BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal prison inmate has been convicted in an investment fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

 

Riley Graham, 60, also known as David Drake, was found guilty by a jury of conspiring to commit wire fraud.  The verdict was reached on October 15, 2026, following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.

 

According to information presented in court, from June 2019 through October 2024, Graham, while imprisoned at the low security correctional facility at the Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex (BOP-FCC) in Beaumont, conspired with others to devise and execute a scheme to defraud others, including a Beaumont pastor, his family, and the owners of a North Carolina construction business, of over $1.4 million.  Graham, who had previously been convicted of perpetrating a federal fraud scheme, began another scheme to defraud those he had access to – including a fellow inmate and his family.  

 

The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is up to 30 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ross and Chris Jackson.

CENTER, TEXAS — Center Christian Fellowship invites families throughout Shelby County and surrounding communities to join us for Hallelujah Night 2026, Saturday, October 31, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

At Center Christian Fellowship, we believe that all 365 days of the year belong to God — including October 31! Rather than focusing on a worldly holiday, we choose to make this evening an opportunity to celebrate Jesus Christ, share His love, and provide children and families with a fun, safe, and Christ-centered environment.

Hallelujah Night is our way of giving back to the community while bringing families together for an evening of laughter, excitement, and good Christian fellowship.

This year’s celebration promises something for everyone! Activities will include a Glow-in-the-Dark Cake Walk, Gaga Ball, face painting, obstacle course, sports arena, bounce houses, hayrides, and plenty of exciting games!

And what’s a celebration without delicious food? Families can enjoy pizza, s’mores, homemade ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy!

Best of all, everything is FREE, FREE, FREE! There is no admission charge, and all activities and refreshments are provided at no cost.

Our desire is to offer children a wonderful evening filled with fun and lasting memories while reminding them that Jesus is the reason we have so much to celebrate.

Event Details:

Hallelujah Night 2026

Saturday, October 31, 2026

6:00–8:00 p.m.

Center Christian Fellowship

2471 US Highway 96 North

On Sunday morning, October 23, 1983, at 6:22 a.m., a suicide bomber drove a truck packed with explosives into the Battalion Landing Team headquarters of the U.S. Marine compound at Beirut International Airport. Minutes later a second truck bomb struck French peacekeepers nearby. The attacks killed 241 Americans — 220 Marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers — the deadliest single day for the Marine Corps since Iwo Jima during World War II.

Those service members were part of the Multinational Force sent to Lebanon as peacekeepers during the civil war. About 300 troops were housed in the four-story building that collapsed in seconds.

Forty-three years later, Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 will honor them with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the 1885 Historic Courthouse, Center, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Fellow veterans and the public are invited to attend.

THE ICE HOUSE
BY: NEAL MURPHY
SAN AUGUSTINE, TX 75972

A bit of nostalgia always overtakes me as I turn north off W. Columbia
street on to N. Bolivar street in my small town. At what used to be 107 N.
Bolivar stands the remains of the San Augustine Ice Company. At one time
this thriving business contributed greatly to the welfare of the citizens of San
Augustine.
To me, a pre-teen in the middle forties, the ice house meant a twenty-five
pound block of ice used to make mother’s fabulous ice cream. Usually on
Friday afternoons my father, Cecil, would drive up to the platform and ask
Mr. A. H. (Top) Cartwright to get him a block of ice. Soon Mr. Cartwright
would bring this sparkling cold commodity to the front of our 1941
Chevrolet, and gently place it between the front bumper and fender with his
metal ice tongs. It would ride quite nicely there as we drove home.
While dad used an ice pick to chip up the block of ice, mother made her ice
cream recipe, using a packet of “Junket” mix. My job was to sit on top of
the old hand cranked ice cream maker so that dad could turn the handle.
Usually after about twenty minutes the creamy delicacy was ready to eat.
I recall the time that the ice house installed an ice crusher machine. Now
one of the jobs of ice cream making was eliminated. Instead of dealing with
a block of ice, it was placed in the crusher and out came crushed ice, being
much more convenient to use.
Ice was a very important commodity in the very early days of San
Augustine. Most homes had ice boxes which kept food cool by use of a
block of ice in the top. During WW II there was a German prison camp
here. The local folk always resented the fact that the prisoners received the
first supply of ice in the morning. I never knew why this was so, but do
remember the complaining.
The San Augustine Ice Company, phone number 67, was much more than
the maker of refrigerated ice. It was also a meat curing and storage facility.
In fact, 1938 saw 10,747 pounds of pork, beef, and venison cured by the

