AEP SWEPCO is reporting almost 1,100 power outages in Shelby County. The outages in Center are scattered.

SWEPCO crews are saying they hope to have power restored by 11 a.m. The reason for the outage is not known at this time.

SWEPCO has over 4,100 meter customers in Shelby County.

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is not reporting any outages.

First United Methodist Church of Center will celebrate Boy Scout Sunday on

February 8 at the 11:00 a.m. worship service.  All Scouts are invited to attend

and be recognized during the service conducted by Rev. Karen Jones.

All Eagle Scouts in the area are asked to attend to show support for the current Boy

Scouts and be recognized for their accomplishments. 

The Church is located at 211 Porter Street just off the downtown Center square.

The Shelbyville girls' powerlifting team competed in and won the team title at the Huntington powerlifting meet on Thursday, January 29.

Earning second place medals were Breanna Jackson and Kennedy Parker.
First place medals went to Kaitlin Campbell, Cleosha Jeter, Hannah Hall,
Kamaryn Smith, Katie Casey, and Harlie Hagler.

Harlie Hagler also won the Best Lifter Award for the girls.

The Dragon Lifters compete next Thursday in Diboll.

Gary Alford-Powerlifting Coach

Each month Rep. Chris Paddie’s office comes to Shelby County to meet with Constituents and help them with issues they are having with state agencies.

This month the meeting will be on Thursday, February 5^th from 1- 4 p.m. in the Community Room in the Shelby County Courthouse.

 “I hope that by bringing the district office directly into each county in District 9, we will hear from many more constituents about how we can better serve them, be it in the form of assistance with state agencies or hearing their ideas and opinions on legislation,” said Rep. Paddie.  “Input from our neighbors is essential for me to be able to effectively represent East Texas in Austin.  I look forward to making my office as accessible as possible to every resident of District 9.”

Rep. Paddie’s District Director, Ray Wilson, will be at the courthouse to meet with constituents, as Rep. Paddie is in Austin for the 84^th Legislative Session.

If you have an issue that needs Rep. Paddie’s attention but are unable to make these times, please do not hesitate to contact Rep. Paddie’s Marshall office at 903-935-1141 or Rep. Paddie’s Austin office at 512-463-0556.

Rep. Paddie represents District 9 in the Texas House of Representatives, which includes Cass, Marion, Harrison, Panola, Shelby and Sabine Counties.  Rep. Paddie also serves on the House Energy Resources Committee, the Subcommittee on Seismic Activity, the House Land and Resource Management Committee, the Joint Committee on Coastal Barrier Systems and the Select Committee on Healthcare Education and Training. 

Rep. Paddie is the general manager of KMHT radio in Marshall, where he also hosts the morning talk show “The Talk of East Texas”.  He and his wife, Brooke, and their two sons are members of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Marshall.

- The Timpson High School Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and the TISD Bears In The Sky recently presented a program to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership 2015.  

Leadership Shelby County is a year-long program designed to identify potential leaders and develop within these individuals the knowledge, skills and vision necessary to enable them to actively participate in the enhancement of the quality of life in their communities. 

Leadership encourages class mentors to become motivated and committed community leaders.  It helps them explore and develop action plans for addressing local needs and issues.  It provides a forum for persons to meet and exchange thoughts and ideas with current and prospective leaders of the community, and it develops and nurtures a special bond among class members which aids them in effectively promoting work on community projects. 

Members of the Youth Advisory team made a presentation to Leadership 2015 members to explain the purpose of their group which is determined by their core values. 

Core values include responsibility for personal conduct and helping others through community service. 

The YAC members shared with Leadership 2015 their work in food distribution to the needy, programs for nursing home residents, assisting with the Veterans’ Day program, mentoring middle school students as well as other community projects. 

The Bears In The Sky team showed Leadership 2015 a video of their balloon launch project which allows students to apply skills learned in science, math, geography and communication in a very unique project. 

Timpson ISD staff greatly appreciates the Leadership 2015 team for taking time out of their busy lives to visit our school district and show sincere interest in our students and staff.

January 30, 2015-District JVG/VG/VB in Joaquin 5:00 pm

January 31, 2014-Lady Tiger Tournament in New Summerfield; Little Dribblers

February 2, 2015-Ground Hog Day; Girls/Boys Soccer Home vs New Summerfield
5:00 pm; JH BB vs Shelbyville Home 4:30 pm

February 3, 2015-JVG/VG/VB Home vs Shelbyville; Tiger Café’ Open

February 4, 2015-BenchMark: Math

February 5, 2015-Boys/Girls Soccer @ Carlisle 7:00 pm

February 6, 2015-JVG/VG/VB in Martinsville 5:00 pm; UIL Solo & Ensemble @
SFA

February 7, 2015-UIL Solo & Ensemble @ SFA; Little Dribblers

February 9, 2015-Boys Soccer @ Gladewater 5:30 pm

February 10, 2015- BenchMark: Science; Sr Career Day in Center 9:30 am;
JVG/VG/VB vs Beckville 4:30 pm; Tiger Café’ Open

History Made…… Yet Again

 Coach Lauri Sisk and the Tenaha Lady Tigers made history yesterday at the
New Summerfield Soccer Tournament when they defeated Class 4A Carthage by a score of 2-1.  The Lady Tigers have played the Lady Dawgs in each of
Tenaha’s six seasons and yesterday marked the first win of the series for
Tenaha.  Way to go Ladies!!!!!  In today’s tournament semi-final, the Lady
Tigers take on Class 3A Crockett. 

JH Boys Lock Up District Hoops Title at Timpson

The Tenaha Junior High Boys locked up the District 22-2A basketball
championship last night with a hard fought 32-25 win over a good Timpson
Bear team. 

In other action, the Lady Tiger A-Team battled back from a 10 point deficit
to take the lead late.  But, Timpson free throws were enough to hold off the
furious Lady Tiger comeback 23-22. 

The Tiger B-Teams earned a split by winning the boys game and losing the
girls game.

 Tiger Varsity Action in Joaquin tonight

 A huge game for the Lady Tigers tonight as they look to position themselves
for the the District 22-2A championship against the Joaquin Lady Rams.  With
a win, the Lady Tigers could move within a game of clinching the league
title, which would be Tenaha’s first since 2013.  Also, the Tiger boys look
to continue their streak of good play as they close the first round of
district tonight against the Rams.  With a win tonight and a Timpson loss to
Shelbyville, the Tigers will be locked in a 3-way tie for 2nd place going
into the 2nd round of district play.  Action will start at Ram Gym tonight
at 5:00 PM with the JV girls.   

Hydrate the Dragons Tuesday!!

Tiger Fans who pay admission in a Tenaha Spirit shirt for Tuesday’s game
against Shelbyville will receive a ticket good for one free drink at the
Tiger Concession Stand.  It’s rivalry night on Tuesday and the Tiger Nation
needs to show in force!!!!

It’s Time to Register for Soccer!

Registration will be held at the dates, times and places listed below!!

Saturday, January 31, 2015 10am to 2pm @ Baker-Koonce Cafeteria

Thursday, February 5, 2015 6pm to 8pm @ Friendship Baptist Church

Friday, February 6, 2015 6pm to 8pm @ Carthage Expo Hall

Saturday, February 7, 2015 10am to 2pm @ Carthage Expo Hall

Sample Jersey and Shorts will be on hand for correct sizing!

cartoon-boy-playing-football-thumb8774883[1]
goal_128x128[1]

To SCORE A GOAL this Season you will need the following!!!

 *Bring a copy of the birth certificate to the registration for age
verification.

*All children at least 4 by 1/31/15 are eligible for the Spring 2015 Soccer
Season.

*All children under 18 on 1/31/15 are also eligible for the Spring 2015
Soccer Season.

1) Cost is $65 per player 

2) Additional siblings are $60 each

3) Head coach only will get a $10 refund @ coach’s meeting w /lunch; held
2/28/15(Put it on your calendar, coaches)

 Each player will be given an official jersey, shorts, and socks a week
before season starts.

You must provide shin guards and player must wear to play a game.

 Drop box information will be updated on our website at the start of
registration.

 
“New This Season” – several picnic tables @ the concession stand with an
expanded menu.

We also plan on doing a fundraiser this season!

Meeting for All:         2/28/15 Find out…..Team Reveal, Who’s my Coach,
When is Practice @ Central Baptist Gym

Game Dates:               3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

 No late registrations will be accepted!

Mail to: CSA, PO Box 132, Carthage, TX 75633


All mailed registrations must be received by CSA by 2/7/2015.

New President: Garrett Cope

 
Download registration forms @ http://www.carthagesoccer.net

Like us on Facebook @ “Carthage Soccer Association” & keep up with the
latest information!

Volunteers welcome, message us!

 
Holiday Hoop T-Shirts

 We have 3 Holiday T-Shirts left over from the tournament ($10.00).

If anyone would like them contact Emily Bowlin 936-248-5000 ext. 203

1-Blue Small

1 Yellow 2X

We also have a few maroon staff shirts remaining ($30.00).

5-Mens XL

1-Mens 2XL

Pictures:

February 16-Spring and Graduation Re-Takes

March 13- Track, Baseball, Tennis

April 15-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

 The following link is our district’s URL to order prints of your students.

https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/670283

  

2015 Border Bash Baseball Tournament

·        March 5th-7th, 2015 – Joaquin, TX

·        Entry Fee: $240.  Make checks payable to Joaquin ISD.

·        Send checks to:          Joaquin High School             

c/o Wade Lawson                              

11109 Hwy 84 East                           
Joaquin, TX 75954                            

·        Each team must turn in one dozen (Diamond D1, Pro Nine or equivalent) baseballs prior to the start of their first game.

·        Each team is guaranteed 4 games, weather permitting.

·        There will be a 1:40 minute Drop Dead time limit on all Texas pool games. Louisiana will play a completion of 7 innings due to LHSAA Rules.  

·        In the event of a tie, we will check the Official Scorebook to see who had more players reach 3^rd base during the game. If that is a tie we will go to 2^nd base then 1^st base. (If that is equal we will have a coin flip to decide a winner.)

·        All games on Saturday will be complete 7 inning games. In the event of a tie on these games we will use the pool tie breaker for the 3^rd and 4^th seed games. The 1^st and 2^nd seed games will play one additional inning and if it is still a tie we will go to the pool tie breaker to decide a winner. 

·        Run Rules Apply: 15 after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, and 8 runs after 5 innings.

·        Home team will be determined by a coin flip prior to the start of each game.

·        The Home Team will keep the Official Scorebook of the game.  

·        Seeding will be based off of record, if the record is a tie it will go to head to head. If there is a 3 or 4 way tie we will go to Total Points.

(Total Points Scored – Total Points Allowed) = TP (if that is a Tie we will flip)

·        If we have a weather issue we could move some games to Logansport’s Field.

·        No infield or Outfield will be permitted.

·        Batting cages will be available for pre-game batting practice.

·        Concession stand will be available.

·        Joaquin Athletic Booster Club will offer meals at $6 per.

·        Make check out to Joaquin Athletic Booster Club for meals.  

·        Plaques will be presented to each State Champion and Trophies to the overall 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place teams.

·        If you have any additional questions or concerns about the tournament, please contact Wade Lawson at (936)-645-7135 (cell), or (936)-269-3128 (school) wlawson@joaquinisd.net (email)

Tournament Schedule

Thursday March, 5^th

(9:00 – 10:40 A.M.)  Alto vs Broaddus

(11:00 – 12:40 P.M.) Hemphill vs Broaddus

(1:00 – 2:40 P.M.)  Joaquin vs Hemphill

(3:00 – 5:00 P.M.) Logansport vs Mansfield

(5:00 – 7:00 P.M.) Logansport vs Stanley

(7:00 – 9:00 P.M.) Stanley vs Anacoco

Friday March, 6^th

(9:00 – 10:40 A.M.)  Hemphill vs Alto

(11:00 – 12:40 P.M.) Joaquin vs Broaddus

(1:00 – 2:40 P.M.)  Joaquin vs Alto

(3:00 – 5:00 P.M.) Stanley vs Mansfield

(5:00 – 7:00 P.M.) Logansport vs Anacoco

(7:00 – 9:00 P.M.) Mansfield vs Anacoco

Saturday March, 7^th

(10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M)  Texas 4^th vs Louisiana 4^th

(12:15 – 2:15 P.M.) Texas 3^rd vs Louisiana 3^rd

(2:30 – 4:30 P.M.) Texas 2^nd vs Louisiana 3^rd (This will be for 3^rd Place in Tournament)

(4:45 – 6:45 P.M.) Texas 1^st vs Louisiana 1^st (This will be for the Championship and Runner-up)

·        Teams in Bold wear Dark Jerseys.

·        Teams listed in the (Non Bold) will have the 1^st Base Dugout with the exception of playing Joaquin.

·        Joaquin will always have the 1^st Base Dugout

Shelby County Sheriff's Department received a911 call on January 30, 2015 at approximately 3:18am regarding a male subject identified as a Darrell Bailey who reported to have been shot by an assailant unknown to him at the time. Mr. Bailey was life flighted to LSU by Life Air Rescue and condition is unknown at this time.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact Investigator DJ Dickerson at the Shelby County Sheriff's Department at (936)598-5600. If the caller would like to remain anonymous, you can also contact Center CrimeStoppers at (936)598-7233.

Our quarterly Junk in the Trunk  Trades Day will be held Saturday, February
7 in downtown San Augustine from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.   

If you would like to participate as a vendor we need antique vendors, arts
and crafts vendors, clothing vendors, organization and school fundraising
vendors, individual garage sale type vendors, etc.   ---call 936-201-9798 or
936-275-3172

So far we have garage sale items, ball caps, repurposed items, books,
clothes, antiques, knives, and much more.   

Come hungry because food will be available!    Pinto Pony will be open at
their restaurant location downtown.   They will also be selling cookies out
of the car!   Imogene’s Café will have a mobile trailer with sausage on a
stick, funnel cakes, and much more!

Have a downtown shopping experience by visiting our unique shops and that
are open on Saturdays.   This is an effort to get people into town and show
off our beautiful historic San Augustine!         

If this event is popular we will start having it monthly!   People will be
able to remember and say “Let’s go to San Augustine it’s first Saturday”
Please help this activity be successful by either being a vendor or shopper!

Our quarterly Junk in the Trunk  Trades Day will be held Saturday, February
7 in downtown San Augustine from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.   

If you would like to participate as a vendor we need antique vendors, arts
and crafts vendors, clothing vendors, organization and school fundraising
vendors, individual garage sale type vendors, etc.   ---call 936-201-9798 or
936-275-3172

So far we have garage sale items, ball caps, repurposed items, books,
clothes, antiques, knives, and much more.   

Come hungry because food will be available!    Pinto Pony will be open at
their restaurant location downtown.   They will also be selling cookies out
of the car!   Imogene’s Café will have a mobile trailer with sausage on a
stick, funnel cakes, and much more!

Have a downtown shopping experience by visiting our unique shops and that
are open on Saturdays.   This is an effort to get people into town and show
off our beautiful historic San Augustine!         

If this event is popular we will start having it monthly!   People will be
able to remember and say “Let’s go to San Augustine it’s first Saturday”
Please help this activity be successful by either being a vendor or shopper!

Arrest Report

01/29/15—01/30/15

Shelby County:

Dameios Wyatt, 24, Center, Criminal Trespass

Kenneth Hendrick, 39, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Karla Stanford, 52, Timpson, Warrant-Theft

Harold Christopher, 30, Garrison, Warrants-Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Burglary of a Habitation & Arson

San Augustine County:

Ronald Davis, 48, San Augustine, Assault-Causing Bodily Injury & Burglary of a Vehicle

Robert Caldwell, 66, San Augustine, Driving While Intoxicated

Kendrick Duckett, 27, San Augustine, Blue Warrant-Parole Violation

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Authorities responded to the report of an individual receiving a gunshot wound off Hwy. 7 West of Center around 3:45 a.m. this morning.

Emergency scanner traffic says a male at the Circle B Poultry Farm had received a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

A search is underway for a male suspect iwanted in connection with the shooting.

The location was on County Road 1245, some 15 miles west of Center.

The West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Dept. was called out to set up a landing zone on Hwy. 7 for Life-Air helicopter at the request of ACE EMS.

The roadway was shut-down temporarily.

The unidentified victim has been transported to University Health in Shreveport.

No other details are available at this time.

Saturday is the deadline for paying your 2014 property taxes. However, with the date falling on the weekend, Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector Debora Riley says they will accept payment through Monday without penalty. But, of course if you wait past Monday, it's going to cost you some more.

Ms. Riley says property tax payments can be done by cash, check, credit card, which will cost you a 2.5 percent service fee from the company, or can even be done electronically any time, day or night by going to www.certifiedpayments.net and enter the Shelby County code 1242857.

Keep in mind penalties will increase 2 percent per month until it reaches 18 percent by July 1, in addition to attorney fees. Ms. Riley says they will mail out a second reminder in May.

As of the close of business Thursday, Ms. Riley said some 75 percent of Shelby County property taxes for 2014 had been collected of the $26 million on the roll. That compares to 69 percent at this same time in 2014.

The Shelby County Tax Assessor-Collector's office in the courthouse is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After a steady and sometime rapid decline in fuel prices the past four months, it appears the break at the pump may be on fumes.

Although it's still at six-year lows, the about-face is kinda expected as refineries change blends with seasons.

Gas prices were up a penny in Texas in the past week, as gasbuddy.com has the state-wide average for a gallon of regular at $1.85 today.

In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $1.86, which is down 2 pennies from this time last week.

Nationally, the average is $2.04, which is a penny more than last week, but still 76 cents less from the same time a year ago.

The lowest we found in Center this morning was $1.86 at Wal-Mart, that’s down 3 pennies in the past week. 

The days in Austin are getting busier as the 84th Legislative Session has begun in earnest.  While the House and Senate are not debating and passing bills yet, we are busy drafting legislation and meeting with constituents to hear about their issues and concerns.

It is always a treat to have folks from back home come visit in Austin and discuss what issues are important to them.  This week I have had the pleasure of meeting with several groups working on a wide range of issues, including many of our superintendents, local Farm Bureau leaders, several East Texas area Child Advocacy Center representatives, local insurance agents, and the North Texas Crime Commission.  I look forward to working with all of our local groups on the issues that are important to them in the upcoming months.

I also continued to file legislation this week.  This week I filed a bill that would ban the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.  While many retailers have already adopted this policy, there are some bad actors who will prey on our children until we force them to stop.  It is my hope that this legislation will help protect our children from the dangers of smoking.

Additionally, I have filed legislation to help our county governments run a little bit smoother by reducing unnecessary meetings and by enabling more individuals to assist veterans in an official capacity.  These are both ideas that were brought to my attention by our local elected officials; I am proud to be able to work with them so that we can all serve you in a more efficient manner.

As always, if you have any ideas for legislation or any comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.state.tx.us

The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting to observe the re-opening of The Heart Institute of East Texas San Augustine office Wednesday afternoon. 

On hand at the event were several of the heart doctors that practice at CHI St. Luke's Health facility in Lufkin, that will be also be seeing patients at the San Augustine location. Among those was Dr. Ravinder Bachireddy, a noted cardiology trailblazer and founder of The Heart Institute of East Texas in 1982.

The Heart Institute of East Texas San Augustine location was open 13 years, but had to close with the loss of the physician. However, with the addition of Dr. Ilyas Mohammed, who will be at the San Augustine location two-days a week, there's been a renewed committment by the CHI St. Luke's Health and the doctors with re-opening of a renovated facility.

According to Practice Administrator Phillip LaCorte, The Heart Institute of San Augustine is and has always put the patient first with 24/7 care.

The Heart Institute of East Texas specializes in heart and vascular care and their San Augustine location is at 904 West Columbia, near the traffic circle.

This Sunday, Feb. 1, marks the 12th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia's disaster over east Texas.

To mark the occasion, the Patricia Huffman Smith, "Remembering Columbia NASA Museum" in Hemphill will host a release of balloons in remembrance of the seven astronauts and other lives lost during the disaster and recovery of the shuttle debris.

The event will take place at 7:45 a.m. and the Museum will have free admission all day.

Drinks and snacks will be served to all guests. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Mary Faye Daniel Graves of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at New Hope Cemetery, Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 76-year old Bettye Graves Smith of Center, formerly of Port Arthur. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at McClelland Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 80-year old Jerry Glenn Ford of San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial in the Tebo Cemetery in Sabine County.

Community Funeral Home in Center announces service for 73-year old Mrs. Cathrine Jenkins of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Abundant Love Ministries in Center, with interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Center.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces a memorial service for 64-year old Marvin Cotton. Service will be at 7 p.m. this evening at Sid Roberts Chapel in Nacogdoches.

Hicks Mortuary of Center announces service for 63-year old Larry Gene “Peabody” Loyd of Lufkin. He died Jan. 22 at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hicks Chapel. Cremation will be immediately after service. Among Larry Gene “Peabody” Loyd’s survivors is his father, Mosley Loyd; brothers, James Woods & Lindsey Loyd; and sisters, Patricia Holloway, Jeanette McKenzie, Shirley Hyde and Doris Rice.

In sports,

All local high school basketball teams, both boys and girls involved in district games tonight:

The Center Roughriders will look to bounce back from Tuesday's overtime loss to Tatum when they hit the road to Henderson. Games start at 5 p.m. with sub-varsity. The 2-1 Riders are a game back of Tatum in the 19-4A standings. Henderson is 1-2, after a 53-42 loss to Carthage this week. Winless Rusk goes to Tatum tonight.

The Center Lady Riders are also in Henderson, trying to get their first district win, they're 0-5. Henderson is 4-1.

In Dist. 22-2A, the Shelbyville Dragons are on top at 4-0, with the Timpson Bears at 3-1, followed by the Tenaha Tigers and Martinsville Pirates at 2-2. Tonight, Timpson goes to Shelbyville, Tenaha at Joaquin, and Beckville at Martinsville.

In the girls’ Dist. 22-2A race, the Tenaha Lady Tigers can clinch a share of the district title when they play at the Joaquin Lady Rams. Tenaha is 6-0, and Joaquin, 3-3. The Shelbyville Lady Dragons and Martinsville Lady Pirates are tied for second at 4-2. There's two weeks left in the regular season, with the top three teams making the playoffs.

In Dist. 23-2A The San Augustine Wolves are tied with Brookeland for second place at 3-1, a game back of 4-0 West Sabine. Broaddus is 2-2. Big match-ups tonight as San Augustine goes to West Sabine and Brookeland heads to Broaddus.

A good race as well in Dist. 23-3A, Woodville and Newton are tied at 7-1, with Central Heights a game back in third at 6-2. Tonight's schedule has Woodville at Newton for the outright lead, and Garrison at Central Heights.

Jan. 30

Dist. 19-4A

Center @ Henderson

Rusk @ Tatum

Dist. 22-2A

Beckville @ Martinsville

Tenaha @ Joaquin

Timpson @ Shelbyville

Dist. 23-2A

Brookeland @ Broaddus

Zavalla @ Pineywoods

San Augustine @ West Sabine

Dist. 22-3A

Garrison @ Central Heights

Woden @ Central

Woodville @ Newton

Hemphill @ Corrigan

Boys' Dist. Standings

19-4A

Tatum 3-0

Center 2-1

Carthage 2-2

Henderson 1-2

Rusk 0-3

22-1A

Shelbyville 4-0

Timpson 3-1

Tenaha 2-2

Martinsville 2-2

Beckville 1-3

Joaquin 0-4

23-2A

West Sabine 4-0

San Augustine 3-1

Brookeland 3-1

Broaddus 2-2
Pineywoods 0-4

Zavalla 0-4

22-3A

Woodville 7-1

Newton 7-1

Central Heights 6-2

Woden 4-4

Central 4-4

Garrison 1-6

Hemphill 1-6

Corrigan 1-7

Texas Girls' Coaches Association released its preseason high school softball rankings this week and the list contains several east Texas teams. The Garrison Lady Bulldogs are ranked No. 8 in Class 3A, Beckville is No. 5 in Class 2A, Lufkin Hudson is No. 3 in Class 4A, and Hallsville No. 5 in Class 5A. Scrimmage action will start next week, with the season getting underway Feb. 17.

Today's the first day of high school baseball practice in the state of Texas.

The Panola Ponies’ baseball season is scheduled to start Saturday as Panola will play Baton Rough Community College in a double-header. There has been a change in the start time for the twin-bill as first-pitch is 1 p.m. at Jim Reeves Memorial Field in Carthage.

In Soccer,

The Center Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams are in the New Summerfield Tournament thru Saturday.

The Tenaha Lady Tiger Soccer team is also in the New Summerfield Tournament and they take a 2-1 first-round win over Carthage Thursday.

College Hoops,

The Stephen F. Austin men’s basketball team has partnered with the American Cancer Society to turn Saturday’s 6 p.m. game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi into a Coaches vs. Cancer event. As fans enter William R. Johnson Coliseum, they are encouraged to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. At tables located on the north end of the concourse, fans can register and either give a flat donation or pledge a $1 or more for every 3-pointer the Lumberjacks make across the game to help aid cancer research. Those who enter a pledge will also be entered into a raffle for prizes, including $100 gift cards, to be announced at halftime. There is a minimum of a $20 donation to be eligible for the raffle. The Ladyjacks have the early game of the double-header playing A&M-Corpus Christi at 4 p.m.

