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Teague Chronicle
Commish passes resolution to move forward courthouse grant application
Freestone County Commissioners took the next step in applying for a state grant to restore the county courthouse. The court took that step at their Dec. 20 meeting, when they also approved a tax abatement agreement with Fairway Storage, confirmed that Kirvin is not a municipality and made other decisions concerning the county’s finances and well-being. As for the resolution to pursue the grant, the commissioners had tabled this proposal at their Dec. 6 meeting since the cost to the county was not specified. Consequently, architect Sterling Thompson and officers of the Freestone County Historical Commission attended Wednesday’s meeting to urge the court...
Commish to give full-time clerks for JPs 2, 4
, Relief is planned for the single clerk sharing the work of both Justices of the Peace 2 and 4. That decision was made at Freestone County Commissioners Court’s Dec. 18 meeting, when the commissioners also heard a plan to reconfigure three county offices and made other decisions concerning the county’s finances and well-being. Since the county combined the JP 2 and JP 4 offices in Teague a year ago, the two JPs have shared a clerk, but JP 2 James Lawrence told the court that trying to have only one clerk for both JPs was too much for the position, causing...
Freestone Sheriff Deputies have busy two weeks
The first two weeks of December were busy ones for the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies from the department made a trio of arrests involving stolen vehicles and arrested another three in an incident involving deadly conduct with a firearm. The most notable arrest took place on Dec. 6. It involved the recovery of a stolen U-Haul truck. Back in late October, the FCSO received a report of a stolen truck from the local U-Haul rental location in Fairfield. A female subject had legally rented the U-Haul truck back in September, but had illegally not brought the truck back, even upon request, nor...
City looking into $500K deficit in budget
, A workshop was set for Friday, Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. for the City of Teague Board of Aldermen to gather to evaluate and make changes to the city financial status related to revenues and expenditures during the monthly City of Teague Board of Aldermen meeting on Monday night, Dec. 18. The City of Teague currently has a $500,000 deficit in the budget that they are looking into. All members were present for the meeting on Monday night. Julie Dawson, Executive Director of the Teague Housing Authority, was in attendance to address the board about trash service and pricing. “It has been...
Freestone commissioners approve another solar project
Waco attorney Mike Dixon brought to the Freestone County Commissioners Court another proposed tax abatement agreement for the court to consider. That happened at the court’s Wednesday, Dec. 6, meeting, when commissioners also heard a report on delinquent tax collection; agreed how to cast their votes for Appraisal Board board members; moved forward with plans for the new Dispatch Building and for a new sound system for the District courtroom; and made other decisions concerning the county’s finances and well-being. As for the new solar project, Dixon gave the commissioners the details of the contract and led the court in a public...
Lady Lions claim consol title in Fairfield
, , Last week was an eventful one for the Teague girls basketball team. The Lady Lions opened District 20-3A play with a loss to Fairfield on Dec. 5, and went 2-2 in the Fairfield Tournament while claiming the consolation trophy. Teague (10-5, 0-1 in 20-3A) visited Westwood Tuesday night and will visit Buffalo at 6 p.m. Friday. TEAGUE 37, MEXIA 26 The Lady Lions earned a 37-26 victory over district rival Mexia Saturday morning in the Gold Bracket Consolation Championship game of the Fairfield Tournament. A’shaiya Jones (13 points, 5 rebounds), Bethanah Owens (7 points, 12 rebounds) and Jolee Haley (9 points)...
TPWD pulls plug on efforts to save Fairfield Lake SP
, A months-long legal battle came to an end last week. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who voted in June to use eminent domain to try and preserve Fairfield Lake State Park, decided on Dec. 5 to no longer pursue acquisition of the property. The 5,000-acre property was bought by Todd Interests a year ago, who is constructing the former state park into an exclusive gated community called Fairfield Lake and Golf Club. “TPWD recognizes the importance of conserving our state’s natural resources and providing recreational opportunities for Texans,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “However, TPWD must also responsibly manage...
