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October 1, 2015 - The East Texas Poultry Festival (ETPF) officially opened with the cutting of the feathers by the queen's court and reading of a proclamation by Sid Miller, the 12th Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, at 10am Thursday morning, October 1, 2015 under the Frances Oates Big Tent.

The Center band played the National Anthem followed by the Timpson Elementary students leading everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Jim Sawyer, Poultry Festival chair member, welcomed everyone and introduced City of Center Mayor David Chadwick. Mayor Chadwick addressed the audience welcoming all to the East Texas Poultry Festival and encouraged everyone to enjoy the good weather and festivities. Mayor Chadwick was also excited to introduce Sid Miller who began in term in office in January. Miller started speaking concerning the agriculture industry which is a 15 million dollar industry, "One in 7 jobs in this state is directly or indirectly related to agriculture. It is a big part of this area, timber, poultry, truck farming, cattle, we lead the nation in many categories."

He then read a resolution he had drafted for the city and the county, "From the Texas Department of Agriculture, official proclamation - Whereas, the Texas Department of Agriculture recognizes the importance of Texas Poultry in sustaining Texas status as an agriculture power house. Whereas, Shelby County and the Texas poultry industry have long and sordid history of supporting each other through vital partnerships that benefit the agriculture industry, local community, and state as a whole. Whereas, the poultry industry supports more than 1,500 jobs in Shelby County and where Shelby County holds the annual East Texas Poultry Festival each October to celebrate the positive impact agriculture has on the region. Whereas, festival such as this play a special role enhancing the lives of rural Texans. Whereas, rural communities are the backbone of Texas' unique culture and heritage. And Whereas, Texas Agriculture matters and Texas allows it with every citizen on the planet every day. Whereas, the Texas Department of Agriculture expresses its appreciation to the East Texas Poultry Industry and its community leaders throughout the region. Now and therefore, let it be resolved, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proclaims his support for the [39th] Annual East Texas Poultry Festival in Shelby County, Texas." Finally to end opening ceremonies, the Poultry Festival Queen, Kamaryn Smith, of Shelbyville, and her court performed the official cutting of the feather boa. After the feather cutting, Center F.L. Moffett students and Center Elementary Students took the stage.

 

October 1, 2015 - Center Band Boosters would like to thank Boom Boom Photo Booth and All American Fireworks for sponsoring the concession stand this Thursday, October 1. Center vs Henderson jr high games. If you would like to sponsor the concession stand, please call Brad at 936-488-9292 for more info.

 

September 30, 2015 - 4-H members, family and guests met on Sunday, September 20, 2015, at the Center Community House-Rock Building in Center, Texas for their annual County 4-H Gold Star Banquet. The Joaquin 4-H Club served as wonderful hosts and decorated beautifully for this event.

Master of ceremony for the event was Clarissa Menefee. The invocation was led by Kadence Polley and she also introduced the special guests who were Mr. Maxi Eaves - Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Carter, members of the TEEA XYZ Homemaker’s Club, Ms. Whitney Burgay and Ms. Ana Solis with Shelby Savings Bank, Ms. Susan Watkins with the Light & Champion Newspaper and Mrs. Peaches Conway, previous Gold Star winner and former Shelby County Clerk.

Following the meal, Alec Dykes led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Texas flag. Emilee Elliott led audience in the 4-H Motto and Pledge.

Caroline Scull presented the “I Dare You” awards to Logan Holloway of Center 4-H Club, son of John Henry and Chelsea Holloway, and Collin Vickers of Joaquin 4-H Club, son of Mike Vickers and Tara Permenter. These two young people have shown leadership and a willingness to always help in time of need. They are both very active in the 4-H program participating in numerous projects and community service activities.

Jheri-Lynn McSwain presented the Gold Star Award to Megan Dunn of Center 4-H, daughter of Lane and Katie Dunn. The Gold Star Award is the highest county 4-H achievement award. Megan has exhibited leadership skills by serving as a club officer, attending leadership camp, serving as a youth volunteer, and becoming a Livestock Ambassador while being active participant in county and club 4-H projects. Megan has demonstrated a willingness to serve not only in the 4-H program but in her community as well. Mrs. McSwain thanked her for her service to the 4-H program and never saying “No” when duty calls.

The Friend of 4-H Award was presented by Carsen Vickers to members of the TEEA XYZ Homemaker’s Club. This award is given to member or organization of the community that has shown long term support and dedication to the 4-H program. This year’s recipient has supported the Shelby County youth for many years. Their support has sometimes been behind the scenes but has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. The education of our youth and adults is Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s mission and with the help and timeliness of this organization these goals can be achieved.

Club member introductions were presented by club mangers. Clarissa Menefee offered a special appreciation to local businesses, organizations and volunteers who contribute to the success of the Shelby County 4-H program.

County Extension Agents Lane Dunn and Jheri-Lynn McSwain recognized and thanked club managers Chelsea Holloway – Center 4-H, Tiffanne Klein – Shelbyville 4-H, and Debrah Worsham – Joaquin 4-H. They also recognized and thanked all the project leaders for their continued support of the Shelby County 4-H Program.

