County-Henderson County Now

Spitzer Says ‘I Am Watching’ Speaker Issue

By Michael V. Hannigan

We may still be two months away from the opening of the 84th legislative session, but that doesn’t mean there is a hiatus on politics in Texas. This week, news outlets and social media has been abuzz about the looming vote on the Speaker of the House.

For days, pundits have been counting supporters between the current speaker, Republican Joe Strauss, and the Tea Party backed Scott Turner. From reports it would appear that Strauss has the votes to be speaker again, but Turner has vowed not to back off and to force a vote on Jan. 13, the first day of the session.

Here is a story from the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal that does a good job of explaining the situation.

We contacted State Rep.-elect Dr. Stuart Spitzer and asked his take on the speaker issue, and here is what he said:

There is a lot of press and I am watching to see who is where. My father who is a carpenter taught me to measure twice and cut once and I think that is good advice here. There will be much to see over the next month and a half and I plan to take it all in and listen for what is best for the citizens of Henderson and Kaufman counties.

Monarch Utilities to Distribute Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Press release

Monarch Utilities I, L.P., a subsidiary of SouthWest Water Company, is pleased to announce the third annual Project Wishbone-Thanksgiving basket giveaway. The program offers ready-to-cook food baskets to qualified Monarch customers who desire to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year, but may not be able to afford one.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, pre-registered Monarch customers in Henderson, Smith and Van Zandt counties will receive a box filled with everything needed to prepare a family dinner, including yams, green beans, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, dessert and the customer’s choice of a turkey or ham.

“We are very happy to offer Project Wishbone for the third consecutive holiday season as we understand the value of sharing a Thanksgiving meal with family,” Janice Hayes, communications manager of SouthWest Water Company – Texas Utilities, said. “We enjoy giving back to the community and hope that many people will benefit from this year’s giveaway.” Continue reading “Monarch Utilities to Distribute Thanksgiving Food Baskets”

Volunteers Needed to ‘Ring In’ the 2014 Red Kettle Campaign

Press release

The Salvation Army bell’s clang resonates to the tune of a giving heart and a helping hand. The “army behind the Army” as volunteers are called, plays an important part in the Salvation Army’s ability to provide services to needy Henderson County residents.

Volunteers from organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary, local businesses, church groups, and 4-H groups greet the community at the Athens Walmart location with a smile, a ringing bell and a red kettle ready for your donations.

Last year, the Salvation Army Service Unit Red Kettle Campaign collected $11,974.66 to be used for direct assistance for families in need. All donations are used to assist the needy right here in Henderson County.

Serving on the Athens Service Center Board this year are: Police Chief Buddy Hill as Chairman, Leslie Saunders, Executive Director of the Henderson County HELP Center as Secretary, and Kim Hodges of First State Bank as Treasurer. Ms. Hodges coordinates all the funds that go into the account and all the funds that are disbursed from the account. The Board governs the funds and how they are expended. Continue reading “Volunteers Needed to ‘Ring In’ the 2014 Red Kettle Campaign”

Henderson County Master Gardeners Win State Awards

Pictured, from left, Marie Hancock, Bill Hancock, Cherie Tanneberger, and Jean Brewton

Press release

The Texas Search for Excellence Awards Program is sponsored by the Texas Master Gardener Association (TMGA) with guidance provided by the Texas Master Gardener Coordinator from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The purpose of each award is to recognize outstanding Master Gardener projects and programs throughout the State of Texas, and to recognize individual Master Gardeners and Master Gardener Associations for their outstanding contributions within the State of Texas. Continue reading “Henderson County Master Gardeners Win State Awards”

County Courthouse Cleared Because of Bomb Threat

UPDATED 10:25 A.M. — Rewritten throughout after speaking with Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders.

By Michael V. Hannigan

After speaking with County Judge Richard Sanders, I can report the following:

A bomb threat was called in to the 173rd District Court this morning around 8:30 a.m. The call was received by the bailiff. The caller said there was a bomb in the courthouse set to go off at 9 a.m.

The Sheriff’s Office immediately evacuated the building, and Sanders said everyone was out of the building by 8:45 a.m.

Obviously, there was no explosion at 9 a.m.

The Sheriff’s Office has contacted a bomb detection squad in Dallas which is bringing down a bomb dog to search the courthouse before it is reopened. The wait for the bomb squad is the reason for everything being shut down until between 1 and 2 p.m.

“Sheriff Nutt and his staff did an excellent job for the county,” Sanders said.

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Original post:

The Henderson County Courthouse was evacuated Monday morning because of a bomb threat. As of 9:30 a.m., Police had the Athens downtown square blocked off.

Pictured are staff members waiting in a nearby parking lot.

A courthouse staffer said they have been told the courthouse will be closed until at least 1 p.m. this afternoon.

The Courthouse Annex was not evacuated and is currently open to the public.

More details to follow on this story.