James Milton Purdy, 88, of Houston, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015 in Pasadena.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Timpson.

Mr. Purdy was born May 19, 1926 in Lafayette, Indiana to Darby C. Purdy and Margaret A. Mather Purdy.  He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Mr. Purdy was of the Methodist faith. 

He is survived by

Wife: Katy Purdy of Houston

Nephews:

James D. Purdy of Lafayette, Indiana

Michael R. Purdy of New Delhi, Indiana

William Farrell of Fisher, Indiana

George Farrell of Indianapolis, Indiana

Niece: Jackie McDowell

Brothers-in-law:

Guy Flournoy and wife, Joyce, of Shreveport, Louisiana

Pete Flournoy and wife, Carolyn, of Tenaha

Sisters-in-law:

Weeda Lowry of Center

Sarah Lewis and husband, John, of Huntington

Betty Duke and husband, George, of Timpson

Rachael Brannon and husband, Ronnie, of Longview

Madora Purdy of Lafayette, Indiana

Norma Flournoy of Nacogdoches

Dorothy Flournoy of Longview

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Cousin: Sandi Williams

Preceded in death by

Parents: Darby C. Purdy and Margaret A. Mather Purdy

Mother-in-law & Father-in-law: Zelma V. Flournoy and Arbie A. Flournoy

Brothers: Jack W. Farrell, Richard D. Purdy

Brothers-in-law: Henry D. Flournoy, Clifford E. Flournoy, Paul E. Flournoy, Ray Lowry

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce salutes the accomplishments of the talented teachers throughout the county’s school districts and will be hosting a Teacher Appreciation reception presented by Cline Family Medicine on Wednesday, May 20 at the Windham Civic Center.  

All Shelby County school districts choose one teacher from each of their campuses as the Teacher of the Year for that school.  Each campus teacher and their school is recognized at the reception. This is a time when gratitude and appreciation is expressed to all educators throughout the county.  At the reception the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Education committee will announce the 2015 Shelby County Teacher of the Year for Elementary and Secondary schools. 

Gold sponsors for the event are Farmers State Bank and Shelby Savings Bank.

The District Five 4-H Round-up and Clothing and Textiles contest was held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.  We had a record number of 4-H’ers enter in the virtual fishing tournament, photography, fashion storyboard, and duct tape designs contests.

A special thank you to all our 4-H parent volunteers for making this an exceptional experience for the youth of Shelby County.  A special thank you to Ms. Charity Arwine for leading the photography project and to Ms. Alison Scull for leading the fashion project.

CLOTHING AND TEXTILES RESULTS

Fashion Storyboard

            1^st - Junior Division - Wearable – Emilee Elliott

            1^st - Junior Division – Jewelry – Sarah Scull

            1^st - Intermediate Division - Accessory – Caroline Scull

Duct Tape Designs

            3^rd in non-clothing category – Kayleigh Scroggins

                     Caroline Scull, Emilee Elliott, and Sarah Scull

VIRTUAL FISHING TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Five individual fishing events were conducted during 2014-2015 with 4-H’ers placing as follows:

Overall Tournament Results

1^st – Jaxon Brittain -  Angler of the Tournament

2^nd – Collin Lloyd

4^th – Trey Smith

Big Bass – Jaxon Brittain

PHOTOGRAPHY RESULTS

District Office Favorites

            Lieza Klein – Animals – Domestic

            Seth Shamblin – Nature and Landscape

            Victoria Baker – Plant/Flora

Senior Division

5^th in Animals - Wildlife – Victoria Baker

2^nd in Catch All – Victoria Baker

5^th in Nature and Landscape – Brynna Birdwell

3^rd in Night Photography – Victoria Baker

1^st in Theme – Victoria Baker

Intermediate Division

3^rd in Animals–Domestic – Trey Smith

2^nd in Digital Darkroom – Trey Smith

5^th in Dominant Color – Trey Smith

1^st in Elements of Design – Trey Smith

4^th in Marine/Aquatics – Trey Smith

1^st in People – Trey Smith

2^nd in Storyboard – Trey Smith

5^th in Theme – Trey Smith

Junior Division

            2^nd in Animals – Domestic – Lieza Klein

            4^th in Animals – Wildlife – Michele Gomez

            2^nd in Catch All – Liela Klein

            3^rd in Catch All – Lieza Klein

            4^th in Details and Macro – Michele Gomez

            1^st in Nature and Landscape – Seth Shamblin

            2^nd in People – Liela Klein

            2^nd in Theme – Lieza Klein

            4^th in Theme – Michele Gomez

If you would like information on this program or participating in other Shelby County 4-H projects, please contact county extension agents Jheri-Lynn McSwain, M.Ed., M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences at Jheri-Lynn.Smith@ag.tamu.edu or Lane Dunn, M.S., Agriculture and Natural Resources at jldunn@ag.tamu.edu or by phone at 936-598-7744.

###

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to
race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.  The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

The following items are compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

• All Play and No Work
  Near the end of duck season, a Henderson County game warden received a call from the owner of a local gas station. The caller said a black car had pulled up to one of their dumpsters and left a trash bag full of ducks inside. When the warden arrived at the gas station, he saw footage from the station’s cameras that showed the individual entering the gas station and paying for several items using a “speed pass.” The warden tracked down the individual using information secured from a warrant for the speed pass user’s credentials. The out-of-state hunter admitted to dumping the ducks in the dumpster because he did not want to clean them.
• Narcotics? Nope. Deer
  While executing a search warrant for narcotics, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department uncovered evidence of multiple illegally taken whitetail deer. A Polk County game warden was called in to investigate. One individual confessed to taking at least four deer on his own property, though the evidence suggested other individuals took several more deer. None of the individuals had hunting licenses. The investigation concerning other deer taken on the property is ongoing.
• Into the Woods
  A Jasper County game warden received a call from a deer lease member who reported several people trespassing on his lease. When the warden arrived he immediately saw about 50 trespassers on ATVs; most fled when they saw the warden. Other wardens were called in and on ATVs tracked the trespassers across the 18,000-acre deer lease, eventually apprehending15 individuals.
• In Hot Pursuit
  Two Zapata County game wardens responded to a request from the Department of Public Safety for help with a vehicle pursuit. The two wardens followed a four-door passenger vehicle north out of Zapata County. After about 10 miles, the car began driving erratically through the dirt median, almost striking several sheriff’s department vehicles. People began jumping from the vehicle, which then headed northbound in the southbound lane of the highway, almost ramming several civilian vehicles head on. Another man jumped out of the vehicle and rolled in the dirt median. One warden secured the man while the other warden continued pursuit of the vehicle. DPS troopers spiked the vehicle’s tires and it finally came to a stop after traveling several more miles with three flat tires. The driver exited the vehicle and three undocumented aliens were turned over to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. The driver was arrested with a warrant for several new felonies and the vehicle was impounded.
• Will Get Fooled Again
  Two game wardens were patrolling Pecan Bayou for fishing and water safety violations when they noticed a car parked down by the water. The car appeared unoccupied, though its passenger door was open. As the two wardens approached the car, they saw a male in the passenger seat throw what looked like a meth pipe out the door and onto the ground. One warden called out to the male, as well as the female in the driver seat, while the other warden picked up the pipe, which was still warm to the touch. The wardens arrested both individuals for possession of a controlled substance. The male had a small plastic bag containing meth in his wallet, which the female said she and her partner had just bought and smoked. The male had only been out of state jail for three months for related charges.
• Blame It on the Catfish
  A Bosque County game warden and Bosque County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call to rescue two fishermen whose inflatable raft was sinking. A deputy located the fishermen offshore while the warden launched the patrol boat. The warden was able to quickly reach the fishermen, who were in the water at this point, clinging to the mostly deflated raft. The warden helped both men in getting into the patrol boat and safely returned them to the boat ramp, where emergency medical services provided medical attention to both men since they had been in the 63-degree water for more than an hour. Both men said some of the catfish they caught must have finned the raft, causing it to deflate. They also said the stringer they used had wrapped around the trolling motor, disabling control of the craft. Both fishermen put on lifejackets before going into the water.
• Caught on Instagram
  A Guadalupe County game warden received a call from a Gonzales County game warden with some information about a potential illegal deer harvest teenagers posted to Instagram. The Guadalupe County game warden did some investigating and found the teenagers who posted their harvest and interviewed them. After making several excuses about why the warden found deer hair and blood in the bed of one teenager’s truck, the teenagers confessed to shooting a deer off the road in Wilson County two nights prior. The warden contacted a Wilson County game warden, who said he’d received a call about a shot that night in the same area and a description of a vehicle that matched the teenager’s truck. The teenagers then showed the Guadalupe County warden where they shot the deer. There was still fresh blood on the road and on the nearby fence. The teenagers were charged with 10 Class C misdemeanor hunting violations and a .270 rifle, spotlight and meat were confiscated.

After 12 weeks of setting weight loss goals, learning to prepare and eat healthy and tasty meals, participating in daily fitness activities, supporting each other through ups and downs and many, many “five-highs,” the 68 biggest losers of weight in Extension’s Step Up, Scale Down program were recognized, and the top three winners of weight loss were announced on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 in the historic Shelby County courthouse.  All total, the group lost an astounding 361 pounds. 

County Treasurer Ann Blackwell presented the top three losers of weight with their certificates of achievement and prizes.  The first place winner with 15.0% weight loss was Triquina “Tee” Polley.  She was awarded a check of $750 and a one-year membership to All Hours Fitness along with gift certificates from Oceano Spa and Applebee’s.  The second place winner with 12.4% weight loss was Debbie Nickerson.  She was awarded a check of $500 and a gift certificate to Lasting Impressions.  The third place winner was Sherri Felder with a 9.2% weight loss.  She was awarded a check of $250 and a gift certificate from The Loft.

                                                                       Photo courtesy of Scott Flowers, Shelby County Today

Sherri Felder, Debbie Nickerson and Triquina “Tee” Polley, were the top three biggest losers of weight.  Winners were announced at a ceremony held at the

historic courthouse Tuesday, April 28, 2015.

At the conclusion of the program, Shelby County Outreach Ministry food pantry was presented with over 100 pounds of canned goods donated by the class participants to help stock their shelves and provide food for Shelby County residents in need.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors who supported this program and made it possible:  TEEA, All Hours Fitness, Nacogdoches Medical Center, Cline Family Medicine, Monco Motors, Dairy Queen, Brookshire Brothers, Oceano Spa, Lasting Impressions, The Loft, and Shelby County Today.

“Overall, this was a great way to lose some weight and learn how to make positive lifestyle changes,” said Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent.  McSwain added, “I’m so proud of all the participants in this year’s class.  They worked very hard to meet their weight loss goals and to become more physically active – and the results show.”

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.

###

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to
race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.  The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

The City of Center plans to celebrate the fifth Anniversary of the John D. Windham Civic Center on Wednesday, May 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event is being held in conjunction with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

Mayor David Chadwick and City Officials plan to welcome special guests and recognize five years of successful operation.  The public is invited to join the celebration where refreshments will be served.

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

April 30, 2015-2nd Grade Field Trip to Sci-Port; Baseball in Joaquin 6:30 pm

May 1, 2015-Regional Track in Palestine; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Black Out Dance in Café 7 pm – 9 pm; Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field Trip Ag Education Day in Center

May 2, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville

May 5, 2015-Beta Induction; STAAR-EOC Algebra I; PK3 Field Trip to Mini Park
Splash Pad in Center

May 6, 2015- State Robotics in Kilgore; STAAR Testing EOC US History

May 7, 2015- STAAR Testing EOC US Biology; Tiger Fest 6:00 pm in SEC (Tiger Cafe open at 5:00 pm)

May 8, 2015- Beginners Band Festival in Canton

May 11, 2015-1st and 2nd Grades to Center Library; 4th & 5th Grade Robotics in Kilgore

May 12, 2015-Awards Banquet; JH Robotics in Kilgore

May 14, 2015-State Track; HS Band Trip to New York

May 15, 2015-State Track; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service 
 

TIGER FEST, A 500+ KID SHOWCASE!


Giving each child their moment to shine before a packed SEC of families and community members is a goal of our school.  Individual experiences in addition to everyday class activities help round out the educational experience for our students.  

Once again, a full slate of entertainment is on tap for the 10th ANNUAL TIGER FEST!  The Tenaha community is invited for a “Night at the Movies Extravaganza” on Thursday, May 7th at 6 pm in the SEC.  

Students from all grade levels will perform songs from the movies.  Band music will fill the venue from all four Tigerland bands along with Kindergarten Graduation and Tenaha’s own unique 8th Grade Completion tradition.  

Don’t forget to arrive early for another Tiger tradition … Tiger Café. Cajun fried catfish, French fries, coleslaw, tea and a special dessert will be served that evening beginning at 5 pm.  Cost is only $7 per plate.  All proceeds from the Tiger Café go to the girls’ basketball program to assist
with the costs of summer camp.

Middle School Black-Out Dance!

When:  This Friday, May 1st  from 7:00-9:00p.m.

Where:  The cafeteria

What to wear:  jeans or shorts (school appropriate) with a white t-shirt. Girls need to wear a tank top underneath.  Shirts will be written on with highlighters so don’t wear a nice one!

Monetary donations:  If you would like to donate $5.00 or more to the dance, it will go towards cookies and candy.

Selfie station props:  We are in need of funny props such as hats, glasses, boas, empty large photo frames…(please bring before Friday to Ms. Ward)

Door prizes:  If any businesses would like to donate gift cards for door
prizes, please contact Elizabeth Ward or Coach Vick.  

All school rules apply.  Only Tenaha ISD students in grade 6th through 8th may attend. No exceptions!

Community

Tenaha Beautification and Events Hosting “Trash to Treasures” Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 9 am-3pm. Call 936-248-2681 or 936-248-5804 for more information.

 

The Shelbyville Dragon Military Marching Band has had a long tradition of success, and this week that tradition continued. 

On Wednesday April 29th the Dragon Band performed in the Region 21 UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest.  The band earned a first division rating from all the judges in both concert and sight reading. 

Because the Dragon band received first division ratings in all 3 UIL events (marching, concert, sight reading) they were awarded the Sweepstakes trophy. 

This is the 6th consecutive year that the band has received the prestigious Sweepstakes trophy, which is the longest streak for 2A bands in Region 21.

Submitted by: Shaka Hawkins-Band Director

It is spring outside, and flowers are beginning to bloom. Inside of the Capitol it is a different story as bills are beginning to wilt and die. With less than 40 days left in the session, members are working hard to get their bills through the process.

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

1.      Voter ID Laws

The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals began hearing arguments this week regarding the state's case on voter id laws. Last October, a U.S. District Judge ruled against the law, stating it was unconstitutional and could have a negative effect on minority voters. The State appealed and are presenting their case as they feel stricter voter id laws will prevent voter fraud.

The law was passed in 2011 and enacted two years later when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the Voting Rights Act, stating Texas and other states with a history of racial discrimination no longer automatically needed federal preclearance when changing election laws. It requires most voters to show one of seven kinds of ID when voting which can include a driver's license, U.S. passport or a military ID. Other states have similar laws, but Texas' is considered one of the toughest.

2.      Body Cameras

Senate Bill 158, which passed the Senate this week, would create a statewide policy for body camera programs used by law enforcement agencies. Agencies may apply for a grant to provide body cameras if they have officers who are engaged in traffic or highway patrol, regularly stop or detain motor vehicles or respond to calls for assistance.

This bill makes the program voluntary, but states there must be a uniform policy for those agencies who are using cameras which have been provided through a grant. Each officer must receive training including when an officer must activate or discontinue recording with the camera, as well as storage of data and backup. It must also take into consideration the need for privacy in certain situations and  locations.

3.      Veterans Organizations

This week I passed SB 918 out of the Senate with a unanimous vote of support. This bill adds  veteran's organizations to a list of organizations which are exempt from filing an annual application for  property tax exemption. Currently, veteran's organizations, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), are required to file annually which can be an unnecessary hardship for these organizations.

These organization support and provide camaraderie for veterans and those currently serving in the military and their families. They also promote Americanism and serve their local communities. I was proud to author a bill which benefits these organizations across our state.

4.      Ethics Reform 

The Senate has passed an ethics reform bill for elected officials. This bill includes additional disclosure requirements for the state ethics report. It requires legislators to disclose all sources of income, not currently required, and states all personal financial statements would have to be made available online.

In addition,  legislators and candidates would be required to submit themselves to drug tests, which would then be submitted to the Texas Ethics Commission and published online. A legislator would also have to wait one legislative session before they could become a paid lobbyist after leaving office. This is the first ethics reform package passed by the Senate in many years.

5.      A Hat, a Steak and a Bee

While the Legislature is tackling some heavy issues such as tax cuts for businesses, funding for transportation, gun laws and ethics reform, we are also considering bills to formally designate new state capitals and symbols. Some of these include naming Jasper the Official Butterfly Capital of Texas, Hico the official Steak Capital and Terry County the Official Grape Capital. In addition, after much consideration the House has honored the hard work of the western honeybee by naming it the Official Pollinator of Texas.

Texas is known for a few things, two of those being the cowboy hat and being known as the 'Lone Star State' in recognition of the star in our state flag. There are currently two pieces of legislation which would name the cowboy hat the Official Hat of Texas and make the phrase 'Lone Star State'  the official nickname of our state.

So when you set out on your next road trip across our great state, I hope you get the chance to buy a cowboy hat and visit some of the natural and cultural treasures around the 'Lone Star State'.

Early voting is taking place for Timpson ISD Board of Trustee positions in the TISD administration building boardroom from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. thru May 5th.

Fri. May 1 – Regional Track Meet May 1-2 @ Palestine
---------------Pre-K attends Shelby County Ag Education Day

The Timpson Bear Band made 1’s at the UIL Region 21 Concert and Sight Reading competition in Troup today!  Congratulations band, on your hard work and dedication.  The Bear Band is under the direction of Ms. Rhonda Cates and assistant director Ms. Kaci Trent.


Band Paint Night Reminder! - We have extended the registration deadline for the Band Paint Night to Thursday!  Please announce that to your students.  Also, we will accept walk-ins on Friday on a first come, first served basis but the number of extra canvases will be limited.  Thanks for your support!


Timpson High School FFA News - Submitted by Kristin Powers
 

Texas FFA Star In Production
 Timpson High School senior Keaton Bush will be awarded the Star Lonestar Award for outstanding achievement in an entrepreneurial Beef Production agriculture SAE and active participation in the FFA.  Star awards are given at the district, area and state levels. Applicants must have been selected as a star winner from the previous level in order to advance to the next level.  All Texas FFA Star award finalists are recognized during convention on stage and presented with a state finalist plaque. The winner is announced at that time and is presented with a $1,000 Dina Wallrath Robertson Memorial Star Award and an additional plaque.
 

Beef Proficiency
Keaton was also awarded as the winner of the Area IX Beef Proficiency Award.  The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program encourages members to set personal goals and learn practical skills. The program provides recognition to FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
 

Lonestar/State FFA Degree
This is the highest degree of membership the State FFA Association can award. FFA members may apply to receive the Lone Star Degree only after they have received the Chapter degree. Those wishing to receive their Lone Star Degree must have been an active FFA member for at least two years, complete at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintain a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, invest significant time and money in their SAE, demonstrate their leadership skills and show a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. This degree of active membership is awarded at the state level during the Texas FFA convention.
Timpson FFA Chapter will have six students that will be awarded the State FFA Degree in July at the Texas FFA Convention this summer in Corpus Christi, TX.
Keaton Bush               Chandler Burgay                    Sheldon Scroggins
Whitley Cantrell         Bethany Lindgren                   Isaiah Molloy

TES Pre-K News - Pre-K has been working on sorting, counting, making sets and problem solving.  As a hands-on math activity, Ms. Penny's class used jelly beans to sort with, count, made sets and worked adding and subtraction problems to help get ready for Kindergarten.
 

TES Pre-K News - On Wednesday, Ms. Penny's Pre-K has been working on writing their names and letters in shaving cream.  Pre-K not only was working on writing, they were also working on their small motor skills  by working their fingers.  They were also working with their large motor skills by moving their hands and arms spreading the shaving cream on the table.

THS AG News - Isaiah Molloy and Taylor Fanguy completed an

Agricultural Mechanics project for the Transportation Department. 

The project consisted of fabricating and welding a container to house

scrap metal and parts.

Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees

Center ISD

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Center Independent School District (CISD) was held on Thursday, April 23, 2015 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Center High School Library located at 658 Roughrider Drive Center, Texas  75935.

1.         Call Meeting to Order and Establish a Quorum

            James Greer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Present:           James Greer; Daphne LaRock; Sharon Nelson; Stephen Shires; Traci      Willoughby; Dan Wilkins; Tammy           Lemoine, Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction; Betty McDaniel, Director of Finance and James      Hockenberry, Superintendent

Absent:            John Henry Holloway

Visitors:           Numerous Center ISD students, staff and parents

2.         Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

            Dan Wilkins gave the invocation and Daphne LaRock led the Pledge of Allegiance.

3.         Public Comment/Audience Participation

            None

4.         Recognition of Center High School Extra-Curricular Accomplishments

            Center High School students representing Academic UIL, Athletics, Art, Band, BETA, FFA,           Floral Design, One Act Play and Twirlers were introduced by their sponsor(s) along with their     accomplishments during the year.

5.         Recognition of CMS Beta Club

The Center Middle School Beta Club State competition winners and National competition qualifiers were recognized by their sponsors.

6.         Presentation and Request by CMS Beta Club

A motion was made by Stephen Shires, seconded by Sharon Nelson to amend the budget in the amount of $700 per student to support each middle school BETA Club student who will be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to compete in the National Beta Convention.

The motion carried 6-0.

7.         Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Dan Wilkins, seconded by Traci Willoughby to approve the consent agenda consisting of the minutes from the March 19, 2015 regular meeting and the March 24, 2015 special meeting, Investment Report (2014-2015), Tax Collection Report (March 2015), Financial Reports (March 2015) and Overnight Student Activity Trip (Center High School Cheerleaders – Cheer Camp – Margo Williams, sponsor - as approved by Campus Administrators).

            The motion carried 6-0.

8.         Consideration and Approval of the 2015-2016 School Calendar

            Traci Willoughby made the motion, seconded by Daphne LaRock to approve the 2015-2016         CISD school calendar.

