Click any story headline to open the article and share it using social media: Facebook, Twitter.
Rated PG. Ends 9:00
Coming Soon: The Senior
Closed Wednesdays, Thursdays
Box office opens at 7:00pm. Showtime at 7:30pm.
Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for children.
Senior Citizen's Night
Mondays - $6 Admission
Around Town
September 19, 2025 - (Photo Album) - Residents of Pine Grove Nursing Center gathered outside the facility in observation of POW/MIA Day on Friday, September 19, 2025.
Mayor David Chadwick was the guest speaker and he addressed the residents on the many reasons Americans celebrate, and in contrast the observance of POW/MIA day where Americans remembers those subject to being prisoners of war and those who went missing for one reason or another during military conflict.
“We don’t have a day celebrating, a big to-do celebrating over prisoners of war, because it is such a solemn subject that we talk about,” said Mayor Chadwick.
Mayor Chadwick went on to reminisce with his audience over the POW/MIA Table and it’s meaning, and the meaning of all the accoutrements that are part of that presentation.
The residents were then delighted to see a motorcycle parade as part of the ceremony escorted by the Center Police Department. The motorcycle riders then parked their rides in front of the facility and went to greet the residents before everyone retired inside to enjoy a hamburger meal.
VFW Post 8904 assisted staff at the facility and joined in the meal afterward.
Pictured are (from left) Derrick Roberts, Linda Lundie, Richard Lundie, Sean Martin and Larry Hume.
September 19, 2025 - VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary members gathered at the Shelby County Veterans Memorial September 19, 2025, in observance of National POW/MIA Recognition Day.
"This third Friday off September as we salute the men and women who served to keep America free and in doing so sacrificed their own freedom and to remember the families of the missing we continue to hope and pray that their loved ones will some day be accounted for," said Hume.
Larry Hume, Post Adjutant, welcomed everyone to the program and offered an opening prayer. Hume continued by also remembering the families of those lost who hope and pray that one day their loved one will one day be accounted for.
Hume said there currently are over 83,000 Americans listed as missing and unaccounted for going back to World War II.
"Shelby County, Texas has had 39 of her citizens held as prisoners of war, 35 from World War II and four from the Korean War," said Hume. "Three of them died in captivity, while the others lived through a terrible ordeal that we cannot imagine. By the grace of God they returned home. They have all passed now from this life and we remember them today."
Hume stated that currently known to us there are also 31 Shelby County veterans still missing in action from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, and their names are carried on the Department of Defense Rolls as such.
"John W. Temple has been missing in action from World War I for over 107 years, and it's our sincere hope that one day they will be returned to their families and this community of Shelby County," said Hume.
A memorial wreath was placed on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by Post Commander Derrick Roberts.
Taps was then played as presented by Post Chaplain Richard Lundie.
Prisoners of War:
Harlan F. Adams, World War II - German POW
Haskell Beard, World War II - German POW
Harold F. Beasley, World War II - Japanese POW
Sharkey Brown, Jr., World War II - Japanese POW
Thermon D. Brittain, Sr., World War II – Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Frank M. Butler, World War II - German POW
Oran J. Childs, World War II - Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Basil A. Coats, World War II - German POW
Sam Davis, Jr., World War II - German POW
Dr. Roy L. Emken, World War II - Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Ray Emmons, World War II - German POW
Newell Evans, World War II - German POW
Clifford Gary, World War II - German POW
Hilton Hooper, World War II - German POW
Calvin R. Hutto, World War II - Japanese POW
Audrey C. Jacobs, World War II - German POW
Jesse F. Kennedy, World War II - German POW
Johnnie M. Lee, World War II, Japanese POW - Died in Prison Camp
Dravis Massie, World War II - Japanese POW
