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Rusk County Commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday evening to gather input from the public on a proposed school for troubled youth. L.J. Guillory had asked commissioners at a previous meeting to write a letter of support for his Ombudsman International Youth  Preservation College to be located at the former Hill High School on Sand Street and commissioners wanted to hear from neighbors of the old school before agreeing to support the idea. Rusk County Judge Sandra Hodges told KPXI news Wednesday morning that she thought it was a good hearing, although Guillory withdrew his request at the end of the meeting.

"A lot of people spoke for it," Judge Hodges said. "Most of them, though, were from here but didn't live here now. Thomas Ward spoke against it -- not against the idea of the college, just that he wasn't sure that was the right location for it."

Hodges said she had not put it on the agenda for commissioners to vote for or against the measure last night, because she wanted them to have time to process the public's comments before making a decision. Guillory's withdrawal of the request, however, means the issue will not be added to the agenda in the future.  

The entire hearing, Hodges said, lasted only about an hour. 

Henderson, TX - One month after railroad service officially returned to Henderson, the Rusk County Rural Rail District, Friday, delivered it's first shipment of freight cars to a local business. John Cloutier explains.

The Rail District delivered four freight cars to West Fraser Lumber Mill Friday with additional cars to be delivered next week.  

                   Photo by John Cloutier

Season tickets holders for Henderson High School football games will be able to renew their tickets through Thursday (July 26-29) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the athletic office on the second floor of the HISD Administration Building at 200 N. High St. There will be five home games on the schedule. The total price for each season ticket booklet is $25. People who have not been season ticket holders in the past may call (903) 655-5015 for more information beginning Monday, July 26.

Firefighters across the country raise more money for the Jerry Lewis Labor Day MDA Telethon than any other group, and Henderson firefighters have been collecting money for the cause since the spring. This weekend, not only will firefighters be at the Henderson WalMart for Fill the Boot, they are also hosting a 10-team benefit softball tournament. Firefighter Patrick Lewis organized the tournament.

Last year, the Henderson Fire Department raised more money for the telethon than any other department in East Texas except Longview and Tyler. Captain Cody Crawford said they couldn't have done it -- or been able to put on this year's tournament -- without the help and support of the community.

Henderson, TX - Henderson firefighters battled three suspicious fires Friday afternoon and evening. The first occurred shortly before 5 p.m. at the Highway Village Self Storage facility on U.S. Highway 259 North just south of the State Hwy. 322 intersection. Around 6 p.m., firemen responded to a blaze in an abandoned structure just off State Hwy. 64 near Lakewood Memorial Cemetery. Henderson Fire Chief Rusty Chote said emergency responders arrived in time to contain the fire quickly. Very shortly after 9 p.m., Henderson firefighters requested assistance from other departments to battle a structure fire on Farm-to-Market Road 2276, less than a mile north of Loop 571.

The New London and Church Hill Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the third blaze to help contain the fire. Chote said he was unsure at the scene exactly how many firefighters responded, but did recommend that area residents immediately report any suspicious activity they might see.

The Henderson Police Department may be reached at (903) 657-3512 and the Rusk County Sheriff's Office at (903) 657-3581.

Henderson, TX - When Henderson students return to class this year,   many of them will have use of new or newly renovated facilities.  Henderson School Superintendent, Keith Boles.

Boles said that one of the future projects would be replacing the aging Middle School.

Boles said that while these projects are important, having successful students requires more.

Keith Boles comes to Henderson from the Waco area.

Henderson, TX - The Carter Blood Center sponsored its annual Mash Bash -- a two day, three city blood drive -- on Thursday, July 8th and Friday, July 9th, with the cities of Henderson, Carthage and Marshall competing to see who could collect the most donations. Carter Blood Center marketing director Kim Peddy announced the final results late Friday.

The mayors of each city had issued challenges to the other competitors at a pre-Mash Bash meeting. Marshall Mayor Buddy Power had some pretty specific suggestions for whoever lost the challenge.

KPXI will be sure to let our listeners know when and where the losing mayors will have to pay up on those challenges.

Henderson, TX - The Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce held the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new owners of the Best Western Inn of Henderson Friday afternoon.  Alexa Duke spoke to Owner Suzie Lee about their big day.

Tatum, TX - The Henderson Area Chamber of Commerce held the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Big Buck Country RV Park  Wednesday.  Jason Wade reports.

Overton, TX - The 22nd annual Overton Bluegrass Festival was held June 11th and 12th at the Overton City Park.

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Henderson, TX - The Rusk County Historical Commission and Depot Museum officially dedicated The cotton gin Thursday morning. The cotton gin was donated by the Mark Barts family in 2004. Commission Chairman, William Ashby tells how they overcame one challenge in moving the gin.

Ashby says having the cotton gin in Henderson has economic benefits.

The Depot Museum, located at 514 North High Street in Henderson, is open year-round, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.  Admission fees: adults, $3.00, Seniors $2.00 children under 12, $1.00. Groups with reservations pay half price. For reservations call 903-657-4303.

The East Texas Food Bank’s Summer Food Service Program begins Tuesday, June 8th across East Texas.  The program provides free nutritious meals to children.  Since school is out, thousands of East Texas children will be looking for places they can meet their friends, have fun and eat healthy meals. Local Locations of East Texas Food Bank’s Summer Food Service Program include:

Arp:
Arp Park, 113 West Longview Street
Dates:  June 8th - August 21st, Monday - Friday
Lunch:  11:30 - 12:30 pm

Henderson:
Boys and Girls Club of Rusk County, 710 Robertson Road
Dates:  June 8th - August 21st, Monday - Friday
Breakfast:  8:00 - 9:00 am
Lunch:  12:00 - 1:00 pm

Reklaw:
Fairview Community Center, 17053 CR 4247 West
Dates:  June 8th - August 21st, Monday - Friday
Lunch:  12:30 - 1:30 pm

Troup:
First United Methodist Church Troup, 202 East Duval Street
Dates:  July 5th - August 21st, Monday - Friday
Lunch:  11:00 - 12:00 pm

Henderson, TX - A major issue with AM Radio is the requirement that your transmitting power be lowered at sunset.  Hanszen Broadcasting Company, owner of KWRD AM 1470 in Henderson, has announced plans to combat this problem.  Jerry Hanszen explains.

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