The Digest: Firefighters discuss California deployment
Henderson County celebrates Veteran's Day
Happy Thursday! I hope you had a great Veteran's Day. I didn't record a podcast with either the Sheriff or the County Judge this week because of the holiday.
This is a new format I am trying out to help you keep informed. Let me know what you think.
The annual Veteran's Day celebration was held at the East Texas Arboretum Wednesday. Some of the local dignitaries on hand included, from left, Pct. 2 Commissioner Scott Tuley, County Judge Wade McKinney, State Rep. Keith Bell, and Athens Mayor Monte Montgomery. You can watch the entire event on the City of Athens Facebook page.
What's Happening - Quick hits from the group
Keep Athens Beautiful will be hosting its annual fall clean up from 8 am to noon Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Aaron Street collection site. This is for Athens residents only. Trash, brush, and yard waste will be accepted. Additionally the recycling truck will be there along with SHRED 911. No electronics will be accepted at this time.
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is teaming up with the Henderson County Food Pantry this month to help feed the hungry. In honor of the first Sharelunker, “Ethel” who was caught on November 26, 1986, the “Ethelsgiving Feed the Hungry, Feed the Fish” food drive will run throughout November at the TFFC. Visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, which will directly benefit the Henderson County Food Pantry. For a food donation, TFFC will provide that visitor with a free cup of fish food to feed the fish on display.
The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) this week reported a substantial increase in COVID-19 cases across the five-county region. Henderson County's cases have seen an increase for the second consecutive week. Since the week beginning Oct. 22, Henderson County has gone from an average of 23.6 cases per day, to 27.1 cases, to the current rate of 29.8 cases per day. The biggest jump is in the counties surrounding Henderson County, however, where the daily case average per 100,000 is nearly 50.
The Murchison Food Pantry will be open Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. until noon. They are doing it as a drive through and will be distributing turkeys and other food items for Thanksgiving dinner. You can learn more, including how to donate, on their Facebook page.
Firefighters discuss California deployment
Members of Athens Fire/Rescue briefed the City Council on their recent deployment to help fight California wildfires Monday night.
Athens firefighters were assigned to the Creek Fire, which is northeast of Fresno and south of Yosemite National Park. The Creek Fire is the largest single wildfire in California history. As of Monday, the fire had burned 379,729 acres.
The deployment was part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) and included over 500 firefighters from Texas. You can learn more about that here.
During the presentation, the firefighters described how they lived and worked during their deployment to California. They also described the outpouring of gratitude from the people of California.
"We can't even do it justice," said Chief Russell Marshall. "We wish that you were able to witness that. We hope that this is some measure of satisfaction for you, knowing your support and your leadership made a big difference out there."
"We would also like to recognize those firefighters who remained and worked extra shifts during our absence, and for all of us, it was an honor representing the City of Athens," he said. "Thank you for allowing us to serve."
The firefighters who participated in the deployment included: Chief Russell Marshall, Cpt. Aaron Munn, Lt. Brian Davis, Fire Driver Brock Bozeman, Firefighter Eugene "Gene" Lattis, and Firefighter Justin Miller.
Toys for Tots applications sought
The Athens Fire Department is sponsoring Toys for Tots for children 2 through 12. The fire department will help children who live in the following school districts: Athens, LaPoynor, Murchison, Brownsboro, and Chandler. Applications must be completed by December 1.
You can access an online application here.
You can also download a printed application or pick one up at the Henderson County Help Center. Return the completed applications to the Help Center and drop it in the box outside the front door.
Vouchers will be available for pick up at 808 N. Prairieville Street Dec. 3-4 from 9 am to 5 pm. To pick up your voucher, you will need to provide ID for both guardian and child.
If you have any questions please feel free to call 903-675-4357.
===
Our Sponsors
This email is free thanks to:
