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In May 2025, a section of Jim Walters Road was washed out, leaving uncertainty about it’s future. After months of coordination and hard work between the City of Runaway Bay, Wise County, and numerous partners, the bridge is complete and Jim Walters is ready to reopen. Join us for a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: 📅 Friday, June 12 ⏰ 6:00 PM We would like to thank the Greater Runaway Bay Alliance (GRBA) for assisting with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Wise County Commissioner Colby Shawn for his assistance and support throughout this process. The opening of this bridge is just the beginning. Mayor Herman White has announced his intent to dedicate the bridge as the Runaway Bay Memorial Veterans Bridge in honor of the men and women who have served our nation. A future dedication ceremony and plaque unveiling are planned to recognize and honor the veterans of Runaway Bay - past, present, and future. As this new bridge connects our community, it will also stand as a lasting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and commitment of those who have defended our freedoms. Come help us celebrate the reopening of Jim Walters!

The full recording of the May 19, 2026 Runaway Bay City Council meeting is now available to watch on YouTube. Residents can view the meeting at their convenience to hear discussions regarding: Infrastructure and wastewater improvement projects Highway 380 pavement rehabilitation updates Department and board reports Tornado recovery recognition presentations Community event announcements Financial and ordinance items The written City Council recap is also available separately on the Runaway Bay Bulletin for residents who prefer a quick overview of the meeting. Stay informed. Stay involved.

Public Forum: Cindy Fuller reminded residents about the upcoming Hometown Hero Celebration on May 30, honoring our local first responders. Flyer included for more details. Fuller also encouraged Wise County residents to take advantage of the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance made available through the Governor’s Disaster Declaration. Assistance is available to homeowners and renters impacted by the April 25 tornado. Not just residents in Unit 5, but all of Wise County. Residents are encouraged to help spread the word. Flyer included for more details. Canvas of General Election Held May 2, 2026: Consider/Approve Ordinance No. 640 certifying election results – APPROVED Oath of Office for Newly Elected Mayor & City Council: Mayor – Herman Berry White III Council Member Place 2 – Richard Griffin Council Member Place 4 – Phill Reickenecker Consent Items: Consider/Approve minutes from the April 15, 2026 Regular Session – APPROVED Consideration & Action Items: Consider/Accept April 30, 2026 Accounts Payable Report – ACCEPTED Consider/Accept the April 2026 Financial Report – ACCEPTED Sales tax revenue came in higher this reporting period Consider/Approve Ordinance No. 641, Mayor’s Duties – APPROVED Runaway Bay does not operate under a “strong mayor” form of government. Ordinance clarifies and extends existing administrative responsibilities of the mayor’s office. Updates from Mayor and Council Members: Phill Reickenecker | Parks Board Exciting improvements continue at the Runaway Bay Ballfields as the drainage project moves forward. Tim Liberto was recognized for doing an excellent job overseeing the project. Residents are encouraged to follow the Parks Board on Facebook for updates. Next Parks Board meeting: Tuesday at 6 PM at the Norma Coble Civic Center. Richard Griffin | EDC Continuing budget discussions for local special events. Donations for the annual fireworks show are currently being accepted. Raffle tickets are also available. Flyer included. Next EDC meeting: June 9. Carolyn Moody | Cemetery Board Continuing partnership with the Bridgeport Garden Club while working on the Butterfly Garden project. Next Cemetery Board meeting: Thursday, May 21 at 6 PM at the Civic Center. Steve Holt | GRBA Patriotic décor will begin going up around the city soon. Upcoming Community Events: Hometown Hero Celebration – May 30 | 4 PM–7 PM | Cricket Ridge Park Patriotic Golf Cart Parade 5:00 PM | Kids Bike Lineup: 4:30 PM – June 27 Meet at Bay Community Church parking lot Steve Reynolds | Police & Fire Department 22 calls for service, 3 fires, and 1 stranded boater. Praised local first responders for their efforts during tornado recovery operations. Announced the City has completed storm limb pickup operations. Residents may still take debris to the burn pile site by obtaining a key through City Hall. Thanked volunteers and city staff for their efforts restoring the community following the tornado. TXDOT Update: Lane closures and delays along Highway 380 are expected to begin next week. The project will involve removing approximately 4 inches of pavement and resurfacing in one-mile segments at a time. Roddy Boston | Public Works Updates provided on grant-funded infrastructure projects and the Chlorine Building project timeline: · May 21–22 – Chlorine Building bid opening evaluations and contractor notice of intent · May 29 – Meeting for 90% design review for Jim Walters and Port O’ Call South Lift Stations · May 29 – Submittal to TCEQ · June 23 – Bid solicitation package ready · June 26 – Anticipated completion of TCEQ review and 100% design completion · July 2 – August 2 – Bid package posted publicly in paper · August 24 – Bid opening | Evaluations | Notice of intent/contractor selection · August 24–26 – Final contractor review process · Discussed the ongoing I&I Study being conducted by RH Borden. It has provided valuable data identifying problem areas within the sewer system, particularly faulty manholes and areas impacted by roots and cracks. Public Works crews have already begun addressing several issues identified through the monitoring process. Residents may notice crews removing or adjusting sensors in coming weeks as repairs continue and additional data is collected. Upcoming infrastructure work is expected along Port O’ Call, Tryall Drive south of Highway 380, and Jim Walters Drive as the City continues planning and prioritizing repairs and upgrades to the wastewater system. Mayor Herman White Recapped the past 2½ years of water infrastructure improvements throughout the city. Explained that Runaway Bay previously experienced frequent water line breaks. By locating 64 valves throughout the system, crews are now able to isolate issues more efficiently, affecting fewer residents during repairs while improving response time and workflow. Thanked the City’s Digital Communications Coordinator, Amber Thompson, for keeping residents informed through Facebook updates and the Runaway Bay Bulletin. Spoke proudly about the actions of local first responders following the April 25 tornado:○ Neighbors helping neighbors during tragedy. First responders arriving during hail and severe weather conditions. Crews rescuing victims and performing CPR during critical moments. Emphasized that when seconds count, those responses save lives. Humanitarian Recognition Presented from Senator Tan Parker For leadership and service following the April 25 tornado.(Photos Included) Recipients: Mike Boucher – Runaway Bay Fire Chief Christopher Petty – Assistant Fire Chief Jay Lynch – Fire Department Daniel Butler – Fire Department Rosemarie Pepperdine – Fire Department James Gates – Police Department Rob Powell – Police Department Nick Hall – Police Department Cindy and Rob Fuller – GRBA Cara Watkins – GRBA Leah Gardner – GRBA Camree Gunter – Resident

