From the Henderson County Sheriff Office Facebook page:

Three people – two men and a woman – were arrested over the New Year’s Holiday for possession of suspected methamphetamine, pipes, pills and an electronic measuring scale in separate traffic stops, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said today.

“While most folks are celebrating the holiday with optimism and excitement, these folks were spending their time behind bars and looking at a much bleaker 2017,” Hillhouse said. “Doing drugs in Henderson County is a lousy way to start this New Year.”

At about 5  a.m. on New Year’s Day, Todd Green, 32 and Craig Dickinson, 30, were stopped by Deputies on FM 315 after their vehicle left a church parking lot on the east end of the county south of Chandler.

Deputy David Robertson and Deputy Jonathan Daille stopped their grey SUV on Parkside Drive after it made evasive moves.

Dickinson was in possession of prescription pills, some in an unmarked bottle and some in a clear plastic bag, and did not have proof of a doctor’s written order to have the drugs.

Once he was taken to jail for illegally having the pills. Dickinson was additionally charged with possession of a small clear plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance and a glass pipe with residue which was both concealed on his person. That new charge was for bringing a prohibited substance into a secure correctional facility.

Back at the scene of the traffic stop, Sgt. Matthew Jistel had arrived and found Green in possession of a small electronic measuring scale and a yellow bag that contained a crystal-like substance, also believed to be methamphetamine.

Both men face a felony charge, and Dickinson faces an additional misdemeanor charge.

Meanwhile, Deputy Meagan Hogan on New Year’s Day arrested Cynthia Dawn Ackerman, 49, in the Indian Harbor subdivision in the Payne Springs area of Henderson County during a traffic stop.

She faces a state jail felony for possession of a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

Since Hillhouse took Office in June of 2016, the Office has made more than 1,000 arrests – mostly criminals involved with illegal drugs.

“A new year does not bring new ways for some people,” the Sheriff said. “But we will continue to get them off the streets and put them in our jail

The post Three arrested on drug charges appeared first on Henderson County Now.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a 20 percent chance of snow on Friday in Henderson County. While that may not be a huge chance, the Texas Department of Transportation is preparing accordingly and released the following press release.

Press release

TxDOT crews are prepping I-20 for winter conditions forecast for the area. Crews began pre-treating I-20 with brine this morning and are prepared to treat bridges and other areas as warranted.

Crews around the Tyler District’s 8-county maintenance sections are readying equipment and materials to address roadway situations as weather conditions change. Pre-treating is based on forecasts that show slight accumulations could occur along the I-20 corridor area and the northern portion of the district in Wood County where crews are addressing elevated structures.

“The safety of the traveling public is TxDOT’s top priority, including using all necessary resources to keep roads open and passable during winter storms so pre-treating allows us to get a little ahead to that end,” said Kathi White, TxDOT Tyler Public Information Officer. “Should an event occur, crews will respond to ice situations as quickly as possible. We ask motorists do their part as well by adjusting their driving behaviors for winter road conditions.”

Here are a few winter safe driving tips:

• Be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses, ramps, turns and shaded areas that usually freeze first.
• Reduce speed and allow extra time to reach destinations.
• Increase the following distance between you and other vehicles.
• If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes and steer into the direction of skid.
• Stay back at least 200 feet from vehicles treating roadways, and move over for emergency vehicles.
• Be patient. Your trip time could increase when adverse weather conditions exist.
• Remain in your vehicle. If stranded, please call 911 to alert emergency services.
• Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions warrant.

Visit www.drivetexas.org or call 1-800-452-9292 for statewide road conditions. Check area weather conditions on radio and television before starting a trip.

The post TxDOT prepares for winter forecast appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Held on the second Saturday of each month by Friends of the Animals, the next low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for all area residents is on Saturday, January 14, from 10 a.m. – noon.

It will be held at the Friends’ clinic in the southeast corner of highways 198 and 334 in Gun Barrel City in the red brick office strip just behind and east of the Huddle House Restaurant. No appointment is necessary.

The post Low-Cost Vaccination/Microchip Clinic appeared first on Henderson County Now.

The Texas Education Agency this week released a preliminary work-in-progress report for the new A-F accountability rating system for school districts and campuses.

Athens ISD Communications Coordinator Toni Garrard Clay wrote the following opinion piece in response.

By Toni Garrard Clay

Well, here we are. Servants of the public school system have been braced for months for the gut punch known as “A through F school ratings” to be thrown, courtesy of the 84th Texas State Legislature. The blow has finally landed, and we’re left dazed and wondering why.

Imagine you work tirelessly performing well at a job to which you feel called, while your boss tells everyone you’re a failure, demands you do more with less, and threatens to use part of your salary to pay contractors whose work won’t be reviewed. That’s the plight of schools located in the most challenging educational environments, and the new A-F system only makes it worse.

This isn’t baseless whining. Research conducted on existing A-F systems — which assigns single letter grades to schools and districts — has provided an almost universal conclusion: they fail as indicators of school quality. The argument for these systems is that they’re simple and easy to understand. And, sure, simple is good. Unless it’s wrong.

Put plainly, this ratings system punishes poor districts for being poor and rewards rich districts for being rich because, among other things, it fails to take into consideration external forces no school can control. It’s useless as a tool for performance because the computations behind the “simple” grades are mind-numbingly complex. It “simplifies” an immensely complicated subject in the way a child might pull a blown spark plug from a train engine and declare the whole thing broken.

The most egregious flaw in the A-F system, I believe, is its failure to take into account the reality that student performance is always impacted by factors which cannot and should not be attributed to schools. The primary example of this is poverty. Sadly, poverty has a huge negative impact on the access to literacy and numeracy practice and support a child has outside of school. Kids in schools serving poor neighborhoods, therefore, score well beneath kids in schools serving wealthier neighborhoods. The only fair comparison between those two types of schools is to compare only the scores of students with similar economic realities. A-F does not do this. And, as a result, its ratings are terribly skewed. This has been documented repeatedly in states already using A-F.

Oklahoma has a system much like the one Texas is introducing. A research team in Oklahoma examined their state’s data and found no difference in how average students performed in C, D or F schools compared to average students in A or B schools. However, there was a big difference in average household income among those schools. In 2013, 85 percent of students in Oklahoma’s D schools were socio/economically disadvantaged — compared to 33 percent of students in its A schools. Similar findings resulted from analyses conducted in North Carolina, Maine and New Mexico. These school ratings reflect economics, not instruction.

The new school rating system in Texas will not “officially” be implemented until the 2017-2018 school year. But the law required the Texas Education Agency to submit a report on Jan. 1, 2017, indicating the ratings that schools and districts would have been given if the system had been in place the previous year. It is no accident of timing that the report was released just before the 85th Legislative Session opens. No doubt we will see it rolled up like a newspaper and brandished by certain legislators as “proof” that schools are failing. They will tell us the solution is to divert public monies from already underfunded public schools to support private and charter schools. Don’t be duped.

Thankfully, our district has the benefit of a state representative, Lance Gooden, and a senator, Robert Nichols, who are attentive to the needs and concerns of the public schools they represent. Sadly, this is not the case among all our lawmakers. We must lift our voices in unity until a chorus can be heard clearly in Austin: Judge schools fairly. Fund schools fairly. Give them credit for success.

Should public schools be held accountable for performance? Yes, absolutely. A fair, accurate and reliable accountability system provides an invaluable tool to educators. Make no mistake, though, this A-F system is a farce. What is real is that Athens ISD and the many fine school districts we serve alongside will continue in our dedication to provide students of all backgrounds and capabilities with the highest level of education possible.

—

Toni Garrard Clay is the communications coordinator for Athens ISD and the daughter of retired school teachers. She previously served as a legislative aide in Austin. Credit for much of the information cited here is given to John Tanner, author of “The A-F Accountability Mistake,” available online.

The post Opinion: Don’t be duped by the farce of A-F school ratings appeared first on Henderson County Now.

By Mark Meredith/TVCC Public Information

Trinity Valley Community College men’s basketball team got a surprise tour of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Coffield Unit and engaged the prison basketball team in a game held January 3. The team was treated to a tour of the unit and lunch before playing a scrimmage game, which the Cardinals won 53-41. TVCC Associate Vice President of TDCJ Correctional Education Dr. Sam Hurley arranged for the visit and basketball game.

“Warden (Jeffrey) Catoe and his staff were first class. I appreciate them taking their time to spend with us,” said Vice President of Student Services Dr. Jay Kinzer. “The entire day was a very good experience for me and I believe our student-athletes benefited from it as well. We toured the entire facility and saw, first hand, how life really is for the prisoners. If that doesn’t get your attention, nothing will.”

“It was certainly an eye-opening experience that my guys will never forget,” said Head Basketball Coach Guy Furr. “After spending a couple hours behind bars our dorm rooms, cafeteria food, and daily schedule started looking a lot better. At the end of the day, I feel it was a positive experience for all involved.”

TVCC’s Trinity Prison Project has provided vocational and academic training for prison inmates at the TDCJ units at Tennessee Colony since 1969.

The post Cardinals take tour of state prison appeared first on Henderson County Now.

By Delanda S. Johnson/Special To The HCN

As we prepare to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s holiday, we as African-Americans must take a closer look at ourselves.

On Saturday, January 14, Johnson Chapel A. M. E. Church will celebrate the dream with a “Gospel Explosion.” This will be a gospel concert starting at 6:30 p.m.

Then on Monday, January 16, the Henderson County Black History Committee will honor Rev. Dr. King with a Candlelight Vigil at the New Hope Corinth C. M. E. Church starting at 7 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed a dream of one nation that did not judge anyone by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. But as we look at America today, we have a judgment of fear, lack of knowledge, a lack of getting to know your fellow man. The only thing that’s seen today is the color of everyone’s skin, but if we look closely; we all bleed the color red.

Rev. Dr. King’s vision was for African-Americans to come from the outhouse to be in the White House and the vision was completed in 2008-2016 with President Barack H. Obama.

African-Americans, Native Americans, the homeless, the handicapped, etc., are being abused by killings, trespassing on lands that belong to Native Americans, being beaten just because the are handicapped and white, and even children no matter what race are suffering.

Today’s children are not being taught Black History or just to say if there is any Black History it’s just a little in the school’s textbooks.

There’s more to Black History than just a section on Rev. Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement or the Civil War which led to the Emancipation (freedom) of slaves.

You will find in Black History Bass Reeves, “The Real Lone Ranger.” He was one of the first black Deputy U. S. Marshals West of the Mississippi River. Reeves a towering 6’2 was broad at the shoulders, narrow hips and said to possess superhuman strength. He rode a large gray (almost white) horse while wearing his trademark black hat and twin .45 colt peacemakers cross-draw style. He gave out silver dollars as a calling card. He spoke five Native American languages.

Reeves brought in 3,000 living felons and killed 14 men in self-defense. Reeves even arrested one of his two sons for killing his wife. He did not make any differences. He retired from Federal Service after 32 years and took a position with the Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department until he died in 1910 of natural causes.

Bass Reeves the original Lone Ranger, is an example for all police officers no matter what ethnic groups; who want to enforce the law the correct way.

So, in the back of all police officer minds (people of color), they must answer that righteous call of the Lone Ranger; “HI, YO, SILVER! AWAY!”

Next in Black History, you will find Emily D. West (Morgan). A beautiful black woman from New York who later become immortalized as the “The Yellow Rose Of Texas.” A free woman and unabashed courtesan, Emily was General Houston’s lover in New Orleans, and their old passion never died out. She has traveled to the Alamo with the papers to free her beloved brother – only to watch his execution by Santa Anna’s troops. As a spy, the intelligence she gathers in Santa Anna’s camp is invaluable in turning the tide against the Mexicans.

Emily West (Morgan) who had a relationship with a writer only known as JK (a black man) who wrote the song “The Yellow Rose of Texas” used her beauty to catch the eye of General Santa Anna.

Santa Anna was either partying with West or having sex with her when Sam Houston’s troops arrived for The Battle of San Jacinto, thus forcing him to escape in only a linen shirt and “silk drawers;” in which he was captured in the next day.
As long as there is a Texas, and as long as the melody of “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” lingers, Emily D. West (Morgan) and her part in the short-lived battle on April 21, 1836, will be remembered.

The Emily Morgan hotel is a proud monument to the achievements in the Texas Revolution and is named in honor of the Texas heroine located in San Antonio across the street from the historic Alamo. The heroic story is commemorated by the members of the Knights of the Yellow Rose of Texas each April 21 at San Jacinto.

So when we sing the Texas song “The Yellow Rose Of Texas” celebrating our independence, note that the song is about Emily D. West (Morgan) a true heroine. For without her help, Sam Houston would not have captured General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
So remember that Black History IS America’s History.

The post Events scheduled to honor Dr. King appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

AUSTIN, Texas – Republican Lance Gooden was sworn into office on the first day of the 85th Session of the Texas Legislature. Surrounded by friends, family, and supporters, Gooden presented his broad policy goals for the year.

“I am honored by the trust that my neighbors have placed in me to champion our values and advocate for our communities,” Gooden said. “Working together, I am confident in our ability to secure the border, create jobs, cut taxes, and improve our schools through local control that empowers parents and teachers. There is a lot of work to do, and I am excited to get started.”

Gooden was first elected to the Texas House in 2010. He held the seat, representing Henderson and Kaufman counties, for two terms before being narrowly defeated in 2014. Gooden re-took the seat in the 2016 Republican Primary.

During his two sessions in the Texas House, Gooden was recognized as one of the state’s rising Republican leaders. He was instrumental in passing a voter ID bill, increasing the state’s patrols of our border with Mexico, fighting for our public schools and passing legislation to strengthen the rights of private property owners.

“By all measures, my two previous sessions in the House were two of the most conservative in Texas history and my goal this year is to build on those legislative successes,” said Gooden. “I campaigned on restoring effective representation in Austin, and that’s what I intend to do. I’m grateful for the continued prayers and support from back home.”

Gooden also spoke of the importance of constituent service and his commitment to ensuring the citizens of Henderson and Kaufman Counties receive excellent service from his office.

“Constituent service is one of the primary obligations of a state representative, and it will be a top priority of mine this year,” Gooden concluded. “I want to make sure people from every corner of our district have easy access to their state government. Regardless of where a person lives, it should be convenient for all citizens to interact with their representative.”

Gooden’s capitol office in Austin will be located on the first floor of the extension in room E1.204. You can reach the office by phone at 512-463-0458 or email at lance.gooden@house.state.tx.us His facebook page at facebook.com/lancegoodenfortexas is updated and monitored daily.

The post Henderson County State Rep. Lance Gooden sworn in appeared first on Henderson County Now.

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

Athens High School’s Matthew Hernandez can add 4A UIL Congressional Debate State Champion to his already impressive list of accomplishments. On Wednesday in Austin, the senior became the first Hornet in recent memory to win a championship in the contest. In 2016, he made the top 30 in extemporaneous debate at the national speech and debate tournament and, along with partner True Head, won state in UIL Cross-Examination Debate for the second year in a row.

“I couldn’t have done it without the teammates who did research and everything else for me,” said Hernandez of his latest achievement. Last year, he advanced to finals in congress. This year, he said, he put a lot more work into preparing for the event.

In addition to winning the title, Hernandez was also chosen by fellow congressmen as presiding officer, which involved reaching out to garner individual support before the session started, as well as a 20-minute audition speech in front of the full chamber.

Hernandez started as one of 54 students competing in the preliminary round of the state contest. “When they said my name (as the winner), everyone was standing and clapping, and my coaches were hugging me,” he said.

Those coaches are Carver Hodgkiss, AHS’ new speech and debate teacher, and Nicole Cornish, UIL coordinator, speech and debate mentor, and AHS dean of accountability and instruction.

“I cannot express how proud I am of Matthew for all the work he’s put in,” said Hodgkiss. “This is indicative of a lot of research and effort on his part, and it feels good to see that work come to fruition.”

According to the University Interscholastic League, congressional debate is an individual contest in a large group setting that models our U.S. Congress. Contestants draft legislation (proposed laws and position statements) submitted to the tournament, and they research the docket of bills and resolutions dealing with real-world social and political policies prior to the contest to prepare their speeches. At the tournament, students caucus in committees, deliver a formal discourse on the merits and disadvantages of each piece of legislation, and vote to pass or defeat the measures they have examined. Parliamentary procedure forms structure for the discourse and students extemporaneously respond to others’ arguments over the course of a session.

The post Hernandez wins state title in UIL Congress appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

When the Athens High School math team competed at the Sulphur Springs academic invitational meet last month, team members earned 35 medals and two team trophies.

