Shelby County Today

December 19, 2016 - Court Clerk Daniel Williamson of the Municipal Court of Center, Texas has completed all of the requirements for Level I of the Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program and was awarded certification on December 15, 2016, by the Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA) in conjunction with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC), the Texas Municipal Courts Association (TMCA), and the Texas State University-San Marcos. Williamson has served in the Center Municipal Court since November 9, 2015.

To qualify for Level I Certification, clerks must complete 40-hours of continuing education and pass a four-hour exam. Areas covered by the examination include an overview of the courts, ethics, authority and duties, procedures before trial, trial processes, post-trial procedures, state and city reports, traffic law, communications and stress management and juveniles.

TCCA is a non-profit professional association of municipal and justice court clerks and administrators. Its purpose is to increase the proficiency of judicial administrators and clerical personnel through education and the exchange of ideas. Founded in 1972, TCCA is an affiliate of the Texas Municipal League and offers its members a variety of services and programs.

TMCEC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to provide judicial and legal education for municipal judges, clerks and prosecutors through monthly regional seminars and an (800) telephone line. TMCA is an association composed of municipal judges, clerks, prosecutors and court support personnel. It monitors legislation, attorney general opinions and changes in case law to ensure that the 918 municipal courts in Texas remain up-to-date on the law. 

Update: Drawing to be held today at 5pm. It's not too late to register!

December 9, 2016 - Stop by Ace Hardware of East Texas on the Loop, "Downtown", or Ace Rental to sign up for the dream playhouse giveaway. No purchase necessary. The dimension of the playhouse is 6 ft x 8 ft. This would make the PERFECT Christmas present for you child or children! Drawing to be held December 19th and delivered on December 23rd.

December 16, 2016 - Clara Murphy's piano students performed a Christmas Recital on December 12, 2016 at First Baptist Church in San Augustine.

Students: (back row, left to right) Rebecca Bullock, Zach Bennett, Peyton Stephens, Mason McGown, (middle row) Charlisa Teagle, Itzel Cabrerra, Bethany Dorsey, Chalee Gibbs, Clara Murphy, (front row) Jessie Williams, Zoe McKinney, Bonnie Consford, Justine Madgalene Chavez and Raven Jenkins. Not pictured Sadye Miller. Kailey Sowell unable to participate.

December 14, 2016 - (Album1, Album2) - East Texas Chopper Guys (ETCG) held their food and toy drive on Friday, December 9, 2016 through Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Joaquin First United Methodist Church in Joaquin.

The main events were held on Saturday with a parade held on the city square. The parade route started behind Joaquin ISD, traveled U.S. Highway 84 and then onto the Joaquin square where the judges reviewed the participants. Judges for the parade were Paul Ragan, John Green and Dennis Casper.

Goodies and teddy bears were thrown to children along the parade route as floats and motorcycles traveled through. Once the parade completed everyone returned to the event grounds at the church where youngsters got to visit with Santa and tickets for the fundraiser continued being sold.

Once the results of the parade were tallied Dennis Leggett, event announcer, gave the results of the automobile and motorcycle show. Best Truck winner was John Stiles, Best Car was awarded to Billy Sandifer, Best Motorcycle went to William Carroll, and the People's Choice was Robbie Woodfin.

The Parade awards were then announced and 1st place went to Santa Claus on the Trike, 2nd place went to the Ace Hardware of East Texas float, and 3rd place was awarded to Robbie Woodfin. As "Santa Claus" and Ace Hardware each received the cash reward for the placement in the parade, they returned the money to the beneficiary of the event, Joaquin Christian Services run by Gayle Samford. Woodfin was not present for the awards ceremony.

An auction and raffle continued throughout the event, as well as a cake walk. Many great items were offered through the auction and the raffle. The winner of a Sanyo 42" television was David Stevens.

According to Nancy Stevens with ETCG, the event raised over $6,000 for Joaquin Christian Services and had a great turnout. ETCG is very appreciative of all the supporters who donated items and participated in the event.