SFA head men's basketball coach Brad Underwood has made it to the second round of the Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge, and he is rallying Lumberjack fans for their support to help him win $100,000 for the Nacogdoches Area United Way. Underwood is one of 48 top college basketball coaches in the nation participating in the fan-vote challenge. The program, sponsored by luxury automobile manufacturer Infiniti, in partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the NCAA and ESPN, benefits the coaches' favorite charity. Infiniti will donate at least $1,000 to each participating coach, and will award $100,000 to the coach who receives the most fan votes over a 10-week period that ends on March 15 when the grand prize winner is announced. Coach Underwood is currently in 10th place. To vote go to www.espn.com/infiniti

Sign Ups:

2015 Center ASA Softball Sign-Ups will be held Friday, January 30 from 6-9 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Center Softball Fields. The cost is $80 for girls 5 years and up. Please bring your child’s birth certificate when you sign up. There will be sample uniforms for the girls to try on in order the get the correct size for the season.

Center Youth Baseball will be holding signups for the 2015 season on January 30, February 6 & 13 from 5-7pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. If anyone has any questions or is interesting in coaching please call Jason Mitchell at (936)488-2863 or Melissa McGhen at (936)488-9034.

Joaquin Youth Sports will hold registration for the 2015 season of baseball/softball on the following days: Saturday, January 31 from 9am-12pm at Joaquin High School Gym Entrance; Tuesday, February 3 from 5:30pm- 7:30pm at Word of Faith Gym; Saturday, February 7 from 9am -12pm at Joaquin High School Gym Entrance (THIS WILL BE THE FINAL DAY AND TIME TO SIGN UP) Registration will be $80 per child or $150 per household. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate with you to registration.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5p.m., and participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, high school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, located five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

Southwestern Livestock Show and Rodeo Results -  According to Kristen Powers, the following TISD students  competed at the Southwestern Livestock Show in Fort Worth, TX in the Jr. Beef Heifer Show.  Congratulations to all of these exhibitors and competitors!

Ally Kimbro - 1st in Class and Calf Division Champion

Baylor Kimbro - 5th in Class

Keaton Bush - 2nd in Class

Sadie Ramsey - 8th in Class

April Ramsey - 3rd in Class

Keaton Bush competed in the Beef Heifer Superintendents Challenge and Bethany Lindgren participated in the Jr. Calf Scramble. Congratulations to all the students.

BITS Launch – The Timpson ISD Bears In the Sky team launched a weather balloon Tuesday, January 28th at 9:20 a.m.  This project, called HARPO, for High Altitude Research Photo Operation, ascended into near space to an altitude of 104,000 feet crossing Highway 7 and Highway 96.  It traveled for 78 miles before the balloon burst and descended over Louisiana landing at the edge of Clear Creek Wildlife Management area near Leesville, Louisiana, 20 miles south of Toledo Bend Lake.  The BITS recovery team traveled to the landing area and retrieved the package finding its contents intact and fully operational.  The BITS team is very grateful to Devon Energy who sponsored this project.  The team also thanks the Nacogdoches Ham Radio Club who provided a tracking device package that assisted in tracking HARPO during its entire flight.  Roy Platt and Vernett Richardson are school sponsors of the Bears In The Sky project.

 

Isaiah Molloy Timpson High School STAR Student - Timpson High School faculty and staff is proud to recognize Isaiah Molloy as this week's STAR student.  Isaiah is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Melonia Molloy.  He is a lifetime Timpson ISD student and is currently a junior.  Isaiah is very involved in the Ag program and is a member of the Wildlife team that recently competed at the district level. Isaiah is also a Bears In The Sky team member.  Isaiah also finds time to take welding classes in conjunction with THS and Panola College.  After graduation he plans to continue his education at Panola.

Timpson Elementary School hosted Pastries with Parents this week. Parents enjoyed being with their children and talking with the staff. We appreciate the elementary cafeteria staff as well as the elementary staff for providing this opportunity for parents and their children.

The Timpson ISD "Bears in the Sky" Near Space 6 Team had a successfull launch of "Harpo" the weather balloon Tuesday morning reaching an alitude of over 100,000 feet.

NS 6 had 3 teams of tracking and recovery members. Two teams were volunteers from the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club and 1 team from Timpson ISD. One team was stationed north of the flight path during flight. Another team was stationed south of the flight path during flight and another will be directly under the package during flight.

The radio transmitted to a receiver in Lufkin, Texas which  in turn supplied the link with updates every 15 seconds. This is the first time we have done this via the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club and they are very excited to fly with us.

There were teams on the ground bracketing the path of the science package as it makes its way across East Texas and Western Louisiana.

Three Go Pro cameras were on board recording the flight teachers can follow the progress of the flight using their smart boards. A team will travel to the landing site and recover the science package device.

The flight is the culmination of much work and planning and application of science and math skills. Good luck NS6 team!

NS6 at 104,000 feet. A picutre is worth a thousand words!

Photo of BITS weather balloon when it burst at 104,000 feet

BITS team with sponsor Devon represaentatives

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies
Auxiliary will join the Center High School students of History Teacher
Heaven Umbrell to discuss the events of World War II and Shelby County's
participation.
 
There will be two sessions on Tuesday, February 10 from 9 am to 11 am and 1
pm to 3 pm with about 75 students in each.  All World War II veterans are
cordially invited to either session or both to talk to the students about
your experiences and allow for questions.  If you would like to participate
or just attend please contact Larry Hume at 598-2976, email
chief@chiefimaging.com <mailto:chief@chiefimaging.com>  or facebook
https://www.facebook.com/larry.hume.7 . 

Family members are also invited and encouraged to accompany their veteran but we need to know who and how many to arrange for school passes, etc.
 
This is a great opportunity for our youth to understand the service and
sacrifice that went on from 1941 to 1945 but only you the WW II Veteran can
tell it as it happened.

 

Arrest Report

01/28/15—01/29/15

Shelby County:

Tony Smith, 31, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd

Misty Burgess, 44, Timpson, Theft by Check

Andrea Chadwick, 42, Shelbyville, Warrant-Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

San Augustine Mayor Leroy Hughes was officially named interim city manager at Tuesday night's city council meeting as the process begins to fill the void left by the sudden death of City Manager Bruce Milstead earlier this month.

This is the third time in Mayor Hughes' seven-years in office he has assumed the duties of interim city manager. Two other city managers either retired or resigned the position.

Mayor Hughes says he pretty well stays on top of the day-to-day workings and projects in San Augustine, so taking over until a full-time replacement is found will not be a tough task.

The search for a new San Augustine City Manager begins immediately with the placement of an ad on the Texas Municipal League website. City Secretary Cinda Garner says the council will probably review applications as they are received.

Milstead had returned home to San Augustine and had the city manager position almost a year when he passed away from complications after heart surgery, brought on by a heart attack on Jan. 18.

San Augustine City Council also set Feb. 11 as the date for a council retreat for goal planning.

The City of Timpson advises that the city's attorney, Cary Bovey will have an executive session conference call with the city council during a special meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb. 17.

According to Mayor Debra Smith, the meeting came about at the last regular meeting of the council earlier this month when the motion was made and carried by a 3-2 vote to confer with counsel regarding legal issues surrounding a possible reduction in force for the Timpson Police Department.

The motion was made and carried 3-2 to take course of action.

The conference call will take place before the Timpson Council's next monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 17.

Mayor Smith said the conference call will avoid travel costs to the city.

You're invited to represent Shelby County by being a delegate to Shelby County Day in Austin on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5 during the 84th legislative session of the Texas State Legislature.

The delegation will observe state government first hand and receive briefings from State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative  Chris Paddie along with updates related to Shelby County regarding  agriculture, oil and gas and education.

Dr. Keith Miller will be honored and recognized as the Doctor of the Day at the Texas State Capitol.

On March 5, activities include lunch, informational presentations and the legislative update at the Capitol.

The day will conclude by 3:00 p.m. in order to travel home.

Registration forms are available at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office and must be returned by noon, Feb. 10.

The cost of registration, which includes a group dinner on Wednesday night and Thursday luncheon is $125.

The Shelby County Advocacy Center says tickets are going fast for the center’s Fourth Annual Princess Ball.

As of yesterday, about half the tickets are left for the event to be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Windham Civic Center.

The event is open to girls age 3-13 and their family member escort.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give your princess a magical night!

Be sure to call (936) 590-9864 soon to get your tickets and reserve a table.

Sam Samford Lodge 149 in Center will confer an Entered Apprentice Mason degree, tonight. Sandwiches will be served at 6:30 PM and the degree will begin at 7:30 PM.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 82-year old Mary Faye Daniel Graves of Center. She passed away Wednesday in Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at New Hope Cemetery, Center. Among Mary Faye Daniel Graves’ survivors are children, Ron & Velinda Graves of Brazoria, Tony & Kim Graves of Angleton and Ginger Graves of Sugarland; brother, Ike & Norma Daniel of Rusk; and sisters-in-law, Geneva Graves of Center, Agnes Lamaire of Jennings and Betty Daniel of Houma, Louisiana.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 75-year old Sam Alfred "Al" Chance of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. A visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 11 a.m. Al Chance retired after 25-years as Center ISD Superintendent.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 76-year old Bettye Graves Smith of Center, formerly of Port Arthur. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at McClelland Cemetery in Shelbyville. Among Bettye Graves Smith’s survivors is husband, Billie George Smith, Sr. of Center; daughter, Jule Smith & Oscar Joffrion of Port Arthur; and son, Billie George Smith, Jr. & Suzette of Center.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 80-year old Jerry Glenn Ford of San Augustine. He passed away Wednesday in a local nursing home in San Augustine. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with burial in the Tebo Cemetery in Sabine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Jerry Glenn Ford’s survivors is his wife, Ramona Ford of San Augustine; daughters, Suzanne & Michael Collier of Dallas, and Seleste & Steve Skinner of San Augustine; sons, Taylor Stephens Ford of Austin, Stewart Trent Ford of Eastland, Stephen & Kaye Scott of Orange, and Michael & Betty Scott of Sulphur, La.

Community Funeral Home in Center announces service for 73-year old Mrs. Cathrine Jenkins of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Abundant Love Ministries in Center, with interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Center. Among Catherine Jenkins survivors are daughters, Kathleen Fields of Center, Jeannette & Robert Nash of Center and Lela Jenkins of Tenaha; son, Billy Ray Jenkins of Center; and sisters, Estalene Smith of Center and Mary Brown of Texas City.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces a memorial service for 64-year old Marvin Cotton. Service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Sid Roberts Chapel in Nacogdoches. 

In sports,

The Center & Shelbyville boys and girls Power Lifting teams will be at the Huntington Invitational today.

High School Basketball Schedule Boys & Girls Friday night:

Jan. 30

Dist. 19-4A

Center @ Henderson

Rusk @ Tatum

Dist. 22-2A

Beckville @ Martinsville

Tenaha @ Joaquin

Timpson @ Shelbyville

Dist. 23-2A

Brookeland @ Broaddus

Zavalla @ Pineywoods

San Augustine @ West Sabine

Dist. 22-3A

Garrison @ Central Heights

Woden @ Central

Woodville @ Newton

Hemphill @ Corrigan

Boys' Dist. Standings

19-4A

Tatum 3-0

Center 2-1

Carthage 2-2

Henderson 1-2

Rusk 0-3

22-1A

Shelbyville 4-0

Timpson 3-1

Tenaha 2-2

Martinsville 2-2

Beckville 1-3

Joaquin 0-4

23-2A

West Sabine 4-0

San Augustine 3-1

Brookeland 3-1

Broaddus 2-2
Pineywoods 0-4

Zavalla 0-4

22-3A

Woodville 7-1

Newton 7-1

Central Heights 6-2

Woden 4-4

Central 4-4

Garrison 1-6

Hemphill 1-6

Corrigan 1-7

In Soccer,

The Center Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams are in the New Summerfield Tournament Thursday thru Saturday.

The Tenaha Tiger Soccer team took second place at the Waskom Tournament last Saturday. Tenaha fell to Class 4A Pleasant Grove, 2-0 in the final. The Tigers are 8-1 on the season. Tenaha will be at Atlanta today, and the Lady Tiger Soccer will be in the New Summerfield Tournament today thru Saturday.

College Hoops,

The Stephen F. Austin men’s basketball team has partnered with the American Cancer Society to turn Saturday’s 6 p.m. game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi into a Coaches vs. Cancer event. As fans enter William R. Johnson Coliseum, they are encouraged to help make a difference in the fight against cancer. At tables located on the north end of the concourse, fans can register and either give a flat donation or pledge a $1 or more for every 3-pointer the Lumberjacks make across the game to help aid cancer research. Those who enter a pledge will also be entered into a raffle for prizes, including $100 gift cards, to be announced at halftime. There is a minimum of a $20 donation to be eligible for the raffle.

Sign Ups:

2015 Center ASA Softball Sign-Ups will be held Friday, January 30 from 6-9 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Center Softball Fields. The cost is $80 for girls 5 years and up. Please bring your child’s birth certificate when you sign up. There will be sample uniforms for the girls to try on in order the get the correct size for the season.

Center Youth Baseball will be holding signups for the 2015 season on January 30, February 6 & 13 from 5-7pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. If anyone has any questions or is interesting in coaching please call Jason Mitchell at (936)488-2863 or Melissa McGhen at (936)488-9034.

Joaquin Youth Sports will hold registration for the 2015 season of baseball/softball on the following days: Saturday, January 31 from 9am-12pm at Joaquin High School Gym Entrance; Tuesday, February 3 from 5:30pm- 7:30pm at Word of Faith Gym; Saturday, February 7 from 9am -12pm at Joaquin High School Gym Entrance (THIS WILL BE THE FINAL DAY AND TIME TO SIGN UP) Registration will be $80 per child or $150 per household. Please bring a copy of your child's birth certificate with you to registration.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5p.m., and participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, high school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, located five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

SFA head men's basketball coach Brad Underwood has made it to the second round of the Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge, and he is rallying Lumberjack fans for their support to help him win $100,000 for the Nacogdoches Area United Way. Underwood is one of 48 top college basketball coaches in the nation participating in the fan-vote challenge. The program, sponsored by luxury automobile manufacturer Infiniti, in partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the NCAA and ESPN, benefits the coaches' favorite charity. Infiniti will donate at least $1,000 to each participating coach, and will award $100,000 to the coach who receives the most fan votes over a 10-week period that ends on March 15 when the grand prize winner is announced. Coach Underwood is currently in 10th place. To vote go to www.espn.com/infiniti

After our first weigh-in on Monday, January 26^th, we have 58 participants ready to become the biggest loser in Shelby County — of weight, that is. It’s not too late to join in the fun with this exciting weight loss program.  The deadline to enter is Monday, February 2^nd.  A monetary award, gym membership, a hair make-over, massages, and gift cards are among the prizes available for the most successful competitors in the county’s version of “The Biggest Loser” contest.

Stop by the Shelby County Extension office located at 200 San Augustine Street, #7 (active courthouse annex building) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to weigh-in, submit a $30.00 participation fee and have your picture taken. 

Winners in the Biggest Loser contest will be determined by the percentage of body weight they shed during the three-month competition, not by lost pounds.  All participants will be encouraged to check-in periodically to chart their progress, which ends with a final weigh-in at the Shelby County Extension office on April 21, 2015.  The winners will be recognized at an upcoming County Commissioners meeting.

Shelby County Extension Agent, Jheri-Lynn McSwain says the Shelby County Fit program also will include a weekly Zumba class, a gym membership, Sonic Boom participation with county employees, healthy cooking classes, 5K fun run/walks and fitness routines to do at home.

McSwain says she expects the Biggest Loser program to make a big impact at the start of the Shelby County Fit campaign. “This is a contest designed to be fun” she says, “but at the same time help people achieve their weight-loss goals. And although there are prizes, everyone who reaches a healthier weight is a winner.”

If you have questions about this wellness program, please contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences at 598-7744 or Jheri-Lynn.Smith@ag.tamu.edu.

This year Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts will be open in three locations throughout Texas for an extended Spring Break holiday. All three Texas locations will be open from March 7th through March 22nd to accommodate the wide range Spring Break calendars at schools and universities this year. Each park offers a distinct experience ranging from a heated indoor waterpark to an over-the-top spring break concert on the beach.

Here’s a guide to Spring Breaking at Schlitterbahn:

 

Beach: Schlitterbahn South Padre Island’s indoor waterpark will be open with two slides, the Torrent River, and a kids’ area as well as the ever-popular carousel and blaster foam ball game. The resort is right on the beach and features onsite restaurants and tickets to the indoor waterpark.



In the latter part of spring break, Schlitterbahn South Padre’s outdoor waterpark transforms into an incredible concert venue with the Ultimate Music Experience (aka UME) concert series March 18-21. Performers include Steve Aoki, David Guetta, Hardwell and Tiesto. Concert information is available here.
https://www.schlitterbahn.com/south-padre-island/lodging/ume



 

Blast: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is heating up the most popular area of the park – Blastenhoff. Home to the world’s most award winning waterpark ride, the Master Blaster, this area of Schlitterbahn’s flagship park has two kids areas, a Torrent River, and two additional slides coming off the Master Blaster’s six-story tower. There’s also a heated swimup bar and cabana area. Tickets are $33.99 for adults and $26.99 for children and seniors. There are also Spring Break stay-and-play lodging specials designed to make the most of your Hill Country vacation. With over 200 resort rooms and houses there’s a perfect fit for any vacation.



Bay: Schlitterbahn Galveston Island will have the heated indoor area (known as Wasserfest) open during Spring Break. The indoor area features a heated swim up bar, seven thrilling waterslides, the ever popular Torrent River, a kids area for the little ones, the Soaring Eagle seated zip line and the Boogie Bahn. Tickets are $27.99 for adults and $22.99 for children and seniors. As always in all Schlitterbahn waterparks, tubes, life vests, and parking are free and guests are welcome to bring in an ice chest full of food.

For more information or to book and buy online, visit Schlitterbahn.com.

The family of Dr. Steve Oates is pleased to announce that Sharon Nelson and Dr. Steve Le of  Lehealth LLC have purchased to practice of Shelby Medical Surgical Clinic.  

The family is extremely pleased that Mrs. Nelson and Dr. Le have the desire to merge Dr. Steve’s practice into theirs and feel that patients will continue to receive the same excellent health care they have in the past.

Thank you for your loyalty to Dr. Steve and the tremendous staff at Shelby Medical Surgical Clinic. His office on Cora Street will be closed as of January 31, 2015. 

All patient records will be transferred to Center Family Care at 420 Tenaha Street across from the Dairy Queen. 

Sharon is a nurse practitioner, board certified in family medicine and Dr. Le is a medical doctor, also board certified in family medicine and they will be happy to help you. 

Please go to Center Family Care for your medical needs or call 598-5633.

In sports,

Two local football players have received all-state honors as Joaquin Ram Adam Mason and San Augustine Wolf DaeDae Edwards have been selected to the website theoldcoach.com Class 2A defensive second team. Mason was a linebacker and Edwards a defensive back. They are both seniors.

High School Basketball last night:

They had a good one at Roughrider Gym, but when the smoke had cleared, Tatum came away with a 49-51 win over the Center Roughriders in overtime. Tatum takes over first place in Dist. 19-4A at 3-0, while the Riders are a game back at 2-1.

In sub-varsity action, the Rider JV wins, 65-27, and the 9^th grade Riders take a 46-28 victory.

The Lady Riders take a tough loss against the state-ranked Tatum girls, losing, 22-82. The JV Lady Riders come up short, 13-56.

Center Rider and Lady Rider teams go to Henderson Friday.

In Dist. 22-2A, the Shelbyville Dragons beat Beckville, 65-25 to remain on top at 4-0. The Tenaha Tigers get the best of the Timpson Bears, taking a 89-54 win, and Martinsville over the Joaquin Rams, 66-19. Timpson falls to 3-1, while Tenaha improves to 2-2, tied with Martinsville, Beckville is 1-3, and Joaquin is now 0-4.

In the girls’ Dist. 22-2A race, the Tenaha Lady Tigers improve to 6-0 with a 53-18 win over the Timpson Lady Bears, who fall to 0-6. Tenaha can clinch a share of the district title with a win at Joaquin Friday. Elsewhere, the Shelbyville Lady Dragons beat Beckville, 66-25, and remain tied with the Martinsville Lady Pirates, who defeat the Joaquin Lady Rams, 49-27. Both are 4-2, while Joaquin is 3-3. 

In Dist. 23-2A The San Augustine Wolves fell out of first place after a 71-75 loss to Brookeland last night. SA and Brookeland are 3-1, with West Sabine in first place at 4-0 with a 73-51 win over Pineywoods. Broaddus is 2-2 with a 53-31 win over Zavalla. Pineywoods and  Zavalla are 0-4.

In Dist. 23-3A, Central Heights surprises previously unbeaten Woodville, 58-54. Central Heights is 6-2, a game back of Woodville and Newton at 7-1.

Jan. 30

Dist. 19-4A

Center @ Henderson

Rusk @ Tatum

Dist. 22-2A

Beckville @ Martinsville

Tenaha @ Joaquin

Timpson @ Shelbyville

Dist. 23-2A

Brookeland @ Broaddus

Zavalla @ Pineywoods

San Augustine @ West Sabine

Dist. 22-3A

Garrison @ Central Heights

Woden @ Central

Woodville @ Newton

Hemphill @ Corrigan

Boys' Dist. Standings (Jan. 28)

19-4A

Tatum 3-0

Center 2-1

Henderson 1-0

Carthage 1-1

Rusk 1-2

22-1A

Shelbyville 4-0

Timpson 3-1

Tenaha 2-2

Martinsville 2-2

Beckville 1-3

Joaquin 0-4

23-2A

West Sabine 4-0

San Augustine 3-1

Brookeland 3-1

Broaddus 2-2
Pineywoods 0-4

Zavalla 0-4

22-3A

Woodville 7-1

Newton 7-1

Central Heights 6-2

Woden 4-4

Central 4-4

Garrison 1-6

Hemphill 1-6

Corrigan 1-7

In Soccer,

The Center Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams sweep Carthage yesterday. The Rider Varsity takes a 12-0 win, while the JV Boys come away with a 7-0 win, and the Varsity Girls defeat Carthage, 6-3.

The Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams are in the New Summerfield Tournament Thursday thru Saturday.

The Tenaha Tiger Soccer team took second place at the Waskom Tournament last Saturday. Tenaha fell to Class 4A Pleasant Grove, 2-0 in the final. The Tigers are 8-1 on the season. Tenaha will be at Atlanta Thursday, and the Lady Tiger Soccer will be in the New Summerfield Tournament starting today.

Practice for a couple of UIL spring sports are getting underway, as girls' softball had their first day of practice last Friday, while the boys will begin their first day of baseball practice this Friday, Jan. 30.

Sign-ups:

2015 Center ASA Softball Sign-Ups will be held Friday, January 30 from 6-9 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Center Softball Fields. The cost is $80 for girls 5 years and up. Please bring your child’s birth certificate when you sign up. There will be sample uniforms for the girls to try on in order the get the correct size for the season.

Center Youth Baseball will be holding signups for the 2015 season on January 30, February 6 & 13 from 5-7pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. If anyone has any questions or is interesting in coaching please call Jason Mitchell at (936)488-2863 or Melissa McGhen at (936)488-9034.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5p.m., and participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, high school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, located five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

SFA head men's basketball coach Brad Underwood has made it to the second round of the Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge, and he is rallying Lumberjack fans for their support to help him win $100,000 for the Nacogdoches Area United Way. Underwood is one of 48 top college basketball coaches in the nation participating in the fan-vote challenge. The program, sponsored by luxury automobile manufacturer Infiniti, in partnership with the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), the NCAA and ESPN, benefits the coaches' favorite charity. Infiniti will donate at least $1,000 to each participating coach, and will award $100,000 to the coach who receives the most fan votes over a 10-week period that ends on March 15 when the grand prize winner is announced. Coach Underwood is currently in 10th place. To vote go to www.espn.com/infiniti

Arrest Report

01/27/15—01/28/15

Shelby County:

Kevin Jackson, 42, Center, Assault-Family Violence Impeding Breathing with Previous Conviction

David Harris, 46, Tenaha, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Injury to a Child, Elderly or Disabled

Sharie N. Wand, 30 Gilmer, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Injury to a Child, Elderly or Disabled

Jaben Wand, 29, Gilmer, Warrant-Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Injury to a Child, Elderly or Disabled

Kristopher Dockens, 27, Center, Driving While License Invalid & Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A Center man severely injured in an industrial accident near Timpson Tuesday morning is reported to be OK, but in a lot of pain.

Ricky Harkness was working on a portable wood chipper when he became entangled in the rollers of the equipment and both arms became trapped.

The incident occurred on FM 415, just off Hwy. 87 at the David Alford broiler farm.

Harkness is employed by Harkness Litter Service.

Timpson EMS and Volunteer Firemen responded after 10 a.m. to find Harkness reportedly conscious and laying facedown.

Emergency responders worked to free him and he was transported by Life Flight to University Health in Shreveport with severe arm injuries.

A family member told us last night Harkness had undergone surgery with both arms reportedly broken and some nerve damage. They also said Harkness was working alone at the time and was discovered by a truck driver working for Harkness Litter Service. 

Last night, Becky Harkness, co-owner of the company, said Ricky was in a lot of pain after three-hours of surgery. She said they appreciate all the prayers they can get.

At the DETCOG board of directors meeting in San Augustine last week, executive director Walter Diggles told the gathering the 12-county region is struggling to emerge from the recent "Great Recession".

Diggles said slow and steady job growth and population in the deep east Texas region the first decade of the century peaked in 2011.

Since that time, Census estimates are showing the population has dropped by more than 2,000. He added job reports are showing a similar trend.

Diggles added sales tax allocations are also showing a recent downturn to the tune of an $85 million drop in taxable sales in the 12-counties from 2013 to 2014.

