Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a recent theft that occurred in the 11000 block of Highway 7 W. On Saturday, October 28, between the hours of 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., a Polaris RZR PRO R was removed from the residence by an unknown person(s). If you have any information regarding this theft, or you noticed anything suspicious during this time, please contact Lieutenant Investigator Chad Hooper or Investigator Aaron at the SCSO at 936-598-5601.

Hallelujah Night 2023 is coming up, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 6:00 til 8:00 p.m. It will be filled with fun stuff for the kiddos, Jesus Music, Jesus people, and Jesus Atmosphere!! Everyone is welcome!! Location: Center Christian Fellowship, 2471 Highway 96 North, Center, TX 75935.

The staff and Friends of the Library of the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library in Center would like to thank all the workers who volunteered their time to make this book sale a success. We would also like to thank everyone who made donations of books and our customers who bought them. We hope everyone had a great time and got lots of good books to read. We would like to remind everyone that we still need workers to take down everything on Tuesday.

EMMA LEWIS TAKES THE CAKE

WINNER OF 2023 SHELBY COUNTY POULTRY FESTIVAL

BAKED GOODS CONTEST

It is with great pleasure that we announce Emma Lewis as the proud winner of the 2023 Shelby County Poultry Festival Baked Goods Contest.

Her exceptional chicken-themed cake stole the hearts of judges and onlookers, and it was purchased by Tomlin Insurance, making this victory even sweeter.

This year's contest, held on Friday October 6,2023, celebrated the delicious artistry of home bakers, and Emma Lewis certainly stood out. Her cake was a masterpiece, meticulously decorated with a poultry theme that perfectly captured the spirit of the Shelby County Poultry Festival.

Tomlin Insurance, a prominent and community-focused business, played a significant role in supporting this year's contest. Their purchase of Emma Lewis's winning cake is a testament to their commitment to local talent and the spirit of this beloved festival. Congratulations once again to Emma Lewis for her outstanding achievement.

If you have questions about this wellness program, please contact Feleshia Thompson, County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health at 598-7744 or feleshia.thompson@ag.tamu.edu or follow us on Facebook at Shelby Extension Service.

### 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 Sabine County Beekeepers will meet for our monthly meeting on Monday November 6th. at 6:30PM. We meet every 1st Monday of the month at 6:30PM at the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, on the square, downtown Hemphill. We welcome the public to come out and join us. We have no dues, or officers. This is for anyone interested in becoming a new beekeeper or an already experienced beekeeper. For more info, call James at (409)625-4787.

The Center Police Department's Blue Santa program is getting ready to load the sleigh and needs your help. Blue Santa is asking for donations of new toys, books, or clothes for all ages of boys and girls. Monetary donations are also welcomed, and can be given in the form of Cash, or Check, mailed to P.O. Box 322 Center, Tx 75935 or through Paypal @BlueSantaCPD

Toy request forms will be ready to be picked up starting November 1st. If you know of any child in Shelby County that may not have any Santa this Christmas, please have their parent/guardian fill out this form. One for each child and turn back into the Center Police Department Dispatch, Shelby County Today, or The Light & Champion. This form will need to be returned to the PD no later than Monday, December 4th, 2023. Any form turned in after the due date will NOT be accepted. This ensures us plenty of time to get all the toys we will need.

Forms or Monetary donations can also be mailed to OPERATION BLUE SANTA at P.O. Box 322 Center, Tx 75935. If you would like to donate new toys, clothing, hygiene items please bring them to the Center Police Dept. Boys and girls of all ages will be needed, infant to 15yrs old. The entire Blue Santa team would like to thank everyone for your generous donation to the Blue Santa program. With your donation and others like yours, we will be able to provide Christmas to many children in Shelby County. Again, thank you, we cannot do it without you! Let Blue Santa help You make a Childs Christmas blessed this year. Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is scheduled for December 3rd 2pm – 4pm. At the Center Community House. This is our BIG Toy Drive, and we are very excited to be having it again this year. Enjoy Cookies & Cocoa, and FREE pictures with Santa, and bring in a toy to donate, and be entered into our raffle for a 32 in Tv and a Christmas movie watching goody basket, and a $100 Ivan Smith Furniture Gift Card. If you are interested in donating any items such as supplies for cocoa, cookies, or any type of finger foods please contact Amy at the Center PD.

