Wise County Economic Relief Fund

Wise County commissioners approved utilizing money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to create the Wise County Economic Relief Fund. The program would provide $3,000 grants to local businesses closed or partially shut down...

Decatur Texas Seniors Send Off

Make plans to come help celebrate our Decatur Eagle Seniors!

Downtown businesses and  residents are invited to show our support for our Decatur High School seniors. You’re welcome to safely gather along the route to cheer them on as the ...

Decatur EDC Business Rescue Grant

Learn more on how to apply for the Decatur EDC Rescue Grant. Business must be inside the Decatur City Limits.

Application Deadline: June 15th, 2020

Read on...

Decatur EDC Business Rescue Grant

For our local small businesses, we have $60,000 available in funding to help during this difficult time. $2500 per business within the City Limits of Decatur.

If your business has done well during this time, we are asking for help with additional funding t...

North Central Texas Virtual Career Fair

Find and hire the skilled talent you need. Virtually interact with and interview qualified candidates for your open positions.

Click here to register your business.  

Read on...

Postponed - JW Hart PBR Challenge – The Last Ride

The JW Hart PBR Challenge – The Last Ride, scheduled for May 16th, has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We apologize for the late notice but we have been closely working with State, County and PBR officials. Based on early pr...

Texas Continuing to Reopen

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is continuing to move forward with reopening the state, allowing salons to open this week and gyms on May 18 while further relaxing restrictions on restaurants with outdoor seating.

During the news conference Tuesday, Abbott said...

Wise County Open at 25% Capacity

Photo: courtesy of Jared Lucier

Wise County restaurants, retail stores and movie theaters will open May 1st at 25 percent capacity instead of the anticipated 50 percent capacity. 

County Judge J.D. Clark Thursday filed the county’s attes...

Wise County Open at 50% Capacity

DSHS has confirmed that our active case count data is correct and meets the threshold set forth in Governor Abbott’s order for five active cases or less. This means businesses in Wise County can operate at up to 50% capacity instead of 25% capac...

Drive Thru Food Pantry Pick-Up

Medi Thru Food Pantry Pick-Up 

Open to the Public.

Wise Health System - Main Parking Lot at 609 Medical Center Drive in Decatur, Texas.

Read on...

Gov. Abbott issues executive order to reopen Texas economy

Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans Friday to reopen the Texas economy in stages and announced schools will be closed the remainder of the year.

Abbott issued three executive orders that will loosen restrictions on businesses, medical procedures and state par...

Visitation, Funeral and Memorial Donations for Mr. James Wood

VISITATION: The visitation for James Wood will be held at Hawkins Funeral Home, Thursday 4/23/2020 from 5:00-8:00 pm. WE WILL BE OBSERVING SOCIAL DISTANCING. SO PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BY OFFICIALS AT THE FUNERAL HOME.

FUNERAL: A private funeral service...

School to Stay Closed for the Rest of the Year

Wise County schools will remain empty for the remainder of the school year. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order Friday shutting the door on the possibility of schools reopening this spring. “The team of doctors advising us have dete...

Governor Abbott Announces $38 Million In Federal COVID-19 Emergency Funding For Local Governments

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will provide $38 million in federal funds to local units of government in Texas. These funds come from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program authorized by the federa...

Register for Chisholm Trail Rodeo Parade in August

Get signed up for the Chisholm Trail Rodeo Parade being held on Saturday, August 22nd!

Read on...

Easter in Isolation

By: Michelle Schmidt - https://inland360.com/

Easter will be different this year.

There won’t be crowded Easter egg hunts, church services or meals with family and friends. Easter menus and baskets will likely look different in a season of social ...

State Street Pizza Company Opening Soon

We’re getting excited for State Street Pizza Company to open in Decatur TX. The store front looks GREAT!

Read on...

Small Town Compassion - Decatur, TX

During these stressful times, please continue to treat everyone with the small town compassion & respect that we are used to. 

Keep supporting our local restaurants & businesses, many are offering drive-thru & curbside pickup!

Photo cou...

WHS updates COVID-19 testing numbers

Wise Health System Monday evening released its updated COVID-19 testing numbers and results.

As of 5:30 p.m., WHS had tested 71 patients since March 10. Of those, 35 were negative and 36 were pending.

Health and Safety Precautions for Wise County, Texas

Updates from County Judge J.D. Clark

We had our second conference call of the week between Wise County officials and representatives from our cities in Wise County. We also appreciate State Representative Phil King calling in to listen to our discussion an...