Diggles told the board DETCOG does not want to wait until 2020 to start doing something. He said the COG plans to expand its Economic Development efforts this year and encourage the cities and counties in the region to focus on helping their local businesses create jobs.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments region covers 12 counties. Those counties are Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler.

Today is the first day to file for a spot on the ballot for the upcoming May 9^th school board and city council elections.

The filing window is open through Feb. 27 for entities with expiring positions.

In the Joaquin ISD seats held by Luke Garrett and Ronnie Belrose are up, and on the Joaquin City Council, the seat of Mayor Mike Wood, and council members LeeVern Stotts Gilliam and Mike Atkinson.

On the Tenaha ISD, Bo Morris, Robert Barton, and June Swint’s positions are expiring, and in the City of Tenaha, council members Larry Terry, Claudine Howard and Michael Baker.

Timpson ISD Trustee seats held by Tracy Hooper, Dannie Hunt and Beth Tipton are expiring, and the Timpson City Council has Kyle Allen, Janell Baker and George Grace’s terms coming to an end.

The Shelbyville ISD will also have a school trustee election as the seats currently held by Joe Tom Schillings and Etola Jones are up for election.

Those interested in filing for a position will need to go by their respective school administration office or city office.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 76-year old Bettye Smith of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 75-year old Sam Alfred "Al" Chance of Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. A visitation will be held prior to service, beginning at 11 a.m. He retired from education after 45 years, which included 25-years as Center ISD Superintendent.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 88-year old Gracie Foresyth of Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Community Funeral Home in Center announces pending service for 73-year old Miss Kathrine Jenkins of Center. She passed away Sunday at Holiday Nursing Center.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces a memorial service for 64-year old Marvin Cotton. Service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Sid Roberts Chapel in Nacogdoches. Among Marvin Cotton’s survivors are brothers, Curtis Ray Hooper of Tenaha, Leo & Sandra Cotton of Garrison, Jimmy Cotton of Garrison, Bob Nolan & Brenda Cotton of Houston, Joe & Mildred Cotton of Henderson and Terrell Cotton of Nacogdoches; sisters, Gloria Hawkins of Nacogdoches and Catherine Polley of Center.

Valentine's Day Contest at

The Little Fox Marketplace

The Little Fox Marketplace is hosting a Valentine's Day contest. Everyone is invited to guess the number of balloons stuffed in their front window display. Entry forms are inside the marketplace and they will accept guesses one time per day from January 27 until Thursday, February 12 at 5 pm. No purchase is necessary to enter.

Winners will be announced on Friday, February 13. The closest guess to the correct number of balloons wins a large gift basket filled with goodies by Just Stuff (KB Axen). The second place guess wins a large candy bouquet from The Little Fox Marketplace. The third place guess wins a "Wiggle Worm" offered by db Metal Art. In case of a  tie, the winner will be determined by a random drawing from tied entries.

While entering the contest, check out the variety of unique Valentine's Day gifts including Longhorn Candy, Da Vinci Beads, Candy Bouquets, Cookie Bouquets, and Loveable Links.

Follow The Little Fox as she journeys around East Texas taking "selfies" atwww.Facebook.com/thelittlefoxmarketplace

Call 936-590-4422 for more information.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Center Independent School District

Flags to Fight Hunger

The Flags to Fight Hunger Program was launched on Veteran's Day, 2014, to provide support for the Center ISD Backpack Program helping students in need while showing American pride.

The flag rental program places American flags at Center businesses or residences  on six holidays each year. Participants can join the program at any time; the holiday cycle begins with the first flag placement. The second holiday for the program is President's Day,  February 16th. Contact Center High School Counselor, Alease Copelin, at 598-6173, ext. 2204, or at aleasecopelin@yahoo.com [mailto:aleasecopelin@yahoo.com]
for more information.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Chamber Member:

You  are cordially invited to represent Shelby County by being a delegate to  Shelby County Day in Austin on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5  during the 84th legislative session of the Texas State Legislature. The  delegation will observe  state government first hand and receive  briefings from State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative  Chris Paddie along with updates related to Shelby County regarding  agriculture, oil and gas and education.

Upon  the Wednesday arrival in Austin as a delegate you will enjoy a casual  group dinner at Moonshine Grill at 7:00 p.m. Thursday morning following  breakfast on your own we will depart at 8:00 a.m. for the state capitol  to visit legislative  offices and be recognized in the House of  Representatives and the State Senate. There is an optional capitol tour  at 8:30 a.m.

Dr. Keith Miller will be honored and recognized as the Doctor of the Day at the Texas State Capitol. Thursday  afternoon will include lunch, informational presentations and the  legislative update at the Capitol. The day will conclude by 3:00 p.m. in order to travel home.

We  hope that you will join the proud delegation from Shelby County by  submitting the enclosed registration form by Tuesday, February 10 at 12  noon in addition to making your hotel reservation. The cost of  registration, which includes a group  dinner on Wednesday night and  Thursday luncheon is $125.

A  block of rooms are set aside at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown  for the delegation until February 10 located at 500 N. I-35 and 5th  Street.   Each attendee is responsible for making their own lodging  arrangements. To reserve a room please call Latoya Edwards at  512.457.7961 or email    ledwards@hgiaustin.com [mailto:ledwards@hgiaustin.com]
and ask for the Shelby County Chamber room block. For general hotel information 
visit www.hgiaustin.com

 For more information or a registration form please contact the Chamber at 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com [mailto:info@shelbycountychamber.com].
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Hello Chamber Friends!

Our Community is slowing mending after the lost of another great Community Supporter, our City Manager Mr. Bruce Milstead.  Mr. Milstead was a Supportive and Smiling Face in our Community and will truly be
missed....Please continue to pray for his family.

Thanks so much for helping to make the  2015 Gala a success!  We appreciate your presence and support....


The Chamber is now accepting registration forms for Our 1st Annual  "Let's Get Fit"  Fitness Challenge.  Our Goal is to Bridge Our Community While Promoting the Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle for Everyone in San Augustine County with the Hope that We Can All Live "Fuller & Longer" Lives... You are Going to Definitely Enjoy Our Monthly "Get Fit" Meetings.  Keep Watching the "San Augustine Tribune" and ~Chatter from the Chamber~  for Updates.

*Ribbon Cutting, TOMORROW for:

"The Heart Institute of East Texas"*
When:  Wed, January 28, 2015
Time: 12:00 pm
Where:  904 W. Columbia St
~Refreshment Will Be Served~

*Don't Forget to:*

Chamber Membership Applications were mailed last week.  We understand that things change; please complete the membership application to ensure that our records reflect your correct info.

*Next Membership Meeting*: February 17~Noon~Log Cabin

Have a Wonderful Week!

 

On January 22, 2015, Mike Milliorn, Chevron Operations Supervisor, and Kim Smith, Operations Assistant, presented Dr. Joe Shannon, Vice President of Instruction, and Dean Natalie Oswalt with a $70,000 donation for Panola College’s petroleum technology department. “We appreciate Chevron for their continuing financial support. This generous donation will greatly benefit the growing need in our expanding program,” said Dr. Shannon.


(L to R) Dr. Joe Shannon, Kim Smith, Mike Milliorn, and Natalie

 Oswalt

Wed. Jan 28 – Blood Drive

Thurs. Jan 29 – Pastries with Parents – 2nd – 5th Grades@ 7:15 a.m.-7:45 a.m. in Elementary Cafeteria
 

Middle School Basketball vs. Tenaha – Home @ 4:30 p.m.

Fri. Jan 30 – Basketball vs. Shelbyville – VG/JVB/VB - There @ 5:00 p.m.

 

Bears in the Sky Launch – The Timpson ISD Bears in the Sky Near Space 6 team will launch the weather balloon Tuesday January 27 at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Ag Shop.  Everyone interested in watching this exciting event is welcome.  Weather predictions for launch time indicate winds light with a jet stream under 60 mph at higher altitudes.  We are looking to pass through the Jet Stream once going up and once coming down.  While the Jet Stream is a significant weather event.  It is not very thick, relatively speaking when you consider how high we will go.  We will have 3 teams of tracking and recovery members.  Two teams are volunteers from the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio club and 1 team from Timpson ISD.  One team will be stationed north of the flight path during flight. Another will be stationed south of the flight path during flight and another will be directly under the package during flight.

The balloon will be equipped with a radio device that you can track on your computer from the link listed.https://aprs.fi/#!call=a%2fw5nac-11&timerange=3600&tall=3600

The radio will transmit to a receiver in Lufkin, Texas, which will in turn supply the link with updates every 15 seconds.  This is the first time we have done this via the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio club and they are very excited to fly with us.  There will be three teams on the ground bracketing the path of the science package as it makes its way across East Texas and Western Louisiana.

Three Go Pro cameras will be on board recording the flight teachers can follow the progress of the flight using their smart boards.  A team will travel to the landing site and recover the science package device.  The flight is the culmination of much work and planning and application of science and math skills.  Good luck NS6 team!

Yearbook Cover Design Contest Winner - The Timpson High School yearbook staff recently had a yearbook cover design contest.  Congratulations to the yearbook cover design winner: Savannah Lindley….. 2nd place-Hannah Wolf, 3rd place-Brandi Roberts, 4th place-Mamie Clifton and  5th place-Cheryl Gossett

Arrest Report

01/26/15—01/27/15

Shelby County:

DeeAnn Dockens, 46, Center, Interfering with a Public Servant & Resisting Arrest

Tony Lee Downs, Jr., 30, Timpson, Driving While License Invalid & Nacogdoches County Warrant-Driving While License Invalid

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

It looks like a regular recycling program is returning to Shelby County.

At last night's Center City Council meeting the governing body executed an agreement allowing the city to obtain grant funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality toward the purchase of a recycling program truck to once again allow for the recycling trailer units to resume in downtown Center and the county.

City Manager Chad Nehring said the grant will provide a vehicle for transportation of the collected materials to Shreveport as the trailer is filled. He added in order to obtain the grant and reinstitute the service for the region, the city of Center had to gain the participation of other area partners and incorporate other regional activities.

Nehring said the cities of Timpson, Tenaha and Joaquin, as well as Shelby County agreed to assist with the local matching funds for this two-year project and to host the trailer on a couple of occasions during the project period.

He said the recycling trailer will be back on the Center square soon.

Center City Council also approved a resolution for preliminary design and Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant application preparation. Nehring said there is not current project ready to submit, but added the city staff has been working with a potential corporate donor for a significant portion of the local cash match.

The donation is tied to expanding the current Mini Park with some specific and "named" amenities.

In addition, Center City Council gave approval for purchase of a 2009 vacuum/Hydro Excavation Truck that is used to clean water plant sludge basins and man holes among other uses for $101,000. New units run in excess of $300,000, according to Nehring.

Shelby County Commissioners' Court agreed at Monday's meeting to separate the cellular phone bill from the sheriff's office account in order to keep a better tab on usage per precinct.

County Judge Allison Harbison said each commissioner will receive an itemized statement of the phones being used by the employees in their precinct so they'll be able to see how much service is being used. Judge Harbison said several years ago the cell bill was combined with the sheriff's department.

In other business, commissioners gave the OK to Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Marla Denby and Pct. 2 Constable Jamie Hagler to share space in an office located behind Farmers State Bank-Shelbyville Branch for $200 a month.

Judge Harbison said she will also become an ex-officio member of the Shelby County Historical Commission; and County Treasurer Ann Blackwell was appointed to the DETCOG Board of Directors.

Shelby County Commissioners took no action on the older road equipment from Pct. 3, due to no bids being received. Commissioner Travis Rodgers advised he would scrap as much of the items that he could.

Former long-time Center ISD Superintendent Al Chance passed away In Nacogdoches after a lengthy illness Sunday. He was 75.

Al Chance had a 45-year career in education, including 25 years as Center ISD Superintendent.

With his help the vocational-technical center became a reality, in addition to the city baseball/softball park, and he help guide Center ISD to financial stability.

He and his wife Carole continued to make Center their home after retirement.

In addition to Center, he served as a teacher and assistant principal at Orange ISD, superintendent at Brady ISD, Principal at Dripping Springs ISD and principal and superintendent at Premont ISD.

Funeral service for Al Chance will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to service beginning at 11 a.m.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will have a regular meeting at 9 a.m. this morning and among the agenda items for discussion and appropriate action will be granting permission to apply for National Resilience Grant.

County Judge Administrative Assistant and Project Manager Sandy Jenkins tells us the county has qualified for the grant by having received reimbursement for forest fires in 2011 and 2012.  She added San Augustine County will be sending in the pre-application and will wait to see the response from the General Land Office if the county can apply for funds.

In addition, commissioners will post bid notice for a smooth drum roller for Pct. 3; open rock and fuel bids; appoint the San Augustine County Historical Commission for 2015; and discuss and possibly take action on the donation of fence panels to the San Augustine Cowboy Church.

San Augustine Main Street is also requesting use of the courthouse facilities and parking area for the “Junk in the Trunk” on Saturday, Feb. 7; and the court will join with members of VFW Post 9313 for laying of a wreath at the Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn following court.

Over the past few months Center Broadcasting has aired a news story, done public service announcements and fielded several phone calls, both on air and off concerning JNL Animal Rehabilitation and Rescue Services in Joaquin.

We knew from speaking with founder Lacey Griffin she was having a tough time financially supporting her intended good efforts.

Unfortunately, an article that appeared in The Light and Champion newspaper last Friday revealed that those possible good intentions had not gone well.

We learned that some 20 animals had to be removed by outside sources living in what was described as "deplorable" conditions.

The story said there was no visible care being provided for the animals and several were found starving and in serious need of healthcare. There was even one dog found dead.

We just wanted to "clear the air" and let those that heard our stories and may have responded to the information we provided know we were in no way trying to direct you in the wrong direction.

From the information we received, Ms. Griffin was at the time, legitimately trying to make this animal rescue work for the good of the animal and citizens of Shelby County.

An observance of the 1973 Vietnam Peace Accord will be held at 10 a.m. this morning at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse.

A wreath laying will be hosted by Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary.

More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War and there are still 1,637 missing in action.

The names of nine Shelby County Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War will be read.  They are: Ted W. Adams, William L. "Shorty" Andrews, Jimmy Barnett, Mac Curtis Buckley, Larry Byford, Ray Chatelain, Jr., William H. Eaden, Jerry Lynn Hughes, and Taylor D. Johnson.

As always the public is cordially invited. 

The Timpson ISD ”Bears in the Sky” Near Space 6 team will launch the weather balloon at 9 a.m. this morning in front of the ag shop in Timpson.

Everyone interested in watching the event is welcome.

Two teams are volunteers from the Nacogdoches Amateur Radio Club and one team from Timpson ISD.

Three Go Pro cameras will be on board recording the flight teachers can follow the progress of the flight using their smart boards.

The flight is the culmination of much work and planning and application of science and math skills. 

This Sunday, Feb. 1, marks the 12th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia's disaster over east Texas. To mark the occasion, the Patricia Huffman Smith, "Remembering Columbia NASA Museum" in Hemphill will host a release of balloons in remembrance of the seven astronauts and other lives lost during the disaster and recovery of the shuttle debris. The Museum will have free admission all day. Drinks and snacks will be served to all guests who attend the ceremony. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 75-year old Sam Alfred "Al" Chance of Center. He passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. A visitation will be held prior to service, beginning at 11 a.m. He retired from education after 45 years, which included 25-years as Center ISD Superintendent. Among Al Chance's survivor is his wife, Carole Ann Chance of Center; sons, Brent Chance of Oklahoma City and Chris & Jennifer Chance of Woodway; brothers, Cecil & Ora Lee of Broaddus and Clifton Chance of Nederland; sister, Brenda & Ken Posten of Vidor.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 88-year old Gracie Foresyth of Center. She passed away Sunday in Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Among Gracie Foresyth's survivors are sisters-in-law, Yvonne Hogan and Ruth Hogan, both of Conroe.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 89-year old Effie J. Edwards of Timpson. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Corinth Cemetery, Shelby County.

In sports,

Another Center Roughrider Baseball player on the current team will further their education after high school using their sports talent at Rider Josh Burns will sign a national letter of intent to play for the University of Texas at Tyler in a ceremony planned for Center High School at 10:30 a.m. Friday. This marks the third Rider Baseball player to sign and play collegiate ball. Burns joins teammates Dalton Horton (TCU) and Jacob Mitchell (LSU-S).

High School Basketball tonight:

Sole possession of first place in Dist. 19-4A is on the line as the Center Roughriders host Tatum at Roughrider Gym. Both teams are 2-0. Henderson is a half-game back of the leaders and will be in Carthage.

The Lady Riders will try to bounce into the win column for the first time in district when they take on Tatum.

It’s also Ballin’ for a Cancer tonight at Roughrider Gym. The Rider JV boys play @ 5 at Center High School gym, followed by Varsity girls, then Varsity boys. The JV girls play at the Middle School at 5 pm, followed by freshmen boys.

In Dist. 22-2A, the Shelbyville Dragons and Timpson Bears are in first place at 3-0. The Dragons go to 1-2 Beckville, while the Bears are home against the 1-2 Tenaha Tigers. The Joaquin Rams are in search of their first district win as go to 1-2 Martinsville.

In the girls’ Dist. 22-2A race, the Tenaha Lady Tigers are rolling at 5-0, and will be at the winless Timpson Lady Bears. There's a three-way tie for second as two of those teams go head-to-head tonight with the Joaquin Lady Rams at Martinsville, and the 3-2 Shelbyville Lady Dragons travel to Beckville.

The San Augustine Wolves and West Sabine are knotted in first in the Dist. 23-2A boys’ standings at 3-0. San Augustine goes to 2-1 Brookland tonight, with West Sabine in Lufkin against Pineywoods Academy. Broaddus goes to Zavalla.

In Dist. 23-3A, the Garrison Bulldogs go to Hemphill tonight. Both teams are at the bottom of the standings at 1-5.

Here's the district schedule for local teams Jan. 27, including boys and girls:

Dist. 19-4A

Henderson @ Carthage
Tatum @ Center

Dist. 22-2A

Shelbyville @ Beckville
Joaquin @ Martinsville
Tenaha @ Timpson

Dist. 23-2A
Broaddus @ Zavalla
San Augustine @ Brookeland
West Sabine @ Pineywoods

Dist. 22-3A
Central Heights @ Woodville
Garrison @ Hemphill
Central @ Corrigan
Woden vs Newton

Boys' Dist. Standings

19-4A

Center 2-0

Tatum 2-0

Henderson 1-0

Carthage 1-1

Rusk 1-2

22-1A

Shelbyville 3-0

Timpson 3-0

Tenaha 1-2

Beckville 1-2

Martinsville 1-2

Joaquin 0-3

23-2A

San Augustine 3-0

West Sabine 3-0
Brookeland 2-1

Broaddus 1-2
Pineywoods 0-3

Zavalla 0-3

22-3A

Woodville 6-0

Newton 5-1

Woden 4-2

Central Heights 4-2

Central 3-3

Garrison 1-5

Hemphill 1-5

Corrigan 1-5

In Soccer,

The Center Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams go to Carthage today. Action starts at 5 p.m. with the Lady Riders’ game.

The Tenaha Tiger Soccer team took second place at the Waskom Tournament last Saturday. Tenaha fell to Class 4A Pleasant Grove, 2-0. The Tigers are 8-1 on the season. Tenaha will be at Atlanta Thursday, and the Lady Tiger Soccer will be in the New Summerfield Tournament starting Wednesday.

College Hoops,

The SFA Lumberjacks have won 16 in-a-row, beating. Lamar, 82-65 in Beaumont last night. The Lumberjacks host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 6 p.m. Saturday at William R. Johnson Coliseum in the second game of a double-header with the Ladyjacks.

The Panola Ponies lost to Kilgore College by two Saturday evening in conference play. The Ponies will be at Tyler Jr. College Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

The Panola Fillies got a win over Kilgore College, 69-54 Saturday. The Fillies are 10-9 and 3-7 in conference. They’ll take on Tyler Junior College at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in Tyler.

Practice for a couple of UIL spring sports are getting underway, as girls' softball had their first day of practice last Friday, while the boys will begin their first day of baseball practice this Friday, Jan. 30.

Sign-ups:

2015 Center ASA Softball Sign-Ups will be held Friday, January 30 from 6-9 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Center Softball Fields. The cost is $80 for girls 5 years and up. Please bring your child’s birth certificate when you sign up. There will be sample uniforms for the girls to try on in order the get the correct size for the season.

Center Youth Baseball will be holding signups for the 2015 season on January 30, February 6 & 13 from 5-7pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. If anyone has any questions or is interesting in coaching please call Jason Mitchell at (936)488-2863 or Melissa McGhen at (936)488-9034.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5p.m, participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, high school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, located five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

Friday was a very busy Shred Day event!  We processed enough papers to fill the shred truck and we really needed a second truck. That's a lot of paper!! 

The volunteers from our chamber directors & Shelbyville JCC's were GREAT!!  Without these volunteers, events like this could not be as successful as they are!

The Electronics Recycle Event kicked off Saturday and was a HUGE success!  We had a steady stream of donations from 930am until 2pm.

With the help of volunteers from the City of Center, Center Middle School JCC's, chamber directors and other caring citizens we managed to collect enough to fill two 18 wheeler trailers! 

With the help of the forklift and driver from the Light & Champion, they made quick work of loading these trailers! Packed from one end to the other and then some!    

We were very happy with the success of this event, keeping this "stuff" from being thrown in ditches, landfills and other areas.  Instead, it is taken to a recycle facility in Dallas that will shred and separate the material in order to be melted and recycled. 

The people of the county love these events and it just shows there is a HUGE need for disposal like this. 

We had great success, despite the cold weather, all the volunteers were ROCK STARS!!  I cannot thank them enough for their time and muscle!!

Enrollment: 559

 

January 26, 2015-Boys/Girls Soccer Home vs Gladewater 5:30 pm

January 27, 2015- District VB @ Timpson 5:00 pm

January 28, 2015- Lady Tiger Tournament @ New Summerfield

January 29, 2015-Lady Tiger Tournament @ New Summerfield; Boys Soccer @
Atlanta 5:15 pm; JHBB @ Timpson 4:30 pm

January 20, 2015- Lady Tiger Tournament @ New Summerfield; District JVG/VGVB
in Joaquin 4:30 pm

February 1, 2015-Band Qualifying

February 2, 2015- Boys Soccer Home vs New Summerfield 6:30 pm

 

 

Soccer News

Tenaha Soccer boys are 8/0 for the season - playing up against 3 and 4a
Varsity teams!

 

 

It’s Time to Register for Soccer!

 

Registration will be held at the dates, times and places listed below!!

Saturday, January 31, 2015 10am to 2pm @ Baker-Koonce Cafeteria

Thursday, February 5, 2015 6pm to 8pm @ Friendship Baptist Church

Friday, February 6, 2015 6pm to 8pm @ Carthage Expo Hall

Saturday, February 7, 2015 10am to 2pm @ Carthage Expo Hall

 

Sample Jersey and Shorts will be on hand for correct sizing!

cartoon-boy-playing-football-thumb8774883[1]
goal_128x128[1]

To SCORE A GOAL this Season you will need the following!!!

 

*Bring a copy of the birth certificate to the registration for age
verification.

*All children at least 4 by 1/31/15 are eligible for the Spring 2015 Soccer Season. 

*All children under 18 on 1/31/15 are also eligible for the Spring 2015
Soccer Season.

 

1) Cost is $65 per player  

2) Additional siblings are $60 each 

3) Head coach only will get a $10 refund @ coach’s meeting w /lunch; held
2/28/15(Put it on your calendar, coaches)

 

Each player will be given an official jersey, shorts, and socks a week
before season starts.

You must provide shin guards and player must wear to play a game.

 

Drop box information will be updated on our website at the start of
registration.

 

“New This Season” – several picnic tables @ the concession stand with an
expanded menu.

We also plan on doing a fundraiser this season!

Meeting for All:         2/28/15 Find out…..Team Reveal, Who’s my Coach,
When is Practice @ Central Baptist Gym

Game Dates:               3/14, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16

 

No late registrations will be accepted! 

Mail to: CSA, PO Box 132, Carthage, TX 75633


All mailed registrations must be received by CSA by 2/7/2015. 

New President: Garrett Cope

 

 

 

Download registration forms @ http://www.carthagesoccer.net 

Like us on Facebook @ “Carthage Soccer Association” & keep up with the
latest information!

Volunteers welcome, message us!

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Hoop T-Shirts

 

We have 3 Holiday T-Shirts left over from the tournament ($10.00).

If anyone would like them contact Emily Bowlin 936-248-5000 ext. 203

1-Blue Small

1 Yellow 2X

We also have a few maroon staff shirts remaining ($30.00).

5-Mens XL

1-Mens 2XL

 

COLLEGE “FREE MONEY” For the Early Bird…

 

That statement holds true for college-bound SENIORS that complete all
required paperwork turned in on time and show a NEED for Financial
Assistance from the government.  The website to visit is
<http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/> http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ All students have the
opportunity to complete a FAFSA: Free Application for Financial Student Aid
to obtain “free $$$” for college.  This process should be completed by
February in order to have an opportunity of getting a piece of the pie, free
money.  The senior class will have an opportunity to request a PIN from the
above website this month, which is a requirement for completing paperwork. 

What do parents need to do to assist with this process?  

ü  Parents must also go to the above site and request their own PIN, which takes 3-5 days.  The PIN Application is for students and parents who want to apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN.  Your PIN can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to access your Federal Student Aid records online. If you receive a PIN, you agree not to share it with anyone. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records, so you should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.

ü  Request your W-2 form from work early in order to file taxes in January or early February.  This is an important part of the FAFSA filing process. Current tax information from the previous year has to be included on the form in order to qualify for funding.  The form can be completed with an “estimation” based on last  year’s information, but must be “adjusted” before submitting.  Again, without BOTH PINS, student and parent, the paperwork can NOT be sent.

