Tag Archives: the malakoff news

Week of January 9, 2012

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Story No. 1 – Smoking ordinance public hearings: After months of discussion, residents of Athens are going to get the chance to be heard on the city’s proposed no smoking ordinance. The first of two public hearings is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 23.
Why it is important: It doesn’t matter if you smoke or don’t smoke, or even if you are a resident of Athens or not … this ordinance will have an effect on you if you go in public in the city.
Learn more: The Review has the story on the public hearing.

Story No. 2 – Election confusion: Federal and state officials are still having trouble figuring out the once-a-decade redistricting from 2011, and the result is confusion all across Texas politics.
Why it is important: If you are waiting on a voter registration card, you are going to have to wait a little bit longer.
Learn more: Both the Review and The Malakoff News had the story.

Story No. 3 – Time for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday is the annual MLK holiday. Johnson Chapel AME Church will be hosting the Annual Gospel Explosion starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and the annual Candlelight Vigil will be held 7 p.m. Monday at New Hope Corinth CME Church. Both churches are in Malakoff.
Why it is important: Civil rights, nonviolence, service, equality, courage, faithfulness … Dr. King is an example for us in so many ways.
Learn more: Check out the official website.

Story No. 4 – TVCC back in session: Students registered this week for the spring semester at Trinity Valley Community College.
Why it is important: Basketball is back, for one. Another reason is a new requirement for students this semester is a bacterial meningitis vaccination.
Learn more: Here’s info about the vaccination.

Story No. 5 – Meeting for big outreach: The big rally might be over, but Henderson County Christians are looking to keep the momentum going forward. A planning meeting is scheduled for Monday at Sand Springs Baptist Church for a February outreach.
Why it is important: There are plenty of poor and down-on-their-luck people in Henderson County right now who need help – hopefully this is a step in that direction.
Learn more: Henderson County Christian has info.

*BONUS STORY – Day for friggatriskaidekaphobia: That’s right, it is Friday the 13th… the first of 2012. There will be two more this year (April, July).
Why it is important: Seriously, how many times do you get to use friggatriskaidekaphobia?
Learn More: Time to turn to Wikipedia.

Week of January 2, 2012

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Lupe's Tree Service in Athens takes down the last Christmas decoration on the square this week, the Santa hot air balloon.

Story No. 1 – It is a New Year: Holiday fatigue has set in, but the BCS Championship Game still hasn’t been played … yep, the calendar just turned.
Why it is important: Well, beyond the normal things like resolutions that will be broken and checks written with the wrong date, this January brings us face-to-face with the final demise of the planet … according to the Mayans.
Learn more: If you want to read about the “2012 phenomenon,” check out this Wikipedia article. If you’d rather do the usual and read about the Top Stories of 2011, check out this in the Review, or this in The Malakoff News.

Story No. 2 – First Baby of 2012: Aleigia Shamlin of Malakoff was the first baby of the year in Henderson County, born 8:41 a.m. on Jan. 1. Mom is Samantha Curry and dad is Terry Shamlin.
Why it is important: The first baby is tradition and tradition is important. Besides, she’s cute.
Learn more: Check out Aleigia’s photo debut.

Story No. 3 – Nativity scene gone but not forgotten: Well, 2012 did what the Freedom From Religion Foundation couldn’t – it made the nativity scene on the courthouse lawn disappear. Light Up Athens put away the decorations around the square this week.
Why it is important: Unfortunately, this will not be an “out of sight, out of mind” issue. The FFRF is expected to approach Henderson County sometime in March or April to request room on the square for one of its banners next Christmas.
Learn more: There is just sooooo much information out there about this issue that I suggest you just Google “Athens nativity” if you need a refresher.

Story No. 4 – Cross Roads cattle poisoned: Laboratory test results confirmed that 29 head of cattle found dead in Cross Roads last week were killed by eating hay with high levels of nitrates.
Why it is important: Nitrates can be found in forages grown during drought conditions. A high enough level of nitrate can kill a cow in an hour. Local Extension Service officials are encouraging local livestock owners to test their hay.
Learn more: The Malakoff News had the story as did the Athens Review.

Story No. 5 – Primary election pushed back: The new primary election date is April 3 for Texas Republicans and Democrats; and filing deadlines have been pushed back, but nobody is exactly sure when that will restart.
Why it is important: Wouldn’t it be nice to know when to vote?
Learn more: Check out the Review story.

Week of December 26, 2011

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(Photo by CNHI used under a Creative Commons License)

Story No. 1 - Controversy over nativity scene:  In early December a Wisconsin-based atheist group issued a demand that Henderson County remove a nativity scene from the Courthouse lawn, which the county refused. Later the group, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, tried to get one of its anti-God banners displayed, but that also did not happen.
Why it makes the list: Because of the response from the community and the media coverage. In less than 48 hours this story went from county newspapers to national television. A rally organized by four pastors brought an estimated 5,000 to the Athens square.
Will it carry into 2012?: Yes. The Freedom From Religion Foundation may have lost this battle, but has no intention of going away. Gear up for next Christmas.

