Category: Athens

High price tag has Athens council reexamining Cain Center project

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

Cain Center sticker shock set in for the Athens City Council Monday night and along with it, some second thoughts.

Council members held an hour-long discussion with members of the Cain Center construction and design team during their regular meeting and heard an estimated total price — AFTER some engineering cuts — of about $8.5 million.

That pricetag is significantly higher than any projection to date and reflects just how much mechanical and electrical systems in the Cain Center have deteriorated over the years, according to construction officials.

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Athens High School’s Robert Becker delivers on high expectations

Robert Becker

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

If a teacher’s success is decided by the number of students who revere him, Robert Becker is succeeding; if it’s determined by his students’ scores on standardized tests, Robert Becker is succeeding; if it’s determined by the professional accolades he’s received, Robert Becker is succeeding. You get the picture.

Becker teaches multiple math courses to students grades 9 through 12. Athens High School Principal Ginger Morrison calls him one of a kind. “He has amazing talent and is gifted at stretching students beyond their normal academic boundaries,” she said.

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Cain Foundation makes donation to AFD Toys for Tots program

Press release

Each year the Athens Fire Department works hard to raise money and collect toys for the Toys for Tots Program in partnership with the Henderson County HELP Center. This year, the City was grateful to receive a generous donation in the amount of $5,000 from The Cain Foundation, recommended by Mr. John C. Cain, which are going to be used to purchase zen laboratory slime kits.

For those interested in making a monetary donation towards the Toys for Tots Program, or for those interested in donating toys of any kind, toys and contributions can be dropped off at the Central Athens Fire Station located at 610 S. Prairieville St. If you have questions regarding the Toys for Tots program, please call the Athens Fire Department at 903-677-6636 or e-mail [email protected].

Pictured are Athens Mayor Monte Montgomery and City of Athens Firefighter/Toys for Tots Coordinator Lance West receiving The Cain Foundation’s generous contribution. (Courtesy photo)

Christmas tree silent auction benefits local charities

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

Prosperity Bank in Athens has added a silent auction to this year’s Christmas charity efforts.

The bank has five decorated Christmas trees in its lobby and visitors can bid on each tree, each of which has been designated for a particular charity.

“We have such a great community of customers and residents. It is a way for us to have some fun and give back at the same time,” said Prosperity Bank’s Lynda Vance.

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City of Athens debuts updated website

Press release

On Friday morning, Athens residents woke up to a new-look for www.athenstx.gov. The City website has been completely revamped in an effort to improve the way the City delivers information to the community. The website listed in a side notification that it took the aid of a reliable company from https://websitehosting.com and made a few changes.

“Our old website had been with us for a long time,” said City Interim Manager Gary Whittle. “It had grown fairly dated and we hope residents will enjoy the appearance and usability of the new site designed by Creative Canvas Website Solutions.” The website features a bold, photo-based and mobile-responsive format that is designed to direct users to the content they are searching for. “This was a significant effort that had involvement from the entire organization, including the City Council, and we are very thankful to Clevermutt who designed and built the site.” continued Whittle. Clevermutt, a firm based in Mesquite, Texas is no stranger to Athens, having built several websites for different organizations throughout the City.

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