Editor’s note: Following are the op stories from the second half of 2024.
July 4 Nine area girls compete at Miss Texas Teen
Nine area girls competed in the Miss Texas Teen competition this past week, June 23-29, at the Eisemann Performance Center in Richardson and brought mack multiple honors.
In addition to those nine, there were 16 youngsters who attended as Texas Lone Star Princesses.
The girls stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Richarson all week.
The nine contestants competed in private interview, health and fitness, talent, evening gown, and onstage conversation.
The nine girls competing were Cadence Webster, Brianna Latray, Mikah Kesinger, Marissa Eppes, Kenedy Morris, Makenna Eppes, Gabi Trevino, Lexi Goodson, and Evangeline Arabie. Director Emily Goodson accompanied them.
July 11 Moody Bradley House open for tours
The Moody-Bradley House was built in 1860 by W.L> Moody for his bride, Pherabe Elizabeth Bradley.
The couple moved to Galveston after the war with their son, W.L. Moody Jr. The couple sold the property tp F.M. Bradley - Pherabe’s father and W.L. Sr.’s father-in-law.
The house is a Greek Revival Structure, which was kept in the family until F.M. Bradley’s third wife, “Miss Matt” passed away in 1913. The Fairfield History Club bought the house from Mr. & Mrs. L.L. Coleman in 1967, and continues to restore and maintain the home.
The Club is pleased to announce that the house is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The house will be closed for special events such as rentals for weddings, showers, and other events.
July 18 Commissioner learn rules to qualify for FEMA reimbursement
Freestone County Emergency Management Coordinator Leonard Smith briefed the county court members at their June 27 meeting on the status of the county’s emergency declaration for the extended extreme rain period that ran from April 26 to June 5.
“FEMA will cover 75 percent; we have to cover 25 percent”, Smith told the court.”However, that 25 percent isn’t us monetarily putting anything per se. So we can use donated resources, such as volunteer hours, equipment, food, materials, things that were donated to us to help get things cleaned up. We can deduct that 25 percent off of that to help with that.
July 25 County Treasurer Kenney resigns
Country Treasurer Jeannie Kenney proffered her resignation to the Freestone County Commissioners, effective Aug. 3, since she will accompany her husband to his new job location in South Texas.
Her resignation is effective Aug. 3, but she said she wanted to give the commissioners plenty of time to hire her replacement.
“I have appreciated the opportunity to work with the citizens of Freestone County,” Kenney told the court at its July 10 meeting.
County Judge Linda Grant expressed the court’s appreciation for Kenney’s time in Freestone County and told her she would be missed.
Aug. 1 County to get recommendations on courthouse security, safety
Freestone County will get expert recommendations on improving safety around the courthouse andislikelytomakesome of the changes recommended.
The court members were introduced toastatesafetyexpertatits July 24 meeting during the public commentsportionofthemeeting.
Aug. 8 Commissioners aim at keeping same tax rate
Freestone County Commissioners are aiming to keep the county tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, the same as the current year.
The current rate is $0.3219 per $100 valuation.
The court has been working intenselyontheupcomingbudget, looking for ways to cut corners, especially since citizens are struggling with inflation in other areas.
Aug. 15 Concerned crowd packs Wortham meeting
WorthamCityCouncilscrambled to recognize the city’s police forceinthewakeoflongtimeChief of Police Kelly Butler’s sudden retirement and departureAug. 7.
Anotherpoliceofficer,Dylan Thompson, resigned. The Freestone County Sheriff’s Department reportedly has been assisting the city’s police force since the two departures. Two police officers wearing Richland police uniforms attended the meeting, along with two Wortham police officers in uniform.
About 50 residents attended the special meeting Monday, Aug. 12, with several addressing the council during the special meeting with concerns about how it has handled a recent complaint against the police chief.
Aug. 22 FISD building ‘Thinking Classrooms’
Fairfield ISD is beginning the process of implementing Building Thinking Classrooms in its math classrooms.
This approach to teaching math comes from years of research from the author Peter Liljedahal in his book, “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics”. This approach is a bit different from what most FISD students have been used to previously, according to FISD administrators.
It focuses , as the name suggests, on students’ thinking. Students will work with randomly selected partners on vertical surfaces (whiteboards) where they will collaborate on various non-curricular and curricular-based tasks that promote thinking.
Aug. 29 Commissioners hold line on tax rate
Freestone County Commissioners aimed to keep next year’s tax rate the same as this year’s, and they succeeded.
The court passed the new tax rate and budget for the upcoming fiscalyearattheWednesday,Aug. 21, meeting, during the final vote on the matter for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
Before taking the final vote, the court members took a while to look for final changes needed. The current and new tax rate is $0.3219 per $100 appraisal. No one from the public attended Wednesday’s meeting to comment on the proposed tax rate, either for or against.
Sept. 5 ‘Show of Wheels’ has something for everyone
The 26th annual Show of WheelswillincludeaLadiesPoker Stroll, a citywide garage sale, a paint party, an art show - oh, and lots and lots of cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors and more.
