News

By Pat Wiggins

Fairfield High School Class of 1959 recently donated $190 to Fairfield Library in memoriam of classmate Don Carroll who recently passed away. Representing the class was Jimmy Lee, owner of L&M Trophies, who presented the check to Library Director Gary Wiggins.

The Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR, awarded three area students with this year’s DAR Good Citizens Award at their recent meeting. Taking home $50, a certificate, and a U.S. Constitution Handbook were:

Community National Bank of Fairfield donated to the upcoming Freestone Cancer Support Group’s Fall Style Show slated for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Depot X in Fairfield. Pictured are CNB employees (from left) Gena Robinson, Shari Dickens, Dawn Hutchins, Heather Davis, Vice President Teresa Duke, FCSG members Janet Bulger, Diana Lewis, and Jeannette Cornett.

Photo by April Walker

FISD school board trustees were treated to an array of appetizers during last week’s tour of the newly renovated culinary arts department. Laura Craddick, head of the department, and her students prepared the tasty spread which featured roast beef sandwiches, hot seafood dip, macaroons, and more served in an Alice in Wonderland themed room.

Craddick said the remodel began in May with new countertops, new sinks and handwashing stations, a gas range with grill, convection oven, commercial refrigerator, stainless steel table, and an exhaust and fire suppression system.

A line of storms moved in Saturday evening, Oct. 13, bringing several confirmed tornadoes in both Freestone County and Corsicana. Reports began rolling in about 4 p.m. Saturday of a tornado sighting about eight miles northwest of Buffalo, southeast of Teague, moving at 30 miles per hour. Dew ISD officials opened the campus for area residents to take shelter. A tornado also reportedly touched down in Limestone County north of Mexia. Fairfield residents Kelly and John Salter were out running errands during the height of the storm warnings Saturday. While in Wal-Mart in Corsicana, they were instructed to take shelter. “Walmart made us go to the middle of the store for about 10 minutes,” Kelly Salter said. “I was actually a little perturbed to start with, ya know? If I wanna take a chance and get my stuff and get out of there it should be my choice.

A line of storms moved in Saturday evening, Oct. 13, bringing several confirmed tornadoes in both Freestone County and Corsicana. Reports began rolling in about 4 p.m. Saturday of a tornado sighting about eight miles northwest of Buffalo, southeast of Teague, moving at 30 miles per hour. Dew ISD officials opened the campus for area residents to take shelter. A tornado also reportedly touched down in Limestone County north of Mexia. Fairfield residents Kelly and John Salter were out running errands during the height of the storm warnings Saturday. While in Wal-Mart in Corsicana, they were instructed to take shelter. “Walmart made us go to the middle of the store for about 10 minutes,” Kelly Salter said. “I was actually a little perturbed to start with, ya know? If I wanna take a chance and get my stuff and get out of there it should be my choice.

A bleak picture was painted earlier this month when the executive director of Texas Retired Teachers Association spoke in Fairfield regarding public school employees and the upcoming election. Tim Lee said at the Oct. 2 meeting that there is no plan at this time to address the short fall due to the lowering of the assumption rate as it was voted on this past summer. The consequence of this action for active teachers is that they will continue to contribute to a system that might not have funds for their own retirement. Lee also said currently retired teachers should not expect a cost-of-living raise for the next 50 or up to 100 years. The teachers have not received a cost-of-living raise in the last 15 years.

With Halloween just around the corner Fairfield Lake State Park is planning several spooky events for area youth. A pumpkin decorating contest is planned with Fairfield Library. This is a no carving contest for ages 18 and under with a family friendly theme. Groups and individuals are welcome to participate. Participants should clearly label their pumpkin with a name and phone number. Pumpkins can be displayed at the Fairfield Library beginning Tuesday, Oct. 23, and must be picked up by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. To enter the contest, participants must drop off pumpkins on the courthouse square at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, during Boo on the Square. Each person is responsible for submitting their pumpkins to the courthouse square. Judging begins at 6:30 p.m. Prizes will be given to the winners. The state park is also hosting the following chilling events:

The Fairfield Recorder is recognizing local veterans for our annual Veterans Appreciation section to be published in November. Freestone County residents are encouraged to send in photos of family members who served in any branch of the military, along with name, rank, branch, and years of service. Photos can either be emailed to April Walker at news@fairfield-recorder.com or dropped off at the Recorder office at 101 E. Commerce in Fairfield. The deadline to submit photos is Friday, Oct. 28.

Despite the Eagles loss, this year's Pink Out event was a success with varsity cheerleaders raising $4,000 for the Freestone Cancer Support Group. The team gave the donation check to FCSG members during last week's Pink Out Pep Rally.

Photo courtesy of Tammy Gawryszewski