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May 8 - May 12
PG-13. Ends at 9:20pm
Coming Soon:
Star Wars - The Mandalorian & Grogu
Animal Farm
Closed Wed. & Thurs.
Box office opens 7pm
Admission:
Adults $8, Children $7
Senior Citizens (Mondays) $6
936-598-3864
Around Town
From left: Haley White and Jennifer Leach
May 6, 2026 (Photo Album) - The Shelby County Elementary Teacher of the Year was awarded to Jennifer Leach and the Shelby County Secondary Teacher of the Year was awarded to Haley White during the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Teacher Appreciation reception held Wednesday, May 6th at the Windham Civic Center in Center. The reception recognized the dedication of all the campus teachers of the year with each campus administrator praising their teacher before presenting them with a Certificate of Recognition. Each teacher was then presented a letter by Texas Representative of District 11, Joanne Shofner.
Door prizes donated by area businesses were given out with enough for each teacher to receive one gift and some receiving two gifts.
The Teachers of the Year from the Shelby County School Campuses are:
F.L. Moffett Primary School – Diane Horsley
Center Elementary School – Kenneth Horsley
Center Middle School – Haley White
Center High School – Melissa Munoz
Center Roughrider Academy - Meredith Morris
Excelsior ISD – Caroline Cox
S.W. Carter Elementary – Jennifer Leach
Shelbyville Middle School – Deanna Metcalf
Shelbyville High School – Heather Pinkston
Tenaha Elementary School – Marcia Albert
Tenaha Middle/High School – Nicci Cooper
Timpson Elementary – Kambry Wallace
Timpson Middle School – Donna Sue Youngblood
Timpson High School – Lacey Gandy
Thank you to all our Sponsors and to all the businesses who donated gift items for helping us recognize our wonderful teachers, countywide, for all they do for our community and our students.
Presenting Sponsor is Badders Law Firm. Gold sponsors for the event are Farmers State Bank, HR Group and Shelby Savings Bank. Silver Sponsors are McWilliams Heating Cooling Plumbing and Ray Jones Chevrolet.
Host Table Sponsors are Action Team Realtors of Center, Aurora Concepts, BOM Bank, Doches Credit Union, Mathews Real Estate, Panola College – Shelby County, Raymond Motor Company, Tuxedo Springs and Windham Family Dental. Spotlight tables are Diamond B Coffee and Shelby Insurance Agency.
Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were honored to serve First Responders at the luncheon. From left: Brandy Filz, Amanda Treat-Brock, Pam Hall, Nicole Shedd, Vickie Horton, Taighen May, Andi Foster, and Leon Aldridge
May 8, 2026 - (Photo Album) - SC Chamber First Responders Appreciation Lunch - Presented by Badders Law Firm
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and Center Independent School District hosted an Appreciation Lunch for First Responders, presented by Badders Law Firm on Friday, May 1st. Pete Low cooked a delicious barbeque meal.
First Responders including police officers, department of public safety officers, constables, Sheriff Deputies, firemen, medics, Game Wardens and law enforcement officials were the honored guests.
Public servants and peace officers carry a responsibility for maintaining order, enforcing the law and protecting the lives and property of our citizens. Often, service involves personal sacrifices and even personal danger. The appreciation lunch recognizes the contribution law enforcement makes to the community.
Thank you to all our Generous Sponsors. Presenting Sponsor was Badders Law Firm. Gold Sponsors were Focused Care of Center, Spartan Structures and Specter Inc. Silver Sponsors were Brock’s Rocks, BTS Disposal, Farmers State Bank, H&R Block, McWilliams Heating Cooling and Plumbing and Ray Jones Chevrolet. Table Sponsors were: Aurora Concepts, BOM Bank, C&J A/C & Electrical, CenterPoint Energy, Hope Community Medicine, Mathews Realty, R&D Distributing, Raymond Motor Company, Republic Services, Shelby County Today, Shelby Insurance Agency, Shelby Savings Bank, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance and Wright Dodge. Thank you to Chicken Express for donating all the tea.
Thank you to everyone to helped, especially the Center ISD Maintenance Staff.
From left: Dr. Jane Todd, Gene Hutto, Richard Lundie, Ike Reeves, Theresa Hume, Larry Jones, Larry Hume, Derrick Roberts, and Erik Choron
May 7, 2026 - VFW Post 8904 along with a few others held a Loyalty Day ceremony Monday, May 4, 2026, in front of the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on the Historic Downtown Square.
Loyalty Day is on May 1st every year, however, due to inclement weather, the program was rescheduled this year to the following Monday, May 4th.
Derrick Roberts started the program, “Good morning, everyone. Thank you guys for joining us today for our Loyalty Day program.” He then asked Post 8904 Chaplain Richard Lundie to give the invocation. “Father God, we’re here today, on this Loyalty Day morning to affirm our loyalty to the United States of America. As good citizens, we affirm that we hold our citizenship as a sacred trust between one another and with you.”
