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September 12, 2023 - A Patriot Day program held at the Historic Shelby County Courthouse was well attended by emergency responders and members of the community on September 11, 2023.
VFW Post 8904 hosted the event and Mike Wulf, Post Sr. Vice, led the program. He started off by asking for moments of silence for Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Pierson and Sheriff Kevin Windham. Josh Crawford, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, then gave an invocation.
David Mathis then performed the National Anthem on the piano, and Leigh Porterfield also accompanied him by singing. This was followed by everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
"On September 11 2001, exactly 22 years ago, America witnessed evil beyond belief. It was difficult for us to grasp the scope of the tragedies that day. It was one of the single most tragic days in our nation’s history," said Wulf. "Two decades have passed since that [fateful] day, and for most the memories of what happened that day are still vivid and painful as they were 22 years ago, and while time cannot ever remove the pain we can find some solace in remembering how our nation was united in the subsequent days and months following the attack.”
Wulf continued, "That day, we refused to allow evilness to triumph over good. The accounts of hope and heroism that emerged from the rubble of ground zero, the Pentagon and the rural Pennsylvania field inspired us all to this day. Those remarkable acts of valor continue to serve as reminders of all that is good and true in the human spirit. In our grief, our nation and its citizens stood tall, and defiantly proud as police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, airplane passengers and crew members gave their lives to save their fellow man. The heroism will never be forgotten by a grateful America, nor by the VFW members who by their own experiences recognize heroism, and the high cost that comes with it."
Wulf reminded everyone of three of Shelby County's own who died overseas protecting our freedoms and they are Larry E. Polley Jr., United States Army, killed in action in Iraq January 17, 2004; Kevin Casey Roberts, United States Army, killed in action in Afghanistan May 7, 2008; and Cory Bertrand, who was 18 years old and in the United States Army when he was killed in action in Afghanistan October 14, 2008.
Leigh Porterfield shared a letter by Senator John Cornyn (see video above).
Flags were mandated by presidential proclamation to be lowered to half-staff at sunrise and remain that way until sundown, September 11, 2023.
Introduced by Wulf, and speaking on behalf of first responders in Shelby County were Keith Byndom, Center Fire Chief; Sgt. Det. Andrew Williams, Center Police Department; Lt. Chad Hooper, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, and Jessie Griffith, Allegiance Mobile Health. Each shared their thoughts on the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
Wulf thanked all of the first responders for what they do every day in dealing with circumstances not of their own making.
Wulf commended the NextGen group and the Junior Chamber of Commerce members who placed flags on the square in honor of September 11.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison placed the memorial wreath on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial, after which Wulf invited everyone to participate in a moment of silence.
Following a moment of silence and remembrance of September 11, 2001, David Mathis and Leigh Porterfield performed God Bless America. Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto, Past-Post Commander.
September 8, 2023 - Los Jarritos held a ribbon cutting event Thursday, September 7, 2023, which was hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.
Deborah Chadwick, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President, introduced Angela Cruz-Hernandez who has had the restaurant, which offers Mexican style cuisine, for over month.
Cruz-Hernandez stated the business is an opportunity, which she has decided to take and she described some of the great offerings the staff provides for customers.
“Everything is authentic you know, literally they make everything from scratch,” said Cruz-Hernandez.
She shared that all of the food is great, not only because they are her staff, and she thanked her employees who are behind the business.
“We do sell Aguas Frescas which is naturally made water-fruit,” said Cruz-Hernandez.
Street tacos are also a very popular item on the menu.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays, but open from 9am until 8pm Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday hours are from 10am until 6pm. Breakfast is served until 11am.
Los Jarritos is located at 181 US Highway 96 North in Center and they can be reached by calling 936-427-2244.
September 8, 2023 - Shelby County Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC) members and NextGen group members placed 3,000 flags on the Shelby County Historic Courthouse lawn Thursday, September 7, 2023.
The group gathered beside the Shelby County Veterans Memorial and Sam Beasley, representing the NextGen Group, explained to the JCC members how placing the flags is a memorial to those whose lives were lost and all who were affected by the events of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Beasley remarked on the certainty that all of the JCC members would not have even yet been born when the attacks occurred and he himself was in the 5th grade at school. He expressed how complexly traumatic the experience was for everyone at that time.
Leigh Porterfield, Shelby County Republican Party Chair, expressed how much of an honor it is for the Shelby County Republican Party to sponsor the NextGen Chamber event. She commended the JCC members for their presence and participation in placing the flags.
She commented that September 11, 2001 was a time when the world witnessed the worst humanity has to offer and the best as people came together afterward to help one another and demonstrate great unity.
