City of Athens, Texas Government

10/13/2026

The Athens City Council joined local advocates Monday, Oct. 12, to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Pictured are members of the City Council along with representatives from Breaking Chains, the Henderson County HELP Center, and Hailijana Bloom.

Mayor Aaron Smith read a proclamation recognizing the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and the community, while honoring survivors and those who work to help them.

The proclamation highlights the importance of prevention, education, and community partnerships in addressing domestic violence. It also recognizes the work of local organizations which provide assistance and support to those affected by abuse.

Domestic violence affects people of all backgrounds, and its impact can extend far beyond the immediate victims, especially when children are involved.

The City of Athens encourages residents to learn more about domestic violence, support local prevention efforts, and help ensure that those experiencing abuse know assistance is available.

10/13/2026

The Athens City Council joined members of Just Us Guys, Inc. (JUGS) on Monday, Oct. 12, to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mayor Aaron Smith read a proclamation honoring cancer survivors, remembering those who have lost their lives to the disease, and recognizing the families and caregivers who support those facing cancer.

The proclamation also recognizes the importance of cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, and continued support for those undergoing treatment. Then recognition carried the theme "Yes, You CAN-CER VIVE," celebrating survivors and encouraging those still facing the disease.

JUGS is a civic organization based in North Athens that supports cancer patients and their families. The group helps provide gas cards, lunch stipends, and other resources to patients and caregivers based on need.

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

9:32 P.M. UPDATE: FOUND SAFE

Mrs. Campa has been located and is safe. Thank you to everyone who shared the alert, helped search, or provided information. We appreciate our community's help.

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🚨 MISSING PERSON ALERT: PLEASE SHARE

The Athens Police Department is actively searching for Ma Raquel Campa, 80. She speaks Spanish.

She was last seen leaving the Cain Center YMCA in Athens around 7:20 p.m. She was wearing a gray or green sweater.

If you see Campa or have information about her whereabouts, please contact the Athens Police Department immediately at 903-675-5454.

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🚨 ALERTA DE PERSONA DESAPARECIDA: POR FAVOR, COMPARTA

El Departamento de Policía de Athens está buscando activamente a Ma Raquel Campa, de 80 años. Ella habla español.

Fue vista por última vez saliendo del Cain Center YMCA en Athens alrededor de las 7:20 p.m. Llevaba puesto un suéter gris o verde.

Si ve a Campa o tiene información sobre su paradero, comuníquese de inmediato con el Departamento de Policía de Athens al 903-675-5454.

10/10/2026

4:05 P.M. UPDATE -- Atmos Energy has repaired the gas leak, and East Tyler Street is now open to traffic. Thank you for your patience while crews worked to resolve the issue.

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9:15 A.M. Update -- Atmos has repaired the gas leak, although work will continue through the morning. One westbound lane of East Tyler Street is still closed between Crestway Street and Wood Street. We are still asking motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

For the latest updates, visit
https://www.athenstx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Gas-Leak-46

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1:15 A.M. Update - East Tyler Partially Opened

The eastbound lanes of East Tyler have been reopened. Westbound lanes are closed from Wood Street to Crestway Street.

Barricades and signs will be in place to direct traffic. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if at all possible and use alternate routes.

For the latest updates, visit
https://www.athenstx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Gas-Leak-46

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12:06 A.M. UPDATE -- East Tyler Closed

East Tyler Street is closed between Coleman Street and Crestway Street as Atmos Energy continues to work on a gas leak. Barricades and signs will be in place to direct traffic. Motorists are asked to avoid the area if at all possible and use alternate routes.

For the latest updates, visit
https://www.athenstx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Gas-Leak-46

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10:35 P.M. UPDATE -- Westbound Lanes Closed

The westbound lanes of East Tyler Street from Walgreens to Boot Barn are closed while Atmos Energy continues working on a gas leak.

Police and Fire personnel are on site.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area if at all possible.

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The Athens Fire Department and Atmos Energy are responding to multiple natural gas leaks identified during a routine mobile detection survey around the city today.

As a precaution, McDonald's and AT&T on East Tyler Street have been evacuated, along with residences on Charlie Street.

East Tyler Street near McDonald's is partially closed and is expected to remain that way for the rest of the day. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Atmos crews are working to address the leaks.

For the latest updates, visit
https://www.athenstx.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Gas-Leak-46

10/06/2026

TONIGHT!

The Athens Police Department will host a free community event at Kiwanis Park on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. National Night Out is held the first Tuesday in October to promote community partnerships and crime prevention. It’s a chance to meet your neighbors and connect with local first responders.

10/05/2026

Today is the last day to register to vote in the November election.

October 5 is the last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2026 Election!🗳️

Make sure you are ready to vote. Check your voter registration status and confirm your information at VoteTexas.gov.

⭐Save this post as a reminder, and share it with someone who needs to register!

10/05/2026

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) encourages citizens to report damage to property from the severe weather and flash flooding on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Texans can report damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. The information provided in the survey aids emergency management officials in gaining an understanding of damages that have occurred and helps officials determine if the state meets federal requirements for various forms of disaster assistance, as well as identify any immediate resource needs.

The iSTAT damage survey can be filled out in English and Spanish online by visiting
https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/ or by using the attached QR code.

Please use the September 27 - Ongoing Severe Weather link to report.

10/03/2026

UPDATE -- Flash Flood Warning extended to 7 p.m.

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⚠️ FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR ATHENS

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Athens and surrounding areas until 5 p.m. today, Oct. 3.

Heavy rain can quickly flood streets, low-lying areas, creeks and crossings. Do not drive or walk through flooded roadways. If you encounter water over a road, turn around and find another route.

Residents in flood-prone areas should be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.

Please stay weather aware and continue to monitor official updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency officials.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown.