Category: Government

CPS training kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month

CPS investigators discuss their training at The Henderson County Help Center Thursday morning. (Michael V. Hannigan photo)

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

I watched the scary man lean back in his chair and tap the pistol on a table littered with poker chips, beer cans, whiskey bottles and what looked like might be narcotics. Even the best poker chips on the table were smeared with what appeared to be chocolate.

His scowl was intimidating.

Two bigger, more frightening, men argued with a pair of women I couldn’t see around a corner. The women had shown up unexpectedly and started asking questions about children.

When The Scowl stood up with his gun, picked up a baggie of pills and disappeared into a back room, I got really nervous.

But this was training and the bad guys were just playing roles — albeit playing their parts very well — all in the name of safeguarding children and those sworn to protect them.

Welcome to the world of a CPS investigator.

Continue reading “CPS training kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month”

City of Athens extends deadline for 2018 Downtown Facade Improvement Program

Press release

The City of Athens announces an extension for the application deadline for the 2018 Downtown Façade Improvement Program. The deadline has been extended from March 1st to Friday, March 16.

The program is grant-based and available to property owners who own buildings located in the Downtown Façade Improvement Program Downtown Area, which includes the nine blocks of downtown, Athens Alley and a few other areas adjacent to the square.

Continue reading “City of Athens extends deadline for 2018 Downtown Facade Improvement Program”

Meet and greet scheduled for new Athens City Manager

Press release

The City Council of the City of Athens is pleased to announce the hiring of Elizabeth Borstad as City Manager for the City of Athens. The City Council unanimously voted to approve the hiring on Monday, January 22, 2018.

The public is cordially invited to a “Meet and Greet” on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 4-6 p.m. at the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society Woman’s Building located at 1601 Patterson Road Athens, Texas 75751.

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Councilwoman floats idea for library at the Cain Center

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The Athens City Council approved the budget and direction for the Cain Center rehabilitation project last Friday, but also set aside 30 days to explore a brand new idea for the center.

Athens council makes decision on Cain Center project

Councilwoman Toni Garrard Clay said, “This is going to be something out of the blue for a lot of people.”

She then went on to “float the idea

City of Athens collection station to close

Press release

At their Monday, January 8, 2018, meeting, the Athens City Council voted to close the city’s collection station. This decision was made in concern of the cost to maintain and operate the facility, the regulatory liability that comes with maintaining the facility, and the recognition that there are other facilities within the county that can provide the same service to residents.

City staff is currently evaluating the steps it will take to close the facility.

“We want to ensure that the closing of the facility is done in a manner that ensures Athens residents are well aware of the change,” said Managing Director of Public Services Ryan Adams. “Our priority will be to ensure all residents are aware of their options for properly disposing of their garbage, brush and bulky items.”

Until a closing date is set and communicated, the facility will remain open according to its regular schedule. Residents with any questions are encouraged to call City Hall at 903-675-5131 or email [email protected].