Drafts

Friends and family of Mrs. Requanah Santifer will be hosting a benefit program for her Saturday, August 3rd at 7 PM at the Mount Zion Church at 921 MLK Driver in Center.

Mrs. Santifer was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2006 and has been fighting the disease every single day since that time.  Organizers are asking all choirs, soloists, and praise dancers to attend.  You are encouraged to bring your gifts, talents and financial blessings.  For more information, call Veronica Berry at 488-8096, Tomiko Moore at 645-1726, Mellody Daniels at 645-2769, or Kristi McClelland at 591-4266.

The Shelby County Senior Nutrition Site Food Buffet Breakfast  Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd from 8 AM to 12 Noon at the intersection of Loop 500 and Haley Drive .  Community attendance and donations will be appreciated.  The Shelby County Senior Nutrition Site Food Fund will include the Shelby County Crusiers Car Club Exhibit.

The Center Volunteer Fire Department is holding it's annual fundraiser for the department Saturday, August 3rd at the John D. Windham Civic Center.

The event starts at 6 PM. There will be free popcorn $1.00 drinks .

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will welcome Chamber members to Business After Hours this Thursday, August 1 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

James and Sharon Crelia, owners of Hometown Tackle & Marine will host the event and showcase their business, products, services and facilities.  To learn more about Hometown Tackle & Marine visit them at www.hometowntackle.webs.com.

The casual networking event will be held at 1694 Southview Circle / Highway 96 South before Loop 500.

Refreshments will be served and Chamber members are asked to bring business cards to exchange and be eligible for door prize drawings.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682 or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com. 

City of Center officials have confirmed that a boil water notice issued for residents on San Augustine Street, Terry Street, Jones Drive and Howard Streets has been lifted.  The notice had originally been issued due to fire hydrant upgrades in that area.

There is also no need to boil water anymore for customers of the San Augustine Rural Water system.  A notice issued for San Augustine Rural Water System for customers on Route number 1 east of the city of San Augustine has been lifted.   The notice had originally been put in place  due to a leak which has been repaired.

Center city workers will be turning off the water from 2 to 5 this afternoon for customers on San Augustine Street, Terry Street, Jones Drive and Howard Streets.  Consequently, the city of Center has issued a boil water statement until further notice.  All Center water customers living on those streets to  to boil their water prior to consumption.

The water shut-down this afternoon is due to fire hydrant upgrades that are taking place

San Augustine Rural Water Systems has a public boil water notice in effect.  The area affected includes FM 353 in San Augustine County, State Highway 21, East of San Augustine and the Sunrise Community.  If you are on the San Augustine Rural Water Suplpy on the east side of San Augustine Elementary School , you are in the Boil Water Area.

This is just a safety precaution due to a leak detected and repaired on the east side of town.

Those of us in the San Augustine Rural Water Service Area began experiencing low water pressure last night about 7:30.  According to Buster's who manages the Water Service, there is a major underground pipeline leak…they have yet to find it as of 6:30.  They have been walking the lines all night and no wet areas have shown up…day light will help identify the leaking area so repairs can begin.

(Carthage, TX) - Results of The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2013 survey of “Great Colleges to Work For” were released today, and for the second year in a row Panola College has been recognized as one of the nation’s best colleges to work for. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received “Great College to Work For” recognition was feedback provided by faculty and staff.

The results, released in The Chronicle's sixth annual report on "The Academic Workplace," are based on a survey of nearly 44,000 employees at 300 colleges and universities. In all, only 97 of the 300 institutions achieved "Great College to Work For" recognition, with Panola College being one of only 21 two-year colleges selected from across the nation.