            The motion carried 6-0.

9.         Authorize Administration to Solicit Request for Proposals for Bank Depository 2016-2017

            Sharon Nelson made the motion, seconded by Dan Wilkins to authorize Administration to             solicit proposals for bank depository 2016-2017.

            The motion carried 6-0.

10.       Authorize Administration to Conduct Surplus Sale
 

            Stephen Shires made the motion, seconded by Sharon Nelson to authorize Administration to       conduct a surplus sale.

            The motion carried 6-0.

11.       Presentation and Discussion of Athletic Facilities Committee Findings and Recommendations

            The Board received the Athletic Facilities Committee findings and recommendations.       Stephen Shires provided an overview of the process.

            The members of the Board acknowledged that the Committee did a great job and the report was thorough.  The Board will evaluate the findings and recommendations at a future date. 

12.       Consideration and Possible Action of Food Service Management Company        Contract Renewal

            A motion was made by Daphne LaRock, seconded by Traci Willoughby to renew the contract with Southwest Foodservice Excellence for one year.

            The motion carried 6-0.

13.       Consideration and Approval of 2015-2016 Instructional Materials Allotment and TEKS Certification

Dr. Lemoine presented information regarding CISD’s 2015-2016 Instructional Materials Allotment (IMA) and the TEKS Certification.  CISD’s Textbook Committees have met and have chosen and recommend the following for purchase:  Center Middle School: Math 6^th – 8^th grades McGraw Hill Publishers and Social Studies 5^th – 8^th grades McGraw Hill Publishers.  Center High School:  Algebra I and II Sapling Learning, McGraw Hill Publishers for Pre-Cal, Geometry, U.S. History, World Geography, World History, U.S. Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology and Music – 1^st – 5^th grades Pearson Interactive Music. 

            A motion was made by Dan Wilkins, seconded by Daphne LaRock to approve the             Instructional Materials Allotment and TEKS Certification for the 2015-2016 school    year.

            The motion carried 6-0.

14.       Consideration and Approval of Organizational Chart Modifications

Sharon Nelson made a motion, seconded by Traci Willoughby to approve the organizational chart modifications as presented by Superintendent Hockenberry. The organizational chart changes include eliminating the Instructional Technology Specialist positions (Professional) and replacing them with Media Technical Support Positions (Auxiliary). This change will meet the needs of the district and realize a savings between $25, 542 and $37,004 annually.

            Motion carried 6-0.

The Board adjourned at 7:26 p.m. and reconvened at 7:38 p.m.

15.       Closed Session

            Mr. Greer called for a closed session at  7:38 p.m. under Texas Government Code §551.071, §551.074 and §551.129 for consideration of employment of contracted personnel, terminate probationary contracts, contract renewals for Administrators, Teachers and certified support staff, resignation/retirement and extended emergency sick leave.

16.       Open Session

                The Board returned into open session at 8:37 p.m.  No action was taken in closed session.

            16.1     District Employees and Officers:  Texas Government Code §551.071, §551.074 and         §551.129

16.1.1  A motion was made by Stephen Shires, seconded by Dan Wilkins to approve        the employment of contracted personnel as recommended by Superintendent Hockenberry.

            Emily Bradshaw, PPCD Teacher – FL Moffett Primary School

            Cheryl Flournoy, Teacher – Center High School

            Fleashia Ford, PE/Girls Athletics Teacher/Coach – Center Middle School

            Justin Horton, PE Teacher/Coach – Center High School

            Deanna Owen, Teacher – Center Intermediate School

            Marcus Peters, Teacher/Coach – Center High School

            Matthew Woodward, Social Studies Teacher/Coach – Center High School

                        The motion carried 6-0.

16.1.2  A motion was made by Sharon Nelson, seconded by Daphne LaRock to    terminate the probationary contract as recommended by Superintendent Hockenberry.

Ella Freeman-Fathi, Teacher – FL Moffett Primary School

The motion carried 6-0.

16.1.3  A motion was made by Sharon Nelson, seconded by Stephen Shires to     approve the contract renewals for Administrators, Techers and Certified            Support Staff as submitted by Superintendent Hockenberry.

The motion carried 6-0.

16.1.3.1 A motion was made by Stephen Shires, seconded by Sharon Nelson to approve the fourth year probationary contract as    recommended by Superintendent Hockenberry.

            Kristen Emerson, Teacher – Center High School

            The motion carried 6-0.

16.1.4  A motion was made by Sharon Nelson, seconded by Daphne LaRock to    accept the resignations/retirements as presented by Superintendent    Hockenberry.

            The motion carried 6-0.

16.1.5  There were no extended emergency sick leaves to be considered by the    Board.

17.       Adjournment

A motion was made by Dan Wilkins, seconded by Daphne LaRock to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

            The motion carried 6-0.

A Panola County woman remains behind bars this morning after she reportedly shot her husband in the back of the head following a verbal argument Tuesday night.

The incident occurred in the Murvaul Community on Panola County Road 121 just after 9 p.m.

Charged with murder is 49-year old Sarah Gilpatrick Venable. She reportedly retrieved a .380 from a bedroom and shot Jay Venable one time.

Ms. Venable said she and her husband had gotten into an argument earlier that day concerning her losing her job.

Ms. Venable is a former employee of the Center ISD, having taught on the middle school. According to Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry, she submitted her resignation on February 24, and her last day at work was March 2.

Sheriff Kevin Lake said his department had responded to several disturbance calls at the residence previously.

An autopsy was ordered on Jay Venable.

Sarah Venable remains in the Panola County Detention Center, charged with murder. Bond is $500,000.

The case has been turned over to the Panola County Criminal District Attorney's office.

Sarah Venable remains in the Panola County Detention Center, charged with the murder of her husband.

In sports,

Baseball

Upset alert in Dist. 19-4A last night as Rusk shuts-out Carthage, 4-0, dropping the Bulldogs a full game back of the Center Roughriders, and opening the door to an outright district championship with a win over Rusk tomorrow night. Center is 9-2, while Carthage is 8-3 and will wrap up the regular season at Tatum Friday. Tatum and Rusk are tied at 4-7, with both going to post-season.

Rider Head Baseball Coach David Sheppard tells Center Broadcasting the team's non-district game scheduled against Crandall tonight will be played in Henderson, not Center, as had been originally scheduled. Coach Sheppard says first pitch will be at 6 or 7 p.m.

Friday's regular scheduled district finale against Rusk is still on for Roughrider Field. It's Senior Night.

Saturday, the Riders will play Carthage (non-district) at 2 p.m. in Gary, instead of making the drive to Van.

In Dist. 23-2A, it’s all in the hands of the Joaquin Rams as they’re a win away from clinching the third and final playoff spot should they win at home against the Tenaha Tigers tonight. The Rams are 8-5 after a 4-0 win over the Shelbyville Dragons (6-8) last night. Meanwhile, the Timpson Bears (9-5) see their playoff hopes growing thinner after a 16-2 loss at Beckville. Should the season end in a tie, Joaquin owns the tiebreaker over Timpson by virtue of winning both regular season games. Tenaha beat Mt. Enterprise, 5-1 last night. Gary has taken second place and will meet Colmesneil in a home-in-home bi-district best-of-three bi-district series starting May 7 at Gary. Beckville is district champ and has a first-round bye.

In Dist. 22-3A, No. 1 Central Heights ends its season 14-0 with a 6-2 win over Hemphill yesterday. The Garrison Bulldogs (9-4) are headed to the playoffs and will conclude the regular season at Corrigan Friday.

Dist. 19-4A Standings

Center 9-2

Carthage 8-3
Tatum 4-7

Rusk 4-7
Henderson 3-9
 

Softball

The state playoffs begin tonight for two local teams. There’s been a slight change in Shelbyville’s bi-district format game, one game only. Meanwhile, Joaquin will start a best-of-three series tonight.

Class 2A Region III Bi-District Playoffs 

Shelbyville Lady Dragons vs. Apple Springs @ Central ISD in Pollock

5 p.m. Thursday (One Game Only)

Winner will meet Cushing in the area round

Joaquin Lady Rams vs. Slocum @ Nacogdoches High School

Game 1: 6 p.m. Thursday

Game 2: 6 p.m. Friday

Game 3: If necessary, to follow Game 2

Winner will meet Groveton in the area round

Track & Field Regional Meets:

A good representation of local track athletes will be competing at regional meets this Friday & Saturday. The Class 4A Region III Meet will be at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, while the Class 2A Region III Meet will be at Palestine High School. 

CMS Athletics Parent’s Meeting

There will be a parent meeting for all parents of incoming 6th, 7th & 8th grade students at Center ISD who are participating in athletics on May 11th & 14th.

Monday, May 11th will be for the middle school girls and *Thursday, May 14th*, will be for the middle school boys. These meetings will take place in the Center Middle School Auditorium at *5:30 pm* both evenings.

Center Athletic Banquet:

There’s been a rescheduling of the Center High School “Banquet of Champions”. The athletic banquet will now be held Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center. The meal is catered by Pete Lowe’s Catering, and the event will feature a slideshow and awards. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 students, five and under are free, and $3 for kids 6-12. All athletic students are admitted free. Tickets are available in the athletic office until May 1. No tickets sold at the door. For more information, call the athletic office at 598-6173, ext. 2231.

Shooters to meet:

Shelby County Shooters Club will be meeting Thursday, April 30 for business/membership meeting. Start time is 7 p.m. at TR’s Restaurant on Hurst Street in Center. Club memberships expire May 1. Family dues remain $40. Renew today by calling 936-598-8062 or come by 300 Tenaha Street, Center.

Car Show:

The City of San Augustine Main Street would like to invite you to enter the antique and muscle car show during the Heritage Festival on May 2. The chairs Billy Johnson and daughter Brittney Johnson are in charge of the event. It will take place Saturday May 2. Call to reserve your place, 936-201-9798 or 936-275-3172. Come out and enjoy the good food, farmers market, heritage demonstrations, information booths, arts and crafts vendors, shopping, educational presentations, storytelling, live entertainment and downtown walking tours.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

The Joaquin Athletic Booster Fundraiser $10,000 raffle will be held Monday, May 11 in conjunction with the high school athletic banquet. The tickets are $100 each for the drawing, with only 250 tickets sold. The drawing goes as follows: 1^st ticket drawn-$5,000, 2^nd-6^th tickets-$1,000 each. A total of $10,000 will be given away. There will not be a meal included with the drawing. If you would like to attend the athletic banquet as well, tickets for the meal will be on sell at the high school office at a later date. Tickets can be purchased from any Joaquin Athletic Booster member or the administration office.

DU Greenwing event:

The Shelby County Ducks’ Unlimited annual Green Wing event will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6. According to Clint Tanner, the location has been changed to a familiar site, Weldon Boles’ property off Old City Lake Road. Tanner said DU used that location previously. There will be prizes for all kids, along with Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens providing hunter safety, Mike Hudman with Black Water Retrievers with a dog demo and a free hot dog meal. All kids’ ages up to 17 are invited to attend. Mark your calendar for June 6, the Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The location is 245 CR 1006, Center. By the way, kids, bring your fishing pole. For more information call Clint Tanner at 936-332-4767 or Adam Reeves at 936-332-6420.

Take a Kid Fishing:

The 37^th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament will be held on Toledo Bend at Huxley Bay Marina on Saturday, May 9. We invite all children ages 3 to 15 years old to register for the free tournament. Entry forms can be picked up at the Center Broadcasting studios at 307 San Augustine Street in Center, Huxley Bay Marina, Scarber’s Grocery & Trail’s End & RV in Huxley, First Bank and Trust East Texas in San Augustine, or Hometown Tackle in Center.   Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st.  Trophies will be awarded to each group and prizes will be available for each participant.  Fishing begins at 6am, and all participants must be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30pm. You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form. For more information, contact the stations.

Arrest Report

4/29/15--4/30/15

Shelby County:

Robert Harris, 38, Violation of Parole, Original Charge: Aggravated Robbery

Brent Denby, 21, Center, Warrant-Burglary of a Building

Doug Tyler, 42, Joaquin, 5 charges-Illegal Dumping of Sewage

Joseph Belin, 25, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Theft of Property

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Just how wet was the month of April in Center? Well, official weather observer Jim Forbes tells us we more than doubled the average monthly rainfall as he recorded 9.35 inches of rain this month when our average is only 4.16 inches.

For the year-to-date, Forbes said 29.33 inches has fallen, with the average year-to-date amount 18.16 inches, putting us in pretty good shape heading into the late spring.

The month also saw a varying temperature extreme as the high for April was 89 degrees on the 25^th and the low was 48 degrees on April 11 and yesterday, the 29^th.

It would be good to hold onto that above average rainfall through the coming mid-year months, but we know how dry and hot it can be in these parts during the summer.

We should dry out some through the remainder of the week as we’re expecting sunny days with highs around 80 degrees.

To help pond owners become better managers, the A&M AgriLife Extension Service will sponsor a Farm Pond Management Seminar on May 5th, starting at 6pm.

The late afternoon program will focus on topics that include stocking rates, water quality for fish, weed identification and control with chemical and biological methods.

The seminar will be held at the Weldon Boles farm in Center. Take 96 South for 3 miles toward San Augustine, turn left on CR 1006 (Old City Lake Road).

Please bring lawn chairs. No registration fee will be charged.

Those who attend will receive 2.0 CEU’s towards the requirements for the private applicators license.

Please R.S.V.P. by today, April 30 by contacting the Shelby County Extension office at (936) 598-7744 for meal purposes. 

The Tenaha Beautification and Events Committee will hold another "Trash to Treasures" city wide garage sale on Saturday, May 2 from 9-3. Booths are available 10x10 ($25), 10x20 ($35). For information and forms call Linda Perry (936-248-2681) or Becky Barker (936-248-5807). Booth deadline is today, Thursday, April 30.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary in observance of Loyalty Day will raise a new Texas Flag at the Senior Nutrition Center, Loop 500, on Friday, May 1st at 11 a.m.

Last year a new flag pole was installed by the post in honor of the late Pam White who passed on April 29th, 2014.  She will be remembered also.

As always the public is invited and the Nutrition Center invites everyone to stay for lunch.

In celebration of the National Day of Prayer, you’re invited to a prayer and breakfast at the Senior Nutrition Site, Loop 500 in Center on Thursday, May 7. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and is hosted by Shelby County Outreach Ministries in conjunction with Ministers’ Fellowship of Shelby County. Breakfast is free, with any donations to be used to support Shelby County Outreach Ministries.

Also, National Day of Prayer will be observed in Hemphill on the steps of the Sabine County Courthouse at noon, May 7.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces pending service for 88-year old James Melton Purdy of Houston. He passed away Wednesday in Pasadena.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 59-year old Gregory Dewayne McClure of Tenaha. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Benford Chapel Baptist Church in Tenaha with interment at St. John Cemetery in Tenaha. Lay-in-state will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church before service.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces pending service for 49-year old Mack Arthur Eaden of Garrison.

Hicks Mortuary in Center announces service for Angie Michelle Harrison-Garrett. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Abundant Love Ministries on Shelbyville Street in Center, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hicks Chapel.

Paradise Funeral Home in Arkansas and Hicks Mortuary in Center announces service for 57-year old Charles M. "Big Red" Elliott of Center, formerly of Houston. He passed away last Sunday in Bernice, La. Service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Curry AME Church in Strong, Ark.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 67-year old Mrs. Velma Teagle of San Augustine. She passed away Thursday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at TrueVine Baptist Church, with interment at Old Union Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m. at the True Vine Baptist Church.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 93-year old Mrs. Katy B. Johnson of Houston, a native of Hemphill. She passed away Sunday at her residence. Service will be at 12 noon Saturday at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Hemphill, with interment to follow in Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 to 12 noon Saturday at the church.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces service for 69-year old Ms. Ruby Banks of Graham. She passed away Sunday at Graham Regional Medical Center. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Mathews Baptist Church, with interment in Greer Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Garner & Son Chapel.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 83-year old Mr. Louis McCoy of Houston. He passed away Monday at Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital in Humble.

While Memorial Day is set aside as a day to remember those who have died in military service to the country, the sacrifice of all veterans is important for Americans to remember.

On Wednesday, May 20, Center Middle School, (CMS) will be hosting a Memorial Day program to remind students of the service veterans have provided in keeping the country safe and secure. There will be two program times, 9:00 am and 10:00 am. CMS faculty and staff invite veterans of all branches of service to participate in the program as guests of honor.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP Greg Rowe by calling (936) 657-4844 or emailing gregory.rowe@centerisd.org. If responding by email, please include your branch of service with your name and your preferred time to attend the program.

Please respond by Monday, May 18 at 5:00 p.m.

The Center High School Class of 2015 will bid farewell to their underclassmen and hand-off the reigns to the Junior class at their Senior Pep Rally on Thursday, April 30th at 3:00 PM in the Center High School Gym.

Sarah Gilpatrick Venable (Photo courtesy of

Panola County Detention Center)

A verbal domestic argument in Panola County has resulted in the shooting death of a man Tuesday night.

Panola County Sheriff's Office investigators say 49-year old Sarah Gilpatrick Venable was taken into custody at her residence in the Murvaul Community on County Road 121 and charged with murder.

It's reported a 9-1-1 call was received by the sheriff's office around 9:10 p.m. from Venable, screaming and saying she had just shot her husband.

Deputies arrived to find Venable at the front of the residence and discovered her husband, Jay Venable in one of the bedrooms lying face up on the floor with an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the head.

A .380 semi-automatic pistol with a spent shell jammed in the receiver was found on the kitchen counter.

Authorities report she told investigators that she and her husband had gotten into a verbal argument earlier that day concerning her losing her job. Her husband left the living room, went into a bedroom. She said she went into the master bedroom, retrieved the gun from under the mattress, walked into the other bedroom and fired one shot, hitting him in the back of the head.

Ms. Venable is a former employee of the Center ISD, having taught on the middle school campus. According to Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry, she submitted her resignation on February 24, and her last day at work was March 2.

Jay Venable's body was transported to the Southwest Crime Lab in Dallas for autopsy.

Ms. Venable was taken to the sheriff's office for further questioning and late placed under arrest for murder.

She was to have been arraigned this morning.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors invite the public to join them at a new member ribbon cutting for Classic Nails and owners, Joshua and Lily Moody on Tuesday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. Classic Nails is located at 1009 Hurst Street in Center.

Classic Nails features eight pedicure chairs, eight manicure stations and a wide array of nail services.

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

It is official. The Shelbyville Lady Dragon Softball team will play Apple Springs in a one-game bi-district playoff at 5 p.m. Thursday in at Central-Pollock ISD.

Head Coach Vance Vickers

April 29, 2015-11 & 12 Grade Field Trip to Panola Women in Energy (Female students only) 10 am – 2 pm; 3rd Grade Field Trip to Tyler Zoo; Tenaha Baseball vs Mt Enterprise There 5:30 pm

April 30, 2015-2nd Grade Field Trip to Sci-Port

May 1, 2015-Regional Track in Palestine; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Black Out Dance in Café 7 pm – 9 pm; Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field Trip Ag Education Day in Center

May 2, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Dance in Cafetorium

May 5, 2015-Beta Induction; STAAR-EOC Algebra I; PK3 Field Trip to Mini Park Splash Pad in Center

May 6, 2015- State Robotics in Kilgore; STAAR Testing EOC US History

May 7, 2015- STAAR Testing EOC US Biology; Tiger Fest 6:00 pm in SEC (Tiger Cafe open at 5:00 pm)

May 8, 2015- Beginners Band Festival in Canton

May 11, 2015-1st and 2nd Grades to Center Library; 4th & 5th Grade Robotics in Kilgore

May 12, 2015-Awards Banquet; JH Robotics in Kilgore

May 14, 2015-State Track; HS Band Trip to New York

May 15, 2015-State Track; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service 

Sweepstakes-Tenaha Band Leaves “No Doubt” at Contest
 

For the reader who may not be familiar with how band competition works, allow this analogy to serve as a description for how well the Tenaha Roarin’ Band from Tiger Land performed at yesterday’s 2015 Spring Concert and Sight Reading Contest at Troup High School:

When Tenaha left AT&T Stadium in December of 2011, there was no one that
questioned that Tenaha was the undisputed Champion after beating Munday 52-28.  

When first year Tiger Director Brian Sours lowered his baton after the final note of the stage performance and subsequently when he did the same in the Sight Reading room, there was virtually little need to await the judges scores.  

For the first time in three years, Tenaha features a “Sweepstakes” band program.  To earn Sweepstakes distinction a band must make 1st Division in Marching Contest in the fall and then also make a dual 1st Division on stage and in Sight Reading.  After switching marching styles from military to corps style, Mr. Sours led the Tigers to a 1-1-2 rating in the fall (good
enough for 1st Division).  Yesterday, the judges rated Tenaha “1-1-1” on stage, and “1-1-1” on Sight Reading.  It was the first time for Tenaha to receive perfect scores in Spring Contest since 2009.  
 

After bringing home the coveted Sweepstakes trophy from the UIL yesterday, the Tiger Band awaits to hear the fates of their top 2A competitors today as many rivals compete this morning.  Other program scores from yesterday were Mount Enterprise 2-2-3, 2-2-2; Cushing 2-2-3, 2-2-3; and Beckville 1-2-2, 1-2-2.  Shelbyville, Timpson, Overton, and Carlisle all perform today.  By virtue of the fall marching contest, only Shelbyville and Carlisle have the opportunity to join Tenaha as a 2014-15 Sweepstakes band.

NEXT STOP FOR THE TIGERS:  NEW YORK CITY!!!!! Scott Tyner, Superintendent

Middle School Black-Out Dance!

When:  This Friday, May 1st  from 7:00-9:00p.m.

Where:  The cafeteria

What to wear:  jeans or shorts (school appropriate) with a white t-shirt. Girls need to wear a tank top underneath.  Shirts will be written on with highlighters so don’t wear a nice one!

Monetary donations:  If you would like to donate $5.00 or more to the dance, it will go towards cookies and candy.

Selfie station props:  We are in need of funny props such as hats, glasses, boas, empty large photo frames…(please bring before Friday to Ms. Ward)

Door prizes:  If any businesses would like to donate gift cards for door prizes, please contact Elizabeth Ward or Coach Vick.  

