Auctioneer Battle at HCPAC

HCPACPress release

The gauntlet has been thrown down. “I challenge the professional auctioneer, Kenny Stowe, to raise more money than I do,” declared Jeff Weinstein.

The auction at which Mr. Stowe and Mr. Weinstein will be ‘celebrity guest auctioneers’ is the annual Goodies Auction at Henderson County Performing Arts Center during the youth production of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Each performance will have an auction of baked goodies and other homemade items donated by locals to benefit the Performing Arts Center. Continue reading “Auctioneer Battle at HCPAC”

Gun Barrel City Gets Tool Fire Truck

gbc firePress release

The City of Tool received approval from the Texas Forestry Service to allow the transfer of Tool’s 2011 brush truck to Gun Barrel City Volunteer Fire Deparment.

Tool City Secretary Makenzie Blaser said, “The brush truck was received through a Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB2604) in 2009, following the creation of the City’s Volunteer Fire Department. Per the grant requirement, the truck must be maintained in firefighting service by the original acquiring department for a period of 10 years, it also needs to have full coverage with a trucker insurance.”

According to Blaser, the grant was made possible through the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The city council made a motion, and approved to transfer the truck to the City of Gun Barrel City upon the request of Gun Barrel City Fire Chief Joey Lindaman. Gun Barrel City has agreed to continue to provide mutual aid assistance so that the truck would still remain in service to the citizens of Tool.

Athens Police Urge Residents to Guard Against Vehicle Burglaries

CITY OF ATHENS - 4 Color LogoPress release

The Athens Police Department has seen a recent increase in theft reports from unlocked vehicles. Most burglaries occur at night while the vehicle is parked outside the owner’s residence. While some burglars target vehicles that are parked in parking lots while the owner’s are at work, attending school, or shopping.

These types of burglaries are “crimes of opportunity” that can be combated by taking a proactive approach to safeguarding your valuables. Don’t make it easy for a burglar to steal your property. This holiday season we ask that you follow a few simple measures so you can reduce the likelihood of being a victim.

  • Leave any unneeded valuables at home.
  • Park your vehicle in well lit areas, lock all your doors and roll up your windows, regardless if your vehicle is parked at your residence or in a parking lot. Call Baltimore Paving Pros for a secure parking lot. Leaving vehicles unlocked is one of the most common things people do that help thieves steal your property.
  • Avoid leaving packages or shopping bags out in the open. This also applies to purses, wallets, cellular phones, electronics, and brief cases. If you have to leave items inside your vehicle, secure them out of sight in the center console, the glove box, or the trunk. If you leave items in your vehicle and they are visible, the chances your vehicle will get broken into, increase greatly.
  • Do not leave firearms in your vehicle overnight.

If your vehicle is broken into you are asked to contact the Athens Police Department immediately and be ready to provide a detailed list of the stolen items including the serial number, model number, and brand name. Promptly reporting any crime to law enforcement is an important factor in recovering stolen property and in catching the thieves.

It is imperative that all citizens implement security measures such as a home camera system to help reduce criminal activities. The most important thing you can do is immediately report any suspicious activity. You are the eyes and ears of your neighborhood and business.

Anyone with information regarding vehicle burglaries or any other crime can report a tip to Henderson County Crime Stoppers at 800-545-8477.

Dogwood Trails Camp Breaks Ground on New Lake

dogwoodAfter five years of planning and fundraising, Dogwood Trails Camp and Retreat Center in Larue broke ground on Saturday for a new lake. The camp is owned by Dogwood Trails Baptist Association, which is excited about the project and all that the Lord is doing at camp. This much anticipated addition will enhance the camp for years to come. Thanks to all who gave and participated! You can find out more at www.dogwoodtrailscamp.com.

Athens Brothers Bring Out Best in Each Other in Air Force

Air Force Senior Airman Juan Antonio, left, is stationed with his brother, Air Force Airman 1st Class Antonio Antonio, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Both brothers earned early promotion to senior airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natasha Stannard)
Air Force Senior Airman Juan Antonio, left, is stationed with his brother, Air Force Airman 1st Class Antonio Antonio, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Both brothers earned early promotion to senior airman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Natasha Stannard)

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Natasha Stannard/633rd Air Base Wing

JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va., Nov. 24, 2014 – Growing up in Athens, Texas, in a single-income home didn’t leave Juan Antonio and his brother, Antonio Antonio, much to fall back on, but they never dwelled on what they didn’t have. They just did the best with what they had, which was each other.

“There have been many things that we have been through [that] not many others experience, but no matter what the struggle was, we overcame it,” Juan said.

They overcame difficulties not only by sticking together, but also by setting goals and helping each other achieve them. Continue reading “Athens Brothers Bring Out Best in Each Other in Air Force”