SplashPad to stay open past Labor Day

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The Athens SplashPad will not be closing this Labor Day, as previously planned.

The news was released via the Athens (TX) SplashPad Facebook page Monday evening.

“This decision was made based on the hot weather we have been having,” said the update. “We will post an updated closing date a week prior.”

Not all the news was good, however.

The same post also said a decision was made to turn off the red sprinklers “after several incidents of improper usage of certain water pad features.”

The water volume will also be turned down on some of the sprinkler heads to try and regulate the system.

Athens City Council changes its mind, gives more money to Cain Center

By Michael V. Hannigan

The Athens City Council changed its mind about Cain Center funding on Monday.

The new plan approved unanimously by the council calls for:

  • $50,000 for general use by the Cain Center
  • $100,000 for capital improvements to some commercial roofing companies in Aurora Colorado in accordance with the lease agreement between the City and the Cain Center (mainly exterior walls and roof)
  • About $64,000 for water, sewer and insurance on the building

Earlier in the month, the City released information highlighting a budgetary focus on core services. The presentation also showed that the City planned to cut $130,000 in general use funds to the Cain Center, while continuing to pay for the water, sewer and insurance. Continue reading “Athens City Council changes its mind, gives more money to Cain Center”

First day of Kindergarten

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Twin brothers Gage (left) and Skyler McCullough are excited about their first day of Kindergarten at Central Athens Elementary — but not so excited they aren’t willing to stop for a photo. “Oh, they are hams,” said mother Mandy McCullough (also pictured). (Toni Garrard Clay/AISD)

Boy Scout Troop 343 to host open house

IMG_2767Press release

Athens Boy Scout Troop 343 will host an open house to kick off the beginning of the school year and the resumption of troop meetings after the summer break on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. The open house will be held in the Scout Lodge which is on the southeast corner of the First United Methodist Church campus. Any interested boys are invited to attend.

The scouting program is open to all boys from 6 to 18 years of age. Younger boys, from 6 to 9 years old may join scouting in the Cub Scout program. Boys from 10 to 18 years of age may participate in the Boy Scout program. Continue reading “Boy Scout Troop 343 to host open house”

Sheriff’s Office makes drug busts

Police BeatPress release

On Friday, Aug. 21, at approximately 11:07 p.m. Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Huckabee conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of Sand Springs Drive in Athens. Huckabee found the back seat passenger, Brandon Mcclure, to be in possession of a quantity of suspected methamphetamine and narcotic prescription pills not prescribed to him. McClure was placed under arrest and booked into the Henderson County Jail for possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 > 1 gram < 4 grams and possession of a controlled substance in Penalty Group 3 – 28 grams. Judge Milton Adams set bonds totaling $15,000 and McClure remains in custody. Continue reading “Sheriff’s Office makes drug busts”