All school rules apply.  Only Tenaha ISD students in grade 6th through 8th may attend. No exceptions!

Booster Club Meeting

The Booster Club will hold a meeting today, April 29th, 2015 at 5:00 pm in the Tenaha Field House.

Community

Tenaha Beautification and Events Hosting “Trash to Treasures” Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 9 am-3pm. Call 936-248-2681 or 936-248-5804 for more information.

Four Panola College RN students presented a poster presentation on "*Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Education and New Graduate Practice*" at the East Texas Summit for the 'Texas Team Future of Nursing'. The summit was held at Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler, TX on April 24, 2015 with over 170 participants from area hospitals, colleges and universities.

The students, Bradley Baker, Melissa Jeane, Amanda Woodfin, and Rachel Gardner will be graduating with Associate Degrees in Nursing on May 15th. They were the only student group to present at the conference and were stationed at the poster presentation among doctorally prepared nurses with research backgrounds. "We were so proud of the professionalism displayed by our students," said Karen McClellan, one of their instructors. "This type of experience, positions our students to be leaders in the profession".

The goal of the conference was to bring educators and business partners together to discuss common goals to advance nursing in Texas. The Texas Team is our state’s nursing action coalition, cosponsored by TNA and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

The Texas Team believes all Texans deserve better care, better health, and lower healthcare costs. Nurses – as the largest group of health care providers in the state – are essential to achieving these three goals in Texas. Texas Team members are enthusiastically working to transform nursing
and health care in Texas.

Loyalty Day originally began as "Americanization Day" in 1921 as a counter to the Communists' May 1st celebration of the Russian Revolution.  Many people in the United States remain unaware of Loyalty Day and although a legal holiday, it is not a federal holiday and is not commonly observed. 

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary in observance of Loyalty Day will raise a new Texas Flag at the Senior Nutrition Center, Loop 500, Friday, May 1st at 11:00 am.  Last year a new flag pole was installed by the post in honor of the late Pam White who passed on April 29th, 2014.  She will be remembered also.

As always the public is invited and the Nutrition Center invites everyone to stay for lunch.

Texas FFA Star In Production
Timpson High School senior Keaton Bush will be awarded the Star Lonestar Award for outstanding achievement in an entrepreneurial Beef Production agriculture SAE and active participation in the FFA.  Star awards are given at the district, area and state levels. Applicants must have been selected as a star winner from the previous level in order to advance to the next level.  All Texas FFA Star award finalists are recognized during convention on stage and presented with a state finalist plaque. The winner is announced at that time and is presented with a $1,000 Dina Wallrath Robertson Memorial Star Award and an additional plaque.
 

Beef Proficiency
Keaton was also awarded as the winner of the Area IX Beef Proficiency Award.  The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program encourages members to set personal goals and learn practical skills. The program provides recognition to FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program.
 

Lonestar/State FFA Degree
This is the highest degree of membership the State FFA Association can award. FFA members may apply to receive the Lone Star Degree only after they have received the Chapter degree. Those wishing to receive their Lone Star Degree must have been an active FFA member for at least two years, complete at least four semesters of agricultural science at or above the ninth grade level, maintain a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, invest significant time and money in their SAE, demonstrate their leadership skills and show a commitment to the FFA through involvement at the chapter level and above. This degree of active membership is awarded at the state level during the Texas FFA convention.
 

Timpson FFA Chapter will have six students that will be awarded the State FFA Degree in July at the Texas FFA Convention this summer in Corpus Christi, TX.
Keaton Bush               Chandler Burgay                    Sheldon Scroggins
Whitley Cantrell         Bethany Lindgren                   Isaiah Molloy
 

There will be a parent meeting for all parents of incoming 6th, 7th & 8th grade students at Center ISD who are participating in athletics on May 11th & 14th.

Monday, May 11th will be for the middle school girls and *Thursday, May 14th*, will be for the middle school boys. These meetings will take place in the Center Middle School Auditorium at *5:30 pm* both evenings.

In sports,

Baseball

The Center Roughriders had a bye from district play last night and will wrap-up the regular season at home against Rusk for Senior Night Friday. Not sure if Carthage and Rusk were able to play last night. No score available. The Riders (9-2) had a half-game lead on Carthage heading into the week. If both win out this week, they will be Dist. 19-4A co-champions. In the playoffs, the Riders own the district tiebreaker and would be the No. 1 seed in post-season. Carthage goes to Tatum to end the regular schedule. Looks like Center's first round opponent will be Huntington, the fourth-place team from Dist. 20-4A. The Rider Varsity will play Crandall in a non-district game at Roughrider Field Thursday, and will go to Van to play Edgewood Saturday in a playoff warm-up game.

In Dist. 23-2A, Gary clinches at least a tie for second place, with a 2-0 win over the Shelbyville Dragons yesterday. Gary improves to 10-4, a half-game up on the Timpson Bears (9-4), who will have to wait until today to play their final regular season game against district champion Beckville. Their game was cancelled in Beckville Tuesday after a heavy rain. First pitch is 6:30 p.m. The Joaquin Rams and Shelbyville (6-7) will hopefully get their game in at Joaquin tonight. The Rams are still alive for a playoff spot at 7-5. Joaquin has Tenaha (3-10) in the regular season finale Friday afternoon. Tenaha will be at Mt. Enterprise today.

West Sabine takes the Dist. 24-2A championship after they beat the Broaddus Bulldogs, 5-0 in their showdown yesterday. West Sabine moves back into first place at 14-1, while Broaddus is 14-2. Colmesneil (13-3) defeats Burkeville, 17-0 to claim third place.

No Scores available from Dist. 22-3A.

Today’s schedule:

Tenaha at Mt Enterprise

Dist. 19-4A Standings

Center 9-2

Carthage 8-2
Tatum 4-6

Rusk 3-7
Henderson 2-9
 

State Baseball Rankings:

Center and Carthage have swapped places in this week's 4A state rankings, according to Texas High School Baseball. The Riders are No. 17, while Carthage falls to No. 18. Athens is No. 10, Hudson is No. 13, with Spring Hill No. 21, and Pleasant Grove drops  out of the top spot. In 3A, Central Heights is still No.1, while Douglass is 18-0 and remains the No. 1 Class 2A team. Beckville is No. 12, with Broaddus up to No. 16, Harleton No. 17, West Sabine No. 21 and Colmesneil No. 22. In 5A, Hallsville is No. 6 and Lufkin is No. 7.

Softball

Class 2A Region III Bi-District Playoffs (Best of Three Series)

Shelbyville Lady Dragons vs. Apple Springs @ Central ISD in Pollock

Game 1: 6 p.m. Thursday

Game 2: 6 p.m. Friday

Game 3: If necessary, 30 minutes after end of Game 2

Winner will meet Cushing in the area round

Joaquin Lady Rams vs. Slocum @ Nacogdoches High School

Game 1: 6 p.m. Thursday

Game 2: 6 p.m. Friday

Winner will meet Groveton in the area round

Track & Field Regional Meets:

A good representation of local track athletes will be competing at regional meets this Friday & Saturday. The Class 4A Region III Meet will be at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, while the Class 2A Region III Meet will be at Palestine High School. 

Center qualifiers:

800 meter run: Arnol Excobedo

4x100 relay: Sophomores, Joe King and Octavious Evans and Juniors, Sayoddrick Barnes and Dacorey McGee.

4x200 relay: Sophomores, Joe King, Octavious Evans, and Adrian Johnson, and Junior Sayoddrick Barnes.

Mile Relay: Sophomores Octavious Evans and Kyle Parks, and Juniors, Arnol Escobedo and Sayoddrick Barnes.

Class 2A @ Palestine High School

Shelbyville

Several Shelbyville students qualified for the Region 3-2A Track Meet to be held in Palestine May 1-2. TaVion Barnes, Corey Bearden, Jeron Boykins, Mikel Carter, Malik Cartwright, Terrell Cartwright, Kal Metcalf, Dee Osby, Belinda Bohannon, Daisy Cartwright, Cleosha Jeter, Kyra Ross, Keonna Osby, Bailey Rabalais and Catasia Walker.

Tenaha

Qualifying for the Regional track meet for the Varsity Boys is Carlos Flores in the 3200m and 1600m runs, and Cobe Caraway in the 100m dash. In addition to the 4x100 and 4x200m relays consisting of TJ Thomas, Kebo Reed, Dre Thomas, Abel Rodriguez and Cobe Caraway.

In the field events, the Varsity girls qualified Ashton Griffin in the discus, Mercedes Rountree in the shot, Alicia Casey in the triple jump, and LaPorsha Perry in both the high jump and long jump.

Competing for the Lady Tigers in the running events will be Ke'Anya Davis in the 100m dash, Jaden Washington in the 300m hurdles and Alicia Casey, Jaden Washington, Alyssa Harris, Ke'Anya Davis andLaPorsha Perry in the 4x100 and 4x200m relays.

Joaquin

Justin Hooper - Triple Jump

Keith Johnson - 110 meter Hurdles

Day'za Lane - 200 Meter Dash

Katherine Patrick - Triple Jump

Desere Cooper - Shot Put

Annabeth Vaughn - High Jump

Timpson

Timpson girls in 8 events and boys in 12 events, including all three relays.

Panola College Cowboys to National Finals

After an 82-point bareback-ride to win the Wharton College Rodeo last Saturday, Panola College’s Wyatt Denny, and Bull Rider Gannon Ivy have qualified for the College National Finals in Casper, Wyo. June 14-20. Denny is the 2015 Southern Region Champion Bareback rider. Gannon finished the season ranked third in the region.

CMS Athletics Parent’s Meeting

There will be a parent meeting for all parents of incoming 6th, 7th & 8th grade students at Center ISD who are participating in athletics on May 11th & 12th.

Monday, May 11th will be for the middle school girls, and Tuesday, May 12th, will be for the middle school boys. These meetings will take place in the Center Middle School Auditorium at 6 pm both evenings.

Center Athletic Banquet:

There’s been a rescheduling of the Center High School “Banquet of Champions”. The athletic banquet will now be held Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center. The meal is catered by Pete Lowe’s Catering, and the event will feature a slideshow and awards. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 students, five and under are free, and $3 for kids 6-12. All athletic students are admitted free. Tickets are available in the athletic office until May 1. No tickets sold at the door. For more information, call the athletic office at 598-6173, ext. 2231.

Shooters to meet:

Shelby County Shooters Club will be meeting Thursday, April 30 for business/membership meeting. Start time is 7 p.m. at TR’s Restaurant on Hurst Street in Center. Club memberships expire May 1. Family dues remain $40. Renew today by calling 936-598-8062 or come by 300 Tenaha Street, Center.

Car Show:

The City of San Augustine Main Street would like to invite you to enter the antique and muscle car show during the Heritage Festival on May 2. The chairs Billy Johnson and daughter Brittney Johnson are in charge of the event. It will take place Saturday May 2. Call to reserve your place, 936-201-9798 or 936-275-3172. Come out and enjoy the good food, farmers market, heritage demonstrations, information booths, arts and crafts vendors, shopping, educational presentations, storytelling, live entertainment and downtown walking tours.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

The Joaquin Athletic Booster Fundraiser $10,000 raffle will be held Monday, May 11 in conjunction with the high school athletic banquet. The tickets are $100 each for the drawing, with only 250 tickets sold. The drawing goes as follows: 1^st ticket drawn-$5,000, 2^nd-6^th tickets-$1,000 each. A total of $10,000 will be given away. There will not be a meal included with the drawing. If you would like to attend the athletic banquet as well, tickets for the meal will be on sell at the high school office at a later date. Tickets can be purchased from any Joaquin Athletic Booster member or the administration office.

DU Greenwing event:

The Shelby County Ducks’ Unlimited annual Green Wing event will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6. According to Clint Tanner, the location has been changed to a familiar site, Weldon Boles’ property off Old City Lake Road. Tanner said DU used that location previously. There will be prizes for all kids, along with Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens providing hunter safety, Mike Hudman with Black Water Retrievers with a dog demo and a free hot dog meal. All kids’ ages up to 17 are invited to attend. Mark your calendar for June 6, the Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The location is 245 CR 1006, Center. By the way, kids, bring your fishing pole. For more information call Clint Tanner at 936-332-4767 or Adam Reeves at 936-332-6420.

The 37^th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament will be held on Toledo Bend at Huxley Bay Marina on Saturday, May 9.

We invite all children ages 3 to 15 years old to register for the free tournament.

Entry forms can be picked up at the Center Broadcasting studios at 307 San Augustine Street in Center, Huxley Bay Marina, Scarber’s Grocery & Trail’s End & RV in Huxley, First Bank and Trust East Texas in San Augustine, or Hometown Tackle in Center.  

Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st. 

Trophies will be awarded to each group and prizes will be available for each participant. 

Fishing begins at 6am, and all participants must be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30pm.

You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form. For more information, contact the stations, 936-598-3304

Arrest Report

4/28/15--4/29/15

Shelby County:

Nikia Johnson, 37, San Augustine, 4 Charges-Possession of a Controlled Substance

Christopher Nash, 23, Nacogdoches, Theft & Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity

Tabitha Nicole Sumstine, 39, Center, Driving While Intoxicated & Evading Arrest

John Whitney, 47, Center, Evading Arrest, Interfering with a Public Servant’s Duties & Resisting Arrest

San Augustine County: No Arrest Reported

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

Center ISD didn't have to go far to find a new high school principal as Matthew Gregory, the current middle school principal will take over for Tim Norman, who's leaving the district to become the next superintendent of the Chireno ISD.

According to CISD Superintendent Dr. James Hockenberry, after careful thought and consideration, it was determined that Gregory is the best candidate of the job.

Hockenberry said Gregory will assume his new duties June 1.

He's served CISD as been a teacher, coach, and assistant principal.

Hockenberry said Gregory has a deep understanding of the system and high expectations for himself and others. "He'll be an exceptional principal for CHS," Hockenberry stated.

Gregory has spent time in Ft. Worth and Nacogdoches ISDs. His wife, Kara, is also a teacher in the district.

Center High School's new prin-

cipal, Matthew Gregory

Hockenberry said Jake Henson, the current CHS associate principal will become the new middle school principal.

"He's a perfect fit for Center Middle School," Hockenberry noted.

Henson has been a teacher, coach, associate principal and principal in Center ISD.

His duties begin June. 1.

Jake Henson chosen as new

CISD Middle School principal

Hockenberry said he was very excited about the new assignments and look forward to great things ahead for CMS, CHS and the entire district.

Dr. Mark Mettauer (left) is presented the "2015 Physician of the Year" award at CHI St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands Hospital by David Argueta, hospital president, recently. Photo courtesy of Woodlands Online.

The owner of East Texas Extended Care, and Center native physician, Dr. Mark Mettauer has been named CHI St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands Hospital's "2015 Physician of the Year".

According to an article that appeared last week on the web-based site, "Woodlands Online", it was during a recent "Doctors Day" celebration that the cardiovascular surgeon was presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his clinical excellence and dedication to his patients.

President of CHI St. Luke's Health-The Woodlands Hospital, David Argueta said of Dr. Mettauer, "For the past 10 years, he has played an integral role in the success of the hospital's heart program. He (Dr. Mettauer) embodies our mission while demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing patient-centered care."

Dr. Mettauer serves as Chief of Surgery at The Woodlands' hospital. He's also a former student of world-renowned physician Denton A. Cooley. Dr. Mettauer conducted his first-open heart surgery in 2005, and has performed nearly 2,000 cases in five years at The Woodlands campus.

The article said aside from his numerous accolades, Dr. Mettauer's most notable practice is his custom of praying with patients, family and staff prior to surgeries.

Dr. Mettauer said, “It’s a great honor to be recognized and a privilege to be a part of the CHI St. Luke’s Health family. He added, “The administration shows great support for physicians, which facilitates excellence in patient care.”

Dr. Mark Mettauer is a 1989 Center High School graduate.

He purchased the East Texas Extended Care clinics a couple of months ago. They have facilities in Center, Timpson, San Augustine and Pineland.

At their meeting Monday night, the Center City Council reappointed Councilwoman Joyce Johnson to the Deep East Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors.

In addition, Center Fire Chief Keith Byndom was appointed as requested by the Center Housing Authority Board.

City Manager Chad Nehring said all agenda items were approved. Among those was a resolution for nomination of the proposed sidewalk project for 2015 TxDOT Transportation Alternatives Program; and an addendum to the airport lease, which allows for the installation of a septic system at the new hangar construction at Center Municipal Airport.

Early voting for the May 9 general elections is underway and continues through May 5. Elections are being held for the Joaquin, Tenaha, Timpson, Shelbyville and Garrison school districts, and in the Cities of Joaquin, Tenaha, Timpson and Garrison. Center Broadcasting has posted early voting locations, times and a list of each race’s candidates on our website at cbc-radio.com. Just look on the homepage.

Early Voting Locations & Times for the May 9 General Elections

Voting days are Monday through Friday.

Joaquin ISD-2 trustees

Administration building

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Joaquin-mayor and 2 at-large council members.

City hall

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Extended hours (April 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Tenaha ISD-3 trustees

Administration building

7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

City of Tenaha-3 council members

Municipal building

6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Timpson ISD-3 trustees

Administration building

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Timpson-3 council members

City hall

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extended hours (May 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Shelbyville ISD-2 trustees

Administration building

7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Garrison ISD-2 trustees & a special election to fill an unexpired two-year term.

High school foyer

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the high school foyer.

City of Garrison-2 council members

City office

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extended hours ( May 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Remember, you must have a photo ID in order to vote.

May 9 School and City Elections

In the Joaquin ISD Trustee election there are four vying for two positions, including incumbent Ronnie Belrose, and challengers Thomas Harvey, Jay Wilson and Maggie Bowden.

For the City of Joaquin, the council race has three running for two spots, they are incumbent council members LeeVern Stotts Gilliam and Mike Atkinson, and challenger Joe Long.

Two current Joaquin Council members are running for mayor, Bill Baker and Pat Gray.

The Tenaha ISD board race has five filing for three spots, with two of the three incumbents seeking re-election. They include Bo Morris and Robert Barton. Challengers include Joe Anderson, David Fallin and Korey McClure.

In the City of Tenaha Council race four are running for three available spots. They include all three incumbents, Larry Terry, Claudine Howard and Michael Baker, and challenger Natalie Harris.

For the Timpson ISD board, four are running for three position Dannie Hunt (incumbent), Carlos Johnson, Linda Frazier Todd and Jim Rader.

Timpson City Council there are five vying for three positions. All three incumbents, Kyle Allen, Janell Baker and George Grace are seeking re-election with a challenge from Kenny Walker and Linda Hancock.

The largest ticket is the Shelbyville ISD board of trustees where six are running for two positions. Incumbents Joe Tom Schillings and Etola Jones are challenged by Chris Koltonski, Brad Hinton, Latashia Thompson and Clint Norton.

The Garrison ISD has two regular trustee positions to fill with Bart Reneau, Wes Chandler and Matt Barrett running.

Also, Garrison ISD is filling a two-year unexpired term with Bradley Davis and Lane Barton running to fill the term left vacant by the death of Perry Honea.

Garrison City Council has two council seats to fill with Nichole Todd, Hope Hallmark and Samantha Douglas VanPelt running.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will hold its annual Agriculture Education Day from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, this Friday, May 1 at the Sheriff's Posse Rodeo Arena, Hwy. 7 East of Center.

The event is free and open to the public.

Students will be actively engaged in learning about agriculture and is importance in everyday life.

Among the exhibits will be Pilgrim's Chick Incubators and Development, The Art of Butter Making, Beekeeping, Center Fire Dept. & Smokey Bear, Center Police Dept. and Drug Dog, Petting Zoo, Endangered Animals of Texas, plus many more.

For more, contact the extension office at 598-7744.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Annual BBQ Cook-Off & Bike Rally will be held Friday May 15th & Saturday May16th at Frontier RV Park and Storage, located just South of Timpson on US Hwy 59. Friday night will be the BBQ Dance from 8 PM - 10 PM (Free Admission), with live entertainment from the one and only, Curtis Daniels!

Saturday, gates will open at 10:30 AM to the public. There will be $2,600 in cash prizes for cooking teams. Grand Champion will receive $500, with the following winners in each category; 1st Place $400, 2nd Place $200, & 3rd Place $100. Categories are Beef, Pork and Chicken. The Baked Beans Contest is a $15 buy in and winner takes all.

There will also be entertainment throughout the day, Arts & Craft vendors, Pie walk, plenty of food for tasting available to the public and a Motorcycle Rally. Barrel Train will return for children to ride all over park.

This year will include the first annual Kite Flying Contest, sponsored by Timpson Tamco. Trophies will be awarded for Smallest Kite, Largest Kite, Most Colorful Kite, Best Homemade Kite and Highest Kite Flown.

Saturday Admission is $10 for adults. Children under 12 are free.

For more or to register as a team or vendor contact Paul Smith @ 936-254-3161 or Dustin Norris @ 936-332-2976. 

The annual Shelby County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo will be coming to town June 5-6. 

Entries are now being accepted for the Queen, Duchess & Princess contests. The age group for Queen is 16-24, the Duchess age is 11-15 and the Princess category is 5-10. The deadline to enter is May 29.

There will be a “Queen” clinic offered by contest coordinator, Ann Blackwell in May.  That date will be announced later.

Contestants will be required to sell raffle tickets, so early entry is encouraged.

For more information and entry forms, contact Ann Blackwell at 936-590-9126 or 936-590-1855 or email to tablackwell@yahoo.com or message on Facebook.

Ms. Blackwell says the reigning royalty have done a great job in promoting the rodeo and have, in fact, held their titles for 2 years as the contest was not held last year.

She adds that a big response from local young ladies would be awesome for our rodeo.

2013-14 SCSP Rodeo Queen is Harli Joe Cowdin from Grand Cane, LA; the 2013-14 SCSP Rodeo Duchess is Emily Andrus of Carthage and the 2013-14 SCSP Rodeo Princess is Leiza Klein of Center. Watch for these young ladies as they make appearance promoting the rodeo in June. If you would like to have them visit your business or civic group, please contact Ann Blackwell.

The Shelby County Go Texans will have their Spring Fling Dinner Saturday, May 2 at the Windham Civic Center.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with tickets $30 per person or $50 a couple.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships for Shelby County graduates.