According to the Chronicle’s criteria, Panola College was recognized in 10 of the 11 two-year college categories studied. These included: Collaborative Governance; Professional/Career-Development Programs; Teaching Environment; Compensation & Benefits; Facilities, Workspaces and Security; Job Satisfaction; Work/Life Balance; Confidence in Senior Leadership; Supervisor or Department Chair Relationship; and Respect and Appreciation. As a result of achieving recognition in so many different areas, Panola College was also listed on the Chronicle’s “Honor Roll” as one of the top four colleges in its size category. Only 12 community colleges and 30 universities in the United States were named to the Honor Roll.

“I’m honored to accept this recognition on behalf of all the employees and the Board of Trustees at Panola College,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College. “Our faculty and staff are the key to student success. We are dedicated to continue making Panola College a great place to work and a great place for students.”

“It’s easier to be a great workplace during good times, but it’s when times are tough that the commitment to workplace quality really gets tested. And those institutions that measure up during times of economic hardship reinforce their already strong cultures and put even more distance between them and their peer institution for whom they compete for talent,” said Richard K. Boyer, principal and managing partner, ModernThink LLC.

“Great Colleges to Work For” is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all the results of the survey, visit The Chronicle’s Web site at http://chronicle.com/AcademicWorkplace2013. 

Nacogdoches Medical Center announced its intentions to build free standing ER and Imaging Center in Shelby County, Texas, that will further the hospital’s mission to provide high-quality care to the East Texas community. The new construction will be located at the intersection of Highway 96 and Loop 500. The project includes the building of a free standing emergency room and diagnostic imaging center which will function as an off-campus department of Nacogdoches Medical Center. “In light of the recent closure of Shelby Regional Medical Center, we are excited that Nacogdoches Medical Center has stepped up to address the medical needs of the citizens of Center and Shelby County,” said David Chadwick, city Mayor of Center. The project is still in the planning stages, but NMC hopes to open the doors in mid-2014. More details as they become available.

The jury that has been summoned for Monday, July 22nd,2013 for the 123rd District Court with the Honorable Charles "Brick" Dickerson presiding has been cancelled due to the scheduled cases being resolved.  Anyone receiving a summons for that day is released from jury service until they receive a future summons.

Shelby County Commissioners are scheduled to hear a report from Colleen Dogget for the Shelby County Historical Commission when the court meets Monday morning at 9:30 in the Shelby County Courthouse.

Also on the agenda is acceptance or rejection of the TexasDepartment of Motor vehicles Imposition of Optional Fees for the 2013-2014 calendar year.  The proposed Road and Bridge fee is $10.00 and Child Safety Fee is $1.50.  The court is also scheduled to act on the renewal of the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool group health policy for October 2013 through October 2014.

The court will discuss and possibly take action on the usage of the County's Sick Leave policy.

An eleven-year-old girl abducted from a Center convenience store parking lot last night is safe.  Center Police Chief Jim Albers says it was at 8:35 yesterday evening when police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle and abducted 11-year-old girl at the Loop 500 convenience store. He says the owner of the vehicle left her daughter in it when she went into the store.  A passenger in the vehicle, Beatrice Pittman, then reportedly exited the passenger side and got in the drivers seat , fleeing in the vehicle with the victim's daughter and her own 15-year-old daughter.

"The Center Police Department then advised surrounding local law enforcement agencies and an Amber Alert was issued," said Albers.

Albers says the department was notified by Tyler police  at 1:20 this morning that the vehicle and suspect were in custody and the two juveniles had been located.

He says the three occupants of the vehicle were transported to a Tyler hospital for non-life-threatening injuries because the vehicle had been involved in an accident.

The chief says Pittman faces charges for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle and Kidnapping.  She also faces charges in Tyler. 

The juveniles were released to family members and the case is still under investigation. 

The Center Dixie Boys Junior 13-year-old baseball team is headed to the World Series August 3rd and will be doing a road block fundraiser today from 11-1 PM and this evening from 4-6 PM.  All donations will be greatly appreciated.

