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March 22, 2024 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary held a remembrance program Friday, March 22, 2024, to honor those who served in Kosovo and who were a part of Operation Allied Force.
The program was led by Post Commander Richard Lundie, and he offered the opening prayer.
Pictured are (from left): Derrick Roberts, Gene Hutto, Mary Fausett, Teresa Hume, Carolyn Umbrell, Larry Jones, Mike Wulf, Richard Lundie, and Larry Hume.
“25 years ago today, on March 24th, 1999, NATO launched an air campaign called Operation Allied Force, the halt the humanitarian devastation that was then unfolding in Kosovo,” said Lundie. “The decision to intervene followed more than a year of fighting within the province, and the failure of international efforts to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means. NATO announced the suspension of the air campaign on June 10, 1999.”
Once it was concluded, a Military Technical Agreement with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was signed between the International Security Force and the Governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Serbia.
NATO casualties were light and allies suffered no fatalities as a result of combat operation.
“Two American Army helicopter pilots, Chief Warrant Officer David Gibbs and Kevin Riker died when their AH-64 helicopter crashed in the early hours of May 5, 1999. The crash was not due to enemy fire, but two of America’s finest died in the early hours of May 5, 1999. died that day serving their country,” said Lundie.
In honor of those who served, and those who lost their lives, Post member Larry Jones placed a memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past-Post Commander.
The program was concluded and it was announced the next program hosted by VFW Post 8904 will be held Friday, March the 29, at 10am, to honor Vietnam Veteran Memorial Day and the 51st anniversary of the last combat troop to leave Vietnam.
March 22, 2024 - “When I talk to schoolchildren, I tell them to close their eyes and remember what it was like when they left to go to school that morning. What is your house like? Was your room clean? Did anyone kiss you goodbye? Now, open your eyes. What would it be like if you never saw any of that again? Not your house. Not most of your family. They usually get very quiet.” This is how Hans Polk began his account of what happened to him as a six year old Jewish boy in Amsterdam in 1943 for the Timpson Area Genealogical and Heritage Society last Wednesday.
The Netherlands had fallen to the Germans and anti-Jewish pogroms had been instituted. “The Nazis had begun arresting Jews and sending them to concentration camps. Our neighbors, who were not Jewish, had agreed to take me, my parents' only child, if the Nazis came for them. Late in the day on June 20, 1943 my father handed me over to our neighbors and he and my mother were taken away shortly thereafter. They arrived at the Sobibor concentration camp on July 2 where then were later executed,” Polk recalled.
“Our neighbor took me to an orphanage which was run by Jews dressed as Catholic priests and nuns who were trying to hide Jewish children. Polk was adopted by a Christian family later and raised as their own. “Two weeks after I was adopted from the orphanage, the Nazis were told about the Jews in the orphanage and forty of them were taken away to the camps.” On May 5, 1945 the liberating American and Canadian forces rolled into Amsterdam. “They were throwing slices of bread to the people lining the streets. This was something we had not seen for a long time. Previously, we had had to eat soup made from the leaves of trees.”
Polk immigrated to the United States in 1956, later becoming a naturalized citizen and marrying an American Catholic. Their children were reared as Catholics and Polk eventually converted to Catholicism himself. He has visited the Netherlands a few times since he came to the U.S., even seeing his parents' names on a memorial at Sobibor. “Do I hate the Germans? No. They are good people but they allowed themselves to be misled by an evil person,” Polk concluded.
TAGHS meets at 2PM on the third Wednesday of each month in the meeting room of the Timpson Public Library, located on the corner of Austin and Bremond Streets in downtown Timpson. The public is always welcome. The TAGHS Library is located within the Timpson Public Library and is open and staffed from 9AM until 5PM weekdays. Telephone 936-254-2966 and ask for the Genealogical Library.
March 22, 2024 - March is National Women’s History Month and the daughter of the late W. M. Swindell and Beulah Swindell has made history in the area of Caring for others and deserves a salute and applauds from the community.