A 100 gun raffle is also being held with the drawing during the dinner.

Get event and raffle tickets from any Go Texan or Shelby County Cooker member.

San Augustine Main Street will host “A Texas Treasure Heritage Festival” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, in downtown San Augustine.

The festival celebrates memories and remnants of the many heritages that contribute to the culture of San Augustine and East Texas. The San Augustine Farmer’s Market season will also kickoff on the south side of the courthouse with local grown produce and homemade goods.

There will be various entertainers and an antique and classic car show.

Festival goers may watch various food demos, and the pinto bean cook-off judging will be at 10 a.m. at the “Bean Gazebo,” on the west side of the San Augustine courthouse. Bring one pound of pinto beans in a crock pot and one pan of cornbread to the gazebo between 8 and 10 a.m. Entry fee is $5. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

All proceeds will benefit the community through the continued efforts to beautify and promote downtown. For information, contact Tracy Cox at 936-275-3172.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 66-year old Richard Harding Hallett “Rick Magee” of Shelbyville. Service will be at 4 p.m. this afternoon at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home of San Augustine announces graveside service for 32-year old Bryan Ray Cassidy of Nacogdoches, formerly of Pineland. He passed away Sunday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 28 at Centerview Cemetery in Sabine County. He was a pipe liner and operator. Among Bryan Ray Cassidy's survivors is his father, Dennis Ray Cassidy of Pineland; grandmother, Faye Dickerson of Pineland; sister, Brandy Rogers of Nacogdoches; and Mark Rogers of Austin.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces graveside service for 82-year old Mary Beth (Brooke) Sharp of Atlanta, formerly of San Augustine. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. this morning in the Douglassville Cemetery in Atlanta, in Cass County.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 59-year old Gregory Dewayne McClure of Tenaha. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Benford Chapel Baptist Church in Tenaha with interment at St. John Cemetery in Tenaha. Lay-in-state will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church before service.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 49-year old Mack Arthur Eaden of Garrison. He passed away Tuesday in Garrison.

Hicks Mortuary in Center announces service for Angie Michelle Harrison-Garrett. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Abundant Love Ministries on Shelbyville Street in Center, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hicks Chapel.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 67-year old Mrs. Velma Teagle of San Augustine. She passed away Thursday at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 93-year old Mrs. Katy B. Johnson of Houston, a native of Hemphill. She passed away Sunday at her residence.

Garner & Son Mortuary of San Augustine announces pending service for 69-year old Ms. Ruby Banks of Graham. She passed away Sunday at Graham Regional Medical Center.

We did get to 63 degrees today with lots of clouds and a mostly light Northerly wind.  

Tomorrow starts a warming trend with nothing but sun and temps in the 70's and low 80's thru the rest of this week.

The mid part of next week will see our chances for rain return.  Some passing disturbances will provide opportunity for some breezy conditions at times....mostly real nice weather!!!  Get out and enjoy it.

Thank you Deep East Texas Coop for working so hard and getting our power restored!  

Wyatt Denny finished a great year with an 82-point bareback ride at the Wharton College Rodeo Saturday night, April 25.

The first place finish just secured his spot at the top of the leader board in the Southern Region standings. Denny, who is from Minden, Nev., will compete next for Panola College at the College National Finals Rodeo (C.N.F.R.) , in Casper, Wyo. on June 14-20. The top three in each event from colleges all over the nation will compete there for a national title.

Denny is the 2015 Southern Region Champion Bareback rider, and is expected to finish what he started  at the C.N.F.R. in June.

Bull rider Gannon Ivy finished the season off ranked third in the Southern Region, and secured himself a spot at the C.N.F.R.  in Wyoming. Ivy, from Hampton, Ark., a first-time qualifier for the finals, has had a very good year, suffering very few minor injuries this season. Ivy’s success and ability to stay healthy is a direct result of the hard physical work he does to keep himself in great shape, according to Jeff Collins, Panola College Rodeo Coach.

Ethan Andrepont, a freshman, had a great ride as well in Wharton. Andrepont finished in sixth place in the bareback riding. His year started slow, but he has turned it up the last few rodeos  with some quality bareback rides. Andrepont will return to Panola next year, and is expected to be a huge asset to Panola Ponies.

Chance McMahon, another outstanding freshman, scored 82 points in the bull riding for the second place finish in Wharton. McMahon will be returning  next year and promises to be an asset to the Ponies in the future.

Wyatt Denny, in left photo, and Gannon Ivy, in right photo, accept their winning belt buckles after earning a chance to compete in the National Collegiate Rodeo this summer. -

The Shelby County Bass Anglers held the 3rd event of the 2015 season last weekend out of Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend Lake.

42 teams of anglers showed up to test their skills against these largemouth bass that were primarily in the post spawn state.

Despite fishing solo, Ryan Pinkston managed to coax the largest limit of Toledo bass weighing 20.77lbs. The second overall big bass of 6.21lbs  anchored his first place finish, which was sponsored by Construction Safety Product out of Nacogdoches.

The father/son team of Vic and Cole Cooper wrapped up the second place position with 19.02lbs. The duo reported catching numerous fish during the day. Cole is a student at Shelbyville High School. 

Third place team of Andrea and Chris Cartwright reeled in a solid limit of bass tipping the scales at 18.98lbs.

Rounding out the fourth place spot was another father/son team of Glen Earl and Moon Pie Sowell, who also had the overall big bass of the event weighing 6.32lbs. Their limit came in at 18.31lbs.

The team combo pot was claimed by third place team of Andre/Chris Cartwright paired up with Greg McDonald and Brad Jones with a combined weight of 34.25lbs.

Overall, this seemed to be the best tournament in several years as far as limits of bass were concerned. The average weights per boat were up and overall number of fish brought into the scales was the most in several seasons.

The fisheries are thriving and the SCBA is blessed to have these watersheds to take advantage of.

The Take a Kid Fishing tournament is scheduled for May 9th at Huxley Bay so be sure and get your children signed up for that event that has many great sponsors backing it.

The next pre-tournament meeting for the SCBA is May 19th, with the May tournament to be held at Cassells-Boykin park on Lake Sam Rayburn. For more details about the club, please visit our website at www.shelbycountybassanglers.com<https://www.shelbycountybassanglers.com>.
 

Ryan Pinkston with a couple of his first place bass.

Cole Cooper with a pair of his limit finishing in sec-

ond place overall.

East: Continued rains kept the ground saturated. Subsoil and topsoil were in the surplus range for most counties. Ponds were full and overflowing. Vegetable growers were behind with planting because of wet soils. Row crop farmers were also behind with planting. Weed and fertilizer applications slowed or stopped due to wet and muddy fields. Houston County had standing water in most locations. The area was also having problems with mosquitos. In Trinity County, even spreader trucks with flotation tires were getting stuck on a regular basis. San Augustine County ryegrass was still growing so prolifically that it was preventing emergence of warm-season grasses. Cattle stopped eating hay in favor of green grass. Livestock were in good condition. Working of new crop calves was underway, while the weaning and selling of older calves and cull cows continued. Feral hogs were active.

Joaquin Elementary School and Joaquin Jr. High School students recently participated in the Leukemia/Lymphoma Program PASTA FOR PENNIES.   

The elementary students collected $2,230.41 and the junior high students $549.71 for a grand total of $2,780.12. 

This money will help find a cure for blood cancers and help families with their expenses. 

Mrs. Rondalyn Neal's second grade class had the highest total collected at the elementary school of $296.05.  The eighth grade students collected the most at the junior high with $206.68.  These student's will be rewarded with a lunch at Olive Garden in Lufkin, Texas.

Joaquin ISD School Nurse, Mrs. Portia King, extends her appreciation to everyone who helped make this a successful fundraiser.

Shelbyville vs Gary baseball game will be in Gary tonight @ 6:30 pm

(Note: The following was read by Lane Dunn when introducing Robert and David Griffin at the 93rd Annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, April 27) as the Farm Family of the Year.)

Brothers Robert and David Griffin of R. and D. Farms have been selected as the Farm Family of the Year for 2015. 

Robert and David have a lot of accumulated agricultural knowledge and experience.  Cattle and chickens are a way of life for their family and have been for many years. They grew up in 4H and FFA participating in many projects. They started their partnership when Robert was a senior and David was a freshman in high school. They went to Production Credit Association before school to sign their first note to purchase cows.

With Shelby County’s ag income at about $350 Million last year, Shelby County consistently ranks near the top of all Texas counties.  Chicken, Cattle, and Timber:  a great business to be in Shelby County and R. and D. Farms is a perfect example of how to do it right.

Robert and David have an extensive cattle and poultry operation.  Owners of 19 chicken houses and are contract growers for Tyson foods where selected as winners of the Mooseberg award in 2011 top poultry grower.  In 1994 the brothers became part owners of the Center Livestock Auction Barn. 

Besides being profitable farmers – these men have a strong commitment to passing this tradition on to the next generation.  That means helping Robert’s son, Blake get started and it also means being involved in 4H, FFA, and all the committees and organizations that support agriculture.  They don’t hesitate to give back to the community when they see an opportunity.

Robert is on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors and is a member of the Shelby County AgriLife Extension Leadership Advisory Board.  Often they work behind the scenes.  But, if agriculture is involved so are Robert and David Griffin.

Tonight we give these men the credit and the recognition they deserve.  We also salute them for being good Stewarts of the land that they plan to pass along to future Griffin family members.   We also acknowledge their strong family roots. Shelby County agriculture is safe in their hands. 

Robert and David Griffin of R. and D. Farms.  Shelby County’s Farm Family of the Year for 2015.

NACOGDOCHES - Glenn Shepard will present a half-day seminar based on his book, *How to Manage Problem Employees. *This Chamber seminar is Tuesday May 19. 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Quality Inn, 3400 South Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Chamber members receive a special discounted price of only $129 ($149 for non-members). When three or more enroll, the fourth person attends for free. Contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber at 936-560-5533 or email chamber@nactx.com to register.

"Attitudes and relationships control the businesses of today," said Grady Cashion, chamber vice chair business development."This seminar will provide an avenue for improving work place environment and changing attitudes for better results in your company."

Included in the seminar:

- The one strategy you MUST know to fix bad attitudes. Use this “attitude adjustment” tool and watch problem employees turn into stars.

- How to keep employees from questioning you with just five perfectly polite but almost magically powerful words.

- Two simple things that actually motivate people more than money. A plus under any circumstances but a HUGE blessing if your company or organization is on a tight budget.

- A quick and easy action you can take to end gossip (and no, it doesn't involve a muzzle.)

- How to fire without fear – because you know what you're doing is totally and completely legal.  There ARE times when you need to fire someone before he or she sets you up for a lawsuit – or worse.

- How to recognize the line between helping employees and enabling them -- and keep from crossing it.

"This seminar is a great opportunity to learn different tools about handling needed workplace changes," Cashion said.

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is starting the morning off with less than 50 members remaining without power.  These members are scattered throughout Nacogdoches, San Augustine, Sabine and Newton counties.  Crews worked throughout the night to restore power and continue to work until all power is restored.

If you are still experiencing an outage, please contact DETEC at 1-800-392-5986.

By Chris Watlington:

The 21st Annual Centerstage: An Evening of Music and Improv will be Monday May 11 at 6:30 pm at the CHS auditorium.  The evening features an original sketch musical composed and performed by all 75 members of the Theatre Department from 1st year to 4th year students followed by improv comedy performances from each class based on audience suggestion.

This year's Musical is called "The National Finals" and it chronicles the efforts of four schools who win their regional championship and advance to the finals in a prestigious national competition.  Which school will win? That's what you'll find out as the department sings and dances its way
through the competition.  The sketches and lyrics are written by members of the department and features some popular songs and some original music.

The theatre will open at 5:45 with the curtain opening at 6:30.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.  Proceeds benefit the department.

In sports,

Baseball

It's the final week of the regular season and teams that are on the bubble of making the state playoffs--its do or die.

The Center Roughriders have a bye today, and will wrap-up the season at home for Senior Night Friday. Center (9-2) has a half-game lead on Carthage (8-2) and holds the Dist. 19-4A tie-breaker by a 2-1edge should the season end with a co-championship. Carthage plays Rusk (3-7) tonight. Following Friday night’s district finale, the Riders have a scheduled playoff warm-up game at Van Saturday.

In Dist. 23-2A, state-ranked Beckville has the championship at 13-0 and is scheduled to hosts the Timpson Bears in both team's final regular season game today. Timpson and Gary are tied for second at 9-4. Shelbyville (6-6) is to play at Gary today. The Joaquin Rams and Shelbyville game was cancelled again yesterday and is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Joaquin. Joaquin still has Tenaha (3-10) to play in the district finale. The second and third playoff spot is coming down to the final out it appears. Tenaha's game with Mt Enterprise was postponed until Wednesday.

Huge game for the Dist. 24-2A championship in Pineland today as Broaddus (14-1) plays West Sabine (13-1). Colmesneil is 12-3. All three are playoff bound.

The state’s top-ranked 3A team, Central Heights takes a 14-1 win over the Garrison Bulldogs Saturday. The win improves Central Heights to 13-0 in Dist. 22-3A, while Garrison is 9-4, remaining in second place.

Today's schedule:

Center has a bye

Shelbyville at Gary

Tenaha at Joaquin

Timpson at Beckville

Garrison at Corrigan

Broaddus at West Sabine

Wednesday schedule:

Tenaha at Mt Enterprise

Dist. 19-4A Standings

Center 9-2

Carthage 8-2
Tatum 4-6

Rusk 3-7
Henderson 2-9
 

Softball

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons secured second place in Dist. 22-2A last with a 1-0 win at Chireno yesterday. Head Coach Vance Vickers reports Caleigh Sparks pitched a two-hit shutout with 6 strikeouts. He said offensively, the game was scoreless until Kamaryn Smith doubled to lead off the fifth inning and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Blaire Deal to account for the game’s lone run. The Lady Dragons will enter the state playoffs Thursday night at Central ISD in Pollock against either Dallardsville Big Sandy or Apple Springs. They are playing a one-game tiebreaker tonight in Chester for third place.

The Joaquin Lady Rams will play Slocum in a Class 2A Region III Bi-District series best two-out-of three at 6 p.m. Thursday and against at 6 p.m. Friday at Nacogdoches High School. Third game, if necessary would follow game 2 Friday.

Center Athletic Banquet:

There’s been a rescheduling of the Center High School “Banquet of Champions”. The athletic banquet will now be held Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center. The meal is catered by Pete Lowe’s Catering, and the event will feature a slideshow and awards. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 students, five and under are free, and $3 for kids 6-12. All athletic students are admitted free. Tickets are available in the athletic office until May 1. No tickets sold at the door. For more information, call the athletic office at 598-6173, ext. 2231.

Car Show:

The City of San Augustine Main Street would like to invite you to enter the antique and muscle car show during the Heritage Festival on May 2. The chairs Billy Johnson and daughter Brittney Johnson are in charge of the event. It will take place Saturday May 2. Call to reserve your place, 936-201-9798 or 936-275-3172. Come out and enjoy the good food, farmers market, heritage demonstrations, information booths, arts and crafts vendors, shopping, educational presentations, storytelling, live entertainment and downtown walking tours.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

The Joaquin Athletic Booster Fundraiser $10,000 raffle will be held Monday, May 11 in conjunction with the high school athletic banquet. The tickets are $100 each for the drawing, with only 250 tickets sold. The drawing goes as follows: 1^st ticket drawn-$5,000, 2^nd-6^th tickets-$1,000 each. A total of $10,000 will be given away. There will not be a meal included with the drawing. If you would like to attend the athletic banquet as well, tickets for the meal will be on sell at the high school office at a later date. Tickets can be purchased from any Joaquin Athletic Booster member or the administration office.

DU Greenwing event:

The Shelby County Ducks’ Unlimited annual Green Wing event will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6. According to Clint Tanner, the location has been changed to a familiar site, Weldon Boles’ property off Old City Lake Road. Tanner said DU used that location previously. There will be prizes for all kids, along with Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens providing hunter safety, Mike Hudman with Black Water Retrievers with a dog demo and a free hot dog meal. All kids’ ages up to 17 are invited to attend. Mark your calendar for June 6, the Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The location is 245 CR 1006, Center. By the way, kids, bring your fishing pole. For more information call Clint Tanner at 936-332-4767 or Adam Reeves at 936-332-6420.

Take a Kid Fishing:

The 37^th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament will be held on Toledo Bend at Huxley Bay Marina on Saturday, May 9. We invite all children ages 3 to 15 years old to register for the free tournament. Entry forms can be picked up at the Center Broadcasting studios at 307 San Augustine Street in Center, Huxley Bay Marina, Scarber’s Grocery & Trail’s End & RV in Huxley, First Bank and Trust East Texas in San Augustine, or Hometown Tackle in Center.   Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st.  Trophies will be awarded to each group and prizes will be available for each participant.  Fishing begins at 6am, and all participants must be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30pm. You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form. For more information, contact the stations.

Arrest Report

4/27/15--4/28/15

Shelby County:

David Nathaniel Lewis, 35, Timpson, Bench Warrant, Original Charge: Civil Case

Khalil Ramal Hubbard, 18, Nacogdoches, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Evading Arrest & Theft

Shaddrick McCollister, 30, Center, Criminal Trepass

Zachery Crockett, 24, Shelbyville, Assault-Family Violence with Previous Conviction in Another State, Criminal Mischief, Two charges Assault on a Peace Officer & Failure to Comply as a Sex Offender

Morgan Magee, 31, Shelbyville, Hindering Apprehension of Known Felon

San Augustine County:

Milton Cramer, 31, Broaddus, Assault-Family Violence & Resisting Arrest

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Only one action item at the Shelby County Commissioners' Court meeting Monday and that was to approve purchase of an integrated Case Management computer system to be used by the county attorney, clerk and judge, and eventually county sheriff for criminal, probate and civil court. The initial costs of $50,000 will be paid for from the County Clerk's Records Management & Archives Budget.

Gary Miller, a Rogers' Harbor resident on Toledo Bend addressed commissioners on the problem of drug dealers and users in his neighborhood, as well as the Shelby Beach area. Miller said things have got to change. He added, "We've all (members of the Rogers' Harbor Neighborhood Association, sheriff's office and commissioners' court) got to get on the same page and work together to get these criminals off the street." He referenced a number of personal thefts experienced.

County Judge Allison Harbison, responded by saying she understood the concern and problem, and agreed with Miller that bringing all parties together to discuss and eventually come up with a plan was the right approach. Miller, stated, "We can't let the drug dealers run the county for us."

Angelina-Neches River Authority General Manager Kelly Holcomb presented a septic grant program his agency is implementing through the federal government where qualifying landowners in Shelby County Precincts 1 & 4--which adjoin the Attoyac River Watershed, can qualify for monies to construct septic systems. He said the Attoyac River was one of Texas' waterways where shotty or lack of septic systems have led to a high number of bacteria infections in the past and the money was available to low-income residents.

Anyone wishing to apply will need to go by the county judge's office before May 29. The program is for Shelby, San Augustine, Nacogdoches and Rusk County residents, and you'll need to go by your respected county judge's office for application.

Finally, Judge Harbison advised Don & Tina McGuffin, who have been trying to have the county recognize portion of County Road 4670 so they can sell their property, that the commissioners' court was not the venue for the issue. The McGuffins and other property owners have not been asking for maintenance on the road, just recognition for 9-1-1 addressing.

Judge Harbison said, "There's nothing we can do if you don't want it to be a county road." They were advised to have it designated a private road and have the owner give them access.

The pre-dawn line of thunderstorms that came through Monday morning left a large number of power outages on the Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative system, especially is counties to our south.

According to the co-op's Brittney Johnson there were over 7,000 outages around 8 a.m. Monday. She said the hardest-hit areas included Weirgate, Horton Hill, Pineland, Broaddus and Etoile, with scattered outages in San Augustine, Shelby and Nacogdoches counties.

At 3 p.m. Monday, that number had jumped to 8,000 members without power, including 900 in Shelby County, some 1,200 in San Augustine County, 1,300 in Nacogdoches County and 3,000 in Sabine County.

However, by midnight the outage was approximately 1,000 members, including 300 in Sabine County, 260 in San Augustine and 230 in Nacogdoches County.

Ms. Johnson said contractors have been working non-stop alongside DETEC crews to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. She added crews reported trees on lines and broken power poles due to the high winds.

The power outage was 12,000 members at its peak in Jasper County, which is served by Jasper-Newton County Electric. Most schools were closed or delayed in Jasper County Monday.

TxDOT crews were also busy clearing roadways Monday morning. Rhonda Oaks, public information officer said there were multiple reports of downed trees and debris in many roadways throughout the Lufkin district.

In San Augustine County, there were numerous trees across roadways on U.S. 96, SH 21, FM 2313, FM 95, FM 1196 and FM 2189; Nacogdoches County there were trees down on FM 343 and FM 226; Sabine County also had a number of locations with trees in the roadways. Shelby County had no reports of damage.

Nacogdoches County Commissioners are expected to consider approving a resolution in support of building a weigh station on U.S. Hwy. 59 south when they meet today.

As part of the resolution is support for the addition of 13 state troopers in the 12-county East Texas area.

It's reported the weigh and inspection station would help in the weighing and inspection of the high volume of traffic coming out of the Houston and coastal area on Hwy. 59.

The resolution said with the completion of U.S Interstate 69, traffic will only continue to increase and will pass through five of the 12 counties. Presently, there are only 9 troopers and one sergeant in the 12 counties.

It said 13 troopers are requested to be added to the Lufkin district. Only 3 of the current 9 troopers are TxDOT certified.

The 93^rd Annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet was held last night at the Windham Civic Center and among the awards presented included Farm Family of the Year to Robert and David Griffin of R&D Farms.

The Young Citizen of the Year was given to Josh McAdams, and the Distinguished Service Award went to Center High School Career Counselor Alease Copelin.

Chamber President Derek Pierce presented the President’s Award to Andi Foster.

The 11-member Leadership Shelby County 2015 Class was also given their diplomas following the nine-month program.

