Alva Review-Courier -

At its regular monthly meeting Feb. 10, the Freedom Town Board, with members Mayor Shad Brackin and trustees Rolando Galindo and Concha Herrera present – made a point to express their grief and empathy in response to the tragic house fire in Waynoka that claimed the lives of two firefighters and the two residents they were trying to save.

“Our community as well as all the surrounding communities are mourning the loss of important people,” said Brackin. “We all want the families of all affected to know that our community is thinking and praying for everyone.”

Cold Weather Impacts Freedom

The bitterly cold weather recently has impacted Freedom in several ways. For one thing, the sidewalk and gas line projects have been delayed. And the town, which operates as a gas utility organization for the town, knows residents will be facing some steep heating bills.

The town posted to the town's Facebook page this message from office manager Dawn Wares:

“I know it’s always a shock to get that first big heating bill of the winter, but if you have questions or concerns, please come to the office and we can look up the history on your property. I’ve looked up a few lately and they’re pretty much the same as they’ve been for years. The town’s gas rates haven’t changed since 2010, when they were actually lowered. Whenever rates for any of our services change, there is an ordinance passed by the trustees, which is made public, and a note put in with the billing in advance of the change. Rates are never changed just out of the blue and the customers will always have advance warning.”

Other News From the Trustees

In other town news, the abandoned fire hydrants along Highway 50 are being pulled.

Town Clerk Cindy Reed reported to the trustees that she had reviewed the municipal election races, and has registered for yearly clerk/treasurer training in May. Most trainings this year have been virtual, she noted, and the trend looks to be continuing into the forseeable future.

The board also approved purchase orders for the general, ambulance and fire funds, and approved past meeting minutes.