As spring continues and summer approaches, I want to provide an update on repairs and upgrades to our collection system. The I&I study by RH Borden has provided valuable information. The monitoring system remains active, and each rain event adds data. RH Borden has confirmed we now have sufficient rainfall data to plan repairs accurately, so we have begun making repairs. Over the past two weeks, our public works crew has addressed several issues identified in the study. Most inflow problems are due to faulty manholes. While there is some infiltration in the lines, steady flows indicate that roots and cracks are likely the main causes rather than collapsed lines. We will use camera inspections to identify specific problems and target repairs accordingly. In the coming month, you may see crews at manholes removing sensors. These sensors monitor water levels and flow rates in the sewer system during rain, helping us identify sources of inflow. Some sensors will remain in place to continue collecting data as repairs progress. Ongoing monitoring allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of repairs and quickly detect new issues. Work continues at the chlorine injection building at the wastewater treatment plant. In two weeks, we will award the contract to repair and secure the building. Over the next month, we will complete engineering plans and submit designs to TCEQ for approval for two lift stations requiring urgent repairs. Crews will address these stations later this summer, when flows are lower. The next phase of engineering will assess and plan further upgrades to lift stations and pressurized sewer lines. We will also begin repairs or replacements for defective manholes and sewer lines. While final schedules are being developed, initial work is expected to start along Port O'Call and Tryall Dr., south of US HWY 380, as well as on Jim Walters Dr., where urgent repairs are needed. Residents in these areas may notice increased activity as crews begin work in the coming months. We will provide updates on specific locations and timelines as plans are finalized. We understand the process can seem slow, and we want to be transparent about the reasons for some delays. Many projects require engineering, permitting, and regulatory approvals, which can be time-consuming. Securing specialized equipment may also be delayed due to supply chain challenges and longer manufacturing lead times. We are working closely with our engineers, Oncor, regulatory agencies, and supply vendors to address these issues and maintain progress. By communicating frequently with all parties, we can monitor progress and address setbacks promptly. We will continue to keep you informed as work advances. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact City Hall at (940) 575-4745, or call (940) 389-0255 after business hours and on weekends. If you notice any overflows or anything unusual, please let us know. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and are committed to providing the service you deserve. As we move forward, we aim to maintain the quality of service this community needs now and in the future. Roddy Boston Consulting Operator City of Runaway Bay