Austin W. Mayes, World War II - German POW
Phillip E. Murphree, World War II - German POW
James H. Myers, World War II - Japanese POW
R.B. Neal, World War II - German POW
Truman B. Owens, World War II - German POW
Sherman S. Pickard, World War II - German POW
George O. Rivers, World War II - Bataan Death March, Died in Japanese Prison Camp
Charles D. Rogers, World War II - Japanese POW
George B. Stutts, Jr., World War II - German POW
Vernon B. Walters, World War II - Bataan Death March, Died in Japanese Prison Camp
Henry L. Wilburn, World War II - German POW
Hulon Williams, World War II - German POW
R.L. Williams, World War II - German POW
Levi A. Williford, World War II - German POW;
Marshall (Tex) Windham, World War II - German POW
John E. Woodfin, Sr., World War II - Bataan Death March, Japanese POW
Hubert L. Langford, Korean War - North Korean POW
Paul D. Lucas, Korean War, North Korean POW
Leonard Scott, Korean War - North Korean POW
Billy Lee Wescoat, Korean War - Chinese POW
Missing in Action:
John W. Temple, WWI - Missing July 19, 1918, France
John C.B. Alford, World War II - Missing May 7, 1942, Pacific Theater
Lloyd L. Andrews, World War II - Missing December 25, 1944, European Theater
Cecil A. Armstreet, World War II - August 31, 1942, Atlantic Ocean
Lee O. Brunson, World War II - Missing December 8, 1944, European Theater
John B. Byrn, World War II - Missing August 24, 1943, European Theater
Philip H. Childs, World War II - Missing July 29, 1942, Pacific Theater
James A. Cleveland, World War II - Missing September 7, 1944, Pacific Theater
Lewis V. Dockens, World War II - Missing June 2, 1942, European Theater
Reed Dominy, World War II - Missing April 15, 1944, European Theater
Roy V. Duncan, World War II - Missing April 16, 1945, Pacific Theater
Hubert Haley, World War II - Missing May 14, 1942, European Theater
Pershing H. Harvey, World War II - Missing October 24, 1944
Walter B. Henry, World War II - Missing August 7, 1943, European Theater
Curtis Jolley, World War II - Missing October 24, 1944, Pacific Theater
Willie E. Lathon, World War II - Missing December 12, 1943, Pacific Theater;
James A. McDaniel, World War II - Missing April 20, 1944, Pacific Theater
Woodrow W. Moro, World War II - Missing May 5, 1942, Gulf of Mexico
Kenneth N. Nicholson, World War II - Missing October 27, 1942
Darwin Risinger, World War II - Missing September 5, 1945, Pacific Theater
John C. Scott, World War II - Missing June 19, 1944, Pacific Theater
Choron Smotherman, World War II - Missing November 27, 1943, European Theater
Johnny F. Stack, World War II - Missing November 30, 1942, Pacific Theater
Richard M. Wallace, World War II - Missing July 26, 1942, European Theater
Robert H. Wharton, World War II - Missing November 20, 1943, Pacific Theater
Marion B. Whiteside, Jr., World War II - Missing October 19, 1942
Claude M. Wilkerson, World War II - Missing May 8, 1942, Pacific Theater
Elgie P. Williams, World War II - Missing December 6, 1943, Pacific Theater
Elmer E. Williams, World War II - Missing November 8, 1942, Pacific Theater
Ray D. Williams, World War II - Missing July 11, 1944, European Theater
Willie E. Windham, Korean War - Missing August 12, 1950, Korea.
September 17, 2025 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library is seeking donations of books in good condition for the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale. The book sale will be held from Tuesday, October 28, 2025, through Saturday, November 1, 2025, during regular business hours.
Used or new books of all kinds will be accepted. Please do not send textbooks, encyclopedias, and VHS tapes. Books can be brought to the library during regular business hours. If you have questions, please call the library at 598-5522.
September 15, 2025 - Center Garden Club welcomed new members at the September tenth luncheon meeting held in the home of hostess Lisa Albers. Members enjoyed a pass-along plant exchange and great fellowship after reviewing their new yearbooks and a record of the group's projects for 2025-2026. A good time was had by all.
Member from left to right: Pam Sykes, Cindy Brown (guest), Janette Wittmann, Lisa Albers (hostess), Merry Karnes, Carolyn Field, Carole Chance, Alance Sheaves (new member), Rose Jenkins (new member), Vicky Warren (new member), Jennifer Wulf (new member), Jen Whittlesey (new member), Lavonne Wood (new member), Cherry Jones, Carolyn Bounds, and Robbie Kerr.