Decatur ISD to stream Monday’s meeting

Decatur ISD will hold its board meeting Monday with trustees utilizing video conferencing and the district streaming the meeting on Facebook.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last week granted the Attorney General’s request for a suspension of certain open...

Gov. Abbott Declares Disaster, Closes Schools, Bars, Gyms Statewide, Restaurants “To Go” Only

By Frank Heinz - NBCDFW

Gov. Abbott Declares Disaster, Closes Schools, Bars, Gyms Statewide, Restaurants “To Go” Only

Statewide declaration runs March 20 through April 3, may be extended

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) took statewide action Th...

Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force

From County Judge J.D. Clark

In my capacity as County Judge, I am forming an Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force. The purpose of this task force will be to assist the County in understanding the economic impact due to this public health emergency and t...

Policies changing at hospital, nursing homes to prevent COVID-19 spread

By Austin Jackson - Wise County Messenger

While there has yet to be a confirmed case of coronavirus reported in Wise County as of Thursday afternoon, Wise Health System and local nursing homes are adjusting visitors policies to prevent the spread of the vi...

PAC Cup Champion - Thom Lambert and Decatur EDC

Congrats to Thom Lambert and the Decatur EDC for being named the PAC Cup Champion at the Texas Economic Development Council Winter Conference. At the conference, they honored the Economic Excellence recipients and the 2019 PAC Cup Champion winners, which ...

Ribbon Cutting - The Shop - Screen Printing & Embroidery

Come check out the new location for The Shop - Screen Printing & Embroidery and be a part of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting.

1300 South FM 51 STE 200, Decatur, Texas 76234

Estate Planning Class - Decatur, TX

Interested in learning how to plan for your estate? Come to a free financial class on estate planning Thursday, Feb. 27th at 6:30pm at the Decatur Library!

Read on...

Webinar: An Economic Boost for Companies that Export & Attracting Foreign Direct Investment

Learn about the U.S. Commercial Service export programs to retain your local businesses to grow when selling internationally.  Acquaint them to the Texas offices of the U.S. Commercial Service and how they can assist your local companies in expan...

Outlook for the Texas Economy - 2019 Texas Growth

Outlook for the Texas Economy

By: Luis Torres, Wesley Miller, Paige Silva, and Griffin Carter (Feb 14, 2020)

The Texas economy grew at a solid pace in 2019 in the midst of one of the longest expansionary cycles in state history.

Crude oil production, residen...

Soft Skills Workshop in Wise County, Texas

Leaders from every industry, make plans to join EWN’s newest instructor-led training, Soft Skills for Local Businesses and Aspiring Leaders.

Monday, April 13Weatherford College - Wise County Campus8 AM

The $99 registration fee includes the 8-hour ...

County’s sales taxes continue to roll in

County’s sales taxes continue to roll in

With a large January disbursement of $412,129, Wise County is on pace to easily surpass its sales tax revenue projections through the first third of the fiscal year.

Full Wise County Messenger Article

Twisted X, of Decatur Texas, has been awarded the Plus Award from Footwear Plus.

Twisted X, of Decatur Texas, has been awarded the Plus Award from Footwear Plus in the Sustainability category. This award is determined by votes of industry members and consumers, and recognizes design and retail excellence.

“Receiving this pres...

Passing the Torch - Mara named fire chief as Richardson prepares to retire.

By Brian Knox | Published on February 01, 2020

Mara named fire chief as Richardson prepares to retire.

Thirteen years ago, Mike Richardson was hired as Decatur’s first full-time fire chief to oversee the department’s transition from an a...

Ribbon Cutting - Stephanie Newbury, Modern Woodmen of America

Come meet Stephanie Newbury of Modern Woodmen of America at her new location. 

There will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with light refreshments served. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 11:30 AM – 1 PM

114 E Main St, Decatur, TX 7623...

DFW Since 2010: A Million New Residents And A Diverse, Booming Economy

By Christopher Connelly, KERA News

All that growth has bolstered the region’s economy — job growth in this region outpaced Texas and the rest of the U.S. over the last 10 years. Laila Assanie, a senior business economist at the Federal ...

Twisted X® to Collaborate with Mossy Oak on New Footwear Line

Twisted X® to Collaborate with Mossy Oak on New Footwear Line

Decatur, TX, January 22 , 2020 — Twisted X ® is proud to announce a partnership with Mossy Oak® which will feature their iconic Original Bottomland® Cam...

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area is up.

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,870,400 in November 2019, up 120,700 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From November 2018 to November 2019, local nonfarm...

