jobs added in 2017.

North Texas and Houston each added 8,800 manufacturing jobs last ye...

Weatherford College Wise County Enrollment Grows

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

Enrollment at the Weatherford College Wise County campus increased by 3.8 percent for the spring 2018 semester from last spring, according to figures released by the college Thursday.

WCWC had 554 students, increasi...

Growth predictions are strong in the 2018 Outlook for the Texas Economy

By: Luis Torres, Wesley Miller, and Bailey Cuadra (Texas A&M University Real Estate Center)

February 2018 Summary

A strong U.S. economy and stable energy prices supported growth in the Texas economy. The state accounted for 39 percent of national crude ...

Governor's Small Business Handbook

Need ideas on how to grow your business? Check out the Governor's Small Business Handbook.

https://businessintexas.com/small-business/grow-business

#decaturedc #economicdevelopment #smallbusinesss #growyourbusiness

Devon Energy awards Decatur's Carson Elementary with $10,000 grant.

By Messenger Staff

MAJOR AWARD – Carson Elementary fifth-grade teacher Penny Sessions received a $10,000 grant from Devon Energy to purchase 30 Google Expedition kits. She was joined by Carson Principal LeeAnn Farris, Heather Sherb and Lance Spra...

Texas Maintains Position as the Nations #1 Exporter

#1 Exporter: Texas maintains its position as the nation’s #1 exporter—a title the state has held for 15 consecutive years!

#decaturedc #economincdevelopment #texasproud #gobigintx

Texas Ranked No. 2 "Best States for Business"

Texas ranks No. 1 in the nation for economic climate and No. 2 on Forbes’ 2017 “Best States for Business” list, thanks to strong employment and gross product growth over the past 5 years.

Texas moved up two spots from last year's ranking, achieving the sta...

New vehicle sales in Decatur increased in 2017

By Roy J. Eaton | Wise County Messenger

Decatur’s three new car dealerships saw significant sales increases in 2017, registering 3,691 new cars and trucks, a 10 percent increase over 2016 registrations.

2018 could be an even better year, according to top ex...

Wonder why buying local is so important? Here are just a few reasons:

1. Support groups in our community: Approximately 250% more support comes from small business owners rather than large businesses.
2. Maintain the uniqueness in our community: Everything we do in our community – shopping, eating, playing – makes it a unique plac...

The Texas Enterprise Fund Offers a Special Incentive to Choose Texas.

If you're seriously considering Texas and opportunities in some other state, the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) might help you make your decision. The fund is a cash grant used as a financial incentive tool for projects that offer significant projected job c...

Decatur brings in additional $218K in sales taxes.

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

The city of Decatur received a nice surprise this week with a nearly $218,000 jump in sales tax receipts for November 2017 from the same month of the previous year.

According to the January report from the Texas com...

Oil, manufacturing will energize Texas economy in 2018.

By Collin Eaton / Houston Chronicle

Oil workers drilling for oil on rig near College Station, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle )

The Texas economy is expected gain more momentum this year and add hundreds of thousands of jobs as...

Wise County Sheriff’s Office to bring in new K-9

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office is moving forward with plans to bring in another K-9 following the disappearance of Rayco last October.

Rayco’s handler, Sgt. J.T. Manoushagian, said the sheriff&...

Protecting square from fire

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

In the early morning hours of Dec. 26, the Downtown Mini Mall on the east side of the Denton square was destroyed by a raging, four-alarm fire.

Although no one was hurt and fire walls prevented the fire from tearing ...

Decatur City Council approves new communications tool.

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

The Decatur City Council Monday approved a new public safety communications tool that could provide critical information to first responders in an emergency.

Police Chief Rex Hoskins requested the council approve a cont...

Use caution on the roadways, abide by the law.

By Messenger Staff | Wise County Messenger

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to stay sober and follow traffic laws.

