Local News
Payne Springs citizens take another shot
Submit third petition to county to try to legalize the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption
A group of Payne Springs citizens are taking a third shot at legalizing alcohol sales in the city.
Henderson County Elections Administrator Denise Hernandez told Commissioners Court Tuesday Payne Springs voters will decide in November on whether to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. The liquor vote will be administered by the Hernandez’s office in conjunction with the State Constitutional Amendment election held on Nov. 3.
Payne Springs voters rejected propositions legalizing the sale of alcohol in November 2006 and May 2008. State law requires at least a 12 month gap between such election, Hernandez said.
She said a petition containing 70 signatures requesting the election has been submitted to her office and approved. The signature total is identical to the number gathered before the 2008 election.
The Texas Election Code requires that the number of signatures on the petition be equal to or greater than 35 percent of the registered voters who participated in the last gubernatorial election. This year 57 signatures were needed to fulfill that requirement.
The liquor proposition was narrowly defeated in 2006 in an election decided only after provisional ballots were counted. Hernandez said provisional ballots are used to record a vote where there is some question in regard to a voter’s eligibility.
The vote on election night stood at 74 in favor and 66 against. The provisional ballots erased the four vote difference and made the final tally 74-66 against.
The May 2008 vote was also fairly close with the proposition falling to defeat by a 100 to 86 margin.
“The issue is revenue,” Payne Springs Mayor Michael McDonald said prior to the 2008 vote. “The cities north and south of Payne Springs are all wet. We lose a lot of revenue by people passing through our city.
McDonald said revenues from liquor sales will supply funds for road maintenance and public safety concerns.
In other action Tuesday, Commissioners:
— approved a revision of the Henderson County Purchasing Policy;
— approved a contract with DenTrust for inmate dental services at the County Jail;
— approved an agreement to assist the City of Poynor with installation of a culvert on Pine Street and
— authorized payment of bills in the amount of $151,485.
- Local News
-
-
Church construction continues
Above, the Rev. Leon Wallace of Faith Church views the base of the steeple which was salvaged after his church was one of three in Athens which fell victim to arsonists in January. The steeple sits in front of a new church building being constructed by Cooper Plastering. The new building is estimated to have a worth of about $500,000 when completed.
-
Man eludes deputies
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Department continued to search Thursday for a man who eluded law officers in an automobile pursuit and foot chase near Coffee City.
-
More offered during second event
The Athens Farmer’s Market happening again this Saturday. However, the next event has even more to offer than the kick-off event.
-
Beekeeper says we are reason for honeybee decline
Honeybees bring more than just a taste of honey to the world, beekeeper Dick Counts told the Athens Rotary Club, Thursday.
Counts is the executive director of the East Texas Beekeepers Association. He says honeybees are amazing creatures that are among the most unusual and useful of God’s creations. -
AIS remodeling project continues
Workers from Brown Masonry brick a column as part of a remodeling project at Athens Intermediate School. Pictured, left to right are, Steve Justis, Supervisor Randy Teal, Marty Busby and John Hutchins.
-
APD officers meet resistance
Law officers met resistance when they attempted to recover a stolen truck at a residence east of Athens Tuesday.
-
New Seven Points Police Chief officially chosen
SEVEN POINTS — It’s OK to call Jack Nelson the Chief of Police in Seven Points now, It’s also been learned that there is a possible settlement between the former chief and the City of Seven Points.
-
Man pulled over, then charged with marijuana possession
A 42-year-old man whose driving habits attracted the attention of a Henderson County Deputy was arrested Monday for possession of marijuana.
-
Deadline approaches for 2011 county budget submission
The deadline is approaching for Henderson County Judge David Holstein to submit a proposed 2011 county budget.
-
Elma Jo Harville Landers Asher
Services for Elma Jo Asher will be on Saturday, July 31, 2010 in Tomball. Burial will be in the Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
- More Local News Headlines
-
