Lance Aaron (center, in blue) of Gallagher Construction Services opens sealed bids for a public reading on Thursday afternoon at Athens ISD’s District Support Center. Gallagher is the construction manager agent for the projects on tap at Athens ISD funded by the $59.9 million bond package passed in November 2015. The bids are for trade packages comprising the grand total of projects to be completed (minus Bruce Field, which is already under way) in roughly the next year and a half at AISD, including classrooms, cafeteria and gymnasium at Athens High School, library at Central Athens Elementary, and activity centers at Bel Air and South Athens elementaries. Bids will be evaluated by Gallagher Construction, which will then confer with Athens ISD leadership. Bids will be awarded by AISD trustees at the Dec. 15 board meeting. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

The post Bids opened at Athens ISD appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

The search is on for the 2016 Athens Citizen of the Year. The award has been presented annually since 1966. Drew Douglas was the 2015 recipient. Other previous recent recipients have been: Peggy Rhodes, David Holdredge, Arch “Bill” Hunt, Judith McGilvray, Gary Williamson, Mary Waddell, Gary Chasey, Jess Laird, Richard Sanders, Rusty Workman and Tere Lawyer.

Do you know someone living in Athens, who, over a long span of time and beyond their regular employment, has exhibited generous community spirit, and a commitment to improving the quality of life for the residents of Athens and entire community? Someone who demonstrates outstanding leadership, citizenship, vision, civic pride and a strong commitment to a better Athens and whose volunteerism and community involvement has had a positive influence and improved the quality of life for individuals in Athens? Someone who has gone that extra mile, who’s done more than is expected to make Athens a better community in which to live, work and raise a family? Someone who has made unselfish contributions and gives their time for the betterment of Athens? Someone who exemplifies dedication and service through personal involvement in the community? Someone who may go largely unknown to the majority of the community, and quietly performs tasks that make Athens a better place to call home?

If so, we invite you to submit a nomination for that person who deserves the recognition of this prestigious award. The award recipient’s identity will be kept secret until it is announced and the recipient is honored at the January 20, 2017 Athens Chamber of Commerce annual Gala at the Cain Center. Nominations should be sent as a letter of recommendation, in a SEALED envelope marked Citizen of the Year, C/O the Athens Chamber of Commerce, 201 West Corsicana Street, Suite 1, Athens, TX 75751 or hand delivered. Deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. December 19, 2016.

We look forward to receiving your nominations.

The post Nominations being sought for Athens Citizen of the Year appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Pictured are Regent Susan Cothran, Bernice A. Harkins, Carole Ruska. (Courtesy photo)

Press release

Bernice Harkins was introduced by Carole Ruska as the speaker at the November meeting of the Sarah Maples Chapter of DAR. Her topic was “Women Veterans.” Bernice is a retired Sergeant First Class with a 25-year service record, so she knows first hand how women were treated in the military. She had trouble with some of the men under her who did not follow orders. She learned real quick that she had to be assertive and be self confident in herself and her judgement. One of her favorite sayings is “Better days are coming” and they have in the military. The women are respected more than when she enlisted. Its changing every day for the better.

She served in the Army Reserves from 1981-83, and was awarded the Military Occupational specialty of a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1984 she completed the Combat Medic Course in Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Her military career includes deployments as a First Sergeant of MEDEVAC in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort as well as in Operation Provide Hope in Somalia and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal are just a few of her many military awards.

Bernice now works at the Vet Center and part of her job is to furnish counseling for all immediate family members (including spouses, children, parents and siblings) of Servicemembers who die while on active service. Part of that job also includes any veteran who experienced sexual harassment or violence while serving in the military regardless of gender or era of service. The goal of the Vet Center program is to provide a broad range of counseling, outreach and referral services to eligible veterans in order to help them make a satisfying post-war readjustment to civilian life.

Bernice has been married 30 years to Retired First Sergeant Wade A. Harkins, and has two daughters and two grandsons. She has a Masters in Counseling and is currently working on a Masters in Social Work. She is presently employed as an Outreach Specialist at the Tarrant County Veterans Center.

The post DAR hears about women veterans appeared first on Henderson County Now.

TVCC PTK Fall 2016 Inductees

Press release

Trinity Valley Community College’s Alpha Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa inducted 57 new members during ceremonies held November 6 on the Athens campus. Chapter advisors Nancy Long and Dr. Michael Felty welcomed the new members and installed officers for the 2016-17 academic year. Scott Keon and Stephanie Do will act as Co-Presidents, with Vice President Sarah Hornby, V.P. for Service Jacqueline Latko and Past President Niyaz Murtazin.

Inductees: Leslie Darlene Adair, Julie L. Allen, Elisabeth Esther Barbee, Jordan Nicole Beverly, Cali Lin Brockway, Bradi Brownlow, Mackenzie Buhr, Hailey Renee Celsur, Contessa Cerda, Kassandra Marie Cruz, Kolemann Lloyd Dooley, Mackenzie Nicole Fowler, Justin Clay Gatlin, Cynthia Ann Gonzales, Trisha Kaye Gracy, Austen Drake Grammer, Aly Danielle Graves, Samantha Gray, Jacee Marie Greenlee, Keenan Korell Hargest, Kole William Hartis, Dylan Heathcock, Lauren Elizabeth Holland, Ryan L. Honea, Kerstin Jade Humphries, Noah Todd Ingram, Muhammad Abbas Isfahany, Brooke Taylor Johnson, Deja M. Johnson, Misty Dawn Johnston, Robert Justin Jones, Derek Christian Kandelka, Natalie Christine Kozik, Kaitlyn Lawrence, Heather McLane, Emily Tess Millender, Ryan H. Miller, Alex Omar Miranda, Araceli Ornelas, James Travis Pitts, Sherri Lyn Reddick-Tramble, Baylee Roberts, Patsy Jane Robison, Virginia Elaine Rogers, Mage Jasmine Roman, Andrea Salazar, Jessica Satterfield, Diana Soto, Brooke Lauren Statum, Hannah Lee Ueckert, Cody Lane Weaver, Andrew David Williams, Macy Elizabeth Williams, Lindsey Williamson, Nicholas Wood, Shirley Yancey and Izabela Maria Zareba.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in higher education with 1,275 chapters on college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau, Peru, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates, and U.S. territorial possessions. More than 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 134,000 students inducted annually.

The post TVCC PTK Chapter inducts new members appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

Stomp Parkinson’s Disease for A Cure met on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Arabella of Athens. Athens elder law attorney Aubrey L. Jones, Jr., was the guest speaker on getting your house in order. Mr. Jones has a general law practice with focus on elder law which involves such areas as wills, guardianship, estate planning, and qualifying for government benefits for long-term nursing home care. He received his Associate Degree from TVCC, Bachelor Degree from University of Texas at Austin and his Law Degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston. He has been practicing law for over 25 years and most of it has been in Henderson County. He served as Interim County Judge in 2002, served on the Athens City Council from 2009-2014, served as former President of Henderson County Bar Association.

He was asked several questions and the group learned a lot from him. If you have Parkinson’s Disease it is important that you have someone to help you and get affairs together before it is too late. Some of the symptoms include: tremors but not always, slow movement, stiffness, postural instability, freezing of gait, hallucinations, shrinkage of handwriting, arm swing, constipation, urinary urgency, excessive saliva, dementia, etc. A movement disorder specialist is recommended to also work with your regular doctor. The disease interferes in treating other health problems, too. This disease shows no mercy, it attacks young, middle age and the elderly. You can have the disease for several years and not know until all the bigger problems start to take place and that is what starts problems in some families, not knowing what is occurring. It is worse with early young onset Parkinson’s because the symptoms can cause problems with a marriage and either spouse understands what is occurring. In the latter stages a person may have what they cause a mask. No expression but you may think they look angry. This occurred with my husband. I, along with others thought he was angry but was not. It has not been proven as to how you get the disease they are still working on if it is genetic, from chemicals, etc. I have run across some young people late 20s with this disease and blow it off. As with any disease, learn all you can so that you may live a better life with your loved ones. A Cure Is Needed.

Stomp Parkinson’s Disease meets at 1 PM the Second Thursday of each month at Arabella of Athens on 413 Gibson Road, Athens, TX.
If you think you may have Parkinson’s and need more information please contact Jean Everett at 903-681-4167 if no answer, please leave a message.

The post Attorney Aubrey Jones speaks to Stomp Parkinson’s Disease for a Cure appeared first on Henderson County Now.