Submitted by Carolyn Bounds
September 15, 2025 - The 2025 East Texas Poultry Festival tee shirts are now available for purchase at the following locations: Farmers State Bank Main Branch, Payne and Payne Home N’Suchlike, The City of Center offices and The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Regular sizes available – adult small to 3XL and youth small to youth XLarge; Toddler sizes 2T-5T.
Thank you to Center First Pentecostal Church, this year’s tee shirt Sponsor.
Thank you to Ms. Paw Hei Say, a Junior at Center High School and Mr. Ramirez, CHS Graphic Design Class Teacher for designing the logo.
The 49th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, begins with the Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center at 10am on Thursday, October 2nd and runs through Saturday, October 4th on the Center downtown square. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are Badders Law Firm, The City of Center, Pilgrims Pride, and Tyson Foods.
For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.
September 12, 2025 - The East Texas Poultry Festival Court has been busy with fun activities and rehearsals, with more on the schedule.
The Princesses met on September 6 for Girls Giving Back. They met at COR+Co. Studio. After writing their essays, the Princesses met at Center Floral to assemble floral arrangements which they delivered to every female resident at all our local nursing homes and Assisted Living facility.
Thank you to Three Sisters Creamery and Bake Shop for providing delicious breakfast goodies. The Girls Giving Back Event was Sponsored by Shani’s Catering and Willough & Co.
The Social was held on September 9th at the Historic 1885 Courthouse. The Princesses and the Escorts enjoyed a fun evening which included a tour of the 1885 Historic Courthouse, given by J.J. Ford, and a historic scavenger hunt around the downtown square. The Court enjoyed dinner at The Pizzeria.
Scavenger Hunt Teams are Ready!
Thank you to the Pageant Sponsors: HR Group – Platinum Sponsor; Blake Furniture, Dazzle Me Pink & Blue and JML Contractors – Gold Sponsors.
The Coronation will be held on September 27th at 7pm at Center High School.
The East Texas Poultry Festival, Presented by Farmers State Bank will be held October 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Gold Sponsors are: Badders Law Firm, City of Center, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods.
September 11, 2025 - (Photo Album) - VFW Post 8904 members hosted the 2025 Patriot’s Day Remembrance program at the Historic 1885 Shelby County Courthouse on September 11, 2025.
Larry Hume, VFW Post Adjutant, opened the program and invited Pastor Josh Crawford to offer the opening prayer.
“It’s been a long time, 24 years ago the events of September 11, 2001 changed our country and also changed the world and today as in past years we promise to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost and to honor them,” said Hume. “We honor a nation that in its darkest hour found light in courage and compassion of its people.”
Hume continued by sharing that both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and first responders know the weight of sacrifice.
“Our organization was born from the valor of those who served in foreign wars, but our purpose extends to every hero who has protected our country,” said Hume. “On September 11, our nation lost a part of its innocence, but in that moment of fear and chaos we found the strength we hadn’t seen since the attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II December 7, 1941.”
Hume continued, “The cowardly acts of terrorism took the lives of nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children and injured thousands more all while sending a clear message and that message was, freedom has enemies.”
The tyrants made a fatal error that day, said Hume, and he highlighted the terrorists had misjudged the determination of Americans and that the attacks which were intended to instill fear, cause division and weakness were met with true American spirit united and unwavering before the world.
“After the attack, we witnessed heroism in our city streets. We saw firefighters, police officers, paramedics run toward danger. We saw ordinary Americans risk everything to help their neighbors. They embodies the highest ideal of patriotism, not just a love of country, but a willingness to act on that love,” said Hume.
Hume reflected on the reconstruction of the damaged portion of the Pentagon and the field in Somerset County, Pennsylvania growing green again over time and the construction of the skyscraper at the site of the World Trade Center as a monument to American resilience.
“We will forever honor the memory of those who perished that day,” said Hume. “We honor the selfless courage of the firefighters, the police officers, and the emergency personnel who ran toward danger without a second thought. Their heroic acts reminded us that patriotism isn’t just about love of country, it’s about a willingness to serve and sacrifice for your neighbors.”
Hume elaborated on that spirit of service being our legacy and that it brought a fresh and harsh reminder that freedom must never be under-appreciated, because it's never free. The sacrifices made in places like Afghanistan and Iraq were a direct response to the evil that attacked us on 9/11. They were a testament to America’s commitment to stand strong against violence and to help ensure that others have the opportunity to live in freedom and peace.