Wise County has scheduled the final debris pickup for Unit 5 residents on Wednesday, May 20. Residents are encouraged to make sure all remaining storm debris is placed at the curb before pickup day. County crews will only be able to collect debris that is already curbside within Unit 5. To help crews work as efficiently as possible, debris should be separated into three distinct piles: * Appliances * Lumber / construction debris * Brush / tree limbs Properly sorting materials helps ensure debris can be collected safely and efficiently. As cleanup and recovery efforts continue across Runaway Bay, we appreciate everyone doing their part to help move the community forward. 💙

The Runaway Bay City Council will hold a Regular Session meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Norma Coble Civic Center, located at 51 Runaway Bay Drive. Several important items are scheduled for discussion, including certification of the May 2 General Election results and the Oath of Office for newly elected Mayor and Council Members. Agenda Highlights Certification of the May 2, 2026 General Election Oath of Office for: Mayor Herman White Council Member Richard Griffin Council Member Phill Reickenecker Approval of April meeting minutes April financial and accounts payable reports Consideration of Ordinance No. 641 regarding Mayor’s Duties Updates from the Mayor, Council Members, and City Staff Residents wishing to speak during Public Forum will be limited to 3 minutes each. 📍 Meeting Location:Norma Coble Civic Center51 Runaway Bay DriveRunaway Bay, Texas Community members are encouraged to attend and stay informed on local projects, operations, and city business. The complete agenda is below.

Residents should prepare for upcoming traffic impacts as TXDOT begins a major pavement rehabilitation project along Highway 380 through Runaway Bay and toward Bridgeport. The TXDOT project will begin near Hastings Drive and continue east past the bridge toward Bridgeport. Construction will move in approximately one-mile sections at a time, with crews starting near Hastings Drive and progressing eastward as work is completed. Advance warning signs are expected to begin appearing during the week of May 18, with active construction currently anticipated to begin around May 26. Drivers should expect: Temporary stop lights and traffic control devices Lane closures and reduced traffic flow Delays of approximately 10 minutes during active work zones Construction activity shifting as sections are completed While the project is expected to last several months, TXDOT noted timelines may shift depending on weather and construction conditions. TXDOT also advised that no work is currently planned on the bridge itself as part of this pavement rehabilitation project. The City of Runaway Bay will continue sharing updates as additional information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to plan for extra travel time and use caution in all construction areas.

Residents impacted by the recent storms may be eligible for assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Recovery program. SBA representatives are currently available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Runaway Bay Event Center, located at 513 Port O Call, to assist homeowners and renters throughout Wise County with disaster loan applications and answer questions about available recovery programs. The Supply & Food Pantry is also currently operating at this location. Please note the pantry and supply distribution center will permanently close Friday at 6:00 PM. Potential Assistance Includes: Up to $500,000 for damage to a primary residence Up to $100,000 for personal property losses, including vehicles Low fixed interest rates Repayment terms up to 30 years No payments and no interest accrued during the first year Assistance may be available for wind and hail damage, not just tornado-related damages Eligible expenses may include roofing deductibles, vehicle deductibles, hail damage, interior/exterior home repairs, and personal property losses such as clothing, lawn equipment, and sheds Qualified applicants may prepay loans during the first year without incurring interest costs Interest rates for private individuals are currently as low as 2.875% Unused approved funds may be returned, and repayment applies only to the amount actually used Residents do not need to wait for insurance claims to be finalized before beginning the SBA application process. For qualified applicants, SBA disaster loans currently offer no payments and no interest accrued during the first year. Residents approved for more funding than ultimately needed may also return unused portions of approved funds. Items Typically Needed to Apply: Government-issued ID Recent federal income tax return Contact information Financial information Insurance information, if available For additional information or to begin an application online, visit:SBA Disaster Assistance Program Please help share this information with neighbors and community members who may still be in need of assistance during recovery efforts.