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

The Athens City Council and the Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA) have scheduled a joint work session next week, according to agendas posted by both entities.

The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday, November 28, at the Athens Partnership Center.

The agenda calls for the two entities to:

– “To open a dialogue and discuss matters pertaining to the agreement between Athens Municipal Water Authority and the city of Athens, including: facilities, operations, and management of all water related issues.”

– “Discuss the working relationship between Athens Municipal Water Authority and the City of Athens.”

“The City Council’s joint session with AMWA will be the first meeting in my 10 years on council,” said Mayor Jerry Don Vaught. “Our hope is by bringing the entity’s together, we can start a dialogue that will benefit both on a better understanding on the roles by the City and AMWA concerning TCEQ notices and the contract between us.”

AMWA and the City — which serve essentially the same residents — have been dealing with issues caused by the administrative handling of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) violation letters. You can find that story below.

City, AMWA clash over letter

The post AMWA, City of Athens schedule joint meeting appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Henderson County District Attorney R. Scott McKee issued a press release today reporting the July Term, 2016, Grand Jury returned the following True Bills for the November 9, 2016 meeting. In addition, 3 cases are indicted under seal.

• Raul Almaraz, JR, 20, indicted for Racing on a Highway
• Michael Glenn Barnes, 35, indicted for Bail Jumping and Failure to Appear
• James Edward Horton, 69, indicted for Cruelty to Animals
• Phillip Wayne Brown, 62, indicted for Driving While Intoxicated
• Gerald Don Williams, JR, 49, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Tyler Jimmy Ray Brown, 21, indicted for Escape
• Tommy Clyde Hurt, 40, indicted for Tampering with Evidence
• Jose Antonio Carreon-Aguilera, 49, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Blaine Anthony Christopher, 28, indicted for Unlawful Possession of Firearm
• John Tanner Forrester, 22, indicted for Burglary, Burglary, Burglary, and Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse
• Randall Clayton Boone, 27, indicted for Burglary
• Paula Kay Forester, 51, indicted for Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
• Travis Brax Davis, 19, indicted for Theft of Property
• Benjamin Douglas Harmon, 22, indicted for Assault
• Dvahje Marquel Hayward, 20, indicted for Theft of Firearm
• Gary J Hampton, 61, indicted for Forgery
• Christopher Doyle Savage, 29, indicted for Aggravated Assault
• Scott Matthew Butler, 26, indicted for Driving While Intoxicated with Child Passenger
• Terrance Joseph Samuel Benton, 25, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Shandra Suzette Oliphant, 29, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Dustin Ray Snyder, 28, indicted for Aggravated Assault
• Zanon James Sherman, 44, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Lorenzo Demarkas Patton, 34, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Michael Dwayne Lindley, 50, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Danny Lee Mclemore, 61, indicted for Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle
• William Lee Shaddox, 53, indicted for Burglary
• Terry Paul Bevill, 54, indicted for Burglary
• Robert Allen Shaddox, 49, indicted for Burglary
• James David Walker, 27, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Steven Michael Green, 45, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Joshua Lynn Epperson, 35, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Johnny Craton Pope, 49, indicted for Aggravated Assault
• Kristen Tennile Patterson, 40, indicted for Possession of Controlled Substance
• Jeffrey Mark Keith, 61, indicted for Evading Arrest
• Kristy Anne Kidan, 37, indicted for Credit Card Abuse
• Phillip Norman-Clinton James, 29, indicted for Assault Public Servant
• Joshua Paul Rogers, indicted for Attempted Burglary of Habitation and Unlawful Use of Criminal Instrument
• Robert Britt Gandy, 36, indicted for Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Christopher Lee Fischer, 27, indicted for Burglary
• Jeremy James Strawn, indicted for Burglary
• Dean William Kjeldgaard, 54, indicted for Indecency with a Child

The post Grand Jury Report: November 22 appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Pictured: Jimmy and Kim Pettiet present a check establishing the Lená Pettiet Memorial Nursing Scholarship to TVCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and TVCC Foundaion Director Kristen Bennett, TVCC Board President Ray Raymand and TVCC President Dr. Jerry King. (Courtesy photo)

Press release

The family of Lená Pettiet donated $40,000 to the Trinity Valley Community College Foundation Tuesday to establish a nursing scholarship in their daughter’s name. Pettiet was a 2010 graduate of TVCC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) program who died in May from injuries sustained in a Van Zandt County collision in February. TVCC Health Science instructors and former classmates paid tribute to Lená’s compassion, sense of humor and dedication to the nursing profession.