Pamela Swindell McClelland is the sister of several siblings who everyone goes to for answers, advice, and care. Even though she lives in Killeen, she has been a substitute mother for some of her nieces and nephews through the years and now often spends time with great-nieces and nephews. Pamela had a day camp at her home for them to visit during summer or special days when school was not in session. Parents would pack up their kids (not only relatives, but friends also). They were happy to go visit Aunt Pam. I enjoyed the week I stayed with her to help with the many people she had in her home. We all loved Pam, and after many years she now has her own granddaughter, who was born in 2023, to love and care for. Pamela was a great caregiver for her dad, W. M., until his transition. Now her oldest brother Earl, is in her care. You can tell Pamela was and still is the backbone of the Swindell family. We salute the women who have made history and made the county proud of them.
March 20, 2024 - March is National Women’s History Month and the daughter of the late W. M. Swindell and Beulah Swindell has made history in the area of sports.
Retha Swindell is well known as the first African American basketball player for University of Texas and still holds fame of high rebounds there. After graduation she played on two professional teams of WBL (Women’s Pro Basketball League), Chicago, and Dallas. As an inspiration to pass on her skills to others she became a basketball coach and teacher of mathematics in two Texas high schools for many years before she retired.
She has been inducted into four Hall of Fames for her achievements: Center High School Alumni, University of Texas, WBL, and most recent Texas Black Athletes Hall of Fame where she received a purple jacket. The family is very proud of her and show their support wherever and whenever she receives the honors.
March 18, 2024 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their regular monthly meeting this past Saturday, with the March Challenge being "Still Life Photography" and a workshop on "Landscapes - Cloud Photography."
The Challenge photos were submitted by club members for discussion and voting for club favorites.
The PWPS is a photography club for camera enthusiasts of all skills and interests. Our goal is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography. Featuring programs and activities with information and instruction for all skill levels in an environment of support and cooperation. Visitors are welcome to attend our meetings always held on the third Saturday of the month, at the First Methodist Church, 211 Porter St., Center, TX.
For more information, follow the club activities on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/PineyWoodsPhoto. If you want to view all the challenge entries, view our flickr page, https://www.flickr.com/groups/pineywoodsphotographic/
March Challenge - Still Life Photography
1st Place Favorite (tie): "Wash Day" by Bobbie Jean Wood
1st Place Favorite (tie): "Twisted Steel" by Anna Jones
2nd Place Favorite (tie): "Anonymous Blessings" by Billie F. Jones
2nd Place Favorite (tie): "Marshmallows" by Julie Cantrell-Green
3rd Place Favorite: "On The Corner" by Charley P. Cantrell
Pictured are (from left) Center Councilman Howell Howard, Cruz Bryce, Scotty Bryce, Anna Bryce and Mayor David Chadwick.
March 17, 2024 - (Photos: Album1) Shelby County Grill Fest, Sponsored by Farmers State Bank, was held at the Shelby County Expo on March 16, 2024, and the overall winner of the Lone Star Barbecue Society sanctioned competition was East Texas Smokers with head cook Scotty Bryce.
Reserve overall award recipient was Big Juicy’s BBQ with head cook Janna Smelley.
Cook teams were all set and cooking on Friday night at the Expo preparing their food for judging the next day. During the evening the washer and 42 tournaments, both of which were sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank, were held in the arena. Karaoke, sponsored by Brock’s Rocks, was also enjoyed while those competitions were ongoing.
Pictured are (from left) Councilman Howell Howard, Janna Smelley and Mayor David Chadwick.
David Chadwick, City of Center Mayor, was the emcee for the awards ceremony held on Saturday, and was accompanied by Howell Howard, Center council member, in presenting awards to the competitors.
Mayor Chadwick recognized all of the sponsors for the event, and specifically Bobby Daw who manages the Expo, for all he did to facilitate the event activities. Brandy Filz then announced the winners of each portion of the competition.
This year there were 15 competitors with opportunity to participate in divisions for brisket, chicken, ribs, beans, open food, Margarita, and Bloody Mary.
