Tag Archives: athens tx

Week of November 5, 2012

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Pct. 1 Commissioner-elect Scotty Thomas rubs his eyes while talking with supporter Billy Lee at Republican Party Headquarters on the square in Athens Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Story No. 1 – New boss same as the old boss: President Barack Obama earned four more years in the White House by beating Gov. Mitt Romney Tuesday night.
Why it is important: The “leader of the free world” is always important, but Tuesday’s result also sparked a literal meltdown for some folks around largely Republican Henderson County.
Learn more: You’re going to have to pick your own flavor of coverage … it comes in two flavors: joy or despair.

Story No. 2 – Thomas elected commissioner: After a nearly year-long campaign (thanks to redistricting troubles), Republican Scotty Thomas was elected to replace the retiring Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Hall.
Why it is important: With no end in sight to budget struggles or government mandates, Thomas will be faced with answering some pretty big questions for Henderson County residents.
Learn more: The Review and The News have stories.

Story No. 3 – The liquor is flowing: Voters approved alcohol initiatives in both Malakoff and Trinidad, as well as on the other side of the county in Chandler, on Tuesday.
Why it is important: These elections are just the latest in what has been a sea change in the county over the past few years. While bars have not started popping up on every corner, you can’t really characterize Henderson County as dry any longer.
Learn more: The News.

Story No. 4 – No bond in Cross Roads: Voters shot down a $6 million bond for a new ag building and gym in Cross Roads. For good measure, they also turned out two of three incumbents.
Why it is important: The interesting thing in Cross Roads is that there is no mandate. Because there were so many candidates on the ballot (eight), no one picked up more than 17 percent of the vote.
Learn more: The News.

Story No. 5 – Last chance for playoffs: The winner of tonight’s Athens-Brownsboro football game will advance to the playoffs. The winner gets to go home and start dreaming of next year.
Why it is important: It’s football. It’s the playoffs. And it’s a neighboring rival. … ‘Nuff said.
Learn more: The Review.

 

Week of October 15, 2012

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Story No. 1 – Athens sailor accused of rape: One of the two sailors accused of raping a woman in Okinawa, Japan this week comes from Athens, Texas. Christopher Browning, 23, is currently in the custody of Japanese authorities.
Why it is important: The incident has strained relations between Okinawa and the U.S.
Learn more: Here is one story, but there are many others on the web.

Story No. 2 – Cross Roads grad signs at VP debate: Lisa (Rakestraw) LeDonne provided the interpretation for the deaf at the vice presidential debate last week.
Why it is important: Beside the obvious interest in someone local being involved with the VP debate, there is an incredible story of how LeDonne unexpectedly wound up interpreting the debate alone.
Learn more: Michael V. Hannigan of The Malakoff/Athens News had the story.

Story No. 3 – Nichols meets with superintendents: State Sen. Robert Nichols was in Athens recently to meeting with superintendents from Henderson, Anderson and Cherokee counties.
Why it is important: The Texas Legislature will convene in January. Time to start getting focused on state politics.
Learn more: The Athens News had a story.

Story No. 4 – Big Tex burns: Big Tex, the 52-foot tall icon of the Texas State Fair, was destroyed in a fire Friday, Oct. 19.
Why it is important: Big Tex was the face and voice of the fair … but in addition, he was born in neighboring Kerens, which makes him something like kin to Henderson County.
Learn more: News of the fire was all over the web Friday, but where else would we turn by the Dallas paper.

Story No. 5 – Early voting starts Monday: After the longest primary season in memory, it is finally time to start voting in the General Election. Early voting opens up Monday.
Why it is important: First, we’ll elect a president; but there are also plenty of local elections of importance, including: Pct. 1 commissioner, sheriff, tax assessor/collector, constables, school boards, a bond in Cross Roads, and a liquor election in Malakoff.
Learn more: The important thing you need to know is where to vote. So here are the locations:

- Seven Points City Hall, 428 E. Cedar Creek Pkwy, Seven Points, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Chandler Community Center, 811 Hwy 31 East, Chandler, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Henderson County Election Center, 201 E. Larkin Street, Athens, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Week of October 8, 2012

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Dr. Steeber

Story No. 1 – Dr. Steeber is gone: Dr. Robert Steeber is no longer the superintendent of Athens ISD. He resigned and his last day is today, Oct. 12.
Why it is important: It is good to know who is in charge, and for now it is Interim Superintendent Blake Stiles.
Learn more: The Review and The Athens News have the story.

Story No. 2 – Athens man in national Hall of Fame: Dave Campbell has been named to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
Why it is important: A longtime employee of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Athens resident, Campbell is just one of the good guys. He has also been inducted in the Texas Hall of Fame.
Learn more: The Athens News has a story, but here’s one from the Professional Anglers Association.