“The Lená Pettiet Memorial Nursing Scholarship will benefit TVCC nursing students for generations,” said TVCC President Dr. Jerry King. “We are so grateful to the Pettiet family for making this scholarship possible.”

In a surprise presentation, the first $1,000 scholarship was awarded to TVCC nursing student Randi Stuard of Canton, one of Pettiet’s friends who helped organizing fundraising to establish the scholarship.

The post Pettiet family establishes TVCC nursing scholarship appeared first on Henderson County Now.

It’s the week of Thanksgiving and the Malakoff Tigers are still playing football! The Tigers will take on Rockdale 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 25, in Waco. Our Michael V. Hannigan (@mvhannigan) sat down with Coach Driskell to talk about the game.

The post Podcast: Interview with Coach Jamie Driskell appeared first on Henderson County Now.

​Funeral services for Clyde Washington, 64, of Athens are scheduled for 2:30 P.M. Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home with Bro. Darren Miller officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.  

Mr. Washington passed away on Monday, November 21, 2015 in Tyler.   

Clyde Neal Washington was born November 3, 1952 in Hamlin, Texas the son of Clyde Thomas Washington and Ester Bell Frentress Washington.  He was a carpenter by trade and was well known for his talents in building projects.  Papa’s passion was spending time outdoors; especially in the mountains or fishing for the next big bass.  He was also a self-proclaimed gambler quoted as saying, “I’m not gonna win the Texas Lotto if I don’t buy a ticket.”  Pappy truly loved spending time with his family and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.    

He was preceded in death by his parents a sister Annette Powell and a great granddaughter Ella Raine Washington.     

He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Cynthia Washington of Athens; two sons, Lowell “Bubba” Washington and wife Stasiu of Forney, Shaun Washington and wife Racel of Canton; three daughter, Pamala Cornelius and husband David, Destiny Conley and husband Tony Garcia, and Natalie Washington all of Athens; nine siblings, Shirley Moser, Thomas Washington and wife Elaine, Jerry Washington and wife Frances, Darrell Washington, Truman Washington and wife Elizabeth, David Washington and wife Sherry, Joyce Rivenbark, Peggy Hagood and husband Jimmy, Debra Simpson and husband Mike; twelve grandchildren, Kameron Washington and wife Andrea, Ivan Gonzalez, Gianna Gonzalez, Dominic Washington, Blake Washington and wife Macy Adams, Carra Washington, Colby Washington, Gavin Washington, Shaun Washington Jr., David Cornelius, Zackery Cornelius; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.  

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations be made to Home Place Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.  4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 266-3400

Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 P.M., Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

You may light a memorial candle or write condolences to the family at www.hannigansmith.com.

The post Obituary: Clyde Washington appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Funeral services are scheduled for Nancy Woodruff, 79, of Athens at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens with Vincent Bailey officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Ms. Woodruff went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 in Athens.

Nancy Marilyn Redden Woodruff born August 10, 1937 in Dallas, Texas the daughter of Forrest Vestal Redden and Gladys Lorraine Baker Redden.  She was a member of the Kleberg Baptist Church and enjoyed teaching Sunday School.  She loved shopping and took great pride in her shoe collection.  Nana loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  “Tiny Momma” was a loving mother, grandmother and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred E. Woodruff Sr., her parents, one son Randy Jay Caughron and one sister Norma Joyce Puckett.

She is survived by her five children, Becky Joyce McDowell of Athens, Peggy Jean Smith and husband David of Wills Point, Alfred Eugene Woodruff Jr. and wife Michelle of Athens, Ronald Ray Woodruff and wife Vickie of Brownsboro, Lisa Gail Borchardt and husband Larry of Athens; thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 P.M. Friday, November 25, 2016 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.

You may light a candle or write condolences to the family at: www.hannigansmith.com

The post Obituary: Nancy Woodruff appeared first on Henderson County Now.

By Benny Rogers/TVCC Sports Information

Tickets for the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl are on sale at Trinity Valley Community College.