On June 25, 1950, the North Korean Army began an offensive to invade South Korea that resulted in the capture of the republic’s capital, Seoul, within four days. The United States, the United Kingdom and other members of the United Nations moved to actively defend South Korea – an effort that would last until July 27, 1953, when negotiations concluded and fighting finally ended.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will serve a “Pancakes for Heroes” breakfast at the post home, 617 Highway 96N on Friday, July 26^th from 9 – 10 am.  All Korean War Veterans and the public are cordially invited.  Questions call Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 598-2976.

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors joined owners, operators , and employees at Gorilla Barns in Timpson yesterday for the official ribbon-cutting of the new facility.

"Our goal is to provide Texas with a stronger, better built, longer lasting and more insulated affordable alternative to corrugated steel and wood buildings, portable or permanent," says John Allen, co-owner of the business.

"We offer small portable storage barns, offices, guard shacks, oil field buildings, garages, beauty shops, hobby shops , work sheds, etc.  For larger custom structures, we offer on-site construction to build whatever size you need.  Gorilla Barns also has the ability to upgrade any existing structure you may have with our Insulated Panel Technology, for example; chicken houses, garages, factories, auction houses, or simply a small carport you may have," he further added.

Allen says the business is highly environmentally-conscious.  "Therefore, our materials are derived from recycled material, and our construction methods are designed to use as little wood as possible.  We are currently developing new methods that will allow us to eliminate wood completely, leaving only steel and insulated panels."

Gorilla Barns is located on Highway 59 in Timpson and is open from 9-7 Monday through Friday and 9-5 on Saturday.

Check out our photo gallery for photos taken during yesterday's ribbon-cutting.

The Shelbyville Lions Club will be presenting "Stuff the Bus' August 15th, 16th, and 17th at the Farmers State Bank Shelbyville Branch.  School supplies will be donated to Shelbyville ISD's students.  You can find Shelbyville's school supply list at Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Wal-Mart.  The bus will be located in the Farmer's State Bank Shelbyville Branch Parking Lot.  You can drop off supplies earlier inside the bank,

Panola College is set to offer Art Camps on the Carthage, Center, and Marshall campuses. The Carthage Art Camp begins August 5 through August 8, 2013.  The Center Art Camp begins August 12 through August 15, 2013.  The Marshall Art Camp begins August 19 through August 22, 2013. Class times are scheduled as follows:  ages 6 through 10 meet 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM and ages 11 through 15 meet 1:30 PM until 4:30 PM.  The cost of the class is $50.00, and preregistration is required. The instructor, Katie Chance, is a graduate of Northwestern State University in Louisiana.  Don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of this kids’ summertime enrichment activity.  For more information and to register, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067 or email us at ce@panola.edu.

During the dog days of summer Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary invite area Junior High and High School students to start thinking about entering one of the youth essay programs available to them.  Home schooled students are also eligible to enter.

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy Program has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program for high school students in grades 9 – 12.  Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script of 3 – 5 minutes on an annual patriotic theme.  This year’s theme is “Why I’m Optimistic About Our Nation’s Future”.

The Patriot’s Pen program gives students in grades 6 – 8 an opportunity to write a 300 – 500 word essay expressing their views on democracy.  This year’s theme is “What Patriotism Means to Me”. 

Nationally the Patriot’s Pen winner receives $5,000 cash and the Voice of Democracy winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.  The first step is at the post level where the winner will advance to district competition and then to the state level.  Each state winner is given an all-expense paid trip to Washington D. C. to compete in the national finals.  Winners receive cash and/or scholarships at each level.

