Freestone County and surrounding area citizens and officials gathered last week for a Legislative Update from State Representative, Angelia Orr and Congressman Jake Ellzey’s Communications Director, Scott Gilfillan.

Attendees gathered on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Green Barn in Fairfield where they were treated to a delicious lunch catered by Fork and Spoon Productions.

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fairfield, Hometown Pharmacy, and the Fairfield Rotary Club sponsored this ‘lunch and learn’ event where those in attendance heard about topics including school funding, property and small business taxes, recent bills that have passed Congress, and much more.

Scott Gilfillan spoke on the Government Shutdown; why it’s happening and where the Democrats and Republicans stand on the matter.

He explained that President Trump has announced that parts of the Big Beautiful Bill (tariff money) will be used to pay for all Troops and Homeland Security/Boarder Patrol Units during the shutdown.

Also explained is that all government employees deemed essential will continue to work without pay while non-essential employees will not work and will not receive pay until the shutdown is over. “Best bet is the shutdown will be over around the 27-29 of October,” he explained.

He also commended the President on his successful talks and the release of Palestinian prisoners, saying, “This is a monumental event, and it will result in the possibility of a lot of conflicts being resolved soon.”

Scott also discussed redistricting, which will cause Congressman Ellzey to lose Freestone County and almost all rural areas currently in the district. If the map stands, Congressman Sessons will take over those areas.

Representative Orr discussed the most recent regular session, which lasted 140 consecutive days, described the legislative process, and touched on Conservative Wins during the 89th session.

She discussed a new Teacher Bill of Rights, which will help to protect teachers in dealing with out-of-control students; public school funding; technical college funding; grants for new ambulances and rural health care; more mental health beds throughout the state; and much more.

Following the presentation, attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions and receive a response from both Orr and Gilfillan.

(Photo by Nicole Schaefer)

 

Early Voting Continues Thru October 31st

Early Voting began this week for the Constitutional Election, as well as a Special Bond Election for Dew ISD.

Poll locations for Early Voting in Freestone County are at the Justice of Peace #1 Court Room located at 440 E. Main Street in Fairfield, Texas and the Teague Civic Center located at 515 Main Street in Teague, Texas.

Early Voting will be held in Fairfield through Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 27-29, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Thursday and Friday, Oct. 30-31, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In Teague, Early Voting will continue through Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Monday through Friday, Oct. 27-31, 2025, from 8:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Dew ISD has called a special Bond Election. “The issuance of a $2,000,000.00 Bond for the construction, renovation, and equipment of school buildings in the district, and the purchase of vehicles and school buses, and levying and imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bond and the costs of any credit agreement required.”

For more information about voting in the upcoming election, visit online at https://www.co.freestone.tx.us/page/Freestone.Elections

Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.