In an effort to increase safety on Texas roadways, DPS troopers will conduct increased traffic patrols Dec. 31-Jan....

Cool job: Decatur native brings winter wonderland to life.

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

SMOOTH SLIDING – Cody Cobb is responsible for making sure the snow slide at the Gaylord Texan runs smoothly during the winter months. Messenger photo by Richard Greene

Most Texans can only dream of a white...

Red flag burn ban extended; Drought, fire conditions worsen in county.

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

PUTTING OUT THE FLAMES – Newark firefighters hit hot spots at a grass fire on Old Base Road Monday. Messenger photo by Joe Duty.

Shirley Allen thought the fire in her burn barrel was fully extinguished whe...

Santa visits Neighborhoods

By Messenger Staff | Wise County Messenger

Santa’s back, and he’s ready to make his annual tour through the streets of Decatur with the help of his good friends at the Decatur Fire Department.

“Santa on the Streets” w...

City of Decatur seeks public input on land use changes.

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

PROPOSED CHANGES – The city is considering a number of modifications to the city’s land use map. Above, the map shows the proposed land use extension into the city’s ETJ surrounding the ci...

American Pickers looking for antique collections.

By Messenger Staff | Wise County Messenger

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are returning to Texas this winter to film their series “American Pickers.”

“American Pickers” is a documentary series that explores th...

Drought conditions increase fire risk.

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

With less than an inch of rain falling in Wise County during November, drought started creeping back in the area.

Only 0.96 inches of precipitation was measured by local resident Doyle Green in the month, which ende...

Live Thankfully - 5th annual food drive underway.

By Messenger Staff | Wise County Messenger

SEA OF FOOD – Volunteers bagged groceries for more than 150 families at last year’s Party with a Purpose. Messenger photo by Joe Duty.

This is Live Thankfully’s fifth year of providing...

McCarroll students give back in community service program.

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

HELPING HANDS – Decatur coach Heath Griffin shows his enrichment class what to do during Wednesday’s community service project. Photo by Brandi Cabanero.

Eunice Ruiz held out her hands, showing o...

Christmas is coming: Annual Tour of Homes this weekend

By Messenger Staff

As December unfolds, the air is thick with Christmas cheer and the spirit of giving blossoms in spite of the chilly temperatures. To kick off all things merry and bright, the Decatur Woman’s Club will have its annual tour of ho...

City of Decatur considers zoning; Workshop to address downtown land use extension

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

Decatur’s city council and planning and zoning commission will hold a joint workshop Monday to discuss a number of items, including possibly extending the downtown land use district.

The request to look at ext...

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is November 25th. Remember to support your local businesses!

#shopsmall #smallbusinesssaturday #looklocalwisecounty #looklocal#wisecountytx

Reward offered for missing K-9 information

By Brian Knox  | Wise County Messenger

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office is hoping a cash reward might lead to information about the whereabouts of a missing K-9 partner.

Crime Stoppers of Wise County is now offering a reward of up to $2,5...

Open House & Ribbon Cutting - Eagle Auto Body

Come welcome Eagle Auto Body during their Open House and Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, October 10th.

Eagle Auto Body - Open House & Ribbon CuttingTuesday, October 10th, 2017 at 2618 S US Hwy 287 in Decatur, TX.

Company donates shoes to storm victims

By David Talley | Wise County Messenger

When Hurricane Harvey swept through the Texas coast, its floods and winds destroyed between 30,000 and 40,000 South Texas homes, leaving countless displaced.

As those families fled in a rush, many left behind or forgo...

A Ray of Flowers - Open House & Ribbon Cutting

A Ray of Flowers has moved to their new location. Come celebrate with them at their Open House & Ribbon Cutting!!

Thursday, October 5th at 401 S. Washburn in Decatur, Texas.

Read on...

Decatur EDC plans land purchase

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

The Decatur Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors Wednesday voted to purchase 162 acres southeast of Decatur for development of a business park.

The property, north of Farm Road 2264 and east of U.S. 81/287, ...

Decatur Public Library to hold first book festivals

By Messenger Staff 

The Decatur Public Library will have its first book festival this weekend.

The Same Page Book Festival is 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at the library, 1700 FM 51 South. The event will include local authors, opening and closin...

Injured Decatur Police Officer Matthew Roberts Honored by Governor Greg Abbott

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

MEETING THE GOVERNOR – Gov. Greg Abbott presented Decatur Police Officer Matthew Roberts with the Star of Texas award last week in Austin. The award is presented to officers killed or seriously injured in the...

Wise Health System Receives Awards for Organ Donation Campaign

By Racey Burden | Wise County Messenger

AWARD CEREMONY – Representatives of LifeGift gave Wise Health System two awards Wednesday for helping raise awareness of organ donation. Messenger photo by Racey Burden

Wise Health System’s efforts...

Ribbon Cutting - Decatur Heat & Air, Inc. - New Location

Decatur Heat & Air, Inc. is Moving! Come check out their new location and celebrate their Ribbon Cutting.

Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, Sept 27th at 11:30 am.Their New Location is at 1306 E Old Chico Road in Decatur, Texas.

Read on...

PD Recognizes Local Businesses

By Messenger Staff |

The Decatur Police Department Thursday honored a dozen businesses for their support of the department through the past year.

Police Chief Rex Hoskins and Lt. Delvon Campbell presented the awards at a ceremony at police headquarters.

&...

United Way kicks off fundraising campaign

By Racey Burden | Wise County Messenger

WISE COUNTY UNITED – United Way Director Martin Woodruff asked Wise County to help the organization raise $450,000 for local charities. Messenger photo by Joe Duty.

United Way of Wise County held its fundrai...

5 things to know in Texas energy this week

As Houston continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Harvey and the record-shattering flooding it brought, the state's energy industry is beginning to return to normal with coastal and offshore production facilities, pipelines and refineries comin...

Decatur ISD sets tax rate, approves budget

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

The tax rate for the Decatur school district will not change for 2018.

The school board Monday approved keeping the rate at $1.34 per $100 valuation. That includes $1.04 for maintenance and operations and 30 cents for t...

10 ways to help the flood victims

By Messenger Staff

HELPING HANDS – Volunteers load pallets of water bottles into the back of a truck outside the Decatur Visitors Center. The center became a popular place for gathering donations for Hurricane Harvey survivors. Messenger photo by...

Decatur ISD food services see increased revenue

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

The food business is doing quite well at Decatur ISD, according to a report given to the school board Monday by Child Nutrition Director Shelly Laaser.

The report showed that meal revenue has increased almost $10,000 ov...

Highway renamed for fallen officer - Decatur, Texas

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

A FAMILY HONOR – Deroy Bennett was on hand Wednesday as a sign dedicated to his late father was installed on U.S. 380. James “Poncho” Bennett, a Decatur Police officer, was killed while on...

Ribbon Cutting for Sands Company Today

Ribbon Cutting for Sands Company on Tuesday, August 29th at 11:30 a.m. Location: 2806 S Murvil Street in Decatur, TX.

Read on...

City approves zoning request for annexed property

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

Recently annexed land that will be home to future industrial businesses was officially zoned heavy industrial Monday by the Decatur City Council.

The land is located north of Farm Road 2264 and east of U.S. 81/287. The ...

Eclipse experience: Library draws crowd for viewing party

By Racey Burden | Wise County Messenger

Hundreds of people stood in the parking lot of Decatur Public Library Monday afternoon and looked to the sky.

GOTTA WEAR SHADES — Brothers Garrett, Mason and Landon White camp out with snow cones Monday in the Decatur...

Tomorrow: Open House & Ribbon Cutting for The Granary

Open House & Ribbon Cutting Tomorrow.