Entry forms will be given to all area schools shortly after the beginning of the 2013 – 14 school year.  You can however get a jump on things by picking up an entry form at Chief Imaging, 614 Tenaha St. in Center.  Entries are due to Post Quartermaster Larry Hume (598-2976) by November 1^st, 2013.  To learn more about the programs go to:  http://www.vfw.org/Community/Programs/

Hip Hop Cowboys, the premier rodeo event mixing urban music with cowboy culture, rides into Shreveport’s Hirsch Memorial Coliseum July 27 for its first-ever Summer Rodeo.  This event combines the sport of rodeo with hip hop, rap, blues, zydeco and house music, and will feature R&B legend and Louisiana native T.K. Soul, as well as dozens of the top rodeo competitors from across the country. The event has the support of Dallas radio legend and Shreveport native DJ Bay Bay, who was recently signed to Rick Ross’s label, Maybach Music. Hip Hop Cowboys Summer Rodeo is sponsored by Cavender’s and Hebert’s Town & Country Dodge.

“Hip Hop Cowboy is about combining rodeo with hip hop culture and lifestyle,” said Damon Leffall, CEO of Hip Hop Cowboys. “This event opens a lot of eyes and minds to rodeo and also to new musical artists that are taking the best of the south, from our music to our sports, and remixing it in their own way.  We may have cowboy boots and hats on one day, and sneakers and ball caps on the next. The culture is what we make of it. The event is non-stop entertainment.  You can’t miss it.”

Tickets are on sale now for the event at www.hiphopcowboy.com, which will be held at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum at 3701 Hudson Street in the LA Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. with a grand entry rodeo parade.  The rodeo action begins immediately, featuring exciting events such as bull riding, team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling and lady’s barrel racing. Hip Hop Cowboys will also include relay racing, a fast-paced rodeo event that thrills the crowd with its non-stop action of riders on horseback racing each other around the arena in relay style.  Hip Hop Cowboys is an open rodeo that will feature the top 10 best competitors in each event. Kids in the audience can participate in the fun with a calf scramble and the wild, bucking sport of mutton bustin’.

The first rodeo in the U.S. to include a hip hop DJ, Hip Hop Cowboys redefines the rodeo experience with current urban music. Headlining the event is T.K. Soul, a ­­­­­­talented Southern soul artist from Louisiana known as the “Bad Boy of Southern Soul,” who will perform live blues and zydeco. DJ Bay Bay will perform, showing his native LA crowd why Rick Ross considers him the next big thing. In a twist found only at Hip Hop Cowboy, professional bull rider Craig Jackson, known as C Jack, famous for his fearless bull riding as well as his music, is back by popular demand as the only “rapping bullrider” on the circuit. At Hip Hop Cowboys, Jackson will be fresh off of his championship bull ride at the Championship Bull Riding World Championships in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

“I grew up with influences from all sides: rap, country, hip-hop, you name it,” said Jackson. “I bring all that to both my bull riding and my music.  The fans seem to appreciate it as much as I enjoy making it.”

More about Hip Hop Cowboys can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r1bQy90Uhg&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9FwM_uM3FtEdVVd0QH9_cw and https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRealHipHopCowboys. Rapping bullrider C Jack’s “On the Line” can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdhUkiXB5IQ

Each year the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars conducts a Creative Patriotic Art Awards program for students and home schooled students in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.  The art must be on paper or canvas.  Water color, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen and ink or oil may be used.  Digital art is not accepted.

The entry must have been done during the current school year (2013 – 14) and you must have your teacher’s signature.  There is a limit of one entry per student.  Entries will be judged on the originality of concept, presentation and patriotism expressed; the content of how it relates to patriotism and clarity of ideas; the design technique; total impact of work; and uniqueness.

National Scholarships of $10,000 will be given for first place, $5,000 for second place, $2,500 for third, $1,500 for fourth and $500 each for fifth – eighth place.  Awards to be determined will also be given at the post and state level.

March 31, 2014 is the deadline to submit entries to the Ladies Auxiliary of Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904.  Entry forms will be given to local county high schools after the beginning of this school year and can also be picked up at Chief Imaging, 614 Tenaha St., Center.   Questions call Auxiliary President Becky Yates at 409-584-3807 or cell 936-332-2032.

