Voltage Coffee Project Expands

By Kristen Tribe |  Wise County Messenger

The Decatur Economic Development Corp. board Wednesday approved a performance agreement with Voltage Coffee Project to expand Trinity Street Coffee Bar and move its coffee roasting business into t...

North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD)

North Central Texas Economic Development District (NCTEDD)

NCTEDD encompasses North Central Texas (the 16 counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant and Wise), a...

The Diverse Economy of Texas

Texas has a diverse economy with major industries, such as petroleum and natural gas, farming, steel, banking, and tourism.

Click here to watch the informative video and learn more about about career options in the top Texas industries.

Texas Is Where the Jobs Are

By: Bethany Erickson 

What two Texas cities are hot for jobs? What is the most expensive neighborhood in Texas? Who was honored locally for their work in providing summer meals to reduce childhood hunger? We have all this and more in this week’s r...

25 most picture-perfect spots for you in Decatur, TX

By: Jill Robbins with Ripped Jeans & Bifocals

Decatur Texas is located about an hour outside of the Dallas Forth Worth Metro area. It's a great place to sight-see, eat, shop, relax, and have a great time. But what about the best places to tale Instagra...

Texas Economic Engine

By Luke Ranker, Fort Worth Star Telegram

Each year about 1,000 new students roam the halls of Northwest schools.

Morning commuters crowd Interstate 35, Texas 170, Texas 114 and U.S. 377 in a section of Tarrant County that 30 years ago was little more than p...

North Texas to 2030: Extending The Trends

National forecasts of population and economic growth indicate that this region will continue to add residents and jobs well into the future. Learn More.

Read on...

Texas ranked No.1 state for women entrepreneurs

Texas ranked No.1 state for women entrepreneurs! Twenty-three percent of entrepreneurs seeking angel investing were female in 2018, according to FitSmallBusiness.com. That number is up 19 percent from 2014. Read more.

Read on...

Certificate of Achievement for Economic Excellence

Thank you Texas Economic Development Council. We are so honored to receive this Certificate of Achievement for Economic Excellence in 2018!

#DecaturTX #TEDC

Texas Women in Economic Development Conference

Texas Women in Economic Development ConferenceApril 4-5, 2019 Waco, Texas

Time of Event: Thursday 12:30 PM - Friday 12:00 PM

Registration Deadline:  March 27, 2019Registration Rate:  $165

Click here for agenda and registration.

DEVON TO SELL LOCAL ASSETS

Update for Thursday, February 21, 2019

Posted on February 21, 2019.

DEVON TO SELL LOCAL ASSETS – Devon Energy Corp. announced Tuesday it plans to sell its Barnett Shale and Canadian assets to complete its transformation to a high-return U.S. oil growth busi...

Here's How Healthy Texas' Economy Really Is

By Fernando Alfonso, Patch Staff | Feb 7, 2019 8:11 am ET | Updated Feb 7, 2019 9:56 am ET

Texas has the 27th healthiest economy in the country, according to a new study published Wednesday by Ohio University. The researchers ranked the performanc...

Webinar: Economic Development Technology Triad

Any discussion of technology is transient. Needs and tools are constantly changing. Yet, technology is a catalyst in all aspects of economic development. Technology impacts economic development organizations at three distinct levels: strategy, operations,...

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment — November 2018

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,765,700 in November 2018, up 94,700 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From November 2017 to November 2018, local nonfarm ...

Financial filings show that DFW companies are rolling in cash

By Jeff Jeffrey  – National Digital Producer, The Business Journals,

Dec 31, 2018, 8:24am CST Updated Dec 31, 2018, 9:28am EST

Political uncertainty and trade tensions with China have prompted many businesses to take a conservative ...

Construction along 287 will improve safety in fast-growing area

Posted Jan. 10, 2019

Construction has started along U.S. 287 in Fort Worth, a project that will extend the southbound service road and relocate the southbound ramp at Blue Mound Road.

The construction is a collaborative project involving the City o...

Texas Economic Indicators

January 22, 2019

Texas economic indicators were mixed in December. The state finished 2018 with strong job growth and continued labor market tightness, but forward-looking indicators suggest that the state’s economic outlook has softened. The leading index...

Huge data center project coming at Fort Worth's AllianceTexas project.

A new data center company is teaming up with the developers of Fort Worth's huge AllianceTexas development to build a major data center campus in northern Tarrant County.

Denver-based Stack Infrastructure and AllianceTexas developer Hillwood will build the...