Economy in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area, Texas

Economy in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro Area, Texas

The Metro Area has an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The US average is 3.9%.

DFW Metro has seen the job market increase by 3.1% over the last year.

View Original Article

State Street Pizza Company is Coming to Downtown Decatur, TX

State Street Pizza Company is Under Construction in Downtown Decatur Texas. 

They will have New York pizza by the slice, with the option of gluten free crust and vegan cheese. 

Read on...

Texas Economic Forecast: Continued Expansion

As 2019 winds down, the forecast for the Texas economy in 2020 is positive. According to economist M. Ray Perryman, the long-term outlook for Texas’ major metros indicates continued expansion through 2045. Specifically, “our long-term ...

Save the Date - Sportsmen Banquet

Mark your calendar for January 18th to attend the Sportsmen Banquet.

Read on...

Charles Schwab to move headquarters to DFW from San Francisco.

Charles Schwab to move headquarters to DFW from San Francisco. When finished, the new 1 million-square-foot Westlake campus would be able to house up to 7,000 employees. 

Charles Schwab Corp. is set to make Dallas-Fort Worth home after it...

Texas unemployment remains low as job growth accelerates slightly in October

Texas unemployment held at historic lows in October as job growth accelerated slightly over the previous year to add 30,100 jobs, according to data released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.

For the fifth consecutive month, statewide unemployment r...

Texas Economic Indicators

The Texas economy continues to grow at a moderate pace. Job growth ticked up in October, and the September growth rate was revised up. The unemployment rate remained at a record low, indicating continued tightness in the labor market. The Texas Leading In...

The North Texas Economic Forum

Learn more about this and other events online.

The Power of ACG

Founded in 1954, the Association for Corporate Growth has chapters worldwide representing 14,500 members. ACG serves 90,000 investors, executives, lenders and advisers to growing middle-market ...

Why North Texas has such economic potential

By The Business Journals Content Studio 

North Texas has experienced a tremendous economic upswing in 2019. But what is it that makes this area ideal for growth, and is your business poised to thrive along with it?

BBVA and the Dallas Business Jour...

Family Fun Night at Nock It Archery Center

Looking for some family fun right here in Decatur? Head to Nock It Archery tomorrow night for family night! 

Read on...

Veteran Benefit Auction - Valor Ranch

Mark your calendar for this great event! 

Free Event on Saturday, November 30th at 11am. There will be an auction to help raise money for Valor Ranch and all they do for the veterans in the community.

Read on...

Monthly Review of the Texas Economy

Texas continues to create jobs faster than the U.S. The state’s economy gained 342,800 nonagricultural jobs from December 2018 to December 2019, an annual growth rate of 2.7 percent, higher than the nation’s employment growth rate of 1...

Friendsgiving Feast

Don’t be alone this Thanksgiving. Come celebrate with your community during at this First Annual Friendsgiving Feast.

What a great community we live in!

Read on...

Right on the Money: The number that explains why your DFW rush hour commute seems more crowded

Author: Jason Wheeler,  WFAA News

Does it seem like the work commute in North Texas gets more crowded every day? If you've screamed in the confines of your car, here is part of the reason why.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released employment...

Sweet Chicks Dessert Shoppe Opening

Sweet Chicks Dessert Shoppe will open their doors to the public on Saturday, Nov 9 @ 10:30am. Stop in for a sweet treat or just to say hello! 

Event link: http://ow.ly/E9bc50x652u 

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Orscheln Farm & Home Grand Opening - Decatur, TX

The Decatur Orscheln Farm & Home will celebrate its grand opening this Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8 & 9, with storewide sales, events and giveaways!

Click here for even more exciting stuff going on.... come on out and help suppor...

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY!

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY! Polls are open until 7pm. 

Unsure where to vote? Click here for more info: http://ow.ly/6XHW50x2xZs 

Read on...

Projected growth coming to Wise County, Texas

Star Telegram article about the projected growth coming to Wise County: Wise County, a throwback to rural Texas, may be the region’s next frontier of growth. 

Wise County is known for its rural features — including horse pastur...

Texas’ fiscal growth 3-5 times greater than national 50-state level post Great Recession

By Bethany Blankley - The Center Square

Texas is among state governments whose rainy day funds are at their highest levels since before the Great Recession, according to analyses by the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) and The Pew Char...

Wise County Chamber of Commerce EDC Forum

The Wise County Chamber of Commerce is hosting an EDC Forum for all our local Wise County Economic Development Teams. 

There will be a community luncheon, open to the public, to follow to discuss development within out county.