Food vendors, cold drinks, clean restrooms, and plenty of shadewillbeavailablethroughout theday.Theeventissponsoredby the City of Fairfield and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
Sept. 12 FHS alum returns for book signing
Travis Canady, a 2008 graduate of Fairfield High School, will have a book signing from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Fairfield Public Library.
The author will have copies of his latest book, “Augustine: Echoes of Freedom”, available for purchase. The book, Canady’s second, debuted at No. 2 onAmazon’s Hot Releases.
Sept. 19 All Hail Queen Angelina Cobb
Senior Angelina Cobb is crowned the 2024 Fairfield High School Homecoming Queen by 2023 Homecoming Queen Charlee Brackens prior to the football game against Brownsboro on Friday night, Sept. 13.
Sept. 26 Plane crash claims life
The Freestone County community is mourning the death of an active member following a plane crash on Friday afternoon, Sept. 20.
At 4:52 p.m., a report of a plane crash with entrapment occurred at the Teague Airport. According to the Teague Volunteer Fire Department, the pilot was extricated from the aircraft and passed on to Emergency Medical Services for transport.
Billy Patterson, 69, of Fairfield dies at the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.
Oct. 3 Commissioners OK new bridge on CR 640
Freestone County commissioners held a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, the main purpose of which was to agree to use a discretionary exemption to build a new bridge on County Road 640, which is Precinct 2.
Precinct 2 Commissioner Will McSwane said he has budgeted in the upcoming fiscal year to do this project. McSwane’s motionwastobuildanewbridge, and the rest of the court agreed.
Oct. 10 County allocates more ARPA funds
With APRA funds set to expire at the end of December, Freestone County Commissioners Court is working to ensure all the funds allocated to Freestone County are spent.
This was one of the main topics of discussion during The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provides direct funding to cities and counties to assist in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CountyAuditorKarenCraddock said the county needs to write a memo of understanding that the county would use a certain amountoffundsonroadmaterial for the rest of the fiscal year. Alternately, items can be bought off the buy board, but they must be specifically allocated.
Oct. 17 Runway Walk Against Cancer
The Freestone Cancer Support Group hosted its annual fall style show and diner at the Fairfield Civic Center on Tuesday evening, Oct. 8.
Since 2012, the group has given more than $420,000 to citizens in Freestone County dealing with cancer. Prior to 2012, the group was associated with Relay for Life.
Adults and youngsters modeled attire from The Jaded Spade, Serenity Spa, Brenda’s Closet, JulsbyJul,TwistedSistersShoetique, andTheYoakumMercantile.
Oct. 24 FHS band advances to state
Fairfield High School’s Grand Band from Eagle Land earned a first-division rating with scores of a 1-1-2 at the Region 8 Marching Competition at Troy High School onWednesday,Oct.15,toadvance to the state competition for the first time in school history.
The state contest will be held at Baylor Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
“I am extremely proud of the band,” Band Director Russel Hollandsaid.“We’vebeenworking foryearstobeabletocompete at the state level for marching.”
Westwood could forfeit football games
District 9-3A school superintendents met in an Executive CommitteemeetingMonday,Oct. 21 to discuss the alleged violation ofWestwoodISDcoachesanddistrict personal videotaping/filming/ recording district opponents of an athletics contest (varsity football) without the prior consent of the schools competing in the contest.
When all was said and done, DibollSuperintendentBrianBowman, Huntington Superintendent David Flowers, and Crockett Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore recommended the suspension of Westwood ISD Technology Assistant Don McCoy from all District 9-3A athletic events and the suspension of Westwood High School Director ofAthletics/Head Football Coach Richard Bishop for the remainder of the football seasonaswellaspostseason.Both of these suspensions will have to go to the UIL State Executive Committee for approval.
The committee also voted Westwoodwouldhavetoforfeit all District 9-3A football games for this season. Westwood ISD Superintendent Wade Stanford noted the school would be filing an appeal on the forfeits.
Teague ISD Superintendent Chris Skinner and Fairfield ISD SuperintendentJoeCraigwerealso in attendance for the meeting and spoke throughout. They could not vote on the recommendation because their teams were involved.
Oct. 31 Kuzmich advances to state meet
Freshman John Kuzmich is advancing to the state cross country meer, which will take place Saturday, Nov. 2, at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
He placed 11th with a time of 16 minutes, 51 seconds over 5,000 meters, or 3.1 miles - Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the regional crosscountrymeetatKate Barr Ross Park in Huntsville.
“When John first came out to cross country practice we knew he would do some wonderful things,” Coach Dani German said. “He knew the competition would be tough at regionals, and he ended up running his fastest time of the year. We are so proud of him and cannot wait to see how he performs at state.”
Nov. 7 FCFAR to build new cattle barn
During the annual Freestone County Fair and Rodeo Association membershipmeetingonMonday, Oct. 21, it was announced that the association would be building a new cattle barn at the fairgrounds.
The building will be 125 feet by 52 feet, which is the general footprint of the current barn, just a little wider. The size of the walkways will be increased, and there will be gates on the end of the barn that will be closed at night. The height of the woof will also be raised.. New electrical will be placedthroughoutthebarnaswell.
