Recently Retired Game Warden Takes on New Vacancy as Justice of the Peace

John Thorne, recently retired from the position of Game Warden, was unanimously appointed as the new Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace during the Monday, November 3, 2025, Freestone County Commissioners Court meeting.

“I’ll do a good job for y’all and the citizens. I appreciate everyone for their support,” Thorn stated upon the announcement of his appointment.

Thorne was sworn in on Thursday morning, November 6, 2025, and will finish Judge Thresa Farris’s term. He intends to run for the position in the 2026 election.

Also, during this meeting, the following items were approved:

–Minutes from Sept. 30, 2025, special meeting and Oct. 15, 2025, regular meeting

–Budget Transfers and Amendments

–Bill Pay

–Payroll

–Replat of Darian Acres Addition in Wildwood Subdivision Lots 1 & 2 “A” 1.501 Acres of an original 4.847-acre tract in Jesse Korn Survey Abstract 15

–Acceptance of $500 donation from Community National Bank & Trust of Texas for Senior Services

–Acceptance of $25,000 donation from Kat Wall for Senior Services, Meals on Wheels Program, FY 26

–Acceptance of agreement with Language Line and Freestone County Jail for translation services during intake

–Accept new agreement between DataMax and Freestone County Sheriff’s Office for a new copier printer and maintenance service

–Accept agreement from Homeland Safety Systems and Electric Contracting Company on upgrades for the Freestone County Jail

–Accept the amended order adopting schedule of fees for compensation of appointed counsel for County and District Courts

During the November 6 meeting, Commissioners voted to invest excess proceeds received by Delinquent Tax Sales by the County into TexPool, or similar entities, to draw interest. This could create about $50,000 of unexpected revenue for the year.

Commissioners discussed Courthouse Restoration bids and opened 6 sealed bids for construction of lower roof section on Annex III building. No action was taken on either agenda item.

Approved at this meeting were:

–Payroll

–Accept Reports from Constable Pct. 3, Treasurer’s Office, Extension Office, Teague VFD, County Clerk’s Office, Constable Pct. 2, and Auditor’s Office

–Special Road Use Agreement

–Bonds and education certificates

–Grant Agreement between Texas Comptroller’s Office and Freestone County for Rural Sheriff’s Office Salery Assistance Program – SB22

–Acceptance of engagement letter from Davis, Heinemann & Company P.C. for FY 2025 audit at a cost of $35,000

–Deputization of Commissioner, Pct 3, Richard McGowan as a Deputy Constable to serve as needed in Pct. 3 Commissioners Court meeting recordings may be viewed on the County’s website or on YouTube.

Commissioners meet regularly on the first and third Wednesday of each month, with an occasional special-called meeting. You can find their meeting schedule and agendas online as well, at https://www.co.freestone.tx.us/.