Monday, November 4th ...

Successful Wise County Business Workshop

Orscheln Farm & Home, located in Decatur, TX, is now open!

Texas employers are continuing to add new jobs, but the growth rate is beginning to taper off.

By Paul O'Donnell, Dallas Morning News 

Texas employers are continuing to add new jobs, but the growth rate is beginning to taper off.

The state added 7,600 jobs in September, the lowest monthly gain in more than a year, according to data released ...

2019 Wise County Business Workshop

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend this great business workshop where you can connect with local entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders.

Please join Wise County Judge, J.D. Clark, Decatur EDC, Bridgeport EDC, Weatherford College, Decatur Chamber, B...

The City of Decatur is rewriting its Comprehensive Plan

THE CITY OF DECATUR IS REWRITING ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN! Citizen input is a very important step in this process for both the City of Decatur and its citizens. We hope that you will register for and attend this planning event! www.Decatur2050.com

Read on...

How to Run a Business in Texas

By: Adam C. Uzialko, Business News Daily

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state's economy. The Lone Star State boasts a gross domestic product of $1.77 trillion – the second largest in the nation. The state i...

How to Run a Business in Texas

By: Adam C. Uzialko, Business News Daily

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state's economy. The Lone Star State boasts a gross domestic product of $1.77 trillion – the second largest in the nation. The state i...

Orscheln Farm & Home Opening Soon!

We are looking forward to welcoming Orscheln Farm & Home to Decatur, Texas! 

Check out their video.

Wise County Business Workshop

Please join us as we co-host a business workshop. There will be resources and opportunities for everyone from entrepreneurs to established business owners. Local, regional, state, and federal agencies will be there to help you explore ways to strengthen y...

Keep Decatur Beautiful Fall Sweep Kick-Off

Keep Decatur Beautiful will be hosting KTB’s Fall Sweep Kick-off event this coming Saturday. Join hundreds of volunteers at several sites across town to work together & clean up Decatur. 

View Event Details.

Read on...

TEDC's 2019 Annual Conference

HEAR FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS ON IMPORTANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOPICS.

TEDC's 2019 Annual Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas, at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel 

Dates: October 9-11.

For More Info: https://texasedc.org/2019-annual-conference

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,810,900 in August 2019, up 115,800 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From August 2018 to August 2019, local nonfarm emplo...

State Fair of Texas Time

The State Fair of Texas is here! Check out this rundown of all of the foods you need to try at the fair: http://ow.ly/wWMZ50wtAFT

#EverythingsBiggerInTexas

Shannon receives contract extension

By Brian Knox |  Wise County Messenger

Longtime Decatur City Manager Brett Shannon received a contract extension at Monday’s meeting of the Decatur City Council.

Following a two-hour closed session for Shannon’s annual evaluatio...

Boo Bash in Downtown Decatur

BOO BASH on the Square in Decatur, October 27th!

* Trunk or Treat* Bounce Houses* Live Music* Goodies for the Kids* Car Decorating Contest* Doggie Costume Contest

Proceeds to Wise County Animal Shelter. 940-393-1128 or 940-399-8845 for more info.

See Event ...

Team Behind The Team - Decatur Eagles Football

In this edition of "Team Behind The Team," Kaime Stroot got to hang out with Decatur ISD's down marker official, who has over 70 years of experience! 

Check out the Video.

Construction on the Trinity Street Expansion has begun

Construction on the Trinity Street Expansion has begun!!

Matt Fisher, who owns Trinity Street Coffee Bar, Kimzey’s, and West Oak Coffee, is excited about this project. Fisher said their roasting company has outgrown its space in Denton, and since...

Decatur ISD Job Draws Interest

By Richard Greene |  WC Messenger

Fifty candidates have expressed interest in becoming the next superintendent at Decatur ISD, School Board President Charlie Tibbels reported Monday night.

Tibbels said that has been the number of requests for appli...

Upskilling a Workforce for North Texas' Robust Economy

Dave Moore, Data Journalist and Staff Writer  - Dallas Regional Chamber

Roughly 800,000 jobs have been created in the Dallas Region over the past 10 years, leading companies to cannibalize each other for talent. One solution – according ...

Poco Graphite Celebrating 50 Years

By Joy Burgess-Carrico | WC Messenger  

Poco Graphite moved to Decatur in September of 1969, so they are celebrating 50 years here this month.  

Check out this interesting article on the mysterious POCO Graphite plant in Decatur.