The San Augustine County Commissioners’ Court will meet at 9 a.m. this morning, Tuesday and among the agenda items for discussion and possible action will be a presentation of Attoyac Bayou On-Site Septic System Project by Kelley Holcomb, general manger of the Angelina-Neches River Authority; and selecting an elected official to serve on the DETCOG board of directors.

Also, commissioners are expected to amend the budget and transfer funds for Pct. 3 to purchase equipment; and E-filing credit card and checking account setup for district clerk and county clerk.

There will be a "red carpet" event at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2 at Center High School as The Thompson Brothers, a trio of very talented musicians will debut their single, "God's Been Good to Me".

Lead singer, songwriter and lead guitarist is 16-year old Stefon Thompson, along with siblings, 11-year old ZaCorie, who's bassist and singer, and 8-year old Tristan, the drummer.

The event is free, but they're asking for a donation to their music ministry.

They are local talent and are the sons of Stephen and Feleshia Thompson.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 25th at 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church here in Center. 

As in past years the tradition of reading the names of the 188 Shelby County Veterans killed in action from the Civil War to today's War on Terror will continue.  This year however they’re asking any Shelby County student (public or home schooled) in grades 6 - 12 to assist in the readings. 

If you have a student who would like to participate call post quartermaster Larry Hume at 936-598-2976.

Hume says they see this as a great opportunity for young people to get to know and appreciate the sons that Shelby County has given in the defense of our country.

Center High School student Netisha Rasberry has been nominated to attend the Envision Global Young Leader Conference in Washington, D.C and New York.

She will be interacting with international leaders who are actively involved in the decision making processes in both government and the private sector.

By participating, Netisha will earn to college credits through George Mason University. She has earned an alumni grant to attend the 2015 conference. However, tuition and expenses are well over the costs of previous conferences she has attended.

Any monetary assistance would be appreciated to help in sending Netisha Rasberry to the conference.

All donations can be made to Samantha Rasberry at Farmers State Bank in Center.

An account has been set up at Citizens Bank in Center for the Jerry Lawhorn Family, who lost their home, belongings and three vehicles in a fire between Center and Tenaha April 21. Jerry, Nancy and Daniel Lawhorn appreciate you love and support during this time.

Obits:

Taylor Funeral Home announces service for 92-year old Roy Samuel Crawford of Timpson. He passed away Sunday in Garrison. Service will be at 2 p.m. today at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, with interment at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Among Roy Samuel Crawford’s survivors is a son, Roy Crawford, Jr. of Whitney; daughters, Betty Eldredge of Timpson and Louise & Richard Koiner of Clarksville.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 66-year old Richard Harding Hallett “Rick Magee” of Shelbyville. Service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces graveside service for 82-year old Mary Beth (Brooke) Sharp of Atlanta, formerly of San Augustine. She was an educator and worked for Department of Human Services for San Augustine County. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Douglassville Cemetery in Atlanta, in Cass County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 59-year old Gregory Dewayne McClure of Tenaha. He passed away Sunday at his residence. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Benford Chapel Baptist Church in Tenaha with interment at St. John Cemetery in Tenaha. Lay-in-state will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church before service. Among Gregory Dewayne McClure’s survivors is his mother, Faye McClure of Tenaha; daughters, Lakendra Thompson of Tenaha and Anitra Williams of Mesquite; son, Chregg Henderson of Longview; brothers, James McClure, Jr. of Houston, Elvis McClure of Tenaha, Kenneth McClure of Tenaha and Aubrey McClure of Timpson; and sisters, Mattie Fields of Killeen, Deborah McClure and Maxcine Berry, both of Tenaha.

Hicks Mortuary in Center announces service for Angie Michelle Harrison-Garrett. She passed away last Friday at Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation in San Augustine. Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Abundant Love Ministries on Shelbyville Street in Center, with burial at Westview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hicks Chapel. Among Angie Michelle Harrison-Garrett’s survivors is her husband, Calvin Gaddis, Jr. of Center; sons, Jamorian Harrison & Jamarius Harrison, both of Center; daughters, Jamya Gaddis & Cajaevia Gaddis, both of Center; sisters, Sonya Greer & Luvinci Harrison, both of Nacogdoches

As of 3 PM, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting approximately 8,000 members without power:

Panola Co. - less than 5
Shelby Co. - approx. 900
Nacogdoches Co. - approx. 1300
San Augustine Co. - approx. 1200
Sabine Co. - approx. 3000
Jasper Co. - less than 20
Newton Co. - approx. 500

Contractors are working alongside DETEC crews to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.  Crews are reporting trees on the lines and broken power poles due to the high winds.

Photo courtesy of DETEC member, Stephanie Dodson

of the Browndell area in Jasper County.

DETEC would like to remind members to be safe - STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES.  Consider them all to be live and dangerous.  Call DETEC at 1-800-392-5986 to report downed lines and outages.

Please report all outages, by calling: 1-800-392-5986

ROY SAMUEL CRAWFORD

Funeral service for Mr. Roy Samuel Crawford, 92, of Timpson, TX, will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, Timpson, with Bro. Justin Coburn officiating.  Interment will follow in Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson.  Visitation will be 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Monday, April 27, 2015, at Taylor Funeral Home.  Mr. Crawford passed away Sunday, April 26,  2015, in Garrison, TX.

Born December 25, 1922 in Jefferson, Arkansas, Roy Samuel Crawford was the son of the late Samuel Lewis and Mattie Williams Crawford.  He and his late wife were married on April 6, 1940, in Indianola, Oklahoma.  He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great grandfather.  Mr, Roy loved spending time outdoors.  There was always grass to be mowed, pine straw to be picked up and garden to grow.

Survivors include, son, Roy Crawford Jr. of Whitney, Texas; daughters, Betty Eldredge of Timpson, TX and Louise Koiner and husband Richard of Clarksville, Texas; 7 grandchildren; Cindy Rhodes and husband Bobby, Sandy Jones and husband Carroll, Lisa Thompson and husband Charles, Stephanie Harris and husband Chris, Jeffery Crawford, Mike Koiner, and Nancy Lawson and husband Roland; 11 great grandchildren; and 9 great great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Roy Crawford was preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Audrey Crawford; parents; and son-in-law, Bro. Sammy Eldredge.

The family of Roy Crawford is being served by Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson, Texas.  To convey condolences or to sign an online register please visit www.taylorfh.net.

April 27, 2015-Afternoon band rehearsal

April 28, 2015-HS Band UIL C&CR in Troup; Tenaha Baseball vs Joaquin at
Joaquin 6:30 pm

April 29, 2015-11 & 12 Grade Field Trip to Panola Women in Energy (Female
students only) 10 am – 2 pm; 3rd Grade Field Trip to Tyler Zoo; Tenaha
Baseball vs Mt Enterprise There TBA

April 30, 2015-2nd Grade Field Trip to Sci-Port

May 1, 2015-Regional Track in Palestine; State JH Robotics in Duncanville;
JH Black Out Dance in Café 7 pm – 9 pm; Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field
Trip Ag Education Day in Center

May 2, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Dance in
Cafetorium

May 5, 2015-Beta Induction; STAAR-EOC Algebra I; PK3 Field Trip to Mini Park
Splash Pad in Center

May 6, 2015- State Robotics in Kilgore; STAAR Testing EOC US History

May 7, 2015- STAAR Testing EOC US Biology; Tiger Fest 6:00 pm (Tiger Cafe
open at 5:00 pm)

May 8, 2015- Beginners Band Festival in Canton

May 11, 2015-1st and 2nd Grades to Center Library; 4th & 5th Grade Robotics
in Kilgore

May 12, 2015-Awards Banquet; JH Robotics in Kilgore

May 14, 2015-State Track; HS Band Trip to New York

May 15, 2015-State Track; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service 

The Whole Picture

Public Education in Texas is a cumbersome and broad endeavor.  The everyday
citizen may not be fully aware of the various mandates that are required of
schools today.

In 2015, the Texas Public School system is a far cry from the
Little Red School House and the 3-R’s.  In the midst of the State
Legislative Session in Austin, Texas schools await a new set of state
guidelines, funding policies, and appraisal systems.  What most everyday
citizens sometimes misunderstand is how large and difficult a task it is to
educate a child to the fullest extent possible, while still meeting the
requirements of the law.  So much is “mandatory” in a system that asks for
such comprehensive accountability that schools struggle to maintain a fine
balance between the quality and enrichment of a child’s experience and the
rigid lines of legality and mandated requirement.  
 

For example, did you know that it is a federal requirement that
students receive 225 minutes of physical education per week up through the
9th grade? And once in high school, students are required to achieve a
physical education credit for graduation.  The translation?  Here in Tenaha,
nearly 500 students are required to attend 45 minutes per day of physical
education.  That’s 500 students that span thirteen grade levels and range in
age between four and eighteen.  Tenaha’s Tiger Gym and Elementary Gym have
anywhere from 35-55 students in them for seven of the eight class periods
per day.  From just a standpoint of staffing alone, two staff members
administer six such classes every day where they see over 300 students.
And, additional staff members take on at least one (and in one case more
than one) physical education class per day.

          Another example where mandate meets need for children in much the
same way of physical education is the Tenaha Band program.  Tenaha students
from 4th grade through 12th grade attend a music or fine arts class every
day.  The state mandates that one fine art credit be acquired by every
student in the Junior High years and again in the High School years.  So
when the question arises “Why do you have three music instructors at TISD?”
The answer is simple and comes in two parts:  1)  During the course of a
single day, as many as 250 students report to the band hall for a required
class.  2)  Who wouldn’t want their child to receive the highest possible
amount of individualized instruction?  When someone utters the phrase “you
make them take band,” the reply is “yes”.  Why?  Data and research suggests
that learning to read music and play a musical instrument is a major
contributor to increasing a person’s level of intelligence.  It makes
academic sense and it also serves to provide a child with a well-rounded
experience.  Also, keep in mind that the average class size in Tenaha is
around 18 students.  The typical band class has as many as 40 and the high
school class has 100.    

Now, add to those “extra-curricular” mandated courses which
require instructors the fact that students are required to take courses in
the four core subject areas.  Also, add that under House Bill 5, that in
order to graduate students are required to obtain credit from “a variety of
career and technological” areas.  Tenaha offers four such areas of courses:
1)  Animal Science, 2)  Technology and Web Design, 3) Vocational Education
such as welding (through Panola College), 4)  Government and Public
Administration.  Then, factor in our district size and limits of ‘access’ to
a larger range of services, and you will hopefully see that on a day-to-day
basis, Tenaha is successfully moving its students towards an enriching
experience while keeping in line with its requirements.  

The overall goal of public education (as opposed to what so many
assume) is not to “pass a test”.  It is to broaden opportunities for
children.  The great aim of any society is to improve the opportunities for
its citizens.  

At Tenaha ISD, we proudly believe that if a child takes true advantage of
the opportunity placed in front of them that he or she should graduate with
the following set of skills that they may not otherwise acquire:

1)     An ability to perform academically in the traditional “Liberal Arts”
areas of study (math, science, reading, writing, social studies)

2)    An opportunity to be exposed to vocational opportunities and basic
vocational knowledge

3)    An opportunity to acquire as many as 30 hours of tuition paid college
credit if they qualify

4)    The opportunity to perform athletically in one of the state’s most
decorated sports programs.

5)    The ability to read music and play an instrument.

6)    A network of professional educators and mentors to be available as
they progress through young adulthood.  

Scott Tyner, Superintendent

Track

The Varsity Boys and Girls Area Track meet was held Wednesday, April 22nd at
Cushing ISD. The Varsity Girls finished 4th, only 1 point behind 3rd place
Beckville and the Varsity Boys finished 5th in a very competitive area meet
that consisted of 12 teams. Qualifying for the Regional track meet for the
Varsity Boys is Carlos Flores in the 3200m and 1600m runs, Cobe Caraway in
the 100m dash, and the 4x100 and 4x200m relays consisting of TJ Thomas, Kebo
Reed, Dre Thomas, Abel Rodriguez and Cobe Caraway. In the field events, the
Varsity girls qualified Ashton Griffin in the discus, Mercedes Rountree in
the shot, Alicia Casey in the triple jump, and LaPorsha Perry in both the
high jump and long jump. Competing for the Lady Tigers in the running events
will be Ke'Anya Davis in the 100m dash, Jaden Washington in the 300m hurdles
and Alicia Casey, Jaden Washington, Alyssa Harris, Ke'Anya Davis and
LaPorsha Perry in the 4x100 and 4x200m relays. The regional track meet will
be held Friday, May 1st and 2nd at Palestine ISD. Coach Furlow

Booster Club Meeting

The Booster Club will hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 at 5:00
pm in the Tenaha Field House.

Middle School Black-Out Dance!

When:  This Friday, May 1st  from 7:00-9:00p.m.

Where:  The cafeteria

What to wear:  jeans or shorts (school appropriate) with a white t-shirt.
Girls need to wear a tank top underneath.  Shirts will be written on with
highlighters so don’t wear a nice one!

Monetary donations:  If you would like to donate $5.00 or more to the dance,
it will go towards cookies and candy.

Selfie station props:  We are in need of funny props such as hats, glasses,
boas, empty large photo frames…(please bring before Friday to Ms. Ward)

Door prizes:  If any businesses would like to donate gift cards for door
prizes, please contact Elizabeth Ward or Coach Vick.  

All school rules apply.  Only Tenaha ISD students in grade 6th through 8th
may attend. No exceptions!

Community

Tenaha Beautification and Events Hosting “Trash to Treasures” Saturday, May
2, 2015 from 9 am-3pm. Call 936-248-2681 or 936-248-5804 for more
information.

Center ISD is now accepting transfers in grades K-12 for the 2015-2016 school year. 

Forms may be obtained from the Center ISD Administrative Office at 107 Private Road 605, or visiting the school’s website at www.centerisd.org or calling 598-5642 and the forms can be mailed out to you.

The deadline for forms and fees is Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 3:00 p.m.

                                                     Natalie Arvello           Christian Berry

                                                 Ferron Crockett II       Kay’unna Curtis

                                                Alexsandra Fabian      Donnell Keggler       

                        Mary Jo Oliver             Alexis Miller

                                                    Alyssa Parks                Cara Searcy

                                                Jamie Stephens           Harlie Ware           

                                                            Koriana Young-Eaden

                                                                                                                                                                                                            (7^TH GRADE)

                                         Corey Branton           Julieta De’Leon

                                        Colton Gutermuth     Ashton Harris            

    Cade Hopson             Fabian Martinez

                                      Jarrett Page                Reid Peace

                                        April Ramsey             Sadie Ramsey

                                        Ryan Stamps             Tahlia Wallace           

          Kayleigh Wolf

                                                                 (8^TH GRADE)

                                        Ja’Karia Deckard          Dallas Dennis           

                  Emily Garcia                     Angel Lee

             Hope Milford                     Rebekah Parks

                                     Triston Smith                    Allysha Stephens           

                                      Patrick Upchurch             Kambry Wallace          

Parents of students living outside the Shelbyville Independent School District who wish their children to attend Shelbyville Schools during the 2015-2016 school year must request transfer no later than May 27, 2015.  This applies to both old and new transfer students. New transfers who are approved will be required to pay tuition to attend.

To request paperwork, please call the Superintendent’s Office at 936-598-2641.

As of 9:30 AM, Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is reporting approximately 4,000 members remaining without power.  Within the last hour, crews have restored power to more than 3,000 members and continue to work to restore power to all members as quickly as possible.

As of 8 a.m. Monday...

Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is currently experiencing widespread weather related outages.  Over 7,000 members are currently without power in the areas of Weirgate, Horton Hill, Pineland, Broaddus and Etoile.  Scattered outages are being reported in the San Augustine, Shelby and Nacogdoches counties.  Crews are currently working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.

The Shelbyville softball game is back on at Chireno @ 5:00 pm today if weather
permits.... Will let you know if I find out different.

The Shelbyville Baseball game scheduled for today has been
cancelled.

An account has been set up at Citizens Bank in Center for the Jerry Lawhorn Family, who lost their home, belongsings and three vehicles in a fire April 21. 

Jerry, Nancy and Daniel Lawhorn appreciate you love and support during this time.

The 93^rd Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will be held at 6 p.m. tonight at the Windham Civic Center. Awards to be presented include Farm Family of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Distinguished Citizen.

Chamber Executive Director Pam Phelps tells Center Broadcasting the banquet is sold out.

Luckily, Most of the bad stuff moved to our South.  Still some T-storms in our area that could turn severe at anytime, but more stable air seems to be moving in.... Much cooler today... High of 70 due to the cold Canadian air mass following on the heels of the cold front moving through our area. tonight...57 degrees... Tuesday....sweater and light jacket 60 for a high and 47 degrees for a low.  

In fact, even with the sunshine W-T-F we may not see the 80 degree mark until Friday at the earliest....currently 61 degrees, winds relatively calm, high gust was 21 MPH, picked up .25 of an inch of rain with a 1/4 inch per hour rain rate still occurring.

Tom JohnsonKTXSANAU6

SAISD Superintendent Dr. Virigina Liepman has advised Center Broadcasting that the start of classes today, Monday have been delayed by 2-hours due to severe weather in the area.

he National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for... 
  southeastern Nacogdoches County in eastern Texas... 
  Angelina County in eastern Texas... 
  southwestern San Augustine County in eastern Texas... 

* until 545 am CDT

* at 501 am CDT... severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near Hudson to near Lufkin to near Corrigan... moving
  east at 35 mph.

  Hazard... 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. 

  Source... radar indicated. 

  Impact... hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage 
           to roofs... siding and trees. 

* Locations impacted include... 
  Lufkin... Diboll... Hudson... Huntington... Etoile... Burke... Zavalla... 
  Broaddus... Dolan... Homer and Shawnee.

Precautionary/preparedness actions... 

A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can
develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. Although a tornado is not
immediately likely... if one is spotted... act quickly and move to a
place of safety inside a sturdy structure... such as a basement or
small interior room.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.


A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 900 am CDT for eastern Texas.

Severe weather is on its way. just moving into Nacogdoches. A tornado is currently in Reclaw just North of Nac and South of Henderson.  Large hail, heavy rain and damaging winds.  Lots of Lightning.. Some of these are super cell reaching 8 miles up at 40000 feet.   Be alert and know where to seek shelter!!!!

The Center ISD Board of Trustees received a comprehensive report from the appointed Athletic Facilities’ Committee at last Thursday night’s meeting, and the 13-member group made up of board members, coaches and community members recommended what they felt were prioritized upgrades. The committee said they understood the district has limited resources and may not even be able to implement all the solutions.

At the top of the committee’s list is remodeling and renovation to the existing Center Middle School Gym, field house, and locker rooms; the Intermediate School gym; and addition of tennis courts at the high school and Malone Drive.

School board member Stephen Shires, who was also on the committee, said an increase in students has the middle school, which was the original high school, busting at the seams for room for not only sports but all extra-curricular activities, which is a good thing, but needs attention immediately. He adds we have to have the facilities for students.

Shires said the attention at the middle school was needed as soon as possible.

As for Center ISD Tennis, the elite program has made a name for its self statewide. Shires said the tennis program is constantly winning, and the committee felt it should be rewarded.

Shires says having the Athletic Facilities Committee’s report will assist in a comprehensive plan for the district. He said looking at it financially, “We have to have balance and we owe it to the students and taxpayers.”

Center ISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Hockenberry believes the findings will be beneficial in making plans for the district.

“The committee did an exceptional job identifying needs and providing
recommendations. Their work will provide us the needed information to make short and long term decisions with our athletic facilities. I sincerely appreciate the time and energy they put into the task they were assigned.”

The CISD Athletic Facilities’ Committee members are: Stephen Shires, Sharon Nelson, Daphne LaRock, Bob Reeves, Jason Locke, Terry Scull, Darrell Williams, Kelly Lucas, Tracy Bolton, Alex Cloudy, Roque Palomino, John Michael Burns and Sharon Crelia.

Below are the recommendations presented to the CISD Board of Trustees last Thursday evening.

In sports,

Baseball

The Center Roughriders win the season series against Carthage with a 6-2 win Friday night. The two state-ranked programs had split the previous two meetings. The win gives Center (9-2) a half-game lead in 19-4A headed into the final week of play. Carthage (8-2) plays Rusk Tuesday, while the Riders have a bye before ending the regular season at home against Rusk Friday for Senior Night. If both Center and Carthage win out they would share a co-district championship, with the Riders holding the tie-breaker and would be the No. 1 seed from 19-4A. Following Friday night’s district finale, the Riders have a scheduled playoff warm-up game at Van Saturday.

In Dist. 23-2A’s The Timpson Bears keep their playoff hopes alive with a 16-6 win over Martinsville Friday. The win improves Timpson to 9-4, as the Bears are in a two-way tie with Gary for second place, after Gary loses to Beckville, 11-1 Saturday. Beckville is 13-0 and has the district championship. The Joaquin Rams meanwhile are 7-5 battling for post-season. Joaquin’s game with Shelbyville scheduled on Friday was postponed until today.  The Shelbyville Dragons (6-6) get a 14-2 win over the Tenaha Tigers (3-10) Thursday.

The complexion of Dist. 24-2A changed when Colmesneil defeated previously undefeated West Sabine, 9-8 Friday. The loss drops West Sabine to 13-1, a half-game back of Broaddus, who’s 14-1. Colmesneil is now 12-3. All three state-ranked teams are headed to the playoffs. The San Augustine Wolves drop to 4-11 on the season when Zavalla gets a 19-9 win Friday.

The state’s top-ranked 3A team, Central Heights takes a 14-1 win over the Garrison Bulldogs Saturday. The win improves Central Heights to 13-0 in Dist. 22-3A, while Garrison is 9-4, remaining in second place.

Dist. 19-4A Standings

Center 9-2

Carthage 8-2
Tatum 4-6

Rusk 3-7
Henderson 2-9
 

Softball

The Joaquin Lady Rams will play Slocum in a Class 2A Region III Bi-District series best two-out-of three this Thursday and Friday at Nacogdoches High School. First game is at 6 p.m. April 30, with the second game at 6 p.m., May 1. Third game, if necessary would follow game 2.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in second in Dist. 22-2A and will finish district at Chireno today at 5 p.m. Head coach Vance Vickers tells us it’s likely the Lady Dragons will likely play Dallardsville Big Sandy or Apple Springs in the first-round of the playoffs.