The No. 4-ranked Cardinals (10-1) are scheduled to play the No. 5-ranked Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers (9-2) at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Bulldawg Stadium in Copperas Cove.

Advance tickets are $10 for general admission and may be purchased at the TVCC football field house, business office in the administration building or Cardinal Gym. The College has an allotment of 250 tickets and all proceeds from advance sales go to the College.

“We hope our fans will buy tickets in advance, so it benefits the College,” said TVCC athletic director/head football coach Brad Smiley. “Our fans have been great to follow us all year and we very much appreciate their support.”

The Cardinals, making their 21st bowl appearance, will be making the trip to Copperas Cove for a third time in four years. The Cardinals carry an eight-game winning streak into the game.

For more information on tickets, contact athletic coordinator Lucy Strom-Miller at 903-675-6359.

The post C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl tickets on sale at Trinity Valley Community College appeared first on Henderson County Now.

The TVCC Choral Department will present its annual Christmas Concert 3 p.m. Sunday, December 4, at First Baptist Church of Athens. “‘Tis the Season…” will feature performances from the Cardinal Singers, Chamber Singers and Encore. Admission is free and the public is invited. (Courtesy photo)

The post TVCC Choral Department presents “‘Tis the Season…” appeared first on Henderson County Now.

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

The Athens City Council and the Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA) Board of Directors met together Monday afternoon to discuss their “working relationship.”

There were times when the process got a little sticky but, at least from my vantage point, the two entities moved forward in a way that should encourage city residents.

Notably, the City and AMWA discussed taking steps toward getting the water well at the treatment plant functioning as needed and rearranging the chlorine line in the water treatment plant. According to officials, both those actions would help alleviate the troubles with haloacetic acids the system has had over the past year.

Hopefully the two entities will work toward these goals together, get them done quickly and then build upon that success. I certainly felt like that was the plan as I observed the meeting.

This is a big step and I believe members of both the City Council and the AMWA Board should be congratulated for their work Monday afternoon.

Why?

Because I don’t think we should downplay the lingering effects from the 2013 lawsuit filed against the City by AMWA or the divisive 2014 election which swept AMWA supporters onto the council. Hard feelings remain.

There are also lingering effects from the contract that resulted from that fight between the two entities. Specifically, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) does not recognize the relationship set up between the City and AMWA by the contract.

Put as simply as possible, the current contract says the water belongs to the City when it comes out of the lake while the TCEQ says the water doesn’t belong to the City until after it leaves the treatment plant.

That confusion has caused real administrative problems — and real anger — on both sides.

These are issues that must be addressed moving forward for AMWA and the City to get to what I believe everyone involved wants: quality water for city residents.

Monday’s meeting was a positive move in the right direction.

The post Opinion: City of Athens and AMWA meeting a move in the right direction appeared first on Henderson County Now.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua L. Sims graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Sims is the son of Earlie D. and Rebecca A. Sims of Athens, brother of Eric S. Sims of Tacoma, Wash., Stephanie M. Sims of Athens, and Nic Sims of North Richland Hills, Texas, and grandson of Rafael and Rita M. Fernandez of Raymondville, Texas.

He is a 2016 graduate of Athens High School. He earned an associate degree in 2016 from Trinity Valley Community College.

The post Military News: Joshua L. Sims appeared first on Henderson County Now.

It’s time again for the Annual Athens Noon Kiwanis Food Drive.

Local Kiwanis members along with the help of the Henderson County Help Center are supplying 150 boxes to local families that are in need during the holiday season. These boxes will be given to single parent homes and the elderly.

The Kiwanis Club is currently seeking donation items that can be placed in these boxes for meals for a week. There are donation boxes at First State Bank, Heritage Land Bank, Citizens National Bank, Island Tans, Prosperity Bank and the Chamber of Commerce Office. Each business also has a list of items for the boxes that can be purchased.

Kiwanis members are truly grateful for any and all donations. Cash donations that can be delivered to the Athens Daily Review.

If you have any questions please contact Kim Walker at 903-675-5626

The post Kiwanis seeking donations for food drive appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

Trinity Valley Community College and the City of Athens have reached an agreement for the college to purchase the property known as Central Park and the former National Guard Armory now being used as the City’s Development Services Center and Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The purchase was approved by the Athens City Council and by the TVCC Board of Trustees at their respective meetings held Monday, November 28.