The City of Runaway Bay will be conducting pothole repair work this afternoon on Shady Oaks Drive near the Shady Court intersection. Work is expected to take place between approximately 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Residents traveling through the area are encouraged to slow down, remain alert, and use extra caution around crews and equipment. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the city continues ongoing street maintenance efforts throughout Runaway Bay.

Runaway Bay residents gathered at Cricket Ridge Park on Thursday, May 7, for a special National Day of Prayer event focused on faith, unity, encouragement, and community fellowship. The evening brought together local churches, community leaders, first responders, volunteers, musicians, families, and residents for prayer, worship music, and messages centered on hope and coming together as a community. Special appreciation goes to Lea Holt, whose vision, dedication, and countless hours of work helped organize and bring the event to life. Additional thanks go to the Bay Community Church, Just Jesus Church, volunteers and everyone who attended and supported the gathering. Full speeches, prayers, and performances from the evening are also available on the City of Runaway Bay YouTube channel.

WHAT RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW Cleanup efforts are continuing across Runaway Bay as city crews, first responders and volunteers work to remove storm debris and assist residents in the aftermath of Saturday’s tornado. With the assistance of volunteers, debris is actively being picked up and transported to the Public Works facility as quickly as possible. There are already many volunteers out on the streets offering to help remove debris from residents’ private property and transport it to designated drop-off locations. If you still have storm debris, downed limbs, or need help with cleanup, please contact Runaway Bay Police Officer Chad Lanier immediately to be added to the assistance list: 📞 940-389-8772 Officer Lanier is coordinating assistance for: Storm debris cleanup Tree limb removal Hauling debris to designated drop-off locations Equipment donations or volunteer manpower The City is actively in recovery and cleanup mode, and help is still available. DEBRIS DROP-OFF LOCATIONS Residents may bring storm debris to the following designated locations: 📍 Public Works Parking Lot380 Hadaway(For tree limbs and brush debris) 📍 Building Material Disposal300 Block of Cactus Canyon(For construction debris/building materials) 📍 Roll-Off Dumpsters at Shell(For household debris and trash only) ❌ No brush❌ No building materials CITY CLEANUP EFFORTS UNDERWAY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES COMING NEXT WEEK Thanks to the assistance of Wise County Commissioner Colby Shawn, the City will be borrowing a wood chipper from the county next week. Wise County will also provide a roll-off dumpster for wood chippings at no cost to the City. These additional resources will help speed up debris removal and cleanup efforts across Runaway Bay. THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS A special thank you to: Top Notch Homes Ace Hardware Bridgeport Fire Department Arrowhead Roofing & Fencing Alphadox Completions …for stepping up and assisting with storm recovery efforts in Runaway Bay. Your generosity, equipment, manpower, and willingness to serve have made an immediate impact for our residents. We also want to thank the many volunteers, churches, businesses, first responders, neighboring agencies, and community members who have shown up in countless ways over the last several days. Together, we are stronger.Together, we will rebuild. 💙