Center Athletic Banquet:

Center High School Athletics presents “Banquet of Champions”, Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Windham Civic Center Conference Hall. The meal is catered by Pete Lowe’s Catering, and the event sill feature a slideshow and awards. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 students, five and under are free, and $3 for kids 6-12. All athletic students are admitted free. Tickets are available in the athletic office until May 1. No tickets sold at the door. For more information, call the athletic office at 598-6173, ext. 2231.

Car Show:

The City of San Augustine Main Street would like to invite you to enter the antique and muscle car show during the Heritage Festival on May 2. The chairs Billy Johnson and daughter Brittney Johnson are in charge of the event. It will take place Saturday May 2. Call to reserve your place, 936-201-9798 or 936-275-3172. Come out and enjoy the good food, farmers market, heritage demonstrations, information booths, arts and crafts vendors, shopping, educational presentations, storytelling, live entertainment and downtown walking tours.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

The Joaquin Athletic Booster Fundraiser $10,000 raffle will be held Monday, May 11 in conjunction with the high school athletic banquet. The tickets are $100 each for the drawing, with only 250 tickets sold. The drawing goes as follows: 1^st ticket drawn-$5,000, 2^nd-6^th tickets-$1,000 each. A total of $10,000 will be given away. There will not be a meal included with the drawing. If you would like to attend the athletic banquet as well, tickets for the meal will be on sell at the high school office at a later date. Tickets can be purchased from any Joaquin Athletic Booster member or the administration office.

DU Greenwing event:

After having to postpone in March due to wet weather, the Shelby County Ducks’ Unlimited annual Green Wing event has been rescheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6. According to Clint Tanner the location has been changed to a familiar site, Weldon Boles’ property off Old City Lake Road. Tanner said DU used that location previously. There will be prizes for all kids, along with Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens providing hunter safety, Mike Hudman with Black Water Retrievers with a dog demo and a free hot dog meal. All kids’ ages up to 17 are invited to attend. Mark your calendar for June 6, the Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The location is 245 CR 1006, Center. By the way, kids, bring your fishing pole. For more information call Clint Tanner at 936-332-4767 or Adam Reeves at 936-332-6420.

Take a Kid Fishing:

The 37^th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament will be held on Toledo Bend at Huxley Bay Marina on Saturday, May 9. We invite all children ages 3 to 15 years old to register for the free tournament. Entry forms can be picked up at the Center Broadcasting studios at 307 San Augustine Street in Center, Huxley Bay Marina, Scarber’s Grocery & Trail’s End & RV in Huxley, First Bank and Trust East Texas in San Augustine, or Hometown Tackle in Center.   Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st.  Trophies will be awarded to each group and prizes will be available for each participant.  Fishing begins at 6am, and all participants must be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30pm. You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form. For more information, contact the stations.

Arrest Report

4/24/15--4/27/15

Shelby County:

Daniel Jacob Bonge, 25, Tenaha, Order of Confinement

Joshua James Levier, 21, Center, Warrant-Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Kristen Cooley, 29, Center, Failure to ID & Capias Pro Fine, Original Charge: Assault-Family Violence Causing Bodily Injury

Justin Haessly, 27, Joaquin, Three charges Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Prohibited Substance in a Correction Facility, Operating an Unregistered Vehicle, Driving While License Invalid, & Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Jessica Hatcher, 28, Center, Public Intoxication

Ricardo Caporali, 27, Center, Public Intoxication

Kimble Lathan, 23, Houston, Three charges Possession of a Controlled Substance

Bret Howard Denby, 21, Center, Warrant-Burglary of a Building

Thomas Covington, 27, Houston, 4 charges Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Marijuana

San Augustine County:

Jacob Parker, 20, Natchitoches, La. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Wallace Clifton, 60, San Augustine, Criminal Trespass & Public Intoxication

Robert Mills, Nacogdoches, Assault on a Public Servant, Disorderly Conduct & Public Intoxication

A reminder: All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will meet at 9:30 a.m. this morning and among the agenda items will be Gary Miller to address the court concerning Rogers Harbor; and Don and Tina McGuffin making their third appearance asking the county to resume maintenance on a portion of County Road 4670 so they can sell property.

In addition, Kelly Holcomb, general manager of the Angelina-Neches River Authority, and Brian Sims are to give a presentation regarding an application for on-site Clean Water Action Section 319 grants for Attoyac Bayou and approve purchase of an integrated Case Management System from iDocket for the County Attorney, County Clerk and County Judge.

The Center City Council will be meeting at 5 p.m. today and it will start with a Public Hearing for the proposed sidewalk construction under TxDOT’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program.

The proposed route would be sidewalks on MLK and walk/bike path on the northside of Roughrider Drive from Hurst to the new softball complex.

Among the regular meeting agenda items for discussion and possible action will be a resolution for nomination of the proposed sidewalk project for 2015 TxDOT Transportation Alternatives Program; and addendum to the airport lease, which allows for the installation of a septic system at the new hangar construction at Center Municipal Airport.

The council is also to make appointments to the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and the Center Housing Authority Board of Directors.

Early voting for the May 9 general elections begins today, Monday, April 27 and continues through May 5. Elections are being held for the Joaquin, Tenaha, Timpson, Shelbyville and Garrison school districts, and in the Cities of Joaquin, Tenaha, Timpson and Garrison. 

Early Voting Locations & Times for the May 9 General Elections

Monday, April 27 thru Tuesday, May 5.

Voting days are Monday through Friday.

Joaquin ISD-2 trustees

Administration building

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Joaquin-mayor and 2 at-large council members.

City hall

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Extended hours (April 28 & 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Tenaha ISD-3 trustees

Administration building

7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

City of Tenaha-3 council members

Municipal building

6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Timpson ISD-3 trustees

Administration building

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

City of Timpson-3 council members

City hall

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extended hours (April 28 & May 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Shelbyville ISD-2 trustees

Administration building

7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Garrison ISD-2 trustees & a special election to fill an unexpired two-year term.

High school foyer

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the high school foyer.

City of Garrison-2 council members

City office

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extended hours (April 27 & May 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Remember, you must have a photo ID in order to vote.

May 9 School and City Elections

In the Joaquin ISD Trustee election there are four vying for two positions, including incumbent Ronnie Belrose, and challengers Thomas Harvey, Jay Wilson and Maggie Bowden.

For the City of Joaquin, the council race has three running for two spots, they are incumbent council members LeeVern Stotts Gilliam and Mike Atkinson, and challenger Joe Long.

Two current Joaquin Council members are running for mayor, Bill Baker and Pat Gray.

The Tenaha ISD board race has five filing for three spots, with two of the three incumbents seeking re-election. They include Bo Morris and Robert Barton. Challengers include Joe Anderson, David Fallin and Korey McClure.

In the City of Tenaha Council race four are running for three available spots. They include all three incumbents, Larry Terry, Claudine Howard and Michael Baker, and challenger Natalie Harris.

For the Timpson ISD board, four are running for three position Dannie Hunt (incumbent), Carlos Johnson, Linda Frazier Todd and Jim Rader.

Timpson City Council there are five vying for three positions. All three incumbents, Kyle Allen, Janell Baker and George Grace are seeking re-election with a challenge from Kenny Walker and Linda Hancock.

The largest ticket is the Shelbyville ISD board of trustees where six are running for two positions. Incumbents Joe Tom Schillings and Etola Jones are challenged by Chris Koltonski, Brad Hinton, Latashia Thompson and Clint Norton.

The Garrison ISD has two regular trustee positions to fill with Bart Reneau, Wes Chandler and Matt Barrett running.

Also, Garrison ISD is filling a two-year unexpired term with Bradley Davis and Lane Barton running to fill the term left vacant by the death of Perry Honea.

Garrison City Council has two council seats to fill with Nichole Todd, Hope Hallmark and Samantha Douglas VanPelt running.

The Timpson Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring, “Meet the Candidates, 6 to 7 p.m. tonight, Monday, April 27 at Frontier Café in downtown Timpson.

This is a chance to meet the candidates for both Timpson City Council and Timpson School Board.

Bring your questions. Refreshments will be served.

Texas Parks & Wildlife dive team recovered the body of a Huntington man Sunday morning after a boat he and his brother were in capsized Saturday night due to a large wave.

The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. when Henry Dale Plummer and 53-year old Little Jack Lieb went into Lake Sam Rayburn.

The two were reportedly running trotlines when the boat capsized some 300 yards off the bank in the Lazy Acres subdivision off FM 483 in Nacogdoches County.

Plummer was able to swim to a nearby swamp where he was rescued.

Lieb’s body was found some 28 feet underwater in less than 10 minutes of searching Sunday morning.

Neither were said to be wearing life jackets.

A 35-year old San Augustine County man was arrested and charged with Intoxicated Manslaughter relating to a motorcycle accident that took the life of a Lufkin woman in San Augustine County in January.

Jail records indicate 35-year old Joshua Myers of Bronson was arrested April 23 for a crash that occurred on FM 705 on Jan. 11 that killed Ashley McLemore.

DPS accident report says Myers was driving a Yamaha motorcycle with McLemore as the passenger that went off the road and crashed. Neither person was wearing a helmet.

It’s reported both were taken to a Lufkin hospital for treatment, with McLemore passing away in the ER.

The Shelby County Go Texans will have their Spring Fling Dinner Saturday, May 2 at the Windham Civic Center.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with tickets $30 per person or $50 a couple.

Proceeds will go toward scholarships for Shelby County graduates.

A 100 gun raffle is also being held with the drawing during the dinner.

Get event and raffle tickets from any Go Texan or Shelby County Cooker member.

San Augustine Main Street will host “A Texas Treasure Heritage Festival” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, in downtown San Augustine.

he festival celebrates memories and remnants of the many heritages that contribute to the culture of San Augustine and East Texas.

The San Augustine Farmer’s Market season will also kickoff on the south side of the courthouse with local grown produce and homemade goods.

There will be various entertainers and an antique and classic car show.

Festival goers may watch various food demos, and the pinto bean cook-off judging will be at 10 a.m. at the “Bean Gazebo,” on the west side of the San Augustine courthouse. Bring one pound of pinto beans in a crock pot and one pan of cornbread to the gazebo between 8 and 10 a.m. Entry fee is $5. Prizes will be awarded to the winners.

All proceeds will benefit the community through the continued efforts to beautify and promote downtown.

For information, contact Tracy Cox at 936-275-3172.

Obits:

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 66-year old Richard Harding Hallett “Rick Magee” of Shelbyville. Service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home was in charge of service Sunday for 87-year old Weldon “Chuck” Tamplin of Huxley. Service was held at Watson & Sons Chapel with interment at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Among Chuck Tamplin’s survivors are daughters, Susan & Glen Angelle of Beaumont and Vicki & Jerry Smith of New Braunfels; and brother, Brodie & Bobbie Tamplin of Houston.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces graveside service for 82-year old Mary Beth (Brooke) Sharp of Atlanta, formerly of San Augustine. She passed away Friday in Atlanta. She was an educator and worked for Department of Human Services for San Augustine County. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Douglassville Cemetery in Atlanta, in Cass County. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home. Among Mary Beth (Brooke) Sharp’s survivors are sons, Bob & Sue Sharp of Virginia and Charles & Lisa Sharp of San Augustine; and sister-in-law, Marie Brooke of Atlanta.

Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine announces service for 89-year old Mrs. Wilma Lee (Berry) Woods of San Augustine. She passed away Friday in San Augustine. She was a longtime educator in San Augustine, having taught for 38 years. Service will be at 11 a.m. today in the San Augustine County Cowboy Church. Among survivors is her husband, Burnard L. Woods of San Augustine; daughter, Berry Lynn (Woods) & Scooter Lenox of Georgetown; son, Don & Ruth Ann Woods of Texarkana, Ark.

A memorial service was held Sunday for 35-year old Matthew (Matt) Alan Hibbard of Nacogdoches. He passed away April 22 at his residence. Service was held at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel in Nacogdoches. Among Matt Hibbard’s survivors is his mother, Kaye Yoder of Nacoggdoches; father, Joe Hibbard of Chireno; sisters, Kim Williams of Nacogdoches and Nicole Lyon of California; grandmothers, Charlene Kraemer and Molly Barton, both of Center; and grandfather, LD Hibbard of Chireno. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to: The Menninger Clinic, Love Inc Nacogdoches, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch until 9 a.m.

Tonight: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind around 5 mph. 

Monday: A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 68. East wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Monday Night: A 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday: A 50% chance of morning showers. Cloudy, with a high near 64. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. North wind 5 to 10 mph. 

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 53.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 56.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 80.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Our Deep  East Texas ForecastOnce the front moved out of our area Saturday it was a really nice day to get the yard mowed and the weeds out of the flower beds. 

Don't fret, today will also be sunny...and HOT at 90 degrees, less wind ...and a whole lot of humidity!!   Keep in mind, the sun will put a lot of sunburn hurt on your exposed skin if you don't prepare.  While you are at it protect yourselves from the mosquitos that are out. 

Monday, Clouds and another disturbance makes its way into our area around 5 am with some light drizzle that by 8 am will turn into rain and T-storms.  We could catch another 1.3 inches of rain over the Monday and Tuesday period...Clearing by Tuesday at 5 pm.  

Lots of Sunshine through next Sunday...Then...expect more wet stuff... That's ok because We will be in May and we will need to have our May rain if we are to meet our 37 year average of....5.08 inches.

Record  High Temperatures were set in East TexasNWS Statement as of 8:30 PM CDT on April 25, 2015... Daily high maximum temperature records tied or broken on April 
25th... Location       old record      new record         years of data 
------------------------------------------------------------------   
Shreveport la  88 in 1925      89 in 2015       records since 1874 
Lufkin TX      91 in 1975      91 in 2015       records since 1906   
------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Information Statement as of 7:29 PM CDT on April 25, 2015... NWS damage survey for Upshur and Cass counties tornado events on the evening of April 24 2015... .Upshur County tornado 8.5 miles west SW of Gilmer... Rating:                 EF-1
estimated peak wind:    95-105 mph
path length /statute/:  2 miles
path width /maximum/:   700 yards
fatalities:             0
injuries:               0

Start date:             Apr 24 2015 
start time:             843 PM CDT
start location:         8.5 miles WSW of Gilmer
start lat/lon:          32.7003 / -95.0864

End date:               Apr 24 2015
end time:               847 PM CDT
end location:           6.5 miles WSW of Gilmer 
end lat/lon:            32.7040 / -95.0540

Survey summary: an EF1 tornado touched down 8.5 miles WSW of
Gilmer. Damage consisted numerous trees uprooted and snapped. One
tree fell on a house... but damage to the home was minor to
moderate. Damage in The Union hill area was also surveyed... but
damage was determined to be associated with straight line wind
damage. The Union hill High School had roof damage... and several
homes had damage mainly due to fallen trees on the home.

.Cass County tornado 8 miles NW of Linden... 
Rating:                 EF-1
estimated peak wind:    95-105 mph
path length /statute/:  6.35 miles
path width /maximum/:   275 yards
fatalities:             0
injuries:               0
Start date:             Apr 24 2015 
start time:             916 PM CDT
start location:         8 miles NW of Linden
start lat/lon:          33.0972 / -94.4609
End date:               Apr 24 2015
end time:               924 PM CDT
end location:           8.12 miles N of Linden 
end lat/lon:            33.1264 / -94.3595

Survey summary: an EF1 tornado touched down around 8 miles NW of
Linden. Damage consisted numerous trees uprooted and snapped.
Several trees took out power lines in the area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ef scale: the Enhanced Fujita scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories.
EF0... weak... ... 65 to 85 mph
EF1... weak... ... 86 to 110 mph
EF2... strong... .111 to 135 mph
EF3... strong... .136 to 165 mph
EF4... violent... 166 to 200 mph
EF5... violent... >200 mph
Note:
the information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the events and publication in NWS
storm data.

LAKE WIND ADVISORY UNTIL 7 P.M. TODAY

Today: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 15 to 20 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening.

Sunday: A 20 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Light east wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.

Monday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 76. East wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 54.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 78.

The Center Roughrider Varsity Baseball team takes 6-2 win over the Carthage Bulldogs last night in a key Dist. 19-4A game. The Riders win the three-game season series, 2-1 and have pulled a half-game ahead of Carthage atop the district. The Riders are 9-2, while Carthage is 8-2 heading into the final week of district play. The Riders have a bye Tuesday before closing the season at home May 1 against Rusk, where it's Senior Night at Roughrider Field.

The non-district game scheduled today at Huffman Hargrave has been cancelled due to weather.

Weldon “Chuck” Tamplin, 87, of Huxley, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 in New Braunfels. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2015 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Wes Hall officiating.  Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Mr. Tamplin was born July 7, 1927 in Huxley to Kage Tamplin and Rosa Vaughn Tamplin. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.  Mr. Tamplin was a member of the Masonic Lodge Lake Shore Drive in Port Arthur and Lydia Missionary Baptist Church in Shelbyville. 

He is survived by

Daughters:

Susan Angelle and husband, Glen, of Beaumont

Vicki Smith and husband, Jerry, of New Braunfels

Grandchildren:

Hayley Turgeon and husband, Travis

Tanner Jorgensen

Jared Porter

Great Grandson: Nathan Turgeon

Brother: Brodie Tamplin and wife, Bobbie, of Houston

Numerous other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Wife: Dell Tamplin

Parents: Kage Tamplin and Rosa Vaughn Tamplin

Brothers: Dwight Tamplin, Zach Tamplin

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

LUFKIN – Spring is in full bloom in East Texas and that means that Lufkin District TxDOT crews are busier than ever making the most of good weather.

There are many construction and maintenance projects currently underway in the nine-county district and construction and maintenance work will be well underway heading into May and the coming summer months.

Construction and maintenance work schedules for the week of April 26 weather permitting, include:

ANGELINA COUNTY

Construction:

US 59 and Loop 287: The ramp from Business US 59 South to Loop 287 West toward Ellen Trout Zoo will open and Spence Street will be closed at US 59. This change will remain in place until the end of May. Local motorists will be able to enter Spence Street from Loop 287.

Loop 287 and North Timberland Drive: The railroad overpass bridge construction has is underway in its early stages. Crews are still working in right-of-ways and out of the lanes of traffic, but drivers should be prepared for intermittent lane closures when traveling the area. Over-height or permitted heavy loads that exceed more than 17-feet plus clearance at the railroad overpass will be rerouted.

US 69 South: This new project is slated to begin this week, weather permitting. Crews will begin to resurface the roadway from south of Huntington on US 69 to the Jasper County Line.

Maintenance:

Crews will be located in various locations continuing to patch potholes and spraying herbicides throughout the week.

FM 58/Chestnut Street: TxDOT maintenance crews will continue base repair from FM 58/ Chestnut Street to Loop 287 and continue through the week.

FM 1819: Crews will work to level road surfaces.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY

Construction:

Loop 224: Contractors continue to work on widening the existing median between Mockingbird and the US 59/Loop 224 intersection. The westbound entrance ramp is also being widened and low-profile concrete barriers have been placed at the intersection of South Street and the westbound entrance ramp. Crews are also replacing and upgrading sections of guardrail and working on driveway pipes and cross-drainage structures in the area, as well as restoring driveways and repairing erosion items, weather permitting.

Maintenance:

US 59: Crews will complete the remaining mill and inlay work and place final striping and pavement markers.

County Road 706: Hot mix is being completed on the final surface and metal beam guard fence is scheduled to be installed.

FM 3314: Cross drainage structures are scheduled to be installed.

SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY

Construction:

SH 21: Raised islands at the old circle intersection have been removed and a four-way stop is now installed. Traffic will continue to be repositioned in a more direct path through the intersection to avoid confusion caused by the wider lanes created by the removal. The construction will continue with hot mix being applied to level-up the existing pavement and storm sewers will be installed, weather permitting.

Maintenance:

SH 103: Crews will be working at various locations as well as along SH 103 to add base and level up on roadways.

SHELBY COUNTY

Construction:

US 84: Construction along US 84 from the Rusk County line to US 59 in Timpson is nearing completion with contractor crews placing the final stripe.

US 84: At the Sabine River, crews will be hanging deck panels on the new Eastbound bridge as well as the remainder of the bridge beams. Subcontractors are placing storm sewer and drainage structures in Logansport. A sub-grade stabilization is also scheduled to begin.

FM 139: Bridge railing will continue to be repaired and replaced on the Tenaha Bayou and crews will be working on driveway restorations throughout the project.

Maintenance:

Maintenance crews will work at various locations in the county to patch potholes caused by wet weather and will also begin spraying herbicide.

FM 138: Crews will work to repair base and spot seal.

SABINE COUNTY

Construction:

FM 1: A flashing beacon is scheduled to be installed at the railroad underpass.

FM 1751: Contractors are finishing driveway pipes and cross drainage structures.

FM 1592, FM 2261 and FM 3184: Crews will continue to work on driveways, bridge railings and other miscellaneous items along these roadways.

Maintenance:

FM 1751: Road leveling will continue.

US 96/SH 184: Crews will be sealing cracks and potholes in the roadway throughout the week.

TRINITY COUNTY

Construction:

SH 94: Crews will work between Trinity and Groveton to add safety treatments at driveways and along connecting streets. The work is in the right-of-ways and not in the lanes of traffic. Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures through the work areas. From Groveton to the Angelina County line on SH 94, crews will also be working to safety treat along connecting roadways and driveways.

Maintenance:

FM 357: Crews will be overlaying the roadway on FM 357 between SH 94 to FM 2262.

POLK COUNTY

Construction:

US 59: The overpass construction continues this week with concrete traffic barriers being moved and striping the northbound detour in preparation for traffic that will be diverted from the northbound main lanes at a later date. Drivers should expect alternating lane closures throughout the week. Crews will also be pouring concrete bridge caps and hauling embankment.

US 287/FM 946: Contractors will pour concrete headwalls and wing-walls on cross structures.

Maintenance:

Crews will continue to work along roadways patching potholes caused by excessive rain.

HOUSTON COUNTY

Construction:

SH 7: Work between Crockett and Kennard continues as box culverts are being placed to improve drainage. Tree trimming to widen the road is also ongoing and gravel is being hauled in for use at a later date. Drivers should expect lane closures in both directions, guided by a pilot car in one lane through this work area for much of the week.

