City of Athens, Texas Government

06/04/2026

Training exercise scheduled for today.

TRAINING EXERCISE TODAY

This is only a training event and there is no cause for alarm. We appreciate the community’s support as we continue strengthening our preparedness and response capabilities.

06/03/2026

This drill takes place tomorrow, June 4.

On Thursday, June 4, the City of Athens Police and Fire Departments in partnership with Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, Athens ISD, UT EMS, TVCC Police Department and other area first responders will be conducting an emergency response exercise at Athens Middle School.

This is only a training event and there is no cause for alarm. We appreciate the community’s support as we continue strengthening our preparedness and response capabilities.

06/03/2026

Keep Athens Beautiful will host an Electronics Recycling & Tire Disposal event Saturday, June 6, from 8 to 11:30 a.m., or until the truck is full, at the Henderson County Judicial Building, 109 W. Corsicana St. in Athens. The event will accept computers, laptops, power supplies, hard drives, chargers, cords, keyboards, printers, copiers, fax machines, servers, networking equipment, cellphones, cameras, sound systems, DVD players, VCRs, game systems, and other electronics. Appliances and CRT or tube TVs will not be accepted. Free tire disposal is available for Henderson County residents only, with proof of residency required. Passenger and truck tires only will be accepted, with a limit of 10 tires per household. No tire businesses, farm tractor tires, or rims will be accepted. The Lions Club will also collect used eyeglasses for recycling. For more information, contact Keep Athens Beautiful at 903-675-7961 or the Athens Rotary Club at 540-556-8202.

One Week until the Recycling Day. June 6th

06/02/2026

Republic Services residential trash collection routes are now beginning at 6 a.m. as part of the company's summer safety program.

The earlier start time will remain in effect through Sept. 1 to help reduce employee exposure to extreme summer heat.

The change primarily affects homes at the beginning of collection routes.

05/28/2026

Congratulations to the Athens High School Class of 2026 valedictorian Gaden Riquelme and salutatorian Gage Stasko. Your hard work, leadership, and dedication are an example for your classmates and your community. Athens is proud of you!

Riquelme and Stasko earned the highest academic distinctions in their class

05/27/2026

A strong turnout Tuesday at the Athens Partnership Center gave residents an opportunity to get a closer look at the future of Athens Municipal Airport.

Community members gathered for a public open house on the Airport Layout Plan, reviewing maps and development alternatives while speaking with representatives from the Garver engineering firm and City officials about the long-range vision for the airport.

Garver representatives emphasized the Airport Layout Plan is intended to remain flexible as the project moves from planning into future design and construction phases. While the plan establishes a preferred long-term development path, officials said timelines and priorities could shift based on funding, airport needs, developer interest, pavement conditions, and FAA guidance.

Earlier in the day, members of the Airport Layout Plan Steering Committee met to hear an update on the city’s ongoing process.

Garver representatives explained the project has now moved into the planning phase after completing earlier work focused on data gathering and facility analysis. That work included identifying the airport’s “critical aircraft” and determining long-term runway and facility needs.

The current phase focuses on developing a Capital Improvement Plan, which organizes future projects into short-term, mid-term, and long-term priorities.

Short-term projects over the next five years include the planned runway realignment and relocation of the airport’s Automated Weather Observing System to improve wind readings near the future runway location.

Mid-term projects, expected within six to 10 years, include widening and lengthening the runway to 5,500 feet by 100 feet, rehabilitating taxiways, expanding apron space, and replacing aging electrical infrastructure.

Committee members also discussed wildlife concerns around the airport, particularly hogs and deer entering runway areas. Wildlife fencing is currently planned in the mid-term phase, though portions of the project could potentially move earlier if funding becomes available.

The long-term phase, covering years 11 through 20, focuses largely on rehabilitation of existing pavement and airport infrastructure as facilities age.

Officials also reviewed how airport projects are funded. Airside projects such as runways and taxiways are typically funded through aviation grants covering about 90 percent of project costs, with the remaining 10 percent funded locally. Hangar development on the landside of the airport is expected to rely more heavily on private development.

The consulting team said the Airport Layout Plan and schematic drawing set are expected to be submitted to TxDOT in July. After state and federal review, the project will move into the formal adoption process.

05/27/2026

Athens Mayor Aaron Smith proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month during the Athens City Council meeting Tuesday night, May 26.

The proclamation recognizes the importance of motorcycle safety across Texas and encourages both motorists and motorcyclists to share the road responsibly.

According to the proclamation, nearly 9,000 motorcycle crashes were reported statewide in 2025, contributing to close to 600 deaths and 2,500 serious injuries. The proclamation notes that many crashes involve drivers who fail to properly watch for motorcycles in traffic.

The City of Athens encourages all drivers to exercise caution and remain alert around motorcycles on city streets and highways.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and the City of Athens is pausing to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. As you make your plans for the long weekend, we invite you to join us in remembering the true meaning of the holiday.

In honor of Memorial Day, City offices will be closed on Monday. Please also note that the City's Collection Site at 500 Aaron Street will be closed on Saturday, May 23.

Thank you, and we wish everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

05/21/2026

Road closed.

Road Closed

South Pinkerton Street will be closed Thursday, May 21, from W. Corsicana Street to W. College Street for road construction. Barricades and signs will be in place to direct traffic. Drivers are asked to plan an alternate route and use caution in the area.

05/20/2026

Safety is the top priority when storms are on the horizon. Texans should never try to cross floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet. Two feet of water can carry away a large vehicle.

The "Turn Around, Don't Drown" campaign reminds everyone of these dangers. You can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org before you travel. Staying weather-aware helps safeguard you and your family.