(Photo by Muffet used under a Creative Commons License)
Story No. 1 – Burn Ban: Henderson County Commissioners’ Court extended the burn ban again this week. The ban has been in effect since April with commissioners renewing it every two weeks. There was one important change this week: residents can use propane grills and smokers to cook outdoors now. Charcoal is still a no-no.
Why it is important: Area residents might think the drought is over because of the recent rains. Wrong! Henderson County is still near the top of the Keetch-Bynum Drought scale. You don’t want to pick up a $500 fine for burning a pile of leaves or grilling a burger the wrong way. Plus, if you start a fire and it gets out of control, you are the one liable for the damages to your neighbor’s property.
Learn more: The Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office has the ordinance posted online.
Extra: Fire Marshal Darrell Furrh announced this week indictments and arrests were made in two separate arson cases around Cedar Creek Lake. Read about that here.
Story No. 2 – County Offices Move: Henderson County government offices began moving into the new Annex (the old Prosperity Bank Building) this month. Departments already calling the Annex home include the Tax and Auto Office, Veterans’ Affairs, the IT Department, the County Treasurer and the County Auditor. Next week, Commissioners’ Court will begin holding its meetings in Room 100 of the Annex. Meetings will still be held on Tuesdays at 9 a.m.
Why it is important: You don’t want to get lost when you have to pay your taxes.
Learn more: Here is a story from June 2010, when the county closed on the bank building, as a reminder of how we got to this point.
Story No. 3 – Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. County officials and domestic abuse survivors gathered on the Courthouse Square in Athens Tuesday to mark the occasion.
Why it is important: Because Henderson County has a very real, but very quiet domestic violence problem. In the past year, local agencies (Crisis Center, HELP Center, Family Peace Project) have assisted 897 new domestic violence victims or children of victims in Henderson County alone.
Learn more: Here’s the Athens Review story of the proclamation signing. The Texas Council on Family Violence has a very informative website.
Story No. 4 – Edom Festival of the Arts: The annual Edom Festival of the Arts will be this weekend, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival features art, music, fun for the kids, and great food.
Why it is important: This event is nearly 40 years old and is the biggest art festival in the area; there’s nothing else like it in this part of Texas. Also, your Saturday alternative is that honey-do list.
Learn more: Check out the Edom website.
Story No. 5 – Texas Rangers: The Texas Rangers lead the American League Championship Series 3-2 and are just one game away from their second straight World Series appearance. The Rangers will play the Detroit Tigers in Game 6 Saturday night with Game 7, if necessary, scheduled for Sunday night.
Why it is important: Two reasons. First, win or lose, the Rangers are what everyone will be talking about Monday morning and you don’t want to be left out. Second, the other option is the Cowboys and does anyone really think they will beat New England Sunday?
Learn more: Check out the Texas Rangers website or the Official site of Major League Baseball.