Story No. 3 – October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month: Henderson County Commissioners’ Court proclaimed October as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month on Tuesday.
Why it is important: It is no secret that Henderson County has a domestic violence problem. The East Texas Crisis Center served 242 new clients this year.
Learn more: The Review has a story, plus here’s some information from the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Story No. 4 – Burn ban over: No more burn ban! Commissioners’ Court allowed the ban to expire on Tuesday.
Why it is important: While the county is in the best shape drought-wise that it’s been in since late July, the winter is coming, and that usually means more burn bans.
Learn more: The local papers had short stories, but really, what more can we say other than, “Burn ban is over!”

Story No. 5 – Sen. Nichols meets with superintendents: State Sen. Robert Nichols met with school superintendents from Cherokee, Anderson and Henderson counties this week in preparation for the upcoming Legislative session.
Why it is important: The school finance system figures to be a major bone of contention during the coming session. Also the meeting was held in Athens, so local superintendents were on hand in large numbers.
Learn more: I haven’t seen a story yet, but The Malakoff/Athens News promises one for next week, plus has a photo with one of the local superintendents.

Week of September 10, 2012

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Story No. 1 – Henderson County budget approval on the horizon: Henderson County Commissioners’ Court is expected to approve its 2013 budget and tax rate on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Why it is important: It looks like the commissioners are going to keep the tax rate the same, but because of big increases in costs and flat property values, deep cuts to the budget were needed. As many as 10 county employees could lose their jobs this January.
Learn more: Both the Athens Review and The Malakoff/Athens News have done multiple stories on this subject.

Story No. 2 – Athens approves tax rate: This past Monday, the Athens City Council approved its tax rate and budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Why it is important: The new tax rate includes a 3-cent increase. The city tax rate will go from .600387 per $100 valuation to .630387.
Learn more: The 3 cents will raise about an extra $190,000 for the city, nearly all of which will go to pay for a new fire truck and street sweeper.

Story No. 3 – County loses community leader: Longtime Athens businesswoman and community activist Mary Lou Williams died Monday.
Why it is important: Mary Lou was a tireless volunteer who was active in many organizations in Athens.
Learn more: The Athens Review has a story.

Story No. 4 – Volunteer Connect helps you plug in: The Volunteer Connect will be a showcase at the First Methodist Church Saturday, Sept. 22, which will allow folks who want to volunteer a chance to find a place they fit.
Why it is important: There are a lot of good organizations doing work around Henderson County and nearly all of them need help. On the other hand, you’ve always said you wanted to get more involved, but didn’t know what to do. Here’s your chance to find out where you can make a difference.
Learn more: The Athens Review.

Story No. 5 – Church rises from the ashes: It seems like a long time since a pair of arsons were running around East Texas burning down churches … and it is, it has been more than two years. But one Henderson County church never gave up and finally reopened its doors this past Sunday after losing everything in January 2010.
Why it is important: By never giving up, Grace Bible Church members showed the type of spirit we can all learn from.
Learn more: The Tyler Paper has a story.

Week of August 27, 2012

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Area high school football players will put on the pads and go at it for real tonight as the 2012 season opens around the county.

Story No. 1 – Turn on the lights!: Friday night football comes back to Texas tonight as area high schools hit the field for real. The game of the week should be in Malakoff, where the Tigers will take on the Mabank Panthers. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
Why it is important: Because this is Texas and we’re talking football!
Learn more: The Athens Review’s annual “Fanfare” section is now on stands.
Bonus: The University of Texas Longhorns open up the season Saturday at home against Wyoming. Game time is 7 p.m.

Story No. 2 – Marshall sentenced in murder trial: James Marshall was convicted of killing Desiree Brown in a drive-by shooting, and he was sentenced this week to 28 years.
Why it is important: Marshall is well known in Athens and the shooting shook the community.
Learn more: Art Lawler at the Athens Review covered the trial from start to finish.

Story No. 3 – Federal courts knock Texas – twice: Two different federal courts ruled against the state this week — first over redistricting maps (not again!) and then over the Voter ID law.
Why it is important: Both of these issues are extremely important as far as the integrity of the election process. Democrats feel, in both instances, that minorities are harmed. Republicans feel that they are protecting Americans. So far, the courts have agreed with the Democrats.
Learn more: Here’s the latest story from the Austin American-Statesman, and a local take from the Athens Review.

Story No. 4 – County budget woes continue: Jobs are beginning to be cut in county government as Commissioners’ Court continues to work through the 2013 budget.
Why it is important: What is being balanced now is not only the cost of government, but the level of services provided.
Learn more: The Malakoff and Athens News had a story.

Story No. 5 – How much weed is that!?: Federal and state officials located a field of marijuana in neighboring Cherokee County that contained an estimated 15,000-20,000 plants.
Why it is important: It might not be in Henderson County, but it is close, and that much pot could’ve kept Woodstock rolling another three days.
Learn more: The Tyler Paper.