EF-2 Tornado Strikes Runaway Bay | Recovery Efforts Continue On the night of Saturday, April 25, 2026, an EF-2 tornado touched down in the Runaway Bay area, leaving a path of destruction across our community. The National Weather Service has now confirmed the tornado had peak winds of approximately 135 mph. Aerial damage images courtesy of Matt Howerton, WFAA As daylight broke Sunday morning, emergency crews began gaining a clearer picture of the damage. At this time: One fatality has been confirmed. Our hearts and prayers are with that family during this incredibly difficult time. At least six individuals were treated or transported by Wise County EMS for storm-related injuries. More than 20 families have been displaced due to significant damage to homes. Major damage has been reported in areas near Cimmarron Trail and Jasper Creek Road. This remains an active emergency response scene, and everyone is asked to avoid the area to allow first responders and utility crews safe access. Over 64 utility poles were reported down, causing widespread power outages and access issues. Emergency responders worked throughout the night and continue to work around the clock to clear debris, restore access, and assist residents in need. The Mayor and the entire City Council are working as a team to develop and implement a coordinated, comprehensive response. City leadership is prioritizing recovery efforts, streamlining permitting for repairs, exploring all available state and federal resources, and planning for long-term rebuilding. Aerial damage images courtesy of Matt Howerton, WFAA Unified Emergency Response The City of Runaway Bay, in close coordination with Wise County and numerous volunteer organizations, mobilized quickly to provide immediate assistance. Teams are working to clear debris, assess damage, offer temporary shelter, distribute essential supplies, and ensure those in need receive food, water, and medical support. A Unified Command structure was quickly established to coordinate response efforts among: Wise County officials City of Runaway Bay leadership Fire departments and EMS agencies Law enforcement Utility providers Texas Division of Emergency Management Texas Task Force 2 American Red Cross and other support teams Texas Task Force 2 has assisted with organized search and rescue efforts, while the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Damage Assessment Team is helping verify impacts across the community. The National Weather Service was also on-site Sunday morning surveying damage to confirm storm intensity and track the tornado’s path. Disaster Declaration Issued Wise County Judge J.D. Clark has issued a Local Disaster Declaration for Wise County, allowing access to additional state and federal recovery resources. This declaration helps expedite emergency response operations and opens pathways for relief programs and funding. Image courtesy of NBC News How Residents Can Help Recovery Efforts Residents with damage to homes or businesses are encouraged to complete the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey. These self-reported surveys help local and state officials understand the extent of damage and connect impacted Texans with available recovery resources. iSTAT surveys are available in English and Spanish here:damage.tdem.texas.gov Relief Resources In the immediate aftermath of the storm, a Reunification Center was opened at the Runaway Bay Event Center to assist residents and reconnect families. That center has since been decommissioned once families were reunited. The Runaway Bay Event Center continues to serve as a resource hub for storm-affected residents. Relief efforts have included: Free hot meals provided by Texans on Mission Food, toiletries, and basic supplies for affected residents Assistance for first responders and utility crews working extended hours Volunteer & Donation Information How You Can Help Many residents have reached out asking how they can support those affected by the storm. The United Way of Wise County is now accepting disaster relief donations for western Wise County, with every dollar staying local to help impacted families recover. Residents who wish to contribute can scan the QR code on the donation flyer or DONATE HERE Follow updates from the Wise County Office of Emergency Management for official donation and assistance opportunities. Juan Madrid lost his life in the tornado on Saturday night. A donation fund for his family has been set up through Acts 4 Others, a legitimate local non-profit, so the funds are ensured to go to the family. If it’s on your heart to donate, please visit the link below. DONATE HERE As additional needs are identified, more opportunities to volunteer, donate supplies, or provide support may be announced through official City and County channels. A Community Responding Together Local volunteers, faith-based groups, charitable organizations, first responders, utility workers, and partner agencies have stepped up in remarkable ways. Delivering aid, opening their doors, offering comfort, and working tirelessly through the night and into the days following this disaster. We also want to recognize the many residents who have stepped up. Checking on neighbors, offering shelter, donating supplies, sharing critical information, and asking how they can help. If you or someone you know has been impacted by the storm and needs assistance, please reach out through the Runaway Bay Bulletin, the City of Runaway Bay Facebook page, or by calling City Hall at (940) 575-4745. As additional needs are identified, more opportunities to volunteer, donate supplies, or provide support may be announced through official City and County channels. Our goal is clear: to support every affected family as quickly and effectively as possible while keeping our community safe and informed every step of the way. Runaway Bay is a resilient community, and with the continued partnership of Wise County, our dedicated volunteers, and the strength of our neighbors, we will rebuild stronger than before. Runaway Bay is strong, and together, we will recover. Additional Coverage: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/runaway-bay-death/4015673/