Phillips to compete in Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championship
Ten-year-old Jadyn Phillips of Mexia is competing in the Vegas Tuffest 12 & Under Goat Tying competition in Las Vegas, Nevada this week. The competition began Wednesday and runs through Dec. 13. Phillips is a fourth grader at Teague Elementary School. Phillips will be one of more than 1,000 entries from 29 different states including four provinces in Canada to compete in the Mike and Sherrylynn Johnson Vegas Tuffest Jr. World Championship, which is held the first weekend of the National Finals Rodeo. “I am very excited to compete in the goat tying, but I think I’m more excited to compete in the...
Lady Lions run past Bosqueville, 49-38
, , It didn’t take long for the Teague girls basketball team to establish momentum against Bosqueville on Nov. 28. It took one quarter to be exact. The Lady Lions jumped out to a 12-4 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back en route to a 49-38 victory against the Lady Bulldogs at Teague High School. Teague (8-2) led by as much as 21 points, 49-28, in the fourth quarter. The Lady Lions also led 28-15 at halftime and 43-28 after three quarters of play. Jolee Haley led the way for Teague with 22 points, six assists and...
Whyte honored for 40 years of service to school board
, , Lovie Whyte was recognized with a plaque for serving forty uninterrupted years on the Teague ISD School Board at the TISD school board meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 28. Whyte is still serving on the school board as no plans of leaving anytime soon. “This not only demonstrates her dedication to the school district, but also highlights her importance within the community,” Superintendent Chris Skinner said. “We often playfully joke about Mrs. Lovie signing the board members’ diplomas, including mine. However, it’s not just a joke - we genuinely appreciate it and it means a great deal to us.” Whyte’s...
FCSO promotes trio of Deputies
A trio of Freestone County Sheriffs Office Deputies were promoted last week. Each individual Deputy has provided their own unique skills and reasons as to why they have received promotional recognition. * Sgt. Travis Martin has been promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant of Patrol. Lt. Martin has consistently responded to the needs of this agency, has handled his responsibilities and duties effectively and efficiently, and truly cares about his co-workers and the citizens he serves. * Deputy Justin Campbell has been promoted to Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division. Sgt. Campbell has been a steady and reliable Deputy for the agency and citizens. He has always exhibited a willingness to learn, improve, and be the best he can be for the citizens he serves. FCSO believes his tenacity will bode well in CID where efficiency is crucial in working cases and solving crime. * Deputy Mike Darby has been promoted to Sergeant on Patrol. Sgt. Darby’s knowledge and experience regarding the profession, along with his success in specializing in criminal narcotics, and his tenacity to complete his duties effectively and efficiently, have been extremely important to the success of the agency.
Plans falter for Dispatch Building Generator
Freestone County Commissioners discussed obtaining and setting up a generator for backup power at the new Dispatch Building through a company called H3 Outdoors. The discussion and planned action took place at the court’s Thursday, Nov. 16, meeting and was the only item on the agenda. The plan, however, was set back when the County Auditor called her contact at the buy board and was told H3 Outdoors was not on the buy board. Since the cost of a backup generator will be over $50,000, the court must either request bids, wait for them to be submitted and choose a bidder; or...
Lady Lions start season on a tear, win seven of first nine
, , , , In the second year of the Lawrence Gullette era, the Teague girls basketball team started faster than it did a year ago. The Lady Lions won seven of their first nine games, which included a 4-1 stint in the Crockett Tournament. Teague (7-2) hosted Bosqueville on Tuesday before opening District 20-3A play against Fairfield on Dec. 5. The Lady Lions will then travel to Fairfield to compete in the Fairfield Tournament Dec. 7-9. TEAGUE 63, CHINA SPRING 54 (OT) Jolee Haley scored 47 points to lead Teague to a come-frombehind 63-54 overtime victory at China Spring on Nov. 21. The...
