HOT TOPIC: Time is running out if you’d like to be a part of your local city council or school board.
The filing period for May city and school board elections closes next Friday, March 1.
Because of changes to the election cycle, not all cities or school districts are having an election this May. You can learn more on the reason for that by reading our explainer.
In the City of Athens, the two incumbents are the only ones who have filed so far: Mayor Jerry Don Vaught and Councilman Monte Montgomery.
At Athens ISD, all three incumbents have filed for reelection: Raymond Williams (Place 5), David Freeman (Place 6), and Robert Spears (Place 7). In addition, Blu Nicholson has filed for Place 5.
Other races around the county include the cities of Malakoff, Brownsboro, Gun Barrel City, Caney City and Eustace; and Eustace ISD.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, was Athens Day at the Capitol. Above, State Rep. Lance Gooden poses with members from the Athens community. (COURTESY PHOTO)
Story No. 1 – Athens Day at the Capitol: Tuesday, members of the Athens community traveled to Austin for Athens Day at the Capitol. Why it is important: Face time with elected officials is one of the most important factors in government. Learn more: There was a story in the Review.
Story No. 2 – County lawmakers file legislation: State Reps. Jim Pitts and Lance Gooden have both filed legislation that is drawing attention. Why it is important: There is a reason we call them “law-makers” … it is sort of what they are supposed to be doing. Learn more: I wrote about this issue.
Story No. 3 – Local connections to Carnival Triumph: The country watched in fascination as a crippled cruise ship limped its way into port this week. Why it is important: Besides the media attention the story received, we learned that a Kemp resident with ties to Malakoff was onboard.
Learn more: Rather than giving you a link, just Google “Carnival Triumph.”
Story No. 4 – Lady Cards are No. 1: The Trinity Valley Community College Lady Cardinals moved into the top spot in the national ranking this week. Why it is important: Because the Lady Cards have a legitimate shot to repeat as national champions. Learn more: In the TVCC Sports Notes.
Story No. 5 – Big honor for Railway Cafe: The Railway Cafe in Athens was named in the Texas Monthly recommendations section. Why it is important: Because we love Texas Monthly .. and we love the Railway Cafe. Learn more: Rich Flowers over at the Review had a good story.
We need to celebrate academics just as much as athletics … and this story by Jayson Larson on an Athens boy’s gold medal in number sense does just that.
Tuesday, Feb. 12, was Athens Day at the Capitol. Above, State Rep. Lance Gooden poses with members from the Athens community. (COURTESY PHOTO)
HOT TOPIC: Henderson County’s two representatives in the State House have both drawn attention for legislation they have filed.
State Rep. Lance Gooden (District 4) has gotten considerable coverage this week for the fight against what he calls “indiscriminate surveillance.” Gooden has filed legislation to outlaw the use of unmanned vehicle and aircraft — drones — to take photos on private property. Since the technology has been available, the commercial drone market has exploded and people can easily buy machines, like the DJI, online. The Law has so far struggled to keep pace with this rapid increase in technology.
Gooden is also carrying a bill, prompted by Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee, to close a loophole in the penal code with regard to intoxicated assault and “bodily harm.”
The county’s other representative, State Rep. Jim Pitts (District 10), has filed two bills important to Henderson County residents:
The Malakoff Lady Tigers were in playoff action last night, but fell to Alba-Golden, 58-22. (MICHAEL V. HANNIGAN PHOTO)
HOT TOPIC: Last night was a tough one for girls playoff basketball in Henderson County.
The Mabank Lady Panthers lost to Spring Hill, 58-50 … and the Malakoff Lady Tigers lost to Alba-Golden, 58-22.
Mabank was led by Kortney Holyfield with 29 points, but could not hold off a frantic fourth-quarter comeback by Spring Hill.
The stumbling block for Malakoff was Alba-Golden’s pressure defense, for which the Lady Tigers never did find an answer. Malakoff was led by Sierra Perez with 5 points. Plandreika Jackson and Kiana Reed both had 4, DyEsha Brookins and Taye Jackson had 3 each, Candace Denis 2, and Hayley Thomas 1.
The good news for Malakoff Coach Emily Martinez is that her squad is so young. Except for seniors Brookins and Jackson, everyone else on the team is either a freshman or sophomore, which bodes well for the future.
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SPECIAL EVENT: A benefit concert had been scheduled for Casen Cameron this Saturday at CC Rumors in Gun Barrel City. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 8. There will also be a silent auction.
The event is being hosted by the band Just Us, and by Heather Johnson. For more information, call Johnson at 903-504-4638 or Dave Beery at 903-477-1797.
Casen had a normal childhood, growing and smiling and learning as any other child, until Nov. 29, 2009 when, just before his third birthday, he had his first seizure. In June 2011, he was diagnosed with Batten’s Disease. Chandra, Casen’s mom, had many questions, but finally settled on: “What can I do to make his life, for however long that may be, the best it can be, the happiest it can be?” So after his diagnosis, she quit her job and moved in with her parents to make sure that Casen had the best of what days or years he had left.
Casen is continually in the hospital. An ear infection or a cold can set off his seizures. He has lost the ability to walk, to talk, to say simple words. He can no longer sit up or roll over unsupported. Casen is in a wheelchair most of the time. he can grasp a toy on a good day, but has to have assistance to make it work. He is legally blind and cannot hold his head up by himself. He is also on a supplemental feeding system.
Concert organizers said, “With the support of family and friends, we can help this sweet boy and his family as they try to make his life easier and happier. Please help us as we raise money to help them and raise awareness of this devastating disease.”
