Shelby County Today

December 15, 2017 - Kaylin Burleson's senior government and economics classes delivered Christmas presents to students at F.L. Moffett.

Burleson, who named the project, "Mr. Haddox's Big Riders Caring/Sharing for Little Riders" after founder and former teacher Archie Haddox, asked teachers at F.L. Moffett for names of students they thought needed a Christmas wish.

The seniors at CHS received only their age and gender. The volunteers delivered to the FLM campus today.

"I had no trouble filling up the 23 names," Burleson said. "In fact my 2nd period class each took a name after I explained. Others then asked if they could just bring a toy and I said sure, so we took the initial wish list today along with those extras.

"I know had FLM sent more names these high school students would have answered the call to help the little ones, and I have to say watching our students engage with the little ones this morning was a blessing for me - they were so kind, caring, and gentle."

Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department Wall of Honor

December 13, 2017 - On Saturday, December 9th, the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department held it's annual Christmas Party at the Joaquin ISD Cafeteria.

After the fire department members and their families enjoyed a steak dinner, Chief Perry Pugh welcomed the guests, which included members of the Joaquin City Council, Joaquin Public Safety Development Corporation Board, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Margie Anderson, Precinct 3 Constable Roy Cheatwood, and many others.

Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett presented a plaque to Patrick Sandifer, who donated his time and skills to paint the department's newly acquired Army truck, which came from the Texas Forest Service on a grant.

Training Officer Stephen Ewing presented service awards. Ewing and Firefighter David Pierce were recognized for perfect attendance at the department's bi-monthly meetings. Chief Perry Pugh was given a certificate for making the most runs of any member for the year. Out of 54 calls for the year, Chief Pugh responded on 43 of them.

Ewing then presented six members with awards for years of service. In addition to a certificate for each firefighter who was recognized, their wives were also recognized. Ewing stated that being a volunteer firefighter is virtually impossible without the support of one's family. Firefighter Jesse Parent, along with his wife, Sarah, were presented with a certificate and a pin for five years of service. Ewing himself, and his wife, Tami, received an award for ten years of service. Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett and his wife Katie received awards for 15 years of service. Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett and his wife, SueSue, received awards for 25 years. Firefighter Michael Sandifer, and his wife, Rhonda, were not able to attend, but they were recognized for 30 years. Assistant Chief Steve Cockrell was presented with the department's first ever 45 year service award. Ewing stated "Big Steve has been here, literally from the start. This department was formed in 1973, and he was there. It's been a huge part of his life ever since." Steve's wife, Joyce, has been by his side for every one of his 45 years. She was awarded a 45 year pin as well.

Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett took the floor to present the JVFD's annual Firefighter of the Year Award, which is voted on by the members. The honor went to Firefighter Nat Rodgers, who has been a firefighter for four years. 

Boyett also spoke about the JVFD's Wall of Honor. The Wall was created in 2015, to recognize people who have been influential in the history and growth of the department. The four inaugural honorees were Steve Cockrell, former Fire Marshall Jim Hutto, Former Chief Mike Wood, and Former Chief Elmer Mathews. In 2016, Former Assistant Chief Jim Swindell, Former Assistant Chief Mike Cummings, Sr., and Former Firefighter Buddy Boyett were added to the Wall. This year, Former Driver/ Operator J.G. (Junior) Spurlock and Former Driver/ Operator Kenneth Spurlock were honored. J.G. Spurlock's daughters, Betty McDaniel and Sheila Fisher were presented with a plaque in honor of their father as his picture was added to the Wall. Kenneth Spurlock's daughter, Mary Lawrence, was also presented with a plaque as his picture was added. Both Spurlock brothers had multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren in attendance.

The JVFD would once again like to wish everyone in the 269 community a safe and Merry Christmas.

Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett presents Firefighter Nat Rodgers with the annual Firefighter of the Year Award. 

Boyett presents Sheila Fisher and Betty McDaniel with a plaque in honor of their father, J.G. (Junior) Spurlock's service to the JVFD. J.G. Spurlock was added to the JVFD Wall of Honor at the Christmas Party. 

Jeremy Boyett presents Mary Lawrence with a plaque honoring her father, Kenneth Spurlock's service to the JVFD. Mr. Spurlock was added to the JVFD Wall of Honor Saturday night. 

Ewing presents Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett with a certificate and a 15 year service pin. 

Ewing presents Assistant Chief Jeremy Boyett with a certificate and a 25 year service pin. 

Assistant Chief Steve Cockrell shows off the plaque he received for 45 years of service. 

Joaquin VFD Training Officer Stephen Ewing presents Firefighter David Pierce with a certificate for Perfect Attendance at fire meetings for 2017.

Training Officer Ewing presents Firefighter Jesse Parent with a certificate and pin thanking him for five years of service. 

Ewing recognizes Fire Chief Perry Pugh for making the most calls in 2017

December 11, 2017 - The Shelby County Children's Advocacy Center would like to thank Wright Chrysler Jeep Dodge and everyone who donated to "Stock a Ram for Santa".

Thank you for giving to the children in our community. Your thoughtfulness makes the Christmas season more joyful for us all!

December 8, 2017 (Application Form) - "Santa Rides a Motorcycle" will make its 37th and final run in memory of Ed Roberts who operated "Santa Rides a Motorcycle" here in Shelby County, to supply children with toys for Christmas.

Toy donations are needed to help make Santa Rides a Motorcycle's final run a success. A toy drop off day on the downtown Center Square is Saturday, December 9th from 11am until 5pm. The family said, "We want to make this the best last Santa Rides a Motorcycle."

The process is simple. Members of the community or the families themselves turn in requests for children. Each child’s information, name and age, is filled out on a request sheet and then the toys, which have all been donated, are bagged for the family. Once bags are ready to go, volunteer from each area collect the bags and deliver them to the parents – hopefully without the children seeing!

Roberts said in a 2009 interview with Shelby County Today, “It’s not about me but about these kids that get these toys! It is a fun thing and something I want to do the rest of my life.”

Roberts passed away May 7 of this year at the age of 74. He finished out his life doing what he loved - helping families to have a better Christmas!

For more information or any questions, contact Heather at 936-488-2278.