Story No. 2 - Drought and wildfires: If Henderson County has ever been drier than it was this year, no one is left who can remember that time. Commissioners’ Court had the county under a burn ban for seven straight months, and volunteer firefighters spent the summer running from one blaze to another.
Why it makes the list: Things got so bad that communities started holding fundraisers to help get supplies to exhausted VFDs. At one point, the sound of a fire siren was enough to send frightened residents scurrying to social media for information.
Will it carry into 2012?: Unfortunately, yes. The Texas state climatologist said next year will be just as bad.

Story No. 3 - School district changes: After multiple attempts, Athens ISD was finally able to pass a bond this year to expand the Bel Air campus. AISD also changed to attendance zones for Bel Air and South. The district also got a new superintendent in Dr. Robert Steeber.
Why it makes the list: Simply passing the bond after so many years of futility would have been enough to make the list, but Dr. Steeber was also faced with rebuilding the majority of the administrative staff; plus he has to complete a construction project he didn’t plan.
Will it carry into 2012?: Absolutely – and watching how Dr. Steeber works should be a major storyline for next year.

Story No. 4 - Changes for county government: Henderson County got a new county judge in Richard Sanders and a new commissioner in Ken Geeslin this year. Not only that, but Commissioners’ Court also got a new home in the Henderson County Annex (the old Prosperity Bank Building).
Why it makes the list: Although the changes happened without much fanfare, the move of several county offices to the Annex will impact nearly every county resident. The changes to Commissioners’ Court will do the same at a time when all government is struggling (see Story 5).
Will it carry into 2012?: Yes, because Pct. 2 Commissioner Joe Hall has decided he will not run for reelection. His replacement, along with Sanders and Geeslin, could change the balance of power in the county government.

Story No. 5 - Painful budgets: From the State Legislature to the local city council, elected officials are dealing with rising costs and declining revenue. Like everyone else faced with reduced buying power, government has to choose which services to cut.
Why it makes the list: The biggest impact of the state’s budget cuts so far has been felt at the school districts. Almost every district had to cut teacher positions and programs this year.
Will it carry into 2012?: For sure. More budget cuts are coming for school districts next year, and even bigger cuts are expected when the State Legislature meets in 2013.

Week of December 12, 2011

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Story No. 1 – No Banner This Year: A Freedom From Religion Foundation spokeswoman confirmed Friday that there will be no FFRF banner on the courthouse lawn this year.
Why it is important: Pushing the issue to next year should drain some of the emotion out of the situation and give attorneys a chance to work out the legal points.
Learn more: The Malakoff News broke the story here.

Story No. 2 – Rally Time: A big crowd is expected for the Henderson County Nativity Rally Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. on the courthouse square.
Why it is important: After being relegated to social media for nearly two weeks, county Christians will be able to personally turn out “ in love, to unite and show the world the true spirit of Christ and Christmas.”
Learn more: The Athens Review, the Tyler Paper, and The Malakoff News all have stories.

Story No. 3 – Primary mess: By court order, filing for a spot on the Republican and Democratic party primary ballots has been extended to Monday. And it will be opened up again at a later time because no one knows what’s going on with redistrict maps. A good sign is that officials from both parties agreed to move the election date back to April 3, but that also has to be approved by a panel of judges, so who knows.
Why it is important: Because candidates can’t file if they don’t know what district they are in.
Learn more: The Review had a basic story, and here is a story from the Texas Tribune .

Story No. 4 – Thunder Bridge closing: The bridge over the Union Pacific Railway on CR 1500 on the edge of Athens will be closed, according to railway officials.
Why it is important: The bridge is more than 100 years old and it will cost around $1.5 million to replace, officials said. There are also several families along CR 1500 who have been cut off from a direct route to Athens.
Learn more: The Review had the story here.

Story No. 5 – School finance lawsuit: The Texas Coalition – which includes Malakoff ISD – filed its school finance lawsuit against the state in Austin last week.
Why it is important: Although it seems far away, legislators will soon be battling over more budget cuts.
Learn more: The Malakoff News had a story.

Week of December 5, 2011

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Most of the time, 5 Things is for busy area residents to catch up on the week’s big stories. This time, however, since just about everyone has heard that a Wisconsin-based organization is working to get Henderson County commissioners to remove a nativity scene from the courthouse lawn, we’ve decided to list the 5 Things you need to know about the issue.

