The 47th East Texas Poultry Festival Doo Dah Parade, Sponsored by Center Tire Company, was held yesterday Wednesday, September 27th, on the Historic Downtown Center Square. Center Tire Company led the Parade followed by the Shelby Chick and the Junior Chamber of Commerce students. Doo Dah Parade trophy winners include: First Place, Golden Eye Clinic; Second Place, the Crazy Chicken Ladies; Third Place, Chicken Dumplin Darlings. The Queen’s Court float winners will be announced at the Coronation, this Saturday, September 30th at Center High School Cafetorium at 7pm. Tickets at the door are $5.00. Gold Sponsors for the Doo Dah Parade are Ilho Sales and Imports and Professional Title Services. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Parade this year! Farmers State Bank is this year’s East Texas Poultry Festival Presenting Sponsor. The traditional Cutting of the Feathers and Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center, will be held Thursday, October 5th, at 10:00 a.m. on the downtown square. See you there!

The 47th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival is just days away. The actual Festival will be Thursday – Saturday, October 5 th , 6 th and 7 th . This year, San Augustine Street and Austin Street will be closed to thru traffic starting around 4:00 on Wednesday, October 4 th . We will have 3 ticket booths this year – corners of San Augustine Street one at each end (same as last year) and an additional booth at the corner of Austin and Nacogdoches Street. Below is the set-up schedule for tents, carnival etc.

? Coupon Booth – Tuesday, September 26 th . This will be on inside of the square, next to the inner sidewalk across from The Forge. This will only affect a few parking spots on the inside square.

? Main tent concrete – Thursday, September 28 th . This will affect all the inside of the square on San Augustine side and partial Austin Street (across from Citizens Bank, County Clerk’s office and All Hours Fitness)

? Main tents – Sunday, October 1st – Same as above

? Carnival – Tuesday, October 3rd - inside of the square – Shelbyville Street, Nacogdoches Street. Please DO NOT park on the inside of the square after 5pm on Tuesday, October 3 rd .

Please arrange for alternate parking if you usually park on the inside of the square. Everything will be back to normal Sunday, October 8 th . Thank you for your assistance! Have a FUN Festival!!

Looking to hire a Mobile Unit Operator. Someone to drive our Mobile Clinic. For more info they can contact Desiree at 936-591-8380.

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Pleasant Grove MBC will have a Drive-Thru Prayer for anyone in need. We will be set up at NAPA Auto Parts from 11-2 that day. This is an event for EVERYONE NEEDING PRAYER. We would love to pray for you, a loved one, our country, our community, healing, or anything at all! You can just drive in and ask for a quick prayer of Thanks for all God has done for you! This is not a fundraiser. We are doing this because everyone could use some prayer. We want the community to know that we are here for them and most importantly, the Lord is here for us all. All denominations and all people are welcome to come. Spread the word and join us for our Drive-Thru Prayer. God Bless you all.

Three weeks ago today, our agency faced a tragedy that no one can ever prepare for. The death of Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson was a loss that completely broke our hearts. Deputy Pierson was 25 years old at the time of his death, and had been with our agency only five days. While our time with him was short, we are so grateful for the ability to know him. He had the makings of an outstanding officer. The entire staff at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will forever remember our time with him, and always hold him in our hearts. During our time of grieving, our agency was covered in prayers, condolences and support. Law enforcement agencies from across the nation reached out to us with words of comfort, beautiful flowers, meals and phone calls. While nothing will ever take the place of Deputy Pierson, we found comfort in the support of those who extended grace to us during this time. Panola County Sheriff’s Office assisted our county for two days. Sheriff Cutter and his staff sent a team of patrol officers and dispatchers to Shelby County which allowed our staff time off to grieve.

Nacogdoches Dispatch helped cover rotating shifts during this time, allowing Panola County dispatchers time to rest. Both of these agencies filled a gap for us in our time of mourning. Thank you will never be enough.

Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman and Patrol Deputy Joe Burton assisted us in securing Harmony Hill Baptist Church as the venue for the funeral, among assisting us in so many other areas. We appreciate your kindness. Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges and Patrol Captain Roy Mobley provided the honor guard for the funeral and graveside. The assistance provided to us during this time was crucial. Thank you.

