Monitor Photo/Jody Vincik
Representatives of three Henderson County-area organizations that work with issues such as domestic violence – Breaking Chains, Henderson County HELP Center and Family Peace Project – join Henderson County officials Oct. 29 as the commissioners’ court in Athens proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

HENDERSON COUNTY–Henderson County Commissioners’ Court voted Oct. 29 to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month for Henderson County.
Three organizations were on hand for the proclamation reading: Breaking Chains, Henderson County HELP Center and Family Peace Project. “The work done by these organizations cannot be praised enough,” County Judge Wade McKinney said.
Representatives included Breaking Chains Executive Director Della Cooper, Family Peace Project Managing Director Cynthia Robles (which has two shelters in Athens) and HELP Center Executive Director Leslie Saunders, the latter of whom said the “we all work together as one.”
Cooper read the proclamation, which states 40% of Texas women and about 35% of Texas men have experienced intimate partner violence. The proclamation states that 30% of children exposed to intimate partner violence have their first exposure before the age of 2, while an additional 26% of children have their first exposure between ages 2 and 7.
“It takes a special group of people to put all these together and work together, and I can’t thank you enough, you see it on a daily basis,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Scott Tuley remarked.
Said Precinct 3 Commissioner Chuck McHam: “These numbers are incredible, and it’s got to be mentally and physically draining on y’all. It’s work that has to be done, and we appreciate y’all doing it.”
The court also approved extending the county’s burn ban by 28 days, which as of the meeting was in its 74th day. County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg said as of Oct. 28, the county is the ninth driest among Texas’ 254 counties, with an average reading of 740 on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which he said tops out at 800.
Renberg said reports are that the area’s fuel load is “horrible,” yet the county has been fortunate that fires have not gotten out of control, especially with the wind. “I wish that I could say that these storms coming are going to really help us out, but the most we’re expecting in some of the areas is an inch and a half of rain, and with the dryness that we’re at, it’s not going to impact us in the manner that would really make a significant change to our drought index. It’s been several years since I’ve seen it this bad.”
McKinney said he could lift the ban unilaterally, as provided by law, if the forecast storms quench the drought.
In other business, the court:
• Reappointed Arlis Jones as the Position No. 5 member of the Andrews Center Board of Trustees, with a term ending Oct. 31, 2026.
• Approved transferring a 2005 Ford van to the City of Athens from the Sheriff’s Office, which Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said would be used to transport animals for the city’s shelter, among other uses.
• Approved accepting a Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance grant award for Category B, Emergency Services totaling $27,794.94.
• Approved extending the county jail’s food service contract with Five Star Correctional Services, which Hillhouse said continues at the same price.
• Approved a contract with King Roofing to replace the shingled roofs over the four porches of the Athens courthouse for $12,886.94.
• Approved a right-of-way permit for East Cedar Creek Fresh Water Supply District to replace a water main in Thunderbird Shores, located in Precinct 2.
• Approved three right-of-way permits for Bethel-Ash Water Supply Corp. to bore under Precinct 3 County Roads 3922, 3700 and 3715 for private connections.
• Approved paying fiscal year 2024 bills of $597,413.19.
• Approved going out for bids for vending machines at the Athens courthouse, annex, judicial building and justice center.