Freestonecountytimes022416

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DON ANDERSON Sheriff of Freestone County Strength and Perseverance for the Betterment of Our County

The Times Political ad paid for by Don Anderson, P.O. Box 156 Teague, Texas 75860

Freestone County

Sports News (Section C)

FFA Chapters (Pages 2, 7, & 8-C)

Independent News That Matters

One Dollar

Vol. 15 No. 8

PUBLISHED IN THE FREESTONE COUNTY SEAT, FAIRFIELD, TEXAS

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Campaign Controversy: Court Records vs. Candidate Statements

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campaign flier, delivered to mail boxes in Both County Attorney Martin and candidate Freestone County on Friday, February 19, Evans were separately asked to comment 2016 sparked quite a bit of interest on social on the accuracy of the flier in regards to the media over the weekend, as questions were Aaron McNew case. raised as to its accuracy. According to Martin, McNew was indicted by Indeed, a member of The “Times” staff, who the grand jury for Intoxicated Assault for a car had personal knowledge of the occurrence wreck he caused because of his intoxication. in question, pointed out an obvious error “The victim was and is permanently disabled immediately. because of his actions,” says Martin. The political flier was sent to potential voters A review of court documents show that a Plea by the Brian Evans Campaign. Listed on the Bargain Agreement was filed on April 21, 2014 back are 5 cases, tried during the tenure of for Intoxication Assault, a 3rd degree felony. his opponent, incumbent County Attorney Conditions included a 7-year incarceration Chris Martin. Alongside each case are red in State Jail and a judicial confession to the stamps that read things such as “REDUCED allegations by the defendant. PLEA DEAL,” “PROBATION,” or “DISMISSED.” Sentence was officially imposed on May 6, The case in question, concerning Aaron 2014 in the 87th District Court, signed by McNew, listed on the flier as Aggravated Judge Deborah Oakes Evans. Assault with a Deadly Weapon, has a red Martin continues that, at the conclusion of stamp showing “PROBATION.” a contested punishment hearing, he asked This is the error that was noticed initially. the Court to sentence the defendant to the A quick search on Google confirmed that the maximum prison sentence allowed by law. defendant is currently serving “At no time was Aaron -Controversya 7-year sentence that began McNew ever under indictment in May of 2014. in Freestone County for Page 7-A

City, School Races Form S

everal races have developed in City Council and School Board elections, as filing closed for candidates on Friday, February 19, 2016. Entering the race this year includes the following: City of Fairfield – Mayor: incumbent Roy Hill and Jack Wright; Place 1: incumbent Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr. and Patrick Lee Williams; Place 2: incumbent Randy Johnson City of Teague – Mayor: incumbent Earnest Pack; Alderman Place 1: Dennis Cox, Donna Senter and Melvin Mims; and Alderman Place 3: Marie Hertenberger City of Wortham – Three Councilmen-atlarge positions: Jeffrey Carr, John Tacker and Frank McLellan City of Streetman – Mayor: incumbent

Johnny Robinson; two Commissioners: Heather Davis and Barbara Polk Fairfield ISD – three at-large Trustee positions: Tracie Ezell, Kim Whitaker, George Robinson, Clint Fryer and Greg Gibson Teague ISD – Place 2: Brian Bowers; and Place 4: Jeff Gonzales Wortham ISD – Place 3: incumbent Brent Jones and Jennifer Capers; and Place 4: incumbent Sam Wright Dew ISD holds their elections in November. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 was the last date to file a Declaration of Write-in Candidacy. Early voting will be held from Monday, April 25th thru Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016. Elections will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Jump for the

of it

Jumping in Tandem are second grade boys (left to right) Obie Crook, Jesus Rodriguez, and Jose Castaneada as Coaches Michelle Pratt (left) and Leslie Green cheer them on. A tradition for twenty years, February 19th was observed as Jump for the Heart day by Fairfield schools. See page 1-B for complete coverage of the event. (Photo by Nicole Schaefer)

Calendar Fairfield Recycle Event

February 27 - 8:30-10:30 am FHS Bus Loop - Post Oak Rd paper, plastic, metal, glass

Inside Four Sections Classifieds...........Pages 5 & 6-D Viewpoints.................Page 6-B Oil & Gas...................Page 4-D Obituaries..................Page 4-B Real Estate.................Page 6-D

1836 - 2016

February 20-27, 2016

National FFA Week Area Chapters Participate in Texas FFA Leadership Development Events

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embers of Fairfield, Teague, and Wortham Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups participated in District Leadership Development Events which resulted in many awards. Students began the statewide tournament in 13 different events which focus on creating situations for members to demonstrate their abilities in public speaking, decision making, communication and their knowledge of agriculture and the FFA Organization. Texas FFA is one of the

nation’s largest state FFA Associations with more than 112,000 members and 1,038 Chapters. Future Farmers of America gives students the opportunity to apply practical classroom knowledge to real world experiences through local, state and national competitions. For more information about the Texas FFA Association, visit www.TexasFFA.org. To learn more about your local FFA chapters, turn to Section C for detailed reports and photos.

Commissioners and Constables: Forum Features Precincts 3 & 4 The final Candidates Forum, hosted by the Freestone County TEA Party held Monday, February 15, 2016, features candidates for US House of Representatives, District 17; Commissioner, Precinct 3; and Constable, Precincts 3 & 4. Candidates were each given an opportunity to introduce themselves to voters, and then answered questions from the audience.

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U.S. Representative District 17

hree Republicans and one Democratic candidate are seeking the office of U.S. House of Representatives for District 17. Incumbent Bill Flores (R) faces challengers Kaleb Sims of Groesbeck and Ralph Patterson of Eddy in the Republican Primary. William Matta of Waco is unopposed in the Democratic Primary. Representative for Bill Flores (incumbent), Chuck

Wilson, addressed the audience regarding Flores’ campaign for office. “My friend is a small town, agricultural guy bringing Texas values to Washington,” stated Wilson. He continued by touching on the following key points: Flores is 100% supportive of National Security and is

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WE FINANCE!

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County Commissioner Precinct 3

our candidates are vying for the position of County Commissioner – Precinct 3, all in the Republican Primary. As such, winner of this race will be unopposed in the November General Election. Bodie Emmons (incumbent), lifelong resident of Freestone County and Fairfield High School Graduate in the Class of 1997 is asking for your vote of reelection for a second term of office.

A Conservative Republican, Emmons, his wife Jayme, and two children (Paige and Heath) are members of First United Methodist Church of Fairfield. Emmons earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Business with a Minor in Finance from Sam Houston State University.

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Constable Precinct 3 & 4

recinct 3 and Precinct 4 each have four candidates running for Constable; each one running in the Republican Primary. The ultimate winners will be unopposed in the General Election Precinct 3 Diana Smart Willis (incumbent) has 23 years in Law Enforcement. “I enjoy my job,” stated Willis. “I do the best I can, always have and always will.

I have appreciate the people allowing me to work for them.” “I began my career in law enforcement in 2009 when I came to work for the Freestone County Jail,” stated contestant Jacob Day. “And in 2012, I earned my Peace Officer License.” A hometown kid, Day has

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RUTHERFORD AUTO INC. 903-389-4146 202 W. Commerce • Fairfield, TX 75840

Call Chad Hagen or Bobby Rutherford Today!


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