Operation Blue Santa is excited to do the Window Decorating contest again. It was a big hit last year. Everyone loves to decorate for Christmas, but lets make a contest out of it make and do it for a good cause. Join in the Holiday Festivities by decorating your storefront/windows or entryways . All funds go towards Operation Blue Santa’s Toy Drive helping us to make a child’s Christmas blessed this year. Entry Fees are $100 per business, and open to all Shelby County businesses. 1st, 2nd , and 3rd place cash prize winners with Certificate of Bragging rights. All entries need to be submitted by Dec 4th 4pm, with voting to be done on Dec 11th by Operation Blue Santa & CPD Ladies Auxiliary committee . Inside or Outside display as long as it is visible to the public. Pictures of the entries will be posted to the Operation Blue Santa Facebook page. Payments can be Cash/Check or Paypal @BlueSantaCPD Applications can be picked up at the Center Police Dept 1020 Shelbyville St, or email a request to Alindley@centertexas.org or mailed to P. O. Box 322 Center, Tx 75935

Thank You, from the Operation Blue Santa Team!

the book sale at the Fannie Brown Booth Library here in Center. It starts today at 10 a.m. and continues through Saturday, Oct. 28th during regular library hours. For more information call 598-5522.

SHELBYVILLE DRAGONS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL GAME VS GARY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 26 AT 4:30 IN SHELBYVILLE. ONE GAME.

Scare Tactics is an annual production by New Life Church now in its 12th year. The production includes live action drama, video scenes, costumes, make-up, lights, sound effects, interaction with the audience, and a short gospel message. Scare Tactics presents an all-new production each year to keep the experience exciting and fresh. So, if you've seen Scare Tactics before you haven't seen this one! This presentation is based on a TV show by the same name, in which participants wish to scare friends or family. In our version they are trying to scare others about the importance of our decisions concerning eternity (Heaven or Hell). Nights of production are

10/29  6:00 p.m.-8:00p.m.

10/30  7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.

10/31  7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.

11/1  7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.

11/2  7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.

The UIL State Marching Contest will be live streamed Oct. 25, 2023 You can watch it by going to EastTexasToday.com and click on high school marching contest.

BEIRUT BARRACKS BOMBING REMEMBRANCE

On Sunday morning, October 23, 1983 at 0622 hours, two truck bombs, detonated by suicide bombers struck a Marine compound in Beirut, Lebanon that housed 300 service members of the Multination Force during a peacekeeping operation in the Lebanese Civil War. Killed were 220 Marines, 18 sailors and 3 soldiers making this incident the deadliest single-day death toll for the US Marine Corps since the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

In honor and remembrance of the 241 US service personnel who died that day 39 years ago, Post Commander Richard Lundie along with Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 and the Auxiliary will have a wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse, Center, Texas at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 23RD, 2022. Fellow veterans and the public are cordially invited to attend. (Attached is a graphic if your media supports it.}

Carriston Hendricks to speak at the October Lunch and Learn

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer and fund research, treatments and a cure. Carriston Hendricks, a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Priority Family Healthcare, will be the speaker for the October Lunch and Learn. The October Lunch and Learn will be Wednesday, October 25 th at noon at the AgriLife Extension Office located at 266 Nacogdoches Street.

About 1 in 8 U.S. women and 1 in 833 men will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lives. According to “Living Beyond Breast Cancer”, in 2022, an estimated 290,560 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. along with 51,400 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. An estimated 43,780 people will lose their lives to metastatic breast cancer. These numbers remind us there is still a lot of work to be done. Carriston will share her knowledge about breast health and breast cancer. She will also be available to answer questions.