Week of June 25, 2012

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Fireworks by bayasaa, on Flickr.

Story No. 1 – Here comes the Fourth: It is time to enjoy the rocket’s red glare and a few hot dogs. Wednesday is July 4.
Why it is important: There are big doings around Henderson County next week, including Fireworks at the Fishery Center in Athens (July 4), July Fest in Gun Barrel City (July 6-7), and Thunder over Cedar Creek Lake (July 7).
Learn more: The Malakoff News.

Story No. 2 – Athens ISD budget approved: Athens ISD trustees approved a $23.5 million budget last week. The proposed tax rate to fund the budget is $1.8647 per $100 valuation tax rate, which is the same rate charged to taxpayers since 2009.
Why it is important: Considering all the problems facing most school districts at this time, Athens is doing pretty well. This year’s budget is actually slightly higher than last year’s.
Learn more: The Athens News.

Story No. 3 – Malakoff Housing Authority fiasco: The Malakoff Housing Authority is in full meltdown mode. The low-cost housing is a project of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Why it is important: People have been fired; laws have been broken; illegal meetings have been held; and eviction notices have been sent. It’s a smorgasbord of bad government.
Learn more: The Malakoff News.

Story No. 4 – Gooden to file DWI legislation: State Rep. Lance Gooden has agreed to file legislation to help assist prosecutors in DWI enforcement. The law change was suggested by Henderson County law enforcement, especially District Attorney Scott McKee.
Why it is important: Because Texas has a problem with DWI – just ask the 1,075 people killed in DWI crashes in 2010.
Learn more: The Malakoff News.

Story No. 5 – SCOTUS rules on Health Care Act: Can’t say it better than they did at the LA Times: “The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of President Obama’s healthcare law Thursday, ruling the government may impose tax penalties on persons who do not have health insurance.”
Why it is important: This has been one of the most divisive issues in the country.
Learn more: The Athens Review.

Week of June 18, 2012

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Story No. 1 – The state released STAAR results: The Texas Education Agency released preliminary results for the STAAR and the last few TAKS tests. The STAAR is the new test which was rolled out for the first time this year. 
Why it is important: Educators are facing a lot of challenges with the new test, and some of those are showing up in the results. Athens High School freshmen finished below the state average on all five major STAAR end-of-course tests given this year.
Learn more: The Malakoff News had a story about Malakoff ISD’s grades, and The Athens News had a story about the Athens ISD grades.

Story No. 2 – Body found at Judicial Complex: The Facebook Telegraph hummed with the news Tuesday that a body was found in a pickup truck in the parking lot of the Judicial Complex in Athens. Although few details have been released, it is looking like the poor woman died of natural causes.
Why it is important: Anytime a body is found in a parking lot it causes a stir.
Learn more: Here’s an update from the Review.

Story No. 3 – Fourth of July is coming: That’s right, everybody’s favorite patriotic holiday is just a couple weeks away. There will be fireworks at the Fishery Center, fireworks on Cedar Creek Lake, and a big celebration is planned in Gun Barrel City.
Why it is important: Seriously, you have to ask? It’s the Fourth of July!
Learn more: Keep an eye out online and in the papers for details of events, and watch next week’s 5 Things for an update

Story No. 4 – Chandler up next: It looks like Chandler will be the next city in the county to try and get beer and wine sales approved.
Why it is important: Alcohol elections always raise questions in Henderson County.
Learn more: KYTX television had a story.

 

Week of June 11, 2012

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Story No. 1 – Big bills for primary election: Henderson County Commissioners’ Court is still paying bills from last month’s primary election. According to the County Auditor, the election cost the county about $43,000.
Why it is important: Because the primary isn’t over yet! There is still a runoff to go, and that will push the cost even higher.
Learn more: The Malakoff News and The Athens News had the story this week. Check Page 7A.

Story No. 2 – Athens man gets out of jail after illegal sentence: Gerald McMorris was released recently after serving 20 years even though he had the wrong sentence.
Why it is important: Because not only did the system get this wrong, the system also fixed the mistake.
Learn more: Art Lawler at the Review wrote a four-part series on McMorris this week. Start here.

Story No. 3 – Stephanie Perryman is KAB top volunteer: Last Friday, Keep Athens Beautiful named board member Stephanie Perryman its Volunteer of the Year.
Why it is important: Because KAB is an important part of Athens, and the group had a great year.
Learn more: The Athens News had a story and photos. Remember, the Athens News pages start at the back of the file.

Story No. 4 – Tyler police catch man flashing joggers: James Claybourn Kiser was arrested Wednesday for indecent exposure on the Rose Rudman Trail.
Why it is important: Kiser is from Athens, has a long criminal history, and is the suspect in flashing incidents at Cain Park.
Learn more: The Tyler Paper has the story.