The calculator team of Yuvia Leon, Mollie Davies, Eli McCool and Ideal Ademaj won first place, as did the mathematics team consisting of members Davies, McCool, Ademaj and Sierra Graves. The number sense team of Ademaj, Davies and McCool won second place behind the defending AAA state champions from Chism High School.

Individually, Davies won first in calculator and math, and sixth in number sense. McCool was second in calculator and math, and fifth in number sense. Ademaj won third place in number sense, fourth in math and fifth in calculator applications. Leon won sixth in calculator with a personal best of 113. Graves won fifth in math with a personal best of 58. Lauryn Gore also competed and won a sixth-place medal in math.

Pictured are, from left, Ideal Ademaj, Mollie Davies, Eli McCool, and (seated, from left), Yuvia Leon, Sierra Graves and Lauryn Gore. (Courtesy photo)

The post Athens High School math team piles up medals appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Presss release

Both ACPA basketball teams picked up another district win Tuesday evening vs. Henderson-Full Armor Academy. The Lady Storm got things started with a 62-17 victory to improve their district 5-1A record to 2-1. Lani Compton lead all scorers with 19 points. Gracie Millar added 11, Ashley Loflin 8, Alexa Koerth 7, Haley Gaytan 6, Jasmine McCormick and Mikenna Rainwater 4, and Madison Fowler 3.

The #8 ACP boys team had a 70’s throw back night and improved their district record to 3-0 with a 81-27 win. The Storm were led by Zay Ridgle with 28, Kaenan Nix 17, and Micah Santelli had 10.

Both teams are back in action Friday night as they travel to Longview to play St. Mary’s Catholic School.

The post ACPA Storm boys and girls sweep past Full Armor Academy appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Rev. Dr. King’s dreams burn deep in these youths of tomorrow at the H. C. B. H. C. Candlelight Vigil at New Hope Corinth C. M. E. Church. (Courtesy photo)

By Delanda S. Johnson/Special to HCN

This Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was filled with gospel music and a strong message about Dr. King and comparison with Jesus Christ.

On Saturday night, January 14, Johnson Chapel A. M. E. Church “Annual Gospel Explosion” honored Rev. Dr. King with local choirs, solos, and a powerful mime by Malakoff High School senior Xavier McCullar.

Then on Monday night, January 16, the Henderson County Black History Committee held its “Annual Candlelight Vigil” to give the congregation time to reflect and honor an American hero.

Rev. Rickey Johnson, Associate Pastor at Rockhill Baptist Church in Larue, used a theme “Love Your Enemies.” (Luke 6:27-31)

Rev. Johnson stated that Rev. Dr. King was a man who was always out to help someone else. Rev. Johnson noted that Rev. Dr. King would turn a negative into a positive. Rev. Dr. King stood up for what he believed in and he paid a high price for his convictions, death.

“Just like Jesus, a man who stood up for what He believed in. A man who would always turn the other cheek. Jesus, a man who taught us to love our enemies; also to know that we must treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus to paid a high price for his convictions, death. He died for all of our sins and if we want to see Jesus, we must love our enemies,” said Rev. Johnson.

Rev. Johnson stated, “Rev. Dr. King died for Civil Rights/Equality for African American; Jesus died for all of mankind. However, both men had the same message, “Love thy neighbor as thy love thyself.”

Rev. Joey Baggett, President of the H. C. B. H. C. presents Rev. Rickey Johnson
with a Certificate Of Appreciation. (Courtesy photo)

Rev. Myron William, Pastor of Abundant Faith sings praises to Lord at the Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Gospel Explosion at Johnson Chapel A. M. E. Church. (Courtesy photo)

The post A weekend of MLK celebrations appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Funeral services for Linda Price, 75, of Athens are scheduled for 2 pm Monday, January 23, 2017, at the Barton’s Chapel Assembly of God in Murchison with Bro. Terry Thomison officiating. Interment will follow at Red Hill Cemetery near Murchison and will be under the direction of Hannigan Smith Funeral Home.

Mrs. Price passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in Tyler.

