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Around Town
August 7, 2017 - The school year is just around the corner and the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center wants you to help child abuse victims in need by providing them with a backpack.
There are two ways to donate: buy a backpack yourself and fill it with basic school supplies OR a $25 donation will sufficiently provide one child with a pack and supplies.
Take backpacks to the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, 131 Tenaha Street. Center, Texas from 9-3 Monday thru Friday. Call us at 590-9864.
Specifically needed at this time are backpacks for older kids, glue, and binders. Please give ASAP, reminder, school starts August 14!
August 2, 2017 - A large group of supporters gathered at the Shelby County Courthouse Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in recognition of the “Love Like Victor Day” proclamation.
The group joined Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison on the third floor of the courthouse in the 273rd Judicial District Courtroom.
The proclamation read as follows:
Whereas, the people of Shelby County have adopted the slogan “Love Like Victor” in memory of the late Victor James Lee who died in a tragic school bus accident May 2017, and
Whereas, Trent Sims, age 12, of Shelbyville - a devoted friend of Victor Lee, asked the people of Shelby County to donate flowers and help him place flowers at the Oaklawn Cemetery where Victor Lee is buried at with a desire to show love like Victor, and
Whereas, his desire to place flowers on all the graves that did not have flowers, and
Whereas, now going one step further to make an annual “Love Like Victor” Day - to distribute flowers at Oaklawn Cemetery and/or the cemetery of your choice for the purpose of an annual day to remember Victor James Lee.
Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Judge Allison Harbison, do hereby proclaim May 15 of each year forward, “Love Like Victor” Day.
I encourage all local communities to take this time to remember the tragic death of Victor James Lee and the adopted slogan “Love Like Victor” by placing floral offerings at Oaklawn Cemetery and/or the cemetery of your choice.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand this 2nd day of August 2017.
Allison Harbison
Shelby County Judge
The parents of Victor Lee, James and Janice Lee of Shelbyville, and Trent Sims were each given a signed copy of the proclamation. Brandi Hodges, the mother of Sims, expressed the next cemetery they plan to cover in flowers is Shelbyville Cemetery which has 460 graves according to the Shelby County Historical Society and Museum’s website. http://www.shelbycountytexashistory.net/Shelby/cem_pics/cem_shvilleH.htm
August 2, 2017 - Weather statistics for July 2017
Highest Temp was 97 degrees
Highest Temp on Record was 110 degrees on 7-26-1954
Lowest Temp was 66 degrees
Lowest Temp on Record was 55 degrees on 7-15-1967, 7-07-1970 and 7-08-1972
Rainfall Recorded was 4.38 inches
Average Monthly Rainfall is 3.31 inches
Above Average by 1.07 inches
Highest Recorded for this Month was 10.19 in 2002
Lowest Recorded for this Month was 0.19 inches in 1947
7 Months Rainfall is 33.09
7 Months Average is 31.24
Above Average by 1.85 inches
August - School Bells will soon be ringing in Shelby County!!!
Prepared and submitted by Ann Forbes, U.S. Weather Service Observer
July 31, 2017 - Nine Shelby County firefighters recently completed a week of training at the 88th Annual Texas Municipal Fire/ Rescue Training School, held at Brayton Fire Field in College Station, Texas. Brayton Fire Field is the largest fire/ rescue training facility in the world.
Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters Levi Manali, Vincent Raybon, and David Pierce, along with Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Austin Barna, completed Firefighting Phase II. Phase II covers a wide range of subjects, from forcible entry to interior structural firefighting. Students also received instruction in fire behavior and the use of ladders on the fireground. They also took part in three live burn classes, designed to simulate conditions inside an actual structure fire.
Joaquin VFD Firefighter Michael Bates completed Firefighting Phase III, which covers subjects like positive pressure ventilation, water supplies, and live burns of petroleum fire projects.
Joaquin Assistant Chief/ Fire Marshall Jeremy Boyett and Assistant Fire Marshall Justin Boyett completed Fireground Tactics, which covers subjects ranging from reading smoke to the Incident Command System. Joaquin VFD Secretary/ Treasurer Rusty Wilson served as a first year instructor on the Firefighting Phase I, SCBA project, which teaches students the importance of using their self contained breathing apparatus, as well as search and rescue tactics. It also provides instruction on the proper care and maintenance of SCBA.
Joaquin VFD Training Officer Stephen Ewing served as a fifth year instructor on Firefighting Phase II, Structural Burn Complex, which uses live fire scenarios to instruct students in interior structural firefighting techniques.
The Annual Municipal School attracts students from across the state of Texas. This year's attendance totaled just over 1,600 students, and used almost 500 guest instructors.
July 28, 2017 - SCCAC would like to thank Focused Care for donating backpacks and school supplies. We greatly appreciate your support of our agency and the children we serve.
Pictured are Focused Care staff members Sandy Runnels and Renee Bush along with SCCAC staff members Jade Miller and Denise Merriman.