Career coach offers advice for finding a job

A really good job market is good news for people who might want to switch jobs or even start a new career. Career coach Tracy Timm talks about the market right now and what you should do first if you want to make a change.

View original newscast on Fox4Ne...

How Strong is Texas’ Economy?

By Lisa Brown | November 25, 2018

DALLAS—The major Texas markets are viewed very favorably in terms of near-term investment outlook. According to Emerging Trends in Real Estate: 2019, published by the Urban Land Institute and PWC, real e...

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar gives lawmakers cautiously optimistic revenue estimate

BY EDGAR WALTERS JAN. 7, 2019

Texas Legislature 2019

The 86th Legislature runs from Jan. 8 to May 27. From the state budget to health care to education policy — and the politics behind it all — we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial legislat...

Basic Economic Development Course

The Basic Economic Development Course focuses on the fundamental concepts, tools and skills needed to be successful in today's political, economic and business environment.

North Texas wants to keep up the momentum in 2019 as a tech testing ground

Melissa Repko, Staff Writer

Dockless bike-share companies have continued to use Dallas as a laboratory. This year, new options were added to the mix: electric scooters from California-based Bird and Razor and from Lime, which also offers bikes and electric...

Texas Hospitality for Small Business Owners

In Texas, economic development efforts occur at all levels. School districts, municipalities, counties, specifically-designated zones, and the state all offer different tools and incentives to assist small businesses. To find out what is available, start ...

Real estate year closes on a high note

By Richard Greene | Published Saturday, December 22, 2018

An up-and-down year for the real estate market entered the final month on an uptick in Wise County.

The number of houses sold in November jumped to 76 from 64 in October. It was the most homes sold s...

Sales taxes roll in during 2018

By Richard Greene | Published Saturday, December 15, 2018

2018 will be remembered as an economic boom for Wise County.

A big year came to a close with more large sales tax disbursements for most cities in Wise County. Eight Wise County cities saw double-dig...

Outlook for the Texas Economy

Luis B. Torres, Wesley Miller, and Paige Woodson (Dec 11, 2018)

Texas' economic expansion continued but with less momentum. Falling oil prices and signs of weakness in the European and Asian economies weighed on domestic activity. While growth is moderatin...

Governor Abbott Statement On New Record-Low Texas Unemployment

November 16, 2018 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement as Texas achieves a new record-low unemployment rate of 3.7 percent, the lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976, with 32,...

Developer planning 200-acre industrial park at DFW Airport

Staff Report

The nearly 200-acre industrial park will be located on the eastern edge of the airport on State Highway 161 in Irving. It’s slated to include four buildings spanning a total of 2.4 million square feet, wrote the Dallas Morning News. ...

Casting ballots: Voter turnout highest in nearly three decades

By Brian Knox | Published Wednesday, November 28, 2018

It’s starting to feel like the early 1990s again in Wise County, at least in terms of local voter turnout.

Wise County saw its largest turnout for a midterm election in 28 years this year, acc...

DECATUR IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE

What Bert Has To Say About Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area

www.bestplaces.net

Dallas is the eastern, larger half of the Dallas–Fort Worth “Metroplex.” Dallas is what most people think of when they first think of Texas&am...

SHOP SMALL

Support the local businesses in Decatur TX and SHOP SMALL this Saturday, November 24th!

Getting Rid of Hazardous Materials

Decatur residents will soon have a new option for getting rid of household hazardous materials, and they’ll only have to walk as far as their front porch...

http://ow.ly/PwaI30mG47l

Governor Abbott Appoints Dusek To 51st Judicial District Court

Governor Abbott Appoints Dusek To 51st Judicial District Court

(Article provided by gov.tex.gov)

Job Market Increase in Decatur

Decatur has seen the job market increase by 0.8% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 36.3%, which is lower than the US average of 38.0%. Click the link to read more... (www.bestplaces.net)

Nov. 6th General Election Results

Nov. 6th General Election Results

https://www.texastribune.org/2018/11/07/what-happened-texas-midterm-election-results/

ELECTION DAY is tomorrow!!

ELECTION DAY is tomorrow!! Click on the link (or paste into your browser) for a list of polling places in Wise County.

http://ow.ly/3cVs30msERq

#DecaturEDC #ElectionDay2018 #WiseCountyTX #DecaturTX

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...

GET YOUR VOTE ON

#1 GET YOUR VOTE ON (courtesy of Wise Co. Messenger)

Election Day is Nov. 6, but avoid the crowds and vote early.

Early voting starts Monday and runs through Nov. 2. On those days, you can vote at one of four polling places: the Elections Office, 200 S. Tri...

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...

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...