Attractions
Wise County’s Magnificent Courthouse
By Shannon Gillette
Texas law mandates that each of the 254 counties in the state declares one single city to be deemed the county seat and as such, home to the courthouse. The courthouse must meet certain requirements such as being conveniently located, provide space for court proceedings and house offices needed for the judicial system. Sounds easy enough, but in reality it was a difficult process. Being named the county seat brought a certain amount of prestige, causing battles between communities for the honor. Once the decision was made, bids were taken for the construction of the structure.
The need for a secure facility was one of the priorities, but many early courthouses were ruined by fire, losing irreplaceable documents and files. Some Texas counties have built three or four courthouses throughout the years to either replace a burned building or to adapt to the needs of the county. With each rebuild came bigger and more elaborate buildings. Some courthouses were the first permanent structures erected in the county.
Today, Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state with 235 still actively in use. The history behind Wise County’s courthouse in Decatur is full of similar pitfalls including a war for county seat and destruction by fire on more than one occasion. The magnificent historic pink granite building that standing today was built in 1896 and is the fourth courthouse for the county.
To read more pick up the April 2015 issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch.
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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