2009 Welcome to Wise.indd - Wise County Messenger

2 

10% OFF 

any single regular priced 

or sale item in the store 

Must present coupon at time of purchase. 

Some exclusions may apply. See store for details. 

No special orders. Offer expires 6/30/10 

Your World for All Things Western. 

The goal of David’s Western Store is to be your single source 

for everything you need to live the western lifestyle we all 

love. When we started publishing the NRS catalog, we made 

that goal even more attainable for our customers. From 

clothing, accessories, and home decór to the finest western 

tack and equine products, we’ve got you covered. NRS is the 

official catalog of the USTRC, World Barrel Racing, TeamRoper.com, 

Texas High School Rodeo Association and National 

High School Rodeo Association. 

If you’re in a hurry, check us out online at NRSworld.com, but 

if you are here for an extended stay, we hope you’ll stop by 

and see us. 

CATALOG 

Pick Up Your 

Copy at David’s! 

1410 S. FM 51 Decatur, TX 76234 940.627.3949 Regular Store Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Home of NRSworld.com

3 

Our Goal 

Save You Time and Money! 

The Agency Focused Exclusively on Business Insurance and Great Service. 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

• Health 

• Dental 

• Life 

• Disability 

• Worksite Voluntary Benefits 

• Section 125/Cobra Administration 

2351 S. FM 51, Suite 300 • Decatur 

940-627-8888 • Fax: 940-627-8830 

www.sbcinsurance.net 

PROPERTY & CASUALTY 

• All Lines of Commercial Risk 

• Professional Liability 

• Workers Compensation 

• Non-Subscriber Programs 

• Claims Management 

• Risk Management 

• Loss Control Services

! City of Alvord ..........................6 

!"City of Aurora .....................8,10 

!"Aurora Alien .....................78,80 

!"Boonsville/Balsora.................14 

!"City of Boyd...........................12 

!"City of Bridgeport .............16,18 

!"Bridgeport ATV ...................115 

!"Bridgeport Historical Society 116 

!"Bridgeport Main Street ........104 

!"Bridgeport Riding Club .........82 

!"Camping.................................50 

!"City of Chico ..........................20 

!"Civic Groups ..........................94 

!"Courthouse.............................72 

KEY 

!"Cities, landmarks 

INDEX 

of stories 

!"City of Decatur .................22,26 !"City of Newark ......................32 

!"Decatur Main Street .............106 !"Off 380 Players .................68,70 

!"Elected/Appointed Officials .116 !"City of Paradise ......................36 

!"Festivals .......................62,64,66 !"Petrified Wood Station ..... 92-93 

!"Fire Departments ..........100,102 !"Polling Places .......................117 

!"Golf Courses .................... 48-49 !"Racetracks.....................113,114 

!"Greenwood/Slidell .................28 !"City of Rhome ...................38,40 

!"Groundwater District .............58 !"City of Runaway Bay ........42,44 

!"Historical Markers ....... 108-110 !"Swimming Pools ...............52,54 

!"City of Lake Bridgeport .........30 !"Veterans.............................86,88 

!"Lake Bridgeport ................96,97 !"Wise Co. Heritage Museum 74,76 

!"Lake Bridgeport Cleanup .....111 !"Wise County Lodging ............46 

!"LBJ Grasslands ................ 56-57 !"Woody Cabin .........................98 

!"City of New Fairview .............32 !"Youth Sports Directory .....84,85 

!"Entertainment, events 

!"Outdoors, activities 

!"General interest 

!"Groups, organizations 

On the 

cover 

In the spring, one of the 

best places in the county 

to see bluebonnets is at 

Oaklawn Cemetery in 

Decatur. It also makes a nice 

place to take photographs 

— either with kids sitting 

in a patch of flowers or 

capturing bucolic scenes 

such as this one. Photo 

by Joe Duty, cover design 

by Andrew May. Interior 

layout and design by Keri 

Willerton. 

4 

“A Place to Call Home” 

Governor’s Ridge 

Retirement and 

Assisted Living Community 

Here are just a few things we offer at our 

exquisitely furnished facility: 

• Spacious studio and one bedroom apartments 

• Weekly housekeeping included 

• Three home cooked meals a day 

• Assistance with meals, medication, bathing and dressing 

• Fulltime nurse on staff 

• Resident attendants around the clock 

• Emergency Response System in each apartment 

• Social and recreational activities 

• Pets allowed 

“Where your independence, privacy & dignity matter” 

300 Devereaux St. • Decatur, Texas 

940-627-1104 

Licensed by the State of Texas as a Personal Care Facility License #110009 #120699 

• Complete Vision and 

Medical Eye Care with 

State-of-the-Art Technology 

• Diagnosis, Treatment and 

Management of Eye Disease 

• Pediatric and Adult Vision Care 

• Designer frames and Sunglasses: 

Oakley, Maui Jim, Ed Hardy, Gucci, 

Christian Dior, Adidas, Silhouette and many more. 

Medicare and Most 

Insurance Accepted 

Lindsay H. Bond, O.D. 

Michael L. Bond, O.D. 

Join our family at Bond Family Eye Care 

BOND FAMILY EYE CARE 

“Professional Care Your Eyes Deserve” 

Therapeutic Optometrists • Optometric Glaucoma Specialists 


940-626-0045 

“The 10 Most Dependable Optometrists of Texas” 

Texas Monthly, November, 2006

ULTIMATE CHECKING 

5

6 

Alvord 

MESSENGER PHOTO BY JOE DUTY 

ALVORD’S SCENERY CAN BE FULL AND GREEN IN THE SUMMER 

WHAT’S NEW 

• A new junior high school will open 

for the 2009-2010 school year. 

• 1,250 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• 10 miles north of Decatur on U.S. 

81/287 

CITY HALL 

215 W. Elm St. 

(940) 427-5916 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Tammy Edwards 

• City administrator: John Cobb 

TAX RATE 

• $0.66 per $100 valuation 

MEETINGS 

• City council — 7 p.m. second 

Thursday of the month at city hall 

COUNCIL MEMBERS 

• Mayor: Terri Freeman 

• Councilmembers: Malcolm Hardy, 

Dewayne Sherwood, Mark Gose, David 

McEachern and Karan Huggins 

POLICE 

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office at 

(940) 627-5971 responds to calls in 

the city. For emergencies, dial 911. 

SCHOOLS 

The Class 2A school district has 

three campuses – elementary, junior 

high and high school 

• Administration Building 

105 E. Bypass 287 

(940) 427-5975 

Superintendent: Bill Branum 

AMENITIES/NOTEWORTHY 

• Alvord Public Library 

117 N. Wickham St. 

(940) 427-2842 

• Brushy Creek Vineyards 

572 CR 2798 

(940) 427-4718 

EVENTS 

• (JUNE) Pioneer Days are held to 

commemorate Alvord’s history 

• (AUGUST) Supper on the Grounds 

to benefit local churches 

• (NOVEMBER) Opening Day Hunters 

Roundup includes a dinner, 

seminar and giveaways at the beginning 

of the hunting season

7 

Dauenhauer Contractors, Inc. 

DCI offers a wide variety of metal 

buildings. 

Projects range from small shops 

to industrial complexes. DCI will 

custom make the building style 

for your market 

or personal needs. 

Ren Young • Preston Lowery 

3650 W. Hwy 199 • Springtown, TX 76082 

817-220-7972 • 866-865-4324 

www.metalbuildingstexas.com 

DCI continually leads the industry 

in customer satisfaction. 

Our company’s trained staff is 

eager to assist you in design, 

engineering and service. For 

over 20 years, DCI has serviced 

customers in the greater North 

Texas area as well as New 

Mexico, Colorado 

and Oklahoma.

8 

Aurora 

WHAT’S NEW 

• Aurora is participating in the 

Southeast Regional Wastewater 

Treatment Study. 

• The city applied for both a water 

and wastewater treatment grant. 

• 1,383 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• 17.6 miles southeast of Decatur 

• 3 miles west of Rhome 

CITY HALL 

303 Derting Rd. 

(817) 636-2783 or (817) 231-0816 

CITY STAFF 

• City administrator: Toni Kelly- 

Richardson 

• Court Clerk: Lynell Day 

• Court Administrator: Lisa Mayo 

WEB SITE 

• www.auroratexas.gov 

TAX RATE 



FOG COVERS A POND IN AURORA

9 

Creating Choices… When you need healthcare, we’re here for you. 

At Doctors’ Hospital ease of accessibility and a compassionate, experienced staff allow our patients 

to focus on healing. You have choices in healthcare and Doctors’ Hospital has a lot to offer in a new 

state-of-the-art full service facility. What you need, when you need it, now and in the future. 

ER DEPARTMENT 

24/7—Board Certified Physicians 

Less than 30 minute wait 

RADIOLOGY 

CT Scan, Ultrasound, Sonography & MRI 

Appointment usually within 1 day 

INPATIENT/OUTPATIENT SURGERY 

General, Vascular, Urological 

Orthopedic, Obstetrical, Gynecological 

PHYSICAL THERAPY 

Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation 

Sports Medicine, Work Conditioning 

BIRTHING CENTER 

Labor and Delivery Birthing Suites 

Dedicated Personal Care 

MAMMOGRAPHY 

Digital Mammography 

Appointment usually within 1 day 

DOCTORS’ HOSPITAL 

1905 Doctors’ Hospital Dr. Bridgeport 940-683-0300

Aurora (continued) 

MEETINGS 

City council — 7:30 p.m. the first Thursay 

of each month at the city hall; preouncil 

workshop at 6:45 p.m. 


Mayor: Terry Solomon 

Council members: Bill McCurdy, Jackie 

tone, Rick Boland, Joe Smith, Jason 

rummal and Cy Farver 

HISTORICAL COMMISSION 

Cheri Crites, Harriet Moorman and D.A. 

harpe 

POLICE 

The city is protected by four resident 

Wise County Sheriff’s deputies. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Boyd, Newark and Rhome volunteer fire 

departments respond to calls. 


• Cemetery known for being the possible 

resting place of an alien who is said to 

have died in an 1897 UFO crash. 

SCHOOLS 

Aurora is in Northwest’s 5A school district. 

Residents of Aurora attend one of two 

elementary schools: 

• Seven Hills Elementary, Newark 

654 FM 3433 

(817) 215-0700 

• Prairie View Elementary 

609 FM 3433, Rhome 

(817) 215-0550 

Middle school students attend: 

• Chisholm Trail Middle School, Rhome 

583 FM 3433 

(817) 215-0600 

High school students attend: 

• Northwest High School 

2301 Texan Dr., Justin 

(817) 215-0200 

•Administration Building 


(817) 215-6473 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

• South Wise Chamber of Commerce 

(817) 636-2783, ext. 5 

Master 

Handypersons 

Home Repairs • Painting 

Sheetrock Repairs 

New Construction 

Patios & Decks 

Garage 

Carports 

Conversions 

Shops 

Barns 

Fencing 

Welding 

Carpentry 

Custom 

Woodwork 

Septic 

Systems 

Installed 

Now offering Storm Shelters! 

Tractor 

& Backhoe 

Service 

LEN ROY DON 

BUILDERS 

A Father & Son Business - Roy & Reyn 

817-366-7990 or 

817-480-8459 

10 

We build 

and support 

Information 

Systems. 

Consulting Services 

• Requirements analysis 

• Specifications 

• Bid collection and analysis 

• Recommendations 

Systems 

Management 

Services 

• Implementations 

• Installations, upgrades, 

maintenance 

• Security 

• Communications 

• Remote access 

ABLE 

Software Consultants, Inc. 

Serving Wise and Tarrant Counties 

817-909-1166 

info@asci.cc 

www.asci.cc

12 

Boyd 


WHAT’S NEW 

• A bond package that passed in 

November 2007 includes a new high 

school, additions to the elementary 

school and renovations to the middle 

school. 

• The James Snodgrass Park was 

opened in 2008. 

• 1,200 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• In south Wise County, at the intersection 

of Farm Road 730 and Texas 114 

• 35 miles northwest of Fort Worth 

CITY HALL 

100 E. Rock Island Ave. 

(940) 433-5166 

CITY STAFF 

• City Administrator: John Hamilton 

• City Secretary: Joy Patterson 

WEB SITE 

• www.cityofboyd.com 

TAX RATE 

•$0.4560 per $100 valuation 

MEETINGS 

• City council — 7 p.m. first and third 

Tuesdays of each month at the Boyd 

Community Center 

The council also serves as the planning 

and zoning commission 

• Boyd Cemetery – annual meeting 

held the first Sunday in May 


• Mayor: Brent Wilson 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Lenard Reynolds 

• Council members: Harry Towler, 

Jeanette Harmon, Rodney Scroggins 

POLICE 

731 E. Rock Island Ave. 

(940) 433-8400 

Police Chief Harry Lamance 

• four full-time officers and one parttime 

officer 


135 N. Wilson 

(940) 433-5755 

Fire Chief Robert Waters 


• Boyd Community Center 

420 E. Morton 

(940) 433-5580 or (940) 433-5166 

• The Raymond Jordan Boyd 

Public Library 

101 W. Rock Island Ave. 

(940) 433-5580 

• Boyd Senior Citizens Center 

407 E. Boyd Ave. 

(940) 433-3072 

• Boyd Raceway 

376 Raceway Lane, (940) 433-5587 

• International Exotic Feline Sanctuary 

Texas 114, (940) 433-5091 

PARKS 

• Yellowjacket Park (basketball court, 

play fort, playground) 

corner of West Dunlap and North 

Evans 

• James Snodgrass Park (playground, 

soccer fields, tennis courts, beach 

volleyball, a walking trail and a pavilion) 

on Hobbs Street 

SCHOOLS 

The class 2A school district has four 

campuses — an elementary, intermediate, 

middle and high school 


500 W. Knox Ave. 

(940) 433-2327 

Superintendent: Greg Stone 

CHAMBER 

OF COMMERCE 

• Member of the South Wise County 

Chamber of Commerce 

(817) 636-2783, ext. 5 

EVENTS 

• (MAY) Boyd Chili Cookoff

13 

• Fades 

• Flat Tops 

• Razor Cuts 

• Walk-Ins Only 

Checks and cash Accepted 

Angela Ferguson 

and Diana Etter 

309 S. Allen • Boyd 

(FM 730 South) 

940-433-3400 

MakeScents Floral 

and Event Design 

940-433-3336 • youronlineflorist.com 

Where Flowers and FUN Unite! 

Happy - Unique - Trendy - Stylish - Creative 

Family Owned and Operated Since 2002 - Chris, Tammie, Steven H. and Braden Thomas

14 

Boonsville Balsora 

• 

consolidated with Bridgeport, 11 miles to the 

north. 

In 1964, the old school received a major 

structural overhaul and was renamed the 

Boonsville Community Center. From the 1960s 

to the early 1970s, the community center 

entered statewide competitions for community 

improvement and won many prizes, including 

second place in the State Community 

Improvement Competition in 1965. 

The same community spirit that saved the 

school and helped it become a beacon for 

the Boonsville/Balsora area so many years 

ago is alive today in a group of women who 

meet once a month at the center, with the 

exception of July and August. The Boonsville 

Ladies Group now hosts a luncheon every May 

to raise funds for utilities and maintenance at 

the community center. 

People come from far and wide to enjoy the 


HORSES IN A FIELD IN BALSORA 

In the heart of the Boonsville/Balsora area in far southwest Wise County 

sits the Boonsville Community Center. 

The building is the former school, which closed in 1950 when Boonsville 

lunch, complete with homemade desserts. 

The luncheon started four years ago when the 

center needed a new roof. The following year, 

the luncheon raised funds for siding, sheetrock 

and paint, as well as new chairs. 

The Boonsville/Balsora Volunteer Fire 

Department was organized in 1968. The 

dedicated group of men and women are 

trained in fire prevention and protection 

and First Responder medical care. Several 

members are certified EMTs and ECAs. 

The department raises funds through a 

chili supper every fall. Not only does the 

department have a fire truck in Boonsville, 

but it also has an additional truck located in 

Balsora. 

The first gas well was drilled in the 

area in 1950, which began the Boonsville 

Conglomerate Oil Field. A statue near the 

community center pays tribute to the field.

15 

“I’m a lawn. 

Not a lake.” 

-Your yard 

Keep water in the lake. Don’t over water. 

Just an inch a week is all your lawn needs. 

SAVE WATER. 

Nothing can replace it. 

SaveTarrantWater.com

16 

Bridgeport 

WHAT’S NEW 

• The city received an NCTCOG 

Grant for Household Hazardous 

Waste Collection. 

• 5,700 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• 10 miles west of Decatur at the 

crossroads of U.S. 380 and Texas 

114 

• 38 miles west of Denton 

• 40 miles northwest of Fort 

Worth 

CITY HALL 

900 Thompson St. 

(940) 683-3400 


WOMEN TAKE A BREAK AT COAL MINER’S HERITAGE FESTIVAL 

CITY STAFF 

• City administrator: Van James 

• City secretary: Rachel Huitt 

Director of financial services: 

Amy Standard 

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 

1502 10th St. 

(940) 683-3410 

Director: Ashley Smalley 

PARKS AND RECREATION 

1502 10th St. 

(940) 683-3480 

Director: Ryan Nolting 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

SERVICES 

901 Cates St. 

(940) 683-3460 

Director: Russell Hanson 

CAPITAL PROJECTS/ 

AVIATION SERVICES 

1502 10th St. 

(940) 683-3690 

Director: David Turnbow 

WEB SITE 

• www.cityofbridgeport.net 

TAX RATE 

•$0.5875 per $100 valuation 

MEETINGS 

• City Council — first and third 

Tuesday of each month at 7 

p.m. at City Hall

17 

BRANDI’S 

COUNTRY 

KITCHEN 

Wise County’s Oldest 

Realtor Brokerage 

with over 35 Years 

in Real Estate 

1410 Chico Hwy. 

Bridgeport 

940-683-1008 

Open Daily 

6 a.m. ‘til 

2 p.m. 

Wise / Chem Safe Pest Control 

Lawn Care 

4144 US Hwy 380, Decatur, Texas 76234 

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL 

• Roaches – Ants – Rodents – Scorpions – Spiders 

• Termites 

• Lawn Fertilization – Weed Control 

Insect & Disease Management 

• Mowing – Weed-eating – Edging – Leaves 

Hedging – Weeding Flowerbeds 

Call today for your FREE estimate! 

940-627-7378 

www.wisechemsafe.com 

Phone 

answered 

24 hours 

Tommy Hudson 

Owner 

Linda Brimmer 

Broker 

Mike Jones 

940-393-5229 

Kay Stanfield 

940-393-2538 

Gussie Groves 

GRI 940-627-4397 

Janice Phillips 

GRI, ABR 940-393-5240 

Pam Hudson 

940-389-0642 

Shirley Munn 

940-626-9372 

940-683-5191 • 1-877-683-5191 

Hwy. 380 East of Bridgeport • www.midwayproperties.com 

Welcome to 

BRIDGEPORT 

Cook, 

McDonald 

and Company 

Edie C. McDonald, CPA 

W. Ray Cook, Jr., CPA 

809 WW Ray Cir. • Ste. 102 • Bridgeport 

940-683-5583 

303 W. Main • Decatur 

940-627-5611 

First 

State 

Bank 

Bridgeport 940-683-6300 

Chico 940-644-2218 

Runaway Bay 940-575-2265 

Paradise 940-969-2265 

Diamond Super 

Market, Inc. 

940-683-2300 

Chico Hwy., Bridgeport 

Open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. 

7 days a week 

www.bridgeportchamber.org 

Chamber Luncheons Every Third Thursday at 11:30 a.m. 

Home of... 

• New Bridgeport Visitor 

Center (opening early fall 2009) 

• Great Restaurants 

• Unique Shops 

• Bridgeport Stage & 

Off 380 Players Theater Group 

• Bridgeport Historical Museum 

• City Parks & 

Swimming Pool 

• Butterfield Stage Days 

Festival & PRCA Rodeo 

(second week in May) 

• Coal Miners’ 

Heritage Festival 

(first week in October) 

• Annual Barnett Shale Sporting 

Clay Shoot 

“Stagecoach 

Capital of Texas” 

Carry Out, 

Delivery, 

Catering 

Downtown Bridgeport 

1020 Halsell 

Kitchen: 940-683-8030 

Cell: 817-821-7140 

City of Bridgeport 

900 Thompson 

940-683-3400 

Carry-out, 

Delivery, Catering 

Tues-Sun 11a.m.-9p.m. 

47 US Hwy 380 

Bridgeport 

940-683-3733 

P.O. Box 1104 • Bridgeport, Texas 76426 • 940-683-2076 • Fax: 940-683-3969 • Email: bridgeportchamber@embarqmail.com

18 

Bridgeport (continued) 

Planning and Zoning — second Monday 

f each month at 5 p.m. at City Hall 

Park Board — first Wednesday of each 

onth at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall 

Airport Board — first Monday of each 

onth at 6 p.m. at the Bridgeport Municial 

Airport 

Library Board — fourth Monday of even 

umbered months at 5:15 p.m. at the 

ridgeport Public Library 

Main Street Board — fourth Thursday 

f each month at 12:30 p.m. at Sagebrush 

afe 

Cultural Arts Board — fourth Thursday 

f each month at 6:30 p.m. at Bridgeport 

tage 


Mayor: Donald Majka 

Mayor Pro-tem: Al Scott 

Council members: Scott Cheves, Ilene 

nochs, Robert Vidal and Billy Fred Walker 

POLICE 

000 Thompson St. 

940) 683-3430 

olice Chief: Randy Singleton 

17 reserve officers, five dispatchers, two 

nimal control officers, one administraive 

manager, property evidence clerk and 

ecords clerk 


08 Harvey 

940) 683-3446 

ire Chief: Michael McComis 


Bridgeport City Pool 

106 8th St. 

940) 683-3480 

• Bridgeport Community Center 

1102 Lawdwin Ave. 

(940) 683-3407 

• Bridgeport Country Club and Golf Course 

250 FM 2123 

(940) 683-9438 

• Bridgeport Municipal Airport 

299 L.V. Selz Rd. 

(940) 683-3690 

• Bridgeport Public Library 

2159 10th St. 

(940) 683-3450 

• Bridgeport Stage 

1009 Halsell 

(940) 683-3485 

PARKS 

• Harwood Park (two playgrounds, picnic 

tables, pavilion, walking trail and lights, 

barbecue grills, xeriscape garden, open 

play area, horseshoe pits, restrooms) 

707 Hovey St. 

To reserve the pavilion, call Parks and Recreation 

at 683-3480 

• Northwest Park (ATV park and hiking trail 

system) 

north of town off of Texas 101 

• Payne Park (covered skate park, picnic 

tables, playground equipment, basketball 

court, open play area, restrooms) 

409 W. Cates St. 

• Wise County Park (three two-lane boat 

ramps with ample parking, restrooms, 

handicap access, picnic areas, camping) 

372 County Road 1638, on the north end of 

Lake Bridgeport, west of Farm Road 2952 

(940) 644-1910 

SCHOOLS 

The class 3A school district has five campuses 

— an elementary, intermediate, 

middle, and high school and an alternative 

high school (A.C.E.). 


2107 15th St. 

(940) 683-5124 

Superintendent: Eddie Bland 

• Wise County Special Education Cooperative 

2105 16th St. 

(940) 683-8361 


1107 8th St. 

(940) 683-2076 

Executive Director: Teri Bland 

•membership lunch every third Thursday 

at 11:30 a.m. at the Lion’s Hall 

EVENTS 

(FEBRUARY) 

• Daddy/Daughter Dance 

• Hearts and Flowers on Halsell Valentine’s 

Dinner 

(MAY) 

• second weekend: Butterfield Stage Days parade, 

carnival, street dance and PRCA rodeo 

• Wise County Art Association Show 

(OCTOBER) 

• second weekend: Coal Miner’s Heritage 

Festival 

(NOVEMBER) 

• day after Thanksgiving: Friday Frenzy 

(DECEMBER) 

• Christmas parade and program 

• Breakfast with Santa 

• Home for the Holidays Downtown 

Bridgeport 

• Bridgeport Box office shows movies 

downtown monthly

Open Hearts. Open Minds. 

Open Doors. 

The People of the... 

First 

United 

Methodist 

Church 

of Bridgeport 

SUNDAY 

Worship ................8:45 & 11 a.m. 

Fellowship ....................9:45 a.m. 

Sunday School .................10 a.m. 

Nursery provided for all services 

Come worship, study, serve 

and fellowship with family. 

Ministries available for all ages. 

Rev. Dana Coker 

940-683-2780 or 940-683-4193 

608 17th Street, Bridgeport 

Email: bridgeportfumc@dtnspeed.net 

www.fumcbridgeport.com 

Always 

Unique 

Floral 

Visit historic downtown Bridgeport for 

Shopping • Dining • Fun for the whole family! 

FEBRUARY 

• Hearts and Flowers 

on Halsell 

Valentine’s Dinner 

APRIL 

• Easter Eggstravaganza 

MAY 

• Butterfield Stage Days 

Stickhorse Rodeo and 

Rodeo Parade 

Open Tues.-Sat. • Late by Appt. 

1018 Halsell Street • Bridgeport 

940-683-8001 

The Hope Chest 

SEPTEMBER 

• Dog Days 

Sidewalk Sales 

OCTOBER 

• Coal Miners 

Heritage 

Festival 

• Halloween Costume 

Parade and 

Trick or Treating 

NOVEMBER 

• Friday Frenzy 

DECEMBER 

• Home for the 

Holidays 

Celebration 

• Lighted 

Christmas 

Parade 

BRIDGEPORT MAIN STREET 

940-683-3485 

www.cityofbridgeport.net/mainstreet 

Come visit us in the NEW Visitors Center (Opening early fall 2009) 

The Bridgeport Stage 

A versatile performance and training venue available for rent at reasonable rates. 

940-683-3485 

Off 380 productions at the Bridgeport Stage throughout the year. 

Choose us for your 

Bridal Registry 

& Receive 10% off 

wedding flowers 

& Gifts 

We can service all your floral needs 

for that special day! 

Delivery available 

1212 Stevens St. • Bridgeport, TX 76426 

940-683-2025 

alwaysuniquefloralandgifts.com 

Gems by Jen 

Tyler Candle Co. 

“The Pink Chickie” 

girls apparel & accessories 

Exquisite Home Decor & Gifts 

A Resale Shop Benefitting 

Domestic Violence Task Force 

1015 Halsell St. 

www.wisehope.org 

Terra Cotta 

Deli 

Coffee House 

Open for Lunch 

902 Halsell • Bridgeport 

940-683-3100 

Fine Gifts 

Brown’s 

Barber Shop 

Downtown 

Browns 

1014 Halsell Street 

Bridgeport 

$11 Haircuts 


Open Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. 

Kitchen: 940-683-8030 

Cell: 817-821-7140 

Insurance: Motorcycle, Boat, Business, 

Disability, LTC, Auto, Home, Health, Life & 

Annuities 

Mutual Funds: IRA, Education Savings, 401k 

Banking: Credit Cards, CDs, Loans, Mortgage 

David Correll 

State Farm Insurance 

1101 Halsell St. • Bridgeport, TX 

940-683-2385 

Providing Insurance and Financial Services 

Office Supplies Now Here 

1117 Halsell Street • Bridgeport 

1650 FM 51 • Decatur 

940-627-1017 • 940-683-5997 

Idulge Your Inner Fashionista 

1103 Halsell St. • Bridgeport 

940-683-6460 

Layaway Available 

BODY 

FITNUS 

Hours 

M-T • 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

Friday • 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. 

Saturday • 8 a.m. - noon 

Gym • Training 

901 Halsell Street • Bridgeport, TX 76426 940.683.6333 

Duckwalls 


940-683-8169 

19

20 

Chico 


ROCK QUARRY 

WHAT’S NEW 

• A new high school and elementary 

school are being built on a 

40-acre site directly south of the 

current high school at 1205 W. 

Sherman. 

• 1,100 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• 12 miles northwest of Decatur 

on Farm Road 1810 

CITY HALL 

113 W. Decatur St. 

(on the square) 

(940) 644-2435 

CITY STAFF 

• Municipal judge: Karen Green 

• Associate judge: Kay Swaim 

• City secretary: Trish Payne 

• Assistant city secretaries: Anita 

Long and Jenny Riddles 

WEB SITE 

• www.cityofchicotexas.com 

TAX RATE 


MEETINGS 

• City council — 7 p.m. first Tuesday 

of each month at City Hall 

• Economic Development Board 

— 6:30 p.m. last Monday of the 

month at city hall 


• Mayor: J.D. Clark 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Karen Garrison 

• Council members: Fletta Barrett, 

Aracely Delgado and Sue Manning 

BOARDS 

• Library 

Michelle Slonaker 

(940) 644-2330 

• Parks 

Don Barnes 

(940) 644-2435 

• Cemetery 

Paul Grimes 

(940) 644-5200 

POLICE 

206 S. Buffalo St. 

(940) 644-5855 


102 N. Weatherford St. 

(940) 644-5302 

AMENITIES 

• Chico Public Library 

109 W. Jacksboro 

(940) 644-2330 

PARKS 

• M. Robinson Park (playground, 

sand volleyball court, a gazebo, 

picnic tables, large pavilion and 

restrooms) 

• Jewel Park (baseball fields) 

SCHOOLS 

The class 2A district has three 

campuses — an elementary, junior 

high and high school. 


400 S. Hovey St. 

(940) 644-2228 

Superintendent: Mike Jones 


(940) 644-2515

21 

Welcome to 

Chico and Welcome 

to Wise County! 

Chico Chamber of 

Commerce 

www.chicotexaschamber.com 

Ask your dog! 

9 out of 10 dogs surveyed prefer 

BlooMoon Pet Resort to other boarding options* 

*Survey of cats found 10 of 10 prefer BlooMoon! 

© 

Climate controlled boarding 

in clean , spacious runs with 

frequent “potty” breaks b k in large l 

grassy yards - Cat boarding too! 

Full Service Grooming 

Positive Reinforcement 

Obedience Training 

for Puppies and Adult Dogs 

940 . 644 . 2722 

Retail Shop 

Chico, Texas 

Pick up & Delivery 

www.bloomoonpetresort.com 

The Back Forty & 

Briarcreek Designs 

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED WROUGHT IRON 

STONE AND TILE CREATIONS 

ACCENT PIECES • ACCESSORIES 

KITCHEN & BATH • LIGHTING 

300 W. Wise • Bowie, Texas, 76230 

940-872-2631 

www.briarcreekdesigns.com

22 

Decatur 


SWAP MEET 

• 6,275 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• Wise County seat 


• 60 miles northwest of Dallas on 

U.S. 81/287 


CITY HALL 

201 E. Walnut St. 

(940) 627-2741 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Diane Cockrell 

• City manager: Brett Shannon 

• City attorney: Mason Woodruff 

• Finance director: Brad Burnett 

• Human Resources Administrator: 

Diana Allen 

• Accounting/HR: Mary Ann Henline 

PLANNING AND ZONING 

COMMISSION 

• Chair: Tim Rieger 

• Vice chairman: Jerry Watson 

• Members: Randy Bowker, Bob 

Bastian, Donald Willis, Charlotte 

Williamson and Terry Berube 

TAX RATE 


WATER DISTRICT TAX RATE 

• $.145 per $100 property valuation 

MEETINGS 

• City council meets at 6 p.m. the 

second and fourth Monday of the 

month at city hall. 

