Local News
Fewer employed in county in 2009
The Henderson County unemployment rate jumped to 8.5 percent in December, according to information from the Texas Workforce Commission, equaling the highest mark of 2009.
Last year’s final statistics indicates the county was up from an 8.3-percent reading in November. The year ended with the largest number of unemployed for the decade. The Henderson County workforce dipped from 36,800 to 36,614.
The total employed was also down from 33,740 to 33,498. The number unemployed grew from 3.060 to 3,116.
The Texas seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose from 8.0 in November to 8.3 percent in December. The state rate remains well-below the national rate of 10.0.
“Texas continues to feel the effects of this serious national recession,” TWC Chairman Tom Pauken said.
Trade, transportation and utilities were the hardest hit sectors of Texas economy, with leisure and hospitality industries close behind.
“December losses offset some of the gains from the past couple of months, TWC Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton said.
Congleton again reminded job seekers that the state has 28 workforce boards committed to assisting them in their searches.
The East Texas Workforce Center at 205 N. Murchison St. in Athens offers help to local job seekers. ETWC can be reached at 903-677-7277.
The closing 2009 figures show dramatic unemployment increases for Henderson County and its neighbors from the previous December.
The following is a list of the December, 2008 numbers followed by December, 2009:
• Anderson - 5.7, 9.4;
• Henderson - 6.8, 8.5;
• Kaufman - 6.4, 8.9;
• Navarro - 6, 8.2;
• Van Zandt - 4.4, 7.1.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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APD officers meet resistance
Law officers met resistance when they attempted to recover a stolen truck at a residence east of Athens Tuesday.
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New Seven Points Police Chief officially chosen
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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.
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Deadline approaches for 2011 county budget submission
The deadline is approaching for Henderson County Judge David Holstein to submit a proposed 2011 county budget.
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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.
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