Austin Jackson

Denton

Editor at Wise County Messenger

Editor @WCMessenger » [email protected]

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Plates replace paper tags for new vehicle purchases starting July 1

1 week ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

Paper license plates — commonly referred to as temporary tags — are being phased out in Texas. Beginning July 1, vehicle dealers will be required to install permanent metal plates at the time of purchase, said Wise County Tax Assessor-Collector Monte Shaw, whose office handles local vehicle registrations. Before, temporary paper tags were issued to vehicle owners, who would later […] This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe now. Remember Me
Decatur’s budget work begins

1 week ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

Decatur City Council is considering another incremental tax rate decrease as it begins preparing next year’s budget. The city’s tax roll is projected to grow to $1.455 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year, based on preliminary values from the Wise County Appraisal District. Last year’s certified values were $1.387 billion. Certified values are expected to be released in late July.
Decatur names new park pavilion after late leader

1 week ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

A new pavilion set to be installed at Louida “Big Mama” Willis Park in Decatur will be named in memory of Mike Bell, a community advocate who died earlier this year. The Decatur City Council unanimously approved naming the Mike Bell Memorial Pavilion at its meeting Monday. Bell, who grew up during the civil rights movement and graduated from Decatur High School after the district integrated, died April 21. He was 74.
1 hurt in 18-wheeler wreck

1 week ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

1 hurt in 18-wheeler wreckFree Access A woman was seriously injured in a two-vehicle accident involving an 18-wheeler near Decatur Thursday. The accident was reported around 2:30 p.m. on Farm Road 51, near County Road 3170. The woman was transported by Wise County EMS to Medical City Denton. Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger said she was in serious condition. No additional injuries information was immediately available.
Preliminary taxable values swing up in 2025

2 weeks ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

New construction and a more muted downturn in mineral values are projected to push Wise County’s taxable values to a new high this year. Wise County Appraisal District data shows the county’s tax roll increasing to $14.64 billion for the 2025 tax year, up from $13.83 billion in 2024. Last year’s certified total marked a slight decline from $13.91 billion in 2023, driven largely by a sharp drop in mineral values.
J.W. Hart PBR Challenge rides off into the sunset

2 weeks ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

PBR’s legendary run through Decatur came to a close Saturday night with Afonso Quintino claiming the final buckle at the J.W. Hart PBR Challenge. More than just a competition, this year’s event served as a tribute — to the fans, to the founders, and to Wise County’s cowboy culture that helped turn a grassroots idea into one of the Professional […] This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe now. Remember Me
Sanger man injured in power line accident

3 weeks ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

A Sanger man was flown to a metroplex hospital in critical condition Monday after a power line accident near Bridgeport and Alvord. Justin Rushing, 25, of Sanger, was working on the electrical line in the 400 block of Farm Road 1655 before the accident occurred, according to the Wise County Sheriff's Office (WCSO). First responders and utility company personnel responded […] This content is only available to online subscribers. Please login below or Subscribe now. Remember Me
Decatur’s North Texas Smoke BBQ makes Texas Monthly Top-50 list

3 weeks ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

Decatur is officially home to some of the best barbecue in Texas. This week, North Texas Smoke BBQ cracked Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list. The magazine’s Top 50 list, released every four years, is a life-altering achievement for Texas pitmasters. The revered list is often called the Super Bowl of smoked meat, serving as a Michelin Guide of Texas barbecue that crowns true Texas brisket royalty.
Bees buzz-ted after parking violation in Decatur

3 weeks ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

Downtown Decatur’s parking situation got a little more complicated Thursday after thousands of honey bees swarmed on a parking sign on Main Street. Ricky Wright, a man armed with nothing more than a vacuum, jeans, a short-sleeve shirt and a ball cap — calmly collected the bees. The other half of the apiary operation, Cheryl Wright, was at his side, manning the SUV filled with bee containers and a few jars of their freshly collected honey.
Sinkhole causes closure of Workman Road in Decatur

3 weeks ago | wcmessenger.com | Austin Jackson

A sinkhole caused by recent rainfall and a drainage pipe failure has led to the closure of a portion of South Workman Road in Decatur. City officials announced Tuesday that the road is closed to all through traffic between West Business 380 and West Main Street after the sinkhole formed near 400 S. Workman Road. The closure is a safety precaution and will remain in place until the damage can be fully evaluated and necessary repairs are completed.

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