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February 13 - February 17
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Around Town
February 13, 2026 - VFW Post 8904 held a ceremony on Friday, February 13, 2026 in remembrance of the sinking of the USS Maine and its crew in Havana Harbor 128 years ago.
Richard Lundie, Post Two-Year-Trustee, offered an opening prayer, and led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. He then spoke about the events of February 15, 1898 impacting the USS Maine and its crew.
"266 crewmen and marines were killed. Spain was blamed for that explosion and the Spanish-American War began as a result. Less than four months later, on August 12th, 1898 the United States won a decisive victory," said Lundie. "This was the first war the United States ever had fought beyond its shores. 3,000 American military were lost, but mostly from yellow fever, and typhoid from fighting in the jungle in the Philippine-American War that followed."
Lundie quoted Teddy Roosevelt who said to his troops as they mustered out, "Enjoy the next 15 days because after that you will be forgotten."
“And they were, and because of that the United States Government refused them the proper medical care,” said Lundie. “These veterans banded together to organize what would eventually become the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States."
In memory of those whose lives were lost in the explosion of the USS Maine and the Spanish-American War that followed Ike Reeves, Post Judge Advocate, placed the memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Lundie said that Shelby County has six veterans who can be connected to the Spanish-American War. The first, Elijah Webb, was born in 1866 in Shelby County and he voluntarily enlisted at the beginning of the Spanish-American War. He was sent to Cuba and then to Manila in the Philippines after that. He served in Company H, 44th U.S. Volunteer Infantry.
“While the Spanish-American War ended in 1898, the first Philippine Republic objected to the terms under which the United States took possession of the Philippines from Spain, and the fighting continued there until July 2, 1902,” said Lundie. “During fighting in the Philippines Elijah Webb was killed on June 16, 1900. His body was returned to Shelby County for burial in August 1901.”
Lundie referenced a Houston Post article from August 18, 1901, "On the large box which held the metallic coffin with his name, the number of his company and the cause of his death, which was stated on the box a knife wound to the head. It went on to say that Leige had many friends here and a good crowd witnessed the casket in which rested his remains."
Webb was then buried in the Methodist Cemetery located on Porter Street in Center.
Lundie listed others that served in the Spanish-American War including Edwin Booth who is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson; Brunson Cline who is buried in Carroll Cemetery; Charles Hudson who is buried in the Corinth Cemetery; Charlie Matlock who is buried in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery; and James Mosby Jr. who is buried in Fairview Cemetery in Center.
"Today we honor these local veterans and all other forefathers of our great organization by continuing to fight for veterans rights, and benefits, just as they did," said Lundie.
Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past-Post-Commander.
February 13, 2026 - On Monday, February 9th, the Delta Gamma members of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International presented a patriotic program at Tenaha High School. These women educators from Sabine, San Augustine, and Shelby Counties hosted approximately 160 students from Excelsior, Timpson, Shelbyville, Gary, and Tenaha schools. The program was inspired by the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring Dr. Shellie O'Neal in a one-woman show titled "God Bless America: A World War II Radio Hour."
Dr. O'Neal served as the Chair of Theatre at Navarro College for 24 years. After conducting extensive research, she created a fictional portrayal of radio host Sally Brennan. During the 54-minute performance, she sang patriotic anthems while providing historical context for each song. The presentation included humorous commercials from the era, and she interspersed the perspectives of the Founding Fathers with events from World War II.
The Delta Gamma members organized this program to enhance patriotic sentiment and inspire students, teachers, and other guests in attendance.
A special thank you goes to Tenaha's Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Terry Bowlin, and the THS administration for providing a welcoming venue. Additionally, Chip Roberson from Tenaha First Baptist Church assisted with the sound system for the event.
The audience left with a powerful message about how God has blessed America, while the program paid tribute to the many sacrifices made by our ancestors.
Submitted by Carol McMillan
February 12, 2026 - Erica Fidone, MD, a Board-certified Interventional Cardiologist, gave a Strong Heart Strong Women presentation to a group of women in recognition of American Heart Health Month on Thursday, February 12th. The event was sponsored by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Health Care Committee and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.
