Commissioner Colby Shawn

Water Line Break on County Road 3736 (Boonsville/Balsora area)

There is a water main break on County Road 3736. Crews will be working throughout the day with heavy equipment to make repairs. This is the main water line serving the power plant in Wise County.

There will be no residential water impacts.

If you need to travel on County Road 3736 today, please use extreme caution around the work zone. If possible, use an alternate route until repairs are complete.

Thank you for your patience as crews work to restore the line as quickly and safely as possible.

The Burn Ban is in place for today. No outside burning allowed!

*** NO OUTDOOR BURNING ***
Wednesday August 5, 2026

The National Weather Service has issued an ELEVATED FIRE WARNING for today, the burn ban is active.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of retired Salt Creek VFD Chief Ken Vise. Ken was one of the finest examples of what it means to be a public servant. He dedicated his life to the fire service and was always willing to step up and do whatever his community needed.

Since taking office, Ken was always helpful to me. He never hesitated to share his knowledge, offer advice, or lend a hand whenever it was needed. His experience and love for Wise County were evident in everything he did.

Ken was also instrumental in the creation and passage of Wise County ESD No. 3. I had the privilege of serving alongside him on the committee that interviewed and recommended the original ESD board members. His leadership and vision helped lay the foundation for an organization that continues to serve our citizens today.

Wise County has lost a dedicated leader, a respected firefighter, and a genuinely good man. Please join me in keeping Ken’s family, friends, and all of our firefighters in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Chief.

This week we began a major erosion reclamation project at the Trinity River bridge on County Road 3225.

Over the last couple years, floodwaters have caused significant erosion beneath the bridge, washing away large amounts of soil and leaving portions of the bridge approach unsupported. This project will stabilize the area, repair the erosion damage, and help protect the long-term integrity of the bridge.

The project is expected to take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete.

Today, CR 3225 is reduced to one lane while crews locate underground utilities before excavation begins. Throughout the project, you can expect heavy truck traffic entering and leaving the work zone.

If you have an alternate route available, we encourage you to use it. Otherwise, please slow down, watch for workers and equipment, and use extra caution when traveling through the area.

To help keep costs down, Wise County Precinct 4 crews will be hauling all of the needed rock material while we’ve hired a contractor that specializes in this type of erosion repair to perform the reclamation work.

I’ll continue posting updates and photos as the project progresses so everyone can see the transformation.

Thank you for your patience as we make these improvements.

Major Traffic Alert if you’re heading on 380 East from Bridgeport to Decatur this morning.

-Traffic alert- EB lanes of 380, at County Road 1111 are fully closed while units work an 18-wheeler that has lost its entire load. TxDot is on scene, cleaning up the highway. Expect significant delays in the area.

- Update: Scene clear, Highway reopened.
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Fire crews have been on scene for nearly three hours battling a grass and hay bale fire south of Bridgeport off FM 2123.

Our Precinct 4 crew is on scene assisting alongside our volunteer firefighters and other responding agencies. Thanks to their quick work, the fire is now under control, and crews are continuing to extinguish hay bales.

Please use extra caution if you’re working outdoors. Vegetation is drying out quickly, and this is the second major grass fire in as many days. It doesn’t take much for a small spark to turn into a large wildfire.

A big thank you to all of our firefighters, first responders, and county road crews for their hard work today. Stay safe out there.

250 years...

Think about that.

As I've spent this week driving the roads of Precinct 4, one thing has really stood out to me.

American flags are flying everywhere. Red, white, and blue bunting is hanging from fences, front porches, gates, and barns. Honestly, it's put a smile on my face to see so many people proudly celebrating our nation's birthday.

For 250 years, generations of Americans have worked, sacrificed, and served to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Every generation has added its own chapter to the American story. Those sacrifices gave us the privilege of living in the greatest nation on earth.

When I think about America, the first word that comes to mind is freedom. The freedom to worship, to speak our minds, to work hard, and to build a better future for our children and grandchildren. No nation is perfect, but I still believe America is the greatest country in the world.

As you're spending time with family this weekend, enjoying a cookout or watching fireworks, take a moment to remember the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. They knew it could cost them everything, yet they signed it anyway. Their courage and unwavering belief in liberty changed the course of history.

One thing I hope doesn't disappear after this weekend is all of the patriotism I've seen across Precinct 4. I'd love to see the American flags continue to fly and the red, white, and blue bunting stay up long after the fireworks are over. It shouldn't take a milestone birthday for us to proudly display our love for this country.

What does America mean to you?

I'd love to hear from you.

One word. One sentence. Or simply share what you're most thankful for this Independence Day. I look forward to reading your responses.

From my family to yours, I hope you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday.

God Bless America.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

At the upcoming Wise County Commissioners Court meeting on 7/13/26 at 8:45 am, the Court will conduct a public hearing regarding several proposed traffic safety improvements in Precinct 4.

The proposed changes include:

• Reducing the speed limit on County Road 3355 from 40 MPH to 30 MPH between approximately 630 CR 3355 and 936 CR 3355. This area has experienced significant residential growth with an existing subdivision, a new subdivision under development, numerous driveways, and the intersection of Spring Valley Drive all within a relatively short stretch of roadway.

• Reducing the speed limit on School House Road from 40 MPH to 30 MPH beginning near 675 School House Road and continuing north to the Paradise city limits. This proposed change is in anticipation of the opening of the new Paradise High School and the continued growth in the surrounding area.

• Establishing school zones on School House Road and Olde Towne Road as recommended by the school district's traffic engineer to help provide a safer environment for students, parents, school staff, and nearby residents.

These proposed changes are being considered because our roads and communities continue to grow, and it's important that our traffic control measures keep pace with those changes while maintaining the safety of the traveling public.

I've attached maps showing the proposed changes. If anyone would like to review the traffic studies or other supporting information before the hearing, please reach out to my office and we'll be happy to provide it.

I encourage residents, property owners, and anyone interested in these proposed changes to attend the hearing and share their thoughts. Public input is an important part of this process before any action is taken by the Court.

📅 Public Hearing: 7/13/26
🕘 Time: 8:45 am
📍 Location: Wise County Commissioners Court, Historic Courthouse, Decatur

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact my office.

Right place, right time.

The old saying paid off today for the Precinct 4 crew.

While working on a road construction project in Balsora, the crew noticed heavy smoke in the area. Quick action by Chad on the maintainer and Wayne in the water truck stopped a grass fire that was threatening vehicles and a nearby structure along FM 920.

By the time firefighters arrived, the fire was already out.

I couldn’t be more proud of this crew. Whether it’s maintaining roads, responding to storm damage, or jumping into action during an emergency, they are always willing to step up and help protect our community.

Great job, Chad and Wayne, and thank you to our local firefighters for their response as well.