Cuevas to play softball at Lamar University
When Kaylee Cuevas visited Lamar University, everything seemed to click. “I really loved the atmosphere when I visited there and I liked the (current) players when I got to know them,” she said. “I feel like it’s a good fit for me. I also love the coaching there and the campus is beautiful.” Cuevas will have plenty of time to get acquainted with things at the Beaumont school. The Teague senior signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Lamar on Nov. 8. Cuevas has pitched for the Lady Lions for each of the last three years, and will continue to...
H3 Outdoors back in the running for generator
, , Freestone County Commissioners held a meeting to further discuss a backup generator and required electronic equipment at the new Joint Dispatch Building. The commissioners held this discussion at their Nov. 22 meeting, when they also discussed new consoles required, a new radio tower and a new microwave tower; and made other decisions regarding the county’s finances and well-being. As for the backup generator, at the previous meeting on Nov. 16, representatives of H3 Outdoors said they were on the buy board and therefore eligible to provide a generator for the new Joint Dispatch Building. After the meeting, however, when the County...
ReSource Pro completes integration of ILSA
GROESBECK - Re-Source Pro, a leading provider of insurance operations solutions, has announced the completion of the integration of Insurance Licensing Services of America (ILSA) into its operations. As part of the integration. IL SA will now be known as ReSource Pro Compliance. The acquisition of ILSA by ReSource Pro was completed on Sept. 1, 2021, and since then, ReSource Pro has continued to maintain its local presence in Groesbeck, providing regulatory and compliance services to insurance professionals across the United States. With the completion of the integration, ReSource Pro confirms its commitment to providing unrivaled compliance solutions to meet the evolving...
Honoring Patriots
The members of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) are connected by lineage with patriots who fought in the American Revolutionary War. It is a bond that is shared among members. The Jonathan Hardin Chapter (JHC) NSDAR values the sacrifices made by the patriots of today and of the past. Freedoms exist because of the men and women who have served our country. The DAR has partnered with Wreaths Across America, and these organizations share similar missions: 1) Remember the fallen veterans; 2) honor military who serve today; and 3) educate the youth about the value of freedom and...
Lions’ season comes to an end with 73-28 loss to Winnsboro
, , , , KAUFMAN - Winnsboro scored on 11 of its 14 possessions as the Raiders claimed a 73-28 victory against Teague Friday night at Lion Stadium in Kaufman in a Class 3A-Division I area round playoff game. Winnsboro (11-0) advanced to the region semifinal round where it will face Whitney (11-1) at a time, date and site to be determined. Teague finished its season at 8-4. Kyler Finney led the way for Winnsboro. The Raiders’ quarterback threw for 324 yards and four touchdowns, and ran for 86 yards and a score. Winnsboro drove 80 yards in 10 plays on the opening...
Open House at century-old Teague home Sunday
The home of Brenda and Jerry Ballew, located at 610 Spruce Street in Teague, was built in 1923 and turns 100 years old this year. It has been lovingly restored during the years the Ballews have owned it, and just this month has received a fresh coat of paint to take it into its second century. Lots 3 and 4 of Block 68 were first purchased from the Valley Route Townsite and Loan Co. by Miss Francis O. Pitts for $75 in January of 1907 when the town of Teague was just beginning. Pitts sold it to O. O. Jameson in...
Commish canvasses Nov. 7 votes
, , Freestone County Commissioners canvassed the votes from the Nov. 7 Constitutional Amendment Election, with input from Elections Administrator Reneé McBay. That action took place at the court’s Nov. 15 meeting, when the court also heard a request to pay for a new side-by-side for Teague VFD, kept the burn ban lifted and made other decisions regarding the county’s finances and well-being. Since County Judge Linda Grant was absent because she was attending required training, Precinct 4 Commissioner Clyde Ridge Jr. conducted the meeting. As for the canvassing, after verifying the totals, the commissioners accepted the results. In a related matter, Ridge told...
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