July 28, 2017 - Gibsons recently presented the Shelbyville Lions Club with a $1,000 check in support of the club’s fundraising efforts. The contribution has assisted the club in procuring a Portacool and Traeger smoker for raffle during the annual Happenings at Shelbyville Hill festival on October 21, 2017.
Proceeds from the raffle and festival will help benefit the Shelbyville Lions Club scholarship fund for Shelbyville ISD students. Funds will also benefit the Shelbyville Lions Club in future endeavors of a community center and beautification of Shelbyville.
July 27, 2017 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members recognized the 64th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice before the Shelby County Veterans Memorial on Thursday, July 27, 2017.
The event was led by Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, and the opening prayer was given by Cynthia Islas, Post Chaplain.
Hume thanked everyone for being present to help remember the 64th anniversary of the signing of the peace armistice, which ended the Korean War which lasted from June 25 1950 to July 27, 1953.
"Sixty-four years ago today the Korean War ended. Hundreds of thousands of Americans served their country in that war, and many gave their lives," said Hume. "Some call the Korean War, the forgotten war, but those that served during that time will never be forgotten by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and our Auxiliary. They served honorably and with distinction."
Hume stated some call it a conflict; however, it was a war with 33,686 battle deaths, 2,830 non-battle deaths, 103,000 wounded, and still missing in action from the Korean War are 7,740.
"The number of missing in action is 67 less than a year ago when we held our program here at this very place. Thanks to the Defense POW/MIA accounting agency, 67 more families now have closure for their loved one," said Hume.
Six citizens of Shelby County were among those killed in action, according to Hume, and one remains missing in action. A roll call of honor was read by Sandy Risinger, Auxiliary President; Mary Fausett, Senior Vice; and Beverly Langford, Auxiliary member. Those names read are as follows:
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 J. Wilson, killed in action May 27, 1951
Willie E. Windham, missing in action since August 12, 1950
Prisoner of war:
Hubert L. Langford, North Korean POW
Pearl D. Lucas, North Korean POW
Billy Lee Westcoat, Chinese POW
Following the roll call of honor, Hume remarked Clifford Hughes also served in World War II and was a Silver Star recipient. He then asked the audience for names of any other Korean War veterans who they would like remembered and those mentioned included: Albert Henry Lafitte; Travis Risinger; Frank E. Maidic; and Lt. Col. Hubert A. Mott.
John Piersol, Post Service Officer, then hung the memorial wreath from the Shelby County Veterans Memorial and Taps was presented by Mike Langford, Past Post Commander.
July 27, 2017 - Post Commander Gene Hutto (red shirt) welcomes new member Webb Bates and Sr. Vice Newton Johnson, Jr. (right) welcomes new member Kenneth Dickerson. Webb and Kenneth both served with the US Army in the Vietnam War. If you earned a campaign medal during a time of war or operation you've earned the right to be a member. Call Quartermaster Larry Hume at 598-2976.
July 26, 2017 - Center Glass new owners, Justin and Anna Lee, were congratulated at a ribbon cutting event on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.
Attending the celebration were Shelby County Chamber of Commerce board members, ambassadors, family and friends, and members of the community. Andi Foster spoke on behalf of the Chamber congratulating the Lees on their new venture, "We extend our appreciation to you for today and for being a chamber member" and invited them to share with those attending about themselves and their business.
Anna Lee introduced her family and then spoke about Center Glass, "We have a great staff here, the same staff that was here when Kelly and Kerri had it. We have Edith and Tiffany in the front here to help y'all and then we have Tino, Luis, Brett, and Brian in the back. So, y'all come see us for any of your auto, residential, commercial glass needs. We'd be glad to help you out. We are very excited about this new venture and thank you all for coming out and supporting us."
July 26, 2017 - I thought of the author of a three volume publication of the Education in Shelby County, Texas – Dew Drops on the Pine Needles - at the close of the C.H. Daniels School Reunion held on the 4th of July weekend this year in Center, TX at the Windham Center Civic Center.
This was the event held every two years for the alumni and friends of the Daniels High School which had its last graduating class and last junior class in 1968 before integration in 1969.
In an effort to Keep the Legacy Alive in the memory of those who attended the school as well as their descendants, the reunion occurs. Dr. Charles Edward Tatum is that author. He did a fantastic job of research and capturing pictures and memories of others to make this a successful product. A lot of history is in print of these volumes. Though copyright in 2007 it is still on high demand. In 2018 the 50th anniversary of the school closing will occur and plans are being made to have a recognition of the fact. The committee encourage all who attended the school from 1st grade through 12th and their descendants to participate.
Dates and venue are being determined and will be publicized soon. Watch for fundraisers throughout the year to support this effort. Any suggestions and comments are welcome and can be submitted to the post office box (P. O. Box 1496, Center, TX 75935)
Related article: C.H. Daniels High School Reunion Recap