Shelby County Today

January 25, 2016 - Album - A great time was had at the Center Volunteer Fire Department's (VFD) annual bingo fundraiser which was held Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the John D. Windham Civic Center. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase new bunker gear for the firemen.

An average price for a set of bunker gear is $1,600. The set includes pants, coat, helmet, boots, gloves, and nomex hood. The protective fire-resistant garments or Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) are worn by firefighters while fighting fires and sometimes while performing other dangerous activities. It is also referred to as turn-out gear. The gear expires after 10 years from the manufacture date. Additional essential equipment are air packs which cost around $2,000 each. The air pack does not expire; however, they are inspected yearly.

The fire department purchased bunker gear 10 years ago through grant assistance and the equipment expires soon. The volunteer fire department has 16 firemen at this time and the department is working on replacing the gear as funds allow.

Rodney Mathews, Chief of Center VFD said, "We really appreciate everyone for coming out to support us and we want to thank all of the businesses that donated to the department for our fundraiser."

Winner of the $500 black out was Matthew Rafferty. The last game winner of the $1,000 blackout was Lizann Burke and grandson Jaxon Goings.

January 27, 2106 - The family of Linda Faye Johnson would like to thank each of you for your prayers, expressions of love, calls of strength and many acts of kindness you have shown to them during this hour of their bereavement. May God continue to bless each of you.

Della McClelland-Mosby

January 26, 2016 - Center, TX—The Dairy Queen located at 401 Tenaha St in Center recently received a PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence) Award from the Dairy Queen® system for achieving a high level of cleanliness and food safety.

“We feel honored to have received such a prestigious award,” states Jan and Terry Allen, owners, and Patsy Greer, Manager. “We work hard to keep our restaurant at a high level of cleanliness to ensure that we provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our customers.”

The award is given out to those stores that demonstrate PRIDE by maintaining the Dairy Queen system’s standard of cleanliness and food safety. This is the seventh year for the PRIDE award and every restaurant that meets these standards will receive the award. The award is delivered shortly after the time of the PRIDE assessment visit, which can occur
anytime throughout the year.

The Center location received recognition for their hard work in the form of a framed certificate with a picture of the crew working at the time of the assessment. The certificate states that their location achieved an Outstanding Cleanliness and Food Safety PRIDE Check by setting up for success, giving the customer a reason to return, and maintaining PRIDE.

January 22, 2016 - Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce membership drive banquet was a large success with many attending.

Guest speaker, Charlie Dromgoole, addressed the group saying that it was up to the Chamber of Commerce to help Timpson grow and encouraged everyone in the room to pull together using everyone's many talents to improve our community.

We had business owners, individuals and interested members in attendance, including representatives from our Shelby County Chamber. United Way representative for our area Gary Lee Ashcraft attended, giving us an update on how we could help our local community by working with United Way. Of course, we welcomed everyone to join our Chamber and speak up with new and great ideas.

Speaker of the evening Charlie Dromgoole showed his gratitude to Yac Timpson (Timpson Youth Advisory Committee) telling them that they are the future of our town and should be proud for all they have already accomplished for the community.

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce nvites everyone interested in our meetings to join us every 3rd Thursday at 5:00 held in the Timpson Library.

Also recognized in attendance were local candidates for office(s) Adam Renfro, Mike Parker, and LeAnn Kay Rafferty. Attending for her 2nd year, from Congressman Louie Gohmert's Office, was Melinda Kartye and her husband. Charlie Dromgoole is the CEO of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce.