Update for Thursday, October 3, 2024

WCSO deputy dies in accident – Wise County Sheriff's Deputy Lex Allen Love, 26, was killed Wednesday in a car accident on County Road 4421 east of U.S. 81/287 in New Fairview. According to Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin, the accident occurred around 8:20 p.m. when Love was responding to an accident call on the road. Akin said Love's vehicle collided with a concrete barrier at the construction site on the way to the scene. Love was unresponsive and was pulled from the vehicle by additional deputies who were in the area. He was transported to Medical City Decatur, where he was pronounced dead late Wednesday evening. Love was hired by the sheriff's department in 2017 as a jailer. After a brief stint with the Decatur Police Department, he returned to WSCO as a deputy in April 2024. “He was an incredibly kind young representative,” Akin said. “Lex was one of the finest police officers to ever wear the DPD and WSCO badges.” A story will be published soon on wcmessenger.com.

KILLED IN A CRASH IN RHOME – One person died in a head-on collision in Rhome Wednesday evening. The death occurred on US 81/287 North, north of Pioneer Road, around 8:30 p.m. The accident caused the road to be closed for several hours while emergency crews worked to clear the scene. The name of the deceased was not released.

CRUISE DAYS – The 35th annual Newark Cruisin' Days will be held at 406 Hudson St on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. They include a parade, carnival games, concessions, car show, vendors, live music, corn hole tournament, silent auction and more. All proceeds benefit the Newark Fire Department. Visit Newark Cruisin' Days on Facebook.

Blessing of animals — The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and First United Methodist Church will host their annual Blessing of the Animals from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 905 South Church Street in Decatur. Pet owners of all faiths are welcome. Donations to the Bridgeport Animal Shelter, including cat litter, kitten food, dry adult dog food and Fabuloso, are welcome but not required.

GLOW BALL TOURNAMENT – The Decatur Police Department's ninth annual Glow Ball Golf Tournament will be held at the Bridgeport Country Club on Saturday at 4 p.m. The cost is $75 per person and $300 per team. Proceeds benefit the Back the Blue scholarship fund. Call 940-393-0300.

THURSDAY FOOTBALL – Northwest (4-0, 2-0) puts its undefeated record on the line in a District 4-6A home match against LD Bell 7 tonight at Northwest ISD Stadium. VCA (3-1) returns to the starting lineup after a bye week to host Milford in the Patriots non-district final at Patriot Field at 7 p.m.

FISH FRY – The Alvord Volunteer Fire Department's annual fish fry will be held at the fire hall, 108 N Trappier St., on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The event includes a silent and a live auction.

CRUISE NIGHTS – Courthouse Square’s final cruise nights of 2024 will be Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. Registration takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. and costs $15 per vehicle. Shops and restaurants are open until late at night.

CHAMBER LUNCH – The Wise County Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Weatherford College Wise County. District Judge JD Clark is guest speaker. Purchase tickets at wisecountychamber.com/event-tickets.

Rainwater harvesting field day – A rainwater harvesting field day will be held Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Office, 1859 Texas 199 West in Springtown. Course topics include a rainwater harvesting tour, native grasses and pollinators in small areas, types of stormwater systems, and water well safety when using herbicides. Learn how to build your own rain barrel. Call 817-523-5200 or email [email protected].

UNITED WAY GOLF TOURNAMENT – The Wise County United Way Golf Tournament is Friday at Decatur Golf Course. Contact Terry Everett at [email protected] or 940-389-9060.

WRITER GROUP – The Decatur Public Library is hosting a writers group today at 5:30 p.m. Authors come together to share their work, give constructive feedback, and support each other in their creative development. Through regular meetings and discussions, members hone their craft and gain new perspectives on their writing. Contact Chrissie Adams at 940-393-0290.

AUTUMN SPECIAL DEPARTMENT -Today's Wise County Messenger features a special section for fall home, lawn and garden. Pick up a copy on newsstands today.

FUNERALS — Service for Peggy J McCurdy92, of Rhome will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Rhome Church of Christ, with burial in Thurmond-Fairview Cemetery. Family visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

SERVICE for Joshua Brandes43, of Decatur is pending in Hawkins-Decatur.

BURIAL for Gayla Liptack83, formerly of Bridgeport, will be held at noon Saturday at the First Methodist Church in Bridgeport and will be buried in West Bridgeport Cemetery. Family visitation will take place one hour before the service at the church. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.

TOMB for John Barnes76, of Boyd will be held at DFW National Cemetery on Tuesday at 2:15 p.m. Hawkins Funeral Home in Boyd is in charge of arrangements.

BURIAL for James Alexander91, by Bowie will be held at Hawkins-Boyd on Saturday at 3 p.m. and will be buried in Boyd Cemetery. Family visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

MONUMENT Service for Sharlene “Shawn” Mitchell83, of Decatur is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Boyd.

TOMB Service for Elvin Fox65, of Bridgeport is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Paradise Cemetery. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is in charge of arrangements.

BURIAL for Keith Bridwell79, of Bridgeport will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church Bridgeport with burial in Eastside Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hudson & Torres.