Roberts then shared the following, “Some of the holidays we celebrate, honor great Americans, while others recognize great moments in our history. But one, ‘Loyalty Day,’ celebrates everything, from the moment we delivered our Declaration of Independence to the British, to the moment we gathered here this morning.
“Loyalty Day is a celebration of America and everything our country stands for. Loyalty Day asks us to pause for a moment and we look back at where we’ve been, and ahead to where we will want our nation to go.
“Originally observed as “Americanization Day” in 1921 and enacted into public law by congress in 1958. Loyalty Day celebrates the legacy of freedom and the shared ideals that bind our great nation together. While initially established to counterbalance the May 1 celebrations of the communist party in the United States, this day has endured as a permanent fixture on America’s calendar.
“Even as the communist threat has greatly diminished over the years but perhaps is being revitalized, Loyalty Day remains a day worth recognizing, and we can’t think of a group we had rather spent Loyalty Day with than you here today.
“Today, we must remind ourselves, others and ourselves, that there is no substitute for loyalty, and we must pledge to maintain a free society in which loyalty is respected and encouraged.
“Loyalty Day is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of Loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedoms.”
In an act of reaffirmation, the group recited the Pledge of Allegiance which was followed by the placing of the Loyalty Day wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by Comrade Erik Choron.
Roberts finished by saying, “What American freedoms are you thankful for? I am thankful that we can gather as a group like this today without fear of reprising. We can voice our opinions among our fellow citizens. I am even more thankful that every time our VFW visits here, we will always find a group of loyal Americans. Today is not an official holiday but rather an observance that we make that many are unaware of, and would have gone unrecognized in Shelby County today if you had not been here. Again, thank you for being here this morning, I ask you to go out and share this day with someone who is unaware.”
The VFW Post 8094 will gather on the downtown Center square on Friday, May 8, 2026 to commemorate the 81st Anniversary of VE Day. The remembrance will begin at 10am with the laying of a Memorial Wreath in honor of those who served, those killed in action, and those still missing in the European Theater during World War II.
May 7, 2026 - Alan Scarborough, broker of Scarborough Realty, received a good showing of support from the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce ambassadors and members of the community at their New Business Member Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, April 30th.
Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Chadwick welcomed everyone, “On behalf of the chamber, I would like to welcome Scarborough Realty as one of our newest Chamber members.”
Chadwick presented Alan Scarborough with the official Chamber of Commerce plaque and invited him to speak about himself, the business, and introduce the staff. “I started in my real estate career back in 2008, so about 18 years. I started my first brokerage in 2016, January 1, and we started in Carthage, and then we’ve expanded to Longview, Jefferson, and Center. We know a lot of people here in East Texas. You’ve got some really great agents right here in Shelby County.”
Scarborough then introduced the Center office team: Rhonda Profitt, a hometown native of Center; Ana Palacios, who brings years of banking experience to her real estate career; Tiffany Koenig of Timpson; Natalie Mayfield from the Deadwood area; and Keyunda Williams of Center.
He ended with words of appreciation, “I want to thank all of y’all for coming out today on this kind of humid day and I want you to enjoy yourself while you are here.” He then welcomed everyone to enjoy the refreshments.
Scarborough Realty is located at 1110 Tenaha Street #3, Center, Texas.
May 1, 2026 - Saturday, May 2, 2026, is the Final day for the Fannie Brown Booth Library and Friends of the Library's Spring book sale. Saturday will be our "A Bag of Books for a Dollar" day. There is still a large selection of good books of all kinds and children's books, too.
And, please, no more donations now.
April 30, 2026 - Friday is half-price day at the Fannie Brown Booth Library and Friends of the Library Spring book sale. Hardback books will be 50 cents, and paperback books will be 25 cents. Children's books will be 6 for $1. There is still a large selection of books, so come take advantage of the bargains at the library book sale from 10am to 5pm on Friday, May 1st.
April 27, 2026 - Today is the start of the Fannie Brown Booth Library Spring book sale. The book sale will start at 10am and will continue through Saturday, May 2nd during regular library hours.
There is a great selection of books to choose from and lots of children’s books. Hardback books are $1, paperbacks are 50 cents, and children’s books are 3 for $1.
Due to renovations on the library side of the building, we are not able to send faxes, make copies, or checkout books, but we hope to see you at the book sale.
April 23, 2026 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library and the Friends of the Library remind everyone about the Spring book sale that will start Tuesday, April 28 at 10am.
The booksale will continue through Saturday, May 2 during regular library hours. We have lots of books of all kinds, especially lots of children's books! Hardback books are $1 and paperback books are 50 cents. Children's books are 3 for $1.
Due to the new roof construction ongoing, patrons are asked to use the front door of the library until construction is finished.
April 17, 2026 - The Friends of the Library are getting set-up for the Spring Book Sale at the Fannie Brown Booth Library. The sale will be April 28th - May 2nd during regular Library hours (Tuesday to Thursday, 10-6pm; Friday, 10-5pm; and Saturday, 10-2pm).