ü  Should ALL students complete a FAFSA?  The answer is yes.  The formula is based on an EFC, which is Estimated Family Contribution.  Surprisingly, most students receive something, regardless of parental income.  

More information will be forthcoming, but in order to be prepared, please
take the time to complete the above checklist to give your child the same
opportunity as others to get FREE money for college. DON’T DELAY, ACT TODAY! If you have questions please contact Karen Fallin, Counselor, 

@ 936-248-5000 ext. 504.

Happy 2015,

Karen Fallin

 

Pictures:

February 16-Spring and Graduation Re-Takes

March 13- Track, Baseball, Tennis

April 15-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

 

The following link is our district’s URL to order prints of your students.

https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/670283

 

Shelbyville High School academic UIL students competed in the 7^th Annual Wildcat Winter Games at Whitehouse High School on January 16 & 17, 2015.

Medalists:

Altobeli Caporali - Calculator Applications - 1^st place

Hannah Nicosia – Ready Writing - 3^rd place

Raylen Black – Literary Criticism - 4^th place

Tristan Smith – Ready Writing - 4^th place

Altobeli Caporali – Spelling & Vocabulary - 5^th place

Christian Schilder – Number Sense - 5^th place   

Hannah Nicosia – Literary Criticism – 5^th place               

Hannah Nicosia – Headline Writing – 6^th place

Arrest Report

01/23/15—01/26/15

Shelby County:

Thomas Jefferson Anding, Jr. 42, Joaquin, Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration

Jaleesa Phillips, 26, Center, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation & 2 Warrants- Theft

Jahamad Ratcliff, 32, Center, Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Criminal Mischief

Kenneth Boyd, 40, Shelbyville, Warrant-Bond Surrender, Original Charge: Aggravated Robbery

O’Keith McCollister, 27, Center, Two Warrants-Criminal Mischief & Warrant-Interfering with an Emergency Call

John David Adams, 54, Center, Warrants-Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon & Failure to Appear, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

Christy Hollingsworth, 25, Shelbyville, Aggravated Assault Causing Bodily Injury

Tom Paul Chandler, II, 23, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-2nd & Bond Surrender, Assault with Previous Conviction

Justin Richards, 25, Shelbyville, Public Intoxication

Steven McCoy, 21, Shelbyville, Louisiana Warrant-Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Simple Burglary

Joy Roman, 38, Aurora, Ill, Driving While Intoxicated

Stan Kyle, 45, Shelbyville, Criminal Trespass

Martell Moore, 32, Shelbyville, Two Warrants-Theft & Angelina County Warrant-Resisting Arrest

San Augustine County:

Ava Clark Pike, 52, Zavalla, Driving While Intoxicated-3rd or more

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Texas Workforce Commission says unemployment rates across the region continued to fall in December, according to information released Friday.

Shelby County’s jobless rate of 4.3 percent last month was below the state-wide rate of 4.6 percent. That number decreased from 4.7 in November, and was 2-percent below the 6.3 in December 2013.

Shelby County’s workforce is around 12,300, with 533 looking for work.

In San Augustine County, the December jobless rate was 7.6 percent, down from 9.5 in December 2013.

In other neighboring counties their December unemployment: Nacogdoches 4 percent, Angelina 4.2 percent, Panola County 3.2 percent and on the other end of those low rates was Sabine County at 10.3 percent.

The statewide rate of 4.6 percent is the lowest since May 2008.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will have a special meeting at 9:30 this morning and among the agenda items will be Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Marla Denby concerning the possibility of renting office space; and Colleen Doggett with the Historical Commission on the appointment of new member(s).

In addition, commissioners will discuss and possibly take action to have the commissioners’ cellular phone accounts separated from the Sheriff’s Office accounts.

The court may also appoint an elected official to the DETCOG Board of Directors; and accept or reject bids on the following items for Pct. 3: Ranch 2 door belly dump trailer; 1975 Chevy Silverado flatbed truck; Fiat 175 maintainer; and a FG85 maintainer.

Center City Council has a regular meeting at 5 p.m. this afternoon and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be approving financial advisors with SAMCO; accepting TCEQ Solid Waste Grant to place back in service the trailer for drop-off recycling program; approving a contract with MHS for preliminary design and TP&W Department Grant application; and awarding engineering services contract to EGA for 2014 Downtown Revitalization Texas Capital Fund Grant.

Center City Council is expected to also approve appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Hotel Motel Advisory Committee.

Purchase approval for a recycling program truck and vacuum/hydro excavation truck are also included.

Filing for spot on the ballot for the upcoming May 9^th school board and city council elections will begin this Wednesday, Jan. 28 and continue through Feb. 27.

Several school districts and cities have expiring positions.

In the Joaquin ISD seats held by Luke Garrett and Ronnie Belrose are up, and on the Joaquin City Council, the seat of Mayor Mike Wood, and council members LeeVern Stotts Gilliam and Mike Atkinson.

On the Tenaha ISD, Bo Morris, Robert Barton, and June Swint’s positions are expiring, and in the City of Tenaha, council members Larry Terry, Claudine Howard and Michael Baker.

Timpson ISD Trustee seats held by Tracy Hooper, Dannie Hunt and Beth Tipton are expiring, and the Timpson City Council has Kyle Allen, Janell Baker and George Grace’s terms coming to an end.

District Clerk Lori Oliver has advised the jury summoned for today, Monday, Jan. 26 for the 273^rd District Court, Honorable Charles R. Mitchell presiding has been cancelled due to scheduled cases being resolved or passed. Anyone receiving a summons for Jan. 26 is released for jury service until they receive a future summons.

Seven individuals were arrested in the Shelby County area last Friday as part of a warrant round-up operation clearing up eight Felony warrants and six Misdemeanor warrants.

The Center Police Department, United State's Marshal Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Shelby County DA's Office and agents from the Department of Homeland Security executed the warrants.

According to Center Police Department Warrant Officer James Blackwell, who's also a Special Deputy United States Marshal the seven individuals included:

Joel DeLaCruz — Illegal re-entry into the United States — Felony (federal).

Anthony Dupree Pogue — Escape from Custody F3; Tampering with Evidence F3; Possession of Marijuana MB; Theft MB.

Thomas Jefferson Anding — Failure to Comply with Sexual Offender Registration Requirement - Sex Offender F3.

David Harold Harris - Injury to a Child F2.

Jaleesa Phillips — Burglary of a Habitation F2; Theft x 2 MB.

John David Adams — Aggravated Assault Using a Deadly Weapon F2.

O’Keith McCollister - Criminal Mischief SJF; Criminal Mischief MA; Interfere with Emergency Call MA.

The 2015 Texas Timber Tax Workshop will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center in Diboll.

Registration is $75 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments. 

The workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, public accountants, loggers, attorneys and anyone who deals with timber taxes.

Participating in this workshop also qualifies for continuing education credits.

The annual workshop is hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association.  

For more information or to register, go to http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/timbertaxworkshop. Or contact Jennifer Hayes at 979-458-6630 or jhayes@tfs.tamu.edu.

The second day of the opening weigh-in for Shelby County’s “Biggest Loser” contest is today at 5:30 p.m. in the Shelby County Courthouse.

Become the biggest weight loser in Shelby County and have a chance at a monetary award, year-long gym membership, a hair make-over, massage, and various gift cards are among the prizes available for the most successful competitors in the county’s weight loss and physical fitness program.

Participants will weigh-in, submit a $30 participation fee and have their “before” picture taken during registration.

If you have questions about this wellness program, contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent at 598-7744. 

An observance of the 1973 Vietnam Peace Accord will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse.

A wreath laying will be hosted by Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary.

More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War and there are still 1,637 missing in action.

The names of nine Shelby County Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War will be read.  They are: Ted W. Adams, William L. "Shorty" Andrews, Jimmy Barnett, Mac Curtis Buckley, Larry Byford, Ray Chatelain, Jr., William H. Eaden, Jerry Lynn Hughes, and Taylor D. Johnson.

As always the public is cordially invited. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Gracie Foresyth.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 89-year old Effie J. Edwards of Timpson. She passed Saturday in Garrison. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. this afternoon at Taylor Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Corinth Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Effie J. Edwards’ survivors are daughters, Delores Jennine McFadden of Garrison, Janis Kay Gregston of Nacogdoches and Mary Kathy Myers of Nacogdoches.

In sports,

The Center Roughriders maintained a share of first-place in the Dist. 19-4A Basketball race Friday night with a 75-38 win over Rusk. The Riders improve to 2-0, tied with Tatum, who beats Carthage, 55-37. Henderson had a bye and is 1-0. Carthage drops to 1-1 and Rusk is 1-2. There will be a big district showdown at Roughrider Gym Tuesday night when state-ranked Tatum comes to town.

In sub-varsity action, the Rider JV takes a 75-39 win over Rusk, while the 9^th grade Riders come away with a 67-35 victory.

The Center Lady Roughriders fall to 0-4 in Dist. 19-4A with a 29-31 loss to Rusk. The JV Lady Riders beat Rusk, 37-31. The Lady Riders take on Tatum at home Tuesday.

In Dist. 22-2A, the Shelbyville Dragons and Timpson Bears remain undefeated and tied atop the standings at 3-0, as both get wins Friday. The Dragons ease by the Martinsville Pirates, 39-35, while the Bears take a 59-45 win over the Joaquin Rams. The Tenaha Tigers get into the win column for the first time in district, with a 78-26 win against Beckville. Tenaha, Martinsville and Beckville are now 1-2, while Joaquin is 0-3.

In the girls’ Dist. 22-2A race, the Tenaha Lady Tigers go to 5-0 and wrap-up the first-round with a 57-13 win over Beckville. The Joaquin Lady Rams grab a 61-31 win over the Timpson Lady Bears, and the Martinsville Lady Pirates beat the Shelbyville Lady Dragons, 43-30, as there’s now a three-way tie for second with Joaquin, Shelbyville and Martinsville at 3-2.

The San Augustine Wolves and West Sabine are knotted in first in the Dist. 23-2A boys’ standings at 3-0. SA beat Zavalla, 79-31, while West Sabine takes a 70-64 win over Brookeland. Broaddus beat Pineywoods Academy, 70-57. Brookeland is 2-1 and Broaddus is 1-2.

In Dist. 23-3A, the Garrison Bulldogs fall to 1-5 after an 80-30 loss to first-place Woodville (6-0)

Boys’ Results Jan. 23

Dist. 19-4A

Center 75, Rusk 38

Tatum 55, Carthage 37
 

22-2A
Timpson 59, Joaquin 45

Shelbyville 39, Martinsville 35

Tenaha 78, Beckville 26

23-2A
Broaddus 70, Pineywoods 57
West Sabine 70, Brookeland 64
San Augustine 79, Zavalla 31

22-3A
Central Heights 64, Woden 39
Woodville 80, Garrison 30
Central 64, Hemphill 28
Newton 74, Corrigan 37

Boys' Dist. Standings

19-4A

Center 2-0

Tatum 2-0

Henderson 1-0

Carthage 1-1

Rusk 1-2

22-1A

Shelbyville 3-0

Timpson 3-0

Tenaha 1-2

Beckville 1-2

Martinsville 1-2

Joaquin 0-3

23-2A

San Augustine 3-0

West Sabine 3-0
Brookeland 2-1

Broaddus 1-2
Pineywoods 0-3

Zavalla 0-3

22-3A

Woodville 6-0

Newton 5-1

Woden 4-2

Central Heights 4-2

Central 3-3

Garrison 1-5

Hemphill 1-5

Corrigan 1-5

Here's the district schedule for local teams Jan. 27, including boys and girls:

Dist. 19-4A

Henderson @ Carthage

Tatum @ Center

Dist. 22-3A
Central Heights @ Woodville
Garrison @ Hemphill
Central @ Corrigan
Woden vs Newton

Dist. 22-2A

Shelbyville @ Beckville
Joaquin @ Martinsville
Tenaha @ Timpson

Dist. 23-2A
Broaddus @ Zavalla
San Augustine @ Brookeland
West Sabine @ Pineywoods

In Soccer,

The Tenaha Lady Tigers get a 2-1 over Waskom Friday.

The Tenaha Tigers are 8-0 on the season.

The Center Rider and Lady Rider Soccer teams will be at Carthage Tuesday.

College Hoops Saturday, the SFA Lumberjacks improve to 6-0 in Southland Conference play with a 79-68 win over rival Sam Houston State. Meanwhile, the Ladyjacks lose, 64-65 to Sam Houston State. The Ladyjacks are 4-2 in conference.

Practice for a couple of UIL spring sports are getting underway, as girls' softball had their first day of practice last Friday, while the boys will begin their first day of baseball practice this Friday, Jan. 30.

Sign-ups:

2015 Center ASA Softball Sign-Ups will be held Friday, January 30 from 6-9 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Center Softball Fields. The cost is $80 for girls 5 years and up. Please bring your child’s birth certificate when you sign up. There will be sample uniforms for the girls to try on in order the get the correct size for the season.

Center Youth Baseball will be holding signups for the 2015 season on January 30, February 6 & 13 from 5-7pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. If anyone has any questions or is interesting in coaching please call Jason Mitchell at (936)488-2863 or Melissa McGhen at (936)488-9034.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5p.m, participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, high school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, located five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

Due to water line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water System, Sand Hills Water Supply, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. This is for the customers that were out of water on Friday, January 23, 2015 on County Road 1168. This only applies to the customers that were out of water.

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes.

In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system officials will notify you that the water is safe for consumption. Instructions to discontinue boiling will be issued in the same manner as this notice. If you have any questions concerning this matter, you may contact : Randall Lout @ 936-590-1599

Eleven teams and four solo walkers dusted off their walking shoes and joined in to “Walk Across Texas!” These teams and solo walkers competed with each other to see who could walk the most miles over eight weeks from October 27 – December 19, 2014.   Their goal was to walk at least 830 miles (the distance from Longview to El Paso) in eight weeks. 

At the conclusion of the 8 week program, the teams and individuals walked a total of 12,072 miles with The Country Girls team walking 2,102 miles and placing first in the team category.  The County Girls team is comprised of Cynthia Howard, team captain, Latoya Howard, DeShun Gregory, Sheila Reeves, Daphne McCollister, NaKeisha Swindle, Denetra Slaughter, and Tara Bailey.  Candace Prater from the Cruse Expedition team walked 711 miles and won the individual award for most miles completed.  Other teams competing included:  Cruse Expedition, Shelby Savings Bank (5 teams), Huxley Bay Marina, Roadrunners, The Disciples and Agony of De Feet.

A special thanks to the sponsors of this event:  The Loft, T/R’s Steaks and More, Lasting Impressions, Hughes Florist, The Century Shoppe, Backyard Designs, Sombero’s, Center Health & Harmony, Dairy Queen and Mooney’s Emporium.

Walk Across Texas, sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a fun, flexible, and FREE way to encourage people to exercise.  For more information on wellness programs, call Jheri-Lynn McSwain, CEA-FCS at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Shelby County at 936-598-7744 or email at jheri-lynn.smith@ag.tamu.edu.

This latest rain dropped 2.38 inches of much needed rain on San Augustine and gets our 2015 off to a great start.  The rain brings our total to 7.33 inches since January 1st. The current total is nearly 3 inches above our 35 year historic average for the month of January.

A Flood Warningdoes continue for the Ayish Bayou near San Augustine until late this evening. * At 8:15 PM Friday...the flood stage was at 12.3 feet.  The flood stage is 12.0 feet. The river was cresting at near 12.9 feet this morning...and will slowly fall back below flood stage by late this evening.  This is causing some minor flooding to occur in the low lying areas and timberlands in the bayou and other low water crossings.

A Flood Warningcontinues for the Attoyac Bayou near Chireno.  Until late Wednesday night. * At 8:30 PM Friday...the stage was 14.3 feet.  The Flood stage is 14.0 feet. It is anticipated that the river will continue rising to near 17.0 feet by Sunday evening before slowly falling. * Impact...continued minor lowland flooding.

We are forecast to have sunny skies and temperatures warming into the 60's and near 70 until another front drops in on us next Thursday evening.

Austin, TX – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced this evening (Friday) that State Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) will serve on four committees during the 84th Legislative Session.

Nichols will serve on the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee and the Finance committee. He will continue to serve as Chair for the Senate Transportation Committee.

“I look forward to continuing my work on both the Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee and the Intergovernmental Relations Committee,” said Nichols. “As Chair of the Transportation Committee, I will bring my experiences with transportation issues to the Finance Committee. I will work with my colleagues to help pass a conservative balanced budget while maintaining essential services and preserving the existing infrastructure to the level Texans expect and deserve, without raising taxes.”

First elected to the Texas Senate in 2007, Robert Nichols represents 19 counties including the greater part of East Texas and Montgomery County.

During his four sessions as a state senator, Nichols authored and passed legislation to protect landowners' rights, increase educational opportunities in East Texas and reform transportation policies.

He has worked to reduce Medicaid fraud, and promote free-market principles. During his time with the Sunset Advisory Committee, he was able to help eliminate six state agencies which saved the tax payers $161.9 million.

He has been named a 'Champion for Children' by the Equity Center, a 'Friend of County Government' by the Texas Association of Counties and a 'Champion of Free Enterprise' by the Texas Association of Business.

AUSTIN -- State Representative Chris Paddie (R-Marshall) filed H.B. 849, which would create two sales tax holidays for firearms and hunting supplies.

"H.B. 849 recognizes that hunting is a time-honored tradition in Texas and looks to give tax relief to the sportsmen and women who continue one of our most cherished pastimes and, more importantly, those who continue to pass our love of hunting and the outdoors down to the next generation," said Rep. Paddie.

H.B. 849 would create two sales tax holiday weekends, one on the last full weekend in August, to coincide with the beginning of dove season, and a second on the last full weekend in October, to coincide with the beginning of deer season.  Items that would be included in the tax free weekend are firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, hunting blinds and stands, hunting decoys, gun cases and gun safes, and hunting safety equipment.

"In the past year, Texas hunters purchased over 1.2 million hunting licenses. This bill will serve to increase the number of hunters in Texas, which will provide further economic opportunity in many rural areas that offer world-renowned hunting," said Rep. Paddie.  "I look forward to working with my fellow hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the Legislature to pass this Texas style tax relief measure."

Rep. Paddie is serving his second term in the Texas House of Representatives, where he represents District 9, including Cass, Marion, Harrison, Panola, Shelby, and Sabine Counties. 

Rep. Paddie also serves on the House Energy Resources Committee, the Subcommittee on Seismic Activity, the House Land and Resource Management Committee, the Joint Committee on Coastal Barrier Systems and the Select Committee on Healthcare Education and Training. 

This week has been an exciting one in Austin. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott was inaugurated as the 48th governor of Texas, along with our new Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick.  It was an honor to attend the swearing in ceremony for Governors Abbott and Patrick, and I am looking forward to working with both of them on the important conservative agenda that lies ahead for this session.

This week also saw the unveiling of the first draft of the budget.  This is the most significant legislation that the we will debate this session and the only bill that the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass.  This version of the budget is simply the starting point for the budgeting process; members of the Legislature will vigorously debate its components and make countless changes between now and the day we pass the final budget.

Some of the highlights from the budget include increased funding for public schools to keep up with enrollment growth and an additional $400 million for increased border security where the federal government has failed to deliver. The budget also ends diversions from gas tax revenues in order to fund road construction and maintenance, returning the gas tax to its original purpose.

The proposed budget affects many other important policy areas. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me to discuss this process.

This week, I filed legislation that, if passed, would create two sales tax holidays for firearms and hunting supplies. The holidays would be on the weekend before the opening of dove season and the weekend before the opening of deer season.  These holidays will provide some tax relief for the more than 1.2 million licensed hunters in Texas while encouraging economic development in many rural areas. The bill will promote outdoor conservation and help to pass our proud tradition of hunting down to future generations.

As always, if there is legislation that you have questions or comments about, please do not hesitate to contact me at 512-463-0556.

New Center ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Barry Bowman (center) with CISD Board of Trustees' President James Greer (left) and CISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry was welcomed to the Roughrider Family after his hiring Fridaiy afternoon. He will begin his duties at CISD Feb. 2.

Center ISD Board of Trustees voted to hire a seasoned and successful coach to be the new athletic director and head football coach during a special meeting Friday afternoon.

Barry Bowman, currently assistant football coach at Pine Tree ISD in Longview will be joining the Roughrider family starting Feb. 2.

Coach Bowman has 26 years experience, including consecutive state football championships at Daingerfield ISD from 2008 to 2010, in addition to a state track and field championship.

He’s been recognized for multiple state and regional “coach of the year” honors, including to A.P. Coach of the Year in 2008 and 2010.

The CISD AD/head football coach opening drew some 128 applications. Dr. Hockenberry and Center ISD Board of Trustees' President James Greer both thanked the 12-member AD/head football Coach Search Committee for their deligient work in the selection process.

According to Center ISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry, “Coach Bowman came to the top immediately and we’re excited to have him as member of the Roughrider Family.”

“Coach Bowman believes in a total program for both girls and boys”,  Dr. Hockenberry said. “He places a strong emphasis on middle school programs and expects success for both girls and boy student athletes.”

Coach Bowman commented, “I believe that one of my greatest strengths is building a relationship with the kids. I will love and treat kids like they live in my house.”

He added, “X’s and O’s are important, but without a genuine relationship, I don’t believe you can be successful. If we build relationships with kids and do it the right way, the scoreboard will eventually take care of itself.”

Coach Bowman is a Longview native, and he and his wife, Stephanie have been married 29 years.

They have three daughters, two grown, and one that’s a 10^th grader. His bio states he played college football at Louisiana Tech and spent a short-time in the NFL as a punter for St. Louis and Seattle. He’s a 1989 SFA graduate.

Coach Bowman had a 77-24 record as a head coach, and is 19-2 in the playoffs.

According to Center’s official weather observer Jim Forbes, as of 6:15 a.m. Friday 2.68 inches of rain had fallen in Center in the previous 24 hours. This brings the January rain total to 9.77 inches.

The January average monthly rainfall is 4.45 inches.

As for records, Forbes says in January 1999, Center received 12.13 inches of rain.

The high temperature in Center Thursday was 46 degrees, which occurred at 7 a.m. The low Friday morning, 38 degrees.

Arrest Report

01/22/15—01/23/15

Shelby County:

Thomas Ingram, 53, Gary, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Robert Reed, 56, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Evading Arrest

Ismael Delacruz-Alpuche, 32, Center, Driving While Intoxicated & Resisting Arrest & Search

Devante Gray, 22, Burglary of a Vehicle & Criminal Mischief

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The search for a new Center ISD athletic director and head football coach is expected to come to an end this afternoon as the Center ISD Board of Trustees is expected to take action and make a hire of a new athletic administrator during a special meeting at noon.

The district has been without an AD since Kevin Goodwin resigned in November. The job opening reportedly attracted more than 125 applicants.

The Level III parent complaint by Linda Lopez has been removed from the agenda.

There will be a special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court at 9:30 this morning with one agenda items for approval and that's the disposal of broken and/or obsolete computers, monitors, phones, etc. during the Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday.

Congressman Louie Gohmert of Tyler is being accused of using campaign funds to pay for a trip to England, which is a violation of House ethics rules. 

The legal watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

The group says he used campaign fund to pay for a trip to England last fall unrelated to any campaign activities.

Gohmert's Communications director Kimberly Willingham denies that official funds were used.

CREW says Gohmert's legendary tirades may put him in high demand for public speaking engagements, but that doesn't give him license to fill a luxury London vacation to his campaign.

The report says the England expenses included almost $6,000 in hotel stays and a $234 taxi ride.

Today is Document Shred Day in Shelby County. The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee is conducting the third-annual event, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the downtown Center square.

Document Shred Day is presented by Allied Waste and sponsored by Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank.

Keep in mind no more than five (5) file boxes of documents per individual will be accepted.

Saturday is Electronic Recycling Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a drive-thru fashion on the northside of the square.

Unacceptable items include: NO large household appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers, NO lawn equipment or anything containing gasoline or liquids, NO heaters and NO smoke detectors.

The Shelby County Commissioners Court has made arrangements to accommodate unaccepted items at the Pct. 1 facility at 1306 San Augustine Street in Center, and the Pct. 3 Barn in Joaquin during the recycling event.

These services are provided free to the public as a service of generous presenters and sponsors and the Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Following up on a car fire store we told you about earlier this week just inside the San Augustine County line Tuesday night.

DPS says 35-year old Maurice Watts, Jr. of Center was southbound on Hwy. 147 just before 9 p.m. when in a curve, a deer ran into the path of his Chrysler 200. Watts steered right, left the roadway and struck a tree head-on. The car then caught fire.

Firemen from Shelbyville and San Augustine responded. The car was a loss.

Watts was reportedly taken by to CHI St. Luke's Health-San Augustine for treatment of unknown minor injuries.

In story we had earlier this week we mentioned the Center ISD had recently did an update on security and surveillance and improvements utilizing current technology and an expansion of the system. Well, a similar security system captured two Carthage students for breaking into two Carthage ISD buildings earlier this week.

A campus cafeteria was burglarized, as well as another building broken into.

Carthage ISD officials say nothing was stolen, but there was minor vandalism. It was the building's security cameras that helped authorities find the two juvenile suspects.

The suspects were then taken to a juvenile facility.

The motives behind the break-ins are unknown and the investigation is still ongoing.

Of course, not only can such a security/surveillance system assist after school hours, but especially helping to make campuses safer during school. 

The fuel price drop has slowed some in the past couple of weeks as we continue to see prices at six-year lows.

