September 29, 2021 — Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Longleaf Pine Implementation Team have funding available for private landowners interested in restoring and enhancing longleaf pine ecosystems on their property. Grants are made available on a biannual basis by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and International Paper (NYSE: IP) through the Forestland Stewards Initiative. Funding was granted to help conserve and restore this iconic and important American landscape.

“If any should not work, neither should he eat…” I Thes. 3:10

September 28, 2021 - Spot, a Painted Bunting that I’ve photographed the past three years, has a new family in the sand hills near Center, Texas. All three fledglings flew into the grass where their parents often feed. They are fully feathered and except for their lack of color and yellow at the corner of their mouths, they look like adults. After their crash landing, they began frantically fluttering their wings to get fed.

September 27, 2021 - Being a deputy sheriff can have its humorous moments, some you can share and others you cannot. A number of years ago I was working security at the Shelby County Rodeo at the rodeo grounds on Highway 7 East. I had arrived early to watch people parking and entering the arena and just to be seen by the public.

September 24, 2021 – The Angelina National Forest and the Sabine National Forest are decommissioning several of the forest's old, worn, and closed camping loops. It includes closed loops at Caney Creek Boat Ramp, Sandy Creek Boat Ramp, and Red Hill Lake.

Available vaccines are Moderna and Pfizer 1st and 2nd doses, and Pfizer booster.

September 24, 2021 - A Covid-19 Vacination Clinic will be held at the Triumph Church of God in Christ on Daniel Street in Center from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 26th.

Also, a Covid-19 Vaccination clinic will be held from 3pm to 6pm at the John D. Windham Civic Center on Tuesday, September 28. Please bring insurance information with you. There will be no out of pocket expense.