Athens —
The City of Athens began 2012 with discussions of a possible smoking ordinance, and ended with a new mayor.
In January, the city set two public hearings on an ordinance stopping smoking in certain public places.
With a draft ordinance in place, the city began fine-tuning the regulation that would eliminate lighting up in establishments where food is served.
On Jan. 18, officials from the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Athens Economical Development, Keep Athens Beautiful and The Athens Tourist Center gathered for the ribbon cutting at the Athens Partnership Center. The building at Corsicana Street and Pinkerton Street includes offices and meeting rooms.
The Athens City Council voted in March, to award a contract for almost $300,000 to lay sewer line on Wood Street. The major improvement replaced line that had been in-use since the 1940s, and readied it for expanded needs in the area.
On April 18, Economic Development Corporation President/CEO Brian Malone told the city council of a new business coming to the city. California based Thrillworks Inc. was planning on setting up Athens operations on a property on Flat Creek Road.
The 16-year-old business would do business under name of Extreme Engineering things, like climbing walls, zip lines, jumper systems and adventure products.
The Athens Fire Department got approval from the council in August for a major piece of equipment. At a cost of $900,000, the AFD purchased a pumper/ladder fire engine, and related accessories, including a 103-foot-ladder. The new “Spartan Quint” replaces the old ladder truck that had been in use for more than 20 years.
Budget talks came to a close in September, with passage of a budget that included funds for major street repairs.
The $14,619,027 package is higher than the $13,953,580 passed in 2011. The city budgeted at total of $1,266,642 in the street-line item, an increase from $1,004,483 the year before.
In November, Mayor Randy Daniel resigned to accept the position of interim Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, filling the post left by the death of Henry Ashford.
Mayor Pro-tem Jerry Don Vaught was sworn in as interim mayor. In December, Daniel was chosen as the permanent Precinct 1 JP.
December began with the Athens Christmas Parade winding its way around the courthouse square on a warm Saturday night. The crowd saw one of the largest processions of entries in the history of the event. The 2012 version of the parade was the first ever under the direction of the City of Athens.
Local News
2012 events for city outlined
Begins with smoking ordinance
- Local News
-
-
Breaking new ground
The ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Wednesday morning for the newest resident at Athens Industrial Park.
Med-Logics is relocating from California to a 4-acre tract on Enterprise Drive. The company, which specializes in manufacturing opthamology laser blades used in eye surgery and related technology, is bringing its entire operation to Athens. -
City’s budgets in works
The various City of Athens Departments are working on their preliminary budgets in preparation for the coming crunch of the numbers.
In 2012-2013, the city budgeted $15,462,939 for expenditures, which included more than $1.26 million for street upkeep and repairs. -
Open casting call to be held in Kemp
An open casting call for the upcoming feature film, “Hellion,” by award winning Texas director Kat Candler and Executive Producer Jeff Nichols will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 21 and from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at Underground MX Park, located at 7353 Farm-to-Market 3396 in Kemp.
-
Mayor gives update
Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught updated the Athens Kiwanis Club on several city projects at the Country Club on Tuesday.
-
A personal story to tell
When Donna Johnson took to the podium last week at Trinity Valley Community College, it wasn’t to tell her own story.
Johnson was the featured speaker at the college’s annual GED graduation ceremony last week. The ceremony gives students who have completed the high school equivalency exam during the past year the chance to attend commencement. -
Athens house burned
A Monday afternoon fire inflicted severe damage to a house at 911 W. Cayuga Dr. in Athens.
No one was injured in the blaze that started in the back bedroom of the residence. Athens Fire Chief John McQueary said the resident had been staying with her sister and was not at home at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. -
Radio Club plays the field
CQ ... CQ ... CQ ... This is what you will hear this coming Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, when the Athens Amateur Radio Club once again participates in the annual Amateur Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) National Field Day event.
-
Retired teachers get raise, fund solvency
During the final days of the 83rd Legislative Session, the Texas House approved the Teacher Retirement Actuarial Soundness Bill, or SB 1458, which will put the Teachers Retirement System on solid ground for years to come.
-
Time to have a blast
The annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is coming up on Thursday, July 4. The show will last about one-half hour and is one of the biggest in East Texas.
The fireworks show is directed and produced by Alpha-Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Liverpool, Texas. The show is a Keep Athens Beautiful event. -
Easy there, big fella
Athens bullrider Kody Ingham hangs on during the opening round of the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Black Rodeo held at the Henderson County Fairpark Complex Friday night.
- More Local News Headlines
-
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
