Shelby County Today

February 9, 2016 - East Texas Awards & Engraving held a new owner ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, February 9, 2016. They were welcomed by members of the community and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) Ambassadors.

Pam Phelps, SCCC Director, introduced new owner Betsy Swanzy who described many of the services offered by the business.

Many of the products Swanzy described include trophies and engraving. There are a variety of trophy options to choose from on site and there is now a main trophy room which is visible upon entry to the location. Another mainstay of the business is they are a UPS and FedEx drop-off location.

"Every item in here is priced, which includes the engraving, and from desk plates to pens to plaques to any recognition awards and such," said Swanzy.

Swanzy expects to have a very busy season when school season comes to a close. She says she relies a great deal on Caley Turner who she introduced and who works with her on a regular basis. Swanzy is the daughter of David and Linda Swanzy who were also present for the event.

The engraving side of the business is quite versatile as it can be applied to many mediums according to Swanzy including such delicate surfaces as glass and strong surfaces as a Yeti cup, "If it's a clipart, we can put it on almost anything. If I've got to do a little tweaking to get it just right, to look right on your product, stainless steel or glass then we play with it for a little while."

A personal or business logo can be applied and wood engravings are something else which the business offers.

East Texas Awards & Engraving is open from 9:30am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday and is located on the Center square at 118 Nacogdoches Street. For more information they may be contacted at 936-598-8231.

February 8, 2016 - After being in the same location for 16 years, Chris Mayfield has moved State Farm Insurance to 908 Hurst Street, next door to Pineywoods Seafood Restaurant.

"We are all excited to serve customers in our new location with the same Remarkable, Good Neighbor Service we have provided for the past 16 years."

Pleaase stop by for a tour of our new office.

February 3, 2016 - Album - The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign (TRC) 2016 kicked off Wednesday, February 3.

Members of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce were the guest speakers for the event which was held at the JOI Ranch with Pineywoods Seafood catering the event.

Kelly Daniel, Membership and Marketing, for Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce spoke with the TRC team members about the intricacies of the campaign and Bill Teague, Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce Interim President/CEO, spoke about chamber of commerce and the importance of reliable staff and volunteers to keep things progressing forward. He also provided advise to team members on continuing to help the TRC grow yearly.

The Chairperson of the TRC is Chad Nehring. TRC teams are marketing sponsorships to chamber events and publications and their goal is to reach $125,000 by March 4.

For more information about the TRC contact the Chamber at 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

February 2, 2016 - The Vietnam Peace Accord of 1973 was observed at the Shelby County Courthouse by VFW Post 8904 Veterans and Auxiliary Wednesday, January 27, 2016.

Leading the ceremony was Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, who recited a history of the accord, which read as follows:

The Paris Peace Accords ended the fighting in Vietnam, it was signed 42 years ago on January 27, 1973 and was followed by the withdrawal of the remaining American troops. The terms of the accord called for a complete cease fire in south Vietnam. It allowed north Vietnamese forces to retain the territory they had captured, release U.S. prisoners of war, and called for both sides to find a political solution to the conflict. As an enticement, the United States, President Nixon offered air power to enforce the peace terms; however, this was stopped in December of 1974 when Congress cut off all military aid to south Vietnam and all was lost.

"More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War, and there's still 1,624 missing in action. This is 12 less than there was at this time last year, as our POW/MIA accounting teams continue to search around the world where there are missing Americans," said Hume.

The Vietnam War claimed the lives of nine of Shelby County's own, and their names were read by Post and Auxiliary members Becky Maidic, Mary Fausett, and Mike Langford.

A memorial wreath was hung on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Neal Woodfin. Taps was then sounded as presented by Mike Langford.

Shelby County Servicemen Killed in Action in Vietnam

William Henry Eaden, killed in action on November 12, 1965. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 3 East, Line 42.

Ted Wane Adams, killed in action on November 15, 1966. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 12 East, Line 76.

Taylor D. Johnson, killed in action on January 28, 1966. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 4 East, Line 103.

William Larry "Shorty" Andrews, killed in action on February 16, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 15 East, Line 38.

Larry Stephen Byford, killed in action on June 23, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 22 East, Line 52.

Jerry Lynn Hughes, killed in action on July 12, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 23 East, Line 59.

Ray A. Chatelain, killed in action on July 30, 1967. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 24 East, Line 50.

Jimmy D. Barnett, killed in action on March 26, 1968. His name on the Vietnam Memorial can be found at Panel 46, Line 28.

Mac Curtis Buckley, killed in action on July 5, 1968. His name on the wall can be found at Panel 53, Line 16.