Week of May 14, 2012

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Dr. Watt A. Norman, Jr.

Story No. 1 – Agriculturist of the Year: Dr. Watt A. Norman, Jr. was announced as the Joe B. Fulgham Agriculturist of the Year this week. He is the owner of Cedar Creek Veterinary in Malakoff.
Why it is important: Henderson County is still an agricultural county. As AgriLife Extension Agent Rick Hirsch said, “Our agrarian heritage is rich and continues to be so today.”
Learn more: All the newspapers covered the event (the 49th Annual Farm and Ranch Tour), but it is only online at The Malakoff News. 

Story No. 2 – Remembering Tony, Paul and all the others: Thursday was the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service, but this year May 17 also marked the fifth anniversary of the death of Henderson County Deputies Tony Ogburn and Paul Habelt.
Why it is important: Because law enforcement puts their lives on the line every day.
Learn more: Art Lawler at the Athens Review did a great job remembering that awful day. 

Story No. 3 – TVCC a top college: Trinity Valley Community College this week was named one of the top two-year schools in the country … again.
Why it is important: Who doesn’t like to be one of the best?
Learn more: There’s a story up on the school’s website. 

Story No. 4 – Almost Fiddlers time: We are just a week away from the 81st Old Fiddlers Reunion on the square in Athens.
Why it is important: Two things really make Athens different, from a historical perspective: The first hamburger with Uncle Fletch and the Old Fiddlers Reunion the last Friday in May.
Learn more: Check out the event’s website. 

Story No. 5 – Turnover in GBC: There’s a new mayor in Gun Barrel City, and he’s the same mayor as the old mayor … and believe it or not, it is all because of alcohol.
Why it is important: The alcohol question isn’t put to rest in Henderson County by a long shot; Chandler is next up and there are some smaller towns thinking about going wet.
Learn more: Art Lawler had a good week, and has an opinion piece on why Paul Eaton is once again mayor of Gun Barrel City, governing from the center, and alcohol. 

Week of May 7, 2012

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Patrick Greene
Patrick Greene

Story No. 1 – Christian No More: Patrick Greene made plenty of headlines when he converted to Christianity, but it didn’t last very long. A month later, Greene says he’s back to being an atheist.
Why it is important: As part of the nativity scene controversy, Greene has become a pretty big figure in Henderson County. Athens’ Sand Springs Baptist Church played a big part in his original conversion.
Learn more: Mysanantonio.com had the best story. 

Story No. 2 – Kemp Dumps Police Department: The City of Kemp disbanded its police department this week, citing budget pressure as the reason.
Why it is important: Kemp may be a little far from home, but the city’s problems could be a cautionary tale for area small cities. Just how close can municipalities cut finances and ignore maintenance to keep taxes low before tempting disaster?
Learn more: The Athens Review has a story.

Story No. 3 – Monarch Reaches Agreement: Monarch, a subsidiary of SouthWest Water Company with thousands of customers in Henderson County, reached an agreement on a proposed rate hike last week.
Why it is important: The agreement will impact county residents around Cedar Creek Lake and Lake Palestine.
Learn more: The Athens News and The Malakoff News had the story. 

Story No. 4 – Jake’s Skate Park Anniversary: Jake’s Skate Park in Malakoff will be celebrating its second anniversary Saturday with a festival/competition.
Why it is important: The unique park, located in front of the Malakoff Community Center, is the only facility of its kind in the county.
Learn more: Again, The Malakoff News has the details. 

Story No. 5 – Earthquake in East Texas: A 3.7-magnitude earthquake hit Mount Enterprise Thursday morning.
Why it is important: Although the quake didn’t cause a lot of damage, there’s still something a little scary about the words “earthquake” and “East Texas” in the same sentence.
Learn more: Check out the Tyler Paper story. 

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Week of April 30, 2012

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McKinney
In this photo from last summer, Clay McKinney, then 14, poses with his father, Pct. 2 Commissioner Wade McKinney, and grandfather, Mac McKinney. Clay had just finished cutting 25 acres of hay by himself, something that might have been outlawed by new Bureau of Labor rules, but the proposed changes were dropped last week.

