Category: Athens

Entry forms now available for 2017 City of Athens Christmas Parade

Press release

The City of Athens is pleased to announce that the 2017 Athens Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Entry forms and parade packets are now available at City Hall and on the City website at www.athenstx.gov.

The 2017 Christmas parade is organized by the City of Athens and parade partner, the Athens Chamber of Commerce. Parade sponsors include Athens Screen Printing, Atmos Energy, Kevin Lilly’s McDonalds, and Republic Services. The theme of the 2017 Athens Christmas Parade is “A Musical Christmas.” All entrants are encouraged to decorate a float with a musical theme and incorporate music as much as possible. Parade entries will be judged on creativity, incorporation of the current theme, and overall appearance.

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Businesses enable local author to give away books at AISD

Children’s author Sharon Ellsberry presents her book to students at South Athens Elementary. Local businesses sponsored Ellsberry’s program to give all AISD second-graders a copy of her Thanksgiving-themed storybook. (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator

Athens-based children’s author Sharon Ellsberry, author “The Spaniel Family” books, teamed up with 12 local businesses in order to give all Athens ISD second-graders a copy of “The Spaniel Family’s Thanksgiving.”

“We’re happy to be able to do this at all three campuses this year,” said Ellsberry. “We want to let the students know that their community cares about them, and we also want to encourage the joy of reading.”

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City holds groundbreaking for O.D. Baggett Park renovation

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

O.D. Baggett Park in Athens is about to get a major upgrade.

City leaders — including members of the Athens City Council, Parks Advisory Board, and Just Us Guys (JUGS) group — held a groundbreaking ceremony at the park Thursday afternoon to kick off a $160,000 renovation project.

“This is a project that’s been needed a long time,” said Mayor Monte Montgomery. “It shows that this council and this board and these committees are progressive. We’re about quality of life in Athens.”

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Local police officer works to improve lighting at Cain Park

Dustin Cook repairing one of the lights surrounding the Cain Park Phase 2 parking lot. (Courtesy photo)

By Adrianna Hinds/City of Athens Community Services Coordinator

The lighting at Cain Park, Phases 1 and 2, has recently received some much-needed improvements thanks to Athens Police Officer Dustin Cook. Cain Park is the home field for the Henderson County Girls Softball Association (HCGSA), Trinity Valley Community College softball team, adult softball leagues, and other sports groups for many years. It is a well-loved park and also includes walking trails and picnic areas, which citizens enjoy on a daily basis.

As a local and invested citizen, Dustin Cook knows the importance of seeing our City parks improved and maintained for the current and future generation’s enjoyment. For that reason, Dustin took it upon himself to partner with the City of Athens to see the lighting at Cain Park renovated.

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Winn steps down from Athens City Council

Councilwoman Toni Garrard Clay and Councilman Tres Winn chat after Monday’s City Council meeting.

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCN

Athens City Councilman Tres Winn announced his resignation during the council’s meeting Monday night.

He said the resignation would be effective in two weeks, saying he would step down at the beginning of the next regular meeting.

Winn said he is leaving because he is building a house outside of the city that is scheduled to be ready by December 1. He said he is stepping down early because there are several important issues facing the council, such as hiring a new city manager, and he wanted his replacement to be involved from the start.

“I think it is only fair that the person making the decision is in on the process from the very, very beginning,” he said.

Winn is in his second term, which is up in May 2018. The council will have to appoint someone to fill his position until that time.