Government-Henderson County Now

No drama in Athens for this year’s decorations request

(UPDATE: When I wrote this, I did not know Gov. Perry was going to sign the “Merry Christmas” bill today. While timely for this post, the bill is specifically aimed at school districts and is unlikely to have any impact on the county nativity scene.)

By Michael V. Hannigan

Sometimes, it is the thing that doesn’t happen that is the most interesting.

Commissioners’ Court this week approved an application from Keep Athens Beautiful and Light Up Athens to decorate the Courthouse Square for a variety of occasions between now and the end of the year. The request includes details about decorating for Christmas and also includes the annual nativity scene.

The application was OK’d as a matter of routine and with almost no discussion. It was pretty much a non-event.

The only reason it is worth mentioning is because of the group that was missing … the group that over the past two years has become a part of Christmas in Athens: The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF).

For those who need a refresher, the FFRF is the Wisconsin-based atheist organization that in 2011 demanded the county
Continue reading “No drama in Athens for this year’s decorations request”

Sales tax rebates generally up around the county

The Texas Comptroller’s Office released its Monthly Sales Tax Rebate report yesterday.

Across the state, sales taxes collections are up about 8 percent.

Growth in state sales tax revenue was led by collections from the information services and construction sectors,” said Texas Comptroller Susan Combs. “Restaurants also showed notable growth, while oil and natural gas-related activity remains a major source of strength.”

Local results were mixed, with the biggest shopping areas in the county — Athens and Gun Barrel City — both seeing small increases.

Overall, Henderson County is up 4.52 percent for the year.

Click here for a complete state chart broken down by county.

Gooden files gun bill for prosecutors

Rep. Lance Gooden press release

As the special session of the Legislature began last week, State Representative Lance Gooden (R-Terrell) filed HB 34, which would make it legal for prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys in Tampa like Mike G Law to openly carry a fire arm. Gooden said he filed the legislation in response to the murders of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McClelland, his wife Cynthia, and Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse.

“After Mark’s death, I asked Mike McClelland if there was anything the legislature could do to help make him and his prosecutors safer.” Gooden said, “He didn’t hesitate and told me they needed to be able to carry Continue reading “Gooden files gun bill for prosecutors”

Grand Jury report

Henderson County District Attorney R. Scott McKee, District Attorney reported the January Term, 2013, Grand Jury met on May 30 and returned 79 True Bills, including the following:

Aaron David Kiker, 24, Gun Barrel City, indicted for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child;
Jeremy Bermea, 32, Malakoff, indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender;
Ian Rae Roberson, 25, Henderson, indicted for 2 Counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and 1 Count of Indecency with a Child by Contact; Continue reading “Grand Jury report”

City of Athens hosts its first Texas Friendly Hospitality Training

The City of Athens Department of Tourism's first Texas Hospitality Training included area supervisors and managers from Subway restaurants throughout Henderson County, including Athens. Pictured are (from left, back row) David Crow, Jennifer Risinger, Mark Parks, Thomas Schmidt; (front row) Sherri Skeeters, tourism coordinator, Ariel Tipton, Tiffany Davidson, Flo Hardin, Amanda Richardson and Cinnamon Bietendorf. (COURTESY PHOTO) — The City of Athens Department of Tourism’s first Texas Hospitality Training included area supervisors and managers from Subway restaurants throughout Henderson County, including Athens. Pictured are (from left, back row) David Crow, Jennifer Risinger, Mark Parks, Thomas Schmidt; (front row) Sherri Skeeters, tourism coordinator, Ariel Tipton, Tiffany Davidson, Flo Hardin, Amanda Richardson and Cinnamon Bietendorf. (COURTESY PHOTO)

City of Athens press release

The City of Athens Department of Tourism held its first Texas Friendly Hospitality Training on May 30 at the Athens Partnership Center; the first of a series of trainings that will be held this year for hospitality industry employees.

The Texas Hospitality Training offers essential training for all front-line employees, including front desk staff, hotel staff, guest services, sales managers, gas station attendants, restaurant staff, etc. Excellent customer service is a vital key to the lifeline of all successful businesses as well as the success of the tourism industry here in Athens. For anyone who wants a career in hospitality, they will need to go through the proper channels and take certified course/s to achieve that. There are certificate IV government funded courses available to those who are serious about being part of this ever-expanding industry.

Attendees of the first hospitality training included area supervisors and managers from Continue reading “City of Athens hosts its first Texas Friendly Hospitality Training”