The final thank you went to the 4-H parents for their dedication to the organization, the City of Center for allowing the 4-H program to utilize their facilities, and Tara Permenter and Joaquin 4-H Club for hostessing. Hannah Menefee closed the banquet with the 4-H prayer.

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.

The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

September 30, 2015 - Texas Influenza Awareness Day is October 1. Flu vaccine is now available in Texas, and the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people that there is no reason to wait to be vaccinated. The number of flu cases will soon be increasing, so people should protect themselves and their families with flu shots now.

Everyone 6 months old and older should get vaccinated. People age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or kidney and liver disorders are more susceptible to serious influenza complications, so flu vaccine is especially important for them.

“People in these higher risk groups should also see their health care provider promptly if they do get the flu,” said Dr. Lisa Cornelius, DSHS Infectious Diseases Medical Officer. “A doctor can prescribe antiviral medications that can make the illness shorter and less severe and help prevent complications. Treatment works best if it is started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.”

Influenza is an illness caused by one of a number of related viruses. Symptoms usually start abruptly and include fever, body aches, chills, a dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and extreme fatigue and can last a week or longer.

The flu vaccine is formulated every year to match the flu viruses researchers think will be circulating. Last year, changes in the flu virus caused the vaccine to be less effective. The strain that caused most of the illness last year is incorporated into this season’s vaccine, and researchers expect it to be much more effective.

All flu vaccines this season are made to protect against viruses similar to the strains A/California/7/2009 (H1N1), A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2) and B/Phuket/3073/2013. Some vaccines will again provide protection against a fourth strain, B/Brisbane/60/2008.

September 28, 2015 -“Texercise” Fitness and Wellness Program Will Show You How

To help Shelby County residents prepare for the challenges of an older society, and to make them more aware of resources available to them, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a fun and informative “Texercise” and Walk-Across-Texas program.

This 8-week fitness and nutrition program, designed for those 45 years and older, will take place each Tuesday beginning October 13 and running through December 1, 2015 from 10 to 11 AM at the Shelby County Senior Nutrition Site in Center, Texas. The cost of the program is $10.

Participants will receive a pedometer to help them track their steps, an exercise and nutrition handbook, and a program t-shirt. Incentives will be provided and a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to Hibbet Sports will be conducted for those completing the program.

“Texas is a young state, but that’s about to change—fast,” said Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Sciences. “In the next 30 years we’ll see our 60-plus population grow to more than 25 percent of our population due to longer lifespans, the aging of the Baby Boomers and a steady stream of retirees moving in. That’s why we’re working with the Texas Department on Aging and their Texercise health and wellness initiative. We want to help people get ready for the changes ahead.”

Texercise, an initiative of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), seeks to motivate individuals and communities to engage in regular physical activity to age well and live well. For more information or to register for the program, contact the Shelby County Extension office at 936-598-7744 or email to jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu. Registration information and payment is due by September 30, 2015.

September 28, 2015 - Congratulations to the 2015 East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s Court. Kamaryn Smith was crowned the 2015 East Texas Poultry Festival Queen at the coronation held Saturday, September 26. First runner-up was Princess Alexis Barlow and Second runner-up Princess Hannah Hall.

Children of the Court during the East Texas Poultry Festival pageant were Miss Avery Lawson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Whitehead and Mrs. & Mrs. Craig Lawson, escorted by Mr. Rex Payne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Rob Payne. Miss Hudsyn Wulf, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Deuce Wulf, escorted by Sutton Link, son of Mrs. Haley White and Mr. Chris Link. Miss Hannah Wages, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Wages, escorted by Mr. Wade Collard, son of Dr. & Mrs. Randy Collard.

Thank you to the East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s court platinum sponsor Shelby Savings Bank for making the pageant a huge success. Gold sponsors for the event were JML Management, Sombreros Mexican Grill and Wiggins Farms.

East Texas Poultry Festival Opening Ceremonies sponsored by High Roller Wells will beheld under the Big Tent at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning. Queen Kamaryn Smith and her court will cut the feathers opening the festival.

For additional information, call Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

September 25, 2015 - Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Press Release

The 39th East Texas Poultry Festival Doo Dah Parade sponsored by Center Tire Company was held Wednesday on the Historic Downtown Center Square. A large number of spectators enjoyed the Queen’s Court candidate floats, civic organization and business entries. Junior Chamber of Commerce students led the parade.

According to parade chairman, Holly Adams trophy winners include:

  • First Place – Center UPC Yellow Team
  • Second Place – Center UPC Red Team
  • Third Place – Center Youth Cheerleaders.

The Chicken Cooking Contest sponsored by Tyson Foods was held after the parade. Chairman Denise Merriman announced the winners.

