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By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow
The City of Athens has had problems with low pressure in its water system for 10 or more years, a situation current City Council members say they learned about less than a year ago.
The revelation came during the City Council’s regular meeting Monday night as a shorthanded council (Joe Whatley absent) was unable to come to a consensus on how to move forward on the issue.
Continue reading “Athens council deadlocks on study to analyze water problems”
Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Specialist
The Athens ISD board room looked a bit like a scene out of the Marvel Universe Thursday when the trustees gathered for their regular monthly meeting. January is school board appreciation month and the theme is “Superheroes for our Schools.” Banners, balloons and artwork were displayed featuring well-known comic heroes — many of them with board members’ heads superimposed on them.
“I don’t think there’s been a school board in decades that has accomplished what you have this past year with our facilities,” said Superintendent Blake Stiles in reference to the trustees’ unanimous decision to call for the successful $59.9 million bond election in November. “We appreciate all you do for this district.”
The board took action on two items related to the bond election. They accepted the winning bid from investment firm R.W. Baird & Co. to buy $59.9 million of unlimited tax school building bonds. R.W. Baird made the lowest of seven bids in a competitive sale for the bond package, offering an average interest rate of 3.07 percent.
Continue reading “AISD board accepts bid on bond sale, OK’s Gallagher Construction”
The Athens Math Team had a strong showing at the Palestine High School academic invitational meet on Saturday. The team won first place in all three math events: number sense, calculator applications and general math. The Hornets competed against 12 other 3A and 4A schools in the area.
The seven-member team also won nine individual medals. In number sense, Jonathan Bywaters won first place (with a personal-best score of 135 points); Walt Mahmoud was third; Mollie Davies was fifth; and Eli McCool was sixth. In calculator, Davies won third and Bywaters took fourth. In math, Bywaters was second, Davies fourth and McCool fifth. Jacob Moore, Ideal Ademaj and Rebecca Granillo also went and contributed to the winning effort.
Athens High School students (from left) Esther Granillo, Lauren Takata and Allison Hardin competed in the district swim meet Saturday in Lufkin. Only the top six in each event qualify to go to regionals, and all three qualified. Hardin placed first in the 100 freestyle and second in the 200 freestyle. Takata placed second in both the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke. Granillo placed sixth in the 100 freestyle. Regionals will be held in Lewisville Feb. 5-6, and only the first-place swimmer in each event will advance to state. “I am beyond proud of the hard work and dedication these girls have put in this season,” said Coach Audrey Haley. “Athens is being represented very well. If you see any of these girls in town, please wish them good luck at regionals.” (Courtesy photo)
Drew Douglas was named the Athens Citizen of the Year at the Athens Chamber of Commerce banquet Friday night. (Edward McCain Photo)