Athens —
The Henderson County unemployment rate stayed the same in October as the previous month, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
The good news is that rate ties the lowest mark since December, 2008. The county reading of 6.8 percent was slightly higher than the state unemployment rate, which dipped to 6.6 percent after 6.8 percent in September.
The unemployment rate in Texas held firmly below the national rate of 7.9 percent.
“Private sector employers in Texas continue to drive our state’s economic growth, having added 269,000 jobs over the year, for an annual growth rate of 3.0 percent,” Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar said. “The Texas economy continues to show strength, compared to the national private sector, which has experienced an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent.”
Henderson County saw little movement in the number of workers on the job between September and October, decreasing from 33,845 to 33,856. The number unemployed dropped by two to 2,452 in October. The total workforce of 36,228 remains slightly below the August mark of 36,370.
TWC figures report that during the last year, 10 of 11 major industries in Texas have shown positive growth. Six of the major industries displayed monthly gains in October.
“It’s good to see the state’s unemployment rate drop by half a point over just the last two months,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton said. “I encourage those looking for work to visit their local Workforce Solutions Office to help them seize the opportunities offered by Texas’ diverse economy.”
Job seekers in Henderson County can get assistance at the East Texas Workforce Center, at 205 N. Murchison St. in Athens. The Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call ETWC at 903-677-3521.
The following is a list of Henderson County’s neighboring counties, their October unemployment rate, followed by the September rate.
• Anderson - 7.3, 7.4
• Ellis - 6.4, 6.2
• Kaufman - 6.5, 6.5
• Navarro - 7.3, 7.5
• Van Zandt - 6.0, 6.1
Local News
County’s unemployment same as previous month
- Local News
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Too close to home
It was the kind of moment any parent would dread.
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Give it to Jody!
The 50th annual Henderson County Farm and Ranch Tour concluded Tuesday with a luncheon on the floor of the Henderson County Fair Park Complex arena and the naming presentation of the Joe B. Fulgham Agriculturist of the Year.
The 25th recipient of the award was Jody Jackson of Murchison, whose farming and ranching operations started with a few cattle and some chickens then grew to one of the county’s most varied operations. -
County votes to sell old annex building
Henderson County officials on Tuesday narrowly approved contracting with an Athens realtor to list the old Courthouse Annex building for sale.
Steve Grant Real Estate was chosen to sell the property by a 3-to-2 vote. Precinct 3 Commissioner Ronny Lawrence and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ken Geeslin cast the dissenting votes. -
Burk to serve as next ACA administrator
Athens Christian Academy (Kindergarten through 6th grade) is pleased to announce Dale Burk as the new administrator beginning July 2013.
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Bullying just got tougher
To reduce the prevalence of school age bullying the Athens Independent School District has added a new communications tool called Anonymous Alerts, allowing individuals to quickly, easily and anonymously report urgent information that they may otherwise be uncomfortable revealing.
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Magnificent 7
The Athens Odd Fellow Lodge No. 961 and Athens Rebekah Lodge No. 23 has seven students who are receiving a $500 scholarship to Trinity Valley Community College for this year.
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Area woman killed
A 49-year-old Mabank woman died as a result of injuries sustained when she was struck by a vehicle while walking on State Highway 198 in Payne Springs Friday night.
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Lusk found guilty
A jury returned a guilty verdict on Tuesday against 36 year-old Danny Ray Lusk for sexual misconduct involving two children.
Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee said the punishment phase of the trial which began May 14 was set to begin Tuesday in Judge Mark Calhoon’s 3rd District Court. -
Keep Athens Beautiful celebrates 25 years
Keep Athens Beautiful (KAB) celebrated 25 years with a banquet at Athens Country Club last Friday night. The evening was hosted by Darwin Winfield (not pictured). Peggy Rhodes (left) presented Hugh Armstrong (second from the right) the Margaret Myers Award. Carol Morton (far right) presented two people with the Hall of Fame Award — Jerry Wadell and Victory Roberts (second and third from left). Margaret Myers is also pictured with the award winners, third from right. View additional photos from the event at www.athensreview.com.
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Art hits the streets in Mabank
The Mabank Branch of the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the fifth Mabank Festival and Art Show on Market Street in downtown Mabank this past weekend. Hundreds of people and more than 75 vendors attended the event. In addition to the artwork and other items for sale, there were food vendors and entertainment for children. View additional photos at www.athensreview.com.
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