Shelby County Today

August 22, 2025 - TCCA's "Harvest for Homes" food pantry will be temporarily closed until further notice. The community will be notified via newspaper, radio, TCCA webpage, and TCCA facebook page once the food pantry has re-opened.

August 12, 2025 - Two grass trucks, 405 and 406, utilized by the Center Fire Department recently had their fire suppression equipment refurbished due to a generous grant awarded to the Center Volunteer Firefighters.

Del Birdwell, Center Volunteer Fire Chief, shared that the Bonehill Foundation awarded a total of $30,000 to the volunteers for repairs to two of their grass trucks. Both of the trucks are 2004 models and are used often.

According to Birdwell, one truck had already been having multiple problems before the firefighters responded to a fire at Bonehill Hunting Club in 2024. While they were fighting that fire, their other grass truck began having problems with the motor on its pump.

“We had some problems out of that truck with the pump that day, because of Shelbyville it wasn’t a problem we got everything knocked out. Shortly after that Bonehill Foundation donated us $25,000,” said Birdwell.

With the $25,000 donation the department was able to buy a brand new skid unit, which is an all one piece unit including an all brand new tank, pump and motor.

Birdwell explained that the volunteers had voted to spend $5,000 on a pump and motor combination for the other truck, 406.

“In between me getting it ordered and our meeting Bonehill Foundation came back with another $5,000 and we put a brand new pump and motor on [that] one,” said Birdwell.

The work being done on the two trucks has essentially given the department two new grass trucks, one with a 250 gallon tank and the other with a 300 gallon tank, according to Birdwell. He said. the department is also in the top ten in the state to possibly receive a grant for another grass truck.

In addition to the $30,000 donation to the Center Volunteer Fire Department, they also gave Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department a $10,000 donation.

“We’re very fortunate we got that,” said Birdwell.

August 1, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on Friday July 25, in recognition of the 72nd anniversary of the signing of the Korean War Armistice.

Larry Hume, Post Adjutant, reminded everyone that the war lasted from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.

“Hundreds of thousands of Americans served their country in that war and many gave their lives,” said Hume. “You know some people call the Korean War the forgotten war, but those Americans who served during that time will never be forgotten by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They served honorably and with distinction.” 

Hume remarked that some called it a Korean conflict, and that It was not a conflict, but a war. With 33,686 battle deaths, 2,830 non-battle deaths, and 103,000 wounded and still today the missing in action from the Korean War is over 7,600 Americans. 

“We can never thank and recognize those who served during that time enough,” said Hume. “Now during the Korean War seven citizens of Shelby County were among those killed in action. One is still missing in action and four others were former prisoners of war who were returned but have since passed.” 

The group then recited a Roll Call of Honor read by Theresa Hume, Auxiliary member; Mary Faucett, Auxiliary President; and Mary Roberts, Post Quartermaster, read the names of those killed in action and those who were prisoners of war. Larry Hume stated Willie Windham is still missing in action since August 12, 1950.

After the names were read, Hume stated, “One year ago, on July 1, 2024, our post lost a longtime life member John Alan Piersol. John served as our post commander from 2009 to 2011 and he also served in several other positions throughout the years. He was a charter member of our post honor guard and gave 462 hours rendering final military honors to our Shelby County veterans. John was a proud U.S. Army paratrooper who served in the Korean War and we remember him today on the first anniversary of his death.”

Larry Jones, Post member, then placed the memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Memorial and Taps was played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past Post Commander.

Killed in Action:

• Floyd Harris killed in action in September 24, 1950
• Clifford Hughes killed in action August 13, 1950
• Johnny V. Mena killed in action April 19, 1951
• Bobbie F. Mock killed in action November 22, 1950
• Billy Clyde Stephenson killed in action November 5, 1952
• Leonard Williams killed in action May 18, 1951
• Willie Wilson killed in action May 27, 1951

Missing in Action:

• Willie E. Windham missing in action since August 12, 1950

Prisoners of War:

• Herbert L. Langford, North Korean prisoner of war
• Pearl D. Lucas, North Korean prisoner of war
• Billy Westcoat, Chinese prisoner of war
• Leonard Scott, North Korean prisoner of war

August 1, 2025 - Shout out to the Center ISD 2025-2026 Superstar Substitutes! Fifty total substitutes attended the annual Orientation for an update on policies and safety protocols for the upcoming school year. We are so thankful to each of you for your commitment to helping CISD students succeed!