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September 4 - September 8
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Around Town
Display at the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library in Center
July 24, 2026 - The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Nacogdoches Chapter's Service to America Committee created a “traveling display" of children’s books about the female patriots of the American Revolution in three (3) public libraries to broaden young readers’ understanding of America’s founding by highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of courageous women.
While many children are familiar with well-known male figures of the Revolution, the books introduced inspiring stories of women such as Molly Pitcher, Sybil Ludington, Deborah Sampson and others who demonstrated leadership, sacrifice, resilience and patriotism.
Display at the Timpson Public Library in Timpson
The impact of the displays extends beyond increasing historical knowledge. By making the books available for browsing or reading at public libraries, children from all backgrounds had the opportunity to discover role models who exemplify courage and civic responsibility while being encouraged to think critically about history.
The ten (10) books were easily accessible and displayed in high traffic areas with the goal of inspiring readers – especially girls – to recognize that individuals of all backgrounds have shaped American history. The project strengthens historical literacy, promotes literacy and provides a platform to help highlight the amazing contributions of America’s female patriots.
At the end of the “traveling display,” the books were donated to a public library as a permanent resource. The project was shared with the online DAR Service to America group and a book list was provided as requested by chapters.
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Display at the San Augustine Public Library in San Augustine
July 21, 2026 - The Center Police Department is proud to introduce its newly designed police badge and shoulder patch, symbols that honor our community's rich history while reflecting our commitment to professional law enforcement service.
The new shoulder patch proudly features the department's established date, recognizing the long-standing tradition of public service provided by the men and women of the Center Police Department. The design also incorporates images representing some of the area's most recognizable landmarks and natural resources, including the historic Shelby County Courthouse and the East Texas pine trees that have long defined our region.
Prominently displayed on the patch are the words "Trust, Integrity, Service," the core values that guide every member of our department. These principles reflect our commitment to building strong relationships with the community, conducting ourselves with honesty and professionalism, and serving the citizens of Center with dedication and respect.
Our new badge and patch represent more than a uniform change; they symbolize who we are as a department and the values we strive to uphold every day. We are proud of our history, proud of our community, and committed to earning the public's trust through professional and compassionate service.
The Center Police Department looks forward to wearing these new symbols with pride as we continue our mission of protecting and serving the citizens of Center, Texas.
July 18, 2026 - First responders with local fire departments escorted their comrade Larry Craig Terry, Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief, on July 16, 2026, from Tyler to Center after his recent passing due to illness.
Terry was a 40-plus year firefighter with the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department, and began fighting fires at the age of 15.
As the procession of emergency vehicles traveled into Panola County from Henderson County, Panola County Sheriff’s Department units joined in the procession and escorted it until the intersection with U.S. Highway 59 and the Loop around Carthage.
The procession continued into Shelby County with Constable Precinct 3 Roy Cheatwood through Tenaha and then to Center on U.S. Highway 96. From there the line of fire trucks and other vehicles drove down Tenaha Street accompanied by Center Police Department officers to the Center square where the Center Fire Department had their ladder truck extended over the roadway with an American flag in his honor.
Then the procession completed their journey to Mangum Funeral Home where all of the vehicles gathered.
At the time of this report, a memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Related article: Larry Craig Terry Obituary
July 17, 2026 - Today, Friday, July 17, 2026, the Senior Nutrition Site is offering Fried Fish, Fries, Bake Beans, Salad and Peach Cobbler. It comes with unsweet Tea or sweet Tea.
- $6 for Seniors
- $8 for Seniors Take Out Meals $8
- $10 for Non-Seniors
The Senior Nutrition Site staff would love to have anyone join them at 124 Haley Drive, right next door to Panola College off SL 500.
Pictured are (from left): Pam Hall, Bridgette Liem, Andi Foster, Meg Camp, Chad Nehring, David Chadwick, Cameron McElroy, Aaron Gilchrist, and Rayford Copelin.
July 15, 2026 - The Center Rotary Club had the privilege of swearing in their new Rotary Club of Center President, Chad Nehring, during their Tuesday, July 14, 2026, meeting and celebrating the installation of their 2026-2027 officers and board members. The Center Rotary Club looks forward to another year of service, fellowship, and making a positive impact in the community.
A special thank you to Lawrence Davis for his dedicated leadership and service as President over the past year. Your commitment to Rotary and our community is truly appreciated.
Chad Nehring (left) is seen taking his oath as Rotary Club of Center President. Administering his oath as president was David Chadwick (right).
Congratulations to our 2026-2027 Officers & Board:
President - Chad Nehring
President-Elect - Meg Camp
Past President - Lawrence Davis
Treasurer - Bridgette Liem
Secretary - Andi Foster
Outgoing President Lawrence Davis (left) is seen being presented by Chad Nehring, New President, with a plaque in recognition of his commitment to service above self.
Board Members & Committee Chairs
- Membership – David Chadwick
- Rotary Foundation – Rayford Copelin
- Public Relations/Image – Pam Hall
- Club Administration – JJ Ford
- Fundraising – Aaron Gilchrist
- Service Projects – Cameron McElroy
Here's to another great year of Service Above Self!
June 23, 2026 - The John Harris Community Fund held at East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) in Tyler, Texas, will be accepting grant applications now through 5pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
“John Reagan Harris was a generous benefactor, giving both his time and his resources to many groups and worthy causes in and around Center,” said Kyle Penney, President of East Texas Communities Foundation.
John Reagan Harris was devoted to the Center, Texas, community, his church, and education. The John Harris Community Fund was established to support worthy civic, religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational projects which benefit the Center, Texas, community. Applicants must be tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or a governmental unit. The grant committee encourages requests not to exceed $10,000. There is no minimum for a request. Recipients will be announced in August. Applications must be submitted electronically by visiting the nonprofits tab at www.etcf.org.