Story No. 5 – No information on Tool remains: Police still have no information on the skull and human remains found near Tool earlier in the month. Sheriff’s officials said a report from the forensics lab could still take a few weeks.
Why it is important: A lot of folks are very interested in this story and are waiting to see what happens.
Learn more: There have been no updates in the newspapers, but The Malakoff News/Athens News reported the lack of new information this week on its Facebook page.

Week of May 28, 2012

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The Malakoff High School Class of 2012 graduated last Friday. This Friday, seniors from Athens, Trinidad and Cross Roads will receive their diplomas.

Story No. 1 – It is cap and gown time: The Class of 2012 is saying goodbye to high school and hello to adulthood. Seniors in Athens, Trinidad and Cross Roads all walk the stage Friday, June 1.
Why it is important: High School graduation is still the ultimate welcome-to-adulthood ceremony in the U.S.
Learn more: There hasn’t been anything posted in the local newspapers yet — although The Malakoff News reported on the MHS graduation last week — but I bet if you keep an eye on Facebook this weekend, you will see dozens of photos.

Story No. 2 – Primary election leads to runoff: After months of delays because of redistricting problems, Texas finally held its primary elections this week. There were no surprises at the county level.
Why it is important: Well, things aren’t quite over for Scotty Thomas and Ken Hayes, who are in a runoff for the Pct. 1 Commissioner’s seat. The runoff will be held July 31.
Learn more: Both the Review and The Malakoff News had multiple stories.

Story No. 3 – Incumbents win State House, Senate seats: State Senator Robert Nichols, State Rep. Jim Pitts, and State Rep. Lance Gooden all held off challenges in the Republican primary this week.
Why it is important: Since none of the incumbents drew opponents from the Democratic Party, it looks like Henderson County will have continuity in its delegation to Austin.
Learn more: Again, both the Review and The Malakoff News had stories.

Story No. 4 – Veterans visit Washington, D.C.: A group of 33 World War II veterans from East Texas left from Tyler this week to visit their monument in the nation’s capital.
Why it is important: There are two area veterans — one from Athens and one from Malakoff — on the trip.
Learn more: The Tyler Paper has a story and a video.

Story No. 5 – The Garden in The Forest opens: Dignitaries opened a new feature at the East Texas Arboretum last weekend. The Garden in The Forest provides a paved, landscaped nature path for the very young and old alike.
Why it is important: The Arboretum is a real treasure for Henderson County, and The Garden in The Forest adds a dimension that promises to be very useful for area students.
Learn more: The Athens News reported on the opening (The Athens News is at the back of the file for The Malakoff News)

Week of May 21, 2012

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Story No. 1 – Primary Election Day: After a long, long wait because of redistricting issues, Primary Election Day will finally take place in Texas on Tuesday.
Why it is important: There are many big races on the ballot — State Rep. District 4 & District 10; Pct. 1 Commissioner; Pct. 3 Commissioner; Tax Assessor-Collector — and some of them don’t have Democratic challengers, so the winner Tuesday will be the winner in November.
Learn more: The Henderson County website has sample ballots and the Notice of Election, which includes the polling places.

Story No. 2 – Graduation time: Malakoff High School graduated Thursday night (May 24), but most area schools won’t graduate until next week. Athens High School seniors will walk across the stage on June 1.
Why it is important: A college education might be a prerequisite for getting a good job, but it is still the high school diploma that seems to provide entrance to adulthood.
Learn more: The Review has stories on the valedictorians and salutatorians at Athens High School and the Athens Christian Preparatory Academy.

Story No. 3 – Murchison may expand: Murchison ISD currently goes through 8th grade, but the district is exploring the possibility of adding a high school.
Why it is important: It would of course be big for Murchison, but it could also impact Brownsboro ISD and Athens ISD. Because those two district usually absorb the Murchison high school students, and the way the state funds school districts, the loss of students could mean a loss of money.
Learn more: Art Lawler at the Review had a story.

Story No. 4 – Athens ISD board prepares for budget: At a school board meeting late last week, the AISD board began working on budget issues, including setting a proposed tax rate, setting the teacher pay scale, and setting a budget public hearing date.
Why it is important: Schools take the biggest local tax bite.
Learn more: The Athens News had a story, but doesn’t have a website. The proposed tax rate is the current tax rate of $1.18647 per $100-valuation. The teacher pay scale stays the same. The budget hearing will be 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21.

Story No. 5 – Lon Morris College lays off nearly everyone: The private, 2-year college in Jacksonville is facing financial troubles and took drastic measures this week as the start of what has been characterized as a reorganization.
Why it is important: Everyone talks about money problems, but it is still jarring to see something like a college fold.
Learn more: The Tyler Paper has a story.