Story No. 1 – Proposed Farm Labor Changes dropped: Late last week, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it was dropping proposed changes to agricultural child labor regulations. The new rules for the employment of those under 16 would have put restrictions on the operation of tractors, and prohibited many animal husbandry practices such as branding, breeding, dehorning, vaccinating, castrating, and treating sick or injured animals.
Why it is important: In a rural area like Henderson County, the rules were seen as an attack against a way of life.
Learn more: The Malakoff News and The Athens News had the story. You can read it here. (The News has begun to post the entire paper online, so you will have to go to the page to read the story.)

Story No. 2 – Anonymous Group Enters Nativity Debate: An anonymous group concerned over the possible cost of a legal battle over the county nativity scene has hired Athens attorney Martin Bennett to represent them. County officials confirmed Bennett has had meetings with members of the Keep Athens Beautiful board and County Attorney Clint Davis.
Why it is important: This is the first time a concerted effort for moving the nativity scene has come from within the county.
Learn more: The story was only in The Athens News, but that paper doesn’t have a website.

Story No. 3 – Monarch at the Table: Monarch (a subsidiary of SouthWest Water Company), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, a coalition of affected cities, and Texans Against Monopolies Excessive Rates (TAMER) have been engaged in negotiations over water and sewer rates the past two weeks in Austin.
Why it is important: Thousands of Monarch customers live in Henderson County, particularly around Cedar Creek Lake and Lake Palestine.
Learn more: Again, the story was in The Malakoff News and The Athens News.
UPDATE: The Malakoff News and The Athens News reported Friday that an agreement has been reached – details are expected to be released later.

Story No. 4 – FPP Annual Waffle Breakfast: The Family Peace Project will hold its annual Waffle Breakfast fundraiser Saturday morning, May 5.
Why it is important: Because the waffles are awesome and the cause is important.
Learn more: The 11th Annual Family Peace Project Waffle Breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the United Methodist Church (225 Lovers Lane) in Athens. Tickets are $6 per person in advance, $7 at the door. Children under 5 are free. Call 903-677-9177 for information.

Story No. 5 – Farm Market Comes Back: Fresh vegetables and crafts will be back on the city parking lot this Saturday as the Athens Farmers Market returns.
Why it is important: Because the Farmers Market has a long history in the city — besides, who doesn’t like fresh veggies (eat more!!).
Learn more: The Athens Review has the story. 

 

Week of April 23, 2012

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The proposed FFRF banner.

Story No. 1 – FFRF Back in Town: The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) was back in Athens this week, asking Commissioners’ Court to approve an atheist banner for display on the Courthouse lawn in December.
Why it is important: This is the nativity scene controversy … which continues to draw media and interest from all over the state and country.
Learn more: Both the Athens Review and The Malakoff News had the story.

Story No. 2 – AISD Lifts Voice Against Testing: Athens ISD school board members approved a resolution last week, saying “… The over reliance on standardized, high-stakes testing as the only assessment of learning that really matters in the state and federal accountability systems is strangling our public schools and undermining any chance that educators have to transform a traditional system of schooling into a broad range of learning experiences that better prepares our students to live successfully and be competitive on a global stage …”
Why it is important: The tide against standardized testing in Texas seems to be rising.
Learn more: The story was in the new paper, The Athens News, which doesn’t have a web site. You can catch up with the paper on Facebook, however. 

Story No. 3 – Fugitive Caught: After nearly 10 years on the run, accused child molester Travis Wayne Jones was caught in Arkansas this week, mostly thanks to the work from Henderson County law enforcement.
Why it is important: Jones had been on the county’s Most Wanted list and was even featured in the television show “America’s Most Wanted.”
Learn more: The Review has a story. 

Story No. 4 – PRCA Rodeo this weekend: It is rodeo time in Henderson County. The annual PRCA Rodeo will begin tonight (Friday, April 27) in the Fairpark Complex.
Why it is important: These are the top cowboys in the country and event planners have added some fun things this year like a Kids Zone with multiple bounce houses.
Learn more: Art Lawler at the Review has a story. 

Story No. 5 – Sculpture Tour this weekend: If rodeo isn’t your idea of culture, there is a three-county sculpture tour this Saturday. The event includes a pair of special gardens in Malakoff, including one by the stepmother of famous artist James Surls.
Why it is important: These really are famous artists; you can’t pick up these type of pieces in the Tyler mall.
Learn more: This story has been plenty of places, including the Dallas Morning News and Texas Monthly, but why leave home when you can read it in the Review. 

BONUS STORY: No Smoking Ordinance Finalized: The Athens City Council gave its final blessing to the no smoking ordinance in Athens this week.
Why it is important: Smoking is now prohibited in most public places in the city.