The main contractors on the jobwillbeSpencerCrowell,Hilltop Welding, Jefffrey Carr, and Valor Spray Foam. The City of Fairfield has partnered with the association and will provide up to $125,000 in helpingbuildthenewcattlebarn.
Nov. 14 County creates two more solar reinvestment zones
Freestone County Commissioner Court held two public hearings last week, establishing tax abatements on two properties in the county and adopting new tax abatement guidelines.
The court established Reinvestment Zone 7 for Grenalia Solar Power Ratcliff LLC, which is for up to a 95-megawatt solar generation facility on about 459 acres within Fairfield ISD in the far eastern corner of the county. The projected capital investment would be $88.8 million. The yearly payout in lieu of taxes (PILOT) would be $76,891. Additions and improvements are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The court established Reinvestment Zone 8 for Palmera Development LLC for a 221.27 solar power generation facility on about 16,059 acres within Fairfield ISD with a projected capitalinvestmentofabout$230 million, and a yearly PILOT of $198,974. Additions and improvements are to be done by the third quarter of 2027.
Nov. 21 Eagles knock-off Orangefield 49-42 for Bi-District title
For the first time since 2019, the Fairfield Eagles are advancing to the Area Championship after knocking-off the Orangefield Bobcats 4942 on Friday night, Nov. 15, at Splendora HIgh School in the Bi-District Championship.
Fairifeld will travel to Temple on Friday night, Nov. 22, to take on the Yoakum Bulldogs in the Area Championship at 7 p.m. Fairfield ISD will release students at 1:30 p.m. on Friday as well to allow travel time for fans to go support the Eagles.
Nov. 28 Hughes retiring as mayor Jan. 14
Fairfield Mayor Kenneth Hughes announced his retirement effective Tuesday, Jan. 14 2025, during the monthly City of Fairfield City Council meeting earlier this month.
Hughes joined the Fairfield City Council as Council Member Place 5 in 2009. He then served as Mayor Pro-Tem before being electedastheMayorofFairfieldin May 2018. In total, he has served 16 years in city government.
Hughes read the following letter duringtheCityCouncilmeeting -CityCouncilMembers,CityStaff, andResidentsofCityofFairfield, It is with a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment that I announce my retirement as mayor as of January 14, 2025, concluding 16 years of service in city government. These years have been among the most rewarding of my life, and it has been a true honor to work on behalf of our community.
Reflecting on our journey together, I am immensely proud of whatwehaveaccomplished.From creating a transparent city government to enhancing our city’s quality of life, we have built a stronger and more vibrant Fairfield through shared dedication and hard work. I am grateful to the city council members, city staff, and each of you for the support, collaboration, andcommitmentyouhaveshown.
The decision to step down is bittersweet,yetIamexcitedabout what lies ahead – for both myself andourcity.Ihavefullconfidence that the foundations we have built together will continue to flourish under new leadership, and I look forward to seeing how Fairfield grows in the years to come.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you and for all that we have achieved together. I will always cherish my timeasyourmayorandasamember of this incredible community.
Aheartfelt thanks to everyone. Kenneth D. Hughes” The City Council will need to fill the position with a Mayor Pro-Tem to complete the term, which ends next year.
Dec. 5 County ensuring to spend ARPA funds by end of year
Freestone County Commissioners took action during the Nov. 20 meeting to ensure all ARPA funds are either spent or allocated by the end of the year to avoidlossoftheuseofthemonies.
Freestone County Auditory Karen Craddick reported there was still $122,871 of ARPA funds remaining, which would need to be spent or allocated by the end of the yearforthecountytokeepthefunds.
“We just need to do a memo of understanding for the ones that will be road material and what we have for that,” she said, “and then we’ve got purchase orders on several items, too.”
Also concerning ARPA funds, Steve Shad, with Garland Company spoke with the court about the cost of courthouse roof repairs.Nodecisionwasmadeat that time on the subject.
Dec. 12 Canady taking a spin on Wheel of Fortune
Travis Canady, a 2008 graduate of Fairfield High School, will debut on Wheel of Fortune at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.
“Get ready for an epic ride as wewrapup2024instyle,”Canady said. “I’m hitting the stage on Wheel of Fortune, and you won’t want to miss it. Watch me spin that wheel, laugh, cry, and year, possibly throw a little tantrum.”
Dec. 19 Nichols appointed mayor
Mayor ProTem Bobby Nichols, who has served on the city council since 2019, was appointed the Fairfield mayor, effective Jan. 14, 2025, during theTuesday, Dec. 10 Fairfield City Council meeting.
Kenny Hughes announced his retirement effective Jan. 14, 2025 during the November city council meeting. Nichols will serve as mayor until the next mayoral election in May 2026.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve as mayor,” Nichols said. “I want to thank Mayor Hughes for recommending me and thank the council for havingthefaithinmetotakeover these duties. I just want to carry onwithwhatKennyhasstarted.”
Dec. 26 Jingle All The Way
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Jingle All The Way Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21. The Christmas parade was held at 12:45 p.m. Santa was on hand to take photos with the youngsters. Kids and adults both enjoyed a large ice slide as well.
