County-Henderson County Now

Courthouse Centennial Celebration This Saturday

Plans are set for the Henderson County Courthouse Centennial Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 17.

“I think it is going to be a good day for people to come out and revisit the Courthouse,” County Judge Richard Sanders said. “Some people probably haven’t in a while and see what’s happening in the center of Henderson County.”

There are lots of activities planned to celebrate the 100th birthday of the courthouse. Activities that will take place throughout the morning include a soap making demonstration, spinning wheel demonstration, Quilt displays, historical pictures of Henderson County and the Bacon Chevrolet Stage Coach.

“It’s just going to be a neat day for Henderson County,” Sanders said. “It ought to be a good event for people to learn more about our history and our Courthouse.”

Schedule of Events:

10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony: Choir, Honor Guard and Proclamation readings
10:30 a.m. – Patriotic Songs sung by South and Bel Air Elementary Choirs
10:45 a.m. – Remarks from past officials
12 p.m. – Plaque unveiling, time capsule will be buried
12-2 p.m. – Featured musical guest: Ginny Mac Trio

Sign Flap: Miscommunication or Mandate?

((UPDATE: I have been told that not everyone on Commissioners’ Court understood the TxDOT proposal as an unfunded mandate.))

By Michael V. Hannigan

It turns out a disagreement between Henderson County Commissioners’ Court and TxDOT may be more miscommunication than mandate.

Last week, commissioners ripped the state for trying to shift the cost of advance county road signs to the local government level. The signs are placed on state highways to announce an approaching county road.

Commissioners were livid at the idea that they would have to pay for the signs, which can run as high as $600 each, and unanimously rejected a TxDOT agreement to do so. Loudly.

But not so fast. Apparently there is no requirement for the county to take over the cost of the signs.

I am told the state is actually looking to get rid of the signs and replace them, as they become damaged or aged, with standard county road number signs on top of Stop and Yield signs at the intersection at the state’s expense. That’s a change of policy that officials say can save TxDOT $28 million.

The option to allow the counties to keep the advance signs at their own expense IF THE COUNTY WANTS TO was added last year as the policy change was being considered.

So no requirement = no mandate, which means the change doesn’t have to cost the county any money.

But there are still questions.

Around the state, emergency personnel and firefighters have criticized removing the advance signs for safety reasons.

TxDOT officials, however, have said that the widespread use of GPS technology, particularly in emergency vehicles, makes the advance signs redundant. I have even heard the change described as a “modernization.”

Like I said, there are still questions. Answers, however, may have to wait until the next Legislative Session, when I hear the issue of TxDOT signs will be raised.

Henderson County Peace Officers Memorial Set For May 15

The Henderson County Peace Officer’s President Kendell Wellman would like to invite the public to the 2014 Peace Officer’s Memorial at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 15, on the Northwest corner of the courthouse square.

This event will honor and pay tribute to Henderson County Peace Officers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in their sworn duty.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week (2014 is May 12 – May 17).

TxDOT Update Week of May 5

Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on FM 1615 between SH 19 south of Athens and the end of state maintenance.

Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

Wednesday is Go Blue Day in Henderson County

Go Blue Day will be Wednesday, April 30, and everyone in the county is asked to wear blue as a part of Child Abuse Awareness Month. The official Go Blue t-shirt is now on sale for $10 to $12 and can be purchased from the District Attorney’s Office or Island Tans.

Contact Betty Herriage or Deanna Browning at the DA’s Office for more information 903-675-6100.