Week of April 16, 2012

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Assistant Chief Tres Winn to retire from Athens Fire Department. Photo courtesy The Athens News.

Story No. 1 – EDC Lures Business to Athens: The Athens Economic Development Corporation put together a $730,000 incentive package to bring Thrillworks, Inc. — a sports recreation equipment manufacturer — to the city.
Why it is important: The business will bring 33 jobs and has growth potential for much more.
Learn more: The Review has a story, but it was a little light on the proposal details. So here’s a little more:

First, the AEDC will purchase property on Flat Creek Road for $480,000 and then sell it back to Thrillworks (also known as Extreme Engineering). The move will allow the company to immediately occupy a suitable building. Thrillworks will pay back the loan in 10 years at 3 percent interest, but could save some of that money with incentives built in based on job creation and wages.

The AEDC will also provide a no-interest loan of $250,000 to the company for equipment and for moving expenses. That loan is to be paid back in five years.

Finally, there will be a $50,000 employee training grant for local workers.

The overall package does not quite add up to $730,000 because the AEDC is going to keep a portion of the property purchased with the building.

Story No. 2 – School Finance Trial Date Set: A state district judge scheduled the start of a trial over how Texas funds public education for Oct. 22.  Four lawsuits have been filed on behalf of school districts on the issue.
Why it is important: With a new legislative session scheduled for 2013, the trial could have a big impact on budgeting for the next biennium.
Learn more: The Review ran a press release about the issue. 

Story No. 3 – Athens Christian Preparatory Academy Ready to Grow: ACP will launch a capital campaign this Saturday, April 21, with an eye toward building a campus.
Why it is important: ACP is the only local alternative to Athens High School.
Learn more: The Athens Review ran a press release. 

Story No. 4 – Freedom From Religion Foundation Coming Back to Town: Officials from the FFRF say they will ask Henderson County Commissioners’ Court on  Tuesday for permission to display its banner on the Courthouse lawn in December.
Why it is important: Because the nativity scene controversy never seems to die down.
Learn more: The Malakoff News has a story (Page 16A). The News has begun to post the entire paper online, so you will have to go to the page to read the story.

Story No. 5 – Assistant Fire Chief Tres Winn to Retire: Tres Winn is saying goodbye to the AFD after 27 years. He is taking a new job in the gas industry, but will still be living in Athens.
Why it is important: Winn is one of those guys who seems to know everybody. A lifetime Athens resident, he can be found involved in many community projects.
Learn more: The story came out in The Athens News, a new free weekly newspaper covering the city. The paper does not have a website, however.

Week of April 9, 2012

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The crew at Acme Brick was decked out in blue last Wednesday to show support for the effort to end child abuse.

Story No. 1 – County Goes Blue: On Wednesday, April 11, folks throughout Henderson County wore blue in support of ending child abuse.
Why it is important: The county has a serious problem with child abuse.
Learn more: The Review has a story about Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Story No. 2 – 52nd Henderson County Livestock Show: Kids have been all over the Henderson County Fairgrounds this week showing animals and projects. The week culminates 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14, with the premium auction.
Why it is important: Anything that’s been around more than half a century and is still this popular is important.
Learn more: The Review has a photo of the Queen and Princess.

Story No. 3 – Lovato returns home: Elena Lovato was named the head women’s basketball coach at TVCC this week, replacing co-coaches Michael and Kenya Landers.
Why it is important: The TVCC women’s job is the best in JUCO basketball, plus the Lady Cards are coming off a national championship.
Learn more: Read about it at the TVCC website.

Story No. 4 – KAB Clean Up: Keep Athens Beautiful will be hosting the annual Spring Clean Up this Saturday, April 14.
Why it is important: It is a great time to get rid of all that trash for free.
Learn more: KAB has a good Facebook Page and there is a Spring Clean Up Event Page.

Story No. 5 – No Smoking Ordinance 1st reading: It’s been going on since November, but the debate over a No Smoking Ordinance in Athens is coming to a close. The City Council approved the ordinance on first reading this week and is expected to give its final approval on April 23.
Why it is important: The ordinance will cover most public places in the city, so it will impact smokers and non-smokers alike.
Learn more: Local blogger Michael V. Hannigan posted about the issue during the public hearings stage. The Athens Review had a story when the city made an exception for bars.

Week of April 2, 2012

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Erik Bendl (The World Guy) and Nice the dog walk along Loop 7 in Athens Thursday afternoon.

Story No. 1 – Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness Month: April is Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Henderson County. Law enforcement and activists fighting the scourge gathered on the Courthouse lawn Tuesday to try and raise awareness of the problem.
Why it is important: Because Henderson County has a severe problem in both areas. In 2011, the East Texas Crisis Center helped 222 children of mothers who were abused and worked with 96 sexual assault victims. Considering less than half of all sex assaults are reported, those numbers are pretty staggering.
Learn more: The Review had a story from the event.

Story No. 2 – Livestock Show Time: It is time for the annual Henderson County Livestock Show. Kids from all over the county will be hitting the Fairpark Complex in Athens April 9-14 for the culmination of a year worth of work.
Why it is important: This is the 52nd annual show … yeah, it’s pretty important in Henderson County.
Learn more: The Livestock Show has its own website.

Story No. 3 – The World Guy comes to Athens:  Erik Bendl is “The World Guy,” and he is walking across the state with his dog and a six-foot inflated globe to raise awareness about the dangers of diabetes. Thursday he walked through Athens.
Why it is important: Did I mention the guy is walking across the state with a six-foot globe? Plus, diabetes really is an insidious disease.
Learn more: The Malakoff News had a story and photo.

Story No. 4 – No Smoking Ordinance: The Athens City Council has been discussing a no smoking ordinance for the city since last November, but the process is coming to an end. Council members will hear the official “first reading” of the ordinance Monday night during their regular council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Final approval is expected to come during a meeting April 23.
Why it is important: The ordinance will impact nearly all public areas in Athens.
Learn more: Here’s the agenda, and here is the last story the Athens Review did on the subject.

Story No. 5 – TVCC Cheerleaders turn: The Lady Cardinal basketball team brought home a national title, and now it is the cheerleaders’ turn. The TVCC Cheerleaders are leaving for Florida Tuesday, April 10,  and will be going for a 10th national title.
Why it is important: Did I say 10 titles? When it comes to cheerleading, TVCC is the elite of elites.
Learn more: You can see the squad’s competition routine 7 p.m. Monday at Cardinal Gym and the cheerleaders go through their final tuneup before leaving.

Week of March 26, 2012

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Michael and Kenya Landers won the national championship last weekend and then landed jobs with the University of Mississippi women’s basketball program days later.

Story No. 1 – National Champions: The Trinity Valley Lady Cardinals notched the program’s sixth national title last weekend, beating Hutchinson (Kansas) Community College, 69-55.
Why it is important: Did I mention it was No. 6? Plus, the win came on the day the court in Salina, Kansas was named for the late TVCC legend, Kurt Budke.
Learn more: Jayson Larson from the Review was there and has the story on the championship and the court being renamed.
Bonus Info: The public is invited to join Trinity Valley Community College for “No. 6: A Celebration” on Thursday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Gym when the college will celebrate the undefeated season and sixth national championship of the Lady Cardinals.

Story No. 2 – TVCC loses women’s basketball coaches: Less than a week after winning the national title, Lady Cardinal co-coaches Michael and Kenya Landers accepted offers with the University of Mississippi.
Why it is important: Now the best coaching position in JUCO women’s basketball is open.
Learn more: Here’s the story from the college. 

Story No. 3 – County OKs premises use policy: Commissioners’ Court this week approved a policy listing the rules for using county property.
Why it is important: This particular policy figures to come into play when the Freedom From Religion Foundation (remember them?) comes back asking to put one of its banners on the Courthouse lawn at Christmas.
Learn more: Both the Review and The Malakoff News have stories.

Story No. 4 – KAB wins again: Keep Athens Beautiful has won the Governor’s Community Achievement Award for the eighth straight time.
Why it is important: Because the award comes with money (about $160,000), which KAB uses for projects around the city.
Learn more: The Review has a story. 

Story No. 5 – Atheist drops complaint against judge: The nativity scene controversy is the issue that never stops giving stories (see Story No. 3). Now, San Antonio atheist Patrick Greene has asked the state Commission on Judicial Conduct to drop his complaint against County Judge Richard Sanders.
Why it is important: While nothing was ever expected to come from the complaint to begin with, the change in Greene has become a story in itself. Consider, Sand Springs Baptist Church Pastor Erick Graham was on the Fox News Channel this week talking about the story.
Learn more: The Malakoff News seems to have a pipeline to Greene. 

 

Week of March 19, 2012

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Story No. 1 – Questions over AHS principal contract: Several community members turned out to support AHS Principal S.D. Loyless Thursday night after the school board decided against renewing his contract last month.
Why it is important: Mainly because the biggest question about the Loyless issue hasn’t been answered: Why not renew? Communication with the community seems to be at an all time low for Athens ISD. And new superintendent Dr. Robert Steeber doesn’t seem to be going out of his way to fix the problem.
Learn more: Art Lawler from the Review was at Thursday’s meeting.

Story No. 2 – Lady Cards reach Final Four: The TVCC Lady Cardinals reached the Final Four of the NJCAA National Tournament by beating an Alabama squad Thursday night.
Why it is important: With a win Friday night, the Lady Cards will be in the national title game on Saturday for a second straight year.
Learn more: Jayson Larson is in Kansas following the action.

Story No. 3 – Rope Myers is jousting: Jousting? Yep, the former Athens resident and PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler is one of the contestants on The History Channel’s Full Metal Jousting.
Why it is important: Because one of our own is starring (and no doubt he’s a star) in a reality series … plus, it’s jousting!
Learn more: The Malakoff News has a story. 

Story No. 4 – What drought: There were some flooded roads in Henderson County early this week following torrential downpours, but you didn’t hear too many complaints.
Why it is important: After one of the longest droughts in Texas history, the rains were welcome.
Learn more: The Athens Review had a photo of all six gates on the Cedar Creek Lake dam open; can’t remember the last time that happened. 

Story No. 5 – Regional Citizen of the Year: Dwayne Garner, 77, of Brownsboro was named the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) Regional Citizen of the Year.
Why it is important: ETCOG covers a 14-county area, so being the top citizen is no small feat.
Learn more: The Review story is here. 

BONUS STORY – Henderson County goes national … again: The story about San Antonio atheist Patrick Greene getting help from county Christians has been picked up by national outlets.
Why it is important: How many times can a small, East Texas county end up in the national news? Apparently, a lot.
Learn more: Here’s a story from MSNBC. 

 

Week of March 12, 2012

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TVCC Lady Cardinals celebrate winning the Regional Tournament last weekend in Tyler.

Story No. 1 – TVCC Lady Cardinals in National Tournament: After taking care of business in the Regional Tournament held in Tyler last week, the TVCC Lady Cardinals are taking their No. 1 ranking to the National Tournament in Salina, Kansas.
Why it is important: The Lady Cardinals are looking to take care of unfinished business; TVCC was the national runner-up last year.
Learn more: Jayson Larson was at media day Thursday. 

Story No. 2 – Primary filing wrapped up: After waiting and waiting … and waiting, the ballots for the Republican and Democratic primaries are set. Voters will go to the polls May 29.
Why it is important: They say you can’t tell the players without a scorecard … well, the ballot is your scorecard.
Learn more: Both the Athens and the Malakoff papers have updates.

Story No. 3 – Voting box problems: There may be an election scheduled, but that doesn’t mean that redistricting isn’t still a pain in the neck. County commissioners this week had to split one voting box, and there is still controversy over another.
Why it is important: You gotta know where to vote in order to exercise your right.
Learn more: Again the two papers, Athens and Malakoff have stories.

Story No. 4 – Patrick Greene saga continues: San Antonio atheist Patrick Greene just won’t go away … but really, who expected he’d still be around like this?
Why it is important: Greene dropped his interest in the Henderson County nativity controversy because he’s going blind, but area Christians are stepping in to help. Not all Christians think that’s the right approach, however.
Learn more: Michael V. Hannigan at The Malakoff News has been tracking this story, and the comments section on the paper’s website has become the playing field for debate among Christians … including occasional appearances by Patrick Greene. 

Story No. 5 – Danny Glover in Tyler: You loved him as “the other guy” in the Lethal Weapon movie franchise and wondered how he beat the alien in Predator 2, but did you know that actor Danny Glover was in Tyler last week. Yep, he was the master of ceremonies at the Texas College Legacy Dinner last week at Harvey Convention Center.
Why it is important: How often does someone like Danny Glover come to the area?
Learn more: The Tyler Paper has a story, but it is mostly about the Legacy Dinner. The photo of Glover is pretty good, though.