The JCC and NextGen then got to work placing the 3,000 flags which are present on the courthouse lawn for all to see, and which will be there during the Patriot Day program hosted by the VFW Post 8904 on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 9am in front of the historic courthouse.
From left: Sandra Davis and Roy Davis
September 8, 2023 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of the John Harris Community Fund Grant from the East Texas Community Foundation. The grant award, in the amount of $8900, is for technology upgrades and funding for Wi-Fi hot-spots for patrons of the library.
The grant allows us to fulfill our mission of providing resources that provide knowledge, enlightenment, and enjoyment to the residents of Center.
We are very appreciative of the funding by the East Texas Community Foundation and the John R. Harris Foundation for our library services. Mr. Harris was a devoted supporter of the Center community, his church and the education of Center residents.
September 6, 2023 - The 2023 East Texas Poultry Festival tee shirts are now available for purchase at the following locations: Farmers State Bank Main Branch, Payne and Payne Home N’Suchlike, The City of Center offices and The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Regular sizes available – adult small to 3XL and youth small to youth XLarge; Toddler sizes 2T-5T. My First Poultry Festival Onsies are also available.
Thank you to Center First United Pentecostal Church, this year’s tee shirt Sponsor.
Thank you to Ms. Lisandra Santos, a recent graduate of Center High School and Mr. Ramirez, CHS Graphic Design Class Teacher for designing the logo.
The 47th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, begins with the Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5th and runs through Saturday, October 7th on the Center downtown square. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are: Badders Law Firm, The City of Center, Pilgrims Pride, and Tyson Foods.
For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.
September 5, 2023 - The Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center (SCCAC) recently received a grant in the amount of $10,000 from the John Harris Community Fund at East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF). We are grateful to ETCF for their continued support of our agency and their commitment to improving the lives of children and families in our community who have been impacted by abuse.
East Texas Communities Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving 32 counties in East Texas. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded over $108 million in grants and scholarships since its inception.
September 1, 2023 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary observed Victory Over Japan Day on the Center square in front of the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on September 1, 2023, for the 78th anniversary of the formal surrender of the Japanese aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Richard Lundie, Post Commander, offered the opening prayer.
Mike Wulf, Post Sr. Vice, led the program and recited the speech of President Harry Truman which was broadcast via radio during the ceremony on the USS Missouri. Wulf shared some of what President Truman said in his address.
President Truman said in part "My fellow Americans, and the Supreme Allied Commander General MacArthur in Tokyo Bay. The thoughts and hopes of all America, indeed of all the civilized world are centered tonight on the battleship Missouri. There on that small piece of American soil anchored in Tokyo, the Japanese have just officially laid down their arms, they've signed the terms of unconditional surrender. Four years ago, the thoughts and fears of the whole civilized world were centered on another piece of American soil, Pearl Harbor. The mighty threat to the civilization which began there, is now laid at rest. It was a long road to Tokyo, and a bloody one. We shall not forget Pearl Harbor, and the Japanese military will not forget the USS Missouri. The evil done by the Japanese war lords can never be repaired or forgotten,"
The last sentence by President Truman is why we are here today, "The evil can not be forgotten. Those who sacrificed and served can also never be forgotten."
(Hear President Truman address by clicking on this link)
"Today we honor Shelby County World War II Veterans who served in the Pacific, and were killed in action, or are still missing in action after so many years," said Wulf.
Honored during the ceremony were 37 Shelby County World War II Veterans who served in the Pacific, and were killed in action and now buried overseas or remain missing in action. Reading the 37 names aloud were members of the Post and Auxiliary.
