Around Town
June 25, 2024 - This week's programs at the Fannie Brown Booth Library:
Tuesday, June 25th
10:30 am -- Writer's Workshop
4:00 pm -- Crochet for Summer
Wednesday, June 26th
10:30 am -- Preschool Story Time
1:00 pm -- Adult Crafternoon
Thursday, June 27th
10:30 am -- Summer Reading/Discovery program: The Scuba Diver
Friday, June 28th -- No programs
The Summer programs are sponsored by the Center Noon Lions Club.
“Both Sides of the Sabine” Winners
June 24, 2024 - Farmers State Bank announces the winners of this year’s hosts their second annual photo contest.
Landscape/Nature Category:
1st Place: Danny Pickens “Framed in Time”
2nd Place: Billie F. Jones “Church by Moonlight”
3rd Place: Janice Carter “Good Morning Texas”
Fine Art Category:
1st Place: BJ Wood “Reflections”
2nd Place: Billie F. Jones “Rode Hard”
3rd Place: Julie Cantrell-Green “Locked Up”
Human Interest Category:
1st Place: Julie Cantrell-Green “Autumn Daze”
2nd Place: LeeAnn Robertson “Gray Girl in the Fog”
3rd Place: BJ Wood “The Aristocat”
Spirit of Texas Category:
1st Place: Danny Pickens “Texas Proud”
2nd Place: Danny Pickens “Spirit of Texas”
Best in Show Category:
Danny Pickens “Framed in Time”
All of the contest entries are on display in the lobby at the bank’s corporate location on 115 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas. The public can vote for the “People’s Choice” award in the lobby through July 5th. The contest received 58 entries this year with photographers from White House, Lufkin, Milam, Center, Shelbyville and Tenaha. The awards reception will be on Monday, July 1, 2024 in the main lobby at 10am.
This year’s judge is the publisher of the Light & Champion, Leon Aldridge. Mr. Aldridge has 50 years in media related endeavors from newspaper publishing and owner to teaching journalism, to advertising and marketing positions. The common thread through it all has been photography. He has been the judge of several photo contests in a variety of states.
Farmers State Bank is currently celebrating 120 years in business. From 1904 – 2024 the bank has served as a source of financial strength to meet the needs of its market areas by offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and government entities.
Whether it be with direct personal contact with our customers or with the use of the extensive online services offered, Farmers State bank remains dedicated to the tradition of being a true “Community Bank”.
Learn more at www.fsbctx.bank.
June 22, 2024 - The Beyond The Call, End of Watch ride paid a visit to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department in honor of fallen deputy Matthew Pierson Friday, June 21, 2024.
Pierson’s end of watch was August 29, 2023, and according to information from Beyond the Call, the End of Watch ride is a ride across America to honor men and women of law enforcement who paid the ultimate price in their service to our communities. The ride is in honor of the fallen, their families and officers left behind to pick up the pieces.
After the End of Watch ride arrived at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Chad Hooper commented on the rides arrival in Shelby County, “in remembrance of Matt Pierson, our fallen officer here in the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Beyond the Call of Duty they have stopped by.”
One side of the trailer they travel with is depicting fallen officers from the year 2022 and the other side has officers from the year 2023.
“They just want to keep these guys memories alive for their family and friends and everybody to continue to keep them in their thoughts, and not forget about them,” said Chief Hooper.
More information about the End of Watch Ride can be found by clicking here.
June 21, 2024 - The PWPS held their regular monthly meeting this past Saturday. There was a workshop given by Billie Jones on Abstract Photography, Tips and Techniques. The June Challenge was "Shadows/Silhouettes" where club members submitted up to 3 photos they took of either shadow or silhouettes for "Favorite" votes and discussions.
The next meeting will be held the third Saturday in July, visitors are always welcome to attend.
1st Place Favorite (Tie): "Waiting For Papaw" by Charley Cantrell
1st Place Favorite (Tie): "Sunset On The Lake" by Bobbie Jean Wood
2nd Place Favorite: "Silhouette Sunrise" by Summer Koltonski
3rd Place Favorite (Tie): "Birthday Shadows" by Julie Cantrell-Green
3rd Place Favorite (Tie): "Across the Bridge" by Billie Haggard Jones
Center Mayor David Chadwick received invitation from Pony Express rider Braxton Box in front of the Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse. Pictured are (from left): Deputy Constable John Pope; Constable Josh Tipton, Braxten Box astride "Charlie"; Mayor David Chadwick, and Trey Box.
June 21, 2024 - The Pony Express traveled to several cities Friday, June 21, 2024, to invite everyone to Timpson Frontier Days July 5 - July 7, 2024.
Pony Express Rider Braxten Box traveled astride his horse “Charlie” as the invitations were hand delivered to nearby towns.
Pony Express rider Braxten Box presents an invitation for Timpson Frontier Days to Mayor David Chadwick.
Escorted by Constable Josh Tipton and Deputy Constable John Pope through the entire excursion, the first delivery was made to City of Center where Mayor Chadwick received invitation on behalf of the citizens of Center in front of the historic 1885 Courthouse on the Center square.
From their the entourage galloped to Tenaha where Mayor O’Neal Jones received notice on behalf of the citizens of Tenaha. The journey then took the pony express to Timpson where Mayor Debra Pate Smith received delivery on behalf of the citizens of Timpson to join in the fun for Frontier Days.
Mayor David Chadwick was encouraged to show his cowboy flare.
The pony express team then raced over to Garrison in Nacogdcohes County where Mayor Keith Yarbrough was the recipient of the invitation on behalf of the citizens of Garrison.
