Denton graduates as Economic Development Master Practitioner

Lisa Denton, AEDC Executive Director, graduates as one of the nation’s first Economic Development Master Practitioners from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program, the most advanced program of its kind. Pictured with Denton are program faculty Dr. Bill Smith, University of Southern Mississippi; Neal Wade, University of Alabama; and Nan Johnson, Clemson University.

Press release

Athens Economic Development Corporation’s Executive Director Lisa Denton, recently graduated from the inaugural class of the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program, as one of the nation’s first Economic Development Master Practitioners.

The newly established program is designed to enhance and expand the skills base of today’s economic development professionals, and it is the only program that is sponsored by four leading universities – The University of Alabama, Clemson, TCU and Southern Mississippi. The level of experts and educators, coupled with core classes that are taught in an immersive, experiential setting, make it the most advanced program of its kind.

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Around the Town: Talking about the Michels

Loretta Humble

By Loretta Humble/Around the Town

I met Karen and Wren Michels in 2010, when they opened Peas in the Pod restaurant in Malakoff. The food was great, and I went there often. But I soon discovered it was just a front for what they were really doing. They were turning around and taking every penny they made and then some to feed and minister to people in need, with a clothes closet, food pantry, church services and a recovery program. We were all sorry when they closed. I don’t know for sure why, but I’m guessing they just gave till they couldn’t give any more.

They just couldn’t stop giving, so they set their sights on ministering abroad. They set goals of raising enough money so that every other year they could go and meet small needs of the neediest in the most remote areas of Africa. Karen says they knew they could do big things with little money but trusted that God could use that little money to make a big difference in a few villagers’ lives. Karen would research the place to go next, and find the cheapest tickets possible. They would save what money they could, gratefully accept gifts from family, friends and church members, then Wren would go to the bank and make a loan for the rest of what it took.

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Obituary: Peggy Jean Hall

Peggy Jean Hall, 73, of Athens passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 29, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Nashville, AR, on June 6, 1945, to the late Luther and Berna Dean Ray. She married the late George Wayne Hall on February 27, 1965.

Preceded in death by Husband George Hall, her parents Luther & Berna Dean Ray, brother James Ray and her sister Shirley Stanley. Peggy is survived by six daughters, Jane Ciesla of Tampa FL, Sandy Harrington and husband Mike of Ocean Springs, MS, Charlotte Holt, Robin Hall, Debbie Hancock of Athens, TX, Lulu Hoen of Nashville, AR and husband Joe; two sons Micheal Prichard and wife Lynnette of Athens, and Gary Hall and wife Amy of Hilltop Lakes, TX.

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Tyler District A.M.E. churches celebrate

First Lady of the Tyler District Sis. Mavis Muse, left, and Presiding Elder Rev. Mittie C. Muse, Sr., center, listens as Sis. Beverly Nutall gives the occasion and express to them what they mean to the Tyler district.

By Delanda Johnson/Special to HCN

This weekend for the Tyler District of the A. M. E. Church was filled with celebrations. The Tyler District of the A. M. E. Church consist of 30 churches across Texas; which includes Athens, Larue/Moore Station, and Malakoff.

The first celebration was on Saturday, August 25th; at Ebenezer A. M. E. Church in Tyler, Tx., for the Anniversary of Presiding Elder Rev. Mittie C. Muse, Sr. and First Lady Sis. Mavis Muse.

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