The Lunch and Learns are open to everyone. Lunch is provided. Please RSVP to 598-7744 or to 598-3682. For information contact the Chamber offices at 598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

2023 Health Fair Cancelled Mammogram Units and Gulf Coast Blood Mobile will still be available The 2023 Health and Fitness Fair which was scheduled for October 20 th has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The Mammogram Units and Gulf Coast Blood Mobile will still set up at the Windham Civic Center for those who have made appointments. We apologize for the cancellation.

Women in the military have a history that extends over 400 years into the past throughout a large number of cultures and nations. World Wars I and II saw over 362,000 American women serving during war time. Today women make up 16% of the US military enlisted and 19% of the officer corps and their role has changed significantly over the years from clerical duties to ground combat soldiers to fighter pilots.

Post member, US Army Veteran, Sergeant First Class (Retired), Mary Roberts and the Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904, and the Auxiliary will honor the service and sacrifice of all women veterans with a Memorial Wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse on Wednesday, October 18th at 10:00 a.m. Veterans and the public are cordially invited.

The Toledo Bend Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society will be cooking Saturday October 21st , and every 3rd Saturday at Boles Field outside of Shelbyville, Texas. The public is invited to bring a covered dish while watching and learning about the art of Dutch Oven cooking and if up to the challenge become a member. We start cooking about 9:00 am and have pots on the table at 12 noon. Bring your lawn chairs and join us. Dues are $20 a family. Donations are appreciated. Call James at 409-625-4787 for more information.

The members of the James Antioch community are serving a meal on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. They will have Chicken and Dumplings with Cornbread and Chilli with rice and crackers for $8.00 per meal and the meal will include cookies and an ice cold drink. This will happen at the James - Antioch Community Building that is just off HWY 7 E close to the James Store. We will appreciate you coming to have lunch or supper with us to help us keep the Community Center open for events and as a place for quilters to quilt and sew. Ellen Manning 598 3081

TRI-COUNTY HARVEST FOR HOMES WILL HAVE A PRODUCE DROP ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11,2023 AT 9 AM IN THE IVAN SMITH'S PARKING LOT.

Volunteers working to bring Shelby County an animal shelter and related
pet support programs has announced it will be hosting its fall
Howl-O-Ween FUN-raiser from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14.

Happy Tails Adoption Center (HTAC) Animal Shelter of Shelby County
invites the community to the family oriented, dog-focused Spook-Tacular
event at the covered basketball pavilion at Portacool Park in Center.
The event is free and open to the public with contests for dogs and
activities for youngsters.

While the admission is free and open to the public, preregistration for
a $25 donation will include a colorful Hall-O-Ween t-shirt and a doggie
bandana, according to Stephanie Elswick, president. Online registration
can be done at happytailstexas.org [1].

The t-shirt features the Happy Tails mascot, “Scrappy” in his
ghostly fun Halloween costume.

Registration can also be handled by forwarding a check to: Happy Tails
Texas, P.O. Box 1049, Center, TX 75935. Be sure to indicate the size of
the t-shirt with the mailed in registration.

“We’re excited to have balloon artist Leah Chase and her Chasing a
Twist on hand to provide free balloon shapes to youngsters,” Elswick
said. The Center High School culinary program will provide Shakin’
Lemonades and food will be provided by The Fluffly Dumplin’ and Fryz
food trucks.

Elswick said there will be costume contests for dogs along with other
canine oriented contests. Best biscuit catcher, waggiest dog tails, a
pet and owner look-alike contest, best trick, best dog overbite and more
competitions will be held with ribbons going to the winning pets.

“There will be kids’ activities, including pumpkin painting and face
painting along with an inflatable bounce house and more,” she said.
Fundraising raffles will be held and musical sits for pets and musical
chairs for youngsters will be held with prizes in both categories.

For more information, please visit the organization’s Facebook page at
Happy Tails Texas (HTAC), or their website at: happytailstexas.org [1].
 

The 47th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, Sponsored by Farmers State Bank starts tomorrow at 10:00am!

Today at 4:00, San Augustine Street between the Payne building and Light and Champion will be closed as well as Austin Street from the Probation Office to Citizens Bank. All intersections will remain open.

Roads will be open again on Sunday morning.

Enjoy the Festival!

