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Teague Chronicle
TPWD responds to Freestone County Commissioners, Judge as construction on Freestone Lake & Golf Club continues
, Officials from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recently responded to a letter from Freestone County commissioners and Judge Linda Grant. The letter expressed “disappointment” and “surprise” in the county officials’ decision to oppose eminent domain on the 5,000-acre property where Fairfield Lake State Park was located. Freestone County officials wrote their letter of opposition on June 21, and TPWD executive director Dr. David Yoskowitz penned his response on July 21. “After months of outspoken support from Freestone County officials for the state park and specifically the use of eminent domain to save it, your letter was a surprise and a...
City of Teague seeking grant for splash pad
The City of Teague Board of Aldermen hosted two special called meetings this past week to look at purchasing a splash pad for the City of Teague Park on Eighth Avenue. There are two options that the City of Teague is reviewing. The first option is for $360,741.24 and the second option is for $354,964.88. The first special called meeting was held on Monday night, July 24. The board approved a conversion from Fundview to Caselle Professional Services for the utility billing system for the City of Teague. The new system saves the City of Teague approximately $12,020 annually. All aldermen approved the...
Rural grant to provide $350K for county
A recently passed state bill to help rural counties cover the cost of paying sheriffs, deputies, jailers, constables and county attorneys is expected to bring Freestone County $350,000. That bill is SB 22, which was passed by a conference committee on June 7, and will award grants to provide financial assistance to rural counties for law enforcement costs. According to the bill, counties with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, such as Freestone, may apply with the state comptroller for $350,000. The grant takes effect Sept. 1 and must be applied for by Oct. 30. Smaller counties would be eligible for less money,...
Air ambulance not available for inmates
, , , During last Wednesday’s commissioner’s court meeting were two people concerning Air Evac Lifeteam, explaining why the company could not provide air ambulance service for county inmates. Vee Davis, membership sales manager, and Von Aday, area director of Air Medcare Network, which oversees Air Evac, explained that there were only three seats in the helicopters used in transporting patients, that of the pilot, a flight paramedic and a flight nurse; and there is no room for a jail guard. Sheriff Jeremy Shipley, however, said that an armed guard would be required for all inmates. County Judge Linda Grant asked if...
Commish continues objections to TPWD’s ‘land grab’
Freestone County Commissioners spoke again on their opposition to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s effort to declare eminent domain not only of the former state park at Fairfield Lake but also 3,200 acres of surrounding land. That discussion took place at the court’s July 19 meeting, when the court also heard why jail inmates may not be flown by air ambulance to area hospitals; approved bids on bulk materials for the upcoming fiscal year, left the burn ban in place; and made other decisions regarding the county’s finances and well-being. As for the discussion on TPWD’s actions, Precinct 3 Commissioner Lloyd...
Teague VFD receives $10,000 from Anthony Bobrow Trust
, , The Teague Volunteer Fire Department again thanks the Anthony Bobrow Trust, formed by 1957 Teague High School graduate Anthony (Tony) Bobrow, for continuing its annual donation of $10,000 for the fourth year. Tony died in 2018 at 78, leaving his entire Estate to the Trust. “With this, and other already planned donations, the totals in Teague since 2018 are more than $350,000,” Trustee Dan Cutrer, a Dallas attorney who worked with Tony since the early 80’s, said. “With Covid there were more crisis situations; we increased the Trust contributions to over $90,000 in 2022. Tony and I talked at...
Teague athletes to begin practice Monday
, The Teague Lions will be hitting the field and the Lady Lions will be hitting the court on Monday morning, July 31, to kick-off the 2023-24 school year. FOOTBALL The football team will practice from 7:30-10 a.m. as well as 6:30-7:45 p.m. The evenings will be walk-thrus and meetings. There will only be a morning practice on Wednesday. “We are very excited to get the new season underway,” Head Coach Zachary Linscomb said. “Our guys have been working extremely hard since January and we are excited to see the progress we have made as a team.” When asked what his goal was this season,...
