Shelby County Today

August 25, 2015 - CASA of Deep East Texas was selected to receive a donation by Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Branch 110. Every year HPFM Branch 110 donates money back to our community. Pictured is Becky Maidic, a member of HPFM Branch 110, helping distribute the donation to Mrs. Patty Watkins.

From left: Burton Brown, Cindy Brown, John Black, Alissa Hailey, Laura Walker, Gene Walker, Pam Phelps, and Jason Locke.

August 22, 2015 - Family and friends of the late Dolores Walker gathered in the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office on the historic square to present Gene Walker and his family with a Senate Proclamation in memory of Dolores Ann Walker.

Pam Phelps, Chamber Executive Director, began by saying, "There is a lot of components we want to share with you [Gene Walker] today and share with Laura [Walker]. A community is comprised of its people and that's what makes it, and in our community we have a lot of special people that do things. And there are a lot of people that are never in the lime light, they work behind the scenes and they work hard and give and share with other people. Your dear friends and family wanted to do something special in memory of Dolores and through this process, you all were such a team in so many ways, it is a solute to you as well."

"So, your friends and family wanted to do something special to memorialize the good things, the sharing and giving that Dolores did. I was a small part of this. I was only the conduit... We asked Senator Robert Nichols to do a memorial Proclamation so that it would be archived in Austin, our State Capital." continued Phelps before reading the proclamation aloud.

"Gene [Walker], you know how we all feel; Michael, Kevin, Carla, we love you. We were excited when this all came about and Pam [Phelps], we appreciate so much your efforts getting [the proclamation] done. We can't do enough or say enough," conveyed John Black to the Walker family on behalf of everyone who cherished Dolores.

In heartfelt appreciation of the proclamation and the honor given, Gene Walker put into words, "She always stood in the background; she did not want to be recognized. She always pushed me and she was the driving force." Walker ended saying, "It is such an honor and me and the kids appreciate it."

Senate Proclamation No. 122, In memory of Dolores Ann Walker

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Dolores Ann Walker, who died on April 11, 2015, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Dolores Walker was born on May 14, 1936, in Center, to Tilmon and Gladys Warr; she graduated from Center High School in 1954, and she earned a degree from Massey Business College in Nacogdoches; and WHEREAS, She and her husband, Gene Walker, raised two children together, Laura and Steve, and they were blessed with two grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Walker joined the staff of Lake Country Insurance Agency in 1967 and enjoyed a productive, 48-year career with the company; she was also active in the Shelby County 4-H program and was instrumental in the success of its Mounted Drill Team; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced her faith in her daily life, she was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Center, where she served as a teacher in the Children's Ministry for more than 40 years; and WHEREAS, She was a strong woman who was noted for her compassion, loyalty, and wisdom; she gave unselfishly to others, and her kindness and generous spirit will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in her life; and WHEREAS, She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by her family and many friends; now, therefore, be it PROCLAIMED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dolores Ann Walker; and, be it further PROCLAIMED, That a copy of this Proclamation be prepared for her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate.

The proclamation was signed by Senator Robert Nichols and certified by Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw.

August 21, 2015 - Entries in the Poultry Festival Broiler Show picked up their chicks on Wednesday, August 19th.

Upon arrival, the entrants were given direction by Shelby County Extension Agent, Lane Dunn and Daphne Lovell to gathered their pen of chicks. The pen of 30 chicks had to have their wing-bands checked before leaving. The exhibitors are only allowed to show the chickens which they were issued.

Also, there was a posting from Tyson informing the entrants due to the concerns about Avian Influenza, which stated the show birds must be harvested within 24 hours of the conclusion of the broiler show to protect the broiler industry and continuation of the show in Shelby County.

The youth have started the task of raising the chick for the Broiler Show to be held on Saturday, October 3rd.

August 20, 2015 - Piney Woods Photographic Society would like congratulate the winners of the August Challenge.

August 2015 Challenge Winners with theme, Night/Moon/Stars, were 1st place - Bobbie Wood; 2nd place - Billie Jones; and 3rd place (tied) LeaAnn Robertson and Sheila Harris.

The Piney Woods Photographic Society is meant for camera enthusiasts of all skills and interests. Our goal is to help you become a better photographer and give you a place to meet others who share your passion for photography. We try to create programs and activities with information and instruction for all skill levels in an environment of support and cooperation.

Visitors are welcome to attend our meetings with or without a member.

The next meeting will be September 19th. The workshop will feature "Photoshop Tips & Tricks" with a monthly challenge of "Barns".

The August meeting was held this past Saturday with a monthly Challenge of: "Night/Moon/Stars". Members submitted photos for critiquing featuring long exposures/night shots.

The PWPS would like to welcome new member Sharon Peace.

For more information about club meetings or submitting photographs to the East Texas Poultry Festival Photography Contest, contact Billie Jones, (936)591-2426