According to gasbuddy.com, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Texas is averaging $1.84 a gallon, that's down 9 cents in the past two weeks.

In Louisiana, a gallon’s averaging $1.88, down 12 cents in the last couple of weeks.

Nationally, the average is $2.03, which is eight cents less than last week and $1.25 cents less from the same time a year ago.

Locally, the lowest we found in Center this morning was $1.89 at Wal-Mart, down 4 pennies in the past week.

The former president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister is issuing a warning, telling motorist that their joy ride may end sooner than they think. He says the next round of high prices is likely to start later this year, as crude rebounds to the $80s and $90s, perhaps pushing to the $100 level by late in the year or next. He says the triggering mechanism will be global demand growth relative to how much capital constraint gets baked into future plans for production this year and next. It said whether prices reach $4 a gallon or push past, it's too early to tell. Hofmeister says he sees $5 gas on the horizon. The U.S. Energy Information Administration, which predicts U.S. gasoline prices, says the average will be $2.33 this year and $2.72 in 2016. 

The flag rental program, Center ISD "Flags to Fight Hunger" that was launched on Veterans Day last year has another holiday coming up on February 16-President's Day when American flags will be displayed in yards of businesses and neighborhood homes.

Students are placing flags on six days through the year.

The program has a goal of supporting the Center ISD Backpack Program - which goes the East Texas Food Bank, providing child friendly snacks each weekend to food insecure students.

According to Center High School Counselor Alease Copelin, they are hoping to see the program expand. She added this is a great way to show support for our country while feeding hungry children.

If you're an interested in becoming a flag partner, whether business or home owner, contact Ms. Copelin at Center High School.

District Clerk Lori Oliver has advised the jury summoned for Monday, Jan. 26 for the 273^rd District Court, Honorable Charles R. Mitchell presiding has been cancelled due to scheduled cases being resolved or passed.

Anyone receiving a summons for Jan. 26 is released for jury service until they receive a future summons.

The second annual Free Savers Seed Swap will take place today from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Shelby County Courthouse, 2^nd floor meeting room. 

Vegetable, herb, and flower seeds, garden guides, recommended planting varieties, fruit information and cooking with herbs recipes will be available.

For additional information, call at the Shelby County Extension office, 936-598-7744.

Become the biggest weight loser in Shelby County and have a chance at a number of rewards, including a monetary award, year-long gym membership, a hair make-over, massage, and various gift cards among the prizes available for the most successful competitors in the county’s weight loss and physical fitness program.

The opening weigh-in of participants takes place at 2 p.m. this Sunday, January 25^th and at 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 26^th in the active Shelby County Courthouse, 2^nd floor meeting room in Center.

Participants will weigh-in, submit a $30 participation fee and have their “before” picture taken during registration.

If you have questions about this wellness program, contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent at 598-7744. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 26-year old Jody Michael "Poe" Vaughn of Huxley. He passed in Jasper in an auto-pedestrian accident Wednesday. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Among Jody Michael "Poe" Vaughn's survivors are his parents, Gerald & Patti Vaughn of Huxley; brother, Josh Vaughn of Lufkin; and grandmother, Tommie Matlock of Garrison.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 68-year old Joyce Ann Livingston Putnam will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. She was born in Center and passed away Monday in the Plano/Dallas area.

Watson and Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old James Thomas “Tom” Windham of Center. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at White Rock Cemetery.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 85-year old Viola Drennan of Shelbyville. Service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Murphree Cemetery in Evant, Texas.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 61-year old Thomas Wayne Hutchings of Center. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Old Center Cemetery in Panola County. A visitation will be held prior to graveside service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 85-year old Verna Pauline White of Timpson. She passed away Thursday. Service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Taylor Funeral Home, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 52-year old Bruce Eugene Milstead of San Augustine. He was serving as City Manager for San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Milstead Family Cemetery in San Augustine County.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 77-year old Ms. Betty (Isom) Birdwell of Lufkin, formerly of the Chinquapin Community in San Augustine County. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with cremation to follow. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 66-year old Virginia Mims of Nacogdoches. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Community Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 71-year old Minnie Pearl “Mickey” Teel of San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at True Vine Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Haley Bush Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today at Garner & Son Chapel.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 66-year old Earl Hall of Hemphill. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Sabine County, with interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation is 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. today at Garner & Son. 

In sports,

High school district basketball tonight:

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders return to Dist. 19-4A action at home against Rusk. Action starts at 5 p.m.

The Riders are 1-0, tied with Henderson and Tatum for the district lead. Rusk boys are 0-2.

The Lady Riders are finding it tough, as they're 0-3 in district.

By the way, the Center Middle School Boys and Girls Basketball teams will be recognized at tonight’s games. All CMS Basketball Players are asked to report to the High School Gym by 6:00 PM.

Meanwhile, the Shelbyville Dragons and Timpson Bears are undefeated in Dist. 22-2A at 2-0, and the San Augustine Wolves are off to a 2-0 start in Dist. 23-2A.

The Tenaha Lady Tigers are 4-0 atop Dist. 22-2A, while the Shelbyville Lady Dragons are a game back at 3-1, and Joaquin Lady Rams are two games out of first at 2-2.

Boys' Dist. Standings

19-4A

Center 1-0

Henderson 1-0

Tatum 1-0

Carthage 0-1

Rusk 0-2

22-1A

Shelbyville 2-0

Timpson 2-0

Beckville 1-1

Martinsville 1-1

Joaquin 0-2

Tenaha 0-2

23-2A

San Augustine 2-0
Brookeland 2-0
West Sabine 2-0
Pineywoods 0-2
Broaddus 0-2
Zavalla 0-2

22-3A

Woodville 5-0

Newton 4-1

Woden 3-2

Central Heights 3-2

Central 2-3

Garrison 1-4

Hemphill 1-4

Corrigan 1-4

Here's the district schedule for local teams Jan. 23, including boys and girls:

Dist. 19-4A

Jan 23

Rusk @ Center

Tatum @ Carthage

Dist. 22-2A

Jan 23

Tenaha @ Beckville

Timpson @ Joaquin

Shelbyville @ Martinsville

Dist. 23-2A

Jan 23

San Augustine @ Zavalla

Broaddus @ Pineywoods

Brookeland @ West Sabine

Dist. 22-3A

Jan 23

Woodville @ Garrison

Woden @ Central Heights

Hemphill @ Central

Corrigan vs Newton

In junior high basketball last night, Center boys and girls hosted Carthage, as the Bulldogs pretty well had their way with the Riders with the following results: boys’-7A, Carthage, 17-30; 7 B, Carthage 16-19; and 8A, Carthage 15-36. In girls’, 8B, Carthage 14-18; 7^th B, a 14-14 tie; and 7A, Carthage, 14-48.

The Center Roughrider Soccer game scheduled with New Summerfield last night was cancelled due to weather.

College Hoops last night, the SFA Ladyjacks traveled to Beaumont to play Lamar and took a 59-55 win. SFA improves to 5-1 in Southland Conference play. The SFA men and women go to Sam Houston for a double-header Saturday starting at 1:30 p.m.

Practice for a couple of UIL spring sports within the next week, as girls' softball will have their first day of practice today, while the boys will begin their first day of baseball practice next Friday, Jan. 30.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5p.m, participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, high school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, located five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

2015 Center ASA Softball Sign-Ups will be held Friday, January 30 from 6-9 pm and Saturday, January 31 from 9 am to 12 noon at the Center Softball Fields. The cost is $80 for girls 5 years and up. Please bring your child’s birth certificate when you sign up. There will be sample uniforms for the girls to try on in order the get the correct size for the season.

Center Youth Baseball will be holding signups for the 2015 season on January 30, February 6 & 13 from 5-7pm at the Center Middle School Cafeteria. If anyone has any questions or is interesting in coaching please call Jason Mitchell at (936)488-2863 or Melissa McGhen at (936)488-9034.

Saturday, the Tenaha Robotics team climbed onto the bus at 6:00 A.M. headed to Tyler for the Regional Meet.  The Tenaha teams had been working hard getting their robots and programs ready for this meet. 

This year the robots were to plant seeds (pvc pipe) allow the seeds to grow (wiffle balls placed on the pipes) and then harvest their crop.  Points were awarded for gathering the harvest, carrying the harvest to the barn, and then clean the field by removing the pipes and placing them in the barn as well.

It was a very good day for the Tenaha Robotics teams.

At the Middle School level, the team of Wesley Fox and Andrew Tyner finished 2nd and will be competing at the state meet that will be held on May 2nd.

The team of Kale Page and Kamari Gray finished 3rd and have a good chance of receiving a wild card for the state meet.

The team of Drew Henry and Jalynn Durbin finished in 5th place and the team of Colton Kimbrough, Irvin Barona, and Erik Vazquez finished in 8th place.

At the High School level, the team of Zoee Rogers, Bianca Davison, and Bianca Ramirez finished in 5th  place, the team of Miguel Mendoza and Jacob Samford finished 9th and the team of Ruben Hernandez and Hernan Hernandez finished 10th.

Mrs. Farmer, robotics sponsor, stated that she is proud of her robotics students. These students have put in a lot of after school hours preparing for this contest and have been working hard. When we go to these robotics meets our students compete against all schools from all over East Texas with classifications from 2A to 6A.  Robotics engages students in complex, strategic problem-solving and higher-order thinking—a set of skills that is a high priority for 21st century education.  The Tenaha students showed once again that they are some of the best in Robotics.

Mrs. Farmer would also like to thank the parents of her robotic students for allowing them to participate in the program. She appreciates her students and their parents’ dedication to education.  

Leadership Shelby County chairman, Ann Blackwell recently announced plans are underway for the Shelby County Day in Austin 2015 to be held March 4 & 5. The Texas Legislature recently convened for the 84^th legislative session.

Citizens of Shelby County are being asked to form a delegation to travel to Austin to the Texas State Capitol to learn about various issues and agencies as well as make any state government concerns known to lawmakers.

The Shelby County delegation will be recognized in the State Senate and in the House of Representatives.  Dr. Keith Miller will be honored and recognized as the Doctor for the Day at the Capitol.

State Senator Robert Nichols and State Representative Chris Paddie will give briefings to the group.   At noon, the delegation will hear speakers on topics important to east Texas from state officials while visiting the Texas State Capitol.

Please plan now to be a part of the delegation. To register, please call the Chamber office at 598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com to get registration form and hotel reservation information for the Hilton Garden Inn group room block.

Completed forms are to be returned to the chamber by Tuesday, February 10. The cost of registration, which includes a group dinner on Wednesday night and the Thursday luncheon, is $125 per person.

Shelby County Chamber of Commerce president, Derek Pierce, announces James and Meg Camp as chairmen of the Chamber’s inaugural Total Resource Campaign. This five-week revenue generating effort starts with a Kick-Off Luncheon sponsored by Shelby Savings Bank on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 to reach a goal of $85,000 by March 3. The Total Resource Campaign will create five teams of volunteers under the leadership of the chairmen.

The five team captains, Andi Foster, Vieux Carre Photography; Diane Tindol, Farmers State Bank; Lacie Payne, Coca Cola; Will Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank; and Susan Hairgrove, Jordan Health Services will recruit volunteers to market sponsorships to Chamber events and publications, while also seeking new members for the Chamber. The all-volunteer Campaign consists of more than 100 sponsorships available during the Campaign. Volunteers assist companies with choosing options best suited to meet the organization’s marketing needs.

“The TRC offers excellent exposure for companies both at the Chamber’s events and within our signature publications,” said Pam Phelps, executive director. Teams are currently forming for the campaign. The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1919 to promote and advance economic enrichment and development, tourism and the social and civic interest of  Shelby County and adjoining areas.

“The Campaign is a great way for volunteers to meet our area’s top community leaders and business owners while working directly with many of the Chamber’s most dedicated leadership,” suggested Meg Camp, “so contact the Chamber at 936.598.3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com to take advantage of this great opportunity to get involved.”

Here in Austin, the Legislature has ended our second week of session. We are off the starting block and continue to pick up the pace for the long race ahead. During this time, as more bills are filed and the members have a chance to meet with each other, many of the issues which will define the course of the coming months begin to appear.

Here are five things that happened this week at your Texas Capitol:

1.      Changing of the Guard

Tuesday was a day of firsts at the Capitol, beginning with the swearing in of Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the newest state leaders in over a decade. Another first is Cecilia Abbot, Governor Abbott's wife, who became the first Latina 'First Lady' of Texas. The swearing in was followed by a barbecue lunch on the lawn of the Capitol and the first inaugural parade down Congress Avenue in over a decade.

After taking his oath of office, Governor Abbott shared  his commitment to advancing education in the state, improving roads, expanding water resources and ensuring Texas remains an economic leader. Lieutenant Governor Patrick spoke about his commitment to gun rights and border security as well as maintaining a focus on education and transportation. I look forward to working with both of these men in the future.

2.      Voting on Senate Rules

This week, the Senate adopted the rules which will be used to govern the senate body throughout the upcoming session. This included a change in the way legislation is brought to the floor. The long standing 'two-thirds rule', which required at least 21 of the  31 senators to support a bill before it can be brought to the floor, was changed to require a three-fifths (19 senators) vote.

Another change in the rules was the  reduction of standing committees from 19 to 14 committees. The Lieutenant Governor will appoint committees chairs and members to each of these committees in the coming days.

3.      Small Schools Funding

I recently filed SB 324, which would correct the formulas which fund certain small schools at a lower level. Currently, if a school has an average daily attendance of 1,600 and covers less than 300 square miles, they receive a smaller portion of state funds  than a district with the same attendance which covers more than 300 square miles. This bill will alleviate this practice and provide an equal funding formula for all schools in Texas. With an equal multiplier, many schools will be provided additional funding, which will go a long way in helping to improve the education of our students.

A change in the funding formula will affect approximately 450 schools across the state of Texas. This legislation would allow communities the option of maintaining local governance of their school board without having to work around a punitive formula.

4.      House Members Breakfast

This week I hosted a breakfast for the 11 state representatives and their staff  whose districts overlap my Senate district. This overlap provides me with an opportunity to work closely with the House members who represent some of the same individuals I do. Each session, I make it a priority to work with each state representative to discuss issues they are working on, as well as to share my goals for the next few months. Working with the House is important because no bill can be passed by a single chamber. Only by working together can we effectively advocate for the people we represent at home.

5.      Taking Part

I believe ensuring accessibility and transparency are some of the most important things a Legislature can do. It is a positive way for members to remain accountable to the people they serve. One way we are able to do this is by providing many resources online. You can utilize these resources by visiting www.capitol.state.tx.us . Through this site, you will be able to view a live stream of Senate and House committee hearings as well as watching both chambers when they are in session.

Another tool available is being able to look up bills by subject and keyword, review bill analyses and learn about the possible fiscal implications of a bill. You may also sign up to receive e-mail notifications when bills of interest to you are assigned to committee and then advance through the legislative process. Please also feel free to call my offices to share your opinion on any issues. By keeping abreast of happenings in your State Capitol, you ensure accountability and integrity for all Texans.

Arrest Report

01/21/15—01/22/15

Shelby County:

Ray Neuwirth, 22, Center, Bond Surrender, Original Charge: Theft, Warrant-Theft by Check & 9 warrants-Credit Card Abuse

Jerry Glynn Bell, 57, Garrison, Burglary of a Habitation & Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A section of US Hwy. 96 in San Augustine County is among some 200 initial road projects statewide the Texas Department of Transportation will be funding with Proposition 1 money this year.

The proposed $7 million project would add passing lanes and reconstruct pavement on US 96 from the Shelby County line, southward to FM 3451 in San Augustine County.

The first-round projects were announced at a public meeting Tuesday.

TxDOT is accepting formal public comments regarding the proposed projects from Jan. 23 to Feb. 23.

Comments can be submitted via email to TPP_UTP@txdot.gov or by phone 800-687-8108.

In December, the Texas Comptroller certified that $1.74 billion would be available for transportation in 2015.

Proposition 1 was passed by Texas voters in November.

The City of Joaquin hired a city secretary Tuesday night to replace Donna Fitzgerald who'll be stepping down in the next few months.

Ms. Fitzgerald told Center Broadcasting the council decided on Amanda Wiley for the job. Ms. Wiley is a Shelby County native, SFA gradutate, and is pursuing a Masters in Public Administration.

There were eight applicants for the position.

Ms. Fitzgerald has been Joaquin city secretary for five years.

She said in other business, the Joaquin City Council decided to annex Hwy. 84 from the intersection of FM 2728 to the state line in hopes of "straightening-up" the city limit's boundaries on both sides of the roadway to make them uniform.

Council also decided to leave the water meters on Willie Alford's like they've been for some 30 years.

Additionally, Ms. Fitzgerald said the council agreed Star Spring Church would not be charged for a sewer tap.

Joaquin City Council also called an election for May 9 to fill the terms held by Mayor Mike Wood, and council members LeeVern Stotts Gillam and Mike Atkinson.

The child that died in a tragic accident last Sunday in Nacogdoches County when a tree fell on her will be remembered in a memorial service in Nacogdoches Friday.

Service for 4-year old Kaitlyn Grace Moorehead will be held at 10 a.m. at North Street Church of Christ, followed by a private family interment at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches.

A preliminary investigation shows the incident took place around 1 p.m. at a residence on Green Mountain Road, west of Nacogdoches.

Family members were said to be burning around three dead pine trees when the blaze jumped a fire line. A family member went outside to contain the fire, and Kaitlyn followed. During this time, without warning, one of the trees fell and struck the child.

She passed away a short-time later at Nacogdoches Memorial Hosptial.

Memorial donations on Kaitlyn's behalf should be sent to St. Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

Donations can also be made via the St. Jude's Website.

Two popular recycling events will take place on the Historic Downtown Center Square tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.

The third annual Document Shred Day will be held Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Unneeded sensitive documents will be accepted for secure disposal. There is a limit of five file size boxes will be accepted for shredding.

The Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday is from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on the north side of the inner Center Square.

Acceptable electronic items include: computers and monitors, televisions, printers, DVD and CD players, microwave ovens, copiers and fax machines, telephones, cell phones and chargers, GPS Units, PDA and Tablets, video and camera equipment and cables and power cords.

Those disposing of computers may do so with the confidence that their personal information will remain secure since these machines are completely demolished leaving no means of retrieving any data.

Unacceptable items include: NO large household appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers, NO lawn equipment or anything containing gasoline or liquids, NO heaters and NO smoke detectors.

The Shelby County Commissioners Court has made arrangements to accommodate unaccepted items at the Pct. 1 facility at 1306 San Augustine Street in Center (2/10 mile north of the intersection of Hwy 96 and Old San Augustine Road) and also the Pct. 3 Barn in Joaquin during the recycling event.

A more detailed list of what can and cannot be accepted by the recyclers may be found at www.shelbycountychamber.com.

These services are provided free to the public For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

There will be a special meeting of the Shelby County Commissioners' Court at 9:30 Friday morning with one agenda items for approval and that's the disposal of broken and/or obsolete computers, monitors, phones, etc. during the Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday.

The board of directors of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) will hold its first meeting of 2015 in San Augustine at noon today.

The meeting will be held in the County Historical Theatre at 110 E. Columbia St.

A luncheon will be served at noon with the board meeting to follow.

Welcoming members and guests to San Augustine County will be County Judge Samye Johnson; San Augustine Mayor Leroy Hughes; and Commissioners Tommy Hunter; Edward Wilson, Joey Holloway, and Rodney Ainsworth; and Musetta Hosey, county minority representative.

All interested parties are welcome.

Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes C. J. Davis Memorial Funeral Chapel to Timpson by having a ribbon cutting and grand opening Saturday February 7, at 1 PM. Rev. Scotty D. Bland is the owner.

The Chapel is located at 453 McLaughlin down from the school.

We thank Rev. Bland for joining our Chamber and hope that everyone will come out to meet him. 

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 26-year old Jody Vaughn of Shelbyville. He passed Wednesday in Jasper.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a private graveside service was held for 98-year old Christine Ward of Center. She passed away Monday at Green Acres Nursing Home in Center. Service was held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Stanley, Louisiana. Among Christine Ward’s survivors is a son, Ken & Shawn Threet of Oklahoma; and daughter, Myrna Lloyd of Colorado.

Watson and Sons Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old James Thomas “Tom” Windham of Center. He passed away Wednesday in Center. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at White Rock Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Tom Windham’s survivors is his wife, Charlsie Jean Windham of Center; children, Johnny Max & Gayla Windham, Regina Gail & Kerry McSwain, Penny & Stanley Barnes, Jamie & Susan Windham, Beth & Alton Clark and Bruce Windham, all of Center; sisters, Bobbie Sue & John Henry Nichols, and Margie & Clarence Weaver, all of Center; and brothers, Leon & Kathy Windham of Timpson, Max & Janet Windham of Shelbyville, and Evert “Snuffy” Windham of Center.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 85-year old Viola Drennan of Shelbyville. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Murphree Cemetery in Evant, Texas. Among Viola Drennan's survivors is a son, Jim & Earlene Drennan of Shelbyville; and daughter, Lora & Mike Wilson of New Mexico.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 61-year old Thomas Wayne Hutchings of Center. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Old Center Cemetery in Panola County. A visitation will be held prior to graveside service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home beginning at 9:30 a.m. Among Thomas Wayne Hutchings survivors is his wife, Susan Hutchings of Center; and daughter, Tanya Hutchings of Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the American Diabetes Association in Alexandria, VA.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 52-year old Bruce Eugene Milstead of San Augustine. He was serving as City Manager for San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Milstead Family Cemetery in San Augustine County.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces service for 77-year old Ms. Betty (Isom) Birdwell of Lufkin, formerly of the Chinquapin Community in San Augustine County. She passed away Tuesday in Lufkin. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with cremation to follow. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Betty Isom Birwell’s survivors are daughters, Charlotte R. Birdwell and wife, Kathy Jackson-Birdwell of Corpus Christi, Sandra & Kalvin Buckley of Lufkin; son, Andrew “Andy” & Michelle Birdwell of Austin; and brother, Roy & Lenora Isom of Jasper

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 66-year old Virginia Mims of Nacogdoches. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Community Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center. Among Virginia Mims' survivors is a daughter, Vanessia Lewis of Nacogdoches; and son, Ronnie Greer of Milwaukee, WI.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 71-year old Minnie Pearl “Mickey” Teel of San Augustine. She passed away Tuesday at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at True Vine Baptist Church in San Augustine, with interment at Haley Bush Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Garner & Son Chapel. Among Minnie Pearl “Mickey” Teel’s survivors are grand-daughters, Ebony & Lee Polk and Erica Teel, both of San Augustine; and sisters, Rosie Lee Matlock of Cypress, Vera Joyce Jones of San Augustine and Mary Dennis of Illinois.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 66-year old Earl Hall of Hemphill. He passed away last Saturday at Mount Maria Health & Rehabilitation Center in Hemphill. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Sabine County, with interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Garner & Son Chapel. Among Earl Hall’s survivors is his wife, Patsy Suell Hall of Shelbyville; daughter, Ronda Hall of Lake Charles; son, Scotty Suell Nobles of Beaumont; brothers, Chester & Patricia Bell of San Augustine, Willie Ray Hall of Hemphill, Lon L. & Sheila Hall of Hemphill, Joe & Dyann Hall of Hempstead, Grover & Vonnie Hall of Tyler and Emmitt Lee & De’Andre Hall, of Hemphill; and sisters, Marilyn & Dennis Taylor of Houston and Felicia & Roger Johnson of Tyler.

In sports,

High school district basketball Friday:

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders return to Dist. 19-4A action Friday at home against Rusk. The Riders are 1-0, while the Lady Riders are off to an 0-3 start.

Dist. 19-4A

Jan 23

Rusk @ Center

Tatum @ Carthage

Dist. 22-2A

Jan 23

Tenaha @ Beckville

Timpson @ Joaquin

Martinsville vs Shelbyville

Dist. 23-2A

Jan 23

San Augustine @ Zavalla

Broaddus @ Pineywoods

Brookeland @ West Sabine

Dist. 22-3A

Jan 23

Woodville @ Garrison

Woden @ Central Heights

Hemphill @ Central

Corrigan vs Newton

The Center Roughrider Soccer teams will host New Summerfield today at Roughrider Stadium.

College Hoops, the SFA Ladyjacks travel to Beaumont to play Lamar with a 7 p.m. tonight. The Ladyjacks are 4-1 in Southland Conference play.

Practice for a couple of UIL spring sports will be starting in the next few days, as girls' softball will have their first day of practice on Friday, while the boys will begin their first day of baseball practice next Friday, Jan. 30.

There will be a Wild Game Cook-off and Banquet held on Saturday, February 7 at the Windham Civic Center. The cook-off judging will begin at 5pm, participants may cook on site or off. The banquet will be at 6pm. The keynote speaker will be Bobby Brasher, noted outdoorsman, hig school football coach and executive director of Christian Hunters and Anglers. For those interested in donating wild game to be cooked for the banquet: contact Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022. For those interested in cooking: contact Rusty Sanford (936) 554-2496), Buddy Hancock (936) 590-0022, or David Koonce (936) 590-0994. Ticket stubs will be drawn to award the Door Prizes!! The event is sponsored by local churches. Too help promote the event and invite friends, free tickets are available at the office of First Baptist Church in Center.

The San Augustine Lions Sporting Clay Shoot will be held Saturday, Feb. 21 at Fairway Farm, five miles east of San Augustine on Hwy. 21. All proceeds benefit Texas Lions’ Camp, local charities and scholarships. The shoot will consist of four or five person teams. Individuals are welcome and everyone will be placed on a team. There will be one flight beginning at 10 a.m., registration starts at 8 a.m. Fee is $100 per shooter. Food, drinks and prizes will be provided. Title sponsors are Contango Oil & Gas Company, XTO Entergy and CHI St. Luke’s Health. For more information contact Norrell Thomas at 936-275-6015 or Kenny Fowler at 936-275-6208. Entry forms are also available at Center Broadcasting at 307 San Augustine Street in Center.

January is the month I stop to look back at the previous year, review and evaluate programs and set goals for the new year.  Much was accomplished in 2014, but one program that brings a smile to my face is the Flags to Fight Hunger initiative along with the memory of seeing an abundance of American flags flying in local neighborhoods and at local businesses.  I was reminded, once again, that Center is a special place to live…a place where people are willing to join together to make a positive difference!

The Center ISD Flags to Fight Hunger program launched on Veteran’s Day 2014 with the goal of supporting the CISD Backpack Program  - a program through the East Texas Food Bank that provides child friendly snacks each week-end to food insecure students.  This flag rental program places American flags in the yards of businesses and neighborhood homes on six holidays a year…a way to show support for our country while feeding hungry children.  Flag partners can join the program at any time; the six flags rented for a year begin with the first holiday of participation. 

The second holiday in the current cycle is February 16^th…President’s Day. 

We hope to see the program expand; interested businesses or home owners can contact CHS and ask to speak with Alease Copelin, Counselor.  

Thank you, Center, for seeing what is possible and joining the effort to make it happen!

NACOGDOCHES – Commercial vegetable growers are facing a new problem: Some commercial composts can contain herbicide residues that will cause mutant tomatoes and other vegetables, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulturist.

The herbicide aminopyralid is primarily used for control of broadleaf weeds in pastures, said Dr. Joe Masabni, AgriLife Extension vegetable specialist, College Station. The problem arises when growers use straw mulch composted from hay pastures or composted manure from animals grazing on treated pastures.

“This is a very serious concern for all growers,” he said. “The herbicide can survive the animal digestive system and for three years or longer in the compost pile.”

Masabni is one of the featured speakers at the East Texas Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Conference, set Feb. 24 at the Nacogdoches Expo Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches.

Registration before Feb. 20 for the conference is $30 per person, $50 for couples. There will be a $5 late fee added to registration after Feb. 20. Lunch is included with the registration. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m., with programming beginning at 9 a.m. The conference will adjourn at 3 p.m.

To register or for more information, call the AgriLife Extension office for Nacogdoches County at 936-560-7711. Checks should be made out to Nacogdoches Master Gardener Association and mailed to: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, 203 W. Main St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

Masabni will discuss the latest research results on using activated charcoal to neutralize aminopyralid herbicide in soils. He will also discuss how to calculate herbicide rates for a small volume like a backpack sprayer when labeled amounts are only shown for large acreages. And, he will discuss the finer points of both organic and conventional weed control.
Morning topics and speakers will include:

– Blackberry, Blueberry and Kiwi Production, Dr. David Creech, Regent’s professor at Stephen F. Austin University and director of the university’s Mast Arboretum, Nacogdoches.

– Muscadine Grape Production, Dr. Justin Scheiner, AgriLife Extension viticulturist, College Station.
– Something Sprouts in Nacogdoches: A New Student Edible Garden at SFASU, Dr. Jared Barnes, professor of horticulture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches.

–Veggie Tales from a Lifetime Gardener, Greg Grant, research associate at the Piney Woods Native Plant Center, Nacogdoches, and contributing editor to Texas Gardener magazine.

The video “Protecting Your Pollinators for Fruit and Nut Growers,” produced by Erfan Vafaie, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, Overton, will be shown during lunch.

After-lunch speakers and topics will include:

– Peach Production: Challenges and Opportunities, Monte Nesbitt, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, College Station.

– Rainwater Harvesting and Irrigation, Dotty Woodson, AgriLife Extension agent for horticulture, Dallas.

– Vegetable Diseases, Dr. Thomas Isakeit, AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, College Station.

Holders of Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator licenses will earn two continuing education units in the general category for attending. Master Gardeners will earn five hours of continuing education recertification credits.

Sponsors include Irrigation Mart Inc., Heritage Land Bank and Earthwise Organics.

US History Classes at CHS, under the instruction of Heaven Umbrell, have been delving into the past with hands-on learning.

Ms. Umbrell gave the students an ammo box that contained possessions from a WWII soldier. The students had to use the items to gather information about the soldier and then research further into his story. She said that the students "found out some pretty interesting details."

CHS Instructional Coach, Kaylin Burleson said, "I had the opportunity to sit in and listen/observe these student historians in action. They were posing their own questions to find the answers about this box and the soldier who it belonged to."

This is an exciting way to get the students involved and to encourage them to take
ownership in their own learning.

It also provides a realistic opportunity to open a window to the past in the classroom.

Center Intermediate School 5th Graders have been studying Idioms. For
example, "Don't Spill the Beans," or "Easy as Pie."

On Friday, January 16th, to celebrate all of the idioms they learned during their study, they had an Idiom Parade.

The students involved dressed up or visually represented the literal meaning of some of the most popular idioms in today's language. The class discussed each idiom and its literal and figurative meaning.

On January 20th, the Second Graders at Center Elementary School went on a field trip to the local banks.

This is a part of the finance unit they are studying.

Students were able to take a tour of the bank, learn the history of the bank and were even given a special gift.

Each child received a piggy bank to start their own savings.

At Farmers State Bank, students were given the once in a lifetime experience to hold $100,000! They thought that was pretty neat!

The teachers and students appreciate the banks opening up their doors to us and making learning fun!

Shelby County Sheriff Willis Blackwell states that during the evening of December 25, 2014 and the morning of December 26, 2014, unidentified individual(s) destroyed several mailboxes along FM 3184, FM 3172, FM 139, and FM 417 East.

Based on the degree of destruction caused to the mailboxes, it is
believed an explosive was used.  One explosion caused a grass fire that
burned a portion of a hay field, and another grass fire in the Huxley area was reported, but the cause remains uncertain at this time. 

The suspect's vehicle was described as being loud as it sped away from locations before an explosion was heard.

If you have any information regarding this or any other crime please contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 936-598-5600 ask to speak with Investigator Chris King or Center Crime Stoppers.

Center Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for
information.

Anyone who has information regarding this crime should call
Center Crime Stoppers at 936-598-SAFE (7233) or submit a tip online at
www.centercrimestoppers.com.

Remember you don't have to give your name. All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous.

Rewards will only be paid on tips submitted through the Center Crime Stoppers system.

The Paris Peace Accord ending the Vietnam War was signed on January 27, 1973, and was followed by the withdrawal of the remaining American troops. The terms of the accords called for a complete ceasefire in South Vietnam, allowed North Vietnamese forces to retain the territory they had captured, release of US prisoners of war, and called for both sides to find a political solution to the conflict. As an enticement to South Vietnam, President Nixon offered US airpower to enforce the peace terms (this was stopped in December 1974 when Congress cut off all military aid to South
Vietnam).

More than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in the Vietnam War and there are still 1,637 missing in action.

In observance of the 42nd Anniversary Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will host a Memorial Observance for those who served in the Vietnam War.  A wreath laying will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 27th, 2014 at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse.

The names of nine Shelby County Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam War will be read.  They are:  Ted W. Adams, William L. "Shorty" Andrews, Jimmy Barnett, Mac Curtis Buckley, Larry Byford, Ray Chatelain, Jr., William H. Eaden, Jerry Lynn Hughes, and Taylor D. Johnson.

As always the public is cordially invited.

The Shelbyville and San Augustine Volunteer Fire Departments were called to a one vehicle accident on FM 147 just inside the San Augustine County line just before 9 p.m. last night with reports the vehicle caught fire.

Scanner communications said the driver was able to escape the vehicle before it burned.

here were no reported injuries.

No other details are known at this time

Arrest Report

01/20/15—01/21/15

Shelby County:

Daniel Patrick Gray, 27, Hemphill, Warrant-Burglary of a Habitation

Roger Wilburn, 46, Joaquin, Warrants-Driving Under Suspension, No Drivers License & Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated

Jason Edwards, 32, Marshall, Driving While License Invalid

Michael Harris, 23, Salina, KS, Warrant-Theft

Christine Doggett, 38, Tenaha, Theft

Shyia Thompson, 23, Center, Injury to a Child

Kevin Zamora, 23, Timpson, Two Warrants-Theft

Jasmine Moore, 37, Center, Warrants-Forgery, Theft & Failure to ID

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In sports,

High school district last night:

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders had a bye and will return to Dist. 19-4A action Friday at home against Rusk. Tatum defeated Henderson in the only other district game, 69-46.

The Lady Riders did get a couple of non-district games in with Gary, as the Varsity girls lose, 29-37, and the JV Lady Riders take at 35-16 win.

The Martinsville Pirates hand the Tenaha Tigers their second-straight district loss, 28-27.

Elsewhere in boys’ play: Woden 85 Garrison 30, Central Heights 70 Corrigan 26, Chireno 91 Wells 73, Douglass 72 Apple Springs 39, Woodville 100 Hemphill 29 and Laneville 101 Mt. Enterprise 49.

Girls: Garrison 47 Woden 42 and Chireno 61 Wells 32

Coming up:

Dist. 19-4A

Jan 23

Rusk @ Center

Tatum @ Carthage

Dist. 22-2A

Jan 23

Tenaha @ Beckville

Timpson @ Joaquin

Martinsville vs Shelbyville

Dist. 23-2A

Jan 23

San Augustine @ Zavalla

Broaddus @ Pineywoods

Brookeland @ West Sabine

Dist. 22-3A

Jan 23

Woodville @ Garrison

Woden @ Central Heights

Hemphill @ Central

Corrigan vs Newton

The Center Roughrider Varsity Soccer team took second place at the Palestine Invitational Tournament last weekend. The Riders had three wins and one loss in group stage headed into the final with Palestine. The Riders are led by Freshman Midfielder Marcos Lopez who’s currently ranked No. 1 on the leader board for top scorer in Division 4A. The Rider Soccer team will begin district in two weeks.

The Rider JV played Crockett last night, taking a 7-2 win. Center boys will hosts New Summerfield Thursday at Roughrider Stadium.

The Shelbyville Dragons competed in the Diboll Powerlifting Meet on Jan. 15, 2015.

Medalists for the Dragons:

1st Place-Kal Metcalf 242 Class

1st Place-Octavian Burrell 198 Class

2nd Place-Andrew Lindsey SHW Class

3rd Place- Christian Schilder-114 Class

3rd Place-Wesley Berry-132 Class

3rd Place- Corey Bearden-148 Class

4th Place- Jacob Jackson-165 Class

Powerlifting Coach: Michael B. Taylor

After one month it appears the Center ISD Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Search Committee has completed its mission and will possibly make a recommendation to the board of trustees for a hire on Friday.

According to a special meeting agenda posted yesterday, the board is scheduled to meet at 12 noon Friday to consider and possibly take action to employ a new athletic director/head football coach.

We understand over 125 applications were received for the position.

The 12 member search committee appointed in December, made up of community members, administration and school board members filtered through the list and conducted several interviews in the process to get to this point.

The job came open in November when Kevin Goodwin submitted his resignation after six years. We understand Goodwin has taken a job with the Conroe ISD as running backs’ coach at Oak Ridge High School.

Also on Friday’s special meeting agenda is presentation of a Level III parent complaint by Linda Lopez.

We told you yesterday that San Augustine City Manager Bruce Milstead had passed away Monday evening following a short-illness. We later received word Mr. Milstead had suffered a heart attack Sunday morning, and died in Lufkin from complications after heart by-pass surgery.

San Augustine Mayor Leroy Hughes said the one year that Milstead served as city manager he had done a great job for the city and for the people of San Augustine. He used the word, "awesome".

Mayor Hughes said Milstead had great communications with the city staff and was an excellent supervisor, and will be missed.

The San Augustine City Council went ahead and met as scheduled last night and appointed Mayor Hughes as interim city manager, a position he said he's held previously in between managers. He said the search process would begin, soon for a replacement.

Milstead had served as city manager or administrator in Huntington and Moulton before coming back home to San Augustine.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home is in charge of service for 52-year old Bruce Milstead. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in San Augustine. 

Another month, another meeting and there’s been no final decision made by the Timpson City Council on whether to possibly reduce their five-member police department by two due to budgetary reasons.

At last night’s meeting before a full-house Mayor Debra Smith said again a motion was made by Councilman Kyle Allen to adopt the amended 2014-15 Budget and keep the police department as is, but failed due to no second.

However, she said Councilman Ronnie Wolfe made a motion to have the city’s attorney come in and discuss with the Timpson Council a possible reduction in force, legally, and that motion passed 3-2, with Wolfe, and Council members Janell Baker and George Grace voting in favor.

Allen and Council member Yvonne Ramsey voting against.

She says there’s been no date set to having the attorney meet with the council.

The Timpson City Council also voted 4-1 to re-instate water/sewer employee Matthews Owens upon passing a medical test. He would be hired back on a 90-day probationary period.

The Tenaha City Council decided against hiring an additional deputy city marshal at their meeting last night, opting to pay Deputy Marshal Darren Gray overtime, and increasing his hourly wage by a dollar an hour.

Mayor Orinthia Johnson said the council wanted to go in that direction at this time and see how it works out.

Tenaha council also decided to place the $28,777 dollars from the sale of the old city hall building in an account to go to construction costs for a warehouse for the public works department.

City council awarded the bid for material to Steel Building Supply and construction of the warehouse to Jose Perez.

City Attorney Stephen Shires presented some updates to the employee handbook, and will have a final draft for the council in the next couple of months.

Mayor Johnson also said Waste Water Supervisor Wes Wheeler submitted a letter of resignation effective Jan.30, and there will not be a hire made at this time for replacement.

The owner of St. Luke’s Health in San Augustine, Catholic Health Initiatives announced in a press release yesterday they would be cutting 18 employees system-wide from the CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial workforce, which also includes Lufkin and Livingston.

The release stated, “As a result of lower than expected operating and financial performance in the first quarter of the 2015 fiscal year, Catholic Health Initiatives and its market organizations including CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial have taken action to reduce expenses across the system.

The 18 employees being cut from CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial were mainly from administrative and support services representing about one percent of the workforce.

A Longview man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Carthage man last week.

Authorities say 23-year old Timothy James Daniels was taken into custody in Longview and then transferred to Panola County.

Daniels is being charged for the death of 30-year old LaMarcus Scott, whose body was found inside a closet in his home Jan. 12.

State Rep. Trent Ashby of Lufkin has proposed a constitutional amendment to preserve the right to hunt in Texas.

As of now, the state’s constitution does not give Texans that right.

18 states have implemented similar amendments that solidify the right to hunt and fish.

Ashby says with extremist groups and anti-hunting groups getting a foothold in on a number of states, he did not want to see that happen here.

He said the constitutional amendment he has proposed would forever give Texans the right to hunt and fish and use that as a preferred method of managing our state’s wildlife population.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 85-year old Viola Drennan of Shelbyville. She passed away Tuesday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Murphree Cemetery in Evant, Texas. Additional information and survivors will be announced later.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 61-year old Thomas Wayne Hutchings of Center. He passed away Tuesday in Center. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Old Center Cemetery in Panola County. A visitation will be held prior to graveside service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home beginning at 9:30 a.m. Among Thomas Wayne Hutchings survivors is his wife, Susan Hutchings of Center; and daughter, Tanya Hutchings of Houston.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 52-year old Bruce Eugene Milstead of San Augustine. He passed away Sunday in Lufkin. He was serving as City Manager for San Augustine. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Milstead Family Cemetery in San Augustine County. Among Bruce Eugene Milstead’s survivors is his wife, Janice Newberry Milstead of San Augustine; daughter, Angela Cochran of Richmond, Virginia; sons, Brandon and Colton Milstead, both of San Augustine;

Community Funeral Home of Center announces pending service for 66-year old Virginia Mims of Nacogdoches. She passed away Monday at her residence.

The Center High School Varsity Boys Soccer team competed in the Palestine Invitational Soccer Tournament on January 15th-17th.

With an eventful set of games, the boys were able to take 2nd place.

Coach Roque Palomino said, “Lead by captains Lorenzo Angel and Gilberto Vega, the boys had 3 wins and 1 loss in group stage coming to play in the tournament final against home team Palestine.

It was a tough loss but the boys know even the greatest teams have to learn to fall and get back up.”

The Boys Team has started off very strong this season and are very proud to have the current successes built up to help them prepare for District which begins in two weeks.

The boys will face Crockett on Tuesday at Roughrider Stadium and New

Summerfield on Thursday in Roughrider Stadium. Keep an eye on Freshman,
Marcos Lopez in the Midfield. He is currently #1 on the leaderboard for top
scorer in Division 4A.

Jan. 20, 2015 – LUFKIN, Texas – When it comes to taxes, all of the ins and outs and information you have to know is mind-numbing—but important. It’s especially important that forest landowners stay informed on the latest updates to tax laws regarding their timberland properties.


Knowing the tax laws will give you an advantage in planning your forest management activities. Sometimes landowners do not know about timber taxes and continue to pay more than their fair share of taxes on their timber income. Even forest landowners who use accountants need to understand record keeping, how timber expenses and income are taxed, since some tax preparers are not well versed in special tax treatment for forestry.


The 2015 Texas Timber Tax Workshop scheduled for next month in East Texas is a day-long event that will provide information on timber tax laws and rules, helping attendees understand recent changes before filing taxes. Along with federal income tax, timberland property tax laws in Texas will be discussed.


“This workshop is important because it brings landowners up-to-date on federal timber tax laws, which often change,” Omkar Joshi said, Forest Economist for Texas A&M Forest Service.


This annual workshop hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Forestry Association, is an all-day event that gives hundreds of foresters, landowners and other professionals the training and education needed for applying new tax rules, which could prove as an advantage in forest management planning.


“Tax laws aren’t simple and timber taxation rules can be even more complex,” Joshi said. “We want landowners to be fully aware of the many favorable tax provisions and help them to determine appropriate basis of their property.”   


The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, 601 Dennis St., Diboll, TX. Registration is $75 and includes a workbook, lunch and refreshments.


The workshop is designed for forest landowners, consulting foresters, public accountants, loggers, attorneys and anyone who deals with timber taxes. Participating in this workshop also qualifies for continuing education credits.


For more information or to register, go to http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/timbertaxworkshop. Or contact Jennifer Hayes at 979-458-6630 or jhayes@tfs.tamu.edu.

###

The Dragons competed in the Diboll Powerlifting Meet on Jan. 15, 2015.
Medalists for the Dragons:

1st Place-Kal Metcalf 242 Class
1st Place-Octavian Burrell 198 Class
2nd Place-Andrew Lindsey SHW Class
3rd Place- Christian Schilder-114 Class
3rd Place-Wesley Berry-132 Class
3rd Place- Corey Bearden-148 Class
4th Place- Jacob Jackson-165 Class
 

Congratulations!
 

Powerlifting Coach: Michael B. Taylor

Center Broadcasting has learned that San Augustine City Manager Bruce Milstead passed away after a short-illness Monday.

We’ve been told Milstead suffered a heart-attack Sunday, had heart surgery and died for complications.

Milstead was raised in San Augustine came home to be City of San Augustine as manager last year.

San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson said Milstead had become a strong advocate and champion for both the city and county of San Augustine.

She added he was successfully leading the movement to a better future, he will be sorely missed.

 We’ll have more details including service information as they become available.

Arrest Report

01/19/15—01/20/15

Shelby County:

LaCynthia Brannon, 49, Glenpool, OK, Public Intoxication

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Center Broadcasting has learned that San Augustine City Manager Bruce Milstead passed away after an apparent sudden-illness Monday.

At this time, the cause of death is not known.

Raised in San Augustine, Milstead came home to be City of San Augustine Manager last year.

San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson said Milstead had become a strong advocate and champion for both the city and county of San Augustine.

She added he was successfully leading the movement to a better future, he will be sorely missed.

We’ll have more details including service information as they become available.

A Tenaha man is recovering from injuries received in a two-vehicle accident Saturday night in Panola County that claimed a life.

CaDetric Robertson was driving a Chevy Trailblazer when he was struck by a pickup head-on driven by 19-year old Allen James Frasier of Carthage on Hwy. 149.

DPS say Frasier crossed the center stripe striking Robertson.

A passenger in Frasier's vehicle, 20-year old Scott Wynn died at the scene.

Frazier has been arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle. He was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robertson was reportedly airlifted to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler where he remains in ICU.

The Timpson Police Department is seeking information on what's being described as an arson case after someone set a mop bucket on fire at the Dollar General store last Thursday.

Officer Jacob Metcalf says when he arrived the fire was already out and no damage to the building.

The Timpson Volunteer Fire Department also responded and used fans to draw smoke from the building.

Anyone with information on this possible arson incident at the Dollar General in Timpson last Thursday is asked to contact the Timpson Police Dept. at 254-2700 or the Shelby County Sheriff's Department at 598-5600.

It appears prayer before Nacogdoches City Council meetings has come to an end.

According to an article in Sunday's The Daily Sentinel, Mayor Roger Van Horn said the tradition will be no more.

This action came about after a "humanist celebrant" from Jacksonville in a series of emails had asked City Manager Jim Jeffers that secularists be included in a rotation of those offering prayers before council meetings.

The newspaper article said Jeffers said City Attorney Rob Atherton told him the city council has two options: Offer people of different faiths and beliefs to pray or do nothing.

The mayor chose the latter. 

In an effort to change the way some 450 school are funded across Texas, Sen. Robert Nichols and Rep. Trent Ashby have jointly filed legislation to correct the formulas that fund certain small schools at a lower level.

In a joint press release Monday, Nichols said,” It is unfair that a small school in penalized and funded differently based on the size of the area they serve. Creating an equal multiplier in the formula across the board will provide many schools with additional funding, which will go a long way in helping to improve the education of our students.”

Currently, if a school has an average daily attendance of 1,600 and covers less than 300 square miles, they receive a smaller portion of state funds than a district with the same attendance which covers more than 300 square miles.

Senate Bill 324 and House Bill 645 will alleviate this practice and create an equal funding measure across the board for all schools in Texas.

The original bill was passed to encourage school districts to consolidate.

This legislation would allow communities the option of maintain local governance of their school board without having to work around punitive formula.

Timpson Mayor Debra Smith says the city is conducting door-to-door survey in a designated "mapped area" as a requirement for the application for the city of Timpson's next water/sewer grant application.

The survey is being conducted between Tennessee Road and Railroad Avenue, including Church Street, Pearl, Neal, Old Tennessee Road, Park Street, Puckett, Hooper Lane, Yarbrough Lane and FM 947 and Railroad Avenue inside the Timpson City Limits.

Two ladies, Kay Lacy and Kourtnee Copeland are working for the City of Timpson the next few days.

Mayor Smith says the ladies have ID badges including their name and the city phone number if you have questions.

We told you last month that the History Channel’s show, “American Pickers” would be in east Texas scouring through select stops in search for prize antiques and other treasures to film for upcoming episodes.

Show hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz were in downtown Joaquin Saturday visiting with Dennis and Debbie Leggett “picking” at their motorcycle shop, as well as stopping into Worsham’s Grocery where Phil and Debra Worsham rolled out their hospitality, in addition to Ram House Café.

After spending the day on the Texas side of the Sabine River, the show’s crew darted back into Louisiana to conclude shooting.

It’s not known when the Joaquin segment of “American Pickers” would be airing on the History Channel.

The Joaquin City Council may be hiring a new city secretary by the end of the day, as applicants for the position to replace Donna Fitzgerald are to be interviewed this morning, with the item on the agenda at tonight’s meeting. Ms. Fitzgerald will be leaving the job in a few months.

In addition, Joaquin City Council will call a city council election for May 9 and approve a possibly give approval to a resolution for annexation of Hwy. 84 from the intersection of FM 2728 where the current city limits ends to the Texas State Line.

Among other executive session items is discussion on Mr. Willie Alford's request to move water meters off his property, renewal of sewer load at Texas State Bank and the Star Spring Church sewer issue.

The Tenaha City Council will have a regular meeting at 5:15 p.m. this afternoon and among the agenda items includes discussion and action on cashing in two certificates of deposit to handle outstanding bills and for use on water, street and sewer projects; setting aside proceeds from the recent sale of old city hall to be used for construction of a warehouse and then opening bids on construction of that warehouse; and calling for a council election for the expiring position presently held by Larry Terry, Claudine Howard and Michael Baker.

In addition, the Tenaha City Council will hear a presentation from city attorney Stephen Shires on the revised employee handbook and a report on marshal’s office monitors.

In personnel issues, the council will discuss hiring a deputy city marshal in executive session. 

The Timpson City Council will have a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. today and a possible reduction in force of the Timpson Police Dept. by two employees for budgetary reasons is to be discussed with possible action. After thorough discussion in November, no changes were made to the current force of 5 officers.

In addition, there will be discussion and possible action on a waiver for the 30 ft. distance between structures for a mobile home due to an adjacent property owner having no plans to remove or repair a dilapidated house; advertising for bids on trimming or cutting down trees in the electrical line right-of-way; and advertising for bids on construction work of the amphitheatre at So-So Park.

Timpson City Council may also consider publishing an ad for full-time employment in the water/sewer department.

During citizen input Cecil Parks is expected to address an incident with Timpson Police Chief Kent Graham.

The council will also call an election for May 9 for the expiring terms of council members Kyle Allen, Janell Baker and George Grace.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee will conduct two important recycling events on the Historic Downtown Center Square.

The third annual Document Shred Day will be held this Friday, January 23 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and is presented by Allied Waste and sponsored by Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank. Unneeded sensitive documents will be accepted for secure disposal.

The City of Center is the presenting sponsor for Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, January 24, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in a drive-thru fashion on the north side of the Center Square. 