Authorities investigate death of KNES staff member
Authorities are investigating the death of a 47-year-old Fairfield woman who died Monday, July 10, after treatments at a Wortham spa. Jenifer Cleveland was receiving a procedure at Luxe Med Spa when she became ill, according to reports. An EMS crew from Mexia responded and performed CPR on her at the scene and until they arrived at Parkview Hospital in Mexia. Cleveland’s body has been sent to Dallas for autopsy. A preliminary report is expected in about three weeks, but the official report could take up to three months, according to authorities. According to authorities, Amber Johnson, who owns Luxe Med Spa, has cooperated with investigators. Cleveland was a member of the 99.1 KNES Radio station staff. She leaves behind her husband, Brian, and four children. A memorial celebration was held Friday, July 14, at Twisted Vines Event Center in Fairfield.
Ingram named TJH Principal
The new principal at Teague Junior High will not be a new face on campus. Josh Ingram will begin his 15th year in education as the Teague Junior High Principal. His entire career has been spent at Teague Junior High. In 2009, Ingram started at Teague Junior High as a substitute teacher and bus driver. Over the years, Ingram has taught math and technology at Teague Junior High. For the past six years, Ingram has also served as the high school golf coach. His golf coaching duties will remain although he will be serving as the principal. Ingram noted that there will be a...
Freestone County burn ban is ‘on’ again
The county-wide burn ban is on again in Freestone County, and will likely remain in place for the remainder of the summer and early fall. Freestone County Commissioners declared the burn ban at a specially called meeting on Monday, July 17, when they also approved a transfer of funds for the Butler Water System to take advantage of monies provided by a community block grant. As for the burn ban, that was the first order of business, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Lloyd Lane reported from a local assistant fire chief, who recommended the burn ban be put into place. “I talked to (Teague Assistant Fire Chief) Bryan Teer this morning,” Lane said, “and he said the general consensus was to go ahead and put it on.” “That’s what I was thinking, too,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Clyde Ridge Jr. in agreement. The proposal passed unanimously. In a separate matter, the court approved transferring funds to pay Butler Water System since there were only five days remaining before the deadline to use the funds. That amount was $4,564, which was the final payment for a water grant to upgrade their water system.
FairField HS graduate Mendez
Adrianna Mendez is an intern at The Teague Chronicle she received her internship through the University of North Texas Scripps Howard Fund Emerging Journalist Foundation. The program is for upcoming High School juniors, seniors, and freshmen college students. It started on June 11 with a workshop on the UNT campus. The students had to work in groups to make a multimedia package and had to present to peers and family at the graduation lunch which was on June 15. Leaving the students to have three full days to make the package. At the graduation lunch, students were informed what internship that they...
FMC receives nomination for Most Beautiful Hospital award
Freestone Medical Center in Fairfield is one of 50 hospitals nationwide nominated in an “America’s Most Beautiful Hospital” contest. Freestone Medical Center was voted for providing exemplary services to its local community. Their calling card is “Neighbors Caring for Neighbors”, a statement they take seriously. The hospital was founded 76 years ago by three doctors passionate about providing healthcare to the surrounding areas, and the hospital serves as the lifeblood of the local community. The “20 Most Beautiful Hospitals” contest is sponsored by top national healthcare staffing firm Soliant. The program recognizes hospitals for their commitment to developing and improving their campuses, facilities...
Ovalle bros show Ag Mechanics projects
Brothers Kaedyn and Keatyn Ovalle were both excited to be showing in the 2023 Freestone County Ag Mechanics Show on Monday, June 12, at the W.L. Moody Reunion Fairgrounds in Fairfield. Kaedyn grabbed first place and Keatyn took second place in the farm/ ranch equipment division. Kadeyn designed a round hay bale feeder and Keatyn designed a feeding through for their commercial heifers. The boys show their commercial heifers during the Freestone County Show in November. Both boys are members of the Freestone Community 4-H. The brothers will be showing chickens for the first time this week as well. “I learned that I...
Tips on helping livestock survive the summer heat
The best place to be when the sweltering summer weather arrives is inside with air conditioning, yet livestock outside of air-conditioned barns often need other ways to beat the heat. Dr. Isabelle Louge, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says that while all livestock can cool down using shade, water, and fans, cooling strategies for livestock vary depending on the species and breed. For example, shade is a common way to provide animals relief from the sun, but some benefit from the shade more than others. “Access to shade particularly helps light-skinned animals from...