Cruise Night on the Downtown Decatur Square

Come on out to the September Cruise Night on the Square Saturday, September 7th, 4:00-8:00pm

Registration will be in front of the courthouse from 4pm - 6pm and $15 per vehicle. Judging begins at 6pm and awards will be presented by 8pm. Awards in 20 classes...

Home Prices Soar in July

The average price for homes in Wise County broke $260,000 in July. 

The median price for the 96 homes sold last month was $261,750. That was up 1.3 percent from the $258,491 for the 101 homes purchased in July 2018.

View Original Article.

Read on...

Fort Worth’s Economic Challenge: How to keep up with Dallas-Plano-Irving?

For decades, the economies of Dallas and Fort Worth moved in tandem, usually rising and falling together and growing at similar rates.

But their paths have diverged, primarily because the eastern side of the region, known as Dallas-Plano-Irving, has grown ...

Music Downtown Decatur with Adam Hood with Jake Ward

Mark your calendar for Oct 5th and grab your friends, it's another great concert night in Decatur Texas! Adam Hood with Jake Ward opening 8 PM – 11 PM on Decatur Main Street! 

View Event for Details.

Read on...

Texas #3 Best State for Business

The $1.8 trillion Texas economy is the second biggest in the U.S., behind only California. Texas ranks third for current economic climate and first for its growth prospects, thanks to strong employment and income growth forecasts over the next five years....

Decatur ISD Discusses Budget

Decatur ISD trustees discussed a $33.9 million budget for the 2019/20 fiscal year Monday night. The budget is $2.9 million more than this past year with nearly $2 million for pay increases and new jobs in the district. The district is proposing a tax rate...

Now Open - Home Town Restaurant & Bakery

Home Town Restaurant & Bakery open today, Monday August 12th. They are serving Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Be sure to check them out - 1803 S Hwy 287 in Decatur. 

Read on...

Red-Hot Economy: Texas Unemployment Falls

By: Dom DiFurio, Dallas Morning News

After breaking previous records in May, Texas' unemployment rate once again fell to a new historic low of 3.4% in June, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The then all-time low set in May was 3.5%, a number not...

August 2019 Texas Economic Outlook

By Robert A. Dye, Ph.D., Daniel Sanabria

The Texas economy is having a strong year in 2019. Most of the state’s major metropolitan areas are showing employment growth well above the national average. Texas was prominent in the June release of met...

Interim Superintendent Springston focused on improving Decatur ISD

By Richard Greene | Wise County Messenger

ON THE JOB – Decatur ISD interim superintendent Brett Springston started his stint with Decatur July 22. Messenger photo by Richard Greene 

Brett Springston is not taking time to hang pictures or memorabili...

Decatur Eyes Tax Rate Decrease

For the second year in a row, Decatur residents could see a decrease in their tax rate. 

At Monday’s meeting, the Decatur City Council proposed a tax rate cut of 1.8 cents to fund next year’s $9.2 million proposed budget. Even ...

Real Estate Market Remains Steady

By Richard Greene |  Wise County Messenger

After slowing slightly in May, the Wise County real estate market remained steady in June.

Ninety-four homes sold in the month, one less than in May. Sales were up 6.8 percent or six homes from June 2018.

T...

Governor Abbott Announces $5.2 Million In Texas Talent Connection Grants

Governor Greg Abbott today announced more than $5.2 million in Texas Talent Connection grants to 15 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs across the state. These competitive grant awards, administered by the Texas Workforce Inves...

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Employment

Total nonfarm employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Statistical Area stood at 3,780,000 in May 2019, up 107,000 over the year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. From May 2018 to May 2019, local nonfarm employment ros...

REUNION READY – Wise County Old Settlers Reunion returns this week

The Wise County Old Settlers Reunion returns this week to Joe Wheeler Park, between Farm Road 51 South and Old Reunion Road. The Reunion Grounds will once again host a variety of entertainment options for all ages throughout the week, Monday through Satur...

Small-to-Medium Businesses Continue to Bolster North Texas Economy

BY Lance Murray, Dallas Innovates

When evaluating job growth in Dallas-Fort Worth, JLL Research Manager Walter Bialas doesn’t want the impact of small- and medium-sized businesses to be forgotten.

In a recent “Snapshot,” Bialas...

NCTCOG Transportation Department Pilot Test

WHAT DO YOU THINK?The NCTCOG Transportation Department is conducting a pilot test to gauge interest in the electronic distribution of public input/meeting notices.

Visit www.nctcog.org/input for public review and comment July 15, 2019-August 28, 2019.

Read on...