Linda Jill Spradlin Price was born July 17, 1941, in Athens, Texas the daughter of Arthur Horton Spradlin and Willie “Billie” Faye Cloud Spradlin. She was a member of the Barton’s Chapel Assembly of God Church and a devoted homemaker. She loved yard work and especially planting flowers. Linda spent many hours with her husband working on crafts, painting and traveling. She also enjoyed working Thomas Kinkaid puzzles and antiques. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years Charles Price of Murchison; her children, Rhonda McRee of Brownsboro, Cindy Mitchell and husband Anthony “Dale” of Murchison, Kevin Price of Murchison; four grandchildren, Jacob Mitchell, Rachel, Eric, Jarrod McRee; numerous cousins and her beloved dog Tipsy.

Pallbearers will be James, Mike, Lonnie, Garry, Chris and Kenny Edwards.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Sunday, January 22, 2017, 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: Linda Price appeared first on Henderson County Now.

We are moving our Henderson County Now website posts to jeffweinsteinlaw.com/HCN.

The old site will remain up for now, but we will not be posting any new content there.

We hope you continue to enjoy HCN and thanks for reading.

The post Our Website is Moving appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Athens was among 10 Texas communities selected to receive the 2017 Governor’s Community Achievement Award, according to a recent press release by Keep Texas Beautiful.

With the award, Keep Athens Beautiful earned a $160,000 grant.

“Keep Athens Beautiful is so honored and excited to have again won the Governor’s Community Achievement Award this year. This award gives us the opportunity to do a beautification project on a TxDOT right away,” said Keep Athens Beautiful Executive Director Carol Morton.

These awards are a joint effort between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Keep Texas Beautiful. Winning communities are awarded for their outstanding overall efforts to keep their communities beautiful.

Keep Athens Beautiful is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve the natural beauty and environment of Athens.

“We are pleased to once again be the recipient of this grant from TxDOT of $160,000,” said Keep Athens Beautiful Board President Peggy Rhodes. “This grant will enable us to work on a beautification project to continue the enhancement of our community. Thank you to everyone for their hard work that made this possible.”

The awards recognize the most comprehensive grassroots environmental programs in the state, and are awarded in 10 different categories, based on population.
The GCAA program has recognized outstanding communities for more than 30 years. KTB and the Texas Department of Transportation first began working together in the late 1960s, sharing the common goals of making Texas roadways attractive, safe for motorists and encouraging tourism. Since 1985, KTB has partnered through an annual contract with TxDOT to provide grassroots support of their anti-litter and beautification programs, such as Don’t Mess with Texas, Trash-Off and the Governor’s Community Achievement Awards.

The post Keep Athens Beautiful wins Governor’s Community Achievement Award, $160,000 appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

Over the next few months, the Athens Kiwanis Club and the City of Athens will be coordinating several park renovation and enhancement projects at Kiwanis Park. Athens Kiwanis has set aside $54,000 for the improvements; the City is hoping to match 50 percent of Kiwanis’ contributions, bringing the total project budget to over $80,000.

The first major activity will be to replace the chain link boundary fence that runs around the park play area south of the park parking lot. The new fence will be black ornamental steel fencing and six feet tall. “One major goal of this project is to address several areas of the park that could use some sprucing up,” commented Kiwanis Club Parks Board Chairman, Rik Drummond. “Several areas of the fence are in pretty rough shape and the new fence to be installed will not only look great but it will last for a very long time.” In addition to the fence replacement, the large playground area will also see some improvements, including new plastic timbers, gravel cleanup and maintenance improvements to the playground equipment. Both projects will be immediately underway and look to be completed after the first of April.

Other anticipated enhancements include power washing playground equipment and pavilions as well repainting the park picnic tables. The 2016-2017 Leadership Athens class is making this a primary focus of theirs and will be leading the effort to sand and repaint many of the picnic tables.
Keep Athens Beautiful has also volunteered to help with the project and plans to contribute, via a grant award, several pedestal trash bins, replacing the 55-gallon drums currently in place. The City of Athens will install the bins and also address some other minor issues, including removal of selected problematic trees and vegetation.

In addressing the project, Nasi Kombos, Managing Director of Community Services, stated “This project is a great example of the tremendous impact volunteer organizations can have on a community. Rik and the Kiwanis Club have really put a lot of effort into planning these improvements and coordinating all of the logistics. Its public-private partnerships like this that expand our ability to improve our parks and continue to make Athens a wonderful place to live.” Mr. Kombos also noted that the City is making preparations to install a new swing set at the park, replacing the existing set. The new swing area will also include a swing that provides access for children with mobility challenges. Funding for the swing project will be considered at an upcoming City Council meeting.

