Government-Henderson County Now

Council approves fixing south wall of Texan Theater

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

The Athens City Council added about $125,000 to the Texan rehabilitation project Monday night to replace the south wall of the building.

The council voted for the expenditure 4-1, with Councilman Ed McCain voting against. McCain said the council decided months ago to hold the line on the budget for the project and said he couldn’t vote for any increase.

“This (project) started as an open-air park,” he said.

The increase will take the Texan budget near $1.6 million.

Continue reading “Council approves fixing south wall of Texan Theater”

High price tag has Athens council reexamining Cain Center project

By Michael V. Hannigan/HCNow

Cain Center sticker shock set in for the Athens City Council Monday night and along with it, some second thoughts.

Council members held an hour-long discussion with members of the Cain Center construction and design team during their regular meeting and heard an estimated total price — AFTER some engineering cuts — of about $8.5 million.

That pricetag is significantly higher than any projection to date and reflects just how much mechanical and electrical systems in the Cain Center have deteriorated over the years, according to construction officials.

Continue reading “High price tag has Athens council reexamining Cain Center project”

Bardwell announces run for Pct. 2 commissioner seat

Press release

I, Joshua Bardwell, am pleased to announce my candidacy for Henderson County Commissioner Precinct 2. I will bring honesty, respect, and integrity as well as 13 years experience working for the people of Henderson County. This time has been spent building and maintaining roads, and establishing communications with Property Owners Associations and other community organizations. With your support, we will make a positive transition into the future.

Republican Ashley McKee launches campaign for State Rep.

Press release

Republican attorney and small business owner Ashley McKee kicked off her campaign Thursday for a seat in the Texas House representing Kaufman and Henderson counties. A life-long resident of the district, McKee said she believes that in order for the state to solve the serious challenges it faces, we need to elect experienced advocates and problem solvers with strong records of achievement in the private sector.

“I am a professional problem solver,” said McKee. “That’s what I do for a living. I go to work every day in courtrooms across our district and East Texas advocating and fighting for the people I represent- most of them children. I know exactly how difficult a task it will be to go down to Austin and take on the state bureaucrats in order to advance our conservative agenda, but I have the skills, experience, and energy it takes to fight the bureaucracy on behalf of the citizens of our district.”

Continue reading “Republican Ashley McKee launches campaign for State Rep.”

Cain Foundation makes donation to AFD Toys for Tots program

Press release

Each year the Athens Fire Department works hard to raise money and collect toys for the Toys for Tots Program in partnership with the Henderson County HELP Center. This year, the City was grateful to receive a generous donation in the amount of $5,000 from The Cain Foundation, recommended by Mr. John C. Cain, which are going to be used to purchase zen laboratory slime kits.

For those interested in making a monetary donation towards the Toys for Tots Program, or for those interested in donating toys of any kind, toys and contributions can be dropped off at the Central Athens Fire Station located at 610 S. Prairieville St. If you have questions regarding the Toys for Tots program, please call the Athens Fire Department at 903-677-6636 or e-mail [email protected].

Pictured are Athens Mayor Monte Montgomery and City of Athens Firefighter/Toys for Tots Coordinator Lance West receiving The Cain Foundation’s generous contribution. (Courtesy photo)