Fairfield Recorder

Another school year has come and gone and FISD is preparing for a full summer of athletic, drama, art, and music camps for the students. Camps will be taught by FISD coaches and teachers beginning in June. Camps are as follows in date order:

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Freestone County Sheriff’s Office began donning new uniforms on May 14 in an effort to bring a more prideful and professional appearance, while carrying out duties to serve the citizens of Freestone County. “We would like to thank our county commissioner’s for their approval in our 2018 budget that provided financial assistance in purchasing these uniforms, as well as say thank you to several private donors and businesses who donated funds as well,” said Sheriff Jeremy Shipley. “We received numerous calls and comments from our citizens around the county this week that were very pleased with the new professional look. Things all around us are continuously changing and we hope to continue changing at the FCSO for the better.” Pictured is the full staff of FCSO led by Sheriff Shipley.

May 13, 1943

Twister Strikes New Providence; Three Injured – A twister swept through the New Providence community, west of Freestone, about 10:30 Monday morning, devastating a strip of three or four miles long. Mr. and Mrs. Delmer Wren and Mrs. Wren's mother, Mrs. Rogers, lost their homes and were seriously injured and are in a Teague hospital. Jim Rockey's house was completely demolished. Considerable damaged was done to homes and outbuildings on the farms of W.B. Bond, Green Miller, John Stephenson, and Ben Cockrum. Other damage was done throughout the path of the storm.

Dear editor,

“You Don’t Know Me: The Cindy Walker Songbook” is one of several musicals appearing recently in our area in this commemorative year that would have been the songwriter’s 100^th birthday. Created by Fairfield’s own Jeff Harrison, this show is a beautiful, comprehensive story of Walker’s life and career told through narrative, drama and song. When it was suggested about a year ago by Trinity Star Arts Council that Harrison help produce a tribute to Cindy Walker, it was discovered that there was no existing packaged syndicated show to purchase or lease. No plays about Cindy Walker had been written and published. Director George Boyd suggested Harrison create one himself.

After a long closure one local resident finally decided enough was enough and reopened a community landmark. Owner Keisha Woodard reopened the Crossroads Butler Store Saturday, May 5, with a community-wide celebration. Woodard and numerous family members hosted a barbecue event at the store, welcoming Butler citizens.

“We are waking Butler up from the dead,” said Woodard. “I got tired of seeing the store closed and having nowhere to go shop.”

Woodard, who grew up in the Butler community, has big plans for her small store. As a licensed real estate agent, she has set up her office in the store – a first for Butler.

“There has never been a real estate business in this area,” she said.

Taco Bell has confirmed an opening date of early next week. The actual day and time, however, is not yet set in stone. A representative with the company said the contractors are just waiting on a building inspection. This newly rebuilt location will now be serving breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. with lunch beginning to be served at 9 a.m. Taco Bell will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The company is still hiring and interested persons can apply online at www.smi-tex.com.

Dear editor,

Several young entrepreneurs are heading to the courthouse square to sell lemonade. The students are learning what it takes to earn a dollar with this pilot program. The Lemonade Extravaganza is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Booths will be set up around the square and at the following locations:

• Kennedy's Korner
• Something Different
• Napa
• Brookshire Bros.

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After one four hour executive session in which councilman voted to keep Fairfield City Administrator Jeff Looney, councilmen voted 3-2 last night to fire him. Place 1 Councilman/Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Lee Kirgan and Place 4 Councilman Landis Bayless voted against the firing, while Places 2, 3, and 5 chose to fire him.

After allegations of workplace abuse surfaced against the man public outcry was made to have him removed from the position. An unknown citizen began circulating a petition after the first meeting on April 24.

City Secretary Misty Richardson and Public Works Director Clyde Woods filed formal complaints against Looney. An Open Records Request for those complaints has not yet been answered. Looney worked for the City of Fairfield since 2009 as city administrator.

The full story will be published in the May 10 edition of the Recorder. Make sure you pick up a copy!