From there, the final leg of the days journey was to Carthage where the citizens there were also invited to attend and Mayor Lin Joffrion received invitation on behalf of the citizens of Carthage.
Pony Express rider Braxten Box presents Tenaha Mayor O'Neal Jones with an invitation to Timpson Frontier Days. (Photo Courtesy Josh Tipton)
Pony Express rider Braxten Box offered an invitation to the citizens of Timpson. Pictured are (from left): Mayor Debra Pate Smith; Braxten Box astride "Charlie"; Constable Josh Tipton; and Deputy Constable John Pope.
Stella Smith was excited to receive an invitation to Timpson Frontier Days and to meet "Charlie."
Pony Express rider Braxten Box presents Garrison Mayor Keith Yarbrough with an invitation to Timpson Frontiers Days.
Pictured are (from left): Deputy Constable John Pope; Constable Josh Tipton; Braxten Box on "Charlie" and Mayor Keith Yarbrough.
Mayor Lin Joffrion received invitation for the citizens of Carthage to Timpson Frontier Days. (Photo Courtesy Josh Tipton)
Pictured are (from left): Mayor Lin Joffrion; Braxten Box on "Charlie"; Constable Josh Tipton; and Deputy Constable John Pope. (Photo Courtesy Josh Tipton)
June 20, 2024 - The Center Police Department had two of its officers promoted to sergeant recently and a ceremony was held in honor of their new positions June 18, 2024.
Assistant Chief Ricky King welcomed everyone present and shared the excitement about the event.
“It wasn't very long ago we took a pretty big hit as an agency in losing personnel. Luckily we were able to get several positions filled with what I personally believe to be excellent choices,” said King. “We've also been privileged to receive new hires who are also veterans from other agencies. And right off the bat, they fit in very nicely with our family-oriented department. I'm happy to announce that these promotions today will finish out the foundation of our leadership team.”
Lt. Andrew Williams provided some description of the duties of the newly promoted officers , their roles, and their identities.
Lt. Williams described the interview panel of six individuals, which included two current sergeants, Lt. Williams, Assistant Chief King, chief secretary and the District Attorney.
“We undertook a very large task selecting who our two new sergeants would be and we had three really, really qualified and good candidates. Through the selection process and our new interview techniques, we landed on Billy Lusk and Jacob Gross.
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities for sergeants will be overseeing the patrol shift, reviewing body cam footage, and they would be the “frontline supervisor” in the event something were to occur while other administrative authority was unavailable.
“They're the first step in the chain, then they'll contact the needed resources. They'll also be responsible for maintaining the patrol fleet, some of the FTO process, and things of that nature," said Wiliams.
Lt. Williams then pinned Sgt. Billy Lusk and Sgt. Jacob Gross with their badges.
Click image to view Facebook Post with more images of animals
June 17, 2024 - Happy Tails will be hosting a "Bring Love Home" adoption event Tuesday evening, June 18, from 5pm to 8pm at Center's Tractor Supply.
There so many fur babies that need homes and giving you the opportunity to find the perfect match for you and/or your family.
There is also a pet food drive ongoing during this event.
All fees are waived for this event only. Please reach out if you have any questions about any of our animals! For more information about Happy Tails, visit them online https://happytailstexas.org/
Pictured are (Front Row): Korie, Noah, Jaxson, Aimee, Parker, Levi; (Second Row): Eythan, Ethan, Axyl, Ben; (Back Row): Alberto, Angel, Rain, Ethan C, Maddox, Gemma, and Landon.
June 17, 2024 - Last weekend, the dedicated students of Self Defense America showcased their skills and resilience at a thrilling Martial Arts tournament. Their hard work and commitment paid off.
The Self Defense America team participated in various categories, including Forms, Chambara, Sparring and Grappling competitions. Their precision, agility, and determination were evident as they executed intricate moves and techniques. From powerful kicks to graceful forms, these students demonstrated their commitment to martial arts.
Additionally, in combat competitions, our fighters showcased their prowess. Whether it was point sparring or chambara (padded swords), they faced opponents with unwavering determination. But our students hard-hitting kicks and lightning-fast reflexes left the parents cheering.
The instructors at Self Defense America couldn't be prouder. They witnessed firsthand the countless hours these students put into their training. We saw the sweat, the bruises, and the unwavering commitment.
The road to the tournament wasn't easy. Our students practiced tirelessly, fine-tuning their techniques, and pushed through the pain.
So here's to our talented students—the embodiment of discipline, dedication, and determination. And to the parents, we thank you for helping us shape these martial artists into leaders.
Remember, success isn't just about winning medals; it's about the journey—the countless hours of practice, the bonds forged, and the indomitable spirit that drives us forward.
June 14, 2024 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary held a Flag Day ceremony at the Senior Nutrition Site located on SL 500 in Center.
Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, welcomed all present for the event and Richard Lundie, Post Commander, described Flag Day as a holiday to celebrate our national flag.
“Today also honors our principles of freedom, unity and patriotism,” said Lundie.
August 3, 1949 Flag Day was originally recognized by an act of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S.Truman, and the legislation has maintained Flag Day as a nationwide observance that has encouraged all citizens and organizations to display the flag.
The 249th birthday of the United States Army was also recognized as being on Flag Day.
Commander Lundie Hoisted the flag, and then everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
June 13, 2024 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library staff got a surprise visit from 8-year-old Ella Lewis on June 13, 2024. Ella wanted to help her Library and was inspired to have a lemonade stand.
She donated the proceeds to the Library.