• Planning and Zoning Commission 

meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of 

the month at city hall. 

• The Water District Board meets 

at 5 p.m. the second Tuesday of the 

month at city hall. 

• The Library Board meets at 5 p.m. 

the third Tuesday of the month 

at the Decatur Public Library. The 

board does not meet in August or 

December. 

• The Economic Development 

Corporation meets at 4 p.m. the third 

Tuesday of the month at city hall. 

• The Decatur Hospital Board meets 

at 6 p.m. the fourth Monday of the 

month at the Wise Regional Health 

System conference room. 

• The cemetery board meets at 10 

a.m. the second Monday of the odd 

numbered months at city hall. 


• Mayor: Joe Lambert 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Martin Woodruff 

Council members: Tim Murphy, Jay 

Davidson, Jason Wren, Pam Holland 

and Randy Parker

Soul-Winning 

Bible-Believing 

King James Bible 

Missionary 

Fundamental 

Old-Fashioned 

Reaching the World 

I 

BLouis 

MMANUEL 

APTIST 

Horton, Pastor 

One by One 

Sunday School ..........................10 a.m. 

Morning Worship ............... 10:45 a.m. 

Children’s Church.............. 10:55 a.m. 

Evening Prayer ...........................6 p.m. 

Evening Worship .................. 6:30 p.m. 

Wednesday ..................................7 p.m. 

Home of Immanuel Baptist Christian Academy 

106 S. Lane • Decatur, Texas • 940-627-5248 

Unusual Mix of Vintage 

Antiques & Gift Decor 

119 West Main ~ Decatur 

940-627-1993 

Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Give your kids something 

good to do 

after school... 

FAR MORE 

THAN JUST A 

FEED STORE! 

FARM & RANCH SUPPLY 

PURINA & MFM FEED DEALER 

Let Us Be 

Your Source 

For Feed, 

Fertilizer, 

Fencing & 

Trailers in 

Wise County. 

An On-Campus After-School Program Providing: 

• Fitness • Art • Homework Help 

• Community Partnerships 

• Lower Student-to-Teacher Ratios 

for more information, call (940) 393-5292 

Plus Other Gift Items! 

FARM & RANCH SUPPLY 

940-627-2312 • 1817 Hwy. 287 • Decatur 

Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

www.agvantagefarmandranch.com 

23

DECATUR 

Whether you plan to spend a day... or a lifetime in Decatur, 

we welcome you to Wise County’s crown jewel, the historic 

SQUARE 

Experience the 

April 

• Easter Event 

• City Wide Garage Sale 

• City Wide Clean Up 

May 

• Preservation Month 

• Decatur 5k 

June 

• Chisholm Trail Days 

Western Heritage Event 

July 

• Summer Dayze 

Motorcycle Show 

September 

• City Wide Garage Sale 

November 

• Veterans Day Event 

• Lucky 7 Shopping Promotion 

• Afternoon Tea & Delights 

December 

• Moonlight Madness 

• Christmas Parade 

• Christmas on the Square 

rebirth of the 

Square through 

the city of 

Decatur Main 

Street Program 

and join us 

throughout the 

year for food 

and fun in the 

shadow of our 

pink granite 

Courthouse. 

202 

121 

119 

115 

113 

109 

105 

103 

201 

Cruise Nights 

On the Courthouse Square 

May - Oct. (Excluding July) 

First Saturday of the Month 

Movie Nights 

Every other Thursday Night 

on the Square, June-August 

Girls Night Out 

2nd Thursday Evenings 

N. State Street 

114 

112 

110 

108 

W. Walnut Street 

119 

117 

115 

111 

109 

106 

102 

105 

103 

101 

106 

106 

S. Trinity 

100 

W. Main Street 

Visitors 

Center 

Wise Co. 

Heritage 

Museum 

1602 

S. Trinity 

405 N. Trinity 

Veterans Park 

N. Trinity Street 

S. Trinity Street 

W 

114 

108 

104 

102 

100 

107 

109 

111 

115 

N 

S 

1889 

Historic 

Wedding 

Chapel 

E 

201 E. Hale 

1889weddingchapel.com 

817-489-1844 

24

25 

W. Main Street N. State Street W. Walnut Street N. Trinity Street 

101 Law Offices of 

Carol Ann Carson, P.C. 

Attorney at Law 

Fax 940-627-1559 

940-627-8080 

103 

940-626-4603 

Quality Merchandise, Affordable Prices 

105 Law Office of 

Clinton E. Phillips 

clint@clintphillipslaw.com 

Fax 940-626-0089 

940-626-0062 

109 

We buy Gold & Silver 

 

111 Harris Music 

Instruments & Accessories 

940-627-5737 

115 Main Street Mall 

Antiques, Collectibles, 

Primitives, Antique Glass & Fiesta 

940-627-3177 

115 

 

117 

119 

201 

* 

Classic Home 

Consignment Shoppe 

* 

Inside Main St. Mall 

DMC Floss 

940-627-3177 

Attorneys & Counselors at Law 

Jean P. Bishop, Samuel C. Bishop & 

Jason P. Hartman 

940-627-6800 

Unusual Mix of Vintage 

Antique and Gift Décor 

940-627-1993 

Lunch and Dinner Daily 

940-626-4555 

* 

* 

BISHOP 

& BISHOP 

103 

Since 1899 

Auto, Home, Life, Commercial, 

Bonds & Recreational Insurance 

940-627-5000 

105 Simpson, Boyd & 

Suite Powers, LLP 

B 

109 

113 

115 

119 

121 

Attorneys at Law 

www.sbplaw.com 

Fax 940-627-8092 

940-627-8308 

Floors & More 

Flooring & Design Center 

940-627-519 

CAFE 

Upscale Down-home Cooking 

Lunch 

Tuesday-Sunday 8a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 

940-627-1777 

Children’s Parties, 

Mending & Alterations, 

Homecoming Mums 

940-626-3727 

Apparel and Gifts 

Embellishments 

940- 627-1911 

TRINITY RIVER 

FURNITURE MFG 

Design Studio and Gallery 

Custom Built Furniture 

and Restoration 

662-419-6518 

100 My IT Solutions 

Computer Sales, Service 

and Repair, AdvoCare 

www.My-IT-Solutions.com 

940-626-1484 

102 Sewell & Forbis 

Christopher N. Forbis 

Attorney at Law 

940-627-2143 

106 

Residential & Commercial 

Design, Construction Detailing 

www.grandeurdesign.com 

940-626-2121 

108 Sunshine Square 

Children’s Clothes, Baby 

Registry & Tuxedo Rentals 

sunshinesquare@embarqmail.com 

940-627-3394 

110 The What Not Shop 

Craft Mall 

Accessories, Unique Gifts, 

Handmade Hair Bows 

and Spirit Gear 

940-627-8400 

112 Cabbage Patch Café 

Home-cooked Specials 

M-F 11 am – 2 pm 

940-627-5600 

114 

RIEGER’S 

GALLERY 

& FRAMING 

riegersgallery@embarqmail.com 

940-626-2112 

Photography by Maria 

Fine Photography 

940-627-6771 

202 WISE OFFICE 

FURNITURE 

Business or Home Office 

New and Used Furniture 

wofurniture.com 

940-627-6141 

101 Woodruff & Wren, L.L.P. 


Mason L Woodruff , 

Stephen J. Wren, Jennifer Wren 

www.woodruffwren.com 

940-627-2162 

102 Roberts 

Barber Shop 

Old Time Barber Shop 

104 

Real Estate Broker 

940-627-4427 

108 Memory Lane 

 

 

Bridal and Baby Registry 

940-627-1121 

114 Nell’s Nook 

Non-Profit Benefiting Hospice 

940-626-8005 

S. Trinity Street 

107 Flawless Lines 

 

109 

 

Your full service hair care salon 

940-627-7513 

A Complete Printing Service 

vicprinting@earthlink.net 

940-627-7468 

111 Texas Insurance Agency 

 

115 

 

940-627-5332 

940-627-5987

Decatur (continued) 

POLICE 

Station located at 1601 S. State St. 

Rex Hoskins is police chief with 21 

fficers and nine reserves. 

Call (940) 627-1500 for nonmergencies. 

DECATUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Office located at 301 W. Main St. (940) 

27-3107 Web site is www.decaturtx.com. 

Misty Hudson, executive director 

Janna Bearden, president 

Membership luncheon held at 11:30 

.m. every fourth Tuesday of the month, 

xcept June, July and August, at the 

ecatur Civic Center. 

DECATUR MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 

he oldest airport in the state, 

stablished in 1914. 

Located one mile north of town on 

arm Road 730. 

Features a 4,202-foot by 60-foot runway 

ith a 17,000-pound dual wheel weightearing 

capacity. Runway is accessible 24 

ours a day and illuminated with medium 

ntensity light. 

Automated weather observation system 

an be reached at (940) 627-2365. 

Decatur Jet Center offers airport 

aintenance and pilot shop plus flight 

nstruction. Wayne’s Aircraft Service 

offers maintenance and chartered tours. 

• Clear View Aviation rents hangar and 

office space at the airport. 

• More airport information at (940) 627- 

2855. 

EVENTS 

• Wise County Antique Auto Swap Meet 

in February 

• Main Street Easter Event featuring an 

egg hung on Easter weekend 

• Main Street Clean sweep on last 

Saturday in April 

• Cruise Nights on the Square on first 

Saturday of the month from May through 

October, except for July 

• WC Challenger Charities Professional 

Bull Riding event in May 

• Chisholm Trail Days in June 

• City wide garage sale in September 

• Wise County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in 

September 

• Decatur Farm and Toy Show in October 

• Moonlight Madness Parade on first 

Saturday in December 

AMENITIES 

• The Decatur Civic Center is located at 

2010 U.S. 380 West. Phone number is 

(940) 627-2369. 

• Harmon Park located on N. Miller 

Street features free skateboard park and 

baseball fields 

• Public library is located at 1700 S. Farm 

Road 51 

• Decatur Country Club is located at 211 

Country Club Road 

• Decatur Senior Citizens Center is 

located at 1200 N. Miller St. 

• Decatur is a Texas Main Street City. 

Contact Frieda Hanley, director, at (940) 

627-6158 or visit the Decatur Visitors 

Center on Trinity Street in the refurbished 

post office. 

HEALTH CARE 

• Wise Regional Health System serves all 

of Wise County. Master facility is located 

off Farm Road 51 South at 609 Medical 

Center Drive. Phone number is (940) 627- 

5921. 

• The hospital also features a wellness 

center with an indoor pool and a fitness 

center 

SCHOOLS 

• The Class 3A Decatur Independent 

School District has six campuses — two 

elementaries, an intermediate, a middle 

school, a high school and an alternative 

high school 

• Administration building located at 501 

E. Collins St. (940) 627-3215 

• Gary Gindt is superintendent 

26 

TRINITY RIVER 

FURNITURE MFG 

Unique Handcrafted 

Home Accessories 

Restored Solid Wood Furniture, 

Furniture Re-Upholstery and 

Custom Built Furniture 

We Build... You Save 

Bring this ad to receive 20% off all in-stock furniture or 

15% off all custom orders. 50% down, balance paid 

in 3 equal installments...NO INTEREST 

121 N. State St. • Decatur • 662-419-6518 

www.trinityriverfurniture.com 

Auto • Aircraft • Motorcycles • RVs • Boats 

“Proud Detailers of Air Force One” 

N. Texas’ “One Stop Shop” 

For all your detailing needs 

Accessories • Custom and Performance Parts 

New & Used Tires: All brands, any size 

Hail Damage/Dent Repair Service 

Gift Certificates Available 

1717 S. US 287 • Decatur 

940-627-7198

27 

Welcome 

to Decatur, Texas – Rich in charm, history, beauty, 

pride and an abundance of opportunity. 

Shop 

Decatur 

Invest in 

Your Future 

Calendar of Events 

• Monthly Luncheons 

- 4th Tuesday of 

each month (except 

June, July, August & 

December) 

Your chamber is a service institution and an 

action organization. It provides a medium through 

which people can take effective action for the 

progress of our community. It works to create job 

opportunities, expand our tax base, attract tourists 

and visitors and improve community facilities such 

as streets, highways, parks, schools and human 

resources. 

If you are interested in being a part of your 

growing community, we encourage you to become 

a member of your chamber of commerce. 

Over 325 members and growing strong. 

Member Investment 

Benefits: 

• Two free listings in the 

Chamber Directory and 

Business Guide 

• Free listing on the chamber 

web site 

• Official ribbon cutting at your 

place of business 

• Free listing in the new 

member section of the 

monthly newsletter 

• Brochure and business card 

display and distribution 

• Networking opportunities 

• Subscription to the monthly 

newsletter 

• Member referrals 

• A voice in government 

• An opportunity to become 

involved 

• A voice in the community 

Decatur Chamber of Commerce 

308 W. Main St. • Decatur • 940-627-3107 

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • www.decaturtx.com 

June 

• Annual Father’s Day 

Golf Tournament 

• Chisholm Trail Days 

September 

• Chamber of 

Commerce Annual 

Auction 

November 

• Veterans Day 

Celebration 

• Lucky Seven City- 

Wide Shopping 

Promotion 

December 

• Moonlight Madness 

• Parade of Lights, 

Tour of Lights

Greenwood/Slidell 

The Slidell and 

Greenwood communities 

in Wise County are not 

incorporated. 

GREENWOOD 

• Greenwood is located 

west of Farm Road 51 

between Decatur and Slidell 

on Farm Road 1204. 

• Greenwood has two 

churches, a country store, a 

post office, a volunteer fire 

department and a 

Masonic Lodge and Eastern 

Star group. 

• The downtown pavilion 

serves as the venue for the 

annual Youth Fair Buyer’s 

Association Barbecue, 

Greenwood Art Show and 

Greenwood Homecoming. 

• The annual homecoming 

is held the first Sunday in 

June. 

• The Greenwood Fall 

Festival is held the second 

Saturday in October. 

• The Greenwood Art Show 

is held the second Saturday 

in April. 

• Greenwood has no police 

department. Call 911 to 

reach the Wise County 

Sheriff’s Department for 

emergencies. 

• Children attend school at 

Decatur or Slidell ISD. 

SLIDELL 

WHAT’S NEW IN SLIDELL 

• Eagles Canyon Raceway, 

a European-style, 2.5-mile 

road course, is now open 

near Slidell, a quarter-mile 

south of the intersection of 

Farm Roads 455 and 51. 

For information on Eagles 

Canyon Raceway, visit www. 

eaglescanyon.com. 

• Slidell is located 15 miles 

north of Decatur east of the 

intersection of FM 51 and 

FM 455. 

• Slidell is home to several 

farmers and ranchers and 

to residents who enjoy an 

easy commute to Denton, 

Gainesville and the 

Metroplex. 

• Slidell has no police 

department. All 

emergencies are handled 

through the Wise County 

Sheriff’s Department at 911. 

• Slidell has two cafes and a 

post office. 

• Slidell school district is 

Class 1A and covers grades 

K-12. The elementary, junior 

and high schools and the 

administration building 

are located at 1 Greyhound 

Lane. 

• Greg Enis is 

superintendent. 

• (940) 466-3118. 


GREENWOOD ART SHOW 

28

24-Hour Wrecker Service 

• Fleet includes 5 wreckers 

• Fast, courteous, dependable service 

• Reasonable rates 

“Large or small, we can tow it.” 

Kemp’s Wrecker Service 

RRC #37411 

940-627-3347 

171 FM 2264 • Decatur • Mobile: 940-393-9184 

Rio Rancho 

Estates 

Phase 1 

Corridor Homes Build on your 

lot or ours 817-747-9000 

1.5 miles E. of 287 on Hwy 407 

Lots starting at $47,500! 

Water system and septic 

provided by builder. 

Homes from the $250’s 

Sylvan = Real Results. eal Guaranteed. 

Results. Guaranteed. 

Our expert instructors will develop a learning plan that is tailor-made for your child and guarantees 

real academic progress. In as little as 36 hours of instruction, your child will improve one grade 

level equivalent - guaranteed.* 

✔ Develops independent work habits 

✔ Improves attitudes 

Now open 

in Decatur! 

✔ Motivates learning 

✔ Provides feedback for parents and teachers 

940-627-0226 CALL NOW! 

1714 S Fm 51 

Suite 18 

Decatur, Texas 76234 

VISIT US ONLINE 

SylvanLearning.com 

READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST-TAKING, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PREP AND MORE! 

Sherry Watson 

817-747-9000 

or 

Allen Arnold 

817-501-8410 

Jess Harber 

940-255-9033 

or 

Allen Arnold 

817-501-8410 

2 blocks E. of 

High School 

Full city utilities. 

Lots beginning at 

$22,500 

Homes from the $120’s 

Hwy 287 & 114 

20 minutes from downtown Ft. Worth, 10 

minutes from Alliance Airport. 

Full city services in the city of Rhome. 

Only 5 lots left! From $32,000 

You can bring your own builder. 

Homes from $225,000 

Prada Shops • Decatur (Next to Radio Shack) 

940-627-2014 

Prada Shops • Decatur • 940-627-1017 

Halsell Street • Bridgeport • 940-683-5997 

Prada Shops • Decatur • 940-627-9000 

Halsell Street • Bridgeport • 940-683-4911 

From left to right: Michelle Foreman, Jared Lucier, 

Marianne Henderson, Amanda Brown, Laura 

Caswell, Joe Neil Henderson, Dalton Behringer, 

Drew Grantham 

Exclusively AT&T... 

All About Serving YOU! 

Top Row: Marianne Henderson, Joe Neil Henderson 

Bottom Row: Sherrie Skelton, Alicia Hammond 

“Get Dish and 

Get it HERE!” 

Top Row: Wanda Mills, Peter Franco, 

Joe Neil Henderson, Emma Armitage 

Bottom Row: Robin May, Marianne Henderson, 

Regina Stone 

Design, Copy, Print, Ship, Office Supply 

“Think Big!” 

We specialize in large format copies, 

scanning and full color prints! 

29

Lake Bridgeport 

• 372 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• about 7 miles west of Bridgeport on the east 

shore of Lake Bridgeport 

301 S. Main St. 

(940) 683-2700 

CITY HALL 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Gail Podhaisky 

WEB SITE 

• www.cityoflakebridgeport.com 


SUNRISE ON LAKE BRIDGEPORT 

POLICE 

• The Wise County Sheriff’s Office at (940) 627- 

5971 responds to calls in the city. For emergencies, 

dial 911. 

SCHOOLS 

Lake Bridgeport is part of Bridgeport’s Class 3A 

school district that has five campuses — an elementary, 

intermediate, middle, and high school 

and an alternative high school (A.C.E.). 


2107 15th St., Bridgeport 

(940) 683-5124 

• Superintendent: Eddie Bland 

EVENTS 

• Lake clean-up first Saturday of June 

30

BRIDGEPORT 

GOLD & SILVER 

Custom Jewelers and Jewelry Repair 

EST: 1983 

aAuthorized dealer of 

Red Box Diamond 

For Trust, Confidence and Security. 

600 W. Walnut • Suite A• Decatur 

940-626-1414 

www.noahsarkpetstore.com 

Hours: 

Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun., Closed 

• Fish 

• Birds 

• Reptiles 

• Puppies 

• Kittens 

Grooming by 

Appointment 

IT’S HYBRID TIME! 

1408 Chico Hwy at P & W Center, Bridgeport 

940-683-3535 

Tues-Fri 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

www.bridgeportgold.com 

9 pound, 9 ounce Hybrid caught 6-1-09 

Lake Bridgeport Guide Service 

Hybrids • Sand Bass 

22 ft. Center Console • All Equipment Furnished 

Live Bait • Downriggers 

Keith Bunch 

Licensed Guide 

940-683-4858 • cell 940-577-0363 

See the catch at 

www.lakebridgeportguideservice.com 

12 Year Parts and Labor 

on Qualified Equipment 

Help stimulate the economy! 

Purchase an Extra Privilege 

Agreement & Receive 

• 10% discount on service calls, parts & labor 

• Priority Service 

• Service by Experienced, Professional Technicians 

• Protects Equipment Warranties 

Residential Tax Credit 

• Larger Tax Credit $1500 

• Retroactive term of Jan 1, 2009 - Dec 31, 2010 

• Entire Credit can be used on a single 

qualifying improvement 

• Lifetime limit removed from previous claims 

• Expanded Geothermal Tax Credit up to 30% 

of installation cost can be claimed in year 

of installation and does not expire until 

Dec. 31, 2016. 

MANN REFRIGERATION, INC. 

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING • SINCE 1950 

701 CATES ST. 

BRIDGEPORT, TX 76426 

www.mannair.com 

mannrefrig@embarqmail.com 

940-683-6266 

940-627-2278 

800-558-6266 

We Encourage 

Professionalism 

Through Technician 

Certification by NATE 

TACLA009463C 

31

New Fairview 

• 1,034 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• 12 miles southeast of Decatur 

• 31 miles northwest of Fort 

Worth 

CITY HALL 

999 Illinois Lane 

(817) 638-5366 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Monica 

Rodriguez 

• City attorney: David Dodd 

• City planner: Dan Boutwell 

• City engineer: Gary Fisher 

• City auditor: Pete Chaney 

• Sewage inspector: Kaci Wilson 

• Code enforcement: Don 

Strange 

• City maintenance: Ollie 

Washburn 

• Building inspector: Lee Barry 

WEB SITE 

• www.ci.new-fairview.tx.us/ 

TAX RATE 

• no city tax rate 

MEETINGS 

•City council — 7 p.m every 

third Tuesday of the month at 

city hall 


• Mayor: Joe Max Wilson 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Louis Moran 

• Council members: Mark Willis, 

Mike Georgia, Curtis Kent and 

Rick White 


THE BELL TOWER OF A NEW FAIRVIEW CHURCH 

SCHOOLS 

New Fairview students attend 

schools in either Decatur’s 3A 

school district or Northwest’s 5A 

school district. 

• Decatur Administration 

Building 

501 E. Collins 

(940) 627-3215 

• Northwest Administration 

Building 


(817) 215-6473 


• South Wise Chamber of 

Commerce 

(817) 636-2783, ext. 5 

32

33 

Place Your Family’s 

Health in Good Hands 

Jeff Alling, M.D. 

Larry J. Cooper, M.D. 

Thomas Long, M.D. 

Thomas Steffen, M.D. 

C. Kelley Tibbels, M.D. 

Shawn L. White, M.D. 

Family Medicine 

Obstetrics 

General & Vascular Surgery 

Pediatrics 

* Same Day Appointments Available * 

Radiology (Decatur Only) 

Full Service Lab 

DOT Physicals/Drug Screens 

Worker’s Comp 

627-7443 Wise County 

Medical & Surgical Association 

683-5287 

1001 Eagle Dr. • Decatur, Texas 

1903 Doctors’ Hospital Drive, Ste. 36 • Bridgeport, Texas 

Clinic Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm 

Urgent Care Available Mon. - Fri. 5:30 pm -8 pm • Sat. & Sun. Hours

34 

Newark 

POPULATION 

• 1,100 

LOCATION 

• 19.2 miles southeast 

of Decatur 

• 24 miles northwest of 

Fort Worth 

• 1 mile from Eagle 

Mountain Lake 

CITY HALL 

310 FM 718 

(817) 489-2201 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Sherry 

Edgemon 

• Court clerk: Amy 

Cromer 

• Director of public 

works: Chris Cromer 

• Municipal court 

judge: Manuel T. Valdez 

• City engineer: Gary 

Burton 

• Librarian: Megan 

Suffling 

WEB SITE 

• www.newarktexas. 

com 

TAX RATE 

•$0.5270 per $100 

valuation 

MEETINGS 

• City Council — 7 p.m. 

first and third Thursday 

of the month at the 

Community Center 


• Mayor: Matt Newby 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Lucille 

Drain 

• Council members: 

Robert Wells, Jerry 

Davidson, Laura Pixler 

and Chana Massey 

POLICE 

310 FM 718 

Police Chief Edmund 

Terry Fiene 


406 Hudson St. 

(817) 489-2331 

Fire Chief James 

Edgemon 

AMENITIES/ 

NOTEWORTHY 

• Newark Public Library 


(817) 489-2224 

• Newark Community 

Center 


(817) 489-3056 

PARKS 

• Delora Doughty Royal 

City Park 

corner of Hudson and 

McCanne, directly 

across from the Newark 

Fire Hall 

• South Wise County 

Park (public boat ramp, 

picnic tables) 

west of Newark on 

County Road 4873 

SCHOOLS 

Newark is in 

Northwest’s 5A school 

district. Residents of 

Newark attend one 

of two elementary 

schools: 

• Seven Hills 

Elementary, Newark 

654 FM 3433 

(817) 215-0700 

• Prairie View 

Elementary 

609 FM 3433, Rhome 

(817) 215-0550 


CRUISIN’ DAYS, ONE OF NEWARK’S BIGGEST EVENTS, IS HELD THE THIRD SATURDAY OF OCTOBER 

Middle school students 

attend: 

• Chisholm Trail Middle 

School, Rhome 

583 FM 3433 

(817) 215-0600 

High school students 

attend: 

• Northwest High 

School 


(817) 215-0200 

•Administration 

Building 


(817) 215-6473 

CHAMBER OF 

COMMERCE 

Newark is a member 

of the South Wise 


(817) 636-2783, ext. 5 

EVENTS 

(MARCH) 

• first Saturday: Chili 

Supper 

(OCTOBER) 

• third Saturday: 

Cruisin’ Days 

(DECEMBER) 

• first Saturday: Santa 

in the Park

35 

Grand L40 Series 

ALL NEW RTV 1140, RTV 1100, 900, 500 

B26 TLB 

Kubota’s 2009 Line-up 

Kubota’s 2007 Line-up 

M Series 

New Grand M L40 Series Series • New • B26 RTV TLB • Excavators • M Series • Zero ZD Series Turn 

35 Kubota years ago, is the we only introduced major tractor the compact company tractor selling to America. in the 

The United rest, States as they that say, still is designs history. and manufactures the major 

components for all of our diesel tractors. 

Today, we’re proud to unveil the newest members of 

the Kubota family. As always, we offer our best in quality, 

innovation and value. 

Kubota is...Kubota 

“THE BEST THERE IS” 

Zimmerer Kubota & Equipment, Inc. Inc. 

3472 S. US Hwy. 287 3472 Decatur, S. US Hwy. TX 287 76234 940-627-4744 

www.kubota.com 

(940) 627-4744 ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2007 

3472 S. US www.kubota.com Hwy. 287 

Decatur, TX 76234 

SALES • SERVICE 

©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2007 

Decatur, • PARTS TX 76234 • RENTAL 

(940) 627-4744 

Excavators - 10HP Compact to 8 Ton Utility Class 

ZD Series

36 

Paradise 


HOMECOMING PARADE DRAWS A CROWD IN THE FALL 

WHAT’S NEW 

• An early education center will 

be added to the elementary 

school, along with the addition 

of classrooms, a library and a 

cafeteria to the junior high and a 

band hall/drama facility and an 

ag shop to the high school. 

• 502 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• Located on Texas 114 between 

Bridgeport and Boyd 

• 9.5 miles southwest of Decatur 

• 40.5 miles northwest of Fort 

Worth 

CITY HALL 

3238 Texas 114 

(940) 969-2114 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Teresa Moody 

MEETINGS 

• City council: 7 p.m. every third 

Thursday of the month at city 

hall 

• Economic Development Corp.: 

7:30 p.m. fourth Monday of the 

month 

• Planning and Zoning: 7 p.m. 

the last Monday as needed 


• Mayor: Nathan Cleveland 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Michael 

Robertson 

• Council members: Pauline 

Shannon, Mary Cash, Chris 

Harris and Roy Steel 

POLICE 

The Wise County Sheriff’s Office 

at (940) 627-5971 responds to 

calls in the city. For emergencies, 

dial 911. 


303 Main St. 

Fire Chief Jeff Doughty 

(940) 389-1980 

SCHOOLS 

The Paradise 2A school district 

has four campuses — an 

elementary, intermediate, junior 

high and high school. 


338 Schoolhouse Rd. 

(940) 969-2501 

Superintendent: Monty 

Chapman 

EVENTS 

(APRIL) 

• multi-church Easter sunrise 

service 

(NOVEMBER) 

• multi-church Thanksgiving 

dinner

37 

We build 

and support 

Information 

Systems. 

Consulting Services 

• Requirements analysis 

• Specifications 

• Bid collection and analysis 

• Recommendations 

Systems 

Management 

Services 

• Implementations 

• Installations, upgrades, 

maintenance 

• Security 

• Communications 

• Remote access 

ABLE 

Software Consultants, Inc. 

Serving Wise and Tarrant Counties 

817-909-1166 

info@asci.cc 

www.asci.cc 

Horsemen’s 

Depot 

For all your Equine Tack & Supplies 

Health, First Aid, Supplements 

Cinches, Reins, Bits 

New & Used Saddles 

Sport Boots 

Fly Sprays 

Saddle Pads and Blankets 

Farrier Supplies 

Pony & Mini Tack 

Ropes 

Halters, Lead Ropes 

Feeders 

Grooming Supplies 

Jewelry, Montana Silversmith 

Home Decor 

Men’s & Ladies Apparel 

Cinch • Cruel Girl • Wrangler & More 

3334 West Hwy 114 

Paradise, Texas 

940-969-2223 

Store Hours 

Mon. - Fri • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

WE DO BOOT SHINES AND SADDLE CLEANING 

WHILE YOU WAIT OR DROP OFF 

Dress Shoes Welcome Too 

We are proud to be a master 

saddle dealer. 

Professional Quality 

& Free Quotes 

SCREEN 

PRINTING 

Kelly Read & Gay Read 

940-969-3680 

328 Schoolhouse Rd. • Paradise, TX 76073 

hometowntees@earthlink.net 

Silk Screen 

Printing 

• T-Shirts 

• Sweatshirts 

• Team Apparel 

Embroidery 

• Caps 

• Apparel 

Vinyl Lettering 

Bring In 

This Ad and 

Receive 

20% 

Off 

New 

Orders 

Expires 07/2010

Rhome 


A NEW WATER TOWER WAS ERECTED IN 2008. 

• 1,420 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• 17 miles southeast of Decatur 


CITY HALL 

105 1st St. 

(817) 636-2462 

CITY STAFF 

City secretary: Ramah Burns 

Public works director: Preston Gilliam 

Municipal court clerk: Sherry Taylor 

City attorney: Walt Leonard 

Municipal court judge: Mike Sinha 

WEB SITE 

www.cityofrhome.com 

TAX RATE 


MEETINGS 

• City council: 7 p.m. every second 

Thursday of the month at the 

Rhome Annex Building 

• Planning and Zoning: 7 p.m. every 

first Monday of the month at the 

Rhome Annex Building 

38

39 

BISIDAS 

WATER WELL DRILLING 

B&B PUMP 

First in Service 

Because We Put Service First 

Pressure Cementing • Repairs • Gould Pumps 

• 500-5000 Gallon Poly Tanks • Water Tanks • Booster Pumps 

Service After the Sale 

Over 37 Years Experience Serving Wise, 

Tarrant, Denton & Surrounding Counties 

Larry Bisidas, Owner & Operator 

Your Master Well Driller 

(682) 429-3011 or www.langtoconstruction.com 

Spray Foam Insulation is the greenest, 

highest R-value insulation available 

Saves You Money EVERY month of utility bills and Pays for itself 

Quality, Energy 

Efficient 

Custom 

Homes and 

Remodeling 

We build beautiful 

Energy Star Certifi ed 

homes. That can save 

you up to 50% in 

energy costs EVERY 

month. Build on your 

lot, use your plans or 

we can help you design 

the home of your 

dreams. 

940-627-3858 

Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat., 8 a.m. - Noon 

363 CR 3170 • Decatur • Master Driller #1647AKP 

Why live in the past... 

Benefits: 

• Adds Strength • Stops Air & Moisture Infiltration 

• Deadens Sound • Permanent; Will Not Sag 

Residential & Commercial 

Existing Attics, New Construction, Barns, Metal Buildings 

(682) 429-3011 or www.earthfriendlyfoam.com 

when you can be a 

part of the future! 

Come see the NEW face of Long Term Care!! 

Senior Care Health & Rehabilitation Center 

701 West Bennett Road, Decatur, Texas 76234 • 940-626-2800 • www.scc-texas.com 

“Experience the Difference”

Rhome (continued) 


Mayor: Mark Lorance 

Mayor Pro-tem: David E. Wilson 

ouncilmembers: Chris Moore, Jo Ann 

Wilson, Shannon Jones and Charles 

ennington 

POLICE 

00 B.C. Rhome 

817) 636-2400 

olice Chief James Rose 


61 N. School Rd. 

817) 636-2001 or (817) 636-2462 

ire Chief Robert Pratt 


Rhome Community Center 

61 N. School Rd, 

SCHOOLS 

Rhome is in Northwest’s 5A school 

district. Residents of Rhome attend: 

• Prairie View Elementary 

609 FM 3433, Rhome 

(817) 215-0550 

• Chisholm Trail Middle School 

583 FM 3433, Rhome 

(817) 215-0600 

• Northwest High School 


(817) 215-0200 



(817) 215-6473 


• Rhome is a member of the South 

Wise Chamber of Commerce 

(817) 636-2783, ext. 5 

We’re There When We Say... 

Or You Don’t Pay! 

On-Duty 

Tree Service 

-Tree Trimming 

-Tree Removal 

-Chipper Service 

-Stump Grinding 

Certified Arborist 

Fully Insured • Free Estimates 

www.OnDutyTrees.com 

40 

940-393-2724

® 

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE 

41 

National award 

winning agents with 

over 30 years combined 

real estate experience 

who live in and sell 


Bariatric 

Supplements 

NOW IN STOCK 

Pharmacy 

Store Hours: 

Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

RX Drop Box Available 

for After Hours Service 

WE DELIVER! 

Lesley Nivens 

Beverly Whetsell 

Ordering a yummy smoothie at our 

drive-thru window is child’s play! 

For our “kids at heart” customers of all 

ages, we also offer delicious gourmet 

coffee. Jump-start your day at 7 a.m. with 

a cup of hot coffee at our drive-thru or 

inside at 9 a.m. in our cozy coffee bar. 

940-367-3652 e-Pro 

940-399-9545 

www.wisecountyrealestate.com 

www.decaturtexashomes.com 

Cher Tilgham 

GRI 

817-874-6510 

Larry Mader 

940-627-4523 

Our award winning main office in Keller, Texas is the 2nd 

largest Century 21 office in North Texas and North Louisiana. 

Serving: Decatur, Alvord, Paradise, Boyd, Bridgeport, 

Runaway Bay, Chico, Rhome, Haslet and surrounding counties. 

Residential (New construction and resale) 

Farm and ranch, Lots and acreage, Equine and lake properties 

TOLL FREE 1-888-522-6552 

Bibles, Books, Music, Cards, 

Children’s Books, Special Orders Available 

Bridal Gift Registry, Invitations, Floral, 

Candles, Inspirational Décor 

Convenient Drive thru 

and Coffee Bar Open at 7 a.m. 

We accept most 3rd party insurance plans including VA and most 

Medicare Part D Plans 

Specialty Compounding Centers • Se Habla Español 

709 W.W. Ray Circle • Bridgeport • www.vrchristianstore.com 

940-683-2950

Runaway Bay 

THERE ARE 

PLENTY OF 

COVES ON LAKE 

BRIDGEPORT AT 

RUNAWAY BAY 

MESSENGER PHOTO 

BY JOE DUTY 

• 1,200 

POPULATION 

LOCATION 

• On the southern shoreline of 


• 56 miles north of Fort Worth 


CITY HALL 

101 Runaway Bay Dr. 

(940) 575-4745 

CITY STAFF 

• City secretary: Liz Penny 

• City administrator: Mike Jump 

WEB SITE 

www.runawaybaytexas.com 

TAX RATE 


MEETINGS 

• City council: 7 p.m. every third 

Tuesday of the month at city hall 


• Mayor: A.L. Jowitt 

• Mayor Pro-tem: Robert Ryan 

• Council members: Jerry St. John, 

Gary Miller, Dan Ticer and Tom 

Rhea 

POLICE 

580 U.S. 380 

(940) 575-2200 

Police Chief Drew Paschall 

42

43 

Quality Service Since 1936 

from oil & filter changes to 

engine replacements 

• Computer Diagnostics 

• State Inspections 

• Engines 

• Transmissions 

• Brakes 

Selected 

Bridals 

Complete Auto Repair 

& Diagnosis 

• A/C Services 

• Tune-Ups 

• Struts & Shocks 

• Foreign & Domestic 

Flusche - A Trusted Name in Auto Repair in Wise County! 

940-627-5121 

Flusche Auto Repair 

Company 

3rd Generation Repair Shop 

802 N. Miller • Decatur 

Oldest family owned jewelry store in Wise County! 

Come see us for all your jewelry needs! 

Tue. - Sat., 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • FM 51 South • Decatur • (next to Pro Cuts) • 940-627-7090 • All Major Credit Cards Accepted 

Come Visit the Best Kept 

Secret in Wise County... 

RUNAWAY BAY 

Full Service Banking 

THE FIRST 

NATIONAL BANK 

FIRST SINCE 1890 

A Branch of the First National Bank of Jacksboro 

1055 US Hwy. 380 • Runaway Bay 

940-575-2100 

Telebank 940-374-3522 • Fax 940-575-2135 

Open Mon.-Thur., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

www.fnbjacksboro.com 

of Wise County 

Serving the health and 

human service needs 

of Wise County and 

supporting the county’s 

youth since 1979 

• Ask your employer 

about payroll 

deduction 

• Ask us about a 

workplace campaign 

Call Today! 

Martin Woodruff 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

940-627-3684 

or e-mail: 

uwwise.ed@embarqmail.com 

Read all about the wonderful things 

we’re doing in Wise County at: 

www.wisecountyunitedway.org 

Donations made here STAY HERE

Runaway Bay (continued) 



940) 575-2222 

ire Marshal Brian Bernardo 

ire Chief Jimmy White 


The Norma Coble Civic Center 

1 Runaway Bay Drive 

940) 575-4745 

The Club at Runaway Bay 

18-hole golf course and driving 

ange, banquet facility) 

00 Half Moon Way 

940) 575-2225 

Municipal Swimming Pool 

lue Bird Lane, off of exit 8 

Ratliff Drive public beach 

Modern marina – 128 lighted 

oat slips in a wind-shielding 

ove 

(940) 575-4745 

• Bay Landing 

W. U.S. 380 

(800) 374-1915 

• Thousand Trails/NACO 

Preserves 

2305 W. U.S. 380 

(940) 683-3019 

• Sid Richardson Boy Scout 

Reservation 

2282 Longhorn Dr. 

(940) 575-4243 

PARKS 

• Cricket Ridge Park 

Runaway Bay Drive, next to the 

Norma Coble Civic Center 

• West Side Park 

Runaway Bay Drive, near Elm 

Court 

• The Park at Runaway Bay 

(walking trail, playground, 

picnic areas) 

Blue Bird Lane 

SCHOOLS 

Runaway Bay is part of 

Bridgeport’s Class 3A school 

district that has five campuses 

— an elementary, intermediate, 

middle and high school and an 

alternative high school (A.C.E.). 



(940) 683-5124 

Superintendent: Eddie Bland 


Greater Runaway Bay Alliance 

office in the Norma Coble Civic 

Center 


(940) 575-4525 

www.greaterrunawaybayalliance. 

com 

Chairman: Clay Dent 

EVENTS 

Coordinated by the Greater 

Runaway Bay Alliance 

(APRIL) 

• Easter Sunday: SpringFest 

(JULY) 

• 4: FourthFest 

(AUGUST) 

• Farewell to Summer Barbecue 

at the pool 

(DECEMBER) 

• Christmas dinner and Festival 

of Lights 

44

45 

1200 NEW AND PRE-OWNED VEHICLES 

GM & HYUNDAI 

WARRANTY SERVICE 

& PARTS 

Cadillac available 

at James Wood Denton 

Late-Model Used & 

BuyHere PayHERE in 

Bridgeport 

940-683-9663 

1205 Hovey 

(114 at 114) 

On Both Sides of 

US 287 South in 

Decatur 

All Departments: 

940-627-2177 

817-430-0600 

AMERICA’S 

BEST WARRANTY 

AT THE CAR AND 

TRUCK CAPITOL 

OF TEXAS... 

JAMES WOOD 

WILL BEAT 

ANY DEAL! 

10-Years/100,000-Miles Limited Powertrain. We have the details!

WISE COUNTY Lodging 

Need a place to stay for a night or two 

Here’s a list of local motels, hotels and resorts. 

ALVORD 

Budget Motel 

1157 W. Bypass 287 

(940) 427-2318 

BRIDGEPORT 

Best Western - Bridgeport Inn 

905 U.S. 380 

(940) 683-5939 

Greystone Inn 

1810 U.S. 380 

(940) 683-5555 

La Quinta Inn and Suites 

2000 10th St. 

(940) 683-2040 

CHICO 

North Side Marina and Resort 

180 Private Road 1735 

(940) 644-5475 

Park’s Inn 

708 Park Road 

(940) 872-2723 

DECATUR 

Abbercromby Penthouse Suites 

103 W. Main St. 

(940) 627-7005 

Best Western Inn 

1801 S. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-5982 

Comfort Inn 

1709 S. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-6919 

Days Inn 

900 S. Trinity St. 

(940) 627-2463 

Decatur Lodging LLC 

110 S. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-4900 

Delux Inn Express 

1350 N. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 626-1494 

Hampton Inn and Suites 

110 S. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-4900 

Holiday Inn Express 

1051 N. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-5255 

Ramada 

1507 U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-6262 

Sunset Inn 

300 N. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-4000 

Super 8 Motel 

1600 S. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-0250 

Telstar Motel 

105 N. U.S. 81/287 

(940) 627-2136 

PARADISE 

Garrett Creek Ranch 

Conference Center 


(940) 433-2025 

www.garrettcreekranch.com 

RHOME 

Budget Host Inn 

300 Holly Pkwy. 

(817)636-6140 

RUNAWAY BAY 

Harbor Inn 

502 U.S. 380 W 

(940) 575-4630 

Westwind Manor 


(940) 575-4913 

46 

PLAZA CINEMA III 

Hot Line 

940-627-5522 

Call for show times 

1510A FM 51 South, Decatur 

(Turn between David’s Western Store & 

Solaris Health Equipment) 

Log onto web site - www.plazacinema3.com 

DECATUR 

1101 Eagle Dr. • Suite C 

Decatur, 76234 

940-627-5400 

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Sat., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

ALVORD 

115 E. Bypass 287. • Suite B 

Alvord, 76225 

940-427-2801 

Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Closed Sat.

CountyDirectory 

Wise 

Churches 

of 

ASCENSION 

& ST MARK 

EPISCOPAL 

CHURCH 

5094 US HWY 380 

(Between Decatur 

& Bridgeport) 

940-683-6321 

English Service: 10:30 a.m. 

Misa en Espanol: 12:30 p.m. 

DECATUR 

CHURCH OF 

CHRIST 

Family Bible Study for All Ages 

The Children’s Place 

(A Mother’s Day Out) 2 days a week 

FM 51 S and Preskitt Rd. • Decatur 

940-627-1912 

Sun. Bible Study: 9 a.m. 

Sun. Worship: 10 a.m. 

Sun. Evening Worship: 6 p.m. 

Wed. Bible Study: 7 p.m. 

www.decaturchurchofchrist.com 

FIRST 

PRESBYTERIAN 

CHURCH 

1307 Newby St. 

Bridgeport 

940-683-4779 

Pastor Lucia McKee Kremzar 

Church School: 9:45 a.m. 

Worship: 11 a.m. 

GRACE 

FELLOWSHIP 

Off Hwy 114 • Paradise 

940-969-2427 

www.gfcfamily.com 

Sun. Worship: 9:30 & 11 a.m. 

PowerZone: (K-4th) 

Sun. 9:30 & 11 a.m. 

EC56 (5th & 6th) Sun. 9:30 a.m. 

Escape 22 (7th & 8th): Sun. 11 a.m. 

the Mix (9th – 12th) Wed. 7 p.m. 

RHOME 

UNITED 

METHODIST 

CHURCH 

200 First St. • Rhome 

817-637-1633 

Pastor Jerry B. Mahle 

Sun. School: 9 a.m. 


www.rhomeunitedmethodistchurch.org 

BETHEL 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH 

133 CR 2673 • Alvord 

Follow the signs north 

on the Old Decatur Road 

940-427-2522 

bethelbaptist@hughes.net 


Sun. Morning Worship: 11 a.m. 

Sun. Night Service: 6:30 p.m. 

Wed. Night Service: 6:30 p.m. 

EAGLE DRIVE 

BAPTIST 

1301 Eagle Dr. • Decatur 

940-627-6698 

Pastor David Isbell 


Sun. Worship & Children’s 

Church 11 a.m. 

Sun. Evening Worship: 6 p.m. 

Wed. Evening Worship/Kid’s 

Club/Youth: 7 p.m. 

www.eagledrivebaptist.org 

FIRST 

UNITED 

METHODIST 

CHURCH OF 

BOYD 

540 S. Allen St (FM 730 S.) • Boyd 

940-433-5334 

fumcboyd@yahoo.com 

fumc-boyd.org 

Sun. School 9:30 a.m. 


Youth Wed. 6 p.m. 

GREENWOOD 

CHURCH OF 

CHRIST 

FM 1204 • Greenwood 

Same location for 

over 100 years 

940-393-3484 

Pastor Bob Ross 

Sun. Bible Class: 10 a.m. 


Sun. Evening: 5 p.m. 

THE 

FATHER’S 

HOUSE 

Hwy 380 between 

Decatur & Bridgeport 

940-627-5365 

Sun. Worship: 10:30 a.m. 

www.tfhpeople.com 

COMMUNITY 

CHURCH 

2952 HWY 380 

Decatur 

940-627-1006 

Sun. Small Group: 9 a.m. 


Wed. FUSION Youth 

Gathering/Community 

Kids: 6:30 p.m. 

FAITH 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH 

2882 Hwy 380 • Decatur 

940-393-9331 

Pastor Jerry Miller 

Sun. Fellowship: 9 a.m. 

Sun. School: 9:30 a.m. 


Bible Stories 3 yrs – Kindergarten 

Team Kids 1st – 2nd grade 

Wed. Meal: 6:20 p.m. 

Wed. Bible Study: 7:05 p.m. 

Wed. Children’s Activities: 7 p.m. 

Thurs. Ladies Bible Study: 7 p.m. 

Nursery Provided Sun. & Wed. 

FIRST 

UNITED 

METHODIST 

CHURCH OF 

BRIDGEPORT 

608 17th St. • Bridgeport 

940-683-2780 

www.fumcbridgeport.com 

Pastor Dana Coker 

Sun. Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m. 

Wed. Youth Activities 

NewArk 

CHURCH OF 

CHRIST 

Corner of Mellown & Chambers 

Newark 

Sun. Bible Class – all ages: 9:30 a.m. 


During Worship – Bible Hour for Kids 

Toddlers – 3rd grade 

Tues. Senior Day: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Wed. Bible Class – all ages: 7 p.m. 

817-489-2658 

www.thenewarkchurch.org 

TRINITY 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH OF 

BOYD 

455 W. Rock Island Avenue • Boyd 




Wed. Service: 6 p.m. 

Wed. Prayer Service: 7 p.m. 

Pastor Dr. Robert Worley 

CROSSROADS 

CHURCH 

1303 N. Bus. 81/287 

Decatur 

940-627-4222 

www.crossroadsdecatur.com 

Sun. Morning Worship: 

9 & 10:45 a.m. 

Wed. Evening: 6 p.m. 

FIRST 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH, 

BRIDGEPORT 

1204 12th Street 

Bridgeport 

940-683-4037 

www.fbcbridgeport.com 

FIRST 

UNITED 

METHODIST 

CHURCH OF 

DECATUR 

104 S. Miller • Decatur 

(one block east of Courthouse) 

940-627-3362 

Pastor: Dr. Roy L. Spore 



Sun. Fellowship: 9:30 a.m. 


State Licensed Preschool for 3-4 yr olds 

NEW SALEM 

FREEWILL 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH 

4455 FM 51 S. • Decatur 

940-627-5413 or 817-624-7084 

Pastor Bro. Jack Bankhead 



Wed. Evening Worship: 6 p.m. 

carwom@embarqmail.com 

TWIN OAKS 

ASSEMBLY 

OF GOD 

300 Cates St. • Bridgeport 

940-683-3110 

Pastor Gary Sessions 




Wed. Service/Youth: 6:30 p.m. 

COUNTRYSIDE 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH 

FM 2264 • Decatur 

940-627-3924 

Pastor Jeff Tackett 

Sun. School 9:30 a.m. 



FIRST 

BAPTIST 

CHURCH, 

DECATUR 

1200 W. Preskitt Rd. • Decatur 

940-627-3235 

Pastor Ken May 




Wed. Evening: 6:30 p.m. 

www.firstdecatur.us 

FULL LIFE 

FELLOWSHIP 

3483 S. FM 51 • Decatur 

940-626-0006 or 940-300-1771 

Pastors Chris & Linda Brown 




Thurs. Youth: 7 p.m. 

2revs@cfaith.com 

PLEASANT 

GROVE 

COWBOY 

CHURCH 

4789 FM 51 S • Decatur 

940-627-2860 

Pastor Roland Hodge 


WISE 

COUNTY 

COWBOY 

CHURCH 

Decatur Livestock Market 

2473 N FM 51 • Decatur 

903-227-7369 

Pastor Doug Moreland 

Sun. Service: 10:30 a.m. 

www.wisecountycowboychurch.com 

classic51@wb4me.com 

47

48 

WISE COUNTY Golf Courses 

There is no shortage of quality 

courses for Wise County’s golf enthusiasts. 

The area is home to three 

popular golf courses, all challenging 

enough for the experienced golfer but 

simple enough for the beginner. 

While all three are member courses, 

each is open to non-member play, 

some on restricted schedules. 

Bridgeport Country Club 

This spacious 5,983-yard, nine-hole 

course features Bermuda greens and 

is one of the top nine-hole courses in 

the surrounding area. 

The Bridgeport Country Club is 

open to members only on weekends 

and holidays but is open to all golfers 

during the week. 

The golf course is open Monday and 

Wednesday through Friday from 8 

a.m. to dusk to the public. The club is 

closed on Tuesdays. 

Green fees for visitors are $11 for 

nine holes or $18 for 18 holes. 

Carts are also available to all golfers. 

The fees are $10.68 for nine holes 

or $21.35 for 18 holes, and two people 

can share the cart. 

The Bridgeport Country Club is now 

accepting new members. The monthly 

dues are $85.40 a month with a onetime 

registration fee of $320.25. 

Bridgeport Country Club has a wellstocked 

pro shop in its spacious, new 

clubhouse that will meet the needs of 

any player. A full menu and beverages 

are offered, and at the clubhouse 

and a driving range and putting green 

are also available to all golfers seven 

days a week. 

Another special feature is the 

Thursday scrambles for members and 

their guests. This weekly event is held 

throughout the spring and summer 

beginning at 6 p.m. 

The club also features a beautiful 

swimming pool. 

Lonny Benham is the golf professional 

and general manager, and 

Jason Shipp is the superintendent. 

The Bridgeport Country Club is 

on the south edge of Bridgeport, on 

Farm Road 2123, off Texas 114. 

For more information, call the club 

at (940) 683-9438. 

Decatur Golf Club 

For the avid golfer looking for ninehole 

courses, the Decatur Golf Club 

is the place to visit. The 6,500-yard 

setup is difficult, but not intimidating. 

The fairways have been revamped in 

recent years, which has been popular. 

Current members have been thrilled 

about the new look and challenges. 

EVEN WILDLIFE 

ENJOY WISE 

COUNTY GOLF 

COURSES. 


BY JOE DUTY 

The course is mostly 

open with trees lining the outside 

of a few fairways. Two water hazards 

provide an additional challenge. 

Non-members can play anytime 

during the week, and walkers are welcome 

after 3 p.m. on Saturdays and 

Sundays. 

Fees for non-members Tuesday 

through Thursday are just $10 while 

fees Friday through Sunday are $17. 

Cart rentals are currently $15, but 

that could change soon as the club 

is switching to electric-powered carts 

because of fuel costs.

49 

WISE COUNTY Golf Courses (continued) 

Memberships to the club are available 

very day at the pro shop, and initiation 

ees start at just $150. Some of the benfits 

of being a member include unlimited 

olf, access to the swimming pool and use 

f the lounge area. 

There are also occasional junior clinics 

or children between the ages of 8 to 18 

uring the summer. Just call the pro shop 

or details. 

The club offers scrambles every Tuesday 

hroughout the summer, and there will 

lso be periodic specials through the sumer 

and fall. 

The Decatur Golf Club is open seven 

ays a week from 8 a.m. to dark. The 

ourse is closed on Mondays. 

Terry Connell is the golf professional and 

eneral manager. 

For more information, call (940) 627- 

789. 

The Club at Runaway Bay 

The premier county course is The Club 

at Runaway Bay, the county’s only 18-hole 

course. Architects have taken full advantage 

of the hilly terrain around the shores 

of beautiful Lake Bridgeport to create the 

course. 

The course features some of the best 

bent grass greens in all of North Texas. It’s 

just one of many highlights of the spectacular 

and popular 18 holes. 

Architect Tripp Davis of Norman, Okla., 

designed the complete makeover of The 

Club at Runaway Bay. 

The Club offers unlimited family golf for 

$155 per month. Members may use their 

own cart for a low monthly fee. 

Non-members can play the rolling, 

wooded course any time or any day, provided 

they call ahead for tee times. 

The cost to play this beautiful course is 

$35 Monday through Friday and $45 on 

Saturday and Sunday. The price includes 

green fees, a cart and range balls. 

Twilight golf begins at 3 p.m. Monday 

through Friday with a fee of $21. Weekends 

are $27 with a cart. All fees are plus tax. 

The full-menu restaurant is open Tuesday 

through Friday during regular operating 

hours, and the facility is also a great 

place for weddings, parties and meetings 

for up to 300 people. 

There are also co-ed scrambles every 

Wednesday at 6 p.m. from March through 

September. 

The coordinator of golf is Brandon 

Murphy, and the general manager is Mary 

Moore. 

Additional features include a fully 

equipped golf pro shop, and condos are 

available for lodging. 

For more information, call The Club at 

Runaway Bay at (940) 575-2225. 

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50 

WISE COUNTY Camping 

Looking for a place to camp that’s not 

oo far away from home Here’s a list of 

laces in Wise County that provide a range 

f amenities for the outdoorsy types. 

LYNDON B. JOHNSON GRASSLANDS 

Visitors to the grasslands can set up 

heir tents anywhere, but there are a few 

stablished sites in the national park. 

• Black Creek Lake 

Seven walk-in camp units, seven picic 

areas, restrooms, boat ramp, fishing 

ridge. No drinking water. Day-use fee is 

2. 

• Valley-View Group Use Campsite 

Available by reservation on weekends 

or $150 and includes restrooms, parking 

spurs, fire rings, lantern posts and group 

pavilion. Parking is $4 a day. 

• LBJ Multi-Use Trail 

The 75-mile trail can be used for horseback 

riding, mountain biking and hiking 

and has campsites along the way. 

For more information on the LBJ Grasslands, 

visit www.fs.fed.us or call (940) 

627-5475. 

LAKE BRIDGEPORT 

• Wise County Park 

Located at 372 CR 1638 in Chico, Wise 

County Park offers tent sites, picnic tables, 

a playground, boat ramps, public restrooms 

and showers. The park also has 10 

RV sites with water and electricity and 14 

RV sites with water, sewer and electric. 

Tent camping — $5 a night 

RV hookups — $20 a night 

Sewage dumps — $5 per use 

Small pavilions — $20 a day, $20 deposit 

Large pavilion — $50 a day, $50 deposit 

Boat storage — $50 a month 

For more information, visit www.co.wise. 

tx.us or call (940) 644-1910. 

• North Side Marina 

Three full RV hookup sites and four electric 

and water sites are available for rental 

at the marina, located at the north end 

of Lake Bridgeport in the Three Fingers/ 

Blockers Camp Cove. For more information, 

visit www.northsidemarina.net or call 

(940) 644-5475. 

Wise County Parks and Playgrounds 

WISE COUNTY 

• Wise County Park (on Lake 

Bridgeport), 372 CR 1638, Chico; 

offers rough camping ($5 

per tent per night); RV hookups 

($20 a night), boat storage ($50 

a month), sewage dump ($5 

per use), small pavilions ($20 

a day, up to two tents), and a 

large pavilion ($50 a day) 

• South Wise Park in Newark 

on Eagle Mountain Lake (day 

use park) 

ALVORD 

• Elm Creek Park, 1078 E. 

Business 287; has a tennis 

court, pavilion, concession 

stand, baseball fields and a 

playground 

BOYD 

• Yellow Jacket Park, North Evans, 

has a basketball court and 

a swing set 

• James Snodgrass Park, West 

Hobbs, has a playground and 

baseball and softball fields 

BRIDGEPORT 

• Harwood City Park, 707 Hovey 

St.; has two playgrounds, 10 

picnic tables, a walking trail, 

horseshoe pits, a swimming 

pool and an open play area 

• Payne Park, 409 W. Cates 

St.; has 1.3 acres of park land, 

features a covered skate park, 

picnic tables, playground 

equipment, basketball court, 

open play area 

• Northwest Park, north of town 

off of Texas 101, ATV park and 

hiking trail 

CHICO 

• M. Robinson Park, on the 

corner of West Sherman and 

Buffalo Street; includes a play 

area for kids, a gazebo, skate 

park and a basketball court 

• Jewel Park, baseball fields 

DECATUR 

• Kenny Renshaw Park, Farm 

Road 51 South 

• Harmon Park; Miller Street; 

has a skateboard park and two 

baseball fields 

• Melba Doyle Park; Old Chico 

Road and U.S. 380 

• Hollis and Sue Jones Park; 

Farm Road 730 and Country 

Club Road 

• Big Mama Willis Park; Brown 

Street 

• Veterans Park; Trinity Street 

NEWARK 

• Delora Doughty Royal Park, 

across from the Newark Fire 

Station on 406 Hudson; has a 

swingset, gazebo, grill and a 

picnic table 

PARADISE 

• Leone Park, Texas 114; has 

four baseball fields 

• Soccer field on Pecan 

Street 

RUNAWAY BAY 

• Cricket Ridge Park, Runaway 

Bay Drive, next to the Norma 

Coble Civic Center 

• West Side Park, Runaway Bay 

Drive, near Elm Court 

• The Park at Runaway Bay, 

Blue Bird Lane (walking trail, 

playground, picnic areas)

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51

52 

WISE COUNTY Swimming Pools 

When retreating indoors 

to escape the summer 

heat becomes boring, 

it’s refreshing to jump 

into a pool of crystal 

clear, cool water. 

For those without a 

pool in their backyard, 

the cities of Bridgeport 

and Runaway Bay have 

plenty of water to go 

around. Since Memorial 

Day weekend, both 

cities’ public pools have 

been open to families and 

children needing some 

fun and relief from the 

escalating temperatures. 


COOLING OFF IS EASY IN WISE COUNTY 

Runaway Bay 

City Pool — Park at 

Runaway Bay, 

Port-O-Call Drive 

Since 2002, Runaway 

Bay’s public pool has 

been a fun alternative to 

splashing in the lake. Located 

next to a city park 

complete with baseball 

fields and a walking trail, 

the pool facility has two 

pavilions with multiple 

tables, a dozen lounge 

chairs and full bathroom 

facilities. 

“We have a diving 

board that is 12 feet long 

and 1 meter tall with special 

handrails for safety,” 

said Peggy Barton, pool 

manager. 

Lifeguards are on duty 

during pool hours. 

Wednesday night is 

family night at the pool, 

and Barton encourages 

families to attend the

53 

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Gift Cer tificates & Packages Available. 

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WISE COUNTY 

Swimming Pools (continued) 

vent and enjoy swimming and pizza for $2 

slice. 

Along with being open to the public, the 

ool is available to rent for private paries 

after hours, and it hosts aerobics and 

wimming lessons before the pool opens. 

ater aerobics is from 9 to10 a.m. Monay, 

Wednesday and Friday through Aug. 

5. Swim lessons are available for children 

ges 4 and up. Swim lessons are offered 

onday through Thursday. Session 1 is 

une 1-11, session 2 is June 15-25, session 

is June 29-July 9, and session 4 is July 

3-24. Each session is $70 per person, and 

ifferent skill levels are offered. See pool 

nformation for swim lesson contact inforation. 

A new feature this summer is evening 

erobics. The classes will be held from 6 

o 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the 

ost is $3 at the door for each class. 

Bridgeport City Pool 

1106 8th Street in Harwood Park 

The pool is at Harwood Park, which has 

recently undergone remodeling. The park 

features a lighted walking trail, picnic 

areas and two playgrounds, as well as an 

54 

Runaway Bay 

pool information 

Closed Tuesdays 

Wednesday (Family Night) • Noon to 8 p.m. 

Thursday-Monday • Noon to 6 p.m. 

Daily admission • $4 

Individual season pass • $80 

Household season pass • $160 

Ticket Booklet • $35 for 10 admission tickets 

For pool information, 

call Peggy Barton at (940) 626-9046 

For information on water aerobics, 

call Sharon Rodgers at (940) 575-4928 

For information about evening aerobics, call 

Dawn Keller at (940) 393-9622 

For information on swim lessons, 

call Laura Martinets at (940) 748-3020 

open area for football, tag or soccer. 

“It’s a park the whole county uses,” said 

Chris Heasley, with the city of Bridgeport. 

Within the facility are picnic areas and an 

pavilion. 

The pool has a staff of four lifeguards 

on duty during operating hours, as well as 

a pool manager. Tuesday night is family 

night at the pool. 

“I encourage families to come. The purpose 

is to see mom and dad out swimming 

with their kids,” Heasley said. “We started 

it last summer, and I think it went pretty 

well. I’ve had a good number of people 

come out. I like to see the families out that 

don’t get to come out during the day.” 

The pool hosts swimming lessons during 

the morning and evening and a junior 

guard program for kids ages 11 to 15. The 

program teaches lifeguarding skills and 

a select group will compete at Oklahoma 

City this year. 

“In junior guard, they will learn lifeguard 

skills as well as teamwork and leadership 

skills,” Heasley said. 

There is also a swim team, which participates 

in TAAF events in the Metroplex. 

The pool may be rented for private parties. 

Bridgeport 

pool information 

BRIDGEPORT POOL 


BY JOE DUTY 

Open through Labor Day 

Tuesday (Family Night) • 7-9 p.m. 

Tuesday through Saturday • 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Sunday • Noon-5 p.m. 

Daily admission • $2 

15-visit punch card • $20 

30-visit punch card • $30

55 

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56 

Wise County LBJ Grasslands 


KIDS’ FISHING DERBY AT BLACK CREEK LAKE 

Since the 1930s, Wise County has been home to a precious natural resource — but it’s 

somewhat of a secret. 

The Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands cover more than 20,000 of Wise County’s 

northeastern acres, offering the public a place to fish, 

camp, picnic, hike and hunt. The grasslands, part of the 

Caddo/LBJ National Grasslands, have been managed by 

the USDA Forest Service since the 1950s, and a campaign 

starting in the mid-1990s has made the area a safe haven 

for families to spend quality time. 

“It’s open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a 

week, year round,” said David Weldon, forestry technician 

for the Caddo/LBJ National Grasslands. 

The Caddo portion of the grasslands is located northeast 

of Dallas and contains 17,785 acres. 

The grasslands offer a variety of outdoor activities, from 

fishing and hunting to hiking and horseback riding. The 

LBJ National Grasslands include a 75-mile, multi-use trail 

that is frequented by equestrian groups. 

Hunters can find whitetail deer, Rio Grande turkey and 

small game such as rabbits, squirrel and a few quail, Weldon 

said. The use of shotguns, excluding slugs and buck-

57 

Wise County LBJ Grasslands (continued) 

shot, is allowed from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28 for legally hunting 

game birds and animals during state designated seasons. Skeet 

shooters can enjoy a place all their own at Unit 3 on the west side 

of U.S. 81/287 — it’s the only place in the grasslands where any 

type of target shooting is allowed. 

While much of the acreage is open to hunters, families looking 

for a place to picnic and camp can venture out to the popular 

Black Creek Lake or Cottonwood Lake. 

“We have about 450 ponds and lakes,” Weldon said. “They range 

from small ponds to the 45-acre Cottonwood Lake.” 

While Cottonwood has one improved boat ramp, there are no 

recreation facilities. But Black Creek Lake provides restroom facilities, 

seven picnic units, seven walk-in camp units, a boat ramp 

and a fishing bridge. A 4-mile trail connects the two lakes. The 

10-acre Windmill Lake north of Alvord is designated for fly fishing 

nly. 

TADRA point is a popular place for equine enthusiasts, with restrooms 

and parking facilities and access to the 75-mile multi-use 

trailhead. 

There is also a unit in the grasslands designated for dog training 

and events. 

Park fees range from $2 at Black Creek for day-use to $4 at 

TADRA point and Valley View group use facility. 

“We use that money for maintenance,” Weldon said. “There are 

self-service pay sites at those locations. Anywhere else you go is 

free.” 

A visit to the Ranger District Office, located at 1400 U.S. 81/287 

North, will provide a visitor with much more information. The office 

is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. 

For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us and search for the LBJ 

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WISE COUNTY 

Upper Trinity Groundwater 

Conservation District 

In November 2007, 

residents in Wise, 

Montague, Parker and 

Hood counties voted to 

create the Upper Trinity 

Groundwater Conservation 

District. The 

district was created to 

ensure the availability of 

groundwater resources 

for the future. 

The mission of the Upper 

Trinity Groundwater 

Conservation District is 

“to develop rules to provide 

protection to existing 

wells, prevent waste, 

promote conservation, 

provide a framework 

that will allow availability 

and accessibility of 

groundwater for future 

generations, protect the 

quality of the groundwater 

in the recharge zone 

of the aquifer, insure that 

the residents of Montague, 

Wise, Parker and 

Hood Counties maintain 

local control over their 

groundwater and operate 

the district in a fair and 

equitable manner for all 

residents of the district.” 

The main district office 

is located at 446 E. 

Texas 199 in Springtown. 

Phone numbers are (817) 

523-5200 or toll free 877- 

38UTGCD. Mailing address 

is UTGCD, P.O. Box 

1749, Springtown, TX 

76082. A satellite office 

is located at 506 Pelham 

St. in Bowie, open 9 a.m. 

to 5 p.m. each Friday. 

Bob Patterson is the 

district’s general manager. 

58 

Each county has two 

representatives on the 

district’s board of directors. 

Board members 

are appointed by county 

commissioners. 

If you have drilled 

a water well in Wise, 

Montague, Hood or 

Parker county since Jan. 

1, 2009, you are required 

to register your well with 

the district. Registration 

of new wells is subject 

to payment of a $175 

administrative fee and 

submission to the district 

of a refundable well 

report deposit prior to 

drilling. 

LAW OFFICES OF 

CLINTON E. PHILLIPS 

Clinton E. Phillips 

Attorney ay Law 

105 W. Main, Decatur, TX 

940-626-0062 

940-626-0089 fax 

9 - 5 Monday - Friday 

Other hours by appointment only 

email: clint@clintphillipslaw.com 

With staff attorneys licensed to practice in Texas and Louisiana 

Not board certified in any legal specialization by State Bar of Texas 

If you have a water 

well drilled before Jan. 1, 

2009, and you are considered 

an “exempt” well 

(see below), you may 

voluntarily register your 

wells for free. 

Fees 

If you own or operate 

a water well - regardless 

of size - that produces 

water used exclusively 

for domestic use, watering 

livestock, watering 

poultry, agricultural irrigation 

or a combination 

of these uses, or if you 

operate a well used for 

any other use (such as 

small business, manufacturing, 

industrial, oil 

and gas supply or public 

water system) that is not 

capable of producing 

more than 25 gallons per 

minute, or two or more 

wells tied to a system 

with a combined capacity 

of not more than 30 

gallons per minute, then 

your well is exempt from 

fee requirements. 

Each “non-exempt” 

well in the district must 

be equipped with a water 

meter, and operators 

of non-exempt wells 

must record monthly the 

amount of groundwater 

produced by the well and 

maintain a water meter 

log of those amounts. 

For the calendar year 

2009, fee for water use is 

22 cents per 1,000 gallons 

of water produced. 

Only water from non-exempt 

wells is subject to 

a water use fee. 

All water wells that do 

not qualify for an exemption 

for which drilling 

commenced before Jan. 

1, 2009, were to have 

been registered with the 

district by July 1, 2009. 

For more information 

about the district, visit 

www.uppertrinitygcd. 

com. 

“Indulge your inner fashionista” 

1103 Halsell St., Bridgeport 

940-683-6460 

www.shopcorinas.com 

Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Fri & Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Layaway & Gift Cards Available

TM 

59 

WiseDining 

Guide 

ARMONDO’S 

Restaurant & Cantina 

Open Daily 

6 a.m. - 11 p.m. 

Now Serving 

All-American Breakfast 

301 N. Hwy. 287 

Decatur 

940-627-6528 

940-627-2442 

1306 E. Bus. 380 

Decatur 

Hours: 

7 a.m. - 8 p.m. • 7 days a week 

Dos Chiles 

Tex Mex 

Restaurants 

Bridgeport 

Boyd 

1703 Chico Hwy. 425 W. Rock Island 

940-683-6566 940-433-3322 

Bowie 

1001 W. Wise St. 

940-872-4909 

600 South US Hwy 287 

Decatur 

940-627-2519 

Sun.-Thurs., 10:45 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat., 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Cow Camp 

Steakhouse 

and Watering Hole 

Tues. - Thurs., 5-9 p.m. 

Friday Lunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat., 5-10 p.m. 

Closed Sun. & Mon. 

3142 N. US Highway 287 

Decatur 

940-627-7741 

www.cowcampsteakhouse.com 

FRilly’s 

Cajun Seafood 

Restaurant 

1803 S. Hwy. 287 • Decatur 

Mon. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 

Sat. - Sun 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. 

Bar closes at Midnight 

940-626-1424 

Welcome to Wise County 

Simpson, 

Boyd & Powers 

*+ Michael A. Simpson 

Ross M. Simpson 

** Derrick S. Boyd 

G. Alan Powers 

*** Allen L. Williamson 

Kristy Pesnell Campbell 

*Board Certifi ed - Personal Injury Trial Law Texas Board of Legal Specialization 

+Board Certifi ed - Civil Trial Specialist National Board of Trial Advocacy 

**Board Certifi ed - Civil Trial by Texas Board of Legal Specialization 

***Board Certifi ed - Criminal Law Texas Board of Legal Specialization 

1119 Halsell St., 

Bridgeport 

940-683-4098 


Need an 

eye 

105 N. State St., Suite B, 

Decatur 

940-627-8308 

Serving Lunch Tues. - Thurs, 

11a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Steakhouse Menu 

Fri. - Sat. 5 - 9 p.m. 


940-683-8030 

Dine-In, Carry-Out, Catering 

Tues.-Thur., 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 

Closed Mondays 

201 N. Hwy. 81/287 • Decatur 

940-626-4758 

Open 7 Days a Week 

10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

401 N. Hwy. 287 

Decatur 

940-627-7227 

www.seansmesquitepitbbq.com 

Click on website 

Hungry 

Then check 

out the 

WiseDining 

Guide 

Your guide to what’s 

cooking in Wise 

County. 

www.wcmessenger.com/ 

dining 

doctor 

Dr. 

• Friendly Personal Attention 

• Pre- and Post-Surgical Care 

• Treatment of Eye Disease 

• Co-Management of 

Glaucoma 

J. Steven Young 

Dr. Patricia Young 

Doctors of Optometry 

940-683-2006 

• Participating Provider in 

Medicare & Other Plans 

• Wide Variety of Frames, 

Contacts and Sunglasses 

807 Woodrow Wilson Ray Circle • Bridgeport, TX 76426 

s r r 

www.bridgeporteyecenter.com

Chico 

Runaway Bay 

Jasper Creek 

CR 3710 

1810 

Park 

City Hall 

Fire Station 

City Park 


Shady Oaks 

380 

Shady Oaks 

City Hall 

Fire Hall 

Cricket Ridge Park 

West Side Park 

Public Beach 

N. Davis 

Runaway Bay 

Port O Call 

101 

Decatur 

S. Weatherford 

Middle School 

Elementary School 

High School 

Post Office 

Police Department 

Public Ramp 

Civic Center 


Pool 

1810 

2127 

RUNAWAY 

BAY 

1810 

380 

2952 

101 

LAKE 

BRIDGEPORT 

1658 

920 

CHICO 

2265 

101 

BRIDGEPORT 

2210 2123 

1655 

114 

ALVORD 

1655 

1810 

380 

PARADISE 

1655 

81 

3259 

287 

51 

Cottonwood Lake 

LBJ National Grasslands 

Black Creek Lake 

DECATUR 

730 

730 

Alvord 

81 

51 

380 

287 

1655 

S. Wickham 

Paradise 

114 

Honeysuckle 

Pecan 

Elm 

2264 

1655 

Hubbard 

NEW 

FAIRVIEW 

Main 

81 

Old Towne 

114 

BUS 

81 

287 

407 

3259 

City Hall 

Fire Station 

City Park 

Post Office 


Elementary 

School 

Junior High 

School 

High School 

City Hall 

Fire Station 

Post Office 

Mary Potts 

Leone Park 

High School 

Junior High 

School 

Elementary 

School 

Decatur 

1810 BUS 

81 

380 

Aurora 

81 

287 

Deer Park 

BUS 

380 

New Fairview 

W. Thompson 

51 

Walnut 

730 

State 

Trinity 

S. College 

Main 

730 

Cemetery 

Greenwood 

BUS 

380 

BUS 

81 

51 

Old Denton 

Wise County 

Jail/Sheriff’s 

Department 

Civic Center 

Melba Doyle 

Park 

Municipal 

Airport 

Country Club 

& Golf Course 

Hollis & Sue 

Jones Park 


Courthouse 

Post Office 

City Hall 

Fire Station 

Harmon Park 

Senior Citizens 

Center 

Police Station 

Cates High 

School 

School 

Administration 

Office 

Carson 

Elementary 


Middle School 

Reunion 

Grounds 

Sheriff's 

Posse 

Grounds 

Kenny 

Renshaw Park 

Wise Regional 

Health System 

Chamber of 

Commerce 

Heritage 

Museum 

Intermediate 

School 

Rann 

Elementary 

High School 

Veterans Park 

Visitors Center 


City Hall 

Fire Station 

Twin Hills 

E. Bay 

Main 

1658 

Lake 

Headquarters 

Bridgeport 

920 

380 

101 

1st 

Turkey Creek 

Stevens 

9th 

2123 

Halsell 

Cates 

Hovey 

13th 

16th 

17th 

114 

Cuba 

Municipal 

Airport 

Chamber 

of Commerce 


Swimming 

Pool 

Fire Station 

Harwood 

Park 

Elementary 

School 

High School 

Middle School 

Intermediate 

School 


Senior Citizens 

Center & 

Historical 

Society 

Museum 

City Hall 

School 

Administration 

Office 

Payne Park 

Country Club 

Post Office 

Boyd 

BOYD 

730 

Rock Island 

Cemetery 

Knox 

114 

S. Allen 

Intemediate School 

Middle School 

High School 

Elementary School 

City Hall 


730 

AURORA 

730 

RHOME 

NEWARK 

114 

Fire Station 

Post Office 

Courthouse 

Sub-Station 

Senior Citizens Center 

Post Office 

Rhome 

114 

City Hall 


114 

W. BC 

Rhome 

Morris 

3433 

E. Hickory 

Main 

Fire Station 


Post Office 

City Hall 

81 

114 

718 

718 

287 

Old Base 

Sunrise 

114 

South Wise County 

Chamber of 

Commerce 

CR 4421 

81 

287 

Newark 

718 3433 

Central 

Rogers 

City Hall 

Fire Station 

Pioneer 

2264 

Illinois 

Post Oak 

McCainne 

Community 

Center 

407 

Hudson 

City 

Hall 

East 

Wise 

Fire 

Rescue 

Station 

Post Office 

Library 

WCMessenger.com 

WCMess.com • iWCMess.com • my-wise.com 

MessengerOfficeSupply.com 

P.O. Box 114 

115 South Trinity 

Decatur, Texas 76234 

940-627-5987 

Fax: 940-627-1004 

60 61

62 

WISE COUNTY Festivals 

ALVORD 

Pioneer Days 

In June, the city of Alvord 

organizes Pioneer Days at Elm 

Creek Park in celebration of the 

small town. 

The weekend-long event includes: 

• Friends of the FFA cook-off 

• 4-H Kids Zone including a 

petting zoo, lemonade stand, 

face-painting and bounce 

house 

• Alvord Public Library’s 

Dominoes in the Park 

• Shorty Wheelis Fish Fry 

scholarship fundraiser 

• food booths 

• live music 

Fall Festival 

The city of Alvord gathers in 

mid-October for a fall festival, 

in conjunction with the fire 

department’s annual fish fry. 

This one-day event includes: 

• arts and crafts 

• vendors 

• music 

• pumpkin giveaway 


CHRISTMAS TOY RUN 

BOYD 

Boyd Cookoff 

Originally organized by the 

Boyd Fire Department, the 

former Boyd Chili Cookoff now 

benefits the parks and recreation 

board. They also now encompass 

the judging of several 

foods such as chili, beans and 

brisket. 

In addition to the judging 

of foods, this one-day event 

includes: 

• a parade 


• vendors 

• an auction

63 

* 

* 

Classic 

Home 

Consignment Shoppe 

* * 

940-626-4603 

If you haven’t shopped at 

Classic Home 

you don’t know what you’re missing! 

• Furniture 

• Household 

Goods 

• Home Decor 

• Clothing, Shoes, 

Accessories 

• Linens 

• Children’s - Baby 

much more.... 

Quality Merchandise 

Affordable Prices.... 

Frequent 

Shopper 

Punch Card 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

Frequent Shopper Rewards! Get 

your card punched for each visit to 

the store - when full, receive $20 off 

your next purchase. 

(restrictions apply) 

103 W. Main, Decatur 

(under the Abbercromby Suites B&B) 

M-F 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

It’s Enrollment 

Time COLLEGE STREET 

at CHILDCARE and 

LEARNING CENTER 

College Street Childcare and Learning Center’s program provides 

many unique and creative learning experiences in a supportive, 

caring environment. Join us this fall and let your child take part in the 

new and exciting classes and activities. 

Infants • 6 weeks - 18 

months 

• Experienced Staff 

• CCMS Vendor 

• Age Appropriate Activities 

• Video Monitored Classrooms 

Pre-School • 2,3,4 and 

5 year olds 

• Highly Trained Staff 

• Success Oriented Curriculum 

• Creative Movement & 

Music 

• Parental Involvement 

• Spanish 

805 S. College Street, Decatur 

940-627-1154 

Before/After School-Age 

Children 

• Daily Fun Activities 

• Before & After School Pick-up 

• Computer Games & Activities 

• After School Snack 

• Spanish 

Inspections Cost You Nothing and Could Save You Thousands in Expensive Leak Repairs Later On. 

We are Insurance Specialists and are Very Experienced in Dealing with Insurance Companies to 

Make Sure You Receive Current Pricing for Your Insurance Settlement.

WISE COUNTY Festivals (continued) 

BRIDGEPORT 

Butterfield Stage Days 

The second weekend in 

May the city of Bridgeport 

celebrates the town’s reason 

for existence — the Butterfield 

Overland Mail Stagecoach. 

A bridge was built in 

order for this stagecoach to 

cross the Trinity River, thus 

initiating the establishment 

of the city of Bridgeport. 

Events include: 

• carnival rides and 

booths 

• vendors 

• a parade 

• a PRCA rodeo 

Coal Miner 

Heritage Festival 

In celebration of the city’s 

heritage, the Bridgeport 

Chamber of Commerce and 

Bridgeport Historical Society 

co-sponsor the annual 

Coal Miner’s Days Festival 

in September. 


• live entertainment 

• a coal mining display 

• antique tools 

• a blacksmith 

• arts and crafts 


• downtown vendors 

CHICO 

Community Volunteer Fire 

Department Chili Supper 

and Annual Barbecue 

The chili supper is held 

the second Saturday in 

February, and the annual 

barbecue is held the second 

Saturday in June. These 

events serve as a fundraisers 

for the volunteer fire 

department. 

Events include: 

• food 


DECATUR 

Main Street Easter Event 

Decatur Main Street sponsors 

this Easter celebration 

the Saturday before Easter. 

The one-day event includes: 

• an egg hunt at the First 

United Methodist Church 

playground 

• a fun jump 

• face painting 

• a petting zoo 

• train rides 

• pictures with the Easter 

Bunny 

Chisholm Trail Days 

Reviving an event that 

started in the ‘70s at the 

square but moved to the 

Sheriff’s Posse Grounds before 

returning to the square 

five years ago, Chisholm 

Trail Days celebrate western 

heritage. 


• a petting zoo 

• a fun jump 

• train, pony, hay and 

stagecoach rides 

• kids games 

• craft vendors 

• cowboy poetry 

• a chuckwagon exhibit 

• gunfighters 

• homemade ice cream 

contest 

• kids stickhorse rodeo 

• fiddle competition 

• hamburger supper 


GREENWOOD 

Homecoming 

The first Sunday in June, 

the Greenwood community 

from near and far gathers for 

fellowship and food. 

The event includes: 

• meal after church 

• new officer election 

Greenwood Fall Festival 

The annual Greenwood 

Fall Festival is held the 

second Saturday in October 

with proceeds benefitting 

the Wise County Extension 

Agency and Greenwood 4-H. 

The one-day event includes: 

• a parade 

• children’s games 

• craft booths 

• game booths 


Community 

Thanksgiving Lunch 

The Friday before Thanksgiving 

Greenwood community 

members gather at the 

Greenwood Fire Hall for a 

lunch feast. 

NEWARK 

Cruisin’ Days 

The third Saturday in 

October the Ladies Auxiliary 

hosts the Newark Cruisin’ 

Days with proceeds benefiting 

the Newark Fire Department. 


• a kick-off parade 

• games 

• booths 

• concessions 

• Mr. and Ms. Cruisin’ 

Days pageant 

• a cake auction 

• a dance 

PARADISE 

Main Street Festival 

The Paradise Historical 

Society sponsors the festival 

the last Saturday in 

September to raise funds for 

the Veterans Memorial Park, 

located in Paradise’s downtown 

park. 


• vendors 


• an auction 

• a quilt show 


RHOME 

Pioneer Days 

In either May or June of 

each year, the Rhome Volunteer 

Fire Department Support 

Brigade organizes the 

Rhome Pioneer Days at the 

fire station to benefit the 

fire department. 

This two-day event includes: 

• a parade featuring antique 

cars and firetrucks 

• craft and vendor booths 

• entertainment 

• bounce house and kids’ 

games 

• briskets sold by the fire 

department 

64

Bridgeport Stone Plant 

“Voted Best 

Daycare in 

Wise County” 

701 Deer Park Road 

Decatur 

940-626-4444 

WORKING 

TOGETHER 

Now Enrolling 

for Fall 2009! 

“For the 

Child Who 

Deserves 

the Best” 

• Sign Language 

• Computer Classes • Spanish Classes 

• Weekly Chapel Service 

Swimming Pool • First Week FREE! 

• State Licensed 

• Pre School & Day Care, 6 wks.-12 yrs. 

• Trained Teachers 

• Loving, Caring Staff 

• Hot, Nutritious Lunches 

• 2 Snacks Daily 

• Curriculum for Every Class 

• Science & Nature Studies 

• Field Trips 

• Swim Lessons Offered 

• Cooking Projects 

• Transportation To and From School 

• 3 Playgrounds 

FOR WISE 

COUNTY! 

Bridgeport 

Stone Plant 

Todd Lacey ~ Plant Manager 

1795 S. Hwy. 101 • Bridgeport 

940-683-4277 

65

WISE COUNTY 

Hispanic Calendar of Events 

ENERO 

• 6- Día de los Reyes Magos 

FEBRERO 

• 5- Día de la Constitución 

(México) 

MARZO 

• compañerismo con iglesias 

Bautistas del nortecentral 

de Texas (Primera 

Iglesia Bautista) 

ABRIL 

• 30- celebración del Día 

del Niño (Primer Iglesia 

Bautista) 

MAYO 

• 1- Día del Trabajo/Trabajador 

• 5- Cinco de Mayo 

• 10- Día de las Madres 

• Picnic Parroquial (iglesias 

Católicas) 

JUNIO 

• Día de los Padres 

JULIO 

• Escuela Biblica de Vacaciones 

(Iglesia Católica de 

San Juán, Bridgeport) 

• 18 - Bronco, Ruben’s Ballroom 

SEPTIEMBRE 

• 16- Día de la Independencia 

•19- coleadero, Lienzo 

Charro Los Tres Potrillos 

OCTUBRE 

• Festival de Otoño (iglesias 

Católicas) 

NOVIEMBRE 

• 1/2- Día de los Muertos 

DICIEMBRE 

• 12- Día de la Virgen de 

Guadalupe 

• 16-24- Posadas 

• 24- Nochebuena 

• 25- Navidad 

WISE COUNTY Festivals (continued) 

RUNAWAY BAY 

Fourth Fest 

What started off as just the shooting of 

reworks over Lake Bridgeport in Runaway 

ay has become a day-long festival in celbration 

of our nation’s independence. 


• a golf tournament 

• a parade with golf cart and antique car 

entries 

• food and craft booths 

• bounce house and Lions’ Club train for 

the kids 

• National Guard rock climbing wall 

• a raffle 

• Honor Guard leading the national 

anthem 


• shooting of fireworks over Lake Bridgeport 

at dusk 

66

All Types of Clean-up, Land Clearing & Haul-off, 

Mowing, Tilling, Small Acreage Plowing, 

Backhoe & Blade Work, Post Holes Drilled, Fencing... 

Quality Work Done at a Fair Price! 

940-399-9138 

“You Get a Choice at Sunny Hills” 

Selective 

MENUS 

Laura Shaffer 

Independent Beauty Consultant 

www.marykay.com/LauraShaffer 

(940) 427-3342 

Serving Wise County 

and surrounding area. 

Save Time, Money & Gas... 

Shop Local, Shop Wise! 

Use our convenient layaway for 

the bed of your dreams 

1208 FM 51 South • Decatur 

940-627-8300 

Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

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Administrator since 1973 

KELLY TIBBELS, M.D. 

Medical Director 

Quality 

Care 

for 

Years 

36 

940-627-2165 

201 E. Thompson, Decatur 

JOHN RICHARDSON, M.D. 

Associate Medical Director 

Equal Opportunity Care & Employment 

67

68 

WISE COUNTY Off 380 Players 


ANNIE GET YOUR GUN 

Those seeking entertaining theater should look no further than the Bridgeport Stage, home 

to the Off 380 Players. The Players wrapped up its eighth season with “Suburb” and are 

looking to start the 2009-2010 season 

with auditions in August. 

“We’re looking at seven productions 

a season,” said Stan Baker, 

former president of the board of 

directors. “We’re very excited.” 

The Off 380 Players formed in early 

2000 and has enjoyed growth in 

numbers and productions since that 

time. 

“We are a small and enthusiastic 

group,” Baker said, saying that the 

membership fluctuates from 150 

to 200 members who do everything 

from acting to handing out tickets. 

“Every year we grow.” 

For the last three seasons, the 

organization has called the Bridgeport 

Stage home, which has helped 

the organization develop roots in the 

community, but although they are 

based in Bridgeport, they draw members 

from around the county. 

“We have people from Decatur, 

Runaway Bay, Bowie, Boyd, Chico, 

Paradise — all over Wise County,” 

said Judi Conger of Runaway Bay. 

The organization offers community 

members a chance to see their family 

doctor or favorite teacher in the 

spotlight. 

“We’re very eclectic — we have 

doctors, teachers, business profes-

69 

AIR CONDITIONING 

& HEATING 

Call for any Air Conditioning & Heating Concerns 

• Sales 

• Service 

• Installation 

940-567-3900 

www.winburnHVAC.com 

All work Guaranteed TACL B27243E 

Our 65th Year Serving Wise County 

HOLMES 

Auto Supply 

Auto • Truck • Farm • Small Engine Parts 

Quality Name Brands You Can Trust 

Gina Clark, Realtor 

P.O. Box 131, Alvord 

817-253-6935 

803 W. Main • Decatur • 940-627-2350 

www.holmesautosupply.com 

Farm & Ranch • Residential • Commercial • Relocation Specialist 

My goal is to provide you with the professional 

service you expect when buying & selling 

real estate. 

ginaclark3@msn.com 

www.lonestarrealestateservices.com 

Quality 

in 

ruments add 

value for a 

lifetime 

www.DecaturMusic.com 

1208 So. FM 51 Suite I-1 


Ph. (940) 626-2120 

“Providing premier, preschool & school-age services for children 6 weeks - 12 years.” 

• A warm, nurturing Christian environment 

• Daily Bible and Praise Time & Weekly Chapel 

• Experienced Early Childhood Educators 

• Research-based, themed curriculum in all classrooms 

• A creative, hands-on approach to learning 

• Before and/or after school club for school-age children (servicing Rann, Carson, 

Seven Hills, Prairie View & Boyd Elementary) 

*Homework help & enrichment activities provided! 

• An exciting summer club for school-age children packed with awesome activities, 

fun field trips & character-building community projects 

• Monthly, school-wide community projects…come make a difference with us! 

• Free Parent Education Nights throughout the year…because we’ve got to grow our 

children together! 

• Offering Private Kindergarten Fall 2009! 

Learn more about our premier program by visiting www.pettitprivateschool.com! 

Aurora 

817-489-2318 

Decatur 

940-627-8393 

Helping you lay the strong foundation upon which the rest of your child’s life will be built! 

(Matthew 7:24-25)

WISE COUNTY Off 380 Players (continued) 

ionals — you cannot categorize. We are vast 

ecause it’s community theater,” Baker said. 

We have all different ages, all different types 

f people. We want to entertain. We have a 

ot of talent. But one of the main aspects is 

ducation — we try to do various types of 

hows. We try to do a classic and comedies 

very year.” 

The education focus goes beyond what the 

rganization puts on stage with the Off 380 

layers annual summer youth production. 

With the organization’s growth, the audince 

members have increased as well. Baker 

aid that people are often surprised that a 

roup as talented as the Off 380 Players is 

ocated in the county. 

“When I moved back a couple of years ago, 

t really surprised me how much talent we 

have. A lot of people are really shocked,” he 

said. “We really have a huge talent base that 

I’m fond of cultivating.” 

Conger said she loves theater and would 

rather go to live theater than a movie. 

“I want other people to really know how 

exciting theater is. When you come to live 

theater, every show is different,” she said. 

“You can be more involved as an audience 

member. It’s a great way to meet people and 

friends. You end up getting a brotherhood of 

actors. It’s really neat and fun.” 

Baker said they welcome everyone, no matter 

what level of expertise. We’re here to have 

fun and put on a show. 

For more information on the Off 380 Players, 

call (940) 575-4548 or visit www.off- 

380players.org. 

Cattle Call 

6 to 10 p.m., July 31 

First United Methodist 

Church In Decatur 

and 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 1 


Church 

In Bridgeport 

for 

Dearly Beloved 

Scheduled to run 

Sept. 17 to 20 

and 

24 to 27 

and 

Play-on 

Scheduled to run 

Nov. 12 to 15 

and 

19 to 22 

Simply 

Marvelous 

BY JMT DESIGN 

Tonja Hartman • 817-980-1911 

• New Construction 

& Remodel 

• Furnish & 

Accessorize 

• Children’s Rooms 

• Shutters & Blinds 

• Faux Finish & Paint 

• Flooring • Granite 

• Re-Upholstery 

• Custom Iron Work 

• Stairs & Cabinetry 

Welcome to Wise 

from your friends at 

North Texas 

Tire & Automotive 

Thomas Cope ~ Owners ~ Keith Burke 

New & Used Tires - Auto Repair 

• Custom 

Window 

Treatments 

& Bedding 

301 S.Washburn, Decatur • 940-626-4387 

70 

Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Sat., 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

103 S. Hwy. 287 • Decatur, TX. 

940-626-8050

Rick’s Auto 

Repair & Towing 

Serving Wise County for over 18 years 

THE ONE 

CALL FOR SPECIAL PRICING 

• Home Construction 

Available NOW! 

• Highly Acclaimed Decatur 

ISD 

• Private Road 

• Sites Available with Ponds 

and Trees 

• Homeowners Association 

• Deed Restrictions Enforced 

by Architectural Control 

Committee 

• Grand Stone Entrance and 

Paved Road 

• Underground Utilities 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOP SHOP 

24 hour Light & Heavy Duty 

Towing & Equipment Hauling 

State of the art collision center 

featuring: 

- Complete auto body collision and paint repair 

- Mechanical Repairs 

- Custom paintwork 

- Airbrushing 

- Complete restorations 

- Computerized frame & body measuring system 

- State of the art frame machine 

- 60 X 14 foot paint booth 

State & DOT Inspection station 

Rick’s Auto Repair & Towing 

3280 S. Hwy 101, Bridgeport 

940-683-3720 

Rick Morales, Owner 

Rick’s 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 

Roll/Off Container 

Service for 

Trash & Debris Removal 

Haz-Mat Containment & Removal 

940-683-3770 

Bridgeport, TX 76426 

REALTORS WELCOME! 

H2 Development 

For Info: 817-980-1911 

or 817-994-5765 

tonja@teamhartman.com 

A Specialist for YOUR Children! 

Taking care of your child is my priority 

and my specialty. I want to work with 

you to ensure that your child is well 

taken care of. At Wise Pediatrics, we 

pride ourselves on having a top 

notch staff. My licensed nursing staff 

has a combined 40 years of pediatric 

experience. We use cutting edge 

technologies like an Electronic Medical Record to increase 

accuracy, decrease waiting times and improve the overall 

level of care. As a Board Certified Pediatrician, I stay up to 

date with the latest pediatric research, from newborns to 

teens, to make sure that your child receives the 

best care possible. 

940- 

626- 

4400 

Leslie Hollis, MD 

• Board Certified in Pediatrics 

Since 1999 

• Fellow of the American 

Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 

609 Medical Center Dr., Suite 2300 • Decatur, TX 76234 

www.wisepediatrics.com 

Attached to Wise Regional Hospital 

71

WISE COUNTY Courthouse 


WISE COUNTY COURTHOUSE 

Standing proud and tall in the center of Wise County is its grandest structure of all – the 113- 

year-old Wise County Courthouse in Decatur. The courthouse was constructed in 1896 of pink 

granite. J.Riley Gordon of New York 

was the architect. 

Today it remains a distinctive landmark 

in the county. Gordon’s design 

has been praised as architecturally 

perfect by noted experts of buildings 

of this kind. The structure has been 

awarded a historical medallion and 

plaque from the Texas Historical Commission 

and is listed on the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

The origins of the courthouse began 

Jan. 8,1895,during a special meeting of 

the county commissioners. The meeting 

was called after a fire gutted the 

previous courthouse. 

An election was held in February 

1895 to determine whether the courthouse 

should be moved. Decatur won 

the right to keep the courthouse with 

2,200 votes, followed by Bridgeport 

with 1,355. 

Gordon was chosen as the architect 

in March 1895. 

J.A. White was awarded the contract 

to build the courthouse in May 1895. 

Construction began in June and was 

scheduled for completion in May of 

the following year. 

It appeared that construction ran a 

little behind schedule, and the building 

was not completed until late 1896. 

The courthouse was officially received 

by the commissioners in January 

1897. 

72

Good for Auto. 

Good for Life. 

FA R M E R S ® 

Good for you. 

Get a discount on your Auto 

policy if you also purchase Life 

insurance from Farmers. To 

find out if you qualify, contact 

your Farmers agent today. 

Rhonda Shaw 

Insurance 

940-627-9299 • 1-800-905-7007 

1716 Hwy 51 South • Decatur 

F A R M ERS 

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GENERAL ACADEMIC 

TRANSFER CLASSES: 

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TECHNICAL COURSES: 

Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) 

Truck Driving Academy 

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ALLIED HEALTH COURSES: 

Certified Nurse Aide 

Medical Office Assistant 

Medication Aide 

Phlebotomy Technician 

DAY & EVENING 

CLASSES AVAILABLE! 

Call today to schedule your 

appointment with an advisor 

Farmers New World 

Life Insurance Company® 

Mercer Island, WA 98040-2890 

farmers.com 

1st Choice Truck Lube, Inc. 

1300 W. FM 1810 • Decatur, TX 76234 • 940-627-3223 Fax: 940-627-7167 

www.1stchoicetrucklubecenter.com 

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon 

Please join us for our 

Sunday Morning Bible Study • 9 a.m. 

Sunday Morning Worship • 10:15 a.m. 

Sunday Evening Worship • 6 p.m. 

1200 W. Preskitt • Decatur 

940-627-3235 

Ken May, Pastor 

Check out our exciting Wednesday night activities for adults, 

youth and children. Meal served at 5:15 p.m. during the school 

year. ESL also offered. 

Servicing: 

• Semis 

• Diesel Pick-ups 

(Dodge, Ford, GMC) 

• Oil Rigs 

• Winch Trucks 

• RVs 

• Reefer Units 

FM 1810 

All Services Include: 

• Checking Fluid Levels 

• Checking Filters 

• Greasing 

• DOT & Safety Inspections 

BEHIND 

DECATUR 

TIRE 

Hwy 380 

Decatur 

Hwy 287 

N 

Wise County’s 

Diesel Lube Center 

OIL: 

Shell Rotella 15W-40 

Chevron Delo 15W-40 

Mobil Delvac 15W-40 

Mystik 15W-50 

FILTERS: 

Baldwin 

Fleetguard 

Cat 

The only choice in 

truck maintenance. 

73

74 

WISE COUNTY Heritage Museum 

The Wise County Heritage 

Museum is a monument to the 

past. 

Located on Trinity Street in 

Decatur, the museum was once 

the Decatur Baptist College 

and is now owned by the Wise 

County Historical Society. The 

museum has many relics from the past, 

including what’s known as the “Lost 

Battalion” Room. The room serves as a 

tribute to the local soldiers whom Japan 

took as prisoners of war in the Dutch 

East Indies during World War II. 

Members of the Lost Battalion were 

mostly from Wise and Jack counties. The 

Japanese held those American soldiers 

from the Lost Battalion captive for more 

than three years during World War II under 

brutal conditions. 

Composed of soldiers from the Army 

and Navy, the men suffered together 

through 42 months of humiliation, degradation, 

physical and mental torture, 

starvation and horrible tropical diseases, 

with no medication, according to the 

Wise County Historical Society. 

Of the more than 900 men taken prisoner, 

almost 700 were sent to Burma and 

Thailand and worked on a railroad and 

later in coal mines and shipyards before 

they were freed. 

No members of the Lost Battalion from 

Wise County are still alive, said Rosalie 

Gregg, director of the Wise County Historical 

Museum. 

The “Lost Battalion” room contains 

items that once belonged to members of 

the battalion, including military uniforms, 

as well as documents that detail 

the hardships the men faced while pris- 


WISE COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM

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115 State Street 

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John A. & Katherine G. Jackson 

DECATUR 

PUBLIC LIBRARY 

R 1700 Hwy 51 South 

Decatur, Texas 

www.decaturpubliclibrary.com 

940-627-5512 • FAX 940-627-6763 

Serving All of Wise County 

Books • Computers • DVDs/Videos 

Magazines • Newspapers • Story Hour 

Large Print Books • Books on CD/Tape 

Internet Access • Color Copies 

Ellison Dies • Laminating 

WISE COUNTY’S FIRST 

LIQUOR STORE 

Fine Spirits • Wine 

Texas Music CDs 

Imported & Domestic Beer 

Church Lady Hot Sauce 

Case Discounts 

“A Wise Person Always 

Drinks Responsibly” 

105 N. Hwy. 287 • Rhome 

817-638-2554 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

Closed Sundays 

2202 Hwy 380, Suite 15 • Bridgeport 

940-683-5035 

75

WISE COUNTY Heritage Museum (continued) 

oners. 

The museum operates on donations, admissions, 

sales from its gift shop and various fundraising 

events throughout the year. 

Tours of the museum are available by calling (940) 

627-5586 or (940) 627-3732. 

The facility is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday 

through Saturday. 

A ramp and elevator are available to make the museum 

easily accessible. 

Admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children 

under 12. 

Memberships in the Wise County Historical Society 

are $10 per year for adults, $15 for a husband 

and wife and $150 for a single lifetime membership. 

For more information, call (940) 627-5586. 

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Judy A. DeMorest, AuD CCC-A 

Board Certified in Audiology 

Hearing Aid Dispensing & Servicing 

Joey & Naomi 

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940-393-1197 

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76 

Sue Ann Denton, Inc. 

192 W. Hwy. 380 • Bridgeport 

Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation for Pediatrics 

and Adults Custom Earmold Fitting 

1600 W. US BUSINESS 380, 

SUITE A DECATUR TX, 76234 

(940) 627-7997 

E N T A N D A L L E R G Y C L I N I C , P A

77 

WISE 

OFFICE 

FURNITURE 

202 W. Walnut St. 

Decatur, TX 

Business or 

Home Office 

(NW Corner of the Square) 

New and Used 

Furniture 

202 W. Walnut St. 

Decatur, TX 

940-627-6141 

(NW Corner of the Square) 

940-627-6141 

www.wofurniture.com 

www.wofurniture.com 

• Private Weight Management Consult/Diet Plan 

• ADD/ADHD Alternative Diet & Management 

• Nutritional Instruction 

• Wise Youth Today Columnist 

• On Site Consult Available 

• Source for Vitamins/Supplements 

• Public Speaking/Motivational Seminars 

ServingWise & Parker Counties 

Keitha Story-Stephenson DS 

BlueSky Wellness Center 

Your Source for Alternative Health Care 

Call today for an Appointment 

817-239-9525 

Home of the Skinnydipper 5K 

www.wildwoodnaturist.com 

...where 

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Don’t dress up on our account - Relax & Come As You Are! 

Friendly, Laid-back Atmosphere - Exciting Worship 

On 38 acres..NEW SAND VOLLEYBALL COURT... plus we’ll be adding more athletic 

fields, a pavilion, amphitheater & more for all to enjoy in God’s creation! 

Location: 

2952 Hwy. 380 W, Decatur 

(1/2 mile past Civic Center on right) 

940-627-1006 

Worship 

Celebration Service 

Sundays at 10:15 a.m. 

(Nursery & early childcare provided) 

Small Group Studies 

Children’s Service 

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. (all year) 

and Wednesday nights 

(starting back in September). 

Youth Bible Studies and activities are 

year round on both Sundays at 9 a.m. and 

Wednesdays. The Wall Student Ministries 

at 6:30 p.m. 

Several Adult small group Bible Studies 

are offered at different times, ranging from 

Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. to Home groups 

on many nights throughout the week, giving 

you several choices. 

(Men’s, Ladies, Couples, Singles, 

Topical, Book, etc.) 

Various activities, games, etc. occurring 

throughout the week (call for details). 

Impacting Our World, One Life at a Time 

Cow Camp 

Steakhouse and 

watering hole 

Named 

Best Steakhouse 

Between Fort 

Worth and 

Amarillo by the 

Fort Worth Star 

Telegram 

940-627-7741 

(Approx. 3 miles North of 

Decatur on Hwy. 287) 

3142 Hwy. 287 North, Decatur 

Hours: 

Tues.-Thurs., 5 - 9 p.m. 

Friday Lunch, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Fri. & Sat., 5 - 10 p.m. 

Closed Sun. & Mon. 

Handcut Steaks, Seafood, 

Salads and More. 

Alcohol served. 

OPEN: Easter Sunday, 

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day 

and New Year’s Eve 

www.cowcampsteakhouse.com

78 

AURORA Alien 


PARTICIPANTS IN AN ALIEN COSTUME CONTEST 

Residents of Aurora will tell you that the story of what happened in a small 

town in Wise County on April 17, 1897, is either the truth or a remarkable hoax. 

Whether true or false, Wise County has received international attention because of it, and 

people from around the world have 

arrived to investigate the story for 

themselves. 

According to legend, a “cigar 

shaped” alien ship crash landed in 

the town of Aurora in the late 19th 

century. Several residents of the town 

were said to have witnessed, or at 

least heard, the crash during the early 

morning hours, and children in the 

community were told to remain at 

their homes while the adults examined 

the wreckage. 

The residents of the town who were 

brave enough to approach the ship 

found a deceased extraterrestrial 

being, and they later gave the alien 

a Christian burial at the Aurora Cemetery, 

where the body may still lie. 

The Dallas Morning News reported 

the crash two days later, but most 

residents forgot the story until current 

Wise County resident Jim Marrs, 

then a reporter, resurrected the tale 

in the early 1970s and created a media 

sensation. 

“People back then approached me 

and said they were around at the time 

of the crash. They told me they’d had 

pieces of the spaceship since they 

were kids, and some even used those 

pieces for their chicken pens,” Marrs 

said.

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(940) 627-8804 

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RIGHT ON THE CORNER (US 287/ US380) 

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Decatur 

Eye Center 

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• United Healthcare • Aetna • Unicare 

• Other Medical Insurance Providers 

303 S. Washburn St., Decatur 

940-627-2020 

79

80 

AURORA Alien (continued) 

Researchers at the University of North 

exas in Denton said pieces of metal 

ound at the reputed crash site were 

ade of fused aluminum — a substance 

hat didn’t exist on Earth in 1897, Marrs 

aid. 

“Even in 1973 the people who were alive 

t the time were divided between those 

ho thought it was real and those who 

hought it was a hoax,” Marrs said. 

Marrs’ stories about the Aurora alien 

ttracted organizations that research 

FOs, as well as many other visitors. The 

lien’s headstone was still visible at the 

ime, and all of the out-of-town visitors 

ad hoped the authorities would dig the 

ody out of the ground and see what, if 

nything, was really there. 

“The representatives from the Aurora 

emetery got angry — they feared we 

ere trying to dig up grandma, so they 

ot an injunction against anyone who 

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would try to dig the body up. 

“A lot of people began driving around 

the cemetery, so law enforcement had 

to stand guard out front. The story died 

down after two weeks, and the police 

guard went away. The alien’s headstone 

went missing later that night and hasn’t 

been seen since,” Marrs said, adding visitors 

can still find the burial site directly 

beside an old oak tree. 

Former Aurora Mayor Barbara Brammer 

calls the legend “a good story, but one 

without proof.” 

She has her own theory as to what may 

have really happened. 

The town had once thrived with almost 

3,000 residents, but many had left for 

other opportunities by the end of the 

19th century. 

“There are rumors that someone made 

up the story as a reason to get people to 

move back to Aurora,” Brammer said. 

A and 

While Brammer remains skeptical, 

Marrs said there are good reasons to believe 

the story is true. 

“There were witnesses. This was six 

years before the Wright brothers flew, so 

there was nothing man-made in the air,” 

Marrs said, adding many newspapers 

across the country at the time also published 

reports of a “cigar-shaped” spaceship 

seen flying across the country, with 

some of the reports coming from as far 

north as Seattle. 

“There were no more stories (about 

the UFO) after the crash. This does not 

prove that a ship crashed in Aurora, but it 

proves something was flying around the 

skies of Aurora, six years before airplanes 

were around,” Marrs said. 

Books have been written about the supposed 

alien crash, and a 1985 movie, “The 

Aurora Encounter,” was based upon the 

story that originated in Wise County. 

and M Gardens 

Dof reaming 

a 

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Wed 

eddingding 

• Oil & Lube Service 

• Preventative 

maintenance 

• 3yr./100,000 miles 

• Parts & Labor 

• Nationwide Warranty 

940-626-0053 

800 County Road 4213 • Decatur 

www.fourfmobile.com 

Tours given daily to view our 

beautiful indoor/outdoor 

banquet facility. 

www.aandmgardens.com 

12809 Gantt Road South 

Azle, TX 76020 

817-444-3848 

Since 1971 

The first steps of your new life together begin here... 

Weddings are our specialty

81 

Wiley 

Hardware & Supply 

Large Selection of Nuts & Bolts, 

Plumbing Supplies 

*Committed To Service & Convenience* 

On the square 

109 W. Decatur Street • Chico • 940-644-2623 

Store Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Saturday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Closed Sunday 

LAWN MAINTENANCE 

LANDSCAPING 

FERTILIZATION & 

HERBICIDE PROGRAMS 

www.lonestarlawnandlandscape.com 

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING 

Western Furnishings ✮ Art Gallery 

★ Rustic & Handmade Furniture 

★ Western Bedding 

★ Framed Art ★ Log Beds 

★ Steel Furniture 

★ Fireplace Mantels 

★ Lamps & Accessories 

★ Gorgeous Cowhides 

PENDLETON WOOLEN MILLS DEALER 

Dene Dial 

Presents 

interior 

expressions 

Over 30 Years Experience 


For The Past 13 Years. 

Free in home estimates 

• Custom Drapery 

• Shutters 

• Wood Blinds 

• Upholstery 

Design Services Available 

3936 US Hwy 287 S. Suite 7, Decatur 

Mon-Fri 9 a.m - 5 p.m. Sat. by Appt. 

940-626-2270 Offi ce 

or 940-393-5492 Cell 

Complete 

Sawmill Services 

Cedar Posts ★ Porch Posts ★ Cedar Stays 

Fencing ★ Entry Materials 

940-482-5683 

Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or for appt., call 940-482-3754 

16450 Hwy. 380 West, 9 miles west of I-35, between Decatur and Denton 

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TX IRR LIC #8747 

940-627-6384 

While Other Title Companies 

Have Come and Gone... 

Wise County Title Company has Stood the Test of Time. For over 

100 years our title plant has provided accurate, reliable information; 

yesterday for abstracts and Today for Title Insurance. 

Today, with computer-aided search ability and digitized document 

viewing of all 150 years of Wise County records, Wise County Title 

Company Provides Speedy Service to go with our 

Century-old Record of unmatched stability and reliability. 

WISE 

COUNTY 

1709 Ninth St., Bridgeport 

Suite 101 in First State Bank Center 

940-683-3581 

TITLE 

COMPANY 

405 Park West Court, Decatur 

(Just Off US 380 Business West) 

940-627-3581 

Learn More about US at www.wisetitle.com 

LOCALLY OWNED 

We Are “The Wise Choice”

82 

BRIDGEPORT Riding Club 

The Bridgeport Riding Club was organized 

in 1957. Founding members met at 

an all-wood rodeo arena, located where 

Harwood Park is now, for a few months 

before moving to an arena owned by Jerry 

Buckingham, about four miles north on 

Texas 101. Then members moved to an 

arena owned by Marvin Mercer, located 

on Pleasant View Road before moving to 

a roping pen built by George Bean and 

Buddy Bean, off Farm Road 920 about five 

miles from Bridgeport. 

The following year the club bought six 

acres to build where the arena is at now. 

Originally, the arena was made of elwood 

wire, and there were wooden bleachers. 

Later, it was renovated to steel with metal 

bleachers. In the early 1970s, a dance floor 

was added and the Riding Club began 

Willow Creek 

Country Club 

just past the 

Wise County line 

Billy Privett 

(817) 688-7291 

Wise County Wranglers 

at Salt Creek Arena 

in Boyd 

David Burton 

(817) 636-2026 

Other riding clubs 

Lone Star Riders 

at Bob Ruffin Arena 

in Keeter 

Toby Knight 

(817) 220-8408 

Texas Smokin’ Guns 

at Willow Creek 

Country Club 

in Jack County 

Lou Ciserni 

(817) 368-0627 

hosting a dance two nights during the 

rodeo. 

Today, the club hosts a youth rodeo in 

April and collaborates with the Bridgeport 

Chamber of Commerce to organize the 

PRCA rodeo during Butterfield Stage Days. 

Several playdays are held throughout the 

year. These consist of speed events but do 

not include roping nor roughstock like in a 

rodeo. 

Dues are $20 per family and $10 per 

individual. 

Officers include Katherine Hudson, 

president; Kenny Hudson, vice president; 

Wendy Vann, treasurer; and Bonnie Musser, 

historian. Royalty includes Stevi Roubion, 

rodeo queen; Hope Dennie, princess; 

Paitane Brown, sweetheart; Tallan Miller, 

wrangler; and directors Jerry Cox, Chad 

Cox, J.J. Miller, Jimmy Williams. 

For more information on the Riding Club 

or uts events, visit its Web site at www. 

bridgeportridingclub.org. 

Other area riding clubs include: 

RAY AARON 

INSURANCE 

AGENCY 

A FULL SERVICE AGENCY 

Auto • Health • Homeowners 

Motorcycle • Life 

Mobile Home • Commercial 

Se Habla Español 

Monthly Payments 

405 W. Walnut • Decatur 

940-627-1455 


940-683-5611 

430 W. Rock Island • Boyd 

940-433-8470 

IS SOMEONE 

HURTING 

YOU YOU 

CAN TALK TO 

ME ABOUT IT. 

WISE HOPE 

Shelter & Crisis Center 

407 S. Washburn St. 

Decatur 

8:30 – 5:00 Monday- Friday 

24 Hour Hotline 940.626.4855 

en español 940.393.2884

Submit 

Your 

Local 

News. 


submit 

Massage Therapy Spa Treatments 

Facials Waxing 

Spa Products 

• Essential Oils • Massage Lotions • Bio Freeze for Joints/Sore Muscles 

• Placécol - Anti Aging Skin Care • Barcelona Soaps & Candles 

116 E. Main Street, Ste. D • Decatur 

940-627-5697 

East of Decatur Square 

Wise Youth Today Magazine 

www.WiseYouthToday.com 

Read us online • Follow us at twitter.com/texasfamily 

Inspiring Parents! 

Motivating Kids! 

Celebrating Life! 

Connecting Wise County Families Since 

2004. Pick up your free copy today! 

940.210.1769 

888.878.8465 

Not Just Another 

Flooring Store... 

• Hardwood 

• Tile 

• Laminate 

• Carpet 

• Decorative 

Accessories 

• Lamps 

• Accent Furniture 

• Framed Art 

• Area Rugs 

• Custom Window 

Treatments 

• Light Fixtures 

• Granite Countertops 

Floors 

& More 

109 N. State St • Decatur 

On the West Side of the Square 

940-627-5199 

Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Closed Monday 

Foodliner 

Your Full Service Store 

Voted 

Best Grocery 

Store with the 

friendliest people 

and the Best place 

to buy meat! 

• Groceries • Bakery 

• Deli • Floral • Meat • Produce 

• Dairy • Frozen • Specialty Foods 

HOMETOWN PR♥UD 

1202 FM 51 S., Decatur 

940-627-6438 

1501 Halsell, Bridgeport 

940-683-4006 

200 W. Rock Island, Boyd 

940-433-2325 

503 N. Main, Jacksboro 

940-567-5301 

Lovette Pediatrics, P.A. 

Amanda Lovette, M.D. 

A N D 

August Pediatrics, P.A. 

Anissa August, M.D. 

New 

Address 

940.627.8044 

2401 S. FM 51, Suite 100 


New Patients Welcome 

Please Call for Appointment 

Sick and Well Care 

Most Insurance Plans Accepted 

Se Habla Espanol 

83

WISE COUNTY 

Youth Sports Directory 

Sports Associations 

Alvord Sports Association 

Charlotte Fitzgerald (940) 389-5441 

Boyd Youth Association 

Jaime Stearns (940) 433-2711 

Paradise Youth Sports 

Bill Graham (817) 988-7427 

Baseball 

Bridgeport Youth Baseball 

Bill Cline (940) 683-4299 

Chico Baseball 

Rusty Hand (940) 845-5674 

Paradise Baseball 

Jason Tremaine (940) 393-5085 

Slidell Baseball 

Blake Fortenberry (940) 466-9341 

Wise County Little League 

Chris Shields (940) 627-4930 

www.wisecountylittleleague.com 

South Wise Sports Association 

Rhome, Newark, Aurora 

Sharon Batterton (817) 734-8877 

Basketball 

Bridgeport Youth Association 

Lyn Trickel (940) 683-4515 

Decatur Little Dribblers 

Stacy Dunning (940) 627-3415 

Lady Lakers select basketball 

Robert Morgan (940) 255-0434 

www.ladylakers.com 

Paradise adult basketball 

Maggi Loney (940) 433-3494 


SOMETIMES SOCCER IS HARD 

Cheerleading 

Decatur Cheerleading Association 

Kim Harris (940) 626-4296 

84

WISE COUNTY 

Youth Sports 

Directory (continued) 

Wireless Zone ® of Decatur... 

your local Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer. 

Wise County Cheerleading 

(940) 627-6911 

Football 

Alvord 

Bob Baird (940) 627-0734 

Boyd Youth Association 

Cole Jordan (817) 475-2491 

Decatur 

Daren Partridge (817) 996-0955 

Northwest 

Bryon Thorton (817) 439-3711 

Soccer 

Wise County Soccer Association 

www.wisesoccer.com 

Bridgeport 

Cesar Pinon (940) 577-2363 

For all your wireless needs 

• The hottest phones & latest rate plans from Verizon Wireless 

• Up-to-date data services 

• Accessories for all cell phone makes & models 

• Mobile Broadband cards for wireless Internet 

• And so much more! 

www.WirelessZone.com/Decatur 

DECATUR • 940-626-4422 

1100 West Business 380 Suite A 

Locally 

Owned 

& Operated! 

Shop local & see 

the difference! 

Decatur 

Mike Christiansen (940) 389-3890 

Paradise 

Wayne Tipton (817) 789-3518 

Softball 

Paradise adult softball league 

Maggi Loney (940) 433-3493 

HOME APPLIANCE SHOWROOM 

WE’LL MATCH ANY COMPETITOR’S PRICE 

PLUS GIVE YOU 10% OF THE DIFFERENCE 

See store for details. 

Wise County Co-ed League 

Clifton North (940) 393-2752 

Newark Area Youth Association/ 

South Wise Sports Association 

Kelly Canada (817) 489-2271 

Swimming 

AquaRACERS 

Fit N Wise (940) 627-5921 

Volleyball 

Wise County Youth Volleyball 

Shelly Moore (940) 389-1700 

Paradise Youth Recreation Association 

(940) 969-2325 

1100 W. Business 380 • Decatur, TX 

Hours: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Phone: 940-627-6466 

85

86 

WISE COUNTY Veterans 


WISE COUNTY VETERANS DAY PARADE 

Veterans Service Office 

205 N. State St., Decatur 

(940) 627-2470 

The Veterans Service Office 

helps county veterans 

acquire benefits through the 

Veterans Administration. 

These benefits range from 

educational benefits, money, 

home loans and monthly 

compensation. Employees at 

the VSO serve as mediators 

who file claims and represent 

Wise County veterans before 

the VA regional office in 

Waco. 

The office is open from 8 

a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 

5 p.m., Monday through 

Thursday and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Friday. 


Veterans Group 

The aging of American 

veterans resulted in a dramatic 

increase in the number 

of veteran deaths and the 

honors of a graveside salute 

and flag presentation by uniformed 

sevice personnel became 

difficult for the government 

to provide. This became 

a task veterans organizations, 

such as the Wise County Veterans 

Group, proudly began 

performing. 

Founding members of the 

Wise County Veterans Group 

signed the original by-laws 

Jan. 19, 2000. More than five 

years later, on Feb. 22, 2005, 

the WCVG registered as a 

non-profit corporation. 

In addition to salutes to the 

fallen, the WCVG meetss at 9 

a.m. every Saturday at Courthouse 

Cafe, Bay Landing or 

Johan’s, takes part in Veteran’s 

Day parades and banquets, 

host welcome home 

celebrations and makes flag 

presentations. 

Current officers include 

Walt Warner, commander; 

Paul Lane, adjutant; Gordon 

Hofstra, financial officer; 

Art Pierce, historian; Eddie 

Green, vice commander; Al 

Smith, quarter master; and 

Clint Walker, chaplain. 

For more information on 

the Wise County Veterans 

Group, visit its Web site at 

www.wisecountyveterans.org. 


Veterans Memorial Park 

405 N. Trinity St., Decatur 

The Wise County Veterans 

Group planned, designed, 

managed and completed the 

Wise County Veterans Memorial 

Park with the help of 

community contributions. 

Ground was broken June 3, 

2003, and the park was dedicated 

Nov. 11, 2005. 

The Path of Sacrifice and 

Valor, beginning at the Ash 

Street entrance of the park, 

is lined by 18 bronze plaques 

on stone pillars that trace 

America’s history at war from 

the American Revolution 

to today. An eternal flame, 

a symbol of the sacrifice 

needed to pay for eternal 

vigilance and the defense of 

freedoms, at the center of the 

the park. The names of about 

1,500 veterans are etched 

into the bricks that form the 

pathways across the park 

such as the Path of Sacrifice 

and Valor I, II, III, IV, V and 

VI, Wise County and the Civil

2009 Wise County 

MEDICAL, HEALTH 

& WELLNESS 

Directory 


medicaldirectory 

Youngs Tank, Inc. 

We at Youngs 

Tank strive 

to design, 

manufacture and sell the highest 

quality aluminum truck tanks and 

trailers. We have been serving the 

petroleum industry since 1985. Wise 

County is our 

home and we 

believe in giving 

back to the 

community through our support of 

many local projects and programs. 

Youngs Tank, Inc. 

Boyd, TX 

940-433-8441 • 800-345-7952 

Fax: 940-433-2092 • Email: sales@youngstank.com 

Decatur 

Art School 

Instruction in pencil, charcoal, pen & ink, 

watercolor, pastel, acrylic, oils, clay, etc. 

Classes available for second grade through adult 

940 627-3127 

Instructor: Barbara Pinkerton 

307-B W. Main, Decatur 

• Gifts for Special Occasions 

• Bridal Registry and Baby Registry 

• Seasonal Selections 

• Home Decor 

• Jewelry 

• Fine Jewelry 

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Hours: Mon. - Fri. - 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

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940-627-5000 

Toll Free - 888-947-3268 

“On the Square in Decatur” 

87

WISE COUNTY Veterans (continued) 

War, World War I and II (European, Pacific 

nd American Theatre), the Cold War, 

he Korean War, the Vietnam War, future 

eterans, honorary veterans, reserved, the 

ost Battalion and Veterans Group. 

The park is owned by the city of Decatur. 

t is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 

ays a week. 

Sons of 

Confederate Veterans 

Albert Sidney Johnston Camp No. 983 

The Sons of Confederate Veterans is an 

organization that preserves the history 

and ancestry of Confederate soldiers who 

fought in the Civil War. The Albert Sidney 

Johnston Camp No. 983 meetss the 

second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. 

at the Wesley Center of the First United 

Methodist Church of Decatur, 201 E. Main 

St. 

Other veterans organizations 

• American Legion Post 279, Bridgeport meet at 

6:30 p.m. second Thursday, Bridgeport Public 

Library 

• Daugters of the American Revolution meet 

third Saturday (times and locations vary) 

• Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 70 

2801 Hwy. 51 S., Decatur meet at 7 p.m. second 

Tuesday 

• Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 113 

204 Lake Road, Bridgeport meet at 5 p.m. first 

Monday 

• North Texas Honor Guard 204 Lake Road, 

Bridgeport meet at 5 p.m. second and fourth 

Monday 

• Wise County Veterans Council 2801 Hwy. 51 S., 

Decatur meet at 5 p.m. third Tuesday 

• County-Based Outpatient Clinic located in 

the eastside wing of the Family Clinic 808 W. 

Woodrow Wilson Ray Circle, Bridgeport (940) 

683-2538 

The organization sets the bronze tombstones 

of Confederate soldiers throughout 

the county. In addition, they honor 

the fallen throughout Confederate Soldier 

month in April and participate in community 

organizations such as the Relay for 

Life and Old Settler’s Reunion. 

Commander is Billy R. Bramlett and 

Adjutant is W.B. Woodruff. 

SCV was founded in Richmond, Va., in 

1896 to serve as a historical, patriotic and 

non-political organization dedicated to 

ensuring that the history and significance 

of the years 1861-1865 is preserved. 

For more information on the Albery Sidney 

Johnston Camp No. 983 of the Sons 

of Confederate Veterans, visit its Web site 

at www.texasscv.org/camps/albertsidneyjohnson983.html. 

40 Million Drivers 

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88 

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89

DECATUR Petrified Wood Station 


PETRIFIED WOOD STATION 

Almost 20 years have passed since the little gas station along business U.S. 287/81 in 

Decatur serviced its last vehicle. But, not a day goes by that someone doesn’t stop to study the 

unique masonry and read the history 

of the Petrified Wood Station. 

Owned by Jim and Nancy Rosendahl, 

the station was built by Nancy’s 

grandfather, E.F. Boydston, at a time 

when people were straddling the line 

of the horse and wagon and automobile 

eras. Nancy’s father, Nolan 

Boydston, began working at the station 

when he was 10 and retired from 

the station in 1989. 

“If this building could speak, it 

would tell us a lot of stories,” Jim said. 

“This went through the Great Depression, 

World War II, Korea, Vietnam. 

This preserves a very small piece of 

history from the 20th Century.” 

E.F. Boydston first bought the land 

at Hale Street and business U.S. 

81/287 for $400 in 1927 and constructed 

a shed and Texaco gas station 

at the location, naming it Texas 

Tourist Court. Travelers stopped and 

camped in the tourist camp area located 

behind the station. Cabins were 

built behind the station in 1931 that 

travelers could rent for $1.35 a night, 

a price that included breakfast in the 

morning. The Texas Lunchroom, a 

one-room wooden building, was built 

in 1929. 

With the number of gas stations 

in Texas and the nation increasing 

steadily with the number of automobiles 

on the road, Nolan decided the 

station needed a little more personal- 

90

hoto 

Available 

online 

Reprints 


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Vote 

Wise. 

Stay 

Informed. 

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940-627-2167 

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1889 Historic Wedding Chapel 

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Wedding Ceremonies 

& Receptions 

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817.489.1844 

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LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR 

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817-713-0613 CELL 

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91

DECATUR 

Petrified (continued) 

ty in order to attract customers. He 

athered petrified wood from Alvord 

nd Bridgeport and applied it to the 

xterior of the station and the cabins. 

e also expanded the Lunchroom and 

aced it with petrified wood. 

“In the old days, every station had it’s 

wn personality,” Jim said. “Presumbly, 

that’s why they put the petrified 

ood around it. The most unique 

lace got the most business.” 

Bonnie and Clyde were rumored to 

ave stayed in the Texas Tourist Court 

ust a few months before they were 

illed in May 1934. 

In the 1950s, the building was 

rapped in bright neon lights, further 

nticing people to visit the cabins and 

afe, along with filling their tank with 

as. 

“It must have been quite a sight coming 

in from Fort Worth,” Nancy said. 

The station survived the rationing 

of gasoline during World War II 

in part because Nolan recapped tires 

at the station. Rubber was a valuable 

resource during the war, and the 

Petrified Wood Station was one of the 

only locations in Decatur to have tires 

recapped. 

With Nolan’s retirement came the 

closing of the store, which Jim and 

Nancy remodeled as a personal office. 

The cabins are used for commercial 

space. The cafe closed for a couple of 

years but is now open as Whistle Stop 

Cafe. 

“There’s not a day that goes by that 

people don’t stop and take pictures,” 

Jim said. “This may be the most photographed 

place in Wise County.” 

Mary Austin 

940-841-1805 

Melaina Middleton 

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92 

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A Blog 

by Sports 

Editor Robert 

Morgan 

www.wcmessenger.com 

/blogs/morgan 

THE ROC-N-W-RANCH 

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Who Should You Trust With Your OB/GYN Care 

Decatur Women’s Health Center 

Offering a Full Range of Obstetrical and Gynecological Care for Women at 

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

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1001 W. Rose Avenue • Decatur TX 76234 Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

Located at the bottom of the tower behind Verona’s Pizza 

93

94 

WISE COUNTY 

Civic Groups 

The Messenger acknowledges that 

this is not a complete list of all county 

organizations and clubs. Call the 

Messenger office at (940) 627-5987 to 

correct or add information. 

4-H and Junior 4-H 

Adrian Arredondo 

(940) 627-3341 

http://wise-tx.tamu.edu 

American Legion 

Meets 6:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of each 

month at the Bridgeport Library 

(940) 683-4640 

American Legion Auxiliary 

Post No. 279, district 13 

Meets 6:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of each 

month at the Bridgeport Library 

(940) 627-2229 

Amigos de Wise County 

Arthur Velaquez 

(940) 399-3368 

Area Business Women’s Network 

Meets noon second 

Tuesday of each month 

(580) 512-8708 

www.abwn.net 

Boy Scouts 

Ryan Newcomb, Mustang District 

executive 

(817) 905-7372 

BSAMustand36@aol.com 

Boy Scouts Troop 121 

Tim McIntyre 

(940) 627-7990 

Boy Scouts Troop 359 

David Isbell 

(940) 627-6373 

Bridgeport Athletic Booster Club 

Bridgeport High School 

(940) 683-4064 

Bridgeport Band Boosters Club 

Teri Roberts 

(940) 210-9174 

Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce 

Meets 11:30 a.m. third Thursday of each 

month at Bridgeport Lion’s Hall 

Director – Teri Bland 

(940) 683-2076 

www.bridgeportchamber.org 

Bridgeport Civic Club 

Meets 6:30 p.m. first Monday of each 

month 

Rachel Gasperson 

(940) 683-4472 

Bridgeport Education Foundation 

Meets 5:15 p.m. second Monday of each 

month at the Alternative Learning Center 

Sue Ray 

(940) 683-5783 

Bridgeport Garden Club 

Meets noon first Thursday of each month 

Joan Pierce 

(940) 683-4341 

Bridgeport Heritage Museum 

Virginia Wood 

(940) 683-4341 

Bridgeport Historical Society 

Meets 11:30 a.m. third 

Monday of each month 

Virginia Wood 

(940) 683-4341 

www.bridgeporttxhistorical.org 

Bridgeport Lion’s Club 

Meets noon first and third Wednesdays 

of each month at Bridgeport Lion’s Club 

Hall 

Angie Tyson 

(940) 683-3490 

Bridgeport Main Street 

Meets 1:30 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each 

month at Bridgeport City Hall 

Manager – Angie Tyson 

(940) 683-3485 

Bridgeport Masonic Lodge 

Meets 6:30 p.m. third Thursday of each 

month at the Masonic Lodge 

Bill Read 

(940) 683-3323 

Bridgeport Riding Club 

Katherine Hudson 

(940) 627-3540 

Bridgeport Youth Association 

Sports – basketball, softball, 

baseball, soccer, volleyball 

Bill Cline 

(940) 683-4299 

Carson Elementary School PTO 

Tammy Rainey 

(940) 393-7500 

Chico 4-H 

Carolyn Western 

(940) 644-5523 

Chico 42 Club 

Meets third Thursday of each month 

(940) 644-5133 

Chico Chamber of Commerce 


Fletta Barrett 

(940) 644-2515 

Chico Chapter No. 433 

Order of the Eastern Star 

(940) 644-2147 

Chico Friendship Club 


(940) 644-5133 

Chico Lion’s Club 

Keith Umphress 

(940) 567-3071 

Chico Masonic Lodge 508 

Meets first Thursday of each month 

(940) 644-2985 

Chico Senior Lunch 

Meets last Wednesday of each month at 

the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 

Chico Quilting Club 

(940) 644-2497 

Cross Timbers Aggie Club 

Greg Harrison 

(940) 389-5545 

Cub Scout Pack 115 

Chip Hakanson 

(940) 627-7113 

Daughters of American Revolution 

Meets 10 a.m. third Saturday 

of each month at the 

Wise County Heritage Museum 

Regent — Naomi Rawle 

(940) 627-2229 

Decatur Chamber of Commerce 

Meets 11:30 a.m. third Tuesday of each 

month (September through May) at 

Decatur Civic Center 

Executive director — Misty Hudson 

(940) 627-3107 

www.decaturtx.com 

Decatur Junior Woman’s Club 

Meets 7 p.m. second Monday of each 

month (September through May) 

www.decaturjuniorwomansclub.com 

Decatur Lion’s Club 

Meets noon every Wednesday 

(except fifth Wednesday of month) 

at Lion’s Club Building 

Martin Woodruff 

(940) 627-3684 

Decatur Main Street/Visitors Center 

Manager – Frieda Hanley 

(940) 627-6158 

www.decaturmainstreet.com 

Decatur Masonic Lodge 

(940) 627-5740 

Decatur Rotary Club 

Meets noon Thursdays 

at the Wesley Center 

Steve Males 

(940) 389-8815 

Decatur Intermediate School PTO 

Misty Hudson 

(940) 389-7400 

Decatur Middle School PTO 

Ruth Ann Harrison 

(940) 393-7300 

Decatur High School PTO 

Randy and Paula Shrull 

(940) 393-7200 

Decatur Woman’s Club 

Danielle Scroggins 

(940) 627-7524 

Delta Kappa Gamma 

DeeAnn Archer 

(940) 627-2329 

Girl Scouts 

Darlene Hoyl 

(940) 627-1116 

www.gsnetx.org 

Greater Runaway Bay Alliance 

www.runawaybaychamber.com 

Leadership Wise West 

Meets 7 p.m. fourth 

Thursday of each month 

Ilene Enochs 

(940) 683-3490 

The Off 380 Players 

Charlotte Keefe 

(940) 575-2538 

www.off380players.org 

Preceptor Pi Kappa Beta 

Sigma Phi Sorority 

Meets 7 p.m. first Thursday of each 

month 

Carolyn Dent 

(940) 575-4684 

Rann Elementary PTO 

Danko Hogan 

(940) 393-7600 

The Sand Flat Art Guild 

Mary Jo Haller 

(940) 644-5263 

Sons of Confederate Veterans 

W.B. Woodruff Jr. 

(940) 627-3754 

STAND 

Bridgeport administration office 

(940) 683-5124

Civic 

Groups 

(cont.) 

Texas Extension Education 

Association 

(940) 627-3341 

Tanya Davis 

UFO Quilters Club 

Meets 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday 

of each month at First Baptist 

Church of Bridgeport 

Virigina Wood 

(940) 683-4341 

Wise County Art Association 

Meets 7 p.m. second Monday of 

each month at the Bridgeport 

Library 

(940) 683-5610 

Wise County Fossil, Rock and 

Mineral Society 

Meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. at 

the Wesley Center, 

(940) 627-7837. 

Wise County Democratic Party 

Barbara Mote 

(940) 683-2766 

barbmote@aol.com 

www.wisedemocrats.com 

Wise County Republican Party 

Allen Williamson 

(940) 627-8308 

awilliamson@sbplaw.com 

www.wiserepublican.org 

Wise County Quilt Guild 

Meets 10 a.m. third Saturday 

of each month at Cates Street 

Church of Christ in Bridgeport 

Helen Buckner 

(940) 644-2413 

Carolyn K. Watkins 

(940) 748-2060 

Wise County United Way 

Executive director – Martin 

Woodruff 

(940) 627-3684 

www.wisecountyunitedway.org 

Wise County Veterans Group 

Meets 9 a.m. every Saturday 

Walt Warner 

(940) 575-4681 

www.wisecountyveteransgroup.org 

Wise Republican Women 

Meets 6:30 p.m. second Monday 

of each month 

www.wiserepublicanwomen.com 

Venture Scouts No. 121 

Tim McIntyre 

(940) 627-7990 

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96 



LAKE BRIDGEPORT AT SUNSET 

More than 70 years ago, when Dallas and Fort Worth were mere shadows of what 

they are today, the small town of Bridgeport, located on a tributary of the Trinity 

River, became the home of Lake Bridgeport, one of the largest lakes in the state. 

Today that lake still stands as a 

huge warm-weather attraction, providing 

fun on the water for families 

from all over Texas. 

“There are three main attractions in 

this area,” Bridgeport Lake Superintendent 

Richard Ellis said. “One is the 

mass amount of limestone, another 

is the Barnett Shale and the third is 

the lake. It’s as simple as that. Lake 

Bridgeport is a very important part of 

the county.” 

In 1922, severe rains plagued the 

Trinity River area, causing heavy flood 

damage to northern Tarrant County 

and the city of Fort Worth, prompting 

the formation of the Tarrant County 

Water Conservation Association. In 

1929, construction began on the Lake 

Bridgeport dam, and two years later 

the lake was finished. 

Lake Bridgeport is located on the 

west fork of the Trinity River in Wise 

and Jack counties, about four miles 

west of Bridgeport, and about 70 

miles from DFW Airport. 

With a surface area of just less than 

12,000 acres and about 129 miles of 

shoreline according to the Tarrant Regional 

Water District, Lake Bridgeport 

is one of the largest lakes in Texas. 

The lake is 5.9 miles wide and 19 

miles long at its maximum points and 

has a conservation storage of 366,236 

acre-feet. With an average depth of 

29 feet, Lake Bridgeport can accommodate 

most small fishing boats and 

recreational crafts. 

Ellis has worked for the Tarrant Regional 

Water District since 1995 and 

said that Lake Bridgeport provides 

the area not only with recreation but 

also with a sustainable water supply. 

“This lake was built first and foremost 

for flood control and water supply, 

then for recreation. We provide 

water to all the local cities and to 

many of the powerplants in the area.”

® 


Lake 

Laker \ 

Bridgeport 

(continued) 

For the surrounding 

area’s population, the 

lake provides a place 

where people can enjoy 

numerous water 

activities including 

boating and boat rentals, 

water skiing, fishing 

and swimming. There 

are also places on the 

surrounding shore for 

camping and picnicing, 

and cabins are available 

for rent. The Texas Parks 

and Wildlife Commision 

reports Lake Bridgeport 

to be an excellent location 

for bass fishing as 

well as crappie, catfish 

and sun fish. 

“This is really a great 

lake,” Ellis said. “We get 

a good summer crowd 

on the weekends, but it’s 

definitely not as packed 

as some of the other 

lakes around here. There 

is plenty of room for 

everyone to do all kinds 

of water sports and fishing. 

“ 

The North Side Marina 

and Resort, located at 

the north end of the lake, 

is one of the major draws 

for lodging and entertainment. 

The marina 

offers one to four bedroom 

cabin rentals, boat 

and slip rentals, RV sites, 

a ship store and gift 

shop, fishing opportunities 

and a 24-hour boat 

fueling station. 

Subscribe 

Online. 

www.wcmessenger.com/subscribe 

Septic 

Systems 

Installed 

Now offering Storm Shelters! 

Tractor 

& Backhoe 

Service 

Master 

Handypersons 

Home Repairs • Painting 

Sheetrock Repairs 

New Construction 

Patios & Decks 

Garage Conversions 

Carports 

Shops • Barns 

Fencing • Welding 

Carpentry 

Custom Woodwork 

LEN ROY DON BUILDERS 

A Father & Son Business - Roy & Reyn 

817-366-7990 or 817-480-8459 

Law Offices of 

KENDALL W. HILL 

PERSONAL INJURY 

CRIMINAL DEFENSE 

FAMILY LAW 

1602 West Business 380, Suite 900 


940-627-0011 or 817-831-3561 

FIRST REALTY 

Land, 

Residential & 

Commercial 

Wise Alignments LLC 

Computerized Alignments • Brakes 

AC Service • Front End Repair 

Certifi ed - Over 20 Years Experience 

Trevor Munnerlyn 

940-627-6785 

Cell - 940-389-4395 

3172 S. Farm Rd. 730 


Serving All of 


We Send 

Flowers Worldwide 

www.arayofflowers.com 

A Ray Of Flowers 

Fax: 940-627-6207 411 East Walnut • Decatur • 940-627-1208 

M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Mary Ann Hodges 

Broker Associate 

940-393-0414 

940-627-5940 

Danny Hodges 

Realtor ® 

940-393-1339 

940-427-5133 

WELCOME TO WISE! 

We are here to serve you! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECATUR 

TIRE STORE & SERVICE CENTER 

All 

tire 

sizes 

available! 

940-627-3657 

1201 N. US 81/287 

Decatur 

Mon. - Fri., 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Sat., 7:30 a.m. - Noon 

97

WISE COUNTY Sam Woody’s Cabin 


SAM WOODY’S CABIN 

For a century and a half, Sam Woody’s cabin stood guard 

along Deep Creek, representing one of the first structures 

to be built in Wise County. In October 2006, it was relocated 

and dedicated at its new home on the Wise County 

Heritage Museum lawn. 

Woody, a native of Tennessee, built the home in 1854 

with the help of friends and family. The construction materials 

consisted of wood from trees located in the immediate 

area, and the cabin was finished in one day. 

The cabin was frequented by frontier travelers passing 

through the area and was a meeting place for trade with 

Native Americans. Woody guarded pioneer settlements as 

part of a Ranger unit and served in the Confederate Army 

during the Civil War. 

The cabin became a recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 

1970. 

Sam Woody’s cabin is located in front of the Wise County 

Heritage Museum, 1602 S. Trinity St., in Decatur. 

98 

Family Vision Center 

• Guaranteed satisfaction on 

all types of contact lenses 

• Hundreds of top quality frames 

• Children’s eye care 

• Senior citizen discount 

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Saturday, 8:30 - Noon 

Tad Billmire, O.D. 

104 South Washburn, Decatur 

(Just off the 287 & 380 interchange) 

For emergencies 940-627-1305 

940-627-3739 

For your convenience 

Complete In-House 

Lab Facilities 

Surgical Specialist Available 

Dr. T. Jeff Russell, 

Ophthalmologist 

Fully trained and legally 

licensed to treat red and 

irritated conditions and 

remove foreign bodies from 

the eye. 

Commercial and 

Domestic Propane 

Delivery 

LOCALLY 

OWNED & 

OPERATED 

A Division of Wise Service Co. - Fuel 

A Full Service Propane Dealer 

940-683-2683 

Tanks 

Leased 

or Sold 

WISE PROPANE 

Call Wise Electric at 940-627-2167 or 1-888-627-9326 Toll Free 

U.S. Hwy 380 West, Bridgeport, Texas 

A Fully Owned Subsidiary of Wise Electric Cooperative, Inc.

® 


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CRESTVIEW PLACE 

APARTMENTS 

BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY - NOW LEASING 

One Bed. 664 sq. ft. $680 

Two Bed. 887sq.ft. $760 

Three Bed. 1127sq.ft. $900 

• Small Pets okay • Jr. Olympic size pool • On-site courtesy officer 

Open Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat, Noon - 4 p.m. 

950 W. Thompson Street • Decatur • www.crestviewplaceapts.com 

940-626-0032 

Welcome Buyers 

& Sellers 

The Market is Moving Again! 

Are You Ready to Move too 

Tana 

940-627-5859 

tanahomes@yahoo.com 

EQUAL HOUSINGwww.tanahomes.com 

OPPORTUNITY 

BRIDGEMAN’S 

MILLWORK 

Financial Services & Products Offered: 

• Retirement Rollovers, IRA’s 

• Retirement Plans for Businesses 

• Portfolio Management 

• Wealth Accumulation 

• Asset Diversification & Protection Strategies 

• Business Continuation Plans 

• Mutual Funds, Stocks & Bonds 

• Fixed and Variable Annuities 

• Life & Long Term Care Insurance 

• College 529 Plans 

+ = 

DISCOUNTS. 

Our Mission: 

To assist our clients in achieving 

fi nancial confi dence so they can focus 

on the things that give their lives true 

meaning and purpose. 

940-627-6111 

2250 FM 51 South, Suite 900 

P.O. Box 956 Decatur, TX 76234 

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC 

See me today and get the discounts 

and service you deserve. 

Community 

Calendar 

Plan this 

weekend’s 

events by 

checking out 

our Community 

Calendar. 


calendar/ 

CUSTOM CABINETS 

NEW CONSTRUCTION ~ REMODEL 

Residential • Commercial 

Owners: 

Ben Bridgeman & Phil Bridgeman 

869 Hwy. 101 N. • Sunset 

940-845-4545 

P057015 9/05 

 

 

 

 

 

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE. ® 

statefarm.com ® 

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL 

99

WISE COUNTY Fire Departments 

Wise County has 17 fire departments. All but 

ne are manned entirely by volunteers. Decatur 

as several full-time firefighters in addition to 

olunteers. Departments sponsor fund-raisers 

hroughout the year to help pay expenses. In adition, 

each department receives county funding. 

To support fire departments in your commuity, 

send donations to mailing addresses listed 

elow. 

ALVORD 

Station at 108 N.Trappier St. 

Fire chief: Monty Nivens 

P.O. Box 63 

Alvord, TX 76225 

AlvordFire@hotmail.com 

For non-emergencies, call (940) 427-3361 

BOONSVILLE-BALSORA 

280 CR 3743 


Fire chief: Wayne Stone 

Assistant: Darr Spencer 

bbvfd@wccs.net 

BOYD 

Wise County Emergency Services Dist. No.1 

Station at 135 North Wilson 

Fire chief: Robert Waters 

Assistant: Jeff Duncan 

P.O. Box 445 

Boyd, TX 76023 

boydfirerescue@yahoo.com 

For fire department assistance, 

call 911 for emergencies 

or (940) 433-5755 for the fire hall. 

The fire department assists the 

Wise County Emergency Medical 

Service on emergency calls in and 

around the city. The EMS has an 

ambulance stationed in Boyd. 

BRIDGEPORT 

Station at 708 Hovey 

Fire chief: Mike McComis 

For non-emergencies 

call (940) 683-3445 

P.O. Box 751 


DECATUR FIREFIGHTER AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 

100

20 words , 

20 dollars , 

one 

week , 

28,000 

homes , 

Classifieds 

Sell. 

www.wcmessenger.com/class 

• Laboratory • Dentistry • Grooming 

• Ultrasound • Boarding 

Decatur 

940-627-2133 

1000 Business Hwy. 380 East 

Hal Reese, DVM 

Providing Quality Care In A Professional Environment 

MAIN STREET 

FLORIST 

• Full Service 

Florist 

• Custom 

Silk 

Designs 

Wise County Animal Clinic 

COMPLETE ANIMAL CARE 

Cleaning your 

garment right 

comes first 

with us at 

Comet Cleaners 

in Decatur. 

We make sure that any stains have been 

completely removed from your garment. After all, 

our cleaning it right is what counts. 

• Dry-cleaning and laundry 

• In by 9 a.m., out by 5 p.m. 

Monday through Friday 

• Drapes and slipcovers cleaned 

• Wedding dresses preserved 

• Leather and suede 

Joe Ables, DVM 

TWICE AROUND 

CONSIGNMENTS 

• Clothing 

• Home Décor 

• Furniture 

307 W. Main St. • Decatur • 940-626-1406 

Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

LAUNDRY AND CLEANERS 

Serving Wise County for 23 years. 

1400 FM 51 South • 940-627-1122 

7 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sat. 


Committee 

on Aging 

“Meals on Wheels” 

WELCOMING ALL DONATIONS 

Serving The Children of Yesterday 

Wise County Committee on Aging 

P.O. Box 903 


940-627-5329 

Welcome to an Excellent Standard 

of Dental Care Provided by 

Dr. Fred Renfro & Dr. Chad Lindt 

General Dentistry Including: 

Sedation Dentistry • Smile Makeovers • Secure Dentures 

Invisalign/Orthodontics • Implant Restorations 

Visit our website www.excellentdental.com 

or call 940-627-2778 to schedule your appointment. 

Se habla español. 

1101 Eagle Dr., Suite A • Decatur • Excellent Dental, PC 

BRIGHT 

IDEAS 

Lighting Fixtures 

Ceiling Fans 

Cabinet Hardware 

Door Hardware 

Mirrors 

Lamps 

Gifts and Accessories 

Light Bulbs 

& More 

2304 W.W. Ray Circle, Bridgeport 

940-683-4325 

Fax 940-683-4524 

Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Sun./Mon. Closed 

brightideastx.com 

101

102 

WISE COUNTY 

Fire Departments (continued) 


mmccomis@cityofbridgeport.net 

CHICO 

Station at 102 N. Weatherford St. 

Fire chief: James “Poncho” Redwine 

For non-emergencies call (940) 644-5302 

P.O. Box 37 

Chico, TX 76431 

chicovfd@earthlink.net 

DECATUR 

Station at 201 S. Church St. 

Fire chief: Mike Richardson 

with two administrative personnel, 

six fulltime firefighters/EMTs and 

paramedics; nine part-time 

PSO firefighters/EMTs and paramedics 

and 24 volunteers. 

For non-emergencies call (940) 627- 

1500. 

P.O. Box 444 


dfdchief@decaturtx.org 

COTTONDALE 

Fire chief: Kevin Tolly 

Assistant: Rainer Mundy 

P.O. Box 1987 


CRAFTON 

Fire chief: Craig Cowley 

P.O. Box 10 

Chico, TX 76431 

EAST WISE FIRE RESCUE 

Fire chief: Robert Brown 

Assistant: David Plankey 

P.O. Box 69 

Rhome, TX 76078 

dispatch@eastwisefire.com 

www.eastwisefire.com 

GREENWOOD/SLIDELL 

Stations located in downtown Slidell 

and downtown Greenwood 


BOYD FIREFIGHTER 

Fire chief: Adam North 

Assistant: Tim Fletcher 

For emergencies call 911. 

P.O. Box 153 

Slidell, TX 76267 

gsvd@hotmail.com 

LAKE BRIDGEPORT 

Station located on Main Street 

Fire chief: Willie Garrett 

Assistant: Tommy Johnson 

301 S. Main 

Lake Bridgeport, TX 76426 

lbvfd@yahoo.com 

NEW FAIRVIEW 

East Wise County Fire and Rescue with 

backup from Rhome, 

Decatur and Justin fire 

departments. 

NEWARK 

Station is at 406 Hudson St. 

(817) 489-2331 

Fire chief: James Edgemon 

Assistant: Jerry Taylor 

P.O. Box 478 

Newark, TX 76071 

nvfd1600@yahoo.com 

PARADISE 

Station at 303 Main St. 

Fire chief: Jeff Doughty 

Assistants: Terry King, Mike Overton 

P.O. Box 97 

Paradise, TX 76073 

ParadiseVFD@yahoo.com 

RHOME 

Station at 261 N. School Rd. 

Fire chief: Robert Pratt 

P.O. Box 644 

Rhome, TX 76078 

rhomefire@earthlink.net 

RUNAWAY BAY 

Station at 410 Runaway Bay Dr. 

Fire chief: Jimmy White 

Fire marshal: Brian Bernado 


Runaway Bay, TX 76426 

rabvfd@embarqmail.com 

SALT CREEK 

Fire chief: Ken Vise 

Assistant: Kyle Riggs 

567 Big Salty Rd. 

Springtown, TX 76082 

SAND FLAT 

Fire chief: Foy Mitchell 

Assistant: Ronnie Linley 

P.O. Box 100 

Chico, TX 76431

DON’T 

LET YOUR 

MAILBOX 

GET LIKE 

THIS... 

Wise County Heritage Museum 

Archive • Museum • Little Theater 

Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Admission: $1 - Adults, 50¢ - Kids under 12 

1602 S. Trinity, Decatur • 940-627-5586 

www.wisemuseum@embarqmail.com 

Preferred 

Properties 

940-627-1990 • 1814 S. FM 51 • Decatur 

Each offi ce is independently owned & operated. 


In Historic Downtown Bridgeport 

Formerly the Bridgeport Fine Arts Theater 

Now open and available for lease - 

a beautifully refurbished, versatile facility 

suitable for theater performances, 

concerts, pageants, professional training 

and seminars. 

Amenities include: 

Ticket window Window 

Kitchen 

Dressing rooms Rooms 

Spacious lobby Lobby 

Lighted stage Stage 

Power Point 

Restrooms 

Sound System 

Central heat Heat and air Air 

Comfortable seating for more than 270 

Call 940-683-3485 for information on rates and availability 

Get a 

DIGITAL 

SUBSCRIPTION 

to the 

WISE 

COUNTY 

MESSENGER 

Only $20 

per year! 

www.wcmessenger.com 

/subscribe 

NEW SALEM 

FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH 

SUNDAY 

10 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School 

11 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . Morning Worship 

6 p.m. . . Wednesday Evening Worship 

Pastor - Bro. Jack Bankhead 817-624-7084 

Deacon - Ronald W. Womack 940-627-5413 

carwom@embarqmail.com 

4590 S. FM 51, Decatur 

Approximately 5 miles South on FM 51 

Our professional staff welcomes you to 

our family - Friendly atmosphere, where 

your comfort is our primary concern 


Double Creek Capital Building 

940-626-0003 

103

BRIDGEPORT Main Street 


COAL MINER’S DAY DOG PARADE 

The Bridgeport Main Street 

program has enjoyed many highs 

over the last few years. In 2007, 

Bridgeport was named a Texas 

Main Street City and in October 

the city was one of 59 Texas cities 

added to the National Main Street 

City list. 

“Main Street fosters the idea that 

the preservation of our historic 

buildings is important, but that 

has to go hand in hand with viable, 

successful retail,” said Angie 

Tyson, Bridgeport Main Street 

manager. “You can buy a toaster, 

you can get your boots fixed, you 

can get your hair cut and you can 

get glass etching downtown.” 

Downtown Bridgeport storefronts 

feature florists displays, clothing 

stores, cafes and gift shops. Two 

gyms are also located in downtown. 

“There’s more here than people 

know,” Tyson said. “The merchants 

have to provide the goods and services 

that the community needs. 

I’ve seen downtown merchants trying 

to do that.” 

Along with the shopping available, 

downtown Bridgeport is the 

stage for various events throughout 

the year. Events include: 

• Oct. 3 – Coal Miners Heritage 

Festival 

• Oct. 31 – Trick or Treat and costume 

parade on Halsell 

• November — Art Walk 

• Dec. 12 – Home for the Holidays: 

Pictures with Santa, merchant 

open houses, lighted Christmas 

parade 

• Feb. 14 – Hearts and Flowers 

on Halsell Valentines dinner 

• Monthly Bridgeport Box Office 

movies in downtown – during the 

cold months movies are shown 

at the Bridgeport Stage and on 

Halsell Street during the warm 

months. 

! 

Visit www.cityofbridgeport.net for 

more information. 

104

105 

SPORTS 

Update 

John Winder, D.D.S., Inc. 

F A M I L Y D E N T I S T R Y 

5 0 1 S . W A S H B U R N • D E C A T U R 

940-627-2514 

Left to right: 

Travis Caddell 

D.D.S. 

John Winder 

D.D.S. 

Paige Winder, 

D.D.S. 

Timothy Casey, 

D.D.S. 

Roy Kindrick 

D.D.S., M.S.D 

We’re older than dirt! 

That’s right-oldest excavating company in Wise County... 

SINCE 1976... and that’s longer than anyone else. 

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 

Subdivisions * Site Development * Lots & Land Clearing * Demolition * Parking Lots 

Dams & Roads * Oilfi eld Projects * Sand, Dirt, Gravel Installation & Sales 

...and the equipment to do it all! 

Assisting Buyers & Sellers in 

Wise County for Over 

20 Years. 

Call Jane Kasner 

Century 21, Sue Ann Denton, Inc. 

• A Top Producer for Century 21 

• Free Market Analysis 

Put Jane Kasner’s knowledge and experience in real estate to work for you. 

940-393-2114 

940-575-1931 

940-683-3080 

janekas@earthlink.net 

We’re told we make 

the best wine in Texas... 

You be the Judge. 

We We locally grow 36 36 different grape varieties in 

our very own Crosstimbers Timbers soil, Soil, which makes 

for for a a large variety of of wines to to choose from. 

Stop Stop by our by little our little neighborhood neighborhood winery winery and 

and taste what everyone’s talking about. 

We are the taste of TEXAS Wine. 

Sue Ann Denton, Inc. 

192 W. Hwy. 380 • Bridgeport, Texas 


sports/update 

940-627-5315 

1703 S. College, Decatur 

940-427-4747 

940-427-4718 • 817-821-0175 

572 CR 2798 at US 81/287 • Alvord, TX 76225 

www.brushycreekvineyards.com 

Looking for Life Change 

Name: 

____________________________ 

Address: 

____________________________ 

• Incredible Praise & Worship 

• Casual Dress 

• Real Life Messages 

• Exciting Children & 

Youth Ministries 

Sundays at 9 & 10:45 a.m. 

1303 N. Bus. US 81/287 • Decatur 

940-627-4222 

www.crossroadsdecatur.com 

In-County 

$ 

35/year 

Out-of-County 

$ 

40/year 

Out-of-State 

$ 

45/year 

Digital Subscription 

$ 

20/year 

Mail to: Wise County Messenger 

PO Box 149, 115 South Trinity • Decatur, Texas 76234 

or Subscribe online at www.wcmessenger.com/subscribe 

____________________________ 

City: 

____________________________ 

State: 

____________________________ 

Zip: 

____________________________ 

Phone: 

____________________________ 

E-mail: 

____________________________

DECATUR Main Street 

Decatur Movie Nights 

Decatur Main Street hosts Decatur Movie 

Nights in the downtown square during the 

summer. Enjoy the stars in the sky and the 

stars on the screen while surrounded by the 

historic downtown surroundings. 

Live entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. 

and the movies begin at dark or 9 p.m., 

whichever comes fi rst. 

Those attending are encouraged to bring 

their lawn chairs and other comfort items. 

Popcorn, drinks, hot-dogs and snowcones 

are available for purchase. 

Movie dates are scheduled for Thursdays 

through the summer. 

Call (940) 627-2741 

for more information. 


106 

The opening of the Decatur Visitors 

Center in the city’s historic post office 

building marks another completed 

project under the Decatur Main Street 

Program, which aims to help revitalize 

downtown. 

The building houses the Decatur 

Main Street offices as well as a visitors 

reception area and a museum display. 

“I never saw it being a place that 

would just highlight Decatur,” said 

Frieda Hanley, Main Street manager. 

“There are so many things in the 

county to point visitors to.” 

From Lake Bridgeport and Eagles 

Canyon Raceway in Slidell to the LBJ 

Grasslands and the International 

Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, the 

visitors center provides a long list of 

things to see and do in Decatur and 


The Decatur Visitors Center is at 106 

S. Trinity. 

Decatur Main Street organizes 

various events throughout the year. 

Upcoming events include: 

• July 5 — Summer Dayze motorcycle 

show in downtown Decatur 

• Aug. 1 — Cruise Nights on the 

Courthouse Square antique auto 

show, 4 to 8 p.m. 

• Aug. 6 — Thursday Night Flick: 

entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and 

the movie starts at about 9 p.m. Popcorn, 

drinks and hotdogs are served 

at the event and those attending are 

welcome to bring lawn chairs and 

blankets. 

• Sept. 5 — Cruise Nights on the 



• Sept. 19 — Citywide garage sale 

• Oct. 3 — Cruise Nights on the 



• Oct. 23 — Paint Downtown Pink 

• Nov. 11 — Veterans Day 

• Nov. 27 — Lucky 7 2009: shops 

open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Dec. 5 — Moonlight Madness 

parade at 6 p.m. 

• Dec. 12 and 19 — Christmas on 

the Square: stores open from 6 to 8 

p.m., carriage rides through downtown 

and carolers 


CRUISE NIGHTS

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DEBORAH BLACK 

Insurance Agency 


Medicare Supplements 

Also offering: 

• Health 

• Life 

• Annuity 

• Long Term Care 

Office: 940-627-4919 

Cell: 817-475-3568 

RICHARD BLACK 

Insurance Agency 


Commercial/Business 

• Property & Casualty 

• Group Health & Life 

• Dental 

• Long Term Care 

Office: 940-627-7822 

Cell: 940-627-9748 

304 E. Main • P.O. Box 234 • Decatur 

Family Owned & Operated for 29 Years 

Dine-In & 

Carry Out 

• Mesquite BBQ With 

All the Trimmings 

• Fresh Salad Bar • Desserts 

• All You Can Eat Homemade 

Dinner Rolls... 

The Best in Wise County! 

• Let Us Cater Your Next Event 

401 N. US Hwy. 81/287 

Decatur - 940-627-7227 

Mon - Sat 11a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Birk Hendrix Plumbing Inc. 

RESIDENTIAL 

& COMMERCIAL 

New Construction • Remodel • Services 

817-489-5550 

Master License # - 5122 

www.birkhendrixplumbing.com 

SERVING 

CUSTOMERS 

SINCE 1968 

Now serving the following Counties: 

WISE • PARKER • JACK • MONTAGUE • TARRANT 

107

WISE COUNTY Historical Markers 

Alvord Lodge No. 512, A. F. & A. M. 

113 N. Wickham Street, Alvord 

Prominent founding member R. W. Johnson 

led efforts to organize Audubon Masonic Lodge 

No. 512 in the village of Audubon (seven miles 

northeast) in 1879. The lodge moved to Alvord in 

1886 where members built a second floor onto a 

schoolhouse to use as a lodge hall. The name was 

officially changed to Alvord Lodge in 1890, and in 

1991 a new two-story stone lodge hall was erected 

at this site. The Masons met on the second floor 

and a local bank rented the first floor until 1984. 

The lodge continues a tradition of public outreach 

to the Alvord community. 

Aurora Cemetery 

About 1/2 mile south of FM 114 on Cemetery 

Road in Aurora. 

The oldest known graves here, dating from as 

early as the 1860s, are those of the Randall and 

Rowlett families. Finis Dudley Beauchamp (1825- 

1893), a Confederate veteran from Mississippi, 

donated the three-acre site to the newly formed 

Aurora Lodge No. 479, A.F. & A.M., in 1877. For 

many years, this community burial ground was 

known as Masonic Cemetery. Beauchamp, his wife 

Caroline (1829-1915), and others in their family are 

buried here. An epidemic which struck the village in 

1891 added hundreds of graves to the plot. Called 

“spotted fever” by the settlers, the disease is now 

though to have been a form of meningitis. Located 

in Aurora Cemetery is the gravestone of the infant 

Nellie Burris (1891-1893) with its often-quoted 

epitaph: “As I was so soon done, I don’t know why I 

was begun.” This site is also well known because of 

the legend that a spaceship crashed nearby in 1897 

and the pilot, killed in the crash, was buried here. 

Struck by epidemic and crop failure and bypassed 

by the railroad, the original town of Aurora almost 

disappeared, but the cemetery remains in use with 

over 800 graves. Veterans of the Civil War, World 

Wars I and II, and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts 

are interred here. 

Indian Captives Dot and Bianca Babb 

From Chico, take FM 1810 about two miles 

east to marker 

Two of Texas history’s best-known Indian captives, 

13-year-old T. A. “Dot” Babb (1852-1936) 

and his 9-year-old sister Bianca (1855-1950) were 

stolen by Comanches from their home near here in 

September 1865. While at play one day, the children 

were surprised by a raiding party of 35 to 40 Native 

Americans. Mrs. Babb was killed and Dot, Bianca 

and Mrs. Luster (a visitor) were taken to Indian Territory 

(present Oklahoma). After helping Mrs. Luster 

escape on the way, Dot was very nearly executed, 

but so stoic was he in facing death that the Native 

Americans admiringly spared his life. For the next 

two years Dot and Bianca lived, in different tribes, 

as adopted Comanches. Bianca later recalled that 

the Native Americans held a feast - with coffee, a 

luxury - upon her arrival and that they colored her 

blonde hair with charcoal and buffalo tallow. Dot, 

after a winter as the squaws’ flunky, asserted his 

male rights and thereafter spent his time taming 

horses. He was taken on raids against other tribes 

and showed signs of becoming a fine warrior. After 

two years, the children’s father ransomed them and 

a joyful reunion occurred. Both Dot and Bianca 

spoke with sympathy, however, of many Indian customs 

and of kind treatment during captivity. 

Toll Bridge and Old Bridgeport 

West of Bridgeport at FM 920 and Trinity River 

Bridge 

When Butterfield Overland Mail traversed this 

area (1858-61) on St. Louis to San Francisco route, 

a crossing over West Fork of the Trinity was a necessity. 

Colonel W. H. Hunt on Feb. 11, 1860, obtained 

a charter and built a toll bridge here (50 yards 

west). The Overland Mail ceased operating as Civil 

War began. The bridge soon collapsed. However, 

a settlement had begun here, and in 1873 Charles 

Cates, a Decatur merchant, spanned the river with 

an iron bridge. When the Rock Island Railroad built 

to this point in 1893, town moved but retained 

historic name. 

Bridgeport Coal Mines 

Located at 8th and Hovey Streets, Bridgeport 

Once a staple of Bridgeport’s economy, coal was 

discovered here in later part of 19th century. Diggers 

hit vein 60 feet deep while seeking water. Mine 

No. 1 lies under northeast Bridgeport, and entire 

area is honeycombed with tunnels and shafts. 

Wise County Coal Company was chartered Aug. 23, 

1882, by C. D. Cates, J. C. Carpenter, J. G. Halsell, J. 

J. Lang, H. Greathouse, and D. Waggoner. The firm 

was bought in 1900 by Colonel William H. Aston of 

Virginia. Renamed Bridgeport Coal Company, it had 

500 employees at Zenith. Mines closed in 1929 due 

to increased use of oil and gas. 

Bridgeport Lodge No. 587, A.F. & A.M. 

Located at 1012 Halsell Street -Bridgeport 

On Dec. 12, 1884, the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge 

was granted a charter by the Grand Lodge of Texas. 

The 27 charter members consisted primarily of local 

coal miners, ranchers and businessmen. The group 

met in a tin building on the old Town Square until 

about 1900, when a second building was completed. 

A two-story brick building was purchased from 

Dr. K. L. Buckner in 1925. From its beginning the 

lodge has been active in community affairs, with its 

membership providing civic leadership and support 

for local public schools. 

Brown Hotel 

East Decatur Street, Chico 

Located one block east of Chico’s public square, 

the Brown Hotel was developed in several stages 

beginning in 1888 and lasting through 1910. The 

Brown Hotel exemplifies the type of lodging once 

found in numerous small Texas towns near the turn 

of the century. In 1876 J.T. Brown, builder of the 

hotel, purchased the land on which Chico is located 

from R.C. Mount. That year the town of Chico was 

laid out by Brown, an immigrant from Chico, Calif., 

near Dry Creek, a tributary of the West Fork of the 

Trinity River. Over a decade later, Brown built his 

hotel near the public square. Although another 

hotel, The Chico, which no longer stands was built, 

the Brown Hotel was an important social center for 

the community. In about 1908, R.L. Morris, a banker 

from Mississippi, purchased the hotel. Morris, who 

established a bank and mercantile store in Chico, 

retained ownership of the hotel until his death in 

1965. He made the hotel his permanent residence. 

Butterfield Overland Stage Line 

Marker located at north city limits on Old US 

81/287, Decatur 

Through Decatur passed the Butterfield Overland 

mail line connecting St. Louis and San Francisco 

with semi-weekly stage and mail service, 1858- 

1861. The length of the route, 2,795 miles and the 

superior service maintained made this a pioneer 

enterprise of the first magnitude. 

Decatur Baptist College 

1602 S. Trinity St., Decatur 

The Administration Building of the Decatur 

Baptist College is a three-story limestone building 

situated on a hill overlooking the town of Decatur 

decicated Sept. 6, 1893. The Northwest Texas Baptist 

Association, composed of 138 Baptist Churches 

in five counties in northwest Texas, founded Northwest 

Texas Baptist College in Decatur in 1891. During 

the 1892-1893 session, the college held classes 

in the opera house above a grocery store in Decatur. 

By the second year the Administration Building was 

completed. The Administration Building, a Victorian 

structure with certain castellated Romanesque 

features, contains 15 rooms and a chapel. 

During the second school year, the college had 

an enrollment of 149 students and a faculty of 

eight. The school became bankrupt in 1896 due to 

the failure of the supporting churches to pay their 

pledges and in the fall of 1897, the Texas Baptist 

Convention purchased and operated the school, 

changing the name to Decatur Baptist Junior College. 

This junior college founded in 1897 was the 

first private junior college in the United States. Its 

primary function was as a preparatory school for 

Baylor University. In 1964 the college was moved to 

Dallas and became Dallas Baptist College. 

The building now serves as the Wise County 

Heritage Museum. 

Decatur First United Methodist Church 

104 S. Miller, Decatur 

Organized in 1862, this congregation is the oldest 

in Decatur. The Rev. J. R. Bellamy conducted the 

first services in a vacant store on the south side of 

the town square. Other churches were not started 

in the community until after the Civil War. The 

first sanctuary was constructed at this site in 1881. 

Property for the congregation was deeded by the 

county government. Built during the pastorate of 

the Rev. E. D. Dejernet, the edifice was destroyed 

by fire in the early 1890s. A second church structure 

for the fellowship was soon built at this location. It 

served the growing membership until the present 

brick sanctuary was completed. Constructed under 

108

109 


the leadership of the Rev. A. R. Nash, 

it was dedicated at Easter services in 

1914. An educational wing was added 

in 1940. 

Deep Creek Community 

CR 4227, north of Aurora 

Named for the natural landmark 

nearby. Settled about 1854 by pioneers 

Sam Woody and Tom McCarroll. 

Population grew as they were 

joined by several of Woody’s former 

neighbors from East Texas. Along the 

creek, farmers raised cotton, corn, 

and cattle. In 1860 Tom McCright 

and Andrew Mann gave land for a 

cemetery, and local Baptists constructed 

a church, which doubled as a 

schoolhouse. Testimony to danger of 

frontier life is the grave of Sally Bowman, 

who died in 1868. She was shot 

after a wild chase by Native Americans 

who surprised her as she tended 

her father’s herd of fine horses. At her 

grave is a monument erected by the 

neighborhood. Other early settlers interred 

here include many veterans of 

the Civil War, 1861-1865. The community 

is noted as the boyhood home 

of Lawrence (J. L.) Ward, respected 

resident of Decatur Baptist College 

during 1900-1907 and 1910-1950. In 

the 20th-century, a nationally known 

ballet -”Winter at Deep Creek” -has 

recaptured the flavor of pioneer days. 

Produced by the American Folk Ballet, 

the dance was originated and choreographed 

by Burch Mann, a greatgranddaughter 

of John Mann, one of 

the first settlers in the community. 

Episcopal Mission of the Ascension 

Church and Hale Streets, Decatur 

Oldest original church building 

in Decatur. Consecrated by great 

missionary Bishop, the Rt. Rev. A. C. 

Garrett. Erected facing Main Street 

(two blocks west of square) in 1889. 

Known as “The Little Church with the 

Crosses”, by 1912 it had deteriorated, 

but was restored and moved, facing 

Walnut Street. In 1940 building was 

sold, used as mattress factory, but 

rescued same year and moved here, 

with sanctuary placed symbolically to 

east, toward Jerusalem. 

First Christian Church of Paradise 

Main Street (Loop 444) and CR 

3267, Paradise 

During the late 1880s, members 

of this church held home worship 

services in Old Town, the original 

Paradise townsite (1.5 miles southwest). 

The arrival of the Rock Island 

Railroad sent residents to this location, 

which was nearer to the rail line. 

Sometime after the move, the First 

Christian Church of Paradise was 

chartered. The Gothic revival structure 

was built about 1905 by local contractor 

Will Plymell. The steeple houses 

the original church bell. At one time, 

the number of attending members 

dwindled to as few as three, yet worship 

services have continued to be 

held throughout the church’s history. 

With historic ties to the old and new 

Paradise townsites, it is a significant 

part of the area’s heritage. 

Hanna-Robinson-Richey Drugstore 

Jacksboro Street, Chico 

Alexander Virgil Hanna (1860-1921) 

built this native sandstone structure 

to house his drugstore in 1893. He 

provided office space in this building 

for a doctor, lawyer, jeweler and the 

first telephone switchboard in Chico. 

Hanna sold the business in 1920 to 

Rueben R. Robinson (1872-1955), 

whose daughter and son-in-law, La- 

Beth and William Marston Mead (d. 

1968) continued to operate the store 

after his death. It was purchased in 

1973 by Bobby and Frances Richey. 

Huff Family Massacre 

From Alvord, take Pine Street 

(Old Decatur Road) about two 

miles east. 

An atrocity of 1874, in one of last 

Wise County Indian raids. While C. W. 

Huff and son worked in remote part 

of land recently settled by the family, 

Native Americans killed Mrs. Huff 

and daughters, Palestine and Molly. 

Neighbors buried the scalped and 

mutilated victims in a wagon bed, in 

the grave. It is said that lumber was 

later obtained for coffins and the 

victims were reburied. In 1879 land 

around plot was given for cemetery by 

C. W. Huff. 

Old Campsite of Jesse and Frank 

James 

From Decatur, take US 380 east 

about five miles 

Famous western frontier outlaws, 

who had many Texas hideouts 

along a line from the Rio Grande to 

the Red River. The camps - extending 

into Missouri, their home state 

- were used for hiding stolen horses 


BATTLE OF THE KNOBS HISTORICAL MARKER 

until posses could be thrown off the 

trail. The campsites were sometimes 

known to scattered settlers, who 

feared or befriended the bandits. 

Also, friendly with the James brothers 

(and also operating sometimes in 

Texas) were fellow Missouri outlaws 

Cole Younger and “Bandit Queen” 

Belle Starr. After reconstruction ended 

in 1874, Texas Rangers were reorganized, 

to restore respect for the law. 

Given special powers, in 1889-90 they 

arrested 579 wanted men (including 

76 alleged murders). Jesse James 

and some other notorious badmen 

by then were dead. Frank, reformed, 

worked as a salesman in Dallas, Paris, 

and other Texas towns. 

Masonic Lodge No. 479 

South Evans at West Rock Island, 

Boyd 

Built 1877 at Old Aurora (two miles 

east). Lower floor used first as school 

with rent $2.50 a month, then as drug 

store, post office. Second floor always 

lodge hall. Moved here 1900, in one 

piece, as Aurora, missed by railroad, 

began to decline.

110 


R. C. Mount House 

Mount Street, north of Chico 

A surveyor, part-time Methodist 

reacher, and Wise County’s first tax asessor-collector, 

R. C. Mount (1826-97) 

egan this structure in 1872 to house his 

arge family. Built of rock that Mount and 

is sons hauled by wagon from Palo Pinto 

ounty, the original two-story section was 

ompleted in 1874. Contractor H. A. Saye 

f Amarillo enlarged the house in 1890, 

nd further remodeling was done in 1920. 

Oak Grove United Methodist Church 

From Decatur, take Greenwood Road 

orth about 3.5 miles to church 

This congregation was organized in 

878 with fourteen charter members by 

he Rev. Jim Smith and the Rev. E. C. Fullngim. 

Oak Grove’s original sanctuary was 

onstructed 10 miles northeast of Decatur 

ut was moved to this site in 1902. The 

urrent church building has been in use 

ince 1948. Oak Grove United Methodist, 

hich traditionally held an August revival 

amp meeting, stands as one of the oldst 

rural churches in Wise County. 

First Post Office in Wise County 

Marshall Drive and Rogers Road, 

ewark 

Established Sept. 8, 1855, in what was 

hen named Odessa. First white settler 

n Wise County, Benjamin B. Haney, was 

he first postmaster. Second was Martha 

. Marshall, appointed Dec. 5, 1856; third, 

athan Huff, served from March 16, 1860, 

ntil office was discontinued on Dec. 5, 

866. The second post office, Newark, 

pened in 1893, after another Odessa was 

ounded in Ector County. 

Siddons-Barnes Log Cabin 

Main Street, Chico 

This log cabin, believed to have been 

uilt in the early 1870s, was the first place 

f worship for area Methodists and served 

s a schoolhouse. Dr. J. A. Siddons and his 

ife M. E. Siddons purchased the cabin 

n 1883 and enclosed it with other rooms. 

n 1918 J. D. Barnes and Rachel Perkins 

arnes bought the property. The rooms 

urrounding the original log cabin were 

emoved in the 1970s. It was moved to 

his site in 1987, and the fireplace stones 

ere restored. The cabin features halfotched 

rough hewn oak logs, an interior 

oft, and measures 256 square feet. 

Old Stone Prison 

201 E. Pecan Street, Decatur 

First stone house in Decatur. Erected 

y prison labor in about 1859. Main 

ouse was residence of sheriff or deputy. 

asement was used as jail. Meals were 

sent down a dumb-waiter located outside 

the east end of the house. County sold 

property in 1888 to A. H. Whitehead. Used 

as city water works until 1938. Kept as 

private residence until 1967 when purchased 

by Wise County Historical Society 

as museum. 

Texas Tourist Camp and Texaco Petrified 

Wood Station 

904 S US 81/287, Decatur 

Built between 1927-1935, the Texas 

Tourist Camp consists of a collection of 

four one-story and one two-story wood 

and stone buildings that include a cafe, 

office/residence, two sets of cabins and a 

service station. The complex sits on the 

southeast corner of 2.5 acres along what 

was originally the Meridian Highway, 

then Highway 2 (now Business Highway 

81/287). Covered in assorted rock, primarily 

sandstone and petrified wood, the 

buildings feature such details as arched 

porches and arched garage entrances, 

characterizing the complex as a group 

of early to mid 20th century roadside 

architecture buildings designed to service 

automobile travelers. 

S. W. Tilghman House 

309 E Shoemaker, Decatur 

Born in Gibson County, Tenn., S. W. 

Tilghman (1846-1913) came in 1870 by 

wagon train to Wise County. In 1872 he 

married a Decatur native, Eliza Bland 

Miller (1856-1931), and became father 

of a daughter and three sons. A master 

builder, he built this house in 1882 for 

his own family. Many of the city’s finer 

houses of the late 19th and early 20th 

centuries were built by Tilghman and his 

son Robert. 

Waggoner Mansion 

1003 E. Main, Decatur 

The Waggoner Mansion or El Castille, 

as it is sometimes called, is an excellent 

example of Texas’ finest Victorian masonry 

architecture. Built in 1883, the house has 

retained approximately 90 percent of its 

original craftsmanship and material. This 

percentage far exceeds most large Victorian 

homes of this nature that remain in 

such a good state of repair in Texas, and 

consequently by all means this home can 

be classified as being “authentic”. Both 

the exterior and interior walls are of solid 

poriferous limestone construction. 

The house contains a large basement, 

16 rooms and six and one-half bathrooms. 

There are two bedrooms downstairs and 

four upstairs. 

In the middle of the nineteenth 

century, Dan Waggoner drove a small 

herd of Longhorns into Wise County and 

launched a successful career that by 1870 

earned him the recognition of being a 

“cattle kings”. At the time he built this 

baronial mansion it was the headquarters 

for the distinguished Waggoner Ranch 

which reached into a seven county area. 

By 1900 the house was the headquarters 

for this well-watered and compact ranch 

that spread 30 miles east and west and 

25 miles north and south, and included 

over a million acres. The Waggoner Ranch 

supported over 60,000 head of cattle, and 

it was served by three separate railroad 

lines. Dan Waggoner died in 1904, and 

this house became owned by his son, 

William Thomas Waggoner. After oil was 

discovered on the ranch in 1903, development 

resulted in the founding of the Waggoner 

Refinery in 1911. The fortune which 

resulted from this cattle and oil base 

enabled the Waggoner Family to become 

one of the richest and most influential 

families in the Southwest. 

The moviemakers of the film “Giant” 

duplicated the exterior for the movie set. 

Thus, the Waggoner mansion is one of 

the foremost and striking architectural 

remains of the indelible marks left by the 

cattle empire of Victorian Texas. 

Wise County Courthouse 

Decatur 

The design of J. Riely Gordon for the 

Wise County Courthouse was similar 

to but not identical with his design for 

the Ellis County Courthouse. One of a 

number of Texas courthouses designed by 

J. Riely Gordon in a Romanesque Revival 

idiom, the Wise County Courthouse 

exhibits a number of characteristics of 

form, such as, the use of turrets, a tower, 

broken massing and fine ashlar masonry 

of contrasting textures. In addition, it 

reveals the Greek cross plan developed by 

Gordon with access at the four reentrance 

and a central stair. 

Particularly distinctive is the fine 

masonry work throughout. Exterior walls 

were of Texas granite. The specifications 

called for “quality granite in two colors 

selected by the architect . . . laid up in 

pitch-faced and peen hammered alternating 

courses with pointed beds and joints.” 

The main columns were of polished pink 

granite. Terra cotta in the friezes, turrets 

and dormers was used extensively. For the 

roof, “the best quality Bangor slate of very 

light blue color” was specified. 

Inside, the courthouse was given the 

finest appointments including marble 

and granite floors and wainscots, indoor 

plumbing and electric lights. Water 

pressure was supplied by a large cypress 

cistern in the attic. Interior trim and doors 

were milled from oak, and the courtroom, 

complete with balcony, was furnished with 

fine oak furniture. Access to the upper 

floors was provided by a winding cast iron 

stair case in the building’s rotunda and 

that became a long spiral stair to provide 

access to the tower. The tower provided 

the building with natural ventilation, light 

by way of a glass skylight and housed the 

E. Howard and Company clock and bell. 

Wise County Reunion 

Farm Road 51, south side of Decatur 

at Reunion Grounds entrance 

The Confederate veterans of Wise 

County are said to have held occasional 

reunions in the 1860s-1870s. Old settlers 

invited both the Confederate veterans and 

Wise County pioneers to an 1881 reunion 

at Cold Springs. This was on July 12, the 

anniversary of Capt. George Stevens’ 

victory over hostile Native Americans in 

1874. About 5,000 people attended the 

1881 reunion. The Wise County Messenger 

reported a successful day -”only the 

music being a failure.” Events included 

speeches and picnicking. The reunion 

began to occupy the present site in 1896. 

By 1900 it extended to three days - honoring 

old settlers on the first, the veterans 

on the second and daughters and sons 

of Confederates on the third. Sometimes 

12,000 would attend, parading from 

courthouse to camp ground. Programs included 

candidates’ speeches, rodeos, and 

sham battles. Evenings were devoted to 

visiting. In 1909, the grounds were leased 

for 25 years. Later, campsites were leased 

and improved by participants. The Wise 

County Old Settlers Association, formed 

in 1904, sponsored a 1907 Pioneer History 

by C. D. Cates. Extended to a week, with 

visiting in daytime and stated events in 

the evenings, this reunion is now the oldest 

recurring public event in the county. 

Sam Woody’s Cabin 

CR 4227, South of Decatur 

Tennessee pioneer Sam Woody (1826- 

1920) migrated to Texas in the 1840s. He 

brought his family to Wise County in 1854. 

This cabin, located near Deep Creek, was 

the first dwelling in the area. After Woody 

cut the logs, friends and relatives helped 

him erect the cabin in one day. Native 

Americans came here to trade buffalo 

robes and moccasins for corn. The house 

was frequently crowded with guests, for 

frontier travelers were never turned away. 

Woody guarded pioneer settlements as 

part of a Ranger unit and served in the 

Confederate army during the Civil War 

(1861-1865). Recorded Texas Historic 

Landmark, 1970. The cabin is now located 

at Wise County Heritage Museum.

111 

BRIDGEPORT Stage 

The Bridgeport Stage has watched its city change and grow from its 

viewpoint in the heart of downtown. It has seen the downtown district 

succeed, it has witnessed its downfall, and now, its revitalization. 

The Bridgeport Stage has had its share of success and failure. In fact, the building sat empty 

and decaying for more than 20 years. 

But in the mid-1990s, a group of 

Bridgeport residents tackled the tall 

order of restoring the Bridgeport 

Theater. Over a period of 10 years, 

utilizing money from the Bridgeport 

Economic Development Corp. and 

private donations, the group brought 

the dilapidated building back to life. 

Now the theater, which operates 

under the Bridgeport Main Street Department, 

hosts Off 380 productions, 

concerts, pageants, training seminars 

and various meetings. 

The theater recently received an 

interior facelift, and plans are in place 

to restructure the building’s facade. 

“Most of the improvements are 

geared toward the performer,” Main 

Street Manager Angie Tyson said of 

the interior renovations. 

With the upgrades and renovations, 

she is hoping for more activity at the 

Stage, which is home to the Off 380 

Players. 

“They bring so many people to this 

building. They have a place where 

they can be comfortable. It’s a beneficial 

partnership for both of us,” Tyson 

said. 

The Stage also hosts training meetings, 

concerts and church events. 

“We’ve had rock concerts in here, 

acoustic concerts, Christian music. 

We’d love to have something in here 

on a regular basis,” Tyson said. “I 

would encourage people to come 

to the theater and see what is here. 

We’ve had live drama, concerts, baby 

pageants, oil field training and civic 

club meetings.” 