Pictured are (from left): Councilman Howell howard, Royce Johnson, Richard Livingston, event sponsor - Shelby Savings Bank representative Lorei Choate, and Mayor David Chadwick.
East Texas Smokers had a total accumulated points of 27 with 3rd place in Brisket; 1st place in Chicken; and 2nd place in Ribs. Big Juicy’s point count which carried her to the Reserve Champion spot was 26 with 1st place in Brisket; 3rd place in Chicken; 3rd place in Ribs.
Smokin’ Wrench Barbecue was the winner of the People’s Choice award.
Pictured are (from left) Councilman Howell Howard, Ryan Bailey, Hannah Bailey, Mayor David Chadwick, and event sponsor - Shelby Savings Bank representative Lorei Choate.
The 42 tournament had 12 teams entered and following a great night of competition Friday, the winners were Royce Johnson and Richard Livingston. Arriving in second place were Olivia and Shelby Johnson.
Washer tournament winners were Ryan and Hannah Bailey. Second place for the Washer tournament were Robbie Dutton and Curtis Bailey.
The cook-off competition results were:
Overall Points Top Winners
Grand Champion - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce. (27 points)
Reserve Champion - Big Juicy’s BBQ, head cook Janna Smelley. (26 points)
Beans
1st place - The Fluffy Dumplin, head cook Lucas Robbins.
2nd place - Shelby Savings Bank, head cook Clay Blacksher.
3rd place – Chase-N-Moore Smoke, head cook Shawn Moore.
4th place – Hound Dawg Harris, head cook Robert Harris.
5th place – Farmers State Bank, head cook Joey Lawson.
6th place – East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce.
7th place - Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler.
Chicken
1st place - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce.
2nd place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cook Duane Anderson.
3rd place – Big Juicy’s BBQ, head cook Janna Smelley.
4th place - Pokin’ & Smokin’, head cook Mike Bryce.
5th place – Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler.
6th place - Chase-N-Moore Smoke, head cook Shawn Moore.
7th place - Shelby Savings Bank, head cook Clay Blacksher.
8th place - Farmers State Bank, head cook Joey Lawson.
9th place – Catfish Josh Campbell, head cook Josh Campbell.
10th place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cook Robert Harris.
Ribs
1st place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cook Robert Harris.
2nd place - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce.
3rd place - Big Juicy’s BBQ, head cook Janna Smelley
4th place - Chase-N-Moore Smoke, head cook Shawn Moore.
5th place – Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, head cook Steven Shires.
6th place - Pokin’ & Smokin’, head cook Mike Bryce.
7th place - Catfish Josh Campbell, head cook Josh Campbell.
8th place - The Fluffy Dumplin, head cook Lucas Robbins.
9th place – Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler.
10th place - Smokin Wrench BBQ, head cook Drake Braxton.
Brisket
1st place - Big Juicy’s BBQ, head cook Janna Smelley.
2nd place – J’s Bar and Grill, head cook Jeremy Snider.
3rd place - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce.
4th place - Chase-N-Moore Smoke, head cook Shawn Moore.
5th place - Catfish Josh Campbell, head cook Josh Campbell.
6th place - Hound Dawg Harris, head cook Robert Harris.
7th place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cook Duane Anderson.
8th place - Smokin Wrench BBQ, head cook Drake Braxton.
9th place - Pokin’ & Smokin’, head cook Mike Bryce.
10th place - Farmers State Bank, head cook Joey Lawson.
Margarita
1st place - Real Smoke BBQ, head cook Duane Anderson.
Bloody Mary
1st place - J’s Bar and Grill
Open Cook
1st place - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce.
