Asperger’s Syndrome Social Group of Athens Meet and Greet 

aspergersPress release

Lake Athens Baptist Church has opened their hearts and doors for us to have a place to meet.

Come and join us for our first get together on Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. at Lake Athens Baptist Church, 5151 FM 2495.

The parents and kids will get to know one another and discuss ideas on building this much needed social group. Please RSVP Cyndy at 817-253-9133 so that we will know how many to prepare for. Thank you for wanting something more for your kids. We can make a difference!

Remember your kids do not have to have a formal diagnosis. You know your kids. We welcome all High Functioning Autism groups.

TxDOT Update for the Week of July 13

Athens Maintenance continues the hot mix application on SH 274 in the Seven Points area. Base repairs are also being performed on various roads around the county. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control.

The U.S. 175 project will expand from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with a depressed median. Construction of this Phase I project started April 6, 2015 and should be completed in November 2018.

Big Creek Construction is conducting cleanup activities and final installations on the FM 317 Widening Project. The project is widening FM 317 from FM 314 to FM 607. Expect lane closures.

Cardinal Drive at Little Duncan Creek in Murchison is closed to through traffic while a new bridge is constructed. The project is expected to be completed in August 2015.

Remember To Be Safe With Fireworks

Here are some fireworks safety tips from the Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office. This was originally posted in December 2013, but the rules are still the same:

  • Always buy fireworks from an established retail outlet.
  • Always read and follow label directions.
  • Always have an adult present.
  • Only ignite fireworks outdoors in cleared areas away from houses, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
  • Keep water handy for fires and emergencies.
  • Never experiment or attempt to make homemade fireworks.
  • Light only one firework at a time.
  • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks; soak them in water and throw away.
  • Never give fireworks to small children.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Never throw fireworks at another person.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
  • Wear eye protection when shooting fireworks.
  • After shooting them, soak fireworks in water before putting them in the trash.

4-year-old Drowns at Cedar Creek Lake

A 4-year-old Kaufman boy drowned at Cedar Creek Lake Friday evening.

According to police reports, the boy was last seen playing in a sandbox at Tom Finley Park in Gun Barrel City before he went missing.

He was found in the lake, five to 10 feet from the bank in water about 6 feet deep by a Samaritan at the park.

CPR was started and the child was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mabank Volunteer Firefighter Released for Comment

Mabank volunteer firefighter Kurtis Cook was released from the Mabank Fire Department Friday following allegations that Cook posted an insensitive and inflammatory comment on Facebook regarding last week’s Charleston, South Carolina church shooting.

In that racially motivated shooting, Dylann Roof opened fire on a Wednesday night prayer meeting killing nine people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Thursday, the following was posted to a Facebook thread about the shooting by Cook’s Facebook account: “He needs to be praised for the good deed he has done.” KETK-TV posted a screenshot of the statement on its website, along with a post of someone encouraging others to contact the Mabank Fire Department. Continue reading “Mabank Volunteer Firefighter Released for Comment”