Wednesday, March 5, 2025 Update
- Two families in Wise County are now displaced after a devastating grass fire rapidly spread to two manufactured homes near Decatur on tuesday.
- Fueled by strong winds, the fire quickly engulfed the first structure and spread to an adjacent trailer home.
- Multiple local fire departments provided mutual aid, successfully containing the blaze and preventing further damage to nearby residences.
Wise County News: Today’s Top Stories – March 5, 2025
Table of Contents
- Wise County News: Today’s Top Stories – March 5, 2025
- Wise County News & Events: March 5, 2025 Update
- Top Questions About Wise County News today
- What are the top local news stories in Wise County today?
- Where can I report storm damage in Wise County?
- Why is ther a burn ban in Wise County?
- What’s happening at Chico High School today?
- How can I support Josh Hardin in his Kidney Transplant Journey?
- what is the Paradise Panthers state championship game info?
- Where can authors share work and recieve feedback in Wise County?
- What are the charges against Harley Ray Vanhoose?
- Wise County Events and Information Summary
- Top Questions About Wise County News today
Local news Briefs
Breaking: Wind-Swept Fire Destroys Two Homes Near Decatur
Two families in Wise County are now displaced after a devastating grass fire rapidly spread to two manufactured homes near Decatur on tuesday. The Decatur Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene in the 100 block of County Road 1111, arriving shortly after 12:30 p.m.
Fueled by strong winds, the fire quickly engulfed the first structure and spread to an adjacent trailer home. “The first house was fully involved and the second home had flames showing by the time firefighters arrived.”
Multiple local fire departments provided mutual aid, successfully containing the blaze and preventing further damage to nearby residences. Fortunately, no injuries where reported to people or pets. The first home is considered a total loss, while the second sustained heavy damage.
Paradise Panthers Head to State Final
The Paradise Panthers (29-7) are celebrating their first-ever trip to the state championship game. The team secured their spot after a thrilling victory over City View, 48-42, on Tuesday at Bridgeport High School.
The Paradise Panthers are set to face Kountze for the 3A Division II state title at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Show your support for our local athletes!
Urgent: Elevated Fire Danger Continues in Wise County
The National Weather Service has issued an elevated to critical fire warning for today, March 5, 2025. Due to these conditions, the county’s burn ban is currently in effect.Residents are reminded that no outdoor burning is allowed under the current restrictions.
Bridgeport Man Jailed After Truck Theft Attempt
Harley Ray Vanhoose, 39, of Bridgeport, has been arrested on two state jail felony charges following an incident near Boonsville last week. Vanhoose was allegedly shot while attempting to steal a truck from a residence.
According to Wise County Jail records, Vanhoose was arrested Feb. 27 on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal mischief ($2,500 to $30,000).The arrest affidavit details an incident on Feb. 26 in the 7600 block of Farm Road 920, where “Vanhoose was shot as he attempted to steal a truck from the resident.”
Wise County Asks Residents to Report Storm Damage
The Wise County Office of Emergency Management urges residents who experienced storm damage on Tuesday to complete a damage survey online. The survey is available at arcg.is/0Xm1L41.
While winds are expected to be calmer today,gusts could still reach up to 35 mph this afternoon. The forecast predicts sunny conditions with a high of 60 degrees and an overnight low of 39.
Mock Emergency Scene at Chico High School
Residents of Chico should not be alarmed by a large presence of law enforcement and emergency vehicles at Chico High School today. The school is conducting “Shattered Dreams,” a program designed to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The program includes an active mock emergency scene at CHS beginning at 9:15 a.m. those needing to access the high school parking lot should use the front entrance and park in the front parking lot only.
community Events & Local Services
- Writers Group: The Decatur Public Library will host a Writers group at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. This group offers a space for authors to share work, recieve feedback, and support creative growth.
- Hardin Strong Benefit: A fundraising event to support Josh Hardin and his family as he seeks a kidney transplant will be held Saturday from 6-10 p.m. at the Women’s Building in Decatur. The “Hardin Strong Benefit” includes a BBQ dinner, auction, and live music by the Dax Davis Band. Entry is $50 per person, with BBQ, beer, water, and soda provided. A pork spare ribs cook-off will precede the dinner. Contact Justin West at 940-577-9543
Wise County News & Events: March 5, 2025 Update
Top Questions About Wise County News today
What are the top local news stories in Wise County today?
Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories in Wise County for March 5, 2025:
- Wind-Swept Fire: A devastating fire near decatur destroyed two homes, displacing two families.
- Paradise Panthers: The Paradise Panthers are heading to the 3A Division II state championship game!
- Elevated Fire Danger: Wise County is under an elevated fire warning, and a burn ban is in effect.
- Truck Theft Attempt: A Bridgeport man was jailed after allegedly attempting to steal a truck.
- Storm Damage Reporting: Wise County is asking residents to report any storm damage.
- Mock Emergency Scene: chico High school is holding a mock emergency drill for “shattered Dreams.”
Where can I report storm damage in Wise County?
The Wise County Office of Emergency Management urges residents who experienced storm damage to complete an online damage survey. You can access the survey at arcg.is/0Xm1L41.
Why is ther a burn ban in Wise County?
The National Weather service has issued an elevated to critical fire warning for Wise County. Due to these conditions, a burn ban is currently in effect. residents are reminded that no outdoor burning is allowed under the current restrictions.
What’s happening at Chico High School today?
Chico High school is conducting “shattered Dreams,” a program designed to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The program includes a mock emergency scene at the school. If you need to access the high school parking lot, use the front entrance and park in the front parking lot only. The mock scene begins at 9:15 a.m.
How can I support Josh Hardin in his Kidney Transplant Journey?
A fundraising event called the “Hardin strong Benefit” will be held on Saturday from 6-10 p.m. at the Women’s Building in Decatur. The event includes a BBQ dinner, auction, and live music by the Dax Davis Band. Entry is $50 per person and includes BBQ, beer, water, and soda. A pork spare ribs cook-off will precede the dinner. Contact Justin West at 940-577-9543 for details.
what is the Paradise Panthers state championship game info?
The Paradise Panthers are playing Kountze for the 3A Division II state title at 11 a.m. on Friday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. the team secured their spot after a 48-42 victory over City View at Bridgeport High School.
The Decatur Public Library will host a Writers group at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. This group offers a space for authors to share work, receive feedback, and support creative growth.
What are the charges against Harley Ray Vanhoose?
Harley Ray Vanhoose, 39, of Bridgeport, has been arrested on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal mischief ($2,500 to $30,000). The arrest affidavit details an incident where he was allegedly shot while attempting to steal a truck. for more detailed information, visit wcmessenger.com.
Wise County Events and Information Summary
Topic Details Fire Near Decatur Two homes destroyed, no injuries. Paradise Panthers game State Championship, Friday 11 a.m. at Alamodome in San Antonio. Fire Warning Elevated fire danger, burn ban in effect. Storm Damage Reporting Report damage at arcg.is/0Xm1L41. Hardin Strong Benefit Saturday 6-10 p.m. at Women’s Building in Decatur. Entry $50. Writers Group Decatur Public Library on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Mock Emergency Scene Chico High School, March 5 at 9:15 a.m.