The public is invited to join the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors along with Ann & Willis Blackwell, owners, for a Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting at Moodyville BBQ. They are located five miles from Center at 4001 State Hwy 7 E. The ribbon cutting will be held Wednesday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m.

Moodyville BBQ is currently open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-6pm and on Saturday from 10am-3pm. They invite you to come enjoy all your old favorites--dine in or drive through. The eatery may be reserved for parties and they are available for catering. They may be reached at 936-591-8830.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or www.shelbycountychamber.com.

Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees

Center ISD

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD was held Thursday, July 11, 2013, beginning at 6:00 PM in the Center ISD Administration Boardroom 107 PR 605 Center, TX 75935.

Center Volunteer Fire Department officials responded to a storage building fire this morning around 7 in the 200 block of Latham Street.  No one was injured , but the building was reported to be a total loss.

Center City officials have announced that there will be hydrant replacement work in the vicinities of Sanders, Wheeler, Hurst, and Crawford streets.  Those living in that area can expect to experience low pressure around 4 this afternoon.

SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY
EVENING. THE STRONGEST STORMS WILL BRING DANGEROUS LIGHTNING AND
MAY BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING ISOLATED DAMAGING WIND GUSTS WHERE
SURFACE TEMPERATURES ARE THE HOTTEST DURING THE MID TO LATE
AFTERNOON. HOWEVER...WIDESPREAD SEVERE STORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED.

ISOLATED...MAINLY AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING THUNDERSTORMS WILL
CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WORK WEEK AND INTO THE WEEKEND...AS ANOTHER
WEAK BACKDOOR COLD FRONT PUSHES INTO THE MID SOUTH.
HOWEVER...WIDESPREAD SEVERE STORMS ARE NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

 

AUSTIN – Robert Allen Kotlar, 54, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, is now in custody after being arrested on Friday in El Campo, Texas. Kotlar has an extensive criminal history, and was recently wanted for parole violation.

A tip regarding Kotlar led investigators to a residence where he was arrested without incident. The Texas Rangers and Texas Highway Patrol assisted in the capture. Kotlar’s arrest was the result of a tip, and a reward up to $7,500 will be paid. For more information, see the captured bulletin at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/fugitiveDetails.aspx?id=203.

So far in 2013, DPS and other agencies have arrested 22 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders, including eight gang members, and $54,500 in rewards has been paid for tips that resulted in arrests. The cash rewards are funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.

Anyone with information can provide anonymous tips in four different ways:
• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
• Text the letters DPS – followed by your tip – to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.
• Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about, and then clicking on the link under their picture.
• Submit a Facebook tip at http://www.facebook.com/texas10mostwanted by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).

All calls, texts, e-mails and Facebook messages are anonymous.

The following link, http://www.dps.texas.gov/Texas10MostWanted/video/tipsterVideo.htm, explains the steps on how to submit a tip regarding a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive or Sex Offender and/or how to receive a reward once the fugitive is captured.

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives featured in the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program. To view the current lists – with photos – visit the DPS website at http://www.dps.texas.gov/texas10mostwanted/.

Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
 

Little Mister What-A-Melon-Jeremei Grimes

Baby Miss What-A-Melon-Landry Middlebrook

Toddler Miss What-A-Melon-Maylea Rodgers

Tiny Miss What-A-Melon-Queen Driver

Little Miss What-A-Melon-Bailey Snadix

Petite Miss What-A-Melon-Cassidy Calhoun

Pre-Teen Miss What-A-Melon-Leandra Scurlock

Teen Miss What-A-Melon-Darian Hutto

Incoming Center School District 7th Grader Olivia Johnson has exhibited the biggest watermelon in the weigh-in contest held during the 2013 Watermelon Weigh-in.  Johnson's melon weighed in at 163.25.

Coming in second was was Shelby Johnson with a melon weighing 154.75 ,third place was shown by Renee Johonson with a 153-pound entry, fourth place went to Whitley  Johnson with a 149.5 entry, and fifth place went to Jenny Johnson with a 145.5 pound entry.