April 10, 2026 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library and the Friends of the Library are ready for you to come to the 2026 Spring book sale! The book sale will take place from Tuesday, April 28, to Saturday, May 2, during the library's regular hours (Tuesday to Thursday, 10-6pm; Friday, 10-5pm; and Saturday, 10-2pm).
In the photos, you can see there will be hundreds of books of all kinds. We will also have lots of children's books. Hardback books are $1.00, paperback books are 50 cents, and children's books are 3 for $1.00. Support your library by purchasing some good books at bargain prices!
Photos by Haagon Lister.
May 1, 2026 - Joaquin Masonic Lodge Honors Mr. Luke Garrett with the Community Builders Award on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. After a catered meal furnished by the Ram House Cafe, WM Spurlock called the meeting to order with Prayer and Pledges to National and State Flags. He then turned the meeting over to Brother Vance Jordan who explained to the audience what the Community Builders Award is and why Mr. Garrett was chosen.
Mr. Garrett has been working tirelessly on refurbishing some of the old dilapidated buildings on the Joaquin City Square into modern establishments and businesses such as an art studio, nail salon, pizza place and a boutique. He has also converted a hardware store in to a motorcycle museum all of which has brought new life and vitality to the community. Touching words were share by his Mother Debbie Leggett and Step Father Dennis Leggett, Pastor Haagon Lister and many others! After the Award was presented to Luke who was accompanied by his Wife Ginger he expressed his appreciation and the Lodge was closed in Prayer!
April 30, 2026 - The University of Texas at Tyler will recognize spring 2026 degree candidates during UT Tyler's Spring 2026 Commencement May 1-2 and Abigayle Shofner will be among the candidates.
Shofner, a 2023 Graduate of Shelbyville High School, will be receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the School of Nursing at 9am on Friday, May 1, 2026 in the R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center.
From left: City of Center Council Member Howell Howard, Grand Champion Duane Anderson, Reserve Champion Robert Harris, and City of Center Mayor David Chadwick.
April 27, 2026 (Photo Album) - Bringing the heat and smoking the competition at the 2026 Grill Fest was head cooks Duane Anderson winning Grand Champion and Robert Harris coming in as Reserve Champion with only 1 point difference between the two teams.
Special appreciation to Tiffany Perrie who was the Judging Coordinator for the event.
Other awards earned during Grill Fest was Washer Pitching Champions, Ryan and Hannah Bailey, followed by second place team, David Davis and David Windham.
The 42 Tournament was an intense competition with final winners being Shelby Johnson and Olivia Johnson as Champions and 2nd place going to Roger and Karen Fancher.
The cook-off competition results were:
Overall Points Top Winners
Grand Champion - Duane Anderson (27 points)
Reserve Champion - Robert Harris (26 points)
Beans
1st place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
2nd place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
3rd place - Caroline Chadwick, Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
4th place - Tabitha Whitney, W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney
Chicken
1st place - Real Smoke BBQ from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Duane Anderson
2nd place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
3rd place - Smokin Wrench BBQ from Moody, Texas, head cook Drake Braxton
4th place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
5th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
6th place - Backyard Cookers from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Mahesh Galal
7th place - W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney
Ribs
1st place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
2nd place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
3rd place - Real Smoke BBQ from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Duane Anderson
4th place - Tabitha Whitney, W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney
5th place - Jason Windham, Backyard Cookers from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Mahesh Galal
6th place - Smokin Wrench BBQ from Moody, Texas, head cook Drake Braxton
7th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
Brisket
1st place - Shelby Savings Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Robert Harris
2nd place - Real Smoke BBQ from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Duane Anderson
3rd place - Backyard Cookers from Tenaha, Texas, head cook Mahesh Galal
4th place - Farmers State Bank from Center, Texas, head cook Brian Dean
5th place - Smokin Wrench BBQ from Moody, Texas, head cook Drake Braxton
6th place - Squeals on Wheels from Bardwell, Texas, head cook David Lefler
7th place - W&W Texas BBQ from Center, Texas, head cook Preston Whitney
Margarita
1st place - Shawna Hall, Farmers State Bank, head cook Brian Dean
2nd place - Paige Hairgrove, Farmers State Bank, head cook Brian Dean
3rd place - Pam Howard, Shelby Savings Bank, head cook Robert Harris
Bloody Mary
1st place - Tabitha Whitney, W&W Texas BBQ, head cook Preston Whitney
2nd place - Caroline Chadwick, Farmers State Bank, head cook Brian Dean
Chefs Choice
1st place - Kay Lefler, Squeals on Wheels, head cook David Lefler
April 20, 2026 - The Piney Woods Photographic Society held their regular monthly meeting this past Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the First Methodist Church at 211 Cora Street, Center, Texas.
The April Challenge was "Pattern Addiction" with club members submitting their photos of unique and out-stand patterns for discussions and club votes for favorites.
There was also a presentation with tips and techniques on photographing animals.
The results for the April Challenge are:
1st Pl. Favorite by Jan Carter
2nd Place Favorite (Tied) by Bobbye Stone
2nd Place Favorite (Tied) by Julie Cantrell-Green
April 14, 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.
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