Acceptable electronic items include: computers and monitors, televisions, printers, DVD and CD players, microwave ovens, copiers and fax machines, telephones, cell phones and chargers, GPS Units, PDA and Tablets, video and camera equipment and cables and power cords. Those disposing of computers may do so with the confidence that their personal information will remain secure since these machines are completely demolished leaving no means of retrieving any data.

Unacceptable items include: NO large household appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers, NO lawn equipment or anything containing gasoline or liquids, NO heaters and NO smoke detectors.

The Shelby County Commissioners Court has made arrangements to accommodate unaccepted items at the Pct. 1 facility at 1306 San Augustine Street in Center, and the Pct. 3 Barn in Joaquin during the recycling event.

A more detailed list of what can and cannot be accepted by the recyclers may be found at www.shelbycountychamber.com.

These services are provided free to the public as a service of generous presenters and sponsors and the Shelby Beautiful Clean Committee of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce.

Obits:

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 75-year old James Acrey, Sr. of Gary. Service will be at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at County Line Cemetery, Rusk County with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 8904. 

Garrison Funeral Home announces a private graveside service for 71-year old Bobbie Phillips of Garrison. A private graveside service will be held Tuesday at Old Prospect Cemetery. 

The Joaquin ISD has a new athletic director and a new head football coach as the board of trustees hired two existing coaches from within the district during their meeting last night.

According to Joaquin ISD Superintendent Phil Worsham, Steven McCann was assigned as the new athletic director, and Wade Lawson becomes the new head football coach. Both men are Joaquin High graduates.

McCann has been defensive coordinator since 2007, is head softball coach, and was head baseball coach from 2003-2007. He’s a 1993 graduate of Joaquin High.

Lawson has served as offensive coordinator and head baseball coach since 2013, and has been an assistant coach at Joaquin since 2010. He’s a graduate from the Class of 2005.

Worsham said both men received one-year contracts, and were approved by unanimous vote.

He added, “I feel we’ll all work together to do some things to go in the right direction with the (athletic) program. This is the best solution to serve our kids and go forward.”

McCann and Lawson replace Wayne Gandy who left the Joaquin ISD in December after 12 years.

In sports,

According to San Augustine Wolves Offensive Coordinator Seth Hubbard, San Augustine senior Jamikel Roberts has verbally committed to play football at Texas A&M-Commerce. After an official visit last Thursday, the multi-sport standout made the decision. The Wolves' quarterback had 6,821 total yards of offense and scored 87 touchdowns in four years at San Augustine. At A&M Commerce "J-Mike" is expected to play in the defensive secondary.

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches weekly state rankings are out and in the boys’ poll, Laneville remains No. 2 in Class 1A and Douglass is No. 23, the San Augustine Wolves are No. 20, and in 3A, Crockett is No. 15. On the girls’ side the Chireno Lady Owls are No. 11 in Class 1A, Central Heights is No. 15 in 3A, Tatum is No. 9 in 4A, with Diboll No. 19.

High school district basketball tonight:

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders have a bye

The San Augustine Wolves and Lady Wolves host Pineywoods Academy.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams will be in Shelbyville to play the Dragons and Lady Dragons. The Dragons are in first place, while the Lady Dragons and Lady Rams are tied for second at 2-1.

The Timpson Bears and Lady Bears host Beckville. The Bears are in a first-place tie with Shelbyville.

The Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers host the Martinsville Pirate and Lady Pirates

The Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs go to Woden.

West Sabine goes to Broaddus

Dist. 19-4A

Jan 20

Center has bye
Carthage @ Rusk
Henderson @ Tatum

Dist. 22-2A

Jan 20
Beckville @ Timpson
Joaquin @ Shelbyville
Martinsville @ Tenaha

Dist. 23-2A

Jan 20
West Sabine @ Broaddus
Zavalla @ Brookeland
Pineywoods @ San Augustine

Dist. 22-3A

Jan 20
Central Heights @ Corrigan
Garrison @ Woden
Central @ Newton
Hemphill @ Woodville

In Soccer, the Center Roughriders are home to play Crockett this afternoon.

The Tenaha Tiger and Lady Tiger Soccer teams go to Carthage today.

SFA ladies' pole vaulter Demi Payne set the women's collegiate pole vault record during an indoor meet at Texas A&M Sunday with a vault of 15 feet, 2 1/4 inches.

College hoops,

The SFA Lumberjacks defeat New Orleans, 79-54 last night. SFA wins its 14^th straight game of the season, and 25^th Southland Conference game in-a-row dating back to last season.

Austin, TX - Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) have jointly filed legislation to correct the formulas that fund certain small schools at a lower level.

"It is unfair that a small school is penalized and funded differently based on the size of the area they serve," said Nichols. "Creating an equal multiplier in the formula across the board will provide many schools with additional funding, which will go a long way in helping to improve the education of our students."

Currently, if a school has an average daily attendance of 1,600 and covers less than 300 square miles, they receive a smaller portion of state funds  than a district with the same attendance which covers more than 300 square miles. Senate Bill 324 and House Bill 645 will alleviate this practice and create an equal funding measure across the board for all schools in Texas.

"There are hundreds of districts around the state that are being penalized due to an archaic formula," said Ashby. "While these local school districts have been doing an admirable job of educating our students with less state funding, we shouldn't arbitrarily place them under a punitive formula because their landmass is under 300 square miles."

A change in the funding formula will affect approximately 450 schools across the state of Texas. The original bill was passed to encourage school districts to consolidate. However, as a school is often the heart of a community, many districts have chosen to not consolidate. This legislation would allow communities the option of maintaining local governance of their school board without having to work around a punitive formula. 

Arrest Report

01/16/15—01/19/15

Shelby County:

Adria Polley, 25, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance

Travis Patton, Jr., 23, Center, Warrant-Assault-Causing Bodily Injury & Warrant-Criminal Mischief

Jahammad Ratcliff, 32, Center, Assault

Jermel Johnson, 23, Center, Possession of Marijuana

Leonard Cartwright, 54, Center, Driving While Intoxicated & Driving While License Invalid

Mario Rafael, 22, Center, Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor & Driving While License Invalid

James Standley, 53, Center, Warrant-Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Justin Fulmer, 36, Timpson, Warrant-Assault-Family Violence

Chad Justin Taylor, 32, Joaquin, Warrant-Theft by Check

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

M.L.King Day: Sunny, with a high near 70. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 58.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a national holiday. All federal buildings, including banks and the post office are closed, as well as state office buildings, in addition to county and city offices. There’s also no school today.

There will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at 4 p.m. this afternoon in Center.

The parade/march will be from the downtown Center Square, down Shelbyville Street, then right onto MLK Drive and to Mt. Zion CME Church.

Guest speaker will be Pastor George Simon, CEO of Tri-County Community Action and pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in San Augustine. 

 Nacogdoches County Sheriff Office is investigating the death of a four year old child Sunday that occurred on Green Mountain Road in Nacogdoches County.

At approximately 1:13 pm deputies were dispatched to a residence in reference to a tree falling on a child. Upon arrival deputies found the father attempting to revive the child.

Deputies assisted with CPR until Nacogdoches County EMS arrived. EMS personnel continued life saving medical treatment while a deputy drove the ambulance to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. The child later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.

At last Thursday’s Center ISD board meeting, Trustees received the annual audit, and according to Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry, the school district continues to be financially sound.

He said considering Center ISD remains one of the lowest funded districts in the state, it’s financially health is remarkably good.

Hockenberry said the district’s office staff is to be commended for the work they do.

The board was also presented with an update on installation of security/surveillance systems and improvement project.

Hockenberry said with the current technology and the expansion of the system, the district can now closely monitor the exterior and interior footprints of the buildings, thus providing a much safer learning environment for students.

We told you Friday the 13 members of the athletic facilities’ committee, Hockenberry said he expects the committee to begin their work very soon and he looked forward to the report on their findings and possible recommendations.

The Center ISD Trustees also appointed board member John Henry Holloway to the Shelby County Appraisal District Board of Directors. 

The Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. this evening and among the closed executive session items will be discussion of an athletic director and a head football coach’s contract. It looks like the Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees may be close to a possible hire to replace former AD/head football coach Wayne Gandy.

It’s not known if that would be one person or possibly two separate individuals.  

Additionally, trustees will conduct the annual evaluation and contract of Joaquin ISD Superintendent Phil Worsham.

Any action would be done so in open session.

The Joaquin ISD Board is also expected to call a school board election for May 9. Positions held by Luke Garrett and Ronnie Belrose will be expiring.

The Joaquin City Council will be busy with four meetings Tuesday as they prepare to possibly hire a new city secretary that evening. Donna Fitzgerald will be leaving that position.

At 10 a.m. tomorrow morning council will meet in special executive session to conduct interviews with city secretary applicants.

At 5:30 p.m., the Joaquin Public Safety Corporation will have a regular meeting, and among the agenda items is to review the financial standing of the corporation.

This is followed by a Joaquin Economic Development Corporation meeting to discuss and approve road repairs.

At 6 p.m., the Joaquin City Council has a regular session meeting, and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be calling an annual election for May 9; and approval of a resolution on annexation of Hwy. 84 from intersection of FM 2728 where the current city limit ends to the Texas State Line.

There will also be approval of a Texas Development Block Grant application to the Texas Department of Agriculture; and replacing a gas line. Among executive session items is discussion on Mr. Willie Alford's request to move water meters off his property, renewal of sewer load at Texas State Bank and the Star Spring Church sewer issue.

In personnel, the council will review city secretary applications. Any action on those items will be done so in open session.

District Clerk Lori Oliver has advised the jury summoned for Monday, Jan. 26 for the 273^rd District Court, Honorable Charles R. Mitchell presiding has been cancelled due to scheduled cases being resolved or passed. Anyone receiving a summons for Jan. 26 is released for jury service until they receive a future summons.

Obits:

Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 75-year old James Acrey, Sr. of Gary. He passed away Thursday at East Texas Medical Center in Carthage. Service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at County Line Cemetery, Rusk County. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Taylor Funeral Home. Among James Acrey, Sr.s’ survivors is his wife, Elizabeth Acrey of Gary; sons, James (Jimmy) Acrey, Jr. of Carthage, and Rocky Acrey of Center; daughters, Doris & Ricky Matlock of Carthage, Virginia & Mike Matlock of Mt. Enterprise, Patricia & Danny Nelson of Washington State; brother, Joe & Rhonda Acrey of Spring; sisters, Virginia Churchman of Carthage, Billy Davis of Cypress, and Lorene Nix of Mt. Enterprise.

Garrison Funeral Home announces a private graveside service for 71-year old Bobbie Phillips of Garrison. She passed away Friday in Nacogdoches. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening at Garrison Funeral Home. A private graveside service will be held Tuesday at Old Prospect Cemetery. Among Bobbie Phillips’ survivors are daughters, Kim & Freddie Moore of Garrison and Melynda & Leroy Barrett of Garrison; brother, Emory & Martha Williams of Marshall; and sister, Patsy Fountain of Tyler.

Hawthorn Funeral Home of Carthage announces service for 76-year old Arthur Kenderdine of Carthage. He passed away Friday in Shreveport. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. He was raised in Houston and worked as a machinist for Lindsey Forest Products for many years. Among Arthur Kenderdine’s survivors is his wife, Marthat Milhauser Kenderdine of Carthage; sons, Clifton Kenderdine of Carthage and Troy & Julie Kenderdine of Carthage; step-children, Bobby & Vicki Milhauser and Steve & Pam Milhauser, all of Carthage; brother, Eugene & Phyllis Kenderdine of Albuquerque, N.M.; and sister, Lilly Ann McLene.

In Sports,

Timpson's Kaylie Bush signed to play with Galveston College Friday. On hand were friends, teammates and family members, including (standing, left) Kaylie's mother, Carla Bush, father, Kyle Bush, grandmother, Imogene Ramsey, twin brother, Keaton Bush and grandmother, Nancy Bush.

Timpson Lady Bear Kaylie Bush is headed to Galveston after graduation to further her education after signing to play softball for the Galveston College Whitecaps in a ceremony last Friday at Timpson High School.

With family, friends and teammates on hand, the power hitter will play two years at the junior college by the sea.

Fresh off a recent tryout for the USA Jr. Olympic Softball Team in California, Kaylie said she was very excited for the opportunity and was looking forward to contributing.

Last season Kaylie was named all-district offensive player of the year, and led all Texas 2A softball players with 13 home runs. She has 25 round-trippers in her high school career.

Defensively, she was all-district first team catcher the past two seasons.

Galveston College assistant coach Lindsay Fallen told Center Broadcasting they were equally excited to have Kaylie on-board.

Lady Bear Head Softball Coach Jerrod Campbell said he was looking forward to the season, although it was Kaylie’s last in the black and gold, he said he was extremely proud for her and her family.

She also plays on the Nacogdoches traveling tournament team, Nitro and will be heading to Italy in the summer to represent the USA.

Kaylie is the daughter of Kyle and Carla Bush, and as expected, were very proud of their daughter’s signing, knowing she’s put in a lot of hard work for it.

High school basketball action Friday:

The Center Roughriders opened Dist. 19-4A play with a buzzer-beater put back by Tyrone Roland, as the Riders take a thrilling 50-48 win at the Carthage Bulldogs. The Rider JV takes a 44-39 win, and the 9^th grade comed up short, 43-44. The Riders have a bye Tuesday. Henderson also started district with a 43-38 win over Rusk. State-ranked Tatum had a bye.

In Shelbyville, the Dragons snapped the Tenaha Tigers 61-game district winning streak with a 49-45 win in the Dist. 22-2A opener. The Timpson Bears get a 43-36 win over the Martinsville Pirate, and Beckville beats the Joaquin Rams, 45-32.

The San Augustine Wolves begin Dist. 23-2A basketball action with a 50-36 win over the Broaddus Bulldogs. West Sabine takes a 55-41 decision against Zavalla.

In District 22-3A, Corrigan over Garrison 70-61, Central Heights beats Central, 52-34, Woodville over Woden, 58-50, and Newton over Hemphill, 74-14. Woodville’s on top of the standings at 5-0.

Dist. 19-4A

Jan 20

Center has bye
Carthage @ Rusk
Henderson @ Tatum

Dist. 22-2A

Jan 20
Beckville @ Timpson
Joaquin @ Shelbyville
Martinsville @ Tenaha

Dist. 23-2A

Jan 20
West Sabine @ Broaddus
Zavalla @ Brookeland
Pineywoods @ San Augustine

Dist. 22-3A

Jan 20
Central Heights @ Corrigan
Garrison @ Woden
Central @ Newton
Hemphill @ Woodville
 

In girls’ district action Friday,

The Center Lady Roughriders lost to Carthage, 20-44 and fall to 0-3 in district. The JV girls also come up short, 26-37. The Lady Riders have a bye Tuesday.

The Dist. 22-2A girls’ race is a good one as expected. The Tenaha Lady Tigers are 3-0 after a 53-49 win over the Shelbyville Lady Dragons. The Joaquin Lady Rams take a 42-30 victory against Beckville, and the Martinsville Lady Pirate come away with a 65-33 win over the Timpson Lady Bears. Behind Tenaha in the standings are Joaquin and Shelbyville at 2-1, with Martinsville and Beckville 2-1, and Timpson 0-3. Joaquin goes to Shelbyville Tuesday.

Other girls’ games:

The state-ranked Chireno Lady Owls improve to 5-0 in district with a 52-38 win over Douglass, and Central Heights over Central, 49-15.

Tuesday, Jan. 20 district games:

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders have a bye

The San Augustine Wolves and Lady Wolves host Pineywoods Academy.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams will be in Shelbyville to play the Dragons and Lady Dragons.

The Timpson Bears and Lady Bears host Beckville.

The Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers host the Martinsville Pirate and Lady Pirates

The Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs go to Woden.

West Sabine at Broaddus

In Soccer, the Center Lady Riders go to Kilgore tonight; while the Riders are home to play Crockett tomorrow night.

The Tenaha Tiger and Lady Tiger Soccer teams go to Carthage Tuesday.

Powerlifting is underway as the Center High School team competed at the Diboll Invitational last Thursday.

In the girls division, Center placed as follows:

97lb Weight Class: 2nd Place-Maura Fentress

114 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Megan Lovett; 3rd Place-Kendal Ray; 4th
Place-Sparkle Lilly

123 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Brianna Suell; 3rd Place-Keyunda Williams

132 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Breaunna Hightower; 2nd Place-LaJada Hicks

148 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Rylee Hudspeth

165 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Dee Mendoza

220+lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Rachel Andrews

In the boys division:

114 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Hairo Salazar

132 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Daniel Rodriguez

148 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-JaCarlos Hall; 2nd Place-Joe King

165 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Romario Brown; 3rd Place-Jaden Yanez

181 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place-Witt Dockens

198 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place- Adrian Johnson

242 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place-Devincent Hoyt

275 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place-Denzel Moore; 4th Place-Pedro Mendoza

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons Powerlifting team took first place at the Sabine Meet last Thursday. First place medalist- Kaitlin Campbell, Cleosha Jeter, Savannah Talbert, Tristin Wilburn & Harlie Hagler.

2^nd place-Hannah Hall, Breanna Jackson & Kennedy Parker

3^rd place-Madison Taylor

Also scoring points were Kamaryn Smith & Paige Polley

The Lady Dragons’s are coached by Gary Alford.

In College Hoops,

The SFA basketball teams sweep Abilene Christian Saturday, as the Lumberjacks come away with an 82-64 win to improve to 4-0 in Southland Conference. Meanwhile, the Lady Jacks get a 71-69 decision. The Lumberjacks host New Orleans at 7 p.m. tonight. The Lady Jacks play at Lamar Thursday night.

The Panola College Ponies and Fillies were beaten by Paris Jr. College Saturday. The Fillies have lost three straight. The Fillies will be at Blinn College in Brenham Wednesday, while the Ponies have a bye.

The Center High School Powerlifting team competed in their first meet at
the Diboll Invitational on Thursday, January 15, 2015. The team did a
fantastic job and set the bar high for the remainder of the season.

In the girls division, Center placed as follows:

97lb Weight Class: 2nd Place-Maura Fentress

114 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Megan Lovett; 3rd Place-Kendal Ray; 4th
Place-Sparkle Lilly

123 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Brianna Suell; 3rd Place-Keyunda Williams

132 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Breaunna Hightower; 2nd Place-LaJada Hicks

148 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Rylee Hudspeth

165 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Dee Mendoza

220+lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Rachel Andrews


In the boys division:

114 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Hairo Salazar

132 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-Daniel Rodriguez

148 lb. Weight Class: 1st Place-JaCarlos Hall; 2nd Place-Joe King

165 lb. Weight Class: 2nd Place-Romario Brown; 3rd Place-Jaden Yanez

181 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place-Witt Dockens

198 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place- Adrian Johnson

242 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place-Devincent Hoyt

275 lb. Weight Class: 3rd Place-Denzel Moore; 4th Place-Pedro Mendoza
 

This past Tuesday, the 84th Texas Legislature kicked off in Austin. I am again humbled and honored that you have trusted me to be your voice in Austin and I look forward to hearing from you and working with you over the next 140 days.

While the drafting and filing of bills is just beginning for the upcoming session, we already know that there are many important issues ahead of us. This legislature will tackle finding a long term solution for transportation funding, improving how we fund our schools, protecting our 2nd Amendment rights, protecting the unborn, and pushing back against an overreaching federal government.

The only task that the legislature is required to accomplish each session is to pass a budget. This budget will have to take into account the rapidly growing population of Texas, which strains our school systems, transportation systems, water resources, and other infrastructure.

I am committed to passing a balanced budget while also making sure that we fund the necessary functions of the state without raising our taxes. This will require that we carefully consider all aspects of the budget, find and remove waste and fraud, and make sure that we are using your tax dollars as efficiently as possible.

Besides these priorities, we will consider legislation on every topic imaginable, from education reform to water policy to criminal justice issues and everything in between. I personally am evaluating bills that will have a local impact as well as some that will change the law across the state, including toughening child pornography laws, a sales tax holiday for hunting supplies, and open carry legislation.

I want to encourage you to contact me if you have any ideas for legislation; I find the best ideas come from back home. You can reach me at 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.state.tx.us to discuss any thoughts you have. Also, please feel free to contact me if you have any opinions on specific pieces of legislation that I or any other member files. Your input is essential to helping me represent you.

The  Lady Dragon Powerlifting team competed In the Sabine Powerlifting Meet January 15, 2015. The girls won First Place as a team.

The medalists are:

1^st Place -Kaitlin Campbell, Cleosha Jeter, Savannah Talbert, Tristin Wilburn, & Harlie Hagler

2^nd Place- Hannah Hall, Breanna Jackson & Kennedy Parker

3^rd Place- Madison Taylor

Also scoring points were Kamaryn Smith & Paige Polley

Congratulations Ladies! We are Dragon Proud!

Powerlifting Coach: Gary Alford

Senior, Health Science Student, Kaleth Salazar​

On Wednesday, January 14th, 2015, the Center High School Health Science
Department under the direction of Ms. Kathy Camp and Mrs. Nicole Vaughn,
hosted their regular blood drive with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.
GCRBC Donor Recruitment Coordinator, Tessa Loveless reported that they
collected 59 units of blood which makes the largest amount of blood
donations at CHS since 2009. This means the students at CHS save 180 lives
on Wednesday. It is amazing to see these students give a piece of
themselves in order to save others. Congratulations Center High School and
thank you for giving life!

 

Michelle Smith, Nacogdoches County United Way will be guest speaker at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon on Jan. 23.

NACOGDOCHES, TX – The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday
Luncheon will honor the Chamber’s non-profit business members as home town
heroes. A number of the non-profit organizations will have exhibits at the
event with representatives ready to answer questions and explain volunteer
opportunities.

“The non-profit business exhibits will be open before the event begins at
noon and again from 1 to 2 p.m. for anyone to browse,” said luncheon
program chair Dr. Adam Peck, SFASU. “The event with exhibits is an
opportunity to meet the people who serve Nacogdoches citizens every day and
learn their missions and activities.”

The luncheon is noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23 at Quality Inn & Suites,
3400 South St. Michelle Smith, Vice President/COO, Nacogdoches County
United Way, will discuss the impact that service organizations make in the
community. Gold sponsor is XETX Business Solutions.

“I love Nacogdoches and welcome the opportunity to serve my community
through working at the United Way,”  Smith said. “After serving as a United
Way volunteer for five years I can further pursue my passion for community
development by helping to improve the well-being of others."

Most recently, Smith was the vice president at Nacogdoches Economic
Development Corporation. Her experience in the private sector includes two
years at Nacogdoches Medical Center as Director of Community and Guest
relations, positions in pharmaceutical sales and medical administration as
well as a small business owner and entrepreneur.

Previously she worked seven years at the pharmaceutical company Hospira,
formerly known as Abbott Laboratories, where she worked in a variety of
sales and marketing positions. She and her husband, Craig, moved to
Nacogdoches in 2005 and were owners/operators of the Hardeman House Bed &
Breakfast for more than three years. Since her arrival, she has been very
active in the community volunteering with the CASA of Deep East Texas,
Friends of the Visual Arts, Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce and United Way.

Lunch is $16 and attendee RSVPs are required by noon, Wednesday, Jan. 21.
All attending may enter the $50 drawing sponsored by Commercial Bank of
Texas, and all Chamber members are entered in a $250 drawing sponsored by
Axley & Rode, LLP, but you must be present to win.

*The non-profit organizations exhibiting are:*

American Red Cross of Southeast Texas and Deep East Texas

CASA of Deep East Texas

Dialysis Clinic, Inc.

East Texas Community Health Services

Greater East Texas Community Action

Habitat for Humanity of Nacogdoches

Head Start

The Hospice of East Texas

Love INC.

Nacogdoches Community Partners

We invite you to participate in the second of many "Junk in the Trunk"
events sponsored and planned  by the San Augustine Main Street Economic
Restructuring Committee.    This second event will be held on Saturday
February 7, 2015 .  The plan is to have the event on a quarterly basis.
(see schedule)    Bring your wares, crafts, antiques, organization
promotions, garage sale items, etc. to the downtown courthouse parking area.
The object is to provide a place for the community to come together for the
purpose of promoting our historic downtown and the merchants that stay open
on Saturdays.   A Main Street representative will be there to assist you
from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  

Yes there will be food vendors! 

Remember just drive down, find a parking space, open the trunk or sell from
the back of your truck.   We welcome your calls for questions.   Attached is
the application form.    You can also come by the Main Street office at the
courthouse!

Scheduled Junk in the Trunk Events.

November 1, 2014 

February 7, 2015 

May  2, 2015   Main Street A Texas Treasure Heritage Fest will be going on
and Junk in the Trunk participants will be asked to fill out a specific
vendor form for the A Texas Treasure Heritage Festival.     

August 1, 2015 

November 7, 2015  

Tracy Cox 

Main Street Manager 

City of San Augustine

100 W. Columbia St. Rm. 301 B

San Augustine, Texas   75972

936-201-9798

sanaugustinemainstreet@gmail.com 

While many people think that 4-H is just about raising livestock, nothing could be further from the truth! We have numerous 4-H’ers involved in projects like clothing & textiles, photography, public speaking, shooting sports, etc. No matter what the project, the goal of 4-H is to develop life skills and leadership within young people so they become productive, contributing members of society. And we could not do it without the time, talent and dedication of 4-H volunteer leaders, so special thanks to them!

Shelby County 4-H is busy gearing up for our spring events, and there is still time for your child become a member of 4-H.  Clubs meet on a monthly basis in Center, Shelbyville, and Joaquin.  Some of our planned projects for spring include:  shooting sports (shotgun and archery), virtual fishing, livestock showing, outdoor adventures, fashion (beginning sewing, storyboard, Trashion Fashion, and duct tape creations), companion animals, and public speaking.