10 th Annual Halloween in the Hole

Presented by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office &

John Burns, Farmers Insurance

This year’s event will take place Oct. 31, 2023 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Center High School baseball field. Kids dressed in costumes 13 and under are invited to an evening of trick-or-treat fun!

Table reservations are required to pass out candy and treats to trick-or-treaters. To reserve a spot for your business, organization, club, etc., contact Leah Chase at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 598-5601 or leah.chase@co.shelby.tx.us or John Burns at (936) 427-5077 or jburns2@farmersagent.com.

Businesses will need to have a decorated table with a sign displaying the business name and set up will begin at 4:30. This event normally brings in roughly 500 kids, so bring plenty of candy!

We look forward to seeing you at the hole!

CMS 2024 Yearbook early sales have begun. We are publishing our hardback, full color book for just $25. The number of books ordered is limited so place your order early! Business ads and memory ads are available for the cost of $25/quarter page, $50/half page and $100/full page. Contact Jessica Gurley at 936.598.5619, or email jessica.gurley@centerisd.org.

Congratulations to the 2023 East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s Court. Laura Anne Scull was crowned the 2023 East Texas Poultry Festival Queen at the Coronation held Saturday, September 30 th . Karoline Oswalt was First Runner Up and Alana Fuller was Second Runner Up.

Children of the Court during the East Texas Poultry Festival pageant were Bailey Mackey, daughter of Mr. and Dr. Ryan Mackey; Kooper Bradshaw, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Bradshaw; Aryn McAdams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua McAdams; Tripp Scarber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brady Scarber; Cyrus Ruiz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Ruiz; Knox Miller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cody Miller.

Thank you to the East Texas Poultry Festival Queen’s court Platinum Sponsor High Roller Wells for making the pageant a huge success. Gold sponsors for the event were Dazzle Me Pink and Blue, deb’s boutique and JML Management. Thank you Harmac Energy for the scholarship donation. Thank you the wonderful Committee: Caroline Corbell, Committee Chairman; Sharisse McAdams, Shannell Ruiz, Emily Teske and Haley White. Abi DePriest was Mistress of Ceremonies.

Thank you to Center High School and Center ISD staff for all your help and allowing the use of the Cafetorium.

The 2023 East Texas Poultry Festival Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center, will be held under the Big Tent at 10:00 a.m., Thursday morning, October 5 th . Queen Laura Anne and the court will cut the feathers opening the festival.

Thank you to Farmers State Bank, Poultry Festival Presenting Sponsor; and Festival Gold Sponsors, Badders Law Firm, City of Center, Pilgrim’s Pride and Tyson Foods. See you at the Festival.

For additional information, call Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 936-598-3682 or email info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Shelby County Health Fair Welcomes UT Health and Trinity Mother Frances Ross Breast Center Mobile Digital Mammography Units The Shelby County Texas Health Fair is pleased to announce the participation of the UT Health and Trinity Mother Frances Ross Breast Center Mobile Digital Mammography Units at this year's Health and Fitness Fair. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, October 20, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the John D. Windham Civic Center in Center, Texas. The UT Health and Trinity Mother Frances Ross Breast Center Mobile Digital Mammography Units offer state-of-the-art digital mammography services, making it easier than ever for women to prioritize their breast health. Breast cancer is a significant health concern, and early detection is crucial. The Mobile Digital Mammography Units bring cutting-edge technology directly to the community, providing convenient access to this vital screening. To schedule a digital mammogram during the Health and Fitness Fair, please call the Shelby County Extension Office at 936-598-7744 October 1-13, 2023. Appointments are available on a first-come, first- serve basis, so it is advisable to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Given the importance of breast health, these services are expected to be in high demand. The Health and Fitness Fair is a community-focused event aimed at promoting wellness and healthy living in Shelby County. In addition to the mobile mammography units, attendees can expect a wide range of activities and resources, including health screenings, educational sessions, fitness demonstrations, and vendor booths offering health and wellness products and services. For more information on how to access resources and to schedule a mammogram in your area, contact your Shelby County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences, Jheri-Lynn McSwain 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