Update for Tuesday, May 17, 2022
4 min read
CAMPBELL ELECTED BOARD PRESIDENT — Decatur ISD has a new school board president: Kristy Campbell. She was elected by a 7-0 vote during Monday’s school board meeting. Campbell was elected to the board in November of 2020 and previously served as board secretary. Melonie Christian was elected as vice president, and Jennifer Wren was elected secretary. Both votes were 7-0.
INTERIM HIRED — Paradise ISD trustees selected Rod Townsend to be the district’s interim superintendent last night. Townsend, a former superintendent at Decatur ISD and partner at CCR Educational consultants, takes over for Paul Uttley, who accepted a superintendent position at Stratford ISD in April. The board approved the hire and contract 7-0.
BOYD HIRES OBERLE AS VOLLEYBALL COACH — A state champion coach will return to lead a new program in Wise County next season. Former Decatur coach Clark Oberle was named the new leader of the Boyd Lady Jackets’ volleyball program at the district’s school board meeting Monday. “I’m very excited about getting started at Boyd High School,” Oberle said. “Coach [Dusty] Crafton has done a fantastic job of turning Boyd into one of the top 3A volleyball programs in the state. I hope to continue what she started and help them win a state title in the near future.” Oberle coached at Decatur for three seasons (2017-2019). He led the Lady Eagles to the 2018 state title over Needville. After being reassigned by Decatur in April 2020, Oberle was hired at Frisco Liberty. The Redhawks finished 16-18 last season, and were seventh in District 9-5A at 9-9. Read more in the midweek Wise County Messenger.
EARLY VOTING CONTINUES — The first day of early voting in the May 24 primary runoff election drew 349 voters. Bridgeport was the busiest location with 190 ballots cast. Early voting continues 7 a.m.-7 p.m. today at the four early voting locations: the Wise County Court Office Building, 308 W. Main St. in Decatur (parking and entrance on north side of building), Boyd Community Center at 420 E. Morton Ave., Alvord City Hall at 215 W. Elm and the Bridgeport Law Enforcement Center at 1000 Thompson.
HEAT WAVE RETURNS — After a brief respite from 90-degree temperatures Monday, the heat returns today with a high of 95 expected, and the temperature could hit 100 for the first time this year on Wednesday.
GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING — The Wise County Genealogical Society will meet 5:30 p.m. today at the Decatur Public Library. The program will be on understanding our DNA results. Bring your laptop with your DNA results.
GOLF SCRAMBLE — The Wise Health Foundation Golf Scramble is Friday at RB Golf Club & Resort in Runaway Bay. All proceeds benefit Wise Health System programs, services and the purchase of innovative technology. 4-man teams are $500 or individuals are $125. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the tournament begins at 9 a.m.
BLOOD DRIVE — The City of Bridgeport will host a Carter BloodCare blood drive 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. today at 2159 10th St. The Carter BloodCare bus will be in the parking lot. Donors can secure a spot with any of these options: call 800-366-2834, visit CarterBloodCare.org and click the Donate Now tab or call Natalie Bilby at 940-683-3413.
FUNERALS — Graveside service for Billy Cobb Sr., 65, of Bridgeport is 11 a.m. today at Sweetwater Cemetery in Decatur. Family visitation is 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.
GRAVESIDE service for LaWanda Viola Johnson McAlister, 66, of Decatur is 10 a.m. Saturday at Oaklawn Cemetery. Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins-Decatur.
SERVICES for Kathleen Ashely, 90, and Tina Turvaville, 59, both of Decatur are pending at Hawkins-Decatur.
GRAVESIDE service for Connie Mayo, 67, of Chico is 2 p.m. today at Ryan Cemetery in Ryan, Okla. Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
MEMORIAL service for Allen Linn Williamson, 47, of Runaway Bay is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church Decatur. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hawkins-Bridgeport.
SERVICE for Margie Sue Reynolds, 75, of Chico will be held at a later date. Hawkins-Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
FUNERAL for Johnny Ray Gaston, 74, of Fort Worth is 10 a.m. Saturday at Pleasant Grove No. 2 Baptist Church. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Hawkins Funeral Home Boyd.
GRAVESIDE service for William Homer Hamilton, 79, of Bridgeport is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport. Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is handling arrangements.
SERVICE for Jason Wayne Schulz, 48, of Boyd is 11 a.m. June 4 at Western Star Cowboy Church in Springtown.
SERVICE for Joe Ted Fortenberry, 70, of Fort Worth, formerly of Slidell/Greenwood, is 1 p.m. Saturday at the Gage Cantina in Decatur.