Grill Fest "Chillin' and Grillin'" List of Champions (since sanctioned by Lone Star Barbecue Society)
2023 Champion - Chase-N-Moore Smoke, head cook Shawn Moore.
2023 Reserve Champion - Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler
2022 Champion - Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler
2022 Reserve Champion - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce
2021 Champion - East Texas Smokers, head cook Scotty Bryce
2021 Reserve Champion - Real Smoke BBQ, head cook Wade Anderson
2020 - Canceled
2019 Champion - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas, head cook Oley Willis
2019 Reserve Champion - Chase-N-Moore Smoke 1, head cook Shawn Moore
2018 Champion - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas, head cook Oley Willis
2018 Reserve Champion - Tipsy Texans, head cook Joshua Campbell
2017 Champion - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Clay Blacksher
2017 Reserve Champion - Blowin’ Smoke BBQ, head cook Adam Bradshaw
2016 Champion - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas, head cook Oley Willis
2016 Reserve Champion - Smokin’ Lil Red BBQ, head cook Brandon Robertson
2015 Champion - All Smoked Up from Jacksonville, Texas, head cook Oley Willis
2015 Reserve Champion - Team Rage from Rusk, head cook Braun Cyr
2014 Champion - Wild Willis Kookers from Willis, Texas, head cook Lang Chapman
2014 Reserve Champion - Team Rage from Rusk, Texas, head cook Braun Cyr.
The BBQ cook-off started in 2011 as the "Go Hog Wild Cook-Off" and became a sanctioned event in 2014.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce expresses a huge thank you to the following Sponsors: Farmers State Bank, Shelby Savings Bank, City of Center, Pilgrims Pride, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, C&J A/C and Heating, 4C Electrical Services, Ace Hardware of East Texas, BTS Disposal, Bob's Pawn and Gun Shop, Cobb-Vantress-Timberlake Farm, R&D Distributing, Raymond Motor Company, Timberwolf LakeWorks and Brock's Rocks.
March 12, 2024 - Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors gathered at Family Traditions Southern Eatery and Catering for their relocation ribbon cutting on Friday, March 1st with owners Nancy and Jerry Lawhorn. For over five years, the Lawhorn’s have been serving delicious southern comfort food and making everyone feel right at home.
Deborah Chadwick, Chamber of Commerce President welcomed everyone and expressed how excited to be doing the relocation ribbon cutting, “Its’ been a long time coming. I think we had it on the calendar for last year around this time and it got ugly weather and we had to cancel, postpone and everything so we are really proud to be doing this right now.”
Owner Nancy Lawhorn shared, “Well, as we moved here, February 2nd, it’s been a year. We wanted to do it then but y’all had something going on too and everything [blew up.] We had moved into Family Traditions, we had everything we had, except for now we have a Friday night buffet fish and shrimp [fried and boiled]. The menu has grew and now we have on our burgers, we have over a hundred and fifty-four different gourmet burgers.” Nancy added, “We serve breakfast everyday that we are open, you can get breakfast anytime morning or night. We also moved in Gracefully Made, it’s in this corner, it is crosses, angels, inspirational things for funerals, or just for a pick me up. And in the back we have Thirsty Heifer. The Thirsty Heifer - its frappes, cappuccinos, loaded teas, dirty sodas, and snowballs.”
Lawhorn thanked those who help her make this possible, “I have an awesome staff. If it wasn’t for my sisters; my brother steps in when I’m not able, Brenda, she’s a cook; Lindsey, our waitress; Lisa works the front; and my husband [Jerry]. If it wasn’t for them, I couldn’t do it.”
Family Traditions Southern Eatery & Catering is open Monday-Thursday 7am to 6pm; Friday, 7am to 7:30pm; Saturday, 7am to 1pm; and every other Sunday, 7am to 2pm. The restaurant is located at 411 Hurst Street, Center, Texas.
March 12, 2024 - Mathews Realty is hosting an Open House today, March 12th and everyone is invited to stop by and visit. The anticipated event will be held on Tuesday, March 12th from 4pm to 6pm at Mathews Realty located at 616 Tenaha Street.
Mathews Realty has been representing buyers and sellers throughout the Shelby County area for many years.