Five Freestone County girls compete at Miss Texas
, , Five Freestone County girls competed in the Miss Texas competition June 24 through July 1 at the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson. Competing in the Miss Texas competition was Makensy Isaacs. Competing in the Miss Texas Teen competition were Kayden Dallas, Makenna Eppes, Marissa Eppes and Kenady Morris. The girls started their competition with a private interview, which was 30% of their score. They went on to compete in the health and fitness portion, talent, on stage question, and evening gown. When all was said and done, Miss Tarrant County Ellie Breaux was crowned Miss Texas 2023. There were more than 50 people...
Faith Fellowship plans men’s breakfast
A special men’s breakfast is planned this coming Saturday morning at the newly formed Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Fairfield. The men of FFBC will be preparing a full breakfast menu and are encouraging all men from Fairfield and the surrounding area to attend. The morning will begin at 7 a.m. with the meal and a time of fellowship for those attending. A brief devotional by Brother Lonnie Elliott will follow with the event planned to end around 8:30 a.m. “We’re excited about all the great things happening at Faith Fellowship,” Elliott stated. “We believe this will be a great opportunity for men of all ages to come together for a time of fellowship and prayer. If you know someone who may not be attending church somewhere, bring them with you as everyone is invited. We hope the response to this first event will lead to a monthly gathering.” Faith Fellowship Baptist Church is located at 814 W. Interstate 45 in Fairfield in the old Marathon/Clariant building. For more information, please contact Lonnie Elliott at 903388-5886.
Teague Rodeo begins tonight
The 93rd Annual Teague 4th of July Rodeo will take place Thursday, June 29 through Saturday, July 1, with rodeo performances beginning at 8 p.m. each night. Adult tickets (12 and over) are $10. Kids 12 and under get in for free courtesy of Mike Terry. Kids must pick up a ticket from 3W, Citizens State Bank, Deja Vu, or Mike Terry in Mexia. “The heritage of the Teague Rodeo is really special. Generations upon generations have attended this rodeo and have many stories to tell. It is just three very special nights where memories are made,” Teague Rodeo Association President Brandon...
FC commissioners object to TPWD’s ‘land grab’
, , Freestone County Commissioners disagree with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for trying to condemn Fairfield Lake and the land around it after a businessman bought the land and began developing it. Consequently, they are working on a letter to TPWD, expressing their objections, a copy of which they plan to send to Gov. Greg Abbott and others. The commissioners agreed at their June 21 meeting to write the letter to TPWD, when they also agreed to pursue a new culvert policy, leave the burn ban off for now, apply for a grant for new bullet-proof vests; and made...
Ag Mechanics show a hit during Freestone County Fair Week
, , , , There were a total of 17 projects in the 2023 Freestone County Ag Mechanic Show on Monday, June 12, to kick-off the fair week. Blake Phillips, Adan Espinoza, River Bonds, Lillian Poole, Connor Petty, and Cale Myers of Fairfield FFA won Grand Champion honors with their 36 foot gooseneck trailer. The team also won Grand Champion Senior Showmanship. Zain Fitzgerald, Daniel Beldin, James Barrentine, and Garrett Barkouski of Teague FFA won Reserve Champion honors with their 24 foot gooseneck trailer. The team also won Reserve Champion Senior Showmanship. Keatyn Ovalle of Freestone County 4-H won Grand Champion Junior Showmanship...
City approves TPD cadet program
Aspiring police officers can get the training they need through the Teague Police Department. The City of Teague approved a measure that will allow non-certified individuals to be hired as cadets for the TPD during the monthly meeting on June 12. The Police Cadet Program will provide training and employment opportunities for non-certified individuals who would otherwise be qualified candidates for being hired as police officers. The city bears the cost of tuition, equipment, uniforms, and pays individuals a salary to attend a Basic Peace Officer Academy. Upon graduation and passing the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement examination, individuals will be transitioned to a full time Peace Officer with TPD. In other matters, city aldermen approved the fulltime hiring of Jerry Reel at the rate of $16 per hour. Reel works with the city’s streets department. Aldermen Jerry Ballew, Timothy Campbell and Bridget Gauntt were present, while aldermen Lois Mims and Garlan Steed were absent. Mayor David Huffman also was absent from the meeting. The city held an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss insurance rates for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
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