Dear Editor:

I am sure that the bulk of your mail from the citizens is negative, and I am guilty of sending a few negative ones myself, but I believe in being fair and balanced. When I have a complaint usually someone is going to hear about it from me. On the other hand, when I see something good, I like for people to know about that too. I've read about some of the citizens being unhappy with some things that transpire in the conduct of business with one department of the City of Fairfield.

Beginning at Thanksgiving last year our daughter was visiting and reported she had smelled a skunk in the back bedroom of the house. The smell went away and we thought nothing more of it until it reappeared in mid December. I found a small opening under the concrete slab on the north side of the house, and suspecting it might be an entry for a skunk, I borrowed a live bait trap from a neighbor and caught a skunk. I plugged the hole with brick and found the brick moved with I trapped the next skunk. The critters appeared to have found a home under the slab and burrowed a new entry under the deck on the back of the house. But, back to my purpose for writing you this letter.

I called Fairfield Animal Control when I captured the first skunk and a lady came to the house, took the trap away to someplace a safe distance from the house, far enough to prevent its return and released it. She was very courteous, prompt and professional in conducting her business of controlling animals in Fairfield. I learned her name is Sharon and she is a real ambassador for the City of Fairfield.

As I write this in the early morning of Feb. 18, I am waiting to call her to pick up "Skunk Number 9." I know she must cringe when she sees my phone number pop up on her caller ID, but her attitude has not changed, nor has she slacked off on doing her job serving the people of Fairfield. I would hope that we have more people like her serving us in all branches of government.
Sincerely,
Jim Gazzaway
Fairfield
Thrown cigarette catches hay in horse trailer afire, Mile 204, Fairfield VFD to same. TPD Sykora to Washington on Civil Standby. Also dealing with person making threats of suicide. Fuel leaking from a 4- Wheeler stored in a back room on Ave. D in Wortham. THDEMS to Walnut, 3 year old with uncontrollable shaking. Deputy House to/from Tyler, Mental Commitment. DPS Adams arrests motorist, Hwy. 164, Newton County Warrant for Online Solicitation of a Minor. Game Warden Thorne advised of fishing in the Forbidden Zone, Lake Fairfield.

All Officers to break-in, FCR-650, man reported to have a knife. While this is going on, another call comes in on a counterfeit hundred dollar bill. No, they didn't want to talk to their local officer, only wanted to talk to the Sheriff's Office. Next thing, shows up at the Sheriff's Office, mad. Be back later to complain to the Sheriff. Nothing more than a question of priority…..We need to respond first, always, to the greater potential for real threat…..The counterfeit bill, while very deplorable, is not an immediate danger. The armed intruder was.

Kirvin VFD to fire, FCR- 1051. Railroad arms malfunctioning in Donie, Hwy. 164. Deputy House to threats of suicide on Twin Circle Drive, Wortham. Troubles with out of State attempted check cashers at Dap's, rude once they were told no. Deputy Howerton and FPD Warren to residence on Reunion to serve arrest Warrant, man tries to flee out back door, sees Officers, runs back in residence, resists, cuffed and arrested. Fairfield VFD and Oncor to power pole on fire, FCR-111. TPD Howard to Teague residence on claims child stolen 1 ½ months ago. Teague VFD, THDEMS, Dew VFD and DPS Warren to accident, FM-489 West of Dew.

FEMS to residence, man unable to walk. Threats of property to be stolen, FCR- 1040. Loose calves in yard, FM-246. Father/Son troubles, FCR-945, Deputies Barrentine and Howerton to same. FPD Warren arrests motorist, Reunion and Bateman, Possession of Marijuana. Elderly Lady, confused, very cold, found at Wortham Band Hall. Fairfield VFD to fire in Lakewood. Several VFD's to structure fire, FCR-506. Lady reports son broke into her house, FCR-802.

DPS Putz and Warren, TPD Solly, THDEMS and Teague VFD to accident, US-84 at FCR-931. WPD Keathley arrests man on East Brazos, Unauthorized Use of Mtr. Vehicle. Man turns self in to Dep. Shaw to serve Jail Time. Southern Oaks VFD to grassfire, FM-416. Oh, by the way, don't forget about Southern Oaks VFD's upcoming Chili and Cake Auction, Feb. 28th.

Diabetes problem at local Motel, no transport by ambulance, though.

Until Next Week…..RALPH BILLINGS