State Representative Travis Clardy, who was present for the event, shared thoughts of his father who served in the Pacific during World War II. Representative Clardy then placed the memorial wreath upon the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
2015 Video of A.J. Procell sharing his experience aboard the USS Missouri
Shelby County Veterans Lost in Pacific War - Buried Overseas (7) or Missing in Action (15) Buried in Shelby County (12) Buried in Texas (2) Buried in Arlington National Cemetery (1)
- Alford, John C.B. - Missing in Action, May 7, 1942
- Allen, Ernest W. - Killed in Action, September 4, 1943, Philippines
- Beckham, James L. - Killed in Action, April 26, 1945, Okinawa
- Ceal, Rayford - Killed in Action, February 7, 1945, Philippines
- Childs, Philip H. - Missing in Action, July 28, 1942
- Cleveland, James A. - Missing in Action, September 7, 1944
- Collum, Royce C. - Killed in Action, April 11, 1945, Okinawa
- Crausby, Marvin K. - Killed in Action, August 8, 1943, India
- Compton, Bobbie B. - Killed in Action, July 15, 1944, Philippines
- Crump, Bobby A. - Killed in Action, May 30, 1945, Okinawa
- Duncan, Roy V. - Missing in Action, April 16, 1945
- Essery, Robert H. - Killed in Action, April 23, 1945, Pacific
- Harvery, Pershing H. - Missing in Action, October 24, 1944
- Herndon, Ralph - Killed in Action, April 8, 1945, Philippines
- Holt, Dudley D. - Killed in Action, May 16, 1945, Philippines
- Johnson, Leroy - Killed in Action, January 26, 1945, Luzon
- Jolley, Curtis - Missing in Action, October 24, 1944
- Lathon, Willie E. - Missing in Action, December 12, 1943
- McCallum, Bryan, Jr. - Killed in Action, March 1, 1945, Iwo Jima
- Miller, John R. - Killed in Action, April 9, 1945, Philippines
- Mitchell, Thomas T. - Killed in Action, April 8, 1945, Philippines
- Odom, Joe L. - Killed in Action, July 8, 1944, Saipan
- Nicholson, Kenneth N. - Missing in Action, October 27, 1942
- Rhodes, Ben R. - Killed in Action, July 28, 1942, Pacific
- Risinger, Darwin - Missing in Action, September 5, 1945, Plane Crash
- Scott, John C. - Missing in Action, June 19, 1944
- Snider, Rennie C. - Killed in Action, August 3, 1944, Marianas
- Spurlock, Luther M. - Killed in Action, January 23, 1943, Samoa
- Stack, Johnie - Missing in Action, November 30, 1942
- Tindol, James P. - Killed in Action, June 25, 1944, Saipan
- Webb, Arvin - Killed in Action, December 19, 1945, New Guinea
- Wharton, Robert H. - Missing in Action, November 20, 1943
- Whiteside, Marion B. Jr. - Missing in Action, October 19, 1942
- Wilkerson, Claude M. - Missing in Action, May 8, 1942
- Williams, Eligie P. - Missing in Action, December 6, 1943
- Windham, Melvin T. - Killed in Action, April 4, 1945, Luzon
- Winfrey, Sil, Jr. - Died Aircraft Crash, May 9, 1945, Australia
September 1, 2023 - The ladies of the Deep East Texas Council of Government's Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) meet every Wednesday and Thursday in Timpson on Park Plaza to finish quilts by hand stitching. The owner of the quilt provides the lining, batting and quilting thread to complete the quilt.
The money that the RSVP Quilters make is then given to four Timpson service organizations once a year. Timpson RSVP Quilters are Molly Campbell, Judy Samford, and Jeanie Rhodes. They donated checks of $400 to each of the four service organizations in Timpson.
Bro. Dee Daniel pastor of First Baptist Church of Timpson was presented a check for the Salvation Army Food Pantry by Molly Campbell, a RSVP representative.
Mayor Debra Smith was presented a check for Food for Thought from RSVP representative Molly Campbell.
A check was received from Molly Campbell, RSVP representative, by Tracy Lee for the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service.
Tony Acosta received a check for the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department from RSVP representative Molly Campbell.
Deep East Texas Council of Government's (DETCOG) Senior Corps Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP, is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and over. You can use the skills and talents you’ve learned over the years, or develop new ones while serving in a variety of volunteer activities within your community. Activities include, but are not limited to, tutoring children, veteran support, assisting victims of natural disasters, providing independent living services, assisting with volunteer functions such as volunteer recognition service and more. For more information, visit online https://www.detcog.gov/rsvp.
July 19, 2023 - On September 29, 2023, we are having our 59th class reunion at Fancy Cafe, 1003 Hurst St. Center, Texas at 1pm until 3:30pm. Please RSVP by September 1, 2023, if you plan to attend. RSVP to Johnnie B Locke 409-382-9488 or Patsy Spells Johnson 936-635-6880.
Also needing help finding these classmates: H. D. Adams, Oneita Barlow, Becky Sanford Bennifield, Rex Davis, James Fountain, Louise Fults, Margaret Harper Garsee, Diann Hatton, Fred Lilly, Mary Lou Martin, Susy Martin, Jimmy McCauly, Gary McDaniel, David Pebsworth, James Squires, Pam Ward, Mary Yarbrough, Tommy Haley, David Jones, Tommy Murphey, and Robert Windham.
If you have information on them, please contact one of the above numbers.
August 31, 2023 - The 1885 Historic Courthouse will be closed starting September 2nd for maintenance to the building. The closure will possibly last the whole month of September.
The Shelby County Commissioners' Court and the Shelby County Historical Commission have been working together to facilitate needed repairs to ensure the longevity of the Irish Castle. Maintenance includes treating for termites along with fresh paint inside and the installation of period appropriate lighting.
Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison expressed the courthouse is priceless and anything that we can do to preserve the 138-year-old historic building is good.
Plans are to have the repairs completed in time for the Poultry Festival in October.
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