After the decision Monday night, Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught said, “City Council is very pleased to have come to a fair agreement on the purchase of the Central Park property with TVCC. We feel strongly that the college will have the best use for the property with possible future expansion of college facilities. This will be a great benefit to the Athens community and the future prosperity and growth of Athens overall.”

TVCC President Dr. Jerry King complimented the Athens City Council and TVCC Board of Trustees on their negotiations to purchase the park and facility. “I appreciate the vision of the TVCC Board of Trustees and Athens City Council,” he said. “The purchase of this property will tremendously benefit TVCC and its students. We plan to ultimately use the Emergency Operations Center as a TVCC Fitness Center and as a location for community and TVCC meetings. The addition of Central Park will also provide an opportunity for future expansion of the TVCC Campus.”

Following state law, the City will use proceeds of the sale for other parks related projects within the City.

“I’m thrilled we found a way to support TVCC through this sale,” said City Manager Philip Rodriguez. “We knew for some time that TVCC had discussed wanting to expand its footprint and services here in Athens, and Council made a great decision in helping the college with that goal. There’s no question that TVCC is a valuable part of our culture and our local economy. They have deep roots here in Athens, and this property only strengthens that important tie to our community.”

As a part of the purchase agreement, TVCC will provide 50 need-based scholarships valued at up to $2000 each for Athens residents. The City will lease back the front portion of the building containing offices for a period of up to 18 months or until the Cain Center expansion is complete, and will have sole use of the EOC if needed for an emergency during the lease.

The post TVCC to purchase Central Park and old armory from City of Athens appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Congratulations to Olivia Dailey – Area Champion in Senior Creed Speaking! Headed to state competition this Friday. Bulldog Proud!! pic.twitter.com/m79rgvE2j8

— Eustace ISD (@EustaceISD) November 30, 2016

The post Congratulations, Olivia appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Eli McCool and Mollie Davies. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

Press release

Athens High School seniors Eli McCool and Mollie Davies are among a very select number of students across the United States to be named Commended Students in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Only a handful of other AHS students have achieved similar status over the years.

“It’s an honor to recognize these two students,” said AHS Principal Jami Ivey during Monday night’s school board meeting. “They placed among the top 5 percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2017 competition.”

Competitors were evaluated based on their 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of education excellence in our nation,” stated an NMSC spokesperson.

The post McCool and Davies National Merit ‘Commended Students’ appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

Members of the Athens ISD Board of Trustees once again received an excellent report on the financial standing of the school district.

“It is my pleasure to tell you we did very well,” said AISD Chief Financial Officer Randy Jones during a recent board meeting.

According to the Texas Education Agency’s Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas report, the district achieved a perfect score of 100 points and an accompanying “superior” rating.

“The philosophy, practice and principles that you and the administration have put in place continue to guide us,” Jones told the board members.

The board also heard a report from Doug Whitt of SAMCO Capital Markets, which specializes in public finance and advises the school district. Whitt informed trustees that AISD is positioned to refinance its 2009 series bonds in order to reduce interest costs and annual debt service. In 2009, voters approved $3.75 million worth of bonds which were used to remodel South Athens Elementary, renovate what is now Central Athens Elementary (previously Athens Intermediate), renovate Athens High School (primarily the Annex to accommodate the state-required Career and Technical Education program), provide upgrades to the track area at the high school, as well as other district improvements, including roofing, electrical and technology upgrades. The interest rate payable on the bonds sold currently range from 3 percent to 3.7 percent. The final principal payment due date is in August 2024.

Whitt told the board that a refinance with interest rates in the 1- to 2-percent range would save the district about $8,800 per year for the eight remaining years, for a total of approximately $70,000.

“Your taxpayers should appreciate your efforts to squeeze every last drop of savings out you can,” said Whitt.

The board adopted an order authorizing issuance of the unlimited tax refunding bonds, series 2017, establishing the parameters for the refunding, and delegating authority to the AISD administration. Whitt said SAMCO would monitor the markets and possibly “pull the trigger” in January or February if conditions are favorable.

The post AISD financial rating: ‘Superior’ appeared first on Henderson County Now.