July 6, 2026 - (Album) - The Timpson Frontier Days car show was loaded with a good number of entries large and small to the delight of those attending on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Craig Ballard organized the event which was sponsored by BOM Bank. After the majority of entries traveled through the parade on Park Plaza in Timpson, they all gathered on Austin Street for viewing and judging. Some additional entries rolled in after the parade.
The awards were as follows:
- Parade Trophy - Brenda Mackey
- Peoples Choice - Brenda Mackey
- Restored Modification - John Marshall
- Classic Car - Alexia Pineda
- Offroad Truck - Nolan Mince
- Muscle Car - Jeff Grace
- Survivor - Laci Starr
- Antique - Tommy Dees
- Peoples Choice Jeep - Brian Fulsom
- Muddiest Jeep - Ashley Fulsom
- Best Decorated Jeep - Drewan Nugent
- Best Modified Jeep - Craig Ballard
- Side by Side - Jeff Pate
- ATV - Miraki Mayo
- Crank it Up - Alex Munoz
The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all that participated in their Frontier Days events this year, congratulates the winners and are looking forward to next year.
1954 Chevy pickup truck owned by Brenda Mackey received the Parade award and People's Choice award.
John Marshall is seen pictured with his modified Volkswagen Beetle. He won the Restored Modification category with his car.
Laci Starr won the Survivor category with her 1967 Cadillac Coupe DeVille.
Craig Ballard is seen with his Jeep, which won the Best Modified Jeep award.
Taking home the Crank it Up trophy was Alex Munoz with his 2010 GMC Sierra 1500.
July 3, 2026 - Shelby County Outreach Ministries drew Friday morning, July 3 the winner of its Bad Boy Lawnmower Fundraiser and expressed its congratulations to Michelle Bridges!
Sherry Harding, Executive Director, spoke before the drawing, “We appreciate all who took the time to purchase a raffle ticket and the purchase of the raffle tickets helps to support all our ministries and our programs that we have going on through Shelby County Outreach Ministries and we need all the help we can get. We have up to 500 families at least monthly coming for emergency food boxes and we also need all the help with our senior feeding program. So, thank you out there for all who support [Shelby County] Outreach.”
Every dollar raised goes directly toward feeding the hungry and assisting those in need. Together, we can change lives!
About Shelby County Outreach Ministries
What began in 1991 as a community Thanksgiving dinner and then incorporated in 1997, the non-profit organization strives to be the hands and heart of Christ in our community. Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc. (SCOM) has a mission to feed the hungry and assist the needy in Shelby County. Its programs help residents facing financial hardship, food insecurity, and other critical needs. The organization operates the Outreach Center, Senior Nutrition Site, Meals on Wheels, and the Unique Boutique. For more information, visit online at https://shelbycountyoutreach.org/ or call 936-598-4990.
July 3, 2026 - The 4th of July is a time to celebrate the birth of American Independence with this year being its 250th! Fireworks are a great way to enjoy the day with the time honored tradition started in 1777 when Philidelphia organized the first fireworks display!
Safety Tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
- Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
- Never point or throw fireworks at other people.
- Do not light fireworks indoors
- Do not light fireworks in your hand
- And remember, ALCOHOL AND FIREWORKS DON’T MIX!
Educate yourselves on the safe and responsible use of fireworks and have a safe 4th of July!
June 30, 2026 - General Shelters celebrated with two of their long-time employees in a retirement gathering on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
The retirement of Retha Starkey, Vice President; and Rhonda Miller, Human Resources, was celebrated at the General Shelters facility where employees, friends and family all gathered.
David Koonce, General Shelters President, spoke about Starkey and Miller and he thanked them for what they have done for General Shelters and remarked on how much they will be missed.
"Today, we've got over 30, over 60 years of experience retired, and it's an emotional day, it's a hard day. We're gonna miss them dearly," said Koonce. "Retha and Rhonda, thank you so much for all you've done for our company, taking care of our people and our customers. I can't say enough to both of them."
Starkey took the opportunity to address everyone in attendance, thanking many for their support and sharing how much she would miss everyone.
“I want to tell everyone here how much I appreciate all of y’all’s efforts working with me. I know I’ve not been easy all the time, but I do appreciate all of y’all’s strength that you’ve given me when I come to y’all for solutions and stuff, y’all were ready to give them to me and I do appreciate that it did help me do a better job and I wanted y’all to know that, and I’m gonna miss y’all!” said Starkey.
Miller said she was grateful for the relationships she developed with those she worked with and reflected on the multi-generational community ties with the employees what work at General Shelters.
“I want to say that I am so grateful for the relationships that I have been able to build through the Human Resources Department with all of these workers and we have a couple of new guys today starting, but one of them is Calvin Bartlett’s son and I remember Calvin when he worked for us,” said Miller. “I’m hoping that through the next few years y’all will be able to build that relationship with the human resources and keep it going and anytime you need me I’ll be awfully glad to help anybody in any way you need anything and I thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity to work for such a great family and a great company.”
Fred Wulf was present for the celebration and Koonce complimented him on hiring such good people since he had originally hired both Starkey and Miller.
Collin McElroy commented on his experiences with both women and further commented on how his grandfather, James Campbell, would be proud for them on the day of their retirement.
“I do want to thank Ms. Retha, because since I was a little kid she’s been like a mother figure and Ms. Rhonda obviously I was friends with her children, and it was a blessing. I know James [Campbell] is smiling down today looking on both of y’all today, because y’all have really been special to everyone so thank you very much,” said McElroy.
Everyone present and all of the employees were treated to a chicken fried steak meal.
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