Wise County Sheriff Lane Akin was once known as Joe Lane. Joseph Lane had a beard and shaggy hair as an undercover agent during the precipice of the meth boom in Texas. The undercover DPS agent made quite a few busts, and his time face-to-face with the meth boom influenced his career. It was the subject of his debut book, […]
Opinion
Weighing the public good versus private pain
Point, focus, shoot. My brain seems to turn off when I’m tasked with a photo assignment. I find my desired object, hold the shutter and pray a photo turned out OK. I’ll pull up the photos on my computer in the office and check if anything is usable, or maybe squint at the LCD screen on my camera before I […]
History made: Paradise squad cements legacy
“Play for those who came before you and set the example for those to follow.” It’s a saying that is proudly displayed on the Paradise basketball dressing room wall. Coach Bo Rickner shared it with me after his team’s loss to Ponder Saturday when talking about his senior players that finished their careers in green and white. There’s no doubt […]
Guest column: DISD letter addresses financial situation
FREEEditor’s note: This letter from Decatur ISD Superintendent Chad Jones was sent out to Decatur ISD stakeholders Feb. 29. The Messenger has republished the letter in its entirety as a guest column. Dear Decatur ISD, The purpose of this letter is to give an update on the district’s financial situation and ensure all stakeholders are getting the same message. At […]
See you at the swap
Automotive enthusiasts, rejoice! The 49th annual Decatur Swap Meet has returned to the county, and it’s bound to be another good one. From Thursday through Sunday, the Wise County Fairgrounds will be packed with vendors from across the United States looking to cut you a deal on all things automotive related. The swap meet is free to attend and welcomes […]
Wise Up: What’s going on at the Wise County Courthouse?
FREEThe Wise County Messenger, a community newspaper in Texas, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the newsroom and interviews key players on current events on the Wise Up podcast. Episodes are uploaded every Friday. The latest episode focused on the progress of the restoration of the courthouse. Watch www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVBe22P7hvw Listen open.spotify.com/episode/3xiuqSlRoktZkL9RJOUnT1?si=fsbeR217T0yJeT8pQZCtkQ More platforms
LTE: Urgent financial measures needed for DISD
Decatur ISD is in a financial crisis due to state funding not increasing in five years despite a significant rise in educational costs and a large state surplus. Local taxpayers feel the burden as transportation, utilities, insurance, and maintenance expenses escalate without state support. But DISD’s own spending decisions have also played a significant role. Administrative salaries have risen. Budgets […]
LTE: Rhome needs strong leadership
Are you ready for the nonsense and endless fighting in Rhome to stop? Are you ready for an adult to take charge? Are you ready for Rhome to get it together so we can take care of business and get this city moving forward? Well, I am more than ready. Rhome has the wrong reputation in the Wise County community. […]
W&O: Upcoming ballots carry weight
It’s officially election season. So lock in and get ready for a months-long exercise of civic duty. It starts next week and won’t really slow down until November. The presidential election draws the most turnout, but I’d like to urge Wise County voters to match bring November turnout energy to the local and state races that are coming soon. The […]
Wise Up
FREEThe Wise County Messenger, a community newspaper in Texas, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the newsroom and interviews key players on current events on the Wise Up podcast. Episodes are uploaded every Friday. Watch www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh-VIaz1GTgBHIWyRyU2XMzec_SKhwC98 Listen open.spotify.com/show/1jDWpYm2Nz50hURmTCHF66 More platforms