Directions: From Whistle Stop Café take Bus 287 towards Carson Elementary. Turn left before Carson onto CR 4010. Cross RR tracks and go approximately 9 miles and then turn left onto CR 4411 (See Balloons...

Eclipse experience: Libraries plan viewing parties

By Racey Burden | Wise County Messenger

On Monday, Aug. 21, the United States will experience its first total eclipse since 1979, and several local libraries are holding viewing parties.

Though Texans won’t be able to see the total eclipse — we’ll get about...

Ribbon Cutting for Sands Company - Decatur, Texas

Ribbon Cutting for Sands Company on Tuesday, August 29th at 11:30 a.m. Location: 2806 S Murvil Street in Decatur, TX.

Read on...

Call 811 before digging

By Messenger Staff |  Wise County Messenger Staff

It is required by law to call 811 to have all buried utility lines located and marked before digging or excavating, according to a press release by Atmos Energy.

Since 2008, the company has seen a 4...

Open House & Ribbon Cutting for The Granary

Open House & Ribbon Cutting for The Granary on Wednesday, August 23rd at 9:30 a.m. Location: 390 County Road 4111 in Decatur, Texas.

Read on...

A Texas-size boom in technology: Gov. Abbott

• Texas has more workers than 46 states' total resident populations.
• For five consecutive years Texas has added the most new and expanded corporate facility projects in the nation.
• Tech giants Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Oracle and Microsoft hav...

Summer hot streak: Texas manufacturers continue to pump up production

Manufacturing in Texas continued its 13-month hot streak in July, according to monthly survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

The Dallas Fed surveyed 113 Texas manufacturing executives in July to get their thoughts on the health of the ind...

City approves voluntary annexation; Zoning action tabled until full council can vote

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

The city limits of Decatur are expanding once again following the approval of a voluntary annexation request of 163 acres of land southeast of the city.

The city council Monday voted unanimously to annex the land, locat...

Full week of events slated for Reunion

By Brian Knox | Wise County Messenger

PREPARING FOR PARTY – Joey Christian lays sod in front of his family’s cabin at Joe Wheeler Park in preparation for the Old Settlers Reunion, which starts Monday. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

Wise Cou...

Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening for Eighter Liquor

Ribbon Cutting for Eighter Liquor on Friday, July 21st at 9:30 a.m. Grand Opening is Saturday, July 22nd! Location: 1845 S FM 51 in Decatur, TX.

Read on...

Decatur Civic Center Changing Name to Become Decatur Conference Center

With the completion of the Decatur Fairfield Inn & Suites on the horizon, they are changing their name to reflect their true purpose. With the change to "Conference Center", they will have a stronger presence online, and no more confusion ov...

Wise named Purple Heart County

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

Wise County was designated a Purple Heart County at the regular commissioners meeting Monday.

PRESENTATION TO VETERANS – Representatives of the Military Order of the Purple Heart presented County Judge J.D....

Positive S&P rating review of Texas budget says state has 'turned corner' after oil downturn

Texas' $217 billion budget for the next two years is "neutral," meaning it won't have a positive or negative effect on the state's overall credit rating, according to S&P Global Inc., which also projected Texas employment will continue to gr...

Texas employment gains steam, job-growth projections push higher

Texas employment growth projections have gained steam as the Lone Star State job growth has outpaced the nation so far this year, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Economists at the Dallas Fed said the number of Texas jobs grew...

A Work of Art – Downtown Decatur Mural – Decatur, TX

Be sure to check out the finished Downtown Decatur Mural across from the Decatur Post Office.

Read on...

Decatur Women’s Building Remodel Finished – Decatur, Texas

By Kristen Tribe | Wise County Messenger

NEW AND IMPROVED – Wise County employees eat a Thanksgiving meal last week in the newly renovated Women’s Building. Messenger photo by Joe Duty

The Decatur Women’s Building remodel is complete.

The structure, located ...