 Etoile Volunteer Fire Department and Public Information Officer Jan Amen, along with the Etoile community, provided a wonderful meal to the family and our agency after the service. Their kindness and hospitality was more than we could have asked for.

Lufkin Police Department provided drone footage of the service. This is a keepsake we will always cherish. Thank you.

Gipson Funeral Home provided exceptional service to the family of Deputy Pierson as well as our agency. While our officers stood watch over Deputy Pierson for five days, Gipson accommodated our every need. Their doors remained opened during this time providing our officers the opportunity to honor Deputy Pierson with a soft watch. Thank you for the respect and dignity shown. It was truly first class.

Shelby County Game Wardens Sam Anderson and Austin Cryer, Center Police Department, Shelby County DPS, and Shelby County Constables, thank you for your assistance during this time.

From the hundreds of officers that came to the services; to the counties that assisted in helping us move Deputy Pierson, and everyone in between - we thank you.

Thank you for your prayers and your support. Please remember our agency and the family of Deputy Pierson in the days to come. Sheriff Kevin W. Windham

The Sabine County Beekeepers will meet for our monthly meeting on Monday October 2nd. 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 East Texas Poultry Festival Court has been busy with fun activities and rehearsals with more on the schedule. The Social was held on September 5 th at the Johnstone Building. Endless Possibilities catered the dinner. The Princesses and the Escorts enjoyed a fun evening which included etiquette bingo and the annual Chicken Relay.

The Princesses met on September 13 th for the Girls Giving Back event, They met at COR+Co. Studio. Stephanie Doggett with Stephanie Doggett Aesthetics, gave the girls tips on healthy skin care routines. She brought mini facial supplies for the girls, as well as lovely gift bags for the girls to take home.

The Princesses also put together gift baskets that went to the residents at Lakeside Village Assisted Living Facility. Thank you to Center High School Culinary Arts department for providing refreshments for the evening.

Thank you to the Pageant Sponsors: High Roller Wells, Platinum Sponsor; Dazzle Me Pink & Blue, deb’s boutique and JML Contractors – Gold Sponsors. The Coronation will be held on September 30 th at 7:00pm at Center High School.

The East Texas Poultry Festival, Presented by Farmers State Bank will be held October 5 th , 6 th & 7 th . Gold Sponsors are: Badders Law Firm, City of Center, Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Foods.

Only 20 days left until the 47th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, Sponsored by Farmers State Bank, opens its gates to a weekend of Fun, Entertainment, Arts and Crafts and lots of Food back on the downtown square! This year’s Poultry Festival is October 5 th , 6 th and 7 th .

The Cutting of the Feathers will be held on Thursday, October 5th at 10:00am on the Frances Oates Center Stage! We are looking forward to having the school children back on stage to sing.

You still have time to order your Fajita lunches and get ready for the Doo Dah Parade. The Fajita Lunch, Sponsored by East Texas Poultry Suppy will be September 27 th between 11am-1pm. The Doo Dah Parade, Sponsored by Center Tire Company, will be at 5pm on the same. Line up begins at 4:30 at Farmers State Bank drive thru bank. So Mark Your Calendars for all the fun! See you at the Festival!!

Drive thru Food Pantry, Saturday Sept. 16 @ 9 am at Hillcrest Baptist Church, Center TX. Must have a photo ID, proof of residency and be in line by 9:30 am to receive a box.

Boil Water Notice Rescinded

September 14, 2023

The water on N.E.W. WSC no longer requires boiling.

On September 6, 2023, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required the N.E.W. Water Supply, #2030034, to issue a Boil Water Notice to inform customers, individuals or employees that due to conditions which occurred recently in the public water system, the water from this public water system was required to be boiled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

N.E.W. Water Supply has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes. We have also provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of September 14, 2023.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact the office: 220 West Columbia Street San Augustine, Texas. 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp 936-201-5001. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. If a customer, individual or employee wishes to contact the executive director, please call (512)239-4691.

Grants from the John Harris Community Fund held at East Texas Communities Foundation (ETCF) in Tyler, Texas, were awarded to Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc., Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, Shelby County Historical Commission and East Texas Food Bank.

