Government-Henderson County Now

Athens council divided on Cain Center question

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

The Athens City Council split on how to move forward on the Cain Center project during a workshop meeting Wednesday night.

The divide among the council members adds importance to the seating of Aaron “Bubba” Smith next month. Smith was unanimously appointed by the council to fill the unexpired term of Joe Whatley, who recently resigned. This will be Smith’s second stint as an interim council member.

The two Cain Center options gaining support Wednesday night were:

A construction plan that would cost the City a little less than $5 million. That plan became possible with the announcement Wednesday that the Cain Foundation has committed $2.5 million for the pool area. This option would also allow the City to spend about $5 million from the Certificates of Obligation on water issues and was backed by Mayor Monte Montgomery and Councilwoman Toni Garrard Clay.
Allow Athens residents to vote on whether to move forward on the Cain Center project with a bond election. With this option, all the Certificates of Obligation money currently set aside for the project would go to water system repairs. This option was backed by Council members Ed McCain and Robert Gross.

The biggest issue is one that council members appear to agree on, which is the belief that the decision-making process on the Cain Center was flawed from the start.

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Henderson County Republican Party announces a pair of candidate forums

Press release

Henderson County Republican Chair Betty Holland announced two forum dates for the 2018 Republican Primary candidates. These are official forums hosted by the Republican Party in Henderson County.

“We have scheduled two forums that allow Henderson County voters the opportunity to hear from the candidates,” Holland said. “Our focus will be on providing unbiased questions from unbiased moderators, and I’m encouraging all candidates seeking office next spring to participate. We want everyone to walk away from these events feeling good about how the forums served our voters.”

The first forum will be held 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, ~~at Living~~ for ~~the Brand Cowboy Church 902 NE Loop 7, Athens~~ Fair Park Senior Center, 3344 State Highway 31 East, Athens. The second forum will be held 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at Rockhill Baptist Church, Highway 31 East, Brownsboro.

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Nichols applauds funding of Highway 334 bridge project

Press release

The Texas Transportation Commission took a huge step last week in funding the rebuilding of the Highway 334 bridge between Seven Points and Gun Barrel City. Prior to this vote, which made this project a reality, it had only been expressed as an important goal, but no money had been committed to this project.

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Keith Bell announces bid for State House District 4 seat

Press release

Conservative rancher and businessman Keith Bell announced his campaign to seek the Republican nomination for Texas State House District 4, encompassing Kaufman and part of Henderson counties.

“We need strong conservative leadership with a record of success, committed to growth and conservative values,” Bell said. “I am pro-Second Amendment, and pro-life. As a business owner, I’ve fought against government bureaucracy, created jobs, made payroll, and balanced budgets. I will bring results as your state representative.”

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AEDC announces call for Business Assistance Grant applications

AEDC’s Business Assistance Grant program encourages exterior improvements to properties located within the designated beautification area, along the western and northern corridors of Athens. Businesses must apply by February 1 to be considered for 2018 funding. (Courtesy photo)

Press release

Athens Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly $90,000 in matching grant funds to eligible businesses located along the western corridor of Athens, since the Business Assistance Grant program’s inception in 2014. This will enable the businesses to implement what’s on https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2015/08/5-key-elements-successful-sales-promotion.html, which will boost their sales and transform the place from a budding business place to a blooming marketplace.

AEDC Board of Directors approved new additions to the program that will allow properties located on the north corridor to be eligible to apply for the grant. Furthermore, first-time applicants will have an opportunity to receive a higher percentage of matching funds.

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