In other competitive events, Neena Smith came in first place in the 7 and under category for the seed-spitting contest.  In the 8-15 age group, the winner was Brody Brown, Lexy Graves came in first for the women, and D. Mora came in first for the men.

The fastest watermelon eater in the 7 and under category was Raley Askew, the speediest consumer in the 8-15 category was Josh McDonald, Ruby Bhanji came in first for the women and Kris Dockens came in first for the men.

The Shelby Regional Medical Center Hospital Inpatient Facility is already shut down and the emergency room will be shutting down at noon tomorrow.  In a statement to Center Broadcasting Nursing Director Jana Danley said she received a call at 6:45 last night from hospital owner Dr. Tariq Mahmoud instructing her to close the entire facility immediately.  She says she could not do that because of the need to give the public notice .

She says a decision was made to shut down the inpatient part of the hospital , since no one is currently admitted.

The Emergency Room will continue to operate until noon tomorrow.

Danley says how long staff will remain after that time to answer phones and do other tasks remains to be seen.

As you may recall, Mahmoud was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 11, 2013, and charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and seven counts of health care fraud.  He owns and operates several hospitals throughout North and East Texas.

Last week, it was announced that Medicare and Medicaid funding was being cut from the facility.

Danley did confirm that there are entities interested in assuming ownership of the hospital and officials are hoping for a smooth transition in ownership. 

Center Volunteer Firefighters were occupied for three hours yesterday evening, battling hay bale fires off of Highway 7 East of town yesterday evening.  The department was first called to the scene after five yesterday evening.  No surrounding structural damage was reported.  Neither were any injuries.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors invite the public to join them for a Ribbon Cutting as they welcome John Allen and Don Johnson, owners of Gorilla Barns, at 1689 US Hwy 59S in Timpson. The ribbon cutting will be held Wednesday, July 17, at 11:00 a.m.

Gorilla Barns, a Shelby County-based business, constructs Insulated Metal and Fiberglass panels unlike anything you have seen before. Their exclusive construction techniques produce a structure that is fully insulated and extremely stronger than any conventional building method.  They offer portable storage barns, offices, garages, hunting blinds, walk-in freezers, guard shacks or custom styles to fit your needs.

Their web site is www.gorilla-barns.com.

For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or www.shelbycountychamber.com.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors announce the establishment of Business After Hours for Chamber members.  The host business is able to showcase their business, products, service and facilities while at the same time it gives an opportunity for Chamber members to network with other Chamber members in a casual, relaxed atmosphere to encourage member to member business.

James and Sharon Crelia, owners of Hometown Tackle & Marine, will be hosting the first 2013 Business After Hours, Thursday, August 1 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.  They are located at 1694 Southview Circle in Center.

Refreshments will be served and Chamber members are asked to bring business cards to exchange and be eligible for door prize drawings.

For more information please contact Sharon Crelia at 936-598-6500 or the Chamber at 936-598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com

Shelby College Center will be hosting a retirement celebration for Mrs. Linda Vickery on July 15th from 10 AM until noon. 

Linda Whiddon Vickery was born in 1947, ironically the same year as Panola College was started.  She grew up in Joaquin, Texas and graduated from Joaquin High School.  She then attended Colonial Beauty School in Nacogdoches, Texas and was licensed in 1966.  In 1967, she opened Linda's Beauty Salon in Tenaha, Texas and in 1972 was licensed as a Cosmetology Instructor.  Seventeen years later, she closed her beauty salon and accepted the position of Cosemetology Instructor for Panola College at the newly opened Shelby College Center.  Cosemetology was the first program offered on that campus.  Twenty-five students enrolled that first year and thus she began a 29 year career teaching cosmetology.  Approximately 650 students have passed through her classroom doors since 1984.  Of those, 478 completed the program and received their cosmetology license.   