The business has successfully grown over the years, with the addition of many new team members. The team are proud East Texans, deeply invested in the success of their clients and prosperity of the community. They have an extensive knowledge and understanding of East Texas, specializing in commercial, residential and poultry farms.
Make sure you plan to join the entire staff at Mathews Realty on March 12th. There will be refreshments and fellowship.
They look forward to seeing you!
March 1, 2024 - A new owner ribbon cutting event for Deleite was well attended by the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and other community members on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Chadwick welcomed everyone and shared, “We are so proud, another young owner! We’ve got so many young people in our community who are stepping up and opening businesses. We are super proud.” She introduced Yeraldy Rico as the new owner of Deleite and invited her to speak.
“I’m Yeraldy [Rico] and this is Deleite. It’s an ice cream shop slash fruit shop. Sara [Gonzalez] was the previous owner and we talked. She helped me get it, she helped me start it off, she’s helped me until now. She’s been like a teacher to me.” Rico explained she is young and Sarah encouraged her on her journey, “I am where I am now because of her help.”
“We are just ready to serve our community with all the good ice cream and fresh fruits,” said Rico.
During the ribbon cutting, food was out to be sampled including fruit water or ‘agua de frutas’ which has bananas, melons, strawberries, and apples.
They are also known for the special Zebra Waffle. Deleite serves refreshing Mexican inspired treats, drinks, ice cream, and more. Deleite is open 11am until 7pm Tuesday through Sunday at 226 Tenaha Street. Summer hours will be from 11am until 9pm.
February 28, 2024 (Photo Album) - Shelby County was host to the 4-H District 5 Food Challenge on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the John D. Windham Civic Center. The Food Challenge was sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank and the Harrison County FCS Committee.
Sixty-three teams with 220 youth participated in the District 5 Food Challenge competing in three age divisions: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. Each division competed in four categories: Appetizer, Main Dish, Side Dish, and Healthy Dessert.
The results were as follows:
Junior Division
Appetizer Category
1st place - The Golden Chefs from Nacogdoches County
2nd place - The Whisk-Takers from Shelby County
3rd place - Cooking Kittens from Angelina County
Main Dish Category
1st place - Nailed It from Angelina County
2nd place - Chopped and Stewed from Panola County
3rd place - Cooking Queens from Wood County
Side Dish Category
1st place - Hunger Busters from Nacogdoches County
2nd place - Triple A Threat from Harrison County
3rd place - Cook Team from Henderson County
Healthy Dessert Category
1st place - Nice Spice from Rusk County
2nd place - United Steaks of America from Cherokee County
3rd place - Spicy Cheetahs from Gregg County
Intermediate Division
Appetizer Category
1st place - Tasteful Table from Harrison County
2nd place - Kitchen Warriors from Angelina County
3rd place - Cooking Queens from Cherokee County
Main Dish Category
1st place - The Impastas from Angelina County
2nd place - Slicin Dixon Chefs from Gregg County
3rd place - Food Fanatics from Smith County
Side Dish Category
1st place - Dumpliń Darlin’s from Gregg County
2nd place - The Golden Girls from Cherokee County
3rd place - Sizzling Sisters from Rusk County
Healthy Dessert Category
1st place - Cook Team from Wood County
2nd place - Chop It Like It’s Hot from Upsher County
3rd place - The Brunch Boys from Gregg County
Senior Division
Appetizer Category
1st place - Mixed Up from Nacogdoches County
2nd place - Red Hot Chili Peppers from Rusk County
3rd place - Twisted Sisters from Panola County
Main Dish Category
1st place - Simmer Down from Angelina County
2nd place - Chop It Like It's Hot from Nacogdoches County
3rd place - Grill Daddy's from Jasper County
Side Dish Category
1st place - Team Cuisine from Rusk County
2nd place - The 4 Seasonings from Nacogdoches County
3rd place - The Rock & Rolls from Angelina County
Healthy Dessert Category
1st place - Saucy Ladies from Rusk County
2nd place - Cook Team from Wood County
3rd place - Mini Masters from Cherokee County
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