Morton method, and stored in their vaults. In 1940 the ice company
introduced the “Belshaw Snow-Ice Merchandiser” which was installed in
Metteaurer’s Food Market. It involved crushed ice being placed in trays
under the fruits and vegetables which kept them crisp and fresh much longer.
Belshaw later became a large restaurant supplier of various equipment.
Also in 1940, the ice company introduced the Coolerator, which was an ice
conditioned refrigerator. It claimed “Ice cubes in 5 minutes” for a mere
$84.50, or a smaller version for $54.50. The more expensive of the
Coolerator Ice Refrigerators contained a special copper ice cube maker
whom the manufacturer, Duluth Refrigeration Corporation, claimed could
make ice cubes using hot water.
This ice cube maker looked like an ice cube tray, but had a container across
the top in which to pour in hot water. The Coolerator was them placed upon
the top of a block of ice and melted down into a special ice pick that cut the
cubes loose through a small hole. The final result was a perfect square ice
cube that could be used in front of the finest company. The feeling was that
crushed ice was rather common and not suitable for Sunday dinner.
An interesting fact about the Coolerator was that each of the spindly wooden
legs was immersed in a one pound coffee can half full of kerosene. This
kept crawling or climbing insects out of the ice box. Screen wire sides and
doors kept out the flies and gnats.
The year was 1934 when the largest hog ever brought for curing weighed
over 600 pounds. It was owned by Clabe Byley of the southern part of the
county.
The San Augustine Ice Company had as its board of directors: Mr. J. R.
Greer, President, Mr. B. J. Butts, Vice President, Mr. A. O. Rushing, Mr.
John D. Clark, and Mr. R. C. Downs, with the General Manager being Mr.
A. H. Cartwright.
As the Deep East Texas Electric Co-Operative expanded electricity into the
rural areas, more people purchased electric refrigerators which not only did
not need ice, but made ice themselves. Thus began the decline of the
demand for ice and other facilities. The San Augustine Ice Company began
a slow death and eventually closed down, thus ending an era that saw our
community no longer needing their services. I suppose that was progress.

 

 

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Shelby County Class of 2024-2025 was recently honored with a graduation celebration.  

Chamber President, Deborah Chadwick congratulated the class during opening remarks.  Diplomas were presented to the 2024-2025 graduating class.  A donation to the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library has been made in honor of the Leadership Class 2024-2025.

Class members are:  Ginger Borders, Farmers State Bank; Felicia Cloudy, Center ISD; Clay Ihlo, Shelby Savings Bank; O’Neal Jones, City of Tenaha; Courtney O’Rear, Children’s Advocacy Center; Laura Romero, Shelby Savings Bank; Feleshia Thompson, Texas A&M Extension Agency; Misty Wright, Work Force Solutions.  

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

Each month, starting in October, with a “hands on” approach, the class studies specific topics including Heritage, Local Government, Economic Development, Health and Social Services, Agriculture, Education and Quality of Life.

Thank you to all the local leaders and businesses for sharing your time and knowledge.  Also, a huge thank you to Center ISD transportation department for transporting us all over the county each month.
 

Farmers State Bank Announces the Winners of their Third Annual Photo Contest 
Center, Texas – Farmers State Bank announces the winners of this year’s third annual photo contest. 

Landscape/Nature Category:
1st Place:  Janice Carter “Two Sisters”
2nd Place:  LeaAnn Robertson “Mesa Mansion”
3rd Place:  BJ Wood “Lovers Spat”

Fine Art Category:
1st Place:  Lawrence Davis “World Upside Down”
2nd Place: Billie F. Jones “Decades of Labor”
3rd Place: Lawrence Davis “Hiding in the Shadows”

 

Human Interest Category:
1st Place: Danny Pickens “Asleep at the Reel”
2nd Place: BJ Wood “That’s What I Like about Texas”
3rd Place: Julie Cantrell “Goodbye”

Best in Show Category: 
Janice Carter “Two Sisters”

All of the contest entries are on display in the lobby at the bank’s corporate location on 115 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas. The public can vote for the “People’s Choice” award in the lobby through July 1st.  The contest received 72 entries this year with photographers from Milam, White House, Nacogdoches, Center, Joaquin, Tenaha and Timpson.  
This year’s judge is photographer Elton Scifres.  Mr. Scifres has a gallery in Nacogdoches that he shares with his wife.  He is also the current chairman of the Nacogdoches Photography Club.
Farmers State Bank is currently celebrating 121 years in business.  From 1904 – 2025 the bank has served as a source of financial strength to meet the needs of its market areas by offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and government entities.  
Whether it be with direct personal contact with our customers or with the use of the extensive online services offered, Farmers State bank remains dedicated to the tradition of being a true “Community Bank”.
Learn more at www.fsbctx.bank.

Its Year # 5 for Battle of the Badges, and we are switching things up!
This year’s battle will be

Center Police Department vs Center Fire Department

Support your local Law Enforcement, and Fire Department and save lives!

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be set up outside the

Center Police Dept with 2 donor coaches from 10 am – 2:30 Pm
EVERY attempted donor will be entered into a raffle for cool door prizes!

Every successful donor will get a Donor Free T-Shirt. And a $25 ECard
To schedule a donation time, please go to WWW.GIVEBLOOD.ORG

Call Amy Lindley 936-598-2788       Or use this link  to schedule

https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/388277

49 th ANNUAL EAST TEXAS POULTRY FESTIVAL
SEEKS ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS

Planning is underway for the 49 th East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank. The Poultry Festival will be held October 2-4th on the historic downtown Center square. Arts and Crafts vendor applications are being accepted at the Shelby County Chamber office until Friday, September 12th. To receive an application and a copy of the guidelines call the Chamber office or go online at www.shelbycountychamber.com . Gold Sponsors for the Festival are Badders Law Firm, City of Center, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods Vendors will need to bring their own 10x10 tent. Vendors will receive an electrical outlet.
The registration fee is $75.00 for previous East Texas Poultry Festival attendees. There is an early bird special of $75.00 for booth space which must be paid for in full by August 1, 2025. After August 1st, the registration fee will be $100.00. Booths must be manned continuously during the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. all three days of the festival.
First time exhibitors are asked to send three color photographs showing merchandise that will be in the booth. The Arts & Crafts committee will select the vendors based on the type and quality of merchandise and notify them of their selection shortly after receipt of the application.
For an application to be received by mail or electronically or questions, call Shelby County Chamber of Commerce 936-598-3682 or email
info@shelbycountychamber.com.

49th East Texas Poultry Festival

Creative Arts Show Committee is looking for participants

The 49th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State
Bank, is right around the corner – October 2, 3 and 4. Don’t miss this
opportunity to showcase your creative side in art, quilting, canning, crafts,
woodworking, metal art and photography.
All creative art divisions and are open to Youth (6 th through 12 th grades) and
Adults (17 and older). The art division will also be open to Elementary (K –
through 5 th ). The Creative Arts Show is sponsored by Doches Credit
Union.

The Quilt Show is sponsored by Scull Timber and the Photography Show is
sponsored by the Light and Champion.

Start taking photos, quilting quilts, canning your spring and summer harvest
and creating art for these events. We want to showcase and recognize
ALL our local talent.

Please visit the Chamber website www.shelbycountychamber.com for a
complete list of the rules for each event along with entry forms that need to
accompanied with your entry. Or contact the Chamber at 936-598-3682 or
email at info@shelbycountychamber.com.

Age 3-5

Smallest Fish- Layla Puckett

Heaviest Fish- Austin Jones

Heaviest Stringer- Austin Jones

 

Age 6-10

Smallest Fish- Avery Puckett

Heaviest Fish- Beckett Mackey

Heaviest Stringer- Beckett Mackey

 

Age 11-15

Smallest Fish- Cadence Shadix

Heaviest Fish- Paisley Blue

Heaviest Stringer- Braxton Amy

 

Heaviest Fish Overall- Austin Jones

Heaviest Stringer Overall- Beckett Mackey

Octavian Burrell Scholarship Fund 

 

Annual event, Bingo Banquet for the Octavian Burrell Scholarship Fund will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at the Civic Center in Center, Tx. The theme this year is Harlem Night (Gatsby theme). 

There will be 10 rounds of Bingo. 

Door Prizes every 30 minutes. 

Dinner. 

Starts at 6pm. 

 

Table of 8 is $240 

Ticket price at the door is $40. 

 

For more information, please contact Shelly Burrell, CEO at 936-201-9418. 

PANOLA COLLEGE OFFERS ZUMBA GOLD & BEGINNING YOGA

 

Panola College/Shelby College Center is offering Zumba and Yoga classes. Our next session is right around the corner. Come join the fun. Enroll now!!!

 

March 3 – April 16
Zumba – Mondays and Wednesdays – 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm
March 3 – April 16
Yoga – Mondays and Wednesdays – 5:20 pm – 6:20 pm

 

The cost of each class is $60, and pre-registration is required. For information and to register, contact Shelby College Center at 936-598-9543 or email: tmccann@panola.edu.

Be someone’s Luck Charm and come donate blood on Friday, March 14^th.  Gulf Coast will be set up with a Donor Coach at the Center Police Department 1020 Shelbyville st  10 am – 2:30 Pm.   Every person who completes a donation will receive a Free Water Bottle.  

Free A1C testing:  Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is off­ering a free diabetes screening (A1c test) to all donors who give blood from December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. This is your chance to take a proactive step toward better health while making a lifesaving donation. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is o­ering a free diabetes screening (A1c test) to all donors who give blood from December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. This is your chance to take a proactive step toward better health while making a lifesaving donation. Test results will be available within two weeks of your donation and can be accessed through your Digital Donor account

Contact Amy Lindley at the Center Police Dept 936-598-2788 to sign up, or use this link : https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/388273 

COMMISSIONERS’ COURT
SPECIAL MEETING
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 19 th of February, 2025 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 weekly expenses.
2. Public comments on Agenda item.
3. Carlos Lopez, iDocket representative to explain upgrading the court system software to a cloud-based
software for the County and District Courts.
4. Discuss and possibly upgrade to the cloud-based software management court system offered by
iDocket. 
5. Discuss and possibly approve the Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between County of Shelby and
the USDA Forest Service, National Forest & Grasslands in Texas.
6. Review and possibly approve Resolution of Annual Review of the Investment Policy of Shelby County.
7. Review and possibly approve Resolution of Designation of Certified County Investment Officer.
8. COMMISSSIONER’S COURT REPORTS: These are for informational purposes only. Any action that
needs to be taken on the basis of these reports will be placed on a future agenda for action.

Executive Session:
9. An Executive Session will also be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, hearing complaints
against personnel, or to deliberate the appointed, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties,
discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee. The closed session is authorized by Texas Open
Meeting Act, Texas Government Code Section 551.074.
10. Reopen Public Meeting.
11. Discuss and possibly make a decision on issues discussed in Executive Session.
12. Adjourn.

High winds force postponement of Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

 

JASPER, Texas — Due to unsafe, sustained high winds, Day 1 of the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at Sam Rayburn Reservoir presented by SEVIIN has been postponed to ensure the safety of anglers. Tournament officials made the decision after examining conditions and the body of water early this morning.

“Post-frontal conditions have made navigation unsafe for our competitors,” said Executive Director of Tournaments Hank Weldon. “We are experiencing sustained northerly winds of 15-20 mph, with gusts reaching 25-30 mph. These conditions are expected to persist until later this afternoon. The full field will compete tomorrow.”

The tournament will resume Friday at 7 a.m. at Umphrey Family Pavilion in Brookeland, Texas, with weigh-in at 3 p.m. at the same location.

The event is being sponsored by the Jasper County (Texas) Development District No. 1.

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Title Sponsor: St. Croix

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Presenting Sponsor: SEVIIN

2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Platinum Sponsor: Toyota
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive Insurance, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
2025 Bassmaster Opens Series Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Daiwa, Garmin, Lew's, Lowrance, Marathon, Triton Boats, VMC

 

About B.A.S.S.

B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by SEVIIN, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Bassmaster Junior Series, Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.

The Piney Woods Photographic Society will be holding their regular monthly meeting this Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the First Methodist Church, 211 Cora St., Center, Tx., from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  The February challenge is "Abstract Macro Photography" where each member may submit up to 3 of their photos for club favorite voting and discussions to help club members to improve their photography skills.  There will be a workshop presentation on Post Process Colors using Lightroom.  Visitors are always welcome to attend.