Center City Manager Chad Nehring says the latest draft of the proposed 2013-2014 budget shows revenues over expenditures in the general fund in the amount of $26,000.  He says the draft, at this point, includes a flat tax rate and no cost-of-living increase for employees.  He pointed out that a lot of things can change once property appraisal figures are released and did not rule out the possiblity of still trying to provide at least  hourly employees with a cost-of-living increase in the middle of the fiscal year if not at the beginning of it.   Nehring made the comments at a budget workshop at last nights city council meeting.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has released a ranking of the healthiest counties in each state and Shelby County ranks 230th out of 232 counties for which data was collected. Neighboring  San Augustine County ranks 231st.    Certain factors were listed as challenges that the community may wish to explore, such as adult obesity , physical inactivity,motor vehicle crash rates, the teen birth rate, and children living in poverty. 

The county which ranked highest on the list of healthy counties in Texas was Williamson where Georgetown is the county seat and the lowest ranking county was Polk for which Livingston is the county seat.

For more information, go to www.countyhealthrankings.org. 

Center Volunteer Firefigters have had a busy weekend-the most recent incident being a hay barn fire on Highway 7 East behind JB Liquor this morning at 3 AM.  The cause of the fire is still being investigated.  The barn , which was believed to be a total loss, belonged to Bo Klein.  No one was injured.  Firefighters had to return to the scene just before eight this morning to take care of some hot spots.

Firefighters also responded to a call for assistance from Shelbyville Saturday afternoon in battling a grass fire on property belonging to Lamar Rash.

Firefighters also responded to a house fire 11:05 Saturday morning  at 113 County Road  1344.  The house belongs to Kenneth Vernor.  No further information on what caused the fire or the extent of the damage was available.  

The Center City Council will meet in a Special Prelminary Budget  Workshop Session tonight at 4:30 PM at the John D. Windham Civic Center. 

That will be followed by a 5 PM meeting in which the council will act on authorizing the installation of a stop sign at the Elliot-Austin Street intersection and roadwaqy banner locations and placement.

Shelby County Commissioners have voted 4-0 to approve the cleaning of the Historic Courthouse cupola  and replacement of screens due to pigeons getting in, with the stipulation that the county consult with Historical Commission officials first.  The Historic Courthouse is a Historical Landmark.  County Judge Rick Campbell says he was first alerted to an open screen and pigeons taking up residence in the cupola about three weeks ago. 

In other business the court approveved renewal of General Liability and Public Officials and Law Enforcement Liability Insurance with the Texas Association of Counties for the dates of 10/12/13-10/12/14.  County Commissioner Roscoe McSwain expressed concern about continuing to include district court officials on the county's insurance , since they are paid by the state.  However, he did go along with the rest of the court in approving the insurance, but also asked county officials to look into whether including district officials was legally required.  County Judge Campbell acknowledged the county only began including district officials during legal matters of two-three years ago.  "I look at it differently..I know they are paid by the state, but they are elected here, they are a part of Shelby County, they live here and they handle cases for Shelby County."

The court also recognized Veteran Service Officer Ed Roberts on completion of training by the Texas Veterans Commission.

The court tabled action on the appointment of Shelby County Election Judges and Alternate Election Judges for 2013-2014.

The court also took no action follwing executive session in which personel issues were discussed.  

The Center Police Department is asking for your help in locating who is said to be an armed and dangerous fugitive.  Justin Earl Bennett is described as a black male who is 5'4" and is 33 years of age.  He is wanted by the polide department for 2 warrants for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon Felony 2. 

Police say he is armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information leading to the whereabouts of Bennett is asked to call CenterCrimeStoppers at 598-SAFE.

Minutes of Called Meeting

The Board of Trustees

Center ISD

A Called Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center ISD was held Saturday, June 29, 2013, beginning at 1:30 PM in the Whalen's Fine Dining at 130 Nacogdoches St. Center, TX 75935.