Story No. 1 – Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) demands action: Monday afternoon, Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders received a letter, addressed to all commissioners, from the FFRF demanding that the commissioners “take immediate action to ensure that no religious displays are on city or county property.”
Why it is important: The threat of a lawsuit was implied by the letter, even if it wasn’t specifically stated.
Learn more: The story was reported by The Malakoff News, and the Athens Daily Review. After that the story was picked up by every media outlet from Dallas to Tyler and beyond.

Story No. 2 – County responds: County Attorney Clint Davis framed the county’s written response, saying: “Henderson County believes that it is in complete compliance with the requirements of the Constitution and acting very much in accord with prior U.S. Supreme Court rulings.”
Why it is important: Mainly because the FFRF, after reading Davis’s response, changed the direction of their legal argument.
Learn more: The Malakoff News  and the Athens Daily Review both had the story.

Story No. 3 – Social media drives story: While undoubtedly important, the issue went from a local to a regional story because of the deluge of comments from area residents on Facebook and media websites. Literally thousands of comments were posted in two days.
Why it is important: First, because it gives you a way to follow the twists and turns of the story. Second, because the entire episode is a lesson in the power of social media.
Learn more: Jayson Larson at the Athens Review took an interesting look at the first few hours on Facebook after the story broke.

Story No. 4 – National media pays attention: By Thursday morning, Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders and FBC Malakoff Pastor Nathan Lorick were on the Fox News Channel. Friday, Lorick was interviewed on the Glenn Beck radio show.
Why it is important: Any time a local gets on national television or radio, it’s news. It also is an example of just how big the story has become.
Learn more: Google “Nathan Lorick” and then click the news button. As of Thursday night there were 52 stories, including pieces from Fox News, the Washington Post, and St. Louis Today.

Story No. 5 – Pastors schedule rally: There will be a Henderson County Nativity Rally on the Courthouse Square from noon-1 p.m. next Saturday, Dec. 17. Today (Dec. 9), a group of more than 70 church leaders from around the county showed up at a meeting to help plan for the rally.
Why it is important: A few reasons – first, this has the possibility of blowing up into something really, really huge; second, nothing in this county has brought 70-plus Christian leaders together before; and third, there is a possibility of a live nativity scene on the square, which is always cool.
Learn more: Check out the event Facebook page here.

Week of November 28, 2011

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Story No. 1 – Primary filing period opens: Filing for the Republican and Democratic primary elections officially began this past Monday and will run through Dec. 15. The election will be held March 6.
Why it is important: Because there are plenty of important seats open this election cycle, including: State Senator, State Representative (x2), Sheriff, District Attorney, County Attorney, Pct. 1 Commissioner, and Pct. 3 Commissioner – not to mention several more localized races.
Learn more: The Malakoff News had a midweek roundup of filings. 

Story No. 2 – Parade time: Santa can’t come to town without a parade, it seems, and Henderson County residents have their choice of four different events over the next two weekends. Athens and Gun Barrel City will both be hosting parades this Saturday night. Next Saturday, Dec. 10, Malakoff will host the only daytime parade and Eustace will host its Christmas on the Square.
Why it is important: Because we don’t want any Scrooges around here.
Learn more: Here’s info on the Athens parade, the GBC parade, and the Malakoff parade. Sorry, we couldn’t find anything for Eustace except the date.

Story No. 3 – Michael Landers honored: Trinity Valley Community College women’s basketball coach Michael Landers received a plaque and some much deserved praise Wednesday night for reaching the 400-win mark.
Why it is important: Because the TVCC women’s basketball program is a source of excellence year in and year out — and you really don’t get to see excellence all that often.
Learn more: Not much else to say.
Bonus info.: Remember, the TVCC football Cardinals will be in the Citizens Bank Bowl this weekend.

Story No. 4 – Kendall Sanders decommits: Athens senior Kendall Sanders backed off his verbal commitment to play football at OSU this week, saying he would like to look closer at other offers.
Why it is important: Because the move came after an unofficial visit to Austin and the University of Texas — and everything about UT is important.
Learn more: UPDATE: On Friday, the Athens Daily Review reported that Kendall Sanders has decided to commit to the University of Texas. Jayson Larson at the Review has the latest.

Story No. 5 – Senate passes defense spending bill: The U.S. Senate Thursday passed a $662 billion defense spending plan. Included in the plan is a controversial provision that would allow the government to indefinitely detain suspected terrorists, even if they are American citizens.
Why it is important: Rarely does 5 Things pick a national story, but the balance between security and civil rights touches us all.
Learn more: To try and be fair we were going to run the stories from both Fox News and MSNBC, but both websites used the Associated Press version. Instead we flipped a coin, so here is the Associated Press story on Fox News - which is identical to the story on MSNBC.

Week of November 21, 2011

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Carol Morton of Keep Athens Beautiful is caught moving into her new office at the new Athens EDC building this week.