Shelby County Historical Commission was awarded a grant to install period appropriate light fixtures for the first floor of the Shelby County courthouse and provide repairs and paint to the ceiling of the Transportation and J.J.E. Gibson rooms. “Our courthouse was built over 130 years ago and is in need of some routine maintenance,” said Ted Hopkins, Board President of the Shelby County Historical Commission. “The Harris grant will allow us to work with the Texas Historical Commission to secure period correct light fixtures and to have them installed by a professional electrician.”

Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library received funding to provide internet hot spots at the library and purchase a new laptop computer for the assistant librarian. “Internet service here in the country is spotty or too expensive for many in our community,” said Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library Executive Director, Sandra Davis. “Many of our clients depend on our internet connection to pay their bills electronically, check on insurance benefits, access emails and complete homework assignments. By offering these services, we provide our clients a valuable resource that they may would not have had access to otherwise”

“John Reagan Harris was a generous benefactor, giving both his time and his resources to many groups and worthy causes in and around Center,” said Kyle Penney, President of ETCF. “The John Harris Community Fund was established to support worthy civic, religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational projects which benefit the Center, Texas, community.”

Other recipients include: - East Texas Food Bank for BackPack Program, Senior Box Program and SNAP benefits assistance to eligible residence. - Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center general operating. - Shelby County Outreach Ministries, Inc. to purchase food and provide healthier food options as well as emergency food boxes. About ETCF.org East Texas East Texas Communities Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving 32 counties in East Texas. The Foundation distributed $12.3 million in grants in 2022 and currently manages over $115 million in over 430 unique charitable funds which support non-profit organizations and student scholarships. The Foundation, which was formed in 1989, has awarded over $138 million in grants and scholarships since its inception. Philanthropy builds community and changes lives. East Texas Communities Foundation supports philanthropy by offering simple ways for donors to achieve their charitable goals.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and Staff invite the public to join them at a New Member Ribbon Cutting for The Breakfast Corner on Friday, September 22 nd at 10:00am. The Breakfast Corner is located at 246 Tenaha Street in Center. The Breakfast Corner is open every day except Monday from 7am until 2pm. They serve breakfast and lunch. The breakfast menu includes made from scratch pancakes, french toast, belgian waffle, eggs, omelets, crepes, biscuits and gravy, a classic eggs benedict, avocado toast and much more. The lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches and burgers. You can dine in or carry out. The number to call in a to go order is 936-234-3993. Join the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors in welcoming The Breakfast Corner to our business community. For more information please contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 598-3682 or info@shelbycountychamber.com.

The Center High School JCC Students will be collecting dog and cat food at the Friday Night Center Football Game. They will have a table set up outside of the gate to accept donations. Our goal is to fill the back of a truck! All donations will go to the Happy Trails Adoption Center for the start up of their Pet Pantry. If you would like for your donations to be picked up from a local business please call Center High School 598-6173 ext. 2221 and we would be glad to make arrangements or email jennifer.fausett@centerisd.org.

Due to a leak in a main water line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Flat Fork Water Supply Corporation (PWS#2100007) to notify customers south of Loop 500 and east of US Highway 96 to boil their water prior to consumption (e.g., washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions).

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

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Gayle Warr at 936-591-5502. -- Larry C. Pierce Center Broadcasting Co. (936)598-3304 office

TRI-COUNTY HARVEST FOR HOMES WILL HAVE A PRODUCE DROP ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13,2023 AT 9 AM IN THE IVAN SMITH'S PARKING LOT.

The United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Americans take the time to remember those who are or were at one time prisoners of war (POW) and those who are still missing in action (MIA), as well as their families. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States but it is a national observance. Shelby County Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 and the Auxiliary invite the public to their remembrance program Friday, September 15th, 2023, 9:00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial, 1885 Historic Courthouse in Center. The POW/MIA Flag that has flown there 24/7 for the last year will be retired and a new one hoisted. Veterans from Shelby County known to have at one time been a Prisoner of War and those still missing in action will be remembered. As always the public, city and county officials from all over Shelby County are cordially invited. More information contact Post Quartermaster Larry Hume, 936-332-0349 or chiefhume95@gmail.com.

