Athens —
The Athens City Council discussed the 2012 Texas Community Block Grant at a special meeting Wednesday.
The city has been chosen to receive $275,000 funding for a public-sewer project.
According to the city application, the work will take place on Magnolia Street, and will include first-time sewer service to 13 households. Construction will include installing 5,500 linear feet of 6-inch sewer line.
In addition the project includes a lift station, 13 manholes, road-boring and lines to 13 yards.
City Administrator Pam Burton said the council will consider several items concerning the grant at the regular meeting on Nov. 12. The city must name a grant administrator, engineer, labor standards officer and authorized signators for the project.
In other action, Athens Economic Development Corporation President/CEO Brian Malone recommended approval of an incentive package for Champion Homes for an expansion of the Athens plant.
The incentive contract includes $24,000 for the Michigan-based manufacturer to add equipment to the Athens plant. An additional $87,500 will be provided for job creation.
“Champion is recommending a little over $900,000 in capital improvements, and hiring 43 employees in this expansion,” Malone said. “The AEDC recommends approval.”
City Councilman Aubrey Jones asked if the $24,000 would be released to Champion immediately after the council approves the incentive. Malone said the money would be paid after the improvements were complete, and the work is documented. In addition, the employees must be on the job for one year, before that segment of the incentive package is paid.
“So, we would get their roster, view that, and determine how many FTE’s (full time employees) they have,” Malone said.
The Council also discussed an ordinance granting a bus franchise to The Chariot Bus Lines, which makes daily runs to Tyler and back. The franchise will not make Chariot the exclusive bus line for the city. Should another company apply to provide a service to Dallas, for example, the council could also grant that franchise request.
Local News
City of Athens chosen to receive $275,000 funding
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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.
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Mayor gives update
Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught updated the Athens Kiwanis Club on several city projects at the Country Club on Tuesday.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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