The informative session focused on women’s heart health including risk factors, prevention, lifestyle habits, and practical steps women can take to protect their hearts at every age. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women and the program focused on empowering attendees with knowledge that could save lives. Dr, Fidone is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. She is with the Nacogdoches Heart and Vascular Clinic as well as Nacogdoches Medical Partners.
Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose and BMI checks were offered along with a healthy food demonstration and lunch.
February 11, 2026 - Since Mardi Gras occurs on February 17th this year, Center Garden Club member Jennifer Whittlesey, in keeping with the club's goal of sharing nature's beauty throughout our community each month, recently presented Center Country Club with her delightfully festive Mardi Gras design featuring the iconic purple, gold, and green colors.
Submitted by Carolyn Bounds
February 10, 2026 - For generations, hometown businesses have helped shape our community – creating jobs, serving neighbors and contributing to the character and pride of our towns and county. To honor legacy and America 250, we would like to spotlight our local businesses through short historical features, published throughout the year.
Local business owners are encouraged to submit a brief history of their businesses including: year founded; founder or family history; how the business has evolved over the years; memorable milestones and/or traditions; why the business values being part of this community.
These spotlights are about celebrating the people and stories behind our local businesses. Every business – whether open for 5 years or 100 years, has played a role in our shared history.
Please email, or mail the information to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce: info@shelbycountychamber.com or 100 Courthouse Square, Center, Texas. If you have any questions, please contact us at 936-598-3682.
Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future – one local business story at a time.
February 4, 2026 - Due to ongoing construction to repair a water line break, the front entrance is temporarily closed. For everyone’s safety, please do not use the front entrance at this time.
Access to the building is available through the chain-link fence, which will serve as the designated entrance during repairs. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve this issue.
February 2, 2026 - Pine Grove Nursing Center is currently working to repair a water line break in our main parking lot that occurred over the weekend. While repairs are underway:
- Parking: Please use alternative parking areas for the time being.
- Building Entry: For your safety, please avoid walking directly across the parking lot and use the provided sidewalk for entry instead.
We appreciate your patience as we work to get this fixed!
February 4, 2026 - The students listed on the Dean's List of Academic Honors at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, are undergraduates who have achieved a grade point average of at least 3.5 out of a perfect 4.0 in all work attempted while enrolled in not less than 12 semester hours.
The university would like to recognize local students Maria Chavez of Center; as well as, Brandi Arnold, Jayden Bass, and Lani Kendrick, all of Joaquin, for earning the honor for the Fall 2025 semester.
February 2, 2026 - The youth group from First Methodist Church of Center enjoyed a tour of the Shelby County Historic Courthouse on Sunday, February 1, 2026 despite cold and windy conditions.
A DRT docent shared the history of Shelby County and it's beautiful historic Courthouse which was finished in 1885.
The children also learned about J.J.E. Gibson who traveled to the United States from Ireland when he was only 15 years of age to join his family in St. Louis. During his time in Ireland he studied architecture in Dublin which is very present in his designs. The tour included the much loved experience of learning about secret corridor in the courthouse. The young and young-at-heart traversed the escape hatch and each smiled as they disappeared out of the courtroom.
February 2, 2026 - Center Garden Club Youth Committee members Jennifer Whittlesey (chair) and Alane Sheaves recently visited Mrs. Brittain's Center High School horticulture class to present a program focusing on Texas native species emphasizing the role that they play in our ecosystem.
Following the lecture and discussion, each student participated further in the program by choosing a native species that she or he wished to plant at a later date in the class's native species garden. The program concluded with a fun and educational game: Texas native wildflowers BINGO!
Teaching our youth to enjoy, respect, and protect the beauty and many wonders of the natural world is one of Center Garden Club's major goals.
Submitted by Carolyn Bounds
January 27, 2026 - New Hope Congregational Methodist Church fed 200 linemen today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1pm in the Tractor Supply parking lot in Center.
Any church, group, individual, or organization wishing to support continued efforts to feed our linemen, please DM me (Sherry Riley) or donate via Venmo: @Annette-Doyle-1 or via PayPal: @ADoyle827.
Special thanks to Shawn Whiteside Smoke Wagon BBQ!
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