Story No. 1 – Moving into Athens EDC building: After more than two years, the first tenants have moved into the building purchased by the Athens EDC (the old Eckerd Drug building on W. Corsicana Street). So far AEDC, Keep Athens Beautiful, and the TVCC Small Business Development Center have taken up residence. The Athens Tourism Department and the Athens Chamber of Commerce will also be moving in.
Why it is important: Because having all those entities under one roof could act like an incubator for ideas and business for Athens … and also because it is your tax dollars that paid for the building.
Extra Info: The building has not been named yet, but several suggestions will likely be on the next AEDC agenda. Our favorite so far is the Athens Partnership Center.
Learn more: This Athens Review story from August marks the start of renovations to the building.

Story No. 2 – TVCC tree lighting: Monday (Nov. 28), Trinity Valley Community College will kick off the holiday season with a Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m. There will be music and fun and a big elf in a red suit.
Why it is important: All around the county folks are getting ready for Christmas and the New Year. By the time Monday rolls around, decorations will be up on the square. The following weekend is the Athens parade and GBC parade, the weekend after that is the Malakoff parade. With everything going on it is nice to have an official start.
Learn more: Here are some more details from TVCC.

Story No. 3 – Education funding lawsuits: The Malakoff ISD school board this week decided to join a lawsuit against the State of Texas regarding school funding.
Why it is important: School funding doesn’t just touch everyone in the county, the issue goes directly back to the past Legislative Session and the way lawmakers cut the budget. Malakoff is not the only district involved – no, far from it. There are four different groups filing lawsuits, and the biggest one (which includes Eustace ISD but not Malakoff) represents more than 300 districts.
Learn more: The Malakoff story is here.

Story No. 4 – Seven Points settlement: Three separate lawsuit settlements involving the Seven Points Police Department will cost taxpayers $21,500.
Why it is important: First, because hopefully we are seeing the gradual winding down of the problems that have rocked Seven Points over the last couple of years. Second, because the problems that have rocked Seven Points over the last couple of years better be a cautionary tale for other small municipalities around the county.
Learn more: Art Lawler at the Review has been all over this story from the very start.

Story No. 5 – Holiday shopping season opens: The Christmas tree will be going up this weekend for many folks – which means thoughts will be turning not to sugar plums, but to filling up the space under the tree with gifts.
Why it is important: It isn’t just the season to be merry, it is the season to be scammed. The holidays already cost an arm and a leg, make sure it doesn’t cost your identity as well.
Learn more: The Athens PD has some great tips on how to be safe while shopping.

Week of October 31, 2011

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Story No. 1 – Daylight Savings Ends: Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep Saturday night. Officially, daylight savings ends 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
Why it is important: Do you really want to lose an extra hour of sleep? Me either.
Learn more: What’s better than Wikipedia for this sort of explanation?

Story No. 2 – Big Game Saturday: Last week, the TVCC Cardinals and the Navarro College Bulldogs played one of the most entertaining football games of the year, with the Cardinals winning 55-51. The college playoffs start this Saturday and the same two teams will face off at 3 p.m. at Bruce Field.
Why it is important: The Cardinals scored two touchdowns in the final 1:50 last week to pull off the upset and get this week’s playoff game at home. These two teams are primed to put on a show Saturday afternoon, and at $5 a ticket to watch guys who may end up playing on Sundays you can’t beat the price.
Learn more: Get ready for the game by reading Jayson Larson’s wrap up from last week.

Story No. 3 – Cancer Making Noise: Cancer survivors rode into Athens this week to send a statement to Congressman Jeb Hensarling about the importance of cancer research funding. Hensarling is a member of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.
Why it is important: From Washington to Austin to Henderson County, government agencies are cutting budgets. Hensarling’s committee has been tasked with slicing $11.5 trillion in spending over the next 10 years. Expect to see more such demonstrations from a variety of sources in the coming year.
Learn more: Here’s the Review story on the cancer bus.

Story No. 4 – Deer Season: Saturday, Nov. 5, is the start of white-tail deer hunting season.
Why it is important: Well … it’s deer season.
Learn more: Here is a great column in the Austin-American Statesman about the start of deer season. The Houston Chronicle says more deer, smaller antlers.

Story No. 5 – Changes at Malakoff Food Pantry: The Malakoff Food Pantry is now Faith in Action Outreach. The name change reflects an expanding ministry, and the desire for the non-denominational organization to help more people in more ways.
Why it is important: Faith in Action Outreach helps feed 1,000 people a month, a staggering number of hungry when you think about it. Also, the organization started a weekend feeding program for students at Malakoff and Eustace elementary schools. A similar, but separate, program was already underway at Tool elementary. The economic troubles are causing a greater need in Henderson County.
Learn more: Here is the story about Faith in Action from The Malakoff News. And here is the group’s website.