US 287: Work from Crockett to the Trinity County line continues as safety treatments are being applied to driveways and connecting streets. The work is not in the lane of travel but drivers should expect intermittent lane closures in the work areas through the week.

Maintenance:

SH 19/FM 2022: Crews will be doing base repair as well as sign repair through various parts of the county.

SAN JACINTO COUNTY

Maintenance:

FM 980: Pavement leveling from US 190 to Outlaw Ridge Subdivision.

FM 946: Working northward repairing base failures.

SH 150: Working to resolve issues with area ditches.

FM 3460: Repairing base failures and leveling pavement.

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank Hallmark of Center for the $1000.00 donation to help homeless veterans and those in need.  Accepting the donation from Suzanne Richards and Ward Haley is Post Quartermaster Larry Hume.  

Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 25th at 11: am in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church here in Center.  

As in past years the tradition of reading the names of the 188 Shelby County Veterans killed in action from the Civil War to today's War on Terror will continue.  This year however we are asking any Shelby County student (public or home schooled) in grades 6 - 12 to assist in the readings.  If you have a student who would like to participate please call post quartermaster Larry
Hume at 936-598-2976 or email at chief@chiefimaging.com
<mailto:chief@chiefimaging.com> . 

We see this as a great opportunity for our young people to get to know and appreciate the sons that Shelby County has given in the defense of our country.

​Last week, students at CMS from Jennifer Ferguson's 4th period class participated in a Mystery Skype with a class from Elkton, Virginia.

Students had to figure out where in the U.S. the other class was from by asking yes or no questions regarding their geography. The other class did the same for students at CMS.

Mrs. Ferguson said, "As a class, we came up with a list of possible questions before the day of the call. Each student in the class had a job to do during the Skype call. The next day we used Google Earth to research the area the other class was from and compare it to Center. The students were very excited and we can't wait to collaborate with even more classrooms this way! I am very proud of how they represented our school!​"

Senior Night Baseball game for today has been changed to 5:00 p.m. here to avoid the greater potential of rainfall. Congratulations to these seniors.

Upcoming Events

– April and May are especially busy at Timpson ISD.  We will keep you updated through Bear Updates as programs/events are added.

May 1-2 – Regional track meet – Palestine

May 9 – Junior/Senior Prom @ SFASU – 8:00 p.m. – Twilight Ballroom

May 11 – Sports Banquet- Good Hope Baptist Church – 7:00 p.m.

May 12 – Band Concert – High School Auditorium – 6:00 p.m.

May 14 – TES Awards Program – High School Gym – 6:00 p.m.

May 15-16 – State Track Meet – Austin

May 19 – THS Awards Program – 10:00 a.m.

------------- TES Kindergarten graduation – 6:00 p.m.

May 21 – TMS Awards Day – High School Gym

------------- THS Senior scholarship night – High School Auditorium – 6:00 p.m.

May 22 – Senior Celebration – High School Auditorium – 6:00 p.m.

May 28 – Timpson Middle School Graduation – High School Gym – 7:00 p.m.

May 29 – Timpson High School Graduation – 8:00 p.m.

THS Band Paint Night - The Timpson High School Band Boosters will host a Paint Night on May 1, 2015 from 6-8 in the elementary cafeteria.  Please see the attached flyer/registration form for details!

Pre K News - This week, Timpson Elementary School Pre-K has been talking about different animals that fly.  We have talked about how and why they fly, what is needed to fly and the difference in airplanes and birds.  On Wednesday, Pre-K made bird nests out of twigs, grass, leaves and yarn.  We talked about that birds leave in nest and lay eggs in nest.  We also talked about that birds eat worms.

Pictures are above taken by Penny Ramsey.

Jared Tyre, Grayson Coley and Melqui Cantu


Timpson High School AREA TRACK MEET Results - Timpson High School track team participated in the area track meet in Cushing Wednesday. Qualifying for the regional meet are the top four finishers in each event. Congratulations to the regional qualifiers and the entire track team for representing Timpson so well.  See below.

RESULTS OF THE AREA TRACK MEET


VARSITY GIRLS

Place

VARSITY BOYS

Place

4x100 relay

4

4x100 relay

1

Alexus Wallace

Terence Garrett

Justus Osby

Devonta Thompson

Cedesha Curtis

Shakur Johnson

Jasmine Rogers

Eric Gossett


100

100 m

Jasmine Rogers

3

Eric Gossett

1


Terence Garrett

5

4x200 relay

4

Alexus Wallace

110 m Hurdles

Justus Osby

James Marshall

2

Jasmine Rogers

Cedesha Curtis

4x200

1


Hayden Smith

200 m dash

Devonta Thompson

Cedesha Curtis

4

Shakur Johnson


Eric Gossett


1600 M Run

400 M DASH

Cheyanne Porter

4

Hayden Smith

1


Jayden Johnson

3

Shot

Kaylie Bush

2


300 M Hurdles


James Marshall

2

Discus-

Patience Brannan

4



200 M

Long Jump

DeVonta Thompson

1

Justus Osby

4

Terence Garrett

5



4x400

2


James Marshall


Hayden Smith


Shakur Johnson


Jayden Johnson



Shot


Alberto Cuero

1


Bryan Torres

2



Discus


Chandler Burgay

1


Alberto Cuero

5



LONG JUMP


Shakur Johnson

2


Chris Piro

6



TRIPLE JUMP


Shakur Johnson

2


Books Needed - Timpson Elementary School staff is requesting that if you have children's book that are appropriate for students in elementary school that you would like to donate, please bring them by the elementary office. We have a wonderful library where students can regularly check out books but we would like to increase the number of books students have access to in all of our classrooms. Reading is an essential skill for academic success and provides much enjoyment for students. We appreciate your help in getting as many books possible into the hands of our students. These books will also provide students with summer reading opportunities.


 

No game tonight. Shelbyville vs Joaquin Monday April 27 @ 6:30 in Joaquin

According to Center Roughrider head baseball coach David Sheppard, the JV game tonight has been cancelled against Carthage and will be rescheduled.

The Varsity Riders will play at 7 p.m. tonight.

Weather permitting, the Riders are scheduled to play at Huffman Hargrave at 2 p.m. Saturday

Center Elementary is holding their regular blood drive on Wednesday, May 6th from 10:30 to 3:30 in the front parking lot of the elementary school. 

The students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraging all of you to get involved and to come by to donate blood. The help from other campus at CISD as well as the community are desperately needed. CES Assistant Principal Rick Baker says, "Anyone that gives can enter a CES student in a drawing for a free week at Pine Cove Camp on Lake Palestine. That is an $1100
value!"

The drawing will only be for the students at Center Elementary school and will come from the names turned in from blood donors. Remember that it isn't about the material prize, but knowing you have awarded life to someone else!

Honor Roll for Timpson Elementary

5^th Six-Weeks

A Honor Roll

1^st Grade:

2nd Grade:

3rd Grade:

4th Grade:

AB Honor Roll

1^st Grade:

2nd Grade:

3rd Grade:

 4th Grade:

5th Grade:

April 24, 2015-Pictures for Kindergarten Cap & Gown; Clubs; Who’s Who; Tenaha Baseball vs Mt Enterprise There 6:30 pm(Cancelled)

April 25, 2015-8 HR Bus Re-Cert Class in HS Computer Classroom

April 27, 2015-Afternoon band rehearsal

April 28, 2015-HS Band UIL C&CR in Troup; Tenaha Baseball vs Joaquin at Joaquin 6:30 pm

April 29, 2015-11 & 12 Grade Field Trip to Panola Women in Energy (Female students only) 10 am – 2 pm; 3rd Grade Field Trip to Tyler Zoo; Tenaha Baseball vs. Mt Enterprise There 6:30 p.m.

April 30, 2015-2nd Grade Field Trip to Sci-Port

May 1, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Dance in Café 7 pm – 9 pm; Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field Trip Ag Education Day in Center

May 2, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Dance in Cafetorium

May 5, 2015-Beta Induction; STAAR-EOC Algebra I; PK3 Field Trip to Mini Park
Splash Pad in Center

May 6, 2015- State Robotics in Kilgore; STAAR Testing EOC US History

May 7, 2015- STAAR Testing EOC US Biology; Tiger Fest 6:00 pm (Tiger Cafe open at 5:00 pm)

May 8, 2015- Beginners Band Festival in Canton

May 11, 2015-1st and 2nd Grades to Center Library; 4th & 5th Grade Robotics in Kilgore

May 12, 2015-Awards Banquet; JH Robotics in Kilgore

May 14, 2015-State Track; HS Band Trip to New York

May 15, 2015-State Track; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service 

Baseball
 

Tuesday, the Tigers beat Martinsville 6-1!!!! In Gary.... Tyler Davison throws a complete game and the Tigers bats rallied home 6 runs in Tenaha's third win of the year. It was great to see Coach Depriest in the dugout, Mrs. Colette on the books, and Abi's great smile at the ballpark. Great job Tigers!

Community

Tenaha Beautification and Events Hosting “Trash to Treasures” Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 9 am-3pm. Call 936-248-2681 or 936-248-5804 for more information.
 

The Miss Shelby County and Little Miss Shelby County Pageant that was scheduled for Saturday evening has been postponed. Organizers say they will reschedule and announce a date soon.

The Tenaha Baseball Game vs Mt. Enterprise has been cancelled for today and rescheduled to Wednesday, April 29.

COMMISSIONERS’ COURT

SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS

Notice is hereby given that a Special meeting of the Governing Body of the Shelby County Commissioners’ Court will be held on the 27th day of April, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. in the Courtroom of the Shelby County Courthouse at 200 San Augustine Street, Center, Shelby County, Texas to deliberate and consider action on the following items:

1.      Approve and pay monthly expenses.

2.      Public Comments on Agenda items.

3.      Gary Miller to address the Court concerning Rogers Harbor.

4.      Don and Tina McGuffin to address the court regarding resuming the maintenance on a portion of CR 4670.

5.      Kelly Holcomb and Brian Sims to give presentation regarding taking applications for On-Site Clean Water Act Section 319 grants for Attoyac Bayou.

6.      Approve the purchase of an integrated Case Management System from iDocket for the County Attorney, County Clerk, and County Judge.

7.      Adjourn.

The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering a Dental Assisting program.  The class is scheduled to begin Friday, June 5, 2015. Class time begins at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Merle Glass building on the Carthage Campus. The cost of the program is $1,799.00 and preregistration is required. For more information and to
register, contact the Continuing Education office at 903-693-2067, email:
ce@panola.edu.

The Panola College Workforce and Continuing Education office is now offering CNA – Certified Nurse Aide program. This class is scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2015 and will meet Monday through Thursday until July 16, 2015. Class time begins at 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. in the Merle Glass building on the Carthage Campus. The cost of the program is $675.00 and preregistration is required. For more information, contact the Continuing
Education office at 903-693-2067, email: ce@panola.edu.

This was a big week in the House of Representatives.  We passed a bill reaffirming that the state is the regulator of oil and gas activities, which would prevent rogue cities from banning oil and gas activity and harming our state economy.

We also passed HB 910, the open carry bill.  This law would allow current concealed handgun licensees to carry their gun openly if they chose.  Texas is one of only six states that does not allow some form of open carry.  HB 910 will bring Texans' Second Amendment rights up to speed with the majority of the country. 

I am proud to have supported both of these bills and look forward to seeing the Senate pass them and send them to Governor Abbott for his signature.

Also this week, I passed a bill guaranteeing important liability protections for our sports officials.  Currently, the committed folks who officiate our children's sporting events are subject to lawsuits for unintentional accidents that sometimes occur.  My bill works to provide a level of security for our dedicated officials, many of whom are paid nominally or not at all.

The House passed legislation to allow schools to work with high school seniors to ensure that they graduate.  Recognizing that not all children learn in the same ways or have the same needs, SB 149 would allow schools to set up graduation committees to provide an alternative path to graduation for our kids that have trouble with one-size-fits-all standardized testing.  These committees would work with the kids to make sure that if they are ready to graduate, they can.

The House also passed a constitutional amendment--you will hopefully get to vote on it in November--clarifying that property tax exemptions for the widows of disabled veterans are for all eligible widows, not just those that became eligible after we passed the passed the original constitutional amendment.

As the legislative session continues, I want to encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I want to hear your opinion regarding the issues that are important to you. It is with your input that I am able to best represent you. My office number is 512-463-0556 or district9.paddie@house.state.tx.us.

In sports,

Track & Field:

Cushing Area Meet

Several Shelbyville students qualified for the Region 3-2A Track Meet to be held in Palestine May 1-2. TaVion Barnes, Corey Bearden, Jeron Boykins, Mikel Carter, Malik Cartwright, Terrell Cartwright, Kal Metcalf, Dee Osby, Belinda Bohannon, Daisy Cartwright, Cleosha Jeter, Kyra Ross, Keonna Osby, Bailey Rabalais and Catasia Walker.

Baseball

It'll be a battle of two state-ranked teams tonight as the Center Roughriders and Carthage Bulldogs are scheduled to play the rubber game of their district schedule in Carthage tonight, weather permitting. After splitting the two previous meetings, this one could mean a lot in playoff seeding. Both teams are headed to the playoffs, and Carthage (8-1) has a half-game lead on Center (8-2). The Riders are to play a non-district game at Huffman Saturday.

In Dist. 23-2A last night, the Joaquin Rams and Timpson Bears go an extra inning with the Rams taking an 8-7 win in the 8^th when Nate Belrose scored on a passed ball. The win improves Joaquin to 7-5, while Timpson drops to 8-4 as both teams battle for a playoff spot. Today, the Rams host the Shelbyville Dragons (5-6) while the Bears are home against Martinsville. Also, in district play, Tenaha (3-8) goes to Mount Enterprise. Gary is in second at 9-3 and hosts 12-0 Beckville today.

In Dist. 24-2A, the top three are state-ranked with West Sabine at 13-0, Broaddus 14-1 and Colmesneil 11-3. The meeting on April 28 with Broaddus at West Sabine will likely be for the district championship. All three will represent the district in the playoffs.

Dist. 19-4A Standings

Carthage 8-1
Center 8-2 
Tatum 4-6

Rusk 3-6
Henderson 1-9
 

Softball

The Joaquin Lady Rams will play Slocum in a Class 2A Region III Bi-District series best two-out-of three next Thursday and Friday at Nacogdoches High School. First game is at 6 p.m. April 30, with the second game at 6 p.m., May 1. Third game, if necessary would follow game 2.

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons are in second in Dist. 22-2A and will finish district at Chireno Monday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Head coach Vance Vickers tells us it’s likely the Lady Dragons will likely play Dallardsville Big Sandy or Apple Springs. .

Car Show:

The City of San Augustine Main Street would like to invite you to enter the antique and muscle car show during the Heritage Festival on May 2. The chairs Billy Johnson and daughter Brittney Johnson are in charge of the event. It will take place Saturday May 2. Call to reserve your place, 936-201-9798 or 936-275-3172. Come out and enjoy the good food, farmers market, heritage demonstrations, information booths, arts and crafts vendors, shopping, educational presentations, storytelling, live entertainment and downtown walking tours.

Joaquin Athletic Boosters:

The Joaquin Athletic Booster Fundraiser $10,000 raffle will be held Monday, May 11 in conjunction with the high school athletic banquet. The tickets are $100 each for the drawing, with only 250 tickets sold. The drawing goes as follows: 1^st ticket drawn-$5,000, 2^nd-6^th tickets-$1,000 each. A total of $10,000 will be given away. There will not be a meal included with the drawing. If you would like to attend the athletic banquet as well, tickets for the meal will be on sell at the high school office at a later date. Tickets can be purchased from any Joaquin Athletic Booster member or the administration office.

DU Greenwing event:

After having to postpone in March due to wet weather, the Shelby County Ducks’ Unlimited annual Green Wing event has been rescheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6. According to Clint Tanner the location has been changed to a familiar site, Weldon Boles’ property off Old City Lake Road. Tanner said DU used that location previously. There will be prizes for all kids, along with Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens providing hunter safety, Mike Hudman with Black Water Retrievers with a dog demo and a free hot dog meal. All kids’ ages up to 17 are invited to attend. Mark your calendar for June 6, the Shelby County Ducks Unlimited Greenwing Event. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. The location is 245 CR 1006, Center. By the way, kids, bring your fishing pole. For more information call Clint Tanner at 936-332-4767 or Adam Reeves at 936-332-6420.

Mostly light rain approaching our region right now, but as the front changes, begins to continue backing up as a warm front, the moisture laden air will come with it and the heating of the day will allow more T-storms to form.  

The system should move thru fairly quickly and end by late this afternoon and evening.

Please stay tuned to your weather radio, or your favorite radio and TV stations for updates as this series of storms arrives in our area.

Expect hail, gusty winds, heavy rain under some of the more dense storms, and LOTS of dangerous lightning is associated with this event.

The movement of the showers South of the front is to the East North East at about 30 mph...Rainfall still only about 1/3 inch. That figure could easily change as these heavy rain area pass thru even with the fast movement.

Arrest Report

4/23/15—4/24/15

Shelby County:

Spencer Hubbard, 22, Center, Warrant-Theft

Shamus Ross, 35, Center, Warrant-Violation of Parole

Brandie Wright, 36, Center, Violation of Probation, Original Charge: Driving While Intoxicated-2^nd

San Augustine County:

Joshua Myers, 36, Bronson, Warrant-Intoxication Manslaughter (Incident occurred Jan. 2014)

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

The 37^th annual Center Broadcasting-Shelby County Bass Anglers’ Take a Kid Fishing Bream Tournament will be held on Toledo Bend at Huxley Bay Marina on Saturday, May 9.

We invite all children ages 3 to 15 years old to register for the free tournament.

Entry forms can be picked up at the Center Broadcasting studios at 307 San Augustine Street in Center, Huxley Bay Marina, Scarber’s Grocery & Trail’s End & RV in Huxley, First Bank and Trust East Texas in San Augustine, or Hometown Tackle in Center.   Participants must be preregistered no later than May 1st. 

Trophies will be awarded to each group and prizes will be available for each participant. 

Fishing begins at 6am, and all participants must be in the weigh-in line no later than 12:30pm.

You can go to the Center Broadcasting Company website, cbc-radio.com to download an entry form. For more information, contact the stations.

The Deep East Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting in Center Thursday and Executive Director Walter Diggles told Center Broadcasting that the regional governmental agency was very solvent, receiving one of the highest audits it ever has. However, he says the needs of the 12 counties outweigh the available funding.

He said, the DETCOG programs remain strong and operational, but even with one of the largest budgets they’ve had in many years at $20-millon.

"The problem is there are more needs than resources. He added it stresses some of the things they do, but they (DETCOG) are doing the best they can from their contractors."

Diggles says job layoffs associated with the decline in the oil and gas sector are presenting challenges. But he added DETCOG’s responsibility is to help stimulate job growth.

He commented that with the legislative session going on it always affects the economic viability of our state.

"We believe with the down-turn in the oil and gas business there’s a lot of challenges with lay-offs in the industry, such as the loss of 500 jobs at GE in Lufkin. Finding a good paying job for a family is the biggest hurdle."

He said DETCOG’s job is to create and stimulate some opportunities and be there with support they can. Diggles believes DETCOG will play an important role with that as they have in the past.

A San Augustine man is being held in the San Augustine County Jail on a charge of Indecency with a Child in connection to allegation he molested a 7-year old at a birthday party earlier this month.

The San Augustine Police Dept. says 33-year old Miguel Gomez was taken into custody after the child's mother reported the incident on April 13. She said Gomez touched her daughter inappropriately at a house on Grand Street as children were asleep inside the residence adults continued to party outside.

The victim's mother said her daughter ran outside crying and said Gomez had touched her.

After confronting Gomez he told the mother he was drunk and didn't know what he had done. However, Gomez brother said he had seen the suspect sitting on the bed and the little girl crying.

He's being held on $100,000 bond.

Obits:

Mangum Funeral Home announces service for 81-year old Laura Ellon Bounds Phelps Rainbolt of Center. She passed away Wednesday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Mangum Funeral Home. Among Laura Rainbolt’s survivors are children, Mark & Jane Phelps of Center, Jon Rholes of Kyle and Laura Jo & Kirk Richardson of Jasper; sister, Margaret Ihlo of Center; and brother, Walter “Buster” Bounds & wife, Carolyn of Center. In Lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the Pinkston/Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, (Memo: In memory of Walter Rainbolt) or the First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter St, Center, Texas 75935.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 87-year old Weldon “Chuck” Tamplin of Huxley. He passed away Thursday in New Braunfels. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Service will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Watson & Sons Chapel, with interment in the Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Survivors and additional information will be announced later.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 66-year old Richard Harding Hallett “Rick Magee” of Shelbyville. He passed away Wednesday in Nacogdoches. Service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 29 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. He was an ordained minister. Among Rick Magee’s survivors are his children, Morgan Magee of Center, Collin & Colt Bush of Center and Isaac Magee of Georgia; and sister, Ellen Dominique of Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Oklahoma City.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces service for 33-year old Allen Paul Shuemaker of Tenaha. He passed away Tuesday at his residence. Service will be at 4 p.m. today at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, with interment at Buckner Cemetery in Center. Among Allen Paul Shuemaker's survivors are sons, Matthew Colby Shuemaker of Kirbyville and Chance Allen Shuemaker of Joaquin; parents, Bobby and Manuela Shuemaker of Tenaha; and sister, Lee Ann Shuemaker of Dallas.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 77-year old Charlie Mack Bussey of Center. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to graveside at Watson & Sons Funeral Home beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home announces graveside service for 63-year old Margie Dockens Garrett of Joaquin. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin.

Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson announces service for 72-year old James Wesley Kellum of Timpson. He passed away Wednesday at his home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in the Silas Community, with interment at Mt. Oliver Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at Taylor Funeral Home. He was a logger. Among James Wesley Kellum’s survivors is his wife, Judy; son, Joshua & Candace Kellum; daughter, Jennifer & Terry Johnson; step-sons, Ritchie Arnold,  and James & Donna Arnold; step-daughters, Michele Cheavens and January & Steven Turner.

Taylor Funeral Home announces graveside service for 92-year old Mary Ruth Green McKibben. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson.