The Stage hosts movie nights as 

well. In order to accommodate the 

crowds, a parking lot is planned behind 

the Stage. 

“We’re very committed to giving our 

residents something to enjoy in the 

town. It’s a quality of life focused effort,” 

Tyson said. 

The Bridgeport Stage is located at 

1009 Halsell Street and is available 

for rent. For more information, call 

(940) 683-3485. 

LAKE BRIDGEPORT Cleanup 

Lake Bridgeport. 

Hundreds of thousands of gallons of 

beautiful water for boating, fishing and 

general merriment, and almost 120 

miles of coastline for relaxing, picnicking 

and more merriment. 

Unfortunately, its also a prime spot 

for waste and trash to build up. To 

combat the trash, the Tarrant Regional 

Water District puts on a yearly Lake 

Bridgeport Cleanup event in April. 

“Lake Bridgeport provides most of 

the local cities in the area with water 

and is a popular recreational spot for 

the community, so it’s really important 

that we make every attempt to keep the 

water and the surrounding shoreline as 

clean as possible,” said Richard Ellis, 

the superintendent for the lake. “During 

our lake cleanup event we provided 

a place to move all the waste that could 

possibly end up in the watershed.” 

This year’s cleanup campaign proved 

to be just as successful as the nine before 

it. 

More than 240 individuals and groups 

signed up online to participate in the 

cleanup, including the Lake Bridgeport 

Fire Department, Decatur Power 

Sports, the North Side Marina and 

many others. 

The trash collected filled an estimated 

six 30-cubic-yard dumpsters, which 

comes to about 15 tons of trash. 

“The event is really a combined effort 

from so many great places,” Ellis 

said. “Local trash companies provided 

all the dumpsters and disposed of the 

trash, and the entire Wise County was 

very helpful and involved.” 

After cleaning all morning, a party 

was held for all that participated with 

lunch, free T-shirts, live entertainment, 

fun for the children and prizes and 

giveaways.

BRIDGEPORT Historical Society 

BRIDGEPORT 

STAGE COACH 


BY JOE DUTY 

Concerned about the need for preserving the city’s history, members of the Bridgeport 

community began collaborating in 1994. Since then, the efforts of nine individuals have 

become the Bridgeport Historical Society, 

which boasts a membership of 

about 50 and approximately a dozen 

marked sites. 

The society is in the process of 

marking the first state-recognized 

marker for Colonel W.H. Hunt, who 

began the Butterfield Stage operations. 

Although the application is 

being processed in Austin, the society 

expects to have the marker placed at 

his gravesite in East Bridgeport Cemetery 

by the end of the year. 

In addition, three other sites in 

Bridgeport have been marked by the 

Wise County Historical Society — the 

Butterfield Stage Line on the Trinity 

River, the Bridgeport Coal Mines 

southeast of the Lion’s Club, the 

Masonic Lodge Hall in the 1000 block 

of Halsell Street, and the First United 

Methodist Church on 17th Street. 

The WIse County Historical Society 

has marked several other sites including 

the Brazelton Sanitarium at 1817 

Stevens St., the original Bridgeport 

High School at 1407 Carpenter St., 

Coal Mine Drift No. 1 at 10th and 

Hovey streets, the First National Bank 

at 1001 Halsell St., the Bridgeport 

State Bank at 1004 Halsell St., H.H. 

Hardin Lumber Co. on Halsell Street 

and the Cage Hotel Well Site at the 

southwest corner of 10th and Cates 

streets. 

Originally located in the City of 

Bridgeport Recreation Building (Senior 

Citizens Building), the museum’s 

items are currently in storage while 

the new location in the original city 

hall building at 812 Halsell, is being 

renovated. The building is expected 

to open this year. In addition to such 

artifacts as coal mine relics and the 

Rock Island Railroad display, the new 

location will also house a Stagecoach 

wagon exhibit. 

Membership fees are $5 per year. 

• Paradise Historical Society 

The society met for the first time in 

June of 2000 with the goal to record 

the history of Paradise and surrounding 

communities, to distribute historical 

data, to complete work on the 

city’s Veteran’s Park and museum and 

establish a Paradise museum. 

The society meets at 7 p.m. the 

second Tuesday of January, March, 

May, July, September and November 

at the Paradise First United Methodist 

Church, 301 South Oak Street, in 

Paradise. 

The society sponsors the annual 

Main Street Festival in the fall, with 

proceeds benefiting the Veteran’s 

Park. 

Dues are $10 per person, per year. 

• Wise County Historical Society 

Inc. 

See page 74 for details. 

112

113 

WISE COUNTY Racetracks 


BOYD RACEWAY 

People who love, go-carts, dirt 

bikes and ATV’s will never find themselves 

bored as long as they’re in 


The county offers a variety of 

racetracks for young and old alike. 

The racetracks even attract several 

people from the Dallas/Fort Worth 

Metroplex. 

ROCKY RIDGE RANCH 

The Rocky Ridge Ranch recreation 

park for dirt bikes, ATV’s, threewheelers 

and four-wheelers also 

includes camping opportunities, said 

owner Julie Moss, whose grandparents 

opened the park 32 years ago. 

No go-karts are allowed. 

“We hold cross country races because 

we are leaning more toward 

family weekend type events,” Moss 

said. 

The park features several miles of 

trails, several hills for bikers to climb 

and areas for trial rides – where riders 

pick a steep rocky area to ride 

and go up or down without putting 

their feet down. The park also includes 

a rock pit, mud pit and a drag 

strip for people to go drag racing on 

their bikes or four wheelers, Moss 

said. 

People who camp overnight have 

access to showers and port-a-potties. 

Electrical hookups are available 

for their campers, she added. 

The park is not open during the 

regular work week, although it 

is open Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. 

Visitors who stay on the weekends 

through Sunday pay a $30 special 

per person. There is no camping fee, 

but there is a $15 fee to stay per day, 

Moss said. 

The park is located at 14467 N. FM 

51 near Decatur. The phone number 

for the park is (940) 466-3792. 

KAM KARTWAY 

The Kam Kartway, located at 4746 

E. State Highway 114 in Rhome 

(one-fourth mile west of U.S. 81/287), 

has an oval go-kart racetrack that’s 

one-eighth of a mile in distance, said 

owner Mike Engstrom. 

The track hosts about 30 events 

a year, including a winter series, a

114 

WISE COUNTY Racetracks (continued) 

spring series and a summer series. The 

track is designed for participants age 5 

and up and regularly attracts racers from 

as far north as Oklahoma and as far south 

as the city of Temple, he added. 

The track averages about 50 racers per 

event. It also features a full-service shop 

on site for both asphalt racing go-cart 

parts and dirt racing go-cart parts and 

service. 

Ironically, Engstrom opened the service 

shop in 1996, eight years before he 

opened the racetrack. 

“We did not intend to open a racetrack 

there when we first purchased the property. 

As it turns out, there was a demand 

and we had enough property to make it 

happen. It wasn’t planned – it just evolved 

that way,” he added. 

The service shop is open during the week 

from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., although Engstrom 

asks customers to call first on Saturdays. 

Visit kamkartway.com for more information 

or call (817) 638-5279. 

EAGLES CANYON RACEWAY 

The Eagles Canyon Raceway, located at 

629 North FM-51 in Decatur, features a 

wo and a half mile road course that isn’t 

val, but still has 11 turns. 

The raceway opened in November of 

007 and is a track for both fast cars and 

otorcycles. 

“Two weekends a month we have private 

embers buy membership — this place is 

lmost like a country club — you can use 

he facility on member weekends and no 

ne else is here,” said owner Linda Cook. 

She calls the raceway a “controlled envionment.” 

“You can put the pedal to the medal, but 

ne of us will get in a car with you and 

f we don’t think you know what you are 

oing then we won’t let you go solo. We’ll 

ive you instruction. We need to have that 

arm fuzzy feeling that you understand 

our vehicle,” Cook said. 

There are benefits to using the track beause 

it’s a great place to learn defensive 

riving skills, she added. 

The facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Go to www.eaglescanyon.com for more 

information or call (940) 466-9775. 

BOYD RACEWAY 

The Boyd Raceway, located at 376 Raceway 

Lane in Boyd, hosts races every Friday 

night. The gates open at 6 p.m. and racing 

starts at 8 p.m. Grandstand tickets are 

$10 for adults, $5 for children between the 

ages of 6 and 11 and children under 5 are 

free. Pit tickets are $25. The track hosts 

races with stock cars, modified cars, sport 

modified cars, hobby stock cars and mini 

stock cars. 

Fore more information, visit their Web 

site at boydraceway.net or give them a call 

at (940) 433-5587. 

RIVER VALLEY MOTOCROSS 

River Valley Motocross, located on 

County Road 4757 in Boyd, is a large 

dirt racetrack, equipped for all different 

sized dirt bike at ATVs. Practice times are 

available at the track from 2 to 8 p.m. on 

Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 


EAGLES CANYON RACEWAY 

Saturdays and Sundays. Fees are $20 per 

practice session, which includes Thursday, 

Saturday and Sunday. Riders can also 

purchase a practice pass for $30 on any 

Saturday and Sunday the track is open for 

practice. There is also a kids track, and 

practice fees are $15 per rider. 

For more information, visit the River Valley 

Motocross Web site at rivervalleymotocross.com 

or call them at (817) 932-3333. 

OAK HILL RACEWAY 

Oak Hill Raceway, located at 1636 County 

Road 1270 in Alvord, has been a Texas 

tradition since 1975. The track is equipped 

for dirt bike and other ATV vehicles. The 

raceway has RV sites and open parking RV 

sites that are $25 a day on a first-comefirst-serve 

basis. Yearly feed are $750 for 

a fence-lined site and $500 for all others. 

The track will host the Best of Texas Spring 

Series during the final weekend in June 

and the Big Texas Summer Nights Series 

on July 11. 

For more information, visit www.oakhillmix.com 

or call (940) 427-2515.

115 

BRIDGEPORT 

ATV Park 

The city of Bridgeport is taking steps to make Northwest Park a retreat for locals, as well 

as a destination for people from the surrounding areas. 

The park is expected to attract visitors from other counties throughout the Dallas/Fort 

Worth Metroplex and provide what Bridgeport officials call “a huge economic boom” for 

the city, said Ryan Nolting, director of parks and recreation. 

The park, located at 2962 S. Highway 101, includes an 

ATV and hiking park and a youth athletic complex for softball, 

baseball, soccer and football fields is planned. New 

Wave Paddle Sports is working with the Bridgeport Economic 

Development Corporation to purchase a portion of 

the park and construct a rafting, kayaking and canoeing 

park. 

Currently, the city is hosting trail days to build trails 

throughout the 300-acre ATV park and hiking trail and has 

hosted several events. The city plans to construct a gatehouse 

by the end of the year. 

“The off-road vehicle portion of the park (for ATV’s and 

jeeps) is a sure thing that will be available to people,” 

Nolting said, adding that trails are currently under construction. 

City officials also want to include a place for 

overnight camping. 

City officials first began discussing the idea for such a 

park four years ago. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 

provided the city with a grant to help fund the park. 

“More hotels will have to come to Bridgeport once the 

park is built here and that’s because there will be sports 

tournaments at the complex. Meanwhile, more people 

will also be eating at our restaurants,” Nolting said. 

People throughout Wise County and surrounding areas 

have a lot of enthusiasm for the park, Nolting said. 

“We’ve had trail work days where volunteer groups have 

come out from as far away as Sherman and Wichita Falls 

to help us build our trails. More than 90 people came one 

weekend to help us. I think it’s safe to say that there are a 

lot of North Texans wanting these trails,” Nolting said. 

Services Available: 

• Tanning 

• Massage (by Appointment) 

• Haircuts for 

the Family 

• Chemical Services 

• Hair Extensions 

• Party Hair 

• Waxing 

• Makeup Application 

Owner/Stylist: 

Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 

Vanessa 

2202 US Hwy. 380, Ste. 104 

Johnson 

BRAND NEW IN 

Bridgeport 940-393-5600 

We Are Improving Patient 

Outcomes Every Day! 

Dana Weaver, RN 

Administrator 

Welcome to Wise! 

Choose 1st Texas Home Health 

for all your healthcare needs 

~ 

A performance based home care 

agency. Medicare/Medicaid certifi ed, 

state licensed, HIPPA compliant. 

Tonya Hull, 

Marketer 

First Texas Home Health’s goal is not only to manage the homebound 

patient’s medical condition but to promote “safer” independent living as well. 

Decatur • 940-626-2266 • www.first-texas.com

WISE COUNTY Elected/Appointed Officials 

Accurate as of June 18, 2009 

ELECTED OFFICIALS 

County Judge 

Bill McElhaney 

P.O. Box 393 


(940) 627-5743 

(940) 627-6926 (Fax) 

cojudge@co.wise.tx.us 

Sheriff 

David Walker 

200 Rook Ramsey Drive 


(940) 627-5971 

(940) 627-3797 (Fax) 

sheriff@sheriff.co.wise.tx.us 


(940) 627-3523 (Tax Office) 

(940) 627-7237 (Fax) 

(940) 627-3304 (Auto Registration) 

(940) 627-3656 (Voter’s Registration) 

wisecotax@co.wise.tx.us 

Treasurer 

Katherine Hudson 

P.O. Box 554 


(940) 627-3540 

(940) 627-3573 (Fax) 

treasurer@co.wise.tx.us 

(940) 433-2969 

(940) 433-3062 (Fax) 

jp3@co.wise.tx.us 

Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 4 

Clay Poynor 

1203 Halsell St. 


(940) 683-4244 

(940) 683-3747 (Fax) 


Constable, Precinct No. 1 

Tom Bishop 

(940) 627-2694 

constable1@co.wise.tx.us 

1101 W. Rose Avenue 

P.O. Box 1509 


(940) 627-2002 

(940) 627-7521 (Fax) 

charles.dillard@ems.co.wise.tx.us 

Engineer 

Chad Davis 

206 S. State St. 


(940) 627-2342 

(940) 627-3149 (Fax) 

(940) 389-7270 (Mobile) 

engineer@co.wise.tx.us 

Commissioner, Precinct No.1 

Danny White 

P.O. Box 899 


(940) 627-5810 

(940) 627-0735 (Fax) 

comm1@co.wise.tx.us 

Commissioner, Precinct No. 2 

Kevin D. Burns 

P.O. Box 899 


(940) 427-4881 

(940) 427-2210 (Fax) 



Mikel Richardson 

P.O. Box 899 


(940) 433-5365 

(940) 433-5511 (Fax) 



Terry Ross 

P.O. Box 899 


(940) 683-4153 


County Court at Law 

Melton Cude 

P.O. Box 901 


(940) 627-5005 

(940) 627-4791 (Fax) 

ccl@co.wise.tx.us 

County Attorney 

James Stainton 

County Courthouse, Suite 300 


(940) 627-3321 

(940) 627-7194 (Fax) 

countyattorney@co.wise.tx.us 

District Judge 

(271st Judicial District) 

John Fostel 

County Courthouse 


(940) 627-3200 

District Attorney 

Greg Lowery 

County Courthouse, Suite 200 


(940) 627-5257 

(940) 627-6404 (Fax) 

districtattorney@co.wise.tx.us 


Leonard Denney 

(940) 626-4206 



Doug Parr 

(940) 433-2969 



Kevin Huffman 

(940) 683-4244 


APPOINTED OFFICIALS 

Asset Management 

Diana Alexander 

400 W. Walnut 


(940) 627-3312 

asset@co.wise.tx.us 

Auditor 

Ann McCuiston 

P.O. Box 899 


(940) 627-5744 

(940) 627-3388 (Fax) 

auditor@co.wise.tx.us 

Fire Marshal 

Chuck Gomez, Interim Fire Marshal 

200 Rook Ramsey Drive 


(940) 627-5971 

(940) 627-3797 (Fax) 

firemarshal@co.wise.tx.us 

Indigent Health Care 

Sue Black 

1101 W. Rose Avenue 


(940) 627-4203 

(940) 627-7521 (Fax) 

ihc@co.wise.tx.us 

Information Technology 

Randy Joy 

P.O. Box 393 


(940) 626-2055 

dir@co.wise.tx.us 

911 Addressing 

Phyllis Morris 

206 S. State St., Ste. C 


(940) 627-3051 

911addressing@co.wise.tx.us 

County Clerk 

Sherry Parker-Lemon 

P.O. Box 359 


(940) 627-3351 

(940) 627-2697 (Fax) 

countyclerk@co.wise.tx.us 

District Clerk 

Cristy Fuqua 

P.O. Box 308 


(940) 627-5535 

(940) 627-0705 (Fax) 

districtclerk@co.wise.tx.us 

Tax Assessor/Collector 

Monte Shaw 

404 W. Walnut 


Jan Morrow 

P.O. Box 509 


(940) 627-2694 

(940) 627-5417 (Fax) 



Terri Lynn Johnson 

200 Rook Ramsey DrIve 


(940) 626-4206 



Mark Autry 

P.O. Box 86 


Elections Administrator 

Lannie Noble 

P.O. Box 1597 

1555 W. Bus. 380, Ste. 1 


(940) 626-4453/627-3656 

(940) 626-4283 (Fax) 

elections@co.wise.tx.us 

Emergency Management 

Coordinator 

County Judge’s Office 

P.O. Box 393 


(940) 627-5743 

(940) 627-6926 (Fax) 

EMS Administrator 

Charles Dillard 

Public Works 

Tom Goode 

P.O. Box 899 


(940) 627-6655 

(940) 627-6171 (Fax) 

publicworks@co.wise.tx.us 

Veterans Service Officer 

Laura Spain 

205 N. State St. 


(940) 627-2470 

(940) 627-3828 (Fax) 

wisevets@co.wise.tx.us 

116

117 

WISE COUNTY Polling Locations 

The first number indicates 

the commissioner precinct. 

The second is the voting precinct 

you are in. 

Precinct 1-1 

North Decatur 

ecatur City Hall 

01 East Walnut St., Decatur 

Precinct 1-2 

South Decatur 

Ag Extension Building 

206 S. State St., Decatur 

Precinct 1-3 

Slidell 

First Baptist Church 

119 CR 2822, Decatur 

Precinct 1-4 

Greenwood 

Masonic Lodge, 1st floor 

147 CR 2640, Greenwood 

Precinct 1-5 

Blewett 

East Wise Fire Hall 

107 CR 4421, Blewett 

Precinct 1-6 

New Fairview 

New Fairview Community 

Center 

East FM 407, New Fairview 

Precinct 2-8 

Bethel-Shiloh 

Decatur Civic Center 

2010 West U.S. 380, Decatur 

Precinct 2-9 

Alvord 

Alvord Civic Center 

113 North Wickham, Alvord 

Precinct 2-10 

Park Springs 

Victory Baptist Church 

4346 North Texas 101, Sunset 

Precinct 2-11 

Crafton 

Crafton Baptist Church, Fellowship 

Hall 

2590 FM 2127, Crafton 

Precinct 2-12 

Chico 

Chico Public Library 

109 West Jackson, Chico (on 

the square) 

Precinct 4-13 

North Bridgeport 

Bridgeport High School 

One Maroon Drive, Bridgeport 

Precinct 4-14 

South Bridgeport 

Lions Hall 


Precinct 4-15 

Runaway Bay 

Norma Coble Civic Center 

51 Runaway Bay Dr., Runaway 

Bay 

Precinct 4-16 

Boonsville 

Boonsville Community Center 

West on FM 920 off CR 3743, 

Boonsville 

Precinct 4-17 

Paradise 

First United Methodist Church 

Activity Center 

302 S. Oak, Paradise 

Precinct 2-18 

Pleasant View 

Bridgeport Public Library 


Precinct 2-19 


Lake Bridgeport Fire Hall 

301 S. Main St., Lake Bridgeport 

Precinct 3-20 

Cottondale 

Cottondale Community 

Center 

161 CR 3571 off FM 2123, Cottondale 

Precinct 3-24 

Newark 

Newark Fire Hall 

406 Hudson St., Newark 

Precinct 3-25 

Rhome 

Boyd Community Center 

420 E. Morton Ave., Boyd 

Precinct 3-27 

Boyd 

Boyd Community Center 

420 E. Morton Ave., Boy 

DECATUR CIVIC CENTER 

When Only the Best Will Do 

Decatur Civic Center offers a Perfect 

Setting for any Gathering: 

Banquets • Weddings & Receptions • Quinceneras • Meetings/ Seminars 

• Celebrations • Holiday Parties • Trade Shows • Concerts 

2010 W. US 380 • Decatur, TX 

940-627-2369 • Fax 940-627-2600 • www.decaturciviccenter.com

INDEX OF Advertisers 

1889 Historic Wedding Chapel ........ 91 

1st Choice Truck Lube, Inc. .............. 73 

1st Propane ..................................... 55 

1st Texas Home Health .................. 115 

2-K Pawn & Gun Shop ..................... 75 

3M Ranch ........................................ 77 

4F Mobile Fleet & Auto Repair ........ 80 

A 

“A” Quality Replacement 

Glass Co. .................................... 95 

A and M Gardens ............................ 80 

A Ray of Flowers ............................. 97 

Able Software Consultants, Inc. . 10, 37 

Affordable Fencing ........................... 91 

AGVantage Farm & Ranch Supply .. 23 

Allied Agency ................................... 87 

Always Unique Floral & Gifts ........... 19 

America’s Home Place .................... 55 

Attention to Details .......................... 26 

Austin Group Realty ........................ 92 

B 

Back Forty & Briarcreek Designs ..... 21 

BHP Plumbing, Inc. ........................ 107 

Bisidas Water Well Drilling/ 

B&B Pump .................................. 39 

Richard and Deborah Black 

Insurance Agency ..................... 107 

BlooMoon Pet Resort ...................... 21 

BlueSky Wellness Center ................ 77 

Cary Bohn, State 

Farm Insurance ........................... 88 

Bond Family Eye Care ....................... 4 

Bono’s Chophouse and Saloon ....... 79 

Bow-Legged Cowboy ....................... 81 

Brandi’s Country Kitchen ................. 17 

Bridgeman’s Millwork ....................... 99 

Bridgeport Chamber 

of Commerce .............................. 17 

Bridgeport Eye Center ..................... 59 

Bridgeport Gold & Silver .................. 31 

Bridgeport Main Street .................... 19 

Bridgeport Stage ........................... 103 

Bright Ideas Lighting & More ......... 101 

Brushy Creek Vineyards ................ 105 

C 

C and O Communications, Inc. ........ 44 

Cactus Cap Co................................. 55 

Cannon Realty ................................. 95 

Cannon Roofi ng ............................... 40 

Century 21 Worldwide ..................... 41 

Chalet of Jewelry ............................. 43 

Chico Chamber of Commerce ......... 21 

Gina Clark, Lone Star Real Estate 

Services and Investments ........... 69 

lassic Floor Coverings ................... 43 

lassic Home Consignment 

Shoppe ....................................... 63 

linical Care Associates .................. 51 

ollege Street Childcare 

and Learning Center ................... 63 

omet Laundry and Cleaners ....... 101 

ommunity Church .......................... 77 

orina’s Boutique ............................ 58 

ow Camp Steakhouse 

and Watering Hole ...................... 77 

restview Place Apartments ........... 99 

rossroads Church ........................ 105 

ut & Grow Lawn Service ............... 79 

D 

Dauenhauer Contractors, Inc. ............ 7 

David’s Western Store 

& Saddle Shop .............................. 2 

Decatur Academy for Children......... 65 

Decatur Art School .......................... 87 

Decatur Chamber of Commerce ...... 27 

Decatur Civic Center ..................... 117 

Decatur Eye Center ......................... 79 

Decatur Main Street ................... 24, 25 

Decatur Music .................................. 69 

Decatur Public Library ..................... 75 

Decatur Self Storage ....................... 95 

Decatur Tire Store & Service Center ..97 

Decatur Women’s Health Center ..... 93 

DediKated Resource ....................... 99 

Demented Cycles ............................ 65 

Dene Dial presents 

Interior Expressions .................... 81 

Doctors’ Hospital ................................ 9 

Dry Clean Super Center .................. 76 

Joey & Naomi Duncan, Century 21, 

Sue Ann Denton, Inc. .................. 76 

Duty’s Dirt ........................................ 89 

E 

Earth Friendly Foam Insulation ........ 39 

ENT and Allergy Clinic, PA .............. 76 

Erwin Construction .......................... 88 

Excellent Dental ............................. 101 

F 

Family Vision Center ........................ 98 

Farm Bureau Insurance ................. 119 

First Baptist, Decatur ....................... 73 

First Financial Bank ......................... 13 

First National Bank of Runaway Bay...43 

First Realty ...................................... 97 


Church of Bridgeport .................. 19 


Church of Decatur ....................... 93 

Fit-N-Wise ........................................ 73 

Fleur de Lis ...................................... 23 

Floor Specialist ................................ 57 

Floors & More .................................. 83 

Flusche Auto Repair Company ........ 43 

G 

Gilco Lubricants ............................... 49 

Governor’s Ridge ............................... 4 

Grace Fellowship ............................. 37 

GW Roofi ng ..................................... 63 

H 

H2 Development/Cherokee Hill ....... 71 

Hats Off Haircuts ............................. 13 

Herbs & More .................................. 51 

Kendall W. Hill, Attorney at Law ....... 97 

Holmes Auto Supply ........................ 69 

Home Town Tees ............................. 37 

Horsemen’s Depot ........................... 37 

I 

iCopy ............................................... 29 

IGA Foodliner Market Place ............ 83 

Immanuel Baptist ............................. 23 

J 

James Wood Motors ........................ 45 

K 

Jane Kasner, Century 21, Sue Ann 

Denton, Inc. ............................... 105 

Tammy Kelly Photography ............... 87 

K (continued) 

Kemp’s Wrecker Service .................. 29 

Klement Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep ....... 79 

L 

Lake Bridgeport Guide Service ....... 31 

Langto Construction, Inc. ................. 39 

Learning Ladder .............................. 23 

Legend Bank ..................................... 5 

Len Roy Don Builders ................ 10, 97 

Level 5 CDL ..................................... 92 

Lone Star Lawn & Landscape ......... 81 

Lottie’s Skin & Hair Clinic ................. 95 

Lovette-August Pediatrics ................ 83 

M 

Teresa Mader, 

State Farm Insurance ................. 99 

Main Street Florist ......................... 101 

Main Street Home and Gardens 

and Trees Garden Café ............... 89 

MakeScents Floral 

and Event Design ....................... 13 

Mann Refrigeration, Inc. .................. 31 

Mattress Outlet ................................ 67 

Robert & Sue Meek, Century 21, 

Sue Ann Denton, Inc. .................. 91 

Melody Massage ............................. 83 

Messenger Offi ce Supply ................ 53 

Midway Properties ........................... 17 

Midwestern State University ............ 41 

N 

New Salem Freewill 

Baptist Church .......................... 103 

Noah’s Ark Pets and Supplies ......... 31 

North Texas Bank, N.A. .................... 51 

North Texas Tire & Automotive ........ 70 

O 

Oh Shuck’s II ................................... 91 

On-Duty Tree Service ...................... 40 

P 

Patti’s Hair Parlor & Etc. ................... 53 

Perfect Parties by Kristy .................. 75 

Pettit Private School ........................ 69 

Clinton E. Phillips, 

Attorney at Law ........................... 58 

Photography by Maria ...................... 91 

Plaza Cinema III .............................. 46 

Pronto Staffi ng ................................. 95 

Radio Shack .................................... 29 

R 

Ray Aaron Insurance Agency .......... 82 

Re/Max Preferred Properties ......... 103 

Will Reed, State Farm Insurance ..... 91 

Rental Zone ..................................... 89 

Rick’s Auto Repair & Towing ............ 71 

Rick’s Satellite & Electronics ........... 89 

Rio Rancho Estates ......................... 29 

Roc-N-W-Ranch 

Equestrian Campground ............. 93 

Rosenbaum Dental ........................ 103 

S 

S&J Pharmacy & Gifts ..................... 46 

Salon 4316 .................................... 115 

Sam’s Hairquarters .......................... 95 

Sean’s Mesquite Pit BBQ .............. 107 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom .. 85 

Senior Care Health 

& Rehabilitation Center ............... 39 

Laura Shaffer, Mary Kay .................. 67 

S (continued) 

Rhonda Shaw, Farmer’s 

Life Insurance ............................. 73 

Simply Marvelous by JMT Design ... 70 

Simpson, Boyd & Powers, 

Attorneys at Law ......................... 59 

Solaris Hospice................................ 11 

South Wise Chamber 

of Commerce .............................. 10 

Southern Living at Home ................. 79 

Specialty Environmental Services ... 49 

Donna Stell, Mary Kay ..................... 93 

Stephens Bastian 

& Cartwright, L.P. .......................... 3 

Sunny Hills Nursing 

and Rehabilitation ....................... 67 

Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes ..................... 13 

Sylvan Learning Center ................... 29 

T 

TanaHomes.com .............................. 99 

Tarrant Regional Water District ........ 15 

The Gift Shop in Prada Shops ......... 87 

Tin Star Furniture Warehouse ......... 75 

Trinity River Mfg. .............................. 26 

Twice Around Consignments ......... 101 

TXI Bridgeport Stone Plant .............. 65 

U 

United Way of Wise County ............. 43 

V 

Valu-Rite Pharmacy ......................... 41 

Vincent Investment Management .... 99 

W 

Warner Radio & Communications ... 93 

Watts Excavating & Dozer ............. 105 

Weatherford College ........................ 73 

Wildwood Naturist’s Resort ............. 77 

Wiley Hardware & Supply ................ 81 

Williams Hauling & Tractor Works .... 67 

Winburn’s Air Conditioning 

& Heating .................................... 69 

John Winder, D.D.S. ....................... 105 

Wireless Zone/Verizon Wireless ...... 85 

Wise Alignments LLC ...................... 97 

Wise County Animal Clinic ............ 101 

Wise County Committee on Aging 

“Meals on Wheels” .................... 101 

Wise County Heritage Museum ..... 103 

Wise County Medical 

& Surgical Association ................ 33 

Wise County Title Company ............ 81 

Wise Electric Cooperative, Inc. ........ 91 

Wise Hope Shelter 

& Crisis Center............................ 82 

Wise Liquors .................................... 75 

Wise Offi ce Furniture ....................... 77 

Wise Pediatrics ................................ 71 

Wise Propane .................................. 98 

Wise Regional Health System ....... 120 

Wise Wireless .................................. 29 

Wise Youth Today Magazine ............ 83 

Wise/Chem Safe Pest 

Control Lawn Care ...................... 17 

Woodhaven Bank ............................ 92 

Y 

Youngs Tank, Inc. ............................. 87 

Z 

Zimmerer Kubota 

& Equipment, Inc. ........................ 35 

118

119 

Kelly Lynch 

Jerry Harper 

David Addington 

Doyle Lowe 

Lisa Cone, LUTCF 

J.J. Wilson 

2001 S. College Ave. 


940-627-6474

2009 Welcome to Wise.indd - Wise County Messenger

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