Research has shown that participation in 4-H programs makes a positive difference in the lives of youth. Youth development scholar, Dr. Richard Lerner, works with researchers at the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University to conduct The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development. The longitudinal study has found that, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:

·        Two times more likely to be more engaged in school;

·        Two times more likely to plan to go to college;

·        Three times more likely to make positive contributions to their communities; and,

·        Nearly two times more likely to participate in science, engineering, or computer technology programs (STEM) learning programs during out-of-school time.

Overall, the study found that the advantages of 4-H participation include higher educational achievement and higher motivation for future education.

As part of the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by the nation’s 109 land-grant colleges and universities, 4-H has been educating youth in the sciences for more than 100 years.

4-H, the largest youth development organization, is a community of seven million young people around the world learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. In the U.S., 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Overseas, 4-H programs operate throughout more than 50 countries.

If you are interested in joining Shelby County 4-H or would like additional information on our programs, give us a call at the Shelby County Extension office at 598-7744 and speak to either Daphne Lovell, Office Administrator, Lane Dunn - Agriculture and Natural Resource County Agent or Jheri-Lynn McSwain - Family and Consumer Sciences County Agent.   If you are thinking about joining, make the call today!

Arrest Report

01/15/15—01/16/15

Shelby County:

James Thomas, 47, Timpson, Resisting Arrest & Failure to ID

Dwyatt Teel, 43, Nacogdoches, Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Burglary of a Habitation

Sarah Ann Polk, 45, San Augustine, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Rickey Robinson, 54, Center, Driving While Intoxicated-2^nd

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

At the Center ISD Board of Trustees’ meeting last night, an athletics facilities study committee was appointed to help the district assess the existing athletic venues and make suggestions to better those and possibly help develop ideas for the future.

Among those named to the committee are Tracy Bolton, Kelly Lucas, Jason Locke, Bob Reeves, Terry Scull, Darrell Williams, Sharon Crelia, John Michael Burns, Alex Cloudy, Roque Palomino, and board members Sharon Nelson, Daphne LaRock and Stephen Shires.

It looks like the Joaquin ISD Board of Trustees may be close to a possible hire of a new athletic director and new head football coach when they meet at 6 p.m. Monday.

It’s not known if that would be one person or possibly two, according to the way the meeting agenda reads. The contract of that position(s) will be among the executive session items.

In addition, Joaquin ISD Superintendent Phil Worsham’s annual evaluation and contract will be discussed.

Any action would be done so in open session.

Worsham told us last week a possible AD and/or head football coach hiring may come within the month, and if it was an outside hire, the position(s) would be advertised.

Worsham gave an indication the hire or hires may come from within the existing coaching staff.

The Joaquin ISD Board is also expected to call a school board election for May 9. Positions held by Luke Garrett and Ronnie Belrose are expiring.

Monday is a national holiday is observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. All federal buildings, including banks and the post office are closed, as well as state office buildings, in addition to county and city offices are will be closed for the day. There’s also no school on Monday.

There will be a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at 4 p.m. Monday in Center. The parade/march will be from the downtown Center Square, down Shelbyville Street, then right onto MLK Drive and to Mt. Zion CME Church. Guest speaker will be Pastor George Simon, CEO of Tri-County Community Action and pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in San Augustine.

For more information or t-shirts, contact Joyce Johnson at 591-1379.

The Timpson City Council will have a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and again the council will revisit the possible reduction in force of the Timpson Police Dept. by two employees for budgetary reasons. After thorough discussion in November, no course of action was taken on this matter.

In addition, there will be discussion and possible action on a waiver for the 30 ft. distance between structures for a mobile home due to an adjacent property owner having no plans to remove or repair a dilapidated house; advertising for bids on trimming or cutting down trees in the electrical line right-of-way; and advertising for bids on construction work of the amphitheatre at So-So Park.

Timpson City Council may also consider publishing an ad for full-time employment in the water/sewer department.

During citizen input Cecil Parks is expected to address an incident with Timpson Police Chief Kent Graham. 

The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation and awards gala at the Museum Theater-Downtown last night, with a theme of “Let the Good Times Roll-A Mardi Gras Soiree”.

Outgoing chamber president Norman Neel presented the following service awards.

The Public Service Award – San Augustine Women Service League; Community Service – San Augustine Garden Club; Service to Youth – David & Sharon Stone; Outstanding Youth – from San Augustine, Jaryle Josue & from Broaddus, Abagail Miller; Ambassador Award – Jackson Hill Marina; Faith in Community – R & D Distributing; and Business of the Year – Texas Star Retail.

Also, Outstanding Citizen – Charles Sharp; President’s Award – The San Augustine Tribune; and Good Neighbor Awards – Pennie Ferguson of the Toledo Chronicle and Center Broadcasting Company.

The “Woody Harrison Volunteer of the Year” Award was presented to Lorei Choate & Rachel Clark.

District Judge Charles Mitchell installed the 2015 new chamber officers and directors, which includes president, Waldo Dalchau.

A young man from Timpson with a lot of heart and talent is headed to Atlanta, Georgia next month to audition for NBC-TV's popular signing show, "The Voice" and needs some assistance with traveling expenses. 

Jeremy Bowley has been writing and signing his entire life and will be trying-out on Feb. 15.

According to information on a gofundme.com page, it's been a dream of Bowley's since he was a little boy to get a break into the music industry.

Organizers of the page say if you can help any way with a donation to assist with gas, food or motel during next month's trip to Atlanta, your support is greatly appreciated.

Also, a supportive t-shirt fundraiser continues for bowley, you can go to booster.com/jeremybowley and for $15 purchase a shirt.

To hear Jeremy Bowley's talent, he has a couple of live performance videos on "youtube", and songs on reverbnation.com.

Huxley Helping Hands, the local mission group from the Huxley Community is holding a food pantry for residents of Shelby County tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 17 at Hillcrest Baptist Church, located at 901 Southview Circle in Center. Sign-in starts at 9 a.m. until food is gone. Identification and proof of residency is required. Only one box per household will be given.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 68-year old Gloria Ann Dyer of Center. She passed away Wednesday at her residence. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment at Powdrill Cemetery, Shelby County. Among Gloria Ann Dyer’s survivors is son, Robert Goff of West Palm Beach, Florida; daughter, Sherre & Gary Johnson of Ketchum, Oklahoma; sisters, Carolyn & Buster Masters of Gary and Sarah & Kenneth Shahan of Center; brothers, Tommy G. Wright & finance’, Jackie Brown of Center and Pete & Sissy Wright of Longview.

Garrison Funeral Home announces a memorial service for 78-year old Dr. Bonita Ann Lowrie of Garrison. She passed away Tuesday in Garrison. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Garrison Funeral Home. Among Bonita Ann Lowrie’s survivors is daughter, Bonita Glenette Fitzmyer of Southern Maryland; sons, Mike Lowrie of Garrison and Normal Lowrie; sisters, Billy Jo Shuey of Woodland Park, Colorado and Allene Bacon of Covington, Louisiana; and brother, Bob Patterson of Garrison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Garrison Eastern Star, Lions Club and Garrison High School Class of 1954, in care of Francis Payne.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 90-year old K.P. “Coot” Jeanes of Broaddus. Service will be at 11 a.m. this morning at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with interment in the Hebron Cemetery in San Augustine County.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 70-year old Miss Helen Jean Leonard of Louisiana and Nacogdoches. A Wake will be held from 6 to 8 tonight at Benford Chapel Baptist Church in Tenaha. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Benford Chapel Baptist Church, interment at St. John Cemetery in Tenaha. Among Helen Jean Leonard’s survivors are daughters, Joan & Norman Drakeford, Thresa Dove, and Calandra & Kenny Watts, all of South Carolina, and Ramonia & Morris Abdullah of North Carolina; sons, David Leonard of Nacogdoches, Frederick & Angelika Leonard, and Torance & Angie Leonard, all of South Carolina, and Vincent & Jessica Bell of Nacogdoches; sisters, Cherry & Weldon Early of Timpson and Dorothy & Willie Byrd of Nacogdoches; and brothers, Robert Lee & Shirley Callaway of Tenaha, S.L. Callaway of Tenaha and Roosevelt & Claudia Bell of Pennsylvania.

 Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 67-year old Mrs. Coretha Taylor of Timpson. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Smyrna United Church in Timpson, with interment at Antioch Cemetery in Timpson. Among Coretha Taylor’s survivors is her husband, George Taylor of Timpson; and a son, Derrick & Yolanda Wilson of Houston.

Melancon Funeral Home of Nederland announces service for 73-year old Ray Byrd of Nederland. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Melancon’s Funeral Home, with a Masonic Service at 6 p.m. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Reynolds Cemetery in Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches announces service for Mrs. Della Mae Randle Arnold of San Augustine. She passed away Wednesday at CHI St. Luke Health in San Augustine. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in San Augustine, with burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. today at Sid Roberts Funeral Home. Among Della Mae Randle Arnold’s survivors is a son, Leo & Bettye Randle of San Augustine; sisters, Dorothy Mae Herbert of Beaumont and Elmer Lee Bluford of San Augustine; brothers, Johnny D. Redmond of California and A.D. Redmond of Houston.

In Sports,

All high school basketball teams, boys and girls will be in district action Friday night.

The Center Roughriders and Lady Riders are in Carthage starting at 5 p.m.

The San Augustine Wolves and Lady Wolves are in Broaddus to play the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs.

The Tenaha Tigers and Lady Tigers visit the Shelbyville Dragons and Lady Dragons.

The Timpson Bears and Lady Bears head to Martinsville to play the Pirates and Lady Pirates.

The Joaquin Rams and Lady Rams host Beckville.

The Garrison Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs go to Corrigan-Camden.

In Soccer, the Center Roughriders will be in the Palestine Tourney today thru Saturday, while the Lady Riders go to Chapel Hill today.

Tenaha Tiger and Lady Tiger Soccer will play again today at Liberty Eylau beginning at 5:30 p.m.

In College Hoops,

The SFA Lady Jacks defeat New Orleans, 76-56 last night. SFA improves to 3-1 in Southland Conference play and will be at Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. Saturday in the second game of a double-header. The Lumberjacks and Abilene Christian tip at 11 a.m.

The youth-only white-tailed deer season will come to an end Sunday. It will also mark the end of the muzzleloader season and white-tailed general season in South Texas. For you duck and geese hunters, the regular season ends Jan. 25. By the way, the squirrel general season in east Texas is open until Feb. 22.

Launch Coincides with Company’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration

Center, Texas – January 15, 2015 - Portacool, LLC, the Texas-based global leader in evaporative cooling solutions, is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with the launch of a revitalized corporate identity that signifies the transformation of a company driven by innovation. The new tagline, “When Comfort Counts,™” exemplifies a new era dedicated to worksite safety, productivity, sustainability and social responsibility. Portacool remains committed to providing cooling comfort as effectively, efficiently and cost-consciously as possible.  

The multi-step rebrand process began in mid-2014 with intensive brand review and research. Known for its world-class customer service, Portacool listened to decision makers and consumers down to the minute details. Eliminating the hyphens from the company’s name and logo was just one example of simplification and implementing feedback.  Other rebranding marketing activities include the launch of a new website and advertising campaign, along with freshened social media sites and collateral that reflects strength and masculinity.  Concurrently, research and development has been invigorated to revolutionize the industry with cutting-edge innovation in the near-term via new product and technology launches.

“This is an important and exciting time for the life of our company,” said Ben Wulf, CEO of Portacool. “What started as a single product transformed into a company shaped by committed personnel and strong relationships. Our company is now at the forefront of driving innovation in the portable cooling solutions industry, as well as working closely with manufacturers of fixed cooling solutions to increase efficiency.”

Portacool’s efforts across the trade channels will be focused upon communicating the qualitative benefits of cooling comfort. Maintaining physical comfort in extreme heat is not only important to safety and productivity, but also psychologically given cooling in these conditions increases the quality of life whether at work or play.

About Portacool

Portacool, LLC is the worldwide manufacturing leader in the portable evaporative cooling industry providing cooling solutions that assist in providing comfort in the hottest conditions whether at work or play. Headquartered in Center, Texas since 1990, Portacool provides a wide range of products from industrial to residential applications. Portacool products are sold via distributors and retailers across the nation and in 56 countries abroad. To learn more about the company, or to see the line of products go to www.portacool.com.

The 84th Legislative session began this week and will soon be in full swing. In the next 140 days we will work to pass a conservative balanced two-year budget and consider many issues.

As a way to help you keep up with important issues during this time, I will be writing this column once a week to share things that are happening at your Texas Capitol each week and we hope are of interest to you.

1.      The First Day

On January 13th, I was sworn in for my fourth term as a State Senator. It has and continues to be one of my greatest honors to represent you in the Legislature. Part of the oath of office all members of the Legislature take, calls for us to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of our great state. This is a great reminder that in the busyness of session we should never stray from the guiding principles of our Constitution. I take this pledge very seriously and strive to represent you well in Austin.

2.      Revenue Estimates

The primary purpose, and only constitutionally required task, of a legislative session is to prepare and pass a balanced state budget for the upcoming two fiscal years. To provide the Legislature with a guideline as to what revenue is available, State Comptroller Glen Hegar released his Biennial Revenue Estimate. He estimates $113 billion in state revenue will be available for general-purpose spending in the two-year budget period, beginning on September 1st. This number guides the members as they prepare the state's budget.

The Texas economy has continually grown, making these robust numbers in revenue possible, and I know that it will continue to get better. With a surplus in our budget, it is my hope we will have the opportunity to cut both property and business taxes. As I serve on the Senate Finance Committee, I will work hard to help pass a balance budget while limiting unnecessary spending.

3.      Letter to the Auditor

I recently sent a letter to the State Auditors office asking for a review of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) procurement processes in awarding a contract for a Texas state hospital to a private firm. In addition to requesting confirmation that their contract practices are following good businesses protocols and are competitively awarded, I asked for a review of whether the contract awardee would be able to provide equal or better services than is already provided by the state. I also asked for verification on how the awardee would be compensated and if an exit plan was in place to address a situation in which costs exceed that which have been projected.

There is no state statute which directs the HHSC to pursue the privatization of state hospital operations. Any question of whether the operations of a state hospital should be privatized, should be considered by the Legislature not a state agency. The Texas Sunset Commission recently reported serious agency failures from HHSC in implementing critical contract management tools. These range from best practices to risk analysis. I believe that to enter into any major new contracts without first implementing these tools is a disservice to all Texans who demand accountability and transparency from their government.

4.      DETCOG Reception

The night before the 84th Legislative Session began, many residents from Senate District 3, including County and City Judges, Commissioner and Mayors, attended the Deep East Texas Council of Governments reception. It was a great show of involvement from the people of East Texas who are making their voices heard at the Capitol.

I look forward to working with members of this delegation and would encourage more constituents to become involved. Seeing you at the Capitol is a reminder to me of who I represent in the Texas Senate. As always, feel free to contact your Senate office if my staff or I can assist you.

5.      Amnesty for Cupcakes

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Commissioner Sid Miller recently announced amnesty for cupcakes. The amnesty was granted in an effort on behalf of TDA to spread word they do not prevent parents from bringing cupcakes and other home-brought foods to school to celebrate a student's birthday or a school event.

 In 2004, TDA published the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy which restricted foods both sold and given away in schools based on nutritional value. This was repealed last July to give school districts more local control on whether they would prohibit parents from bringing in sweets. So, let the students eat cake! 

Texas Senators being sworn-in Tuesday in Austin.

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

• Going Through a Rough Patch
  After a couple flipped their boat in a swift water section of the Colorado River, they borrowed a phone from some passing kayakers and called a Bastrop County game warden. Since the couple did not know where they were, the warden had them text a dropped pin from the cell phone they were using. With the location sent, the warden located the young husband and wife. The warden and the man were able to drag the aluminum boat up to the bank and load it onto his state vehicle. He then took the couple back to their vehicle.
• Girl’s Got a Gun
  A game warden in Angelina County was on patrol when he heard two shots fired. The warden soon found a suburban stopped in the road and a subject walking with a flashlight. Inside the suburban were two males, two females and a toddler. A second warden came to assist and received confirmation from each person that the male with the flashlight had shot a doe with a pistol belonging to one of the females. During the investigation, the warden also found that one of the females had an outstanding theft by check warrant from 1997. Cases pending.
• Trail of Clues
  Two Tyler County game wardens received information that a felon with a firearm killed several deer. The wardens found an all-terrain vehicle trail in the woods behind the subject’s residence and followed the trail onto another piece of property. There, they observed a corn pile and a feeder. The wardens then followed the trail to a game cleaning pole directly behind the subject’s house, where they found a freshly cleaned carcass and a nearby cooler of meat. After a brief investigation, the resident said that the deer was his. The wardens also discovered an eight-point buck head near an outbuilding that the subject claimed as well. The man could not produce a hunting license and was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, drug paraphernalia, possession of illegally taken whitetail deer, and given several warnings. Case pending.
• Locked (In) and Loaded
  After a Gregg Country game warden received a call about a suspicious gunshot and wounded buck, he arrived at the scene and received assistance from the landowner, rancher and neighbors to confirm whether or not the suspect was the landowner’s former employee. When the warden located the subject, he confessed to shooting the deer from the roadway and leaving the wounded buck in the field after he saw the neighbor approaching and couldn’t get the gate open. A firearm was seized and the following charges were filed: hunting deer from public roadway; discharging firearm from public roadway; failing to retrieve; untagged deer; and no hunter education certification. Charges and restitution pending.
• If It Looks Like a Duck…
  An Angelina County game warden received a call that a six-point buck had been dumped in a ditch. After receiving a vehicle description of the suspected violator and where he hunted, the warden went to check the area. There, he made contact with a subject who was holding a rifle and dressed in camouflage. The warden asked to see the subject’s hunting license, but the subject said he wasn’t hunting—he was scouting. The subject was filed on for hunting without a license and no proof of hunter education. Cases pending.
• Don’t Tell Mom
  Two wardens in Harris County responded to a call for assistance from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office about a group of people trespassing with a bow and pellet gun on private property. When the wardens arrived on scene, they interviewed the subjects who said that they were just taking the kids to target shoot. After searching the area, the wardens discovered a shotgun, additional pellet gun, rifle and ammo hidden amongst pine needles. The wardens also found a freshly killed six-point buck nearby. The suspects admitted to hunting without landowner consent and criminal trespassing. Cases pending.
• Takes Two to Tango
  A Grimes County game warden noticed two vehicles parked along the side of the road. As the warden approached, he saw the occupants engaged in what he believed to be a hand-to-hand drug transaction. The warden followed the vehicles and requested assistance from the Grimes County Sheriff’s Department. The warden and a sheriff’s deputy stopped both cars, and a subsequent search yielded a total of 28 grams of methamphetamine and a stolen pistol. The occupants of the vehicles were placed under arrest. Numerous charges pending.
• That’s What Friends Are For
  An anonymous tip was given to a Grimes County game warden regarding a group of individuals who placed a photo of two illegally taken deer on a social media site. The warden followed up on the lead and eventually tracked down one of the individuals involved. After a short interview, the warden secured a statement from the individual who shot the two deer and also received the names of the other people in the vehicle. The warden was able to recover meat from the two deer and the firearms used in the offense. He was also able to get statements from four other individuals involved. Numerous charges pending.
• Deerly Beloved
  A Karnes County game warden entered a camp to check reports of possible illegal deer being shot. As he approached, he saw a buck hanging from a tree and two antlerless deer in the bed of a truck. A female had harvested the buck, and her husband had taken the two antlerless deer. All deer were not tagged, and neither the ranch nor hunter had permits for the two antlerless deer. The warden seized all three deer. Cases pending.
• In the Spotlight
  A Real County resident called the local game warden to report hunters who were riding around in a pasture and shining a spotlight into homes of the neighboring subdivision. When the warden arrived on scene and made contact with four individuals, he found three whitetail doe in the bed of the truck. When asked if the deer had been shot after legal hunting hours, all individuals stated that the deer were shot around 5 p.m. The warden confirmed with the caller that no shots were heard after legal hunting hours. When asked why they were shining a spotlight into people’s homes, all four said that they were looking for a wounded deer. The warden then asked why the gutted deer hadn’t been tagged, to which both subjects replied that they didn’t have time or something to tag them with. Both subjects were cited for possession of untagged whitetail deer. Cases pending.

Arrest Report

01/14/15—01/15/15

Shelby County:

Donald Paul Naquin, 55, Joaquin, Assault-Family Violence

Shelby Lynn Whittington, 23, Center, Warrant-Theft by Check

Marcus Roberts, 44, Center, Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of a Dangerous Drug

Jahammed Ratcliff, 32, Center, Resisting Arrest

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

Note: All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

TxDOT will host an open house next Thursday, Jan. 22 in Diboll seeking public comment on the future I-69 corridor.

The proposed alignment will be displayed from 4 to 7 p.m. at the U.S. 59 Diboll Relief Route Open House at the Diboll Civic Center.

Attendees can view exhibits, maps of the proposed alignment, ask questions and provide input on the route.

The Texas Transportation Commission has allocated $12 million for the project development of I-69 in Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties with $6 million going to each county.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to get the latest updates and information on the project as well as provide input.

Comments will be accepted through Feb. 2.

Texas drivers can expect to see some changes in about six weeks as drivers will not be required to have an inspection sticker on their windshields, but drivers will still have to get their cars inspected.

Instead of two stickers, drivers will only have one on their windshield.

Inspections will still be done to make sure your vehicle is road worthy, and that report will be submitted to the state. You’ll be given a piece of paper that you will take with you when you get your vehicle registration. It will be combined into one sticker.

Instead of getting a sticker, your inspection info will be on a state database.

The change is expected to save Texas about $2 million in oversight and sticker costs. 

Texas drivers can expect to see some changes in about six weeks as drivers will not be required to have an inspection sticker on their windshields, but drivers will still have to get their cars inspected.

Instead of two stickers, drivers will only have one on their windshield.

Inspections will still be done to make sure your vehicle is road worthy, and that report will be submitted to the state. You’ll be given a piece of paper that you will take with you when you get your vehicle registration. It will be combined into one sticker. Instead of getting a sticker, your inspection info will be on a state database.

The change is expected to save Texas about $2 million in oversight and sticker costs. 

A Timpson man remains in the Nacogdoches County Jail after being indicted for sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child.

With a combined $265,000 bond, 21-year old Jonathan Wesley Carrillo was indicted last month by a Nacogdoches County grand jury.

Nacogdoches Police received information that a 14-year old female had been involved in a sexual relationship with Carrillo. The mother of the girl caught her in the act of sneaking back into their home and confronted her. Carrillo has admitted to picking up the girl in a vehicle and taking her from the residence.

Sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child are second-degree felonies, while enticing a child in a third-degree felony.

A Shelbyville man escaped serious injury when he struck a fallen tree in the roadway on FM 2694 at Boles Field before sunrise Wednesday morning.

DPS Trooper Keith Jones says 78-year old J.C. Vaughn was headed south near FM 3471 (Possum Trot Road) around 6 a.m. when he hit a pine tree that was across the road. Trooper Jones says Vaughn reported he did not see the tree. The accident caused substantial damage to Vaughn’s Ford F-150 pickup.

The tree broke in half upon impact. TxDOT crews were called to remove debris from the roadway.

Vaughn reportedly was taken by private vehicle for medical treatment.

The Center ISD Board of Trustees will have a regular meeting at 6 p.m. tonight and among the agenda items will be appointment of a special committee to review athletic facilities and the appointment of a Center ISD representative to the Shelby County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

Trustees are also to receive an update on installation of the security and surveillance systems expansion and improvement project; and distribution of superintendent evaluation instrument. 

The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce is having their annual installation and awards “Gala” at 6 p.m. tonight at the Museum Theater-Downtown San Augustine.

Theme for the event is “Let the Good Times Roll-A Mardi Gras Soiree”.

Pre-Sale Tickets are still available at the chamber office for $20 each and $ 25 each at the door.

The Gala is a social occasion that allows the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce to recognize its members, install new officers and directors, recap 2014, and share the Goals for 2015!  

According to an article in The Shreveport Times last weekend, the Haynesville Shale may be getting renewed attention from the industry.

Texas-based Comstock Resources has announced plans to move two rigs to North Louisiana where it would start drilling for natural gas in the Haynesville Shale.

The report says Comstock expects to spend $161 million drilling 14 horizontal wells, and by the end of  this month or early February, a rig will move into DeSoto Parish.

When exploration exploded in early 2008, the Haynesville Shale was touted as the highest producing natural gas play in the nation. When prices began to dip in 2012, producers turned their horizontal extraction efforts to more lucrative oil-rich plays. Rigs, of course pulled out of the Haynesville Shale by the droves.

As motorist enjoy below $2 a gallon gas, oil and gas producers are giving the Haynesville Shale another glance to offset oil prices. It's hoped the ripple effect that's produced from those falling gas prices with rig hands losing jobs and oil companies cutting budgets, which in turn affect local economies will be short-term, and we'll be able to reap the benefits of natural gas exploration here, again.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for Gloria Dyer. More information on service time and survivors will be released later.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces a graveside service for 63-year old Marc Glynn Askew of Center. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. this morning at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Longview Cancer Center Foundation, Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center or Hospice of East Texas in Tyler.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 88-year old Mrs. Jimmie Modene Bryan of Broaddus. Service will be at 10 a.m. this morning in the Harvey Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Broaddus, with interment at Coleman Cemetery, San Augustine.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 90-year old K.P. “Coot” Jeanes of Broaddus. Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, with interment in the Hebron Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. this evening at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.