Community Funeral Home of Center announces service for 93-year old Mrs. Christine Lane of Lufkin, formerly of Center. Service will be at 1 p.m. today at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church in Center, with interment at Westview Cemetery in Center.

Community Funeral Home of Timpson announces service for 82-year old Ben Johnson, Jr. of Timpson. Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson, with interment at Antioch Cemetery in Timpson.

Weldon "Chuck" Tamplin, 87, of Huxley, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 in New Braunfels.

Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, April 25, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30PM, Sunday, April 26, 2015 in the Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow in the Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Survivors and additional information to follow later.

James Wesley Kellum, 72, of Timpson, Texas passed away athis home on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, surrounded by his family. 

James was born on February 25, 1943 to hisparents, Wesley Wayne Kellum  and DonnieDelia Broseh Kellum. 

Funeral services for James will take place Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Timpson.  Brother Eric Pledger will officiate.  Interment will follow immediately at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Visitation for James will be on Friday, April 24, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. 

James was born in the community of Silas, Texas.  He lived in Silas his whole life. He attended Timpson High School. He owned Kellum Logging and cut timber for the area formany, many years before retiring.   

During his life he enjoyed anything having to do with the outdoors.  Fishing andhunting were among his favorite pastimes. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.  James was a faithful member of the Mt. OliveBaptist Church. 

James is survived by his loving wife, Judy.  They met on a blind date arranged by one ofhis cousins.  On May 21, 1994, they weremarried.  He is also survived by his son Joshua Kellum and his wife, Candace; daughter, Jennifer Johnson and her husband, Terry; step-sons Ritchie Arnold and James Arnold and his wife, Donna;step-daughters Michele Cheavens and January Turner and her husband Steven;grandchildren Jessica, Jaycee, Travis, Jeramie, Janna, Bradlee, T.J., David,Chasity, Ashley, Nadina, River, Jordan, Michael, Jace, Piper, Zachary, Jacoband Addison, as well as four great grandchildren. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, one sister DonnaStone and one grandson Jonathan Kellum.

Pallbearers for James will be Jessie Pipes, Joe Pledger, Mike Pledger, Chris Pate, Larry Malloy and Phillip Baker.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bubba Arnold, Ritchie Arnoldand Steven Turner. 

In order to convey your condolences or sign an onlineregister, please visitwww.taylorfh.net.  

Sheriff Willis Blackwell reports that on Saturday, April 18, 2015, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Kurtes Lawrence, while on routine patrol on FM 417 West, noticed a vehicle parked on County Road 1042 facing oncoming traffic. 

Lawrence approached the vehicle and saw a white female in the driver’s seat that appeared to be passed out. 

Lawrence checked the status of the female and identified her as Gena Cheshire, W/F 36 years old of Center, Texas. 

During the course of the investigation, Cheshire was asked to step from the vehicle.  In the process of exiting her vehicle, she attempted to conceal an unknown item in her hand, later identified as drug paraphernalia. 

Also discovered, was a clear plastic bag containing a white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a plastic bottle containing white oval tablets. 

A field test was conducted and turned a positive result for methamphetamine and the pills were discovered to be a prescribed narcotic. 

Cheshire was arrested for Poss. Of a Controlled Substance (two counts) and Poss. of drug paraphernalia. 

Justice of Peace Pct. 2 Marla Denby set bond at $10,000 and $5,000 for both possession charges.

Gena Cheshire

The Joaquin Public Safety Corporation will meet in special session Tuesday , April, 28 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the Joaquin City Office located at 124 N. Preston, Joaquin, Texas.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1.        Call to order, establish quorum & welcome guest 

2.        Board approval of the previous month’s minutes.

3.        Board approval of bills paid and to be paid.

4.        Review of financial standing of JPSD  Corporation

5.       Approval of new  terms

6.       Adjourn.

IF during the course of the of the meeting, any discussion of items on the Agenda should be held   in executive or closed session, the Board will convene in executive or closed session, in accordance With the Texas Open Meetings Act, Governmental Code Section 551 and Texas Revised Civil Statutes.

Posted by Amanda Willey- City Secretary – Thursday, April 23, 2015 @ 3:52 p.m.

BAILEY RETIREMENT RECEPTION - Longtime Tenaha City Secretary Doyce Bailey was honored with a retirement party Thursday afternoon at Tenaha City Hall. Ms. Bailey will officially leave the position she's held for 34 years on April 30. A room-full of family, friends and officials were on hand for the occasion to wish her well. Former Mayor George Bowers (right) was the guest speaker for the event and praised Ms. Bailey for her dedication to her job over the years, taking a lead with many community events and attention to detail. He added the city had accomplished a lot in her years that he was proud of. Ms. Bailey said people have always been very nice to her and she was most thankful for that. Ms. Bailey said during her time at city hall she's only worked for two mayors. Bowers served 56-years as mayor. Mayor Orinthia Johnson (left) presented Ms. Bailey a plaque from the city in a show of appreciation. Center Broadcasting Photo

The Joaquin Lady Rams will meet Slocum in a Class 2A Region III Bi-District Softball best two-out-of three series.

First Game - Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 pm
Second Game - Friday, May 1st at 6:00 pm
Third game to follow thirty minutes after second game is finished if
necessary.
All games will be played at Nacogdoches High School.

Richard Harding Hallett “Rick Magee”, 66, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Charlie Bush officiating. 

He was born February 26, 1949 in Rhode Island to Richard Hallett and Katharine Jones Hallett.  He was an ordained minister and was active in the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

He is survived by

Children:

Morgan Magee of Center

Collin Bush and husband, Colt, of Center

Isaac Magee of Alpharetta, Georgia

Grandchildren:

Jacelyn Rhone

Carson Bush

Cambree Bush

Sister: Ellen Dominique of Columbia, Missouri

Preceded in death by

Father: Richard Hallett

Mother: Katharine Jones Magee

Step-father: Wayne Magee

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

LUFKIN - Some local high school students went the extra mile to support safe driving and earned their schools some Project Celebration money while doing it.

Texas Department of Transportation this month paired with Pay Attention East Texas (PAET), a regional traffic safety coalition group, along with other public and private sponsors to promote a public service announcement contest for area high school seniors to win funds for their Project Celebration event following graduation ceremonies. The event is a night-long drug and alcohol free celebration with many local sponsors.

The students submitted Public Service Announcements on subjects of their choosing that pertained to safe driving. TxDOT and local law enforcement officials chose the top three local PSA winners in the Lufkin District based on individual messages, quality and uniqueness.
The videos were created by the students not only to earn extra money for their graduation celebrations but also to help educate their peers on a variety of traffic safety issues including seatbelt safety, distracted driving or speeding.

Winners of the competition in the TxDOT Lufkin District were: First Place - Martinsville High School in Nacogdoches County that was awarded $1000; Second Place - Douglass High School in Nacogdoches County that was awarded $800; Third Place - Hudson High School that was awarded $600.

The annual contest is open to any area high school that wants to participate.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov<mailto:Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov> or (936) 633-4395.

On Wednesday, April 22nd, Kelsie Waller attended the Texas Garden Club Convention in Tyler, TX. She presented her speech and was awarded First place and a $500 scholarship. Congratulations to CHS Senior Kelsie Waller!

Laura Ellon Bounds Phelps Rainbolt, 81, of Center, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in Nacogdoches.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Karen Jones officiating, eulogy and remarks given by Martha Lou Carroll. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, April 24, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born January 27, 1934 in Many, LA to Walter Morris and Johnyne (Phillips) Bounds. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Center and Beta Sigma Phi.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, Walter and Johnyne Bounds, Husband, Walter C. “Bo” Rainbolt, Son, Randy Phelps and Son, Walter Rainbolt.

She is survived by:

Children:

Mark & Jane Phelps of Center

Jon Rholes of Kyle

Laura Jo & Kirk Richardson of Jasper

Grandchildren:

Dianne Phelps

Kelly Bara & husband, Troy

Ryan Rholes & wife, Irina Burcott-Rholes

Cassidy & Caiden Rainbolt

Avery, Alex & Alivia Richardson

2 Great Grandchildren:

Finley Bara

Sofia Rholes

Sister:

Margaret Ihlo of Center

Brother:
Walter “Buster” Bounds & wife, Carolyn of Center

Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Pallbearers:
Larry Horn, Murray Mathews, Steve Tinkle, Chris Mayfield,

Roy Blackshear, Daniel Harris, Steve Ramsey & Clay Ihlo

In Lieu of flowers, family request donations be made to the Pinkston/Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 152, Center, Texas 75935 (Memo: In memory of Walter Rainbolt) or the First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter St, Center, Texas 75935

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

April 24, 2015-Pictures for Kindergarten Cap & Gown; Clubs; Who’s Who; Tenaha Baseball vs Mt Enterprise There 6:30 pm

April 25, 2015-8 HR Bus Re-Cert Class in HS Computer Classroom

April 27, 2015-Afternoon band rehearsal

April 28, 2015-HS Band UIL C&CR in Troup; Tenaha Baseball vs Joaquin at Joaquin 6:30 pm

April 29, 2015-11 & 12 Grade Field Trip to Panola Women in Energy (Female students only) 10 am – 2 pm; 3rd Grade Field Trip to Tyler Zoo

April 30, 2015-2nd Grade Field Trip to Sci-Port

May 1, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Dance in Café 7 pm – 9 pm; Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field Trip Ag Education Day in
Center

May 2, 2015-Regional Track; State JH Robotics in Duncanville; JH Dance in Cafetorium

May 5, 2015-Beta Induction; STAAR-EOC Algebra I; PK3 Field Trip to Mini Park
Splash Pad in Center

May 6, 2015- State Robotics in Kilgore; STAAR Testing EOC US History

May 7, 2015- STAAR Testing EOC US Biology; Tiger Fest 6:00 pm (Tiger Cafe open at 5:00 pm)

May 8, 2015- Beginners Band Festival in Canton

May 11, 2015-1st and 2nd Grades to Center Library; 4th & 5th Grade Robotics in Kilgore

May 12, 2015-Awards Banquet; JH Robotics in Kilgore

May 14, 2015-State Track; HS Band Trip to New York

May 15, 2015-State Track; Student Holiday/Teacher In-Service 


Baseball

Tuesday, the Tigers beat Martinsville 6-1!!!! In Gary.... Tyler Davison throws a complete game and the Tigers bats rallied home 6 runs in Tenaha's third win of the year. It was great to see Coach Depriest in the dugout, Mrs. Colette on the books, and Abi's great smile at the ballpark. Great job Tigers!

Community

The City of Tenaha will honor Mrs. Doyce Bailey with a retirement reception at City Hall today, April 23, 2015 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Tenaha Beautification and Events Hosting “Trash to Treasures” Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 9 am-3pm. Call 936-248-2681 or 936-248-5804 for more information.

Agriculture

If your child attends Tenaha ISD and is in the 3rd grade and 8 years old, and you are interested in them showing an animal next school year please contact Mrs. Armstrong-Richey by calling 936-248-5000 ext 501 or email armstrongashley@tenahaisd.com

Thanks, Mrs. Richey

    

Pictures:

April 24-Kindergarten cap and gown, Clubs, Who's Who

Allen Paul Shuemaker, 33, of Tenaha, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Randall Smith officiating.  Interment will follow at Buckner Cemetery in Center.

Allen was born October 9, 1981 in Shelby County to Bobby Shuemaker and Manuela Wilkinson Shuemaker.

He is survived by

Sons:

Matthew Colby Shuemaker of Kirbyville

Chance Allen Shuemaker of Joaquin

Parents: Bobby and Manuela Shuemaker of Tenaha

Sister: Lee Ann Shuemaker of Dallas

Numerous aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by

Grandparents: Mozelle Wilkinson, Mitchell Wilkinson, Gladys Boykin, Woodrow Shuemaker

Pallbearers will be Tommy Joe Wilkinson, Michael Stringer, Jason Stringer, Matthew Turner, Tommy Lee Amburn and Bobby Cumberland.  Honorary pallbearer will be Billy Cook.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

The storms earlier this morning have died out and the reminants have mover East.  

It will take the afternoon heating to redevelop these T-storms. If and when that occurs we could see them quickly turn severe.  

As we have been watching our favorite TV and weather stations there has been a migration to a new series  of nomenclatures. I have not watched every station on air, but those I do watch have all started to display this new storm risk categorization. We are in the ENHANCED area for storm development. Rain is still expected in the1-2 inch range which will cause the current flooding to continue for a longer period.

Monday and Tuesday will bring another round of rain in the amount of 1-2 inches.  These are all Spring type T-storms associated with our high temperatures and high humidity.  

Mid week we should see drier weather push into our area from the West.

This week, we recognized the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, the deciding battle in Texas' War for Independence. In a sneak attack on General Santa Anna's army, General Sam Houston led the Texas forces to victory in a battle that lasted less than 20 minutes. We have those brave men and women to thank for our beautiful state.

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

1.      Border Security

The Senate approved an omnibus border security bill which would expand the presence of state troopers on the Texas-Mexico border. This bill would allow the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to hire retired officers to assist with background checks and create a multi-agency crime information-sharing network based in the Rio Grande Valley. It will also increase state criminal penalties for human smuggling, as well as require DPS to investigate the feasibility of helping federal authorities at international border checkpoints. The Senate has appropriated approximately $815 million in border security funding for the next two years.

2.      Armed Services Scholarship

My office is accepting applications for the Texas Armed Forces Scholarship Program, which provides up to $10,000 per academic year to students participating in ROTC programs at local colleges and universities.

Among other requirements a student must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, rank in the top third of their graduating class, enroll in an eligible ROTC program  and submit an essay explaining why you believe military service is important and how you would fulfill the requirements of the scholarship.

For all eligibility requirements please visit https://www.hhloans.com. If you live in Senate District 3 and meet the criteria above, please send required essay and proof of academic eligibility to  robert.nichols@senate.state.tx.us. Applications must be received no later than July 31, 2015. For any questions please contact my office at 903-589-3003.

3.      Agency Contracting

Following concerns with contracting at the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the members of the House General Investigating and Ethics Committee have launched an investigation into the contracting practices of 11 state agencies. These include the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Education Agency and the Department of Public Safety.

The purpose is to determine if the "procurement irregularities" in HHSC's contracting process is occurring in all state agencies.  The agencies will be required to provide information on emergency contracts, sole-source contracts and cooperative contracts that involved at least $1 million to be paid to a single vendor since Sept. 1, 2012.  As the state relies heavily on contracting for the delivery of services throughout our state, it is important to ensure its contracting processes are transparent and ethical. 

4.      Patent Trolls 

Last week, I told you about SB 1457, which aims to rein in non-practicing entities, or ''patent trolls' who send bad faith letters to small businesses and financial institutions claiming patent infringement. If someone makes a bad faith claim, the Office of Attorney General would be authorized to bring legal action against the violator.

This week, I passed that bill out of the Texas Senate with a unanimous vote of support. I am pleased the state is taking one more step towards ensuring we are providing protection against frivolous lawsuits designed to extort money from small businesses.

5.      Day of the Cowboy

Texas is joining nine other states in dedicating the fourth Saturday in July as the 'National Day of the Cowboy'. This day seeks to commemorate the rich and enduring cowboy heritage which is present in the United States and especially in Texas.

In a time when there was no written law on the range, it was necessary for a cowboy/cowgirl to frame their own code for personal conduct which centered on fair play, loyalty, honesty, integrity and a solid work ethic. As we continue in this legislative session, it might be good for those of us in the Capitol to remember this code and try to live by it.

Cowboy Code of Conduct:

1. Live each day with honesty and courage.

2. Take pride in your work. Always do your best.

3. Stay curious. Study hard and learn all you can.

4. Do what has to be done and finish what you start.

5. Be tough, but fair.

6. When you make a promise, keep it.

7. Be clean in thought, word, deed, and dress.

8. Practice tolerance and understanding of others.

9.  Be willing to stand up for what’s right.

10. Be an excellent steward of the land and its animals.

Would you like to create a sustainable future in bees by raising bees in your backyard? Would you like to learn more about beekeeping and plants for attracting these beneficial insects?

The newly formed Shelby County Beekeepers Club will meet Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at the active Shelby County courthouse, 2^nd floor meeting room from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.   Bring a sack lunch and come engage with other novice and expert local beekeepers as we share information on beekeeping.

The club is designed to encourage, assist and educate others in the wonderful experience of keeping honey bees. Some topics we will address in upcoming meetings include:  bee basics, apiary equipment and hive assembly, selecting a site, feeding and treating bees, types of bees, nectar and pollen plants, honey extracting and seasonal management. We will also explore taking a field trip to local beekeepers operation to learn and experience hands-on skills.  There are no fees or dues required to participate in this club, just an interest in beekeeping!

Remember: Honey bees are a gardener's best friend; they pollinate fruit trees, vegetables and other garden plants plus provide a valuable product. . . HONEY!

For more information on Shelby County Beekeepers Club contact Mike Bordelon 936-332-4457 or cmb1@eastex.net regarding club information or Lane Dunn, CEA-Ag/NR jldunn@ag.tamu.edu and Jheri-Lynn McSwain, CEA-FCS at 936-598-7744 or jheri-lynn.smith@ag.tamu.edu regarding Extension resources/information on beekeeping.

The following Shelbyville students qualified for the Region 3-2A Regional Track Meet to be held in Palestine, TX on May 1-2, 2015.

TaVion Barnes, Corey Bearden, Jeron Boykins, Mikel Carter, Malik Cartwright, Terrell Cartwright, Kal Metcalf, Dee Osby, Belinda Bohannon, Daisy Cartwright, Cleosha Jeter, Kyra Ross, Keonna Osby, Bailey Rabalais and Catasia Walker.

Congratulations Dragons!!

“Good pond management is essential to having a pond that will provide recreation and fish for the pond owner,” stated Lane Dunn, Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension Agent for agriculture. To help pond owners become better managers, the A&M AgriLife Extension Service will sponsor a Farm Pond Management Seminar on May 5th, 2015 starting at 6pm.

The late afternoon program will focus on topics that include stocking rates, water quality for fish, weed identification and control with chemical and biological methods.

Stan Smith with Aquatic Management Services of Tyler will be covering “Weed Identification, Control, Water Quality and Stocking rates”. Ken Hale with Boatcycle out of Henderson will be discussing weed control using Tilapia. Both have spoken to producers all over East Texas and have worked with owners of small ponds and large lakes. Jheri-Lynn McSwain, CEA-FCS will present “Ways to Prepare Delicious Fish Dishes”. Individuals may bring pond water samples to be tested for water quality. Weed samples may also be brought for identification.

The seminar will be held at the Weldon Boles farm in Center. Take 96 South for 3 miles toward San Augustine, turn left on CR 1006 (Old City Lake Road). Turn at brown pipe fence on left. Please bring lawn chairs. No registration fee will be charged.

Those who attend will receive 2.0 CEU’s towards the requirements for the private applicators license. Please R.S.V.P. by April 30, 2015 by contacting the Shelby County Extension office at (936) 598-7744 for meal purposes.

Anyone needing special assistance at an Extension Program should contact the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Office of Shelby County at (936) 598-7744 at least one week prior to the program or event.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

If you're an AT&T Internet, Fiber TV or Fiber phone customers, you're service was likely interrupted yesterday. AT&T is reporting an outage occured just after 4 p.m. Wednesday when a fiber cable was cut in the Houston area. Service was restored about 2:15 a.m. this morning.

Widely scattered showers are beginning to redevelop over deep East Texas and parts of Toledo Bend country... all along I-20 where the cold front and upper air disturbances are located. Movement was to the East at 35 mph. It will all begin to move our way as the front continues its march Southward. Rainfall amounts over the next hour or two will be less than a tenth of an inch in most areas. We can expect additional coverage with isolated thunderstorms developing as a large complex of T-storms in Dallas moves South and East into our area and helps to lift the air and continue into new developing storms. Our rain...9-10am.

I should have a better view after the 10 am NWS briefing. 

In sports,

Track & Field:

The Class 4A area track and field meet was held at Carthage Wednesday and all three boys’ relay teams, along with Arnol Escobedo in the 800 meter run are headed to the regional meet May 1 & 2 in Huntsville at Sam Houston State University.

4x100 relay: Sophomores, Joe King and Octavious Evans and Juniors, Sayoddrick Barnes and Dacorey McGee.

4x200 relay: Sophomores, Joe King, Octavious Evans, and Adrian Johnson, and Junior Sayoddrick Barnes.

Mile Relay: Sophomores Octavious Evans and Kyle Parks, and Juniors, Arnol Escobedo and Sayoddrick Barnes.

There’s also a good number of athletes from the area’s 2A schools that qualified for the region meet in Palestine next weekend at area meets Wednesday in San Augustine and Cushing. We’ll have those regional qualifiers as they become available.

Baseball

The Center Roughriders and Carthage Bulldogs are scheduled to play the rubber game of their district schedule in Carthage Friday night, weather permitting. After splitting the two previous meetings, this one could mean a lot in playoff seeding. Both teams are headed to the playoffs, and Carthage (8-1) has a half-game lead on Center (8-2). NOTE: The Riders were to have played White Oak in a double-header Saturday, that has been cancelled.

State-ranked Beckville has taken the District 23-2A championship (12-0), with Gary, Timpson and Joaquin trying to get in the playoffs. Gary (9-3) goes to Beckville Friday, Timpson (8-3) heads to Joaquin (6-5) tonight, with the Bears at home against Martinsville Friday. Other games scheduled: Tenaha (3-8) goes to Shelbyville (5-6) at 5:30 p.m. today, Shelbyville goes to Joaquin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, and Tenaha will play Mount Enterprise Friday.

In Dist. 24-2A, the top three are state-ranked with West Sabine at 13-0, Broaddus 14-1 and Colmesneil 11-3. The meeting on April 28 with Broaddus at West Sabine will likely be for the district championship. All three will represent the district in the playoffs.

Dist. 19-4A Standings

Carthage 8-1
Center 8-2 
Tatum 4-6

Rusk 3-6
Henderson 1-9

Softball

The Shelbyville Lady Dragons have taken over second place in Dist. 22-2A and will finish district at Chireno next Monday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Head coach Vance Vickers tells us it’s likely the Lady Dragons will likely play Dallardsville Big Sandy or Apple Springs. More will be known when the season officially ends Friday.

Dist. 22-2A

1.    Zavalla

2.    Shelbyville