  • Adult: First Place – Farmers State Bank, Second Place – Paige Hairgrove, Farmers State Bank #2, Third Place – Sheila Burch.
  • High School Youth : First Place – Taylar Windham, Second Place – Jacee Hooks, Third Place – Nykevia Jones.
  • Youth: First Place – Mackenzie Simmons, Second Place – Carly Gray, Third Place – McKenna Williams. People’s Choice Award went to Farmers State Bank Team #1 and Best Dressed Table went to Paige Hairgrove, Farmers State Bank #2.

The Queen’s Court parade winners will be announced Saturday at the East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s Pageant at 6:00 p.m. at Center High School cafetorium.

The festival will begin with opening ceremonies presented by Farmers State Bank at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 1.

Gold Sponsors for Doo Dah Parade, Ilho Sales and Imports Professional Title Services, Gold Sponsors for the Chicken Cooking Contest, K & L Contractors and Triple J Feed.

September 25, 2015 - Members of the ’15-’16 Joaquin FFA Show Team started their show season last month, traveling to several jackpot livestock shows. They also traveled to Texarkana, Arkansas to compete in the Four States Fair Livestock Show.

Abi Hooper showed a steer, a Charolais, and two Beefmaster heifers. Her steer won Grand Champion at the Four States Fair and the Waskom FFA Jackpot Show and Reserve Grand Champion at the Detroit FFA Livestock Show. Her Beefmaster won Grand Champion of the American Division and Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer at the Colmesneil FFA Livestock Show and Reserve Grand Champion at the Waskom show. The Charolais won her breed at the Waskom show, and placed 2nd in class at the Four States Fair. Abi was selected Champion Jr. Steer Showman in Detroit, and she won both Steer and Heifer Showmanship Champion at the Colmesneil show. Last weekend, Abi’s Beefmaster won Grand Champion at the Carthage Clash Jackpot Show held by Panola Ag Boosters. Her steer won Supreme Champion.

Lauren Neal was selected as the Jr. Showmanship Champion at the Waskom FFA Jackpot Show held in Marshall, Texas. She exhibited two Limousin heifers, placing 1st and 2nd in their classes at both the Waskom FFA and Detroit FFA Shows. At the Four States Fair, both of Lauren’s Limousins came home with blue First Place ribbons for winning their classes. Lauren’s brother, Jake, showed a Limousin in Marshall, placing 3rd in his class.

Cralon Hughes caught a calf at the Houston Calf Scramble last March. He is showing a young Brangus heifer as a result of his successful catch. His young heifer placed 3rd and 4th in several competitive classes of Brangus cattle. Cralon was recognized as a top showman in the Senior Heifer Showmanship competition at the Colmesneil FFA Jackpot Show. At the Four States Fair, Cralon came home with a blue 1st in Class ribbon for his Brangus cow/calf pair. Also, at the Waskom show, Cralon exhibited a Braford calf and earned 1st Place.

Trey Harvey showed 2 Red Angus heifers in Detroit and 4 heifers at the Four States Fair. His Detroit calves placed 2nd and 3rd in a tough class of quality cattle. At Four States, two of his heifers who are close in age competed in the same class. They won 1st and 2nd Place. He also entered two other heifers who came home with blue ribbons. Trey’s heifers represented 3 classes in the Champion Drive of Red Angus, and his was selected Reserve Grand Champion.

Tucker and Allison Gamble are each showing Brangus heifers this year. At the Detroit FFA Jackpot Show, both Tucker and Allison’s heifers won 1st Place in each of their classes. Allison’s went on to win Reserve Grand Champion of the American Division. Tucker exhibited a Brangus at the Four States Fair. She won her class and received high praises from the judge.

The Joaquin FFA Show Team will travel to Tyler, Texas this week to compete with other FFA and 4-H members at the East Texas State Fair. The Junior Breeding Heifer Competition will be held Friday and Saturday, and the Junior Steer Show will be on Sunday.

September 23, 2015 - Center Middle School students participated in the annual tradition of meeting at the flag pole, joining in prayer for their friends, families, teachers, school and nation. This event was student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led.

Pictured are (left to right) Caroline Scull, Kristen Orsak, Taylor Burch, Makayla Mayo, and Tyler Herndon welcomed the group and shared the background of the event.

September 23, 2015 - Tri-C Center Base Head Start will celebrate Head Start’s 50 year history by hosting a community-wide block party to raise awareness of Head Start and honor the contributions of local partners, staff, and families. Center, Texas will join communities across the country in the national festivities, coordinated by the Office of Head Start (OHS), to commemorate this historic milestone.

Locally, the Head Start 50th Anniversary Block Party will be held October 14, 2015 from 5pm until 7pm at the old elementary school located at 214 Nacogdoches Street, Center, Texas. All are welcome to join in on the festivities!

At 4:30 CT participants will tune in to a national message livestreamed from the Campagna Center Head Start in Alexandria. The livestream will include special guests, celebrating Head Start’s 50 years of success and recommitting to 50 more years of opportunity.

Head Start programs across the country provide critical early education, health, nutrition, child care, parent involvement, and family support services to millions of at-risk children and families. For more information about NHSA, visit www.nhsa.org

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