SERVING NEARLY 400 PEOPLE Christmas dinner are volunteers from around Freestone County. This Christmas Day meal was held at the Teague Community Center. Volunteers prepared the food, served guests and even delivered meals to those in need. (Courtesy Photo)
2018 seemed to be a tumultuous year for Freestone County.
During City Elections in May, both Teague and Fairfield came away with new Mayors.
Four months later, the City of Teague filed a lawsuit against the City of Fairfield regarding a 26-year-old Agreement regarding the TDCJ – Boyd Unit, built between the two towns.
The initial hearing was held in late November, with a second hearing scheduled this month.
As these news stories continue to develop, The “Times” would like to take a moment to remember some of the Good News stories of 2018.
–Community Awards
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce selected everyone’s favorite volunteer, Bettye Trask, to receive the Lifetime Achievement award. She is known by many community organizations as the first to volunteer and the last to leave, where ever there is a need.
Pastor Robert Smith received Fairfield’s Citizen of the Year award. He was described as a “First Responder” who works hard for his community, with his biggest accomplishment in securing 2.8 Million pounds of food for those in need.
During the Teague Chamber of Commerce banquet, Archie Mae Brooke joined the ranks as a recipient of the William D. Boyd Cup. She is described as a tireless volunteer who served as manager for the Teague Senior Center, as well being actively involved in several community organizations.
Chamber President Debbie Sanoja received Citizen of the Year for her countless hours of volunteer work and community outreach.
–Celebrities
Smokey the Bear visited Freestone County early last year, along with his colleagues from the Texas A&M Forest Service. The national icon was celebrating his 75th birthday by visiting all 256 counties in the State of Texas.
During the summer, Fairfield’s own Madison Fuller fulfilled a childhood dream when she was crowned as Miss Texas!
Platform for the reigning Miss Texas is “Sock It To Cancer: Pediatric Cancer Awareness.”
Freestone County has enjoyed visits from Miss Texas for Red Ribbon Week and the Christmas Tree Lighting. She will be hosting this year’s County Fair Scholarship Pageant in June.
–Lemonade Day
In May, over twenty lemonade stands took over downtown Fairfield with a successful pilot program for Intermediate school students.
Some operated as partnerships, others as sole proprietor businesses; all marketed their unique business model and tasty recipes for the first ever Lemonade Extravaganza. Forty-two young people tried their hand at entrepreneurship, and they did well.
Led by teacher Gina Martin and supported by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Lemonade Day will return in 2019. For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact the Chamber office at 903-389-5792.
–New Facility
The Teague Police Department moved into their new headquarters in April of last year. The newly remodeled and repurposed Halbert Building, which previously housed medical offices of the Drs. Bill Halbert, Maurice Gage and Jack Cox, was donated to the City of Teague in 2010. Dr. Halbert’s widow voiced her excitement about the renovations while touring the building during their Grand Opening in May.
The town of Fairfield had some new construction near I-45 in 2018.
Jolly’s owners, Pinky and Jolly Walia, opened the new and improved Shell station in August and have been busy welcoming locals and travelers to the country store. They serve up old fashioned burgers, tacos, gelato and more.
The new Fuel Maxx, located on the southwest corner of Highway 84 and Interstate 45, boasts Chevron Gasoline available 24/7, with Checkers, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, and Taco Corner restaurants ready to serve the hungry local or traveler. Co-Owners Nick Momin and Rick Momin were officially welcomed to the community during an Open House and Ribbon Cutting in October.
–County Fair
From the Statue of Liberty to the Pearly Gates, and everything in between, this year’s County Fair & Rodeo parade featured a “Passport to Fun” theme. The coveted “Spirit of Freestone” trophy was awarded to Freestone Medical Center. On board the S.S. Health, this float entry invited folks to get their passport to wellness.
Over half a Million dollars was spent at the Livestock Show Sale in June, benefiting Freestone County Youth. Once the gavel came down for the last time, sales were logged at $385,425 plus $120,000 in add-ons. The 2018 totals were almost 17% more than the previous year’s sale.
–New School Opens
Faith Academy – Freestone (FAF) opened its doors for the first time on September 4, 2018. The non-profit Christian school offers Christ-centered education that seeks to develop the whole child; mind, body and soul. Starting as a K-6 school, FAF intends to add a grade every year, with the hopes of retaining their current students until they graduate as High School seniors.
–New Highway sign for Butler Community
The Butler Community celebrated as new road signs were unveiled in August. Courtesy of Commissioner – Pct. 3 Mike Daniels, two signs have been placed along Highway 84; one near FM 489 and the other by the Pleasant Hills Children’s Home.
–Big Festival
Nearly $20,000 was raised during the revamped Big T Memorial BBQ Cookoff and Music Festival in September. Twenty-nine cook teams compete from around the state of Texas.
The event included the First Annual Kids Cookoff, with contestants impressing the judges with their skills and creativity. Earning First Place were Jenna Haden (12-16 yr old) and Kole Brackens (6-11 yr old).
Proceeds benefit area children with special needs. Next festival has been slated for September 13-14, 2019.
–Disc Golf course to come to Fairfield
Fairfield City Council approved a proposal to build an 18-hole Disc Golf Course in their town. Once built, it would be the only course of its size, suitable for tournament play, within a 100-mile radius.
Plans are being developed by Thrower’s Choice, owned by Andrew Weitner, pastor of New Life Church, and Casey Wright, currently the #2 Pro Disc Golf Player. The two believe the new course would draw in large crowds for tournaments, putting “heads in beds” at local hotels and motels.
–Record Voter Turnout
Surprisingly, the November mid-term elections brought out a record number of voters, not only nation-wide, but in the county, as well.
Republicans kept their majority in the state, but the margins were close in several races.
Up for consideration by Freestone County voters was Proposition A, approved by 79% of the vote. As a consequence, cities in Freestone County will now be required to get approval from impacted residents before they are allowed to annex property into the city limits.
As the New Year begins, The “Times” wish for our readers to find joy in new adventures, peace within themselves, and love among a community of family and friends.
Happy New Year!