Pleasant Grove MBC will have a Drive-Thru Prayer on Saturday, September 30, 2023. We will be set up at NAPA Auto Parts from 11-2 that day. We want the community to know that we are here for them and ready to offer a prayer for those in need. So, if you need to be prayed over, or just a quick prayer of Thanks, we would love to do that for you. This event is open to everyone needing to feel the presence of the Lord in their lives. Come see us and may God bless you all.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors along with Mooney’s Emporium will welcome Chamber members and the public to a Business After Hours event on Tuesday, September 26th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 107 San Augustine Street.  Chelle Mooney will showcase the newest inventory items. Mooney’s Emporium specializes in creating unique and personalized gifts and has a great variety of custom made tee shirts. Chelle carries the gorgeous Consuela bags and wallets. She also carries a large selection of delicious gourmet jams, salsas and much more. It is never too early to start Christmas shopping!!

Plan on attending this fun event. Chelle will be showcasing Farmhouse Fresh Products and Bridgewater Candles. Wanna Bite Cookies will also be available. Many more delicious refreshments will be served.

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

New Member Ribbon Cutting Noble Children’s Services The Shelby County Chamber Ambassadors are excited to invite the public to a New Member Ribbon Cutting for our new member, Noble Children’s Services on Wednesday, September 13 th at 11am. Noble Children’s Services is located at 1306 Louisiana Street.

Elizabeth Andrusick, Executive Director opened Noble Children’s Services 13 years ago. She has an office in Tyler as well as the Center office.

Noble Children’s Services serves foster and adoptive children and youth who have been removed from their home due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Elizabeth and her staff train and support special families who make the choice to help heal and nurture children through their journey towards a reunification with the biological family, a permanent placement, independent living or adoption.

Noble Children’s Services serves not only children and youth with basic care needs but those with autism, developmental/intellectual disorders, emotional disorders and primary needs.

Please join the Ambassadors in welcoming Elizabether Andrusick and her staff at Noble Children’s Services to the Chamber as well as celebrate their 13 th Anniversary. For for information contact the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at 936-598-3682.

Boil Water Notice for N.E.W. Water System

Effective September 6, 2023

Until further notice Due to a major break in the line, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required the N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation PWS # 2030034 to notify all customers on FM 711, CR 202, CR 203, CR 205, CR 223, Harmony, Kellyville, Fountain Town and Woodland Acres Communities to boil their water prior to consumption (eg., washing hands/ face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc). Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.

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

In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, the public water system will issue a notice to customers that rescinds the boil water notice in a manner similar to this notice.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received the notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact N.E.W. Water Supply Corporation at 220 W. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, 75972, or call 936-288-0489 or Charles Sharp at 936-201-5001.

The Toledo Bend Chapter of the Lone Star Dutch Oven Society will be cooking Saturday the 16th of September and every third Saturday of the month at Boles Field in the Sabine National Forest outside of Shelbyville Texas. The public is welcome to watch and can join if you like. Please bring a dish to help with the food. No take outs. We start about 9AM. and have pots on the table at 12 noon. Bring your lawn chairs and join in the fun.Call James at (409) 625-4787 for more information

The 2023 East Texas Poultry Festival tee shirts are now available for purchase at the following locations: Farmers State Bank Main Branch, Payne and Payne Home N’Suchlike, The City of Center offices and The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. Regular sizes available – adult small to 3XL and youth small to youth XLarge; Toddler sizes 2T-5T. My First Poultry Festival Onsies are also available. Thank you to Center First United Pentecostal Church, this year’s tee shirt Sponsor. Thank you to Ms. Lisandra Santos, a recent graduate of Center High School and Mr. Ramirez, CHS Graphic Design Class Teacher for designing the logo. The 47th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival, presented by Farmers State Bank, begins with the Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by Focused Care of Center at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5th and runs through Saturday, October 7th on the Center downtown square. Gold Sponsors for the Festival are: Badders Law Firm, The City of Center, Pilgrims Pride, and Tyson Foods. For additional information, please call 936.598.3682, email info@shelbycountychamber.com or visit www.shelbycountychamber.com.

Center High School Junior Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The Happy Trails Pet Adoption Project to stock the Pet Food Pantry. Please help us collect Dog and Cat Food. All donations can be dropped off at the Center High School front office or you can contact Jennifer Fausett 596-6173 ext. 2221 to schedule a time for a JCC member to pick up your donations! Thank you for assisting our students with this project!