For any questions or more information regarding this project please contact Rik Drummond (rikdrummond@me.com) or the City of Athens at 903-675-5131.

The post Athens Kiwanis and the City of Athens Set to Roll Out Kiwanis Park Enhancements appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Press release

At the City Council meeting on Monday, March 28, City Manager Philip Rodriguez announced that earlier that day, the City received confirmation that it was in full compliance with state drinking water regulations. This news came as a result of recent water testing by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Prior to the most recent testing, the City’s running annual average had exceeded the maximum contaminant level for a group of disinfection byproducts known as haloacetic acids (HAA5) at one of the city’s four sampling points.

“I’m pleased to report to the residents of Athens that our drinking water meets the strict standards set forth by the state,” said Managing Director of Administrative Services Ryan Adams. “Water is our number one priority. With the support of the City Council, staff took an aggressive, layered approach toward reducing the HAA5 levels in our water. Our goal is to continue to strengthen our system to ensure high-quality water for our residents far into the future.”

To stay in compliance, the Locational Running Annual Average (LRAA) for all testing sites within the city must be below .060 micrograms per milliliter. In late 2015, two of the City’s four testing sites were above that threshold. While one site returned to compliance in November 2016, the last site remained out of compliance with an LRAA of .062. Testing at the same location in late February showed an LRAA of .056, fully bringing the City into compliance with TCEQ.

According to the City of Athens, it will continue to pursue activities that will further lower the HAA5 levels including maximizing the use of well water, working with engineering consultants to plan for needed improvements to the water system, and studying potential improvements to the surface water treatment plant process.

Residents with questions regarding City of Athens water quality are encouraged to contact Philip Rodriguez or Ryan Adams at 903-675-5131.

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We spoke with a representative of the Union Pacific Railroad Thursday afternoon to get an update on the derailment in Malakoff. Here is the audio of that interview.

The post Update on Malakoff train derailment appeared first on Henderson County Now.

HCN reporter Michael V. Hannigan was on hand for Thursday’s Athens City Council meeting to review Cain Center design concepts.

The post Update on Cain Center project appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election is April 6.

The post April 6 is the deadline to register to vote in the upcoming elections appeared first on Henderson County Now.

Funeral services for Alphinell Berry, 79, of Athens are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Lake Athens Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Curry officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens.

Ms. Berry went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, March 31, 2017 in Athens.

Iva Alphinell Arthus Berry was born April 7, 1937 in Malakoff, Texas the daughter of Ernest Linder Arthus and Frances Naomi Whitman Arthus. She was a dedicated member of the Lake Athens Baptist Church; with involvement in the Choir, the Ladies Sunday School Class, the sewing ministry, Operation Christmas Child and many more. Her professional career was spent entirely at First National Bank of Athens, where she worked for over 31 years before her retirement. Her extra time was spent with her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and dear friend to many. She will be greatly missed by all she knew and loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents her loving husband Earnie Berry; her daughter Sherilyn Ann Berry Craig and four brothers, Edwin, James, Lloyd and Franklin Arthus.

She is survived by her son Diron Berry and his wife Shelley of Athens; one son-in-law Gary Craig of Athens; one sister Betty Gilmore and her husband Jimmy of Tyler; one brother Bobby Arthus of Fayetteville, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Cody Craig and his wife Rebekah, Cole Craig, Wendy Craig, Tye Berry, Amber Ellis and her husband Jason, Brandy Brown and her husband Korey, Casey Smith and ten great-grandchildren, Bentley, Paisyn, Korbyn, Brianna, Cleo, Anthony, Greysen, Justin, Austan, Zayden.

The family would like to give special thanks to: Dr. Douglas Curran, Genesis Hospice, Ronnie and Susan Sharp, Kindred Home Health, Bro. Mike Curry, Jenni Halbert and her very special friend Kathy Bashers.

Pallbearers will be Mark Hansen, Jim McPherson, Danny Partridge, Fredye Quain, R.B. Richardson and Bob Walters.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in her memory to the Lake Athens Baptist Church Missions.

Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 P.M. Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Lake Athens Baptist Church.

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

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