Shelby County, Texas has given three of her sons to the War on Terror that followed the 9/11 attacks and Hume said that the first to die was Larry E. Polley Jr., United States Army, and he was killed in action in Iraq 21 years ago on January 17, 2004. Four years later Kevin Casey Roberts, United States Army, was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 7, 2008. He also was buried with full military honors in the West Hamilton Cemetery, leaving a wife and two small children. Cory Bertrand, United States Army, was killed in action in Afghanistan 17 years ago October 14, 2008, and he too was buried with full military honors in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery at the age of 18.
“So as we leave here today, let's honor the fallen not just with words but with a renewed commitment. Join us, the Veterans of Foreign Wars in vowing to serve our communities and our nation doing more than we did the day before. Let us live lives worthy of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and ensure that their memory lives on forever,” said Hume.
By presidential proclamation flags were lowered to half-staff on the morning of September 11, and they will remain so until sundown on Sunday, September 14 and this is also in conjunction with honoring the memory of Charlie Kirk who was killed September 10, 2025 in Utah.
First responders from several agencies were present to speak during the Patriot Day program including Keith Byndom, Center Fire Chief; Mike Hanson, Chief Deputy for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department; Andrew Williams, Center Police Department Lieutenant; and Jessie Griffith, Allegiance Mobile Health.
A memorial wreath was then placed on the Shelby County Veterans Memorial by Center Police Chief Ricky King. Taps was then played as presented by Lee Jarvis, Post Member.
Leigh Porterfield closed the program by singing, “God Bless America.”
September 10, 2025 - The Fannie Brown Booth Library announces the arrival of new Spanish books for our Spanish collection.
These books have been purchased with funds provided by a grant from the 2025 Texas Book Festival. The library is one of only 50 libraries in the state to receive this grant.
More Spanish books will be arriving soon!
August 29, 2025 - The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce held a Welcome Party to introduce and welcome the 2025 East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s Court. Reigning Queen, Lillian Chisenhall, joined the 2025 Court.
The upcoming schedule, pageant rules and guidelines were reviewed. The Queen’s Court program has a month long schedule of events including a Social, Girls Giving Back and a Red Carpet party as part of the enrichment program for the princesses and their escorts prior to the scholarship Coronation.
The Coronation will be held Saturday, September 27th at 7pm at the Center High School Cafetorium when the Princesses will be presented to Shelby County, and the 2025 Poultry Festival Queen will be crowned. Reserved tickets and/or tables must be purchased in advance by contacting the Chamber at info@shelbycountychamber.com or calling 936.598.3682. General admission tickets may be purchased at the door.
Thank you to Caroline Corbell, Queen’s Court Committee Chairman and her committee: Amy Allen, Brooke Lane, Sharisse McAdams, Emily Teske and Haley White.
2025 Queen’s Court
From Left: Jaylee Gillespie, Shelbyville High School, Escort Ashton Scarborough; Claire Ham, Timpson High School, Escort Clayton Pate; Falon Mackey, Center High School, Escort Easton Wulf; Kaylee McCarty, Joaquin High School, Escort Anthony Buckley; 2024 Queen, Lillian Chisenhall, Center High School, Escort Jace Radney; Bailey Miller, Center High School, Escort Sutton Link; Maliah Norris, Timpson High School, Escort Ronnie Williams; Carolina Warr, Shelbyville High School, Escort Kaden Baldwin; and Payton McGee, Shelbyville High School, Escort Trent Jefferson
From Left: Jack Schillings, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jon Schillings; Tillie Willoughby, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Willoughby; Beckett Mackey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chaylon Mackey and Mr. and Mrs. Seth Hendricks; Ella Nichols, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reid Nichols; McKenna Murphree, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Murphree; and Eli Scarber, son of Mr. Brett Scarber and Miss Erin Scarber
August 22, 2025 - TCCA's "Harvest for Homes" food pantry will be temporarily closed until further notice. The community will be notified via newspaper, radio, TCCA webpage, and TCCA facebook page once the food pantry has re-opened.
Pages
