Latest news with #KarenMontgomery-Gagne
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls historic house could face demolition after fire
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A historic house in Wichita Falls is nearing its end after a weekend fire. The Berry Brown House could soon be demolished as a city official expects it to be classified as a public safety concern and be brought down. Patsy's House launches annual pinwheel campaign for child abuse awareness 'It was really sickening and saddening,' Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Principal Planner for the City of Wichita Falls, said. 'Sadly, it's really the reality of our fears has come true.' The Victorian-style, two-story house, once vibrant, is now reduced to near ashes. Montgomery-Gagne believes it's a step closer to being condemned. 'It's just always unfortunate when something like this happens because it is a treasure that's lost in our community and something that holds value to many more people beyond just the owners,' Montgomery-Gagne said. Heavy fire and smoke poured from the house. 'It was fully involved. Tried to make an initial attack, however, went defensive very quickly. Just too much fire, too much heat. So they set the ladder truck up, knocked it down, and after that, they used hand lines to mop it up,' Fire Marshal Craig Berend said. A pivotal house once occupied by former Wichita Falls Alderman Berry Brown to grow the city. November 2025 would mark 40 years since the city designated it as a landmark. 'Significance in the development of our community. Those are items that make us unique from other communities. They have value. They help give us a grounding of where the community's been and where the community is going,' Montgomery-Gagne said. The house has been listed with the nonprofit Preservation Texas as endangered since 2006—a nonprofit with a call to raise awareness for historic structures in the state. 'This was an opportunity to increase awareness of this building in the hope that maybe there would be a group that could work with the owners to do something as far as maintenance improvement,' Montgomery-Gagne said. But now, the city is inching closer to losing history. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls employee recognized for Sheppard Air Force Base efforts
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — One City of Wichita Falls employee recently won the Community Partner of the Year Award, which thanks those in the community for being active advocates and forcing change that helps Sheppard Air Force Base. The 82nd Mission Support Group awarded Karen Montgomery-Gagne the Community Partner of the Year. Gagne officially received this award on March 7 and will receive special recognition at the city council meeting on Tuesday, March 18. Commander Colonel John Hollister from the 82nd Mission Support Group praised Gagne for being a 'critical component' of the mission's continued success. 'We wanted to take the time to ensure that we were thanking those in the community that help SAFB. Mrs. Montgomery-Gagne has been a constant advocate and force for change to help advance the training missions,' Hollister said. 'Specific instances were taking the lead drafting the grant package for the DEAAG, advancing language to the 4A/4B boards for economic assistance to both DEAAG and BASH weed control. In addition, she is continually in communications with multiple base agencies regarding everything from utilities to obstructions in the local air space.' Gagne is the city's principal planner and has partnered with SAFB, the Sheppard Military Affairs Committee, and the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce on three different grant programs, including the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistant Grant Program. 'I feel very honored I have been given the opportunity both professionally and personally to be involved with Sheppard Air Force Base through the ENJJPT program,' Gagne said. 'I have enjoyed working with so many wonderful people at the 82nd while also getting to know all of the incredible people that come through Wichita Falls through ENJJPT. This community is very blessed to have this Air Force installation here locally.' She and her family have been ENJJPT co-sponsors for the Italian delegation since 2013. They welcome new students when they arrive in Wichita Falls, which allows the students to connect locally. Director of Development Services Terry Floyd expressed gratitude for Gagne and praised her hard work for SAFB and the entire community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
