Henderson County Judge David Holstein issued a Local Emergency Declaration Friday, prohibiting any outdoor burning for a period not to exceed seven days.
The ban applies to all outdoor fires, including the types allowed under the present 30-day ban which is set to expire next week. The ban may be extended by the Henderson County Commissioners Court.
Under the burn ban enacted Feb. 8, all burns except prescribed burns or those which were approved by a county official were allowed.
In a declaration which went into effect upon its release, Holstein said a state of disaster exists in the county. The county, Holstein said, is in danger of widespread or severe damage, injury or loss of property as a result of wildfires.
The latest declaration follows on the heels of a 24 to 48 hour ban Holstein issued Monday after receiving information from the state emergency management department stating conditions were prime for wildfires.
The Henderson County Fire Marshall’s Office and local volunteer fire departments have been instructed to be on call to extinguish any illegal burns reported in the county. Fire officials have been active in enforcing burn restrictions since the 30- day ban was issued.
Wednesday was a peak day for illegal burn reports. The volunteer fire departments from Brownsboro, Shady Oaks, Chandler, Berryville, Murchison and Athens all responded to illegal burns.
Written warnings and citations can be issued to residents conducting illegal burns. Violators can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Local News
Fire emergency declared for next seven days
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Slide Show- Old Fiddlers Reunion
The Fiddlers Reunion is in full swing around the Athens Courthouse. Final winners and street dance Friday night. Photos by Kathi Nailling
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Fiddlers firing up
You can get on out of that bed now, and get yourselves down to the courthouse square.
The fiddlers are firing up, and they'll be going until the clock strikes 12 with the street dance, as the 81st Annual Old Fiddlers Reunion gets into high gear. -
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
The Athens High School Valedictorian of 2012 is Rachaelle Browning. She is the daughter of Wes and Jan Browning. Rachaelle will be attending the University of Texas at Austin in the fall of 2012 and plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.
Rachaelle has participated in various extracurricular activities throughout high school in preparation for a career in engineering. -
3rd annual Hornet Fun Run continues through today
Fourth graders participated Thursday in the 3rd Annual Hornet Fun Run at the Cain Center. Above is the beginning, when the children would run one mile. At left, Isaac Garcia is shown taking overall first place. Second place honors for boys went to Armondo Garcia, and Third place Case Friedrich. Girls first place was Taylor Stiles, second place Veronica Campa and third place honors went to Semia Brazier. See those that placed, both boys and girls, on Page 14. The fifth grade will run today.
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Witnesses aid in suspects’ capture
Timing is everything, and one would-be burglar apparently didn't have it during a burglary at a home on North Murchison Street near Athens.
Witnesses saw the burglary as it was happening, and one homeowner, Billy Stewart, fired three rounds at the burglar, as he was driving off his property with a stolen yellow 4-wheeler. -
Valedictorian & Salutatorian
Ariel Reeder and Sam Harrell have been chosen respectively as Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Athens Christian Preparatory Academy. More will be announced from other area schools in future issues.
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GBC mayor official after vote canvassing
GUN BARREL CITY — It's official now.
There's a new mayor in Gun Barrel City, thanks to the canvassing of votes at Tuesday night's regularly-scheduled city council meeting. -
Recycled art gets attention
Last Saturday, the Lost Treasures Found Art Event, held in the Kaufman Town Square, gave people a chance to see real examples of exactly how items we might typically throw out, could be used in a new way or recycled into art that could be treasured for a lifetime instead.
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Dogs waiting for homes
The Humane Society of Cedar Creek Lake is proud to spotlight four dogs and one puppy this week in their never ending quest to find “furrever” homes for pets.
Alexis is a one and half year old white female small husky/Spitz mix. She is spayed, housebroken and good with kids but needs to be the only dog, or time to adjust to other dogs. Alexis was at the shelter for 3 months and is now in a foster home, waiting for her new family. She is very playful, loves her squeaky toys and has a lot of energy. -
SLIDE SHOW -Cedar Creek Women's Club fashion show
Bealls Department Store in Gun Barrel City held a fashion show for the women who attended the monthly luncheon at Cedar Creek Country Club.
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