As we prepare to ring in the New Year, here is a look back at the top ten stories of 2025 in Freestone County.
–1. Hard Mountain Dew Petitions Dew, TX to rename their town to Hard Dew in celebration of the brand’s Lone Star State debut.
Hard Mountain Dew came to Texas in January of last year with an audacious proposition to put its name on the map, literally.
Fans were asked to sign a petition to change the name of Dew, Texas to Hard Dew, Texas as a marketing stunt to help advertise the brand’s new variety of bold flavors being introduced into the State of Texas. With the promotion, the band promised several perks if the town voted to change its name, but ultimately, residents chose to keep their original name.
–2. Freestone County receives Courthouse Restoration Grant
Freestone County Historical Commission assisted Freestone County in obtaining a restoration grant in the amount of $6,379,490.00 from the Texas Historical Commission for a full restoration of the Freestone County Courthouse.
The project will restore the courthouse to how it was in 1921, with exception of modern features such as A/C, electrical components, plumbing, and ADA Compliance protocols.
To date, the County is still working on the bidding process, and work has yet to begin.
–3. New Trucks for Volunteer Fire Departments
The month of February brought much discussion to County Commissioners regarding the need for a new rescue truck for Wortham VFD and pumper/tanker trucks for Dew, Streetman, and Teague VFDs.
One truck will be purchased per year at the tune of approximately $408,000.00 each. Individually, the trucks will take about a year to outfit from time of purchase and will be done according to the specific needs of each department.
The decision was made in order to lock in the price now before new emissions regulations are put into place, causing the cost of the vehicles to rise substantially.
–4. Lady Eagles win Third State Championship in Basketball
The Fairfield Lady Eagles overcame a four-point deficit in the final :30 seconds to force overtime and pulled away to claim the 3A Division I State Title over top ranked Jim Ned 50-44 on Friday afternoon, February 27, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, their third title in the past five years.
The ladies received their championship rings during homecoming on September 26, 2025.
–5. Fairfield ISD Bond for New High School is Approved
A bond for $105.395 Million was approved for Fairfield ISD to build a new 600-student capacity high school campus including a new auditorium, districtwide campus renovations and improvements, and safety and security improvements.
–6. Jennifer’s Law Passes in Texas House after Fairfield Woman Dies from Med Spa Treatment
Jenifer’s Law, named after Jenifer Cleveland of Fairfield, who died after receiving a Med Spa procedure in July of 2023 at the Luxe Med Spa in Wortham, has recently passed the Texas House with near-unanimous and bipartisan support.
What Is Jenifer’s Law In Texas, And How Would It Affect The Med Spa Industry?
Cleveland became unresponsive when she was utilizing IV drip therapy called TPN (total parenteral nutrition). The person administering the therapy was not licensed, and the Med Spa’s doctor was nowhere near the clinic at the time of treatment and has since had their medical license suspended.
This therapy requires a prescription and oversight by a physician, which clearly failed to happen in this case. Now, a mother of four is no longer with us.
Because of this incident, doctors and lawmakers worked together to draft legislation in Texas that would require physician oversight for Med Spa elective IV procedures.
–7. Drive-By Shooting in Fairfield Injures Three
Clyde ‘CJ’ Washington, Jr., the man arrested and charged for the drive-by shooting of three young men on South Bateman Street on March 18, 2025, was indicted by the Grand Jury on May 28, 2025.
Washington’s indictment includes two Felony 1 – Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Paralysis, and one Felony 2 – Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
In Texas, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon can be charged as a first or second-degree felony, with the severity depending on whether the assault resulted in serious bodily injury and the nature of the deadly weapon.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon resulting in paralysis elevates the charge to a more serious level, potentially a first-degree felony, due to the significant and permanent nature of the injury.
–8. Big Changes for the City of Streetman
Mid-April 2025, the City of Streetman opened its first ever Municipal Court with Judge Cinnamon Archibald sworn in to preside.
In June, conflict between citizens and City Commissioners brought about the dismissal of the City’s secretary and new Municipal Court’s secretary, and ultimately the resignation of long-time Mayor, Johnny Robinson in July.
Resident Adam Minze was appointed during the August meeting to complete Robinson’s term, which ends in May of 2026.
–9. FHS Victory Cup Winners
Fairfield High School won the 1st Annual Victory Cup from the Heart of Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes!
Out of 36 schools in the large school division (3A–6A), Fairfield came out on top, recognized as the best overall school for success in both athletics AND faith-based leadership!
Points were earned from: success in boys and girls sports, FCA huddles (student + coach), FCA Captains, camp participation, and hosting Fields of Faith events.
The district recognized Athletic Director John Bachtel and the incredible student leaders who made this happen!
And speaking of leadership… a special congratulations to Mason Edwards, who was named to the first-ever LaDainian Tomlinson “Shining Star Team”! Out of 96 high schools in the region, Mason was selected as the top male high school leader by Heart of Texas FCA, an unbelievable honor!
FISD is so proud of the Fairfield Eagles for showing what it means to lead on and off the field!
–10. Major Changes in Freestone County Officials
Since August, there have been many major changes in County Officials for Freestone County.
Long-time County Judge Linda Grant retired. Appointed to fill her position was County Commissioner, Pct. 3, Lloyd Lane.
Lane’s position was filled when commissioners appointed Constable, Pct. 3, Richard McGowan to the spot.
To fill the Constable position, commissioners appointed L.J. McAdams.
Lane, McGowan, and McAdams are all running on the ballot in May to fill those respective positions as elected officials.
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Theresa Farris also retired this year. Appointed to fill her position was John Thorne, who previously served as a Game Warden. Thorne is also on the ballot in May to become an elected official for that position.
That’s it for the year. Let’s see what 2026 has in store for us!
