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.
Local News
Fewer employed in county in 2009
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Fair Park sound system gets AEDC boost
The Athens Economic Corporation Board took formal action Thursday morning that should result in a stipend of up to $35,000 to match a Ginger Murchison Foundation matching grant for helping finance the Henderson County Regional Fair Park Complex new sound equipment.
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Scouts ready to knock doors locally
Once again Athens will be seeing these Scouts Saturday as they knock on doors to collect food in BSA’s National Scouting for Food Drive. Shown are Tiger Cub Hunter Kaufman and Eagle Scout Michael McCluskey. Also shown is Sierra Kaufman, one of several American Heritage Girls who will be joining the boys in their efforts to collect food. In the past few years, despite the economy, over 1,000 cans each year have been collected and donated to Henderson County’s Food Pantry. So when you see these boys and girls in uniform this weekend, open your hearts and help feed the hungry in Henderson County.
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‘National Red Wear on Friday’ day in Cross Roads
It was last Friday that Cross Roads High School staff and students participated in “National Red Wear on Friday.” The first Friday in February was dedicated for heart-disease awareness.
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Churches to join with community at Cain Center
Churches from across Henderson County will come together on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Cain Center in Athens to provide services to all members of the Henderson County community.
“This all grew out of the community coming together during the nativity scene controversy in December,” said the Rev. Eric Graham from Sands Springs Baptist Church. -
HCSO, Trinidad Police arrest man for meth possession
TRINIDAD – Henderson County deputies and Trinidad police arrested a Henderson County man for possession of a controlled substance Tuesday in this community.
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Downed airplane located
The Henderson County Sheriff's Office and Texas Department of Public Safety Game Wardens assisted in locating an plane that went down in Lake Palestine early Thursday. The Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash.
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City hears presentation for new apartment complex
The Athens City Council heard a presentation, Wednesday, from a group that hopes to obtain a grant to build an apartment complex in south Athens.
Jay Oji, of Sphinx Development Corporation, said the 80-unit complex called Robbins Villas would be built on a tract of land where Robbins Road intersects with Loop 7. The affordable housing units would cost about $12 million to construct. -
Coaches tell Kiwanis about programs
Two of Trinity Valley Community College’s newest coaches spoke to the Athens Kiwanis Tuesday at the Country Club.
Trinity Valley Community College Head Softball Coach Ashley Johnston, and Volleyball Coach Tosha Spain, also head up two of the newest programs on campus. -
Adams addresses Chamber
The Athens Chamber of Commerce brought in Hue Adams Wednesday at its monthly luncheon to remind local business leaders of the finer points of being a leader.
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Athens Hornet now flying Hornets
A former Athens High School student Bryan Sory is now flying FA-18C Hornets, the U.S. Navy’s frontline fighter plane. Lt. Commander Sory flies for VFA-151, The Vigilantes, based in Lemoore, Calif. VFA-151 deployed aboard the U.S.S. Lincoln in December, 2011, and is currently flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the overarching operation that encompasses, among other things, ongoing counter-terrorism and nation-building efforts in Afghanistan.
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