AHS band members advance in competition

Thirty-one Athens High School students competed Dec. 8 at the Association of Texas Small School Bands’ (ATSSB) all-region contest in Henderson. Of those, 21 earned a spot in either the symphonic or concert ATSSB bands. The nine who made the symphonic band will advance to the area competition round on January 12 at Chapel Hill High School. Those named to the concert band are (top row, from left) Daniela Becker, Lizbeth Casio, Sabrina Becker, Sarah Campa, Brenda Ruvalcaba, Kagan Maronde, (middle row from left) Kathy Romero, Ellissa Comeaux, Kaylee Passons, Rori Flowers, David Rondan and Ethan Pace (first alternate). Students who made the symphonic band and advance to area competition are (bottom row, from left) Madison Rhodes, Flor Lopez, Leslie Alsobrook, Jetlira Ademaj, Ana Barcenas, Maria Garcia, Yuvia Leon, Allison Martinez and Grace McCool. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

Athens board schedules vote on 4-day instructional week

The Athens ISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote Friday afternoon on instituting a 4-day instructional week starting next year, Board President Rob Risko confirmed.

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

The Athens ISD Board of Trustees is expected to vote Friday afternoon on instituting a 4-day instructional week starting next year, Board President Rob Risko confirmed.

The special meeting is scheduled for noon Friday, Dec. 14 at the District Support Center Board Room, 104 Hawn Street.

Continue reading “Athens board schedules vote on 4-day instructional week”

Referendum on Cain Center to be held in May

The City keeps the Certificates of Obligation money in support of the Steering Committee’s work of developing a plan for fixing and running the Cain Center. In May, voters will get the chance to say if they approve.

File photo

(ABOVE: Listen to our podcast on this issue with Mayor Monte Montgomery and Councilman Ed McCain.)

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

Call it a compromise.

The Athens City Council Monday evening approved conducting a citizen’s referendum on using Certificates of Obligation money for the Cain Center project.

Monday’s action — along with a decision last month to create a public steering committee — establishes a three-part procedure for moving the Cain Center rehabilitation toward a conclusion. Those parts are:

— The Cain Center steering committee established last month will continue its work.

— The City of Athens will keep for now the $5.33 million in Certificates of Obiligation currently earmarked for the Cain Center.


— Citizens will get a chance to vote on spending the money for the Cain Center.

Like most compromises, this one gives everyone a little bit of what they want and nobody everything they want, but it does establishes a definitive path forward.

Continue reading “Referendum on Cain Center to be held in May”

AEDC announces call for Community Development Grant applications

The Community Development Grant program has helped fund projects such as the Coleman Park initiative to upgrade the baseball fields to a tournament facility. Eligible projects must create an economic impact on the city of Athens. The deadline to apply for 2019 funding is January 4.

By Sherri Skeeters/AEDC Business Development and Marketing Director

Athens Economic Development Corporation has announced its call for Community Development Grant applications.

The Community Development Grant program is designed to provide grants for eligible projects which promote sports, cultural, entertainment and community projects that attract tourism and contribute to the quality of life, business development and growth of Athens sales tax revenue. All projects must be located in the city of Athens, in addition to creating an economic impact on the city.

Continue reading “AEDC announces call for Community Development Grant applications”